Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Integrated Computational Framework.

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

Smith, K. J.

2017-09-14

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems; or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needsmore » if potential problems are identified.« less

High precision calcium isotope analysis using 42Ca-48Ca double-spike TIMS technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, L.; Zhou, L.; Gao, S.; Tong, S. Y.; Zhou, M. L.

2014-12-01

Double spike techniques are widely used for determining calcium isotopic compositions of natural samples. The most important factor controlling precision of the double spike technique is the choice of appropriate spike isotope pair, the composition of double spikes and the ratio of spike to sample（CSp/CN）. We propose an optimal 42Ca-48Ca double spike protocol which yields the best internal precision for calcium isotopic composition determinations among all kinds of spike pairs and various spike compositions and ratios of spike to sample, as predicted by linear error propagation method. It is suggested to use spike composition of 42Ca/(42Ca+48Ca) = 0.44 mol/mol and CSp/(CN+ CSp)= 0.12mol/mol because it takes both advantages of the largest mass dispersion between 42Ca and 48Ca (14%) and lowest spike cost. Spiked samples were purified by pass through homemade micro-column filled with Ca special resin. K, Ti and other interference elements were completely separated, while 100% calcium was recovered with negligible blank. Data collection includes integration time, idle time, focus and peakcenter frequency, which were all carefully designed for the highest internal precision and lowest analysis time. All beams were automatically measured in a sequence by Triton TIMS so as to eliminate difference of analytical conditions between samples and standards, and also to increase the analytical throughputs. The typical internal precision of 100 duty cycles for one beam is 0.012‒0.015 ‰ (2δSEM), which agrees well with the predicted internal precision of 0.0124 ‰ (2δSEM). Our methods improve internal precisions by a factor of 2‒10 compared to previous methods of determination of calcium isotopic compositions by double spike TIMS. We analyzed NIST SRM 915a, NIST SRM 915b and Pacific Seawater as well as interspersed geological samples during two months. The obtained average δ44/40Ca (all relative to NIST SRM 915a) is 0.02 ± 0.02 ‰ (n=28), 0.72±0.04 ‰ (n=10) and 1.93±0.03 ‰ (n=21) for NIST SRM 915a, NIST SRM 915b and Pacific Seawater, respectively. The long-term reproducibility is 0.10‰ (2 δSD), which is comparable to the best external precision of 0.04 ‰ (2 δSD) of previous methods, but our sample throughputs are doubled with significant reduction in amount of spike used for single samples.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Vadose Zone

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

Williams, M. D.; Nichols, W. E.; Ali, A.

2017-10-30

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in DOE O 435.1 Chg. 1, Radioactive Waste Management, and DOE M 435.1 Chg 1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, requires the preparation and maintenance of a composite analysis (CA). The primary purpose of the CA is to provide a reasonable expectation that the primary public dose limit is not likely to be exceeded by multiple source terms that may significantly interact with plumes originating at a low-level waste disposal facility. The CA is used to facilitate planning and land use decisions that help assure disposal facility authorization will not result in long-term compliance problems;more » or, to determine management alternatives, corrective actions, or assessment needs, if potential problems are identified.« less

The solid-solution region for the langasite-type Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 crystal as determined by a lever rule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Hengyu; Uda, Satoshi; Maeda, Kensaku; Nozawa, Jun; Koizumi, Haruhiko; Fujiwara, Kozo

2015-04-01

A lever rule was applied to data concerning the compositions and proportions of secondary phases coexisting with a Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 (CTGS) matrix to determine the boundary compositions of the solid-solution region for CTGS at 1320 °C, as a means of ascertaining the solid-solution for the langasite-type phase in the quaternary CaO-Ta2O5-Ga2O3-SiO2 system. The compositions and proportions of secondary phases were assessed by electron probe micro-analysis as well as through back-scattered electron images. The experimental results showed that the narrow solid-solution region for CTGS is located in a Ta-poor, Ga-poor and Si-rich region relative to its stoichiometric composition.

Melting and Vaporization of the 1223 Phase in the System (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O)

PubMed Central

Cook, L. P.; Wong-Ng, W.; Paranthaman, P.

1996-01-01

The melting and vaporization of the 1223 [(Tl,Pb):(Ba,Sr):Ca:Cu] oxide phase in the system (Tl-Pb-Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O) have been investigated using a combination of dynamic methods (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetry, effusion) and post-quenching characterization techniques (powder x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry). Vaporization rates, thermal events, and melt compositions were followed as a function of thallia loss from a 1223 stoichiometry. Melting and vaporization equilibria of the 1223 phase are complex, with as many as seven phases participating simultaneously. At a total pressure of 0.1 MPa the 1223 phase was found to melt completely at (980 ± 5) °C in oxygen, at a thallia partial pressure (pTl2O) of (4.6 ± 0.5) kPa, where the quoted uncertainties are standard uncertainties, i.e., 1 estimated standard deviation. The melting reaction involves five other solids and a liquid, nominally as follows: 1223→1212+(Ca,Sr)2CuO3+(Sr,Ca)CuO2+BaPbO3+(Ca,Sr)O+Liquid Stoichiometries of the participating phases have been determined from microchemical analysis, and substantial elemental substitution on the 1212 and 1223 crystallographic sites is indicated. The 1223 phase occurs in equilibrium with liquids from its melting point down to at least 935 °C. The composition of the lowest melting liquid detected for the bulk compositions of this study has been measured using microchemical analysis. Applications to the processing of superconducting wires and tapes are discussed. PMID:27805086

Temperature and composition dependencies of trace element partitioning - Olivine/melt and low-Ca pyroxene/melt

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Colson, R. O.; Mckay, G. A.; Taylor, L. A.

1988-01-01

This paper presents a systematic thermodynamic analysis of the effects of temperature and composition on olivine/melt and low-Ca pyroxene/melt partitioning. Experiments were conducted in several synthetic basalts with a wide range of Fe/Mg, determining partition coefficients for Eu, Ca, Mn, Fe, Ni, Sm, Cd, Y, Yb, Sc, Al, Zr, and Ti and modeling accurately the changes in free energy for trace element exchange between crystal and melt as functions of the trace element size and charge. On the basis of this model, partition coefficients for olivine/melt and low-Ca pyroxene/melt can be predicted for a wide range of elements over a variety of basaltic bulk compositions and temperatures. Moreover, variations in partition coeffeicients during crystallization or melting can be modeled on the basis of changes in temperature and major element chemistry.

Effect of cluster thinning and prohexadione calcium applications on phenolic composition and sensory properties of red wines.

PubMed

Avizcuri-Inac, José-Miguel; Gonzalo-Diago, Ana; Sanz-Asensio, Jesús; Martínez-Soria, María-Teresa; López-Alonso, Miguel; Dizy-Soto, Marta; Echávarri-Granado, José-Federico; Vaquero-Fernández, Luis; Fernández-Zurbano, Purificación

2013-02-06

The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual cluster thinning (CT) and the application of the growth regulator Prohexadione calcium (ProCa) on the phenolic composition and the sensory profile of Tempranillo and Grenache wines produced from treated vines in La Rioja (Spain). ProCa was applied at preblooming and CT was carried out at veraison in two consecutive years. Different physicochemical parameters and analyses of phenolic compounds were carried out in control, CT and ProCa grapes and wines and wine sensory was performed. Thinning treatments decreased crop yield, besides ProCa application reduced berry size, and berry weight. Color and phenolic composition of Grenache and Tempranillo wines in general were affected by thinning treatments, with an increase in anthocyanin, flavanol and flavonol concentrations. In sensory analysis, wines obtained from thinned vines presented higher values for several aromatic (e.g., white and yellow fruits, fresh flowers) and taste attributes (i.e., astringency, bitternes, persistence). CT and ProCa treatments resulted in an improvement in wine quality. In general, similar results in phenolic composition, sensory properties and quality of wines were obtained by manual and chemical cluster thinning. ProCa as a growth regulator may be an option for a quality vitiviniculture.

Study of Selected Composites Copper Concentrate-Plastic Waste Using Thermal Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szyszka, Danuta

2017-12-01

The paper presents thermal analysis of selected composites (copper concentrate, plastic waste) in two stages. The first stage consisted in thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis on the applied plastic waste and copper concentrate, and subsequently, a comparative study has been carried out on products obtained, constituting composites of those materials. As a result of analyses, it was found that up to ca. 400 °C composites show high thermal stability, whereas above that temperature, a thermal decomposition of the composite occurs, resulting in emissions of organic compounds, i.e. hydrocarbon compounds and organic oxygenate derivatives.

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

Casbon, M. A.; Nichols, W. E.

DOE O 435.1, Radioactive Waste Management, and DOE M 435.1-1, Radioactive Waste Management Manual, require that a determination of continued adequacy of the performance assessment (PA), composite analysis (CA), and disposal authorization statement (DAS) be made on an annual basis, and it must consider the results of data collection and analysis from research, field studies, and monitoring. Annual summaries of low-level waste (LLW) disposal operations must be prepared with respect to the conclusions and recommendations of the PA and CA, and a determination of the need to revise the PA or CA must be made. The annual summary requirement providesmore » a structured approach for demonstrating the continued adequacy of the PA and CA in demonstrating a reasonable expectation that the performance objectives will be met. This annual summary addresses only the status of the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility (ERDF) PA (CP-60089, Performance Assessment for the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility, Hanford Site, Washington, formerly WCH-520 Rev. 1)1. The CA for ERDF is supported by DOE/RL-2016-62, Annual Status Report (FY 2016): Composite Analysis of Low Level Waste Disposal in the Central Plateau at the Hanford Site. The ERDF PA portion of the CA document is found in Section 3.1.4, and the ERDF operations portion is found in Section 3.3.3.2 of that document.« less

Acute inflammatory proteins constitute the organic matrix of prostatic corpora amylacea and calculi in men with prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Sfanos, Karen S.; Wilson, Brice A.; De Marzo, Angelo M.; Isaacs, William B.

2009-01-01

Corpora amylacea (CA) are a frequent microscopic finding in radical prostatectomy specimens from men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. Although often observed histologically to be associated with inflammation, the contribution of CA to prostatitis-related symptoms of unknown etiology or to prostate carcinogenesis remains unclear. Prostatic calculi (PC), which potentially represent calcified forms of CA, are less common but can cause urological disease including urinary retention and prostatitis. We conducted a comprehensive compositional analysis of CA/PC to gain insight into their biogenesis. Infrared spectroscopy analysis of calculi collected from 23 patients confirmed a prevalence of calcium phosphate in the form of hydroxyapatite. This result sets PC apart from most urinary stones, which largely are composed of calcium oxalate. Tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis of CA/PC revealed that lactoferrin is the predominant protein component, a result that was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Other proteins identified, including calprotectin, myeloperoxidase, and α-defensins, are proteins contained in neutrophil granules. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) suggested the source of lactoferrin to be prostate-infiltrating neutrophils as well as inflamed prostate epithelium; however, IHC for calprotectin suggested prostate-infiltrating neutrophils as a major source of the protein, because it was absent from other prostate compartments. This study represents a definitive analysis of the protein composition of prostatic CA and calculi and suggests that acute inflammation has a role in their biogenesis—an intriguing finding, given the prevalence of CA in prostatectomy specimens and the hypothesized role for inflammation in prostate carcinogenesis. PMID:19202053

Natural calcium isotonic composition of urine as a marker of bone mineral balance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Skulan, J.; Bullen, T.; Anbar, A.D.; Puzas, J.E.; Shackelford, L.; LeBlanc, A.; Smith, S.M.

2007-01-01

Background: We investigated whether changes in the natural isotopic composition of calcium in human urine track changes in net bone mineral balance, as predicted by a model of calcium isotopic behavior in vertebrates. If so, isotopic analysis of natural urine or blood calcium could be used to monitor short-term changes in bone mineral balance that cannot be detected with other techniques. Methods: Calcium isotopic compositions are expressed as ??44Ca, or the difference in parts per thousand between the 44Ca/40Ca of a sample and the 44Ca/ 40Ca of a standard reference material. ??44Ca was measured in urine samples from 10 persons who participated in a study of the effectiveness of countermeasures to bone loss in spaceflight, in which 17 weeks of bed rest was used to induce bone loss. Study participants were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: controls received no treatment, one treatment group received alendronate, and another group performed resistive exercise. Measurements were made on urine samples collected before, at 2 or 3 points during, and after bed rest. Results: Urine ??44Ca values during bed rest were lower in controls than in individuals treated with alendronate (P <0.05, ANOVA) or exercise (P <0.05), and lower than the control group baseline (P <0.05, Mest). Results were consistent with the model and with biochemical and bone mineral density data. Conclusion: Results confirm the predicted relationship between bone mineral balance and calcium isotopes, suggesting that calcium isotopic analysis of urine might be refined into a clinical and research tool. ?? 2007 American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Natural calcium isotopic composition of urine as a marker of bone mineral balance.

PubMed

Skulan, Joseph; Bullen, Thomas; Anbar, Ariel D; Puzas, J Edward; Shackelford, Linda; LeBlanc, Adrian; Smith, Scott M

2007-06-01

We investigated whether changes in the natural isotopic composition of calcium in human urine track changes in net bone mineral balance, as predicted by a model of calcium isotopic behavior in vertebrates. If so, isotopic analysis of natural urine or blood calcium could be used to monitor short-term changes in bone mineral balance that cannot be detected with other techniques. Calcium isotopic compositions are expressed as delta(44)Ca, or the difference in parts per thousand between the (44)Ca/(40)Ca of a sample and the (44)Ca/(40)Ca of a standard reference material. delta(44)Ca was measured in urine samples from 10 persons who participated in a study of the effectiveness of countermeasures to bone loss in spaceflight, in which 17 weeks of bed rest was used to induce bone loss. Study participants were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: controls received no treatment, one treatment group received alendronate, and another group performed resistive exercise. Measurements were made on urine samples collected before, at 2 or 3 points during, and after bed rest. Urine delta(44)Ca values during bed rest were lower in controls than in individuals treated with alendronate (P <0.05, ANOVA) or exercise (P <0.05), and lower than the control group baseline (P <0.05, t-test). Results were consistent with the model and with biochemical and bone mineral density data. Results confirm the predicted relationship between bone mineral balance and calcium isotopes, suggesting that calcium isotopic analysis of urine might be refined into a clinical and research tool.

In vitro degradation and cytotoxicity of Mg/Ca composites produced by powder metallurgy.

PubMed

Zheng, Y F; Gu, X N; Xi, Y L; Chai, D L

2010-05-01

Mg/Ca (1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.% Ca) composites were prepared from pure magnesium and calcium powders using the powder metallurgy method, aiming to enlarge the addition of Ca content without the formation of Mg(2)Ca. The microstructures, mechanical properties and cytotoxicities of Mg/Ca composite samples were investigated. The corrosion of Mg/Ca composites in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) for various immersion intervals was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements and environmental scanning electron microscope, with the concentrations of released Mg and Ca ions in DMEM for various immersion time intervals being measured. It was shown that the main constitutional phases were Mg and Ca, which were uniformly distributed in the Mg matrix. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of experimental composites decreased with increasing Ca content, and the UTS of Mg/1Ca composite was comparable with that of as-extruded Mg-1Ca alloy. The corrosion potential increased with increasing Ca content, whereas the current density and the impedance decreased. It was found that the protective surface film formed quickly at the initial immersion stage. With increasing immersion time, the surface film became compact, and the corrosion rate of Mg/Ca composites slowed down. The surface film consisted mainly of CaCO(3), MgCO(3)x3H(2)O, HA and Mg(OH)(2) after 72 h immersion in DMEM. Mg/1Ca and Mg/5Ca composite extracts had no significant toxicity (p>0.05) to L-929 cells, whereas Mg/10Ca composite extract induced approximately 40% reduced cell viability. Copyright (c) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Proteus DSA control room in Mojave, CA

NASA Image and Video Library

2003-04-03

Proteus DSA control room in Mojave, CA (L to R) Jean-Pierre Soucy; Amphitech International Software engineer Craig Bomben; NASA Dryden Test Pilot Pete Siebold; (with headset, at computer controls) Scaled Composites pilot Bob Roehm; New Mexico State University (NMSU) UAV Technical Analysis Application Center (TAAC) Chuck Coleman; Scaled Composites Pilot Kari Sortland; NMSU TAAC Russell Wolfe; Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. Scaled Composites' unique tandem-wing Proteus was the testbed for a series of UAV collision-avoidance flight demonstrations. An Amphitech 35GHz radar unit installed below Proteus' nose was the primary sensor for the Detect, See and Avoid tests.

Mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradation of cross-linked cellulose acetate-reinforced polyester composites.

PubMed

Wu, Chin-San

2014-05-25

Composites of treated (cross-linked) cellulose acetate (t-CA) and acrylic acid-grafted poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA-g-AA/t-CA) exhibited noticeably superior mechanical properties compared with PHA/CA composites due to greater compatibility between the two components. The dispersion covering of t-CA in the PHA-g-AA matrix was highly homogeneous as a result of condensation reactions. Human lung fibroblasts (FBs) were seeded on these two series of composites to characterize the biocompatibility properties. In a time-dependent course, the FB proliferation results demonstrated higher performance from the PHA/CA series of composites than from the PHA-g-AA/t-CA composites. The water resistance of PHA-g-AA/t-CA was higher than that of PHA/CA, although the weight loss of both composites buried in Acetobacter pasteurianus (A. pasteurianus) indicated that they were both biodegradable, especially at higher levels of cellulose acetate substitution. The PHA/CA and PHA-g-AA/t-CA composites were more biodegradable than pure PHA, implying a strong connection between cellulose acetate content and biodegradability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enterovirus genotypes causing hand foot and mouth disease in Shanghai, China: a molecular epidemiological analysis.

PubMed

Xu, Menghua; Su, Liyun; Cao, Lingfeng; Zhong, Huaqing; Dong, Niuniu; Xu, Jin

2013-10-22

A rapid expansion of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks has occurred and caused deaths in China in recent years, but little is known about the other etiologic agents except enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A 16 (CA16). The objective of this study is to determine the genotype compositions of enterovirus causing HFMD in Shanghai and identify any associations between enterovirus types and clinical manifestations. Stool specimens were collected from patients hospitalized for treatment of HFMD, from May 2010 to April 2011. Enterovirus was detected by reverse transcription PCR and directly genotyped by sequencing the PCR products. Phylogenetic analysis was based on the VP1 partial gene. Of 290 specimens, 277 (95.5%) tested positive for enterovirus. The major genotypes were EV71 (63.8%), CA10 (9.0%), CA6 (8.3%), CA16 (6.9%), CA12 (2.4%), and CA4 (1.4%). The EV71 strains belonged to the C4a subtype and CA16 belonged to the B subtype. CA6 was closely related to strains detected in Japan, Taiwan and China, and CA10, CA12 and CA4 were phylogenetically similar to other strains circulating in China. Mean hospital stays and the prevalence of complications in patients with EV71 infection were higher than those in patients in CA6, CA10 or CA16 infection (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Children with CA12 infection were the youngest, and most likely have the highest risk of complications when compared to the other non-EV71 infection groups. This study demonstrated a diversified pathogen compositions attributing to HFMD and clinical symptoms differing in enterovirus genotypes. It deserves our attention as early identification of enterovirus genotypes is important for diagnosis and treatment of HFMD patients.

Biocomposite coatings based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/calcium phosphates obtained by MAPLE for bone tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raşoga, O.; Sima, L.; Chiriţoiu, M.; Popescu-Pelin, G.; Fufǎ, O.; Grumezescu, V.; Socol, M.; Stǎnculescu, A.; Zgurǎ, I.; Socol, G.

2017-09-01

The aim of our research was to synthesize and investigate the physico-chemical and biological features of composite coatings based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and commercial calcium phosphates (CaPs), hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate, obtained by means of matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. In this respect, laser fluence and dropcast studies were performed for pristine polymer and PHBV-CaPs composites. The microstructure of the synthesized coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while for the chemical structure and functional integrity we performed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis. By using the X-ray diffraction measurements we experimentally evaluated the crystalline nature of the obtained composite materials, while relevant data regarding the hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior of the synthesized coatings were obtained by performing static CA measurements. The biocompatibility of PHBV/CaPs coatings was evaluated by performing cellular adhesion and differentiation in vitro assays on mesenchymal stem cells.

Calcium phosphate coatings modified with zinc- or copper- incorporation on Ti-40Nb alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komarova, E. G.; Sedelnikova, M. B.; Sharkeev, Yu P.; Kazakbaeva, A. A.; Glukhov, I. A.; Khimich, M. A.

2017-05-01

The influence of the microarc oxidation parameters and electrolyte composition on the structure, properties and composition of CaP coatings modified with Zn- or Cu- incorporation on the Ti-40mas.%Nb (Ti-40Nb) alloy was investigated. The linear growth of thickness, roughness, and size of structural elements with process voltage increasing has been revealed. It was shown that the CaP coatings have the low contact angles with liquids and, consequently, high free surface energy. This indicates a high hydrophilicity of the coatings. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the coatings have X-ray amorphous structure. The increase of the process voltage leads to the formation of such crystalline phases as CaHPO4 and β-Ca2P2O7 in the coatings. The maximum Ca/P atomic ratio was equal to 0.4, and Zn or Cu contents was equal to 0.3 or 0.2 at.%, respectively.

Pyroxene-melt equilibria. [for lunar maria basalts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nielsen, R. L.; Drake, M. J.

1979-01-01

A thermodynamic analysis of pyroxene-melt equilibria is performed through use of a literature survey of analyses of high-Ca pyroxene and coexisting silicate melt pairs and analyses of low-Ca pyroxene silicate melt pairs. Reference is made to a modified version of a model developed by Bottinga and Weill (1972) which more successfully accounts for variations in melt composition than does a model which considers the melt to be composed of simple oxides which mix ideally. By using a variety of pyroxene melt relations, several pyroxene-melt and low-Ca pyroxene-high-Ca pyroxene geothermometers are developed which have internally consistant precisions of approximately + or - 20 C. Finally, it is noted that these equations may have application in modeling the evolution of mineral compositions during differentiation of basaltic magmas.

Structure of liquid tricalcium aluminate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drewitt, James W. E.; Barnes, Adrian C.; Jahn, Sandro; Kohn, Simon C.; Walter, Michael J.; Novikov, Alexey N.; Neuville, Daniel R.; Fischer, Henry E.; Hennet, Louis

2017-02-01

The atomic-scale structure of aerodynamically levitated and laser-heated liquid tricalcium aluminate (Ca3Al2O6 ) was measured at 2073(30) K by using the method of neutron diffraction with Ca isotope substitution (NDIS). The results enable the detailed resolution of the local coordination environment around calcium and aluminum atoms, including the direct determination of the liquid partial structure factor, SCaCa(Q ) , and partial pair distribution function, gCaCa(r ) . Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) refinement methods were employed to obtain a detailed atomistic model of the liquid structure. The composition Ca3Al2O6 lies at the CaO-rich limit of the CaO:Al2O3 glass-forming system. Our results show that, although significantly depolymerized, liquid Ca3Al2O6 is largely composed of AlO4 tetrahedra forming an infinite network with a slightly higher fraction of bridging oxygen atoms than expected for the composition. Calcium-centered polyhedra exhibit a wide distribution of four- to sevenfold coordinated sites, with higher coordinated calcium preferentially bonding to bridging oxygens. Analysis of the MD configuration reveals the presence of ˜10 % unconnected AlO4 monomers and Al2O7 dimers in the liquid. As the CaO concentration increases, the number of these isolated units increases, such that the upper value for the glass-forming composition of CaO:Al2O3 liquids could be described in terms of a percolation threshold at which the glass can no longer support the formation of an infinitely connected AlO4 network.

Hydrophilicity and antifouling property of membrane materials from cellulose acetate/polyethersulfone in DMAc.

PubMed

Sun, Zhonghua; Chen, Fushan

2016-10-01

In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) was blended with polyethersulfone (PES) to endow the ultrafiltration membrane with the improved hydrophilicity and antifouling property by using N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as the solvent. The effects of blend composition and evaporation time on the mechanical strength and pure water flux were investigated. It was found that the optimal composition of the casting solution was: 18wt% (PES), 4wt% (Polyvinylpyrrolidone K30), 3wt% (CA) and 20s (Evaporation time). The characteristics of CA-PES blend membranes were investigated through the methods of contact angle goniometer, antifouling property, compatibility, thermo gravimetric analysis and SEM. The results showed that the hydrophilicity and antifouling property of CA-PES ultrafiltration membranes were enhanced in comparison with the pure PES membranes. The CA-PES membranes exhibited semi-compatibility and good thermal stability below 270°C. This study provided a potential industrial application prospect of CA-PES membranes prepared in DMAc. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CO2 adsorption using TiO2 composite polymeric membranes: A kinetic study.

PubMed

Hafeez, Sarah; Fan, X; Hussain, Arshad; Martín, C F

2015-09-01

CO2 is the main greenhouse gas which causes global climatic changes on larger scale. Many techniques have been utilised to capture CO2. Membrane gas separation is a fast growing CO2 capture technique, particularly gas separation by composite membranes. The separation of CO2 by a membrane is not just a process to physically sieve out of CO2 through the controlled membrane pore size. It mainly depends upon diffusion and solubility of gases, particularly for composite dense membranes. The blended components in composite membranes have a high capability to adsorb CO2. The adsorption kinetics of the gases may directly affect diffusion and solubility. In this study, we have investigated the adsorption behaviour of CO2 in pure and composite membranes to explore the complete understanding of diffusion and solubility of CO2 through membranes. Pure cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose acetate-titania nanoparticle (CA-TiO2) composite membranes were fabricated and characterised using SEM and FTIR analysis. The results indicated that the blended CA-TiO2 membrane adsorbed more quantity of CO2 gas as compared to pure CA membrane. The high CO2 adsorption capacity may enhance the diffusion and solubility of CO2 in the CA-TiO2 composite membrane, which results in a better CO2 separation. The experimental data was modelled by Pseudo first-order, pseudo second order and intra particle diffusion models. According to correlation factor R(2), the Pseudo second order model was fitted well with experimental data. The intra particle diffusion model revealed that adsorption in dense membranes was not solely consisting of intra particle diffusion. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Investigation on LiBH4-CaH2 composite and its potential for thermal energy storage.

PubMed

Li, Yang; Li, Ping; Qu, Xuanhui

2017-01-31

The LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite are firstly studied as Concentrating Solar Power Thermal Storage Material. The LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite according to the stoichiometric ratio are synthesized by high-energy ball milling method. The kinetics, thermodynamics and cycling stability of LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite are investigated by XRD (X-ray diffraction), DSC (Differential scanning calorimeter) and TEM (Transmission electron microscope). The reaction enthalpy of LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite is almost 60 kJ/mol H 2 and equilibrium pressure is 0.482 MPa at 450 °C. The thermal storage density of LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite is 3504.6 kJ/kg. XRD results show that the main phase after dehydrogenation is LiH and CaB 6 . The existence of TiCl 3 and NbF 5 can effectively enhance the cycling perfomance of LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite, with 6-7 wt% hydrogen capacity after 10 cycles. The high thermal storage density, high working temperature and low equilibrium pressure make LiBH 4 /CaH 2 composite a potential thermal storage material.

Tracing the Origin of Non-ferrous Oxides in Lamination Defects on Hot-Rolled Coils: Mold Slag Entrainment vs Submerged Entry Nozzle Reaction Products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengo, Sabri; Romano Triguero, Patricia; Zinngrebe, Enno; Mensonides, Fokko

2017-06-01

In this work, lamination defects (slivers) on hot-rolled coils of Ca-treated steel were investigated for microstructure and composition using optical and scanning electron microscopy combined with microanalysis (SEM/EDS). The goal was to identify possible origins for the observed defects which contain a complex assemblage of phases, such as different types of calcium aluminates (CA, CA2, CA6), melilite (C2AS), spinel (MA), and a newly identified phase, CNA2. Mold slag similar to that employed during the cast was absent. Analysis of the bulk composition of some of the defects indicated these to be too rich in alumina to be derived from mold slag through steel-slag redox exchange. In contrast, microstructural observation of the inner side of the submerged entry nozzles (SEN) used during casting showed deposits with compositions comparable to those of the defect material. Based on an estimation of the chemical evolution of mold slag interacting with steel, it is found that the defects are not likely to be entrained mold slag but remobilized SEN deposits, as supported by several microstructural and trace phase criteria. However, it should be noted that extensive reduction of mold slag by steel can lead to compositions rich in sodic-calcic aluminates (CNA2). Therefore, differentiation between specific locations of the defect materials within a casting system requires detailed analysis from the potential sources of origin as well as from the materials found in the defects.

Maintenance Plan for the Composite Analysis of the Hanford Site, Southeast Washington.

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

Lehman, L. L.; Nichols, W. E.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) manuals for radioactive waste management, DOE M 435.1-1 Chg 21 and DOE-STD-5002-2017, require that the Hanford Site maintain site performance assessments and composite analyses (CAs). This document describes the plan for maintaining the CA that supports waste disposal and remedial actions for the Hanford Site. An initial CA of the site was issued in 1998, conditionally approved in 1999, received further analysis to satisfy conditions in an addendum in 2001, and was approved in 2002. This document meets the maintenance plan requirements described in DOE M 435.1-1 Chg 2 and DOE-STD-5002-2017 and implements themore » requirements of the disposal authorization related to the CA for the U.S. Department of Energy, Richland Operations Office, the responsible field office, and its contractors.« less

Elemental Markers in Elasmobranchs: Effects of Environmental History and Growth on Vertebral Chemistry

PubMed Central

Smith, Wade D.; Miller, Jessica A.; Heppell, Selina S.

2013-01-01

Differences in the chemical composition of calcified skeletal structures (e.g. shells, otoliths) have proven useful for reconstructing the environmental history of many marine species. However, the extent to which ambient environmental conditions can be inferred from the elemental signatures within the vertebrae of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, rays) has not been evaluated. To assess the relationship between water and vertebral elemental composition, we conducted two laboratory studies using round stingrays, Urobatis halleri, as a model species. First, we examined the effects of temperature (16°, 18°, 24°C) on vertebral elemental incorporation (Li/Ca, Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Zn/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca). Second, we tested the relationship between water and subsequent vertebral elemental composition by manipulating dissolved barium concentrations (1x, 3x, 6x). We also evaluated the influence of natural variation in growth rate on elemental incorporation for both experiments. Finally, we examined the accuracy of classifying individuals to known environmental histories (temperature and barium treatments) using vertebral elemental composition. Temperature had strong, negative effects on the uptake of magnesium (DMg) and barium (DBa) and positively influenced manganese (DMn) incorporation. Temperature-dependent responses were not observed for lithium and strontium. Vertebral Ba/Ca was positively correlated with ambient Ba/Ca. Partition coefficients (DBa) revealed increased discrimination of barium in response to increased dissolved barium concentrations. There were no significant relationships between elemental incorporation and somatic growth or vertebral precipitation rates for any elements except Zn. Relationships between somatic growth rate and DZn were, however, inconsistent and inconclusive. Variation in the vertebral elemental signatures of U. halleri reliably distinguished individual rays from each treatment based on temperature (85%) and Ba exposure (96%) history. These results support the assumption that vertebral elemental composition reflects the environmental conditions during deposition and validates the use of vertebral elemental signatures as natural markers in an elasmobranch. Vertebral elemental analysis is a promising tool for the study of elasmobranch population structure, movement, and habitat use. PMID:24098320

Elemental markers in elasmobranchs: effects of environmental history and growth on vertebral chemistry.

PubMed

Smith, Wade D; Miller, Jessica A; Heppell, Selina S

2013-01-01

Differences in the chemical composition of calcified skeletal structures (e.g. shells, otoliths) have proven useful for reconstructing the environmental history of many marine species. However, the extent to which ambient environmental conditions can be inferred from the elemental signatures within the vertebrae of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, rays) has not been evaluated. To assess the relationship between water and vertebral elemental composition, we conducted two laboratory studies using round stingrays, Urobatis halleri, as a model species. First, we examined the effects of temperature (16°, 18°, 24°C) on vertebral elemental incorporation (Li/Ca, Mg/Ca, Mn/Ca, Zn/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca). Second, we tested the relationship between water and subsequent vertebral elemental composition by manipulating dissolved barium concentrations (1x, 3x, 6x). We also evaluated the influence of natural variation in growth rate on elemental incorporation for both experiments. Finally, we examined the accuracy of classifying individuals to known environmental histories (temperature and barium treatments) using vertebral elemental composition. Temperature had strong, negative effects on the uptake of magnesium (DMg) and barium (DBa) and positively influenced manganese (DMn) incorporation. Temperature-dependent responses were not observed for lithium and strontium. Vertebral Ba/Ca was positively correlated with ambient Ba/Ca. Partition coefficients (DBa) revealed increased discrimination of barium in response to increased dissolved barium concentrations. There were no significant relationships between elemental incorporation and somatic growth or vertebral precipitation rates for any elements except Zn. Relationships between somatic growth rate and DZn were, however, inconsistent and inconclusive. Variation in the vertebral elemental signatures of U. halleri reliably distinguished individual rays from each treatment based on temperature (85%) and Ba exposure (96%) history. These results support the assumption that vertebral elemental composition reflects the environmental conditions during deposition and validates the use of vertebral elemental signatures as natural markers in an elasmobranch. Vertebral elemental analysis is a promising tool for the study of elasmobranch population structure, movement, and habitat use.

A preferred method for the determination of bulk compositions of coarse-grained refractory inclusions and some implications of the results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, S. B.; Grossman, L.

2004-10-01

Analyses of coarse-grained refractory inclusions typically do not have the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio, probably reflecting nonrepresentative sampling of them in the laboratory. Many previous studies, especially those done by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), were based on very small amounts of material removed from those restricted portions of inclusions that happened to be exposed on surfaces of bulk meteorite samples. Here, we address the sampling problem by studying thin sections of large inclusions, and by analyzing much larger aliquots of powders of these inclusions by INAA than has typically been done in the past. These results do show convergence toward the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio of 0.792. The bulk compositions of 15 coarse-grained inclusions determined by INAA of samples >2 mg have an average CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio of 0.80 ± 0.18. When bulk compositions are obtained by modal recombination based on analysis of thin sections with cross-sections of entire, large, unbroken inclusions, the average of 11 samples (0.79 ± 0.15) also matches the solar value. Among those analyzed by INAA and by modal recombination, there were no inclusions for which both techniques agreed on a CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio deviating by >˜15% from the solar value. These results suggest that: individual inclusions may have the solar CaO/Al 2O 3 ratio; departures from this value are due to sample heterogeneity and nonrepresentative sampling in the laboratory; and it is therefore valid to correct compositions to this value. We present a method for doing so by mathematical addition or subtraction of melilite, spinel, or pyroxene. This yields a set of multiple, usually slightly different, corrected compositions for each inclusion. The best estimate of the bulk composition of an inclusion is the average of these corrected compositions, which simultaneously accounts for errors in sampling of all major phases. Results show that Type B2 inclusions tend to be more SiO 2-rich and have higher normative Anorthite/Gehlenite component ratios than Type B1s. The inclusion bulk compositions lie in a field that can result from evaporation at 1700-2000K of CMAS liquids with solar CaO/Al 2O 3, but with a wide range of initial MgO (30-60 wt%) and SiO 2 (15-50 wt%) contents.

Interpreting the results of chemical stone analysis in the era of modern stone analysis techniques

PubMed Central

Gilad, Ron; Williams, James C.; Usman, Kalba D.; Holland, Ronen; Golan, Shay; Ruth, Tor; Lifshitz, David

2017-01-01

Introduction and Objective Stone analysis should be performed in all first-time stone formers. The preferred analytical procedures are Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) or X-ray diffraction (XRD). However, due to limited resources, chemical analysis (CA) is still in use throughout the world. The aim of the study was to compare FT-IR and CA in well matched stone specimens and characterize the pros and cons of CA. Methods In a prospective bi-center study, urinary stones were retrieved from 60 consecutive endoscopic procedures. In order to assure that identical stone samples were sent for analyses, the samples were analyzed initially by micro-computed tomography to assess uniformity of each specimen before submitted for FTIR and CA. Results Overall, the results of CA did not match with the FTIR results in 56% of the cases. In 16% of the cases CA missed the major stone component and in 40% the minor stone component. 37 of the 60 specimens contained CaOx as major component by FTIR, and CA reported major CaOx in 47/60, resulting in high sensitivity, but very poor specificity. CA was relatively accurate for UA and cystine. CA missed struvite and calcium phosphate as a major component in all cases. In mixed stones the sensitivity of CA for the minor component was poor, generally less than 50%. Conclusions Urinary stone analysis using CA provides only limited data that should be interpreted carefully. Urinary stone analysis using CA is likely to result in clinically significant errors in its assessment of stone composition. Although the monetary costs of CA are relatively modest, this method does not provide the level of analytical specificity required for proper management of patients with metabolic stones. PMID:26956131

Estimation of the magnetic entropy change by means of Landau theory and phenomenological model in La0.6Ca0.2 Sr0.2MnO3/Sb2O3 ceramic composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasri, M.; Dhahri, E.; Hlil, E. K.

2018-06-01

In this paper, magnetocaloric properties of La0.6Ca0.2Sr0.2MnO3/Sb2O3 oxides have been investigated. The composite samples were prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The second-order phase transition can be testified with the positive slope in Arrott plots. An excellent agreement has been found between the -ΔSM values estimated by Landau theory and those obtained using the classical Maxwell relation. The field dependence of the magnetic entropy change analysis shows a power law dependence,|ΔSM|≈Hn , with n(TC) = 0.65. Moreover, the scaling analysis of magnetic entropy change exhibits that ΔSM(T) curves collapse into a single universal curve, indicating that the observed paramagnetic to ferromagnetic phase transition is an authentic second-order phase transition. The maximum value of magnetic entropy change of composites is found to decrease slightly with the further increasing of Sb2O3 concentration. A phenomenological model was used to predict magnetocaloric properties of La0.6Ca0.2Sr0.2MnO3/Sb2O3 composites. The theoretical calculations are compared with the available experimental data.

Dielectric properties of (CuO, CaO2, and BaO)y/CuTl-1223 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mumtaz, M.; Kamran, M.; Nadeem, K.; Jabbar, Abdul; Khan, Nawazish A.; Saleem, Abida; Tajammul Hussain, S.; Kamran, M.

2013-07-01

We synthesized (CuO, CaO2, and BaO)y/Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ (y = 0, 5%, 10%, 15%) composites by solid-state reaction and characterized them by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dc-resistivity, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Frequency and temperature dependent dielectric properties, such as real and imaginary parts of the dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and ac-conductivity of these composites were studied by capacitance and conductance measurements as a function of frequency (10 kHz to 10 MHz) and temperature (78 to 300 K). X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the characteristic behavior of the superconductor phase and the structure of Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ are nearly undisturbed by doping with nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscopy images show the improvement in the intergranular linking between the superconducting grains occurring with increasing nanoparticle concentration. Microcracks are healed up with these nanoparticles, and superconducting volume fraction is also increased. Dielectric properties of these composites strongly depend on the frequency and temperature. Zero resistivity critical temperature and dielectric properties show opposite trends with the addition of nanoparticles to the Cu0.5Tl0.5Ba2Ca2Cu3O10-δ superconductor matrix.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Groundwater Pathway Dose Calculation.

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

Morgans, D. L.; Lindberg, S. L.

The purpose of this technical approach document (TAD) is to document the assumptions, equations, and methods used to perform the groundwater pathway radiological dose calculations for the revised Hanford Site Composite Analysis (CA). DOE M 435.1-1, states, “The composite analysis results shall be used for planning, radiation protection activities, and future use commitments to minimize the likelihood that current low-level waste disposal activities will result in the need for future corrective or remedial actions to adequately protect the public and the environment.”

Remediation of cadmium- and lead-contaminated agricultural soil by composite washing with chlorides and citric acid.

PubMed

Li, Yu-jiao; Hu, Peng-jie; Zhao, Jie; Dong, Chang-xun

2015-04-01

Composite washing of cadmium (Cd)- and lead (Pb)-contaminated agricultural soil from Hunan province in China using mixtures of chlorides (FeCl3, CaCl2) and citric acid (CA) was investigated. The concentrations of composite washing agents for metal removal were optimized. Sequential extraction was conducted to study the changes in metal fractions after soil washing. The removal of two metals at optimum concentration was reached. Using FeCl3 mixed with CA, 44% of Cd and 23% of Pb were removed, and 49 and 32% by CaCl2 mixed with CA, respectively. The mechanism of composite washing was postulated. A mixture of chlorides and CA enhanced metal extraction from soil through the formation of metal-chloride and metal-citrate complexes. CA in extract solutions promoted the formation of metal-chloride complexes and reduced the solution pH. Composite washing reduced Cd and Pb in Fe-Mn oxide forms significantly. Chlorides and CA exerted a synergistic effect on metal extraction during composite washing.

Enterovirus genotypes causing hand foot and mouth disease in Shanghai, China: a molecular epidemiological analysis

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background A rapid expansion of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreaks has occurred and caused deaths in China in recent years, but little is known about the other etiologic agents except enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A 16 (CA16). The objective of this study is to determine the genotype compositions of enterovirus causing HFMD in Shanghai and identify any associations between enterovirus types and clinical manifestations. Methods Stool specimens were collected from patients hospitalized for treatment of HFMD, from May 2010 to April 2011. Enterovirus was detected by reverse transcription PCR and directly genotyped by sequencing the PCR products. Phylogenetic analysis was based on the VP1 partial gene. Results Of 290 specimens, 277 (95.5%) tested positive for enterovirus. The major genotypes were EV71 (63.8%), CA10 (9.0%), CA6 (8.3%), CA16 (6.9%), CA12 (2.4%), and CA4 (1.4%). The EV71 strains belonged to the C4a subtype and CA16 belonged to the B subtype. CA6 was closely related to strains detected in Japan, Taiwan and China, and CA10, CA12 and CA4 were phylogenetically similar to other strains circulating in China. Mean hospital stays and the prevalence of complications in patients with EV71 infection were higher than those in patients in CA6, CA10 or CA16 infection (P < 0.05 for all comparisons). Children with CA12 infection were the youngest, and most likely have the highest risk of complications when compared to the other non-EV71 infection groups. Conclusions This study demonstrated a diversified pathogen compositions attributing to HFMD and clinical symptoms differing in enterovirus genotypes. It deserves our attention as early identification of enterovirus genotypes is important for diagnosis and treatment of HFMD patients. PMID:24148902

In vitro aging behavior of dental composites considering the influence of filler content, storage media and incubation time

PubMed Central

Maletz, Reinhard; Ottl, Peter; Warkentin, Mareike

2018-01-01

Objective Over time dental composites age due to mechanical impacts such as chewing and chemical impacts such as saliva enzymes and food ingredients. For this research, the focus was placed on chemical degradation. The objective of this study was to simulate hydrolysis by using different food simulating liquids and to assess their impact on the mechanical parameter Vickers microhardness (MHV) and the physicochemical parameter contact angle (CA). Methods Specimen of three composites (d = 6 mm, h = 2 mm; n = 435) classified with respect to their filler content (wt%), namely low-filled, medium-filled and highly-filled, were stored for 0, 14, 30, 90 and 180 days in artificial saliva (pH 7), citric acid (pH 3; pH 5), lactic acid (pH 3; pH 5) and ethanol (40%vol; 60%vol) and assessed regarding to MHV and CA. Statistics: Kruskal-Wallis test, stepwise linear regression, bivariate Spearman Rank Correlation (p < 0.05). Results While stored in artificial saliva, acid and ethanol the CA decreased especially for the low- and medium-filled composites. It was shown that rising the filler content caused less surface changes in the CA. Storage in ethanol led to a significant decrease of MHV of all composites. Regression analysis showed that the effect of in vitro aging on MHV was mainly influenced by the composite material and therefore by filler content (R2 = 0.67; p < 0.05). In contrast, the CA is more influenced by incubation time and filler content (R2 = 0.2; p < 0.05) leading to a higher risk of plaque accumulation over time. Significance: In vitro aging showed significant changes on the mechanical and physicochemical properties of dental composites which may shorten their long-term functionality. In conclusion, it can be stated, that the type of composite material, especially rising filler content seems to improve the materials’ resistance against the processes of chemical degradation. PMID:29630621

In vitro corrosion behavior and in vivo biodegradation of biomedical β-Ca3(PO4)2/Mg-Zn composites.

PubMed

Yu, Kun; Chen, Liangjian; Zhao, Jun; Li, Shaojun; Dai, Yilong; Huang, Qiao; Yu, Zhiming

2012-07-01

In this study 5, 10 and 15% β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-Zn composites were prepared through powder metallurgy methods, and their corrosion behavior and mechanical properties were studied in simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37°C. The 10% β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-Zn composite was selected for cytocompatibility assessment and in vivo biodegradation testing. The results identified the α-Mg, MgZn and β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2) phases in these sintered composites. The density and elastic modulus of the β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-6% Zn composite match those of natural bone, and the strength is approximately double that of natural bone. The 10% β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-6% Zn composites exhibit good corrosion resistance, as determined by a 30 day immersion test and electrochemical measurements in SBF at 37°C. The 10% β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-6% Zn composite is safe for cellular applications, with a cytotoxicity grade of ∼0-1 against L929 cells in in vitro testing. The β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-6% Zn composite also exhibits good biocompatibility with the tissue and the important visceral organs the heart, kidney and liver of experimental rabbits. The composite has a suitable degradation rate and improves the concrescence of a pre-broken bone. The corrosion products, such as Mg(OH)(2) and Ca(5)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2), can improve the biocompatibility of the β-Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)/Mg-Zn composite. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings on magnesium alloys: characterization and cytocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells

PubMed Central

Iskandar, Maria Emil; Aslani, Arash; Tian, Qiaomu

2016-01-01

This article reports the deposition and characterization of nanostructured calcium phosphate (nCaP) on magnesium–yttrium alloy substrates and their cytocompatibility with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The nCaP coatings were deposited on magnesium and magnesium–yttrium alloy substrates using proprietary transonic particle acceleration process for the dual purposes of modulating substrate degradation and BMSC adhesion. Surface morphology and feature size were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis tools. Surface elemental compositions and phases were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The deposited nCaP coatings showed a homogeneous particulate surface with the dominant feature size of 200–500 nm in the long axis and 100–300 nm in the short axis, and a Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.5–1.6. Hydroxyapatite was the major phase identified in the nCaP coatings. The modulatory effects of nCaP coatings on the sample degradation and BMSC behaviors were dependent on the substrate composition and surface conditions. The direct culture of BMSCs in vitro indicated that multiple factors, including surface composition and topography, and the degradation-induced changes in media composition, influenced cell adhesion directly on the sample surface, and indirect adhesion surrounding the sample in the same culture. The alkaline pH, the indicator of Mg degradation, played a role in BMSC adhesion and morphology, but not the sole factor. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate BMSC responses to each contributing factor. PMID:25917827

Nanostructured calcium phosphate coatings on magnesium alloys: characterization and cytocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells.

PubMed

Iskandar, Maria Emil; Aslani, Arash; Tian, Qiaomu; Liu, Huinan

2015-05-01

This article reports the deposition and characterization of nanostructured calcium phosphate (nCaP) on magnesium-yttrium alloy substrates and their cytocompatibility with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). The nCaP coatings were deposited on magnesium and magnesium-yttrium alloy substrates using proprietary transonic particle acceleration process for the dual purposes of modulating substrate degradation and BMSC adhesion. Surface morphology and feature size were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and quantitative image analysis tools. Surface elemental compositions and phases were analyzed using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively. The deposited nCaP coatings showed a homogeneous particulate surface with the dominant feature size of 200-500 nm in the long axis and 100-300 nm in the short axis, and a Ca/P atomic ratio of 1.5-1.6. Hydroxyapatite was the major phase identified in the nCaP coatings. The modulatory effects of nCaP coatings on the sample degradation and BMSC behaviors were dependent on the substrate composition and surface conditions. The direct culture of BMSCs in vitro indicated that multiple factors, including surface composition and topography, and the degradation-induced changes in media composition, influenced cell adhesion directly on the sample surface, and indirect adhesion surrounding the sample in the same culture. The alkaline pH, the indicator of Mg degradation, played a role in BMSC adhesion and morphology, but not the sole factor. Additional studies are necessary to elucidate BMSC responses to each contributing factor.

Phase stability, single crystal growth, and anisotropic magnetic properties of Ca-La magnetoplumbite-type ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uji, K.; Waki, T.; Tabata, Y.; Nakamura, H.

2017-01-01

The cation compositions in the Ca-La magnetoplumbite-type (M-type) ferrite, CaxLayFezO19, prepared from various initial fractions of reagents, were analyzed by wavelength-dispersive X-ray (WDX) spectroscopy. The reliability of the WDX composition analysis was confirmed by a crosscheck using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). For particular polycrystalline samples furnace-cooled from 1250 ° C , the solubility ranges of Ca, La, and Fe were found to be 0.45 ≤ x ≤ 0.70 , 0.39 ≤ y ≤ 0.66 , and 11.82 ≤ z ≤ 11.92 , respectively, assuming x + y + z = 13 . Despite that the samples were synthesized from various starting compositions, the values of z / (x + y) of the matrix M phase are smaller than the M-type regular value, 12, for all the samples and comes in a very limited range at ∼ 11 , suggesting most probably Ca occupation at particular Fe sites or Fe deficiency due to insertion of stacking fault to Ca/La/O packing. Single crystals of CaxLayFezO19 with various x / y ratios were synthesized successfully by the self-flux method, followed by the characterization of their magnetic properties. The saturation magnetization and the Curie temperature were found to be almost independent of the cation composition. In contrast, the hard-axis magnetization process at low temperature depended significantly on the Ca/La ratio, and showed a sharp jump at ≲ 10 kOe, which can be attributed to a spin reorientation transition associated with the appearance of Fe2+.

Pseudo and true visible light photocatalytic activity of nanotube titanic acid/graphene composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaodong; Liu, Xiaogang; Xue, Xiaoxiao; Pan, Hui; Zhang, Min; Li, Qiuye; Yu, Laigui; Yang, Jianjun; Zhang, Zhijun

2013-09-01

Nanotube titanic acid/graphene (NTA/Gr) composites were prepared by an easy hydrothermal treatment of graphene oxide (GO) and NTA in a mixed solvent of ethanol-water. As-prepared NTA/Gr composites and GO were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, diffuse-reflection spectrometry, thermal analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Besides, the photocatalytic activities of as-prepared NTA/Gr composites were evaluated by monitoring the degradation of methyl orange (MO) under visible light irradiation. It has been found that extending hydrothermal reaction time (24 h instead of 3 h) leads to great changes in the morphology and crystal structure of as-prepared composites. Namely, the orthorhombic NTA (ca. 10 nm in diameter) in the composite transformed to anatase TiO2 particle (ca. 20-30 nm in diameter) while the Gr sheets (with micrometers-long wrinkles) in it transformed to a few Gr fragments (ca. 50 nm in diameter). Correspondingly, the NTA/Gr composite transformed to titanium dioxide/graphene (TiO2/Gr) composite. In the meantime, pure GO only has adsorption effect but it has no photocatalytic activity in the visible light region. Nevertheless, increasing Gr ratio results in enhanced visible light absorption capability and photocatalytic activity of NTA/Gr composites as well as the TiO2/Gr composites. This demonstrates that the true visible light photocatalytic activity of NTA/Gr composites as well as the TiO2/Gr composites for the degradation of MO is not as excellent as expected, and their high apparent activity is attributed to the strong adsorption of MO on the composites.

Composite analysis E-area vaults and saltstone disposal facilities

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

Cook, J.R.

1997-09-01

This report documents the Composite Analysis (CA) performed on the two active Savannah River Site (SRS) low-level radioactive waste (LLW) disposal facilities. The facilities are the Z-Area Saltstone Disposal Facility and the E-Area Vaults (EAV) Disposal Facility. The analysis calculated potential releases to the environment from all sources of residual radioactive material expected to remain in the General Separations Area (GSA). The GSA is the central part of SRS and contains all of the waste disposal facilities, chemical separations facilities and associated high-level waste storage facilities as well as numerous other sources of radioactive material. The analysis considered 114 potentialmore » sources of radioactive material containing 115 radionuclides. The results of the CA clearly indicate that continued disposal of low-level waste in the saltstone and EAV facilities, consistent with their respective radiological performance assessments, will have no adverse impact on future members of the public.« less

Preparation of magnetic and bioactive calcium zinc iron silicon oxide composite for hyperthermia treatment of bone cancer and repair of bone defects.

PubMed

Jiang, Yumin; Ou, Jun; Zhang, Zhanhe; Qin, Qing-Hua

2011-03-01

In this paper, a calcium zinc iron silicon oxide composite (CZIS) was prepared using the sol-gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was then employed to test the CZIS composite. The results from the test showed that the CZIS had three prominent crystalline phases: Ca(2)Fe(1.7)Zn(0.15)Si(0.15)O(5), Ca(2)SiO(4), and ZnFe(2)O(4). Calorimetric measurements were then performed using a magnetic induction furnace. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis were conducted to confirm the growth of a precipitated hydroxyapatite phase after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). Cell culture experiments were also carried out, showing that the CZIS composite more visibly promoted osteoblast proliferation than ZnFe(2)O(4) glass ceramic and HA, and osteoblasts adhered and spread well on the surfaces of composite samples.

Synthesis of Al₂Ca Dispersoids by Powder Metallurgy Using a Mg-Al Alloy and CaO Particles.

PubMed

Fujita, Junji; Umeda, Junko; Kondoh, Katsuyoshi

2017-06-28

The elemental mixture of Mg-6 wt %Al-1 wt %Zn-0.3 wt %Mn (AZ61B) alloy powder and CaO particles was consolidated by an equal-channel angular bulk mechanical alloying (ECABMA) process to form a composite precursor. Subsequently, the precursor was subjected to a heat treatment to synthesize fine Al₂Ca particles via a solid-state reaction between the Mg-Al matrix and CaO additives. Scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and electron probe micro-analysis on the precursor indicated that 4.7-at % Al atoms formed a supersaturated solid solution in the α-Mg matrix. Transmission electron microscopy-EDS and X-ray diffraction analyses on the AZ61B composite precursor with 10-vol % CaO particles obtained by heat treatment confirmed that CaO additives were thermally decomposed in the Mg-Al alloy, and the solid-soluted Ca atoms diffused along the α-Mg grain boundaries. Al atoms also diffused to the grain boundaries because of attraction to the Ca atoms resulting from a strong reactivity between Al and Ca. As a result, needle-like (Mg,Al)₂Ca intermetallics were formed as intermediate precipitates in the initial reaction stage during the heat treatment. Finally, the precipitates were transformed into spherical Al₂Ca particles by the substitution of Al atoms for Mg atoms in (Mg,Al)₂Ca after a long heat treatment.

The effect of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on obesity in postmenopausal women: secondary analysis for a large-scale, placebo controlled, double-blind, 4-year longitudinal clinical trial.

PubMed

Zhou, Jiapeng; Zhao, Lan-Juan; Watson, Patrice; Zhang, Qin; Lappe, Joan M

2010-07-23

It is undetermined whether calcium supplementation has an effect on obesity or body composition in postmenopausal women. The purpose of the study is to detect the effect of calcium supplementation on indices of obesity and body composition. This is a secondary analysis of data from a population-based, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial designed to determine the effects of calcium and vitamin D on osteoporotic fractures. The cohort included 1179 postmenopausal women who were randomly assigned into one of three groups: 1) supplemental calcium (1400 mg/d or 1500 mg/d) plus vitamin D placebo (Ca-only group); 2) supplemental calcium (1400 mg/d or 1500 mg/d) plus supplemental vitamin D3 (1100 IU/d) (Ca + D group); or, 3) two placebos (placebo group). After applying the exclusion criteria for this analysis, 870 subjects were included in this study. The primary outcomes for the present study were changes in body mass index, trunk fat, trunk lean, and percentage of trunk fat after calcium supplementation. Changes in trunk fat, trunk lean, and percentage of trunk fat were significantly different between the calcium intervention groups (Ca-only group or Ca + D group) and the placebo group during the trial (P < 0.05). The calcium intervention groups gained less trunk fat and maintained more trunk lean when compared to the placebo group. No significant difference was observed for body mass index between groups. Calcium supplementation over four years has a beneficial effect on body composition in postmenopausal women.

Carboxylated Agarose (CA)-Silk Fibroin (SF) Dual Confluent Matrices Containing Oriented Hydroxyapatite (HA) Crystals: Biomimetic Organic/Inorganic Composites for Tibia Repair.

PubMed

Hu, Jing-Xiao; Ran, Jia-Bing; Chen, Si; Jiang, Pei; Shen, Xin-Yu; Tong, Hua

2016-07-11

By in situ combining the dual cross-linking matrices of the carboxylated agarose (CA) and the silk fibroin (SF) with the hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals, the CA-SF/HA composites with optimal physicochemical and biological properties were obtained, which were designed to meet the clinical needs of load-bearing bone repair. With the synergistic modulation of the dual organic matrices, the HA nanoparticles presented sheet and rod morphologies due to the preferred orientation, which successfully simulated the biomineralization in nature. The chemical reactivity of the native agarose (NA) was significantly enhanced via carboxylation, and the CA exhibited higher thermal stability than the NA. In the presence of SF, the composites showed optimal mechanical properties that could meet the standard of bone repair. The degradation of the composites in the presence of CA and SF was significantly delayed such that the degradation rate of the implant could satisfy the growth rate of the newly formed bone tissue. The in vitro tests confirmed that the CA-SF/HA composite scaffolds enabled the MG63 cells to proliferate and differentiate well, and the CA/HA composite presented greater capability of promoting the cell behaviors than the NA/HA composite. After 24 days of implantation, newly formed bone was observed at the tibia defect site and around the implant. Extensive osteogenesis was presented in the rats treated with the CA-SF/HA composites. In general, the CA-SF/HA composites prepared in this work had the great potential to be applied for repairing large bone defects.

Mechanically stiff, electrically conductive composites of polymers and carbon nanotubes

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A.; Kucheyev, Sergei O.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Kuntz, Joshua D.; Satcher, Jr., Joe H.; Hamza, Alex V.

2015-07-21

Using SWNT-CA as scaffolds to fabricate stiff, highly conductive polymer (PDMS) composites. The SWNT-CA is immersing in a polymer resin to produce a SWNT-CA infiltrated with a polymer resin. The SWNT-CA infiltrated with a polymer resin is cured to produce the stiff and electrically conductive composite of carbon nanotube aerogel and polymer.

Mechanically stiff, electrically conductive composites of polymers and carbon nanotubes

DOEpatents

Worsley, Marcus A.; Kucheyev, Sergei O.; Baumann, Theodore F.; Kuntz, Joshua D.; Satcher, Jr., Joe H.; Hamza, Alex V.

2017-10-17

Using SWNT-CA as scaffolds to fabricate stiff, highly conductive polymer (PDMS) composites. The SWNT-CA is immersing in a polymer resin to produce a SWNT-CA infiltrated with a polymer resin. The SWNT-CA infiltrated with a polymer resin is cured to produce the stiff and electrically conductive composite of carbon nanotube aerogel and polymer.

Calcium inputs and transport in a base-poor forest ecosystem as interpreted by Sr isotopes

Treesearch

Scott W. Bailey; James W. Hornbeck; Charles T. Driscoll; Henri E. Gaudette

1996-01-01

Depletion of Ca in forests and its effects on forest health are poorly quantified. Depletion has been difficult to document due to limitations in determining rates at which Ca becomes available for ecosystem processes through weathering, and difficulty in determining changes in ecosystem storage. We coupled a detailed analysis of Sr isotopic composition with a mass...

Redistribution of exchangeable calcium, magnesium, and aluminum following lime or gypsum applications to a Brazilian Oxisol

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

Pavan, M.A.; Bingham, F.T.; Pratt, P.F.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out with 16 columns of an undisturbed Oxisol that had sufficient subsoil acidity to restrict root growth of a wide variety of crop plants. The objective was to determine the effects of surface applied CaCO/sub 3/, CaSO/sub 4/ x 2H/sup 2/O, and water on subsoil pH and exchangeable Al, Ca, and Mg. Eight soil columns were treated with CaCO/sub 3/ or CaSO/sub 4/ x 2H/sup 2/O at rates equal to 0.25 and 1.50 x the lime equivalent (KCL-extractable Al). The irrigation treatments consisted of trickle irrigation applied at 8.94 and 17.88 mm day/sup -1/ formore » 6 months. These treatments were superimposed on the amendment treatments. Observations included volume and composition of drainage water during the course of the experiment and chemical composition of the soil column by depth increments once the irrigation treatments were completed. Soil analysis included pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), exchangeable cations, and composition of saturation extracts of soil. Effects of CaCO/sub 3/ treatments were observed only in the upper 20 cm of the profiles irrespective of irrigation and fertilizer treatments. The CaCO/sub 3/ treatments increased soil pH, CEC, and exchangeable Al; and CaSO/sub 4/ x 2H/sup 2/O treatments reduced the level of exchangeable Al and Mg throughout the 100-cm depth profiles while increasing the level of exhangeable Ca. Soil pH and CEC were unaffected by the latter treatment. Based on the effectiveness of CaSO/sup 4/ x 2H/sup 2/O in reducing exchangeable Al and Mg while increasing exchangeable Ca, the combination of dolomitic lime and gypsum appears to be an appropriate amendment treatment for Oxisols with toxic concentrations of available Al.« less

Novel Methods of Determining Urinary Calculi Composition: Petrographic Thin Sectioning of Calculi and Nanoscale Flow Cytometry Urinalysis

PubMed Central

Gavin, Carson T; Ali, Sohrab N; Tailly, Thomas; Olvera-Posada, Daniel; Alenezi, Husain; Power, Nicholas E; Hou, Jinqiang; St. Amant, Andre H; Luyt, Leonard G; Wood, Stephen; Wu, Charles; Razvi, Hassan; Leong, Hon S

2016-01-01

Accurate determination of urinary stone composition has significant bearing on understanding pathophysiology, choosing treatment modalities and preventing recurrence. A need exists for improved methods to determine stone composition. Urine of 31 patients with known renal calculi was examined with nanoscale flow cytometry and the calculi collected during surgery subsequently underwent petrographic thin sectioning with polarized and fluorescent microscopy. Fluorescently labeled bisphosphonate probes (Alendronate-fluorescein/Alendronate-Cy5) were developed for nanoscale flow cytometry to enumerate nanocrystals that bound the fluorescent probes. Petrographic sections of stones were also imaged by fluorescent and polarized light microscopy with composition analysis correlated to alendronate +ve nanocrystal counts in corresponding urine samples. Urine samples from patients with Ca2+ and Mg2+ based calculi exhibited the highest alendronate +ve nanocrystal counts, ranging from 100–1000 nm in diameter. This novel urine based assay was in agreement with composition determined by petrographic thin sections with Alendronate probes. In some cases, high alendronate +ve nanocrystal counts indicated a Ca2+ or Mg2+ composition, as confirmed by petrographic analysis, overturning initial spectrophotometric diagnosis of stone composition. The combination of nanoscale flow cytometry and petrographic thin sections offer an alternative means for determining stone composition. Nanoscale flow cytometry of alendronate +ve nanocrystals alone may provide a high-throughput means of evaluating stone burden. PMID:26771074

Improvement of the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of biodegradable β-Ca3(PO4)2/Mg-Zn composites prepared by powder metallurgy: the adding β-Ca3(PO4)2, hot extrusion and aging treatment.

PubMed

Yan, Yang; Kang, Yijun; Li, Ding; Yu, Kun; Xiao, Tao; Deng, Youwen; Dai, Han; Dai, Yilong; Xiong, Hanqing; Fang, Hongjie

2017-05-01

In this study, 10%β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-6%Zn (wt.%) composites with Mg-6%Zn alloy as control were prepared by powder metallurgy. After hot extrusion, the as-extruded composites were aged for 72h at 150°C. The effects of the adding β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , hot extrusion and aging treatment on their microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated. The XRD results identified α-Mg, MgZn phase and β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 phase in these composites. After hot extrusion, grains were significantly refined, and the larger-sized β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 particles and coarse MgZn phases were broken into linear-distributed β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and MgZn phases along the extrusion direction. After aging treatment, the elements of Zn, Ca, P and O presented a more homogeneous distribution. The compressive strengths of the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites were approximately double those of natural bone, and their densities and elastic moduli matched those of natural bone. The immersion tests and electrochemical tests revealed that the adding β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 , hot extrusion and aging treatment could promote the formation of protective corrosion product layer on the sample surface in Ringer's solution, which improved corrosion resistance of the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites. The XRD results indicated that the corrosion product layer contained Mg(OH) 2 , β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and hydroxyapatite (HA). The cytotoxicity assessments showed the as-extruded β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composite aged for 72h was harmless to L-929 cells. These results suggested that the β-Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /Mg-Zn composites prepared by powder metallurgy were promising to be used for bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Possibility of adjusting the photoluminescence spectrum of Ca scheelites to the emission spectrum of incandescent lamps: [ nCaWO4-(1- n)CaMoO4]: Eu3+ solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bakovets, V. V.; Zolotova, E. S.; Antonova, O. V.; Korol'kov, I. V.; Yushina, I. V.

2016-12-01

The specific features of the photoluminescence of [ nCaWO4-(1- n)CaMoO4]:Eu3+ solid solutions with the scheelite structure are examined using X-ray phase analysis and photoluminescence, Raman scattering, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The studied features are associated with a change in the long- and short-range orders of the crystal lattice upon variations in the composition of solutions in the range n = 0-1.0 (with a pitch of 0.2) at a concentration of red photoluminescence activator Eu3+ of 2 mol %. The mechanism of the modification of photoluminescence of solid solutions upon variations in their composition has been discussed. Anomalies in the variations in parameters of the crystal lattice, its short-range order, and luminescence spectra have been observed in the transition from pure compounds CaMoO4:Eu3+ and CaWO4:Eu3+ to solutions; the concentration of Eu3+ ions in the centrosymmetric localization increases (decreases) in the transition from the molybdate (tungstate). It has been demonstrated that the spectral radiant emittance of solid solution [0.4CaWO4-0.6CaMoO4]:Eu3+ (2 mol %) is the closest to that of an incandescent lamp.

The binary system K2SO4CaSO4

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rowe, J.J.; Morey, G.W.; Hansen, I.D.

1965-01-01

The binary system K2SO4CaSO4 was studied by means of heating-cooling curves, differential thermal analysis, high-temperature quenching technique and by means of a heating stage mounted on an X-ray diffractometer. Compositions and quench products were identified optically and by X-ray. Limited solid solution of CaSO4 in K2SO4 was found. There is a eutectic at 875??C and 34 wt. per cent CaSO4. Calcium langbeinite melts incongruently at 1011??C. The melting-point of CaSO4 (1462??C) was determined by the quenching technique using sealed platinum tubes. The only intermediate crystalline phase found in the system is K2SO4??2CaSO4 (calcium langbeinite). ?? 1965.

Fluorescence, electrophoretic and chromatographic fingerprints of herbal medicines and their comparative chemometric analysis.

PubMed

Mazina, Jekaterina; Vaher, Merike; Kuhtinskaja, Maria; Poryvkina, Larisa; Kaljurand, Mihkel

2015-07-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the polyphenolic compositions of 47 medicinal herbs (HM) and four herbal tea mixtures from Central Estonia by rapid, reliable and sensitive Spectral Fluorescence Signature (SFS) method in a front face mode. The SFS method was validated for the main identified HM representatives including detection limits (0.037mgL(-1) for catechin, 0.052mgL(-1) for protocatechuic acid, 0.136mgL(-1) for chlorogenic acid, 0.058mgL(-1) for syringic acid and 0.256mgL(-1) for ferulic acid), linearity (up to 5.0-15mgL(-1)), intra-day precision (RSDs=6.6-10.6%), inter-day precision (RSDs=6.4-13.8%), matrix effect (-15.8 to +5.5) and recovery (85-107%). The phytochemical fingerprints were differentiated by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) combined with hierarchical cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA). HM were clustered into four main clusters (catechin-like, hydroxycinnamic acid-like, dihydrobenzoic acid-like derivatives containing HM and HM with low/very low content of fluorescent constituents) and 14 subclusters (rich, medium, low/very low contents). The average accuracy and precision of CA for validation HM set were 97.4% (within 85.2-100%) and 89.6%, (within 66.7-100%), respectively. PARAFAC-PCA/CA has improved the analysis of HM by the SFS method. The results were verified by two separation methods CE-DAD and HPLC-DAD-MS also combined with PARAFAC-PCA/CA. The SFS-PARAFAC-PCA/CA method has potential as a rapid and reliable tool for investigating the fingerprints and predicting the composition of HM or evaluating the quality and authenticity of different standardised formulas. Moreover, SFS-PARAFAC-PCA/CA can be implemented as a laboratory and/or an onsite method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High resolution analysis of trace elements in corals by laser ablation ICP-MS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sinclair, Daniel J.; Kinsley, Leslie P. J.; McCulloch, Malcolm T.

1998-06-01

A method has been developed using laser ablation inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for rapid high resolution analysis of B, Mg, Sr, Ba, and U in corals. Corals represent a challenge for a microbeam technique due to their compositional and structural heterogeneity, their nonsilicate matrix, and their unusual range of trace element compositions relative to available standards. The method employs an argon-fluoride excimer laser (λ = 193 nm), masked to produce a beam 600 μm wide by 20 μm across to average ablation sampling over a range of structural features. Coral sections are scanned at a constant rate beneath the laser to produce a continuous sampling of the coral surface. Sensitivity drift is controlled by careful preconditioning of the ICP-MS to carbonate material, and standardisation is carried out by bracketing each traverse down the coral sample by analyses of a CaSiO 3 glass synthesised from coral powder. The method demonstrates excellent reproducibility of both the shape and magnitude of coralline trace element profiles, with typical precisions of between 1.0 and 3.7% based on analysis of the synthetic standard. Accuracy varies between 3.8% for B and 31% for U. Discrepancies are attributed to heterogeneities in the synthetic standard, and matrix differences between the silicate standard and carbonate sample. The method is demonstrated by analysis of a coral collected from Australia's Great Barrier Reef near a weather station recording in-situ sea-surface-temperature (SST). The elements B, Mg, Sr, and U show seasonal compositional cycles, and tentative calibrations against SST have been derived. Using independent ICP-MS solution estimates of the coral composition to correct for standardisation uncertainties, the following calibrations have been derived: B/Ca (μmol/mol)= 1000 (±20)- 20.6 (±0.8)× SSTMg/Ca (mmol/mol)= 0.0 (±0.3)+ 0.16 (±0.01)× SSTSr/Ca (mmol/mol)= 10.8 (±0.1)- 0.070 (±0.004)× SSTU/Ca (μmol/mol)= 2.24 (±0.07)- 0.046 (±0.003)× SSTl These calibrations agree with literature within experimental errors, except for Mg which displays a 35% greater temperature dependence than reported previously. None of the elements in the coral appear to be sensitive to decreases in salinity associated with heavy rainfall in the summer of 1991/1992.

Preparation of zeolite-A/chitosan hybrid composites and their bioactivities and antimicrobial activities.

PubMed

Yu, Liang; Gong, Jie; Zeng, Changfeng; Zhang, Lixiong

2013-10-01

Zeolite-A/chitosan hybrid composites with zeolite contents of 20-55 wt.% were prepared by in situ transformation of silica/chitosan mixtures in a sodium aluminate alkaline solution through impregnation-gelation-hydrothermal synthesis. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mercury penetration porosimetry. Their in vitro bioactivities were examined using as-synthesized and Ca(2+)-exchanged hybrid composites in simulated body fluid (SBF) for hydroxyapatite (HAP) growth. Their antimicrobial activities for Escherichia coli (E. coli) in trypticase soy broth (TSB) were evaluated using Ag(+)-exchanged hybrid composites. The zeolite-A/chitosan hybrid composites could be prepared as various shapes, including cylinders, plates and thin films. They possessed macropores with pore sizes ranging from 100 to 300 μm and showed compressive mechanical strength as high as 3.2 MPa when the zeolite content was 35 wt.%. Fast growth on the Ca(2+)-exchanged hybrid composites was observed with the highest weight gain of 51.4% in 30 days. The 35 wt.% Ag(+)-exchanged hybrid composite showed the highest antimicrobial activity, which could reduce the 9×10(6) CFU mL(-1)E. coli concentration to zero within 4h of incubation time with the Ag(+)-exchanged hybrid composite amount of 0.4 g L(-1). The bioactivity and antimicrobial activity could be combined by ion-exchanging the composites first with Ca(2+) and then with Ag(+). These zeolite-A/chitosan hybrid composites have potential applications on tissue engineering and antimicrobial food packaging. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel rechargeable calcium phosphate nanocomposite with antibacterial activity to suppress biofilm acids and dental caries.

PubMed

Al-Dulaijan, Yousif A; Cheng, Lei; Weir, Michael D; Melo, Mary Anne S; Liu, Huaibing; Oates, Thomas W; Wang, Lin; Xu, Hockin H K

2018-05-01

Rechargeable calcium phosphate (CaP) composites were developed recently. However, none of the rechargeable CaP composites was antibacterial. The objectives of this study were to develop the first rechargeable CaP composite that was antibacterial, and to investigate the effects of adding dimethylaminohexadecyl methacrylate (DMAHDM) into rechargeable CaP composite on ion rechargeability and re-release as well as biofilm properties. DMAHDM was synthesized via a Menschutkin reaction. Nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) were synthesized using a spray-drying technique. The resin contained ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (EBPADMA) and pyromellitic glycerol dimethacrylate (PMGDM). Two composites were fabricated: rechargeable NACP composite, and rechargeable NACP-DMAHDM composite. Mechanical properties and ion release and recharge were measured. A dental plaque microcosm biofilm model using saliva was tested. Flexural strength and elastic modulus of rechargeable NACP and NACP-DMAHDM composites matched commercial control composite (p > 0.1). NACP-DMAHDM inhibited biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid, and reduced biofilm colony-forming units (CFU) by 3-4 log. NACP and NACP-DMAHDM showed similar Ca and P ion recharge and re-release (p > 0.1). Therefore, adding DMAHDM did not compromise the ion rechargeability. One recharge yielded continuous release for 42 d. The release was maintained at the same level with increasing number of recharge cycles, indicating long-term ion release and remineralization capability. The first CaP rechargeable and antibacterial composite was developed. Adding DMAHDM into the rechargeable NACP composite did not adversely affect the Ca and P ion release and recharge, and the composite had much less biofilm growth and lactic acid production, with CFU reduction by 3-4 log. This novel CaP rechargeable composite with long-term remineralization and antibacterial properties is promising for tooth restorations to inhibit caries. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Composition characteristics and source analysis of major ions in four small lake-watersheds on the Tibetan Plateau, China].

PubMed

Li, He; Li, Jun; Liu, Xiao-Long; Yang, Xi; Zhang, Wei; Wang, Jie; Niu, Ying-Quan

2015-02-01

To investigate the ionic compositions of small lake-watersheds on the Tibetan Plateau, water samples from the brackish lakes (Pung Co (lake), Angrenjin Co and Dajia Co), the freshwater lake (Daggyaima Co), their inflowing rivers and the hot spring (Dagejia Geothermal Field), were collected during July-August 2013. The results showed that the major anions and cations of the brackish lakes were HCO3-, SO4(2-) and Na+, respectively, and the hydrochemical types were HCO3-SO4-Na and HCO3-Na. The major anions and cations of the inflowing rivers and the freshwater lake were HCO3-, SO4(2-) and Ca2+, Mg2+, respectively, and the hydrochemical types were HCO3-Ca, HCO3-Ca-Mg, HCO3-Mg-Ca, HCO3-SO4-Ca and SO4-HCO3- Ca. The major anions and cations of the hot spring were HCO3- and Na+, respectively, and the hydrochemical type was HCO3-Na. Water chemistry in the brackish lakes was primarily dominated by evaporation-crystallization processes, while the inflowing rivers and the freshwater lake were mainly influenced by carbonate weathering, and the hot spring was mainly controlled by hot water-granite interaction. Ca2+ was preferentially removed over Mg2+ from the water when carbonate minerals precipitation occured, which resulted in the high Mg2+/Ca2+ molar ratios of the brackish lakes. In the contribution of cation compositions, the largest contribution was carbonate weathering (54% - 79%), followed by silicate weathering (13% -29%) and evaperite dissolution (4% -23%), and the smallest was atmospheric input (3% - 7%).

Functional analysis of the omega-6 fatty acid desaturase (CaFAD2) gene family of the oil seed crop Crambe abyssinica

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Crambe abyssinica produces high erucic acid (C22:1, 55-60%) in the seed oil, which can be further increased by reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels. The omega-6 fatty acid desaturase enzyme (FAD2) is known to be involved in PUFA biosynthesis. In crambe, three CaFAD2 genes, CaFAD2-C1, CaFAD2-C2 and CaFAD2-C3 are expressed. Results The individual effect of each CaFAD2 gene on oil composition was investigated through studying transgenic lines (CaFAD2-RNAi) for differential expression levels in relation to the composition of seed-oil. Six first generation transgenic plants (T1) showed C18:1 increase (by 6% to 10.5%) and PUFA reduction (by 8.6% to 10.2%). The silencing effect in these T1-plants ranged from the moderate silencing (40% to 50% reduction) of all three CaFAD2 genes to strong silencing (95% reduction) of CaFAD2-C3 alone. The progeny of two T1-plants (WG4-4 and WG19-6) was further analysed. Four or five transgene insertions are characterized in the progeny (T2) of WG19-6 in contrast to a single insertion in the T2 progeny of WG4-4. For the individual T2-plants of both families (WG19-6 and WG4-4), seed-specific silencing of CaFAD2-C1 and CaFAD2-C2 was observed in several individual T2-plants but, on average in both families, the level of silencing of these genes was not significant. A significant reduction in expression level (P < 0.01) in both families was only observed for CaFAD2-C3 together with significantly different C18:1 and PUFA levels in oil. Conclusions CaFAD2-C3 expression is highly correlated to levels of C18:1 (r = -0.78) and PUFA (r = 0.75), which suggests that CaFAD2-C3 is the most important one for changing the oil composition of crambe. PMID:24083776

Seasonal dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations driven by cave ventilation: Implications for and modeling of speleothem paleoclimate records

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wong, C.I.; Banner, J.L.; Musgrove, M.

2011-01-01

A 4-year study in a central Texas cave quantifies multiple mechanisms that control dripwater composition and how these mechanisms vary at different drip sites. We monitored cave-air compositions, in situ calcite growth, dripwater composition and drip rate every 4-6weeks. Three groups of drip sites are delineated (Groups 1-3) based on geochemical variations in dripwater composition. Quantitative modeling of mineral-solution reactions within the host carbonate rock and cave environments is used to identify mechanisms that can account for variations in dripwater compositions. The covariation of Mg/Ca (and Sr/Ca) and Sr isotopes is key in delineating whether Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations are dictated by water-rock interaction (i.e., calcite or dolomite recrystallization) or prior calcite precipitation (PCP). Group 1 dripwater compositions reflects a narrow range of the extent of water-rock interaction followed by varying amounts of prior calcite precipitation (PCP). Group 2 dripwater compositions are controlled by varying amounts of water-rock interaction with little to no PCP influence. Group 3 dripwater compositions are dictated by variable extents of both water-rock interaction and PCP. Group 1 drip sites show seasonal variations in dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca, whereas the other drip sites do not. In contrast to the findings of most previous dripwater Mg/Ca-Sr/Ca studies, these seasonal variations (at Group 1 drip sites) are independent of changes in water flux (i.e., rainfall and/or drip rate), and instead significantly correlate with changes in cave-air CO2 concentrations. These results are consistent with lower cave-air CO2, related to cool season ventilation of the cave atmosphere, enhancing calcite precipitation and leading to dripwater geochemical evolution via PCP. Group 1 dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca seasonality and evidence for PCP as a mechanism that can account for that seasonality, have two implications for many other regions where seasonal ventilation of caves is likely: (1) speleothem trace-element records may provide seasonal signals, and (2) such records may be biased toward recording climate conditions during the season when calcite is depositing. Additionally, we use our results to construct a forward model that illustrates the types of speleothem Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations that would result from varying controls on dripwater compositions. The model provides a basis for interpreting paleo-dripwater controls from high frequency Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca variations for speleothems from caves at which long term monitoring studies are not feasible. ?? 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

Nano-fibrin stabilized CaSO4 crystals incorporated injectable chitin composite hydrogel for enhanced angiogenesis & osteogenesis.

PubMed

Arun Kumar, R; Sivashanmugam, A; Deepthi, S; Bumgardner, Joel D; Nair, Shantikumar V; Jayakumar, R

2016-04-20

Calcium sulfate (CaSO4), an excellent biodegradable bone forming agent that is an ideal choice as additive in gels, however, its disadvantage being poor gel rheology and angiogenesis. Here, we have synthesized chitin-CaSO4-nano-fibrin based injectable gel system which shows improved rheology and angiogenic potential. Rheological studies showed that the composite gel was a shear thinning gel with elastic modulus of 15.4±0.275kPa; a 1.67 fold increase over chitin control. SEM and XRD analyses revealed the effect of nano-fibrin (nFibrin) in transforming CaSO4 crystal shape from needle to hexagonal. It also masked the retarding effect of CaSO4 towards in vitro early cell attachment and angiogenesis using rabbit adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (rASCs) and HUVECs, respectively. rASCs osteogenesis was confirmed by spectrophotometric endpoint assay, which showed 6-fold early increase in alkaline phosphatase levels and immuno-cytochemistry analysis. These in vitro results highlight the potential of injectable chitin-CaSO4-nFibrin gel for osteo-regeneration via enhanced angiogenesis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Fabrication aspects of PLA-CaP/PLGA-CaP composites for orthopedic applications: a review.

PubMed

Zhou, Huan; Lawrence, Joseph G; Bhaduri, Sarit B

2012-07-01

For several decades, composites made of polylactic acid-calcium phosphates (PLA-CaP) and polylactic acid-co-glycolic acid-calcium phosphates (PLGA-CaP) have seen widespread uses in orthopedic applications. This paper reviews the fabrication aspects of these composites, following the ubiquitous materials science approach by studying "processing-structure-property" correlations. Various fabrication processes such as microencapsulation, phase separation, electrospinning, supercritical gas foaming, etc., are reviewed, with specific examples of their applications in fabricating these composites. The effect of the incorporation of CaP materials on the mechanical and biological performance of PLA/PLGA is addressed. In addition, this paper describes the state of the art on challenges and innovations concerning CaP dispersion, incorporation of biomolecules/stem cells and long-term degradation of the composites. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Identification and suppression of the p-coumaroyl CoA:hydroxycinnamyl alcohol transferase in Zea mays L.

