Variability in the preservation of the isotopic composition of collagen from fossil bone

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

Tuross, N.; Fogel, M.L.; Hare, P.E.

1988-04-01

Collagen from bone was prepared by several methods. For modern and well-preserved bone the {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N of collagen replicas obtained after HCl or EDTA demineralization were similar to those obtained with a gelatinization procedure. However, in more poorly preserved fossil bone the {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N varied among the different protein extracts. The yield of collagen obtained with EDTA demineralization was consistently higher than extraction procedures that used HCl. The {delta}{sup 13}C of individual amino acids separated from the collagen of modern and fossil whale bone varied up to 17{per thousand}, and the {delta}{sup 15}N frommore » the same amino acids ranged over 47{per thousand}. The {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N of most amino acids clustered closely to the average of the HCl insoluble collagen. The {delta}{sup 13}C of the major amino acid in collagen, glycine, differed from the average HCl insoluble collagen by approximately 8{per thousand} in the fossil whale and 14{per thousand} in the modern whale. The {delta}{sup 15}N of glycine differed from the average HCl insoluble values by approximately 4{per thousand} in the fossil whale and 7{per thousand} in the modern whale. Thus, diagenetic changes that alter the ratio of glycine to other amino acids in bone can be expected to perturb the values for carbon and nitrogen isotopes.« less

Influence of illuminants on the color distribution of shade guides.

PubMed

Park, Ji-Hoon; Lee, Yong-Keun; Lim, Bum-Soon

2006-12-01

Although a shade tab in a shade guide is matched to a natural tooth in the order of value, hue, and chroma, there are limited data on the color distribution of currently available shade guides sorted by these 3 parameters. Furthermore, spectrophotometric color measurements of shade tabs differ depending on the standard illuminant employed. The purpose of this study was to determine the color distributions of 2 shade guides in value (CIE L( *)), chroma (C( *)(ab)) and hue angle (h(o)) scale relative to the standard illuminants D(65), A, and F2. Color of shade tabs (n=36) from 2 shade guides (Vita Lumin and Chromascop) were measured, and the distributions for CIE L( *), C( *)(ab) and h(o) values were compared. Color differences of shade tabs depending on the illuminant were calculated. The distributions of the ratios of CIE L( *) and C( *)(ab) values of each shade tab compared with the lowest value tab or the lowest chroma tab were determined. The data for the value, chroma, and hue angle within each shade guide were analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA with the factors of shade designation and type of illuminant (alpha=.05). Color difference caused by change of illuminant was analyzed with a 2-way ANOVA with the factors of shade designation and pair of illuminants compared (alpha=.05). The Scheffe multiple comparison test was performed as a post hoc test. CIE L( *), C( *)(ab) and h(o) values were influenced by shade designation and type of illuminant in both shade guides. Color difference caused by change of the illuminant was influenced by the shade designation and pair of illuminants compared. The order of mean color differences of 16 Vita Lumin shade tabs by pairs of illuminants compared was as follows: DeltaE( *)(ab) (D(65)/F2) = 1.63 3.7). Color distribution of 2 shade guides by the value and chroma was not logical.

[13C] GC-C-IRMS analysis of methylboronic acid derivatives of glucose from liver glycogen after the ingestion of [13C] labeled tracers in rats.

PubMed

Luengo, Catherine; Azzout-Marniche, Dalila; Fromentin, Claire; Piedcoq, Julien; Lemosquet, Sophie; Tomé, Daniel; Gaudichon, Claire

2009-11-01

We developed a complete method to measure low [(13)C] enrichments in glycogen. Fourteen rats were fed a control diet. Six of them also ingested either [U-(13)C] glucose (n=2) or a mixture of 20 [U-(13)C] amino acids (n=4). Hepatic glycogen was extracted, digested to glucose and purified on anion-cation exchange resins. After the optimization of methylboronic acid derivatization using GC-MS, [(13)C] enrichment of extracted glucose was measured by GC-C-IRMS. The accuracy was addressed by measuring the enrichment excess of a calibration curve, which observed values were in good agreement with the expected values (R=0.9979). Corrected delta values were -15.6+/-1.6 delta(13)C (per thousand) for control rats (n=8) and increased to -5 to 8 delta(13)C (per thousand) per thousand and 12-14 delta(13)C (per thousand) per thousand after the ingestion of [U-(13)C] amino acids or [U-(13)C] glucose as oral tracers, respectively. The method enabled the determination of dietary substrate transfer into glycogen. The sequestration of dietary glucose in liver glycogen 4 h after the meal was 35% of the ingested dose whereas the transfer of carbon skeletons from amino acids was only 0.25 to 1%.

The carbon isotope biogeochemistry of (epsilon)CO2 production in a methanogenic marine sediment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehme, Susan E.

1993-01-01

To investigate the relationship between sigma(CO2) delta(C-13) values and rates of the dominant remineralization processes at the organic-rich field site of Cape Lookout Bight, NC, the isotopic composition of porewater sigma(CO2) was measured on a seasonal basis. The sigma(CO2) delta(C-13) values varies seasonally in response to changes in rates of sulfate reduction and methanogenesis, the dominant remineralization processes at this site. A tube incubation experiment was also performed to determine the isotopic signature of the sigma(CO2) produced by sulfate reduction and methanogenesis. The delta(C-13) of the sigma(CO2) produced in the sulfate reduction zone determined from the tube incubation was -14.3 plus or minus 1.9, a value enriched in C-13 relative to the labile organic fraction. The C-13-enrichment may be caused by low rates of methanogenesis occurring in the sulfate reduction zone. The delta(C-13) of the sigma(CO2) produced in the methanogenic zone was estimated to be +44 per mil, whereas the co-produced methane was -65 per mil. The fractionation factor for CO2 reduction was calculated to be 1.055, a value in agreement with previous estimates at this site. The measured concentration and delta(C-13) of the sigma(CO2) at Cape Lookout was closely reproduced by a diagenetic model using the measured rates of sulfate reduction and sigma(CO2) production, and the isotopic signature of the sigma(CO2) production in the two biogeochemical zones.

Carbon 14 measurements in surface water CO{sub 2} from the Atlantic, India, and Pacific Oceans, 1965--1994

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

Nydal, R.; Brenkert, A.L.; Boden, T.A.

1998-03-01

In the 1960s, thermonuclear bomb tests released significant pulses of radioactive carbon-14 ({sup 14}C) into the atmosphere. These major perturbations allowed scientists to study the dynamics of the global carbon cycle by calculating rates of isotope exchange between the atmosphere and ocean waters. A total of 950 ocean surface water observations were made from 1965 through 1994. The measurements were taken at 30 stations in the Atlantic Ocean, 14 stations in the Indian Ocean, and 38 stations in the Pacific Ocean. Thirty-two of the 950 samples were taken in the Atlantic Ocean during the R/V Andenes research cruise. {sup 14}Cmore » was measured in 871 of the 950 samples, and those measurements have been corrected ({Delta}{sup 14}C) for isotopic fractionation and radioactive decay. The {Delta}{sup 14}C values range between {minus}113.3 and 280.9 per mille and have a mean value of 101.3 per mille. The highest yearly mean (146.5 per mille) was calculated for 1969, the lowest yearly mean value was calculated for 1990 (67.9 per mille) illustrating a decrease over time. This decrease was to be expected as a result of the ban on atmospheric thermonuclear tests and the slow mixing of the ocean surface waters with the deeper layers.« less

The Southern Ocean as a driver of centennial to millenial timescale radiocarbon variations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodgers, K. B.; Bianchi, D.; Galbraith, E.; Gnanadesikan, A.; Iudicone, D.; Mikaloff Fletcher, S.; Sarmiento, J. L.; Slater, R. D.

2009-04-01

Paleo-proxy records reveal large delta-c14 variations for both the atmosphere and the ocean on centennial to millenial timescales. One of the most pronounced examples is the onset phase of the Younger Dryas, when atmospheric delta-c14 rose by 70 per mil in only 200 years. Another is the most recent deglaciation (and the associated "Mystery Interval"). Many of the significant centennial to millenial transients in atmospheric delta-c14 are reflected in ocean interior delta-c14 at intermediate depths in the Pacific over the last 50kyrs. An ocean model has been used to test the idea that only modest perturbations to Southern Ocean winds provides a means to link the oceanic and atmospheric delta-c14 variations. Perturbations to the winds over the Southern Ocean are able to drive sizable decoupling of the fluxes of 14CO2 and 12CO2 over the Southern Ocean, thus modifying atmospheric delta-c14. These same perturbations are able to perturb rapidly the depth of intermediate water horizons in the North Pacific through the passage of baroclinic planetary (Rossby) waves. This sensitivity is significantly stronger than what previous studies have found for perturbations to the Meridional Overturning Circulation (MOC) in the North Atlantic. It is suggested that delta-c14 may provide a powerful tracer for understanding past variations in the climate system.

Radiocarbon evidence for a naturally produced, bioaccumulating halogenated organic compound.

PubMed

Reddy, Christopher M; Xu, Li; O'Neil, Gregory W; Nelson, Robert K; Eglinton, Timothy I; Faulkner, D John; Norstrom, Ross; Ross, Peter S; Tittlemier, Sheryl A

2004-04-01

Halogenated organic compounds (HOCs) such as 1,1'-dimethyl-3,3',4,4'-tetrabromo-5,5'-dichloro-2,2'-bipyrrole (DBP-Br4Cl2) and heptachloro-1'-methyl-1,2'-bipyrrole (Q1) have been detected worldwide, sometimes at high levels in Antarctic air, seabird eggs, the blubber of marine mammals, and, most notably, even human milk. To date, it has been difficult to determine whether these compounds are natural products or derived from industrial synthesis. Molecular-level 14C analysis of these compounds is particularly appealing because most industrial compounds are manufactured from petrochemicals (14C-free) and natural compounds should have "modern" or "contemporary" 14C levels. To investigate the source of DBP-Br4Cl2, we isolated 600 microg of this compound (150 microg of carbon) from marine animal extracts by employing gel permeation chromatography, Florisil column chromatography, and two-dimensional preparative capillary gas chromatography. The purified DBP-Br4Cl2 was split into two samples (75 microg of carbon each) and analyzed by accelerator mass spectrometry for 14C content. The delta14C values were -449 percent per thousand and -467 percent per thousand, corresponding to conventional 14C ages of 4740 and 5000 years before present (BP), respectively. The presence of detectable 14C in the DBP-Br4Cl2 strongly points to at least a natural or biogenic source. However, these delta14C values for DBP-Br4Cl2 are more depleted than expected for a recently synthesized natural product. Several explanations are discussed, but additional samples

A Model-based Interpretation of Low-frequency Changes in the Carbon Cycle during the Last 120,000 years and its Implications for the Reconstruction of Atmospheric (delta) 14-C

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koehler, Peter; Muscheler, Raimund; Fischer, Hubertus

2006-01-01

A main caveat in the interpretation of observed changes in atmospheric (Delta)C-l4 during the last 50,000 years is the unknown variability of the carbon cycle, which together with changes in the C-14 production rates determines the C-14 dynamics. A plausible scenario explaining glacial/interglacial dynamics seen in atmospheric CO2 and (delta)C-13 was proposed recently (Kohler et al., 2005a). A similar approach that expands its interpretation to the C-14 cycle is an important step toward a deeper understanding of (Delta)C-14 variability. This approach is based on an ocean/atmosphere/biosphere box model of the global carbon cycle (BICYCLE) to reproduce low-frequency changes in atmospheric CO2 as seen in Antarctic ice cores. The model is forced forward in time by various paleoclimatic records derived from ice and sediment cores. The simulation results of our proposed scenario match a compiled CO2 record from various ice cores during the last 120,000 years with high accuracy (r(sup 2) = 0.89). We analyze scenarios with different C-14 production rates, which are either constant or based on Be-10 measured in Greenland ice cores or the recent high-resolution geomagnetic field reconstruction GLOPIS-75 and compare them with the available (Delta)C-14 data covering the last 50,000 years. Our results suggest that during the last glacial cycle in general less than 110%0o f the increased atmospheric (Delta)C-14 is based on variations in the carbon cycle, while the largest part (5/6) of the variations has to be explained by other factors. Glacial atmospheric (Delta)C-14 larger than 700% cannot not be explained within our framework, neither through carbon cycle-based changes nor through variable C-14 production. Superimposed on these general trends might lie positive anomalies in atmospheric (Delta)C-14 of approx. 50% caused by millennial-scale variability of the northern deep water production during Heinrich events and Dansgaard/Oeschger climate fluctuations. According to our model, the dominant processes that increase glacial (Delta)C-14 are a reduced glacial ocean circulation (+ approx.40%0), a restricted glacial gas exchange between the atmosphere and the surface ocean through sea ice coverage (+ approx. 20%), and the enrichment of dissolved inorganic carbon with C-14 in the surface waters through isotopic fractionation during higher glacial marine export production caused by iron fertilization (+ approx.10%).

Investigations into the \\delta 15N and \\delta 13C of POM, Primary Producers, and Filter Feeders in the Florida Keys Coral Reef Tract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamb, K. A.; Swart, P. K.

2004-12-01

In order to examine the possible influences of anthropogenic wastes on the Florida Keys coral reef tract, water column particulate organic matter \\(POM\\), primary producers, and filter feeders were sampled from within the coastal waters of the reef tract, and analyzed for \\delta 15N and \\delta 13C isotopic composition. The POM was found to have a mean \\delta 15N value of +4.13\\permil (\\pm 1.03\\permil\\) and a mean \\delta 13C value of -19.93\\permil (\\pm 0.58\\permil). The \\delta 13C values for POM across the entire reef tract were heavier inshore \\(avg \\delta 13C = -18.29\\permil \\(\\pm 1.04\\permil\\)\\) and became lighter offshore \\(avg \\delta 13C = -21.41\\permil \\(\\pm 0.89\\permil\\)\\), which is consistent with influences from benthic algae/seagrass closer to shore in contrast to open-marine influences offshore. The \\delta 15N values for POM were neither temporally nor spatially interrelated, as the data showed no clear trend moving in either the inshore or offshore direction. Instead, our \\delta 15N values for POM reflect a combined influence from nitrogen fixation \\(\\approx0\\permil\\), zooplankton and other suspended particles, and not anthropogenic wastes \\(>+10\\permil\\), as other authors claim. The mean isotopic composition of various primary producers suggests a nitrogen fixation source of nutrients to the reef system (Halimeda sp. (\\delta 15N = 2.43\\permil; \\delta 13C = -18.04\\permill), Dictyota sp. (\\delta 15N = +2.86\\permil; \\delta 13C = -16.30\\permil), Thalassia sp. (\\delta 15N = 2.39\\permil; \\delta 13C = -10.32\\permil)), while filter feeders were found to have a mean isotopic composition more similar to POM values (sponge \\delta 15N = 4.95\\permil; \\delta 13C = -18.02\\permil). Our data simply do not appear to show evidence of anthropogenic influence on the Florida Keys reef tract. Further more, we suggest that \\delta 15N values of +4\\permil, which have recently been suggested to indicate anthropogenic influences are not, in fact, indicative of sewage.

The nature of organic carbon in density-fractionated sediments in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (California)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakeham, S. G.; Canuel, E. A.

2016-02-01

Rivers are the primary means by which sediments and carbon are transported from the terrestrial biosphere to the oceans but gaps remain in our understanding of carbon associations from source to sink. Bed sediments from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (CA) were fractionated according to density and analyzed for sediment mass distribution, elemental (C and N) composition, mineral surface area, and stable carbon and radiocarbon isotope compositions of organic carbon (OC) and fatty acids to evaluate the nature of organic carbon in river sediments. OC was unevenly distributed among density fractions. Mass and OC were in general concentrated in mesodensity (1.6-2.0 and 2.0-2.5 g cm-3) fractions, comprising 84.0 ± 1.3 % of total sediment mass and 80.8 ± 13.3 % of total OC (TOC). Low-density (< 1.6 g cm-3) material, although rich in OC (34.0 ± 2.0 % OC) due to woody debris, constituted only 17.3 ± 12.8 % of TOC. High-density (> 2.5 g cm-3) organic-poor, mineral-rich material made-up 13.7 ± 1.4 % of sediment mass and 2.0 ± 0.9 % of TOC. Stable carbon isotope compositions of sedimentary OC were relatively uniform across bulk and density fractions (δ13C -27.4 ± 0.5 ‰). Radiocarbon content varied from Δ14C values of -382 (radiocarbon age 3800 yr BP) to +94 ‰ (modern) indicating a mix of young and old OC. Fatty acids were used to further constrain the origins of sedimentary OC. Short-chain n-C14-n-C18 fatty acids of algal origin were depleted in 13C (δ13C -37.5 to -35.2 ‰) but were enriched in 14C (Δ14C > 0) compared to long-chain n-C24-n-C28 acids of vascular plant origins with higher δ13C (-33.0 to -31.0 ‰) but variable Δ14C values (-180 and 61 ‰). These data demonstrate the potentially complex source and age distributions found within river sediments and provide insights about sediment and organic matter supply to the Delta.

Enhancing the understanding of earthworm feeding behaviour via the use of fatty acid delta13C values determined by gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Dungait, Jennifer A J; Briones, Maria J I; Bol, Roland; Evershed, Richard P

2008-06-01

Litter-dwelling (epigeic) Lumbricus rubellus and soil-dwelling (endogeic) Allolobophora chlorotica earthworms were observed aggregating under C(3) (delta(13)C = -31.3 per thousand; delta(15)N = 10.7 per thousand) and C(4) (delta(13)C = -12.6 per thousand; delta(15)N = 7.5 per thousand) synthetic dung pats applied to a temperate grassland (delta(13)C = -30.3 per thousand; delta(15)N = 5.7 per thousand) in an experiment carried out for 372 days. Bulk delta(13)C values of earthworms collected from beneath either C(3) or C(4) dung after 28, 56, 112 and 372 days demonstrated that (i) L. rubellus beneath C(4) dung were significantly (13)C-enriched after 56 days (delta(13)C = -23.8 per thousand) and 112 days (delta(13)C = -22.4 per thousand) compared with those from C(3) dung treatments (56 days, delta(13)C = -26.5 per thousand; 112 days, delta(13)C = -27.0 per thousand), and (ii) A. chlorotica were 2.1 per thousand (13)C-enriched (delta(13)C = -24.2 per thousand) relative to those from C(3) dung (delta(13)C = -26.3 per thousand) treatments after 372 days. Bulk delta(15)N values did not suggest significant uptake of dung N by either species beneath C(3) or C(4) dung, but showed that the endogeic species (total mean delta(15)N = 3.3 per thousand) had higher delta(15)N values than the epigeic species (total mean delta(15)N = 5.4 per thousand). Although the two species exhibited similar fatty acid profiles, individual fatty acid delta(13)C values revealed extensive routing of dietary C into body tissue of L. rubellus, but minor incorporation into A. chlorotica. In particular, the direct incorporation of microbial biomarker fatty acids (iC(17:0), aC(17:0)) from (13)C-labelled dung in situ, the routing of dung C into de novo synthesised compounds (iC(20:4)(omega)(6),C(20:5)(omega)(3), and the assimilation of essential fatty acids ((C(18:1)(omega)(9), C(18:1)(omega(7), C(18:2)(omega(6), C(18:3)(omega)(3)) derived from dung, were determined. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Ratios of carbon isotopes in microbial lipids as an indicator of substrate usage.

PubMed

Abraham, W R; Hesse, C; Pelz, O

1998-11-01

The occurrence and abundance of microbial fatty acids have been used for the identification of microorganisms in microbial communities. However, these fatty acids can also be used as indicators of substrate usage. For this, a systematic investigation of the discrimination of the stable carbon isotopes by different microorganisms is necessary. We grew 11 strains representing major bacterial and fungal species with four different isotopically defined carbon sources and determined the isotope ratios of fatty acids of different lipid fractions. A comparison of the differences of delta13C values of palmitic acid (C16:0) with the delta13C values of the substrates revealed that the isotope ratio is independent of the growth stage and that most microorganisms showed enrichment of C16:0 with 13C when growing on glycerol. With the exception of Burkholderia gladioli, all microorganism showed depletion of 13C in C16:0 while incorporating the carbons of glucose, and most of them were enriched with 13C from mannose, with the exception of Pseudomonas fluorescens and the Zygomycotina. Usually, the glycolipid fractions are depleted in 13C compared to the phospholipid fractions. The delta13C pattern was not uniform within the different fatty acids of a given microbial species. Generally, tetradecanoic acid (C14:0) was depleted of 13C compared to palmitic acid (C16:0) while octadecanoic acid (C18:0) was enriched. These results are important for the calibration of a new method in which delta13C values of fatty acids from the environment delineate the use of bacterial substrates in an ecosystem.

Detection of Human Sewage in Urban Stormwater Using DNA Based Methods and Stable Isotope Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLellan, S. L.; Malet, N.; Sauer, E.; Mueller-Spitz, S.; Borchardt, M.

2008-12-01

Urban stormwater is a major source of fecal indicator bacteria in the Milwaukee River Basin, a major watershed draining to Lake Michigan. Much of the watershed is in highly urbanized areas and Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels have been found to be 20,000 CFU per 100 ml in the estuary leading to Lake Michigan. Aging infrastructure and illicit cross connections may allow sewage to infiltrate the stormwater system and could contribute both fecal indicator bacteria and human pathogens to these waters. We conducted extensive sampling of stormwater outfalls in the lower reaches of three major tributaries. Three outfalls along the heavily urbanized Kinnickinnick (KK) were found to have geometric mean E. coli and enterococci levels of 16,200 and 28,700 CFU/100 ml, respectively. Four outfalls along the Menomonee River, draining both suburban and urban areas, had geometric mean E. coli and enterococci levels of 14,700 and 12,800 CFU/100 ml, respectively. These seven outfalls had more than 60% of the samples positive for human specific Bacteroides genetic marker (n=46), suggesting the presence of human sources. In addition, two outfalls on Lincoln Creek, a smaller tributary of the Milwaukee River, had geometric mean E. coli and enterococci levels of 16,700 and 14,900 CFU per 100 ml, respectively. The human specific Bacteroides marker was positive in nearly 90% of the samples (n=24). Subsequent virus testing at one of these outfalls confirmed human pathogens were present with adenovirus detected at 1.3 x 10E3 genomic equivalents (ge)/L, enterovirus at 1.9 x 10E4 ge/L and G1 norovirus at 1.5 x 10E3 ge/L; these values are similar to concentrations found in sewage. Stable isotope studies were conducted in the three tributaries to investigate the relationship between delta C and delta N isotopic composition and microbiological quality of this urban freshwater system. This work is based on the premise that the organic matter of the stormwater will have a stable isotopic signature related to the mixed organic matter sources in polluted stormwater runoff, and that this signal will distinct from untreated sanitary sewage. Stable isotope signatures of stormwater and untreated sewage were determined and compared with the rivers. Isotopic values of stormwater was delta 15N = 1.1 ± 2 %; delta 13C = -25.5 ± 3 % and sewage was delta 15N = -1.9 ± 0.2 %; delta 13C = -23.6 ± 0.3. Suspended particular organic matter (SPOM) of Milwaukee River showed depleted delta 13C (-28.6 ± 1.6 %) and enriched delta 15N (7.7 ± 1.9 %) values. SPOM of the KK River exhibited the most depleted delta 15N (0.2 ± 1.6 %) and enriched delta 13C (-24.8 ± 1.8 %) isotopic values. Menomonee River SPOM showed intermediate isotopic values. The delta 13C values of each river and the estuary enriched significantly throughout the summer storm periods. The isotope signals in the KK and Menomonee were indicative of stormwater runoff and sewage contamination. These results suggest that unrecognized sewage inputs are chronically present and may be delivered through urban stormwater systems. DNA based methods combined with isotope analysis may provide a useful tool for urban watershed assessments and to identify sewage inputs. Delineating the relative contribution of stormwater and sewage to overall degraded water quality might give the first indication of the impact of these sources on the Michigan Lake waters.

Human urinary excretion profile after smoking and oral administration of ( sup 14 C)delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol

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

Johansson, E.; Gillespie, H.K.; Halldin, M.M.

The urinary excretion profiles of delta 1-tetrahydrocannabinol (delta 1-THC) metabolites have been evaluated in two chronic and two naive marijuana users after smoking and oral administration of ({sup 14}C)delta 1-THC. Urine was collected for five days after each administration route and analyzed for total delta 1-THC metabolites by radioactivity determination, for delta 1-THC-7-oic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography, and for cross-reacting cannabinoids by the EMIT d.a.u. cannabinoid assay. The average urinary excretion half-life of {sup 14}C-labeled delta 1-THC metabolites was calculated to be 18.2 +/- 4.9 h (+/- SD). The excretion profiles of delta 1-THC-7-oic acid and EMIT readings weremore » similar to the excretion profile of {sup 14}C-labeled metabolites in the naive users. However, in the chronic users the excretion profiles of delta 1-THC-7-oic acid and EMIT readings did not resemble the radioactive excretion due to the heavy influence from previous Cannabis use. Between 8-14% of the radioactive dose was recovered in the urine in both user groups after oral administration. Lower urinary recovery was obtained both in the chronic and naive users after smoking--5 and 2%, respectively.« less

Analyzing power measurements of (d,/sup 2/He) reactions on light nuclei

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

Motobayashi, T.; Sakai, H.; Matsuoka, N.

1986-12-01

Spin-flip charge-exchange (d,/sup 2/He) reactions on /sup 12/C, /sup 13/C, and /sup 14/N were measured at E/sub d/ = 70 MeV. At forward angles, negative vector analyzing powers of -0.2 to -0.6 were observed for ..delta..L = 0 transitions for all targets studied, whereas a positive value was obtained for the transition to the 4.4 MeV excited state of /sup 12/B in the /sup 12/C(d,/sup 2/He) reaction for which ..delta..L = 1 is the main component. Distorted-wave Born-approximation calculations reproduce this ..delta..L dependence of the analyzing power. The fits to the data for ..delta..L = 0 transitions are improved ifmore » the two-step processes via d-p-/sup 2/He and d-/sup 3/He-/sup 2/He channels are taken into account.« less

Stable isotopes to discriminate lambs fed herbage or concentrate both obtained from C(3) plants.

PubMed

Moreno-Rojas, Jose M; Vasta, Valentina; Lanza, Alfio; Luciano, Giuseppe; Ladroue, Virginie; Guillou, Claude; Priolo, Alessandro

2008-12-01

This study was aimed at determining whether isotopic ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) enables us to discriminate between lambs fed herbage or concentrate, both obtained from C(3) plants, and those fed a concentrate obtained from C(4) plants. Thirty-four Comisana male lambs (age 45 days) were assigned to three feeding treatments. Fourteen lambs were fed vetch (Vicia sativa) ad libitum. Another fourteen lambs received a barley-based concentrate. The remaining six lambs were fed a maize-based concentrate. After 60 days of experimental treatment the animals were slaughtered and the wool, perirenal fat and muscle longissimus dorsi were sampled. The delta(13)C and delta(15)N values of the muscle, wool and feed were measured by continuous flow elemental analysis (CF-EA)-IRMS. The delta(13)C of the fat was determined likewise. The isotopic composition of the tissues reflected that of the three diets. For the lambs which were fed herbage the muscle delta(13)C values were higher (P < 0.0005) and delta(15)N values were lower (P < 0.0005) than those of the lambs receiving concentrates. The delta(15)N and delta(13)C values in the muscle and delta(13)C values in the adipose tissue allowed perfect discrimination between the lambs fed the three different diets. The regression between the delta(13)C values measured in muscle and in wool of lambs was linear (R(2) = 0.99; P < 0.0005). This result shows that delta(13)C measured in the wool can predict muscle delta(13)C distribution, suggesting that wool is a valuable matrix for meat authentication.

A dynamic soil chamber system coupled with a tunable diode laser for online measurements of delta-13C, delta-18O, and efflux rate of soil respired CO2

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

Powers, Heath H; Mcdowell, Nate; Hanson, David

2009-01-01

High frequency observations of the stable isotopic composition of CO(2) effluxes from soil have been sparse due in part to measurement challenges. We have developed an open-system method that utilizes a flow-through chamber coupled to a tunable diode laser (TDL) to quantify the rate of soil CO(2) efflux and its delta(13)C and delta(18)O values (delta(13)C(R) and delta(18)O(R), respectively). We tested the method first in the laboratory using an artificial soil test column and then in a semi-arid woodland. We found that the CO(2) efflux rates of 1.2 to 7.3 micromol m(-2) s(-1) measured by the chamber-TDL system were similar tomore » measurements made using the chamber and an infrared gas analyzer (IRGA) (R(2) = 0.99) and compared well with efflux rates generated from the soil test column (R(2) = 0.94). Measured delta(13)C and delta(18)O values of CO(2) efflux using the chamber-TDL system at 2 min intervals were not significantly different from source air values across all efflux rates after accounting for diffusive enrichment. Field measurements during drought demonstrated a strong dependency of CO(2) efflux and isotopic composition on soil water content. Addition of water to the soil beneath the chamber resulted in average changes of +6.9 micromol m(-2) s(-1), -5.0 per thousand, and -55.0 per thousand for soil CO(2) efflux, delta(13)C(R) and delta(18)O(R), respectively. All three variables initiated responses within 2 min of water addition, with peak responses observed within 10 min for isotopes and 20 min for efflux. The observed delta(18)O(R) was more enriched than predicted from temperature-dependent H(2)O-CO(2) equilibration theory, similar to other recent observations of delta(18)O(R) from dry soils (Wingate L, Seibt U, Maseyk K, Ogee J, Almeida P, Yakir D, Pereira JS, Mencuccini M. Global Change Biol. 2008; 14: 2178). The soil chamber coupled with the TDL was found to be an effective method for capturing soil CO(2) efflux and its stable isotope composition at high temporal frequency.« less

Noninvasive Localization of Accessory Pathways in Patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome: A Strain Imaging Study

PubMed Central

Esmaeilzadeh, Maryam; Omran, Mohammad Taghi Salehi; Maleki, Majid; Haghjoo, Majid; Noohi, Feridoun; Haghighi, Zahra Ojaghi; Sadeghpour, Anita; Davari, Paridokht Nakhostin; Abkenar, Hooman Bakhshandeh

2013-01-01

Background: Noninvasive techniques for the localization of the accessory pathways (APs) might help guide mapping procedures and ablation techniques. We sought to examine the diagnostic accuracy of strain imaging for the localization of the APs in Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Methods: We prospectively studied 25 patients (mean age = 32 ± 17 years, 58.3% men) with evidence of pre-excitation on electrocardiography (ECG). Electromechanical interval was defined as the time difference between the onset of delta wave and the onset of regional myocardial contraction. Time differences between the onset of delta wave (δ) and the onset of regional myocardial contraction (δ-So), peak systolic motion (δ-Sm), regional strain (δ-ε), peak strain (δ-εp), and peak strain rate (δ-SRp) were measured. Results: There was a significant difference between time to onset of delta wave to onset of peak systolic motion (mean ± SD) in the AP location (A) and normal segments (B) versus that in the normal volunteers (C) [A: (57.08 ± 23.88 msec) vs. B: (75.20 ± 14.75) vs. C: (72.9 0 ± 11.16); p value (A vs. B) = 0.004 and p value (A vs. C) = 0.18] and [A: (49.17 ± 35.79) vs. B: (67.60 ± 14.51) vs. C: (67.40 ± 6.06 msec); p value (A vs. B) < 0.001 and p value (A vs. C) = 0.12, respectively]. Conclusion: Our study showed that strain imaging parameters [(δ-So) and (δ-Strain)] are superior to the ECG in the localization of the APs (84% vs. 76%). PMID:23967027

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

Hornibrook, E.R.C.; Longstaffe, F.J.; Fyfe, W.S.

Two types of distribution for {alpha}{sub c} values are observed in anaerobic environments when {delta}{sup 13}C-{Sigma}CO{sub 2} and {delta}{sub 13}C-CH{sub 4} values are measured across gradients of depth or age of organic debris. The type-I distribution involves a systematic increase in {alpha}{sub c} values with depth as a result of decreasing {delta}{sup 13}C-CH{sub 4} and increasing {delta}{sup 13}C-{Sigma}CO{sub 2} values. This behavior corresponds to a progressive increase in the prevalence of methanogenesis by the CO{sub 2} reduction pathway relative to acetate fermentation. Utilization of autotrophically formed acetate by methanogens would also cause an increase in {alpha}{sub c} values. The type-IImore » distribution occurs when both {delta}{sup 13}C-CH{sub 4} and {delta}{sup 13}C-{Sigma}CO{sub 2} values decrease with depth, resulting in approximately constant {alpha}{sub c} values. This condition corresponds with a strong dependence of methanogens on porewater {Sigma}CO{sub 2} as a carbon source by way of either the CO{sub 2} reduction pathway or utilization of autotrophically formed acetate. Freshwater wetlands possess both types of {alpha}{sub c} value distribution. Defining the type of {alpha}{sub c} distributions in different wetlands could reduce uncertainty in estimating the {delta}{sup 13}C value of CH{sub 4} emissions. Hence, the prevalence of type-I vs. type-II {alpha}{sub c} distributions in wetlands may have practical importance for the refinement of global CH{sub 4} budgets that rely on {sup 13}C/{sup 12}C ratios for mass balance.« less

15N isotopic analyses: a powerful tool to establish links between seized 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) tablets.

PubMed

Palhol, Fabien; Lamoureux, Catherine; Naulet, Norbert

2003-06-01

In this study the (15)N/(14)N isotopic ratios of 43 samples of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) samples were measured using Gas Chromatography-Combustion-Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometry (GC-C-IRMS). The results show a large discrimination between samples with a range of delta(15)N values between -16 and +19 per thousand. Comparison between delta(15)N values and other physical and chemical parameters shows a strong relationship between delta(15)N and brand logo or composition. Thus, it could be assumed that tablets from different seizures probably originated from the same clandestine manufacturing source. Hence, (15)N isotopic parameters provide an important additional tool to establish common origins between seizures of clandestine synthetic drugs.

The nature of organic carbon in density-fractionated sediments in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (California)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakeham, S. G.; Canuel, E. A.

2015-10-01

Rivers are the primary means by which sediments and carbon are transported from the terrestrial biosphere to the oceans but gaps remain in our understanding of carbon associations from source to sink. Bed sediments from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta (CA) were fractionated according to density and analyzed for sediment mass distribution, elemental (C and N) composition, mineral surface area, and stable carbon and radiocarbon isotope compositions of organic carbon (OC) and fatty acids to evaluate the nature of organic carbon in river sediments. OC was unevenly distributed among density fractions. Mass and TOC were in general concentrated in mesodensity (1.6-2.0 and 2.0-2.5 g cm-3) fractions, comprising 84.0 ± 1.3 % of total sediment mass and 80.8 ± 13.3 % of total OC (TOC). Low density (< 1.6 g cm-3) material, although rich in OC (34.0 ± 2.0 % OC) due to woody debris, constituted only 17.3 ± 12.8 % of TOC. High density (> 2.5 g cm-3) organic-poor, mineral material made-up 13.7 ± 1.4 % of sediment mass and 2.0 ± 0.9 % of TOC. Stable carbon isotope compositions of sedimentary OC were relatively uniform across bulk and density fractions (δ13C -27.4 ± 0.5 ‰). Radiocarbon content varied from Δ14C values of -382 (radiocarbon age 3800 yr BP) to +94 ‰ (modern) indicating a~mix of young and pre-aged OC. Fatty acids were used to further constrain the origins of sedimentary OC. Short-chain n-C14-n-C18 fatty acids of algal origin were depleted in δ13C (δ13C -37.5 to -35.2 ‰) but were enriched in 14C (Δ14C > 0) compared to long-chain n-C24-n-C28 acids of vascular plant origins with higher δ13C (-33.0 to -31.0 ‰) but variable Δ14C values (-180 and 61 ‰). These data demonstrate the potentially complex source and age distributions found within river sediments and provide insights about sediment and organic matter supply to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.

Late Holocene Radiocarbon Variability in Northwest Atlantic Slope Waters

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

Sherwood, O; Edinger, E; Guilderson, T P

2008-08-15

Deep-sea gorgonian corals secrete a 2-part skeleton of calcite, derived from dissolved inorganic carbon at depth, and gorgonin, derived from recently fixed and exported particulate organic matter. Radiocarbon contents of the calcite and gorgonin provide direct measures of seawater radiocarbon at depth and in the overlying surface waters, respectively. Using specimens collected from Northwest Atlantic slope waters, we generated radiocarbon records for surface and upper intermediate water layers spanning the pre- and post bomb-{sup 14}C eras. In Labrador Slope Water (LSW), convective mixing homogenizes the pre-bomb {Delta}{sup 14}C signature (-67 {+-} 4{per_thousand}) to at least 1000 m depth. Surface watermore » bomb-{sup 14}C signals were lagged and damped (peaking at {approx} +45{per_thousand} in the early 1980s) relative to other regions of the northwest Atlantic, and intermediate water signals were damped further. Off southwest Nova Scotia, the vertical gradient in {Delta}{sup 14}C is much stronger. In surface water, pre-bomb {Delta}{sup 14}C averaged -75 {+-} 5{per_thousand}. At 250-475 m depth, prebomb {Delta}{sup 14}C oscillated quasi-decadally between -80 and -100{per_thousand}, likely reflecting interannual variability in the presence of Labrador Slope Water vs. Warm Slope Water (WSW). Finally, subfossil corals reveal no systematic changes in vertical {Delta}{sup 14}C gradients over the last 1200 years.« less

Investigations of (Delta)14C, (delta)13C, and (delta)15N in vertebrae of white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) from the eastern North Pacific Ocean

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

Kerr, L A; Andrews, A H; Cailliet, G M

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) has a complex life history that is characterized by large scale movements and a highly variable diet. Estimates of age and growth for the white shark from the eastern North Pacific Ocean indicate they have a slow growth rate and a relatively high longevity. Age, growth, and longevity estimates useful for stock assessment and fishery models, however, require some form of validation. By counting vertebral growth band pairs, ages can be estimated, but because not all sharks deposit annual growth bands and many are not easily discernable, it is necessary to validate growth band periodicitymore » with an independent method. Radiocarbon ({sup 14}C) age validation uses the discrete {sup 14}C signal produced from thermonuclear testing in the 1950s and 1960s that is retained in skeletal structures as a time-specific marker. Growth band pairs in vertebrae, estimated as annual and spanning the 1930s to 1990s, were analyzed for {Delta}{sup 14}C and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes ({delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N). The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of {sup 14}C age validation for a wide-ranging species with a complex life history and to use stable isotope measurements in vertebrae as a means of resolving complexity introduced into the {sup 14}C chronology by ontogenetic shifts in diet and habitat. Stable isotopes provided useful trophic position information; however, validation of age estimates was confounded by what may have been some combination of the dietary source of carbon to the vertebrae, large-scale movement patterns, and steep {sup 14}C gradients with depth in the eastern North Pacific Ocean.« less

[Study on the content and carbon isotopic composition of water dissolved inorganic carbon from rivers around Xi'an City].

PubMed

Guo, Wei; Li, Xiang-Zhong; Liu, Wei-Guo

2013-04-01

In this study, the content and isotopic compositions of water dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) from four typical rivers (Chanhe, Bahe, Laohe and Heihe) around Xi'an City were studied to trace the possible sources of DIC. The results of this study showed that the content of DIC in the four rivers varied from 0.34 to 5.66 mmol x L(-1) with an average value of 1.23 mmol x L(-1). In general, the content of DIC increased from the headstream to the river mouth. The delta13C(DIC) of four rivers ranged from -13.3 per thousand to -7.2 per thousand, with an average value of -10.1 per thousand. The delta13C(DIC) values of river water were all negative (average value of -12.6 per thousand) at the headstream of four rivers, but the delta13C(DIC) values of downstream water were more positive (with an average value of -9.4 per thousand). In addition, delta13C(DIC) of river water showed relatively negative values (the average value of delta13C(DIC) was -10.5 per thousand) near the estuary of the rivers. The variation of the DIC content and its carbon isotope suggested that the DIC sources of the rivers varied from the headstream to the river mouth. The negative delta13C(DIC) value indicated that the DIC may originate from the soil CO2 at the headstream of the rivers. On the other hand, the delta13C(DIC) values of river water at the middle and lower reaches of rivers were more positive, and it showed that soil CO2 produced by respiration of the C4 plants (like corn) and soil carbonates with positive delta13C values may be imported into river water. Meanwhile, the input of pollutants with low delta13C(DIC) values may result in a decrease of delta13C(DIC) values in the rivers. The study indicated that the DIC content and carbon isotope may be used to trace the sources of DIC in rivers around Xi'an City. Our study may provide some basic information for tracing the sources of DIC of rivers in the small watershed area in the Loess Plateau of China.

delta 13C analyses of vegetable oil fatty acid components, determined by gas chromatography--combustion--isotope ratio mass spectrometry, after saponification or regiospecific hydrolysis.

PubMed

Woodbury, S E; Evershed, R P; Rossell, J B

1998-05-01

The delta 13C values of the major fatty acids of several different commercially important vegetable oils were measured by gas chromatography--combustion--isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The delta 13C values obtained were found to fall into two distinct groups, representing the C3 and C4 plants classes from which the oils were derived. The delta 13C values of the oils were measured by continuous flow elemental isotope ratio mass spectrometry and were found to be similar to their fatty acids, with slight differences between individual fatty acids. Investigations were then made into the influence on the delta 13C values of fatty acids of the position occupied on the glycerol backbone. Pancreatic lipase was employed to selectively hydrolyse fatty acids from the 1- and 3-positions with the progress of the reaction being followed by high-temperature gas chromatography in order to determine the optimum incubation time. The 2-monoacylglycerols were then isolated by thin-layer chromatography and fatty acid methyl esters prepared. The delta 13C values obtained indicate that fatty acids from any position on the glycerol backbone are isotopically identical. Thus, whilst quantification of fatty acid composition at the 2-position and measurement of delta 13C values of oils and their major fatty acids are useful criteria in edible oil purity assessment, measurement of delta 13C values of fatty acids from the 2-position does not assist with oil purity assignments.

Organosolv extraction of lignin from hydrolyzed almond shells and application of the delta-value theory.

PubMed

Quesada-Medina, Joaquín; López-Cremades, Francisco Javier; Olivares-Carrillo, Pilar

2010-11-01

The solubility of lignin from hydrolyzed almond (Prunus amygdalus) shells in different acetone, ethanol and dioxane-water mixtures and conditions (extraction time and temperature) was studied. The concept of the solubility parameter (delta-value) was applied to explain the effect of organic solvent concentration on lignin solubility. The organic solvent-water mixture that led to the highest lignin extraction was composed of a 75% vol. of organic solvent for all the solvent series investigated (acetone, ethanol and dioxane). Moreover, the best lignin extraction conditions were a temperature of 210 degrees C and an extraction time of 40 min for the acetone and ethanol series, and 25 min for the dioxane series. The delta-value of the hydrolyzed almond shell lignin [14.60 (cal/cm(3))(1/2)] and that of the organic solvent-water mixtures was calculated. The experimental delignification capacity of the aqueous organic solvents clearly reflected the proximity of their delta-value to that of lignin. The hydrogen-bonding capacity of the solvent-water mixtures was also taken into account. Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Distribution characteristics of soil humus fractions stable carbon isotope natural abundance (delta 13C) in paddy field under long-term ridge culture].

PubMed

Tang, Xiao-hong; Luo, You-jin; Ren, Zhen-jiang; Lü, Jia-ke; Wei, Chao-fu

2011-04-01

A 16-year field experiment was conducted in a ridge culture paddy field in the hilly region of Sichuan Basin, aimed to investigate the distribution characteristics of stable carbon isotope natural abundance (delta 13C) in soil humus fractions. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content in the paddy field under different cultivation modes ranked in the order of wide ridge culture > ridge culture > paddy and upland rotation. In soil humus substances (HS), humin (HU) was the main composition, occupying 21% - 30% of the total SOC. In the extracted soil carbon, humic acid (HA) dominated, occupying 17% - 21% of SOC and 38% - 65% of HS. The delta 13C value of SOC ranged from -27.9 per thousand to -25.6 per thousand, and the difference of the delta 13C value between 0-5 cm and 20-40 cm soil layers was about 1.9 per thousand. The delta 13C value of HA under different cultivation modes was 1 per thousand - 2 per thousand lower than that of SOC, and more approached to the delta 13C value of rapeseed and rice residues. As for fulvic acid (FA), its delta 13C value was about 2 per thousand and 4 per thousand higher than that of SOC and HA, respectively. The delta 13C value of HU in plough layer (0-20 cm) and plow layer (20-40 cm) ranged from -23.7 per thousand - -24.9 per thousand and -22.6 per thousand - -24.2 per thousand, respectively, reflecting the admixture of young and old HS. The delta 13C value in various organic carbon fractions was HU>FA>SOC>rapeseed and rice residues>HA. Long-term rice planting benefited the increase of SOC content, and cultivation mode played an important role in affecting the distribution patterns of soil humus delta 13C in plough layer and plow layer.

Predicting California Bearing Ratio from Trafficability Cone Index Values

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-10-01

Corozal Puerto Rico 9 Corvallis, OR United States 8 Delta , LA United States 40 Fort Kobbe Panama 6 Fort Pierce, FL United States 45 Guanica...sites. ERDC/CRREL TR-08-17 39 CL - All sites 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 0 200 400 600 800 1000 CI C BR Blytheville Camp Huelen Chieng Mai Delta ... Stratigraphy and sedimentation. San Francisco: W.H. Freeman. Meyer, M. P. 1966. Comparison of engineering properties of selected temperate and

Use of observed within-person variation of cardiac troponin in emergency department patients for determination of biological variation and percentage and absolute reference change values.

PubMed

Simpson, Aaron J; Potter, Julia M; Koerbin, Gus; Oakman, Carmen; Cullen, Louise; Wilkes, Garry J; Scanlan, Samuel L; Parsonage, William; Hickman, Peter E

2014-06-01

Many patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) for assessment of possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have low cardiac troponin concentrations that change very little on repeat blood draw. It is unclear if a lack of change in cardiac troponin concentration can be used to identify acutely presenting patients at low risk of ACS. We used the hs-cTnI assay from Abbott Diagnostics, which can detect cTnI in the blood of nearly all people. We identified a population of ED patients being assessed for ACS with repeat cTnI measurement who ultimately were proven to have no acute cardiac disease at the time of presentation. We used data from the repeat sampling to calculate total within-person CV (CV(T)) and, knowing the assay analytical CV (CV(A)), we could calculate within-person biological variation (CV(i)), reference change values (RCVs), and absolute RCV delta cTnI concentrations. We had data sets on 283 patients. Men and women had similar CV(i) values of approximately 14%, which was similar at all concentrations <40 ng/L. The biological variation was not dependent on the time interval between sample collections (t = 1.5-17 h). The absolute delta critical reference change value was similar no matter what the initial cTnI concentration was. More than 90% of subjects had a critical reference change value <5 ng/L, and 97% had values of <10 ng/L. With this hs-cTnI assay, delta cTnI seems to be a useful tool for rapidly identifying ED patients at low risk for possible ACS. © 2014 The American Association for Clinical Chemistry.

Ruminant methane delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) values: relation to atmospheric methane

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

Rust, F.

1981-03-06

The delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) - values of methane produced by fistulated steers, dairy cattle, and wethers, and dairy and beef cattle herds show a bimodal distribution that appears to be correlated with the plant type (C/sub 3/ or C/sub 4/, that is, producing either a three- or a four-carbon acid in the first step of photosynthesis) consumed by the animals. These results indicate that cattle and sheep, on a global basis, release methane with an average delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) value of -60 and -63 per mil, respectively. Together they are a source of atmospheric methane whose delta(/sup 13/C//sup 12/C) ismore » similar to published values for marsh gas and cannot explain the 20 per mil higher values for atmospheric methane.« less

Determination of 13C/12C-ratios in rumen produced methane and CO2 of cows, sheep and camels.

PubMed

Schulze, E; Lohmeyer, S; Giese, W

1998-01-01

Naturally produced methane shows different delta 13C-values with respect to its origin, e.g., geological or biological. Methane-production of ruminants is considered to be the dominant source from the animal kingdom. Isotopic values of rumen methane--given in literature--range between -80/1000 and -50/1000 and are related to feed composition and also sampling techniques. Keeping cows, camels and sheep under identical feed conditions and sampling rumen gases via implanted fistuale we compared delta PDB 13C-values of methane and CO2 between the species. Referring to mean values obtained from 4 or 5 samples at different times of 11 animals (n = 47) we calculated delta PDB 13C-medians resulting in small but not significant differences within and significant differences between the species for CO2 and methane. The delta PDB 13C-differences between methane and CO2 were statistically equal within and also between the species. Therefore a linear regression of methane values on CO2 is appropriate and leads to: delta PDB 13C(methane)/1000 = 1.57 * delta PDB 13C(CO2)/1000 - 47/1000 with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.87.

Carbon and hydrogen isotopic characterization of methane from wetlands and lakes of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Western Alaska

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martens, Christopher S.; Kelley, Cheryl A.; Chanton, Jeffrey P.; Showers, William J.

1992-01-01

The results are reported of a study of the carbon and hydrogen isotopic composition of methane from tundra environments of the Yukon-Kuskokwin Delta of western Alaska. The delta C-13 value of diffusive methane emissions from wet meadow tundra of the Delta is -65.82 +/- 2.21 per mil (n=18). Detritus-rich sediments of tundra lakes are loaded with methane-rich gas bubbles during the warm season. Spatial trend is the major gas concentration and isotopic values of methane in these gas bubbles appear to reflect processes associated with production rate and mechanisms; high methane concentrations, lightest delta C-13 values, the heaviest delta D value occur in detritus-rich sediments isolated from emergent vegetation. Heavier delta C-13 and lighter delta D values in methane from heavily vegetated lake margins suggest a shift toward a larger role for acetate fermentation in association with aquatic plants and plant detritus. Bubble ebullition is estimated to account for up to 17 percent of total Delta methane emissions.

Evolution of noninvasive tests of liver fibrosis is associated with prognosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

PubMed

Vergniol, Julien; Boursier, Jérôme; Coutzac, Clélia; Bertrais, Sandrine; Foucher, Juliette; Angel, Camille; Chermak, Faiza; Hubert, Isabelle Fouchard; Merrouche, Wassil; Oberti, Frédéric; de Lédinghen, Victor; Calès, Paul

2014-07-01

No data are available about the prediction of long-term survival using repeated noninvasive tests of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We aimed to assess the prognostic value of 3-year liver stiffness measurement (LSM), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) evolution in CHC. CHC patients with two LSM (1,000-1,500 days interval) were prospectively included. Blood fibrosis tests APRI and FIB-4 were calculated the day of baseline (bLSM) and follow-up (fLSM) LSM. Evolution of fibrosis tests was expressed as delta: (follow-up-baseline results)/duration. Date and cause of death were recorded during follow-up that started the day of fLSM. In all, 1,025 patients were included. Median follow-up after fLSM was 38.0 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 27.7-46.1) during which 35 patients died (14 liver-related death) and seven had liver transplantation. Prognostic accuracy (Harrell C-index) of multivariate models including baseline and delta results was not significantly different between LSM and FIB-4 (P ≥ 0.24), whereas FIB-4 provided more accurate prognostic models than APRI (P = 0.03). By multivariate analysis including LSM variables, overall survival was independently predicted by bLSM, delta (dLSM), and sustained virological response (SVR). Prognosis was excellent in patients having bLSM <7 kPa, SVR, or no increase (<1 kPa/year) in 7-14 kPa bLSM. Prognosis was significantly impaired in patients with an increase (≥ 1 kPa/year) in 7-14 kPa bLSM, or decrease (≤ 0 kPa/year) in ≥ 14 kPa bLSM (P = 0.949 between these two groups). Patients with an increase (>0 kPa/year) in ≥ 14 kPa bLSM had the worst prognosis. Baseline and delta FIB-4 also identified patient subgroups with significantly different prognosis. Three-year evolution of noninvasive tests of liver fibrosis has a strong prognostic value in CHC patients. These tests should be repeated to monitor patients and predict their outcome. © 2014 by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

Some Phytomonas and Herpetomonas species form unique iso-branched polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PubMed

Fish, W R; Holz, G G; Beach, D H

1982-01-01

Four trypanosomatid flagellates of the genera Phytomonas and Herpetomonas have been found to carry out the de novo biosynthesis of a variety of iso-branched, C18, C20 and C22, polyunsaturated fatty acids, with 2-5 methylene-interrupted double bonds, which have not been described heretofore from natural materials; iso-C18 delta 6,9, iso-C18 delta 9,12, iso-C20 delta 8,11,14, iso-C 20 delta 5,8,11,14, iso-C22 delta 4,7,10,13,16. Identifications were based upon combinations of chromatographic, chemical degradative, mass spectrometric and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometric techniques. Under appropriate culture conditions, 85% of the total fatty acids of the organisms were branched. The subject trypanosomatids are recommended as model organisms with which to investigate influences of the physical properties of phospholipid fatty acyl groups on eukaryotic cell membrane functions.

Natural 13C abundance: a tool to trace the incorporation of dung-derived carbon into soil particle-size fractions.

PubMed

Amelung, W; Bol, R; Friedrich, C

1999-01-01

During the decay of 13C enriched dung patches, the; delta 13C signal of surface soil (1-5 cm) increased with a temporary maximum after 42 d. To understand the underlying processes, we investigated the incorporation of dung-derived C into soil particle-size fractions. Dung, collected from beef steers fed on maize (delta 13C = -15.36/1000) or ryegrass (delta 13C = -25.67/1000), was applied in circular patches to a C3 pasture at North Wyke, UK. Triplicates were sampled from surface soil (1-5 cm) at 14, 28, 42, and 70 d after application, pooled, separated into fine (< 0.2 micron) and coarse clay (0.2-2 microns), silt plus fine sand (2-250 microns), and coarse sand (250-2000 microns), and analyzed for total C, N, and delta 13C. As particle-size diameter decreased, the C/N ratios decreased and delta 13C values increased at all plots due to increasing microbial alteration of soil organic matter. After dung application, ca. 60% of dung-derived C in soil was recovered in the 0.2-250 microns fractions during the whole experiment. The proportion of dung-derived C in the fine clay peaked 42 d after dung application, coinciding with the delta 13C maximum in the bulk soil and the maximum leaching rate measured in lysimeters at this time in another study at the same sites. The percentage of dung-derived C as particulate C in the coarse sand fraction increased until the end of the experiment. We conclude that incorporation of C into soil from decomposing dung patches involved both temporary sorption of leached dung C to < 0.2 micron fractions and continuous accumulation of particulate C (> 250 microns).

Oxygen isotope ratios in trees reflect mean annual temperature and humidity.

PubMed

Burk, R L; Stuiver, M

1981-03-27

Values of the oxygen isotope ratios (delta(18)O) in tree-ring cellulose closely reflect the delta(18)O values in atmospheric precipitation and hence mean annual temperature. The change in delta(18)O in cellulose is 0.41 per mil per degree Celsius for selected near-coastal stations. The values of delta(18)O in precipitation and cellulose also change with altitude, as demonstrated for Mount Rainier, Washington. A temperature lapse rate of 5.2 degrees +/- 0.5 degrees C per 1000 meters calculated from cellulose delta(18)O values agrees with the accepted mean annual lapse rate of 5 degrees C per 1000 meters for this region. Cellulose delta(18)O values and delta(18)O values of carbon dioxide equilibrated with leaf water differ by a fixed 16 per mil.

Influence of different organic fertilizers on quality parameters and the delta(15)N, delta(13)C, delta(2)H, delta(34)S, and delta(18)O values of orange fruit (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck).

PubMed

Rapisarda, Paolo; Camin, Federica; Fabroni, Simona; Perini, Matteo; Torrisi, Biagio; Intrigliolo, Francesco

2010-03-24

To investigate the influence of different types of fertilizers on quality parameters, N-containing compounds, and the delta(15)N, delta(13)C, delta(2)H, delta (34)S, and delta(18)O values of citrus fruit, a study was performed on the orange fruit cv. 'Valencia late' (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck), which was harvested in four plots (three organic and one conventional) located on the same farm. The results demonstrated that different types of organic fertilizers containing the same amount of nitrogen did not effect important changes in orange fruit quality parameters. The levels of total N and N-containing compounds such as synephrine in fruit juice were not statistically different among the different treatments. The delta(15)N values of orange fruit grown under fertilizer derived from animal origin as well as from vegetable compost were statistically higher than those grown with mineral fertilizer. Therefore, delta(15)N values can be used as an indicator of citrus fertilization management (organic or conventional), because even when applied organic fertilizers are of different origins, the natural abundance of (15)N in organic citrus fruit remains higher than in conventional ones. These treatments also did not effect differences in the delta(13)C, delta(2)H, delta(34)S, and delta(18)O values of fruit.

Feeding ecology of pelagic fish larvae and juveniles in slope waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

PubMed

Wells, R J D; Rooker, J R

2009-11-01

Stable isotope ratios of carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen (delta15N) were used to investigate feeding patterns of larval and early juvenile pelagic fishes in slope waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Contribution of organic matter supplied to fishes and trophic position within this pelagic food web was estimated in 2007 and 2008 by comparing dietary signatures of the two main producers in this ecosystem: phytoplankton [based on particulate organic matter (POM)] and Sargassum spp. Stable isotope ratios of POM and pelagic Sargassum spp. were significantly different from one another with delta13C values of POM depleted by 3-6 per thousand and delta15N values enriched by 2 relative to Sargassum spp. Stable isotope ratios were significantly different among the five pelagic fishes examined: blue marlin Makaira nigricans, dolphinfish Coryphaena hippurus, pompano dolphinfish Coryphaena equiselis, sailfish Istiophorus platypterus and swordfish Xiphias gladius. Mean delta13C values ranged almost 2 among fishes and were most depleted in I. platypterus. In addition, mean delta15N values ranged 4-5 with highest mean values found for both C. hippurus and C. equiselis and the lowest mean value for M. nigricans during both years. Increasing delta13C or delta15N with standard length suggested that shifts in trophic position and diet occurred during early life for several species examined. Results of a two-source mixing model suggest approximately an equal contribution of organic matter by both sources (POM=55%; pelagic Sargassum spp.=45%) to the early life stages of pelagic fishes examined. Contribution of organic matter, however, varied among species, and sensitivity analyses indicated that organic source estimates changed from 2 to 13% for a delta(13)C fractionation change of +/-0.25 per thousand or a delta15N fractionation change of +/-1.0 per thousand relative to original fractionation values.

Multiple nitrogen components in lunar soil sample 12023

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brilliant, D. R.; Franchi, I. A.; Pillinger, C. T.

1993-01-01

Nitrogen is one of the enigmatic elements in lunar soils and breccias. The large range in (delta)N-15 values found within lunar soils was initially attributed to a secular increase in the N-15/N-14 ratio of 50 percent within the solar corona, and hence in the implanted nitrogen within the lunar regolith. However, more recent explanations have proposed a two (or many) component mixing model of solar wind nitrogen with some hypothetical non-solar components. Such components could include indigenous lunar nitrogen, nitrogen contained in interstellar grains in primitive meteorites, and magnetospheric nitrogen from the terrestrial atmosphere. To understand the makeup of multi-component mixtures it is advantageous to have carbon and noble gas data measured simultaneously, particularly in the case of lunar soils, where the solar wind is a likely fundamental contributor of nitrogen. To this end, a new nitrogen instrument was adapted to give some of the desired data in parallel. Conjoint measurements of N abundance and (delta)N-15 together with N/Ar-36 and Ar-36/Ar-38 ratios obtained during a stepped combustion of lunar soil 12023. The results are preliminary to a much more comprehensive investigation of well characterized fractions of the sample which we still have available from a previous study. Stepped combustion of a sample of 12023,7 yielded 94 ppm nitrogen with a (delta)N-15 = +22.2 percent, as well as the characteristic heavy-light-heavy pattern observed for lunar samples. The low temperature maximum was +75.1 percent at 550 C, the minimum at 800 C with (delta)N-15 = -16.7 percent and the high temperature (delta)N-15 peak is +90.6 percent at 1250 C. The major releases of nitrogen occurred between 650 C - 800 C in the form of a double peak; a third, substantial release occurred at 1150 C yielding 14.2 ppm of nitrogen coinciding with a small but recognizable drop in (delta)N-15 against a regularly increasing trend.

Characterization of organic matter in lake sediments from Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dean, Walter E.

2006-01-01

Samples of sediment from lakes in Minnesota and Yellowstone National Park (YNP) were analyzed for organic carbon (OC), hydrogen richness by Rock-Eval pyrolysis, and stable carbon- and nitrogen-isotope composition of bulk organic matter. Values of delta 13C of lake plankton tend to be around -28 to -32 parts per thousand (0/00). Organic matter with values of delta 13C in the high negative 20s overlap with those of organic matter derived from C3 higher terrestrial plants but are at least 10 0/00 more depleted in 13C than organic matter derived from C4 terrestrial plants. If the organic matter is produced mainly by photosynthetic plankton and is not oxidized in the water column, there may be a negative correlation between H-richness (Rock-Eval pyrolysis H-index) and delta 13C, with more H-rich, algal organic matter having lower values of delta 13C. However, if aquatic organic matter is oxidized in the water column, or if the organic matter is a mixture of terrestrial and aquatic organic matter, then there may be no correlation between H-richness and carbon-isotopic composition. Values of delta 13C lower than about -28 0/00 probably indicate a contribution of bacterial biomass produced in the hypolimnion by chemoautotrophy or methanotrophy. In highly eutrophic lakes in which large amounts of 13C-depleted organic matter is continually removed from the epilimnion by photosynthesis throughout the growing season, the entire carbon reservoir in the epilimnion may become severely 13C-enriched so that 13C-enriched photosynthetic organic matter may overprint 13C-depleted chemosynthetic bacterial organic matter produced in the hypolimnon. Most processes involved with the nitrogen cycle in lakes, such as production of ammonia and nitrate, tend to produce 15N-enriched values of delta 15N. Most Minnesota lake sediments are 15N-enriched. However, some of the more OC-rich sediments have delta 15N values close to zero (delta 15N of air), suggesting that organic matter production is by nitrogen fixation, which further implies that nitrogen is limiting. Most lakes from YNP also have values of delta 15N near zero.

Stable isotope ratios of marijuana. I. Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes describe growth conditions.

PubMed

West, Jason B; Hurley, Janet M; Ehleringer, James R

2009-01-01

There remains significant uncertainty in illicit marijuana cultivation. We analyzed the delta(13)C and delta(15)N of 508 domestic samples from known U.S.A. counties, 31 seized from a single location, 5 samples grown in Mexico and Colombia, and 10 northwest border seizures. For a subset, inflorescences and leaves were analyzed separately. These data revealed a strong correspondence, with inflorescences having slightly higher delta(13)C and delta(15)N values than leaves. A framework for interpreting these results is introduced and evaluated. Samples identified as outdoor-grown by delta(13)C were generally recorded as such by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). DEA-classified indoor-grown samples had the most negative delta(13)C values, consistent with indoor cultivation, although many were also in the outdoor-grown domain. Delta(15)N indicated a wide range of fertilizers across the dataset. Samples seized at the single location suggested multiple sources. Northwest border delta(13)C values suggested indoor growth, whereas for the Mexican and Colombian samples they indicated outdoor growth.

The effect of environmental factors on stable isotopic composition of n-alkanes in Mediterranean olive oils

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedentchouk, Nikolai; Mihailova, Alina; Abbado, Dimitri

2014-05-01

Traceability of the geographic origin of olive oils is an important issue from both commercial and health perspectives. This study evaluates the impact of environmental factors on stable C and H isotope compositions of n-alkanes in extra virgin olive oils from Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain. The data are used to investigate the applicability of stable isotope methodology for olive oil regional classification in the Mediterranean region. Analysis of stable C isotope composition of n-C29 alkane showed that extra virgin olive oils from Portugal and Spain have the most positive n-C29 alkane delta13C values. Conversely, olive oils from Slovenia, northern and central Italy are characterized by the most negative values. Overall, the n-C29 alkane delta13C values show a positive correlation with the mean air temperature during August-December and a negative correlation with the mean relative humidity during these months. Analysis of stable H isotope composition of n-C29 alkane revealed that the deltaD values are the most positive in olive oils from Greece and Morocco and the most negative in oils from northern Italy. The deltaD values of oils show significant correlation with all the analyses geographical parameters: the mean air temperature and relative humidity during August-December, the total amount of rainfall (the same months) and the annual deltaD values of precipitation. As predictor variables in the Categorical Data Analysis, the n-C29 alkane deltaD values show the most significant discriminative power, followed by the n-C29 alkane delta13C values. Overall, 93.4% of olive oil samples have been classified correctly into one of the production regions. Our findings suggest that an integrated analysis of C and H isotope compositions of n-alkanes extracted from extra virgin olive oil could become a useful tool for geographical provenancing of this highly popular food commodity.

Delta5-olefinic acids in the seed lipids from four Ephedra species and their distribution between the alpha and beta positions of triacylglycerols. Characteristics common to coniferophytes and cycadophytes.

PubMed

Wolff, R L; Christie, W W; Pédrono, F; Marpeau, A M; Tsevegsüren, N; Aitzetmüller, K; Gunstone, F D

1999-08-01

The fatty acid compositions of the seed lipids from four Ephedra species, E. nevadensis, E. viridis, E. przewalskii, and E. gerardiana (four gymnosperm species belonging to the Cycadophytes), have been established with an emphasis on delta5-unsaturated polymethylene-interrupted fatty acids (delta5-UPIFA). Mass spectrometry of the picolinyl ester derivatives allowed characterization of 5,9- and 5,11-18:2; 5,9,12-18:3; 5,9,12,15-18:4; 5,11-20:2; 5,11,14-20:3; and 5,11,14,17-20:4 acids. Delta5-UPIFA with a delta11-ethylenic bond (mostly C20 acids) were in higher proportions than delta5-UPIFA with a delta9 double bond (exclusively C18 acids) in all species. The total delta5-UPIFA content was 17-31% of the total fatty acids, with 5,11,14-20:3 and 5,11,14,17-20:4 acids being the principal delta5-UPIFA isomers. The relatively high level of cis-vaccenic (11-18:1) acid found in Ephedra spp. seeds, the presence of its delta5-desaturation product, 5,11-18:2 acid (proposed trivial name: ephedrenic acid), and of its elongation product, 13-20:1 acid, were previously shown to occur in a single other species, Ginkgo biloba, among the approximately 170 gymnosperm species analyzed so far. Consequently, Ephedraceae and Coniferophytes (including Ginkgoatae), which have evolved separately since the Devonian period (approximately 300 million yr ago), have kept in common the ability to synthesize C18 and C20 delta5-UPIFA. We postulate the existence of two delta5-desaturases in gymnosperm seeds, one possibly specific for unsaturated acids with a delta9-ethylenic bond, and the other possibly specific for unsaturated acids with a delta11-ethylenic bond. Alternatively, the delta5-desaturases might be specific for the chain length with C18 unsaturated acids on the one hand and C20 unsaturated acids on the other hand. The resulting hypothetical pathways for the biosynthesis of delta5-UPIFA in gymnosperm seeds are only distinguished by the position of 11-18:1 acid. Moreover, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the seed oil from two Ephedra species has shown that delta5-UPIFA are essentially excluded from the internal position of triacylglycerols, a characteristic common to all of the Coniferophytes analyzed so far (more than 30 species), with the possibility of an exclusive esterification at the sn-3 position. This structural feature would also date back to the Devonian period, but might have been lost in those rare angiosperm species containing delta5-UPIFA.

Food-web structure of seep sediment macrobenthos from the Gulf of Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Demopoulos, Amanda W.J.; Gualtieri, Daniel; Kovacs, Kaitlin

2010-01-01

The slope environment of the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) supports dense communities of seep megafaunal invertebrates that rely on endosymbiotic bacteria for nutrition. Seep sediments also contain smaller macrofaunal invertebrates whose nutritional pathways are not well understood. Using stable-isotope analysis, we investigate the utilization of chemosynthetically fixed and methane-derived organic matter by macrofauna. Biological sampling was conducted in three lower-slope GOM seep environs: Green Canyon (GC852, 1428 m), Atwater Valley (AT340, 2230 m), and Alaminos Canyon (AC601, 2384 m). Infaunal delta13C and delta15N exhibited a broad range of values; most infauna appeared to be heterotrophic, although several taxa had very light delta15N and delta13C values, indicating possible reliance on chemoautotrophic symbioses. The lightest delta13C and delta15N values were observed in nematodes (delta13C=-54.6 + or - 0.1 per mil, delta15N=-6.1 + or - 0.2 per mil) and one gastropod (delta13C=-54.1 per mil, delta15N=-1.1 per mil) from Green Canyon. Mixing-model results indicated that sulfur-oxidizing Beggiatoa may be an important food source for seep infauna; the rate of utilization ranged from 60% to 100% at Green Canyon and Atwater Valley. The overall range in isotope values was similar across the three sites, suggesting that biogeochemical processes may be very similar in these geographically distinct areas.

Mercury concentrations in Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears: variation based on stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen.

PubMed

Cardona-Marek, Tamara; Knott, Katrina K; Meyer, Benjamin E; O'Hara, Todd M

2009-07-01

Total Hg concentration was measured in hair and whole blood of 52 adult Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus) captured in the spring of 2005. Stable isotopic signatures (i.e., 13C/12C, delta13C; 15N/14N, delta15N) in hair and two blood compartments (packed blood cells/clot and serum) were determined to assess the variation of Hg concentrations among polar bears in relation to their feeding ecology and other biological factors. Concentrations of Hg in hair and blood (2.2-23.9 microg/g dry wt and 0.007-0.213 microg/g wet wt, respectively) were within the range of values previously reported for polar bears in Canada and East Greenland. Mercury concentration in hair from females was higher than that in hair from males, and concentration was related to interactions between delta13C, delta15N, and longitude of capture location. Mercury concentrations in hair were inversely correlated to delta13C in hair and blood, suggesting that polar bears with greater total Hg concentrations fed more on pelagic prey, such as ringed seals or beluga whale, than on benthic prey. Variability in Hg concentrations in polar bear hair and blood may be the result of intraspecific or regional variation in prey selection rather than strictly trophic level interactions.

In-Situ Oxygen Isotopic Composition of Tagish Lake: An Ungrouped Type 2 Carbonaceous Chondrite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zolensky, Michael E.; Engrand, Cecile; Gounelle, Matthieu; Zolensky, Mike E.

2001-01-01

We have measured the oxygen isotopic composition of several components of Tagish Lake by ion microprobe. This meteorite constitutes the best preserved sample of C2 matter presently available for study. It presents two different lithologies (carbonate-poor and -rich) which have fairly comparable oxygen isotopic composition, with regard to both the primary or secondary minerals. For the olivine and pyroxene grains, their delta O-18 values range from - 10.5% to + 7.4% in the carbonate-poor lithology, with a mean Delta O-17 value of - 3.7 2.4%. In the carbonate-rich lithology, delta O-18 varies from - 7.9% to + 3.3%, and the mean Delta O-17 value is - 4.7 +/- 1.4%. Olivine inclusions (Fo(sub >99)) with extreme O-16-enrichment were found in both lithologies: delta O-18 = - 46.1 %, delta O-187= - 48.3% and delta O-18 = - 40.6%, delta O-17 = - 41.2% in the carbonate-rich lithology; delta O-18 = - 41.5%, delta O-17 = -43.4%0 in the carbonate-poor lithology. Anhydrous minerals in the carbonate-poor lithology are slightly more O-16-rich than in the carbonate-rich one. Four low-iron manganese-rich (LIME) olivine grains do not have an oxygen isotopic composition distinct from the other "normal" olivines. The phyllosilicate matrix presents the same range of oxygen isotopic compositions in both lithologies: delta O-18 from approximately 11 % to approximately 6%, with an average Delta. O-17 approximately 0%. Because the bulk Tagish Lake oxygen isotopic composition given by Brown et al. is on the high end of our matrix analyses, we assume that this "bulk Tagish Lake" composition probably only represents that of the carbonate-rich lithology. Calcium carbonates have delta O-18 values up to 35%, with Delta O-17 approximately 0.5%0. Magnetite grains present very high Delta O-17 values approximately + 3.4%0 +/- 1.2%. Given our analytical uncertainties and our limited carbonate data, the matrix and the carbonate seem to have formed in isotopic equilibrium. In that case, their large isotopic fractionation would argue for a low temperature (CM-like, T approximately 0 deg) formation. Magnetite probably formed during a separate event. Tagish Lake magnetite data is surprisingly compatible with that of R-chondrites and unequilibrated ordinary (LL3) chondrites. Our oxygen isotope data strongly supports the hypothesis of a single precursor for both lithologies. Drastic mineralogical changes between the two lithologies not being accompanied with isotopic fractionation seem compatible with the alteration model presented by Young et aI. Tagish Lake probably represents the first well preserved large sample of the C2 matter that dominates interplanetary matter since the formation of the solar system.

Nucleosynthesis in the terrestrial and solar atmospheres

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, C.; Zhou, R.; Zhan, S.

1985-01-01

Variations of Delta D, delta C-13, Delta C-14 and Delta O-18 with time were measured by a lot of experiments. Many abnormalities of isotope abundances in cosmic rays were found by balloons and satellites. It is suggested that these abnormalities are related to nuclearsynthesis in the terrestrial and solar atmospheres and are closely related to solar activities.

[Simultaneous determination of delta13C values of glycerol and ethanol in wine by liquid chromatography coupled with isotope ratio mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Li, Xuemin; Jia, Guangqun; Cao, Yanzhong; Zhang, Jinjie; Wang, Lei; Sun, Huiyuan

2013-12-01

A novel procedure was established for the characterization of delta13C values of glycerol and ethanol in wine by liquid chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LC-IRMS). Several parameters influencing the separation of glycerol and ethanol from wine matrix were optimized. The precision and accuracy of the proposed method were 0.15 per thousand to 0.26 per thousand and 0.11 per thousand to 0.28 per thousand, respectively. The results obtained for 40 wine samples displayed that the delta13C value of glycerol ranged from--26.87 per thousand to--32.96 per thousand and that of ethanol ranged from--24.06 per thousand to--28.29 per thousand. Close correlations (R = 0.82) were obtained between the delta13C values of glycerol and ethanol. The proposed method didn't need complex sample treatment, and the delta13C values of glycerol and ethanol in wine can be simultaneously determined, thus improving the method in terms of simplicity and speed compared with traditional methods.

Assessing thermochemical data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holmes, John L.; Aubry, Christiane; Wang, Xian

2007-11-01

This paper describes, with examples, a critical assessment of thermochemical data for some small molecules and free radicals. The available heats of formation, [Delta]fH° (all 298 K values). for simple alkyl hydroperoxides and di-alkyl peroxides were compared and new data are provided. The [Delta]fH° values, all ±5 kJ/mol, are: CH3OOH, -135; CH3CH2OOH, -168; n-C3H7OOH, -189; s-C3H7OOH, -205; t-C4H9OOH, -240; CH3OOCH3, -132; CH3CH2OOCH3, -165; C2H5OOC2H5, -198; n-C3H7OOn-C3H7, -240; s-C3H7OOs-C3H7, -272; t-C4H9OOt-C4H9, -342. These are consistent with established O-O bond dissociation energies and with additivity considerations. [Delta]fH° values for the corresponding alkoxy radicals are also addressed. A similar survey was applied to the homologous n-alkyl aldehydes, C2 to C8, for which recommended [Delta]fH° values, all ±1.5 kJ/mol, are: -166.5, -189, -207.5, -227, -248, -268 and -289, respectively. Particular attention was given to [Delta]fH°(CH3CO) = -10.3 ± 1.8 kJ/mol. The current NIST WebBook datum, [Delta]fH°(CS) = 280.3 kJ/mol, is arguably the best value, being consistent with related thermochemical data. Finally the [Delta]fH° values for the allylic free radicals CH2CHCH2, 174 ± 3 kJ/mol, CH2CHCH(OH), 4.5 ± 4 kJ/mol, and (CH2CH)2C(OH), 37 ± 4 kJ/mol, derived from experimental data and results of computational chemistry are described, together with some related homolytic bond strengths.

High-Resolution Speleothem Records of the Indian Ocean Monsoon Variability of the Last 6 ka and 0,5 ka From Soqotra Island, Yemen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Geest, P.; Verheyden, S.; Cheng, H.; Edwards, L. R.; Keppens, E.

2004-12-01

Soqotra is an arid tropical island in the Indian Ocean, situated between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ) passes there twice each year, resulting in a bi-annual rainy season. High-resolution \\delta18O and \\delta13C ratios of speleothems from two different caves are used to reconstruct changes in the Monsoon intensity and/or variability. Based on 10 TIMS 234U/230Th dating, two active speleothems from Hoq (S-STM1) and Kazekas Caves (S-STM5) have formed over a period of 6 ka BP and 0,5 ka BP, respectively. To obtain a detailed climate reconstruction more than 1000 \\delta13C and \\delta18O measurements were carried out, providing a time resolution between 2,5 and 10 years. In S-STM1 \\delta18O -values range between -4,5\\permil and -1,5\\permil and \\delta13C -values between -10,5\\permil and -5,5\\permil; while for S-STM5 these values range respectively between -4\\permil and -2\\permil and -7\\permil and -3\\permil (vs VPDB). Based on the comparison between \\delta18O excursions and historical meteorological data, the amount of precipitation is reflected in the \\delta18O signal. Different mechanisms for the \\delta13C are considered, such as a diminution of the C4-type vegetation during droughts, resulting in more positive \\delta13C -value or kinetic effects during the calcification process itself. Throughout the time series, co-variation occur between \\delta13C and \\delta18O -values (R2= 0,69) exhibiting long term (millennial) and short term (decadal) variations. In both stalagmites, layers of white porous calcite (WPC) (0,1-0,5mm) and dark dense calcite (DDC) (0,01-0,1mm) alternate, most probably due to seasonal variations. The WPC has more positive \\delta13C and \\delta18O -values, while the DDC shows more negative values, clearly demonstrated by high-resolution micro sampling up to a monthly to bi-weekly resolution. A positive correlation between the greyscale variations in the calcite fabric, the presumably annual growth banding and the inverse stable isotope ratios records support this hypothesis. During dry periods, less precipitation enters the cave-system, resulting in a whitish porous calcite deposition, thinner annual banding and more negative stable isotope ratios and vice versa. To better understand the climatic significance of these records, adapted Environmental Data Acquisition Systems (EDAS) are installed in and near Hoq Cave to obtain information on the actual transfer functions between climate and the proxy data in our speleothems.

Seasonal changes in particulate and dissolved organic matter composition and quality in the Lena River Delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mollenhauer, G.; Winterfeld, M.; Hefter, J.; Bodenstab, L.; Morgenstern, A.; Eulenburg, A.; Heim, B.; Koch, B.; Schefuss, E.; Moerth, C. M.; Rethemeyer, J.

2016-12-01

Arctic rivers are known to export large quantities of carbon by discharge of dissolved and particulate organic carbon (DOC, POC), and in a warming and progressively moister Arctic, these exports may increase resulting in a reduction of arctic continental carbon stocks. These rivers have highly variable discharge rates with a pronounced maximum during the spring freshet associated with highest concentrations of DOC and POC. Most studies investigating the isotopic composition and quality of carbon exported by Arctic rivers rely on samples taken in summer during base flow, which is due to the logistical challenges associated with sampling in the remote Arctic permafrost regions. Here we present a record of δ13C and Δ14C of DOC and POC collected between late May during the freshet and late August 2014 in the Lena River Delta. POC Δ14C shows an initial trend towards older values in the spring samples, which is reversed in summer, associated with a shift towards more depleted δ13C values. We interpret this aging trend as reflecting progressive thawing throughout the ice-free season, resulting in mobilization of progressively older carbon from deeper thawed layers. The summer reversal indicates admixture of aquatic organic matter. DOC Δ14C, in contrast, remains at relatively modern levels with rather constant δ13C values throughout the sampling period. We furthermore analysed the biomarker composition of Lena Delta particulate OM collected in spring and summer. From spring to summer, we observe trends in abundance of individual leaf-wax derived biomarkers indicating higher abundance of algal biomass in the summer particles. Trends in soil microbial biomarkers and compound-specific δD of leaf-wax lipids suggest a shift in sources towards higher contributions from the southern catchment in summer. DOC composition investigated with FT-ICR-MS changes from spring with higher abundances of compounds with high H/C and low O/C ratios to late summer, when fewer compounds were found. Our results illustrate the seasonal variability in composition and sources of organic matter discharged by the Lena River. Paired with the strong seassonality of the hydrograph, this implies that total annual discharge of organic matter contains a disproportionally high contribution from the northern part of the catchment.

Authenticity assessment of gamma- and delta-decalactone from prunus fruits by gas chromatography combustion/pyrolysis isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-C/P-IRMS).

PubMed

Tamura, Hirotoshi; Appel, Markus; Richling, Elke; Schreier, Peter

2005-06-29

Authenticity assessment of gamma-decalactone (1) and delta-decalactone (2) from peach (Prunus persica var. persica), apricot (Prunus armeniaca), and nectarine (Prunus persica var. nectarina) was performed using gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC-IRMS) in the combustion (C) and pyrolysis (P) mode. In addition, commercially available synthetic (nature-identical) 1 and 2 as well as biotechnologically produced samples (declared to be "natural") were characterized by their delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values. For the Prunus fruits under study, rather narrow ranges of delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data of 1, varying from - 34.6 per thousand to - 38.4 per thousand and -160 per thousand to -206 per thousand, respectively, were obtained. Synthetic references of 1 showed delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data ranging from -27.4 per thousand to -28.3 per thousand and -151 per thousand to -184 per thousand, respectively. Samples of 1 declared to be "natural" exhibited ranges from -28.1 per thousand to -29.2 per thousand and -192 per thousand to -286 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively. For 2 from peach, apricot, and nectarine, delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values ranging from -34.0 per thousand to -37.9 per thousand were determined; the delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) values ranged from -171 per thousand to -228 per thousand. The delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data for synthetic 2 were -28.2 per thousand and -171 per thousand, respectively, that is, similar to those of 2 from "natural" origin, ranging from -27.7 per thousand to -30.1 per thousand and -185 per thousand to -230 per thousand for delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW), respectively. GC-C/P-IRMS allowed clear-cut analytical differentiation of the synthetic and "ex-plant" origin of 1 and 2, whereas narrow ranges of delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) and delta(2)H(V)(-)(SMOW) data were found for samples of synthetic and "natural" origin.

Diverse origins and pre-depositional histories of organic matter in contemporary Chinese marginal sea sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Shuqin; Eglinton, Timothy I.; Montluçon, Daniel B.; McIntyre, Cameron; Zhao, Meixun

2016-10-01

Marginal seas are estimated to account for up to 90% of organic carbon (OC) burial in marine sediments, and thus play an important role in global carbon cycle. However, comprehensive assessments of carbon budgets for marginal sea systems are challenging due to their inherent complexity, with spatial and temporal variability in carbon inputs and dispersal processes. We examine the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea (BS-YS) in order to further our understanding of sedimentary OC delivery, translocation and accumulation in a shallow marginal sea system. Bulk properties and the content and isotopic compositions (Δ14C, δ13C) of source-specific plant wax n-alkyl lipid biomarkers were determined for a suite of surficial sediment samples. Variable δ13C values (-25.1‰ to -28.5‰) and contemporary radiocarbon ages of short-chain n-fatty acids (FAs; C16, C18) reflect modern autochthonous marine and/or fresh terrestrial plant input. In contrast, extremely depleted Δ14C values (-932‰ to -979‰) of short-chain n-alkanes (C16, C18) suggest a predominant input from sedimentary rocks (petrogenic OC) or petroleum. Abundance-weighted average δ13C and Δ14C values of long-chain leaf wax lipids (C26+28+30n-FAs, C24+26+28n-alkanols, C27+29+31n-alkanes) are -29.1 ± 1.1‰ to -30.2 ± 0.3‰, and -286 ± 150‰ to -442 ± 119‰, respectively, illustrating that terrestrial OC delivery is dominated by pre-aged (∼3000-5000 14C yrs) C3 vegetation sources. A coupled carbon-isotopic mixing model, based on the bulk and compound-specific biomarker δ13C and Δ14C values, is used to partition the BS-YS sedimentary OC into three components that reflect both origins and transport processes. For all sampling sites, 31-64% is modern/contemporary OC, 24-49% is pre-aged terrestrial OC, and 7-26% is fossil OC, the latter likely derived from both physical erosion of ancient sedimentary rocks and fossil fuel sources. Pre-aged soil OC is most prominent in front of the modern and old Huanghe (Yellow River) delta (48% and 49%), and fossil OC is most significant north of the old Huanghe mouth (26%). Significant pre-aged soil contributions (33%) are also evident for sites further offshore, where transport and deposition of eolian dust supply may be important. For the three major deposition areas of the BS-YS system (Bohai Basin, sub-aqueous Huanghe delta and central south YS basin), we estimate that about 3.02 Mt/yr of refractory, plant-derived pre-aged soil OC and 0.98 Mt/yr of 14C-depleted fossil OC accumulates in surface sediments, corresponding to 35% and 11% of sediment TOC, respectively. Compared with estimates for fluxes from corresponding sources, the burial efficiency is close to 100% for pre-aged soil OC and 70% for fossil OC, implying efficient OC burial in delta and shelf environments. Re-burial of these two pools of terrigenous OC only affects carbon cycling on millennial and longer timescales respectively, and exerts little influence on the modern carbon cycle (<100 yr). Carbon isotopic compositions of source specific biomarkers are a useful tool not only for constraining OC sources and transport vectors, but also for delineating their impact on the contemporary carbon cycling in marginal sea systems.

Anaerobic biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in the cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria limnetica

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jahnke, L. L.; Lee, B.; Sweeney, M. J.; Klein, H. P.

1989-01-01

The mechanism for synthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids under aerobic and anaerobic conditions was studied in the facultative anaerobic cyanobacterium, Oscillatoria limnetica. The hexadecenoic acid (C16:1) of aerobically grown O. limnetica was shown to contain both the delta 7 (79%) and delta 9 (21%) isomers, while the octadecenoic (C18:1) acid was entirely the delta 9 acid. Incorporation of [2-14C] acetate into the fatty acids under aerobic conditions resulted in synthesis of the delta 7 and delta 9 C16:1 and the delta 9 C18:1. Synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids in the presence of DCMU required sulfide. Anaerobic incubations in the presence of DCMU and sulfide (less than 0.003% atmospheric oxygen) resulted in a two-fold increase in monounsaturated fatty acids of both delta 7 and delta 9 C16:1 and delta 9 and delta 11 C18:1. The synthesis of these is characteristic of a bacterial-type, anaerobic pathway.

Hydrochemical and isotopic effects associated with petroleum fuel biodegradation pathways in a chalk aquifer.

PubMed

Spence, Michael J; Bottrell, Simon H; Thornton, Steven F; Richnow, Hans H; Spence, Keith H

2005-09-01

Hydrochemical data, compound specific carbon isotope analysis and isotopic enrichment trends in dissolved hydrocarbons and residual electron acceptors have been used to deduce BTEX and MTBE degradation pathways in a fractured chalk aquifer. BTEX compounds are mineralised sequentially within specific redox environments, with changes in electron acceptor utilisation being defined by the exhaustion of specific BTEX components. A zone of oxygen and nitrate exhaustion extends approximately 100 m downstream from the plume source, with residual sulphate, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene. Within this zone complete removal of the TEX components occurs by bacterial sulphate reduction, with sulphur and oxygen isotopic enrichment of residual sulphate (epsilon(s) = -14.4 per thousand to -16.0 per thousand). Towards the plume margins and at greater distance along the plume flow path nitrate concentrations increase with delta15N values of up to +40 per thousand indicating extensive denitrification. Benzene and MTBE persist into the denitrification zone, with carbon isotope enrichment of benzene indicating biodegradation along the flow path. A Rayleigh kinetic isotope enrichment model for 13C-enrichment of residual benzene gives an apparent epsilon value of -0.66 per thousand. MTBE shows no significant isotopic enrichment (delta13C = -29.3 per thousand to -30.7 per thousand) and is isotopically similar to a refinery sample (delta13C = -30.1 per thousand). No significant isotopic variation in dissolved MTBE implies that either the magnitude of any biodegradation-induced isotopic fractionation is small, or that relatively little degradation has taken place in the presence of BTEX hydrocarbons. It is possible, however, that MTBE degradation occurs under aerobic conditions in the absence of BTEX since no groundwater samples were taken with co-existing MTBE and oxygen. Low benzene delta13C values are correlated with high sulphate delta34S, indicating that little benzene degradation has occurred in the sulphate reduction zone. Benzene degradation may be associated with denitrification since increased benzene delta13C is associated with increased delta15N in residual nitrate. Re-supply of electron acceptors by diffusion from the matrix into fractures and dispersive mixing is an important constraint on degradation rates and natural attenuation capacity in this dual-porosity aquifer.

Tracing the biosynthetic source of essential amino acids in marine turtles using delta13C fingerprints.

PubMed

Arthur, Karen E; Kelez, Shaleyla; Larsen, Thomas; Choy, C Anela; Popp, Brian N

2014-05-01

Plants, bacteria, and fungi produce essential amino acids (EAAs) with distinctive patterns of delta13C values that can be used as naturally occurring fingerprints of biosynthetic origin of EAAs in a food web. Because animals cannot synthesize EAAs and must obtain them from food, their tissues reflect delta13C(EAA) patterns found in diet, but it is not known how microbes responsible for hindgut fermentation in some herbivores influence the delta13C values of EAAs in their hosts' tissues. We examined whether distinctive delta13C fingerprints of hindgut flora are evident in the tissues of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), which are known to be facultative hindgut fermenters. We determined delta13C(EAA) values in tissues of green turtles foraging herbivorously in neritic habitats of Hawaii and compared them with those from green, olive ridley, and loggerhead turtles foraging carnivorously in oceanic environments of the central and southeast Pacific Ocean. Results of multivariate statistical analysis revealed two distinct groups that could be distinguished based on unique delta13C(EAA) patterns. A three-end-member predictive linear discriminant model indicated that delta13C(EAA) fingerprints existed in the tissues of carnivorous turtles that resembled patterns found in microalgae, which form the base of an oceanic food web, whereas herbivorous turtles derive EAAs from a bacterial or seagrass source. This study demonstrates the capacity for delta13C fingerprinting to establish the biosynthetic origin of EAAs in higher consumers, and that marine turtles foraging on macroalgal diets appear to receive nutritional supplementation from bacterial symbionts in their digestive system.

[Reliability study on the infrared spectrometry for measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C].

PubMed

Wang, Min; Wang, Zhiling; Gou, Lingyan; Zhang, Yuhui; Yang, Xiaoguang; Sha, Lei; Li, Min

2013-03-01

To assess the validity and reliability of the infrared spectrometry for measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C. Twenty-four healthy adults were selected, including twelve males and twelve females. 13C-Leucine was used as tracer in stable isotope metabolic experiments. One baseline breath was collected before the tracer protocol began. Other breath samples were collected at 60, 120, 180, 195, 210, 225, 240, 255, 270 and 300 min post-tracer challenge. The delta over baseline for breath 13C was measured by the infrared spectrometry and Heliview 13C breath analyzer. No significant differences were found between the infrared spectrometry and Heliview 13C breath analyzer in measuring the delta over baseline for breath 13C. The F value and p value of two-way ANOVA were 0.29 and 0.5874 respectively. The t and p value of consistency test were 0.48 and 0.6346 respectively. The 13C infrared spectrometry can reliably measure the delta over baseline for breath 13C.

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of particulate organic matter and biogeochemical processes in the eutrophic Danshuei Estuary in northern Taiwan.

PubMed

Liu, Kon-Kee; Kao, Shuh-Ji; Wen, Liang-Saw; Chen, Kuan-Lun

2007-08-15

The Danshuei Estuary is distinctive for the relatively short residence time (1-2 d) of its estuarine water and the very high concentration of ammonia, which is the dominant species of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the estuary, except near the river mouth. These characteristics make the dynamics of nitrogen cycling distinctively different from previously studied estuaries and result in unusual isotopic compositions of particulate nitrogen (PN). The delta(15)N(PN) values ranging from -16.4 per thousand to 3.8 per thousand lie in the lower end of nitrogen isotopic compositions (-16.4 to +18.7 per thousand) of suspended particulate matter observed in estuaries, while the delta(13)C values of particulate organic carbon (POC) and the C/N (organic carbon to nitrogen) ratios showed rather normal ranges from -25.5 per thousand to -19.0 per thousand and from 6.0 to 11.3, respectively. There were three major types of particulate organic matter (POM) in the estuary: natural terrigenous materials consisting mainly of soils and bedrock-derived sediments, anthropogenic wastes and autochthonous materials from the aquatic system. During the typhoon induced flood period in August 2000, the flux-weighted mean of delta(13)C(POC) values was -24.4 per thousand, that of delta(15)N(PN) values was +2.3 per thousand and that of C/N ratio was 9.3. During non-typhoon periods, the concentration-weighted mean was -23.6 per thousand for delta(13)C(POC), -2.6 per thousand for delta(15)N(PN) and 8.0 for C/N ratio. From the distribution of delta(15)N(PN) values of highly polluted estuarine waters, we identified the waste-dominated samples and calculated their mean properties: delta(13)C(POC) value of -23.6+/-0.7 per thousand, delta(15)N(PN) value of -3.0+/-0.1 per thousand and C/N ratio of 8.0+/-1.4. Using a three end-member mixing model based on delta(15)N(PN) values and C/N ratios, we calculated contributions of the three major allochthonous sources of POC, namely, wastes, soils and bedrock-derived sediments, to the estuary. Their contributions were, respectively, 83%, 12% and 5% under non-typhoon conditions, and 9%, 63% and 28% under typhoon conditions. The autochthonous POM had the most varied isotopic compositions, encompassing the full ranges of delta(13)C(POC) (-25.5 to -19.1 per thousand), delta(15)N(PN) (-16.4-3.8 per thousand) and C/N ratio (6.0-11.3). The heavy end of the carbon isotopic composition reflected the typical marine condition and the lower end the estuarine condition, which probably had elevated concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon with low delta(13)C values due to input from decomposition of organic matter. The lack of isotopically heavy PN, as found in larger estuaries, was attributed to isotopically light starting materials, namely, anthropogenic wastes, the slow phytoplankton growth within the estuary and the rather short residence time; the latter two factors made (15)N enrichment during ammonia consumption very limited. The most isotopically light PN likely originated from phytoplankton incorporating (15)N-depleted nitrate near the river mouth, where ammonia inhibition of nitrate uptake probably stopped.

Summary of longitudinal stability and control parameters as determined from Space Shuttle Challenger flight test data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Suit, William T.

1989-01-01

Estimates of longitudinal stability and control parameters for the space shuttle were determined by applying a maximum likelihood parameter estimation technique to Challenger flight test data. The parameters for pitching moment coefficient, C(m sub alpha), (at different angles of attack), pitching moment coefficient, C(m sub delta e), (at different elevator deflections) and the normal force coefficient, C(z sub alpha), (at different angles of attack) describe 90 percent of the response to longitudinal inputs during Space Shuttle Challenger flights with C(m sub delta e) being the dominant parameter. The values of C(z sub alpha) were found to be input dependent for these tests. However, when C(z sub alpha) was set at preflight predictions, the values determined for C(m sub delta e) changed less than 10 percent from the values obtained when C(z sub alpha) was estimated as well. The preflight predictions for C(z sub alpha) and C(m sub alpha) are acceptable values, while the values of C(z sub delta e) should be about 30 percent less negative than the preflight predictions near Mach 1, and 10 percent less negative, otherwise.

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of alkyl porphyrins from the Triassic Serpiano oil shale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chicarelli, M. I.; Hayes, J. M.; Popp, B. N.; Eckardt, C. B.; Maxwell, J. R.

1993-01-01

The carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of seven of the most abundant alkylporphyrins from the Serpiano oil shale (marine, Triassic) were determined. For the C31 and C32 butanoporphyrins, values of delta 13CPDB and delta 15NAIR averaged -24.0% and -3.1%. In contrast, the C31 and C32 methylpropanoporphyrins, DPEP, and a C30 13-nor etioporphyrin had delta 13C and delta 15N values averaging -27.5 and -3.3%, respectively. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic values for kerogen averaged -30.8 and -0.9, whereas those for total extract averaged -31.6, and -4.0%. The butanoporphyrins apparently derive from a biological source different from that giving rise to the other porphyrins, their 13C enrichment not being related to carbon isotopic fractionation accompanying diagenetic reactions. The delta 15N values for all the porphyrins indicate that the depletion of 15N observed in the kerogen is of primary origin. Consistent with the very high abundance of hopanoids and methyl hopanoids in the aliphatic hydrocarbon fraction, it is suggested that cyanobacterial fixation of N2 may have been the main cause of 15N depletion.

[Characteristics of foliar delta13C values of common shrub species in various microhabitats with different karst rocky desertification degrees].

PubMed

Du, Xue-Lian; Wang, Shi-Jie; Rong, Li

2011-12-01

By measuring the foliar delta13C values of 5 common shrub species (Rhamnus davurica, Pyracantha fortuneana, Rubus biflorus, Zanthoxylum planispinum, and Viburnum utile) growing in various microhabitats in Wangjiazhai catchment, a typical karst desertification area in Guizhou Province, this paper studied the spatial heterogeneity of plant water use at niche scale and the response of the heterogeneity to different karst rocky desertification degrees. The foliar delta13C values of the shrub species in the microhabitats followed the order of stony surface > stony gully > stony crevice > soil surface, and those of the majority of the species were more negative in the microhabitat soil surface than in the others. The foliar delta13C values decreased in the sequence of V. utile > R. biflorus > Z. planispinum > P. fortuneana > R. davurica, and the mean foliar delta13C value of the shrubs and that of typical species in various microhabitats all increased with increasing karst rocky desertification degree, differed significantly among different microhabitats. It was suggested that with the increasing degree of karst rocky desertification, the structure and functions of karst habitats were impaired, microhabitats differentiated gradually, and drought degree increased.

