Kinetic parameters of rubidium transport pathways are normal in cystic fibrosis red cells.

PubMed

Joiner, C H

1988-10-01

The abnormalities in ion transport in cystic fibrosis (CF) respiratory and sweat duct epithelia have prompted studies of ion permeability in CF red blood cells (RBC) although previous reports have been contradictory. In this study, the kinetic characteristics of the three major cation transport systems in RBC were evaluated by measuring rubidium (Rb) uptake at various external Rb concentrations. The maximal velocity and affinity for external Rb (K1/2) of the NaK pump were normal in CF RBC, as were the maximal velocity and Km for Rb of the NaK cotransport system. Residual (ouabain and bumetanide insensitive) Rb uptake, and steady state RBC Na and K contents were also normal. These data indicate the NaK pump and cotransport system do not exhibit primary or secondary perturbations in CF RBC, and suggest that the noncarrier-mediated membrane permeability to cations is also normal in these cells.

Increased diuresis, renal vascular reactivity, and blood pressure levels in young rats fed high sodium, moderately high fructose, or their association: a comparative evaluation.

PubMed

Da Silva, Rita de Cássia Vilhena A F; de Souza, Priscila; da Silva-Santos, José Eduardo

2016-12-01

Excessive intakes of sodium or fructose have been described as risk factors for hypertension. We hypothesized that even a moderately high fructose diet (6% fructose), either alone or in combination with high sodium (4% NaCl), may impair diuresis and renal and systemic vascular reactivity, contributing to the onset of high blood pressure in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed chow containing 4% NaCl (HS), 6% fructose (MHF), or both 4% NaCl and 6% fructose (HSMHF) for 6 weeks and had their diuresis, plasma creatinine, vascular reactivity of perfused kidneys and systemic arterial pressure evaluated. We found no differences in augmented diuresis among animals given HS, MHF, or HSMHF diets. After 6 weeks both the HS and HSMHF groups had increased weight in their left kidneys, but only the HSMHF group showed augmented plasma creatinine. The effects of phenylephrine on renal vascular perfusion pressure were similarly enhanced in kidneys from the HS, MHF, and HSMHF groups, but not on the systemic arterial pressure. Although when evaluated in anesthetized rats, only the HSMHF group presented augmented blood pressure, evaluation in conscious animals revealed that both the MHF and HSMHF diets, but not the HS alone, were able to induce tachycardia and hypertension. In conclusion, a MHF diet containing 6% fructose was enough to render the renal vascular bed hyperreactive to phenylephrine and to induce both hypertension and tachycardia. The combination of 6% fructose with 4% NaCl led to plasma accumulation of creatinine and accelerated the development of tachycardia.

Compact DD generator based in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA) system to determine sodium concentrations in human bone.

PubMed

Coyne, Mychaela Dawn; Neumann, Colby R; Zhang, Xinxin; Byrne, Patrick; Liu, Yingzi; Weaver, Connie M; Nie, Linda Huiling

2018-04-16

This study presents the development of a non-invasive method for monitoring Na in human bone. Many diseases, such as hypertension and osteoporosis, are closely associated with sodium (Na) retention in the human body. Na retention is generally evaluated by calculating the difference between dietary intake and excretion. There is currently no method to directly quantify Na retained in the body. Bone is a storage for many elements, including Na, which renders bone Na an ideal biomarker to study Na metabolism and retention. Approach: A customized compact deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron generator was used to produce neutrons for in vivo neutron activation analysis (IVNAA), with a moderator/ reflector/ shielding assembly optimized for human hand irradiation in order to maximize the thermal neutron flux inside the irradiation cave and to limit radiation exposure to the hand and the whole body. Main Results: The experimental results show that the system is able to detect sodium levels in the bone as low as 12 g Na/g dry bone with an effective dose to the body of about 27 μSv. The simulation results agree with the numbers estimated from the experiment. Significance: This is expected to be a feasible method for measuring the change of Na in bone. The low detection limit indicates this will be a useful system to study the association between Na retention and related diseases. © 2018 Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine.

Effect of Reduction of Redox Modifications of Cys-Residues in the Na,K-ATPase α1-Subunit on Its Activity

PubMed Central

Dergousova, Elena A.; Petrushanko, Irina Yu.; Klimanova, Elizaveta A.; Mitkevich, Vladimir A.; Ziganshin, Rustam H.; Lopina, Olga D.; Makarov, Alexander A.

2017-01-01

Sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na,K-ATPase) creates a gradient of sodium and potassium ions necessary for the viability of animal cells, and it is extremely sensitive to intracellular redox status. Earlier we found that regulatory glutathionylation determines Na,K-ATPase redox sensitivity but the role of basal glutathionylation and other redox modifications of cysteine residues is not clear. The purpose of this study was to detect oxidized, nitrosylated, or glutathionylated cysteine residues in Na,K-ATPase, evaluate the possibility of removing these modifications and assess their influence on the enzyme activity. To this aim, we have detected such modifications in the Na,K-ATPase α1-subunit purified from duck salt glands and tried to eliminate them by chemical reducing agents and the glutaredoxin1/glutathione reductase enzyme system. Detection of cysteine modifications was performed using mass spectrometry and Western blot analysis. We have found that purified Na,K-ATPase α1-subunit contains glutathionylated, nitrosylated, and oxidized cysteines. Chemical reducing agents partially eliminate these modifications that leads to the slight increase of the enzyme activity. Enzyme system glutaredoxin/glutathione reductase, unlike chemical reducing agents, produces significant increase of the enzyme activity. At the same time, the enzyme system deglutathionylates native Na,K-ATPase to a lesser degree than chemical reducing agents. This suggests that the enzymatic reducing system glutaredoxin/glutathione reductase specifically affects glutathionylation of the regulatory cysteine residues of Na,K-ATPase α1-subunit. PMID:28230807

A Comparison of Coolant Options for Brayton Power Conversion Heat Rejection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mason, Lee S.; Siamidis, John

2006-01-01

This paper describes potential heat rejection design concepts for Brayton power conversion systems. Brayton conversion systems are currently under study by NASA for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) and surface power applications. The Brayton Heat Rejection Subsystem (HRS) must dissipate waste heat generated by the power conversion system due to inefficiencies in the thermal-to-electric conversion process. Sodium potassium (NaK) and H2O are two coolant working fluids that have been investigated in the design of a pumped loop and heat pipe space HRS. In general NaK systems are high temperature (300 to 1000 K) low pressure systems, and H2O systems are low temperature (300 to 600 K) high pressure systems. NaK is an alkali metal with health and safety hazards that require special handling procedures. On the other hand, H2O is a common fluid, with no health hazards and no special handling procedures. This paper compares NaK and H20 for the HRS pumped loop coolant working fluid. A detailed Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) analytical model, HRS_Opt, was developed to evaluate the various HRS design parameters. It is capable of analyzing NaK or H2O coolant, parallel or series flow configurations, and numerous combinations of other key parameters (heat pipe spacing, diameter and radial flux, radiator facesheet thickness, fluid duct system pressure drop, system rejected power, etc.) of the HRS. This paper compares NaK against water for the HRS coolant working fluid with respect to the relative mass, performance, design and implementation issues between the two fluids.

A Comparison of Coolant Options for Brayton Power Conversion Heat Rejection Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siamidis, John; Mason, Lee S.

2006-01-01

This paper describes potential heat rejection design concepts for Brayton power conversion systems. Brayton conversion systems are currently under study by NASA for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) and surface power applications. The Brayton Heat Rejection Subsystem (HRS) must dissipate waste heat generated by the power conversion system due to inefficiencies in the thermal-to-electric conversion process. Sodium potassium (NaK) and H2O are two coolant working fluids that have been investigated in the design of a pumped loop and heat pipe space HRS. In general NaK systems are high temperature (300 to 1000 K) low pressure systems, and H2O systems are low temperature (300 to 600 K) high pressure systems. NaK is an alkali metal with health and safety hazards that require special handling procedures. On the other hand, H2O is a common fluid, with no health hazards and no special handling procedures. This paper compares NaK and H2O for the HRS pumped loop coolant working fluid. A detailed Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA) analytical model, HRS_Opt, was developed to evaluate the various HRS design parameters. It is capable of analyzing NaK or H2O coolant, parallel or series flow configurations, and numerous combinations of other key parameters (heat pipe spacing, diameter and radial flux, radiator facesheet thickness, fluid duct system pressure drop, system rejected power, etc.) of the HRS. This paper compares NaK against water for the HRS coolant working fluid with respect to the relative mass, performance, design and implementation issues between the two fluids.

A Comparison of Coolant Options for Brayton Power Conversion Heat Rejection Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siamidis, John; Mason, Lee

2006-01-01

This paper describes potential heat rejection design concepts for Brayton power conversion systems. Brayton conversion systems are currently under study by NASA for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) and surface power applications. The Brayton Heat Rejection Subsystem (HRS) must dissipate waste heat generated by the power conversion system due to inefficiencies in the thermal-to-electric conversion process. Sodium potassium (NaK) and H2O are two coolant working fluids that have been investigated in the design of a pumped loop and heat pipe space HRS. In general NaK systems are high temperature (300 to 1000 K) low pressure systems, and H2O systems are low temperature (300 to 600 K) high pressure systems. NaK is an alkali metal with health and safety hazards that require special handling procedures. On the other hand, H2O is a common fluid, with no health hazards and no special handling procedures. This paper compares NaK and H2O for the HRS pumped loop coolant working fluid. A detailed excel analytical model, HRS_Opt, was developed to evaluate the various HRS design parameters. It is capable of analyzing NaK or H2O coolant, parallel or series flow configurations, and numerous combinations of other key parameters (heat pipe spacing, diameter and radial flux, radiator facesheet thickness, fluid duct system pressure drop, system rejected power, etc.) of the HRS. This paper compares NaK against water for the HRS coolant working fluid with respect to the relative mass, performance, design and implementation issues between the two fluids.

76 FR 76151 - Notice of Submission for OMB Review

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-06

... Evaluation Systems in the United States will contribute to the Department's work by providing research-based information to aid state and local efforts to plan and implement comprehensive teacher evaluation systems. The... United States. OMB Control Number: Pending. Agency Form Number(s): N/A. Frequency of Responses: Annually...

Status of Kilowatt-Class Stirling Power Conversion Using a Pumped NaK Loop for Thermal Input

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Briggs, Maxwell H.; Geng, Steven M.; Robbie, Malcolm G.

2010-01-01

Free-piston Stirling power conversion has been identified as a viable option for potential Fission Surface Power (FSP) systems on the Moon and Mars. Proposed systems consist of two or more Stirling convertors, in a dual-opposed configuration, coupled to a low-temperature uranium-dioxide-fueled, liquid-metal-cooled reactor. To reduce developmental risks associated with liquid-metal loop integration, a test rig has been built to evaluate the performance of a pair of 1-kW free-piston Stirling convertors using a pumped sodium-potassium (NaK) loop for thermal energy input. Baseline performance maps have been generated at the Glenn Research Center (GRC) for these 1-kW convertors operating with an electric heat source. Each convertor was then retrofitted with a custom-made NaK heater head and integrated into a pumped NaK system at the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC). This paper documents baseline testing at GRC as well as the progress made in integrating the Stirling convertors into the pumped NaK loop.

The efficacy of the self-adjusting file and ProTaper for removal of calcium hydroxide from root canals

PubMed Central

FARIA, Gisele; KUGA, Milton Carlos; RUY, Alessandra Camila; ARANDA-GARCIA, Arturo Javier; BONETTI-FILHO, Idomeo; GUERREIRO-TANOMARU, Juliane Maria; LEONARDO, Renato Toledo

2013-01-01

Objective The goal of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Self-Adjusting File (SAF) and ProTaper for removing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] from root canals. Material and Methods Thirty-six human mandibular incisors were instrumented with the ProTaper system up to instrument F2 and filled with a Ca(OH)2-based dressing. After 7 days, specimens were distributed in two groups (n=15) according to the method of Ca(OH)2 removal. Group I (SAF) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl and SAF was used for 30 seconds under constant irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl using the Vatea irrigation device, followed by irrigation with 3 mL of EDTA and 5 mL of NaOCl. Group II (ProTaper) was irrigated with 5 mL of NaOCl, the F2 instrument was used for 30 seconds, followed by irrigation with 5 mL of NaOCl, 3 mL of EDTA, and 5 mL of NaOCl. In 3 teeth Ca(OH)2 was not removed (positive control) and in 3 teeth canals were not filled with Ca(OH)2 (negative control). Teeth were sectioned and prepared for the scanning electron microscopy. The amounts of residual Ca(OH)2 were evaluated in the middle and apical thirds using a 5-score system. Results None of the techniques completely removed the Ca(OH)2 dressing. No difference was observed between SAF and ProTaper in removing Ca(OH)2 in the middle (P=0.11) and the apical (P=0.23) thirds. Conclusion The SAF system showed similar efficacy to rotary instrument for removal of Ca(OH)2 from mandibular incisor root canals. PMID:24037074

Study of Compatibility of Stainless Steel Weld Joints with Liquid Sodium-Potassium Coolants for Fission Surface Power Reactors for Lunar and Space Applications

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

Grossbeck, Martin; Qualls, Louis

To make a manned mission to the surface of the moon or to Mars with any significant residence time, the power requirements will make a nuclear reactor the most feasible source of energy. To prepare for such a mission, NASA has teamed with the DOE to develop Fission Surface Power technology with the goal of developing viable options. The Fission Surface Power System (FSPS) recommended as the initial baseline design includes a liquid metal reactor and primary coolant system that transfers heat to two intermediate liquid metal heat transfer loops. Each intermediate loop transfers heat to two Stirling heat exchangersmore » that each power two Stirling converters. Both the primary and the intermediate loops will use sodium-potassium (NaK) as the liquid metal coolant, and the primary loop will operate at temperatures exceeding 600°C. The alloy selected for the heat exchangers and piping is AISI Type 316L stainless steel. The extensive experience with NaK in breeder reactor programs and with earlier space reactors for unmanned missions lends considerable confidence in using NaK as a coolant in contact with stainless steel alloys. However, the microstructure, chemical segregation, and stress state of a weld leads to the potential for corrosion and cracking. Such failures have been experienced in NaK systems that have operated for times less than the eight year goal for the FSPS. For this reason, it was necessary to evaluate candidate weld techniques and expose welds to high-temperature, flowing NaK in a closed, closely controlled system. The goal of this project was to determine the optimum weld configuration for a NaK system that will withstand service for eight years under FSPS conditions. Since the most difficult weld to make and to evaluate is the tube to tube sheet weld in the intermediate heat exchangers, it was the focus of this research. A pumped loop of flowing NaK was fabricated for exposure of candidate weld specimens at temperatures of 600°C, the expected temperature within the intermediate heat exchangers. Since metal transfer from a high-temperature region to a cooler region is a predominant mode of corrosion in liquid metal systems, specimens were placed at zones in the loop at the above temperature to evaluate the effects of both alloy component leaching and metal deposition. Microstructural analysis was performed to evaluate weld performance on control weld specimens. The research was coordinated with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) where most of the weld samples were prepared. In addition, ORNL participated in the loop operation to assist in keeping the testing relevant to the project and to take advantage of the extensive experience in liquid metal research at ORNL.« less

Endogenous ouabain and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system: distinct effects on Na handling and blood pressure in human hypertension.

PubMed

Manunta, Paolo; Hamlyn, John M; Simonini, Marco; Messaggio, Elisabetta; Lanzani, Chiara; Bracale, Maria; Argiolas, Giuseppe; Casamassima, Nunzia; Brioni, Elena; Glorioso, Nicola; Bianchi, Giuseppe

2011-02-01

To evaluate whether the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and endogenous ouabain system differently affect renal Na handling and blood pressure. Three hundred and one patients in whom we compared blood pressure, and renal Na tubular reabsorption in the basal condition and 2 h (T120) after saline infusion. Following multivariate-adjusted linear and quartiles analysis, baseline mean blood pressure (MBP) was significantly higher (113.7 ± 1.33 mmHg) in the fourth versus the first endogenous ouabain quartile (103.8 ± 1.04 mmHg) and the trend across the quartiles was highly significant (β = 0.23, P = 3.53e-04). In contrast, an inverse relationship was present in the renin activity (PRA) quartiles with MBP highest in the first (112.5 ± 1.26) and lowest in the fourth PRA quartile (107.6 ± 1.48, P = 0.039). Following an acute saline load, changes in MBP and the slope of the pressure-natriuresis relationship were inversely related across the PRA quartiles. The fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) showed a negative linear trend going from the first to the third endogenous ouabain quartiles (2.35 ± 0.17 and 1.90 ± 0.14%, P = 0.05). Patients in the fourth endogenous ouabain quartile (>323 pmol/l) showed increased FENa T120 (2.78 ± 0.18%, P < 0.01) and increased Na tubular rejection fraction (P = 0.007) after Na load. After the saline load, there was a biphasic relationship between plasma endogenous ouabain and FENa favoring Na retention at low endogenous ouabain and Na excretion at high endogenous ouabain levels. The RAAS and endogenous ouabain system are two independent and complementary systems having an inverse (RAAS) or a direct (endogenous ouabain system) relationship with hemodynamic parameters.

Heat Rejection Concepts for Brayton Power Conversion Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siamidis, John; Mason, Lee; Beach, Duane; Yuko, James

2005-01-01

This paper describes potential heat rejection design concepts for closed Brayton cycle (CBC) power conversion systems. Brayton conversion systems are currently under study by NASA for Nuclear Electric Propulsion (NEP) applications. The Heat Rejection Subsystem (HRS) must dissipate waste heat generated by the power conversion system due to inefficiencies in the thermal-to-electric conversion process. Space Brayton conversion system designs tend to optimize at efficiencies of about 20 to 25 percent with radiator temperatures in the 400 to 600 K range. A notional HRS was developed for a 100 kWe-class Brayton power system that uses a pumped sodium-potassium (NaK) heat transport loop coupled to a water heat pipe radiator. The radiator panels employ a sandwich construction consisting of regularly-spaced circular heat pipes contained within two composite facesheets. Heat transfer from the NaK fluid to the heat pipes is accomplished by inserting the evaporator sections into the NaK duct channel. The paper evaluates various design parameters including heat pipe diameter, heat pipe spacing, and facesheet thickness. Parameters were varied to compare design options on the basis of NaK pump pressure rise and required power, heat pipe unit power and radial flux, radiator panel areal mass, and overall HRS mass.

Gradual Reduction in Sodium Content in Cooked Ham, with Corresponding Change in Sensorial Properties Measured by Sensory Evaluation and a Multimodal Machine Vision System

PubMed Central

Greiff, Kirsti; Mathiassen, John Reidar; Misimi, Ekrem; Hersleth, Margrethe; Aursand, Ida G.

2015-01-01

The European diet today generally contains too much sodium (Na+). A partial substitution of NaCl by KCl has shown to be a promising method for reducing sodium content. The aim of this work was to investigate the sensorial changes of cooked ham with reduced sodium content. Traditional sensorial evaluation and objective multimodal machine vision were used. The salt content in the hams was decreased from 3.4% to 1.4%, and 25% of the Na+ was replaced by K+. The salt reduction had highest influence on the sensory attributes salty taste, after taste, tenderness, hardness and color hue. The multimodal machine vision system showed changes in lightness, as a function of reduced salt content. Compared to the reference ham (3.4% salt), a replacement of Na+-ions by K+-ions of 25% gave no significant changes in WHC, moisture, pH, expressed moisture, the sensory profile attributes or the surface lightness and shininess. A further reduction of salt down to 1.7–1.4% salt, led to a decrease in WHC and an increase in expressible moisture. PMID:26422367

Gradual Reduction in Sodium Content in Cooked Ham, with Corresponding Change in Sensorial Properties Measured by Sensory Evaluation and a Multimodal Machine Vision System.

PubMed

Greiff, Kirsti; Mathiassen, John Reidar; Misimi, Ekrem; Hersleth, Margrethe; Aursand, Ida G

2015-01-01

The European diet today generally contains too much sodium (Na(+)). A partial substitution of NaCl by KCl has shown to be a promising method for reducing sodium content. The aim of this work was to investigate the sensorial changes of cooked ham with reduced sodium content. Traditional sensorial evaluation and objective multimodal machine vision were used. The salt content in the hams was decreased from 3.4% to 1.4%, and 25% of the Na(+) was replaced by K(+). The salt reduction had highest influence on the sensory attributes salty taste, after taste, tenderness, hardness and color hue. The multimodal machine vision system showed changes in lightness, as a function of reduced salt content. Compared to the reference ham (3.4% salt), a replacement of Na(+)-ions by K(+)-ions of 25% gave no significant changes in WHC, moisture, pH, expressed moisture, the sensory profile attributes or the surface lightness and shininess. A further reduction of salt down to 1.7-1.4% salt, led to a decrease in WHC and an increase in expressible moisture.

Framework for automatic information extraction from research papers on nanocrystal devices

PubMed Central

Yoshioka, Masaharu; Hara, Shinjiro; Newton, Marcus C

2015-01-01

Summary To support nanocrystal device development, we have been working on a computational framework to utilize information in research papers on nanocrystal devices. We developed an annotated corpus called “ NaDev” (Nanocrystal Device Development) for this purpose. We also proposed an automatic information extraction system called “NaDevEx” (Nanocrystal Device Automatic Information Extraction Framework). NaDevEx aims at extracting information from research papers on nanocrystal devices using the NaDev corpus and machine-learning techniques. However, the characteristics of NaDevEx were not examined in detail. In this paper, we conduct system evaluation experiments for NaDevEx using the NaDev corpus. We discuss three main issues: system performance, compared with human annotators; the effect of paper type (synthesis or characterization) on system performance; and the effects of domain knowledge features (e.g., a chemical named entity recognition system and list of names of physical quantities) on system performance. We found that overall system performance was 89% in precision and 69% in recall. If we consider identification of terms that intersect with correct terms for the same information category as the correct identification, i.e., loose agreement (in many cases, we can find that appropriate head nouns such as temperature or pressure loosely match between two terms), the overall performance is 95% in precision and 74% in recall. The system performance is almost comparable with results of human annotators for information categories with rich domain knowledge information (source material). However, for other information categories, given the relatively large number of terms that exist only in one paper, recall of individual information categories is not high (39–73%); however, precision is better (75–97%). The average performance for synthesis papers is better than that for characterization papers because of the lack of training examples for characterization papers. Based on these results, we discuss future research plans for improving the performance of the system. PMID:26665057

Framework for automatic information extraction from research papers on nanocrystal devices.

PubMed

Dieb, Thaer M; Yoshioka, Masaharu; Hara, Shinjiro; Newton, Marcus C

2015-01-01

To support nanocrystal device development, we have been working on a computational framework to utilize information in research papers on nanocrystal devices. We developed an annotated corpus called " NaDev" (Nanocrystal Device Development) for this purpose. We also proposed an automatic information extraction system called "NaDevEx" (Nanocrystal Device Automatic Information Extraction Framework). NaDevEx aims at extracting information from research papers on nanocrystal devices using the NaDev corpus and machine-learning techniques. However, the characteristics of NaDevEx were not examined in detail. In this paper, we conduct system evaluation experiments for NaDevEx using the NaDev corpus. We discuss three main issues: system performance, compared with human annotators; the effect of paper type (synthesis or characterization) on system performance; and the effects of domain knowledge features (e.g., a chemical named entity recognition system and list of names of physical quantities) on system performance. We found that overall system performance was 89% in precision and 69% in recall. If we consider identification of terms that intersect with correct terms for the same information category as the correct identification, i.e., loose agreement (in many cases, we can find that appropriate head nouns such as temperature or pressure loosely match between two terms), the overall performance is 95% in precision and 74% in recall. The system performance is almost comparable with results of human annotators for information categories with rich domain knowledge information (source material). However, for other information categories, given the relatively large number of terms that exist only in one paper, recall of individual information categories is not high (39-73%); however, precision is better (75-97%). The average performance for synthesis papers is better than that for characterization papers because of the lack of training examples for characterization papers. Based on these results, we discuss future research plans for improving the performance of the system.

Behavioral observations of positive and negative valence systems in early childhood predict physiological measures of emotional processing three years later.

PubMed

Kessel, Ellen M; Kujawa, Autumn; Goldstein, Brandon; Hajcak, Greg; Bufferd, Sara J; Dyson, Margaret; Klein, Daniel N

2017-07-01

The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) constructs of Positive Valence Systems (PVS) and Negative Valence Systems (NVS) are presumed to manifest behaviorally through early-emerging temperamental negative affectivity (NA) and positive affectivity (PA). The late positive potential (LPP) is a physiological measure of attention towards both negative and positive emotional stimuli; however, its associations with behavioral aspects of PVS and NVS have yet to be examined. In a community sample of children (N = 340), we examined longitudinal relationships between observational measures of temperamental PA and NA assessed at age 6, and the LPP to both pleasant and unpleasant images assessed at age 9. Lower PA at age 6 predicted reduced LPP amplitudes to pleasant, but not unpleasant, images. NA as a composite measure was not related to the LPP, but specific associations were observed with facets of NA: greater fear predicted an enhanced LPP to unpleasant images, whereas greater sadness predicted a reduced LPP to unpleasant images. We were unable to evaluate concurrent associations between behavioral observations of temperament and the LPP, and effect sizes were modest. Results support correspondence between behavioral and physiological measures of emotional processing across development, and provide evidence of discriminant validity in that PA was specifically related to the LPP to pleasant images, while facets of NA were specifically linked to the LPP to unpleasant images. Distinct associations of temperamental sadness and fear with the LPP highlight the importance of further evaluating subconstructs of NVS. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Solids-To-Liquids, Na2SiO3-To-NaOH and Curing Temperature on the Palm Oil Boiler Ash (Si + Ca) Geopolymerisation System

PubMed Central

Yahya, Zarina; Abdullah, Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri; Hussin, Kamarudin; Ismail, Khairul Nizar; Abd Razak, Rafiza; Sandu, Andrei Victor

2015-01-01

This paper investigates the effect of the solids-to-liquids (S/L) and Na2SiO3/NaOH ratios on the production of palm oil boiler ash (POBA) based geopolymer. Sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution were used as alkaline activator with a NaOH concentration of 14 M. The geopolymer samples were prepared with different S/L ratios (0.5, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, and 1.75) and Na2SiO3/NaOH ratios (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0). The main evaluation techniques in this study were compressive strength, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results showed that the maximum compressive strength (11.9 MPa) was obtained at a S/L ratio and Na2SiO3/NaOH ratio of 1.5 and 2.5 at seven days of testing.

Integrated Systems Performance Assessment for the Evaluation of Space Nuclear Reactor Design Concepts (Phase 1: Demonstration of the Methodology).

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-11-01

Incorporated. Each design is characterized by a moderated core, a NaK pumped loop primary coolant system, and a potassium heat pipe radiator as the...1 1 10 1 RelHX 1 2 10 2 nRel HX 3 3 RelSS nRelSS Irr 4 3 7 8 9 io 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 nRel Pwr nRel NaK nRel RC nRel HX 1 1 11 1 RelSS 1 2 11 2 nRel SS 3 3

Sodium diacetate and sodium lactate affect microbiology and sensory and objective characteristics of a restructured turkey breast product formulated with a fibrin cold-set binding system.

PubMed

Mohammed Shafit, H; Williams, S K

2010-03-01

Research was conducted to manufacture and evaluate a restructured turkey breast product using the Fibrimex cold-set binding system, sodium diacetate (NaD), and sodium lactate (NaL) and to ascertain effects of the treatments on proximate composition, pH, psychrotrophic organisms, water activity, onset of rancidity (TBA), thaw loss, cooking yields, and objective color, and sensory characteristics. Whole turkey breasts were cut into 5-cm-thick strips; treated with either water only (control), 1.5% NaL, 2.0% NaL, 0.1% NaD, 1.5% NaL + 0.1% NaD, or 2.0% NaL + 0.1% NaD; blended with Fibrimex ingredients; stuffed into casings; and stored at -30 degrees C for 0, 1, 2, and 3 mo. After each storage period, frozen chubs were tempered at 4 degrees C, sliced into 1-cm-thick steaks, packaged in retail trays, stored at 0 degrees C to simulate retail storage, and analyzed after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 d. Sodium diacetate used alone or in combination with NaL reduced (P < 0.05) growth of psychrotrophic organisms and had no adverse effects on water activity, pH, cooking yield, fat, moisture, protein, objective color, onset of rancidity, and sensory characteristics (juiciness, turkey flavor intensity, and tenderness). Panelists reported slight off-flavor in all steaks treated with NaL. Treating steaks with NaL alone or in combination with NaD resulted in increased (P < 0.05) ash content. Sodium lactate also functioned to minimize thaw loss in the frozen restructured turkey product.

Tissue dissolution ability of sodium hypochlorite activated by photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming technique.

PubMed

Guneser, Mehmet Burak; Arslan, Dilara; Usumez, Aslihan

2015-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) technique on the pulp tissue-dissolving capacity of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and compare it with the EndoActivator System (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK) and the Er:YAG laser with an endodontic fiber tip. Bovine pulp tissue samples (45 ± 15 mg) and dentin powder (10 mg) were placed in 1.5-mL Eppendorf tubes with 1 mL 5.25% NaOCl (Wizard; Rehber Kimya, Istanbul, Turkey) or distilled water (control) for 5 minutes with activation by the EndoActivator System, the Er:YAG laser with an endodontic fiber tip, and the PIPS technique. Nonactivated NaOCl served as the positive control. All testing procedures were performed at room temperature. The tissue samples were weighed before and after treatment, and the percentage of weight loss was calculated. The differences were statistically analyzed. The highest rate of tissue dissolution was observed in the NaOCl + Er:YAG group (P < .05). The NaOCl + PIPS group dissolved more bovine pulp tissue than the nonactivated NaOCl group (P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the rates of tissue dissolution of the NaOCl + EA and the nonactivated NaOCl groups (P > .05). NaOCl activation with the Er:YAG laser with an endodontic fiber tip was the most effective in bovine pulp tissue dissolution. The PIPS technique also promoted superior tissue-dissolving effects when compared with no activation. However, the EndoActivator System had no direct effect on tissue dissolution. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The efficiency of different irrigation solutions and techniques for the removal of triple antibiotic paste from simulated immature root canals.

PubMed

Ustun, Y; Düzgün, S; Aslan, T; Aktı, A

2018-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiencies of different irrigation protocols in the removal of triple antibiotic paste (TAP) from root canals. A total of 127 extracted human maxillary incisor teeth were prepared. Then, root-end resection of 3 mm was accomplished to simulate immature apex model. The root canals were filled with TAP, after 21 days, randomly divided into nine groups according to irrigation systems and solutions (n = 13). Conventional irrigation (CI) groups - Group 1: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by Peracetic acid (PAA) solution, Group 2: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by etidronic acid 1-hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP) + sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution, Group 3: Root canal irrigation was performed with CI by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)/NaOCl solutions. Vibringe system groups - Group 4: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by PAA solution, Group 5: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by HEBP + NaOCl solution, Group 6: Root canal irrigation was performed with Vibringe system by EDTA/NaOCl solution. EndoVac system groups - Group 7: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by PAA solution, Group 8: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by HEBP + NaOCl solution, Group 9: Root canal irrigation was performed with EndoVac system by EDTA/NaOCl solution. Control Group: (n = 0). Samples were sectioned vertically, and the amount of remaining medicament was scored for each root half and data were statistically analyzed. Among the irrigation systems, CI groups showed the highest scores at both apical and coronal parts (P < 0.05). In comparisons among the solutions, at the apical part, PAA groups showed the highest scores (P < 0.05). At the coronal part, EDTA + NaOCl groups showed the lowest score values (P < 0.05). The use of irrigation systems improved the removal of TAP from the simulated immature root canals. Also, as an irrigation solution EDTA gives more promising results than PAA and HEBP solutions.

Sequestration of non-pure carbon dioxide streams in iron oxyhydroxide-containing saline repositories

USGS Publications Warehouse

Garcia, S.; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Palandri, James L.; Maroto-Valer, M. Mercedes

2012-01-01

Iron oxyhydroxide, goethite (α-FeOOH), was evaluated as a potential formation mineral reactant for trapping CO2 in a mineral phase such as siderite (FeCO3), when a mixture of CO2-SO 2 flue gas is injected into a saline aquifer. Two thermodynamic simulations were conducted, equilibrating a CO2-SO2 fluid mixture with a NaCl-brine and Fe-rich rocks at 150 °C and 300 bar. The modeling studies evaluated mineral and fluid composition at equilibrium and the influence of pH buffering in the system. Results show siderite precipitates both in the buffered and unbuffered system; however, the presence of an alkaline pH buffer enhances the stability of the carbonate. Based on the model, an experiment was designed to compare with thermodynamic predictions. A CO2-SO2 gas mixture was reacted in 150 ml of NaCl-NaOH brine containing 10 g of goethite at 150 °C and 300 bar for 24 days. Mineralogical and brine chemistry confirmed siderite as the predominant reaction product in the system. Seventy-six mg of CO2 are sequestered in siderite per 10 g of goethite.

Efficacy of Two Irrigants Used with Self-Adjusting File System on Smear Layer: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study.

PubMed

Genç Şen, Özgür; Kaya, Sadullah; Er, Özgür; Alaçam, Tayfun

2014-01-01

Mechanical instrumentation of root canals produces a smear layer that adversely affects the root canal seal. The aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy of MTAD and citric acid solutions used with self-adjusting file (SAF) system on smear layer. Twenty-three single-rooted human teeth were used for the study. Canals were instrumented manually up to a number 20 K file size. SAF was used to prepare the root canals. The following groups were studied: Group 1: MTAD + 5.25% NaOCl, Group 2: 20% citric acid + 5.25% NaOCl, and Group 3: Control (5.25% NaOCl). All roots were split longitudinally and subjected to scanning electron microscopy. The presence of smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds was evaluated using a five-score evaluation system. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for statistical analysis. In the coronal third, Group 2 exhibited the best results and was statistically different froms the other groups (P < 0.05). There was not a significant difference among the three thirds of groups according to in-group comparisons (P > 0.05). The solutions used in Group 1 and 2 could effectively remove smear layer in most of the specimens. However, citric acid was more effective than MTAD in the three thirds of the canal.

Densities of liquids and vapors in boiling NaCl-H2O solutions: a PVTx summary from 300° to 500°C

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bischoff, James L.

1991-01-01

Experimental data for densities of liquids and vapors on the two-phase surface of the system NaCl-H2O were compiled and evaluated to provide a complete summary between 300° and 500°C. The results are added to a previously published PTx summary compiled in the same manner to provide a PVTx summary of the present state of knowledge. Results are in table form of use to the understanding of two-phase behaviour in boiling hydrothermal systems and to theoretical modeling of this important system. 

Spectral studies on the interaction of pinacyanol chloride with binary surfactants in aqueous medium.

PubMed

Manna, Kausik; Panda, Amiya Kumar

2009-12-01

Interaction of pinacyanol chloride (PIN) with pure and binary mixtures of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium deoxycholate (NaDC) was spectroscopically studied. Interaction of PIN with pure NaDC produced a blue shifted metachromatic band (at approximately 502 nm), which gradually shifted to higher wavelength region as the concentration of NaDC increased in the pre-micellar stage. For CTAB only intensity of both the bands increased without any shift. Mixed surfactant systems behaved differently than the pure components. Absorbance of monomeric band with a slight red-shift, and a simultaneous decrease in the absorbance of dimeric band of PIN, were observed for all the combinations in the post-micellar region. PIN-micelle binding constant (K(b)) for pure as well as mixed was determined from spectral data using Benesi-Hildebrand equation. Using the idea of Regular Solution Theory, micellar aggregates were assumed to be predominant than other aggregated state, like vesicles. Aggregation number was determined by fluorescence quenching method. Spectral analyses were also done to evaluate CMC values. Rubinigh's model for Regular Solution Theory was employed to evaluate the interaction parameters and micellar composition. Strong synergistic interaction between the oppositely charged surfactants was noted. Bulkier nature of NaDC lowered down its access in mixed micellar system.

A new automated NaCl based robust method for routine production of gallium-68 labeled peptides

PubMed Central

Schultz, Michael K.; Mueller, Dirk; Baum, Richard P.; Watkins, G. Leonard; Breeman, Wouter A. P.

2017-01-01

A new NaCl based method for preparation of gallium-68 labeled radiopharmaceuticals has been adapted for use with an automated gallium-68 generator system. The method was evaluated based on 56 preparations of [68Ga]DOTATOC and compared to a similar acetone-based approach. Advantages of the new NaCl approach include reduced preparation time (< 15 min) and removal of organic solvents. The method produces high peptide-bound % (> 97%), and specific activity (> 40 MBq nmole−1 [68Ga]DOTATOC) and is well-suited for clinical production of radiopharmaceuticals. PMID:23026223

Liquid-vapor relations for the system NaCl-H2O: summary of the P-T- x surface from 300° to 500°C

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bischoff, J.L.; Pitzer, Kenneth S.

1989-01-01

Experimental data on the vapor-liquid equilibrium relations for the system NaCl-H2O were compiled and compared in order to provide an improved estimate of the P-T-x surface between 300° to 500°C, a range for which the system changes from subcritical to critical behavior. Data for the three-phase curve (halite + liquid + vapor) and the NaCl-H2O critical curve were evaluated, and the best fits for these extrema then were used to guide selection of best fit for isothermal plots for the vapor-liquid region in-between. Smoothing was carried out in an iterative procedure by replotting the best-fit data as isobars and then as isopleths, until an internally consistent set of data was obtained. The results are presented in table form that will have application to theoretical modelling and to the understanding of two-phase behavior in saline geothermal systems.

Expression, purification, and characterization of the Necator americanus aspartic protease-1 (Na-APR-1 (M74)) antigen, a component of the bivalent human hookworm vaccine.

PubMed

Seid, Christopher A; Curti, Elena; Jones, R Mark; Hudspeth, Elissa; Rezende, Wanderson; Pollet, Jeroen; Center, Lori; Versteeg, Leroy; Pritchard, Sonya; Musiychuk, Konstantin; Yusibov, Vidadi; Hotez, Peter J; Bottazzi, Maria Elena

2015-01-01

Over 400 million people living in the world's poorest developing nations are infected with hookworms, mostly of the genus Necator americanus. A bivalent human hookworm vaccine composed of the Necator americanus Glutathione S-Transferase-1 (Na-GST-1) and the Necator americanus Aspartic Protease-1 (Na-APR-1 (M74)) is currently under development by the Sabin Vaccine Institute Product Development Partnership (Sabin PDP). Both monovalent vaccines are currently in Phase 1 trials. Both Na-GST-1 and Na-APR-1 antigens are expressed as recombinant proteins. While Na-GST-1 was found to express with high yields in Pichia pastoris, the level of expression of Na-APR-1 in this host was too low to be suitable for a manufacturing process. When the tobacco plant Nicotiana benthamiana was evaluated as an expression system, acceptable levels of solubility, yield, and stability were attained. Observed expression levels of Na-APR-1 (M74) using this system are ∼300 mg/kg. Here we describe the achievements and obstacles encountered during process development as well as characterization and stability of the purified Na-APR-1 (M74) protein and formulated vaccine. The expression, purification and analysis of purified Na-APR-1 (M74) protein obtained from representative 5 kg reproducibility runs performed to qualify the Na-APR-1 (M74) production process is also presented. This process has been successfully transferred to a pilot plant and a 50 kg scale manufacturing campaign under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) has been performed. The 50 kg run has provided a sufficient amount of protein to support the ongoing hookworm vaccine development program of the Sabin PDP.

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: Evaluation of systemic chemotherapy with comprehensive treatment through the RENAPE Database: Multi-Institutional Retrospective Study.

PubMed

Kepenekian, V; Elias, D; Passot, G; Mery, E; Goere, D; Delroeux, D; Quenet, F; Ferron, G; Pezet, D; Guilloit, J M; Meeus, P; Pocard, M; Bereder, J M; Abboud, K; Arvieux, C; Brigand, C; Marchal, F; Classe, J M; Lorimier, G; De Chaisemartin, C; Guyon, F; Mariani, P; Ortega-Deballon, P; Isaac, S; Maurice, C; Gilly, F N; Glehen, O

2016-09-01

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) is a severe disease with mainly locoregional evolution. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is the reported treatment with the longest survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of perioperative systemic chemotherapy strategies on survival and postoperative outcomes in patients with DMPM treated with curative intent with CRS-HIPEC, using a multi-institutional database: the French RENAPE network. From 1991 to 2014, 126 DMPM patients underwent CRS-HIPEC at 20 tertiary centres. The population was divided into four groups according to perioperative treatment: only neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NA), only adjuvant chemotherapy (ADJ), perioperative chemotherapy (PO) and no chemotherapy before or after CRS-HIPEC (NoC). All groups (NA: n = 42; ADJ: n = 16; PO: n = 16; NoC: n = 48) were comparable regarding clinicopathological data and main DMPM prognostic factors. After a median follow-up of 61 months, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 40%, 67%, 62% and 56% in NA, ADJ, PO and NoC groups, respectively (P = 0.049). Major complications occurred for 41%, 45%, 35% and 41% of patients from NA, ADJ, PO and NoC groups, respectively (P = 0.299). In multivariate analysis, NA was independently associated with worse OS (hazard ratio, 2.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-4.94; P = 0.033). This retrospective study suggests that adjuvant chemotherapy may delay recurrence and improve survival and that NA may impact negatively the survival for patients with DMPM who underwent CRS-HIPEC with curative intent. Upfront CRS and HIPEC should be considered when achievable, waiting for stronger level of scientific evidence. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Further Evaluation of the Tripartite Structure of Subjective Well-Being: Evidence From Longitudinal and Experimental Studies.

PubMed

Metler, Samantha J; Busseri, Michael A

2017-04-01

Subjective well-being (SWB; Diener, 1984) comprises three primary components: life satisfaction (LS), positive affect (PA), and negative affect (NA). Multiple competing conceptualizations of the tripartite structure of SWB have been employed, resulting in widespread ambiguity concerning the definition, operationalization, analysis, and synthesis of SWB-related findings (Busseri & Sadava, 2011). We report two studies evaluating two predominant structural models (as recently identified by Busseri, 2015): a hierarchical model comprising a higher-order latent SWB factor with LS, PA, and NA as indicators; and a causal systems model specifying unidirectional effects of PA and NA on LS. A longitudinal study (N = 452; M age  = 18.54; 76.5% female) and a lab-based experiment (N = 195; M age  = 20.42 years; 87.6% female; 81.5% Caucasian) were undertaken. Structural models were evaluated with respect to (a) associations among SWB components across time (three months, three years in Study 1; one week in Study 2) and (b) the impact of manipulating the individual SWB components (Study 2). A hierarchical structural model was supported in both studies; conflicting evidence was found for the causal systems model. A hierarchical model provides a robust conceptualization for the tripartite structure of SWB. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thermodynamic and kinetic analyses of the CO2 chemisorption mechanism on Na2TiO3: Experimental and theoretical evidences

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

Duan, Yuhua

2014-01-01

ABSTRACT: Sodium metatitanate (Na2TiO3) was successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction. The Na2TiO3 structure and microstructure were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption. Then, the CO2 chemisorption mechanism on Na2TiO3 was systematically analyzed to determine the influence of temperature. The CO2 chemisorption capacity of Na2TiO3 was evaluated both dynamically and isothermally, and the products were reanalyzed to elucidate the Na2TiO3-CO2 reaction mechanism. Different chemical species (Na2CO3, Na2O, and Na4Ti5O12 or Na16Ti10O28) were identified during the CO2 capture process in Na2TiO3. In addition, some CO2 chemisorption kinetic parameters were determined. The ΔH‡ was found tomore » be 140.9 kJ/mol, to the Na2TiO3-CO2 system, between 600 and 780 °C. Results evidenced that CO2 chemisorption on Na2TiO3 highly depends on the reaction temperature. Furthermore, the experiments were theoretically supported by different thermodynamic calculations. The calculated thermodynamic properties of CO2 capture reactions by (Na2TiO3, Na4Ti5O12, and Na16Ti10O28) sodium titanates were fully investigated.« less

Methylphenidate treatment increases Na(+), K (+)-ATPase activity in the cerebrum of young and adult rats.

PubMed

Scherer, Emilene B S; Matté, Cristiane; Ferreira, Andréa G K; Gomes, Karin M; Comim, Clarissa M; Mattos, Cristiane; Quevedo, João; Streck, Emilio L; Wyse, Angela T S

2009-12-01

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is a membrane-bound enzyme necessary to maintain neuronal excitability. Considering that methylphenidate effects on central nervous system metabolism are poorly known and that Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is essential to normal brain function, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of this drug on Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in the cerebrum of young and adult rats. For acute administration, a single injection of methylphenidate (1.0, 2.0, or 10.0 mg/Kg) or saline was given to rats on postnatal day 25 or postnatal day 60, in the young and adult groups, respectively. For chronic administration, methylphenidate (1.0, 2.0, or 10.0 mg/Kg) or saline injections were given to young rats starting at postnatal day 25 once daily for 28 days. In adult rats, the same regimen was performed starting at postnatal day 60. Our results showed that acute methylphenidate administration increased Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum of young and adult rats. In young rats, chronic administration of methylphenidate also enhanced Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, but not in striatum. When tested in adult rats, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity was increased in all cerebral structures studied. The present findings suggest that increased Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activity may be associated with neuronal excitability caused by methylphenidate.

An isopiestic study of aqueous NaBr and KBr at 50 °C: Chemical equilibrium model of solution behavior and solubility in the NaBr-H 2O, KBr-H 2O and Na-K-Br-H 2O systems to high concentration and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Christov, Christomir

2007-07-01

The isopiestic method has been used to determine the osmotic coefficients of the binary solutions NaBr-H 2O (from 0.745 to 5.953 mol kg -1) and KBr-H 2O (from 0.741 to 5.683 mol kg -1) at the temperature t = 50 °C. Sodium chloride solutions have been used as isopiestic reference standards. The isopiestic results obtained have been combined with all other experimental thermodynamic quantities available in literature (osmotic coefficients, water activities, bromide mineral's solubilities) to construct a chemical model that calculates solute and solvent activities and solid-liquid equilibria in the NaBr-H 2O, KBr-H 2O and Na-K-Br-H 2O systems from dilute to high solution concentration within the 0-300 °C temperature range. The Harvie and Weare [Harvie C., and Weare J. (1980) The prediction of mineral solubilities in naturalwaters: the Na-K-Mg-Ca-Cl-SO 4-H 2O system from zero to high concentration at 25 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta44, 981-997] solubility modeling approach, incorporating their implementation of the concentration-dependent specific interaction equations of Pitzer [Pitzer K. (1973) Thermodynamics of electrolytes. I. Theoretical basis and general equations. J. Phys. Chem.77, 268-277] is employed. The model for binary systems is validated by comparing activity coefficient predictions with those given in literature, and not used in the parameterization process. Limitations of the mixed solutions model due to data insufficiencies are discussed. This model expands the variable temperature sodium-potassium model of Greenberg and Moller [Greenberg J., and Moller N. (1989) The prediction of mineral solubilities in natural waters: a chemical equilibrium model for the Na-K-Ca-Cl-SO 4-H 2O system to high concentration from 0 to 250 °C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta53, 2503-2518] by evaluating Br - pure electrolyte and mixing solution parameters and the chemical potentials of three bromide solid phases: NaBr-2H 2O (cr), NaBr (cr) and KBr (cr).

Marine Corps Research and Development Objectives Document (RADOD)

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-08-08

461.1 Data exchange /joint projects, evaluation of foreign weapon systems .......................... N/A MANAGEMENT SUPPORT 471.0 General management...DI3ZITiL WIDEBAND TtAMS𔃾ISSION ;YSTem W2AK D~ CQ)43L CCC 9S22 AUTOMATED DATA ENTlY SYSTEM (A𔃾ES) usM: CCC 9269 ORMBDAND 3MNDIRE:TID04AL VHF 4NTEM44...Standardization and Interoper- ability through data exchanges , joint projects, evaluation of foreign weapon systems , material or related technology. 461.0

Imaging performance and challenges of 10nm and 7nm logic nodes with 0.33 NA EUV

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Setten, Eelco; Schiffelers, Guido; Psara, Eleni; Oorschot, Dorothe; Davydova, Natalia; Finders, Jo; Depre, Laurent; Farys, Vincent

2014-10-01

The NXE:3300B is ASML's third generation EUV system and has an NA of 0.33 and is positioned at a resolution of 22nm, which can be extended down to 18nm and below with off-axis illumination at full transmission. Multiple systems have been qualified and installed at customers. The NXE:3300B succeeds the NXE:3100 system (NA of 0.25), which has allowed customers to gain valuable EUV experience. It is expected that EUV will be adopted first for critical Logic layers at 10nm and 7nm nodes, such as Metal-1, to avoid the complexity of triple patterning schemes using ArF immersion. In this paper we will evaluate the imaging performance of (sub-)10nm node Logic M1 on the NXE:3300B EUV scanner. We will show the line-end performance of tip-to-tip and tip-to-space test features for various pitches and illumination settings and the performance enhancement obtained by means of a 1st round of OPC. We will also show the magnitude of local variations. The Logic M1 cell is evaluated at various critical features to identify hot spots. A 2nd round OPC model was calibrated of which we will show the model accuracy and ability to predict hot spots in the Logic M1 cell. The calibrated OPC model is used to predict the expected performance at 7nm node Logic using off-axis illumination at 16nm minimum half pitch. Initial results of L/S exposed on the NXE:3300B at 7nm node resolutions will be shown. An outlook is given to future 0.33 NA systems on the ASML roadmap with enhanced illuminator capabilities to further improve performance and process window.

Assessing the integration of forward osmosis and anaerobic digestion for simultaneous wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

PubMed

Ansari, Ashley J; Hai, Faisal I; Price, William E; Ngo, Huu H; Guo, Wenshan; Nghiem, Long D

2018-07-01

This study assessed the performance and key challenges associated with the integration of forward osmosis (FO) and anaerobic digestion for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. Using a thin film composite polyamide FO membrane, maximising the pre-concentration factor (i.e. system water recovery) resulted in the enrichment of organics and salinity in wastewater. Biomethane potential evaluation indicated that methane production increased correspondingly with the FO pre-concentration factor due to the organic retention in the feed solution. At 90% water recovery, about 10% more methane was produced when using NaOAc compared with NaCl because of the contribution of biodegradable reverse NaOAc flux. No negative impact on anaerobic digestion was observed when wastewater was pre-concentrated ten-fold (90% water recovery) for both draw solutes. Interestingly, the unit cost of methane production using NaOAc was slightly lower than NaCl due to the lower reverse solute flux of NaOAc, although NaCl is a much cheaper chemical. Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How do I know if my forecasts are better? Using benchmarks in hydrological ensemble prediction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pappenberger, F.; Ramos, M. H.; Cloke, H. L.; Wetterhall, F.; Alfieri, L.; Bogner, K.; Mueller, A.; Salamon, P.

2015-03-01

The skill of a forecast can be assessed by comparing the relative proximity of both the forecast and a benchmark to the observations. Example benchmarks include climatology or a naïve forecast. Hydrological ensemble prediction systems (HEPS) are currently transforming the hydrological forecasting environment but in this new field there is little information to guide researchers and operational forecasters on how benchmarks can be best used to evaluate their probabilistic forecasts. In this study, it is identified that the forecast skill calculated can vary depending on the benchmark selected and that the selection of a benchmark for determining forecasting system skill is sensitive to a number of hydrological and system factors. A benchmark intercomparison experiment is then undertaken using the continuous ranked probability score (CRPS), a reference forecasting system and a suite of 23 different methods to derive benchmarks. The benchmarks are assessed within the operational set-up of the European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) to determine those that are 'toughest to beat' and so give the most robust discrimination of forecast skill, particularly for the spatial average fields that EFAS relies upon. Evaluating against an observed discharge proxy the benchmark that has most utility for EFAS and avoids the most naïve skill across different hydrological situations is found to be meteorological persistency. This benchmark uses the latest meteorological observations of precipitation and temperature to drive the hydrological model. Hydrological long term average benchmarks, which are currently used in EFAS, are very easily beaten by the forecasting system and the use of these produces much naïve skill. When decomposed into seasons, the advanced meteorological benchmarks, which make use of meteorological observations from the past 20 years at the same calendar date, have the most skill discrimination. They are also good at discriminating skill in low flows and for all catchment sizes. Simpler meteorological benchmarks are particularly useful for high flows. Recommendations for EFAS are to move to routine use of meteorological persistency, an advanced meteorological benchmark and a simple meteorological benchmark in order to provide a robust evaluation of forecast skill. This work provides the first comprehensive evidence on how benchmarks can be used in evaluation of skill in probabilistic hydrological forecasts and which benchmarks are most useful for skill discrimination and avoidance of naïve skill in a large scale HEPS. It is recommended that all HEPS use the evidence and methodology provided here to evaluate which benchmarks to employ; so forecasters can have trust in their skill evaluation and will have confidence that their forecasts are indeed better.

Development of an on-board H2 storage and recovery system based on lithium borohydride.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-28

Alkali metal borohydrides based on sodium and lithium, NaBH4 and LiBH4, have been evaluated as a potential hydrogen storage and recovery system for on-board vehicle use. The borohydride salts could be dissolved in water, followed by a hydrolytic reac...

Hardware Development and Locomotion Control Strategy for an Over-Ground Gait Trainer: NaTUre-Gaits.

PubMed

Luu, Trieu Phat; Low, Kin Huat; Qu, Xingda; Lim, Hup Boon; Hoon, Kay Hiang

2014-01-01

Therapist-assisted body weight supported (TABWS) gait rehabilitation was introduced two decades ago. The benefit of TABWS in functional recovery of walking in spinal cord injury and stroke patients has been demonstrated and reported. However, shortage of therapists, labor-intensiveness, and short duration of training are some limitations of this approach. To overcome these deficiencies, robotic-assisted gait rehabilitation systems have been suggested. These systems have gained attentions from researchers and clinical practitioner in recent years. To achieve the same objective, an over-ground gait rehabilitation system, NaTUre-gaits, was developed at the Nanyang Technological University. The design was based on a clinical approach to provide four main features, which are pelvic motion, body weight support, over-ground walking experience, and lower limb assistance. These features can be achieved by three main modules of NaTUre-gaits: 1) pelvic assistance mechanism, mobile platform, and robotic orthosis. Predefined gait patterns are required for a robotic assisted system to follow. In this paper, the gait pattern planning for NaTUre-gaits was accomplished by an individual-specific gait pattern prediction model. The model generates gait patterns that resemble natural gait patterns of the targeted subjects. The features of NaTUre-gaits have been demonstrated by walking trials with several subjects. The trials have been evaluated by therapists and doctors. The results show that 10-m walking trial with a reduction in manpower. The task-specific repetitive training approach and natural walking gait patterns were also successfully achieved.

Hardware Development and Locomotion Control Strategy for an Over-Ground Gait Trainer: NaTUre-Gaits

PubMed Central

Low, Kin Huat; Qu, Xingda; Lim, Hup Boon; Hoon, Kay Hiang

2014-01-01

Therapist-assisted body weight supported (TABWS) gait rehabilitation was introduced two decades ago. The benefit of TABWS in functional recovery of walking in spinal cord injury and stroke patients has been demonstrated and reported. However, shortage of therapists, labor-intensiveness, and short duration of training are some limitations of this approach. To overcome these deficiencies, robotic-assisted gait rehabilitation systems have been suggested. These systems have gained attentions from researchers and clinical practitioner in recent years. To achieve the same objective, an over-ground gait rehabilitation system, NaTUre-gaits, was developed at the Nanyang Technological University. The design was based on a clinical approach to provide four main features, which are pelvic motion, body weight support, over-ground walking experience, and lower limb assistance. These features can be achieved by three main modules of NaTUre-gaits: 1) pelvic assistance mechanism, mobile platform, and robotic orthosis. Predefined gait patterns are required for a robotic assisted system to follow. In this paper, the gait pattern planning for NaTUre-gaits was accomplished by an individual-specific gait pattern prediction model. The model generates gait patterns that resemble natural gait patterns of the targeted subjects. The features of NaTUre-gaits have been demonstrated by walking trials with several subjects. The trials have been evaluated by therapists and doctors. The results show that 10-m walking trial with a reduction in manpower. The task-specific repetitive training approach and natural walking gait patterns were also successfully achieved. PMID:27170876

Effect of Long-Term Sodium Salicylate Administration on Learning, Memory, and Neurogenesis in the Rat Hippocampus

PubMed Central

Niu, Haichen; Ding, Sheng; Li, Haiying; Wei, Jianfeng; Ren, Chao; Wu, Xiujuan

2018-01-01

Tinnitus is thought to be caused by damage to the auditory and nonauditory system due to exposure to loud noise, aging, or other etiologies. However, at present, the exact neurophysiological basis of chronic tinnitus remains unknown. To explore whether the function of the limbic system is disturbed in tinnitus, the hippocampus was selected, which plays a vital role in learning and memory. The hippocampal function was examined with a learning and memory procedure. For this purpose, sodium salicylate (NaSal) was used to create a rat animal model of tinnitus, evaluated with prepulse inhibition behavior (PPI). The acquisition and retrieval abilities of spatial memory were measured using the Morris water maze (MWM) in NaSal-treated and control animals, followed by observation of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein expression in the hippocampal field by immunohistochemistry. To further identify the neural substrate for memory change in tinnitus, neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus (DG) was compared between the NaSal group and the control group. The results showed that acquisition and retrieval of spatial memory were impaired by NaSal treatment. The expression of c-Fos and delta-FosB protein was also inhibited in NaSal-treated animals. Simultaneously, neurogenesis in the DG was also impaired in tinnitus animals. In general, our data suggest that the hippocampal system (limbic system) may play a key role in tinnitus pathology.

Aqueous fluid composition in CI chondritic materials: Chemical equilibrium assessments in closed systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotov, Mikhail Yu.

2012-08-01

Solids of nearly solar composition have interacted with aqueous fluids on carbonaceous asteroids, icy moons, and trans-neptunian objects. These processes altered mineralogy of accreted materials together with compositions of aqueous and gaseous phases. We evaluated chemistry of aqueous solutions coexisted with CI-type chondritic solids through calculations of chemical equilibria in closed water-rock-gas systems at different compositions of initial fluids, water/rock mass ratios (0.1-1000), temperatures (<350 °C), and pressures (<2 kbars). The calculations show that fluid compositions are mainly affected by solubilities of solids, the speciation of chlorine in initial water-rock mixtures, and the occurrence of Na-bearing secondary minerals such as saponite. The major species in modeled alkaline solutions are Na+, Cl-, CO32-,HCO3-, K+, OH-, H2, and CO2. Aqueous species of Mg, Fe, Ca, Mn, Al, Ni, Cr, S, and P are not abundant in these fluids owing to low solubility of corresponding solids. Typical NaCl type alkaline fluids coexist with saponite-bearing mineralogy that usually present in aqueously altered chondrites. A common occurrence of these fluids is consistent with the composition of grains emitted from Enceladus. Na-rich fluids with abundant CO32-,HCO3-, and OH- anions coexist with secondary mineralogy depleted in Na. The Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 type fluids could form via accretion of cometary ices. NaOH type fluids form in reduced environments and may locally occur on parent bodies of CR carbonaceous chondrites. Supposed melting of accreted HCl-bearing ices leads to early acidic fluids enriched in Mg, Fe and other metals, consistent with signs of low-pH alteration in chondrites. Neutralization of these solutions leads to alkaline Na-rich fluids. Sulfate species have negligible concentrations in closed systems, which remain reduced, especially at elevated pressures created by forming H2 gas. Hydrogen, CO2, and H2O dominate in the gaseous phase, though the abundance of methane cannot be fairly estimated.

Tissue dissolution by a novel multisonic ultracleaning system and sodium hypochlorite.

PubMed

Haapasalo, Markus; Wang, Zhejun; Shen, Ya; Curtis, Allison; Patel, Payal; Khakpour, Mehrzad

2014-08-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel Multisonic Ultracleaning System (Sonendo Inc, Laguna Hills, CA) in tissue dissolution in comparison with conventional irrigation devices. Pieces of bovine muscle tissue (68 ± 2 mg) were placed in 0.7-mL test tubes (height: 23.60 mm, inner diameter: 6.00 mm, outer diameter: 7.75 mm) and exposed to 5 minutes of irrigation by different devices. Endodontic devices included the Multisonic Ultracleaning System, the Piezon Master 700 (EMS, Dallas, TX) ultrasonic system with agitation, the EndoVac negative-pressure irrigation system (SybronEndo, Orange, CA), and a conventional positive-pressure 27-G irrigation needle at a flow rate of 10 mL/min. The systems were tested with 0.5%, 3%, and 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) at room temperature (21°C) as well as 40°C. Irrigation with sterile water was used as a control. The mass of tissue specimens was measured and recorded before and after the use of each device, and if the specimen was completely dissolved visually within 5 minutes, the dissolution time was recorded. The rate of tissue dissolution (%/s) was then calculated. The Multisonic Ultracleaning System had the fastest rate of tissue dissolution (P < .05), at 1.0% ± 0.1% per second using 0.5% NaOCl, 2.3% ± 0.9% per second using 3% NaOCl, and 2.9% ± 0.7% per second using 6% NaOCl. This tissue dissolution rate was more than 8 times greater than the second fastest device tested (P < .01), the Piezon Master 700 ultrasonic system, which resulted in a tissue dissolution rate of 0.328% ± 0.002% per second using 6% NaOCl at 40°C. For all irrigation devices tested, the rate of tissue dissolution increased with a higher concentration and temperature of the NaOCl solution. The novel Multisonic Ultracleaning System achieved a significantly faster tissue dissolution rate when compared with the other systems examined in vitro. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of sodium hypochlorite and edta on the microtensile bond strength of a self-etching adhesive system.

PubMed

Cecchin, Doglas; Farina, Ana Paula; Galafassi, Daniel; Barbizam, João Vicente Baroni; Corona, Silmara Aparecida Milori; Carlini-Júnior, Bruno

2010-01-01

Chemical substances used during biomechanical preparation of root canals can alter the composition of dentin surface and affect the interaction with restorative materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of a self-etching adhesive system to dentin irrigated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Thirty human third molars were sectioned 3 mm below the occlusal surface, polished with 600- to 1200-grit silicon carbide papers, and randomly divided into 3 groups: G1 (control): no irrigating solution; G2: 1% NaOCl; and G3: 1% NaOCl followed by the application of 17% EDTA. The specimens received the self-etching adhesive system (XENO III - Dentsply), restored with microhybrid composite resin (Z250 - 3M ESPE), sectioned and trimmed to create 4 hourglass-shaped slabs of each tooth. The slabs were tested in microtensile strength in a universal testing machine (Emic DL 2000) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. The results were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Newman-Keuls test. Mean µTBS values and standard deviations in MPa were: G1 = 11.89 ± 4.22; G2 = 19.41 ± 5.32; G3 = 11.34 ± 4.73. 1% NaOCl increased the adhesive resistance significantly (p<0.001/F=22.5763). The application of 1% NaOCl/17% EDTA resulted in statistically similar µTBS to the control group. None of the irrigants affected negatively the µTBS of XENO III to dentin. The use of 1% NaOCl alone resulted in higher bond strength than the other treatments. The combination of 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA produced similar bond strength to that of untreated dentin.

Improvement of the quality of work in a biochemistry laboratory via measurement system analysis.

PubMed

Chen, Ming-Shu; Liao, Chen-Mao; Wu, Ming-Hsun; Lin, Chih-Ming

2016-10-31

An adequate and continuous monitoring of operational variations can effectively reduce the uncertainty and enhance the quality of laboratory reports. This study applied the evaluation rule of the measurement system analysis (MSA) method to estimate the quality of work conducted in a biochemistry laboratory. Using the gauge repeatability & reproducibility (GR&R) approach, variations in quality control (QC) data among medical technicians in conducting measurements of five biochemical items, namely, serum glucose (GLU), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), uric acid (UA), sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl), were evaluated. The measurements of the five biochemical items showed different levels of variance among the different technicians, with the variances in GLU measurements being higher than those for the other four items. The ratios of precision-to-tolerance (P/T) for Na, Cl and GLU were all above 0.5, implying inadequate gauge capability. The product variation contribution of Na was large (75.45% and 31.24% in normal and abnormal QC levels, respectively), which showed that the impact of insufficient usage of reagents could not be excluded. With regard to reproducibility, high contributions (of more than 30%) of variation for the selected items were found. These high operator variation levels implied that the possibility of inadequate gauge capacity could not be excluded. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) of GR&R showed that the operator variations in GLU measurements were significant (F=5.296, P=0.001 in the normal level and F=3.399, P=0.015 in the abnormal level, respectively). In addition to operator variations, product variations of Na were also significant for both QC levels. The heterogeneity of variance for the five technicians showed significant differences for the Na and Cl measurements in the normal QC level. The accuracy of QC for five technicians was identified for further operational improvement. This study revealed that MSA can be used to evaluate product and personnel errors and to improve the quality of work in a biochemical laboratory through proper corrective actions.

Impact of upgraded in vivo lung measurement capability on an internal dosimetry program

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

Carbaugh, E.H.; Sula, M.J.; Aldridge, T.L.

1985-08-01

Implementation of high-purity germanium (Ge) detectors in place of sodium iodide (NaI) detectors for in vivo lung measurements of low-energy photon-emitting radionuclides resulted in significant improvement in detection capability and corresponding improvements in the monitoring of potentially exposed workers. Lung activities below those detectable with the NaI system were discovered during the first 18 months of operation. In a number of cases, these activities were estimated to represent intakes resulting in lung doses as high as 25% of the 15 rem/y United States Department of Energy Radiation Protection Standard. Evaluation of these lung activities and their associated intakes was substantiallymore » more time consuming than originally anticipated due to calibration differences between the Ge and NaI systems and to the difficulty of completing some of the follow-up investigations.« less

Bond strength of fiber-reinforced posts to deproteinized root canal dentin.

PubMed

Furuse, Adilson Yoshio; Cunha, Leonardo Fernandes; Baratto, Samantha Pugsley; Leonardi, Denise Piotto; Haragushiku, Gisele Aihara; Gonzaga, Carla Castiglia

2014-09-01

This study evaluated the push-out bond strength of cemented fiber posts after deproteinization of root canal dentin walls with NaOCl. The effect of the application of an antioxidant solution (sodium ascorbate) was also evaluated. A three-step etch-and-rinse (Scotch-bond - 3M Espe) and a one-step self-etching adhesive (Xeno III - Dentsply Caulk) were evaluated. Thirty bovine incisor roots were divided into 3 groups: a. Irrigation with physiologic solution (control). b. Deproteinization with 10 minutes irrigation of 5% NaOCl. c. Deproteinization with NaOCl followed by 10 minutes irrigation with 10% ascorbic acid. Fiber posts were cemented with a dual-cured cement (Rely X ARC - 3M ESPE). The push-out bond strength was evaluated after 24 hours of storage in distilled water. The data were analyzed with three-way ANOVA, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 0.05). There were significant differences between groups (p < 0.05). The bond strength of Scotchbond was not influenced by the deproteinization. Xeno III showed a decrease in bond strength when deproteinized with 5% NaOCl (p < 0.05). For Xeno III, the subsequent irrigation with ascorbic acid was able to reverse the effect of the deproteinization. Considering the radicular thirds, the bond strength varied in the sequence-apical < middle < coronal. Only the all-in-one adhesive was influenced by the deproteinization. Considering the respective control groups, both systems showed similar bond strength results. The decreased bond strength of the self-etching adhesive following deproteinization seams to be related to the oxidant effect of the NaOCl solution and the subsequent irrigation with ascorbic acid was able to reverse the effect of the deproteinization.

Equilibrium, Kinetics, and Spectroscopic Studies of SF6 Hydrate in NaCl Electrolyte Solution.

PubMed

Seo, Youngrok; Moon, Donghyun; Lee, Changho; Park, Jeong-Woo; Kim, Byeong-Soo; Lee, Gang-Woo; Dotel, Pratik; Lee, Jong-Won; Cha, Minjun; Yoon, Ji-Ho

2015-05-19

Many studies have focused on desalination via hydrate formation; however, for their potential application, knowledge pertaining to thermodynamic stability, formation kinetics, and guest occupation behavior in clathrate hydrates needs to be determined. Herein, the phase equilibria of SF6 hydrates in the presence of NaCl solutions (0, 2, 4, and 10 wt %) were monitored in the temperature range of 277-286 K and under pressures of up to 1.4 MPa. The formation kinetics of SF6 hydrates in the presence of NaCl solutions (0, 2, and 4 wt %) was also investigated. Gas consumption curves of SF6 hydrates showed that a pure SF6 hydrate system allowed fast hydrate growth as well as high conversion yield, whereas SF6 hydrate in the presence of NaCl solutions showed retarded hydrate growth rate as well as low conversion yield. In addition, structural identification of SF6 hydrates with and without NaCl solutions was performed using spectroscopic tools such as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The Raman spectrometer was also used to evaluate the temperature-dependent release behavior of guest molecules in SF6 and SF6 + 4 wt % NaCl hydrates. The results indicate that whereas SF6 hydrate starts to decompose at around 240 K, the escape of SF6 molecules in SF6 + 4 wt % NaCl hydrate is initiated rapidly at around 205 K. The results of this study can provide a better understanding of guest-host interaction in electrolyte-containing systems.

Effect of Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation on Enterococcus faecalis from Root Canals: An Ex Vivo Study.

PubMed

Guerreiro-Tanomaru, Juliane Maria; Chávez-Andrade, Gisselle Moraima; de Faria-Júnior, Norberto Batista; Watanabe, Evandro; Tanomaru-Filho, Mário

2015-01-01

Endodontic irrigation aims to clean and disinfect the root canal system. Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) is based on the use of an ultrasound-activated instrument into the root canal filled with irrigant. The aim of this study was to evaluate, ex vivo, the effectiveness of PUI in eliminating Enterococcus faecalis from root canals. Seventy-five extracted human single-root teeth were used. After root canal preparation, specimens were inoculated with E. faecalis and incubated at 37 °C for 21 days. Specimens were distributed into five groups (n=15), according to the irrigation method: PUI + saline solution (PUI/SS); PUI + 1% NaOCl (PUI/NaOCl); conventional needle irrigation (CNI) + saline solution (CNI/SS); CNI + 1% NaOCl (CNI/NaOCl); No irrigation (control). Microbiological samples were collected at three time points: initial (21 days after inoculation), post-irrigation (immediately after irrigation), and final (7 days after irrigation). Data were obtained in CFU mL-1 and subjected to analysis by ANOVA and Tukey's tests at 5% significance level. The post-irrigation samples did not demonstrate statistical difference between PUI/SS and CNI/SS nor between PUI/NaOCl and CNI/NaOCl (p>0.05), but PUI/NaOCl and CNI/NaOCl had lower CFU mL-1 number than the other groups (p>0.05). Statistically significant difference was observed between the initial and post-irrigation samples and between the post-irrigation and final samples (p<0.05) in all groups, except in the control. The final samples of all groups presented bacterial counts similar to the initial samples. PUI or CNI with 1% NaOCl contribute to disinfection, but are unable to eradicate E. faecalis from the root canal system.

Evaluation and validation of a method for determining platelet catecholamine in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and arterial hypertension.

PubMed

Feres, Marcia C; Cintra, Fatima D; Rizzi, Camila F; Mello-Fujita, Luciane; Lino de Souza, Altay A; Tufik, Sergio; Poyares, Dalva

2014-01-01

Measurements of plasma and urinary catecholamine are susceptible to confounding factors that influence the results, complicating the interpretation of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity in the Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and arterial hypertension (HYP) conditions. In this study, we validated a test for platelet catecholamine and compared the catecholamine levels (adrenaline and noradrenaline) in urine, plasma and platelets in patients with OSA and HYP compared with controls. In the validation, 30 healthy, nonsmoking volunteers who were not currently undergoing treatment or medication were selected as the control group. One hundred fifty-four individuals (114 OSA, 40 non-OSA) were consecutively selected from the outpatient clinic of the Sleep Institute and underwent clinical, polysomnographic and laboratory evaluation, including the urinary, plasma and platelet levels of adrenaline (AD) and noradrenaline (NA). Patients were then allocated to groups according to the presence of OSA and/or hypertension. A logistic regression model, controlled for age and BMI, showed that urinary AD and urinary NA were risk factors in the OSA+HYP group and the HYP group; however, the model showed higher levels of platelet NA for OSA without HYP. After 1 year of CPAP (continuous upper airway pressure) treatment, patients (n = 9) presented lower levels of urinary NA (p = 0.04) and platelet NA (p = 0.05). Urinary NA and AD levels were significantly associated with the condition of hypertension with and without OSA, whereas platelet NA with OSA without comorbidity. These findings suggest that platelet catecholamine levels might reflect nocturnal sympathetic activation in OSA patients without hypertension.

Influence of the Apical Preparation Size and the Irrigant Type on Bacterial Reduction in Root Canal-treated Teeth with Apical Periodontitis.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Renata Costa Val; Zandi, Homan; Kristoffersen, Anne Karin; Enersen, Morten; Mdala, Ibrahimu; Ørstavik, Dag; Rôças, Isabela N; Siqueira, José F

2017-07-01

This clinical study evaluated the influence of the apical preparation size using nickel-titanium rotary instrumentation and the effect of a disinfectant on bacterial reduction in root canal-treated teeth with apical periodontitis. Forty-three teeth with posttreatment apical periodontitis were selected for retreatment. Teeth were randomly divided into 2 groups according to the irrigant used (2.5% sodium hypochlorite [NaOCl], n = 22; saline, n = 21). Canals were prepared with the Twisted File Adaptive (TFA) system (SybronEndo, Orange, CA). Bacteriological samples were taken before preparation (S1), after using the first instrument (S2), and then after the third instrument of the TFA system (S3). In the saline group, an additional sample was taken after final irrigation with 1% NaOCl (S4). DNA was extracted from the clinical samples and subjected to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the levels of total bacteria and streptococci. S1 from all teeth were positive for bacteria. Preparation to the first and third instruments from the TFA system showed a highly significant intracanal bacterial reduction regardless of the irrigant (P < .01). Apical enlargement to the third instrument caused a significantly higher decrease in bacterial counts than the first instrument (P < .01). Intergroup comparison revealed no significant difference between NaOCl and saline after the first instrument (P > .05). NaOCl was significantly better than saline after using the largest instrument in the series (P < .01). Irrespective of the type of irrigant, an increase in the apical preparation size significantly enhanced root canal disinfection. The disinfecting benefit of NaOCl over saline was significant at large apical preparation sizes. Copyright © 2017 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of active ion transport across primary rabbit corneal epithelial cell layers (RCrECL) cultured at an air-interface.

PubMed

Chang-Lin, Joan-En; Kim, Kwang-Jin; Lee, Vincent H L

2005-06-01

Previously, we reported the development of a primary culture model of tight rabbit corneal epithelial cell layers (RCrECL) characterizing bioelectric parameters, morphology, cytokeratin, and passive permeability. In the present study, we specifically evaluated the active ion transport processes of RCrECL cultured from either pigmented or albino rabbits. Primary cultured RCrECL were grown at an air-interface on Clear-Snapwells precoated with collagen/fibronectin/laminin and mounted in a modified Ussing-type chamber for the evaluation of their active ion transport processes under short-circuited conditions. Contribution of active Na(+) and Cl(-) transport to overall short-circuit current (I(sc)) was evaluated by removing Na(+) and Cl(-), respectively, from bathing fluids of RCrECL and measurements of net fluxes of Na(+) and Cl(-) using (22)Na and (36)Cl, respectively. Amiloride and benzamil were used to determine the role of apical Na(+)-channel activities to net Na(+) fluxes. N-phenylanthranilic acid (NPAA), ouabain, BaCl(2) and bumetanide were used to determine the role of basolateral Na,K-ATPase, apical Cl(-)-channel, and basolateral K(+)-channel and Na(+)(K(+))2Cl(-)-cotransporter activities, respectively, in active ion transport across RCrECL. I(sc) of RCrECL derived from pigmented rabbits was comprised of 64+/-2% and 44+/-5% for active Na(+) and Cl(-) transport, respectively, consistent with net Na(+) absorption and Cl(-) secretion of 0.062+/-0.006 and 0.046+/-0.008 muEq/cm(2)/hr estimated from radionuclide fluxes. Apical amiloride and benzamil inhibited I(sc) by up to approximately 50% with an IC(50) of 1 and 0.1 microm, respectively, consistent with participation of apical epithelial Na(+)-channels to net Na(+) absorption across RCrECL cultured from pigmented rabbits. Addition of ouabain to the basolateral, NPAA to the apical, BaCl(2) to the basolateral and bumetanide to basolateral fluid decreased I(sc) by 86+/-1.5%, 53+/-3%, 18+/-1.8% and 13+/-1.9% in RCrECL cultured from pigmented rabbits, while 85+/-0.7%, 36+/-1.6%, 38+/-1.8% and 15+/-3.5% decreases are observed for RCrECL from albino rabbits, respectively. Air-interface cultured RCrECL from either pigmented or albino rabbits exhibited active ion transport properties similar to those present in excised tissues. This primary culture system may be a reliable in-vitro model for mechanistic characterization of corneal epithelial function and regulation of transport properties.

Formulation and evaluation of an in situ gel forming system for controlled delivery of triptorelin acetate.

PubMed

Abashzadeh, Sh; Dinarvand, R; Sharifzadeh, M; Hassanzadeh, G; Amini, M; Atyabi, F

2011-11-20

The novel physical hydrogels composed of chitosan or its water soluble derivatives such as carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) and sodium carboxymethyl chitosan (NaCMCh) and opened ring polyvinyl pyrrolidone (OP-PVP) were used as a controlled delivery system for triptorelin acetate, a luteinizing-releasing hormone agonist. The in situ gel forming system designed according to physical interactions such as chains entanglements and hydrophilic attractions especially h-bonds of chitosan and/or NaCMCh and OR-PVP. In order to increase in situ gel forming rate the chitosan microspheres prepared through spray drying technique. The chitosan or NaCMCh/OR-PVP blends prepared at different ratios (0.05, 0.10, 0.12, 0.16, 0.20 and 0.24) and suspended in sesame oil as non-aqueous vehicle at different solid content (10-30%). The suitable ratio of polymers with faster in situ gel forming rate was selected for in vivo studies. The gel formation and drug release from the system was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro and in vivo results were compared with Diphereline SR 3.75mg, a commercially available controlled delivery system of triptorelin. In vitro release studies showed a sustained release profile for about 192h with first order kinetics. In vivo studies on male rats by determination of serum testosterone were confirmed the acceptable performance of in situ gel forming system compared with Diphereline SR in decreasing the serum testosterone level for 35days, demonstrating the potential of the novel in situ gel forming system for controlled delivery of peptides. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Extraction of natural red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using aqueous two-phase polymer systems.