PubMed Central

Marita, Jane M; Hatfield, Ronald D; Rancour, David M; Frost, Kenneth E

2014-01-01

Grasses, such as Zea mays L. (maize), contain relatively high levels of p-coumarates (pCA) within their cell walls. Incorporation of pCA into cell walls is believed to be due to a hydroxycinnamyl transferase that couples pCA to monolignols. To understand the role of pCA in maize development, the p-coumaroyl CoA:hydroxycinnamyl alcohol transferase (pCAT) was isolated and purified from maize stems. Purified pCAT was subjected to partial trypsin digestion, and peptides were sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. TBLASTN analysis of the acquired peptide sequences identified a single full-length maize cDNA clone encoding all the peptide sequences obtained from the purified enzyme. The cDNA clone was obtained and used to generate an RNAi construct for suppressing pCAT expression in maize. Here we describe the effects of suppression of pCAT in maize. Primary screening of transgenic maize seedling leaves using a new rapid analytical platform was used to identify plants with decreased amounts of pCA. Using this screening method, mature leaves from fully developed plants were analyzed, confirming reduced pCA levels throughout plant development. Complete analysis of isolated cell walls from mature transgenic stems and leaves revealed that lignin levels did not change, but pCA levels decreased and the lignin composition was altered. Transgenic plants with the lowest levels of pCA had decreased levels of syringyl units in the lignin. Thus, altering the levels of pCAT expression in maize leads to altered lignin composition, but does not appear to alter the total amount of lignin present in the cell walls. PMID:24654730

Identification and suppression of the p-coumaroyl CoA:hydroxycinnamyl alcohol transferase in Zea mays L.

PubMed

Marita, Jane M; Hatfield, Ronald D; Rancour, David M; Frost, Kenneth E

2014-06-01

Grasses, such as Zea mays L. (maize), contain relatively high levels of p-coumarates (pCA) within their cell walls. Incorporation of pCA into cell walls is believed to be due to a hydroxycinnamyl transferase that couples pCA to monolignols. To understand the role of pCA in maize development, the p-coumaroyl CoA:hydroxycinnamyl alcohol transferase (pCAT) was isolated and purified from maize stems. Purified pCAT was subjected to partial trypsin digestion, and peptides were sequenced by tandem mass spectrometry. TBLASTN analysis of the acquired peptide sequences identified a single full-length maize cDNA clone encoding all the peptide sequences obtained from the purified enzyme. The cDNA clone was obtained and used to generate an RNAi construct for suppressing pCAT expression in maize. Here we describe the effects of suppression of pCAT in maize. Primary screening of transgenic maize seedling leaves using a new rapid analytical platform was used to identify plants with decreased amounts of pCA. Using this screening method, mature leaves from fully developed plants were analyzed, confirming reduced pCA levels throughout plant development. Complete analysis of isolated cell walls from mature transgenic stems and leaves revealed that lignin levels did not change, but pCA levels decreased and the lignin composition was altered. Transgenic plants with the lowest levels of pCA had decreased levels of syringyl units in the lignin. Thus, altering the levels of pCAT expression in maize leads to altered lignin composition, but does not appear to alter the total amount of lignin present in the cell walls. © 2014 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The Growth and Characterization of the Bismuth Strontium-Calcium 2212 Superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moulton, Linda Vidale

A miniaturized float zone technique, sometimes referred to as the Laser-heated Pedestal Growth (LHPG) method, was used to produce high quality crystals of the incongruently melting rm Bi_2Sr_2CaCu _2O_{8+delta} (2212) superconductor. The main focus of this research was to (1) produce superconducting samples having different compositions, (2) identify the melt compositions and growth temperatures which produced these samples, and (3) determine the variation of their superconducting transition temperature (T _{rm C}) with composition and processing conditions. The rm Bi_2(Sr,Ca) _3Cu_2O_{8+delta} crystallization experiments were supplemented by a series of similar experiments on the incongruently melting compound rm Ca_3Al_2O_6. The phase equilibria in the CaO-rm Al_2O _3 system has been thoroughly studied, and by analyzing the float-zone growth of this simpler and better-characterized material, it was verified that phase equilibria information and solidification behavior could be extracted from and explained by these solidification experiments. Two different types of nonplanar, crystal/melt interface morphologies were observed in the rm Ca_3Al_2O_6 experiments. Each reflected the influence of the phase equilibria in the CaO-rm Al_2O_3 system and component segregation in the melt. The molten zone compositions were found to approach those predicted by the CaO-rm Al_2O_3 phase diagram as the growth rate decreased, in accordance with the Burton-Prim Slichter relationship. Excellent agreement was obtained between actual phases found to coexist at the rm Ca_3Al_2O_6 /melt interface and the predictions of classical crystal growth theory. Based on the results of the rm Ca _3Al_2O_6 crystallization study, the crystal/melt equilibria in the far more complex rm Bi_2O_3-SrO-CaO-CuO system was evaluated by determining the phases formed during the superconductor growth experiments. The melt compositions were found to be rm Bi_2O_3 -rich and SrO-poor relative to the compositions of the 2212 crystals grown from them. The CaO and CuO segregation coefficients, on the other hand, were observed to be near unity. As one would expect for an incongruently -melting compound, segregation at the solidification front generally decreased with increasing crystallization temperature, but all the segregation coefficients were not observed to simultaneously approach unity. The superconducting transition temperatures (T _{rm C}'s) of six as-crystallized samples having homogeneous crystal compositions were also measured. Sample T_{rm C} was observed to increase with increasing growth temperature and, therefore, change with crystal composition. The results of this study suggested that it is desirable to grow crystals at the highest possible crystallization temperature since they will: (1) have the highest as-grown T_{rm C} 's, and (2) solidify with the least component segregation at the growth interface. In addition, the analysis presented here suggests that such growth is not recommended at higher growth rates, since crystals with mid-range solidus compositions (and consequently, moderate growth temperatures) should crystallize most reliably as single-phase samples at higher growth rates.

Effects of synthesis techniques on chemical composition, microstructure and dielectric properties of Mg-doped calcium titanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jongprateep, Oratai; Sato, Nicha

2018-04-01

Calcium titanate (CaTiO3) has been recognized as a material for fabrication of dielectric components, owing to its moderate dielectric constant and excellent microwave response. Enhancement of dielectric properties of the material can be achieved through doping, compositional and microstructural control. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating effects of powder synthesis techniques on compositions, microstructure, and dielectric properties of Mg-doped CaTiO3. Solution combustion and solid-state reaction were powder synthesis techniques employed in preparation of undoped CaTiO3 and CaTiO3 doped with 5-20 at% Mg. Compositional analysis revealed that powder synthesis techniques did not exhibit a significant effect on formation of secondary phases. When Mg concentration did not exceed 5 at%, the powders prepared by both techniques contained only a single phase. An increase of MgO secondary phase was observed as Mg concentrations increased from 10 to 20 at%. Experimental results, on the contrary, revealed that powder synthesis techniques contributed to significant differences in microstructure. Solution combustion technique produced powders with finer particle sizes, which consequently led to finer grain sizes and density enhancement. High-density specimens with fine microstructure generally exhibit improved dielectric properties. Dielectric measurements revealed that dielectric constants of all samples ranged between 231 and 327 at 1 MHz, and that superior dielectric constants were observed in samples prepared by the solution combustion technique.

Structural and compositional characterization of synthetic (Ca,Sr)-tremolite and (Ca,Sr)-diopside solid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gottschalk, M.; Najorka, J.; Andrut, M.

Tremolite (CaxSr1-x)2Mg5[Si8O22/(OH)2] and diopside (CaxSr1-x)Mg[Si2O6] solid solutions have been synthesized hydrothermally in equilibrium with a 1 molar (Ca,Sr)Cl2 aqueous solution at 750°C and 200 MPa. The solid run products have been investigated by optical, electron scanning and high resolution transmission electron microscopy, electron microprobe, X-ray-powder diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized (Ca,Sr)-tremolites are up to 2000 µm long and 30 µm wide, the (Ca,Sr)-diopsides are up to 150 µm long and 20 µm wide. In most runs the tremolites and diopsides are well ordered and chain multiplicity faults are rare. Nearly pure Sr-tremolite (tr0.02Sr-tr0.98) and Sr-diopside (di0.01Sr-di0.99) have been synthesized. A continuous solid solution series, i.e. complete substitution of Sr2+ for Ca2+ on M4-sites exists for (Ca,Sr)-tremolite. Total substitution of Sr2+ for Ca2+ on M2-sites can be assumed for (Ca,Sr)-diopsides. For (Ca,Sr)-tremolites the lattice parameters a, b and β are linear functions of composition and increase with Sr-content whereas c is constant. For the diopside series all 4 lattice parameters are a linear function of composition; a, b, c increase and β decreases with rising Sr-content. The unit cell volume for tremolite increases 3.47% from 906.68 Å3 for tremolite to 938.21 Å3 for Sr-tremolite. For diopside the unit cell volume increases 4.87 % from 439.91 Å3 for diopside to 461.30 Å3 for Sr-diopside. The observed splitting of the OH stretching band in tremolite is caused by different configurations of the next nearest neighbors (multi mode behavior). Resolved single bands can be attributed to the following configurations on the M4-sites: SrSr, SrCa, CaCa and CaMg. The peak positions of these 4 absorption bands are a linear function of composition. They are shifted to lower wavenumbers with increasing Sr-content. No absorption band due to the SrMg configuration on the M4-site is observed. This indicates a very low or negligible cummingtonite component in Sr-rich tremolites, which is also supported by electron microprobe analysis.

Low-temperature synthesis of homogeneous solid solutions of scheelite-structured Ca 1-xSr xWO 4 and Sr 1-xBa xWO 4 nanocrystals

DOE PAGES

Culver, Sean P.; Greaney, Matthew J.; Tinoco, Antonio; ...

2015-07-24

Here, a series of compositionally complex scheelite-structured nanocrystals of the formula A 1-xA’ xWO 4 (A = Ca, Sr, Ba) have been prepared under benign synthesis conditions using the vapor diffusion sol–gel method. Discrete nanocrystals with sub-20 nm mean diameters were obtained after kinetically controlled hydro- lysis and polycondensation at room temperature, followed by composition-dependent thermal aging at or below 60 °C. Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction data and Raman spectroscopy verified the synthesis of continuous and phase-pure nanocrystal solid solutions across the entire composition space for A 1-xA’ xWO 4, where 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. Elemental analysis bymore » X-ray photoelectron and inductively coupled plasma- atomic emission spectroscopies demonstrated excellent agreement between the nominal and experi- mentally determined elemental stoichiometries, while energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy illustrated good spatial elemental homogeneity within these nanocrystals synthesized under benign conditions.« less

Rayleigh analysis of domain dynamics across temperature induced polymorphic phase transitions in lead-free piezoceramics (1‑x)(BaTi0.88Sn0.12)–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abebe, Mulualem; Brajesh, Kumar; Singh Malhotra, Jaskaran; Ranjan, Rajeev

2018-05-01

We carried out a Rayleigh analysis of the dielectric permittivity of a lead-free piezoceramic system (1‑x)(BaTi0.88Sn0.12)–x(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 across the composition and temperature induced polymorphic phase transformations to determine the trend in the reversible and irreversible domain wall motion across the composition and temperature induced structural changes. Experiments were carried out on three representative compositions x  =  0.10, 0.2, and 0.25 exhibiting rhombohedral, orthorhombic, and tetragonal phases at room temperature. While confirming that the irreversible Rayleigh parameter is large in the orthorhombic phase, we discuss a correspondence between the reduction in the coercive field and the corresponding increase in the irreversible Rayleigh parameter. We also show how the proximity of the Curie point to the polymorphic phase boundary greatly undermines this correspondence.

The Integration of Plant Sample Analysis, Laboratory Studies, and Thermodynamic Modeling to Predict Slag-Matte Equilibria in Nickel Sulfide Converting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, Taufiq; Shishin, Denis; Grimsey, David; Hayes, Peter C.; Jak, Evgueni

2018-02-01

The Kalgoorlie Nickel Smelter (KNS) produces low Fe, low Cu nickel matte in its Peirce-Smith converter operations. To inform process development in the plant, new fundamental data are required on the effect of CaO in slag on the distribution of arsenic between slag and matte. A combination of plant sample analysis, high-temperature laboratory experiments, and thermodynamic modeling was carried out to identify process conditions in the converter and to investigate the effect of slag composition on the chemical behavior of the system. The high-temperature experiments involved re-equilibration of industrial matte-slag-lime samples at 1498 K (1225 °C) and P(SO2) = 0.12 atm on a magnetite/quartz substrate, rapid quenching in water, and direct measurement of phase compositions using electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPMA) and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). A private thermodynamic database for the Ca-Cu-Fe-Mg-Ni-O-S-Si-(As) system was used together with the FactSage software package to assist in the analysis. Thermodynamic predictions combined with plant sample characterization and the present experimental data provide a quantitative basis for the analysis of the effect of CaO fluxing on the slag-matte thermochemistry during nickel sulfide converting, in particular on the spinel liquidus and the distribution of elements between slag and matte as a function of CaO addition.

Synthesis and characterization of rare-earth-doped calcium tungstate nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suneeta, P.; Rajesh, Ch.; Ramana, M. V.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we report synthesis and characterization of rare-earth-ion-doped calcium tungstate (CaWO4) nanocrystals (NCs). Rare-earth ions, such as gadolinium (Gd), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), samarium (Sm) and holmium (Ho), were successfully doped in the CaWO4 NCs by changing the synthesis conditions. The adopted synthesis route was found to be fast and eco-friendly. Structural characterizations, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and compositional analysis, were performed using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) on as-synthesized NCs. The results indicate the size of the NCs ranging between 47 to 68nm and incorporation of rare-earth ions in CaWO4 NCs.

Co-synthesis and drug delivery properties of mesoporous hydroxyapatite-silica composites.

PubMed

Zhao, Y F; Loo, S C J; Ma, J

2009-06-01

In this work, mesoporous hydroxyapatite-silica (HA-silica) composite materials with four different Si:Ca:P ratios were sol-gel derived through self-assembly using triblock copolymer Pluronics P123 as template. The composition and mesoporous structure formed were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The XRD patterns indicated that the intensity of the HA phase becomes stronger as the Ca/Si ratio of the composite increases. From nitrogen gas analysis at 77 K, type IV isotherm plots for typical mesoporous materials were observed for all of the samples. However, the mesoporous structure of HA-silica tends to becomes less ordered as the Ca/Si ratio increases. Promising consistency between the pore sizes from the Barrett, Joyner and Halenda (BJH) method, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Small Angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) was also observed. The formation mechanism of mesoporous HA-silica composites was proposed, where the interaction between the crystallization of HA and the surfactant liquid crystal determines the regularity of the meso-structure. In vitro drug loading and release studies showed that drug loading capacity is dependent on the pore volume of the sample, and the mesoporosity of the samples were responsible for the sustained release of drugs. In vitro cell culture of the samples showed promising biocompatibility where osteosarcoma cells were observed to grow favourably on the synthesized composites.

Surface complexation modeling of Cd(II) sorption to montmorillonite, bacteria, and their composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ning; Du, Huihui; Huang, Qiaoyun; Cai, Peng; Rong, Xingmin; Feng, Xionghan; Chen, Wenli

2016-10-01

Surface complexation modeling (SCM) has emerged as a powerful tool for simulating heavy metal adsorption processes on the surface of soil solid components under different geochemical conditions. The component additivity (CA) approach is one of the strategies that have been widely used in multicomponent systems. In this study, potentiometric titration, isothermal adsorption, zeta potential measurement, and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectra analysis were conducted to investigate Cd adsorption on 2 : 1 clay mineral montmorillonite, on Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, and their mineral-organic composite. We developed constant capacitance models of Cd adsorption on montmorillonite, bacterial cells, and mineral-organic composite. The adsorption behavior of Cd on the surface of the composite was well explained by CA-SCM. Some deviations were observed from the model simulations at pH < 5, where the values predicted by the model were lower than the experimental results. The Cd complexes of X2Cd, SOCd+, R-COOCd+, and R-POCd+ were the predominant species on the composite surface over the pH range of 3 to 8. The distribution ratio of the adsorbed Cd between montmorillonite and bacterial fractions in the composite as predicted by CA-SCM closely coincided with the estimated value of EXAFS at pH 6. The model could be useful for the prediction of heavy metal distribution at the interface of multicomponents and their risk evaluation in soils and associated environments.

Mechanical behavior and electrical conductivity of La1-xCaxCoO3 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.55) perovskites

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

Pathak, Siddhartha; Steinmetz, David; Kuebler, Jakob

2010-01-01

This paper compares the important mechanical properties and the electrical conductivities from room temperature to 800oC of four LaCoO3 based cobaltite compositions with 0, 20, 40 and 55% Ca2+ ions substituted on the A site of the perovskite structure respectively. Ca2+ doped lanthanum cobaltite materials are strong candidates for use as cathodes in lower temperature solid oxide fuel cells operating at or below 800oC. Among these four cobaltite compositions, two (LaCoO3 and La0.8Ca0.2CoO3) were found to be phase pure materials, whereas the remaining two compositions (La0.6Ca0.4CoO3 and La0.45Ca0.55CoO3) contained precipitation of secondary phases such as CaO and Co3O4. The mechanicalmore » properties of the four compositions, in terms of Young s modulus, four-point bending strength and fracture toughness measurements, were measured at both room temperature and 800oC. At room temperature, doping with Ca2+ was found to substantially increase the mechanical properties of the cobaltites, whereas at 800oC the pure LaCoO3 composition exhibited higher modulus and strength values than La0.8Ca0.2CoO3. All of the four compositions exhibited ferroelastic behavior, as shown by the hysteresis loops generated during uniaxial load-unload compression tests. Electrical conductivity measurements showed the La0.8Ca0.2CoO3 composition to have the highest conductivity among the four compositions.« less

Bioceramic/poly (glycolic)-poly (lactic acid) composite induces mineralized barrier after direct capping of rat tooth pulp tissue.

PubMed

Gala-Garcia, Alfonso; Teixeira, Karina Imaculada Rosa; Wykrota, Francisco Henrique Lana; Sinisterra, Rubén Dario; Cortés, Maria Esperanza

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to observe the histopathological pulp response following direct pulp capping of mechanically exposed teeth in rats with a composite of beta-tricalcium phosphate-hydroxyapatite bioceramic (BC) and poly (glycolic)-poly (lactic acid) (PLGA) material or a calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] material, compared to BC alone and a negative control of water. Pulp of the maxillary molars was exposed, followed by capping with the experimental material. The pulpal tissue response was assessed post-operatively at 1, 7, 14 and 30 d, followed by histological analysis. The Ca(OH)2 group exhibited severe acute inflammatory cell infiltration at day 14. However after 30 d, a new hard tissue with macro porous obliteration of the pulp chamber and a characteristic necrotic area had appeared. BC and Ca(OH)2 capping were associated with moderate inflammation and dentinal bridge similar. Meanwhile, in the BC/PLGA composite group, there was moderate inflammatory infiltrate and formation of a dense and complete dentinal bridge. In conclusion, the BC/PLGA composite material showed a large zone of tertiary dentin, and effectively reorganized the dentin-pulp complex.

Testing the chondrule-rich accretion model for planetary embryos using calcium isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amsellem, Elsa; Moynier, Frédéric; Pringle, Emily A.; Bouvier, Audrey; Chen, Heng; Day, James M. D.

2017-07-01

Understanding the composition of raw materials that formed the Earth is a crucial step towards understanding the formation of terrestrial planets and their bulk composition. Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in terrestrial planets and, therefore, is a key element with which to trace planetary composition. However, in order to use Ca isotopes as a tracer of Earth's accretion history, it is first necessary to understand the isotopic behavior of Ca during the earliest stages of planetary formation. Chondrites are some of the oldest materials of the Solar System, and the study of their isotopic composition enables understanding of how and in what conditions the Solar System formed. Here we present Ca isotope data for a suite of bulk chondrites as well as Allende (CV) chondrules. We show that most groups of carbonaceous chondrites (CV, CI, CR and CM) are significantly enriched in the lighter Ca isotopes (δ 44 / 40 Ca = + 0.1 to + 0.93 ‰) compared with bulk silicate Earth (δ 44 / 40 Ca = + 1.05 ± 0.04 ‰, Huang et al., 2010) or Mars, while enstatite chondrites are indistinguishable from Earth in Ca isotope composition (δ 44 / 40 Ca = + 0.91 to + 1.06 ‰). Chondrules from Allende are enriched in the heavier isotopes of Ca compared to the bulk and the matrix of the meteorite (δ 44 / 40 Ca = + 1.00 to + 1.21 ‰). This implies that Earth and Mars have Ca isotope compositions that are distinct from most carbonaceous chondrites but that may be like chondrules. This Ca isotopic similarity between Earth, Mars, and chondrules is permissive of recent dynamical models of planetary formation that propose a chondrule-rich accretion model for planetary embryos.

Chemical composition of groundwater/drinking water and oncological disease mortality in Slovak Republic.

PubMed

Rapant, S; Cvečková, V; Fajčíková, K; Dietzová, Z; Stehlíková, B

2017-02-01

This study deals with the analysis of relationship between chemical composition of the groundwater/drinking water and the data on mortality from oncological diseases (MOD) in the Slovak Republic. Primary data consist of the Slovak national database of groundwater analyses (20,339 chemical analyses, 34 chemical elements/compounds) and data on MOD (17 health indicators) collected for the 10-year period (1994-2003). The chemical and health data were unified in the same form and expressed as the mean values for each of 2883 municipalities within the Slovak Republic. Pearson and Spearman correlation as well as artificial neural network (ANN) methods were used for analysis of the relationship between chemical composition of groundwater/drinking water and MOD. The most significant chemical elements having influence on MOD were identified together with their limit values (limit and optimal contents). Based on the results of calculations, made through the neural networks, the following eight chemical elements/parameters in the groundwater were defined as the most significant for MOD: Ca + Mg (mmol l -1 ), Ca, Mg, TDS, Cl, HCO 3 , SO 4 and NO 3 . The results document the highest relationship between MOD and groundwater contents of Ca + Mg (mmol l -1 ), Ca and Mg. We observe increased MOD with low (deficit) contents of these three parameters of groundwater/drinking water. The following limit values were set for the most significant groundwater chemicals/parameters: Ca + Mg 1.73-5.85 mmol l -1 , Ca 60.5-196.8 mg l -1 and Mg 25.6-35.8 mg l -1 . At these concentration ranges, the mortality for oncological diseases in the Slovak Republic is at the lowest levels. These limit values are about twice higher in comparison with the current Slovak valid guideline values for the drinking water.

Natural Silica Sand/Alumina Ceramic Composites: Promising Candidates for Fuel-Cell Sealants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hidayat, N.; Istiqomah; Widianto, M. Y. H.; Taufiq, A.; Sunaryono; Triwikantoro; Zainuri, M.; Baqiya, M. A.; Aristia, G.; Pratapa, S.

2017-05-01

An attempt has been developed to establish the prospect of the useful application of Indonesian natural silica sand, instead of commercially expensive materials, as a future fuel-cell sealant. The sand was initially washed and ball-milled at 150 rpm for 60 minutes and then heated at 1000 °C for the same duration. The resulting powder was then mixed with alumina powder at various amounts and shaped into discs before sintering at 1150 °C and 1250 °C to produce compact ceramics. The diameter shrinkage, porosity, and density of the ceramics were evaluated by Archimedes method. Their crystalline phase composition was quantified by Rietveld refinement analysis on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) data and the phase weight fraction was then used for coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) evaluation. It was observed that the bulk density increased while the porosity decreased with alumina addition. The XRD data analysis revealed that the prepared silica sand contains a very high purity of quartz-SiO2, i.e. 97.8(18)%. The sintering temperatures of 1150 °C and 1250 °C transformed some quartz-SiO2 to crystobalite-SiO2. All the calcite-CaCO3 exhibited reaction sintering with SiO2 forming wollastonite-CaSiO3. Therefore, the ceramic composites contained SiO2/Al2O3/CaSiO3. Regarding CTE, all of the composites meet the criteria for fuel-cell sealants, in the range of 9-12 ppm/°C.

Electrical and thermal properties of Ca and Ni doped barium ferrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agrawal, Shraddha; Parveen, Azra; Azam, Ameer

2018-05-01

Ca and Ni doped M type Barium ferrite of the composition ((Ba0.9Ca0.1) (Fe0.8 Ni0.2)12O19) were prepared by the traditional sol gel auto combustion method using citric acid as a fuel. Microstructural analyses were carried out with the help of XRD and SEM. XRD analysis is the evidence of nanometer regime along with crystalline planes of hexagonal structure. It also confirms the hexagonal structure of barium ferrite even with the doping of Ca and Ni. SEM analysis is the signature of the spherical shape and surface morphology of agglomerated form of nano-powders of doped samples. The thermal properties of samples were carried out with the help of TGA. That shows the variation of weight loss of the prepared sample with the temperature.

The synthesis and characterization of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy by powder metallurgy process

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

Annur, Dhyah; Franciska, P.L.; Erryani, Aprilia

Known for its biodegradation and biocompatible properties, magnesium alloys have gained many interests to be researched as implant material. In this study, Mg-3Zn-1Ca, Mg-29Zn-1Ca, and Mg-53Zn-4.3Ca (in wt%) were synthesized by means of powder metallurgy method. The compression strength and corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy were thoroughly examined. The microstructures of the alloy were characterized using optical microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, and also X-ray diffraction analysis. The corrosion resistance were evaluated using electrochemical analysis. The result indicated that Mg- Zn- Ca alloy could be synthesized using powder metallurgy method. This study showed that Mg-29Zn-1Ca would make the highest mechanical strengthmore » up to 159.81 MPa. Strengthening mechanism can be explained by precipitation hardening and grain refinement mechanism. Phase analysis had shown the formation of α Mg, MgO, and intermetallic phases: Mg2Zn11 and also Ca2Mg6Zn3. However, when the composition of Zn reach 53% weight, the mechanical strength will be decreasing. In addition, all of Mg-Zn-Ca alloy studied here had better corrosion resistance (Ecorr around -1.4 VSCE) than previous study of Mg. This study indicated that Mg- 29Zn- 1Ca alloy can be further analyzed to be a biodegradable implant material.« less

Calcium Isotopic Compositions of Forearc Sediments from DSDP Site 144

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Z.; Zhu, H.; Nan, X.; Li, X.; Huang, F.

2016-12-01

It is important to investigate calcium isotopic compositions of reservoirs of the Earth for better application of Ca isotopes into studies of a variety of geochemical problems. Because Ca isotopic compositions for igneous rocks and carbonates are increasingly reported, this maybe bring new requirements on carefully understanding the isotopic compositions of subducted marine sediments. Marine sediments mainly contains carbonates and clays, controlling the compositions of slab-derived materials which are added to the mantle wedge. Obviously, it could have different elemental and calcium isotopic compositions with marine carbonate. Thus, it could also put biases on calcium isotopic signatures of basalts resulted from recycling oceanic carbonate into the mantle. Here, we report calcium isotopic compositions of 17 sediment samples from Deep Sea Drilling Project (DSDP) site 144 (09°27.23' N, 54°20.52' W) which is located about 400 km north of Surinam on the northern flank of the Demerara Rise with a water depth of 2957 meters. These samples have CaO contents ranging from 14.56 wt.% to 41.46 wt.% with an average of 29.61 ± 18.21 (2SD), δ44/40Ca ranges from 0.19 to 0.58 (relative to SRM915a) with an average of 0.40 ± 0.22 (2SD). These carbonate-rich sediments can be used to represent an endmember with high CaO content and low δ44/40Ca, which could modify chemical composition of the upper mantle and subduction zone lavas if they are recycled to the convective mantle during subduction. The positive linear correlation between CaO and δ44/40Ca in the sediments cannot be explained by a simple mixing between marine carbonate and clay. Instead, δ44/40Ca of these samples roughly increase from the Upper Cretaceous to the Early Oligocene, which might reflect the evolution of calcium isotopic compositions of seawater through time.

Mechanical and Morphological Study of Synthesized PMMA/CaCO3 Nano composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alam Md., Azad; Arif, Sajjad; Ansari, Akhter H.

2017-08-01

In this study, Nano-composites have been synthesized in which PMMA is the matrix material and calcium carbonate nanoparticles as the filler by In-situ polymerization reaction. Nano-CaCO3 added during polymerization and the quantity of nano-CaCO3 varied as 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 wt. % of monomer quantity. The Nano-composites were prepared at three distinct stirring speeds 600, 800, 1000 rpm in order to observe the property with respect to stirring speeds. XRD gram depicts that the presence of nano-CaCO3 has given crystalline nature to Nano-composites. The effects of different concentrations of nano-CaCO3 loading on PMMA morphology were studied by using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical property is increasing with the stirring speed and concentration. Relative to neat PMMA a 62% increase in impact strength were observed in PMMA based Nano-composites using 0.6 wt.% nano-CaCO3.

Histochemical changes of occlusal surface enamel of permanent teeth, where dental caries is questionable vs sound enamel surfaces.

PubMed

Michalaki, M; Oulis, C J; Pandis, N; Eliades, G

2016-12-01

This in vitro study was to classify questionable for caries occlusal surfaces (QCOS) of permanent teeth according to ICDAS codes 1, 2, and 3 and to compare them in terms of enamel mineral composition with the areas of sound tissue of the same tooth. Partially impacted human molars (60) extracted for therapeutic reasons with QCOS were used in the study, photographed via a polarised light microscope and classified according to the ICDAS II (into codes 1, 2, or 3). The crowns were embedded in clear self-cured acrylic resin and longitudinally sectioned at the levels of the characterised lesions and studied by SEM/EDX, to assess enamel mineral composition of the QCOS. Univariate and multivariate random effect regressions were used for Ca (wt%), P (wt%), and Ca/P (wt%). The EDX analysis indicated changes in the Ca and P contents that were more prominent in ICDAS-II code 3 lesions compared to codes 1 and 2 lesions. In these lesions, Ca (wt%) and P (wt%) concentrations were significantly decreased (p = 0.01) in comparison with sound areas. Ca and P (wt%) contents were significantly lower (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01 respectively) for code 3 areas in comparison with codes 1 and 2 areas. Significantly higher (p = 0.01) Ca (wt%) and P (wt%) contents were found on sound areas compared to the lesion areas. The enamel of occlusal surfaces of permanent teeth with ICDAS 1, 2, and 3 lesions was found to have different Ca/P compositions, necessitating further investigation on whether these altered surfaces might behave differently on etching preparation before fissure sealant placement, compared to sound surfaces.

User Guide for GoldSim Model to Calculate PA/CA Doses and Limits

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

Smith, F.

2016-10-31

A model to calculate doses for solid waste disposal at the Savannah River Site (SRS) and corresponding disposal limits has been developed using the GoldSim commercial software. The model implements the dose calculations documented in SRNL-STI-2015-00056, Rev. 0 “Dose Calculation Methodology and Data for Solid Waste Performance Assessment (PA) and Composite Analysis (CA) at the Savannah River Site”.

Characterisation of Sol-Gel Synthesis of Phase Pure CaTiO3 Nano Powders after Drying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallik, P. K.; Biswal, G.; Patnaik, S. C.; Senapati, S. K.

2015-02-01

According to a few recent studies, calcium titanate (CT) is a material that is similar to hydroxyapatite in biological properties. However, calcium titanate is not currently being used in the biomedical applications as to hydroxyapatite. The objective is to prepare nano calcium titanate powders from the equimolar solution of calcium oxide, ethanol and Titanium (IV) isopropoxide via sol-gel synthesis. The phase analysis and morphology of powder particles were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the composition and size of powder particles were determined by Transmission electron microscope (TEM) attached with energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). As results, XRD confirm the presence of phase pure crystalline CaTiO3 after drying at 100°C for 24 hours, while TEM analysis confirms about 13 nm sizes of CaTiO3 particles and some agglomerated particle of 20-30 nm. Moreover, EDS analysis indicates that the approximately stoichiometric Ca/Ti ratio 1:1 was obtained in the CaTiO3 powders. Finally, it can be concluded that described sol-gel synthesis could be novel method for the production of nano CaTiO3 particles at lower temperature compared to any other methods of production.

Microstructure and dielectric properties of cellulose acetate-ZnO/ITO composite films based on water hyacinth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diantoro, M.; Mustikasari, A. A.; Wijayanti, N.; Yogihati, C.; Taufiq, A.

2017-05-01

The electrical properties of Cellulose Acetate (CA), especially extracted from water hyacinth, is rarely informed. CA is generally more stable compared to its cellulose. It has a good potential for electronic application with specific modifications such as inducing metal oxide. A combination of intrinsic properties of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and CA is expected as a great potential for electrical and optical applications. CA-ZnO/ITO composite film was investigated in relation with its structure, dielectric constant, and the effect of light intensity on their dielectric constant. CA-ZnO composite films were prepared with different mass of ZnO i.e. 0; 0,02; 0,04; 0,06 and 0,08 grams. CA-ZnO solution was synthesized via the mixing method with PEG:DMF solvents by using a magnetic hotplate stirrer with the rotation rate of 1500 rpm at 80°C. The CA-ZnO solution was then deposited onto ITO/glass substrate by using spin coating technique. The CA-ZnO/ITO films were annealed at 160°C to remove the remaining solvents. The effects of ZnO composition on the structure (crystallinity and morphology) and dielectric constant properties were investigated by using X-Ray Diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and LCR meter. It was shown that cellulose can be isolated from water hyacinth with the yield of 67,72 % by Chesson method and can further be transformed into CA. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed that there are 2 phases formed i.e. CA and ZnO. Furthermore, greater ZnO amount increased the crystallinity of composite films. The CA-ZnO films exhibit porous films with ZnO distributed on the CA surface films. Therefore, ZnO increases the dielectric constant of CA-ZnO composite films.

Comparative carcass and tissue nutrient composition of transgenic Yorkshire pigs expressing phytase in the saliva and conventional Yorkshire pigs.

PubMed

Forsberg, C W; Meidinger, R G; Ajakaiye, A; Murray, D; Fan, M Z; Mandell, I B; Phillips, J P

2014-10-01

A transgenic line of Yorkshire (YK) pigs named the Cassie (CA) line was produced with a low copy number phytase transgene inserted in the genome. The transgenic line efficiently digests P, Ca, and other major minerals of plant dietary origin. The objectives of this study were to 1) compare carcass and tissue nutrient composition and meat quality traits for third generation hemizygous CA line market BW finisher pigs (n = 24) with age-matched conventional YK finisher pigs (n = 24) and 2) examine effects of outbreeding with high-index conventional YK boars on modifying carcass leanness from the third to sixth generations in CA line finisher boars (n = 73) and gilts (n = 103). Cassie boars (n = 12) and CA gilts (n = 12) were fed diets without supplemental P and comparable numbers of age-matched YK boars and gilts fed diets containing supplement P were raised throughout the finisher phase. The pigs were slaughtered and then fabricated into commercial pork primals before meat composition and quality evaluation. Proximate and major micronutrient composition was determined on tissues including fat, kidney, lean, liver, and skin. The main difference observed was greater (P = 0.033) crude fat content in CA boar carcasses and increased (P < 0.04) leaf lard in both CA boars and gilts but no differences were observed (P = 0.895 and P = 0.223, respectively) in carcass backfat thickness as compared with YK pigs. There were no substantive differences in tissue composition, except for CA boar kidneys. Numerous changes in the mineral, fatty acid, and indispensable AA composition for CA boar kidneys were not apparent in CA gilts. These changes may point to adaptive physiological changes in the boar kidney necessary for homeostatic regulation of mineral retention related to phytase action rather than to insertion of the transgene. However, from a meat composition perspective, transgenic expression of phytase in the CA line of YK pigs had little overall effect on meat composition. Outbreeding of high-index CA gilts with high-index commercial YK boars linearly reduced (P = 0.002) back fat thickness with a corresponding linear increase (P = 0.001) in lean yield in finisher CA gilts, although no change in these parameters was observed in CA finisher boars. The increase in lean yield in CA gilts by selective breeding without affecting the level of salivary phytase activity documents the value of conventional genetic selection in conjunction with genetic modification.

Spectral identifiers from roasting process of Arabica and Robusta green beans using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wirani, Ayu Puspa; Nasution, Aulia; Suyanto, Hery

2016-11-01

Coffee (Coffea spp.) is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world. World coffee consumption is around 70% comes from Arabica, 26% from Robusta , and the rest 4% from other varieties. Coffee beverages characteristics are related to chemical compositions of its roasted beans. Usually testing of coffee quality is subjectively tasted by an experienced coffee tester. An objective quantitative technique to analyze the chemical contents of coffee beans using LIBS will be reported in this paper. Optimum experimental conditions was using of 120 mJ of laser energy and delay time 1 μs. Elements contained in coffee beans are Ca, W, Sr, Mg, Na, H, K, O, Rb, and Be. The Calcium (Ca) is the main element in the coffee beans. Roasting process will cause the emission intensity of Ca decreased by 42.45%. In addition, discriminant analysis was used to distinguish the arabica and robusta variants, either in its green and roasted coffee beans. Observed identifier elements are Ca, W, Sr, and Mg. Overall chemical composition of roasted coffee beans are affected by many factors, such as the composition of the soil, the location, the weather in the neighborhood of its plantation, and the post-harvesting process of the green coffee beans (drying, storage, fermentation, and roasting methods used).

EPR measurement of the effect of glass composition on the oxidation states of europium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, R. V.; Haskin, L. A.

1974-01-01

An investigation was conducted concerning the dependence of the concentration ratio of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) on composition for silicate liquids whose compositional end members are CaAl2Si2O8 and MgSiO3, MG2SiO4, CaMgSi2O6, CaMgSiO4, CaSiO3, or Ca2SiO4. The liquids were quenched to produce glasses. An electron paramagnetic resonance spectrometer was used to determine the concentration ratios of Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) in the glasses.

Comparative dielectric studies of nanostructured BaTiO{sub 3}, CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}⋅ 0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} nano-composites synthesized by modified sol–gel and solid state methods

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

Singh, Laxman; Rai, Uma Shanker; Mandal, Kam Deo

2014-10-15

BaTiO{sub 3} (BTO), CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} (CCTO) and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}·0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} (BTO–CCTO), as a new nano-composite ceramic, were successfully designed and fabricated by a semi-wet gel route and a modified solid state method. The dielectric properties of the BTO–CCTO ceramic were compared to those of the BTO and CCTO ceramics at lower sintering temperatures and durations. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the BTO and CCTO ceramics form a single crystalline phase and the average crystalline sizes calculated from X-ray diffraction data were in the range of 40–65 nm. The particle sizes of the BTO, CCTO, andmore » BTO–CCTO ceramics obtained from transmission electron microscopy images were in the ranges of 40–65 nm, 80–110 nm, and 70–95 nm, respectively. The phase composition and microstructure were studied by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The energy dispersive X-ray results demonstrated the purity and stoichiometry of the BTO–CCTO nano-composite. The grain sizes of the BTO, CCTO and BTO–CCTO ceramics were found to be in the ranges of 500 nm–1 μm, 4–24 μm, and 250 nm–4 μm, respectively. The AC conductivity as a function of frequency confirmed the semiconducting nature of all of the ceramics and obeyed the Jonscher's power law. The impedance spectrum measurement result showed that the CCTO ceramic possessed an exceptional grain boundary resistance, which supports the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) mechanism present in this ceramic and is responsible for the high ε{sub r} values. - Highlights: • Nanostructured BaTiO{sub 3}, CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}, and 0.5BaTiO{sub 3}⋅ 0.5CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} have been synthesized. • XRD and TEM analysis confirmed the formation of nanoparticles, 40–65 and 50–90 nm. • Impedance analysis shows high grain-boundary resistance present in CCTO ceramic. • AC conductivity as a function of frequency confirms the semiconducting nature.« less

Chemical composition and strength of dolomite geopolymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aizat, E. A.; Al Bakri, A. M. M.; Liew, Y. M.; Heah, C. Y.

2017-09-01

The chemical composition of dolomite and the compressive strength of dolomite geopolymer composites were studied. The both composites prepared with mechanical mixer manufactured by with rotor speed of 350 rpm and curing in the oven for 24 hours at 80˚C. XRF analysis showThe dolomite raw materials contain fewer amounts of Si and Al but high Ca in its composition. Dolomite geopolymer composites with 20M of NaOH shows greater and optimum compressive strength compared to dolomite geopolymer with other NaOH molarity. This indicated better interaction of dolomite raw material and alkaline activator need high molarity of NaOH in order to increase the reactivity of dolomite.

Energetics of Sn 2+ isomorphic substitution into hydroxylapatite: First-principles predictions

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

Weck, Philippe F.; Kim, Eunja

2016-11-04

In this study, the energetics of Sn 2+ substitution into the Ca 2+ sublattice of hydroxylapatite (HA), Ca 10(PO 4) 6(OH) 2, has been investigated within the framework of density functional theory. Calculations reveal that Sn 2+ incorporation via coupled substitutions at Ca(II) sites is energetically favourable up to a composition of Sn 6Ca 4(PO 4) 6(OH) 2, and further substitutions at Ca(I) sites proceed once full occupancy of Ca(II) sites by Sn 2+ is achieved. Compositions of Sn xCa 10–x(PO 4) 6(OH) 2 (x = 4–9) are predominant, with an optimal stoichiometry of Sn 8Ca 2(PO 4) 6(OH) 2,more » and Sn-substituted HA follows approximately Vegard's law across the entire composition range.« less

Thermite Reaction to Produce Artificial Reefs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trevino, Alexandro; Martirosyan, Karen; Kline, Richard

The degradation of coral reefs is an ecological issue that has prompted new collaboration by different scientific communities that would assist in the regeneration of the reefs. Unfortunately, these processes can be inefficient and extremely expensive prompting a new scientific approach by using solid-state combustion synthesis to regenerate the reefs. In this report we aimed to consolidate a multi-composite material to produce artificial reefs by initiating thermite reaction based on aluminum and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) with natural reefs. By Thermodynamic analysis and experimentation it was established that a range between .03-.07 number of moles of PTFE was sufficient to reach an adiabatic temperature of over 1900 K, a sustained reaction and a physically stable product was achieved. Reefs are primarily composed of carbonates but their exact chemical composition can vary. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to determine the chemical composition of the reef and revealed presence of oxides, carbonates, silicates. The dominant chemical compounds that were identified are, SiO2 -17%, MgSiO3-14.5%, CaCO3- 11.4%, Ca(Si3O4). Using our thermite reaction we aimed to achieve optimal physical, chemical, and biological properties and maintain cost efficiency of the multi-composite material.

Sol-gel synthesis and characterisation of nano-scale hydroxyapatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bilton, M.; Brown, A. P.; Milne, S. J.

2010-07-01

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) forms the main mineral component of bone and teeth. This naturally occurring HAp is in the form of nano-metre sized crystallites of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 that contain a number of cation and anion impurities, for example CO32-, F-, Na+, Mg2+ and Sr2+. Synthetic nano-sized HAp particles exhibit favourable biocompatibility and bioactivity and in order to better match the composition to natural HAp there is great interest in producing a range of chemically modified powders. In this study, two HAp powders have been synthesised via a water-based low-temperature sol-gel method and a third, commercial powder from Sigma-Aldrich have been analysed. Subsequent powder calcination has been carried out within the temperature range of 500-700 °C and the products characterised by bulk chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in the TEM has been used to assess the composition of individual HAp particles. In order to do this accurately it is first necessary to account for the sensitivity of the HAp structure and composition to irradiation by the high energy electron beam of the TEM. This was done by monitoring the estimated Ca/P ratio derived from TEM-EDX of stoichiometric HAp under increasing levels of electron fluence. A fluence threshold (at a given beam energy) was established below which the measured Ca/P ratio can be considered to be stable. Subsequent elemental analysis at or below this threshold has enabled the variation in composition between particles both within and between synthesis batches to be accurately assessed. Compositional variability between particles is also evident, even in the commercial powder, but is far greater in the powders prepared by the sol-gel method.

Altered Calcium Dynamics in Cardiac Cells Grown on Silane-Modified Surfaces

PubMed Central

Ravenscroft-Chang, Melissa S.; Stohlman, Jayna; Molnar, Peter; Natarajan, Anupama; Canavan, Heather E.; Teliska, Maggie; Stancescu, Maria; Krauthamer, Victor; Hickman, J.J.

2013-01-01

Chemically defined surfaces were created using self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of hydrophobic and hydrophilic silanes as models for implant coatings, and the morphology and physiology of cardiac myocytes plated on these surfaces were studied in vitro. We focused on changes in intracellular Ca2+ because of its essential role in regulating heart cell function. The SAM-modified coverslips were analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to verify composition. The morphology and physiology of the cardiac cells were examined using fluorescence microscopy and intracellular Ca2+ imaging. The imaging experiments used the fluorescent ratiometric dye fura-2, AM to establish both the resting Ca2+ concentration and the dynamic responses to electrical stimulation. A significant difference in excitation-induced Ca2+ changes on the different silanated surfaces was observed. However, no significant change was noted based on the morphological analysis. This result implies a difference in internal Ca2+ dynamics, and thus cardiac function, occurs when the composition of the surface is different, and this effect is independent of cellular morphology. This finding has implications for histological examination of tissues surrounding implants, the choice of materials that could be beneficial as implant coatings and understanding of cell-surface interactions in cardiac systems. PMID:19828193

Ab initio study of single-crystalline and polycrystalline elastic properties of Mg-substituted calcite crystals.

PubMed

Zhu, L-F; Friák, M; Lymperakis, L; Titrian, H; Aydin, U; Janus, A M; Fabritius, H-O; Ziegler, A; Nikolov, S; Hemzalová, P; Raabe, D; Neugebauer, J

2013-04-01

We employ ab initio calculations and investigate the single-crystalline elastic properties of (Ca,Mg)CO3 crystals covering the whole range of concentrations from pure calcite CaCO3 to pure magnesite MgCO3. Studying different distributions of Ca and Mg atoms within 30-atom supercells, our theoretical results show that the energetically most favorable configurations are characterized by elastic constants that nearly monotonously increase with the Mg content. Based on the first principles-derived single-crystalline elastic anisotropy, the integral elastic response of (Ca,Mg)CO3 polycrystals is determined employing a mean-field self-consistent homogenization method. As in case of single-crystalline elastic properties, the computed polycrystalline elastic parameters sensitively depend on the chemical composition and show a significant stiffening impact of Mg atoms on calcite crystals in agreement with the experimental findings. Our analysis also shows that it is not advantageous to use a higher-scale two-phase mix of stoichiometric calcite and magnesite instead of substituting Ca atoms by Mg ones on the atomic scale. Such two-phase composites are not significantly thermodynamically favorable and do not provide any strong additional stiffening effect. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calcium titanium silicate based glass-ceramic for nuclear waste immobilisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, K.; Srivastav, A. P.; Goswami, M.; Krishnan, Madangopal

2018-04-01

Titanate based ceramics (synroc) have been studied for immobilisation of nuclear wastes due to their high radiation and thermal stability. The aim of this study is to synthesis glass-ceramic with stable phases from alumino silicate glass composition and study the loading behavior of actinides in glass-ceramics. The effects of CaO and TiO2 addition on phase evolution and structural properties of alumino silicate based glasses with nominal composition x(10CaO-9TiO2)-y(10Na2O-5 Al2O3-56SiO2-10B2O3); where z = x/y = 1.4-1.8 are reported. The glasses are prepared by melt-quench technique and characterized for thermal and structural properties using DTA and Raman Spectroscopy. Glass transition and peak crystallization temperatures decrease with increase of CaO and TiO2 content, which implies the weakening of glass network and increased tendency of glasses towards crystallization. Sphene (CaTiSiO5) and perovskite (CaTiO3) crystalline phases are confirmed from XRD which are well known stable phase for conditioning of actinides. The microsturcture and elemental analysis indicate the presence of actinide in stable crystalline phases.

Biomimetic fabrication of a three-level hierarchical calcium phosphate/collagen/hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Zhou, Changchun; Ye, Xingjiang; Fan, Yujiang; Ma, Liang; Tan, Yanfei; Qing, Fangzu; Zhang, Xingdong

2014-09-01

A three-level hierarchical calcium phosphate/collagen/hydroxyapatite (CaP/Col/HAp) scaffold for bone tissue engineering was developed using biomimetic synthesis. Porous CaP ceramics were first prepared as substrate materials to mimic the porous bone structure. A second-level Col network was then composited into porous CaP ceramics by vacuum infusion. Finally, a third-level HAp layer was achieved by biomimetic mineralization. The three-level hierarchical biomimetic scaffold was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectra, x-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the mechanical properties of the scaffold were evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis. The results show that this scaffold exhibits a similar structure and composition to natural bone tissues. Furthermore, this three-level hierarchical biomimetic scaffold showed enhanced mechanical strength compared with pure porous CaP scaffolds. The biocompatibility and osteoinductivity of the biomimetic scaffolds were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo tests. Cell culture results indicated the good biocompatibility of this biomimetic scaffold. Faster and increased bone formation was observed in these scaffolds following a six-month implantation in the dorsal muscles of rabbits, indicating that this biomimetic scaffold exhibits better osteoinductivity than common CaP scaffolds.

Immobilized carbonic anhydrase on mesoporous cruciate flower-like metal organic framework for promoting CO2 sequestration.

PubMed

Ren, Sizhu; Feng, Yuxiao; Wen, Huan; Li, Conghai; Sun, Baoting; Cui, Jiandong; Jia, Shiru

2018-05-25

CO 2 capture by immobilized carbonic anhydrase (CA) has become an alternative and environmental friendly approach in CO 2 sequestration technology. However, the immobilized CA usually exhibits low CO 2 sequestration efficiency due to no gas adsorption function for the conventional CA supports. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are an excellent material for gas adsorption and enzyme immobilization. Herein, a combined immobilization system of CA and ZIF-8 with cruciate flower-like morphology for CO 2 adsorption was prepared for the first time by adsorbing CA onto ZIF-8. The immobilization efficiency was greater than 95%, and the maximum activity recovery reached 75%, indicating the highly efficient immobilization process. The resultant CA@ZIF-8 composites exhibited outstanding thermostability, the tolerance against denaturants, and reusability compared with free CA. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that the shape of ZIF-8 could be controlled by adjusting concentrations of Zn 2+ ions at the high concentration of 2-methylimidazole (1 M). More importantly, we also demonstrated the applicability of the CA@ZIF-8 composites to the sequestration of CO 2 in carbonate minerals. The yields of the CaCO 3 obtained by using CA@ZIF-8 composites were 22-folds compared to free CA. Thus, this CA@ZIF-8 composite can be successfully used as a robust biocatalyst for sequestration of CO 2 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Algorithmic handwriting analysis of Judah’s military correspondence sheds light on composition of biblical texts

PubMed Central

Faigenbaum-Golovin, Shira; Shaus, Arie; Sober, Barak; Levin, David; Na’aman, Nadav; Sass, Benjamin; Turkel, Eli; Piasetzky, Eli; Finkelstein, Israel

2016-01-01

The relationship between the expansion of literacy in Judah and composition of biblical texts has attracted scholarly attention for over a century. Information on this issue can be deduced from Hebrew inscriptions from the final phase of the first Temple period. We report our investigation of 16 inscriptions from the Judahite desert fortress of Arad, dated ca. 600 BCE—the eve of Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of Jerusalem. The inquiry is based on new methods for image processing and document analysis, as well as machine learning algorithms. These techniques enable identification of the minimal number of authors in a given group of inscriptions. Our algorithmic analysis, complemented by the textual information, reveals a minimum of six authors within the examined inscriptions. The results indicate that in this remote fort literacy had spread throughout the military hierarchy, down to the quartermaster and probably even below that rank. This implies that an educational infrastructure that could support the composition of literary texts in Judah already existed before the destruction of the first Temple. A similar level of literacy in this area is attested again only 400 y later, ca. 200 BCE. PMID:27071103

Investigation of the stability of glass-ceramic composites containing CeTi 2 O 6 and CaZrTi 2 O 7 after ion implantation

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

Paknahad, Elham; Grosvenor, Andrew P.

Glass-ceramic composite materials have been investigated for nuclear waste sequestration applications due to their ability to incorporate large amounts of radioactive waste elements. A key property that needs to be understood when developing nuclear waste sequestration materials is how the structure of the material responds to radioactive decay of nuclear waste elements, which can be simulated by high energy ion implantation. Borosilicate glass-ceramic composites containing brannerite-type (CeTi2O6) or zirconolite-type (CaZrTi2O7) oxides were synthesized at different annealing temperatures and investigated after being implanted with high-energy Au ions to mimic radiation induced structural damage. Backscattered electron (BSE) images were collected to investigatemore » the interaction of the brannerite crystallites with the glass matrix before and after implantation and showed that the morphology of the crystallites in the composite materials were not affected by radiation damage. Surface sensitive Ti K-edge glancing angle XANES spectra collected from the implanted composite materials showed that the structures of the CeTi2O6 and CaZrTi2O7 ceramics were damaged as a result of implantation; however, analysis of Si L2,3-edge XANES spectra indicated that the glass matrix was not affected by ion implantation.« less

Investigation of the stability of glass-ceramic composites containing CeTi2O6 and CaZrTi2O7 after ion implantation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paknahad, Elham; Grosvenor, Andrew P.

2017-12-01

Glass-ceramic composite materials have been investigated for nuclear waste sequestration applications due to their ability to incorporate large amounts of radioactive waste elements. A key property that needs to be understood when developing nuclear waste sequestration materials is how the structure of the material responds to radioactive decay of nuclear waste elements, which can be simulated by high energy ion implantation. Borosilicate glass-ceramic composites containing brannerite-type (CeTi2O6) or zirconolite-type (CaZrTi2O7) oxides were synthesized at different annealing temperatures and investigated after being implanted with high-energy Au ions to mimic radiation induced structural damage. Backscattered electron (BSE) images were collected to investigate the interaction of the brannerite crystallites with the glass matrix before and after implantation and showed that the morphology of the crystallites in the composite materials were not affected by radiation damage. Surface sensitive Ti K-edge glancing angle XANES spectra collected from the implanted composite materials showed that the structures of the CeTi2O6 and CaZrTi2O7 ceramics were damaged as a result of implantation; however, analysis of Si L2,3-edge XANES spectra indicated that the glass matrix was not affected by ion implantation.

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

Rani, Jyoti; Yadav, K.L., E-mail: klyadav35@yahoo.com; Prakash, Satya

Highlights: • Spinel–perovskite xCoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–(1 − x)(0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}) composites have been synthesized by solid state reaction method. • Two anomalies in dielectric constant have been identified, and the composites show relaxor behaviour. • The magnetic properties of the composites improve with increasing concentration of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. • Enhanced magnetodielectric effect is found, and magnetoelectric coupling has been confirmed by Δϵ ∼ γM{sup 2} relation. • Optical band gap energy of these composites has been reported for the first time. - Abstract: xCoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}–(1 − x)(0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3}) compositesmore » with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 have been synthesized by solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission secondary electron microscopy have been used for structural and morphological analysis, respectively. The spinel CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} and perovskite 0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3} phase could be identified in the composites. Two anomalies in dielectric constant have been identified: first one is close to ferroelectric to paraelectric phase transition of 0.5Ba(Zr{sub 0.2}Ti{sub 0.8})O{sub 3}–0.5(Ba{sub 0.7}Ca{sub 0.3})TiO{sub 3} ceramic and the other lies near the magnetic transition temperature of CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4}. There is an increase in magnetocapacitance and saturation magnetization of the composites at room temperature with increase in CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} content. The magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (γ) was approximated by Δϵ ∼ γM{sup 2} relation. The optical band gap energy of the composites decreases with increase in CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} content.« less

Study of new sheep bone and Zn/Ca ratio around TiAlV screw: PIXE RBS analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guibert, G.; Munnik, F.; Langhoff, J. D.; Von Rechenberg, B.; Buffat, Ph. A.; Laub, D.; Faber, L.; Ducret, F.; Gerber, I.; Mikhailov, S.

2008-03-01

This study reports on in vivo particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) measurements combined with Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) analyses of new remodeled sheep bone formed around TiAlV screws. The implants (screws) were anodized by a modified TiMax™ process. The interface between the implant and the bone was carefully investigated. [Zn]/[Ca] in-depth composition profiles as well as Ca, Fe elemental maps were recorded. The thickness of new bone formed around the screw reached 300-400 μm. Osteon and Osteoid phases were identified in the new bone. A higher [Zn]/[Ca] ratio was observed in the new bone as compared to the mature bone. Blood vessels were observed in the bone in close contact with the screw. This study shows the potential of ion beam analysis for biological and biomedical characterization.

Laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS): use of a geological tool in assessing bone mineral content.

PubMed

Andrássy, László; Gomez, Izabella; Horváth, Ágnes; Gulyás, Katalin; Pethö, Zsófia; Juhász, Balázs; Bhattoa, Harjit Pal; Szekanecz, Zoltan

2018-02-17

Bone may be similar to geological formulations in many ways. Therefore, it may be logical to apply laser-based geological techniques in bone research. The mineral and element oxide composition of bioapatite can be estimated by mathematical models. Laser-induced plasma spectrometry (LIPS) has long been used in geology. This method may provide a possibility to determine the composition and concentration of element oxides forming the inorganic part of bones. In this study, we wished to standardize the LIPS technique and use mathematical calculations and models in order to determine CaO distribution and bone homogeneity using bovine shin bone samples. We used polished slices of five bovine shin bones. A portable LIPS instrument using high-power Nd++YAG laser pulses has been developed (OpLab, Budapest). Analysis of CaO distribution was carried out in a 10 × 10 sampling matrix applying 300-μm sampling intervals. We assessed both cortical and trabecular bone areas. Regions of interest (ROI) were determined under microscope. CaO peaks were identified in the 200-500 nm wavelength range. A mathematical formula was used to calculate the element oxide composition (wt%) of inorganic bone. We also applied two accepted mathematical approaches, the Bartlett's test and frequency distribution curve-based analysis, to determine the homogeneity of CaO distribution in bones. We were able to standardize the LIPS technique for bone research. CaO concentrations in the cortical and trabecular regions of B1-5 bones were 33.11 ± 3.99% (range 24.02-40.43%) and 27.60 ± 7.44% (range 3.58-39.51%), respectively. CaO concentrations highly corresponded to those routinely determined by ICP-OES. We were able to graphically demonstrate CaO distribution in both 2D and 3D. We also determined possible interrelations between laser-induced craters and bone structure units, which may reflect the bone structure and may influence the heterogeneity of CaO distributions. By using two different statistical methods, we could confirm if bone samples were homogeneous or not with respect to CaO concentration distribution. LIPS, a technique previously used in geology, may be included in bone research. Assessment of element oxide concentrations in the inorganic part of bone, as well as mathematical calculations may be useful to determine the content of CaO and other element oxides in bone, further analyze bone structure and homogeneity and possibly apply this research to normal, as well as diseased bones.

Phase study of SiO2-ZrO2 composites prepared from polymorphic combination of starting powders via a ball-milling followed by calcination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Musyarofah; Nurlaila, R.; Muwwaqor, N. F.; Saukani, M.; Kuswoyo, A.; Triwikantoro; Pratapa, S.

2017-04-01

The effects of SiO2-ZrO2 polymorphic combinations as starting powders and calcination temperature on phase composition of the SiO2-ZrO2 composites were studied. Stoichiometric (1:1 mol%) mixtures of the SiO2-ZrO2 composites were mechanically activated using a ball-milling for 5 h followed by calcinations at 1000, 1100 and 1200 °C for 3 h. The composites used in the present study were a-SiO2+ a-ZrO2, a-SiO2+ t-ZrO2, c-SiO2+ a-ZrO2 and c-SiO2+ t-ZrO2 which were symbolized by AA, AT, CA and CT, respectively. Prefixes a, t and c denote amorphous, tetragonal and cristobalite, respectively. The phase composition was determined by Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data using Rietica software. The identified phases for all calcined samples were a combination among t-ZrO2, c-SiO2, m-ZrO2 and zircon (ZrSiO4). Amorphous zirconia formed a transient tetragonal zirconia phase during heating, which reacted with silica to form zircon. The zircon phase was not found to form even at 1200 °C in the AT and CT mixtures and at 1100 °C in the CA mixture. The AA mixture in particular crystallized to form zircon at a lower temperature with more composition fraction than the others, ca 82.9 (14) mol%.

Structural analysis of bioceramic materials for denture application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rauf, Nurlaela; Tahir, Dahlang; Arbiansyah, Muhammad

2016-03-01

Structural analysis has been performed on bioceramic materials for denture application by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRF is using for analysis chemical composition of raw materials. XRF shows the ratio 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 between feldspar, quartz, kaolin and eggshell, respectively, resulting composition CaO content of 56.78 %, which is similar with natural tooth. Sample preparation was carried out on temperature of 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C. X-ray diffraction result showed that the structure is crystalline with trigonal crystal system for SiO2 (a=b=4.9134 Å and c=5.4051 Å) and CaH2O2 (a=b=3.5925 Å and c=4.9082 Å). Based on the Scherrer's equation showed the crystallite size of the highest peak (SiO2) increase with increasing the temperature preparation. The highest hardness value (87 kg/mm2) and match with the standards of dentin hardness. The surface structure was observed by using SEM also discussed.

The isotopic composition of cosmic ray calcium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Krombel, K. E.; Wiedenbeck, M. E.

1985-01-01

Data from the high energy cosmic ray experiment on the international sun earth explorer 3 (ISEE-3) spacecraft have been used to study the isotopic composition of cosmic ray calcium at an energy of approx. 260 MeV/amu. The arriving calcium is found to consist of (32 + or - 6)%. A propagation model consistent with both the light and the subiron secondary element abundances was used for the interpretation of the observed calcium composition. The measured 42Ca+43Ca+44Ca abundance is consistent with the calculated secondary production, while the 40Ca abundance implies a source ratio of 40Ca/Fe = (7.0 + or - 1.7)%.

Aluminum/alkaline earth metal composites and method for producing

DOEpatents

Russell, Alan M; Anderson, Iver E; Kim, Hyong J; Freichs, Andrew E

2014-02-11

A composite is provided having an electrically conducting Al matrix and elongated filaments comprising Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba disposed in the matrix and extending along a longitudinal axis of the composite. The filaments initially comprise Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba metal or allow and then may be reacted with the Al matrix to form a strengthening intermetallic compound comprising Al and Ca and/or Sr and/or Ba. The composite is useful as a long-distance, high voltage power transmission conductor.

A new (Ba, Ca) (Ti, Zr)O3 based multiferroic composite with large magnetoelectric effect

PubMed Central

Naveed-Ul-Haq, M.; Shvartsman, Vladimir V.; Salamon, Soma; Wende, Heiko; Trivedi, Harsh; Mumtaz, Arif; Lupascu, Doru C.

2016-01-01

The lead-free ferroelectric 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 − 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) is a promising component for multifunctional multiferroics due to its excellent room temperature piezoelectric properties. Having a composition close to the polymorphic phase boundary between the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases, it deserves a case study for analysis of its potential for modern electronics applications. To obtain magnetoelectric coupling, the piezoelectric phase needs to be combined with a suitable magnetostrictive phase. In the current article, we report on the synthesis, dielectric, magnetic, and magnetoelectric characterization of a new magnetoelectric multiferroic composite consisting of BCZT as a piezoelectric phase and CoFe2O4 (CFO) as the magnetostrictive phase. We found that this material is multiferroic at room temperature and manifests a magnetoelectric effect larger than that of BaTiO3 −CoFe2O4 bulk composites with similar content of the ferrite phase. PMID:27555563

A new (Ba, Ca) (Ti, Zr)O3 based multiferroic composite with large magnetoelectric effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naveed-Ul-Haq, M.; Shvartsman, Vladimir V.; Salamon, Soma; Wende, Heiko; Trivedi, Harsh; Mumtaz, Arif; Lupascu, Doru C.

2016-08-01

The lead-free ferroelectric 0.5Ba(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O3 - 0.5(Ba0.7Ca0.3)TiO3 (BCZT) is a promising component for multifunctional multiferroics due to its excellent room temperature piezoelectric properties. Having a composition close to the polymorphic phase boundary between the orthorhombic and tetragonal phases, it deserves a case study for analysis of its potential for modern electronics applications. To obtain magnetoelectric coupling, the piezoelectric phase needs to be combined with a suitable magnetostrictive phase. In the current article, we report on the synthesis, dielectric, magnetic, and magnetoelectric characterization of a new magnetoelectric multiferroic composite consisting of BCZT as a piezoelectric phase and CoFe2O4 (CFO) as the magnetostrictive phase. We found that this material is multiferroic at room temperature and manifests a magnetoelectric effect larger than that of BaTiO3 -CoFe2O4 bulk composites with similar content of the ferrite phase.

Wood plastic composites from agro-waste materials: Analysis of mechanical properties.

PubMed

Nourbakhsh, Amir; Ashori, Alireza

2010-04-01

This article presents the application of agro-waste materials (i.e., corn stalk, reed stalk, and oilseed stalk) in order to evaluate and compare their suitability as reinforcement for thermoplastics as an alternative to wood fibers. The effects of fiber loading and CaCO(3) content on the mechanical properties were also studied. Overall trend shows that with addition of agro-waste materials, tensile and flexural properties of the composites are significantly enhanced. Oilseed fibers showed superior mechanical properties due to their high aspect ratio and chemical characteristics. The order of increment in the mechanical properties of the composites is oilseed stalk >corn stalk>reed stalk at all fiber loadings. The tensile and flexural properties of the composite significantly decreased with increasing CaCO(3) content, due to the reduction of interface bond between the fiber and matrix. It can be concluded from this study that the used agro-waste materials are attractive reinforcements from the standpoint of their mechanical properties. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Tian, Liang; Ames Lab. and Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA; Anderson, Iver

Recently, a novel Al/Ca composite was produced by severe plastic deformation of Al powders and Ca granules for possible use as a high-voltage power transmission conductor. Since the strength of such composites is inversely proportional to the Ca filament size, fine Ca powders (less than ~250 μm) are needed to achieve the desired high strength for the powder metallurgy production of an Al-matrix composite reinforced by nano-scale Ca filaments. However, fine Ca powders are not commercially available. Therefore, we have developed a method to produce fine Ca powders via centrifugal atomization to supply Ca powder for prototype development of Al/Camore » composite conductor. A secondary goal of the project was to demonstrate that Ca powder can be safely prepared, stored, and handled and could potentially be scaled for commercial production. Our results showed that centrifugal atomization can yield as much as 83 vol. % Ca powder particles smaller than 250 μm. The mean particle size sometimes matches, sometimes deviates substantially from the predictions of the Champagne & Anger equation likely due to unexpected secondary atomization. The particle size distribution is typical for a ligament-disintegration atomization mode. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the morphology of these Ca powders varied with powder size. Spark testing and auto-ignition tests indicated that the atomized powders were difficult to ignite, providing confidence that this material can be handled safely in air.« less

The effect of bulk composition on the solidus of carbonated eclogite from partial melting experiments at 3 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Rajdeep; Hirschmann, Marc M.; Dellas, Nikki

2005-05-01

To explore the effect of bulk composition on the solidus of carbonated eclogite, we determined near-solidus phase relations at 3 GPa for four different nominally anhydrous, carbonated eclogites. Starting materials (SLEC1, SLEC2, SLEC3, and SLEC4) were prepared by adding variable proportions and compositions of carbonate to a natural eclogite xenolith (66039B) from Salt Lake crater, Hawaii. Near-solidus partial melts for all bulk compositions are Fe Na calcio-dolomitic and coexist with garnet + clinopyroxene + ilmenite ± calcio-dolomitic solid solution. The solidus for SLEC1 (Ca#=100 × molar Ca/(Ca + Mg + FeT)=32, 1.63 wt% Na2O, and 5 wt% CO2) is bracketed between 1,050°C and 1,075°C (Dasgupta et al. in Earth Planet Sci Lett 227:73 85, 2004), whereas initial melting for SLEC3 (Ca# 41, 1.4 wt% Na2O, and 4.4 wt% CO2) is between 1,175°C and 1,200°C. The solidus for SLEC2 (Ca# 33, 1.75 wt% Na2O, and 15 wt% CO2) is estimated to be near 1,100°C and the solidus for SLEC3 (Ca# 37, 1.47 wt% Na2O, and 2.2 wt% CO2) is between 1,100°C and 1,125°C. Solidus temperatures increase with increasing Ca# of the bulk, owing to the strong influence of the calcite magnesite binary solidus-minimum on the solidus of carbonate bearing eclogite. Bulk compositions that produce near-solidus crystalline carbonate closer in composition to the minimum along the CaCO3-MgCO3 join have lower solidus temperatures. Variations in total CO2 have significant effect on the solidus if CO2 is added as CaCO3, but not if CO2 is added as a complex mixture that maintains the cationic ratios of the bulk-rock. Thus, as partial melting experiments necessarily have more CO2 than that likely to be found in natural carbonated eclogites, care must be taken to assure that the compositional shifts associated with excess CO2 do not unduly influence melting behavior. Near-solidus dolomite and calcite solid solutions have higher Ca/(Ca + Mg) than bulk eclogite compositions, owing to Ca Mg exchange equilibrium between carbonates and silicates. Carbonates in natural mantle eclogite, which have low bulk CO2 concentration, will have Ca/Mg buffered by reactions with silicates. Consequently, experiments with high bulk CO2 may not mimic natural carbonated eclogite phase equilibria unless care is taken to ensure that CO2 enrichment does not result in inappropriate equilibrium carbonate compositions. Compositions of eclogite-derived carbonate melt span the range of natural carbonatites from oceanic and continental settings. Ca#s of carbonatitic partial melts of eclogite vary significantly and overlap those of partial melts of carbonated lherzolite, however, for a constant Ca-content, Mg# of carbonatites derived from eclogitic sources are likely to be lower than the Mg# of those generated from peridotite.

Ca:Mg:Zn:CO3 and Ca:Mg:CO3-tri- and bi-elemental carbonate microparticles for novel injectable self-gelling hydrogel-microparticle composites for tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Douglas, Timothy E L; Sobczyk, Katarzyna; Łapa, Agata; Włodarczyk, Katarzyna; Brackman, Gilles; Vidiasheva, Irina; Reczyńska, Katarzyna; Pietryga, Krzysztof; Schaubroeck, David; Bliznuk, Vitaliy; Voort, Pascal Van Der; Declercq, Heidi A; Bulcke, Jan Van den; Samal, Sangram Keshari; Khalenkow, Dmitry; Parakhonskiy, Bogdan V; Van Acker, Joris; Coenye, Tom; Lewandowska-Szumieł, Małgorzata; Pamuła, Elżbieta; Skirtach, Andre G

2017-03-24

Injectable composites for tissue regeneration can be developed by dispersion of inorganic microparticles and cells in a hydrogel phase. In this study, multifunctional carbonate microparticles containing different amounts of calcium, magnesium and zinc were mixed with solutions of gellan gum (GG), an anionic polysaccharide, to form injectable hydrogel-microparticle composites, containing Zn, Ca and Mg. Zn and Ca were incorporated into microparticle preparations to a greater extent than Mg. Microparticle groups were heterogeneous and contained microparticles of differing shape and elemental composition. Zn-rich microparticles were 'star shaped' and appeared to consist of small crystallites, while Zn-poor, Ca- and Mg-rich microparticles were irregular in shape and appeared to contain lager crystallites. Zn-free microparticle groups exhibited the best cytocompatibility and, unexpectedly, Zn-free composites showed the highest antibacterial activity towards methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Composites containing Zn-free microparticles were cytocompatible and therefore appear most suitable for applications as an injectable biomaterial. This study proves the principle of creating bi- and tri-elemental microparticles to induce the gelation of GG to create injectable hydrogel-microparticle composites.

The system K2Mg2(SO4)3 (langbeinite)-K2Ca2(SO4)3 (calcium-langbeinite)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morey, G.W.; Rowe, J.J.; Fournier, R.O.

1964-01-01

The join between the compositions K2Mg2(SO4)3 and K2Ca2(SO4)3 was studied by means of high-temperature equilibrium quenching techniques and by means of a heating stage mounted on an X-ray diffractometer. Complete solid solution exists in the system, but at 25??C members of the solid solution series are isometric only in the composition range 0-73??5 wt. per cent K2Ca2(SO4)3. At compositions richer in K2Ca2(SO4)3 than 73??5 wt. per cent, members of the series are optically biaxial. At higher temperatures members of the solid solution series are isometric at successively more calcium-rich compositions and pure K2Ca2(SO4)3 is isometric above about 200 ?? 2??C. The system is not binary, as mixtures richer in K2Ca2(SO4)3 than 42 wt. per cent decompose with the formation of liquid and CaSO4. ?? 1964.

Cell wall composition and digestibility alterations in Brachypodium distachyon achieved through reduced expression of the UDP-arabinopyranose mutase

PubMed Central

Rancour, David M.; Hatfield, Ronald D.; Marita, Jane M.; Rohr, Nicholas A.; Schmitz, Robert J.

2015-01-01

Nucleotide-activated sugars are essential substrates for plant cell-wall carbohydrate-polymer biosynthesis. The most prevalent grass cell wall (CW) sugars are glucose (Glc), xylose (Xyl), and arabinose (Ara). These sugars are biosynthetically related via the UDP–sugar interconversion pathway. We sought to target and generate UDP–sugar interconversion pathway transgenic Brachypodium distachyon lines resulting in CW carbohydrate composition changes with improved digestibility and normal plant stature. Both RNAi-mediated gene-suppression and constitutive gene-expression approaches were performed. CWs from 336 T0 transgenic plants with normal appearance were screened for complete carbohydrate composition. RNAi mutants of BdRGP1, a UDP-arabinopyranose mutase, resulted in large alterations in CW carbohydrate composition with significant decreases in CW Ara content but with minimal change in plant stature. Five independent RNAi-RGP1 T1 plant lines were used for in-depth analysis of plant CWs. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that gene expression levels for BdRGP1, BdRGP2, and BdRGP3 were reduced in RNAi-RGP1 plants to 15–20% of controls. CW Ara content was reduced by 23–51% of control levels. No alterations in CW Xyl and Glc content were observed. Corresponding decreases in CW ferulic acid (FA) and ferulic acid-dimers (FA-dimers) were observed. Additionally, CW p-coumarates (pCA) were decreased. We demonstrate the CW pCA decrease corresponds to Ara-coupled pCA. Xylanase-mediated digestibility of RNAi-RGP1 Brachypodium CWs resulted in a near twofold increase of released total carbohydrate. However, cellulolytic hydrolysis of CW material was inhibited in leaves of RNAi-RGP1 mutants. Our results indicate that targeted manipulation of UDP–sugar biosynthesis can result in biomass with substantially altered compositions and highlights the complex effect CW composition has on digestibility. PMID:26136761

Modeling the Onset of Phase Separation in CaO-SiO2-CaCl2 Chlorine-Containing Silicate Glasses.

PubMed

Swansbury, Laura A; Mountjoy, Gavin; Chen, Xiaojing; Karpukhina, Natalia; Hill, Robert

2017-06-08

The addition of chlorine into a bioactive glass composition is expected to reduce its abrasiveness and increase its bioactivity, which is important for dental applications such as toothpastes. There is a lack of information and understanding regarding the structural role of chlorine in chlorine-containing bioactive silicate glasses. This has prompted classical core-shell model molecular dynamics simulations of (50 - x/2)CaO-(50 - x/2)SiO 2 -xCaCl 2 glasses to be performed, where x ranges from x = 0.0 to 43.1 mol % CaCl 2 . These ternary glasses are advantageous for a fundamental study because they do not have additional network formers (e.g., phosphorus pentoxide) or modifiers (e.g., sodium) typically found in bioactive glass compositions. The (50 - x/2)CaO-(50 - x/2)SiO 2 -xCaCl 2 glasses were seen to become phase-separated around the x = 16.1 mol % CaCl 2 composition, and chlorine predominantly coordinated with calcium. These findings provide a solid foundation for further computational modeling work on more complex chlorine-containing bioactive glass compositions.

Syntheses of near-net-shaped monolithic hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite-ASTM F75 composites by the oxidation of solid metal-bearing precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saw, Eaden

A novel powder-metallurgical route was used to fabricate near net-shaped hydroxyapatite, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 (HA) and HA+Co-C-Mo composite bodies. Ca and beta-Ca2P 2O7 with Ca/P ˜ 1.67 was intimately mixed by high-energy mechanical alloying, formed into desired shapes by pressing and machining, and then converted into HA with a series of heat treatments: a 600°C annealing in dry O2 completely oxidized calcium within 3 h, and a subsequent annealing at ≤1150°C in moist O2 yielded phase-pure HA. The reduction in solid volume associated with the oxidation of calcium (Vm[CaO] < Vm[Ca]) was offset by the increase in solid volume associated with the conversion of CaO and Ca2P2O7 into HA. Thus, the overall dimensional changes upon transformation of Ca+beta-Ca2P 2O7 precursors into HA can be relatively small. A mixture of Co-Cr-Mo powder with the precursor prepared from Ca and beta-Ca 2P2O7, targeted to yield a 75 to 25 volume ratio of Co-Cr-Mo to stoichiometric HA were prepared with the same method but different annealing cycles: annealing at 1150°C in de-oxygenized, flowing Ar resulted in partial densification of the composite bodies, and subsequent annealing at 850°C in a moist O2 atmosphere yielded a composite of Co-Cr-Mo alloy with phase-pure HA. The overall dimensional changes upon transformation of Ca+beta-Ca2P2O7+CO-Cr-Mo precursors into HA/Co-Cr-Mo composite were relatively small. In this thesis, the phase and microstructural evolution at various stages of transformation to monolithic HA and to HA/Co-Cr-Mo alloy composites are discussed. Planar reaction couples and powder compacts of CaO-TCP were prepared to study the kinetics for HA formation from CaO+TCP. Pt strips were used in the planar reaction couples as inert markers. These reaction couples were heated at 1150°C for various times in moist O2. The results of powder compact analyses fits Carter's model, which indicated that the rate of HA conversion from CaO and TCP is limited by solid state diffusion of Ca 2+ and/or OH- through the HA layer.

Modification of Ca isotope and trace metal composition of the major matrices involved in shell formation of Mytilus edulis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heinemann, Agnes; Fietzke, Jan; Eisenhauer, Anton; Zumholz, Karsten

2008-01-01

In this study we present the first combined investigation into the composition of the major matrices involved in calcification processes (surrounding water, extrapallial fluid, aragonite, and calcite) of Mytilus edulis with respect to their calcium isotope (δ44/40Ca) and elemental compositions (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca). Our aim was to examine the suitability of Mytilus edulis as a proxy archive and to contribute to the understanding of the process of biomineralization. Mytilus edulis specimens were live collected from the Schwentine Estuary, Kiel Fjord, and North Sea (Sylt). δ44/40Ca was determined by thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) accompanied by measurements of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The elemental and isotopic compositions of the investigated matrices showed systematic offsets. The carbonates are strongly depleted in their magnesium and strontium concentrations and fractionated toward lighter calcium isotope compositions relative to the surrounding Schwentine Estuary water. The opposite is observed for the extrapallial fluid (EPF). Our findings extend the results of previous studies reporting a strong biological control and the interaction of different environmental conditions influencing biomineralization. Future studies should focus on the temporal development of the interrelation between the different matrices.

Composite microparticles of halloysite clay nanotubes bound by calcium carbonate.

PubMed

Jin, Yi; Yendluri, Raghuvara; Chen, Bin; Wang, Jingbo; Lvov, Yuri

2016-03-15

Natural halloysite clay nanotubes with 15 nm inner and 75 nm outer diameters have been used as vehicles for sustained release of drugs in composite hollow microparticles "glued" with CaCO3. We used a layer-by layer assembly accomplished alginate binding with Ca(2+) followed by CO2 bubbling to prepare the composite microspheres of CaCO3 and polyelectrolytes (PE) modified halloysite nanotubes (HNTs-PE2/CaCO3) with the diameter of about 5-10 μm. These microparticles have empty spherical structure and abundant pore distributions with maxima at 2.5, 3.9, 6.0 and 13.3 nm, and higher surface area of 82.3 m(2) g(-1) as characterized by SEM and BET test. We loaded drugs in these micro-nano carriers of tight piles of halloysite nanotube with end clogged with CaCO3. The sustained release of Nifedipine drug from HNTs-PE2/CaCO3 composite microspheres was slower than for pristine halloysite nanotubes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of silk sericin on morphology and structure of calcium carbonate crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Rui-Bo; Han, Hua-Feng; Ding, Shao; Li, Ze-Hao; Kong, Xiang-Dong

2013-06-01

In this paper, silk sericin was employed to regulate the mineralization of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). CaCO3 composite particles were prepared by the precipitation reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium chloride solution in the presence of silk sericin. The as-prepared samples were collected at different reaction time to study the crystallization process of CaCO3 by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that silk sericin significantly affected the morphology and crystallographic polymorph of CaCO3. With increasing the reaction time, the crystal phase of CaCO3 transferred from calcite dominated to vaterite dominated mixtures, while the morphology of CaCO3 changed from disk-like calcite crystal to spherical vaterite crystal. These studies showed the potential of silk sericin used as a template molecule to control the growth of inorganic crystal.

Phase Diagram of the Al-Ca-Fe-Si System and Its Application for the Design of Aluminum Matrix Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, Nikolay A.; Naumova, Evgeniya A.; Akopyan, Torgom K.; Doroshenko, Vitaliy V.

2018-05-01

The phase composition of aluminum alloys in the Al-Ca-Fe-Si system, including the distribution of phases in the solid state and solidification reactions, has been studied. It is shown that the addition of iron and silicon to Al-Ca alloys leads to the formation of ternary Al2CaSi2 and Al10CaFe2 compounds. The equilibrium between these compounds implies the occurrence of the quaternary L → Al + Al4Ca + Al2CaSi2 + Al10CaFe2 eutectic reaction. The alloys near this eutectic have the best structure, which is typical of aluminum matrix composites. It is shown that Al-Ca alloys can have high manufacturability during both shape casting and rolling. This is due to the combination of a narrow temperature range of solidification and a favorable morphology for the eutectic, which has a fine structure. The combination of the mechanical and physical properties of the Al-Ca eutectic-based alloys significantly exceed those of branded alloys based on aluminum-silicon eutectics.

Novel synthesis strategy for composite hydrogel of collagen/hydroxyapatite-microsphere originating from conversion of CaCO3 templates.

PubMed

Wei, Qingrong; Lu, Jian; Wang, Qiaoying; Fan, Hongsong; Zhang, Xingdong

2015-03-20

Inspired by coralline-derived hydroxyapatite, we designed a methodological route to synthesize carbonated-hydroxyapatite microspheres from the conversion of CaCO3 spherulite templates within a collagen matrix under mild conditions and thus constructed the composite hydrogel of collagen/hydroxyapatite-microspheres. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to confirm the successful generation of the carbonated hydroxyapatite phase originating from CaCO3, and the ratios of calcium to phosphate were tracked over time. Variations in the weight portion of the components in the hybrid gels before and after the phase transformation of the CaCO3 templates were identified via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows these composite hydrogels have a unique multiscale microstructure consisting of a collagen nanofibril network and hydroxyapatite microspheres. The relationship between the hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and the collagen fibrils was revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in detail, and the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern further confirmed the results of the XRD analyses which show the typical low crystallinity of the generated hydroxyapatite. This smart synthesis strategy achieved the simultaneous construction of microscale hydroxyapatite particles and collagen fibrillar hydrogel, and appears to provide a novel route to explore an advanced functional hydrogel materials with promising potentials for applications in bone tissue engineering and reconstruction medicine.