Dermal absorption of the insecticide lindane (1 delta, 2 delta, 3 beta, 4 delta, 5 delta, 6 beta-hexachlorocyclohexane) in rats and rhesus monkeys: Effect of anatomical site

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

Moody, R.P.; Ritter, L.

1989-01-01

Dermal absorption of the insecticide lindane (1 delta, 2 delta, 3 beta, 4 delta, 5 delta, 6 beta-hexachlorocyclohexane) was determined in rats and rhesus monkeys. Lindane is in widespread use as a 1% cream or lotion scabicide formulation and as a 1% miticide shampoo for body lice control in humans. Results obtained following our in vivo dermal absorption procedure demonstrated that 18 +/- 4.1%, 34 +/- 5.2%, and 54 +/- 26.3% of the applied dose was absorbed following topical applications at a rate of 1.5 micrograms/cm2 (6.2 micrograms/100 microliters of acetone) of the 14C-labeled pesticide to 4.2-cm2 regions of themore » forearm (n = 8), forehead (n = 7), and palm (n = 4) of rhesus monkeys, respectively. Dose sites were washed with soapy water 24 h posttreatment. Comparative studies in rats (n = 5) dosed middorsally demonstrated 31 +/- 9.5% absorption. Statistical analysis of the 14C excretion kinetics demonstrated slower clearance of lindane from rats than monkey forearm, forehead, or palm. Intramuscular (im) injections of 14C-lindane gave 52 +/- 7.1% recovery in monkey (n = 8) and 64 +/- 5.9% in rats (n = 5), suggesting body storage of this lipophilic chemical.« less

Delta13C values of grasses as a novel indicator of pollution by fossil-fuel-derived greenhouse gas CO2 in urban areas.

PubMed

Lichtfouse, Eric; Lichtfouse, Michel; Jaffrézic, Anne

2003-01-01

A novel fossil fuel pollution indicator based on the 13C/12C isotopic composition of plants has been designed. This bioindicator is a promising tool for future mapping of the sequestration of fossil fuel CO2 into urban vegetation. Theoretically, plants growing in fossil-fuel-CO2-contaminated areas, such as major cities, industrial centers, and highway borders, should assimilate a mixture of global atmospheric CO2 of delta13C value of -8.02 per thousand and of fossil fuel CO2 of average delta13C value of -27.28 per thousand. This isotopic difference should, thus, be recorded in plant carbon. Indeed, this study reveals that grasses growing near a major highway in Paris, France, have strikingly depleted delta13C values, averaging at -35.08 per thousand, versus rural grasses that show an average delta13C value of -30.59 per thousand. A simple mixing model was used to calculate the contributions of fossil-fuel-derived CO2 to the plant tissue. Calculation based on contaminated and noncontaminated isotopic end members shows that urban grasses assimilate up to 29.1% of fossil-fuel-CO2-derived carbon in their tissues. The 13C isotopic composition of grasses thus represents a promising new tool for the study of the impact of fossil fuel CO2 in major cities.

The carbon-isotopic composition of Proterozoic carbonates: Riphean successions from northwestern Siberia (Anabar Massif, Turukhansk Uplift)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knoll, A. H.; Kaufman, A. J.; Semikhatov, M. A.

1995-01-01

Thick carbonate-dominated successions in northwestern Siberia document secular variations in the C-isotopic composition of seawater through Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic (Early to early Late Riphean) time. Mesoproterozoic dolomites of the Billyakh Group, Anabar Massif, have delta 13C values that fall between 0 and -1.9 permil versus PDB, with values in the upper part of the succession (Yusmastakh Formation) consistently higher than those of the lower (Ust'-Il'ya and Kotuikan formations). Consistent with available biostratigraphic and radiometric data, delta 13C values for Billyakh carbonates compare closely with those characterizing early Mesoproterozoic carbonates (about 1600-1200 Ma) worldwide. In contrast, late Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic limestones and dolomites in the Turukhansk Uplift exhibit moderate levels of secular variation. Only the lowermost carbonates in the Turukhansk succession (Linok Formation) have delta 13C values that approximate Billyakh values. Higher in the Turukhansk succession, delta 13C values vary from -2.7 to +4.6 permil (with outliers as low as -5.0 permil interpreted as diagentically altered). Again, consistent with paleontological and radiometric data, these values compare well with isotopic values from 1200 to 850 Ma successions elsewhere. Five sections measured in different parts of the Turukhansk basin show nearly identical patterns of variation, confirming that carbonate delta 13C correlates primarily with time and not facies. The Siberian sections illustrate the potential of integrated biostratigraphic and chemostratigraphic data in the intra- and interbasinal correlation of Mesoproterozoic and early Neoproterozoic rocks.

Spatial variations in geochemical characteristics of the modern Mackenzie Delta sedimentary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vonk, Jorien E.; Giosan, Liviu; Blusztajn, Jerzy; Montlucon, Daniel; Graf Pannatier, Elisabeth; McIntyre, Cameron; Wacker, Lukas; Macdonald, Robie W.; Yunker, Mark B.; Eglinton, Timothy I.

2015-12-01

The Mackenzie River in Canada is by far the largest riverine source of sediment and organic carbon (OC) to the Arctic Ocean. Therefore the transport, degradation and burial of OC along the land-to-ocean continuum for this riverine system is important to study both regionally and as a dominant representative of Arctic rivers. Here, we apply sedimentological (grain size, mineral surface area), and organic and inorganic geochemical techniques (%OC, δ13C-OC and Δ14C-OC, 143Nd/144Nd, δ2H and δ18O, major and trace elements) on particulate, bank, channel and lake surface sediments from the Mackenzie Delta, as well as on surface sediments from the Mackenzie shelf in the Beaufort Sea. Our data show a hydrodynamic sorting effect resulting in the accumulation of finer-grained sediments in lake and shelf deposits. A general decrease in organic carbon (OC) to mineral surface area ratios from river-to-sea furthermore suggests a loss of mineral-bound terrestrial OC during transport through the delta and deposition on the shelf. The net isotopic value of the terrestrial OC that is lost en route, derived from relationships between δ13C, OC and surface area, is -28.5‰ for δ13C and -417‰ for Δ14C. We calculated that OC burial efficiencies are around 55%, which are higher (∼20%) than other large river systems such as the Amazon. Old sedimentary OC ages, up to 12 14C-ky, suggest the delivery of both a petrogenic OC source (with an estimated contribution of 19 ± 9%) as well as a pre-aged terrestrial OC source. We calculated the 14C-age of this pre-aged, biogenic, component to be about 6100 yrs, or -501‰, which illustrates that terrestrial OC in the watershed can reside for millennia in soils before being released into the river. Surface sediments in lakes across the delta (n = 20) showed large variability in %OC (0.92-5.7%) and δ13C (-30.7‰ to -23.5‰). High-closure lakes, flooding only at exceptionally high water levels, hold high sedimentary OC contents (>2.5%) and young biogenic OC with a terrestrial or an autochthonous source whereas no-closure lakes, permanently connected to a river channel, hold sediments with pre-aged, terrestrial OC. The intermediate low-closure lakes, flooding every year during peak discharge, display the largest variability in OC content, age and source, likely reflecting variability in for example the length of river-lake connections, the distance to sediment source and the number of intermediate settling basins. Bank, channel and suspended sediment show variable 143Nd/144Nd values, yet there is a gradual but distinct spatial transition in 143Nd/144Nd (nearly three ε units; from -11.4 to -13.9) in the detrital fraction of lake surface sediments from the western to the eastern delta. This reflects the input of younger Peel River catchment material in the west and input of older geological source material in the east, and suggests that lake sediments can be used to assess variability in source watershed patterns across the delta.

Atmospheric Delta14C Record from Wellington (1954-1993)

DOE Data Explorer

Manning, M R. [National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Ltd., Lower Hutt, New Zealand; Melhuish, W. H. [National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Ltd., Lower Hutt, New Zealand

1994-09-01

Trays containing ~2 L of 5 normal NaOH carbonate-free solution are typically exposed for intervals of 1-2 weeks, and the atmospheric CO₂ absorbed during that time is recovered by acid evolution. Considerable fractionation occurs during absorption into the NaOH solution, and the standard fractionation correction (Stuiver and Polach 1977) is used to determine a δ 14C value corrected to δ 13C = -25 per mil. Some samples reported here were taken using BaOH solution or with extended tray exposure times. These variations in procedure do not appear to affect the results (Manning et al. 1990). A few early measurements were made by bubbling air through columns of NaOH for several hours. These samples have higher δ 13C values. Greater details on the sampling methods are provided in Manning et al. (1990) and Rafter and Fergusson (1959).

Apportioning carbon sources of authigenic carbonate of extremely 13C-depleted foraminifera from the western North Pacific sediments: Implication from the coupled 13C and 14C isotopic mass balance approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uchida, M.; Ohkushi, K.; Ahagon, N.; Kimoto, K.; Inagaki, F.; Shibata, Y.

2005-12-01

Recently, Uchida et al. (G-cubed, 2004) and Ohkushi et al. (G-cubed, 2005) interprete /delta 13C variations of planktonic and benthic foraminifera found in Last Glacial sediments in off Shimokita Peninsula and Tokachi as evidence for periodic releases of methane, arising from the dissociation of methane hydrate, and its subsequent oxidation in bottom- and/or surface-water environments. According to recent observations of anomalous bottom-simulating reflections, northwest Pacific marginal sediments around Japan main islands bear large abundances of methane hydrate. In this study, analyzed piston cores (42° 21.42' N, 144° 13.36' E) at a water depth 1066-m was retrieved from the off Tokachi continental slope in the Oyashio current region, where recently is found to bear immense amounts of methane hydrate. The piston core covered past 22 ka with high-resolution. Here we showed that carbon isotope signals indicated that planktonic and benthic foraminifera in several glacial sediment layers in the core were highly depleted in13 C; both the planktonic and benthic foraminiferal /delta 13C values ranged from about -10/permil to -2/permil. Most foraminiferal tests in these horizons were brown as a result of postdepositional alteration. Foraminiferal oxygen isotopes fluctuated abnormally in the glacial sediment layers, showing small (about 0.5/permil) positive shifts relative to normal glacial values. We attributed the positive shifts to authigenic carbonate formation in the foraminiferal tests. In order to decipher the relation between foraminifera carbon isotopic signal and methane release from the seafloor, we have apportioned carbon sources (methane from methane hydrate or not) of foraminiferal carbon isotopic anomalies using dual mass balance isotopic model (14C/ 12C and 13C/ 12C). It has been suggested that sulfate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) dominates carbon oxidation and attendant authigenic carbonate precipitation to foraminifera. To this assumption, we have quantified the relative contributions of dissolved carbon dioxide (/SigmaCO/_2) from oxidation of methane in anomaly foraminifera. At the layer of 17,840 years cal. age with planktonic foraminifera of dual isotopic data (/delta 13C: -8.1/permil and /Delta 14C: -847/permil) , relative contribution of carbon from authigenic carbonate was 17 percent of total carbonate and its /delta 13C was -48.1/permil, suggesting indirect records of enhanced incorporation of 13C-depleted CO2 formed by anaerobic methane oxidation process that use 12C-enriched methane as their main source of carbon. Moreover, biomarker and phylogenetic compositions were investigated in the light of the past activity of methanotrophic bacteria in the oxic-anoxic interface in the overlying water column and/or surface sediment. Mg/Ca ratios were also analyzed to evaluate foraminiferal 13C depleted carbonate precipitation in comparison with authigenic carbonate produced in the cold seep environment. In the conference, we discuss about what mechanism contribute to authigenic carbon precipitation in terms with carbon source with 13C-depleted foraminifera.

Two decades of regular observations of (CO{sub 2})-C-14 and (CO{sub 2})-C-13 content in atmospheric carbon dioxide in central Europe: Long-term changes of regional anthropogenic fossil CO{sub 2} emissions

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

Kuc, T.; Rozanski, K.; Zimnoch, M.

2007-07-01

Time series are presented of radiocarbon and C-13 contents in atmospheric carbon dioxide over eastern Europe (southern Poland), covering the periods 1983-1994 and 2000-2004. The carbon isotope composition was measured in biweekly composite samples of atmospheric CO{sub 2}, collected about 20 m above the local ground level. The data for 2 observational sites are presented: I) city of Krakow (50{sup o} 04'N, 19{sup o} 55'E; 220 m asl; for 1983-1994 and 2000-2004); and ii) Kasprowy Wierch, Tatra Mountains (49{sup o} 14'N, 19{sup o} 56'E; 1989 m asl; for 2000-2004). The latter site is considered a regional reference station, relatively freemore » of anthropogenic influences. During the period 1983-1994, observations in the Krakow area revealed a gradual decrease of C-14 content with a broad minimum around 1991 and a small increase by about 10 parts per thousand in the subsequent years. {delta}C-13 also changes with time, showing a decreasing trend from approximately -9.6 parts per thousand in 1983, with a slope of -0.02 parts per thousand/yr. The observed trends for both isotopes coincide well with a substantial reduction of coal consumption in Poland and partial replacement of coal by natural gas, especially in urban regions. After 2000, the {delta}C-13 slightly increases, reaching a mean value of -10 parts per thousand in 2004, while {delta}C-14 is below the reference level by similar to 3.5 parts per thousand. Observations at Kasprowy Wierch (regional reference station) also reflect a diminishing input of fossil carbon into the regional atmosphere. The fossil component in atmospheric CO{sub 2}, calculated with the aid of C-14 data available for the 2 study periods, shows a reduction of anthropogenic input by a factor of 2, which is confirmed by annual statistics of coal consumption.« less

Stable carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis of methyl tert-butyl ether and tert-amyl methyl ether by purge and trap-gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry: method evaluation and application.

PubMed

Kujawinski, Dorothea M; Stephan, Manuel; Jochmann, Maik A; Krajenke, Karen; Haas, Joe; Schmidt, Torsten C

2010-01-01

In order to monitor the behaviour of contaminants in the aqueous environment effective enrichment techniques often have to be employed due to their low concentrations. In this work a robust and sensitive purge and trap-gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for carbon and hydrogen isotope analysis of fuel oxygenates in water is presented. The method evaluation included the determination of method detection limits, accuracy and reproducibility of deltaD and delta(13)C values. Lowest concentrations at which reliable delta(13)C values could be determined were 5 microg L(-1) and 28 microg L(-1) for TAME and MTBE, respectively. Stable deltaD values for MTBE and TAME could be achieved for concentrations as low as 25 and 50 microg L(-1). Good long-term reproducibility of delta(13)C and deltaD values was obtained for all target compounds. But deltaD values varying more than 5 per thousand were observed using different thermal conversion tubes. Thus, a correction of deltaD values in the analysis of groundwater samples was necessary to guarantee comparability of the results. The applicability of this method was shown by the analysis of groundwater samples from a gasoline contaminated site. By two dimensional isotope analysis two locations within this site were identified at which anaerobic and aerobic degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether occurred.

13C discriminations of Pinus sylvestris vs. Pinus ponderosa at a dry site in Brandenburg (eastern Germany): 100-year growth comparison.

PubMed

Wagner, Ralf; Insinna, Patrick A; Götz, Bernhard; Junge, Sebastian; Boettger, Tatjana

2007-06-01

The carbon isotope composition (delta(13)C, per thousand) and discrimination (Delta, per thousand) of old grown North American Pinus ponderosa Dougl. Ex P. et C. Laws. and European Pinus sylvestris L. were determined using trees grown under almost identical growing conditions in a mixed stand in Bralitz, Northeast Germany. Single-tree delta(13)C analyses of tree-ring cellulose of both species were carried out at a yearly resolution for the period 1901-2001 and the results compared with growth (basal area increment). Annual mean delta(13)C values for P. ponderosa ranged from-21.6 per thousand to-25.2 per thousand and for P. sylvestris from-21.4 per thousand to-24.4 per thousand. Accordingly, (13)C discrimination (Delta) showed higher values for P. ponderosa throughout the investigation period. Five characteristic periods of Delta were identified for both the tree species, reflecting positive and negative influences of environmental factors. Good growing conditions such as after-thinning events had a positive effect on Delta, reflecting higher values, while poor conditions like aridity and air pollution had a negative influence, reflecting lower values. The dynamics of Delta were likewise reflected in the growth (basal area increment, BAI). Higher (13)C discrimination values of P. ponderosa led to higher BAIs of P. ponderosa in comparison with P. sylvestris. Correlation function analyses confirmed that P. sylvestris was more dependent on precipitation than P. ponderosa, which showed a closer relationship with temperature. The results confirm that under predominantly dry growing conditions, P. ponderosa showed better growth performance than P. sylvestris, indicating better common intrinsic water-use efficiency and, therefore, higher rates of net photosynthesis at a given transpiration. In view of the prospect of climate change, the results are very significant for assessing both trees' physiological properties and, hence, their potential for coping with future growing conditions.

The diversity of (13)C isotope discrimination in a Quercus robur full-sib family is associated with differences in intrinsic water use efficiency, transpiration efficiency, and stomatal conductance.

PubMed

Roussel, Magali; Dreyer, Erwin; Montpied, Pierre; Le-Provost, Grégoire; Guehl, Jean-Marc; Brendel, Oliver

2009-01-01

(13)C discrimination in organic matter with respect to atmospheric CO(2) (Delta(13)C) is under tight genetic control in many plant species, including the pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) full-sib progeny used in this study. Delta(13)C is expected to reflect intrinsic water use efficiency, but this assumption requires confirmation due to potential interferences with mesophyll conductance to CO(2), or post-photosynthetic discrimination. In order to dissect the observed Delta(13)C variability in this progeny, six genotypes that have previously been found to display extreme phenotypic values of Delta(13)C [either very high ('high Delta') or low ('low Delta') phenotype] were selected, and transpiration efficiency (TE; accumulated biomass/transpired water), net CO(2) assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance for water vapour (g(s)), and intrinsic water use efficiency (W(i)=A/g(s)) were compared with Delta(13)C in bulk leaf matter, wood, and cellulose in wood. As expected, 'high Delta' displayed higher values of Delta(13)C not only in bulk leaf matter, but also in wood and cellulose. This confirmed the stability of the genotypic differences in Delta(13)C recorded earlier. 'High Delta' also displayed lower TE, lower W(i), and higher g(s). A small difference was detected in photosynthetic capacity but none in mesophyll conductance to CO(2). 'High Delta' and 'low Delta' displayed very similar leaf anatomy, except for higher stomatal density in 'high Delta'. Finally, diurnal courses of leaf gas exchange revealed a higher g(s) in 'high Delta' in the morning than in the afternoon when the difference decreased. The gene ERECTA, involved in the control of water use efficiency, leaf differentiation, and stomatal density, displayed higher expression levels in 'low Delta'. In this progeny, the variability of Delta(13)C correlated closely with that of W(i) and TE. Genetic differences of Delta(13)C and W(i) can be ascribed to differences in stomatal conductance and stomatal density but not in photosynthetic capacity.

High-resolution detection of adulteration of maize oil using multi-component compound-specific delta13C values of major and minor components and discriminant analysis.

PubMed

Mottram, Hazel R; Woodbury, Simon E; Rossell, J Barry; Evershed, Richard P

2003-01-01

Maize oil commands a premium price and is thus a target for adulteration with cheaper vegetable oils. Detection of this activity presents a particular challenge to the analyst because of the natural variability in the fatty acid composition of maize oils and because of their high sterol and tocopherol contents. This paper describes a method that allows detection of adulteration at concentrations of just 5% (m/m), based on the Mahalanobis distances of the principal component scores of the delta(13)C values of major and minor vegetable oil components. The method makes use of a database consisting of delta(13)C values and relative abundances of the major fatty acyl components of over 150 vegetable oils. The sterols and tocopherols of 16 maize oils and 6 potential adulterant oils were found to be depleted in (13)C by a constant amount relative to the bulk oil. Moreover, since maize oil contains particularly high levels of sterols and tocopherols, their delta(13)C values were not significantly altered when groundnut oil was added up to 20% (m/m) and it is possible to use the values for the minor components to predict the values that would be expected in a pure oil; therefore, comparison of the predicted values with those obtained experimentally allows adulteration to be detected. A refinement involved performing a discriminant analysis on the delta(13)C values of the bulk oil and the major fatty acids (16:0, 18:1 and 18:2) and using the Mahalanobis distances to determine the percentage of adulterant oil present. This approach may be refined further by including the delta(13)C values of the minor components in the discriminant analysis thereby increasing the sensitivity of the approach to concentrations at which adulteration would not be attractive economically. Copyright 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

Kashgarian, M; Guilderson, T P

We utilize monthly {sup 14}C data derived from coral archives in conjunction with ocean circulation models to address two questions: (1) how does the shallow circulation of the tropical Pacific vary on seasonal to decadal time scales and (2) which dynamic processes determine the mean vertical structure of the equatorial Pacific thermocline. Our results directly impact the understanding of global climate events such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). To study changes in ocean circulation and water mass distribution involved in the genesis and evolution of ENSO and decadal climate variability, it is necessary to have records of climate variablesmore » several decades in length. Continuous instrumental records are limited because technology for continuous monitoring of ocean currents (e.g. satellites and moored arrays) has only recently been available, and ships of opportunity archives such as COADS contain large spatial and temporal biases. In addition, temperature and salinity in surface waters are not conservative and thus can not be independently relied upon to trace water masses, reducing the utility of historical observations. Radiocarbon in sea water is a quasi-conservative water mass tracer and is incorporated into coral skeletal material, thus coral {sup 14}C records can be used to reconstruct changes in shallow circulation that would be difficult to characterize using instrumental data. High resolution {Delta}{sup 14}C timeseries such as ours, provide a powerful constraint on the rate of surface ocean mixing and hold great promise to augment one time oceanographic surveys. {Delta}{sup 14}C timeseries such as these, not only provide fundamental information about the shallow circulation of the Pacific, but can also be directly used as a benchmark for the next generation of high resolution ocean models used in prognosticating climate. The measurement of {Delta}{sup 14}C in biological archives such as tree rings and coral growth bands is a direct record of the invasion of fossil fuel CO{sub 2} and bomb {sup 14}C into the atmosphere and surface oceans. Therefore the {Delta}{sup 14}C data that are produced in this study can be used to validate the ocean uptake of fossil fuel CO2 in coupled ocean-atmosphere models. This study takes advantage of the quasi-conservative nature of {sup 14}C as a water mass tracer by using {Delta}{sup 14}C time series in corals to identify changes in the shallow circulation of the Pacific. Although the data itself provides fundamental information on surface water mass movement the true strength is a combined approach which is greater than the individual parts; the data helps uncover deficiencies in ocean circulation models and the model results place long {Delta}{sup 14}C time series in a dynamic framework which helps to identify those locations where additional observations are most needed.« less

Comparison of characteristics of {Delta}{sup 0}(1232) produced in p{sup 12}C and d{sup 12}C collisions at 4.2 A GeV/c

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

Olimov, Kh. K., E-mail: olimov@comsats.edu.pk; Haseeb, Mahnaz Q., E-mail: mahnazhaseeb@comsats.edu.pk; Khan, Imran

2012-04-15

Reconstructed momentum, transverse momentum, kinetic energy, rapidity, and emission angle distributions along with their mean values were compared for {Delta}{sup 0}(1232) resonances produced in p{sup 12}C and d{sup 12}C collisions at 4.2 A GeV/c. Mean momentum, transverse momentum, and rapidity of protons and negative pions coming from {Delta}{sup 0}(1232) decay were extracted and compared with the corresponding mean values for protons and {pi}{sup -} mesons in experiment and the relevant model calculations.

A Deglacial and Holocene Record of Climate Variability in South-Central Alaska from Stable Oxygen Isotopes and Plant Macrofossils in Peat

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Miriam C.; Wooller, Matthew; Peteet, Dorothy M.

2014-01-01

We used stable oxygen isotopes derived from bulk peat (delta-O-18(sub TOM) in conjunction with plant macrofossils and previously published carbon accumulation records, in a approximately14,500 cal yr BP peat core (HT Fen) from the Kenai lowlands in south-central Alaska to reconstruct the climate history of the area. We find that patterns are broadly consistent with those from lacustrine records across the region, and agree with the interpretation that major shifts in delta-O-18(sub TOM) values indicate changes in strength and position of the Aleutian Low (AL), a semi-permanent low-pressure cell that delivers winter moisture to the region. We find decreased strength or a more westerly position of the AL (relatively higher delta-O-18(sub TOM) values) during the Bolling-Allerod, Holocene Thermal Maximum (HTM), and late Holocene, which also correspond to warmer climate regimes. These intervals coincide with greater peat preservation and enhanced carbon (C) accumulation rates at the HT Fen and with peatland expansion across Alaska. The HTM in particular may have experienced greater summer precipitation as a result of an enhanced Pacific subtropical high, a pattern consistent with modern delta-O-18 values for summer precipitation. The combined warm summer temperatures and greater summer precipitation helped promote the observed rapid peat accumulation. A strengthened AL (relatively lower delta-O-18(sub TOM) values) is most evident during the Younger Dryas, Neoglaciation, and the Little Ice Age, consistent with lower peat preservation and C accumulation at the HT Fen, suggesting less precipitation reaches the leeward side of the Kenai Mountains during periods of enhanced AL strength. The peatlands on the Kenai Peninsula thrive when the AL is weak and the contribution of summer precipitation is higher, highlighting the importance of precipitation seasonality in promoting peat accumulation. This study demonstrates that delta-O-18(sub TOM) values in peat can be applied toward understand large-scale shifts in atmospheric circulation over millennial timescales.

The origin of organic matter in the Martian meteorite ALH84001.

PubMed

Becker, L; Popp, B; Rust, T; Bada, J L

1999-01-01

Stable carbon isotope measurements of the organic matter associated with the carbonate globules and the bulk matrix material in the ALH84001 Martian meteorite indicate that two distinct sources are present in the sample. The delta 13C values for the organic matter associated with the carbonate globules averaged -26% and is attributed to terrestrial contamination. In contrast, the delta 13C values for the organic matter associated with the bulk matrix material yielded a value of -15%. The only common carbon sources on the Earth that yield similar delta 13C values, other then some diagenetically altered marine carbonates, are C4 plants. A delta 13C value of -15%, on the other hand, is consistent with a kerogen-like component, the most ubiquitous form of organic matter found in carbonaceous chondrites such as the Murchison meteorite. Examination of the carbonate globules and bulk matrix material using laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) indicates the presence of a high molecular weight organic component which appears to be extraterrestrial in origin, possibly derived from the exogenous delivery of meteoritic or cometary debris to the surface of Mars.

The origin of organic matter in the Martian meteorite ALH84001.

PubMed

Becker, L; Popp, B; Rust, T; Bada, J L

1999-03-30

Stable carbon isotope measurements of the organic matter associated with the carbonate globules and the bulk matrix material in the ALH84001 Martian meteorite indicate that two distinct sources are present in the sample. The delta 13C values for the organic matter associated with the carbonate globules averaged -26% and is attributed to terrestrial contamination. In contrast, the delta 13C values for the organic matter associated with the bulk matrix material yielded a value of -15%. The only common sources of carbon on the Earth that yield similar delta 13C values, other then some diagenetically altered marine carbonates, are C4 plants. A delta 13C value of -15%, on the other hand, is consistent with a kerogen-like component, the most ubiquitous form of organic matter found in carbonaceous chondrites such as the Murchison meteorite. Examination of the carbonate globules and bulk matrix material using laser desorption mass spectrometry (LDMS) indicates the presence of a high molecular weight organic component which appears to be extraterrestrial in origin, possibly derived from the exogenous delivery, of meteoritic or cometary debris to the surface of Mars.

A Search for Pre-Solar Material Within an Acid-Resistant Residue of Greenland Cryoconite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yates, P. D.; Arden, J. W.; Wright, I. P.; Pillinger, C. T.; Hutchison, R.

1992-07-01

An acid-resistant residue prepared from Greenland cryoconite has been analysed for carbon content and stable isotopic composition in an attempt to determine whether the micrometeorite component contains presolar material (i.e., diamonds and silicon carbide (SiC)) analogous to that found in primitive chondritic meteorites. The cryoconite sample, which was collected ca. 25 km inland of the ice margin at the latitude of Sondre Stromfjord on the west coast of Greenland. was treated with HF/HCl, Cr(sub)2O(sub)7^2- and HClO4 according to normal procedures. The results of the analysis are presented within the figure; the shaded histogram and the left-hand ordinate axis correspond to the carbon yield for each temperature step (as denoted by the abscissa axis), and the delta^13C value of this carbon is illustrated by the open circles and the right hand ordinate. The carbon release profile is dominated by a low-temperature component with a delta^13C of ca. -30o/oo (as indicated by the 0-400 degrees C steps), which is interpreted as terrestrial organic contamination introduced to the sample after the acid treatments. The isotopic departure at 400-500 degrees C to -34.4 +- 0.4oo/o can be interpreted to represent the combustion of meteoritic presolar diamond, which Russell et al. (1991a) deterrnined to have a delta^13C of -38o/oo in the CM2 meteorites. After making some reasonable assumptions, the abundance of this diamond appears to be in excess of the maximum values suggested by Huss (1990) for the primitive meteorites. It is therefore not inconceivable that some micrometeorites might be more primitive than their larger counterparts, i.e., they could be almost pure fine-grained matrix. The elevation in delta^13C at 1000 degrees C to -7.2 +- 1.1o/oo can be interpreted as the combustion of a small amount of SiC. Prombo et al., (1991) have isolated individual SiC grains from cryoconite for ion probe terrestrial. Analyses of bulk milligram-sized aliquots of SiC used in the preparation of our residues, i.e., a likely contaminant yield average delta^13C of ca.-30oo/o (S.S. Russell, pers.comm.). Correspondingly, the delta^13C obtained here of -7o/oo might indicate the presence of a component of higher delta^13C. Using the average delta^13C for presolar meteoritic SiC of ca. +1400o/oo (Russell et al., l991b), and an estimate of the concentration of micrometeorites within the cryoconite, the abundance of presolar SiC within the micrometeorites can be estimated to a maximum of 40 ppm; this is compatible with the value of 14 ppm derived by Huss (1990) for the most primitive meteorites. The tentative results reported here indicate that further investigation is warranted and additional residues prepared from larger cryoconite samples are to be investigated. References: Huss G.R. (1990) Nature, 347, 159-162. Prombo C.A., Nichols R.H., Alexander C.M.O.D., Swan P.D., Walker R.M. and Maurette M. (1991) Lunar. Planet. Sci. XXII, 1103-1104. Russell S.S., Arden J.W. and Pillinger C.T. (1991a) Science, 254. 1188-1191. Russell S.S., Ash R.D, Pillinger C.T. and Arden J.W. (1991b) Meteoritics, 26, 390.

Meteoric precipitation at Yucca Mountain, Nevada: Chemical and stable isotope analyses, 2006-09

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moscati, Richard J.; Scofield, Kevin M.

2011-01-01

Cumulatively, &delta18O values range from 3.0 to -20.4 per mil (%o) and &deltaD values range from 10 to -14%o. Winter-season precipitation commonly has isotopically lighter compositions. The cumulative &delta18O plotted against &deltaD shows that precipitation samples define a line with slope of 6.4, less than the 8 of the Global Meteoric Water Line. This difference in slope, typical of arid environments, is chiefly the result of evaporation of falling raindrops due to warmer air temperatures. ;

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

Wolff, W. A.

The thermal resource off the Ivory Coast is quite good for OTEC purposes. There are consistently large ..delta..T (surface temperature--temperature at depth) values throughout the year. The mean ..delta..T at 1000 meters is approximately 22/sup 0/C. A mean annual ..delta..T of 20/sup 0/C can be reached at a depth of only 600 meters. The thermal resource for the coldest month of the year is also adequate at 600 meters. Water 1000 meters deep is available within 35 kilometers from the shore. The waters south of the Ivory Coast do not have a particularly good mixed layer depth. Strong winds andmore » tropical storms are a rare occurrence. Similarly, the sea and swell conditions do not present a problem for OTEC development in this area. Currents are generally moderate, although occasional periods of weak currents less than 1/4 knot can be expected. The consistently large thermal resource without major environmental problems recommends this location as a potential OTEC site.« less

Partial resolution of sources of n-alkanes in the saline portion of the Parachute Creek Member, Green River Formation (Piceance Creek Basin, Colorado)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collister, J. W.; Lichtfouse, E.; Hieshima, G.; Hayes, J. M.

1994-01-01

Systematic variations in the 13C contents of individual extractable n-alkanes (C16-C29) can be modelled quantitatively and interpreted as indicating contributions from at least five distinct sources. These appear to be cyanobacterial (C16-C18, delta 13C = -37% vs PDB), phytoplanktonic (C16-C23, delta = -32%), chemoautotrophic bacterial (C20-C29, delta = -38%), phytoplanktonic or heterotrophic bacterial (C20-C29, delta = -30%), and vascular plants (C23-C29, delta = -29%). Hydrous pyrolysis of related kerogens yields large quantities of additional n-alkanes with different and much more uniform delta values. The latter materials are apparently derived from the thermolysis of aliphatic biopolymers whose presence in the Green River Oil Shale has been recognized visually.

14C and delta13C characteristics of organic matter and carbonate in saltmarsh sediments from south west Scotland.

PubMed

MacKenzie, A B; Cook, G T; Barth, J; Gulliver, P; McDonald, P

2004-05-01

The distribution of contaminant radionuclides from the Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant was used to establish chronologies for three saltmarsh sediment cores from south west Scotland. delta(13)C and (14)C analyses indicated that the cores provided a useful archive record of variations in input of organic matter and carbonate. The results imply that prior to major releases of contaminant (14)C from Sellafield, the (14)C specific activity of organic matter in Irish Sea offshore sediments was about 24 Bq kg(-1) C, while that of the carbonate component was below the limit of detection. These results provide baseline data for modelling the uptake of contaminant (14)C by the Irish Sea sediment system. The study confirmed that small(13)C analyses provide a sensitive means of apportioning the origin of saltmarsh organic matter between C(3) terrigenous plants, C(4) terrigenous plants and suspended particulate marine organic matter. For the <2 mm fraction of sediment, a clear pattern of decreasing marine organic input was observed in response to increasing elevation of the marsh surface as a result of sediment accumulation. Bulk sediment, including detrital vegetation, had a dominant input from terrigenous plants. The combined use of delta(13)C and (14)C data revealed that organic matter in the marine organic component of the <2 mm fraction of contemporary surface sediments of the saltmarshes is dominated by recycled old organic material.

The relationship between delta C-13 of organic matter and (CO2(aq)) in ocean surface water - Data from the JGOFS site in the northeast Atlantic Ocean and a model. [Joint Global Ocean Flux Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rau, G. H.; Takahashi, T.; Des Marais, D. J.; Repeta, D. J.; Martin, J. H.

1992-01-01

Consistent with the hypothesis that plankton delta C-14 and (CO2(aq)) are inversely related, increases in both sinking and suspended particulate organic matter (POM) delta C-13 detected by the Joint Global Ocean Flux Study (JGOFS) were highly negatively correlated with mixed-layer (CO2(aq)). A model of plant delta C-13 by Farquhar et al. (1982) is adapted to show that under a constant phytoplankton demand for CO2 an inverse nonlinear suspended POM delta C-13 response to ambient (CO2(aq)) is expected. Differences between predicted and observed suspended POM delta C-13 vs. (CO2(aq)) trends and among observed relationships can be reconciled if biological CO2 demand is allowed to vary.

On the radiocarbon record in banded corals: exchange parameters and net transport of /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ between atmosphere and surface ocean

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

Druffel, E.M.; Suess, H.E.

1983-02-20

We have made radiocarbon measurements of banded hermatypic corals from Florida, Belize, and the Galapagos Islands. Interpretation is presented here of these previously reported results. These measurements represent the /sup 14/C//sup 12/C ratios in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIOC) in the surface ocean waters of the Gulf Stream and the Peru Current at the time of coral ring formation. A depletion in radiocarbon concentration was observed incoral rings that grew from A.D. 1900--1952. It was caused by dilution of existing /sup 14/C levels with dead CO/sub 2/ from fossil fuel burning (the Suess effect, or S/sub e/). A similar trend wasmore » observed in the distribution of bomb-produced /sup 14/C in corals that had grown during the years following A.D. 1952. The concentration of bomb-produced radiocarbon was much higher in corals from temperate regions (Florida, Belize, Hawaiian Islands) than in corals from tropical regions (Galapagos Islands and Canton Island). The apparent radiocarbon ages of the surface waters in temperate and tropical oceans during the preanthropogenic period range from about 280 to 520 years B.P. (-40 to -69%). At all investigated locations, it is likely that waters at subsurface depths have the same apparent radiocarbon age of about 670 years B.P. From the change of oceanic ..delta../sup 14/C in the surface during post-bomb times, the approximate annual rate of net input of /sup 14/CO/sub 2/ to the ocean waters is calculated to be about 8% of the prevailing /sup 14/C difference between atmosphere and ocean. From this input and from preanthropogenic ..delta../sup 14/C values found at each location, it can be seen that vertical mixing of water in the Peru Current is about 3 times greater than that in the Gulf Stream.« less

Stable isotope evidence for hydrologic conditions during regional metamorphism in the Panamint Mountains, California

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

Bergfeld, D.; Nabelek, P.I.; Labotka, T.C.

1992-01-01

The Kingston Peak Formation forms part of the Panamint Mountains, California, metamorphic core-complex. Peak tremolite-grade metamorphism as exhibited in Wildrose Canyon occurred in the Jurassic; a retrograde thermal event may have occurred in the Cretaceous. The formation consists dominantly of interbedded siliceous limestones and graphitic calcareous schists. Stable isotopic analysis shows two distinct groups of data. delta O-18 values of calcite from the limestones range between 15.3 and 17.3[per thousand], probably reflecting their original Proterozoic depositional values. Likewise the delta C-13 values are also unshifted, ranging from +1% to +3.8%o. In contrast, delta O-18 values of calcite from the schistsmore » are for the most part > 20[per thousand]. These high values could reflect the original depostional conditions; however, they may be due to equilibration with silicate minerals which range from 14.9 to 17.9[per thousand]. Overall, the combined oxygen and carbon isotopic data indicate that most isotopic changes can be explained by closed-system equilibration. Only a limited amount of interaction with externally-derived fluids during metamorphism is evident in the isotopic data. The interaction may have been confined to vicinities of faults and fractures which are common in Wildrose Canyon.« less

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

PubMed

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

2009-10-14

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

Online gas chromatography combustion/pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) of (+/-)-Dihydroactinidiolide from tea ( Camellia sinensis ) and rooibos tea ( Aspalathus linearis ).

PubMed

del Mar Caja, María; Preston, Christina; Menzel, Michael; Kempf, Michael; Schreier, Peter

2009-07-08

Online capillary gas chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry in both the combustion and the pyrolysis modes (HRGC-C/P-IRMS) was employed to perform authentication studies of the flavoring agent (+/-)-dihydroactinidiolide. Thus, the delta(13)C(V-PDB) and delta(2)H(V-SMOW) values of synthetic (ex synthetic beta-ionone and natural beta-carotene) as well as enzymatically (ex synthetic and natural beta-carotene) produced references were studied in comparison with those of the natural substance isolated from black (n = 17) and green teas (n = 6) ( Camellia sinensis ) as well as Rooibos tea ( Aspalathus linearis ) (n = 7). The isotope values determined for both the synthetic and enzymatically produced samples of (+/-)-dihydroactinidiolide reflected the influence of the origin of their educts. Hence, in cases when synthetic educts were used, the delta(13)C(V-PDB) and delta(2)H(V-SMOW) values ranged from -27.0 to -28.4 per thousand and from -28 to -169 per thousand, respectively, whereas the use of natural educts led to ranges from -30.3 to -31.6 per thousand and from -154 to -228 per thousand, respectively. As to the tea samples, delta(13)C(V-PDB) and delta(2)H(V-SMOW) values ranging from -29.0 to -34.1 per thousand and from -153 to -274 per thousand, respectively, were recorded for (+/-)-dihydroactinidiolide from black and green teas, whereas that from Rooibos tea showed (2)H/(1)H ratios ranging from -189 to -210 per thousand as well as slightly enriched values in the (13)C/(12)C ratios ranging from -24.4 to -27.1 per thousand.

Development and evaluation of a high-performance liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry methodology for delta13C analyses of amino sugars in soil.

PubMed

Bodé, Samuel; Denef, Karolien; Boeckx, Pascal

2009-08-30

Amino sugars have been used as biomarkers to assess the relative contribution of dead microbial biomass of different functional groups of microorganisms to soil carbon pools. However, little is known about the dynamics of these compounds in soil. The isotopic composition of individual amino sugars can be used as a tool to determine the turnover of these compounds. Methods to determine the delta(13)C of amino sugars using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS) have been proposed in literature. However, due to derivatization, the uncertainty on the obtained delta(13)C is too high to be used for natural abundance studies. Therefore, a new high-performance liquid chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HPLC/IRMS) methodology, with increased accuracy and precision, has been developed. The repeatability on the obtained delta(13)C values when pure amino sugars were analyzed were not significantly concentration-dependent as long as the injected amount was higher than 1.5 nmol. The delta(13)C value of the same amino sugar spiked to a soil deviated by only 0.3 per thousand from the theoretical value. 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Theoretical Calculation of Jet Fuel Thermochemistry. 1; Tetrahydrodicylopentadiene (JP10) Thermochemistry Using the CBS-QB3 and G3(MP2)//B3LYP Methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zehe, Michael J.; Jaffe, Richard L.

2010-01-01

High-level ab initio calculations have been performed on the exo and endo isomers of gas-phase tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene (THDCPD), a principal component of the jet fuel JP10, using the Gaussian Gx and Gx(MPx) composite methods, as well as the CBS-QB3 method, and using a variety of isodesmic and homodesmotic reaction schemes. The impetus for this work is to help resolve large discrepancies existing between literature measurements of the formation enthalpy Delta (sub f)H deg (298) for exo-THDCPD. We find that use of the isodesmic bond separation reaction C10H16 + 14CH4 yields 12C2H6 yields results for the exo isomer (JP10) in between the two experimentally accepted values, for the composite methods G3(MP2), G3(MP2)//B3LYP, and CBS-QB3. Application of this same isodesmic bond separation scheme to gas-phase adamantane yields a value for Delta (sub f)H deg (298) within 5 kJ/mol of experiment. Isodesmic bond separation calculations for the endo isomer give a heat of formation in excellent agreement with the experimental measurement. Combining our calculated values for the gas-phase heat of formation with recent measurements of the heat of vaporization yields recommended values for Delta (sub f)H deg (298)liq of -126.4 and -114.7 kJ/mol for the exo and endo isomers, respectively.

Chemical ecology of red mangroves, Rhizophora mangle, in the Hawaiian Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fry, Brian; Cormier, Nicole

2011-01-01

The coastal red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle L., was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands from Florida 100 yr ago and has spread to cover many shallow intertidal shorelines that once were unvegetated mudflats. We used a field survey approach to test whether mangroves at the land-ocean interface could indicate watershed inputs, especially whether measurements of leaf chemistry could identify coasts with high nutrient inputs and high mangrove productivities. During 2001-2002, we sampled mangroves on dry leeward coasts of southern Moloka'i and O'ahu for 14 leaf variables including stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (delta13C, delta15N), macronutrients (C, N, P), trace elements (B, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn), and cations (Na, Mg, K, Ca). A new modeling approach using leaf Na, N, P, and delta13C indicated two times higher productivity for mangroves in urban versus rural settings, with rural mangroves more limited by low N and P nutrients and high-nutrient urban mangroves more limited by freshwater inputs and salt stress. Leaf chemistry also helped identify other aspects of mangrove dynamics: especially leaf delta15N values helped identify groundwater N inputs, and a combination of strongly correlated variables (C, N, P, B, Cu, Mg, K, Ca) tracked the mangrove growth response to nutrient loading. Overall, the chemical marker approach is an efficient way to survey watershed forcing of mangrove forest dynamics.

Effect of a 1-month vs. a 12-month reference period on responses to the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile.

PubMed

Sutinen, Saila; Lahti, Satu; Nuttall, Nigel M; Sanders, Anne E; Steele, Jimmy G; Allen, P Finbarr; Slade, Gary D

2007-06-01

The length of the reference period used in surveys of subjective oral health may have a marked influence on the responses obtained. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a 1-month (RP-1) vs. a 12-month (RP-12) reference period in the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire. Using a randomized cross-over design, RP-1 and RP-12 OHIP-14 questionnaires were administered, 1 month apart, to two samples of Finnish adults, namely people awaiting orthognathic surgery (n = 104) and non-patient workers (n = 111). The effect of the reference period was computed by subtracting RP-1 OHIP-14 severity scores from RP-12 OHIP-14 severity scores (DeltaRP). Potential order effects were assessed by comparing DeltaRP between groups completing the RP-1 vs. the RP-12 questionnaire first. Mean OHIP-14 severity scores were slightly higher when the RP-12 questionnaire was administered first, but mean DeltaRP values were below the value of 2.5 considered clinically meaningful, and all 95% confidence intervals for DeltaRP included zero. No order effects in the OHIP-14 severity scores were observed. Therefore, although a standardized reference period of 12 months is recommended, in population surveys the use of a shorter reference period does not appear to influence responses.

Elucidating the nutritional dynamics of fungi using stable isotopes.

PubMed

Mayor, Jordan R; Schuur, Edward A G; Henkel, Terry W

2009-02-01

Mycorrhizal and saprotrophic (SAP) fungi are essential to terrestrial element cycling due to their uptake of mineral nutrients and decomposition of detritus. Linking these ecological roles to specific fungi is necessary to improve our understanding of global nutrient cycling, fungal ecophysiology, and forest ecology. Using discriminant analyses of nitrogen (delta(15)N) and carbon (delta(13)C) isotope values from 813 fungi across 23 sites, we verified collector-based categorizations as either ectomycorrhizal (ECM) or SAP in > 91% of the fungi, and provided probabilistic assignments for an additional 27 fungi of unknown ecological role. As sites ranged from boreal tundra to tropical rainforest, we were able to show that fungal delta(13)C (26 sites) and delta(15)N (32 sites) values could be predicted by climate or latitude as previously shown in plant and soil analyses. Fungal delta(13)C values are likely reflecting differences in C-source between ECM and SAP fungi, whereas (15)N enrichment of ECM fungi relative to SAP fungi suggests that ECM fungi are consistently delivering (15)N depleted N to host trees across a range of ecosystem types.

Computed estimates of maximum temperature elevations in fetal tissues during transabdominal pulsed Doppler examinations.

PubMed

Bly, S H; Vlahovich, S; Mabee, P R; Hussey, R G

1992-01-01

Measured characteristics of ultrasonic fields were obtained in submissions from manufacturers of diagnostic ultrasound equipment for devices operating in pulsed Doppler mode. Simple formulae were used with these data to generate upper limits to fetal temperature elevations, delta Tlim, during a transabdominal pulsed Doppler examination. A total of 236 items were analyzed, each item being a console/transducer/operating-mode/intended-use combination, for which the spatial-peak temporal-average intensity, ISPTA, was greater than 500 mW cm-2. The largest calculated delta Tlim values were approximately 1.5, 7.1 and 8.7 degrees C for first-, second- and third-trimester examinations, respectively. The vast majority of items yielded delta Tlim values which were less than 1 degree C in the first trimester. For second- and third-trimester examinations, where heating of fetal bone determines delta Tlim, most delta Tlim values were less than 4 degrees C. The clinical significance of the results is discussed.

Carbon and nitrogen isotope variations in tree-rings as records of perturbations in regional carbon and nitrogen cycles.

PubMed

Bukata, Andrew R; Kyser, T Kurtis

2007-02-15

Increasing anthropogenic pollution from urban centers and fossil fuel combustion can impact the carbon and nitrogen cycles in forests. To assess the impact of twentieth century anthropogenic pollution on forested system carbon and nitrogen cycles, variations in the carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of tree-rings were measured. Individual annual growth rings in trees from six sites across Ontario and one in New Brunswick, Canada were used to develop site chronologies of tree-ring delta 15N and delta 13C values. Tree-ring 615N values were approximately 0.5% per hundred higher and correlated with contemporaneous foliar samples from the same tree, but not with delta 15N values of soil samples. Temporal trends in carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of these tree-rings are consistent with increasing anthropogenic influence on both the carbon and nitrogen cycles since 1945. Tree-ring delta 13C values and delta 15N values are correlated at both remote and urban-proximal sites, with delta 15N values decreasing since 1945 and converging on 1% per hundred at urban-proximal sites and decreasing but not converging on a single delta 15N value in remote sites. These results indicate that temporal trends in tree-ring nitrogen and carbon isotopic compositions record the regional extent of pollution.

Influence of PWHT on Toughness of High Chromium and Nickel Containing Martensitic Stainless Steel Weld Metals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Divya, M.; Das, Chitta Ranjan; Mahadevan, S.; Albert, S. K.; Pandian, R.; Kar, Sujoy Kumar; Bhaduri, A. K.; Jayakumar, T.

2015-06-01

Commonly used 12.5Cr-5Ni consumable specified for welding of martensitic stainless steels is compared with newly designed 14.5Cr-5Ni consumable in terms of their suitability for repair welding of 410 and 414 stainless steels by gas tungsten arc welding process. Changes in microstructure and austenite evolution were investigated using optical, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction techniques and Thermo-Calc studies. Microstructure of as-welded 12.5Cr-5Ni weld metal revealed only lath martensite, whereas as-welded 14.5Cr-5Ni weld metal revealed delta-ferrite, retained austenite, and lath martensite. Toughness value of as-welded 12.5Cr-5Ni weld metal is found to be significantly higher (216 J) than that of the 14.5Cr-5Ni weld metal (15 J). The welds were subjected to different PWHTs: one at 923 K (650 °C) for 1, 2, 4 hours (single-stage PWHT) and another one at 923 K (650 °C)/4 h followed by 873 K (600 °C)/2 h or 873 K (600 °C)/4 h (two-stage heat treatment). Hardness and impact toughness of the weld metals were measured for these weld metals and correlated with the microstructure. The study demonstrates the importance of avoiding formation of delta-ferrite in the weld metal.

Temperature and vital effect controls on Bamboo coral (Isididae) isotopegeochemistry: A test of the "lines method"

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

Hill, T M; Spero, H J; Guilderson, T P

Deep-sea bamboo corals hold promise as long-term climatic archives, yet little information exists linking bamboo coral geochemistry to measured environmental parameters. This study focuses on a suite of 10 bamboo corals collected from the Pacific and Atlantic basins (250-2136 m water depth) to investigate coral longevity, growth rates, and isotopic signatures. Calcite samples for stable isotopes and radiocarbon were collected from the base the corals, where the entire history of growth is recorded. In three of the coral specimens, samples were also taken from an upper branch for comparison. Radiocarbon and growth band width analyses indicate that the skeletal calcitemore » precipitates from ambient dissolved inorganic carbon and that the corals live for 150-300 years, with extension rates of 9-128 {micro}m/yr. A linear relationship between coral calcite {delta}{sup 18}O and {delta}{sup 13}C indicates that the isotopic composition is influenced by vital effects ({delta}{sup 18}O:{delta}{sup 13}C slope of 0.17-0.47). As with scleractinian deep-sea corals, the intercept from a linear regression of {delta}{sup 18}O versus {delta}{sup 13}C is a function of temperature, such that a reliable paleotemperature proxy can be obtained, using the 'lines method.' Although the coral calcite {delta}{sup 18}O:{delta}{sup 13}C slope is maintained throughout the coral base ontogeny, the branches and central cores of the bases exhibit {delta}{sup 18}O:{delta}{sup 13}C values that are shifted far from equilibrium. We find that a reliable intercept value can be derived from the {delta}{sup 18}O:{delta}{sup 13}C regression of multiple samples distributed throughout one specimen or from multiple samples within individual growth bands.« less

Synthesis and use of deuterated palmitic acids to decipher the cryptoregiochemistry of a Delta13 desaturation.

PubMed

Abad, José-Luis; Serra, Montserrat; Camps, Francisco; Fabriàs, Gemma

2007-02-02

The synthesis of two hexadeuterated palmitic acids differing in the position of the diagnostic labels, and their use to decipher the cryptoregiochemistry of a Delta13 desaturation are described. A dithiane and a triple bond functionalities were used to introduce the diagnostic (C13 or C14) and tagging (C8 and C9) labels, respectively, in the palmitic acid skeleton. Using these probes, the cryptoregiochemistry of the Delta13 desaturation involved in the biosynthesis of Thaumetopoea pityocampa sex pheromone was studied by means of kinetic isotope effect determinations. Transformation of both (Z)-11-hexadecenoic and 11-hexadecynoic acids into (Z, Z)-11,13-hexadecadienoic and (Z)-13-hexadecen-11-ynoic acids, respectively, is initiated by abstraction of the hydrogen atom at the C13 position, followed by the fast elimination of the C14 hydrogen to give the double bond.

The formation of weathering products on the LEW 85320 ordinary chondrite - Evidence from carbon and oxygen stable isotope compositions and implications for carbonates in SNC meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Grady, Monica M.; Wright, I. P.; Pillinger, C. T.; Gibson, E. K., Jr.

1989-01-01

Isotopic analysis of nesquehonite recovered from the surface of the LEW 85320 H5 ordinary chondrite shows that the delta C-13 and delta O-18 values of the two generations of bicarbonate (Antarctic and Texas) are different: delta C-13 = + 7.9 per mil and + 4.2 per mil; delta O-18 = + 17.9 per mil and + 12.1 per mil, respectively. Carbon isotopic compositions are consistent with equilibrium formation from atmospheric carbon dioxide at - 2 + or - 4 C (Antarctic) and + 16 + or - 4 C (Texas). Oxygen isotopic data imply that the water required for nesquehonite precipitation was derived from atmospheric water vapor or glacial meltwater which had locally exchanged with silicates, either in the meteorite or in underlying bedrock. Although carbonates with similar delta C-13 values have been identified in the SNC meteorites EETA 79001 and Nakhla, petrographic and temperature constraints argue against their simply being terrestrial weathering products.

Control of cell cycle by metabolites of prostaglandin D2 through a non-cAMP mediated mechanism

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hughes-Fulford, M.; Fukushima, M.

1993-01-01

The dehydration products of PGD2, 9-deoxy-9 prostaglandin D2(PGJ2), 9-deoxy-delta 9, delta 12, delta 13 dehydroprostaglandin D2 (delta 12 PGJ2), and PGA2 all contain an unsaturated cyclopentenone structure which is characteristic of prostaglandins which effectively inhibit cell growth. It has been suggested that the action of the inhibitory prostaglandins may be through a cAMP mechanism. In this study, we use S49 wild type (WT) and adenylate cyclase variant (cyc-) cells to show that PGD2 and PGJ2 are not acting via a cyclic AMP mechanism. First, the increase in cyclic AMP in wild type S-49 cells is not proportional to its effects on DNA synthesis. More importantly, when S-49 cyc- cells were exposed to PGJ2, the adenylate cyclase (cyc-) mutant had decreased DNA synthesis with no change in its nominal cAMP content. Short-term (2 hours or less) exposure of the cyc- cells to prostaglandin J2 caused an inhibition of DNA synthesis. PGJ2 caused cytolysis at high concentrations. Long-term exposure (>14 hrs) of the cells to PGJ2, delta 12PGJ2 or delta 12, delta 14PGJ2 caused a cell cycle arrest in G1 demonstrating a cell cycle specific mechanism of action for growth inhibition by naturally occurring biological products independent of cAMP.

Characterization of the surface tension and solubility parameter of epoxy resin by using inverse gas chromatography.

PubMed

Shi, Fenghui; Dai, Zhishuang; Zhang, Baoyan

2010-07-01

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to measure the surface tension and solubility parameter of E51 epoxy resin in this work. By using the Schultz method, decane, nonane, octane and heptane were chosen as the neutral probes to calculate the dispersive surface tensions (gamma(D)). Based on the Good-van Oss equation, the specific surface tension (gamma(SP)) of E51 epoxy resin was calculated with the acidic probe of dichloromethane and the basic probe of toluene. The results showed that the gamma(D) and gamma(SP) of the E51 resin decreased linearly with the increase of temperature. According to the Flory-Huggins parameters (chi) between the resin and a series of probes, the solubility parameters (delta) of E51 resin at different temperatures were estimated using the method developed by DiPaola-Baranyi and Guillet. It was found that the values of delta of the E51 resin were 11.78, 11.57, 11.48 and 11.14 MPa1/2 at 30, 40, 50 and 60 degrees C, respectively. The dispersive component (delta(D)) and the specific component (delta(SP)) of solubility parameter at different temperatures of the E51 resin were investigated according to the relationships between surface tension, cohesion energy and solubility parameter. The results showed that the values of delta(D) were higher than those of delta(SP) for the epoxy resin, and both of them decreased with the increase of temperature.

Isotopic composition of methane and inferred methanogenic substrates along a salinity gradient in a hypersaline microbial mat system.

PubMed

Potter, Elyn G; Bebout, Brad M; Kelley, Cheryl A

2009-05-01

The importance of hypersaline environments over geological time, the discovery of similar habitats on Mars, and the importance of methane as a biosignature gas combine to compel an understanding of the factors important in controlling methane released from hypersaline microbial mat environments. To further this understanding, changes in stable carbon isotopes of methane and possible methanogenic substrates in microbial mat communities were investigated as a function of salinity here on Earth. Microbial mats were sampled from four different field sites located within salterns in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Salinities ranged from 50 to 106 parts per thousand (ppt). Pore water and microbial mat samples were analyzed for the carbon isotopic composition of dissolved methane, dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), and mat material (particulate organic carbon or POC). The POC delta(13)C values ranged from -6.7 to -13.5 per thousand, and DIC delta(13)C values ranged from -1.4 to -9.6 per thousand. These values were similar to previously reported values. The delta(13)C values of methane ranged from -49.6 to -74.1 per thousand; the methane most enriched in (13)C was obtained from the highest salinity area. The apparent fractionation factors between methane and DIC, and between methane and POC, within the mats were also determined and were found to change with salinity. The apparent fractionation factors ranged from 1.042 to 1.077 when calculated using DIC and from 1.038 to 1.068 when calculated using POC. The highest-salinity area showed the least fractionation, the moderate-salinity area showed the highest fractionation, and the lower-salinity sites showed fractionations that were intermediate. These differences in fractionation are most likely due to changes in the dominant methanogenic pathways and substrates used at the different sites because of salinity differences.

Cyclopentenone prostaglandins as potential inducers of phase II detoxification enzymes. 15-deoxy-delta(12,14)-prostaglandin j2-induced expression of glutathione S-transferases.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Y; Nakamura, Y; Naito, Y; Torii, Y; Kumagai, T; Osawa, T; Ohigashi, H; Satoh, K; Imagawa, M; Uchida, K

2000-04-14

Exposure of cells to a wide variety of chemoprotective compounds confers resistance to a broad set of carcinogens. For a subset of the chemoprotective compounds, protection is generated by an increase in the abundance of protective enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferases (GSTs). In the present study, we developed a cell culture system that potently responds to phenolic antioxidants and found that antitumor prostaglandins (PGs) are potential inducers of GSTs. We screened primary hepatocytes and multiple cell lines for inducing GST activity upon incubation with the phenolic antioxidant (tert-butylhydroquinone) and found that rat liver epithelial RL34 cells most potently responded. Based on an extensive screening of diverse chemical agents on the induction of GST activity in RL34 cells, the J2 series of PGs, 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J2 (15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2) in particular, were found to be potential inducers of GST. Enhanced gene expression of Class pi GST isozyme (GSTP1) by 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 was evident as a drastic elevation of the mRNA level. Hence, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2-induced GSTP1 gene expression. From functional analysis of various deletion mutant genes, we found that the 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2 reponse element was localized in a region containing a GSTP1 enhancer I (GPEI) that consists of two imperfect phorbol 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response elements. When the GPEI was combined with the minimum GSTP1 promoter, the element indeed showed an enhancer activity in response to 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-PGJ2. Point mutations of either of the two imperfect 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate response elements in GPEI completely abolished the enhancer activity. Gel mobility shift assays demonstrated that 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 specifically stimulated the binding of nuclear proteins including the transcription factor c-Jun, but not Nrf2, to GPEI. These results suggest that 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-PGJ2 induces the expression of the rat GSTP1 gene through binding of proteins, including c-Jun, to a specific GPEI.

11-year cycle solar modulation of cosmic ray intensity inferred from C-14 content variation in dated tree rings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fan, C. Y.; Chen, T. M.; Yun, S. X.; Dai, K. M.

1983-01-01

A liquid scintillation-photomultiplier tube counter system was used to measure the Delta-C-14 values of 60 tree rings, dating from 1866 to 1925, that were taken from a white spruce grown in Canada at 68 deg N, 130 deg W. A 10-percent variation is found which is anticorrelated with sunspot numbers, although the amplitude of the variation is 2-3 times higher than expected in trees grown at lower latitudes. A large dip in the data at about 1875 suggests an anomalously large modulation of cosmic ray intensity during the 1867-1878 AD solar cycle, which was the most active of the 19th century.

Cloning and characterization of unusual fatty acid desaturases from Anemone leveillei: identification of an acyl-coenzyme A C20 Delta5-desaturase responsible for the synthesis of sciadonic acid.

PubMed

Sayanova, Olga; Haslam, Richard; Venegas Caleron, Monica; Napier, Johnathan A

2007-05-01

The seed oil of Anemone leveillei contains significant amounts of sciadonic acid (20:3Delta(5,11,14); SA), an unusual non-methylene-interrupted fatty acid with pharmaceutical potential similar to arachidonic acid. Two candidate cDNAs (AL10 and AL21) for the C(20) Delta(5cis)-desaturase from developing seeds of A. leveillei were functionally characterized in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants. The open reading frames of both Delta(5)-desaturases showed some similarity to presumptive acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) desaturases found in animals and plants. When expressed in transgenic Arabidopsis, AL21 showed a broad range of substrate specificity, utilizing both saturated (16:0 and 18:0) and unsaturated (18:2, n-6 and 18:3, n-3) substrates. In contrast, AL10 did not show any activity in wild-type Arabidopsis. Coexpression of AL10 or AL21 with a C(18) Delta(9)-elongase in transgenic Arabidopsis plants resulted in the production of SA and juniperonic fatty acid (20:4Delta(5,11,14,17)). Thus, AL10 acted only on C(20) polyunsaturated fatty acids in a manner analogous to "front-end" desaturases. However, neither AL10 nor AL21 contain the cytochrome b(5) domain normally present in this class of enzymes. Acyl-CoA profiling of transgenic Arabidopsis plants and developing A. leveillei seeds revealed significant accumulation of Delta(5)-unsaturated fatty acids as acyl-CoAs compared to the accumulation of these fatty acids in total lipids. Positional analysis of triacylglycerols of A. leveillei seeds showed that Delta(5)-desaturated fatty acids were present in both sn-2 and sn-1 + sn-3 positions, although the majority of 16:1Delta(5), 18:1Delta(5), and SA was present at the sn-2 position. Our data provide biochemical evidence for the A. leveillei Delta(5)-desaturases using acyl-CoA substrates.

Liquid chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry: a new perspective on honey adulteration detection.

PubMed

Cabañero, Ana I; Recio, Jose L; Rupérez, Mercedes

2006-12-27

A new procedure to determine individual sugar (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) 13C isotope ratios, using liquid chromatography-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (HPLC-IRMS), has been developed to improve isotopic methods devoted to the study of honey authenticity. For this purpose 79 commercial honey samples from various origins were analyzed. Values of delta13Choney ranged from -14.2 to -27.2", and delta13Cprotein ranged from -23.6 to -26.9". A very strong correlation is observed between the individual sugar 13C ratios, which are altered in the event of sugar addition, even at low levels. The use of Deltadelta13C [fruct-glu], Deltadelta13C [fruct-suc], and Deltadelta13C [gluc-suc] systematic differences as an authenticity criterion permits the sugar addition [C3, beet sugar; or C4, cane sugar, cane syrup, isoglucose syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)] to be reliably detected (DL = 1-10%). The new procedure has advantages over existing methods in terms of analysis time and sensitivity. In addition, it is the first isotopic method developed that allows beet sugar addition detection.

A semiempirical correlation between enthalpy of vaporization and saturation concentration for organic aerosol.

PubMed

Epstein, Scott A; Riipinen, Ilona; Donahue, Neil M

2010-01-15

To model the temperature-induced partitioning of semivolatile organics in laboratory experiments or atmospheric models, one must know the appropriate heats of vaporization. Current treatments typically assume a constant value of the heat of vaporization or else use specific values from a small set of surrogate compounds. With published experimental vapor-pressure data from over 800 organic compounds, we have developed a semiempirical correlation between the saturation concentration (C*, microg m(-3)) and the heat of vaporization (deltaH(VAP), kJ mol(-1)) for organics in the volatility basis set. Near room temperature, deltaH(VAP) = -11 log(10)C(300)(*) + 129. Knowledge of the relationship between C* and deltaH(VAP) constrains a free parameter in thermodenuder data analysis. A thermodenuder model using our deltaH(VAP) values agrees well with thermal behavior observed in laboratory experiments.

Stable isotopes document the trophic structure of a deep-sea cephalopod assemblage including giant octopod and giant squid.

PubMed

Cherel, Y; Ridoux, V; Spitz, J; Richard, P

2009-06-23

Although deep-sea cephalopods are key marine organims, their feeding ecology remains essentially unknown. Here, we report for the first time the trophic structure of an assemblage of these animals (19 species) by measuring the isotopic signature of wings of their lower beaks, which accumulated in stomachs of stranded sperm whales. Overall, the species encompassed a narrow range in delta(13)C values (1.7 per thousand), indicating that they lived in closely related and overlapping habitats. delta(13)C values can be interpreted in terms of distribution with the more (13)C-depleted species (e.g. Stigmatoteuthis arcturi, Vampyroteuthis infernalis) having a more pelagic habitat than the more (13)C-enriched, bathyal species (e.g. Todarodes sagittatus and the giant squid Architeuthis dux). The cephalopods sampled had delta(15)N values ranging 4.6 per thousand, which is consistent with the species spanning approximately 1.5 trophic levels. Neither the giant octopod (Haliphron atlanticus) nor the giant squid reached the highest trophic position. Species delta(15)N was independent of body size, with large squids having both the highest (Taningia danae) and lowest (Lepidoteuthis grimaldii) delta(15)N values. Their trophic position indicates that some species share the top of the food web, together with other megacarnivores such as the sperm whale.

Metabolic rate in different rat brain areas during seizures induced by a specific delta opiate receptor agonist.

PubMed

Haffmans, J; De Kloet, R; Dzoljic, M R

1984-06-04

The glucose utilization during specific delta opiate agonist-induced epileptiform phenomena, determined by the [14C]2-deoxyglucose technique (2-DG), was examined in various rat brain areas at different time intervals. The peak in EEG spiking response and the most intensive 2-DG uptake occurred 5 min after intraventricular (i.v.t.) administration of the delta opiate receptor agonist. The most pronounced 2-DG uptake at this time interval can be observed in the subiculum, including the CA1 hippocampal area, frontal cortex and central amygdala. A general decrease of glucose consumption, compared to control values, is observed after 10 min, in all regions, with exception of the subiculum. Since functional activity and 2-DG uptake are correlated, we suggest that the subiculum and/or CA1 area, are probably the brain regions most involved in the enkephalin-induced epileptic phenomena.

Color stability and degree of cure of direct composite restoratives after accelerated aging.

PubMed

Sarafianou, Aspasia; Iosifidou, Soultana; Papadopoulos, Triantafillos; Eliades, George

2007-01-01

This study evaluated the color changes and amount of remaining C = C bonds (%RDB) in three dental composites after hydrothermal- and photoaging. The materials tested were Estelite sigma, Filtek Supreme and Tetric Ceram. Specimens were fabricated from each material and subjected to L* a* b* colorimetry and FTIR spectroscopy before and after aging. Statistical evaluation of the deltaL,* deltaa,* deltab,* deltaE and %deltaRDB data was performed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. The %RDB data before and after aging were statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test. In all cases an alpha = 0.05 significance level was used. No statistically significant differences were found in deltaL*, deltaa*, deltaE and %deltaRDB among the materials tested. Tetric Ceram demonstrated a significant difference in deltab*. All the materials showed visually perceptible (deltaE >1) but clinically acceptable values (deltaE < 3.3). Within each material group, statistically significant differences in %RDB were noticed before and after aging (p < 0.05). Filtek Supreme presented the lowest %RDB before aging, with Tetric Ceram presenting the lowest %RDB after aging (p < 0.05). The %deltaRDB mean values were statistically significantly different among all the groups tested. No correlation was found between deltaE and %deltaRDB.

The influence of preservation method and time on the delta13C value of dissolved inorganic carbon in water samples.

PubMed

Taipale, Sami J; Sonninen, Eloni

2009-08-30

The precise delta(13)C value of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) is important for various types of ecological studies. Without a preservation agent, microbial degradation of organic compounds continues in water samples and the delta(13)C value of DIC will become more depleted with time. HgCl(2) or acidification is often used to prevent microbial activity in water samples collected for carbon isotope ratio analyses of DIC. Mercury compounds are toxic and result in waste disposal problems. Other inhibiting agents or preservation methods are therefore needed. Two possible solutions are to use copper sulphate (CuSO(4)) as a preservative agent or to acidify water samples with phosphoric acid (H(3)PO(4)) within 12 mL measurement Exetainers (septum-capped vials). We prepared a set of lake water samples in three types of vials: glass vials with silicone/PTFE septa, high-density polyethylene vials (HD-PE, scintillation vials) and Exetainers (12 mL) with butyl rubber septa. Samples in glass and PE vials were preserved with and without CuSO(4), whereas lake water was injected into the Exetainer and acidified with H(3)PO(4). Isotope ratios were measured in two laboratories over 6 months. The delta(13)C values of DIC systematically increased with storage time for samples preserved in glass and PE vials with and without CuSO(4). A strong correlation between a decrease of CO(2) concentration and an increase in DIC delta(13)C values was found. The delta(13)C values and DIC concentrations were stable for 6 months in acidified samples stored in Exetainers with butyl rubber septa. Therefore, we conclude that the best method for up to 6 months of storage is to inject samples in the field into butyl rubber septum capped Exetainers containing H(3)PO(4), thereby avoiding the use of preservatives. 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stable isotope deltas: Tiny, yet robust signatures in nature

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brand, Willi A.; Coplen, Tyler B.

2012-01-01

Although most of them are relatively small, stable isotope deltas of naturally occurring substances are robust and enable workers in anthropology, atmospheric sciences, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, food and drug authentication, forensic science, geochemistry, geology, oceanography, and paleoclimatology to study a variety of topics. Two fundamental processes explain the stable isotope deltas measured in most terrestrial systems: isotopic fractionation and isotope mixing. Isotopic fractionation is the result of equilibrium or kinetic physicochemical processes that fractionate isotopes because of small differences in physical or chemical properties of molecular species having different isotopes. It is shown that the mixing of radioactive and stable isotope end members can be modelled to provide information on many natural processes, including 14C abundances in the modern atmosphere and the stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopic compositions of the oceans during glacial and interglacial times. The calculation of mixing fractions using isotope balance equations with isotope deltas can be substantially in error when substances with high concentrations of heavy isotopes (e.g. 13C, 2H, and 18O ) are mixed. In such cases, calculations using mole fractions are preferred as they produce accurate mixing fractions. Isotope deltas are dimensionless quantities. In the International System of Units (SI), these quantities have the unit 1 and the usual list of prefixes is not applicable. To overcome traditional limitations with expressing orders of magnitude differences in isotope deltas, we propose the term urey (symbol Ur), after Harold C. Urey, for the unit 1. In such a manner, an isotope delta value expressed traditionally as−25 per mil can be written as−25 mUr (or−2.5 cUr or−0.25 dUr; the use of any SI prefix is possible). Likewise, very small isotopic differences often expressed in per meg ‘units’ are easily included (e.g. either+0.015 ‰ or+15 per meg can be written as+15 μUr.

Biogenic silica from the BDP93 drill site and adjacent areas of the Selenga Delta, Lake Baikal, Siberia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Colman, Steven M.; Peck, John A.; Hatton, Josephine; Karabanov, Eugene B.; King, John W.

1999-01-01

Biogenic silica contents of sediments on the lower Selenga Delta and Buguldeika saddle in Lake Baikal show distinct fluctuations that reflect changes in diatom productivity, and ultimately, climate. The pattern of the upper 50 m of the section, dating from about 334 ka, is similar to that of the marine oxygen-isotope record, increasingly so as the younger sediments become progressively finer grained and less locally derived with time. The last two interglaciations are marked by biogenic silica abundances similar to those of the Holocene. The equivalent of marine oxygen-isotope stage 3 is distinctly intermediate in character between full glacial and full interglacial biogenic silica values. Following near-zero values during the last glacial maximum, biogenic silica began to increase at about 13 ka. The rise in biogenic silica to Holocene values was interrupted by an abrupt decrease during Younger Dryas time, about 11 to 10 14C ka.

In Situ Carbon and Sulfur Isotope Analysis of Archean Organic Matter and Pyrite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williford, K. H.; Ushikubo, T.; LePot, K.; Kitajima, K.; Spicuzza, M. J.; Valley, J. W.; Hallman, C.; Summons, R.; Eigenbrode, J. L.

2012-01-01

Stable isotopic compositions of biologically important elements (e.g., C and S) in sedimentary rocks are valuable biosignatures to the extent that they indicate the presence and variable expression of microbial metabolisms in space and time. Strong interactions between the carbon and sulfur cycles (e.g., via organic matter remineralization during microbial sulfate reduction) make coordinated, in situ C and S isotope analysis by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) a particularly powerful tool. In rocks ranging in age from 2.7-2.5 Ga, expansions in the ranges of delta C-13 of organic matter and delta S-34 of pyrite likely reflect the increasing influence of oxygenic photosynthesis in the surface ocean (as well as methane and sulfur metabolisms in deeper waters), whereas the large range of mass independent sulfur isotope fractionation (Delta S-33) suggests that the atmosphere remained anoxic until approx 2.4 Gyr ago. We report in situ delta C-13 measurements of organic matter in the approx 2.7-2.6 Ga Carawine Dolomite, Marra Mamba Iron Formation, and Jeerinah, Wittenoom, and Tumbiana Formations, as well as the approx 2.5 Ga Mount McRae Shale. We also report in situ delta S-24 and Delta S-33 measurements of pyrite associated with organic matter in a subset of these samples. In a single square cm sample of the Tumbiana Formation with bulk delta C-13(sub org) of -49.7% (VPDB), two distinct kerogen types have delta C-13 values, measured in situ, consistent with oxygenic photosynthesis (-33%) and methane metabolism (-52%). In a sample from the ABDP-9 core, radiobitumen associated with a uraniferous mineral grain is C-13-enriched by 8% (-26.8%0) relative to average in situ kerogen (-34.9%0) and similar in delta C-13 to solvent extractable hydrocarbons from the Mount McRae Shale (avg delta C-13 = -27.1 %). Average reproducibility for delta C-13 was 0.4% (2 SD) using a 6 micron spot and 0.8% using a 3 micron spot. In situ sulfur isotope analyses of 33 authigenic pyrite grains in 3 samples of the ABDP-9 core using a 10 micron spot (2 SD reproducibility = 0.4% for delta S-34 and -0.1% for Delta S-33) show a range of 28.1 % in delta S-34 (-10.3 to 17.8%) and 13.3%0 in Delta S-33 (-3.8 to 9.5%), whereas the range from 132 bulk analyses across 84 m of core is 19.4% for delta S-34 and 11.5% for Delta S-33. Coordinated, in situ carbon and sulfur isotope analyses in one ABDP-9 sample are shown. In situ values from this kerogen-pyrite association are within 0.1% of the bulk value in the case of delta C-13 and higher by several permil in the case of delta S-34 and Delta S-33. Coordinated in situ carbon and sulfur isotope analyses in rocks deposited during key intervals of environmental change (e.g., the Great Oxidation Event) can refine our understanding of the mode and tempo of change. In Earth's oldest sedimentary rocks, and in extraterrestrial samples, these coordinated in situ analyses may reveal biosignatures in the form of isotopic correlations at the scale of individual microorganisms and their microhabitats.

Radiocarbon in CO2 and Soil Organic Matter from Laboratory Incubations, Barrow, Alaska, 2012

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

Lydia Vaughn; Margaret Torn

Dataset includes Delta14C measurements made from soil organic matter and CO2 from laboratory soil incubations of active layer soils collected in Barrow, Alaska in 2012. In addition to Delta14CO2, dataset CO2 production rates and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. Samples were collected from intensive study site 1 areas A, B, and C, and the site 0 and AB transects, from specified positions in high-centered, flat-centered, and low centered polygons.

Studying Antarctic Ordinary Chondrite (OC) and Miller Range (MIL) Nakhlite Meteorites to Assess Carbonate Formation on Earth and Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, Michael Ellis

Carbonates are found in meteorites collected from Antarctica. The stable isotope composition of these carbonates records their formation environment on either Earth or Mars. The first research objective of this dissertation is to characterize the delta18O and delta 13C values of terrestrial carbonates formed on Ordinary Chondrites (OCs) collected in regions near known martian meteorites. The second objective is to characterize the delta18O and delta13C values of martian carbonates from Nakhlites collected from the Miller Range (MIL). The third objective is to assess environmental changes on Mars since the Noachian period. The OCs selected had no pre-terrestrial carbonates so any carbonates detected are presumed terrestrial in origin. The study methodology is stepped extraction of CO2 created from phosphoric acid reaction with meteorite carbonate. Stable isotope results show that two distinct terrestrial carbonate species (Ca-rich and Fe/Mg-rich) formed in Antarctica on OCs from a thin-film of meltwater containing dissolved CO2. Carbon isotope data suggests the terrestrial carbonates formed in equilibrium with atmospheric CO2 delta 13C = -7.5‰ at >15°C. The wide variation in delta 18O suggests the carbonates did not form in equilibrium with meteoric water alone, but possibly formed from an exchange of oxygen isotopes in both water and dissolved CO2. Antarctica provides a model for carbonate formation in a low water/rock ratio, near 0°C environment like modern Mars. Nakhlite parent basalt formed on Mars 1.3 billion years ago and the meteorites were ejected by a single impact approximately 11 million years ago. They traveled thru space before eventually falling to the Earth surface 10,000-40,000 years ago. Nakhlite samples for this research were all collected from the Miller Range (MIL) in Antarctica. The Nakhlite stable isotope results show two carbonate species (Ca-rich and Fe/Mg-rich) with a range of delta18O values that are similar to the terrestrial OC carbonates. The Nakhlite carbonates have distinctly different, heavier delta13C values from a presumed martian carbon reservoir. These carbonates cannot form in equilibrium at 15°C with the modern Mars atmospheric CO2 (measured by the Curiosity rover) delta13C = 46‰, but may reflect kinetic carbonate formation from a high pH fluid. Alternatively, the Nakhlite carbonates may have formed with a lighter, early Amazonian atmosphere of delta 13C ≈ 30‰. Assuming the martian carbonates formed in a thin-film environment like the OC terrestrial carbonates, an oxygen mixing model predicts early Amazonian martian meteoric water delta18O = -30‰.

Exploration of New Magnetocaloric and Multifunctional Magnetic Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quetz, Abdiel

The magnetic properties of NiMnGe1-xAlx, Ni50Mn35(In1-xBx)15 , Ni50Mn35In14.5B0.5 (Bulk, As-Solidified and Annealed melt-spun ribbon) and RE-Infuse Carbon Nanotubes, have been studied by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magnetization measurements. Partial substitution of Al for Ge in NiMnGe1-xAl x results in a first-order magnetostructural transition (MST) from a hexagonal ferromagnetic to an orthorhombic antiferromagnetic phase at 186 K (for x = 0.09). A large magnetic entropy change of DeltaSM = -17.6 J/kg K for DeltaH = 5 T was observed in the vicinity of TM = 186 K for x = 0.09. This value is comparable to those of well-known giant magnetocaloric materials, such as Gd5Si2Ge 2, MnFeP0.45As0.55, and Ni50Mn 37Sn13. The values of the latent heat (L = 6.6 J/g) and corresponding total entropy changes (DeltaST = 35 J/kg K) have been evaluated for the MST using DSC measurements. Large negative values of DeltaS M of -5.8 and -4.8 J/kg K for DeltaH = 5 T and up to 9T in the vicinity of TC were observed for x = 0.09 and 0.085, respectively. The impact of B substitution in Ni50Mn35In 15-xBx Heusler alloys on the structural, magnetic, transport, and parameters of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) has been studied by means of room-temperature X-ray diffraction and thermomagnetic measurements (in magnetic fields (H) up to 5 T, and in the temperature interval 5-400 K ). Direct adiabatic temperature change (DeltaTAD) measurements have been carried out for an applied magnetic field change of 1.8 T. The transition temperatures (T-x) phase diagram has been constructed for H = 0.005 T. The MCE parameters were found to be comparable to those observed in other MCE materials such as Ni50Mn34.8In14.2B and Ni 50Mn35In14X (X=In, Al, and Ge) Heusler alloys. The maximum absolute value of DeltaTAD = 2.5 K was observed at the magnetostructural transition for Ni50Mn35In 14.5B0.5. The structural phase transition temperatures, phase structure, and parameters of the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of Ni50Mn35In 14.5B0.5 as Bulk, As-Solidified and Annealed melt-spun ribbon has been studied by means of room-temperature X-ray diffraction and thermomagnetic measurements (in magnetic fields (muoH) up to 5 T, and in the temperature interval 5-400 K). Magnetic and structural transitions in Ni50Mn35In14.5B0.5 as ribbons were found to coincide in Ni50Mn35In14.5B 0.5 bulk sample, leading to a large magnetocaloric effects associated with the first-order magnetostructural phase transition. In comparison to the bulk Ni50Mn35In14.5B0.5 alloys, both the martensitic transition temperature (TM) and Curie temperature (TC) shifted to lower temperatures. The ribbons undergo a structure transformation similar to the bulk material at the martensitic transformation. The temperature of the transformation depends strongly on lattice parameters of the ribbons. MST shows a weak broad magnetic transition at TCM 160 K, while the Curie temperature of AST TCA is 297 K. The MCE parameters were found to be comparable to those observed in other MCE materials such as Ni50Mn34.8In14.2B and Ni50Mn 35In14X (X = In, Al, and Ge) Heusler alloys. These results suggest the possibility to control the martensitic transition in Ni50 Mn35In14.5B0.5 through rapid solidification process. A comparison of magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects in Ni50Mn35In14.5B0.5 alloys as Bulk, As-Solidified and Annealed ribbons is discussed. The magnetic properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)/Gd composites were obtained by the joining and annealing of Gd metal and CNTs at 850°C for 48h. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis shows the presence of Gd intermingled with the CNT walls with maximum and average Gd concentrations of about 20% and 4% (by weight), respectively. The Gd clusters have a non-uniform distribution and are mostly concentrated at the ends of the CNTs. A ferromagnetic-type transition at T C 320K, accompanied by jump like change in magnetization and temperature hysteresis typical for the temperature induced first order phase transitions has been observed by magnetization measurements. Gd infused into the CNTs by the annealing results in a first order paramagnetic-ferromagnetic transition at TC = 320K. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

ASE extraction method for simultaneous carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis in soft tissues of aquatic organisms.

PubMed

Bodin, Nathalie; Budzinski, Hélène; Le Ménach, Karyn; Tapie, Nathalie

2009-06-08

Since lipids are depleted in 13C relative to proteins and carbohydrates, variations in lipid composition among species and within individuals significantly influence delta13C and may result in misleading ecological interpretations. Whereas lipid extraction before IRMS analysis constitutes a way of stable isotope result lipid-normalisation, such a procedure was given up because of the un-controlled effects of the methods used (i.e., "Bligh & Dyer", Soxhlet, etc.) on delta15N. The aim of this work was to develop a simple, rapid and efficient lipid extraction method allowing for simultaneous C and N stable isotope analysis in the biological soft tissues of aquatic organisms. The goal was to be free from the lipid influence on delta13C values without interfering with delta15N values. For that purpose, the modern automated pressurized liquid extraction technique ASE (accelerated solvent extraction) was selected. Eel muscles representative of a broad range of fat contents were extracted via ASE by using different semi-polar solvents (100% dichloromethane and 80% n-hexane/20% acetone) and by operating at different temperature (ambient temperature and 100 degrees C) and pressure (750 and 1900 psi) conditions. The results were discussed in terms of lipid extraction efficiency as well as delta13C and delta15N variability.

Volatile Element Fluxes at Copahue Volcano, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varekamp, J. C.

2002-05-01

Copahue volcano has a crater lake and acid hot springs that discharge into the Rio Agrio river system. These fluids are very concentrated (up to 6 % sulfate), rich in rock-forming elements (up to 2000 ppm Mg) and small spheres of native sulfur float in the crater lake. The stable isotope composition of the waters (delta 18O =-2.1 to + 3.6 per mille; delta D = -49 to -26 per mille) indicates that the hot spring waters are at their most concentrated about 70% volcanic brine and 30 % glacial meltwater. The crater lake waters have similar mixing proportions but added isotope effects from intense evaporation. Further dilution of the waters in the Rio Agrio gives values closer to local meteoric waters (delta 18O = -11 per mille; delta D = -77 per mille), whereas evaporation in closed ponds led to very heavy water (up to delta 18O = +12 per mille). The delta 34S value of dissolved sulfate is +14.2 per mille, whereas the native sulfur has values of -8.2 to -10.5 per mille. The heavy sulfate probably formed when SO2 disproportionated into bisulfate and native sulfur at about 300 C. We measured the sulfate fluxes in the Rio Agrio, which ranged from 20-40 kilotons S/year. The whole system was releasing sulfur at an equivalent rate of about 250-650 tons SO2/day. From the river flux sulfur values and the stochiometry of the disproportionation reaction we calculated the rate of liquid sulfur storage inside the volcano (6000 m3/year). During the eruptions of 1995/2000, large amounts of that stored liquid sulfur were ejected as pyroclastic sulfur. The calculated rate of rock dissolution (from rock- forming element fluxes in the Rio Agrio) suggests that the void space generated by rock dissolution is largely filled by native sulfur and silica. The S/Cl ratio in the hydrothermal fluids is about 2, whereas glass inclusions have S/Cl = 0.2, indicating the strong preferential degassing of sulfur.

[Influence of acupuncture of Zusanli (ST 36) on connectivity of brain functional network in healthy subjects].

PubMed

Li, Nuo; Wang, Pang; Deng, Bin; Wei, Xi-le; Che, Yan-qiu; Jia, Chen-hui; Guo, Yi; Chao, Wang

2011-08-01

To observe the effect of acupuncture of Zusanli (ST 36) on electroencephalogram (EEG) so as to probe into its law in regulating the interconnectivity of brain functional network. A total of 9 healthy young volunteer students (6 male, 3 female) participated in the present study. They were asked to take a dorsal position on a test-bed. EEG signals were acquired from 22 surface scalp electrodes (Fp1, Fp2, F7, F3, F2, F4, F8, A1, T3, C3, C2, C4, T4, A2, T5, P3, P2, P4, T6, O2, O1 and O2) fixed on the subject's head. Acupuncture stimulation was applied to the right Zusanli (ST 36) by manipulating the filiform needle with uniform reducing-reinforcing method and at a frequency of about 50 cycles/min for 2 min. Then the stimulation was stopped for 10 min, and repeated once again (needle-twirling frequency: 150 and 200 cycles/min), 3 times altogether. The acquired EEG data were analyzed by using coherence estimation method, average path length, average clustering coefficient, and the average degree of the articulation points (nodes) for analyzing the synchronization of EEG signals before, during and after acupuncture. In comparison with pre-acupuncture, the coherence amplitude values of EEG-delta (1-4 Hz) and y (31-47 Hz) waves were increased significantly after acupuncture of ST 36. No significant changes were found in the amplitude values of EEG-theta (5-8 Hz), -alpha (9-13 Hz) and-beta (14-30 Hz) waves after acupuncture stimulation. During and after acupuncture, the synchronism values of EEG-delta waves of different leads and numbers of interconnectivity between every two brain functional regions in majority of the 9 volunteers were increased clearly. In all volunteers, the degree values of all nodes except A1 and A2, the average clustering coefficients along with the increase of the threshold (r), and the average path lengths of the brain functional network of EEG-delta waves during and after acupuncture were also increased evidently (the latter two items, P < 0.05), suggesting an increase of the information exchange and functional connectivity of different brain regions. Acupuncture of Zusanli (ST 36) can increase the amplitude and synchronization of EEG-delta waves of different leads, and potentiate the functional interconnectivity of brain functional network.

Boron content and isotopic composition of ocean basalts: Geochemical and cosmochemical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chaussidon, Marc; Jambon, Albert

1994-02-01

Ion microprobe determination of boron content and delta B-11 values has been performed for a set of 40 oceanic basalt glasses (N-MORB, E-MORB, BABB and OIB) whose chemical characteristics (major and trace elements and isotopic ratios) are well documented. Boron contents, determined at +/- 10% relative, range from 0.34 to 0.74 ppm in N-MORB, whereas E-MORB, BABB and OIB extend to higher concentrations (0.5-2.4 ppm). After correction for crystal fractionation, this range is reduced to 0.5-1.3 ppm. N-MORB and E-MORB also exhibit different B/K ratios, 1.0 +/- 0.3 x 10(exp -3) and 0.2 to 1.4 x 10(exp -3) respectively. This can be interpreted as resulting from the incorporation into the upper mantle of a K-rich and B-poor component (e.g., subducted oceanic crust having lost most of its initial boron). Delta B-11 values range between -7.40 +/- 2 and +0.6 +/- 2 per mill, with no significant difference between N-MORB, E-MORB, OIB or BABB. The Hawaiian samples define a strong linear correlation between boron contents, delta B-11 values, MgO and water contents and delta D values. This is interpreted as resulting from assimilation-fractionation processes which occurred within a water-rich oceanic crust, and which produced high delta B-11 values associated with high delta D values. The low level of B-11 enrichment in the upper mantle constraints the amount of boron reinjected by subduction to a maximum of about 2% of the boron present in the subducted slab. This in turn corresponds to a maximum net Boron transfer of about 3 x 10(exp 10) g/a towards the surface reservoirs. Finally, a boron content of 0.25 +/- 0.1 ppm is estimated for the bulk silicate Earth (i.e., primitive mantle), corresponding to a depletion factor relative to C1 chondrites of about 0.15 and suggesting that B was moderately volatile upon terrestrial accretion.

The Herschel Multi-Tiered Extragalactic Survey: SPIRE-mm Photometric Redshifts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roseboom, I. G.; Ivison, R. J.; Greve, T. R.; Amblard, A.; Arumugam, V.; Auld, R.; Aussel, H.; Bethermin, M.; Blain, A.; Block, J.;

Stable isotopes, Sr/Ca, and Mg/Ca in biogenic carbonates from Petaluma Marsh, northern California, USA

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

Ingram, B.L.; De Deckker, P.; Chivas, A.R.

2004-10-19

Stable isotope ({sup 18}O/{sup 16}O and {sup 13}C/{sup 12}C) and minor-element compositions (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios) of ostracodes and gastropods separated from marsh sediments from San Francisco Bay, Northern California, were used to reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes in Petaluma Marsh over the past 700 yr. The value of {delta}{sup 18}O in the marsh carbonates reflects changes in freshwater inflow, evaporation, and temperature. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca in ostracode calcite reflect changes in both freshwater inflow and temperature, although primarily reflect temperature changes in the salinity range of about 10-35 {per_thousand}. Ostracode {delta}{sup 18}O values show a gradual increase by 5 {per_thousand} betweenmore » 500 yr BR and the present, probably reflecting rising sea level and increased evaporation in the marsh. Superimposed on this trend are higher frequency Mg/Ca and {delta}{sup 18}O variations (3-4 {per_thousand}), probably reflecting changes in freshwater inflow and evaporation. A period of low Mg/Ca occurred between about 100-300 cal yr BP, suggesting wetter and cooler conditions during the Little Ice Age. Higher Mg/Ca ratios occurred 600-700 cal yr BP, indicating drier and warmer conditions during the end of the Medieval Warm Period. Both ostracode and gastropod {delta}{sup 13}C values decrease up-core, reflecting decomposition of marsh vegetation, which changes from C{sub 4} ({delta}{sup 13}C {approx} -12{per_thousand}) to CAM ({delta}{sup 13}C = -26 {per_thousand})-type vegetation over time.« less

Stable isotopes, Sr/Ca, and Mg/Ca in biogenic carbonates from Petaluma Marsh, northern California, USA

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

Ingram, B.L.; Deckker, P. de; Chivas, A.R.

1998-10-01

Stable isotope ({sup 18}O/{sup 16}O and {sup 13}C/{sup 12}C) and minor-element compositions (Sr/Ca and Mg/Ca ratios) of ostracodes and gastropods separated from marsh sediments from San Francisco Bay, Northern California, were used to reconstruct paleoenvironmental changes in Petaluma March over the past 700 yr. The value of {delta}{sup 18}O in the marsh carbonates reflects changes in freshwater inflow, evaporation, and temperature. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca in ostracode calcite reflect changes in both freshwater inflow and temperature, although primarily reflect temperature changes in the salinity range of about 10--35{per_thousand}. Ostracode {delta}{sup 18}O values show a gradual increase by 5{per_thousand} between 500 yrmore » BP and the present, probably reflecting rising sea level and increased evaporation in the marsh. Superimposed on this trend are higher frequency Mg/Ca and {delta}{sup 18}O variations (3--4{per_thousand}), probably reflecting changes in freshwater inflow and evaporation. A period of low Mg/Ca occurred between about 100--300 cal yr BP, suggesting wetter and cooler conditions during the Little Ice Age. Higher Mg/Ca ratios occurred 600--700 cal yr BP, indicating drier and warmer conditions during the end of the Medieval Warm Period. Both ostracode and gastropod {delta}{sup 13}C values decrease up-core, reflecting decomposition of marsh vegetation, which changes from C{sub 4} ({delta}{sup 13}C {approximately} {minus}12{per_thousand}) to CAM ({delta}{sup 13}C = {minus}26{per_thousand})-type vegetation over time.« less

Geochemistry of carbonate cements in surficial alluvial conglomerates and their paleoclimatic implications, Sultanate of Oman

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

Burns, S.J.; Matter, A.

1995-01-02

Early diagenetic carbonate cements are a common feature of Quaternary alluvial conglomerates in Oman. Cements are formed in the vadose and, more commonly, phreatic zones from near-surface groundwaters. In drainage areas underlain by the Semail Ophiolite, groundwaters have Mg{sup 2+}/Ca{sup 2+} ratios greater than two, and cements are often dolomite or high-magnesium calcite in addition to low-magnesium calcite. In drainage areas underlain by limestone, groundwaters have Mg{sup 2+}/Ca{sup 2+} ratios of around one or less and cement mineralogy is nearly always low-magnesium calcite. The oxygen and carbon stable isotopic ratios of the cements vary widely, from {minus}10.6{per_thousand} to +3.0{per_thousand} PDBmore » and from {minus}10.0{per_thousand} to +0.7{per_thousand} PDB, respectively. Cement {delta}{sup 18}O values principally reflect variation in rainfall {delta}{sup 18}O over a time scale of several thousand years. Rainfall and cement {delta}{sup 18}O values probably are inversely correlated with the amount of rainfall, which is related to the frequency and intensity of the Indian Ocean monsoon. Thus, cement {delta}{sup 18}O is potentially a proxy indicator of relative rainfall and monsoon activity. For each of three sampling areas, {delta}{sup 13}C is positively correlated to {delta}{sup 18}O. Cement {delta}{sup 13}C values are also related to rainfall amount because rainfall controls the plant population. Greater plant respiration of isotopically depleted CO{sub 2} to shallow groundwaters and burial of organic material in conglomerate deposits results in lower cement {delta}{sup 13}C values compared to periods of lesser plant activity.« less

Comprehensive authentication of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone from raspberries, using constant flow MDGC-C/P-IRMS and enantio-MDGC-MS.

PubMed

Sewenig, Sabine; Bullinger, Dino; Hener, Uwe; Mosandl, Armin

2005-02-23

A new coupling system of GC-GC, connected via a Multi Column Switching Device MCS2 for measuring isotope ratios, is introduced. By means of several standard substances the precise and accurate measurement of isotopic values is proved. First applications concerning the authentication of raspberry aroma compounds are established. Consequently, the combination of constant flow multidimensional gas chromatography-combustion/pyrolysis-isotope ratio mass spectrometry (MDGC-C/P-IRMS) is applied to the authenticity assessment of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone from six different raspberry cultivars. Furthermore, 12 commercially available raspberry products and samples of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone, some declared to be natural, are investigated. delta(2)Eta(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C(V)(-)(PDB) values of (E)-alpha(beta)-ionone are determined, and characteristic authenticity ranges were concluded from raspberries by correlation of both delta(2)Eta(V)(-)(SMOW) and delta(13)C( V)(-)(PDB) values. The results are correlated with the determination of enantiomeric purities of (E)-alpha-ionone, using stir bar sorptive extraction enantio-multidimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SBSE-enantio-MDGC-MS).