PubMed

Santos-Ebinuma, Valéria Carvalho; Lopes, André Moreni; Pessoa, Adalberto; Teixeira, Maria Francisca Simas

2015-01-01

Safety concerns related to the increasing and widespread application of synthetic coloring agents have increased the demand for natural colorants. Fungi have been employed in the production of novel and safer colorants. In order to obtain the colorants from fermented broth, suitable extraction systems must be developed. Aqueous two-phase polymer systems (ATPPS) offer a favorable chemical environment and provide a promising alternative for extracting and solubilizing these molecules. The aim of this study was to investigate the partitioning of red colorants from the fermented broth of Penicillium purpurogenum using an ATPPS composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and sodium polyacrylate (NaPA). Red colorants partitioned preferentially to the top (PEG-rich phase). In systems composed of PEG 6,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol, optimum colorant partition coefficient (KC ) was obtained in the presence of NaCl 0.1 M (KC  = 10.30) while the PEG 10,000 g/mol/NaPA 8,000 g/mol system in the presence of Na2 SO4 0.5 M showed the highest KC (14.78). For both polymers, the mass balance (%MB) and yield in the PEG phase (%ηTOP ) were close to 100 and 79%, respectively. The protein selectivity in all conditions evaluated ranged from 2.0-3.0, which shows a suitable separation of the red colorants and proteins present in the fermented broth. The results suggest that the partitioning of the red colorants is dependent on both the PEG molecular size and salt type. Furthermore, the results obtained support the potential application of ATPPS as the first step of a purification process to recover colorants from fermented broth of microorganisms. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Evaluation of radioactivity in the bodies of mice induced by neutron exposure from an epi-thermal neutron source of an accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy system

PubMed Central

NAKAMURA, Satoshi; IMAMICHI, Shoji; MASUMOTO, Kazuyoshi; ITO, Masashi; WAKITA, Akihisa; OKAMOTO, Hiroyuki; NISHIOKA, Shie; IIJIMA, Kotaro; KOBAYASHI, Kazuma; ABE, Yoshihisa; IGAKI, Hiroshi; KURITA, Kazuyoshi; NISHIO, Teiji; MASUTANI, Mitsuko; ITAMI, Jun

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the residual radioactivity in mice induced by neutron irradiation with an accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) system using a solid Li target. The radionuclides and their activities were evaluated using a high-purity germanium (HP-Ge) detector. The saturated radioactivity of the irradiated mouse was estimated to assess the radiation protection needs for using the accelerator-based BNCT system. 24Na, 38Cl, 80mBr, 82Br, 56Mn, and 42K were identified, and their saturated radioactivities were (1.4 ± 0.1) × 102, (2.2 ± 0.1) × 101, (3.4 ± 0.4) × 102, 2.8 ± 0.1, 8.0 ± 0.1, and (3.8 ± 0.1) × 101 Bq/g/mA, respectively. The 24Na activation rate at a given neutron fluence was found to be consistent with the value reported from nuclear-reactor-based BNCT experiments. The induced activity of each nuclide can be estimated by entering the saturated activity of each nuclide, sample mass, irradiation time, and proton current into the derived activation equation in our accelerator-based BNCT system. PMID:29225308

Evaluation of radioactivity in the bodies of mice induced by neutron exposure from an epi-thermal neutron source of an accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy system.

PubMed

Nakamura, Satoshi; Imamichi, Shoji; Masumoto, Kazuyoshi; Ito, Masashi; Wakita, Akihisa; Okamoto, Hiroyuki; Nishioka, Shie; Iijima, Kotaro; Kobayashi, Kazuma; Abe, Yoshihisa; Igaki, Hiroshi; Kurita, Kazuyoshi; Nishio, Teiji; Masutani, Mitsuko; Itami, Jun

2017-01-01

This study aimed to evaluate the residual radioactivity in mice induced by neutron irradiation with an accelerator-based boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) system using a solid Li target. The radionuclides and their activities were evaluated using a high-purity germanium (HP-Ge) detector. The saturated radioactivity of the irradiated mouse was estimated to assess the radiation protection needs for using the accelerator-based BNCT system. 24 Na, 38 Cl, 80m Br, 82 Br, 56 Mn, and 42 K were identified, and their saturated radioactivities were (1.4 ± 0.1) × 10 2 , (2.2 ± 0.1) × 10 1 , (3.4 ± 0.4) × 10 2 , 2.8 ± 0.1, 8.0 ± 0.1, and (3.8 ± 0.1) × 10 1 Bq/g/mA, respectively. The 24 Na activation rate at a given neutron fluence was found to be consistent with the value reported from nuclear-reactor-based BNCT experiments. The induced activity of each nuclide can be estimated by entering the saturated activity of each nuclide, sample mass, irradiation time, and proton current into the derived activation equation in our accelerator-based BNCT system.

Fabrication and evaluation of chitosan/NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles composite beads based on the gelling of Pickering emulsion droplets.

PubMed

Yan, Huiqiong; Chen, Xiuqiong; Shi, Jia; Shi, Zaifeng; Sun, Wei; Lin, Qiang; Wang, Xianghui; Dai, Zihao

2017-02-01

The rare earth ion doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) synthesized by hydrophobic organic ligands possess poor solubility and low fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous media. To conquer this issue, NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, were coated with F127 and then assembled with chitosan to fabricate the chitosan/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ composite beads (CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs) by Pickering emulsion system. The characterization results revealed that the as-synthesized NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs with an average size of 20nm exhibited spherical morphology, high crystallinity and characteristic emission upconversion fluorescence with an overall blue color output. The NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs were successfully conjugated on the surface of chitosan beads by the gelling of emulsion droplets. The resultant CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs showed good upconversion luminescent property, drug-loading capacity, release performance and excellent biocompatibility, exhibiting great potentials in targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering with potential tracking capability and lasting release performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Privacy-Preserving Patient-Centric Clinical Decision Support System on Naïve Bayesian Classification.

PubMed

Liu, Ximeng; Lu, Rongxing; Ma, Jianfeng; Chen, Le; Qin, Baodong

2016-03-01

Clinical decision support system, which uses advanced data mining techniques to help clinician make proper decisions, has received considerable attention recently. The advantages of clinical decision support system include not only improving diagnosis accuracy but also reducing diagnosis time. Specifically, with large amounts of clinical data generated everyday, naïve Bayesian classification can be utilized to excavate valuable information to improve a clinical decision support system. Although the clinical decision support system is quite promising, the flourish of the system still faces many challenges including information security and privacy concerns. In this paper, we propose a new privacy-preserving patient-centric clinical decision support system, which helps clinician complementary to diagnose the risk of patients' disease in a privacy-preserving way. In the proposed system, the past patients' historical data are stored in cloud and can be used to train the naïve Bayesian classifier without leaking any individual patient medical data, and then the trained classifier can be applied to compute the disease risk for new coming patients and also allow these patients to retrieve the top- k disease names according to their own preferences. Specifically, to protect the privacy of past patients' historical data, a new cryptographic tool called additive homomorphic proxy aggregation scheme is designed. Moreover, to leverage the leakage of naïve Bayesian classifier, we introduce a privacy-preserving top- k disease names retrieval protocol in our system. Detailed privacy analysis ensures that patient's information is private and will not be leaked out during the disease diagnosis phase. In addition, performance evaluation via extensive simulations also demonstrates that our system can efficiently calculate patient's disease risk with high accuracy in a privacy-preserving way.

A microleakage study of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real self-etch systems after different irrigation protocols.

PubMed

Prado, Maíra; Simão, Renata Antoun; Gomes, Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida

2014-06-01

The development and maintenance of the sealing of the root canal system is the key to the success of root canal treatment. The resin-based adhesive material has the potential to reduce the microleakage of the root canal because of its adhesive properties and penetration into dentinal walls. Moreover, the irrigation protocols may have an influence on the adhesiveness of resin-based sealers to root dentin. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigant protocols on coronal bacterial microleakage of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real Seal Self-etch systems. One hundred ninety pre-molars were used. The teeth were divided into 18 experimental groups according to the irrigation protocols and filling materials used. The protocols used were: distilled water; sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)+eDTA; NaOCl+H3PO4; NaOCl+eDTA+chlorhexidine (CHX); NaOCl+H3PO4+CHX; CHX+eDTA; CHX+ H3PO4; CHX+eDTA+CHX and CHX+H3PO4+CHX. Gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal Se were used as root-filling materials. The coronal microleakage was evaluated for 90 days against Enterococcus faecalis. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. No significant difference was verified in the groups using chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite during the chemo-mechanical preparation followed by eDTA or phosphoric acid for smear layer removal. The same results were found for filling materials. However, the statistical analyses revealed that a final flush with 2% chlorhexidine reduced significantly the coronal microleakage. A final flush with 2% chlorhexidine after smear layer removal reduces coronal microleakage of teeth filled with gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal SE.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-12-01

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

Active heat exchange system development for latent heat thermal energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lefrois, R. T.; Mathur, A. K.

1980-01-01

Five tasks to select, design, fabricate, test and evaluate candidate active heat exchanger modules for future applications to solar and conventional utility power plants were discussed. Alternative mechanizations of active heat exchange concepts were analyzed for use with heat of fusion phase change materials (PCMs) in the temperature range of 250 to 350 C. Twenty-six heat exchange concepts were reviewed, and eight were selected for detailed assessment. Two candidates were selected for small-scale experimentation: a coated tube and shell heat exchanger and a direct contact reflux boiler. A dilute eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium hydroxide was selected as the PCM from over 50 candidate inorganic salt mixtures. Based on a salt screening process, eight major component salts were selected initially for further evaluation. The most attractive major components in the temperature range of 250 to 350 C appeared to be NaNO3, NaNO2, and NaOH. Sketches of the two active heat exchange concepts selected for test are given.

Active heat exchange system development for latent heat thermal energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lefrois, R. T.; Mathur, A. K.

1980-04-01

Five tasks to select, design, fabricate, test and evaluate candidate active heat exchanger modules for future applications to solar and conventional utility power plants were discussed. Alternative mechanizations of active heat exchange concepts were analyzed for use with heat of fusion phase change materials (PCMs) in the temperature range of 250 to 350 C. Twenty-six heat exchange concepts were reviewed, and eight were selected for detailed assessment. Two candidates were selected for small-scale experimentation: a coated tube and shell heat exchanger and a direct contact reflux boiler. A dilute eutectic mixture of sodium nitrate and sodium hydroxide was selected as the PCM from over 50 candidate inorganic salt mixtures. Based on a salt screening process, eight major component salts were selected initially for further evaluation. The most attractive major components in the temperature range of 250 to 350 C appeared to be NaNO3, NaNO2, and NaOH. Sketches of the two active heat exchange concepts selected for test are given.

Unshielded asymmetric transmit-only and endorectal receive-only radiofrequency coil for (23) Na MRI of the prostate at 3 tesla.

PubMed

Farag, Adam; Peterson, Justin Charles; Szekeres, Trevor; Bauman, Glenn; Chin, Joseph; Romagnoli, Cesare; Bartha, Robert; Scholl, Timothy J

2015-08-01

To develop and optimize radiofrequency (RF) hardware for the detection of endogenous sodium ((23) Na) by 3.0 Tesla (T) MRI in the human prostate. A transmit-only receive-only (TORO) RF system of resonators consisting of an unshielded, asymmetric, quadrature birdcage (transmit), and an endorectal (ER), linear, surface (receive) coil were developed and tested on a 3T MRI scanner. Two different ER receivers were constructed; a single-tuned ((23) Na) and a dual-tuned ((1) H/(23) Na). Both receivers were evaluated by the measurements of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and B1 homogeneity. For tissue sodium concentration (TSC) quantification, vials containing known sodium concentrations were incorporated into the ER. The system was used to measure the prostate TSC of three men (age 55 ± 5 years) with biopsy-proven prostate cancer. B1 field inhomogeneity of the asymmetric transmitter was estimated to be less than 5%. The mean SNR measured in a region of interest within the prostate using the single-tuned ER coil was 54.0 ± 4.6. The mean TSC in the central gland was 60.2 ± 5.7 mmol/L and in the peripheral gland was 70.5 ± 9.0 mmol/L. A TORO system was developed and optimized for (23) Na MRI of the human prostate which showed good sensitivity throughout the prostate for quantitative measurement of TSC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prediction of the partitioning behaviour of proteins in aqueous two-phase systems using only their amino acid composition.

PubMed

Salgado, J Cristian; Andrews, Barbara A; Ortuzar, Maria Fernanda; Asenjo, Juan A

2008-01-18

The prediction of the partition behaviour of proteins in aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) using mathematical models based on their amino acid composition was investigated. The predictive models are based on the average surface hydrophobicity (ASH). The ASH was estimated by means of models that use the three-dimensional structure of proteins and by models that use only the amino acid composition of proteins. These models were evaluated for a set of 11 proteins with known experimental partition coefficient in four-phase systems: polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000/phosphate, sulfate, citrate and dextran and considering three levels of NaCl concentration (0.0% w/w, 0.6% w/w and 8.8% w/w). The results indicate that such prediction is feasible even though the quality of the prediction depends strongly on the ATPS and its operational conditions such as the NaCl concentration. The ATPS 0 model which use the three-dimensional structure obtains similar results to those given by previous models based on variables measured in the laboratory. In addition it maintains the main characteristics of the hydrophobic resolution and intrinsic hydrophobicity reported before. Three mathematical models, ATPS I-III, based only on the amino acid composition were evaluated. The best results were obtained by the ATPS I model which assumes that all of the amino acids are completely exposed. The performance of the ATPS I model follows the behaviour reported previously, i.e. its correlation coefficients improve as the NaCl concentration increases in the system and, therefore, the effect of the protein hydrophobicity prevails over other effects such as charge or size. Its best predictive performance was obtained for the PEG/dextran system at high NaCl concentration. An increase in the predictive capacity of at least 54.4% with respect to the models which use the three-dimensional structure of the protein was obtained for that system. In addition, the ATPS I model exhibits high correlation coefficients in that system being higher than 0.88 on average. The ATPS I model exhibited correlation coefficients higher than 0.67 for the rest of the ATPS at high NaCl concentration. Finally, we tested our best model, the ATPS I model, on the prediction of the partition coefficient of the protein invertase. We found that the predictive capacities of the ATPS I model are better in PEG/dextran systems, where the relative error of the prediction with respect to the experimental value is 15.6%.

Application and Evaluation of MODIS LAI, FPAR, and Albedo ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

MODIS vegetation and albedo products provide a more realistic representation of surface conditions for input to the WRF/CMAQ modeling system. However, the initial evaluation of ingesting MODIS data into the system showed mixed results, with increased bias and error for 2-m temperature and reduced bias and error for 2-m mixing ratio. Recently, the WRF/CMAQ land surface and boundary laywer processes have been updated. In this study, MODIS vegetation and albedo data are input to the updated WRF/CMAQ meteorology and air quality simulations for 2006 over a North American (NA) 12-km domain. The evaluation of the simulation results shows that the updated WRF/CMAQ system improves 2-m temperature estimates over the pre-update base modeling system estimates. The MODIS vegetation input produces a realistic spring green-up that progresses through time from the south to north. Overall, MODIS input reduces 2-m mixing ration bias during the growing season. The NA west shows larger positive O3 bias during the growing season because of reduced gas phase deposition resulting from lower O3 deposition velocities driven by reduced vegetation cover. The O3 bias increase associated with the realistic vegetation representation indicates that further improvement may be needed in the WRF/CMAQ system. The National Exposure Research Laboratory’s Atmospheric Modeling Division (AMAD) conducts research in support of EPA’s mission to protect human health and the environment. AMAD’s rese

Synthesis and antisense properties of fluoro cyclohexenyl nucleic acid (F-CeNA), a nuclease stable mimic of 2'-fluoro RNA.

PubMed

Seth, Punit P; Yu, Jinghua; Jazayeri, Ali; Pallan, Pradeep S; Allerson, Charles R; Østergaard, Michael E; Liu, Fengwu; Herdewijn, Piet; Egli, Martin; Swayze, Eric E

2012-06-01

We report the design and synthesis of 2'-fluoro cyclohexenyl nucleic acid (F-CeNA) pyrimidine phosphoramidites and the synthesis and biophysical, structural, and biological evaluation of modified oligonucleotides. The synthesis of the nucleoside phosphoramidites was accomplished in multigram quantities starting from commercially available methyl-D-mannose pyranoside. Installation of the fluorine atom was accomplished using nonafluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride, and the cyclohexenyl ring system was assembled by means of a palladium-catalyzed Ferrier rearrangement. Installation of the nucleobase was carried out under Mitsunobu conditions followed by standard protecting group manipulations to provide the desired pyrimidine phosphoramidites. Biophysical evaluation indicated that F-CeNA shows behavior similar to that of a 2'-modified nucleotide, and duplexes with RNA showed slightly lower duplex thermostability as compared to that of the more rigid 3'-fluoro hexitol nucleic acid (FHNA). However, F-CeNA modified oligonucleotides were significantly more stable against digestion by snake venom phosphodiesterases (SVPD) as compared to unmodified DNA, 2'-fluoro RNA (FRNA), 2'-methoxyethyl RNA (MOE), and FHNA modified oligonucleotides. Examination of crystal structures of a modified DNA heptamer duplex d(GCG)-T*-d(GCG):d(CGCACGC) by X-ray crystallography indicated that the cyclohexenyl ring system exhibits both the (3)H(2) and (2)H(3) conformations, similar to the C3'-endo/C2'-endo conformation equilibrium seen in natural furanose nucleosides. In the (2)H(3) conformation, the equatorial fluorine engages in a relatively close contact with C8 (2.94 Å) of the 3'-adjacent dG nucleotide that may represent a pseudo hydrogen bond. In contrast, the cyclohexenyl ring of F-CeNA was found to exist exclusively in the (3)H(2) (C3'-endo like) conformation in the crystal structure of the modified A-form DNA decamer duplex [d(GCGTA)-T*-d(ACGC)](2.) In an animal experiment, a 16-mer F-CeNA gapmer ASO showed similar RNA affinity but significantly improved activity compared to that of a sequence matched MOE ASO, thus establishing F-CeNA as a useful modification for antisense applications.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Biological Growth Control by Chlorine-Based Biocides in Power Plant Cooling Systems Using Tertiary Effluent

PubMed Central

Chien, Shih-Hsiang; Dzombak, David A.; Vidic, Radisav D.

2013-01-01

Abstract Recent studies have shown that treated municipal wastewater can be a reliable cooling water alternative to fresh water. However, elevated nutrient concentration and microbial population in wastewater lead to aggressive biological proliferation in the cooling system. Three chlorine-based biocides were evaluated for the control of biological growth in cooling systems using tertiary treated wastewater as makeup, based on their biocidal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Optimal chemical regimens for achieving successful biological growth control were elucidated based on batch-, bench-, and pilot-scale experiments. Biocide usage and biological activity in planktonic and sessile phases were carefully monitored to understand biological growth potential and biocidal efficiency of the three disinfectants in this particular environment. Water parameters, such as temperature, cycles of concentration, and ammonia concentration in recirculating water, critically affected the biocide performance in recirculating cooling systems. Bench-scale recirculating tests were shown to adequately predict the biocide residual required for a pilot-scale cooling system. Optimal residuals needed for proper biological growth control were 1, 2–3, and 0.5–1 mg/L as Cl2 for NaOCl, preformed NH2Cl, and ClO2, respectively. Pilot-scale tests also revealed that Legionella pneumophila was absent from these cooling systems when using the disinfectants evaluated in this study. Cost analysis showed that NaOCl is the most cost-effective for controlling biological growth in power plant recirculating cooling systems using tertiary-treated wastewater as makeup. PMID:23781129

Comprehensive Evaluation of Biological Growth Control by Chlorine-Based Biocides in Power Plant Cooling Systems Using Tertiary Effluent.

PubMed

Chien, Shih-Hsiang; Dzombak, David A; Vidic, Radisav D

2013-06-01

Recent studies have shown that treated municipal wastewater can be a reliable cooling water alternative to fresh water. However, elevated nutrient concentration and microbial population in wastewater lead to aggressive biological proliferation in the cooling system. Three chlorine-based biocides were evaluated for the control of biological growth in cooling systems using tertiary treated wastewater as makeup, based on their biocidal efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Optimal chemical regimens for achieving successful biological growth control were elucidated based on batch-, bench-, and pilot-scale experiments. Biocide usage and biological activity in planktonic and sessile phases were carefully monitored to understand biological growth potential and biocidal efficiency of the three disinfectants in this particular environment. Water parameters, such as temperature, cycles of concentration, and ammonia concentration in recirculating water, critically affected the biocide performance in recirculating cooling systems. Bench-scale recirculating tests were shown to adequately predict the biocide residual required for a pilot-scale cooling system. Optimal residuals needed for proper biological growth control were 1, 2-3, and 0.5-1 mg/L as Cl 2 for NaOCl, preformed NH 2 Cl, and ClO 2 , respectively. Pilot-scale tests also revealed that Legionella pneumophila was absent from these cooling systems when using the disinfectants evaluated in this study. Cost analysis showed that NaOCl is the most cost-effective for controlling biological growth in power plant recirculating cooling systems using tertiary-treated wastewater as makeup.

Pt nanoparticle on La0.02Na0.98TaO3 catalyst for hydrogen evolution from glycerol aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Husin, Husni; Adisalamun, Sy, Yuliana; Asnawi, Teku Muhammad; Hasfita, Fikri

2017-01-01

Pt nanoparticles on La-doped sodium tantalum oxide (La0.02Na0.98TaO3), which acts as an active co-catalyst for H2 evolution under UV light irradiation was successfully synthesized by photo-deposition method. The La0.02Na0.98TaO3 photocatalyst was obtained by the reaction of La(NO3)2.3H2O, TaCl5, and NaOH at ambient temperature. The catalyst produced was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). SEM images of the La0.02Na0.98TaO3 sample showing that its particles size is ranging between 50-150 nm. The Pt particles are detected from HRTEM images is around 2-4 nm. The Pt/La0.02Na0.98TaO3 samples prepared were applied for photocatalytic H2 production at 30°C. The photocatalyst performance was evaluated for hydrogen production from water combining with glycerol as an electron donor (sacrificial reagent). The reactions were carried out in a closed reactor with a gas circulation system, illuminated with mercury (Hg) lamp. The experimental results show that the presence of glycerol in the systems can not only improve the efficiency of photocatalytic hydrogen generation but can also be decomposed to hydrogen efficiently. The photocatalytic activity of La0.02Na0.98TaO3 is significantly enhanced when Pt was loaded onto its crystalline surface.

Evaluation of the effects of the solution used for electrochemical dissolution of nickel-titanium endodontic files on dentine structure, microhardness and cell viability.

PubMed

Amaral, C C F; Ormiga, F; Boldrini, L C; Miranda, P G; Mendonça, T A; Granjeiro, J M; Gomes, J A C P

2018-05-15

To evaluate the effects of the [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L] solution used in the electrochemical dissolution process of fractured endodontic files, as well as its NiTi-containing product, on dentine hardness, topography and human fibroblast viability. Sixty single-rooted human teeth were evaluated for dentine microhardness using the Vickers hardness test and the area and number of dentinal tubules by scanning electron microscopy. The samples were divided according to the dentine surface treatment: distilled water; 17% EDTA; [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L]; and 17% EDTA + [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L]. Thirty-six single-rooted human teeth were divided according to the irrigation protocol: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium + 10% fetal bovine serum; 5.25% NaOCl; [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L]; and [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L+NiTi]. The extracts in contact with the apical foramen were used in the MTT assay to evaluate human fibroblast viability, with dilutions of 100, 50, 25 and 12.5%. Statistical tests used were paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test. The [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L] solution did not modify the dentine microhardness or the average dentinal tubule area. However, the EDTA induced changes in the dentine structure and microhardness (p<0.05). The [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L] solution and its NiTi-containing product had lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl at dilutions of 25% and 50% (p<0.01). The [NaF 12 g/L + NaCl 1 g/L] solution did not alter dentine microhardness or damage the dentine structure. It also demonstrated lower cytotoxicity than NaOCl. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Role of sodium ions in the vitrification process: glass matrix modification, slag structure depolymerization, and influence of metal immobilization.

PubMed

Kuo, Yi-Ming

2014-07-01

This study investigates the role of Na ions, a common flux, in the vitrification process. Artificial glass systems composed of Al2O3, CaO, and SiO2 with various Na concentrations were melted at 1450 degrees C. The specimens were cooled by air cooling and water quenching and the metal mobility was evaluated using a sequential extraction procedure. The X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy observations showed that Na ions governed the air-cooled slag's structure. Na ions initially depolymerized CaSiO3-linked chains into CaSiO3 chains, and further cut them into shorter and nonuniform ones, making the slag structure amorphous. With even more Na ions, CaSiO3 chains were divided into single SiO4 tetrahedrons and formed Na-related crystals (Na2Ca3Si2O8 and NaAlSiO4). The phase distributions of Al, Cr, Cu Mn, and Ni showed that Na has a positive effect on the immobilization of heavy metals at suitable concentrations, but a negative effect when in excess amounts. Implications: Vitrification has been widely used to treat hazardous materials. The Na-bearing additives were often used as a flux to improve the melting process. This study described the role of Na played in the vitrification process. The Na ions acted as glass modifier and depolymerize the chain structure of slag. With adequate addition amount of Na ions, the immobilization of heavy metals was improved. The results provided much information about the crystalline phase variation, metal mobility, and surface characteristics while Na serves as a flux.

Virulence Studies of Different Sequence Types and Geographical Origins of Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 in a Mouse Model of Infection

PubMed Central

Auger, Jean-Philippe; Fittipaldi, Nahuel; Benoit-Biancamano, Marie-Odile; Segura, Mariela; Gottschalk, Marcelo

2016-01-01

Multilocus sequence typing previously identified three predominant sequence types (STs) of Streptococcus suis serotype 2: ST1 strains predominate in Eurasia while North American (NA) strains are generally ST25 and ST28. However, ST25/ST28 and ST1 strains have also been isolated in Asia and NA, respectively. Using a well-standardized mouse model of infection, the virulence of strains belonging to different STs and different geographical origins was evaluated. Results demonstrated that although a certain tendency may be observed, S. suis serotype 2 virulence is difficult to predict based on ST and geographical origin alone; strains belonging to the same ST presented important differences of virulence and did not always correlate with origin. The only exception appears to be NA ST28 strains, which were generally less virulent in both systemic and central nervous system (CNS) infection models. Persistent and high levels of bacteremia accompanied by elevated CNS inflammation are required to cause meningitis. Although widely used, in vitro tests such as phagocytosis and killing assays require further standardization in order to be used as predictive tests for evaluating virulence of strains. The use of strains other than archetypal strains has increased our knowledge and understanding of the S. suis serotype 2 population dynamics. PMID:27409640

High and Low Salt Intake during Pregnancy: Impact on Cardiac and Renal Structure in Newborns.

PubMed

Seravalli, Priscila; de Oliveira, Ivone Braga; Zago, Breno Calazans; de Castro, Isac; Veras, Mariana Matera; Alves-Rodrigues, Edson Nogueira; Heimann, Joel C

2016-01-01

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated that dietary salt overload and salt restriction during pregnancy were associated with cardiac and renal structural and/or functional alterations in adult offspring. The present study evaluated renal and cardiac structure and the local renin-angiotensin system in newborns from dams fed high-, normal- or low-salt diets during pregnancy. Female Wistar rats were fed low- (LS, 0.15% NaCl), normal- (NS, 1.3% NaCl) or high- (HS, 8% NaCl) salt diets during pregnancy. Kidneys and hearts were collected from newborns (n = 6-8/group) during the first 24 hours after birth to evaluate possible changes in structure using stereology. Protein expression of renin-angiotensin system components was evaluated using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No differences between groups were observed in total renal volume, volume of renal compartments or number of glomeruli. The transverse diameter of the nuclei of cardiomyocytes was greater in HS than NS males in the left and right ventricles. Protein expression of the AT1 receptor was lower in the kidneys of the LS than in those of the NS and HS males but not females. Protein expression of the AT2 receptor was lower in the kidneys of the LS males and females than in those of the NS males and females. High salt intake during pregnancy induced left and right ventricular hypertrophy in male newborns. Salt restriction during pregnancy reduced the expression of renal angiotensin II receptors in newborns.

Physicochemical study of mixed systems composed by bovine caseinate and the galactomannan from Gleditsia amorphoides.

PubMed

López, Débora N; Galante, Micaela; Alvarez, Estela M; Risso, Patricia H; Boeris, Valeria

2017-10-01

Model systems formed by sodium caseinate (NaCAS) and espina corona gum (ECG) were studied. There was no evidence of attractive interactions between NaCAS and ECG macromolecules. Aqueous mixtures of NaCAS and ECG phase-separate segregatively over a wide range of concentrations. According to the images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy, NaCAS particles form larger protein aggregates when ECG is present in the system. An increase in the hydrodynamic diameter of NaCAS particles, as a result of ECG addition, was also observed by light scattering in diluted systems. A depletion-flocculation phenomenon, in which ECG is excluded from NaCAS surface, is proposed to occur in the concentrated mixed systems, resulting in NaCAS aggregation. ECG raises the viscosity of NaCAS dispersions without affecting the Newtonian flow behaviour of NaCAS. These results contribute to improve the knowledge of a barely-studied hydrocolloid which may be useful in the development of innovative food systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

UH1-Y - Benefits and Deficiencies

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-20

Report, NA 01 HCG -1 (hereinafter Test and Evaluation Report). 2 author’s experience. 3 Test and Evaluation Report. 4 Test and Evaluation Report...Critical Intelligence. Aug 14, 24(33). - - - 2008. DOD Approves Full Production for UH-1Y Despite Major Deficiency. Oct 2, 24(40). NA 01-11- HCG -2-1...2008. Operational Test and Evaluation Report, NA 01 HCG -1. Parmalee, Patricia, ed. 2005. Test Time. Aviation Week & Space Technology. Jun 20, 162

Study of the quaternary Na+, K+//F-, Br-, NO 3 - reciprocal system using an innovative methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgunova, O. E.; Ukhanov, A. S.; Katasonova, E. A.; Trunin, A. S.; Surinskii, K. D.

2016-08-01

The topological structure of the quaternary Na+, K+//F-, Br-, NO 3 - system is studied using a computer-assisted research system. A tree of phases is constructed, and the eutectic characteristics of the secant triangle NaNO3-KBr-NaF, (equiv. %) 84.6 NaNO3-9.1 KBr-6.3 NaF, at 255.3°C are determined.

Maternal high-sodium intake alters the responsiveness of the renin-angiotensin system in adult offspring.

PubMed

Ramos, Débora R; Costa, Nauilo L; Jang, Karen L L; Oliveira, Ivone B; da Silva, Alexandre A; Heimann, Joel C; Furukawa, Luzia N S

2012-05-22

The goal of the current study was to evaluate the impact of maternal sodium intake during gestation on the systemic and renal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) of the adult offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed high- (HSD-8.0% NaCl) or normal-sodium diets (NSD-1.3% NaCl) from 8 weeks of age until the delivery of their first litter. After birth, the offspring received NSD. Tail-cuff blood pressure (TcBP) was measured in the offspring between 6 and 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks of age, the offspring were subjected to either one week of HSD or low sodium diet (LSD-0.16% NaCl) feeding to evaluate RAAS responsiveness or to acute saline overload to examine sodium excretory function. Plasma (PRA) and renal renin content (RRC), serum aldosterone (ALDO) levels, and renal cortical and medullary renin mRNA expression levels were evaluated at the end of the study. TcBP was higher among dams fed HSD, but no TcBP differences were observed among the offspring. Male offspring, however, exhibited increased TcBP after one week of HSD feeding, and this effect was independent of maternal diet. Increased RAAS responsiveness to the HSD and LSD was also observed in male offspring. The baseline levels of PRA, ALDO, and cortical and medullary renin gene expression were lower but the RRC levels were higher among HSD-fed male offspring (HSDoff). Conversely, female HSDoff showed reduced sodium excretion 4 h after saline overload compared with female NSDoff. High maternal sodium intake is associated with gender-specific changes in RAAS responsiveness among adult offspring. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Isothermal evaporation process simulation using the Pitzer model for the Quinary system LiCl–NaCl–KCl–SrCl 2–H 2O at 298.15 K

DOE PAGES

Meng, Lingzong; Gruszkiewicz, Miroslaw S.; Deng, Tianlong; ...

2015-08-05

In this study, the Pitzer thermodynamic model for solid-liquid equilibria in the quinary system LiCl–NaCl–KCl–SrCl 2–H 2O at 298.15 K was constructed by selecting the proper parameters for the subsystems in the literature. The solubility data of the systems NaCl–SrCl 2–H 2O, KCl–SrCl 2–H 2O, LiCl–SrCl 2–H 2O, and NaCl–KCl–SrCl 2–H 2O were used to evaluate the model. Good agreement between the experimental and calculated solubilities shows that the model is reliable. The Pitzer model for the quinary system at 298.15 K was then used to calculate the component solubilities and conduct computer simulation of isothermal evaporation of the mothermore » liquor for the oilfield brine from Nanyishan district in the Qaidam Basin. The evaporation-crystallization path and sequence of salt precipitation, change in concentration and precipitation of lithium, sodium, potassium, and strontium, and water activities during the evaporation process were demonstrated. The salts precipitated from the brine in the order : KCl, NaCl, SrCl 2∙6H 2O, SrCl 2∙2H 2O, and LiCl∙H 2O. The entire evaporation process may be divided into six stages. In each stage the variation trends for the relationships between ion concentrations or water activities and the evaporation ratio are different. This result of the simulation of brines can be used as a theoretical reference for comprehensive exploitation and utilization of this type of brine resources.« less

The potential reproductive, neurobehavioral and systemic effects of soluble sodium tungstate exposure in Sprague-Dawley rats

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

McInturf, S.M.; Bekkedal, M.Y.V.; Wilfong, E.

2011-07-15

The debate on tungsten (W) is fostered by its continuous usage in military munitions. Reports demonstrate W solubilizes in soil and can migrate into drinking water supplies and, therefore, is a potential health risk to humans. This study evaluated the reproductive, systemic and neurobehavioral effects of sodium tungstate (NaW) in rats following 70 days of daily pre-and postnatal exposure via oral gavage to 5, 62.5 and 125 mg/kg/day of NaW through mating, gestation and weaning (PND 0-20). Daily administration of NaW produced no overt evidence of toxicity and had no apparent effect on mating success or offspring physical development. Distressmore » vocalizations were elevated in F{sub 1} offspring from the high dose group, whereas righting reflex showed unexpected sex differences where males demonstrated faster righting than females; however, the effects were not dose-dependent. Locomotor activity was affected in both low and high-dose groups of F{sub 1} females. Low-dose group showed increased distance traveled, more time in ambulatory movements and less time in stereotypic behavior than controls or high dose animals. The high-dose group had more time in stereotypical movements than controls, and less time resting than controls and the lowest exposure group. Maternal retrieval was not affected by NaW exposure. Tungsten analysis showed a systemic distribution of NaW in both parents and offspring, with preferential uptake within the immune organs, including the femur, spleen and thymus. Histopathological evidence suggested no severe chronic injury or loss of function in these organs. However, the heart showed histological lesions, histiocytic inflammation from minimal to mild with cardiomyocyte degeneration and necrosis in several P{sub 0} animals of 125 mg NaW dose group. The result of this study suggests that pre and postnatal exposure to NaW may produce subtle neurobehavioral effects in offspring related to motor activity and emotionality.« less

Alkali oxide-tantalum oxide and alkali oxide-niobium oxide ionic conductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, R. S.; Parker, H. S.; Brower, W. S.; Minor, D.

1974-01-01

A search was made for new cationic conducting phases in alkali-tantalate and niobate systems. The phase equilibrium diagrams were constructed for the six binary systems Nb2O5-LiNbO3, Nb2O5-NaNbO3, Nb2O5-KNbO3, Ta2O5-NaTaO3, Ta2O5-LiTaO3, and Ta2O5-KTaO3. Various other binary and ternary systems were also examined. Pellets of nineteen phases were evaluated (by the sponsoring agency) by dielectric loss measurements. Attempts were made to grow large crystals of eight different phases. The system Ta2O5-KTaO3 contains at least three phases which showed peaks in dielectric loss vs. temperature. All three contain structures related to the tungsten bronzes with alkali ions in non-stoichiometric crystallographic positions.

Field Demonstration and Validation of TREECS (trademark) and CTS for the Risk Assessment of Contaminants on Department of Defense (DoD) Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-04-01

unlimited. N/A The objective of this project was to demonstrate and validate the integrated Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization...Defense (DoD) training and testing ranges. Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization System (TREECS™), Environmental Fate Simulator...Defense (DoD) Ranges” ERDC/EL TR-17-5 ii Abstract The Training Range Environmental Evaluation and Characterization Sys- tem (TREECS™) was developed to

Cleaning capacity of octenidine as root canal irrigant: A scanning electron microscopy study.

PubMed

Coaguila-Llerena, Hernán; Stefanini da Silva, Virgínia; Tanomaru-Filho, Mario; Guerreiro Tanomaru, Juliane Maria; Faria, Gisele

2018-06-01

The aim of this study was to assess the cleaning capacity of the octenidine hydrochloride (OCT) used as root canal irrigant by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Sixty human unirradicular extracted teeth were randomly distributed in 6 groups (n = 10) according to irrigant solutions which were used during root canal preparation: G1, 0.1% OCT; G2, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX); G3, 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); G4, OCT + 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); G5, 2.5% NaOCl + 17% EDTA and G6, distilled water. All specimens were instrumented with ProTaper system up to F4. Teeth were sectioned and prepared for SEM. The smear layer was evaluated using a 5-score system and the data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (α = 0.05). In all root canal thirds there was no significant difference between OCT, CHX, NaOCl, and water groups (p > .05), and these groups showed higher smear layer values than NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p < .05). There was no significant difference between NaOCl + EDTA and OCT + EDTA groups (p > .05). It was concluded that OCT used as a single root canal irrigant presented poor cleaning capacity and could be used in association with a final irrigation with EDTA to obtain smear layer removal. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

New molten salt systems for high temperature molten salt batteries: Ternary and quaternary molten salt systems based on LiF-LiCl, LiF-LiBr, and LiCl-LiBr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujiwara, Syozo; Inaba, Minoru; Tasaka, Akimasa

Using a new simulative technique developed by us, we systematically investigated new ternary or quaternary molten salt systems, which are based on LiF-LiCl, LiF-LiBr, and LiCl-LiBr binary systems, for use as electrolytes in thermal batteries, and evaluated their ionic conductivities and melting points experimentally. It was confirmed experimentally that LiF-LiBr-KF (melting point: 425 °C, ionic conductivity at 500 °C: 2.52 S cm -1), LiCl-LiBr-KF (405 °C, 2.56 S cm -1), LiCl-LiBr-NaF-KF (425 °C, 3.11 S cm -1), LiCl-LiBr-NaCl-KCl (420 °C, 2.73 S cm -1), and LiCl-LiBr-NaBr-KBr (420 °C, 2.76 S cm -1) meet our targets for both melting point (350-430 °C) and ionic conductivity (2.0 S cm -1 and higher at 500 °C). A single cell using the newly developed LiCl-LiBr-NaCl-KCl molten salt as an electrolyte was prepared, and the DC-IR of the cell decreased by 20% than that of a single cell using the conventional LiCl-KCl molten salt. It was therefore concluded that the use of new quaternary molten salt systems can improve the discharge rate-capability in practical battery applications because of their high ionic conductivities.

Noradrenaline induces peripheral antinociception by endogenous opioid release.

PubMed

Romero, Thiago Roberto Lima; Soares Santos, Raquel Rodrigues; Castor, Marina Gomes Miranda E; Petrocchi, Júlia Alvarenga; Guzzo, Luciana Souza; Klein, Andre; Duarte, Igor Dimitri Gama

2018-02-23

The aim of this study was to investigate this involvement in not inflammatory model of pain and which opioid receptor subtype mediates noradrenaline-induced peripheral antinociception. NA is involved in the intrinsic control of pain-inducing pro-nociceptive effects in the primary afferent nociceptors. However, inflammation can induce various plastic changes in the central and peripheral noradrenergic system that, upon interaction with the immune system, may contribute, in part, to peripheral antinociception. Hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 , 2 μg) into the plantar surface of the right hind paw and the paw pressure test to evaluated the hyperalgesia was used. Noradrenaline (NA) was administered locally into right hind paw of Wistar rat (160-200 g) alone and after either agents, α 2 -adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, α 1 -adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin, β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, μ-opioid antagonist clocinnamox, δ-opioid antagonist naltrindole and κ-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorfimina. In addition, the enkephalinase inhibitor bestatin was administered prior to NA low dose. Intraplantar injection of NA induced peripheral antinociception against hyperalgesia induced by PGE 2 . This effect was reversed, in dose dependent manner, by intraplantar injection of yohimbine, prazosin, propranolol, clocinnamox and naltrindole. However, injection of nor-binaltorfimina did not alter antinociception of NA after PGE 2 hyperalgesia. Bestatin intensified the antinociceptive effects of low-dose of NA. Besides the α 2 -adrenoceptor, the present data provide evidence that, in absence of inflammation, NA activating α 1 and β-adrenoceptor induce endogenous opioid release to produce peripheral antinociceptive effect by μ and δ opioid receptors. Copyright © 2018 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A possible NaCl pathway in the bioregenerative human life support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polonskiy, V. I.; Gribovskaya, I. V.

One of the ways to involve NaCl in the mass exchange of the bioregenerative human life support system (BLSS) is to grow some vegetables and leafy greens that can accumulate sodium chloride at high concentrations in their edible biomass. Lettuce, celery cabbage, chard, dill and radish plants were grown hydroponically in Knop's nutrient solution. In the first series of experiments, at the end of the growth period the plants were grown on solutions containing 2-14 g/L of NaCl for 1-5 days. It was found that the amount of sodium in edible biomass of the plants increased with NaCl concentration in the solution and with the time plants were irrigated with that solution. The content of NaCl in the biomass of leaves and edible roots was considerable—up to 10% dry matter. At the same time, the amount of water in the leaves decreased and productivity of the treatment plants was 14-28% lower than that of the control ones, grown on Knop's solution. The treatment plants contained less than half of the amount of nitrates recorded in the control ones. Expert evaluation showed that the taste of the vegetables and leafy greens of the treatment group were not inferior to the taste of the control plants. In the second series of experiments, prior to being grown on the NaCl solution, the plants were irrigated with water for 2, 4 or 6 days. It was found that lower salt status of the plants was not favorable for increased salt accumulation in their biomass. If a human consumes 30 g salad vegetables and follows a low-sodium diet (3 g/d of table salt), it may be feasible to recycle NaCl in the BLSS using vegetables and leafy greens.

Peptidase activity in various species of dairy thermophilic lactobacilli.

PubMed

Gatti, M; Fornasari, M E; Lazzi, C; Mucchetti, G; Neviani, E

2004-01-01

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the enzymatic potential manifested by aminopeptidase activity of different thermophilic Lactobacillus biotypes and to measure the influence of cell growth phase on enzyme expression. The activities were evaluated by the hydrolysis of beta-naphthylamide substrates for both whole and mechanically disrupted cells of L. helveticus, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis strains, collected from both the exponential and the stationary growth phase. In general, activities were higher for cells in the exponential rather than in the stationary phase and the disrupted cells showed higher activities than the whole cells. The highest activity expressed by all strains corresponded to X-prolyl-dipeptidyl aminopeptidase while a moderate activity was observed towards Arg-betaNa, Lys-betaNa and Leu-betaNa. The lowest activity was observed for Pro-betaNa. It may be inferred that the cell structure and the cell physiology are crucial to define the level of efficiency of expression for aminopeptidase activity. The two species may be characterized by a different enzymatic system that hydrolyses N-terminal leucine. The differences of peptidase activities in L. helveticus and L. delbrueckii species acquires an importance to comprehend their role in the biochemical events occurring in cheese ripening.

Phase behavior, morphology, and polymorphism of surfactant systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Jingmei

Surfactants are amphiphilic molecules. They spontaneously form various microstructures in water to accommodate the hydrophilic-hydrophobic interactions. Soaps are the oldest kind of man-made surfactants that are commonly used as washing and cleaning agents. In spite of the long history of soap research, many aspects of soaps in nonaqueous solvents remain unclear. Unlike the aqueous soap systems, which have been studied extensively, investigations of nonaqueous, polar soap systems are rather limited. Motivated by the applications of nonaqueous, polar solvents in soap products, we investigated sodium stearate (NaSt)/water/propylene glycol (PG) systems. The effects of gradual substitution of PG for H 2O on the phase behavior, morphology and crystalline structure of NaSt systems were studied by a combination of characterization techniques. The techniques include direct visual observation, differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle and small angle x-ray scattering, light and cryo-electron microscopy, and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance. Anhydrous NaSt forms layered crystalline structures at 25°C. With increasing temperature, a distorted hexagonal phase and a hexagonal liquid crystalline phase form. Compared with aqueous soap systems, the regions of liquid crystalline phases in the phase diagrams are reduced as PG replaces or gradually substitutes for H2O. Fibrous and plate-like NaSt crystallites were investigated in the NaSt/PG/H 2O system containing 1-5 wt% NaSt. Despite of the morphological difference, NaSt fibers and platelets share the same layered crystalline structure at the molecular level. NaSt fibers consist of stacked thin ribbons of NaSt bilayers. NaSt platelets exhibit large basal planes {001} surrounded by other faster-growing lateral planes. Two lamellar crystalline structures, alpha-NaSt and beta-NaSt, which formed in the NaSt/PG/H2O system with 10 wt% NaSt, were characterized on the atomic, molecular and microscopic levels. In a PG concentration range of 60-95 wt% in mixtures of H2O and PG, beta-NaSt transforms to alpha-NaSt upon aging. Compared with beta-NaSt, the hydrocarbon chains in alpha-NaSt consist of a higher percentage of trans conformation, which is characteristically more orderly packed and more rigid. alpha-NaSt exhibits a larger bilayer thickness, and dissolves at a lower temperature in the PG/H 2O mixture. The fibrous crystallites of alpha-NaSt are more bundled and oriented compared to those of beta-NaSt.

SODIUM DITHIONITE INJECTIONS USED FOR CHROMIUM REDUCTION

EPA Science Inventory

A field-scale pilot study was conducted in 1999 at the U.S. Coast Guard Support Center in Elizabeth City, NC, to evaluate the effectiveness of injecting sodium dithionite into the upper aquifer and lower vadose zone to create a permeable reactive barrier (PRB) system utilizing na...

Halophytic plants as a component of a bioregenerative life support system for recycling of NaCl contained in human liquid waste.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balnokin, Yurii; Balnokin, Yurii; Myasoedov, Nikolay; Popova, Larissa; Tikhomirov, Alexander A.; Ushakova, Sofya; Tikhomirova, Natalia; Lasseur, Christophe; Gros, Jean-Bernard

Currently, the closure of matter turnover is one of the urgent problems of bioregenerative life support system (BLSS) designing. The important aspect of the problem is involving of substances contained in liquid and solid exometabolites of humans inhabiting BLSS into intrasystem matter turnover. Recycling of Na+ and Cl- contained in human liquid exometabolites, i.e. urine is acknowledged to be among the main tasks of the matter turnover in BLSS. The ions excreted with urine may be returned to human organism with food. A way to allow this is including edible halophytic plants into the phototrophic compartment of BLSS. Halophytes are defined as plants which can grow on saline soils and produce high biomass under these conditions. Some halophytes can take up high quantities of Na+ and Cl- and accumulate the ions in the shoots or extrude them to leaf surface by means of salt glands. To allow Na+ and Cl- recycling through halophyte utilization, the following principal steps should be accomplished: (i) mineralization of the exometabolites by physicochemical methods; (ii) oxidation of ammonia formed during the exometabolite mineralization to nitrate by nitrifying bacteria, (iii) growing the halophyte on the nutrient solution prepared on the basis of the mineralized exometabolites, (iv) introducing the halophyte green biomass into human food. The present work is devoted to the following problems: (i) selection of a salt-accumulating/extruding halophytic plant suitable for Na+ and Cl- recycling in BLSS and (ii) parameter evaluation of a plant conveyor containing the halophytic plants at various ages. Halophytic plants selected for BLSS should meet the following criteria: (i) ability to grow under 24-hour-illumination, (ii) high productivity, (iii) ability to accumulate Na+ and Cl- in high quantities in shoots or to excrete salts to leaf surface, (iv) edibility, and (v) high nutritive value of the biomass. Relying on these criteria, salt-accumulating halophyte Salicornia europaea was selected from seven halophytic plant candidates, preliminary chosen from observations in their natural habitats, from our previous investigations and literature data. Characterization of the plant performance was obtained in the experiments on plants grown in water culture in a cultivation chamber under controlled conditions. A model nutrient solution simulating mineralized urine was used for halophyte growing. Under the experimental conditions, S.europaea exhibited high productivity and accumulated Na+ and Cl- in the shoots in high quantities. It has been shown that above-ground organs of S.europaea exhibit high nutritive value, the proteins are enriched with the essential amino acids and displayed high abundance of leucine, aspartic and glutamic acids. The results demonstrate that it is feasible to put into practice permanent Na+ and Cl- recycling in BLSS by a various-aged S.europaea conveyor. Relying on data on distribution of Na+ and Cl- between the plant and growth medium, parameters of the conveyor for permanent ion turnover in the system humans - exometabolites - nutrient solution - S.europaea - humans have been evaluated.

Comparative antibacterial efficacies of hydrodynamic and ultrasonic irrigation systems in vitro.

PubMed

Cachovan, Georg; Schiffner, Ulrich; Altenhof, Saskia; Guentsch, Arndt; Pfister, Wolfgang; Eick, Sigrun

2013-09-01

To ensure root canal treatment success, endodontic microbiota should be efficiently reduced. The in vitro bactericidal effects of a hydrodynamic system and a passive ultrasonic irrigation system were compared. Single-rooted extracted teeth (n = 250) were contaminated with suspensions of Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, mixed aerobic cultures, or mixed anaerobic cultures. First, the antibacterial effects of the hydrodynamic system (RinsEndo), a passive ultrasonic irrigation system (Piezo smart), and manual rinsing with 0.9% NaCl (the control) were compared. Colony-forming units were counted. Second, the 2 systems were used with 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) alone or NaOCl + 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX). The colony-forming units in the treated and untreated roots were determined during a period of 5 days. Both irrigation systems reduced bacterial numbers more effectively than manual rinsing (P < .001). With NaCl, ultrasonic activated irrigation reduced bacterial counts significantly better than hydrodynamic irrigation (P = .042). The NaOCl + CHX combination was more effective than NaOCl alone for both systems (P < .001), but hydrodynamic irrigation was more effective with NaOCl + CHX than the passive ultrasonic irrigation system. Both irrigation systems, when combined with NaOCl + CHX, removed bacteria from root canals. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intrinsic noise analyzer: a software package for the exploration of stochastic biochemical kinetics using the system size expansion.

PubMed

Thomas, Philipp; Matuschek, Hannes; Grima, Ramon

2012-01-01

The accepted stochastic descriptions of biochemical dynamics under well-mixed conditions are given by the Chemical Master Equation and the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm, which are equivalent. The latter is a Monte-Carlo method, which, despite enjoying broad availability in a large number of existing software packages, is computationally expensive due to the huge amounts of ensemble averaging required for obtaining accurate statistical information. The former is a set of coupled differential-difference equations for the probability of the system being in any one of the possible mesoscopic states; these equations are typically computationally intractable because of the inherently large state space. Here we introduce the software package intrinsic Noise Analyzer (iNA), which allows for systematic analysis of stochastic biochemical kinetics by means of van Kampen's system size expansion of the Chemical Master Equation. iNA is platform independent and supports the popular SBML format natively. The present implementation is the first to adopt a complementary approach that combines state-of-the-art analysis tools using the computer algebra system Ginac with traditional methods of stochastic simulation. iNA integrates two approximation methods based on the system size expansion, the Linear Noise Approximation and effective mesoscopic rate equations, which to-date have not been available to non-expert users, into an easy-to-use graphical user interface. In particular, the present methods allow for quick approximate analysis of time-dependent mean concentrations, variances, covariances and correlations coefficients, which typically outperforms stochastic simulations. These analytical tools are complemented by automated multi-core stochastic simulations with direct statistical evaluation and visualization. We showcase iNA's performance by using it to explore the stochastic properties of cooperative and non-cooperative enzyme kinetics and a gene network associated with circadian rhythms. The software iNA is freely available as executable binaries for Linux, MacOSX and Microsoft Windows, as well as the full source code under an open source license.

Solubility of jarosite solid solutions precipitated from acid mine waters, Iron Mountain, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Alpers, Charles N.; Nordstrom, D. Kirk; Ball, J.W.

1989-01-01

Because of the common occurrence of 15 to 25 mole percent hydronium substitution on the alkali site in jarosites, it is necessary to consider the hydronium content of jarosites in any attempt at rigorous evaluation of jarosite solubility or of the saturation state of natural waters with respect to jarosite. A Gibbs free energy of 3293.5±2.1 kJ mol-1 is recommended for a jarosite solid solution of composition K.77Na.03(H3O).20Fe3(SO4)2(OH)6. Solubility determinations for a wider range of natural and synthetic jarosite solid solutions will be necessary to quantify the binary and ternary mixing parameters in the (K-Na-H3O) system. In the absence of such studies, molar volume data for endmember minerals indicate that the K-H3O substitution in jarosite is probably closer to ideal mixing than either the Na-K or Na-H3O substitution.

Prognostic capability of different liver disease scoring systems for prediction of early mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation.

PubMed

Gaba, Ron C; Couture, Patrick M; Bui, James T; Knuttinen, M Grace; Walzer, Natasha M; Kallwitz, Eric R; Berkes, Jamie L; Cotler, Scott J

2013-03-01

To compare the performance of various liver disease scoring systems in predicting early mortality after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation. In this single-institution retrospective study, eight scoring systems were used to grade liver disease in 211 patients (male-to-female ratio = 131:80; mean age, 54 y) before TIPS creation from 1999-2011. Scoring systems included bilirubin level, Child-Pugh (CP) score, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease sodium (MELD-Na) score, Emory score, prognostic index (PI), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) 2 score, and Bonn TIPS early mortality (BOTEM) score. Medical record review was used to identify 30-day and 90-day clinical outcomes. The relationship of scoring parameters with mortality outcomes was assessed with multivariate analysis, and the relative ability of systems to predict mortality after TIPS creation was evaluated by comparing area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves. TIPS were successfully created for variceal hemorrhage (n = 121), ascites (n = 72), hepatic hydrothorax (n = 15), and portal vein thrombosis (n = 3). All scoring systems had a significant association with 30-day and 90-day mortality (P<.050 in each case) on multivariate analysis. Based on 30-day and 90-day AUROC, MELD (0.878, 0.816) and MELD-Na (0.863, 0.823) scores had the best capability to predict early mortality compared with bilirubin (0.786, 0.749), CP (0.822, 0.771), Emory (0.786, 0.681), PI (0.854, 0.760), APACHE 2 (0.836, 0.735), and BOTEM (0.798, 0.698), with statistical superiority over bilirubin, Emory, and BOTEM scores. Several liver disease scoring systems have prognostic value for early mortality after TIPS creation. MELD and MELD-Na scores most effectively predict survival after TIPS creation. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Dual fluorescence/contactless conductivity detection for microfluidic chip.

PubMed

Liu, Cui; Mo, Yun-yan; Chen, Zuan-guang; Li, Xiang; Li, Ou-lian; Zhou, Xie

2008-07-28

A new dual detection system for microchip is reported. Both fluorescence detector (FD) and contactless conductivity detector (CCD) were combined together and integrated on a microfluidic chip. They shared a common detection position and responded simultaneously. A blue light-emitting diode was used as excitation source and a small planar photodiode was used to collect the emitted fluorescence in fluorescence detection, which made the device more compact and portable. The coupling of the fluorescence and contactless conductivity modes at the same position of a single separation channel enhanced the detection characterization of sample and offered simultaneous detection information of both fluorescent and charged specimen. The detection conditions of the system were optimized. K(+), Na(+), fluorescein sodium, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and FITC-labeled amino acids were used to evaluate the performance of the dual detection system. The limits of detection (LOD) of FD for fluorescein Na(+), FITC, FITC-labeled arginine (Arg), glycine (Gly) and phenylalanine (Phe) were 0.02micromolL(-1), 0.05micromolL(-1), 0.16micromolL(-1), 0.15micromolL(-1), 0.12micromolL(-1) respectively, and the limits of detection (LOD) of CCD achieved 0.58micromolL(-1) and 0.39micromolL(-1) for K(+) and Na(+) respectively.

AQMEII3 evaluation of regional NA/EU simulations and analysis of scale, boundary conditions and emissions error-dependence

EPA Science Inventory

Through the comparison of several regional-scale chemistry transport modelling systems that simulate meteorology and air quality over the European and American continents, this study aims at i) apportioning the error to the responsible processes using time-scale analysis, ii) hel...

Thermodynamics of concentrated electrolyte mixtures and the prediction of mineral solubilities to high temperatures for mixtures in the system Na-K-Mg-Cl-SO 4-OH-H 2O

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pabalan, Roberto T.; Pitzer, Kenneth S.

1987-09-01

Mineral solubilities in binary and ternary electrolyte mixtures in the system Na-K-Mg-Cl-SO 4-OH-H 2O are calculated to high temperatures using available thermodynamic data for solids and for aqueous electrolyte solutions. Activity and osmotic coefficients are derived from the ion-interaction model of Pitzer (1973, 1979) and co-workers, the parameters of which are evaluated from experimentally determined solution properties or from solubility data in binary and ternary mixtures. Excellent to good agreement with experimental solubilities for binary and ternary mixtures indicate that the model can be successfully used to predict mineral-solution equilibria to high temperatures. Although there are currently no theoretical forms for the temperature dependencies of the various model parameters, the solubility data in ternary mixtures can be adequately represented by constant values of the mixing term θ ij and values of ψ ijk which are either constant or have a simple temperature dependence. Since no additional parameters are needed to describe the thermodynamic properties of more complex electrolyte mixtures, the calculations can be extended to equilibrium studies relevant to natural systems. Examples of predicted solubilities are given for the quaternary system NaCl-KCl-MgCl 2-H 2O.

Response to non-uniform salinity in the root zone of the halophyte Atriplex nummularia: growth, photosynthesis, water relations and tissue ion concentrations.

PubMed

Bazihizina, Nadia; Colmer, Timothy D; Barrett-Lennard, Edward G

2009-09-01

Soil salinity is often heterogeneous, yet the physiology of halophytes has typically been studied with uniform salinity treatments. An evaluation was made of the growth, net photosynthesis, water use, water relations and tissue ions in the halophytic shrub Atriplex nummularia in response to non-uniform NaCl concentrations in a split-root system. Atriplex nummularia was grown in a split-root system for 21 d, with either the same or two different NaCl concentrations (ranging from 10 to 670 mm), in aerated nutrient solution bathing each root half. Non-uniform salinity, with high NaCl in one root half (up to 670 mm) and 10 mm in the other half, had no effect on shoot ethanol-insoluble dry mass, net photosynthesis or shoot pre-dawn water potential. In contrast, a modest effect occurred for leaf osmotic potential (up to 30 % more solutes compared with uniform 10 mm NaCl treatment). With non-uniform NaCl concentrations (10/670 mm), 90 % of water was absorbed from the low salinity side, and the reduction in water use from the high salinity side caused whole-plant water use to decrease by about 30 %; there was no compensatory water uptake from the low salinity side. Leaf Na(+) and Cl(-) concentrations were 1.9- to 2.3-fold higher in the uniform 670 mm treatment than in the 10/670 mm treatment, whereas leaf K(+) concentrations were 1.2- to 2.0-fold higher in the non-uniform treatment. Atriplex nummularia with one root half in 10 mm NaCl maintained net photosynthesis, shoot growth and shoot water potential even when the other root half was exposed to 670 mm NaCl, a concentration that inhibits growth by 65 % when uniform in the root zone. Given the likelihood of non-uniform salinity in many field situations, this situation would presumably benefit halophyte growth and physiology in saline environments.

Sodium-NaK engineering handbook. Volume III. Sodium systems, safety, handling, and instrumentation. [LMFBR

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

Foust, O J

1978-01-01

The handbook is intended for use by present and future designers in the Liquid Metals Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR) Program and by the engineering and scientific community performing other type investigation and exprimentation requiring high-temperature sodium and NaK technology. The arrangement of subject matter progresses from a technological discussion of sodium and sodium--potassium alloy (NaK) to discussions of varius categories and uses of hardware in sodium and NaK systems. Emphasis is placed on sodium and NaK as heat-transport media. Sufficient detail is included for basic understanding of sodium and NaK technology and of technical aspects of sodium and NaK componentsmore » and instrument systems. Information presented is considered adequate for use in feasibility studies and conceptual design, sizing components and systems, developing preliminary component and system descriptions, identifying technological limitations and problem areas, and defining basic constraints and parameters.« less

A microleakage study of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real self-etch systems after different irrigation protocols

PubMed Central

PRADO, Maíra; SIMÃO, Renata Antoun; GOMES, Brenda Paula Figueiredo de Almeida

2014-01-01

The development and maintenance of the sealing of the root canal system is the key to the success of root canal treatment. The resin-based adhesive material has the potential to reduce the microleakage of the root canal because of its adhesive properties and penetration into dentinal walls. Moreover, the irrigation protocols may have an influence on the adhesiveness of resin-based sealers to root dentin. Objective The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigant protocols on coronal bacterial microleakage of gutta-percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Real Seal Self-etch systems. Material and Methods One hundred ninety pre-molars were used. The teeth were divided into 18 experimental groups according to the irrigation protocols and filling materials used. The protocols used were: distilled water; sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)+eDTA; NaOCl+H3PO4; NaOCl+eDTA+chlorhexidine (CHX); NaOCl+H3PO4+CHX; CHX+eDTA; CHX+ H3PO4; CHX+eDTA+CHX and CHX+H3PO4+CHX. Gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal Se were used as root-filling materials. The coronal microleakage was evaluated for 90 days against Enterococcus faecalis. Data were statistically analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival test, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests. Results No significant difference was verified in the groups using chlorhexidine or sodium hypochlorite during the chemo-mechanical preparation followed by eDTA or phosphoric acid for smear layer removal. The same results were found for filling materials. However, the statistical analyses revealed that a final flush with 2% chlorhexidine reduced significantly the coronal microleakage. Conclusion A final flush with 2% chlorhexidine after smear layer removal reduces coronal microleakage of teeth filled with gutta-percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Real Seal SE. PMID:25025557

Decreased sodium:potassium ratios in cats: 49 cases.

PubMed

Bell, Rory; Mellor, Dominic J; Ramsey, Ian; Knottenbelt, Clare

2005-06-01

Sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in feline biochemical panels, although the importance of this measurement has not been investigated. The aims of this study were to document the range of feline disease states associated with a decreased Na:K ratio, to determine the prevalence of this biochemical abnormality in a referral hospital population, and to identify any particular disease that was more likely to have a decreased Na:K ratio. A group of 49 cats with decreased Na:K ratios was compared with a group of 50 cats with normal Na:K ratios that were randomly selected from the same hospital population. Twelve of the 49 cats (24.5%) had gastrointestinal disease, 10 (20.4%) had urinary disease, 8 (16.3%) had endocrine disease, 8 (16.3%) had cardiorespiratory disease, and 5 (10.0%) had diseases affecting other body systems. Six (12.2%) had artifactually decreased Na:K ratios. No cat was identified with hypoadrenocorticism. Statistical analysis revealed that, although none of these disease states was significantly over- or under-represented in the affected group, a significantly higher proportion of cats with decreased Na:K ratio had body cavity effusions (P = .025). Serum potassium concentrations were significantly higher in the affected group (P < .0001), but there was no significant difference in mean sodium concentration between the 2 groups. Decreased Na:K ratios frequently occur in cats with diseases other than hypoadrenocorticism, including cats with effusions. These findings should be considered when evaluating cats with this biochemical abnormality.

Light deprivation damages monoamine neurons and produces a depressive behavioral phenotype in rats

PubMed Central

Gonzalez, M. M. C.; Aston-Jones, G.

2008-01-01

Light is an important environmental factor for regulation of mood. There is a high frequency of seasonal affective disorder in high latitudes where light exposure is limited, and bright light therapy is a successful antidepressant treatment. We recently showed that rats kept for 6 weeks in constant darkness (DD) have anatomical and behavioral features similar to depressed patients, including dysregulation of circadian sleep–waking rhythms and impairment of the noradrenergic (NA)-locus coeruleus (LC) system. Here, we analyzed the cell viability of neural systems related to the pathophysiology of depression after DD, including NA-LC, serotoninergic-raphe nuclei and dopaminergic-ventral tegmental area neurons, and evaluated the depressive behavioral profile of light-deprived rats. We found increased apoptosis in the three aminergic systems analyzed when compared with animals maintained for 6 weeks in 12:12 light-dark conditions. The most apoptosis was observed in NA-LC neurons, associated with a significant decrease in the number of cortical NA boutons. Behaviorally, DD induced a depression-like condition as measured by increased immobility in a forced swim test (FST). DD did not appear to be stressful (no effect on adrenal or body weights) but may have sensitized responses to subsequent stressors (increased fecal number during the FST). We also found that the antidepressant desipramine decreases these neural and behavioral effects of light deprivation. These findings indicate that DD induces neural damage in monoamine brain systems and this damage is associated with a depressive behavioral phenotype. Our results suggest a mechanism whereby prolonged limited light intensity could negatively impact mood. PMID:18347342

Comparison of MagNA Pure 96, Chemagic MSM1, and QIAamp MinElute for hepatitis B virus nucleic acid extraction.

PubMed

Kang, Seong-Ho; Lee, Eun Hee; Park, Geon; Jang, Sook Jin; Moon, Dae Soo

2012-01-01

This study was designed to compare two automated systems and one manual system for hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleic acid extraction. The two automated systems were the MagNA Pure 96 system (Roche Applied Science, Manheim, Germany) and the Chemagic system (Chemagen, Baesweiler, Germany), and the manual system was the QIAamp system (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). Sixty-eight samples that were within the detection range of the Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan (CAP/CTM) platform (Roche Molecular Systems, Manheim, Germany) were selected. Extracted viral nucleic acids from the three systems were quantified using an AccuPower HBV Quantitative PCR kit (Bioneer, Daejon, Korea). The MagNA Pure 96 system and QIAamp system did not detect viral loads in one sample. The Chemagic system did not detect low viral loads in nine samples (range, 26-290 IU/mL by the CAP/CTM platform). Comparisons of the viral loads of the samples from the MagNA Pure 96 system, the Chemagic system, and the QIAamp system with those from the CAP/CTM platform yielded correlation coefficients of 0.977, 0.914, and 0.967, respectively. Comparisons of the MagNA Pure 96 system and the Chemagic system with the QIAamp system yielded correlation coefficients of 0.987 and 0.939, respectively. The MagNA Pure 96 system demonstrated better performance than the Chemagic system for HBV nucleic acid extraction. The MagNA Pure 96 system demonstrated comparable performance with the QIAamp system.

Circadian exosomal expression of renal thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC) and prostasin in healthy individuals.

PubMed

Castagna, Annalisa; Pizzolo, Francesca; Chiecchi, Laura; Morandini, Francesca; Channavajjhala, Sarath Kiran; Guarini, Patrizia; Salvagno, Gianluca; Olivieri, Oliviero

2015-06-01

A circadian timing system is involved in the maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance and blood pressure control. Aldosterone and vasopressin modulate ion transporters and channels crucial in sodium (Na) and water reabsorption such as the epithelium Na channel and the renal thiazide-sensitive NaCl cotransporter (NCC). We analyzed in urinary exosomes the intraday variations of NCC and prostasin expression and the association with electrolytes and water balance parameters. Blood and urine samples were collected at five time points during the day from five healthy subjects. Blood renin, aldosterone, cortisol, ACTH, and plasmatic and urinary Na, potassium, creatinine, adiuretin (ADH), NCC, and prostasin were evaluated. ACTH and cortisol showed a circadian pattern, similarly to aldosterone, while exosomal NCC and prostasin pattern were similar to urinary ADH, decreased in the morning and subsequently increased in the afternoon and evening. In urinary exosomes, NCC and prostasin had a diurnal pattern parallel to ADH and aquaporin 2, confirming that, in healthy subjects, both prostasin and NCC relate to water balance. These results provide suggestions for a possible chronotherapeutic approach in patients treated with thiazides, diuretic drugs acting as specific inhibitors of NCC-mediated Na reabsorption. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Saving Lives on the Battlefield (Part II) - One Year Later: A Joint Theater Trauma System and Joint Trauma System Review of Prehospital Trauma Care in Combined Joint Operations Area-Afghanistan (CJOA-A)

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-01-01

medics’ aid bags? 8% 92% N/A TCCC Pain Management Are you using TCCC guidelines pain medications?4 42% 12% 46% Fentanyl 69% 31% N/A Ketamine 50% 50% N...A Wound (Combat) Pill Pack 4% 96% N/A What pain medication do your medics carry? Morphine5 92% 8% N/A Fentanyl 35% 65% N/A Ketamine 12% 88% N/A TCCC

Protective Immunity and Safety of a Genetically Modified Influenza Virus Vaccine

PubMed Central

Garcia, Cristiana Couto; Filho, Bruno Galvão; Gonçalves, Ana Paula de Faria; Lima, Braulio Henrique Freire; Lopes, Gabriel Augusto Oliveira; Rachid, Milene Alvarenga; Peixoto, Andiara Cristina Cardoso; de Oliveira, Danilo Bretas; Ataíde, Marco Antônio; Zirke, Carla Aparecida; Cotrim, Tatiane Marques; Costa, Érica Azevedo; Almeida, Gabriel Magno de Freitas; Russo, Remo Castro; Gazzinelli, Ricardo Tostes; Machado, Alexandre de Magalhães Vieira

2014-01-01

Recombinant influenza viruses are promising viral platforms to be used as antigen delivery vectors. To this aim, one of the most promising approaches consists of generating recombinant viruses harboring partially truncated neuraminidase (NA) segments. To date, all studies have pointed to safety and usefulness of this viral platform. However, some aspects of the inflammatory and immune responses triggered by those recombinant viruses and their safety to immunocompromised hosts remained to be elucidated. In the present study, we generated a recombinant influenza virus harboring a truncated NA segment (vNA-Δ) and evaluated the innate and inflammatory responses and the safety of this recombinant virus in wild type or knock-out (KO) mice with impaired innate (Myd88 -/-) or acquired (RAG -/-) immune responses. Infection using truncated neuraminidase influenza virus was harmless regarding lung and systemic inflammatory response in wild type mice and was highly attenuated in KO mice. We also demonstrated that vNA-Δ infection does not induce unbalanced cytokine production that strongly contributes to lung damage in infected mice. In addition, the recombinant influenza virus was able to trigger both local and systemic virus-specific humoral and CD8+ T cellular immune responses which protected immunized mice against the challenge with a lethal dose of homologous A/PR8/34 influenza virus. Taken together, our findings suggest and reinforce the safety of using NA deleted influenza viruses as antigen delivery vectors against human or veterinary pathogens. PMID:24927156

Chelation in root canal therapy reconsidered.

PubMed

Zehnder, Matthias; Schmidlin, Patrick; Sener, Beatrice; Waltimo, Tuomas

2005-11-01

The aim of this study was to assess interactions of EDTA and citric acid (CA) with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), the indispensable endodontic irrigant. Other chelators were simultaneously evaluated as possible alternatives: sodium triphosphate (STP), amino tris methylenephosphonic acid (ATMA), and 1- hydroxyethylidene-1, 1-bisphosphonate (HEBP). Available chlorine was titrated in chelator-NaOCl solutions. All chelators other than HEBP and STP caused an almost complete, immediate loss of available chlorine in solution. Atomic absorbtion spectrometry and SEM evaluation of root canal walls of instrumented teeth indicated that NaOCl had no negative effect on calcium-complexing ability of chelators. STP was too weak a complexing agent to warrant further studies. Finally, CA-, EDTA-, and HEBP-NaOCl mixtures were evaluated for their antimicrobial capacity. Again, EDTA and CA negatively interfered with NaOCl, while HEBP did not.

Flight Set 360L006 STS-34 field joint protection system, thermal protection system, and systems tunnel components, volume 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilkinson, J. P.

1990-01-01

The performance of the thermal protection system, field joint protection system, and systems tunnel components of Flight Set 360L006, are documented, as evaluated by postflight hardware inspection. The condition of both motors was similar to previous flights. Sixteen aft edge hits were noted on the ground environment instrumentation thermal protection system. Each hit left a clean substrate, indicating that the damage was caused by nozzle severance debris and/or water impact. No National Space and Transporation System debris criteria for missing thermal protection system were violated. One 5.0 by 1.0 in. unbond was observed on the left hand center field joint K5NA closeout and was elevated to an in-flight anomaly (STS-34-M-4) by the NASA Ice/Debris team. Aft edge damage to the K5NA and an associated black streak indicate that burning debris from the nozzle severance system was the likely cause of the damage. Minor divots caused by debris were seen on previous flights, but this is the first occurrence of a K5NA unbond. Since the unbond occurred after booster separation there is no impact on flight safety and no corrective actions was taken. The right hand center field joint primary heater failed the dielectric withstanding voltage test after joint closeout. The heater was then disabled by opening the circuit breaker, and the redundant heater was used. The redundant heater performed nominally during the launch countdown. A similar condition occurred on Flight 4 when a secondary joint heater failed the dielectric withstanding voltage test.

Evaluation of the colour change in enamel and dentine promoted by the interaction between 2% chlorhexidine and auxiliary chemical solutions.

PubMed

Souza, Matheus; Cecchin, Doglas; Barbizam, Joao V B; Almeida, José F A; Zaia, Alexandre Augusto; Gomes, Brenda P F A; Ferraz, Caio C R

2013-12-01

To evaluate the colour change in enamel and dentine, promoted by interaction of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Fragments containing enamel and dentine were obtained from the crowns of extracted bovine incisors. Before and after immersion of the samples in the substances, they were evaluated with reference to the colour of the enamel and dentine. The values obtained in numerical scores were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon test. A colour change in the enamel and dentine in groups treated with CHX gel + NaOCl and CHX gel + NaOCl + EDTA, and a change in colour only in the dentine in groups treated with CHX solution + NaOCl and CHX solution + NaOCl + EDTA. When used prior to NaOCl, CHX has the ability to induce a colour change in dental structures. © 2011 The Authors. Australian Endodontic Journal © 2011 Australian Society of Endodontology.

Design for a Manufacturing Method for Memristor-Based Neuromorphic Computing Processors

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

DESIGN FOR A MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR MEMRISTOR- BASED NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING PROCESSORS UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH MARCH 2013...BASED NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING PROCESSORS 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER FA8750-11-1-0271 5b. GRANT NUMBER N/A 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 62788F 6. AUTHOR(S...synapses and implemented a neuromorphic computing system based on our proposed synapse designs. The robustness of our system is also evaluated by

Effect of post-space treatment on retention of fiber posts in different root regions using two self-etching systems.

PubMed

Zhang, Ling; Huang, Li; Xiong, Yu; Fang, Ming; Chen, Ji-Hua; Ferrari, Marco

2008-06-01

The effect of post-space treatment on the retention of fiber posts in different root regions was evaluated using two self-etching systems. Post spaces were prepared in extracted premolars and then the root canals were subjected to one of the following post-space treatments: (i) water irrigation (control); (ii) etching with 35% phosphoric acid for 30 s; (iii) irrigation with 17% EDTA followed by 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); and (iv) ultrasonic agitation associated with 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl irrigating solutions. The dentin surfaces were examined under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after different post-space treatments. Fiber posts were then luted in the treated roots using resin cement with either Clearfil SE Bond or Clearfil DC Bond, and the thin-slice push-out test was performed. Scanning electron microscopy showed that all the post-space treatments tested were effective in removal of the smear layer of debris, or sealer/gutta-percha remnants, on the root canal. The apical push-out strength was affected by post-space treatment. Both 35% phosphoric acid etching and ultrasonic agitation in combination with EDTA/NaOCl irrigation improved the apical push-out strength of the fiber post, regardless of the type of self-etching system. A solo irrigation with an EDTA/NaOCl solution resulted in a lower apical push-out strength compared with the other two experimental groups.

Physicochemical characterization of tacrolimus-loaded solid dispersion with sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose and sodium lauryl sulfate.

PubMed

Park, Young-Joon; Ryu, Dong-Sung; Li, Dong Xun; Quan, Qi Zhe; Oh, Dong Hoon; Kim, Jong Oh; Seo, Youn Gee; Lee, Young-Im; Yong, Chul Soon; Woo, Jong Soo; Choi, Han-Gon

2009-06-01

To develop a novel tacrolimus-loaded solid dispersion with improved solubility, various solid dispersions were prepared with various ratios of water, sodium lauryl sulfate, citric acid and carboxylmethylcellulose-Na using spray drying technique. The physicochemical properties of solid dispersions were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetery and powder X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, their solubility and dissolution were evaluated compared to drug powder. The solid dispersion at the tacrolimus/CMC-Na/sodium lauryl sulfate/citric acid ratio of 3/24/3/0.2 significantly improved the drug solubility and dissolution compared to powder. The scanning electron microscopy result suggested that carriers might be attached to the surface of drug in this solid dispersion. Unlike traditional solid dispersion systems, the crystal form of drug in this solid dispersion could not be converted to amorphous form, which was confirmed by the analysis of DSC and powder X-ray diffraction. Thus, the solid dispersion system with water, sodium lauryl sulfate, citric acid and CMC-Na should be a potential candidate for delivering a poorly water-soluble tacrolimus with enhanced solubility and no convertible crystalline.

Na(+), K(+)-ATPase: the new face of an old player in pathogenesis and apoptotic/hybrid cell death.