Optimization of media composition for Nattokinase production by Bacillus subtilis using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Deepak, V; Kalishwaralal, K; Ramkumarpandian, S; Babu, S Venkatesh; Senthilkumar, S R; Sangiliyandi, G

2008-11-01

Response surface methodology and central composite rotary design (CCRD) was employed to optimize a fermentation medium for the production of Nattokinase by Bacillus subtilis at pH 7.5. The four variables involved in this study were Glucose, Peptone, CaCl2, and MgSO4. The statistical analysis of the results showed that, in the range studied; only peptone had a significant effect on Nattokinase production. The optimized medium containing (%) Glucose: 1, Peptone: 5.5, MgSO4: 0.2 and CaCl2: 0.5 resulted in 2-fold increased level of Nattokinase (3194.25U/ml) production compared to initial level (1599.09U/ml) after 10h of fermentation. Nattokinase production was checked with fibrinolytic activity.

Steady-state equation of water vapor sorption for CaCl2-based chemical sorbents and its application

PubMed Central

Zhang, Haiquan; Yuan, Yanping; Sun, Qingrong; Cao, Xiaoling; Sun, Liangliang

2016-01-01

Green CaCl2-based chemical sorbent has been widely used in sorption refrigeration, air purification and air desiccation. Methods to improve the sorption rate have been extensively investigated, but the corresponding theoretical formulations have not been reported. In this paper, a sorption system of solid-liquid coexistence is established based on the hypothesis of steady-state sorption. The combination of theoretical analysis and experimental results indicates that the system can be described by steady-state sorption process. The steady-state sorption equation, μ = (η − γT) , was obtained in consideration of humidity, temperature and the surface area. Based on engineering applications and this equation, two methods including an increase of specific surface area and adjustment of the critical relative humidity (γ) for chemical sorbents, have been proposed to increase the sorption rate. The results indicate that the CaCl2/CNTs composite with a large specific surface area can be obtained by coating CaCl2 powder on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The composite reached sorption equilibrium within only 4 h, and the sorption capacity was improved by 75% compared with pure CaCl2 powder. Furthermore, the addition of NaCl powder to saturated CaCl2 solution could significantly lower the solution’s γ. The sorption rate was improved by 30% under the same environment. PMID:27682811

Steady-state equation of water vapor sorption for CaCl2-based chemical sorbents and its application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haiquan; Yuan, Yanping; Sun, Qingrong; Cao, Xiaoling; Sun, Liangliang

2016-09-01

Green CaCl2-based chemical sorbent has been widely used in sorption refrigeration, air purification and air desiccation. Methods to improve the sorption rate have been extensively investigated, but the corresponding theoretical formulations have not been reported. In this paper, a sorption system of solid-liquid coexistence is established based on the hypothesis of steady-state sorption. The combination of theoretical analysis and experimental results indicates that the system can be described by steady-state sorption process. The steady-state sorption equation, μ = (η - γT) , was obtained in consideration of humidity, temperature and the surface area. Based on engineering applications and this equation, two methods including an increase of specific surface area and adjustment of the critical relative humidity (γ) for chemical sorbents, have been proposed to increase the sorption rate. The results indicate that the CaCl2/CNTs composite with a large specific surface area can be obtained by coating CaCl2 powder on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The composite reached sorption equilibrium within only 4 h, and the sorption capacity was improved by 75% compared with pure CaCl2 powder. Furthermore, the addition of NaCl powder to saturated CaCl2 solution could significantly lower the solution’s γ. The sorption rate was improved by 30% under the same environment.

Gamma spectrometry and chemical characterization of ceramic seeds with samarium-153 and holmium-166 for brachytherapy proposal.

PubMed

Valente, Eduardo S; Campos, Tarcísio P R

2010-12-01

Ceramic seeds were synthesized by the sol-gel technique with Si:Sm:Ca and Si:Ho:Ca. One set of seeds was irradiated in the TRIGA type nuclear reactor IPR-R1 and submitted to instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), K(0) method, to determine mass percentage concentration of natural samarium and holmium in the seed as well as to determine all existing radionuclides and their activities. Attention was paid to discrimination of Si-31, Ca-40, Ca-45, Ca-47, Ca-49, Sm-145, Sm-155, Sm-153 and Ho-166. A second sample was submitted to atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) also to determine samarium and holmium concentrations in weight. A third sample was submitted to X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to qualitatively determine chemical composition. The measured activity was due to Sm-153 and Ho-166 with a well-characterized gamma spectrum. The X-ray fluorescence spectrum demonstrated that there is no discrepancy in seed composition. The maximum ranges in the water of beta particles from Sm-153 and Ho-166 decay were evaluated, as well as the dose rate and total dose delivered within the volume delimited by the range of the beta particles. The results are relevant for investigation of the viability of producing Sm-153 and Ho-166 radioactive seeds for use in brachytherapy. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of fine calcium powders by centrifugal atomization with rotating quench bath

DOE PAGES

Tian, Liang; Ames Lab. and Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA; Anderson, Iver; ...

2016-02-08

Recently, a novel Al/Ca composite was produced by severe plastic deformation of Al powders and Ca granules for possible use as a high-voltage power transmission conductor. Since the strength of such composites is inversely proportional to the Ca filament size, fine Ca powders (less than ~250 μm) are needed to achieve the desired high strength for the powder metallurgy production of an Al-matrix composite reinforced by nano-scale Ca filaments. However, fine Ca powders are not commercially available. Therefore, we have developed a method to produce fine Ca powders via centrifugal atomization to supply Ca powder for prototype development of Al/Camore » composite conductor. A secondary goal of the project was to demonstrate that Ca powder can be safely prepared, stored, and handled and could potentially be scaled for commercial production. Our results showed that centrifugal atomization can yield as much as 83 vol. % Ca powder particles smaller than 250 μm. The mean particle size sometimes matches, sometimes deviates substantially from the predictions of the Champagne & Anger equation likely due to unexpected secondary atomization. The particle size distribution is typical for a ligament-disintegration atomization mode. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the morphology of these Ca powders varied with powder size. Spark testing and auto-ignition tests indicated that the atomized powders were difficult to ignite, providing confidence that this material can be handled safely in air.« less

Preparation of bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead and its photocatalytic degradation of dye pollutants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Huihui; Dong, Nanyang; Lu, Linxiao; Fu, Yan; Zhang, Huining; Qian, Yongxin; Zhang, Kefeng; Jin, Huixia

2017-08-01

In this study, the bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead was synthesized by immobilizing bismuth titanate Bi4Ti3O12 particles into 1.5% sodium alginate (SA) matrix. The Bi4Ti3O12 particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The photocatalytic activity for the degradation of dye Rhodamine B in solution by as-prepared bismuth titanate/calcium alginate composite bead was investigated. The as-prepared composite beads CA/BTO-700 exhibited best photocatalytic efficiency for the degradation of RhB compared with CA/BTO-800 and CA/BTO-900 under simulated solar light. After 4 cycles in photocatalytic degradation of RhB, the degradation rate of the CA/BTO-700 nearly remained unchanged.

Spatial and mineralogic variation of Na-Ca alteration in Laramide porphyry systems of Arizona

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Runyon, S.; Seedorff, E.; Barton, M. D.; Mazdab, F. K.; Lecumberri-Sanchez, P.; Steele-MacInnis, M.

2017-12-01

Na-Ca alteration is characterized by the metasomatic addition of Ca ± Na and the loss of K. Minor volumes of Na-Ca alteration in Laramide porphyry systems develops from 3 to 8 km paleodepth. Mineral assemblages, mineral compositions, hydrogen isotopes, whole-rock analyses, and reconnaissance fluid inclusion characteristics have been documented for Na-Ca alteration in Laramide porphyry systems such as Tea Cup and Sierrita. Volumetrically minor Na-Ca alteration in Laramide porphyry systems documented in this study commonly takes the form of one of three mineral assemblages: albite-epidote-chlorite, Na-plagioclase-actinolite ± epidote, and garnet- or diopside-stable Na-plagioclase-actinolite ± epidote. These different Na-Ca mineral assemblages have broad spatial relationships, from shallow albite-chlorite-epidote to deeper Na-plagioclase-actinolite within a given district. Hydrogen isotope data on Na-Ca alteration minerals shows consistently distinct δD compositions of Na-Ca alteration minerals compared to igneous minerals in a given district. Further, calculated hydrogen isotope composition of fluids in equilibrium with Na-Ca alteration minerals are consistently enriched in δD compared to magmatic-hydrothermal fluids. Whole-rock analyses show consistent losses of K and variable addition of Na and Ca across different Na-Ca alteration assemblages. Na-Ca alteration has been well documented associated with the Jurassic arc. Previous studies demonstrated through mass balance, timing and spatial relationships, isotopic, and fluid inclusion studies that Na-Ca alteration associated with the Jurassic arc likely formed from the circulation of external, highly saline, non-magmatic fluids (e.g., Battles and Barton, 1995; Dilles et al., 1995). Na-Ca alteration documented in Laramide systems is generally similar to Na-Ca alteration documented along the Jurassic arc in mineral assemblages, compositions, and timing, but the volume of Na-Ca alteration in the Laramide systems is small as compared to the voluminous Na-Ca alteration documented in systems associated with the Jurassic arc.

Mussel-inspired bioceramics with self-assembled Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayer: preparation, formation mechanism, improved cellular bioactivity and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells.

PubMed

Wu, Chengtie; Han, Pingping; Liu, Xiaoguo; Xu, Mengchi; Tian, Tian; Chang, Jiang; Xiao, Yin

2014-01-01

The nanostructured surface of biomaterials plays an important role in improving their in vitro cellular bioactivity as well as stimulating in vivo tissue regeneration. Inspired by the mussel's adhesive versatility, which is thought to be due to the plaque-substrate interface being rich in 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalamine (DOPA) and lysine amino acids, in this study we developed a self-assembly method to prepare a uniform calcium phosphate (Ca-P)/polydopamine composite nanolayer on the surface of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramics by soaking β-TCP bioceramics in Tris-dopamine solution. It was found that the addition of dopamine, reaction temperature and reaction time are three key factors inducing the formation of a uniform Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayer. The formation mechanism of a Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayer involved two important steps: (i) the addition of dopamine to Tris-HCl solution decreases the pH value and accelerates Ca and P ionic dissolution from the crystal boundaries of β-TCP ceramics; (ii) dopamine is polymerized to form self-assembled polydopamine film and, at the same time, nanosized Ca-P particles are mineralized with the assistance of polydopamine, in which the formation of polydopamine occurs simultaneously with Ca-P mineralization (formation of nanosized microparticles composed of calcium phosphate-based materials), and finally a self-assembled Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayer forms on the surface of the β-TCP ceramics. Furthermore, the formed self-assembled Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayer significantly enhances the surface roughness and hydrophilicity of β-TCP ceramics, and stimulates the attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity and bone-related gene expression (ALP, OCN, COL1 and Runx2) of human bone marrow stromal cells. Our results suggest that the preparation of self-assembled Ca-P/polydopamine composite nanolayers is a viable method to modify the surface of biomaterials by significantly improving their surface physicochemical properties and cellular bioactivity for bone regeneration application. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Space-time patterns in ignimbrite compositions revealed by GIS and R based statistical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brandmeier, Melanie; Wörner, Gerhard

2017-04-01

GIS-based multivariate statistical and geospatial analysis of a compilation of 890 geochemical and ca. 1,200 geochronological data for 194 mapped ignimbrites from Central Andes documents the compositional and temporal pattern of large volume ignimbrites (so-called "ignimbrite flare-ups") during Neogene times. Rapid advances in computational sciences during the past decade lead to a growing pool of algorithms for multivariate statistics on big datasets with many predictor variables. This study uses the potential of R and ArcGIS and applies cluster (CA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) on log-ratio transformed spatial data. CA on major and trace element data allows to group ignimbrites according to their geochemical characteristics into rhyolitic and a dacitic "end-members" and differentiates characteristic trace element signatures with respect to Eu anomaly, depletion of MREEs and variable enrichment in LREE. To highlight these distinct compositional signatures, we applied LDA to selected ignimbrites for which comprehensive data sets were available. The most important predictors for discriminating ignimbrites are La (LREE), Yb (HREE), Eu, Al2O3, K2O, P2O5, MgO, FeOt and TiO2. However, other REEs such as Gd, Pr, Tm, Sm and Er also contribute to the discrimination functions. Significant compositional differences were found between the older (>14 Ma) large-volume plateau-forming ignimbrites in northernmost Chile and southern Peru and the younger (< 10 Ma) Altiplano-Puna-Volcanic-Complex ignimbrites that are of similar volumes. Older ignimbrites are less depleted in HREEs and less radiogenic in Sr isotopes, indicating smaller crustal contributions during evolution in thinner and thermally less evolved crust. These compositional variations indicate a relation to crustal thickening with a "transition" from plagioclase to amphibole and garnet residual mineralogy between 13 to 9 Ma. We correlate compositional and volumetric variations to the N-S passage of the Juan-Fernandéz ridge and crustal shortening and thickening during the past 26 Ma. The value of GIS and multivariate statistics in comparison to traditional geochemical parameters are highlighted working with large datasets with many predictors in a spatial and temporal context. Algorithms implemented in R allow taking advantage of an n-dimensional space and, thus, of subtle compositional differences contained in the data, while space-time patterns can be analyzed easily in GIS.

An experimental approach to manufacturing technology of historical glass (XIII-XV centuries). Comparison with current glassmaking technology.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tarrago, Mariona; Gimeno, Domingo; Bazzocchi, Flavia; Garcia-Valles, Maite; Martinez, Salvador

2015-04-01

One of the major and less explored issues in the characterization of historical glasses is the determination of their viscosity as a function of temperature in order to constrain technological aspects of glass production. Until now, assumptions on temperatures have been based on mathematical models based on chemical compositions. Hence, the topic of this work is to explore the technology of stained glass production related to the workability and melting process of the glass by experimental laboratory measurements. This work presents the analysis of viscosity of glasses from different historical sites and chemical compositions: four from Santes Creus (Tarragona, XIII century), two of classical medieval stained glass window from Santa Maria de Pedralbes (Barcelona, mid XIV century), and three of evolved late-medieval type from Santa Maria del Mar (Barcelona first half of XV century), and one sample of soda-lime industrial glass by means of Hot-Stage Microscopy and glass transformation temperature Tg by dilatometry. These data are then compared to the predictions on theoretical viscosity obtained from mathematical models based on chemical composition. These samples are classified according to their major modifier in: Na-rich (12-17% of Na2O, between 65-77% of SiO2 and less than 3 % of K2O); Ca-rich (29% of CaO, 54% of SiO2, 4% of K2O, and 4% of Na2O); K-Ca-rich (17 to 21% of K2O, more than 14% of CaO, 49-55% of SiO2and less than 2% of Na2O); Na-Ca-rich (12-14% of Na2O, 9-15% of CaO, 57-71% of SiO2 and < 6% of K2O). Glass transition temperature (Tg) is correlated to chemical composition: 464-492 °C for Na-rich, 645 °C for Ca-rich, 582-586 °C for K-Ca-rich and 497-542 °C for Na-Ca-rich glasses. Experimental viscosity-temperature curves are traced using Tg and fixed viscosity points measured by Hot-Stage microscopy (according to German standard 51730) in order to provide more accurate insight into the phases of glass production process (melting, working, conditioning and annealing ranges). These results are also compared to mathematical models of glass viscosity based on chemical composition. The annealing range (viscosity between 1013.5 and 1012 Pa-s) is reached at temperatures between 484-633°C (strain point) and 509-664°C (upper limit). The working point (viscosity of 103 Pa-s) has temperature values in the range between 958 and 1097°C.

Extraction and characterisation of apatite- and tricalcium phosphate-based materials from cod fish bones.

PubMed

Piccirillo, C; Silva, M F; Pullar, R C; Braga da Cruz, I; Jorge, R; Pintado, M M E; Castro, P M L

2013-01-01

Apatite- and tricalcium phosphate-based materials were produced from codfish bones, thus converting a waste by-product from the food industry into high added-valued compounds. The bones were annealed at temperatures between 900 and 1200 °C, giving a biphasic material of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 and β-Ca(PO4)3) with a molar proportion of 75:25, a material widely used in biomedical implants. The treatment of the bones in solution prior to their annealing changed the composition of the material. Single phase hydroxyapatite, chlorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6Cl2) and fluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6F2) were obtained using CaCl2 and NaF solutions, respectively. The samples were analysed by several techniques (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis) and by elemental analyses, to have a more complete understanding of the conversion process. Such compositional modifications have never been performed before for these materials of natural origin to tailor the relative concentrations of elements. This paper shows the great potential for the conversion of this by-product into highly valuable compounds for biomedical applications, using a simple and effective valorisation process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Natural and anthropogenic factors affecting the shallow groundwater quality in a typical irrigation area with reclaimed water, North China Plain.

PubMed

Gu, Xiaomin; Xiao, Yong; Yin, Shiyang; Pan, Xingyao; Niu, Yong; Shao, Jingli; Cui, Yali; Zhang, Qiulan; Hao, Qichen

2017-09-22

In this study, the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater were analyzed to get insight into the factors affecting groundwater quality in a typical agricultural dominated area of the North China Plain. Forty-four shallow groundwater samples were collected for chemical analysis. The water type changes from Ca·Na-HCO 3 type in grass land to Ca·Na-Cl (+NO 3 ) type and Na (Ca)-Cl (+NO 3 +SO 4 ) type in construction and facility agricultural land, indicating the influence of human activities. The factor analysis and geostatistical analysis revealed that the two major factors contributing to the groundwater hydrochemical compositions were the water-rock interaction and contamination from sewage discharge and agricultural fertilizers. The major ions (F, HCO 3 ) and trace element (As) in the shallow groundwater represented the natural origin, while the nitrate and sulfate concentrations were related to the application of fertilizer and sewage discharge in the facility agricultural area, which was mainly affected by the human activities. The values of pH, total dissolved solids, electric conductivity, and conventional component (K, Ca, Na, Mg, Cl) in shallow groundwater increased from grass land and cultivated land, to construction land and to facility agriculture which were originated from the combination sources of natural processes (e.g., water-rock interaction) and human activities (e.g., domestic effluents). The study indicated that both natural processes and human activities had influences on the groundwater hydrochemical compositions in shallow groundwater, while anthropogenic processes had more contribution, especially in the reclaimed water irrigation area.

Modeling of Cd adsorption to goethite-bacteria composites

DOE PAGES

Qu, Chenchen; Ma, Mingkai; Chen, Wenli; ...

2017-11-21

The accurate modeling of heavy metal adsorption in complex systems is fundamental for risk assessments in soils and associated environments. Bacteria-iron (hydr)oxide associations in soils and sediments play a critical role in heavy metal immobilization. The reduced adsorption of heavy metals on these composites have been widely reported using the component additivity (CA) method. However, there is a lack of a mechanism model to account for these deviations. In this study, we established models for Cd adsorption on goethite-Pseudomonas putida composites at 1:1 and 5:1 mass ratios. Cadmium adsorption on the 5:1 composite was consistent with the additivity method. But,more » the CA method over predicted Cd adsorption by approximately 8% on the 1:1 composite at high Cd concentration. The deviation was corrected by adding the site blockage reactions between P. putida and goethite. Both CA and “CA-site masking” models for Cd adsorption onto the composites were in line with the ITC data. These results indicate that CA method in simulating Cd adsorption on bacteria-iron oxides composites is limited to low bacterial and Cd concentrations. Thus the interfacial complexation reactions that occur between iron (hydr)oxides and bacteria should be taken into account when high concentrations of bacteria and heavy metals are present.« less

Modeling of Cd adsorption to goethite-bacteria composites

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

Qu, Chenchen; Ma, Mingkai; Chen, Wenli

The accurate modeling of heavy metal adsorption in complex systems is fundamental for risk assessments in soils and associated environments. Bacteria-iron (hydr)oxide associations in soils and sediments play a critical role in heavy metal immobilization. The reduced adsorption of heavy metals on these composites have been widely reported using the component additivity (CA) method. However, there is a lack of a mechanism model to account for these deviations. In this study, we established models for Cd adsorption on goethite-Pseudomonas putida composites at 1:1 and 5:1 mass ratios. Cadmium adsorption on the 5:1 composite was consistent with the additivity method. But,more » the CA method over predicted Cd adsorption by approximately 8% on the 1:1 composite at high Cd concentration. The deviation was corrected by adding the site blockage reactions between P. putida and goethite. Both CA and “CA-site masking” models for Cd adsorption onto the composites were in line with the ITC data. These results indicate that CA method in simulating Cd adsorption on bacteria-iron oxides composites is limited to low bacterial and Cd concentrations. Thus the interfacial complexation reactions that occur between iron (hydr)oxides and bacteria should be taken into account when high concentrations of bacteria and heavy metals are present.« less

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

Azam, Farah 'Atiqah bt Abdul; Shamsudin, Roslinda, E-mail: linda@ukm.edu.my

Calcium silicate bioceramic was prepared from the rice husk and limestone resources using the sol gel method. The preparations of CaSiO{sub 3} formulation were differ from the previous study due CaO/SiO{sub 2} amount with 45:55 ratio. X-Ray Fluorescence analysis was carried out to clarify the amount of SiO{sub 2} and CaO content in the limestone and rice husk ash. The high amount of CaO was found in the limestone with the percentages of 97.22%, whereby 89% of SiO{sub 2} content of the rice husk ash. Several milling time were studied to obtain the optimized milling ti me and speed inmore » progress to obtain nano size particle. The particle size analysis result confirms that increase in milling time does not certainly reduce the size of particle. The addition of 0.05% polyvinyl alcohol as a binder did not change the phases or composition of calcium silicates after examined by X-Ray diffraction analysis which make it suitable to be used as a binder for calcium silicate coating without changing the chemical structure.« less

Metabolomic assessment reveals an elevated level of glucosinolate content in CaCl₂ treated broccoli microgreens.

PubMed

Sun, Jianghao; Kou, Liping; Geng, Ping; Huang, Huilian; Yang, Tianbao; Luo, Yaguang; Chen, Pei

2015-02-18

Preharvest calcium application has been shown to increase broccoli microgreen yield and extend shelf life. In this study, we investigated the effect of calcium application on its metabolome using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. The data collected were analyzed using principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structural discriminate analysis. Chemical composition comparison shows that glucosinolates, a very important group of phytochemicals, are the major compounds enhanced by preharvest treatment with 10 mM calcium chloride (CaCl2). Aliphatic glucosinolates (glucoerucin, glucoiberin, glucoiberverin, glucoraphanin, pentyl glucosinolate, and hexyl glucosinolate) and indolic glucosinolates (glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, and 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin) were increased significantly in the CaCl2 treated microgreens using metabolomic approaches. Targeted glucosinolate analysis using the ISO 9167-1 method was further employed to confirm the findings. Results indicate that glucosinolates can be considered as a class of compounds that are responsible for the difference between two groups and a higher glucosinolate level was found in CaCl2 treated groups at each time point after harvest in comparison with the control group.

Calcium Isotopic Composition of Bulk Silicate Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, J.; Ionov, D. A.; Liu, F.; Zhang, C.; Zhang, Z.; Huang, F.

2016-12-01

Ca isotopes are used to study the accretion history of the Earth and terrestrial planets, but, Ca isotopic composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) remains poorly constrained [1]. To better understand the Ca isotopic composition of BSE, we analyzed 22 well studied peridotite xenoliths from Tariat (Mongolia), Vitim (southern Siberia) and Udachnaya (Siberian Craton). These samples include both fertile and highly depleted garnet and spinel peridotites that show no or only minor post-melting metasomatism or alteration. Ca isotope measurements were done on a Triton-TIMS using double spike method at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, CAS. The data are reported as δ44/40Ca (relative to NIST SRM 915a). Results for geostandards are consistent with those from other laboratories. 2 standard deviations of SRM 915a analyses are 0.13‰ (n=48). δ44/40Ca of both and fertile and refractory peridotites range from 0.79 to 1.07‰ producing an average of 0.93±0.12‰ (2SD). This value defines the Ca isotopic composition of the BSE, which is consistent with the average δ44/40Ca of oceanic basalts ( 0.90‰)[2,3]. [1] Huang et al (2010) EPSL 292; [2] Valdes et al (2014) EPSL 394; [3]DePaolo (2004) RMG 55.

Effects of cleaning methods upon preservation of stable isotopes and trace elements in shells of Cyprideis torosa (Crustacea, Ostracoda): Implications for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roberts, L. R.; Holmes, J. A.; Leng, M. J.; Sloane, H. J.; Horne, D. J.

2018-06-01

The trace element (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca) and stable isotope (δ18O and δ13C) geochemistry of fossil ostracod valves provide valuable information, particularly in lacustrine settings, on palaeo-water composition and palaeotemperature. The removal of sedimentary and organic contamination prior to geochemical analysis is essential to avoid bias of the results. Previous stable isotope and trace element work on ostracod shells has, however, employed different treatments for the removal of contamination beyond simple 'manual' cleaning using a paint brush and methanol under a low-power binocular microscope. For isotopic work pre-treatments include chemical oxidation, vacuum roasting and plasma ashing, and for trace element work sonication, chemical oxidation and reductive cleaning. The impact of different treatments on the geochemical composition of the valve calcite has not been evaluated in full, and a universal protocol has not been established. Here, a systematic investigation of the cleaning methods is undertaken using specimens of the ubiquitous euryhaline species, Cyprideis torosa. Cleaning methods are evaluated by undertaking paired analyses on a single carapace (comprising two valves); in modern ostracods, whose valves are assumed to be unaltered, the two valves should have identical geochemical and isotopic composition. Hence, when one valve is subjected to the chosen treatment and the other to simple manual cleaning any difference in composition can confidently be assigned to the treatment method. We show that certain cleaning methods have the potential to cause alteration to the geochemical signal, particularly Mg/Ca and δ18O, and hence have implications for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. For trace-element determinations we recommend cleaning by sonication and for stable isotope analysis, oxidation by hydrogen peroxide. These methods remove contamination, yet do not significantly alter the geochemical signal.

Diagenesis of lower Cretaceous pelagic carbonates, North Atlantic: Paleoceanographic signals obscured

USGS Publications Warehouse

Frank, T.D.; Arthur, M.A.; Dean, W.E.

1999-01-01

The stable isotope and minor element geochemistry of Neocomian (Lower Cretaceous) pelagic carbonates of the North Atlantic Basin (Deep Sea Drilling Project Sites 105, 367, 387, 391, and 603) was examined to develop a diagenetic model for pelagic limestones. In particular, we hoped to test the fidelity of whole-rock geochemical records as paleoceanographic indicators for pelagic deposits of pre-Aptian age, in which individual microfossils are not available for analysis. Data indicate that in addition to depth of burial, rhythmic variations in primary carbonate content have strongly controlled diagenetic patterns and associated geochemical signatures in these Neocomian sequences. Samples become increasingly depleted in Sr and 18O with increasing CaCO3 content. Within individual sedimentary sections, substantial decreases in Sr/Ca ratios and ??18O values are evident over a range of 4 to 98% CaCO3. However, even over a relatively narrow range of 50 to 98% CaCO3 a 2.5%c variation in ??18O values and a change of a factor of 1.7 in Sr/Ca ratios are observed. Carbon isotope compositions do not vary as extensively with CaCO3 content, but carbonate-rich intervals tend to be relatively depleted in 13C. Petrographic analysis reveals that these geochemical patterns are related to the transfer of CaCO3 from carbonate-poor intervals (calcareous shales and marlstones) to adjacent carbonate-rich intervals (limestones) during burial compaction and pressure solution. This process results in the addition of diagenetic cement to carbonate-rich intervals to produce a bulk composition that is relatively depleted in Sr and 18O and, at the same time, enables the retention of more-or-less primary carbonate that is relatively enriched in Sr and 18O in adjacent carbonate-poor intervals. Thus, although cyclic variations in CaCO3 content are primary in the Neocomian sequences examined, measured variations in Sr/Ca ratios and ??18O values are not and, as such, do not provide reliable proxies for past variations in climate, oceanographic conditions, or global ice volume.

New eutectic alloys and their heats of transformation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Farkas, D.; Birchenall, C. E.

1985-01-01

Eutectic compositions and congruently melting intermetallic compounds in binary and multicomponent systems among common elements such as Al, Ca, Cu, Mg, P, Si, and Zn may be useful for high temperature heat storage. In this work, heats of fusion of new multicomponent eutectics and intermetallic phases are reported, some of which are competitive with molten salts in heat storage density at high temperatures. The method used to determine unknown eutectic compositions combined results of differential thermal analysis, metallography, and microprobe analysis. The method allows determination of eutectic compositions in no more than three steps. The heats of fusion of the alloys were measured using commercial calorimeters, a differential thermal analyzer, and a differential scanning calorimeter.

Crystal structure and electrical conductivity of lanthanum-calcium chromites-titanates La 1-xCa xCr 1-yTi yO 3-δ ( x=0-1, y=0-1)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vashook, V.; Vasylechko, L.; Zosel, J.; Gruner, W.; Ullmann, H.; Guth, U.

2004-10-01

Five series of perovskite-type compounds in the system La1-xCaxCr1-yTiyO3 with the nominal compositions y = 0 , x = 0 - 0.5 ; y = 0.2 , x = 0.2 - 0.8 ; y = 0.5 , x = 0.5 - 1.0 ; y = 0.8 , x = 0.6 - 1.0 and y = 1 , x = 0.8 - 1 were synthesized by a ceramic technique in air (final heating 1350 °C). On the basis of the X-ray analysis of the samples with (Ca/Ti)⩾1, the phase diagram of the CaTiO3-LaCrIIIO3-CaCrIVO3 quasi-ternary system was constructed. Extended solid solution with a wide homogeneity range is formed in the quasi-ternary system CaCrIVO3-CaTiO3-LaCrIIIO3. The solid solution La(1-x‧-y)Ca(x‧+y)CrIVx‧CrIII(1-x‧-y)TiyO3 exists by up to 0.6-0.7 mol fractions of CaCrIVO3 (x‧ < 0.6 - 0.7) at the experimental conditions. The crystal structure of the compounds is orthorhombic in the space group Pbnm at room temperature. The lattice parameters and the average interatomic distances of the samples within the solid solution ranges decrease uniformly with increasing Ca content. Outside the quasi-ternary system, the nominal compositions La0.1Ca0.9TiO3, La0.2Ca0.8TiO3, La0.4Ca0.6Cr0.2Ti0.8O3 and La0.3Ca0.7Cr0.2Ti0.8O3 in the system La1-xCaxCr1-yTiyO3 were found as single phases with an orthorhombic structure. In the temperature range between 850 and 1000 °C, the synthesized single-phase compositions are stable at pO2=6×10-16-0.21×105 Pa. Oxygen stoichiometry and electrical conductivity of the separate compounds were investigated as functions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The chemical stability of these oxides with respect to oxygen release during thermal dissociation decreases with increasing Ca-content. At 900 °C and oxygen partial pressure 1×10-15-0.21×105 Pa, the compounds with x > y (acceptor doped) are p-type semiconductors and those with x < y (donor doped) and x = y are n-type semiconductors. The type and level of electrical conductivity are functions of the concentration ratios of cations occupying the B-sites of the perovskite structures: [Cr3+]/[Cr4+] and [Ti4+]/[Ti3+]. The maximum electrical conductivity at 900 °C and pO2=10-15 Pa was found for the composition La0.1Ca0.9TiO3 (near 50 S/cm) and in air at 900 °C for La0.5Ca0.5CrO3 (close to 100 S/cm).

Effect of increasing dietary calcium through supplements and dairy food on body weight and body composition: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PubMed

Booth, Alison O; Huggins, Catherine E; Wattanapenpaiboon, Naiyana; Nowson, Caryl A

2015-10-14

This meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials assessed the effect of Ca on body weight and body composition through supplementation or increasing dairy food intake. Forty-one studies met the inclusion criteria (including fifty-one trial arms; thirty-one with dairy foods (n 2091), twenty with Ca supplements (n 2711). Ca intake was approximately 900 mg/d higher in the supplement groups compared with control. In the dairy group, Ca intake was approximately 1300 mg/d. Ca supplementation did not significantly affect body weight (mean change ( - 0·17, 95% CI - 0·70, 0·37) kg) or body fat (mean change ( - 0·19, 95% CI - 0·51, 0·13) kg) compared to control. Similarly, increased dairy food intake did not affect body weight ( - 0·06, 95% CI - 0·54, 0·43) kg or body fat change ( - 0·36, 95% CI - 0·80, 0·09) kg compared to control. Sub-analyses revealed that dairy supplementation resulted in no change in body weight (nineteen studies, n 1010) ( - 0·32, 95% CI - 0·93, 0·30 kg, P= 0·31), but a greater reduction in body fat (thirteen studies, n 564) ( - 0·96, 95% CI - 1·46, - 0·46 kg, P < 0·001) in the presence of energy restriction over a mean of 4 months compared to control. Increasing dietary Ca intake by 900 mg/d as supplements or increasing dairy intake to approximately 3 servings daily (approximately 1300 mg of Ca/d) is not an effective weight reduction strategy in adults. There is, however, an indication that approximately 3 servings of dairy may facilitate fat loss on weight reduction diets in the short term.

Properties of Desert Sand and CMAS Glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bansal, Narottam P.; Choi, Sung R.

2014-01-01

As-received desert sand from a Middle East country has been characterized for its phase composition and thermal stability. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of quartz (SiO2), calcite (CaCO3), gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O), and NaAlSi3O8 phases in as-received desert sand and showed weight loss of approx. 35 percent due to decomposition of CaCO3 and CaSO4.2H2O when heated to 1400 C. A batch of as-received desert sand was melted into calcium magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) glass at approx. 1500 C. From inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, chemical composition of the CMAS glass was analyzed to be 27.8CaO-4MgO-5Al2O3-61.6SiO2-0.6Fe2O3-1K2O (mole percent). Various physical, thermal and mechanical properties of the glass have been evaluated. Bulk density of CMAS glass was 2.69 g/cc, Young's modulus 92 GPa, Shear modulus 36 GPa, Poisson's ratio 0.28, dilatometric glass transition temperature (T (sub g)) 706 C, softening point (T (sub d)) 764 C, Vickers microhardness 6.3 +/- 0.4 GPa, indentation fracture toughness 0.75 +/- 0.15 MPa.m (sup 1/2), and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) 9.8 x 10 (exp -6)/degC in the temperature range 25 to 700 C. Temperature dependence of viscosity has also been estimated from various reference points of the CMAS glass using the Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman (VFT) equation. The glass remained amorphous after heat treating at 850 C for 10 hr but crystallized into CaSiO3 and Ca-Mg-Al silicate phases at 900 C or higher temperatures. Crystallization kinetics of the CMAS glass has also been investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA). Activation energies for the crystallization of two different phases in the glass were calculated to be 403 and 483 kJ/mol, respectively.

The composition of primary carbonate melts and their evolution through wallrock reaction in the mantle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalton, John A.; Wood, Bernard J.

1993-10-01

We have experimentally determined the composition of near-soldus melts from depleted natural Iherzolite at pressures greater than 25 kbar. The melts are carbontitic with low alkali contents and Ca/(Ca + Mg) ratios of 0.72-0.74. Primary carbonate melts from fertile mantle are more sodic with Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe + Na) of 0.52 and Na/(Na + Ca + Mg + Fe) up to 0.15. The melt compositions are similar to many natural magnesio-carbonatites, but differ substantially from the more abundant calcio-carbonatites. Experimentally we find that calcio-carbonatites are produced by wallrock reaction of primary melts with harzburgite at pressures of less than 25 kbar. At 15 kbar we have obtained a Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe + Na) ratio of up to 0.87 and very low Na contents generated by this process. Values of Ca/(Ca + Mg + Fe + Na) up to 0.95 are possible at lower pressures. Low pressure wallrock reaction of primary carbonate melt with fertile Iherzolite produces melts richer in Na2CO3, corresponding to possible parental magmas of natrocarbonatite. Wallrock reaction at low pressures transforms the bulk peridotite composition from that of a harzburgite or Iherzolite to wehrlite. Examples of such carbonatite metasomatism are now widely documented. Our experiments show that the calcium content of olivine and the jadeite content of clinopyroxene may be used to constrain the Ca and Na contents respectively of the cabonatite melt responsible for metasomatism.

Corrosion Behavior of Carbon Steel in Concrete Material Composed of Tin Slag Waste in Aqueous Chloride Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rustandi, Andi; Cahyadi, Agung; Taruli Siallagan, Sonia; Wafa' Nawawi, Fuad; Pratesa, Yudha

2018-01-01

Tin slag is a byproduct of tin ore smelting process which is rarely utilized. The main purpose of this work is to investigate the use of tin slag for concrete cement material application compared to the industrial Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Tin slag composition was characterized by XRD and XRF analysis. The characterization results showed the similar chemical composition of tin slag and OPC. It also revealed the semi crystalline structure of tin slag sample. Several electrochemical tests were performed to evaluate corrosion behavior of tin slag, OPC and various mixed composition of both materials and the addition of CaO. The corrosion behavior of OPC and tin slag were evaluated by using Cyclic Polarization, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Electrochemical Frequency Modulation (EFM) methods. Aqueous sodium chloride (NaCl) solution with 3.5% w.t concentration which similar to seawater was used as the electrolyte in this work. The steel specimen used as the reinforce bar (rebar) material of the concrete was carbon steel AISI 1045. The rebar was embedded in the concrete cement which composed of OPC and the various composition of tin slag including slag without addition of CaO and slag mixed with addition of 50 % CaO. The electrochemical tests results revealed that tin slag affected its corrosion behavior which becoming more active and increasing the corrosion rate as well as decreasing the electrochemical impedance.

Evaluation of protein immobilization capacity on various carbon nanotube embedded hydrogel biomaterials.

PubMed

Derkus, Burak; Emregul, Kaan Cebesoy; Emregul, Emel

2015-11-01

This study investigates effective immobilization of proteins, an important procedure in many fields of bioengineering and medicine, using various biomaterials. Gelatin, alginate and chitosan were chosen as polymeric carriers, and applied in both their composites and nanocomposite forms in combination with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The prepared nano/composite structures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TG) and contact angle analysis (CA). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed gelatin composites in general to exhibit better immobilization performance relative to the native gelatin which can be attributed to enhanced film morphologies of the composite structures. Moreover, superior immobilization efficiencies were obtained with the addition of carbon nanotubes, due to their conducting and surface enhancement features, especially in the gelatin-chitosan structures due to the presence of structural active groups. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dissolution of aragonite-strontianite solid solutions in nonstoichiometric Sr (HCO3)2-Ca (HCO3)2-CO2-H2O solutions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Plummer, Niel; Busenberg, E.; Glynn, P.D.; Blum, A.E.

1992-01-01

Synthetic strontianite-aragonite solid-solution minerals were dissolved in CO2-saturated non-stoichiometric solutions of Sr(HCO3)2 and Ca(HCO3)2 at 25??C. The results show that none of the dissolution reactions reach thermodynamic equilibrium. Congruent dissolution in Ca(HCO3)2 solutions either attains or closely approaches stoichiometric saturation with respect to the dissolving solid. In Sr(HCO3)2 solutions the reactions usually become incongruent, precipitating a Sr-rich phase before reaching stoichiometric saturation. Dissolution of mechanical mixtures of solids approaches stoichiometric saturation with respect to the least stable solid in the mixture. Surface uptake from subsaturated bulk solutions was observed in the initial minutes of dissolution. This surficial phase is 0-10 atomic layers thick in Sr(HCO3)2 solutions and 0-4 layers thick in Ca(HCO3)2 solutions, and subsequently dissolves and/or recrystallizes, usually within 6 min of reaction. The initial transient surface precipitation (recrystallization) process is followed by congruent dissolution of the original solid which proceeds to stoichiometric saturation, or until the precipitation of a more stable Sr-rich solid. The compositions of secondary precipitates do not correspond to thermodynamic equilibrium or stoichiometric saturation states. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements indicate the formation of solid solutions on surfaces of aragonite and strontianite single crystals immersed in Sr(HCO3)2 and Ca(HCO3)2 solutions, respectively. In Sr(HCO3)2 solutions, the XPS signal from the outer ~ 60 A?? on aragonite indicates a composition of 16 mol% SrCO3 after only 2 min of contact, and 14-18 mol% SrCO3 after 3 weeks of contact. The strontianite surface averages approximately 22 mol% CaCO3 after 2 min of contact with Ca(HCO3)2 solution, and is 34-39 mol% CaCO3 after 3 weeks of contact. XPS analysis suggests the surface composition is zoned with somewhat greater enrichment in the outer ~25 A?? (as much as 26 mol% SrCO3 on aragonite and 44 mol% CaCO3 on strontianite). The results indicate rapid formation of a solid-solution surface phase from subsaturated aqueous solutions. The surface phase continually adjusts in composition in response to changes in composition of the bulk fluid as net dissolution proceeds. Dissolution rates of the endmembers are greatly reduced in nonstoichiometric solutions relative to dissolution rates observed in stoichiometric solutions. All solids dissolve more slowly in solutions spiked with the least soluble component ((Sr(HCO3)2)) than in solutions spiked with the more soluble component (Ca(HCO3)2), an effect that becomes increasingly significant as stoichiometric saturation is approached. It is proposed that the formation of a non-stoichiometric surface reactive zone significantly decreases dissolution rates. ?? 1992.

Promotion of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and increase of bone-bonding ability in vivo using urease-treated titanium coated with calcium phosphate and gelatin.

PubMed

Huang, Zhong-Ming; Qi, Yi-Ying; Du, Shao-Hua; Feng, Gang; Unuma, Hidero; Yan, Wei-Qi

2013-10-01

Because of its excellent biocompatibility and low allergenicity, titanium has been widely used for bone replacement and tissue engineering. To produce a desirable composite with enhanced bone response and mechanical strength, in this study bioactive calcium phosphate (CaP) and gelatin composites were coated onto titanium (Ti) via a novel urease technique. The cellular responses to the CaP/gelatin/Ti (CaP/gel/Ti) and bone bonding ability were evaluated with proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti in vitro . The results showed that the optical density values, alkaline phosphatase expression and genes expression of MSCs on CaP/gel/Ti were similar to those on CaP/Ti, yet significantly higher than those on pure Ti ( p < 0.05). CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti rods (2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were also implanted into femoral shaft of rabbits and pure Ti rods served as control ( n = 10). Histological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. The histological and SEM observations demonstrated clearly that more new bone formed on the surface of CaP/gel/Ti than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti bonded to the surrounding bone directly with no intervening soft tissue layer. An interfacial layer, containing Ti, Ca and P, was found to form at the interface between bone and the implant on all three groups by EDS analysis. However, the content of Ca, P in the surface of CaP/gel/Ti implants was more than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti modified by the urease method was not only beneficial for MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, but also favorable for bone bonding ability on Ti implants in vivo , suggesting that Ti functionalized with CaP and gelatin might have a great potential in clinical joint replacement or dental implants.

Promotion of osteogenic differentiation of stem cells and increase of bone-bonding ability in vivo using urease-treated titanium coated with calcium phosphate and gelatin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Zhong-Ming; Qi, Yi-Ying; Du, Shao-Hua; Feng, Gang; Unuma, Hidero; Yan, Wei-Qi

2013-10-01

Because of its excellent biocompatibility and low allergenicity, titanium has been widely used for bone replacement and tissue engineering. To produce a desirable composite with enhanced bone response and mechanical strength, in this study bioactive calcium phosphate (CaP) and gelatin composites were coated onto titanium (Ti) via a novel urease technique. The cellular responses to the CaP/gelatin/Ti (CaP/gel/Ti) and bone bonding ability were evaluated with proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti in vitro. The results showed that the optical density values, alkaline phosphatase expression and genes expression of MSCs on CaP/gel/Ti were similar to those on CaP/Ti, yet significantly higher than those on pure Ti (p < 0.05). CaP/gel/Ti and CaP/Ti rods (2 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were also implanted into femoral shaft of rabbits and pure Ti rods served as control (n = 10). Histological examination, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) measurements were performed at 4 and 8 weeks after the operation. The histological and SEM observations demonstrated clearly that more new bone formed on the surface of CaP/gel/Ti than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti bonded to the surrounding bone directly with no intervening soft tissue layer. An interfacial layer, containing Ti, Ca and P, was found to form at the interface between bone and the implant on all three groups by EDS analysis. However, the content of Ca, P in the surface of CaP/gel/Ti implants was more than in the other two groups at each time point. The CaP/gel/Ti modified by the urease method was not only beneficial for MSCs proliferation and osteogenic differentiation, but also favorable for bone bonding ability on Ti implants in vivo, suggesting that Ti functionalized with CaP and gelatin might have a great potential in clinical joint replacement or dental implants.

Characterization of powdered fish heads for bone graft biomaterial applications.

PubMed

Oteyaka, Mustafa Ozgür; Unal, Hasan Hüseyin; Bilici, Namık; Taşçı, Eda

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to define the chemical composition, morphology and crystallography of powdered fish heads of the species Argyrosomus regius for bone graft biomaterial applications. Two sizes of powder were prepared by different grinding methods; Powder A (coarse, d50=68.5 µm) and Powder B (fine, d50=19.1 µm). Samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry (TG), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The powder was mainly composed of aragonite (CaCO3) and calcite (CaCO3). The XRD pattern of Powder A and B matched standard aragonite and calcite patterns. In addition, the calcium oxide (CaO) phase was found after the calcination of Powder A. Thermogravimetry analysis confirmed total mass losses of 43.6% and 47.3% in Powders A and B, respectively. The microstructure of Powder A was mainly composed of different sizes and tubular shape, whereas Powder B showed agglomerated particles. The high quantity of CaO and other oxides resemble the chemical composition of bone. In general, the powder can be considered as bone graft after transformation to hydroxyapatite phase.

High performance electrolytes for MCFC

DOEpatents

Kaun, Thomas D.; Roche, Michael F.

1999-01-01

A carbonate electrolyte of the Li/Na or CaBaLiNa system. The Li/Na carbonate has a composition displaced from the eutectic composition to diminish segregation effects in a molten carbonate fuel cell. The CaBaLiNa system includes relatively small amounts of Ca.sub.2 CO.sub.3 and BaCO.sub.3, and preferably of equimolar amounts. The presence of both Ca and BaCO.sub.3 enables lower temperature fuel cell operation.

Composition of chitosan-hydroxyapatite-collagen composite scaffold evaluation after simulated body fluid immersion as reconstruction material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verisqa, F.; Triaminingsih, S.; Corputty, J. E. M.

2017-08-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) formation is one of the most important aspects of bone regeneration. Because domestically made chitosan-hydroxyapatite-collagen composite scaffolding from crab shell and bovine bone and tendon has potential as a maxillofacial reconstruction material, the material’s HA-forming ability requires evaluation. The aim of this research is to investigate chitosan-hydroxyapatite-collagen composite scaffold’s potential as a maxillofacial reconstruction material by observing the scaffold’s compositional changes. Scaffold specimens were immersed in 37°C simulated body fluid (SBF) for periods of 2, 4, 6, and 8 days. Scaffold composition was then evaluated by using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) percentages of the scaffold were found to increase following SBF immersion. The high Ca/P ratio (3.82) on the scaffold indicated HA formation. Ion exchange played a significant role in the increased percentages of Ca and P, which led to new HA layer formation. The scaffold’s HA acted as a nucleation site of Ca and P from the SBF, with collagen and chitosan as the scaffold’s matrix. Chitosan-hydroxyapatite-collagen composite scaffold shows potential as a maxillofacial reconstruction material, since its composition favors HA formation.

Structural analysis of low-speed composite propfan blades for the LRCSW wind tunnel model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ernst, Michael A.

1992-01-01

The Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, CA, is currently in the process of evaluating propulsion systems for the Long Range Conventional Standoff Weapons (LRCSW). At present, the Advanced Counter-Rotating Propfan system is being considered. The methodologies are documented which were used to structurally analyze the 0.55 scale CM1 composite propfan blades for the LRCSW with COBSTRAN and MSC/NASTRAN. Significant results are also reported.

Boron Carbide Aluminum Cermets for External Pressure Housing Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-01

CHEMISTRY AND MICROSTRUCTURES OF THE B4C/Al SYSTEM ......................................... 4 3.2 MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF B4C/AI COMPOSITES ....... 10...TABLES 1. Phase chemistry of B4C/A1 composites as a function of baking temperature (by stereology) .................. ...... 10 2. Summary of the...diffractometer using CuKo radiation and a scan rate of 2° per minute. The chemistry of all phases was determined from electron microprobe analysis of

Novel injectable, self-gelling hydrogel-microparticle composites for bone regeneration consisting of gellan gum and calcium and magnesium carbonate microparticles.

PubMed

Douglas, Timothy E L; Łapa, Agata; Reczyńska, Katarzyna; Krok-Borkowicz, Małgorzata; Pietryga, Krzysztof; Samal, Sangram Keshari; Declercq, Heidi A; Schaubroeck, David; Boone, Marijn; Van der Voort, Pascal; De Schamphelaere, Karel; Stevens, Christian V; Bliznuk, Vitaliy; Balcaen, Lieve; Parakhonskiy, Bogdan V; Vanhaecke, Frank; Cnudde, Veerle; Pamuła, Elżbieta; Skirtach, Andre G

2016-11-21

The suitability of hydrogel biomaterials for bone regeneration can be improved by incorporation of an inorganic phase in particle form, thus maintaining hydrogel injectability. In this study, carbonate microparticles containing different amounts of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) were added to solutions of the anionic polysaccharide gellan gum (GG) to crosslink GG by release of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ from microparticles and thereby induce formation of hydrogel-microparticle composites. It was hypothesized that increasing Mg content of microparticles would promote GG hydrogel formation. The effect of Mg incorporation on cytocompatibility and cell growth was also studied. Microparticles were formed by mixing Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ and [Formula: see text] ions in varying concentrations. Microparticles were characterized physiochemically and subsequently mixed with GG solution to form hydrogel-microparticle composites. The elemental Ca:Mg ratio in the mineral formed was similar to the Ca:Mg ratio of the ions added. In the absence of Mg, vaterite was formed. At low Mg content, magnesian calcite was formed. Increasing the Mg content further caused formation of amorphous mineral. Microparticles of vaterite and magnesium calcite did not induce GG hydrogel formation, but addition of Mg-richer amorphous microparticles induced gelation within 20 min. Microparticles were dispersed homogeneously in hydrogels. MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured in eluate from hydrogel-microparticle composites and on the composites themselves. All composites were cytocompatible. Cell growth was highest on composites containing particles with an equimolar Ca:Mg ratio. In summary, carbonate microparticles containing a sufficient amount of Mg induced GG hydrogel formation, resulting in injectable, cytocompatible hydrogel-microparticle composites.

Thermodynamic properties of calcium-bismuth alloys determined by emf measurements

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

Kim, H; Boysen, DA; Bradwell, DJ

2012-01-15

The thermodynamic properties of Ca-Bi alloys were determined by electromotive force (emf) measurements to assess the suitability of Ca-Bi electrodes for electrochemical energy storage applications. Emf was measured at ambient pressure as a function of temperature between 723 K and 1173 K using a Ca(s)vertical bar CaF2(s)vertical bar Ca(in Bi) cell for twenty different Ca-Bi alloys spanning the entire range of composition from chi(Ca) = 0 to 1. Reported are the temperature-independent partial molar entropy and enthalpy of calcium for each Ca-Bi alloy. Also given are the measured activities of calcium, the excess partial molar Gibbs energy of bismuth estimatedmore » from the Gibbs-Duhem equation, and the integral change in Gibbs energy for each Ca-Bi alloy at 873 K, 973 K, and 1073 K. Calcium activities at 973 K were found to be nearly constant at a value a(Ca) = 1 x 10(-8) over the composition range chi(Ca) = 0.32-0.56, yielding an emf of similar to 0.77 V. Above chi(Ca) = 0.62 and coincident with Ca5Bi3 formation, the calcium activity approached unity. The Ca-Bi system was also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry over the entire range of composition. Based upon these data along with the emf measurements, a revised Ca-Bi binary phase diagram is proposed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.« less

Sol-gel derived porous bioactive nanocomposites: Synthesis and in vitro bioactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shankhwar, Nisha; Kothiyal, G. P.; Srinivasan, A.

2013-06-01

Porous bioactive composites consisting of SiO2-CaO-Na2O-P2O5 bioactive glass-ceramic and synthetic water soluble polymer Polyvinylpyrrolidone [PVP (C6H9NO)n, MW˜40000 g/mol] have been synthesized by sol-gel route. As-prepared polymeric composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Two major bone mineral phases, viz., hydroxyapatite [Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] and wollastonite [calcium silicate (CaSiO3)] have been identified in the XRD patterns of the composites. Presence of these bone minerals indicates the bioactive nature of the composites. In vitro bioactivity tests confirm bioactivity in the porous composites. The flexibility offered by these bioactive polymer composites is advantageous for its application as implant material.

Cytocompatibility, mechanical and dissolution properties of high strength boron and iron oxide phosphate glass fibre reinforced bioresorbable composites.

PubMed

Sharmin, Nusrat; Hasan, Muhammad S; Parsons, Andrew J; Rudd, Chris D; Ahmed, Ifty

2016-06-01

In this study, Polylactic acid (PLA)/phosphate glass fibres (PGF) composites were prepared by compression moulding. Fibres produced from phosphate based glasses P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O (P45B0), P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-B2O3 (P45B5), P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-Fe2O3 (P45Fe3) and P2O5-CaO-MgO-Na2O-B2O3-Fe2O3 (P45B5Fe3) were used to reinforce the bioresorbable polymer PLA. Fibre mechanical properties and degradation rate were investigated, along with the mechanical properties, degradation and cytocompatibility of the composites. Retention of the mechanical properties of the composites was evaluated during degradation in PBS at 37°C for four weeks. The fibre volume fraction in the composite varied from 19 to 23%. The flexural strength values (ranging from 131 to 184MPa) and modulus values (ranging from 9.95 to 12.29GPa) obtained for the composites matched those of cortical bone. The highest flexural strength (184MPa) and modulus (12.29GPa) were observed for the P45B5Fe3 composite. After 28 days of immersion in PBS at 37°C, ~35% of the strength profile was maintained for P45B0 and P45B5 composites, while for P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites ~40% of the initial strength was maintained. However, the overall wet mass change of P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 remained significantly lower than that of the P45B0 and P45B5 composites. The pH profile also revealed that the P45B0 and P45B5 composites degraded quicker, correlating well with the degradation profile. From SEM analysis, it could be seen that after 28 days of degradation, the fibres in the fractured surface of P45B5Fe3 composites remain fairly intact as compared to the other formulations. The in vitro cell culture studies using MG63 cell lines revealed both P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites maintained and showed higher cell viability as compared to the P45B0 and P45B5 composites. This was attributed to the slower degradation rate of the fibres in P45Fe3 and P45B5Fe3 composites as compared with the fibres in P45B0 and P45B5 composites. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nepheline structural and chemical dependence on melt composition

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

Marcial, José; Crum, Jarrod; Neill, Owen

Nepheline crystallizes upon slow-cooling in some melts concentrated in Na2O and Al2O3, which can result in a residual glass phase of low chemical durability. Nepheline can incorporate many components often found in high-level waste radioactive borosilicate glass, including glass network ions (e.g., Si, Al, Fe), alkali metals (e.g., Cs, K, Na, and possibly Li), alkaline-earth metals (e.g., Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg), and transition metals (e.g., Mn, and possibly Cr, Zn, Ni). When crystallized from melts of different compositions, nepheline chemistry varies as a function of starting glass composition. Five simulated high level nuclear waste borosilicate glasses shown to crystallize largemore » fractions of nepheline on slow cooling, were selected for study. These melts constituted a range of Al2O3, B2O3, CaO, Na2O, K2O, Fe2O3, and SiO2 compositions. Compositional analyses of nepheline crystals in glass by electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) indicate that boron is unlikely to be present in any significant concentration, if at all, in nepheline. Also, several models are presented for calculating the fraction of vacancies in the nepheline structure.« less

Auger electron spectroscopy for the determination of sex and age related Ca/P ratio at different bone sites

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

Balatsoukas, Ioannis; Kourkoumelis, Nikolaos; Tzaphlidou, Margaret

The Ca/P ratio of normal cortical and trabecular rat bone was measured by Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). Semiquantitative analysis was carried out using ratio techniques to draw conclusions on how age, sex and bone site affect the relative composition of calcium and phosphorus. Results show that Ca/P ratio is not sex dependent; quite the opposite, bone sites exhibit variations in elemental stoichiometry where femoral sections demonstrate higher Ca/P ratio than rear and front tibias. Age-related changes are more distinct for cortical bone in comparison with the trabecular bone. The latter's Ca/P ratio remains unaffected from all the parameters under study.more » This study confirms that AES is able to successfully quantify bone mineral main elements when certain critical points, related to the experimental conditions, are addressed effectively.« less

Synthesis and structural studies on cerium substituted La0.4Ca0.6MnO3 as solid oxide fuel cell electrode material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Monika; Kumar, Dinesh; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar

2018-04-01

For solid oxide fuel cell electrode material, calcium doped lanthanum manganite La0.4Ca0.6MnO3 (LCMO) and cerium-incorporated on Ca-site with composition La0.40Ca0.55Ce0.05MnO3 (LCCMO) were synthesized using most feasible and efficient glycine-nitrate method. The formation of crystalline single phase was confirmed by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The Rietveld analysis reveals that both systems crystallize into orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group. Additionally, 8 mole % Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (8YSZ) solid electrolyte was also synthesized using high energy ball mill to check the reaction with electrode materials. It was found that the substitution of Ce+4 cations in LCMO perovskite suppressed formation of undesired insulating CaZrO3 phase.

Effects of organic composition on mesophilic anaerobic digestion of food waste.

PubMed

Li, Yangyang; Jin, Yiying; Borrion, Aiduan; Li, Hailong; Li, Jinhui

2017-11-01

Anaerobic digestion of food waste (FW) has been widely investigated, however, little is known about the influence of organic composition on the FW digestion process. This study aims to identify the optimum composition ratios of carbohydrate (CA), protein (CP) and lipid (EE) for maintaining high methane yield and process stability. The results show that the CA-CP-EE ratio was significantly correlated with performance and degradability parameters. Controlling the CA-CP-EE ratio higher than 1.89 (CA higher than 8.3%, CP lower than 5.0%, and EE lower than 5.6%) could be an effective way to maintain stable digestion and achieve higher methane production (385-627mL/gVS) and shorter digestion retention (196-409h). The CA-CP-EE ratio could be used as an important indicator for digestion performance. To effectively evaluate organic reduction, the concentration and removal efficiency of organic compositions in both solid phases and total FW should be considered. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

A deformation-processed Al-matrix/Ca-nanofilamentary composite with low density, high strength, and high conductivity

DOE PAGES

Tian, Liang

2017-03-06

Light, strong materials with high conductivity are desired for many applications such as power transmission conductors, fly-by-wire systems, and downhole power feeds. However, it is difficult to obtain both high strength and high conductivity simultaneously in a material. In this study, an Al/Ca (20 vol%) nanofilamentary metal-metal composite was produced by powder metallurgy and severe plastic deformation. Fine Ca metal powders (~200 µm) were produced by centrifugal atomization, mixed with pure Al powder, and deformed by warm extrusion, swaging, and wire drawing to a true strain of 12.9. The Ca powder particles became fine Ca nanofilaments that reinforce the compositemore » substantially by interface strengthening. The conductivity of the composite is slightly lower than the rule-of-mixtures prediction due to minor quantities of impurity inclusions. As a result, the elevated temperature performance of this composite was also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and resistivity measurements.« less

A deformation-processed Al-matrix/Ca-nanofilamentary composite with low density, high strength, and high conductivity

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

Tian, Liang

Light, strong materials with high conductivity are desired for many applications such as power transmission conductors, fly-by-wire systems, and downhole power feeds. However, it is difficult to obtain both high strength and high conductivity simultaneously in a material. In this study, an Al/Ca (20 vol%) nanofilamentary metal-metal composite was produced by powder metallurgy and severe plastic deformation. Fine Ca metal powders (~200 µm) were produced by centrifugal atomization, mixed with pure Al powder, and deformed by warm extrusion, swaging, and wire drawing to a true strain of 12.9. The Ca powder particles became fine Ca nanofilaments that reinforce the compositemore » substantially by interface strengthening. The conductivity of the composite is slightly lower than the rule-of-mixtures prediction due to minor quantities of impurity inclusions. As a result, the elevated temperature performance of this composite was also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and resistivity measurements.« less

Preparation, characterization, and in vitro release of gentamicin from coralline hydroxyapatite-alginate composite microspheres.

PubMed

Sivakumar, M; Rao, K Panduranga

2003-05-01

In this work, composite microspheres were prepared from bioactive ceramics such as coralline hydroxyapatite [Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2)] granules, a biodegradable polymer, sodium alginate, and an antibiotic, gentamicin. Previously, we have shown a gentamicin release from coralline hydroxyapatite granules-chitosan composite microspheres. In the present investigation, we attempted to prepare composite microspheres containing coralline hydroxyapatite granules and sodium alginate by the dispersion polymerization technique with gentamicin incorporated by absorption method. The crystal structure of the composite microspheres was analyzed using X-ray powder diffractometer. Fourier transform infrared spectra clearly indicated the presence of per-acid of sodium alginate, phosphate, and hydroxyl groups in the composite microspheres. Scanning electron micrographs and optical micrographs showed that the composite microspheres were spherical in shape and porous in nature. The particle size of composite microspheres was analyzed, and the average size was found to be 15 microns. The thermal behavior of composite microspheres was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The cumulative in vitro release profile of gentamicin from composite microspheres showed near zero order patterns. Copyright 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro release of gentamicin from coralline hydroxyapatite-gelatin composite microspheres.

PubMed

Sivakumar, M; Panduranga Rao, K

2002-08-01

Composite microspheres have been prepared from bioactive ceramics such as coralline hydroxyapatite [CHA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] granules, a biodegradable polymer, gelatin and an antibiotic, gentamicin. In our earlier work, we have shown a gentamicin release from CHA granules--chitosan composite microspheres. In the present investigation, an attempt was made to prepare the composite microspheres containing coralline hydroxyapatite and gelatin (CHA-G), which were prepared by the dispersion polymerization technique and the gentamicin was incorporated by the absorption method. The crystal structure of the composite microspheres was analyzed using X-ray powder diffractometer. The Fourier transformed infrared spectrum clearly indicated the presence of amide and hydroxyl groups in the composite microspheres. Scanning electron micrographs and optical micrographs show that the composite microspheres are spherical in shape and porous in nature. The particle size of composite microspheres was analyzed and the average size was found to be 16 microm. The thermal behavior of composite microspheres was studied using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric analysis. The cumulative in vitro release profile of gentamicin from composite microspheres showed near zero order patterns.

Low-loss Ca{sub 5-x}Sr{sub x}A{sub 2}TiO{sub 12} [A=Nb,Ta] ceramics: Microwave dielectric properties and vibrational spectroscopic analysis

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

Bijumon, Pazhoor Varghese; Sebastian, Mailadil Thomas; Dias, Anderson

2005-05-15

Complex perovskite-type Ca{sub 5-x}Sr{sub x}A{sub 2}TiO{sub 12} [A=Nb,Ta] (0{<=}x{<=}5) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state ceramic route. The crystal structure, microwave dielectric properties, and vibrational spectroscopic characteristics of these materials are reported. The structure and microstructure were investigated by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The microwave dielectric properties were measured in the 3-5-GHz frequency range by the resonance method. Structural evolutions from orthorhombic to an averaged pseudocubic phase, with associated changes in dielectric properties, were observed as a function of composition. The structure-property relationships in these ceramics were established using Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic techniques. Ramanmore » analysis showed characteristic bands of ordered perovskite materials, with variation in both intensity and frequency as a function of composition.« less

Nano-modification to improve the ductility of cementitious composites

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

Yeşilmen, Seda; Al-Najjar, Yazin; Balav, Mohammad Hatam

2015-10-15

Effect of nano-sized mineral additions on ductility of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) containing high volumes of fly ash was investigated at different hydration degrees. Various properties of ECC mixtures with different mineral additions were compared in terms of microstructural properties of matrix, fiber-matrix interface, and fiber surface to assess improvements in ductility. Microstructural characterization was made by measuring pore size distributions through mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Hydration characteristics were assessed using thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), and fiber-matrix interface and fiber surface characteristics were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) through a period of 90 days. Moreover, compressive and flexuralmore » strength developments were monitored for the same period. Test results confirmed that mineral additions could significantly improve both flexural strength and ductility of ECC, especially at early ages. Cheaper Nano-CaCO{sub 3} was more effective compared to nano-silica. However, the crystal structure of CaCO{sub 3} played a very important role in the range of expected improvements.« less

Study of composition change and agglomeration of flue gas cleaning residue from a fluidized bed waste incinerator.

PubMed

Lievens, P; Verbinnen, B; Bollaert, P; Alderweireldt, N; Mertens, G; Elsen, J; Vandecasteele, C

2011-10-01

Blocking of the collection hoppers of the baghouse filters in a fluidized bed incinerator for co-incineration of high calorific industrial solid waste and sludge was observed. The composition of the flue gas cleaning residue (FGCR), both from a blocked hopper and from a normal hopper, was investigated by (differential) thermogravimetric analysis, quantitative X-ray powder diffraction and wet chemical analysis. The lower elemental carbon concentration and the higher calcium carbonate concentration of the agglomerated sample was the result of oxidation of carbon and subsequent reaction of CO2 with CaO. The evolved heat causes a temperature increase, with the decomposition of CaOHCl as a consequence. The formation of calcite and calcium chloride and the evolution of heat caused agglomeration of the FGCR. Activated lignite coke was replaced by another adsorption agent with less carbon, so the auto-ignition temperature increased; since then no further block formation has occurred.

Chemotaxonomic analysis of the aroma compounds in essential oils of two different Ocimum basilicum L. varieties from Iran.

PubMed

Pirmoradi, Mohammad Reza; Moghaddam, Mohammad; Farhadi, Nasrin

2013-07-01

Hydrodistilled essential oils of 21 accessions of Ocimum basilicum L. belonging to two different varieties (var. purpurascens and var. dianatnejadii) from Iran were characterized by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. The oil yield was found to be between 0.6 and 1.1% (v/w). In total, 49 compounds, accounting for 96.6-99.7% of the oil compositions, were identified. Aromatic compounds, represented mainly by methyl chavicol (33.6-49.1%), and oxygenated monoterpenes, represented by linalool (14.4-39.3%), were the main components in all essential oils. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were present in the essential oils of all accessions of the purpurascens variety, whereas they were completely absent in those of the dianatnejadii variety, indicating that monoterpene hydrocarbons might be considered as marker constituents of the purpurascens variety. The chemotaxonomic value of the essential-oil compositions was discussed according to the results of the cluster analysis (CA). The CA showed a clear separation of the O. basilicum var. purpurascens accessions and the O. basilicum var. dianatnejadii accessions, although the data showed no major chemotype variation between the studied varieties. Indeed, the CA revealed only one principal chemotype (methyl chavicol/linalool) for both varieties. In conclusion, GC/MS analyses in combination with CA showed to be a flexible and reliable method for the characterization of the chemical profiles of different varieties of Ocimum basilicum L. Copyright © 2013 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Microwave dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12-Al2O3 composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahman, Mohd Fariz Ab; Abu, Mohamad Johari; Karim, Saniah Ab; Zaman, Rosyaini Afindi; Ain, Mohd Fadzil; Ahmad, Zainal Arifin; Mohamed, Julie Juliewatty

2016-07-01

(1-x)CaCu3Ti4O12 + (x)Al2O3 composite (0 ≤ x ≤0.25) was prepared via conventional solid-state reaction method. The fabrication of sample was started with synthesizing stoichiometric CCTO from CaCO3, CuO and TiO2 powders, then wet-mixed in deionized water for 24 h. The process was continued with calcined CCTO powder at 900 °C for 12 h before sintered at 1040 °C for 10 h. Next, the calcined CCTO powder with different amount of Al2O3 were mixed for 24 h, then palletized and sintered at 1040 °C for 10. X-ray diffraction analysis on the sintered samples showed that CCTO powder was in a single phase, meanwhile the trace of secondary peaks which belong to CaAl2O4 and Corundum (Al2O3) could be observed in the other samples Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the grain size of the sample is firstly increased with addition of Al2O3 (x = 0.01), then become smaller with the x > 0.01. Microwave dielectric properties showed that the addition of Al2O3 (x = 0.01) was remarkably reduced the dielectric loss while slightly increased the dielectric permittivity. However, further addition of Al2O3 was reduced both dielectric loss and permittivity at least for an order of magnitude.

High performance electrolytes for MCFC

DOEpatents

Kaun, T.D.; Roche, M.F.

1999-08-24

A carbonate electrolyte of the Li/Na or CaBaLiNa system is described. The Li/Na carbonate has a composition displaced from the eutectic composition to diminish segregation effects in a molten carbonate fuel cell. The CaBaLiNa system includes relatively small amounts of Ca{sub 2}CO{sub 3} and BaCO{sub 3}, and preferably of equimolar amounts. The presence of both Ca and BaCO{sub 3} enables lower temperature fuel cell operation. 15 figs.

Zr, Hf, Mo and W-containing oxide phases as pinning additives in Bi-2212 superconductor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makarova, M. V.; Kazin, P. E.; Tretyakov, Yu. D.; Jansen, M.; Reissner, M.; Steiner, W.

2005-02-01

Phase formation was investigated in Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-M-O (M = Mo, W) systems at 850-900 °C. It was found that Sr 2CaMO 6 phases were chemically compatible with Bi-2212. The composites Bi-2212-Sr 2CaMO 6 and Bi-2212-SrAO 3 (A = Zr, Hf) were obtained from a sol-gel precursor using crystallisation from the melt. The materials consisted of Bi-2212 matrix and submicron or micron grains of the corresponding dispersed phase. Tc was equal or exceeded that for undoped Bi-2212, reaching Tc = 97 K in the Mo-containing composite. The composites exhibited enhanced pinning in comparison with similar prepared pure Bi-2212, especially at T = 60 K. The best pinning parameters were observed for the Bi-2212-Sr 2CaWO 6 composite.

Role of Y2O3, CaO, MgO additives on structural and microstructural behavior of zirconia/mullite aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, D. K.; Prusty, Sasmita; Mohapatra, B. K.; Singh, S. K.; Behera, S. N.

2012-07-01

Zirconia mullite (MUZ), Y2O3-MUZ, CaO-MUZ and MgO-MUZ composites, synthesized through plasma fusion technique, are becoming important due to their commercial scale of production within five minutes of plasma treatment from sillimanite, zircon and alumina mixture. The X-ray diffraction studies reveal the monoclinic zirconia phase in MUZ composite whereas mixed monoclinic, tetragonal and cubic phases of zirconia have been observed in Y2O3, CaO, MgO added MUZ composites. The Y2O3, CaO and MgO additives act as sintering aids to favour the transformation and stabilisation of tetragonal and cubic zirconia phases at room temperature. These additives also play a key role in the development of various forms of microstructure to achieve dense MUZ composites.

Study on fluoride emission from soils at high temperature related to brick-making process.

PubMed

Xie, Z M; Wu, W H; Xu, J M

2003-02-01

Characteristics of fluoride emission from 12 soils at temperatures of 400-1,100 degrees C related to the brick-making process were studied. The results obtained in this study indicate that fluoride emission as gaseous HF and SiF4 was related to the firing temperature, soil total fluoride content, soil composition and calcium compounds added to soils. Soils began to release fluoride at temperatures between 500 and 700 degrees C. Marked increases of the average fluoride mission rate from 57.2% to 85.4% of soil total fluoride were noticed as the heating temperature was increased from 700 to 1,100 degrees C. It was found that the major proportion (over 50%) of the soil total fluoride was emitted from soils at approximate 800 degrees C. The amount of fluoride released into the atmosphere when heated depended on the total fluoride contents in the soils. Correlation analysis showed that the soil composition, such as cation exchange capacity, exchangeable calcium and CaCO3, had some influence on fluoride emission below 900 degrees C, but had no influence at temperatures above 900 degrees C. Addition of four calcium compounds (CaO, CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, and CaSO4) at 1.5% by weight raised the temperature at which fluoride began to be released to 700 degrees C. The greatest decrease in fluoride emission among the four calcium compound treatments was found with CaCO3.

Seawater calcium isotope ratios across the Eocene-Oligocene transition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Griffith, E.M.; Paytan, A.; Eisenhauer, A.; Bullen, T.D.; Thomas, E.

2011-01-01

During the Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT, ca. 34 Ma), Earth's climate cooled significantly from a greenhouse to an icehouse climate, while the calcite (CaCO3) compensation depth (CCD) in the Pacific Ocean increased rapidly. Fluctuations in the CCD could result from various processes that create an imbalance between calcium (Ca) sources to, and sinks from, the ocean (e.g., weathering and CaCO3 deposition), with different effects on the isotopic composition of dissolved Ca in the oceans due to differences in the Ca isotopic composition of various inputs and outputs. We used Ca isotope ratios (??44/40Ca) of coeval pelagic marine barite and bulk carbonate to evaluate changes in the marine Ca cycle across the EOT. We show that the permanent deepening of the CCD was not accompanied by a pronounced change in seawater ??44/40Ca, whereas time intervals in the Neogene with smaller carbonate depositional changes are characterized by seawater ??44/40Ca shifts. This suggests that the response of seawater ??44/40Ca to changes in weathering fluxes and to imbalances in the oceanic alkalinity budget depends on the chemical composition of seawater. A minor and transient fluctuation in the Ca isotope ratio of bulk carbonate may reflect a change in isotopic fractionation associated with CaCO3 precipitation from seawater due to a combination of factors, including changes in temperature and/or in the assemblages of calcifying organisms. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

Mineral composition of lunar late mare volcanism revealed from Kaguya SP data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kato, S.; Morota, T.; Yamaguchi, Y.; Watanabe, S.; Otake, H.; Ohtake, M.; Nimura, T.

2017-12-01

Lunar mare basalts provide insights into the composition and thermal history of the lunar mantle. According to previous studies of crater counting analysis using remote sensing data, the ages of mare basalts suggest a first peak of magma activity at 3.2-3.8 Ga and a second peak at 2 Ga. To understand the mechanism for causing the second peak and its magma source is essential to constrain the thermal history of the lunar mantle. In our previous study [Kato et al., 2017], we reassess the correlation between the titanium contents and the eruption ages of mare basalt units using the compositional and chronological data updated by SELENE (Kaguya). The results show a rapid increase in mean titanium content near 2.3 Ga in the Procellarum KREEP Terrane (PKT), where the latest eruptions are concentrated. Moreover, the high-titanium basaltic eruptions are correlated with the second peak in volcanic activity at 2 Ga. Here we designate volcanisms before and after 2.3 Ga as Phase-1 and Phase-2 volcanism. To understand the mechanism of Phase-2 mare volcanism and its magma source, determining the mineral components and elemental compositions of mare basalts in the PKT is important. Nimura [2011] improved the modified Gaussian model (MGM) [Sunshine et al., 1990] by obtaining the relations between chemical compositions of minerals (the ratio of Fe/(Fe+Mg) in olivine and the ratios of Ca/(Ca+Fe+Mg) and Fe/(Ca+Fe+Mg) in pyroxene) and absorption band parameters (center, width and strength ratio of Gaussian curves). In this study, we re-derived the relations using experimental spectral data and applied the method to spectral data of mare basalts obtained by Kaguya Spectral Profiler (SP) to estimate the mineral components and elemental compositions of lunar mare basalts.

The Effect of a Receding Saline Lake (The Salton Sea) on Airborne Particulate Matter Composition.

PubMed

Frie, Alexander L; Dingle, Justin H; Ying, Samantha C; Bahreini, Roya

2017-08-01

The composition of ambient particulate matter (PM) and its sources were investigated at the Salton Sea, a shrinking saline lake in California. To investigate the influence of playa exposure on PM composition, PM samples were collected during two seasons and at two sites around the Salton Sea. To characterize source composition, soil samples were collected from local playa and desert surfaces. PM and soil samples were analyzed for 15 elements using mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction. The contribution of sources to PM mass and composition was investigated using Al-referenced enrichment factors (EFs) and source factors resolved from positive matrix factorization (PMF). Playa soils were found to be significantly enriched in Ca, Na, and Se relative to desert soils. PMF analysis resolved the PM 10 data with four source factors, identified as Playa-like, Desert-like, Ca-rich, and Se. Playa-like and desert-like sources were estimated to contribute to a daily average of 8.9% and 45% of PM 10 mass, respectively. Additionally, playa sources were estimated to contribute to 38-68% of PM 10 Na. PM 10 Se concentrations showed strong seasonal variations, suggesting a seasonal cycle of Se volatilization and recondensation. These results support the importance of playas as a source of PM mass and a controlling factor of PM composition.

Predicting the stone composition of children preoperatively by Hounsfield unit detection on non-contrast computed tomography.

PubMed

Altan, Mesut; Çitamak, Burak; Bozaci, Ali Cansu; Güneş, Altan; Doğan, Hasan Serkan; Haliloğlu, Mithat; Tekgül, Serdar

2017-10-01

Many studies have been performed on adult patients to reveal the relationship between Hounsfield unit (HU) value and composition of stone, but none have focused on childhood. We aimed to predict stone composition by HU properties in pre-intervention non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) in children. This could help to orient patients towards more successful interventions. Data of 94 children, whose pre-intervention NCCT and post-interventional stone analysis were available were included. Stones were grouped into three groups: calcium oxalate (CaOx), cystine, and struvite. Besides spot urine PH value, core HU, periphery HU, and Hounsfield density (HUD) values were measured and groups were compared statistically. The mean age of patients was 7 ± 4 (2-17) years and the female/male ratio was 51/43. The mean stone size was 11.7 ± 5 (4-24) mm. There were 50, 38, and 6 patients in the CaOx, cystine, and struvite groups, respectively. The median values for core HU, periphery HU, and mean HU in the CaOx group were significantly higher than the corresponding median values in the cystine and struvite groups. Significant median HUD difference was seen only between the CaOx and cystine groups. No difference was seen between the cystine and struvite groups in terms of HU parameters. To distinguish these groups, mean spot urine PH values were compared and were found to be higher in the struvite group than the cystine group (Table). The retrospective nature and small number of patients in some groups are limitations of this study, which also does not include all stone compositions. Our cystine stone rate was higher than childhood stone composition distribution in the literature. This is because our center is a reference center in a region with high recurrence rates of cystine stones. In fact, high numbers of cystine stones helped us to compare them with calcium stones more accurately and became an advantage for this study. NCCT at diagnosis can provide some information for determination of stone composition. While CaOx stones can be discriminated from cystine and struvite stones using HU parameters, a simple spot urine pH assessment must be added to distinguish cystine stones from struvite stones. Copyright © 2017 Journal of Pediatric Urology Company. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Origins of mass-dependent and mass-independent Ca isotope variations in meteoritic components and meteorites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bermingham, K. R.; Gussone, N.; Mezger, K.; Krause, J.

2018-04-01

The Ca isotope composition of meteorites and their components may vary due to mass-dependent and/or -independent isotope effects. In order to evaluate the origin of these effects, five amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs), three calcium aluminum inclusions (CAIs), five chondrules (C), a dark inclusion from Allende (CV3), two dark fragments from North West Africa 753 (NWA 753; R3.9), and a whole rock sample of Orgueil (CI1) were analyzed. This is the first coupled mass-dependent and -independent Ca isotope dataset to include AOAs, a dark inclusion, and dark fragments. Where sample masses permit, Ca isotope data are reported with corresponding petrographic analyses and rare earth element (REE) relative abundance patterns. The CAIs and AOAs are enriched in light Ca isotopes (δ44/40Ca -5.32 to +0.72, where δ44/40Ca is reported relative to SRM 915a). Samples CAI 5 and AOA 1 have anomalous Group II REE patterns. These REE and δ44/40Ca data suggest that the CAI 5 and AOA 1 compositions were set via kinetic isotope fractionation during condensation and evaporation. The remaining samples show mass-dependent Ca isotope variations which cluster between δ44/40Ca +0.53 and +1.59, some of which are coupled with unfractionated REE abundance patterns. These meteoritic components likely formed through the coaccretion of the evaporative residue and condensate following Group II CAI formation or their chemical and isotopic signatures were decoupled (e.g., via nebular or parent-body alteration). The whole rock sample of Orgueil has a δ44/40Ca +0.67 ± 0.18 which is in agreement with most published data. Parent-body alteration, terrestrial alteration, and variable sampling of Ca-rich meteoritic components can have an effect on δ44/40Ca compositions in whole rock meteorites. Samples AOA 1, CAI 5, C 2, and C 4 display mass-independent 48/44Ca anomalies (ε48/44Ca +6 to +12) which are resolved from the standard composition. Other samples measured for these effects (AOA 5, CAI 1, CAI 2, C 3, D 1, D 2, D 3) possess the same 48/44Ca isotope composition as the standard within analytical uncertainty. These data indicate a heterogeneous distribution of 48Ca in the early solar nebula during formation of CAIs, AOAs, and chondrules. In a ε48/44Ca vs. δ44/40Ca plot, no strong correlation is evident which suggests that the thermal processing event which caused a heterogeneous distribution of ε48/44Ca in the solar nebula is unlikely to be directly related to the thermal processing event that caused coupled REE and Ca mass-dependent isotopic fractionation in meteoritic components.

Ultrastructural properties of laser-irradiated and heat-treated dentin.

PubMed

Rohanizadeh, R; LeGeros, R Z; Fan, D; Jean, A; Daculsi, G

1999-12-01

Previous studies using scanning electron microscopy and infrared absorption spectroscopy reported that laser irradiation causes compositional changes in enamel. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructural and compositional changes in dentin caused by irradiation with a short-pulse laser (Q-switched Nd:YAG). The irradiated and non-irradiated areas of the lased dentin samples were investigated by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), micro-micro electron diffraction, and electron microprobe analysis of dispersive energy (EDX). Heat-treated dentin was similarly investigated. This study demonstrated that laser irradiation resulted in the recrystallization of dentin apatite and in the formation of additional calcium phosphate phases consisting of magnesium-substituted beta-tricalcium phosphate, beta-TCMP, beta-(Ca,Mg)3(PO4)2, and tetracalcium phosphate, TetCP, Ca4(PO4)O. TEM analyses of the modified and unmodified zones of the irradiated areas showed two types of crystal populations: much larger crystals from the modified zone and crystals with size and morphology similar to those of dentin apatite in the unmodified zone. The morphology of crystals in the modified zones in the irradiated dentin resembled those of dentin sintered at 800 or 950 degrees C. In the irradiated areas (modified and unmodified zones), the Ca/P ratio was lower compared with that in the non-irradiated dentin. The Mg/Ca ratio in the modified zones was higher than that in the unmodified zones and in the non-irradiated dentin. In sintered dentin, the Mg/Ca ratio increased as a function of sintering temperature. The ultrastructural and compositional changes observed in laser-irradiated dentin may be attributed to high temperature and high pressure induced by microplasma during laser irradiation. These changes may alter the solubility of the irradiated dentin, making it less susceptible to acid dissolution or to the caries process.