Water and nitrogen conditions affect the relationships of Delta13C and Delta18O to gas exchange and growth in durum wheat.

PubMed

Cabrera-Bosquet, Llorenç; Molero, Gemma; Nogués, Salvador; Araus, José Luis

2009-01-01

Whereas the effects of water and nitrogen (N) on plant Delta(13)C have been reported previously, these factors have scarcely been studied for Delta(18)O. Here the combined effect of different water and N regimes on Delta(13)C, Delta(18)O, gas exchange, water-use efficiency (WUE), and growth of four genotypes of durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] cultured in pots was studied. Water and N supply significantly increased plant growth. However, a reduction in water supply did not lead to a significant decrease in gas exchange parameters, and consequently Delta(13)C was only slightly modified by water input. Conversely, N fertilizer significantly decreased Delta(13)C. On the other hand, water supply decreased Delta(18)O values, whereas N did not affect this parameter. Delta(18)O variation was mainly determined by the amount of transpired water throughout plant growth (T(cum)), whereas Delta(13)C variation was explained in part by a combination of leaf N and stomatal conductance (g(s)). Even though the four genotypes showed significant differences in cumulative transpiration rates and biomass, this was not translated into significant differences in Delta(18)O(s). However, genotypic differences in Delta(13)C were observed. Moreover, approximately 80% of the variation in biomass across growing conditions and genotypes was explained by a combination of both isotopes, with Delta(18)O alone accounting for approximately 50%. This illustrates the usefulness of combining Delta(18)O and Delta(13)C in order to assess differences in plant growth and total transpiration, and also to provide a time-integrated record of the photosynthetic and evaporative performance of the plant during the course of crop growth.

Age validation of quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) using bomb radiocarbon

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

Kerr, L A; Andrews, A H; Munk, K

2005-01-05

Rockfishes (Sebastes spp.) support one of the most economically important fisheries of the Pacific Northwest and it is essential for sustainable management that age estimation procedures be validated for these species. Atmospheric testing of thermonuclear devices during the 1950s and 1960s created a global radiocarbon ({sup 14}C) signal in the ocean environment that scientists have identified as a useful tracer and chronological marker in natural systems. In this study, we first demonstrated that fewer samples are necessary for age validation using the bomb-generated {sup 14}C signal by emphasizing the utility of the time-specific marker created by the initial rise ofmore » bomb-{sup 14}C. Second, the bomb-generated {sup 14}C signal retained in fish otoliths was used to validate the age and age estimation methodology of the quillback rockfish (Sebastes maliger) in the waters of southeast Alaska. Radiocarbon values from the first year's growth of quillback rockfish otoliths were plotted against estimated birth year producing a {sup 14}C time series spanning 1950 to 1985. The initial rise of bomb-{sup 14}C from pre-bomb levels ({approx} -90 {per_thousand}) occurred in 1959 {+-} 1 year and {sup 14}C levels rose relatively rapidly to peak {Delta}{sup 14}C values in 1967 (+105.4 {per_thousand}), with a subsequent declining trend through the end of the record in 1985 (+15.4 {per_thousand}). The agreement between the year of initial rise of {sup 14}C levels from the quillback rockfish record and the chronometer determined for the waters of southeast Alaska from yelloweye rockfish (S. ruberrimus) otoliths validated the ageing methodology for the quillback rockfish. The concordance of the entire quillback rockfish {sup 14}C record with the yelloweye rockfish time series demonstrated the effectiveness of this age validation technique, confirmed the longevity of the quillback rockfish up to a minimum of 43 years, and strongly supports higher age estimates of up to 90 years.« less

Biosynthesis of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the developing brain. I. Metabolic transformations of intracranially administered 1-/sup 14/C linolenic acid. [Rats

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

Dhopeshwarkar, G.A.; Subramanian, C.

1971-01-01

Thirteen-day old rats were given intracranial injections of 1-/sup 14/C linolenic acid (all cis 9, 12, 15 octadecatrienoic acid) and were sacrificed after 8 hr. Analysis of brain fatty acids showed that 16 : 0, 18 : 0, 18 : 1, 18 : 3, 20 : 3, 20 : 4, 20 : 5, 22 : 5 and 22 : 6 were labeled. The total fatty acid methyl esters were separated into classes according to degree of unsaturation on a AgNO/sub 3/ : SiO/sub 2/ impregnated plate. The bands were scraped off and the eluted fatty acds were first analyzed bymore » radio-gas liquid chromatography and then subjected to reductive ozonolysis to determine double bond position. The saturated acids, 16 : 0 and 18 : 0, as well as the monounsaturated 18 : 1, must have been formed from radioactive acetate produced by ..beta.. oxidation of the injected linolenate. Among the polyunsaturated fatty acids, the triene fraction was characterized and identified as 18 : 3 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 9/,/sup 12/,/sup 15/), the starting material, and 20 : 3 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/); the tetraene fraction was identified as 20 : 4 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 8/,/sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/); the pentaene fraction was identified as 20 : 5 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 5/,/sup 8/,/sup 11/,/sup 14/,/sup 17/) and 22 : 5 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 7/,/sup 10/,/sup 13/,/sup 16/,/sup 19/); and, finally, the hexaene fraction was shown to be 22 : 6 ..omega..3 (..delta../sup 4/,/sup 7/,/sup 10/,/sup 13/,/sup 16/,/sup 19/). The biosynthesis of these ..omega..3 family fatty acids in the brain in situ is discussed.« less

Organochlorine pollutants and stable isotopes in resident and migrant passerine birds from northwest Michoacán, Mexico.

PubMed

Mora, Miguel A

2008-10-01

Although concentrations of organochlorine compounds (OCs) in birds from most of the United States and Canada have decreased over the last 30 years, there is still concern that migrant birds might be exposed to elevated concentrations of OCs during migration in Latin America. The Lerma-Chapala Basin in west-central Mexico is an important migration corridor and wintering area for many species. The objectives of this study were to assess if resident and migrant birds wintering in western Michoacán, Mexico accumulated elevated concentrations of OCs during fall and spring and to determine if the stable isotopes delta(15)N, delta(13)C, and deltaD could be used to predict burdens and origins of DDE accumulation. Resident and migrant passerine insectivorous birds were collected during fall and spring (2001-2002) in northwest Michoacán, near Chapala Lake, Mexico. The carcasses were analyzed for OCs and tail feathers were analyzed for stable isotopes delta(15)N, delta(13)C, and deltaD. The OCs detected in more than 50% of the samples were: oxychlordane (79%), p,p'-DDE (100%), p,p'-DDT (57%), and total PCBs (100%). p,p'-DDE was the OC detected at the highest concentrations, whereas residues of other OCs were near or below detection limits. Overall, there were no significant differences in concentrations of OCs between seasons or between resident and migrant birds. Concentrations of DDE and oxychlordane were somewhat higher in migrant and resident birds during spring than in fall; however, concentrations were significantly different only for oxychlordane. Two resident birds collected in fall and spring had DDE residues >10 microg/g wet weight in carcass. There were no significant differences in delta(13)C and delta(15)N values among species, between seasons, or between migrant and resident birds. However, deltaD values were clearly different between species and helped differentiate migrant from resident birds. deltaD values also were negatively and significantly correlated with DDE concentrations in carcass. Birds with more depleted deltaD values in feathers tended to have higher DDE concentrations than those with less depleted deltaD values, suggesting a potential latitudinal accumulation of DDE. Overall, our results suggest that during fall and spring, there is not a significant buildup of persistent OCs in migrant and resident passerine insectivorous birds in northwest Michoacán, Mexico.

Development of a compound-specific isotope analysis method for acetone via 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization.

PubMed

Wen, Sheng; Feng, Yanli; Wang, Xinming; Sheng, Guoying; Fu, Jiamo; Bi, Xinhui

2004-01-01

A novel method has been developed for compound-specific isotope analysis for acetone via DNPH (2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine) derivatization together with combined gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Acetone reagents were used to assess delta13C fractionation during the DNPH derivatization process. Reduplicate delta13C analyses were designed to evaluate the reproducibility of the derivatization, with an average error (1 standard deviation) of 0.17 +/- 0.05 per thousand, and average analytical error of 0.28 +/- 0.09 per thousand. The derivatization process introduces no isotopic fractionation for acetone (the average difference between the predicted and analytical delta13C values was 0.09 +/- 0.20 per thousand, within the precision limits of the GC/C/IRMS measurements), which permits computation of the delta13C values for the original underivatized acetone through a mass balance equation. Together with further studies of the carbon isotopic effect during the atmospheric acetone-sampling procedure, it will be possible to use DNPH derivatization for carbon isotope analysis of atmospheric acetone. Copyright (c) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Delta14 CO2 Atmospheric Record from Schauinsland, Germany

DOE Data Explorer

Levin, Ingeborg [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Kromer, Bernd [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany

1997-01-01

All air samples at Schauinsland have been collected from a ventilated intake stack approximately 7m above the ground. Bi-weekly integrated CO2 samples from about 15-20 m3 of air have been continuously collected by dynamic quantitative absorption in carbonate-free sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Air has been pumped through a rotating glass tube filled with a packed bed of Raschig rings (hard glass) to enlarge the surface of the absorbing NaOH solution (200 ml of 4 normal NaOH). The CO2 absorption is quantitative and samples represent mean values of 10 days to 2 weeks. In the laboratory, the samples are extracted from the NaOH solution in a vacuum system by adding hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. 13C analyses of the CO2 are by mass spectrometry and 14C analyses are by high precision proportional counting, after purification of the CO2 sample over charcoal (Schoch et al. 1980, Kromer and Münnich 1992). δ13C values are given relative to the V-PDB standard (Hut 1987) with the overall precision of a single analysis reported to be +/- 0.15 per mil (Levin and Kromer 1997). δ14C data are given relative to the NIST oxalic acid activity corrected for decay (Stuiver and Polach 1977) with the precision of a single δ14C measurement reported to be +/- 3-5 per mil (Levin and Kromer 1997).

Measurement and interpretation of the oxygen isotope composition of carbon dioxide respired by leaves in the dark.

PubMed

Cernusak, Lucas A; Farquhar, Graham D; Wong, S Chin; Stuart-Williams, Hilary

2004-10-01

We measured the oxygen isotope composition (delta(18)O) of CO(2) respired by Ricinus communis leaves in the dark. Experiments were conducted at low CO(2) partial pressure and at normal atmospheric CO(2) partial pressure. Across both experiments, the delta(18)O of dark-respired CO(2) (delta(R)) ranged from 44 per thousand to 324 per thousand (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water scale). This seemingly implausible range of values reflects the large flux of CO(2) that diffuses into leaves, equilibrates with leaf water via the catalytic activity of carbonic anhydrase, then diffuses out of the leaf, leaving the net CO(2) efflux rate unaltered. The impact of this process on delta(R) is modulated by the delta(18)O difference between CO(2) inside the leaf and in the air, and by variation in the CO(2) partial pressure inside the leaf relative to that in the air. We developed theoretical equations to calculate delta(18)O of CO(2) in leaf chloroplasts (delta(c)), the assumed location of carbonic anhydrase activity, during dark respiration. Their application led to sensible estimates of delta(c), suggesting that the theory adequately accounted for the labeling of CO(2) by leaf water in excess of that expected from the net CO(2) efflux. The delta(c) values were strongly correlated with delta(18)O of water at the evaporative sites within leaves. We estimated that approximately 80% of CO(2) in chloroplasts had completely exchanged oxygen atoms with chloroplast water during dark respiration, whereas approximately 100% had exchanged during photosynthesis. Incorporation of the delta(18)O of leaf dark respiration into ecosystem and global scale models of C(18)OO dynamics could affect model outputs and their interpretation.

High resolution stable isotopes and elemental analysis on benthic foraminifera: a 4000 yr BP record from the ria de Muros (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pena, L. D.; Francés, G.; Diz, P.; Nombela, M. A.; Alejo, I.

2003-04-01

Carbon and oxygen stable isotopes and ICP-OES elemental ratio concentrations (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, Ba/Ca) from core EUGC-3B (42 45.10'N; 9 02.23'W, at 38 m.b.s.l. and 410 cm length) were measured over monospecific benthic foraminiferal samples (Nonion fabum) ranging over the last 4500 yr BP. From the oldest analysed sample (289 cm) to the core top, stable isotopes signal shows that the whole record can be separated into 4 intervals lasting each of them about 1000 yr. The lowermost interval (4300-3000 yr BP) is characterized by relatively stable delta 18O values (mean 1.77 per mil). Delta 13C is relatively low except for a maximum around 3300 cal BP (-1.50 per mil). An abrupt decrease down to the minimum value in delta 13C (-4.41 per mil) is accomplished in approximately 200 yr. Mg/Ca and Ba/Ca match perfectly this event, both of them showing the respective maxima values. Sr/Ca has a very similar behaviour to that of delta 13C but with smoother fluctuations. We attribute high values of delta 13C, Sr/Ca and Ba/Ca to periods of enhanced coastal productivity, probably due to reinforced upwelling events in the region. According to Mg/Ca signal this reinforcement took place during a relatively warmer period. The most remarkable feature during the two next periods (3000-1900 yr BP and 1900-1000 yr BP) consists of a stepwise increase of delta 13C values punctuated by a sharp decrease at the end of each interval. All the remaining proxies exhibit a nearly constant trend over these intervals. Each period can be interpreted as a weak enhance of marine productivity that the system does not hold up and finally aborts. The most recent interval represents the establishment of current conditions in the coastal system. The most conspicuous event from this interval consists of an abrupt decrease of the delta 18O that lasted for 300 yr. This event could be correlated with the well recognized warm climatic event known as the Medieval Warm Period. However the Mg/Ca ratio does not show high values at this moment. Therefore a salinity decrease caused by enhanced run off can be also invoked to explain low delta 18O values. A hypothetical warmer and wetter period could support both interpretations. Acknowledgements to EU HOLSMEER Project (EVK2-CT-2000-00060) and Paleostudies Program. Contribution 269 of EX-1.

On the status of IAEA delta-13C stable isotope reference materials.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assonov, Sergey; Groening, Manfred; Fajgelj, Ales

2016-04-01

For practical reasons all isotope measurements are performed on relative scales realized through the use of international, scale-defining primary standards. In fact these standards were materials (artefacts, similar to prototypes of meter and kg) selected based on their properties. The VPDB delta-13C scale is realised via two highest-level reference materials NBS19 and LSVEC, the first defining the scale and the second aimed to normalise lab-to-lab calibrations. These two reference materials (RMs) have been maintained and distributed by IAEA and NIST. The priority task is to maintain these primary RMs at the required uncertainty level, thus ensuring the long-term scale consistency. The second task is to introduce replacements when needed (currently for exhausted NBS19, work in progress). The next is to produce a family of lower level RMs (secondary, tertiary) addressing needs of various applications (with different delta values, in different physical-chemical forms) and their needs for the uncertainty; these RMs should be traceable to the highest level RMs. Presently three is a need for a range of RMs addressing existing and newly emerging analytical techniques (e.g. optical isotopic analysers) in form of calibrated CO2 gases with different delta-13C values. All that implies creating a family of delta-13C stable isotope reference materials. Presently IAEA works on replacement for NBS19 and planning new RMs. Besides, we found that LSVEC (introduced as second anchor for the VPDB scale in 2006) demonstrate a considerable scatter of its delta-13C value which implies a potential bias of the property value and increased value uncertainty which may conflict with uncertainty requirements for atmospheric monitoring. That is not compatible with the status of LSVEC, and therefore it should be replaced as soon as possible. The presentation will give an overview of the current status, the strategic plan of developments and the near future steps.

Hydrogen and carbon isotopic composition of volatiles in Nakhla: Implications for weathering on Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, L. L.; Epstein, S.; Stolper, E. M.

1992-01-01

Gases were collected at 120, 200, 300, 415, and 600 and 850 C. Hydrogen yields for the 600 and 850 C aliquots were measured separately and then the gases were combined for isotopic analysis. CO2 samples collected at the two lowest temperature steps amounted to less than 0.5 mu mole and were not analyzed isotopically. Excluding the 120 C temperature step, the bulk delta D of the sample was + 187 percent. Delta D values increase from -91 percent in the 120 C step to +518 percent in the 315 to 850 C step. The hydrogen content is greatest in the 120 C step and is roughly constant in the 200, 300, and 415 C aliquots. Between 415 C and 850 C, the yield drops off considerably. From 850 C to 950 C, virtually no H2 and only minor CO2 (less than 1 mu mole) were extracted. Using the isotopic analysis from the 300, 415, 600, and 850 C temperature collections, the bulk delta C-13 sub (PDB) is 0.0 percent. The heaviest component (delta C-13 sub (PDB) of +29 percent) was collected between 300 and 415 C. The release of hydrogen at the low temperatures reported here is consistent with the breakdown of the phases that constitute the alteration product between approx. 250 and 650 C. Although not as high as the present Martian atmosphere, the high delta D values are consistent with a Martian origin for the meteorites in question.

Stability of (13) C-Urea Breath Test Samples Over Time in the Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori.

PubMed

Perets, Tsachi Tsadok; Shporn, Einav; Boltin, Doron; Dickman, Ram; Niv, Yaron

2016-05-01

The accuracy and repeatability of breath test in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection have not been adequately investigated. Although it has been shown that storage for long periods does not affect the analysis results, no data are available on the effect of repetitive testing. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the repeatability of the analyses of breath samples at room temperature. A total of 202 positive breath samples were collected in duplicates, before and after administration of 75 mg (13) C- urea dissolved in 100 ml of orange juice. Breath test results were expressed as delta (13) CO2 . The cut-off value was 3.5 parts per thousand. Each sample was analyzed in a mass spectrometer 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after collection. The accuracy calculation was based on the comparison of the delta (13) CO2 obtained in the three consecutive weeks following the first test run to the delta (13) CO2 obtained in the first test run. Two hundred (99%), 197 (97.52%), and 196 (97%) of the 202 samples tested positive in the second, third, and fourth test runs, respectively. The accuracy of the delta (13) CO2 was 98.6%, 99.2%, and 96.7% in the three consecutive runs, respectively. Short-term storage of 1 month does not affect sample stability or the results of (13) C-urea breath tests in up to three consecutive repeats. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Organic carbon isotopes through the mid-Miocene: lack of a global signal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gröcke, D. R.; Diester-Haaß, L.; Billups, K.

2006-12-01

The mid-Miocene Monterey Event is characterized by a period of extreme warmth and heaviest benthic and planktic δ13C values of the Cenozoic, followed by rapid cooling and associated extension of Antarctic ice sheets and decreasing δ13C values since ca. 14 Ma. We present bulk organic-carbon results from three ODP sites located in the Atlantic Ocean (Sites 608, 925, and 1265). What is initially apparent in the δ13Corg records from these sites is the lack of a positive δ13C excursion that is recorded in foraminifera. In a concurrent study, benthic foraminiferal accumulation rate derived productivity increases at all three sites between 17.5 13.5 Ma, paralleling the general trend of increasing foraminiferal δ13C records. However, an inverse relationship between δ13Corg and foraminiferal- derived productivity rates suggest that productivity is driven by cyclic changes in upwelling of oxidized, nutrient-rich bottom waters. During this period also there is no change in delta-delta between carbonate and organic matter, which indicates that there were no changes in pCO2 during the mid-Miocene. Also, δ13Corg values are typical of C3 photosynthesis in Site 608 and 1265 however the equatorial site (925) shows considerable variation suggestive of the presence of C3 input back to at least 16 Ma. Further work on δ13Corg and productivity proxies through the Miocene is critical in order to understand the global carbon cycle in the oceanic and atmospheric realms.

Biologic properties of a CH2 domain-deleted recombinant immunoglobulin.

PubMed

Slavin-Chiorini, D C; Horan Hand, P H; Kashmiri, S V; Calvo, B; Zaremba, S; Schlom, J

1993-01-02

Monoclonal antibody (MAb) B72.3 reacts with TAG-72, a high-molecular-weight mucin expressed on several types of human carcinoma, and is currently being used in clinical trials for the diagnosis and therapy of human carcinoma. An expression construct containing cDNA encoding an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain, with the variable region of murine MAb B72.3 and a human Ig constant region with a deletion of the CH2 domain, was generated. Immunoglobulin from the transfectoma with the highest expression of the TAG-72 immunoreactive antibody was designated MAb chimeric (c) B72.3 delta CH2. The pharmacokinetics of serum clearance of iodine-labeled MAbs cB72.3 delta CH2 and the intact cB72.3 were compared in athymic mice. By 24 hr, less than 1% of the cB72.3 delta CH2 was left in the plasma, while 36% of the cB72.3 still remained. The T1/2 alpha values of the cB72.3 delta CH2 and cB72.3 MAbs were 1.7 and 2.4 hr, respectively. The T1/2 beta values were 7.8 hr for the domain-deleted cMAb and 48.9 hr for cB72.3. Biodistribution studies in athymic mice bearing LS-174T xenografts showed a reduction in the percentage of injected dose per gram in tumor with 131I-cB72.3 delta CH2; however, the 131I-cB72.3 delta CH2 both localized to tumors faster and cleared from the blood faster than the 125I-cB72.3 MAb. Only trace amounts of the 131I-cB72.3 delta CH2 were detected in normal tissues, including kidney. The faster clearance rate, more rapid tumor targeting and lack of metabolic uptake in normal tissues demonstrated with the iodine-labeled CH2 domain-deleted cMAb may be an advantage for certain clinical protocols.

Intermittency via moments and distributions in central O+Cu collisions at 14. 6 A[center dot]GeV/c

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

Tannenbaum, M.J.

Fluctuations in pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles from central (ZCAL) collisions of [sup 16]O+Cu at 14.6 A[center dot]GeV/c have been analyzed by Ju Kang using the method of scaled factorial moments as a function of the interval [delta][eta] an apparent power-law growth of moments with decreasing interval is observed down to [delta][eta] [approximately] 0.1, and the measured slope parameters are found to obey two scaling rules. Previous experience with E[sub T] distributions suggested that fluctuations of multiplicity and transverse energy can be well described by Gamma or Negative Binomial Distributions (NBD) and excellent fits to NBD were obtained in allmore » [delta][eta] bins. The k parameter of the NBD fit was found to increase linearly with the [delta][eta] interval, which due to the well known property of the NBD under convolution, indicates that the multiplicity distributions in adjacent bins of pseudorapidity [delta][eta] [approximately] 0.1 are largely statistically independent.« less

Intermittency via moments and distributions in central O+Cu collisions at 14.6 A{center_dot}GeV/c

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

Tannenbaum, M.J.; The E802 Collaboration

Fluctuations in pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles from central (ZCAL) collisions of {sup 16}O+Cu at 14.6 A{center_dot}GeV/c have been analyzed by Ju Kang using the method of scaled factorial moments as a function of the interval {delta}{eta} an apparent power-law growth of moments with decreasing interval is observed down to {delta}{eta} {approximately} 0.1, and the measured slope parameters are found to obey two scaling rules. Previous experience with E{sub T} distributions suggested that fluctuations of multiplicity and transverse energy can be well described by Gamma or Negative Binomial Distributions (NBD) and excellent fits to NBD were obtained in all {delta}{eta}more » bins. The k parameter of the NBD fit was found to increase linearly with the {delta}{eta} interval, which due to the well known property of the NBD under convolution, indicates that the multiplicity distributions in adjacent bins of pseudorapidity {delta}{eta} {approximately} 0.1 are largely statistically independent.« less

Cyanide and antimony thermodynamic database for the aqueous species and solids for the EPA-MINTEQ geochemical code

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

Sehmel, G.A.

1989-05-01

Thermodynamic data for aqueous species and solids that contain cyanide and antimony were tabulated from several commonly accepted, published sources of thermodynamic data and recent journal article. The review does not include gases or organic complexes of either antimony or cyanide, nor does the review include the sulfur compounds of cyanide. The basic thermodynamic data, ..delta..G/sub f,298//sup o/, ..delta..H/sub f,298//sup o/, and S/sub f//sup o/ values, were chosen to represent each solid phase and aqueous species for which data were available in the appropriate standard state. From these data the equilibrium constants (log K/sub r,298//sup o/) and enthalpies of reactionmore » (..delta..H/sub r,298//sup o/) at 298 K (25/degree/C) were calculated for reactions involving the formation of these aqueous species and solids from the basic components. 34 refs., 14 tabs.« less

delta18O variations in the Halimeda of Virgin Islands sands: evidence of cool water in the northeast Carribean, late Holocene

USGS Publications Warehouse

Holmes, Charles W.

1983-01-01

Halimeda segments from carbonate sands on the Virgin Islands platform have delta 18 O versus PDB isotopic values ranging from -0.3% to -1.3% (x = -0.9%). Modern Halimeda segments from the same area have a measured delta18 O ranging from -2.0% to -2.5% PDB (x = -2.15%), and the carbonate skeleton appears to have formed in isotopic equilibrium with the oceanic waters on the platform. Biologic and geochemical data indicate that the sand deposits have accumulated under physical and chemical conditions similar to the modern shelf environment. 14 C data suggest that the sand was deposited over an approximate 5800-year span, centering about 4000 years B.P. The average isotopic difference of 1.25% between the Holocene and modern carbonate indicates that the late Holocene Halimeda lived in waters approximately 4 degrees cooler than the present.

17 CFR 20.3 - Clearing organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... day; (5) A proprietary or clearing member customer account indicator; (6) The futures equivalent month...; (13) Gross long non-delta-adjusted swaption positions; and (14) Gross short non-delta-adjusted swaption positions. (c) End of reporting day data. For all futures equivalent months, clearing...

17 CFR 20.3 - Clearing organizations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... day; (5) A proprietary or clearing member customer account indicator; (6) The futures equivalent month...; (13) Gross long non-delta-adjusted swaption positions; and (14) Gross short non-delta-adjusted swaption positions. (c) End of reporting day data. For all futures equivalent months, clearing...

Stable isotopic compositions of carbonates from the Mesoproterozoic Bangemall Group, northwestern Australia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buick, R.; Des Marais, D. J.; Knoll, A. H.

1995-01-01

Marine carbonate rocks from the Mesoproterozoic Bangemall Group of northwestern Australia show little deviation (+/-1.3%) in whole-rock delta 13C(carb)-values about a mean of -0.5%. This narrow range persists despite close sampling (every 10-20 m) through long sections (up to 2500 m) that are geographically widespread (up to 250 km apart), over many depositional environments (supralittoral to outer shelf), sediment sources (stromatolitic bioherms to detrital calcilutites) and rock types (pure limestones to dolomitic shales). The only major excursions from the norm seem related to unusual environmental or post-depositional processes, as they are correlated with large enrichments (to -3%) or depletions (to -16%) in 18O. Relatively heavy delta 13C-values, up to +2.5%, occur in a single bed of brecciated ferruginous dolostone at a single locality; these abnormal values may result from local evaporitic conditions. Limey and shaley nodular dolostones have delta 13C-values as low as -4.3%, probably caused by remineralization of organic matter during late and patchy dolomitization. Most notably, sharp negative excursions in delta 13C, up to -8.4%, occur in bleached kerogen-free rocks with mineral assemblages of dolomite + quartz + calcite +/- tremolite + talc, reflecting isotopic re-equilibration in thick metamorphic aureoles around dolerite intrusions. General environmental variations are minor, with delta 13C-values of peritidal facies tending to be slightly positive whereas those of subtidal facies are slightly negative. There are no strong secular trends, but subtle fluctuations within the range -2 to +l% can be correlated along the northwestern margin of the basin. This resembles the pattern seen in other Mesoproterozoic successions, but is markedly unlike the heavy background (> +5%) and extreme variations (up to l0%) in delta 13C evident in Neoproterozoic successions of similar thickness and environmental setting. Hence, in contrast to the Neoproterozoic, the global rate of organic carbon burial was probably fairly constant during deposition of the Bangemall Group, and perhaps generally during the Mesoproterozoic, as was the redox state of the atmosphere and hydrosphere.

Testing the root-priming of soil organic matter decomposition using the isotopic signature of fossil fuel CO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, Robert; Paterson, Eric; Chapman, Steve; Thornton, Barry; Sim, Allan

2013-04-01

Plant roots provide various forms of soil labile carbon (i.e., rhizodeposition), which stimulate the growth of heterotrophic bacteria in the rhizosphere. This, in turn, provides a food source for phagotrophic protozoa and other bacterivores, whose carbon:nutrient ratios are generally higher than those of their food source. In order to maintain their stoichiometric composition, bacterivores release their extra nutrients into the rhizosphere, where they may be absorbed by plant roots. Thus, rhizodeposition should reduce carbon limitation, but increase nutrient demand, of the soil microbial biomass. We hypothesized that this shift towards nutrient deficiency would stimulate the production of microbial enzymes that depolymerise soil organic matter into microbial available forms. In other words, roots should stimulate the decomposition of soil organic matter. We report on experiment where we tested such a "root-priming" effect using 3 contrasting plant species (Achillea millefolium, Lolium perenne, Trifolium repens). An agricultural soil, with a delta-13C value of approximately -14 ‰ , was transferred into 30 pots and planted with seeds of each species. A ring was inserted in the middle of each pot, and no seeds were planted within the ring. Plants were grown in a growth chamber designed to deliver 13C-depleted air. The resulting plant biomass had a delta-13C value of approximately -52 ‰ . On 7 occasions during the growth trial, pots were sampled for the flux and delta-13C value of soil CO2. Using similar data from control pots without plants, we compared the expected vs. observed contributions of CO2 from roots and soil organic matter. Results from this study revealed a negative root-priming effect for all three species. We discuss the experimental conditions that could have led to this observation, as well as the novelty and potential of our experimental protocol.

Fast response of Scots pine to improved water availability reflected in tree-ring width and delta 13C.

PubMed

Eilmann, Britta; Buchmann, Nina; Siegwolf, Rolf; Saurer, Matthias; Cherubini, Paolo; Rigling, Andreas

2010-08-01

Drought-induced forest decline, like the Scots pine mortality in inner-Alpine valleys, will gain in importance as the frequency and severity of drought events are expected to increase. To understand how chronic drought affects tree growth and tree-ring delta(13)C values, we studied mature Scots pine in an irrigation experiment in an inner-Alpine valley. Tree growth and isotope analyses were carried out at the annual and seasonal scale. At the seasonal scale, maximum delta(13)C values were measured after the hottest and driest period of the year, and were associated with decreasing growth rates. Inter-annual delta(13)C values in early- and latewood showed a strong correlation with annual climatic conditions and an immediate decrease as a response to irrigation. This indicates a tight coupling between wood formation and the freshly produced assimilates for trees exposed to chronic drought. This rapid appearance of the isotopic signal is a strong indication for an immediate and direct transfer of newly synthesized assimilates for biomass production. The fast appearance and the distinct isotopic signal suggest a low availability of old stored carbohydrates. If this was a sign for C-storage depletion, an increasing mortality could be expected when stressors increase the need for carbohydrate for defence, repair or regeneration.

Stable Isotope Composition of Dissolved Sulphate and Carbonate in Selected Natural Systems.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Staniaszek, Piotr

In this thesis, isotope and concentration data are used to discuss the origin of sulphate in different systems; lakes and groundwaters in the Crowsnest Pass and Kikomun Creek Park, hot and cold springs in the Rocky Mountains, and vegetation under the influence of anthropogenic SO _2 and/or biogenic H_2 S emissions. Since sulphur cycling is intertwined with carbon cycling, carbon isotope data were also obtained for dissolved carbonate in some systems. It was concluded that very little of the oxygen in sulphate in lakes and hot springs of western Canada was derived from the associated water. In lakes and groundwater in the Crowsnest Pass, two major sources of sulphur were identified: sulphate from evaporites (delta^{34} S = +26perthous, delta^{18}O positive) on the northern side of the pass, and sulphur from oxidation of sulphides on the southern side (delta ^{34}S and delta ^{18}O both negative). Although hundreds of kilometers apart, some springs were found to have isotopically similar SO_4 ^{2-}. This suggests a common source, e.g. anhydrite associated with Mississippian limestones and cherts. However, data for chemical parameters indicate that such a source is not homogeneous or other sources are involved for some ions. Each spring possesses individual composition traits. The delta^{13} C value of total dissolved carbon at spring orifices was found to vary linearly with temperature according to the relationship: delta^{13} C = 0.11 times t - 9.67perthous (r = 0.948). It is difficult to attribute such a relationship to biogenic processes which are expected to yield more variable delta^{13}C values. From a number of possible mechanisms, it would seem that a physical property such as the temperature dependent of CO _2 solubility might be the underlying cause. Sulphate in plant tissues is derived from the soil, atmospheric gaseous compounds, and perhaps mechanically trapped aerosols. Data for delta^ {18}O values of sulphate in plants have not been reported previously. For plants growing in the vicinity of industrial SO_2 emissions it was found that the delta^{18 }O values in sulphate are influenced by the delta^{18}O values of local precipitation (comparison of data from Alberta, Canada, and California, USA). Thistles with very high sulphur concentrations (12,000 ppm) growing near the sour gas processing plant at Crossfield, Alberta were examined. It was concluded from the isotope data that they derived their sulphur from deeper soil. In contrast, grass with shallower roots contained much higher proportions of industrially emitted sulphur. In the vicinity of springs emitting H _2S, a linear correlation was found between delta^{34}S and delta^{18}O values in plant sulphate and that in springs. Mosses did not follow this trend. Their delta^{18 }O values were higher than for other adjacent plants.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic invertebrates and fish and observations about nitrogen and carbon isotope composition in relation to trophic structure and bioaccumulation patterns, Lake Worth and Meandering Road Creek, Fort Worth, Texas, 2007-08

USGS Publications Warehouse

Moring, J. Bruce

2010-01-01

During 2007-08 the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, evaluated the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in aquatic invertebrates and fish from one site in the main body of Lake Worth, two sites in a small inlet in Lake Worth (upper and lower Woods Inlet), and one site in Meandering Road Creek in Fort Worth, Texas. The four sites sampled during 2007-08 were located at or near sites where surficial bed-sediment samples had been collected and analyzed for PCBs during previous U.S. Geological Survey studies so that PCB concentrations in aquatic invertebrates and fish and PCB concentrations in surficial bed-sediment samples could be compared. Stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes were used to help assess differences in the amount of these isotopes by species and sampling location. The sum of 15 PCB-congener concentrations was highest for aquatic invertebrates and fish from the upper Woods Inlet site and lowest for the same aquatic invertebrates and fish from Lake Worth site, where PCBs historically had not been detected in lake bed sediment. An increase in the ratio of the heavier nitrogen-15 (15N) isotope to the lighter nitrogen-14 (14N) isotope, referred to as enrichment of 15N, was highest in largemouth bass (representing the highest trophic level sampled) at all sites and lowest for true midge larvae inhabiting surficial bed sediment in the lake (representing the lowest trophic level sampled). Enrichment of 15N was less variable in largemouth bass and other fish from the highest trophic level compared with shorter lived, primary consumer invertebrates from lower trophic levels, such as true midge larvae, mayfly nymphs, and zooplankton. The delta carbon-13 (delta13C) values measured in true midge larvae collected at the Lake Worth and upper and lower Woods Inlet sites were more negative compared with the delta13C values measured for all other taxa, indicating true midge larvae were more depleted of carbon-13 (13C) compared with all other aquatic invertebrate and fish. The relative depletion of 13C might indicate the carbon sources consumed by true midge larvae are different from the carbon sources consumed by all other taxon that were sampled. Ratios of stable nitrogen isotopes nitrogen-15 to nitrogen-14 (delta15N) were similar between taxa from the Lake Worth site and Woods Inlet sites. The sum of 15 PCB-congener concentrations, however, was an order of magnitude higher in largemouth bass from the upper Woods Inlet site, indicating that PCB-congener concentrations in lake bed sediment likely controls biomagnification within the lake because of the similarities in trophic structure of the resident aquatic community. The biota at the Lake Worth reference site, where PCBs were not detected in the surficial sediment during previous studies, were less contaminated than the biota at sites where PCBs had been detected in the surficial sediment. The highest trophic-level consumers (as evidenced by the most 15N-enriched delta15N values) showed the maximum bioaccumulation.

Stable isotopes, beaks and predators: a new tool to study the trophic ecology of cephalopods, including giant and colossal squids.

PubMed

Cherel, Yves; Hobson, Keith A

2005-08-07

Cephalopods play a key role in the marine environment but knowledge of their feeding habits is limited by lack of data. Here, we have developed a new tool to investigate their feeding ecology by combining the use of their predators as biological samplers together with measurements of the stable isotopic signature of their beaks. Cephalopod beaks are chitinous hard structures that resist digestion and the stable isotope ratios of carbon (delta13C) and nitrogen (delta15N) are indicators of the foraging areas and trophic levels of consumers, respectively. First, a comparison of delta13C and delta15N values of different tissues from the same individuals showed that beaks were slightly enriched in 13C but highly impoverished in 15N compared with lipid-free muscle tissues. Second, beaks from the same species showed a progressive increase in their delta15N values with increasing size, which is in agreement with a dietary shift from lower to higher trophic levels during cephalopod growth. In the same way, there was an increase in the delta15N signature of various parts of the same lower beaks in the order rostrum, lateral walls and wings, which reflects the progressive growth and chitinization of the beaks in parallel with dietary changes. Third, we investigated the trophic structure of a cephalopod community for the first time. Values of delta15N indicate that cephalopods living in slope waters of the subantarctic Kerguelen Islands (n=18 species) encompass almost three distinct trophic levels, with a continuum of two levels between crustacean- and fish-eaters and a distinct higher trophic level occupied by the colossal squid Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni. delta13C values demonstrated that cephalopods grow in three different marine ecosystems, with 16 species living and developing in Kerguelen waters and two species migrating from either Antarctica (Slosarczykovia circumantarctica) or the subtropics (the giant squid Architeuthis dux). The stable isotopic signature of beaks accumulated in predators' stomachs therefore revealed new trophic relationships and migration patterns and is a powerful tool to investigate the role of the poorly known cephalopods in the marine environment.

Millennial-aged organic carbon subsidies to a modern river food web.

PubMed

Caraco, Nina; Bauer, James E; Cole, Jonathan J; Petsch, Steven; Raymond, Peter

2010-08-01

Recent studies indicate that highly aged material is a major component of organic matter transported by most rivers. However, few studies have used natural 14C to trace the potential entry of this aged material into modern river food webs. Here we use natural abundance 14C, 13C, and deuterium (2H) to trace the contribution of aged and contemporary organic matter to an important group of consumers, crustacean zooplankton, in a large temperate river (the Hudson River, New York, USA). Zooplankton were highly 14C depleted (mean delta14C = -240 per thousand) compared to modern primary production in the river or its watershed (delta14C = -60 per thousand to +50 per thousand). In order to account for the observed 14C depletion, zooplankton must be subsidized by highly aged particulate organic carbon. IsoSource modeling suggests that the range of the aged dietary subsidy is between approximately 57%, if the aged organic matter source was produced 3400 years ago, and approximately 21%, if the organic carbon used is > or = 50 000 years in age, including fossil material that is millions of years in age. The magnitude of this aged carbon subsidy to river zooplankton suggests that modern river food webs may in some cases be buffered from the limitations set by present-day primary production.

60,000 Year Climate and Vegetation History of Southeast Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilcox, Paul S.

Sedimentological and palynological analyses of lacustrine cores from Baker Island, located in Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago, indicate that glaciers persisted on the island until 14,500 cal yr. BP. However, the appearance of tree pollen, including Pinus cf. contorta ssp. contorta (shore pine) and Tsuga mertensiana (mountain hemlock) immediately following deglaciation suggests that a forest refugium may have been present on ice-free portions of neighboring islands or the adjacent continental shelf. Sedimentological and palynological analyses indicate a variable climate during the Younger Dryas interval between 13,000 and 11,500 cal yr. BP, with a cold and dry onset followed by ameliorating conditions during the latter half of the interval. An eight cm-thick black tephra dated to 13,500 +/- 250 cal yr. BP is geochemically distinct from the Mt. Edgecumbe tephra and thus derived from a different volcano. Based on overall thickness, multiple normally graded beds, and grain size, I infer that the black tephra was emplaced by a large strombolian-style paroxysm. Because the dominant wind direction along this coast is from the west, the Addington Volcanic Field on the continental shelf, which would have been subaerially exposed during the eruption, is a potential source. The similarity in timing between this eruption and the Mt. Edgecumbe eruption suggests a shared trigger, possibly a response to unloading as the Cordilleran Ice Sheet retreated. To complement the Baker Island lacustrine record, a speleothem paleoclimate record based on delta13C and delta18O values spanning the interval from 60,000 yr. BP to 11,150 yr. BP was recovered from El Capitan Cave on neighboring Prince of Wales Island. More negative delta13 C values are attributed to predominance of angiosperms in the vegetation above the cave at 22,000 yr. BP and between 53,000 and 46,000 yr. BP while more positive delta13C values in speleothem EC-16-5-F indicate the presence of gymnosperms. These data suggest limited or no ice cover above El Capitan Cave for the duration of the record, possibly indicating that this region was a nunatak during glacial periods.

Respiratory properties of blood and arterial blood gases in the tegu lizard: effects of temperature and hypercapnia.

PubMed

Wood, S C; Glass, M L; Andersen, N A; Heisler, N

1987-01-01

The effects of body temperature and hypercapnia (7% inspired CO2) on arterial blood gases, plasma pH, and the characteristics of the blood oxygen dissociation curve were determined in Tegu lizards (Tupinambis nigropunctatus). Arterial pH fell from 7.59 to 7.50 when body temperature was increased from 25 to 35 degrees C. The pH/temperature coefficient (delta pH/delta t = -0.009 U/degrees C) was half of that predicted on the basis of 'constant relative alkalinity' and the alphastat hypothesis. The fall in plasma pH resulted from a decrease in plasma [HCO3-], and a rise in plasma Pco2. The O2 affinity of Tegu blood, expressed by the partial pressure at half saturation (P50), decreased with temperature in vitro from 42.3 to 49.6 torr at pH 7.4. The apparent enthalpy (delta H = -3.1 kcal/mol) is about 1/4 of that of human blood. In vivo, the arterial blood oxygen saturation decreased from 89% at 25 degrees to 82% at 35 degrees C. Arterial Po2 increased from 61 to 71 torr as expected from the right-shift of the oxygen dissociation curve. During environmental hypercapnia (7% CO2, 21% O2, 72% N2 inspired concentrations), arterial pH decreased to 7.28. Arterial O2 saturation remained constant and arterial Po2 increased from 61 to 85 torr due to the right-shift of the oxygen dissociation curve. The comparatively small effect of changes in temperature on the oxygen affinity of Tegu blood (directly according to the delta H value, and indirectly via changes in blood pH) results in a relatively small right shift of the oxygen dissociation curve, and accordingly in relatively high arterial and tissue Po2 values also at higher temperatures.

An isotopic biogeochemical study of the Green River oil shale

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Collister, J. W.; Summons, R. E.; Lichtfouse, E.; Hayes, J. M.

1992-01-01

Thirty-five different samples from three different sulfur cycles were examined in this stratigraphically oriented study of the Shell 22x-l well (U.S.G.S. C177 core) in the Piceance Basin, Colorado. Carbon isotopic compositions of constituents of Green River bitumens indicate mixing of three main components: products of primary photoautotrophs and their immediate consumers (delta approximately -30% vs PDB), products of methanotrophic bacteria (delta approximately -85%), and products of unknown bacteria (delta approximately -40%). For individual compounds synthesized by primary producers, delta-values ranged from -28 to -32%. 13C contents of individual primary products (beta-carotane, steranes, acyclic isoprenoids, tricyclic triterpenoids) were not closely correlated, suggesting diverse origins for these materials. 13C contents of numerous hopanoids were inversely related to sulfur abundance, indicating that they derived both from methanotrophs and from other bacteria, with abundances of methanotrophs depressed when sulfur was plentiful in the paleoenvironment. gamma-Cerane coeluted with 3 beta(CH3),17 alpha(H),21 beta(H)-hopane, but delta-values could be determined after deconvolution. gamma-Cerane (delta approximately -25%) probably derives from a eukaryotic heterotroph grazing on primary materials, the latter compound (delta approximately -90%) must derive from methanotrophic organisms. 13C contents of n-alkanes in bitumen differed markedly from those of paraffins generated pyrolytically. Isotopic and quantitative relationships suggest that alkanes released by pyrolysis derived from a resistant biopolymer of eukaryotic origin and that this was a dominant constituent of total organic carbon.

Millimeter wave transmission studies of YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin films in the 26.5 to 40.0 GHz frequency range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miranda, F. A.; Gordon, W. L.; Bhasin, K. B.; Heinen, V. O.; Warner, J. D.; Valco, G. J.

1989-01-01

Millimeter wave transmission measurements through YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films on MgO, ZrO2 and LaAlO3 substrates, are reported. The films (approx. 1 micron) were deposited by sequential evaporation and laser ablation techniques. Transition temperatures T sub c, ranging from 89.7 K for the Laser Ablated film on LaAlO3 to approximately 72 K for the sequentially evaporated film on MgO, were obtained. The values of the real and imaginary parts of the complex conductivity, sigma 1 and sigma 2, are obtained from the transmission data, assuming a two fluid model. The BCS approach is used to calculate values for an effective energy gap from the obtained values of sigma sub 1. A range of gap values from 2 DELTA o/K sub B T sub c = 4.19 to 4.35 was obtained. The magnetic penetration depth is evaluated from the deduced values of sigma 2. These results are discussed together with the frequency dependence of the normalized transmission amplitude, P/P sub c, below and above T sub c.

delta 6 Hexadecenoic acid is synthesized by the activity of a soluble delta 6 palmitoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase in Thunbergia alata endosperm.

PubMed

Cahoon, E B; Cranmer, A M; Shanklin, J; Ohlrogge, J B

1994-11-04

delta 6 Hexadecenoic acid (16:1 delta 6) composes more than 80% of the seed oil of Thunbergia alata. Studies were conducted to determine the biosynthetic origin of the double bond of this unusual fatty acid. Assays of fractions of developing T. alata seed endosperm with [1-14C]palmitoyl (16:0)-acyl carrier protein (ACP) revealed the presence of a soluble delta 6 desaturase activity. This activity was greatest when 16:0-ACP was provided as a substrate, whereas no desaturation of the coenzyme A ester of this fatty acid was detected. In addition, delta 6 16:0-ACP desaturase activity in T. alata endosperm extracts was dependent on the presence of ferredoxin and molecular oxygen and was stimulated by catalase. To further characterize this enzyme, a cDNA encoding a diverged acyl-ACP desaturase was isolated from a T. alata endosperm cDNA library using polymerase chain reaction with degenerate oligonucleotides corresponding to conserved amino acid sequences in delta 9 stearoyl (18:0)- and delta 4 16:0-ACP desaturases. The primary structure of the mature peptide encoded by this cDNA shares 66% identity with the mature castor delta 9 18:0-ACP desaturase and 57% identity with the mature coriander delta 4 16:0-ACP desaturase. Extracts of Escherichia coli that express the T. alata cDNA catalyzed the delta 6 desaturation of 16:0-ACP. These results demonstrate that 16:1 delta 6 in T. alata endosperm is formed by the activity of a soluble delta 6 16:0-ACP desaturase that is structurally related to the delta 9 18:0- and delta 4 16:0-ACP desaturases. Implications of this work to an understanding of active site structures of acyl-ACP desaturases are discussed.

Carbon isotopes in peat, DOC, CO{sub 2}, and CH{sub 4} in a Holocene peatland on Dartmoor, southwest England

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

Charman, D.J.; Aravena, R.; Bryant, C.L.

1999-06-01

Carbon gases with younger {sup 14}C ages than those of the surrounding peat have been reported from continental boreal peatlands, a fact which suggests that significant movement of CO{sub 2}, CH{sub 4}, or DOC (dissolved organic carbon) and export of C via subsurface processes are not accounted for in most estimates of contributions to the C cycle. This paper tests the hypothesis that similar processes can occur in oceanic ombrotrophic mires where water and gas movement is theoretically minimal. Measurements of {sup 14}C and {delta}{sup 13}C in CO{sub 2}, CH{sub 4}, and DOC, and of tritium, are reported from depthsmore » to 250 cm at Tor Royal, a raised mire in southwest England. Radiocarbon ages of gases are 1,460 to 500 yr younger than those of peat from the same depths, and CO{sub 2} is consistently younger than CH{sub 4}. DOC is 1,260 to 830 yr younger than the peat, and significant amounts of tritium were found at all depths. Gas ages are mostly intermediate between the age of the peat and that of the DOC, which suggests that C is principally transported as DOC. However, some gases are younger than their associated DOC, which implies that movement of dissolved gases may also take place. {delta}{sup 13}C values in gases suggest that CO{sub 2} reduction is the major pathway for CH{sub 4} production. Transport of C in deep peats is likely to be a significant component in the overall C budget of ombrotrophic oceanic peatlands, and C export via discharge to ground or surface waters may be an important mechanism for gaseous C emissions.« less

Radiocarbon and stable carbon isotope compositions of chemically fractionated soil organic matter in a temperate-zone forest.

PubMed

Koarashi, Jun; Iida, Takao; Asano, Tomohiro

2005-01-01

To better understand the role of soil organic matter in terrestrial carbon cycle, carbon isotope compositions in soil samples from a temperate-zone forest were measured for bulk, acid-insoluble and base-insoluble organic matter fractions separated by a chemical fractionation method. The measurements also made it possible to estimate indirectly radiocarbon ((14)C) abundances of acid- and base-soluble organic matter fractions, through a mass balance of carbon among the fractions. The depth profiles of (14)C abundances showed that (1) bomb-derived (14)C has penetrated the first 16cm mineral soil at least; (2) Delta(14)C values of acid-soluble organic matter fraction are considerably higher than those of other fractions; and (3) a significant amount of the bomb-derived (14)C has been preserved as the base-soluble organic matter around litter-mineral soil boundary. In contrast, no or little bomb-derived (14)C was observed for the base-insoluble fraction in all sampling depths, indicating that this recalcitrant fraction, accounting for approximately 15% of total carbon in this temperate-zone forest soil, plays a role as a long-term sink in the carbon cycle. These results suggest that bulk soil organic matter cannot provide a representative indicator as a source or a sink of carbon in soil, particularly on annual to decadal timescales.

Food webs in Mongolian grasslands: the analysis of 13C and 15N natural abundances.

PubMed

Kohzu, Ayato; Iwata, T; Kato, M; Nishikawa, J; Wada, Eitaro; Amartuvshin, N; Namkhaidorj, B; Fujita, N

2009-09-01

Overgrazing often lowers species richness and productivity of grassland communities. For Mongolian grassland ecosystems, a lack of detailed information about food-web structures makes it difficult to predict the effects of overgrazing on species diversity and community composition. We analysed the delta13C and delta15N signatures of herbaceous plants, arthropods (grouped by feeding habit), wild and domestic mammals, and humans in central Mongolia to understand the predominant food-web pathways in this grassland ecosystem. The delta13C and delta15N values of mammals showed little variation within species, but varied considerably with slope position for arthropods. The apparent isotopic discrimination between body tissue and hair of mammals was estimated as 2.0 per thousand for delta13C and 2.1 per thousand for delta15N, which was large enough to cause overestimation of the trophic level of mammals if not taken into account when using hair samples to measure isotopic enrichment.

Body Temperatures During Exercise in Deconditioned Dogs: Effect of NACL and Glucose Infusion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Greenleaf, J. E.; Kruk, B.; Nazar, K.; Kaciuba-Usciko, H.

2000-01-01

Infusion of glucose (Glu) into normal exercising dogs attenuates the rise in rectal temperature (Delta-Tre) when compared with delta-Tre during FFA infusion or no infusion. Rates of rise and delta-=Tre levels are higher during exercise after confinement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine if Glu infusion would attenuate the exercise-induced excess hyperthermia after deconditioning. Rectal and quadricep femoris muscle temperatures (Tmu) were measured in 7 male, mongrel dogs dogs (19.6 +/- SD 3.0 kg) during 90 minutes of treadmill exercise (3.1 +/-SD 0.2 W/kg) with infusion (30ml/min/kg) of 40% Glu or 0.9% NaCL before BC) and after confinement (AC) in cages (40 x 110 x 80 cm) for 8 wk. Mean (+/-SE body wt. were 19.6 +/- 1.1 kg BC and 19.5 +/- 1.1kg AC, exercise VO2 were not different (40.0 - 42.0 mi/min/kg-1). With NaCl AC, NaCl BC, GluAC, and GluBC: Delta-Tre were, 1.8, 1.4, 1.3 and 0.9C respectively; and Delta-Tmu were 2.3, 1.9, 1.6, and 1.4C. respectively (P<0.05 from GluBC). Compared with NaCl infusion, attenuated both Delta-Tre and Delta-Tmu BC and AC, respectively. Compared with GluBC, GluAC attenuated Delta-Tmu but not Delta-Tre. Thus. with similar heat production, the mechanism for attenuation at bad body temperature with Glu infusion must affect avenues of heat dissipation.

Atmospheric 14 C CO 2 variations in Japan during 1982--1999 based on 14 C measurements of rice grains.

PubMed

Shibata, Setsuko; Kawano, Eiko; Nakabayashi, Takeshige

2005-08-01

(14)C in rice grains is a useful tracer of atmospheric (14)C(CO(2)). (14)C measurement in rice grains for 17 years during 1982--1999 reveals the following. There is negative correlation between Delta(14)C and the population densities of localities in Japan. Under-populated areas in the northern area of Japan and Okinawa remained clean in the 1990s. The (14)C(CO(2)) decline rates at those areas are near to that of Shauinsland. A latitudinal effect due to Chinese nuclear tests is observed in 1982. Small Seuss effects is observed at the middle latitudes in East Asia after 1995.

Illitization and paleothermal regimes in the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone, Central Michigan Basin: K-Ar, Oxygen Isotope, and fluid inclusion data

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

Girard, J.P.; Barnes, D.A.

1995-01-01

Hydrocarbon reservoirs occur in the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone in the central Michigan basin at depths of 1.5-3.5 km and are diagenetically altered. Latest diagenetic cements include saddle dolomite, pervasive microcrystalline illite and chlorite, and quartz. A K-Ar and {sup 18}O/{sup 16}O study of the fine-grained authigenic illite in 25 samples from 16 wells covering a large area within the basin yields K-Ar ages ranging from 367 to 322 Ma and {delta}{sup 18}O values between 12.7 and 16.9% SMOW. The {delta}{sup 18}O values of diagenetic quartz overgrowths range from 15.2 to 18.9%. Fluid inclusion temperatures in the quartz cementmore » range from 70 to 170{degrees}C, reflecting multiple generations of diagenetic quartz and/or precipitation over most of the diagenetic history. Reequilibrated fluid inclusions in the saddle dolomite cement yield temperatures ranging from 90 to 150{degrees}C. A regionally significant episode of illitization occurred during the Late Devonian-Mississipian. Temperatures of illite formation are indirectly estimated to be in the range of 125-170{degrees}C and most paleodepths of illitization are between 2.8 and 3.2 km. These results imply that (1) illite formed from {sup 18}O-rich fluids, and (2) elevated geothermal gradients, i.e., greater than 34% C/km, existed in the Michigan basin in the late Paleozoic. The K-Ar ages and the {delta}{sup 18}O values are not correlated to present depths of the samples or paleodepths of illitization. Illites with young ages and low {delta}{sup 18}O values tend to be geographically distributed along the north-south branch of the buried Precambrian rift. The {delta}{sup 18}O values of the diagenetic quartz follow a similar trend. The spread of illite K-Ar ages and {delta}{sup 19}O values, and their geographic distribution, are best explained as reflecting abnormally high thermal regimes in the part of the basin located above the presumably highly fractured basement along the rift.« less

US Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: Proceedings of the technical meeting, Phoenix, Arizona, September 26-30, 1988

USGS Publications Warehouse

Mallard, Gail E.; Ragone, Stephen E.

1989-01-01

Crude oil floating at the surface of a shallow aquifer of glacial outwash, near Bemidji, Minnesota, is altered by geochemical processes. Hydrocarbons from the oil are attenuated by several reactions that include aerobic and anaerobic microbial degradation. These degradation reactions result in the development of geochemical facies in the shallow groundwater system. Groundwater most affected by the presence of organic compounds is anoxic, and concentrations of methane, dissolved organic carbon, and total inorganic are high--0.76 millimole/L, 2.9 millimole/L, and 12.3 millimole/L, respectively. The concentrations of chemical species and delta-(13)C isotope values indicate that the plume near the oil lens has become progressively more reducing. Over a 4-year period (1984 through 1987), the concentrations of methane and iron have increased by a factor of > 25. The data suggest that sequential degradation occurs, as predicted by thermo-dynamics: manganese is reduced before iron is reduced, which occurs before methanogenesis. These data provide field evidence that reduction of iron and manganese is an important mechanism of decomposition of organic matter in aquifers. The delta-(13)C values of inorganic carbon of the native groundwater range from -12 ppt to -15 ppt as a result of mixing of soil CO2 with CO2 from the dissolution of carbonates. Non methanogenic biodegradation of oil constituents adds isotopically light CO2 to the groundwater because the oil has a delta-(13)C value of 28 ppt. The delta-(13)C value of inorganic carbon in the reducing zone have become progressively heavier from 1985 through 1987. The maximum change occurs 15 m downgradient from the oil lens, where the delta-(13)C values increased from -21.6 ppt to -5.35 ppt. This change indicates that the plume has become more reducing and methanogenic over time. 

Isotopic analyses of nitrogenous compounds from the Murchison meteorite: ammonia, amines, amino acids, and polar hydrocarbons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pizzarello, S.; Feng, X.; Epstein, S.; Cronin, J. R.

1994-01-01

The combined volatile bases (ammonia, aliphatic amines, and possibly other bases), ammonia, amino acids, and polar hydrocarbons were prepared from the Murchison meteorite for isotopic analyses. The volatile bases were obtained by cryogenic transfer after acid-hydrolysis of a hot-water extract and analyzed by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of pentafluoropropionyl derivatives. The aliphatic amines present in this preparation comprise a mixture that includes both primary and secondary isomers through C5 at a total concentration of > or = 100 nmoles g-1. As commonly observed for meteoritic organic compounds, almost all isomers through C5 are present, and the concentrations within homologous series decrease with increasing chain length. Ammonia was chromatographically separated from the other volatile bases and found at a concentration of 1.1-1.3 micromoles g-1 meteorite. The ammonia analyzed includes contributions from ammonium salts and the hydrolysis of extractable organic compounds, e.g., carboxamides. Stable isotope analyses showed the volatile bases to be substantially enriched in the heavier isotopes, relative to comparable terrestrial compounds delta D < or = +1221%; delta 13C = +22%; delta 15N = +93%). Ammonia, per se, was found to have a somewhat lower delta 15N value (+69%) than the total volatile bases; consequently, a higher delta 15N (>93%) can be inferred for the other bases, which include the amines. Solvent-extractable polar hydrocarbons obtained separately were found to be enriched in 15N (delta 15N = +104%). Total amino acids, prepared from a hydrolyzed hot-water extract by cation exchange chromatography, gave a delta 15N of +94%, a value in good agreement with that obtained previously. Nitrogen isotopic data are also given for amino acid fractions separated chromatographically. The delta 15N values of the Murchison soluble organic compounds analyzed to date fall within a rather narrow range (delta 15N = +94 +/- 8%), an observation consistent with their formation, or formation of their precursors, by interstellar chemistry.

Colorimetric analysis of three editions of the Velhagen-Broschmann pseudoisochromatic colour plates.

PubMed

Kuchenbecker, Jörn; Nicklas, Sven; Behrens-Baumann, Wolfgang

2010-01-01

Chromatic variations across different copies and different editions of pseudoisochromatic tests and violation of underlying principles of construction for individual plates can influence test results. We analysed the colorimetric characteristics of three different editions of Velhagen-Broschmann pseudoisochromatic plates (30th edition printed in 1995, 31st edition printed in 1997, 32nd edition printed in 2000). One hundred and twelve coloured dots of 18 plates were chosen from each edition. We measured RGB and CIE XYZ values using a spectrophotometer. Differences in lightness and chromaticity between corresponding dots of different editions were analysed in terms of Delta L* and Delta u'v', respectively. For each plate deviations from dichromatic confusion lines were analysed. Furthermore, we determined the relative luminance of a target compared to its background in terms of the Weber contrast. The mean Delta L* across editions was 2.05 (+/-1.4) and the mean Delta u'v' was 0.0078 (+/-0.0029). For two plates the deviations of targets from dichromatic confusion lines exceeded suggested values. For a number of plates, the lightness contrast between the symbol and its background was high. Comparison with psychophysical data showed that these colour plates are easily detectable by colour-deficient observers. Lightness and chromatic variation across the three editions was moderate except for a small number of plates perhaps due to inaccuracies in the printing process. The design of several plates should be revised according to standard principles of construction of colour deficiency tests. (c) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel.

"Facilitated" amino acid transport is upregulated in brain tumors.

PubMed

Miyagawa, T; Oku, T; Uehara, H; Desai, R; Beattie, B; Tjuvajev, J; Blasberg, R

1998-05-01

The goal of this study was to determine the magnitude of "facilitated" amino acid transport across tumor and brain capillaries and to evaluate whether amino acid transporter expression is "upregulated" in tumor vessels compared to capillaries in contralateral brain tissue. Aminocyclopentane carboxylic acid (ACPC), a non-metabolized [14C]-labeled amino acid, and a reference molecule for passive vascular permeability, [67Ga]-gallium-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Ga-DTPA), were used in these studies. Two experimental rat gliomas were studied (C6 and RG2). Brain tissue was rapidly processed for double label quantitative autoradiography 10 minutes after intravenous injection of ACPC and Ga-DTPA. Parametric images of blood-to-brain transport (K1ACPC and K1Ga-DTPA, microL/min/g) produced from the autoradiograms and the histology were obtained from the same tissue section. These three images were registered in an image array processor; regions of interest in tumor and contralateral brain were defined on morphologic criteria (histology) and were transferred to the autoradiographic images to obtain mean values. The facilitated component of ACPC transport (deltaK1ACPC) was calculated from the K1ACPC and K1Ga-DTPA data, and paired comparisons between tumor and contralateral brain were performed. ACPC flux, K1ACPC, across normal brain capillaries (22.6 +/- 8.1 microL/g/min) was >200-fold greater than that of Ga-DTPA (0.09 +/- 0.04 microL/g/min), and this difference was largely (approximately 90%) due to facilitated ACPC transport. Substantially higher K1ACPC values compared to corresponding K1DTPA values were also measured in C6 and RG2 gliomas. The deltaK1ACPC values for C6 glioma were more than twice that of contralateral brain cortex. K1ACPC and deltaK1ACPC values for RG2 gliomas was not significantly higher than that of contralateral cortex, although a approximately 2-fold difference in facilitated transport is obtained after normalization for differences in capillary surface area between RG2 tumors and contralateral cortex. K1ACPC, deltaK1ACPC, and K DTPA were directly related to tumor cell density, were higher in regions of "impending" necrosis, and the tumor/contralateral brain ACPC radio-activity ratios (0 to 10 minutes) were very similar to that obtained with 0 to 60 minutes experiments. These results indicate that facilitated transport of ACPC is upregulated across C6 and RG2 glioma capillaries, and that tumors can induce upregulation of amino acid transporter expression in their supporting vasculature. They also suggest that early imaging (e.g., 0 to 20 minutes) with radiolabeled amino acids in a clinical setting may be optimal for defining brain tumors.

Influence of Murchison Minerals on Hydrogen-Deuterium Exchange of Amino Acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lerner, N. R.

1993-07-01

The amino acids found on the Murchison meteorite are deuterium enriched. For the glycine-alanine fraction, delta D = +2448 per mil, and for the alpha-amino isobutyric acid fraction, delta D = +149 per mil [1]. In order to retain such levels of deuterium enrichment, the amino acids found in Murchison must have not only retained the deuterium enrichment of their interstellar precursors (delta D > +1500 per mil [2]) during synthesis, as has been recently shown [3], but they must have also retained their deuterium label during the aqueous alteration phase [4]. By measuring the rates of deuterium exchange of amino acids with D(sub)2O, limits can be set on the length of time and the conditions under which the Murchison parent body experienced an aqueous environment. The rates of hydrogen-deuterium exchange of nondeuterated glycine, alanine, alpha-amino isobutyric acid, and amino diacetic acid have been measured in D(sub)2O as a function of temperature, pH, and the presence of Murchison minerals. In addition to the amino and carboxylic hydrogens, only the alpha- hydrogens of glycine, alanine, and amino diacetic acid are found to exchange. Even for solutions maintained for weeks at temperatures as high as 120 degrees C, no exchange was observed with the hydrogens of the methyl groups of alanine or alpha-amino isobutyric acid. The rate of exchange for alpha-hydrogens of amino acids is first-order with respect to the amino acid concentration. Increasing the pH of the solution markedly increases the rate of exchange. For example, at 115 degrees C and pH 4.0, 7.0, and 10 the rates are 14, 30, and 125 yr^-1 respectively for glycine and 2.0, 3.5, and 14 yr^-1 respectively for alanine. In a pH-6.0 D(sub)2O solution of amino acids containing Murchison dust the rates are 135 yr^-1 for glycine and 32 yr^-1 for alanine, rates close to those for the pH 10 solution. Activation energies for exchange were obtained from Arrhenius plots constructed from measurements made between 70 degrees C and 155 degrees C in solutions containing Murchison dust. For both glycine and alanine the activation energy is -25 kcal/mole. Using this value, we have calculated the half-lives for complete exchange of the alpha-hydrogens of glycine and alanine for the temperature range thought to have existed on the parent body during aqueous alteration [5]. The half-lives at 0 degrees C and 20 degrees C are 7500 yr and 300 yr respectively for glycine and 55,000 yr and 2100 yr respectively for alanine. Murchison amino acid fraction IV [1] was known to contain impurities and hence the measured delta D value represents a lower limit for alpha-amino isobutyric acid. Assuming that all the deuterium recovered from fraction IV came from alpha-amino isobutryric acid, and that one atom of nitrogen is recovered for each molecule of alpha-amino isobutyric acid, a maximum delta D value of +2600 per mil can be calculated for this amino acid. This is comparable to delta D for the glycine-alanine fraction, which is mainly glycine [6]. In an aqueous environment glycine loses deuterium relatively rapidly while alpha-amino isobutyric acid does not undergo exchange. Hence the similarity in the delta D values of both fractions indicates that the period of aqueous alteration is less than the half-life for hydrogen-deuterium exchange of glycine. References: [1] Pizzarello S. et al. (1991) GCA, 55, 905-910. [2] Zinner E. (1988) In Meteorites and the Early Solar System (J. R. Kerridge and M. S. Matthews, eds.), 956-983, Univ. of Arizona. [3] Lerner N. R. et al. (1993) GCA, in press. [4] Bunch T. E. and Chang S. (1980) GCA, 44, 1543-1577. [5] Clayton R. N. and Mayeda T. K. (1984) EPSL, 67, 151-161. [6] Shock E. L. and Shulte M. D. (1990) GCA, 54, 3159-3173.

Rat PPAR delta contains a CGG triplet repeat and is prominently expressed in the thalamic nuclei.

PubMed

Xing, G; Zhang, L; Zhang, L; Heynen, T; Yoshikawa, T; Smith, M; Weiss, S; Detera-Wadleigh, S

1995-12-26

We have isolated a new rat sequence containing motifs of a nuclear hormone receptor from a brain cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the cDNA clone showed a strong homology to the human NUCI and the mouse peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPAR delta). We therefore refer to this new clone as rat PPAR delta (rPPAR delta). The new feature of rPPAR delta is a 14 CGG triplet repeat on the 5' untranslated region, not previously reported in either NUCI or mPPAR delta. We found that rPPAR delta was expressed as a 3.5-kb transcript which showed a wide distribution in adult rat tissues. Abundant expression was detected in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, kidney and lung. Weaker expression was noted in the liver, spleen and testis. To determine the specific brain localization of rPPAR delta we performed in situ hybridization analysis. Prominent expression was observed in the thalamus, particularly in the posterior part of the ventral medial nucleus, a site responsive to pain and cold stress. These results raise the possibility that PPAR delta might play a role in modulating response to thermal and pain sensations.

Source Water Identification and Chemical Typing for Nitrogen at the Kissimmee River, Pool C, Florida--Preliminary Assessment

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

2002-01-01

As part of the South Florida Water Management District's Ground Water-Surface Water Interactions Study, a project was undertaken to identify the ages and sources of water in the area of Pool C, Kissimmee River, Florida. Twenty-two water samples were collected along two transects: at a remnant river oxbows (Site D) and in the dredged part of the channel (Site C). The samples were analyzed for concentrations of fluoride and strontium, and for isotopes of oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. Selected samples were analyzed for one or more additional isotopes (carbon-14, the ratio of strontium-87 to strontium-86, tritium, and tritium-helium-3). Delta nitrogen-15 values for nitrate at Site C can be explained by soil nitrogen and fertilizer sources; at Site D soil nitrogen accounts for most values, although animal wastes may explain higher values. Some of the isotopic data seem to be contradictory: carbon-14 data apparently indicate that shallow ground water is younger at Site D than at Site C, whereas strontium-87/86 ratios lead to the opposite conclusion. More detailed analysis of major ions and nutrients for all sampling points, along with flow measurements, could allow more definitive interpretation of isotope data and provide additional insight into mixing of ground water and surface water at the sites.

Kinetics and Thermochemistry of the Cl((sup 2)P(sub J)) + C2Cl4 Association Reaction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nicovich, J. M.; Wang, S.; Mckee, M. L.; Wine, P. H.

1997-01-01

A laser flash photolysis-resonance fluorescence technique has been employed to study the kinetics of the Cl(sup 2)P(sub j) + C2Cl4 association reaction as a function of temperature (231-390 K) and pressure (3-700 Torr) in nitrogen buffer gas. The reaction is found to be in the falloff regime between third and second order over the range of conditions investigated, although the second-order limit is approached at the highest pressures and lowest temperatures. At temperatures below 300 K, the association reaction is found to be irreversible on the experimental time scale of approximately 20 m-s. The kinetic data at T is less than 300 K have been employed to obtain falloff parameters in a convenient format for atmospheric modeling. At temperatures above 330 K, reversible addition is observed, thus allowing equilibrium constants for C2Cl5 formation and dissociation to be determined. Second- and third-law analyses of the equilibrium data lead to the following thermochemical parameters for the association reaction: Delta-H(298) = -18.1 +/- 1.3 kcal/mol, Delta-H(0) = -17.6 +/- 1.3 kcal/mol, and Delta-S(298) = -27.7 +/- 3.0 cal/mol.K. In conjunction with the well-known heats of formation of Cl((sup 2)P(sub j)) and C2Cl4 the above Delta-H values lead to the following heats of formation for C2Cl5, at 298 and 0 K: Delta-H(f,298) = 8.0 +/- 1.3 kcal/mol and Delta-H(f,0) = 8.1 +/- 1.5 kcal/mol. The kinetic and thermochemical parameters reported above are compared with other reported values, and the significance of reported association rate coefficients for understanding tropospheric chlorine chemistry is discussed.

Precision and long-term stability of clumped-isotope analysis of CO2 using a small-sector isotope ratio mass spectrometer.

PubMed

Yoshida, Naohiro; Vasilev, Mikhail; Ghosh, Prosenjit; Abe, Osamu; Yamada, Keita; Morimoto, Maki

2013-01-15

The ratio of the measured abundance of (13)C-(18)O bonding CO(2) to its stochastic abundance, prescribed by the δ(13)C and δ(18)O values from a carbonate mineral, is sensitive to its growth temperature. Recently, clumped-isotope thermometry, which uses this ratio, has been adopted as a new tool to elucidate paleotemperatures quantitatively. Clumped isotopes in CO(2) were measured with a small-sector isotope ratio mass spectrometer. CO(2) samples digested from several kinds of calcium carbonates by phosphoric acid at 25 °C were purified using both cryogenic and gas-chromatographic separations, and their isotopic composition (δ(13)C, δ(18)O, Δ(47), Δ(48) and Δ(49) values) were then determined using a dual-inlet Delta XP mass spectrometer. The internal precisions of the single gas Δ(47) measurements were 0.005 and 0.02‰ (1 SE) for the optimum and the routine analytical conditions, respectively, which are comparable with those obtained using a MAT 253 mass spectrometer. The long-term variations in the Δ(47) values for the in-house working standard and the heated CO(2) gases since 2007 were close to the routine, single gas uncertainty while showing seasonal-like periodicities with a decreasing trend. Unlike the MAT 253, the Delta XP did not show any significant relationship between the Δ(47) and δ(47) values. The Delta XP gave results that were approximately as precise as those of the MAT 253 for clumped-isotope analysis. The temporal stability of the Delta XP seemed to be lower, although an advantage of the Delta XP was that no dependency of δ(47) on Δ(47) was found. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A search for presolar organic matter in meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, J.; Epstein, S.

1985-01-01

The D/H ratios and the C-13/C-12 ratios of acid-insoluble organic matter of 4 meteorites, Ochansk (H4), Plainview (H5), Gladstone (H6) and Odessa (IA), were measured. delta-D values for hydrogen extracted by stepwise combustion were negative, down to -280 deg/infinity. delta-C-13 values were also negative except in the case of the carbon coming off at the highest temperature steps for Plainview and Odessa meteorites. The concentrations of C-13-rich carbon were 3-5 orders of magnitude smaller than those found in Murchison meteorite, suggesting that relic grains of stellar condensates were mostly destroyed in the meteorites examined.

Stable isotope geochemistry of corals from Costa Rica as proxy indicator of the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

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

Carriquiry, J.D.; Risk, M.J.; Schwarcz, H.P.

The authors analyzed the [delta][sup 18]O and [delta][sup 13]C time-series contained in coral skeletons collected from Isla de Cano, Costa Rica, that survived the 1982-1983 El Nino warming event. Coral [delta][sup 18]O give a record of thermal histories with a precision of [approximately]0.5[degrees]C. For this locality, the authors have determined that the average [Delta][delta][sub w] effect in the coral skeletons is equivalent to 33% of the skeletal [delta][sup 18]O range. Therefore, if [delta][sub w] effects are not compensated for, the annual skeletal-[delta][sup 18]O range displays a temperature range of 1[degrees]C lower than actual values. The isotopic record of Porites lobatamore » skeletons shows simultaneous depletions in [sup 18]O and [sup 13]C at skeletal levels corresponding to 1983, coincident with the El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event. Therefore, the El Nino event is not only recorded as negative [delta][sup 18]O anomalies in the skeleton, suggesting the warming of ambient waters, but also in the [delta][sup 13]C signal as negative anomalies, indicating coral bleaching. Contrary to the predictions of the [open quotes][sup 13]C-insolation model[close quotes] that the annual carbon isotope variation should be attenuated with depth in proportion to the decrease in light-intensity variation with depth, the authors found a clear trend where [Delta][delta][minus][sup 13]C increases with depth. Coral bioenergetics, which depends on both coral physiology and ecology, may adequately explain the unexpected increase in [delta][sup 13]C range with depth, without contradicting the seasonal character of [delta][sup 13]C variability with the solar irradiance cycle. Although some authors have determined the presence of hiatuses in the skeletal record due to severe stress and growth cessation, in this study it has been found that skeletal growth was not seriously diminished during the El Nino year of 1983.« less

The Astronomical Almanac Online - Glossary

Science.gov Websites

Astronomical Almanac. Δ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm T}}$: the difference between Terrestrial Time (TT) and Universal Time (UT): $\\Delta {\\rm T} = {\\rm TT} - {\\rm UT}1 $. $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm UT1}}$ (or $\\boldmath{\\Delta {\\rm UT}}$): the value of the difference between

Carbon dynamics and CO2 and CH4 outgassing in the Mekong delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borges, Alberto V.; Abril, Gwenaël; Bouillon, Steven

2018-02-01

We report a data set of biogeochemical variables related to carbon cycling obtained in the three branches (Mỹ Tho, Hàm Luông, Cố Chiên) of the Mekong delta (Bến Tre province, Vietnam) in December 2003, April 2004, and October 2004. Both the inner estuary (upstream of the mouth) and the outer estuary (river plume) were sampled, as well as side channels. The values of the partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) ranged between 232 and 4085 ppm, O2 saturation level (%O2) between 63 and 114 %, and CH4 between 2 and 2217 nmol L-1, within the ranges of values previously reported in temperate and tropical meso- and macro-tidal estuaries. Strong seasonal variations were observed. In the upper oligohaline estuary, low pCO2 (479-753 ppm) and high %O2 (98-106 %) values were observed in April 2004 most probably related to freshwater phytoplankton growth owing to low freshwater discharge (1400 m3 s-1) and increase in water residence time; during the two other sampling periods with a higher freshwater discharge (9300-17 900 m3 s-1), higher pCO2 (1895-2664 ppm) and lower %O2 (69-84 %) values were observed in the oligohaline part of the estuary. In October 2004, important phytoplankton growth occurred in the offshore part of the river plume as attested by changes in the contribution of particulate organic carbon (POC) to total suspended matter (TSM) (%POC) and the stable isotope composition of POC (δ13C-POC), possibly related to low TSM values (improvement of light conditions for phytoplankton development), leading to low pCO2 (232 ppm) and high %O2 (114 %) values. Water in the side channels in the Mekong delta was strongly impacted by inputs from the extensive shrimp farming ponds. The values of pCO2, CH4, %O2, and the stable isotope composition of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C-DIC) indicated intense organic matter degradation that was partly mediated by sulfate reduction in sediments, as revealed by the slope of total alkalinity (TA) and DIC covariations. The δ13C-POC variations also indicated intense phytoplankton growth in the side channels, presumably due to nutrient enrichment related to the shrimp farming ponds. A data set in the mangrove creeks of the Ca Mau province (part of the Mekong delta) was also acquired in April and October 2004. These data extended the range of variability in pCO2 and %O2 with more extreme values than in the Mekong delta (Bến Tre), with maxima and minima of 6912 ppm and 37 %, respectively. Similarly, the maximum CH4 concentration (686 nmol L-1) was higher in the Ca Mau province mangrove creeks than in the Mekong delta (Bến Tre, maximum 222 nmol L-1) during the October 2004 cruise (rainy season and high freshwater discharge period). In April 2004 (dry season and low freshwater discharge period), the CH4 values were much lower than in October 2004 (average 19 ± 13 and 210 ± 158 nmol L-1, respectively) in the Ca Mau province mangrove creeks, owing to the higher salinity (average 33.2 ± 0.6 and 14.1 ± 1.2, respectively) that probably led to higher sediment sulfate reduction, leading to inhibition of sediment methanogenesis and higher anaerobic CH4 oxidation. In the inner estuarine region (three branches of the Mekong delta), CO2 emissions to the atmosphere averaged 121 mmol m-2 d-1, and the CH4 emissions averaged 118 µmol m-2 d-1. The CO2 emission to the atmosphere from the Mekong inner estuary was higher than reported in the Yangtze and Pearl river inner estuaries. This was probably due to the lower salinity in the Mekong delta branches, possibly due to different morphology: relatively linear channels in the Mekong delta versus funnel-shaped estuaries for the Yangtze and Pearl river inner estuaries.

Intrinsic and extrinsic uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.

PubMed

Kadenbach, Bernhard

2003-06-05

This article reviews parameters of extrinsic uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) in mitochondria, based on induction of a proton leak across the inner membrane. The effects of classical uncouplers, fatty acids, uncoupling proteins (UCP1-UCP5) and thyroid hormones on the efficiency of OxPhos are described. Furthermore, the present knowledge on intrinsic uncoupling of cytochrome c oxidase (decrease of H(+)/e(-) stoichiometry=slip) is reviewed. Among the three proton pumps of the respiratory chain of mitochondria and bacteria, only cytochrome c oxidase is known to exhibit a slip of proton pumping. Intrinsic uncoupling was shown after chemical modification, by site-directed mutagenesis of the bacterial enzyme, at high membrane potential DeltaPsi, and in a tissue-specific manner to increase thermogenesis in heart and skeletal muscle by high ATP/ADP ratios, and in non-skeletal muscle tissues by palmitate. In addition, two mechanisms of respiratory control are described. The first occurs through the membrane potential DeltaPsi and maintains high DeltaPsi values (150-200 mV). The second occurs only in mitochondria, is suggested to keep DeltaPsi at low levels (100-150 mV) through the potential dependence of the ATP synthase and the allosteric ATP inhibition of cytochrome c oxidase at high ATP/ADP ratios, and is reversibly switched on by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. Finally, the regulation of DeltaPsi and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria at high DeltaPsi values (150-200 mV) are discussed.

The Shape of Things to Come: Estimating Northern-Hemisphere (NH) Transient Climate Response Through Hindcasting and Forecasting the Frequency Distribution of Earth's NH Land Temperature Anomalies for the Period 1951-2071

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leclerc, D. F.

2016-12-01

Northern-hemisphere (NH) heatwaves, during which temperatures rise 5 standard deviations (SD), sigma, above the historical mean temperature, mu, are becoming frequent; these events skew temperature anomaly (delta T) profiles towards extreme values. Although general extreme value (GEV) distributions have modeled precipitation data, their application to temperatures have met with limited success. This work presents a modified three-parameter (mu, sigma and tau (skew)) Exponential-Gaussian (eGd) model that hindcasts decadal NH land winter (DJF) and summer (JJA) delta Ts from 1951 to 2011, and forecasts profiles for a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario for 2061-2071. We accessed 12 numerical binned (0.05 °C/bin) z-scored NH decadal datasets (posted online until August 2015) from the publicly available website http://www.columbia.edu/ mhs119/PerceptionsAndDice/ mentioned in Hansen et al, PNAS 109 E2415-E2423 (2012) and stated to be in the public domain. No pre-processing was done. Parameters were calculated for the 12 NH datasets pasted into Microsoft Excel™ through the method of moments for 1-tail distributions and through the BEST deconvolution program described by Pommé and Marroyo, Applied Radiation and Isotopes 96 148-153 (2015) for 2-tail distributions. We used maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), residual sum of squares (RSS) and F-test to find optimal parameter values. Calculated 1st (= sigma + tau) and 2nd (= sigma2 + tau2) moments were found to be within 0.5% of observed values. Land delta Ts were recovered from the z-score values by multiplying the winter data by its SD (1.2 °C) and likewise the summer data by 0.6 °C. Results were all within 0.05 °C of 10-year averages from the GHCNv3 NH land dataset. Assuming BAU (increases from 2.1 to 2.6 ppm/y CO2) and using temperature rises of 0.27 °C and 0.35 °C per decade, for summer and winter, respectively, and forecasting to 2071, we obtain for the transient climate response for doubled CO2 (560 ppm CO2) mean delta Ts of 2.39 °C for summer and 2.97 °C for NH winter, thereby widely missing the agreed-to 2 °C international target which will be reached around 2040 @ 465 ppm CO2. In summary, barring volcanic eruptions and/or El Niño events, winter delta Ts will exceed 6 °C over 5% of land area, whereas in summer delta Ts will surpass 3.6 °C over 23% of same, both at the 5 sigma level.

Wild rabbit host and some parasites show trophic-level relationships for delta 13C and delta 15N: a first report.

PubMed

Boag, B; Neilson, R; Robinson, D; Scrimgeour, C M; Handley, L L

1998-01-01

We report the first isotopic study of an animal host-parasite system. Parasitic, intestinal nematodes, Graphidium strigosum and Passalurus ambiguus, were 15N-enriched relative to their host, the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, while parasitic cestodes, Cittataenia denticulata and Mosgovoyia pectinata, were 15N-depleted, suggesting different trophic relationships. Host embryos were more similar in their delta 13C and delta 15N values to maternal muscle than were any of the parasites. Coprophagy, the direct recycling of food by the rabbit eating its own faeces, did not lead to isotopic differences between stomach contents and faeces, suggesting that the major point for isotopic discrimination in lagomorph nitrogen metabolism is in the animal rather than in the gut. We conclude that bulk delta 13C and delta 15N can reveal valuable new information about host-parasite relationships, and these could be explored further at the biochemical level using compound-specific isotopic analyses.

What's on the Surface? Physics and Chemistry of Delta-Doped Surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoenk, Michael

2011-01-01

Outline of presentation: 1. Detector surfaces and the problem of stability 2. Delta-doped detectors 3. Physics of Delta-doped Silicon 4. Chemistry of the Si-SiO2 Interface 5. Physics and Chemistry of Delta-doped Surfaces a. Compensation b. Inversion c. Quantum exclusion. Conclusions: 1. Quantum confinement of electrons and holes dominates the behavior of delta-doped surfaces. 2. Stability of delta-doped detectors: Delta-layer creates an approx 1 eV tunnel barrier between bulk and surface. 3. At high surface charge densities, Tamm-Shockley states form at the surface. 4. Surface passivation by quantum exclusion: Near-surface delta-layer suppresses T-S trapping of minority carriers. 5. The Si-SiO2 interface compensates the surface 6. For delta-layers at intermediate depth, surface inversion layer forms 7. Density of Si-SiO2 interface charge can be extremely high (>10(exp 14)/sq cm)

High-level ab initio predictions for the ionization energy, bond dissociation energies, and heats of formations of iron carbide (FeC) and its cation (FeC+).

PubMed

Lau, Kai-Chung; Chang, Yih-Chung; Lam, Chow-Shing; Ng, C Y

2009-12-31

The ionization energy (IE) of FeC and the 0 K bond dissociation energies (D(0)) and the heats of formation at 0 K (DeltaH(o)(f0)) and 298 K (DeltaH(o)(f298)) for FeC and FeC(+) are predicted by the single-reference wave function based CCSDTQ(Full)/CBS approach, which involves the approximation to the complete basis set (CBS) limit at the coupled cluster level up to full quadruple excitations. The zero-point vibrational energy (ZPVE) correction, the core-valence electronic corrections (up to CCSDT level), spin-orbit couplings, and relativistic effects (up to CCSDTQ level) are included in the calculations. The present calculations provide the correct symmetry predictions for the ground states of FeC and FeC(+) to be (3)Delta and (2)Delta, respectively. We have also examined the theoretical harmonic vibrational frequencies of FeC/FeC(+) at the ROHF-UCCSD(T) and UHF-UCCSD(T) levels. While the UHF-UCCSD(T) harmonic frequencies are in good agreement with the experimental measurements, the ROHF-UCCSD(T) yields significantly higher harmonic frequency predictions for FeC/FeC(+). The CCSDTQ(Full)/CBS IE(FeC) = 7.565 eV is found to compare favorably with the experimental IE value of 7.59318 +/- 0.00006 eV, suggesting that the single-reference-based coupled cluster theory is capable of providing reliable IE prediction for FeC, despite its multireference character. The CCSDTQ(Full)/CBS D(0)(Fe(+)-C) and D(0)(Fe-C) give the prediction of D(0)(Fe(+)-C) - D(0)(Fe-C) = 0.334 eV, which is consistent with the experimental determination of 0.3094 +/- 0.0001 eV. The D(0) calculations also support the experimental D(0)(Fe(+)-C) = 4.1 +/- 0.3 eV and D(0)(Fe-C) = 3.8 +/- 0.3 eV determined by the previous ion photodissociation study. The present calculations also provide the DeltaH(o)(f0)(DeltaH(o)(f298)) predictions for FeC/FeC(+). The analysis of the correction terms in these calculations shows that the core-valence and valence-valence electronic correlations beyond CCSD(T) wave function and the relativistic effects make significant contributions to the calculated thermochemical properties of FeC/FeC(+). For the experimental D(0) and DeltaH(o)(f0) values of FeC/FeC(+), which are not known to high precision, we recommend the CCSDTQ(Full)/CBS predictions [D(0)(Fe-C) = 3.778 eV, D(0)(Fe(+)-C) = 4.112 eV, DeltaH(o)(f0)(FeC) = 760.8 kJ/mol and DeltaH(o)(f0)(FeC(+)) = 1490.6 kJ/mol] based on the ZPVE corrections using the experimental vibrational frequencies of FeC and FeC(+).

Hydraulic seals and their origin: Evidence from the stable isotope geochemistry of dolomites in the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone, Michigan basin

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

Winter, B.L.; Johnson, C.M.; Valley, J.W.

1995-01-01

Regionally extensive, overpressured natural gas pools within the St. Peter Sandstone (Middle Ordovician) of the Michigan basin are bounded by rock types that include 3-7-m-thick zones of low-permeability, low-porosity carbonates or diagenetically banded quartz sandstones. Replacive dolomite from an approximately 5-m-thick carbonate interval in the east-central portion of the Michigan basin has very low {delta}{sup 13}C values that systematically decrease from approximately -5% at the top to -10% (PDB) at the base. {delta}{sup 18}O values for the replacive dolomite also decrease systematically with depth from approximately 27 to 23% (SMOW). These data suggest an upward decrease in isotope exchange betweenmore » the replacive dolomitization fluid and the precursors rock (i.e., the system was rock dominated at the top of the carbonate interval), which implies upward, cross-formational movement of the dolomitizing fluid. Fluid-rock interaction modeling suggest that the dolomitizing fluid had a total dissolved carbon (TDC) content of approximately 4000 ppm and a {delta}{sup 13}C value of -27%, which indicates that the carbon was primarily derived from organic diagenesis. Sr isotope and major element data suggest that this dolomitizing fluid had a modified seawater origin. The {delta}{sup 13}C values of sandstone intervals from three locations in the central portion of the Michigan basin range from -9 to -4% and are relatively invariant at a particular locality; therefore, the TDC of the dolomitizing fluid in the central Michigan basin is interpreted to have contained only about 20-30% organic carbon. The fact that all dolomites analyzed in the St. Peter Sandstone have much lower {Delta}{sup 13}C values that carbonates in adjacent formations indicates that dolomitization and the formation of hydraulic seals were related to organic matter diagenesis.« less

The vanishing limit of the square-well fluid: the adhesive hard-sphere model as a reference system.

PubMed

Largo, J; Miller, M A; Sciortino, F

2008-04-07

We report a simulation study of the gas-liquid critical point for the square-well potential, for values of well width delta as small as 0.005 times the particle diameter sigma. For small delta, the reduced second virial coefficient at the critical point B2*c is found to depend linearly on delta. The observed weak linear dependence is not sufficient to produce any significant observable effect if the critical temperature Tc is estimated via a constant B2*c assumption, due to the highly nonlinear transformation between B2*c and Tc. This explains the previously observed validity of the law of corresponding states. The critical density rho c is also found to be constant when measured in units of the cube of the average distance between two bonded particles (1+0.5 delta)sigma. The possibility of describing the delta-->0 dependence with precise functional forms provides improved accurate estimates of the critical parameters of the adhesive hard-sphere model.

Leaf and wood carbon isotope ratios, specific leaf areas and wood growth of Eucalyptus species across a rainfall gradient in Australia.

PubMed

Schulze, Ernst-Detlef; Turner, Neil C; Nicolle, Dean; Schumacher, Jens

2006-04-01

Leaves and samples of recent wood of Eucalyptus species were collected along a rainfall gradient parallel to the coast of Western Australia between Perth in the north and Walpole in the south and along a southwest to northeast transect from Walpole in southwestern Australia, to near Mount Olga in central Australia. The collection included 65 species of Eucalyptus sampled at 73 sites and many of the species were collected at several sites along the rainfall gradient. Specific leaf area (SLA) and isotopic ratio of 13C to 12C (delta 13C) of leaves that grew in 2002, and tree ring growth and delta 13C of individual cell layers of the wood were measured. Rainfall data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for 29 locations that represented one or a few closely located collection sites. Site-averaged data and species-specific values of delta 13C decreased with decreasing annual rainfall between 1200 and 300 mm at a rate of 1.63 per thousand per 1000 mm decrease in rainfall. Responses became variable in the low rainfall region (< 300 mm), with some species showing decreasing delta 13C with rainfall, whereas delta 13C increased or remained constant in other species. The range of delta 13C values in the low rainfall region was as large as the range observed at sites receiving > 300 mm of annual rainfall. Specific leaf area varied between 2 and 6 m2 kg(-1) and tended to increase with decreasing annual rainfall in some species, but not all, whereas delta 13C decreased with SLA. The relationship between delta 13C and SLA was highly species and soil-type specific. Leaf-area-based nitrogen (N) content varied between 2 and almost 6 g m(-2) and decreased with rainfall. Thus, thicker leaves were associated with higher N content and this compensated for the effect of drought on delta 13C. Nitrogen content was also related to soil type and species identity. Based on a linear mixed model, statistical analysis of the whole data set showed that 27% of the variation in delta 13C was associated with changes in SLA, 16% with soil type and only 1% with rainfall. Additionally, 21% was associated with species identity. For a subset of sites with > 300 mm rainfall, 43% of the variation was explained by SLA, 13% by soil type and only 3% by rainfall. The species effect decreased to 9% because there were fewer species in the subset of sites. The small effect of rainfall on delta 13C was further supported by a path analysis that yielded a standardized path coefficient of 0.38 for the effect of rainfall on SLA and -0.50 for the effect of SLA on delta 13C, but an insignificantly low standardized path coefficient of -0.05 for the direct effect of rainfall on delta 13C. Thus, in contrast to our hypothesis that delta 13C decreases with rainfall independent of soil type and species, we detected no statistically significant relationship between rainfall and delta 13C in leaves of trees growing at sites receiving < 300 mm of rainfall annually. Rainfall affected delta 13C indirectly through soil type (a surrogate for water-holding capacity) across the rainfall gradient. Annual tree rings are not clearly visible in evergreen Eucalyptus species, even in the seasonally cool climate of SW Australia. Generally, visible density transitions in the wood are related not to a strict annual cycle but to periods of growth associated mainly with rainfall. The relationship between delta 13C of leaves and the width of these stem increments was not statistically significant. Analysis of stem growth periods showed that delta 13C in wood responded to rainfall events, but carbohydrate storage and reallocation also affected the isotopic signature. Although delta 13C in wood of any one species varied over a range of 2 to 4 per thousand, there was a general relationship between delta 13C of the leaves and the annual range of delta 13C in wood. We conclude that species-specific traits are important in understanding the response of Eucalyptus to rainfall and that the diversity of the genus may reflect its response to the large climatic gradient in Australia and to the large annual and interannual variations in rainfall at any one location.

Headspace solid phase microextraction--GC/C-IRMS for delta13CVPDB measurements of mono-aromatic hydrocarbons using EA-IRMS calibration.

PubMed

Ebongué, Véronique Woule; Geypens, Benny; Berglund, Michael; Taylor, Philip

2009-03-01

This work aims at comparing the delta(13)C(VPDB) of mono-aromatic hydrocarbons benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene isomers (BTEX) measured by elemental analyser (EA)-isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS) with the delta(13)C(VPDB) measured on the same compounds by headspace solid phase microextraction - GC/C-IRMS (hSPME - GC/C-IRMS) with the final goal of using these compounds as internal standards on the latter system. The EA-IRMS measurements were done using calcium and lithium carbonate isotopic reference materials: NBS19 and L-SVEC for establishing the delta(13)C(VPDB) scale. The EA-IRMS measurements with helium dilution of a set of five reference materials (USGS40, USGS41, IAEA-CH-6, IAEA-CH-3 and IAEA-601) show systematic bias of 1 per thousand relative to their assigned values. This bias due to the dilution mechanism in the used ConfloII interface device could not be avoided. As the selected hydrocarbons: BTEX could not be analysed by EA-IRMS without helium dilution, their delta(13)C(VPDB) must be corrected from this observed bias using an external calibration. The CO(2) gas calibrated using EA-IRMS without helium dilution, was used as an in-house reference for the delta(13)C(VPDB) measurements of the BTEX by the hSPME - GC/C-IRMS system. The comparison made between the delta(13)C(VPDB) measured on the same BTEX compounds by EA-IRMS (with external calibration) and by hSPME - GC/C-IRMS techniques showed good agreement.

Carbon-Isotopic Dynamics of Streams, Taylor Valley, Antarctica: Biological Effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neumann, K.; DesMarais, D. J.

1998-01-01

We have investigated the role of biological processes in the C-isotopic dynamics of the aquatic ecosystems in Taylor Valley, Antarctica. This cold desert ecosystem is characterized by the complete lack of vascular plants, and the presence of algal mats in ephemeral streams and perennially ice covered lakes. Streams having abundant algal mats and mosses have very low sigma CO2 concentrations, as well as the most depleted delta C-13 values (-4%). Previous work has shown that algal mats in these streams have delta C-13 values averaging -7.01%. These values are similar to those observed in the algal mats in shallow areas of the lakes in Taylor Valley, where CO2 is thought to be colimiting to growth. These low Sigma CO2 concentrations, and delta C(13) signatures heavier than the algal mats, suggest that CO2 may be colimiting in the streams, as well. Streams with little algal growth, especially the longer ones in Fryxell Basin, have higher Sigma CO2 concentrations and much more enriched isotopic signatures (as high as +8%). In these streams, the dissolution of isotopically enriched, cryogenic CaCO3 is probably the major source of dissolved carbonate. The delta C(13) geochemistry of Antarctic streams is radically different from the geochemistry of more temperate streams, as it is not affected by terrestrially produced, isotopically depleted Sigma CO2. These results have important implications for the understanding of "biogenic" carbonate that might have been produced from aquatic ecosystems in the past on Mars.

Ferns and fires: Experimental charring of ferns compared to wood and implications for paleobiology, paleoecology, coal petrology, and isotope geochemistry

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

McParland, L.C.; Collinson, M.E.; Scott, A.C.