PubMed

Yu, Shan Ping

2003-10-15

The Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is a ubiquitous membrane transport protein in mammalian cells, responsible for establishing and maintaining high K(+) and low Na(+) in the cytoplasm required for normal resting membrane potentials and various cellular activities. The ionic homeostasis maintained by the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is also critical for cell growth, differentiation, and cell survival. Although the toxic effects of blocking the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase by ouabain and other selective inhibitors have been known for years, the mechanism of action remained unclear. Recent progress in two areas has significantly advanced our understanding of the role and mechanism of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in cell death. Along with increased recognition of apoptosis in a wide range of disease states, Na(+), K(+)-ATPase deficiency has been identified as a contributor to apoptosis and pathogenesis. More importantly, accumulating evidence now endorses a close relationship between ionic homeostasis and apoptosis, namely the regulation of apoptosis by K(+) homeostasis. Since Na(+), K(+)-ATPase is the primary system for K(+) uptake, dysfunction of the transport enzyme and resultant disruption of ionic homeostasis have been re-evaluated for their critical roles in apoptosis and apoptosis-related diseases. In this review, instead of giving a detailed description of the structure and regulation of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase, the author will focus on the most recent evidence indicating the unique role of Na(+), K(+)-ATPase in cell death, including apoptosis and the newly recognized "hybrid death" of concurrent apoptosis and necrosis in the same cells. It is also hoped that discussion of some seemingly conflicting reports will inspire further debate and benefit future investigation in this important research field.

Boron enhances odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) in vitro.

PubMed

Taşlı, Pakize Neslihan; Doğan, Ayşegül; Demirci, Selami; Şahin, Fikrettin

2013-06-01

Stem cell technology has been a great hope for the treatment of many common problems such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, cancer, and tissue regeneration. Therefore, the main challenge in hard tissue engineering is to make a successful combination of stem cells and efficient inductors in the concept of stem cell differentiation into odontogenic and osteogenic cell types. Although some boron derivatives have been reported to promote bone and teeth growth in vivo, the molecular mechanism of bone formation has not been elucidated yet. Different concentrations of sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (NaB) were prepared for the analysis of cell toxicity and differentiation evaluations. The odontogenic, osteogenic differentiation and biomineralization of human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) were evaluated by analyzing the mRNA expression levels, odontogenic and osteogenic protein expressions, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and calcium deposits. The NaB-treated group displayed the highest ALP activity and expression of osteo- and odontogenic-related genes and proteins compared to the other groups and baseline. In the current study, increased in vitro odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation capacity of hTGSCs by NaB application has been shown for the first time. The study offers considerable promise for the development of new scaffold systems combined with NaB in both functional bone and tooth tissue engineering.

Inhibition mechanism of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate on drug crystallization in gastrointestinal fluid and drug permeability from a supersaturated solution.

PubMed

Ueda, Keisuke; Higashi, Kenjirou; Kataoka, Makoto; Yamashita, Shinji; Yamamoto, Keiji; Moribe, Kunikazu

2014-10-01

The effects of drug-crystallization inhibitor in bile acid/lipid micelles solution on drug permeation was evaluated during the drug crystallization process. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate (HPMC-AS) was used as a drug-crystallization inhibitor, which efficiently suppressed dexamethasone (DEX) crystallization in a gastrointestinal fluid model containing sodium taurocholate (NaTC) and egg-phosphatidylcholine (egg-PC). Changes of molecular state of supersaturated DEX during the DEX crystallization process was monitored in real time using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR). It revealed that DEX distribution to bulk water and micellar phases formed by NaTC and egg-PC was not changed during the DEX crystallization process even in the presence of HPMC-AS. DEX permeation during DEX crystallization was evaluated using dissolution/permeability system. The combination of crystallization inhibition by HPMC-AS and micellar encapsulation by NaTC and egg-PC led to considerably higher DEX concentrations and improvement of DEX permeation at the beginning of the DEX crystallization process. Crystallization inhibition by HPMC-AS can efficiently work even in the micellar solution, where NaTC/egg-PC micelles encapsulates some DEX. It was concluded that a crystallization inhibitor contributed to improvement of permeation of a poorly water-soluble drug in gastrointestinal fluid. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of phosphates on microstructure and bioactivity of micro-arc oxidized calcium phosphate coatings on Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy.

PubMed

Pan, Y K; Chen, C Z; Wang, D G; Zhao, T G

2013-09-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) coatings were prepared on Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) in electrolyte containing calcium acetate monohydrate (CH3COO)2Ca·H2O) and different phosphates (i.e. disodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate (Na2HPO4·12H2O), sodium phosphate (Na3PO4·H2O) and sodium hexametaphosphate((NaPO3)6)). Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) were employed to characterize the microstructure, elemental distribution and phase composition of the CaP coatings. Simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion test was used to evaluate the coating bioactivity and degradability. Systemic toxicity test was used to evaluate the coating biocompatibility. Fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE) was used to measure F(-) ions concentration during 30 days SBF immersion. The CaP coatings effectively reduced the corrosion rate and the surfaces of CaP coatings were covered by a new layer formed of numerous needle-like and scale-like apatites. The formation of these calcium phosphate apatites indicates that the coatings have excellent bioactivity. The coatings formed in (NaPO3)6-containging electrolyte exhibit thicker thickness, higher adhesive strength, slower degradation rate, better apatite-inducing ability and biocompatibility. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Oil-in-Water Emulsion Exhibits Bitterness-Suppressing Effects in a Sensory Threshold Study.

PubMed

Torrico, Damir Dennis; Sae-Eaw, Amporn; Sriwattana, Sujinda; Boeneke, Charles; Prinyawiwatkul, Witoon

2015-06-01

Little is known about how emulsion characteristics affect saltiness/bitterness perception. Sensory detection and recognition thresholds of NaCl, caffeine, and KCl in aqueous solution compared with oil-in-water emulsion systems were evaluated. For emulsions, NaCl, KCl, or caffeine were dissolved in water + emulsifier and mixed with canola oil (20% by weight). Two emulsions were prepared: emulsion 1 (viscosity = 257 cP) and emulsion 2 (viscosity = 59 cP). The forced-choice ascending concentration series method of limits (ASTM E-679-04) was used to determine detection and/or recognition thresholds at 25 °C. Group best estimate threshold (GBET) geometric means were expressed as g/100 mL. Comparing NaCl with KCl, there were no significant differences in detection GBET values for all systems (0.0197 - 0.0354). For saltiness recognition thresholds, KCl GBET values were higher compared with NaCl GBET (0.0822 - 0.1070 compared with 0.0471 - 0.0501). For NaCl and KCl, emulsion 1 and/or emulsion 2 did not significantly affect the saltiness recognition threshold compared with that of the aqueous solution. However, the bitterness recognition thresholds of caffeine and KCl in solution were significantly lower than in the emulsions (0.0242 - 0.0586 compared with 0.0754 - 0.1025). Gender generally had a marginal effect on threshold values. This study showed that, compared with the aqueous solutions, emulsions did not significantly affect the saltiness recognition threshold of NaCl and KCl, but exhibited bitterness-suppressing effects on KCl and/or caffeine. © 2015 Institute of Food Technologists®

Transcriptional, translational and systemic alterations during the time course of osmoregulatory acclimation in two palaemonid shrimps from distinct osmotic niches.

PubMed

Faleiros, Rogério Oliveira; Furriel, Rosa P M; McNamara, John Campbell

2017-10-01

Palaemonid shrimps exhibit numerous adaptive strategies, both in their life cycles and in biochemical, physiological, morphological and behavioral characteristics that reflect the wide variety of habitats in which they occur, including species that are of particular interest when analyzing adaptive osmoregulatory strategies. The present investigation evaluates the short- (hours) and long-term (days) time courses of responses of two palaemonid shrimps from separate yet overlapping osmotic niches, Palaemon northropi (marine) and Macrobrachium acanthurus (diadromous, fresh water), to differential salinity challenges at distinct levels of structural organization: (i) transcriptional, analyzing quantitative expression of gill mRNAs that encode for subunits of the Na + /K + -ATPase and V(H + )-ATPase ion transporters; (ii) translational, examining the kinetic behavior of gill Na + /K + -ATPase specific activity; and (iii) systemic, accompanying consequent adjustment of hemolymph osmolality. Palaemon northropi is an excellent hyper-hypo-osmoregulator in dilute and concentrated seawater, respectively. Macrobrachium acanthurus is a strong hyper-regulator in fresh water and hypo-regulates hemolymph osmolality and particularly [Cl - ] in brackish water. Hemolymph hyper-regulation in fresh water (Macrobrachium acanthurus) and dilute seawater (Palaemon northropi) is underlain by augmented expression of both the gill Na + /K + -ATPase and V(H + )-ATPase. In contrast, in neither species is hypo-regulation sustained by changes in Na + /K + -ATPase mRNA expression levels, but rather by regulating enzyme specific activity. The integrated time course of Na + /K + - and V(H + )-ATPase expression and Na + /K + -ATPase activity in the gills of these palaemonid shrimps during acclimation to different salinities reveals versatility in their levels of regulation, and in the roles of these ion transporting pumps in sustaining processes of hyper- and hypo-osmotic and chloride regulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical interactions and thermodynamic studies in aluminum alloy/molten salt systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narayanan, Ramesh

The recycling of aluminum and aluminum alloys such as Used Beverage Container (UBC) is done under a cover of molten salt flux based on (NaCl-KCl+fluorides). The reactions of aluminum alloys with molten salt fluxes have been investigated. Thermodynamic calculations are performed in the alloy/salt flux systems which allow quantitative predictions of the equilibrium compositions. There is preferential reaction of Mg in Al-Mg alloy with molten salt fluxes, especially those containing fluorides like NaF. An exchange reaction between Al-Mg alloy and molten salt flux has been demonstrated. Mg from the Al-Mg alloy transfers into the salt flux while Na from the salt flux transfers into the metal. Thermodynamic calculations indicated that the amount of Na in metal increases as the Mg content in alloy and/or NaF content in the reacting flux increases. This is an important point because small amounts of Na have a detrimental effect on the mechanical properties of the Al-Mg alloy. The reactions of Al alloys with molten salt fluxes result in the formation of bluish purple colored "streamers". It was established that the streamer is liquid alkali metal (Na and K in the case of NaCl-KCl-NaF systems) dissipating into the melt. The melts in which such streamers were observed are identified. The metal losses occurring due to reactions have been quantified, both by thermodynamic calculations and experimentally. A computer program has been developed to calculate ternary phase diagrams in molten salt systems from the constituting binary phase diagrams, based on a regular solution model. The extent of deviation of the binary systems from regular solution has been quantified. The systems investigated in which good agreement was found between the calculated and experimental phase diagrams included NaF-KF-LiF, NaCl-NaF-NaI and KNOsb3-TINOsb3-LiNOsb3. Furthermore, an insight has been provided on the interrelationship between the regular solution parameters and the topology of the phase diagram. The isotherms are flat (i.e. no skewness) when the regular solution parameters are zero. When the regular solution parameters are non-zero, the isotherms are skewed. A regular solution model is not adequate to accurately model the molten salt systems used in recycling like NaCl-KCl-LiF and NaCl-KCl-NaF.

Determination of moisture deficit and heat stress tolerance in corn using physiological measurements and a low-cost microcontroller-based monitoring system

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In the southern United States, corn production encounters moisture deficit coupled with high temperature stress, particularly during the reproductive stage of the plant. In evaluating plants for environmental stress tolerance, it is important to monitor changes in their physical environment under na...

Solvent extraction of Li+, H3O+ and NH4+ into nitrobenzene by using sodium dicarbollylcobaltate and calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6)

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

Makrlik, Emanuel; Selucky, P.; Vanura, Petr

2013-01-01

From extraction experiments and c-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium M+ (aq) + NaL+ (nb) , ML+ (nb) + Na+ (aq) taking place in the two-phase water nitrobenzene system (M+ = Li+, H3O+, NH+4; L = calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6); aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Furthermore, the stability constants of the ML+ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated; they were found to increase in the following cation order: zH3O+ < Li+ < NH+4.

High Energy-Density Electrodes for Alkali-Metal Battery Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1977-11-29

characteristics of real battery systems. In our laboratory, techniques for preparing well-characterized inter - calated Li TaS., and Na TaS. have been...to measure the variation of the chemical potential and diffusivity of sodium with composition x in Na TaSa where x varies from 0 to 1, 0, The...measure the chemical potential and diffusivity ■ Na (s)/Na (propylene carbonate)/Na TaSa (A) of sodium in Na TaSa . x Experimental Tantalum

Thermodynamic Modeling of Hydrogen Storage Capacity in Mg-Na Alloys

PubMed Central

Abdessameud, S.; Mezbahul-Islam, M.; Medraj, M.

2014-01-01

Thermodynamic modeling of the H-Mg-Na system is performed for the first time in this work in order to understand the phase relationships in this system. A new thermodynamic description of the stable NaMgH3 hydride is performed and the thermodynamic models for the H-Mg, Mg-Na, and H-Na systems are reassessed using the modified quasichemical model for the liquid phase. The thermodynamic properties of the ternary system are estimated from the models of the binary systems and the ternary compound using CALPHAD technique. The constructed database is successfully used to reproduce the pressure-composition isotherms for MgH2 + 10 wt.% NaH mixtures. Also, the pressure-temperature equilibrium diagram and reaction paths for the same composition are predicted at different temperatures and pressures. Even though it is proved that H-Mg-Na does not meet the DOE hydrogen storage requirements for onboard applications, the best working temperatures and pressures to benefit from its full catalytic role are given. Also, the present database can be used for thermodynamic assessments of higher order systems. PMID:25383361

Thermodynamic modeling of hydrogen storage capacity in Mg-Na alloys.

PubMed

Abdessameud, S; Mezbahul-Islam, M; Medraj, M

2014-01-01

Thermodynamic modeling of the H-Mg-Na system is performed for the first time in this work in order to understand the phase relationships in this system. A new thermodynamic description of the stable NaMgH3 hydride is performed and the thermodynamic models for the H-Mg, Mg-Na, and H-Na systems are reassessed using the modified quasichemical model for the liquid phase. The thermodynamic properties of the ternary system are estimated from the models of the binary systems and the ternary compound using CALPHAD technique. The constructed database is successfully used to reproduce the pressure-composition isotherms for MgH2 + 10 wt.% NaH mixtures. Also, the pressure-temperature equilibrium diagram and reaction paths for the same composition are predicted at different temperatures and pressures. Even though it is proved that H-Mg-Na does not meet the DOE hydrogen storage requirements for onboard applications, the best working temperatures and pressures to benefit from its full catalytic role are given. Also, the present database can be used for thermodynamic assessments of higher order systems.

Dentin bonding performance and interface observation of an MMA-based restorative material.

PubMed

Shinagawa, Junichi; Inoue, Go; Nikaido, Toru; Ikeda, Masaomi; Sadr, Alireza; Tagami, Junji

2016-07-30

The purpose of this study was to evaluate bonding performance and dentin interface acid resistance using a 4-META/MMA-TBB based restorative material (BF) compared to a conventional 4-META/MMA-TBB resin cement (SB), and the effect of sodium fluoride (NaF) addition to the materials. Dentin surfaces were treated with 10% citric acid-3% ferric chloride (10-3) or 4-META containing self-etching primer (TP), followed by application of BF or SB polymer powders with or without NaF, to evaluate microtensile bond strength (µTBS) in six experimental groups; 10-3/SB, 10-3/BF, TP/SB, TP/BF, TP/SB/NaF and TP/BF/NaF. SEM observation of the resin-dentin interface was performed after acid-base challenge to evaluate interfacial dentin resistance to acid attack. TP/BF showed highest µTBS, while NaF polymers decreased µTBS. TP/BF showed funnel-shaped erosion at the interface, however, NaF polymers improved acid resistance of interface. In conclusion, BF demonstrated high µTBSs and low acid-resistance at the interface. NaF addition enhanced acid resistance but decreased µTBS.

Spectroscopic and ultrasonic investigations on structural characterization of borate glass specimen doped with transition metal ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathish, K.; Thirumaran, S.

2015-08-01

The present work describes the glass samples of composition (x% V2O5-(80-x)% B2O3-20% Na2CO3) VBS glass system and (x% MnO2-(80-x)% B2O3-20% Na2CO3) in MBS glass system with mol% ranging from x = 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 in steps of 3 mol% are prepared by melt quenching technique. For these prepared glass systems, sound velocity (longitudinal and shear velocities) and density have been measured. The sound velocity (longitudinal and shear) was measured by using pulse-echo technique at 5 MHz. The XRD study was carried to out to ascertain the amorphous nature of the glass specimen. Using these measured values, the elastic moduli, Poisson's ratio, Debye temperature, acoustic impedance and thermal expansion coefficient of the two glass systems were evaluated. The elastic and mechanical properties of the prepared glass systems are analyzed from ultrasonic study and the structural characterization from spectroscopic study. The effects due to the doping of transition metal ions with borate have been discussed. In the V2O5 doped glass system, (VBS glass system) the sound velocity, density and elastic moduli, steeply increases after 12 mol% comparatively with MnO2 doped glass system (VBS glass system). The present study critically observes the doping of V2O5 with borate enhances the strengthening of network linkage and hardening of the glassy network structure than MnO2. The IR spectral analysis reveals depolymerization of the borate network and conversion of BO3 or BO4 units with the formation of non-bridging oxygen. The FTIR spectral studies confirm the presence of various functional groups of the sample. FTIR spectrum of sample exhibits broad absorption bands indicating the wide distribution of borate structural units. The effect of Na2CO3, V2O5 and MnO2 contents on the structures of borate glass is evaluated from the FTIR spectra. The topological aspects of the prepared glass samples are exhaustively reported from SEM micrographs.

Evaluation of Nondestructive Methods for Determining Pavement Thickness

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

38, PCC 10.38 10.38 9.57 N/A 39, PCC 11.21 11.21 10.31 N/A 40c*, PCC 8.92 8.92 9.84 N/A SB = stabilized limestone base, PCC = portland cement ...PCC 8.92 8.92 8.07 8.92 SB = stabilized limestone base, PCC = portland cement concrete, and AC = asphalt concrete. * Denotes a test location used as...10.38 N/A N/A 39, PCC 11.21 11.21 N/A N/A 40c*, PCC 8.92 8.92 N/A N/A SB = stabilized limestone base, PCC = portland cement concrete, and AC

Sodium 18F-Fluoride PET/CT of Bone, Joint and Other Disorders

PubMed Central

Jadvar, Hossein; Desai, Bhushan; Conti, Peter S.

2014-01-01

The use of 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) is increasing. This resurgence of an old tracer has been fueled by several factors including superior diagnostic performance over standard 99mTc-based bone scintigraphy, growth in the availability of PET/CT imaging systems, increase in the number of regional commercial distribution centers for PET radiotracers, the recent concerns about potential chronic shortages with 99mTc based radiotracers, and the recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reimburse for 18F-NaF PET/CT for evaluation of patients with known or suspected bone metastases through the National Oncologic PET Registry. The major goal of this article is to review the current evidence on the diagnostic utility of 18F-NaF in the imaging assessment of bone and joint in a variety of clinical conditions. PMID:25475379

Development of Network Interface Cards for TRIDAQ systems with the NaNet framework

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ammendola, R.; Biagioni, A.; Cretaro, P.; Di Lorenzo, S.; Fiorini, M.; Frezza, O.; Lamanna, G.; Lo Cicero, F.; Lonardo, A.; Martinelli, M.; Neri, I.; Paolucci, P. S.; Pastorelli, E.; Piandani, R.; Pontisso, L.; Rossetti, D.; Simula, F.; Sozzi, M.; Valente, P.; Vicini, P.

2017-03-01

NaNet is a framework for the development of FPGA-based PCI Express (PCIe) Network Interface Cards (NICs) with real-time data transport architecture that can be effectively employed in TRIDAQ systems. Key features of the architecture are the flexibility in the configuration of the number and kind of the I/O channels, the hardware offloading of the network protocol stack, the stream processing capability, and the zero-copy CPU and GPU Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA). Three NIC designs have been developed with the NaNet framework: NaNet-1 and NaNet-10 for the CERN NA62 low level trigger and NaNet3 for the KM3NeT-IT underwater neutrino telescope DAQ system. We will focus our description on the NaNet-10 design, as it is the most complete of the three in terms of capabilities and integrated IPs of the framework.

Novel Electrokinetic Microfluidic Detector for Evaluating Effectiveness of Microalgae Disinfection in Ship Ballast Water

PubMed Central

Maw, Myint Myint; Wang, Junsheng; Li, Fabo; Jiang, Jinhu; Song, Younan; Pan, Xinxiang

2015-01-01

Ship ballast water treatment methods face many technical challenges. The effectiveness of every treatment method usually is evaluated by using large scale equipment and a large volume of samples, which involves time-consuming, laborious, and complex operations. This paper reports the development of a novel, simple and fast platform of methodology in evaluating the efficiency and the best parameters for ballast water treatment systems, particularly in chemical disinfection. In this study, a microfluidic chip with six sample wells and a waste well was designed, where sample transportation was controlled by electrokinetic flow. The performance of this microfluidic platform was evaluated by detecting the disinfection of Dunaliella salina (D. salina) algae in ballast water treated by sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) solution. Light-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (LICF) intensity was used to determine the viability of microalgae cells in the system, which can be operated automatically with the dimension of the detector as small as 50 mm × 24 mm × 5 mm. The 40 µL volume of sample solution was used for each treatment condition test and the validity of detection can be accomplished within about five min. The results show that the viability of microalgae cells under different treatment conditions can be determined accurately and further optimal treatment conditions including concentrations of NaClO and treatment time can also be obtained. These results can provide accurate evaluation and optimal parameters for ballast water treatment methods. PMID:26516836

Impact of sodium chloride on wheat flour dough for yeast-leavened products. I. Rheological attributes.

PubMed

Beck, Margit; Jekle, Mario; Becker, Thomas

2012-02-01

The rheological properties of wheat dough for yeast-leavened products were tested at different levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) addition ranging from 0 to 40 g NaCl kg⁻¹ wheat flour. Rheological tests carried out to make this evaluation included (1) empirical rheological methods of the Farinograph, load extension and a dough stickiness test and (2) fundamental rheological methods of creep recovery and dynamic rheometry. Modifications to the gluten matrix microstructure by NaCl were examined by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. Highly significant (P⩽0.001) differences due to NaCl addition could be determined in particular by the stickiness test as well as by examination of the creep test with the Burger model. Rheological changes measured in the creep test probably depend on protein charge shielding due to NaCl interaction, resulting in an improvement in gluten network formation. An increase in dough stickiness was measured when using NaCl. The present result for stickiness is contrary to the common subjective results. Therefore the theory proposed here for increased stickiness suggests that it is based on more non-protein-bound water in the dough system due to NaCl interaction and thus more viscous dough behaviour, which leads to higher stickiness as measured with the stickiness test. This may also suggest that the objectively measured 'stickiness' in this case does not properly indicate the subjectively measured stickiness it was designed to represent. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance Evaluation of a Dedicated Preclinical PET/CT System for the Assessment of Mineralization Process in a Mouse Model of Atherosclerosis.

PubMed

Rucher, Guillaume; Cameliere, Lucie; Fendri, Jihene; Abbas, Ahmed; Dupont, Kevin; Kamel, Said; Delcroix, Nicolas; Dupont, Axel; Berger, Ludovic; Manrique, Alain

2018-04-30

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of positron emission tomography/X-ray computed tomography (PET/CT) acquisition and reconstruction parameters on the assessment of mineralization process in a mouse model of atherosclerosis. All experiments were performed on a dedicated preclinical PET/CT system. CT was evaluated using five acquisition configurations using both a tungsten wire phantom for in-plane resolution assessment and a bar pattern phantom for cross-plane resolution. Furthermore, the radiation dose of these acquisition configurations was calculated. The PET system was assessed using longitudinal line sources to determine the optimal reconstruction parameters by measuring central resolution and its coefficient of variation. An in vivo PET study was performed using uremic ApoE -/- , non-uremic ApoE -/- , and control mice to evaluate optimal PET reconstruction parameters for the detection of sodium [ 18 F]fluoride (Na[ 18 F]F) aortic uptake and for quantitative measurement of Na[ 18 F]F bone influx (Ki) with a Patlak analysis. For CT, the use of 1 × 1 and 2 × 2 binning detector mode increased both in-plane and cross-plane resolution. However, resolution improvement (163 to 62 μm for in-plane resolution) was associated with an important radiation dose increase (1.67 to 32.78 Gy). With PET, 3D-ordered subset expectation maximization (3D-OSEM) algorithm increased the central resolution compared to filtered back projection (1.42 ± 0.35 mm vs. 1.91 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). The use of 3D-OSEM with eight iterations and a zoom factor 2 yielded optimal PET resolution for preclinical study (FWHM = 0.98 mm). These PET reconstruction parameters allowed the detection of Na[ 18 F]F aortic uptake in 3/14 ApoE -/- mice and demonstrated a decreased Ki in uremic ApoE -/- compared to non-uremic ApoE -/- and control mice (p < 0.006). Optimizing reconstruction parameters significantly impacted on the assessment of mineralization process in a preclinical model of accelerated atherosclerosis using Na[ 18 F]F PET. In addition, improving the CT resolution was associated with a dramatic radiation dose increase.

Understanding the Effect of Na in Improving the Performance of CuInSe 2 Based Photovoltaics

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

Dobson, Kevin D.

Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 (CIGS) thin film photovoltaic technology is in the early stages of commercialization with an annual manufacturing capacity over 1 GW and has demonstrated the highest module efficiency of any of the thin film technologies. However there still is a lack of fundamental understanding of the relationship between the material properties and solar cell device operation. It is well known that the incorporation of a small amount of Na into the CIGS film during processing is essential for high efficiency devices. However, there are conflicting explanations for how Na behaves at the atomic scale. This report investigates how Namore » is incorporated into the CIGS device structure and evaluates the diffusion of Na into CIGS grain boundaries (GBs) and bulk crystallites. Participants: This project was carried out at the Institute of Energy Conversion at the University of Delaware, collaborating with the Rockett group at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne. Significant Findings: The significant outcomes of this project for each task include; Task 1.0: Effect of Na in Devices Fabricated on PVD Deposited CIGS; Na diffusion occurs through the Mo back contact via GBs driven by the presence of oxygen; Na reversibly compensates donor defects in CIGS GBs,Task 2.0: Na Incorporation in Single Crystal CIGS; and bulk Na diffusion proceeds rapidly such that grains are Na-saturated immediately following CIGS thin film manufacture. Industry Guidance: The presented results offer interesting concepts for modification of manufacturing processes of CIGS-based PV modules. Possible approaches to improve control of Na uptake and uniformly increase levels in CIGS films are highlighted for processes that employ either soda-lime glass or NaF as the Na source. Concepts include the potential of O 2 or oxidative based treatments of Mo back contacts to improve Na diffusion through the metal film and increase Na uptake into the growing CIGS. This project has also offered fundamental understanding of the behavior of Na in CIGS grains and GBs, particularly the confirmation that CIGS grains will be saturated with Na immediately following manufacture Summary of Results: Most commercially available CIGS modules are fabricated on soda-lime glass coated with Mo as the back electric contact, and Na in the glass diffuses through the Mo layer into the CIGS during film growth. In Task 1 the transport of Na through Mo was evaluated using x-ray photoelectron surface spectroscopy along with diffusion modeling to obtain diffusion coefficients at several temperatures. It was determined that Na diffusion in Mo only occurs along GBs and that oxygen provides an additional driving force to enhance Na transport. Device data revealed that older Mo substrates with a greater amount of surface oxide resulted in slightly higher efficiencies due to enhanced Na incorporation caused by the oxide. This finding shows that Mo substrates could potentially undergo an oxidation treatment prior to CIGS deposition to further improve and control the incorporation of Na. To determine if in-grain Na affects device performance, in Task 1 Na was selectively removed from GBs using heat/rinse cycles. Due to the low temperature of this treatment, Na at GBS remained mobile while diffusion within the bulk was too slow for Na removal from the grain interiors. Changes in electrical properties were evaluated using conductivity and Seebeck coefficient measurements, with both decreasing as Na was removed to reach values similar to Na-free controls samples. This can be explained by the compensation of donor defects by Na, causing an increase in the free carrier concentration. Devices showed a decrease in open-circuit voltage after Na removal confirming that the beneficial effects of GB Na. The findings of this project will provide guidance for rational optimization of Na incorporation procedures in the manufacturing of CIGS solar cells. While it is known that Na segregates at CIGS GBs, the nature and role of Na diffusion into grain interiors was less clear. In Task 2, single crystal CuInSe 2 was used as a model system to represent the grain interiors of CIGS. Crystals processed by two different methods of different compositions and dislocation densities, were evaluated. Diffusion coefficients were obtained at two temperatures after Na diffusion, giving near identical values, ~2x10 11 cm 2/s and ~6x10 11 cm2/s at 420°C and 480°C, respectively, for each crystal. Characterization confirmed that dislocation densities were too low to significantly impact the effective diffusion coefficient. The Cu-poor crystal had a higher solubility suggesting that Na diffusion is mediated by Cu-vacancies, but was not accompanied by an expected increase in diffusion coefficient. The activation energy for diffusion was similar to values expected for interstitial diffusion, but the large size of Na + ions should result in a solubility that is much lower than what was experimentally measured. A hybrid interstitial-substitutional mechanism is proposed that combines the fast diffusion of interstitial atoms with the high solubility common for substitutional impurities. Lattice diffusion of Na proceeds fast enough that CIGS grain interiors will have Na concentrations near the solubility limit of 1018 cm -3 when manufactured under standard conditions. Na and K treated epitaxial CIS films showed a significant increase in cathodoluminescence emission intensity, indicating a reduction of non-radiative recombination pathways, which is consistent with improvements in CIGS device performance, though the mechanism is not clear. Pathways forward: Despite the success of this project, there are a number of questions remaining related to further the understanding of the chemistry of Na in CIGS films and devices. These include further elucidation of the mechanisms of Na passivation in CIGS GBs, with identification of which defects are involved and confirmation of the possible effects of in-grain Na on device performance. To complete analysis of the cell structure, conformation of the presence and possible chemistries of Na at the CIGS/CdS junction and/or in the front transparent contacts, and its effects on device performance, is needed.« less

Does endodontic post space irrigation affect smear layer removal and bonding effectiveness?

PubMed

Gu, Xin-Hua; Mao, Cai-Yun; Liang, Cong; Wang, Hui-Ming; Kern, Matthias

2009-10-01

The effect of different post space irrigants on smear layer removal and dentin bond strength was evaluated. Sixty-six extracted sound maxillary central incisors were endodontically treated. After post space preparation, the teeth were assigned to three groups of 22 teeth each. The teeth of these three groups were irrigated for 1 min with 17% ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) (group 1), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (group 2), or 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) (group 3). In each group, eight specimens were split longitudinally for smear layer evaluation, and the other fourteen specimens were filled with a self-etching adhesive system (Panavia F). Four of 14 specimens of each group were prepared for evaluation of the resin-dentin interdiffusion zone (RDIZ) and resin tags, and the other 10 specimens were serially sectioned for push-out test analysis. Smear layer removal and bond strength were affected by different post space irrigants. EDTA removed the smear layer extremely effectively and, as a result, improved the bond strength at each region (apical, middle, and coronal) of the roots. Resin tag formation and the RDIZ were also affected by different irrigants and in accordance with bond strength. Therefore, removal of the smear layer use a self-etching luting system plays an important role in bonding effectiveness.

Evaluating the Effect of Display Realism on Natural Resource Decision Making

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chong, Steven S.

2018-05-01

Geographic information systems (GIS) facilitate location-based decision making. Despite the improved availability of GIS software to non-professionals, training in cartographic design has not followed suit. Prior research indicates that when presented with map choices, users are influenced by naïve realism, a preference for realistic displays cotaining irrelevant, extraneous details, leading to decreased task efficiency. This study investigated the role of naïve realism in decision making for natural resource management, a field that often employs geospatial tools. Data was collected through a GIS user ability test, a questionnaire and direct observation. Forty volunteer expert and non-expert resource managers evaluated the suitability of different sites for a land management scenario. Each participant was tested on two map display treatments containing different levels of realism - a simpler 2D display and a more complex 3D display - to compare task performance. Performance was measured by task accuracy and task completion time. User perceptions and preferences about the displays were also recorded. Display realism had an impact on performance and there were indications naïve realism was present. Users completed tasks significantly faster on the 2D display and many individuals misjudged which display they were most accurate or fastest with. The results are informative for designing information systems containing interactive maps, particularly for resource management applications. The results also suggest that the order displays were presented had a significant effect and may have implications for teaching users map-based tasks.

Full optical model of micro-endoscope with optical coherence microscopy, multiphoton microscopy and visible capabilities

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vega, David; Kiekens, Kelli C.; Syson, Nikolas C.; Romano, Gabriella; Baker, Tressa; Barton, Jennifer K.

2018-02-01

While Optical Coherence Microscopy (OCM), Multiphoton Microscopy (MPM), and narrowband imaging are powerful imaging techniques that can be used to detect cancer, each imaging technique has limitations when used by itself. Combining them into an endoscope to work in synergy can help achieve high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis at the point of care. Such complex endoscopes have an elevated risk of failure, and performing proper modelling ensures functionality and minimizes risk. We present full 2D and 3D models of a multimodality optical micro-endoscope to provide real-time detection of carcinomas, called a salpingoscope. The models evaluate the endoscope illumination and light collection capabilities of various modalities. The design features two optical paths with different numerical apertures (NA) through a single lens system with a scanning optical fiber. The dual path is achieved using dichroic coatings embedded in a triplet. A high NA optical path is designed to perform OCM and MPM while a low NA optical path is designed for the visible spectrum to navigate the endoscope to areas of interest and narrowband imaging. Different tests such as the reflectance profile of homogeneous epithelial tissue were performed to adjust the models properly. Light collection models for the different modalities were created and tested for efficiency. While it is challenging to evaluate the efficiency of multimodality endoscopes, the models ensure that the system is design for the expected light collection levels to provide detectable signal to work for the intended imaging.

A recombinant influenza A virus expressing domain III of West Nile virus induces protective immune responses against influenza and West Nile virus.

PubMed

Martina, Byron E E; van den Doel, Petra; Koraka, Penelope; van Amerongen, Geert; Spohn, Gunther; Haagmans, Bart L; Provacia, Lisette B V; Osterhaus, Albert D M E; Rimmelzwaan, Guus F

2011-04-26

West Nile virus (WNV) continues to circulate in the USA and forms a threat to the rest of the Western hemisphere. Since methods for the treatment of WNV infections are not available, there is a need for the development of safe and effective vaccines. Here, we describe the construction of a recombinant influenza virus expressing domain III of the WNV glycoprotein E (Flu-NA-DIII) and its evaluation as a WNV vaccine candidate in a mouse model. FLU-NA-DIII-vaccinated mice were protected from severe body weight loss and mortality caused by WNV infection, whereas control mice succumbed to the infection. In addition, it was shown that one subcutaneous immunization with 10(5) TCID(50) Flu-NA-DIII provided 100% protection against challenge. Adoptive transfer experiments demonstrated that protection was mediated by antibodies and CD4+T cells. Furthermore, mice vaccinated with FLU-NA-DIII developed protective influenza virus-specific antibody titers. It was concluded that this vector system might be an attractive platform for the development of bivalent WNV-influenza vaccines.

Insight into the effect of organic and inorganic draw solutes on the flux stability and sludge characteristics in the osmotic membrane bioreactor.

PubMed

Siddique, Muhammad Saboor; Khan, Sher Jamal; Shahzad, Muhammad Aamir; Nawaz, Muhammad Saqib; Hankins, Nicholas P

2018-02-01

In this study, chloride based (CaCl 2 and MgCl 2 ) and acetate based (NaOAc and MgOAc) salts in comparison with NaCl were investigated as draw solutions (DS) to evaluate their viability in the osmotic membrane bioreactor (OMBR). Membrane distillation was coupled with an OMBR setup to develop a hybrid OMBR-MD system, for the production of clean water and DS recovery. Results demonstrate that organic DS were able to mitigate the salinity buildup in the bioreactor as compared to inorganic salts. Prolonged filtration runs were observed with MgCl 2 and MgOAc in contrast with other draw solutes at the same molar concentration. Significant membrane fouling was observed with NaOAc while rapid flux decline due to increased salinity build-up was witnessed with NaCl and CaCl 2 . Improved characteristics of mixed liquor in terms of sludge filterability, particle size, and biomass growth along with the degradation of soluble microbial products (SMP) were found with organic DS. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurements of the liquidus surface and solidus transitions of the NaCl-UCl3 and NaCl-UCl3-CeCl3 phase diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sooby, E. S.; Nelson, A. T.; White, J. T.; McIntyre, P. M.

2015-11-01

NaCl-UCl3-PuCl3 is proposed as the fuel salt for a number of molten salt reactor concepts. No experimental data exists for the ternary system, and limited data is available for the binary compositions of this salt system. Differential scanning calorimetry is used in this study to examine the liquidus surface and solidus transition of a surrogate fuel-salt (NaCl-UCl3-CeCl3) and to reinvestigate the NaCl-UCl3 eutectic phase diagram. The results of this study show good agreement with previously reported data for the pure salt compounds used (NaCl, UCl3, and CeCl3) as well as for the eutectic points for the NaCl-UCl3 and NaCl-CeCl3 binary systems. The NaCl-UCl3 liquidus surface produced in this study predicts a 30-40 °C increase on the NaCl-rich side of the binary phase diagram. The increase in liquidus temperature could prove significant to molten salt reactor modeling.

Effects of phloretin and theophylline on 3-O-methylglucose transport by intestinal epithelial cells

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

Randles, J.; Kimmich, G.A.

1978-03-01

Phloretin and theophylline each exert an immediate inhibitory effect on the Na/sup +/-independent, facilitated-diffusion transport system for sugar associated with intestinal epithelial cells. Phloretin inhibits approximately 50% more of the total Na/sup +/-independent sugar flux than theophylline. Neither agent has an immediate effect on the Na/sup +/-dependent, concentrative sugar transport system, although preincubation of the cells with phloretin causes a significant inhibition. The slowly developing effect is correlated with a decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and an elevation of intracellular Na/sup +/. Other agents which elevate cell Na/sup +/ also inhibit Na/sup +/-dependent sugar influx, even if ATP levelsmore » are not depleted. On the other hand, if ATP is depleted by phloretin under conditions in which the cells do not gain Na/sup +/, the inhibitory effect on Na/sup +/-dependent sugar flux tends to disappear. The slow-onset phloretin effects are due to transinhibition of the Na/sup +/-dependent sugar carrier by cellular Na/sup +/. When the passive sugar carrier is inhibited by phloretin or theophylline, the concentrative system can establish an enhanced sugar gradient. Because of the secondary metabolic effects of phloretin, theophylline induces a greater gradient enhancement despite its more limited effect on the passive sugar-transport system. Sugar gradients as large as 20-fold are induced by theophylline, in contrast to 12-fold gradients observed in the presence of phloretin and approximately 7- to 8-fold for untreated cells. These results are discussed in terms of conceptual questions regarding the energetics of Na/sup +/-dependent transport systems.« less

Effects of ammonia stress in the Amazon river shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum (Decapoda, Palaemonidae).

PubMed

Pinto, Marcelo R; Lucena, Malson N; Faleiros, Rogério Oliveira; Almeida, Eduardo Alves; McNamara, John C; Leone, Francisco A

2016-01-01

We evaluate the effects of total ammonia nitrogen-N (TAN) exposure for 72h on (Na(+),K(+))- and V(H(+))-ATPase activities and on their subunit expressions in gills of the diadromous freshwater shrimp Macrobrachium amazonicum. Specific (Na(+),K(+))- and V(H(+))-ATPase activities increased roughly 1.5- to 2-fold, respectively, after exposure to 2.0mmolL(-1) TAN. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses revealed a 2.5-fold increase in V(H(+))-ATPase B subunit mRNA expression while (Na(+),K(+))-ATPase α-subunit expression was unchanged. Immunohistochemical analyses of the gill lamellae located the (Na(+),K(+))-ATPase throughout the intralamellar septal cells, independently of TAN concentration, while the V(H(+))-ATPase was located in both the apical pillar cell flanges and pillar cell bodies. Systemic stress parameters like total hemocyte count decreased by 30% after exposure to 2.0mmolL(-1) TAN, accompanied by increased activities of the oxidative stress enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the gills. The stress responses of M. amazonicum to elevated TAN include increases in gill (Na(+),K(+))- and V(H(+))-ATPase activities that are accompanied by changes in oxidative stress enzyme activities, immune system effects and an increase in gill V(H(+))-ATPase gene expression. These findings likely underpin physiological effects in a crustacean like M. amazonicum that exploits multiple ecosystems during its life cycle, as well as under culture conditions that may significantly impact shrimp production by the aquaculture industry. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blood pressure, magnesium and other mineral balance in two rat models of salt-sensitive, induced hypertension: effects of a non-peptide angiotensin II receptor type 1 antagonist.

PubMed

Rondón, Lusliany Josefina; Marcano, Eunice; Rodríguez, Fátima; del Castillo, Jesús Rafael

2014-01-01

The renin-angiotensin system is critically involved in regulating arterial blood pressure (BP). Inappropriate angiotensin type-1 receptor activation by angiotensin-II (Ang-II) is related to increased arterial BP. Mg has a role in BP; it can affect cardiac electrical activity, myocardial contractility, and vascular tone. To evaluate the relationship between high BP induced by a high sodium (Na) diet and Mg, and other mineral balances, two experimental rat models of salt-sensitive, induced-hypertension were used: Ang-II infused and Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) rats. We found that: 1) Ang-II infusion progressively increased BP, which was accompanied by hypomagnesuria and signs of secondary hyperaldosteronism; 2) an additive effect between Ang-II and a high Na load may have an effect on strontium (Sr), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) balances; 3) Dahl SS rats fed a high Na diet had a slow pressor response, accompanied by altered Mg, Na, potassium (K), and phosphate (P) balances; and 4) losartan prevented BP increases induced by Ang II-NaCl, but did not modify mineral balances. In Dahl SS rats, losartan attenuated high BP and ameliorated magnesemia, Na and K balances. Mg metabolism maybe considered a possible defect in this strain of rat that may contribute to hypertension.

Evaluation of effectiveness of various irrigating solutions on removal of calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel and detection of orange-brown precipitate after removal.

PubMed

Arslan, Hakan; Gok, Tuba; Saygili, Gokhan; Altintop, Hülya; Akçay, Merve; Çapar, Ismail Davut

2014-11-01

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effect of various irrigating solutions on the removal of calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel from an artificial groove created in a root canal and the generation of orange-brown precipitate in the remaining calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel after irrigation with the various irrigating solutions. The root canals of 48 mandibular premolars were prepared using ProTaper Universal Rotary instruments (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) up to size F4. The roots were split longitudinally, and a standardized groove was prepared in the apical part of 1 segment. The root halves were reassembled, and calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel medicament was placed into the grooves. The roots were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups specified by the irrigation solution used: 1% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, 7% maleic acid, and 10% citric acid (n = 12). The amount of remaining medicament was evaluated under a stereomicroscope using a 4-grade scoring system. After irrigation, the specimens were also evaluated for the presence/absence of orange-brown precipitate. The effects of the different irrigation solutions on medicament removal were statistically evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests with Bonferroni correction at a 95% confidence level (P = .0083). Solutions of 7% maleic acid and 10% citric acid were superior to solutions of 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA in removing calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel (P < .0083). There were no significant differences among the other groups (P > .0083). Orange-brown precipitate was observed in all specimens of the NaOCl group but in no specimens in the other groups. Irrigation solutions of 7% maleic acid and 10% citric acid were more effective in the removal of calcium hydroxide mixed with 2% chlorhexidine gel than those of 1% NaOCl and 17% EDTA. Orange-brown precipitate was found in all specimens of the NaOCl-irrigated groups. However, the precipitate was not observed in specimens in the groups irrigated with 17% EDTA, 7% maleic acid, and 10% citric acid. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fluorine-18 NaF PET imaging of child abuse.

PubMed

Drubach, Laura A; Sapp, Mark V; Laffin, Stephen; Kleinman, Paul K

2008-07-01

We describe the use of 18F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) whole-body imaging for the evaluation of skeletal trauma in a case of suspected child abuse. To our knowledge, 18F NaF PET has not been used in the past for the evaluation of child abuse. In our patient, this technique detected all sites of trauma shown by initial and follow-up skeletal surveys, including bilateral metaphyseal fractures of the proximal humeri. Fluorine-18 NaF PET has potential advantage over Tc-99m-labeled methylene diphosphonate (MDP) based upon superior image contrast and spatial resolution.

Sodium nitrite induces acute central nervous system toxicity in guinea pigs exposed to systemic cell-free hemoglobin

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

Buehler, Paul W.; Butt, Omer I.; D'Agnillo, Felice, E-mail: felice.dagnillo@fda.hhs.gov

Highlights: {yields} Toxicological implications associated with the use of NaNO{sub 2} therapy to treat systemic cell-free Hb exposure are not well-defined. {yields} Systemic Hb exposure followed by NaNO{sub 2} infusion induces acute CNS toxicities in guinea pigs. {yields} These CNS effects were not reproduced by the infusion of cell-free Hb or NaNO{sub 2} alone. {yields} NaNO{sub 2}-mediated oxidation of cell-free Hb may play a causative role in the observed CNS changes. -- Abstract: Systemic cell-free hemoglobin (Hb) released via hemolysis disrupts vascular homeostasis, in part, through the scavenging of nitric oxide (NO). Sodium nitrite (NaNO{sub 2}) therapy can attenuate themore » hypertensive effects of Hb. However, the chemical reactivity of NaNO{sub 2} with Hb may enhance heme- or iron-mediated toxicities. Here, we investigate the effect of NaNO{sub 2} on the central nervous system (CNS) in guinea pigs exposed to systemic cell-free Hb. Intravascular infusion of NaNO{sub 2}, at doses sufficient to alleviate Hb-mediated blood pressure changes, reduced the expression of occludin, but not zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) or claudin-5, in cerebral tight junctions 4 h after Hb infusion. This was accompanied by increased perivascular heme oxygenase-1 expression, neuronal iron deposition, increased astrocyte and microglial activation, and reduced expression of neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN). These CNS changes were not observed in animals treated with Hb or NaNO{sub 2} alone. Taken together, these findings suggest that the use of nitrite salts to treat systemic Hb exposure may promote acute CNS toxicity.« less

U. S. EPA’S NA APPROACH FOR PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS

EPA Science Inventory

Most evaluations of NA of petroleum hydrocarbons use geochemical data to document the NA through biodegradation. The expected trends during biodegradation (plume interior vs. background concentrations) are Dissolved oxygen concentrations below background, Nitrate concentrations ...

Recycling of Na in advanced life support: strategies based on crop production systems.

PubMed

Guntur, S V; Mackowiak, C; Wheeler, R M

1999-01-01

Sodium is an essential dietary requirement in human nutrition, but seldom holds much importance as a nutritional element for crop plants. In Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems, recycling of gases, nutrients, and water loops is required to improve system closure. If plants are to play a significant role in recycling of human wastes, Na will need to accumulate in edible tissues for return to the crew diet. If crops fail to accumulate the incoming Na into edible tissues, Na could become a threat to the hydroponic food production system by increasing the nutrient solution salinity. Vegetable crops of Chenopodiaceae such as spinach, table beet, and chard may have a high potential to supply Na to the human diet, as Na can substitute for K to a large extent in metabolic processes of these crops. Various strategies are outlined that include both genetic and environmental management aspects to optimize the Na recovery from waste streams and their resupply through the human diet in ALS.

Response to non-uniform salinity in the root zone of the halophyte Atriplex nummularia: growth, photosynthesis, water relations and tissue ion concentrations

PubMed Central

Bazihizina, Nadia; Colmer, Timothy D.; Barrett-Lennard, Edward G.

2009-01-01

Background and Aims Soil salinity is often heterogeneous, yet the physiology of halophytes has typically been studied with uniform salinity treatments. An evaluation was made of the growth, net photosynthesis, water use, water relations and tissue ions in the halophytic shrub Atriplex nummularia in response to non-uniform NaCl concentrations in a split-root system. Methods Atriplex nummularia was grown in a split-root system for 21 d, with either the same or two different NaCl concentrations (ranging from 10 to 670 mm), in aerated nutrient solution bathing each root half. Key Results Non-uniform salinity, with high NaCl in one root half (up to 670 mm) and 10 mm in the other half, had no effect on shoot ethanol-insoluble dry mass, net photosynthesis or shoot pre-dawn water potential. In contrast, a modest effect occurred for leaf osmotic potential (up to 30 % more solutes compared with uniform 10 mm NaCl treatment). With non-uniform NaCl concentrations (10/670 mm), 90 % of water was absorbed from the low salinity side, and the reduction in water use from the high salinity side caused whole-plant water use to decrease by about 30 %; there was no compensatory water uptake from the low salinity side. Leaf Na+ and Cl− concentrations were 1·9- to 2·3-fold higher in the uniform 670 mm treatment than in the 10/670 mm treatment, whereas leaf K+ concentrations were 1·2- to 2·0-fold higher in the non-uniform treatment. Conclusions Atriplex nummularia with one root half in 10 mm NaCl maintained net photosynthesis, shoot growth and shoot water potential even when the other root half was exposed to 670 mm NaCl, a concentration that inhibits growth by 65 % when uniform in the root zone. Given the likelihood of non-uniform salinity in many field situations, this situation would presumably benefit halophyte growth and physiology in saline environments. PMID:19556265

The Na conductance in the sarcolemma and the transverse tubular system membranes of mammalian skeletal muscle fibers

PubMed Central

DiFranco, Marino

2011-01-01

Na (and Li) currents and fluorescence transients were recorded simultaneously under voltage-clamp conditions from mouse flexor digitorum brevis fibers stained with the potentiometric dye di-8-ANEPPS to investigate the distribution of Na channels between the surface and transverse tubular system (TTS) membranes. In fibers rendered electrically passive, voltage pulses resulted in step-like fluorescence changes that were used to calibrate the dye response. The effects of Na channel activation on the TTS voltage were investigated using Li, instead of Na, because di-8-ANEPPS transients show anomalies in the presence of the latter. Na and Li inward currents (INa, ILi; using half of the physiological ion concentration) showed very steep voltage dependences, with no reversal for depolarizations beyond the calculated equilibrium potential, suggesting that most of the current originates from a noncontrolled membrane compartment. Maximum peak ILi was ∼30% smaller than for INa, suggesting a Li-blocking effect. ILi activation resulted in the appearance of overshoots in otherwise step-like di-8-ANEPPS transients. Overshoots had comparable durations and voltage dependence as those of ILi. Simultaneously measured maximal overshoot and peak ILi were 54 ± 5% and 773 ± 53 µA/cm2, respectively. Radial cable model simulations predicted the properties of ILi and di-8-ANEPPS transients when TTS access resistances of 10–20 Ωcm2, and TTS-to-surface Na permeability density ratios in the range of 40:60 to 70:30, were used. Formamide-based osmotic shock resulted in incomplete detubulation. However, results from a subpopulation of treated fibers (low capacitance) provide confirmatory evidence that a significant proportion of ILi, and the overshoot in the optical signals, arises from the TTS in normal fibers. The quantitative evaluation of the distribution of Na channels between the sarcolemma and the TTS membranes, as provided here, is crucial for the understanding of the radial and longitudinal propagation of the action potential, which ultimately govern the mechanical activation of muscle in normal and diseased conditions. PMID:21948948

Comparative evaluation of calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite associated with passive ultrasonic irrigation on antimicrobial activity of a root canal system infected with Enterococcus faecalis: an in vitro study.

PubMed

de Almeida, Ana Paula; Souza, Matheus Albino; Miyagaki, Daniela Cristina; Dal Bello, Yuri; Cecchin, Doglas; Farina, Ana Paula

2014-12-01

The purpose of this study was to compare in vitro the effectiveness of calcium hypochlorite (Ca[OCl]2) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) associated with passive ultrasonic irrigation in root canals of bovine teeth infected with Enterococcus faecalis. The root canals of 60 single-rooted bovine extracted teeth were enlarged up to a file 45, autoclaved, inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis, and incubated for 30 days. The samples were divided into 6 groups (n = 10) according to the protocol for decontamination: G1: no treatment; G2: distilled water; G3: 2.5% NaOCl; G4: 2.5% Ca(OCl)2; G5: 2.5% NaOCl with ultrasonic activation; and G6: 2.5% Ca(OCl)2 with ultrasonic activation (US). Microbiological testing (colony-forming unit [CFU] counting) was performed to evaluate and show, respectively, the effectiveness of the proposed treatments. Data were subjected to 1-way analysis of variance followed by the post hoc Tukey test (α = 0.05). Groups 1 and 2 showed the highest mean contamination (3.26 log10 CFU/mL and 2.69 log10 CFU/mL, respectively), which was statistically different from all other groups (P < .05). Group 6 (Ca[OCl]2 + US) showed the lowest mean contamination (1.00 log10 CFU/mL), with no statistically significant difference found in groups 3 (NaOCl), 4 (Ca[OCl]2), and 5 (NaOCl + US) (P < .05). Ca(OCl)2 as well as passive ultrasonic irrigation can aid in chemomechanical preparation, contributing in a significant way to the reduction of microbial content during root canal treatment. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance evaluation of multiple (32 channels) sub-nanosecond TDC implemented in low-cost FPGA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lichard, P.; Konstantinou, G.; Villar Vilanueva, A.; Palladino, V.

2014-03-01

NA62 experiment Straw tracker frontend board serves as a gas-tight detector cover and integrates two CARIOCA chips, a low cost FPGA (Cyclon III, Altera) and a set of 400Mbit/s links to the backend. The FPGA houses 16 pairs of sub-nanosecond resolution TDCs with derandomizers and an output link serializer. Evaluation methods, including simulations, and performance results of the system in the lab and on a detector prototype are presented.

Removing polysaccharides-and saccharides-related coloring impurities in alkyl polyglycosides by bleaching with the H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system.

PubMed

Yanmei, Liu; Jinliang, Tao; Jiao, Sun; Wenyi, Chen

2014-11-04

The effect of H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system, namely NaHCO3 as alkaline agent with the (tetra acetyl ethylene diamine (TAED)) TAED-activated peroxide system, bleaching of alkyl polyglycosides solution was studied by spectrophotometry. The results showed that the optimal bleaching conditions about H2O2/TAED/NaHCO3 system bleaching of alkyl polyglycosides solution were as follows: molar ratio of TAED to H2O2 was 0.06, addition of H2O2 was 8.6%, addition of NaHCO3 was 3.2%, bleaching temperature of 50-65 °C, addition of MgO was 0.13%, and bleaching time was 8h. If too much amount of NaHCO3 was added to the system and maintained alkaline pH, the bleaching effect would be greatly reduced. Fixing molar ratio of TAED to H2O2 and increasing the amount of H2O2 were beneficial to improve the whiteness of alkyl polyglycosides, but adding too much amount of H2O2 would reduce the transparency. In the TAED-activated peroxide system, NaHCO3 as alkaline agent and buffer agent, could overcome the disadvantage of producing black precipitates when NaOH as alkaline agent. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Positron emission tomography with additional γ-ray detectors for multiple-tracer imaging.

PubMed

Fukuchi, Tomonori; Okauchi, Takashi; Shigeta, Mika; Yamamoto, Seiichi; Watanabe, Yasuyoshi; Enomoto, Shuichi

2017-06-01

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a useful imaging modality that quantifies the physiological distributions of radiolabeled tracers in vivo in humans and animals. However, this technique is unsuitable for multiple-tracer imaging because the annihilation photons used for PET imaging have a fixed energy regardless of the selection of the radionuclide tracer. This study developed a multi-isotope PET (MI-PET) system and evaluated its imaging performance. Our MI-PET system is composed of a PET system and additional γ-ray detectors. The PET system consists of pixelized gadolinium orthosilicate (GSO) scintillation detectors and has a ring geometry that is 95 mm in diameter with an axial field of view of 37.5 mm. The additional detectors are eight bismuth germanium oxide (BGO) scintillation detectors, each of which is 50 × 50 × 30 mm 3 , arranged into two rings mounted on each side of the PET ring with a 92-mm-inner diameter. This system can distinguish between different tracers using the additional γ-ray detectors to observe prompt γ-rays, which are emitted after positron emission and have an energy intrinsic to each radionuclide. Our system can simultaneously acquire double- (two annihilation photons) and triple- (two annihilation photons and a prompt γ-ray) coincidence events. The system's efficiency for detecting prompt de-excitation γ-rays was measured using a positron-γ emitter, 22 Na. Dual-radionuclide ( 18 F and 22 Na) imaging of a rod phantom and a mouse was performed to demonstrate the performance of the developed system. Our system's basic performance was evaluated by reconstructing two images, one containing both tracers and the other containing just the second tracer, from list-mode data sets that were categorized by the presence or absence of the prompt γ-ray. The maximum detection efficiency for 1275 keV γ-rays emitted from 22 Na was approximately 7% at the scanner's center, and the minimum detection efficiency was 5.1% at the edge of the field of view. Dual-radionuclide imaging of the point sources and rod phantom revealed that our system maintained PET's intrinsic spatial resolution and quantitative nature for the second tracer. We also successfully acquired simultaneous double- and triple-coincidence events from a mouse containing 18 F-fluoro-deoxyglucose and 22 Na dissolved in water. The dual-tracer distributions in the mouse obtained by our MI-PET were reasonable from the viewpoints of physiology and pharmacokinetics. This study demonstrates the feasibility of multiple-tracer imaging using PET with additional γ-ray detectors. This method holds promise for enabling the reconstruction of quantitative multiple-tracer images and could be very useful for analyzing multiple-molecular dynamics. © 2017 American Association of Physicists in Medicine.

Evaluation of the pH- and Thermal Stability of the Recombinant Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) in the Presence of Sodium Chloride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishii, Marina; Kunimura, Juliana Sayuri; Jeng, Hélio Tallon; Vessoni Penna, Thereza Christina; Cholewa, Olivia

The thermal stability of recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions at different concentrations, pH, and temperatures was evaluated by assaying the loss of fluorescence intensity as a measure of denaturation. GFP, extracted from Escherichia coli cells by the three-phase partitioning method and purified through a butyl hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) column, was diluted in water for injection (WFI) (pH 6.0-7.0) and in 10 mM buffer solutions (acetate, pH 5.0; phosphate, pH 7.0; and Tris-EDTA, pH 8.0) with 0.9-30% NaCl or without and incubated at 80-95°C. The extent of protein denaturation was expressed as a percentage of the calculated decimal reduction time (D-value). In acetate buffer (pH 4.84 ±0.12), the mean D-values for 90% reduction in GFP fluorescence ranged from 2.3 to 3.6 min, independent of NaCl concentration and temperature. GFP thermal stability diluted in WFI (pH 5.94±0.60) was half that observed in phosphate buffer (pH 6.08±0.60); but in both systems, D-values decreased linearly with increasing NaCl concentration, with D-values (at 80°C) ranging from 3.44, min (WFI) to 6.1 min (phosphate buffer), both with 30% NaCl. However, D-values in Tris-EDTA (pH 7.65±0.17) were directly dependent on the NaCl concentration and 5-10 times higher than D-values for GFP in WFI at 80°C. GFP pH-and thermal stability can be easily monitored by the convenient measure of fluorescence intensity and potentially be used as an indicator to monitor that processing times and temperatures were attained.

High maternal sodium intake alters sex-specific renal renin-angiotensin system components in newborn Wistar offspring.

PubMed

Maia, D R R; Lopes, K L; Heimann, J C; Furukawa, L N S

2016-01-28

This study aimed to evaluate the systemic and renal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) at birth in male and female offspring and in mothers fed a high sodium diet (HSD) before and during gestation. Female Wistar rats were fed a HSD (8.0% NaCl) or a normal sodium diet (1.3% NaCl) from 8 weeks of age until delivery of their first litter. Maternal body weight, tail blood pressure, and food and water intake were evaluated. The litter sizes were assessed, and the body and kidney weights of the offspring were measured. Both mothers and offspring were euthanized immediately following the birth of the pups to evaluate plasma renin activity (PRA), renal renin content (RRC), renal angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, renal angiotensin (Ang) II content, serum aldosterone (ALDO) levels, and renal cortical and medullary renin messenger RNA expression. In mothers in the HSD group, water intake and kidney mass were higher, whereas renal ACE activity, Ang II, PRA, ALDO and RRC were decreased. In the offspring of HSD-fed dams, the body and kidney mass were lower in both genders, renal ACE activity was lower in females and renal Ang II was lower in males. PRA, RRC, renin gene expression and ALDO levels did not differ between the groups of offspring. The data presented herein showed that a maternal HSD during pregnancy induces low birth weight and a sex-specific response in the RAAS in offspring.

Solid strong base K-Pt/NaY zeolite nano-catalytic system for completed elimination of formaldehyde at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Shaoqing; Wu, Xi; Lu, Changhai; Wen, Meicheng; Le, Zhanggao; Jiang, Shujuan

2018-06-01

Solid strong base nano-catalytic system of K-modification NaY zeolite supported 0.08% Pt (K-Pt/NaY) were constructed for eliminating HCHO at room temperature. In the catalytic process, activation energy over K-Pt/NaY nano-catalytic system was greatly decreased along with the enhanced reaction rate. Characterization and catalytic tests revealed the surface electron structure of K-Pt/NaY was improved, as reflected by the enhanced HCHO adsorption capability, high sbnd OH concentration, and low-temperature reducibility. Therefore, the optimal K-Pt/NaY showed high catalytic efficiency and strong H2O tolerance for HCHO elimination by directly promoting the reaction between active sbnd OH and formate species. These results may suggest a new way for probing the advanced solid strong base nano-catalytic system for the catalytic elimination of indoor HCHO.

Investigation of the Effects of Biodiesel-based Na on Emissions Control Components

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

Brookshear, D. William; Nguyen, Ke; Toops, Todd J

2012-01-01

A single-cylinder diesel engine was used to investigate the impact of biodiesel-based Na on emissions control components using specially blended 20% biodiesel fuel (B20). The emissions control components investigated were a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a Cu-zeolite-based NH{sub 3}-SCR (selective catalytic reduction) catalyst, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Both light-duty vehicle, DOC-SCR-DPF, and heavy-duty vehicle, DOC-DPF-SCR, emissions control configurations were employed. The accelerated Na aging is achieved by introducing elevated Na levels in the fuel, to represent full useful life exposure, and periodically increasing the exhaust temperature to replicate DPF regeneration. To assess the validity of the implemented acceleratedmore » Na aging protocol, engine-aged lean NO{sub x} traps (LNTs), DOCs and DPFs are also evaluated. To fully characterize the impact on the catalytic activity the LNT, DOC and SCR catalysts were evaluated using a bench flow reactor. The evaluation of the aged DOC samples and LNT show little to no deactivation as a result of Na contamination. However, the SCR in the light-duty configuration (DOC-SCR-DPF) was severely affected by Na contamination, especially when NO was the only fed NO{sub x} source. In the heavy-duty configuration (DOC-DPF-SCR), no impact is observed in the SCR NO{sub x} reduction activity. Electron probe micro-analysis (EPMA) reveals that Na contamination on the LNT, DOC, and SCR samples is present throughout the length of the catalysts with a higher concentration on the washcoat surface. In both the long-term engine-aged DPF and the accelerated Na-aged DPFs, there is significant Na ash present in the upstream channels; however, in the engine-aged sample lube oil-based ash is the predominant constituent.« less

Effects of Sodium Benzoate Treatment in Combination with An Extinction Training on the Maintenance of Cocaine-Supported Memory.

PubMed

Tsai, Yi-Ni; Tzeng, Wen-Yu; Cherng, Chianfang G; Liao, Tien You; Wu, Hsin-Hua; Lin, Jie-Kuan; Yu, Lung

2016-02-29

Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor can facilitate the extinction of various maladaptive memories. Sodium benzoate (NaB) has been known to enhance a naturally occurring full agonist on the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor. This study aimed to test whether systemic NaB treatment can affect the extinction of a cocaine-supported memory, the cocaine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). Following the establishment of the cocaine (10 mg/kg/conditioning × 3)-induced CPP, an extinction protocol, consisting of two consecutive extinction training bouts at an 8-h interval, was used. NaB (500 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline was given immediately following each extinction training bout to test the modulating effect of NaB on the maintenance of cocaine-induced CPP. Moreover, NaB was bilaterally micro-infused into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) to validate the involvement of this brain region in mediating systemic NaB treatment-produced effect on cocaine-induced CPP. Systemic (500 mg/kg) and intra-mPFC (10 μg/side) NaB treatment significantly decreased subsequent cocaine-induced CPP magnitude, although the NaB treatment or the extinction training alone did not affect such CPP magnitude. It was of importance to note that systemic or intra-mPFC NaB delivery did not affect mouse locomotor activity in the retests. These results, taken together, suggest that NaB treatment in combination with the extinction training may facilitate the extinction of the cocaine-supported memory. Moreover, systemic NaB treatment exerts such effects, at least in part, via its effect in the mPFC.

Development of a model and computer code to describe solar grade silicon production processes. [phase changes in chemical reactors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gould, R. K.

1978-01-01

Mechanisms for the SiCl4/Na and SiF4/Na reaction systems were examined. Reaction schemes which include 25 elementary reactions were formulated for each system and run to test the sensitivity of the computed concentration and temperature profiles to the values given estimated rate coefficients. It was found that, for SiCl4/Na, the rate of production of free Si is largely mixing-limited for reasonable rate coefficient estimates. For the SiF4/Na system the results indicate that the endothermicities of many of the reactions involved in producing Si from SiF4/Na cause this system to be chemistry-limited rather than mixing-limited.

Facile Stabilization of the Sodium Metal Anode with Additives: Unexpected Key Role of Sodium Polysulfide and Adverse Effect of Sodium Nitrate.

PubMed

Wang, Huan; Wang, Chuanlong; Matios, Edward; Li, Weiyang

2018-06-25

Sodium metal is an attractive anode for next-generation energy storage systems owing to its high specific capacity, low cost, and high abundance. Nevertheless, uncontrolled Na dendrite growth caused by the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) leads to poor cycling performance and severe safety concerns. Sodium polysulfide (Na 2 S 6 ) alone is revealed to serve as a positive additive or pre-passivation agent in ether electrolyte to improve the long-term stability and reversibility of the Na anode, while Na 2 S 6 -NaNO 3 as co-additive has an adverse effect, contrary to the prior findings in the lithium anode system. A superior cycling behavior of Na anode is first demonstrated at a current density up to 10 mA cm -2 and a capacity up to 5 mAh cm -2 over 100 cycles. As a proof of concept, a high-capacity Na-S battery was prepared by pre-passivating the Na anode with Na 2 S 6 . This study gives insights into understanding the differences between Li and Na systems. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of salt stress on growth and physiology in amaranth and lettuce: Implications for bioregenerative life support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Lifeng; Guo, Shuangsheng; Ai, Weidang; Tang, Yongkang; Cheng, Quanyong; Chen, Guang

2013-02-01

Growing plants can be used to clean waste water in bioregenerative life support system (BLSS). However, NaCl contained in the human urine always restricts plant growth and further reduces the degree of mass cycle closure of the system (i.e. salt stress). This work determined the effect of NaCl stress on physiological characteristics of plants for the life support system. Amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L. var. Huahong) and leaf lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. Luoma) were cultivated at nutrient solutions with different NaCl contents (0, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 ppm, respectively) for 10 to 18 days after planted in the Controlled Ecological Life Support System Experimental Facility in China. Results showed that the two plants have different responses to the salt stress. The amaranth showed higher salt-tolerance with NaCl stress. If NaCl content in the solution is below 5000 ppm, the salt stress effect is insignificant on above-ground biomass output, leaf photosynthesis rate, Fv/Fm, photosynthesis pigment contents, activities of antioxidant enzymes, and inducing lipid peroxidation. On the other hand, the lettuce is sensitive to NaCl which significantly decreases those indices of growth and physiology. Notably, the lettuce remains high productivity of edible biomass in low NaCl stress, although its salt-tolerant limitation is lower than amaranth. Therefore, we recommended that amaranth could be cultivated under a higher NaCl stress condition (<5000 ppm) for NaCl recycle while lettuce should be under a lower NaCl stress (<1000 ppm) for water cleaning in future BLSS.

Hypothyroidism and hyponatremia: data from a series of patients with iatrogenic acute hypothyroidism undergoing radioactive iodine therapy after total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer.

PubMed

Vannucci, L; Parenti, G; Simontacchi, G; Rastrelli, G; Giuliani, C; Ognibene, A; Peri, A

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of hypothyroidism as a cause of hyponatremia in a clinical model of iatrogenic acute hypothyroidism due to thyroid hormone withdrawal prior to ablative radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy after total thyroidectomy. The study group consisted of 101 differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients (77 women and 24 men). Plasma concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone ([TSH]) and sodium ([Na + ]) was evaluated before total thyroidectomy (pre[TSH] and pre[Na + ]) and on the day of RAI therapy (post[TSH] and post[Na + ]). The frequency of hypothyroidism-associated hyponatremia was 4 % (4/101). Pre[Na + ] was significantly higher than post[Na + ] (140.7 ± 1.6 vs 138.7 ± 2.3 mEq/L, p = 0.012). Moreover, a linear correlation was identified between pre[Na + ] and post[Na + ]. Iatrogenic acute hypothyroidism-related hyponatremia is uncommon. However, because of the significant reduction of [Na + ] in the transition from euthyroidism to iatrogenic hypothyroidism, the value of pre[Na + ] should be viewed as a parameter to be considered. Since it acts as an independent risk factor for the development of hyponatremia, patients with a pre[Na + ] close to the lower limit of normal range may deserve a closer monitoring of [Na + ].

A portable detection system for in vivo monitoring of 131I in routine and emergency situations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucena, EA; Dantas, ALA; Dantas, BM

2018-03-01

In vivo monitoring of 131I in human thyroid is often used to evaluate occupational exposure in nuclear medicine facilities and in the case of accidental intakes in nuclear power plants for the monitoring of workers and population. The device presented in this work consists on a Pb-collimated NaI(Tl)3”x3” scintillation detector assembled on a tripod and connected to a portable PC. The evaluation of the applicability and limitations of the system is based on the estimation of the committed effective doses associated to the minimum detectable activities in different facilities. It has been demonstrated that the system is suitable for use in routine and accidental situations.

Phase diagram of the LiNO3-NaNO3-NaCl-Sr(NO3)2 salt system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasulov, A. I.; Gasanaliev, A. M.; Mamedova, A. K.; Gamataeva, B. Yu.

2015-04-01

The phase diagram of the quaternary LiNO3-NaNO3-NaCl-Sr(NO3)2 system is studied by means of differential thermal analysis, and the compositions and crystallization temperatures of nonvariant equilibrium phases are revealed. The temperature dependence of conductivity in eutectic and peritectic salt compositions is investigated.

Intestinal alkaline phosphatase and sodium butyrate may be beneficial in attenuating LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.

PubMed

Melo, A D B; Silveira, H; Bortoluzzi, C; Lara, L J; Garbossa, C A P; Preis, G; Costa, L B; Rostagno, M H

2016-10-17

In this study, we evaluated the effect of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) and sodium butyrate (NaBu) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal inflammation. Intestinal alkaline phosphatase and RelA/p65 (NF-κB) gene expressions in porcine jejunum explants were evaluated following exposure to sodium butyrate (NaBu) and essential oil from Brazilian red pepper (EO), alone or in combination with NaBu, as well as exogenous IAP with or without LPS challenge. Five piglets weighing approximately 20 kg each were sacrificed, and their jejunum were extracted. The tissues were segmented into 10 parts, which were exposed to 10 treatments. Gene expressions of IAP and RelA/p65 (NF-κB) in jejunal explants were evaluated via RT-PCR. We found that EO, NaBu, and exogenous IAP were able to up-regulate endogenous IAP and enhance RelA/p65 (NF-κB) gene expression. However, only NaBu and exogenous IAP down-regulated LPS-induced inflammatory response via RelA/p65 (NF-κB). In conclusion, we demonstrated that exogenous IAP and NaBu may be beneficial in attenuating LPS-induced intestinal inflammation.

Testing of Liquid Metal Components for Nuclear Surface Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Polzin, K. A.; Pearson, J. B.; Godfroy, T. J.; Schoenfeld, M.; Webster, K.; Briggs, M. H.; Geng, S. M.; Adkins, H. E.; Werner, J. E.

2010-01-01

The capability to perform testing at both the module/component level and in near prototypic reactor configurations using a non-nuclear test methodology allowed for evaluation of two components critical to the development of a potential nuclear fission power system for the lunar surface. A pair of 1 kW Stirling power convertors, similar to the type that would be used in a reactor system to convert heat to electricity, were integrated into a reactor simulator system to determine their performance using pumped NaK as the hot side working fluid. The performance in the pumped-NaK system met or exceed the baseline performance measurements where the converters were electrically heated. At the maximum hot-side temperature of 550 C the maximum output power was 2375 watts. A specially-designed test apparatus was fabricated and used to quantify the performance of an annular linear induction pump that is similar to the type that could be used to circulate liquid metal through the core of a space reactor system. The errors on the measurements were generally much smaller than the magnitude of the measurements, permitting accurate performance evaluation over a wide range of operating conditions. The pump produced flow rates spanning roughly 0.16 to 5.7 l/s (2.5 to 90 GPM), and delta p levels from less than 1 kPa to 90 kPa (greater than 0.145 psi to roughly 13 psi). At the nominal FSP system operating temperature of 525 C the maximum efficiency was just over 4%.

Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiation, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in experimentally infected root canals.

PubMed

Cheng, Xiaogang; Guan, Sumin; Lu, Hong; Zhao, Chunmiao; Chen, Xingxing; Li, Na; Bai, Qian; Tian, Yu; Yu, Qing

2012-12-01

In recent years, various laser systems have been introduced into the field of laser-assisted endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bactericidal effect of Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG laser radiation, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in experimentally infected root canals compared with standard endodontic treatment of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) irrigation. Two hundred and twenty infected root canals from extracted human teeth (contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 4083 for 4 weeks) were randomly divided into five experimental groups (Nd:YAG, Er:YAG + 5.25% NaClO + 0.9% normal saline + distilled water (Er:YAG/NaClO/NS/DW), Er:YAG + 0.9% normal saline + distilled water (Er:YAG/NS/DW), Er,Cr:YSGG, and aPDT) and two control groups (5.25% NaClO as positive control and 0.9% normal saline (NS) as negative control). The numbers of bacteria on the surface of root canal walls and at different depths inside dentinal tubules before and after treatment were analyzed by means of one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA). The morphology of bacterial cells before and after treatment was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After treatment, the bacterial reductions in the experimental groups and the positive control group were significantly greater than that of the negative control group (P < 0.001). However, only Er:YAG/NaClO/NS/DW group showed no bacterial growth (the bacterial reduction reached up to 100%) on the surface of root canal walls or at 100/200 µm inside the dentinal tubules. All the laser radiation protocols tested, especially Er:YAG/NaClO/NS/DW, have effective bactericidal effect in experimentally infected root canals. Er:YAG/NaClO/NS/DW seems to be an ideal protocol for root canal disinfection during endodontic therapy. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Orexin receptor-1 in the locus coeruleus plays an important role in cue-dependent fear memory consolidation.

PubMed

Soya, Shingo; Shoji, Hirotaka; Hasegawa, Emi; Hondo, Mari; Miyakawa, Tsuyoshi; Yanagisawa, Masashi; Mieda, Michihiro; Sakurai, Takeshi

2013-09-04

The noradrenergic (NA) projections arising from the locus ceruleus (LC) to the amygdala and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis have been implicated in the formation of emotional memory. Since NA neurons in the LC (LC-NA neurons) abundantly express orexin receptor-1 (OX1R) and receive prominent innervation by orexin-producing neurons, we hypothesized that an OX1R-mediated pathway is involved in the physiological fear learning process via regulation of LC-NA neurons. To evaluate this hypothesis, we examined the phenotype of Ox1r(-/-) mice in the classic cued and contextual fear-conditioning test. We found that Ox1r(-/-) mice showed impaired freezing responses in both cued and contextual fear-conditioning paradigms. In contrast, Ox2r(-/-) mice showed normal freezing behavior in the cued fear-conditioning test, while they exhibited shorter freezing time in the contextual fear-conditioning test. Double immunolabeling of Fos and tyrosine hydroxylase showed that double-positive LC-NA neurons after test sessions of both cued and contextual stimuli were significantly fewer in Ox1r(-/-) mice. AAV-mediated expression of OX1R in LC-NA neurons in Ox1r(-/-) mice restored the freezing behavior to the auditory cue to a comparable level to that in wild-type mice in the test session. Decreased freezing time during the contextual fear test was not affected by restoring OX1R expression in LC-NA neurons. These observations support the hypothesis that the orexin system modulates the formation and expression of fear memory via OX1R in multiple pathways. Especially, OX1R in LC-NA neurons plays an important role in cue-dependent fear memory formation and/or retrieval.

New Pyrazolopyrimidine Inhibitors of Protein Kinase D as Potent Anticancer Agents for Prostate Cancer Cells

PubMed Central

Tandon, Manuj; Johnson, James; Li, Zhihong; Xu, Shuping; Wipf, Peter; Wang, Qiming Jane

2013-01-01

The emergence of protein kinase D (PKD) as a potential therapeutic target for several diseases including cancer has triggered the search for potent, selective, and cell-permeable small molecule inhibitors. In this study, we describe the identification, in vitro characterization, structure-activity analysis, and biological evaluation of a novel PKD inhibitory scaffold exemplified by 1-naphthyl PP1 (1-NA-PP1). 1-NA-PP1 and IKK-16 were identified as pan-PKD inhibitors in a small-scale targeted kinase inhibitor library assay. Both screening hits inhibited PKD isoforms at about 100 nM and were ATP-competitive inhibitors. Analysis of several related kinases indicated that 1-NA-PP1 was highly selective for PKD as compared to IKK-16. SAR analysis showed that 1-NA-PP1 was considerably more potent and showed distinct substituent effects at the pyrazolopyrimidine core. 1-NA-PP1 was cell-active, and potently blocked prostate cancer cell proliferation by inducing G2/M arrest. It also potently blocked the migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells, demonstrating promising anticancer activities on multiple fronts. Overexpression of PKD1 or PKD3 almost completely reversed the growth arrest and the inhibition of tumor cell invasion caused by 1-NA-PP1, indicating that its anti-proliferative and anti-invasive activities were mediated through the inhibition of PKD. Interestingly, a 12-fold increase in sensitivity to 1-NA-PP1 could be achieved by engineering a gatekeeper mutation in the active site of PKD1, suggesting that 1-NA-PP1 could be paired with the analog-sensitive PKD1M659G for dissecting PKD-specific functions and signaling pathways in various biological systems. PMID:24086585

[Transformation of natural products into more potent compounds: chemical modification of monensin].