The sedimentary organic matter from a Lake Ichkeul core (far northern Tunisia): Rock-Eval and biomarker approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Affouri, Hassène; Sahraoui, Olfa

2017-05-01

The vertical distributions of bulk and molecular biomarker composition in samples from a ca. 156 cm sediment core from Lake Ichkeul were determined. Bulk analysis (Rock-Eval pyrolysis, carbonate, lipid extraction) and molecular analysis of saturated fractions were used to characterize the nature, preservation conditions and input of sedimentary organic matter (OM) to this sub-wet lake environment. The sediments are represented mainly by gray-black silty-clay facies where the carbonate (CaCO3) content varies in a range of 10-30% dry sediment. Rock-Eval pyrolysis revealed a homogeneous total organic carbon (TOC) content of ca. 1% sediment, but with down core fluctuation, indicating different anoxic conditions at different depths and material source variation. The values show three periods of relative enrichment, exceeding ca. 1%, at 146-134 cm, 82 cm and 14-0 cm depth. The low Hydrogen Index (HI) values [<119 mg hydrocarbon (HC)/g TOC)] were characteristic of continental Type III OM. The Tmax values in the range 415-420 °C were characteristic of immature OM at an early diagenetic stage. The distributions of n-alkanes (C17 to C34), isoprenoid (iso) alkanes (pristane and phytane), terpanes and steranes showed that the OM is a mixture of marine algal and bacterial source and emergent and floating higher plant origin. In addition, the distributions, as well as several biomarker ratios (n-alkanes, iso-alkanes/n-alkanes), showed that the OM is a mixture of immature and mature. Significant downcore fluctuation was observed in the molecular composition. This indicates intense microbial activity below ca. 50 cm core depth under an anoxic and brackish environment.

Optical method of caustics applied in viscoelastic fracture analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Guiyun; Li, Zheng; Xu, Jie

2011-05-01

The optical method of caustics is developed here to study the fracture of viscoelastic materials. By adopting a distribution of viscoelastic stress fields near the crack tip, the method of caustics is used to determine the viscoelastic fracture parameters from the caustic patterns near the crack tip. Two viscoelastic materials are studied. These are PMMA and ternary composites of HDPE/POE-g-MA/CaCO 3. The transmitted and reflective methods of caustics are performed separately to investigate viscoelastic fracture behaviors. The stress intensity factors (SIFs) versus time is determined by a series of shadow spot patterns combined with viscoelastic parameters evaluated by creep tests. In order to understand the viscoelastic fracture mechanisms of HDPE/POE-g-MA/CaCO 3 composites, their fracture surfaces are observed by a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the method of caustics can be used to characterize the fracture behaviors of viscoelastic materials and further to optimize the design of polymer composites.

Electrospun Gelatin/β-TCP Composite Nanofibers Enhance Osteogenic Differentiation of BMSCs and In Vivo Bone Formation by Activating Ca (2+) -Sensing Receptor Signaling.

PubMed

Zhang, Xuehui; Meng, Song; Huang, Ying; Xu, Mingming; He, Ying; Lin, Hong; Han, Jianmin; Chai, Yuan; Wei, Yan; Deng, Xuliang

2015-01-01

Calcium phosphate- (CaP-) based composite scaffolds have been used extensively for the bone regeneration in bone tissue engineering. Previously, we developed a biomimetic composite nanofibrous membrane of gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and confirmed their biological activity in vitro and bone regeneration in vivo. However, how these composite nanofibers promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is unknown. Here, gelatin/β-TCP composite nanofibers were fabricated by incorporating 20 wt% β-TCP nanoparticles into electrospun gelatin nanofibers. Electron microscopy showed that the composite β-TCP nanofibers had a nonwoven structure with a porous network and a rough surface. Spectral analyses confirmed the presence and chemical stability of the β-TCP and gelatin components. Compared with pure gelatin nanofibers, gelatin/β-TCP composite nanofibers caused increased cell attachment, proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteogenic gene expression in rat BMSCs. Interestingly, the expression level of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) was significantly higher on the composite nanofibrous scaffolds than on pure gelatin. For rat calvarial critical sized defects, more extensive osteogenesis and neovascularization occurred in the composite scaffolds group compared with the gelatin group. Thus, gelatin/β-TCP composite scaffolds promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and bone regeneration in vivo by activating Ca(2+)-sensing receptor signaling.

Thermal properties and cycling performance of Ca(BH4)2/MgH2 composite for energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yang; Li, Ping; Tan, Qiwei; Zhang, Zongliang; Wan, Qi; Liu, Zhiwei; Subramanian, Arunprabaharan; Qu, Xuanhui

2018-05-01

Here we report the thermal properties and cycling performance of Ca(BH4)2/MgH2. The reaction enthalpy is 48 kJ mol-1 H2 and equilibrium pressure at 350 °C is 0.4981 MPa. We add NbF5 into Ca(BH4)2/MgH2to figure out the degradation mechanism because of its catalytic ability. Ca(BH4)2/MgH2 follows the dehydrogenation path to form CaH2, CaB6 and Mg. The degradation of Ca(BH4)2/MgH2 composite during cycling is due to the particle aggregation and the reduction of CaB6 product. NbF5 can promote the forming of CaB6 and prevent microstructural coarsening in Ca(BH4)2/MgH2 during cycling, which leads to better reversibility.

Morphological and mineral analysis of dental enamel after erosive challenge in gastric juice and orange juice.

PubMed

Braga, Sheila Regina Maia; De Faria, Dalva Lúcia Araújo; De Oliveira, Elisabeth; Sobral, Maria Angela Pita

2011-12-01

This study evaluated and compared in vitro the morphology and mineral composition of dental enamel after erosive challenge in gastric juice and orange juice. Human enamel specimens were submitted to erosive challenge using gastric juice (from endoscopy exam) (n = 10), and orange juice (commercially-available) (n = 10), as follows: 5 min in 3 mL of demineralization solution, rinse with distilled water, and store in artificial saliva for 3 h. This cycle was repeated four times a day for 14 days. Calcium (Ca) loss after acid exposure was determined by atomic emission spectroscopy. The presence of carbonate (CO) and phosphate (PO) in the specimens was evaluated before and after the erosive challenge by FT-Raman spectroscopy. Data were tested using t-tests (P < 0.05). Morphology of enamel was observed in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mean loss of Ca was: 12.74 ± 3.33 mg/L Ca (gastric juice) and 7.07 ± 1.44 mg/L Ca (orange juice). The analysis by atomic emission spectroscopy showed statistically significant difference between erosive potential of juices (P = 0.0003). FT-Raman spectroscopy found no statistically significant difference in the ratio CO/PO after the erosive challenge. The CO/PO ratios values before and after the challenge were: 0.16/0.17 (gastric juice) (P = 0.37) and 0.18/0.14 (orange juice) (P = 0.16). Qualitative analysis by SEM showed intense alterations of enamel surface. The gastric juice caused more changes in morphology and mineral composition of dental enamel than orange juice. The atomic emission spectroscopy showed to be more suitable to analyze small mineral loss after erosive challenge than FT-Raman. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Dissolved Ca Isotope Composition of Himalayan-Tibetan Waters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tipper, E. T.; Galy, A.; Bickle, M. J.

2004-12-01

Determining the relative proportions of carbonate versus silicate weathering in the Himalaya is important for understanding the long-term atmospheric CO2 budget and the marine Sr isotope record. 87Sr/86Sr is not a straightforward proxy of carbonate to silicate weathering in the Himalaya and up to 50% of the dissolved Ca may be removed by the precipitation of secondary calcite. Ca isotopes have the potential to constrain the relative inputs of carbonates to silicates and incongruent dissolution processes in the weathering environment. Ca is the major cation carried by rivers. Thirty four Himalayan rock and water samples from the Nepal Himalaya and Tibet have been analysed for 44/42Ca and 43/42Ca on a Nu-Instruments Multiple Collector -ICP-MS. Unlike the 44/40Ca ratio the 44/42Ca is not susceptible to excess 40Ca production from the decay of K. All samples lie on a single mass fractionation line. There is a total range of 0.4 \\permil variation in \\delta44Ca with values from 0.63 \\permil - 0.21 \\permil relative to the SRM915a standard. This is comparable to that already reported with \\delta44/40Ca for small catchments and global rivers. Small first order catchments from each of the main lithotectonic units of the Himalaya have been analysed to examine the effect of lithology on dissolved Ca isotopic composition. In agreement with previous studies elsewhere there is little correlation between source rock and dissolved composition for small rivers spanning a range of source rock from limestone to various silicates and covering a vegetation range from temperate semi-desert to jungle. \\delta44Ca is not correlated with 87Sr/86Sr or Na/Ca ratios confirming that source rock composition is not the dominant control on the observed range in \\delta44Ca. A time-series has been examined for the Marsyandi River, central Nepal. In spite of significant systematic variations in major element chemistry including Ca concentration and 87Sr/86Sr the variations in \\delta44Ca are limited to 0.16 \\permil. Either there is only a single isotopic source of Ca or the \\delta44Ca is controlled by incongruent dissolution processes. The most important incongruent process to affect the Ca budget is the precipitation of pedogenic carbonate. Such incongruent processes should be detectable in the Ca-isotope budget.

Hanford Site Composite Analysis Technical Approach Description: Groundwater

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

Budge, T. J.

The groundwater facet of the revised CA is responsible for generating predicted contaminant concentration values over the entire analysis spatial and temporal domain. These estimates will be used as part of the groundwater pathway dose calculation facet to estimate dose for exposure scenarios. Based on the analysis of existing models and available information, the P2R Model was selected as the numerical simulator to provide these estimates over the 10,000-year temporal domain of the CA. The P2R Model will use inputs from initial plume distributions, updated for a start date of 1/1/2017, and inputs from the vadose zone facet, created bymore » a tool under development as part of the ICF, to produce estimates of hydraulic head, transmissivity, and contaminant concentration over time. A recommendation of acquiring 12 computer processors and 2 TB of hard drive space is made to ensure that the work can be completed within the anticipated schedule of the revised CA.« less

Sol–gel method to fabricate CaP scaffolds by robocasting for tissue engineering

PubMed Central

Fu, Qiang; Saiz, Eduardo; Tomsia, Antoni P.

2012-01-01

Highly porous calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering were fabricated by combining a robocasting process with a sol–gel synthesis that mixed Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate and Triethyl Phosphite precursors in an aqueous medium. The resulting gels were used to print scaffolds by robocasting without the use of binder to increase the viscosity of the paste. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the process yielded hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate biphasic composite powders. Thus, the scaffold composition after crystallization of the amorphous structure could be easily modified by varying the initial Ca/P ratio during synthesis. The compressive strengths of the scaffolds are ~6 MPa, which is in the range of human cancellous bone (2–12 MPa). These highly porous scaffolds (~73 vol% porosity) are composed of macro-pores of ~260 μm in size; such porosity is expected to enable bone ingrowth into the scaffold for bone repair applications. The chemistry, porosity, and surface topography of such scaffolds can also be modified by the process parameters to favor bone formation. The studied sol–gel process can be used to coat these scaffolds by dip-coating, which induces a significant enhancement of mechanical properties. This can adjust scaffold properties such as composition and surface morphology, which consequently may improve their performances. PMID:22311079

Sol-gel method to fabricate CaP scaffolds by robocasting for tissue engineering.

PubMed

Houmard, Manuel; Fu, Qiang; Saiz, Eduardo; Tomsia, Antoni P

2012-04-01

Highly porous calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds for bone-tissue engineering were fabricated by combining a robocasting process with a sol-gel synthesis that mixed Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate and Triethyl Phosphite precursors in an aqueous medium. The resulting gels were used to print scaffolds by robocasting without the use of binder to increase the viscosity of the paste. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the process yielded hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate biphasic composite powders. Thus, the scaffold composition after crystallization of the amorphous structure could be easily modified by varying the initial Ca/P ratio during synthesis. The compressive strengths of the scaffolds are ~6 MPa, which is in the range of human cancellous bone (2-12 MPa). These highly porous scaffolds (~73 vol% porosity) are composed of macro-pores of ~260 μm in size; such porosity is expected to enable bone ingrowth into the scaffold for bone repair applications. The chemistry, porosity, and surface topography of such scaffolds can also be modified by the process parameters to favor bone formation. The studied sol-gel process can be used to coat these scaffolds by dip-coating, which induces a significant enhancement of mechanical properties. This can adjust scaffold properties such as composition and surface morphology, which consequently may improve their performances.

Low loss composition of BaxSryCa1-x-yTiO3: Ba0.12-0.25Sr0.35-0.47Ca0.32-0.53TiO3

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Chang, Hauyee; Takeuchi, Ichiro

2001-01-01

A dielectric thin-film material for microwave applications, including use as a capacitor, the thin-film comprising a composition of barium strontium calcium and titanium of perovskite type (Ba.sub.x Sr.sub.y Ca.sub.1-x-y)TiO.sub.3. Also provided is a method for making a dielectric thin film of that formula over a wide compositional range through a single deposition process.

Stable calcium isotope composition of a pedogenic carbonate in forested ecosystem: the case of the needle fibre calcite (NFC).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milliere, Laure; Verrecchia, Eric; Gussone, Nikolaus

2014-05-01

Calcium (Ca), carbon (C) and oxygen (O) are important elements in terrestrial environment, as their biogeochemical cycles are directly related to the storage of atmospheric carbon. Nevertheless, contrarily to C and O, Ca isotope composition has been only poorly studied in the terrestrial carbonates. Needle Fibre Calcite (NFC) is one of the most common pedogenic carbonates, unless its origin is still under debate. Recent studies explain its formation by precipitation inside fungal hyphae. Due to this possible biogenic origin, NFC can be considered as a potential bridge between the biochemistry (precipitation inside organic structure) and geochemistry (pedogenic carbonate related to soil conditions) of the Ca. Thus, the study of the Ca isotope composition of NFC seem to be of first interest in order to shed light on the behaviour of Ca in terrestrial environment, especially when precipitation of secondary carbonates is involved. The sampling site is situated in the Swiss Jura Mountains and has been chosen due to a previous complete study of the C and O isotope composition of NFC in relation to the ecosystem, which represent a good precondition for the understanding of the NFC Ca isotope signatures in this context. In this study, the implication of the fungi in the origin of NFC is investigated, by comparing the Ca isotope composition of NFC and a purely physicochemical calcite cement (LCC), both precipitated in the same environment. The δ44Ca signature of NFC and LCC crystals were used to determine possible differences of the precipitation rate during their formation. NFC and LCC have similar δ18O composition and are supposed to precipitate at the same temperature (Milliere et al., 2011a). Thus the study of Ca isotope composition of NFC seems to demonstrate that the elongated shape of the calcite needle can be explained by different precipitation processes than the rhombohedric calcite crystals precipitated in the same environment; and more precisely, the specific shape of NFC could be ascribed to a growth related to fungal organic molecules or potentially inside fungal hyphae. Three microscopic morphologies of NFC, previously defined (Milliere et al., 2011a), have been also examined in order to trace the evolution of the NFC inside the soil porosity. The Ca isotope composition of the simple needles, which are supposed to be the original form of NFC are the less fractionated compared to the soil solution, whereas the Ca isotope composition of the two other microscopic morphologies, namely the simple needle with nanofibres and the simple needle with overgrowths, are more fractionated, like the LCC, indicating potentially the influence of biogenic processes in the formation of the simple needles. Milliere L, Hasinger O, Bindschedler S, Cailleau G, Spangenberg JE, Verrecchia EP. 2011a. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic signatures of pedogenic needle fibre calcite. Geoderma 161, 74-87.

Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x Self-lubricating Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Hua; Zhang, Du; Wang, Yuqi; Zhang, Yi; Ji, Xiaorui; Song, Haojie; Li, Changsheng

2014-01-01

Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x self-lubricating composites were successfully fabricated by a facile powder metallurgy method. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized composites and the worn surface after tribometer testing are characterized by using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectrometry. The results indicated that self-lubricating composites are composed of superconductor phase and Ag phase. Moreover, the effects of Ag on mechanical and tribological properties of the novel composites were investigated. The friction test results showed that the friction coefficient of the pure Bi2212 against stainless steel is about 0.40 at ambient temperature and abruptly decreases to about 0.17 when the temperature is cooled to 77 K. The friction coefficients of the composites from room temperature to high temperature were lower and more stable than those of pure Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x . When the content of Ag is 10 wt.%, the Ag/Bi2Sr2CaCu2O x composites exhibited excellent tribological performance, the improved tribological properties are attributed to the formation of soft metallic Ag films at the contacted zone of the composites.

Development and characterisation of novel heterogeneous palm oil mill boiler ash-based catalysts for biodiesel production.

PubMed

Ho, Wilson Wei Sheng; Ng, Hoon Kiat; Gan, Suyin

2012-12-01

Novel heterogeneous catalysts from calcium oxide (CaO)/calcined calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) loaded onto different palm oil mill boiler ashes were synthesised and used in the transesterification of crude palm oil (CPO) with methanol to yield biodiesel. Catalyst preparation parameters including the type of ash support, the weight percentage of CaO and calcined CaCO(3) loadings, as well as the calcination temperature of CaCO(3) were optimised. The catalyst prepared by loading of 15 wt% calcined CaCO(3) at a fixed temperature of 800°C on fly ash exhibited a maximum oil conversion of 94.48%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the CaCO(3) was transformed into CaO at 770°C and interacted well with the ash support, whereas rich CaO, Al(2)O(3) and SiO(2) were identified in the composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The fine morphology size (<5 μm) and high surface area (1.719 m(2)/g) of the fly ash-based catalyst rendered it the highest catalytic activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The measurement of sulfate mineral solubilities in the Na-K-Ca-Cl-SO 4-H 2O system at temperatures of 100, 150 and 200°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freyer, Daniela; Voigt, Wolfgang

2004-01-01

At T > 100°C development of thermodynamic models suffers from missing experimental data, particularly for solubilities of sulfate minerals in mixed solutions. Solubilities in Na +-K +-Ca 2+-Cl --SO 42-/H 2O subsystems were investigated at 150, 200°C and at selected compositions at 100°C. The apparatus used to examine solid-liquid phase equilibria under hydrothermal conditions has been described. In the system NaCl-CaSO 4-H 2O the missing anhydrite (CaSO 4) solubilities at high NaCl concentrations up to halite saturation have been determined. In the system Na 2SO 4-CaSO 4-H 2O the observed glauberite (Na 2SO 4 · CaSO 4) solubility is higher than that predicted by the high temperature model of Greenberg and Møller (1989), especially at 200°C. At high salt concentrations, solubilities of both anhydrite and glauberite increase with increasing temperature. Stability fields of the minerals syngenite (K 2SO 4 · CaSO 4 · H 2O) and goergeyite (K 2SO 4 · 5 CaSO 4 · H 2O) were determined, and a new phase was found at 200°C in the K 2SO 4-CaSO 4-H 2O system. Chemical and single crystal structure analysis give the formula K 2SO 4 · CaSO 4. The structure is isostructural with palmierite (K 2SO 4 · PbSO 4). The glaserite ("3 K 2SO 4 · Na 2SO 4") appears as solid solution in the system Na 2SO 4-K 2SO 4-H 2O. Its solubility and stoichiometry was determined as a function of solution composition.

Study of mixed Ca-Zn hydroxyapatite surface modified by lactic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turki, Thouraya; Aissa, Abdallah; Bac, Christophe Goze; Rachdi, Férid; Debbabi, Mongi

2012-07-01

The new hybrid inorganic-organic composites, Ca(10-x)Znx(PO4)6(OH)2-lactic acid, at different amounts of zinc and lactic acid were prepared by dissolution of the organic compound in an hydroxyapatite suspension. They were characterized by XRD, IR, MAS NMR (13C and 1H) and chemical analysis. The crystallinity was slightly affected by the presence of organic fragments. IR and (13C and 1H) MAS NMR measurements indicate that the carboxylic groups of the acid interact with calcium and zinc ions of hydroxyapatite surface. Chemical analysis displays that zinc promotes the acid grafting. A mechanism of surface modification is proposed based on the obtained results.

Phase Composition and Hardening of Castable Al - Ca - Ni - Sc Alloys Containing 0.3% Sc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, N. A.; Naumova, E. A.; Bazlova, T. A.; Doroshenko, V. V.

2017-05-01

The phase composition of aluminum alloys of the Al - Ca - Ni - Sc system containing 0.3 wt.% Sc is studied. It is shown that the aluminum solid solution may be in equilibrium not only with binary phases (Al4Ca, Al3Sc and Al3Ni) but also with a ternary Al9NiCa compound. The temperature of attainment of maximum hardening due to precipitation of nanoparticles of phase Al3Sc is determined for all the alloys studied. Principal possibility of creation of castable alloys based on an (Al) + Al4Ca + Al9NiCa eutectic, the hardening heat treatment of which does not require quenching, is substantiated.

Crystal structure, chemical composition, and extended defects of the high-Tc (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta compounds.

PubMed

Eibl, O

1995-02-15

This paper summarizes results obtained by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy on the crystal structure and microstructure of the (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta high-Tc superconducting oxides. The experimental basis for the work presented here are high-resolution structure images obtained at ultra-thin (3 nm) areas of carefully prepared transmission electron microscope (TEM) samples. The analysis was carried out on a 400 kV TEM equipped with a pole piece yielding 0.17 nm point-to-point resolution. From the images obtained the projected crystal potential of the cations can be extracted directly, as confirmed by detailed image simulation. Structural analysis of the oxygen sublattice remains an unsolved problem by high-resolution TEM (HRTEM), mainly because of the small scattering factors, and thus the contribution of the oxygen sublattice to the image contrast is small. The (BiPb)2Sr2Ca(n)-1CunO4 + 2n + delta phases are modulated structures that can be understood as an average structure plus a superimposed displacement field. The crystal structure consists of BiO double layers and perovskite-type cuboids (containing Sr, Ca, Cu, and O), which are sandwiched between the BiO double layers. The displacement field can be directly analyzed by HRTEM, and the largest displacement amplitudes of 70 pm were determined for the Bi atoms in the n = 1 compound. The chemical composition of the n = 2 and n = 3 compounds was determined by EDX in the TEM for the cation sublattice. A significant (Ca + Sr) deficiency (approximately 10%) with respect to Cu was found. The (Sr + Ca)/Cu mole fraction ratio was 1.31 for the Bi-2212 phase and 1.14 for the Bi(Pb)-2223 phase. The oxygen content cannot be determined by EDX in the TEM with the accuracy necessary for a correlation with electrical and superconducting properties. The defect structure present in these materials, that is, intergrown lamellae with different crystal structures and equal or different chemical compositions, stacking faults, and grain boundaries, is summarized. The importance of grain boundaries for understanding and improving superconducting properties is emphasized.

Preliminary study of raw material for calcium silicate/PVA coating on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azam, Farah Atiqah bt Abdul; Shamsudin, Roslinda

2015-09-01

Calcium silicate bioceramic was prepared from the rice husk and limestone resources using the sol gel method. The preparations of CaSiO3 formulation were differ from the previous study due CaO/SiO2 amount with 45:55 ratio. X-Ray Fluorescence analysis was carried out to clarify the amount of SiO2 and CaO content in the limestone and rice husk ash. The high amount of CaO was found in the limestone with the percentages of 97.22%, whereby 89% of SiO2 content of the rice husk ash. Several milling time were studied to obtain the optimized milling ti me and speed in progress to obtain nano size particle. The particle size analysis result confirms that increase in milling time does not certainly reduce the size of particle. The addition of 0.05% polyvinyl alcohol as a binder did not change the phases or composition of calcium silicates after examined by X-Ray diffraction analysis which make it suitable to be used as a binder for calcium silicate coating without changing the chemical structure.

Behavior of POP-calcium carbonate hydrogel as bone substitute with controlled release capability: a study in rat.

PubMed

Dewi, Anne Handrini; Ana, Ika Dewi; Wolke, Joop; Jansen, John

2015-10-01

Gypsum or calcium sulfate (CS) or plaster of Paris (POP) is considered as a fast degradable material that usually resorbs before the bone defect area is completely filled by new bone. In this study, the incorporation of CaCO3 hydrogel into POP in different compositions was proposed to enhance the bone biological activity of POP and to decrease its degradability. The mechanical and degradation properties of the various materials were characterized by in vitro analysis. Subsequently, the materials were inserted into cylindrically sized bone defects as created into the femoral condyle of rats and left in situ for 1, 4, and 8 weeks. Histological analysis of the retrieved specimens indicated that the addition of CaCO3 hydrogel into POP increased bone formation, angiogenesis and collagen density and resulted into faster bone formation and maturation. It was also confirmed that the degradation rate of the POP decreased by the addition of CaCO3 hydrogel. The in vivo findings did corroborate with the in vitro analysis. In conclusion, the incorporation of CaCO3 hydrogel provides a promising technology to improve the properties of POP, the oldest biomaterial used for bone grafting. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical compositions of sulfate and chloride salts over the last termination reconstructed from the Dome Fuji ice core, inland Antarctica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyabu, Ikumi; Iizuka, Yoshinori; Uemura, Ryu; Miyake, Takayuki; Hirabayashi, Motohiro; Motoyama, Hideaki; Sakurai, Toshimitsu; Suzuki, Toshitaka; Hondoh, Takeo

2014-12-01

The flux and chemical composition of aerosols impact the climate. Antarctic ice cores preserve the record of past atmospheric aerosols, providing useful information about past atmospheric environments. However, few studies have directly measured the chemical composition of aerosol particles preserved in ice cores. Here we present the chemical compositions of sulfate and chloride salts from aerosol particles in the Dome Fuji ice core. The analysis method involves ice sublimation, and the period covers the last termination, 25.0-11.0 thousand years before present (kyr B.P.), with a 350 year resolution. The major components of the soluble particles are CaSO4, Na2SO4, and NaCl. The dominant sulfate salt changes at 16.8 kyr B.P. from CaSO4, a glacial type, to Na2SO4, an interglacial type. The sulfate salt flux (CaSO4 plus Na2SO4) inversely correlates with δ18O in Dome Fuji over millennial timescales. This correlation is consistent with the idea that sulfate salt aerosols contributed to the last deglacial warming of inland Antarctica by reducing the aerosol indirect effect. Between 16.3 and 11.0 kyr B.P., the presence of NaCl suggests that winter atmospheric aerosols are preserved. A high NaCl/Na2SO4 fraction between 12.3 and 11.0 kyr B.P. indicates that the contribution from the transport of winter atmospheric aerosols increased during this period.

The effect of graphene oxide on surface features, biological performance and bio-stability of calcium phosphate coating applied by pulse electrochemical deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fathyunes, Leila; Khalil-Allafi, Jafar

2018-04-01

In the current study, the effect of second phase of graphene oxide (GO) on the surface features and biological behavior of calcium phosphate (CaP) coating was evaluated. To do so, the GO-CaP composite coating was applied on TiO2 nanotubular arrays using pulse electrochemical deposition. The SEM and AFM images showed that, the CaP-based coating with uniform and refined microstructure could be formed through its compositing with GO sheets. The biological assessment of the coatings was also conducted by cell culture test and MTT assay. Based on findings, the GO-CaP coating showed the better biocompatibility compared to the CaP coating. This could be owing to the fact that the composite coating provided the lower roughness, moderately wettable surface with a contact angle of 23.5° ± 2.6° and the higher stability in the biological environments because of being involved with only the stable phase of CHA. However, in the CaP coating, spreading of cells could be limited by the plate-like crystals with larger size. The higher solubility of the CaP coating in the cell culture medium possibly owing to the existence of some metastable CaP phases like OCP in addition to the dominant phase of CHA in this coating could be another reason for its less biocompatibility. At last, the CaP coating showed the higher apatite-forming ability in SBF solution after its compositing with GO.

A novel crystallization technique of hydroxyapatite utilizing contact reaction of minute droplet with atmospheric plasmas: Effects of the liquid source composition on the produced crystal properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wada, Y.; Kobayashi, T.; Matsumoto, M.; Onoe, K.

2017-10-01

To develop the technique for the control of the crystal composition and properties such as size distribution and morphology utilizing the contact reaction field around the minute droplets in atmospheric pressure plasma, fine spherical particles of hydroxyapatite ((Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2); HAp) were synthesized by a new plasma crystallization method. In this work, to elucidate the effects of the production region and crystal properties of hydroxyapatite for the liquid source composition, Ca2+ concentration and the Ca/P molar ratio in minute droplets were varied. The following results were obtained: (1) fine spherical HAp particles can be produced by the introduction of minute droplets with the initial Ca2+ concentration ((CCa)0) of 0.50 mol/l and the Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67. (2) When the (CCa)0 is set in the range higher than 1.00 mol/l at the constant Ca/P molar ratio of 1.67, fine spherical particles of β-TCP and HAp mixture are crystallized. (3) For the Ca/P molar ratio below 1.67, α-TCP and HAp co-precipitated. (4) The composition of the produced particles depends on both the reactant concentration and Ca/P molar ratio in the HAp source solution. (5) The dependence of the reactant concentration on the average size of the produced HAp particles is large compared with droplet size.

Effect of dental restorative materials on total antioxidant capacity and calcium concentration of unstimulated saliva.

PubMed

Ramezani, Gholam H; Moghadam, Mona-Momeni; Saghiri, Mohammad-Ali; Garcia-Godoy, Franklin; Asatourian, Armen; Aminsobhani, Mohsen; Scarbecz, Mark; Sheibani, Nader

2017-01-01

To evaluate the effect of dental amalgam and composite restorations on total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and calcium (Ca) ion concentration of unstimulated saliva. Forty-eight children aged 6-10 years selected and divided into three groups of sixteen (8 males, 8 females). In group A and B, samples consisted of two class II dental composite or amalgam restorations, while in group C samples were caries-free (control group). Unstimulated saliva from all samples was collected and TAC was measured by spectrophotometry using an adaptation of 2, 2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS) assay. The Ca ion level was estimated by an auto- analyzer. Data were analyzed with one- and two-way ANOVA test, at a p <.05 level of significance. Composite samples showed significantly higher TAC and lower Ca ion levels compared to amalgam and caries-free samples ( p <.05). The TAC values showed only significant difference between groups ( p <.05), while the Ca ion results showed significant differences within and between groups ( p <.05). Dental composite restorations increased TAC and decreased Ca ion levels more than amalgam restorations in saliva. Gender is an effective factor in changes induced in oral cavity as females showed more emphatic reaction to dental filling materials than males. Patients who have dental restorations, especially dental composites, should pay more attention to their dental hygiene, because dental restorations can increase oxidative stress and decrease Ca ion level in saliva, which might jeopardize remineralization process of tooth structures after demineralization. Key words: Amalgam, caries, composite, saliva, total antioxidant capacity.

Experimental calibration of Forsterite-Anorthite-Ca-Tschermak-Enstatite (FACE) geobarometer for mantle peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fumagalli, P.; Borghini, G.; Rampone, E.; Poli, S.

2017-06-01

The crystallization of plagioclase-bearing assemblages in mantle rocks is witness of mantle exhumation at shallow depth. Previous experimental works on peridotites have found systematic compositional variations in coexisting minerals at decreasing pressure within the plagioclase stability field. In this experimental study we present new constraints on the stability of plagioclase as a function of different Na2O/CaO bulk ratios, and we present a new geobarometer for mantle rocks. Experiments have been performed in a single-stage piston cylinder at 5-10 kbar, 1050-1150 °C at nominally anhydrous conditions using seeded gels of peridotite compositions (Na2O/CaO = 0.08-0.13; X Cr = Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.07-0.10) as starting materials. As expected, the increase of the bulk Na2O/CaO ratio extends the plagioclase stability to higher pressure; in the studied high-Na fertile lherzolite (HNa-FLZ), the plagioclase-spinel transition occurs at 1100 °C between 9 and 10 kbar; in a fertile lherzolite (FLZ) with Na2O/CaO = 0.08, it occurs between 8 and 9 kbar at 1100 °C. This study provides, together with previous experimental results, a consistent database, covering a wide range of P- T conditions (3-9 kbar, 1000-1150 °C) and variable bulk compositions to be used to define and calibrate a geobarometer for plagioclase-bearing mantle rocks. The pressure sensitive equilibrium: Mg_{2}SiO_{4}^Ol\\limits_{Forsterite} + CaAl_{2}Si_{2}O_{8}^{Pl\\limits_{Anorthite} = CaAl_{2}SiO_{6}^{Cpx}\\limits_{Ca-Tschermak} + Mg_{2}Si_{2}O_{6}^{Opx}\\limits_{Enstatite}, has been empirically calibrated by least squares regression analysis of experimental data combined with Monte Carlo simulation. The result of the fit gives the following equation: P=7.2( ± 2.9)+0.0078( ± 0.0021)T{{ }}+0.0022( ± 0.0001)T ln K, {R^2}=0.93, where P is expressed in kbar and T in kelvin. K is the equilibrium constant K = a CaTs × a en/ a an × a fo, where a CaTs, a en, a an and a fo are the activities of Ca-Tschermak in clinopyroxene, enstatite in orthopyroxene, anorthite in plagioclase and forsterite in olivine. The proposed geobarometer for plagioclase peridotites, coupled to detailed microstructural and mineral chemistry investigations, represents a valuable tool to track the exhumation of the lithospheric mantle at extensional environments.

Forsterite-Anorthite-CaTschermak-Enstatite (FACE): A geobarometer for plagioclase-bearing peridotites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fumagalli, P.; Borghini, G.; Rampone, E.; Poli, S.

2017-12-01

Plagioclase peridotites can be the result of either metamorphic recrystallization, or diffuse melt-rock interactions. Although they represent an important geodynamic marker of shallow mantle exhumation, the accurate estimation of their barometric evolution is poorly constrained. Systematic correlations between pressure and composition of coexisting minerals within the plagioclase stability field have been reported in previous experimental studies. In this experimental study we present new constraints on the stability of plagioclase as a function of different Na2O/CaO bulk ratios, and we present a new geobarometer for mantle rocks. Experiments have been performed in a single-stage piston cylinder at 5-10 kbar, 1050-1150 °C at nominally anhydrous conditions using seeded gels of peridotite compositions (Na2O/CaO = 0.08-0.13; XCr = Cr/(Cr + Al) = 0.07-0.10). As expected, the increase of the bulk Na2O/CaO extends the plagioclase stability to higher pressure; in the Na2O enriched fertile lherzolite the plagioclase-spinel transition occurs between 9 and 10 kbar, 1100 °C; in the fertile lherzolite with Na2O/CaO = 0.08, it occurs between 8 and 9 kbar, 1100 °C. The present data together with previous experimental results provide a consistent database, covering a wide range of P-T conditions (3-9 kbar, 1000-1150 °C) and variable bulk compositions to be used to define and calibrate a geobarometer for plagioclase-bearing mantle rocks. We have empirically calibrated by least squares regression analysis of experimental data combined with MonteCarlo simulation the following pressure sensitive equilibrium: Mg2SiO4 Ol + CaAl2Si2O8 Pl = CaAl2SiO6 Cpx + Mg2Si2O6 OpxForsterite Anorthite Ca-Tschermak Enstatite We derive the following equation: P = 7.2 (±2.9) + 0.0078 (±0.0021) T + 0.0022 (±0.0001) T lnK R2= 0.93 where P is expressed in kbar and T in kelvin. K is the equilibrium constant K = aCa-Ts*aen / aan *afo, where aCaTs, aen, aan and afo are the activities of Ca-Tschermak in clinopyroxene, enstatite in orthopyroxene, anorthite in plagioclase and forsterite in olivine. The proposed geobarometer for plagioclase peridotites, coupled to detailed microstructural and mineral chemistry investigations, represents a valuable tool to track the exhumation of the lithospheric mantle at extensional environments.

Incorporation of trace metals into microcodium as novel proxies for paleo-precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Tao; Li, Gaojun

2014-01-01

Trace element compositions of microcodium are applied for the first time as possible paleo-proxies based on a case study on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of the microcodium picked from the Holocene paleosol across the CLP show distinct positive correlation over large range of nearly one order of magnitude. Higher Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of microcodium are recorded in the sites on the northwestern CLP where less monsoonal rainfall is received. Similar large variation of the positively correlated Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios has also been observed for the stream water on the CLP with the same spatial pattern. The Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of the microcodium seem to be largely controlled by the composition of soil solution as reflected by stream water rather than partition coefficient. Rayleigh distillation, and thus evolving composition of soil solution as a result of progressive precipitation of secondary calcite, is responsible for the large variation and positive correlation of the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios for both the microcodium and stream water. We propose that the bio-remains in Chinese loess may become inactive when the soil water is extracted to a degree, and then be calcified into microcodium by the infiltration of freshwater that is mixed with the highly evolved soil solutes. Thus, the Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios of microcodium may record the paleo-precipitation amount by reflecting the mixing ratio between the highly evolved soil solutes with higher Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios and the fresh soil water with lower Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios.

Nonparametric Trajectory Analysis of CMAPS Data

EPA Science Inventory

As part of the Cleveland Multiple Air Pollutant Study (CMAPS), 30-minute average concentrations of the elemental composition of PM2.5 were made at two sites during the months of August 2009 and February 2010. The elements measured were: Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu...

Active Control of Radiated Sound with Integrated Piezoelectric Composite Structures. Volume 3: Appendices (Concl.)

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-11-06

after many iterations of analysis , development, construction and testing was found to provide amplification ratios of around 250:1 and generate...IEEE International Symposium on Application of Ferroelectrics 2, 767-770 (1996). 11. "A Comparative Analysis of Piezoelectric Bending Mode Actuators...Active 95, 359-368, Newport Beach, CA(1995) 21. "Multiple Reference Feedforward Active Noise Control. Part I. Analysis and Simulation of Behavior," Y

Electrolytic Production of Ti5Si3/TiC Composites by Solid Oxide Membrane Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Kai; Zou, Xingli; Xie, Xueliang; Lu, Changyuan; Chen, Chaoyi; Xu, Qian; Lu, Xionggang

2017-12-01

This paper investigated the electrolytic production of Ti5Si3/TiC composites from TiO2/SiO2/C in molten CaCl2. The solid-oxide oxygen-ion-conducting membrane tube filled with carbon-saturated liquid tin was served as the anode, and the pressed spherical TiO2/SiO2/C pellet was used as the cathode. The electrochemical reduction process was carried out at 1273 K and 3.8 V. The characteristics of the obtained cathode products and the reaction mechanism of the electroreduction process were studied by a series of time-dependent electroreduction experiments. It was found that the electroreduction process generally proceeds through the following steps: TiO2/SiO2/C → Ti2O3, CaTiO3, Ca2SiO4, SiC → Ti5Si3, TiC. The morphology observation and the elemental distribution analysis indicate that the reaction routes for Ti5Si3 and TiC products are independent during the electroreduction process.

Electrolytic Production of Ti5Si3/TiC Composites by Solid Oxide Membrane Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Kai; Zou, Xingli; Xie, Xueliang; Lu, Changyuan; Chen, Chaoyi; Xu, Qian; Lu, Xionggang

2018-02-01

This paper investigated the electrolytic production of Ti5Si3/TiC composites from TiO2/SiO2/C in molten CaCl2. The solid-oxide oxygen-ion-conducting membrane tube filled with carbon-saturated liquid tin was served as the anode, and the pressed spherical TiO2/SiO2/C pellet was used as the cathode. The electrochemical reduction process was carried out at 1273 K and 3.8 V. The characteristics of the obtained cathode products and the reaction mechanism of the electroreduction process were studied by a series of time-dependent electroreduction experiments. It was found that the electroreduction process generally proceeds through the following steps: TiO2/SiO2/C → Ti2O3, CaTiO3, Ca2SiO4, SiC → Ti5Si3, TiC. The morphology observation and the elemental distribution analysis indicate that the reaction routes for Ti5Si3 and TiC products are independent during the electroreduction process.

Modulation and daily banding of Mg/Ca in Orbulina universa tests by symbiont photosynthesis and respiration: a complication for seawater thermometry?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eggins, Stephen M.; Sadekov, Aleksey; De Deckker, Patrick

2004-09-01

The Mg/Ca composition of calcium carbonate tests (shells) secreted by planktonic foraminifera is increasingly being employed to estimate past seawater temperatures and reconstruct paleocean and climate records spanning hundreds of thousands of years. We show, using two high-resolution microanalysis techniques, that the final chamber of the planktonic foraminifera Orbulina universa typically comprises between three and six paired, low and high Mg, growth bands. The number and spacing of these bands is consistent with a diurnal origin, modulated by changing pH within the foraminiferal microenvironment due to the day-night, photosynthesis-respiration cycle of algal symbionts. The amplitude of Mg/Ca variation within individual tests and across many daily growth bands cannot be accounted for by seawater temperature in the shallow, euphotic zone habitat of O. universa. Our results indicate the Mg/Ca composition of calcite precipitated by O. universa in nature is strongly influenced by diurnal changes in the biological activity of algal symbionts and the host foraminifer. This brings into question the fundamental premise often made in applying Mg/Ca palaeoseawater thermometry, that the Mg/Ca composition of foraminiferal calcite is determined by seawater temperature, and whether the Mg/Ca composition of other planktonic species that are more widely used for palaeoseawater thermometry are subject to similar influences.

Influence of the Ca/Si ratio of the C–S–H phase on the interaction with sulfate ions and its impact on the ettringite crystallization pressure

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

Kunther, Wolfgang; Lothenbach, Barbara; Skibsted, Jørgen, E-mail: jskib@chem.au.dk

2015-03-15

The effect of the Ca/Si ratio of the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) phase on the interaction with sulfate ions is investigated for C–S–H phases (Ca/Si = 0.83, 1.25, 1.50) and mortar samples of blended Portland cements. It is shown that leaching of calcium from C–S–H and portlandite affects the composition of the pore solution and contributes to the developing crystallization pressure of ettringite. Sulfate profiles show that sulfate binding before cracking is similar for different Ca/Si ratios whereas the highest expansion rates are observed for the mortars with the highest Ca/Si ratios. After leaching in sulfate solutions, the C–S–H samples have beenmore » characterized by {sup 29}Si MAS NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental solution analysis. Generally, the exposure to sulfate solutions results in decalcification of the C–S–H, which increases with decreasing Ca/Si ratio. The data are in good agreement with thermodynamic modeling, indicating that equilibrium is almost achieved in the leached systems. Finally, the expansion of mortar samples exposed to sulfate solutions was much less at lower Ca/Si ratios of the cement blends. This reduced expansion can be related to the decrease of the supersaturation of the pore solution with respect to ettringite at lower Ca/Si ratios of the C–S–H and in the absence of portlandite.« less

Poly(amido amine) and calcium phosphate nanocomposite remineralization of dentin in acidic solution without calcium phosphate ions.

PubMed

Liang, Kunneng; Zhou, Han; Weir, Michael D; Bao, Chongyun; Reynolds, Mark A; Zhou, Xuedong; Li, Jiyao; Xu, Hockin H K

2017-07-01

Patients with dry mouth often have an acidic oral environment lacking saliva that provides calcium (Ca) and phosphate (P) ions. However, there has been no study on dentin remineralization by placing samples in an acidic solution without Ca and P ions. Previous studies used saliva-like solutions with neutral pH and Ca and P ions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate a novel method of combining poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) with a composite of nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) on dentin remineralization in an acidic solution without Ca and P ions for the first time. Demineralized dentin specimens were tested into four groups: (1) dentin control, (2) dentin coated with PAMAM, (3) dentin with NACP nanocomposite, (4) dentin with PAMAM plus NACP composite. Specimens were treated with lactic acid at pH 4 without initial Ca and P ions for 21 days. Acid neutralization and Ca and P ion concentrations were measured. Dentin specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and hardness testing vs. remineralization efficacy. NACP composite had mechanical properties similar to commercial control composites (p>0.1). NACP composite neutralized acid and released Ca and P ions. PAMAM alone failed to induce dentin remineralization. NACP alone achieved mild remineralization and slightly increased dentin hardness at 21days (p>0.1). In contrast, the PAMAM+NACP nanocomposite method in acid solution without initial Ca and P ions greatly remineralized the pre-demineralized dentin, restoring its hardness to approach that of healthy dentin (p>0.1). Dentin remineralization via PAMAM+NACP in pH 4 acid without initial Ca and P ions was demonstrated for the first time, when conventional methods such as PAMAM did not work. The novel PAMAM+NACP nanocomposite method is promising to protect tooth structures, especially for patients with reduced saliva to inhibit caries. Copyright © 2017 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biomineralisation by earthworms - an investigation into the stability and distribution of amorphous calcium carbonate.

PubMed

Hodson, Mark E; Benning, Liane G; Demarchi, Bea; Penkman, Kirsty E H; Rodriguez-Blanco, Juan D; Schofield, Paul F; Versteegh, Emma A A

Many biominerals form from amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), but this phase is highly unstable when synthesised in its pure form inorganically. Several species of earthworm secrete calcium carbonate granules which contain highly stable ACC. We analysed the milky fluid from which granules form and solid granules for amino acid (by liquid chromatography) and functional group (by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy) compositions. Granule elemental composition was determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA). Mass of ACC present in solid granules was quantified using FTIR and compared to granule elemental and amino acid compositions. Bulk analysis of granules was of powdered bulk material. Spatially resolved analysis was of thin sections of granules using synchrotron-based μ-FTIR and EMPA electron microprobe analysis. The milky fluid from which granules form is amino acid-rich (≤ 136 ± 3 nmol mg -1 (n = 3; ± std dev) per individual amino acid); the CaCO 3 phase present is ACC. Even four years after production, granules contain ACC. No correlation exists between mass of ACC present and granule elemental composition. Granule amino acid concentrations correlate well with ACC content (r ≥ 0.7, p ≤ 0.05) consistent with a role for amino acids (or the proteins they make up) in ACC stabilisation. Intra-granule variation in ACC (RSD = 16%) and amino acid concentration (RSD = 22-35%) was high for granules produced by the same earthworm. Maps of ACC distribution produced using synchrotron-based μ-FTIR mapping of granule thin sections and the relative intensity of the ν 2 : ν 4 peak ratio, cluster analysis and component regression using ACC and calcite standards showed similar spatial distributions of likely ACC-rich and calcite-rich areas. We could not identify organic peaks in the μ-FTIR spectra and thus could not determine whether ACC-rich domains also had relatively high amino acid concentrations. No correlation exists between ACC distribution and elemental concentrations determined by EMPA. ACC present in earthworm CaCO 3 granules is highly stable. Our results suggest a role for amino acids (or proteins) in this stability. We see no evidence for stabilisation of ACC by incorporation of inorganic components. Graphical abstractSynchrotron-based μ-FTIR mapping was used to determine the spatial distribution of amorphous calcium carbonate in earthworm-produced CaCO 3 granules.

Heat of combustion of tantalum-tungsten oxide thermite composites

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

Cervantes, Octavio G.; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; Kuntz, Joshua D.

2010-12-15

The heat of combustion of two distinctly synthesized stoichiometric tantalum-tungsten oxide energetic composites was investigated by bomb calorimetry. One composite was synthesized using a sol-gel (SG) derived method in which micrometric-scale tantalum is immobilized in a tungsten oxide three-dimensional nanostructured network structure. The second energetic composite was made from the mixing of micrometric-scale tantalum and commercially available (CA) nanometric tungsten oxide powders. The energetic composites were consolidated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique under a 300 MPa pressure and at temperatures of 25, 400, and 500 C. For samples consolidated at 25 C, the density of the CA compositemore » is 61.65 {+-} 1.07% in comparison to 56.41 {+-} 1.19% for the SG derived composite. In contrast, the resulting densities of the SG composite are higher than the CA composite for samples consolidated at 400 and 500 C. The theoretical maximum density for the SG composite consolidated to 400 and 500 C are 81.30 {+-} 0.58% and 84.42 {+-} 0.62%, respectively. The theoretical maximum density of the CA composite consolidated to 400 and 500 C are 74.54 {+-} 0.80% and 77.90 {+-} 0.79%, respectively. X-ray diffraction analyses showed an increase of pre-reaction of the constituents with an increase in the consolidation temperature. The increase in pre-reaction results in lower stored energy content for samples consolidated to 400 and 500 C in comparison to samples consolidated at 25 C. (author)« less

The Use of Rietveld Technique to Study Phase Composition and Developments of Calcium Aluminate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridwan, I.; Asmi, D.

2008-03-01

The phase composition and development of calcium aluminates (CA, CA2, and CA6) processed by in-situ reaction sintering of Al2O3 and CaCO3 have been studied by Rietveld refinement technique. The formation of calcium aluminates is temperature-dependent. X-ray diffraction result revealed that the CA, CA2, and CA6 phases starts to develop at approximately 1000 °C, 1100 °C and 1375 °C, respectively. The relative phase compositions obtained from x-ray diffraction patterns for the α-Al2O3 phase decreased markedly with increasing temperature, i.e. from 86.0(1.1) wt% at 1000 °C to 34.7(0.4) wt% at 1400 °C. The wt% of CA decreased from 10.9(0.3)-1.9(0.2) wt% at 1100-1200 °C but disappeared at 1300 °C. The wt% of CA2 reached 36.0(0.7) wt% at 1300 °C and decreased to 18.5 (0.5) wt% at 1400 °C. The wt% CA6 increased markedly from 1375 to 1400 °C, i.e. 12.80(0.6)-47.3(0.9) wt%. The goodness of fit values is relatively low and the fluctuation in the difference plots shows a reasonable fit between the observed and the calculated plot.

Fusion-fission and quasifission of superheavy systems with Z =110 -116 formed in 48Ca-induced reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozulin, E. M.; Knyazheva, G. N.; Itkis, I. M.; Itkis, M. G.; Bogachev, A. A.; Chernysheva, E. V.; Krupa, L.; Hanappe, F.; Dorvaux, O.; Stuttgé, L.; Trzaska, W. H.; Schmitt, C.; Chubarian, G.

2014-11-01

Background: In heavy-ion-induced reactions the mechanism leading to the formation of the compound nucleus and the role of quasifission is still not clear. Purpose: Investigation of the quasifission process of superheavy composite systems with Z =110 -116 and comparison with properties of fusion-fission and quasifission of lighter composite systems. Method: Mass and energy distributions of fissionlike fragments formed in the reactions 48Ca+232Th, 238U , 244Pu , and 248Cm at energies near the Coulomb barrier have been measured using the double-arm time-of-flight spectrometer CORSET at the U-400 cyclotron of the FLNR JINR. Results: The most probable fragment masses as well as total kinetic energies and their dispersions in dependence on the interaction energies and ion-target combinations have been studied for asymmetric and symmetric fragments formed in the reactions. The capture cross sections were obtained for the reactions 48Ca+244Pu and 248Cm . The lower limits for fission barriers of 283 -286Cn , 289 -292Fl , and 293 -296Lv compound nuclei were estimated. Conclusions: Analysis of the properties of symmetric fragments has shown that a significant part of these fragments may be attributed to fusion-fission process for the reactions 48Ca +238U , 244Pu , and 248Cm .

Role of Metal Electronegativity in the Dehydrogenation Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Composite Metal Borohydride-LiNH2 Hydrogen Storage Materials.

PubMed

Bai, Ying; Pei, Ziwei; Wu, Feng; Wu, Chuan

2018-03-21

The composites of M(BH 4 ) n -LiNH 2 (1/2 n molar ratio, n = 1 or 2, M = Ca, Mg, Li) were synthesized by liquid ball milling. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis-mass spectroscopy (TG-DTA-MS), and kinetic models (Achar differential/Coats-Redfern integral method). The higher-electronegativity metal M in M(BH 4 ) n -4LiNH 2 (M = Ca, Mg) samples not only enables [BH 4 ] - group to release easily, so as to facilitate the interaction of [BH 4 ] - and [NH 2 ] - groups, but also restrains the NH 3 release and slightly decreases the onset dehydrogenation temperature concluded by TG-MS. Moreover, in stage 1 (200-350 °C), the kinetics performances of M(BH 4 ) n -4LiNH 2 (M = Ca, Mg) samples are distinctly improved, that is, the activation energies of them are reduced by ca. 30% compared to those of sample LiBH 4 -2LiNH 2 . The outstanding contribution of the replacement of M(BH 4 ) n with high-electronegativity metal ion is to both improve the kinetics performance by changing the kinetics mechanism and decrease the temperature range of the initial dehydrogenation region.

Primary Phase Field of the Pb-Doped 2223 High-Tc Superconductor in the (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O System

PubMed Central

Wong-Ng, W.; Cook, L. P.; Kearsley, A.; Greenwood, W.

1999-01-01

Both liquidus and subsolidus phase equilibrium data are of central importance for applications of high temperature superconductors in the (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system, including material synthesis, melt processing and single crystal growth. The subsolidus equilibria of the 110 K high-Tc Pb-doped 2223 ([Bi, Pb], Sr, Ca, Cu) phase and the location of the primary phase field (crystallization field) have been determined in this study. For the quantitative determination of liquidus data, a wicking technique was developed to capture the melt for quantitative microchemical analysis. A total of 29 five-phase volumes that include the 2223 phase as a component was obtained. The initial melt compositions of these volumes range from a mole fraction of 7.3 % to 28.0 % for Bi, 11.3 % to 27.8 % for Sr, 1.2 % to 19.4 % for Pb, 9.8 % to 30.8 % for Ca, and 17.1 % to 47.0 % for Cu. Based on these data, the crystallization field for the 2223 phase was constructed using the convex hull technique. A section of this “volume” was obtained by holding two components of the composition at the median value, allowing projection on the other three axes to show the extent of the field.

The gut microbiota in conventional and serrated precursors of colorectal cancer.

PubMed

Peters, Brandilyn A; Dominianni, Christine; Shapiro, Jean A; Church, Timothy R; Wu, Jing; Miller, George; Yuen, Elizabeth; Freiman, Hal; Lustbader, Ian; Salik, James; Friedlander, Charles; Hayes, Richard B; Ahn, Jiyoung

2016-12-30

Colorectal cancer is a heterogeneous disease arising from at least two precursors-the conventional adenoma (CA) and the serrated polyp. We and others have previously shown a relationship between the human gut microbiota and colorectal cancer; however, its relationship to the different early precursors of colorectal cancer is understudied. We tested, for the first time, the relationship of the gut microbiota to specific colorectal polyp types. Gut microbiota were assessed in 540 colonoscopy-screened adults by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of stool samples. Participants were categorized as CA cases (n = 144), serrated polyp cases (n = 73), or polyp-free controls (n = 323). CA cases were further classified as proximal (n = 87) or distal (n = 55) and as non-advanced (n = 121) or advanced (n = 22). Serrated polyp cases were further classified as hyperplastic polyp (HP; n = 40) or sessile serrated adenoma (SSA; n = 33). We compared gut microbiota diversity, overall composition, and normalized taxon abundance among these groups. CA cases had lower species richness in stool than controls (p = 0.03); in particular, this association was strongest for advanced CA cases (p = 0.004). In relation to overall microbiota composition, only distal or advanced CA cases differed significantly from controls (p = 0.02 and p = 0.002). In taxon-based analysis, stool of CA cases was depleted in a network of Clostridia operational taxonomic units from families Ruminococcaceae, Clostridiaceae, and Lachnospiraceae, and enriched in the classes Bacilli and Gammaproteobacteria, order Enterobacteriales, and genera Actinomyces and Streptococcus (all q < 0.10). SSA and HP cases did not differ in diversity or composition from controls, though sample size for these groups was small. Few taxa were differentially abundant between HP cases or SSA cases and controls; among them, class Erysipelotrichi was depleted in SSA cases. Our results indicate that gut microbes may play a role in the early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis through the development of CAs. Findings may have implications for developing colorectal cancer prevention therapies targeting early microbial drivers of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Mechanical Properties of Calcium Fluoride-Based Composite Materials

PubMed Central

Kleczewska, Joanna; Pryliński, Mariusz; Podlewska, Magdalena; Sokołowski, Jerzy; Łapińska, Barbara

2016-01-01

Aim of the study was to evaluate mechanical properties of light-curing composite materials modified with the addition of calcium fluoride. The study used one experimental light-curing composite material (ECM) and one commercially available flowable light-curing composite material (FA) that were modified with 0.5–5.0 wt% anhydrous calcium fluoride. Morphology of the samples and uniformity of CaF2 distribution were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical properties were tested after 24-hour storage of specimens in dry or wet conditions. Stored dry ECM enriched with 0.5–1.0 wt% CaF2 showed higher tensile strength values, while water storage of all modified ECM specimens decreased their tensile strength. The highest Vickers hardness tested after dry storage was observed for 2.5 wt% CaF2 content in ECM. The addition of 2.0–5.0 wt% CaF2 to FA caused significant decrease in tensile strength after dry storage and overall tensile strength decrease of modified FA specimens after water storage. The content of 2.0 wt% CaF2 in FA resulted in the highest Vickers hardness tested after wet storage. Commercially available composite material (FA), unmodified with fluoride addition, demonstrated overall significantly higher mechanical properties. PMID:28004001

Porous CaP/silk composite scaffolds to repair femur defects in an osteoporotic model

PubMed Central

Cheng, Ning; Dai, Jing; Cheng, Xiangrong; Li, Shu’e; Miron, Richard J.; Wu, Tao; Chen, Wenli; Zhang, Yufeng

2018-01-01

The most common complication for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis is bone-related defects and fractures. While routine medication has a high probability of undesirable side effects, new approaches have aimed to develop regeneration procedures that stimulate new bone formation while reversing bone loss. Recently, we have synthesized a new hybrid CaP/silk scaffold with a CaP-phase distribution and pore architecture better suited to facilitate cell differentiation and bone formation. The aim of the present study was to compare the involved remodeling process and therapeutic effect of porous CaP/silk composite scaffolds upon local implantation into osteoporotic defects. Wistar rats were used to induce postmenopausal osteoporotic model by bilateral ovariectomy. The pure silk and hybrid CaP/silk scaffolds were implanted into critical sized defects created in distal femoral epiphysis. After 14 and 28 days, the in vivo osteogenetic efficiency was evaluated by μCT analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Safranin O staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and immunohistochemical assessment. Animals with or without critical-sized defects were used as drill or blank controls, respectively. The osteoporotic defect model was well established with significantly decreased μCT parameters of BV/TV, Tb.N and increased Tb.Sp, porosity, combined with changes in histological observations. During the healing process, the critical-sized drill control defects failed to regenerate appreciable bone tissue, while more significantly increased bone formation and mineralization with dynamic scaffold degradation and decreased osteoclastic bone resorption could be detected within defects with hybrid CaP/silk scaffolds compared to pure silk scaffolds. PMID:23674058

Porous CaP/silk composite scaffolds to repair femur defects in an osteoporotic model.

PubMed

Cheng, Ning; Dai, Jing; Cheng, Xiangrong; Li, Shu'e; Miron, Richard J; Wu, Tao; Chen, Wenli; Zhang, Yufeng; Shi, Bin

2013-08-01

The most common complication for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis is bone-related defects and fractures. While routine medication has a high probability of undesirable side effects, new approaches have aimed to develop regeneration procedures that stimulate new bone formation while reversing bone loss. Recently, we have synthesized a new hybrid CaP/silk scaffold with a CaP-phase distribution and pore architecture better suited to facilitate cell differentiation and bone formation. The aim of the present study was to compare the involved remodeling process and therapeutic effect of porous CaP/silk composite scaffolds upon local implantation into osteoporotic defects. Wistar rats were used to induce postmenopausal osteoporotic model by bilateral ovariectomy. The pure silk and hybrid CaP/silk scaffolds were implanted into critical sized defects created in distal femoral epiphysis. After 14 and 28 days, the in vivo osteogenetic efficiency was evaluated by μCT analysis, hematoxylin and eosin staining, Safranin O staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and immunohistochemical assessment. Animals with or without critical-sized defects were used as drill or blank controls, respectively. The osteoporotic defect model was well established with significantly decreased μCT parameters of BV/TV, Tb.N and increased Tb.Sp, porosity, combined with changes in histological observations. During the healing process, the critical-sized drill control defects failed to regenerate appreciable bone tissue, while more significantly increased bone formation and mineralization with dynamic scaffold degradation and decreased osteoclastic bone resorption could be detected within defects with hybrid CaP/silk scaffolds compared to pure silk scaffolds.

Elaboration, Rietveld refinements and vibrational spectroscopic study of Na₁-xKxCaPb₃(PO₄)₃ lacunar apatites (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1).

PubMed

Lahrich, S; Elmhammedi, M A; Manoun, B; Tamraoui, Y; Mirinioui, F; Azrour, M; Lazor, P

2015-06-15

Synthesis of apatites, Na1-xKxCaPb3(PO4)3 0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1, with anion vacancy were carried out using solid state reactions. The solid solution of apatite-type structure crystallize in the hexagonal system, space group P63/m (No. 176). Rietveld refinements showed that around 90% of Pb(2+) cations are located in the (6h) sites, the left amount of Pb(2+) cations are located in the (4f) sites; 27-31% of Ca(2+) cations are located in the (6h) sites, the left amount of Ca(2+) cations are located in the (4f) sites. The ninefold coordination sites (4f) are also occupied by the K(+) and Na(+) monovalent ions. The structure can be described as built up from [PO4](3-) tetrahedra and Pb(2+)/Ca(2+) of sixfold coordination cavities (6h positions), which delimit void hexagonal tunnels running along [001]. These tunnels are connected by cations of mixed sites (4f) which are half occupied by Pb(2+)/Ca(2+) and half by Na(+)/K(+) mixed cations. The assignment of the observed frequencies in the Raman and infrared spectra is discussed on the basis of a unit cell group analysis and by comparison with other apatites. Vibrational spectra of all the compositions are similar and show some linear shifts of the frequencies as a function of the composition toward lower values due the substitutions of Na(+) by K(+) with a larger radius. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental and theoretical insight into the cooperativity effect in composite wax powder and ternary complex of coronene with CH4 and Mn+ (Mn+ = Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+ or Ca2+)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Le-tao; Bai, Pei-kang; Wang, Jian-hong; Liu, Bin; Li, Yu-xin

2018-01-01

The experimental infrared (IR) spectrum of composite wax powder was investigated. The frequency shifts of the C=C anti-symmetrical stretching mode were observed and the experimental cooperativity effect involving Na+...π interaction was suggested. In order to further reveal the nature of cooperativity effect, the interaction energies in Mn+...coronene...CH4 (Mn+ = Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+ or Ca2+) as the model systems of composite wax powder were calculated by using the B3LYP, M06-2X and MP2 methods with 6-311++G** basis set. The results show that the Mn+...π interactions were strengthened upon the formation of ternary complexes. Although the changes of absolute values of the interactions between CH4 and coronene were not obvious, the relative values were considerably significant upon the formation of ternary complexes. The cooperativity effect was perhaps the reason for the formation of notable advantage of composite wax powder upon the introduction of surfactant with cation into wax powder. Reduced density gradient and atoms-in-molecules analysis confirm the cooperativity effect in Mn+...coronene...CH4, and reveal the nature of the formation of the predominant advantage of composite wax powder.

Strategies for characterizing compositions of industrial pulp and paper sludge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aslanzadeh, Solmaz; Kemal, Rahmat A.; Pribowo, Amadeus Y.

2018-01-01

The large quantities of waste sludge produced by the pulp and paper industry present significant environmental challenges. In order to minimize the amounts of waste, the pulp sludge should be utilized for productive applications. In order to find feasible solutions, the sludge need to be characterized. In this study, the potential of using acid pretreatment and ashing method to determine the chemical compositions of the sludge is investigated. This study shows that acid pretreatment could be used to dissolve and determine the composition of CaCO3 in the pulp sludge. CaCO3 removal also facilitates the measurement of fiber and ash (clay) contents by using the ashing method. The optimum acid concentration used to completely dissolve CaCO3 was determined using a titration method. Using this method, the measurement of the chemical composition of the sludge sample revealed that it consisted primarily of CaCO3 (55% w/w), clay (25%, w/w), and fibers (18%, w/w). Based on these chemical compositions, potential utilization for the sludge could be determined.

Novel biodegradable calcium phosphate/polymer composite coating with adjustable mechanical properties formed by hydrothermal process for corrosion protection of magnesium substrate.

PubMed

Kaabi Falahieh Asl, Sara; Nemeth, Sandor; Tan, Ming Jen

2016-11-01

Ceramic type coatings on metallic implants, such as calcium phosphate (Ca-P), are generally stiff and brittle, potentially leading to the early failure of the bone-implant interface. To reduce material brittleness, polyacrylic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose were used in this study to deposit two types of novel Ca-P/polymer composite coatings on AZ31 magnesium alloy using a one-step hydrothermal process. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed that the deposited Ca-P crystal phase and morphology could be controlled by the type and concentration of polymer used. Incorporation of polymer in the Ca-P coatings reduced the coating elastic modulus bringing it close to that of magnesium and that of human bone. Nanoindentation test results revealed significantly decreased cracking tendency with the incorporation of polymer in the Ca-P coating. Apart from mechanical improvements, the protective composite layers had also enhanced the corrosion resistance of the substrate by a factor of 1000 which is sufficient for implant application. Cell proliferation studies indicated that the composite coatings induced better cell attachment compared with the purely inorganic Ca-P coating, confirming that the obtained composite materials could be promising candidates for surface protection of magnesium for implant application with the multiple functions of corrosion protection, interfacial stress reduction, and cell attachment/cell growth promotion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1643-1657, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Annual Report for Los Alamos National Laboratory Technical Area 54, Area G Disposal Facility – Fiscal Year 2015

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

French, Sean B.; Stauffer, Philip H.; Birdsell, Kay H.

As a condition to the disposal authorization statement issued to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL or the Laboratory) on March 17, 2010, a comprehensive performance assessment and composite analysis maintenance program must be implemented for the Technical Area 54, Area G disposal facility. Annual determinations of the adequacy of the performance assessment and composite analysis (PA/CA) are to be conducted under the maintenance program to ensure that the conclusions reached by those analyses continue to be valid. This report summarizes the results of the fiscal year (FY) 2015 annual review for Area G.

Thresholds in Soil Mineral Weathering and Relation to Streamwater Chemistry in Glaciated Catchments of the Northeastern USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bailey, S. W.; Ross, D. S.

2015-12-01

Primary mineral dissolution (i.e. weathering) is a critical process in forested catchments as an important consumer of acidity and CO2, the principle source of nutrients such as Ca, K, and P, as well as the source of toxic cations such as Al. Two common limitations of weathering studies are inadequate determination of mineralogic composition and insufficient sampling depth to determine location and advancement of weathering reactions. We determined mineral stocks through EPMA mapping of Al, Ca, Fe, P, and Si content of soil samples and development of an image analysis routine that assigned mineral composition based on the content of these five elements. Portions of the classified maps were confirmed by optical petrography and full elemental analysis by SEM-EDS. Samples were analyzed for soil profiles >2m depth (~1.5m past the upper boundary of the "unweathered" C horizon). Study sites spanned a range of weatherability found in catchments in glaciated northeastern USA including Winnisook, NY (sandstone parent material, 100 ppm Ca), Hubbard Brook, NH (granite, 0.9% Ca), and Sleepers River, VT (calcareous granulite, 3.5% Ca). All profiles exhibited a weathering front, or threshold above which the most reactive minerals (calcite, apatite) have been depleted. However, in all cases this threshold was below the rooting zone, and in many profiles, it was well below the C horizon interface. Catchment scale Ca exports reflect this deeper weathering source while rooting zone exchangeable Ca was highly variable, probably reflecting spatial patterns of hydrologic flowpaths which bring deeper weathering products to the surface only in certain landscape positions. These results suggest that nutrient cycling and critical loads models, which assume that ecologically relevant weathering is confined to the rooting zone, need to be refined to account for deeper weathering and spatial patterns of lateral and upward hydrologic fluxes. Similarly, recovery from cultural acidification may be limited in portions of catchments where hydrologic connections do not provide a vehicle for weathering products to recharge the biologically active portion of the subsurface.

Intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of succession: Effects of habitat age and season on an aquatic insect community.

PubMed

Murrell, Ebony G; Ives, Anthony R; Juliano, Steven A

2014-06-01

1. Classical studies of succession, largely dominated by plant community studies, focus on intrinsic drivers of change in community composition, such as interspecific competition and changes to the abiotic environment. They often do not consider extrinsic drivers of colonization, such as seasonal phenology, that can affect community change. 2. We investigated both intrinsic and extrinsic drivers of succession for dipteran communities that occupy ephemeral pools, such as those in artificial containers. By initiating communities at different times in the season and following them over time, we compared the relative importance of intrinsic (i.e., habitat age) vs. extrinsic (i.e., seasonal phenology) drivers of succession. 3. We placed water-filled artificial containers in a deciduous forest with 20 containers initiated in each of three months. Containers were sampled weekly to assess community composition. Repeated-measures mixed-effects analysis of community correspondence analysis (CA) scores enabled us to partition intrinsic and extrinsic effects on succession. Covariates of temperature and precipitation were also tested. 4. Community trajectories (as defined by CA) differed significantly with habitat age and season, indicating that both intrinsic and extrinsic effects influence succession patterns. Comparisons of AICcs showed that habitat age was more important than season for species composition. Temperature and precipitation did not explain composition changes beyond those explained by habitat age and season. 5. Quantification of relative strengths of intrinsic and extrinsic effects on succession in dipteran and other ephemeral communities enables us to disentangle processes that must be understood for predicting changes in community composition.

Influence of Carbon Nanotubes on the Structure Formation of Cement Matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrunin, S.; Vaganov, V.; Reshetniak, V.; Zakrevskaya, L.

2015-11-01

The potential of application of CNTs as a reinforcing agent in cement composites is governed by their unique mechanical and electronic properties. The analysis of concrete strength changes under CNTs introduction shows non-uniformity and sometimes inconsistency of results. Due to the fact that CNTs influence the hydration kinetics, structure and phase composition of concrete, an idea concerning the importance of interaction between the surface of CNTs and hydrate ions formed by the dissolution of the clinker phases has been suggested. In this paper, the theoretical and experimental study of interaction between hydrate ions and CNTs surface is discussed. Reference nanotubes and nanotubes functionalized by carboxylic groups are used in this research. Phase composition was determined by X-Ray analysis according to the Rietveld method. It was found that the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups on CNTs surface leads to intensification of the hydration process and increase in concentration of C-S-H gel from 65.9% to 74.4%. Special attention is usually paid to interactions between Ca2+ ions and CNTs, because the hardening rate and structure of cement stone are determined by principle of Ca2+ localization in the solution. In this paper the possible binding mechanisms are discussed. Based on the experimental results, the hypothesis regarding the formation of cement composite structure for different CNTs surface functionalizations is considered. According to this hypothesis, the CNTs act as the centers of crystallization for hydration products contributing to the acceleration of hydration, increase of the concentration of C-S-H gel and strength improvement of CNTs based composites.

Microstructures and Mechanical Study of Mg Alloy Foam Based on Mg-Zn-Ca-CaCO3 System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erryani, A.; Pramuji, F.; Annur, D.; Amal, M. I.; Kartika, I.

2017-05-01

Magnesium alloy, a material that has potential to use some applications such as aerospace components, computer parts, and mobile phones. Magnesium alloy can also be a popular candidate as an orthopedic implant material for biodegradability, non-toxicity, and mechanical and physical properties that are excellent. Magnesium, one of the main macro elements required for the proper functioning of the human organism, is used to test the materials for biodegradable implants. The main objective of this study was to find out the microstructure, and mechanical characteristics of the Mg-Ca-Zn-CaCO3 alloy as porous implant materials are biodegradable. The presence of CaCO3 on the alloy functions as a foaming agent expected to produce gas bubbles during manufacturing process taken place that will form pores in the alloy. Mg-Ca-Zn-CaCO3 alloy was made by powder metallurgy method with three variations of composition (96Mg-Ca-3Zn-CaCO3, 91Mg-Ca-3Zn-5CaCO3, and 86Mg-Ca-3Zn-10CaCO3 wt%). Milling process was by using a shaker mill for 2 hours to produce a powder size distribution which was more homogeneous. The mixed powder was uniaxially pressed at a pressure of 100 MPa for 2 minutes and 200 MPa for 3 minutes into green compacts with dimensions of 10 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length. The sintering process was carried out at 650°C with a variation of holding time of 10 and 15 hours, and then the specimens were cooled down at room temperature. Microstructural analysis was performed by using X-Ray diffraction technique and Scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy disperse spectrometry (EDS). The mechanical characteristics were analyzed by using Universal Testing Machine. The density and porosity of specimen were further measured by using Archimedes method. The results show that the optimum microstructure and mechanical characteristics are the holding time of 10 hours. The value of compression was 208.398 N/mm2, the density was 1.63 g/cc and a porosity was 18% on the composition of 86Mg-Ca-3Zn-10CaCO3 wt%.

CaCu3Ti4O12-PVDF polymeric composites with enhanced capacitive energy density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Xin; Cao, Peng; Zhang, Weijun; Liu, Zhuofeng; Huang, Zhaohui; Gao, Wei

2015-03-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO)-poly(vinylidene fluoride (PVDF)) composites were prepared by melt blending and hot molding techniques. The addition of CCTO remarkably enhanced the dielectric properties and the thermal conductivity of PVDF composites, while the melting point of the PVDF composites ( 170°C) was almost independent of the CCTO concentration. Based on the results of dielectric constant and dielectric breakdown voltage, the PVDF composite containing 40 vol.% CCTO fillers shows the optimized capacitive energy storage potential (7.81 J/cm3).

Quantitative Analysis of Major Phytochemicals in Orthodox tea (Camellia sinensis), Oxidized under Compressed Air Environment.

PubMed

Panda, Brajesh Kumar; Datta, Ashis Kumar

2016-04-01

This study describes major changes in phytochemical composition of orthodox tea (Camellia sinensis var. Assamica) oxidized under compressed air (CA). The experiments for oxidation were conducted under air pressure (101, 202, and 303 kPa) for 150 min. Relative change in the concentrations of caffeine, catechins, theaflavins (TF), and thearubigins (TR) were analyzed. Effect of CA pressure was found to be nonsignificant in regulating caffeine concentration during oxidation. But degradation in different catechins as well as formation of different TF was significantly affected by CA pressure. At high CA pressure, TF showed highest peak value. TR was found to have slower rate of formation during initial phase of oxidation than TF. Even though the rate of TR formation was significantly influenced by CA, a portion of catechins remained unoxidized at end of oxidation. Except caffeine, the percent change in rate of formation or degradation were more prominent at 202 kPa. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Experimental identification of Ca isotopic fractionations in higher plants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobert, Florian; Schmitt, Anne-Désirée; Bourgeade, Pascale; Labolle, François; Badot, Pierre-Marie; Chabaux, François; Stille, Peter

2011-10-01

Hydroponic experiments have been performed in order to identify the co-occurring geochemical and biological processes affecting the Ca isotopic compositions within plants. To test the influence of the Ca concentration and pH of the nutritive solution on the Ca isotopic composition of the different plant organs, four experimental conditions were chosen combining two different Ca concentrations (5 and 60 ppm) and two pHs (4 and 6). The study was performed on rapid growing bean plants in order to have a complete growth cycle. Several organs (root, stem, leaf, reproductive) were sampled at two different growth stages (10 days and 6 weeks of culture) and prepared for Ca isotopic measurements. The results allow to identify three Ca isotopic fractionation levels. The first one takes place when Ca enters the lateral roots, during Ca adsorption on cation-exchange binding sites in the apoplasm. The second one takes place when Ca is bound to the polygalacturonic acids (pectins) of the middle lamella of the xylem cell wall. Finally, the last fractionation occurs in the reproductive organs, also caused by cation-exchange processes with pectins. However, the cell wall structures of these organs and/or number of available exchange sites seem to be different to those of the xylem wall. These three physico-chemical fractionation mechanisms allow to enrich the organs in the light 40Ca isotope. The amplitude of the Ca isotopic fractionation within plant organs is highly dependent on the composition of the nutritive solution: low pH (4) and Ca concentrations (5 ppm) have no effect on the biomass increase of the plants but induce smaller fractionation amplitudes compared to those obtained from other experimental conditions. Thus, Ca isotopic signatures of bean plants are controlled by the external nutritive medium. This study highlights the potential of Ca isotopes to be applied in plant physiology (to identify Ca uptake, circulation and storage mechanisms within plants) and in biogeochemistry (to identify Ca recycling, Ca content and pH evolutions in soil solutions through time).

The major-ion composition of Silurian seawater

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brennan, S.T.; Lowenstein, T.K.

2002-01-01

One-hundred fluid inclusions in Silurian marine halite were analyzed in order to determine the major-ion composition of Silurian seawater. The samples analyzed were from three formations in the Late Silurian Michigan Basin, the A-1, A-2, and B Evaporites of the Salina Group, and one formation in the Early Silurian Canning Basin (Australia), the Mallowa Salt of the Carribuddy Group. The results indicate that the major-ion composition of Silurian seawater was not the same as present-day seawater. The Silurian ocean had lower concentrations of Mg2+, Na+, and SO2-4, and much higher concentrations of Ca2+ relative to the ocean's present-day composition. Furthermore, Silurian seawater had Ca2+ in excess of SO2-4. Evaporation of Silurian seawater of the composition determined in this study produces KC1-type potash minerals that lack the MgSO4-type late stage salts formed during the evaporation of present-day seawater. The relatively low Na+ concentrations in Silurian seawater support the hypothesis that oscillations in the major-ion composition of the oceans are primarily controlled by changes in the flux of mid-ocean ridge brine and riverine inputs and not global or basin-scale, seawater-driven dolomitization. The Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of Silurian seawater was ~1.4, and the K+/Ca2+ ratio was ~0.3, both of which differ from the present-day counterparts of 5 and 1, respectively. Seawaters with Mg2+/Ca2+ 2 (e.g., modern seawater) facilitate the precipitation of aragonite and high-magnesian calcite. Therefore, the early Paleozoic calcite seas were likely due to the low Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of seawater, not the pCO2 of the Silurian atmosphere. Copyright ?? 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd.

The effect of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glasses on their structure and reactivity in alkali activated system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucharczyk, Sylwia; Sitarz, Maciej; Zajac, Maciej; Deja, Jan

2018-04-01

The influence of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio of calcium aluminosilicate glasses on resulting structure and reactivity was investigated. Chemical compositions of glasses were chosen to mimic the composition of the fly ash and slag amorphous phase. Understanding the reactivity of these materials is of high importance allowing further development of the composite cements to limit the environmental footprint of cement industry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to examine the structure of glasses. Reactivity of the glasses was analyzed on paste samples after 1, 2, 7, 28 and 90 days of curing by means of thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. Spectroscopic results emphasize dependence of the structure on the chemical composition of the glasses. The higher CaO/SiO2 the more depolymerized the glass network is, though there is no direct correlation with the reactivity. Significant differences in reactivity is observed primarily between the glasses of peraluminous (CaO/Al2O3 < 1) and percalcic region (CaO/Al2O3 > 1). Amongst the pastes made of glasses of percalcic region a higher degree of reaction at later ages is observed for the paste containing glass of lower CaO/SiO2 molar ratio. This is due to both degree of depolimerization and the nature of these glasses (pozzolanic and hydraulic materials). No difference of degree of reaction has been observed within the glasses of CaO/SiO2 lower than 1.

Novel calcium phosphate nanocomposite with caries-inhibition in a human in situ model

PubMed Central

Melo, Mary Anne S.; Weir, Michael D.; Rodrigues, Lidiany K.A.; Xu, Hockin H.K.

2013-01-01

Objectives Secondary caries at the restoration margins remains the main reason for failure. Although calcium phosphate (CaP) composites are promising for caries inhibition, there has been no report of CaP composite to inhibit caries in situ. The objectives of this study were to investigate the caries-inhibition effect of nanocomposite containing nanoparticles of amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) in a human in situ model for the first time, and to determine colony-forming units (CFU) and Ca and P ion concentrations of biofilms on the composite restorations. Methods NACP with a mean particle size of 116 nm were synthesized via a spray-drying technique. Two composites were fabricated: NACP nanocomposite, and control composite filled with glass particles. Twenty-five volunteers wore palatal devices containing bovine enamel slabs with cavities restored with NACP or control composite. After 14 days, the adherent biofilms were collected for analyses. Transverse microradiography determined the enamel mineral profiles at the margins, and the enamel mineral loss ! Z was measured. Results NACP nanocomposite released Ca and P ions and the release significantly increased at cariogenic low pH (p < 0.05). Biofilms on NACP nanocomposite contained higher Ca (p = 0.007) and P ions (p = 0.005) than those of control (n = 25). There was no significant difference in biofilm CFU between the two composites (p > 0.1). Microradiographs showed typical subsurface lesions in enamel next to control composite, but much less lesion around NACP nanocomposite. Enamel mineral loss ! Z (mean ± sd; n = 25) around NACP nanocomposite was 13.8 ± 9.3 μm, much less than 33.5 ± 19.0 μm of the control (p = 0.001). Significance Novel NACP nanocomposite substantially reduced caries formation in a human in situ model for the first time. Enamel mineral loss at the margins around NACP nanocomposite was less than half of the mineral loss around control composite. Therefore, the Ca and P ion-releasing NACP nanocomposite is promising for caries-inhibiting restorations. PMID:23140916

Calcium Isotope (δ44/40Ca) Composition of Morozovella Velascoensis During the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum Ocean Acidification Event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitch, G. D.; Jacobson, A. D.; Hurtgen, M.; Sageman, B. B.; Harper, D. T.; Zachos, J. C.

2017-12-01

Ocean acidification (OA) events are transient disruptions to the carbonate chemistry of seawater that involve decreases in pH, [CO32-] and carbonate mineral saturation states (Ω). Numerical modeling studies predict that the Ca isotope (δ44/40Ca) composition of primary marine carbonate should be sensitive to OA1, and recent evidence from the rock record may support this hypothesis2. Boron isotope (δ11B) data for the planktonic foraminifera Morozovella velascoensis indicate that the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; 55 Mya) was an interval of pronounced OA3, although the Ca isotope composition of the bulk carbonate record appears to show post-burial diagenetic effects4. To further evaluate the Ca isotope proxy, we used a high-precision (2σSD=±0.04‰), double-spike (43Ca-42Ca) TIMS method5 to measure δ44/40Ca values of well-preserved M. velascoensis tests spanning the PETM. M. velascoensis tests (250-355 µm) were picked from samples recovered during ODP Leg 198, Site 1209 on Shatsky Rise in the equatorial Pacific. Five M. velascoensis tests were combined per sample, dissolved, spiked, and analyzed using a Triton TIMS. Repeat dissolutions of ten samples gave δ44/40Ca values within ±0.04‰ of the original measurements. Method and procedural blanks were negligible. δ44/40Ca values are elevated, even before the negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) that marks the PETM. When δ11/10B values decrease during the CIE, δ44/40Ca values remain elevated, but then decrease by 0.10‰ as δ11B values return to pre-CIE levels. The apparent inverse correlation between δ44/40Ca and δ11B values suggests that Ca isotope fractionation by M. velascoensis was sensitive to OA. A decrease in pH indicated by lower δ11B values is consistent with higher δ44/40Ca values (decreased fractionation) due to elevated [Ca2+]/[CO32-] ratios and reduced W. The Ca isotope composition of pristine foraminiferal calcite may have potential for reconstructing [CO32-]. The current, preliminary dataset may indicate changes in [CO32-] prior to the CIE. 1Nielsen et al., 2012. 2Du Vivier et al., 2015. 3Penman et al., 2014. 4Griffith et al., 2015. 5Lehn et al., 2013.