We report the effects of charring on the ferns Osmunda, Pteridium, and Matteucia with coniferous wood (Sequoia) for comparison. Like charred wood, charred ferns shrink, become black and brittle with a silky sheen, and retain three-dimensional cellular structure. Ferns yield recognizable charcoal (up to 800{sup o}C) that could potentially survive in the fossil record enabling reconstruction of ancient fire-prone vegetation containing ferns. Charred fossils of herbaceous ferns would indicate surface fires. Like charred wood, cell-wall layers of charred ferns homogenize, and their reflectance values increase with rising temperature. Charcoalified fragments of thick-walled cells from conifer wood or fern tissues aremore » indistinguishable and so cannot be used to infer the nature of source vegetation. Charred conifer wood and charred fern tissues show a relationship between mean random reflectance and temperature of formation and can be used to determine minimum ancient fire temperatures. Charred fern tissues consistently have significantly more depleted {delta}{sup 13}C values ({le} 4 parts per thousand) than charred wood. Therefore, if an analysis of {delta} {sup 13}C through time included fern charcoal among a succession of wood charcoals, any related shifts in {delta} {sup 13}C could be misinterpreted as atmospheric changes or misused as isotope stratigraphic markers. Thus, charcoals of comparable botanical origin and temperatures of formation should be used in order to avoid misinterpretations of shifts in {delta}{sup 13}C values.« less

A preliminary assessment of sources of nitrate in springwaters, Suwannee River basin, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Katz, B.G.; Hornsby, H.D.

1998-01-01

A cooperative study between the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is evaluating sources of nitrate in water from selected springs and zones in the Upper Floridan aquifer in the Suwannee River Basin. A multi-tracer approach, which consists of the analysis of water samples for naturally occurring chemical and isotopic indicators, is being used to better understand sources and chronology of nitrate contamination in the middle Suwannee River region. In July and August 1997, water samples were collected and analyzed from six springs and two wells for major ions, nutrients, and dissolved organic carbon. These water samples also were analyzed for environmental isotopes [18O/16O, D/H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N] to determine sources of water and nitrate. Chlorofluorocarbons (CCl3F, CCl2F2, and C2Cl3F3) and tritium (3H) were analyzed to assess the apparent ages (residence time) of springwaters and water from the Upper Floridan aquifer. Delta 15N-NO3 values in water from the six springs range from 3.94 per mil (Little River Springs) to 8.39 per mil (Lafayette Blue Spring). The range of values indicates that nitrate in the sampled springwaters most likely originates from a mixture of inorganic (fertilizers) and organic (animal wastes) sources, although the higher delta 15N-NO3 value for Lafayette Blue Spring indicates that an organic source of nitrogen is likely at this site. Water samples from the two wells sampled in Lafayette County have high delta 15N-NO3 values of 10.98 and 12.1 per mil, indicating the likelihood of an organic source of nitrate. These two wells are located near dairy and poultry farms, where leachate from animal wastes may contribute nitrate to ground water. Based on analysis of chlorofluorocarbons in ground water, the mean residence time of water in springs ranges from about 12 to 25 years. Chlorofluorocarbons-modeled recharge dates for water samples from the two shallow zones in the Upper Floridan aquifer range from 1985 to 1989.

Contributions from inner and outer shell electron energies to reaction heats for C/sub 1/, C/sub 2/, and C/sub 3/ hydrocarbons

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

George, P.; Bock, C.W.; Trachtman, M.

1979-04-01

The expectation energy values E/sub k/, V/sub ee/, V/sub nn/, V/sub en/, and E/sub T/ have been calculated for H/sub 2/ and the C/sub 1/, C/sub 2/, and C/sub 3/ hydrocarbons using a (9,5) basis set and the experimental geometries. Treating the theoretical reaction heat, ..delta..E/sub T/, as the resultant of the nuclear repulsion term, ..delta..V/sub nn/, and the net electron energy term, ..delta..E/sub elec/ = ..delta..E/sub k/ + ..delta..V/sub ee/ + ..delta..V/sub en/, the contribution of inner and outer shell electron energies to ..delta..E/sub elec/, and hence to ..delta..E/sub T/, has been calculated for a large number of hydrocarbonmore » reactions by evaluating the Coulson--Neilson energies eta/sub i/, where eta/sub i/ = E/sub elec/. For the vast majority of reactions, 67/84, the change in inner shell electron energy, (..delta sigma..eta/sub i/)/sub inner/, accounts for more than 10% of ..delta..E/sub elec/, in many cases being as high as 20-35%. Furthermore, in addition to these cases in which the change in inner shell electron energy serves to augment (significantly) the change in outer shell electron energy, there are other cases in which the change in inner shell electron energy either exceeds in magnitude the change in outer shell energy, or is even opposite in sign, indicative of inner and outer shell electrons acting contrariwise. Inner shell electron energies contribute to the reaction heats because they are structure dependent, like the more familiar orbital energies epsilon, but the dependence is of a different kind.« less

Noise contribution to the correlation between temperature-induced localized reflectance of diabetic skin and blood glucose.

PubMed

Lowery, Michael G; Calfin, Brenda; Yeh, Shu-Jen; Doan, Tao; Shain, Eric; Hanna, Charles; Hohs, Ronald; Kantor, Stan; Lindberg, John; Khalil, Omar S

2006-01-01

We used the effect of temperature on the localized reflectance of human skin to assess the role of noise sources on the correlation between temperature-induced fractional change in optical density of human skin (DeltaOD(T)) and blood glucose concentration [BG]. Two temperature-controlled optical probes at 30 degrees C contacted the skin, one was then cooled by -10 degrees C; the other was heated by +10 degrees C. DeltaOD(T) upon cooling or heating was correlated with capillary [BG] of diabetic volunteers over a period of three days. Calibration models in the first two days were used to predict [BG] in the third day. We examined the conditions where the correlation coefficient (R2) for predicting [BG] in a third day ranked higher than R2 values resulting from fitting permutations of randomized [BG] to the same DeltaOD(T) values. It was possible to establish a four-term linear regression correlation between DeltaOD(T) upon cooling and [BG] with a correlation coefficient higher than that of an established noise threshold in diabetic patients that were mostly females with less than 20 years of diabetes duration. The ability to predict [BG] values with a correlation coefficient above biological and body-interface noise varied between the cases of cooling and heating.

Depositional facies and aqueous-solid geochemistry of travertine-depositing hot springs (Angel Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A.)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fouke, B. W.; Farmer, J. D.; Des Marais, D. J.; Pratt, L.; Sturchio, N. C.; Burns, P. C.; Discipulo, M. K.

2000-01-01

Petrographic and geochemical analyses of travertine-depositing hot springs at Angel Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, have been used to define five depositional facies along the spring drainage system. Spring waters are expelled in the vent facies at 71 to 73 degrees C and precipitate mounded travertine composed of aragonite needle botryoids. The apron and channel facies (43-72 degrees C) is floored by hollow tubes composed of aragonite needle botryoids that encrust sulfide-oxidizing Aquificales bacteria. The travertine of the pond facies (30-62 degrees C) varies in composition from aragonite needle shrubs formed at higher temperatures to ridged networks of calcite and aragonite at lower temperatures. Calcite "ice sheets", calcified bubbles, and aggregates of aragonite needles ("fuzzy dumbbells") precipitate at the air-water interface and settle to pond floors. The proximal-slope facies (28-54 degrees C), which forms the margins of terracette pools, is composed of arcuate aragonite needle shrubs that create small microterracettes on the steep slope face. Finally, the distal-slope facies (28-30 degrees C) is composed of calcite spherules and calcite "feather" crystals. Despite the presence of abundant microbial mat communities and their observed role in providing substrates for mineralization, the compositions of spring-water and travertine predominantly reflect abiotic physical and chemical processes. Vigorous CO2 degassing causes a +2 unit increase in spring water pH, as well as Rayleigh-type covariations between the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon and corresponding delta 13C. Travertine delta 13C and delta 18O are nearly equivalent to aragonite and calcite equilibrium values calculated from spring water in the higher-temperature (approximately 50-73 degrees C) depositional facies. Conversely, travertine precipitating in the lower-temperature (< approximately 50 degrees C) depositional facies exhibits delta 13C and delta 18O values that are as much as 4% less than predicted equilibrium values. This isotopic shift may record microbial respiration as well as downstream transport of travertine crystals. Despite the production of H2S and the abundance of sulfide oxidizing microbes, preliminary delta 34S data do not uniquely define the microbial metabolic pathways present in the spring system. This suggests that the high extent of CO2 degassing and large open-system solute reservoir in these thermal systems overwhelm biological controls on travertine crystal chemistry.

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

Fouke, B.W.; Farmer, J.D.; Des Marais, D.J.

Petrographic and geochemical analyses of travertine-depositing hot springs at Angel Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, have been used to define five depositional facies along the spring drainage system. Spring waters are expelled in the vent facies at 71 to 73 C and precipitate mounded travertine composed of aragonite needle botryoids. The apron and channel facies (43--72 C) is floored by hollow tubes composed of aragonite needle botryoids that encrust sulfide-oxidizing Aquificales bacteria. The travertine of the pond facies (30--62 C) varies in composition from aragonite needle shrubs formed at higher temperatures to ridged networks of calcite and aragonitemore » at lower temperatures. Calcite ice sheets, calcified bubbles, and aggregates of aragonite needles (fuzzy dumbbells) precipitate at the air-water interface and settle to pond floors. The proximal-slope facies (28--54 C), which forms the margins of terracette pools, is composed of arcuate aragonite needle shrubs that create small microterracettes on the steep slope face. Finally, the distal-slope facies (28--30 C) is composed of calcite spherules and calcite feather crystals. Despite the presence of abundant microbial mat communities and their observed role in providing substrates for mineralization, the compositions of spring-water and travertine predominantly reflect abiotic physical and chemical processes. Vigorous CO{sub 2} degassing causes a +2 unit increase in spring water pH, as well as Rayleigh-type covariations between the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon and corresponding {delta}{sup 13}C. Travertine {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 18}O are nearly equivalent to aragonite and calcite equilibrium values calculated from spring water in the higher-temperature ({approximately}50--73 C) depositional facies. Conversely, travertine precipitating in the lower-temperature (<{approximately}50 C) depositional facies exhibits {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 18}O values that are as much as 4% less than predicted equilibrium values. This isotopic shift may record microbial respiration as well as downstream transport of travertine crystals. Despite the production of H{sub 2}S and the abundance of sulfide-oxidizing microbes, preliminary {delta}{sub 34}S data do not uniquely define the microbial metabolic pathways present in the spring system. This suggests that the high extent of CO{sub 2} degassing and large open-system solute reservoir in these thermal systems overwhelm biological controls on travertine crystal chemistry.« less

Depositional facies and aqueous-solid geochemistry of travertine-depositing hot springs (Angel Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A.).

PubMed

Fouke, B W; Farmer, J D; Des Marais, D J; Pratt, L; Sturchio, N C; Burns, P C; Discipulo, M K

2000-05-01

Petrographic and geochemical analyses of travertine-depositing hot springs at Angel Terrace, Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park, have been used to define five depositional facies along the spring drainage system. Spring waters are expelled in the vent facies at 71 to 73 degrees C and precipitate mounded travertine composed of aragonite needle botryoids. The apron and channel facies (43-72 degrees C) is floored by hollow tubes composed of aragonite needle botryoids that encrust sulfide-oxidizing Aquificales bacteria. The travertine of the pond facies (30-62 degrees C) varies in composition from aragonite needle shrubs formed at higher temperatures to ridged networks of calcite and aragonite at lower temperatures. Calcite "ice sheets", calcified bubbles, and aggregates of aragonite needles ("fuzzy dumbbells") precipitate at the air-water interface and settle to pond floors. The proximal-slope facies (28-54 degrees C), which forms the margins of terracette pools, is composed of arcuate aragonite needle shrubs that create small microterracettes on the steep slope face. Finally, the distal-slope facies (28-30 degrees C) is composed of calcite spherules and calcite "feather" crystals. Despite the presence of abundant microbial mat communities and their observed role in providing substrates for mineralization, the compositions of spring-water and travertine predominantly reflect abiotic physical and chemical processes. Vigorous CO2 degassing causes a +2 unit increase in spring water pH, as well as Rayleigh-type covariations between the concentration of dissolved inorganic carbon and corresponding delta 13C. Travertine delta 13C and delta 18O are nearly equivalent to aragonite and calcite equilibrium values calculated from spring water in the higher-temperature (approximately 50-73 degrees C) depositional facies. Conversely, travertine precipitating in the lower-temperature (< approximately 50 degrees C) depositional facies exhibits delta 13C and delta 18O values that are as much as 4% less than predicted equilibrium values. This isotopic shift may record microbial respiration as well as downstream transport of travertine crystals. Despite the production of H2S and the abundance of sulfide oxidizing microbes, preliminary delta 34S data do not uniquely define the microbial metabolic pathways present in the spring system. This suggests that the high extent of CO2 degassing and large open-system solute reservoir in these thermal systems overwhelm biological controls on travertine crystal chemistry.

Photosynthetic carbon metabolism in seagrasses C-labeling evidence for the c(3) pathway.

PubMed

Andrews, T J; Abel, K M

1979-04-01

The delta(13)C values of several seagrasses were considerably less negative than those of terrestrial C(3) plants and tended toward those of terrestrial C(4) plants. However, for Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers and Halophila spinulosa (R. Br.) Aschers, phosphoglycerate and other C(3) cycle intermediates predominated among the early labeled products of photosynthesis in (14)C-labeled seawater (more than 90% at the earliest times) and the labeling pattern at longer times was brought about by the operation of the C(3) pathway. Malate and aspartate together accounted for only a minor fraction of the total fixed label at all times and the kinetic data of this labeling were not at all consistent with these compounds being early intermediates in seagrass photosynthesis. Pulse-chase (14)C-labeling studies further substantiated these conclusions. Significant labeling of photorespiratory intermediates was observed in all experiments. The kinetics of total fixation of label during some steady-state and pulse-chase experiments suggested that there may be an intermediate pool of inorganic carbon of variable size closely associated with the leaves, either externally or internally. Such a pool may be one cause for the C(4)-like carbon isotope ratios of seagrasses.

234U/238U and δ87Sr in peat as tracers of paleosalinity in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta of California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Drexler, Judith Z.; Paces, James B.; Alpers, Charles N.; Windham-Myers, Lisamarie; Neymark, Leonid; Bullen, Thomas D.; Taylor, Howard E.

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the history of paleosalinity over the past 6000+ years in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (the Delta), which is the innermost part of the San Francisco Estuary. We used a combination of Sr and U concentrations, d87Sr values, and 234U/238U activity ratios (AR) in peat as proxies for tracking paleosalinity. Peat cores were collected in marshes on Browns Island, Franks Wetland, and Bacon Channel Island in the Delta. Cores were dated using 137Cs, the onset of Pb and Hg contamination from hydraulic gold mining, and 14C. A proof of concept study showed that the dominant emergent macrophyte and major component of peat in the Delta, Schoenoplectus spp., incorporates Sr and U and that the isotopic composition of these elements tracks the ambient water salinity across the Estuary. Concentrations and isotopic compositions of Sr and U in the three main water sources contributing to the Delta (seawater, Sacramento River water, and San Joaquin River water) were used to construct a three-end-member mixing model. Delta paleosalinity was determined by examining variations in the distribution of peat samples through time within the area delineated by the mixing model. The Delta has long been considered a tidal freshwater marsh region, but only peat samples from Franks Wetland and Bacon Channel Island have shown a consistently fresh signal (<0.5 ppt) through time. Therefore, the eastern Delta, which occurs upstream from Bacon Channel Island along the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, has also been fresh for this time period. Over the past 6000+ years, the salinity regime at the western boundary of the Delta (Browns Island) has alternated between fresh and oligohaline (0.5-5 ppt).

Glutamate-induced excitation and sensitization of nociceptors in rat glabrous skin.

PubMed

Du, J; Koltzenburg, M; Carlton, S M

2001-01-01

Anatomical studies demonstrate the presence of glutamate receptors on unmyelinated axons in peripheral cutaneous nerves. Pharmacological studies show that intraplantar injection of glutamate or glutamate agonists in the glabrous skin results in nociceptive behaviors. The present study describes a novel in vitro skin-nerve preparation using the glabrous skin from the rat hindpaw. In the first series of experiments, recordings were obtained from 141 fibers that responded to a strong mechanical search stimulus. Based on their conduction velocity they were classified as C (27%), A delta (28%) and A beta (45%) fibers. The C and A delta fibers typically exhibited sustained firing during suprathreshold mechanical stimuli whereas both rapidly (66%) and slowly (34%) adapting responses were obtained from A beta fibers. Noxious heat excited 46% of the C fibers but only 12% of the A delta units. In another series of experiments application of an ascending series of glutamate concentrations (10, 100, 300, and 1000 microM) to A delta (n=14) and C (n=19) nociceptors resulted in a significant excitation of 43% (6/14) A delta fibers and 68% (13/19) C fibers. At these concentrations, there was no excitation of A beta units (n=13). Superfusion of the receptive fields of either mechanoheat-sensitive A (AMH, n=10) or C fibers (CMH, n=12) for 2 min with 300 microM glutamate resulted in sensitization of 90% (9/10) AMH and 92% (11/12) CMH fibers to subsequent thermal stimulation. This was evidenced by a significant (1) decrease in thermal threshold for activation, (2) increase in discharge rate, and (3) increase in peak instantaneous frequencies during the second heat trial. Glutamate-induced sensitization to heat occurred in the absence of either a glutamate-induced excitation or an initial heat response. Exposure of A delta or C fibers to glutamate did not result in a decrease in von Frey thresholds. These data provide a physiological basis for the nociceptive behaviors that arise following intraplantar injection of glutamate or glutamate agonists. Furthermore, demonstration of glutamate-induced excitation and heat sensitization of nociceptors indicates that local or topical administration of glutamate receptor antagonists may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of pain.

Particulate organic matter delta C-13 variations across the Drake Passage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rau, G. H.; Takahashi, T.; Des Marais, D. J.; Sullivan, C. W.

1991-01-01

Particulate organic matter (POM) was sampled during two cruise transects across the Drake Passage during March 1986 to investigate the unusual C-13 depletion in high-latitude Southern Ocean plankton. This POM delta C-13 transition from -23.2 o/oo at 53.3 deg S to values as low as -30.3 o/oo at above 62 deg S does not track previously reported abrupt changes in water chemistry and plankton species composition associated with the Polar Front Zone. The north-south isotopic trend is not accompanied by significant changes in POM carbon or nitrogen concentrations, or in POM C/N. Differences in plankton standing crop or biochemistry (e.g. lipid content) do not appear responsible for the isotopic trends observed. The latitudinal change in POM delta C-13 is highly correlated with water temperature and with the calculated concentration of CO2 (aq) at equilibrium with atmospheric CO2. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that CO2 (aq) significantly influences POM delta C-13 in ocean surface waters.

Permafrost Mobilization from the Watershed to the Colville River Delta: Evidence from Biomarkers and 14C Ramped Pyrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Bianchi, T. S.; Cui, X.; Rosenheim, B. E.; Ping, C. L.; Kanevskiy, M. Z.; Hanna, A. M.; Allison, M. A.

2016-12-01

As temperatures in the Arctic rise abnormally fast, permafrost in the region is vulnerable to extensive thawing. This could release previously frozen organic carbon (OC) into the contemporary carbon cycle, giving a positive feedback on global warming. Recent research has found the presence of particulate permafrost in rivers, deltas, and continental shelves in the Arctic, but little direct evidence exists on the mechanism of transportation of previously frozen soils from watershed to the coast. The Colville River in northern Alaska is the largest North American Arctic River with a continuous permafrost within its watershed. Previous work has found evidence for the deposition of previously frozen soils in the Colville River delta (Schreiner et al., 2014). Here, we compared the bulk organic carbon thermal properties, ages of soils and river and delta sediments from the Colville River drainage system using 14C Ramped Pyrolysis and chemical biomarkers. Our data show that deep permafrost soils as well as river and delta sediments had similar pyrograms and biomarker signatures, reflecting transport of soils from watershed to the delta. Surface soil had pyrograms indicative of less stable (more biodegradable) OC than deeper soil horizons. Similarity in pyrograms of deep soils and river sediment indicated the limited contribution of surface soils to riverine particulate OC inputs. Sediments in the delta showed inputs of yedoma (ice-rich syngenetic permafrost with large ice wedges) from the watershed sources (e.g., river bank erosion) in addition to peat inputs, that were largely from coastal erosion.

Improved modification for the density-functional theory calculation of thermodynamic properties for C-H-O composite compounds.

PubMed

Liu, Min Hsien; Chen, Cheng; Hong, Yaw Shun

2005-02-08

A three-parametric modification equation and the least-squares approach are adopted to calibrating hybrid density-functional theory energies of C(1)-C(10) straight-chain aldehydes, alcohols, and alkoxides to accurate enthalpies of formation DeltaH(f) and Gibbs free energies of formation DeltaG(f), respectively. All calculated energies of the C-H-O composite compounds were obtained based on B3LYP6-311++G(3df,2pd) single-point energies and the related thermal corrections of B3LYP6-31G(d,p) optimized geometries. This investigation revealed that all compounds had 0.05% average absolute relative error (ARE) for the atomization energies, with mean value of absolute error (MAE) of just 2.1 kJ/mol (0.5 kcal/mol) for the DeltaH(f) and 2.4 kJ/mol (0.6 kcal/mol) for the DeltaG(f) of formation.

Biological amine transport in chromaffin ghosts. Coupling to the transmembrane proton and potential gradients.

PubMed

Johnson, R G; Pfister, D; Carty, S E; Scarpa, A

1979-11-10

The effect of the transmembrane proton gradient (delta pH) and potential gradient (delta psi) upon the rate and extent of amine accumulation was investigated in chromaffin ghosts. The chromaffin ghosts were formed by hypo-osmotic lysis of isolated bovine chromaffin granules and extensive dialysis in order to remove intragranular binding components and dissipate the endogenous electrochemical gradients. Upon ATP addition to suspensions of chromaffin ghosts, a transmembrane proton gradient alone, a transmembrane gradient alone, or both, could be established, depending upon the compositions of the media in which the ghosts were formed and resuspended. When chloride was present in the medium, addition of ATP resulted in the generation of a transmembrane proton gradient, acidic inside of 1 pH unit (measured by [14C]methylamine distribution), and no transmembrane potential (measured by [14C]-thiocyanate distribution). When ATP was added to chromaffin ghosts suspended in a medium in which chloride was substituted by isethionate, a transmembrane potential, inside positive, of 45 mV and no transmembrane proton gradient, was measured. In each medium, the addition of agents known to affect proton or potential gradients, respectively, exerted a predictable mechanism of action. Accumulation of [14C]epinephrine or [14C]5-hydroxytryptamine was over 1 order of magnitude greater in the presence of the transmembrane proton gradient or the transmembrane potential than in the absence of any gradient and, moreover, was related to the magnitude of the proton or potential gradient in a dose-dependent manner. When ghosts were added to a medium containing chloride and isethionate, both a delta pH and delta psi could be generated upon addition of ATP. In this preparation, the maximal rate of amine accumulation was observed. The results indicate that amine accumulation into chromaffin ghosts can occur in the presence of either a transmembrane proton gradient, or a transmembrane potential gradient, and that the maximal rate of accumulation may exist when both components of the protonmotive force are present.

The delta-selective opioid peptide dermenkephalin and the mu-selective hybrid peptide dermenkephalin-[1-4]-dermophin-[5-7] display strikingly different conformations despite identical tetrapeptide N-termini. A quantitative 2-D NMR and molecular modeling analysis.

PubMed

Riand, J; Baron, D; Nicolas, P; Benajiba, A; Teng, Y; Naim, M

1999-12-01

The selective recognition of the aminoterminal binding pharmacophore Tyr-D-Xaa-Phe of the opioid heptapeptide dermorphin, Tyr-D-Ala-Phe-Gly-Tyr-Pro-Ser-NH2 (DRM)1, and of dermenkephalin, Tyr-D-Met-Phe-His-Leu-Met-Asp-NH2 (DREK), by the mu-opioid receptor and delta-opioid receptor, respectively, depends upon the constitution / conformation of the C-terminal tripeptide. The hybrid peptide DREK-[1-4]-DRM-[5-7] is very potent at, and exquisitely selective for the mu-opioid receptor, and differs only from dermenkephalin by its C-terminal tripeptide. Comparison of the structural features of DREK-[1-4]-DRM-[5-7] and dermenkephalin by nmr analysis and molecular modeling revealed striking differences, as well in the trans (Tyr5 - Pro6) isomer (population 75%) than in the cis isomer.. Whereas the folded C-terminal tail of dermenkephalin influenced the tertiary structure of the N-terminal tetrapeptide and placed the Tyr1 and Phe3 aromatic rings in definite orientations that are best suited for the delta-receptor, there were only weak contacts, as shown by NOE data, between the aminoterminal and carboxyterminal parts of the hybrid peptide. This promoted increased flexibility of the whole backbone and relaxed orientations for the side-chains of Tyr1 and Phe3 that are compatible with the mu-receptor but unsuitable for the delta-receptor. The steric hindrance introduced by Pro6 in DREK-[1-4]-DRM-[5-7], plus the absence of large hydrophobic side-chains in positions 5 and 6 may prevent close contacts between the N-terminal and C-terminal domains and reorientation of the main pharmacophoric elements Tyr1 and Phe3.

A Regulation of Tropical Climate by Radiative Cooling as Simulated in a Cumulus Ensemble Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sui, Chung-Hsiung; Lau, K.-M.; Li, X.; Chou, M.-D.; Einaudi, Franco (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

Responses of tropical atmosphere to low-boundary forcing are investigated in a 2-D cumulus ensemble model (CEM) with an imposed warm-pool and cold-pool SST contrast (deltaSST). The domain-mean vertical motion is constrained to produce heat sink and moisture source as in the observed tropical climate. In a series of experiments, the warm pool SST is specified at different values while the cold pool SST is specified at 26 C. The strength of the circulation increases with increasing deltaSST until deltaSST reaches 3.5 C, and remains unchanged as deltaSST exceeds 3.5 C. The regulation of tropical convection by zonal SST gradient is constrained by the radiative cooling over the cold pool. For deltaSST less than 3.5 C, an enhanced subsidence warming is balanced by a reduced condensation heating over the cold pool. For deltaSST greater than 3.5 C, the subsidence regime expands over the entire cold pool where no condensation heating exist so that a further enhanced subsidence warming can no longer be sustained. The above regulation mechanism is also evident in the change of energy at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) that is dominated by cloud and water vapor greenhouse effect (c (sub LW)) and G (sub clear). The change in shortwave radiation at TOA is largely cancelled between the warm pool and cold pool, likely due to the same imposed vertical motion in our experiments. For deltaSST less than 3.5 C, an increase of deltaSST is associated with a large increase in c (sub Lw) due to increased total clouds in response to enhanced SST-induced circulation. For deltaSST greater than 3.5 C, clouds over the warm pool decrease with increasing SST, and the change in c (sub LW) is much smaller. In both dSST regimes, the change in CLW is larger than the change in G(sub clear) which is slightly negative. However, in the case of uniform warming (deltaSST=0), DeltaG(sub clear), is positive, approximately 5 W per square meters per degree change of SST.

Trophodynamic linkage between river runoff and coastal fishery yield elucidated by stable isotope data in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean).

PubMed

Darnaude, Audrey M; Salen-Picard, Chantal; Polunin, Nicholas V C; Harmelin-Vivien, Mireille L

2004-02-01

The link between climate-driven river runoff and sole fishery yields observed in the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediterranean) was analysed using carbon- and nitrogen stable isotopes along the flatfish food webs. Off the Rhone River, the main terrestrial (river POM) and marine (seawater POM) sources of carbon differed in delta(13)C (-26.11 per thousand and -22.36 per thousand, respectively). Surface sediment and suspended POM in plume water exhibited low delta(13)C (-24.38 per thousand and -24.70 per thousand, respectively) that differed more from the seawater POM than from river POM, demonstrating the dominance of terrestrial material in those carbon pools. Benthic invertebrates showed a wide range in delta(15)N (mean 4.30 per thousand to 9.77 per thousand ) and delta(13)C (mean -23.81 per thousand to -18.47 per thousand ), suggesting different trophic levels, diets and organic sources. Among the macroinvertebrates, the surface (mean delta(13)C -23.71 per thousand ) and subsurface (mean delta(13)C -23.81 per thousand ) deposit-feeding polychaetes were particularly (13)C depleted, indicating that their carbon was mainly derived from terrestrial material. In flatfish, delta(15)N (mean 9.42 to 10.93 per thousand ) and delta(13)C (mean -19.95 per thousand to -17.69 per thousand ) varied among species, indicating differences in food source and terrestrial POM use. A significant negative correlation was observed between the percentage by weight of polychaetes in the diet and the delta(13)C of flatfish white muscle. Solea solea (the main polychaete feeder) had the lowest mean delta(13)C, Arnoglossus laterna and Buglossidium luteum (crustacean, mollusc and polychaete feeders) had intermediate values, and Solea impar (mollusc feeder) and Citharus linguatula (crustacean and fish feeder) exhibited the highest delta(13)C. Two different benthic food webs were thus identified off the Rhone River, one based on marine planktonic carbon and the other on the terrestrial POM carried by the river. Deposit-feeding polychaetes were responsible for the main transfer of terrestrial POM to upper trophic levels, linking sole population dynamics to river runoff fluctuations.

13C-isotopic fingerprint of Pinus pinaster Ait. and Pinus sylvestris L. wood related to the quality of standing tree mass in forests from NW Spain.

PubMed

Fernandez, Irene; González-Prieto, Serafin J; Cabaneiro, Ana

2005-01-01

Pine forest plantations of Pinus pinaster Ait. and P. sylvestris L. located in Galicia, NW Spain, were selected to study the 13C/12C-isotopic fingerprint in wood core samples in order to find possible relationships between the delta(13)C at natural abundance levels and the quality of the standing tree mass. For each pine species, 24 forests growing on acidic soils were studied: half developed over granite and half over schists. Two dominant trees from each plot, corresponding to all possible combinations of forest stands with high or low site index and with adults or young trees, were drilled at the basal part of trunks using a Pressler drill to obtain tree ring samples. The C-isotopic compositions of the litter and the soil organic matter from different soil depths were also determined and statistically significant correlations between these values and the 13C content of the wood were observed. Despite internal variations due to the influence of site index, tree age and parent material, the isotopic fingerprint of P. pinaster wood (mean value delta13C=-26.2+/-0.8 per thousand) significantly differed (P<0.001) from that of P. sylvestris (mean value delta13C=-24.6+/-0.7 per thousand). Relationships between the quality of the stand and the C-isotopic composition of the wood were observed, high quality stands having trees more 13C-depleted than low quality ones. A high correlation between wood delta13C and site index values for P. pinaster stands (r=-0.667, P<0.001) was found, this correlation being even clearer when only P. pinaster growing over schists (r=-0.833, P<0.001) are considered. Again, the correlation between the site index and the wood delta13C of young P. pinaster trees is higher when plots over granite or schists are separately considered. A similar fact occurs for adult P. sylvestris trees from schists stands, high quality specimens being 13C-depleted compared with low quality ones. On the other hand, 13C natural abundance of wood from P. sylvestris trees seems to be also strongly influenced by the underlying parent material, young trees from granite stands having a statistically higher 13C-isotopic composition (P<0.05) than young trees from schists stands. Copyright (c) 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Extraction of CO2 from air samples for isotopic analysis and limits to ultra high precision delta18O determination in CO2 gas.

PubMed

Werner, R A; Rothe, M; Brand, W A

2001-01-01

The determination of delta18O values in CO2 at a precision level of +/-0.02 per thousand (delta-notation) has always been a challenging, if not impossible, analytical task. Here, we demonstrate that beyond the usually assumed major cause of uncertainty - water contamination - there are other, hitherto underestimated sources of contamination and processes which can alter the oxygen isotope composition of CO2. Active surfaces in the preparation line with which CO2 comes into contact, as well as traces of air in the sample, can alter the apparent delta18O value both temporarily and permanently. We investigated the effects of different surface materials including electropolished stainless steel, Duran glass, gold and quartz, the latter both untreated and silanized. CO2 frozen with liquid nitrogen showed a transient alteration of the 18O/16O ratio on all surfaces tested. The time to recover from the alteration as well as the size of the alteration varied with surface type. Quartz that had been ultrasonically cleaned for several hours with high purity water (0.05 microS) exhibited the smallest effect on the measured oxygen isotopic composition of CO2 before and after freezing. However, quartz proved to be mechanically unstable with time when subjected to repeated large temperature changes during operation. After several days of operation the gas released from the freezing step contained progressively increasing trace amounts of O2 probably originating from inclusions within the quartz, which precludes the use of quartz for cryogenically trapping CO2. Stainless steel or gold proved to be suitable materials after proper pre-treatment. To ensure a high trapping efficiency of CO2 from a flow of gas, a cold trap design was chosen comprising a thin wall 1/4" outer tube and a 1/8" inner tube, made respectively from electropolished stainless steel and gold. Due to a considerable 18O specific isotope effect during the release of CO2 from the cold surface, the thawing time had to be as long as 20 min for high precision delta18O measurements. The presence of traces of air in almost all CO2 gases that we analyzed was another major source of error. Nitrogen and oxygen in the ion source of our mass spectrometer (MAT 252, Finnigan MAT, Bremen, Germany) give rise to the production of NO2 at the hot tungsten filament. NO2+ is isobaric with C16O18O+ (m/z 46) and interferes with the delta18O measurement. Trace amounts of air are present in CO2 extracted cryogenically from air at -196 degrees C. This air, trapped at the cold surface, cannot be pumped away quantitatively. The amount of air present depends on the surface structure and, hence, the alteration of the measured delta18O value varies with the surface conditions. For automated high precision measurement of the isotopic composition of CO2 of air samples stored in glass flasks an extraction interface ('BGC-AirTrap') was developed which allows 18 analyses (including standards) per day to be made. For our reference CO2-in-air, stored in high pressure cylinders, the long term (>9 months) single sample precision was 0.012 per thousand for delta13C and 0.019 per thousand for delta18O. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Thermodynamic properties of {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree}, S{sub 298}{degree}, and C{sub p}(T) for 2-fluoro-2-methylpropane, {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} of fluorinated ethanes, and group additivity for fluoroalkanes

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

Yamada, Takahiro; Bozzelli, J.W.

1999-09-09

G2(MP2) composite calculations are performed to obtain thermodynamic properties ({Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree}, S{sub 298}{degree} and C{sub p}(T)'s) of 2-fluoro-2-methylpropane. {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} is calculated from the G2(MP2) calculated enthalpy of reaction ({Delta}H{sub rxn 298}{degree}) and use of isodesmic reactions. Standard entropy (S{sub 298}{degree} in cal/(mol{center{underscore}dot}K)) and heat capacities (C{sub p}(T)'s in cal/(mol{center{underscore}dot}K)) are calculated using the rigid-rotor--harmonic-oscillator approximation with direct integration over energy levels of the intermolecular rotation potential energy curve. These thermodynamic properties are used to estimate data for the C/C3/F group. Enthalpies of formation ({Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} in kcal/mol) for 1,2-difluoroethane ({minus}102.7), 1,1,2-trifluoroethane ({minus}156.9), 1,1,2,2- and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (209.6more » and 213.3), and pentafluoroethane ({minus}264.1), are calculated using total energies obtained from G2(MP2) composite ab initio methods. Isodesmic reactions with existing literature values of {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} for ethane, 1-fluoroethane, 1,1-difjuoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane are used. Fluorine/fluorine interaction terms, F/F, 2F/F, 3F/F, 2F/2F, and 3F/2F, where ``/'' indicates interaction for alkane compounds, for {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} are reevaluated based on {Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree} of the above five fluoroethanes. Thermodynamic properties ({Delta}H{sub f 298}{degree}, S{sub 298}{degree} and C{sub p}(T)'s (300 {le} T/K {le} 1500)) for fluorinated carbon groups, C/C3F, C/C2/F/H, C/C2/F2, are calculated using data from ab initio methods and existing literature data. Fluorine-methyl (alkyl) group additivity corrections for gauche interactions are also evaluated.« less

Sedimentary processes on the Mekong subaqueous delta: Clay mineral and geochemical analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xue, Zuo; Paul Liu, J.; DeMaster, Dave; Leithold, Elana L.; Wan, Shiming; Ge, Qian; Nguyen, Van Lap; Ta, Thi Kim Oanh

2014-01-01

Sedimentary processes on the inner Mekong Shelf were investigated by examining the characteristics of sediments sampled in gravity cores at 15 locations, including grain size, clay mineralogy, sediment accumulation rates, and the elemental and stable carbon isotopic composition of organic matter (atomic C/N ratios and δ13C). Deltaic deposits exhibit contrasting characteristics along different sides of the delta plain (South China Sea, SCS hereafter, to the east and Gulf of Thailand, GOT hereafter, to the west) as well as on and off the subaqueous deltaic system. On one hand, cores recovered from the subaqueous delta in the SCS/GOT are consisted of poorly/well sorted sediments with similar/different clay mineral assemblage with/from Mekong sediments. Excess 210Pb profiles, supported by 14C chronologies, indicate either "non-steady" (SCS side) or "rapid accumulation" (GOT side) processes on the subaqueous delta. The δ13C and C/N ratio indicate a mixture of terrestrial and marine-sourced organic matter in the deltaic sediment. On the other hand, cores recovered from areas with no deltaic deposits or seaward of the subaqueous delta show excess 210Pb profiles indicating "steady-state" accumulation with a greater proportion of marine-sourced organic matter. Core analysis's relevance with local depositional environment and previous acoustic profiling are discussed.

Effects of Different Tillage and Straw Return on Soil Organic Carbon in a Rice-Wheat Rotation System

PubMed Central

Zhu, Liqun; Hu, Naijuan; Yang, Minfang; Zhan, Xinhua; Zhang, Zhengwen

2014-01-01

Soil management practices, such as tillage method or straw return, could alter soil organic carbon (C) contents. However, the effects of tillage method or straw return on soil organic C (SOC) have showed inconsistent results in different soil/climate/cropping systems. The Yangtze River Delta of China is the main production region of rice and wheat, and rice-wheat rotation is the most important cropping system in this region. However, few studies in this region have been conducted to assess the effects of different tillage methods combined with straw return on soil labile C fractions in the rice-wheat rotation system. In this study, a field experiment was used to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods, straw return and their interaction on soil total organic C (TOC) and labile organic C fractions at three soil depths (0–7, 7–14 and 14–21 cm) for a rice-wheat rotation in Yangzhong of the Yangtze River Delta of China. Soil TOC, easily oxidizable C (EOC), dissolved organic C (DOC) and microbial biomass C (MBC) contents were measured in this study. Soil TOC and labile organic C fractions contents were significantly affected by straw returns, and were higher under straw return treatments than non-straw return at three depths. At 0–7 cm depth, soil MBC was significantly higher under plowing tillage than rotary tillage, but EOC was just opposite. Rotary tillage had significantly higher soil TOC than plowing tillage at 7–14 cm depth. However, at 14–21 cm depth, TOC, DOC and MBC were significantly higher under plowing tillage than rotary tillage except for EOC. Consequently, under short-term condition, rice and wheat straw both return in rice-wheat rotation system could increase SOC content and improve soil quality in the Yangtze River Delta. PMID:24586434

The effects of atmospheric [CO2] on carbon isotope fractionation and magnesium incorporation into biogenic marine calcite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vieira, Veronica

1997-01-01

The influences of atmospheric carbon dioxide on the fractionation of carbon isotopes and the magnesium incorporation into biogenic marine calcite were investigated using samples of the calcareous alga Amphiroa and benthic foraminifer Sorites grown in the Biosphere 2 Ocean system under variable atmospheric CO2 concentrations (approximately 500 to 1200 ppm). Carbon isotope fractionation was studied in both the organic matter and the skeletal carbonate. Magnesium analysis was to be performed on the carbonate removed during decalcification. These data have not been collected due to technical problems. Carbon isotope data from Amphiroa yields a linear relation between [CO2] and Delta(sup 13)C(sub Corg)values suggesting that the fractionation of carbon isotopes during photosynthesis is positively correlated with atmospheric [CO2]. [CO2] and Delta(sup 13)C(sub Corg) values for Sorites produce a relation that is best described by a hyperbolic function where Delta(sup 13)C(sub Corg) values increase between 300 and 700 ppm and decrease from 700 to 1200 ppm. Further investigation of this relation and Sorites physiology is needed.

(14)C, delta(13)C and total C content in soils around a Brazilian PWR nuclear power plant.

PubMed

Dias, Cíntia Melazo; Telles, Everaldo C; Santos, Roberto Ventura; Stenström, Kristina; Nícoli, Iêda Gomes; da Silveira Corrêa, Rosangela; Skog, Göran

2009-04-01

Nuclear power plants release (14)C during routine operation mainly as airborne gaseous effluents. Because of the long half-life (5730 years) and biological importance of this radionuclide (it is incorporated in plant tissue by photosynthesis), several countries have monitoring programs in order to quantify and control these emissions. This paper compares the activity of (14)C in soils taken within 1km from a Brazilian nuclear power plant with soils taken within a reference area located 50km away from the reactor site. Analyses of total carbon, delta(13)C and (137)Cs were also performed in order to understand the local soil dynamics. Except for one of the profiles, the isotopic composition of soil organic carbon reflected the actual forest vegetation present in both areas. The (137)Cs data show that the soils from the base of hills are probably allocthonous. The (14)C measurements showed that there is no accumulation due to the operation of the nuclear facility, although excess (14)C was found in the litter taken in the area close to power plant. This indicates that the anthropogenic signal observed in the litter fall has not been transferred yet to the soil. This study is part of an extensive research programme in which other samples including air, vegetation and gaseous effluents (taken in the vent stack of the Brazilian nuclear power reactors Angra I and II) were also analyzed. The present paper aimed to evaluate how (14)C emissions from the nuclear power plant are transferred and stored by soils present in the surroundings of the reactor site. This is the first study concerning anthropogenic (14)C in soils in Brazil.

Self-deflection of a bright soliton in a separate bright-dark spatial soliton pair based on a higher-order space charge field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jin-Song; Hao, Zhong-Hua

2003-10-01

The self-deflection of a bright solitary beam can be controlled by a dark solitary beam via a parametric coupling effect between the bright and dark solitary beams in a separate bright-dark spatial soliton pair supported by an unbiased series photorefractive crystal circuit. The spatial shift of the bright solitary beam centre as a function of the input intensity of the dark solitary beam (hat rho) is investigated by taking into account the higher-order space charge field in the dynamics of the bright solitary beam via both numerical and perturbation methods under steady-state conditions. The deflection amount (Deltas0), defined as the value of the spatial shift at the output surface of the crystal, is a monotonic and nonlinear function of hat rho. When hat rho is weak or strong enough, Deltas0 is, in fact, unchanged with hat rho, whereas Deltas0 increases or decreases monotonically with hat rho in a middle range of hat rho. The corresponding variation range (deltas) depends strongly on the value of the input intensity of the bright solitary beam (r). There are some peak and valley values in the curve of deltas versus r under some conditions. When hat rho increases, the bright solitary beam can scan toward both the direction same as and opposite to the crystal's c-axis. Whether the direction is the same as or opposite to the c-axis depends on the parameter values and configuration of the crystal circuit, as well as the value of r. Some potential applications are discussed.

Permafrost Organic Carbon Mobilization From the Watershed to the Colville River Delta: Evidence From 14C Ramped Pyrolysis and Lignin Biomarkers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaowen; Bianchi, Thomas S.; Cui, Xingqian; Rosenheim, Brad E.; Ping, Chien-Lu; Hanna, Andrea J. M.; Kanevskiy, Mikhail; Schreiner, Kathryn M.; Allison, Mead A.

2017-11-01

The deposition of terrestrial-derived permafrost particulate organic carbon (POC) has been recorded in major Arctic river deltas. However, associated transport pathways of permafrost POC from the watershed to the coast have not been well constrained. Here we utilized a combination of ramped pyrolysis-oxidation radiocarbon analysis (RPO 14C) along with lignin biomarkers, to track the linkages between soils and river and delta sediments. Surface and deep soils showed distinct RPO thermographs which may be related to degradation and organo-mineral interaction. Soil material in the bed load of the river channel was mostly derived from deep old permafrost. Both surface and deep soils were transported and deposited to the coast. Hydrodynamic sorting and barrier island protection played important roles in terrestrial-derived permafrost POC deposition near the coast. On a large scale, ice processes (e.g., ice gauging and strudel scour) and ocean currents controlled the transport and distribution of permafrost POC on the Beaufort Shelf.

Determination of the delta(18O/16O)of Water: RSIL Lab Code 489

USGS Publications Warehouse

Revesz, Kinga; Coplen, Tyler

2008-01-01

The purpose of the technique described by the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory (RSIL) lab code 489 is to present a method to determine the delta(180/160), abbreviated as delta-180, of water. This delta-18O measurement of water also is a component of National Water Quality Laboratory (NWQL in USGS) schedules 1142 and 1172. Water samples are loaded into glass sample containers on a vacuum manifold to equilibrate gaseous CO2 at constant temperature (25 deg C) with water samples. After loading water samples on the vacuum manifold, air is evacuated through capillary to avoid evaporation, and CO2 is added. The samples are shaken to increase the equilibration rate of water and CO2. When isotopic equilibrium has been attained, an aliquot of CO2 is extracted sequentially from each sample container, separated from water vapor by means of a dry ice trap, and introduced into a dual-inlet isotope-ratio mass spectrometer (DI-IRMS) for determination of the delta-18O value. There is oxygen isotopic fractionation between water and CO2, but it is constant at constant temperature. The DI-IRMS is a DuPont double-focusing mass spectrometer. It has a double collector. One ion beam passes through a slit in a forward collector and is collected in the rear collector. The other ion beams are collected in the front collector. The instrument is capable of measuring mass/charge (m/z) 44 and 45 or 44 and 46 by changing the ion-accelerating voltage under computer control. The ion beams from these m/z values are as follows: m/z 44=CO2=12C16O16O, m/z 45=CO2=13C16O16O primarily, and m/z 46 = CO2=12C16O18O primarily. The data acquisition and control software calculates delta-18O values.

Stable isotopic composition of deep sea gorgonian corals (Primnoa spp.): a new archive of surface processes.

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

Sherwood, O A; Heikoop, J M; Scott, D B

2005-02-03

The deep-sea gorgonian coral Primnoa spp. lives in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans at depths of 65-3200 m. This coral has an arborescent growth form with a skeletal axis composed of annual rings made from calcite and gorgonin. It has a lifespan of at least several hundred years. It has been suggested that isotopic profiles from the gorgonin fraction of the skeleton could be used to reconstruct long-term, annual-scale variations in surface productivity. We tested assumptions about the trophic level, intra-colony isotopic reproducibility, and preservation of isotopic signatures in a suite of modern and fossil specimens. Measurements of gorgonin {Delta}{supmore » 14}C and {delta}{sup 15}N indicate that Primnoa spp. feed mainly on zooplankton and/or sinking particulate organic matter (POM{sub SINK}), and not on suspended POM (POM{sub SUSP}) or dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Gorgonin {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N in specimens from NE Pacific shelf waters, NW Atlantic slope waters, the Sea of Japan, and a South Pacific (Southern Ocean sector) seamount were strongly correlated with Levitus 1994 surface apparent oxygen utilization (AOU; the best available measure of surface productivity), demonstrating coupling between skeletal isotopic ratios and biophysical processes in surface water. Time-series isotopic profiles from different sections along the same colony were identical for {delta}{sup 13}C, while {delta}{sup 15}N profiles became more dissimilar with increasing separation along the colony axis. Similarity in C:N, {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 15}N between modern and fossil specimens suggest that isotopic signatures are preserved over millennial timescales. Finally, the utility of this new archive was demonstrated by reconstruction of 20th century bomb radiocarbon.« less

Color accuracy and reproducibility in whole slide imaging scanners

PubMed Central

Shrestha, Prarthana; Hulsken, Bas

2014-01-01

Abstract We propose a workflow for color reproduction in whole slide imaging (WSI) scanners, such that the colors in the scanned images match to the actual slide color and the inter-scanner variation is minimum. We describe a new method of preparation and verification of the color phantom slide, consisting of a standard IT8-target transmissive film, which is used in color calibrating and profiling the WSI scanner. We explore several International Color Consortium (ICC) compliant techniques in color calibration/profiling and rendering intents for translating the scanner specific colors to the standard display (sRGB) color space. Based on the quality of the color reproduction in histopathology slides, we propose the matrix-based calibration/profiling and absolute colorimetric rendering approach. The main advantage of the proposed workflow is that it is compliant to the ICC standard, applicable to color management systems in different platforms, and involves no external color measurement devices. We quantify color difference using the CIE-DeltaE2000 metric, where DeltaE values below 1 are considered imperceptible. Our evaluation on 14 phantom slides, manufactured according to the proposed method, shows an average inter-slide color difference below 1 DeltaE. The proposed workflow is implemented and evaluated in 35 WSI scanners developed at Philips, called the Ultra Fast Scanners (UFS). The color accuracy, measured as DeltaE between the scanner reproduced colors and the reference colorimetric values of the phantom patches, is improved on average to 3.5 DeltaE in calibrated scanners from 10 DeltaE in uncalibrated scanners. The average inter-scanner color difference is found to be 1.2 DeltaE. The improvement in color performance upon using the proposed method is apparent with the visual color quality of the tissue scans. PMID:26158041

Stable carbon isotopes as an indicator for soil degradation in an alpine environment (Urseren Valley, Switzerland).

PubMed

Schaub, Monika; Alewell, Christine

2009-05-01

Analyses of soil organic carbon (SOC) content and stable carbon isotope signatures (delta(13)C) of soils were assessed for their suitability to detect early stage soil erosion. We investigated the soils in the alpine Urseren Valley (southern central Switzerland) which are highly impacted by soil erosion. Hill slope transects from uplands (cambisols) to adjacent wetlands (histosols and histic to mollic gleysols) differing in their intensity of visible soil erosion, and reference wetlands without erosion influence were sampled. Carbon isotopic signature and SOC content of soil depth profiles were determined. A close correlation of delta(13)C and carbon content (r > 0.80) is found for upland soils not affected by soil erosion, indicating that depth profiles of delta(13)C of these upland soils mainly reflect decomposition of SOC. Long-term disturbance of an upland soil is indicated by decreasing correlation of delta(13)C and SOC (r

Isotopic Evolution of Soil Organic Matter Affects Paleo-vegetation and Paleo-pCO2 Reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowen, G. J.; Beerling, D. J.

2004-12-01

The stable carbon isotope ratio (\\delta13C) of fossil terrestrial organic matter is used to study several aspects of biosphere/atmosphere coupling in the geologic past. These range from vegetation response to climatic and pCO2 shifts to reconstruction of paleo-pCO2 levels. Although screening for diagenesis is typical in these studies, few have taken into account the ubiquitous but poorly understood phenomenon of progressive 13C-enrichment of soil organic matter during its decay, which is observed in modern soils worldwide. We present a simple model that describes this phenomenon and the interaction of soil organic carbon and CO2 concentrations, fluxes and \\delta13C values. At its most basic level, the model suggests that bulk organic matter from sub-surface soil horizons will be variably enriched in 13C relative to the vegetation living on the soil surface. This complicates interpretation of paleo-isotopic records used in C3/C4 vegetation reconstructions, and may account for anomalously heavy fossil organic carbon isotope values measured in some paleosols pre-dating the end-Miocene expansion of C4 floras. The model also demonstrates that the \\delta13C evolution of soil organic carbon during its decay generates 2 types of biases that may affect soil mineral paleo-pCO2 proxies. The first type of bias results from a steady-state inequality between the \\delta13C of organic carbon at a single depth within the soil and that of respired CO2 in the soil. This bias is present when fossil organic matter is used to reconstruct the \\delta13C of soil-respired carbon, and can be minimized with appropriate sampling methods. The second type of bias results from a dynamic, seasonal imbalance in respiration, which may cause the soil \\delta13CO2 flux during times of soil mineral formation to deviate from that of the annually integrated flux. At present, this bias can not be fully described or corrected for due to inadequacies in our knowledge of soil \\delta13C dynamics and the timing of soil mineral formation. Given the strong dependence of paleo-pCO2 reconstructions on data from soil mineral isotopes, further work on these topics is warranted.

Binding of volatile anesthetics to serum albumin: measurements of enthalpy and solvent contributions.

PubMed

Sawas, Abdul H; Pentyala, Srinivas N; Rebecchi, Mario J

2004-10-05

This study directly examines the enthalpic contributions to binding in aqueous solution of closely related anesthetic haloethers (desflurane, isoflurane, enflurane, and sevoflurane), a haloalkane (halothane), and an intravenous anesthetic (propofol) to bovine and human serum albumin (BSA and HSA) using isothermal titration calorimetry. Binding to serum albumin is exothermic, yielding enthalpies (DeltaH(obs)) of -3 to -6 kcal/mol for BSA with a rank order of apparent equilibrium association constants (K(a) values): desflurane > isoflurane approximately enflurane > halothane >or= sevoflurane, with the differences being largely ascribed to entropic contributions. Competition experiments indicate that volatile anesthetics, at low concentrations, share the same sites in albumin previously identified in crystallographic and photo-cross-linking studies. The magnitude of the observed DeltaH increased linearly with increased reaction temperature, reflecting negative changes in heat capacities (DeltaC(p)). These -DeltaC(p) values significantly exceed those calculated for burial of each anesthetic in a hydrophobic pocket. The enhanced stabilities of the albumin/anesthetic complexes and -DeltaC(p) are consistent with favorable solvent rearrangements that promote binding. This idea is supported by substitution of D(2)O for H(2)O that significantly reduces the favorable binding enthalpy observed for desflurane and isoflurane, with an opposing increase of DeltaS(obs). From these results, we infer that solvent restructuring, resulting from release of water weakly bound to anesthetic and anesthetic-binding sites, is a dominant and favorable contributor to the enthalpy and entropy of binding to proteins.

Centennial eolian cyclicity in the Great Plains, USA: A dominant pattern of wind transport over the past 4000 years?

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schwalb, Antje; Dean, Walter E.; Fritz, C. Sherilyn; Geiss, Christoph E.; Kromer, Bernd

2010-01-01

Proxy evidence at decadal resolution from Late Holocene sediments from Pickerel Lake, northeastern South Dakota, shows distinct centennial cycles (400-700 years) in magnetic susceptibility; contents of carbonate, organic carbon, and major elements; abundance in ostracodes; and delta18O and delta13C values in calcite. Proxies indicate cyclic changes in eolian input, productivity, and temperature. Maxima in magnetic susceptibility are accompanied by maxima in aluminum and iron mass accumulation rates (MARs), and in abundances of the ostracode Fabaeformiscandona rawsoni. This indicates variable windy, and dry conditions with westerly wind dominance, including during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. Maxima in carbonates, organic carbon, phosphorous, and high delta13C values of endogenic calcite indicate moister and less windy periods with increased lake productivity, including during the Little Ice Age, and alternate with maxima of eolian transport. Times of the Maunder, Sporer and Wolf sunspot minima are characterized by maxima in delta18O values and aluminum MARs, and minima in delta13C values and organic carbon content. We interpret these lake conditions during sunspot minima to indicate decreases in lake surface water temperatures of up to 4-5 degrees C associated with decreases in epilimnetic productivity during summer. We propose that the centennial cycles are triggered by solar activity, originate in the tropical Pacific, and their onset during the Late Holocene is associated with insolation conditions driven by precession. The cyclic pattern is transmitted from the tropical Pacific into the atmosphere and transported by westerly winds into the North Atlantic realm where they strengthen the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation during periods of northern Great Plains wind maxima. This consequently leads to moister climates in Central and Northern Europe. Thus, Pickerel Lake provides evidence for mechanisms of teleconnections including an atmospheric link bridging between the different climate regimes from the tropical Pacific to the North Atlantic and onto the European continent.

There is no temperature dependence of net biochemical fractionation of hydrogen and oxygen isotopes in tree-ring cellulose.

PubMed

Roden, J S; Ehleringer, J R

2000-01-01

The isotopic composition of tree-ring cellulose was obtained over a two-year period from small diameter, riparian zone trees along an elevational transect in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah, USA to test for a possible temperature dependence of net biological fractionation during cellulose synthesis. The isotope ratios of stream water varied by only 3.6% and 0.2% in deltaD and delta18O, respectively, over an elevation change of 810m. The similarity in stream water and macroenvironment over the short (13km) transect produced nearly constant stem and leaf water deltaD and delta18O values. In addition, what few seasonal variations observed in the isotopic composition of source water and atmospheric water vapor or in leaf water evaporative enrichment were experienced equally by all sites along the elevational transect. The temperature at each site along the transect spanned a range of > or = 5 degrees C as calculated using the adiabatic lapse rate. Since the deltaD and delta18O values of stem and leaf water varied little for these trees over this elevation/temperature transect, any differences in tree-ring cellulose deltaD and delta18O values should have been associated with temperature effects on net biological fractionation. However, the slopes of the regressions of elevation versus the deltaD and delta18O values of tree-ring cellulose were not significantly different from zero indicating little or no temperature dependence of net biological fractionation. Therefore, cross-site climatic reconstruction studies using the isotope ratios of cellulose need not be concerned that temperatures during the growing season have influenced results.

Molecular and isotopic analyses of Tagish Lake alkyl dicarboxylic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pizzarello, Sandra; Huang, Yongsong

2002-05-01

The Tagish Lake meteorite soluble organic suite has a general composition that differs from those of both CI- and CM chondrites. These differences suggest that distinct processes may have been involved in the formation of different groups of organics in meteorites. Tagish Lake alkyl dicarboxylic acids have a varied, abundant distribution and are, with carboxylated pyridines, the only compounds to have an occurrence comparable to that of the Murchison meteorite. This study has undertaken their molecular and isotopic characterization, with the aim to understand their origin and to gain insights into the evolutionary history of the meteorite parent body. Tagish Lake alkyl dicarboxylic acids are present as a homologous series of saturated and unsaturated species with three through ten-carbon atom chain length. Linear saturated acids are predominant and show decreasing amounts with increasing chain length. A total of forty-four of these compounds were detected with the most abundant, succinic acid, present at ~40 nmoles/g. met. Overall the molecular distribution of Tagish Lake dicarboxylic acids shows a remarkable compound to compound correspondence with those observed in the Murchison and Murray meteorites. In both Tagish Lake and Murchison, the imides of the more abundant dicarboxylic acids were also observed. The hydrogen and carbon isotopic compositions of individual Tagish Lake dicarboxylic acids were determined and compared to those of the corresponding acids in the Murchison meteorite. All delta D and delta 13C values for Tagish Lake acids are positive and show a substantial isotopic enrichment. Delta D values vary from, approximately, + 1120 deg for succinic acid to + 1530 deg for methyl glutaric acid. Delta 13C values ranged from + 12.6 deg for methyl glutaric acid to + 22.9 deg for glutaric acid, with adipic acid having a significantly lower value (+ 5.5 deg). Murchison dicarboxylic acid showed similar isotopic values: their delta 13C values were generally higher by an average 17% and delta D values were lower for succinic and glutaric acids, possibly due to contamination. The molecular and isotopic data collected for these compounds restrict their possible origin to processes, either interstellar or of very cold nebular regions, that produced significant isotopic enrichments. Saturated or partially unsaturated nitriles and dinitriles appear to be good precursor candidates as their hydrolysis, upon water exposure, would produce dicarboxylic acids and other carboxylated species found in Tagish Lake. This evolutionary course could possibly include pre-accretionary processes.

[Determination of the solubility parameter of organosolv lignin by inverse gas chromatography].

PubMed

Yu, Yachen; Li, Kunlan; Ma, Yingchong; Wei, Ligang

2013-02-01

An inverse gas chromatographic (IGC) method has been used to measure the solubility parameters (delta2) of organosolv lignin at the absolute temperatures from 333.15 K to 373.15 K. The test probe solvents were n-octane (n-C8), n-decane (n-C10), n-dodecane (n-C12), and n-tetradecane (n-C14). The specific retention volumes of the solvents (Vg0), the molar enthalpy of sorption (deltaH1S), the partial molar enthalpy of mixing at infinite dilution (deltaH1infinity), the molar enthalpy of vaporization (deltaHv), the activity coefficients at infinite dilution (Omega1- infinity), and Flory-Huggins inter action parameters (chi12infinity) between organosolv lignin and probe solvents were obtained. The results showed that the above four probes are poor solvents for organosolv lignin; at the same temperature, the chi12infinity reduced with the increase of the carbon number of probe solvents. The average solubility parameter of organosolv lignin was determined as 19.03 (J x cm(-3))1/2.

Feed additives decrease survival of delta coronavirus in nursery pig diets.

PubMed

Cottingim, Katie M; Verma, Harsha; Urriola, Pedro E; Sampedro, Fernando; Shurson, Gerald C; Goyal, Sagar M

2017-01-01

Feed contaminated with feces from infected pigs is believed to be a potential route of transmission of porcine delta coronavirus (PDCoV). The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of commercial feed additives (e.i., acids, salt and sugar) to swine feed can be an effective strategy to inactive PDCoV. Six commercial feed acids (UltraAcid P, Activate DA, KEMGEST, Acid Booster, Luprosil, and Amasil), salt, and sugar were evaluated. The acids were added at the recommended concentrations to 5 g aliquots of complete feed, which were also inoculated with 1 mL of PDCoV and incubated for 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. In another experiment, double the recommended concentrations of these additives were also added to the feed samples and incubated for 0, 1, 3, 7, and 10 days. All samples were stored at room temperature (~25 °C) followed by removal of aliquots at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. Any surviving virus was eluted in a buffer solution and then titrated in swine testicular cells. Feed samples without any additive were used as controls. Both Weibull and log-linear kinetic models were used to analyze virus survival curves. The presence of a tail in the virus inactivation curves indicated deviations from the linear behavior and hence, the Weibull model was chosen for characterizing the inactivation responses due to the better fit. At recommended concentrations, delta values (days to decrease virus concentration by 1 log) ranged from 0.62-1.72 days, but there were no differences on virus survival among feed samples with or without additives at the manufacturers recommended concentrations. Doubling the concentration of the additives reduced the delta value to ≤ 0.28 days ( P  < 0.05) for all the additives except for Amasil (delta values of 0.86 vs. 4.95 days). Feed additives that contained phosphoric acid, citric acid, or fumaric acid were the most effective in reducing virus survival, although none of the additives completely inactivated the virus by 10- days post-inoculation. Commercial feed additives (acidifiers and salt) may be utilized as a strategy to decrease risk of PDCoV in feed, specially, commercial feed acidifiers at double the recommended concentrations reduced PDCoV survival in complete feed during storage at room temperature. However, none of these additives completely inactivated the virus.

Determination of arrhenius and thermodynamic parameters for the aqueous reaction of the hydroxyl radical with lactic acid.

PubMed

Martin, Leigh R; Mezyk, Stephen P; Mincher, Bruce J

2009-01-08

Lactic acid is a major component of the TALSPEAK process planned for use in the separation of trivalent lanthanide and actinide elements. This acid acts both as a buffer and to protect the actinide complexant from radiolytic damage. However, there is little kinetic information on the reaction of water radiolysis species with lactic acid, particularly under the anticipated process conditions of aerated aqueous solution at pH approximately 3, where oxidizing reactions are expected to dominate. Here we have determined temperature-dependent reaction rate constants for the reactions of the hydroxyl radical with lactic acid and the lactate ion. For lactic acid this rate constant is given by the following equation: ln k(1) = (23.85 +/- 0.19) - (1120 +/- 54)/T, corresponding to an activation energy of 9.31 +/- 0.45 kJ mol(-1) and a room temperature reaction rate constant of (5.24 +/- 0.35) x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) (24.0 degrees C). For the lactate ion, the temperature-dependent rate constant is given by ln k(2) = (24.83 +/- 0.14) - (1295 +/- 42)/T, for an activation energy of 10.76 +/- 0.35 kJ mol(-1) and a room temperature value of (7.77 +/- 0.50) x 10(8) M(-1) s(-1) (22.2 degrees C). These kinetic data have been combined with autotitration measurements to determine the temperature-dependent behavior of the lactic acid pK(a) value, allowing thermodynamic parameters for the acid dissociation to be calculated as DeltaH(o) = -10.75 +/- 1.77 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS(o) = -103.9 +/- 6.0 J K(-1) mol(-1) and DeltaG(o) = 20.24 +/- 2.52 kJ mol(-1) at low ionic strength.

Investigation of Benthic Foraminiferal Non-Traditional Stable Isotopes to Reconstruct Methane Fluxes in Sedimentary Environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Borrelli, C.; Gabitov, R. I.; Messenger, S. R.; Nguyen, A. N.; Torres, M. E.; Kessler, J. D.

2015-01-01

Methane (CH4) is an important greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential much higher than carbon dioxide (CO2) on a short time scale. Even if the residence time of CH4 in the atmosphere is relatively short (tens of years), one of the products of CH4 oxidation is CO2, a greenhouse gas with a much longer residence time in the atmosphere (tens to hundreds of years). CH4 has been proposed as one of the trigger mechanisms for rapid global climate change today and in the geological past. With regards to the geological past, numerous studies proposed the benthic foraminiferal carbon isotope ratio (Delta13C) as a tool to reconstruct the impact of marine CH4 on rapid climate changes; however, the investigation of modern benthic foraminiferal Delta13C have produced inconclusive results. CH4 has a distinctive hydrogen isotope (Delta(D)) and Delta13C signature compared to seawater, and sulfate reduction, often coupled to CH4 anaerobic oxidation in sediments, changes the sulfur isotope signature (Delta34S) of the remaining sulfate in porewater. Therefore, we hypothesize that the Delta(D) and Delta34S signature of infaunal benthic foraminiferal species can provide a complementary approach to Delta13C to study CH4 dynamics in sedimentary environments. Here, we present the preliminary results obtained analyzing Uvigerina peregrina Delta(D) and Delta34S from three different locations at Hydrate Ridge, offshore Oregon. Unfortunately, the lack of chemical data related to the moment of foraminiferal calcification makes difficult to build a robust relationship among the U. peregrina stable isotopes and the CH4 fluxes at the sampling sites. However, our results look very promising, as each site is characterized by a different Delta(D) and Delta34S signature. We emphasize that this study represents the first step in the development of new proxies (Delta(D)) and Delta34S), which may complement the more traditional benthic foraminiferal Delta13C values, to reconstruct marine CH4 fluxes in the geological past.

Temperature-Dependent Kinetics Studies of the Reactions Br((sup 2)P(sub 3/2)) + CH3SCH3 reversible reaction CH3SCH2 + HBr. Heat of Formation of the CH3SCH2 Radical

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jefferson, A.; Nicovich, J. M.; Wine, P. H.

1997-01-01

Time-resolved resonance fluorescence detection of Br((sup 2)P(sub 3/2)) atom disappearance or appearance 266 nm laser flash photolysis of CF2Br2/CH3SCH3/H2/N2 and Cl2CO/CH2SCH3/HBr/H2/N2 mixtures has been employed to study the kinetics of the reactions Br((sup 2)P(sub 3/2)) + CH3SCH3 reversible reaction HBr + CH3SCH2 (1,-1) as a function of temperature over the range 386-604 K. Arrhenius expressions in units of cu cm/molecule which describe the results are k3= (9.0 +/- 2.9) x 10 (exp -11) exp[(-2386 +/- 151)/T]; errors are 2 sigma and represent precision only. To our knowledge, these are the first kinetic data reported for each of the two reactions studied. Second and third law analyses of the equilibrium data for reactions 1 and -1 have been employed to obtain the following enthalpies of reaction in units of kcal/mol: Delta-H(298) = 6.11 +/- 1.37 and Delta-H(0) = 5.37 +/- 1.38. Combining the above enthalpies of reaction with the well-known heats of formation of Br, HBr, CH3SCH3 gives the following heats of formation of the CH3SCH2 radical in units of kcal/mol: Delta-H(sub(f,298)) = 32.7 +/- 1.4 and Delta-H(sub (f,0)) = 35.3 +/- 1.4; errors are 2 sigma and represent estimates of absolute accuracy. The C-H bond dissociation energy in CH3SCH3 obtained from our data, 93.7 +/- 1.4 kcal/mol at 298 K and 92.0 +/- 1.4 kcal at 0 k, agrees well with a recent molecular beam photofragmentaion study but is 3 kcal/mol lower than the value obtained from an iodination kinetics study.

Understanding Mississippi Delta Subsidence through Stratigraphic and Geotechnical Analysis of a Continuous Holocene Core at a Subsidence Superstation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bridgeman, J.; Tornqvist, T. E.; Allison, M. A.; Jafari, N.

2016-12-01

Land-surface subsidence is a major contributor to recent Mississippi Delta land loss. Despite significant research efforts, the primary mechanisms and rates of delta subsidence remain the subject of debate. This has led to a broad range of subsidence rate estimates across the delta, making differentiating between subsidence mechanisms as well as coastal restoration efforts more challenging. New data from a continuous 39 m long, 12 cm diameter core taken during the installation of a subsidence monitoring superstation near the Mississippi River, SW of New Orleans, provides insight into the grain size, bulk density, geochronology, and geotechnical parameters of the entire Holocene succession. The core consists of three major sections. The top 11 m contain a modern marsh peat, followed by a silty clay loam with interspersed humic clays (14C age 1250 BP), a peat bed (14C age 2200-2950 BP), and silt loams. The middle section from 11 to 35 m is dominated by clay and silty clay, with a relative bulk density of 1.5 g/cc, which gradually becomes denser with depth and the bottom section (35 to 39 m) is marked by a high energy, shell-rich sand facies and a basal peat (14C age 9850 BP), which terminates at the core base in a densely packed, blue-gray silty clay loam, characteristic of the Pleistocene. The radiocarbon ages of marsh peat beds, combined with sea-level markers derived from basal peat elsewhere in the delta, enable the reconstruction of the local subsidence history at this site. Notably, the data shows a significant amount of vertical displacement from the dated organics in the top section of the core; 3.5 m in the humic clays and up to 5 m in the peat bed. The subsidence rates measured by the superstation apparatus, and the geotechnical measurements of core sediments, will aid in determining the dominant subsidence mechanisms (shallow vs. deep) in the region.

Contributions to the Earth's Obliquity Rate, Precession, and Nutation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, James G.

1994-01-01

The precession and nutation of the Earth's equator arise from solar, lunar, and planetary torques on the oblate Earth. The mean lunar orbit plane is nearly coincident with the ecliptic plane. A small tilt out of the ecliptic is caused by planetary perturbations and the Earth's gravitational harmonic J(sub 2). These planetary perturbations on the lunar orbit result in torques on the oblate Earth which contribute to precession, obliquity rate, and nutation while the J(sub 2) perturbations contribute to precession and nutation. Small additional contributions to the secular rates arise from tidal effects and planetary torques on the Earth's bulge. The total correction to the obliquity rate is -0.024 sec/century, it is an observable motion in space (the much larger conventional obliquity rate is wholly from the motion of the ecliptic, not the equator), and it is not present in the IAU-adopted expressions for the orientation of the Earth's equator. The effects have generally been allowed for in past nutation theories and some precession theories. For the planetary effect, the contributions to the 18.6 yr nutation are -0.03 mas (milliarcseconds) for the in-phase Delta(psi) plus out-of-phase contributions of 0.14 mas in Delta(psi) and -0.03 mas in Delta(sub epsilon). The latter terms demonstrate that out-of-phase contributions can arise by means other than dissipation. The sum of the contributions to the precession rate is considered and the inferred value of the moment of inertia combination (C-A)/C, which is used to scale the coefficients in the nutation series, is evaluated. Using an updated value for the precession rate, the rigid body (C-A)/C =0.003 273 763 4 which, in combination with a satellite-derived J(sub 2), gives a normalized polar moment of inertia C/MR(exp 2) = 0.330 700 7. The planetary contributions to the precession and obliquity rates are not constant for long times causing accelerations in both quantities. Acceleration in precession also arises from tides and changing J(sub 2) Contributions from the improved theory, masses, ecliptic motion, and measured values of the precession rate and obliquity are combined to give expressions (polynomials in time) for precession, obliquity, and Greenwich Mean Sidereal Time.

Contributions to the Earth's obliquity rate, precession, and nutation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williams, James G.

1994-01-01

The precession and nutation of the Earth's equator arise from solar, lunar, and planetary torques on the oblate Earth. The mean lunar orbit plane is nearly coincident with the ecliptic plane. A small tilt out of the ecliptic is caused by planetary perturbations and the Earth's gravitational harmonic J(sub2). These planetary perturbations on the lunar orbit result in torques on the oblate Earth which contribute to precession, obliquity rate, and nutation while the J(sub 2) perturbations contribute to precession and nutation. Small additional contributions to the secular rates arise from tidal effects and planetary torques on the Earth's bulge. The total correction to the obliquity rate is -0.024sec/century, it is an observable motion in space (the much larger conventional obliquity rate is wholly from the motion of the ecliptic, not the equator), and it is not present in the IAU-adopted expressions for the orientation of the Earth's equator. The J(sub2) effects have generally been allowed for in past nutation theories and some procession theories. For the planetary effect, the contributions to the 18.6 yr nutation are -0.03 mas (milliarcseconds) for the in-phase Delta phi plus out-of-phase contributions of 0.14 mas in Delta phi and -0.03 mas in Delta epsilon. The latter terms demonstrate that out-of-phase contributions can arise by means other than dissipation. The sum of the contributions to the precession rate is considered and the inferred value of the moment of inertia combination (C-A)/C, which is used to scale the coefficients in the nutation series, is evaluated. Using an updated value for the precession rate, the rigid body (C-A)/C = 0.003 273 763 4 which, in combination with a satellite-derived J(sub2), gives a normalized polar moment of inertia C/MR(exp2) = 0.330 700 7. The planetary contributions to the precession and obliquity rates are not constant for long times causing accelerations in both quantities. Acceleration in precession also arises from tides and changing J(sub2). Contributions from the improved theory, masses, ecliptic motion, and measured values of the precession rate and obliquity are combined to give expressions (polynomials in time) for precession, obliquity, and Greenwich Mean Sidereal Time.

Molecular and bulk isotopic analyses of organic matter in marls of the Mulhouse Basin (Tertiary, Alsace, France)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hollander, D. J.; Sinninghe Damste, J. S.; Hayes, J. M.; de Leeuw, J. W.; Huc, A. Y.

1993-01-01

Contents of 13C in kerogens and carbonates in 21 samples from a core of the MAX borehole, Mulhouse Evaporite Basin, range from -27.3 to -23.5 and -3.7 to -1.8% vs PDB, respectively. Organic nitrogen in the same samples is enriched in 15N relative to atmospheric N2 by 12.2-15.7%. Hydrogen indices and delta values for kerogens vary systematically with facies, averaging 493 mg HC/g Corg and -25.7% in the most saline facies (dominated by inputs from aquatic sources) and 267 mg HC/g Corg and -23.7% in the least saline facies (50/50 aquatic/terrigenous). Values of delta were measured for individual aliphatic hydrocarbons from three samples representing three different organic facies. For all samples, terrigenous inputs were unusually rich in 13C, the estimated delta value for bulk terrigenous debris, apparently derived partly from CAM plants, being -22.5%. In the most saline facies, isotopic evidence indicates the mixing of 13C-depleted products of photosynthetic bacteria with 13C-enriched products of halotolerant eukaryotic algae. At lower salinities, a change in the producer community is marked by a decrease in the 13C content of algal lipids. The content of 13C in algal lipids increases in the least saline facies, due either to succession of different organisms or to decreased concentrations of dissolved CO2.

Effects of radiochemical impurities on measurements of transfer constants for [14C]sucrose permeation of normal and injured blood-brain barrier of rats.

PubMed

Preston, E; Foster, D O; Mills, P A

1998-01-01

Radiolabeled sucrose is often used to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) injury in the rat, but published transfer constants (K[i]s) for sucrose permeation of the intact BBB (control K[i]s) are highly discrepant. A potential problem with the commonly used tracer, [14C(U)]sucrose, is radiolytic generation, preuse, of radiocontaminants that might readily penetrate the BBB. How such contaminants might affect measurements of sucrose K(i)s was examined for both the intact and the ischemically injured BBB. Three stocks of [14C(U)]sucrose were studied: newly purchased ("new"), 4-year-old, and 7-year-old. A high purity (99.9%) "new" and a 2-year-old stock of [3H(fructose-1)]sucrose were also tested. Pentobarbital-anesthetized male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected i.v. with each tracer separately (six to eight rats) and K(i)s in five brain regions were measured by the multiple-time graphical method. The "new" 14C-, "new" 3H-, and 2-year-old 3H-sucrose yielded comparable K(i)s , ranging from 1.2 +/- 0.1 to 2.4 +/- 0.3 nl x g(-1) x s(-1) (mean +/- SE) across the regions. The two old stocks of 14C-sucrose yielded significantly higher regional K(i)s : 5.1-6.3 (4-year-old) and 8.4-9.7 (7-year-old). Thin-layer chromatography of the three 14C-tracers revealed that each contained radioimpurities (ca. 2% in both the "new" and 4-year-old, and 9% in the 7-year-old), but that the old stocks contained larger amounts of relatively mobile (more lipophilic) impurities, which can be suspected as the main cause of the elevated K(i)s obtained. Additional rats were subjected to 10 min of cerebral ischemia, which effects a delayed BBB injury, and 6 h later the "new" 3H- and the 4-year-old 14C-sucrose were injected together. The K(i)s for both tracers were elevated by like, absolute amounts (deltaK[i]s), but by very different percentages, over their disparate baseline values in uninjured rats (for striatum and hippocampus, the most injured regions, deltaK(i)s were 3.9 to 4.4 nl x g[-1] x s[-1]). It is concluded that radiolysis of [14C(U)]sucrose yields certain labeled products that readily cross the BBB and that can seriously distort baseline K(i)s , even if present only in very small amounts. While this appears not to compromise assessment of BBB injury, definition of the authentic range of baseline, sucrose K(i)s for the rat BBB would appear to remain a challenge.

The temperature-dependence of adenylate cyclase from baker's yeast.

PubMed Central

Londesborough, J; Varimo, K

1979-01-01

The Michaelis constant of membrane-bound adenylate cyclase increased from 1.1 to 1.8 mM between 7 and 38 degrees C (delta H = 13 kJ/mol). Over this temperature range, the maximum velocity increased 10-fold, and the Arrhenius plot was nearly linear, with an average delta H* of 51 kJ/mol. The temperature-dependence of the reaction rate at 2 mM-ATP was examined in more detail: for Lubrol-dispersed enzyme, Arrhenius plots were nearly linear with average delta H* values of 45 and 68 kJ/mol, respectively, for untreated and gel-filtered enzymes; for membrane-bound enzyme, delta H changed from 40 kJ/mol above about 21 degrees C to 62 kJ/mol below 21 degrees C, but this behaviour does not necessarily indicate an abrupt, lipid-induced, transition in the reaction mechanism. PMID:391221

Oxygen and Hydrogen Stable Isotope Composition of Eocene ( ~45 million year old) Fossil Tree Cellulose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jahren, H.

2001-05-01

I report on \\delta18O and \\deltaD values gained from unusually old tree fossils, collected on Axel Heiberg Island of the Canadian High Arctic. A variety of workers have measured the δ ^{18}O value of cellulose and the δ D value of cellulose nitrate isolated from modern trees and compared it to various environmental parameters (esp. Epstein et al., 1977: 14 tree species sampled at 16 sites ranging from 18 \\deg to 62 \\deg North latitude; \\delta18O of cellulose ranged from +20 to +33 \\permil; \\deltaD of cellulose nitrate ranged from -181 to +18). To date the paleoenvironmental interpretations resulting from these studies have been restricted to application in recent and Quaternary earth history due to the lack of sufficiently preserved cellulose and tree ring structure in older tree fossils. An exception to this generalization are the middle Eocene (\\sim45 my old) fossil forests of Axel Heiberg Island, which contain abundant stumps, branches, twigs, cones and leaves of Metasequoia trees in exquisite preservational condition. These deciduous trees grew at a paleolatitude of 80 ° North, and endured prolonged periods of continuous daylight in the summer and continuous darkness in the winter, making the ecosystem completely unlike any forest community existing today. Fossil wood samples from the site have been slightly compressed, but otherwise exhibit minimal alteration: %C and % cellulose (by mass) are similar to modern Metasequoia wood. δ ^{18}O analyses on cellulose isolated from 14 fossil individuals has yielded the following results: range = +17 to +20 ‰ ; mean = +19 ‰ ; variability within an individual = 0.5 to 1.0 ‰ . In presentation, I will complement these results with δ D determinations on cellulose nitrate isolated from the same individuals, as well as from small plants presently growing in the arctic. I will also discuss the surprising result that Axel Heiberg fossil trees appear to have stable isotope composition as low or lower than trees growing in the most extremely cold environments found on earth today, in contrast to the fact that the middle Eocene has been conceived by some as the maximum of Mesozoic-early Cenozoic global tropicality, partially based upon the presence of abundant vegetation at high latitudes.

Color characteristics of low-chroma and high-translucence dental resin composites by different measuring modes.

PubMed

Lee, Y K; Lim, B S; Kim, C W; Powers, J M

2001-01-01

The objective of the described research was the evaluation of the effects of the differences in the color-measuring geometry (SCE, SCI) and the standard illuminant on the color and color change after polymerization and thermocycling of resin composites. White, translucent, and conventional shades of two brands of resin composites were measured before and after polymerization and after thermocycling according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale on a reflection spectrophotometer with SCE and SCI geometry under the standard illuminants A, D65, and C. Under both SCE and SCI modes, the color differences (DeltaE*) of specimens between the values measured under illuminants A and D65 or A and C were larger than those between D65 and C in unpolymerized, polymerized, and thermocycled conditions. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* after polymerization of the white shade group was 8.7-9.8 under D65, and was higher than the conventional shade group (p < 0.05) in both materials. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* between polymerized and thermocycled white, translucent shade was 4.4-7.1 under D65. With SCI geometry, the results were in general agreement with those of SCE mode. After polymerization, DeltaE* measured under illuminant A was generally higher than that under D65 or C (p < 0.01). After thermocycling, the color change was different depending on the color-measuring geometry and standard illuminant. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[Application of digital photography in color matching of porcelain restoration in special color teeth].

PubMed

Ruan, Dan-Ping; Wu, Chun-Yun; Zhang, Ding-Hua

2010-02-01

To evaluate the clinical application of digital photography in special color teeth, and to explore the role and the problems s of digital photos to improve cosmetic effect. Digital photography combined visual color-matching was applied in 50 cases with special color teeth in ceramic restorations selected randomly. Then the satisfactory degree of the patients and dentists was evaluated and the value of L*a*b* between prosthesis and its neighbors was collected by self-developed software Dental ImgShop. Chroma (C(ab) )and hue (h(ab) degrees ) were calculated according to the value of a and b. The data was analyzed with paired t test using SAS6.12 software package, so as chromatic aberration (deltaE). The satisfactory degree of the patients was 98%, and the satisfaction degree of the dentists was 94%. The range of L, a ,b C(ab), h(ab) degrees of special color teeth was 54.50-92.29, -0.97-8.12,-0.73-20.85,0.85-21.34,29.73-89.20, respectively. There was no significant difference between the prosthesis and their neighbors statistically (P>0.05). The mean value of chromatic aberration (deltaE) was 0.948(0.136-3.45), and only 3 cases were unacceptable (deltaE>/=2). Digital photography could record and transmit the color information of special color teeth more exactly, and could improve the patients satisfaction and the cosmetic effect in color measuring. Supported by Research Fund of Natural Science for Young Scholars of Minhang Central Hospital.

Isotopic evidence for breastfeeding and possible adult dietary differences from Late/Sub-Roman Britain.

PubMed

Fuller, B T; Molleson, T I; Harris, D A; Gilmour, L T; Hedges, R E M

2006-01-01

Historical documents indicate that breastfeeding and weaning practices have fluctuated in England through history. In order to obtain evidence for general breastfeeding patterns in Late/Sub-Roman Britain, stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were measured in juvenile and adult skeletons (n = 87) from the cemetery of Queenford Farm, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. As the site contained few individuals between 0-1.5 years of age, it was not possible to determine the initial timing for the introduction of weaning foods. Between ages 2-4 years, the mean +/- SD delta(13)C results (-20.2 +/- 0.3 per thousand) are significantly more negative (t = -4.03, P < 0.001) compared to adult females (-19.7 +/- 0.3 per thousand). This is interpreted as evidence of a different diet being fed to children during weaning. After age 2, the delta(15)N values gradually decline, indicating complete cessation of breastfeeding by 3-4 years. Among adults, stature (males = 1.68 +/- 0.06 m; females = 1.58 +/- 0.07 m) and sexual dimorphism (106) were low, suggesting that the population was possibly under environmental stress. The delta(13)C results for adults are similar, but females show a small but statistically significantly (t = -2.86, P < 0.01) lower mean delta(15)N value (9.9 +/- 0.9 per thousand) compared to males (10.6 +/- 0.5 per thousand). These lower female delta(15)N values possibly reflect the different physiology of the sexes (pregnancy and/or lactation) or the reduced consumption of animal/fish protein by women, and this may have been influenced by individual preference, family needs, or societal values of the era.

Holocene evolution of a wave-dominated fan-delta: Godavari delta, India

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Y.; Nageswara Rao, K.; Nagakumar, K.; Demudu, G.; Rajawat, A.; Kubo, S.; Li, Z.

2013-12-01

The Godavari delta is one of the world's largest wave-dominated deltas. The Godavari River arises in the Western Ghats near the west coast of India and drains an area of about 3.1x10^5 km^2, flowing about 1465 km southeast across the Indian peninsula to the Bay of Bengal. The Godavari delta consists of a gentle seaward slope from its apex (12 m elevation) at Rajahmundry and a coastal beach-ridge plain over a distance of about 75 km and covers ~5200 km^2 as a delta plain. The river splits into two major distributary channels, the Gautami and the Vasishta, at a barrage constructed in the mid-1800s. The coastal environment of the deltaic coast is microtidal (~1 m mean tidal range) and wave-dominated (~1.5 m mean wave height in the June-September SW monsoon season, ~0.8 m in the NE monsoon season). Models of the Holocene evolution of the Godavari delta have changed from a zonal progradation model (e.g. Nageswara Rao & Sadakata, 1993) to a truncated cuspate delta model (Nageswara Rao et al., 2005, 2012). Twelve borehole cores (340 m total length), taken in the coastal delta plain during 2010-2013, yielded more than 100 C-14 dates. Sediment facies and C-14 dates from these and previous cores and remote-sensing data support a new delta evolution model. The Holocene coastal delta plain is divided into two parts by a set of linear beach ridges 12-14 km landward from the present shoreline in the central part of the delta. The location of the main depocenter (lobe) has shifted during the Holocene from 1) the center to 2) the west, 3) east, 4) center, 5) west, and 6) east. The linear beach ridges separate the first three from the last three stages. These lobe shifts are controlled by river channel shifts near the apex. Just as the current linear shoreline of the central part of the delta and the concave-up nearshore topography are the result of coastal erosion of a cuspate delta, the linear beach ridges indicate a former eroded shoreline. An unconformity within the deltaic sediments also indicates erosional environments during the formation of the linear shoreline. We interpret this unconformity as a wave-ravinement surface in a regressive delta succession reflecting the decrease of sediment supply due to lobe shifts (or avulsion), and not as a marine erosion surface due to forced regression. Similar erosion surface is recognized in the Yellow River delta (Saito et al., 2000). Discrimination of either surface for ancient sediments and rocks in a wave-dominated setting will be important in sequence-stratigraphic interpretation. Coastal erosion and deposition have occurred in wave-dominated deltas naturally on centennial to millenneial time scales, resulting in delta progradation during the Holocene. However recent decrease of sediment discharge due to dam construction and irrigation on decadal time scales has been exacerbating coastal erosion significantly, resulting in delta shrinking in the Godavari delta. Nageswara Rao, K., Sadakata, N.: In Kay, R. (Ed.), Deltas of the World. American Society of Civil Engineers, New York, 1-15, 1993. Nageswara Rao, K. et al.: In Bhattacharya, J.P., Gioson, L. (Eds.), River Deltas--Concepts, Models and Examples: SEPM Special Publication 83, 435-451, 2005. Nageswara Rao, K. et al.: Geomorphology 175-176, 163¬-175, 2012. Saito, Y. et al.: J Asian Earth Sci. 18, 489-497, 2000.

A blast of gas in the latest Paleocene: simulating first-order effects of massive dissociation of oceanic methane hydrate.

PubMed

Dickens, G R; Castillo, M M; Walker, J C

1997-03-01

Carbonate and organic matter deposited during the latest Paleocene thermal maximum is characterized by a remarkable -2.5% excursion in delta 13C that occurred over approximately 10(4) yr and returned to near initial values in an exponential pattern over approximately 2 x 10(5) yr. It has been hypothesized that this excursion signifies transfer of 1.4 to 2.8 x 10(18) g of CH4 from oceanic hydrates to the combined ocean-atmosphere inorganic carbon reservoir. A scenario with 1.12 x 10(18) g of CH4 is numerically simulated here within the framework of the present-day global carbon cycle to test the plausibility of the hypothesis. We find that (1) the delta 13C of the deep ocean, shallow ocean, and atmosphere decreases by -2.3% over 10(4) yr and returns to initial values in an exponential pattern over approximately 2 x 10(5) yr; (2) the depth of the lysocline shoals by up to 400 m over 10(4) yr, and this rise is most pronounced in one ocean region; and (3) global surface temperature increases by approximately 2 degrees C over 10(4) yr and returns to initial values over approximately 2 x 10(6) yr. The first effect is quantitatively consistent with the geologic record; the latter two effects are qualitatively consistent with observations. Thus, significant CH4 release from oceanic hydrates is a plausible explanation for observed carbon cycle perturbations during the thermal maximum. This conclusion is of broad interest because the flux of CH4 invoked during the maximum is of similar magnitude to that released to the atmosphere from present-day anthropogenic CH4 sources.

A blast of gas in the latest Paleocene: simulating first-order effects of massive dissociation of oceanic methane hydrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dickens, G. R.; Castillo, M. M.; Walker, J. C.

1997-01-01

Carbonate and organic matter deposited during the latest Paleocene thermal maximum is characterized by a remarkable -2.5% excursion in delta 13C that occurred over approximately 10(4) yr and returned to near initial values in an exponential pattern over approximately 2 x 10(5) yr. It has been hypothesized that this excursion signifies transfer of 1.4 to 2.8 x 10(18) g of CH4 from oceanic hydrates to the combined ocean-atmosphere inorganic carbon reservoir. A scenario with 1.12 x 10(18) g of CH4 is numerically simulated here within the framework of the present-day global carbon cycle to test the plausibility of the hypothesis. We find that (1) the delta 13C of the deep ocean, shallow ocean, and atmosphere decreases by -2.3% over 10(4) yr and returns to initial values in an exponential pattern over approximately 2 x 10(5) yr; (2) the depth of the lysocline shoals by up to 400 m over 10(4) yr, and this rise is most pronounced in one ocean region; and (3) global surface temperature increases by approximately 2 degrees C over 10(4) yr and returns to initial values over approximately 2 x 10(6) yr. The first effect is quantitatively consistent with the geologic record; the latter two effects are qualitatively consistent with observations. Thus, significant CH4 release from oceanic hydrates is a plausible explanation for observed carbon cycle perturbations during the thermal maximum. This conclusion is of broad interest because the flux of CH4 invoked during the maximum is of similar magnitude to that released to the atmosphere from present-day anthropogenic CH4 sources.

Sensitivity of digital dental photo CIE L*a*b* analysis compared to spectrophotometer clinical assessments over 6 months.

PubMed

Sluzker, Ariel; Knösel, Michael; Athanasiou, Athanasios E

2011-10-01

To assess the sensitivity of digital dental photo CIE L*a*b* analysis compared to clinical spectrophotometer assessments over 6 months. CIE L*a*b* values for the upper right central incisors of 14 predoctoral dental students subjected to certain color-relevant exclusion criteria were recorded at baseline (T0), after 6 months (T1), and 1 week later (T2), using (Method 1) a spectrophotometer and (Method 2) a method of digital photo analysis. Statistical analysis of color and lightness data between both methods and time points were assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, Pearson's correlation coefficient (r), Dahlberg's formula for method error calculation, and paired samples t-tests, adopting a level of significance alpha = 0.05. Between T0 - T1, the spectrophotometer recorded significant changes in lightness (75.51 > 77.75) and color values (a*: 3.25 > 2.38; b*: 18.47 > 17.31), whereas significant changes with Method 2 were only seen for b* (21.51 > 20.57). No significant changes for overall color and lightness changes deltaE to deltaE2 were found for either of the methods. The error of the method (T1-T2) and corresponding correlation coefficients r for values L*a*b* were found to be 1.44 / 0.43 / 0.62 (r: 0.69; P = 0.007/0.64; P = 0.14/0.9; P < 0.001) for Method 1 and 0.97/0.67/1.25 (r : 0.87; P < 0.001/0.63; P = 0.17/0.57, P = 0.04) for Method 2, respectively.

Isobutanol production as an alternative metabolic sink to rescue the growth deficiency of the glycogen mutant of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942

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

Li, XQ; Shen, CR; Liao, JC

2014-03-04

Glycogen synthesis initiated by glucose-1-phosphate adenylyltransferase (glgC) represents a major carbon storage route in cyanobacteria which could divert a significant portion of assimilated carbon. Significant growth retardation in cyanobacteria with glgC knocked out (Delta glgC) has been reported in high light conditions. Here, we knocked out the glgC gene and analyzed its effects on carbon distribution in an isobutanol-producing strain of Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 and its parental wild-type strain. We showed that isobutanol production was able to partially rescue the growth of Delta glgC mutant where the growth rescue effect positively correlated with the rate of isobutanol production. Using (NaHCO3)-C-14more » incorporation analysis, we observed a 28 % loss of total carbon fixation rate in the Delta glgC mutant compared to the wild-type. Upon expression of the isobutanol production pathway in Delta glgC mutant, the total carbon fixation rate was restored to the wild-type level. Furthermore, we showed that 52 % of the total carbon fixed was redirected into isobutanol biosynthesis in the Delta glgC mutant expressing enzymes for isobutanol production, which is 2.5 times higher than that of the wild-type expressing the same enzymes. These results suggest that biosynthesis of non-native product such as isobutanol can serve as a metabolic sink for replacing glycogen to rescue growth and restore carbon fixation rate. The rescue effect may further serve as a platform for cyanobacteria energy and carbon metabolism study.« less

delta 15N and non-carbonate delta 13C values for two petroleum source rock reference materials and a marine sediment reference material

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dennen, Kristin O.; Johnson, Craig A.; Otter, Marshall L.; Silva, Steven R.; Wandless, Gregory A.

2006-01-01

Samples of United States Geological Survey (USGS) Certified Reference Materials USGS Devonian Ohio Shale (SDO-1), and USGS Eocene Green River Shale (SGR-1), and National Research Council Canada (NRCC) Certified Marine Sediment Reference Material (PACS-2), were sent for analysis to four separate analytical laboratories as blind controls for organic rich sedimentary rock samples being analyzed from the Red Dog mine area in Alaska. The samples were analyzed for stable isotopes of carbon (delta13Cncc) and nitrogen (delta15N), percent non-carbonate carbon (Wt % Cncc) and percent nitrogen (Wt % N). SDO-1, collected from the Huron Member of the Ohio Shale, near Morehead, Kentucky, and SGR-1, collected from the Mahogany zone of the Green River Formation are petroleum source rocks used as reference materials for chemical analyses of sedimentary rocks. PACS-2 is modern marine sediment collected from the Esquimalt, British Columbia harbor. The results presented in this study are, with the exceptions noted below, the first published for these reference materials. There are published information values for the elemental concentrations of 'organic' carbon (Wt % Corg measured range is 8.98 - 10.4) and nitrogen (Wt % Ntot 0.347 with SD 0.043) only for SDO-1. The suggested values presented here should be considered 'information values' as defined by the NRCC Institute for National Measurement Reference Materials and should be useful for the analysis of 13C, 15N, C and N in organic material in sedimentary rocks.

Scale and the isotopic record of C4 plants in pedogenic carbonate: from the biome to the rhizosphere.

PubMed

Monger, H Curtis; Cole, David R; Buck, Brenda J; Gallegos, Robert A

2009-06-01

The 13C/12C ratio in pedogenic carbonate (i.e., CaCO3 formed in soil) is a significant tool for investigating C4 biomes of the past. However, the paleoecological meaning of delta13C values in pedogenic carbonate can change with the scale at which one considers the data. We describe studies of modern soils, fossil soils, and vegetation change in the Chihuahuan Desert of North America and elsewhere that reveal four scales important for paleoecologic interpretations. (1) At the broadest scale, the biome scale (hundreds to millions of km2), an isotopic record interpreted as C3 vegetation replacing C4 grasslands may indicate invading C3 woody shrubs instead of expanding C3 forests (a common interpretation). (2) At the landscape scale (several tens of m2 to hundreds of km2), the accuracy of scaling up paleoclimatic interpretations to a regional level is affected by the landform containing the isotopic record. (3) At the soil-profile scale (cm2 to m2), soil profiles with multiple generations of carbonate mixed together have a lower-resolution paleoecologic record than soil profiles repeatedly buried. (4) At the rhizosphere scale (microm2 to cm2), carbonate formed on roots lack the 14-17 per thousand enrichment observed at broader scales, revealing different fractionation processes at different scales. A multi-scale approach in dealing with delta13C in pedogenic carbonate will increase the accuracy of paleoecologic interpretations and understanding of soil-geomorphic-climatic interactions that affect boundaries between C4 and C3 vegetation.