PubMed

Nagatsu, A; Sakakibara, J

1997-09-01

Monensin (1) is a representative compound of polyether ionophore antibiotics, which selectively transport Na+ ions. In order to obtain potent Na+ ionophores, the modification of the carboxyl group of monensin was carried out to yield monensylamino acids (2) and monensylamino acid-1,29-lactones (3). The Na+ permeability of ion through the erythrocyte membrane of 2 and 3 was evaluated by the 23Na-NMR method. Compound 2 showed less Na+ ion transport activity than monensin, probably due to the lower lipophilicity caused by the conformational change of the chain moiety of the molecules. Although 3 showed higher lipophilisity than 1, 3 had no Na+ ion permeability, probably due to loss of the carboxyl group. As more lipophilic compounds possessing a carboxyl group was supposed to have more ion transport activity, 7-O-acylmonensins (8) and 7-O-alkylmonensins (11) were synthesized. Among these compounds, the value of Na+ ion permeability of 7-O-benzylmonensin (11c) was 1.4 time that of 1. Further investigation was carried out by preparing various 7-O-(substituted benzyl)monensins (13), and 7-O-(p-ethylbenzyl)monensin (13b) exhibited the largest Na+ ion permeability, about twice the value of 1. In order to convert monensin (1) to Ca2+ ionophore, 7-carboxylmethylmonensin (18) via protected 7-oxomonensin (15), and 25-carboxylmonensin (26) were prepared. In the course of the synthesis, 15 was clarified as a useful intermediate to give 7-amino and 7-alkyl derivatives. Ca2+ ion transport activities of 18 and 26 were determined by a CHCl3 liquid membrane system. 25-carboxylmonensin (26) showed 70% of the activity of Ca2+ ionophore, lasalocid A, and compound 26 could be the lead compound for the preparation of a new Ca2+ ionophore.

Inhibitors of endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme lead to an amplification of the morphological changes and an upregulation of the substance P system in a muscle overuse model.

PubMed

Song, Yafeng; Stål, Per S; Yu, Ji-Guo; Lorentzon, Ronny; Backman, Clas; Forsgren, Sture

2014-04-11

We have previously observed, in studies on an experimental overuse model, that the tachykinin system may be involved in the processes of muscle inflammation (myositis) and other muscle tissue alterations. To further evaluate the significance of tachykinins in these processes, we have used inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), substances which are known to terminate the activity of various endogenously produced substances, including tachykinins. Injections of inhibitors of NEP and ACE, as well as the tachykinin substance P (SP), were given locally outside the tendon of the triceps surae muscle of rabbits subjected to marked overuse of this muscle. A control group was given NaCl injections. Evaluations were made at 1 week, a timepoint of overuse when only mild inflammation and limited changes in the muscle structure are noted in animals not treated with inhibitors. Both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were examined morphologically and with immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). A pronounced inflammation (myositis) and changes in the muscle fiber morphology, including muscle fiber necrosis, occurred in the overused muscles of animals given NEP and ACE inhibitors. The morphological changes were clearly more prominent than for animals subjected to overuse and NaCl injections (NaCl group). A marked SP-like expression, as well as a marked expression of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) was found in the affected muscle tissue in response to injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors. The concentration of SP in the muscles was also higher than that for the NaCl group. The observations show that the local injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors led to marked SP-like and NK-1R immunoreactions, increased SP concentrations, and an amplification of the morphological changes in the tissue. The injections of the inhibitors thus led to a more marked myositis process and an upregulation of the SP system. Endogenously produced substances, out of which the tachykinins conform to one substance family, may play a role in mediating effects in the tissue in a muscle that is subjected to pronounced overuse.

Effects of NaOCl, EDTA and MTAD when applied to dentine on stress distribution in post-restored roots with flared canals.

PubMed

Belli, S; Eraslan, O; Eraslan, O; Eskitascioglu, M; Eskitascioglu, G

2014-12-01

To evaluate the effect of NaOCl, EDTA and MTAD on the stress distribution and levels in roots with flared canals and three different aesthetic post systems using finite element stress analysis (FEA). Three-dimensional (3D) FEA models simulating a maxillary incisor with excessive structural loss and flared root canals were created. The dentine of the first models of each post group was assumed as homogenous, whereas the others were deemed as having their elastic modulus affected up to 100 μm deep as a result of irrigation protocol (5.25 NaOCl, 17% EDTA and MTAD for 2 h). A sound incisor tooth model was used as the control. Restorations were created according to the post system used (pre-fabricated fibre post (PFP)), polyethylene fibre (Ribbond) post and core build-up (RBP), and one-piece milled zirconia post and core (ZP). Ceramic crowns were added to the models. A 300-N static load was applied at the centre of the palatal surface of the models to calculate the stress distributions. The SolidWorks/Cosmosworks structural analysis programmes were used for FEA analysis. Results were presented by considering von Mises criteria. The analysis of the von Mises stresses revealed that RBP created less stress in the remaining root dentine when compared to PFP and ZP. ZP maintained the stresses inside its body and reduced stress on the palatal surface of the root; however, it forwarded more stress towards the apical area. NaOCl-, EDTA- and MTAD-treated dentine increased the stresses within the root structure regardless of the effect of the post system used (11-15.4 MPa for PFP, 9.5-13.02 MPa for RBP and 14.2 MPa for ZP). Amongst the irrigation solutions used, EDTA and MTAD increased the stresses more than NaOCl in all models. All the irrigation solutions showed the same stress levels and distributions in the ZP model. NaOCl-, EDTA- and MTAD- treated dentine and a rigid post with high elastic modulus may increase fracture risk in roots with flared canals by increasing the stresses within root dentine. Therefore, solutions that alter the elastic modulus of dentine less (such as NaOCl) or an individually shaped post-core system constructed with a material that has an elastic modulus close to dentine (polyethylene fibre) should be used in weak roots. © 2014 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Underexpression of the Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter ASCT2 in the spontaneously hypertensive rat kidney.

PubMed

Pinho, Maria João; Pinto, Vanda; Serrão, Maria Paula; Jose, Pedro A; Soares-da-Silva, Patrício

2007-07-01

This study examined the inward transport of l-[(14)C]alanine, an ASCT2 preferential substrate, in monolayers of immortalized renal proximal tubular epithelial (PTE) cells from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. The expression of ASCT2 in WKY and SHR PTE cells and kidney cortices from WKY and SHR was also evaluated. l-[(14)C]alanine uptake was highly dependent on extracellular Na(+). Replacement of NaCl by LiCl or choline chloride abolished transport activity in SHR and WKY PTE cells. In the presence of the system L inhibitor BCH, Na(+)-dependent l-alanine uptake in WKY and SHR PTE cells was inhibited by alanine, serine, and cysteine, which is consistent with amino acid transport through ASCT2. The saturable component of Na(+)-dependent l-alanine transport under V(max) conditions in SHR PTE cells was one-half of that in WKY PTE cells, with similar K(m) values. Differences in magnitude of Na(+)-dependent l-alanine uptake through ASCT2 between WKY and SHR PTE cells correlated positively with differences in ASCT2 protein expression, this being more abundant in WKY PTE cells. Abundance of ASCT2 transcript and protein in kidney cortices of SHR rats was also lower than that in normotensive WKY rats. In conclusion, immortalized SHR and WKY PTE cells take up l-alanine mainly through a high-affinity Na(+)-dependent amino acid transporter, with functional features of ASCT2 transport. The activity and expression of the ASCT2 transporter were considerably lower in the SHR cells.

Phenylbutyrate counteracts Shigella mediated downregulation of cathelicidin in rabbit lung and intestinal epithelia: a potential therapeutic strategy.

PubMed

Sarker, Protim; Ahmed, Sultan; Tiash, Snigdha; Rekha, Rokeya Sultana; Stromberg, Roger; Andersson, Jan; Bergman, Peter; Gudmundsson, Gudmundur H; Agerberth, Birgitta; Raqib, Rubhana

2011-01-01

Cathelicidins and defensins are endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are downregulated in the mucosal epithelia of the large intestine in shigellosis. Oral treatment of Shigella infected rabbits with sodium butyrate (NaB) reduces clinical severity and counteracts the downregulation of cathelicidin (CAP-18) in the large intestinal epithelia. To develop novel regimen for treating infectious diseases by inducing innate immunity, we selected sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PB), a registered drug for a metabolic disorder as a potential therapeutic candidate in a rabbit model of shigellosis. Since acute respiratory infections often cause secondary complications during shigellosis, the systemic effect of PB and NaB on CAP-18 expression in respiratory epithelia was also evaluated. The readouts were clinical outcomes, CAP-18 expression in mucosa of colon, rectum, lung and trachea (immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR) and release of the CAP-18 peptide/protein in stool (Western blot). Significant downregulation of CAP-18 expression in the epithelia of rectum and colon, the site of Shigella infection was confirmed. Interestingly, reduced expression of CAP-18 was also noticed in the epithelia of lung and trachea, indicating a systemic effect of the infection. This suggests a causative link to acute respiratory infections during shigellosis. Oral treatment with PB resulted in reduced clinical illness and upregulation of CAP-18 in the epithelium of rectum. Both PB and NaB counteracted the downregulation of CAP-18 in lung epithelium. The drug effect is suggested to be systemic as intravenous administration of NaB could also upregulate CAP-18 in the epithelia of lung, rectum and colon. Our results suggest that PB has treatment potential in human shigellosis. Enhancement of CAP-18 in the mucosal epithelia of the respiratory tract by PB or NaB is a novel discovery. This could mediate protection from secondary respiratory infections that frequently are the lethal causes in dysentery.

Phenylbutyrate Counteracts Shigella Mediated Downregulation of Cathelicidin in Rabbit Lung and Intestinal Epithelia: A Potential Therapeutic Strategy

PubMed Central

Sarker, Protim; Ahmed, Sultan; Tiash, Snigdha; Rekha, Rokeya Sultana; Stromberg, Roger; Andersson, Jan; Bergman, Peter; Gudmundsson, Gudmundur H.

2011-01-01

Background Cathelicidins and defensins are endogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are downregulated in the mucosal epithelia of the large intestine in shigellosis. Oral treatment of Shigella infected rabbits with sodium butyrate (NaB) reduces clinical severity and counteracts the downregulation of cathelicidin (CAP-18) in the large intestinal epithelia. Aims To develop novel regimen for treating infectious diseases by inducing innate immunity, we selected sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (PB), a registered drug for a metabolic disorder as a potential therapeutic candidate in a rabbit model of shigellosis. Since acute respiratory infections often cause secondary complications during shigellosis, the systemic effect of PB and NaB on CAP-18 expression in respiratory epithelia was also evaluated. Methods The readouts were clinical outcomes, CAP-18 expression in mucosa of colon, rectum, lung and trachea (immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR) and release of the CAP-18 peptide/protein in stool (Western blot). Principal findings Significant downregulation of CAP-18 expression in the epithelia of rectum and colon, the site of Shigella infection was confirmed. Interestingly, reduced expression of CAP-18 was also noticed in the epithelia of lung and trachea, indicating a systemic effect of the infection. This suggests a causative link to acute respiratory infections during shigellosis. Oral treatment with PB resulted in reduced clinical illness and upregulation of CAP-18 in the epithelium of rectum. Both PB and NaB counteracted the downregulation of CAP-18 in lung epithelium. The drug effect is suggested to be systemic as intravenous administration of NaB could also upregulate CAP-18 in the epithelia of lung, rectum and colon. Conclusion Our results suggest that PB has treatment potential in human shigellosis. Enhancement of CAP-18 in the mucosal epithelia of the respiratory tract by PB or NaB is a novel discovery. This could mediate protection from secondary respiratory infections that frequently are the lethal causes in dysentery. PMID:21673991

Phosphate uptake by a kidney cell line (LLC-PK1).

PubMed

Rabito, C A

1983-07-01

The uptake of inorganic phosphate was studied in an epithelial cell line of renal origin. Phosphate was accumulated through a mechanism with several features of a carrier-mediated process. The influx was accounted for by a saturable Na+-dependent and a nonsaturable Na+-independent process. Kinetic analysis at pH 6.6 and 7.4 suggests that the dibasic form of phosphate is the form transported by the saturable Na+-dependent system. The presence of Na+ in the incubation medium increased Vmax without affecting Km. Arsenate competitively inhibited the Na+-dependent phosphate transport with a Ki of 1.2 mM at 140 mM Na+ and pH 7.4. Other known inhibitors of phosphate reabsorption in the proximal tubule also inhibited phosphate transport by this cell line. Uptake studies from either side of the monolayers indicated that this transport system is preferentially located in the apical membrane of the cultured renal cells. These results show a close similarity between the Na+-dependent phosphate transport system in LLC-PK1 cells and the system present in the apical membrane of the proximal tubular cells.

Performance characteristics of dedicated molecular breast imaging systems at low doses

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

Long, Zaiyang; Conners, Amy L.; Hunt, Katie N.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the system performance characteristics and lesion detection capability of two molecular breast imaging (MBI) systems: a multicrystal sodium iodide (NaI)-based single-head system and a cadmium zinc telluride (CZT)-based dual-head system at low administered doses (150–300 MBq) of Tc-99m sestamibi. Methods: System performance characteristics including count sensitivity, uniformity, energy resolution, and spatial resolution were measured using standard NEMA methods, or a modified version thereof in cases where the standard NEMA protocol could not be applied. A contrast-detail phantom with 48 lesions at varying depths from the collimator surface was used to assessmore » lesion contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) using background count densities comparable to those observed in patient studies performed with administered doses of 150 MBq Tc-99m sestamibi. Lesions with CNR >3 were deemed to be detectable. Thirty patients undergoing MBI examinations with administered doses of 150–300 MBq were scanned for an additional view on the pixelated NaI system. CNR was calculated for lesions observed on patient images. Background count densities of patient images were measured and compared between the two systems. Results: Over the central field of view, integral and differential uniformity were 6.1% and 4.2%, respectively, for the pixelated NaI system, and 3.8% and 2.7%, respectively, for the CZT system. Count sensitivity was 10.8 kcts/min/MBq for the NaI system and 32.9 kcts/min/MBq for the CZT system. Energy resolution was 13.5% on the pixelated NaI system and 4.5% on the CZT system. Spatial resolution (full-width at half-maximum) for the pixelated NaI detector was 4.2 mm at a distance of 1.2 cm from the collimator and 5.2 mm at 3.1 cm. Spatial resolution of a single CZT detector was 2.9 mm at a distance of 1.2 cm from the collimator and 4.7 mm at 3.1 cm. Effective spatial resolution obtained with dual-head CZT was below 4.7 mm throughout a simulated breast thickness of 6 cm. From contrast-detail phantom images of lesions at distances of 1.5–4.5 cm from the collimator face, the CZT system detected 124 of 144 (86%) of lesions compared to 97 of 144 (67%) with the NaI system. In patient studies, from comparison of the same view with both systems, a total of 7 breast lesions were identified on CZT system in seven patients, and 4 of 7 (57%) were detected on NaI system. Patient image background count densities on the CZT system were on average 3.4 times higher than those on the NaI system. Conclusions: The CZT system demonstrated better uniformity, count sensitivity, spatial resolution, energy resolution, and lesion detection in phantom and patient studies compared to the NaI system. At administered doses of 150–300 MBq Tc-99m sestamibi, patient results obtained with CZT systems may not be directly translatable to NaI systems.« less

Intrinsic Noise Analyzer: A Software Package for the Exploration of Stochastic Biochemical Kinetics Using the System Size Expansion

PubMed Central

Grima, Ramon

2012-01-01

The accepted stochastic descriptions of biochemical dynamics under well-mixed conditions are given by the Chemical Master Equation and the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm, which are equivalent. The latter is a Monte-Carlo method, which, despite enjoying broad availability in a large number of existing software packages, is computationally expensive due to the huge amounts of ensemble averaging required for obtaining accurate statistical information. The former is a set of coupled differential-difference equations for the probability of the system being in any one of the possible mesoscopic states; these equations are typically computationally intractable because of the inherently large state space. Here we introduce the software package intrinsic Noise Analyzer (iNA), which allows for systematic analysis of stochastic biochemical kinetics by means of van Kampen’s system size expansion of the Chemical Master Equation. iNA is platform independent and supports the popular SBML format natively. The present implementation is the first to adopt a complementary approach that combines state-of-the-art analysis tools using the computer algebra system Ginac with traditional methods of stochastic simulation. iNA integrates two approximation methods based on the system size expansion, the Linear Noise Approximation and effective mesoscopic rate equations, which to-date have not been available to non-expert users, into an easy-to-use graphical user interface. In particular, the present methods allow for quick approximate analysis of time-dependent mean concentrations, variances, covariances and correlations coefficients, which typically outperforms stochastic simulations. These analytical tools are complemented by automated multi-core stochastic simulations with direct statistical evaluation and visualization. We showcase iNA’s performance by using it to explore the stochastic properties of cooperative and non-cooperative enzyme kinetics and a gene network associated with circadian rhythms. The software iNA is freely available as executable binaries for Linux, MacOSX and Microsoft Windows, as well as the full source code under an open source license. PMID:22723865

ARSENIC DETERMINATION IN SALINE WATERS UTILIZING A TUBULAR MEMBRANE AS A GAS-LIQUID SEPATRATOR FOR HYDRIDE GENERATION INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY

EPA Science Inventory

A tubular silicone rubber membrane is evaluated as a gas-liquid separator for the determination of arsenic in saline waters via HG-ICP-MS. The system was optimized in terms of NaBH and HCI concentrations. The intermediate gas and carrier gas were optimized in terms of sensitiity ...

Concentration dependence of Li+/Na+ diffusion in manganese hexacyanoferrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takachi, Masamitsu; Fukuzumi, Yuya; Moritomo, Yutaka

2016-06-01

Manganese hexacyanoferrates (Mn-HCFs) with a jungle-gym-type structure are promising cathode materials for Li+/Na+ secondary batteries (LIBs/SIBs). Here, we investigated the diffusion constants D Li/D Na of Li+/Na+ against the Li+/Na+ concentration x Na/x Li and temperature (T) of A 1.32Mn[Fe(CN)6]0.833.6H2O (A = Li and Na). We evaluated the activation energy E\\text{a}\\text{Li}/E\\text{a}\\text{Na} of D Li/D Na against x Na/x Li. We found that E\\text{a}\\text{Na} steeply increases with x Na from 0.41 eV at x Na = 0.69 to 0.7 eV at 1.1. The increase in E\\text{a}\\text{Na} is ascribed to the occupancy effect of the Na+ site. The increase in E\\text{a}\\text{Li} is suppressed, probably because the number of Li+ sites is three times that of Na+ sites.

Effect of sodium hypochlorite irrigation with or without surfactants on the bond strength of an epoxy-based sealer to dentin.

PubMed

Guneser, Mehmet Burak; Arslan, Dilara; Dincer, Asiye Nur; Er, Gamze

2017-05-01

This study evaluated the effect of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation with or without surfactants on the bond strength of an epoxy-based sealer to the root canal dentin. Eighty decoronated single-rooted human mandibular premolars were instrumented using the rotary system. The roots were subsequently rinsed with 5 ml 17 % EDTA for 1 min and then randomly divided into 3 test groups (n = 20) and 1 control group (n = 20) according to the type of irrigation with experimental 5 % NaOCl (Wizard, RehberKimya, Istanbul, Turkey) solutions: Group 1: NaOCl-0.1 % benzalkonium chloride; Group 2: NaOCl-0.1 % Tween 80; Group 3: NaOCl-0.1 % Triton X-100; control group: NaOCl without any surfactants. Five samples from each group were prepared for scanning electron microscopy to examine the surface of root canal dentin. The 15 samples remaining in each group were obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus (Dentsply DeTrey GmbH, Konstanz, Germany) using the cold lateral compaction technique. A push-out test was used to measure the bond strength between the sealer and root canal dentin. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests (P = 0.05). The NaOCl-0.1 % Triton X-100 group demonstrated the highest mean bond-strength values in all root thirds among the groups (P < 0.05). However, the bond strength of the sealer in the NaOCl-0.1 % benzalkonium chloride and NaOCl-0.1 % Tween 80 groups did not differ from that in the control group (P > 0.05). Additionally, the bond-strength values decreased in the corono-apical direction for all groups (P < 0.05). NaOCl solution with Triton X-100 can provide higher bond strength of the epoxy resin-based sealer to root dentin compared to NaOCl solution wiithout any surfactant. The bond strength of sealer to dentin can be improved by the addition of the surfactants to NaOCl solution.

Concepts for the Development of a Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation System for Rigid Airfield Pavements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-01

Aplications 19. ABTRACT (Continue on reverg if necemar and identify by block, number) This technical report develops a complete system for nondestructive...life of rigid airfield pavements. .04-. V UNLSSFED _ IRCURfTY LA MntP A’rION O THIIS PAGE NA PREFACE This report was submitted as a doctoral thesis to...Engineering and Services Laboratory, Tyndall AFB, Florida 32403. t This thesis is being published in its original format by this laboratory because

MANPRINT Evaluation of the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle-Heavy Variant (HMMWV-HV)

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-02-01

gap between brake and gas pedal . Knee hits throttle control. Metal below seat hits back of calf muscle. Visibility Is the driver’s visibility adequate...24, No - 0, NA - 0] Gas pedal : 79. Parked? [Yes - 24, No - 0, NA - 0] 80. Primary and Secondary roads? [Yes - 24, No - 0, NA - 0] 81. Cross-country...Yes - 24, No - 0, NA - 0] 89 Brake pedal : 82. Parked? [Yes - 24, No - 0, NA - 0] 83. Primary and Secondary roads? [Yes - 24, No - 0, NA - 0] 84

Energetics of Na + Transport through the Electrode/Cathode Interface in Single Solvent Electrolytes

DOE PAGES

Browning, Katie L.; Sacci, Robert L.; Veith, Gabriel M.

2017-01-27

Here, the activation energy of desolvation for Na-ion electrolyte systems were studied using temperature dependent electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Propylene carbonate (PC) and tetraglyme were chosen as solvents in single solvent electrolyte solution coupled with NaClO 4, NaPF 6, NaAsF 6, NaBF 4, and NaOFt salts. The results demonstrate the insertion and desolvation processes are extremely fast at or above room temperature. The data shows under optimal salt chemistry the desolvation activation energy is less than 21 kJ/mole. This is in contrast to the ~50 kJ/mole measured for analogous Li systems. The dominant factor affecting performance was the anion. Indeed,more » anions with lower donor numbers (PF 6 –, AsF 6 –) had more than 30 kJ/mole lower desolvation energies than species like NaBF 4 and NaOFt.« less

Changes in acetylcholinesterase, Na+,K+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase activities in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of hyper- and hypothyroid adult rats.

PubMed

Carageorgiou, Haris; Pantos, Constantinos; Zarros, Apostolos; Stolakis, Vasileios; Mourouzis, Iordanis; Cokkinos, Dennis; Tsakiris, Stylianos

2007-08-01

The thyroid hormones (THs) are crucial determinants of normal development and metabolism, especially in the central nervous system. The metabolic rate is known to increase in hyperthyroidism and decrease in hypothyroidism. The aim of this work was to investigate how changes in metabolism induced by THs could affect the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na+,K+)- and Mg2+-adenosinetriphosphatase (ATPase) in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of adult rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by subcutaneous administration of thyroxine (25 microg/100 g body weight) once daily for 14 days, and hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of propylthiouracil (0.05%) for 21 days. All enzyme activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically in the homogenated brain regions of 10 three-animal pools. A region-specific behavior was observed concerning the examined enzyme activities in hyper- and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, AChE activity was significantly increased only in the hippocampus (+22%), whereas Na+,K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in the hyperthyroid rat hippocampus (-47%) and remained unchanged in the frontal cortex. In hypothyroidism, AChE activity was significantly decreased in the frontal cortex (-23%) and increased in the hippocampus (+21%). Na+,K+-ATPase activity was significantly decreased in both the frontal cortex (-35%) and the hippocampus (-43%) of hypothyroid rats. Mg2+-ATPase remained unchanged in the regions of both hyper- and hypothyroid rat brains. Our data revealed that THs affect the examined adult rat brain parameters in a region- and state-specific way. The TH-reduced Na+,K+-ATPase activity may increase the synaptic acetylcholine release and, thus, modulate AChE activity. Moreover, the above TH-induced changes may affect the monoamine neurotransmitter systems in the examined brain regions.

Fibromyalgia: anti-inflammatory and stress responses after acute moderate exercise.

PubMed

Bote, Maria Elena; Garcia, Juan Jose; Hinchado, Maria Dolores; Ortega, Eduardo

2013-01-01

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized in part by an elevated inflammatory status, and "modified exercise" is currently proposed as being a good therapeutic help for these patients. However, the mechanisms involved in the exercise-induced benefits are still poorly understood. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a single bout of moderate cycling (45 min at 55% VO2 max) on the inflammatory (serum IL-8; chemotaxis and O2 (-) production by neutrophils; and IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-18 release by monocytes) and stress (cortisol; NA; and eHsp72) responses in women diagnosed with FM compared with an aged-matched control group of healthy women (HW). IL-8, NA, and eHsp72 were determined by ELISA. Cytokines released by monocytes were determined by Bio-Plex® system (LUMINEX). Cortisol was determined by electrochemoluminiscence, chemotaxis was evaluated in Boyden chambers and O2 (-) production by NBT reduction. In the FM patients, the exercise induced a decrease in the systemic concentration of IL-8, cortisol, NA, and eHsp72; as well as in the neutrophil's chemotaxis and O2 (-) production and in the inflammatory cytokine release by monocytes. This was contrary to the completely expected exercise-induced increase in all those biomarkers in HW. In conclusion, single sessions of moderate cycling can improve the inflammatory status in FM patients, reaching values close to the situation of aged-matched HW at their basal status. The neuroendocrine mechanism seems to be an exercise-induced decrease in the stress response of these patients.

Evaluation of standardized Bacopa monniera extract in sodium fluoride-induced behavioural, biochemical, and histopathological alterations in mice.

PubMed

Balaji, Bhaskar; Kumar, Ekambaram Prem; Kumar, Anil

2015-01-01

Effect of standardized Bacopa monniera (BM; family: Scrophulariaceae) extract (100 and 300 mg/kg) against sodium fluoride (NaF; 100 and 200 ppm)-induced behavioural, biochemical, and neuropathological alterations in mice was evaluated. Akinesia, rotarod (motor coordination), forced swim test (depression), open field test (anxiety), transfer latency (memory), cholinesterase (ChE), and oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidation) were determined in mice treated with NaF for 30 days alone and in combination with BM. NaF induced motor incoordination, depression, and memory impairment, and these were prevented by coadministration of BM in mice. However, NaF did not alter the weight gain, feed/water consumption, and anxiety profile. Suppression of ChE levels and increased oxidative stress were observed in mice treated with NaF. Coadministration of BM significantly improved the memory, ChE levels, and antioxidant enzymes but failed to alter the fluoride levels in NaF-treated mice. Histopathological studies revealed that BM protected the neuropathological alterations induced by NaF. © The Author(s) 2012.

Use of Sodium Fluorescein in Meningioma Surgery Performed Under the YELLOW-560 nm Surgical Microscope Filter: Feasibility and Preliminary Results.

PubMed

Akçakaya, Mehmet Osman; Göker, Burcu; Kasımcan, Mustafa Ömür; Hamamcıoğlu, Mustafa Kemal; Kırış, Talat

2017-11-01

To evaluate the feasibility of sodium fluorescein (Na-Fl)-guided surgery involving the use of the PENTERO 900 surgical microscope equipped with the YELLOW-560 nm filter and low-dose Na-FL (200 mg/2-4 mg/kg) in meningioma surgery. The study included 30 patients with newly diagnosed or recurrent meningiomas who underwent Na-Fl-guided surgery between April 2015 and December 2016. Clinical features, surgical observations, extent of resection, and tumor histopathology were retrospectively analyzed. The Na-Fl enhancement pattern was assessed as "no enhancement," "diffuse homogenous enhancement," or "low heterogeneous enhancement." There were 30 meningiomas among the 30 patients. In 25 patients, Na-Fl was used for tumor demarcation, whereas in 5 patients, it was used for videoangiography. In this series, 88% of tumors showed diffuse homogeneous Na-Fl enhancement during the operation. The resection rate of the meningiomas was 87%. In 5 patients, in whom Na-Fl was used for videoangiography, the approach was useful to evaluate Na-Fl-stained vessels for patency and to understand their relationship with the tumor. No adverse events were encountered with regard to Na-Fl use. Na-Fl guidance with the use of the YELLOW-560 filter is safe and effective during meningioma surgery. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Elucidation of reaction mechanisms of Ni2SnP in Li-ion and Na-ion systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marino, C.; Dupré, N.; Villevieille, C.

2017-10-01

Electrochemical performance of Ni2SnP was assessed in Li-ion and Na-ion battery systems. When cycled versus Li, Ni2SnP exhibited a reversible specific charge of 700 mAh.g-1 (theoretical specific charge: 742 mAh.g-1). In the Na system, the specific observed charge was ca. 200 mAh.g-1 (theoretical specific charge: 676 mAh.g-1). X-ray diffraction, Ni K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and 31P and 7Li/23Na nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were used to elucidate the electrochemical mechanisms in both systems. Versus Li, Ni2SnP undergoes a conversion reaction resulting in the extrusion of Ni and the alloying of Li-Sn and Li-P. On delithiation, the material partially recombines into a Sn- and Ni-deficient form. In the Na system, Ni2SnP reacts through the conversion of P into Na3P. These results indicate that the recombination of the pristine material (even partially) increases cycling stability.

Development and validation of the nasopharyngeal cancer scale among the system of quality of life instruments for cancer patients (QLICP-NA V2.0): combined classical test theory and generalizability theory.

PubMed

Wu, Jiayuan; Hu, Liren; Zhang, Gaohua; Liang, Qilian; Meng, Qiong; Wan, Chonghua

2016-08-01

This research was designed to develop a nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) scale based on quality of life (QOL) instruments for cancer patients (QLICP-NA). This scale was developed by using a modular approach and was evaluated by classical test and generalizability theories. Programmed decision procedures and theories on instrument development were applied to create QLICP-NA V2.0. A total of 121 NPC inpatients were assessed using QLICP-NA V2.0 to measure their QOL data from hospital admission until discharge. Scale validity, reliability, and responsiveness were evaluated by correlation, factor, parallel, multi-trait scaling, and t test analyses, as well as by generalizability (G) and decision (D) studies of the generalizability theory. Results of multi-trait scaling, correlation, factor, and parallel analyses indicated that QLICP-NA V2.0 exhibited good construct validity. The significant difference of QOL between the treated and untreated NPC patients indicated a good clinical validity of the questionnaire. The internal consistency (α) and test-retest reliability coefficients (intra-class correlations) of each domain, as well as the overall scale, were all >0.70. Ceiling effects were not found in all domains and most facets, except for common side effects (24.8 %) in the domain of common symptoms and side effects, tumor early symptoms (27.3 %) and therapeutic side effects (23.2 %) in specific domain, whereas floor effects did not exist in each domain/facet. The overall changes in the physical and social domains were significantly different between pre- and post-treatments with a moderate effective size (standard response mean) ranging from 0.21 to 0.27 (p < 0.05), but these changes were not obvious in the other domains, as well as in the overall scale. Scale reliability was further confirmed by G coefficients and index of dependability, with more exact variance components based on generalizability theory. QLICP-NA V2.0 exhibited reasonable degrees of validity, reliability, and responsiveness. However, this scale must be further improved before it can be used as a practical instrument to evaluate the QOL of NPC patients in China.

Desulfurization from Bauxite Water Slurry (BWS) Electrolysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, Xuzhong; Ge, Lan; Wang, Zhi; Zhuang, Siyuan; Wang, Yuhua; Ren, Lihui; Wang, Mingyong

2016-02-01

Feasibility of high-sulfur bauxite electrolysis desulfurization was examined using the electrochemical characterization, XRD, DTA, and FTIR. The cyclic voltammetry curves indicated that bauxite water slurry (BWS) electrolysis in NaOH system was controlled by diffusion. Additionally, the desulfurization effect of NaCl as the electrolyte was significantly better than that of NaOH as an electrolyte. As the stirring rate increased, the desulfurization ratio in NaCl system was not increased obviously, while the desulfurization ratio in NaOH system increased significantly, indicating further that electrolysis desulfurization in NaOH solution was controlled by diffusion. According to XRD, DTA, and FTIR analysis, the characteristic peaks of sulfur-containing phase in bauxite after electrolysis weakened or disappeared, indicating that the pyrite in bauxite was removed from electrolysis. Finally, the electrolytic desulfurization technology of bauxite was proposed based on the characteristics of BWS electrolysis.

Electrochemical remediation of amoxicillin: Detoxification and reduction of antimicrobial activity.

PubMed

Brito, Lara Barroso; Garcia, Luane Ferreira; Caetano, Marcos Pereira; Lobón, Germán Sanz; Teles de Oliveira, Mayk; de Oliveira, Rhaul; Sapateiro Torres, Ieda Maria; Yepez, Alfonso; Vaz, Boniek Gontijo; Luque, Rafael; Grisolia, Cesar Koppe; Valadares, Marize Campos; de Souza Gil, Eric; Rodrigues de Oliveira, Gisele Augusto

2018-06-16

Amoxicillin (AMX) is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics around the world to treat and prevent several diseases in both human and veterinary medicine. Incomplete removal of AMX during wastewater treatment contributes to its presence in water bodies and drinking water. AMX is an emerging contaminant since its impact on the environment and human health remains uncertain. This contribution was aimed to evaluate the electrochemical oxidation (EO) of AMX using different anodes in tap water, NaCl or Na 2 SO 4 solutions and to evaluate the potential toxicity of remaining AMX and its by-products on zebrafish early-life stages. Chemical intermediates generated after EO were determined by mass spectrometry and their resulting antimicrobial activity was evaluated. AMX did not induce significant mortality in zebrafish during extended exposure but affected zebrafish development (increased body length) from 6.25 mg/L to 25 mg/L and inhibited enzymatic biomarkers. Carbon modified with titanium oxide (TiO 2 @C) anode achieved complete AMX removal in just a few minutes and efficiency of the supported electrolytes occurred in the following order: 0.1 M NaCl > 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4  > 0.01 M NaCl > tap water. The order of potential toxicity to zebrafish early life-stages related to lethal and sublethal effects was as follows: 0.1 M Na 2 SO 4 > 0.1 M NaCl >0.01 M NaCl = tap water. Additionally, the EO of AMX using TiO 2 @C electrode with 0.01 M NaCl was able to inhibit the antimicrobial activity of AMX, reducing the possibility of developing bacterial resistance. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Effect of fluoride sodium mouthwash solutions on cpTI: evaluation of physicochemical properties.

PubMed

Toniollo, Marcelo Bighetti; Galo, Rodrigo; Macedo, Ana Paula; Rodrigues, Renata Cristina Silveira; Ribeiro, Ricardo Faria; Mattos, Maria da Gloria Chiarello de

2012-01-01

The effects of fluoride, which is present in different oral hygiene products, deserve more investigation because little is known about their impact on the surface of titanium, which is largely used in Implantology. This study evaluated the surface of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) after exposure to different concentrations of sodium fluoride (NaF). The hypothesis tested in this study was that different concentrations of NaF applied at different time intervals can affect the titanium surface in different ways. The treatments resulted in the following groups: GA (control): immersion in distilled water; GB: immersion in 0.05% NaF for 3 min daily; GC: immersion in 0.2% NaF for 3 min daily; GD: immersion in 0.05% NaF for 3 min every 2 weeks; and GE: immersion in 0.2% NaF for 3 min every 2 weeks. The experiment lasted 60 days. Roughness was measured initially and every 15 days subsequently up to 60 days. After 60 days, corrosion analysis and anodic polarization were done. The samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The roughness data were analyzed by ANOVA and there was no significant difference among groups and among time intervals. The corrosion data (i(corr)) were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney test, and significant differences were found between GA and GC, GB and GC, GC and GD, GC and GE. SEM micrographs showed that the titanium surface exposed to NaF presented corrosion that varied with the different concentrations. This study suggests that the use of 0.05% NaF solution on cpTi is safe, whereas the 0.2% NaF solution should be carefully evaluated with regard to its daily use.

Na, Rb and Cs partitioning between metal, silicate and sulfide: Implications for volatile depletion in terrestrial planets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boujibar, A.; Fei, Y.; Du, Z.; Righter, K.; Bullock, E. S.

2017-12-01

Inner Solar System materials are known for their depletion in volatile elements, including the moderately volatile alkalis: Na, K, Rb, and Cs. The origin of this depletion is still uncertain, as several processes could have been involved, during the nebular condensation or planetary accretion. Volatile depletion is commonly estimated through comparison of alkali concentrations relatively to those of chondrites, assuming they remain in planetary mantles during core segregation. However, experimental studies show that substantial K can partition into metals that are enriched in sulfur and oxygen. Several models have also suggested that sulfides may have played an important role during episodes of sulfide segregation from a crystallizing magma ocean (sulfide matte) or accretion of S-rich planetary embryos. For Mercury, a sulfide layer could be present between core and mantle, due to immiscibility between Si-rich and S-rich metals. Therefore, here we investigate whether alkali elements (Na, Cs and Rb) could be partly sequestered in planetary cores during their differentiation. We conducted experiments at high pressure and temperature (1 to 5 GPa and up to 1900 °C) to determine partition coefficients of Na, Rb and Cs between metal and silicate. Our results show that pressure, temperature, sulfur and oxygen in metals enhance the partitioning of Na, Rb and Cs into metals, as previously found for K. For all three investigated alkalis (Na, Rb and Cs), we found a maximum partition coefficient of 1 between sulfides containing 13 wt% O and silicate melt. Therefore, S-rich cores or sulfide layers formed due to immiscibility in Fe-S-O systems could have acted as important geochemical reservoirs for alkali elements. Using our experimental data and different assumptions on initial bulk abundances, we evaluate volatile depletion in terrestrial planets, by comparing resulting mantle alkali concentrations after core segregation, with actual concentrations in the Earth's mantle.

Phase equilibria in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system at 873 K and crystal structure and physico-chemical characterizations of the new Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F fluorophosphate

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

Aboussatar, Mohamed; Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie de l’État Solide, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, BP 1171, 3000 Sfax; Mbarek, Aïcha

Isothermal sections of the diagram representing phase relationships in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system have been investigated by solid state reactions and powder X-ray diffraction. This phase diagram investigation confirms the polymorphism of the NaCdPO{sub 4} side component and the structure of the ß high temperature polymorph (orthorhombic, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=9.3118(2), b=7.0459(1), c=5.1849(1) Å has been refined. A new fluorophosphate, Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F, has been discovered and its crystal structure determined and refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. It exhibits a new 3D structure with orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=5.3731(1), b=6.8530(1),more » c=12.2691(2) Å. The structure is closely related to those of the high temperature polymorph of the nacaphite Na{sub 2}CaPO{sub 4}F and the fluorosilicate Ca{sub 2}NaSiO{sub 4}F but differs essentially in the cationic repartition since the structure is fully ordered with one Na site (8d) and one Cd site (4c). Relationships with other Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F (M{sup II}=Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) have been examined and the crystal-chemical and topographical analysis of these fluorophosphates is briefly reviewed. IR, Raman, optical and {sup 19}F, {sup 23}Na, {sup 31}P MAS NMR characterizations of Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: The structure of the compound Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F, discovered during the study of the phase relationships in the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system, has been determined and compared with other Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F fluorophosphates. - Highlights: • XRD analysis of the isothermal section of the NaF-CdO-NaPO{sub 3} system at 923 K. • Rietveld refinement of the high temperature polymorph β-NaCdPO{sub 4}. • Crystal structure of the new Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F fluorophosphate determined from powder XRD. • Crystal structure - composition relationships of Na{sub 2}M{sup II}PO{sub 4}F compounds are reviewed. • IR, Raman, optical and {sup 19}F, {sup 23}Na, {sup 31}P MAS NMR characterizations of Na{sub 2}CdPO{sub 4}F.« less

Characterizing and Exploring the Formation Mechanism of Salt Deposition by Reusing Advanced-softened, Silica-rich, Oilfield-produced Water (ASOW) in Superheated Steam Pipeline

PubMed Central

Dong, Bin; Xu, Ying; Lin, Senmin; Dai, Xiaohu

2015-01-01

To dispose of large volumes of oilfield-produced water, an environmentally friendly method that reuses advanced-softened, silica-rich, oilfield-produced water (ASOW) as feedwater was implemented via a 10-month pilot-scale test in oilfield. However, salt deposition detrimental to the efficiency and security of steam injection system was generated in superheated steam pipeline. To evaluate the method, the characteristics and formation mechanism of the deposition were explored. The silicon content and total hardness of the ASOW were 272.20 mg/L and 0.018 mg/L, respectively. Morphology and composition of the deposition were determined by scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Na2Si2O5, Na2CO3 and trace silanes were identified in the deposition. In addition, the solubility of the deposition was about 99%, suggesting that it is very different from traditional scaling. The results of a simulation experiment and thermal analysis system (TGA and TG-FTIR) proved that Na2CO3 and Si(OH)4 (gas) are involved in the formation of Na2Si2O5, which is ascribed mainly to the temperature difference between the superheated steam and the pipe wall. These findings provide an important reference for improving the reuse of ASOW and reducing its deposition. PMID:26608736

Sodium hydrosulfide induces systemic thermotolerance to strawberry plants through transcriptional regulation of heat shock proteins and aquaporin

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Temperature extremes represent an important limiting factor to plant growth and productivity. The present study evaluated the effect of hydroponic pretreatment of strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. ‘Camarosa’) roots with an H2S donor, sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS; 100 μM for 48 h), on the response of plants to acute heat shock treatment (42°C, 8 h). Results Heat stress-induced phenotypic damage was ameliorated in NaHS-pretreated plants, which managed to preserve higher maximum photochemical PSII quantum yields than stressed plants. Apparent mitigating effects of H2S pretreatment were registered regarding oxidative and nitrosative secondary stress, since malondialdehyde (MDA), H2O2 and nitric oxide (NO) were quantified in lower amounts than in heat-stressed plants. In addition, NaHS pretreatment preserved ascorbate/glutathione homeostasis, as evidenced by lower ASC and GSH pool redox disturbances and enhanced transcription of ASC (GDH) and GSH biosynthetic enzymes (GS, GCS), 8 h after heat stress imposition. Furthermore, NaHS root pretreatment resulted in induction of gene expression levels of an array of protective molecules, such as enzymatic antioxidants (cAPX, CAT, MnSOD, GR), heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP80, HSP90) and aquaporins (PIP). Conclusion Overall, we propose that H2S root pretreatment activates a coordinated network of heat shock defense-related pathways at a transcriptional level and systemically protects strawberry plants from heat shock-induced damage. PMID:24499299

Sodium-metal halide and sodium-air batteries.

PubMed

Ha, Seongmin; Kim, Jae-Kwang; Choi, Aram; Kim, Youngsik; Lee, Kyu Tae

2014-07-21

Impressive developments have been made in the past a few years toward the establishment of Na-ion batteries as next-generation energy-storage devices and replacements for Li-ion batteries. Na-based cells have attracted increasing attention owing to low production costs due to abundant sodium resources. However, applications of Na-ion batteries are limited to large-scale energy-storage systems because of their lower energy density compared to Li-ion batteries and their potential safety problems. Recently, Na-metal cells such as Na-metal halide and Na-air batteries have been considered to be promising for use in electric vehicles owing to good safety and high energy density, although less attention is focused on Na-metal cells than on Na-ion cells. This Minireview provides an overview of the fundamentals and recent progress in the fields of Na-metal halide and Na-air batteries, with the aim of providing a better understanding of new electrochemical systems. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A 100-kWt NaK-Cooled Space Reactor Concept for an Early-Flight Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poston, David I.

2003-01-01

A stainless-steel (SS) sodium-potassium (NaK) cooled reactor could potentially be the first step in utilizing fission technology in space. The sum of all system-level experience for liquid-metal-cooled space reactors has been with NaK, including the SNAP-10a, the only reactor ever launched by the US. This paper describes a 100-kWt NaK reactor, the NaK-100, which is designed to be developed with minimal technical risk. In additional to NaK technology heritage, the NaK-100 uses a proven fuel-form (SS/UO2) and is designed for simplified system integration and testing. The pins are placed within a solid SS prism, and the NaK flows in an annulus between the pins and the prism. The nuclear and thermal-hydraulic performance of the NaK-100 is presented, as well as the major differences between the NaK-100 and SNAP-10a.

Antimicrobial Activity of Photodynamic Therapy Against Enterococcus faecalis Before and After Reciprocating Instrumentation in Permanent Molars.

PubMed

Pinheiro, Sérgio Luiz; Azenha, Giuliana Rodrigues; Democh, Yasmin Marialva; Nunes, Daniela Camila; Provasi, Silvia; Fontanetti, Giovana Masiero; Duarte, Danilo Antônio; Fontana, Carlos Eduardo; da Silveira Bueno, Carlos Eduardo

2016-12-01

The present study sought to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus faecalis of photodynamic therapy applied before and after reciprocating instrumentation of permanent molars. Apical extrusion of debris can cause flare-ups due to introduction of bacteria into the periapical tissues. Eighteen mesial roots from permanent mandibular molars were selected. The crowns were removed to obtain a standard root length of 15 mm. The included mesial roots had an angulation of 10°-40° and canals with independent foramina. The orifice of each mesiolingual canal was sealed with light-curing resin, and the working length was established visually, 1 mm short of the apical foramen. The roots were rendered impermeable and sterilized, and the mesiobuccal canals were contaminated with a standard strain of E. faecalis for 21 days. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6): G1, photodynamic therapy performed before instrumentation and irrigation with 0.9% NaCl (saline) solution; G2, photodynamic therapy performed after instrumentation and irrigation with 0.9% NaCl; and G3 (control), instrumentation and irrigation with 2.5% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) solution. Canals were shaped with a WaveOne primary file (25.08) and irrigated with 0.9% NaCl. E. faecalis samples were collected before and after each procedure, and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests. Significant reductions in E. faecalis were observed when photodynamic therapy was performed before and after instrumentation of the root canal system (p < 0.05). Reciprocating instrumentation significantly reduced E. faecalis colonies in experimentally contaminated root canal systems (p < 0.05). Photodynamic therapy was effective in removing E. faecalis from the root canal system, whether performed before or after reciprocating instrumentation.

Integration of chemical scrubber with sodium hypochlorite and surfactant for removal of hydrocarbons in cooking oil fume.

PubMed

Cheng, Hsin-Han; Hsieh, Chu-Chin

2010-10-15

There are many types of technologies to control cooking oil fumes (COFs), but current typical technologies, such as electrostatic precipitator, conventional scrubber, catalyst, or condenser, are unable to efficiently remove the odorous materials present in COFs which are the primary cause of odor-complaint cases. There is also a lack of information about using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and surfactants to remove contaminants in COFs, and previous studies lack on-site investigations in restaurants. This study presents a chemical scrubber integrated with an automatic control system (ACS) to treat hydrocarbons (HCs) in COFs, and to monitor non-methane HCs (NMHC) and odor as indicators for its efficiency evaluation. The chemical scrubber effectively treats hydrophobic substances in COFs by combining surfactant and NaOCl under optimal operational conditions with NHMC removal efficiency as high as 85%. The mass transfer coefficient (K(L)a) of NMHC was enhanced by 50% under the NaOCl and surfactant conditions, as compared to typical wet scrubber. Further, this study establishes the fuzzy equations of the ACS, including the relationship between the removal efficiency and K(L)a, liquid/gas ratio, pH and C(NaOCl). 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Crystal growth, spectroscopic, DFT computational and third harmonic generation studies of nicotinic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thaya Kumari, C. Rathika; Nageshwari, M.; Raman, R. Ganapathi; Caroline, M. Lydia

2018-07-01

An organic centrosymmetric nicotinic acid (NA) single crystal has been grown employing slow evaporation method in water. NA crystallizes in monoclinic system with centric space group P21/C. The experimental and theoretical investigation includes vibrational spectra based on Hartree - Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) has been applied using different function at B3LYP level of theory using 6-311G++(d,p) basis set. The optical transparency of the title molecule was examined by TD- DFT analysis and for comparison basis experimental UV-Vis spectrum was recorded. The interaction of charge within the molecule was analyzed and the HOMO - LUMO energy gap was evaluated. The value of dipole moment, Mulliken charge and molecular electrostatic potential were estimated at the same level of theory. Also the first order hyper polarizability for NA was calculated. The dielectric behavior of the grown crystal was determined for few selected temperatures. The third order nonlinear response of NA has been examined using Z-scan technique and nonlinear susceptibility (χ3), nonlinear refraction (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β) has been calculated. The current results clearly indicate that the title compound is an excellent applicant in the domain of opto - electronic applications.

EPR and optical absorption studies of paramagnetic molecular ion (VO2+) in Lithium Sodium Acid Phthalate single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subbulakshmi, N.; Kumar, M. Saravana; Sheela, K. Juliet; Krishnan, S. Radha; Shanmugam, V. M.; Subramanian, P.

2017-12-01

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopic studies of VO2+ ions as paramagnetic impurity in Lithium Sodium Acid Phthalate (LiNaP) single crystal have been done at room temperature on X-Band microwave frequency. The lattice parameter values are obtained for the chosen system from Single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Among the number of hyperfine lines in the EPR spectra only two sets are reported from EPR data. The principal values of g and A tensors are evaluated for the two different VO2+ sites I and II. They possess the crystalline field around the VO2+ as orthorhombic. Site II VO2+ ion is identified as substitutional in place of Na1 location and the other site I is identified as interstitial location. For both sites in LiNaP, VO2+ are identified in octahedral coordination with tetragonal distortion as seen from the spin Hamiltonian parameter values. The ground state of vanadyl ion in the LiNaP single crystal is dxy. Using optical absorption data the octahedral and tetragonal parameters are calculated. By correlating EPR and optical data, the molecular orbital bonding parameters have been discussed for both sites.

Influence of Sulphur Impurities on the Interfacial Tension between Aluminium and Cryolite Alumina Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Korenko, Michal

2007-06-01

The interfacial tension (IFT) between aluminium and cryolite melts containing different salt additions (AlF3, NaF,Na2SO4) has been measured during electrolysis by the capillary depression method. The technique is based on the measurement of the capillary depression occurring when a capillary, which is moved vertically down through the molten salt layer, passes through the metal/salt interface. The depression is measured by simultaneous video recording of the immersion height of the alumina capillary. The interfacial tension is strongly dependent on the n(NaF)/n(AlF3) ratio. The addition of Na2SO4 decreases the IFT of the aluminium/electrolyte interface. We also found the different influence of the conditions of electrolysis on the IFT in systems with and without Na2SO4. In systems without Na2SO4 the IFT decreases with increasing current density, and in systems with Na2SO4 it increases.

Degradation of Remazol Red in batik dye waste water by contact glow discharge electrolysis method using NaOH and NaCl electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saksono, Nelson; Putri, Dita Amelia; Suminar, Dian Ratna

2017-03-01

Contact Glow Discharge Electrolysis (CGDE) method is one of Plasma Electrolysis technology which has been approved to degrade organic waste water because it is very productive in producing hydroxyl radical. This study aims to degrade Remazol Red by CGDE method and evaluate important parameters that have influent in degradation process of Remazol Red in Batik dye waste water in batch system. The kind of electrolyte (acid and base) and the addition of metal ion such as Fe2+ have affected Remazol Red degradation percentage. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectra were used to monitor the degradation process. The result of study showed that percentage degradation was 99.97% which obtained by using NaCl 0.02 M with addition Fe2+ 20 ppm, applied voltage 700 volt, anode depth 0.5 cm, initial concentration of Remazol Red 250 ppm and the temperature of solutions was maintained 50-60 ˚C.

[A critical analysis of the degree of care humanization in the Hospitals of the Provincia Romana San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (FBF)].

PubMed

Verginelli, Flavia; Gallo, Rosaria; Teti, Annalisa; Franco, Claudia; Piscioneri, Patrizia; Pimpinella, Giovanni; Fiore, Rosalia; Primavera, Angela; Sorrentino, Adriana; Guglielmucci, Giovanni; Venditti, Michele; Carbone, Alberto; Iannuzzo, Mariateresa; Seroni, Giampiero; Civello, Pietro; Cardarelli, Maria; Roberti, Giovanni

2018-01-01

In the Hospitals of the Ordine della Provincia Romana San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (FBF) (consisting of four hospitals located in three Italian regions) Patient Centeredness has always been considered a central point. In 2015, the Central Hospitals' Health Direction decided to use a check-list for the evaluation of the degree of Patient Centered Care Facilities, drawn up by the National Agency for Regional Health Services (Age.Na.S) during the 2010 Research Project "Experimentation and transfer of organizational empowerment models for evaluating and improving the quality of health services." The aim of the work was to measure the "Patient Centered Care degree" of the FBF structures by means of the Age.Na.S. check-list in order to identify effective and sustainable improvement measures, and to evaluate the applicability and the critical points of the questionnaire. The check-list was divided into four areas: care systems oriented at citizen's respect and centrality; physical accessibility, liveability and comfort of the places of care; access to information, simplification and transparency; care of the relationship with the patient and the citizen. The four areas were divided into 12 sub-areas, 29 criteria and 144 items with sub-items (248 questions), defined as quantitative or qualitative variables allowing for an evaluation of observed reality. Some items from different areas have been grouped into Focus and Operational Units (UU.OO./Facilities). The results of the Age.Na.S. study were used to compare the results obtained in the Roman Province FBF structures with the national ones. The Medical Directors and the responsible of FBF Quality Systems completed the cheek-list. A working group within the Central Hospitals' Health Direction analysed the data and processed the results, using the same scores provided by Age.Na.S.. The analysis of the results was divided into three levels. Focus and UU.OO./Facilities scores were calculated based on Age.Na.S. The distinction into three levels of analysis allowed for a thorough study of results, from the evaluation of the areas to the items. By comparing the results, the overall final value (range 6-6.5) and single area scores are close to the national average for beds number category in all the FBF hospitals. The most critical criteria, recurring in different levels are: 1.1.2 (Activities/projects to promote sociability and continuity with the outside world); 3.2.3 (Content and accessibility of the website); 4.1.2 (Training and support to the staff for the care of the relationship with the patient) and 4.2.3 (Training of the front-office staff), which had a < 4 score in at least three hospitals and generally achieve a value below the national average (level II and III of analysis). The analysis was extremely useful for detecting positive and negative aspects in the structures under examination. It also permitted to plan improvement measures based on set priorities and objective criteria, aimed at enforcing organizational empowerment models for improving the quality of patient-focused health services. However, during the compilation we found difficulties related to the applicability of the questionnaire. Indeed some questions, while having the same impact on the overall score, are less relevant, considering the patient centrality as main aim. It would be desirable that Age.Na.S. considers in a future survey the observations from hospitals joining previous investigations, in order to facilitate the use of the questionnaire and to improve this tool, which proved to be highly effective.

Adjustment of the ratio of Ca/P in the ceramic coating on Mg alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhongping; Li, Liangliang; Jiang, Zhaohua

2009-04-01

The ceramic coatings containing Ca and P were prepared on AZ91D Mg alloy by plasma electrolytic oxidation technique in NaOH system and Na 2SiO 3 system, respectively. The phase composition, morphology and the element distribution of the coatings was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The corrosion resistance of the coatings was examined by polarizing curve methods in a 0.9% NaCl solution. In NaOH system, there were a large number of micro-holes distributing evenly on the surface of the coating, and the coating was mainly composed of Mg, Al, P and Ca. In Na 2SiO 3 system, the micro-holes in the coatings were reduced greatly in number and the distribution of the micro-holes was uneven, and the coating was mainly composed of Mg, Al, Si, P and Ca. The ratio of Ca/P in the coating can be controlled by the adjustment of the technique parameters to a certain extent. The adjustment of the concentration of Ca 2+ in the electrolyte was an effective method to change the ratio of Ca/P in the coating in both systems; the reaction time and the working voltage for the adjustment of the ratio of Ca/P in the coating was more suitable for the NaSi 2O 3 system than the NaOH system. The polarizing curve tests showed the coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the AZ91D Mg alloy in 0.9% NaCl solution by nearly two orders of magnitude.

[Results of endocrinologic studies of the 3d international crew of the scientific orbital station complex: Soyuz 29--Salyut 6--Soyuz 31 (joint space flight enterprise of the USSR--GDR). 1. Condition of the sympathico-adrenal system].

PubMed

Tigranjan, R A; Davydova, N A; Haase, H; Jarsumbeck, B; Chmel'kov, V P

1982-07-01

The present paper deals with the activity of the sympatho-adrenal system (SAS) in the third international crew of the scientific orbital station "Salyut-6" on the basis of catecholamines (CA) as well as of some of their primary stages and metabolites. Plasma adrenaline (A), noradrenaline (NA), and dopamine (DA) were determined on the 30th day before the flight and on the first day after landing. The parameters of A, NA, DA, DOPA, metanephrine (MN), and normetanephrine (NMN) as well as their conjugates were analysed in urine on day 30 and from days 5 to 1 before launching the spaceship and from days 0 to 5 after landing. Moreover, at the same occasions the urinary excretion of vanillilmandelic acid (VMA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) was measured. For a qualitative evaluation of the responses of SAS indices were computed providing information on the activity of the single links of CA metabolism. During the last five days before launching a gradual increase of A, NA, DA, and DOPA excretion with the urine was found in both the cosmonauts. The A/NA quotient rose to 360% in the commander and to 200% in the spacecraft engineer. The inactivation processes of A (MN/A) and NA (NMN/NA) were clearly reduced in both crew members before launching. The highest excretion of A, NA, DA and their conjugates as well as of DOPA was observed on the day of landing. The total results ascertained in the post-flight period indicate psychonerval strains experienced by the cosmonauts. However, marked stress reactions were not found. This conclusion is drawn on the basis of general criteria of the indices of CA metabolism during stress (increased secretory activity of SAS and excretion of free CA, synthesis activation, relative hypometabolism of conjugation). The rapid normalisation of the investigated parameters after the flight gave evidence of the cosmonauts' quick readaptation, which again is an expression of a high state of preparatory training.

Structure-composition trends in multicomponent borosilicate-based glasses deduced from molecular dynamics simulations with improved B-O and P-O force fields.

PubMed

Stevensson, Baltzar; Yu, Yang; Edén, Mattias

2018-03-28

We present a comprehensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of composition-structure trends in a set of 25 glasses of widely spanning compositions from the following four systems of increasing complexity: Na 2 O-B 2 O 3 , Na 2 O-B 2 O 3 -SiO 2 , Na 2 O-CaO-SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 , and Na 2 O-CaO-B 2 O 3 -SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 . The simulations involved new B-O and P-O potential parameters developed within the polarizable shell-model framework, thereby combining the beneficial features of an overall high accuracy and excellent transferability among different glass systems and compositions: this was confirmed by the good accordance with experimental data on the relative BO 3 /BO 4 populations in borate and boro(phospho)silicate networks, as well as with the orthophosphate fractions in bioactive (boro)phosphosilicate glasses, which is believed to strongly influence their bone-bonding properties. The bearing of the simulated melt-cooling rate on the borate/phosphate speciations is discussed. Each local {BO 3 , BO 4 , SiO 4 , PO 4 } coordination environment remained independent of the precise set of co-existing network formers, while all trends observed in bond-lengths/angles mainly reflected the glass-network polymerization, i.e., the relative amounts of bridging oxygen (BO) and non-bridging oxygen (NBO) species. The structural roles of the Na + /Ca 2+ cations were also probed, targeting their local coordination environments and their relative preferences to associate with the various borate, silicate, and phosphate moieties. We evaluate and discuss the common classification of alkali/alkaline-earth metal ions as charge-compensators of either BO 4 tetrahedra or NBO anions in borosilicate glasses, also encompassing the less explored NBO-rich regime: the Na + /Ca 2+ cations mainly associate with BO/NBO species of SiO 4 /BO 3 groups, with significant relative Na-BO 4 contacts only observed in B-rich glass networks devoid of NBO species, whereas NBO-rich glass networks also reveal substantial amounts of NBO-bearing BO 4 tetrahedra.

Physiological evidence for a sodium-dependent high-affinity phosphate and nitrate transport at the plasma membrane of leaf and root cells of Zostera marina L.

PubMed

Rubio, L; Linares-Rueda, A; García-Sánchez, M J; Fernández, J A

2005-02-01

Zostera marina L. is an angiosperm that grows in a medium in which inorganic phosphate (P(i)) and nitrate (NO(3)(-)) are present in micromolar concentrations and must be absorbed against a steep electrochemical potential gradient. The operation of a Na(+)-dependent NO(3)(-) transport was previously demonstrated in leaf cells of this plant, suggesting that other Na(+)-coupled systems could mediate the uptake of anions. To address this question, P(i) transport was studied in leaves and roots of Z. marina, as well as NO(3)(-) uptake in roots. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that micromolar concentrations of P(i) induced depolarizations of the plasma membrane of root cells. However, this effect was not observed in leaf cells. P(i)-induced depolarizations showed Michaelis-Menten kinetics (K(m)=1.5+/-0.6 microM P(i); D(max)=7.8+/-0.8 mV), and were not observed in the absence of Na(+). However, depolarizations were restored when Na(+) was resupplied. NO(3)(-) additions also evoked depolarizations of the plasma membrane of root cells only in the presence of Na(+). Both NO(3)(-)- and P(i)-induced depolarizations were accompanied by an increase in cytoplasmic Na(+) activity, detected by Na(+)-sensitive microelectrodes. P(i) net uptake (measured in depletion experiments) was stimulated by Na(+). These results strongly suggest that P(i) uptake in roots of Z. marina is mediated by a high-affinity Na(+)-dependent transport system. Both NO(3)(-) and P(i) transport systems exploit the steep inwardly directed electrochemical potential gradient for Na(+), considering the low cytoplasmic Na(+) activity (10.7+/-3.3 mM Na(+)) and the high external Na(+) concentration (500 mM Na(+)).

Psychological and Biological Validation of a Novel Digital Social Peer Evaluation Experiment (digi-SPEE).

PubMed

Menne-Lothmann, Claudia; Decoster, Jeroen; van Winkel, Ruud; Collip, Dina; Rutten, Bart P F; Delespaul, Philippe; De Hert, Marc; Derom, Catherine; Thiery, Evert; Jacobs, Nele; van Os, Jim; Wichers, Marieke

2017-03-01

Negative social evaluation is associated with psychopathology. Given the frequency of evaluation through increasingly prevalent virtual social networks, increased understanding of the effects of this social evaluation is urgently required. A new digital social peer evaluation experiment (digi-SPEE) was developed to mimic everyday online social interactions between peers. Participants received mildly negative feedback on their appearance, intelligence, and congeniality. Two hundred and forty-one young people [58.9% female, aged 18.9 years (15 to 34)] from an ongoing novel general population twin study participated in this study. Positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), implicit self-esteem, and cortisol were assessed before and after exposure to the social evaluation experiment. The social evaluation experiment decreased PA (B=-5.25, p<.001) and implicit self-esteem (B=-.19; p<.001), whereas it increased NA (B=5.99; p<.001) and cortisol levels (B=.07; p<.001). Females (PA: B=-7.62; p<.001; NA: B=8.28; p<.001) and participants with higher levels of general psychological distress (PA: B=-.04, p=.035; NA: B=.06; p=.028) showed stronger affective responses. Stressor-induced cortisol increase was stronger in adolescents under the age of 18 than in participants 18 years and older (B=-.06, p=.002). The digi-SPEE represents a social evaluation stressor that elicits biological and implicit and explicit mental changes that are relevant to mechanisms of psychopathology.

Phase Equilibria Study in the TeO2-Na2O-SiO2 System in Air Between 723 K (500 °C) and 1473 K (1200 °C)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santoso, Imam; Taskinen, Pekka

2016-08-01

Knowledge of phase equilibria in the TeO2-Na2O-SiO2 system at elevated temperatures is important for ceramic and glass industries and for improving the operation of the smelting process of tellurium-containing materials. A review of previous investigations has indicated, however, that there are omissions in the available datasets on the liquidus temperatures of the molten TeO2-Na2O-SiO2 mixtures. The employed experimental method included equilibration of mixtures made from high purity oxides, rapid quenching of the equilibrated samples in water and followed by compositional analysis of the phases using an electron probe X-ray microanalyzer. The liquidus and phase equilibria in the TeO2-SiO2, TeO2-Na2O, and SiO2-TeO2-Na2O systems have been studied for a wide range of compositions between 723 K (500 °C) and 1473 K (1200 °C) at TeO2, SiO2, and Na2SiO3 saturations. New data have been generated in the SiO2-TeO2-Na2O system at SiO2 saturation. The liquidus compositions in the TeO2-Na2O system at TeO2 saturation have been compared with the previous data and an assessed phase diagram.

Membrane crystallization of lysozyme: kinetic aspects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Profio, Gianluca Di; Curcio, Efrem; Cassetta, Alberto; Lamba, Doriano; Drioli, Enrico

2003-10-01

The relevant kinetic aspects related to an innovative method of biological macromolecules crystallization based on microporous hydrophobic membranes, used both as active surfaces to promote heterogeneous nucleation and as a mass-transfer apparatus to concentrate macromolecular solutions by solvent removal in vapour phase, have been evaluated. Polypropylene membranes, supplied in the form of hollow fibres, have been aligned in a versatile system, designed for an on-line spectrophotometric monitoring of hen egg white lysozyme crystallizing solutions (experimental conditions: 0.1 M NaAc/HAc Buffer pH 4.6, 0.5-5.8% wt/vol NaCl, 20°C). The turbidity measurements have been exploited in order to follow: (i) the induction time of crystallization, (ii) the early stage nucleation kinetics based on the Rayleigh scattering theory, and (iii) the crystal growth rate (coupled with data evaluated from image-analysis carried out by optical microscopy) under a model hypothesis of exponential growth of clusters. The crystals have been qualitatively assessed by an X-ray crystallographic analysis carried out at the synchrotron light laboratory ELETTRA.

High performance electrolytes for MCFC

DOEpatents

Kaun, Thomas D.; Roche, Michael F.

1999-01-01

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

Thermodynamic Study of Solid-Liquid Equilibrium in NaCl-NaBr-H2O System at 288.15 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dan; Meng, Ling-zong; Deng, Tian-long; Guo, Ya-fei; Fu, Qing-Tao

2018-06-01

The solubility data, composition of the solid solution and refractive indices of the NaCl-NaBr-H2O system at 288.15 K were studied with the isothermal equilibrium dissolution method. The solubility diagram and refractive index diagram of this system were plotted at 288.15 K. The solubility diagram consists of two crystallization zones for solid solution Na(Cl,Br) · 2H2O and Na(Cl,Br), one invariant points cosaturated with two solid solution and two univariant solubility isothermal curves. On the basis of Pitzer and Harvie-Weare (HW) chemical models, the composition equations and solubility equilibrium constant equations of the solid solutions at 288.15 K were acquired using the solubility data, the composition of solid solutions, and binary Pitzer parameters. The solubilities calculated using the new method combining the equations are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Effect of renin-angiotensin system on sodium intake.

PubMed Central

Chiaraviglio, E

1976-01-01

1. Water and saline intake was measured in rats depleted of Na by I.P. dialysis. Na intake was prevented 180 min but not 60-90 min after bilateral nephrectomy. Unilateral nephrectomy as well as ureteral ligature had no effect on Na intake. 2. Renin (3u.) injected I.P. re-established the Na appetite abolished by nephrectomy. 3. Angiotensin I (5 ng) or II (5-40 ng) injected into the 3rd ventricle, also restored the Na intake and this effect was dose-dependent. 4. The angiotensin converting-enzyme inhibitor Sq 20,881 (1 mg/kg) inhibited the effect of AI but not that of AII in restoring Na intake. 5. It is concluded that the kidneys might play a role in the regulation of Na intake through the renin-angiotensin system. PMID:1255521

Shape Memory Alloy Isolation Valves: Public Quad Chart

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-12

NUMBER (Include area code) 12 May 2017 Briefing Charts 12 April 2017 - 12 May 2017 Shape Memory Alloy Isolation Valves: Public Quad Chart William...Unclassified Unclassified Unclassified SAR 2 William Hargus N/A PAYOFF/TRANSITIONTECHNICAL APPROACH MOTIVATION APPLYING AFRL TO SUSTAINMENT • Evaluate...spacecraft (15+ yrs) • Shaped memory alloy isolation valves provide an intrinsically safe isolation system that increases lifetime >5x over SOTA and

Demand Forecasting: An Evaluation of DODs Accuracy Metric and Navys Procedures

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-01

inventory management improvement plan, mean of absolute scaled error, lead time adjusted squared error, forecast accuracy, benchmarking, naïve method...Manager JASA Journal of the American Statistical Association LASE Lead-time Adjusted Squared Error LCI Life Cycle Indicator MA Moving Average MAE...Mean Squared Error xvi NAVSUP Naval Supply Systems Command NDAA National Defense Authorization Act NIIN National Individual Identification Number

Entropy of mixing calculations for compound forming liquid alloys in the hard sphere system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, P.; Khanna, K. N.

1984-06-01

It is shown that the semi-empirical model proposed in a previous paper for the evaluation of the entropy of mixing of simple liquid metals alloys leads to accurate results for compound forming liquid alloys. The procedure is similar to that described for a regular solution. Numerical applications are made to NaGa, KPb and KT1 alloys.

The system Na2CO3-CaCO3 at 3 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podborodnikov, Ivan V.; Shatskiy, Anton; Arefiev, Anton V.; Rashchenko, Sergey V.; Chanyshev, Artem D.; Litasov, Konstantin D.

2018-04-01

It was suggested that alkali-alkaline earth carbonates may have a substantial role in petrological processes relevant to metasomatism and melting of the Earth's mantle. Because natrite, Na2CO3, Na-Ca carbonate (shortite and/or nyerereite), and calcite, CaCO3, have been recently reported from xenoliths of shallow mantle (110-115 km) origin, we performed experiments on phase relations in the system Na2CO3-CaCO3 at 3 GPa and 800-1300 °C. We found that the system has one intermediate compound, Na2Ca3(CO3)4, at 800 °C, and two intermediate compounds, Na2Ca(CO3)2 and Na2Ca3(CO3)4, at 850 °C. CaCO3 crystals recovered from experiments at 950 and 1000 °C are aragonite and calcite, respectively. Maximum solid solution of CaCO3 in Na2CO3 is 20 mol% at 850 °C. The Na-carbonate-Na2Ca(CO3)2 eutectic locates near 860 °C and 56 mol% Na2CO3. Na2Ca(CO3)2 melts incongruently near 880 °C to produce Na2Ca3(CO3)4 and a liquid containing about 51 mol% Na2CO3. Na2Ca3(CO3)4 disappears above 1000 °C via incongruent melting to calcite and a liquid containing about 43 mol% Na2CO3. At 1050 °C, the liquid, coexisting with Na-carbonate, contains 87 mol% Na2CO3. Na-carbonate remains solid up to 1150 °C and melts at 1200 °C. The Na2CO3 content in the liquid coexisting with calcite decreases to 15 mol% as temperature increases to 1300 °C. Considering the present and previous data, a range of the intermediate compounds on the liquidus of the Na2CO3-CaCO3 join changes as pressure increases in the following sequence: Na2Ca(CO3)2 (0.1 GPa) → Na2Ca(CO3)2, Na2Ca3(CO3)4 (3 GPa) → Na4Ca(CO3)3, Na2Ca3(CO3)4 (6 GPa). Thus, the Na2Ca(CO3)2 nyerereite stability field extends to the shallow mantle pressures. Consequently, findings of nyerereite among daughter phases in the melt inclusions in olivine from the sheared garnet peridotites are consistent with their mantle origin.

Genetic Diversity of Salt Tolerance in Miscanthus

PubMed Central

Chen, Chang-Lin; van der Schoot, Hanneke; Dehghan, Shiva; Alvim Kamei, Claire L.; Schwarz, Kai-Uwe; Meyer, Heike; Visser, Richard G. F.; van der Linden, C. Gerard

2017-01-01

Miscanthus is a woody rhizomatous C4 grass that can be used as a CO2 neutral biofuel resource. It has potential to grow in marginal areas such as saline soils, avoiding competition for arable lands with food crops. This study explored genetic diversity for salt tolerance in Miscanthus and discovered mechanisms and traits that can be used to improve the yield under salt stress. Seventy genotypes of Miscanthus (including 57 M. sinensis, 5 M. sacchariflorus, and 8 hybrids) were evaluated for salt tolerance under saline (150 mM NaCl) and normal growing conditions using a hydroponic system. Analyses of shoot growth traits and ion concentrations revealed the existence of large variation for salt tolerance in the genotypes. We identified genotypes with potential for high biomass production both under control and saline conditions that may be utilized for growth under marginal, saline conditions. Several relatively salt tolerant genotypes had clearly lower Na+ concentrations and showed relatively high K+/Na+ ratios in the shoots under salt stress, indicating that a Na+ exclusion mechanism was utilized to prevent Na+ accumulation in the leaves. Other genotypes showed limited reduction in leaf expansion and growth rate under saline conditions, which may be indicative of osmotic stress tolerance. The genotypes demonstrating potentially different salt tolerance mechanisms can serve as starting material for breeding programs aimed at improving salinity tolerance of Miscanthus. PMID:28261243

Fluoride loaded polymeric nanoparticles for dental delivery.

PubMed

Nguyen, Sanko; Escudero, Carlos; Sediqi, Nadia; Smistad, Gro; Hiorth, Marianne

2017-06-15

The overall aim of the present paper was to develop fluoride loaded nanoparticles based on the biopolymers chitosan, pectin, and alginate, for use in dental delivery. First, the preparation of nanoparticles in the presence of sodium fluoride (NaF) as the active ingredient by ionic gelation was investigated followed by an evaluation of their drug entrapment and release properties. Chitosan formed stable, spherical, and monodisperse nanoparticles in the presence of NaF and tripolyphoshate as the crosslinker, whereas alginate and pectin were not able to form any definite nanostructures in similar conditions. The fluoride loading capacity was found to be 33-113ppm, and the entrapment efficiency 3.6-6.2% for chitosan nanoparticles prepared in 0.2-0.4% (w/w) NaF, respectively. A steady increase in the fluoride release was observed for chitosan nanoparticles prepared in 0.2% NaF both in pH5 and 7 until it reached a maximum at time point 4h and maintained at this level for at least 24h. Similar profiles were observed for formulations prepared in 0.4% NaF; however the fluoride was released at a higher level at pH5. The low concentration, but continuous delivery of fluoride from the chitosan nanoparticles, with possible expedited release in acidic environment, makes these formulations highly promising as dental delivery systems in the protection against caries development. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Time, Temperature, and Cationic Dependence of Alkali Activation of Slag: Insights from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Spectral Deconvolution.

PubMed

Dakhane, Akash; Madavarapu, Sateesh Babu; Marzke, Robert; Neithalath, Narayanan

2017-08-01

The use of waste/by-product materials, such as slag or fly ash, activated using alkaline agents to create binding materials for construction applications (in lieu of portland cement) is on the rise. The influence of activation parameters (SiO 2 to Na 2 O ratio or M s of the activator, Na 2 O to slag ratio or n, cation type K + or Na + ) on the process and extent of alkali activation of slag under ambient and elevated temperature curing, evaluated through spectroscopic techniques, is reported in this paper. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy along with a Fourier self-deconvolution method is used. The major spectral band of interest lies in the wavenumber range of ∼950 cm -1 , corresponding to the antisymmetric stretching vibration of Si-O-T (T = Si or Al) bonds. The variation in the spectra with time from 6 h to 28 days is attributed to the incorporation of Al in the gel structure and the enhancement in degree of polymerization of the gel. 29 Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is used to quantify the Al incorporation with time, which is found to be higher when Na silicate is used as the activator. The Si-O-T bond wavenumbers are also generally lower for the Na silicate activated systems.

Discovery of prenylated flavonoids with dual activity against influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae.

PubMed

Grienke, Ulrike; Richter, Martina; Walther, Elisabeth; Hoffmann, Anja; Kirchmair, Johannes; Makarov, Vadim; Nietzsche, Sandor; Schmidtke, Michaela; Rollinger, Judith M

2016-06-03

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is the primary target for influenza therapeutics. Severe complications are often related to secondary pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci), which also express NAs. Recently, a NA-mediated lethal synergism between influenza A viruses and pneumococci was described. Therefore, dual inhibitors of both viral and bacterial NAs are expected to be advantageous for the treatment of influenza. We investigated the traditional Chinese herbal drug sāng bái pí (mulberry root bark) as source for anti-infectives. Two prenylated flavonoid derivatives, sanggenon G (4) and sanggenol A (5) inhibited influenza A viral and pneumococcal NAs and, in contrast to the approved NA inhibitor oseltamivir, also planktonic growth and biofilm formation of pneumococci. Evaluation of 27 congeners of 5 revealed a correlation between the degree of prenylation and bioactivity. Abyssinone-V 4'-methyl ether (27) inhibited pneumococcal NA with IC50 = 2.18 μM, pneumococcal growth with MIC = 5.63 μM, and biofilm formation with MBIC = 4.21 μM, without harming lung epithelial cells. Compounds 5 and 27 also disrupt the synergism between influenza A virus and pneumococcal NA in vitro, hence functioning as dual-acting anti-infectives. The results warrant further studies on whether the observed disruption of this synergism is transferable to in vivo systems.

Discovery of prenylated flavonoids with dual activity against influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae

PubMed Central

Grienke, Ulrike; Richter, Martina; Walther, Elisabeth; Hoffmann, Anja; Kirchmair, Johannes; Makarov, Vadim; Nietzsche, Sandor; Schmidtke, Michaela; Rollinger, Judith M.

2016-01-01

Influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) is the primary target for influenza therapeutics. Severe complications are often related to secondary pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci), which also express NAs. Recently, a NA-mediated lethal synergism between influenza A viruses and pneumococci was described. Therefore, dual inhibitors of both viral and bacterial NAs are expected to be advantageous for the treatment of influenza. We investigated the traditional Chinese herbal drug sāng bái pí (mulberry root bark) as source for anti-infectives. Two prenylated flavonoid derivatives, sanggenon G (4) and sanggenol A (5) inhibited influenza A viral and pneumococcal NAs and, in contrast to the approved NA inhibitor oseltamivir, also planktonic growth and biofilm formation of pneumococci. Evaluation of 27 congeners of 5 revealed a correlation between the degree of prenylation and bioactivity. Abyssinone-V 4′-methyl ether (27) inhibited pneumococcal NA with IC50 = 2.18 μM, pneumococcal growth with MIC = 5.63 μM, and biofilm formation with MBIC = 4.21 μM, without harming lung epithelial cells. Compounds 5 and 27 also disrupt the synergism between influenza A virus and pneumococcal NA in vitro, hence functioning as dual-acting anti-infectives. The results warrant further studies on whether the observed disruption of this synergism is transferable to in vivo systems. PMID:27257160

Evaluation of EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Caldwell, Gordon A.