3D surface topography study of the biofunctionalized nanocrystalline Ti-6Zr-4Nb/Ca-P

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

Jakubowicz, J., E-mail: jaroslaw.jakubowicz@put.poznan.pl; Adamek, G.; Jurczyk, M.U.

2012-08-15

In this work surface of the sintered Ti-6Zr-4Nb nanocrystalline alloy was electrochemically biofunctionalized. The porous surface was produced by anodic oxidation in 1 M H{sub 3}PO{sub 4} + 2%HF electrolyte at 10 V for 30 min. Next the calcium-phosphate (Ca-P) layer was deposited, onto the formed porous surface, using cathodic potential - 5 V kept for 60 min in 0.042 M Ca(NO{sub 3}){sub 2} + 0.025 M (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}HPO{sub 4} + 0.1 M HCl electrolyte. The deposited Ca-P layer anchored in the pores. The biofunctionalized surface was studied by XRD, SEM and EDS. In vitro tests culture of normalmore » human osteoblast (NHOst) cells showed very good cells proliferation, colonization and multilayering. Using optical profiler, roughness and hybrid 3D surface topography parameters were estimated. Correlation between surface composition, morphology, roughness and biocompatibility results was done. It has been shown by us that surface with appropriate chemical composition and topography, after combined electrochemical anodic and cathodic surface treatment, supports osteoblast adhesion and proliferation. 3D topography measurements using optical profiler play a key role in the biomaterials surface analysis. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Nanocrystalline Ti-6Zr-4Nb/Ca-P material was produced for hard tissue implant applications. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Calcium-phosphate results in surface biofunctionalization. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The biofunctionalized surface shows good in-vitro behavior.« less

Czochralski growth of 2 in. Ca3Ta(Ga,Al)3Si2O14 single crystals for piezoelectric applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshikawa, Akira; Shoji, Yasuhiro; Ohashi, Yuji; Yokota, Yuui; Chani, Valery I.; Kitahara, Masanori; Kudo, Tetsuo; Kamada, Kei; Kurosawa, Shunsuke; Medvedev, Andrey; Kochurikhin, Vladimir

2016-10-01

Growth of 2-in. diameter Al-substituted Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 crystals by Czochralski method is reported. The crystals were grown from the melt of Ca3TaGa1.5Al1.5Si2O14 composition and had langasite structure. No inclusions of secondary phases were detected in these crystals. The Ca3Ta(Ga,Al)3Si2O14 mixed crystals produced using non-substituted Ca3TaGa3Si2O14 seeds were defective. They had cracks and/or poly-crystalline structure. However, those grown on the seed of approximately Ca3TaGa1.5Al1.5Si2O14 composition were defect-free. Phase diagram of the Ca3TaGa3Si2O14-Ca3TaAl3Si2O14 pseudo-binary system and segregation phenomenon are discussed in some details. Homogeneity of the crystals was evaluated by measuring 2D-mapping of leaky surface acoustic wave (LSAW) velocities for Y-cut Ca3TaGa1.5Al1.5Si2O14 substrate. Although some inhomogeneities were observed due to slight variations in chemical composition, the crystal had acceptable homogeneity for applications in acoustic wave devices exhibiting the LSAW velocity variation within ±0.048%.

Float zone growth and spectroscopic properties of Yb:CaYAlO4 single crystal for ultra-short pulse lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narita, Moe; Higuchi, Mikio; Ogawa, Takayo; Wada, Satoshi; Miura, Akira; Tadanaga, Kiyoharu

2018-06-01

Yb:CaYAlO4 single crystals were grown by the floating zone method and their spectral properties were investigated. Void formation was effectively suppressed by using a feed rod of Y-rich composition with the aid of a double zone-pass technique. For the oxygen excess composition of Yb:Ca0.9925Y1.0075AlO4.00375, a void-free crystal was obtained by performing only the double zone-pass. On the other hand, for cation-deficient type of Yb:Ca0.9925Y1.005AlO4, void-free crystal could not be obtained by performing the double zone-pass. The void formation is attributable to the constitutional supercooling caused by segregation of main constituents of Y and Ca, and the congruent composition may exist in the Y-rich region with existence of interstitial excess oxide ions. The absorption cross section for σ-polarization was slightly larger than that for π-polarization, which is reasonable on the basis of the crystal structure of CaYAlO4.

Structural and magnetic properties of nanostructured composites (SrFe12O19)x(CaCu3Ti4O12)1-x

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrilova, T. P.; Deeva, J. A.; Yatsyk, I. V.; Yagfarova, A. R.; Gilmutdinov, I. F.; Lyadov, N. M.; Milovich, F. O.; Chupakhina, T. I.; Eremina, R. M.

2018-05-01

(SrFe12O19)x(CaCu3Ti4O12)1-x (x = 0.01, 0.03, 0.07, 0.1) composites were synthesized using a solid state method, while the pre-synthesized strontium hexaferrite SrFe12O19 (SFO) was added to the stoichiometric amount of CaO, CuO and TiO oxides to form the CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) structure around SFO microinclusions. The structural and microstructural properties of obtained composites were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The magnetic properties were studied by electron spin resonance and magnetometry methods. Based on all experimental data we can conclude, that SFOxCCTO1-x nanostructured composites were formed only for concentrations x = 0.03 and x = 0.07, where SFO nanoinclusions are inside CCTO matrix, that leads to the strong mutual influence of the magnetic properties of both component.

Modeling and Analysis Tools for Linear and Nonlinear Mechanical Systems Subjected to Extreme Impulsive Loading

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-23

SAMPE, Long Beach, CA, 2008. [28] N Hu and H Fukunaga. A new approach for health monitoring of composite structures through identification of impact...Bernard H Minster . Hysteresis and two- dimensional nonlinear wave propagation in berea sandstone. Journal of Geo- physical Research: Solid Earth (1978–2012

μX-ray fluorescence analysis of traces and calcium phosphate phases on tooth tartar interfaces using synchrotron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, J. A.; Grenón, M. S.; Sánchez, H. J.; Valentinuzzi, M. C.; Perez, C. A.

2007-07-01

Hard dental tissues like dentine and cementum with calcified deposits (dental calculi) were studied in several human dental pieces of adult individuals from the same geographic region. A couple of cross cuts were performed at dental root level resulting in a planar slice with calculus and dental tissue exposed for analysis. The elemental content along a linear path crossing the dentine-cementum-tartar interfaces and also all over a surface was measured by X-ray fluorescence microanalysis using synchrotron radiation (μSRXRF). The concentration of elemental traces like K, V, Cu, Zn, As, Br and Sr showed different features on the analyzed regions. The possible connections with the dynamic of mineralization and biological implications are discussed. The concentrations of major elements Ca and P were also determined and the measured Ca/P molar ratio was used to estimate the average composition of calcium phosphate phases in the measured points. A deeper knowledge of the variations of the elemental compositions and the changes of the different phases will help to a better understanding of the scarcely known mechanism of calculus growing.

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

Rauf, Nurlaela, E-mail: n-rauf@fmipa.unhas.ac.id; Tahir, Dahlang; Arbiansyah, Muhammad

Structural analysis has been performed on bioceramic materials for denture application by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). XRF is using for analysis chemical composition of raw materials. XRF shows the ratio 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 between feldspar, quartz, kaolin and eggshell, respectively, resulting composition CaO content of 56.78 %, which is similar with natural tooth. Sample preparation was carried out on temperature of 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C. X-ray diffraction result showed that the structure is crystalline with trigonal crystal system for SiO{sub 2} (a=b=4.9134 Å and c=5.4051more » Å) and CaH{sub 2}O{sub 2} (a=b=3.5925 Å and c=4.9082 Å). Based on the Scherrer’s equation showed the crystallite size of the highest peak (SiO{sub 2}) increase with increasing the temperature preparation. The highest hardness value (87 kg/mm{sup 2}) and match with the standards of dentin hardness. The surface structure was observed by using SEM also discussed.« less

Petrography, mineralogy, and Mg isotope composition of VICTA: A vigarano CaAl4O7-bearing type A inclusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenwood, R. C.; Morse, A.; Long, J. V. P.

1993-01-01

Thermodynamic calculations predict that Ca-dialuminate (CaAl4O7) condenses from a cooling gas of solar composition after hibonite and before melilite. Although Ca-dialuminate has now been recorded from Ca Al-rich inclusions (CAI's) in at least 9 meteorites, compared to hibonite it is a relatively rare phase. As pointed out by Michel-Levy et al., the absence of Ca-dialuminate from most hibonite-bearing inclusions poses a serious problem for the condensation model of CAI formation. Here we describe an inclusion which contains abundant CA-dialuminate partially altered to a hercynite-rich (FeAl2O4) assemblage. The evidence from VICTA indicates that compared to all other phases in type A inclusions, Ca-dialuminate is the most susceptible to secondary alteration; a feature which may explain its restricted occurrence. Unaltered Ca-dialuminate and melilite in VICTA display excess Mg-26 indicative of in situ decay of Al-26.

Influence of artificial biological fluid composition on the biocorrosion of potential orthopedic Mg-Ca, AZ31, AZ91 alloys.

PubMed

Gu, X N; Zheng, Y F; Chen, L J

2009-12-01

The electrochemical behavior of potential orthopedic Mg-Ca, AZ31 and AZ91 alloys was studied in Hank's solution, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) and serum-containing medium (DMEM adding 10% fetal bovine serum (DMEM+FBS)) over a 7 day immersion period. The biocorrosion of the above three alloys for various immersion time intervals was investigated by linear polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). After 7 day immersion, potentiodynamic polarization tests were carried out and the surface morphologies of experimental samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation complemented by energy-disperse spectrometer (EDS) analysis. It was shown that the corrosion of magnesium alloys was influenced by the composition of the solution. The results indicated that chloride ion could reduce the corrosion resistance and the hydrocarbonate ions could induce rapid surface passivation. The adsorbed amino acid on the experimental magnesium alloys' surface increased their polarization resistance and reduced current densities. The influence of the serum protein on corrosion was found to be associated with the magnesium alloy compositions. A Mg-Ca alloy exhibited an increased corrosion rate in the presence of serum protein. An AZ31 alloy showed an increased corrosion rate in DMEM+FBS in the initial 3 day immersion and the corrosion rate decreased thereafter. An AZ91 alloy, with high Al content, showed a reduced corrosion rate with the addition of FBS into DMEM.

The series Bi2Sr2Ca(n-1) Cu(n)O(2n+4) (1 less than or equal to n less than or equal to 5): Phase stability and superconducting properties

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deguire, Mark R.; Bansal, Narottam P.; Farrell, David E.; Finan, Valerie; Kim, Cheol J.; Hills, Bethanie J.; Allen, Christopher J.

1989-01-01

Phase relations at 850 and 870 C, melting transitions in air, oxygen, and helium were studied for Bi(2.1)Sr(1.9) CuO6 and for the Bi2Sr2Ca(n-1) Cu(n)O(2n+4) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and infinity (CaCuO2). Up to 870 C, the n = 2 composition resides in the compatibility tetrahedron bounded by Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8, (Sr,Ca)14 Cu24O41, Ca2CuO3, and a Bi-Sr-Ca-O phase. The n is greater than or equal to 3 compositions reside in the compatibility tetrahedron Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8 - (Sr,Ca)14 Cu24O41 - Ca2CuO3 - CuO up to 850 C. However, Bi(2+x)Sr(4-y) Cu3O10 forms for n is greater than or equal to 3 after extended heating at 870 C. Bi(2+x)Sr(2-y) CuO6 and Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8 melt in air at 914 C and 895 C respectively. During melting, all of the compositions studied lose 1 to 2 percent by weight of oxygen from the reduction of copper. Bi(2+x)Sr(2-y) CuO6, Bi(2+n)(Sr,Ca)(3-y) Cu2O8, and Bi(2+x)(Sr,Ca)(4-y) Cu3O10 exhibit crystallographic alignment in a magnetic field, with the c-axes orienting parallel to the field.

Sol-gel synthesis, phase composition, morphological and structural characterization of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2: XRD, FTIR, SEM, 3D SEM and solid-state NMR studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kareiva, Simonas; Klimavicius, Vytautas; Momot, Aleksandr; Kausteklis, Jonas; Prichodko, Aleksandra; Dagys, Laurynas; Ivanauskas, Feliksas; Sakirzanovas, Simas; Balevicius, Vytautas; Kareiva, Aivaras

2016-09-01

Aqueous sol-gel chemistry route based on ammonium-hydrogen phosphate as the phosphorus precursor, calcium acetate monohydrate as source of calcium ions, and 1,2-ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or 1,2-diaminocyclohexanetetracetic acid (DCTA), or tartaric acid (TA), or ethylene glycol (EG), or glycerol (GL) as complexing agents have been used to prepare calcium hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2, CHAp). The phase transformations, composition, and structural changes in the polycrystalline samples were studied by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The local short-range (nano- and mezo-) scale effects in CHAp were studied using solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The spatial 3D data from the SEM images of CHAp samples obtained by TA, EG and GL sol-gel routes were recovered for the first time to our knowledge.

Magnetodielectric effect in (1 - x)(Ba0.88Ca0.12)(Ti0.88Zr0.12)O3 - xCoFe2O4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pan, Pengfei; Tao, Jin; Ma, Fusheng; Zhang, Ning

2018-05-01

Magnetodielectric (MD) materials have attracted considerable attention due to their intriguing physics and potential future applications. In this work, polycrystalline (1 - x)(Ba0.88Ca0.12)(Ti0.88Zr0.12)O3 - xCoFe2O4 (x = 0.10, 0.20, 0.30, 0.40) ceramic have been prepared via sol-gel method. The room temperature magnetic and ferroelectric behaviors of the synthesized composites were investigated. For the composite with x = 0.40, a MD ratio of 5.37% was achieved under a magnetic field of 1.5 T at f = 1 kHz. The measured "butterfly hysteresis" MD curves exhibit an obvious dielectric anomaly. Theoretical analysis suggests that the observed magnetodielectric effect is attributed to the magnetoresistance effect and magnetoelectric coupling.

Crystallization Kinetics of Calcium-magnesium Aluminosilicate (CMAS) Glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiesner, Valerie L.; Bansal, Narottam P.

2015-01-01

The crystallization kinetics of a calcium-magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) glass with composition relevant for aerospace applications, like air-breathing engines, were evaluated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) in powder and bulk forms. Activation energy and frequency factor values for crystallization of the glass were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the onset of crystallization and the phases that developed after heat treating bulk glass at temperatures ranging from 690 to 960 deg for various times. Samples annealed at temperatures below 900 deg remained amorphous, while specimens heat treated at and above 900 deg exhibited crystallinity originating at the surface. The crystalline phases were identified as wollastonite (CaSiO3) and aluminum diopside (Ca(Mg,Al) (Si,Al)2O6). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to examine the microstructure and chemical compositions of crystalline phases formed after heat treatment.

Superconductivity at different T{sub c} in CdBa{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y}

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

Balchev, N.; Lovchinov, V.; Gattef, E.

1995-06-01

A Cd analogue of the Tl and Hg n=3 series with nominal composition CdBa{sub 2}Ca{sub 2}Cu{sub 3}O{sub y} has been synthesized. The samples were superconducting according to magnetic susceptibility measurements. The critical temperature was 103 or 107 K depending on the preparation conditions. The EDX analysis revealed the presence of Cd-1111, Cd-1121, and Cd-2333 as minor phases. The observed diamagnetic effects were attributed to the different T{sub c} of these phases.

Annual Report for Los Alamos National Laboratory Technical Area 54, Area G Disposal Facility - Fiscal Year 2016

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

Birdsell, Kay Hanson; Stauffer, Philip H.; Atchley, Adam Lee

As a condition to the disposal authorization statement issued to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL or the Laboratory) on March 17, 2010, a comprehensive performance assessment and composite analysis (PA/CA) maintenance program must be implemented for the Technical Area 54, Area G disposal facility. Annual determinations of the adequacy of the PA/CA are to be conducted under the maintenance program to ensure that the conclusions reached by those analyses continue to be valid. This report summarizes the results of the fiscal year (FY) 2016 annual review for Area G.

Reproducing early Martian atmospheric carbon dioxide partial pressure by modeling the formation of Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate identified in the Comanche rock outcrops on Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berk, Wolfgang; Fu, Yunjiao; Ilger, Jan-Michael

2012-10-01

The well defined composition of the Comanche rock's carbonate (Magnesite0.62Siderite0.25Calcite0.11Rhodochrosite0.02) and its host rock's composition, dominated by Mg-rich olivine, enable us to reproduce the atmospheric CO2partial pressure that may have triggered the formation of these carbonates. Hydrogeochemical one-dimensional transport modeling reveals that similar aqueous rock alteration conditions (including CO2partial pressure) may have led to the formation of Mg-Fe-Ca carbonate identified in the Comanche rock outcrops (Gusev Crater) and also in the ultramafic rocks exposed in the Nili Fossae region. Hydrogeochemical conditions enabling the formation of Mg-rich solid solution carbonate result from equilibrium species distributions involving (1) ultramafic rocks (ca. 32 wt% olivine; Fo0.72Fa0.28), (2) pure water, and (3) CO2partial pressures of ca. 0.5 to 2.0 bar at water-to-rock ratios of ca. 500 molH2O mol-1rock and ca. 5°C (278 K). Our modeled carbonate composition (Magnesite0.64Siderite0.28Calcite0.08) matches the measured composition of carbonates preserved in the Comanche rocks. Considerably different carbonate compositions are achieved at (1) higher temperature (85°C), (2) water-to-rock ratios considerably higher and lower than 500 mol mol-1 and (3) CO2partial pressures differing from 1.0 bar in the model set up. The Comanche rocks, hosting the carbonate, may have been subjected to long-lasting (>104 to 105 years) aqueous alteration processes triggered by atmospheric CO2partial pressures of ca. 1.0 bar at low temperature. Their outcrop may represent a fragment of the upper layers of an altered olivine-rich rock column, which is characterized by newly formed Mg-Fe-Ca solid solution carbonate, and phyllosilicate-rich alteration assemblages within deeper (unexposed) units.

Method of forming a dielectric thin film having low loss composition of Ba.sub.x Sr.sub.y Ca.sub.1-x-y TiO.sub.3 : Ba.sub.0.12-0.25 Sr.sub.0.35-0.47 Ca.sub.0.32-0.53 TiO.sub.3

DOEpatents

Xiang, Xiao-Dong; Chang, Hauyee; Takeuchi, Ichiro

2000-01-01

A dielectric thin-film material for microwave applications, including use as a capacitor, the thin-film comprising a composition of barium strontium calcium and titanium of perovskite type (Ba.sub.x Sr.sub.y Ca.sub.1-x-y)TiO.sub.3. Also provided is a method for making a dielectric thin film of that formula over a wide compositional range through a single deposition process.

High-precision measurement of variations in calcium isotope ratios in urine by multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan, J.L.L.; Gordon, G.W.; Arrua, R.C.; Skulan, J.L.; Anbar, A.D.; Bullen, T.D.

2011-01-01

We describe a new chemical separation method to isolate Ca from other matrix elements in biological samples, developed with the long-term goal of making high-precision measurement of natural stable Ca isotope variations a clinically applicable tool to assess bone mineral balance. A new two-column procedure utilizing HBr achieves the purity required to accurately and precisely measure two Ca isotope ratios (44Ca/42Ca and 44Ca/43Ca) on a Neptune multiple collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICPMS) in urine. Purification requirements for Sr, Ti, and K (Ca/Sr > 10000; Ca/Ti > 10000000; and Ca/K > 10) were determined by addition of these elements to Ca standards of known isotopic composition. Accuracy was determined by (1) comparing Ca isotope results for samples and standards to published data obtained using thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), (2) adding a Ca standard of known isotopic composition to a urine sample purified of Ca, and (3) analyzing mixtures of urine samples and standards in varying proportions. The accuracy and precision of δ44/42Ca measurements of purified samples containing 25 μg of Ca can be determined with typical errors less than ±0.2‰ (2σ).

The effect of crystal structure of TiO2 nanotubes on the formation of calcium phosphate coatings during biomimetic deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yi; Kim, Sun; McLeod, John A.; Li, Jun; Guo, Xiaoxuan; Sham, Tsun-Kong; Liu, Lijia

2017-02-01

The crystallization process of bioactive calcium phosphate (CaP) species via biomimetic deposition onto anodic TiO2 nanotubes is investigated. The porous surface of nanostructured TiO2 provides an ideal substrate for CaP crystallization. The compositions of CaP coatings are studied using X-ray absorption near-edge structures (XANES) at the Ca K-edge. Using detection modes with different probing depths, both the surface of the CaP coating and the CaP-TiO2 interface are simultaneously analyzed. Calcium phosphate (CaP) species, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), octacalcium phosphate (Ca8(HPO4)2(PO4)4·5H2O, OCP), brushite (CaHPO4·2H2O, DCPD), and amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), are found in the CaP coatings. TiO2 nanotubes of amorphous and anatase phases are comparatively studied to determine their effect on the efficiency of CaP formation and the phase transformation among CaP species in prolonged deposition time. It is found the composition of CaP coating has a strong dependency on the crystal structure of TiO2 substrate and the kinetics (deposition time).

Compositional effects on the formation of a calcium phosphate layer and the response of osteoblast-like cells on polymer-bioactive glass composites.

PubMed

Lu, Helen H; Tang, Amy; Oh, Seong Cheol; Spalazzi, Jeffrey P; Dionisio, Kathie

2005-11-01

Biodegradable polymer-ceramic composites are attractive systems for bone tissue engineering applications. These composites have the combined advantages of the component phases, as well as the inherent ease in optimization where desired material properties can be tailored in a well-controlled manner. This study focuses on the optimization of a polylactide-co-glycolide (PLAGA) and 45S5 bioactive glass (BG) composite for bone tissue engineering. The first objective is to examine the effects of composition or overall BG content on the formation of a Ca-P layer on the PLAGA-BG composite. It is expected that with increasing BG content (0%, 10%, 25%, 50% by weight), the required incubation time in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for the composite to form a detectable surface Ca-P layer will decrease. Both the kinetics and the chemistry will be determined using SEM+EDAX, FTIR, and mu-CT methods. Solution phosphorous and calcium concentrations will also be measured. The second objective of the study is to determine the effects of BG content on the maturation of osteoblast-like cells on the PLAGA-BG composite. It is hypothesized that mineralization will increase with increasing BG content, and the composite will support the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. Specifically, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization will be monitored as a function of BG content (0%, 10%, 50% by weight) and culturing time. It was found that the kinetics of Ca-P layer formation and the resulting Ca-P chemistry were dependent on BG content. The response of human osteoblast-like cells to the PLAGA-BG composite was also a function of BG content. The 10% and 25% BG composite supported greater osteoblast growth and differentiation compared to the 50% BG group. The results of this study suggest that there is a threshold BG content which is optimal for osteoblast growth, and the interactions between PLAGA and BG may modulate the kinetics of Ca-P formation and the overall cellular response.

Site-selective laser spectroscopy of Nd3+ ions in 0.8CaSiO3-0.2Ca3(PO4)2 biocompatible eutectic glass-ceramics.

PubMed

Sola, D; Balda, R; Peña, J I; Fernández, J

2012-05-07

In this work we report the influence of the crystallization stage of the host matrix on the spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ ions in biocompatible glass-ceramic eutectic rods of composition 0.8CaSiO3-0.2Ca3(PO4)2 doped with 1 and 2 wt% of Nd2O3. The samples were obtained by the laser floating zone technique at different growth rates between 50 and 500 mm/h. The microstructural analysis shows that a growth rate increase or a rod diameter decrease leads the system to a structural arrangement from three (two crystalline and one amorphous) to two phases (one crystalline and one amorphous). Electron backscattering diffraction analysis shows the presence of Ca2SiO4 and apatite-like crystalline phases. Site-selective laser spectroscopy in the (4)I(9/2)→(4)F(3/2)/(4)F(5/2) transitions confirms that Nd(3+) ions are incorporated in crystalline and amorphous phases in these glass-ceramic samples. In particular, the presence of Ca(2)SiO(4) crystalline phase in the samples grown at low rates, which has an excellent in vitro bioactivity, can be unambiguously identified from the excitation spectra and lifetime measurements of the (4)F(3/2) state of Nd(3+) ions.

Characterizing the composition of bone formed during fracture healing using scanning electron microscopy techniques.

PubMed

Perdikouri, Christina; Tägil, Magnus; Isaksson, Hanna

2015-01-01

About 5-10% of all bone fractures suffer from delayed healing, which may lead to non-union. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) can be used to induce differentiation of osteoblasts and enhance the formation of the bony callus, and bisphosphonates help to retain the newly formed callus. The aim of this study was to investigate if scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can identify differences in the mineral composition of the newly formed bone compared to cortical bone from a non-fractured control. Moreover, we investigate whether the use of BMPs and bisphosphonates-alone or combined-may have an effect on bone mineralization and composition. Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats at 9 weeks of age were randomly divided into four groups and treated with (A) saline, (B) BMP-7, (C) bisphosphonates (Zoledronate), and (D) BMP-7 + Zoledronate. The rats were sacrificed after 6 weeks. All samples were imaged using SEM and chemically analyzed with EDS to quantify the amount of C, N, Ca, P, O, Na, and Mg. The Ca/P ratio was the primary outcome. In the fractured samples, two areas of interest were chosen for chemical analysis with EDS: the callus and the cortical bone. In the non-fractured samples, only the cortex was analyzed. Our results showed that the element composition varied to a small extent between the callus and the cortical bone in the fractured bones. However, the Ca/P ratio did not differ significantly, suggesting that the mineralization at all sites is similar 6 weeks post-fracture in this rat model.

From nicotinate-containing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to NAD coenzyme-LDH nanocomposites - Syntheses and structural characterization by various spectroscopic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muráth, Szabolcs; Dudás, Csilla; Kukovecz, Ákos; Kónya, Zoltán; Sipos, Pál; Pálinkó, István

2017-07-01

The syntheses of nicotinate anion- and NAD coenzyme-layered double hydroxide (LDH) composites were performed with the aim of having the organic component among the layers. In-house prepared CaAl-LDHs were the host materials. Intercalation was attempted by direct ion exchange or by the dehydration-rehydration method applying aqueous solvent mixtures (containing ethanol, propanol, acetone, N,N-dimethylformamide). For structural characterization, beside X-ray diffractometry, X-ray photoelectron and IR spectroscopies, transmission and scanning electron microscopies as well as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were used. Molecular modelling served for the visualization of the arrangements of the intercalated ions among the layers of the LDH samples. Although not all the intercalation methods and solvent mixtures led to intercalated composite materials, successful ones could be identified. The combination of spectroscopic methods helped in proposing sensible spatial arrangements for the intercalated anions. The NAD-CaAl-LDH composite proved to be an active catalyst in the oxidation of hydroquinone to 1,4-bezoquinoe in the presence of H2O2.

Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czahor, C. F.; Anderson, I. E.; Riedemann, T. M.; Russell, A. M.

2017-07-01

Efficient long-distance power transmission is necessary as the world continues to implement renewable energy sources, often sited in remote areas. Light, strong, high-conductivity materials are desirable for this application to reduce both construction and operational costs. In this study an Al/Ca (11.5% vol.) composite with nano-filamentary reinforcement was produced by powder metallurgy then extruded, swaged, and wire drawn to a maximum true strain of 12.7. The tensile strength increased exponentially as the filament size was reduced to the sub-micron level. In an effort to improve the conductor’s ability to operate at elevated temperatures, the deformation-processed wires were heat-treated at 260°C to transform the Ca-reinforcing filaments to Al2Ca. Such a transformation raised the tensile strength by as much as 28%, and caused little change in ductility, while the electrical conductivity was reduced by only 1% to 3%. Al/Al2Ca composites are compared to existing conductor materials to show how implementation could affect installation and performance.

Glass-ceramic route of BSCCO superconductors - Fabrication of amorphous precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nilsson, Andreas; Gruner, Wolfgang; Acker, Jörg; Wetzig, Klaus

2007-09-01

It is well known that many Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O compositions are glass-forming and some Bi-based glasses such as Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O x and Bi 2Sr 2Ca 2Cu 3O x are converted into high critical temperature superconductors after proper annealing. In order to fabricate superconductors having high- Tc and high critical current density using the glass-ceramic route, it is necessary to clarify the total chemical composition of the quenched glasses prepared in most cases by rapid quenching of melts from around 1200 °C in air. The total oxygen content measured directly reflects a significant oxygen deficit due to the melting process. We have also investigated the cation content in quenched Bi 2Sr 2Ca 2Cu 3O x precursors and found that there are substantial differences from the nominal composition to the quenched materials especially for calcium. Such glasses also show some CaO crystalline reflexes in the XRD patterns.

Deposition, structure, physical and invitro characteristics of Ag-doped β-Ca3(PO4)2/chitosan hybrid composite coatings on Titanium metal.

PubMed

Singh, Ram Kishore; Awasthi, Sharad; Dhayalan, Arunkumar; Ferreira, J M F; Kannan, S

2016-05-01

Pure and five silver-doped (0-5Ag) β-tricalcium phosphate [β-TCP, β-Ca3(PO4)2]/chitosan composite coatings were deposited on Titanium (Ti) substrates and their properties that are relevant for applications in hard tissue replacements were assessed. Silver, β-TCP and chitosan were combined to profit from their salient and complementary antibacterial and biocompatible features.The β-Ca3(PO4)2 powders were synthesized by co-precipitation. The characterization results confirmed the Ag(+) occupancy at the crystal lattice of β-Ca3(PO4)2. The Ag-dopedβ-Ca3(PO4)2/chitosan composite coatings deposited by electrophoresis showed good antibacterial activity and exhibited negative cytotoxic effects towards the human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63. The morphology of the coatings was observed by SEM and their efficiency against corrosion of metallic substrates was determined through potentiodynamic polarization tests. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

FT-Raman spectroscopy, µ-EDXRF spectrometry, and microhardness analysis of the dentin of primary and permanent teeth.

PubMed

Torres, Carolina Paes; Miranda Gomes-Silva, Jaciara; Menezes-Oliveira, Maria Angélica Hueb; Silva Soares, Luís Eduardo; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka; Borsatto, Maria Cristina

2018-05-01

The chemical compositions (organic and inorganic contents) and mechanical behaviors of the dentin of permanent and deciduous teeth were analyzed and compared using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (µ-EDXRF) Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman) and a microhardness test (HD). Healthy fresh human primary and permanent molars (n = 10) were selected, The buccal surfaces facing upwards were stabilized in an acrylic plate, flattened, polished, and submitted to the µ-EDXRF, FT-Raman, and HD analysis. The results of the analysis were subjected to ANOVAs and Mann-Whitney U/Student's t multiple comparisons tests. The data showed similar values for the dentin of the primary and permanent teeth in P content, organic content (amide I peak), inorganic content ( PO43- - 430 and 590), and microhardness, Nevertheless, Ca content and Ca/P weight ratio were higher, and the CO32- peak was lower in the dentin of the permanent teeth compared to primary teeth. It be concluded that despite permanent teeth showed more Ca element, both substrates showed similar behavior of chemical and physical properties. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dielectric and varistor properties of rare-earth-doped ZnO and CaCu3Ti4O12 composite ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Huafei; Lin, Yuanhua; Yuan, Jiancong; Nan, Cewen; Chen, Kexin

2013-02-01

To investigate the multi-functional ceramics with both high permittivity and large nonlinear coefficient, we have prepared rare-earth Tb-and-Co doped ZnO and TiO2-rich CaCu3Ti4O12 (TCCTO) powders by chemical co-precipitation and sol-gel methods respectively, and then obtained the TCCTO/ZnO composite ceramics, sintered at 1100°C for 3 h in air. Analyzing the composite ceramics of the microstructure and phase composition indicated that the composite ceramics were composed of the main phases of ZnO and CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO). Our results revealed that the TCCTO/ZnO composite ceramics showed both high dielectric and good nonlinear electrical behaviors. The composite ceramic of TCCTO: ZnO = 0.3 exhibited a high dielectric constant of 210(1 kHz) with a nonlinear coefficient of 11. The dielectric behavior of TCCTO/ZnO composite could be explained by the mixture rule. With the high dielectric permittivity and tunable varistor behaviors, the composite ceramics has a potential application for the higher voltage transportation devices.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of stainless steel/calcium silicate composites manufactured by selective laser melting.

PubMed

Zheng, Zeng; Wang, Lianfeng; Jia, Min; Cheng, Lingyu; Yan, Biao

2017-02-01

Selective laser melting (SLM) is raised as one kind of additive manufacturing (AM) which is based on the discrete-stacking concept. This technique can fabricate advanced composites with desirable properties directly from 3D CAD data. In this research, 316L stainless steel (316L SS) and different fractions of calcium silicate (CaSiO 3 ) composites (weight fractions of calcium silicate are 0%, 5%,10% and 15%, respectively) were prepared by SLM technique with a purpose to develop biomedical metallic materials. The relative density, tensile, microhardness and elastic modulus of the composites were tested, their microstructures and fracture morphologies were observed using optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was found that the addition of CaSiO 3 particles influenced the microstructure and mechanical properties of specimens significantly. The CaSiO 3 precipitates from the overlap of adjacent tracks and became the origin of the defects. The tensile strength of specimens range 320-722MPa. The microhardness and elastic modulus are around 250HV and 215GPa respectively. These composites were ductile materials and the fracture mode of the composites was mixed mode of ductile and brittle fracture. The 316L SS/CaSiO 3 composites can be a potential biomedical metallic materials in the medical field. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of Ca2+ Ions on Electrical Properties of Ba1-x Ca x Ti0.90Sn0.10O3-0.05Y2O3 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-hui; Li, Zhi-wei; Ding, Jian-ning; Zhao, Tian-xiang; Qiu, Jian-hua; Zhu, Ke-qian; Xu, Jiu-jun; Zhang, Bing

2018-03-01

Ba1-x Ca x Ti0.90Sn0.10O3-0.05Y2O3 (BCTSY) lead-free piezoceramics with x = 0.02 to 0.10 have been fabricated by solid-state sintering method at 1420°C. The effects of Ca2+ ions on the microstructure and electrical properties of the samples were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that all samples possessed pure perovskite structure with Ca2+ ions diffused into the matrix lattice. The rhombohedral phase and tetragonal phase coexisted in the composition range of 0.02 < x < 0.06. The microstructure of BCTSY ceramic became more homogeneous with addition of Ca2+ ions, and the average grain size of the samples decreased from 97 μm (x = 0.02) to 18 μm (x = 0.10). Addition of Ca2+ remarkably improved the piezoelectric properties, enhanced the dielectric frequency dispersion, and increased the Curie temperature of the ceramics. The piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were optimized at x = 0.04 with d 33 and K p values of 579 pC/N and 52.7%, respectively.

Effect of Ca2+ Ions on Electrical Properties of Ba1- x Ca x Ti0.90Sn0.10O3-0.05Y2O3 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Zhi-hui; Li, Zhi-wei; Ding, Jian-ning; Zhao, Tian-xiang; Qiu, Jian-hua; Zhu, Ke-qian; Xu, Jiu-jun; Zhang, Bing

2018-07-01

Ba1- x Ca x Ti0.90Sn0.10O3-0.05Y2O3 (BCTSY) lead-free piezoceramics with x = 0.02 to 0.10 have been fabricated by solid-state sintering method at 1420°C. The effects of Ca2+ ions on the microstructure and electrical properties of the samples were studied. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that all samples possessed pure perovskite structure with Ca2+ ions diffused into the matrix lattice. The rhombohedral phase and tetragonal phase coexisted in the composition range of 0.02 < x < 0.06. The microstructure of BCTSY ceramic became more homogeneous with addition of Ca2+ ions, and the average grain size of the samples decreased from 97 μm ( x = 0.02) to 18 μm ( x = 0.10). Addition of Ca2+ remarkably improved the piezoelectric properties, enhanced the dielectric frequency dispersion, and increased the Curie temperature of the ceramics. The piezoelectric properties of the ceramics were optimized at x = 0.04 with d 33 and K p values of 579 pC/N and 52.7%, respectively.

Advanced Computational Models for Fabric-Reinforced Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-10-01

composites. Trans-Science Corporation 3655 Nobel Drive Suite 440 San Diego, CA 92122-1005 Tel (858) 459-1240 http://www.compositesolutionsinc.com...also based in XP! Material Suppliers San Diego, recently developed the only Newsletters comprehensive design software for the seismic NDT, NDE , NDI...composite bus. Trans-Science Corporation 3655 Nobel Drive Suite 440 San Diego, CA 92122-1005 Tel (858) 459-1240 Fax (858) 459-0210 •’(S-HOME SERVICES

Crystallization of Ca-Al-Rich Inclusions: Experimental Studies on the Effects of Repeated Heating Events

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Paque, Julie M.; Lofgren, Gary E.; Le, Loan

2000-01-01

The observed textures and chemistry of Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) are presumed to be the culmination of a series of repeated heating and cooling events in the early history of the solar nebula. We have examined the effects of these heating/cooling cycles experimentally on a bulk composition representing an average Type B Ca-Al-rich inclusion composition. We have tested the effect of the nature of the starting material. Although the most recent and/or highest temperature event prior to incorporation into the parent body dominates the texture and chemistry of the CAI, prior events also affect the phase compositions and textures. We have determined that heating precursor grains to about 1275 C prior to the final melting event increases the likelihood of anorthite crystallization in subsequent higher temperature events and a prior high temperature even that produced dendritic melilite results in melilite that shows evidence of rapid crystallization in subsequent lower temperature events. Prior low temperature pre-crystallization events produce final ran products with pyroxene compositions similar to Type B Ca-Al-rich inclusions, and the glass (residual liquid) composition is more anorthitic than any other experiments to date. The addition of Pt powder to the starting material appears to enhance the ability of anorthite to nucleate from this composition.

Synthesis of Compositionally Defined Single-Crystalline Eu 3+ -Activated Molybdate–Tungstate Solid-Solution Composite Nanowires and Observation of Charge Transfer in a Novel Class of 1D CaMoO 4 –CaWO 4 :Eu 3+ –0D CdS/CdSe QD Nanoscale Heterostructures

DOE PAGES

Han, Jinkyu; McBean, Coray; Wang, Lei; ...

2015-02-10

As a first step, we have synthesized and optically characterized a systematic series of one-dimensional (1D) single-crystalline Eu³⁺-activated alkaline-earth metal tungstate/molybdate solid solution composite CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) nanowires of controllable chemical composition using a modified template-directed methodology under ambient room-temperature conditions. Extensive characterization of the resulting nanowires has been performed using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. The crystallite size and single crystallinity of as-prepared 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) solid solution composite nanowires increase with increasing Mo component (‘x’). We note a clear dependence of luminescence output uponmore » nanowire chemical composition with our 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (0 ≤ ‘x’ ≤ 1) evincing the highest photoluminescence (PL) output at ‘x’ = 0.8, amongst samples tested. Subsequently, coupled with either zero-dimensional (0D) CdS or CdSe quantum dots (QDs), we successfully synthesized and observed charge transfer processes in 1D CaW1-xMoxO4: Eu3+ (‘x’ = 0.8) – 0D QD composite nanoscale heterostructures. Our results show that CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) nanowires give rise to PL quenching when CdSe QDs and CdS QDs are anchored onto the surfaces of 1D CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ nanowires. The observed PL quenching is especially pronounced in CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) – 0D CdSe QD heterostructures. Conversely, the PL output and lifetimes of CdSe and CdS QDs within these heterostructures are not noticeably altered as compared with unbound CdSe and CdS QDs. The difference in optical behavior between 1D Eu³⁺ activated tungstate and molybdate solid solution nanowires and the semiconducting 0D QDs within our heterostructures can be correlated with the relative positions of their conduction and valence energy band levels. We propose that the PL quenching can be attributed to a photo-induced electron transfer process from CaW₁₋ xMo xO₄: Eu³⁺ (‘x’ = 0.8) to both CdSe and CdS QDs, an assertion supported by complementary NEXAFS measurements.« less

The structural role and homogeneous redox equilibria of iron in peraluminous, metaluminous and peralkaline silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dickenson, M. P.; Hess, P. C.

1986-02-01

The compositional dependence of the redox ratio (FeO/FeO1.5) has been experimentally determined in K2O-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3-FeO (KASFF) and K2O-CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-Fe2O3-FeO (KCASFF) silicate melts. Compositions were equilibrated at 1,450° C in air, with 78 mol % SiO2. KASFF melts have from 1 to 5 mol % Fe2O3 and include both peraluminous (K2OAl2O3) compositions. KCASFF melts have 1 mol % Fe2O3 encompassing peraluminous, metaluminous (CaO+K2O>Al2O3) and peralkaline compositions. Peralkaline KASFF melts with 1 mol % Fe2O3 have low and constant values for the redox ratio, whereas in peraluminous melts the redox ratio increases with increasing (K2O/Al2O3). Increasing total iron concentration increases the redox ratio in peraluminous melts and slightly decreases the redox ratio in peralkaline melts. Substituting CaO for K2O at fixed total iron (1 mol %) increases the redox ratio in both peraluminous and metaluminous KCASFF melts; however, the redox ratio in peralkaline KCASFF melts is not affected by this exchange. These data indicate that Fe3+ is in four-fold coordination, with K+ or Ca2+ providing local charge balance. The tetrahedral ferric species is most stable in peralkaline melts and least stable in peraluminous melts, due to the competition between Al3+ and Fe3+ for charge balancing cations in the latter melt. Tetrahedral Fe3+ is also less stable when Ca2+ provides local charge balance. The data are consistent with a network modifying role for Fe2+ in the melt. The data are interpreted to reflect the effects of melt composition on the partitioning of K+ and Ca2+ and Fe3+ and Al3+ between various species in the melt. These relationships are discussed in terms of homogeneous equilibria between various iron-bearing and iron-free melt species. The results also reflect the effect of liquid composition on the exchange potentials μFe3+ Al-1 and μCa0.5K-1. The exchange potentials are relatively constant in peralkaline melts, but decrease in metaluminous and peraluminous melts as both (CaO+K2O)/(CaO+K2O+Al2O3) and K2O/CaO decrease. These qualitative observations imply that minerals exhibiting these exchanges will also be similarly affected as liquid composition changes.

Crystallization of high-Ca chromium garnet upon interaction of serpentine, chromite, and Ca-bearing hydrous fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chepurov, A. A.; Turkin, A. I.; Pokhilenko, N. P.

2017-10-01

The results of experimental modeling of the conditions of crystallization of high-Ca chromium garnets in the system serpentine-chromite-Ca-Cr-bearing hydrous fluid at a pressure of 5 GPa and temperature of 1300°C are reported. The mineral association including quantitatively predominant high-Mg olivine and diopside-rich clinopyroxene, bright-green garnet, and newly formed chrome spinel was formed. Garnet mostly crystallized around primary chromite grains and was characterized by a high concentration of CaO and Cr2O3. According to the chemical composition, garnets obtained are close to the uvarovite-pyrope varieties, which enter the composition of relatively rare natural paragenesis of garnet wehrlite. The experimental data obtained clearly show that high-Ca chromium garnets are formed in the reaction of chromite-bearing peridotite and Ca-rich fluid at high P-T parameters.

Dynamics of Vaginal Bacterial Communities in Women Developing Bacterial Vaginosis, Candidiasis, or No Infection, Analyzed by PCR-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis and Real-Time PCR▿

PubMed Central

Vitali, Beatrice; Pugliese, Ciro; Biagi, Elena; Candela, Marco; Turroni, Silvia; Bellen, Gert; Donders, Gilbert G. G.; Brigidi, Patrizia

2007-01-01

The microbial flora of the vagina plays a major role in preventing genital infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis (CA). An integrated approach based on PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and real-time PCR was used to study the structure and dynamics of bacterial communities in vaginal fluids of healthy women and patients developing BV and CA. Universal eubacterial primers and Lactobacillus genus-specific primers, both targeted at 16S rRNA genes, were used in DGGE and real-time PCR analysis, respectively. The DGGE profiles revealed that the vaginal flora was dominated by Lactobacillus species under healthy conditions, whereas several potentially pathogenic bacteria were present in the flora of women with BV. Lactobacilli were the predominant bacterial population in the vagina for patients affected by CA, but changes in the composition of Lactobacillus species were observed. Real-time PCR analysis allowed the quantitative estimation of variations in lactobacilli associated with BV and CA diseases. A statistically significant decrease in the relative abundance of lactobacilli was found in vaginal fluids of patients with BV compared to the relative abundance of lactobacilli in the vaginal fluids of healthy women and patients with CA. PMID:17644631

Dynamics of vaginal bacterial communities in women developing bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis, or no infection, analyzed by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and real-time PCR.

PubMed

Vitali, Beatrice; Pugliese, Ciro; Biagi, Elena; Candela, Marco; Turroni, Silvia; Bellen, Gert; Donders, Gilbert G G; Brigidi, Patrizia

2007-09-01

The microbial flora of the vagina plays a major role in preventing genital infections, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and candidiasis (CA). An integrated approach based on PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) and real-time PCR was used to study the structure and dynamics of bacterial communities in vaginal fluids of healthy women and patients developing BV and CA. Universal eubacterial primers and Lactobacillus genus-specific primers, both targeted at 16S rRNA genes, were used in DGGE and real-time PCR analysis, respectively. The DGGE profiles revealed that the vaginal flora was dominated by Lactobacillus species under healthy conditions, whereas several potentially pathogenic bacteria were present in the flora of women with BV. Lactobacilli were the predominant bacterial population in the vagina for patients affected by CA, but changes in the composition of Lactobacillus species were observed. Real-time PCR analysis allowed the quantitative estimation of variations in lactobacilli associated with BV and CA diseases. A statistically significant decrease in the relative abundance of lactobacilli was found in vaginal fluids of patients with BV compared to the relative abundance of lactobacilli in the vaginal fluids of healthy women and patients with CA.

Data on PKO biodiesel production using CaO catalyst from Turkey bones.

PubMed

Ayoola, A A; Fayomi, O S I; Usoro, I F

2018-08-01

In this research paper the production of biodiesel from palm kernel oil (PKO) using CaO obtained from waste turkey bones (WTB) and analytical grade calcium oxide was investigated. Treated WTB was reduced to fine particulate size of <150 µm and then calcinated at 800 °C for 3 h to increase its catalytic activity by its conversion from Calcium phosphate hydroxide (Ca 10 P 6 O 26 H 2 ) to CaO. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescent (XRF) analysis of the analytical grade CaO, uncalcined and calcined WTB were carried out to establish their elemental chemical composition. The transesterification reaction between the triglyceride of palm kernel oil (PKO) and methanol was carried out at a constant agitation speed of 600 rpm and temperature of 65 °C, with varied methanol to oil molar ratio (8-14), catalyst concentration (1-7 wt/wt%) and the reaction time (1-3 h). Minitab 17 software (using response surface method) was employed for the design of experiment and statistical analysis required in the transesterification process of biodiesel production. The qualities of the biodiesel produced were assessed and the results obtained showed conformity of the biodiesel produced to the ASTM standard for biodiesel.

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured CaSiO3 biomaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jagadale, Pramod N.; Kulal, Shivaji R.; Joshi, Meghanath G.; Jagtap, Pramod P.; Khetre, Sanjay M.; Bamane, Sambhaji R.

2013-04-01

Here we report a successful preparation of nanostructured calcium silicate by wet chemical approach. The synthesized sample was characterized by various physico-chemical methods. Thermal stability was investigated using thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). Structural characterization of the sample was carried out by the X-ray diffraction technique (XRD) which confirmed its single phase hexagonal structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study the nanostructure of the ceramics while homogeneous grain distribution was revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies (SEM). The elemental analysis data obtained from energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) were in close agreement with the starting composition used for the synthesis. Superhydrophilic nature of CaSiO3 was investigated at room temperature by sessile drop technique. Effect of porous nanosized CaSiO3 on early adhesion and proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and cord blood mesenchymal stem (CBMSCs) cells was measured in vitro. MTT cytotoxicity test and cell adhesion test showed that the material had good biocompatibility and promoted cell viability and cell proliferation. It has been stated that the cell viability and proliferation are significantly affected by time and concentration of CaSiO3. These findings indicate that the CaSiO3 ceramics has good biocompatibility and that it is promising as a biomaterial.

Magnetic properties of (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub x}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 1–x} composites

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

Eremina, R. M., E-mail: REremina@yandex.ru; Sharipov, K. R.; Yatsyk, I. V.

2016-07-15

New composite materials (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub x}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 1–x} (x = 0, 0.05, 1) have been synthesized. Their magnetic properties are studied in the temperature range 5–300 K using the magnetic resonance and magnetometry methods. It is found that strontium hexaferrite microinclusions in the (SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}){sub 0.05}(CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}){sub 0.95} composite “magnetize” CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} at temperatures from 300 to 200 K, forming a ferrimagnetic particle near the SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} “core.” The magnetic resonance line below 200 K splits into two lines corresponding to SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19} and CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}. The coremore » effect decoration is manifested in the increase in the Curie–Weiss temperature from 25 K in CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} without the doping ceramics to 80 K in the composite with 5% of SrFe{sub 12}O{sub 19}.« less

Early Solar System Alkali Fractionation Events Recorded by K-Ca Isotopes in the Yamato-74442 LL-Chondritic Breccia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tatsunori, T.; Misawa, K.; Okano, O.; Shih, C.-Y.; Nyquist, L. E.; Simon, J. I.; Tappa, M. J.; Yoneda, S.

2015-01-01

Radiogenic ingrowth of Ca-40 due to decay of K-40 occurred early in the solar system history causing the Ca-40 abundance to vary within different early-former reservoirs. Marshall and DePaolo ] demonstrated that the K-40/Ca-40 decay system could be a useful radiogenic tracer for studies of terrestrial rocks. Shih et al. [3,4] determined 40K/40Ca ages of lunar granitic rock fragments and discussed the chemical characteristics of their source materials. Recently, Yokoyama et al. [5] showed the application of the K-40/Ca-40 chronometer for high K/Ca materials in ordinary chondrites (OCs). High-precision calcium isotopic data are needed to constrain mixing processes among early solar system materials and the time of planetesimal formation. To better constrain the solar system calcium isotopic compositions among astromaterials, we have determined the calcium isotopic compositions of OCs and an angrite. We further estimated a source K/Ca ratio for alkali-rich fragments in a chondritic breccia using the estimated solar system initial Ca-40/Ca-44.

Analytical electron microscopy in mineralogy; exsolved phases in pyroxenes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Nord, G.L.

1982-01-01

Analytical scanning transmission electron microscopy has been successfully used to characterize the structure and composition of lamellar exsolution products in pyroxenes. At operating voltages of 100 and 200 keV, microanalytical techniques of x-ray energy analysis, convergent-beam electron diffraction, and lattice imaging have been used to chemically and structurally characterize exsolution lamellae only a few unit cells wide. Quantitative X-ray energy analysis using ratios of peak intensities has been adopted for the U.S. Geological Survey AEM in order to study the compositions of exsolved phases and changes in compositional profiles as a function of time and temperature. The quantitative analysis procedure involves 1) removal of instrument-induced background, 2) reduction of contamination, and 3) measurement of correction factors obtained from a wide range of standard compositions. The peak-ratio technique requires that the specimen thickness at the point of analysis be thin enough to make absorption corrections unnecessary (i.e., to satisfy the "thin-foil criteria"). In pyroxenes, the calculated "maximum thicknesses" range from 130 to 1400 nm for the ratios Mg/Si, Fe/Si, and Ca/Si; these "maximum thicknesses" have been contoured in pyroxene composition space as a guide during analysis. Analytical spatial resolutions of 50-100 nm have been achieved in AEM at 200 keV from the composition-profile studies, and analytical reproducibility in AEM from homogeneous pyroxene standards is ?? 1.5 mol% endmember. ?? 1982.

Electrospun H4SiW12O40/cellulose acetate composite nanofibrous membrane for photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline and methyl orange with different mechanism.

PubMed

Li, Wei; Li, Tingting; Li, Guangtao; An, Libao; Li, Fan; Zhang, Zhiming

2017-07-15

H 4 SiW 12 O 40 (SiW 12 )/cellulose acetate (CA) composite nanofibrous membrane was prepared by electrospinning in which CA was employed as the support of SiW 12 . Characterization with Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that SiW 12 has been successfully loaded into the CA membrane and its Keggin structure remained intact. The as-prepared composite membrane exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity in the decomposition of tetracycline (TC) and methyl orange (MO) compared with pure SiW 12 under ultraviolet irradiation. The optimal mass ratio of SiW 12 to CA was 1:4, and the corresponding degradation efficiency for TC and MO was 63.8% and 94.6%, respectively. It is noteworthy that the degradation rate of MO increased more evidently than that of TC under the same conditions, which may be attributed to the different role that CA nanofibrous membrane played in the TC and MO photodegradation process. Besides providing more contact area between SiW 12 and the pollutant in TC photodegradation, CA membrane played an additional role that donated electron to SiW 12 in the MO degradation process, leading to a different photocatalytic mechanism with greatly enhanced degradation rate. Moreover, the composite membrane presented an excellent reusability, which was mainly ascribed to the water-insolubility of CA and the hydrogen bonds between CA and SiW 12 . This work will be useful for the design of biopolymer-based membrane photocatalysts applied to antibiotics and dyes wastewater treatment. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glasses on their structure and reactivity in alkali activated system.

PubMed

Kucharczyk, Sylwia; Sitarz, Maciej; Zajac, Maciej; Deja, Jan

2018-04-05

The influence of CaO/SiO 2 molar ratio of calcium aluminosilicate glasses on resulting structure and reactivity was investigated. Chemical compositions of glasses were chosen to mimic the composition of the fly ash and slag amorphous phase. Understanding the reactivity of these materials is of high importance allowing further development of the composite cements to limit the environmental footprint of cement industry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were employed to examine the structure of glasses. Reactivity of the glasses was analyzed on paste samples after 1, 2, 7, 28 and 90days of curing by means of thermogravimetry (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and FTIR. Spectroscopic results emphasize dependence of the structure on the chemical composition of the glasses. The higher CaO/SiO 2 the more depolymerized the glass network is, though there is no direct correlation with the reactivity. Significant differences in reactivity is observed primarily between the glasses of peraluminous (CaO/Al 2 O 3 <1) and percalcic region (CaO/Al 2 O 3 >1). Amongst the pastes made of glasses of percalcic region a higher degree of reaction at later ages is observed for the paste containing glass of lower CaO/SiO 2 molar ratio. This is due to both degree of depolimerization and the nature of these glasses (pozzolanic and hydraulic materials). No difference of degree of reaction has been observed within the glasses of CaO/SiO 2 lower than 1. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Microscopical and functional aspects of calcium-transport and deposition in terrestrial isopods.

PubMed

Ziegler, Andreas; Fabritius, Helge; Hagedorn, Monica

2005-01-01

Terrestrial isopods (Crustacea) are excellent model organisms to study epithelial calcium-transport and the regulation of biomineralization processes. They molt frequently and resorb cuticular CaCO(3) before the molt to prevent excessive loss of Ca(2+) ions when the old cuticle is shed. The resorbed mineral is stored in CaCO(3) deposits within the ecdysial gap of the first four anterior sternites. After the molt, the deposits are quickly resorbed to mineralise the posterior part of the new cuticle. The deposits contain numerous small spherules composed of an organic matrix and amorphous CaCO(3), which has a high solubility and, therefore, facilitates quick mobilization of Ca(2+) and HCO(3)(-) ions. During the formation and resorption of the deposits large amounts of Ca(2+), HCO(3)(-) and H(+) are transported across the anterior sternal epithelial cells. Within the last years, various light and electron microscopical techniques have been used to characterize the CaCO(3) deposits and the cellular mechanisms involved in biomineralization. The work on the CaCO(3) deposits includes studies on the ultrastructure of the deposits, the sequence of events during deposit formation and dissolution, and the mineral composition of the sternal deposits. The differentiation of the anterior sternal epithelial cells and the mechanisms of epithelial ion transport required for the mineralization and demineralisation of the deposits was studied using various analytical light and electron microscopical techniques including polarized light microscopy, immunocytochemistry, electron microprobe analysis, electron energy loss spectroscopy and electron spectroscopic imaging. Comparative analysis of deposit morphology and the differentiation of the sternal epithelia provide information on the evolution of CaCO(3) deposit formation in relation to the degree of adaptation to terrestrial environments.

Electrosynthesis of Ti5Si3, Ti5Si3/TiC, and Ti5Si3/Ti3SiC2 from Ti-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag in Molten CaCl2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shangshu; Zou, Xingli; Zheng, Kai; Lu, Xionggang; Chen, Chaoyi; Li, Xin; Xu, Qian; Zhou, Zhongfu

2018-04-01

Ti5Si3, Ti5Si3/TiC, and Ti5Si3/Ti3SiC2 have been electrochemically synthesized from the Ti-bearing blast furnace slag/TiO2 and/or C mixture precursors at a cell voltage of 3.8 V and 1223 K to 1273 K (950 °C to 1000 °C) in molten CaCl2. The pressed porous mixture pellets were used as the cathode, and a solid oxide oxygen-ion-conducting membrane (SOM)-based anode was used as the anode. The phase composition and morphologies of the cathodic products were systematically characterized. The final products possess a porous nodular microstructure due to the interconnection of particles. The variations of impurity elements, i.e., Ca, Mg, and Al, have been analyzed, and the result shows that Ca and Mg can be almost completely removed; however, Al cannot be easily removed from the pellet due to the formation of Ti-Al alloys during the electroreduction process. The electroreduction process has also been investigated by the layer-depended phase composition analysis of the dipped/partially reduced pellets to understand the detailed reaction process. The results indicate that the electroreduction process of the Ti-bearing blast furnace slag/TiO2 and/or C mixture precursors can be typically divided into four periods, i.e., (i) the decomposition of initial Ca(Mg,Al)(Si,Al)2O6, (ii) the reduction of Ti/Si-containing intermediate phases, (iii) the removal of impurity elements, and (iv) the formation of Ti5Si3, TiC, and Ti3SiC2. It is suggested that the SOM-based anode process has great potential to be used for the direct and facile preparation of Ti alloys and composites from cheap Ti-containing ores.

Elaboration, microstructure, propriétés électriques et magnétiques de matériaux textures dans les systèmes Nd-Ce-Cu-O et Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhalenne, G.; Trouilleux, L.; Jegoudez, J.; Revcolevschi, A.; Monod, P.; Kormann, R.; Ganne, J. P.; Motohira, N.; Kitazawa, K.

1991-11-01

Superconducting textured materials were grown from the melt by a floating zone technique in the Nd-Ce-Cu-O and Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O systems. The influence of growth conditions and starting compositions on the microstructures and phase composition of the samples were studied by optical microscopy under polarized light, electron microprobe analysis and X-ray diffraction. The superconducting properties of these samples were examined by both electrical resistivity and magnetic measurements. A very strong influence of the microstructure on the superconducting properties as well as a magnetic and electrical anisotropy were shown. In the case of the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system, critical current densities ranging from 1 600 to 3 000 A.cm^{-2} were measured at 77 K. Des matériaux supraconducteurs texturés ont été élaborés à partir de l'état liquide dans les systèmes Nd-Ce-Cu-O et Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O par une technique de fusion de zone. L'influence des conditions de croissance et des compositions initiales sur la microstructure des échantillons a été étudiée par microscopie optique en lumière polarisée, microsonde électronique et diffraction des rayons X. Les propriétés supraconductrices des échantillons ont été examinées par des mesures électriques et magnétiques. Il a été observé une forte influence de la microstructure sur les propriétés supraconductrices ainsi qu'une anisotropie électrique et magnétique. Dans le cas du système Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O, les densités de courant critique mesurées à 77 K sont comprises entre 1 600 et 3 000 A.cm^{-2}.

Annual Status Report (FY2017): Performance Assessment for the Environmental Restoration Disposal Facility.

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

Nichols, Will E.

In accordance with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) requirements in DOE O 435.1 Chg 11 and DOE M 435.1-1 Chg 1,2 a determination of continued adequacy of the performance assessment (PA), composite analysis (CA), and disposal authorization statement (DAS) is required on an annual basis. This determination must consider the results of data collection and analysis from research, field studies, and monitoring.

Biomimetic synthesis of needle-like fluorescent calcium phosphate/carbon dot hybrid composites for cell labeling and copper ion detection.

PubMed

Guo, Shanshan; Lu, Shousi; Xu, Pingxiang; Ma, Yi; Zhao, Liang; Zhao, Yuming; Gu, Wei; Xue, Ming

2016-05-04

Herein, we report a biomimetic method to synthesize needle-like calcium phosphate (CaP) with dimensions of ∼130 nm length and ∼30 nm width using carbon dots (CDs) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose as dual templates. In addition to acting as the template, the CDs enable the CaP/CDs hybrid composites to emit blue fluorescence under UV excitation. Moreover, the prepared CaP/CDs exhibited a negligible cytotoxicity towards HeLa cells. The potential of these CaP/CDs as a fluorescent probe for cell labeling was tested. In addition, it was demonstrated that the CaP/CDs were capable of selective detection of copper ions in drinking water.

Study of the superconducting properties of the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khan, Musheer H.; Naqvi, S. M. M. R.; Zia-Ul-haq, S. M.

1991-01-01

High Temperature Superconductivity in the Bi-Ca-Sr-Cu-O System has been observed and has attracted considerable attention in 1988. The 80 K superconductivity phase has been identified to have a composition of Bi2CaSr2Cu2Ox, while the 110 K phase as reported in the literature has a possible composition of Bi2Ca2Sr2Cu3O(x). Researchers present here a study of the electrical properties of bulk samples of the slowly cooled and rapidly quenched 2:1:2:2 system. The samples used in this study were prepared from appropriate amounts of Bi2O3, CuO, SrCO3, CaCO3.

Network topology for the formation of solvated electrons in binary CaO-Al2O3 composition glasses.

PubMed

Akola, Jaakko; Kohara, Shinji; Ohara, Koji; Fujiwara, Akihiko; Watanabe, Yasuhiro; Masuno, Atsunobu; Usuki, Takeshi; Kubo, Takashi; Nakahira, Atsushi; Nitta, Kiyofumi; Uruga, Tomoya; Weber, J K Richard; Benmore, Chris J

2013-06-18

Glass formation in the CaO-Al2O3 system represents an important phenomenon because it does not contain typical network-forming cations. We have produced structural models of CaO-Al2O3 glasses using combined density functional theory-reverse Monte Carlo simulations and obtained structures that reproduce experiments (X-ray and neutron diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure) and result in cohesive energies close to the crystalline ground states. The O-Ca and O-Al coordination numbers are similar in the eutectic 64 mol % CaO (64CaO) glass [comparable to 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7)], and the glass structure comprises a topologically disordered cage network with large-sized rings. This topologically disordered network is the signature of the high glass-forming ability of 64CaO glass and high viscosity in the melt. Analysis of the electronic structure reveals that the atomic charges for Al are comparable to those for Ca, and the bond strength of Al-O is stronger than that of Ca-O, indicating that oxygen is more weakly bound by cations in CaO-rich glass. The analysis shows that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals occurs in cavity sites, suggesting that the C12A7 electride glass [Kim SW, Shimoyama T, Hosono H (2011) Science 333(6038):71-74] synthesized from a strongly reduced high-temperature melt can host solvated electrons and bipolarons. Calculations of 64CaO glass structures with few subtracted oxygen atoms (additional electrons) confirm this observation. The comparable atomic charges and coordination of the cations promote more efficient elemental mixing, and this is the origin of the extended cage structure and hosted solvated (trapped) electrons in the C12A7 glass.

Nutritional composition of school meals serving children from 7 to 36 months of age in municipal day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

PubMed

Retondario, Anabelle; Silva, Débora Letícia Frizzi; Salgado, Silvana Magalhães; Alves, Márcia Aurelina de Oliveira; Ferreira, Sila Mary Rodrigues

2016-06-01

The Brazilian National School Feeding Program (PNAE) seeks to meet student's nutritional needs during the period they remain in school. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition of meals provided in municipal day-care centres serving children of 7-11 months (group A) and 12-36 months (group B) of age and to compare observed values with the PNAE's and dietary reference intakes' (DRI) recommendations. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4 day-care centres in the metropolitan area of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, between June and November 2013. Food samples of six daily meals were collected during 20 non-consecutive days, totalling 120 samples. For each meal, average served and consumed portions were submitted for laboratory analysis of moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Na, Ca and Fe and compared with the PNAE's and DRI's values. No statistically significant difference was found between age groups (P=0·793) regarding portion sizes and nutritional composition. The same menu was offered to both groups in 95 % of the meals (n 114), although the groups' nutritional needs were different. For group A, served meals met PNAE's recommendations for energy, carbohydrates, proteins, Na and Ca content, and consumed portions provided 70 % of the nutritional needs for carbohydrates, proteins and Ca. For group B, served portions complied with the PNAE's values for proteins, Na and Ca. Proteins and Na reached 70 % of the nutritional needs when consumed food was evaluated. School feeding in day-care centres partially meet PNAE's guidelines and children's nutritional requirements, contradicting the primary objective established by the national programme.

Glass formability of high T(sub c) Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaukler, William F.

1992-01-01

A number of compositions of ceramic oxide high T(sub c) superconductors were evaluated for their glass formation ability by means of rapid thermal analysis during quenching, optical and electron microscopy of the quenched samples, and with subsequent DSC measurements. Correlations between experimental measurements and the methodical composition changes identified the formulations of superconductors that can easily form glass. The superconducting material was first formed as a glass, then with subsequent devitrification it was formed into bulk crystalline superconductor by a series of processing methods.

Two fast-type fibers in claw closer and abdominal deep muscles of the Australian freshwater crustacean, Cherax destructor, differ in Ca2+ sensitivity and troponin-I isoforms.

PubMed

Koenders, Annette; Lamey, Tina M; Medler, Scott; West, Jan M; Mykles, Donald L

2004-07-01

One type of fast fiber and two types of slow (slow-twitch, S1 and slow-tonic, S2) fibers are found in decapod crustacean skeletal muscles that differ in contractile properties and myofibrillar protein isoform compositions. In this study the structural characteristics, protein isoform compositions, and Ca2+-activation properties of fast fibers in the claw closer (F1) and abdominal deep flexor (F2) muscles of Cherax destructor were analyzed. For comparison, myofibrillar protein isoform compositions of slow (long-sarcomere) fibers from claw and abdomen were also determined; our results indicate that the slow fibers in the claw closer were the slow-twitch (S1) type and those in the abdominal superficial flexor were primarily slow-tonic (S2) type. F1 fibers had shorter resting sarcomere lengths (2.93 microm in unstretched fibers and 3.06 microm in stretched fibers) and smaller fiber diameter (256 microm) than F2 fibers (sarcomere lengths 3.48 microm in unstretched and 3.46 microm in stretched; 747 microm diameter). Moreover, F1 fibers showed a narrower range in sarcomere lengths than F2 fibers (2.81 to 3.28 microm vs. 2.47 to 4.05 micro m in unstretched fibers). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that the fast fibers from claw and abdomen differed in troponin-I composition; F1 fibers expressed two isoforms of troponin-I (TnI1 and TnI2) in approximately equal amounts, whereas F2 fibers expressed primarily TnI3 and lower levels of TnI1. F1 fibers were more sensitive to Ca2+, as shown by higher pCa values at threshold activation (pCa(10)=6.50+/-0.07) and at 50% maximum force (pCa(50)=6.43+/-0.07) than F2 fibers (pCa(10)=6.12+/-0.04 and pCa(50)=5.88+/-0.03, respectively). F1 fibers also had a greater degree of co-operativity in Ca2+ activation, as shown by a higher maximum slope of the force-pCa curve (n(Ca)=12.98+/-2.27 vs. 4.34+/-0.64). These data indicate that there is a greater fast fiber-type diversity in crustacean muscles than was previously supposed. Moreover, the differences in activation properties suggest that the TnI isoform composition influences the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile mechanism. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Quantitative analysis of total reflection X-ray fluorescence from finely layered structures using XeRay.

PubMed

Gong, Zhiliang; Kerr, Daniel; Hwang, Hyeondo Luke; Henderson, J Michael; Suwatthee, Tiffany; Slaw, Benjamin R; Cao, Kathleen D; Lin, Binhua; Bu, Wei; Lee, Ka Yee C

2017-03-01

Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a widely applicable experimental technique for studying chemical element distributions across finely layered structures at extremely high sensitivity. To promote and facilitate scientific discovery using TXRF, we developed a MATLAB-based software package with a graphical user interface, named XeRay, for quick, accurate, and intuitive data analysis. XeRay lets the user model any layered system, each layer with its independent chemical composition and thickness, and enables fine-tuned data fitting. The accuracy of XeRay has been tested in the analysis of TXRF data from both air/liquid interface and liquid/liquid interfacial studies and has been compared to literature results. In an air/liquid interface study, Ca 2+ sequestration was measured at a Langmuir monolayer of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid (SOPA) on a buffer solution of 1 mM CaCl 2 at pH 7.5. Data analysis with XeRay reveals that each 1 nm 2 of interfacial area contains 2.38 ± 0.06 Ca 2+ ions, which corresponds to a 1:1 ratio between SOPA headgroups and Ca 2+ ions, consistent with several earlier reports. For the liquid/liquid interface study of Sr 2+ enrichment at the dodecane/surfactant/water interface, analysis using XeRay gives a surface enrichment of Sr 2+ at 68 -5 +6 Å 2 per ion, consistent with the result published for the same dataset.

Quantitative analysis of total reflection X-ray fluorescence from finely layered structures using XeRay

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Zhiliang; Kerr, Daniel; Hwang, Hyeondo Luke; Henderson, J. Michael; Suwatthee, Tiffany; Slaw, Benjamin R.; Cao, Kathleen D.; Lin, Binhua; Bu, Wei; Lee, Ka Yee C.

2017-03-01

Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a widely applicable experimental technique for studying chemical element distributions across finely layered structures at extremely high sensitivity. To promote and facilitate scientific discovery using TXRF, we developed a MATLAB-based software package with a graphical user interface, named XeRay, for quick, accurate, and intuitive data analysis. XeRay lets the user model any layered system, each layer with its independent chemical composition and thickness, and enables fine-tuned data fitting. The accuracy of XeRay has been tested in the analysis of TXRF data from both air/liquid interface and liquid/liquid interfacial studies and has been compared to literature results. In an air/liquid interface study, Ca2+ sequestration was measured at a Langmuir monolayer of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid (SOPA) on a buffer solution of 1 mM CaCl2 at pH 7.5. Data analysis with XeRay reveals that each 1 nm2 of interfacial area contains 2.38 ± 0.06 Ca2+ ions, which corresponds to a 1:1 ratio between SOPA headgroups and Ca2+ ions, consistent with several earlier reports. For the liquid/liquid interface study of Sr2+ enrichment at the dodecane/surfactant/water interface, analysis using XeRay gives a surface enrichment of Sr2+ at 68-5+6 Å2 per ion, consistent with the result published for the same dataset.

Quantitative analysis of total reflection X-ray fluorescence from finely layered structures using XeRay

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

Gong, Zhiliang; Kerr, Daniel; Hwang, Hyeondo Luke

Total reflection x-ray fluorescence (TXRF) is a widely applicable experimental technique for studying chemical element distributions across finely layered structures at extremely high sensitivity. To promote and facilitate scientific discovery using TXRF, we developed a MATLAB-based software package with a graphical user interface, named XeRay, for quick, accurate, and intuitive data analysis. XeRay lets the user model any layered system, each layer with its independent chemical composition and thickness, and enables fine-tuned data fitting. The accuracy of XeRay has been tested in the analysis of TXRF data from both air/liquid interface and liquid/liquid interfacial studies and has been compared tomore » literature results. In an air/liquid interface study, Ca2+ sequestration was measured at a Langmuir monolayer of 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidic acid (SOPA) on a buffer solution of 1 mM CaCl2 at pH 7.5. Data analysis with XeRay reveals that each 1 nm2 of interfacial area contains 2.38 ± 0.06 Ca2+ ions, which corresponds to a 1:1 ratio between SOPA headgroups and Ca2+ ions, consistent with several earlier reports. For the liquid/liquid interface study of Sr2+ enrichment at the dodecane/surfactant/water interface, analysis using XeRay gives a surface enrichment of Sr2+ at 68+6-568-5+6 Å2 per ion, consistent with the result published for the same dataset.« less

Spatial Associations and Chemical Composition of Organic Carbon Sequestered in Fe, Ca, and Organic Carbon Ternary Systems.

PubMed

Sowers, Tyler D; Adhikari, Dinesh; Wang, Jian; Yang, Yu; Sparks, Donald L

2018-05-25

Organo-mineral associations of organic carbon (OC) with iron (Fe) oxides play a major role in environmental OC sequestration, a process crucial to mitigating climate change. Calcium has been found to have high coassociation with OC in soils containing high Fe content, increase OC sorption extent to poorly crystalline Fe oxides, and has long been suspected to form bridging complexes with Fe and OC. Due to the growing realization that Ca may be an important component of C cycling, we launched a scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) investigation, paired with near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy, in order to spatially resolve Fe, Ca, and OC relationships and probe the effect of Ca on sorbed OC speciation. We performed STXM-NEXAFS analysis on 2-line ferrihydrite reacted with leaf litter-extractable dissolved OC and citric acid in the absence and presence of Ca. Organic carbon was found to highly associate with Ca ( R 2 = 0.91). Carboxylic acid moieties were dominantly sequestered; however, Ca facilitated the additional sequestration of aromatic and phenolic moieties. Also, C NEXAFS revealed polyvalent metal ion complexation. Our results provide evidence for the presence of Fe-Ca-OC ternary complexation, which has the potential to significantly impact how organo-mineral associations are modeled.

Hybrid zero valent iron (ZVI)/H2O2 oxidation process for landfill leachate treatment with novel nanosize metallic calcium/iron composite.

PubMed

Lee, Son Dong; Mallampati, Srinivasa Reddy; Lee, Byoung Ho

2017-04-01

A novel nanosize metallic calcium/iron dispersed reagent was synthesized and tested as coagulant/catalyst in a hybrid zero valent iron (ZVI)/H 2 O 2 oxidation process to treat leachate. Two different types of leachates, one from municipal solid waste (MSW) tipping hall (MSWIL) and second from an MSW landfill site (MSWLL), were collected and characterized. The morphology, elemental composition, and mineral phases of the nano-Ca/CaO and nano-Fe/Ca/CaO were characterized by scanning electron microscopy-electron dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and x-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. The coagulation process with 2.5 g L -1 nano-Ca/CaO attained 64.0, 56.0, and 20.7% removal of color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total suspended solids (TSS) in MSWLL. With only 1.0 g L -1 of nano-Fe/Ca/CaO, relatively high color, COD and TSS removal was achieved in MSWLL at 67.5, 60.2, and 37.7%, respectively. The heavy metal removal efficiency reached 91-99% after treatment with nano-Fe/Ca/CaO in both leachate samples. The coupling process, using 1.0 g L -1 of nano-Fe/Ca/CaO and 20 mM H 2 O 2 doses, achieved enhancement removal of color, COD, and TSS, up to 95%, 96%, and 66%, respectively, without initial pH control. After this treatment, the color, COD, TSS, and heavy metals were significantly decreased, fitting the Korean discharge regulation limit. A hybrid coupled zero valent iron (ZVI)/H 2 O 2 oxidation process with novel nanosized metallic calcium/iron dispersed reagent proved to be a suitable treatment for dealing with leachate samples. Conventional treatments (biological or physicochemical) are not sufficient anymore to reach the level of purification needed to fully reduce the negative impact of landfill leachates on the environment. This implies that new treatment alternatives species must be proposed. A coupled zero valent iron (ZVI)/H 2 O 2 oxidation process proved to be a suitable treatment for dealing with leachate samples. Coagulation with nFe/Ca/CaO allows 91-99% of heavy metals removal. The coupled coagulation-oxidation process by nFe/Ca/CaO reveals excellent ability to treat leachate. After coupled treatment the color, COD, and TSS were also much lower than the discharge regulation limit.

Impact of Calcium and Magnesium in Groundwater and Drinking Water on the Health of Inhabitants of the Slovak Republic.

PubMed

Rapant, Stanislav; Cvečková, Veronika; Fajčíková, Katarína; Sedláková, Darina; Stehlíková, Beáta

2017-03-08

This work aims to evaluate the impact of the chemical composition of groundwater/drinking water on the health of inhabitants of the Slovak Republic. Primary data consists of 20,339 chemical analyses of groundwater (34 chemical elements and compounds) and data on the health of the Slovak population expressed in the form of health indicators (HI). Fourteen HIs were evaluated including life expectancy, potential years of lost life, relative/standardized mortality for cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and diseases of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The chemical and health data were expressed as the mean values for each of the 2883 Slovak municipalities. Artificial neural network (ANN) was the method used for environmental and health data analysis. The most significant relationship between HI and chemical composition of groundwater was documented as Ca + Mg (mmol·L -1 ), Ca and Mg. The following limit values were set for these most significant groundwater chemical parameters: Ca + Mg 2.9-6.1 mmol·L -1 , Ca 78-155 mg·L -1 and Mg 28-54 mg·L -1 . At these concentration ranges, the health of the Slovak population is the most favorable and the life expectancy is the highest. These limit values are about twice as high in comparison to the current Slovak valid guideline values for drinking water.

Impact of Calcium and Magnesium in Groundwater and Drinking Water on the Health of Inhabitants of the Slovak Republic

PubMed Central

Rapant, Stanislav; Cvečková, Veronika; Fajčíková, Katarína; Sedláková, Darina; Stehlíková, Beáta

2017-01-01

This work aims to evaluate the impact of the chemical composition of groundwater/drinking water on the health of inhabitants of the Slovak Republic. Primary data consists of 20,339 chemical analyses of groundwater (34 chemical elements and compounds) and data on the health of the Slovak population expressed in the form of health indicators (HI). Fourteen HIs were evaluated including life expectancy, potential years of lost life, relative/standardized mortality for cardiovascular and oncological diseases, and diseases of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. The chemical and health data were expressed as the mean values for each of the 2883 Slovak municipalities. Artificial neural network (ANN) was the method used for environmental and health data analysis. The most significant relationship between HI and chemical composition of groundwater was documented as Ca + Mg (mmol·L−1), Ca and Mg. The following limit values were set for these most significant groundwater chemical parameters: Ca + Mg 2.9–6.1 mmol·L−1, Ca 78–155 mg·L−1 and Mg 28–54 mg·L−1. At these concentration ranges, the health of the Slovak population is the most favorable and the life expectancy is the highest. These limit values are about twice as high in comparison to the current Slovak valid guideline values for drinking water. PMID:28282877

Thermal Effects on a Low Cr Modification of PS304 Solid Lubricant Coating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stanford, Malcolm K.; Yanke, Anne M.; DellaCorte, Christopher

2004-01-01

PS304 is a high temperature composite solid lubricant coating composed of Ni-Cr, Cr2O3, BaF2-CaF2 and Ag. The effect of reducing chromium content on the formation of voids in the Ni-Cr particles after heat treatment in PS304 coating was investigated. Coatings were prepared with Ni-20Cr or Ni-10Cr powder and in various combinations with the other constituents of PS304 (i.e., chromia, silver and eutectic BaF2-CaF2 powders) and deposited on metal substrates by plasma spray. Specimens were exposed to 650 C for 24 hr or 1090 C for 15 hr and then examined for changes in thickness, coating microstructure and adhesion strength. Specimens with Ni-10Cr generally had less thickness increase than specimens with Ni-20Cr, but there was great variance in the data. Reduction of chromium concentration in Ni-Cr powder tended to reduce the appearance of voids in the Ni-Cr phase after heat exposure. The presence of BaF2-CaF2 resulted in a significant increase in coating adhesion strength after heat treatment, while coatings without BaF2-CaF2 had no significant change. Chemical composition analysis suggested that the void formation was due to oxidation of chromium in the Ni-Cr constituent.

Using conversation analytic methods to assess fidelity to a talk-based healthcare intervention for frequently attending patients.

PubMed

Barnes, Rebecca K; Jepson, Marcus; Thomas, Clare; Jackson, Sue; Metcalfe, Chris; Kessler, David; Cramer, Helen

2018-06-01

The study aim was to assess implementation fidelity (i.e., adherence) to a talk-based primary care intervention using Conversation Analytic (CA) methods. The context was a UK feasibility trial where General Practitioners (GPs) were trained to use "BATHE" (Background,Affect,Trouble,Handling,Empathy) - a technique to screen for psychosocial issues during consultations - with frequently attending patients. 35 GPs received BATHE training between July-October 2015. 15 GPs across six practices self-selected to record a sample of their consultations with study patients at three and six months. 31 consultations were recorded. 21/26 patients in four intervention practices gave permission for analysis. The recordings were transcribed and initially coded for the presence or absence of the five BATHE components. CA methods were applied to assess delivery, focusing on position and composition of each component, and patients' responses. Initial coding showed most of the BATHE components to be present in most contacts. However the CA analysis revealed unplanned deviations in position and adaptations in composition. Frequently the intervention was initiated too early in the consultation, and the BATHE questions misunderstood by patients as pertaining to their presenting problems rather than the psychosocial context for their problems. Often these deviations resulted in reducing theoretical fidelity of the intervention as a whole. A CA approach enabled a dynamic assessment of the delivery and receipt of BATHE in situ revealing common pitfalls in delivery and provided valuable examples of more and less efficacious implementations. During the trial this evidence was used in top-up trainings to address problems in delivery and to improve GP engagement. Using CA methods enabled a more accurate assessment of implementation fidelity, a fuller description of the intervention itself, and enhanced resources for future training. When positioned appropriately, BATHE can be a useful tool for eliciting information about the wider context of the medical visit. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microwave dielectric properties of CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12}-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite

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

Rahman, Mohd Fariz Ab; Abu, Mohamad Johari; Zaman, Rosyaini Afindi

2016-07-19

(1-x)CaCu{sub 3}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 12} + (x)Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite (0 ≤ x ≤0.25) was prepared via conventional solid-state reaction method. The fabrication of sample was started with synthesizing stoichiometric CCTO from CaCO{sub 3}, CuO and TiO{sub 2} powders, then wet-mixed in deionized water for 24 h. The process was continued with calcined CCTO powder at 900 °C for 12 h before sintered at 1040 °C for 10 h. Next, the calcined CCTO powder with different amount of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} were mixed for 24 h, then palletized and sintered at 1040 °C for 10. X-ray diffraction analysis on the sinteredmore » samples showed that CCTO powder was in a single phase, meanwhile the trace of secondary peaks which belong to CaAl{sub 2}O{sub 4} and Corundum (Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}) could be observed in the other samples Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the grain size of the sample is firstly increased with addition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (x = 0.01), then become smaller with the x > 0.01. Microwave dielectric properties showed that the addition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} (x = 0.01) was remarkably reduced the dielectric loss while slightly increased the dielectric permittivity. However, further addition of Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} was reduced both dielectric loss and permittivity at least for an order of magnitude.« less

High temperature seal compositions and methods of using same

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

Solberg, Scott Eugene

The disclosure relates to sealant compositions for forming hermetic seals, methods of use, and hermetically sealed products. The sealant compositions comprise a first inorganic oxide chosen from at least one of MgSiO.sub.3, MgO, MgTiO.sub.3, CaO, and CaSiO.sub.3, a second inorganic oxide chosen from SiO.sub.2, at least one solvent, and optionally at least one organic resin binder.