Potential of IRMS technology for tracing gamma-butyrolactone (GBL).

PubMed

Marclay, François; Pazos, Diego; Delémont, Olivier; Esseiva, Pierre; Saudan, Christophe

2010-05-20

Popularity of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) is fairly stable among drug users, while the consumption of its chemical precursor, gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), is a growing phenomenon. Although conventional analytical methods allow to detect this substance in various matrices, linking a trace and a source is still a difficult challenge. However, as several synthesis pathways and chemical precursors exist for the production of GBL, its carbon isotopic signature may vary extensively. For that purpose, a method has been developed to determine the carbon isotopes content of GBL by means of gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). The delta(13)C-values of 19 bulk samples purchased worldwide were in the range from -23.1 to -45.8 per thousand (SD<0.3 per thousand). Furthermore, testing on the purification of GBL by distillation has not been found to be consistent with such a large range of delta(13)C-values, which are likely to result from the isotopic composition of the organic precursors used to produce GBL together with the kinetic isotope effect associated with the synthesis routes. Finally, inter- and intra-variability measurements of the delta(13)C-values demonstrated the high potential of IRMS for discriminating between seizures of GBL and for source determination.

Indian Ocean radiocarbon: Data from the INDIGO 1, 2, and 3 cruises

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

Sepanski, R.J.

1991-01-01

This document presents {sup 14}C activities (expressed in the internationally adopted {Delta}{sup 14}C scale) from water samples taken at various locations and depths in the Indian and Southern oceans through the Indien Gaz Ocean (INDIGO) project. These data were collected as part of the INDIGO 1, INDIGO 2, and INDIGO 3 cruises, which took place during the years 1985, 1986, and 1987, respectively. These data have been used to estimate the penetration of anthropogenic CO{sub 2} in the Indian and Southern oceans. The document also presents supporting data for potential temperature, salinity, density (sigma-theta), {delta}{sup 13}C, and total CO{sub 2}.more » All radiocarbon measurements have been examined statistically for quality of sample counts and stability of counting efficiency and background. In addition, all data have been reviewed by the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center and assessed for gross accuracy and consistency (absence of obvious outliers and other anomalous values). These data are available free of charge as a numeric data package (NDP) from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center. The NDP consists of this document and a magnetic tape containing machine-readable files. This document provides sample listing of the Indian Ocean radiocarbon data as they appear on the magnetic tape, as well as a complete listing of these data in tabular form. This document also offers retrieval program listings, furnishes information on sampling methods and data selection, defines limitations and restrictions of the data, and provides reprints of pertinent literature. 13 refs., 4 tabs.« less

Monitoring Natural Biodegradation of TCE in Fractured Sedimentary Rocks Using delta 13C of TCE and its Degradation Products: Estimating Isotopic Fractionation Factor under Field Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Revesz, K.; Shapiro, A. M.; Tiedeman, C.; Goode, D. J.; Lacombe, P. J.; Imbrigiotta, T. E.

2008-12-01

The isotopic ratio of 13C/12C, expressed in delta13CVPDB per mill for trichloroethene (TCE), can differentiate between microbial degradation and other processes (dilution, dispersion, and sorption) that can also affect the concentration of TCE and its degradation products. The delta13C of TCE isotopically fractionates during microbial degradation; however, it remains practically unchanged during other processes. The isotope fractionation factor (alpha) estimated under laboratory conditions, however, may not be representative of microbial degradation in natural ground waters. Estimating alpha under field conditions provides evidence of the presence or absence of in situ microbial degradation and provides valuable information on the in situ processes that affect the fate and transport of chlorinated hydrocarbons. Our modified analytical method of analyzing for the isotopic ratio proved to be comparable to previously published methods. Isotope values were stable within analytical uncertainty in sample sizes ranging from 22 to 2200 nanomoles. Prepared standard mixtures of TCE and DCEs (trans- and cis- dichloroethene) were analyzed after every five field samples, and were stable during the time period that field samples were processed (a year). Water samples were collected from multiple boreholes completed in the fractured mudstone underlying the former Naval Air Warfare Center, West Trenton, NJ, and analyzed for delta13C of the chlorinated hydrocarbons. The results showed an ongoing natural microbial degradation following the typical dehalogenation pathway: TCE to DCE (trans- and cis-dichloroethene) to VC (vinyl chloride). The carbon isotope enrichment due to fractionation was smaller between TCE to DCE degradation than the enrichment between DCE to VC degradation, which is consistent with previous investigations. Results also showed a correlation between delta13C of TCE and the transmissivity of the boreholes where water samples were collected. We assumed that boreholes with extremely low transmissivity behaved analogously to microbial batch reactors. The value of alpha obtained from the borehole interval with the lowest transmissivity was 0.99345, which is in the range of published values: 0.9862 to 0.9934. We consider this value to represent the "field alpha" for microbial degradation in the absence of other processes. Values of alpha in other boreholes that differ from the field alpha could point to other processes affecting the delta13C and concentration of TCE. The value of alpha from the various monitored intervals is referred to as the "apparent alpha". The apparent alpha is characteristic of the borehole and the time at which the concentrations and the isotope values were measured. The difference between the apparent alpha and the field alpha provides insight into hydrologic conditions around the well. Results from one well showed fluctuation in the TCE concentrations, which were correlated with the calculated apparent alpha, and pointed to the recent introduction of TCE into the ground water that had not been significantly degraded. Recent drilling in the vicinity of this well may have remobilized free-phase TCE.

Correlated carbon and oxygen isotope signatures in eclogitic diamonds with coesite inclusions: A SIMS investigation of diamonds from Guaniamo, Argyle and Orapa mines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, D. J.; Page, Z.; Harte, B.; Valley, J.; Channer, D.; Jaques, L.

2006-12-01

Using ion microprobes and secondary-ion mass spectrometry we have analyzed the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of eclogite-suite diamonds and their coesite inclusions, respectively, from three suites of diamonds of Proterozoic age. Extremely high (for the mantle) oxygen isotope values (delta 18O of +10.2 to +16.9 per mil VSMOW) are preserved in coesites included in eclogitic diamonds from Guaniamo, Venezuela (Schulze et al., Nature, 2003), providing compelling evidence for an origin of their eclogite hosts by subduction of sea water altered ocean floor basalts. In situ SIMS analyses of their host diamonds yield carbon isotope values (delta 13C) of -12 to -18 per mil PDB. SIMS analyses of coesite inclusions from Argyle, Australia diamonds previously analyzed by combustion methods for d13C composition (Jaques et al., Proc. 4th Kimb. Conf, 1989), also yield anomalously high d18O values (+6.8 to +16.0 per mil VSMOW), that correlate with the anomalously low carbon isotope values (-10.3 to -14.1 per mil PDB). One coesite-bearing diamond from Orapa, Botswana analyzed in situ by SIMS has a d18O value of the coesite of +8.5 per mil VSMOW and a d13C value of the adjacent diamond host of -9.0 per mil PDB. A second Orapa stone has a SIMS carbon isotope compositional range of d13C = -14 to -16 per mil PDB, but the coesite is too small for ion probe analysis. At each of these localities, carbon isotope values of coesite-bearing diamonds that are lower than typical of mantle carbon are correlated with oxygen isotope compositions of included coesites that are substantially above the common mantle oxygen isotope range. Such results are not in accord with diamond genesis models involving formation of eclogitic diamonds from igneous melts undergoing fractionation in the mantle or by crystallization from primordial inhomogeneities in Earth's mantle. By analogy with the oxygen isotope compositions of altered ocean floor basalts and Alpine (subduction zone) eclogites they are, however, consistent with a subduction origin for these eclogite assemblages from altered ocean floor basaltic protoliths, and thus the simplest explanation for the source of the low carbon isotope values of these diamonds is formation from biogenic carbon accumulated on or near the ocean floor and subducted to the depths of eclogite and diamond stability with the altered basalts. Significantly these results, which were not predicted from studies of diamond-bearing eclogites, apply to the mantle beneath three different continental crustal blocks of both Proterozoic (Guaniamo and Argyle) and Archean/Proterozoic (Orapa) age.

Delta 14CO2 Record from Vermunt, Austria, February 1959 - June 1983

DOE Data Explorer

Levin, Ingeborg [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Kromer, Bernd [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Schoch-Fischer, H. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Bruns, M. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Munnich, M. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Berdau, D. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Vogel, J. C. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Munnich, K. O. [Institut fur Umweltphysik, University of Heidelberg, Germany

1994-01-01

The sampling at Vermunt was discontinued in 1983. During sampling from 1959 to 1983, the sampling methods were modified twice (Levin et al. 1985). From 1959 through November 1965, three dishes with 1.5 L of 0.5 normal sodium hydroxide (NaOH) carbonate-free solution were exposed to the atmosphere for ~3 days, and the atmospheric CO2 absorbed during that time was recovered by acid evolution. From November 1965 through May 1975, samples were collected by pumping fresh air continuously for 10 days through a box containing 1.5 L of a 0.5 normal NaOH solution. The method has been described by Münnich and Vogel (1959). From May 1975 to the time sampling stopped, a technique described by Levin et al. (1980) was used. Air was pumped through a rotating glass tube filled with a packed bed of Raschig rings (hard glass) to enlarge the surface of the absorbing NaOH solution (200 ml of 4 normal NaOH). The CO2 absorption was quantitative and samples represent mean values of 10 days to 2 weeks. In the laboratory, the samples were extracted from the NaOH solution in a vacuum system by adding hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. The CO2 gas samples were purified over charcoal and counted in a proportional counter (Schoch et al. 1980). Delta 14C values are given relative to the NIST oxalic acid activity corrected for decay (Stuiver and Polach 1970).

Effect of different high-palladium metal-ceramic alloys on the color of opaque and dentin porcelain.

PubMed

Stavridakis, Minos M; Papazoglou, Efstratios; Seghi, Robert R; Johnston, William M; Brantley, William A

2004-08-01

The color of dental porcelain depends on the type of metal substrate. Little research has been done to document the effects of different types of high-palladium alloys on the color of dental porcelain. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different high-palladium alloys on the resulting color of dentin porcelain, as well as on that of opaque porcelain after simulated dentin and glazing firing cycles. Three Pd-Cu-Ga alloys, Spartan Plus (S), Liberty (B), and Freedom Plus (F), and 5 Pd-Ga alloys, Legacy (L), IS 85 (I), Protocol (P), Legacy XT (X), and Jelenko No.1 (N), were examined. A Pd-Ag alloy, Super Star (T), was included for comparison to the high-palladium alloys, and the Au-Pd alloy, Olympia (O), served as the control. Six cast discs (16 x 1 mm) were prepared from each of the alloys. Shade B1 opaque porcelain (Vita-Omega) was applied at a final thickness of 0.1 mm. After 2 opaque porcelain firing cycles, the surfaces were airborne-particle abraded, and the specimens were divided into 2 groups. In the first group, 0.9 mm of B1 dentin porcelain was applied. The other group of specimens with only opaque porcelain underwent the same dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles. Color differences (DeltaE) were determined with a colorimeter between the control and each experimental group, after the second opaque porcelain, second dentin porcelain, and glazing firing cycles. One-way analysis of variance and Dunnett's multiple range test were performed on the DeltaE data (alpha=.05). After the application of dentin porcelain, the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys showed significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=2.3 +/- 0.5, B=1.4 +/- 0.3, and F=1.3 +/- 0.7) than the control group. After the glazing cycle of this group, the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys and the Pd-Ag alloy exhibited significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=2.8 +/- 0.8, B=2.2 +/- 0.3, F=1.9 +/- 1.0, and T=1.4 +/- 0.5) than the control group. After the simulated dentin porcelain firing cycles, the specimens with only opaque porcelain exhibited significantly different (P<.05) DeltaE values (S=5.2 +/- 1.4, B=5.4 +/- 0.6, and F=3.9 +/- 0.2) than the control group. The color difference between the 3 Pd-Cu-Ga alloys with only opaque porcelain and the control group increased more after the simulated glazing cycle (S=6.6 +/- 1.5, B=6.3 +/- 0.5, and F=4.6 +/- 0.1). The observed color differences between the Pd-Ga alloys and the control group were not statistically significant at any point. The Pd-Cu-Ga alloys with only opaque porcelain, after the simulated dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles, exhibited clinically unacceptable color differences. The application of dentin porcelain to the Pd-Cu-Ga alloys resulted in clinically acceptable color differences. The application of dentin porcelain to the Pd-Ag alloy, after the glazing firing cycle, resulted in clinically acceptable color differences (approximately 2.8 to 3.7 DeltaE CIELAB units). The Pd-Ag alloy specimens with only opaque porcelain did not exhibit significant color differences from the control group, whereas significant color differences from the control group after the dentin porcelain and glazing firing cycles were still clinically acceptable.

Peralkynylated buta-1,2,3-trienes: exceptionally low rotational barriers of cumulenic C=C bonds in the range of those of peptide C--N bonds.

PubMed

Auffrant, Audrey; Jaun, Bernhard; Jarowski, Peter D; Houk, Kendall N; Diederich, François

2004-06-21

A variety of 1,1,4,4-tetraal kynylbutatrienes and 1,4-dialkynylbutatrienes was synthezized by dimerization of the corresponding gem-dibromoolefins. Both (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy indicated that the di- and tetraalkynylated butatrienes are formed as a mixture of cis and trans isomers. Variable temperature NMR studies evidenced a facile cis-trans isomerization, thus preventing the separation of these isomers by gravity or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For 1,1,4,4-tetraalkynylbutatrienes, the activation barrier deltaG( not equal ) was measured by magnetization transfer to be around 20 kcal mol(-1), in the range of the barrier for internal rotation about a peptide bond. Unlike the tetraalkynylated [3]cumulenes, 1,4-dialkynylbutatrienes are more difficult to isomerize and could, in one case, be obtained isomerically pure. Based on experimental data, the rotational barrier DeltaG( not equal ) for 1,4-dialkynylbutatrienes is estimated to be around 25 kcal mol(-1). The hypothesis of a stabilizing effect of the four alkynyl substituents on the proposed but-2-yne-1,4-diyl singlet diradical transition state of this cis-trans isomerization is further supported by a computational study.

A Brief Review of the Application of 14C in Terrestrial Carbon Cycle Studies

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

Guilderson, T; Mcfarlane, K

2009-10-22

An over-arching goal of the DOE TCP program is to understand the mechanistic controls over the fate, transport, and residence time of carbon in the terrestrial biosphere. Many of the modern process and modeling studies focus on seasonal to interannual variability. However, much of the carbon on the landscape and in soils is in separate reservoirs with turnover times that are multi-decadal to millennial. It is the controls on these longer term pools or reservoirs that is a critical unknown in the face of rising GHGs and climate change and uncertainties of the terrestrial biosphere as a future global sinkmore » or source of atmospheric CO{sub 2} [eg., Friedlingstein et al., 2006; Govindasamy et al., 2005; Thompson et al., 2004]. Radiocarbon measurements, in combination with other data, can provide insight into, and constraints on, terrestrial carbon cycling. Radiocarbon (t{sub 1/2} 5730yrs) is produced naturally in the stratosphere when secondary neutrons generated by cosmic rays collide with {sup 14}N atoms [Libby 1946; Arnold and Libby, 1949]. Upon formation, {sup 14}C is rapidly oxidized to CO and then to CO{sub 2}, and is incorporated into the carbon cycle. Due to anthropogenic activities, the amount of {sup 14}C in the atmosphere doubled in the mid/late 1950s and early 1960s from its preindustrial value of {sup 14}C/{sup 12}C ratio of 1.18 x 10{sup -12} [eg., Nydal and Lovseth, 1983]. Following the atmospheric weapons test ban in 1963, the {sup 14}C/{sup 12}C ratio, has decreased due to the net isotopic exchange between the ocean and terrestrial biosphere [eg., Levin and Hessheimer, 2000] and a dilution effect due to the burning of {sup 14}C-free fossil fuel carbon, the 'Suess Effect' [Suess, 1955]. In the carbon cycle literature, radiocarbon measurements are generally reported as {Delta}{sup 14}C, which includes a correction for mass dependent fractionation [Stuiver and Polach, 1977]. In the context of carbon cycle studies radiocarbon measurements can be used to determine the 'age' and rate of change of carbon stocks or as a biogeochemical tracer to elucidate processes and pathways. It is this dual nature that can be exploited across scales in space (individual plant, plot or research site, ecosystem, regional, and global) and time (days to millennia). For example, across regional scales, {Delta}{sup 14}C measurements of atmosphere CO{sub 2} can be used to attribute carbon dioxide to sources (e.g., respiration vs. fossil fuel emissions) or sinks ( e.g,. photosynthesis), which cannot be readily inferred from concentration, net flux measurements, or {delta}{sup 13}CO{sub 2} [eg. Graven et al., 2009; Levin and Hessheimer, 2000; Turnbull et al., 2007]. At smaller scales, similar analyses can be used to elucidate the source, and 'age' of the below ground component undergoing heterotrophic respiration. Net (biome or ecosystem) uptake of carbon is the difference of two large fluxes: photosynthesis and respiration. Carbon fixation by photosynthesis is, to a large extent, a single process with theoretical underpinnings. On the other-hand, net ecosystem or biome respiration integrates microbial (heterotrophic) and plant (autotrophic) respiration. Eddy covariance methods can be used to estimate bulk CO{sub 2} fluxes but they cannot discriminate the process nor the source of the respired CO{sub 2}. It is these processes that are parameterized in predictive models and contribute to the uncertainty in the climate forcing effect of the carbon cycle in the future [Friedlingstein et al., 2006; Heimann and Reichstein, 2008].« less

Estimating changes in mean body temperature for humans during exercise using core and skin temperatures is inaccurate even with a correction factor.

PubMed

Jay, Ollie; Reardon, Francis D; Webb, Paul; Ducharme, Michel B; Ramsay, Tim; Nettlefold, Lindsay; Kenny, Glen P

2007-08-01

Changes in mean body temperature (DeltaT(b)) estimated by the traditional two-compartment model of "core" and "shell" temperatures and an adjusted two-compartment model incorporating a correction factor were compared with values derived by whole body calorimetry. Sixty participants (31 men, 29 women) cycled at 40% of peak O(2) consumption for 60 or 90 min in the Snellen calorimeter at 24 or 30 degrees C. The core compartment was represented by esophageal, rectal (T(re)), and aural canal temperature, and the shell compartment was represented by a 12-point mean skin temperature (T(sk)). Using T(re) and conventional core-to-shell weightings (X) of 0.66, 0.79, and 0.90, mean DeltaT(b) estimation error (with 95% confidence interval limits in parentheses) for the traditional model was -95.2% (-83.0, -107.3) to -76.6% (-72.8, -80.5) after 10 min and -47.2% (-40.9, -53.5) to -22.6% (-14.5, -30.7) after 90 min. Using T(re), X = 0.80, and a correction factor (X(0)) of 0.40, mean DeltaT(b) estimation error for the adjusted model was +9.5% (+16.9, +2.1) to -0.3% (+11.9, -12.5) after 10 min and +15.0% (+27.2, +2.8) to -13.7% (-4.2, -23.3) after 90 min. Quadratic analyses of calorimetry DeltaT(b) data was subsequently used to derive best-fitting values of X for both models and X(0) for the adjusted model for each measure of core temperature. The most accurate model at any time point or condition only accounted for 20% of the variation observed in DeltaT(b) for the traditional model and 56% for the adjusted model. In conclusion, throughout exercise the estimation of DeltaT(b) using any measure of core temperature together with mean skin temperature irrespective of weighting is inaccurate even with a correction factor customized for the specific conditions.

Hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)-naproxen 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl thioester by Carica papaya lipase in water-saturated organic solvents.

PubMed

Ng, I-Son; Tsai, Shau-Wei

2005-01-05

For the first time, the Carica papaya lipase (CPL) stored in crude papain is explored as a potential enantioselective biocatalyst for obtaining chiral acids from their racemic thioesters. Hydrolytic resolution of (R,S)-naproxen 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl thioester in water-saturated organic solvents is employed as a model system for studying the effects of temperature and solvents on lipase activity and enantioselectivity. An optimal temperature of 60 degrees C, based on the initial rate of (S)-thioester and a high enantiomeric ratio (i.e., E-value defined as the ratio of initial rates for both substrates) of >100 at 45 degrees C in isooctane, is obtained. Kinetic analysis, considering product inhibition and enzyme deactivation, is also performed, showing agreement between the experimental and best-fit conversions for (S)-thioester. A comparison of the kinetic and thermodynamic behaviors of CPL and Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) in isooctane and cyclohexane indicates that both lipases are very similar in terms of thermodynamic parameters DeltaDeltaH and DeltaDeltaS, initial rate of (S)-substrate, and E-value when (R,S)-naproxen 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl thioester or ester is employed as substrate. (c) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Stable Isotope (delta OXYGEN-18, Delta Deuterium, Delta CARBON-13) Dendroclimatological Studies in the Waterloo Region of Southern Ontario, Canada, Between AD 1610 and 1990.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buhay, William Mark

Oxygen (delta^{18} O), hydrogen (delta^2H) and carbon (delta^{13}C) isotopes were measured in wood cellulose from elm, white pine and maple trees that grew in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The measured oxygen and hydrogen isotopic data were used for model-based reconstructions of delta^{18}{O}_{meteoric water}, mean annual temperature (MAT) and relative humidity for a period, AD 1610 to 1880, that precedes instrumental records of climate. The carbon isotope measurements were compared with the Cellulose Model inferred climate data to reveal additional environmental information. Modifications made to the Cellulose Model focused on the dynamics of oxygen and hydrogen isotopic fractionation in plants during evapotranspiration and photosynthetic assimilation. For instance, kinetic fractionation of ^{18}O was found to be predictable from theoretical considerations of leaf energy balance and boundary layer dynamics. Kinetic fractionation during evapotranspiration is sensitive to the nature of the boundary layer, which is controlled by leaf size and morphology. Generally, plants with small segmented leaves have a lower component of turbidity in the leaf boundary layer, which results in higher kinetic fractionation values, than do plants having large simple leaves and more turbulent boundary layers. Kinetic ^2H enrichment in plant leaf water can also be rationalized in terms of leaf size and morphology when an apparent temperature-dependent isotope effect, acting in opposition to evaporative enrichment, is taken into account. Accounting for this temperature -dependent isotope effect helps to: (1) reconcile hydrogen kinetic fractionation inconsistencies for different leaves; (2) explain a temperature effect previously attributed to variable biochemical fractionation during cellulose synthesis, and; (3) verify hydrogen biochemical effects in plants. This improved characterization of the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic effects in plants, using the modified Cellulose Model, helped to constrain the paleoclimate interpretations from three species of trees that grew in different hydrologic settings. The inferred climate data, integrated with the hydrological setting of the trees and various climate modifying factors in the Great Lakes basin, generated an independent interpretation of summer and winter conditions in southwestern Ontario for the past 380 years. The inferred evidence indicates that conditions in southwestern Ontario between 1610 and 1750 typified those of "Little Ice Age" Europe by being cooler and drier than present. This probably resulted from a southerly positioning of the Polar Front, with respect to southwestern Ontario, which allowed sub-polar airmasses to dominantly influence this region. A subsequent retreat of the Polar Front north after 1750 allowed for a predominance of sub -tropical airmasses that resulted in warm-moist conditions and an increase in winter precipitation in this area between 1750 and 1850. Another advance of the Polar Front position south, sometime after 1850, renewed cool-dry conditions and reduced winter precipitation amounts in southwestern Ontario until the early twentieth century, after which time, climate ameliorated progressively. Typical of the findings in previous studies, a significant correlation between climate parameters and delta^{13}C_ {cellulose} values is observed for a tree (maple) from a groundwater recharge setting. The correlation is best between MAT and delta^ {13}C_{cellulose} values between 1610 and 1850. The breakdown of this correlation after 1850, due to enriched delta ^{13}C_{cellulose} values, could indicate that the tree is responding to an alteration in soil chemistry occurring due to the fallout of anthropogenically produced atmospheric pollutants. This is because the effects of depleted soil nutrients and/or leached phytotoxins on delta^ {13}C_{cellulose} values in wood cellulose, are similar to ones seen in trees that regularly experience drought stress.

Investigation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) sub-types in children via EEG frequency domain analysis.

PubMed

Aldemir, Ramazan; Demirci, Esra; Per, Huseyin; Canpolat, Mehmet; Özmen, Sevgi; Tokmakçı, Mahmut

2018-04-01

To investigate the frequency domain effects and changes in electroencephalography (EEG) signals in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study contains 40 children. All children were between the ages of 7 and 12 years. Participants were classified into four groups which were ADHD (n=20), ADHD-I (ADHD-Inattentive type) (n=10), ADHD-C (ADHD-Combined type) (n=10), and control (n=20) groups. In this study, the frequency domain of EEG signals for ADHD, subtypes and control groups were analyzed and compared using Matlab software. The mean age of the ADHD children's group was 8.7 years and the control group 9.1 years. Spectral analysis of mean power (μV 2 ) and relative-mean power (%) was carried out for four different frequency bands: delta (0--4 Hz), theta (4--8 Hz), alpha (8--13 Hz) and beta (13--32 Hz). The ADHD and subtypes of ADHD-I, and ADHD-C groups had higher average power value of delta and theta band than that of control group. However, this is not the case for alpha and beta bands. Increases in delta/beta ratio and statistical significance were found only between ADHD-I and control group, and in delta/beta, theta/delta ratio statistical significance values were found to exist between ADHD-C and control group. EEG analyzes can be used as an alternative method when ADHD subgroups are identified.

Isotopic composition of carbon and hydrogen in some Apollo 14 and 15 lunar samples

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

Friedman, I.; Hardcastle, K.G.; Gleason, J.D.

1974-01-01

Isotopic composition of carbon and hydrogen in some Apollo 14 and 15 lunar samples was determined by use of a newly constructed combustion line that yields low blanks for CO/sub 2/ and H/sub 2/. The results from combustion of fines and breccia from Apollo 14 lunar samples and of fines, breccia, and hasalt from Apollo 15 were compared with data obtained by heating samples in vacuo to over 1,350 deg C. The two techniques gave similar results. Total carbon in the flnes ranged from 51 to 110 p/m with a delta C/sup 13/ of 112 to --8 per mil (partsmore » per thousand) PDB. The breccias contain 22 to 50 p/m carbon with a delta C/sup 13/ of -21 to -25 per mil. The crystalline rock (sample 15555) has a carbon contert of about 7 p/m and a delta C/sup 13/ of --28 per mil. The total hydrogen in the fines ranges from 66 to 120 p/m with a (D/H) x 10/sup -6/ of 39 to 90. The breccias contain 8 to 38 p/m H/sub 2/ with a (D/H) x 10/sup -6/of 103 to 144. The crystalline rock contains about 2 p/m H/sub 2/ with a (D/H) x 10/sup -6/ of about 140. Arguments are presented to show that the contamination by Earth materials is not as serious a problem as has been proposed by previous authors. (auth)« less

Photometric and Spectroscopic Study of the Delta Scuti Stars FH Cam, CU CVn and CC Lyn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conidis, G. J.; Gazeas, K. D.; Capobianco, C. C.; Ogloza, W.

2010-06-01

Three short period (P ˜ 1 day) variable stars from the Hipparcos catalogue targets were observed after suspected misclassification as Beta Lyr eclipsing systems (Perryman et al. 1997), as no secondary component had been noticed in the inspection of their Broadening Functions (BFs) (Rucinski 2002). FH Cam is found to be a multiple star system with a member exhibiting Delta Scuti behaviour. The dominant pulsation frequency is found to be 7.3411 ± 0.0002 c/d, which corresponds to a pulsation mode of l ≤ 1. We confirmed the pulsations of CU CVn using photometric observations and found a pulsation frequency of 14.7626 ± 0.0250 c/d, which is in agreement with the period given in literature. CC Lyn is a non-eclipsing visual binary (CCDM J07359+4302AB), the brighter component (A) is found to be a multi-mode Delta Scuti pulsator, with pulsation frequencies of 5.6402 ± 0.0004 c/d and 7.3368 ± 0.0005 c/d.

The complete set of spin observables for the (13)C(polarized proton, polarized neutron)(13)N and (15)N(polarized proton, polarized neutron)(15)O reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Qun Qun

1998-12-01

The 13C(p,n)13N and 15N(p,n)15O reactions have been a puzzle for more than ten years. The ground state transitions are Jπ=1/2- to Jπ=1/2-. These are 'mixed' transitions because they can involve quantum number changes either (/Delta T=1,/ /Delta J=0,/ /Delta/pi=0,/ /Delta S=0), or (/Delta T=1,/ /Delta J=1,/ /Delta/pi=0,/ /Delta S=1); these quantum number changes are refered to as 'Fermi' and 'Gamow-Teller' respectively. Because the quantum number changes are the same as for Fermi and Gamow-Teller beta decay. From the systematics of (p,n) and (n,p) reactions on pure Fermi transitions (e.g. 0 + to 0+) and pure Gamow-Teller transitions (e.g. 0+ to 1+), calibrations have been established of cross section per unit B(F) or unit B(GT), where 'B' refers to doubly reduced matrix elements extracted from beta decay. However, cross sections for the 13C(p,n)13N(g.s.) and 15N(p,n)15O(g.s.) reactions are substantially larger than one would then predict from the known B(F)s and B(GT)s for these transitions. To explore this anomaly, spin observables were used to extract separately the Fermi and Gamow-Teller cross sections for these reactions. To acquire the complete sets of polarization- transfer observables, a new neutron polarimeter was designed, built, commissioned and calibrated. This polarimeter, call the '2π polarimeter' because of its complete azimuthal coverage for scattered neutrons, has very good position and timing resolution (354 ps). The complete sets of spin-transfer coefficients Dij for 13C(p,n)13N (at 0o , 5.5o , and 11o ) and 15N(p,n)15O (at 0o ) at 135 MeV were measured. Following the formalism of Ichimura and Kawahigashi, we extracted the spin-longitudinal, and spin-transverse and spin-independent responses D0,/ Dq,/ Dn and Dp from the measured Dijs. The F and GT fractions of the (p,n) cross sections are then extracted as f F=D0 and fGT=Dn+Dp+Dq=1- d0. Values of Dk for both the 13C(p,n)13N(g.s) and 15N(p,n)15O(g.s.) were extracted. From these responses, we extracted. From these responses, we extracted fGT and fF, the GT and Fermi fractions for these transitions in a model-independent fashion. Values for FGT extracted by another group at other beam energies in a model-dependent manner from DNN/sp' alone, are in good agreement with our model-independent values. These results were also compared with the empirical energy-dependence of ratio of σtau to τ strength for the (p,n) reaction extracted primarily from even-A targets. Our measured values of fGT are typically 10% larger than predicted from β-decay matrix elements and even-A (p,n) systematics. Since the cross sections for these transitions are anomalously large, this suggests that the GT strength in these transitions is ~50% larger than expected from β-decay and even-A (p,n) systematics. The measured values of Dk and cross sections for the 13C(p,n)13N(g.s) transition were compared with the DWIA calculations, where modest agreement was achieved.

Summer precipitation influences the stable oxygen and carbon isotopic composition of tree-ring cellulose in Pinus ponderosa.

PubMed

Roden, John S; Ehleringer, James R

2007-04-01

The carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of tree-ring cellulose was examined in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.) trees in the western USA to study seasonal patterns of precipitation inputs. Two sites (California and Oregon) had minimal summer rainfall inputs, whereas a third site (Arizona) received as much as 70% of its annual precipitation during the summer months (North American monsoon). For the Arizona site, both the delta(18)O and delta(13)C values of latewood cellulose increased as the fraction of annual precipitation occurring in the summer (July through September) increased. There were no trends in latewood cellulose delta(18)O with the absolute amount of summer rain at any site. The delta(13)C composition of latewood cellulose declined with increasing total water year precipitation for all sites. Years with below-average total precipitation tended to have a higher proportion of their annual water inputs during the summer months. Relative humidity was negatively correlated with latewood cellulose delta(13)C at all sites. Trees at the Arizona site produced latewood cellulose that was significantly more enriched in (18)O compared with trees at the Oregon or California site, implying a greater reliance on an (18)O-enriched water source. Thus, tree-ring records of cellulose delta(18)O and delta(13)C may provide useful proxy information about seasonal precipitation inputs and the variability and intensity of the North American monsoon.

Temperature-dependence of isometric tension and cross-bridge kinetics of cardiac muscle fibers reconstituted with a tropomyosin internal deletion mutant.

PubMed

Lu, Xiaoying; Tobacman, Larry S; Kawai, Masataka

2006-12-01

The effect of temperature on isometric tension and cross-bridge kinetics was studied with a tropomyosin (Tm) internal deletion mutant AS-Delta23Tm (Ala-Ser-Tm Delta(47-123)) in bovine cardiac muscle fibers by using the thin filament extraction and reconstitution technique. The results are compared with those from actin reconstituted alone, cardiac muscle-derived control acetyl-Tm, and recombinant control AS-Tm. In all four reconstituted muscle groups, isometric tension and stiffness increased linearly with temperature in the range 5-40 degrees C for fibers activated in the presence of saturating ATP and Ca(2+). The slopes of the temperature-tension plots of the two controls were very similar, whereas the slope derived from fibers with actin alone had approximately 40% the control value, and the slope from mutant Tm had approximately 36% the control value. Sinusoidal analysis was performed to study the temperature dependence of cross-bridge kinetics. All three exponential processes A, B, and C were identified in the high temperature range (30-40 degrees C); only processes B and C were identified in the mid-temperature range (15-25 degrees C), and only process C was identified in the low temperature range (5-10 degrees C). At a given temperature, similar apparent rate constants (2pia, 2pib, 2pic) were observed in all four muscle groups, whereas their magnitudes were markedly less in the order of AS-Delta23Tm < Actin < AS-Tm approximately Acetyl-Tm groups. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that Tm enhances hydrophobic and stereospecific interactions (positive allosteric effect) between actin and myosin, but Delta23Tm decreases these interactions (negative allosteric effect). Our observations further indicate that tension/cross-bridge is increased by Tm, but is diminished by Delta23Tm. We conclude that Tm affects the conformation of actin so as to increase the area of hydrophobic interaction between actin and myosin molecules.

The kinetics of H2O vapor condensation and evaporation on different types of ice in the range 130-210 K.

PubMed

Pratte, Pascal; van den Bergh, Hubert; Rossi, Michel J

2006-03-09

The kinetics of condensation (kc) and the evaporation flux (J(ev)) of H2O on ice were studied in the range 130-210 K using pulsed-valve and steady-state techniques in a low-pressure flow reactor. The uptake coefficient gamma was measured for different types of ice, namely, condensed (C), bulk (B), single crystal (SC), snow (S), and cubic ice (K). The negative temperature dependence of gamma for C, B, SC, and S ice reveals a precursor-mediated adsorption/desorption process in agreement with the proposal of Davy and Somorjai.(1) The non-Arrhenius behavior of the rate of condensation, kc, manifests itself in a discontinuity in the range 170-190 K depending on the type of ice and is consistent with the precursor model. The average of the energy of sublimation DeltaH(S) degrees is (12.0 +/- 1.4) kcal/mol for C, B, S, and SC ice and is identical within experimental uncertainty between 136 and 210 K. The same is true for the entropy of sublimation DeltaS(S). In contrast, both gamma and the evaporative flux J(ev) are significantly different for different ices. In the range 130-210 K, J(ev) of H2O ice was significantly smaller than the maximum theoretically allowed value. This corroborates gamma values significantly smaller than unity in that T range. On the basis of the present kinetic parameters, the time to complete evaporation of a small ice particle of radius 1 mum is approximately a factor of 5 larger than that previously thought.

Monitoring trichloroethene remediation at an iron permeable reactive barrier using stable carbon isotopic analysis.

PubMed

VanStone, Nancy; Przepiora, Andrzej; Vogan, John; Lacrampe-Couloume, Georges; Powers, Brian; Perez, Ernesto; Mabury, Scott; Sherwood Lollar, Barbara

2005-08-01

Stable carbon isotopic analysis, in combination with compositional analysis, was used to evaluate the performance of an iron permeable reactive barrier (PRB) for the remediation of ground water contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE) at Spill Site 7 (SS7), F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. Compositional data indicated that although the PRB appeared to be reducing TCE to concentrations below treatment goals within and immediately downgradient of the PRB, concentrations remained higher than expected at wells further downgradient (i.e. >9 m) of the PRB. At two wells downgradient of the PRB, TCE concentrations were comparable to upgradient values, and delta13C values of TCE at these wells were not significantly different than upgradient values. Since the process of sorption/desorption does not significantly fractionate carbon isotope values, this suggests that the TCE observed at these wells is desorbing from local aquifer materials and was present before the PRB was installed. In contrast, three other downgradient wells show significantly more enriched delta13C values compared to the upgradient mean. In addition, delta13C values for the degradation products of TCE, cis-dichloroethene and vinyl chloride, show fractionation patterns expected for the products of the reductive dechlorination of TCE. Since concentrations of both TCE and degradation products drop to below detection limit in wells within the PRB and directly below it, these downgradient chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations are attributed to desorption from local aquifer material. The carbon isotope values indicate that this dissolved contaminant is subject to local degradation, likely due to in situ microbial activity.

Concordance of Oxygen Isotope Palaeotemperature Proxies Using Fossil Phosphate and Carbonate: Implications for Tracking Palaeoclimate Change in Eocene-Oligocene Fluvio-lacustrine Sediments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grimes, S.; Mattey, D. P.; Hooker, J.; Collinson, M.

2001-12-01

An understanding of palaeoclimates is critical to interpretation of earth history and biotic response to global climate change. A proxy for meteoric water \\delta18O values is the oxygen isotope composition of mammalian phosphate in tooth enamel. Combining the \\delta18O of meteoric water with the \\delta18O of a carbonate, or phosphate organism precipitated from it then allows the calculation of palaeotemperatures. Using a single palaeoproxy through a large succession of terrestrial deposits is difficult, but not impossible, due to species extinction and changing depositional conditions affecting preservation. Ideally one would like to use different palaeoproxies at different horizons. However, before this can be done all the palaeoproxies must be employed at a single horizon to see if they produce similar temperatures. This has not been done before, most likely due to insufficient biodiversity at a single horizon. Such a rich horizon exists in the Osborne Member of the Hampshire Basin Solent Group, UK. Here we present palaeotemperatures calculated using 4 different freshwater palaeoproxies. Phosphate analyses (Thalerimys fordi and Isoptychus tooth enamel and gar scale) were conducted using a direct laser-fluorination method (Lindars et al. 2001, GCA 65:2535-2548). Carbonate analyses were conducted on a Micromass Isoprime multiflow mass-spec. The local water \\delta18O value (-1.25 +/- 1.68\\permil n = 62) was calculated using corrected Thalerimys fordi and Isoptychus tooth enamel results (See abstract by Lindars et al.). The group, common name and object, plus the \\delta18O results, reference, equation and calculated palaeotemperatures are given below. Gastropod, pond snail, shell. \\delta18OCarbonate = -1.71 +/- 1.25\\permil n = 50. (Chaix et al. 1982, Arch. de Sci. 35:3-22) Temperature = 19.43 - 4.00(\\delta18OCarbonate - \\delta18O{Local water}) = 21 +/- 2° C (2σ standard error (stde)). Fish, gar, scale. δ 18OPhosphate = + 19.71 +/- 0.64‰ n = 20. (Longinelli and Nuti 1973, EPSL 19:373-376) Temperature = 111.4 - 4.3(\\delta18OPhosphate - \\delta18O{Local water}) = 21 +/- 2° C (2σ stde). Charophyte, stonewort, gyrogonite. \\delta18OCarbonate = -2.38 +/- 0.54\\permil n = 20. (Hays and Grossman 1991 Geol. 19:441-444) Temperature = 15.7 - 4.36(\\delta18OCarbonate - δ 18O{Local water}) + 0.12(\\delta18OCarbonate - δ 18O{Local water})2 = 21 +/- 2° C (2σ stde). Fish, mud minnow, otolith. δ 18OCarbonate = -3.63 +/- 0.58\\permil n = 33. Patterson et al. (1993, AGUM 78:191-202) Temperature = (18564 / ((Ln (((1000 + (\\delta18OCarbonate * 1.03091 + 30.91)) / (1000 + \\delta18O{Local water}))) * 1000) + 33.491)) - 273.15 = 28 +/- 2° C (2σ stde). The first 3 palaeoproxies all give a temperature of 21° C, with the fresh water otoliths, giving a higher temperature (28° C). The reason why otoliths give a higher temperature is as yet unknown. However, the similarity in the calculated palaeotemperatures indicates that the first three palaeoproxies have considerable potential to be used at different horizons, to study palaeoclimate fluctuations across the Eocene-Oligocene transition.

Recent (<4 year old) Leaf Litter is Not a Major Source of Microbial Carbon in a Temperate Forest Mineral Soil

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

Kramer, Christiane; Trumbore, Susan E.; Froberg, Mats J.

2010-01-01

Microbial communities in soil A horizons derive their carbon from several potential sources: organic carbon (C) transported down from overlying litter and organic horizons, root-derived C, or soil organic matter. We took advantage of a multi-year experiment that manipulated the {sup 14}C isotope signature of surface leaf litter inputs in a temperate forest at the Oak Ridge Reservation, Tennessee, USA, to quantify the contribution of recent leaf litter C to microbial respiration and biomarkers in the underlying mineral soil. We observed no measurable difference (< {approx}40{per_thousand} given our current analytical methods) in the radiocarbon signatures of microbial phospholipid fatty acidsmore » (PLFA) isolated from the top 10 cm of mineral soil in plots that experienced 3 years of litterfall that differed in each year by {approx}750{per_thousand} between high-{sup 14}C and low-{sup 14}C treatments. Assuming any difference in {sup 14}C between the high- and low-{sup 14}C plots would reflect C derived from these manipulated litter additions, we estimate that <6% of the microbial C after 4 years was derived from the added 1-4-year-old surface litter. Large contributions of C from litter < 1 year (or >4 years) old (which fell after (or prior to) the manipulation and therefore did not differ between plots) are not supported because the {sup 14}C signatures of the PLFA compounds (averaging 200-220{per_thousand}) is much higher that of the 2004-5 leaf litter (115{per_thousand}) or pre-2000 litter. A mesocosm experiment further demonstrated that C leached from {sup 14}C-enriched surface litter or the O horizon was not a detectable C source in underlying mineral soil microbes during the first eight months after litter addition. Instead a decline in the {sup 14}C of PLFA over the mesocosm experiment likely reflected the loss of a pre-existing substrate not associated with added leaf litter. Measured PLFA {Delta}{sup 14}C signatures were higher than those measured in bulk mineral soil organic matter in our experiments, but fell within the range of {sup 14}C values measured in mineral soil roots. Together, our experiments suggest that root-derived C is the major (>60%) source of C for microbes in these temperate deciduous forest soils.« less

Determination of stable carbon and hydrogen isotopes of light hydrocarbons

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

Dumke, I.; Faber, E.; Poggenburg, J.

1989-10-01

A combined system for the measurement of {sup 13}C/{sup 12}C and D/H ratios on light hydrocarbons (C{sub 1}-C{sub 3}) and CO{sub 2} is described. The system is designed for natural gas and sediment gas analyses. It comprises gas chromatographic separation with online combustion of hydrocarbons to CO{sub 2} and H{sub 2}O, reduction of H{sub 2}O to H{sub 2} on zinc in closed ampules, and mass spectrometric determination of isotope ratios ({delta}{sup 13}C, {delta}D) using a mass spectrometer inlet system especially designed for low hydrogen gas quantities. Isotope analyses can be carried out in the range of 3-10,000 {mu}L of CO{submore » 2} and 100-10,000 {mu}L of H{sub 2} (gas quantities converted from sample compounds during preparation, STP). Including all preparation steps, reproducibility of isotope values for large sample quantities (>100 {mu}L of produced CO{sub 2} and >1,000 {mu}L of produced H{sub 2}). is {plus minus}0.2{per thousand} for {delta}{sup 13}C and {plus minus}3{per thousand} for {delta}D.« less

CH4 production via CO2 reduction in a temperate bog - A source of (C-13)-depleted CH4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lansdown, J. M.; Quay, P. D.; King, S. L.

1992-01-01

The paper reports measurements, taken over two annual cycles, of the flux and delta(C-13) of CH4 released from an acidic peat bog located in the foothills of the Cascade Range in Washington state, U.S. Measurements of the rate of aceticlastic methanogenesis and CO2 reduction in peat soil, using (C-14)-labeled acetate and sodium bicarbonate, show that acetate was not an important CH4 precursor and that CO2 reduction could account for all of the CH4 production. The in situ kinetic isotope effect for CO2 reduction, calculated using the delta-(C-13) of soil water CO2 and CH4 flux, was 0.932 +/- 0.007.

Relationship between low and high frequencies in the \\delta Scuti star KIC 9764965

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rostopchina, A.; Breger, M.

2014-10-01

Two years of Kepler spacecraft data of the \\delta Sct/\\gamma Dor star KIC 9764965 revealed 67 statistically significant frequencies from 0.45 to 59.17 c d-1 (0.005 to 0.685 mHz). The 19 low frequencies do not show equidistant period spacing predicted for gravity modes of successive radial order. We note a favored frequency spacing of 2.053 c d-1 that appears in both the low-frequency (gravity mode) region and high-frequency (pressure mode) regions. The value of this frequency spacing also occurs as a dominant low frequency and in a high-frequency triplet. A peak at exactly twice the value of the 2.053 c d-1 mode is shown not to be a Fourier harmonic of the low-frequency peak due to a different amplitude variability. This behavior is also seen in other \\delta Sct stars. The test for resonant mode coupling between low and high frequencies could not be carried out due to the small amplitudes of the peaks, making it difficult to separate the parent and child modes.

Comparison of Dst Forecast Models for Intense Geomagnetic Storms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ji, Eun-Young; Moon, Y.-J.; Gopalswamy, N.; Lee, D.-H.

2012-01-01

We have compared six disturbance storm time (Dst) forecast models using 63 intense geomagnetic storms (Dst <=100 nT) that occurred from 1998 to 2006. For comparison, we estimated linear correlation coefficients and RMS errors between the observed Dst data and the predicted Dst during the geomagnetic storm period as well as the difference of the value of minimum Dst (Delta Dst(sub min)) and the difference in the absolute value of Dst minimum time (Delta t(sub Dst)) between the observed and the predicted. As a result, we found that the model by Temerin and Li gives the best prediction for all parameters when all 63 events are considered. The model gives the average values: the linear correlation coefficient of 0.94, the RMS error of 14.8 nT, the Delta Dst(sub min) of 7.7 nT, and the absolute value of Delta t(sub Dst) of 1.5 hour. For further comparison, we classified the storm events into two groups according to the magnitude of Dst. We found that the model of Temerin and Lee is better than the other models for the events having 100 <= Dst < 200 nT, and three recent models (the model of Wang et al., the model of Temerin and Li, and the model of Boynton et al.) are better than the other three models for the events having Dst <= 200 nT.

Interaction between the mu-agonist dermorphin and the delta-agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin in supraspinal antinociception and delta-opioid receptor binding.

PubMed Central

Negri, L.; Improta, G.; Lattanzi, R.; Potenza, R. L.; Luchetti, F.; Melchiorri, P.

1995-01-01

1. In rats, the interaction between the mu-opioid agonist dermorphin and the delta-opioid agonist [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin was studied in binding experiments to delta-opioid receptors and in the antinociceptive test to radiant heat. 2. When injected i.c.v., doses of [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin higher than 20 nmol produced antinociception in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat. Lower doses were inactive. None of the doses tested elicited the maximum achievable response. This partial antinociception was accomplished with an in vivo occupancy of more than 97% of brain delta-opioid receptors and of 17% of mu-opioid receptors. Naloxone (0.1 mg kg-1, s.c.), and naloxonazine (10 mg kg-1, i.v., 24 h before), but not the selective delta-opioid antagonist naltrindole, antagonized the antinociception. 3. In vitro competitive inhibition studies in rat brain membranes showed that [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin displaced [3H]-naltrindole from two delta-binding sites of high and low affinity. The addition of 100 microM Gpp[NH]p produced a three fold increase in the [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin Ki value for both binding sites. The addition of 10 nM dermorphin increased the Ki value of the delta-agonist for the high affinity site five times. When Gpp[NH]p was added to the incubation medium together with 10 nM dermorphin, the high affinity Ki of the delta-agonist increased 15 times. 4. Co-administration into the rat brain ventricles of subanalgesic doses of dermorphin and [D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin resulted in synergistic antinociceptive responses. 5. Pretreatment with naloxone or with the non-equilibrium mu-antagonists naloxonazine and beta-funaltrexamine completely abolished the antinociceptive response of the mu-delta agonist combinations. 6. Pretreatment with the delta-opioid antagonists naltrindole and DALCE reduced the antinociceptive response of the dermorphin-[D-Ala2, Glu4]deltorphin combinations to a value near that observed after the mu-agonist alone. At the dosage used, naltrindole occupied more than 98% of brain delta-opioid receptors without affecting mu-opioid-receptors. 7. These data suggest that in the rat tail-flick test to radiant heat, mu- and delta-opioid agonists co-operate positively in evoking an antinociceptive response. Although interactions between different opioid pathways cannot be excluded, in vitro binding results indicate that this co-operative antinociception is probably mediated by co-activation of the delta-opioid receptors at the cellular level by the mu- and delta-agonist. PMID:8680727

Response properties of mechanoreceptors and nociceptors in mouse glabrous skin: an in vivo study.

PubMed

Cain, D M; Khasabov, S G; Simone, D A

2001-04-01

The increasing use of transgenic mice for the study of pain mechanisms necessitates comprehensive understanding of the murine somatosensory system. Using an in vivo mouse preparation, we studied response properties of tibial nerve afferent fibers innervating glabrous skin. Recordings were obtained from 225 fibers identified by mechanical stimulation of the skin. Of these, 106 were classed as A beta mechanoreceptors, 51 as A delta fibers, and 68 as C fibers. A beta mechanoreceptors had a mean conduction velocity of 22.2 +/- 0.7 (SE) m/s (13.8--40.0 m/s) and a median mechanical threshold of 2.1 mN (0.4--56.6 mN) and were subclassed as rapidly adapting (RA, n = 75) or slowly adapting (SA, n = 31) based on responses to constant force mechanical stimuli. Conduction velocities ranged from 1.4 to 13.6 m/s (mean 7.1 +/- 0.6 m/s) for A delta fibers and 0.21 to 1.3 m/s (0.7 +/- 0.1 m/s) for C fibers. Median mechanical thresholds were 10.4 and 24.4 mN for A delta and C fibers, respectively. Responses of A delta and C fibers evoked by heat (35--51 degrees C) and by cold (28 to -12 degrees C) stimuli were determined. Mean response thresholds of A delta fibers were 42.0 +/- 3.1 degrees C for heat and 7.6 +/- 3.8 degrees C for cold, whereas mean response thresholds of C fibers were 40.3 +/- 0.4 degrees C for heat and 10.1 +/- 1.9 degrees C for cold. Responses evoked by heat and cold stimuli increased monotonically with stimulus intensity. Although only 12% of tested A delta fibers were heat sensitive, 50% responded to cold. Only one A delta nociceptor responded to both heat and cold stimuli. In addition, 40% of A delta fibers were only mechanosensitive since they responded neither to heat nor to cold stimuli. Thermal stimuli evoked responses from the majority of C fibers: 82% were heat sensitive, while 77% of C fibers were excited by cold, and 68% were excited by both heat and cold stimuli. Only 11% of C fibers were insensitive to heat and/or cold. This in vivo study provides an analysis of mouse primary afferent fibers innervating glabrous skin including new information on encoding of noxious thermal stimuli within the peripheral somatosensory system of the mouse. These results will be useful for future comparative studies with transgenic mice.

Assessing methane oxidation under landfill covers and its contribution to the above atmospheric CO{sub 2} levels: The added value of the isotope ({delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 18}O CO{sub 2}; {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}D CH{sub 4}) approach

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

Widory, D., E-mail: d.widory@brgm.fr; Proust, E.; Bellenfant, G.

2012-09-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Comparison of the isotope and mass balance approaches to evaluate the level of methane oxidation within a landfill. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The level of methane oxidation is not homogenous under the landfill cover and is strongly correlated to the methane flux. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Isotope tracking of the contribution of the methane oxidation to the CO{sub 2} concentrations in the ambient air. - Abstract: We are presenting here a multi-isotope approach ({delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}{sup 18}O of CO{sub 2}; {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}D of CH{sub 4}) to assess (i) the level(s) of methane oxidation during waste biodegradation and its migration through amore » landfill cover in Sonzay (France), and (ii) its contribution to the atmospheric CO{sub 2} levels above the surface. The isotope approach is compared to the more conventional mass balance approach. Results from the two techniques are comparable and show that the CH{sub 4} oxidation under the landfill cover is heterogenous, with low oxidation percentages in samples showing high biogas fluxes, which was expected in clay covers presenting fissures, through which CH{sub 4} is rapidly transported. At shallow depth, more immobile biogas pockets show a higher level of CH{sub 4} oxidation by the methanotrophic bacteria. {delta}{sup 13}C of CO{sub 2} samples taken at different heights (from below the cover up to 8 m above the ground level) were also used to identify and assess the relative contributions of its main sources both under the landfill cover and in the surrounding atmosphere.« less

Comparative chemical characterization of pigmented and less pigmented cell walls of Alternaria tenuissima.

PubMed

Kishore, Kankipati Hara; Kanjilal, Sanjit; Misra, Sunil; Reddy, Chinnathimma Rajagopal; Murty, Upadyayula Suryanarayana

2005-12-01

Alternaria tenuissima, the parasitic fungus, was obtained from the pruned upper-cut surfaces of mulberry stems. This fungus contains dark pigment because of the presence of melanin in the cell wall. To obtain less-pigmented cell walls, this fungus was grown under dark condition. When the pigmented and less-pigmented cell walls were chemically analyzed, no differences were observed in amino-acid composition, hexoses, or pentoses. However, in pigmented cell walls, higher contents of melanin (2.6%) were found than in less-pigmented cell walls (0.3%). Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the relative fatty-acid compositions between these two types of cell walls. Among the major fatty acids, there were increased concentrations of tetradecanoic acid (C14:0), hexadecanoic acid (C16:0), 9-hexadecenoic acid (C16: 1,Delta 9), and 9-octadecanoic acid (C18:1,Delta 9) and a concomitant decrease in 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (C18:2,Delta 9,12) in less-pigmented compared with pigmented cell walls. This difference in fatty-acid composition may be related to the higher percentage of melanin in the pigmented than the less-pigmented cell walls. Lesser amounts of 9,12-octadecadienoic acid in less-pigmented cell walls may have been caused by the growth of the fungus under environmental stress conditions. An interesting observation was the presence in pigmented cell walls only of methyl-substituted fatty acids with carbon numbers C14 to C17, but their occurrence could not be ascertained in the present study.

Reaction mechanism of guanidinoacetate methyltransferase, concerted or step-wise.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaodong; Bruice, Thomas C

2006-10-31

We describe a quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics investigation of the guanidinoacetate methyltransferase catalyzed reaction, which shows that proton transfer from guanidinoacetate (GAA) to Asp-134 and methyl transfer from S-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to GAA are concerted. By self-consistent-charge density functional tight binding/molecular mechanics, the bond lengths in the concerted mechanism's transition state are 1.26 A for both the OD1 (Asp-134)-H(E) (GAA) and H(E) (GAA)-N(E) (GAA) bonds, and 2.47 and 2.03 A for the S8 (AdoMet)-C9 (AdoMet) and C9 (AdoMet)-N(E) (GAA) bonds, respectively. The potential-energy barrier (DeltaE++) determined by single-point B3LYP/6-31+G*//MM is 18.9 kcal/mol. The contributions of the entropy (-TDeltaS++) and zero-point energy corrections Delta(ZPE)++ by normal mode analysis are 2.3 kcal/mol and -1.7 kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, the activation enthalpy of this concerted mechanism is predicted to be DeltaH++ = DeltaE++ plus Delta(ZPE)++ = 17.2 kcal/mol. The calculated free-energy barrier for the concerted mechanism is DeltaG++ = 19.5 kcal/mol, which is in excellent agreement with the value of 19.0 kcal/mol calculated from the experimental rate constant (3.8 +/- 0.2.min(-1)).

High-resolution oscillator strength measurements for the A(v') - X(0) bands of carbon monoxide with 11 less than or equal to v' less than or equal to 14

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Peter L.; Stark, G.; Yoshino, K.; Ito, K.

1994-01-01

Band oscillator strengths (f-values) for four bands of the Fourth Positive system (A (1)Pi - Chi(sup 1) Sigma(+)) of CO have been determined from high-resolution (lambda/Delta lambda approximately equal to 150,000) absorption spectra. The bands, (14, 0) through (11, 0), are at wavelengths between 121 and 127 nm. Our f-values for the (11, 0) and (12, 0) bands support those of Chan, Cooper, & Brion (1993), which have been shown to be consistent with observations of CO in the clouds in the line of sight to zeta Oph. Our f-values for the (13, 0) and (14, 0) bands are the first directly measured values for these bands.

Long-term changes of mercury levels in ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from Amundsen Gulf, and beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) from the Beaufort Sea, western Canadian Arctic.

PubMed

Outridge, P M; Hobson, K A; Savelle, J

2009-11-15

Mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in the canine teeth of ringed seals (Phoca hispida) harvested during the 13th-14th, late 19th and early 21st Centuries in Amundsen Gulf, Northwest Territories, Canada. Most historical and pre-industrial teeth contained undetectable Hg levels (i.e. <1.0 ng/g DW), whereas samples from 2001-03 contained up to 12 ng/g DW in an age-dependent pattern. Assuming a median [Hg] value in 13th-14th Century teeth of half the detection limit (i.e. 0.5 ng/g DW), geometric means of Hg in modern teeth were 9-17 times those of seals in the 14th Century, equivalent to an anthropogenic input of 89-94% of total Hg in modern seals. These results corroborate a previous study of beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) in the nearby Beaufort Sea. While the seals' trophic position (inferred from delta(15)N values) did not change over time, modern delta(13)C values were lower by about 2 per thousand than in the 14th and 19th Centuries. This could be due to increased dissolution of anthropogenically derived CO(2) in the ocean from the atmosphere, but could also indicate more offshore pelagic feeding by modern seals, which might be a factor in their Hg exposure. New tooth [Hg] data are also presented for the Beaufort Sea beluga, using recently-discovered museum samples collected in 1960/61, which showed that most of the anthropogenic contribution to beluga Hg had already taken effect by 1960 (reaching approximately 75% of total Hg). Taken together, the long-term seal and beluga data indicate that whereas Hg levels in the marine ecosystems of the western Canadian Arctic were probably unchanged from pre-industrial times up to the late 19th Century, there was a significant, many-fold increase in the early to mid-20th Century, but little or no change after about the early 1960s.

The in-vitro anti-leishmanial activity of inhibitors of ergosterol biosynthesis.

PubMed

Gebre-Hiwot, A; Frommel, D

1993-12-01

The in-vitro activity of a group of antifungal compounds known to inhibit ergosterol synthesis was investigated against Leishmania donovani grown as intracellular amastigotes in the human leukaemia monocyte cell line, THP-1. Toxicity on the host cells was assessed using the colorimetric MTT assay. Compounds inhibiting 2,3 oxidosqualene lanosterol cyclase; RO 43-3815, RO 43-5955, RO 43-8208, RO 42-6589 and RO 43-0688 displayed high activity with a median effective dose (ED50) of 0.6, 0.9, 3.5, 2.2 and 0.7 mg/L respectively. Of the azole compounds, oxiconazole had an ED50 value of 3.3 mg/L while ketoconazole showed the least activity. The delta-14-reductase and delta-8-delta-7 isomerase inhibitor, amorolfine, gave the highest therapeutic index with an ED50 value of 1.6 mg/L. Most compounds tested had a lower ED50 value than the standard antileishmanial drugs, sodium stibogluconate (5.5 mg Sbv/L) and meglumine antimoniate (3.0 mg Sbv/L) indicating the clean potential of these antifungal compounds in treating leishmaniasis.

GasBench/isotope ratio mass spectrometry: a carbon isotope approach to detect exogenous CO(2) in sparkling drinks.

PubMed

Cabañero, Ana I; San-Hipólito, Tamar; Rupérez, Mercedes

2007-01-01

A new procedure for the determination of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) (13)C/(12)C isotope ratios, using direct injection into a GasBench/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GasBench/IRMS) system, has been developed to improve isotopic methods devoted to the study of the authenticity of sparkling drinks. Thirty-nine commercial sparkling drink samples from various origins were analyzed. Values of delta(13)C(cava) ranged from -20.30 per thousand to -23.63 per thousand, when C3 sugar addition was performed for a second alcoholic fermentation. Values of delta(13)C(water) ranged from -5.59 per thousand to -6.87 per thousand in the case of naturally carbonated water or water fortified with gas from the spring, and delta(13)C(water) ranged from -29.36 per thousand to -42.09 per thousand when industrial CO(2) was added. It has been demonstrated that the addition of C4 sugar to semi-sparkling wine (aguja) and industrial CO(2) addition to sparkling wine (cava) or water can be detected. The new procedure has advantages over existing methods in terms of analysis time and sample treatment. In addition, it is the first isotopic method developed that allows (13)C/(12)C determination directly from a liquid sample without previous CO(2) extraction. No significant isotopic fractionation was observed nor any influence by secondary compounds present in the liquid phase. Copyright (c) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

Khan, M.A.; Khan, S.A.

Sorption studies of cesium, strontium, and cobalt (Cs, Sr, and Co) on bentonite under various experimental conditions, such as contact time, pH, sorbent and sorbate concentration, and temperature, have been performed. The sorption data for all these metals have been interpreted in terms of Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin-Radushkevich equations. Thermodynamics parameters, such as heat of sorption {Delta}H{degrees}, free energy change {Delta}G{degrees}, and entropy change {Delta}S{degrees}, for the sorption of these metals on bentonite have been calculated. The value of {Delta}H{degrees} shows that the sorption of Cs was exothermic, while the sorption of Sr and Co on bentonite were endothermic inmore » nature. The value of {Delta}G{degrees} for their sorption was negative, showing the spontaneity of the process. The maximum loading capacity of Cs, Sr, and Co were 75.5, 22, and 27.5 meq, respectively, for 100 g of bentonite. The mean free energy E of Cs, Sr, and Co sorption on bentonite was 14.5, 9, and 7.7 kJ/mol, respectively. The value of E indicates that ion exchange may be the predominant mode of sorption for these radionuclides. The desorption studies with 0.01 M CaCl{sub 2} and groundwater at low-metal loading on bentonite showed that about 95% of Cs, 85-90% of Sr, and 97% of Co were irreversibly sorbed. Bentonite could be effectively used for the decontamination of wastewater effluent containing low concentrations of radioactive nuclides of Cs, Sr, and Co. 16 refs., 7 figs., 3 tabs.« less

Recent sedimentary history of organic matter and nutrient accumulation in the Ohuira Lagoon, northwestern Mexico.

PubMed

Ruiz-Fernández, Ana Carolina; Frignani, Mauro; Tesi, Tommaso; Bojórquez-Leyva, Humberto; Bellucci, Luca Giorgio; Páez-Osuna, Federico

2007-08-01

(210)Pb-derived sediment accumulation rates, as well as a suite of geochemical proxies (Al, Fe, delta(13)C, delta(15)N), were used to assess the time-dependent variations of C, N, and P fluxes recorded in two sediment cores collected at Ohuira Lagoon, in the Gulf of California, Mexico, during the last 100 years. Sedimentary C, N, and P concentrations increased with time and were related to land clearing, water impoundment, and agriculture practices, such as fertilization. C:N:P ratios and delta(13)C suggested an estuarine system that is responsive to increased C loading from a N-limited phytoplankton community, whereas delta(15)N values showed the transition between an estuarine-terrestrial to an estuarine-more marine environment, as a consequence of the declining freshwater supply into the estuary due to the channeling and impoundment of El Fuerte River between 1900 and 1956. The recent increases in nutrient fluxes (2- to 9-fold the pre-anthropogenic fluxes of C and N, and 2 to 13 times for P) taking place in the mainland from the 1940s, were related to the expansion of the intensive agriculture fields and to the more recent development of shrimp farming activities.

Progesterone biotransformation by plant cell suspension cultures.

PubMed Central

Yagen, B; Gallili, G E; Mateles, R I

1978-01-01

Progesterone was converted to 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha-ol-20-one, delta4-pregnene-20alpha-ol-3-one, delta4-pregnene-14alpha-ol-3,20-dione, delta4-pregnene-7beta,14alpha-diol-3,20-dione, and delta4-pregnene-6beta,11alpha-diol-3,20-dione by cell cultures of Lycopersicon esculentum. Cell cultures of Capsicum frutescens (green) metabolized progesterone to delta4-pregnene-20alpha-ol-3-one in very high yield, and Vinca rosea yielded delta4-pregnene-20beta-ol-3-one and delta4-pregnene-14alpha-ol-3,20-dione. A stereospecific reduction of the keto groups and a double bond and stereospecific introduction of hydroxyl groups at the 6, 11, and 14 positions have been observed. The mono- and dihydroxylated progesterones have not previously been reported as metabolic products of progesterone by plant cell systems and represent de novo hydroxylation of a nonglycosylated steroid. PMID:697360

Growth of a delta-doped silicon layer by molecular beam epitaxy on a charge-coupled device for reflection-limited ultraviolet quantum efficiency

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hoenk, Michael E.; Grunthaner, Paula J.; Grunthaner, Frank J.; Terhune, R. W.; Fattahi, Masoud; Tseng, Hsin-Fu

1992-01-01

Low-temperature silicon molecular beam epitaxy is used to grow a delta-doped silicon layer on a fully processed charge-coupled device (CCD). The measured quantum efficiency of the delta-doped backside-thinned CCD is in agreement with the reflection limit for light incident on the back surface in the spectral range of 260-600 nm. The 2.5 nm silicon layer, grown at 450 C, contained a boron delta-layer with surface density of about 2 x 10 exp 14/sq cm. Passivation of the surface was done by steam oxidation of a nominally undoped 1.5 nm Si cap layer. The UV quantum efficiency was found to be uniform and stable with respect to thermal cycling and illumination conditions.

Hydrolysis mechanisms for the organopalladium complex [Pd(CNN)P(OMe)3]BF4 in sulfuric acid.

PubMed

García, Begoña; Hoyuelos, Francisco J; Ibeas, Saturnino; Muñoz, María S; Peñacoba, Indalecio; Leal, José M

2009-08-13

The acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the organopalladium complex [Pd(CNN)P(OMe)3]BF4 species was monitored spectrophotometrically at different sulfuric acid concentrations (3.9 and 11.0 M) in 10% v:v ethanol-water over the 25-45 degrees C temperature range and in 30% and 50% (v/v) ethanol-water at 25 degrees C. Two acidity regions (I and II) could be differentiated. In each of the two regions the kinetic data pairs yielded two different rate constants, k(1obs) and k(2obs), the former being faster. These constants were fitted by an Excess Acidity analysis to different hydrolyses mechanisms: A-1, A-2, and A-SE2. In region I ([H2SO4] < 7.0 M), the k(1obs) values remained constant k(1obs)(av) = 1.6 x 10(-3) s(-1) and the set of k(2obs) values nicely matched an A-SE2 mechanism, yielding a rate-determining constant k(0,ASE2) = 2.4 x 10(-7) M(-1) s(-1). In region II ([H2SO4] > 7.0 M), a switchover was observed from an A-1 mechanism (k(0,A1) = 1.3 x 10(-4) s(-1)) to an A-2 mechanism (k(0,A2) = 3.6 x 10(-3) M(-1) s(-1)). The temperature effect on the rate constants in 10% (v/v) ethanol-water yielded positive DeltaH and negative DeltaS values, except for the A-1 mechanism, where DeltaS adopted positive values throughout. The solvent permittivity effect, epsilonr, revealed that k(1obs)(av) and k(0,A2) dropped with a fall in epsilonr, whereas the k(0,ASE2) value remained unaffected. The set of results deduced is in line with the schemes put forward.

NYU Ada/Ed User’s Guide - Version 1.4 for VAX/VMS Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

Executble fie).M h le contains the Intermediate code from the alajie, bound togethr with the scomsary compilaton units bum libaries rquested by the pmn...3.5.4 bounds in -n integer type definition must be of sme intge type 3.5.7 Expect static expression for digits 3.5.7 Expect integer expression for...DI&13 3.5.7 Invalid digits value in real type dedwaation 3.5.7 Expect static expression for delta 3.5.9 Expression for delta must be of some real type

Carbon Dioxide, Hydrographic, and Chemical Data Obtained During the R/V Thomas G. Thompson Cruise in the Pacific Ocean

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

Sabine, C.L.; Key, R.M.; Hall, M.

1999-08-01

This data documentation discusses the procedures and methods used to measure total carbon dioxide (TCO2), total alkalinity (TALK), and radiocarbon (delta 14C), at hydrographic stations, as well as the underway partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) during the R/V Thomas G. Thompson oceanographic cruise in the Pacific Ocean (Section P10). Conducted as part of the World Ocean Circulation Experiment (WOCE), the cruise began in Suva, Fiji, on October 5, 1993, and ended in Yokohama, Japan, on November 10, 1993. Measurements made along WOCE Section P10 included pressure, temperature, salinity [measured by conductivity temperature, and depth sensor (CTD)], bottle salinity, bottle oxygen,more » phosphate, nitrate, silicate, chlorofluorocarbons (CFC-11, CFC-12), TCO2, TALK, delta 14C, and underway pCO2.« less

Dopaminergic neurotoxicant 6-OHDA induces oxidative damage through proteolytic activation of PKC{delta} in cell culture and animal models of Parkinson's disease

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

Latchoumycandane, Calivarathan; Anantharam, Vellareddy; Jin, Huajun

2011-11-15

The neurotoxicant 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) is used to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Oxidative stress and caspase activation contribute to the 6-OHDA-induced apoptotic cell death of dopaminergic neurons. In the present study, we sought to systematically characterize the key downstream signaling molecule involved in 6-OHDA-induced dopaminergic degeneration in cell culture and animal models of PD. Treatment of mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal N27 cells with 6-OHDA (100 {mu}M) for 24 h significantly reduced mitochondrial activity and increased cytosolic cytochrome c, followed by sequential activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. Co-treatment with the freemore » radical scavenger MnTBAP (10 {mu}M) significantly attenuated 6-OHDA-induced caspase activities. Interestingly, 6-OHDA induced proteolytic cleavage and activation of protein kinase C delta (PKC{delta}) was completely suppressed by treatment with a caspase-3-specific inhibitor, Z-DEVD-FMK (50 {mu}M). Furthermore, expression of caspase-3 cleavage site-resistant mutant PKC{delta}{sup D327A} and kinase dead PKC{delta}{sup K376R} or siRNA-mediated knockdown of PKC{delta} protected against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal cell death, suggesting that caspase-3-dependent PKC{delta} promotes oxidative stress-induced dopaminergic degeneration. Suppression of PKC{delta} expression by siRNA also effectively protected N27 cells from 6-OHDA-induced apoptotic cell death. PKC{delta} cleavage was also observed in the substantia nigra of 6-OHDA-injected C57 black mice but not in control animals. Viral-mediated delivery of PKC{delta}{sup D327A} protein protected against 6-OHDA-induced PKC{delta} activation in mouse substantia nigra. Collectively, these results strongly suggest that proteolytic activation of PKC{delta} is a key downstream event in dopaminergic degeneration, and these results may have important translational value for development of novel treatment strategies for PD.« less

Photoluminescence of phosphorus atomic layer doped Ge grown on Si

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Yuji; Nien, Li-Wei; Capellini, Giovanni; Virgilio, Michele; Costina, Ioan; Schubert, Markus Andreas; Seifert, Winfried; Srinivasan, Ashwyn; Loo, Roger; Scappucci, Giordano; Sabbagh, Diego; Hesse, Anne; Murota, Junichi; Schroeder, Thomas; Tillack, Bernd

2017-10-01

Improvement of the photoluminescence (PL) of Phosphorus (P) doped Ge by P atomic layer doping (ALD) is investigated. Fifty P delta layers of 8 × 1013 cm-2 separated by 4 nm Ge spacer are selectively deposited at 300 °C on a 700 nm thick P-doped Ge buffer layer of 1.4 × 1019 cm-3 on SiO2 structured Si (100) substrate. A high P concentration region of 1.6 × 1020 cm-3 with abrupt P delta profiles is formed by the P-ALD process. Compared to the P-doped Ge buffer layer, a reduced PL intensity is observed, which might be caused by a higher density of point defects in the P delta doped Ge layer. The peak position is shifted by ˜0.1 eV towards lower energy, indicating an increased active carrier concentration in the P-delta doped Ge layer. By introducing annealing at 400 °C to 500 °C after each Ge spacer deposition, P desorption and diffusion is observed resulting in relatively uniform P profiles of ˜2 × 1019 cm-3. Increased PL intensity and red shift of the PL peak are observed due to improved crystallinity and higher active P concentration.

Determination of nitrogen-15 isotope fractionation in tropine: evaluation of extraction protocols for isotope ratio measurement by isotope ratio mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Molinié, Roland; Kwiecień, Renata A; Silvestre, Virginie; Robins, Richard J

2009-12-01

N-Demethylation of tropine is an important step in the degradation of this compound and related metabolites. With the purpose of understanding the reaction mechanism(s) involved, it is desirable to measure the 15N kinetic isotope effects (KIEs), which can be accessed through the 15N isotope shift (Deltadelta15N) during the reaction. To measure the isotope fractionation in 15N during tropine degradation necessitates the extraction of the residual substrate from dilute aqueous solution without introducing artefactual isotope fractionation. Three protocols have been compared for the extraction and measurement of the 15N/14N ratio of tropine from aqueous medium, involving liquid-liquid phase partitioning or silica-C18 solid-phase extraction. Quantification was by gas chromatography (GC) on the recovered organic phase and delta15N values were obtained by isotope ratio measurement mass spectrometry (irm-MS). Although all the protocols used can provide satisfactory data and both irm-EA-MS and irm-GC-MS can be used to obtain the delta15N values, the most convenient method is liquid-liquid extraction from a reduced aqueous volume combined with irm-GC-MS. The protocols are applied to the measurement of 15N isotope shifts during growth of a Pseudomonas strain that uses tropane alkaloids as sole source of carbon and nitrogen. The accuracy of the determination of the 15N/14N ratio is sufficient to be used for the determination of 15N-KIEs. Copyright 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Fraction of free-base nicotine in fresh smoke particulate matter from the Eclipse "cigarette" by 1H NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Pankow, James F; Barsanti, Kelley C; Peyton, David H

2003-01-01

Solution 1H NMR (proton-NMR) spectroscopy was used to measure the distribution of nicotine between its free-base and protonated forms at 20 degrees C in (a) water; (b) glycerin/water mixtures; and (c) puff-averaged "smoke" particulate matter (PM) produced by the Eclipse cigarette, a so-called "harm reduction" cigarette manufactured by R. J. Reynolds (RJR) Tobacco Co. Smoke PM from the Eclipse contains glycerin, water, nicotine, and numerous other components. Smoke PM from the Eclipse yielded a signal for the three N-methyl protons on nicotine at a chemical shift of delta (ppm) = 2.79 relative to a trimethylsilane standard. With alpha fb = fraction of the total liquid nicotine in free-base form, and alpha a = fraction in the acidic, monoprotonated NicH+ form, then alpha a + alpha fb approximately 1. (The diprotonated form of nicotine was assumed negligible.) When the three types of solutions were adjusted so that alpha a approximately 1, the N-methyl protons yielded delta a = 2.82 (Eclipse smoke PM); 2.79 (35% water/65% glycerin); and 2.74 (water). When the solutions were adjusted so that alpha fb approximately 1, the N-methyl protons yielded delta fb = 2.16 (Eclipse smoke PM); 2.13 (35% water/65% glycerin); and 2.10 (water). In all of the solutions, the rate of proton exchange between NicH+ and Nic was fast relative to the 1H-NMR chemical shift difference in hertz. Each solution containing both NicH+ and Nic thus yielded a single N-methyl peak at a delta given by delta = alpha a delta a + alpha fb delta fb so that delta varied linearly between delta a and delta fb. Since alpha fb = (delta a-delta)/(delta a-delta fb), then delta = 2.79 for the unadjusted Eclipse smoke PM indicates alpha fb approximately 0.04. The effective pH of the Eclipse smoke PM at 20 degrees C may then be calculated as pHeff = 8.06 + log[alpha fb/(1-alpha fb)] = 6.69, where 8.06 is the pKa of NicH+ in water at 20 degrees C. The measurements obtained for the puff-averaged Eclipse smoke PM pertain to the chemistry of the smoke PM as it might be initially inhaled at 20 degrees C. Upon inhalation, the volatilization of nicotine and other acid/base active compounds (as well as a warming toward a body temperature of 37 degrees C) will alter the pHeff value of the smoke PM during the time that it resides and ages in the respiratory tract.

Loading and fate of particulate organic carbon from the Himalaya to the Ganga Brahmaputra delta

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galy, Valier; France-Lanord, Christian; Lartiges, Bruno

2008-04-01

We use the evolution of river sediment characteristics and sedimentary C org from the Himalayan range to the delta to study the transport of C org in the Ganga-Brahmaputra system and especially its fate during floodplain transit. A detailed characterisation of both mineral and organic particles for a sampling set of river sediments allows taking into account the sediment heterogeneity characteristic of such large rivers. We study the relationships between sediment characteristics (mineralogy, grain size, specific area) and C org content in order to evaluate the controls on C org loading. Contributions of C3 and C4 plants are estimated from C org stable isotopic composition (δ 13C org). We use the evolution of δ 13C org values from the Himalayan range to the delta in order to study the fate of C org during floodplain transit. Ganga and Brahmaputra sediments define two distinct linear relations with specific area. In spite of 4-5 times higher specific area, Ganga sediments have similar C org content, grain size and mineralogy as Brahmaputra sediments, indicating that specific area does not exert a primary control on C org loading. The general correlation between the total C org content and Al/Si ratio indicates that C org loading is mainly related to: (1) segregation of organic particles under hydrodynamic forces in the river, and (2) the ability of mineral particles to form organo-mineral aggregates. Bed and suspended sediments have distinct δ 13C org values. In bed sediments, δ 13C org values are compatible with a dominant proportion of fossil C org derived from Himalayan rocks erosion. Suspended sediments from Himalayan tributaries at the outflow of the range have low δ 13C org values (-24.8‰ average) indicating a dominant proportion of C3 plant inputs. In the Brahmaputra basin, δ 13C org values of suspended sediments are constant along the river course in the plain. On the contrary, suspended sediments of the Ganga in Bangladesh have higher δ 13C org values (-22.4‰ to -20.0‰), consistent with a significant contribution of C4 plant derived from the floodplain. Our data indicate that, during the plain transit, more than 50% of the recent biogenic C org coming from the Himalaya is oxidised and replaced by floodplain C org. This renewal process likely occurs during successive deposition-erosion cycles and river course avulsions in the plain.

Study of the mechanical behavior of the hydride blister/rim structure in Zircaloy-4 using in-situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction

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

Lin, Jun-li; Han, Xiaochun; Heuser, Brent J.

2016-04-01

High-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction was utilized to study the mechanical response of the f.c.c delta hydride phase, the intermetallic precipitation with hexagonal C14 lave phase and the alpha-Zr phase in the Zircaloy-4 materials with a hydride rim/blister structure near one surface of the material during in-situ uniaxial tension experiment at 200 degrees C. The f.c.c delta was the only hydride phase observed in the rim/blister structure. The conventional Rietveld refinement was applied to measure the macro-strain equivalent response of the three phases. Two regions were delineated in the applied load versus lattice strain measurement: a linear elastic strain region andmore » region that exhibited load partitioning. Load partitioning was quantified by von Mises analysis. The three phases were observed to have similar elastic modulus at 200 degrees C.« less

Myoplasmic calcium transients in intact frog skeletal muscle fibers monitored with the fluorescent indicator furaptra

PubMed Central

1991-01-01

Furaptra (Raju, B., E. Murphy, L. A. Levy, R. D. Hall, and R. E. London. 1989. Am. J. Physiol. 256:C540-C548) is a "tri-carboxylate" fluorescent indicator with a chromophore group similar to that of fura- 2 (Grynkiewicz, G., M. Poenie, and R. Y. Tsien. 1985. J. Biol. Chem. 260:3440-3450). In vitro calibrations indicate that furaptra reacts with Ca2+ and Mg2+ with 1:1 stoichiometry, with dissociation constants of 44 microM and 5.3 mM, respectively (16-17 degrees C; ionic strength, 0.15 M; pH, 7.0). Thus, in a frog skeletal muscle fiber stimulated electrically, the indicator is expected to respond to the change in myoplasmic free [Ca2+] (delta[Ca2+]) with little interference from changes in myoplasmic free [Mg2+]. The apparent longitudinal diffusion constant of furaptra in myoplasm was found to be 0.68 (+/- 0.02, SEM) x 10(-6) cm2 s-1 (16-16.5 degrees C), a value which suggests that about half of the indicator was bound to myoplasmic constituents of large molecular weight. Muscle membranes (surface and/or transverse-tubular) appear to have some permeability to furaptra, as the total quantity of indicator contained within a fiber decreased after injection; the average time constant of the loss was 302 (+/- 145, SEM) min. In fibers containing less than 0.5 mM furaptra and stimulated by a single action potential, the calibrated peak value of delta[Ca2+] averaged 5.1 (+/- 0.3, SEM) microM. This value is about half that reported in the preceding paper (9.4 microM; Konishi, M., and S. M. Baylor. 1991. J. Gen. Physiol. 97:245-270) for fibers injected with purpurate-diacetic acid (PDAA). The latter difference may be explained, at least in part, by the likelihood that the effective dissociation constant of furaptra for Ca2+ is larger in vivo than in vitro, owing to the binding of the indicator to myoplasmic constituents. The time course of furaptra's delta[Ca2+], with average values (+/- SEM) for time to peak and half- width of 6.3 (+/- 0.1) and 9.5 (+/- 0.4) ms, respectively, is very similar to that of delta[Ca2+] recorded with PDAA. Since furaptra's delta[Ca2+] can be recorded at a single excitation wavelength (e.g., 420 nm) with little interference from fiber intrinsic changes, movement artifacts, or delta[Mg2+], furaptra represents a useful myoplasmic Ca2+ indicator, with properties complementary to those of other available indicators. PMID:2016581

Use of stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen to identify sources of organic matter to bed sediments of the Tualatin River, Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bonn, Bernadine A.; Rounds, Stewart A.

2010-01-01

The potential sources of organic matter to bed sediment of the Tualatin River in northwestern Oregon were investigated by comparing the isotopic fractionation of carbon and nitrogen and the carbon/nitrogen ratios of potential sources and bed sediments. Samples of bed sediment, suspended sediment, and seston, as well as potential source materials, such as soil, plant litter, duckweed, and wastewater treatment facility effluent particulate were collected in 1998-2000. Based on the isotopic data, terrestrial plants and soils were determined to be the most likely sources of organic material to Tualatin River bed sediments. The delta 13C fractionation matched well, and although the delta 15N and carbon/nitrogen ratio of fresh plant litter did not match those of bed sediments, the changes expected with decomposition would result in a good match. The fact that the isotopic composition of decomposed terrestrial plant material closely resembled that of soils and bed sediments supports this conclusion. Phytoplankton probably was not a major source of organic matter to bed sediments. Compared to the values for bed sediments, the delta 13C values and carbon/nitrogen ratios of phytoplankton were too low and the delta 15N values were too high. Decomposition would only exacerbate these differences. Although phytoplankton cannot be considered a major source of organic material to bed sediment, a few bed sediment samples in the lower reach of the river showed a small influence from phytoplankton as evidenced by lower delta 13C values than in other bed sediment samples. Isotopic data and carbon/nitrogen ratios for bed sediments generally were similar throughout the basin, supporting the idea of a widespread source such as terrestrial material. The delta 15N was slightly lower in tributaries and in the upper reaches of the river. Higher rates of sediment oxygen demand have been measured in the tributaries in previous studies and coupled with the isotopic data may indicate the presence of more labile organic matter in these areas. Results from this study indicate that strategies to improve oxygen conditions in the Tualatin River are likely to be more successful if they target sources of soil, leaf litter, and other terrestrially derived organic materials to the river rather than the instream growth of algae.

Rapid growth of magnesium-carbonate weathering products in a stony meteorite from Antarctica

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jull, A. J. T.; Cheng, S.; Gooding, J. L.; Velbel, M. A.

1988-01-01

Nesquehonite, a hydrous magnesium carbonate, occurs as a weathering product on the surface of the Antarctic meteorite LEW 85320 (H5 chondrite). Isotopic measurements of delta(C-13) and delta(O-18) indicate that the nesquehonite formed at near freezing temperatures by reaction of meteoritic minerals with terrestrial water and carbon dioxide. Results from carbon-14 dating suggest that, although the meteorite has been in Antarctica for at least 32,000 to 33,000 years, the nesquehonite formed after AD 1950.

Assessment of international reference materials for isotope-ratio analysis (IUPAC Technical Report)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Brand, Willi A.; Coplen, Tyler B.; Vogl, Jochen; Rosner, Martin; Prohaska, Thomas

2014-01-01

Since the early 1950s, the number of international measurement standards for anchoring stable isotope delta scales has mushroomed from 3 to more than 30, expanding to more than 25 chemical elements. With the development of new instrumentation, along with new and improved measurement procedures for studying naturally occurring isotopic abundance variations in natural and technical samples, the number of internationally distributed, secondary isotopic reference materials with a specified delta value has blossomed in the last six decades to more than 150 materials. More than half of these isotopic reference materials were produced for isotope-delta measurements of seven elements: H, Li, B, C, N, O, and S. The number of isotopic reference materials for other, heavier elements has grown considerably over the last decade. Nevertheless, even primary international measurement standards for isotope-delta measurements are still needed for some elements, including Mg, Fe, Te, Sb, Mo, and Ge. It is recommended that authors publish the delta values of internationally distributed, secondary isotopic reference materials that were used for anchoring their measurement results to the respective primary stable isotope scale.

Affinity and specificity of serine endopeptidase-protein inhibitor interactions. Empirical free energy calculations based on X-ray crystallographic structures.

PubMed

Krystek, S; Stouch, T; Novotny, J

1993-12-05

An empirical function was used to calculate free energy change (delta G) of complex formation between the following inhibitors and enzymes: Kunitz inhibitor (BPTI) with trypsin, trypsinogen and kallikrein; turkey ovomucoid 3rd domain (OMTKY3) with alpha-chymotrypsin and the Streptomyces griseus protease B; the potato chymotrypsin inhibitor with the protease B; and the barely chymotrypsin inhibitor and eglin-c with subtilisin and thermitase. Using X-ray coordinates of the nine complexes, we estimated the contributions that hydrophobic effect, electrostatic interactions and side-chain conformational entropy make towards the stability of the complexes. The calculated delta G values showed good agreement with the experimentally measured ones, the only exception being the kallikrein/BPTI complex whose X-ray structure was solved at an exceptionally low pH. In complexes with different enzymes, the same inhibitor residues contributed identically towards complex formation (delta G(residue) Spearman rank correlation coefficient 0.7 to 1.0). The most productive enzyme-contacting residues in OMTKY3, eglin-c, and the chymotrypsin inhibitors were found in analogous positions on their respective binding loops; thus, our calculations identified a functional (energetic) motif that parallels the well-known structural similarity of the binding loops. The delta G values calculated for BPTI complexed with trypsin (-21.7 kcal) and trypsinogen (-23.4 kcal) were similar and close to the experimental delta G value of the trypsin/BPTI complex (-18.1 kcal), lending support to the suggestion that the 10(7) difference in the observed stabilities (KA) of these two complexes reflects the energetic cost of conformational changes induced in trypsinogen during the pre-equilibrium stages of complex formation. In almost all of the complexes studied, the stabilization free energy contributed by the inhibitors was larger than that donated by the enzymes. In the trypsin-BPTI complex, the calculated delta G contribution of the amino group from the BPTI residue Lys15 (9.7 kcal) was somewhat higher than that arrived at in experiments with semisynthetic inhibitor analogs (7.5 kcal). In OMTKY3, different binding loop residues are known to affect differently the binding (delta delta G) to alpha-chymotrypsin and protease B; a good qualitative agreement was found between the calculated delta G(residue) estimates and the experimental delta delta G data (correlation coefficient 0.7). Large variations were observed in local surface complementarity and related interfacial volume in the two OMTKY3 complexes (by 20 to 60% for some side-chains).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The biogeochemistry of microbial mats, stromatolites and the ancient biosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Desmarais, D. J.; Canfield, D. E.

1991-01-01

Stromatolites offer an unparalleled geologic record of early life, because they constitute the oldest and most abundant recognizable remains of microbial ecosystems. Microbial mats are living homologs of stromatolites; thus, the physiology of the microbiota as well as the processes which create those features of mats (e.g., biomarker organic compounds, elemental and stable isotopic compositions) which are preserved in the ancient record. Observations of the carbon isotopic composition (delta C-13) of stromatolites and microbial mats were made and are consistent with the hypothesis that atmospheric CO2 concentrations have declined by at least one to two orders of magnitude during the past 2.5 Ga. Whereas delta C-13 values of carbonate carbon average about 0 permil during both the early and mid-Proterozoic, the delta C-13 values of stromatolitic organic matter increase from an average of -35 between 2.0 and 2.6 Ga ago to an average of about -28 about 1.0 Ga ago. Modern microbial mats in hypersaline environments have delta C-13 values typically in the range of -5 to -9, relative to an inorganic bicarbonate source at 0 permil. Both microbial mats and pur cultures of cyanobacteria grown in waters in near equilibrium with current atmospheric CO2 levels exhibit minimal discrimination against C-13. In contrast, hot spring cyanobacterial mats or cyanobacterial cultures grown under higher CO2 levels exhibit substantially greater discrimination. If care is taken to compare modern mats with stromatolites from comparable environments, it might be possible to estimate ancient levels of atmospheric CO2. In modern microbial mats, a tight coupling exists between photosynthetic organic carbon production and subsequent carbon oxidation, mostly by sulfate reduction. The rate of one process fuels a high rate of the other, with much of the sulfate reduction occurring within the same depth interval as oxygenic photosynthesis. Other aspects of this study are presented.

Gas-phase ionization energetics, electron-transfer kinetics, and ion solvation thermochemistry of decamethylmetallocenes, chromocene, and cobaltocene

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

Ryan, M.F.; Richardson, D.E.; Lichtenberger, D.L.

1994-04-01

The gas-phase free energies of ionization, [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] for Cp*[sub 2]Mn, Cp*[sub 2]Fe, Cp*[sub 2]Ni, Cp*[sub 2]Os, Cp[sub 2]Cr, and Cp[sub 2]Co (Cp = [eta][sup 5]-cyclopentadienyl, Cp[sup *] = [eta][sup 5]-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) have been determined by using the electron-transfer equilibrium (ETE) technique and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The high-resolution valence photoelectron spectra of bis(benzene)chromium(0), Bz[sub 2]Cr, Cp*[sub 2]Os, and Cp*[sub 2]Ru have also been measured. Most of the [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] values are referenced to the estimated [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] value of Bz[sub 2]Cr, for which the narrow first ionization band at 5.473 [+-] 0.005 eV is assigned as themore » adiabatic ionization potential. The [Delta]S[sub i][degrees] for ionization of Bz[sub 2]Cr is assumed to be equal to the electronic entropy change, [Delta]S[sub elec][degrees] (=1.4 cal mol[sup [minus]1] K[sup [minus]1]), and the difference between the integrated heat capacities for Bz[sub 2]Cr and Bz[sub 2]Cr[sup +] is also assumed to be negligible near room temperature [Delta]H[sub i,0][degrees] [approx] [Delta]H[sub i,350][degrees], leading to [Delta]G[sub i][degrees] (Bz[sub 2]-Cr) = 125.6 [+-] 1.0 kcal mol[sup [minus]1]. Through the use of thermochemical cycles, estimates are given for the average heterolytic and homolytic M-Cp bond disruption enthalpies of Cp[sub 2]Cr[sup +/0] and Cp[sub 2]Co[sup +/0]. 46 refs., 7 figs., 4 tabs.« less

Ultrahigh-field NMR spectroscopy of quadrupolar transition metals: 55Mn NMR of several solid manganese carbonyls.

PubMed

Ooms, Kristopher J; Feindel, Kirk W; Terskikh, Victor V; Wasylishen, Roderick E

2006-10-16

55Mn NMR spectra acquired at 21.14 T (nu(L)(55Mn) = 223.1 MHz) are presented and demonstrate the advantages of using ultrahigh magnetic fields for characterizing the chemical shift tensors of several manganese carbonyls: eta5-CpMn(CO)3, Mn2(CO)10, and (CO)5MnMPh3 (M = Ge, Sn, Pb). For the compounds investigated, the anisotropies of the manganese chemical shift tensors are less than 250 ppm except for eta5-CpMn(CO)3, which has an anisotropy of 920 ppm. At 21.14 T, one can excite the entire m(I) = 1/2 <--> m(I) = -1/2 central transition of eta5-CpMn(CO)3, which has a breadth of approximately 700 kHz. The breadth arises from second-order quadrupolar broadening due to the 55Mn quadrupolar coupling constant of 64.3 MHz, as well as the anisotropic shielding. Subtle variations in the electric field gradient tensors at the manganese are observed for crystallographically unique sites in two of the solid pentacarbonyls, resulting in measurably different C(Q) values. MQMAS experiments are able to distinguish four magnetically unique Mn sites in (CO)(5)MnPbPh3, each with slightly different values of delta(iso), C(Q), and eta(Q).

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

McCulloch, M.T.; Gagan, M.K.; Mortimer, G.E.

A high-resolution (near weekly) Sr/Ca and oxygen isotopic record is presented for a coral from the Pandora Reef in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) of Australia during the period of 1978 to 1984. The records are well correlated except for periods of high rainfall when river runoff has significantly modified the [delta][sup 18]O value of seawater. Using the Sr/Ca temperature calibration of De Villiers et al., the Sr/Ca records exhibit seasonally controlled cyclical SST (sea surface temperature) variations of from [approximately] 21 to [approximately] 28[degrees]C. During the very strong El Nino of 1982-1983, the Sr/CA systematics indicate a sharp dropmore » in the winter SST to [approximately] 18.5[degrees]C. This represents a temperature anomaly of -3[degrees]C which is approximately twice that given by the [delta][sup 18]O variations, suggesting an [approximately] x2 amplification of the anomaly by the Sr/Ca system, possibly due to the increasing dominance of inorganically controlled aragonite-seawater fractionation. The oxygen isotope systematics show the combined effects of both temperature and changing seawater [delta][sup 18]O values, the latter reflecting the influx of [sup 18]O-depleted runoff during periods of high rainfall. Due to the extremely low ([approximately] 10[sup [minus]3]) Sr and Ca contents of river runoff relative to seawater, it is possible to use the Sr/Ca thermometer to calculate temperatures independent of major floods and hence deconvolve the combined effects in the oxygen isotopic record of variable temperature and the [delta][sup 18]O value of seawater. Using this approach it is possible to quantitatively reproduce the volume of runoff from the Burdekin River during the periods of major flooding that occurred in early 1979 and 1981. The results of this study demonstrate that the combined use of high-resolution Sr/Ca and [delta][sup 18]O systematics in scleractinian corals is a powerful tool for providing quantitative constraints on past climate.« less

TU-D-207B-02: Delta-Radiomics: The Prognostic Value of Therapy-Induced Changes in Radiomics Features for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

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

Fave, X; Court, L; UT Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX

Purpose: To determine how radiomics features change during radiation therapy and whether those changes (delta-radiomics features) can improve prognostic models built with clinical factors. Methods: 62 radiomics features, including histogram, co-occurrence, run-length, gray-tone difference, and shape features, were calculated from pretreatment and weekly intra-treatment CTs for 107 stage III NSCLC patients (5–9 images per patient). Image preprocessing for each feature was determined using the set of pretreatment images: bit-depth resample and/or a smoothing filter were tested for their impact on volume-correlation and significance of each feature in univariate cox regression models to maximize their information content. Next, the optimized featuresmore » were calculated from the intratreatment images and tested in linear mixed-effects models to determine which features changed significantly with dose-fraction. The slopes in these significant features were defined as delta-radiomics features. To test their prognostic potential multivariate cox regression models were fitted, first using only clinical features and then clinical+delta-radiomics features for overall-survival, local-recurrence, and distant-metastases. Leave-one-out cross validation was used for model-fitting and patient predictions. Concordance indices(c-index) and p-values for the log-rank test with patients stratified at the median were calculated. Results: Approximately one-half of the 62 optimized features required no preprocessing, one-fourth required smoothing, and one-fourth required smoothing and resampling. From these, 54 changed significantly during treatment. For overall-survival, the c-index improved from 0.52 for clinical factors alone to 0.62 for clinical+delta-radiomics features. For distant-metastases, the c-index improved from 0.53 to 0.58, while for local-recurrence it did not improve. Patient stratification significantly improved (p-value<0.05) for overallsurvival and distant-metastases when delta-radiomics features were included. The delta-radiomics versions of autocorrelation, kurtosis, and compactness were selected most frequently in leave-one-out iterations. Conclusion: Weekly changes in radiomics features can potentially be used to evaluate treatment response and predict patient outcomes. High-risk patients could be recommended for dose escalation or consolidation chemotherapy. This project was funded in part by grants from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).« less

Temporal characteristics of black carbon concentrations and its potential emission sources in a southern Taiwan industrial urban area.