1990-01-01

Currently, Hysol adhesive EA-934NA is used to bond the Field Joint Protection System on the Shuttle rocket motors at Kennedy Space Center. However, due to processing problems, an adhesive with a higher viscosity is needed to alleviate these difficulties. One possible solution is to add Cab-O-Sil to the current adhesive. The adhesive strength and bond strengths that can be obtained when 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil is added to adhesive EA-934NA are examined and tested over a range of test temperatures from -20 to 300 F. Tensile adhesion button and lap shear specimens were bonded to D6AC steel and uniaxial tensile specimens (testing for strength, initial tangent modulus, elongation and Poisson's ratio) were prepared using Hysol adhesive EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil added. These specimens were tested at -20, 20, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, and 300 F, respectively. Additional tensile adhesion button specimens bonding Rust-Oleum primed and painted D6AC steel to itself and to cork using adhesive EA-934NA with 2.5 percent Cab-O-Sil added were tested at 20, 75, 125, 200, and 300 F, respectively. Results generally show decreasing strength values with increasing test temperatures. The bond strengths obtained using cork as a substrate were totally dependent on the cohesive strength of the cork.

Field performance of a semi-continuous monitor for ambient PM2.5 water-soluble inorganic ions and gases at a suburban site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, Li-Hao; Li, Chiao-Hsin; Lin, Ming-Yeng; Hwang, Bing-Fang; Hsu, Hui-Tsung; Chen, Yu-Cheng; Jung, Chau-Ren; Chen, Kuan-Chi; Cheng, Dung-Hung; Wang, Ven-Shing; Chiang, Hung-Che; Tsai, Perng-Jy

2016-11-01

To reduce sampling artifacts and to improve time-resolved measurements of inorganic aerosol system, a recently commercialized semi-continuous In-situ Gas and Aerosol Composition (IGAC) monitoring system was evaluated against a reference annular denuder system (ADS; denuder/two-stage filter pack) at a suburban site over a year, during which the average PM2.5 was 37.0 ± 24.8 μg/m3. A suite of eight ions SO42-, NO3-, Cl-, NH4+, Na+, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ and two gases SO2 and NH3 were the target species. In comparison to the reference ADS method, the IGAC performed well in measuring the major ions SO42-, NO3- and NH4+, and the SO2. For those species, the linear slopes, intercepts and R2 values between the two methods all passed the performance evaluation criteria outlined by earlier similar studies. The performance of IGAC on Cl-, Na+, K+ and NH3 was marginally acceptable, whereas Ca2+ and Mg2+ could not be properly evaluated due to the low concentrations (<0.2 μg/m3) and hence inadequate amount of sample size. The ionic balance of the hourly IGAC samples averaged very close to unity, as did the daily ADS samples, though the former was considerably more variable than the latter. The overall performance of the IGAC has been shown to be comparable to other similar monitors and its improvements are discussed.

Nutritional Relationships in Schistosomiasis.

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-07-01

to presence of ou~bain, phlorizin, phloretin . 1lexose mediated accumulation is Na coupled. Accession For NTIS GREA&I DDC TAB Unannounced...mediat,!d system is apparently Na + dependent and sensitive to presence of ouabain, phlorizin, phloretin . Hexose mediated accumulation is Na+ coupled. i...decreased Na+, ouabain, phiorizin phloretin and other sugars. Studies with Na22 suggest that the accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose and Na+ were coupled

Novel duplex vapor-electrochemical method for silicon solar cells. [reaction of fluorine and silicon compounds with sodium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nanis, L.; Sanjurjo, A.; Sancier, K. M.; Bartlett, R.; Westphal, S.

1979-01-01

The dependence of the SiF4 Na reaction initiation time and of the efficiency of the reaction on Na particle size and reaction temperature were studied. Close to 100 percent utilization of Na was obtained, and formation of byproduct fluoro-silicate was decreased to below 10 percent. A SiF4 Na reactor was built to scale up the reaction by a factor of about four and is now being tested. A scaled up melting system was built and successfully used to separate Si from kilogram quantities of SiF4 NaF mixtures. Support studies of the volatilization of NaF performed in a smaller melting system indicated minimal loss of NaF as vapor at 1410 C. The wetting of graphite was also investigated to determine the constituents of the NaF phase which promote good wetting.

Phase relations in the system NaCl-KCl-H2O. III: Solubilities of halite in vapor-saturated liquids above 445°C and redetermination of phase equilibrium properties in the system NaCl-H2O to 1000°C and 1500 bars

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chou, I.-Ming

1987-01-01

Through use of these new halite solubility data and the data from synthetic fluid inclusions [formed by healing fractures in inclusion-free Brazilian quartz in the presence of two coexisting, immiscible NaCl-H2O fluids at various temperatures and pressures (Bodnar et al., 1985)], phase equilibria in the system NaCl-H2O have been redetermined to 1000°C and 1500 bars.

Phase Diagram of Quaternary System NaBr-KBr-CaBr2-H2O at 323 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Rui-Zhi; Wang, Wei; Yang, Lei; Sang, Shi-Hua

2018-03-01

The phase equilibria in the system NaBr-KBr-CaBr2-H2O at 323 K were studied using the isothermal dissolution equilibrium method. Using the experimental solubilities of salts data, phase diagram was constructed. The phase diagram have two invariant points, five univariant curves, and four crystallization fields. The equilibrium solid phases in the system are NaBr, NaBr · 2H2O, KBr, and CaBr2 · 4H2O. The solubilities of salts in the system at 323 K were calculated by Pitzer's equation. There is shown that the calculated solubilities agree well with experimental data.

Antibacterial Effects of Toothpastes Evaluated in an 
In Vitro Biofilm Model.

PubMed

Fernández, Eva; Sánchez, María Del Carmen; Llama-Palacios, Arancha; Sanz, Mariano; Herrera, David

To test the antibacterial effects of different toothpastes with the slurry method of toothpaste application in an in vitro oral biofilm model including relevant periodontal pathogens. Four commercially available toothpastes, two containing sodium fluoride (NaF) at different concentrations (1450 and 2500 ppm), two NaF with either triclosan or stannous fluoride, and a control phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) were used. Multispecies biofilms containing 6 species of oral bacteria were grown on hydroxyapatite disks for 72 h and then exposed for 2 min to the toothpaste slurries or phosphate buffer saline (PBS) by immersion, under continuous agitation at 37°C. Biofilms were then analysed by means of real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), combined with propidium monoazide (PMA). Statistical evaluation was performed using ANOVA and Student's t-test, with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The toothpastes containing NaF and stannous fluoride demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity for A. actinomycetencomitans, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum when compared to those containing NaF and triclosan, 1450 ppm NaF or 2500 ppm NaF in this multispecies biofilm model. The proposed model for the evaluation of toothpastes in the form of slurries detected significant differences in the antimicrobial effects among the tested NaF-containing toothpastes, with the stannous fluoride-based formulation achieving better results than the other formulations. The use of toothpaste as slurries and real-time PCR with PMA is an adequate method for comparing the in vitro antimicrobial effect of different toothpastes.

Effects of different lasers on organic/inorganic ratio of radicular dentin.

PubMed

Lopes, F C; Roperto, R; Akkus, A; Akkus, O; Souza-Gabriel, A E; Sousa-Neto, M D

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical stability of endodontic-treated root dentin after different laser irradiations through Raman spectroscopy. Fifty maxillary canines were selected and prepared with K3 system. Roots were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment: GI (water), GII (NaOCl + EDTA), GIII (NaOCl + EDTA + 980 nm Diode laser), GIV (NaOCl + EDTA+ 1064 nm Nd: YAG laser) and GV (NaOCl + EDTA+ 2780 nm Er,Cr: YSGG laser). Lasers were applied for 20 s. Samples were bisected, and the organic and inorganic content of dentin was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). None of the surface treatments alter the inorganic content (cts) (p = 0.183). Roots irradiated with Er,Cr: YSGG laser had a reduced collagen content (GV-290.7 ± 41.7) compared with the water-treated roots (GI-328.3 ± 63.5) and those treated with NaOCl + EDTA (GII-333.9 ± 55.8). Roots irradiated with Er,Cr: YSGG laser also showed a higher inorganic/organic ratio (GV-9.5 ± 1.1) than roots treated with water (GI-7.7 ± 1.5), NaOCl + EDTA (GII-8.0 ± 1.4) and diode laser (GIII-8.2 ± 1.6). Both organic and inorganic contents increased from cervical to apical thirds in all groups. None of the surface treatments were able to promote changes in the inorganic content of the root dentin; treatment with NaOCl + EDTA combined with Er,Cr: YSGG altered collagen.

Effectiveness of root canal debris removal using passive ultrasound irrigation with chlorhexidine digluconate or sodium hypochlorite individually or in combination as irrigants.

PubMed

Ferreira, Rafael Brandao; Marchesan, Melissa Andreia; Silva-Sousa, Yara Teresinha; Sousa-Neto, Manoel

2008-07-01

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cleaning capacity of different auxiliary chemical substances energized with ultrasound in radicular dentin using morphologic analysis. Twenty-eight single-canal, mandibular incisors were prepared with the Hero 642 canal preparation system following the sequence: 25/12, 30/06, 35/02, and 40/02, 1 mm from the apex. The specimens were then divided into four groups of seven teeth. During biomechanical preparation the teeth were irrigated with 2 ml of distilled water between files. Each group of specimens (n=7) received a final irrigation with 100 ml of the following irrigants that were activated with ultrasound for 3 minutes: Group 1- distilled water; Group 2- 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX); Group 3- 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); and Group 4-the filtrate obtained after combining 0.2% CHX and 2.5% NaOCl. The apical portions of the root canals from each group were then submitted to histological processing and analyzed using optical microscopy. Results showed statistical differences between the groups (p<0.01). Groups 1 and 2 (distilled water and 0.2% CHX respectively) were statistically similar in terms of a greater amount of debris, whereas 2.5% NaOCl and the filtrate were more efficient in removal of debris. There is no additional benefit in terms of debris removal from root canal walls by irrigating with the filtrate obtained from the combination of NaOCl and CHX when compared to using NaOCl alone. The findings of this study suggest the time and expense of preparing and using a combination of NaOCl and CHX is not warranted compared to using NaOCl alone for root canal irrigation.

Biodegradation of a surrogate naphthenic acid under denitrifying conditions.

PubMed

Gunawan, Yetty; Nemati, Mehdi; Dalai, Ajay

2014-03-15

Extraction of bitumen from the shallow oil sands generates extremely large volumes of waters contaminated by naphthenic acid which pose severe environmental and ecological risks. Aerobic biodegradation of NA in properly designed bioreactors has been investigated in our earlier works. In the present work, anoxic biodegradation of trans-4-methyl-1-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (trans-4MCHCA) coupled to denitrification was investigated as a potential ex situ approach for the treatment of oil sand process waters in bioreactors whereby excessive aeration cost could be eliminated, or as an in situ alternative for the treatment of these waters in anoxic stabilization ponds amended with nitrate. Using batch and continuous reactors (CSTR and biofilm), effects of NA concentration (100-750mgL(-1)), NA loading rate (up to 2607.9mgL(-1)h(-1)) and temperature (10-35°C) on biodegradation and denitrification processes were evaluated. In the batch system biodegradation of trans-4MCHCA coupled to denitrification occurred even at the highest concentration of 750mgL(-1). Consistent with the patterns reported for aerobic biodegradation, increase in initial concentration of NA led to higher biodegradation and denitrification rates and the optimum temperature was determined as 23-24°C. In the CSTR, NA removal and nitrate reduction rates passed through a maximum due to increases in NA loading rate. NA loading rate of 157.8mgL(-1)h(-1) at which maximum anoxic NA and nitrate removal rates (105.3mgL(-1)h(-1) and 144.5mgL(-1)h(-1), respectively) occurred was much higher than those reported for the aerobic alternative (NA loading and removal rates: 14.2 and 9.6mgL(-1)h(-1), respectively). In the anoxic biofilm reactor removal rates of NA and nitrate were dependent on NA loading rate in a linear fashion for the entire range of applied loading rates. The highest loading and removal rates for NA were 2607.9 and 2028.1mgL(-1)h(-1), respectively which were at least twofold higher than the values reported for the aerobic biofilm reactor. The highest nitrate removal rate coincided with maximum removal rate of NA and was 3164.7mgL(-1)h(-1). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Training Impact Analysis for Land Warrior Block II

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-01-01

maximum W... ... 384 384 instructor requirement - S~ Infantry OSUT STraining company size (25 training companies) NA NA 200•:• LW systems to equip all...Grenade, NA NA 10 M 18 Green SMK C-111 TACTICAL Low Expertise Medium Expertise High Expertise EMPLOYMENT Tasks/Skills Taught No Task Number...Practical Exercise of Tactical Employment on LW Capabilities (Leader Task) G945 Hand Grenade, NA NA 10 M18 Yellow SMK G950 Hand Grenade, NA NA 3 M18 Red SMK

Thermal Aspects of Future Spacecraft Thermal Management Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-01

eutectic salt ) (278 278) (168) (n-a n-a) (0.78 0.78) (2290 2290) (inexpensive))) (95.4 % NaNO3 - 4.6 % NaCl) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (297 297) (178) (n-a...n-a) (0.69 0.69) (2260 2260) (inexpensive))) (69.9 % CaC12 - 30.1 % NaCI) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (490 490) (233) (n-a n-a) (4 4) (2400 2400...inexpensive))) (46.2 % KC1 - 29.9 X CaCI2 -23.9 X NaCi) (inorganic eutectic salt ) (515 515) (265) (n-a n-a) (3.8 3.8) (2160 2160) (inexpensive))) (79

High performance electrolytes for MCFC

DOEpatents

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

1999-08-24

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

Quantification of Sodium (Na) in Bone with in Vivo Neutron Activation Analysis (IVNAA) and Its Implications on Na Retention Studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coyne, Mychaela

The locations of Na storage and its exchange mechanisms in different tissues in the body are not well known. This information is important for understanding the impact of Na intake, absorption, and retention on human health, especially on the risk of developing chronic diseases like hypertension. In order to non-invasively quantify Na in bone, a compact deuterium-deuterium (DD) neutron generator-based IVNAA system was developed for use in Na nutrition studies. This thesis will first discuss the optimization of the system using MCNP to maximize the thermal neutron flux inside the irradiation cave while limiting radiation exposure to the hand and the whole body. With optimized assembly in place, an animal study was conducted to investigate the storage and exchange of Na in the body. The right posterior legs of two live pigs, one on a low Na diet and one on a high Na diet, were irradiated inside the customized assembly and then measured with a 100% high efficiency high purity germanium detector (HPGe). The results show that the difference in concentration between the pigs on high vs low Na diets was distinguishable with the system. Analysis also shows rapid exchange of Na in the leg during the first 2 hour measurements (with an exchange decay time of 1.3 hours) while the exchange was minimal at the second and third 2 hour measurements, taken 7 and 21 hours post irradiation. With these results, we conclude there is a non or low exchangeable compartment (likely to be bone) for Na storage and that the DD neutron generator-based IVNAA is a useful method in Na nutrition studies.

A neural network potential energy surface for the NaH2 system and dynamics studies on the H(2S) + NaH(X1Σ+) → Na(2S) + H2(X1Σg+) reaction.

PubMed

Wang, Shufen; Yuan, Jiuchuang; Li, Huixing; Chen, Maodu

2017-08-02

In order to study the dynamics of the reaction H( 2 S) + NaH(X 1 Σ + ) → Na( 2 S) + H 2 (X 1 Σ g + ), a new potential energy surface (PES) for the ground state of the NaH 2 system is constructed based on 35 730 ab initio energy points. Using basis sets of quadruple zeta quality, multireference configuration interaction calculations with Davidson correction were carried out to obtain the ab initio energy points. The neural network method is used to fit the PES, and the root mean square error is very small (0.00639 eV). The bond lengths, dissociation energies, zero-point energies and spectroscopic constants of H 2 (X 1 Σ g + ) and NaH(X 1 Σ + ) obtained on the new NaH 2 PES are in good agreement with the experiment data. On the new PES, the reactant coordinate-based time-dependent wave packet method is applied to study the reaction dynamics of H( 2 S) + NaH(X 1 Σ + ) → Na( 2 S) + H 2 (X 1 Σ g + ), and the reaction probabilities, integral cross-sections (ICSs) and differential cross-sections (DCSs) are obtained. There is no threshold in the reaction due to the absence of an energy barrier on the minimum energy path. When the collision energy increases, the ICSs decrease from a high value at low collision energy. The DCS results show that the angular distribution of the product molecules tends to the forward direction. Compared with the LiH 2 system, the NaH 2 system has a larger mass and the PES has a larger well at the H-NaH configuration, which leads to a higher ICS value in the H( 2 S) + NaH(X 1 Σ + ) → Na( 2 S) + H 2 (X 1 Σ g + ) reaction. Because the H( 2 S) + NaH(X 1 Σ + ) → Na( 2 S) + H 2 (X 1 Σ g + ) reaction releases more energy, the product molecules can be excited to a higher vibrational state.

Comparison of L-serine uptake by human placental microvillous membrane vesicles and placental villous fragments.

PubMed

Brand, A P; Greenwood, S L; Glazier, J D; Bennett, E J; Godfrey, K M; Sibley, C P; Hanson, M A; Lewis, R M

2010-05-01

Both syncytiotrophoblast microvillous plasma membrane vesicles (MVM) and placental villous fragments are used to characterize the placental uptake of maternal substrate and to investigate changes in uptake associated with pathological conditions. However, the two techniques have not been directly compared. In this study uptake of (14)C-L-serine was compared in placental villous fragments and in MVM prepared from the same placentas. (14)C-L-serine uptake into MVM vesicles was mediated by System L and System A and smaller unidentified Na(+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent components. In villous fragments an unidentified Na(+)-dependent component mediated the majority of (14)C-L-serine uptake followed by System A and System L. The unidentified Na(+)-independent component of L-serine uptake was not detected in villous fragments. The ratio of System A activity to System L activity was similar in villous fragments and MVM vesicles. However, the unidentified Na(+)-dependent component in villous fragments was significantly higher than that in MVM vesicles. This indicates that the main differences in serine uptake mechanisms identified using the two techniques were not due to differences in System A and System L activity but to differences in the unidentified Na(+)-dependent component. This study suggests that uptake of L-serine into MVM vesicles and villous fragments via Systems A and L is comparable, but that this is not true for all components of L-serine uptake. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A system for activity recognition using multi-sensor fusion.

PubMed

Gao, Lei; Bourke, Alan K; Nelson, John

2011-01-01

This paper proposes a system for activity recognition using multi-sensor fusion. In this system, four sensors are attached to the waist, chest, thigh, and side of the body. In the study we present two solutions for factors that affect the activity recognition accuracy: the calibration drift and the sensor orientation changing. The datasets used to evaluate this system were collected from 8 subjects who were asked to perform 8 scripted normal activities of daily living (ADL), three times each. The Naïve Bayes classifier using multi-sensor fusion is adopted and achieves 70.88%-97.66% recognition accuracies for 1-4 sensors.

Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System: Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs?

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-29

Launching System: N/A Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs? 5b. GRANT NUMBER N/A 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER ’ N/A 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER Hartman...levitation (MAGLEV) trains. State-of-the-art systems make up the components of the system. There are several benefits the EIV1ALS has over the current...Do the Benefits Outweigh the Costs? SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL I:tJLFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF MILITARY STUDIES Author

Fluorosurfactant-capped gold nanoparticles-enhanced chemiluminescence from hydrogen peroxide-hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide-bicarbonate in presence of cobalt(II)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jinge; Li, Qianqian; Lu, Chao; Zhao, Lixia; Lin, Jin-Ming

2011-02-01

Nonionic fluorosurfactant (FSN)-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) remain excellently stable at a wider pH range and high ionic strength, which is useful to investigate some CL systems involved in high salt and a strict pH range. In this study, we utilized FSN-capped GNPs of different sizes to distinguish the emitting species from H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaOH and H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaHCO 3 systems. When the pH of FSN-capped gold colloidal solution was adjusted to 10.2 by dropwise addition of 0.05 M NaOH, the CL intensity of H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaHCO 3 system was enhanced 6-fold or 60-fold respectively in the presence of FSN-capped 14 nm or 69 nm GNPs with comparison to H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaOH. The variation of CL spectra and UV-vis spectra, as well as the quenching effect of reactive oxygen species scavengers were studied in detail to understand the CL enhancement mechanisms of FSN-capped GNPs on the two systems. For H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaOH system, the gold(I) complexes intermediate and singlet oxygen dimol species were proposed as the emitting species. The excited states of the carbon dioxide dimers and singlet oxygen dimol species were considered responsible for the light emission of H 2O 2-Co 2+-NaHCO 3 system. To our knowledge, this work is the first time to study the two CL systems simultaneously using nanoparticles.

Positive and Negative Affect Is Related to Experiencing Chest Pain During Exercise-Induced Myocardial Ischemia.

PubMed

Stébenne, Philippe; Bacon, Simon L; Austin, Anthony; Paine, Nicola J; Arsenault, André; Laurin, Catherine; Meloche, Bernard; Gordon, Jennifer; Dupuis, Jocelyn; Lavoie, Kim L

2017-05-01

Silent myocardial ischemia is thought to be associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes due to a lack of perception of pain cues that initiate treatment seeking. Negative affect (NA) has been associated with increased pain reporting and positive affect (PA) with decreased pain reporting, but these psychological factors have not been examined within the context of myocardial ischemia. This study evaluated the associations between PA, NA, and chest pain reporting in patients with and without ischemia during exercise testing. A total of 246 patients referred for myocardial perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography exercise stress testing completed the positive and negative affect schedule-expanded version, a measure of PA and NA. Presence of chest pain and myocardial ischemia were evaluated using standardized protocols. Logistic regression analyses revealed that for every 1-point increase in NA, there was a 13% higher chance for ischemic patients (odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.26) and an 11% higher chance in nonischemic patients (OR = 1.11; 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.19) to report chest pain. A significant interaction of PA and NA on chest pain reporting (β = 0.02; 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.031) was also observed; nonischemic patients with high NA and PA reported more chest pain (57%) versus patients with low NA and low PA (13%), with high NA and low PA (17%), and with high PA and low NA (7%). Patients who experience higher NA are more likely to report experiencing chest pain. In patients without ischemia, high NA and PA was also associated with a higher likelihood of reporting chest pain. Results suggest that high levels of PA as well as NA may increase the experience and/or reporting of chest pain.

Improved plutonium identification and characterization results with NaI(Tl) detector using ASEDRA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Detwiler, R.; Sjoden, G.; Baciak, J.; LaVigne, E.

2008-04-01

The ASEDRA algorithm (Advanced Synthetically Enhanced Detector Resolution Algorithm) is a tool developed at the University of Florida to synthetically enhance the resolved photopeaks derived from a characteristically poor resolution spectra collected at room temperature from scintillator crystal-photomultiplier detector, such as a NaI(Tl) system. This work reports on analysis of a side-by-side test comparing the identification capabilities of ASEDRA applied to a NaI(Tl) detector with HPGe results for a Plutonium Beryllium (PuBe) source containing approximately 47 year old weapons-grade plutonium (WGPu), a test case of real-world interest with a complex spectra including plutonium isotopes and 241Am decay products. The analysis included a comparison of photopeaks identified and photopeak energies between the ASEDRA and HPGe detector systems, and the known energies of the plutonium isotopes. ASEDRA's performance in peak area accuracy, also important in isotope identification as well as plutonium quality and age determination, was evaluated for key energy lines by comparing the observed relative ratios of peak areas, adjusted for efficiency and attenuation due to source shielding, to the predicted ratios from known energy line branching and source isotopics. The results show that ASEDRA has identified over 20 lines also found by the HPGe and directly correlated to WGPu energies.

Relationship between respiratory failure and plasma noradrenaline levels in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PubMed

Yamashita, A; Koike, Y; Takahashi, A; Hirayama, M; Murakami, N; Sobue, G

1997-08-01

We evaluated plasma noradrenaline (NA) levels at test and during head-up tilt test in 20 patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Their fasting plasma NA levels ranged from 195 to 4227 pg/ml. The average plasma NA level was 483 pg/ml in five ambulatory patients, 341 in two wheelchair-bound patients, 1264 in 11 bedridden patients, and 208 in two respirator-dependent patients whose disability grading was the worst among the four groups. Arterial carbon dioxide (PCO2) was evaluated as a measure of respiratory function. The coefficient of correlation between PCO2 and plasma NA was r = 0.654 (p < 0.01). Either respiratory failure or lower motor neuron dysfunction may relate to the elevation of plasma NA levels. In the two bedridden patients, plasma NA levels and heart rate at rest increased significantly as the disease progressed. Cardiovascular responses to head-up tilting were normal. These data suggest that the elevation of plasma NA levels may be related to progression of respiratory failure and lower motor neuron dysfunction. In conclusion, sympathetic hyperactivity in ALS is considered to be not primary, but secondary to somatic motor disabilities and respiratory failure.

Negative affective spillover from daily events predicts early response to cognitive therapy for depression.

PubMed

Cohen, Lawrence H; Gunthert, Kathleen C; Butler, Andrew C; Parrish, Brendt P; Wenze, Susan J; Beck, Judith S

2008-12-01

This study evaluated the predictive role of depressed outpatients' (N = 62) affective reactivity to daily stressors in their rates of improvement in cognitive therapy (CT). For 1 week before treatment, patients completed nightly electronic diaries that assessed daily stressors and negative affect (NA). The authors used multilevel modeling to compute each patient's within-day relationship between daily stressors and daily NA (within-day reactivity), as well as the relationship between daily stressors and next-day NA (next-day reactivity; affective spillover). In growth model analyses, the authors evaluated the predictive role of patients' NA reactivity in their early (Sessions 1-4) and late (Sessions 5-12) response to CT. Within-day NA reactivity did not predict early or late response to CT. However, next-day reactivity predicted early response to CT, such that patients who had greater NA spillover in response to negative events had a slower rate of symptom change during the first 4 sessions. Affective spillover did not influence later response to CT. The findings suggest that depressed patients who have difficulty bouncing back the next day from their NA reactions to a relative increase in daily negative events will respond less quickly to the early sessions of CT.

Intestinal transport: studies with isolated epithelial cells

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

Kimmich, G.A.

1979-12-01

Isolated intestinal epithelial cells have been extremely useful for characterizing the nature of intestinal absorption processes and for providing insight into the energetics of Na/sup +/-dependent transport systems. This report describes a number of experimental approaches which have been used for investigating the specific epithelial transport systems involved in sugar absorption, but provides information which ultimately should prove useful for characterizing a number of different intestinal transport events. Similar experiments should also prove useful for exploring the effect of environmental agents on the function of intestinal tissue. In the case of sugars, net absorption is accomplished via a mucosal, Na/supmore » +/-dependent concentrative transport system acting in sequence with a passive serosal system which does not require Na/sup +/. The serosal system limits the full gradient-forming capability of the muscosal system. Agents such as phloretin or cytochalasin B which inhibit serosal transport allow the cells to establish sugar gradients as high as 70 fold in contrast to 10 to 15 fold gradients observed for control cells. Sevety-fold sugar gradients cannot be explained in terms of the energy available in the electrochemical potential for Na/sup +/ if the Na/sub 2/: sugar coupling stoichiometry is 1:1 as commonly assumed. New information indicates that the true Na/sup +/:sugar stoichiometry is in fact 2:1. Flow of two Na/sup +/ ions per sugar molecule down the transmembrane electrochemical potential for Na/sup +/ provides more than sufficient energy to account for observed 70 fold sugar gradients. If flow of sugar by other routes could be completely inhibited, theoretical sugar gradients as high as 400 could be achieved assuming that the cells maintain a membrane potential of -36 mV as measured for intact tissue.« less

Purification of pectinase from mango (Mangifera indica L. cv. Chokanan) waste using an aqueous organic phase system: a potential low cost source of the enzyme.

PubMed

Amid, Mehrnoush; Abdul Manap, Mohd Yazid; Mustafa, Shuhaimi

2013-07-15

As a novel method of purification, an aqueous organic phase system (AOPS) was employed to purify pectinase from mango waste. The effect of different parameters, such as the alcohol concentration (ethanol, 1-propanol, and 2-propanol), the salt type and concentration (ammonium sulfate, potassium phosphate and sodium citrate), the feed stock crude load, the aqueous phase pH and NaCl concentration, were investigated in the recovery of pectinase from mango peel. The partition coefficient (K), selectivity (S), purification factor (PF) and yield (Y, %) were investigated in this study as important parameters for the evaluation of enzyme recovery. The desirable partition efficiency for pectinase purification was achieved in an AOPS of 19% (w/w) ethanol and 22% (w/w) potassium phosphate in the presence of 5% (w/w) NaCl at pH 7.0. Based on the system, the purification factor of pectinase was enhanced 11.7, with a high yield of 97.1%. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduction and conversion of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) by sulfide under simulated anaerobic conditions.

PubMed

Qiao, Hua; Wang, He-ling; Feng, Hua-jun; Yao, Jun; Shen, Dong-sheng; Tang, Zhi-jian

2010-07-15

To account for the fast disappearance of TNT in anaerobic fermentative liquid, we investigated TNT (TNT(0)=50 mg/L) reduction by Na(2)S at 30+/-1 degrees C in two types of buffer systems, a phosphate buffer (PB, system A) and a CH(3)COOH-NaHCO(3) buffer (system B). The effects of pH, sulfide concentration and buffer system on the conversion and reaction rate of TNT were investigated. The effect of different variables on the conversion of TNT decreased in the following order: Na(2)S concentration>pH>buffer system. A kinetics study showed that TNT reduction by Na(2)S occurred in two stages separated by a change point. The observed rate constants of the first stage K(obs-1) were 1 order of magnitude lower than those of the second stage. The TNT conversion rate increased and the time to reach the change point became shorter with increasing Na(2)S concentration and pH. A 5-fold increase in Na(2)S concentration above the theoretical stoichiometric concentration was optimum. Observed rate constants of the first stage K(obs-1) were proportional to the hydrosulfide ion concentration and the conversion rate of TNT was greater and faster in buffer system B than in system A. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The pump, the exchanger, and the holy spirit: origins and 40-year evolution of ideas about the ouabain-Na+ pump endocrine system.

PubMed

Blaustein, Mordecai P

2018-01-01

Two prescient 1953 publications set the stage for the elucidation of a novel endocrine system: Schatzmann's report that cardiotonic steroids (CTSs) are all Na + pump inhibitors, and Szent-Gyorgi's suggestion that there is an endogenous "missing screw" in heart failure that CTSs like digoxin may replace. In 1977 I postulated that an endogenous Na + pump inhibitor acts as a natriuretic hormone and simultaneously elevates blood pressure (BP) in salt-dependent hypertension. This hypothesis was based on the idea that excess renal salt retention promoted the secretion of a CTS-like hormone that inhibits renal Na + pumps and salt reabsorption. The hormone also inhibits arterial Na + pumps, elevates myocyte Na + and promotes Na/Ca exchanger-mediated Ca 2+ gain. This enhances vasoconstriction and arterial tone-the hallmark of hypertension. Here I describe how those ideas led to the discovery that the CTS-like hormone is endogenous ouabain (EO), a key factor in the pathogenesis of hypertension and heart failure. Seminal observations that underlie the still-emerging picture of the EO-Na + pump endocrine system in the physiology and pathophysiology of multiple organ systems are summarized. Milestones include: 1) cloning the Na + pump isoforms and physiological studies of mutated pumps in mice; 2) discovery that Na + pumps are also EO-triggered signaling molecules; 3) demonstration that ouabain, but not digoxin, is hypertensinogenic; 4) elucidation of EO's roles in kidney development and cardiovascular and renal physiology and pathophysiology; 5) discovery of "brain ouabain", a component of a novel hypothalamic neuromodulatory pathway; and 6) finding that EO and its brain receptors modulate behavior and learning.

Angiotensin 2 directly increases rabbit renal brush-border membrane sodium transport: Presence of local signal transduction system

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

Morduchowicz, G.A.; Sheikh-Hamad, D.; Dwyer, B.E.

1991-05-01

In the present study, the authors have examined the direct actions of angiotensin II (AII) in rabbit renal brush border membrane (BBM) where binding sites for AII exist. Addition of AII (10(-11)-10(-7) M) was found to stimulate 22Na+ uptake by the isolated BBM vesicles directly. All did not affect the Na(+)-dependent BBM glucose uptake, and the effect of AII on BBM 22Na+ uptake was inhibited by amiloride, suggesting the involvement of Na+/H+ exchange mechanism. BBM proton permeability as assessed by acridine orange quenching was not affected by AII, indicating the direct effect of AII on Na+/H+ antiport system. In searchmore » of the signal transduction mechanism, it was found that AII activated BBM phospholipase A2 (PLA) and that BBM contains a 42-kDa guanine nucleotide-binding regulatory protein (G-protein) that underwent pertussis toxin (PTX)-catalyzed ADP-ribosylation. Addition of GTP potentiated, while GDP-beta S or PTX abolished, the effects of AII on BBM PLA and 22Na+ uptake, suggesting the involvement of G-protein in AII's actions. On the other hand, inhibition of PLA by mepacrine prevented AII's effect on BBM 22Na+ uptake, and activation of PLA by mellitin or addition of arachidonic acid similarly enhanced BBM 22Na+ uptake, suggesting the role of PLA activation in mediating AII's effect on BBM 22Na+ uptake. In summary, results of the present study show a direct stimulatory effect of AII on BBM Na+/H+ antiport system, and suggest the presence of a local signal transduction system involving G-protein mediated PLA activation.« less

Effect of Collagen Matrix Saturation on the Surface Free Energy of Dentin using Different Agents.

PubMed

de Almeida, Leopoldina de Fátima Dantas; Souza, Samilly Evangelista; Sampaio, Aline Araújo; Cavalcanti, Yuri Wanderley; da Silva, Wander José; Del Bel Cur, Altair A; Hebling, Josimeri

2015-07-01

The surface free energy of conditioned-dentin is one of the factors that interfere with monomeric infiltration of the interfibrillar spaces. Saturation of the tooth matrix with different substances may modulate this energy and, consequently, the wettability of the dentin. To evaluate the influence of different substances used to saturate conditioned-dentin on surface free energy (SFE) of this substrate. Dentin blocks (4 × 7 × 1 mm, n = 6/ group), obtained from the roots of bovine incisors, were etched using phosphoric acid for 15 seconds, rinsed and gently dried. The surfaces were treated for 60 seconds with: ultra-purified water (H20-control); ethanol (EtOH), acetone (ACT), chlorhexidine (CHX), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); or sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The tooth surfaces were once again dried with absorbent paper and prepared for SFE evaluation using three standards: water, formamide and bromonaphthalene. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Dunnet's tests (a = 0.05) were applied to the data. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was the only substance that caused a change to the contact angle for the standards water and formamide, while only EtOH influenced the angles formed between formamide and the dentin surface. None of the substances exerted a significant effect for bromonaphtha-lene. In comparison to the control, only EDTA and NaOCl altered both polar components of the SFE. Total SFE was increased by saturation of the collagen matrix by EDTA and reduced when NaOCl was used. Saturation of the collagen matrix by EDTA and EtOH changed the surface free energy of the dentin. In addition, the use of NaOCl negatively interfered with the properties evaluated. The increase of surface free energy and wettability of the dentin surface would allow higher penetration of the the adhesive system, which would be of importance to the clinical success of resin-dentin union.

Evaluation of a Field-Portable DNA Microarray Platform and Nucleic Acid Amplification Strategies for the Detection of Arboviruses, Arthropods, and Bloodmeals

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-01-01

heparin was purchased from Innovative Research (Novi, MI). Goat and horse whole blood was provided by our Veterinary Medicine Division (USAMRIID, Fort...quinquefasciatus (10) BA House NA Human Culex Th9-0122 Ae. aegypti (1) BA House DENV-3 DNP Aedes Th9-0164 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (24) LT Farm JEV NA...Culex Th9-0167 Ae. albopictus (1) LT Farm NA NA Aedes Th9-0175 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (25) LT Farm JEV NA Culex Th9-0235 Cx. tritaeniorhynchus (25) BA

Central endogenous angiotensin-(1-7) protects against aldosterone/NaCl-induced hypertension in female rats.

PubMed

Xue, Baojian; Zhang, Zhongming; Johnson, Ralph F; Guo, Fang; Hay, Meredith; Johnson, Alan Kim

2013-09-01

In comparison to male rodents, females are protected against angiotensin (ANG) II- and aldosterone (Aldo)-induced hypertension. However, the mechanisms underlying this protective effect are not well understood. ANG-(1-7) is formed from ANG II by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and has an antihypertensive effect in the central nervous system (CNS). The present study tested the hypothesis that central ANG-(1-7) plays an important protective role in attenuating the development of Aldo/NaCl-hypertension in female rats. Systemic infusion of Aldo into intact female rats with 1% NaCl as their sole drinking fluid resulted in a slight increase in blood pressure (BP). Intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of A-779, an ANG-(1-7) receptor (Mas-R) antagonist, significantly augmented the pressor effects of Aldo/NaCl. In contrast, systemic Aldo/NaCl induced a significant increase in BP in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats, and central infusion of ANG-(1-7) significantly attenuated this Aldo/NaCl pressor effect. The inhibitory effect of ANG-(1-7) on the Aldo/NaCl pressor effect was abolished by concurrent infusion of A-779. RT-PCR analyses showed that there was a corresponding change in mRNA expression of several renin-angiotensin system components, estrogen receptors and an NADPH oxidase subunit in the lamina terminalis. Taken together these results suggest that female sex hormones regulate an antihypertensive axis of the brain renin-angiotensin system involving ACE2/ANG-(1-7)/Mas-R that plays an important counterregulatory role in protecting against the development of Aldo/NaCl-induced hypertension.

Pool boiler heat transport system for a 25 kWe advanced Stirling conversion system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, W. G.; Rosenfeld, J. H.; Saaski, E. L.; Noble, J.; Tower, L.

Experiments to determine alkali metal/enhanced surface combinations that have stable boiling at the temperatures and heat fluxes that occur in the Stirling engine are reported. Two enhanced surfaces and two alkali metal working fluids were evaluated. The enhanced surfaces were an EDM hole covered surface and a sintered-powder-metal porous layer surface. The working fluids tested were potassium and eutectic sodium-potasium alloy (NaK), both with and without undissolved noncondensible gas. Noncondensible gas (He and Xe) was added to the system to provide gas in the nucleation sites, preventing quenching of the sites. The experiments demonstrated the potential of an alkali metal pool boiler heat transport system for use in a solar-powered Stirling engine. The most favorable fluid/surface combination tested was NaK boiling on a -100 +140 mesh 304L stainless steel sintered porous layer with no undissolved noncondensible gas. This combination provided stable, high-performance boiling at the operating temperature of 700 C. Heat fluxes into the system ranged from 10 to 50 W/sq cm. The transition from free convection to nucleate boiling occurred at temperatures near 540 C. Based on these experiments, a pool boiler was designed for a full-scale 25-kWe Stirling system.

Pool boiler heat transport system for a 25 kWe advanced Stirling conversion system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, W. G.; Rosenfeld, J. H.; Saaski, E. L.; Noble, J.; Tower, L.

1990-01-01

Experiments to determine alkali metal/enhanced surface combinations that have stable boiling at the temperatures and heat fluxes that occur in the Stirling engine are reported. Two enhanced surfaces and two alkali metal working fluids were evaluated. The enhanced surfaces were an EDM hole covered surface and a sintered-powder-metal porous layer surface. The working fluids tested were potassium and eutectic sodium-potasium alloy (NaK), both with and without undissolved noncondensible gas. Noncondensible gas (He and Xe) was added to the system to provide gas in the nucleation sites, preventing quenching of the sites. The experiments demonstrated the potential of an alkali metal pool boiler heat transport system for use in a solar-powered Stirling engine. The most favorable fluid/surface combination tested was NaK boiling on a -100 +140 mesh 304L stainless steel sintered porous layer with no undissolved noncondensible gas. This combination provided stable, high-performance boiling at the operating temperature of 700 C. Heat fluxes into the system ranged from 10 to 50 W/sq cm. The transition from free convection to nucleate boiling occurred at temperatures near 540 C. Based on these experiments, a pool boiler was designed for a full-scale 25-kWe Stirling system.

Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser-Activated Sodium Hypochlorite Irrigation: A Promising Procedure for Minimally Invasive Endodontics.

PubMed

Cheng, Xiaogang; Tian, Tiantian; Tian, Yu; Xiang, Doudou; Qiu, Jun; Liu, Xiaohua; Yu, Qing

2017-12-01

This study was to evaluate the potential of Erbium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet laser-activated sodium hypochlorite irrigation (Er:YAG + NaOCl) for minimally invasive endodontics (MIE). Er:YAG laser irradiation can dramatically enhance the penetration of NaOCl, which may be a promising protocol for MIE. Extracted human teeth were contaminated with Enterococcus faecalis for 4 weeks. The infected canals were then shaped to different apical terminal working widths (ATWW, 15#/0.04, 20#/0.04, 25#/0.04, 30#/0.04, and 40#/0.04) and treated with either Er:YAG + NaOCl (0.3 W, 20 sec) or NaOCl alone. Then, the ATWW were fixed at 15#/0.04, and the canals were treated with Er:YAG + NaOCl at 0.3 W for 40 and 60 sec, or at 0.5 and 1.0 W for 20 sec. Finally, bacterial reductions were evaluated using the cell count method. Er:YAG + NaOCl showed a higher disinfection efficacy at each ATWW compared with NaOCl alone (p < 0.001). The maximum bacterial reduction was 99.9% for the 40#/Er:YAG + NaOCl group and 93.6% for the 40#/NaOCl group. To achieve similar disinfection efficacy, the Er:YAG + NaOCl group needed a smaller ATWW than the NaOCl group. At a fixed ATWW, increasing the output power of the Er:YAG laser was more effective than increasing the radiation time to improve the disinfection efficacy of Er:YAG + NaOCl. The 15#/Er:YAG + NaOCl group reached the maximum bacterial reduction of 99.2% when the Er:YAG laser was activated at 1.0 W for 20 sec. The 15#/Er:YAG + NaOCl with the Er:YAG laser irradiation at 1.0 W for 20 sec may be considered a promising procedure for MIE.

A High Fiber and Vegetable Protein Diet is Associated with Low Lumbar Bone Mineral Density in Young Oligo-amenorrheic Athletes

PubMed Central

Barron, Elizabeth; Sokoloff, Natalia Cano; Maffazioli, Giovana D. N.; Ackerman, Kathryn E.; Woolley, Ryan; Holmes, Tara M.; Anderson, Ellen J.; Misra, Madhusmita

2015-01-01

Background Associations of bone mineral density (BMD) with specific food components, including dietary fiber and isoflavones (that have a negative association with serum estrogen), are unclear and need to be determined, particularly in a population more likely to consume large amounts of these nutrients (such as young athletes). Objective To determine dietary intake of specific food components in oligo-amenorrheic athletes (OA) compared to eumenorrheic athletes (EA) and non-athletes (NA), and associations of the dietary intake of these nutrients with lumbar spine BMD. Design and Subjects This cross-sectional study evaluated 68 OA, 24 EA, and 26 NA 14–23 years old. Measurements included four-day food records (assessed using Nutrient Data System for Research software), a DXA scan evaluating lumbar spine BMD and body composition, and hormone levels. Multivariate analysis was used to estimate associations of nutrients with lumbar spine BMD. Results Compared with EA and NA, OA had higher intake of fiber, phytic acid, and vegetable protein (p<0.0001 for all). Intake of isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, was higher in OA than NA (p=0.003 and 0.0002 respectively). OA had lower consumption of energy from saturated fatty acids (%SFA) than NA (p=0.002). After controlling for confounders such as body weight, menstrual status (indicative of estrogen status), calcium intake, and serum vitamin D (known BMD determinants), lumbar spine BMD Z-scores were inversely associated with dietary fiber [β coefficient (β)= −0.30; p=0.01], vegetable protein (β = −0.28, p=0.02), phytic acid (β = −0.27, p=0.02), genistein (β = −0.25, p=0.01), and daidzein (β = −0.24, p=0.01), and positively with %SFA (β =0.32, p=0.0006)]. Conclusions Compared to EA and NA, OA had a higher dietary intake of fiber, vegetable protein and phytic acid, which were inversely associated with lumbar spine BMD Z-scores. Further studies are needed to assess dietary recommendations for OA to optimize bone accrual. PMID:26686817

The trigger system for K0→2 π0 decays of the NA48 experiment at CERN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mikulec, I.

1998-02-01

A fully pipelined 40 MHz "dead-time-free" trigger system for neutral K0 decays for the NA48 experiment at CERN is described. The NA48 experiment studies CP-violation using the high intensity beam of the CERN SPS accelerator. The trigger system sums, digitises, filters and processes signals from 13 340 channels of the liquid krypton electro-magnetic calorimeter. In 1996 the calorimeter and part of the trigger electronics were installed and tested. In 1997 the system was completed and prepared to be used in the first NA48 physics data taking period. Cagliari, Cambridge, CERN, Dubna, Edinburgh, Ferrara, Firenze, Mainz, Orsay, Perugia, Pisa, Saclay, Siegen, Torino, Warszawa, Wien Collaboration.

Phase- and size-controllable synthesis of hexagonal upconversion rare-earth fluoride nanocrystals through an oleic acid/ionic liquid two-phase system.

PubMed

He, Meng; Huang, Peng; Zhang, Chunlei; Ma, Jiebing; He, Rong; Cui, Daxiang

2012-05-07

Herein, we introduce a facile, user- and environmentally friendly (n-octanol-induced) oleic acid (OA)/ionic liquid (IL) two-phase system for the phase- and size-controllable synthesis of water-soluble hexagonal rare earth (RE = La, Gd, and Y) fluoride nanocrystals with uniform morphologies (mainly spheres and elongated particles) and small sizes (<50 nm). The unique role of the IL 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BmimPF(6)) and n-octanol in modulating the phase structure and particle size are discussed in detail. More importantly, the mechanism of the (n-octanol-induced) OA/IL two-phase system, the formation of the RE fluoride nanocrystals, and the distinctive size- and morphology-controlling capacity of the system are presented. BmimPF(6) is versatile in term of crystal-phase manipulation, size and shape maintenance, and providing water solubility in a one-step reaction. The luminescent properties of Er(3+)-, Ho(3+)-, and Tm(3+)-doped LaF(3), NaGdF(4), and NaYF(4) nanocrystals were also studied. It is worth noting that the as-prepared products can be directly dispersed in water due to the hydrophilic property of Bmim(+) (cationic part of the IL) as a capping agent. This advantageous feature has made the IL-capped products favorable in facile surface modifications, such as the classic Stober method. Finally, the cytotoxicity evaluation of NaYF(4):Yb,Er nanocrystals before and after silica coating was conducted for further biological applications. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Direct sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry - feasibility of Na and K determination in desalted crude oil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seeger, Tassia S.; Machado, Eduarda Q.; Flores, Erico M. M.; Mello, Paola A.; Duarte, Fabio A.

2018-03-01

In this study, Na and K were determined in desalted crude oil by direct sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (DS-GF AAS), with the use of a Zeeman-effect background correction system with variable magnetic field. The analysis was performed in low and high sensitivity conditions. Sodium determination was performed in two low-sensitivity conditions: 1) main absorption line (589.0 nm), gas stop flow during the atomization step and 3-field dynamic mode (0.6-0.8 T); and 2) secondary absorption line (330.3 nm), gas stop flow during the atomization and 2-field mode (0.8 T). In K determination, some parameters, such as high-sensitivity mode, main absorption line (766.5 nm), gas stop flow during the atomization and 2-field mode (0.8 T), were used. Suitability of chemical modifiers, such as Pd and W-Ir was also evaluated. The heating program for Na and K was based on the pyrolysis and atomization curves. Calibration was performed by aqueous standards. Accuracy was evaluated by the analysis of Green Petroleum Coke (SRM NIST 2718) and Trace Elements in Fuel Oil (SRM NIST 1634c). Recovery tests were also performed and results were compared with those obtained by GF AAS after crude oil digestion by microwave-assisted digestion. The characteristic mass of Na was 17.1 pg and 0.46 ng in conditions 1 and 2, respectively, while the one of K was 1.4 pg. Limits of detection and quantification by DS-GF AAS were 30 and 40 ng g-1 for Na and 3.2 and 4.2 ng g-1 for K, respectively. Sodium and K were determined in three crude oil samples with API density ranging from 20.9 to 28.0. Sodium and K concentration ranged from 1.5 to 73 μg g-1 and from 23 to 522 ng g-1, respectively.

Presentation of Functional, PPS and Hall's Methods in Comparison with other Research on Space Quality / Prezentacja Metod: Funkcjonalnej, Pps I Hall'A Na Tle Innych Badań Jakości Przestrzeni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kossak-Jagodzińska, Anna

2015-03-01

The end of the twentieth century was a period in which the need for quality control was developing in all areas of life in post-industrial countries. The impulse for the development of numerous methods of evaluating the quality in architecture and construction was "Green Paper" and "Agenda 21" concerning the idea of sustainable development. First of all, creation of a system of evaluation criteria is the basis for elaboration of any system of quality control. Several years of cooperation between J. Serdyńska and the author resulted in a cycle of studies on urban public space (squares in the city of Katowice) based upon functional, Hall's and PPS methods. This study aims to embed them in a typology of other studies of space quality. Koniec XX w jest okresem, w którym potrzeba kontroli jakości rozwija się w krajach postindustrialnych we wszystkich dziedzinach życia. Impulsem dla rozwoju licznych metod oceny jakości w architekturze i budownictwie była "Zielona księga" i "Agenda 21" dotyczące idei zrównoważonego rozwoju. Podstawą opracowania jakiegokolwiek systemu kontroli jakości jest przede wszystkim stworzenie systemu kryteriów oceny. Kilkuletnia współpraca autorki z J. Serdyńską zaowocowała cyklem badań miejskiej przestrzeni publicznej (place Katowic), opartych na metodach: funkcjonalnej (określenie dominującej funkcji przestrzeni publicznej), Hall'a (zagospodarowanie tej przestrzeni) I PPS (badanie jej potencjału). Niniejsze opracowanie ma na celu osadzić je w typologii innych badań jakości przestrzeni

Acute lead exposure increases arterial pressure: role of the renin-angiotensin system.

PubMed

Simões, Maylla Ronacher; Ribeiro Júnior, Rogério F; Vescovi, Marcos Vinícius A; de Jesus, Honério C; Padilha, Alessandra S; Stefanon, Ivanita; Vassallo, Dalton V; Salaices, Mercedes; Fioresi, Mirian

2011-04-11

Chronic lead exposure causes hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of acute exposure to lead on arterial pressure and elucidate the early mechanisms involved in the development of lead-induced hypertension. Wistar rats were treated with lead acetate (i.v. bolus dose of 320 µg/Kg), and systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure and heart rate were measured during 120 min. An increase in arterial pressure was found, and potential roles of the renin-angiotensin system, Na(+),K(+)-ATPase and the autonomic reflexes in this change in the increase of arterial pressure found were evaluated. In anesthetized rats, lead exposure: 1) produced blood lead levels of 37±1.7 µg/dL, which is below the reference blood concentration (60 µg/dL); 2) increased systolic arterial pressure (Ct: 109±3 mmHg vs Pb: 120±4 mmHg); 3) increased ACE activity (27% compared to Ct) and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity (125% compared to Ct); and 4) did not change the protein expression of the α1-subunit of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase, AT(1) and AT(2). Pre-treatment with an AT(1) receptor blocker (losartan, 10 mg/Kg) or an ACE inhibitor (enalapril, 5 mg/Kg) blocked the lead-induced increase of arterial pressure. However, a ganglionic blockade (hexamethonium, 20 mg/Kg) did not prevent lead's hypertensive effect. Acute exposure to lead below the reference blood concentration increases systolic arterial pressure by increasing angiotensin II levels due to ACE activation. These findings offer further evidence that acute exposure to lead can trigger early mechanisms of hypertension development and might be an environmental risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

High purity polyimide analysis by solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Rafael F.; Carvalho, Gabriel S.; Duarte, Fabio A.; Bolzan, Rodrigo C.; Flores, Erico M. M.

2017-03-01

In this work, Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni were determined in high purity polyimides (99.5%) by solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-GFAAS) using Zeeman effect background correction system with variable magnetic field, making possible the simultaneous measurement at high or low sensitivity. The following analytical parameters were evaluated: pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, feasibility of calibration with aqueous solution, linear calibration range, sample mass range and the use of chemical modifier. Calibration with aqueous standard solutions was feasible for all analytes. No under or overestimated results were observed and up to 10 mg sample could be introduced on the platform for the determination of Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni. The relative standard deviation ranged from 3 to 20%. The limits of detection (LODs) achieved using the high sensitivity mode were as low as 7.0, 2.5, 1.7, 17 and 0.12 ng g- 1 for Cr, Cu, Mn, Na and Ni, respectively. No addition of chemical modifier was necessary, except for Mn determination where Pd was required. The accuracy was evaluated by analyte spike and by comparison of the results with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry after microwave-assisted digestion in a single reaction chamber system and also by neutron activation analysis. No difference among the results obtained by SS-GFAAS and those obtained by alternative analytical methods using independent techniques. SS-GFAAS method showed some advantages, such as the determination of metallic contaminants in high purity polyimides with practically no sample preparation, very low LODs, calibration with aqueous standards and determination in a wide range of concentration.

Final Evaluation of MIPS M/500

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-11-01

recognizing common subexpressions by changing the code to read: acke (n,m) If (, - 0) return *+I; return a ker(n-1, 0 ? 1 aaker (n,.-1)); I the total code...INSTITUTE JPO PTTTSBURCH. PA 15213 N/A N/A N/O 11 TITLE (Inciude Security Class.iication) Final Evaluation of MIPS M/500 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR(S) Daniel V

Molecular dynamics simulation of salt rejection through silicon carbide nanotubes as a nanostructure membrane.

PubMed

Khataee, Alireza; Bayat, Golchehreh; Azamat, Jafar

2017-01-01

Salt rejection phenomenon was investigated using armchair silicon carbide (SiC) nanotubes under applied electric fields. The systems included the (7,7) and (8,8) SiC nanotubes surrounded by silicon nitride membrane immersed in a 0.4mol/L aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for selective separation of Na + and Cl - ions showed that the (7,7) SiC nanotube is suitable for separation of cations and the (8,8) SiC nanotube can be used for separating anions. The water desalination by SiC nanotubes was demonstrated by potential of mean force for Na + and Cl - ions in each SiC nanotube. Furthermore, the ionic current, ion residence time, and the radial distribution functions of species were measured to evaluate the properties of the system. Based on the results of this research, the studied SiC nanotubes can be recommended as a nanostructure model for water desalination. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Structural Molar Volume Model for Oxide Melts Part III: Fe Oxide-Containing Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thibodeau, Eric; Gheribi, Aimen E.; Jung, In-Ho

2016-04-01

As part III of this series, the model is extended to iron oxide-containing melts. All available experimental data in the FeO-Fe2O3-Na2O-K2O-MgO-CaO-MnO-Al2O3-SiO2 system were critically evaluated based on the experimental condition. The variations of FeO and Fe2O3 in the melts were taken into account by using FactSage to calculate the Fe2+/Fe3+ distribution. The molar volume model with unary and binary model parameters can be used to predict the molar volume of the molten oxide of the Li2O-Na2O-K2O-MgO-CaO-MnO-PbO-FeO-Fe2O3-Al2O3-SiO2 system in the entire range of compositions, temperatures, and oxygen partial pressures from Fe saturation to 1 atm pressure.

Quality Evaluation of Herbs and Spices in The Military Food System

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-06-01

tested would inhibit bacterial growth, Eseheric- hia coli and Staphyloeoeeus aureus were inoculated in tubes of lauryl sulfate tryptose (LST) broth... lauryl sulfate tryptose (LST) broth by standard methods**. Gas producing LST tubes were confirmed in brilliant green lactose bile (2%) broth (BGLB...and trypticase soy broth (TSB) containing 10% sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively, to which was added 1 ml of 1:10 dilution of each spice

Progress in the Diagnosis of Appendicitis: A Report from Washington State’s Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP)

PubMed Central

Drake, Frederick Thurston; Florence, Michael G.; Johnson, Morris G.; Jurkovich, Gregory J.; Kwon, Steve; Schmidt, Zeila; Thirlby, Richard C.; Flum, David R.

2012-01-01

BACKGROUND and OBJECTIVES Studies suggest that CT and US can effectively diagnose and rule-out appendicitis, safely reducing negative appendectomies (NA); however, some within the surgical community remain reluctant to add imaging to clinical evaluation of patients with suspected appendicitis. The Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP) is a physician-led quality initiative that monitors performance by benchmarking processes of care and outcomes. Since 2006, accurate diagnosis of appendicitis has been a priority for SCOAP. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between imaging and NA in the general community. METHODS Data were collected prospectively for consecutive appendectomy patients (age > 15) at nearly 60 hospitals. SCOAP data are obtained directly from clinical records, including radiology, operative, and pathology reports. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between imaging and NA. Tests for trends over time were also conducted. RESULTS Among 19,327 patients (47.9% female) who underwent appendectomy, 5.4% had NA. Among patients who were imaged, frequency of NA was 4.5%, whereas among those who were not imaged, NA was 15.4% (p < 0.001). This association was consistent for males (3% vs. 10%, p < 0.001) and for reproductive-age females (6.9% vs. 24.7%, p < 0.001). In a multivariate model adjusted for age, sex, and WBC, odds of NA for patients not imaged were 3.7 times the odds for those who received imaging (95%CI 3.0 – 4.4). Among SCOAP hospitals, use of imaging increased and NA decreased significantly over time; frequency of perforation was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS Patients who were not imaged during work-up for suspected appendicitis had over three times the odds of NA as those who were imaged. Routine imaging in the evaluation of patients suspected to have appendicitis can safely reduce unnecessary operations. Programs such as SCOAP improve care through peer-led, benchmarked practice change. PMID:22964731

Identification and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria in a Commercial Probiotic Culture

PubMed Central

MENCONI, Anita; KALLAPURA, Gopala; LATORRE, Juan D.; MORGAN, Marion J.; PUMFORD, Neil R.; HARGIS, Billy M.; TELLEZ, Guillermo

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study was to describe the identification and characterization (physiological properties) of two strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB 18 and 48) present in a commercial probiotic culture, FloraMax®-B11. Isolates were characterized morphologically, and identified biochemically. In addition, the MIDI System ID, the Biolog ID System, and 16S rRNA sequence analyses for identification of LAB 18 and LAB 48 strains were used to compare the identification results. Tolerance and resistance to acidic pH, high osmotic concentration of NaCl, and bile salts were tested in broth medium. In vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity against enteropathogenic bacteria and susceptibility to antibiotics were also tested. The results obtained in this study showed tolerance of LAB 18 and LAB 48 to pH 3.0, 6.5% NaCl and a high bile salt concentration (0.6%). Both strains evaluated showed in vitro antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Escherichia coli (O157:H7), and Campylobacter jejuni. These are important characteristics of lactic acid bacteria that should be evaluated when selecting strains to be used as probiotics. Antimicrobial activity of these effective isolates may contribute to efficacy, possibly by direct antimicrobial activity in vivo. PMID:24936379

Water selenium speciation and sediment fractionation in a California flow-through wetland system

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gao, S.; Tanii, K.K.; Peters, D.W.; Herbel, M.J.

2000-01-01

A flow-through wetland system was established in the Tulare Lake Drainage District (TLDD) in California to determine if selenium (Se) from saline irrigation drainage can be removed prior to impoundment in evaporation basins to reduce potential toxicity to waterbirds. The objective of this research was to evaluate Se speciation, accumulation, and fractionation in the waters and sediments of the newly developed wetland system. The inlet water was dominated by selenate [Se(VI), 92%], with smaller percentages of selenite [Se(IV), 5%] and organic Se [org-Se(-II), 3%]. For the outflow water, the average percentage of Se(VI) was 72% in November 1997 and 59% in February 1999. This change may be due to an increase in either residence time and/or accumulation of organic detrital matter, which may enhance Se(VI) reduction processes. Selenium accumulation, transformation, and incorporation with the solid phase were all intensified in the surface sediment (<20 cm). The highest total Se concentrations in the sediments were found in the top 5 cm and concentrations dramatically decreased with depth. Elemental Se [Se(0)], as extracted by Na2SO3, was the largest fraction (average of 46%) of the total sediment Se, followed by organic matter-associated Se (OM-Se) extracted by NaOH (average of 34%). Soluble, adsorbed, and carbonate-associated Se, as extracted by KCl, K2HPO4 (pH 8.0), and NaOAc (pH 5.0), were about 3, 10, and 3% of the total sediment Se, respectively. After establishing the wetland for 2 yr, significant Se removal from the flowing water was observed. The major sink mechanisms in the sediment are reduction to Se(0) and immobilization into the organic phase.A flow-through wetland system was established in the Tulare Lake Drainage District (TLDD) in California to determine if selenium (Se) from saline irrigation drainage can be removed prior to impoundment in evaporation basins to reduce potential toxicity to waterbirds. The objective of this research was to evaluate Se speciation, accumulation, and fractionation in the waters and sediments of the newly developed wetland system. The inlet water was dominated by selenate [Se(VI), 92%], with smaller percentages of selenite [Se(IV), 5%] and organic Se [org-Se(-II), 3%]. For the outflow water, the average percentage of Se(VI) was 72% in November 1997 and 59% in February 1999. This change may be due to an increase in either residence time and/or accumulation of organic detrital matter, which may enhance Se(VI) reduction processes. Selenium accumulation, transformation, and incorporation with the solid phase were all intensified in the surface sediment (<20 cm). The highest total Se concentrations in the sediments were found in the top 5 cm and concentrations dramatically decreased with depth. Elemental Se [Se(0)], as extracted by Na2SO3, was the largest fraction (average of 46%) of the total sediment Se, followed by organic matter-associated Se (OM-Se) extracted by NaOH (average of 34%). Soluble, adsorbed, and carbonate-associated Se, as extracted by KCl, K2HPO4 (pH 8.0), and NaOAc (pH 5.0), were about 3, 10, and 3% of the total sediment Se, respectively. After establishing the wetland for 2 yr, significant Se removal from the flowing water was observed. The major sink mechanisms in the sediment are reduction to Se(0) and immobilization into the organic phase.

Chronic Hypoxemia in Children With Congenital Heart Defect Impairs Airway Epithelial Sodium Transport.

PubMed

Kaskinen, Anu K; Helve, Otto; Andersson, Sture; Kirjavainen, Turkka; Martelius, Laura; Mattila, Ilkka P; Rautiainen, Paula; Pitkänen, Olli M

2016-01-01

Ambient hypoxia impairs the airway epithelial Na transport, which is crucial in lung edema reabsorption. Whether chronic systemic hypoxemia affects airway Na transport has remained largely unknown. We have therefore investigated whether chronic systemic hypoxemia in children with congenital heart defect affects airway epithelial Na transport, Na transporter-gene expression, and short-term lung edema accumulation. Prospective, observational study. Tertiary care medical center responsible for nationwide pediatric cardiac surgery. Ninety-nine children with congenital heart defect or acquired heart disease (age range, 6 d to 14.8 yr) were divided into three groups based on their level of preoperative systemic hypoxemia: 1) normoxemic patients (SpO2% ≥ 95%; n = 44), 2) patients with cyanotic congenital heart defect and moderate hypoxemia (SpO2 86-94%; n = 16), and 3) patients with cyanotic congenital heart defect and profound systemic hypoxemia (SpO2 ≤ 85%; n = 39). Nasal transepithelial potential difference served as a surrogate measure for epithelial Na transport of the respiratory tract. Profoundly hypoxemic patients had 29% lower basal nasal transepithelial potential difference (p = 0.02) and 55% lower amiloride-sensitive nasal transepithelial potential difference (p = 0.0003) than normoxemic patients. In profoundly hypoxemic patients, nasal epithelial messenger RNA expressions of two airway Na transporters (amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na channel and β1- Na-K-ATPase) were not attenuated, but instead α1-Na-K-ATPase messenger RNA levels were higher (p = 0.03) than in the normoxemic patients, indicating that posttranscriptional factors may impair airway Na transport. The chest radiograph lung edema score increased after congenital cardiac surgery in profoundly hypoxemic patients (p = 0.0004) but not in patients with normoxemia or moderate hypoxemia. The impaired airway epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na transport activity in profoundly hypoxemic children with cyanotic congenital heart defect may hinder defense against lung edema after cardiac surgery.

Phase-shift focus monitoring techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McQuillan, Matthew; Roberts, Bill

2006-03-01

Depth of focus (DOF) has become a victim of its mathematical relationship with Numerical Aperture (NA). While NA is being increased towards one to maximize scanner resolution capabilities, DOF is being minimized because of its inverse relationship with NA. Moore's law continues to drive the semiconductor industry towards smaller and smaller devices the need for high NA to resolve these shrinking devices will continue to consume the usable depth of focus (UDOF). Due to the shrinking UDOF a demand has been created for a feature or technology that will give engineers the capability to monitor scanner focus. Developing and implementation of various focus monitoring techniques have been used to prevent undetected tool focus excursions. Two overlay techniques to monitor ArF Scanner focus have been evaluated; our evaluation results will be presented here.

Simulation of Cylinder Implosion Initiated by Underwater Explosion

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-06-01

number xs xe ratio width 1 1 . NA 1 ...number xs xe ratio width 20 0.6 NA 1 . NA 35 0.65 1.4 NA...Maryland 18. Jay Warren Northrop Grumman Corporation Newport News, Virginia 19. Thomas Moyer Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Pascagoula, Mississippi

High-resolution molecular-beam spectroscopy of NaCN and Na 13CN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Vaals, J. J.; Meerts, W. Leo; Dymanus, A.

The sodium cyanide molecule was studied by molecular-beam electric-resonance spectroscopy in the microwave region. We used the seeded-beam technique to produce a supersonic beam with strong translational, rotational and vibrational cooling. In the frequency range 9.5-40 GHz we observed and identified for NaCN 186 and for Na 13CN 107 hyperfine transitions in 20 and 16 rotational transitions, respectively, all in the ground vibrational state. The rotational, the five quartic and three sextic centrifugal distortion constants of NaCN are: A″ = 57921.954(7) MHz; B″ = 8369.312(2) MHz, C″ = 7272.712(2) MHz. All quadrupole and several spin-rotation coupling constants for the hyperfine interaction were evaluated. The quadrupole coupling constants (in MHz) for NaCN are: eQq12(Na) = -5.344(5), eQq12 = 2.397(7). eQq12(N) = 2.148(4), eQq12(N) = -4.142(5). From these constants and those of Na 13CN we have determined the principal components of the quadrupole coupling tensor for potassium and nitrogen. The structure of sodium cyanide evaluated from the rotational constants of NaCN and Na 13CN was found to be T shaped, similar to the structure of KCN but completely different from the linear isocyanide configuration of LiNC. The effective structural parameters for sodium cyanide in the ground vibrational state are: rCN = 1.170(4) Å, rNaC = 2.379(15) Å, rN12N = 2.233(15) Å, in gratifying agreement with ab initio calculations. Both the geometrical structure and the hyperfine coupling justify the conclusion that the CN group in gaseous sodium cyanide approximately can be considered as a free CN - ion.

Novel duplex vapor-electrochemical method for silicon solar cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kapur, V. K.; Nanis, L.; Sanjurjo, A.

1977-01-01

Silicon obtained by the SiF4-Na reaction was analyzed by spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS). Silicon samples prepared from induction melted powder were evaluated for electrical properties using four point probe conductivity and thermoelectric methods. SiF4-Na reaction under P sub SiF4 greater than 1 atmosphere. The amount of silicon produced was increased from 25 g per batch (in the glass reactor) to greater than 70 g per batch in the stainless steel reactor. The study of the effects of reaction variables such as P sub SiF4 and maximum temperature attained on the particle size of silicon powder showed that the silicon particle size tends to grow larger with increasing pressure of the SiF4 gas in the reaction system.

Physiological indices of seawater readiness in postspawning steelhead kelts

USGS Publications Warehouse

Buelow, Jessica; Moffitt, Christine M.

2015-01-01

Management goals to improve the recovery of steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) stocks at risk of extinction include increasing the proportion of postspawning fish that survive and spawn again. To be successful, postspawning steelhead (kelts) migrating downstream to the ocean must prepare physiologically and physically for a seawater transition. We sampled blood, gill filaments, and evaluated the external condition of migrating kelts from an ESA-listed population in the Snake/Columbia River system over two consecutive years to evaluate their physiological readiness for transition to seawater. We chose attributes often considered as measures of preparation for seawater in juveniles, including gill Na+,K+ ATPase activity, plasma electrolytes and hormones to consider factors related to external condition, size and sex. We found kelts in good external condition had plasma profiles similar to downstream-migrating smolts. In addition, we found more than 80% of kelts ranked in good external condition had smolt-like body silvering. We compared measures from migrating kelts with samples obtained from hatchery fish at the time of spawning to confirm that Na+, K+ ATPase activity in kelts was significantly elevated over spawning fish. We found significant differences in gill Na+, K+ ATPase activity in migrating kelts between the years of sampling, but little indication of influence of fish condition. We conclude that the postspawning steelhead sampled exhibited a suite of behaviours, condition and physiology characteristic of fish prepared for successful transition to a seawater environment.

Fluorosurfactant-capped gold nanoparticles-enhanced chemiluminescence from hydrogen peroxide-hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide-bicarbonate in presence of cobalt(II).

PubMed

Li, Jinge; Li, Qianqian; Lu, Chao; Zhao, Lixia; Lin, Jin-Ming

2011-02-01

Nonionic fluorosurfactant (FSN)-capped gold nanoparticles (GNPs) remain excellently stable at a wider pH range and high ionic strength, which is useful to investigate some CL systems involved in high salt and a strict pH range. In this study, we utilized FSN-capped GNPs of different sizes to distinguish the emitting species from H2O2-Co2+-NaOH and H2O2-Co2+-NaHCO3 systems. When the pH of FSN-capped gold colloidal solution was adjusted to 10.2 by dropwise addition of 0.05 M NaOH, the CL intensity of H2O2-Co2+-NaHCO3 system was enhanced 6-fold or 60-fold respectively in the presence of FSN-capped 14 nm or 69 nm GNPs with comparison to H2O2-Co2+-NaOH. The variation of CL spectra and UV-vis spectra, as well as the quenching effect of reactive oxygen species scavengers were studied in detail to understand the CL enhancement mechanisms of FSN-capped GNPs on the two systems. For H2O2-Co2+-NaOH system, the gold(I) complexes intermediate and singlet oxygen dimol species were proposed as the emitting species. The excited states of the carbon dioxide dimers and singlet oxygen dimol species were considered responsible for the light emission of H2O2-Co2+-NaHCO3 system. To our knowledge, this work is the first time to study the two CL systems simultaneously using nanoparticles. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of cardiovascular responses to the H2S donors Na2S and NaHS in the rat

PubMed Central

Yoo, Daniel; Jupiter, Ryan C.; Pankey, Edward A.; Reddy, Vishwaradh G.; Edward, Justin A.; Swan, Kevin W.; Peak, Taylor C.; Mostany, Ricardo

2015-01-01

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gaseous molecule formed from L-cysteine in vascular tissue. In the present study, cardiovascular responses to the H2S donors Na2S and NaHS were investigated in the anesthetized rat. The intravenous injections of Na2S and NaHS 0.03–0.5 mg/kg produced dose-related decreases in systemic arterial pressure and heart rate, and at higher doses decreases in cardiac output, pulmonary arterial pressure, and systemic vascular resistance. H2S infusion studies show that decreases in systemic arterial pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance are well-maintained, and responses to Na2S are reversible. Decreases in heart rate were not blocked by atropine, suggesting that the bradycardia was independent of parasympathetic activation and was mediated by an effect on the sinus node. The decreases in systemic arterial pressure were not attenuated by hexamethonium, glybenclamide, Nw-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, sodium meclofenamate, ODQ, miconazole, 5-hydroxydecanoate, or tetraethylammonium, suggesting that ATP-sensitive potassium channels, nitric oxide, arachidonic acid metabolites, cyclic GMP, p450 epoxygenase metabolites, or large conductance calcium-activated potassium channels are not involved in mediating hypotensive responses to the H2S donors in the rat and that responses are not centrally mediated. The present data indicate that decreases in systemic arterial pressure in response to the H2S donors can be mediated by decreases in vascular resistance and cardiac output and that the donors have an effect on the sinus node independent of the parasympathetic system. The present data indicate that the mechanism of the peripherally mediated hypotensive response to the H2S donors is uncertain in the intact rat. PMID:26071540

New Defective Brannerite-Type Vanadates. I. Synthesis and Study of Mn 1- x- yφ xNa yV 2-2 x-yMo 2 x+yO 6 Solid Solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masłowska, Bogna; Ziółkowski, Jacek

1994-05-01

MnV 2O 6 of the brannerite-type structure (below 540°C) doped with MoO 3 and Na 2O forms isomorphous solid solutions MnNaφ = Mn 1- x-yφ xNa yV 2-2 x-yMo 2 x+ yO 6 (φ cation vacancy in the original Mn position), belonging to the pseudoternary MnV 2O 6-NaVMoO 6-MoO 3 system. Particular cases are MnNa = Mn 1- yNa y V 2- yMo yO 6 ( x = 0), Mnφ = Mn 1- xφ xV 2-2 xMo 2 xO 6 ( y = 0), and Naφ = Na 1- xφ xV 1- xMo 1+ xO 6 ( x + y = 1). MnV 2O 6 and NaVMoO 6 show miscibility in the entire composition range (MnNa). The opposite boundary of MnNaφ passes through the (100 x, 100 y) points (45, 0), (33, 30), and (30, 70). The phase diagram of the pseudobinary MnV 2O 6-NaVMoO 6 system (determined with DTA) shows (i) a narrow double-lens-type solidus-liquidus gap at high values of y , (ii) two peritectic meltings at lower y (yielding the high temperature β-MnNa and Mn 2V 2O 7), and (iii) little area of β-MnNa. Lattice parameters of MnNa (determined with X-ray diffraction) reveal small deviations from Vegard's law. As the ionic radii of both dopants (Na + and Mo 6+) are, respectively, larger than those of mother ions (Mn 2+ and V 5+), the unit cell increases in all directions with rising y along the MnNa series of solid solutions. However, due to the anisotropy of the structure, parameter c is strongly sensitive to Na/Mn substitution, b is ruled by Mo/V, and a is weakly influenced by Mo/V. Close analogy to the behavior of the previously studied MnV 2O 6-LiVMoO 6-MoO 6 system is discussed.

Na+/Ca2+ exchange and Na+/K+-ATPase in the heart

PubMed Central

Shattock, Michael J; Ottolia, Michela; Bers, Donald M; Blaustein, Mordecai P; Boguslavskyi, Andrii; Bossuyt, Julie; Bridge, John H B; Chen-Izu, Ye; Clancy, Colleen E; Edwards, Andrew; Goldhaber, Joshua; Kaplan, Jack; Lingrel, Jerry B; Pavlovic, Davor; Philipson, Kenneth; Sipido, Karin R; Xie, Zi-Jian

2015-01-01

This paper is the third in a series of reviews published in this issue resulting from the University of California Davis Cardiovascular Symposium 2014: Systems approach to understanding cardiac excitation–contraction coupling and arrhythmias: Na+ channel and Na+ transport. The goal of the symposium was to bring together experts in the field to discuss points of consensus and controversy on the topic of sodium in the heart. The present review focuses on cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchange (NCX) and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA). While the relevance of Ca2+ homeostasis in cardiac function has been extensively investigated, the role of Na+ regulation in shaping heart function is often overlooked. Small changes in the cytoplasmic Na+ content have multiple effects on the heart by influencing intracellular Ca2+ and pH levels thereby modulating heart contractility. Therefore it is essential for heart cells to maintain Na+ homeostasis. Among the proteins that accomplish this task are the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and the Na+/K+ pump (NKA). By transporting three Na+ ions into the cytoplasm in exchange for one Ca2+ moved out, NCX is one of the main Na+ influx mechanisms in cardiomyocytes. Acting in the opposite direction, NKA moves Na+ ions from the cytoplasm to the extracellular space against their gradient by utilizing the energy released from ATP hydrolysis. A fine balance between these two processes controls the net amount of intracellular Na+ and aberrations in either of these two systems can have a large impact on cardiac contractility. Due to the relevant role of these two proteins in Na+ homeostasis, the emphasis of this review is on recent developments regarding the cardiac Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX1) and Na+/K+ pump and the controversies that still persist in the field. PMID:25772291

Apical debris extrusion associated with oval shaped canals: a comparative study of WaveOne vs Self-Adjusting File.

PubMed

Farmakis, Eleftherios Terry R; Sotiropoulos, G G; Abràmovitz, I; Solomonov, M

2016-11-01

The aim was to evaluate ex vivo apical debris extrusion associated with WaveOne and Self-Adjusting File instruments when used in oval canals. Twenty-four extracted human mandibular premolars with oval-shaped canals were assigned in two equal groups. Following coronal cavity preparation, a glide path was created. Group A was subjected to canal preparation using a WaveOne primary file, which was used along with syringe and needle irrigation and 10 mL of 2.4 % NaOCl solution, followed by flushing with 10 mL of 17 % EDTA solution, activation with EndoActivator for 1 min and final flushing with 10 mL of 2.4 % NaOCl solution, and activation for 30 s. Group B, the SAF system was used with continuous simultaneous irrigation, provided by the system's pump. The irrigant was supplied at 5 mL/min, alternating every minute between 2.4 % NaOCl solution and 17 % EDTA solution, over a total of 4 min followed by final flushing with 10 mL of 2.4 % NaOCl solution. Extruded apical debris from each root canal was collected into a preweighed glass vial and dried. The mean weight of the debris from each group was assessed and analyzed statistically. Both systems resulted in apical debris extrusion. The WaveOne system was associated with a statistically significant greater mean mass of apically extruded debris (2.18 ± 0.44 mg) than the SAF system (0.49 ± 0.33 mg, permutation-based Wilcoxon test, p < 0.001). Both WaveOne and the SAF systems were associated with apical debris extrusion. The amount of debris extruded by the WaveOne system was 4.4 times greater than that extruded by the SAF system. The results of the present ex vivo comparative study cannot be directly applied to the clinical situation. Difference between both groups remains completely unclear; maybe the amount of extrusion is harmless in both groups or similarly deleterious for the periradicular tissues in both groups or may be dose-related to the amount of the extruded material.