Electrically Conducting, Ca-Rich Brines, Rather Than Water, Expected in the Martian Subsurface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burt, D. M.; Knauth, L. P.

2003-01-01

If Mars ever possessed a salty liquid hydrosphere, which later partly evaporated and froze down, then any aqueous fluids left near the surface could have evolved to become dense eutectic brines. Eutectic brines, by definition, are the last to freeze and the first to melt. If CaC12-rich, such brines can remain liquid until temperatures below 220 K, close to the average surface temperature of Mars. In the Martian subsurface, in intimate contact with the Ca-rich basaltic regolith, NaC1-rich early brines should have reacted to become Ca-rich. Fractional crystallization (freezing) and partial melting would also drive brines toward CaC12-rich compositions. In other words, eutectic brine compositions could be present in the shallow subsurface of Mars, for the same reasons that eutectic magma compositions are common on Earth. Don Juan Pond, Antarctica, a CaC12-rich eutectic brine, provides a possible terrestrial analog, particularly because it is fed from a basaltic aquifer. Owing to their relative density and fluid nature, brines in the Martian regolith should eventually become sandwiched between ice above and salts beneath. A thawing brine sandwich provides one explanation (among many) for the young gullies recently attributed to seepage of liquid water on Mars. Whether or not brine seepage explains the gullies phenomenon, dense, CaC12-rich brines are to be expected in the deep subsurface of Mars, although they might be somewhat diluted (temperatures permitting) and of variable salt composition. In any case, they should be good conductors of electricity.

Symmetric splitting of very light systems

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

Grotowski, K.; Majka, Z.; Planeta, R.

1984-10-01

Inclusive and coincidence measurements have been performed to study symmetric products from the reactions 74--186 MeV /sup 12/C+ /sup 40/Ca, 141 MeV /sup 9/Be+ /sup 40/Ca, and 153 MeV /sup 6/Li+ /sup 40/Ca. The binary decay of the composite system has been verified. Energy spectra, angular distributions, and fragment correlations are presented. The total kinetic energies for the symmetric products from these very light composite systems are compared to liquid drop model calculations and fission systematics.

Hydration products and thermokinetic properties of cement-bentonite and cement-chalk mortars

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

Klyusov, A.A.

1988-08-20

Bentonite and chalk are the most popular auxiliary additives to portland cement for borehole cementation. The authors studied by physicochemical analysis methods (x-ray phase, derivatographic, and scanning and electron microscopy in combination with microdiffraction) the newly formed solid-phase composition of cement-bentonite and cement-chalk mortars (binder-additive ratio 9:1) prepared from portland cement for cold boreholes and 8% calcium chloride solution at a water-mixing ratio of 0.9. The mechanism of the influence of Ca-bentonite and chalk additives on the portland cement hydration rate was ascertained from the heat evolution rate curves. It was found that the phase compositions of the hydration productsmore » are represented in the studied systems by newly formed substances typical for portland cement. It has been noted that Ca-bentonite interacts with the calcium hydroxide of hydrated cement with the formation of hexagonal and cubic calcium hydroaluminates. Unlike Ca-bentonite, chalk does not react with portland cement at normal and reduced temperatures, does not block hydrated cement particles, which, in turn, ensures all other conditions remaining equal, a higher initial rate of hydration of cement-chalk mortar.« less

Physical conditions in CaFe interstellar clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnaciński, P.; Krogulec, M.

2008-01-01

Interstellar clouds that exhibit strong Ca I and Fe I lines are called CaFe clouds. Ionisation equilibrium equations were used to model the column densities of Ca II, Ca I, K I, Na I, Fe I and Ti II in CaFe clouds. We find that the chemical composition of CaFe clouds is solar and that there is no depletion into dust grains. CaFe clouds have high electron densities, n_e≈1 cm-3, that lead to high column densities of neutral Ca and Fe.

Determining efficacy of monitoring devices on ceramic bond to resin composite

PubMed Central

Osorio, Estrella; Aguilera, Fátima S.; Osorio, Raquel; García-Godoy, Franklin; Cabrerizo-Vilchez, Miguel A.; Toledano, Manuel

2012-01-01

Objectives: This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of 3D nanoroughness and 2D microroughness evaluations, by their correlation with contact angle measurements and shear bond strength test, in order to evaluate the effect of two different acids conditioning on the bonding efficacy of a leucite-based glass-ceramic to a composite resin. Study Design: Ceramic (IPS Empress) blocks were treated as follows: 1) no treatment, 2) 37% phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 15 s, 3) 9% hydrofluoric acid (HF), 5 min. Micro- and nano-roughness were assessed with a profilometer and by means of an atomic force microscopy (AFM). Water contact angle (CA) measurements were determined to assess wettability of the ceramic surfaces with the asixymetric drop shape analysis contact diameter technique. Shear bond strength (SBS) was tested to a resin composite (Z100) with three different adhesive systems (Scotchbond Multipurpose Plus, Clearfil New Bond, ProBOND). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were performed. Results: Nanoroughness values assessed in 50x50 μm areas were higher for the HF group, these differences were not detected by profilometric analysis. HF treatment created the nano- roughest surfaces and the smallest CA (p<0.05), producing the highest SBS to the composite resin with all tested adhesive systems (p<0.05). No differences existed between the SBS produced by the adhesive systems evaluated with any of the surface treatments tested. Conclusions: Nano-roughness obtained in a 50x50 µm scan size areas was the most reliable data to evaluate the topographical changes produced by the different acid treatments on ceramic surfaces. Key words:Dental ceramic, acid etching, bonding efficacy, resin composite, adhesive systems, contact angle, roughness. PMID:22549693

Carboxymethyl starch/montmorillonite composite microparticles: Properties and controlled release of isoproturon.

PubMed

Wilpiszewska, Katarzyna; Spychaj, Tadeusz; Paździoch, Waldemar

2016-01-20

Preparation of novel high substituted carboxymethyl starch-based microparticles containing sodium montmorillonite (MMT) by crosslinking with Al(3+) was described. For preparing nanocomposite granules carboxymethyl starch (CMS) from native potato starch as well as CMS from amylopectin has been used. The hydrophilic CMS/MMT composite systems were used for herbicide, i.e. isoproturon encapsulation (ca. 75% encapsulation efficiency). The herbicide release rate from CMS/MMT composites in water was significantly reduced when compared to commercial isoproturon: 95% released after ca. 700 h and ca. 24h, respectively. Leaching in soil from composite systems was relatively slower than release in water. After a series of eight irrigations leached about 10% of isoproturon loaded. The CMS/MMT carriers could reduce the potential leaching of herbicide and beneficially reduce pollution of the environment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ca-,Al-rich inclusions in the unique chondrite ALH85085 - Petrology, chemistry, and isotopic compositions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kimura, Makoto; El-Goresy, Ahmed; Palme, Herbert; Zinner, Ernst

1993-01-01

A comprehensive study is performed for the Ca-,Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) in the unique chondrite ALH85085. The ALH85085 inclusions are smaller (5-80 microns) and more refractory than their counterparts in carbonaceous chondrites. The study includes 42 inclusions for petrography and mineralogy, 15 for bulk major and minor element chemical composition, six for Mg-Al isotopic systematics, 10 for Ca isotopes, nine for Ti isotopes, and six for trace element abundances. In addition, oxygen-isotopic compositions were determined in minerals from a single inclusion. No correlation is found between mineralogy, major element chemistry, and trace element abundances. It is further shown that the high-temperature geochemical behavior of ultrarefractory trace elements is decoupled from that of the major elements Ca and Ti (Ti is correlated with the relatively volatile elements Nb and Yb) implying that perovskite is of only minor importance as carrier of ultrarefractories.

Aspects on dental hard tissues in primary teeth from patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

PubMed

Klingberg, Gunilla; Hagberg, Catharina; Norén, Jörgen G; Nietzsche, Sandor

2009-07-01

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare hereditary condition affecting connective tissues and dental hard tissues. Primary enamel and dentine from EDS patients were expected to differ from those of healthy subjects regarding morphology and chemical composition. Forty-seven exfoliated primary teeth from 25 patients with EDS were investigated. Morphology was studied using a polarized light microscope, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray microanalysis. Comparisons were made with 36 primary teeth from 36 healthy patients. Morphological analysis of enamel in EDS teeth showed a high frequency of postnatally hypomineralized enamel and postnatally located incremental lines, whereas dentine was normal in all patients. Chemical analysis could not reveal any differences between EDS and control patients except for lower content of C and a higher Ca/P ratio in the enamel in the EDS teeth, indicating porous enamel. Regarding dentine, EDS teeth had a lower content of C, and a higher content of Ca, P, and O. Ratios for Ca/C and Ca/O were also higher compared with controls. There are several aberrations of booth enamel and dentine in primary teeth from patients with EDS. These could explain the occurrence of both more dental caries and tooth fractures in patients with EDS.

Calcium Isotopic Compositions of Normal Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts From the Southern Juan de Fuca Ridge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hongli; Liu, Fang; Li, Xin; Wang, Guiqin; Zhang, Zhaofeng; Sun, Weidong

2018-02-01

Mantle peridotites show that Ca is isotopically heterogeneous in Earth's mantle, but the mechanism for such heterogeneity remains obscure. To investigate the effect of partial melting on Ca isotopic fractionation and the mechanism for Ca isotopic heterogeneity in the mantle, we report high-precision Ca isotopic compositions of the normal Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalts (N-MORB) from the southern Juan de Fuca Ridge. δ44/40Ca of these N-MORB samples display a small variation ranging from 0.75 ± 0.05 to 0.86 ± 0.03‰ (relative to NIST SRM 915a, a standard reference material produced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology), which are slightly lower than the estimated Upper Mantle value of 1.05 ± 0.04‰ and the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) value of 0.94 ± 0.05‰. This phenomenon cannot be explained by fractional crystallization, because olivine and orthopyroxene fractional crystallization has limited influence on δ44/40Ca of N-MORB due to their low CaO contents, while plagioclase fractional crystallization cannot lead to light Ca isotopic compositions of the residue magma. Instead, the lower δ44/40Ca of N-MORB samples compared to their mantle source is most likely caused by partial melting. The offset in δ44/40Ca between N-MORB and BSE indicates that at least 0.1-0.2‰ fractionation would occur during partial melting and light Ca isotopes are preferred to be enriched in magma melt, which is in accordance with the fact that δ44/40Ca of melt-depleted peridotites are higher than fertile peridotites in literature. Therefore, partial melting is an important process that can decrease δ44/40Ca in basalts and induce Ca isotopic heterogeneity in Earth's mantle.

Controls over δ44/40Ca and Sr/Ca variations in coccoliths: New perspectives from laboratory cultures and cellular models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejía, Luz María; Paytan, Adina; Eisenhauer, Anton; Böhm, Florian; Kolevica, Ana; Bolton, Clara; Méndez-Vicente, Ana; Abrevaya, Lorena; Isensee, Kirsten; Stoll, Heather

2018-01-01

Coccoliths comprise a major fraction of the global carbonate sink. Therefore, changes in coccolithophores' Ca isotopic fractionation could affect seawater Ca isotopic composition, affecting interpretations of the global Ca cycle and related changes in seawater chemistry and climate. Despite this, a quantitative interpretation of coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation and a clear understanding of the mechanisms driving it are not yet available. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by developing a simple model (CaSri-Co) to track coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation during cellular Ca uptake and allocation to calcification. We then apply it to published and new δ 44 / 40 Ca and Sr/Ca data of cultured coccolithophores of the species Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica. We identify changes in calcification rates, Ca retention efficiency and solvation-desolvation rates as major drivers of the Ca isotopic fractionation and Sr/Ca variations observed in cultures. Higher calcification rates, higher Ca retention efficiencies and lower solvation-desolvation rates increase both coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation and Sr/Ca. Coccolith Ca isotopic fractionation is most sensitive to changes in solvation-desolvation rates. Changes in Ca retention efficiency may be a major driver of coccolith Sr/Ca variations in cultures. We suggest that substantial changes in the water structure strength caused by past changes in temperature could have induced significant changes in coccolithophores' Ca isotopic fractionation, potentially having some influence on seawater Ca isotopic composition. We also suggest a potential effect on Ca isotopic fractionation via modification of the solvation environment through cellular exudates, a hypothesis that remains to be tested.

Phase composition and in vitro bioactivity of porous implants made of bioactive glass S53P4.

PubMed

Fagerlund, S; Massera, J; Moritz, N; Hupa, L; Hupa, M

2012-07-01

This work studied the influence of sintering temperature on the phase composition, compression strength and in vitro properties of implants made of bioactive glass S53P4. The implants were sintered within the temperature range 600-1000°C. Over the whole temperature range studied, consolidation took place mainly via viscous flow sintering, even though there was partial surface crystallization. The mechanical strength of the implants was low but increased with the sintering temperature, from 0.7 MPa at 635°C to 10 MPa at 1000°C. Changes in the composition of simulated body fluid (SBF), the immersion solution, were evaluated by pH measurements and ion analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The development of a calcium phosphate layer on the implant surfaces was verified using scanning electron microscopy-electron-dispersive X-ray analysis. When immersed in SBF, a calcium phosphate layer formed on all the samples, but the structure of this layer was affected by the surface crystalline phases. Hydroxyapatite formed more readily on amorphous and partially crystalline implants containing both primary Na(2)O·CaO·2SiO(2) and secondary Na(2)Ca(4)(PO(4))(2)SiO(4) crystals than on implants containing only primary crystals. Copyright © 2012 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dental glass-reinforced composite for caries inhibition: Calcium phosphate ion release and mechanical properties

PubMed Central

Xu, Hockin H. K.; Moreau, Jennifer L.

2010-01-01

The two main challenges facing dental composite restorations are secondary caries and bulk fracture. Previous studies developed whisker-reinforced Ca-PO4 composites that were relatively opaque. The objective of this study was to develop an esthetic glass particle-reinforced, photo-cured calcium phosphate composite. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) particles were incorporated into a resin for Ca and PO4 release, while glass particles provided reinforcement. Ion release and mechanical properties were measured after immersion in solutions with pH of 7, 5.5, and 4. For the composite containing 40% mass fraction of TTCP, incorporating glass fillers increased the strength (p < 0.05). Flexural strength (mean ± sd; n = 6) at 30% glass was (99 ± 18) MPa, higher than (54 ± 20) MPa at 0% glass (p < 0.05). Elastic modulus was 11 GPa at 30% glass, compared to 2 GPa without glass. At 28 d, the released Ca ion concentration was (4.61 ± 0.18) mmol/L at pH of 4, much higher than (1.14 ± 0.07) at pH of 5.5, and (0.27 ± 0.01) at pH of 7 (p < 0.05). PO4 release was also dramatically increased at cariogenic, acidic pH. The TTCP-glass composite had strength 2-3 fold that of a resin-modified glass ionomer control. In conclusion, the photo-cured TTCP-glass composite was “smart” and substantially increased the Ca and PO4 release when the pH was reduced from neutral to a cariogenic pH of 4, when these ions are most needed to inhibit tooth caries. Its mechanical properties were significantly higher than previous Ca, PO4 and fluoride releasing restoratives. Hence, the photo-cured TTCP-glass composite may have potential to provide the necessary combination of load-bearing and caries-inhibiting capabilities. PMID:19810118

Development and Characterization of Sr-Containing Glass-Ceramic Composites Based on Biogenic Hydroxyapatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuda, Oleksii; Pinchuk, Nataliia; Bykov, Oleksandr; Tomila, Tamara; Olifan, Olena; Golovkova, Maryna

2018-05-01

Composite materials based on hydroxyapatite are widely used for bone tissue engineering. There is evidence of a positive effect of the presence of strontium in osteoplastic materials in the case of a Ca/Sr certain ratio. To examine the effect of the addition of Sr2+, a study was made by introducing it into the material composition based on biogenic hydroxyapatite and sodium borosilicate glass (50/50% wt.). The strontium was introduced into the composition in an amount of 1% wt. Composite materials were obtained at final sintering temperatures of 780 °C and a sintering time of 1 h. The effect of additions of glass phase and strontium affect changes in the crystal lattice of biogenic hydroxyapatite was investigated with the help of X-ray phase analysis, IR spectroscopy. Also the behavior of composites in vitro in physiological solution was studied.

Dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12-silicone resin composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Babu, Sanjesh; Singh, Kirti; Govindan, Anil

2012-06-01

CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO)-silicone resin composites with various CCTO volume fractions were prepared. Relatively high dielectric constant ( ɛ=119) and low loss (tan δ=0.35) of the composites with CCTO volume fraction of 0.9 were observed. Two theoretical models were employed to predict the dielectric constant of these composites; the dielectric constant obtained via the Maxwell-Garnett model was in close agreement with the experimental data. The dielectric constant of CCTO-silicone resin composites showed a weak frequency dependence at the measuring frequency range and the loss tangent apparently decreases with increase in frequency.

Evaluation of heavy metals in hazardous automobile shredder residue thermal residue and immobilization with novel nano-size calcium dispersed reagent.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Hyeon; Truc, Nguyen Thi Thanh; Lee, Byeong-Kyu; Mitoma, Yoshiharu; Mallampati, Srinivasa Reddy

2015-10-15

This study was conducted to synthesize and apply a nano-size calcium dispersed reagent as an immobilization material for heavy metal-contaminated automobile shredder residues (ASR) dust/thermal residues in dry condition. Simple mixing with a nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 dispersion mixture immobilized 95-100% of heavy metals in ASR dust/thermal residues (including bottom ash, cavity ash, boiler and bag filter ash). The quantity of heavy metals leached from thermal residues after treatment by nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 was lower than the Korean standard regulatory limit for hazardous waste landfills. The morphology and elemental composition of the nanometallic Ca/CaO-treated ASR residue were characterized by field emission scanning election microscopy combined with electron dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS). The results indicated that the amounts of heavy metals detectable on the ASR thermal residue surface decreased and the Ca/PO4 mass percent increased. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern analysis indicated that the main fraction of enclosed/bound materials on ASR residue included Ca/PO4- associated crystalline complexes, and that immobile Ca/PO4 salts remarkably inhibited the desorption of heavy metals from ASR residues. These results support the potential use of nanometallic Ca/CaO/PO4 as a simple, suitable and highly efficient material for the gentle immobilization of heavy metals in hazardous ASR thermal residue in dry condition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical and physical controls on the transformation of amorphous calcium carbonate into crystalline CaCO3 polymorphs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blue, C. R.; Giuffre, A.; Mergelsberg, S.; Han, N.; De Yoreo, J. J.; Dove, P. M.

2017-01-01

Calcite and other crystalline polymorphs of CaCO3 can form by pathways involving amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC). Apparent inconsistencies in the literature indicate the relationships between ACC composition, local conditions, and the subsequent crystalline polymorphs are not yet established. This experimental study quantifies the control of solution composition on the transformation of ACC into crystalline polymorphs in the presence of magnesium. Using a mixed flow reactor to control solution chemistry, ACC was synthesized with variable Mg contents by tuning input pH, Mg/Ca, and total carbonate concentration. ACC products were allowed to transform within the output suspension under stirred or quiescent conditions while characterizing the evolving solutions and solids. As the ACC transforms into a crystalline phase, the solutions record a polymorph-specific evolution of pH and Mg/Ca. The data provide a quantitative framework for predicting the initial polymorph that forms from ACC based upon the solution aMg2+/aCa2+ and aCO32-/aCa2+ and stirring versus quiescent conditions. This model reconciles discrepancies among previous studies that report on the nature of the polymorphs produced from ACC and supports the previous claim that monohydrocalcite may be an important, but overlooked, transient phase on the way to forming some aragonite and calcite deposits. By this construct, organic additives and extreme pH are not required to tune the composition and nature of the polymorph that forms. Our measurements show that the Mg content of ACC is recorded in the resulting calcite with a ≈1:1 dependence. By correlating composition of these calcite products with the Mgtot/Catot of the initial solutions, we find a ≈3:1 dependence that is approximately linear and general to whether calcite is formed via an ACC pathway or by the classical step-propagation process. Comparisons to calcite grown in synthetic seawater show a ≈1:1 dependence. The relationships suggest that the local Mg2+/Ca2+ at the time of precipitation determines the calcite composition, independent of whether growth occurs via an amorphous intermediate or classical pathway for a range of supersaturations and pH conditions. The findings reiterate the need to revisit the traditional picture of chemical and physical controls on CaCO3 polymorph selection. Mineralization by pathways involving ACC can lead to the formation of crystalline phases whose polymorphs and compositions are out of equilibrium with local growth media. As such, classical thermodynamic equilibria may not provide a reliable predictor of observed compositions.

How unique is the Udachnaya-East kimberlite? Comparison with kimberlites from the Slave Craton (Canada) and SW Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamenetsky, Vadim S.; Kamenetsky, Maya B.; Weiss, Yakov; Navon, Oded; Nielsen, Troels F. D.; Mernagh, Terrence P.

2009-11-01

The origin of alkali carbonates and chlorides in the groundmass of unaltered Udachnaya-East kimberlites in Siberia is still controversial. Contrary to existing dogma that the Udachnaya-East kimberlite was either contaminated by the crustal sediments or platform brines, magmatic origin of the groundmass assemblage has been proposed on the basis of melt immiscibility textures, melt inclusion studies, and strontium and neon isotope compositions. We further tested the idea of alkali- and chlorine enrichment of the kimberlite parental melt by studying olivine-hosted melt inclusions and secondary serpentine in kimberlites from the Slave Craton, Canada (Gahcho Kué, Jericho, Aaron and Leslie pipes) and southern West Greenland (Majuagaa dyke). Host olivine phenocrysts closely resemble groundmass olivine from the Udachnaya-East kimberlite in morphology, compositions (high-Fo, low-Ca), complex zoning with cores of varying shapes and compositions and rims of constant Fo. Melt inclusions in olivine consist of several translucent and opaque daughter phases and vapour bubble(s). The daughter crystals studied in unexposed inclusions by laser Raman spectroscopy and in carefully exposed inclusions by WDS-EDS are represented by Na-K chlorides, calcite, dolomite, magnesite, Ca-Na, Ca-Na-K and Ca-Mg-Ba carbonates, bradleyite Na 3 Mg(CO 3)(PO 4), K-bearing nahpoite Na 2(HPO 4), apatite, phlogopite and tetraferriphlogopite, unidentified sulphates, Fe sulphides, djerfisherite, pyrochlore (Na,Ca) 2Nb 2O 6(OH,F), monticellite, Cr-spinel and Fe-Ti oxides. High abundances of Na, K (e.g., (Na + K)/Ca = 0.15-0.85) and incompatible trace elements in the melt inclusions are confirmed by LA-ICPMS analysis of individual inclusions. Heating experiments show that melting of daughter minerals starts and completes at low temperatures (~ 100 °C and 600 °C, respectively), further reinforcing the similarity with the Udachnaya-East kimberlite. Serpentine minerals replacing olivine in some of the studied kimberlites demonstrate elevated abundances of chlorine (up to 3-4 wt.%), especially in the early generation. Despite heterogeneous distribution of chlorine such abundances are significantly higher than in the serpentine in abyssal and ophiolitic peridotites (< 0.5 wt.%). The groundmass of most kimberlites, including those studied here and altered kimberlites from the Udachnaya pipe, contain no alkali carbonates and chlorides and have low Na 2O (< 0.2 wt.%). We believe that alteration disturbs original melt compositions, with the alkaline elements and chlorine being mostly affected. However, the compositions of melt inclusions and serpentine are indicative of the chemical signature of a parental kimberlite melt. It appears that enrichment in alkalies and chlorine, as seen in unaltered Udachnaya-East kimberlites, is shared by other kimberlites, and thus can be assigned to deep mantle origin.

Trace element evidence for a depleted component intrinsic to the Hawaiian plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeFelice, C.; Mallick, S.; Saal, A. E.; Huang, S.

2017-12-01

The Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP) recovered 3.5 km of Mauna Kea post-shield and shield stage basalts to investigate the geochemical evolution of a Hawaiian shield stage volcano and to constrain the geochemical structure of Hawaiian plume. A group of tholeiitic lavas from 1760-1810 meters below sea level (mbsl) have higher CaO content at given MgO content and are called high-CaO basalts. Isotopes of Pb, Sr, Hf, and Nd of these basalts show they are the most depleted shield basalts ever recovered in Hawaii. Their 206Pb/204Pb-208Pb/204Pb values indicate that they are not related to Pacific MORB. Their Ba/Th values (115-160) are characteristic of Hawaiian plume material and they are isotopically similar to Hawaiian rejuvenated stage lavas. To further investigate this relationship, we compare high-CaO basalts to the Honolulu Volcanics, a set of rejuvenated stage lavas. To determine their possible petrogenetic relation, we calculate their parental melt composition by adding or removing olivine until their geochemical composition is in equilibrium with Fo90. The High-CaO basalt parent magma composition has a much flatter REE pattern and much lower absolute REE contents than that of the Honolulu lavas. Batch melting forward models are calculated to determine potential sources that could contribute to both the Honolulu Volcanics and high-CaO basalts petrogenesis. Both parental magma compositions can be recreated by melting the same rejuvenated-stage source composition to varying degrees. Honolulu Volcanics are the result of a low degree of melting of the rejuvenated source, while higher degrees of melting reproduce the high-CaO basalts. The High-CaO basalts, erupted during shield-stage volcanism, show that the depleted component that rejuvenated stage basalts form from can be sampled during the most voluminous stage of volcanism, and is likely intrinsic to the plume.

Network topology for the formation of solvated electrons in binary CaO–Al2O3 composition glasses

PubMed Central

Akola, Jaakko; Kohara, Shinji; Ohara, Koji; Fujiwara, Akihiko; Watanabe, Yasuhiro; Masuno, Atsunobu; Usuki, Takeshi; Kubo, Takashi; Nakahira, Atsushi; Nitta, Kiyofumi; Uruga, Tomoya; Weber, J. K. Richard; Benmore, Chris J.

2013-01-01

Glass formation in the CaO–Al2O3 system represents an important phenomenon because it does not contain typical network-forming cations. We have produced structural models of CaO–Al2O3 glasses using combined density functional theory–reverse Monte Carlo simulations and obtained structures that reproduce experiments (X-ray and neutron diffraction, extended X-ray absorption fine structure) and result in cohesive energies close to the crystalline ground states. The O–Ca and O–Al coordination numbers are similar in the eutectic 64 mol % CaO (64CaO) glass [comparable to 12CaO·7Al2O3 (C12A7)], and the glass structure comprises a topologically disordered cage network with large-sized rings. This topologically disordered network is the signature of the high glass-forming ability of 64CaO glass and high viscosity in the melt. Analysis of the electronic structure reveals that the atomic charges for Al are comparable to those for Ca, and the bond strength of Al–O is stronger than that of Ca–O, indicating that oxygen is more weakly bound by cations in CaO-rich glass. The analysis shows that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals occurs in cavity sites, suggesting that the C12A7 electride glass [Kim SW, Shimoyama T, Hosono H (2011) Science 333(6038):71–74] synthesized from a strongly reduced high-temperature melt can host solvated electrons and bipolarons. Calculations of 64CaO glass structures with few subtracted oxygen atoms (additional electrons) confirm this observation. The comparable atomic charges and coordination of the cations promote more efficient elemental mixing, and this is the origin of the extended cage structure and hosted solvated (trapped) electrons in the C12A7 glass. PMID:23723350

Discriminating the Mineralogical Composition in Drill Cuttings Based on Absorption Spectra in the Terahertz Range.

PubMed

Miao, Xinyang; Li, Hao; Bao, Rima; Feng, Chengjing; Wu, Hang; Zhan, Honglei; Li, Yizhang; Zhao, Kun

2017-02-01

Understanding the geological units of a reservoir is essential to the development and management of the resource. In this paper, drill cuttings from several depths from an oilfield were studied using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to classify and analyze the cuttings. The cuttings were clearly classified based on CA and PCA methods, and the results were in agreement with the lithology. Moreover, calcite and dolomite have stronger absorption of a THz pulse than any other minerals, based on an analysis of the PC1 scores. Quantitative analyses of minor minerals were also realized by building a series of linear and non-linear models between contents and PC2 scores. The results prove THz technology to be a promising means for determining reservoir lithology as well as other properties, which will be a significant supplementary method in oil fields.

The application of LIBS for the analysis of archaeological ceramic and metal artifacts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Melessanaki, Kristalia; Mateo, Maripaz; Ferrence, Susan C.; Betancourt, Philip P.; Anglos, Demetrios

2002-09-01

A bench-top laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system has been used in the examination of pottery, jewelry and metal artifacts found in archaeological excavations in central and eastern Crete, Greece. The objects date from the Middle and Late Minoan periods (ca. 20th-13th century B. C.) through Byzantine and Venetian to Ottoman times (ca. 5th-19th century A.D.). The spectral data indicates the qualitative and often the semi-quantitative elemental composition of the examined materials. In the case of colored glazed ceramics, the identity of pigments was established while in the case of metal and jewelry analysis, the type of metal or metal alloy used was determined. The analyses demonstrate the potential of the LIBS technique for performing routine, rapid, on-site analysis of archaeological objects, which leads to the quick characterization or screening of different types of objects.

Préparation et caracterisation de composites ll verre-supraconducteur gg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roblin-Semène, L.; Pradel, A.; Ribes, M.; Belouet, C.

1994-11-01

Several types of " glass/superconductor " composites were prepared by a uniaxial hot pressing method. The BiSrCaCuO oxides were the materials under investigation in this work. A preliminary study of glasses obtained in this BiSrCaCuO system indicated that phase separation with nodules of 50 to 100 nm generally occurs. Glasses used as parts of composites are : 1) PbOB2O3 ones because of their low transition temperature and their large thermal stability which were favourable to texturation of superconducting grains, 2) BiSrCaCuO (2212, 2223, 4334) glasses because further recrystallisation could be carried out to improve grain connectivity and at last 3) mixture of BiSrCaCuO glass and V2O5 or PbO-B2O3 to insure a compromise between texturing and connectivity. Resistivity and current density measurements indicated that these types of composites were potential candidates for use as current limiters. Différents composites " verre/supraconducteur " ont été préparés par pressage à chaud uniaxial. Nos travaux ont porté sur les oxydes " BiSrCaCuO ". Une étude préalable des verres de ce système a permis de mettre en évidence une séparation de phase avec présence de nodules dont la taille est comprise entre 50 et 100 nm. Les verres choisis pour l'élaboration de ces composites ont été : 1 ) le verre PbO-B2O3 dont la basse température de transition vitreuse et la grande stabilité thermique étaient des éléments favorables à une bonne texturation des grains supraconducteurs, 2) les verres BiSrCaCuO purs (2212, 2223, 4334) dont la recristallisation partielle par recuit a posteriori devait assurer une meilleure connectivité entre grains, et enfin 3) des mélanges " BiSrCaCuO (V) " + V2O5 OU PbO-B2O3 qui devaient permettre d'assurer un compromis entre texturation et connectivité. Les mesures de résistivité et de densité de courant montrent que ces composites sont de bons candidats pour des applications de limiteur de courant.

Temporal variation in chemical composition of phenocrysts and magmatic temperature at Daisen volcano, southwest Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsukui, Masashi

1985-12-01

Daisen volcano, located in the San'in district, southwest Japan, started its activity in the middle Pleistocene and continued until at least ca. 20,000 yr B.P. The volcano is composed entirely of dacitic pyroclastic materials, lava domes and subordinate thick lava flows. Its activity is divided into two groups, Older (1.0-0.4 Ma) and Younger (0.4 Ma to ca. 17.000 yr B.P.). Chemical compositions of phenocrysts in the members of the Upper Tephra Group (the last 150,000 years) in the Younger Group were examined in detail by electron microprobe analysis. The compositions of phenocryst minerals change systematically and cyclically with the order of eruptions. Phenocrysts with less differentiated compositions were found in the products of eruptions 60,000 and 20,000 years ago. The variation patterns of inferred magma temperature (estimated by the Fe-Ti oxide geothermometer) with time are well correlated with those of the chemical compositions of phenocrysts. Orthopyroxene phenocrysts generally show both reversed and normal zoning in single rock specimens and the compositional range of rims is much smaller than that of the core, indicating that the process of re-equilibration of two compositionally distinct orthopyroxenes took place. These facts could be explained by injection of less differentiated, higher-temperature magmas from a deeper level into the shallower more differentiated magma reservoir. A relatively active (frequent and/or voluminous) injection episode seems to have taken place twice during the last 150,000 years; 60,000 and 20,000 years ago.

Mechanical and interfacial properties of poly(vinyl chloride) based composites reinforced by cassava stillage residue with different surface treatments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yanjuan; Gan, Tao; Li, Qian; Su, Jianmei; Lin, Ye; Wei, Yongzuo; Huang, Zuqiang; Yang, Mei

2014-09-01

Cassava stillage residue (CSR), a kind of agro-industrial plant fiber, was modified by coupling agent (CA), mechanical activation (MA), and MA-assisted CA (MACA) surface treatments, respectively. The untreated and different surface treated CSRs were used to prepare plant fibers/polymer composites (PFPC) with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) as polymer matrix, and the properties of these CSR/PVC composites were compared. Surface treated CSR/PVC composites possessed better mechanical properties, water resistance and dimensional stability compared with the untreated CSR/PVC composite, attributing to the improvement of interfacial properties between CSR and PVC matrix. MACA-treated CSR was the best reinforcement among four types of CSRs (untreated, MA-treated, CA-treated, and MACA-treated CSRs) because MACA treatment led to the significant improvement of dispersion, interfacial adhesion and compatibility between CSR and PVC. MACA treatment could be considered as an effective and green method for enhancing reinforcement efficiency of plant fibers and the properties of PFPC.

Petrogenesis of High-CaO Lavas Recovered from Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, S.

2015-12-01

Mauna Kea tholeiitic lavas recovered from Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP) can be divided into three groups based on their major element compositions: High-SiO2, Low-SiO2, and High-CaO groups. Detailed geochemical and isotopic studies have been focused on the High- and Low-SiO2 group lavas, and High-CaO lavas were not well studied because they were not included in the original reference suite samples. Here we report trace element compositions determined on a suite of High-CaO glasses, and use these data to constrain the petrogenesis of High-CaO lavas. When normalized to Low-SiO2 lavas, High-CaO lavas form a U-shaped trace element pattern. That is, High-CaO lavas are enriched in both the most (Nb, Th) and the least (Sc, V) incompatible elements. This trace element difference is best explained if High-CaO parental magma represents a mixture of low degree partial melt of the Low-SiO2 mantle source and a mafic cumulate component. This mafic cumulate must be clinopyroxene-rich, and it could be delaminated mafic cumulate formed under arcs during continent formation, lower continental crust, or lower oceanic crust.Mauna Kea tholeiitic lavas recovered from Hawaii Scientific Drilling Project (HSDP) can be divided into three groups based on their major element compositions: High-SiO2, Low-SiO2, and High-CaO groups. Detailed geochemical and isotopic studies have been focused on the High- and Low-SiO2 group lavas, and High-CaO lavas were not well studied because they were not included in the original reference suite samples. Here we report trace element compositions determined on a suite of High-CaO glasses, and use these data to constrain the petrogenesis of High-CaO lavas. When normalized to Low-SiO2 lavas, High-CaO lavas form a U-shaped trace element pattern. That is, High-CaO lavas are enriched in both the most (Nb, Th) and the least (Sc, V) incompatible elements. This trace element difference is best explained if High-CaO parental magma represents a mixture of low degree partial melt of the Low-SiO2 mantle source and a mafic cumulate component. This mafic cumulate must be clinopyroxene-rich, and it could be delaminated mafic cumulate formed under arcs during continent formation, lower continental crust, or lower oceanic crust.

Composition gradient optimization and electrical characterization of (Pb, Ca)TiO3 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bao, Dinghua; Mizutani, Nobuyasu; Zhang, Liangying; Yao, Xi

2001-01-01

Compositionally graded (Pb, Ca)TiO3 thin films were prepared by a monoethanolamine-modified sol-gel technique on platinum-coated silicon substrates at the annealing temperature of 600 °C. The composition gradient of the films was greatly improved by a modified annealing method. The dielectric constants, for up-graded and down-graded films annealed at 600 °C for 60 min, were found to be 469 and 355, respectively. Both were larger than those reported for conventional (Pb, Ca)TiO3 thin films. The compositionally graded films had large polarization offsets in hysteresis loops when excited by an alternating electric field. The more smooth the composition gradient of the graded film, the larger the polarization offset. This was consistent with a theoretical model reported previously by Mantese and coworkers [Appl. Phys. Lett. 71, 2047 (1997)]. The magnitude of polarization offset displayed a power-law dependence on the electric field, and the direction of the offset depended on the direction of the composition gradient with respect to the substrate. Both up-graded and down-graded films had good leakage current characteristics.

Crystal Analysis of Multi Phase Calcium Phosphate Nanoparticles Containing Different amount of Magnesium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozalian, Afsaneh; Behnamghader, Ali Asghar; Moshkforoush, Arash

In this study, Mg doped hydroxyapatite [(Ca, Mg)10(PO4)6(OH)2] and β-tricalcium phosphate nanoparticles were synthesized via sol gel method. Triethyl phosphite, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate were used as P, Ca and Mg precursors. The ratio of (Ca+Mg)/P and the amount of magnesium (x) were kept constant at 1.67 and ranging x = 0 up to 3 in molecular formula of Ca10-xMgx (PO4)6(OH)2, respectively. Phase composition and chemical structure were performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Phase percentages, crystallite size, degree of crystallinity and lattice parameters were investigated. The presence of magnesium led to form the Mg doped tricalcium phosphate (β-TCMP) and Mg doped hydroxyapatite (Mg-HA). Based on the results of this study, lattice parameters, degree of crystallinity and crystallite size decreased with magnesium content. In addition, with increasing magnesium content, the amount of CaO phase decreased whereas the amount of MgO phase increased significantly. Obtained results can be used for new biomaterials design.

A comprehensive analysis of coregulator recruitment, androgen receptor function and gene expression in prostate cancer

PubMed Central

Hu, Qiang; Senapati, Dhirodatta; Venkadakrishnan, Varadha Balaji; Wang, Dan; DePriest, Adam D; Schlanger, Simon E; Ben-Salem, Salma; Valenzuela, Malyn May; Willard, Belinda; Mudambi, Shaila; Swetzig, Wendy M; Das, Gokul M; Shourideh, Mojgan; Koochekpour, Shahriah; Falzarano, Sara Moscovita; Magi-Galluzzi, Cristina; Yadav, Neelu; Chen, Xiwei; Lao, Changshi; Wang, Jianmin; Billaud, Jean-Noel

2017-01-01

Standard treatment for metastatic prostate cancer (CaP) prevents ligand-activation of androgen receptor (AR). Despite initial remission, CaP progresses while relying on AR. AR transcriptional output controls CaP behavior and is an alternative therapeutic target, but its molecular regulation is poorly understood. Here, we show that action of activated AR partitions into fractions that are controlled preferentially by different coregulators. In a 452-AR-target gene panel, each of 18 clinically relevant coregulators mediates androgen-responsiveness of 0–57% genes and acts as a coactivator or corepressor in a gene-specific manner. Selectivity in coregulator-dependent AR action is reflected in differential AR binding site composition and involvement with CaP biology and progression. Isolation of a novel transcriptional mechanism in which WDR77 unites the actions of AR and p53, the major genomic drivers of lethal CaP, to control cell cycle progression provides proof-of-principle for treatment via selective interference with AR action by exploiting AR dependence on coregulators. PMID:28826481

Microstructure and mineral composition of dental enamel of permanent and deciduous teeth.

PubMed

De Menezes Oliveira, Maria Angélica Hueb; Torres, Carolina Paes; Gomes-Silva, Jaciara Miranda; Chinelatti, Michelle Alexandra; De Menezes, Fernando Carlos Hueb; Palma-Dibb, Regina Guenka; Borsatto, Maria Cristina

2010-05-01

This study evaluated and compared in vitro the microstructure and mineral composition of permanent and deciduous teeth's dental enamel. Sound third molars (n = 12) and second primary molars (n = 12) were selected and randomly assigned to the following groups, according to the analysis method performed (n = 4): Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the dental enamel were done. The microscopic findings were analyzed statistically by a nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis). The measurements of the prisms number and thickness were done in SEM photomicrographs. The relative amounts of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) were determined by EDS investigation. Chemical phases present in both types of teeth were observed by the XRD analysis. The mean thickness measurements observed in the deciduous teeth enamel was 1.14 mm and in the permanent teeth enamel was 2.58 mm. The mean rod head diameter in deciduous teeth was statistically similar to that of permanent teeth enamel, and a slightly decrease from the outer enamel surface to the region next to the enamel-dentine junction was assessed. The numerical density of enamel rods was higher in the deciduous teeth, mainly near EDJ, that showed statistically significant difference. The percentage of Ca and P was higher in the permanent teeth enamel. The primary enamel structure showed a lower level of Ca and P, thinner thickness and higher numerical density of rods. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Hydro-geochemical modeling of the spatial and the temporal geochemical variations of the granitic Strengbach catchment springs (Vosges massif, France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ackerer, Julien; Chabaux, François; Lucas, Yann; Pierret, Marie Claire; Viville, Daniel; Fritz, Bertrand; Clement, Alain; Beaulieu, Emilie; Negrel, Philippe

2017-04-01

Regular analysis of the major element concentrations in waters from springs emerging on the Strengbach catchment is made for more than 20 years (OHGE, Observatoire Hydro-Géochimique de l'Environnement). These data confirm the spatial variability of geochemical characteristics of the Strengbach springs linked, at least partly, to the lithological variability of the substratum (Pierret et al., 2014). The data also indicate that at the first order, the geochemical fluxes exported from each spring are mainly linked to the spring discharges, without significant variations of the relationships linking these two parameters between 1990 and 2010. There is also no observation of significant variations for the dissolved silica and for most of the cationic concentrations with time. Only a significant decrease of the Ca concentrations is observed for the Strengbach springs from 1990 to 2010. Numerical simulations, performed with the KIRMAT hydro-geochemical code, show that such a decrease can be considered as the response in the "bedrock" of the water-rock interactions to the variations of the soil solution chemical compositions recorded over the last 20 years, marked by a significant increase of pH and decrease of Ca concentrations. In particular, the modeling results show that the Ca concentration decrease is controlled by the couple apatite/clays, and that significant modifications of the apatite dissolution rate and clay compositions occurred between 1990 and 2010. This study shows that the temporal evolution of the Strengbach spring chemistry cannot be explained by the only variations of the clay mineral compositions, i.e. a modification of the chemical composition of the precipitated clays or a modification of the ionic exchange capacity of the clay minerals, but that it is definitely the interrelations between the apatite and the clay minerals that are involved.

Carbonate mineralization via an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) pathway: Tuning polymorph selection by Mg, pH, and mixing environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dove, P. M.; Blue, C.; Mergelsberg, S. T.; Giuffre, A. J.; Han, N.; De Yoreo, J. J.

2017-12-01

Mineral formation by nonclassical processes is widespread with many pathways that include aggregation of nanoparticles, oriented attachment of fully formed crystals, and sequential nucleation/transformation of amorphous phases (De Yoreo et al., 2015, Science). Field observations indicate amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) can be the initial precipitate when local conditions promote high supersaturations for short time periods. Examples include microbial mats, marine porewaters that undergo pulses of increased alkalinity, closed basin lakes, and sabkhas. The crystalline products exhibit diverse morphologies and complex elemental and isotopic signatures. This study quantifies relationships between solution composition and the crystalline polymorphs that transform from ACC (Blue et al., GCA, 2017). Our experimental design synthesized ACC under controlled conditions for a suite of compositions by tuning input pH, Mg/Ca, and total carbonate concentration. ACC products were allowed to transform within output suspensions under stirred or quiescent mixing while characterizing the polymorph and composition of evolving solutions and solids. We find that ACC transforms to crystalline polymorphs with a systematic relationship to solution composition to give a quantitative framework based upon solution aMg2+/aCa2+ and aCO32-/aCa2+. We also measure a polymorph-specific evolution of pH and Mg/Ca during the transformation that indicates the initial polymorph to form. Pathway is further modulated by stirring versus quiescent conditions. The findings reconcile discrepancies among previous studies of ACC to crystalline products and supports claims that monohydrocalcite may be an overlooked, transient phase during formation of some aragonite and calcite deposits. Organic additives and extreme pH are not required to tune composition and polymorph. Insights from this study reiterate the need to revisit long-standing dogmas regarding controls on CaCO3 polymorph selection. Classical models assume thermodynamic equilibria but cannot provide a reliable predictor of compositions when kinetic factors are driving mineralization. Nonclassical pathways to mineralization may be the missing link to interpreting unusual CaCO3 polymorphs, compositions and textures in modern and ancient carbonates.

Elemental composition of normal primary tooth enamel analyzed with XRMA and SIMS.

PubMed

Sabel, Nina; Dietz, Wolfram; Lundgren, Ted; Nietzsche, Sandor; Odelius, Hans; Rythén, Marianne; Rizell, Sara; Robertson, Agneta; Norén, Jörgen G; Klingberg, Gunilla

2009-01-01

There is an interest to analyze the chemical composition of enamel in teeth from patients with different developmental disorders or syndromes and evaluate possible differences compared to normal composition. For this purpose, it is essential to have reference material. The aim of this study was to, by means of X-ray micro analyses (XRMA) and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), present concentration gradients for C, O, P and Ca and F, Na, Mg, Cl, K and Sr in normal enamel of primary teeth from healthy individuals. 36 exfoliated primary teeth from 36 healthy children were collected, sectioned, and analyzed in the enamel and dentin with X-ray micro analyses for the content of C, O, P and Ca and F, Na MgCl, K and Sr. This study has supplied reference data for C, O, P and Ca in enamel in primary teeth from healthy subjects. No statistically significant differences in the elemental composition were found between incisors and molars.The ratio Ca/P is in concordance with other studies. Some elements have shown statistically significant differences between different levels of measurement. These results may be used as reference values for research on the chemical composition of enamel and dentin in primary teeth from patients with different conditions and/or syndromes.

Pb(II) adsorption by a novel activated carbon - alginate composite material. A kinetic and equilibrium study.

PubMed

Cataldo, Salvatore; Gianguzza, Antonio; Milea, Demetrio; Muratore, Nicola; Pettignano, Alberto

2016-11-01

The adsorption capacity of an activated carbon - calcium alginate composite material (ACAA-Ca) has been tested with the aim of developing a new and more efficient adsorbent material to remove Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution. The study was carried out at pH=5, in NaCl medium and in the ionic strength range 0.1-0.75molL -1 . Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DP-ASV) technique was used to check the amount of Pb(II) ion removed during kinetic and equilibrium experiments. Different kinetic (pseudo first order, pseudo second order and Vermuelen) and equilibrium (Langmuir and Freundlich) models were used to fit experimental data, and were statistically compared. Calcium alginate (AA-Ca) improves the adsorption capacity (q m ) of active carbon (AC) in the ACAA-Ca adsorbent material (e.g., q m =15.7 and 10.5mgg -1 at I=0.25molL -1 , for ACAA-Ca and AC, respectively). SEM-EDX and thermogravimetric (TGA) measurements were carried out in order to characterize the composite material. The results of the speciation study on the Pb(II) solution and of the characterization of the ACAA-Ca and of the pristine AA-Ca and AC were evaluated in order to explain the specific contribution of AC and AA-Ca to the adsorption of the metal ion. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Selective growth of n-type nanoparticles on p-type semiconductors for Z-scheme photocatalysis.

PubMed

Miyauchi, Masahiro; Nukui, Yuuya; Atarashi, Daiki; Sakai, Etsuo

2013-10-09

Nanoparticles of an n-type WO3 semiconductor were segregated on the surface of p-type CaFe2O4 particles by a heterogeneous nucleation process under controlled hydrothermal conditions. By use of this approach, WO3 nanoparticles were selectively deposited on the surface of CaFe2O4, resulting in a significant increase in the photocatalytic reaction rate of the WO3/CaFe2O4 composite for the decomposition of gaseous acetaldehyde under visible-light irradiation. The high visible-light activity of the WO3/CaFe2O4 composite was due to efficient charge recombination through the junctions that formed between the two semiconductors.

Synthesis and characterization of new composite materials based on poly(methacrylic acid) and hydroxyapatite with applications in dentistry.

PubMed

Cucuruz, Andrei Tiberiu; Andronescu, Ecaterina; Ficai, Anton; Ilie, Andreia; Iordache, Florin

2016-08-30

The use of methacrylic acid (MAA) in medicine was poorly investigated in the past but can be of great importance because the incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) can lead to new composite materials with good properties due to the strong electrostatic interactions between carboxylate groups of polymer and Ca(2+) ions from HA. The scope of this study was to determine the potential of using composite materials based on poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and hydroxyapatite in dentistry. Two routes of synthesis were taken into account: i) HA was synthesised in situ and ii) commercial HA was used. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used for compositional assessments. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to determine the morphology and differential thermal analysis (DTA) coupled with thermogravimetric analysis (TG) was used to study the thermal behaviour and to observe quantitative changes. In-vitro tests were also performed in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of both PMAA/HA composites by monitoring the development potential of human endothelial cells using MTT assay and fluorescent microscopy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential Applications of Alkali-Activated Alumino-Silicate Binders in Military Operations

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-01

Geopolymers for Reinforced Plastics/ Composits ," PACTEC 󈨓, Society of Plastic Engineers, Costa Mesa, CA, 1979, pp. 151-153. Davidovits, Joseph. 1983...34 Geopolymers II, Processing and Applications of Ultra-High Temperature, Inorganic Matrix Resin for Cast Composite Structures, Molds and Tools for RP/C and...alumino-silicate hydrates with an approximate composition of 3CaO - AI20 3 • 2i0 2 2120, begin to crystallize. As the gels begin to coalesce, bound water

First Measurements of Time-Dependent Nucleation as a Function of Composition in Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2 Glasses

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kelton, K. F.; Narayan, K. Lakshmi

1996-01-01

The first measurements in any system of the composition dependence of the time-dependent nucleation rate are presented Nucleation rates of the stoichiometric crystalline phase, Na2O.2CaO.3SiO2, from quenched glasses made with different SiO2 concentrations were determined as a function of temperature and glass composition. A strong compositional dependence of the nucleation rates and a weak dependence for the induction times are observed. Using measured values of the liquidus temperatures and growth velocities as a function of glass composition, these data are shown to be consistent with predictions from the classical theory of nucleation, assuming a composition-dependent interfacial energy.

Effect of phase composition of calcium silicate phosphate component on properties of brushite based composite cements

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

Sopcak, T., E-mail: tsopcak@imr.saske.sk; Medvecky, L.; Giretova, M.

The composite cement mixtures were prepared by mixing brushite (B) with, the amorphous hydrated calcium silicate phosphate (CSPH) or annealed calcium silicate phosphate (CSP composed of Si-saturated hydroxyapatite, wollastonite and silica) phases and water as liquid component. The contents of the silicate-phosphate phase in composites were 10.30 and 50 wt%. The significant effect of both the Ca/P ratio and different solubility of calcium silicate phosphate component in starting cement systems on setting time and phase composition of the final composite cements was demonstrated. The compressive strength of the set cements increased with the filler addition and the highest value (~more » 48 MPa) exhibited the 50CSP/B cement composite. The final setting times of the composite cements decreased with the CSPH addition from about 25 to 17 min in 50CSHP/B and setting time of CSP/B composites was around 30 min. The higher content of silica in cements caused the precipitation of fine hydroxyapatite particles in the form of nanoneedles or thin plates perpendicularly oriented to sample surface. The analysis of in vitro cement cytotoxicity demonstrated the strong reduction in cytotoxicity of 10CSPH/B composite with time of cultivation (a low cytotoxicity after 9 days of culture) contrary to cements with higher calcium silicate-phosphate content. These results were attributed to the different surface topography of composite substrates and possible stimulation of cell proliferation by the slow continuously release of ions from 10CSPH/B cement. - Highlights: • Ca/P ratio and solubility of calcium silicate-phosphate components affect the self-setting properties of cements. • Strong relationship between the composite in vitro cytotoxicity and surface microtopography was demonstrated. • Plate-like morphology of coarser particles allowed cells to better adhere and proliferate as compared with nanoneedles.« less

Assessment of the behavior of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil from the Sarno River Basin through a compositional data analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Matar, Thiombane; Vivo Benedetto, De; Albanese, Stefano; Martín-Fernández, Josep-Antoni; Lima, Annamaria; Doherty, Angela

2017-04-01

The Sarno River Basin (south-west Italy), nestled between the Somma-Vesuvius volcanic complex and the limestone formations of the Campania-Apennine Chain, is one of the most polluted river basins in Europe due to a high rate of industrialization and intensive agriculture. Water from the Sarno River, which is heavily contaminated by the discharge of human and industrial waste, is partially used for irrigation on the agricultural fields surrounding it. We apply compositional data analysis on 319 samples collected during two field campaigns along the river course, and throughout the basin, to determine the level and potential origin (anthropogenic and/or geogenic) of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs). The concentrations of 53 elements determined by ICP-MS, and were subsequently log-transformed. Using a clr-biplot and principal factor analysis, the variability and the correlations between a subset of extracted variables (26 elements) were identified. Using both normalized raw data and clr-transformed coordinates, factor association interpolated maps were generated to better visualize the distribution and potential sources of the PTEs in the Sarno Basin. The underlying geology substrata appear to be associated with raised of levels of Na, K, P, Rb, Ba, V, Co, B, Zr, and Li, due to the presence of pyroclastic rocks from Mt. Somma-Vesuvius. Similarly, elevated Pb, Zn, Cd, and Hg concentrations are most likely related to both geological and anthropogenic sources, the underlying volcanic rocks and contamination from fossil fuel combustion associated with urban centers. Interpolated factors score maps and clr-biplot indicate a clear correlation between Ni and Cr in samples taken along the Sarno River, and Ca and Mg near the Solofra district. After considering nearby anthropogenic sources, the Ni and Cr are PTEs from the Solofra tannery industry, while Ca and Mg correlate to the underlying limestone-rich soils of the area. This study shows the applicability of the compositional data analysis transformations, which relates perfectly relationships and dependencies between elements which can be lost when univariate and classical multivariate analyses are employed on normal data. Keywords: Sarno basin, PTEs, compositional data analysis, centered-log Transformation (clr), Biplot, Factor analysis, ArcGIS

Soil bacterial communities of a calcium-supplemented and a reference watershed at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), New Hampshire, USA.

PubMed

Sridevi, Ganapathi; Minocha, Rakesh; Turlapati, Swathi A; Goldfarb, Katherine C; Brodie, Eoin L; Tisa, Louis S; Minocha, Subhash C

2012-03-01

Soil Ca depletion because of acidic deposition-related soil chemistry changes has led to the decline of forest productivity and carbon sequestration in the northeastern USA. In 1999, acidic watershed (WS) 1 at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), NH, USA was amended with Ca silicate to restore soil Ca pools. In 2006, soil samples were collected from the Ca-amended (WS1) and reference watershed (WS3) for comparison of bacterial community composition between the two watersheds. The sites were about 125 m apart and were known to have similar stream chemistry and tree populations before Ca amendment. Ca-amended soil had higher Ca and P, and lower Al and acidity as compared with the reference soils. Analysis of bacterial populations by PhyloChip revealed that the bacterial community structure in the Ca-amended and the reference soils was significantly different and that the differences were more pronounced in the mineral soils. Overall, the relative abundance of 300 taxa was significantly affected. Numbers of detectable taxa in families such as Acidobacteriaceae, Comamonadaceae, and Pseudomonadaceae were lower in the Ca-amended soils, while Flavobacteriaceae and Geobacteraceae were higher. The other functionally important groups, e.g. ammonia-oxidizing Nitrosomonadaceae, had lower numbers of taxa in the Ca-amended organic soil but higher in the mineral soil. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Substitution effect of Sr2+ by Ca2+ on structure and superconducting properties of Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO6+δ (Bi-2201) ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudjaoui, S.; Amira, A.; Mahamdioua, N.; Altintas, S.; varilci, A.; Terzioglu, C.

2018-02-01

In this work, the effect of Ca2+ iso-valence substitution for Sr2+ on properties of Bi2Sr1.6La0.4CuO6+δ superconductors is presented. Samples series with nominal composition of Bi2Sr1.6-xCaxLa0.4CuO6+δ (x= 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8) are prepared by a solid-state reaction method. When Ca content is increased, the X-ray diffraction technique shows that the cell parameters a and c decrease, while b one is almost constant. The scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that the substitution has no significant effect on the porosity and the grain size of the samples. The physical properties of the samples are studied by the analysis of the magneto-resistivity curves measured under magnetic fields in the range 0-1 T. As Ca is added, the results show that the high temperature transition appears and is pushed up to 94.87 K for x=0.8. The substitution also improves the bulk onset critical transition temperature, the transition width, the residual resistivity, the activation energy of vortices and the irreversibility field. The best results are seen for x=0.4 of Ca content.

The structural and magnetic investigation of ( x) BiFe0.95Co0.05O3: (1- x) La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hongguang; Fu, Dexiang; Wang, Yang; Xie, Liang; Li, Yongtao; Chen, Wei

2017-12-01

The structural and magnetic behaviors are studied in the composites ( x) BiFe0.95Co0.05O3: (1- x) La0.7Ca0.3MnO3. An influence on the lattice parameters and magnetic states of BiFe0.95Co0.05O3 (BFCO) to the La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 (LCMO) are investigated. Although the variation of the relative X-ray intensity of LCMO to BFCO with composition ( x) in XRD patterns and the randomly distributed small nanoparticle of LCMO ( 200 nm) mixed in the large nanoparticle of BFCO ( 900 nm) given by SEM images indicate an almost immiscibility of BFCO and LCMO in composites obtained by solid solution method, an obvious change of lattice parameters indicates their mutual influence on lattice structure. A detail magnetic investigation of the composites shows that the Griffiths phase is increased with increase of composition x due to the incorporation of ferromagnetism of BFCO to the paramagnetic phase of LCMO. An approximate magnetic phase diagram for the composites is established, which would be helpful for understanding the magnetic singularity of the composites with colossal magnetoresistance and multiferroics.

Ca isotope fractionation and Sr/Ca partitioning associated with anhydrite formation at mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems: An experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Syverson, D. D.; Scheuermann, P.; Pester, N. J.; Higgins, J. A.; Seyfried, W. E., Jr.

2016-12-01

The elemental and isotopic mass balance of Ca and Sr between seawater and basalt at mid-ocean ridge (MOR) hydrothermal systems is an integrated reflection of the various physiochemical processes, which induce chemical exchange, in the subseafloor. Specifically, the processes of anhydrite precipitation and recrystallization are recognized to be important controls on governing the Ca and Sr elemental and isotope compositions of high temperature vent fluids, however, few experimental data exist to constrain these geochemical effects. Thus, to better understand the associated Sr/Ca partitioning and Ca isotope fractionation and rate of exchange between anhydrite and dissolved constituents, anhydrite precipitation and recrystallization experiments were performed at 175, 250, and 350°C and 500 bar at chemical conditions indicative of active MOR hydrothermal systems. The experimental data suggest that upon entrainment of seawater into MOR hydrothermal systems, anhydrite will precipitate rapidly and discriminate against the heavy isotopes of Ca (Δ44/40Ca(Anh-Fluid) = -0.68 - -0.25 ‰), whereas Sr/Ca partitioning depends on the saturation state of the evolving hydrothermal fluid with respect to anhydrite at each PTX (KD(Anh-Fluid) = 1.24 - 0.55). Coupling experimental constraints with the temperature gradient inferred for high temperature MOR hydrothermal systems in the oceanic crust, data suggest that the Ca isotope and Sr elemental composition of anhydrite formed near the seafloor will be influenced by disequilibrium effects, while, at higher temperatures further into the oceanic crust, anhydrite will be representative of equilibrium Sr/Ca partitioning and Ca isotope fractionation conditions. These experimental observations are consistent with analyzed Sr/Ca and Ca isotope compositions of anhydrites and vent fluids sampled from modern MOR hydrothermal systems1,2 and can be used to further constrain the geochemical effects of hydrothermal circulation in the oceanic crust throughout Earth's history. 1 Tivey, M. K. Generation of Seafloor Hydrothermal Deposits. Oceanography 20, 50-66 (2007).2 Amini, M. et al. Calcium isotope (δ44/40Ca) fractionation along hydrothermal pathways, Logatchev field (Mid-Atlantic Ridge, 14°45'N). Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 72, 4107-4122 (2008).

Cooling History and Redox State of NWA 8694 Chassignite: Comparison with Chassigny and NWA 2737

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mikouchi, T.; Takenouchi, A.; Zolensky, M. E.

2016-01-01

NWA 8694 is a new chassignite whose constituent minerals are more Fe-rich than those in the other known chassignites (Chassigny and NWA 2737), and may suggest a petrogenetic relationship to nakhlites. In this abstract we report mineralogy of NWA 8694 to infer its cooling rate and redox state, and discuss its thermal and shock history in comparison with other chassignites. NWA 8694 is a cumulate dunite of approximately 2 mm olivine with interstitial pyroxene and feldspar. Olivine is homogeneous (Fo(sub 55-56)), but Ca decreases at the approximately 50-100 micrometer rim (0.25-0.1 wt% CaO). Because the Ca-depleted rim is narrower than those in other chassignites (approximately 50 ?micrometer), NWA 8694 may have cooled slightly faster than the others (approximately 30 C/yr), but would be in the same order. Pyroxenes are low- and high-Ca pyroxenes, both exhibiting sub-micron exsolution textures (0.2-0.3 micrometer wide lamellae with the spacing of 0.8-1.8 micrometers). Although the low-Ca pyroxene host has an orthopyroxene composition (Wo approximately 2), the EBSD analysis suggests a pigeonite structure (P2(sub 1)/c), which is also reported from the Chassigny pyroxene. The size of exsolution texture is a bit smaller, but broadly similar to those in other chassignites, implying a similar fast cooling rate (35-43 C/yr). Feldspars are isotropic (plagioclase: clustered around An25Or10, K-feldspar: approximately An19Or78), suggestive of extensive shock metamorphism, consistent with undulatory extinction of olivine. Feldspar compositions are around the equilibrium isotherm of approximately 800 C. The olivine and chromite compositions give an equilibration temperature of 760-810 C and logfO2 of QFM+/-0.3. The inferred fast cooling rate and high fO2 of NWA 8694 are both similar to those of Chassigny and NWA 2737, and suggest a common formation condition (e.g., thick lava flow or shallow intrusion) under oxidizing condition. The Fe-rich mineral compositions of NWA 8694 may be due to crystallization from more fractionated melt than the other chassignites. The shock degree of NWA 8694 would be similar to Chassigny, but distinct from NWA 2737 with darkened olivine showing more extensive shock.

In Idiopathic Calcium Oxalate Stone Formers, Unattached Stones Show Evidence of Having Originated as Attached Stones on Randall’s Plaque

PubMed Central

Miller, Nicole L.; Williams, James C.; Evan, Andrew P.; Bledsoe, Sharon B.; Coe, Fredric L.; Worcester, Elaine M.; Munch, Larry C.; Handa, Shelly E.; Lingeman, James E.

2009-01-01

Objective To analyze the structure and composition of unattached stones in idiopathic calcium oxalate stone formers (ICSF) and compare them to attached stones from the same cohort in order to investigate whether more than one pathogenic mechanism exists for stone formation in ICSF. Patients and methods ICSF undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureteroscopy for treatment of nephrolithiasis were consented for this study. All accessible renal papillae were endoscopically imaged using a digital endoscope. All stones were removed and determined by the operating surgeon to be attached or unattached to the underlying papilla. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), which provides three-dimensional analysis of entire stones, was used to compare the structure and composition of attached versus unattached stones. Results Of 115 stones collected from 9 patients (12 renal units), only 25 stones were found not to be attached to renal papillae. Of these 25 stones, 4 were lost and 12 showed definite morphological evidence of having been attached to tissue, probably having been knocked off of papillae during access. For the remaining 9 stones, micro-CT analysis revealed at least one internal region of calcium phosphate within each of these unattached calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones. That is, the internal structure of the unattached stones is consistent with their having originated attached to RP, and then having become detached but retained in the kidney, with new layers of CaOx eventually covering the original attachment site. Conclusions Micro CT analysis supports the hypothesis that in ICSF, both attached and unattached stones occur as a result of a common pathogenic mechanism. That is, in this type of stone former, CaOx stones—even those not showing morphology that betrays attachment—all originate attached to interstitial plaque on the renal papilla. PMID:19549258

Synthesis and characterisation of the uranium pyrochlore betafite [(Ca,U)₂(Ti,Nb,Ta)₂O₇].

PubMed

McMaster, Scott A; Ram, Rahul; Charalambous, Fiona; Pownceby, Mark I; Tardio, James; Bhargava, Suresh K

2014-09-15

Betafite of composition [(Ca,U)2(Ti,Nb,Ta)2O7] was prepared via a solid state synthesis route. The synthesis was shown to be sensitive to initial reactant ratios, the atmosphere used (oxidising, neutral, reducing) and time. The optimum conditions for the synthesis of betafite were found to be heating the reactants required at 1150°C for 48 h under an inert gas atmosphere. XRD characterisation revealed that the synthesised betafite contained minor impurities. EPMA analysis of a sectioned surface showed very small regions of Ca-free betafite on grain boundaries as well as minor rutile impurities. Some heterogeneity between the Nb:Ta ratio was observed by quantitative EPMA but was generally within the nomenclature requirements stated for betafite. SEM analysis revealed the synthesised betafite was comprised mostly of hexaoctohedral crystals of ∼ 3 μm in diameter. XPS analysis of the sample showed that the uranium in the synthesised betafite was predominately present in the U(5+) oxidation state. A minor amount of U(6+) was also detected which was possibly due to surface oxidation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The potential of materials analysis by electron rutherford backscattering as illustrated by a case study of mouse bones and related compounds.

PubMed

Vos, Maarten; Tökési, Károly; Benkö, Ilona

2013-06-01

Electron Rutherford backscattering (ERBS) is a new technique that could be developed into a tool for materials analysis. Here we try to establish a methodology for the use of ERBS for materials analysis of more complex samples using bone minerals as a test case. For this purpose, we also studied several reference samples containing Ca: calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) and hydroxyapatite and mouse bone powder. A very good understanding of the spectra of CaCO(3) and hydroxyapatite was obtained. Quantitative interpretation of the bone spectrum is more challenging. A good fit of these spectra is only obtained with the same peak widths as used for the hydroxyapatite sample, if one allows for the presence of impurity atoms with a mass close to that of Na and Mg. Our conclusion is that a meaningful interpretation of spectra of more complex samples in terms of composition is indeed possible, but only if widths of the peaks contributing to the spectra are known. Knowledge of the peak widths can either be developed by the study of reference samples (as was done here) or potentially be derived from theory.

Sintering and crystallization behavior of CaMgSi{sub 2}O{sub 6}-NaFeSi{sub 2}O{sub 6} based glass-ceramics

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

Goel, Ashutosh; Kansal, Ishu; Dipartimento di Ingegneria dei Materiali e dell'Ambiente, Facolta di Ingegneria, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41100 Modena

2009-11-01

We report on the synthesis, sintering, and crystallization behaviors of a glass with a composition corresponding to 90 mol % CaMgSi{sub 2}O{sub 6}-10 mol % NaFeSi{sub 2}O{sub 6}. The investigated glass composition crystallized superficially immediately after casting of the melt and needs a high cooling rate (rapid quenching) in order to produce an amorphous glass. Differential thermal analysis and hot-stage microscopy were employed to investigate the glass forming ability, sintering behavior, relative nucleation rate, and crystallization behavior of the glass composition. The crystalline phase assemblage in the glass-ceramics was studied under nonisothermal heating conditions in the temperature range of 850-950more » deg. C in both air and N{sub 2} atmosphere. X-ray diffraction studies adjoined with the Rietveld-reference intensity ratio method were employed to quantify the amount of crystalline phases, while electron microscopy was used to shed some light on the microstructure of the resultant glass-ceramics. Well sintered glass-ceramics with diopside as the primary crystalline phase were obtained where the amount of diopside varied with the heating conditions.« less

Elemental micro-PIXE mapping of hypersensitive lesions in Lagenaria sphaerica (Cucurbitaceae) resistant to Sphaerotheca fuliginea (powdery mildew)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weiersbye-Witkowski, I. M.; Przybylowicz, W. J.; Straker, C. J.; Mesjasz-Przybylowicz, J.

1997-07-01

Genotypes of the Southern African cucurbit, Lagenaria sphaerica, that are resistant to powdery-mildew ( Sphaerotheca fuliginea) exhibit foliar hypersensitive (HS) lesions on inoculation with this fungal pathogen. Elemental distributions across radially symmetrical HS lesions, surrounding unlesioned leaf tissue and uninoculated leaf tissue, were obtained using the true elemental imaging system (Dynamic Analysis) of the NAC Van de Graaff nuclear microprobe. Raster scans of 3 MeV protons were complemented by simultaneous PIXE and BS point analyses. The composition of cellulose (C 6H 10O 5) was used as constant matrix composition for scans, and the sample thickness was found from BS spectra. Si and elements heavier than Ca contributed to matrix composition within HS lesions and the locally elevated Ca raised the limits of detection for some trace metals of interest. In comparison to uninoculated tissue, inoculated tissue was characterised by higher overall concentrations of all measured elements except Cu. Fully developed, 6 day-old HS lesions and the surrounding tissue could be divided into five zones, centred on the fungal infection site. Each zone was characterized by distinct local elemental distributions (either depletion, or accumulation to potentially phytotoxic levels).

Biogenic Calcium Carbonate with Hierarchical Organic-Inorganic Composite Structure Enhancing the Removal of Pb(II) from Wastewater.

PubMed

Zhou, Xueli; Liu, Weizhen; Zhang, Jian; Wu, Can; Ou, Xinwen; Tian, Chen; Lin, Zhang; Dang, Zhi

2017-10-18

Calcium carbonate from geological sources (geo-CaCO 3 , e.g., calcite, aragonite) is used extensively in removing heavy metals from wastewater through replacement reaction. However, geo-CaCO 3 has an intrinsically compact crystalline structure that results in low efficiency in pollutant removal and thus its use may produce enormous sludge. In this work, biogenic calcium carbonate (bio-CaCO 3 ) derived from oyster shells was used to remove Pb(II) from wastewater and found to significantly outperform geo-CaCO 3 (calcite). The thermodynamics study revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of bio-CaCO 3 for Pb(II) was three times that of geo-CaCO 3 , reaching up to 1667 mg/g. The kinetics study disclosed that the dissolution kinetics and the rate of intraparticle diffusion of bio-CaCO 3 were faster than those of geo-CaCO 3 . Extensive mechanism research through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N 2 adsorption/desorption test and mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that the hierarchical porous organic-inorganic hybrid structure of bio-CaCO 3 expedited the dissolution of CaCO 3 to provide abundant CO 3 2- active sites and facilitated the permeation and diffusion of Pb(II) into the bulk solid phases. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, and the examination of Pb(II) removal ability of bio-CaCO 3 after calcination indicated that the organic functional groups of bio-CaCO 3 also facilitated the immobilization of Pb(II) into CaCO 3 particles, although the major contribution was from the hierarchical porous structure of bio-CaCO 3 .

The composite hydrogels of polyvinyl alcohol-gellan gum-Ca(2+) with improved network structure and mechanical property.

PubMed

Wang, Fei; Wen, Ying; Bai, Tongchun

2016-12-01

The composite hydrogels of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and gellan gum (GG) are of interesting in the biomaterials application. To improve the structure and mechanical property, in this work, Ca(2+) ion was introduced to crosslink the polymer chain, and the PVA-GG-Ca(2+) hydrogel was formed. By analyzing its structure, mechanical properties, swelling and dehydration kinetics, the effect of molecular interaction on hydrogel structure and properties have been observed. Our result indicates that, as GG is added to hydrogel network, the role of Ca(2+) ion is stand out, it reorganizes the network structure, enhances the mechanical properties, and strengthens the electrolytic and hydrogen bonding interactions in PVA-GG-Ca(2+) hydrogels. These observations will benefit the development of hydrogels in biomaterials application. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Bacterial cellulose-based sheet-like carbon aerogels for the in situ growth of nickel sulfide as high performance electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitors.

PubMed

Zuo, Lizeng; Fan, Wei; Zhang, Youfang; Huang, Yunpeng; Gao, Wei; Liu, Tianxi

2017-03-30

Electroactive materials, such as nickel sulfide (NiS), with high theoretical capacities have attracted broad interest to fabricate highly efficient supercapacitors. Preventing aggregation and increasing the conductivity of NiS particles are key challenging tasks to fully achieve excellent electrochemical properties of NiS. One effective approach to solve these problems is to combine NiS with highly porous and conductive carbon materials such as carbon aerogels. In this study, a green and facile method for the in situ growth of NiS particles on bacterial cellulose (BC)-derived sheet-like carbon aerogels (CAs) has been reported. CA prepared by the dissolution-gelation-carbonization process was used as a framework to construct NiS/CA composite aerogels with NiS uniformly decorated on the pore walls of CA. It was found that the NiS/CA composite aerogel electrodes exhibit excellent capacitive performance with high specific capacitance (1606 F g -1 ), good rate capacitance retention (69% at 10 A g -1 ), and enhanced cycling stability (91.2% retention after 10 000 continuous cyclic voltammetry cycles at 100 mV s -1 ). Furthermore, asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) were constructed utilizing NiS/CA composite and CA as the positive and negative electrode materials, respectively. Through the synergistic effect of three-dimensional porous structures and conductive networks derived from CA and the high capacitive performance offered by NiS, the ASC device exhibited an energy density of ∼21.5 Wh kg -1 and a power density of 700 W kg -1 at the working voltage of 1.4 V in 2 M KOH aqueous solution. The ASC device also showed excellent long-term cycle stability with ∼87.1% specific capacitance retention after 10 000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry scans. Therefore, the NiS/CA composite shows great potential as a promising alternative to high-performance electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Bioactivity evaluation of titanium/hydroxyapatite composite coating on stainless steel prepared by thermal spraying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azhar, Nurul Humaira; Talari, Mahesh Kumar; Koong, Chue Keen

2015-08-01

In this study, titanium powder mixed with different wt % of HA was coated on stainless steel (SS) substrate using high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) technique to produce composite coating for biomedical applications. As the addition of HA is expected to influence the bioactivity of the coatings, these coatings were investigated for bioactivity by immersing the samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 14 days. The apatite growth rate was evaluated by measuring Ca and P concentration in the SBF using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The concentrations of Ca and P have decreased over time in the SBF, suggesting a bone like apatite precipitation on the sample surface. It was observed that pH value increased with the increase of immersion time during initial three days and a subsequent drop after 7 days. Microstructure analysis done using FESEM technique showed nucleation and growth of bone-like apatite on the surface of the coating.

Nonstoichiometric fluorides—Solid electrolytes for electrochemical devices: A review

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorokin, N. I.; Sobolev, B. P.

2007-09-01

The solid electrolytes with fluorine-ion conductivity that were revealed during the analysis of the phase diagrams of the MF m - RF n systems within the program of search for new multicomponent fluoride crystalline materials carried out at the Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Russian Academy of Sciences, are described. The most widespread and promising materials are the nonstoichiometric phases with fluorite (CaF2) and tysonite (LaF3) structures, which are formed in the MF2- RF3 systems ( M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd, or Pb; R = Sc, Y, or La-Lu). These phases have superionic fluorine conductivity due to the anion sublattice disorder. The ionic conductivity of crystals of both structure types has been studied and the limits of its change with composition and temperature are determined. Nonstoichiometric fluorides are used as solid electrolytes in chemical sensors, fluorine sources, and batteries. The prospects of the use of fluorine-ion conductors in solid-state electrochemical devices, principles of their operation, and the problems of optimization of their composition are discussed.

One-Pot Enzymatic Production of Lignin-Composites.

PubMed

Ion, Sabina; Opris, Cristina; Cojocaru, Bogdan; Tudorache, Madalina; Zgura, Irina; Galca, Aurelian C; Bodescu, Adina M; Enache, Madalin; Maria, Gabriel-Mihai; Parvulescu, Vasile I

2018-01-01

A novel and efficient one-pot system for green production of artificial lignin bio-composites has been developed. Monolignols such as sinapyl (SA) and coniferyl (CA) alcohols were linked together with caffeic acid (CafAc) affording a polymeric network similar with natural lignin. The interaction of the dissolved SA/CA with CafAc already bound on a solid support (S C2 /S C6 -CafAc) allowed the attachment of the polymeric product direct on the support surface (S C2 /S C6 -CafAc-L 1 and S C2 /S C6 -CafAc-L 2 , from CA and SA, respectively). Accordingly, this procedure offers the advantage of a simultaneous polymer production and deposition. Chemically, oxi-copolymerization of phenolic derivatives (SA/CA and CAfAc) was performed with H 2 O 2 as oxidation reagent using peroxidase enzyme (2-1B mutant of versatile peroxidase from Pleurotus eryngii ) as catalyst. The system performance reached a maximum of conversion for SA and CA of 71.1 and 49.8%, respectively. The conversion is affected by the system polarity as resulted from the addition of a co-solvent (e.g., MeOH, EtOH, or THF). The chemical structure, morphology, and properties of the bio-composites surface were investigated using different techniques, e.g., FTIR, TPD-NH 3 , TGA, contact angle, and SEM. Thus, it was demonstrated that the SA monolignol favored bio-composites with a dense polymeric surface, high acidity, and low hydrophobicity, while CA allowed the production of thinner polymeric layers with high hydrophobicity.

Incorporating benthic community changes into hydrochemical-based projections of coral reef calcium carbonate production under ocean acidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Emily C.; Hamylton, Sarah M.; Phinn, Stuart R.

2016-06-01

The existence of coral reefs is dependent on the production and maintenance of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) framework that is produced through calcification. The net production of CaCO3 will likely decline in the future, from both declining net calcification rates (decreasing calcification and increasing dissolution) and shifts in benthic community composition from calcifying organisms to non-calcifying organisms. Here, we present a framework for hydrochemical studies that allows both declining net calcification rates and changes in benthic community composition to be incorporated into projections of coral reef CaCO3 production. The framework involves upscaling net calcification rates for each benthic community type using mapped proportional cover of the benthic communities. This upscaling process was applied to the reef flats at One Tree and Lady Elliot reefs (Great Barrier Reef) and Shiraho Reef (Okinawa), and compared to existing data. Future CaCO3 budgets were projected for Lady Elliot Reef, predicting a decline of 53 % from the present value by end-century (800 ppm CO2) without any changes to benthic community composition. A further 5.7 % decline in net CaCO3 production is expected for each 10 % decline in calcifier cover, and net dissolution is predicted by end-century if calcifier cover drops below 18 % of the present extent. These results show the combined negative effect of both declining net calcification rates and changing benthic community composition on reefs and the importance of considering both processes for determining future reef CaCO3 production.

Quercetagetin-Loaded Zein-Propylene Glycol Alginate Ternary Composite Particles Induced by Calcium Ions: Structure Characterization and Formation Mechanism.

PubMed

Sun, Cuixia; Wei, Yang; Li, Ruirui; Dai, Lei; Gao, Yanxiang

2017-05-17

The complexation of zein and propylene glycol alginate (PGA) was confirmed to improve the entrapment efficiency and loading capacity of quercetagetin (Q) in our previous study. The present work focused on the influence and induction mechanism of calcium ions on structures of Q-loaded zein-PGA ternary composite particles. The incorporation of Ca 2+ resulted in the formation of aggregates with a large dimension between zein particles, led to obvious conformational, secondary, and tertiary structural changes of zein, and caused the disappearance of crystalline structure of zein. PGA exhibited a fine filamentous network structure and became much thicker and stronger in the presence of Ca 2+ . The presence of Q promoted the affinity and binding capacity of Ca 2+ to zein and PGA. An interwoven network structure with enhanced firmness and density was observed in Q-loaded zein-PGA composite particles, leading to improved thermal stability. Three potential mechanisms were proposed to explain the structural characteristics induced by Ca 2+ , including particle-particle collision for zein particles, chain-chain association for PGA molecules, and simultaneous cross-linking coupled with aggregating for Q-loaded zein-PGA composite particles.

Investigating the solubility and cytocompatibility of CaO-Na2 O-SiO2 /TiO2 bioactive glasses.

PubMed

Wren, Anthony W; Coughlan, Aisling; Smith, Courtney M; Hudson, Sarah P; Laffir, Fathima R; Towler, Mark R

2015-02-01

This study aims to investigate the solubility of a series of titanium (TiO2 )-containing bioactive glasses and their subsequent effect on cell viability. Five glasses were synthesized in the composition range SiO2 -Na2 O-CaO with 5 mol % of increments TiO2 substituted for SiO2 . Glass solubility was investigated with respect to (1) exposed surface area, (2) particle size, (3) incubation time, and (4) compositional effects. Ion release profiles showed that sodium (Na(+) ) presented high release rates after 1 day and were unchanged between 7 and 14 days. Calcium (Ca(2+) ) release presented a significant change at each time period and was also composition dependent, where a reduction in Ca(2+) release is observed with an increase in TiO2 concentration. Silica (Si(4+) ) release did not present any clear trends while no titanium (Ti(4+) ) was released. Cell numbers were found to increase up to 44%, compared to the growing control population, with a reduction in particle size and with the inclusion of TiO2 in the glass composition. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Composition of fatty acids in virgin olive oils from cross breeding segregating populations by gas chromatography separation with flame ionization detection.