PubMed

Cheng, Yu-Hsiang; Lin, Chi-Chi; Liu, Jyh-Jian; Hsieh, Cheng-Ju

2014-03-01

This study investigates the temporal characteristics of black carbon and its potential emission sources, as well as the fractions of BC in PM2.5 levels in Kaohsiung urban area, which is an industrial city in southern Taiwan. Concentrations of BC and PM2.5 are monitored continuously from March 2006 to February 2010, using an aethalometer and a tapered element oscillating microbalance monitor. Additionally, the presence of organic compounds (or UV enhanced species) in particles at the sampling site is determined using the Delta-C (UVBC-BC) value. According to long-term measurement results, BC and PM2.5 concentrations are 3.33 and 34.0 μg m(-3), respectively, in the Kaohsiung urban area. The ratio of BC/PM2.5 is approximately 11 %. Low concentration of BC and PM2.5 in the summer of this study period is mostly likely owing to meteorological conditions that favored dispersion of local air pollutants. Nevertheless, BC concentrations peaked markedly during morning hours (7:00-11:00), likely owing to local traffic congestion. Measurement results suggest that BC is released from local traffic activities and emitted from industrial activities at this sampling site. Additionally, Delta-C values are significantly higher than zero during January-March and November-December periods in this industrial urban area, implying that UV enhanced species can be observed. At this sampling site, these UV enhanced species do not only originate from household activity and solid waste burning but also release from industrial activities. The elevated Delta-C values during nighttime (18:00-6:00) in the autumn and winter seasons are likely related to those UV enhanced species in the atmosphere, which can be condensed on particle surface under low temperature conditions. According to long-term measurement results, significantly positive Delta-C values can be observed under temperatures <20 °C and relative humidity of 60-75 % in this study. Despite the household activity and solid waste burning, the major sources of particles that are bound with UV enhanced species in this sampling site are industrial parks and a coal-fired power plant.

On the base-stacking in the 5'-terminal cap structure of mRNA: a fluorescence study.

PubMed Central

Nishimura, Y; Takahashi, S; Yamamoto, T; Tsuboi, M; Hattori, M; Miura, K; Yamaguchi, K; Ohtani, S; Hata, T

1980-01-01

The fluorescence at 370 nm of the 7-methylguanosine residue (m7G) is found to be quenched when the base residue is involved in a stacking interaction with the adenosine residue in the cap structure m7G5' pppA of an eukaryotic mRNA. On the basis of the observed degree of quenching, the amounts of the stacked and unstacked forms in the cap structure have been determined at various temperatures and pH's. It has been found that at pH 6.2 effective enthalpy and entropy in the unstacked leads to stacked change are delta H degrees = 4.4 +/- 0.1 kcal/mole and delta S degrees = - 14.3 +/- 0.2 e.u., respectively. The pka value for the m7G residue is found to be 7.7 at 10 degrees C and 7.3 at 30 degrees C. The stacked structure seems to be less favourable in the deprotonated form that occurs in the higher pH solution. A similar analysis of some other cap structures indicates that the stacked form in m7G5' pppN structure is favourable if N is a purine nucleoside or a 2'-O-methylpyrimidine nucleoside but not for an unmethylated pyrimidine nucleoside. PMID:7443542

Isotope signatures in winter moulted feathers predict malaria prevalence in a breeding avian host.

PubMed

Yohannes, Elizabeth; Hansson, Bengt; Lee, Raymond W; Waldenström, Jonas; Westerdahl, Helena; Akesson, Mikael; Hasselquist, Dennis; Bensch, Staffan

2008-11-01

It is widely accepted that animal distribution and migration strategy might have co-evolved in relation to selection pressures exerted by parasites. Here, we first determined the prevalence and types of malaria blood parasites in a breeding population of great reed warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceus using PCR. Secondly, we tested for differences in individual feather stable isotope signatures (delta (13)C, delta (15)N, deltaD and delta (34)S) to investigate whether malaria infected and non-infected birds had occupied different areas in winter. We show that birds moulting in Afro-tropical habitats with significantly higher delta (13)C and delta (15)N but lower deltaD and delta(34)S values were more frequently infected with malaria parasites. Based on established patterns of isotopic distributions, our results indicate that moulting sites with higher incidence of malaria are generally drier and situated further to the north in West Africa than sites with lower incidence of malaria. Our findings are pertinent to the general hypothesis that animal distribution and particularly avian migration strategy might evolve in response to selection pressures exerted by parasites at different geographic scales. Tradeoffs between investment in energy demanding life history traits (e.g. migration and winter moult) and immune function are suggested to contribute to the particular choice of habitat during migration and at wintering sites.

In situ stratospheric measurements of CH4, (C-13)H4, N2O, and OC(O-18) using the BLISS tunable diode laser spectrometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Webster, Christopher R.; May, Randy D.

1992-01-01

Simultaneous in situ measurements of stratospheric CH4, (C-13)H4, N2O, OC(O-18), pressure, and temperature have been made from Palestine, Texas (32 deg N) in September 1988 with the JPL Balloon-borne Laser In Situ Sensor. Measurements of CH4 and N2O in the altitude range 30-35 km agree well with other measurements, except for an anomalously high value for the N2O at 31 km. Measurements of CH4 support earlier observations of fold in the vertical profile. A ratio for stratospheric (C-13)H4/CH4 of 0.0105 +/- 0.0010 implies an enrichment of delta(C-13) = -45 +/- 92 parts per thousand over the PDB value, in agreement with previous measurements in the troposphere. A large mixing ratio of 1.9 +/- 0.2 ppmv for OC(O-18) is measured, corresponding to an enrichment of delta(O-18) = 280 +/- 50 parts per thousand for the (O-18) isotopic species over the SMOW value.

Cardiovascular responses to static exercise in conscious cats: effects of intracerebroventricular injection of clonidine.

PubMed Central

Ally, A; Hand, G A; Mitchell, J H

1996-01-01

1. Static exercise elicits increases in arterial blood pressure and heart rate (HR) in humans and conscious animals. In this study, the effects of intracerebroventricular (I.C.V.) administration of clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenergic agonist, on these cardiovascular responses were investigated using conscious cats. Four cats were operantly trained to extend a forelimb and press a bar (200-650 g) for 15-60 s. A stainless-steel cannula was inserted into the right lateral ventricle for I.C.V. injection of drugs, and a common carotid artery was catheterized to measure mean arterial pressure (MAP) and HR. The number of exercise trials and changes in MAP, HR and force were pooled for 30 min periods. After the cats exercised for 30 min, either artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or clonidine (2 or 5 micrograms) were administered intracerebroventricularly. 2. Before clonidine injection, fifty-two exercise trials increased MAP and HR by 15 +/- 3 mmHg and 41 +/- 5 beats min-1, respectively. Administration of clonidine (2 micrograms) did not alter the resting MAP and HR, but attenuated the increases in MAP and HR in response to exercise (0-30 min post-clonidine: n = 81; delta MAP, 6 +/- 3 mmHg; delta HR, 20 +/- 6 beats min-1; 30-60 min post-clonidine: n = 71; delta MAP, 4 +/- 4 mmHg; delta HR, 17 +/- 8 beats min-1). Administration of artificial CSF I.C.V. had no effect on the cardiovascular responses to static exercise. 3. An increased dose of clonidine (5 micrograms) decreased resting MAP and HR by 31 +/- 7 mmHg and 37 +/- 7 beats min-1, respectively, and markedly blunted the cardiovascular responses to exercise (pre-clonidine: n = 52; delta MAP, 17 +/- 3 mmHg; delta HR, 38 +/- 5 beats min-1; post-clonidine 0-30 min: n = 66; delta MAP, 4 +/- 2 mmHg; delta HR, 15 +/- 5 beats min-1; post-clonidine 30-60 min: n = 60; delta MAP, 4 +/- 2 mmHg; delta HR, 14 +/- 6 beats min-1). Pretreatment with the alpha 2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbine (8 micrograms, I.C.V.), blocked the attenuating effects of I.C.V. administration of clonidine (5 micrograms). 4. These results show that stimulation of central alpha 2-adrenoceptors by clonidine attenuates the cardiovascular responses to static exercise in conscious cats. In addition, this study suggests that alpha 2-adrenoceptors blocked by yohimbine injected I.C.V. do not appear to have a tonic influence on HR and blood pressure. PMID:8866875

Temporal deconvolution of vascular plant signatures delivered to coastal sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vonk, J.; Drenzek, N. J.; Hughen, K. A.; Stanley, R.; Montluçon, D. B.; McIntyre, C.; Southon, J. R.; Santos, G.; Andersson, A.; Sköld, M.; Eglinton, T. I.

2017-12-01

Presently, relatively little is known about the amount of time that lapses between the photosynthetic fixation of carbon by vascular land plants and its incorporation into the marine sedimentary record. It is clear that there are multiple potential intermediate storage pools and transport trajectories that vascular plant carbon may experience, and the age of vascular plant carbon accumulating in marine sediments will reflect these different pre-depositional histories. Here we use molecular-level radiocarbon (14C) analysis to develop down-core 14C profiles for higher plant leaf wax-derived fatty acids isolated from sediments from three sites across a 60-degrees latitudinal gradient (Cariaco Basin, Saanich Inlet, and Mackenzie Delta). The sediment profiles were used as a direct measure of the storage and transport times experienced by these biomolecular tracer compounds. Residence times are evaluated by comparing these records to the 14C history of atmospheric CO2. Using a modeling framework, we conclude that there is, in addition to a variable "young" pool, a millennial pool of compounds that consists of 49-78 % of the fractional contribution of organic carbon (OC) that exhibits variable ages for the different depositional settings. For the Mackenzie Delta sediments, we find a mean age of the millennial pool of 28 ky, suggesting pre-aging in permafrost soils, whereas the millennial pool in Saanich Inlet and Cariaco Basin sediments is younger with 7.9 and 2.4-3.2 ky, respectively, suggesting limited storage in terrestrial reservoirs. The "young" pool, conditionally defined as < 50 years showed clear annual contributions for Saanich Inlet and Mackenzie Delta sediments (24% and 16% of young pool, respectively) that can likely be explained by transport of OC from steep hillside slopes near the Saanich Inlet and annual spring flood deposition in the Mackenzie Delta. These results show that a significant fraction of vascular plant C in deltaic and marine settings undergoes pre-aging in terrestrial reservoirs. The age distribution, reflecting storage and transport times, depends on landscape-specific factors such as local topography, hydrographic characteristics, and degree of soil build-up and preservation.

Changes in 13C/12C of oil palm leaves to understand carbon use during their passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy.

PubMed

Lamade, Emmanuelle; Setiyo, Indra Eko; Girard, Sébastien; Ghashghaie, Jaleh

2009-08-30

The carbon isotope composition of leaf bulk organic matter was determined on the tropical tree Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (oil palm) in North Sumatra (Indonesia) to get a better understanding of the changes in carbon metabolism during the passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy of the leaves. Leaf soluble sugar (sucrose, glucose and fructose) contents, stomatal conductance and dark respiration, as well as leaf chlorophyll and nitrogen contents, were also investigated. Different growing stages were sampled from leaf rank -6 to rank 57. The mean values for the delta(13)C of bulk organic matter were -29.01 +/- 0.9 per thousand for the leaflets during the autotrophic stage, -27.87 +/- 1.08 per thousand for the petioles and -28.17 +/- 1.09 per thousand for the rachises, which are in the range of expected values for a C(3) plant. The differences in delta(13)C among leaf ranks clearly revealed the changes in the origin of the carbon source used for leaf growth. Leaves were (13)C-enriched at ranks below zero (around -27 per thousand). During this period, the 'spear' leaves were completely heterotrophic and reserves from storage organs were mobilised for the growth of these young emerging leaves. (13)C-depletion was then observed when the leaf was expanding at rank 1, and there was a continuous decrease during the progressive passage from heterotrophy until reaching full autotrophy. Thereafter, the delta(13)C remained more or less constant at around -29.5 per thousand. Changes in sugar content and in delta(13)C related to leaf ranks showed an interesting similarity of the passage from heterotrophy to autotrophy of oil palm leaves to the budburst of some temperate trees or seed germination reported in the literature. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pressure dependence of the photocycle kinetics of bacteriorhodopsin.

PubMed Central

Klink, B U; Winter, R; Engelhard, M; Chizhov, I

2002-01-01

The pressure dependence of the photocycle kinetics of bacteriorhodopsin from Halobacterium salinarium was investigated at pressures up to 4 kbar at 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The kinetics can be adequately modeled by nine apparent rate constants, which are assigned to irreversible transitions of a single relaxation chain of nine kinetically distinguishable states P(1) to P(9). All states except P(1) and P(9) consist of two or more spectral components. The kinetic states P(2) to P(6) comprise only the two fast equilibrating spectral states L and M. From the pressure dependence, the volume differences DeltaV(o)(LM) between these two spectral states could be determined that range from DeltaV(o)(LM) = -11.4 +/- 0.7 ml/mol (P(2)) to DeltaV(o)(LM) = 14.6 +/- 2.8 mL/mol (P(6)). A model is developed that explains the dependence of DeltaV(o)(LM) on the kinetic state by the electrostriction effect of charges, which are formed and neutralized during the L/M transition. PMID:12496115

Box-modeling of 15N/14N in mammals.

PubMed

Balter, Vincent; Simon, Laurent; Fouillet, Hélène; Lécuyer, Christophe

2006-03-01

The 15N/14N signature of animal proteins is now commonly used to understand their physiology and quantify the flows of nutrient in trophic webs. These studies assume that animals are predictably 15N-enriched relative to their food, but the isotopic mechanism which accounts for this enrichment remains unknown. We developed a box model of the nitrogen isotope cycle in mammals in order to predict the 15N/14N ratios of body reservoirs as a function of time, N intake and body mass. Results of modeling show that a combination of kinetic isotope fractionation during the N transfer between amines and equilibrium fractionation related to the reversible conversion of N-amine into ammonia is required to account for the well-established approximately 4 per thousand 15N-enrichment of body proteins relative to the diet. This isotopic enrichment observed in proteins is due to the partial recycling of 15N-enriched urea and the urinary excretion of a fraction of the strongly 15N-depleted ammonia reservoir. For a given body mass and diet delta15N, the isotopic compositions are mainly controlled by the N intake. Increase of the urea turnover combined with a decrease of the N intake lead to calculate a delta15N increase of the proteins, in agreement with the observed increase of collagen delta15N of herbivorous animals with aridity. We further show that the low delta15N collagen values of cave bears cannot be attributed to the dormancy periods as it is commonly thought, but inversely to the hyperphagia behavior. This model highlights the need for experimental investigations performed with large mammals in order to improve our understanding of natural variations of delta15N collagen.

Biological Origin of Micro-laminated Calcium Carbonate Deposits on Antarctic Rock Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farmer, M.; Stone, J. O.

2001-12-01

We have observed and sampled patchy encrustations of calcium carbonate on rock surfaces in East and West Antarctica. Individual disk-like deposits are up to 1 cm across and a few mm thick, but in places coalesce to form more extensive, colloform coatings. We have observed these deposits on substrates of granite, sandstone, and schist. Their distribution appears similar to that of Antarctic lichens and endolithic algae, extending up to ca. 1000m elevation, but has no consistent relationship to snow drifts, solar radiation, or prevailing winds. The morphology and position of the deposits are distinct from sub-glacial carbonate precipitates. In Marie Byrd Land, the encrustations occur on the surfaces exposed by deglaciation within the past 5000 yrs, and the sample from East Antarctica contains live C-14 (M. Mabin, pers. comm.), suggesting a possible biological origin Electron microprobe and SEM examination of cross-sectioned specimens reveals micron-scale layering of predominantly calcium carbonate, but with a number of bright laminae in SEM images, believed to be calcium fluoride. Sections closely resemble desert varnish in micro-morphology, though not in mineralogy. Isotopic analysis of an organic carbon extract (as opposed to C from the CaCO3 itself) gave a delta C-13 PDB value of -23.3 per mil, similar to values expected in carbon of biological origin. However, we have no proof yet that the carbon analyzed was produced by organisms within the encrustation, rather than being entrapped during an inorganic precipitation process. To investigate the possible biological origin of this material, we attempted to sequence the 16S segment of rRNA in the organic extract, but have not yet completed successful PCR replication. We are continuing attempts to isolate and analyze the pertinent genetic material. The micro-morphology, strongly negative delta C-13 and presence of live C-14 suggest a biological process for precipitation of these calcium carbonate deposits. We hope to be able to test this in future by comparing extracted genetic material with that from known psychrophilic bacteria. If this Antarctic material proves to be biological in origin, it may yield insights into the adaptation of organisms to conditions of extreme cold, aridity and UV exposure on Earth, or elsewhere in the Solar System.

Stable isotope evidence for an amphibious phase in early proboscidean evolution.

PubMed

Liu, Alexander G S C; Seiffert, Erik R; Simons, Elwyn L

2008-04-15

The order Proboscidea includes extant elephants and their extinct relatives and is closely related to the aquatic sirenians (manatees and dugongs) and terrestrial hyracoids (hyraxes). Some analyses of embryological, morphological, and paleontological data suggest that proboscideans and sirenians shared an aquatic or semiaquatic common ancestor, but independent tests of this hypothesis have proven elusive. Here we test the hypothesis of an aquatic ancestry for advanced proboscideans by measuring delta(18)O in tooth enamel of two late Eocene proboscidean genera, Barytherium and Moeritherium, which are sister taxa of Oligocene-to-Recent proboscideans. The combination of low delta(18)O values and low delta(18)O standard deviations in Barytherium and Moeritherium matches the isotopic pattern seen in aquatic and semiaquatic mammals, and differs from that of terrestrial mammals. delta(13)C values of these early proboscideans suggest that both genera are likely to have consumed freshwater plants, although a component of C(3) terrestrial vegetation cannot be ruled out. The simplest explanation for the combined evidence from isotopes, dental functional morphology, and depositional environments is that Barytherium and Moeritherium were at least semiaquatic and lived in freshwater swamp or riverine environments, where they grazed on freshwater vegetation. These results lend new support to the hypothesis that Oligocene-to-Recent proboscideans are derived from amphibious ancestors.

Trans-proximal tubular steady-state concentration differences studied by micro-puncture and tissue content of sodium and chloride at varying intraluminal sodium concentrations in vitro in rat kidney cortex slices: evidence for a multisite sodium transport system.

PubMed Central

Györy, A Z; Roby, H

1977-01-01

1. With the aid of micropuncture techniques, proximal tubular transepithelial concentration differences for Na (deltaC Na) and chloride (deltaC Cl) were measured in kidney cortex slices at bathing fluid Na concentrations from 10 to 400 m-mole. kg-1. Tissue content of water, Na and K was also measured in such slices. Under steady-state conditions of zero net flux of NaCl and water, deltaC Na represents the sum of active Na transport, factored by the tubular permeability coefficient added to a component of flux due to electrical forces. 2. The relation between bathing fluid Na concentraton and deltaC Na appeared sigmoid in form suggesting an allosteric mechanism for the transport step. 3. Transtubular potential difference, calculated from transepithelial Cl distribution ratios, did not appear constant at the various bathing fluid Na concentrations. Correcting for the effect of these potential differences on the value of each deltaC Na did not convert the sigmoid transport curve to a hyperbolic one, confirming the suggested allosteric nature of the active Na transport step. 4. Intracellular Na content varied linearly with bathing fluid Na concentrations implying free entry of this cation into the cell. This also suggests that the sigmoid transport curve is related to the properties of the active Na transport pump. PMID:856986

Frontal delta-beta cross-frequency coupling in high and low social anxiety: An index of stress regulation?

PubMed

Poppelaars, Eefje S; Harrewijn, Anita; Westenberg, P Michiel; van der Molen, Melle J W

2018-05-17

Cross-frequency coupling (CFC) between frontal delta (1-4 Hz) and beta (14-30 Hz) oscillations has been suggested as a candidate neural correlate of social anxiety disorder, a disorder characterized by fear and avoidance of social and performance situations. Prior studies have used amplitude-amplitude correlation (AAC) as a CFC measure and hypothesized it as a candidate neural mechanism of affective control. However, using this metric has yielded inconsistent results regarding the direction of CFC, and the functional significance of coupling strength is uncertain. To offer a better understanding of CFC in social anxiety, we compared frontal delta-beta AAC with phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) - a mechanism for information transfer through neural circuits. Twenty high socially anxious (HSA) and 32 low socially anxious (LSA) female undergraduates participated in a social performance task (SPT). Delta-beta PAC and AAC were estimated during the resting state, as well as the anticipation and recovery conditions. Results showed significantly more AAC in LSA than HSA participants during early anticipation, as well as significant values during all conditions in LSA participants only. PAC did not distinguish between LSA and HSA participants, and instead was found to correlate with state nervousness during early anticipation, but in LSA participants only. Together, these findings are interpreted to suggest that delta-beta AAC is a plausible neurobiological index of adaptive stress regulation and can distinguish between trait high and low social anxiety during stress, while delta-beta PAC might be sensitive enough to reflect mild state anxiety in LSA participants.

A strategy for acquisition and analysis of complex natural abundance (33)S solid-state NMR spectra of a disordered tetrathio transition-metal anion.

PubMed

Jakobsen, Hans J; Bildsøe, Henrik; Skibsted, Jørgen; Brorson, Michael; Gor'kov, Peter; Gan, Zhehong

2010-02-01

A strategy, involving (i) sensitivity enhancement for the central transition (CT) by population transfer (PT) employing WURST inversion pulses to the satellite transitions (STs) in natural abundance (33)S MAS NMR for two different MAS frequencies (nu(r)=5.0 and 10.0kHz) at 14.1T and (ii) a (33)S static QCPMG experiment at 19.6T, has allowed acquisition and analysis of very complex solid-state (33)S CT NMR spectra for the disordered tetrathioperrhenate anion ReS(4)(-) in [(C(2)H(5))(4)N][ReS(4)]. This strategy of different NMR experiments combined with spectral analysis/simulations has allowed determination of precise values for two sets of quadrupole coupling parameters (C(Q) and eta(Q)) assigned to the two different S sites for the four sulfur atoms in the ReS(4)(-) anion in the ratio S1:S2=1:3. These sets of C(Q), eta(Q) values for the S1 and S2 site are quite similar and the magnitudes of the quadrupole coupling constants (C(Q)=2.2-2.5MHz) are a factor of about three larger than observed for other tetrathiometalates A(2)MS(4) (A=NH(4), Cs, Rb and M=W, Mo). In addition, the spectral analysis also leads to a determination of the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters (delta(sigma) and eta(sigma)) for the S1 and S2 site, however, with much lower precisions (about 20% error margins) compared to those for C(Q), eta(Q), because the magnitudes of the two CSAs (i.e., delta(sigma)=60-90ppm) are about a factor of six smaller than observed for the other tetrathiometalates mentioned above. This large difference in the magnitudes of the anisotropic parameters C(Q) and delta(sigma) for the ReS(4)(-) anion, compared to those for the WS(4)(2-) and MoS(4)(2-) anions determined previously under identical experimental conditions, accounts for the increased complexity of the PT-enhanced (33)S MAS spectra observed for the ReS(4)(-) anion in this study. This difference in C(Q) also contributes significantly to the intensity distortions observed in the outer wings of the CTs when employing PT from the STs under conditions of slow-speed MAS. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Drug testing data from the 2007 Pan American Games: delta13C values of urinary androsterone, etiocholanolone and androstanediols determined by GC/C/IRMS.

PubMed

Aguilera, Rodrigo; Chapman, Thomas E; Pereira, Henrique; Oliveira, Giselle C; Illanes, Renata P; Fernandes, Telma F; Azevedo, Débora A; Neto, Francisco Aquino

2009-07-01

The main purpose of this article is to show the application of the CG/C/IRMS in real time during competition in the steroid confirmation analysis. For this reason, this paper summarizes the results obtained from the doping control analysis during the period of the 2007 Pan American Games held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Approximately 5600 athletes from 42 different countries competed in the games. Testing was performed in accordance to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) technical note for prohibited substances. This paper reports data where abnormal urinary steroid profiles, have been found with the screening procedures. One 8 mL urine sample was used for the analysis of five steroid metabolites with two separate analyses by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). Urine samples were submitted to GC/C/IRMS for confirmation analysis to determine the (13)C/(12)C ratio of selected steroids. Fifty-seven urine samples were analyzed by GC/C/IRMS and the delta(13)C values ( per thousand) of androsterone, etiocholanolone, 5beta-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol (5beta-diol), 5alpha-androstane-3alpha, 17beta-diol (5alpha-diol) and 5beta-pregnane-3alpha, 20alpha-diol (5beta-pdiol), the endogenous reference compound are presented. One urine sample with a testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio of 4.7 was confirmed to be positive of doping by GC/C/IRMS analysis. The delta values of 5beta-diol and 5alpha-diol were 3.8 and 10.8, respectively, compared to the endogenous reference compound 5beta-pdiol, which exceeded the WADA limit of 3 per thousand. The results obtained by CG/C/IRMS confirmation analyses, in suspicious samples, were conclusive in deciding whether or not a doping steroid violation had occurred.

Introduction of a proline residue into position 31 of the loop of the dimeric 4-alpha-helical protein ROP causes a drastic destabilization.

PubMed

Peters, K; Hinz, H J; Cesareni, G

1997-10-01

The exchange of an alanine with a proline residue in position 31 of the loop region of the dimeric 4-alpha-helical-bundle protein ROP causes a reduction in the alpha-helix content of 7% and a reduction in stability of about 40% compared to the wild type parameters. The Gibbs energy of unfolding by denaturants extrapolated linearly to zero denaturant concentration, delta G0D (buffer, 25 degrees C), has been determined to be 43 kJ (mol dimer)-1. The corresponding ROPwt value is 72 kJ (mol dimer)-1 (Steif et al., 1993). The extrapolated delta G0D values obtained from urea and GdmHCI un- and refolding studies are identical within error limits. Deconvolution of the stability values into enthalpy and entropy terms resulted in the following parameters. At T1/2 = 43 degrees C (Cprotein = 0.05 mg.ml-1) the ROP A31P mutant is characterized by delta Hv.H.0 = 272 kJ (mol dimer)-1, delta Cp = 7.2 kJ (mol dimer)-1 K-1, delta S0 = 762 J (mol dimer)-1 K-1. These parameters are only approximately 50% as large as the corresponding values of ROPwt. We assume that the significant reduction in stability reflects the absence of at least one hydrogen bond as well as deformation of the protein structure. This interpretation is supported by the reduction in the change in heat capacity observed for the A31P mutant relative to ROPwt, by the increased aggregation tendency of the mutant and by the reduced specific CD absorption at 222 nm. All results support the view that in the case of ROP protein the loop region plays a significant role in the maintenance of native structure and conformational stability.

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

Kingston, J.D.; Hill, A.; Marino, B.D.

Bipedality, the definitive characteristic of the earliest hominids, has been regarded as an adaptive response to a transition from forested to more-open habitats in East Africa sometime between 12 million and 5 million years ago. Analyses of the stable carbon isotopic composition ([delta][sup 13]C) of paleosol carbonate and organic matter from the Tugen Hills succession in Kenya indicate that a heterogeneous environment with a mix of C3 and C4 plants has persisted for the last 15.5 million years. Open grasslands at no time dominated this portion of the rift valley. The observed [delta][sup 13]C values offer no evidence for amore » shift from more-closed C3 environments to C4 grasslands habitats. If hominids evolved in East Africa during the Late Miocene, they did so in an ecologically diverse setting.« less

Ada (Trademark) Compiler Validation Summary Report: Certificate Number: 880714N1,09135, GEC Software Ltd, VADS Version 5.5, SUN 3/50 Workstation X GEC 4195 Minicomputer

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-15

floating-point accuracy that exceeds the maximum of 15 digits supported by this implementation: C24113L..Y (14 tests) C35705L..Y (14 tests) C35706L...declarative part or package specification, or after a libary unit in a compilation, but before any subsequent compilation unit. When the first argument is a...INT constant :=2147483647; MAX- DIGITS :constant :~15; MAX-MANTISSA constant 31; FINE-DELTA constant :=2.0’*(-31); TICK :constant :=0.01; -- Other

Incorporating Value Systems in Strategic Force Analysis

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-03-01

produce Typhoon and Delta IV class submarines. Other indications of the questionable intentions of the Soviet military machine are in allegations...Communications, their energy systems, transpcrtation, defense, oil, chemical, electronic, machine building and instruments industries, their reserves and...HAD100 8 -4 Transp . 1200 .4 SOCEc 3 opl.700 .17 .1In.1000 .14 Mild EO. 1Pr Warfighting . -8Fo 2000 .56 W8aoo 1000 .14 Tagt 1Id. 700 .11 StrutureSUPPT

Life in extreme environments: survival strategy of the endolithic desert lichen Verrucaria rubrocincta.

PubMed

Garvie, Laurence A J; Knauth, L Paul; Bungartz, Frank; Klonowski, Stan; Nash, Thomas H

2008-08-01

Verrucaria rubrocincta Breuss is an endolithic lichen that inhabits caliche plates exposed on the surface of the Sonoran Desert. Caliche surface temperatures are regularly in excess of 60 degrees C during the summer and approach 0 degrees C in the winter. Incident light intensities are high, with photosynthetically active radiation levels typically to 2,600 micromol/m(2) s(-1) during the summer. A cross-section of rock inhabited by V. rubrocincta shows an anatomical zonation comprising an upper micrite layer, a photobiont layer containing clusters of algal cells, and a pseudomedulla embedded in the caliche. Hyphae of the pseudomedulla become less numerous with depth below the rock surface. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopic data for the caliche and micrite fall into two sloping, well-separated arrays on a delta(13)C-delta(18)O plot. The delta(13)C(PDB) of the micrite ranges from 2.1 to 8.1 and delta(18)O(SMOW) from 25.4 to 28.9, whereas delta(13)C(PDB) of the caliche ranges from -4.7 to 0.7 and delta(18)O(SMOW) from 23.7 to 29.2. The isotopic data of the micrite can be explained by preferential fixing of (12)C into the alga, leaving local (13)C enrichment and evaporative enrichment of (18)O in the water. The (14)C dates of the micrite range from recent to 884 years b.p., indicating that "dead" carbon from the caliche is not a significant source for the lichen-precipitated micrite. The endolithic growth is an adaptation to the environmental extremes of exposed rock surfaces in the hot desert. The micrite layer is highly reflective and reduces light intensity to the algae below and acts as an efficient sunscreen that blocks harmful UV radiation. The micrite also acts as a cap to the lichen and helps trap moisture. The lichen survives by the combined effects of biodeterioration and biomineralization. Biodeterioration of the caliche concomitant with biomineralization of a protective surface coating of micrite results in the distinctive anatomy of V. rubrocincta.

A system for high-quality CO2 isotope analyses of air samples collected by the CARIBIC Airbus A340-600.

PubMed

Assonov, S; Taylor, P; Brenninkmeijer, C A M

2009-05-01

In 2007, JRC-IRMM began a series of atmospheric CO2 isotope measurements, with the focus on understanding instrumental effects, corrections as well as metrological aspects. The calibration approach at JRC-IRMM is based on use of a plain CO2 sample (working reference CO2) as a calibration carrier and CO2-air mixtures (in high-pressure cylinders) to determine the method-related correction under actual analytical conditions (another calibration carrier, in the same form as the samples). Although this approach differs from that in other laboratories, it does give a direct link to the primary reference NBS-19-CO2. It also helps to investigate the magnitude and nature for each of the instrumental corrections and allows for the quantification of the uncertainty introduced. Critical tests were focused on the instrumental corrections. It was confirmed that the use of non-symmetrical capillary crimping (an approach used here to deal with small samples) systematically modifies delta13C(CO2) and delta18O(CO2), with a clear dependence on the amount of extracted CO2. However, the calibration of CO2-air mixtures required the use of the symmetrical dual-inlet mode. As a proof of our approach, we found that delta13C(CO2) on extracts from mixtures agreed (within 0.010 per thousand) with values obtained from the 'mother' CO2 used for the mixtures. It was further found that very low levels of hydrocarbons in the pumping systems and the isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) instrument itself were critical. The m/z 46 values (consequently the calculated delta18O(CO2) values) are affected by several other effects with traces of air co-trapped with frozen CO2 being the most critical. A careful cryo-distillation of the extracted CO2 is recommended. After extensive testing, optimisation, and routine automated use, the system was found to give precise data on air samples that can be traced with confidence to the primary standards. The typical total combined uncertainty in delta13C(CO2) and delta18O(CO2) on the VPDB-CO2 scale, estimated on runs of CO2-air mixtures, is +/-0.040 per thousand and 0.060 per thousand (2-sigma values). Inter-comparison with MPI-BGC resulted in a scale discrepancy of a similar magnitude. Although the reason(s) for this discrepancy still need to be understood, this basically confirms the approach of using specifically prepared CO2-air mixtures as a calibration carrier, in order to achieve scale unification among laboratories. As important practical application and as a critical test, JRC-IRMM took part in the passenger aircraft-based global monitoring project CARIBIC (http://www.caribic-atmospheric.com). In this way, reliable CO2 isotope data for the tropopause region and the free troposphere were obtained. From June 2007 to January 2009, approximately 500 CARIBIC air samples have been analysed. Some flights demonstrated a compact correlation of both delta13C(CO2) and delta18O(CO2) with respect to CO2 concentration, demonstrating mixing of tropospheric and stratospheric air masses. These excellent correlations provide an independent, realistic data quality check. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Value of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Prediction and Early Assessment of Response to Neoadjuvant Radiochemotherapy in Rectal Cancer: Preliminary Results

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

Lambrecht, Maarten, E-mail: maarten.lambrecht@uzleuven.be; Vandecaveye, Vincent; De Keyzer, Frederik

2012-02-01

Purpose: To evaluate diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) for response prediction before and response assessment during and early after preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCT) for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Methods and Materials: Twenty patients receiving RCT for LARC underwent MRI including DWI before RCT, after 10-15 fractions and 1 to 2 weeks before surgery. Tumor volume and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC; b-values: 0-1000 s/mm{sup 2}) were determined at all time points. Pretreatment tumor ADC and volume, tumor ADC change ( Increment ADC), and volume change ( Increment V) between pretreatment and follow-up examinations were compared with histopathologic findings after total mesorectalmore » excision (pathologic complete response [pCR] vs. no pCR, ypT0-2 vs. ypT3-4, T-downstaging or not). The discriminatory capability of pretreatment tumor ADC and volume, Increment ADC, and Increment V for the detection of pCR was compared with receiver operating characteristics analysis. Results: Pretreatment ADC was significantly lower in patients with pCR compared with patients without (in mm{sup 2}/s: 0.94 {+-} 0.12 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3} vs. 1.19 {+-} 0.22 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -3}, p = 0.003), yielding a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 86% for detection of pCR. The volume reduction during and after RCT was significantly higher in patients with pCR compared with patients without (in %: {Delta}V{sub during}: -62 {+-} 16 vs. -33 {+-} 16, respectively, p = 0.015; and {Delta}V{sub post}: -86 {+-} 12 vs. -60 {+-} 21, p = 0.012), yielding a sensitivity of 83% and specificity of 71% for the {Delta}V{sub during} and, respectively, 83% and 86% for the {Delta}V{sub post}. The Increment ADC during ({Delta}ADC{sub during}) and after RCT ({Delta}ADC{sub post}) showed a significantly higher value in patients with pCR compared with patients without (in %: {Delta}ADC{sub during}: 72 {+-} 14 vs. 16 {+-} 12, p = 0.0006; and {Delta}ADC{sub post}: 88 {+-} 35 vs. 26 {+-} 19, p = 0.0011), yielding a sensitivity and specificity of 100% for the {Delta}ADC{sub during} and, respectively, 100% and 93% for the {Delta}ADC{sub post}. Conclusions: These initial findings indicate that DWI, using pretreatment ADC, {Delta}ADC{sub during}, and {Delta}ADC{sub post} may be useful for prediction and early assessment of pathologic response to preoperative RCT of LARC, with higher accuracy than volumetric measurements.« less

Characterization of the transport properties of channel delta-doped structures by light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mena, R. A.; Schacham, S. E.; Haugland, E. J.; Alterovitz, S. A.; Young, P. G.; Bibyk, S. B.; Ringel, S. A.

1995-01-01

The transport properties of channel delta-doped quantum well structures were characterized by conventional Hall effect and light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) effect measurements. The large number of carriers that become available due to the delta-doping of the channel, leads to an apparent degeneracy in the well. As a result of this degeneracy, the carrier mobility remains constant as a function of temperature from 300 K down to 1.4 K. The large amount of impurity scattering, associated with the overlap of the charge carriers and the dopants, resulted in low carrier mobilities and restricted the observation of the oscillatory magneto-resistance used to characterize the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) by conventional SdH measurements. By light-modulating the carriers, we were able to observe the SdH oscillation at low magnetic fields, below 1.4 tesla, and derive a value for the quantum scattering time. Our results for the ratio of the transport and quantum scattering times are lower than those previously measured for similar structures using much higher magnetic fields.

A Nitrogen-concentrated Phase in IA Iron Meteorite Acid Residue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hashizume, K.; Sugiura, N.

1993-07-01

Introduction: Iron meteorites are considered to have experienced a complex history, which is indicated by the variations in trace element chemistry (e.g., [1]). Among iron meteorite groups, the so called nonmagmatic groups, such as IAB, IIE, and IIICD, may have passed through different formation paths compared to others. Nitrogen isotopes can be a useful tool to understand the origin and formation processes of iron meteorites. Nikogen isotopes in a number of iron meteorites are measured [2,3], although trapping sites of nitrogen in iron meteorites are not yet clear. This is an important issue because nitrogen, a typical mobile element, may well reflect thermal history of their parent bodies (c.f., [4]). Generally, a major portion of nitrogen in iron meteorites is expected to be in a solid solution in Fe-Ni, especially in f.c.c. Fe-Ni (taenite). Franchi et al. [3] report that at least 25 to 35% of nitrogen in magmatic iron meteorites is in acid insoluble phases, however, not in those of non-magmatic meteorites. This result contradicts with the result [5] who report that a significant portion of nitrogen seems to be trapped in acid residues not only of magmatic meteorites but also of non- magmatic meteorites. To resolve the contradiction described above, and to identify the trapping site, we started measuring nitrogen isotopes in acid residues of iron metcorites. We report here preliminary results on acid residues of Canyon Diablo (IA). Procedures: Acid residues were prepared by Dr. J.-I. Matsuda and his colleagues. Different blocks of Canyon Diablo, "Can-1" and "Can-2" were treated by 14M HCl, 10M-HF + 1M-HCl, 1M-HCl, and by aqua regia, which destroyed Fe-Ni, sulfides, silicates, and shreibersite. Acid residues of these two blocks, "Can-1bn" and "Can-2b," yielded 0.102 wt% and 0.299 wt% of their original masses, respectively These residues seem to consist mostly of graphite No diamond was detected by powder X-ray analysis [6]. Preliminary Results: A predominant portion of nitrogen is released at 500 degrees C and 600 degrees C temperature fractions. Total nitrogen amounts and average delta^l5N values of the two acid residues are described in Table 1. Discussion and Summary: Sample "Can-1bn" is 3-4 times concentrated in nitrogen than "Call-2b," although its delta^15N value is within terrestrial range (0 < delta^15N < +20 per mil). Presently, we cannot deny the possibility that nitrogen in "Can-1bn" is dominated by terrestrial nitrogen, which may have been acquired during the acid treatment. Nevertheless, nitrogen isotope data of "Can-2b" suggests that indigenous nitrogen is indeed concentrated in the acid residue of Canyon Diablo. Bulk nitrogen isotope data of Canyon Diablo is reported to be delta^15N= -61.8 +- 10.4 per mil, N= 38.0 +- 155 ppm [2]. Therefore, delta^15N values of "Can-2b" can be resulted by a mixing of indigenous nitrogen and contaminating nitrogen. However, distinct delta^15N values of these two samples may indicate, in turn, that nitrogen isotopes in inclusions of Canyon Diablo are truly heterogeneous because carbon isotopes of graphite inclusions in IA iron meteorites seem to be heterogeneous [7]. Acknowledgments: We thank Dr. J.-I. Matsuda of Osaka University for providing samples and information on these samples. References: [1] Scott E. R. D. and Wasson J. T. (1975) Rev. Geophys. Space Sci., 13, 527-546. [2] Prombo C. A. and Clayton R. N. (1983) Meteoritics, 18, 377-379. [3] Franchi I. A. et al. (1988) Meteoritics, 22, 379-380. [4] Hashizume K. (1993) Doctor Thesis. [5] Murty S. V. S. et al. (1983) GCA, 47, 1061-1068. [6] Ogata Y. et al. (1990) In Abstract of the 1990 Annual Meeting of the Geochemical Society of Japan, 57. [7] Deines P. and Wickman F. E. (1973) GCA, 37, 1295-1319. Table 1 appears here in the hard copy.

Computational assessment of the electronic structures of cyclohexa-1,2,4-triene, 1-oxacyclohexa-2,3,5-triene (3delta(2)-pyran), their benzo derivatives, and cyclohexa-1,2-diene. An experimental approach to 3delta(2)-pyran.

PubMed

Engels, Bernd; Schöneboom, Jan C; Münster, Arno F; Groetsch, Stefan; Christl, Manfred

2002-01-16

The six-membered cyclic allenes given in the title have been studied theoretically by means of an MR-CI approach. For all compounds, the allene structures were found to be the ground states in the gas phase. In the cases of cyclohexa-1,2-diene (1), the isobenzene 2, and the isonaphthalene 7, the most stable structures having a planar allene moiety are the diradicals 1b, 2b, and 7b, representing the transition states for the racemization of 1a, 2a, and 7a and being less stable than the latter by 14.1, 8.9, and 11.2 kcal/mol, respectively. At variance with this order, the 3delta(2)-pyran 4 and the chromene 5 have the zwitterions 4c and 5c as the most stable planar structures, which lie only 1.0 and 5.4 kcal/mol above 4a and 5a, respectively. According to the simulation of the solvent effect, 4c even becomes the ground state of 4 in THF solution. The frontier orbitals of the respective states of 2 and 4 suggest different rates and sites for the reaction with nucleophiles. For the first time, the pyran 4 has been generated and trapped. As a precursor for 4, 3-bromo-4H-pyran (9) was chosen, the synthesis of which was achieved on two routes from 4H-pyran. The treatment of 9 with potassium tert-butoxide (KOt-Bu)/18-crown-6 gave 4-tert-butoxy-4H-pyran as the only discernible product, whether styrene or furan was present, indicating the interception of 4 by KOt-Bu. Finally, the disagreement between the experiment and the theory concerning the heat of formation and the electronic nature of the isobenzene 2 is resolved by demonstrating that the experimental data can provide only an upper limit of the DeltaH(f) degrees value.

Sintering of BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) with/without SrTiO3 Dopant

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dynys, F.; Sayir, A.; Heimann, P. J.

2004-01-01

The perovskite composition, BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta), displays excellent protonic conduction at high temperatures making it a desirable candidate for hydrogen separation membranes. This paper reports on the sintering behavior of BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) powders doped with SrTiO3. Two methods were used to synthesize BaCe(sub 0.85)Y(sub 0.15)O(sub 3-delta) powders: (1) solid state reaction and (2) wet chemical co-precipitation. Co-precipitated powder crystallized into the perovskite phase at 1000 C for 4 hrs. Complete reaction and crystallization of the perovskite phase by solid state was achieved by calcining at 1200 C for 24 hrs. Solid state synthesis produced a coarser powder with an average particle size of 1.3 microns and surface area of 0.74 sq m/g. Co-precipitation produced a finer powder with a average particle size of 65 nm and surface area of 14.9 sq m/g. Powders were doped with 1, 2, 5, and 10 mole % SrTiO3. Samples were sintered at 1450 C, 1550 C and 1650 C. SrTiO3 enhances sintering, optimal dopant level is different for powders synthesized by solid state and co-precipitation. Both powders exhibit similar grain growth behavior. Dopant levels of 5 and 10 mole % SrTiO3 significantly enhances the grain size.

Interaction of Clostridium perfringens delta toxin with erythrocyte and liposome membranes and relation with the specific binding to the ganglioside GM2.

PubMed

Jolivet-Reynaud, C; Hauttecoeur, B; Alouf, J E

1989-01-01

The specific interaction of the cytolytic Clostridium perfringens delta toxin with membrane GM2 was indicated by: (i) characterization of this glycolipid in the membrane of sheep and goat erythrocytes, which are lysed by the toxin, whereas GM2 was undetectable in insensitive rabbit erythrocytes, (ii) demonstration of 125I-toxin binding to GM2, by autoradiography, following incubation with thin-layer chromatograms containing separated neuroblastoma gangliosides, and (iii) toxin fixation by phospholipid-cholesterol unilamellar vesicles containing either sheep gangliosides or GM2. In order to investigate the intramembrane events leading to membrane disruption following toxin binding, the photoreactive probe 12(4-azido-2-nitrophenoxy)stearoyl 1-14C glucosamine, which inserts into the outer layer and labels integral membrane proteins, was used to establish whether delta toxin penetrates into target cell membrane. No toxin labeling was found, suggesting that toxin action takes place at the membrane surface. This contention is supported by the observation that despite toxin binding, GM2 liposomes did not release entrapped 14C-glucose. Treatment of toxin with carboxypeptidases, but not aminopeptidases, abolished both toxin binding capacity onto erythrocytes and its combination with antitoxin neutralizing antibodies, suggesting that the carboxy terminal end of the toxin is critical for binding to cell membrane.

Delta progradation and Neoglaciation, Laguna Parón, Cordillera Blanca, Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seltzer, Geoffrey O.; Rodbell, Donald T.

2005-10-01

The history of Holocene glaciation serves as an important record of glacier mass balance and, therefore, of climatic change. The moraine record of Holocene glaciation in the tropical Andes, however, is fragmentary and poorly dated. In contrast, increases in the rate of accumulation of inorganic sediment in glacier-fed lakes have been linked to periods of Neoglaciation in many mountain regions. The interpretation of such a record of Neoglaciation from sediment cores in glacier-fed lakes in the tropical Andes can provide the continuity and chronologic control that is lacking in the existing moraine record. Unusual exposures of glacial lacustrine sediment in the Cordillera Blanca, Peru, provide a rare opportunity to assess the link between climatic change, glaciation, and lacustrine sedimentation.Intentional lowering of water levels in Laguna Parón (9°S, 77°44 W, 4200 m a.s.l.) in 1985 resulted in the incision and exposure of at least 20 m of deltaic deposits at the eastern end of the lake. Three deltaic units can be identified: horizontal topset beds, steeply dipping and deformed foreset beds, and horizontally laminated fine-grained sediment. Six radiocarbon ages ranging from 1800 +/- 210 to 465 +/- 95 14C yr BP on wood indicate that the average rate of delta progradation in the late Holocene has been approximately 290 m per 1000 yr. The lake formed during deglaciation at least 10 000 yr ago and if such a rate of progradation of the delta had prevailed over the entire Holocene, then the delta would be at least three times as extensive as it is today. Thus the rate of delta progradation has varied significantly over the Holocene. We suggest that the rate of delta progradation was at least three times greater when glaciers were in advanced positions. These positions are clearly delimited by Neoglacial moraines, which are within 1-2 km of the exposures studied and within 1 km of modern ice limits. The most recent increase in the rate of delta progradation is evidenced by an increase in sedimentation rate ca. 575 +/- 90 14C yrBP, coincident with the onset of the Little Ice Age.

Diagenesis of the Machar Field (British North Sea) chalk: Evidence for decoupling of diagenesis in fractures and the host rock

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

Maliva, R.G.; Dickson, J.A.D.; Smalley, P.C.

1995-01-02

The Chalk Group (Cretaceous/Tertiary) in the Machar Field (British North Sea) contains both fracture-filling and microcrystalline calcite cements. Modeling of fluid-rock interaction using data on light stable isotopes obtained by whole rock analyses and laser ablation analyses of calcite cements reveal that the fracture and matrix diagenetic systems were largely decoupled. The calcium and carbonate of the fracture-filling calcite cements were derived largely from the adjacent chalk matrix. The fracture diagenetic system had a high water-rock ratio, which maintained a relatively stable water {delta}{sup 18}O ratio during calcite dissolution and precipitation. The chalk matrix, on the contrary, had a lowmore » molar water-rock ratio during recrystallization, which resulted in increases in the pore-water {delta}{sup 18}O value during recrystallization at elevated temperatures. This evolution of the pore-water {delta}{sup 18}O value is manifested by highly variable cement {delta}{sup 18}O values. The present-day formation waters of the Machar Field have {sup 87}Sr/{sup 86}Sr ratios significantly higher than the whole rock and fracture-filling cement calcite values, evidence that the chemical composition of the formation waters is not representative of that of the pore waters during chalk recrystallization. Little diagenesis is therefore now occurring in the Machar Field. The diagenetic systems of the chalk matrix and fractures both had a high degree of openness with respect to carbon, because of the introduction of organically derived bicarbonate rather than advection of water through the chalk. The bulk of calcite cementation in fractures and the recrystallization and cementation of the chalk matrix occurred at temperatures in the 80--100 C range, at or just below the present-day reservoir temperature of 97 C.« less

Estimation of thermal sensation during varied air temperature conditions.

PubMed

Katsuura, T; Tabuchi, R; Iwanaga, K; Harada, H; Kikuchi, Y

1998-03-01

Seven male students were exposed to four varied air temperature environments: hot (37 degrees C) to neutral (27 degrees C) (HN), neutral to hot (NH), cool (17 degrees C) to neutral (CN), and neutral to cool (NC). The air temperature was maintained at the first condition for 20 min, then was changed to the second condition after 15 min and was held there for 20 min. Each subject wore a T-shirt, briefs, trunks, and socks. Each sat on a chair and was continuously evaluated for thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and air velocity sensation. Some physiological and thermal parameters were also measured every 5 s during the experiment. The correlation between thermal sensation and skin temperature at 15 sites was found to be poor. The subjects felt much warmer during the rising phase of the air temperature (CN, NH) than during the descending phase (HN, NC) at a given mean skin temperature. However, thermal sensation at the same heat flux or at the same value of the difference between skin and air temperature (delta(Tsk - Ta)) was not so different among the four experimental conditions, and the correlation between thermal sensation and heat flux or delta(Tsk - Ta) was fairly good. The multiple regression equation of the thermal sensation (TS) on 15 sites of skin temperature (Tsk; degrees C) was calculated and the coefficient of determination (R*2) was found to be 0.656. Higher coefficients of determination were found in the equations of thermal sensation for the heat flux (H; kcal.m-2.h-1) at the right and left thighs of the subjects and on delta(Tsk - Ta) (degrees C) at 4 sites. They were as follows: TS = 2.04 - 0.016 Hright - 0.036 Hleft; R*2 = 0.717, TS = 1.649 + 0.013 delta(Tsk - Ta)UpperArm - 0.036 delta(Tsk - Ta)Chest - 0.223 delta(Tsk - Ta)Thigh-0.083 delta(Tsk - Ta)LowerLeg; R*2 = 0.752, respectively.

Determination of authenticity, regional origin, and vintage of Slovenian wines using a combination of IRMS and SNIF-NMR analyses.

PubMed

Ogrinc, N; Kosir, I J; Kocjancic, M; Kidric, J

2001-03-01

The authenticity and geographical origin of wines produced in Slovenia were investigated by a combination of IRMS and SNIF-NMR methods. A total of 102 grape samples of selected wines were carefully collected in three different wine-growing regions of Slovenia in 1996, 1997, and 1998. The stable isotope data were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The isotopic ratios to discriminate between coastal and continental regions are the deuterium/hydrogen isotopic ratio of the methylene site in the ethanol molecule (D/H)(II) and delta(13)C values; including also delta(18)O values in the PCA and LDA made possible separation between the two continental regions Drava and Sava. It was found that delta(18)O values are modified by the meteorological events during grape ripening and harvest. The usefulness of isotopic parameters for detecting adulteration or watering and to assess the geographical origin of wines is improved only when they are used concurrently.

Electronic structure and the van Hove singularity scenario in high-T(sub c)H(g)Ba2CuO(4+delta) superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Agrawal, Bal K.; Agrawal, Savitri

1995-01-01

The electronic structure and the hole concentrations in the high Tc superconductor HgBa2CuO(4+delta) (delta = O, 1) has been investigated by employing a first principles full potential self-consistent LMTO method with the local density functional theory. The scalar relativistic effects have been considered. The hole concentrations of the Cu-d and O-p(x,y) orbitals are seen to be larger for the HgBaCuO5 system than those of the HgBaCuO4 solid. However, the van Hove singularity (vHs) induced Cu-d and O-p peak which is seen to lie comparatively away and above the Fermi level in the delta = 1 system shifts towards the Fermi level in the delta = 0 system. Thus, the superconducting behavior appears to originate from the occurrence of the vHs peak at the Fermi level. The Fermi surface nesting area in the delta = 0 compound is seen to be larger than in the delta = 1 compound. The calculation reveals that the increase in pressure on the crystal enhances the hole concentrations but without showing any optimum value, On the other hand, the vHs peak approaches to-wards the Fermi level with pressure and crosses the Fermi surface near V/Vo approximately equals 0.625 (V and Vo are the crystal volumes at high and normal pressures, respectively). Our calculated value of the bulk modulus equal to 0.626 Mbar predicts the occurrence of this crossover at about 24 GPa which is in complete agreement with the experimental value. At this pressure the compound has maximum nesting area and self-doped behavior.

Use of carbon isotope analysis to understand semi-arid erosion dynamics and long-term semi-arid land degradation.

PubMed

Turnbull, Laura; Brazier, Richard E; Wainwright, John; Dixon, Liz; Bol, Roland

2008-06-01

Many semi-arid areas worldwide are becoming degraded, in the form of C(4) grasslands being replaced by C(3) shrublands, which causes an increase in surface runoff and erosion, and altered nutrient cycling, which may affect global biogeochemical cycling. The prevention or control of vegetation transitions is hindered by a lack of understanding of their temporal and spatial dynamics, particularly in terms of interactions between biotic and abiotic processes. This research investigates (1) the effects of soil erosion on the delta(13)C values of soil organic matter (SOM) throughout the soil profile and its implications for reconstructing vegetation change using carbon-isotope analysis and (2) the spatial properties of erosion over a grass-shrub transition to increase understanding of biotic-abiotic interactions by using delta(13)C signals of eroded material as a sediment tracer. Results demonstrate that the soils over grass-shrub transitions are not in steady state. A complex interplay of factors determines the input of SOM to the surface horizon of the soil and its subsequent retention and turnover through the soil profile. A positive correlation between event runoff and delta(13)C signatures of eroded sediment was found in all plots. This indicates that the delta(13)C signatures of eroded sediment may provide a means of distinguishing between changes in erosion dynamics over runoff events of different magnitudes and over different vegetation types. The development of this technique using delta(13)C signatures of eroded sediment provides a new means of furthering existing understanding of erosion dynamics over vegetation transitions. This is critical in terms of understanding biotic-abiotic feedbacks and the evolution of areas subject to vegetation change in semi-arid environments. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

The fine-structure intervals of (N-14)+ by far-infrared laser magnetic resonance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, John M.; Varberg, Thomas D.; Evenson, Kenneth M.; Cooksy, Andrew L.

1994-01-01

The far-infrared laser magnetic resonance spectra associated with both fine-structure transitions in (N-14)+ in its ground P-3 state have been recorded. This is the first laboratory observation of the J = 1 left arrow 0 transition and its frequency has been determined two orders of magnitude more accurately than previously. The remeasurement of the J = 2 left arrow 1 spectrum revealed a small error in the previous laboratory measurements. The fine-structure splittings (free of hyperfine interactions) determined in this work are (delta)E(sub 10) = 1461.13190 (61) GHz, (delta)E(sub 21) = 2459.38006 (37) GHz. Zero-field transition frequencies which include the effects of hyperfine structure have also been calculated. Refined values for the hyperfine constants and the g(sub J) factors have been obtained.

A simple approach for assessing equilibrated Kt/V beta 2-M on a routine basis.

PubMed

Casino, Francesco G; Pedrini, Luciano A; Santoro, Antonio; Mandolfo, Salvatore; David, Salvatore; De Cristofaro, Vincenzo; Teatini, Ugo; Lomonte, Carlo; Lopez, Teodoro

2010-09-01

Large observational studies have shown a reduction in morbidity and mortality in patients on high-flux haemodialysis (HD) or convective techniques, compared with low-flux HD. An index to evaluate treatment efficiency in middle molecule (MM) removal would be recommended. Since beta-2-microglobulin (beta2-M) is a recognized MM marker, we evaluated an easy approach for Kt/V(beta2-M) assessment on a routine basis, avoiding other complex methods. An equation that estimates single-pool (sp) Kt/V(beta2-M) was derived from Leypoldt's formula, which calculates beta2-M dialyser clearance (K(beta2-M)) from the post/pre-dialysis beta2-M concentration (C(t)/C(0)) ratio and the weight loss/end-dialysis weight (Delta W/W) ratio. Our equation, spKt/V(beta2-M) = 6.12 Delta W/W [1 - ln(C(t)/C(0))/ln(1 + 6.12 Delta W/W)], was derived by assuming urea distribution volume (V(u)) as 49% of W and beta2-M volume (V(beta2-M)) as V(u)/3, in agreement with the average patient values in the HEMO Study. The spKt/V(beta2-M) values calculated with our equation (F) in 129 patients on 407 sessions of different high-flux treatments were compared with those calculated with the method applied in the HEMO Study (HM). Equilibrated beta2-M concentration (C(eq)) of the same sessions was also estimated with the equation for C(eq) by Tattersall, and equilibrated Kt/V (eKt/V(beta2-M)) was calculated by introducing Tattersall's equation into our simplified spKt/V(beta2-M) formula. Mean results of our spKt/V(beta2-M) equation (F) were very close to those of the HM method (1.48 +/- 0.38 vs 1.47 +/- 0.37). The difference was less than +/-0.1 in 95% of cases. A mean end-session beta2-M rebound of 44 +/- 14% was predicted, which caused a mean reduction in actual Kt/V(beta2-M) of ~27% (eKt/V(beta2-M) = 1.08 +/- 0.26). The method proposed to estimate spKt/V(beta2-M) and eKt/V(beta2-M) could become a simple tool to monitor the efficiency of high-flux HD and convective techniques and to evaluate the adequacy of treatments in terms of MM removal. Moreover, it might help to better understand the effects of different dialysis schedules. Validation on a larger dialysis population is required.

Holocene Enviromental Changes in AN Amazonian Floodplain Lake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreira, L.; Moreira-Turcq, P. F.; Turcq, B.; Cordeiro, R. C.

2011-12-01

The floodplains lakes are built due to the fluctuations in the level of the rivers, which causes the formation of bars and accumulation of sediment carried by the rivers and its tributaries. Thus, significant quantities of organic matter can accumulate within these lakes that might represent important carbon sinks. The organic sedimentation process in the floodplains remains unknown as well as very little is known about past conditions in the Amazonian floodplains. Because these gaps, the aim of this work is to provide, through sedimentological, mineralogical and organic geochemical analysis of a 124-cm long core collected in Lago Comprido (eastern Amazonia), evidences of paleoenviromental changes during the Holocene. The core COM1 was analysed using radiocarbon dates, organic carbon concentration, C/N ratio, delta 13C and diatoms. The core points out different sedimentary environments that occurs in the last 9900 years cal BP. The record is divided into three phases: - phase III (124-94 cm, 9900 to 3200 cal years BP): this interval is characterized by delta 13C values typical of graminea, suggesting dry conditions with longer low water levels of the Amazon River. Supporting evidence for driest conditions during this period comes from low organic carbon values due to oxidation and absence of diatoms in the sediment. The carbon flux was very low, reaching an average of 0.9 g C/m2/year. - phase II (93-46 cm, 3200 to 940 years cal BP): increasing lake level beginning in this phase. The delta 13C values ranged between -25% and -29%, which are thought to represent terrestrial plants. This may indicate the presence of a flooded vegetation in this site. The freshwater planktonic diatoms Aulacoseira sp start to increase in this phase, additional evidence that the period of the annual high water stands was probably longer than before. Carbon flux increases, reaching an average of 5 g C/m2/year. - phase I (45-0cm, < 940 years cal BP): the delta 13C values and CN ratios did not change, suggesting the permanence of a flooded vegetation. The carbon flux increases significantly, reaching peaks of 17 g C/m2/year. The Aulacoseira sp became dominant reaching a peak in this phase. These characteristics show conditions progressively wetter during the Late Holocene. The shift from a shorter annual water levels during the Early-Mid Holocene (phase III) to a long annual high water levels since 3200 years cal BP can suggest a climate change from a drier Early-mid Holocene to a wetter Late Holocene.

Thermodynamic study of the gaseous thorium carbides, ThC, ThC/sub 2/, ThC/sub 3/, ThC/sub 4/, ThC/sub 5/, and ThC/sub 6/

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

Gupta, S.K.; Gingerich, K.A.

Six gaseous carbides of thorium, ThC/sub n/(n=1--6), have been identified in a Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric investigation of the vapor phase above a thorium--uranium--rhodium--graphite system at high temperatures. The partial pressures of the thorium containing species were measured as a function of temperature in the 2300--2700 /sup 0/K range. Third law enthalpies for the reactions Th(g)+nC(graphite) =ThC/sub n/, n=1 to 6, and of various other homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions were evaluated. By combining the experimental enthalpies with appropriate thermodynamic data taken from literature, the following values for the atomization energies ..delta..H /sup 0//sub at,298/, and standard heats of formation ..delta..H/supmore » tsdegree//sub f/,298 of thorium carbides have been derived:« less

Dynamic Towed Array Models and State Estimation for Underwater Target Tracking

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

adjusting the value of 2q impacts how much non-linear acceleration the model can handle. In [22] it is shown that the best value for 2q is generated...partial_brng_x1 = (-deltaY) / ((deltaY)^2 + (deltaX)^2); partial_brng_x3 = (deltaX) / ((deltaY)^2 + (deltaX)^2); H11 = partial_brng_x1; H13 ...freq_recHat]; H11 = -deltaY/Rng^2; H13 = deltaX/Rng^2; Mult = xhat(5)/Sound_Spd; T1 = Mult*deltaY/Rng^3; T2 = ((deltaVx)*(deltaY)-(deltaVy

Carbon and oxygen isotope ratios of ecosystem respiration along an Oregon conifer transect: preliminary observations based on small-flask sampling.

PubMed

Ehleringer, J. R.; Cook, C. S.

1998-01-01

Isotope ratio analyses of atmospheric CO(2) at natural abundance have significant potential for contributing to our understanding of photosynthetic and respiration processes in forest ecosystems. Recent advances in isotope ratio mass spectrometry allow for rapid, on-line analysis of small volumes of CO(2) in air, and open new research opportunities at the ecophysiological, whole-organism, and atmospheric levels. Among the immediate applications are the carbon and oxygen isotope ratio analyses of carbon dioxide in atmospheric air. Routine analysis of carbon dioxide in air volumes of approximately 50-300 &mgr;l is accomplished by linking a commercially available, trace gas condenser and gas chromatograph to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer operated in continuous-flow mode. Samples collected in the field are stored in either gas-tight syringes or 100-ml flasks. The small sample volume required makes it possible to subsample the air in flasks for CO(2) and then to sample the remaining air volume for the analysis of the isotopic composition of either methane or nitrous oxide. Reliable delta(13)C and delta(18)O values can be obtained from samples collected and stored for 1-3 days. Longer-term storage, on the order of weeks, is possible for delta(13)C measurements without drift in the isotope ratio signal, and should also be possible for delta(18)O measurements. When linked with an infrared gas analyzer, pump and flask sampling system, it is feasible to sample CO(2) extensively in remote forest locations. The air-sampling system was used to measure the isotope ratios of atmospheric CO(2) and to conduct a regression analysis of the relationship between these two parameters. From the regression, we calculated the delta(13)C of ecosystem respiration of four coniferous ecosystems along a precipitation gradient in central Oregon. The ecosystems along the coast-to-interior Oregon (OTTER) gradient are dominated by spruce-hemlock forests at the wet, coastal sites (> 200 cm precipitation annually) to juniper woodlands (20 cm precipitation) at the interior, dry end of the transect. The delta(13)C values of ecosystem respiration along this transect differed by only 1.3 per thousand (range of -25.2 to -23.9 per thousand ) during August at the peak of the summer drought. Following autumn rains in September, the delta(13)C of ecosystem respiration in the four stands decreased; overall the difference in the carbon isotope ratio of ecosystem respiration among sites increased to 3.9 per thousand (-26.8 to -22.9 per thousand ).

Sedimentary 4-desmethyl sterols and n-alkanols in an eutrophic urban estuary, Capibaribe River, Brazil.

PubMed

Fernandes, M B; Sicre, M A; Cardoso, J N; Macêdo, S J

1999-06-15

Sterols, n-alkanols, organic carbon (OC), C/N ratios and carbon isotope data (delta 13C) were investigated in sediments of the urban Capibaribe River estuary, NE Brazil, in order to assess allochthonous and autochthonous sources of organic matter (OM). Sedimentary OC values are high, but C/N ratios and delta 13C data generally fall within the range of values reported in other riverine systems, and suggest mixed inputs from aquatic and terrestrial matter. Mean values for total 4-desmethyl sterols and high molecular weight (HMW) n-alkanols are 11.0 micrograms/g and 2.8 micrograms/g, respectively. Sterols are found at highest levels in areas of enhanced urban outfalls. They can be related to major planktonic species growing in riverine waters. Stanol/stenol ratios suggest a high degree of alteration of the autochthonous OM as a result of elevated temperatures and microbiological proliferation. Even though sterols suggest the importance of autochthonous inputs to the river, HMW n-alkanols indicate major terrigenous accumulation at the mouth and 10 km upriver. Coprostanol and epicoprostanol levels are comparable to other sewage contaminated hydrosystems, but not as high as expected given the importance of sewage outfalls and low riverine water discharge. However, high (coprostanol)/(coprostanol + cholestanol) ratio values indicate that fecal contamination is significant.

Carbon isotopic composition of individual Precambrian microfossils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

House, C. H.; Schopf, J. W.; McKeegan, K. D.; Coath, C. D.; Harrison, T. M.; Stetter, K. O.

2000-01-01

Ion microprobe measurements of carbon isotope ratios were made in 30 specimens representing six fossil genera of microorganisms petrified in stromatolitic chert from the approximately 850 Ma Bitter Springs Formation, Australia, and the approximately 2100 Ma Gunflint Formation, Canada. The delta 13C(PDB) values from individual microfossils of the Bitter Springs Formation ranged from -21.3 +/- 1.7% to -31.9 +/- 1.2% and the delta 13C(PDB) values from microfossils of the Gunflint Formation ranged from -32.4 +/- 0.7% to -45.4 +/- 1.2%. With the exception of two highly 13C-depleted Gunflint microfossils, the results generally yield values consistent with carbon fixation via either the Calvin cycle or the acetyl-CoA pathway. However, the isotopic results are not consistent with the degree of fractionation expected from either the 3-hydroxypropionate cycle or the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle, suggesting that the microfossils studied did not use either of these pathways for carbon fixation. The morphologies of the microfossils suggest an affinity to the cyanobacteria, and our carbon isotopic data are consistent with this assignment.

Environmental factors controlling transient and seasonal changes of trace gases within shallow vadose zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pla, Concepcion; Galiana-Merino, Juan Jose; Cuezva, Soledad; Fernandez-Cortes, Angel; Garcia-Anton, Elena; Cuevas, Jaime; Cañaveras, Juan Carlos; Sanchez-Moral, Sergio; Benavente, David

2014-05-01

Shallow vadose environments below soil, mainly caves, show significant seasonal and even daily variations in gas composition of ground air, which involves the exchange of large amounts of gases, e.g. greenhouse gases (GHGs) as CO2 or CH4, with the lower troposphere. To understand better the role of caves as a sink or depot of GHGs, geochemical tracing of air (atmosphere, soil and ground air) was performed at Rull cave (southeast Spain) by monitoring CH4, CO2 and the stable carbon isotopic delta13C[CO2] using cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS). A comprehensive microclimatic monitoring of exterior and cave atmosphere was simultaneously conducted to GHGs-tracking, including factors as temperature, barometric pressure, relative humidity and concentration of CO2 and 222Rn. The analysis of the measured data allows understanding outgassing and isolation processes taking place in the karst cavity. Annual patterns of gases behaviour can be distinguished, depending on the prevailing relationship between outer atmosphere, indoor atmosphere and soil system. Cave air temperature fluctuates around 15.7 ºC and relative humidity remains higher than 96% the whole annual cycle. The mean concentration of 222Rn is 1584 Bq m-3 while CO2 remains 1921 ppm. When external temperature is higher of indoor temperature (April-October), the highest levels of both trace gases are reached, while levels drop to its lowest values in the coldest months. Preliminary results obtained show an annual variation in concentration of CO2 inside the cave between 3300 ppm and 900 ppm, whereas corresponding isotopic signal delta13CO2 varies between -24‰ and -21‰. The results have been studied by Keeling model that approximates the isotopic signal of the source contribution in a resulting air mix. The values registered inside the cave were represented joined to results for exterior air (average values round 410 ppm of CO2 and -9 ‰ for delta13C). Value obtained is -27‰ pointing to a high influence of the soil produced CO2 (with a characteristic signal of -27‰ for C3 plants) in the cave atmosphere. The lowest levels of CO2 coincide with the highest of delta13C pointing to an input of exterior air during the degassing stage. Regarding the CH4 concentration inside the cave, higher values (0.3 ppm average concentration) are observed during outgassing stage than the isolation period (CH4 mean value of 0 ppm), confirming a major connection with the exterior atmosphere (average value of methane 1.8 ppm) during outgassing stage. By introducing wavelet analysis on obtained time series filtered signal of raw data show strong dependencies between trace gases and studied parameters. For instance, values of coherence between relative humidity and CO2 or 222Rn concentration are higher than 0.9. Results show that gas patterns dependence on relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and temperatures (indoor and outdoor) prevails throughout a year, determining the outgassing and isolation periods identified by statistical analyses. The measured of delta13C and CH4 concentration became a useful tool to understand processes affecting cave air and driving parameters variations inside the cave. Moreover, combining wavelet analysis, statistics and resemblance techniques, seasonal and transient behaviour of gases exchange can be highlighted in subterranean sites as Rull Cave.

Transport Measurements on NEODYMIUM(1.85) CERIUM(.15) Copper OXYGEN(4-DELTA) Thin Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kussmaul, Andreas

1992-01-01

This work describes the synthesis and the study of the transport properties of thin films of Nd _{1.85}Ce_{.15 }CuO_{4-delta} carried out respectively at the IBM T. J. Watson Research Center in collaboration with Dr. A. Gupta, and at the Francis Bitter National Magnet Laboratory under the direction of Dr. P. M. Tedrow. The thin films were prepared by laser ablation of a stoichiometric target on heated substrates in a reactive ambient. The influence of the deposition parameters was studied, and the use of a nitreous oxide ambient was found to yield a clear improvement of the sample quality. The transport properties of the films were measured at low temperatures and in high magnetic fields. Non superconducting samples showed a strong, highly anisotropic, negative magnetoresistance that is consistent with two dimensional weak-localization. Superconducting samples show two dimensional fluctuation effects above T_{c}. The theory of fluctuations in a magnetic field was used to extract the position of H_{c2} (in the perpendicular direction) in the broad and almost featureless resistive transition, and the extracted values were fit to the theory of dirty superconductors. The angular dependence of the resistive transition was studied close to T _{c} and found to be somewhat better described by a two-dimensional model. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139-4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.).

Natural and anthropogenic nitrogen uptake by bloom-forming macroalgae.

PubMed

Thornber, Carol S; DiMilla, Peter; Nixon, Scott W; McKinney, Richard A

2008-02-01

The frequency and duration of macroalgal blooms have increased in many coastal waters over the past several decades. We used field surveys and laboratory culturing experiments to examine the nitrogen content and delta(15)N values of Ulva and Gracilaria, two bloom-forming algal genera in Narragansett Bay, RI (USA). The northern end of this bay is densely populated with large sewage treatment plant nitrogen inputs; the southern end is more lightly populated and opens to the Atlantic Ocean. Field-collected Ulva varied in delta(15)N among sites, but with two exceptions had delta(15)N above 10 per thousand, reflecting a significant component of heavy anthropogenic N. This variation was not correlated with a north-south gradient. Both Ulva and Gracilaria cultured in water from across Narragansett Bay also had high signals (delta(15)N= approximately 14-17 per thousand and 8-12 per thousand, respectively). These results indicate that inputs of anthropogenic N can have far-reaching impacts throughout estuaries.

Statics and dynamics of adhesion between two soap bubbles.

PubMed

Besson, S; Debrégeas, G

2007-10-01

An original set-up is used to study the adhesive properties of two hemispherical soap bubbles put into contact. The contact angle at the line connecting the three films is extracted by image analysis of the bubbles profiles. After the initial contact, the angle rapidly reaches a static value slightly larger than the standard 120 degrees angle expected from Plateau rule. This deviation is consistent with previous experimental and theoretical studies: it can be quantitatively predicted by taking into account the finite size of the Plateau border (the liquid volume trapped at the vertex) in the free energy minimization. The visco-elastic adhesion properties of the bubbles are further explored by measuring the deviation Delta theta (d)(t) of the contact angle from the static value as the distance between the two bubbles supports is sinusoidally modulated. It is found to linearly increase with Delta r(c) / r(c) , where r(c) is the radius of the central film and Delta r(c) the amplitude of modulation of this length induced by the displacement of the supports. The in-phase and out-of-phase components of Delta theta (d)(t) with the imposed modulation frequency are systematically probed, which reveals a transition from a viscous to an elastic response of the system with a crossover pulsation of the order 1rad x s(-1). Independent interfacial rheological measurements, obtained from an oscillating bubble experiment, allow us to develop a model of dynamic adhesion which is confronted to our experimental results. The relevance of such adhesive dynamic properties to the rheology of foams is briefly discussed using a perturbative approach to the Princen 2D model of foams.

Automatic sleep scoring: a search for an optimal combination of measures.

PubMed

Krakovská, Anna; Mezeiová, Kristína

2011-09-01

The objective of this study is to find the best set of characteristics of polysomnographic signals for the automatic classification of sleep stages. A selection was made from 74 measures, including linear spectral measures, interdependency measures, and nonlinear measures of complexity that were computed for the all-night polysomnographic recordings of 20 healthy subjects. The adopted multidimensional analysis involved quadratic discriminant analysis, forward selection procedure, and selection by the best subset procedure. Two situations were considered: the use of four polysomnographic signals (EEG, EMG, EOG, and ECG) and the use of the EEG alone. For the given database, the best automatic sleep classifier achieved approximately an 81% agreement with the hypnograms of experts. The classifier was based on the next 14 features of polysomnographic signals: the ratio of powers in the beta and delta frequency range (EEG, channel C3), the fractal exponent (EMG), the variance (EOG), the absolute power in the sigma 1 band (EEG, C3), the relative power in the delta 2 band (EEG, O2), theta/gamma (EEG, C3), theta/alpha (EEG, O1), sigma/gamma (EEG, C4), the coherence in the delta 1 band (EEG, O1-O2), the entropy (EMG), the absolute theta 2 (EEG, Fp1), theta/alpha (EEG, Fp1), the sigma 2 coherence (EEG, O1-C3), and the zero-crossing rate (ECG); however, even with only four features, we could perform sleep scoring with a 74% accuracy, which is comparable to the inter-rater agreement between two independent specialists. We have shown that 4-14 carefully selected polysomnographic features were sufficient for successful sleep scoring. The efficiency of the corresponding automatic classifiers was verified and conclusively demonstrated on all-night recordings from healthy adults. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermophysiology of Tyrannosaurus rex: Evidence from Oxygen Isotopes.

PubMed

Barrick, R E; Showers, W J

1994-07-08

The oxygen isotopic composition of vertebrate bone phosphate (delta(p)) is related to ingested water and to the body temperature at which the bone forms. The delta(p) is in equilibrium with the individual's body water, which is at a physiological steady state throughout the body. Therefore, intrabone temperature variation and the mean interbone temperature differences of well-preserved fossil vertebrates can be determined from the deltap variation. Values of delta(p) from a well-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex suggest that this species maintained homeothermy with less than 4 degrees C of variability in body temperature. Maintenance of homeothermy implies a relatively high metabolic rate that is similar to that of endotherms.

Role of the transmembrane domain of the VanT serine racemase in resistance to vancomycin in Enterococcus gallinarum BM4174.

PubMed

Arias, C A; Peña, J; Panesso, D; Reynolds, P

2003-03-01

Enterococcus gallinarum BM4175 (a vancomycin-susceptible derivative of BM4174 obtained by insertional inactivation of vanC-1) was transformed with plasmid constructs pCA10 (containing the genes necessary for resistance, vanC-1-XYc-T), pJP1 (with a fragment lacking the DNA encoding the transmembrane region of VanT, -vanC-1-XYc-T((Delta))(2-322)-) and with plasmids containing fragments encoding either the transmembrane (mvanT(1-322)) or racemase (svanT(323-698)) domains of VanT under the control of a constitutive promoter. Accumulated peptidoglycan precursors were measured in all strains in the presence of L-Ser, D-Ser (50 mM) or in the absence of any growth supplement. Uptake of 0.1 mM L-[(14)C]serine was also determined in BM4174, BM4175 and BM4175/pCA10. Vancomycin resistance was restored in BM4175 transformed with pCA10(C-1-XYc-T), and the profile of peptidoglycan precursors was similar to wild-type E. gallinarum BM4174. Transformation of E. gallinarum BM4175 with plasmid pJP1(vanC-1-XYc-T((Delta))(2-322)) resulted in: (i) vancomycin MICs remaining within susceptible levels (< or =4 mg/L) in the absence of any growth supplement, but increasing to 8 mg/L when either L-Ser or D-Ser was added to the medium; and (ii) the relative amounts of accumulated UDP-MurNAc-pentapeptide[D-Ser] and tetrapeptide precursors decreasing substantially compared with BM4175/pCA10 and BM4174. The effect on the appearance of tetrapeptide appeared to be host dependent, since a substantial amount was present when the same plasmid construct pJP1(vanC-1-XYc-T((Delta))(2-322)) was electroporated into Enterococcus faecalis JH2-2. The uptake of L-[(14)C]Ser at 240 s was decreased by approximately 40% in BM4175 compared with BM4174. Plasmid pCA10(C-1-XY(C)-T) restored uptake of L-[(14)C]Ser at 180 and 240 s in BM4175. The results suggest that the transmembrane domain of VanT is likely to be involved in the transport of L-Ser, and that in its absence the resistance phenotype is compromised.

A carbon isotope mass balance for an anoxic marine sediment: Isotopic signatures of diagenesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boehme, Susan E.

1993-01-01

A carbon isotope mass balance was determined for the sediments of Cape Lookout Bight, NC to constrain the carbon budgets published previously. The diffusive, ebullitive and burial fluxes of sigma CO2 and CH4, as well as the carbon isotope signatures of these fluxes, were measured. The flux-weighted isotopic signature of the remineralized carbon (-18.9 plus or minus 2.7 per mil) agreed with the isotopic composition of the remineralized organic carbon determined from the particulate organic carbon (POC) delta(C-13) profiles (-19.2 plus or minus 0.2), verifying the flux and isotopic signature estimates. The measured delta(C-13) values of the sigma CO2 and CH4 diffusive fluxes were significantly different from those calculated from porewater gradients. The differences appear to be influenced by methane oxidation at the sediment-water interface, although other potential processes cannot be excluded. The isotope mass balance provides important information concerning the locations of potential diagenetic isotope effects. Specifically, the absence of downcore change in the delta(C-13) value of the POC fraction and the identical isotopic composition of the POC and the products of remineralization indicate that no isotopic fractionation is expressed during the initial breakdown of the POC, despite its isotopically heterogeneous composition.

Genesis of the Silsilah tin deposit, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kamilli, Robert J.; Criss, R.E.

1996-01-01

The Silsilah tin deposit (lat 25 degrees 06' N, long 42 degrees 40' E) consists of a group of pervasively greisenized, flat-topped granite cupolas within a 12-km-diam ring complex. The greisens contain varying amounts of disseminated cassiterite and wolframite. Several types of quartz veins are peripheral to the greisens; some of these contain minor wolframite. The deposit is genetically associated with a highly differentiated, peraluminous alkali-feldspar granite (587 + or - 8 Ma) that is part of a mostly peralkaline, igneous ring complex intruded into Late Proterozoic, immature sandstones of the Murdama Group. We recognize four distinct phases of the peraluminous granite. Only the smallest, most highly differentiated cupolas contain significant tin greisen mineralization. Greisens developed beneath aplitic carapaces that overlie the granite and created impermeable barriers to rising volatiles. The geometry of a cupola correlates strongly with the intensity of alteration; cupolas with the smallest cross sectional areas and steepest marginal contacts have the most intensely greisenized apexes. The paragenetic sequence can be divided into five stages: pegmatite formation, locally pervasive albitization, locally pervasive greisenization and deposition of cassiterite, deposition of quartz-wolframite veins, and deposition of quartz veins with minor base metal sulfides. Pressure-corrected fluid inclusion filling temperatures indicate that the hydrothermal system generally cooled as it evolved and that the delta 18O values of the hydrothermal quartz increased from 10.8 to 15.7 per mil. Calculated delta 18O values of the hydrothermal fluid varied concomitantly from the pegmatite stage (delta 18O fluid approximately 8.6ppm; T [asymp] 550 degrees C) to the greisen stage (5.4 and 5.6[ppm; T [asymp] 360 degrees C), the quartz-wolframite vein stage (6.3 and 7.5ppm; T [asymp] 390 degrees C), and the late vein stage (4.0 and 5.1ppm; T [asymp] 270 degrees C). This evolution probably reflects the admixture of generally increasing amounts of meteoric or formation water having a lower delta 18 O value into the cooling magmatic hydrothermal system. In delta 18O-delta 18O plots for mineral separates from fresh to altered samples of the peraluminous granite the values for quartz and feldspar conform to a steep, positive-sloped disequilibrium trend that indicates interaction with high 18O hydrothermal fluid, mirrored by a negative-sloped disequilibrium trend for quartz and mica. These complementary trends suggest strongly that individual granite cupolas were essentially closed systems during alteration. To our knowledge, this is the first oxygen isotope demonstration of a closed-system, hydrothermal metal deposit. The sandstone country rock has whole-rock delta 18O values of 12.4 + or - 2.0 per mil. The highest values (>13ppm) form a approximately 3-km-wide high delta 18O annulus immediately peripheral to the ring complex. The data suggest that the country rocks were pervasively exchanged with an outward-migrating, high delta 18O fluid moving down a temperature gradient. This fluid was probably formation water that flowed radially inward toward the pluton at a deeper level, forming a largely horizontal, unicellular flow system that had fluid-flow lines nearly vertical next to the intrusion, and directed upward and outward at higher levels. Low delta 18O fluids that formed quartz associated with the tin-tungsten mineralization and later veins are inferred to be the result of a subsequent and distinct phase of the hydrothermal system. Almost all the geologic processes necessary for the formation of an economically viable tin deposit occurred at Silsilah, but the lack of a strong localizing mechanism for cassiterite mineralization resulted in an economically marginal deposit. If the greisenized cupolas had been vertically stacked, as are the intrusions and ore zones in Climax-type molybdenum deposits, or if the mineralizing fluids had been channeled into veins, as in the tin deposits in Cornwall, England, a higher grade deposit might have formed. The generally closed-system behavior of the hydrothermal system at Silsilah may have prevented additional scavenging of metals and the formation of a larger, richer deposit.

Early Life on Earth and the Search for Extraterrestrial Biosignatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oehler, Dorothy Z.; House, Christopher

2014-01-01

In the last 2 years, scientists within the ARES Directorate at JSC have applied the technology of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to individual organic structures preserved in Archean (approximately 3 billion years old) sediments on Earth. These organic structures are among the oldest on Earth that may be microfossils - structurally preserved remnants of ancient microbes. The SIMS work was done to determine the microfossils' stable carbon isotopic composition (delta C-13 values). This is the first time that such ancient, potential microfossils have been successfully analyzed for their individual delta C-13 values. The results support the interpretation that these structures are remnants of early life on Earth and that they may represent planktonic organisms that were widely distributed in the Earth's earliest oceans. This study has been accepted for publication in the journal Geology.

Potential exposure of larval and juvenile delta smelt to dissolved pesticides in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Kuivila, K.M.; Moon, G.E.

2004-01-01

The San Francisco Estuary is critical habitat for delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus, a fish whose abundance has declined greatly since 1983 and is now listed as threatened. In addition, the estuary receives drainage from the Central Valley, an urban and agricultural region with intense and diverse pesticide usage. One possible factor of the delta smelt population decline is pesticide toxicity during vulnerable larval and juvenile stages, but pesticide concentrations are not well characterized in delta smelt spawning and nursery habitat. The objective of this study was to estimate the potential exposure of delta smelt during their early life stages to dissolved pesticides. For 3 years (1998-2000), water samples from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta were collected during April-June in coordination with the California Department of Fish and Game's delta smelt early life stage monitoring program. Samples were analyzed for pesticides using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Water samples contained multiple pesticides, ranging from 2 to 14 pesticides in each sample. In both 1999 and 2000, elevated concentrations of pesticides overlapped in time and space with peak densities of larval and juvenile delta smelt. In contrast, high spring outflows in 1998 transported delta smelt away from the pesticide sampling sites so that exposure could not be estimated. During 2 years, larval and juvenile delta smelt were potentially exposed to a complex mixture of pesticides for a minimum of 2-3 weeks. Although the measured concentrations were well below short-term (96-h) LC50 values for individual pesticides, the combination of multiple pesticides and lengthy exposure duration could potentially have lethal or sublethal effects on delta smelt, especially during early larval development.

Nanoblast synthesis and consolidation of (La0.8Sr0.2)(Ga0.9Mg0.1)O(3-delta) under Spark plasma sintering conditions.

PubMed

Vasylkiv, Oleg; Borodianska, Hanna; Badica, Petre; Zhen, Yongda; Tok, Alfred

2009-01-01

Four-cation nanograined strontium and magnesium doped lanthanum gallate (La0.8Sr0.2) (Ga0.9Mg0.1)O(3-delta) (LSGM) and its composite with 2 wt% of ceria (LSGM-Ce) were prepared. Morphologically homogeneous nanoreactors, i.e., complex intermediate metastable aggregates of desired composition were assembled by spray atomization technique, and subsequently loaded with nanoparticles of highly energetic C3H6N6O6. Rapid nanoblast calcination technique was applied and the final composition was synthesized within the preliminary localized volumes of each single nanoreactor on the first step of spark plasma treatment. Subsequent SPS consolidations of nanostructured extremely active LSGM and LSGM-Ce powders were achieved by rapid treatment under pressures of 90-110 MPa. This technique provided the heredity of the final structure of nanosize multimetal oxide, allowed the prevention of the uncontrolled agglomeration during multicomponent aggregates assembling, subsequent nanoblast calcination, and final ultra-rapid low-temperature SPS consolidation of nanostructured ceramics. LaSrGaMgCeO(3-delta) nanocrystalline powder consisting of approximately 11 nm crystallites was consolidated to LSGM-Ce nanoceramic with average grain size of approximately 14 nm by low-temperature SPS at 1250 degrees C. Our preliminary results indicate that nanostructured samples of (La0.8Sr0.2)(Ga0.9Mg0.1)O(3-delta) with 2 wt% of ceria composed of approximataley 14 nm grains can exhibit giant magnetoresistive effect in contrast to the usual paramagnetic properties measured on the samples with larger grain size.

Reliability of conventional shade guides in teeth color determination.

PubMed

Todorović, Ana; Todorović, Aleksandar; Gostović, Aleksandra Spadijer; Lazić, Vojkan; Milicić, Biljana; Djurisić, Slobodan

2013-10-01

Color matching in prosthodontic therapy is a very important task because it influences the esthetic value of dental restorations. Visual shade matching represents the most frequently applied method in clinical practice. Instrumental measurements provide objective and quantified data in color assessment of natural teeth and restorations. In instrumental shade analysis, the goal is to achieve the smallest deltaE value possible, indicating the most accurate shade match. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of commercially available ceramic shade guides. VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer (VITA, Germany) was used for instrumental color determination. Utilizing this device, color samples of ten VITA Classical and ten VITA 3D - Master shade guides were analyzed. Each color sample from all shade guides was measured three times and the basic parameters of color quality were examined: deltaL, deltaC, deltaH, deltaE, deltaElc. Based on these parameters spectrophotometer marks the shade matching as good, fair or adjust. After performing 1,248 measurements of ceramic color samples, frequency of evaluations adjust, fair and good were statistically significantly different between VITA Classical and VITA 3D Master shade guides (p = 0.002). There were 27.1% cases scored as adjust, 66.3% as fair and 6.7% as good. In VITA 3D - Master shade guides 30.9% cases were evaluated as adjust, 66.4% as fair and 2.7% cases as good. Color samples from different shade guides, produced by the same manufacturer, show variability in basic color parameters, which once again proves the lack of precision and nonuniformity of the conventional method.

Chemiluminescence of nitric oxide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, W. E.; Rusch, D. W.

1981-01-01

Measurements of the intensities of the delta and gamma bands of nitric oxide in the nighttime terrestrial thermosphere are presented and used to infer the rate coefficient for the transition from the C 2 Pi to the A 2 Sigma + states. The nightglow spectrum was observed between 1900 and 2300 A at a resolution of 15 A by a rocket-borne scanning 1/4-m spectrometer pointing north at an apogee of 150 km. Progressions of the delta, gamma and epsilon bands are identified on the spectra by the construction of synthetic spectra, and the contributions of resonance fluorescence to the total band intensities are calculated. Finally, the ratio of the sum of the gamma bands for v-prime = 0 to the sum of the delta bands for v-prime = 0 is used to derive a branching ratio of 0.21 + or - 0.04 to the A 2 Sigma + state, which yields a probability for the C-A transition of 5.6 + or - 1.5 x to the 6th/sec.

Enhanced terrestrial carbon preservation promoted by reactive iron in deltaic sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shields, Michael R.; Bianchi, Thomas S.; Gélinas, Yves; Allison, Mead A.; Twilley, Robert R.

2016-02-01

We examined the role of reactive iron (FeR) in preserving organic carbon (OC) across a subaerial chronosequence of the Wax Lake Delta, a prograding delta within the Mississippi River Delta complex. We found that ~15.0% of the OC was bound to FeR, and the dominant binding mechanisms varied from adsorption in the youngest subaerial region to coprecipitation at the older, vegetated sites. The δ13C of the iron-associated OC was more negative than the total OC (mean = -2.6‰), indicating greater preference for terrestrial material and/or compounds with more negative δ13C values. However, only the adsorbed OC displayed preferential binding of lignin phenols. We estimate that ~8% of the OC initially deposited in deltaic systems is bound to FeR (equivalent to 6 × 1012 gC yr-1), and this percentage increases postdepositionally, as coprecipitation of FeR and OC allows for an even greater amount of OC to be bound to FeR.

Atmospheric radiocarbon as a Southern Ocean wind proxy over the last 1000 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodgers, K. B.; Mikaloff Fletcher, S.; Galbraith, E.; Sarmiento, J. L.; Gnanadesikan, A.; Slater, R. D.; Naegler, T.

2009-04-01

Measurements of radiocarbon in tree rings over the last 1000 years indicate that there was a pre-industrial latitudinal gradient of atmospheric radiocarbon of 3.9-4.5 per mail and that this gradient had temporal variability of order 6 per mil. Here we test the idea that the mean gradient as well as variability in he gradient is dominated by the strength of the winds over the Southern Ocean. This is done using an ocean model and an atmospheric transport model. The ocean model is used to derive fluxes of 12CO2 and 14CO2 at the sea surface, and these fluxes are used as a lower boundary condition for the transport model. For the mean state, strong winds in the Southern Ocean drive significant upwelling of radiocarbon-depleted Circumpolar Deep Water (CDW), leading to a net flux of 14CO2 relative to 12CO2 into the ocean. This serves to maintain a hemispheric gradient in pre-anthropogenic atmospheric delta-c14. For perturbations, increased/decreased Southern Ocean winds drive increased/decreased uptake of 14CO2 relative to 12CO2, thus increasing/decreasing the hemispheric gradient in atmospheric delta-c14. The tree ring data is interpreted to reveal a decrease in the strength of the Southern Ocean winds at the transition between the Little Ice Age and the Medieval Warm Period.

Redox thermodynamics of the native and alkaline forms of eukaryotic and bacterial class I cytochromes c.

PubMed

Battistuzzi, G; Borsari, M; Sola, M; Francia, F

1997-12-23

The reduction potentials of beef heart cytochrome c and cytochromes c2 from Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodobacter sphaeroides, and Rhodobacter capsulatus were measured through direct electrochemistry at a surface-modified gold electrode as a function of temperature in nonisothermal experiments carried out at neutral and alkaline pH values. The thermodynamic parameters for protein reduction (DeltaS degrees rc and DeltaH degrees rc) were determined for the native and alkaline conformers. Enthalpy and entropy terms underlying species-dependent differences in E degrees and pH- and temperature-induced E degrees changes for a given cytochrome were analyzed. The difference of about +0.1 V in E degrees between cytochromes c2 and the eukaryotic species can be separated into an enthalpic term (-DeltaDeltaH degrees rc/F) of +0.130 V and an entropic term (TDeltaDeltaS degrees rc/F) of -0.040 V. Hence, the higher potential of the bacterial species appears to be determined entirely by a greater enthalpic stabilization of the reduced state. Analogously, the much lower potential of the alkaline conformer(s) as compared to the native species is by far enthalpic in origin for both protein families, and is largely determined by the substitution of Met for Lys in axial heme ligation. Instead, the biphasic E degrees /temperature profile for the native cytochromes is due to a difference in reduction entropy between the conformers at low and high temperatures. Temperature-dependent 1H NMR experiments suggest that the temperature-induced transition also involves a change in orientation of the axial methionine ligand with respect to the heme plane.

Chlorpropamide action on renal concentrating mechanism in rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus.

PubMed Central

Kusano, E; Braun-Werness, J L; Vick, D J; Keller, M J; Dousa, T P

1983-01-01

To determine vasopressin (VP)-potentiating effect of chlorpropamide (CPMD), we studied the effect of CPMD in vivo and in vitro in kidneys and in specific tubule segments of rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus, homozygotes of the Brattleboro strain (DI rats). Rats on ad lib. water intake were treated with CPMD (20 mg/100 g body wt s.c. daily) for 7 d. While on ad lib. water intake, the urine flow, urine osmolality, urinary excretion of Na +, K +, creatinine, or total solute excretion did not change. However, corticopapillary gradient of solutes was significantly increased in CPMD-treated rats. Higher tissue osmolality was due to significantly increased concentration of Na +, and to a lesser degree urea, in the medulla and papilla of CPMD-treated rats. Consequently, the osmotic gradient between urine and papillary tissue of CPMD-treated rats (delta = 385 +/- 47 mosM) was significantly (P less than 0.001) higher compared with controls (delta = 150 +/- 26 mosM). Minimum urine osmolality after water loading was higher in CPMD-treated DI rats than in controls. Oxidation of [14C]lactate to 14CO2 coupled to NaCl cotransport was measured in thick medullary ascending limb of Henle's loop (MAL) microdissected from control and CPMD-treated rats. The rate of 14CO2 production was higher (delta + 113% +/- 20; P less than 0.01) in CPMD-treated MAL compared with controls, but 14CO2 production in the presence of 10(-3) M furosemide did not differ between MAL from control and from CPMD-treated rats. These observations suggest that CPMD treatment enhances NaCl transport in MAL. Cyclic AMP metabolism was analyzed in microdissected MAL and in medullary collecting tubule (MCT). MCT from control and from CPMD-treated rats did not differ in the basal or VP-stimulated accumulated of cAMP. The increase in cAMP content elicited by 10(-6) M VP in MAL from CPMD-treated rats (delta + 12.0 +/- 1.8 fmol cAMP/mm) was significantly (P less than 0.02) higher compared with MAL from control rats (delta + 5.1 +/- 1.0 fmol cAMP/mm). Preincubation of MAL dissected from Sprague-Dawley rats with 10(-4) M CPMD in vitro increased cAMP accumulation in the presence of VP, but no such enhancement was found in preincubated MCT. Adenylate cyclase activity, basal or stimulated by VP, 5'guanylimidodiphosphate, or by NaF, assayed in isotonic medium did not differ between MAL or MCT from control rats and MAL or MCT from CPMD-treated rats. When assayed in hypertonic medium (800 mosM), the adenylate cyclase activity in the presence of 10(-6) M VP was significantly higher in MAL of CPMD-treated rats. MAL and MCT from control and CPMD-treated rats did not differ in the activities of cAMP phosphodiesterase. The rate of [(14)C]prostaglandin E2 by medullary and papillary microsomes was not different between the control and CPMD-treated rats; likewise, there was no difference in accumulation of immunoreactive prostaglandin E2 in the medium of in vitro incubated medullary or papillary slices prepared from control and CPMD-treated rats. Based on the findings recounted above, we propose a hypothesis that CPMD administration enhances the antidiuretic effect of VP, primarily by increasing medullary and papillary tonicity dye to increased NaCl reabsorption in MAL. There is no evidence that CPMD sensitizes collecting tubules to the action of VP, at least at the camp-generation step. Therefore, increased antidiuretic response to VP in the kidneys of CPMD-treated DI rats is due to enhanced osmotic driving force for water reabsorption (lumen-to-interstitium osmotic gradient) in collecting tubules, rather than due to increased VP-dependent water permeability of tubular epithelium. PMID:6313759

Chlorpropamide action on renal concentrating mechanism in rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus.