The TAED/H2O2/NaHCO3 system as an approach to low-temperature and near-neutral pH bleaching of cotton.

PubMed

Long, Xiaoxia; Xu, Changhai; Du, Jinmei; Fu, Shaohai

2013-06-05

A low-temperature and near-neutral pH bleaching system was conceived for cotton by incorporating TAED, H2O2 and NaHCO3. The TAED/H2O2/NaHCO3 system was investigated and optimized for bleaching of cotton using a central composite design (CCD) combined with response surface methodology (RSM). CCD experimental data were fitted to create a response surface quadratic model (RSQM) describing the degree of whiteness of bleached cotton fabric. Analysis of variance for the RSQM revealed that temperature was the most significant variable, followed by [TAED] and time, while [NaHCO3] was insignificant. An effective system was conducted by adding 5.75 g L(-1) TAED together with H2O2 and NaHCO3 at a molar ratio of 1:2.4:2.8 and applied to bleaching of cotton at 70 °C for 40 min. Compared to a commercial bleaching method, the TAED/H2O2/NaHCO3 system provided cotton with comparable degree of whiteness, slightly inferior water absorbency and acceptable dyeability, but had competitive advantage in protecting cotton from severe chemical damage in bleaching. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sperm Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activity: A preliminary study of comparison of swim up and density gradient centrifugation methods for sperm preparation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lestari, Silvia W.; Larasati, Manggiasih D.; Asmarinah, Mansur, Indra G.

2018-02-01

As one of the treatment for infertility, the success rate of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) is still relatively low. Several sperm preparation methods, swim-up (SU) and the density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) are frequently used to select for better sperm quality which also contribute to IUI failure. Sperm selection methods mainly separate the motile from the immotile sperm, eliminating the seminal plasma. The sperm motility involves the structure and function of sperm membrane in maintaining the balance of ion transport system which is regulated by the Na+, K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-ATPase enzymes. This study aims to re-evaluate the efficiency of these methods in selecting for sperm before being used for IUI and based the evaluation on sperm Na+,K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities. Fourteen infertile men from couples who underwent IUI were involved in this study. The SU and DGC methods were used for the sperm preparation. Semen analysis was performed based on the reference value of World Health Organization (WHO) 2010. After isolating the membrane fraction of sperms, the Na+, K+-ATPase activity was defined as the difference in the released inorganic phosphate (Pi) with and without the existence of 10 mM ouabain in the reaction, while the Ca2+-ATPase was determined as the difference in Pi contents with and without the existence of 55 µm CaCl2. The prepared sperm demonstrated a higher percentage of motile sperm compared to sperm from the whole semen. Additionally, the percentage of motile sperm of post-DGC showed higher result than the sperm from post-SU. The velocity of sperm showed similar pattern with the percentage of motile sperm, in which the velocity of prepared sperm was higher than the sperm from whole semen. Furthermore, the sperm velocity of post-DGC was higher compared to the sperm from post-SU. The Na+, K+-ATPase activity of prepared sperm was higher compared to whole semen, whereas Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the post DGC was higher than post SU. The Ca2+-ATPase activity of prepared sperm was higher compared to whole semen, whereas Ca2+-ATPase activity in the post DGC was higher than post SU. The SU and the DGC methods were able to perform sperm selection by showing a high result of Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase activities, moreover DGC method selected the sperm with high activities of both the Na+, K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase better compared to SU method.

GPU real-time processing in NA62 trigger system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ammendola, R.; Biagioni, A.; Chiozzi, S.; Cretaro, P.; Di Lorenzo, S.; Fantechi, R.; Fiorini, M.; Frezza, O.; Lamanna, G.; Lo Cicero, F.; Lonardo, A.; Martinelli, M.; Neri, I.; Paolucci, P. S.; Pastorelli, E.; Piandani, R.; Piccini, M.; Pontisso, L.; Rossetti, D.; Simula, F.; Sozzi, M.; Vicini, P.

2017-01-01

A commercial Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is used to build a fast Level 0 (L0) trigger system tested parasitically with the TDAQ (Trigger and Data Acquisition systems) of the NA62 experiment at CERN. In particular, the parallel computing power of the GPU is exploited to perform real-time fitting in the Ring Imaging CHerenkov (RICH) detector. Direct GPU communication using a FPGA-based board has been used to reduce the data transmission latency. The performance of the system for multi-ring reconstrunction obtained during the NA62 physics run will be presented.

Molecular dynamics study of salt-solution interface: solubility and surface charge of salt in water.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Kazuya; Liang, Yunfeng; Sakka, Tetsuo; Matsuoka, Toshifumi

2014-04-14

The NaCl salt-solution interface often serves as an example of an uncharged surface. However, recent laser-Doppler electrophoresis has shown some evidence that the NaCl crystal is positively charged in its saturated solution. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have investigated the NaCl salt-solution interface system, and calculated the solubility of the salt using the direct method and free energy calculations, which are kinetic and thermodynamic approaches, respectively. The direct method calculation uses a salt-solution combined system. When the system is equilibrated, the concentration in the solution area is the solubility. In the free energy calculation, we separately calculate the chemical potential of NaCl in two systems, the solid and the solution, using thermodynamic integration with MD simulations. When the chemical potential of NaCl in the solution phase is equal to the chemical potential of the solid phase, the concentration of the solution system is the solubility. The advantage of using two different methods is that the computational methods can be mutually verified. We found that a relatively good estimate of the solubility of the system can be obtained through comparison of the two methods. Furthermore, we found using microsecond time-scale MD simulations that the positively charged NaCl surface was induced by a combination of a sodium-rich surface and the orientation of the interfacial water molecules.

Molecular dynamics study of salt–solution interface: Solubility and surface charge of salt in water

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

Kobayashi, Kazuya; Liang, Yunfeng, E-mail: y-liang@earth.kumst.kyoto-u.ac.jp, E-mail: matsuoka@earth.kumst.kyoto-u.ac.jp; Matsuoka, Toshifumi, E-mail: y-liang@earth.kumst.kyoto-u.ac.jp, E-mail: matsuoka@earth.kumst.kyoto-u.ac.jp

2014-04-14

The NaCl salt–solution interface often serves as an example of an uncharged surface. However, recent laser-Doppler electrophoresis has shown some evidence that the NaCl crystal is positively charged in its saturated solution. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we have investigated the NaCl salt–solution interface system, and calculated the solubility of the salt using the direct method and free energy calculations, which are kinetic and thermodynamic approaches, respectively. The direct method calculation uses a salt–solution combined system. When the system is equilibrated, the concentration in the solution area is the solubility. In the free energy calculation, we separately calculate the chemicalmore » potential of NaCl in two systems, the solid and the solution, using thermodynamic integration with MD simulations. When the chemical potential of NaCl in the solution phase is equal to the chemical potential of the solid phase, the concentration of the solution system is the solubility. The advantage of using two different methods is that the computational methods can be mutually verified. We found that a relatively good estimate of the solubility of the system can be obtained through comparison of the two methods. Furthermore, we found using microsecond time-scale MD simulations that the positively charged NaCl surface was induced by a combination of a sodium-rich surface and the orientation of the interfacial water molecules.« less

Net Shape Technology in Aerospace Structures. Volume 1.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-11-01

ofI nIo n- destructive evaluation methods, such a s ult rasonic inspection, in detecting otherwise hidden defects in parts made of the material. Pratt...SCHEDULE 4. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER( S ) 5. MONITORING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER( S ) n/a n/a 6a. NAME OF PERFORMING ORGANIZATION 6b...a n/a n/a 11 TITLE (Include Security Classification) Net Shape Technology in Aerospace Structures, Vol. I (U) 12. PERSONAL AUTHOR( S ) 13a. TYPE OF

Inhibitors of endopeptidase and angiotensin-converting enzyme lead to an amplification of the morphological changes and an upregulation of the substance P system in a muscle overuse model

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background We have previously observed, in studies on an experimental overuse model, that the tachykinin system may be involved in the processes of muscle inflammation (myositis) and other muscle tissue alterations. To further evaluate the significance of tachykinins in these processes, we have used inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), substances which are known to terminate the activity of various endogenously produced substances, including tachykinins. Methods Injections of inhibitors of NEP and ACE, as well as the tachykinin substance P (SP), were given locally outside the tendon of the triceps surae muscle of rabbits subjected to marked overuse of this muscle. A control group was given NaCl injections. Evaluations were made at 1 week, a timepoint of overuse when only mild inflammation and limited changes in the muscle structure are noted in animals not treated with inhibitors. Both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles were examined morphologically and with immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results A pronounced inflammation (myositis) and changes in the muscle fiber morphology, including muscle fiber necrosis, occurred in the overused muscles of animals given NEP and ACE inhibitors. The morphological changes were clearly more prominent than for animals subjected to overuse and NaCl injections (NaCl group). A marked SP-like expression, as well as a marked expression of the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) was found in the affected muscle tissue in response to injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors. The concentration of SP in the muscles was also higher than that for the NaCl group. Conclusions The observations show that the local injections of NEP and ACE inhibitors led to marked SP-like and NK-1R immunoreactions, increased SP concentrations, and an amplification of the morphological changes in the tissue. The injections of the inhibitors thus led to a more marked myositis process and an upregulation of the SP system. Endogenously produced substances, out of which the tachykinins conform to one substance family, may play a role in mediating effects in the tissue in a muscle that is subjected to pronounced overuse. PMID:24725470

Choroidal thickness in Chinese patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

PubMed

Jiang, Libin; Chen, Lanlan; Qiu, Xiujuan; Jiang, Ran; Wang, Yaxing; Xu, Liang; Lai, Timothy Y Y

2016-08-31

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) is one of the most common types of ischemic optic neuropathy. Several recent studies suggested that abnormalities of choroidal thickness might be associated with NA-AION. The main objective of this case-control study was to evaluate whether choroidal thickness is an ocular risk factor for the development of NA-AION by evaluating the peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal thicknesses in affected Chinese patients. Forty-four Chinese patients with unilateral NA-AION were recruited and compared with 60 eyes of 60 normal age and refractive-error matched control subjects. Peripapillary and subfoveal choroidal thicknesses were measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. Choroidal thicknesses of eyes with NA-AION and unaffected fellow eyes were compared with normal controls. Choroidal thicknesses of NA-AION eyes with or without optic disc edema were also compared. The correlation between choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the mean deviation (MD) of Humphrey static perimetry in NA-AION eyes were analyzed. The peripapillary choroidal thicknesses at the nasal, nasal inferior and temporal inferior segments in NA-AION eyes with optic disc edema were significantly thicker compared with that of normal subjects (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the choroidal thicknesses between the unaffected fellow eyes of NA-AION patients and normal eyes of healthy controls; or between the NA-AION eyes with resolved optic disc edema and normal eyes (all P > 0.05). No significant correlation between choroidal thickness and RNFL thickness, logMAR BCVA and perimetry MD was found in eyes affected by NA-AION (all P > 0.05). Increase in peripapillary choroid thickness in some segments was found in NA-ION eyes with optic disc edema. However, our findings do not support the hypothesis that choroidal thickness is abnormal in Chinese patients with NA-AION compared with normal subjects with similar age and refractive error status.

The band systems of alkali vapors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weizel, W.; Kulp, M.

1988-01-01

A number of band edges of the molecules, Na2, K2, NaK, NaCs, LiK, LiRb, LiCs, and NaRb are arranged in edge schemes. The vibrational quanta of the base terms and the upper terms can be approximately determined. Viewpoints are produced for interpreting electron terms. The terms Na2 are interpreted as terms of a photo-electron.

Cleaning residual NaK in the fast flux test facility fuel storage cooling system

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

Burke, T.M.; Church, W.R.; Hodgson, K.M.

2008-01-15

The Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), located on the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Reservation, is a liquid metal-cooled test reactor. The FFTF was constructed to support the U.S. Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor Program. The bulk of the alkali metal (sodium and NaK) has been drained and will be stored onsite prior to final disposition. Residual NaK needed to be removed from the pipes, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, and vessels in the Fuel Storage Facility (FSF) cooling system. The cooling system was drained in 2004 leaving residual NaK in the pipes and equipment. The estimated residual NaK volume wasmore » 76 liters in the storage tank, 1.9 liters in the expansion tank, and 19-39 liters in the heat transfer loop. The residual NaK volume in the remainder of the system was expected to be very small, consisting of films, droplets, and very small pools. The NaK in the FSF Cooling System was not radiologically contaminated. The portions of the cooling system to be cleaned were divided into four groups: 1. The storage tank, filter, pump, and associated piping; 2. The heat exchanger, expansion tank, and associated piping; 3. Argon supply piping; 4. In-vessel heat transfer loop. The cleaning was contracted to Creative Engineers, Inc. (CEI) and they used their superheated steam process to clean the cooling system. It has been concluded that during the modification activities (prior to CEI coming onsite) to prepare the NaK Cooling System for cleaning, tank T-914 was pressurized relative to the In-Vessel NaK Cooler and NaK was pushed from the tank back into the Cooler and that on November 6, 2005, when the gas purge through the In-Vessel NaK Cooler was increased from 141.6 slm to 283.2 slm, NaK was forced from the In-Vessel NaK Cooler and it contacted water in the vent line and/or scrubber. The gases from the reaction then traveled back through the vent line coating the internal surface of the vent line with NaK and NaK reaction products. The hot gases also exited the scrubber through the stack and due to the temperature of the gas, the hydrogen auto ignited when it mixed with the oxygen in the air. There was no damage to equipment, no injuries, and no significant release of hazardous material. Even though the FSF Cooling System is the only system at FFTF that contains residual NaK, there are lessons to be learned from this event that can be applied to future residual sodium removal activities. The lessons learned are: - Before cleaning equipment containing residual alkali metal the volume of alkali metal in the equipment should be minimized to the extent practical. As much as possible, reconfirm the amount and location of the alkali metal immediately prior to cleaning, especially if additional evolutions have been performed or significant time has passed. This is especially true for small diameter pipe (<20.3 centimeters diameter) that is being cleaned in place since gas flow is more likely to move the alkali metal. Potential confirmation methods could include visual inspection (difficult in all-metal systems), nondestructive examination (e.g., ultrasonic measurements) and repeating previous evolutions used to drain the system. Also, expect to find alkali metal in places it would not reasonably be expected to be. - Staff with an intimate knowledge of the plant equipment and the bulk alkali metal draining activities is critical to being able to confirm the amount and locations of the alkali metal residuals and to safely clean the residuals. - Minimize the potential for movement of alkali metal during cleaning or limit the distance and locations into which alkali metal can move. - Recognize that when working with alkali metal reactions, occasional pops and bangs are to be anticipated. - Pre-plan emergency responses to unplanned events to assure responses planned for an operating reactor are appropriate for the deactivation phase.« less

Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in the Americas by region, 2000-2009.

PubMed

Gawryszewski, Vilma Pinheiro; Souza, Maria de Fatima Marinho de

2014-01-01

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. The aim here was to evaluate trends in mortality due to cardiovascular diseases in three different regions of the Americas. This was a time series study in which mortality data from three different regions in the Americas from 2000 to the latest year available were analyzed. The source of data was the Mortality Information System of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). Data from 27 countries were included. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to analyze trends. During the study period, the age-adjusted mortality rates for men were higher than those of females in all regions. North America (NA) showed lower rates than Latin America countries (LAC) and the Non-Latin Caribbean (NLC). Premature deaths (30-69 years old) accounted for 22.8% of all deaths in NA, 38.0% in LAC and 41.8% in NLC. The trend analysis also showed a significant decline in the three regions. NA accumulated the largest decline. The average annual percentage change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval was -3.9% [-4.2; -3.7] in NA; -1.8% [-2.2; -1.5] in LAC; and -1.8% [-2.7; -0.9] in NLC. Different mortality rates and reductions were observed among the three regions.

Sodium chloride and potassium sorbate: a synergistic combination against Enterococcus faecalis biofilms: an in vitro study.

PubMed

van der Waal, Suzette V; Jiang, Lei-Meng; de Soet, Johannes J; van der Sluis, Lucas W M; Wesselink, Paul R; Crielaard, Wim

2012-10-01

Incomplete disinfection of the root canal system is a major cause of post-treatment disease. This study aimed to investigate the disinfecting property of organic acid salts and sodium chloride (NaCl), in a double-hurdle strategy, on Enterococcus faecalis biofilms. First of all, the high-throughput resazurin metabolism assay (RMA) was used to test a range of organic acid salts. Then, to gain more insight into the efficacy of sorbate salt solutions, 48-h E. faecalis biofilms were evaluated in colony-forming unit (CFU) assays. Chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)(2) ] were tested in parallel as controls. Sorbate salt produced the largest and most significant reduction of fluorescence intensity in the RMA assay. Neither NaCl nor potassium sorbate (KS) alone induced a clinically relevant reduction of CFU counts after 1 h. Surprisingly, the combination of the two in a single solution had a synergistic effect on the inactivation of E. faecalis. Potassium sorbate amplified the efficacy of NaCl. Of the salts tested, NaCl with KS eradicated E. faecalis biofilms within 1 h. This study showed that the double-hurdle strategy indeed leads to synergistic efficacy and is a possible next step in the complete disinfection of endodontic infections. © 2012 Eur J Oral Sci.

Composition of steam in the system NaCl-KCl-H2O-quartz at 600°C

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fournier, Robert O.; Thompson, J. Michael

1993-01-01

In the system NaCl-KCl-H2O, with and without ??-quartz present, steam was equilibrated in a large-volume reaction vessel with brine and/or precipitated salt at 600??C and pressures ranging from about 100 to 0.4 MPa. Episodically, steam was extracted for chemical analysis, accompanied by a decrease in pressure within the reaction vessel. In the absence of precipitated salt, within the analytical uncertainty stoichiometric quantities of Cl and total alkali, metals (Na + K) dissolve in steam coexisting with chloriderich brine. In contrast, in the presence of precipitated salt (in our experiments halite with some KCl in solid solution), significant excess chloride as associated hydrogen chloride (HCl0??) dissolves in steam. The HCl0 is generated by the reaction of steam with solid NaCl(s), producing solid NaOH(s) that diffuses into halite, forming a solid solution. In our quasistatic experiments, compared to dynamic flow-through experiments of others, higher initial ratios of H2O/NaCl have apparently resulted in higher model fractions of NaOH(s) in solid solution in halite. This, in turn, resulted in incrementally higher concentrations of associated NaOHo dissolved in steam. Addition of quartz to the system NaCl + KC1 + H2O resulted in an order of magnitude increase in the concentration of HCl0 dissolved in steam, apparently as a consequence of the formation of sodium disilicate by reaction of silica with NaOH(s). The measured dissolved silica in steam saturated with alkali halides at 600??C in the pressure range 7-70 MPa agrees nicely with calculated values of the solubility of ??-quartz obtained using the equation of Fournier and Potter (1982), corrected for dissolved salt by the method of fournier (1983). Na K ratios in steam at 600??C tend to be slightly greater than in coexisting brine. When precipitated halite is present, larger mole fractions of NaOH(s) in solid solution in that halite apparently result in even larger Na K ratios in coexisting steam. Precipitation of more halite as a consequence of repeated depressurization episodes results in decreased Na K ratios in both the brine and coexisting steam phases, indicating that the lower pressures begin to favor K over Na in the vapor. When steam is in contact with precipitated salts in the absence of brine, the Na K ratio in the steam is less than that of the bulk composition of the salt-H2O system. ?? 1993.

Thermodynamic description of Tc(iv) solubility and hydrolysis in dilute to concentrated NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 solutions.

PubMed

Yalçıntaş, Ezgi; Gaona, Xavier; Altmaier, Marcus; Dardenne, Kathy; Polly, Robert; Geckeis, Horst

2016-06-07

We present the first systematic investigation of Tc(iv) solubility, hydrolysis and speciation in dilute to concentrated NaCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2 systems, and comprehensive thermodynamic and activity models for the system Tc(4+)-H(+)-Na(+)-Mg(2+)-Ca(2+)-OH(-)-Cl(-)-H2O using both SIT and Pitzer approaches. The results are advancing the fundamental scientific understanding of Tc(iv) solution chemistry and are highly relevant in the applied context of nuclear waste disposal. The solubility of Tc(iv) was investigated in carbonate-free NaCl-NaOH (0.1-5.0 M), MgCl2 (0.25-4.5 M) and CaCl2 (0.25-4.5 M) solutions within 2 ≤ pHm≤ 14.5. Undersaturation solubility experiments were performed under an Ar atmosphere at T = 22 ± 2 °C. Strongly reducing conditions (pe + pHm≤ 2) were imposed with Na2S2O4, SnCl2 and Fe powder to stabilize technetium in the +IV redox state. The predominance of Tc(iv) in the aqueous phase was confirmed by solvent extraction and XANES/EXAFS spectroscopy. Solid phase characterization was accomplished after attaining thermodynamic equilibrium using XRD, SEM-EDS, XANES/EXAFS, TG-DTA and quantitative chemical analysis, and indicated that TcO2·0.6H2O(s) exerts solubility-control in all evaluated systems. The definition of the polyatomic Tc3O5(2+) species instead of TcO(2+) is favoured under acidic conditions, consistently with slope analysis (mTcvs. pHm) of the solubility data gained in this work and spectroscopic evidence previously reported in the literature. The additional formation of Tc(iv)-OH/O-Cl aqueous species in concentrated chloride media ([Cl(-)] = 9 M) and pHm≤ 4 is suggested by solubility and EXAFS data. The pH-independent behaviour of the solubility observed under weakly acidic to weakly alkaline pHm conditions can be explained with the equilibrium reaction TcO2·0.6H2O(s) + 0.4H2O(l) ⇔ TcO(OH)2(aq). Solubility data determined in dilute NaCl systems with pHm≥ 11 follow a well-defined slope of +1, consistent with the predominance of TcO(OH)3(-) previously selected by NEA-TDB. In concentrated MgCl2 and CaCl2 solutions with pHm≥ 8, the formation of the ternary Mg3[TcO(OH)5](3+) and Ca3[TcO(OH)5](3+) species is proposed based on the slope analysis of the solubility data, model calculations and previous observations for analogous An(iv) and Zr(iv) systems. The formation and stability of these hitherto unknown Tc(iv) species are supported by DFT calculations. Based on the newly generated experimental data and previous spectroscopic observations, new comprehensive chemical, thermodynamic and activity models (SIT, Pitzer) for these systems are derived.

The effect of high ionic strength on neptunium (V) adsorption to a halophilic bacterium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ams, David A.; Swanson, Juliet S.; Szymanowski, Jennifer E. S.; Fein, Jeremy B.; Richmann, Michael; Reed, Donald T.

2013-06-01

The mobility of neptunium (V) in subsurface high ionic strength aqueous systems may be strongly influenced by adsorption to the cell wall of the halophilic bacteria Chromohalobacter sp. This study is the first to evaluate the adsorption of neptunium (V) to the surface of a halophilic bacterium as a function of pH from approximately 2 to 10 and at ionic strengths of 2 and 4 M. This is also the first study to evaluate the effects of carbonate complexation with neptunium (V) on adsorption to whole bacterial cells under high pH conditions. A thermodynamically-based surface complexation model was adapted to describe experimental adsorption data under high ionic strength conditions where traditional corrections for aqueous ion activity are invalid. Adsorption of neptunium (V) was rapid and reversible under the conditions of the study. Adsorption was significant over the entire pH range evaluated for both ionic strength conditions and was shown to be dependent on the speciation of the sites on the bacterial surface and neptunium (V) in solution. Adsorption behavior was controlled by the relatively strong electrostatic attraction of the positively charged neptunyl ion to the negatively charged bacterial surface at pH below circum-neutral. At pH above circum-neutral, the adsorption behavior was controlled by the presence of negatively charged neptunium (V) carbonate complexes resulting in decreased adsorption, although adsorption was still significant due to the adsorption of negatively charged neptunyl-carbonate species. Adsorption in 4 M NaClO4 was enhanced relative to adsorption in 2 M NaClO4 over the majority of the pH range evaluated, likely due to the effect of increasing aqueous ion activity at high ionic strength. The protonation/deprotonation characteristics of the cell wall of Chromohalobacter sp. were evaluated by potentiometric titrations in 2 and 4 M NaClO4. Bacterial titration results indicated that Chromohalobacter sp. exhibits similar proton buffering capacity to previously studied non-halophilic bacteria. The titration data were used to determine the number of types, concentrations, and associated deprotonation constants of functional groups on the bacterial surface; the neptunium adsorption measurements were used to constrain binding constant values for the important neptunium (V)-bacterial surface species. Together, these results can be incorporated into geochemical speciation models to aid in the prediction of neptunium (V) mobility in complex bacteria-bearing geochemical systems.

The variable influence of P 2O 5 on the viscosity of melts of differing alkali/aluminium ratio: Implications for the structural role of phosphorus in silicate melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toplis, M. J.; Dingwell, D. B.

1996-11-01

The shear viscosities of forty melts in the system Na 2OAl 2O 3SiO 2P 2O 5 have been determined in the temperature range 1652-1052°C using the concentric cylinder method. Six P-free compositions containing ˜67 mol% SiO 2 varying in molar Na/(Na + Al) from 0.70 (peralkaline) to 0.44 (peraluminous) were studied, to each of which successive additions of up to 7 mol% (13 wt%) P 2O 5 were made. At a fixed temperature, viscosities in the P-free system show a maximum, not at the 'charge-balanced' metaluminous composition ( Na/(Na + Al) = 0.50 ), but at Na/(Na + Al) = 0.47 . Addition of P to peralkaline melts results in an increase in viscosity. With progressive additions of P to mildly peralkaline melts ( Na/(Na + Al) < 0.60 ), there is a maximum in melt viscosity that occurs at lower P content as the peralkalinity of the melt decreases. In contrast, the addition of P to the metaluminous and peraluminous melts causes a decrease in melt viscosity. The magnitude of this decrease is identical for the metaluminous, and mildly peraluminous ( Na/(Na + Al) = 0.47 ) compositions, but smaller for the most peraluminous melt ( Na/(Na + Al) = 0.44 ). The following inferences are made from the present viscosity data, together with spectroscopic data from the literature: (1) At the metaluminous join in the P-free system, not all the Al is present as a charge-balanced network-former. Between the metaluminous join and the viscosity maximum the incorporation of a small proportion of Al (3% relative) in a charge-balancing role (for Al IV) could explain the observations. (2) The addition of P to peralkaline melts results in the formation of Na phosphate complexes which, upon exhaustion of excess Na, have the stoichiometry of extended metaphosphate chains with Na/P ratios that tend to 1 as the metaluminous ioin is approached. (3) Estimates of the relative effects of Na and Al phosphate melt complexes on viscosity are consistent with the formation of both NaPO 3 and AlPO 4 melt complexes upon addition of P to metaluminous melts. (4) In the most peraluminous melts studied, P is inferred to interact with both excess Al and network-forming aluminates, suggesting that these two species have similar energetic stabilities. Given that many granites lie close to the metaluminous join in composition, the results of this study have implications for the physical and chemical evolution of such natural systems.

Outcomes of cancer therapy administered to treatment-naïve lung cancer patients in the intensive care unit

PubMed Central

Chen, Yen-Fu; Lin, Jou-Wei; Ho, Chao-Chi; Yang, Ching-Yao; Chang, Chia-Hao; Huang, Tao-Min; Chen, Chung-Yu; Chen, Kuan-Yu; Shih, Jin-Yuan; Yu, Chong-Jen

2017-01-01

Objectives: Therapy outcomes for newly diagnosed, critically ill lung cancer patients have seldom been evaluated. This study evaluated therapy outcomes for treatment-naïve lung cancer patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: Patients were excluded if they had previously received lung cancer treatment, such as systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or surgical lung resection before ICU admission. The therapeutic strategies for the treatment-naïve patients were determined while they were in the ICU. The patients' demographic data, clinical outcomes, and treatment-related toxicities were analyzed. Results: Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients (n = 72) who did not receive any anticancer treatment before ICU admission were included. Most patients had locally advanced disease, and 61 (84.7%) required intensive care due to cancer-related events. In the ICU, 24 (33.3%) patients received chemotherapy, 24 (33.3%) received epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy and 24 (33.3%) received best supportive care (BSC). Patients receiving chemotherapy or EGFR-TKIs in the ICU demonstrated better ICU (p = 0.011) and in-hospital (p = 0.034) survival than those receiving BSC only. Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation, those receiving chemotherapy had higher weaning rates than those receiving EGFR-TKIs or BSC (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, receipt of chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.443; p = 0.083) and mechanical ventilation (HR, 0.270; p = 0.022) were significantly associated with longer ICU survival after adjusting for clinical factors. Conclusions: Anticancer therapy in the ICU might provide better short-term ICU survival for treatment-naïve, critically ill lung cancer patients. PMID:28819399

Outcomes of cancer therapy administered to treatment-naïve lung cancer patients in the intensive care unit.

PubMed

Chen, Yen-Fu; Lin, Jou-Wei; Ho, Chao-Chi; Yang, Ching-Yao; Chang, Chia-Hao; Huang, Tao-Min; Chen, Chung-Yu; Chen, Kuan-Yu; Shih, Jin-Yuan; Yu, Chong-Jen

2017-01-01

Objectives: Therapy outcomes for newly diagnosed, critically ill lung cancer patients have seldom been evaluated. This study evaluated therapy outcomes for treatment-naïve lung cancer patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Materials and Methods: Patients were excluded if they had previously received lung cancer treatment, such as systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, or surgical lung resection before ICU admission. The therapeutic strategies for the treatment-naïve patients were determined while they were in the ICU. The patients' demographic data, clinical outcomes, and treatment-related toxicities were analyzed. Results: Newly diagnosed lung cancer patients (n = 72) who did not receive any anticancer treatment before ICU admission were included. Most patients had locally advanced disease, and 61 (84.7%) required intensive care due to cancer-related events. In the ICU, 24 (33.3%) patients received chemotherapy, 24 (33.3%) received epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy and 24 (33.3%) received best supportive care (BSC). Patients receiving chemotherapy or EGFR-TKIs in the ICU demonstrated better ICU (p = 0.011) and in-hospital (p = 0.034) survival than those receiving BSC only. Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation, those receiving chemotherapy had higher weaning rates than those receiving EGFR-TKIs or BSC (p = 0.002). In multivariate analysis, receipt of chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR], 0.443; p = 0.083) and mechanical ventilation (HR, 0.270; p = 0.022) were significantly associated with longer ICU survival after adjusting for clinical factors. Conclusions: Anticancer therapy in the ICU might provide better short-term ICU survival for treatment-naïve, critically ill lung cancer patients.

Recovery of ammonia from domestic wastewater effluents as liquid fertilizers by integration of natural zeolites and hollow fibre membrane contactors.

PubMed

Sancho, I; Licon, E; Valderrama, C; de Arespacochaga, N; López-Palau, S; Cortina, J L

2017-04-15

The integration of up-concentration processes to increase the efficiency of primary sedimentation, as a solution to achieve energy neutral wastewater treatment plants, requires further post-treatment due to the missing ammonium removal stage. This study evaluated the use of zeolites as a post-treatment step, an alternative to the biological removal process. A natural granular clinoptilolite zeolite was evaluated as a sorbent media to remove low levels (up to 100mg-N/L) of ammonium from treated wastewater using batch and fixed bed columns. After being activated to the Na-form (Z-Na), the granular zeolite shown an ammonium exchange capacity of 29±0.8mgN-NH 4 + /g in single ammonium solutions and 23±0.8mgN-NH 4 + /g in treated wastewater simulating up-concentration effluent at pH=8. The equilibrium removal data were well described by the Langmuir isotherm. The ammonium adsorption into zeolites is a very fast process when compared with polymeric materials (zeolite particle diffusion coefficient around 3×10 -12 m 2 /s). Column experiments with solutions containing 100mgN-NH 4 + /L provide effective sorption and elution rates with concentration factors between 20 and 30 in consecutive operation cycles. The loaded zeolite was regenerated using 2g NaOH/L solution and the rich ammonium/ammonia concentrates 2-3g/L in NaOH were used in a liquid-liquid membrane contactor system in a closed-loop configuration with nitric and phosphoric acid as stripping solutions. The ammonia recovery ratio exceeded 98%. Ammonia nitrate and di-ammonium phosphate concentrated solutions reached up to 2-5% wt. of N. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Naïve Bayes Algorithm for Email Spam Filtering across Multiple Datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fitriah Rusland, Nurul; Wahid, Norfaradilla; Kasim, Shahreen; Hafit, Hanayanti

2017-08-01

E-mail spam continues to become a problem on the Internet. Spammed e-mail may contain many copies of the same message, commercial advertisement or other irrelevant posts like pornographic content. In previous research, different filtering techniques are used to detect these e-mails such as using Random Forest, Naïve Bayesian, Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Neutral Network. In this research, we test Naïve Bayes algorithm for e-mail spam filtering on two datasets and test its performance, i.e., Spam Data and SPAMBASE datasets [8]. The performance of the datasets is evaluated based on their accuracy, recall, precision and F-measure. Our research use WEKA tool for the evaluation of Naïve Bayes algorithm for e-mail spam filtering on both datasets. The result shows that the type of email and the number of instances of the dataset has an influence towards the performance of Naïve Bayes.

Examining the Capacity of the Philippine Army’s Enlished Corps to Accomplish the Government’s Counterinsurgency Strategy: Sharpening the Tool

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-13

Filipinos; Bahala Na; Lakad System; The Bata System; Machismo ; Querida System; Pagpapahalaga sa Kababaihan; Filipino value of integrity or Kabuuan ng...belief of Filipinos about the indolence of Filipinos; Bahala Na; Lakad System; The Bata System; Machismo ; Querida System; Pagpapahalaga sa Kababaihan

Calcium Hypochlorite Solutions: Evaluation of Surface Tension and Effect of Different Storage Conditions and Time Periods over pH and Available Chlorine Content.

PubMed

Leonardo, Natália Gomes e Silva; Carlotto, Israel Bangel; Luisi, Simone Bonato; Kopper, Patrícia Maria Poli; Grecca, Fabiana Soares; Montagner, Francisco

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the pH and the available chlorine content from sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and calcium hypochlorite (Ca[OCl]2) solutions stored in different conditions and time periods and the surface tension of Ca(OCl)2 solutions in comparison with NaOCl. Solutions at 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, and 5.25% concentrations were prepared. The pH level and the available chlorine content of freshly prepared solutions and solutions stored for 30, 60, and 90 days at 25°C, 4°C, or 37°C were evaluated in a digital pH meter and by titration, respectively. Surface tension was tested using a Du Nouy tensiometer (Sigma 702, Force Tensiometer; Attension, Espoo, Finland). Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. A precipitate formed by 2.5% and 5.25% Ca(OCl)2 solutions was observed. Ca(OCl)2 showed a higher concentration of available chlorine than NaOCl. Both 2.5% and 5.25% NaOCl and Ca(OCl)2 had a decrease in the available chlorine content when compared with freshly prepared solutions; 0.5% and 1% NaOCl tend to have a lower pH compared with 0.5% and 1% Ca(OCl)2. NaOCl, 5.25%, showed higher pH compared with 5.25% Ca(OCl)2. NaOCl and Ca(OCl)2 in 0.5% and 1% concentrations tend to show a reduced pH level, whereas 2.5% and 5.25% solutions showed an increase in pH. The heat contributed to the instability of the solutions. NaOCl showed lower surface tension values than Ca(OCl)2. Ca(OCl)2 solutions are extremely alkaline and tend to have more available chlorine content than NaOCl but have a higher surface tension than NaOCl. Regarding the available chlorine content, these solutions tend to be stable to 30 days of storage when kept at 4°C or at 25°C. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Na/sup +/-independent, phloretin-sensitive monosaccharide transport system in isolated intestinal epithelial cells. [Chickens

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

Kimmich, G.A.; Randles, J.

1975-01-01

A monosaccharide transport system in addition to the active Na/sup +/-dependent system characteristic of the brush border surface of vertebrate intestinal tissue has been identified in isolated chick intestinal epithelial cells. The newly described system differs in several characteristics from the Na/sup +/-dependent process, including function in the absence of Na/sup +/; a high sensitivity to phloretin, relative insensitivity to phlorizin; different substrate specificity; and a very high K/sub T/ and V/sub max/. The system apparently functions only in a facilitated diffusion manner so that it serves to move monosaccharide across the cell membrane down its chemical gradient. An appreciablemore » fraction of total sugar efflux occurs via the Na/sup +/-independent carrier from cells which have accumulated sugar to a steady state. Phloretin selectively blocks this efflux so that a normal steady-state sugar gradient of seven- to eightfold is transformed to a new steady-state gradient which is greater than 14-fold. Locus of the new system is tentatively ascribed to the serosal cell surface where it would serve for monosaccharide transfer between enterocyte and lamina propria of the villus. (auth)« less

Lowest-energy structures of (C60)nX (X=Li+,Na+,K+,Cl-) and (C60)nYCl (Y=Li,Na,K) clusters for n

PubMed

Hernández-Rojas, J; Bretón, J; Gomez Llorente, J M; Wales, D J

2004-12-22

Basin-hopping global optimization is used to find likely candidates for the lowest minima on the potential energy surface of (C(60))(n)X (X=Li(+),Na(+),K(+),Cl(-)) and (C(60))(n)YCl (Y=Li,Na,K) clusters with n

Fuel cell system with sodium borohydride as hydrogen source for unmanned aerial vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Kyunghwan; Kim, Taegyu; Lee, Kiseong; Kwon, Sejin

In this study, we design and fabricate a fuel cell system for application as a power source in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The fuel cell system consists of a fuel cell stack, hydrogen generator, and hybrid power management system. PEMFC stack with an output power of 100 W is prepared and tested to decide the efficient operating conditions; the stack must be operated in the dead-end mode with purge in order to ensure prolonged stack performance. A hydrogen generator is fabricated to supply gaseous hydrogen to the stack. Sodium borohydride (NaBH 4) is used as the hydrogen source in the present study. Co/Al 2O 3 catalyst is prepared for the hydrolysis of the alkaline NaBH 4 solution at room temperature. The fabricated Co catalyst is comparable to the Ru catalyst. The UAV consumes more power in the takeoff mode than in the cruising mode. A hybrid power management system using an auxiliary battery is developed and evaluated for efficient energy management. Hybrid power from both the fuel cell and battery powers takeoff and turning flight operations, while the fuel cell supplies steady power during the cruising flight. The capabilities of the fuel-cell UAVs for long endurance flights are validated by successful flight tests.

Effects of NiTi rotary and reciprocating instruments on debris and smear layer scores: an SEM evaluation.

PubMed

Poggio, Claudio; Dagna, Alberto; Chiesa, Marco; Scribante, Andrea; Beltrami, Riccardo; Colombo, Marco

2014-12-30

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cleaning efficacy of 2 different nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary systems: a new single system Reciproc compared with the rotary full sequence Mtwo. The amount of debris and the morphology of smear layer were the parameters for the evaluation of the cleanliness of root canals. The null hypothesis of the study was that there would be no significant difference in debris scores and smear layer scores between the 2 systems. 
 Forty single-rooted freshly extracted teeth were selected and divided into 2 groups. For each group, all root canals were shaped with 2 different NiTi instruments (Mtwo and Reciproc) and irrigated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solutions by 3 trained operators. Specimens were fractured longitudinally and prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis at a standard magnification of ×5,000. The presence/absence of smear layer and the presence/absence of debris at the coronal, middle and apical third of each canal were evaluated using two 5-step scales for scores. Numeric data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests, and significance was set at a P value <0.05. 
 This study revealed significant differences among the various groups. The Mtwo group presented significantly lower smear layer scores than the Reciproc group (P<0.01) in the middle and apical third of the canal. 
 Conventional continuous rotary NiTi instruments associated with 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA solutions seem to be better for obtaining clean dentinal canal walls. Reciprocating instruments leave a higher quantity of smear layer which covers dentinal walls and dentinal tubules.

Integration of Sustainment Management Systems (SMS) with the Army Installation Status Report for Infrastructure (ISR-I)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

Interior Wall Finishes Element: Walls Type: CMU Block, Drywall , Other Criteria: Green, Amber, Red Section Name: Administrative Space This linkage...1 EA C20 Staircases C2010 Stair Construction Stairwells Landings and Treads N/A 50 SF C30 Interior Finishes C3010 Wall Finishes Admin...Areas N/A N/A 100 SF C30 Interior Finishes C3010 Wall Finishes Corridors N/A N/A 100 SF C30 Interior Finishes C3010 Wall Finishes Lobby N/A N/A

Comparison of advanced thermal and electrical storage for parabolic dish solar thermal power systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujita, T.; Birur, G. C.; Schredder, J. M.; Bowyer, J. M.; Awaya, H. I.

Parabolic dish solar concentrator cluster concepts are explored, with attention given to thermal storage systems coupled to Stirling and Brayton cycle power conversion devices. Sensible heat storage involving molten salt (NaOH), liquid sodium, and solid cordierite bricks are considered for 1500 F thermal storage systems. Latent heat storage with NaF-MgF2 phase change materials are explored in terms of passive, active, and direct contact designs. Comparisons are made of the effectiveness of thermal storage relative to redox, Na-S, Zn-Cl, and Zn-Br battery storage systems. Molten lead trickling down through a phase change eutectic, the NaF-MgF2, formed the direct contact system. Heat transport in all systems is effected through Inconel pipes. Using a cost goal of 120-150 mills/kWh as the controlling parameter, sensible heat systems with molten salts transport with either Stirling or Brayton engines, or latent heat systems with Stirling engines, and latent heat-Brayton engine with direct contact were favored in the analyses. Battery storage systems, however, offered the most flexibility of applications.

Comparison of advanced thermal and electrical storage for parabolic dish solar thermal power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fujita, T.; Birur, G. C.; Schredder, J. M.; Bowyer, J. M.; Awaya, H. I.

1982-01-01

Parabolic dish solar concentrator cluster concepts are explored, with attention given to thermal storage systems coupled to Stirling and Brayton cycle power conversion devices. Sensible heat storage involving molten salt (NaOH), liquid sodium, and solid cordierite bricks are considered for 1500 F thermal storage systems. Latent heat storage with NaF-MgF2 phase change materials are explored in terms of passive, active, and direct contact designs. Comparisons are made of the effectiveness of thermal storage relative to redox, Na-S, Zn-Cl, and Zn-Br battery storage systems. Molten lead trickling down through a phase change eutectic, the NaF-MgF2, formed the direct contact system. Heat transport in all systems is effected through Inconel pipes. Using a cost goal of 120-150 mills/kWh as the controlling parameter, sensible heat systems with molten salts transport with either Stirling or Brayton engines, or latent heat systems with Stirling engines, and latent heat-Brayton engine with direct contact were favored in the analyses. Battery storage systems, however, offered the most flexibility of applications.

Bayesian Scoring Systems for Military Pelvic and Perineal Blast Injuries: Is it Time to Take a New Approach?

PubMed

Mossadegh, Somayyeh; He, Shan; Parker, Paul

2016-05-01

Various injury severity scores exist for trauma; it is known that they do not correlate accurately to military injuries. A promising anatomical scoring system for blast pelvic and perineal injury led to the development of an improved scoring system using machine-learning techniques. An unbiased genetic algorithm selected optimal anatomical and physiological parameters from 118 military cases. A Naïve Bayesian model was built using the proposed parameters to predict the probability of survival. Ten-fold cross validation was employed to evaluate its performance. Our model significantly out-performed Injury Severity Score (ISS), Trauma ISS, New ISS, and the Revised Trauma Score in virtually all areas; positive predictive value 0.8941, specificity 0.9027, accuracy 0.9056, and area under curve 0.9059. A two-sample t test showed that the predictive performance of the proposed scoring system was significantly better than the other systems (p < 0.001). With limited resources and the simplest of Bayesian methodologies, we have demonstrated that the Naïve Bayesian model performed significantly better in virtually all areas assessed by current scoring systems used for trauma. This is encouraging and highlights that more can be done to improve trauma systems not only for our military injured, but also for civilian trauma victims. Reprint & Copyright © 2016 Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S.

The Extent of Disorder among Charge-balancing Cations in Silicate Glasses and Melts: Spectroscopic Analysis and ab initio Molecular Orbital Calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, S.; Doyle, C. S.; Stebbins, J. F.

2001-12-01

Aluminosilicate melts are one of the dominant components in upper mantle and crust. Essential to the thermodynamic and transport properties of these systems is the full understanding on the atomic arrangements and the extent of disorder. Recent quantification of the extent of disorder among 'framework cations' in silicate melts using NMR provided improved prospects on the atomic structure of the glasses and melt and their corresponding properties and allowed the degree of randomness to be evaluated in terms of the degree of Al-avoidance (Q) and degree of phase separations (P) (Lee and Stebbins, J. Phys. Chem. B 104, 4091; Lee and Stebbins, GCA in press). Quantitative estimation of the extent of disorder among 'charge-balancing cations' including Na in aluminosilicate glasses, however, has remained an unsolved problem and these cations have often been assumed to be randomly distributed. Here, we explore the intermediate range order around Na in charge-balanced aluminosilicate glasses using Na-23 NMR and Near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) with full multiple scattering (FMS) simulations combined with ab initio molecular orbital calculations. We also quantify the extent of disorder in charge balancing cations as a function of Na-O bond length (d(Na-O)) distribution with composition and present a structural model favoring ordered Na distributions. Peak position in Na-23 magic angle spinning (MAS) spectra of aluminosilicate glasses with varying R (Si/Al) at 14.1 T varies from -10.28 ppm (R = 0.7) to -19.98 ppm (R = 6). These results suggest that average d(Na-O) increases with increasing R, which is confirmed by Na-23 multiple quantum MAS spectra where the chemical shift moves toward lower frequency with increasing Si and shows the individual Gaussian components of Na-O distributions such as Na-(Al-O-Al), Na-(Si-O-Al) and Na-(Si-O-Si). Calculated d(Na-(Al-O-Al)) of 2.57 Å is shorter than d(Na-(Si-O-Si)) of 2.88 Å. Strong compositional dependence is further manifested in Na K-edge NEXAFS spectra for aluminosilicate glasses that are characterized by two main peaks at about 1057 ev (A) and 1062 ev (B). The intensity ratio between peak A and B increases with increasing R, which is consistent with our FMS simulations of model clusters with R and implies that the Na has rather well ordered oxygen coordination and Na-O distribution depends on the types of nearby framework cations. The potential energy surfaces for model six-member rings (NaAl2Si4O6(OH)12, with and without Al-O-Al) were calculated using ab initio calculations at the HF/6-311G(d) level in order to investigate the equilibrium atomic configurations around Na. The results manifest the varying bonding preference of Na to different framework oxygens. Na is located at single deep and narrow basin in potential energy surfaces. The motion of Na is therefore restricted to near equilibrium position even at higher temperature contrary to conventional random distribution model with moderate Na mobility, demonstrating that dynamics of Na should be associated with the collective motions of framework cations and oxygens. In this study, we provide new insights into the nature of disorder in charge-balancing cations in silicate glasses using spectroscopy combined with simulations, highlighting more complete, atomic-level understanding on the dynamic processes in silicate magmas.

Cytotoxicity of peracetic acid: evaluation of effects on metabolism, structure and cell death.

PubMed

Viola, K S; Rodrigues, E M; Tanomaru-Filho, M; Carlos, I Z; Ramos, S G; Guerreiro-Tanomaru, J M; Faria, G

2017-01-30

To evaluate the cytotoxicity and the mechanism of cell aggression of peracetic acid (PA) in comparison with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). L929 fibroblasts were exposed to 1% PA and 2.5% NaOCl, at several dilutions for 10 min. The following parameters were evaluated: cell metabolism by methylthiazol tetrazolium assay, external morphology by scanning electron microscopy, ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy, the cytoskeleton by means of actin and α-tubulin labelling, and the type of cell death by flow cytometry (apoptosis/necrosis). The data were analysed by two-way anova and the Bonferroni post-test (α = 0.05). The PA group had lower cell viability and a higher percentage of necrotic cells than the NaOCl group (P < 0.05). Both solutions diminished cell metabolism, led to destructuring of the cytoskeleton, created changes in the external morphology, resulted in the accumulation of proteins in the rough endoplasmic reticulum and induced cell death predominantly by necrosis. However, these changes were observed in lower doses of PA when compared with NaOCl. Although they had the same mechanism of cytotoxicity, 1% PA had greater cytotoxic potential than 2.5% NaOCl. © 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Perinatal α-tocopherol overload programs alterations in kidney development and renal angiotensin II signaling pathways at birth and at juvenile age: Mechanisms underlying the development of elevated blood pressure.

PubMed

Ribeiro, Valdilene S; Cabral, Edjair V; Vieira, Leucio D; Aires, Regina S; Farias, Juliane S; Muzi-Filho, Humberto; Vieyra, Adalberto; Paixão, Ana D

2018-07-01

α-Tocopherol (α-Toc) overload increases the risk of dying in humans (E.R. Miller III et al. Meta-analysis: high-dosage vitamin E supplementation may increase all-cause mortality Ann Int Med. 142 (2005) 37-46), and overload during early development leads to elevation of blood pressure at adult life, but the mechanism(s) remains unknown. We hypothesized that α-Toc overload during organogenesis affects the renal renin angiotensin system (RAS) components and renal Na + handling, culminating with late elevated blood pressure. Pregnant Wistar rats received α-Toc or the superoxide dismutase mimetic tempol throughout pregnancy. We evaluated components of the intrarenal renin angiotensin system in neonate and juvenile offspring: Ang II-positive cells, Ang II receptors (AT 1 and AT 2 ), linked protein kinases, O 2 - production, NADPH oxidase abundance, lipid peroxidation and activity of Na + -transporting ATPases. In juvenile offspring we followed the evolution of arterial blood pressure. Neonates from α-Toc and tempol mothers presented with accentuated retardment in tubular development, pronounced decrease in glomerular Ang II-positive cells and AT 1 /AT 2 ratio, intense production of O 2 - and upregulation of the α, ε and λ PKC isoforms. α-Toc decreased or augmented the abundance of renal (Na + +K + )ATPase depending on the age and α-Toc dose. In juvenile rats the number of Ang II-positive cells returned to control values as well as PKCα, but co-existing with marked upregulation in the activity of (Na + +K + ) and Na + -ATPase and elevated arterial pressure at 30 days. We conclude that the mechanisms of these alterations rely on selective targeting of renal RAS components through genic and pro-oxidant effects of the vitamin. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Is the alkaline tide a signal to activate metabolic or ionoregulatory enzymes in the dogfish shark (Squalus acanthias)?

PubMed

Wood, Chris M; Kajimura, Makiko; Mommsen, Thomas P; Walsh, Patrick J

2008-01-01

Experimental metabolic alkalosis is known to stimulate whole-animal urea production and active ion secretion by the rectal gland in the dogfish shark. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that a marked alkaline tide (systemic metabolic alkalosis) follows feeding in this species and that the activities of the enzymes of the ornithine-urea cycle (OUC) for urea synthesis in skeletal muscle and liver and of energy metabolism and ion transport in the rectal gland are increased at this time. We therefore evaluated whether alkalosis and/or NaCl/volume loading (which also occurs with feeding) could serve as a signal for activation of these enzymes independent of nutrient loading. Fasted dogfish were infused for 20 h with either 500 mmol L(-1) NaHCO3 (alkalosis + volume expansion) or 500 mmol L(-1) NaCl (volume expansion alone), both isosmotic to dogfish plasma, at a rate of 3 mL kg(-1) h(-1). NaHCO3 infusion progressively raised arterial pH to 8.28 (control = 7.85) and plasma [HCO3-] to 20.8 mmol L(-1) (control = 4.5 mmol L(-1)) at 20 h, with unchanged arterial P(CO2), whereas NaCl/volume loading had no effect on blood acid-base status. Rectal gland Na+,K+-ATPase activity was increased 50% by NaCl loading and more than 100% by NaHCO3 loading, indicating stimulatory effects of both volume expansion and alkalosis. Rectal gland lactate dehydrogenase activity was elevated 25% by both treatments, indicating volume expansion effects only, whereas neither treatment increased the activities of the aerobic enzymes citrate synthase, NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase, or the ketone body-utilizing enzyme beta-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase in the rectal gland or liver. The activity of ornithine-citrulline transcarbamoylase in skeletal muscle was doubled by NaHCO3 infusion, but neither treatment altered the activities of other OUC-related enzymes (glutamine synthetase, carbamoylphosphate synthetase III). We conclude that both the alkaline tide and salt loading/volume expansion act as signals to activate some but not all of the elevated metabolic pathways and ionoregulatory mechanisms needed during processing of a meal.

Changes in the Vestibular System with Age: An Abstracted Bibliography. Volume 2,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-20

effects of age upon vestilular function appear to result in an overall loss of efficiency. This redu’cticn in cptimal body aontrol probably results...which, in combination, represent thve major ocntributors to age-related loss of body equilibrium c=itrol. To evaluate the relative role of...105. SUBXECS (Number-age) : N.A. IERIMECALL POCEDUQRES: Review FINDINGS: 1. "This review is ccncerned primarily with studies in the areas of vision

The NA62 trigger system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krivda, M.; NA62 Collaboration

2013-08-01

The main aim of the NA62 experiment (NA62 Technical Design Report, [1]) is to study ultra-rare Kaon decays. In order to select rare events over the overwhelming background, central systems with high-performance, high bandwidth, flexibility and configurability are necessary, that minimize dead time while maximizing data collection reliability. The NA62 experiment consists of 12 sub-detector systems and several trigger and control systems, for a total channel count of less than 100,000. The GigaTracKer (GTK) has the largest number of channels (54,000), and the Liquid Krypton (LKr) calorimeter shares with it the largest raw data rate (19 GB/s). The NA62 trigger system works with 3 trigger levels. The first trigger level is based on a hardware central trigger unit, so-called L0 Trigger Processor (L0TP), and Local Trigger Units (LTU), which are all located in the experimental cavern. Other two trigger levels are based on software, and done with a computer farm located on surface. The L0TP receives information from triggering sub-detectors asynchronously via Ethernet; it processes the information, and then transmits a final trigger decision synchronously to each sub-detector through the Trigger and Timing Control (TTC) system. The interface between L0TP and the TTC system, which is used for trigger and clock distribution, is provided by the Local Trigger Unit board (LTU). The LTU can work in two modes: global and stand-alone. In the global mode, the LTU provides an interface between L0TP and TTC system. In the stand-alone mode, the LTU can fully emulate L0TP and so provides an independent way for each sub-detector for testing or calibration purposes. In addition to the emulation functionality, a further functionality is implemented that allows to synchronize the clock of the LTU with the L0TP and the TTC system. For testing and debugging purposes, a Snap Shot Memory (SSM) interface is implemented, that can work both in an input or an output mode. The trigger rates will be permanently monitored by reading counters at regular intervals. This paper describes the overall NA62 trigger system focusing on the setup for the dry and technical runs in 2012.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of pyrrolidine derivatives as novel and potent sodium channel blockers for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Seki, Maki; Tsuruta, Osamu; Tatsumi, Ryo; Soejima, Aki

2013-07-15

A novel series of pyrrolidine derivatives as Na(+) channel blockers was synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on neuronal Na(+) channels. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of a pyrrolidine analogue 2 led to the discovery of 5e as a potent Na(+) channel blocker with a low inhibitory action against human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) channels. Compound 5e showed remarkably neuroprotective activity in a rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, suggesting that 5e would act as a neuroprotectant for ischemic stroke. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

All-in-one light-tunable borated phosphors with chemical and luminescence dynamical control resolution.

PubMed

Lin, Chun Che; Liu, Yun-Ping; Xiao, Zhi Ren; Wang, Yin-Kuo; Cheng, Bing-Ming; Liu, Ru-Shi

2014-06-25

Single-composition white-emitting phosphors with superior intrinsic properties upon excitation by ultraviolet light-emitting diodes are important constituents of next-generation light sources. Borate-based phosphors, such as NaSrBO3:Ce(3+) and NaCaBO3:Ce(3+), have stronger absorptions in the near-ultraviolet region as well as better chemical/physical stability than oxides. Energy transfer effects from sensitizer to activator caused by rare-earth ions are mainly found in the obtained photoluminescence spectra and lifetime. The interactive mechanisms of multiple dopants are ambiguous in most cases. We adjust the doping concentration in NaSrBO3:RE (RE = Ce(3+), Tb(3+), Mn(2+)) to study the energy transfer effects of Ce(3+) to Tb(3+) and Mn(2+) by comparing the experimental data and theoretical calculation. The vacuum-ultraviolet experimental determination of the electronic energy levels for Ce(3+) and Tb(3+) in the borate host regarding the 4f-5d and 4f-4f configurations are described. Evaluation of the Ce(3+)/Mn(2+) intensity ratios as a function of Mn(2+) concentration is based on the analysis of the luminescence dynamical process and fluorescence lifetime measurements. The results closely agree with those directly obtained from the emission spectra. Density functional calculations are performed using the generalized gradient approximation plus an on-site Coulombic interaction correction scheme to investigate the forbidden mechanism of interatomic energy transfer between the NaSrBO3:Ce(3+) and NaSrBO3:Eu(2+) systems. Results indicate that the NaSrBO3:Ce(3+), Tb(3+), and Mn(2+) phosphors can be used as a novel white-emitting component of UV radiation-excited devices.

In vivo studies on hepato-renal impairments in freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio following exposure to sublethal concentrations of sodium cyanide.

PubMed

David, M; Kartheek, R M

2016-01-01

Reactive oxygen species is an inevitable composite of aerobic systems that could channelize their lethality by imparting oxidative stress under a stressful environment. Cyanide is an important environmental toxicant that could be responsible in the resulting detrimental health issues of aquatic fauna. The present effort investigates the possibilities of hepato-renal damage in freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio following exposure to sublethal concentrations of sodium cyanide (NaCN). Fish were exposed to 0.1 mg/L of NaCN for 10 days (E1) and 20 days (E2) and were further subjected to recovery for 14 days (R) in NaCN-free medium. Liver tissue exhibited a significant decline in activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-transferase enzymes in exposed fish, unlike in control (C). Subsequent levels of lipid peroxidation elevation at 'E1' and 'E2' suggested oxidative damage to hepatocytes. This was further confirmed through a histopathological evaluation which indicated important findings like lymphocytic infiltration and necrosis in liver and tubular and glomerular degeneration in renal organ. The investigation suggests biochemical and histopathological alterations in fish following exposure to NaCN. Nevertheless, fish upon the recovery period were known to exhibit incomplete recuperation which was indicated by partial restoration tendencies under biochemical and histopathological factions. The study clearly implicated the role of NaCN in emphasizing its toxicity to C. carpio, further suggesting lack of recovery transition at a limited tenure of 14 days. The study might contribute in the course of regulatory surveillance and monitoring of aquatic bodies and may also reflect the possibilities of NaCN contamination during aquaculture practices. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Effects of hyper- and hypothyroidism on acetylcholinesterase, (Na(+), K (+))- and Mg ( 2+ )-ATPase activities of adult rat hypothalamus and cerebellum.

PubMed

Carageorgiou, Haris; Pantos, Constantinos; Zarros, Apostolos; Stolakis, Vasileios; Mourouzis, Iordanis; Cokkinos, Dennis; Tsakiris, Stylianos

2007-03-01

Thyroid hormones (THs) are recognized as key metabolic hormones, and the metabolic rate increases in hyperthyroidism, while it decreases in hypothyroidism. The aim of this work was to investigate how changes in metabolism induced by THs could affect the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), (Na(+), K(+))- and Mg(2+)-ATPase in the hypothalamus and the cerebellum of adult rats. Hyperthyroidism was induced by subcutaneous administration of thyroxine (25 microg/100 g body weight) once daily for 14 days, while hypothyroidism was induced by oral administration of propylthiouracil (0.05%) for 21 days. All enzyme activities were evaluated spectrophotometrically in the homogenated brain regions of 10 three-animal pools. Neither hyper-, nor hypothyroidism had any effect on the examined hypothalamic enzyme activities. In the cerebellum, hyperthyroidism provoked a significant decrease in both the AChE (-23%, p < 0.001) and the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities (-26%, p < 0.001). Moreover, hypothyroidism had a similar effect on the examined enzyme activities: AChE (-17%, p < 0.001) and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase (-27%, p < 0.001). Mg(2+)-ATPase activity was found unaltered in both the hyper- and the hypothyroid brain regions. neither hyper-, nor hypothyroidism had any effect on the examined hypothalamic enzyme activities. In the cerebellum, hyperthyroidism provoked a significant decrease in both the AChE and the Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities. The decreased (by the THs) Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities may increase the synaptic acetylcholine release, and thus, could result in a decrease in the cerebellar AChE activity. Moreover, the above TH-induced changes may affect the monoamine neurotransmitter systems.

The action of chemical and mechanical stresses on single and dual species biofilm removal of drinking water bacteria.

PubMed

Gomes, I B; Lemos, M; Mathieu, L; Simões, M; Simões, L C

2018-08-01

The presence of biofilms in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) is a global public health concern as they can harbor pathogenic microorganisms. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most commonly used disinfectant for microbial growth control in DWDS. However, its effect on biofilm removal is still unclear. This work aims to evaluate the effects of the combination of chemical (NaOCl) and mechanical stresses on the removal of single and dual species biofilms of two bacteria isolated from DWDS and considered opportunistic, Acinectobacter calcoaceticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. A rotating cylinder reactor was successfully used for the first time in drinking water biofilm studies with polyvinyl chloride as substratum. The single and dual species biofilms presented different characteristics in terms of metabolic activity, mass, density, thickness and content of proteins and polysaccharides. Their complete removal was not achieved even when a high NaOCl concentrations and an increasing series of shear stresses (from 2 to 23Pa) were applied. In general, NaOCl pre-treatment did not improve the impact of mechanical stress on biofilm removal. Dual species biofilms were colonized mostly by S. maltophilia and were more susceptible to chemical and mechanical stresses than these single species. The most efficient treatment (93% biofilm removal) was the combination of NaOCl at 175mg·l -1 with mechanical stress against dual species biofilms. Of concern was the high tolerance of S. maltophilia to chemical and mechanical stresses in both single and dual species biofilms. The overall results demonstrate the inefficacy of NaOCl on biofilm removal even when combined with high shear stresses. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of extra- and intracellular apparent diffusion coefficient of sodium in rat skeletal muscle: effects of prolonged ischemia.

PubMed

Babsky, Andriy M; Topper, Stephen; Zhang, Hong; Gao, Yong; James, Judy R; Hekmatyar, Shahryar K; Bansal, Navin

2008-03-01

The mechanism of water and sodium apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) changes in rat skeletal muscle during global ischemia was examined by in vivo 1H and 23Na magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The ADCs of Na+ and water are expected to have similar characteristics because sodium is present as an aqua-cation in tissue. The shift reagent, TmDOTP5(-), was used to separate intra- and extracellular sodium (Na+i and Na+e, respectively) signals. Water, total tissue sodium (Na+t), Na+i, and Na+e ADCs were measured before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 hr after ischemia. Contrary to the general perception, Na+i and Na+e ADCs were identical before ischemia. Thus, ischemia-induced changes in Na+e ADC cannot be explained by a simple change in the size of relative intracellular or extracellular space. Na+t and Na+e ADCs decreased after 2-4 hr of ischemia, while water and Na+i ADC remained unchanged. The correlation between Na+t and Na+e ADCs was observed because of high Na+e concentration. Similarly, the correlation between water and Na+i ADCs was observed because cells occupy 80% of the tissue space in the skeletal muscle. Ischemia also caused an increase in the Na+i and an equal decrease in Na+e signal intensity due to cessation of Na+/K+-ATPase function. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Evaluation of Biological Activity of Cellulose Pulp by Means of the Static Respiration Index (At4)/ Ocena Aktywności Biologicznej Pulpy Celulozowej Testem Respiracyjnym At4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Myszograj, Sylwia; Kozłowska, Katarzyna; Krochmal, Agata

2014-09-01

In the countries of the European Union, work is presently being conducted on the standardisation of the limit values and test methods for the determination of the biological activity of waste. The aim of conducting the tests is to monitor the effectiveness of waste biodegradation during composting, the evaluate any decrease in the biological activity of the waste before its landfilling and control processes taking place at landfills. The evaluation of the waste's biological activity can be performed, among others, by testing respiration. One such method is AT4 (Static Respiration Index) determination. The results of respirometric tests depict the availability of substrates for microorganisms, that is, the biodegradability. The article describes the tests of the biological activity of the cellulose pulp, the impact of the degree of compost inoculation on the value of this parameter and the dependence on the content of organic mass and total organic carbon in the tested substrate. The measurements of the oxygen demand were made using the OxiTop® Control measuring system. W krajach UE prowadzone są obecnie prace nad ujednoliceniem wartości granicznych oraz metod testowych oznaczania aktywności biologicznej odpadów. Celem prowadzenia testów jest monitoring efektywności biologicznego rozkładu odpadów podczas kompostowania, ocena zmniejszenia aktywności biologicznej odpadów przed ich składowaniem, kontrola procesów zachodzących na składowiskach. Ocenę aktywności biologicznej odpadów można przeprowadzić m.in. poprzez badanie respiracji. Jedną z takich metod jest oznaczenie AT4 (Static Respiration Index). Wyniki badań respirometrycznych obrazują dostępność substratów dla mikroorganizmów, czyli podatność na biodegradację. W artykule opisano badania aktywności biologicznej pulpy celulozowej testem AT4, wpływ stopnia zaczepienia kompostem na wartość tego parametru oraz zależność od zawartości masy organicznej i OWO w badanym substracie. Pomiarów zapotrzebowania na tlen dokonano przy pomocy systemu pomiarowego OxiTop® Control.

Influence of 2mol% Na/Bi excess on multiferroic properties of (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}) {sub 0.99}La{sub 0.01}Ti{sub 0.988} Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} lead free system

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

Parmar, Kusum, E-mail: prmrkusum@gmail.com; Sharma, Hakikat; Negi, N. S.

2016-05-23

Lead free (Na{sub 0.5}Bi{sub 0.5}) {sub 0.99}La{sub 0.01}Ti{sub 0.988} Fe{sub 0.012}O{sub 3} (NBLTF) system has been synthesized by sol gel method without and with 2 mol% excess of Na and Bi. X-ray diffraction patterns of NBLTF samples confirm perovskite structure having rhombohedral R3c phase symmetry. Metal oxide band observed at ~ 629 cm{sup −1} wavnumber in FTIR spectra also confirm formation of perovskite phase in samples. Microstructural analysis exhibits dense crystal growth having better grains connectivity for NBLTF sample with 2 mol% excess Na/Bi which is supported by room temperature DC resistivity measurements. Dense crystal growth and low leakage currentmore » with 2 mol% excess Na/Bi is reported to improve multiferroic properties of NBLTF sample and provides new insight to explore single phase lead free multiferroic system.« less

Outdoor cultivation of Dunaliella salina KU 11 using brine and saline lake water with raceway ponds in northeastern Thailand.

PubMed

Wu, Zhe; Dejtisakdi, Wipawee; Kermanee, Prasart; Ma, Chunhong; Arirob, Wallop; Sathasivam, Ramaraj; Juntawong, Niran

2017-11-01

To evaluate the potential of algal biotechnology to replace traditional agriculture in northeastern Thailand, an open raceway cultivation system was developed to produce biomass and beta-carotene. Dunaliella salina KU 11 isolated from local saline soil was cultured in open raceway tanks using brine and saline lake water. Grown in modified Johnson's medium (with 2-3.5 M NaCl), the algae reached a maximum cell density on the fourth day (1.8 × 10 6 cells mL -1 ). Increasing KNO 3 and NaHCO 3 from 0.5 and 0.043 g L -1 to 1 and 2.1 g L -1 , respectively, significantly improved the yields of biomass (0.33 g L -1 ) and beta-carotene (19 mg L -1 ). Expected profits for algal production were evaluated, and it was found that this strain was suitable for outdoor cultivation and the developing algal industry in northeastern Thailand could produce high economic benefits (at least $64,120 per year per 0.16 ha). © 2016 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

NA61/SHINE facility at the CERN SPS: beams and detector system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abgrall, N.; Andreeva, O.; Aduszkiewicz, A.; Ali, Y.; Anticic, T.; Antoniou, N.; Baatar, B.; Bay, F.; Blondel, A.; Blumer, J.; Bogomilov, M.; Bogusz, M.; Bravar, A.; Brzychczyk, J.; Bunyatov, S. A.; Christakoglou, P.; Cirkovic, M.; Czopowicz, T.; Davis, N.; Debieux, S.; Dembinski, H.; Diakonos, F.; Di Luise, S.; Dominik, W.; Drozhzhova, T.; Dumarchez, J.; Dynowski, K.; Engel, R.; Efthymiopoulos, I.; Ereditato, A.; Fabich, A.; Feofilov, G. A.; Fodor, Z.; Fulop, A.; Gaździcki, M.; Golubeva, M.; Grebieszkow, K.; Grzeszczuk, A.; Guber, F.; Haesler, A.; Hasegawa, T.; Hierholzer, M.; Idczak, R.; Igolkin, S.; Ivashkin, A.; Jokovic, D.; Kadija, K.; Kapoyannis, A.; Kaptur, E.; Kielczewska, D.; Kirejczyk, M.; Kisiel, J.; Kiss, T.; Kleinfelder, S.; Kobayashi, T.; Kolesnikov, V. I.; Kolev, D.; Kondratiev, V. P.; Korzenev, A.; Koversarski, P.; Kowalski, S.; Krasnoperov, A.; Kurepin, A.; Larsen, D.; Laszlo, A.; Lyubushkin, V. V.; Maćkowiak-Pawłowska, M.; Majka, Z.; Maksiak, B.; Malakhov, A. I.; Maletic, D.; Manglunki, D.; Manic, D.; Marchionni, A.; Marcinek, A.; Marin, V.; Marton, K.; Mathes, H.-J.; Matulewicz, T.; Matveev, V.; Melkumov, G. L.; Messina, M.; Mrówczyński, St.; Murphy, S.; Nakadaira, T.; Nirkko, M.; Nishikawa, K.; Palczewski, T.; Palla, G.; Panagiotou, A. D.; Paul, T.; Peryt, W.; Petukhov, O.; Pistillo, C.; Płaneta, R.; Pluta, J.; Popov, B. A.; Posiadala, M.; Puławski, S.; Puzovic, J.; Rauch, W.; Ravonel, M.; Redij, A.; Renfordt, R.; Richter-Was, E.; Robert, A.; Röhrich, D.; Rondio, E.; Rossi, B.; Roth, M.; Rubbia, A.; Rustamov, A.; Rybczyński, M.; Sadovsky, A.; Sakashita, K.; Savic, M.; Schmidt, K.; Sekiguchi, T.; Seyboth, P.; Sgalaberna, D.; Shibata, M.; Sipos, R.; Skrzypczak, E.; Słodkowski, M.; Sosin, Z.; Staszel, P.; Stefanek, G.; Stepaniak, J.; Stroebele, H.; Susa, T.; Szuba, M.; Tada, M.; Tereshchenko, V.; Tolyhi, T.; Tsenov, R.; Turko, L.; Ulrich, R.; Unger, M.; Vassiliou, M.; Veberic, D.; Vechernin, V. V.; Vesztergombi, G.; Vinogradov, L.; Wilczek, A.; Włodarczyk, Z.; Wojtaszek-Szwarz, A.; Wyszyński, O.; Zambelli, L.; Zipper, W.

2014-06-01

NA61/SHINE (SPS Heavy Ion and Neutrino Experiment) is a multi-purpose experimental facility to study hadron production in hadron-proton, hadron-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron. It recorded the first physics data with hadron beams in 2009 and with ion beams (secondary 7Be beams) in 2011. NA61/SHINE has greatly profited from the long development of the CERN proton and ion sources and the accelerator chain as well as the H2 beamline of the CERN North Area. The latter has recently been modified to also serve as a fragment separator as needed to produce the Be beams for NA61/SHINE. Numerous components of the NA61/SHINE set-up were inherited from its predecessors, in particular, the last one, the NA49 experiment. Important new detectors and upgrades of the legacy equipment were introduced by the NA61/SHINE Collaboration. This paper describes the state of the NA61/SHINE facility — the beams and the detector system — before the CERN Long Shutdown I, which started in March 2013.

Enhancing Capacity Performance by Utilizing the Redox Chemistry of the Electrolyte in a Dual-Electrolyte Sodium-Ion Battery.

PubMed

Senthilkumar, Sirugaloor Thangavel; Bae, Hyuntae; Han, Jinhyup; Kim, Youngsik

2018-05-04

A strategy is described to increase charge storage in a dual electrolyte Na-ion battery (DESIB) by combining the redox chemistry of the electrolyte with a Na + ion de-insertion/insertion cathode. Conventional electrolytes do not contribute to charge storage in battery systems, but redox-active electrolytes augment this property via charge transfer reactions at the electrode-electrolyte interface. The capacity of the cathode combined with that provided by the electrolyte redox reaction thus increases overall charge storage. An aqueous sodium hexacyanoferrate (Na 4 Fe(CN) 6 ) solution is employed as the redox-active electrolyte (Na-FC) and sodium nickel Prussian blue (Na x -NiBP) as the Na + ion insertion/de-insertion cathode. The capacity of DESIB with Na-FC electrolyte is twice that of a battery using a conventional (Na 2 SO 4 ) electrolyte. The use of redox-active electrolytes in batteries of any kind is an efficient and scalable approach to develop advanced high-energy-density storage systems. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

First-principles study on structure stabilities of α-S and Na-S battery systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Momida, Hiroyoshi; Oguchi, Tamio

2014-03-01

To understand microscopic mechanisms of charge and discharge reactions in Na-S batteries, there has been increasing needs to study fundamental atomic and electronic structures of elemental S as well as that of Na-S phases. The most stable form of S is known to be an orthorhombic α-S crystal at ambient temperature and pressure, and α-S consists of puckered S8 rings which crystallize in space group Fddd . In this study, the crystal structure of α-S is examined by using first-principles calculations with and without the van der Waals interaction corrections of Grimme's method, and results clearly show that the van der Waals interactions between the S8 rings have crucial roles on cohesion of α-S. We also study structure stabilities of Na2S, NaS, NaS2, and Na2S5 phases with reported crystal structures. Using calculated total energies of the crystal structure models, we estimate discharge voltages assuming discharge reactions from 2Na+ xS -->Na2Sx, and discharge reactions in Na/S battery systems are discussed by comparing with experimental results. This work was partially supported by Elements Strategy Initiative for Catalysts and Batteries (ESICB) of Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT), Japan.

Salinity source-induced changes in yield, mineral composition, phenolic acids and flavonoids in leaves of artichoke and cardoon grown in floating system.

PubMed

Borgognone, Daniela; Cardarelli, Mariateresa; Rea, Elvira; Lucini, Luigi; Colla, Giuseppe

2014-04-01

Leaves of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. subsp. scolymus (L.) Hegi) and cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L. var. altilis DC) are traditionally used as herbal medicine. Moderate salt stress could enhance antioxidant activity and phytochemicals in leaves. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chloride salts (NaCl, KCl and CaCl2) on biomass production, mineral composition, phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity in leaves of artichoke and cardoon grown in a floating system. In both crops, NaCl and KCl treatments reduced biomass production, while similar values were recorded in CaCl2 and control treatments. In both crops, KCl treatment enhanced total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity and target polyphenols in leaves harvested at 48, 82 and 105 days after sowing (DAS), while leaf quality was improved by NaCl and CaCl2 treatments only at 82 and 105 DAS. Irrespective of salinity, leaves of cardoon had higher total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant activity and target polyphenols than those of artichoke. The results showed that application of KCl can be considered an effective way to produce high-quality leaves of artichoke and cardoon during the whole cropping cycle, although resulting in a 30% reduction in plant biomass. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine irrigants on the antibacterial activities of alkaline media against Enterococcus faecalis.

PubMed

Ma, Jinglei; Tong, Zhongchun; Ling, Junqi; Liu, Hongyan; Wei, Xi

2015-07-01

Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine (CHX) and calcium hydroxide are common intracanal medicaments. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of NaOCl and CHX on the antibacterial activities of alkaline media against Enterococcus faecalis. The survival rates of planktonic and biofilm E. faecalis were evaluated by plate counts after 1 min of pretreatment with NaOCl and CHX, and time-kill assays were then used to assess subsequent pH alkaline challenges. Dead and living cells in the E. faecalis biofilm were assessed with SYTO 9 and PI staining in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy following exposure to NaOCl or CHX and subsequent alkaline challenges by common root canal irrigation and dressing procedures. One minute of pretreatment with 2% CHX, 0.2% CHX, or 5.25% NaOCl in combination with a subsequent alkaline challenge significantly decreased planktonic E. faecalis survival rates, but pretreatment with 1% NaOCl did not. The E. faecalis biofilm survival rates were reduced in the subsequent alkaline challenge following CHX pretreatment but gradually increased following NaOCl pretreatment. Similarly, CLSM analysis revealed that the greatest proportions of dead E. faecalis cells in the biofilms were presented in the CHX and alkaline treatment group. CHX might be more effective in improving the antibacterial activities of alkaline root canal medicaments against E. faecalis than NaOCl during routine root canal therapy procedures. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Quantitative analysis of 18F-NaF dynamic PET/CT cannot differentiate malignant from benign lesions in multiple myeloma

PubMed Central

Sachpekidis, Christos; Hillengass, Jens; Goldschmidt, Hartmut; Anwar, Hoda; Haberkorn, Uwe; Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss, Antonia

2017-01-01

A renewed interest has been recently developed for the highly sensitive bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical 18F-NaF. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential utility of quantitative analysis of 18F-NaF dynamic PET/CT data in differentiating malignant from benign degenerative lesions in multiple myeloma (MM). 80 MM patients underwent whole-body PET/CT and dynamic PET/CT scanning of the pelvis with 18F-NaF. PET/CT data evaluation was based on visual (qualitative) assessment, semi-quantitative (SUV) calculations, and absolute quantitative estimations after application of a 2-tissue compartment model and a non-compartmental approach leading to the extraction of fractal dimension (FD). In total 263 MM lesions were demonstrated on 18F-NaF PET/CT. Semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluations were performed for 25 MM lesions as well as for 25 benign, degenerative and traumatic lesions. Mean SUVaverage for MM lesions was 11.9 and mean SUVmax was 23.2. Respectively, SUVaverage and SUVmax for degenerative lesions were 13.5 and 20.2. Kinetic analysis of 18F-NaF revealed the following mean values for MM lesions: K1 = 0.248 (1/min), k3 = 0.359 (1/min), influx (Ki) = 0.107 (1/min), FD = 1.382, while the respective values for degenerative lesions were: K1 = 0.169 (1/min), k3 = 0.422 (1/min), influx (Ki) = 0.095 (1/min), FD = 1. 411. No statistically significant differences between MM and benign degenerative disease regarding SUVaverage, SUVmax, K1, k3 and influx (Ki) were demonstrated. FD was significantly higher in degenerative than in malignant lesions. The present findings show that quantitative analysis of 18F-NaF PET data cannot differentiate malignant from benign degenerative lesions in MM patients, supporting previously published results, which reflect the limited role of 18F-NaF PET/CT in the diagnostic workup of MM. PMID:28913153

Sodium and Potassium Fluxes and Compartmentation in Roots of Atriplex and Oat 1

PubMed Central

Mills, David; Robinson, Kenneth; Hodges, Thomas K.