PubMed

Sánchez de Medina, Verónica; El Riachy, Milad; Priego-Capote, Feliciano; Luque de Castro, María Dolores

2015-11-01

Recent technological advances to improve the quality of virgin olive oil (VOO) have been focused on olive breeding programs by selecting outstanding cultivars and target progenies. Fatty acid (FA) composition, with special emphasis on oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0), is one of the most critical quality factors to be evaluated in VOO. For this reason, the profile of FAs is frequently used as a decision tool in olive breeding programs. A method based on gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) was used to study the influence of genotype on the concentration of ten of the most important FAs in VOOs from target crosses Arbequina × Arbosana, Picual × Koroneiki and Sikitita × Arbosana and their corresponding genitors Arbequina, Arbosana, Koroneiki, Picual and Sikitita. For this purpose, a targeted approach was selected for determination of esterified FAs (EFAs) and non-esterified FAs (NEFAs) in a dual analysis by the same chromatographic method. A Pearson analysis revealed correlations between pairs of FAs, which allowed detecting metabolic connections through desaturation and elongation enzymes. An ANOVA test (with P < 0.01) led to identification of C16:0 EFA, C16:1 EFA and C18:1 EFA and also C16:1 NEFA and C18:0 NEFA as the FAs more influenced by cross breeding. Statistical analysis was carried out by unsupervised analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) to look for variability sources. Crosses with a common genitor (Arbequina × Arbosana and Sikitita × Arbosana) were partially overlapped in the PCAs using the profile of FAs. The CA results revealed clear differences between Sikitita × Arbosana and Picual × Koroneiki crosses in the composition of the most significant FAs, while Arbequina × Arbosana was not properly discriminated from the other crosses. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficiency of several leaching reagents on removal of Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn from highly contaminated paddy soil.

PubMed

Gao, Ruili; Zhu, Pengfei; Guo, Guangguang; Hu, Hongqing; Zhu, Jun; Fu, Qingling

2016-11-01

The efficiency of five different single leaching reagents (tartaric acid (TA), citric acid (CA), CaCl 2 , FeCl 3 , EDTA) and two different composite leaching reagents (CA + FeCl 3 , CA + EDTA) on removing Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd from contaminated paddy soil in Hunan Province (in China) was studied. The results indicated that the efficiencies of CA, FeCl 3 , and EDTA on extracting Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn from soil were greater than that of TA and CaCl 2 , and their extraction efficiencies were EDTA ≥ FeCl 3 > CA. The efficiencies of CA + FeCl 3 on extracting Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn were higher than that of single CA or FeCl 3 . The 25 mmol L -1 CA + 20 mmol L -1 FeCl 3 was a promising composite leaching reagent for paddy soil, and it could remove Cu (57.6 %), Pb (59.3 %), Cd (84.8 %), and Zn (28.0 %), respectively. With the same amount of leaching reagent, the efficiency of continuous leaching by several times was higher than that by once. In addition, the easily reducible and oxidizable fractions of heavy metals showed significant decrease during the process of leaching.

Surface modification of calcium hydroxyapatite by grafting of etidronic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Othmani, Masseoud; Aissa, Abdallah; Bac, Christophe Goze; Rachdi, Férid; Debbabi, Mongi

2013-06-01

The surface of prepared calcium hydroxyapatite CaHAp has been modified by grafting the etidronic acid (ETD). For that purpose, CaHAp powders have been suspended in an aqueous etidronate solution with different concentrations. The obtained composites CaHAp-(ETD) were characterized by TEM and AFM techniques to determinate morphological properties and were also characterized by XRD, IR, NMR and chemical and thermal analysis to determinate their physico-chemical properties and essentially the nature of the interaction between the inorganic support and the grafted organic ETD. After reaction with ETD, XRD powder analysis shows that the apatitic structure remains unchanged with slight affectation of its crystallinity. The presence of etidronate fragment bounded to hydroxyapatite was confirmed by IR and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. TEM and AFM techniques indicate that the presence of etidronate changes the morphology of the particles. Basing on the obtained results, a reactional mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of covalent Casbnd Osbnd Porg bonds on the hydroxyapatite surface between the superficial hydroxyl groups (tbnd Casbnd OH) of the apatite and phosphonate group (Psbnd OH) of etidronate.

Influences of calcium availability and tree species on Ca isotope fractionation in soil and vegetation

USGS Publications Warehouse

Page, B.D.; Bullen, T.D.; Mitchell, M.J.

2008-01-01

The calcium (Ca) isotope system is potentially of great use for understanding biogeochemical processes at multiple scales in forest ecosystems, yet remains largely unexplored for this purpose. In order to further our understanding of Ca behavior in forests, we examined two nearly adjacent hardwood-dominated catchments with differing soil Ca concentrations, developed from crystalline bedrock, to determine the variability of 44Ca/ 40Ca ratios (expressed as ??44Ca) within soil and vegetation pools. For both sugar maple and American beech, the Ca isotope compositions of the measured roots and calculated bulk trees were considerably lighter than those of soil pools at these sites, suggesting that the trees were able to preferentially take up light Ca at the root-soil interface. The Ca isotope compositions of three of four root samples were among the lightest values yet reported for terrestrial materials (??44Ca ???-3.95???). Our results further indicate that Ca isotopes were fractionated along the transpiration streams of both tree species with roots having the least ??44Ca values and leaf litter the greatest. An approximately 2??? difference in ??44Ca values between roots and leaf litter of both tree species suggests a persistent fractionation mechanism along the transpiration stream, likely related to Ca binding in wood tissue coupled with internal ion exchange. Finally, our data indicate that differing tree species demand for Ca and soil Ca concentrations together may influence Ca isotope distribution within the trees. Inter-catchment differences in Ca isotope distributions in soils and trees were minor, indicating that the results of our study may have broad transferability to studies of forest ecosystems in catchments developed on crystalline substrates elsewhere. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

Damage Characterization of Bio and Green Polyethylene-Birch Composites under Creep and Cyclic Testing with Multivariable Acoustic Emissions.

PubMed

Bravo, Alencar; Toubal, Lotfi; Koffi, Demagna; Erchiqui, Fouad

2015-11-02

Despite the knowledge gained in recent years regarding the use of acoustic emissions (AEs) in ecologically friendly, natural fiber-reinforced composites (including certain composites with bio-sourced matrices), there is still a knowledge gap in the understanding of the difference in damage behavior between green and biocomposites. Thus, this article investigates the behavior of two comparable green and biocomposites with tests that better reflect real-life applications, i.e. , load-unloading and creep testing, to determine the evolution of the damage process. Comparing the mechanical results with the AE, it can be concluded that the addition of a coupling agent (CA) markedly reduced the ratio of AE damage to mechanical damage. CA had an extremely beneficial effect on green composites because the Kaiser effect was dominant during cyclic testing. During the creep tests, the use of a CA also avoided the transition to new damaging phases in both composites. The long-term applications of PE green material must be chosen carefully because bio and green composites with similar properties exhibited different damage processes in tests such as cycling and creep that could not be previously understood using only monotonic testing.

Damage Characterization of Bio and Green Polyethylene–Birch Composites under Creep and Cyclic Testing with Multivariable Acoustic Emissions

PubMed Central

Bravo, Alencar; Toubal, Lotfi; Koffi, Demagna; Erchiqui, Fouad

2015-01-01

Despite the knowledge gained in recent years regarding the use of acoustic emissions (AEs) in ecologically friendly, natural fiber-reinforced composites (including certain composites with bio-sourced matrices), there is still a knowledge gap in the understanding of the difference in damage behavior between green and biocomposites. Thus, this article investigates the behavior of two comparable green and biocomposites with tests that better reflect real-life applications, i.e., load-unloading and creep testing, to determine the evolution of the damage process. Comparing the mechanical results with the AE, it can be concluded that the addition of a coupling agent (CA) markedly reduced the ratio of AE damage to mechanical damage. CA had an extremely beneficial effect on green composites because the Kaiser effect was dominant during cyclic testing. During the creep tests, the use of a CA also avoided the transition to new damaging phases in both composites. The long-term applications of PE green material must be chosen carefully because bio and green composites with similar properties exhibited different damage processes in tests such as cycling and creep that could not be previously understood using only monotonic testing. PMID:28793640

Calcium phosphate coated Keratin-PCL scaffolds for potential bone tissue regeneration.

PubMed

Zhao, Xinxin; Lui, Yuan Siang; Choo, Caleb Kai Chuen; Sow, Wan Ting; Huang, Charlotte Liwen; Ng, Kee Woei; Tan, Lay Poh; Loo, Joachim Say Chye

2015-04-01

The incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles within or on the surface of electrospun polymeric scaffolds is a popular approach for bone tissue engineering. However, the fabrication of osteoconductive composite scaffolds via benign processing conditions still remains a major challenge to date. In this work, a new method was developed to achieve a uniform coating of calcium phosphate (CaP) onto electrospun keratin-polycaprolactone composites (Keratin-PCL). Keratin within PCL was crosslinked to decrease its solubility, before coating of CaP. A homogeneous coating was achieved within a short time frame (~10min) by immersing the scaffolds into Ca(2+) and (PO4)(3-) solutions separately. Results showed that the incorporation of keratin into PCL scaffolds not only provided nucleation sites for Ca(2+) adsorption and subsequent homogeneous CaP surface deposition, but also facilitated cell-matrix interactions. An improvement in the mechanical strength of the resultant composite scaffold, as compared to other conventional coating methods, was also observed. This approach of developing a biocompatible bone tissue engineering scaffold would be adopted for further in vitro osteogenic differentiation studies in the future. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystallization Behavior of the CaO-Al2O3-MgO System Studied with a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Sung Suk; Sohn, Il

2012-12-01

The crystallization behavior of a calcium-aluminate system with various MgO content from 2.5 to 7.5 wt pct and CaO/Al2O3 ratios between 0.8 and 1.2 has been examined using a confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). CCT (continuous cooling transformation) and time temperature transformation (TTT) diagrams were constructed to identify the primary crystal phase of slag at different compositions and at cooling rates between 25 and 800 K/minutes. In the slag at a CaO/Al2O3 ratio of 1.0, crystallization temperature increased during isothermal and continuous cooling with higher MgO content, and the shortest incubation time was observed at 5 wt pct MgO. When MgO content was fixed to be 5 wt pct, crystallization temperature increased with lower CaO/Al2O3 ratio. According to the slag composition, cooling rates and temperature, the primary phase could be CA, or C5A3, or C3A, or C3MA2, or MgO, and the crystal morphology changes from dendrites to faceted crystals to columnar crystals in this composition range.

Pb solubility of the high-temperature superconducting phase Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(10+d)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaesche, Stefanie; Majewski, Peter; Aldinger, Fritz

1995-01-01

For the nominal composition of Bi(2.27-x)Pb(x)Sr2 Ca2 Cu3 O(10+d) lead content was varied from x = 0.05 to 0.45. The compositions were examined between 830 and 890 C which is supposed to be the temperature range over which the so-called 2223 phase (Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(10+d)) is stable. Only compositions between x = 0.18 to 0.36 could be synthesized in a single phase state. For x is greater than 0.36 a lead containing phase with a stoichiometry of Pb4(Sr,Ca)5CuO(d) is formed, for x is less than 0.18 mainly Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(10+d) and cuprates are the equilibrium phases. The temperature range for the 2223 phase was found to be 830 to 890 C but the 2223 phase has extremely varying cation ratios over this temperature range. Former single phase 2223 samples turn to multi phase samples when annealed at slightly higher or lower temperatures. A decrease in the Pb solubility with increasing temperature was found for the 2223 phase.

Investigation on microstructure characterization and property of rapidly solidified Mg-Zn-Ca-Ce-La alloys

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

Zhou Tao, E-mail: tzhou1118@163.com; Chen Zhenhua, E-mail: chenzhenhua45@hotmail.com; Yang Mingbo, E-mail: yangmingbo@cqit.edu.cn

2012-01-15

Rapidly solidified (RS) Mg-Zn-Ca-Ce-La (wt.%) alloys have been produced via atomizing the alloy melt and subsequent splat-quenching on the water-cooled copper twin-rollers in the form of flakes. Microstructure characterization, phase compositions and thermal stability of the alloys have been systematically investigated. The results showed that with addition of RE (Ce and La) to the Mg-6Zn-5Ca alloy, the stable intermetallic compounds i.e. the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub y}RE{sub z} phase with a few Ca (about 3 at.%), shortened as the T Prime phase, were formed at the expense of the binary Mg-Zn and Ca{sub 2}Mg{sub 6}Zn{sub 3} phases, which was possibly beneficial tomore » the enhanced thermal stability of the alloy. In the Mg-6Zn-5Ca-3Ce-0.5La alloy, the composition of the T Prime phase in the grain interior was different from that at the grain boundaries, in which the segregation of the La elements was found, and the atomic percentage ratio of Zn to Ce in the T Prime phase within the grains was close to 2. Moreover, the stable Mg{sub 2}Ca phases were detected around the T Prime phases at the grain boundaries in the alloy. - Research Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The phase constitution of RS Mg-6Zn-5Ca alloy can be improved by RE additions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer In the Mg-Zn-Ca-Ce-La alloys, the Mg{sub x}Zn{sub y}RE{sub z} phase with a few Ca (T Prime phase) is formed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The formation of the T Prime phase leads to the loss of the Mg-Zn and Ca{sub 2}Mg{sub 6}Zn{sub 3} phases. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The composition of the T Prime phase differs from the grain interior to the grain boundary.« less

Compositional variation in minerals of the chevkinite group

USGS Publications Warehouse

Macdonald, R.; Belkin, H.E.

2002-01-01

The composition of chevkinite and perrierite, the most common members of the chevkinite group, is closely expressed by the formula A4BC2D2Si4O22, where A = (La,Ce,Ca,Sr,Th), B = Fe2+, C = (Fe2+,Fe3+,Ti,Al,Zr,Nb) and D = Ti. The A site is dominated by a strong negative correlation between (Ca+Sr) and the REE. Chondrite-normalized REE patterns are very variable, e.g. in LREE/HREE and Eu/Eu*. The C site is dominated by Ti, Al and Fe2+, in very variable proportions. Most chevkinites and perrierites are close to stoichiometric, with cation sums between 12.9 and 13.5, compared to the theoretical 13. There is no single, generally applicable charge balancing substitution scheme in the group; however, the general relationship (Ca+Sr)A + TiC + REEA + M3C+2+ defines a linear array with r2 = 0.91. Chevkinite and perrierite are shown to be compositionally distinct on the basis of CaO, FeO* Al2O3 and Ce2O3 abundances. Chevkinite forms mainly in chemically evolved parageneses, such as syenites, rhyolites and fenites associated with carbonatite complexes. Perrierite is more commonly recorded from igneous rocks of mafic to intermediate composition. The compositional characteristics and possible structural formulae of other members of the chevkinite group are reviewed briefly.

Structure, stability, and thermomechanical properties of Ca-substituted Pr2NiO4 + δ

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pikalova, E. Yu.; Medvedev, D. A.; Khasanov, A. F.

2017-04-01

Ca-substituted layered nickelates with a general Pr2- x Ca x NiO4 + δ composition ( x = 0-0.7, Δ x = 0.1) were prepared in the present work and their structural and physic-chemical properties were investigated in order to select the most optimal materials, which can be used as cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells. With an increase in Ca content in Pr2- x Ca x NiO4 + δ the following tendencies were observed: (i) a decrease in the concentration of nonstoichiometric oxygen (δ), (ii) a decrease in the unit cell parameters and volume, (iii) stabilization of the tetragonal structure, (iv) a decrease of the thermal expansion coefficients, and (v) enchancement of thermodynamic stability and compatibility with selected oxygen- and proton-conducting electrolytes. The Pr1.9Ca0.1NiO4 + δ material, having highest δ value, departs from the general "properties-composition" dependences ascertained. This indicates that oxygen non-stoichiometry has determining influence on the functional properties of layered nickelates.

Development of nanocomposites based on hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate: Synthesis and characterisation

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

Rajkumar, M.; Meenakshisundaram, N.; Rajendran, V., E-mail: veerajendran@gmail.com

2011-05-15

In this study, a novel method was used to produce a nanostructured composite consisting of hydroxyapatite and sodium alginate by varying the composition of sodium alginate. The structure, morphology, simulated body fluid response and mechanical properties of the synthesised nanocomposites were characterised. From X-ray diffraction analysis, an increase in crystallite size and degree of crystallinity with an increase in the composition of sodium alginate up to 1.5 wt.% was observed. Further, it was found to decrease with an increase in the composition of sodium alginate. A notable peak shift from 1635 to 1607 cm{sup -1} and 1456 to 1418 cm{supmore » -1} in the Fourier transform infrared spectra of the nanocomposite was observed towards the lower wave number side when compared with pure hydroxyapatite. It reveals a strong interaction between the positively charged calcium (Ca{sup 2+}) and the negatively charged carboxyl group (COO{sup -}) in sodium alginate. Transmission electron microscopy images of pure hydroxyapatite showed a short nanorod-like morphology with an average particle size of 13 nm. Bioresorbability of the samples was observed by immersing them in simulated body fluid medium for 14 days to evaluate the changes in pH and Ca{sup 2+} ion strength. Microhardness shows an increasing trend with an increase in the composition of sodium alginate from 1.5 to 3.0 wt.%, which is similar to that in the density. - Research Highlights: {yields} We have prepared nanohydroxyapatite/sodium alginate as a composite. {yields} Effect of sodium alginate on the properties of nanohydrroxyapatite has been studied. {yields} The sodium alginate ranges from 0 to 3.75 wt.% has been used. {yields} Composites show improved biological and mechanical properties.« less

Calcium isotopic fractionation in mantle peridotites by melting and metasomatism and Ca isotope composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Jin-Ting; Ionov, Dmitri A.; Liu, Fang; Zhang, Chen-Lei; Golovin, Alexander V.; Qin, Li-Ping; Zhang, Zhao-Feng; Huang, Fang

2017-09-01

To better constrain the Ca isotopic composition of the Bulk Silicate Earth (BSE) and explore the Ca isotope fractionation in the mantle, we determined the Ca isotopic composition of 28 peridotite xenoliths from Mongolia, southern Siberia and the Siberian craton. The samples are divided in three chemical groups: (1) fertile, unmetasomatized lherzolites (3.7-4.7 wt.% Al2O3); (2) moderately melt-depleted peridotites (1.3-3.0 wt.% Al2O3) with no or very limited metasomatism (LREE-depleted cpx); (3) strongly metasomatized peridotites (LREE-enriched cpx and bulk rock) further divided in subgroups 3a (harzburgites, 0.1-1.0% Al2O3) and 3b (fertile lherzolites, 3.9-4.3% Al2O3). In Group 1, δ44/40Ca of fertile spinel and garnet peridotites, which experienced little or no melting and metasomatism, show a limited variation from 0.90 to 0.99‰ (relative to SRM 915a) and an average of 0.94 ± 0.05‰ (2SD, n = 14), which defines the Ca isotopic composition of the BSE. In Group 2, the δ44/40Ca is the highest for three rocks with the lowest Al2O3, i.e. the greatest melt extraction degrees (average 1.06 ± 0.04 ‰, i.e. ∼0.1‰ heavier than the BSE estimate). Simple modeling of modal melting shows that partial melting of the BSE with 103 ln ⁡αperidotite-melt ranging from 0.10 to 0.25 can explain the Group 2 data. By contrast, δ44/40Ca in eight out of nine metasomatized Group 3 peridotites are lower than the BSE estimate. The Group 3a harzburgites show the greatest δ44/40Ca variation range (0.25-0.96‰), with δ44/40Ca positively correlated with CaO and negatively correlated with Ce/Eu. Chemical evidence suggests that the residual, melt-depleted, low-Ca protoliths of the Group 3a harzburgites were metasomatized, likely by carbonate-rich melts/fluids. We argue that such fluids may have low (≤0.25‰) δ44/40Ca either because they contain recycled crustal components or because Ca isotopes, similar to trace elements and their ratios, may be fractionated by kinetic and/or chromatographic effects of melt percolation in the mantle. The δ44/40Ca in Group 3b lherzolites (0.83-0.89‰) are lower than in the BSE as well, but the effects of metasomatism on δ44/40Ca are smaller, possibly because of the high Ca contents in their protoliths and/or smaller δ44/40Ca differences between the protoliths and metasomatic agents. The BSE estimates based on fertile peridotites in this study fall in the δ44/40Ca ranges for oceanic and continental basalts, various meteorites (achondrites; carbonaceous, ordinary and enstatite chondrites), Mars, and the Moon. These results provide benchmarks for the application of Ca isotopes to planet formation, mantle evolution, and crustal recycling.

Alteration layer formation of Ca- and Zn-oxide bearing alkali borosilicate glasses for immobilisation of UK high level waste: A vapour hydration study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassingham, N. J.; Corkhill, C. L.; Stennett, M. C.; Hand, R. J.; Hyatt, N. C.

2016-10-01

The UK high level nuclear waste glass modified with CaO/ZnO was investigated using the vapour phase hydration test, performed at 200 °C, with the aim of understanding the impact of the modification on the chemical composition and microstructure of the alteration layer. Experiments were undertaken on non-modified and CaO/ZnO-modified base glass, with or without 25 wt% of simulant Magnox waste calcine. The modification resulted in a dramatic reduction in gel layer thickness and also a reduction in the reaction rate, from 3.4 ± 0.3 g m-2 d-1 without CaO/ZnO modification to 0.9 ± 0.1 g m-2 d-1 with CaO/ZnO. The precipitated phase assemblage for the CaO/ZnO-modified compositions was identified as hydrated Ca- and Zn-bearing silicate phases, which were absent from the non-modified counterpart. These results are in agreement with other recent studies showing the beneficial effects of ZnO additions on glass durability.

Evaluation of the Heshang Cave stalagmite calcium isotope composition as a paleohydrologic proxy by comparison with the instrumental precipitation record.

PubMed

Li, Xiuli; Cui, Xueping; He, Dong; Liao, Jin; Hu, Chaoyong

2018-02-08

With their merits of precise dating and sensitivity to climate changes, laminated stalagmites are an important terrestrial archive for reconstructions of paleohydrological changes. In particular, the Ca isotope composition (δ 44/42 Ca) of the Heshang Cave stalagmite has been documented to record a precipitation decrease during the 8.2 ka event in central China. As an extension, this study directly compares near-annual resolution δ 44/42 Ca data with an instrumental precipitation record to evaluate the fidelity of δ 44/42 Ca as a paleohydrologic proxy on annual to decade timescales. Over the period 1881-2001 AD, the δ 44/42 Ca values correlate significantly with both precipitation from a nearby weather station and the dryness/wetness index in the middle Yangtze River, with a stronger correlation on decadal smoothed data. These results clearly show that the δ 44/42 Ca ratio from stalagmites is an effective proxy for paleohydrological changes on a decadal timescale. More study is encouraged to refine understanding of stalagmite Ca isotope ratios and hydrological conditions and their application in paleohydrologic reconstructions.

A nondestructive analytical method for stone meteorites and a controversial discrepancy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fredriksson, K.; Brenner, P. R.; Fredriksson, B. J.; Olsen, E.

1997-01-01

A method is described for whole rock analyses of major elements in stone meteorites using the electron microprobe and requiring only powdering of the sample, most of which can be retrieved after analysis for additional analytical studies, such as INAA, RNAA and oxygen isotope analysis. Whole individual chondrules of _ 1 milligram can be analyzed. The method is especially attractive for meteorites in short supply, or of great rarity. A total of 398 meteorites were analyzed by this method. The results compare favorably with wet chemical analyses. A study was made of seventeen ordinary chondrites to compare their whole rock (metal free) compositions with the averaged compositions of eleven to thirty-eight of their respective individual chondrules (a total of 374 chondrules). The oxide ratio Al2O3/CaO is generally lower in chondrules than in their respective chondrites, the disparity being larger for petrographic grade 5 than for grade 3. Ordinary chondrites are not simply the sum of their respective chondrules. Furthermore, correlations between CaO, Al2O3 and TiO2 are strong for chondrules in unequilibrated chondrites and nonexistent in equilibrated chondrites. Also H, L and LL chondrite groups have similar bulk compositions within their respective groups, in spite of the different proportions of chondrules, kinds of chondrules, chondrule debris and matrix. All this brings into question the metamorphic classification in which high petrographic grades are the metamorphosed equivalents of low petrographic grades.

Comparing intake estimations based on food composition data with chemical analysis in Malian women.

PubMed

Koréissi-Dembélé, Yara; Doets, Esmee L; Fanou-Fogny, Nadia; Hulshof, Paul Jm; Moretti, Diego; Brouwer, Inge D

2017-06-01

Food composition databases are essential for estimating nutrient intakes in food consumption surveys. The present study aimed to evaluate the Mali food composition database (TACAM) for assessing intakes of energy and selected nutrients at population level. Weighed food records and duplicate portions of all foods consumed during one day were collected. Intakes of energy, protein, fat, available carbohydrates, dietary fibre, Ca, Fe, Zn and vitamin A were assessed by: (i) estimating the nutrient intake from weighed food records based on an adjusted TACAM (a-TACAM); and (ii) chemical analysis of the duplicate portions. Agreement between the two methods was determined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Bland-Altman plots. Bamako, Mali. Apparently healthy non-pregnant, non-lactating women (n 36) aged 15-36 years. Correlation coefficients between estimated and analysed values ranged from 0·38 to 0·61. At population level, mean estimated and analysed nutrient intakes differed significantly for carbohydrates (203·0 v. 243·5 g/d), Fe (9·9 v. 22·8 mg/d) and vitamin A (356 v. 246 µg retinol activity equivalents). At individual level, all estimated and analysed nutrient intakes differed significantly; the differences tended to increase with higher intakes. The a-TACAM is sufficiently acceptable for measuring average intakes of macronutrients, Ca and Zn at population level in low-intake populations, but not for carbohydrate, vitamin A and Fe intakes, and nutrient densities.

Fracture and damage; Winter Annual Meeting of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Anaheim, CA, Nov. 8-13, 1992

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nagar, Arvind (Editor)

1992-01-01

The latest developments in the area of fracture and damage at high temperatures are discussed, in particular: modeling; analysis and experimental techniques for interface damage in composites including the effects of residual stresses and temperatures; and crack growth, inelastic deformation and fracture parameters for isotropic materials. Also included are damage modeling and experiments at elevated temperatures.

Optical properties of YbF3-CaF2 composite thin films deposited by electron-beam evaporation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Songlin; Mi, Gaoyuan; Zhang, Jianfu; Yang, Chongmin

2018-03-01

We studied electron-beam evaporated YbF3-CaF2 composite films on ZnS substrate at different deposition parameters. The optical properties of films have been fitted, the surface roughness have been measured by AFM. The results of experiments indicated that increased the refractive indices, extinction coefficients, and surface roughness at higher deposition rate. The refractive index of composite film deposited by electron-beam evaporation with assisted-ion source was obviously higher than it without assisted-ion source.

Tannic acid assisted synthesis of flake-like hydroxyapatite nanostructures at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vázquez, Maricela Santana; Estevez, O.; Ascencio-Aguirre, F.; Mendoza-Cruz, R.; Bazán-Díaz, L.; Zorrila, C.; Herrera-Becerra, R.

2016-09-01

A simple and non-expensive procedure was performed to synthesize hydroxyapatite (HAp) flake-like nanostructures, by using a co-precipitation method with tannic acid as stabilizing agent at room temperature and freeze drying. Samples were synthesized with two different salts, Ca(NO3)2 and CaCl2. X-ray diffraction analysis, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy characterizations reveal Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 HAp particles with hexagonal structure and P63/m space group in both cases. In addition, the particle size was smaller than 20 nm. The advantage of this method over the works reported to date lies in the ease for obtaining HAp particles with a single morphology (flakes), in high yield. This opens the possibility of expanding the view to the designing of new composite materials based on the HAp synthesized at room temperature.

Application of Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) in Petroleomics: Analysis of Condensed Aromatics Standards, Crude Oil, and Paraffinic Fraction.

PubMed

Tose, Lilian V; Murgu, Michael; Vaz, Boniek G; Romão, Wanderson

2017-11-01

Atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS) is a powerful tool for analysis of solid and liquid samples. It is an excellent alternative for crude oil analysis without any sample preparation step. Here, ASAP-MS in positive ion mode, ASAP(+)-MS, has been optimized for analysis of condensed aromatics (CA) standards, crude oil, and paraffinic fraction samples using a Synapt G2-S HDMS. Initially, two methodologies were used to access the chemical composition of samples: (1) using a temperature gradient varying from 150 to 600 °C at a heating rate of 150 °C min -1 , and (2) with constant temperature of 300 and 400 °C. ASAP(+)-MS ionized many compounds with a typical petroleum profile, showing a greater signals range of m/z 250-1300 and 200-1400 for crude oil and paraffin samples, respectively. Such performance, mainly related to the detection of high molecular weight compounds (>1000 Da), is superior to that of other traditional ionization sources, such as ESI, APCI, DART, and DESI. Additionally, the CA standards were identified in both forms: radicals, [M] +• , and protonated cations, [M + H] + , with minimum fragmentation. Therefore, ASAP was more efficient in accessing the chemical composition of nonpolar and polar compounds. It is promising in its application with ultrahigh resolution MS instruments, such as FT-ICR MS and Orbitrap, since molecular formulas with greater resolution and mass accuracy (<1 ppm) would be assigned. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Application of Atmospheric Solids Analysis Probe Mass Spectrometry (ASAP-MS) in Petroleomics: Analysis of Condensed Aromatics Standards, Crude Oil, and Paraffinic Fraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tose, Lilian V.; Murgu, Michael; Vaz, Boniek G.; Romão, Wanderson

2017-08-01

Atmospheric solids analysis probe mass spectrometry (ASAP-MS) is a powerful tool for analysis of solid and liquid samples. It is an excellent alternative for crude oil analysis without any sample preparation step. Here, ASAP-MS in positive ion mode, ASAP(+)-MS, has been optimized for analysis of condensed aromatics (CA) standards, crude oil, and paraffinic fraction samples using a Synapt G2-S HDMS. Initially, two methodologies were used to access the chemical composition of samples: (1) using a temperature gradient varying from 150 to 600 °C at a heating rate of 150 °C min-1, and (2) with constant temperature of 300 and 400 °C. ASAP(+)-MS ionized many compounds with a typical petroleum profile, showing a greater signals range of m/z 250-1300 and 200-1400 for crude oil and paraffin samples, respectively. Such performance, mainly related to the detection of high molecular weight compounds (>1000 Da), is superior to that of other traditional ionization sources, such as ESI, APCI, DART, and DESI. Additionally, the CA standards were identified in both forms: radicals, [M]+•, and protonated cations, [M + H]+, with minimum fragmentation. Therefore, ASAP was more efficient in accessing the chemical composition of nonpolar and polar compounds. It is promising in its application with ultrahigh resolution MS instruments, such as FT-ICR MS and Orbitrap, since molecular formulas with greater resolution and mass accuracy (<1 ppm) would be assigned. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Dielectric and Piezoelectric Properties of Barium-substituted Sr1.9Ca0.1NaNb5O15 Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Rong-Jun; Akimune, Yoshio; Wang, Ruiping; Hirosaki, Naoto; Nishimura, Toshiyuki

2003-12-01

Highly dense piezoelectric ceramics of tungsten bronze-type (Sr1.9Ca0.1)1-0.5xBaxNaNb5O15 (where x=0.1--0.8) were prepared by spark plasma sintering. The crystallographic parameters, dielectric behaviors and piezoelectric properties of the sintered ceramics were investigated, and the effects of the Ba substitution on these electrical properties were discussed. The structural analysis and the electrical property measurements indicate a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB)-like phenomenon at x=0.4--0.5. In all compositions, a diffuse phase transition and a relaxor behavior are observed. The electrical properties are found to be crystallographically dependent.

Structural, multiferroic, dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of (1-x)Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3-(x)CoFe2O4 lead-free composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negi, N. S.; Kumar, Rakesh; Sharma, Hakikat; Shah, J.; Kotnala, R. K.

2018-06-01

High performance lead-free multiferroic composites with strong magnetoelectric coupling effect are desired to replace lead-based ceramics in multifunctional device applications due to increasing environmental issues. We report crystal structure, ferroelectric, magnetic, dielectric and magnetoelectric properties of (1-x)Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.90Zr0.10O3-(x)CoFe2O4 (BCTZ-CFO) lead-free composites with x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 synthesized by chemical solution method. BCTZ power was synthesized by sol-gel method while CFO was prepared by metallo-organic decomposition (MOD) method. The XRD results confirm successful formation of the BCTZ-CFO composites without presence of any impurity phase. At room temperature, the BCTZ-CFO composites show multiferroic behavior characterized by ferroelectric and ferromagnetic hysteresis curves. The composite having 10 wt% of CFO exhibited maximum polarization, remnant polarization and coercive field of Ps ∼ 5.1 μC/cm2, Pr ∼ 1.4 μC/cm2 and Ec ∼ 11.6 kV/cm respectively. The BCTZ-CFO composite with 90 wt% of CFO incorporation exhibits improved ferromagnetic properties with Ms ∼ 32 emu/g, Mr ∼ 11.7 emu/g and Hc ∼ 504 Oe. Mӧssbauer spectra analysis show two sets of six-line hyperfine patterns for BCTZ-CFO composites, indicating the presence of Fe3+ ions in both A and B sites. Increasing BCTZ content was found to decrease the hyperfine field strength at both sites and is consistent with the decreasing magnetic moment observed for the samples. The maximum dielectric constant value ε‧ ∼ 678 is obtained at 1 MHz for composite with 10 wt% of CFO phase. The results indicate that the BCTZ-CFO composites are potential lead-free room temperature multiferroic systems.

Compressive strength and magnetic properties of calcium silicate-zirconia-iron (III) oxide composite cements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ridzwan, Hendrie Johann Muhamad; Shamsudin, Roslinda; Ismail, Hamisah; Yusof, Mohd Reusmaazran; Hamid, Muhammad Azmi Abdul; Awang, Rozidawati Binti

2018-04-01

In this study, ZrO2 microparticles and γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been added into calcium silicate based cements. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the compressive strength and magnetic properties of the prepared composite cement. Calcium silicate (CAS) powder was prepared by hydrothermal method. SiO2 and CaO obtained from rice husk ash and limestone respectively were autoclaved at 135 °C for 8 h and sintered at 950°C to obtain CAS powder. SiO2:CaO ratio was set at 45:55. CAS/ZrO2 sample were prepared with varying ZrO2 microparticles concentrations by 0-40 wt. %. Compressive strength value of CAS/ZrO2 cements range from 1.44 to 2.44 MPa. CAS/ZrO2/γ-Fe2O3 sample with 40 wt. % ZrO2 were prepared with varying γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles concentrations (1-5 wt. %). The additions of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles showed up to twofold increase in the compressive strength of the cement. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the formation of mixed phases in the produced composite cements. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis revealed that the ferromagnetic behaviour has been observed in CAS/ZrO2/γ-Fe2O3 composite cements.

Remote Raman - laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) geochemical investigation under Venus atmospheric conditions

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

Clegg, Sanuel M; Barefield, James E; Humphries, Seth D

2010-12-13

The extreme Venus surface temperatures ({approx}740 K) and atmospheric pressures ({approx}93 atm) create a challenging environment for surface missions. Scientific investigations capable of Venus geochemical observations must be completed within hours of landing before the lander will be overcome by the harsh atmosphere. A combined remote Raman - LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) instrument is capable of accomplishing the geochemical science goals without the risks associated with collecting samples and bringing them into the lander. Wiens et al. and Sharma et al. demonstrated that both analytical techniques can be integrated into a single instrument capable of planetary missions. The focusmore » of this paper is to explore the capability to probe geologic samples with Raman - LIBS and demonstrate quantitative analysis under Venus surface conditions. Raman and LIBS are highly complementary analytical techniques capable of detecting both the mineralogical and geochemical composition of Venus surface materials. These techniques have the potential to profoundly increase our knowledge of the Venus surface composition, which is currently limited to geochemical data from Soviet Venera and VEGA landers that collectively suggest a surface composition that is primarily tholeiitic basaltic with some potentially more evolved compositions and, in some locations, K-rich trachyandesite. These landers were not equipped to probe the surface mineralogy as can be accomplished with Raman spectroscopy. Based on the observed compositional differences and recognizing the imprecise nature of the existing data, 15 samples were chosen to constitute a Venus-analog suite for this study, including five basalts, two each of andesites, dacites, and sulfates, and single samples of a foidite, trachyandesite, rhyolite, and basaltic trachyandesite under Venus conditions. LIBS data reduction involved generating a partial least squares (PLS) model with a subset of the rock powder standards to quantitatively determine the major elemental abundance of the remaining samples. PLS analysis suggests that the major element compositions can be determined with root mean square errors ca. 5% (absolute) for SiO{sub 2}, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}(total), MgO, and CaO, and ca. 2% or less for TiO{sub 2}, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, MnO, K{sub 2}O, and Na{sub 2}O. Finally, the Raman experiments have been conducted under supercritical CO{sub 2} involving single-mineral and mixed-mineral samples containing talc, olivine, pyroxenes, feldspars, anhydrite, barite, and siderite. The Raman data have shown that the individual minerals can easily be identified individually or in mixtures.« less

Development of routines for simultaneous in situ chemical composition and stable Si isotope ratio analysis by femtosecond laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Frick, Daniel A; Schuessler, Jan A; von Blanckenburg, Friedhelm

2016-09-28

Stable metal (e.g. Li, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mo) and metalloid (B, Si, Ge) isotope ratio systems have emerged as geochemical tracers to fingerprint distinct physicochemical reactions. These systems are relevant to many Earth Science questions. The benefit of in situ microscale analysis using laser ablation (LA) over bulk sample analysis is to use the spatial context of different phases in the solid sample to disclose the processes that govern their chemical and isotopic compositions. However, there is a lack of in situ analytical routines to obtain a samples' stable isotope ratio together with its chemical composition. Here, we evaluate two novel analytical routines for the simultaneous determination of the chemical and Si stable isotope composition (δ(30)Si) on the micrometre scale in geological samples. In both routines, multicollector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) is combined with femtosecond-LA, where stable isotope ratios are corrected for mass bias using standard-sample-bracketing with matrix-independent calibration. The first method is based on laser ablation split stream (LASS), where the laser aerosol is split and introduced simultaneously into both the MC-ICP-MS and a quadrupole ICP-MS. The second method is based on optical emission spectroscopy using direct observation of the MC-ICP-MS plasma (LA-MC-ICP-MS|OES). Both methods are evaluated using international geological reference materials. Accurate and precise Si isotope ratios were obtained with an uncertainty typically better than 0.23‰, 2SD, δ(30)Si. With both methods major element concentrations (e.g., Na, Al, Si, Mg, Ca) can be simultaneously determined. However, LASS-ICP-MS is superior over LA-MC-ICP-MS|OES, which is limited by its lower sensitivity. Moreover, LASS-ICP-MS offers trace element analysis down to the μg g(-1)-range for more than 28 elements due to lower limits of detection, and with typical uncertainties better than 15%. For in situ simultaneous stable isotope measurement and chemical composition analysis LASS-ICP-MS in combination with MC-ICP-MS is the method of choice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of calcium sulfoaluminate formation from tricalcium aluminate, calcium sulfate and calcium oxide

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

Li, Xuerun, E-mail: xuerunli@163.com; Zhang, Yu; Shen, Xiaodong, E-mail: xdshen@njut.edu.cn

The formation kinetics of tricalcium aluminate (C{sub 3}A) and calcium sulfate yielding calcium sulfoaluminate (C{sub 4}A{sub 3}more » $$) and the decomposition kinetics of calcium sulfoaluminate were investigated by sintering a mixture of synthetic C{sub 3}A and gypsum. The quantitative analysis of the phase composition was performed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis using the Rietveld method. The results showed that the formation reaction 3Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6} + CaSO{sub 4} → Ca{sub 4}Al{sub 6}O{sub 12}(SO{sub 4}) + 6CaO was the primary reaction < 1350 °C with and activation energy of 231 ± 42 kJ/mol; while the decomposition reaction 2Ca{sub 4}Al{sub 6}O{sub 12}(SO{sub 4}) + 10CaO → 6Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6} + 2SO{sub 2} ↑ + O{sub 2} ↑ primarily occurred beyond 1350 °C with an activation energy of 792 ± 64 kJ/mol. The optimal formation region for C{sub 4}A{sub 3}$$ was from 1150 °C to 1350 °C and from 6 h to 1 h, which could provide useful information on the formation of C{sub 4}A{sub 3}$ containing clinkers. The Jander diffusion model was feasible for the formation and decomposition of calcium sulfoaluminate. Ca{sup 2+} and SO{sub 4}{sup 2−} were the diffusive species in both the formation and decomposition reactions. -- Highlights: •Formation and decomposition of calcium sulphoaluminate were studied. •Decomposition of calcium sulphoaluminate combined CaO and yielded C{sub 3}A. •Activation energy for formation was 231 ± 42 kJ/mol. •Activation energy for decomposition was 792 ± 64 kJ/mol. •Both the formation and decomposition were controlled by diffusion.« less

Activity-dependent control of NMDA receptor subunit composition at hippocampal mossy fibre synapses.

PubMed

Carta, Mario; Srikumar, Bettadapura N; Gorlewicz, Adam; Rebola, Nelson; Mulle, Christophe

2018-02-15

CA3 pyramidal cells display input-specific differences in the subunit composition of synaptic NMDA receptors (NMDARs). Although at low density, GluN2B contributes significantly to NMDAR-mediated EPSCs at mossy fibre synapses. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of NMDARs triggers a modification in the subunit composition of synaptic NMDARs by insertion of GluN2B. GluN2B subunits are essential for the expression of LTP of NMDARs at mossy fibre synapses. Single neurons express NMDA receptors (NMDARs) with distinct subunit composition and biophysical properties that can be segregated in an input-specific manner. The dynamic control of the heterogeneous distribution of synaptic NMDARs is crucial to control input-dependent synaptic integration and plasticity. In hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells from mice of both sexes, we found that mossy fibre (MF) synapses display a markedly lower proportion of GluN2B-containing NMDARs than associative/commissural synapses. The mechanism involved in such heterogeneous distribution of GluN2B subunits is not known. Here we show that long-term potentiation (LTP) of NMDARs, which is selectively expressed at MF-CA3 pyramidal cell synapses, triggers a modification in the subunit composition of synaptic NMDARs by insertion of GluN2B. This activity-dependent recruitment of GluN2B at mature MF-CA3 pyramidal cell synapses contrasts with the removal of GluN2B subunits at other glutamatergic synapses during development and in response to activity. Furthermore, although expressed at low levels, GluN2B is necessary for the expression of LTP of NMDARs at MF-CA3 pyramidal cell synapses. Altogether, we reveal a previously unknown activity-dependent regulation and function of GluN2B subunits that may contribute to the heterogeneous plasticity induction rules in CA3 pyramidal cells. © 2017 Centre Nationnal de la Recherche Scientifique. The Journal of Physiology © 2017 The Physiological Society.

Analytical Ultracentrifugation Sedimentation Velocity for the Characterization of Detergent-Solubilized Membrane Proteins Ca++-ATPase and ExbB

PubMed Central

Salvay, Andrés G.; Santamaria, Monica; le Maire, Marc

2008-01-01

We have investigated the potential of new methods of analysis of sedimentation velocity (SV) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) for the characterization of detergent-solubilized membrane proteins. We analyze the membrane proteins Ca++-ATPase and ExbB solubilized with DDM (dodecyl-β-d-maltoside). SV is extremely well suited for characterizing sample heterogeneity. DDM micelles (s20w = 3.1 S) and complexes (Ca++-ATPase: s20w = 7.3 S; ExbB: s20w = 4 S) are easily distinguished. Using different detergent and protein concentrations, SV does not detect any evidence of self-association for the two proteins. An estimate of bound detergent of 0.9 g/g for Ca++-ATPase and 1.5 g/g for ExbB is obtained from the combined analysis of SV profiles obtained using absorbance and interference optics. Combining s20w with values of the hydrodynamic radius, Rs = 5.5 nm for Ca++-ATPase or Rs = 3.4 nm for ExbB, allows the determination of buoyant molar masses, Mb. In view of their Mb and composition, Ca++-ATPase and ExbB are monomers in our experimental conditions. We conclude that one of the main advantages of SV versus other techniques is the possibility to ascertain the homogeneity of the samples and to focus on a given complex even in the presence of other impurities or aggregates. The relative rapidity of SV measurements also allows experiments on unstable samples. PMID:19669527

A spectroscopic analysis of Martian crater central peaks: Formation of the ancient crust

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skok, J. R.; Mustard, J. F.; Tornabene, L. L.; Pan, C.; Rogers, D.; Murchie, S. L.

2012-11-01

The earliest formed crust on a single plate planet such as Mars should be preserved, deeply buried under subsequent surface materials. Mars' extensive cratering history would have fractured and disrupted the upper layers of this ancient crust. Large impacts occurring late in Martian geologic history would have excavated and exposed this deeply buried material. We report the compositional analysis of unaltered mafic Martian crater central peaks with high-resolution spectral data that was used to characterize the presence, distribution and composition of mafic mineralogy. Reflectance spectra of mafic outcrops are modeled with the Modified Gaussian Model (MGM) to determine cation composition of olivine and pyroxene mineral deposits. Observations show that central peaks with unaltered mafic units are only observed in four general regions of Mars. Each mafic unit exhibits spectrally unmixed outcrops of olivine or pyroxene, indicating dunite and pyroxenite dominated compositions instead of basaltic composition common throughout much of the planet. Compositional analysis shows a wide range of olivine Fo# ranging from Fo60 to Fo5. This variation is best explained by a high degree of fractionation in a slowly cooling, differentiating magma body. Pyroxene analysis shows that all the sites in the Southern Highlands are consistent with moderately Fe-rich, low-Ca pyroxene. Mineral segregation in the ancient crust could be caused by cumulate crystallization and settling in a large, potentially global, lava lake or near surface plutons driven by a hypothesized early Martian mantle overturn.

Variation in energy sorghum hybrid TX08001 biomass composition and lignin chemistry during development under irrigated and non-irrigated field conditions

PubMed Central

Olson, Sara N.; Ritter, Kimberley B.; Herb, Dustin W.; Karlen, Steven D.; Lu, Fachuang; Ralph, John; Rooney, William L.; Mullet, John E.

2018-01-01

This study was conducted to document the extent and basis of compositional variation of shoot biomass of the energy Sorghum bicolor hybrid TX08001 during development under field conditions. TX08001 is capable of accumulating ~40 Mg/ha of dry biomass under good growing conditions and this genotype allocates ~80% of its shoot biomass to stems. After 150 days of growth TX08001 stems had a fresh/dry weight ratio of ~3:1 and soluble biomass accounted for ~30% of stem biomass. A panel of diverse energy sorghum genotypes varied ~6-fold in the ratio of stem structural to soluble biomass after 150 days of growth. Near-infrared spectroscopic analysis (NIRS) showed that TX08001 leaves accumulated higher levels of protein, water extractives and ash compared to stems, which have higher sugar, cellulose, and lignin contents. TX08001 stem sucrose content varied during development, whereas the composition of TX08001 stem cell walls, which consisted of ~45–49% cellulose, ~27–30% xylan, and ~15–18% lignin, remained constant after 90 days post emergence until the end of the growing season (180 days). TX08001 and Della stem syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) (0.53–0.58) and ferulic acid (FA)/para-coumaric acid (pCA) ratios were similar whereas ratios of pCA/(S+G) differed between these genotypes. Additionally, an analysis of irrigated versus non-irrigated TX08001 revealed that non-irrigated hybrids exhibited a 50% reduction in total cell wall biomass, an ~2-fold increase in stem sugars, and an ~25% increase in water extractives relative to irrigated hybrids. This study provides a baseline of information to help guide further optimization of energy sorghum composition for various end-uses. PMID:29684037

Early cements versus pore-water chemical composition in the subsurface of the sabkha of Abu Dhabi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Andreas; Yuan, Peng; Court, Wesley M.; Lokier, Stephen W.; Dutton, Kirsten E.; Van der Land, Cees; Lessa Andrade, Luiza; Sherry, Angela; Head, Ian M.

2017-04-01

The coastal sabkha of Abu Dhabi is a complex depositional system in an extremely arid climate. This depositional system is marked by the formation of primary carbonate and microbial deposits, and by the development of secondary evaporite and cement phases. A number of earlier studies have assessed the formation of these secondary phases, yet no research has established a relationship between lateral and vertical variations in the chemical composition of pore water and the nature of, in particular, the precipitating pore-filling cements, re-crystallisation features and dissolution. This study aims to establish an understanding of the environmental and sedimentary factors that control early post-depositional changes to sediment composition as a result of sediment - pore water interactions. A particular focus is to characterise changes in the chemistry of the pore water throughout a tidal cycle, aiming at understanding how the influx of 'fresh' lagoonal sea water influences the chemistry of the pore water, and which elements are replenished on a daily basis. The initial data presented here is based upon the relationship between the petrographic analysis of sediment samples and lateral and vertical variations in the chemistry of in-situ sampled pore water. The pore water is characterised with respect to pH, salinity, alkalinity, dissolved organic carbon, and the concentrations of a variety of common metallic and non-metallic elements, including (but not limited to) Ca, Fe, Mg, P, S and Sr. Initial results show that concentrations of Mg, P, and V, and the ratios Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca are highest at the seaward sampling locations. Contrastingly, individual concentrations for Ca, Sr, Fe, Si, and Cu are highest at the most landward locality. In particular the higher concentrations for Ca and Sr might indicate diagenetic processes and are thus enriched as a result of e.g. aragonite dissolution. A striking pattern in Mg concentrations show the highest values for this element within a buried microbial mat. This might point to an enrichment process within this organo-sedimentary layer, that might ultimately contribute to bacterially controlled and/or mediated dolomite formation.

The XRD Amorphous Component in John Klein Drill Fines at Yellowknife Bay, Gale Crater, Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, Richard V.; Ming,, Douglas W.; Blake, David; Vaniman, David; Bish, David L; Chipera, Steve; Downs, Robert; Morrison, Shaunna; Gellert, Ralf; Campbell, Iain;

Synthesis and luminescent properties of CaCO3:Eu3+@SiO2 phosphors with core-shell structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Min; Kang, Ming; Chen, Kexu; Mou, Yongren; Sun, Rong

2018-03-01

Integrating the processes of preparation of CaCO3:Eu3+ and its surface-coating, core-shell structured CaCO3:Eu3+@SiO2 phosphors with red emission were synthesized by the carbonation method and surface precipitation procedure using sodium silicate as silica source. The phase structure, thermal stability, morphology and luminescent property of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrum, thermal analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope and photoluminescence spectra. The experimental results show that Eu3+ ions as the luminescence center are divided into two types: one is at the surface of the CaCO3 and the other inhabits the site of Ca2+. For CaCO3:Eu3+@SiO2 phosphors, the SiO2 layers are continuously coated on the surface of CaCO3:Eu3+ and show a typical core-shell structure. After coated with SiO2 layer, the luminous intensity and the compatibility with the rubber matrix increase greatly. Additionally, the luminous intensity increases with the increasing of Eu3+ ions concentration in CaCO3 core and concentration quenching occurs when Eu3+ ions concentration exceeds 7.0 mol%, while it is 5.0 mol% for CaCO3:Eu3+ phosphors. Therefore, preparation of CaCO3:Eu3+@SiO2 phosphors can not only simplify the experimental process through integrating the preparation of CaCO3:Eu3+ and SiO2 layer, but also effectively increase the luminous intensities of CaCO3:Eu3+ phosphors. The as-obtained phosphors may have potential applications in the fields of optical materials and functional polymer composite materials, such as plastics and rubbers.

Essential-Oil Variability in Natural Populations of Pinus mugo Turra from the Julian Alps.

PubMed

Bojović, Srdjan; Jurc, Maja; Ristić, Mihailo; Popović, Zorica; Matić, Rada; Vidaković, Vera; Stefanović, Milena; Jurc, Dušan

2016-02-01

The composition and variability of the terpenes and their derivatives isolated from the needles of a representative pool of 114 adult trees originating from four natural populations of dwarf mountain pine (Pinus mugo Turra) from the Julian Alps were investigated by GC-FID and GC/MS analyses. In total, 54 of the 57 detected essential-oil components were identified. Among the different compound classes present in the essential oils, the chief constituents belonged to the monoterpenes, comprising an average content of 79.67% of the total oil composition (74.80% of monoterpene hydrocarbons and 4.87% of oxygenated monoterpenes). Sesquiterpenes were present in smaller amounts (average content of 19.02%), out of which 16.39% were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and 2.62% oxygenated sesquiterpenes. The most abundant components in the needle essential oils were the monoterpenes δ-car-3-ene, β-phellandrene, α-pinene, β-myrcene, and β-pinene and the sesquiterpene β-caryophyllene. From the total data set of 57 detected compounds, 40 were selected for principal-component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and cluster analysis (CA). The overlap tendency of the four populations suggested by PCA, was as well observed by DA. CA also demonstrated similarity among the populations, which was the highest between Populations I and II. Copyright © 2016 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.

Influence of marine, terrestrial and anthropogenic sources on ionic and metallic composition of rainwater at a suburban site (northwest coast of Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreda-Piñeiro, Jorge; Alonso-Rodríguez, Elia; Moscoso-Pérez, Carmen; Blanco-Heras, Gustavo; Turnes-Carou, Isabel; López-Mahía, Purificación; Muniategui-Lorenzo, Soledad; Prada-Rodríguez, Darío

2014-05-01

In the present research, the rainwater chemistry of soluble (SF) and non-soluble (NSF) fractions is studied over a one a half year period (from March 2011 to August 2012) at a suburban site (Oleiros, A Coruña, Spain). The monthly rainfall in this region during the studied period ranged from 10 to 137 mm, while the NSF ranged from 0.9 to 54 mg L-1. More rainfall occurs within October-January. Eighteen samples, which provide information pertaining to the monthly variation in chemistry, were analyzed. Trace metals (Al, As, Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) were enclosed in the study of both fractions of the rainwater. Major inorganic ions (Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NH4+) were also enclosed in the study of the SF of the rainwater. After partition coefficients analysis, univariate and principal components analysis (PCA) and air mass back trajectories analysis, three sources were found for the ionic and metal composition of the SF of rainwater; terrestrial (Ca2+, non sea salt SO42-, Al and Fe), marine (Mg2+, Na+, Cl-) and anthropogenic (K+, NH4+, NO3-, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, V and Zn). Results also suggest ubiquitous sources for Ba, Co, Cu, Cr and Ni. One source (terrestrial) was found for NSF of rainwater.

Maturation of bone and dentin matrices in rats flown on the Soviet biosatellite Cosmos 1887

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simmons, D. J.; Grynpas, M. D.; Rosenberg, G. D.

1990-01-01

We have studied the chemistry, hydroxyapatite crystal size, and maturational changes in bone and dentin from rats exposed to microgravity for 12 days in a Soviet biosatellite (Cosmos 1887). Bone ash was reduced in vertebrae (L5) but not in the non-weight-bearing calvaria or mandibles. All tissues had a relatively normal percentage composition of Ca, P, and Mg. Nevertheless, flight rat calvaria and vertebral tissues tended to exhibit lower Ca/P and higher Ca/Mg ratios that any of their weight-matched controls groups, and gradient density analysis (calvaria) indicated a strong shift to the fractions lower specific gravity that was commensurate with impaired rates of matrix-mineral maturation. X-ray diffraction data were confirmatory. Bone hydroxyapatite crystal growth in the mandibles of flight rats was preferentially altered in such a way as to reduce their size (C-axis dimension). But in the mandibular diastemal region devoid of muscle attachments, flight rat bone and dentin were normal with respect to the Ca, P, Mg, and Zn concentrations and Ca/P and Ca/Mg ratios of age-matched controls. These observations affirm the concept that while microgravity most adversely affects the maturation of newly formed matrix and mineral moieties in weight-bearing bone, such effects occur throughout the skeleton.

Effect of ca+2 addition on the properties of ce0.8gd0.2o2-δ for it-sofc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koteswararao, P.; Buchi Suresh, M.; Wani, B. N.; Bhaskara Rao, P. V.; Varalaxmi, P.

2018-03-01

This paper reports the effect of Ca2+ addition on the structural and electrical properties of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ(GDC) electrolyte for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell application. The Ca (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mol %) doped GDC solid electrolytes have been prepared by solid state method. The sintered densities of the samples are greater than 95%. XRD study reveals the cubic fluorite structure. The microstructure of the samples sintered at 1400°C resulted into grain sizes in the range of 1.72 to 10.20 μm. Raman spectra show the presence of GDC single phase. AC impedance analysis is used to measure the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte. Among all the compositions, the highest conductivity is observed in the GDC sample with 0.5 mol% Ca addition. Nyquist plots resulted in multiple redoxation process such as grain and grain boundary conductions to final conductivity. Estimated blocking factor is lower for the GDC electrolyte with 0.5mol% Ca, indicating that Ca addition was promoted grain boundary conduction. Activation energies were calculated from Arrhenius plot and are found in the range of 1eV.

The adsorption of preferential binding peptides to apatite-based materials

PubMed Central

Segvich, Sharon J.; Smith, Hayes C.; Kohn, David H.

2009-01-01

The objective of this work was to identify peptide sequences with high affinity to bone-like mineral (BLM) to provide alternative design methods for functional bone regeneration peptides. Adsorption of preferential binding peptide sequences on four apatite-based substrates [BLM and three sintered apatite disks pressed from powders containing 0% CO32− (HA), 5.6% CO32− (CA5), 10.5% CO32− (CA10)] with varied compositions and morphologies was investigated. A combination of phage display, ELISA, and computational modeling was used to elucidate three 12-mer peptide sequences APWHLSSQYSRT (A), STLPI-PHEFSRE (S), and VTKHLNQISQSY (V), from 243 candidates with preferential adsorption on BLM and HA. Overall, peptides S and V have a significantly higher adsorption to the apatite-based materials in comparison to peptide A (for S vs. A, BLM p = 0.001, CA5 p < 0.001, CA10 p < 0.001, HA p = 0.038; for V vs. A, BLM p = 0.006, CA5 p = 0.033, CA10 p = 0.029). FT-IR analysis displayed carbonate levels in CA5 and CA10 dropped to approximately 1.1–2.2% after sintering, whereas SEM imaging displayed CA5 and CA10 possess distinct morphologies. Adsorption results normalized to surface area indicate that small changes in carbonate percentage at a similar morphological scale did not provide enough carbonate incorporation to show statistical differences in peptide adsorption. Because the identified peptides (S and V) have preferential binding to apatite, their use can now be investigated in bone and dentin tissue engineering, tendon and ligament repair, and enamel formation. PMID:19095299

The calcium isotope evolution of Lake Lisan, the Dead Sea glacial precursor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradbury, H. J.; Turchyn, A. V.; Wong, K.; Torfstein, A.

2016-12-01

Calcium is a stoichiometric component of carbonate minerals whose calcium isotopic composition reflects changes in the calcium isotope composition of the water from which it precipitates as well as the calcium isotope fractionation factor during precipitation. The lacustrine deposits of the last glacial Dead Sea (Lisan Formation) are dominated by carbonate minerals (aragonite) that record the geochemical history of the lake. The sediment sequence comprises alternating laminae of aragonite and clay-rich marls, interspersed with primary gypsum beds and disseminated secondary gypsum crystals. The aragonite precipitated annually during high lake stands associated with wet periods, while the primary gypsum precipitated during low lake conditions (arid periods). We report the calcium isotopic composition (δ44Ca in ‰ relative to bulk silicate earth) of primary aragonite laminae, primary gypsum and secondary gypsum at 1-5kyr resolution throughout the Lisan Formation sampled at the Masada section (70 - 14.5 ka). The δ44Ca of the primary gypsum averages +0.29‰, and displays smaller temporal variations than the aragonite, which averages -0.35‰ but ranges between +0.18‰ and -0.68‰. The aragonite δ44Ca changes temporally in sync with the previously reconstructed lake level suggesting the aragonite δ44Ca reflects changes in the lake calcium balance during lake level changes. The secondary gypsum composition (-0.3‰) corresponds to coeval aragonite samples. For the secondary gypsum to have a similar δ44Ca to the aragonite it is likely that the calcium derived from the aragonite in a near quantitative fashion through recrystallization of the aragonite to gypsum. A numerical box model is used to explore the effect of changing lake water levels on the calcium isotope composition of the aragonite and gypsum over the time interval studied.

Stabilizing nanocellulose-nonionic surfactant composite foams by delayed Ca-induced gelation.

PubMed

Gordeyeva, Korneliya S; Fall, Andreas B; Hall, Stephen; Wicklein, Bernd; Bergström, Lennart

2016-06-15

Aggregation of dispersed rod-like particles like nanocellulose can improve the strength and rigidity of percolated networks but may also have a detrimental effect on the foamability. However, it should be possible to improve the strength of nanocellulose foams by multivalent ion-induced aggregation if the aggregation occurs after the foam has been formed. Lightweight and highly porous foams based on TEMPO-mediated oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were formulated with the addition of a non-ionic surfactant, pluronic P123, and CaCO3 nanoparticles. Foam volume measurements show that addition of the non-ionic surfactant generates wet CNF/P123 foams with a high foamability. Foam bubble size studies show that delayed Ca-induced aggregation of CNF by gluconic acid-triggered dissolution of the CaCO3 nanoparticles significantly improves the long-term stability of the wet composite foams. Drying the Ca-reinforced foam at 60 °C results in a moderate shrinkage and electron microscopy and X-ray tomography studies show that the pores became slightly oblate after drying but the overall microstructure and pore/foam bubble size distribution is preserved after drying. The elastic modulus (0.9-1.4 MPa) of Ca-reinforced composite foams with a density of 9-15 kg/m(3) is significantly higher than commercially available polyurethane foams used for thermal insulation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel cellulose-based halochromic test strips for naked-eye detection of alkaline vapors and analytes.

PubMed

Abou-Yousef, Hussein; Khattab, Tawfik A; Youssef, Yehia A; Al-Balakocy, Naser; Kamel, Samir

2017-08-01

A simple, portable and highly sensitive naked-eye test strip is successfully prepared for optical detection of gaseous and aqueous alkaline analytes. Novel pH-sensory tricyanofuran-hydrazone (TCFH) disperse colorant containing a hydrazone recognition functional moiety is successfully synthesized via azo-coupling reaction between active methyl-containing tricyanofuran (TCF) heterocycle and diazonium salt of 4-aminobenzaldehyde followed by Knoevenagel condensation with malononitrile. UV-vis absorption spectra display solvatochromism and reversible color changes of the TCFH solution in dimethyl sulfoxide in response to pH variations. We investigate the preparation of hydrophobic cellulose/polyethylene terephthalate composites characterized by their high affinity for disperse dyes. Composite films made from CA, Cell/CA, PET/CA, and Cell/PET-CA are produced via solvent-casting procedure using 10-30% modified cellulose or modified polyethylene terephthalate. The mechanical properties and morphologies of these composite films are investigated. The prepared pH-sensory hydrazone-based disperse dye is then applied to dye the produced cellulose-based composite films employing the high temperature pressure dyeing procedure. The produced halochromic PET-CA-TCFH test strip provide an instant visible signal from orange to purple upon exposure to alkaline conditions as proved by the coloration measurements. The sensor strip exhibits high sensitivity and quick detection toward ammonia in both of aqueous and vapor phases by naked-eye observations at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Square-wave stripping voltammetric determination of caffeic acid on electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-Nafion composite film.

PubMed

Filik, Hayati; Çetintaş, Gamze; Avan, Asiye Aslıhan; Aydar, Sevda; Koç, Serkan Naci; Boz, İsmail

2013-11-15

An electrochemical sensor composed of Nafion-graphene nanocomposite film for the voltammetric determination of caffeic acid (CA) was studied. A Nafion graphene oxide-modified glassy carbon electrode was fabricated by a simple drop-casting method and then graphene oxide was electrochemically reduced over the glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical analysis method was based on the adsorption of caffeic acid on Nafion/ER-GO/GCE and then the oxidation of CA during the stripping step. The resulting electrode showed an excellent electrocatalytical response to the oxidation of caffeic acid (CA). The electrochemistry of caffeic acid on Nafion/ER-GO modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were studied by cyclic voltammetry and square-wave adsorption stripping voltammetry (SW-AdSV). At optimized test conditions, the calibration curve for CA showed two linear segments: the first linear segment increased from 0.1 to 1.5 and second linear segment increased up to 10 µM. The detection limit was determined as 9.1×10(-8) mol L(-1) using SW-AdSV. Finally, the proposed method was successfully used to determine CA in white wine samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of lysozyme by alginate/graphene oxide composite beads with enhanced stability and mechanical property.

PubMed

Li, Jiwei; Ma, Jianwei; Chen, Shaojuan; Huang, Yudong; He, Jinmei

2018-08-01

The large-scale applications of lysozyme in the pharmaceutical industry and food industry require more efficient and cost-effective techniques for its separation/purification. In the present study, graphene oxide (GO) was encapsulated into environmentally benign sodium alginate (SA) to prepare a Ca 2+ crosslinked alginate/graphene oxide composite gel beads (Ca-SA/GO) which were then used to adsorb lysozyme from aqueous solutions. Compared with pure Ca 2+ crosslinked alginate gel beads (Ca-SA), the as-prepared Ca-SA/GO has a lower swelling degree, an improved gel stability in salt solutions, and a higher mechanical performance. This can be explained by the uniform distribution of GO sheets in the Ca-SA matrix and the existence of hydrogen bonding and high interfacial adhesion between GO filler and SA matrix demonstrated by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. Batch adsorption experiments found that the lysozyme adsorption capacity of Ca-SA/GO can reach 278.28 mg g -1 and it can be regenerated and reused at least 4 times. Moreover, in column adsorption, the Ca-SA/GO showed excellent dynamic adsorption property. With good stability, adsorption capacity, and regeneration ability, the Ca-SA/GO could be a promising adsorbent for lysozyme from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Synthesis of Nanoscale CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O and Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O Using the Hydrothermal Method and Their Characterization

PubMed Central

Yang, Jingbin; Li, Dongxu; Fang, Yuan

2017-01-01

C-A-S-H (CaO-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O) and N-A-S-H (Na2O-Al2O3-SiO2-H2O) have a wide range of chemical compositions and structures and are difficult to separate from alkali-activated materials. Therefore, it is difficult to analyze their microscopic properties directly. This paper reports research on the synthesis of C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H particles with an average particle size smaller than 300 nm by applying the hydrothermal method. The composition and microstructure of the products with different CaO(Na2O)/SiO2 ratios and curing conditions were characterized using XRD, the RIR method, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results showed that the C-A-S-H system products with a low CaO/SiO2 ratio were mainly amorphous C-A-S-H gels. With an increase in the CaO/SiO2 ratio, an excess of Ca(OH)2 was observed at room temperature, while in a high-temperature reaction system, katoite, C4AcH11, and other crystallized products were observed. The katoite content was related to the curing temperature and the content of Ca(OH)2 and it tended to form at a high-temperature and high-calcium environment, and an increase in the temperature renders the C-A-S-H gels more compact. The main products of the N-A-S-H system at room temperature were amorphous N-A-S-H gels and a small amount of sodalite. An increase in the curing temperature promoted the formation of the crystalline products faujasite and zeolite-P. The crystallization products consisted of only zeolite-P in the high-temperature N-A-S-H system and its content were stable above 70%. An increase in the Na2O/SiO2 ratio resulted in more non-bridging oxygen and the TO4 was more isolated in the N-A-S-H structure. The composition and microstructure of the C-A-S-H and N-A-S-H system products synthesized by the hydrothermal method were closely related to the ratio of the raw materials and the curing conditions. The results of this study increase our understanding of the hydration products of alkali-activated materials. PMID:28773061

Recovery of phosphate and dissolved organic matter from aqueous solution using a novel CaO-MgO hybrid carbon composite and its feasibility in phosphorus recycling.

PubMed

Li, Ronghua; Wang, Jim J; Zhang, Zengqiang; Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar; Du, Dan; Dang, Pengfei; Huang, Qian; Zhang, Yichen; Wang, Lu

2018-06-13

Metal oxide-Carbon composites have been developed tailoring towards specific functionalities for removing pollutants from contaminated environmental systems. In this study, we synthesized a novel CaO-MgO hybrid carbon composite for removal of phosphate and humate by co-pyrolysis of dolomite and sawdust at various temperatures. Increasing of pyrolysis temperature to 900 °C generated a composite rich in carbon, CaO and MgO particles. Phosphate and humate can be removed efficiently by the synthesized composite with the initial solution in the range of pH 3.0-11.0. The phosphate adsorption was best fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model, while the humate adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order and the intra-particle diffusion kinetic models. The maximum adsorption capabilities quantified by the Langmuir isotherm model were up to 207 mg phosphorus (or 621 mg phosphate) and 469 mg humate per one-gram composite used, respectively. Characterization of composites after adsorption revealed the contributions of phosphate crystal deposition and electrostatic attraction on the phosphate uptake and involvement of π - π interaction in the humate adsorption. The prepared composite has great potential for recovering phosphorus from wastewater, and the phosphate sorbed composite can be employed as a promising phosphorus slow-releasing fertilizer for improving plant growth. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ca-Mg Carbonate Cements in Ophiolite-Hosted Creek Waters of the Del Puerto Ophiolite, CA, and their Potential Significance as a Planetary Biosignature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blank, J. G.

2015-12-01

Serpentinization, the reaction at moderate pressure and temperature of water with olivine and pyroxene that are common in basalts and ultramafic rocks, results in the formation of alkaline fluids and the precipitation of a variety of secondary minerals. Terrestrial localities where active serpentinization is occurring are ideal Mars analogs for examining the characteristics of an environment that possesses two of the key features that we assume necessary to host life: water and an internally generated energy source. This study focuses on a related but different feature present where active serpentinization is occurring - namely, carbonate cements forming under plain air in the vicinity of Adobe Springs, CA. This site is located in the Del Puerto ophiolite about 150 km ESE of San Francisco, in the Coast Range of California. Two alkaline spring water compositions have been described at the site, a Ca-OH water (which is not currently being emitted by the active springs), and a Mg-CO3 water. Abundant dolomitic and calcitic carbonate cements are found in the creek drainages near the springs, associated with a diverse microbial community. We conducted a systematic study of the carbonate cements using SEM, EMP, XRD, TEM, and SIMS, focusing on sub-mm variations in texture, mineral chemistry and stable isotope (COH) composition. We compared our measurements with thermodynamic modeling results constrained by chemical analysis of water chemistry from the site and known partition coefficients and stable isotope fractionation factors. The wide range of carbonate compositions and textures observed at the Adobe Springs site suggests that more than one process is involved in their precipitation, including the possibility of microbially mediated dolomite mineralization. These carbonate cements could be a mineralogic biomarker of serpentinization and microbiological processes on Mars and other rocky planets and, therefore, prime targets for future astrobiological investigations.

Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetic Carriers Based on Immobilized Enzyme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, F. H.; Tang, N.; Wang, Y. Q.; Zhang, L.; Du, W.; Xiang, J.; Cheng, P. G.

2018-05-01

Several new types of carriers and technologies have been implemented to improve traditional enzyme immobilization in industrial biotechnology. The magnetic immobilized enzyme is a kind of new method of enzyme immobilization developed in recent years. An external magnetic field can be used to control the motion mode and direction of immobilized enzyme, and to improve the catalytic efficiency of immobilized enzyme. In this paper, Fe3O4-CaCO3-PDA complex and CaCO3/Fe3O4 composite modified by PEI were prepared. The results show that the morphology of Fe3O4-CaCO3-PDA complex formation is irregular, while the morphology of CaCO3/Fe3O4 composite modified by PEI is regular and has a porous structure.

Probing the internal calcification chemistry of O. universa using B/Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holland, K.; Eggins, S.; Hoenisch, B.; Haynes, L.; Russell, A. D.

2014-12-01

The B/Ca, U/Ca ratio values of calcitic foraminifer shells are all influenced by seawater carbonate chemistry (seawater [B(OH)4-/HCO3-], [CO32-], and pH respectively), and as such are increasingly being used as proxies to reconstruct past changes in ocean inorganic carbon content, saturation state and pH. However, the behavior of these proxies is subject to modification by foraminifers' efforts to regulate the conditions under which they grow their shells. We have undertaken experiments on Orbulina universa that manipulate synthetic culture water DIC, pH and [Ca] in an effort to disentangle the biological versus environmental influences of seawater carbonate system and saturation state on B/Ca, U/Ca and Mg/Ca ratio into foraminiferal calcite. Experiments were designed to be able determine the extent to which foraminifers are able to modify the chemical composition of their (vacuolized?) internal calcification fluid, in particular by using B/Ca and U/Ca as sensors for calcification chemistry (i.e. internal [B(OH)4-/HCO3-] and [CO32-]) . We have used a high resolution LA-ICPMS depth profiling techniques to characterize the amplitude of B/Ca, U/Ca, Mg/Ca, and Sr/Ca ratio values across and the thickness (calcification rate) of diurnal bands that are developed in individual shells grown under different synthetic seawater compositions. Results indicate Orbulina universa modify the chemistry of their calcification fluid far from that of external seawater, but are not able to mitigate changes in external seawater. This most likely achieved through the interactive effects of internal pH manipulation and a carbon concentration mechanism. Our results are likely to have important implications for the interpretation of Mg/Ca, B/Ca and U/Ca as proxies seawater temperatures and carbonate system parameters.

Development of dental composites with reactive fillers that promote precipitation of antibacterial-hydroxyapatite layers.

PubMed

Aljabo, Anas; Abou Neel, Ensanya A; Knowles, Jonathan C; Young, Anne M

2016-03-01

The study aim was to develop light-curable, high strength dental composites that would release calcium phosphate and chlorhexidine (CHX) but additionally promote surface hydroxyapatite/CHX co-precipitation in simulated body fluid (SBF). 80 wt.% urethane dimethacrylate based liquid was mixed with glass fillers containing 10 wt.% CHX and 0, 10, 20 or 40 wt.% reactive mono- and tricalcium phosphate (CaP). Surface hydroxyapatite layer thickness/coverage from SEM images, Ca/Si ratio from EDX and hydroxyapatite Raman peak intensities were all proportional to both time in SBF and CaP wt.% in the filler. Hydroxyapatite was, however, difficult to detect by XRD until 4 weeks. XRD peak width and SEM images suggested this was due to the very small size (~10 nm) of the hydroxyapatite crystallites. Precipitate mass at 12 weeks was 22 wt.% of the sample CaP total mass irrespective of CaP wt.% and up to 7 wt.% of the specimen. Early diffusion controlled CHX release, assessed by UV spectrometry, was proportional to CaP and twice as fast in water compared with SBF. After 1 week, CHX continued to diffuse into water but in SBF, became entrapped within the precipitating hydroxyapatite layer. At 12 weeks CHX formed 5 to 15% of the HA layer with 10 to 40 wt.% CaP respectively. Despite linear decline of strength and modulus in 4 weeks from 160 to 101 MPa and 4 to 2.4 GPa, respectively, upon raising CaP content, all values were still within the range expected for commercial composites. The high strength, hydroxyapatite precipitation and surface antibacterial accumulation should reduce tooth restoration failure due to fracture, aid demineralised dentine repair and prevent subsurface carious disease respectively. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcium phosphate-titanium composites for articulating surfaces of load-bearing implants.

PubMed

Bandyopadhyay, Amit; Dittrick, Stanley; Gualtieri, Thomas; Wu, Jeffrey; Bose, Susmita

2016-04-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP)-titanium (Ti) composites were processed using a commercial laser engineered net shaping (LENS™) machine to increase wear resistance of articulating surfaces of load-bearing implants. Such composites could be used to cover the surface of titanium implants and potentially increase the lifetime of a joint replacement. It was hypothesized that adding calcium phosphate to commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) and Ti6Al4V alloy via laser processing would decrease the material loss when subjected to wear. This added protection would be due to the in situ formation of a CaP tribofilm. Different amounts of CaP were mixed by weight with pure Ti and Ti6Al4V powders. The mixed powders were then made into cylindrical samples using a commercial LENS™-750 system. Microstructures were observed and it was found the CaP had integrated into the titanium metal matrix. Compression test revealed that CaP significantly increased the 0.2% offset yield strength as well as the ultimate compressive strength of CP-Ti. It was found that the addition of CaP to pure titanium reduced the material loss and increased wear resistance. This was due to the formation of CaP tribofilm on the articulating surface. The in situ formed tribofilm also lowered the coefficient of friction and acted as a solid lubricant between the two interacting metal surfaces. Overall, CaP addition to Ti and its alloy Ti6Al4V show an effective way to minimize wear induced damage due to the formation of in situ tribofilm at the articulating surface, a strategy that can be utilized in various biomedical devices. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

EFFECT OF CARBONIC ANHYDRASE INHIBITORS ON THE INORGANIC CARBON UPTAKE BY PHYTOPLANKTON NATURAL ASSEMBLAGES(1).

PubMed

Mercado, Jesús M; Ramírez, Teodoro; Cortés, Dolores; Liger, Esperanza

2009-02-01

The role of carbonic anhydrase (CA) in inorganic carbon acquisition (dissolved inorganic carbon, DIC) was examined in Alboran Sea phytoplankton assemblages. The study area was characterized by a relatively high variability in nutrient concentration and in abundance and taxonomic composition of phytoplankton. Therefore, the relationship between environmental variability and capacity for using HCO3 (-) via external CA (eCA) was examined. Acetazolamide (AZ, an inhibitor of eCA) inhibited the primary productivity (PP) in 50% of the samples, with inhibition percentages ranging from 13% to 60%. The AZ effect was more prominent in the samples that exhibited PP >1 mg C · m(-3)  · h(-1) , indicating that the contribution of eCA to the DIC photosynthetic flux was irrelevant at low PP. The inhibition of primary productivity by AZ was significantly correlated to the abundance of diatoms. However, there was no a relationship between AZ effect and CO2 partial pressure (pCO2 ) or nutrient concentration, indicating that the variability in the PP percentage supported by eCA was mainly due to differences in taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton assemblages. Ethoxyzolamide (EZ, an inhibitor of both external and internal CA) affected 13 of 14 analyzed samples, with PP inhibition percentages varying from 50% to 95%. The effects of AZ and EZ were partially reversed by doubling DIC concentration. These results imply that CA activity (external and/or internal) was involved in inorganic carbon acquisition in most the samples. However, EZ effect was not correlated with pCO2 or taxonomic composition of the phytoplankton. © 2009 Phycological Society of America.

Enhanced adsorption of U(VI) and 241Am(III) from wastewater using Ca/Al layered double hydroxide@carbon nanotube composites.

PubMed

Chen, Haijun; Chen, Zhe; Zhao, Guixia; Zhang, Zhibin; Xu, Chao; Liu, Yunhai; Chen, Jing; Zhuang, Li; Haya, Tasawar; Wang, Xiangke

2018-04-05

Ca/Al layered double hydroxide decorated carbon nanotube (Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs) composites were fabricated by co-precipitation method and hydrothermal aged treatment. The prepared Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was characterized by SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis and XPS techniques, and applied to remove U(VI) from aqueous solutions under various environmental conditions (i.e., pH, ionic strength, temperature and contact time). The results indicated that the adsorption of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was four times higher than that of U(VI) on bare CNTs. The kinetic investigations reflected the chemisorption of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs through oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the adsorption of U(VI) was well fitted by Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was calculated to be 382.9 mg g -1 at 289.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature-dependent isotherms suggested that U(VI) adsorption on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs were endothermic and spontaneous process. Furthermore, Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs could remove ∼91% of 241 Am(III) at pH = 8.0, which confirmed Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs as a promising material for multiply low level radionuclides' pollution remediation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Survival Prediction in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Quantitative Computed Tomography Image Analysis.

PubMed

Attiyeh, Marc A; Chakraborty, Jayasree; Doussot, Alexandre; Langdon-Embry, Liana; Mainarich, Shiana; Gönen, Mithat; Balachandran, Vinod P; D'Angelica, Michael I; DeMatteo, Ronald P; Jarnagin, William R; Kingham, T Peter; Allen, Peter J; Simpson, Amber L; Do, Richard K

2018-04-01

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal cancer with no established a priori markers of survival. Existing nomograms rely mainly on post-resection data and are of limited utility in directing surgical management. This study investigated the use of quantitative computed tomography (CT) features to preoperatively assess survival for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. A prospectively maintained database identified consecutive chemotherapy-naive patients with CT angiography and resected PDAC between 2009 and 2012. Variation in CT enhancement patterns was extracted from the tumor region using texture analysis, a quantitative image analysis tool previously described in the literature. Two continuous survival models were constructed, with 70% of the data (training set) using Cox regression, first based only on preoperative serum cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 levels and image features (model A), and then on CA19-9, image features, and the Brennan score (composite pathology score; model B). The remaining 30% of the data (test set) were reserved for independent validation. A total of 161 patients were included in the analysis. Training and test sets contained 113 and 48 patients, respectively. Quantitative image features combined with CA19-9 achieved a c-index of 0.69 [integrated Brier score (IBS) 0.224] on the test data, while combining CA19-9, imaging, and the Brennan score achieved a c-index of 0.74 (IBS 0.200) on the test data. We present two continuous survival prediction models for resected PDAC patients. Quantitative analysis of CT texture features is associated with overall survival. Further work includes applying the model to an external dataset to increase the sample size for training and to determine its applicability.

Effect of Slag Composition on the Crystallization Kinetics of Synthetic CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO Slags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Esfahani, Shaghayegh; Barati, Mansoor

2018-04-01

The crystallization kinetics of CaO-SiO2-Al2O3-MgO (CSAM) slags was studied with the aid of single hot thermocouple technique (SHTT). Kinetic parameters such as the Avrami exponent ( n), rate coefficient ( K), and effective activation energy of crystallization ( E A ) were obtained by kinetic analysis of data obtained from in situ observation of glassy to crystalline transformation and image analysis. Also, the dependence of nucleation and growth rates of crystalline phases were quantified as a function of time, temperature, and slag basicity. Together with the observations of crystallization front, they facilitated establishing the dominant mechanisms of crystallization. In an attempt to predict crystallization rate under non-isothermal conditions, a mathematical model was developed that employs the rate data of isothermal transformation. The model was validated by reproducing an experimental continuous cooling transformation diagram purely from isothermal data.

Development of a two-stage in vitro model system to investigate the mineralization mechanisms involved in idiopathic stone formation: stage 1-biomimetic Randall's plaque using decellularized porcine kidneys.

PubMed

Lovett, Archana C; Khan, Saeed R; Gower, Laurie B

2018-05-18

Idiopathic calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formers form stones that are commonly attached to calcium phosphate (CaP) deposits in the renal tissue, known as Randall's plaques (RP). Plaques are suggested to originate in the renal tubular basement membrane, where they exhibit a morphology of concentrically laminated apatitic spherules, while in the interstitial regions, the collagen fibrils and vesicles become mineralized. We hypothesize that these minerals might form by non-classical crystallization mechanisms, such as via amorphous precursors, some of which might originate from a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) process. Thus, our goal is to identify mineralogical 'signatures' of various stone formation mechanisms. To do this for idiopathic CaOx stones, we are developing a two-stage model system of CaP-CaOx composite stones, consisting of stage (1) CaP mineralized plaque, followed by stage (2) CaOx overgrowth into a stone. For the studies presented here, decellularized porcine kidneys were mineralized with CaP using polyaspartic acid or the protein osteopontin (OPN) to induce the PILP process and create biomimetic RP. Analysis of the PILP-mineralized tissues shows features that resemble the native plaques, including mineral spherules and collagen with intrafibrillar mineral. In contrast, the classical crystallization produced large apatitic spherulites, which is a very different morphology, but one which is also found in some stones. An alternative hypothesis regarding Randall's plaque, and if or when it becomes pathological, is discussed.