PubMed

Kusano, E; Braun-Werness, J L; Vick, D J; Keller, M J; Dousa, T P

1983-10-01

To determine vasopressin (VP)-potentiating effect of chlorpropamide (CPMD), we studied the effect of CPMD in vivo and in vitro in kidneys and in specific tubule segments of rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus, homozygotes of the Brattleboro strain (DI rats). Rats on ad lib. water intake were treated with CPMD (20 mg/100 g body wt s.c. daily) for 7 d. While on ad lib. water intake, the urine flow, urine osmolality, urinary excretion of Na +, K +, creatinine, or total solute excretion did not change. However, corticopapillary gradient of solutes was significantly increased in CPMD-treated rats. Higher tissue osmolality was due to significantly increased concentration of Na +, and to a lesser degree urea, in the medulla and papilla of CPMD-treated rats. Consequently, the osmotic gradient between urine and papillary tissue of CPMD-treated rats (delta = 385 +/- 47 mosM) was significantly (P less than 0.001) higher compared with controls (delta = 150 +/- 26 mosM). Minimum urine osmolality after water loading was higher in CPMD-treated DI rats than in controls. Oxidation of [14C]lactate to 14CO2 coupled to NaCl cotransport was measured in thick medullary ascending limb of Henle's loop (MAL) microdissected from control and CPMD-treated rats. The rate of 14CO2 production was higher (delta + 113% +/- 20; P less than 0.01) in CPMD-treated MAL compared with controls, but 14CO2 production in the presence of 10(-3) M furosemide did not differ between MAL from control and from CPMD-treated rats. These observations suggest that CPMD treatment enhances NaCl transport in MAL. Cyclic AMP metabolism was analyzed in microdissected MAL and in medullary collecting tubule (MCT). MCT from control and from CPMD-treated rats did not differ in the basal or VP-stimulated accumulated of cAMP. The increase in cAMP content elicited by 10(-6) M VP in MAL from CPMD-treated rats (delta + 12.0 +/- 1.8 fmol cAMP/mm) was significantly (P less than 0.02) higher compared with MAL from control rats (delta + 5.1 +/- 1.0 fmol cAMP/mm). Preincubation of MAL dissected from Sprague-Dawley rats with 10(-4) M CPMD in vitro increased cAMP accumulation in the presence of VP, but no such enhancement was found in preincubated MCT. Adenylate cyclase activity, basal or stimulated by VP, 5'guanylimidodiphosphate, or by NaF, assayed in isotonic medium did not differ between MAL or MCT from control rats and MAL or MCT from CPMD-treated rats. When assayed in hypertonic medium (800 mosM), the adenylate cyclase activity in the presence of 10(-6) M VP was significantly higher in MAL of CPMD-treated rats. MAL and MCT from control and CPMD-treated rats did not differ in the activities of cAMP phosphodiesterase. The rate of [(14)C]prostaglandin E2 by medullary and papillary microsomes was not different between the control and CPMD-treated rats; likewise, there was no difference in accumulation of immunoreactive prostaglandin E2 in the medium of in vitro incubated medullary or papillary slices prepared from control and CPMD-treated rats. Based on the findings recounted above, we propose a hypothesis that CPMD administration enhances the antidiuretic effect of VP, primarily by increasing medullary and papillary tonicity dye to increased NaCl reabsorption in MAL. There is no evidence that CPMD sensitizes collecting tubules to the action of VP, at least at the camp-generation step. Therefore, increased antidiuretic response to VP in the kidneys of CPMD-treated DI rats is due to enhanced osmotic driving force for water reabsorption (lumen-to-interstitium osmotic gradient) in collecting tubules, rather than due to increased VP-dependent water permeability of tubular epithelium.

Pairing matrix elements and pairing gaps with bare, effective, and induced interactions

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

Barranco, F.; Bortignon, P.F.; Colo, G.

2005-11-01

The dependence on the single-particle states of the pairing matrix elements of the Gogny force and of the bare low-momentum nucleon-nucleon potential v{sub low-k}--designed so as to reproduce the low-energy observables avoiding the use of a repulsive core--is studied for a typical finite, superfluid nucleus ({sup 120}Sn). It is found that the matrix elements of v{sub low-k} follow closely those of v{sub Gogny} on a wide range of energy values around the Fermi energy e{sub F}, those associated with v{sub low-k} being less attractive. This result explains the fact that around e{sub F} the pairing gap {delta}{sub Gogny} associated withmore » the Gogny interaction (and with a density of single-particle levels corresponding to an effective k mass m{sub k}{approx_equal}0.7 m) is a factor of about 2 larger than {delta}{sub low-k}, being in agreement with {delta}{sub exp}=1.4 MeV. The exchange of low-lying collective surface vibrations among pairs of nucleons moving in time-reversal states gives rise to an induced pairing interaction v{sub ind} peaked at e{sub F}. The interaction (v{sub low-k}+v{sub ind}) Z{sub {omega}} arising from the renormalization of the bare nucleon-nucleon potential and of the single-particle motion ({omega}-mass and quasiparticle strength Z{sub {omega}}) associated with the particle-vibration coupling mechanism, leads to a value of the pairing gap at the Fermi energy {delta}{sub ren} that accounts for the experimental value. An important question that remains to be studied quantitatively is to what extent {delta}{sub Gogny}, which depends on average parameters, and {delta}{sub ren}, which explicitly depends on the parameters describing the (low-energy) nuclear structure, display or not a similar isotopic dependence and whether this dependence is borne out by the data.« less

Methamphetamine-induced sensitization differentially alters pCREB and DeltaFosB throughout the limbic circuit of the mammalian brain.

PubMed

McDaid, John; Graham, Martin P; Napier, T Celeste

2006-12-01

Enhancements in behavior that accompany repeated, intermittent administration of abused drugs (sensitization) endure long after drug administration has ceased. Such persistence reflects changes in intracellular signaling cascades and associated gene transcription factors in brain regions that are engaged by abused drugs. This process is not characterized for the most potent psychomotor stimulant, methamphetamine. Using motor behavior as an index of brain state in rats, we verified that five once-daily injections of 2.5 mg/kg methamphetamine induced behavioral sensitization that was demonstrated (expressed) 3 and 14 days later. Using immunoblot procedures, limbic brain regions implicated in behavioral sensitization were assayed for extracellular signal-regulated kinase and its phosphorylated form (pERK/ERK, a signal transduction kinase), cAMP response element binding protein and its phosphorylated form (pCREB/CREB, a constitutively expressed transcriptional regulator), and DeltaFosB (a long-lasting transcription factor). pERK, ERK, and CREB levels were not changed for any region assayed. In the ventral tegmental area, pCREB and DeltaFosB also were not changed. pCREB (activated CREB) was elevated in the frontal cortex at 3 days withdrawal, but not at 14 days. pCREB levels were decreased at 14 days withdrawal in the nucleus accumbens and ventral pallidum. Accumbal and pallidal levels of DeltaFosB were increased at 3 days withdrawal, and this increase persisted to 14 days in the pallidum. Thus, only the ventral pallidum showed changes in molecular processes that consistently correlated with motor sensitization, revealing that this region may be associated with this enduring behavioral phenotype initiated by methamphetamine. The present findings expand our understanding of the neuroanatomical and molecular substrates that may play a role in the persistence of druginduced sensitization.

Isotopic evidence for closed-system anatexis at midcrustal levels: An example from the Acadian Appalachians of New England

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lathrop, Alison S.; Blum, Joel D.; Chamberlain, C. Page

1994-05-01

We have investigated the Sr and O isotope systematics of granitoid and metasedimentary samples from the Central Main Terrane (CMT) of New England. Granitoid samples were taken from interior and contact zones within the Acadian-aged (approximately 410 m.y.), synmetamorphic and syntectonic Kinsman Quartz Monzonite (KQM), which is a member of the New Hampshire Plutonic Series. Metasedimentary samples were taken from Silurian and Devonian formations hosting the KQM. Initial Sr isotope ratios (Sr(sub i) and delta O-18 values for the KQM range from 0.70799 to 0.71246 and 7.6% to 12.9%, respectively, and Sr(sub i) and delta O-18 values of the metasedimentary rocks range from 0.70770 to 0.75008 and 6.2% to 14.1%, respectively. We observe a linear and slightly positive correlation between Sr(sub i) and delta O-18 for interior KQM samples that can be duplicated by a mixing curve calculated for metasedimentary endmembers, whereas the Sr(sub i) and delta O-18 values of contact KQM samples cluster near the Sr(sub i) and delta O-18 values of the metasedimentary rocks with which they are in contact. Mixing calculations provide no evidence for a measurable primitive mantle component in either interior or contact KQM samples, and we conclude that the Sr-O isotopic composition of the KQM is most likely a reflection of isotopic heterogeneities inherited from a complex package of midcrustal metasedimentary source rocks. We propose that the KQM is the product of midcrustal partial melting that was initiated due to excess thermal energy from the decay of anomalously high concentrations of heat-producing elements in Silurian source rocks within the CMT. Because we see no isotopic evidence for a lower-crustal or mantle component in the KQM, we suggest that midcrustal anatexis may have occurred as a closed-system process, requiring no accompanying mantle-derived magma or above normal mantle heat flow.

Deletion of the Candida glabrata ERG3 and ERG11 genes: effect on cell viability, cell growth, sterol composition, and antifungal susceptibility.

PubMed Central

Geber, A; Hitchcock, C A; Swartz, J E; Pullen, F S; Marsden, K E; Kwon-Chung, K J; Bennett, J E

1995-01-01

We have cloned and sequenced the structural genes encoding the delta 5,6 sterol desaturase (ERG3 gene) and the 14 alpha-methyl sterol demethylase (ERG11 gene) from Candida glabrata L5 (leu2). Single and double mutants of these genes were created by gene deletion. The phenotypes of these mutants, including sterol profiles, aerobic viabilities, antifungal susceptibilities, and generation times, were studied. Strain L5D (erg3 delta::LEU2) accumulated mainly ergosta-7,22-dien-3 beta-ol, was aerobically viable, and remained susceptible to antifungal agents but had a slower generation time than its parent strain. L5LUD (LEU2 erg11 delta::URA3) strains required medium supplemented with ergosterol and an anaerobic environment for growth. A spontaneous aerobically viable mutant, L5LUD40R (LEU erg11 delta::URA3), obtained from L5LUD (LEU2 erg11 delta::URA3), was found to accumulate lanosterol and obtusifoliol, was resistant to azole antifungal agents, demonstrated some increase in resistance to amphotericin B, and exhibited a 1.86-fold increase in generation time in comparison with L5 (leu2). The double-deletion mutant L5DUD61 (erg3 delta::LEU2 erg11 delta::URA3) was aerobically viable, produced mainly 14 alpha-methyl fecosterol, and had the same antifungal susceptibility pattern as L5LUD40R (LEU2 erg11 delta::URA3), and its generation time was threefold greater than that of L5 (leu2). Northern (RNA) analysis revealed that the single-deletion mutants had a marked increase in message for the undeleted ERG3 and ERG11 genes. These results indicate that differences in antifungal susceptibilities and the restoration of aerobic viability exist between the C. glabrata ergosterol mutants created in this study and those sterol mutants with similar genetic lesions previously reported for Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PMID:8593007

Intersubject variability of near-infrared spectroscopy signals during sensorimotor cortex activation.

PubMed

Sato, Hiroki; Fuchino, Yutaka; Kiguchi, Masashi; Katura, Takusige; Maki, Atsushi; Yoro, Takeshi; Koizumi, Hideaki

2005-01-01

We investigate the intersubject signal variability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), which is commonly used for noninvasive measurement of the product of the optical path length and the concentration change in oxygenated hemoglobin (DeltaC'oxy) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (DeltaC'deoxy) and their sum (DeltaC'total) related to human cortical activation. We do this by measuring sensorimotor cortex activation in 31 healthy adults using 24-measurement-position near-infrared (NIR) topography. A finger-tapping task is used to activate the sensorimotor cortex, and significant changes in the hemisphere contralateral to the tapping hand are assessed as being due to the activation. Of the possible patterns of signal changes, 90% include a positive DeltaC'oxy, 76% included a negative DeltaC'deoxy, and 73% included a positive DeltaC'total. The DeltaC'deoxy and DeltaC'total are less consistent because of a large intersubject variability in DeltaC'deoxy; in some cases there is a positive DeltaC'deoxy. In the cases with no positive DeltaC'oxy in the contralateral hemisphere, there are cases of other possible changes for either or both hemispheres and no cases of no change in any hemoglobin species in either hemisphere. These results suggest that NIR topography is useful for observing brain activity in most cases, although intersubject signal variability still needs to be resolved.

Bimetallo-radical carbon-hydrogen bond activation of methanol and methane.

PubMed

Cui, Weihong; Zhang, X Peter; Wayland, Bradford B

2003-04-30

Carbon-hydrogen bond cleavage reactions of CH3OH and CH4 by a dirhodium(II) diporphyrin complex with a m-xylyl tether (.Rh(m-xylyl)Rh.(1)) are reported. Kinetic-mechanistic studies show that the substrate reactions are bimolecular and occur through the use of two Rh(II) centers in the molecular unit of 1. Second-order rate constants (T = 296 K) for the reactions of 1 with methanol (k(CH3OH) = 1.45 x 10-2 M-1 s-1) and methane (k(CH4) = 0.105 M-1 s-1) show a clear kinetic preference for the methane activation process. The methanol and methane reactions with 1 have large kinetic isotope effects (k(CH3OH)/k(CD3OD) = 9.7 +/- 0.8, k(CH4)/k(CD4) = 10.8 +/- 1.0, T = 296 K), consistent with a rate-limiting step of C-H bond homolysis through a linear transition state. Activation parameters for reaction of 1 with methanol (DeltaH = 15.6 +/- 1.0 kcal mol-1; DeltaS = -14 +/- 5 cal K-1 mol-1) and methane (DeltaH = 9.8 +/- 0.5 kcal mol-1; DeltaS = -30 +/- 3 cal K-1 mol-1) are reported.

Quantitative scale for the extent of conjugation of carbonyl groups: "carbonylicity" percentage as a chemical driving force.

PubMed

Mucsi, Zoltán; Chass, Gregory A; Viskolcz, Béla; Csizmadia, Imre G

2008-09-25

Despite the carbonyl group being one of the most pervasive chemical building blocks in natural, synthetic, and industrial processes, its exact description in terms of precise quantification of the degree of carbonyl conjugation has yet to be determined. The present work suggests a novel yet simple method for quantifying the conjugation in general carbonyl groups (such as ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their respective halogenides, amides, etc.) on a linear scale, defined as the "carbonylicity scale". This was achieved by use of the computed enthalpy of hydrogenation (DeltaH(H2)) of the > C=O group in the compounds examined. In the present conceptual work, the DeltaH(H2) value for formate ion is used to define complete conjugated character (carbonylicity = +100%), while formaldehyde represents complete absence of conjugation (carbonylicity = 0%). The component DeltaH(H2) values were computed at differing levels of theory, providing a nearly "method-independent" measure of carbonylicity computationally. A total of 49 common carbonyl compounds were used as accuracy scoring criteria of the methodology. For the compounds examined, correlations have been made between the computed carbonylicity percentage and the > C=O proton affinities, IR frequencies, and their reactivity values in a nucleophilic addition reaction. Selected chemical reactions were also studied to illustrate the utility of carbonylicity scale. Examples herein include demonstrating that change in the carbonylicity value represents a thermodynamic driving force in acylation reactions. The definition was extended to substituted thiocarbonyl and imino compounds.

Development of In-Fiber Reflective Bragg Gratings as Shear Stress Monitors in Aerodynamic Facilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parmar, Devendra S.; Sprinkle, Danny R.; Singh, Jag J.

1998-01-01

Bragg gratings centered at nominal wavelengths of 1290 nm and 1300 run were inscribed in a 9/125 microns germano-silicate optical fiber, using continuous wave frequency doubled Ar+ laser radiation at 244 nm. Such gratings have been used extensively as temperature and strain monitors in smart structures. They have, however, never been used for measuring aerodynamic shear stresses. As a test of their sensitivity as shear stress monitors, a Bragg fiber attached to a metal plate was subjected to laminar flows in a glass pipe. An easily measurable large flow-induced wavelength shift (Delta Lambda(sub B)) was observed in the Bragg reflected wavelength. Thereafter, the grating was calibrated by making one time, simultaneous measurements of Delta Lambda(sub B) and the coefficient of skin friction (C(sub f)) with a skin friction balance, as a function of flow rates in a subsonic wind tunnel. Onset of fan-induced transition in the tunnel flow provided a unique flow rate for correlating Delta Lambda(sub B) and (C(sub f) values needed for computing effective modulus of rigidity (N(sub eff)) of the fiber attached to the metal plate. This value Of N(sub eff) is expected to remain constant throughout the elastic stress range expected during the Bragg grating aerodynamic tests. It has been used for calculating the value of Cf at various tunnel speeds, on the basis of measured values of Bragg wavelength shifts at those speeds.

A method for measuring enthalpy of volatilization of a compound, Delta(vol)H, from dilute aqueous solution.

PubMed

Wang, Tianshu

2006-01-01

This study has developed a method for measuring the enthalpy of volatilization (Delta(vol)H) of a compound in a dilute solution via ion-molecule reactions and gas-phase analysis using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS). The Delta(vol)H/R value was obtained using an equation with three variant forms either from the headspace concentration of the solution or from individual product ion(s). Under certain experimental conditions, the equation has the simplest form [formula: see text], where R is the gas constant (8.314 J . mol(-1) . K(-1)), i(n) and I are the respective product and precursor ion count rates, and T is the temperature of the solution. As an example, a series of 27.0 micromol/L aqueous solutions of acetone was analyzed over a temperature range of 25-50 degrees C at 5 degrees C intervals using H3O+, NO+ and O2+* precursor ions, producing a mean Delta(vol)H/R value of 4700 +/- 200 K. This corresponds with current literature values and supports the consistency of the new method. Notably, using this method, as long as the concentration of the solution falls into the range of Henry's law, the exact concentration does not have to be known and it can require only one sample at each temperature. Compared with previous methods which involve the measurement of Henry's law constant at each temperature, this method significantly reduces the number of samples required and avoids the labour and difficulties in preparing standard solutions at very low concentrations. Further to this, if the contents of a solution were unknown the measured Delta(vol)H/R from individual product ion(s) can help to identify the origin of the ion(s). Copyright 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stable-isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen in precipitation at Norman, Oklahoma, 1996-2008

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jaeschke, Jeanne B.; Scholl, Martha A.; Cozzarelli, Isabelle M.; Masoner, Jason R.; Christenson, Scott; Qi, Haiping

2011-01-01

Precipitation samples for measurement of stable-isotope ratios of hydrogen (delta2H) and oxygen (delta18O) were collected at the Norman Landfill Research Site in Norman, Oklahoma, from May 1996 to October 2008. Rainfall amounts also were measured at the site (U.S. Geological Survey gaging station 07229053) during the collection period. The delta2H of precipitation samples ranged from -121.9 to +8.3 per mil, and the delta18O of precipitation ranged from -16.96 to +0.50 per mil. The volume-weighted average values for delta2H and delta18O of precipitation over the 12-year measurement period were -31.13 per mil for delta2H and -5.57 per mil for delta18O. Average summer-season delta2H and delta18O values of precipitation usually were more positive (enriched in the heavier isotopes) than winter values.

Experimental lead intoxication in dogs: a comparison of blood lead and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid following intoxication and chelation therapy.

PubMed Central

Green, R A; Selby, L A; Zumwalt, R W

1978-01-01

Intravenous lead administration to dogs produced an acute syndrome of lead intoxication charcterized by depression, vomiting, anorexia and weight loss. The effect of chelation therapy with calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate, penicillamine or both was determined by serially monitoring changes in blood lead and urine delta-aminolevulinic acid. Following therapy, blood lead values were significantly lower in chelated dogs than non-treated lead exposed dogs on days 7 and 10. Urine delta-aminolevulinic acid at day 7 was significantly higher in untreated lead exposed dogs than in other groups. There was no significant difference in blood lead or urine delta-aminolevulinic acid between lead intoxicated dogs which underwent the indicated chelation therapy protocols. There was, however, a trend for higher urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid excretion in those intoxicated dogs undergoing calcium disodium ethylene diamine tetraacetate therapy as opposed to those undergoing penicilamine therapy. There was no significant correlation between blood lead and urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid previous to lead exposure. However, after lead exposure significant correlation was present at days 4, 7, 10 and 14. Certain lead exposed dogs following chelation therapy were noted to have normal blood lead levels but elevated urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid suggesting that blood lead does not always correlate with metabolic effects of lead in the body. Urinary delta-aminolevulinic acid was therefore recommended as an additional laboratory parameter which improved assessment of lead exposure in dogs, particularly in determining adequacy of chelation therapy. PMID:667707

Lack of genetic variation in tree ring delta13C suggests a uniform, stomatally-driven response to drought stress across Pinus radiata genotypes.

PubMed

Rowell, Douglas M; Ades, Peter K; Tausz, Michael; Arndt, Stefan K; Adams, Mark A

2009-02-01

We assessed the variation in delta(13)C signatures of Pinus radiata D. Don stemwood taken from three genetic trials in southern Australia. We sought to determine the potential of using delta(13)C signatures as selection criteria for drought tolerance. Increment cores were taken from P. radiata and were used to determine the basal area increment and the delta(13)C signature of extracted cellulose. Both growth increment and cellulose delta(13)C were affected by water availability. Growth increment and delta(13)C were negatively correlated suggesting that growth was water-limited. While there was significant genetic variation in growth, there was no significant genetic variation in cellulose delta(13)C of tree rings. This suggests that different genotypes of P. radiata display significant differences in growth and yet respond similarly to drought stress. The delta(13)C response to drought stress was more due to changes in stomatal conductance than to the variation in photosynthetic capacity, and this may explain the lack of genetic variation in delta(13)C. The lack of genetic variation in cellulose delta(13)C of tree rings precludes its use as a selection criterion for drought tolerance among P. radiata genotypes.

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

Jensenius, J.; Munksgaard, N.C.

Fracture filling calcite from the piercement fields of East Rosa, Skjold, Rolf, North Arne, Nils and Vagn and the dome field Dan have been studied by fluorescence and cathodoluminescence microscopy, fluid inclusion microthermometry and carbon and oxygen isotopes. The carbon and oxygen isotope compositions of the reservoir matrix chalk have also been measured. The temperature estimates obtained from fluid inclusion data suggest that the fracture filling calcite of the piercement fields precipitated during hot water flushing of the reservoirs. The flushing system only existed around the salt diapirs and was probably related to expulsion of overpressured fluid from the surroundingmore » sediments. The thermal anomaly and the faults associated with the diapirs probably were important factors in focusing the ascending water. Lower {delta}{sup 18}O values with shallower depth of burial suggest that the porosity of chalk in the shallower fields was more severely reduced by calcite cementation during the flushing event than in the deeper fields. In the case of North Arne, Nils, Vagn and Dan, {delta}{sup 13}C values of the fracture filling calcites are similar to those of normal chalk (0.5 to 3.5 {per thousand}). However, calcites from Rolf, Skjold and East Rosa are depleted by {minus}1.8, {minus}6.2 and {minus}16.7 {per thousand}, respectively. Only in East Rosa is the matrix chalk itself depleted in {sup 13}C. The low {delta}{sup 13}C values are interpreted as the result of biodegradation. Sulfate originating from the underlying diapirs was flushed into the reservoir and used by bacteria to degrade present hydrocarbons. This process produced {sup 13}c depleted bicarbonate which was incorporated into the fracture-filling calcites.« less

Late Holocene sedimentation in a high Arctic coastal setting: Simpson Lagoon and Colville Delta, Alaska

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hanna, Andrea J. M.; Allison, Mead A.; Bianchi, Thomas S.; Marcantonio, Franco; Goff, John A.

2014-02-01

Arctic coastal environments near major river outfalls, like Simpson Lagoon, Alaska and the adjacent Colville River Delta, potentially contain high-resolution sediment records useful in elucidating late Holocene Arctic sediment transport pathways and coupled terrestrial-ocean evidence of paleoclimate variability. This study utilizes a multi-tracer geochronology approach (137Cs, 239,240Pu, and 14C) tailored for high-latitude environments to determine the age models for cores collected from Simpson Lagoon, and to date seismic boundaries in shallow acoustic reflection data (CHIRP) to examine late Holocene infill patterns. Modern (~100 y) sediment accumulation rates range from <0.02 to 0.46±0.04 cm y-1, with a primary depocenter in western Simpson Lagoon adjacent to the Colville Delta and a secondary depocenter in eastern Simpson Lagoon. CHIRP reflectors, age-constrained by 14C analysis, reveal rapid late Holocene (0-3500 y BP) transgression consistent with high modern shoreline retreat rates. The western depocenter contains >5 m of late Holocene interbedded sediments, likely derived primarily from the Colville River, with onset of accumulation occurring prior to ~3500 y BP. A paleo-high in central Simpson Lagoon, separating the two depocenters, was subaerially exposed prior to ~600 y BP. The millimeters-per-year sedimentation rates across the lagoon, coupled with the undisturbed, interbedded sediment record, indicate that these settings hold great potential to develop new Arctic paleoenvironmental records.

Three Dimensional Constraint Effects on the Estimated (Delta)CTOD during the Numerical Simulation of Different Fatigue Threshold Testing Techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seshadri, Banavara R.; Smith, Stephen W.

2007-01-01

Variation in constraint through the thickness of a specimen effects the cyclic crack-tip-opening displacement (DELTA CTOD). DELTA CTOD is a valuable measure of crack growth behavior, indicating closure development, constraint variations and load history effects. Fatigue loading with a continual load reduction was used to simulate the load history associated with fatigue crack growth threshold measurements. The constraint effect on the estimated DELTA CTOD is studied by carrying out three-dimensional elastic-plastic finite element simulations. The analysis involves numerical simulation of different standard fatigue threshold test schemes to determine how each test scheme affects DELTA CTOD. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) prescribes standard load reduction procedures for threshold testing using either the constant stress ratio (R) or constant maximum stress intensity (K(sub max)) methods. Different specimen types defined in the standard, namely the compact tension, C(T), and middle cracked tension, M(T), specimens were used in this simulation. The threshold simulations were conducted with different initial K(sub max) values to study its effect on estimated DELTA CTOD. During each simulation, the DELTA CTOD was estimated at every load increment during the load reduction procedure. Previous numerical simulation results indicate that the constant R load reduction method generates a plastic wake resulting in remote crack closure during unloading. Upon reloading, this remote contact location was observed to remain in contact well after the crack tip was fully open. The final region to open is located at the point at which the load reduction was initiated and at the free surface of the specimen. However, simulations carried out using the constant Kmax load reduction procedure did not indicate remote crack closure. Previous analysis results using various starting K(sub max) values and different load reduction rates have indicated DELTA CTOD is independent of specimen size. A study of the effect of specimen thickness and geometry on the measured DELTA CTOD for various load reduction procedures and its implication in the estimation of fatigue crack growth threshold values is discussed.

Changes in nitrogen isotopic compositions during composting of cattle feedlot manure: effects of bedding material type.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Joo; Choi, Woo-Jung; Lim, Sang-Sun; Kwak, Jin-Hyeob; Chang, Scott X; Kim, Han-Yong; Yoon, Kwang-Sik; Ro, Hee-Myong

2008-09-01

Temporal changes in delta(15)N of cattle feedlot manure during its composting with either rice hull (RHM) or sawdust (SDM) as bedding materials were investigated. Regardless of the bedding material used, the delta(15)N of total N in the manure increased sharply from +7.6 per thousand to +9.9 per thousand and from +11.4 per thousand to +14.3 per thousand, respectively, in RHM or SDM, within 10 days from the commencement of composting. Such increases could be attributed primarily to N loss via NH(3) volatilization and denitrification based on the very high delta(15)N values (greater than +20 per thousand) of NH(4)(+) and NO(3)(-) in the co-composted manure. The delta(15)N of total N in RHM was substantially lower (by more than 3 per thousand) than that in SDM, suggesting that the delta(15)N of the composted manure was affected not only by N loss but also by the type of bedding material used. Specifically, the higher N concentration in the rice hull than in the saw dust could lead to a greater (15)N isotope dilution.

Carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen isotopes in solvent-extractable organic matter from carbonaceous chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, R. H.; Epstein, S.

1982-01-01

CCl4 and CH3OH solvent extractions were performed on the Murray, Murchison, Orgueil and Renazzo carbonaceous chondrites. Delta-D values of +300-+500% are found in the case of the CH3OH-soluble organic matter. The combined C, H and N isotope data makes it unlikely that the CH3OH-soluble components are derivable from, or simply related to, the insoluble organic polymer found in the same meteorites. A relation between the event that formed hydrous minerals in CI1 and CM2 meteorites and the introduction of water- and methanol-soluble organic compounds is suggested. Organic matter soluble in CCl4 has no N, and delta-C-13 values are lower than for CH3OH-soluble phases. It is concluded that there either are large isotopic fractionations for carbon and hydrogen between different soluble organic phases, or the less polar components are partially of terrestrial origin.

The NaK 1 1,3delta states: theoretical and experimental studies of fine and hyperfine structure of rovibrational levels near the dissociation limit.

PubMed

Wilkins, A D; Morgus, L; Hernandez-Guzman, J; Huennekens, J; Hickman, A P

2005-09-22

Earlier high-resolution spectroscopic studies of the fine and hyperfine structure of rovibrational levels of the 1 3delta state of NaK have been extended to include high lying rovibrational levels with v < or = 59, of which the highest levels lie within approximately 4 cm(-1) of the dissociation limit. A potential curve is determined using the inverted perturbation approximation method that reproduces these levels to an accuracy of approximately 0.026 cm(-1). For the largest values of v, the outer turning points occur near R approximately 12.7 angstroms, which is sufficiently large to permit the estimation of the C6 coefficient for this state. The fine and hyperfine structure of the 1 3delta rovibrational levels has been fit using the matrix diagonalization method that has been applied to other states of NaK, leading to values of the spin-orbit coupling constant A(v) and the Fermi contact constant b(F). New values determined for v < or = 33 are consistent with values determined by a simpler method and reported earlier. The measured fine and hyperfine structure for v in the range 44 < or = v < or = 49 exhibits anomalous behavior whose origin is believed to be the mixing between the 1 3delta and 1 1delta states. The matrix diagonalization method has been extended to treat this interaction, and the results provide an accurate representation of the complicated patterns that arise. The analysis leads to accurate values for A(v) and b(F) for all values of v < or = 49. For higher v (50 < or = v < or = 59), several rovibrational levels have been assigned, but the pattern of fine and hyperfine structure is difficult to interpret. Some of the observed features may arise from effects not included in the current model.

Microcalorimetric and potentiometric titration studies on the adsorption of copper by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), minerals and their composites.

PubMed

Fang, Linchuan; Huang, Qiaoyun; Wei, Xing; Liang, Wei; Rong, Xinming; Chen, Wenli; Cai, Peng

2010-08-01

Equilibrium adsorption experiments, isothermal titration calorimetry and potentiometric titration techniques were employed to investigate the adsorption of Cu(II) by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) extracted from Pseudomonas putida X4, minerals (montmorillonite and goethite) and their composites. Compared with predicted values of Cu(II) adsorption on composites, the measured values of Cu(II) on EPS-montmorillonite composite increased, however, those on EPS-goethite composite decreased. Potentiometric titration results also showed that more surface sites were observed on EPS-montmorillonite composite and less reactive sites were found on EPS-goethite composite. The adsorption of Cu(II) on EPS molecules and their composites with minerals was an endothermic reaction, while that on minerals was exothermic. The positive values of enthalpy change (Delta H) and entropy change (DeltaS) for Cu(II) adsorption on EPS and mineral-EPS composites indicated that Cu(II) mainly interacts with carboxyl and phosphoryl groups as inner-sphere complexes on EPS molecules and their composites with minerals. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cretaceous shales from the western interior of North America: sulfur/carbon ratios and sulfur-isotope composition.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gautier, D.L.

1986-01-01

Sulphur/carbon ratios in cores of selected Cretaceous marine shales average 0.67, a value greater than that observed in recent marine sediments and much higher than global values calculated for the Cretaceous. This may be ascribed to generally low levels of bioturbation and enhanced efficiency of sulphate reduction due to low oxygen levels in Cretaceous seaways. Isotopic compositions of pyrite sulphur vary systematically with level of oxygenation of the depositional environment and therefore with organic carbon abundance and type of organic matter. Samples with >4% organic carbon are extremely depleted in 34S (mean delta 34S -31per mille) and contain hydrogen-rich organic matter. Samples containing <1.5% organic carbon display relatively 'heavy' but wide-ranging delta 34S values (-34.6 to +16.8per mille) and contain hydrogen-poor organic matter. Samples with intermediate amounts of organic carbon have average delta 34S of -25.9per mille and contain both types of organic matter. Relations between the nature of these shales, and their sedimentation rate and depositional environment are discussed.-L.C.H.

Acidity of a Cu-bound histidine in the binuclear center of cytochrome C oxidase.

PubMed

Fadda, Elisa; Chakrabarti, Nilmadhab; Pomès, Régis

2005-12-01

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is a crucial enzyme in the respiratory chain. Its function is to couple the reduction of molecular oxygen, which takes place in the Fea3-CuB binuclear center, to proton translocation across the mitochondrial membrane. Although several high-resolution structures of the enzyme are known, the molecular basis of proton pumping activation and its mechanism remain to be elucidated. We examine a recently proposed scheme (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2004, 126, 1858; FEBS Lett. 2004, 566, 126) that involves the deprotonation of the CuB-bound imidazole ring of a histidine (H291 in mammalian CcO) as a key element in the proton pumping mechanism. The central feature of that proposed mechanism is that the pKa values of the imidazole vary significantly depending on the redox state of the metals in the binuclear center. We use density functional theory in combination with continuum electrostatics to calculate the pKa values, successively in bulk water and within the protein, of the Cu-bound imidazole in various Cu- and Cu-Fe complexes. From pKas in bulk water, we derived a value of -266.34 kcal.mol(-1) for the proton solvation free energy (Delta). This estimate is in close agreement with the experimental value of -264.61 kcal.mol(-1) (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 7314), which reinforces the conclusion that Delta is more negative than previous values used for pKa calculations. Our approach, on the basis of the study of increasingly more detailed models of the CcO binuclear center at different stages of the catalysis, allows us to examine successively the effect of each of the two metals' redox states and of solvation on the acidity of imidazole, whose pKa is approximately 14 in bulk water. This analysis leads to the following conclusions: first, the effect of Cu ligation on the imidazole acidity is negligible regardless of the redox state of the metal. Second, results obtained for Cu-Fe complexes in bulk water indicate that Cu-bound imidazole pKa values lie within the range of 14.8-16.6 throughout binuclear redox states corresponding to the catalytic cycle, demonstrating that the effect of the Fe oxidation states is also negligible. Finally, the low-dielectric CcO proteic environment shifts the acid-base equilibrium toward a neutral imidazole, further increasing the corresponding pKa values. These results are inconsistent with the proposed role of the Cu-bound histidine as a key element in the pumping mechanism. Limitations of continuum solvation models in pKa calculations are discussed.

Proinflammatory effect of sodium 4-phenylbutyrate in deltaF508-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator lung epithelial cells: involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and c-Jun-NH2-terminal kinase signaling.

PubMed

Roque, Telma; Boncoeur, Emilie; Saint-Criq, Vinciane; Bonvin, Elise; Clement, Annick; Tabary, Olivier; Jacquot, Jacky

2008-09-01

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-PBA) has attracted a great deal of attention in cystic fibrosis (CF) pathology due to its capacity to traffic DeltaF508-cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) to the cell membrane and restore CFTR chloride function at the plasma membrane of CF lung cells in vitro and in vivo. Using two different DeltaF508-CFTR lung epithelial cell lines (CFBE41o- and IB3-1 cells, characterized with DeltaF508-homozygous and heterozygous genotype, respectively) in vitro, 4-PBA induced an increase of proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-8 production in a concentration-dependent manner. This 4-PBA-induced IL-8 production was associated with a strong reduction of proteasome and nuclear factor-kappaB transcriptional activities in the two DeltaF508-CFTR lung cells either in a resting state or after tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulation. In contrast, a strong increase of activator protein-1 transcriptional activity was observed. The inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) by 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis[2-aminophenylthio] butadiene (U0126) and 2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (PD98059) and c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) by anthra[1,9-cd] pyrazol-6 (2H)-one (SP600125), respectively, was associated with a reduction (2-3.5-fold) of IL-8 production in both DeltaF508-CFTR lung cell lines treated with 4-PBA. No significant change of IL-8 production was observed after an inhibition of p38 MAPK with 4-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-5-(4-pyridinyl)-1H-imidazol-2-yl] phenol (SB202190). Therefore, we suggest that inhibition of both ERK1/2 and JNK signaling may be a means to strongly reduce 4-PBA-induced IL-8 production in combination with 4-PBA treatment to restore CFTR Cl(-) channel function in lung epithelial cells of patients with CF.

Identifying sources of dissolved organic carbon in agriculturally dominated rivers using radiocarbon age dating: Sacramento-San Joaquin River Basin, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sickman, James O.; DiGiorgio, Carol L.; Davisson, M. Lee; Lucero, Delores M.; Bergamaschi, Brian A.

2010-01-01

We used radiocarbon measurements of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) to resolve sources of riverine carbon within agriculturally dominated landscapes in California. During 2003 and 2004, average Δ14C for DOC was −254‰ in agricultural drains in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, −218‰ in the San Joaquin River, −175‰ in the California State Water Project and −152‰ in the Sacramento River. The age of bulk DOC transiting the rivers of California’s Central Valley is the oldest reported for large rivers and suggests wide-spread loss of soil organic matter caused by agriculture and urbanization. Using DAX 8 adsorbent, we isolated and measured 14C concentrations in hydrophobic acid fractions (HPOA); river samples showed evidence of bomb-pulse carbon with average Δ14C of 91 and 76‰ for the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers, respectively, with older HPOA, −204‰, observed in agricultural drains. An operationally defined non-HPOA fraction of DOC was observed in the San Joaquin River with seasonally computed Δ14C values of between −275 and −687‰; the source of this aged material was hypothesized to be physically protected organic-matter in high clay-content soils and agrochemicals (i.e., radiocarbon-dead material) applied to farmlands. Mixing models suggest that the Sacramento River contributes about 50% of the DOC load in the California State Water Project, and agricultural drains contribute approximately one-third of the load. In contrast to studies showing stabilization of soil carbon pools within one or two decades following land conversion, sustained loss of soil organic matter, occurring many decades after the initial agricultural-land conversion, was observed in California’s Central Valley.

Soil Organic Carbon Storage in Five Different Arctic Permafrost Environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuchs, M.; Grosse, G.; Jones, B. M.; Maximov, G.; Strauss, J.

2016-12-01

Arctic river deltas and ice-rich permafrost regions are highly dynamic environments which will be strongly affected by future climate change. Rapid thaw of permafrost (thermokarst and thermo-erosion) may cause significant mobilization of organic carbon, which is assumed to be stored in large amounts in Arctic river deltas and ice-rich permafrost. This study presents and compares new data on organic carbon storage in thermokarst landforms and Arctic river delta deposits for the first two meters of soils for five different study areas in Alaska and Siberia. The sites include the Ikpikpuk river delta (North Alaska), Fish Creek river delta (North Alaska), Teshekpuk Lake Special Area (North Alaska), Sobo-Sise Island (Lena river delta, Northeast Siberia), and Bykovsky Peninsula (Northeast Siberia). Samples were taken with a SIPRE auger along transects covering the main geomorphological landscape units in the study regions. Our results show a high variability in soil organic carbon storage among the different study sites. The studied profiles in the Teshekpuk Lake Special Area - dominated by drained thermokarst lake basins - contained significantly more carbon than the other areas. The Teshekpuk Lake Special Area contains 44 ± 9 kg C m-2 (0-100 cm, mean value of profiles ± Std dev) compared to 20 ± 7 kg C m-2 kg for Sobo-Sise Island - a Yedoma dominated island intersected by thaw lake basins and 24 ± 6 kg C m-2 for the deltaic dominated areas (Fish Creek and Ikpikpuk). However, especially for the Ikpikpuk river delta, a significant amount of carbon (25 ± 9 kg C m-2) is stored in the second meter of soil (100-200cm). This study shows the importance of including deltaic and thermokarst-affected landscapes as considerable carbon pools, but indicates that these areas are heterogeneous in terms of organic carbon storage and cannot be generalized. As a next step, the site-level carbon stocks will be upscaled to the landscape level using remote sensing-based land cover classifications to calculate the carbon storage potential for Arctic deltas and larger thermokarst regions, to estimate mobilization potentials from thermokarst and thermo-erosion, and to provide input data for future permafrost carbon feedback models.

Uncertainties in derived temperature-height profiles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minzner, R. A.

1974-01-01

Nomographs were developed for relating uncertainty in temperature T to uncertainty in the observed height profiles of both pressure p and density rho. The relative uncertainty delta T/T is seen to depend not only upon the relative uncertainties delta P/P or delta rho/rho, and to a small extent upon the value of T or H, but primarily upon the sampling-height increment Delta h, the height increment between successive observations of p or delta. For a fixed value of delta p/p, the value of delta T/T varies inversely with Delta h. No limit exists in the fineness of usable height resolution of T which may be derived from densities, while a fine height resolution in pressure-height data leads to temperatures with unacceptably large uncertainties.

Equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of Pb(II) onto Candida albicans biomass.

PubMed

Baysal, Zübeyde; Cinar, Ercan; Bulut, Yasemin; Alkan, Hüseyin; Dogru, Mehmet

2009-01-15

Biosorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied in a batch system by using Candida albicans. The optimum conditions of biosorption were determined by investigating the initial metal ion concentration, contact time, temperature, biosorbent dose and pH. The extent of metal ion removed increased with increasing contact time, initial metal ion concentration and temperature. Biosorption equilibrium time was observed in 30min. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption models were used for the mathematical description of biosorption equilibrium and isotherm constants were also evaluated. The maximum biosorption capacity of Pb(II) on C. albicans was determined as 828.50+/-1.05, 831.26+/-1.30 and 833.33+/-1.12mgg(-1), respectively, at different temperatures (25, 35 and 45 degrees C). Biosorption showed pseudo second-order rate kinetics at different initial concentration of Pb(II) and different temperatures. The activation energy of the biosorption (Ea) was estimated as 59.04kJmol(-1) from Arrhenius equation. Using the equilibrium constant value obtained at different temperatures, the thermodynamic properties of the biosorption (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees ) were also determined. The results showed that biosorption of Pb(II) ions on C. albicans were endothermic and spontaneous. The optimum initial pH for Pb(II) was determined as pH 5.0. FTIR spectral analysis of Pb(II) adsorbed and unadsorbed C. albicans biomass was also discussed.

An analysis of the errors associated with the determination of atmospheric temperature from atmospheric pressure and density data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Minzner, R. A.

1976-01-01

A graph was developed for relating delta T/T, the relative uncertainty in atmospheric temperature T, to delta p/p, the relative uncertainty in the atmospheric pressure p, for situations, when T is derived from the slope of the pressure-height profile. A similar graph relates delta T/T to delta roh/rho, the relative uncertainty in the atmospheric density rho, for those cases when T is derived from the downward integration of the density-height profile. A comparison of these two graphs shows that for equal uncertainties in the respective basic parameters, p or rho, smaller uncertainties in the derived temperatures are associated with density-height rather than with pressure-height data. The value of delta T/T is seen to depend not only upon delta p or delta rho, and to a small extent upon the value of T or the related scale height H, but also upon the inverse of delta h, the height increment between successive observations of p or rho. In the case of pressure-height data, delta T/T is dominated by 1/delta h for all values of delta h; for density-height data, delta T/T is dominated by delta rho/rho for delta h smaller than about 5 km. In the case of T derived from density-height data, this inverse relationship between delta T/T and delta h applies only for large values of delta h, that is, for delta h 35 km. No limit exists in the fineness of usable height resolution of T which may be derived from densities, while a fine height resolution in pressure-height data leads to temperature with unacceptably large uncertainties.

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Diversity in Cephalosporium maydis from Egypt.

PubMed

Saleh, Amgad A; Zeller, Kurt A; Ismael, Abou-Serie M; Fahmy, Zeinab M; El-Assiuty, Elhamy M; Leslie, John F

2003-07-01

ABSTRACT Cephalosporium maydis, the causal agent of late wilt of maize, was first described in Egypt in the 1960s, where it can cause yield losses of up to 40% in susceptible plantings. We characterized 866 isolates of C. maydis collected from 14 governates in Egypt, 7 in the Nile River Delta and 7 in southern (Middle and Upper) Egypt, with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The four AFLP primer-pair combinations generated 68 bands, 25 of which were polymorphic, resulting in 52 clonal haplotypes that clustered the 866 isolates into four phylogenetic lineages. Three lineages were found in both the Nile River Delta and southern Egypt. Lineage IV, the most diverse group (20 haplotypes), was recovered only from governates in the Nile River Delta. In some locations, one lineage dominated (up to 98% of the isolates recovered) and, from some fields, only a single haplotype was recovered. Under field conditions in Egypt, there is no evidence that C. maydis reproduces sexually. The nonuniform geographic distribution of the pathogen lineages within the country could be due to differences in climate or in the farming system, because host material differs in susceptibility and C. maydis lineages differ in pathogenicity.

Thermodynamics of the clusterization process of cis isomers of unsaturated fatty acids at the air/water interface.

PubMed

Vysotsky, Yu B; Belyaeva, E A; Fainerman, V B; Vollhardt, D; Aksenenko, E V; Miller, R

2009-04-02

In the framework of the semiempirical PM3 method, the thermodynamic parameters of cis isomers of unsaturated carboxylic acids at the air/water interface are studied. The model systems used are unsaturated cis fatty acid of the composition Delta = 12-15 and omega = 6-11, where Delta and omega refer to the number of carbon atoms between the functional group and double bond, and that between the double bond and methyl group, respectively. For dimers, trimers, and tetramers of the four acid series, the thermodynamic parameters of clusterization are calculated. It is shown that the position of the double bond does not significantly affect the values of thermodynamic parameters of formation and clusterization of carboxylic acids for equal chain lengths (n = Delta + omega). The calculated results show that for cis unsaturated fatty acid with odd Delta values the spontaneous clusterization threshold corresponds to n = 17-18 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain, while for monounsaturated acids with even Delta values this threshold corresponds to n = 18-19 carbon atoms in the alkyl chain. These differences in the clusterization threshold between the acids with even and odd Delta values are attributed to the formation of additional intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the ketonic oxygen atom of one monomer and the hydrogen atom linked to the alpha-carbon atom of the second monomer for the acids with odd Delta values or between the hydroxyl oxygen atom of one monomer and hydrogen atom linked to the alpha-carbon atom of the second monomer for the acids with even Delta values. The results obtained in the study agree satisfactorily with our experimental data for cis unsaturated nervonic (Delta15, omega9) and erucic acids (Delta13, omega9), and published data for some fatty acids, namely cis-16-heptadecenoic (Delta16, omega1), cis-9-hexadecenoic (Delta7, omega9), cis-11-eicosenoic (Delta11, omega9) and cis-9-octadecenoic acid (Delta9, omega9).

Photosynthesis Decrease and Stomatal Control of Gas Exchange in Abies alba Mill. in Response to Vapor Pressure Difference.

PubMed

Guehl, J M; Aussenac, G

1987-02-01

The responses of steady state CO(2) assimilation rate (A), transpiration rate (E), and stomatal conductance (g(s)) to changes in leaf-to-air vapor pressure difference (DeltaW) were examined on different dates in shoots from Abies alba trees growing outside. In Ecouves, a provenance representative of wet oceanic conditions in Northern France, both A and g(s) decreased when DeltaW was increased from 4.6 to 14.5 Pa KPa(-1). In Nebias, which represented the dry end of the natural range of A. alba in southern France, A and g(s) decreased only after reaching peak levels at 9.0 and 7.0 Pa KPa(-1), respectively. The representation of the data in assimilation rate (A) versus intercellular CO(2) partial pressure (C(i)) graphs allowed us to determine how stomata and mesophyll photosynthesis interacted when DeltaW was increased. Changes in A were primarily due to alterations in mesophyll photosynthesis. At high DeltaW, and especially in Ecouves when soil water deficit prevailed, A declined, while C(i) remained approximately constant, which may be interpreted as an adjustment of g(s) to changes in mesophyll photosynthesis. Such a stomatal control of gas exchange appeared as an alternative to the classical feedforward interpretation of E versus DeltaW responses with a peak rate of E. The gas exchange response to DeltaW was also characterized by considerable deviations from the optimization theory of IR Cowan and GD Farquhar (1977 Symp Soc Exp Biol 31: 471-505).

Mid-Holocene paleoclimatic changes and solar activity in San'in District, mid-latitude North Pacific Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okazaki, Y.; Seto, K.; Sakai, T.; Ooki, A.; yamada, K.; Dettman, D. L.

2011-12-01

Evidence shows that solar activity influences climate on a global scale. In the mid-latitude region, climate change is expected to change precipitation patterns. Concurrently, variation in solar activity may influence phytoplankton productivity. It seems that these changes should be recorded in sediment and organic matter deposits in coastal lagoons. In this study, we discuss the relationship between climate change and solar activity in the mid-Holocene in the northern hemisphere mid-latitude region based on grain size analysis, total organic carbon (TOC) content and organic carbon accumulation rates (Corg A.R.) in coastal lagoon sediment core samples. The INB core was drilled to produce a high resolution record of Holocene paleoenvironmental change in the San'in District, western Japan. The core is 19.17m in total length and is divided into Unit I~VII by lithofacies. Holocene sediment, primarily organic silt, forms Unit III and above in this core. Unit III was deposited from 8.4 to 5.4 ka, when sea level rose during the Jomon transgression; its depositional environment is a coastal lagoon. Progradation of the river mouth during the sea level rise lead to an increase in the C/N ratio of organic matter. Unit IV contains the volcanic Shigaku pyroclastic flow (the sixth stage of volcanic activity of the Sanbe volcano), and Unit V reflects deposition in a freshwater lake or swamp. Above this aggredational sediments were deposited by small rivers. This study focused on the coastal lagoon sediments of Unit III (8.4 to 5.4 ka); we carried out CNS elemental analysis and grain size analysis with a resolution of approximately five years. TOC content is variable and increases from 0.5 to 5%. Variation in TOC content is relatively well correlated with atmospheric radiocarbon 14C (Delta 14C) and therefore with solar activity, although the relationship is unclear in the upper portion of Unit III. The trend in Corg A.R. is different than TOC contents, about 40g/m/yr at ~8ka and about 20g/m/yr at 6-7 ka. This trend is also observed in a sediment core of Nakaumi Lagoon in San'in District, where it is due to a dilution effect caused by increased precipitation and high productivity because of a higher nutrient load during a warm interval (Sampei et al.,1997). It seems that the correspondence between TOC content and Delta 14C in this core is caused by similar factors. That is, a positive peak of Delta 14C indicating low solar activity and a cold period shows high TOC content because of concentration of TOC. On the other hand, a negative peak in Delta 14C indicates a warm period, and has a low TOC content because of clastic dilution. In the upper portion this relationship becomes complex because of changes in the terrestrial plant input due to river mouth progradation. Using these relationships, we may be able to estimate precipitation change based on the change in TOC content, and discuss its implications for global climate change.

Observation of eta'c production in gammagamma fusion at CLEO.

PubMed

Asner, D M; Dytman, S A; Mehrabyan, S; Mueller, J A; Nam, S; Savinov, V; Huang, G S; Miller, D H; Pavlunin, V; Sanghi, B; Shibata, E I; Shipsey, I P J; Adams, G S; Chasse, M; Cummings, J P; Danko, I; Napolitano, J; Cronin-Hennessy, D; Park, C S; Park, W; Thayer, J B; Thorndike, E H; Coan, T E; Gao, Y S; Liu, F; Stroynowski, R; Artuso, M; Boulahouache, C; Blusk, S; Butt, J; Dambasuren, E; Dorjkhaidav, O; Haynes, J; Menaa, N; Mountain, R; Muramatsu, H; Nandakumar, R; Redjimi, R; Sia, R; Skwarnicki, T; Stone, S; Wang, J C; Zhang, Kevin; Mahmood, A H; Csorna, S E; Bonvicini, G; Cinabro, D; Dubrovin, M; Bornheim, A; Lipeles, E; Pappas, S P; Shapiro, A; Weinstein, A J; Mahapatra, R; Nelson, H N; Briere, R A; Chen, G P; Ferguson, T; Tatishvili, G; Vogel, H; Watkins, M E; Adam, N E; Alexander, J P; Berkelman, K; Boisvert, V; Cassel, D G; Duboscq, J E; Ecklund, K M; Ehrlich, R; Galik, R S; Gibbons, L; Gittelman, B; Gray, S W; Hartill, D L; Heltsley, B K; Hsu, L; Jones, C D; Kandaswamy, J; Kreinick, D L; Kuznetsov, V E; Magerkurth, A; Mahlke-Krüger, H; Meyer, T O; Patterson, J R; Pedlar, T K; Peterson, D; Pivarski, J; Riley, D; Sadoff, A J; Schwarthoff, H; Shepherd, M R; Sun, W M; Thayer, J G; Urner, D; Wilksen, T; Weinberger, M; Athar, S B; Avery, P; Breva-Newell, L; Potlia, V; Stoeck, H; Yelton, J; Eisenstein, B I; Gollin, G D; Karliner, I; Lowrey, N; Naik, P; Sedlack, C; Selen, M; Thaler, J J; Williams, J; Edwards, K W; Besson, D; Gao, K Y; Gong, D T; Kubota, Y; Li, S Z; Poling, R; Scott, A W; Smith, A; Stepaniak, C J; Urheim, J; Metreveli, Z; Seth, K K; Tomaradze, A; Zweber, P; Arms, K; Eckhart, E; Gan, K K; Gwon, C; Severini, H; Skubic, P

2004-04-09

We report on the observation of the eta(')(c)(2(1)S0), the radial excitation of the eta(c)(1(1)S0) ground state of charmonium, in the two-photon fusion reaction gammagamma-->eta(')(c)-->K(0)(S)K+/-pi(-/+) in 13.6 fb(-1) of CLEO II/II.V data and 13.1 fb(-1) of CLEO III data. We obtain M(eta(')(c))=3642.9+/-3.1(stat)+/-1.5(syst) MeV and M(eta(c))=2981.8+/-1.3(stat)+/-1.5(syst) MeV. The corresponding values of hyperfine splittings between 1S0 and 3S1 states are DeltaM(hf)(1S)=115.1+/-2.0 MeV and DeltaM(hf)(2S)=43.1+/-3.4 MeV. Assuming that the eta(c) and eta(')(c) have equal branching fractions to K(S)Kpi, we obtain Gamma(gammagamma)(eta(')(c))=1.3+/-0.6 keV.

Glass transition and heat capacities of inorganic glasses: Diminishing change in the heat capacity at T{sub g} for xNa{sub 2}S + (1{minus}x)B{sub 2}S{sub 3} glasses

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

Kincs, J.; Cho, J.; Bloyer, D.

1994-09-01

The T{sub g}`s and heat capacity functions have been measured for a series of Na{sub 2}S + B{sub 2}S{sub 3} glasses for the first time. Unlike the alkali borates, T{sub g} decreases rapidly as Na{sub 2}S is added to B{sub 2}S{sub 3}. This effect, even in the presence of a rapidly increasing fraction of tetrahedrally coordinated borons, has been associated with the ``over crosslinking`` effect of the sulfide ion. Unlike the borate glasses where each added oxygen produces two tetrahedral borons, the conversion rate for the thioborates is between four and six. This behavior is suggested to result in themore » formation of local tightly-bonded molecular-like structures that exhibit less long-range network bonding than the alkali borite glasses. A a result, T{sub g} decreases with added alkali in alkali thioborates rather than increases as in the alkali borate glasses. The change in heat capacity at T{sub g}, {Delta}C{sub p}(T{sub g}) has been carefully measured and is found to also decrease dramatically as alkali sulfide is added to the glass. Again this effect is opposite to the trends observed for the alkali borate glasses. The decreasing {Delta}C{sub p}(T{sub g}) occurs even in the presence of a decreasing T{sub g}. The authors have tentatively associated the diminishing {Delta}C{sub p}(T{sub g}) values to the decreasing density of the configurational states above T{sub g}. This is attributed to the high coordination number and site specificity caused by the added alkali sulfide. The glassy state heat capacities were analyzed and found to reach {approximately}90% of the classical limiting DuLong-Petit value just below T{sub g} for all glasses. This was used to suggest that the diminishing {Delta}C{sub p}(T{sub g}) values are associated with a unique behavior in the system to become a liquid with very little change in the density of configurational states.« less

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

Attia, R.M.; Gamal, R.F.

The enzymatic properties of cellulase Cx (B-14-glucan 4-glucano hydrolase, 3.2.1.4) were studied. The enzyme was obtained from a local isolate of Aspergillus niger R-1237. The reaction followed first order kinetics. The apparent temperature optimum fell at about 60 degrees Centigrade. The enthalpy of activiation of the ES-complex was calculated as about 2600 cal/mole. The Arrhenius equation is valid, and the energy of activation of the forward reaction (E) was calculated to be 12600 cal/mole. The standard free energy change (delta G) and the standard entropy change (delta G) were found to be - 102.7 cal/mole and plus 39.3 cal/mole/degree atmore » 50 degrees Centigrade. The values of thermodynamic quantities at other temperatures ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees Centigrade were also studied. The effect of temperatures on the two parameters, i.e. Vmax and Km values were discussed.« less

Analysing the isotopic life history of the alpine ungulates Capra ibex and Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra through their horns.

PubMed

Barbosa, Inês C R; Kley, Maximiliane; Schäufele, Rudi; Auerswald, Karl; Schröder, Wolf; Filli, Flurin; Hertwig, Stefan; Schnyder, Hans

2009-08-01

The horn of ungulate grazers offers a valuable isotopic record of their diet and environment. However, there have been no reports of the spatio-temporal variation of the isotopic composition of horns. We investigated patterns of carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotopic composition along and perpendicular to the horn axis in Capra ibex and Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra to assess the effects of animal age, within-year (seasonal) and inter-annual variation, natural contamination and sampling position on horn isotope composition. Horns of male C. ibex (n = 23) and R. r. rupicapra (n = 1) were sampled longitudinally on the front (only R. r. rupicapra) and back side and on the surface and sub-surface. The sides of the R. r. rupicapra horn did not differ in delta(13)C. In both species, the horn surface had a 0.15 per thousand lower delta(13)C and a higher carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio than the sub-surface. Washing the horn with water and organic solvents removed material that caused these differences. With age, the delta(15)N of C. ibex horns increased (+0.1 per thousand year(-1)), C/N ratio increased, and (13)C discrimination relative to atmospheric CO(2) ((13)Delta) increased slightly (+0.03 per thousand year(-1)). Geostatistical analysis of one C. ibex horn revealed systematic patterns of inter-annual and seasonal (13)C changes, but (15)N changed only seasonally. The work demonstrates that isotopic signals in horns are influenced by natural contamination (delta(13)C), age effects ((13)Delta and delta(15)N), and seasonal (delta(13)C and delta(15)N) and inter-annual variation (delta(13)C). The methods presented allow us to distinguish between these effects and thus allow the use of horns as isotopic archives of the ecology of these species and their habitat. Copyright (c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Influence of ligand polarizability on the reversible binding of O2 by trans-[Rh(X)(XNC)(PPh3)2] (X = Cl, Br, SC6F5, C2Ph; XNC = xylyl isocyanide). Structures and a kinetic study.

PubMed

Carlton, Laurence; Mokoena, Lebohang V; Fernandes, Manuel A

2008-10-06

The complexes trans-[Rh(X)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] (X = Cl, 1; Br, 2; SC 6F 5, 3; C 2Ph, 4; XNC = xylyl isocyanide) combine reversibly with molecular oxygen to give [Rh(X)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] of which [Rh(SC 6F 5)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] ( 7) and [Rh(C 2Ph)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] ( 8) are sufficiently stable to be isolated in crystalline form. Complexes 2, 3, 4, and 7 have been structurally characterized. Kinetic data for the dissociation of O 2 from the dioxygen adducts of 1- 4 were obtained using (31)P NMR to monitor changes in the concentration of [Rh(X)(O 2)(XNC)(PPh 3) 2] (X = Cl, Br, SC 6F 5, C 2Ph) resulting from the bubbling of argon through the respective warmed solutions (solvent chlorobenzene). From data recorded at temperatures in the range 30-70 degrees C, activation parameters were obtained as follows: Delta H (++) (kJ mol (-1)): 31.7 +/- 1.6 (X = Cl), 52.1 +/- 4.3 (X = Br), 66.0 +/- 5.8 (X = SC 6F 5), 101.3 +/- 1.8 (X = C 2Ph); Delta S (++) (J K (-1) mol (-1)): -170.3 +/- 5.0 (X = Cl), -120 +/- 13.6 (X = Br), -89 +/- 18.2 (X = SC 6F 5), -6.4 +/- 5.4 (X = C 2Ph). The values of Delta H (++) and Delta S (++) are closely correlated (R (2) = 0.9997), consistent with a common dissociation pathway along which the rate-determining step occurs at a different position for each X. Relative magnitudes of Delta H (++) are interpreted in terms of differing polarizabilities of ligands X.

Space shuttle: Static stability and control investigation of the NR-GD/C delta wing booster (B-15B-1) and a Reusable Nuclear Stage (RNS) M = 0.6 - 4.96

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allen, E. C.

1971-01-01

Experimental aerodynamic investigations were made in the NASA/MSFC 14 x 14 inch trisonic wind tunnel on a NR-GD/C 0.0031 scale model delta wing booster (B-15B-1) and reusable nuclear stage (RNS). Three basic configurations were tested: (1) the B-15B-1 booster alone, (2) the RNS alone, and (3) the booster with the RNS mounted piggyback. Six component force and moment data were recorded for each of these configurations over an angle of attack range from -16 deg to 4 deg at zero degrees sideslip, and over an angle of sideslip range from -10 deg to 10 deg at zero and -6 degrees angle of attack. The configurations were tested over a Mach number range of 0.6 to 5.0 with a nominal Reynolds number of 6.5 million per foot except for Mach 1.2 and 3.0 where the Reynolds number were 12.4 million and 4.4 million per foot respectively.

Differential expression and activation of a family of murine peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

PubMed Central

Kliewer, S A; Forman, B M; Blumberg, B; Ong, E S; Borgmeyer, U; Mangelsdorf, D J; Umesono, K; Evans, R M

1994-01-01

To gain insight into the function of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isoforms in mammals, we have cloned and characterized two PPAR alpha-related cDNAs (designated PPAR gamma and -delta, respectively) from mouse. The three PPAR isoforms display widely divergent patterns of expression during embryogenesis and in the adult. Surprisingly, PPAR gamma and -delta are not activated by pirinixic acid (Wy 14,643), a potent peroxisome proliferator and activator of PPAR alpha. However, PPAR gamma and -delta are activated by the structurally distinct peroxisome proliferator LY-171883 and linoleic acid, respectively, indicating that each of the isoforms can act as a regulated activator of transcription. These data suggest that tissue-specific responsiveness to peroxisome proliferators, including certain fatty acids, is in part a consequence of differential expression of multiple, pharmacologically distinct PPAR isoforms. Images PMID:8041794

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in air and soil of subtropical terrestrial environment in the pearl river delta, South China: distribution, composition, atmospheric deposition fluxes, and environmental fate.

PubMed

Wang, Yan; Li, Jun; Cheng, Zhineng; Li, Qilu; Pan, Xiaohui; Zhang, Ruijie; Liu, Di; Luo, Chunling; Liu, Xiang; Katsoyiannis, Athanasios; Zhang, Gan

2013-03-19

Research on the environmental fate of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) in highly industrialized subtropical areas is still scarce. Air, soil, and atmospheric deposition process in the Pearl River Delta of South China were investigated, and the average SCCP and MCCP concentrations were 5.2 μg/sampler (17.69 ng/m(3)) and 4.1 μg/sampler for passive air samples, 18.3 and 59.3 ng/g for soil samples, and 5.0 and 5.3 μg/(m(2)d) for deposition samples, respectively. Influenced by primary sources and the properties of chlorinated paraffins (CPs), a gradient trend of concentrations and a fractionation of composition from more to less industrialized areas were discovered. Intense seasonal variations with high levels in summer air and winter deposition samples indicated that the air and deposition CP levels were controlled mainly by the vapor and particle phase, respectively. Complex environmental processes like volatilization and fractionation resulted in different CP profiles in different environment matrixes and sampling locations, with C(10-11) C(l6-7) and C(14) C(l6-7), C(10-12) C(l6-7) and C(14) C(l6-8), and C(11-12) C(l6-8) and C(14) C(l7-8) dominating in air, soil, and atmospheric deposition, respectively. Shorter-chain and less chlorinated congeners were enriched in air in the less industrialized areas, while longer-chain and higher chlorinated congeners were concentrated in soil in the more industrialized areas. This is suggesting that the gaseous transport of CPs is the dominant mechanism responsible for the higher concentrations of lighter and likely more mobile CPs in the rural areas.

Cerebral correlates of delta waves during non-REM sleep revisited.

PubMed

Dang-Vu, Thien Thanh; Desseilles, Martin; Laureys, Steven; Degueldre, Christian; Perrin, Fabien; Phillips, Christophe; Maquet, Pierre; Peigneux, Philippe

2005-10-15

We aimed at characterizing the neural correlates of delta activity during Non Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep in non-sleep-deprived normal young adults, based on the statistical analysis of a positron emission tomography (PET) sleep data set. One hundred fifteen PET scans were obtained using H(2)(15)O under continuous polygraphic monitoring during stages 2-4 of NREM sleep. Correlations between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and delta power (1.5-4 Hz) spectral density were analyzed using statistical parametric mapping (SPM2). Delta power values obtained at central scalp locations negatively correlated during NREM sleep with rCBF in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, the basal forebrain, the striatum, the anterior insula, and the precuneus. These regions embrace the set of brain areas in which rCBF decreases during slow wave sleep (SWS) as compared to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and wakefulness (Maquet, P., Degueldre, C., Delfiore, G., Aerts, J., Peters, J.M., Luxen, A., Franck, G., 1997. Functional neuroanatomy of human slow wave sleep. J. Neurosci. 17, 2807-S2812), supporting the notion that delta activity is a valuable prominent feature of NREM sleep. A strong association was observed between rCBF in the ventromedial prefrontal regions and delta power, in agreement with electrophysiological studies. In contrast to the results of a previous PET study investigating the brain correlates of delta activity (Hofle, N., Paus, T., Reutens, D., Fiset, P., Gotman, J., Evans, A.C., Jones, B.E., 1997. Regional cerebral blood flow changes as a function of delta and spindle activity during slow wave sleep in humans. J. Neurosci. 17, 4800-4808), in which waking scans were mixed with NREM sleep scans, no correlation was found with thalamus activity. This latter result stresses the importance of an extra-thalamic delta rhythm among the synchronous NREM sleep oscillations. Consequently, this rCBF distribution might preferentially reflect a particular modulation of the cellular processes involved in the generation of cortical delta waves during NREM sleep.

Tracing the pathways of neotropical migratory shorebirds using stable isotopes: a pilot study.

PubMed

Farmer, A; Rye, R; Landis, G; Bern, C; Kester, C; Ridley, I

2003-09-01

We evaluated the potential use of stable isotopes to establish linkages between the wintering grounds and the breeding grounds of the Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos), the White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis), the Baird's Sandpiper (Calidris bairdii), and other Neotropical migratory shorebird species (e.g., Tringa spp.). These species molt their flight feathers on the wintering grounds and hence their flight feathers carry chemical signatures that are characteristic of their winter habitat. The objective of our pilot study was to assess the feasibility of identifying the winter origin of individual birds by: (1) collecting shorebird flight feathers from several widely separated Argentine sites and analyzing these for a suite of stable isotopes; and 2) analyzing the deuterium and 18O isotope data that were available from precipitation measurement stations in Argentina. Isotopic ratios (delta13C, delta15N and delta34S) of flight feathers were significantly different among three widely separated sites in Argentina during January 2001. In terms of relative importance in separating the sites, delta34S was most important, followed by delta15N, and then delta13C. In the complete discriminant analysis, the classification function correctly predicted group membership in 85% of the cases (jackknifed classification matrix). In a stepwise analysis delta13C was dropped from the solution, and site membership was correctly predicted in 92% of cases (jackknifed matrix). Analysis of precipitation data showed that both deltaD and delta18O were significantly related to both latitude and longitude on a countrywide scale (p < 0.001). Other variables, month, altitude, explained little additional variation in these isotope ratios. Several issues were identified that will likely constrain the degree of accuracy one can expect in predicting the geographic origin of birds from Argentina. There was unexplained variation in isotope ratios within and among the different wing feathers from individual birds. Such variation may indicate that birds are not faithful to a local site during their winter stay in Argentina. There was significant interannual variation in the deltaD and delta18O of precipitation. Hence, specific locations may not have a constant signature for some isotopes. Moreover, the fractionation that occurs in wetlands due to evaporation significantly skews local deltaD and delta18O values, which may undermine the strong large-scale gradients seen in the precipitation data. We are continuing the research with universities in Argentina with a focus on expanding the breadth of feather collection and attempting to resolve the identified issues.

Integrated magnetostratigraphy and lithostratigraphy of five cores in Yangtze delta, China : significance of sedimentary evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Jie; Yang, XiaoQiang; Qiang, XiaoKe; Liu, YeBo; Zhou, QiXian

2017-04-01

The sedimentary history and characteristics of the Yangtze delta help us understand the tectonic evolution and geological formation process in the Eastern coastal area of China since the Cenozoic Era. Previous chronology of sediments in this area are not detailed or precise. Furthermore, when the delta area reached the maximum is still debatable. Palaeomagnetic polarity reversal and excursions, AMS14C dating, optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating, and the hard clay marker layer analysis were integrated to establish the chronostratigraphic framework of five drilling cores from the south Yangtze delta. Results from the bottom part of core CSB6 suggested Gauss normal polarity chron, an age of more than about 2600 ka. The other four cores showed initial deposition time between 200-60 ka B.P., significantly later than CSB6. We infer the reason is that CSB6 locating in the Changxin-Fenghua Fracture. Combined with data from referenced magnetostratigraphic cores in the Yangtze River Delta, we suggest that tectonic movement resulted in a much longer depositional age in some parts of the Yangtze River Delta and influenced the sedimentary characteristics of thick (North) to thin (South) and thick (East) to thin (West). In conclusion, a relatively wide range of deposition in the Yangtze River Delta occurred since about 200 ka B.P. The deposition of fine particles (clay-silt), which was controlled by slow tectonic subsidence and sea-level changes, expanded to the whole delta region after about 60 ka B.P. We propose that this time scale maybe used for further study on the evolution of the Yangtze delta's paleoclimate and paleoenvironment. References [1]Peng J,Yang X Q,Qiang X K,et al.Magnetostratigraphy characteristics of several cores around the Qiantang River mouth and its significance.Chinese J.Geophys.(in Chinese),2016,59(8):2949-2964. [2]Li C X, Chen Q Q, Zhang J Q,et al. Stratigraphy and paleoenvironmental changes in the Yangtze Delta during the Late Quaternary[J].Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2000, 18(2000):453-469. [3]Brad S.Singer. A Quaternary geomagnetic instability time scale[J]. Quaternary Geochronology, 2014,21:29-54.

Compound-specific nitrogen and carbon isotope analysis of nitroaromatic compounds in aqueous samples using solid-phase microextraction coupled to GC/IRMS.

PubMed

Berg, Michael; Bolotin, Jakov; Hofstetter, Thomas B

2007-03-15

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry was used to determine the delta15N and delta13C signatures of selected nitroaromatic contaminants such as the explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) for derivation of isotopic enrichment factors of contaminant transformation. Parameters for efficient extraction of nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) and substituted anilines from water samples were evaluated by SPME-GC/MS. delta13C signatures determined by SPME-GC/IRMS and elemental analyzer IRMS (EA-IRMS) were in good agreement, generally within +/-0.7 per thousand, except for 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) and TNT, which showed slight deviations (<1.3 per thousand). Limits of detection (LODs) for delta13C analysis by SPME-GC/IRMS were between 73 and 780 microg L-1 and correlated with the extraction efficiencies of the compounds determined by SPME-GC/MS. Nitrogen isotope measurements by SPME-GC/IRMS were of similar precision (standard deviations <0.8 per thousand) for all NACs except for TNT. delta15N signatures matched the reference values obtained by EA-IRMS within +/-1.3 per thousand (+2.5 per thousand for TNT), but no systematic trend was found for the deviations. LODs of delta15N measurements ranged from 1.6 to 9.6 mg L-1 for nitrotoluenes, chlorinated NACs and DNTs (22 mg L-1 for TNT). The SPME-GC/IRMS method is well suited for the determination of isotopic enrichment factors of various NAC transformation processes and provides so far unexplored possibilities to elucidate behavior and degradation mechanisms of nitroaromatic contaminants in soils and groundwaters.

Paleodiet characterisation of an Etrurian population of Pontecagnano (Italy) by Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)(#).

PubMed

Scarabino, Carla; Lubritto, Carmine; Proto, Antonio; Rubino, Mauro; Fiengo, Gilda; Marzaioli, Fabio; Passariello, Isabella; Busiello, Gaetano; Fortunato, Antonietta; Alfano, Davide; Sabbarese, Carlo; Rogalla, Detlef; De Cesare, Nicola; d'Onofrio, Antonio; Terrasi, Filippo

2006-06-01

Human bones recovered from the archaeological site of Pontecagnano (Salerno, Italy) have been studied to reconstruct the diet of an Etrurian population. Two different areas were investigated, named Library and Sant' Antonio, with a total of 44 tombs containing human skeletal remains, ranging in age from the 8th to the 3rd century B.C. This time span was confirmed by 14C dating obtained using Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) on one bone sample from each site. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) was used to extract information about the concentration of Sr, Zn, Ca elements in the bone inorganic fraction, whilst stable isotope ratio measurements (IRMS) were carried out on bone collagen to obtain the delta13C and delta15N. A reliable technique has been used to extract and separate the inorganic and organic fractions of the bone remains. Both IRMS and AAS results suggest a mixed diet including C3 plant food and herbivore animals, consistent with archaeological indications.

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

The SLD Collaboration

Average charged multiplicities have been measured separately for {ital b, c} and light quark ({ital u, d, s}) events from Z{sup 0} decays at SLD. Impact parameters of charged tracks were used to select enriched samples of {ital b} and light quark events. We measured the charged multiplicities: {bar {ital n}}{sub {ital uds}} = 19.80 {+-} 0.09 ({ital stat}) {+-} 0.57 ({ital syst}), {bar {ital n}}{sub {ital c}} = 21.17 {+-} 0.44 ({ital stat}) {+-} 1.01 ({ital syst}) and {bar {ital n}}{sub {ital b}}{+-}23.14 {+-} 0.09 ({ital stat}) {+-} 1.03 ({ital syst}) (PRELIMINARY), from which we derived the differences betweenmore » the total average charged multiplicities of {ital c} or {ital b} quark events and light quark events: {delta}{bar {ital n}}{sub {ital c}} = 1.37 {+-} 0.45 ({ital stat}) {+-} 0.86 ({ital syst}) and {delta}{bar {ital n}}{sub {ital b}} = 3.34 {+-} 0. 13 ({ital stat}) {+-} 0.77 ({ital syst}) (PRELIMINARY). We compared these measurements with those at lower center-of-mass energies and with QCD predictions.« less

Crystal structure of full-length Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv glycogen branching enzyme: insights of N-terminal beta-sandwich in substrate specificity and enzymatic activity.

PubMed

Pal, Kuntal; Kumar, Shiva; Sharma, Shikha; Garg, Saurabh Kumar; Alam, Mohammad Suhail; Xu, H Eric; Agrawal, Pushpa; Swaminathan, Kunchithapadam

2010-07-02

The open reading frame Rv1326c of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv encodes for an alpha-1,4-glucan branching enzyme (MtbGlgB, EC 2.4.1.18, Uniprot entry Q10625). This enzyme belongs to glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 13 and catalyzes the branching of a linear glucose chain during glycogenesis by cleaving a 1-->4 bond and making a new 1-->6 bond. Here, we show the crystal structure of full-length MtbGlgB (MtbGlgBWT) at 2.33-A resolution. MtbGlgBWT contains four domains: N1 beta-sandwich, N2 beta-sandwich, a central (beta/alpha)(8) domain that houses the catalytic site, and a C-terminal beta-sandwich. We have assayed the amylase activity with amylose and starch as substrates and the glycogen branching activity using amylose as a substrate for MtbGlgBWT and the N1 domain-deleted (the first 108 residues deleted) MtbDelta108GlgB protein. The N1 beta-sandwich, which is formed by the first 105 amino acids and superimposes well with the N2 beta-sandwich, is shown to have an influence in substrate binding in the amylase assay. Also, we have checked and shown that several GH13 family inhibitors are ineffective against MtbGlgBWT and MtbDelta108GlgB. We propose a two-step reaction mechanism, for the amylase activity (1-->4 bond breakage) and isomerization (1-->6 bond formation), which occurs in the same catalytic pocket. The structural and functional properties of MtbGlgB and MtbDelta108GlgB are compared with those of the N-terminal 112-amino acid-deleted Escherichia coli GlgB (ECDelta112GlgB).

Derivatives of 1,5-diamino-1H-tetrazole: a new family of energetic heterocyclic-based salts.

PubMed

Gálvez-Ruiz, Juan Carlos; Holl, Gerhard; Karaghiosoff, Konstantin; Klapötke, Thomas M; Löhnwitz, Karolin; Mayer, Peter; Nöth, Heinrich; Polborn, Kurt; Rohbogner, Christoph J; Suter, Max; Weigand, Jan J

2005-06-13

1,5-Diamino-1H-tetrazole (2, DAT) can easily be protonated by reaction with strong mineral acids, yielding the poorly investigated 1,5-diaminotetrazolium nitrate (2a) and perchlorate (2b). A new synthesis for 2 is introduced that avoids lead azide as a hazardous byproduct. The reaction of 1,5-diamino-1H-tetrazole with iodomethane (7a) followed by the metathesis of the iodide (7a) with silver nitrate (7b), silver dinitramide (7c), or silver azide (7d) leads to a new family of heterocyclic-based salts. In all cases, stable salts were obtained and fully characterized by vibrational (IR, Raman) spectroscopy, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, X-ray structure determination, and initial safety testing (impact and friction sensitivity). Most of the salts exhibit good thermal stabilities, and both the perchlorate (2b) and the dinitramide (7c) have melting points well below 100 degrees C, yet high decomposition onsets, defining them as new (7c), highly energetic ionic liquids. Preliminary sensitivity testing of the crystalline compounds indicates rather low impact sensitivities for all compounds, the highest being that of the perchlorate (2b) and the dinitramide (7c) with a value of 7 J. In contrast, the friction sensitivities of the perchlorate (2b, 60 N) and the dinitramide (7c, 24 N) are relatively high. The enthalpies of combustion (Delta(c)H degrees ) of 7b-d were determined experimentally using oxygen bomb calorimetry: Delta(c)H degrees (7b) = -2456 cal g(-)(1), Delta(c)H degrees (7c) = -2135 cal g(-)(1), and Delta(c)H degrees (7d) = -3594 cal g(-)(1). The standard enthalpies of formation (Delta(f)H degrees ) of 7b-d were obtained on the basis of quantum chemical computations using the G2 (G3) method: Delta(f)H degrees (7b) = 41.7 (41.2) kcal mol(-)(1), Delta(f)H degrees (7c) = 92.1 (91.1) kcal mol(-)(1), and Delta(f)H degrees (7d) = 161.6 (161.5) kcal mol(-)(1). The detonation velocities (D) and detonation pressures (P) of 2b and 7b-d were calculated using the empirical equations of Kamlet and Jacobs: D(2b) = 8383 m s(-)(1), P(2b) = 32.2 GPa; D(7b) = 7682 m s(-)(1), P(7b) = 23.4 GPa; D(7c) = 8827 m s(-)(1), P(7c) = 33.6 GPa; and D(7d) = 7405 m s(-)(1), P(7d) = 20.8 GPa. For all compounds, a structure determination by single-crystal X-ray diffraction was performed. 2a and 2b crystallize in the monoclinic space groups C2/c and P2(1)/n, respectively. The salts of 7 crystallize in the orthorhombic space groups Pna2(1) (7a, 7d) and Fdd2 (7b). The hydrogen-bonded ring motifs are discussed in the formalism of graph-set analysis of hydrogen-bond patterns and compared in the case of 2a, 2b, and 7b.

Assessment and potential sources of metals in the surface sediments of the Yellow River Delta, Eastern China.

PubMed

Cheng, Qingli; Lou, Guangyan; Huang, Wenhai; Li, Xudong

2017-07-01

The Yellow River Delta is the most intact estuary wetland in China and suffers from great pressure of metals. Seventy-seven surface sediment samples were collected in the delta, and contents of Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Ni, and Mn were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry and those of Hg and As by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that means of metal contents (ppm, dry weight) were as follows: Hg, 0.04; Cr, 61.72; Cu, 20.97; Zn, 60.73; As, 9.47; Pb, 21.91; Cd, 0.12; Ni, 27.24; and Mn, 540.48. 43.8% of Hg and 14.3% of Cd were from the allogenic source while others from the authigenic source. The results of the geoaccumulation indexes appeared that 6.5% of sites from the estuarine and the Gudao areas were moderately polluted by Hg. All ecological risk index values of Hg and 37.7% of Cd were more than 40, which were the main factors of strongly and moderately potential ecological risks of 37.7% of sites in the delta. High Cd contents may be due to the alkaline conditions of the delta and the unreasonable management of the farmland, while the abnormal distribution of Hg to the wet or dry deposition and the erosion of the seawater. It was suggested to monitor Hg content in the atmosphere of the Yellow River Delta. The results were expected to update the pollution status of metals in the delta and created awareness of preserving the sound condition of the Yellow River Delta.

Properties of colour reference solutions of the European Pharmacopoea in CIE L*a*b* colour space.

PubMed

Subert, J; Farsa, O; Gajdosová, Z

2006-12-01

The coordinates of CIE L*a*b* uniform colour space have been acquired from the transmitance spectra of colour reference solutions of European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.). Calculation of colour differences of these solutions from purified water deltaE* gave their values in the range between 0.7 (B9 solution) to 36 (Y1 solution) CIE units. Excluding red colour reference soulutions, deltaE* values did not depend on concentrations of colour compounds linearly. Small deltaE* values founded by the brown and brownish-yellow colour reference solutions of the lowest concentrations can possibly cause some problems of visual examination of the degree of coloration of liquids according to Ph.Eur.

2H NMR and 13C-IRMS analyses of acetic acid from vinegar, 18O-IRMS analysis of water in vinegar: international collaborative study report.

PubMed

Thomas, Freddy; Jamin, Eric

2009-09-01

An international collaborative study of isotopic methods applied to control the authenticity of vinegar was organized in order to support the recognition of these procedures as official methods. The determination of the 2H/1H ratio of the methyl site of acetic acid by SNIF-NMR (site-specific natural isotopic fractionation-nuclear magnetic resonance) and the determination of the 13C/12C ratio, by IRMS (isotope ratio mass spectrometry) provide complementary information to characterize the botanical origin of acetic acid and to detect adulterations of vinegar using synthetic acetic acid. Both methods use the same initial steps to recover pure acetic acid from vinegar. In the case of wine vinegar, the determination of the 18O/16O ratio of water by IRMS allows to differentiate wine vinegar from vinegars made from dried grapes. The same set of vinegar samples was used to validate these three determinations. The precision parameters of the method for measuring delta13C (carbon isotopic deviation) were found to be similar to the values previously obtained for similar methods applied to wine ethanol or sugars extracted from fruit juices: the average repeatability (r) was 0.45 per thousand, and the average reproducibility (R) was 0.91 per thousand. As expected from previous in-house study of the uncertainties, the precision parameters of the method for measuring the 2H/1H ratio of the methyl site were found to be slightly higher than the values previously obtained for similar methods applied to wine ethanol or fermentation ethanol in fruit juices: the average repeatability was 1.34 ppm, and the average reproducibility was 1.62 ppm. This precision is still significantly smaller than the differences between various acetic acid sources (delta13C and delta18O) and allows a satisfactory discrimination of vinegar types. The precision parameters of the method for measuring delta18O were found to be similar to the values previously obtained for other methods applied to wine and fruit juices: the average repeatability was 0.15 per thousand, and the average reproducibility was 0.59 per thousand. The above values are proposed as repeatability and reproducibility limits in the current state of the art. On the basis of this satisfactory inter-laboratory precision and on the accuracy demonstrated by a spiking experiment, the authors recommend the adoption of the three isotopic determinations included in this study as official methods for controlling the authenticity of vinegar.

Quantifying nonhomogeneous colors in agricultural materials. Part II: comparison of machine vision and sensory panel evaluations.

PubMed

Balaban, M O; Aparicio, J; Zotarelli, M; Sims, C

2008-11-01

The average colors of mangos and apples were measured using machine vision. A method to quantify the perception of nonhomogeneous colors by sensory panelists was developed. Three colors out of several reference colors and their perceived percentage of the total sample area were selected by untrained panelists. Differences between the average colors perceived by panelists and those from the machine vision were reported as DeltaE values (color difference error). Effects of nonhomogeneity of color, and using real samples or their images in the sensory panels on DeltaE were evaluated. In general, samples with more nonuniform colors had higher DeltaE values, suggesting that panelists had more difficulty in evaluating more nonhomogeneous colors. There was no significant difference in DeltaE values between the real fruits and their screen image, therefore images can be used to evaluate color instead of the real samples.

Clay aquitards as archives of holocene paleoclimate: delta18O and thermal profiling.

PubMed

Hendry, M Jim; Woodbury, A D

2007-01-01

Paleoclimatic conditions in the Holocene were reconstructed from a detailed vertical profile of pore water delta(18)O and a series of downhole thermal profiles at a thick, hydrogeologically simple, aquitard research site in the Northern Great Plains of Saskatchewan. Reconstructions were obtained using the theory of one-dimensional diffusive transport and an empirical Bayesian inversion technique. Inversion of the delta(18)O profile shows that input signal consists of a sudden increase of +6 per thousand (corresponding to a temperature increase of about 18 degrees C) at about 12,000 years before present (BP), after which no measurable change in delta(18)O is apparent to present day. This research shows, at this location, that there is no evidence of large amplitude temperature shifts in the Holocene and supports the commonly used assumption in ground water studies of constant atmospheric delta(18)O values throughout the Holocene. Inversion of the temperature profiles suggests the ground surface temperature increased primarily in the last half of the 20th century, with a peak temperature (about 3 degrees C) circa 1990. For both profiles, the ability to resolve historical variability decays rapidly with time. For the temperature profiles, the decay in resolution precluded the development of reliable estimates of climatic conditions prior to about 1950 and, in the case of the delta(18)O profile, it prevented the precise definition of climate changes (e.g., Hypsithermal and Little Ice Age) in the Holocene.

Betaine synthesis from radioactive precursors in attached, water-stressed barley leaves

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

Hanson, A.D.; Scott, N.A.

1980-08-01

In wilted barley leaves, betaine accumulates at about 200 nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day. Results with /sup 14/C-labeled precursors were qualitatively and quantitatively consistent with de novo synthesis of this betaine from serine via ethanolamine, choline, and betaine aldehyde and indicated that water stress may increase the activities of all steps in this pathway except the last. Doses (I micromole) of each /sup 14/C-labeled precursor were supplied as droplets to the tips of attached, 10-centimeter, second-leaf blades of turgid and wilted plants, and the incorporation of /sup 14/C into betaine was followed. From the rates of betaine labeling,more » estimates were made of the potential capacities (nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day) for the methylation and oxidation steps. Labeling of betaine from absolute value /sup 14/C choline, absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine, and absolute value /sup 14/C serine was about 7- to 10-fold greater in leaves wilted for 2 days than in turgid leaves, whereas label from absolute value /sup 14/C betaine aldehyde appeared in betaine at about the same rate in both turgid and wilted leaves. In leaves wilted for 2 days, the potential capacities for converting absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine, absolute value /sup 14/C choline, and absolute value /sup 14/C betaine aldehyde to betaine all approached or exceeded the rate of betain accumulation (about 200 nanomoles per 10 centimeters leaf per day); in turgid leaves, only the potential for converting betaine aldehyde to betaine exceeded this rate. The rate of conversion of absolute value /sup 14/C ethanolamine to betaine increased 4-fold after 6 to 10 hours of wilting, which was soon enough to account for the onset of betaine accumulation.« less

Predictive isotopic biogeochemistry: hydrocarbons from anoxic marine basins

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, K. H.; Wakeham, S. G.; Hayes, J. M.

1994-01-01

Carbon isotopic compositions were determined for individual hydrocarbons in water column and sediment samples from the Cariaco Trench and Black Sea. In order to identify hydrocarbons derived from phytoplankton, the isotopic compositions expected for biomass of autotrophic organisms living in surface waters of both localities were calculated based on the concentrations of CO2(aq) and the isotopic compositions of dissolved inorganic carbon. These calculated values are compared to measured delta values for particulate organic carbon and for individual hydrocarbon compounds. Specifically, we find that lycopane is probably derived from phytoplankton and that diploptene is derived from the lipids of chemoautotrophs living above the oxic/anoxic boundary. Three acyclic isoprenoids that have been considered markers for methanogens, pentamethyleicosane and two hydrogenated squalenes, have different delta values and apparently do not derive from a common source. Based on the concentration profiles and isotopic compositions, the C31 and C33 n-alkanes and n-alkenes have a similar source, and both may have a planktonic origin. If so, previously assigned terrestrial origins of organic matter in some Black Sea sediments may be erroneous.

Heavy and light beer: a carbon isotope approach to detect C(4) carbon in beers of different origins, styles, and prices.

PubMed

Brooks, J Renée; Buchmann, Nina; Phillips, Sue; Ehleringer, Bruce; Evans, R David; Lott, Mike; Martinelli, Luiz A; Pockman, William T; Sandquist, Darren; Sparks, Jed P; Sperry, Lynda; Williams, Dave; Ehleringer, James R

2002-10-23

The carbon isotope ratios (delta(13)C) of 160 beers from around the world ranged from -27.3 to -14.9 per thousand, primarily due to variation in the percentage of C(3) or C(4) plant carbon in the final product. Thirty-one percent of beers had a carbon signature of C(3) plants (barley, rice, etc.), whereas the remaining 69% contained some C(3)-C(4) mixture (mean of mixtures, 39 +/- 11% C(4) carbon). Use of C(4) carbon (corn, cane sugar, etc.) was not confined to beers from any particular region (Pacific Rim, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Canada, and the United States). However, the delta(13)C of European beers indicated mostly C(3) plant carbon. In contrast, U.S. and Canadian beers contained either only C(3) or C(3)-C(4) mixtures; Brazilian, Mexican, and Pacific Rim beers were mostly C(3)-C(4) mixtures. Among different lagers, U.S.-style lagers generally contained more C(4) carbon than did imported pilsners. Among different ales, those brewed by large high-production breweries contained significant proportions of C(4) carbon, while C(4) carbon was not detected in microbrewery or home-brew ales. Furthermore, inexpensive beers generally contained more C(4) carbon than expensive beers.

Spatial distribution and partition of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in rivers of the Pearl River Delta, southern China.

PubMed

Liu, Baolin; Zhang, Hong; Xie, Liuwei; Li, Juying; Wang, Xinxuan; Zhao, Liang; Wang, Yanping; Yang, Bo

2015-08-15

This study investigated the occurrence of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in surface water from 67 sampling sites along rivers of the Pearl River Delta in southern China. Sixteen PFAAs, including perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs, C5-14, C16 and C18) and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs, C4, C6, C8 and C10) were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-negative electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS/MS). Total PFAA concentrations (∑ PFAAs) in the surface water ranged from 1.53 to 33.5 ng·L(-1) with an average of 7.58 ng·L(-1). Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were the three most abundant PFAAs and on average accounted for 28%, 16% and 10% of ∑ PFAAs, respectively. Higher concentrations of ∑ PFAAs were found in the samples collected from Jiangmen section of Xijiang River, Dongguan section of Dongjiang River and the Pearl River flowing the cities which had very well-developed manufacturing industries. PCA model was employed to quantitatively calculate the contributions of extracted sources. Factor 1 (72.48% of the total variance) had high loading for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA), PFBS and PFOS. For factor 2 (10.93% of the total variance), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) got high loading. The sorption of PFCAs on suspended particulate matter (SPM) increased by approximately 0.1 log units for each additional CF2 moiety and that on sediment was approximately 0.8 log units lower than the SPM logKd values. In addition, the differences in the partition coefficients were influenced by the structure discrepancy of absorbents and influx of fresh river water. These data are essential for modeling the transport and environmental fate of PFAAs. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Heavy Isotope Composition of Oxygen in Zircon from Soil Sample 14163: Lunar Perspective of an Early Ocean on the Earth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nemchin, A. A.; Whitehouse, M. J.; Pidgeon, R. T.; Meyer, C.

2006-01-01

Thirty oxygen analyses of a large (sub-millimetre) zircon grain from the lunar soil sample 14163 have been determined using CAMECA 1270 ion microprobe. The sample 14163 was returned form the Fra Mauro region by Apollo 14 mission. Zircon grain of 0.6-0.8 mm in size extracted from the sample was imaged using CL detector fitted to the Philips Electron Microscope in order to reveal internal structure. Oxygen isotopes have been analysed during two sessions. The first set of data was collected using the original mount where the grain was set in the resin attached to the glass slide. This resulted in the two complications: (i) standard zircon has to be analysed from the separate mount and (ii) the lunar zircon grain was rased in the holder compared to the standard. In order to investigate, if the elevated oxygen compositions observed during this session could have resulted from this difference in geometric configuration during the standard and sample analyses, the lunar zircon was extracted from the original mount, remounted with the standard chip in the new resin disk and reanalysed during the second session. All analyses made during the first session show delta O-18 values heavier than 6.0%. The second set of data has a wider spread of delta O-18 values with some values as low as 5.6%. Nevertheless, a half of observed delta O-18 values in this set is also higher than 6.0%. Slightly lighter oxygen compositions observed during the second session indicate possible dependence of measured delta O-18 values on the geometry of analysed samples. Presence of zircons with similar heavy oxygen isotope compositions on the Moon, which neither had liquid water or felic crust similar to that on the Earth nor ever developed regime similar to plate tectonics, suggests that other mechanisms can be responsible for elevated delta O-18 values in zircons. This implies that there is no support for the presence of an ocean on the surface of the early Earth and as the ocean appears to be an essential ingredient for the plate tectonics, there is no basis for belief that this mechanism was operating in the early history of the planet.

The implications of the COBE diffuse microwave radiation results for cosmic strings

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bennett, David P.; Stebbins, Albert; Bouchet, Francois R.

1992-01-01

We compare the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background radiation measured by the COBE experiment to those predicted by cosmic string theories. We use an analytic model for the Delta T/T power spectrum that is based on our previous numerical simulations of strings, under the assumption that cosmic strings are the sole source of the measured anisotropy. This implies a value for the string mass per unit length of 1.5 +/- 0.5 x 10 exp -6 C-squared/G. This is within the range of values required for cosmic strings to successfully seed the formation of large-scale structures in the universe. These results clearly encourage further studies of Delta T/T and large-scale structure in the cosmic string model.

Magnetic penetration depth of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) thin films determined by the power transmission method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heinen, Vernon O.; Miranda, Felix A.; Bhasin, Kul B.

1992-01-01

A power transmission measurement technique was used to determine the magnetic penetration depth (lambda) of YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) superconducting thin films on LaAlO3 within the 26.5 to 40.0 GHz frequency range, and at temperatures from 20 to 300 K. Values of lambda ranging from 1100 to 2500 A were obtained at low temperatures. The anisotropy of lambda was determined from measurements of c-axis and a-axis oriented films. An estimate of the intrinsic value of lambda of 90 +/- 30 nm was obtained from the dependence of lambda on film thickness. The advantage of this technique is that it allows lambda to be determined nondestructively.

The natural abundance of 13C with different agricultural management by NIRS with fibre optic probe technology.

PubMed

Fuentes, Mariela; González-Martín, Inmaculada; Hernández-Hierro, Jose Miguel; Hidalgo, Claudia; Govaerts, Bram; Etchevers, Jorge; Sayre, Ken D; Dendooven, Luc

2009-06-30

In the present study the natural abundance of (13)C is quantified in agricultural soils in Mexico which have been submitted to different agronomic practices, zero and conventional tillage, retention of crop residues (with and without) and rotation of crops (wheat and maize) for 17 years, which have influenced the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of the soil. The natural abundance of C13 is quantified by near infrared spectra (NIRS) with a remote reflectance fibre optic probe, applying the probe directly to the soil samples. Discriminate partial least squares analysis of the near infrared spectra allowed to classify soils with and without residues, regardless of the type of tillage or rotation systems used with a prediction rate of 90% in the internal validation and 94% in the external validation. The NIRS calibration model using a modified partial least squares regression allowed to determine the delta(13)C in soils with or without residues, with multiple correlation coefficients 0.81 and standard error prediction 0.5 per thousand in soils with residues and 0.92 and 0.2 per thousand in soils without residues. The ratio performance deviation for the quantification of delta(13)C in soil was 2.5 in soil with residues and 3.8 without residues. This indicated that the model was adequate to determine the delta(13)C of unknown soils in the -16.2 per thousand to -20.4 per thousand range. The development of the NIR calibration permits analytic determinations of the values of delta(13)C in unknown agricultural soils in less time, employing a non-destructive method, by the application of the fibre optic probe of remote reflectance to the soil sample.