1985-01-01

K+ and Na+ fluxes and ion content have been studied in roots of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. and Avena sativa L. cv Goodfield grown in 3 millimolar K+ with or without 3 or 50 millimolar NaCl. Compartmental analysis was carried out with entire root systems under steady-state conditions. Increasing ambient Na+ concentrations from 0 to 50 millimolar altered K+, in Atriplex, as follows: slightly decreased the cytoplasmic content (Qc), the vacuolar content (Qv), and the plasma membrane influx and efflux. Xylem transport for K+ decreased by 63% in Atriplex. For oat roots, similar increases in Na+ altered K+ parameters as follows: plasma membrane influx and efflux decreased by about 80%. Qc decreased by 65%, and xylem transport decreased by 91%. No change, however, was observed in Qv for K+. Increasing ambient Na+ resulted in higher (3 to 5-fold) Na+ fluxes across the plasma membrane and in Qc of both species. In Atriplex, Na+ fluxes across the tonoplast and Qv increased as external Na+ was increased. In oat, however, no significant change was observed in Na+ flux across the tonoplast or in Qv as external Na+ was increased. In oat roots, Na+ reduced K+ uptake markedly; in Atriplex, this was not as pronounced. However, even at high Na+ levels, the influx transport system at the plasma membrane of both species preferred K+ over Na+. Based upon the Ussing-Teorell equation, it was concluded that active inward transport of K+ occurred across the plasma membrane, and passive movement of K+ occurred across the tonoplast in both species. Na+, in oat roots, was actively pumped out of the cytoplasm to the exterior, whereas, in Atriplex, Na+ was passively distributed between the free space, cytoplasm, and vacuole. PMID:16664273

Sodium and potassium fluxes and compartmentation in roots of atriplex and oat.

PubMed

Mills, D; Robinson, K; Hodges, T K

1985-07-01

K(+) and Na(+) fluxes and ion content have been studied in roots of Atriplex nummularia Lindl. and Avena sativa L. cv Goodfield grown in 3 millimolar K(+) with or without 3 or 50 millimolar NaCl. Compartmental analysis was carried out with entire root systems under steady-state conditions.Increasing ambient Na(+) concentrations from 0 to 50 millimolar altered K(+), in Atriplex, as follows: slightly decreased the cytoplasmic content (Q(c)), the vacuolar content (Q(v)), and the plasma membrane influx and efflux. Xylem transport for K(+) decreased by 63% in Atriplex. For oat roots, similar increases in Na(+) altered K(+) parameters as follows: plasma membrane influx and efflux decreased by about 80%. Q(c) decreased by 65%, and xylem transport decreased by 91%. No change, however, was observed in Q(v) for K(+). Increasing ambient Na(+) resulted in higher (3 to 5-fold) Na(+) fluxes across the plasma membrane and in Q(c) of both species. In Atriplex, Na(+) fluxes across the tonoplast and Q(v) increased as external Na(+) was increased. In oat, however, no significant change was observed in Na(+) flux across the tonoplast or in Q(v) as external Na(+) was increased. In oat roots, Na(+) reduced K(+) uptake markedly; in Atriplex, this was not as pronounced. However, even at high Na(+) levels, the influx transport system at the plasma membrane of both species preferred K(+) over Na(+).Based upon the Ussing-Teorell equation, it was concluded that active inward transport of K(+) occurred across the plasma membrane, and passive movement of K(+) occurred across the tonoplast in both species. Na(+), in oat roots, was actively pumped out of the cytoplasm to the exterior, whereas, in Atriplex, Na(+) was passively distributed between the free space, cytoplasm, and vacuole.

The activity-composition relationship of oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in aqueous salt solutions: III. Vapor-liquid water equilibration of NaCl solutions to 350°C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horita, Juske; Cole, David R.; Wesolowski, David J.

1995-03-01

The effect of dissolved NaCl on equilibrium oxygen and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors between liquid water and water vapor was precisely determined in the temperature range from 130-350°C, using two different types of apparatus with static or dynamic sampling techniques of the vapor phase. The magnitude of the oxygen and hydrogen isotope effects of NaCl is proportional to the molality of liquid NaCl solutions at a given temperature. Dissolved NaCl lowers appreciably the hydrogen isotope fractionation factor between liquid water and water vapor over the entire temperature range. NaCl has little effect on the oxygen isotope fractionation factor at temperatures below about 200°C, with the magnitude of the salt effect gradually increasing from 200-350°C. Our results are at notable variance with those of Truesdell (1974) and Kazahaya (1986), who reported large oxygen and hydrogen isotope effects of NaCl with very complex dependencies on temperature and NaCl molality. Our high-temperature results have been regressed along with our previous results between 50 and 100°C (Horita et al., 1993a) and the low-temperature literature data to simple equations which are valid for NaCl solutions from 0 to at least 5 molal NaCl in the temperature range from 10-350°C. Our preliminary results of oxygen isotope fractionation in the system CaCO3-water ± NaCl at 300°C and 1 kbar are consistent with those obtained from the liquid-vapor equilibration experiments, suggesting that the isotope salt effects are common to systems involving brines and any other coexisting phases or species (gases, minerals, dissolved species, etc.). The observed NaCl isotope effects at elevated temperatures should be taken into account in the interpretation of isotopic data of brine-dominated natural systems.

Thermodynamic properties of Na2O-SiO2-CaO melts at 1000 to 1100 °C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neudorf, D. A.; Elliott, J. F.

1980-12-01

The thermodynamic properties of Na2O-SiO2 and Na2O-SiO2-CaO melts have been measured using the galvanic cellbegin{array}{*{20}c} {O_2 (g), (Na_2 O), Pt} \\ {Na_2 O - WO_3 liq} \\ left| begin{gathered} Na^ + \\ β - alumina \\ right| begin{array}{*{20}c} {Pt,(Na_2 O), O_2 (g)} \\ {Na_2 O - SiO_2 - CaO liq} \\ Activities of Na2O were calculated from the reversible emf of the cell. This is possible because the activity of Na2O in the Na2O-WO3 liquid is known from previous work. Data for the binary Na2O-SiO2 system were obtained between 1000 and 1100 °C and for compositions ranging from 25 wt pct to 40 wt pct Na2O. At 1050 °C, Loga_{Na_2 O} varied from approximately 10.2 at 25 wt pct Na2O to approximately -8.3 at 40 wt pct Na2O, the dependence with respect to composition being nearly linear. The Gibbs-Duhem equation was used to calculate the activities of SiO2(s), and the integral mixing properties, G M, HM, and S M, were derived. At the di-silicate composition, G M = -83 kJ/mol, H M = -41 kJ mol and S M = 33 J/mol K at 1000 °C. (Standard states are pure, liquid Na2O and pure, solid tridymite.) The activity data are interpreted in terms of the polymeric nature of silicate melts. Activities of Na2O in the Na2O-CaO-SiO2 system were measured for the 25, 30 and 35 wt pct Na2O binary compositions with up to 10 wt pct CaO added. The addition of CaO caused an increase in the activity of Na2O at constantN_{Na_2 O} /N_{SiO_2 } . The experimental data agree well with the behavior predicted by Richardson’s ternary mixing model.

National surveys on internal quality control for blood gas analysis and related electrolytes in clinical laboratories of China.

PubMed

Duan, Min; Wang, Wei; Zhao, Haijian; Zhang, Chuanbao; He, Falin; Zhong, Kun; Yuan, Shuai; Wang, Zhiguo

2018-05-01

Internal quality control (IQC) is essential for precision evaluation and continuous quality improvement. This study aims to investigate the IQC status of blood gas analysis (BGA) in clinical laboratories of China from 2014 to 2017. IQC information on BGA (including pH, pCO2, pO2, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl-) was submitted by external quality assessment (EQA) participant laboratories and collected through Clinet-EQA reporting system in March from 2014 to 2017. First, current CVs were compared among different years and measurement systems. Then, percentages of laboratories meeting five allowable imprecision specifications for each analyte were calculated, respectively. Finally, laboratories were divided into different groups based on control rules and frequency to compare their variation trend. The current CVs of BGA were significantly decreasing from 2014 to 2017. pH and pCO2 got the highest pass rates when compared with the minimum imprecision specification, whereas pO2, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- got the highest pass rates when 1/3 TEa imprecision specification applied. The pass rates of pH, pO2, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl- were significantly increasing during the 4 years. The comparisons of current CVs among different measurement systems showed that the precision performance of different analytes among different measurement systems had no regular distribution from 2014 to 2017. The analysis of IQC practice indicated great progress and improvement among different years. The imprecision performance of BGA has improved from 2014 to 2017, but the status of imprecision performance in China remains unsatisfying. Therefore, further investigation and continuous improvement measures should be taken.

Bovine serum albumin partitioning in an aqueous two-phase system: effect of pH and sodium chloride concentration.

PubMed

Gündüz, U; Korkmaz, K

2000-06-23

The partitioning of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a polyethylene glycol 3350 (8% w/w)-dextran 37 500 (6% w/w)-0.05 M phosphate aqueous two-phase was investigated at different pHs, at varying concentrations of sodium chloride at 20 degrees C. The effect of NaCl concentration on the partition coefficient of BSA was studied for the PEG-dx systems with initial pH values of 4.2, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 9.8. The NaCl concentrations in the phase systems with constant pH value were 0.06, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.34 M. It was observed that the BSA partition coefficient decreased at concentrations smaller than 0.2 M NaCl and increased at concentrations greater than 0.2 M NaCl for all systems with initial pHs of 4.2, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 9.8. It was also seen that the partition coefficient of BSA decreased as the pH of the aqueous two-phase systems increased at any NaCl salt concentration studied.

Evaluation of the performance of the OneTouch Select Plus blood glucose test system against ISO 15197:2013.

PubMed

Setford, Steven; Smith, Antony; McColl, David; Grady, Mike; Koria, Krisna; Cameron, Hilary

2015-01-01

Assess laboratory and in-clinic performance of the OneTouch Select(®) Plus test system against ISO 15197:2013 standard for measurement of blood glucose. System performance assessed in laboratory against key patient, environmental and pharmacologic factors. User performance was assessed in clinic by system-naïve lay-users. Healthcare professionals assessed system accuracy on diabetes subjects in clinic. The system demonstrated high levels of performance, meeting ISO 15197:2013 requirements in laboratory testing (precision, linearity, hematocrit, temperature, humidity and altitude). System performance was tested against 28 interferents, with an adverse interfering effect only being recorded for pralidoxime iodide. Clinic user performance results fulfilled ISO 15197:2013 accuracy criteria. Subjects agreed that the color range indicator clearly showed if they were low, in-range or high and helped them better understand glucose results. The system evaluated is accurate and meets all ISO 15197:2013 requirements as per the tests described. The color range indicator helped subjects understand glucose results and supports patients in following healthcare professional recommendations on glucose targets.

Design of a Mechanical NaK Pump for Fission Space Power Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mireles, Omar R.; Bradley, David; Godfroy, Thomas

2010-01-01

Alkali liquid metal cooled fission reactor concepts are under development for mid-range spaceflight power requirements. One such concept utilizes a sodium-potassium eutectic (NaK) as the primary loop working fluid. Traditionally, linear induction pumps have been used to provide the required flow and head conditions for liquid metal systems but can be limited in performance. This paper details the design, build, and check-out test of a mechanical NaK pump. The pump was designed to meet reactor cooling requirements using commercially available components modified for high temperature NaK service.

Effect of sodium accumulation on heterotrophic growth and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by Cupriavidus necator.

PubMed

Mozumder, Md Salatul Islam; Garcia-Gonzalez, Linsey; De Wever, Heleen; Volcke, Eveline I P

2015-09-01

This study evaluates the effect of sodium (Na(+)) concentration on the growth and PHB production by Cupriavidus necator. Both biomass growth and PHB production were inhibited by Na(+): biomass growth became zero at 8.9 g/L Na(+) concentration while PHB production was completely stopped at 10.5 g/L Na(+). A mathematical model for pure culture heterotrophic PHB production was set up to describe the Na(+) inhibition effect. The parameters related to Na(+) inhibition were estimated based on shake flask experiments. The accumulated Na(+) showed non-linear inhibition effect on biomass growth but linear inhibition effect on PHB production kinetics. Fed-batch experiments revealed that a high accumulation of Na(+) due to a prolonged growth phase, using NaOH for pH control, decreased the subsequent PHB production. The model was validated based on independent experimental data sets, showing a good agreement between experimental data and simulation results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Akamai Internship Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-17

AFRL-OSR-VA-TR-2015-0094 AKAMAI INTERNSHIP PROGRAM Lisa Hunter UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII SYSTEMS Final Report 04/17/2015 DISTRIBUTION A: Distribution...NUMBER n/a 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER n/a 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of Hawaii Systems 2530 Dole St. SAK D-200...Honolulu, HI 96822-2309 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER n/a 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) University of

Issues and progress in determining background ozone and particle concentrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pinto, J. P.

2011-12-01

Exposure to ambient ozone is associated with a variety of health outcomes ranging from mild breathing discomfort to mortality. For the purpose of health risk and policy assessments EPA evaluates the anthropogenic increase in ozone above background concentrations and has defined the North American (NA) background concentration of O3 as that which would occur in the U.S. in the absence of anthropogenic emissions of precursors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Monthly average NA background ozone has been used to evaluate health risks, but EPA and state air quality managers must also estimate day specific ozone background levels for high ozone episodes as part of urban scale photochemical modeling efforts to support ozone regulatory programs. The background concentration of O3 is of more concern than other air pollutants because it typically represents a much larger fraction of observed O3 than do the backgrounds of other criteria pollutants (particulate matter (PM), CO, NO2, SO2). NA background cannot be determined directly from ambient monitoring data because of the influence of NA precursor emissions on formation of ozone within NA. Instead, estimates of NA background O3 have been based on GEOS-Chem using simulations in which NA anthropogenic precursor emissions are zeroed out. Thus, modeled NA background O3 includes contributions from natural sources of precursors (including CH4, NMVOCs, NOx, and CO) everywhere in the world, anthropogenic sources of precursors outside of NA, and downward transport of O3 from the stratosphere. Although monitoring data cannot determine NA background directly, measurements by satellites, aircraft, ozonesondes and surface monitors have proved to be highly useful for identifying sources of background O3 and for evaluating the performance of the GEOS-Chem model. Model simulated NA background concentrations are strong functions of location and season with large inter-day variability and with values increasing with elevation and higher in spring than in summer, and tend to be highest in the Intermountain West during spring. Estimates of annual average NA and other background definitions that have been considered will be presented. Issues associated with modeling background concentrations for both health-risk assessments and for episodic regulatory air quality programs will be discussed, and proposals for new atmospheric measurements and model improvements needed to quantify more accurately background contributions to ozone will also be presented. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Different role of TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (NaV 1) subtypes in action potential initiation and conduction in vagal airway nociceptors.

PubMed

Kollarik, M; Sun, H; Herbstsomer, R A; Ru, F; Kocmalova, M; Meeker, S N; Undem, B J

2018-04-15

The action potential initiation in the nerve terminals and its subsequent conduction along the axons of afferent nerves are not necessarily dependent on the same voltage-gated sodium channel (Na V 1) subunits. The action potential initiation in jugular C-fibres within airway tissues is not blocked by TTX; nonetheless, conduction of action potentials along the vagal axons of these nerves is often dependent on TTX-sensitive channels. This is not the case for nodose airway Aδ-fibres and C-fibres, where both action potential initiation and conduction is abolished by TTX or selective Na V 1.7 blockers. The difference between the initiation of action potentials within the airways vs. conduction along the axons should be considered when developing Na V 1 blocking drugs for topical application to the respiratory tract. The action potential (AP) initiation in the nerve terminals and its subsequent AP conduction along the axons do not necessarily depend on the same subtypes of voltage-gated sodium channels (Na V 1s). We evaluated the role of TTX-sensitive and TTX-resistant Na V 1s in vagal afferent nociceptor nerves derived from jugular and nodose ganglia innervating the respiratory system. Single cell RT-PCR was performed on vagal afferent neurons retrogradely labelled from the guinea pig trachea. Almost all of the jugular neurons expressed the TTX-sensitive channel Na V 1.7 along with TTX-resistant Na V 1.8 and Na V 1.9. Tracheal nodose neurons also expressed Na V 1.7 but, less frequently, Na V 1.8 and Na V 1.9. Na V 1.6 were expressed in ∼40% of the jugular and 25% of nodose tracheal neurons. Other Na V 1 α subunits were only rarely expressed. Single fibre recordings were made from the vagal nodose and jugular nerve fibres innervating the trachea or lung in the isolated perfused vagally-innervated preparations that allowed for selective drug delivery to the nerve terminal compartment (AP initiation) or to the desheathed vagus nerve (AP conduction). AP initiation in jugular C-fibres was unaffected by TTX, although it was inhibited by Na V 1.8 blocker (PF-01247324) and abolished by combination of TTX and PF-01247324. However, AP conduction in the majority of jugular C-fibres was abolished by TTX. By contrast, both AP initiation and conduction in nodose nociceptors was abolished by TTX or selective Na V 1.7 blockers. Distinction between the effect of a drug with respect to inhibiting AP in the nerve terminals within the airways vs. at conduction sites along the vagus nerve is relevant to therapeutic strategies involving inhaled Na V 1 blocking drugs. © 2018 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2018 The Physiological Society.

A Quaternary Sodium Superionic Conductor - Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8

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

Yu, Zhaoxin; Shang, Shun -Li; Gao, Yue

Sulfide-based Na-ion conductors are promising candidates as solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for fabrication of solid-state Na-ion batteries (NIBs) because of their high ionic conductivities and low grain boundary resistance. Currently, most of the sulfide-based Na-ion conductors with high conductivities are focused on Na 3PS 4 phases and its derivatives. It is desirable to develop Na-ion conductors with new composition and crystal structure to achieve superior ionic conductivities. Here we report a new quaternary Na-ion conductor, Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8, exhibiting a high ionic conductivity of 0.67 mS cm –1 at 25 °C. This high ionic conductivity originates from the presence ofmore » a large number of intrinsic Na-vacancies and three-dimensional Na-ion conduction pathways, which has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and first-principles calculations. In conclusion, the Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8 phase is further evaluated as an electrolyte in a Na-Sn alloy/TiS 2 battery, demonstrating its potential application in all-solid-state NIBs.« less

A Quaternary Sodium Superionic Conductor - Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8

DOE PAGES

Yu, Zhaoxin; Shang, Shun -Li; Gao, Yue; ...

2018-01-31

Sulfide-based Na-ion conductors are promising candidates as solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) for fabrication of solid-state Na-ion batteries (NIBs) because of their high ionic conductivities and low grain boundary resistance. Currently, most of the sulfide-based Na-ion conductors with high conductivities are focused on Na 3PS 4 phases and its derivatives. It is desirable to develop Na-ion conductors with new composition and crystal structure to achieve superior ionic conductivities. Here we report a new quaternary Na-ion conductor, Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8, exhibiting a high ionic conductivity of 0.67 mS cm –1 at 25 °C. This high ionic conductivity originates from the presence ofmore » a large number of intrinsic Na-vacancies and three-dimensional Na-ion conduction pathways, which has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and first-principles calculations. In conclusion, the Na 10.8Sn 1.9PS 11.8 phase is further evaluated as an electrolyte in a Na-Sn alloy/TiS 2 battery, demonstrating its potential application in all-solid-state NIBs.« less

Central nervous systen alpha-adrenergic mechanisms and cardiovascular regulation in rats.

PubMed

Boudier, H S; Smeets, G; Brouwer, G; Van Rossum, J M

1975-02-01

Noradrenaline (NA) induced a decrease in blood pressure and heart rate when injected into specific areas in either the medulla oblongata or the hypothalamus. In the medulla the area of the nucleus tractus solitarius was specifically sensitive to NA; in the hypothalamus depressor effects were obtained only after NA injections into the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic region. The cardiovascular effects induced by NA (3-40 nmol) in these areas consisted of an immediate decrease in both arterial pressure and heart rate. Size and duration of these effects depended upon the dose of NA injected. Alpha-methylNA (5-15 nmol) induced a long lasting decrease in blood pressure and heart rate when injected into the anterior hypothalamic/preoptic region. These data are discussed in view of the existence of at least two sites within the central nervous system (CNS) from which interference with noradrenergic mechanisms can cause changes in the cardiovascular system.

Looking for the Phase Transition—Recent NA61/SHINE Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turko, Ludwik

2018-03-01

The fixed-target NA61/SHINE experiment (SPS CERN) looks for the critical point of strongly interacting matter and the properties of the onset of deconfinement. It is a two dimensional scan of measurements of particle spectra and fluctuations in proton-proton, proton-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus interactions as a function of collision energy and system size, corresponding to a two dimensional phase diagram (temperature T - baryonic chemical potential $\\mu_B$). New NA61/SHINE results are presented here, such as transverse momentum and multiplicity fluctuations in Ar+Sc collisions compared to NA61/SHINE p+p and Be+Be data, as well as to earlier NA49 A+A results. Recently, a preliminary signature for the new size dependent effect - rapid changes in system size dependence was observed in NA61-SHINE data, labeled as percolation threshold or onset of fireball. This would be closely related to the vicinity of the hadronic phase transition region.

Alignment of dynamic networks.

PubMed

Vijayan, V; Critchlow, D; Milenkovic, T

2017-07-15

Network alignment (NA) aims to find a node mapping that conserves similar regions between compared networks. NA is applicable to many fields, including computational biology, where NA can guide the transfer of biological knowledge from well- to poorly-studied species across aligned network regions. Existing NA methods can only align static networks. However, most complex real-world systems evolve over time and should thus be modeled as dynamic networks. We hypothesize that aligning dynamic network representations of evolving systems will produce superior alignments compared to aligning the systems' static network representations, as is currently done. For this purpose, we introduce the first ever dynamic NA method, DynaMAGNA ++. This proof-of-concept dynamic NA method is an extension of a state-of-the-art static NA method, MAGNA++. Even though both MAGNA++ and DynaMAGNA++ optimize edge as well as node conservation across the aligned networks, MAGNA++ conserves static edges and similarity between static node neighborhoods, while DynaMAGNA++ conserves dynamic edges (events) and similarity between evolving node neighborhoods. For this purpose, we introduce the first ever measure of dynamic edge conservation and rely on our recent measure of dynamic node conservation. Importantly, the two dynamic conservation measures can be optimized with any state-of-the-art NA method and not just MAGNA++. We confirm our hypothesis that dynamic NA is superior to static NA, on synthetic and real-world networks, in computational biology and social domains. DynaMAGNA++ is parallelized and has a user-friendly graphical interface. http://nd.edu/∼cone/DynaMAGNA++/ . tmilenko@nd.edu. Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Salt tolerance of Glycine max.L induced by endophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus CSH1, via regulating its endogenous hormones and antioxidative system.

PubMed

Lubna; Asaf, Sajjad; Hamayun, Muhammad; Khan, Abdul Latif; Waqas, Muhammad; Khan, Muhammad Aaqil; Jan, Rahmatullah; Lee, In-Jung; Hussain, Anwar

2018-07-01

Abiotic stress resistance strategies are powerful approaches to sustainable agriculture because they reduce chemical input and enhance plant productivity. In current study, an endophytic fungus, Aspergillus flavus CHS1 was isolated from Chenopodium album Roots. CHS1 was initially screened for growth promoting activities like siderphore, phosphate solubilization, and the production of indole acetic acid and gibberellins and were further assayed for its ability to promote the growth of mutant Waito-C rice. The results revealed that different plant growth characteristic such as chlorophyll content, root-shoot length, and biomass production were significantly promoted during CHS1 treatment. This growth promotion action was due to the presence of various types of GAs and IAA in the endophyte culture filtrate. Significant up regulation with respect to levels in the control was observed in all endogenous plant GAs, after treatment with CHS1. Furthermore, to evaluate the potential of CHS1 against NaCl stress up to 400 mM, it was tested for its ability to improve soybean plant growth under NaCl stress. In endophyte-soybean interaction, CHS1 association significantly increased plant growth and attenuated the NaCl stress by down regulating ABA and JA synthesis. Similarly, it significantly elevated antioxidant activities of enzymes catalase, polyphenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase as compared to non-inoculated salt stress plants. Thus, CHS1 ameliorated the adverse effect of high NaCl stress and rescued soybean plant growth by regulating the endogenous plant hormones and antioxidative system. We conclude that CHS1 isolate could be exploited to increase salt resistant and yield in crop plants. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

A new method for recovery of cellulose from lignocellulosic bio-waste: Pile processing.

PubMed

Tezcan, Erdem; Atıcı, Oya Galioğlu

2017-12-01

This paper presents a new delignification method (pile processing) for the recovery of cellulose from lignocellulosic bio-wastes, adapted from heap leaching technology in metallurgy. The method is based on the stacking of cellulosic materials in a pile, irrigation of the pile with aqueous reactive solution from the top, lignin and hemicellulose removal and enrichment of cellulose by the reactive solution while percolation occurs through the bottom of the pile, recirculating the reactive solution after adjusting several values such as chemical concentrations, and allow the system run until the desired time or cellulose purity. Laboratory scale systems were designed using fall leaves (FL) as lignocellulosic waste materials. The ideal condition for FL was noted as: 0.1g solid NaOH addition per gram of FL into the irrigating solution resulting in instant increase in pH to about 13.8, later allowing self-decrease in pH due to delignification over time down to 13.0, at which point another solid NaOH addition was performed. The new method achieved enrichment of cellulose from 30% to 81% and removal of 84% of the lignin that prevents industrial application of lignocellulosic bio-waste using total of 0.3g NaOH and 4ml of water per gram of FL at environmental temperature and pressure. While the stirring reactions used instead of pile processing required the same amount of NaOH, they needed at least 12ml of water and delignification was only 56.1%. Due to its high delignification performance using common and odorless chemicals and simple equipment in mild conditions, the pile processing method has great promise for the industrial evaluation of lignocellulosic bio-waste. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Heavy metal removal mechanisms of sorptive filter materials for road runoff treatment and remobilization under de-icing salt applications.

PubMed

Huber, Maximilian; Hilbig, Harald; Badenberg, Sophia C; Fassnacht, Julius; Drewes, Jörg E; Helmreich, Brigitte

2016-10-01

The objective of this research study was to elucidate the removal and remobilization behaviors of five heavy metals (i.e., Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) that had been fixed onto sorptive filter materials used in decentralized stormwater treatment systems receiving traffic area runoff. Six filter materials (i.e., granular activated carbon, a mixture of granular activated alumina and porous concrete, granular activated lignite, half-burnt dolomite, and two granular ferric hydroxides) were evaluated in column experiments. First, a simultaneous preloading with the heavy metals was performed for each filter material. Subsequently, the remobilization effect was tested by three de-icing salt experiments in duplicate using pure NaCl, a mixture of NaCl and CaCl2, and a mixture of NaCl and MgCl2. Three layers of each column were separated to specify the attenuation of heavy metals as a function of depth. Cu and Pb were retained best by most of the selected filter materials, and Cu was often released the least of all metals by the three de-icing salts. The mixture of NaCl and CaCl2 resulted in a stronger effect upon remobilization than the other two de-icing salts. For the material with the highest retention, the effect of the preloading level upon remobilization was measured. The removal mechanisms of all filter materials were determined by advanced laboratory methods. For example, the different intrusions of heavy metals into the particles were determined. Findings of this study can result in improved filter materials used in decentralized stormwater treatment systems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a hand-held blood gas analyzer for rapid determination of blood gases, electrolytes and metabolites in intensive care setting.

PubMed

Luukkonen, Antti A M; Lehto, Tiina M; Hedberg, Pirjo S M; Vaskivuo, Tommy E

2016-04-01

Intensive care units, operating rooms, emergency departments, and neonatology units need rapid measurements of blood gases, electrolytes, and metabolites. These analyses can be performed in a central laboratory or at the clinic with traditional or compact cassette-type blood gas analyzers such as the epoc blood gas testing system for analyzing whole blood samples at the bedside. In this study, the performance and interchangeability of a hand-held epoc blood gas analyzer was evaluated. The analytical performance of the epoc analyzer was evaluated by determining within-and between-run precisions. The accuracy of the epoc analyzer was assessed by comparing patient results from the device with those obtained with the Siemens Rapidlab 1265 and Rapidpoint RP500 and Siemens Dimension Vista and Sysmex XE-2100 analyzers. The following parameters were measured: pH, pCO2, pO2, Hb (calc), Na+, K+, iCa2+, glucose, and lactate. The CV% of the epoc's between-day imprecision for the various parameters varied from 0.4 to 8.6. The within-run imprecision CV% varied from 0.6 to 5.2. The squared regression coefficient (R2) between the epoc and RL1265 varied from 0.94 to 0.99, with the exception of Na+ and Ca2+ (R2≥0.82). The correlation (R2) of Na+ and K+ between epoc and Dimension Vista was 0.73 and 0.89, respectively. The correlation (R2) of Hb between the epoc and the XE-2100 analyzer was 0.94. With most of the measured blood gas parameters, the epoc analyzer correlated well with reference techniques. The epoc analyzer is suitable for rapid measurement of the blood gases, the electrolytes, and the metabolites in the ICU.

Carbon sequestration in a surface flow constructed wetland after 12 years of swine wastewater treatment.

PubMed

Reddy, Gudigopuram B; Raczkowski, Charles W; Cyrus, Johnsely S; Szogi, Ariel

2016-01-01

Constructed wetlands used for the treatment of swine wastewater may potentially sequester significant amounts of carbon. In past studies, we evaluated the treatment efficiency of wastewater in a marsh-pond-marsh design wetland system. The functionality of this system was highly dependent on soil carbon content and organic matter turnover rate. To better understand system performance and carbon dynamics, we measured plant dry matter, decomposition rates and soil carbon fractions. Plant litter decomposition rate was 0.0052 g day(-1) (±0.00119 g day(-1)) with an estimated half-life of 133 days. The detritus layer accumulated over the soil surface had much more humin than other C fractions. In marsh areas, soil C extracted with NaOH had four to six times higher amounts of humic acid, fulvic acid and humin than soil C extracted by cold and hot water, HCl/HF, and Na pyruvate. In the pond area, humic acid, fulvic acid and humin content were two to four times lower than in the marsh area. More soil C and N was found in the marsh area than in the pond area. These wetlands proved to be large sinks for stable C forms.

[The contribution of surveillance systems of occupational diseases and mesothelioma in environmental health studies].

PubMed

Marinaccio, A; Binazzi, A; Di Marzio, D; Massari, S; Scarselli, A; Iavicoli, S

2011-01-01

National surveillance systems of occupational diseases may contribute to evaluate the work-related component of diseases investigated in SENTIERI Project. For a description of SENTIERI, refer to the 2010 Supplement of Epidemiology & Prevention devoted to SENTIERI Project. The National Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL) archives all occupational diseases claims (more than 230 000 in the period 2000-2007) and is in charge of their compensation. The Italian National Mesothelioma Register (ReNaM) and the Sinonasal Cancer Register (ReNaTuNS) record high occupational etiological fraction neoplasms (i.e. mesothelioma and sinonasal cancers). The former has identified more than 10 000 mesothelioma cases until now, and covers almost the whole country; the latter is active only in three Italian regions, Piemonte, Lombardia and Toscana. The monitoring of cancer sites at lower occupational etiological fraction is based on a record-linkage procedure between population-based cancer registries and employment history data, available at the Italian National Institute for Social Security (INPS). Finally, the informative system Mal.Prof collects and classifies all the diseases possibly related to the work environment reported by the Prevention Services of the Local Health Units.

Phase equilibria in the NaF-CdO-NaPO3 system at 873 K and crystal structure and physico-chemical characterizations of the new Na2CdPO4F fluorophosphate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboussatar, Mohamed; Mbarek, Aïcha; Naili, Houcine; El-Ghozzi, Malika; Chadeyron, Geneviève; Avignant, Daniel; Zambon, Daniel

2017-04-01

Isothermal sections of the diagram representing phase relationships in the NaF-CdO-NaPO3 system have been investigated by solid state reactions and powder X-ray diffraction. This phase diagram investigation confirms the polymorphism of the NaCdPO4 side component and the structure of the ß high temperature polymorph (orthorhombic, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=9.3118(2), b=7.0459(1), c=5.1849(1) Å has been refined. A new fluorophosphate, Na2CdPO4F, has been discovered and its crystal structure determined and refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. It exhibits a new 3D structure with orthorhombic symmetry, space group Pnma and unit cell parameters a=5.3731(1), b=6.8530(1), c=12.2691(2) Å. The structure is closely related to those of the high temperature polymorph of the nacaphite Na2CaPO4F and the fluorosilicate Ca2NaSiO4F but differs essentially in the cationic repartition since the structure is fully ordered with one Na site (8d) and one Cd site (4c). Relationships with other Na2MIIPO4F (MII=Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) have been examined and the crystal-chemical and topographical analysis of these fluorophosphates is briefly reviewed. IR, Raman, optical and 19F, 23Na, 31P MAS NMR characterizations of Na2CdPO4F have been investigated.

Antibacterial activity and dentin bonding ability of combined use of Clearfil SE Protect and sodium hypochlorite.

PubMed

Muratovska, Ilijana; Kitagawa, Haruaki; Hirose, Nanako; Kitagawa, Ranna; Imazato, Satoshi

2018-02-08

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity and dentin bonding ability of a commercial self-etch adhesive Clearfil SE Protect (Kuraray Noritake Dental, Tokyo, Japan) in combination with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Agar disc diffusion tests and measurement of minimum inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) against Streptococcus mutans were performed to evaluate antibacterial effects. The mixture solution of 5.25% NaOCl and the primer of Clearfil SE Protect demonstrated less antibacterial activity than primer only. In microtensile bond strength tests using non-carious human molars, pretreatment with 5.25% NaOCl aqueous solution had no influence on the bond strength of Clearfil SE Protect. These results indicate that pretreatment with NaOCl does not influence the bonding ability of Clearfil SE Protect, while their combined use does not enhance cavity disinfecting effects.

Predicting possible effects of H2S impurity on CO2 transportation and geological storage.

PubMed

Ji, Xiaoyan; Zhu, Chen

2013-01-02

For CO(2) geological storage, permitting impurities, such as H(2)S, in CO(2) streams can lead to a great potential for capital and energy savings for CO(2) capture and separation, but it also increases costs and risk management for transportation and storage. To evaluate the cost-benefits, using a recently developed model (Ji, X.; Zhu, C. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 2012, 91, 40-59), this study predicts phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the system H(2)S-CO(2)-H(2)O-NaCl under transportation and storage conditions and discusses potential effects of H(2)S on transportation and storage. The prediction shows that inclusion of H(2)S in CO(2) streams may lead to two-phase flow. For H(2)S-CO(2) mixtures, at a given temperature, the bubble and dew pressures decrease with increasing H(2)S content, while the mass density increases at low pressures and decreases at high pressures. For the CO(2)-H(2)S-H(2)O system, the total gas solubility increases while the mass density of the aqueous solution with dissolved gas decreases. For the CO(2)-H(2)S-H(2)O-NaCl system, at a given temperature, pressure and NaCl concentration, the solubility of the gas mixture in aqueous phase increases with increasing H(2)S content and then decreases, while the mass density of aqueous solution decreases and may be lower than the mass density of the solution without gas dissolution.

Influence of laboratory degradation methods and bonding application parameters on microTBS of self-etch adhesives to dentin.

PubMed

Erhardt, Maria Carolina G; Pisani-Proença, Jatyr; Osorio, Estrella; Aguilera, Fátima S; Toledano, Manuel; Osorio, Raquel

2011-04-01

To evaluate the laboratory resistance to degradation and the use of different bonding treatments on resin-dentin bonds formed with three self-etching adhesive systems. Flat, mid-coronal dentin surfaces from extracted human molars were bonded according to manufacturer's directions and submitted to two challenging regimens: (A) chemical degradation with 10% NaOC1 immersion for 5 hours; and (B) fatigue loading at 90 N using 50,000 cycles at 3.0 Hz. Additional dentin surfaces were bonded following four different bonding application protocols: (1) according to manufacturer's directions; (2) acid-etched with 36% phosphoric acid (H3PO4) for 15 seconds; (3) 10% sodium hypochlorite (NaOClaq) treated for 2 minutes, after H3PO4-etching; and (4) doubling the application time of the adhesives. Two one-step self-etch adhesives (an acetone-based: Futurabond/FUT and an ethanol-based: Futurabond NR/FNR) and a two-step self-etch primer system (Clearfil SE Bond/CSE) were examined. Specimens were sectioned into beams and tested for microtensile bond strength (microTBS). Selected debonded specimens were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data (MPa) were analyzed by ANOVA and multiple comparisons tests (alpha= 0.05). microTBS significantly decreased after chemical and mechanical challenges (P< 0.05). CSE showed higher microTBS than the other adhesive systems, regardless the bonding protocol. FUT attained the highest microTBS after doubling the application time. H3PO4 and H3PO4 + NaOCl pretreatments significantly decreased bonding efficacy of the adhesives.

Thiolated polycarbophil/glutathione: defining its potential as a permeation enhancer for oral drug administration in comparison to sodium caprate.

PubMed

Perera, Glen; Barthelmes, Jan; Vetter, Anja; Krieg, Christof; Uhlschmied, Cindy; Bonn, Günther K; Bernkop-Schnürch, Andreas

2011-08-01

Thiolated polyacrylates were shown to be permeation enhancers with notable potential. The aim of this study was to evaluate the permeation enhancing properties of a thiolated polycarbophil/glutathione (PCP-Cys/GSH) system for oral drug application in comparison to a well-established permeation enhancer, namely sodium caprate. In vitro permeation studies were conducted in Ussing-type chambers with sodium fluoresceine (NaFlu) and fluoresceine isothiocyanate labeled dextran (molecular mass 4 kDa; FD4) as model compounds. Bioavailability studies were carried out in Sprague Dawley rats with various formulations. Moreover, cytotoxic effects of both permeation enhancers were compared. Permeation enhancement ratios of 1% sodium caprate were found to be 3.0 (FD4) and 2.3 (NaFlu), whereas 1% PCP-Cys/0.5% GSH displayed enhancement ratios of 2.4 and 2.2. Both excipients performed at a similar level in vivo. Sodium caprate solutions increased oral bioavailability 2.2-fold (FD4) and 2.3-fold (NaFlu), while PCP-Cys hydrogels led to a 3.2-fold and 2.2-fold enhancement. Cell viability experiments revealed a significantly higher tolerance of Caco-2 cells towards 0.5% PCP-Cys (81% survival) compared to 0.5% sodium caprate (5%). As PCP-Cys is not absorbed from mucosal membranes due to its comparatively high molecular mass, systemic side-effects can be excluded. In conclusion, both systems displayed a similar potency for permeation enhancement of hydrophilic compounds. However, PCP-Cys seems to be less harmful to cultured cells.

High pressure structural stability of the Na-Te system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Youchun; Tian, Fubo; Li, Da; Duan, Defang; Xie, Hui; Liu, Bingbing; Zhou, Qiang; Cui, Tian

2018-03-01

The ab initio evolutionary algorithm is used to search for all thermodynamically stable Na-Te compounds at extreme pressure. In our calculations, several new structures are discovered at high pressure, namely, Imma Na2Te, Pmmm NaTe, Imma Na8Te2 and P4/mmm NaTe3. Like the known structures of Na2Te (Fm-3m, Pnma and P63/mmc), the Pmmm NaTe, Imma Na8Te2 and P4/mmm NaTe3 structures also show semiconductor properties with band-gap decreases when pressure increased. However, we find that the band-gap of Imma Na2Te structure increases with pressure. We presume that the result may be caused by the increasing of splitting between Te p states and Na s, Na p and Te d states. Furthermore, we think that the strong hybridization between Na p state and Te d state result in the band gap increasing with pressure.

Application of cetylpyridinium chloride and sodium chloride decontamination method for recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from clinically suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis.

PubMed

Shinu, Pottathil; Singh, Varsha; Nair, Anroop; Mehrishi, Priya; Mehta, Sonia; Joshi, Ekta

2013-10-01

The study was designed to compare the efficacy of cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and sodium chloride (NaCl) decontamination method with N-acetyl L-Cystine (NALC) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) decontamination (the reference method) method for the recovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) from clinically suspected cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. To evaluate CPC-NaCl and NALC-NaOH decontamination methods, sputum specimens (n = 796) were studied (culturing on Löwenstein-Jensen medium), and the performances were compared. The CPC-NaCl decontamination method demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of 97.99%, 87.53%, 70.19%, and 99.32%, respectively, when compared to NALC-NaOH decontamination method. In summary, CPC-NaCl decontamination method effectively detected significantly higher number of MTB cases (n = 208) than NALC-NaOH decontamination method (n = 149) particularly in sputum with scanty bacilli and smear-negative cases, indicating the potential of CPC-NaCl decontamination method to preserve paucibacillary cases more efficient than NALC-NaOH decontamination method. © 2013.

Optimization for Reduced-Fat / Low-NaCl Meat Emulsion Systems with Sea Mustard (Undaria pinnatifida) and Phosphate

PubMed Central

Kim, Cheon-Jei; Hwang, Ko-Eun; Song, Dong-Heon; Jeong, Tae-Jun; Kim, Hyun-Wook

2015-01-01

The effects of reducing fat levels from 30% to 20% and salt concentrations from 1.5% to 1.0% by partially substituting incorporated phosphate and sea mustard were investigated based on physicochemical properties of reduced-fat / low-NaCl meat emulsion systems. Cooking loss and emulsion stability, hardness, springiness, and cohesiveness for reduced-fat / low-NaCl meat emulsion systems with 20% pork back fat and 1.2% sodium chloride samples with incorporation of phosphate and sea mustard were similar to the control with 30% pork back fat and 1.5% sodium chloride. Results showed that reduced-fat / low-NaCl meat emulsion system samples containing phosphate and sea mustard had higher apparent viscosity. The results of this study show that the incorporation of phosphate and sea mustard in the formulation will successfully reduce fat and salt in the final meat products. PMID:26761874

Saltiness enhancement by the characteristic flavor of dried bonito stock.

PubMed

Manabe, M

2008-08-01

There is a pressing need for the development of ways of preparing palatable salt-reduced foods to reduce the salt intake of the Japanese population. The salt-reducing effect of the characteristic flavors other than umami of dried bonito stock, which is widely used in everyday Japanese food, was examined by sensory evaluation. In the 1st sensory evaluation, the effect was evaluated in a model solution. The saltiness of 0.80% NaCl solution was equivalent to that of 0.12% monosodium glutamate (MSG) solution containing 0.81% NaCl and dried bonito stock containing 0.68% NaCl. Saltiness enhancement could not be found when MSG solution was used, but was found with 6% dried bonito stock. The 2nd evaluation examined whether the effect was valid for 2 everyday Japanese foods--traditional Japanese clear soup (sumashi-jiru) and steamed egg custard (tamagodoufu). Although enhancement of saltiness by dried bonito stock could not be clearly demonstrated in the soup, a change in NaCl concentration within 15% did not affect the palatability of the soup. However, dried bonito stock not only enhanced the saltiness but also improved the palatability of steamed egg custard. These findings are expected to be useful for improving the palatability of salt-reduced food.

Fission Surface Power Technology Development Testing at NASA's Early Flight Fission Test Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Houts. Michael G.

2009-01-01

Fission surface power (FSP) systems could be used to provide power anytime, anywhere on the surface of the Moon or Mars. FSP systems could be used at polar locations, at locations away from the poles, or in permanently shaded regions, with excellent performance at all sites. A potential reference 40 kWe option has been devised that is cost-competitive with alternatives while providing more power for less mass anywhere on the lunar surface. The reference FSP system (FSPS) is also readily extensible for use on Mars. At Mars the system would be capable of operating through global dust storms and providing year-round power at any Martian latitude. Under the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program (ETDP), NASA and the Department of Energy (DOE) have begun technology development on Fission Surface Power (FSP). The primary customer for this technology is the NASA Constellation Program which is responsible for the development of surface systems to support human exploration on the moon and Mars. The objectives of the FSP technology project are: 1) Develop FSP concepts that meet expected surface power requirements at reasonable cost with added benefits over other options. 2) Establish a hardware-based technical foundation for FSP design concepts and reduce overall development risk. 3) Reduce the cost uncertainties for FSP and establish greater credibility for flight system cost estimates. 4) Generate the key products to allow Agency decision-makers to consider FSP as a viable option for flight development. To be mass efficient, FSP systems must operate at higher coolant temperatures and use different types of power conversion than typical terrestrial systems. The primary reason is the difficulty in rejecting excess heat to space. Although many options exist, NASA s current reference FSP system uses a fast spectrum, pumped-NaK cooled reactor coupled to a Stirling power conversion subsystem. The reference system uses technology with significant terrestrial heritage while still providing excellent performance on the surface of the moon or Mars. Recent testing at NASA s Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) has helped assess the viability of the reference FSP system, and has helped evaluate methods for system integration. In June, 2009, a representative pumped NaK loop (provided by Marshall Space Flight Center) was coupled to a Stirling power converter (provided by Glenn Research Center) and tested at various conditions representative of those that would be seen during actual FSP system operation. In all areas, performance of the integrated system exceeded project goals. High-temperature NaK pump testing has also been performed at the EFF-TF, as has testing of methods for providing long-duration NaK purity.

Fluorescent scanning laser ophthalmoscopy for cellular resolution in vivo mouse retinal imaging: benefits and drawbacks of implementing adaptive optics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Pengfei; Goswami, Mayank; Pugh, Edward N.; Zawadzki, Robert J.

2016-03-01

Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy (SLO) is a very important imaging tool in ophthalmology research. By combing with Adaptive Optics (AO) technique, AO-SLO can correct for ocular aberrations resulting in cellular level resolution, allowing longitudinal studies of single cells morphology in the living eyes. The numerical aperture (NA) sets the optical resolution that can be achieve in the "classical" imaging systems. Mouse eye has more than twice NA of the human eye, thus offering theoretically higher resolution. However, in most SLO based imaging systems the imaging beam size at mouse pupil sets the NA of that instrument, while most of the AO-SLO systems use almost the full NA of the mouse eye. In this report, we first simulated the theoretical resolution that can be achieved in vivo for different imaging beam sizes (different NA), assumingtwo cases: no aberrations and aberrations based on published mouse ocular wavefront data. Then we imaged mouse retinas with our custom build SLO system using different beam sizes to compare these results with theory. Further experiments include comparison of the SLO and AO-SLO systems for imaging different type of fluorescently labeled cells (microglia, ganglion, photoreceptors, etc.). By comparing those results and taking into account systems complexity and ease of use, the benefits and drawbacks of two imaging systems will be discussed.

Na8Au9.8(4)Ga7.2 and Na17Au5.87(2)Ga46.63: The diversity of pseudo 5-fold symmetries in the Na-Au-Ga system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smetana, Volodymyr; Corbett, John D.; Miller, Gordon J.

2013-11-01

The Na-rich part (~30% Na) of the Na-Au-Ga system between NaAu2, NaGa4, and Na22Ga39 has been found to contain the ternary phases Na8Au9.8(4)Ga7.2 (I) and Na17Au5.87(2)Ga46.63 (II), according to the results of single crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. I is orthorhombic, Cmcm, a=5.3040(1), b=24.519(5), c=14.573(3) Å, and contains a network of clusters with local 5-fold symmetry along the a-axis. Such clusters are frequent building units in decagonal quasicrystals and their approximants. II is rhombohedral, R3¯m, a=16.325(2), c=35.242(7) Å, and contains building blocks that are structurally identical to the Bergman-type clusters as well as fused icosahedral units known with active metals, triels and late transition elements. II also contains a polycationic network with elements of the clathrate V type structure. Tight-binding electronic structure calculations using linear muffin-tin-orbital (LMTO) methods on idealized models of I and II indicate that both compounds are metallic with evident pseudogaps at the corresponding Fermi levels. The overall Hamilton bond populations are generally dominated by Au-Ga and Au-Au bonds in I and by Ga-Ga bonds in II; moreover, the Na-Au and Na-Ga contributions in I are unexpectedly large, ~20% of the total. A similar involvement of sodium in covalent bonding has also been found in the electron-richer i-Na13Au12Ga15 quasicrystal approximant.

Performance analysis of gamma ray spectrometric parameters on digital signal and analog signal processing based MCA systems using NaI(Tl) detector.

PubMed

Kukreti, B M; Sharma, G K

2012-05-01

Accurate and speedy estimations of ppm range uranium and thorium in the geological and rock samples are most useful towards ongoing uranium investigations and identification of favorable radioactive zones in the exploration field areas. In this study with the existing 5 in. × 4 in. NaI(Tl) detector setup, prevailing background and time constraints, an enhanced geometrical setup has been worked out to improve the minimum detection limits for primordial radioelements K(40), U(238) and Th(232). This geometrical setup has been integrated with the newly introduced, digital signal processing based MCA system for the routine spectrometric analysis of low concentration rock samples. Stability performance, during the long counting hours, for digital signal processing MCA system and its predecessor NIM bin based MCA system has been monitored, using the concept of statistical process control. Monitored results, over a time span of few months, have been quantified in terms of spectrometer's parameters such as Compton striping constants and Channel sensitivities, used for evaluating primordial radio element concentrations (K(40), U(238) and Th(232)) in geological samples. Results indicate stable dMCA performance, with a tendency of higher relative variance, about mean, particularly for Compton stripping constants. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nonadiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics: modeling photophysics in organic conjugated materials.

PubMed

Nelson, Tammie; Fernandez-Alberti, Sebastian; Roitberg, Adrian E; Tretiak, Sergei

2014-04-15

To design functional photoactive materials for a variety of technological applications, researchers need to understand their electronic properties in detail and have ways to control their photoinduced pathways. When excited by photons of light, organic conjugated materials (OCMs) show dynamics that are often characterized by large nonadiabatic (NA) couplings between multiple excited states through a breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer (BO) approximation. Following photoexcitation, various nonradiative intraband relaxation pathways can lead to a number of complex processes. Therefore, computational simulation of nonadiabatic molecular dynamics is an indispensable tool for understanding complex photoinduced processes such as internal conversion, energy transfer, charge separation, and spatial localization of excitons. Over the years, we have developed a nonadiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics (NA-ESMD) framework that efficiently and accurately describes photoinduced phenomena in extended conjugated molecular systems. We use the fewest-switches surface hopping (FSSH) algorithm to treat quantum transitions among multiple adiabatic excited state potential energy surfaces (PESs). Extended molecular systems often contain hundreds of atoms and involve large densities of excited states that participate in the photoinduced dynamics. We can achieve an accurate description of the multiple excited states using the configuration interaction single (CIS) formalism with a semiempirical model Hamiltonian. Analytical techniques allow the trajectory to be propagated "on the fly" using the complete set of NA coupling terms and remove computational bottlenecks in the evaluation of excited-state gradients and NA couplings. Furthermore, the use of state-specific gradients for propagation of nuclei on the native excited-state PES eliminates the need for simplifications such as the classical path approximation (CPA), which only uses ground-state gradients. Thus, the NA-ESMD methodology offers a computationally tractable route for simulating hundreds of atoms on ~10 ps time scales where multiple coupled excited states are involved. In this Account, we review recent developments in the NA-ESMD modeling of photoinduced dynamics in extended conjugated molecules involving multiple coupled electronic states. We have successfully applied the outlined NA-ESMD framework to study ultrafast conformational planarization in polyfluorenes where the rate of torsional relaxation can be controlled based on the initial excitation. With the addition of the state reassignment algorithm to identify instances of unavoided crossings between noninteracting PESs, NA-ESMD can now be used to study systems in which these so-called trivial unavoided crossings are expected to predominate. We employ this technique to analyze the energy transfer between poly(phenylene vinylene) (PPV) segments where conformational fluctuations give rise to numerous instances of unavoided crossings leading to multiple pathways and complex energy transfer dynamics that cannot be described using a simple Förster model. In addition, we have investigated the mechanism of ultrafast unidirectional energy transfer in dendrimers composed of poly(phenylene ethynylene) (PPE) chromophores and have demonstrated that differential nuclear motion favors downhill energy transfer in dendrimers. The use of native excited-state gradients allows us to observe this feature.

Biological satellite scientific devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perepech, B. L.; Rumiantsev, V. P.; Galkin, V. M.; Shakhvorostov, S. V.; Rvachev, S. S.

1991-02-01

The paper describes the NA SBS 9 systems developed for the ninth Cosmos-2044 biological test mission. The NA SBS 9 life support systems designed for monkeys and rats follow standard design of BIOS-Vivarium and BIOS-Primate units. The main features of NA SBS 9 include the use of a recently developed HF physiological data recorder Skat-3; the incorporation into BIOS-Primate of two units intended for biorhythmic studies (the BBI-Zh system for studying beetles and the VITALOG developed by NASA for studies on monkeys); and a new version of BIOS-Primate system incorporating a capacitance-link and an inductance-link temperature transmitters and a brain tissue oxygen tension control channel.

Identification of salt-alloy combinations for thermal energy storage applications in advanced solar dynamic power systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. D.; Misra, A. K.

1987-01-01

Thermodynamic calculations based on the available data for flouride salt systems reveal that a number of congruently melting compositions and eutectics exist which have the potential to meet the lightweight, high energy storage requirements imposed for advanced solar dynamic systems operating between about 1000 and 1400 K. Compatibility studies to determine suitable containment alloys to be used with NaF-22CaF2-13MgF2, NaF-32CaF2, and NaF-23MgF2 have been conducted at the eutectic temperature + 25 K for each system. For these three NaF-based eutectics, none of the common, commercially available high temperature alloys appear to offer adequate corrosion resistance for a long lifetime; however mild steel, pure nickel and Nb-1Zr could prove useful. These latter materials suggest the possibility that a strong, corrosion resistant, nonrefractory, elevated temperature alloy based on the Ni-Ni3Nb system could be developed.

68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for prostate cancer staging and risk stratification in Chinese patients.

PubMed

Zang, Shiming; Shao, Guoqiang; Cui, Can; Li, Tian-Nv; Huang, Yue; Yao, Xiaochen; Fan, Qiu; Chen, Zejun; Du, Jin; Jia, Ruipeng; Sun, Hongbin; Hua, Zichun; Tang, Jun; Wang, Feng

2017-02-14

We evaluated the clinical utility of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for staging and risk stratification of treatment-naïve prostate cancer (PCa) and metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Twenty-two consecutive patients with treatment-naïve PCa and 18 with mCRPC were enrolled. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed for the evaluation of primary prostatic lesions, and bone scans were used for evaluation bone metastasis. Among the 40 patients, 37 (92.5% [22 treatment-naïve PCa, 15 mCRPC]) showed PSMA-avid lesions on 68Ga-PSMA-11 images. Only 3 patients with stable mCRPC after chemotherapy were negative for PSMA. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 imaging were 97.3%, 100.0% and 97.5%, respectively. The maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) of prostatic lesions was 17.09 ± 11.08 and 13.33 ± 12.31 in treatment-naïve PCa and mCRPC, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA-11 revealed 105 metastatic lymph nodes in 15 patients; the SUVmax was 16.85 ± 9.70 and 7.54 ± 5.20 in treatment-naïve PCa and mCRPC, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT also newly detected visceral metastasis in 9 patients (22.5%) and bone metastasis in 29 patients (72.5%). 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT exhibits potential for staging and risk stratification in naïve PCa, as well as improved sensitivity for detection of lymph node and remote metastasis.

68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for prostate cancer staging and risk stratification in Chinese patients

PubMed Central

Cui, Can; Li, Tian-Nv; Huang, Yue; Yao, Xiaochen; Fan, Qiu; Chen, Zejun; Du, Jin; Jia, Ruipeng; Sun, Hongbin; Hua, Zichun; Tang, Jun; Wang, Feng

2017-01-01

We evaluated the clinical utility of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT for staging and risk stratification of treatment-naïve prostate cancer (PCa) and metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Twenty-two consecutive patients with treatment-naïve PCa and 18 with mCRPC were enrolled. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed for the evaluation of primary prostatic lesions, and bone scans were used for evaluation bone metastasis. Among the 40 patients, 37 (92.5% [22 treatment-naïve PCa, 15 mCRPC]) showed PSMA-avid lesions on 68Ga-PSMA-11 images. Only 3 patients with stable mCRPC after chemotherapy were negative for PSMA. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 imaging were 97.3%, 100.0% and 97.5%, respectively. The maximum standardized uptake (SUVmax) of prostatic lesions was 17.09 ± 11.08 and 13.33 ± 12.31 in treatment-naïve PCa and mCRPC, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA-11 revealed 105 metastatic lymph nodes in 15 patients; the SUVmax was 16.85 ± 9.70 and 7.54 ± 5.20 in treatment-naïve PCa and mCRPC, respectively. 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT also newly detected visceral metastasis in 9 patients (22.5%) and bone metastasis in 29 patients (72.5%). 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT exhibits potential for staging and risk stratification in naïve PCa, as well as improved sensitivity for detection of lymph node and remote metastasis. PMID:28103574

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freyer, Daniela; Voigt, Wolfgang

2004-01-01

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

Hypothesized diprotomeric enzyme complex supported by stochastic modelling of palytoxin-induced Na/K pump channels

PubMed Central

Vilallonga, Gabriel D.; de Almeida, Antônio-Carlos G.; Ribeiro, Kelison T.; Campos, Sergio V. A.

2018-01-01

The sodium–potassium pump (Na+/K+ pump) is crucial for cell physiology. Despite great advances in the understanding of this ionic pumping system, its mechanism is not completely understood. We propose the use of a statistical model checker to investigate palytoxin (PTX)-induced Na+/K+ pump channels. We modelled a system of reactions representing transitions between the conformational substates of the channel with parameters, concentrations of the substates and reaction rates extracted from simulations reported in the literature, based on electrophysiological recordings in a whole-cell configuration. The model was implemented using the UPPAAL-SMC platform. Comparing simulations and probabilistic queries from stochastic system semantics with experimental data, it was possible to propose additional reactions to reproduce the single-channel dynamic. The probabilistic analyses and simulations suggest that the PTX-induced Na+/K+ pump channel functions as a diprotomeric complex in which protein–protein interactions increase the affinity of the Na+/K+ pump for PTX. PMID:29657808

Oxidative stress and Na,K-ATPase activity differential regulation in brainstem and forebrain of Wistar Audiogenic rats may lead to increased seizure susceptibility.

PubMed

Parreira, Gabriela Machado; Resende, Maria Daniela Aparecida; Garcia, Israel José Pereira; Sartori, Daniela Bueno; Umeoka, Eduardo Henrique de Lima; Godoy, Lívea Dornela; Garcia-Cairasco, Norberto; Barbosa, Leandro Augusto; Santos, Hérica de Lima; Tilelli, Cristiane Queixa

2018-01-15

The Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) is a well-characterized seizure-prone, inbred rodent strain that, when acutely stimulated with high-intensity sounds, develops brainstem-dependent tonic-clonic seizures that can evolve to limbic-like, myoclonic (forebrain) seizures when the acoustic stimuli are presented chronically (audiogenic kindling). In order to investigate possible mechanisms underlying WAR susceptibility to seizures, we evaluated Na,K-ATPase activity, Ca-ATPase activity, Mg-ATPase activity, lipid membrane composition and oxidative stress markers in whole forebrain and whole brainstem samples of naïve WAR, as compared to samples from control Wistar rats. We also evaluated the expression levels of α1 and α3 isoforms of Na,K-ATPase in forebrain samples. We observed increased Na,K-ATPase activity in forebrain samples and increased oxidative stress markers (lipid peroxidation, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in brainstem samples of WAR. The Ca-ATPase activity, Mg-ATPase activity, lipid membrane composition and expression levels of α1 and α3 isoforms of Na,K-ATPase were unaltered. In view of previous data showing that the membrane potentials from naïve WAR's neurons are less negative than that from neurons from Wistar rats, we suggest that Na,K-ATPase increased activity might be involved in a compensatory mechanism necessary to maintain WAR's brains normal activity. Additionally, ongoing oxidative stress in the brainstem could bring Na,K-ATPase activity back to normal levels, which may explain why WAR's present increased susceptibility to seizures triggered by high-intensity sound stimulation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Coronary fluorine-18-sodium fluoride uptake is increased in healthy adults with an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile: results from the CAMONA study.

PubMed

Blomberg, Björn A; Thomassen, Anders; de Jong, Pim A; Lam, Marnix G E; Diederichsen, Axel C P; Olsen, Michael H; Mickley, Hans; Mali, Willem P T M; Alavi, Abass; Høilund-Carlsen, Poul F

2017-11-01

Coronary artery fluorine-18-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) uptake reflects coronary artery calcification metabolism and is considered to be an early prognostic marker of coronary heart disease. This study evaluated the relationship between coronary artery F-NaF uptake and cardiovascular risk in healthy adults at low cardiovascular risk. Study participants underwent blood pressure measurements, blood analyses, and coronary artery F-NaF PET/CT imaging. In addition, the 10-year risk for the development of cardiovascular disease, on the basis of the Framingham Risk Score, was estimated. Multivariable linear regression evaluated the dependence of coronary artery F-NaF uptake on cardiovascular risk factors. We recruited 89 (47 men, 42 women) healthy adults aged 21-75 years. Female sex (0.34 kBq/ml; P=0.009), age (0.16 kBq/ml per SD; P=0.002), and BMI (0.42 kBq/ml per SD; P<0.001) were independent determinants of increased coronary artery F-NaF uptake (adjusted R=0.21; P<0.001). Coronary artery F-NaF uptake increased linearly according to the number of cardiovascular risk factors present (P<0.001 for a linear trend). The estimated 10-year risk for the development of cardiovascular disease was on average 2.4 times higher in adults with coronary artery F-NaF uptake in the highest quartile compared with those in the lowest quartile of the distribution (8.0 vs. 3.3%, P<0.001). Our findings indicate that coronary artery F-NaF PET/CT imaging is feasible in healthy adults at low cardiovascular risk and that an unfavorable cardiovascular risk profile is associated with a marked increase in coronary artery F-NaF uptake.

Zeolite formation from coal fly ash and heavy metal ion removal characteristics of thus-obtained Zeolite X in multi-metal systems.

PubMed

Jha, Vinay Kumar; Nagae, Masahiro; Matsuda, Motohide; Miyake, Michihiro

2009-06-01

Zeolitic materials have been prepared from coal fly ash as well as from a SiO(2)-Al(2)O(3) system upon NaOH fusion treatment, followed by subsequent hydrothermal processing at various NaOH concentrations and reaction times. During the preparation process, the starting material initially decomposed to an amorphous form, and the nucleation process of the zeolite began. The carbon content of the starting material influenced the formation of the zeolite by providing an active surface for nucleation. Zeolite A (Na-A) was transformed into zeolite X (Na-X) with increasing NaOH concentration and reaction time. The adsorption isotherms of the obtained Na-X based on the characteristics required to remove heavy ions such as Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) were examined in multi-metal systems. Thus obtained experimental data suggests that the Langmuir and Freundlich models are more accurate compared to the Dubinin-Kaganer-Radushkevich (DKR) model. However, the sorption energy obtained from the DKR model was helpful in elucidating the mechanism of the sorption process. Further, in going from a single- to multi-metal system, the degree of fitting for the Freundlich model compared with the Langmuir model was favored due to its basic assumption of a heterogeneity factor. The Extended-Langmuir model may be used in multi-metal systems, but gives a lower value for equilibrium sorption compared with the Langmuir model.

Sodium-dependent transport of sugars and iodide from the cerebral venticles of the rabbit.

PubMed

Bradbury, M W; Brondsted, H E

1973-10-01

1. The objective was to discover whether the extraction of sugars and iodide from the perfused cerebral ventricles is Na(+)-dependent.2. In the ventriculo-aqueductal and ventriculo-cisternal perfusion systems in the rabbit the extraction of (14)C-labelled D-hexoses (glucose, 3-O-methyl-glucose, alpha-methyl-glucoside and galactose), (131)I(-) and (24)Na was inhibited when 82% of the Na(+) in the perfusion fluid was replaced by choline. The extraction returned to control levels when the Na(+) concentration in the perfusion fluid was returned to normal.3. Ouabain, 5 x 10(-5)M in the perfusion fluid inhibited the extraction of the above (14)C sugars and (131)I(-), but hardly affected that of [(3)H]2-deoxy-D-glucose. It enhanced the extraction of (24)Na. C.s.f. production was usually totally inhibited.4. The extraction of [(14)C]urea remained unchanged during perfusion with low Na(+) fluid or ouabain.5. Recovery from brain of [(14)C]3-O-methyl-glucose, [(3)H]2-deoxy-glucose and (131)I(-) was low while recovery of [(14)C]alpha-methyl-glucoside and (24)Na was high. On an equal weight basis recovery of [(14)C]3-O-methyl-glucose was about twelve times higher from the choroid plexus than from the brain.6. Part of the movement of (14)C sugars may be explained on basis of a Na(+)-gradient hypothesis with involvement of the Na(+) pump at the blood-c.s.f. or blood-brain barriers.7. The rate of c.s.f. production from the first three ventricles comprised about 40% of the rate from all four ventricles. The extraction of sugars, urea and cations was similar in both perfusion systems while the extraction of (131)I(-) was higher in the ventriculo-cisternal system than in the ventriculo-aqueductal system.

NaK Variable Conductance Heat Pipe for Radioisotope Stirling Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tarau, Calin; Anderson, William G.; Walker, Kara

2008-01-01

In a Stirling radioisotope power system, heat must continually be removed from the General Purpose Heat Source (GPHS) modules to maintain the modules and surrounding insulation at acceptable temperatures. The Stirling convertor normally provides most of this cooling. If the Stirling convertor stops in the current system, the insulation is designed to spoil, preventing damage to the GPHS, but also ending use of that convertor for the mission. An alkali-metal Variable Conductance Heat Pipe (VCHP) was designed to allow multiple stops and restarts of the Stirling convertor. In the design of the VCHP for the Advanced Stirling Radioisotope Generator, the VCHP reservoir temperature can vary between 40 and 120 C. While sodium, potassium, or cesium could be used as the working fluid, their melting temperatures are above the minimum reservoir temperature, allowing working fluid to freeze in the reservoir. In contrast, the melting point of NaK is -12 C, so NaK can't freeze in the reservoir. One potential problem with NaK as a working fluid is that previous tests with NaK heat pipes have shown that NaK heat pipes can develop temperature non-uniformities in the evaporator due to NaK's binary composition. A NaK heat pipe was fabricated to measure the temperature non-uniformities in a scale model of the VCHP for the Stirling Radioisotope system. The temperature profiles in the evaporator and condenser were measured as a function of operating temperature and power. The largest delta T across the condenser was 2S C. However, the condenser delta T decreased to 16 C for the 775 C vapor temperature at the highest heat flux applied, 7.21 W/ square cm. This decrease with increasing heat flux was caused by the increased mixing of the sodium and potassium in the vapor. This temperature differential is similar to the temperature variation in this ASRG heat transfer interface without a heat pipe, so NaK can be used as the VCHP working fluid.

Smear layer removal evaluation of different protocol of Bio Race file and XP- endo Finisher file in corporation with EDTA 17% and NaOCl.

PubMed

Zand, Vahid; Mokhtari, Hadi; Reyhani, Mohammad-Frough; Nahavandizadeh, Neda; Azimi, Shahram

2017-11-01

The aim of the present study was to compare the amount of the smear layer remaining in prepared root canals with different protocols of Bio RaCe files and XP-endo Finisher file (XPF) in association with 17% EDTA and sodium hypochlorite solution. A total of 68 extracted single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups (n=14) and two control groups (n=6). The root canals were prepared with Bio RaCe files (FKG Dentaire, Switzerland) using the crown-down technique based on manufacturer's instructions and irrigated according to the following irrigation techniques: Group 1: XPF with 2 mL of 2.5% NaOCl for 1 minute. Group 2:, XPF with 1 mL of 17% EDTA for one minute. Group 3: XPF was used for 1 minute in association with normal saline solution. Group 4: XP-endo Finisher file for 30 seconds in association with 2.5% NaOCl and 17% EDTA for 30 seconds. The negative control group: NaOCl (2.5%) was used during root canal preparation, followed by irrigation with 17% EDTA at the end of root canal preparation. The positive control group: Normal saline solution was used for irrigation during root canal preparation. In all the groups, during preparation of the root canals with Bio RaCe file, 20 mL of 2.5% NaOCl was used for root canal irrigation and at the end of the procedural steps 20 mL of normal saline solution was used as a final irrigant. The samples were analyzed under SEM at ×1000‒2000 magnification and evaluated using Torabinejad scoring system. Data were analyzed with non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc Mann-Whitney U test, using SPSS. Statistical significant was defined at P <0.05. The results of the study showed the least amount of the smear layer at coronal, middle and apical thirds of the root canals in groups 2, which was not significantly different from the negative control group ( P <0.5). Under the limitations of the present study, use of a combination of NaOCl and EDTA in association with XPF exhibited the best efficacy for the removal of the smear layer. Key words: Smear layer, XP-endo Finisher file, EDTA, Sodium hypochlorite.

A comparative evaluation of Morinda citrifolia, green tea polyphenols, and Triphala with 5% sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Divia, A R; Nair, Mali G; Varughese, Jolly Mary; Kurien, Shobha

2018-01-01

Endodontic infections require effective removal of microorganisms from the root canal system for long-term prognosis. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most effective irrigant currently, but potential complications due to its toxicity warrant search for newer alternatives. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of Morinda citrifolia (MC), green tea polyphenols and Triphala was compared with 5% NaOCl against Enterococcus faecalis . In this in vitro study sixty extracted human premolar teeth were infected with E. faecalis , a Group D Streptococci for 48 h. At the end of 48 h, the vital bacterial population was assessed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) on blood agar plate. Samples were divided into five groups; Group I (distilled water), Group II (NaOCl), Group III (MC), Group IV (Triphala), and Group V (green tea polyphenols). The samples were irrigated with individual test agents and CFUs were recorded. Kruskal-Wallis test was performed as the parametric test to compare different groups. Student's t -test was used to compare mean values between groups before and after treatment with test agents ( P < 0.001). NaOCl was the most effective irrigant the elimination of E. faecalis reinforcing its role as the best irrigant available currently and a gold standard for comparison of the experimental groups. Its antibacterial effect was comparable to Triphala. Among the experimental groups, MC showed the minimum antibacterial effect. The use of herbal alternatives as a root canal irrigant might prove to be advantageous considering the several undesirable characteristics of NaOCl.

Enhanced anticaries efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentifrice: 3-year clinical results.

PubMed

Sintes, J L; Escalante, C; Stewart, B; McCool, J J; Garcia, L; Volpe, A R; Triol, C

1995-10-01

To evaluate the efficacy of a sodium fluoride (NaF)/silica/xylitol dentifrice compared with that of a positive control NaF/silica dentifrice on caries increments in school children over a 3-year period in an area without an optimal level of fluoride in the drinking water (mean level <0.1 ppm). A 3-year, double-blind clinical caries study was conducted in 2,630 children initially aged 8-10 years at 17 schools in the San Jose, Costa Rica metropolitan area. Clinical dental examinations were performed at participating schools utilizing portable dental equipment. Caries evaluations employed conventional tactile/visual methodology consisting of artificial light, dental mirrors and single-edge #23 explorers. Children accepted into the study were stratified by age and sex into two balanced groups within each school, and randomly assigned to use either a positive control dentifrice containing 0.243% NaF/silica or a test dentifrice containing 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol. Children were instructed to brush with the assigned dentifrice twice daily. Caries evaluations were conducted at baseline, 2 years, and 3 years. After 3 years, subjects using the 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol dentifrice had statistically significantly reduced decayed/filled surfaces (DFS; -12.3% reduction; P < or = 0.001) and decayed/filled buccal and lingual surfaces (DFS-BL; -10.5% reduction; P < or = 0/01).

Naïve Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated From β-Thalassemia Fibroblasts Allow Efficient Gene Correction With CRISPR/Cas9.

PubMed

Yang, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Xiaobai; Yi, Li; Hou, Zhenzhen; Chen, Jiayu; Kou, Xiaochen; Zhao, Yanhong; Wang, Hong; Sun, Xiao-Fang; Jiang, Cizhong; Wang, Yixuan; Gao, Shaorong

2016-01-01

Conventional primed human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) exhibit molecular and biological characteristics distinct from pluripotent stem cells in the naïve state. Although naïve pluripotent stem cells show much higher levels of self-renewal ability and multidifferentiation capacity, it is unknown whether naïve iPSCs can be generated directly from patient somatic cells and will be superior to primed iPSCs. In the present study, we used an established 5i/L/FA system to directly reprogram fibroblasts of a patient with β-thalassemia into transgene-free naïve iPSCs with molecular signatures of ground-state pluripotency. Furthermore, these naïve iPSCs can efficiently produce cross-species chimeras. Importantly, using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 nuclease genome editing system, these naïve iPSCs exhibit significantly improved gene-correction efficiencies compared with the corresponding primed iPSCs. Furthermore, human naïve iPSCs could be directly generated from noninvasively collected urinary cells, which are easily acquired and thus represent an excellent cell resource for further clinical trials. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of using patient-specific iPSCs in the naïve state for disease modeling, gene editing, and future clinical therapy. In the present study, transgene-free naïve induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directly converted from the fibroblasts of a patient with β-thalassemia in a defined culture system were generated. These naïve iPSCs, which show ground-state pluripotency, exhibited significantly improved single-cell cloning ability, recovery capacity, and gene-targeting efficiency compared with conventional primed iPSCs. These results provide an improved strategy for personalized treatment of genetic diseases such as β-thalassemia. ©AlphaMed Press.

Naïve Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Generated From β-Thalassemia Fibroblasts Allow Efficient Gene Correction With CRISPR/Cas9

PubMed Central

Yang, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Xiaobai; Yi, Li; Hou, Zhenzhen; Chen, Jiayu; Kou, Xiaochen; Zhao, Yanhong; Wang, Hong; Sun, Xiao-Fang; Jiang, Cizhong

2016-01-01

Conventional primed human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) exhibit molecular and biological characteristics distinct from pluripotent stem cells in the naïve state. Although naïve pluripotent stem cells show much higher levels of self-renewal ability and multidifferentiation capacity, it is unknown whether naïve iPSCs can be generated directly from patient somatic cells and will be superior to primed iPSCs. In the present study, we used an established 5i/L/FA system to directly reprogram fibroblasts of a patient with β-thalassemia into transgene-free naïve iPSCs with molecular signatures of ground-state pluripotency. Furthermore, these naïve iPSCs can efficiently produce cross-species chimeras. Importantly, using the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 nuclease genome editing system, these naïve iPSCs exhibit significantly improved gene-correction efficiencies compared with the corresponding primed iPSCs. Furthermore, human naïve iPSCs could be directly generated from noninvasively collected urinary cells, which are easily acquired and thus represent an excellent cell resource for further clinical trials. Therefore, our findings demonstrate the feasibility and superiority of using patient-specific iPSCs in the naïve state for disease modeling, gene editing, and future clinical therapy. Significance In the present study, transgene-free naïve induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) directly converted from the fibroblasts of a patient with β-thalassemia in a defined culture system were generated. These naïve iPSCs, which show ground-state pluripotency, exhibited significantly improved single-cell cloning ability, recovery capacity, and gene-targeting efficiency compared with conventional primed iPSCs. These results provide an improved strategy for personalized treatment of genetic diseases such as β-thalassemia. PMID:26676643

The influence of bile salt on the chemotherapeutic response of docetaxel-loaded thermosensitive nanomicelles.

PubMed

Kim, Dong Wuk; Ramasamy, Thiruganesh; Choi, Ju Yeon; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Yong, Chul Soon; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2014-01-01

The primary aim of this work was to investigate the potential of bile salt, sodium taurocholate (NaTC), in improving the bioavailability and anti-tumor efficacy of docetaxel (DCT) upon rectal administration. Poloxamer-based nanomicelles with thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties were prepared using the cold method. The optimized nanomicellar formulation was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and viscoelastic parameters. Nanomicelles containing bile salt maintained sufficient gelation strength (234×10(2) mPa·s) and mucoadhesive force (17.3×10(2) dyne/cm(2)) to be retained in the upper part of the rectum. They significantly enhanced the DCT internalization across the rectal mucosa and showed a high plasma level during the first 4 hours of the study period, compared to nanomicelles with no bile salt. As a result, a slightly higher rectal bioavailability of ~33% was observed in nanomicelles containing bile salt, compared to ~28% from the latter system. The higher pharmacokinetic parameters for rectally administered DCT/P407/P188/Tween 80/NaTC (0.25%/11%/15%/10%/0.1% by weight, respectively) resulted in significant anti-tumor efficacy. However, the tumor regression rate for the NaTC group was not statistically different from that for nanomicelles without NaTC. Therefore, overall results suggest that thermosensitive nanomicelles could be a potential dosage form for improvement of the bioavailability and chemotherapeutic profile of DCT.