Effect of various additives on microstructure, mechanical properties, and in vitro bioactivity of sodium oxide-calcium oxide-silica-phosphorus pentoxide glass-ceramics.

PubMed

Li, H C; Wang, D G; Hu, J H; Chen, C Z

2013-09-01

The partial substitution of MgO, TiO2, or CaF2 for CaO in the Na2O-CaO-SiO2-P2O5 (45S5) system was conducted by the sol-gel method and a comparative study on structural, mechanical properties, and bioactivity of the glasses was reported. Based on thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, the gels were sintered with a suitable heat treatment procedure. The glass-ceramic properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and so on, and the bioactivity of the glass-ceramic was evaluated by in vitro assays in simulated body fluid (SBF). Results indicate that with the partial substitution of MgO, TiO2, CaF2 for CaO in glass composition, the mechanical properties of the glass-ceramics have been significantly improved. Furthermore, CaF2 promotes glass crystallization and the crystallization does not inhibit the glass-ceramic bioactivity. All samples possess bioactivity; however, the bioactivity of these glass-ceramics is quite different. Compared with 45S5, the introduction of MgO decreases the ability of apatite induction. The addition of TiO2 does not significantly improve the bioactivity, and the replacement of CaO by CaF2 shows a higher bioactivity. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

CaCl 2 -Accelerated Hydration of Tricalcium Silicate: A STXM Study Combined with 29 Si MAS NMR

DOE PAGES

Li, Qinfei; Ge, Yong; Geng, Guoqing; ...

2015-01-01

Tmore » he effect of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) on tricalcium silicate (C 3 S) hydration was investigated by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (SXM) with Near Edge X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (NEXAFS) spectra and 29 Si MAS NMR. SXM is demonstrated to be a powerful tool for studying the chemical composition of a cement-based hydration system. he Ca L 3,2 -edge NEXAFS spectra obtained by examining C 3 S hydration in the presence of CaCl 2 showed that this accelerator does not change the coordination of calcium in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H), which is the primary hydration product. O K-edge NEXAFS is also very useful in distinguishing the chemical components in hydrated C 3 S. Based on the Ca L 3,2 -edge spectra and chemical component mapping, we concluded that CaCl 2 prefers to coexist with unhydrated C 3 S instead of C-S-H. In Si K-edge NEXAFS analysis, CaCl 2 increases the degree of silicate polymerization of C-S-H in agreement with the 29 Si CP/MAS NMR results, which show that the presence of CaCl 2 in hydrated C 3 S considerably accelerates the formation of middle groups ( Q 2 ) and branch sites ( Q 3 ) in the silicate chains of C-S-H gel at 1-day hydration.« less

The Raman spectrum of Ca-Mg-Fe carbonates; Applications in geobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Zuilen, M. A.; Rividi, N.; Ménez, B.; Philippot, P.

2012-04-01

Carbonates form a very important mineral group in geobiological studies. They are a common mineral matrix for putative carbonaceous microfossils in Archean greenstone belts, form an important chemical deposit in seafloor hydrothermal systems, and are a common product in biomineralization processes. In many geobiological studies there is a specific need for simple characterization of carbonate composition while avoiding complex sample preparation or sample destruction. Raman spectroscopy is a highly versatile non-destructive technique enabling in-situ characterization of minerals and carbonaceous materials. It can be combined with confocal microscopy enabling high-resolution Raman mapping of entire rock thin sections, or can be integrated in submersibles and potentially Mars-rovers for direct field-based mineral identification. It is thus important that well-established spectral databases exist which enable unambiguous identification of a wide variety of carbonate minerals. The most common carbonates in the Ca-Mg-Fe system include the CaCO3 polymorphs calcite, aragonite, and vaterite, as well as the solid solutions CaMg(CO3)2-CaFe(CO3)2 (dolomite-ankerite) and MgCO3-FeCO3 (magnesite-siderite). Although various carbonate end-members have been studied exhaustively by Raman spectroscopy, a simple protocol for rapid distinction of various carbonate solid solutions is still lacking. Here we present a detailed study of Raman shifts in various carbonate standards of known composition in the Ca-Mg-Fe system. Carbonates with rhombohedral symmetry display a Raman spectrum with six characteristic vibrational modes - four of these represent vibrations within the (CO3)2- unit and two represent external vibrations of the crystal lattice. We show that Raman band shifts of internal mode 2ν2 (range 1725-1765 cm-1), and external modes T (range 170-215 cm-1) and L (range 285-330 cm-1) for siderite-magnesite and ankerite-dolomite solid solutions display distinct and well defined positive correlations with Mg number (Mg/Mg+Fe+Mn+Ca). Raman shifts calibrated as a function of Mg number were used in turn to evaluate the chemical composition of natural carbonate samples. In particular it is shown that detailed micron-resolution Raman maps can be generated of carbonate crystal-zonation in hydrothermally altered sedimentary deposits from Archean greenstone belts. Large spectral-range analysis (140-2000 cm-1) in static-mode (centered at 1150 cm-1) allows for combined Raman mapping of both carbonate-composition (2ν2, T, L modes) as well as kerogen structural ordering (D1-D4 and G modes in the range 1100-1700 cm-1), and therefore allows for simultaneous characterization of putative organic microfossils and associated carbonate matrix in metamorphosed Archean rock samples. Finally, it will be shown that these carbonate solid solutions can be distinguished from other end-member carbonates such as calcite, vaterite and the orthorhombic polymorph aragonite.

Dielectric Properties of Ca0.7Bi0.3Ti0.7Cr0.3O3 (CBTC)-CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mallmann, E. J. J.; Silva, M. A. S.; Sombra, A. S. B.; Botelho, M. A.; Mazzetto, S. E.; de Menezes, A. S.; Almeida, A. F. L.; Fechine, P. B. A.

2015-01-01

The main object of this work is to study two materials with giant dielectric constants: CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) and Ca0.7Bi0.3Ti0.7Cr0.3O3 (CBTC). CBTC1- x -CCTO x composites were also obtained to create a new dielectric material with dielectric properties between these two phases. Structural properties were studied by x-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy and dielectric measurements. CCTO showed a cubic phase and CBTC an orthorhombic phase. An interesting result was that the dielectric constant ( K) did not follow the rule of the mixture of Lichtnecker, and this happened due to the presence of other phases of its crystalline structure, which decreases the value of K when compared to the predicted values of Lichtnecker. It was also found that the dielectric properties of the composite are very promising for use in microelectronics, according to the miniaturization factor, which is crucial for those applications.

Experimental study and thermodynamic modelling of the calcium oxide-silicon oxide-aluminum oxide-calcium fluoride system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Dong-Geun

Mould flux for the continuous casting process is a major concern for the steelmaking industry. Nowadays, more than 90 % of steel is being produced by the continuous casting process, which requires mould flux as an essential additive. The development of mould flux has been achieved by the conventional trial and error approach since it was first introduced in industry in the 1960s. Recently, the interest on the properties of fluorine has increased a lot since it is reported that fluorine has important functions such as playing a critical role on the crystallization behavior, and decreasing the melting point and viscosity of slag. However, the conventional way to find a suitable mould flux is not efficient to face the increasingly stringent requirements of the continuous casting process such as thin slab casting and higher casting speed. Therefore, fundamental phase diagram study on mould flux systems is clearly necessary, and thermodynamic modeling is the most effective way to design new mould flux in terms of time and money saving. The major components of mould flux, the CaO-SiO2-Al2O 3-CaF2 system, are investigated in this study as these four constituents will mostly affect the largest numbers of properties. Unfortunately, fluorine has high volatility at high temperature and high reactivity with other materials. Therefore, the results of previous experiments on F-containing systems are characterized by large discrepancies due to composition alteration and unexpected reactions during the experiment. As literature data show inconsistent results between each other, key phase diagram experiments were performed in this study. The phase diagram experiments were conducted with the quenching method in sealed Pt capsules to prevent fluorine loss during the experiment. The analyses were performed using a FE-SEM equipped with an EDS system, and a newly developed technique which produces more precise quantitative results for the equilibrium phase composition. The CaO liquidus of the CaO-CaF 2 binary system, which the literature data differ from each other by up to 50 mol %, was confirmed. The CaO solubility in solid CaF2 was found for the first time and reaches about 5 mol % at the eutectic temperature. The liquidus of the CaO-Al2O3-CaF2 and CaO-SiO 2-CaF2 systems were carefully studied and the miscibility gap in the CaO-Al2O3-CaF2 system was proved to be much smaller than that reported in literature. Also, thermal analysis was performed using DSC in a Pt crucible. The eutectic temperatures of the CaO-CaF2 and CaAl2O4-CaF2 systems were successfully measured and the alpha to beta-CaF2 polymorphic transition was confirmed. Based on the new experimental data and reliable literature data, thermodynamic modeling of the CaO-SiO2-Al 2O3-CaF2 system was also carried out. The results of thermodynamic calculation can be very beneficial for new mould flux design.

Crystallinity and compositional changes in carbonated apatites: Evidence from 31P solid-state NMR, Raman, and AFM analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McElderry, John-David P.; Zhu, Peizhi; Mroue, Kamal H.; Xu, Jiadi; Pavan, Barbara; Fang, Ming; Zhao, Guisheng; McNerny, Erin; Kohn, David H.; Franceschi, Renny T.; Holl, Mark M. Banaszak; Tecklenburg, Mary M. J.; Ramamoorthy, Ayyalusamy; Morris, Michael D.

2013-10-01

Solid-state (magic-angle spinning) NMR spectroscopy is a useful tool for obtaining structural information on bone organic and mineral components and synthetic model minerals at the atomic-level. Raman and 31P NMR spectral parameters were investigated in a series of synthetic B-type carbonated apatites (CAps). Inverse 31P NMR linewidth and inverse Raman PO43-ν1 bandwidth were both correlated with powder XRD c-axis crystallinity over the 0.3-10.3 wt% CO32- range investigated. Comparison with bone powder crystallinities showed agreement with values predicted by NMR and Raman calibration curves. Carbonate content was divided into two domains by the 31P NMR chemical shift frequency and the Raman phosphate ν1 band position. These parameters remain stable except for an abrupt transition at 6.5 wt% carbonate, a composition which corresponds to an average of one carbonate per unit cell. This near-binary distribution of spectroscopic properties was also found in AFM-measured particle sizes and Ca/P molar ratios by elemental analysis. We propose that this transition differentiates between two charge-balancing ion-loss mechanisms as measured by Ca/P ratios. These results define a criterion for spectroscopic characterization of B-type carbonate substitution in apatitic minerals.

Effects of addition of Bi2Ca2Co2O y on the thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9 polycrystalline ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Ningbo; Liao, Y. W.; Lu, Y.; He, Y.; Jin, Y. R.; Liu, X. R.

2018-06-01

Thermoelectric properties of Ca3Co4O9 polycrystalline ceramics with sheet grains were optimized by adding Bi2Ca2Co2O y phase. Therefore, the (1 - x) Ca3Co4O9/ x Bi2Ca2Co2O y (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) composites were prepared. The phase constitution and micro-structure of the samples were analyzed by XRD and SEM, respectively. With the addition of Bi2Ca2Co2O y , the apparent density D a and the relative density D r of the samples continuously increases. When x ≤ 0.4, the electrical resistivity of the samples declines, however, when x ≥ 0.4, the electrical resistivity of the samples increases. The Seebeck coefficient of the samples grows with the increase of the x monotonously. The power factor of the 0.6 Ca3Co4O9/0.4 Bi2Ca2Co2O y samples reaches 0.24 mW m-1K-2 at 973 K. Thermal conductivity κ of the 0.6 Ca3Co4O9/0.4 Bi2Ca2Co2O y monotonously decreases with the temperature rising, achieving the minimum about 1.34 W m-1K-1 at 973 K. The ZT of 0.6 Ca3Co4O9/0.4 Bi2Ca2Co2O y composites gets to 0.18, which is comparable to that of most doped Ca3Co4O9 polycrystalline ceramics, implying higher ZT can be realized by combining the strategy of doping and introducing the Bi2Ca2Co2O y .

Controls on the chemistry of runoff from an upland peat catchment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Worrall, Fred; Burt, Tim; Adamson, John

2003-07-01

This study uses 2 years of data from a detailed weekly water sampling programme in a 11·4 km2 upland peat catchment in the Northern Pennines, UK. The sampling comprised precipitation, soil-water samples and a number of streams, including the basin outlet. Samples were analysed for: pH, conductivity, alkalinity, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Total N, SO4, Cl and colour. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify end-members and compositional trends in order to identify controls on the development of water composition. The study showed that the direct use of PCA had several advantages over the use of end-member mixing analysis (EMMA) as it combines an analysis of mixing and evolving waters without the assumption of having to know the compositional sources of the water. In its application to an upland peat catchment, the study supports the view that shallow throughflow at the catotelm/acrotelm boundary is responsible for storm runoff generation and shows that baseflow is controlled by cation exchange in the catotelm and mixing with a base-rich groundwater.

Potentiometric titration for determining the composition and stability of metal(II) alginates and pectinates in aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaisheva, N. Sh.; Kaishev, A. Sh.

2015-07-01

The compositions and stabilities of Cu2+, Mn2+, Pb2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ alginates and pectinates are determined in aqueous solutions via titrimetry and potentiometry with calculations performed using Bjerrum's method, the curve intersection technique, and the equilibrium shift method. It is found that the interaction between Cu2+ and polyuronides is a stepwise process and, depending on the ligand concentration and the method of determination, Cu2+ alginate can be characterized by its ML, ML2, and ML3 compositions (where M is the metal ion and L is the structural unit of polyuronide) and stability constants logβ = 2.65, 5.00-5.70, and 7.18-7.80, respectively. The compositions of Cu2+ pectinates are ML and ML2 with logβ = 3.00 and 7.64-7.94, respectively. It is concluded that Pb2+, Ca2+, Mn2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Co2+, and Ni2+ ions form only alginates and pectinates of ML2 composition with logβ values of 3.45 (Pb2+ alginate), 2.20 (Ca2+ alginate), 1.06 (Mn2+ alginate), 3.51 (Pb2+ pectinate), 2.35 (Ca2+ pectinate), and 1.24 (Mn2+ pectinate). The pectinates are shown to be more stable than the alginates, the most stable compounds being those formed by polyuronides and Cu2+. The least stable are those with Mn2+.

Hyper- and hypobaric processing of Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goretta, K. C.; Routbort, J. L.; Shi, Donglu; Chen, J. G.; Hash, M. C.

1989-11-01

Tl-based superconductors of initial composition Tl:Ca:Ba:Cu equal to 2:2:2:3 and 1:3:1:3 were heated in oxygen at pressures of 10(sup 4) to 6 (times) 10(sup 5) Pa. The 2:2:2:3 composition formed primarily the 2-layer superconductor with zero resistance from 77 to 104 K. The 1:3:1:3 composition formed nearly phase pure 3-layer superconductor with a maximum zero resistance temperature of 120 K. Application of hyperbaric pressure influenced phase purities and transition temperatures slightly; phase purities decreased significantly with application of hypobaric pressures.

Angular distribution of species in pulsed laser deposition of LaxCa1-xMnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ojeda-G-P, Alejandro; Schneider, Christof W.; Döbeli, Max; Lippert, Thomas; Wokaun, Alexander

2015-05-01

The angular distribution of species from a La0.4Ca0.6MnO3 target irradiated with a 248 nm nanosecond pulsed laser was investigated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry for four different Ar pressures. The film thickness angular distribution was also analyzed using profilometry. Depending on the background gas pressure, the target to substrate distance, and the angular location the film thickness and composition varies considerably. In particular the film composition could vary by up to 17% with respect to the composition of the target material.

Diminished growth and lower adiposity in hyperglycemic very low birth weight neonates at 4 months corrected age.

PubMed

Scheurer, J M; Gray, H L; Demerath, E W; Rao, R; Ramel, S E

2016-02-01

Characterize the relationship between neonatal hyperglycemia and growth and body composition at 4 months corrected age (CA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. A prospective study of VLBW appropriate-for-gestation infants (N=53). All blood glucose measurements in the first 14 days and nutritional intake and illness markers until discharge were recorded. Standard anthropometrics and body composition via air displacement plethysmography were measured near term CA and 4 months CA. Relationships between hyperglycemia and anthropometrics and body composition were examined using multivariate linear regression. Infants with >5 days of hyperglycemia were lighter (5345 vs 6455 g, P⩽0.001), shorter (57.9 vs 60.9 cm, P⩽0.01), had smaller occipital-frontal head circumference (39.4 vs 42.0 cm, P⩽0.05) and were leaner (percent body fat 15.0 vs 23.8, P⩽0.01) at 4 months CA than those who did not have hyperglycemia, including after correcting for nutritional and illness factors. Neonatal hyperglycemia in VLBW infants is associated with decreased body size and lower adiposity at 4 months CA independent of nutritional deficit, insulin use and illness. Downregulation of the growth hormone axis may be responsible. These changes may influence long-term growth and cognitive development.

Multiple Nonstoichiometric Phases with Discrete Composition Ranges in the CaAu5−CaAu4Bi−BiAu2 System. A Case Study of the Chemistry of Spinodal Decomposition

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

Lin, Qisheng; Corbett, John D.

2010-04-01

Synthetic explorations in the CaAu{sub 5}-CaAu{sub 4}Bi-BiAu{sub 2} system at 400 C reveal five separate solid solution regions that show three distinct substitution patterns in the CaAu{sub 5} parent: (I) CaAu{sub 4}(Au{sub 1-m}Bi{sub m}) with 0 {le} m {le} 0.15(1), (II) 0.33(1) {le} m {le} 0.64(1), (III) 0.85(4) {le} m {le} 0.90(2); (IV) (Ca{sub 1-r}Au{sub r})Au{sub 4}(Bi{sub 1-s}Au{sub s}) with 0 {le} r {le} 0.39(1) and 0 {le} s {le} 0.12(2); (V) (Ca{sub 1-p-q}Au{sub p}Bi{sub q})Au{sub 4}Bi with 0.09(2) {le} p {le} 0.13(1) and 0.31(2) {le} q {le} 0.72(4). Single crystal X-ray studies establish that all of these phase regionsmore » have common cubic symmetry F{sub 4}3m and that their structures (MgCu{sub 4}Sn-type, an ordered derivative of MgCu{sub 2}) all feature three-dimensional networks of Au{sub 4} tetrahedra, in which the truncated tetrahedra are centered and capped by Ca/Au, Au/Bi, or Ca/Au/Bi mixtures to give 16-atom Friauf polyhedra. TB-LMTO-ASA and -COHP calculations also reveal that direct interactions between Ca-Au and Ca-Bi pairs of atoms are relatively weak and that the Bi-Au interactions in the unstable ideal CaAu{sub 4}Bi are antibonding in character at E{sub F} but that their bonding is optimized at {+-}1 e. Compositions between the five nonstoichiometric phases appear to undergo spinodal decompositions. The last phenomenon has been confirmed by HRTEM, STEM-HAADF, EPMA, and XRD studies of the nominal composition CaAu{sub 4.25}Bi{sub 0.75}. Its DTA analyses suggest that the phases resulting from spinodal decomposition have nearly the same melting point ({approx}807 C), as expected, and that they are interconvertible through peritectic reactions at {approx}717 C.« less

Application of waste bulk moulded composite (BMC) as a filler for isotactic polypropylene composites.

PubMed

Barczewski, Mateusz; Matykiewicz, Danuta; Andrzejewski, Jacek; Skórczewska, Katarzyna

2016-05-01

The aim of this study was to produce isotactic polypropylene based composites filled with waste thermosetting bulk moulded composite (BMC). The influence of BMC waste addition (5, 10, 20 wt%) on composites structure and properties was investigated. Moreover, additional studies of chemical treatment of the filler were prepared. Modification of BMC waste by calcium stearate (CaSt) powder allows to assess the possibility of the production of composites with better dispersion of the filler and more uniform properties. The mechanical, processing, and thermal properties, as well as structural investigations were examined by means of static tensile test, Dynstat impact strength test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), melt flow index (MFI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Developed composites with different amounts of non-reactive filler exhibited satisfactory thermal and mechanical properties. Moreover, application of the low cost modifier (CaSt) allows to obtain composites with better dispersion of the filler and improved processability.

Application of waste bulk moulded composite (BMC) as a filler for isotactic polypropylene composites

PubMed Central

Barczewski, Mateusz; Matykiewicz, Danuta; Andrzejewski, Jacek; Skórczewska, Katarzyna

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to produce isotactic polypropylene based composites filled with waste thermosetting bulk moulded composite (BMC). The influence of BMC waste addition (5, 10, 20 wt%) on composites structure and properties was investigated. Moreover, additional studies of chemical treatment of the filler were prepared. Modification of BMC waste by calcium stearate (CaSt) powder allows to assess the possibility of the production of composites with better dispersion of the filler and more uniform properties. The mechanical, processing, and thermal properties, as well as structural investigations were examined by means of static tensile test, Dynstat impact strength test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), melt flow index (MFI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Developed composites with different amounts of non-reactive filler exhibited satisfactory thermal and mechanical properties. Moreover, application of the low cost modifier (CaSt) allows to obtain composites with better dispersion of the filler and improved processability. PMID:27222742

Metal-rich fluid inclusions provide new insights into unconformity-related U deposits (Athabasca Basin and Basement, Canada)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richard, Antonin; Cathelineau, Michel; Boiron, Marie-Christine; Mercadier, Julien; Banks, David A.; Cuney, Michel

2016-02-01

The Paleoproterozoic Athabasca Basin (Canada) hosts numerous giant unconformity-related uranium deposits. The scope of this study is to establish the pressure, temperature, and composition (P-T-X conditions) of the brines that circulated at the base of the Athabasca Basin and in its crystalline basement before, during and after UO2 deposition. These brines are commonly sampled as fluid inclusions in quartz- and dolomite-cementing veins and breccias associated with alteration and U mineralization. Microthermometry and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) data from five deposits (Rabbit Lake, P-Patch, Eagle Point, Millennium, and Shea Creek) complement previously published data for the McArthur River deposit. In all of the deposits investigated, fluid inclusion salinity is between 25 and 40 wt.% NaCl equiv., with compositions displaying a continuum between a "NaCl-rich brine" end-member (Cl > Na > Ca > Mg > K) and a "CaCl2-rich brine" end-member (Cl > Ca ≈ Mg > Na > K). The CaCl2-rich brine has the highest salinity and shows evidence for halite saturation at the time of trapping. The continuum of compositions between the NaCl-rich brine and the CaCl2-rich brine end-members combined with P-T reconstructions suggest anisothermal mixing of the two brines (NaCl-rich brine, 180 ± 30 °C and 800 ± 400 bars; CaCl2-rich brine, 120 ± 30 °C and 600 ± 300 bars) that occurred under fluctuating pressure conditions (hydrostatic to supra-hydrostatic). However, because the two brines were U bearing and therefore oxidized, brine mixing was probably not the driving force for UO2 deposition. Several scenarios are put forward to account for the Cl-Na-Ca-Mg-K composition of the brines, involving combinations of seawater evaporation, halite dissolution, mixing with a halite-dissolution brine, Mg/Ca exchange by dolomitization, Na/Ca exchange by albitization of plagioclase, Na/K exchange by albitization of K-feldspar, and Mg loss by Mg-rich alteration. Finally, the metal concentrations in the NaCl-rich and CaCl2-rich brines are among the highest recorded compared to present-day sedimentary formation waters and fluid inclusions from basin-hosted base metal deposits (up to 600 ppm U, 3000 ppm Mn, 4000 ppm Zn, 6000 ppm Cu, 8000 ppm Pb, and 10,000 ppm Fe). The CaCl2-rich brine carries up to one order of magnitude more metal than the NaCl-rich brine. Though the exact origin of major cations and metals of the two brines remains uncertain, their contrasting compositions indicate that the two brines had distinct flow paths and fluid-rock interactions. Large-scale circulation of the brines in the Athabasca Basin and Basement was therefore a key parameter for metal mobility (including U) and formation of unconformity-related U deposits.

Major element compositional variation within and between different late Eocene microtektite strewnfields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Hondt, S. L.; Keller, G.; Stallard, R. F.

1987-03-01

The major element composition of microspherules from all three late Eocene stratigraphic layers was analyzed using an electron microprobe. The results indicate a major element compositional overlap beween individual microspherules of different microtektite layers or strewn fields. However, multivariate factor analysis shows that the microtektites of the three late Eocene layers follow recognizably different compositional trends. The microtektite population of the North American strewn field is characterized by high concentrations of SiO2, Al2O3, and TiO2; the microspherules of an older layer, the Gl. cerroazulensis Zone, are relatively enriched in FeO and MgO and impoverished in SiO2 and TiO2; while those of the oldest layer in the uppermost G. semiinvoluta Zone are relatively enriched in CaO and impoverished in Al2O3 and Na2O.

Hydrological and geochemical factors affecting leachate composition in municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash. Part II. The geochemistry of leachate from Landfill Lostorf, Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, C. Annette; Kaeppeli, Michael; Brandenberger, Sandro; Ulrich, Andrea; Baumann, Werner

1999-12-01

The leachate composition of the Landfill Lostorf, Buchs, Switzerland has been examined as a function rain events and dry periods between November 1994 and November 1996. Discharge and electrical conductivity of the central drainage discharge were monitored continuously, whilst samples for chemical analysis were taken at discrete intervals. The average total concentrations of Na, Cl, K, Mg, Ca and SO 4 are 44.5, 47.1, 11.8, 0.63, 8.2 and 12.4 mM, respectively. During rain events, the leachate is diluted by the preferential flow of rainwater into the drainage discharge. Drainage discharge pH values range between 8.68 and 11.28, the latter under dry conditions. Thermodynamic calculations indicate that CaSO 4, ettringite (3CaOAl 2O 3CaSO 4·32H 2O) and Al(OH) 3 may control the concentrations of the components Ca, SO 4 and Al. Dissolved Si may be in thermodynamic equilibrium with either Ca silicate hydrate or imogolite. Cadmium, Mo, V, Mn and Zn are also diluted during rain events and concentration changes agree with those of conductivity (representing the major constituents). Average concentrations are 0.012, 5.4, 2.3, 0.085, and 0.087 μM, respectively. Components such as Al, Cu, Sb and Cr increase in concentration with increased discharge. Average concentrations are 1.6, 0.27 and 0.21 μM, respectively. For Cu, the explanation lies in its affinity for total organic carbon (TOC). Thermodynamic calculations indicate that whilst dissolution/precipitation reactions with metal hydroxides and carbonates can explain the observed concentrations of Cd, sorption and complexation reactions probably influence the concentrations of Cu, Pb (average measurable concentration 0.013 μM), Zn and Mn. For the oxyanion species such as MoO 4 and WO 4 (average concentration 0.61 μM), it is probable that Ca metallate formation plays a dominant role in determining concentration ranges. Geochemical processes appear to determine concentration ranges and the hydrological factors, the fluctuations in concentration.

The Role of Polydimethylsiloxane in the Molecular Structure of Silica Xerogels Intended for Drug Carriers

PubMed Central

Czarnobaj, Katarzyna

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to prepare and examine polymer/oxide xerogels with metronidazole (MT) as delivery systems for the local application of a drug to a bone. The nanoporous SiO2-CaO and PDMS-modified SiO2-CaO xerogel materials with different amounts of the polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were prepared by the sol-gel method. Characterization assays comprised the analysis of the composite materials by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), determining the specific surface area of solids (BET), using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, and further monitoring in the ultraviolet and visible light regions (UV-Vis) of the in vitro release of the drug (metronidazole) over time. According to these results, the bioactive character and chemical stability of PDMS-modified silica xerogels have been proven. The release of MT from xerogels was strongly correlated with the composition of the matrix. In comparison with the pure oxide matrix, PDMS-modified matrices accelerated the release of the drug through its bigger pores, and additionally, on account of weaker interactions with the drug. The obtained results for the xerogel composites suggest that the metronidazole-loaded xerogels could be promising candidates for formulations in local delivery systems particularly to bone. PMID:26839836

In vitro bioactivity of a biocomposite fabricated from HA and Ti powders by powder metallurgy method.

PubMed

Ning, C Q; Zhou, Y

2002-07-01

Traditionally, hydroxyapatite was used as a coating material on titanium substrate by various techniques. In the present work, a biocomposite was successfully fabricated from hydroxyapatite and titanium powders by powder metallurgy method. Bioactivity of the composite in a simulated body fluid (SBF) was investigated. Main crystal phases of the as-fabricated composite are found to be Ti2O, CaTiO3, CaO, alpha-Ti and a TiP-like phase. When the composite is immersed in the simulated body fluid for a certain time, a poor-crystallized, calcium-deficient, carbonate-containing apatite film will form on the surface of the composite. The time required to induce apatite nucleation is within 2 h. In addition, the apatite is also incorporated with a little magnesium and chlorine element. It is found that Ti2O has the ability to induce the formation of bone-like apatite in the SBF. And a dissolve of the CaO phase could also provide favorable conditions for the apatite formation, by forming open pores on the surface of the composite and increasing the degree of supersaturation of the SBF with respect to the apatite.

Size-segregated compositional analysis of aerosol particles collected in the European Arctic during the ACCACIA campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, G.; Jones, H. M.; Darbyshire, E.; Baustian, K. J.; McQuaid, J. B.; Bower, K. N.; Connolly, P. J.; Gallagher, M. W.; Choularton, T. W.

2016-03-01

Single-particle compositional analysis of filter samples collected on board the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) BAe-146 aircraft is presented for six flights during the springtime Aerosol-Cloud Coupling and Climate Interactions in the Arctic (ACCACIA) campaign (March-April 2013). Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to derive size-segregated particle compositions and size distributions, and these were compared to corresponding data from wing-mounted optical particle counters. Reasonable agreement between the calculated number size distributions was found. Significant variability in composition was observed, with differing external and internal mixing identified, between air mass trajectory cases based on HYbrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) analyses. Dominant particle classes were silicate-based dusts and sea salts, with particles notably rich in K and Ca detected in one case. Source regions varied from the Arctic Ocean and Greenland through to northern Russia and the European continent. Good agreement between the back trajectories was mirrored by comparable compositional trends between samples. Silicate dusts were identified in all cases, and the elemental composition of the dust was consistent for all samples except one. It is hypothesised that long-range, high-altitude transport was primarily responsible for this dust, with likely sources including the Asian arid regions.

Effect of softening precipitate composition and surface characteristics on natural organic matter adsorption.

PubMed

Russell, Caroline G; Lawler, Desmond F; Speitel, Gerald E; Katz, Lynn E

2009-10-15

Natural organic matter (NOM) removal during water softening is thought to occur through adsorption onto or coprecipitation with calcium and magnesium solids. However, details of precipitate composition and surface chemistry and subsequent interactions with NOM are relatively unknown. In this study, zeta potentiometry analyses of precipitates formed from inorganic solutions under varying conditions (e.g., Ca-only, Mg-only, Ca + Mg, increasing lime or NaOH dose) indicated that both CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 were positively charged at higher lime (Ca(OH)2) and NaOH doses (associated with pH values above 11.5), potentially yielding a greater affinity for adsorbing negatively charged organic molecules. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) images of CaCO3 solids illustrated the rhombohedral shape characteristic of calcite. In the presence of increasing concentrations of magnesium, the CaCO3 rhombs shifted to more elongated crystals. The CaCO3 solids also exhibited increasingly positive surface charge from Mg incorporation into the crystal lattice, potentially creating more favorable conditions for adsorption of organic matter. NOM adsorption experiments using humic substances extracted from Lake Austin and Missouri River water elucidated the role of surface charge and surface area on adsorption.

Landscape determinants of exchangeable calcium and magnesium in Ozark Highland forest soils

Treesearch

John M. Kabrick; Keith W. Goyne; Zhaofei Fan; Dennis Meinert

2011-01-01

Exchangeable base cations, particularly Ca and Mg, largely govern soil acidity and, consequently, plant species composition in temperate forests. Although studies have identified soil and terrain characteristics affecting exchangeable Ca and Mg, few studies have identified the relative importance of factors affecting Ca and Mg distribution across landscapes. Objectives...

Melt densities in the CaO-FeO-Fe 2O 3-SiO 2 system and the compositional dependence of the partial molar volume of ferric iron in silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dingwell, Donald B.; Brearley, Mark

1988-12-01

The densities of 10 melts in the CaO-FeO-Fe 2O 3-SiO 2 system were determined in equilibrium with air, in the temperature range of 1200 to 1550°C, using the double-bob Archimedean technique. Melt compositions range from 6 to 58 wt% SiO 2, 14 to 76 wt% Fe 2O 3 and 10 to 46 wt% CaO. The ferric-ferrous ratios of glasses drop-quenched from loop fusion equilibration experiments were determined by 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Melt densities range from 2.689 to 3.618 gm/cm 3 with a mean standard deviation from replicate experiments of 0.15%. Least-squares regressions of molar volume versus molar composition have been performed and the root mean squared deviation shows that a linear combination of partial molar volumes for the oxide components (CaO, FeO, Fe 2O 3 and SiO 2) cannot describe the data set within experimental error. Instead, the inclusion of excess terms in CaFe 3+ and CaSi (product terms using the oxides) is required to yield a fit that describes the experimental data within error. The nonlinear compositional-dependence of the molar volumes of melts in this system can be explained by structural considerations of the roles of Ca and Fe 3+. The volume behavior of melts in this system is significantly different from that in the Na 2O-FeO-Fe 2O 3-SiO 2 system, consistent with the proposal that a proportion of Fe 3+ in melts in the CaO-FeO-Fe 2O 3-SiO 2 system is not tetrahedrally-coordinated by oxygen, which is supported by differences in 57Fe Mössbauer spectra of glasses. Specifically, this study confirms that the 57Fe Mössbauer spectra exhibit an area asymmetry and higher values of isomer shift of the ferric doublet that vary systematically with composition and temperature (this study; Dingwell and Virgo, 1987, 1988). These observations are consistent with a number of other lines of evidence ( e.g., homogeneous redox equilibria, Dickenson and Hess, 1986; viscosity, Dingwell and Virgo, 1987,1988). Two species of ferric iron, varying in proportions with temperature, composition and redox state, are sufficient to describe the above observations. The presence of more than one coordination geometry for Fe 3+ in low pressure silicate melts has several implications for igneous petrogenesis. The possible effects on compressibility, the pressure dependence of the redox ratio, and redox enthalpy are briefly noted.

Macro and Microelements Drive Diversity and Composition of Prokaryotic and Fungal Communities in Hypersaline Sediments and Saline-Alkaline Soils.

PubMed

Liu, Kaihui; Ding, Xiaowei; Tang, Xiaofei; Wang, Jianjun; Li, Wenjun; Yan, Qingyun; Liu, Zhenghua

2018-01-01

Understanding the effects of environmental factors on microbial communities is critical for microbial ecology, but it remains challenging. In this study, we examined the diversity (alpha diversity) and community compositions (beta diversity) of prokaryotes and fungi in hypersaline sediments and salinized soils from northern China. Environmental variables were highly correlated, but they differed significantly between the sediments and saline soils. The compositions of prokaryotic and fungal communities in the hypersaline sediments were different from those in adjacent saline-alkaline soils, indicating a habitat-specific microbial distribution pattern. The macroelements (S, P, K, Mg, and Fe) and Ca were, respectively, correlated closely with the alpha diversity of prokaryotes and fungi, while the macronutrients (e.g., Na, S, P, and Ca) were correlated with the prokaryotic and fungal beta-diversity ( P ≤ 0.05). And, the nine microelements (e.g., Al, Ba, Co, Hg, and Mn) and micronutrients (Ba, Cd, and Sr) individually shaped the alpha diversity of prokaryotes and fungi, while the six microelements (e.g., As, Ba, Cr, and Ge) and only the trace elements (Cr and Cu), respectively, influenced the beta diversity of prokaryotes and fungi ( P < 0.05). Variation-partitioning analysis (VPA) showed that environmental variables jointly explained 55.49% and 32.27% of the total variation for the prokaryotic and fungal communities, respectively. Together, our findings demonstrate that the diversity and community composition of the prokaryotes and fungi were driven by different macro and microelements in saline habitats, and that geochemical elements could more widely regulate the diversity and community composition of prokaryotes than these of fungi.

Ultrastructure of the surface of dental enamel with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) with and without acid etching.

PubMed

Bozal, Carola B; Kaplan, Andrea; Ortolani, Andrea; Cortese, Silvina G; Biondi, Ana M

2015-01-01

The aim of the present work was to analyze the ultrastructure and mineral composition of the surface of the enamel on a molar with MIH, with and without acid etching. A permanent tooth without clinical MIH lesions (control) and a tooth with clinical diagnosis of mild and moderate MIH, with indication for extraction, were processed with and without acid etching (H3PO4 37%, 20") for observation with scanning electron microscope (SEM) ZEISS (Supra 40) and mineral composition analysis with an EDS detector (Oxford Instruments). The control enamel showed normal prismatic surface and etching pattern. The clinically healthy enamel on the tooth with MIH revealed partial loss of prismatic pattern. The mild lesion was porous with occasional cracks. The moderate lesion was more porous, with larger cracks and many scales. The mineral composition of the affected surfaces had lower Ca and P content and higher O and C. On the tooth with MIH, even on normal looking enamel, the demineralization does not correspond to an etching pattern, and exhibits exposure of crystals with rods with rounded ends and less demineralization in the inter-prismatic spaces. Acid etching increased the presence of cracks and deep pores in the adamantine structure of the enamel with lesion. In moderate lesions, the mineral composition had higher content of Ca, P and Cl. Enamel with MIH, even on clinically intact adamantine surfaces, shows severe alterations in the ultrastructure and changes in ionic composition, which affect the acid etching pattern and may interfere with adhesion.

Concentration effect on inter-mineral equilibrium isotope fractionation: insights from Mg and Ca isotopic systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, F.; Wang, W.; Zhou, C.; Kang, J.; Wu, Z.

2017-12-01

Many naturally occurring minerals, such as carbonate, garnet, pyroxene, and feldspar, are solid solutions with large variations in chemical compositions. Such variations may affect mineral structures and modify the chemical bonding environment around atoms, which further impacts the equilibrium isotope fractionation factors among minerals. Here we investigated the effects of Mg content on equilibrium Mg and Ca isotope fractionation among carbonates and Ca content on equilibrium Ca isotope fractionation between orthopyroxene (opx) and clinopyroxene (cpx) using first-principles calculations. Our results show that the average Mg-O bond length increases with decreasing Mg/(Mg+Ca) in calcite when it is greater than 1/48[1] and the average Ca-O bond length significantly decreases with decreasing Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) in opx when it ranges from 2/16 to 1/48[2]. Equilibrium isotope fractionation is mainly controlled by bond strengths, which could be measured by bond lengths. Thus, 103lnα26Mg/24Mg between dolomite and calcite dramatically increases with decreasing Mg/(Mg+Ca) in calcite [1] and it reaches a constant value when it is lower than 1/48. 103lnα44Ca/40Ca between opx and cpx significantly increases with decreasing Ca content in opx when Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) ranges from 2/16 to 1/48 [2]. If Ca/(Ca+Mg+Fe) is below 1/48, 103lnα44Ca/40Ca is not sensitive to Ca content. Based on our results, we conclude that the concentration effect on equilibrium isotope fractionation could be significant within a certain range of chemical composition of minerals, which should be a ubiquitous phenomenon in solid solution systems. [1] Wang, W., Qin, T., Zhou, C., Huang, S., Wu, Z., Huang, F., 2017. GCA 208, 185-197. [2] Feng, C., Qin, T., Huang, S., Wu, Z., Huang, F., 2014. GCA 143, 132-142.

Determination of Thermodynamic Properties of Alkaline Earth-liquid Metal Alloys Using the Electromotive Force Technique

PubMed Central

Nigl, Thomas P.; Smith, Nathan D.; Lichtenstein, Timothy; Gesualdi, Jarrod; Kumar, Kuldeep; Kim, Hojong

2017-01-01

A novel electrochemical cell based on a CaF2 solid-state electrolyte has been developed to measure the electromotive force (emf) of binary alkaline earth-liquid metal alloys as functions of both composition and temperature in order to acquire thermodynamic data. The cell consists of a chemically stable solid-state CaF2-AF2 electrolyte (where A is the alkaline-earth element such as Ca, Sr, or Ba), with binary A-B alloy (where B is the liquid metal such as Bi or Sb) working electrodes, and a pure A metal reference electrode. Emf data are collected over a temperature range of 723 K to 1,123 K in 25 K increments for multiple alloy compositions per experiment and the results are analyzed to yield activity values, phase transition temperatures, and partial molar entropies/enthalpies for each composition. PMID:29155770

Multi-species coral Sr/Ca-based sea-surface temperature reconstruction using Orbicella faveolata and Siderastrea siderea from the Florida Straits

USGS Publications Warehouse

Flannery, Jennifer A.; Richey, Julie N.; Thirumalai, Kaustubh; Poore, Richard Z.; DeLong, Kristine L.

2017-01-01

We present new, monthly-resolved Sr/Ca-based sea-surface temperature (SST) records from two species of massive coral, Orbicella faveolata and Siderastrea siderea, from the Dry Tortugas National Park, FL, USA (DTNP). We combine these new records with published data from three additional S. siderea coral colonies to generate a 278-year long multi-species stacked Sr/Ca-SST record from DTNP. The composite record of mean annual Sr/Ca-SST at DTNP shows pronounced decadal-scale variability with a range of 1 to 2°C. Notable cool intervals in the Sr/Ca-derived SST lasting about a decade centered at ~1845, ~1935, and ~1965 are associated with reduced summer Sr/Ca-SST (monthly maxima < 29°C), and imply a reduction in the spatial extent of the Atlantic Warm Pool (AWP). There is significant coherence between the composite DTNP Sr/Ca-SST record and the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) index, with the AMO lagging Sr/Ca-SST at DTNP by 9 years. Low frequency variability in the Gulf Stream surface transport, which originates near DTNP, may provide a link for the lagged relationship between multidecadal variability at DTNP and the AMO.

Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals: Report of the Subcommittee on Zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coombs, D.S.; Alberti, A.; Armbruster, T.; Artioli, G.; Colella, C.; Galli, E.; Grice, Joel D.; Liebau, F.; Mandarino, J.A.; Minato, H.; Nickel, E.H.; Passaglia, E.; Peacor, D.R.; Quartieri, S.; Rinaldi, R.; Ross, M.; Sheppard, R.A.; Tillmanns, E.; Vezzalini, G.

1998-01-01

This report embodies recommendations on zeolite nomenclature approved by the International Mineralogical Association Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. In a working definition of a zeolite mineral used for this review, structures containing an interrupted containing an interrupted framework of tetrahedra are accepted where other zeolitic properties prevail, and complete substitution by elements other than Si and Al is alloowed. Separate species are recognized in topologically distinctive compositional series in which different extra-framework cations are the most abundant in atomic proportions. To name these, the appropriate chemical symbol is attached by a hyphen to the series name as a suffix, except for the names harmotome, pollucite and wairakite in the phillipsite and analcime series. Differences in space-group symmetry and in order-disorder relationships in zeolites having the same topologically distinctive framework do not in general provide adequate grounds for recognition of separate species. Zeolite species are not to be distinguished solely in Si:Al ratio except for heulandite (Si:Al < 4.0) and clinoptilolite (Si:Al ??? 4.0). Dehydration, partial hydration and over-hydration are not sufficient grounds for the recognition of separate species of zeolites. Use of the term 'ideal formula' should be avoided in referring to a simplified or averaged formula of zeolite. Newly recognized species in compositional series are as follows: brewsterite-Sr, -Ba; chabazite-Ca, -Na, -K; clinoptilolite-K, -Na, -Ca; dechiardite-Ca, -Na; erionite-Na, -K, -Ca,; faujasite-Na, -Ca, -Mg; ferrierite-Mg, -K, -Na; gmelinite-Na, -Ca, -K; heulandite-Ca, -Na, -K, -Sr; levyne-Ca, -Na; paulingite-K, -Ca; phillipsite-Na, -Ca, -K stilbite-Ca, -Na. Key references, type locality, origin of name, chemical data, IZA structure-type symbols, space-group symmetry, unit-cell dimensions, and comments on structure are listed for 13 compositional series, 82 accepted zeolite mineral species, and three of doubtful status. Herschelite, leonhardite, svetlozarite and wellsite are discredited as mineral species names. Obsolete and discredited names are listed.

Recommended nomenclature for zeolite minerals: report of the subcommittee on zeolites of the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on new Minerals and Mineral names

USGS Publications Warehouse

Coombs, D.S.; Alberti, A.; Armbruster, T.; Artioli, G.; Colella, C.; Galli, E.; Grice, Joel D.; Liebau, F.; Mandarino, J.A.; Minato, H.; Nickel, E.H.; Passaglia, E.; Peacor, D.R.; Quartieri, S.; Rinaldi, R.; Ross, M.; Sheppard, R.A.; Tillmanns, E.; Vezzalini, G.

1997-01-01

This report embodies recommendations on zeolite nomenclature approved by the International Mineralogical Association, Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names. In a working definition of a zeolite mineral used for this review, structures containing an interrupted framework of tetrahedra are accepted where other zeolitic properties prevail, and complete substitution by elements other than Si and Al is allowed. Separate species are recognized in topologically distinctive compositional series in which different extra-framework cations are the most abundant in atomic proportions. To name these, the appropriate chemicalsymbol is attached by a hyphen to the series name as a suffix, except for the names harmotome, pollucite and wairakite in the phillipsite and analcime series. Differences in space-group symmetry and in order-disorder relationships in zeolites having the same topologically distinctive framework do not in general provide adequate grounds for recognition of separate species. Zeolite species are not to be distinguished solely on the ratio Si:Al except for heulandite (Si:Al < 4.0) and clinoptilolite (Si:Al ??? 4.0). Dehydration, partial hydration, and overhydration are not sufficient grounds for the recognition of separate species of zeolites. Use of the term 'ideal formula' should be avoided in referring to a simplified or averaged formula of a zeolite. newly recognized species in compositional series are as follows: brewsterite-Sr, -Ba, chabazite-Ca, -Na, -K, clinoptilolite-K, -Na, -Ca, dachiardite-Ca, -Na, erionite-Na, erionite-Na, -K, -Ca, faujasite-Na, -Ca, -Mg, ferrierite-Mg, -K, -Na, gmelinite-Na, -Ca, -K, heulandite-Ca, -Na, -K, -Sr, levyne-Ca, -Na, paulingite-K, -Ca, phillipsite-Na, -Ca, -K, and stilbite-Ca, -Na. Key references, type locality, origin of name, chemical data, IZA structure-type symbols, space-group symmetry, unit-cell dimensions, and comments on structure are listed for 13 compositional series, 82 accepted zeolite mineral species, and three of doubtful status. Herschelite, leonhardite, dvetlozarite, and wellsite are discredited as mineral species names. Obsolete and discredited names are listed.

Organic molecules and nanoparticles in inorganic crystals: Vitamin C in CaCO3 as an ultraviolet absorber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sato, H.; Ikeya, M.

2004-03-01

Organic molecules and nanoparticles embedded in inorganic crystalline lattices have been studied to add different properties and functions to composite materials. Calcium carbonate was precipitated by dropping an aqueous solution of CaCl2 into that of Na2CO3 containing dissolved vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The optical absorption ascribed to divalent ascorbate anions in the lattice was observed in the ultraviolet B (wavelength: 280-315 nm) region, while solid vitamin C exhibited absorption in the ultraviolet C (100-280 nm) region. The divalent ascorbate anion is only stable in CaCO3 due to the absence of oxygen molecules. Doping CaCO3 with nanoparticles of ZnO also enhanced the absorption in the ultraviolet A (315-380 nm) region. These composite materials are suggested for use as UV absorbers.

SiO2 and CaF2 Behavior During Shielded Metal Arc Welding and Their Effect on Slag Detachability of the CaO-CaF2-SiO2 Type ENiCrFe-7-Covered Electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huang; Qin, Renyao; He, Guo

2016-09-01

The metallurgical behavior during shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and the slag detachability of the CaO-CaF2-SiO2 type ENiCrFe-7-covered electrodes was investigated. The results indicated that the slag detachability could be improved as the SiO2 in the flux coatings decreased. When the SiO2 in the flux coating was 10.9 pct, about 28.3 pct CaF2 resulted in the best slag detachability. The CaF2 and SiO2 in the flux coating interacted during SMAW to form gaseous SiF4 to be evacuated. In the reactions, one SiO2 consumed two CaF2, leading to the reduction of the ratio of CaF2/SiO2. After comparing the slag compositions, the best slag detachability was obtained at CaO:CaF2:SiO2 = 1.7:1.8:1, but the worst slag detachability appeared at CaO:CaF2:SiO2 = 1.3:0.9:1. The XRD analysis revealed that the oxides and fluorides in the slags preferred to gather together to form cuspidine and other complex phases. If the CaF2 was dominant in the slags, they intended to form homogenous porous microstructures that were relatively strong and would most likely detach from the weld metal in blocks, exhibiting good slag detachability. If the cuspidine phase was dominant, the slags exhibited a `rock strata'-like microstructure in the intergranular area. Such microstructure was very fragile and could be broken into fine powders that were easily embedded in the weld ripples, leading to slag adhesions. This work provides the researcher with a wealth of information and data, which will also be beneficial to the welding material producers and users.

Food quality, effects on health and sustainability today: a model case report.

PubMed

Borroni, Vittorio Natale; Fargion, Silvia; Mazzocchi, Alessandra; Giachetti, Marco; Lanzarini, Achille; Dall'Asta, Margherita; Scazzina, Francesca; Agostoni, Carlo

2017-02-01

The Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico is a five-century institution that, besides the unique clinical role in the center of Milan, may rely on benefactor donations such as fields and farming houses not far from the city, for a total of 8500 ha, all managed by the "Sviluppo Ca' Granda' Foundation". Presently, the main products of these fields are represented by rice and cow's milk. During the latest years, farmers and managers have developed a model of sustainable food production, with great attention to the product quality based on compositional analysis and functional nutritional characteristics. This experience represents a new holistic model of food production and consumption, taking great care of both sustainability and health.

Wear characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite with addition of titanium (HA-Ti)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosmamuhamadani, R.; Arawi, A. Z. O.; Talari, M. K.; Mahat, M. M.; Bonnia, N. N.; Sabrina; Yahaya, M.; Sulaiman, S.; Ismail, M. I. S.

2018-04-01

Hydroxyapatite (Ca10 (PO4)6(OH)2, HA), is an attractive material of an inorganic compound whose chemical composition and crystallographic structures are similar to the composition of the bone. A natural source such as egg shells is composed of 94 wt. % of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which can be calcined as calcium oxide (CaO) by the calcinations process. The efficient temperature to produce CaO is 900 °C for 2 hours. The synthesis of nano-HA was done by the mixing the diammonium phosphate (DAP) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) and subjected into a microwave for 30 minutes at 1100 W irradiation power. Ball milling process was used for 30 minutes to mix the nano-HA with different compositions of titanium. These were pressed to form pallets by hand hydraulic pump (force=2300 psi). The pallets then were sintered at 1200 °C with the heating rate of 3 °C/min for 2 hours. The pallets were tested by several mechanical testing including hardness, compression strength and wear. From the results, HA-25wt. %Ti composite gave the highest hardness, compression and coefficient of friction for wear test values which were 89.6 Hv, 82.5MPa and 0.76μ respectively. It showed that by adding Ti to nano-HA, the mechanical properties of nano-HA could be enhanced. The microstructure analyses by optical micrograph showed that nano-HA-Ti particles displayed shape likes needle morphology. The particles showed the high tendency to form the agglomerations.

Variation in the composition of milk of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) throughout lactation.

PubMed

Abbondanza, Frances N; Power, Michael L; Dickson, Melissa A; Brown, Janine; Oftedal, Olav T

2013-01-01

We investigated milk nutrient composition from three Asian elephant cows over the first 3 years of lactation, including two consecutive lactations in one cow. Body mass gain is presented for three calves during the first year. Milk samples (n = 74) were analyzed for dry matter (DM), fat, crude protein (CP), sugar, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K); gross energy (GE) was calculated. Concentrations of most nutrients changed over lactation: DM, fat, CP, Ca, P, and GE were positively correlated to calf age; sugar was negatively correlated to calf age. GE doubled between birth (1 kcal/g) and 2 years of age (2 kcal/g). After accounting for calf age, GE, fat, Ca, and P concentrations differed among the cows. Milk composition also differed between two lactations from the same cow. When milk nutrients were expressed on a mg per kcal basis, the pattern changes: CP, Ca, and P remained relatively constant over lactation on a per energy basis. Calf mass quadrupled over the first year of life; mass gain was linear at 0.9 kg/day. Asian elephant milk composition is variable, both across lactations and between cows, complicating efforts to determine representative values for comparative studies and for the formulation of elephant milk formulas. The fact that CP, Ca, and P were all relatively constant when expressed on a per energy basis may be of biological significance. The increase in nutrient density over lactation undoubtedly limits maternal water loss, reducing the volume of milk necessary to support the calf. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Experimental study of Fe-Mg- and Ca-distribution between coexisting ortho- and clinopyroxenes at P=294 MPa, T=750 and 800° C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fonarev, V. I.; Graphchikov, A. A.

1982-07-01

The Fe-Mg-Ca-distribution was investigated in synthesis experiments and with the mineral assemblage orthopyroxene+clinopyroxene+quartz. The phase compositions were identified by X-ray diffraction and, where possible, by electron microprobe. The attainment of equilibrium in the run products was signalled by the compositions from control runs (different solutions) becoming closely similar, by recycling runs, by the attainment of equilibrium from different directions (depending on the composition of starting phases), and by special kinetic experiments. The study produced the following results: (1) the Ca content of the clinopyroxenes decreases with increasing Fe (mol%) from 48.4 at X {Cpx/Fe}=5 to 39.8 at X {Cpx/Fe}=45 (800° C); from 47.6 at X {Cpx/Fe}= 10 to 41.7 at X {Cpx/Fe}=45 (750° C); increasing temperature expands the stability field of the less calcic clinopyroxenes. (2) The Ca content of orthopyroxenes increases slightly with Fe content from 1.8 at X {Opx/Fe}=20.5 to 3.2 at X {Opx/Fe}=75; the temperature effect on the Ca content under the T, P conditions of the experiment was not large. (3) Fe and Mg distribution between the coexisting ortho-and clinopyroxenes is largely temperature-dependent, particularly in the compositional range X {Opx/Fe}=15 75 mol%; as T increases, Fe redistributes from the rhombic to monoclinic mineral. Preliminary estimates of rock formation temperatures using the obtained data show that most of the known two-pyroxene geothermometers overstate the actual values by 50 150° C.

Calcareous dinoflagellate cysts as recorder of Late Cretaceous paleo-temperature using Sr/Ca thermometry and δ44/40Caseawater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gussone, N. C.; Friedrich, O.

2017-12-01

We evaluate the potential of calcareous dinoflagellates as archives for Sr/Ca-based paleo-temperature reconstructions and δ44/40Caseawater fluctuations on sediments from Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 113 (Hole 690C, Weddell Sea, Southern Ocean). Between 73 and 68 Ma, Sr/Ca ratios of two Cretaceous dinoflagellate species, Pirumella krasheninnikovii and Orthopithonella globosa show a pronounced decrease, consistent with a significant drop in sea-surface temperature as reflected by the δ18O of planktic foraminifers. The apparent temperature sensitivity of the dinoflagellate cysts' Sr/Ca is 0.06 and 0.08 mmol/mol °C-1, using δ18O-derived paleo sea-surface temperatures, which is significant and large enough to resolve paleoenvironmental temperature changes at current analytical precision. As the chemical composition of the cyst calcite appears to have a good preservability, the Sr/Ca of calcareous dinoflagellates has a high potential to serve as paleo temperature proxy. The Ca isotope composition of the two dinoflagellate species shows identical trends of increasing δ44/40Ca between 73 and 67 Ma. The planktic foraminifer Archaeoglobigerina australis and the benthic foraminifer Nuttallides truempyi reveal the same increase but are offset relative to the dinoflagellates by about +0.5‰, due to species-specific Ca isotope fractionation. Bulk carbonate sediment shows significant scatter, likely caused by changes in faunal composition and does not satisfyingly reproduce the trend revealed by the dinoflagellate and foraminifer records. These observations demonstrate the importance of taxon-specific records and careful determination of fractionation factors of selected archives and highlight complications arising from utilizing less suitable archives, such as bulk sediments, for δ44/40Caseawater reconstructions. Our records indicate strong changes in the oceanic Ca carbonate chemistry associated with the temperature decrease towards the end of the Cretaceous.

EPS composition and calcification potential of tufa-dominating cyanobacteria investigated by Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) and Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zippel, Barbara; Dynes, James J.; Obst, Martin; Lawrence, John R.; Neu, Thomas R.

2010-05-01

Tufa deposits in freshwater habitats are the result of calcium carbonate precipitation within interfacial microbial ecosystems. Calcite precipitation is influenced by the saturation index and the occurrence of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) which are produced by a variety of microorganisms. In theory, the first important step of biologically induced calcification processes is the adsorption of calcium ions by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) produced by cyanobacteria. In the present study we take advantage of Laser Scanning Microscopy (LSM) and combine it with Synchrotron imaging using Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM). STXM represents a technique that allows simultaneous analysis of inorganic and organic constituents as a scale of 50 nm. By means of STXM it is possible to differentiate between calcium carbonate phases at the Ca L-edge. Furthermore, STXM has also been used at the C K-edge to map the major biomolecules (proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides). The purpose of this study is to find out if there are differences in calcium adsorption depending on specific composition of the EPS produced by filamentous cyanobacteria isolated from a German hard water creek (Westerhöfer Bach, Harz Mountains). The goal was to elucidate the potential of biofilms constituents, including microbial cell surfaces as well as extracellular polymeric substances, in triggering the formation of calcium carbonate in tufa systems. For this purpose three filamentous cyanobacteria (Pseudanabaena sp., Leptolyngbya sp. and Nostoc sp.) were cultivated in creek-adapted as well as standard media (BG11) on polycarbonate slides. In situ EPS composition was detected by means of fluorescence lectin-binding approach (FLBA) using 23 commercially available lectins with different specificities for mono- and disaccharides and amino sugars. For CaCO3 nucleation experiments cyanobacterial biofilms grown on polycarbonate slides were deposited in NaHCO3/CaCl2 solutions supersaturated 10 times with respect to calcite for 48, 72 and 144 hours. For the STXM experiment on beamline 10-ID1 at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), the biofilm samples were scrapped off, suspended in a slurry and deposited carefully on a Si3N4 window. In order to obtain quantitative speciation maps of cyanobacterial sheath EPS, image sequences (stacks) were recorded at the C-1s (280-320 eV) and Ca-2p (340-360 eV) edges. Data analysis was done by using the software aXis2000, and energy spectra were fitted with available reference spectra. Nearly the same lectins specific for fucose, mannose, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, as well as sialic acid bound preferentially to the EPS of cyanobacterial sheaths of Pseudanabaena sp. and Leptolyngbya sp. Surprisingly, in case of Nostoc sp. only two lectins specific for fucose, and N-acetylgalactosamine showed a clear binding to the EPS of sheaths. Qualitative, lectin-specific EPS composition was not influenced by nutrient concentrations within the medium during cultivation. In order to biochemically characterize the CaCO3 nucleation sites within the sheaths of the cyanobacteria investigated, carbon maps of the most abundant organic components were derived from C-1s image sequences. The sheaths of the cyanobacteria contained mainly polysaccharides followed by proteins, and a small amount of lipids. The highest amount of polysaccharides was detected in EPS produced by Pseudanabaena sp., whereas in Nostoc sp. only one-fifth was found. All samples investigated contained spectral signatures of Ca2+ adsorbed to EPS. Aragonite-like CaCO3 was detected in close association with the cell surface of Leptolyngbya sp. only. Highest amount of adsorbed Ca to EPS was found in Pseudanabaena sp., whereas only one-third was detected within the EPS of sheaths in Leptolyngbya sp. and Nostoc sp. Results of this combined approach show that the cyanobacteria investigated are may be involved in calcification processes to different degrees.

Single crystal structure analyses of scheelite-powellite CaW1-xMoxO4 solidsolutions and unique occurrence in Jisyakuyama skarn deposits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamashita, K.; Yoshiasa, A.; Miyazaki, H.; Tokuda, M.; Tobase, T.; Isobe, H.; Nishiyama, T.; Sugiyama, K.; Miyawaki, R.

2017-12-01

Jisyakuyama skarn deposit, Fukuchi, Fukuoka, Japan, shows a simple occurrenceformed by penetration of hot water into limestone cracks. A unique occurrence of scheelite-powellite CaW1-xMoxO4 minerals is observed in the skarn deposit. Many syntheticexperiments for scheelite-powellite solid solutions have been reported as research onfluorescent materials. In this system it is known that a complete continuous solid solution isformed even at room temperature. In this study, we have carried out the chemical analyses,crystal structural refinements and detail description of occurrence on scheelite-powelliteminerals. We have also attempted synthesis of single crystal of solid solution in a widecomposition range. The chemical compositions were determined by JEOL scanningelectron microscope and EDS, INCA system. We have performed the crystal structurerefinements of the scheelite-powellite CaW1-xMoxO4 solid solutions (x=0.0-1.0) byRIGAKU single-crystal structure analysis system RAPID. The R and S values are around0.0s and 1.03. As the result of structural refinements of natural products and many solidsolutions, we confirm that most large natural single crystals have compositions at bothendmembers, and large solid solution crystals are rare. The lattice constants, interatomicdistances and other crystallographic parameters for the solid solution change uniquely withcomposition and it was confirmed as a continuous solid solution. Single crystals of scheeliteendmember + powellite endmember + solid solution with various compositions form anaggregate in the deposit (Figure 1). Crystal shapes of powellite and scheelite arehypidiomorphic and allotriomorphic, respectively. Many solid solution crystals areaccompanied by scheelite endmember and a compositional gap is observed betweenpowellite and solid-solution crystals. The presence of several penetration solutions withsignificantly different W and Mo contents may be assumed. This research can be expectedto lead to giving restrictive conditions to elucidate the mineralization process. Figure1. Scheelite + Powellite + solid solution aggregate

Ionic composition of lower tropospheric aerosols at a Northeastern Mediterranean site: implications regarding sources and long-range transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koçak, Mustafa; Kubilay, Nilgün; Mihalopoulos, Nikos

Daily bulk aerosol filter samples were collected at Erdemli (36.6°N, 34.3°E) on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey for a 4-year period between 1996 and 1999. Concentrations of the water-soluble ions (Cl -, Br -, NO 3-, SO 42-, C 2O 42-, MSA -, Na +; NH 4+, K +, Mg 2+ and Ca 2+) were measured in a total of 610 samples. In addition, three-dimensional (3-D), 3-day back trajectories of air masses arriving daily at Erdemli were calculated to determine potential aerosol source regions. The results indicated that the seasonal variability of atmospheric concentrations for ionic species at Erdemli were related to precipitation events. The atmospheric concentration of measured species (except those of a marine origin) decreased to minimum values during winter, whereas, during dry summer months the lack of precipitation resulted in their accumulation in the atmosphere. During the transition periods, although there was still precipitation, crustal ions (mainly nss-Ca 2+ and in lesser extent nss-K + and nss-Mg 2+) exhibited sporadic but intense concentration peaks due to the intrusion of dust from the Sahara and the Arabian Peninsula. The results obtained from factor analysis and inter-species correlation suggested the presence of three main sources influencing concentrations: crustal, marine and anthropogenic sources. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the main non-sea-salt ions were associated with the formation of NH 4HSO 4, (NH 4) 2SO 4, Ca(NO 3) 2, CaSO 4 and CaCO 3. Formation of NH 4NO 3 and partial neutralization of H 2SO 4 by NH 4+ and Ca 2+ was found to occur mainly in summer.

The Tlo Proteins Are Stoichiometric Components of Candida albicans Mediator Anchored via the Med3 Subunit

PubMed Central

Zhang, Anda; Petrov, Kostadin O.; Hyun, Emily R.; Liu, Zhongle; Gerber, Scott A.

2012-01-01

The amplification of the TLO (for telomere-associated) genes in Candida albicans, compared to its less pathogenic, close relative Candida dubliniensis, suggests a role in virulence. Little, however, is known about the function of the Tlo proteins. We have purified the Mediator coactivator complex from C. albicans (caMediator) and found that Tlo proteins are a stoichiometric component of caMediator. Many members of the Tlo family are expressed, and each is a unique member of caMediator. Protein expression analysis of individual Tlo proteins, as well as the purification of tagged Tlo proteins, demonstrate that there is a large free population of Tlo proteins in addition to the Mediator-associated population. Coexpression and copurification of Tloα12 and caMed3 in Escherichia coli established a direct physical interaction between the two proteins. We have also made a C. albicans med3Δ/Δ strain and purified an intact Mediator from this strain. The analysis of the composition of the med3Δ Mediator shows that it lacks a Tlo subunit. Regarding Mediator function, the med3Δ/Δ strain serves as a substitute for the difficult-to-make tloΔ/Δ C. albicans strain. A potential role of the TLO and MED3 genes in virulence is supported by the inability of the med3Δ/Δ strain to form normal germ tubes. This study of caMediator structure provides initial clues to the mechanism of action of the Tlo genes and a platform for further mechanistic studies of caMediator's involvement in gene regulatory patterns that underlie pathogenesis. PMID:22562472

The major-ion composition of Cenozoic seawater: the past 36 million years from fluid inclusions in marine halite

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brennan, Sean T.; Lowenstein, Tim K.; Cendon, Dioni I.

2013-01-01

Fluid inclusions from ten Cenozoic (Eocene-Miocene) marine halites are used to quantify the major-ion composition (Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Na+, SO42−, and Cl−) of seawater over the past 36 My. Criteria used to determine a seawater origin of the halites include: (1) stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and paleontologic observations; (2) Br− in halite; (3) δ34S of sulfate minerals; (4) 87Sr/86Sr of carbonates and sulfates; and (5) fluid inclusion brine compositions and evaporation paths, which must overlap from geographically separated basins of the same age to confirm a “global” seawater chemical signal. Changes in the major-ion chemistry of Cenozoic seawater record the end of a systematic, long term (>150 My) shift from the Ca2+-rich, Mg2+- and SO42−-poor seawater of the Mesozoic (“CaCl2 seas”) to the “MgSO4 seas” (with higher Mg2+ and SO42−>Ca2+) of the Cenozoic. The major ion composition of Cenozoic seawater is calculated for the Eocene-Oligocene (36-34 Ma), Serravallian-Tortonian (13.5-11.8 Ma) and the Messinian (6-5 Ma), assuming chlorinity (565 mmolal), salinity, and the K+ concentration (11 mmolal) are constant and the same as in modern seawater. Fluid inclusions from Cenozoic marine halites show that the concentrations of Mg2+and SO42− have increased in seawater over the past 36 My and the concentration of Ca2+ has decreased. Mg2+ concentrations increased from 36 mmolal in Eocene-Oligocene seawater (36-34 Ma) to 55 mmolal in modern seawater. The Mg2+/Ca2+ ratio of seawater has risen from ∼2.3 at the end of the Eocene, to 3.4 and 4.0, respectively, at 13.5 to 11.8 Ma and 6 to 5 Ma, and to 5 in modern seawater. Eocene-Oligocene seawater (36-34 Ma) has estimated ranges of SO42− = 14–23 mmolal and Ca2+ = 11–20 mmolal. If the (Ca2+)(SO42−) product is assumed to be the same as in modern seawater (∼300 mmolal2), Eocene-Oligocene seawater had Ca2+ ∼16 mmolal and SO42− ∼19 mmolal. The same estimates of Ca2+ and SO42− for Serravallian-Tortonian seawater (13.5-11.8 Ma) are SO42− = 19–27 mmolal and Ca2+ = 8–16 mmolal and SO42− ∼24 mmolal and Ca2+ ∼ 13 mmolal if the (Ca2+)(SO42−) product is equal to that in modern seawater. Messinian seawater has an estimated range of SO42− ∼21–29 mmolal and Ca2+ ∼7–15 mmolal with SO42− ∼26 mmolal and Ca2+ ∼12 mmolal assuming the (Ca2+)(SO42−) product is equal to that in modern seawater. Regardless of the estimation procedure, SO42− shows progressively increasing concentrations from 36 Ma to the present values, which are the highest of the Cenozoic.

Synthesis of alginate bioencapsulated nano-hydroxyapatite composite for selective fluoride sorption.

PubMed

Pandi, Kalimuthu; Viswanathan, Natrayasamy

2014-11-04

This article focuses on the development of eco-friendly adsorbent by alginate (Alg) bioencapsulating nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) namely n-HApAlg composite for defluoridation studies in batch mode. n-HAp powder utilized as a promising defluoridating material, but it causes a significant pressure drop during field applications. To overcome such technological bottlenecks, n-HApAlg composite was synthesized. The defluoridation capacity (DC) of synthesized n-HApAlg composite possesses an enhanced DC of 3870 mg F(-)/kg when compared to n-HAp and calcium alginate (CaAlg) composite which possess DC of 1296 and 680 mg F(-)/kg, respectively. The biocomposite features were characterized using FTIR and SEM with EDAX analysis. The various adsorption influencing parameters like contact time, pH, co-anions, initial fluoride concentration and temperature were optimized. The adsorption process was enlightened by various isotherms and kinetic models. The suitability of the biocomposite at field conditions was also tested. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Predicting major element mineral/melt equilibria - A statistical approach

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hostetler, C. J.; Drake, M. J.

1980-01-01

Empirical equations have been developed for calculating the mole fractions of NaO0.5, MgO, AlO1.5, SiO2, KO0.5, CaO, TiO2, and FeO in a solid phase of initially unknown identity given only the composition of the coexisting silicate melt. The approach involves a linear multivariate regression analysis in which solid composition is expressed as a Taylor series expansion of the liquid compositions. An internally consistent precision of approximately 0.94 is obtained, that is, the nature of the liquidus phase in the input data set can be correctly predicted for approximately 94% of the entries. The composition of the liquidus phase may be calculated to better than 5 mol % absolute. An important feature of this 'generalized solid' model is its reversibility; that is, the dependent and independent variables in the linear multivariate regression may be inverted to permit prediction of the composition of a silicate liquid produced by equilibrium partial melting of a polymineralic source assemblage.

Ridge regression for predicting elastic moduli and hardness of calcium aluminosilicate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Yifan; Zeng, Huidan; Jiang, Yejia; Chen, Guorong; Chen, Jianding; Sun, Luyi

2018-03-01

It is of great significance to design glasses with satisfactory mechanical properties predictively through modeling. Among various modeling methods, data-driven modeling is such a reliable approach that can dramatically shorten research duration, cut research cost and accelerate the development of glass materials. In this work, the ridge regression (RR) analysis was used to construct regression models for predicting the compositional dependence of CaO-Al2O3-SiO2 glass elastic moduli (Shear, Bulk, and Young’s moduli) and hardness based on the ternary diagram of the compositions. The property prediction over a large glass composition space was accomplished with known experimental data of various compositions in the literature, and the simulated results are in good agreement with the measured ones. This regression model can serve as a facile and effective tool for studying the relationship between the compositions and the property, enabling high-efficient design of glasses to meet the requirements for specific elasticity and hardness.

Water-rock interaction and geochemistry of groundwater from the Ain Azel aquifer, Algeria.

PubMed

Belkhiri, Lazhar; Mouni, Lotfi; Tiri, Ammar

2012-02-01

Hydrochemical, multivariate statistical, and inverse geochemical modeling techniques were used to investigate the hydrochemical evolution within the Ain Azel aquifer, Algeria. Cluster analysis based on major ion contents defined 3 main chemical water types, reflecting different hydrochemical processes. The first group water, group 1, has low salinity (mean EC = 735 μS/cm). The second group waters are classified as Cl-HCO(3)-alkaline earth type. The third group is made up of water samples, the cation composition of which is dominated by Ca and Mg with anion composition varying from dominantly Cl to dominantly HCO(3) plus SO(4). The varifactors obtained from R-mode FA indicate that the parameters responsible for groundwater quality variations are mainly related to the presence and dissolution of some carbonate, silicate, and evaporite minerals in the aquifer. Inverse geochemical modeling along groundwater flow paths indicates the dominant processes are the consumption of CO(2), the dissolution of dolomite, gypsum, and halite, along with the precipitation of calcite, Ca-montmorillonite, illite, kaolinite, and quartz. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011

Development of high Tc (greater than 110K) Bi, Tl and Y-based materials as superconducting circuit elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Haertling, Gene; Grabert, Gregory; Gilmour, Phillip

1991-01-01

Experimental work was continued on the development and characterization of bulk and hot pressed powders and tapecast materials in the Bi-Sr-Ca-Cu-O and Tl-Ba-Ca-Cu-O systems. A process for producing warp-free, sintered, superconducting tapes of Bi composition Bi1Sr2Ca2 Cu3O(x) was established. The procedure requires a triple calcination at 830 C for 24 hours and sintering at 845 C from 20 to 200 hours. Hot pressing the triple calcined powder at 845 C for 6 hours at 5000 psi yielded a dense material, which on further heat treatment at 845 C for 24 hours, exhibited a Tc of 108.2K. The Bi compositions were found to be much less oxygen sensitive than the Y compositions. This was especially noted in the case of the hot pressed materials which were superconducting as hot pressed, a condition that could not be achieved in the Y compositions. Safire-type grounding links are in the process of being fabricated from these materials.

Thermal-mechanical properties of a graphitic-nanofibers reinforced epoxy.

PubMed

Salehi-Khojin, Amin; Jana, Soumen; Zhong, Wei-Hong

2007-03-01

We previously developed a series of reactive graphitic nanofibers (r-GNFs) reinforced epoxy (nano-epoxy) as composite matrices, which have shown good wetting and adhesion properties with continuous fiber. In this work, the thermal-mechanical properties of the nano-epoxy system containing EponTM Resin 828 and Epi-cure Curing Agent W were characterized. Results from three-point bending tests showed that the flexural strength and flexural modulus of this system with 0.30 wt% of reactive nanofibers were increased by 16%, and 21% respectively, over pure epoxy. Fracture toughness increased by ca. 40% for specimens with 0.50 wt% of r-GNFs. By dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) test, specimens with 0.30 wt% of r-GNFs showed a significant increase in storage modulus E' (by ca. 122%) and loss modulus E" (by ca. 111%) with respect to that of pure epoxy. Also thermo-dilatometry analysis (TDA) was used to measure dimensional change of specimens as a function of temperature, and then, coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) before and after glass transition temperature (Tg) were obtained. Results implied that nano-epoxy materials had good dimensional stability and reduced CTE values when compared to those of pure epoxy.

The effects of diagenesis and dolomitization on Ca and Mg isotopes in marine platform carbonates: Implications for the geochemical cycles of Ca and Mg

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fantle, Matthew S.; Higgins, John

2014-10-01

The Ca, Mg, O, and C isotopic and trace elemental compositions of marine limestones and dolostones from ODP Site 1196A, which range in depth (∼58 to 627 mbsf) and in depositional age (∼5 and 23 Ma), are presented. The objectives of the study are to explore the potential for non-traditional isotope systems to fingerprint diagenesis, to quantify the extent to which geochemical proxies are altered during diagenesis, and to investigate the importance of diagenesis within the global Ca and Mg geochemical cycles. The data suggest that Ca, which has a relatively high solid to fluid mass ratio, can be isotopically altered during diagenesis. In addition, the alteration of Ca correlates with the alteration of Mg in such a way that both can serve as useful tools for deciphering diagenesis in ancient rocks. Bulk carbonate δ44Ca values vary between 0.60 and 1.31‰ (SRM-915a scale); the average limestone δ44Ca is 0.97 ± 0.24‰ (1SD), identical within error to the average dolostone (1.03 ± 0.15 1SD ‰). Magnesium isotopic compositions (δ26Mg, DSM-3 scale) range between -2.59‰ and -3.91‰, and limestones (-3.60 ± 0.25‰) and dolostones (-2.68 ± 0.07‰) are isotopically distinct. Carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C, PDB scale) vary between 0.86‰ and 2.47‰, with average limestone (1.96 ± 0.31‰) marginally offset relative to average dolostone (1.68 ± 0.57‰). The oxygen isotopic compositions (δ18O, PDB scale) of limestones (-1.22 ± 0.94‰) are substantially lower than the dolostones measured (2.72 ± 1.07‰). The isotopic data from 1196A suggest distinct and coherent trends in isotopic and elemental compositions that are interpreted in terms of diagenetic trajectories. Numerical modeling supports the contention that such trends can be interpreted as diagenetic, and suggests that the appropriate distribution coefficient (KMg) associated with limestone diagenesis is ∼1 to 5 × 10-3, distinctly lower than those values (>0.015) reported in laboratory studies. With respect to Mg isotopes, the modeling also suggest that diagenetic fractionation factors of ∼0.9955 (-4.5‰) and 0.9980 (-2‰) are appropriate for limestone diagenesis and dolomitization, respectively.

Protein-adsorption and Ca-phosphate formation on chitosan-bioactive glass composite coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wagener, V.; Boccaccini, A. R.; Virtanen, S.

2017-09-01

In the last years, chitosan-bioactive glass (BG) composites have been developed and investigated as bioactive coatings for orthopedic applications. The increase of bioactivity occurs due to the stimulation of calcium-phosphate/hydroxyapatite formation on the surface while the coating is degrading. In the present work, protein adsorption and its influence on calcium-phosphate precipitation was studied for the first time on such composite coatings. The experiments involved coating of 316L stainless steel substrates with chitosan (Ch) and chitosan-bioactive glass (Ch-BG) and immersion of the coated samples in two different bovine serum albumin (BSA) containing solutions, namely DI H2O (with pH adjusted to about 7.2 with diluted NaOH) and simulated body fluid (SBF). In order to investigate the influence of protein adsorption on calcium-phosphate precipitation, samples were also immersed in DI H2O and in SBF without BSA. Samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Surface analysis revealed that adsorption of BSA takes place on all studied samples and that protein adsorption is influenced by the presence of Ca2+ and PO43- ions. Bioactivity in the form of hydroxyapatite pre-stage formation is significantly increased on Ch-BG composite coating as compared with bare stainless steel surface. However, calcium-phosphate precipitation in SBF is reduced by the presence of BSA.

Water-Soluble Combretastatin A4 Phosphate Orally Delivered via Composite Nanoparticles With Improved Inhibition Effect Toward S180 Tumors.

PubMed

Shen, Yurun; Wu, Liping; Qiu, Liyan

2017-10-01

Combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) is a novel vascular disrupting agent for cancer therapy. However, frequent dosing and negative patient compliance have been encountered over CA4P by injection administration due to its quite short-term action and acute side effects. Therefore, it is significant to develop an oral formulation of CA4P. We established a novel method to prepare CA4P-loaded nanoparticles (CA4P-NPs) for oral administration by combining methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polylactide (PELA) and poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers. Transport study in vitro was evaluated on Madin-Darby canine kidney cell models, and antitumor effect evaluation in vivo was performed on S180 subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor models in mice. The highest entrapment efficiency of CA4P-NPs was achieved when the weight ratio of PELA to PLGA was optimized to 1:1. The apparent permeability coefficient of CA4P-NPs was found to be 2.08-fold higher than that of free CA4P in transport study. CA4P-NPs reached an absolute bioavailability of 77.6% with the tumor inhibition ratio of 41.2% that was significantly superior to free CA4P. These results suggest a promising application of this composite nanoparticle for the oral delivery of water-soluble drugs. Copyright © 2017 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Inorganic/organic doped carbon aerogels as biosensing materials for the detection of hydrogen peroxide.

PubMed

Dong, Sheying; Li, Nan; Suo, Gaochao; Huang, Tinglin

2013-12-17

In this article, three different inorganic/organic doped carbon aerogel (CA) materials (Ni-CA, Pd-CA, and Ppy-CA) were, respectively, mixed with ionic liquid (IL) to form three stable composite films, which were used as enhanced elements for an integrated sensing platform to increase the surface area and to improve the electronic transmission rate. Subsequently, the effect of the materials performances such as adsorption, specific surface area and conductivity on electrochemistry for myoglobin (Mb) was discussed using N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Moreover, they could act as sensors toward the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with lower detection limits (1.68 μM, 1.02 μM, and 0.85 μM, for Ni-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, Pd-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, and Ppy-CA/IL/Mb-CPE, respectively) and smaller apparent Michaelis-Menten constants KM. The results indicated that the electroconductibility of the doped CA materials would become dominant, thus playing an important role in facilitating the electron transfer. Meanwhile, the synergetic effect with [BMIm]BF4 IL improved the capability of the composite inorganic/organic doped CA/IL matrix for protein immobilization. This work demonstrates the feasibility and the potential of a series of CA-based hybrid materials as biosensors, and further research and development are required to prepare other functional CAs and make them valuable for more extensive application in biosensing.

Genome Data Exploration Using Correspondence Analysis

PubMed Central

Tekaia, Fredj

2016-01-01

Recent developments of sequencing technologies that allow the production of massive amounts of genomic and genotyping data have highlighted the need for synthetic data representation and pattern recognition methods that can mine and help discovering biologically meaningful knowledge included in such large data sets. Correspondence analysis (CA) is an exploratory descriptive method designed to analyze two-way data tables, including some measure of association between rows and columns. It constructs linear combinations of variables, known as factors. CA has been used for decades to study high-dimensional data, and remarkable inferences from large data tables were obtained by reducing the dimensionality to a few orthogonal factors that correspond to the largest amount of variability in the data. Herein, I review CA and highlight its use by considering examples in handling high-dimensional data that can be constructed from genomic and genetic studies. Examples in amino acid compositions of large sets of species (viruses, phages, yeast, and fungi) as well as an example related to pairwise shared orthologs in a set of yeast and fungal species, as obtained from their proteome comparisons, are considered. For the first time, results show striking segregations between yeasts and fungi as well as between viruses and phages. Distributions obtained from shared orthologs show clusters of yeast and fungal species corresponding to their phylogenetic relationships. A direct comparison with the principal component analysis method is discussed using a recently published example of genotyping data related to newly discovered traces of an ancient hominid that was compared to modern human populations in the search for ancestral similarities. CA offers more detailed results highlighting links between modern humans and the ancient hominid and their characterizations. Compared to the popular principal component analysis method, CA allows easier and more effective interpretation of results, particularly by the ability of relating individual patterns with their corresponding characteristic variables. PMID:27279736