C/EBPβ regulates delta-secretase expression and mediates pathogenesis in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Wang, Zhi-Hao; Gong, Ke; Liu, Xia; Zhang, Zhentao; Sun, Xiaoou; Wei, Zheng Zachory; Yu, Shan Ping; Manfredsson, Fredric P; Sandoval, Ivette M; Johnson, Peter F; Jia, Jianping; Wang, Jian-Zhi; Ye, Keqiang

2018-05-03

Delta-secretase cleaves both APP and Tau to mediate the formation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangle in Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, how aging contributes to an increase in delta-secretase expression and AD pathologies remains unclear. Here we show that a CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein (C/EBPβ), an inflammation-regulated transcription factor, acts as a key age-dependent effector elevating both delta-secretase (AEP) and inflammatory cytokines expression in mediating pathogenesis in AD mouse models. We find that C/EBPβ regulates delta-secretase transcription and protein levels in an age-dependent manner. Overexpression of C/EBPβ in young 3xTg mice increases delta-secretase and accelerates the pathological features including cognitive dysfunctions, which is abolished by inactive AEP C189S. Conversely, depletion of C/EBPβ from old 3xTg or 5XFAD mice diminishes delta-secretase and reduces AD pathologies, leading to amelioration of cognitive impairment in these AD mouse models. Thus, our findings support that C/EBPβ plays a pivotal role in AD pathogenesis via increasing delta-secretase expression.

Radiocarbon in Ecosystem Respiration and Soil Pore-Space CO2 with Surface Gas Flux, Air Temperature, and Soil Temperature and Moisture, Barrow, Alaska, 2012-2014

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

Lydia Vaughn; Margaret Torn; Rachel Porras

Dataset includes Delta14C measurements made from CO2 that was collected and purified in 2012-2014 from surface soil chambers, soil pore space, and background atmosphere. In addition to 14CO2 data, dataset includes co-located measurements of CO2 and CH4 flux, soil and air temperature, and soil moisture. Measurements and field samples were taken from intensive study site 1 areas A, B, and C, and the site 0 and AB transects, from specified positions in high-centered, flat-centered, and low centered polygons.

Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope ratios of milk in the United States.

PubMed

Chesson, Lesley A; Valenzuela, Luciano O; O'Grady, Shannon P; Cerling, Thure E; Ehleringer, James R

2010-02-24

Models of hydrogen and oxygen incorporation in human tissues recognize the impact of geographic location on the isotopic composition of fluid intake, but inputs can include nonlocal beverages, such as milk. Milk and cow drinking water were collected from dairies, and commercially available milk was purchased from supermarkets and fast food restaurants. It was hypothesized that milk water delta(2)H and delta(18)O values record geographic location information. Correlations between milk water isotope ratios and purchase location tap water were significant. However, the amount of variation in milk delta(2)H and delta(18)O values explained by tap water was low, suggesting a single estimation of fluid input isotope ratios may not always be adequate in studies. The delta(2)H and delta(18)O values of paired milk and cow drinking water were related, suggesting potential for geographical origin assignment using stable isotope analysis. As an application example, milk water delta(18)O values were used to predict possible regions of origin for restaurant samples.

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

Tyler, S.C.; Zimmerman, P.R.; Cumberbatch, C.

Ratios of C{sup 13}/C{sup 12} have been measured in methane from a variety of sources in tropical Kenya. Ranges of delta-C{sup 13} in CH{sub 4} for termites (most values range from {minus}56 to {minus}64{per thousand}, one is at {minus}44{per thousand}), one is at approximately {minus}73{per thousand}, rice paddies (range {minus}57 to {minus}63{per thousand}), and wetlands (range-45 to {minus}50{per thousand} for Lake Baringo, approximately {minus}55{per thousand} in the Moloi River, approximately {minus}62{per thousand} and approximately {minus}31{per thousand} in two swamp areas) are presented. The data are interpreted with the help of additional measurements of delta-C{sup 13} of CO{sub 2} gas, andmore » organic carbon in plant material, termite bodies, and termite fungus combs. The implications of these findings are related to the problem of studying the atmospheric methane budget. 40 refs., 2 figs. 5 tabs.« less

Tracing carbon flow in an arctic marine food web using fatty acid-stable isotope analysis.

PubMed

Budge, S M; Wooller, M J; Springer, A M; Iverson, S J; McRoy, C P; Divoky, G J

2008-08-01

Global warming and the loss of sea ice threaten to alter patterns of productivity in arctic marine ecosystems because of a likely decline in primary productivity by sea ice algae. Estimates of the contribution of ice algae to total primary production range widely, from just 3 to >50%, and the importance of ice algae to higher trophic levels remains unknown. To help answer this question, we investigated a novel approach to food web studies by combining the two established methods of stable isotope analysis and fatty acid (FA) analysis--we determined the C isotopic composition of individual diatom FA and traced these biomarkers in consumers. Samples were collected near Barrow, Alaska and included ice algae, pelagic phytoplankton, zooplankton, fish, seabirds, pinnipeds and cetaceans. Ice algae and pelagic phytoplankton had distinctive overall FA signatures and clear differences in delta(13)C for two specific diatom FA biomarkers: 16:4n-1 (-24.0+/-2.4 and -30.7+/-0.8 per thousand, respectively) and 20:5n-3 (-18.3+/-2.0 and -26.9+/-0.7 per thousand, respectively). Nearly all delta(13)C values of these two FA in consumers fell between the two stable isotopic end members. A mass balance equation indicated that FA material derived from ice algae, compared to pelagic diatoms, averaged 71% (44-107%) in consumers based on delta(13)C values of 16:4n-1, but only 24% (0-61%) based on 20:5n-3. Our estimates derived from 16:4n-1, which is produced only by diatoms, probably best represented the contribution of ice algae relative to pelagic diatoms. However, many types of algae produce 20:5n-3, so the lower value derived from it likely represented a more realistic estimate of the proportion of ice algae material relative to all other types of phytoplankton. These preliminary results demonstrate the potential value of compound-specific isotope analysis of marine lipids to trace C flow through marine food webs and provide a foundation for future work.

Stable isotope tracing of anaerobic methane oxidation in the gassy sediments of Eckernfoerde Bay, German Baltic Sea

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

Martens, C.S.; Albert, D.B.; Alperin, M.J.

Methane concentrations in the pore waters of Eckernfoerde Bay in the German Baltic Sea generally reach gas bubble saturation values within the upper meter of the sediment column. The depth at which saturation occurs is controlled by a balance between rates of methane production, consumption (oxidation), and transport. The relative importance of anaerobic methane oxidation (AMO) in controlling dissolved and gas bubble methane distributions in the bay's sediments is indirectly revealed through methane concentration versus depth profiles, depth variations in the stable C and H isotope composition of methane, and the C isotope composition of total dissolved inorganic carbon ({Sigma}CO{submore » 2}). Direct radiotracer measurements indicate that AMO rates of over 15 mM/yr are focused at the base of the sulfate reduction zone. Diagenetic equations that describe the depth destructions of the {delta}{sup 13}C and {delta}D values of methane reproduce isotopic shifts observed throughout the methane oxidation zone and are best fit with kinetic isotope fractionation factors of 1.012 {+-} 0.001 and 1.120 {plus{underscore}minus} 0.020 respectively.« less

Stable isotope analysis at the molecular level: A new approach for determining the origins of amino acids in the Murchison meteorite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Engel, M. H.; Macko, S. A.; Qian, Y.; Silfer, J. A.

1995-01-01

A combined gas chromatography/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/IRMS) method has been developed that permits the direct stable carbon isotope analysis of N(O)-trifluoroacetyl-isopropyl esters of individual amino acids and their respective enantiomers at nanomole abundances. Calculation of the original delta C-13 values of the amino acids is accomplished via a correction for the carbon introduced during the derivatization process. Previous GC/IRMS analyses of individual amino acids in the non-hydrolyzed water extract of an interior sample of a Murchison meteorite stone revealed an enrichment in C-13 relative to terrestrial organic matter, in agreement with previous findings for bulk extracts. The range of amino acid delta C-13 values (+5 to +30 per mill, PDB) suggests possible kinetic effects during synthesis. In this study, an apparent kinetic isotope effect was also observed for the amino acid products of a spark discharge experiment. These preliminary resutls are supportive of a similar mechanism for the abiotic synthesis of amino acids in the Murchison meteorite.

Shallow magmatic degassing into the hydrothermal system of Copahue, Argentina

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varekamp, J.; Ouimette, A.; Kreulen, R.; Delpino, D.; Bermudez, A.

2001-05-01

Copahue volcano has a crater lake and acid hot springs that discharge into the Rio Agrio river system. These fluids are very concentrated (up to 6 percent sulfate), rich in rock-forming elements (up to 2000 ppm Mg) and small spheres of native sulfur float in the crater lake. The stable isotope composition of the waters (delta 18O =-2.1 to + 3.6 per mille; delta D = -49 to -26 per mille) indicates that the hot spring waters are at their most concentrated about 70 percent volcanic brine and 30 percent glacial meltwater. The crater lake waters have similar mixing proportions but added isotope effects from intense evaporation. Further dilution of the waters in the Rio Agrio gives values closer to local meteoric waters (delta 18O = -11 per mille; delta D = -77 per mille), whereas evaporation in closed ponds led to very heavy water (up to delta 18O = +12 per mille). The delta 34S value of dissolved sulfate is +14.2 per mille, whereas the native sulfur has values of -8.2 to -10.5 per mille. The heavy sulfate probably formed when SO2 disproportionated into bisulfate and native sulfur. We measured the sulfate fluxes in the Rio Agrio, and from these flux values and the stoichiometry of the disproportionation reaction we calculated the rate of liquid sulfur storage inside the volcano (6000 m3/year). During the eruptions of 1995/2000, large amounts of that stored liquid sulfur were ejected as pyroclastic sulfur. The calculated rate of rock dissolution (from rock- forming element fluxes in the Rio Agrio) suggests that the void space generated by rock dissolution is largely filled by native sulfur. The isotopic signature of the magmatic sulfur can be reconstituted at about +7 per mille, which is a source signature with superposed effects of shallow degassing. Lead isotope and 129Iodine data from the fluids indicate that subducted components may have played a role in the Copahue magma formation. Primary glass inclusions in plagioclase and olivine have 1110-1670 ppm Cl, 90-400 ppm S and low water contents (0.4 - 1.5 percent). Matrix glasses have similar volatile concentrations as many plagioclase-hosted glass inclusions. The S/Cl ratio in the hydrothermal fluids is about 2, whereas the glass inclusions have S/Cl = 0.2, indicating the strong preferential degassing of sulfur.

Determination of the 13C/12C ratio of ethanol derived from fruit juices and maple syrup by isotope ratio mass spectrometry: collaborative study.

PubMed

Jamin, Eric; Martin, Frédérique; Martin, Gilles G

2004-01-01

A collaborative study of the carbon-13 isotope ratio mass spectrometry (13C-IRMS) method based on fermentation ethanol for detecting some sugar additions in fruit juices and maple syrup is reported. This method is complementary to the site-specific natural isotope fractionation by nuclear magnetic resonance (SNIF-NMR) method for detecting added beet sugar in the same products (AOAC Official Methods 995.17 and 2000.19), and uses the same initial steps to recover pure ethanol. The fruit juices or maple syrups are completely fermented with yeast, and the alcohol is distilled with a quantitative yield (>96%). The carbon-13 deviation (delta13C) of ethanol is then determined by IRMS. This parameter becomes less negative when exogenous sugar derived from plants exhibiting a C4 metabolism (e.g., corn or cane) is added to a juice obtained from plants exhibiting a C3 metabolism (most common fruits except pineapple) or to maple syrup. Conversely, the delta13C of ethanol becomes more negative when exogenous sugar derived from C3 plants (e.g., beet, wheat, rice) is added to pineapple products. Twelve laboratories analyzed 2 materials (orange juice and pure cane sugar) in blind duplicate and 4 sugar-adulterated materials (orange juice, maple syrup, pineapple juice, and apple juice) as Youden pairs. The precision of that method for measuring delta13C was similar to that of other methods applied to wine ethanol or extracted sugars in juices. The within-laboratory (Sr) values ranged from 0.06 to 0.16%o (r = 0.17 to 0.46 percent per thousand), and the among-laboratories (SR) values ranged from 0.17 to 0.26 percent per thousand (R = 0.49 to 0.73 percent per thousand). The Study Directors recommend that the method be adopted as First Action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Relative extrinsic stain removal effectiveness of a new battery-powered toothbrush and a flat trim manual toothbrush.

PubMed

Hunt, Sheri A; Bartizek, Robert D

2004-01-01

To evaluate the stain removal efficacy of two different toothbrush designs using a laboratory stained pellicle test with seven different dentifrices. The toothbrushes were a prototype powered toothbrush (Crest SpinBrush Pro Whitening) and an ADA reference manual toothbrush, as a control. The dentifrices used in the study were: Crest Dual Action Whitening (Cool Mint), Crest Extra Whitening with Tartar Control (Clean Mint), Crest MultiCare Whitening (Fresh Mint), Colgate Total, Colgate Total Plus Whitening, Arm & Hammer Advance White with Tartar Control and Rembrandt Plus with Active Dental Peroxide. This was a randomized, parallel group study that examined stain removal with a novel toothbrushing configuration adapted for powered and manual toothbrushes. Stain was scored before and after brushing for two consecutive, 1-minute periods using digital image analysis. The mean change in L* was statistically compared between toothbrushes with ANCOVA. Labial enamel specimens were obtained from bovine permanent incisors and these specimens were subjected to a laboratory staining process until the L* values for the samples were in the range of 35-45. Digital images for CIE L*a*b* analysis were captured using a high-resolution digital camera under standard polarized lighting conditions. Based on the L* values, the enamel specimens were divided into 14 groups of nine specimens each. Baseline L* values ranged from 40.62 to 41.38 for the 14 toothbrush/dentifrice combinations. The change in L* (post-brushing minus baseline), denoted as deltaL*, was calculated for each specimen and the resulting data were subjected to a two-way ANCOVA. Toothbrush type and dentifrice type were the two terms in the model, and baseline L* was the covariate. Pairwise tests were performed on the adjusted means in order to compare the stain removal efficacy of the two toothbrushes for each of the seven dentifrices evaluated. The powered toothbrush resulted in statistically significantly greater deltaL* values (all P < or = 0.006) than the manual toothbrush for every dentifrice tested. The deltaL* values for dentifrices used with the powered toothbrush were from 66.0-164.2% higher than for the same dentifrice used with the manual toothbrush.

Hydrogen isotope composition of leaf wax n-alkanes in Arabidopsis lines with different transpiration rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pedentchouk, N.; Lawson, T.; Eley, Y.; McAusland, L.

2012-04-01

Stable isotopic compositions of oxygen and hydrogen are used widely to investigate modern and ancient water cycles. The D/H composition of organic compounds derived from terrestrial plants has recently attracted significant attention as a proxy for palaeohydrology. However, the role of various plant physiological and biochemical factors in controlling the D/H signature of leaf wax lipids in extant plants remains unclear. The focus of this study is to investigate the effect of plant transpiration on the D/H composition of n-alkanes in terrestrial plants. This experiment includes 4 varieties of Arabidopsis thaliana that differ with respect to stomatal density and stomatal geometry. All 4 varieties were grown indoors under identical temperature, relative humidity, light and watering regimes and then sampled for leaf wax and leaf water stable isotopic measurements. During growth, stomatal conductance to carbon dioxide and water vapour were also determined. We found that the plants varied significantly in terms of their transpiration rates. Transpiration rates were significantly higher in Arabidopsis ost1 and ost1-1 varieties (2.4 and 3.2 mmol m-2 s-1, respectively) than in Arabidopsis RbohD and Col-0 (1.5 and 1.4). However, hydrogen isotope measurements of n-alkanes extracted from leaf waxes revealed a very different pattern. Varieties ost1, ost1-1, and RbohD have very similar deltaD values of n-C29 alkane (-125, -128, and -127 per mil), whereas the deltaD value of Col-0 is more negative (-137 per mil). The initial results of this work suggest that plant transpiration is decoupled from the D/H composition of n-alkanes. In other words, physical processes that affect water vapour movement between the plant and its environment apparently cannot account for the stable hydrogen isotope composition of organic compounds that comprise leaf waxes. Additional, perhaps biochemical, processes that affect hydrogen isotope fractionation during photosynthesis might need to be invoked to explain the reason for this decoupling. Our current work that also includes leaf water isotopic measurements will provide further details regarding the role of transpiration in controlling the deltaD values of leaf lipids.

Comparative Study of the Gross Interpretation of Phototesting and Objective Measurement with Using a Spectrophotometer for Patients with Psoriasis and Vitiligo Treated with Narrow-band UVB

PubMed Central

Choi, Kyu-Won; Kim, Ki-Ho

2009-01-01

Background Determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED) is important for developing a phototherapy protocol and to diagnosis photosensitivity disorders. But obtaining a precise and reproducible MED is quite difficult because a phototest for erythema is based on subjective assessment. Objective The objective of our study was to compare the gross interpretation of a phototest and the objective measurement using a spectrophotometer for determining the parameters of cutaneous narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) therapy. Methods A total of 14 psoriasis and 10 vitiligo patients who receiving NBUVB phototherapy with skin types III and IV were selected for this study. To perform phototesting, ten sites on the skin of the back were vertically exposed to a series of 10 NBUVB doses among 14 doses between 340 and 1,400 mJ/cm2. We interpreted the gross findings of erythema and measured the L*a*b* values with using a spectrophotometer at each phototest spot and at the control skin. Also, we evaluate the relationship between the gross presentation and the spectrophotometric analysis by delta E for the assessment of the minimal perceptible erythema (MPE) and MED. Results For all the subjects, the MEDs were measured in the 490~1,000 mJ/cm2 range. The average of the colorimetric values for the control skin were L*: 64.8, a*: 7.9 and b*: 19.8. Among them, the L* value and MED value were shown to be inversely correlated, and as the L* value was decreased, the MED was increased. For the MPE, the delta E, which was the color difference of the normal skin and the phototest area, was within the range of 1.5~3.0 in 17 of the 21 patients, and 4 patients were within the range of 1.0~1.5. For the MED, among the 21 patients, the delta E of 17 patients was within the range of 3.0~6.0, and 4 patients were within the range of 6.0~12.0. Conclusion A spectrophotometer enables UV erythema to be assessed objectively and quantitatively, and this can compensate for the disadvantages of subjective gross interpretation when determining the MED. Delta E is a good novel and objective indicator for determining the MPE and MED. So, a spectrophotometer is a very useful instrument for developing a phototherapy protocol for psoriasis and other dermatoses and for making the diagnosis of photosensitivity disorders. PMID:20523771

Comparative Study of the Gross Interpretation of Phototesting and Objective Measurement with Using a Spectrophotometer for Patients with Psoriasis and Vitiligo Treated with Narrow-band UVB.

PubMed

Choi, Kyu-Won; Kim, Ki-Ho; Kim, Young-Hun

2009-05-01

Determination of the minimal erythema dose (MED) is important for developing a phototherapy protocol and to diagnosis photosensitivity disorders. But obtaining a precise and reproducible MED is quite difficult because a phototest for erythema is based on subjective assessment. The objective of our study was to compare the gross interpretation of a phototest and the objective measurement using a spectrophotometer for determining the parameters of cutaneous narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) therapy. A total of 14 psoriasis and 10 vitiligo patients who receiving NBUVB phototherapy with skin types III and IV were selected for this study. To perform phototesting, ten sites on the skin of the back were vertically exposed to a series of 10 NBUVB doses among 14 doses between 340 and 1,400 mJ/cm(2). We interpreted the gross findings of erythema and measured the L*a*b* values with using a spectrophotometer at each phototest spot and at the control skin. Also, we evaluate the relationship between the gross presentation and the spectrophotometric analysis by delta E for the assessment of the minimal perceptible erythema (MPE) and MED. For all the subjects, the MEDs were measured in the 490~1,000 mJ/cm(2) range. The average of the colorimetric values for the control skin were L*: 64.8, a*: 7.9 and b*: 19.8. Among them, the L* value and MED value were shown to be inversely correlated, and as the L* value was decreased, the MED was increased. For the MPE, the delta E, which was the color difference of the normal skin and the phototest area, was within the range of 1.5~3.0 in 17 of the 21 patients, and 4 patients were within the range of 1.0~1.5. For the MED, among the 21 patients, the delta E of 17 patients was within the range of 3.0~6.0, and 4 patients were within the range of 6.0~12.0. A spectrophotometer enables UV erythema to be assessed objectively and quantitatively, and this can compensate for the disadvantages of subjective gross interpretation when determining the MED. Delta E is a good novel and objective indicator for determining the MPE and MED. So, a spectrophotometer is a very useful instrument for developing a phototherapy protocol for psoriasis and other dermatoses and for making the diagnosis of photosensitivity disorders.

14C content in vegetation in the vicinities of Brazilian nuclear power reactors.

PubMed

Dias, Cíntia Melazo; Santos, Roberto Ventura; Stenström, Kristina; Nícoli, Iêda Gomes; Skog, Göran; da Silveira Corrêa, Rosangela

2008-07-01

(14)C specific activities were measured in grass samples collected around Brazilian nuclear power reactors. The specific activity values varied between 227 and 299 Bq/kg C. Except for two samples which showed (14)C specific activities 22% above background values, half of the samples showed background specific activities, and the other half had a (14)C excess of 1-18%. The highest specific activities were found close to the nuclear power plants and along the main wind directions (NE and NNE). The activity values were found to decrease with increasing distance from the reactors. The unexpectedly high (14)C excess values found in two samples were related to the local topography, which favors (14)C accumulation and limits the dispersion of the plume. The results indicate a clear (14)C anthropogenic signal within 5 km around the nuclear power plants which is most prominent along northeastwards, the prevailing wind direction.

Disentangling effects of growth and nutritional status on seabird stable isotope ratios.

PubMed

Sears, Justine; Hatch, Scott A; O'Brien, Diane M

2009-02-01

A growing number of studies suggest that an individual's physiology affects its carbon and nitrogen stable isotope signatures, obscuring a signal often assumed to be only a reflection of diet and foraging location. We examined effects of growth and moderate food restriction on red blood cell (RBC) and feather delta(15)N and delta(13)C in rhinoceros auklet chicks (Cerorhinca monocerata), a piscivorous seabird. Chicks were reared in captivity and fed either control (75 g/day; n = 7) or ~40% restricted (40 g/day; n = 6) amounts of high quality forage fish. We quantified effects of growth on isotopic fractionation by comparing delta(15)N and delta(13)C in control chicks to those of captive, non-growing subadult auklets (n = 11) fed the same diet. To estimate natural levels of isotopic variation, we also collected blood from a random sample of free-living rhinoceros auklet adults and chicks in the Gulf of Alaska (n = 15 for each), as well as adult feather samples (n = 13). In the captive experiment, moderate food restriction caused significant depletion in delta(15)N of both RBCs and feathers in treatment chicks compared to control chicks. Growth also induced depletion in RBC delta(15)N, with chicks exhibiting lower delta(15)N when they were growing the fastest. As growth slowed, delta(15)N increased, resulting in an overall pattern of enrichment over the course of the nestling period. Combined effects of growth and restriction depleted delta(15)N in chick RBCs by 0.92 per thousand. We propose that increased nitrogen-use efficiency is responsible for (15)N depletion in both growing and food-restricted chicks. delta(15)N values in RBCs of free-ranging auklets fell within a range of only 1.03 per thousand, while feather delta(15)N varied widely. Together, our captive and field results suggest that both growth and moderate food restriction can affect stable isotope ratios in an ecologically meaningful way in RBCs although not feathers due to greater natural variability in this tissue.

[Computer modeling the dependences of the membrane potential for polymeric membrane separated non-homogeneous electrolyte solutions on concentration Rayleigh number].

PubMed

Slezak, Izabella H; Jasik-Slezak, Jolanta; Bilewicz-Wyrozumska, Teresa; Slezak, Andrzej

2006-01-01

On the basis of model equation describing the membrane potential delta psi(s) on concentration Rayleigh number (R(C)), mechanical pressure difference (deltaP), concentration polarization coefficient (zeta s) and ratio concentration of solutions separated by membrane (Ch/Cl), the characteristics delta psi(s) = f(Rc)(delta P, zeta s, Ch/Cl) for steady values of zeta s, R(C) and Ch/Cl in single-membrane system were calculated. In this system neutral and isotropic polymeric membrane oriented in horizontal plane, the non-homogeneous binary electrolytic solutions of various concentrations were separated. Nonhomogeneity of solutions is results from creations of the concentration boundary layers on both sides of the membrane. Calculations were made for the case where on a one side of the membrane aqueous solution of NaCl at steady concentration 10(-3) mol x l(-1) (Cl) was placed and on the other aqueous solutions of NaCl at concentrations from 10(-3) mol x l(-1) to 2 x 10(-2) mol x l(-1) (Ch). Their densities were greater than NaCl solution's at 10(-3) mol x l(-1). It was shown that membrane potential depends on hydrodynamic state of a complex concentration boundary layer-membrane-concentration boundary layer, what is controlled by deltaP, Ch/Cl, Rc and Zeta(s).

Sorption reaction mechanism of some hazardous radionuclides from mixed waste by impregnated crown ether onto polymeric resin.

PubMed

Shehata, F A; Attallah, M F; Borai, E H; Hilal, M A; Abo-Aly, M M

2010-02-01

A novel impregnated polymeric resin was practically tested as adsorbent material for removal of some hazardous radionuclides from radioactive liquid waste. The applicability for the treatment of low-level liquid radioactive waste was investigated. The material was prepared by loading 4,4'(5')di-t-butylbenzo 18 crown 6 (DtBB18C6) onto poly(acrylamide-acrylic acid-acrylonitril)-N, N'-methylenediacrylamide (P(AM-AA-AN)-DAM). The removal of (134)Cs, (60)Co, (65)Zn , and ((152+154))Eu onto P(AM-AA-AN)-DAM/DtBB18C6 was investigated using a batch equilibrium technique with respect to the pH, contact time, and temperature. Kinetic models are used to determine the rate of sorption and to investigate the mechanism of sorption process. Five kinetics models, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, homogeneous particle diffusion (HPDM), and Elovich models, were used to investigate the sorption process. The obtained results of kinetic models predicted that, pseudo-second-order is applicable; the sorption is controlled by particle diffusion mechanism and the process is chemisorption. The obtained values of thermodynamics parameters, DeltaH degrees , DeltaS degrees , and DeltaG degrees indicated that the endothermic nature, increased randomness at the solid/solution interface and the spontaneous nature of the sorption processes. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oxygen Permeability and Grain-Boundary Diffusion Applied to Alumina Scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, James L.; Jacobson, Nathan S.; Gleeson, Brian; Hovis, David B.; Heuer, Arthur H.

2013-01-01

High-temperature oxygen permeability measurements had determined grain-boundary diffusivities (deltaD(sub gb)) in bulk polycrystalline alumina (Wada, Matsudaira, and Kitaoka). They predict that oxygen deltaD(sub gb,O) varies with oxygen pressure as P(O2)(sup -1/6) at low pressure whereas aluminum deltaD(sub gb),Al varies with P(O2)(sup +3/16) at high pressure. These relations were used to evaluate alumina scale growth in terms of diffusivity and grain size. A modified Wagner treatment for dominant inward oxygen growth produces the concise solution: ?(sub i) = k(sub p,i)×G(sub i) = 12 deltaD(sub gb,O,int), where ?(sub i) is a constant and k(sub p,i) and G(sub i) refer to instantaneous values of the scale parabolic growth constant and grain size, respectively. A commercial FeCrAl(Zr) alloy was oxidized at 1100 to 1400 degC to determine k(sub p,i), interfacial grain size, ?, and thus deltaD(sub gb,O,int). The deltaD(sub gb,O,int) values predicted from oxidation at (375 kJ/mole) were about 20 times less than those obtained above (at 298 kJ/mole), but closer than extrapolations from high-temperature bulk measurements. The experimental oxidation results agree with similar FeCrAl(X) studies, especially where both k(sub p,i) and G(sub i) were characterized. This complete approach accounts for temperature-sensitive oxidation effects of grain enlargement, equilibrium interface pressure variation, and grain-boundary diffusivity.

Oxygen-isotopic Compositions of Low-FeO relicts in High-FeO Host Chondrules in Acfer 094, a Type 3.0 Carbonaceous Chondrite Closely Related to CM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rubin, Alan E.; Kunihiro, Tak; Wasson, John T.

2006-01-01

With one exception, the low-FeO relict olivine grains within high-FeO porphyritic chondrules in the type 3.0 Acfer 094 carbonaceous chondrite have DELTA O-17 ( = delta O-17 - 0.52 X delta O-18) values that are substantially more negative than those of the high-FeO olivine host materials. These results are similar to observations made earlier on chondrules in C03.0 chondrites and are consistent with two independent models: (1) Nebular solids evolved from low-FeO, low-DELTA O-17 compositions towards high-FeO, more positive DELTA O-17 compositions; and (2) the range of compositions resulted from the mixing of two independently formed components. The two models predict different trajectories on a DELTA O-17 vs. log Fe/Mg (olivine) diagram, but our sample set has too few values at intermediate Fe/Mg ratios to yield a definitive answer. Published data showing that Acfer 094 has higher volatile contents than CO chondrites suggest a closer link to CM chondrites. This is consistent with the high modal matrix abundance in Acfer 094 (49 vol.%). Acfer 094 may be an unaltered CM chondrite or an exceptionally matrix-rich CO chondrite. Chondrules in Acfer 094 and in CO and CM carbonaceous chondrites appear to sample the same population. Textural differences between Acfer 094 and CM chondrites are largely attributable to the high degree of hydrothermal alteration that the CM chondrites experienced in an asteroidal setting.

Effect of 30 MeV Li3+ ion and 8 MeV electron irradiation on N-channel MOSFETs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prakash, A. P. G.; Ganesh, K. C. P.; Nagesha, Y. N.; Umakanth, D.; Arora, S. K.; Siddappa, K.

The effect of 30 MeV Li3+ ion and 8 MeV electron irradiation on the threshold voltage (V-TH), the voltage shift due to interface trapped charge (DeltaV(Nit)), the voltage shift due to oxide trapped charge (DeltaV(Not)), the density of interface trapped charge (DeltaN(it)), the density of oxide trapped charge (DeltaN(ot) ) and the drain saturation current (I-D Sat) were studied as a function of fluence. Considerable increase in DeltaN(it) and DeltaN(ot) , and decrease in V-TH and I-D Sat were observed in both types of irradiation. The observed difference in the properties of Li3+ ion and electron irradiated MOSFETs are interpreted on the basis of energy loss process associated with the type of radiation. The study showed that the 30 MeV Li3+ ion irradiation produce more damage when compared to the 8 MeV electron irradiation because of the higher electronic energy loss value. High temperature annealing studies showed that trapped charge generated during ion and electron irradiation was annealed out at 500 degreesC.

Stable isotope analysis of 1987-1991 zooplankton samples and bowhead whale tissues. Final report

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

Schell, D.M.

1992-06-01

Stable isotope analyses of bowhead whale tissue samples and bowhead whale prey organisms collected over the years 1987 to 1991 were used to provide detail on the isotope ratio gradients evident in the arctic Alaskan zooplankton and to verify previous findings regarding the growth rates and age determination techniques developed for bowhead whales. Zooplankton of the Bering and Chukchi seas are enriched in (13)C relative to the eastern Beaufort Sea. The analysis of baleen from bowhead whales taken between 1987 to 1990 indicate that the whales are slow-growing and the young animals between year one and about six to sevenmore » years of age, undergo a period of little or no linear growth. The authors estimate that bowheads require 16-18 years to reach the length of sexual maturity, i.e., 13-14 m. From baleen Delta(13C) cycles, a 20 year record of the isotope ratios in the phytoplankton of the northern Bering and Chukchi seas was constructed. The long-term record has been compared with the temperature anomalies in surface waters of the Bering Sea. The Delta(13C) of the zooplankton is inversely correlated with temperature and refutes current models attempting to relate ocean temperature, and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels with the Delta(13C) of ocean sediment organic matter.« less

Sulfur speciation and stable isotope trends of water-soluble sulfates in mine tailings profiles.

PubMed

Dold, Bernhard; Spangenberg, Jorge E

2005-08-01

Sulfur speciation and the sources of water-soluble sulfate in three oxidizing sulfidic mine tailings impoundments were investigated by selective dissolution and stable isotopes. The studied tailings impoundments--Piuquenes, Cauquenes, and Salvador No. 1--formed from the exploitation of the Rio Blanco/La Andina, El Teniente, and El Salvador Chilean porphyry copper deposits, which are located in Alpine, Mediterranean, and hyperarid climates, respectively. The water-soluble sulfate may originate from dissolution of primary ore sulfates (e.g., gypsum, anhydrite, jarosite) or from oxidation of sulfide minerals exposed to aerobic conditions during mining activity. With increasing aridity and decreasing pyrite content of the tailings, the sulfur speciation in the unsaturated oxidation zones showed a trend from dominantly Fe(III) oxyhydroxide fixed sulfate (e.g., jarosite and schwertmannite) in Piuquenes toward increasing presence of water-soluble sulfate at Cauquenes and Salvador No. 1. In the saturated primary zones, sulfate is predominantly present in water-soluble form (mainly as anhydrite and/or gypsum). In the unsaturated zone at Piuquenes and Cauquenes, the delta34S(SO4)values ranged from +0.5 per thousand to +2.0 per thousand and from -0.4 per thousand to +1.4 per thousand Vienna Canyon Diablo Troilite (V-CDT), respectively, indicating a major sulfate source from pyrite oxidation (delta34S(pyrite) = -1.1 per thousand and -0.9 per thousand). In the saturated zone at Piuquenes and Cauquenes, the values ranged from -0.8 per thousand to +0.3 per thousand and from +2.2 per thousand to +3.9 per thousand, respectively. At Cauquenes the 34S enrichment in the saturated zone toward depth indicates the increasing contribution of isotopically heavy dissolved sulfate from primary anhydrite (approximately +10.9 per thousand). At El Salvador No. 1, the delta34S(SO4) average value is -0.9 per thousand, suggesting dissolution of supergene sulfate minerals (jarosite, alunite, gypsum) with a delta34S approximately -0.7 per thousand as the most probable sulfate source. The gradual decrease of delta18O(SO4) values from the surface to the oxidation front in the tailings impoundments at Piuquenes (from -4.5 per thousand to -8.6 per thousand Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water, V-SMOW) and at Cauquenes (from -1.3 per thousand to -3.5 per thousand) indicates the increasing importance of ferric iron as the main electron acceptor in the oxidation of pyrite. The different delta18O(SO4) values between the tailings impoundments studied here reflect the local climates.

Kinetic and equilibrium isotherm studies for the adsorptive removal of Brilliant Green dye from aqueous solution by rice husk ash.

PubMed

Mane, Venkat S; Deo Mall, Indra; Chandra Srivastava, Vimal

2007-09-01

The present study deals with the adsorption of Brilliant Green (BG) on rice husk ash (RHA). RHA is a solid waste obtained from the particulate collection equipment attached to the flue gas lines of rice husk fired boilers. Batch studies were performed to evaluate the influences of various experimental parameters like initial pH (pH0), contact time, adsorbent dose and initial concentration (C0) on the removal of BG. Optimum conditions for BG removal were found to be pH0 approximately 3.0, adsorbent dose approximately 6 g L(-1) of solution and equilibrium time approximately 5 h for the C0 range of 50-300 mg L(-1). Adsorption of BG followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Intra-particle diffusion does not seem to control the BG removal process. Equilibrium isotherms for the adsorption of BG on RHA were analyzed by Freundlich, Langmuir, Redlich-Peterson (R-P), Dubnin-Radushkevich (D-R), and Temkin isotherm models using a non-linear regression technique. Langmuir and R-P isotherms were found to best represent the data for BG adsorption onto RHA. Adsorption of BG on RHA is favourably influenced by an increase in the temperature of the operation. Values of the change in entropy (DeltaS0) and heat of adsorption (DeltaH0) for BG adsorption on RHA were positive. The high negative value of change in Gibbs free energy (DeltaG0) indicates the feasible and spontaneous adsorption of BG on RHA.

Vertical and lateral fluid flow related to a large growth fault, South Eugene Island Block 330 field, offshore Louisiana

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

Losh, S.; Eglinton, L.; Schoell, M.

1999-02-01

Data from sediments in and near a large growth fault adjacent to the giant South Eugene Island Block 330 field, offshore Louisiana, indicate that the fault has acted as a conduit for fluids whose flux has varied in space and time. Core and cuttings samples from two wells that penetrated the same fault about 300 m apart show markedly different thermal histories and evidence for mass flux. Sediments within and adjacent to the fault zone in the US Department of Energy-Pennzoil Pathfinder well at about 2200 m SSTVD (subsea true vertical depth) showed little paleothermal or geochemical evidence for through-goingmore » fluid flow. The sediments were characterized by low vitrinite reflectances (R{sub {omicron}}), averaging 0.3% R{sub {omicron}}, moderate to high {delta}{sup 18}O and {delta}{sup 13}C values, and little difference in major or trace element composition between deformed and undeformed sediments. In contrast, faulted sediments from the A6ST well, which intersects the A fault at 1993 m SSTVD, show evidence for a paleothermal anomaly (0.55% R{sub {omicron}}) and depleted {delta}{sup 18}O and {delta}{sup 13}C values. Overall, indicators of mass and heat flux indicate the main growth fault zone in South Eugene Island Block 330 has acted as a conduit for ascending fluids, although the cumulative fluxes vary along strike. This conclusion is corroborated by oil and gas distribution in downthrown sands in Blocks 330 and 331, which identify the fault system in northwestern Block 330 as a major feeder.« less

The phonetic rhythm/syntax headedness connection: Evidence from Tagalog

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bird, Sonya; Fais, Laurel; Werker, Janet

2005-04-01

Ramus, Nespor, and Mehler [Cognition (1999)] show that the rhythm of a language (broadly: stress- versus syllable- versus mora-timing) results from the proportion of vocalic material in an utterance (%V) and the standard deviation of consonantal intervals (delta-C). Based on 14 languages, Shukla, Nespor, and Mehler [submitted] further argue that rhythm is correlated with syntactic headedness: low %V is correlated with head-first languages (e.g., English); high %V is correlated with head-final languages (e.g., Japanese). Together, these proposals have important implications for language acquisition: infants can discriminate across rhythm classes [Nazzi, Bertoncini, and Mehler, J. Exp. Psych: Human Perception and Performance (1998)]. If rhythm, as defined by %V and delta-C, can predict headedness, then infants can potentially use rhythm information to bootstrap into their languages syntactic structure. This paper reports on a study analyzing rhythm in a language not yet considered: Tagalog. Results support the Shukla et al. proposal in an interesting way: based on its %V and delta-C, Tagalog falls between head-first and head-last languages, slighty closer to the head-first group. This placement correlates well with the fact that, although Tagalog is said to be primarily head-first syntactically, head-last phrases are permitted and common in the language.

Monitoring Rates and Heterogeneity of High-Pressure Germination of Bacillus Spores by Phase-Contrast Microscopy of Individual Spores

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

wild-type spores but ~15-fold higher deltaTrelease values; v ) germination kinetics of wild-type spores given a ? 30 sec 140 MPa HP pulse followed by...15-fold longer than those for wild-type spores, but the two types of spores exhibited similar average Tlag values; and ( v ) the germination of wild-type...committed spores, as it does for nutrient-committed spores (14)? ( v ) Can these HP-com- mitted spores be isolated under conditions that do not allow

Chlorophyll a specific Δ14C, δ13C and δ15N values in stream periphyton: implications for aquatic food web studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, N. F.; Yamane, M.; Suga, H.; Ogawa, N. O.; Yokoyama, Y.; Ohkouchi, N.

2015-07-01

We determined the isotopic composition of chlorophyll a in periphytic algae attached to a streambed substrate (periphyton). The samples were collected from a stream flowing on limestone bedrock in the Seri River, central Japan. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) and natural radiocarbon abundances (Δ14C) were measured in chlorophyll a (δ13Cchl, δ15Nchl and Δ14Cchl) and bulk (δ13Cbulk, δ15Nbulk and Δ14Cbulk) for periphyton, pure aquatic primary producer (Cladophora sp.) and terrestrial primary producer (Quercus glauca). Periphyton δ13Cbulk and δ13Cchl values did not necessarily correspond to δ13Cbulk for an algal-grazing specialist (Mayfly larva, Epeorus latifolium), suggesting that periphyton δ13C values do not faithfully trace carbon transfer between primary producers and primary consumers. Periphyton Δ14Cchl values (-258 ‰ in April and -190 ‰ in October) were slightly lower than Δ14Cbulk values (-228 ‰ in April and -179 ‰ in October), but were close to the Δ14C value for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) (-217 ± 31 ‰), which is a mixture of weathered carbonates (Δ14C = -1000 ‰) and dissolved atmospheric CO2 (Δ14C approximately +30 ‰ in 2013). Δ14Cchl values were also close to Δ14Cbulk for E. latifolium (-215 ‰ in April and -199 ‰ in October) and Cladophora sp. (-210 ‰), whereas the Δ14Cbulk value for Q. glauca (+27 ‰) was closer to Δ14C for atmospheric CO2. Although the bulk isotopic composition of periphyton is recognised as a surrogate for the photosynthetic algal community, natural periphyton is a mixture of aquatic and terrestrial organic materials. Our results indicate that the bulk periphyton matrix at the study site consists of 89 to 95 % algal carbon (derived from 14C-depleted DIC) and 5 to 11 % terrestrial organic carbon (derived from 14C-enriched atmospheric CO2).

Bat breath reveals metabolic substrate use in free-ranging vampires.

PubMed

Voigt, Christian C; Grasse, Patricia; Rex, Katja; Hetz, Stefan K; Speakman, John R

2008-01-01

We analysed the stable carbon isotope ratio in exhaled CO(2) (delta(13)C(breath)) of free-ranging vampires to assess the type of metabolized substrate (endogenous or exogenous substrate) and its origin, i.e. whether the carbon atoms came from a C(4) food web (grass and cattle) or the C(3) food web in which they were captured (a rainforest remnant and its mammals). For an improved understanding of factors influencing the delta(13)C(breath) of vampires, we conducted feeding experiments with captive animals. The mean delta(13)C(breath) of starved bats was depleted in (13)C in relation to the diet by 4.6 per thousand (n = 10). Once fed with blood, delta(13)C(breath )levelled off within a short time approximately 2.2 per thousand above the stable carbon isotope signature of the diet. The median time required to exchange 50% of the carbon atoms in exhaled CO(2) with carbon atoms from the ingested blood was 18.6 min (mean 29.5 +/- 19.0 min, n = 5). The average delta(13)C of wing membrane and fur in free-ranging vampire bats suggested that bats almost exclusively foraged for cattle blood during the past weeks. The delta(13)C(breath) of the same bats averaged -19.1 per thousand. Given that all free-ranging vampires were starving and that the delta(13)C of cattle was more in enriched in (13)C by 5-6 per thousand than the delta(13)C(breath) of vampires, we conclude that the vampire bats of our study metabolised fat that was predominantly built from carbon atoms originating from cattle blood. Since delta(13)C of wing membrane and fur integrates over weeks and months respectively and delta(13)C(breath) over hours and days, we also conclude that vampire bats of the studied population consistently ignored rainforest mammals and chose cattle as their prey during and prior to our study.

[Vertical variability of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica tree ring delta13C and its relationship with tree ring width in northern Daxing' an Mountains of Northeast China].

PubMed

Shang, Zhi-Yuan; Wang, Jian; Zhang, Wen; Li, Yan-Yan; Cui, Ming-Xing; Chen, Zhen-Ju; Zhao, Xing-Yun

2013-01-01

A measurement was made on the vertical direction tree ring stable carbon isotope ratio (delta13C) and tree ring width of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica in northern Daxing' an Mountains of Northeast China, with the relationship between the vertical direction variations of the tree ring delta13C and tree ring width analyzed. In the whole ring of xylem, earlywood (EW) and bark endodermis, the delta13C all exhibited an increasing trend from the top to the base at first, with the maximum at the bottom of tree crown, and then, decreased rapidly to the minimum downward. The EW and late-wood (LW) had an increasing ratio of average tree ring width from the base to the top. The average annual sequence of the delta13C in vertical direction had an obvious reverse correspondence with the average annual sequence of tree ring width, and had a trend comparatively in line with the average annual sequence of the tree ring width ratio of EW to LW above tree crown. The variance analysis showed that there existed significant differences in the sequences of tree ring delta13C and ring width in vertical direction, and the magnitude of vertical delta13C variability was basically the same as that of the inter-annual delta13C variability. The year-to-year variation trend of the vertical delta13C sequence was approximately identical. For each sample, the delta13C sequence at the same heights was negatively correlated with the ring width sequence, but the statistical significance differed with tree height.

Hyperphenylalaninemia due to defects in tetrahydrobiopterin metabolism: Molecular characterization of mutations in 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase

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

Thoeny, B.; Leimbacher, W.; Blau, N.

1994-05-01

A variant type of hyperphenylalaninemia is caused by a deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH[sub 4]), the obligatory cofactor for phenylalanine hydroxylase. The most frequent form of this cofactor deficiency is due to lack of 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) activity, the second enzyme in the biosynthetic pathway for BH[sub 4]. The human liver cDNA for PTPS was previously isolated, and the recombinant protein was found to be active when expressed in Escherichia coli. The authors now have investigated two patients for their molecular nature of this autosomal recessive disorder. Both patients were diagnosed as PTPS deficient, one with the central and one withmore » the peripheral form, on the basis of an elevated serum phenylalanine concentration concomitant with lowered levels of urinary biopterin and PTPS activity in erythrocytes. Molecular analysis was performed on the patients' cultured primary skin fibroblasts. PTPS activities were found in vitro to be reduced to background activity. Direct cDNA sequence analysis using reverse transcriptase-PCR technology showed for the patient with the central form a homozygous G-to-A transition at codon 25, causing the replacement of an arginine by glutamine (R25Q). Expression of this mutant allele in E.coli revealed 14% activity when compared with the wild-type enzyme. The patient with the peripheral form exhibited compound heteroxygosity, having on one allele a C-to-T transition resulting in the substitution of arginine 16 for cysteine (R16C) in the enzyme and having on the second allele a 14-bp deletion ([Delta]14bp), leading to a frameshift at lysine 120 and a premature stop codon (K120[yields]Stop). Heterologous expression of the enzyme with the single-amino-acid exchange R16C revealed only 7% enzyme activity, whereas expression of the deletion allele [Delta]14bp exhibited no detectable activity. All three mutations result in reduced enzymatic activity when reconstituted in E. coli.« less

Complex formation between chlorophyll a and cytochrome c: surface properties at the air-water interface. Absorbance, fluorescence and fluorescence-lifetime in Langmuir-Blodgett films.

PubMed

Lamarche, F; Picard, G; Téchy, F; Aghion, J; Leblanc, R M

1991-04-23

The binding of cytochrome c to an insoluble monolayer of chlorophyll a was studied. Surface pressure (II), surface potential (delta V) and [14C]cytochrome c surface-concentration (gamma) isotherms were measured versus molecular area (sigma) in mixed films. Compared to the successive-addition method, this procedure allows the formation of homogeneous mixed films. The cytochrome c is incorporated into a chlorophyll a monolayer, compressed at a surface pressure of 20 mN.m-1. On expansion, the quantity of protein incorporated into the monolayer gradually increases. Subsequent compression-expansion cycles result in similar isotherms, distinct from that measured during the first expansion. All surface properties measured, but more specifically the surface radioactivity of [14C]cytochrome c, indicate the irreversibility of protein incorporation into the chlorophyll a monolayer. In fact, surface properties of the binary film are completely different from the properties of either of the pure components. As a result, calculated values of surface potentials for mixed films using the additivity law deviate from experimentally measured potentials. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of mixed films transferred onto a solid substrate by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, indicate a dilution effect of chlorophyll a by cytochrome c. However, the dilution effect cannot be detected by the fluorescence lifetimes of pure chlorophyll a and mixed chlorophyll a-cytochrome c films, both shorter than 0.2 ns. This provides support for the existence of an energy-transfer mechanism between chlorophyll a monomer and chlorophyll a aggregates which could serve as an energy trap. The role of the protein could be related to that of the matrix.

Effects of high temperatures on threatened estuarine fishes during periods of extreme drought.

PubMed

Jeffries, Ken M; Connon, Richard E; Davis, Brittany E; Komoroske, Lisa M; Britton, Monica T; Sommer, Ted; Todgham, Anne E; Fangue, Nann A

2016-06-01

Climate change and associated increases in water temperatures may impact physiological performance in ectotherms and exacerbate endangered species declines. We used an integrative approach to assess the impact of elevated water temperature on two fishes of immediate conservation concern in a large estuary system, the threatened longfin smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys) and endangered delta smelt (Hypomesus transpacificus). Abundances have reached record lows in California, USA, and these populations are at imminent risk of extirpation. California is currently impacted by a severe drought, resulting in high water temperatures, conditions that will become more common as a result of climate change. We exposed fish to environmentally relevant temperatures (14°C and 20°C) and used RNA sequencing to examine the transcriptome-wide responses to elevated water temperature in both species. Consistent with having a lower temperature tolerance, longfin smelt exhibited a pronounced cellular stress response, with an upregulation of heat shock proteins, after exposure to 20°C that was not observed in delta smelt. We detected an increase in metabolic rate in delta smelt at 20°C and increased expression of genes involved in metabolic processes and protein synthesis, patterns not observed in longfin smelt. Through examination of responses across multiple levels of biological organization, and by linking these responses to habitat distributions in the wild, we demonstrate that longfin smelt may be more susceptible than delta smelt to increases in temperatures, and they have little room to tolerate future warming in California. Understanding the species-specific physiological responses of sensitive species to environmental stressors is crucial for conservation efforts and managing aquatic systems globally. © 2016. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Differences in delta13C and diameter growth among remnant Scots pine populations in Scotland.

PubMed

Brendel, Oliver; Handley, Linda; Griffiths, Howard

2002-10-01

Published data suggest that differences in wood cellulose carbon isotope composition (delta13C) and xylem ring width among natural populations of Scots pine in Scotland (Pinus sylvestris L.) are attributable to the persistence of palaeotypes of various post-glacial migratory origins. We assessed differences in wood cellulose delta13C and ring width among Scottish Scots pine populations grown in a clone bank and in natural stands at various locations in northern and central Scotland. Ring width and wood cellulose delta13C varied significantly among natural stands. Potential water deficit was positively correlated with wood cellulose delta13C and xylem ring width in the natural stands. Neither wood cellulose delta13C nor xylem ring width of clone bank trees correlated with any climate variables at the sites from which the trees originated, indicating little adaptation to climate for these traits. Xylem ring width showed a site x population interaction for the growth sites (i.e., natural stands versus clone bank), but wood cellulose delta13C did not. These results suggest that climate variation in Scotland has not resulted in significant genetic variation in wood cellulose delta13C or xylem ring width in post-glacial populations.

Publications - GMC 3 | Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys

Science.gov Websites

: Colville Delta State #1; Plaghm Beechey Point #1; Ugnu #1; Simpson Lagoon #32-14; Placid State #1 (3-10-13 Slope Alaska wells: Colville Delta State #1; Plaghm Beechey Point #1; Ugnu #1; Simpson Lagoon #32-14

Carbon isotope discrimination and water stress in trembling aspen following variable retention harvesting.

PubMed

Bladon, Kevin D; Silins, Uldis; Landhäusser, Simon M; Messier, Christian; Lieffers, Victor J

2007-07-01

Variable retention harvesting (VRH) has been proposed as a silvicultural practice to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. No previous study has examined tree carbon isotope discrimination to provide insights into water stress that could lead to dieback and mortality of trees following VRH. We measured and compared the carbon isotope ratios (delta(13)C) in stem wood of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) before and after VRH. Eight trees were sampled from isolated residual, edge and control (interior of unharvested stand) positions from each of seven plots in three regions (Calling Lake and Drayton Valley, Alberta and Lac Duparquet, Québec). After VRH, the general trend in mean delta(13)C was residual > edge > control trees. Although this trend is indicative of water stress in residual trees, it also suggests that edge trees received some sheltering effect, reducing their stress compared with that of residuals. A strong inverse relationship was found between the delta(13)C values and the mean annual precipitation in each region. The trend in mean delta(13)C signature was Calling Lake > Drayton Valley > Lac Duparquet trees. These results suggest that residual or edge trees in drier regions are more likely to suffer water stress following VRH. We also observed a trend of greater delta(13)C in stout trees compared with slender trees, both before and after VRH. The evidence of greater water stress in stout trees likely occurred because of a positive relationship between stem diameter and crown volume per basal area. Our results provide evidence that water stress could be the driving mechanism leading to dieback and mortality of residual trees shortly after VRH. Additionally, the results from edge trees indicate that leaving hardwood residuals in larger patches or more sheltered landscape positions could reduce the water stress to which these trees are subjected, thereby reducing dieback and mortality.

Thermochemistry and gas-phase ion energetics of 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone (oxybenzone).

PubMed

Lago, A F; Jimenez, P; Herrero, R; Dávalos, J Z; Abboud, J-L M

2008-04-10

We have investigated the thermochemistry and ion energetics of the oxybenzone (2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzophenone, C14H12O3, 1H) molecule. The following parameters have been determined for this species: gas-phase enthalpy for the of neutral molecule at 298.15K, (Delta(f)H0(m)(g) = -303.5 +/- 5.1 kJ x mol-1), the intrinsic (gas-phase) acidity (GA(1H) = 1402.1 +/- 8.4 kJ x mol-1), enthalpy of formation for the oxybenzone anion (Delta(f)H0(m)(1-,g) = -402.3 +/- 9.8 kJ x mol-1). We also have obtained the enthalpy of formation of, 4-hydroxy-4'-methoxybenzophenone (Delta(f)H0(m)(g) = -275.4 +/- 10 kJ x mol-1) and 3-methoxyphenol anion (Delta(f)H0(m)(C7H7O2-,g) = -317.7 +/- 8.7 kJ x mol-1). A reliable experimental estimation of enthalpy related to intramolecular hydrogen bonding in oxybenzone has also been obtained (30.1 +/- 6.3 kJ x mol-1) and compared with our theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G** level of theory, by means of an isodesmic reaction scheme. In addition, heat capacities, temperature, and enthalpy of fusion have been determined for this molecule by differential scanning calorimetry.

Thermodynamical and structural insights of orange II adsorption by Mg{sub R}AlNO{sub 3} layered double hydroxides

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

Mustapha Bouhent, Mohamed; Laboratoire des Materiaux Inorganiques, UMR CNRS 6002, Universite Blaise Pascal, F-63177 Aubiere Cedex; Derriche, Zoubir, E-mail: derriche_zoubir@yahoo.co

2011-05-15

[Mg{sub 1-x} Al{sub x}(OH){sub 2}][(NO{sub 3}){sub x}, nH{sub 2}O] Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) sorbents with variable Mg/Al molar (R=(1-x)/x) ratios were investigated for adsorption of azo dye, orange II (OII) at various pH and temperature conditions. Mg{sub 2}AlNO{sub 3} displays the highest adsorption capacity with 3.611 mmol of OII per gram of Mg{sub 2}AlNO{sub 3} at 40 {sup o}C. Adsorption isotherms have been fitted using the Langmuir model and free energy of adsorption ({Delta}G{sup o}), enthalpy ({Delta}H{sup o}) and entropy ({Delta}S{sup o}) were calculated. The experimental values for {Delta}G{sup o} in temperature range between 10 and 40 {sup o}C weremore » found to be negative indicating that a spontaneous process occurred. Positive calculated enthalpy values, characteristic of an endothermic process were found. Characterization of solids (PXRD, FTIR, UV-vis, TGA/DTA, adsorption isotherm BET analysis, SEM and Zetametry) before and after adsorption showed that adsorption proceeds in two steps. First, adsorption occurs at the LDH surface, followed by intercalation via anion exchange. -- Graphical Abstract: Structural and thermodynamical insight of adsorption/Intercalation of OII in Mg{sub R}Al LDH Display Omitted Highlights: {yields} The nitrate containing hydrotalcite-like compounds (Mg{sub R}AlNO{sub 3} LDH) were prepared by the coprecipitation method. {yields} Adsorption of anionic orange dye(OII) is studied on LDHs at different temperatures. {yields} The adsorption process is well described by the Langmuir isotherm model. {yields} Mg{sub 2}AlNO{sub 3} displays the highest adsorption capacity with 3.611 mmol of OII per gram of Mg{sub 2}AlNO{sub 3} at 40 {sup o}C. {yields} Adsorption process does not occur on the surface of the LDH only but an intercalation process is also occurring concomitantly according to the thermodynamical values.« less

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

Sutherland, J.W.

Pulse radiolysis of aqueous hydrazine solutions has been studied in the pH range 2 to 13. At times greater than about 1 ms after the pulse, a single transient species is observed (lambda/sub max/230nm). This species decayed by first-order kinetics under all conditions studied. A mechanism which accounts satisfactorily for the observed kinetic behavior is proposed. This species, identified as triazene (N/sub 3/H/sub 3/) is amphiprotic and the following acid--base equilibria are rapidly established: N/sub 3/H/sub 4//sup +/in equilibrium N/sub 3/H/sub 3//sup +/H/sup +/ (pK/sub 1/ = 4.95, ..delta..H/sub 1//sup 0/ = -4.9 kcal mol/sup -1/, ..delta..S/sub 1//sup 0/ =more » -39.2 eu) N/sub 3/H/sub 3/in equilibrium N/sub 3/H/sub 2//sup -/ + H/sup +/ or N/sub 3/H/sub 3/ + OH/sup -/ = N/sub 3/H/sub 4/O/sup -/ (pK/sub 2/ = 11.37, ..delta..H/sub 2//sup 0/ = -4.2 kcal mol/sup -1/, ..delta..S/sub 2//sup 0/ = -67 eu). pK values derived from the dependence of the first-order rate constant on pH, from the dependence of initial absorbance on pH, and from the dependence of the first-order rate constant on temperature at selected values of pH are in satisfactory agreement. The rate constants for decomposition of the acidic and basic forms of triazene are k/sub N3H4/sup +// = 1.97 X 10/sup 11/ exp(-12600/RT)s/sup -1/ and k/sub N3H2/sup -// = 2.14 X 10/sup 14/. exp(-19200/RT)s/sup -1/. For N/sub 3/H/sub 3/, which is stable relative to the faster reaction rates of its conjugate acid and base forms, k is estimated to be less than or equal to 0.001 s/sup -1/ at 24/sup 0/C. The dependence of the observed first-order rate constant on pH at constant temperature is expressed by the following equation: k/sub obsd/ = (k/sub 3//(1 + (K/sub 1//(H/sup +/)))) + (k;/sub 4//(1 + ((H/sup +/)/K/sub 2/))) (k/sub 3/ = k/sub N3H4/sup +// = 133 s/sup -1/, k/sub 4/ = k/sub N3H2/sup -// = 2 s/sup -1/, pK/sub 1/ = 4.9/sub 5/ and pK/sub 2/ = 11.3/sub 7/). Phosphate is a catalyst for the decomposition of triazene. It is shown that the conjugate acid of neutral triazene has unit positive charge and its conjugate base has unit negative charge.« less

Sedimentary facies and Holocene progradation rates of the Changjiang (Yangtze) delta, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hori, Kazuaki; Saito, Yoshiki; Zhao, Quanhong; Cheng, Xinrong; Wang, Pinxian; Sato, Yoshio; Li, Congxian

2001-11-01

The Changjiang (Yangtze) River, one of the largest rivers in the world, has formed a broad tide-dominated delta at its mouth during the Holocene sea-level highstand. Three boreholes (CM97, JS98, and HQ98) were obtained from the Changjiang delta plain in 1997-1998 to clarify the characteristics of tide-dominated delta sediments and architecture. Based on sediment composition and texture, and faunal content, core sediments were divided into six depositional units. In ascending order, they were interpreted as tidal sand ridge, prodelta, delta-front, subtidal to lower intertidal flat, upper intertidal flat, and surface soil deposits. The deltaic sequence from the prodelta deposits to the delta front deposits showed an upward-coarsening succession, overlain by an upward-fining succession from the uppermost part of the delta front deposits to the surface soil. Thinly interlaminated to thinly interbedded sand and mud (sand-mud couplets), and bidirectional cross laminations in these deposits show that tide is the key factor affecting the formation of Changjiang deltaic facies. Sediment facies and their succession combined with AMS 14C dating revealed that isochron lines cross unit boundaries clearly, and delta progradation has occurred since about 6000 to 7000 years BP, when the rising sea level neared or reached its present position. The average progradation rate of the delta front was approximately 50 km/kyear over the last 5000 years. The progradation rate, however, increased abruptly ca. 2000 years BP, going from 38 to 80 km/kyear. The possible causes for this active progradation could have been an increase in sediment production in the drainage basin due to widespread human interference and/or decrease in deposition in the middle reaches related to the channel stability caused by human activity and climatic cooling after the mid-Holocene.

Quantitation of NAD+ biosynthesis from the salvage pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

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

Sporty, J; Lin, S; Kato, M

2009-02-18

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD{sup +}) is synthesized via two major pathways in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems: the de novo biosynthesis pathway from tryptophan precursors, or by the salvage biosynthesis pathway from either extracellular nicotinic acid or various intracellular NAD{sup +} decomposition products. NAD{sup +} biosynthesis via the salvage pathway has been linked to an increase in yeast replicative lifespan under calorie restriction (CR). However, the relative contribution of each pathway to NAD{sup +} biosynthesis under both normal and CR conditions is not known. Here, we have performed lifespan, NAD{sup +} and NADH (the reduced form of NAD{sup +}) analyses onmore » BY4742 wild type, NAD+ salvage pathway knockout (npt1{Delta}), and NAD+ de novo pathway knockout (qpt1{Delta}) yeast strains cultured in media containing either 2% glucose (normal growth) or 0.5% glucose (CR). We have utilized {sup 14}C labeled nicotinic acid in the culture media combined with HPLC speciation and both UV and {sup 14}C detection to quantitate the total amounts of NAD{sup +} and NADH and the amounts derived from the salvage pathway. We observe that wild type and qpt1{Delta} yeast exclusively utilize extracellular nicotinic acid for NAD{sup +} and NADH biosynthesis under both the 2% and 0.5% glucose growth conditions suggesting that the de novo pathway plays little role if a functional salvage pathway is present. We also observe that NAD{sup +} concentrations decrease in all three strains under CR. However, unlike the wild type strain, NADH concentrations do not decrease and NAD{sup +}:NADH ratios do not increase under CR for either knockout strain. Lifespan analyses reveal that CR results in a lifespan increase of approximately 25% for the wild type and qpt1{Delta} strains, while no increase in lifespan is observed for the npt1{Delta} strain. In combination these data suggest that having a functional salvage pathway is more important than the absolute levels of NAD{sup +} or NADH for lifespan extension under CR.« less

Chlorophyll a-specific Δ14C, δ13C and δ15N values in stream periphyton: implications for aquatic food web studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishikawa, N. F.; Yamane, M.; Suga, H.; Ogawa, N. O.; Yokoyama, Y.; Ohkouchi, N.

2015-11-01

Periphytic algae attached to a streambed substrate (periphyton) are an important primary producer in stream ecosystems. We determined the isotopic composition of chlorophyll a in periphyton collected from a stream flowing on limestone bedrock in the Seri River, central Japan. Stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) and natural radiocarbon abundances (Δ14C) were measured in chlorophyll a (δ13Cchl, δ15Nchl and Δ14Cchl) and bulk (δ13Cbulk, δ15Nbulk and Δ14Cbulk) for periphyton, a pure aquatic primary producer (Cladophora sp.) and a terrestrial primary producer (Quercus glauca). Periphyton δ13Cbulk and δ13Cchl values did not necessarily correspond to δ13Cbulk for an algal-grazing specialist (Epeorus latifolium). Periphyton Δ14Cchl values (-258 ‰ in April and -190 ‰ in October) were slightly lower than Δ14Cbulk values (-228 ‰ in April and -179 ‰ in October) but were close to the Δ14C value for dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC; -217 ± 31 ‰), which is a mixture of weathered carbonates (Δ14C = -1000 ‰), CO2 derived from aquatic and terrestrial organic matters (variable Δ14C) and dissolved atmospheric CO2 (Δ14C approximately +30 ‰ in 2013). Δ14Cchl values were also close to Δ14Cbulk for E. latifolium (-215 ‰ in April and -199 ‰ in October) and Cladophora sp. (-210 ‰), whereas the Δ14Cbulk value for Q. glauca (+27 ‰) was closer to Δ14C for atmospheric CO2. Although the bulk isotopic composition of periphyton is recognised as a surrogate for the photosynthetic algal community, natural periphyton is a mixture of aquatic and terrestrial organic materials. Our results indicate that the bulk periphyton matrix at the study site consists of 89 to 95 % algal carbon (derived from 14C-depleted DIC) and 5 to 11 % terrestrial organic carbon (derived from 14C-enriched atmospheric CO2).

Nearshore energy subsidies support Lake Michigan fishes and invertebrates following major changes in food web structure

USGS Publications Warehouse

Turschak, Benjamin A; Bunnell, David B.; Czesny, Sergiusz J.; Höök, Tomas O.; Janssen, John; Warner, David M.; Bootsma, Harvey A

2014-01-01

Aquatic food webs that incorporate multiple energy channels (e.g. nearshore benthic or pelagic) with varying productivity and turnover rates convey stability to biological communities by providing multiple independent energy sources. Within the Lake Michigan food web, invasive dreissenid mussels have caused rapid changes to food web structure and potentially altered the channels through which consumers acquire energy. We used stable C and N isotopes to determine how Lake Michigan food web structure has changed in the past decade, coincident with the expansion of dreissenid mussels, decreased pelagic phytoplankton production and increased nearshore benthic algal production. Fish and invertebrate samples collected from sites around Lake Michigan were analyzed to determine taxa-specific 13C:12C (delta 13C) and 15N:14N (delta 15N) ratios. Sampling took place during two distinct periods, 2002-2003 and 2010-2012, that spanned the period of dreissenid expansion, and included nearshore, pelagic and profundal fish and invertebrate taxa. Magnitude and direction of the 13C shift indicated significantly greater reliance upon nearshore benthic energy sources among nearly all fish taxa as well as profundal invertebrates. Although the mechanisms underlying this 13C shift likely varied among species, possible causes include the transport of benthic algal production to offshore waters and an increased reliance on nearshore prey items. Delta 15N shifts were more variable and of smaller magnitude across taxa although declines in delta 15N among some pelagic fishes may indicate a shift to alternative prey resources. Lake Michigan fishes and invertebrates appear to have responded to dreissenid induced changes in nutrient and energy pathways by switching from pelagic to alternative nearshore energy subsidies. Although large shifts in energy allocation (i.e. pelagic to nearshore benthic) resulting from invasive species appear to have affected total production at upper trophic levels, changes in trophic structure and utilization of novel energy pathways may help to stabilize food webs following species invasions.

A project summary: Water and energy budget assessment for a non-tidal wetland in the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta

USGS Publications Warehouse

Anderson, Frank E.; Snyder, R.L.; Paw, U.K.T.; Drexler, Judith Z.

2004-01-01

The methods used to obtain universal cover coefficient (Kc) values for a non-tidal restored wetland in the Sacramento-San Joaquin river delta, US, during the summer of the year 2002 and to investigate possible differences during changing wind patterns are described. A micrometeorological tower over the wetland was established to quantify actual evapotranspiration (ETa) rates and surface energy fluxes for water and energy budget analysis. The eddy-covariance (EC) system was used to measure the surface energy budget data in the period from May 23 to November 6, 2002. The results show that K c values should be lower during westerly than northerly wind events during the midseason period due to the reduced vapor pressure deficit.

Discrimination between diffuse and point sources of arsenic at Zimapán, Hidalgo state, Mexico.

PubMed

Sracek, Ondra; Armienta, María Aurora; Rodríguez, Ramiro; Villaseñor, Guadalupe

2010-01-01

There are two principal sources of arsenic in Zimapán. Point sources are linked to mining and smelting activities and especially to mine tailings. Diffuse sources are not well defined and are linked to regional flow systems in carbonate rocks. Both sources are caused by the oxidation of arsenic-rich sulfidic mineralization. Point sources are characterized by Ca-SO(4)-HCO(3) ground water type and relatively enriched values of deltaD, delta(18)O, and delta(34)S(SO(4)). Diffuse sources are characterized by Ca-Na-HCO(3) type of ground water and more depleted values of deltaD, delta(18)O, and delta(34)S(SO(4)). Values of deltaD and delta(18)O indicate similar altitude of recharge for both arsenic sources and stronger impact of evaporation for point sources in mine tailings. There are also different values of delta(34)S(SO(4)) for both sources, presumably due to different types of mineralization or isotopic zonality in deposits. In Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the principal component 1 (PC1), which describes the impact of sulfide oxidation and neutralization by the dissolution of carbonates, has higher values in samples from point sources. In spite of similar concentrations of As in ground water affected by diffuse sources and point sources (mean values 0.21 mg L(-1) and 0.31 mg L(-1), respectively, in the years from 2003 to 2008), the diffuse sources have more impact on the health of population in Zimapán. This is caused by the extraction of ground water from wells tapping regional flow system. In contrast, wells located in the proximity of mine tailings are not generally used for water supply.

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

.... Fuselage 2. Wing 3. Empennage 4. Doors 5. Windshield and Windows C. Airplane Systems 1. Electrical Power 2... System 1. Navigation Lights 2. Anti-Collision Lights 3. Wing Inspection Lights 4. Taxi Lights 5. Landing... Operations 3. Synchronization 4. De-Ice D. Ground Checks 1. Overspeed Governor 2. SRL and Delta P/P 3. NTS...

14 CFR Special Federal Aviation... - Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Special Training, Experience, and Operating Requirements

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... Fuselage 2. Wing 3. Empennage 4. Doors 5. Windshield and Windows C. Airplane Systems 1. Electrical Power 2... System 1. Navigation Lights 2. Anti-Collision Lights 3. Wing Inspection Lights 4. Taxi Lights 5. Landing... Operations 3. Synchronization 4. De-Ice D. Ground Checks 1. Overspeed Governor 2. SRL and Delta P/P 3. NTS...

Photosynthetic fractionation of 13C and concentrations of dissolved CO2 in the central equatorial Pacific during the last 255,000 years

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jasper, J. P.; Hayes, J. M.; Mix, A. C.; Prahl, F. G.

1994-01-01

Carbon isotopically based estimates of CO2 levels have been generated from a record of the photosynthetic fractionation of 13C [is equivalent to epsilon(p)] in a central equatorial Pacific sediment core that spans the last approximately 255 ka. Contents of 13C in phytoplanktonic biomass were determined by analysis of C37 alkadienones. These compounds are exclusive products of Prymnesiophyte algae which at present grow most abundantly at depths of 70-90 m in the central equatorial Pacific. A record of the isotopic composition of dissolved CO2 was constructed from isotopic analyses of the planktonic foraminifera Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, which calcifies at 70-90 m in the same region. Values of epsilon(p), derived by comparison of the organic and inorganic delta values, were transformed to yield concentrations of dissolved CO2 [is equivalent to c(e)] based on a new, site-specific calibration of the relationship between epsilon(p) and c(e). The calibration was based on reassessment of existing epsilon(p) versus c(e) data, which support a physiologically based model in which epsilon(p) is inversely related to c(e). Values of PCO2, the partial pressure of CO2 that would be in equilibrium with the estimated concentrations of dissolved CO2, were calculated using Henry's law and the temperature determined from the alkenone-unsaturation index U(K/37). Uncertainties in these values arise mainly from uncertainties about the appropriateness (particularly over time) of the site-specific relationship between epsilon(p) and 1/c(e). These are discussed in detail and it is concluded that the observed record of epsilon(p) most probably reflects significant variations in delta pCO2, the ocean-atmosphere disequilibrium, which appears to have ranged from approximately 110 microatmospheres during glacial intervals (ocean > atmosphere) to approximately 60 microatmospheres during interglacials. Fluxes of CO2 to the atmosphere would thus have been significantly larger during glacial intervals. If this were characteristic of large areas of the equatorial Pacific, then greater glacial sinks for the equatorially evaded CO2 must have existed elsewhere. Statistical analysis of air-sea pCO2 differences and other parameters revealed significant (p<0.01) inverse correlations of delta pCO2 with sea surface temperature and with the mass accumulation rate of opal. The former suggests response to the strength of upwelling, the latter may indicate either drawdown of CO2 by siliceous phytoplankton or variation of [CO2]/[Si(OH)4] ratios in upwelling waters.

Insights into the catalytic mechanisms of phenylalanine and tryptophan hydroxylase from kinetic isotope effects on aromatic hydroxylation.

PubMed

Pavon, Jorge Alex; Fitzpatrick, Paul F

2006-09-12

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PheH) and tryptophan hydroxylase (TrpH) catalyze the aromatic hydroxylation of phenylalanine and tryptophan, forming tyrosine and 5-hydroxytryptophan, respectively. The reactions of PheH and TrpH have been investigated with [4-(2)H]-, [3,5-(2)H(2)]-, and (2)H(5)-phenylalanine as substrates. All (D)k(cat) values are normal with Delta117PheH, the catalytic core of rat phenylalanine hydroxylase, ranging from 1.12-1.41. In contrast, for Delta117PheH V379D, a mutant protein in which the stoichiometry between tetrahydropterin oxidation and amino acid hydroxylation is altered, the (D)k(cat) value with [4-(2)H]-phenylalanine is 0.92 but is normal with [3,5-(2)H(2)]-phenylalanine. The ratio of tetrahydropterin oxidation to amino acid hydroxylation for Delta117PheH V379D shows a similar inverse isotope effect with [4-(2)H]-phenylalanine. Intramolecular isotope effects, determined from the deuterium contents of the tyrosine formed from [4-(2)H]-and [3,5(2)H(2)]-phenylalanine, are identical for Delta117PheH and Delta117PheH V379D, suggesting that steps subsequent to oxygen addition are unaffected in the mutant protein. The inverse effects are consistent with the reaction of an activated ferryl-oxo species at the para position of the side chain of the amino acid to form a cationic intermediate. The normal effects on the (D)k(cat) value for the wild-type enzyme are attributed to an isotope effect of 5.1 on the tautomerization of a dienone intermediate to tyrosine with a rate constant 6- to7-fold that for hydroxylation. In addition, there is a slight ( approximately 34%) preference for the loss of the hydrogen originally at C4 of phenylalanine. With (2)H(5)-indole-tryptophan as a substrate for Delta117PheH, the (D)k(cat) value is 0.89, consistent with hydroxylation being rate-limiting in this case. When deuterated phenylalanines are used as substrates for TrpH, the (D)k(cat) values are within error of those for Delta117PheH V379D. Overall, these results are consistent with the aromatic amino acid hydroxylases all sharing the same chemical mechanism, but with the isotope effect for hydroxylation by PheH being masked by tautomerization of an enedione intermediate to tyrosine.

Isotopic analysis of groundwater and carbonate system in the Surdulica geothermal aquifer

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

Hadzisehovic, M; Miljevic, N.; Sipka, V.

1993-01-01

The authors present here results of their investigation of the isotopic chemical composition of groundwater and carbonates in the Surdulica geothermal aquifer, Serbia. They considered the effects of carbonate dissolution and measured [sup 13]C, [sup 14]C, D, [sup 18]O, [sup 3]H, field pH, temperature, Na[sup +], CA [sup 2+], Mg[sup 2+], HCO[sub 3] and other aqueous species from 30 springs and boreholes. Geothermal waters are supersaturated with calcite. Carbon isotope compositions vary with carbonate mineral dissolution. The [delta]D and [delta][sup 18]O of groundwater samples fit the meteoric water line, and indicate that groundwater is recharged mainly from higher altitudes andmore » the cold season. Different groundwater residence times point out two mechanisms for their formation: fissure flow for young waters and standard diffusion processes for old ones.« less

Isotopic compositions and sources of nitrate in ground water from western Salt River Valley, Arizona

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gellenbeck, D.J.

1994-01-01

Isotopic and chemical compositions of ground water from western Salt River Valley near Phoenix, Arizona, were used to develop identification tech- niques for sources of nitrate in ground water. Four possible sources of nitrate were studied: dairies and feedlots, sewage-treatment plants, agricultural activities, and natural source. End members that represent these sources were analyzed for a variety of chemical and isotopic constituents; contents of the end-member and the ground water were compared to identify nitrate from these sources. Nitrate from dairies and feedlots was identified by delta 15N values higher than +9.0 per mil. Nitrate from sewage treatment plants was identified by some chemical constituents and values of delta 15N, delta 34S, delta 7Li, and delta 11B that were lighter than the values determined for ground water not affected by sewage-treatment plants. Nitrate from agricultural activities was identified by delta 15N, 3H, and delta 34S compositions. Natural nitrate derived from decomposing plants and accumulated by biological fixation was identified by delta 15N values that range between +2 and +8 per mil. In addition to identifying nitrate sources, some chemical and isotopic charabteristics of ground water were determined on the basis of data collected during this study. Concentrations of major ions, lithium, and boron and delta 7Li, delta 11B, 3H, delta D, and delta 18O data identify ground water in different geographic regions in the study area. These differences probably are related to different sources of ground water, geochemical processes, or geologic deposits. The Luke salt body and a geothermal anomaly alter the chemical and isotopic content of some ground water.

Pathogenesis of nephrogenic diabetes insipidus due to chronic administration of lithium in rats.

PubMed Central

Christensen, S; Kusano, E; Yusufi, A N; Murayama, N; Dousa, T P

1985-01-01

A polyuric syndrome with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a frequent consequence of prolonged administration of lithium (Li) salts. Studies in the past, mainly the acute and in vitro experiments, indicated that Li ions can inhibit hydroosmotic effect of [8-arginine]vasopressin (AVP) at the step of cAMP generation in vitro. However, the pathogenesis of the NDI due to chronic oral administration of low therapeutic doses of Li salts is not yet clarified. We conducted a comprehensive study to clarify the mechanism by which Li administered orally for several weeks induces polyuria and NDI in rats. Albino rats consuming a diet which contained Li (60 mmol/kg) for 4 wk developed marked polyuria and polydipsia; at the end of 4 wk the plasma Li was 0.7 +/- 0.09 mM (mean +/- SEM; n = 36). Li-treated rats had a significantly decreased (-33%) tissue osmolality in papilla and greatly reduced cortico-papillary gradient of urea (cortex--43%; medulla--64%; papilla--74%). Plasma urea was significantly (P less than 0.001) lower in Li-treated rats (5.4 +/- 0.2 mM) compared with controls (6.8 +/- 0.3 mM). Medullary collecting tubules (MCT) and papillary collecting ducts (PCD) microdissected from Li-treated animals had higher content of protein than MCT and PCD from the control rats. The cAMP accumulation in response to AVP added in vitro was significantly (delta = -60%) reduced. Also, the cAMP accumulation in MCT and PCD after incubation with forskolin was markedly lower in Li-treated rats. Addition of 0.5 mM 1-methyl,3-isobutyl-xanthine did not restore the cAMP accumulation in response to AVP and forskolin in MCT from Li-treated animals. In collecting tubule segments from polyuric rats with hypothalamic diabetes insipidus (Brattleboro homozygotes) the AVP-dependent cAMP accumulation was not diminished. The activity of adenylate cyclase (AdC) in MCT of Li-treated rats, both the basal and the activity stimulated by AVP, forskolin, or fluoride, was significantly (delta approximately equal to -30%) reduced, while the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase (cAMP-PDIE) in the same segment showed no significant difference from the controls. Also, the content of ATP in MCT microdissected from Li-treated rats and incubated in vitro did not differ from controls. The rate of [14C]succinate oxidation to 14CO2 in MAL was inhibited (-77%) by 1 mM furosemide, which indicates that this metabolic process is coupled with NaCl cotransport in MAL. The rate of (14)CO(2) production from [14C]succinate in MAL was not significantly different between control and Li-treated rats. In MCT of control rats, the rate of [14C]succinate oxidation was approximately 3 times lower than in MAL. The rate of (14)CO(2) production from [(14)C]succinate in MCT of Li-treated rats was significantly (delta +33%) higher than in MCT dissected from control rats. Based on these results, we conclude that at least two factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of NDI consequent to chronic oral administration of Li: (a) decreased ability of MCT and PCD to generate and accumulate cAMP in response to stimulation by AVP; this defect is primarily due to diminished activity of AdC in these tubular segments caused by prolonged exposure to Li; and (b) lower osmolality of renal papillary tissue, due to primarily to depletion of urea, which decreases osmotic driving force for water reabsorption in collecting tubules. On the other hand, NaCI reabsorption in MAL is apparently not affected by chronic Li treatment. PMID:2989335

The feasibility of bomb radiocarbon analysis to support an age-at-length relationship for red abalone, Haliotis rufescens Swainson in northern California

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

Leaf, R T; Andrews, A H; Cailliet, G M

2009-01-07

Analysis of bomb generated radiocarbon ({sup 14}C) changes in a red abalone, Haliotis rufescens Swainson shell was used to investigate age-at-length relationships derived from data from a previous multi-year, multi-site tag-recapture study. Shell carbonate was extracted from four successive growth trajectory locations in a single shell with a length of 251 mm MSL. Extraction locations were based on VBGF predictions and chosen to span the initial rise of the {sup 14}C-bomb pulse that is known to have occurred in surface ocean waters during 1958 {+-} 1 y in the northeast Pacific. The close temporal correspondence of the red abalone samplemore » series to regional {Delta}{sup 14}C records demonstrated the utility of the technique for validating age-at-length relationships for the red abalone. The findings provided support for a mean VBGF derived age of 32 y (range 30 to 33 y) for the specimen; however, the analysis of {sup 14}C data indicated that the specimen could be older.« less

Air separation and oxygen storage properties of hexagonal rare-earth manganites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abughayada, Castro

This dissertation presents evaluation results of hexagonal Y1-x RxMnO3+delta (R = Er, Y, Dy, Pr, La, Tb and Ho) rare-earth manganites for prospective air separation applications. In these materials, oxygen content is sensitively dependent on the surrounding conditions of temperature and/or oxygen partial pressure, and therefore they exhibit the ability to selectively absorb, store, and release significant amounts of separated oxygen from air. This study presents a full characterization of their thermogravimetric characteristics and air separation capabilities. With the expected potential impact of oxygen content on the physical properties of these materials, the scope of this work is expanded to explore other relevant properties such as magnetic, transport, and dilatometric characteristics. Single-phase polycrystalline samples of these materials were achieved in the hexagonal P63cm phase through solid state reaction at elevated temperatures. Further annealings under reducing conditions were required for samples with large rare-earth cations in order to suppress the competing perovskite structure and form in the anticipated hexagonal phase. Thermogravimetric measurements in oxygen atmospheres demonstrated that samples with the larger R ionic radii show rapid and reversible incorporation of significant amounts of excess oxygen (0.41 > delta > 0) at an unusual low temperature range ~190-325 °C. The reversible oxygen storage characteristics of HoMnO3+delta and related materials shown by the fast incorporation and release of interstitial oxygen at easily accessible elevated temperatures of ~300 °C demonstrate the feasibility and potential for low-cost thermal swing adsorption TSA process for oxygen separation and enrichment from air. Neutron and X-ray powder diffraction measurements confirmed the presence of three line compounds RMnO3+delta, the oxygen stoichiometric P6 3cm (delta = 0 for all R), the intermediate oxygen content superstructure phase R3c (delta ~ 0.28 for R = Ho, Dy, Dy0.5Y0.5, and Dy0.3Y0.7) constructed by tripling the c-axis of the original unit cell, and the highly oxygen-loaded Pca21 phase (delta = 0.40 for all R). In-situ synchrotron diffraction showed thermal stability of these single phases and their coexistence ranges, demonstrating that the stability of the delta = 0.28 phase increases with the ionic size of the R ion. The magnetic properties of the multiferroic RMnO3+delta were found to be dependent on the oxygen content of these compounds. Below the magnetic ordering temperatures, samples with higher oxygen content showed slightly decreased magnetization relative to the less oxygenated ones. Dilatometry measurements suggest that the thermal expansion coefficient TEC of the oxygen-loaded Pca21 phase is slightly larger than that of the stoichiometric P63cm phase. The calculated Pca21 to P63cm chemical expansion coefficient 14.38 x 10-3 [mole-O]-1 was found to be within the expected range for the hexagonal Y0.97La0.03MnO3+delta sample.

Seasonal plant water uptake patterns in the saline southeast Everglades ecotone.

PubMed

Ewe, Sharon M L; Sternberg, Leonel da S L; Childers, Daniel L

2007-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the seasonal water use patterns of dominant macrophytes coexisting in the coastal Everglades ecotone. We measured the stable isotope signatures in plant xylem water of Rhizophora mangle, Cladium jamaicense, and Sesuvium portulacastrum during the dry (DS) and wet (WS) seasons in the estuarine ecotone along Taylor River in Everglades National Park, FL, USA. Shallow soilwater and deeper groundwater salinity was also measured to extrapolate the salinity encountered by plants at their rooting zone. Average soil water oxygen isotope ratios (delta(18)O) was enriched (4.8 +/- 0.2 per thousand) in the DS relative to the WS (0.0 +/- 0.1 per thousand), but groundwater delta(18)O remained constant between seasons (DS: 2.2 +/- 0.4 per thousand; WS: 2.1 +/- 0.1 per thousand). There was an inversion in interstitial salinity patterns across the soil profile between seasons. In the DS, shallow water was euhaline [i.e., 43 practical salinity units (PSU)] while groundwater was less saline (18 PSU). In the WS, however, shallow water was fresh (i.e., 0 PSU) but groundwater remained brackish (14 PSU). All plants utilized 100% (shallow) freshwater during the WS, but in the DS R. mangle switched to a soil-groundwater mix (delta 55% groundwater) while C. jamaicense and S. portulacastrum continued to use euhaline shallow water. In the DS, based on delta(18)O data, the roots of R. mangle roots were exposed to salinities of 25.4 +/- 1.4 PSU, less saline than either C. jamaicense (39.1 +/- 2.2 PSU) or S. portulacastrum (38.6 +/- 2.5 PSU). Although the salinity tolerance of C. jamaicense is not known, it is unlikely that long-term exposure to high salinity is conducive to the persistence of this freshwater marsh sedge. This study increases our ecological understanding of how water uptake patterns of individual plants can contribute to ecosystem levels changes, not only in the southeast saline Everglades, but also in estuaries in general in response to global sea level rise and human-induced changes in freshwater flows.

CCQM-K140: carbon stable isotope ratio delta values in honey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dunn, P. J. H.; Goenaga-Infante, H.; Goren, A. C.; Şimşek, A.; Bilsel, M.; Ogrinc, N.; Armishaw, P.; Hai, L.

2017-01-01

As there can be small but measureable differences in isotope ratios between different sources of the same element/compound/material, isotope ratio measurements are applied in a number of different fields including archaeology, environmental science, geochemistry, forensic science and ecology. Isotope ratios for the light elements (H, C, N, O and S) are typically reported as δ-values which are isotope ratios expressed relative to an internationally agreed standard (this standard is the zero-point on the scale), although absolute isotope ratios which are traceable to the SI have also been reported. The IAWG has been granted a traceability exception for the use of arbitrary delta scales until SI traceability can be established at the required level of uncertainty but this goal is some years away. While the CCQM IAWG has previously organised several pilot studies on isotope ratio determination (CCQM-P75: Stable isotope delta values in methionine, 2006; CCQM-P105: Sr isotope ratios in wine, 2008; CCQM-K98: Pb isotope ratios in bronze with additional delta values in CCQM-P134, 2011), it has been a number of years since delta values of light elements have been considered and there has been no key comparison (KC). Therefore, the IAWG has included the need for a KC (CCQM-K140) based on an arbitrary delta scale in its program to support ongoing requirements to demonstrate core capabilities as well as specific claims of measurement capability (CMCs) in this area. The performance of all five of the CCQM-K140 participants was very good, illustrating their ability to obtain accurate results for carbon isotope ratios, within the calibration range afforded by internationally agreed reference materials (δ13CVPDB-LSVEC between -47.32 % and +535.3 %) with measurement uncertainties of between 0.08 and 0.28 %. This was despite the fact that no two participants used exactly the same approach in terms of instrumentation or data treatment. Main text To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCQM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Delta(13)C, delta(15)N and delta(2)H isotope ratio mass spectrometry of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine: application to methylamphetamine profiling.

PubMed

Collins, Michael; Cawley, Adam T; Heagney, Aaron C; Kissane, Luke; Robertson, James; Salouros, Helen

2009-07-01

Conventional chemical profiling of methylamphetamine has been used for many years to determine the synthetic route employed and where possible to identify the precursor chemicals used. In this study stable isotope ratio analysis was investigated as a means of determining the origin of the methylamphetamine precursors, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine may be prepared industrially by several routes. Results are presented for the stable isotope ratios of carbon (delta(13)C), nitrogen (delta(15)N) and hydrogen (delta(2)H) measured in methylamphetamine samples synthesized from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine of known provenance. It is clear from the results that measurement of the delta(13)C, delta(15)N and delta(2)H stable isotope ratios by elemental analyzer/thermal conversion isotope ratio mass spectrometry (EA/TC-IRMS) in high-purity methylamphetamine samples will allow determination of the synthetic source of the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine precursor as being either of a natural, semi-synthetic, or fully synthetic origin. Copyright (c) 2009 Commonwealth of Australia.

Method of quantifying the loss of acidification activity of lactic acid starters during freezing and frozen storage.

PubMed

Fonseca, F; Béal, C; Corrieu, G

2000-02-01

We have developed a method to quantify the resistance to freezing and frozen storage of lactic acid starters, based on measuring the time necessary to reach the maximum acidification rate in milk (tm) using the Cinac system. Depending on the operating conditions, tm increased during the freezing step and storage. The loss of acidification activity during freezing was quantified by the difference (delta tm) between the tm values of the concentrated cell suspension before and after freezing. During storage at -20 degrees C, linear relationships between tm and the storage time were established. Their slope, k, allowed the quantitation of the decrease in acidification activity during 9-14 weeks of frozen storage. The method was applied to determine the resistance to freezing and frozen storage of four strains of lactic acid bacteria and to quantify the cryoprotective effect of glycerol.

14-Alkoxy- and 14-Acyloxypyridomorphinans: Mu Agonist/Delta Antagonist Opioid Analgesics with Diminished Tolerance and Dependence Side Effects

PubMed Central

Ananthan, Subramaniam; Saini, Surendra K.; Dersch, Christina M.; Xu, Heng; McGlinchey, Nicholas; Giuvelis, Denise; Bilsky, Edward J.; Rothman, Richard B.

2012-01-01

In the search for opioid ligands with mixed functional activity, a series of 5′-(4-chlorophenyl)-4,5α-epoxypyridomorphinans possessing alkoxy or acyloxy groups at C-14 was synthesized and evaluated. In this series, the affinity and functional activity of the ligands were found to be influenced by the nature of the substituent at C-14 as well as by the substituent at N-17. Whereas the incorporation of a 3-phenylpropoxy group at C-14 on N-methylpyridomorhinan gave a dual MOR agonist/DOR agonist 17h its incorporation on N-cyclopropylmethylpyridomorphinan gave a MOR agonist/DOR antagonist 17d. Interestingly, 17d, in contrast to 17h, did not produce tolerance or dependence effects on prolonged treatment in cells expressing MOR and DOR. Moreover, 17d displayed greatly diminished analgesic tolerance as compared to morphine on repeated administration, thus supporting the hypothesis that ligands with MOR agonist/DOR antagonist functional activity could emerge as novel analgesics devoid of tolerance, dependence and related side effects. PMID:23016952

Arthropod food web restoration following removal of an invasive wetland plant.

PubMed

Gratton, Claudio; Denno, Robert F

2006-04-01

Restoration of habitats impacted by invasive plants is becoming an increasingly important tool in the management of native biodiversity, though most studies do not go beyond monitoring the abundance of particular taxonomic groups, such as the return of native vegetation. Yet, the reestablishment of trophic interactions among organisms in restored habitats is equally important if we are to monitor and understand how ecosystems recover. This study examined whether food web interactions among arthropods (as inferred by abundance of naturally occurring stable isotopes of C [delta13C] and N [delta15N]) were reestablished in the restoration of a coastal Spartina alterniflora salt marsh that had been invaded by Phragmites australis. From patterns of C and N stable isotopes we infer that trophic interactions among arthropods in the native salt marsh habitats are characterized by reliance on the dominant marsh plant Spartina as a basal resource. Herbivores such as delphacid planthoppers and mirid bugs have isotope signatures characteristic of Spartina, and predatory arthropods such as dolicopodid flies and spiders likewise have delta13C and delta15N signatures typical of Spartina-derived resources (approximately -13 per thousand and 10 per thousand, respectively). Stable isotope patterns also suggest that the invasion of Phragmites into salt marshes and displacement of Spartina significantly alter arthropod food web interactions. Arthropods in Phragmites-dominated sites have delta13C isotope values between -18 per thousand and -20 per thousand, suggesting reliance on detritus and/or benthic microalgae as basal resources and not on Phragmites, which has a delta13C approximately -26 per thousand. Since most Phragmites herbivores are either feeding internally or are rare transients from nearby Spartina, these resources do not provide significant prey resources for other arthropod consumers. Rather, predator isotope signatures in the invaded habitats indicate dependence on detritus/algae as basal resources instead of the dominant vegetation. The reestablishment of Spartina after removal of Phragmites, however, not only returned species assemblages typical of reference (uninvaded) Spartina, but stable isotope signatures suggest that the trophic interactions among the arthropods were also similar in reestablished habitats. Specifically, both herbivores and predators showed characteristic Spartina signatures, suggesting the return of the original grazer-based food web structure in the restored habitats.

Eutectic superalloys by edge-defined, film-fed growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hurley, G. F.

1975-01-01

The feasibility of producing directionally solidified eutectic alloy composites by edge-defined, film-fed growth (EFG) was carried out. The three eutectic alloys which were investigated were gamma + delta, gamma/gamma prime + delta, and a Co-base TaC alloy containing Cr and Ni. Investigations into the compatibility and wettability of these metals with various carbides, borides, nitrides, and oxides disclosed that compounds with the largest (negative) heats of formation were most stable but poorest wetting. Nitrides and carbides had suitable stability and low contact angles but capillary rise was observed only with carbides. Oxides would not give capillary rise but would probably fulfill the other wetting requirements of EFG. Tantalum carbide was selected for most of the experimental portion of the program based on its exhibiting spontaneous capillary rise and satisfactory slow rate of degradation in the liquid metals. Samples of all three alloys were grown by EFG with the major experimental effort restricted to gamma + delta and gamma/gamma prime + delta alloys. In the standard, uncooled EFG apparatus, the thermal gradient was inferred from the growth speed and was 150 to 200 C/cm. This value may be compared to typical gradients of less than 100 C/cm normally achieved in a standard Bridgman-type apparatus. When a stream of helium was directed against the side of the bar during growth, the gradient was found to improve to about 250 C/cm. In comparison, a theoretical gradient of 700 C/cm should be possible under ideal conditions, without the use of chills. Methods for optimizing the gradient in EFG are discussed, and should allow attainment of close to the theoretical for a particular configuration.

[Identification of using organic carbon isotopic composition of soil pollution process].

PubMed

Guo, Qing-Jun; Chen, Tong-Bin; Yang, Jun; Strauss, Harald; Lei, Mei; Zhu, Guang-Xu; Li, Yan-Mei; Zhou, Xiao-Yong; Li, Xiao-Yan

2011-10-01

This study has taken advantage of the characteristics of concentration of soil organic matter (SOC) and delta13 C(SOC) values to provide proofs for environment quality assessment and to know more about polluted sources, sizes and processes in Beijing steel company area. delta13C values of SOC is good for tracing sources and documenting shifts in community composition and distribution. Two sections (Beijing steel company area and Yongledian, Tongzhou) which belong to two different soil types collected in Beijing, and organic carbon isotopic composition and total soil organic carbon were analyzed. These results shows that SOC of soil samples from Beijing steel company area are quite high, and even 9.7% at the surface sample, however SOC from unpolluted area (Yongledian area) is lower than those of industrial area. delta13 C(SOC) from soils of Beijing steel company area and Yongledian area respectively vary from -24.8 per thousand to -23.1 per thousand and -26.4 per thousand to -20.5 per thousand, the results are quite different. The results reflect that there are different organic carbon sources in different types' soil: Organic carbon from Beijing steel company area has been mainly affected by coal burning, soil organic carbon concentrations are quite high, and pollution can affect on soils 70 cm deep underground; and soils from Yongledian area, have been not polluted, and organic matter is from natural litter (C3 plants). Although there are different soil organic carbon concentrations and isotope compositions, two soil sections have similar variation trends. This study provides proofs for environment quality assessment and know more about polluted and natural sources, sizes in Beijing.