Identification of New Signaling Components in the Sensory Epithelium of Human Saccule

PubMed Central

Degerman, Eva; Rauch, Uwe; Göransson, Olga; Lindberg, Sven; Hultgårdh, Anna; Magnusson, Måns

2011-01-01

Objective: To locate components and target proteins of relevance for the cAMP and cGMP signaling networks including cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs), salt-inducible kinases (SIKs), subunits of Na+, K+-ATPases, and aquaporins (AQPs) in the human saccule. Methods: The human saccule was dissected out during the removal of vestibular schwannoma via the translabyrinthine approach and immediately fixed. Immunohistochemistry was performed using PDE, SIK, Na+, K+-ATPase, and AQP antibodies. Results: PDEs selective for cAMP (PDE4A, PDE4D, and PDE8A) and cGMP (PDE9A) as well a dual specificity PDE (PDE10A) were detected in the sensory epithelium of the saccule. Furthermore, AQP2, 4, and 9, SIK1 and the α-1 subunit of the Na+, K+-ATPase were detected. Conclusion: cAMP and cGMP are important regulators of ion and water homeostasis in the inner ear. The identification of PDEs and SIK1 in the vestibular system offers new treatment targets for endolymphatic hydrops. Exactly how the PDEs are connected to SIK1 and the SIK1 substrate Na+, K+-ATPase and to AQPs 2, 4, 9 remains to be elucidated. The dissection of the signaling networks utilizing these components and evaluating their roles will add new basic knowledge regarding inner ear physiology. PMID:21886636

Topography measurements of high NA aspherical microlenses by digital holographic microscopy with spherical illumination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Józwik, Michal; Mikuła, Marta; Kozacki, Tomasz; Kostencka, Julianna; Gorecki, Christophe

2017-06-01

In this contribution, we propose a method of digital holographic microscopy (DHM) that enables measurement of high numerical aperture spherical and aspherical microstructures of both concave and convex shapes. The proposed method utilizes reflection of the spherical illumination beam from the object surface and the interference with a spherical reference beam of the similar curvature. In this case, the NA of DHM is fully utilized for illumination and imaging of the reflected object beam. Thus, the system allows capturing the phase coming from larger areas of the quasi-spherical object and, therefore, offers possibility of high accuracy characterization of its surface even in the areas of high inclination. The proposed measurement procedure allows determining all parameters required for the accurate shape recovery: the location of the object focus point and the positions of the illumination and reference point sources. The utility of the method is demonstrated with characterization of surface of high NA focusing objects. The accuracy is firstly verified by characterization of a known reference sphere with low error of sphericity. Then, the method is applied for shape measurement of spherical and aspheric microlenses. The results provide a full-field reconstruction of high NA topography with resolution in the nanometer range. The surface sphericity is evaluated by the deviation from the best fitted sphere or asphere, and the important parameters of the measured microlens: e.g.: radius of curvature and conic constant.

Rational design of mixed ionic and electronic conducting perovskite oxides for solid oxide fuel cell anode materials: A case study for doped SrTiO3

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

Suthirakun, Suwit; Xiao, Guoliang; Ammal, Salai Cheettu

2014-01-01

The effect of p- and n-type dopants on ionic and electronic conductivity of SrTiO3 based perovskites were investigated both computationally and experimentally. Specifically, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculations of Na- and La-doped SrTiO3 and Na- and Nb-doped SrTiO3 systems. Constrained ab initio thermodynamic calculations were used to evaluate the phase stability and reducibility of doped SrTiO3 under both oxidizing and reducing synthesis conditions, as well as under anodic solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) conditions. The density of states (DOS) of these materials was analyzed to study the effects of p- and n-doping on the electronic conductivity. Furthermore, Na-more » and La-doped SrTiO3 and Na- and Nb-doped SrTiO3 samples were experimentally prepared and the conductivity was measured to confirm our computational predictions. The experimental observations are in very good agreement with the theoretical predictions that doping n-doped SrTiO3 with small amounts of p-type dopants promotes both the ionic and electronic conductivity of the material. This doping strategy is valid independent of p- and n-doping site and permits the synthesis of perovskite based mixed ionic/electronic conductors.« less

The influence of bile salt on the chemotherapeutic response of docetaxel-loaded thermosensitive nanomicelles

PubMed Central

Kim, Dong Wuk; Ramasamy, Thiruganesh; Choi, Ju Yeon; Kim, Jeong Hwan; Yong, Chul Soon; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2014-01-01

The primary aim of this work was to investigate the potential of bile salt, sodium taurocholate (NaTC), in improving the bioavailability and anti-tumor efficacy of docetaxel (DCT) upon rectal administration. Poloxamer-based nanomicelles with thermosensitive and mucoadhesive properties were prepared using the cold method. The optimized nanomicellar formulation was evaluated in terms of physicochemical and viscoelastic parameters. Nanomicelles containing bile salt maintained sufficient gelation strength (234×102 mPa·s) and mucoadhesive force (17.3×102 dyne/cm2) to be retained in the upper part of the rectum. They significantly enhanced the DCT internalization across the rectal mucosa and showed a high plasma level during the first 4 hours of the study period, compared to nanomicelles with no bile salt. As a result, a slightly higher rectal bioavailability of ~33% was observed in nanomicelles containing bile salt, compared to ~28% from the latter system. The higher pharmacokinetic parameters for rectally administered DCT/P407/P188/Tween 80/NaTC (0.25%/11%/15%/10%/0.1% by weight, respectively) resulted in significant anti-tumor efficacy. However, the tumor regression rate for the NaTC group was not statistically different from that for nanomicelles without NaTC. Therefore, overall results suggest that thermosensitive nanomicelles could be a potential dosage form for improvement of the bioavailability and chemotherapeutic profile of DCT. PMID:25143730

Evidence for Na+ Influx via the NtpJ Protein of the KtrII K+ Uptake System in Enterococcus hirae

PubMed Central

Kawano, Miyuki; Abuki, Ryoko; Igarashi, Kazuei; Kakinuma, Yoshimi

2000-01-01

The ntpJ gene, a cistron located at the tail end of the vacuolar-type Na+-ATPase (ntp) operon of Enterococcus hirae, encodes a transporter of the KtrII K+ uptake system. We found that K+ accumulation in the ntpJ-disrupted mutant JEM2 was markedly enhanced by addition of valinomycin at pH 10. Studies of the membrane potential (ΔΨ; inside negative) by 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide fluorescence revealed that the ΔΨ was hyperpolarized at pH 10 in JEM2; the ΔΨ values of the parent strain ATCC 9790 and JEM2, estimated by determining the equilibrium distribution of K+ or Rb+ in the presence of valinomycin, were −118 and −160 mV, respectively. ΔΨ generation at pH 10 was accomplished by an electrogenic Na+ efflux via the Na+-ATPase, whose levels in the two strains were quite similar. Na+ uptake driven by an artificially imposed ΔΨ (inside negative) was missing in JEM2, suggesting that NtpJ mediates Na+ movement in addition to K+ movement. Finally, the growth of JEM2 arrested in K+-limited high-Na+ medium at pH 10 was restored by addition of valinomycin. These results suggest that NtpJ mediates electrogenic transport of K+ as well as Na+, that it likely mediates K+ and Na+ cotransport, and that Na+ movement via NtpJ is the major Na+ reentry pathway at high pH values. PMID:10762252

Long range intermolecular interactions between the alkali diatomics Na2, K2, and NaK

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zemke, Warren T.; Byrd, Jason N.; Michels, H. Harvey; Montgomery, John A.; Stwalley, William C.

2010-06-01

Long range interactions between the ground state alkali diatomics Na2-Na2, K2-K2, Na2-K2, and NaK-NaK are examined. Interaction energies are first determined from ab initio calculations at the coupled-cluster with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] level of theory, including counterpoise corrections. Long range energies calculated from diatomic molecular properties (polarizabilities and dipole and quadrupole moments) are then compared with the ab initio energies. A simple asymptotic model potential ELR=Eelec+Edisp+Eind is shown to accurately represent the intermolecular interactions for these systems at long range.

Long range intermolecular interactions between the alkali diatomics Na(2), K(2), and NaK.

PubMed

Zemke, Warren T; Byrd, Jason N; Michels, H Harvey; Montgomery, John A; Stwalley, William C

2010-06-28

Long range interactions between the ground state alkali diatomics Na(2)-Na(2), K(2)-K(2), Na(2)-K(2), and NaK-NaK are examined. Interaction energies are first determined from ab initio calculations at the coupled-cluster with singles, doubles, and perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] level of theory, including counterpoise corrections. Long range energies calculated from diatomic molecular properties (polarizabilities and dipole and quadrupole moments) are then compared with the ab initio energies. A simple asymptotic model potential E(LR)=E(elec)+E(disp)+E(ind) is shown to accurately represent the intermolecular interactions for these systems at long range.

Moderate temperature sodium cells. I - Transition metal disulfide cathodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, K. M.; Pitts, L.; Schiff, R.

1980-12-01

TiS2, VS2, and Nb(1.1)S2 transition metal disulfides were evaluated as cathode materials for a moderate temperature rechargeable Na cell operating at 130 C. The 1st discharge of TiS2 results in a capacity of 0.85 eq/mole; approximately half of the Na in the 1st phase spanning the Na range from zero to 0.30 and almost all the Na in the 2nd phase spanning the 0.37 to 0.80 range are rechargeable. VS2 intercalates up to one mole of Na/mole of VS2 in the 1st discharge; the resulting Na(x)VS2 ternary consists of 3 phases in the 3 ranges of Na from zero to 1. Niobium disulfide undergoes a phase change in the 1st discharge; the average rechargeable capacity in extended cycling of this cathode is 0.50 eq/mole.

Moderate temperature sodium cells. I - Transition metal disulfide cathodes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abraham, K. M.; Pitts, L.; Schiff, R.

1980-01-01

TiS2, VS2, and Nb(1.1)S2 transition metal disulfides were evaluated as cathode materials for a moderate temperature rechargeable Na cell operating at 130 C. The 1st discharge of TiS2 results in a capacity of 0.85 eq/mole; approximately half of the Na in the 1st phase spanning the Na range from zero to 0.30 and almost all the Na in the 2nd phase spanning the 0.37 to 0.80 range are rechargeable. VS2 intercalates up to one mole of Na/mole of VS2 in the 1st discharge; the resulting Na(x)VS2 ternary consists of 3 phases in the 3 ranges of Na from zero to 1. Niobium disulfide undergoes a phase change in the 1st discharge; the average rechargeable capacity in extended cycling of this cathode is 0.50 eq/mole.

A semiclassical study of laser-induced atomic fluorescence from Na2, K2 and NaK

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, J.-M.; Bhattacharyya, D. K.; George, T. F.

1982-01-01

A semiclassical treatment of laser-induced atomic fluorescence for the alkali-dimer systems Na2, K2 and NaK is presented. The variation of the fluorescence intensity with the frequency of the exciting laser photon is studied and a comparison of theoretical results with a set of experimental data is presented.

Experimental Studies of NaK in a Simulated Space Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibons, Marc; Sanzi, James; Ljubanovic, Damir

2011-01-01

Space fission power systems are being developed at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Energy (DOE) with a short term goal of building a full scale, non-nuclear, Technology Demonstration Unit (TDU) test at NASA's Glenn Research Center. Due to the geometric constraints, mass restrictions, and fairly high temperatures associated with space reactors, liquid metals are typically used as the primary coolant. A eutectic mixture of sodium (22 percent) and potassium (78 percent), or NaK, has been chosen as the coolant for the TDU with a total system capacity of approximately 55 L. NaK, like all alkali metals, is very reactive, and warrants certain safety considerations. To adequately examine the risk associated with the personnel, facility, and test hardware during a potential NaK leak in the large scale TDU test, a small scale experiment was performed in which NaK was released in a thermal vacuum chamber under controlled conditions. The study focused on detecting NaK leaks in the vacuum environment as well as the molecular flow of the NaK vapor. This paper reflects the work completed during the NaK experiment and provides results and discussion relative to the findings.

Using isotopic dilution to assess chemical extraction of labile Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in soils.

PubMed

Garforth, J M; Bailey, E H; Tye, A M; Young, S D; Lofts, S

2016-07-01

Chemical extractants used to measure labile soil metal must ideally select for and solubilise the labile fraction, with minimal solubilisation of non-labile metal. We assessed four extractants (0.43 M HNO3, 0.43 M CH3COOH, 0.05 M Na2H2EDTA and 1 M CaCl2) against these requirements. For soils contaminated by contrasting sources, we compared isotopically exchangeable Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb (EValue, mg kg(-1)), with the concentrations of metal solubilised by the chemical extractants (MExt, mg kg(-1)). Crucially, we also determined isotopically exchangeable metal in the soil-extractant systems (EExt, mg kg(-1)). Thus 'EExt - EValue' quantifies the concentration of mobilised non-labile metal, while 'EExt - MExt' represents adsorbed labile metal in the presence of the extractant. Extraction with CaCl2 consistently underestimated EValue for Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb, while providing a reasonable estimate of EValue for Cd. In contrast, extraction with HNO3 both consistently mobilised non-labile metal and overestimated the EValue. Extraction with CH3COOH appeared to provide a good estimate of EValue for Cd; however, this was the net outcome of incomplete solubilisation of labile metal, and concurrent mobilisation of non-labile metal by the extractant (MExtEValue). The Na2H2EDTA extractant mobilised some non-labile metal in three of the four soils, but consistently solubilised the entire labile fraction for all soil-metal combinations (MExt ≈ EExt). Comparison of EValue, MExt and EExt provides a rigorous means of assessing the underlying action of soil chemical extraction methods and could be used to refine long-standing soil extraction methodologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phase relations in the system NaCl-KCl-H2O: V. Thermodynamic-PTX analysis of solid-liquid equilibria at high temperatures and pressures

USGS Publications Warehouse

Sterner, S.M.; Chou, I.-Ming; Downs, R.T.; Pitzer, Kenneth S.

1992-01-01

The Gibbs energies of mixing for NaCl-KCl binary solids and liquids and solid-saturated NaCl-KCl-H2O ternary liquids were modeled using asymmetric Margules treatments. The coefficients of the expressions were calibrated using an extensive array of binary solvus and solidus data, and both binary and ternary liquidus data. Over the PTX range considered, the system exhibits complete liquid miscibility among all three components and extensive solid solution along the anhydrous binary. Solid-liquid and solid-solid phase equilibria were calculated by using the resulting equations and invoking the equality of chemical potentials of NaCl and KCl between appropriate phases at equilibrium. The equations reproduce the ternary liquidus and predict activity coefficients for NaCl and KCl components in the aqueous liquid under solid-saturation conditions between 673 and 1200 K from vapor saturation up to 5 kbar. In the NaCl-KCl anhydrous binary system, the equations describe phase equilibria and predict activity coefficients of the salt components for all stable compositions of solid and liquid phases between room temperature and 1200 K and from 1 bar to 5 kbar. ?? 1992.

Detection of endogenous lithium in neuropsychiatric disorders--a model for biological transmutation.

PubMed

Kurup, Ravi Kumar; Kurup, Parameswara Achutha

2002-01-01

The human hypothalamus produces an endogenous membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor, digoxin. A digoxin induced model of cellular/neuronal quantal state and perception has been described by the authors. Biological transmutation has been described in microbial systems in the quantal state. The study focuses on the plasma levels of digoxin, RBC membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity, plasma levels of magnesium and lithium in neuropsychiatric and systemic disorders. Inhibition of RBC membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity was observed in most cases along with an increase in the levels of serum digoxin and lithium and a decrease in the level of serum Mg(++). The generation of endogenous lithium would obviously occur due to biological transmutation from magnesium. Digoxin and lithium together can produce added membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibition. The role of membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibition in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and systemic disorders is discussed. The inhibition of membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase can contribute to an increase in intracellular calcium and a decrease in magnesium, which can result in a defective neurotransmitter transport mechanism, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis, defective golgi body function and protein processing dysfunction, immune dysfunction and oncogenesis. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Performance Evaluation and Adaptability Research of Flowing Gel System Prepared with Re-injected Waste Water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Lei; You, Jing; Liu, Na; Liu, Xinmin; Wang, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Tiantian; Gu, Yi; Guo, Suzhen; Gao, Shanshan

2017-12-01

The crosslinking intensity and stability of flowing gel system prepared with re-injected waste water are seriously affected as the high salinity waste water contains a high concentration of Na+, Fe2+, S2-, Ca2+, etc. The influence of various ions on the flowing gel system can be reduced by increasing polymer concentration, adding new ferric ion stabilizing agent (MQ) and calcium ion eliminating agent (CW). The technique of profile controlling and oil-displacing is carried out in Chanan multi-purpose station, Chabei multi-purpose station and Chayi multi-purpose station of Huabei Oilfield. The flowing gel system is injected from 10 downflow wells and the 15 offsetting production wells have increased the yield by 1770 tons.

Stereopsis and fusion in anisometropia according to the presence of amblyopia.

PubMed

Jeon, Hyun Sun; Choi, Dong Gyu

2017-12-01

To evaluate the level of stereopsis and fusion in patients with anisometropia according to the presence of amblyopia. We included 107 children with anisometropia, divided into groups with non-amblyopic anisometropia (NA, n = 72) and amblyopic anisometropia (AA, n = 35). Normal subjects without anisometropia were enrolled in the control group (n = 73). Main outcome measures were the level of stereopsis and sensory fusion as evaluated by Titmus stereotest and Worth 4-dot test, respectively, using anisometropic glasses. The degree of anisometropia in the NA, AA, and control groups was 2.54 diopters (D), 4.29 D, and 0.30 D, respectively (P = 0.014). Stereopsis (arcsec) was significantly worse in the AA group than the NA and control groups (641.71, 76.25, 54.52, respectively, P < 0.001), while no significant difference was found between the NA and control groups. The rate of fusion was significantly lower in the AA than the NA group (14.3% vs. 65.3%, P < 0.001), and was significantly lower in the NA than the control group (65.3% vs. 80.6%, P = 0.001). The levels of stereopsis and sensory fusion with anisometropic glasses were significantly worse in the AA than in the NA group. The level of stereopsis in the NA group, however, did not differ significantly from that in the isometropic control, while the rate of fusion was significantly lower. Early prescription of anisometropic glasses is needed to improve visual acuity and binocularity in children with possible amblyopic anisometropia.

Effect of enrofloxacin-Na against pathogens related to the respiratory and alimentary diseases in suckling and weanling piglets.

PubMed

Yoo, H S; Lee, B J; Chang, B S; Lee, Y S; Park, B K

2001-01-01

A field trial was conducted to evaluate effect of enrofloxacin-Na against pathogens related to the respiratory and alimentary diseases in eighty suckling piglets (6-7 days old) and eighty weanling piglets (5-6 weeks old). Respective twenty of the suckling and weanling piglets were assigned to each of 4 experimental groups; control (non-treated), clinical injection dose (CID), 2x clinical injection dose (2CID). and premix. A 0.05 ml (2.5 mg) of enrofloxacin-Na injection (5% solution, 1 ml) per kg body weight of piglets as CID was injected intramuscularly for 3 days and the clinical signs were observed for 9 days. The premix (150 ppm) of enrofloxacin-Na was administered with feed for 7 days ad libitum and the clinical signs were observed for 13 days. The enrofloxacin-Na-treated piglets showed a higher increase in body weight and a lower feed per gain than the control piglets. In addition, the treatment of enrofloxacin-Na, regardless of the route of administration, decreased the incidence rate of diarrhea in suckling piglets and respiratory symptoms in weanling piglets. The isolation index of E. coli and Cl. perfringens during the treatment periods was also lowered by the enrofloxacin-Na treatment in both suckling and weanling piglets. The antibiotics was also evaluated as safe locally and whole bodily as treated by injection or feeding. These results indicate that the newly developed antibiotics, enrofloxacin-Na, is very useful for the prevention and therapy of swine diseases in the pig industry.

Effect of environmental and physiological factors on the antibacterial activity of Curvularia haloperoxidase system against Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Hansen, E H; Schäfer, T; Molin, S; Gram, L

2005-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of environmental and physiological factors on the susceptibility of Escherichia coli to the Curvularia haloperoxidase system. The Curvularia haloperoxidase system is a novel enzyme system that produces reactive oxygen species which have an antimicrobial effect. Escherichia coli MG1655 was exposed to the Curvularia haloperoxidase system under different temperatures and NaCl concentrations and after exposure to different stress factors. Temperature clearly affected enzymatic activity with increasing antibacterial effect at increasing temperature. The presence of NaCl interfered with the enzyme system and in the presence of 1% NaCl, no antibacterial effect could be observed at pH 7. Cells grown at pH 8.0 were in one experiment more resistant than cells grown at pH 6.5, whereas cells grown in the presence of 2% NaCl were more susceptible to the Curvularia haloperoxidase system. Environmental and physiological factors can affect the antibacterial activity of the Curvularia haloperoxidase system. The study demonstrates a systematic approach in assessing the effect of environmental and physiological factors on microbial susceptibility to biocides. Such information is crucial for prediction of application as well as potential side-effects.

From Experiments to Simulations: Downscaling Measurements of Na+ Distribution at the Root-Soil Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perelman, A.; Guerra, H. J.; Pohlmeier, A. J.; Vanderborght, J.; Lazarovitch, N.

2017-12-01

When salinity increases beyond a certain threshold, crop yield will decrease at a fixed rate, according to the Maas and Hoffman model (1976). Thus, it is highly important to predict salinization and its impact on crops. Current models do not consider the impact of the transpiration rate on plant salt tolerance, although it affects plant water uptake and thus salt accumulation around the roots, consequently influencing the plant's sensitivity to salinity. Better model parametrization can improve the prediction of real salinity effects on crop growth and yield. The aim of this research is to study Na+ distribution around roots at different scales using different non-invasive methods, and to examine how this distribution is affected by the transpiration rate and plant water uptake. Results from tomato plants that were grown on rhizoslides (a capillary paper growth system) showed that the Na+ concentration was higher at the root-substrate interface than in the bulk. Also, Na+ accumulation around the roots decreased under a low transpiration rate, supporting our hypothesis. The rhizoslides enabled the root growth rate and architecture to be studied under different salinity levels. The root system architecture was retrieved from photos taken during the experiment, enabling us to incorporate real root systems into a simulation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to observe correlations between root system architectures and Na+ distribution. The MRI provided fine resolution of the Na+ accumulation around a single root without disturbing the root system. With time, Na+ accumulated only where roots were found in the soil and later around specific roots. Rhizoslides allow the root systems of larger plants to be investigated, but this method is limited by the medium (paper) and the dimension (2D). The MRI can create a 3D image of Na+ accumulation in soil on a microscopic scale. These data are being used for model calibration, which is expected to enable the prediction of root water uptake in saline soils for different climatic conditions and different soil water availabilities.

Pitting Corrosion of alloy 690 in thiosulfate-containing chloride solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsai, Wen-Ta; Wu, Tsung-Feng

2000-01-01

The effects of thiosulfate ion and solution pH on pitting corrosion of Alloy 690 in chloride solution were explored. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements were conducted to evaluate pitting corrosion susceptibility of Alloy 690 in these environments. The results showed that pitting corrosion occurred in the mill-annealed (1050°C/5min) Alloy 690 in 1 wt% NaCl solution but not in 0.1 M Na 2S 2O 3 solution. The value of pitting nucleation potential ( Enp) determined in 1 wt% NaCl solution (without Na 2S 2O 3 ) increased with increasing solution pH value in the range of 2-10. The addition of Na 2S 2O 3 to 1 wt% NaCl solution greatly affected the pitting corrosion behavior, which was dependent on concentration. The preformed nickel sulfide surface film due to the presence of Na 2S 2O 3 caused Alloy 690 to become more susceptible to pitting corrosion in 1 wt% NaCl solution.

Solid-state synthesis in the system Na 0.8Nb yW 1-yO 3 with 0⩽ y⩽0.4: A new phase, Na 0.5NbO 2.75, with perovskite-type structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Debnath, Tapas; Rüscher, Claus H.; Gesing, Thorsten M.; Koepke, Jürgen; Hussain, Altaf

2008-04-01

Series of compounds in the system Na xNb yW 1-yO 3 were prepared according to the appropriate molar ratio of Na 2WO 4, WO 3, WO 2 and Nb 2O 5 with x=0.80 and 0.0⩽ y⩽0.4 at 600 °C in evacuated silica glass tubes. These compounds were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, optical microscopy, microprobe analysis, Raman and optical microspectroscopy. A y-dependent separation into three distinct coloured crystallites with cubic perovskite-type structures is observed: (i) red-orange crystallites with composition Na xWO 3 with slightly decreasing x (i.e. 0.8-0.72) with increasing nominal y, (ii) bluish solid solution of composition Na xNb yW 1-yO 3 and (iii) white crystallites of a new phase having defect perovskite-type structure with composition Na 0.5NbO 2.75.

Interpolymer complexation: comparisons of bulk and interfacial structures.

PubMed

Cattoz, Beatrice; de Vos, Wiebe M; Cosgrove, Terence; Crossman, Martin; Espidel, Youssef; Prescott, Stuart W

2015-04-14

The interactions between the strong polyelectrolyte sodium poly(styrenesulfonate), NaPSS, and the neutral polymer poly(vinylpyrrolidone), PVP, were investigated in bulk and at the silica/solution interface using a combination of diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), solvent relaxation NMR, and ellipsometry. We show for the first time that complex formation occurs between NaPSS and PVP in solution; the complexes formed were shown not to be influenced by pH variation, whereas increasing the ionic strength increases the complexation of NaPSS but does not influence the PVP directly. The complexes formed contained a large proportion of NaPSS. Study of these interactions at the silica interface demonstrated that complexes also form at the nanoparticle interface where PVP is added in the system prior to NaPSS. For a constant PVP concentration and varying NaPSS concentration, the system remains stable until NaPSS is added in excess, which leads to depletion flocculation. Surface complex formation using the layer-by-layer technique was also reported at a planar silica interface.

Evaluation of 4 Different Irrigating Systems for Apical Extrusion of Sodium Hypochlorite.

PubMed

Yost, Ross A; Bergeron, Brian E; Kirkpatrick, Timothy C; Roberts, Mark D; Roberts, Howard W; Himel, Van T; Sabey, Kent A

2015-09-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate NaOCl apical extrusion by using negative apical pressure (EndoVac), sonic agitation (EndoActivator), side-vented needle (Max-i-Probe), and photon induced photoacoustic streaming (PIPS 10 mJ and PIPS 20 mJ) laser irrigation in an in vitro gel model. Extracted mandibular and maxillary central incisors (n = 18) were prepared to size 35/.04 and 55/.04, respectively. Teeth were mounted in transparent containers with clear acrylic and suspended in a color-changing pH-sensitive gel, creating a closed system. By using a crossover design, each tooth was sequentially irrigated by using 6% NaOCl with each device following manufacturers' recommendations. Each tooth served as its own control. Pre-irrigation and post-irrigation buccal and proximal view photographs served to measure the longest distance of extrusion and were analyzed with ImageJ software. Mean results were analyzed by using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc test (P < .05). There were no significant differences between EndoVac, EndoActivator, and the passive extrusion groups. The EndoVac and EndoActivator groups produced significantly less extrusion than PIPS irrigation. Max-i-Probe extrusion results were more variable than those of EndoActivator but had no significant difference. Across all irrigation systems, there were no significant differences with respect to apical preparation size. Under the in vitro conditions of this study, no difference was found between the 10 mJ and 20 mJ PIPS laser groups. EndoVac demonstrated significantly less potential for apical extrusion than PIPS and Max-i-Probe, whereas apical preparation size did not significantly affect extrusion of irrigant. The potential for apical extrusion of endodontic irrigants should be a consideration when selecting a system for final irrigation. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Thermal performance analysis of a thermocline thermal energy storage system with FLiNaK molten salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, C.; Cheng, M. S.; Zhao, B. C.; Dai, Z. M.

2017-01-01

A thermocline thermal storage unit with a heat transfer fluid (HTF) of high-temperature molten salt is considered as one of the most promising methods of thermal storage due to its lower cost and smaller size. The main objective of this work is to analyze the transient behavior of the available molten salt FLiNaK used as the HTF in heat transfer and heat storage in a thermocline thermal energy storage (TES) system. Thermal characteristics including temperature profiles influenced by different inlet velocities of HTF and different void fractions of porous heat storage medium are analyzed. The numerical investigation on the heat storage and heat transfer characteristics of FLiINaK has been carried out. A comparison between two different molten salts, FLiNaK and Hitec, has been explored in this paper with regards to their charging and discharging operations. The results indicate the system with FLiNaK has a greater energy storage capability, a shorter charging time and a higher output power. The numerical investigation reveals heat storage and heat transfer characteristics of the thermocline TES system with FLiNaK, and provide important references for molten salt selection of the TES system in the future.

Sequential Combination of Electro-Fenton and Electrochemical Chlorination Processes for the Treatment of Anaerobically-Digested Food Wastewater.

PubMed

Shin, Yong-Uk; Yoo, Ha-Young; Kim, Seonghun; Chung, Kyung-Mi; Park, Yong-Gyun; Hwang, Kwang-Hyun; Hong, Seok Won; Park, Hyunwoong; Cho, Kangwoo; Lee, Jaesang

2017-09-19

A two-stage sequential electro-Fenton (E-Fenton) oxidation followed by electrochemical chlorination (EC) was demonstrated to concomitantly treat high concentrations of organic carbon and ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 + -N) in real anaerobically digested food wastewater (ADFW). The anodic Fenton process caused the rapid mineralization of phenol as a model substrate through the production of hydroxyl radical as the main oxidant. The electrochemical oxidation of NH 4 + by a dimensionally stable anode (DSA) resulted in temporal concentration profiles of combined and free chlorine species that were analogous to those during the conventional breakpoint chlorination of NH 4 + . Together with the minimal production of nitrate, this confirmed that the conversion of NH 4 + to nitrogen gas was electrochemically achievable. The monitoring of treatment performance with varying key parameters (e.g., current density, H 2 O 2 feeding rate, pH, NaCl loading, and DSA type) led to the optimization of two component systems. The comparative evaluation of two sequentially combined systems (i.e., the E-Fenton-EC system versus the EC-E-Fenton system) using the mixture of phenol and NH 4 + under the predetermined optimal conditions suggested the superiority of the E-Fenton-EC system in terms of treatment efficiency and energy consumption. Finally, the sequential E-Fenton-EC process effectively mineralized organic carbon and decomposed NH 4 + -N in the real ADFW without external supply of NaCl.

A Scanning Electron Microscope Evaluation of Smear Layer Removal and Antimicrobial Action of Mixture of Tetracycline, Acid and Detergent, Sodium Hypochlorite, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid, and Chlorhexidine Gluconate: An In vitro Study.

PubMed

Charlie, K M; Kuttappa, M A; George, Liza; Manoj, K V; Joseph, Bobby; John, Nishin K

2018-01-01

The main objective is to evaluate the efficiency in removal of smear layer of mixture of tetracycline, acid and detergent (MTAD), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chlorhexidine gluconate by scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation and also to evaluate the antimicrobial action of the same irrigants against standard culture strains of Enterococcus faecalis . This study included 60 extracted permanent teeth with single root canal. The sample was categorized into five groups with 12 teeth in each group. Root canals were enlarged till size 40 with K-files. One group was kept as control and irrigated only with saline. Other four groups used 5% NaOCl as irrigant during instrumentation and MTAD, 5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate as final rinse. Teeth were split and examined under SEM. To test the antibacterial action, the zone of inhibition method using agar plates was used. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). MTAD and 17% EDTA removed smear layer from all regions of the root canals. About 5% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate were ineffective in removing the smear layer. The mean zone of inhibition formed by the irrigants was in the following order; MTAD (40.5 mm), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (29.375 mm), 17% EDTA (24.125 mm), 5% NaOCl (22.125 mm), and saline (zero). MTAD showed high smear layer removal efficacy, but no significant difference was found to that of 17% EDTA. As the dimensions of the zones of inhibition showed, MTAD has got highest antibacterial action against E. faecalis , followed by 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, 17% EDTA, and 5% NaOCl. However, the exact correlation of in vitro study results to clinical conditions is impossible due to the variables involved.

Stainless Steel NaK-Cooled Circuit (SNaKC) Fabrication and Assembly

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Godfroy, Thomas J.

2007-01-01

An actively pumped Stainless Steel NaK Circuit (SNaKC) has been designed and fabricated by the Early Flight Fission Test Facility (EFF-TF) team at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. This circuit uses the eutectic mixture of sodium and potassium (NaK) as the working fluid building upon the experience and accomplishments of the SNAP reactor program from the late 1960's The SNaKC enables valuable experience and liquid metal test capability to be gained toward the goal of designing and building an affordable surface power reactor. The basic circuit components include a simulated reactor core a NaK to gas heat exchanger, an electromagnetic (EM) liquid metal pump, a liquid metal flow meter, an expansion reservoir and a drain/fill reservoir To maintain an oxygen free environment in the presence of NaK, an argon system is utilized. A helium and nitrogen system are utilized for core, pump, and heat exchanger operation. An additional rest section is available to enable special component testing m an elevated temperature actively pumped liquid metal environment. This paper summarizes the physical build of the SNaKC the gas and pressurization systems, vacuum systems, as well as instrumentation and control methods.

A Review of Sodium-Metal Chloride Battery Activity At JPL

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratnakumar, B. V.; Attia, A. I.; Halpert, G.

1991-01-01

Following the disclosures by Coetzer et al. on the use of transition metal chlorides in chloroaluminates as alternate cathodes to sulfur in rechargeable sodium batteries, several laboratories, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, focused their attention on these systems. These systems have certain distinct advantages over sodium-sulfur batteries such as increased safety, inherent overcharge capability, and lower operating temperatures. Two systems, i.e., Na/FeCl2 and NaNiCl2, were developed extensively and evaluated in various applications including electric vehicles and space. Their performance has been very encouraging and warrants a detailed fundamental study on these cathodes. At the Jet Propulsion Laboratory a program was initiated two years back to understand the electrochemical behavior of FeCl2 and NiCl2, and to identify and evaluate other transition metal chlorides of promise. The initial efforts focused on the methods of fabrication of the electrodes and their electrochemical characterization. Subsequent studies were aimed at establishing the reaction mechanism, determining the kinetics, and identifying the rate-limiting processes in te reduction of metal chloride cathodes. Nickel chloride emerged form these studies as the most promising candidate material and was taken up for further detailed study on its passivation- a rate limiting process-under different experimental conditions. Also, the feasibility of using copper chloride, which is expected to have a higher energy density, has been assessed. On the basis of the criteria established from the voltammetric response of FeCl2, NiCl2, and CuCl2, several other transition metal chlorides were screened. Of these, molybdenum and cobalt appear promising.

Some Aspects of the Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Determination of Fluorine Content in Various Matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boča, M.; Gurišová, V.; Šimko, F.

2017-05-01

X-ray fluorescent signals of F Kα, Na Kα, Cl Kα, K Kα, and Ta Lα were measured by WD-XRF for various fluorine-containing systems: K2TaF7, Na3AlF6, K2ZrF6, NaF, and LiF (with NaCl and wax as additional additives). The data were recorded for 41 samples (in the form of pellets prepared in the laboratory) by more than 200 scans. The analysis of the measured fluorine X-ray fluorescence intensities demonstrated that the balance between absorption and enhancement effects depends strongly on the presence and concentration of other elements in the system. The experimental intensities of X-ray fluorescent radiation of fluorine for different systems with comparable fluorine content could differ by as much as 500%.

Thermodynamic Model of the Na-Al-Si-O-F Melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolejs, D.; Baker, D. R.

2004-05-01

Fluorine is a common volatile element in magmatic-hydrothermal systems, but its solution mechanisms in highly polymerized silicate melts are poorly known. We have developed a thermodynamic model for fluorosilicate liquids which links experimentally determined phase equilibria and spectroscopic information on melt structure. The model is applicable to crystallization of fluoride minerals or fluoride-silicate immiscibility in natural felsic melts. Configurational properties of the liquid are defined by mixing of alkali fluoride, polyhedral aluminofluoride and silicofluoride species and non-bridging terminations of the silicate network. Abundances of individual structural species are described by a homogeneous equilibrium, representing melt depolymerization: F- (free) + O0 (bridging) = F0 (terminal) + O- (non-bridging), which is a replacement of one oxygen bridge, Si-O-Si, by two terminations, Si-F | Na-O-Si. In cryolite-bearing systems, the self-dissociation of octahedral aluminofluoride complexes: Na3[AlF6] = Na[AlF4] + 2 NaF, and the short-range order between (O,F)-corners and (Si,NaAl)-centers of tetrahedra: Si-O-Si + 2 [NaAl]-F = [NaAl]-O-[NaAl] + 2 Si-F, represent two additional interaction mechanisms. Portrayal of these equilibria in ternary Thompson reaction space allows to decrease the number of interaction mechanisms by linearly combining melt depolymerization with tetrahedral short-range order. In this formulation, the interaction parameters are incorporated directly in configurational properties, thus the complete melt speciation can be calculated, and the activities of any macroscopic species are readily derived. The model has been applied to subsystems of the Na2O-NaAlO2-SiO2-F2O-1 compositional space. Activity-composition relationships in the villiaumite-sodium silicate binaries require clustering of silicate tetrahedra in fluoride solvent. Phase-equilibria in cryolite-nepheline and cryolite-albite systems illustrate an overall increase of Na3AlF6 self-association in both joins. On the other hand, melt depolymerization by fluorine controls depression of silicate liquidi. The present model is useful for modeling the differentiation of peralkaline fluorine-bearing magmas and provides a starting point for predicting halide, carbonate, sulfide or sulfate saturation in natural melts.

Growth/no growth boundary of Clostridium perfringens from spores in cooked meat: A logistic analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Lihan; Li, Changcheng; Hwang, Cheng-An

2018-02-02

Clostridium perfringens is a major foodborne health hazard that can cause acute gastroenteritis in consumers, and is often associated with cooked meat and poultry products. Improper cooling after cooking may allow this pathogen to grow in a product, producing an enterotoxin that causes food poisoning. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of common ingredients, including sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium lactate (NaL), and sodium chloride (NaCl), on the germination and outgrowth of C. perfringens spores in meat products. The growth/no growth test was conducted in Shahidi Ferguson Perfringens agar mixed with STPP (0-2500ppm), NaL (0-4%), and NaCl (0-4%) in microplates. Turbidity measurements at 600nm were compared before and after anaerobic incubation at 46°C to evaluate growth and no growth conditions. The dichotomous responses were analyzed by logistic regression to develop a model for estimating the growth probability of C. perfringens. The probability model was used to define the threshold of growth (probability >0.1 or 0.2) of C. perfringens and validated using inoculated ground beef under optimum temperature. Inoculated ground beef was mixed with different combinations of STPP, NaL, and NaCl to observe growth or no growth of C. perfringens, and the probability was calculated from the formulation. If the threshold of growth was set to 0.2, the accuracy of the growth and no growth predictions was 95.7%, with 4.3% over-prediction of growth events (fail-safe). The results from this study suggested that proper combinations of STPP, NaL, and NaCl could be used to control the growth of C. perfringens in cooked beef under the optimum temperature. The results may also suggest that proper combinations of STPP, NaL, and NaCl in cooked meat and poultry products could be used to prevent the growth of C. perfringens during cooling. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Naïve-like conversion enhances the difference in innate in vitro differentiation capacity between rabbit ES cells and iPS cells

PubMed Central

HONSHO, Kimiko; HIROSE, Michiko; HATORI, Masanori; YASMIN, Lubna; IZU, Haruna; MATOBA, Shogo; TOGAYACHI, Sumie; MIYOSHI, Hiroyuki; SANKAI, Tadashi; OGURA, Atsuo; HONDA, Arata

2014-01-01

Quality evaluation of pluripotent stem cells using appropriate animal models needs to be improved for human regenerative medicine. Previously, we demonstrated that although the in vitro neural differentiating capacity of rabbit induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be mitigated by improving their baseline level of pluripotency, i.e., by converting them into the so-called “naïve-like” state, the effect after such conversion of rabbit embryonic stem cells (ESCs) remains to be elucidated. Here we found that naïve-like conversion enhanced the differences in innate in vitro differentiation capacity between ESCs and iPSCs. Naïve-like rabbit ESCs exhibited several features indicating pluripotency, including the capacity for teratoma formation. They differentiated into mature oligodendrocytes much more effectively (3.3–7.2 times) than naïve-like iPSCs. This suggests an inherent variation in differentiation potential in vitro among PSC lines. When naïve-like ESCs were injected into preimplantation rabbit embryos, although they contributed efficiently to forming the inner cell mass of blastocysts, no chimeric pups were obtained. Thus, in vitro neural differentiation following naïve-like conversion is a promising option for determining the quality of PSCs without the need to demonstrate chimeric contribution. These results provide an opportunity to evaluate which pluripotent stem cells or treatments are best suited for therapeutic use. PMID:25345855

Geochemistry and quality parameters of dug and tube well water of Khipro, District Sanghar, Sindh, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bashir, Erum; Huda, Syed Nawaz-ul; Naseem, Shahid; Hamza, Salma; Kaleem, Maria

2017-07-01

Thirty-nine (23 dug and 16 tube well) samples were geochemically evaluated and investigated to ascertain the quality of water in Khipro, Sindh. The analytical results exhibited abundance of major cations and anions in Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ and Cl- > HCO3 - > SO4 2- sequence. Stiff diagram showed dug well sample have high Na-Cl and moderate Mg-SO4 content as compared to tube well samples. Majority of dug well samples appeared as Na-Cl type on Piper diagram while tube well samples are mixed type. Gibbs diagram reflected evaporation as a dominant phenomenon in dug well; however, tube well samples are declined toward rock dominance. Process of ion exchange was witnessed from Na+ versus Cl- and Ca2+ + Mg2+ versus HCO3 - + SO4 2- plots. Principal component analysis also discriminates dug well and tube well water by means of positive and negative loading based on physical and chemical composition of the groundwater. Studied and computed parameters like pH, EC, TDS, TH, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, SO4 2-, HCO3 -, sodium adsorption ratio, magnesium adsorption ratio, potential salinity, residual sodium carbonate, Na%, Kelly's ratio, and permeability index were compared with WHO to evaluate studied water for drinking and agricultural purposes. Except Na+ and K+, all chemical constrains are within the allowed limits, set by WHO for drinking water. Similarly, most of the groundwater is moderately suitable for irrigation uses, with few exceptions.

Sodium-ion hybrid electrolyte battery for sustainable energy storage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Senthilkumar, S. T.; Abirami, Mari; Kim, Junsoo; Go, Wooseok; Hwang, Soo Min; Kim, Youngsik

2017-02-01

Sustainable, safe, and low-cost energy storage systems are essential for large-scale electrical energy storage. Herein, we report a sodium (Na)-ion hybrid electrolyte battery with a replaceable cathode system, which is separated from the Na metal anode by a Na superionic conducting ceramic. By using a fast Na-ion-intercalating nickel hexacyanoferrate (NiHCF) cathode along with an eco-friendly seawater catholyte, we demonstrate good cycling performance with an average discharge voltage of 3.4 V and capacity retention >80% over 100 cycles and >60% over 200 cycle. Remarkably, such high capacity retention is observed for both the initial as well as replaced cathodes. Moreover, a Na-metal-free hybrid electrolyte battery containing hard carbon as the anode exhibits an energy density of ∼146 Wh kg-1 at a current density of 10 mA g-1, which is comparable to that of lead-acid batteries and much higher than that of conventional aqueous Na-ion batteries. These results pave the way for further advances in sustainable energy storage technology.

Evaluation of the electrophysiological consequences of GABA removal from the synaptic cleft by Na+ ion transport-coupled neuronal uptake.

PubMed

Cupello, A; Hydén, H

1985-12-09

The pre- and postsynaptic electrophysiological consequences of a carrier-mediated, Na+ ion transport-coupled removal of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from the relevant synaptic clefts are discussed. Assuming for the GABA internalization process a stoichiometry like GABAo + 3NA+o + K+i in equilibrium GABAi + 3Na+i + K+o and a synaptic cleft GABA maximal concentration of 100 microM we calculated the presynaptic depolarization associated with GABA removal between 11.5 and 38.2 mV. At the postsynaptic level the effect appears to be less marked.

Advanced Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) for Retirement for Cause/Engine Structural Integrity Program (RFC/RNSIP)

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-08-01

7.5mVpp @ 20KHz 6Vpp @ 6MHz Input N/A N/A 206mVpp @ 6MHz 157mVpp @ 6MHz 66mVpp @ 6MHz 99mVpp @ 6MHz 91mVpp @ 6MHz No Input 35mVpp @ 113KHz 3mVpp...170MHz 8.5mVpp @ 200MHz 13mVpp @ 200MHz 22mVpp @ 113KHz 5mVpp @ 113KHz 4.5mVpp @ 113KHz 6Vpp @ 6MHz Input N/A N/A 300mVpp @ 6MHz 285mVpp

Carbon Nanotube Biosensors for Space Molecule Detection and Clinical Molecular Diagnostics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, Jie

2001-01-01

Both space molecule detection and clinical molecule diagnostics need to develop ultra sensitive biosensors for detection of less than attomole molecules such as amino acids for DNA. However all the electrode sensor systems including those fabricated from the existing carbon nanotubes, have a background level of nA (nanoAmp). This has limited DNA or other molecule detection to nA level or molecules whose concentration is, much higher than attomole level. A program has been created by NASA and NCI (National Cancer Institute) to exploit the possibility of carbon nanotube based biosensors to solve this problem for both's interest. In this talk, I will present our effort on the evaluation and novel design of carbon nanotubes as electrode biosensors with strategies to minimize background currents while maximizing signal intensity.The fabrication of nanotube electrode arrays, immobilization of molecular probes on nanotube electrodes and in vitro biosensor testing will also be discussed.

Hydrodynamic cavitation as a novel pretreatment approach for bioethanol production from reed.

PubMed

Kim, Ilgook; Lee, Ilgyu; Jeon, Seok Hwan; Hwang, Taewoon; Han, Jong-In

2015-09-01

In this study, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) was employed as a physical means to improve alkaline pretreatment of reed. The HC-assisted alkaline pretreatment was undertaken to evaluate the influence of NaOH concentration (1-5%), solid-to-liquid ratio (5-15%), and reaction time (20-60 min) on glucose yield. The optimal condition was found to be 3.0% NaOH at solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio of 11.8% for 41.1 min, which resulted in the maximum glucose yield of 326.5 g/kg biomass. Furthermore, simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) was conducted to assess the ethanol production. An ethanol concentration of 25.9 g/L and ethanol yield of 90% were achieved using batch SSF. These results clearly demonstrated HC system can be indeed a promising pretreatment tool for lignocellulosic bioethanol production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Na+-Responsive ntp Operon Is Indispensable for Homeostatis of K+ and Na+ in Enterococcus hirae at Limited Proton Potential

PubMed Central

Kawano, Miyuki; Igarashi, Kazuei; Kakinuma, Yoshimi

1998-01-01

Enterococcus hirae ATCC 9790 grew well in Na+-deficient, low-K+ medium, but growth was inhibited by carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP). Growth inhibition and decrease of cellular K+ levels in the presence of CCCP were relieved by the addition of Na+ and a high concentration of K+. In contrast, in the mutant defective in Na+-ATPase or the NtpJ component of the KtrII K+ uptake system, CCCP-induced growth inhibition was rescued by a high concentration of K+ but not of Na+. These transporters are thus indispensable for homeostatis of K+ and Na+ at low proton potential. PMID:9733699

DynMo: Dynamic Simulation Model for Space Reactor Power Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Genk, Mohamed; Tournier, Jean-Michel

2005-02-01

A Dynamic simulation Model (DynMo) for space reactor power systems is developed using the SIMULINK® platform. DynMo is modular and could be applied to power systems with different types of reactors, energy conversion, and heat pipe radiators. This paper presents a general description of DynMo-TE for a space power system powered by a Sectored Compact Reactor (SCoRe) and that employs off-the-shelf SiGe thermoelectric converters. SCoRe is liquid metal cooled and designed for avoidance of a single point failure. The reactor core is divided into six equal sectors that are neutronically, but not thermal-hydraulically, coupled. To avoid a single point failure in the power system, each reactor sector has its own primary and secondary loops, and each loop is equipped with an electromagnetic (EM) pump. A Power Conversion assembly (PCA) and a Thermoelectric Conversion Assembly (TCA) of the primary and secondary EM pumps thermally couple each pair of a primary and a secondary loop. The secondary loop transports the heat rejected by the PCA and the pumps TCA to a rubidium heat pipes radiator panel. The primary loops transport the thermal power from the reactor sector to the PCAs for supplying a total of 145-152 kWe to the load at 441-452 VDC, depending on the selections of the primary and secondary liquid metal coolants. The primary and secondary coolant combinations investigated are lithium (Li)/Li, Li/sodium (Na), Na-Na, Li/NaK-78 and Na/NaK-78, for which the reactor exit temperature is kept below 1250 K. The results of a startup transient of the system from an initial temperature of 500 K are compared and discussed.

Borate mineral assemblages in the system Na2OCaOMgOB2O3H2O

USGS Publications Warehouse

Christ, C.L.; Truesdell, A.H.; Erd, Richard C.

1967-01-01

he significant known hydrated borate mineral assemblages (principally of the western United States) in the system Na2OCaOz.sbnd;MgOB2O3H2O are expressible in three ternary composition diagrams. Phase rule interpretation of the diagrams is consistent with observation, if the activity of H2O is generally considered to be determined by the geologic environment. The absence of conflicting tie-lines on a diagram indicates that the several mineral assemblages of the diagram were formed under relatively narrow ranges of temperature and pressure. The known structural as well as empirical formulas for the minerals are listed, and the more recent (since 1960) crystal structure findings are discussed briefly. Schematic Gibbs free energy-composition diagrams based on known solubility-temperature relations in the systems Na2B4O7-H2O and Na2B4O7-NaCl-H2O, are highly useful in the interpretation and prediction of the stability relations in these systems; in particular these diagrams indicate clearly that tincalconite, although geologically important, is everywhere a metastable phase. Crystal-chemical considerations indicate that the same thermodynamic and kinetic behavior observed in the Na2B4O7-H2O system will hold in the Ca2B6O11-H2O system. This conclusion is confirmed by the petrologic evidence. The chemical relations among the mineral assemblages of a ternary diagram are expressed by a schematic "activity-activity" diagram. These activity-activity diagrams permit the tracing-out of the paragenetic sequences as a function of changing cation and H2O activities. ?? 1967.

Gene silencing reveals multiple functions of Na+/K+-ATPase in the salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis).

PubMed

Komisarczuk, Anna Z; Kongshaug, Heidi; Nilsen, Frank

2018-02-01

Na + /K + -ATPase has a key function in a variety of physiological processes including membrane excitability, osmoregulation, regulation of cell volume, and transport of nutrients. While knowledge about Na + /K + -ATPase function in osmoregulation in crustaceans is extensive, the role of this enzyme in other physiological and developmental processes is scarce. Here, we report characterization, transcriptional distribution and likely functions of the newly identified L. salmonis Na + /K + -ATPase (LsalNa + /K + -ATPase) α subunit in various developmental stages. The complete mRNA sequence was identified, with 3003 bp open reading frame encoding a putative protein of 1001 amino acids. Putative protein sequence of LsalNa + /K + -ATPase revealed all typical features of Na + /K + -ATPase and demonstrated high sequence identity to other invertebrate and vertebrate species. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed higher LsalNa + /K + -ATPase transcript level in free-living stages in comparison to parasitic stages. In situ hybridization analysis of copepodids and adult lice revealed LsalNa + /K + -ATPase transcript localization in a wide variety of tissues such as nervous system, intestine, reproductive system, and subcuticular and glandular tissue. RNAi mediated knock-down of LsalNa + /K + -ATPase caused locomotion impairment, and affected reproduction and feeding. Morphological analysis of dsRNA treated animals revealed muscle degeneration in larval stages, severe changes in the oocyte formation and maturation in females and abnormalities in tegmental glands. Thus, the study represents an important foundation for further functional investigation and identification of physiological pathways in which Na + /K + -ATPase is directly or indirectly involved. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

First principles molecular dynamics of molten NaI: Structure, self-diffusion, polarization effects, and charge transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galamba, N.; Costa Cabral, B. J.

2007-09-01

The structure and self-diffusion of NaI and NaCl at temperatures close to their melting points are studied by first principles Hellmann-Feynman molecular dynamics (HFMD). The results are compared with classical MD using rigid-ion (RI) and shell-model (ShM) interionic potentials. HFMD for NaCl was reported before at a higher temperature [N. Galamba and B. J. Costa Cabral, J. Chem. Phys. 126, 124502 (2007)]. The main differences between the structures predicted by HFMD and RI MD for NaI concern the cation-cation and the anion-cation pair correlation functions. A ShM which allows only for the polarization of I- reproduces the main features of the HFMD structure of NaI. The inclusion of polarization effects for both ionic species leads to a more structured ionic liquid, although a good agreement with HFMD is also observed. HFMD Green-Kubo self-diffusion coefficients are larger than those obtained from RI and ShM simulations. A qualitative study of charge transfer in molten NaI and NaCl was also carried out with the Hirshfeld charge partitioning method. Charge transfer in molten NaI is comparable to that in NaCl, and results for NaCl at two temperatures support the view that the magnitude of charge transfer is weakly state dependent for ionic systems. Finally, Hirshfeld charge distributions indicate that differences between RI and HFMD results are mainly related to polarization effects, while the influence of charge transfer fluctuations is minimal for these systems.

Evaluation of a combination of sodium hypochlorite and polyhexamethylene biguanide as an egg wash for red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) to suppress or eliminate Salmonella organisms on egg surfaces and in hatchlings.

PubMed

Mitchell, Mark A; Adamson, Trinka W; Singleton, Charles B; Roundtree, Marlana K; Bauer, Rudy W; Acierno, Mark J

2007-02-01

To evaluate a combination of 2 nonantibiotic microbicide compounds, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), as a treatment to suppress or eliminate Salmonella spp from red-eared slider (RES) turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) eggs and hatchlings. 2,738 eggs from 8 turtle farms in Louisiana. Eggs were randomly sorted into 3 or, when sufficient eggs were available, 4 treatment groups as follows: control, pressure-differential egg treatment with NaOCl and gentamicin, NaOCl and PHMB bath treatment, and pressure-differential egg treatment with NaOCl and PHMB. Bacterial cultures were performed from specimens of eggs and hatchlings and evaluated for Salmonella spp. RES turtle eggs treated with NaOCl and PHMB as a bath (odds ratio [OR], 0.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1 to 0.3]) or as a pressure-differential dip (OR, 0.01 [95% CI, 0.001 to 0.07]) or with gentamicin as a pressure-differential dip (OR, 0.1 [95% CI, 0.06 to 0.2]) were significantly less likely to have Salmonella-positive culture results than control-group eggs. Concern over reptile-associated salmonellosis in children in the United States is so great that federal regulations prohibit the sale of turtles that are < 10.2 cm in length. Currently, turtle farms treat eggs with gentamicin solution. Although this has reduced Salmonella shedding, it has also resulted in antimicrobial resistance. Results of our study indicate that a combination of NaOCl and PHMB may be used to suppress or eliminate Salmonella spp on RES turtle eggs and in hatchlings.

[Evaluation of root canal isthmus debridement efficacy of Er:YAG laser in combination with sodium hypochlorite].

PubMed

Zhou, Meng-Qi; Wang, Hao-Ming; Xiao, Jia-Qi; Hong, Jin

2016-10-01

To histologically evaluate the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) in combination with Er:YAG (erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser in dissolving necrotic tissue and cleaning root canals as well as canal isthmuses. After scanned by cone-beam CT (CBCT), 50 well-prepared premolars with root canal isthmuses were selected and randomly assigned into 5 groups. They were subsequently subjected to different regimens as followed: group A-irrigated with 1% NaClO for 1 minute, group B- irradiated by Er:YAG laser at 0.5 W combined with 1% NaClO irrigation for 1 minute, group C- irradiated by Er:YAG laser at 1.0 W combined with 1% NaClO irrigation for 1 minute, group D- irradiated by Er:YAG laser at 2.0 W combined with 1% NaClO irrigation for 1 minute,group E- negative control. After histological preparation and staining, the cross-sections were evaluated for percentage of tissue removal from root canals and isthmuses. The cleanliness values were calculated using SPSS 13.0 software package. The mean percentage of root canals in group A, B, C and D was 95.24%, 96.53%、97.63% and 98.22%, respectively, and the mean percentage of isthmuses was 16.50%, 51.48%, 52.56% and 53.83%, respectively. The mean percentage of root canal and isthmus cleanliness values were significantly higher in group B, C and D (P<0.05) than that in group A. There was no significant differences of root canal and isthmus cleanliness among group B, C and D. Er:YAG laser combined with 1% NaClO irrigation may be used effectively in root canal and root canal isthmus cleanliness as a new method.

Scanning Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Root Canal Irrigation with Saline, Sodium Hypochlorite, and Citric Acid,

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

with six different irrigation regimens. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was significantly more effective than citric acid in "* removing superficial...EVALUATION OF ROOT CANAL IRRIGATION WITH SALINE, SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE , AND CITRIC ACID 4 *J. Craig Baumgartner, D.D.S., M.S. • **Carolyn M. Brown, D.D.S., M.S...preparation with six different irrigation regimens. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) was significantly more effective than citric acid in removing superficial

Quantitative analysis of 18F-NaF dynamic PET/CT cannot differentiate malignant from benign lesions in multiple myeloma.

PubMed

Sachpekidis, Christos; Hillengass, Jens; Goldschmidt, Hartmut; Anwar, Hoda; Haberkorn, Uwe; Dimitrakopoulou-Strauss, Antonia

2017-01-01

A renewed interest has been recently developed for the highly sensitive bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical 18 F-NaF. Aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential utility of quantitative analysis of 18 F-NaF dynamic PET/CT data in differentiating malignant from benign degenerative lesions in multiple myeloma (MM). 80 MM patients underwent whole-body PET/CT and dynamic PET/CT scanning of the pelvis with 18 F-NaF. PET/CT data evaluation was based on visual (qualitative) assessment, semi-quantitative (SUV) calculations, and absolute quantitative estimations after application of a 2-tissue compartment model and a non-compartmental approach leading to the extraction of fractal dimension (FD). In total 263 MM lesions were demonstrated on 18 F-NaF PET/CT. Semi-quantitative and quantitative evaluations were performed for 25 MM lesions as well as for 25 benign, degenerative and traumatic lesions. Mean SUV average for MM lesions was 11.9 and mean SUV max was 23.2. Respectively, SUV average and SUV max for degenerative lesions were 13.5 and 20.2. Kinetic analysis of 18 F-NaF revealed the following mean values for MM lesions: K 1 = 0.248 (1/min), k 3 = 0.359 (1/min), influx (K i ) = 0.107 (1/min), FD = 1.382, while the respective values for degenerative lesions were: K 1 = 0.169 (1/min), k 3 = 0.422 (1/min), influx (K i ) = 0.095 (1/min), FD = 1. 411. No statistically significant differences between MM and benign degenerative disease regarding SUV average , SUV max , K 1 , k 3 and influx (K i ) were demonstrated. FD was significantly higher in degenerative than in malignant lesions. The present findings show that quantitative analysis of 18 F-NaF PET data cannot differentiate malignant from benign degenerative lesions in MM patients, supporting previously published results, which reflect the limited role of 18 F-NaF PET/CT in the diagnostic workup of MM.

Groundwater flow processes and mixing in active volcanic systems: the case of Guadalajara (Mexico)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hernández-Antonio, A.; Mahlknecht, J.; Tamez-Meléndez, C.; Ramos-Leal, J.; Ramírez-Orozco, A.; Parra, R.; Ornelas-Soto, N.; Eastoe, C. J.

2015-09-01

Groundwater chemistry and isotopic data from 40 production wells in the Atemajac and Toluquilla valleys, located in and around the Guadalajara metropolitan area, were determined to develop a conceptual model of groundwater flow processes and mixing. Stable water isotopes (δ2H, δ18O) were used to trace hydrological processes and tritium (3H) to evaluate the relative contribution of modern water in samples. Multivariate analysis including cluster analysis and principal component analysis were used to elucidate distribution patterns of constituents and factors controlling groundwater chemistry. Based on this analysis, groundwater was classified into four groups: cold groundwater, hydrothermal groundwater, polluted groundwater and mixed groundwater. Cold groundwater is characterized by low temperature, salinity, and Cl and Na concentrations and is predominantly of Na-HCO3-type. It originates as recharge at "La Primavera" caldera and is found predominantly in wells in the upper Atemajac Valley. Hydrothermal groundwater is characterized by high salinity, temperature, Cl, Na and HCO3, and the presence of minor elements such as Li, Mn and F. It is a mixed-HCO3 type found in wells from Toluquilla Valley and represents regional flow circulation through basaltic and andesitic rocks. Polluted groundwater is characterized by elevated nitrate and sulfate concentrations and is usually derived from urban water cycling and subordinately from agricultural return flow. Mixed groundwaters between cold and hydrothermal components are predominantly found in the lower Atemajac Valley. Twenty-seven groundwater samples contain at least a small fraction of modern water. The application of a multivariate mixing model allowed the mixing proportions of hydrothermal fluids, polluted waters and cold groundwater in sampled water to be evaluated. This study will help local water authorities to identify and dimension groundwater contamination, and act accordingly. It may be broadly applicable to other active volcanic systems on Earth.

Significance and outcome of nuclear anaplasia and mitotic index in prostatic adenocarcinomas.

PubMed

Kır, Gozde; Sarbay, Billur Cosan; Gumus, Eyup

2016-10-01

The Gleason grading system measures architectural differentiation and disregards nuclear atypia and the cell proliferation index. Several studies have reported that nuclear grade and mitotic index (MI) are prognostically useful. This study included 232 radical prostatectomy specimens. Nuclear anaplasia (NA) was determined on the basis of nucleomegali (at least 20µm); vesicular chromatin; eosinophilic macronucleoli, nuclear lobulation, and irregular thickened nuclear membranei. The proportion of area of NA was recorded in each tumor in 10% increments. The MI was defined as the number of mitotic figures in 10 consecutive high-power fields (HPF). In univariate analysis, significant differences included associations between biochemical prostate-specific antigen recurrence (BCR) and Gleason score, extraprostatic extension, positive surgical margin, the presence of high-pathologic stage, NA≥10% of tumor area, MI≥3/10 HPF, and preoperative prostate-specific antigen. In a stepwise Cox regression model, a positive surgical margin, the presence of a NA≥10% of tumor area, and a MI of≥3/10 HPF were independent predictors of BCR after radical prostatectomy. NA≥10% of tumor area appeared to have a stronger association with outcome than MI≥3/10 HPF, as still associated with BCR when Gleason score was in the model. The results of our study showed that, in addition to the conventional Gleason grading system, NA, and MI are useful prognostic parameters while evaluating long-term prognosis in prostatic adenocarcinoma. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Canine model of nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis.

PubMed

Tiniakov, Ruslan L; Tiniakova, Olga P; McLeod, Robbie L; Hey, John A; Yeates, Donovan B

2003-05-01

The ragweed- and histamine-induced decreases in nasal patency in cohorts of ragweed-sensitized and nonsensitized dogs were assessed. The volume of nasal airways (V(NA)) was assessed by acoustic rhinometry and resistance to airflow (R(NA)) by anterior rhinomanometry. Histamine delivered to the nasal passages of five dogs caused a rapid and prolonged increase in R(NA) (0.75 +/- 0.26 to 3.56 +/- 0.50 cmH(2)O. l(-1). min), an effect that was reversed by intranasal delivery of aerosolized phenylephrine. Ragweed challenge in five ragweed-sensitized dogs increased R(NA) from 0.16 +/- 0.02 to 0.53 +/- 0.07 cmH(2)O. l(-1). min and decreased V(NA) from 12.5 +/- 1.9 to 3.9 +/- 0.3 cm(3), whereas administration of saline aerosol neither increased R(NA) nor decreased V(NA). Prior administration of d-pseudoephedrine (30 mg po) attenuated the ragweed-induced increase in R(NA) and decrease in V(NA). Ragweed challenge changed neither R(NA) nor V(NA) in four nonsensitized dogs. Mediator-induced nasal congestion and allergen-induced allergic rhinitis in ragweed-sensitized dogs, which exhibit symptoms similar to human disease, can be used in the evaluation of safety and efficacy of antiallergic activity of potential drugs.

Role of Naphthenic Acids in Controlling Self-Aggregation of a Polyaromatic Compound in Toluene.

PubMed

Teklebrhan, Robel B; Jian, Cuiying; Choi, Phillip; Xu, Zhenghe; Sjöblom, Johan

2016-04-14

In this work, a series of molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the effect of naphthenic acids (NAs) in early stage self-assembly of polyaromatic (PA) molecules in toluene. By exploiting NA molecules of the same polar functional group but different aliphatic/cycloaliphatic nonpolar tails, it was found that irrespective of the presence of the NA molecules in the system, the dominant mode of π-π stacking is a twisted, offset parallel stacking of a slightly larger overlapping area. Unlike large NA molecules, the presence of small NA molecules enhanced the number of π-π stacked PA molecules by suppressing the hydrogen bonding interactions among the PA molecules. Smaller NA molecules were found to have a higher tendency to associate with PA molecules than larger NA molecules. Moreover, the size and distribution of π-π stacking structures were affected to different degrees by changing the size and structural features of the NA molecules in the system. It was further revealed that the association between NA and PA molecules, mainly through hydrogen bonding, creates a favorable local environment for the overlap of PA cores (i.e., π-π stacking growth) by depressing the hydrogen bonding between PA molecules, which results in the removal of some toluene molecules from the vicinity of the PA molecules.

Increased Dietary Salt Changes Baroreceptor Sensitivity and Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin System in Goldblatt Hypertension.

PubMed

Shimoura, Caroline G; Lincevicius, Gisele S; Nishi, Erika E; Girardi, Adriana C C; Simon, Karin A; Bergamaschi, Cassia T; Campos, Ruy R

2017-01-01

Renovascular hypertension (2-kidney 1-clip model (2K1C)) is characterized by renin-angiotensin system (RAS) activation. Increased Angiotensin II (AngII) leads to sympathoexcitation, oxidative stress, and alterations in sodium and water balance. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a discrete increase in sodium chloride intake in 2K1C rats leads to changes in cardiovascular and autonomic function, oxidative stress, and renin angiotensin aldosterone system. After 4 weeks of induction of hypertension, rats were fed a normal sodium diet (0.4% NaCl) or a high-sodium diet (2% NaCl) for 2 consecutive weeks. Experiments were carried out for 6 weeks after clipping. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal sympathetic nerve activity (rSNA), arterial baroreflex control of rSNA, and heart rate (HR) were assessed. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and glutathione were measured as indicators of systemic oxidative stress. Angiostensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, and angiotensinogen were evaluated in clipped and unclipped kidneys as also urinary angiotensinogen and plasma renin activity. Angiotensinogen, plasma renin activity (PRA) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 in clipped and unclipped kidneys were evaluated. High-sodium diet did not change systemic oxidative stress, and basal values of MAP, HR, or rSNA; however, increased renal (-0.7±0.2 vs. -1.5±0.1 spikes/s/mm Hg) and cardiac (-0.9±0.14 vs. -1.5±0.14 bpm/mm Hg) baroreceptor reflex sensitivity in 2K1C rats. Although there was no alteration in PRA, a high-salt diet significantly decreased urinary angiotensinogen, ACE, and ACE2 expressions in the clipped and unclipped kidneys. Increased arterial baroreceptor control associated with a suppression of the intrarenal RAS in the 2K1C rats on high-salt diet provide a salt-resistant effect on hypertension and sympathoexcitation in renovascular hypertensive rats. © American Journal of Hypertension, Ltd 2016. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Microstructural and strength improvements through the use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} in a cementless Ca(OH){sub 2}-activated Class F fly ash system

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

Jeon, Dongho; Jun, Yubin; Jeong, Yeonung

2015-01-15

This study explores the beneficial effects of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} as an additive for microstructural and strength improvements in a Ca(OH){sub 2}-activated fly ash system. NaOH-activated fly ash samples were also tested to compare the effect of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3}. Compressive strength testing, XRD, SEM/BSE/EDS, {sup 29}Si/{sup 27}Al MAS-NMR, MIP and TGA were performed. The testing results indicate that the use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} for Ca(OH){sub 2}-activation led to a noticeable improvement in strength and microstructure, primarily due to (1) more dissolution of raw fly ash at an early age, (2) more formation of C–S–H [or C–S–H(I)], (3) porositymore » reduction, and (4) pore-size refinement. We also found that (1) an early high alkalinity from the NaOH formation was not a major cause of strength, (2) geopolymer was not formed despite the early NaOH formation, and (3) no visible pore-filling action of CaCO{sub 3} was observed. However, Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} did not produce any improvement in strength for NaOH-activated fly ash. -- Highlights: •The use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} significantly improved strength and microstructure. •The use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} induced more dissolution of raw fly ash at early ages. •The use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} promoted more C–S–H [or C–S–H(I)] formation. •The use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} reduced total porosity and refined pore-size distribution. •The use of Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} produced neither geopolymer formations nor pore-filling actions from CaCO{sub 3}.« less

The Performance of Dammar-based Paint System Evaluated by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Potential Time Measurement (PTM)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Omar, N. M.; Ahmad, A. Hanom

2009-06-01

The coating resistance of the Dammar-based paint system was determined by using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), whereas, the corrosion potential analysis was determined by using potential time measurement (PTM) method. Carotenoid pigment obtained from Capsicum Annum (dried chili pepper) was added into the mixture of dammar and acrylic polyol resin and the paint systems were proofed on Aluminium steel Q-panels as a substrate. Result shows that the paint system with a composition of 35% dammar (CD35%) possessed the higher corrosion resistance after 30 days of exposure in 3% NaCl solution for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and also can withstand the longest time for delimitation protection in PTM analysis. The results prove that the developed organic paint system can improve the electrochemical and corrosion protection properties of a paint system.

Evaluation of the effect of temperature, NaOH concentration and time on solubilization of palm oil mill effluent (POME) using response surface methodology (RSM).

PubMed

Chou, K W; Norli, I; Anees, A

2010-11-01

In this study, palm oil mill effluent (POME) was solubilized by batch thermo-alkaline pre-treatments. A three-factor central composite design (CCD) was applied to identify the optimum COD solubilization condition. The individual and interactive effects of three factors, temperature, NaOH concentration and reaction time, on solubilization of POME were evaluated by employing response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental results showed that temperature, NaOH concentration and reaction time all had an individual significant effect on the solubilization of POME. But these three factors were independent, or there was insignificant interaction on the response. The maximum COD solubilization of 82.63% was estimated under the optimum condition at 32.5 degrees C, 8.83g/L of NaOH and 41.23h reaction time. The confirmation experiment of the predicted optimum conditions verified that the RSM with the central composite design was useful for optimizing the solubilization of POME.

Effect of cavity disinfectants on antibacterial activity and microtensile bond strength in class I cavity.

PubMed

Kim, Bo-Ram; Oh, Man-Hwan; Shin, Dong-Hoon

2017-05-31

This study was performed to compare the antibacterial activities of three cavity disinfectants [chlorhexidine (CHX), NaOCl, urushiol] and to evaluate their effect on the microtensile bond strength of Scotchbond Universal Adhesive (3M-ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) in class I cavities. In both experiments, class I cavities were prepared in dentin. After inoculation with Streptococcus mutans, the cavities of control group were rinsed and those of CHX, NaOCl and urushiol groups were treated with each disinfectant. Standardized amounts of dentin chips were collected and number of S. mutans was determined. Following the same cavity treatment, same adhesive was applied in etch-and-rinse mode. Then, microtensile bond strength was evaluated. The number of S. mutans was significantly reduced in the cavities treated with CHX, NaOCl, and urushiol compared with control group (p<0.05). However, there was a significant bond strength reduction in NaOCl group, which showed statistical difference compared to the other groups (p<0.05).

Copper stimulation of LHRH release from median eminence explants. III. A process dependent on extracellular sodium.

PubMed

Colombani-Vidal, M; Barnea, A

1986-01-01

Copper, complexed to histidine (CuHis), stimulates LHRH release from explants of the median eminence area (MEA). To gain further understanding of the mechanism of copper action, in this study, we assessed the Na+ and energy requirements for CuHis stimulation of LHRH release. MEA explants, obtained from adult male rats, were incubated at 37 degrees C for 15 min with 100 microM CuHis and then for 45 min in CuHis-free medium (Krebs-Ringer-phosphate buffer, pH 7.4). LHRH released into the medium was evaluated by RIA. When the incubation buffer contained 143 mM Na+, CuHis stimulated the release of LHRH from a basal level of 17.2 +/- 1.26 (mean +/- SEM, n = 7) to 74.5 +/- 6.2 pg/60 min per MEA. When [Na+] was reduced to 16 mM Na+ (by substituting with Li+), CuHis-stimulated LHRH release was inhibited by 80% (p less than 0.001); indicating a requirement for Na+. In addition, we found that CuHis-stimulated LHRH release was a saturable function of Na+ concentration; saturation achieved with about 100 mM Na+. To assess the requirement for Na+ transport, we evaluated the effect of 1 mM ouabain, 10 microM tetrodotoxin (TTX), or 100 microM amiloride on CuHis stimulation of LHRH release. Ouabain inhibited CuHis stimulation of LHRH release by 80%, whereas TTX and amiloride were ineffective. In addition, we observed that CuHis did not stimulate LHRH release when incubation was carried out at 4 degrees C or at 37 degrees C in the presence of 5 mM KCN.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mineral content analysis of root canal dentin using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Objectives This study aimed to introduce the use of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for evaluation of the mineral content of root canal dentin, and to assess whether a correlation exists between LIBS and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) methods by comparing the effects of irrigation solutions on the mineral content change of root canal dentin. Materials and Methods Forty teeth with a single root canal were decoronated and longitudinally sectioned to expose the canals. The root halves were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) according to the solution applied: group NaOCl, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 1 hour; group EDTA, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 2 minutes; group NaOCl+EDTA, 5.25% NaOCl for 1 hour and 17% EDTA for 2 minutes; a control group. Each root half belonging to the same root was evaluated for mineral content with either LIBS or SEM/EDS methods. The data were analyzed statistically. Results In groups NaOCl and NaOCl+EDTA, the calcium (Ca)/phosphorus (P) ratio decreased while the sodium (Na) level increased compared with the other groups (p < 0.05). The magnesium (Mg) level changes were not significant among the groups. A significant positive correlation was found between the results of LIBS and SEM/EDS analyses (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Conclusions Treatment with NaOCl for 1 hour altered the mineral content of dentin, while EDTA application for 2 minutes had no effect on the elemental composition. The LIBS method proved to be reliable while providing data for the elemental composition of root canal dentin. PMID:29487841

Evaluation of antimicrobial effect of azadirachtin plant extract (Soluneem (™)) on commonly found root canal pathogenic microorganisms (viz. Enterococcus faecalis) in primary teeth: A microbiological study.

PubMed

Shah, Shanal; Venkataraghavan, Karthik; Choudhary, Prashant; Mohammad, Shameer; Trivedi, Krishna; Shah, Shalin G

2016-01-01

The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Soluneem ™ when used as an irrigating solution along with other commonly used irrigating solution sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against Enterococcus faecalis. Microorganism used in this study was E. faecalis (Microbial Type Culture Collection 439). Test substance used was Soluneem ™, which was obtained from Vittal Mallya Scientific Research Foundation (VMSRF), Bengaluru. This study was conducted in a microbiology laboratory (Biocare Research India Pvt., Ltd. Laboratory, Ahmedabad, Gujarat) to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Soluneem ™ (Azadirachtin) on E. faecalis. Antimicrobial activity testing was performed using the macrobroth dilution method according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. All determinations were performed thrice. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was seen as 2.6% for Soluneem ™ while the same was seen at 0.1% for NaOCl. Independent sample t-test was carried out to compare the MBC of Soluneem ™ and NaOCl, which showed that there was no statistically significant difference between them, i.e., 2.6% Soluneem ™ was as effective as 0.1% NaOCl. Soluneem ™ showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis at various concentrations. It was also found that the efficacy of Soluneem ™ at 2.6% concentration and above was relatively similar to that of gold standard irrigating solution (NaOCl) on inhibition of E. faecalis.

Antimicrobial effect of three disinfecting agents on Resilon cones and their effect on surface topography: An in vitro study.

PubMed

Chandrappa, Mahesh Martur; Meharwade, Prasanna Mahadevasa; Srinivasan, Raghu; Bhandary, Shreetha; Nasreen, Farhat

2016-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and 2% peracetic acid (PAA) in disinfecting Resilon cones and to evaluate topographical changes microscopically under scanning electron microscope (SEM) after rapid chemical disinfection. Resilon cones were disinfected in an ultraviolet (UV) light chamber for 20 min and contaminated by immersing in a microbial suspension of Enterococcus faecalis for 30 min. The contaminated cones were then immersed in the 5.25% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 2% PAA for 1 min, 5 min, and 10 min, separately. The cones were then incubated at 37°C in thioglycollate broth for 7 days and examined for turbidity. The samples showing turbidity were subcultured on blood agar and incubated at 37°C for 48 h. Gram staining was done to confirm that the cultured bacteria were E. faecalis. Surface changes of disinfected Resilon cones were evaluated under SEM. The data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal-Wallis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Mann-Whitney U-test. In eliminating E. faecalis, 5.25% NaOCl was most effective followed by 2% PAA and 2% CHX. Topographic examination of tested Resilon cones revealed some surface deposits after disinfection with 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX, whereas 2% PAA caused surface erosion. In disinfecting Resilon cones, 5.25% NaOCl is most effective followed by 2% PAA and 2% CHX.

In vitro and ex vivo activity of an Azadirachta indica A.Juss. seed kernel extract on early sporogonic development of Plasmodium in comparison with azadirachtin A, its most abundant constituent.

PubMed

Dahiya, Nisha; Chianese, Giuseppina; Abay, Solomon Mequanente; Taglialatela-Scafati, Orazio; Esposito, Fulvio; Lupidi, Giulio; Bramucci, Massimo; Quassinti, Luana; Christophides, George; Habluetzel, Annette; Lucantoni, Leonardo

2016-12-15

NeemAzal ® (NA) is a quantified extract from seed kernels of neem, Azadirachta indica A.Juss. (Meliaceae), with a wide spectrum of biological properties, classically ascribed to its limonoid content. NA contains several azadirachtins (A to L), azadirachtin A (AzaA) being its main constituent. AzaA has been shown to inhibit microgamete formation of the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium berghei, and NA was found to completely inhibit the transmission of Plasmodium berghei to Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes when administered to gametocytemic mice at a corresponding AzaA dose of 50mg/kg before exposure to mosquitoes. The present study was aimed at i) assessing the pharmacodynamics and duration of action of NA and AzaA against P. berghei exflagellation in systemic circulation in mice and ii) elucidating the transmission blocking activity (TBA) of the main NA constituents. The NA and AzaA pharmacodynamics on exflagellation were assessed through ex vivo exflagellation assays, while TBA of NA constituents was evaluated through in vitro ookinete development assay. Pharmacodynamics experiments: Peripheral blood from P. berghei infected BALB/c mice with circulating mature gametocytes, were treated i.p. with 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg pure AzaA and with NeemAzal ® (Trifolio-M GmbH) at the corresponding AzaA concentrations. The effect magnitude and duration of action of compounds was estimated by counting exflagellation centers, formed by microgametocytes in process of releasing flagellated gametes, at various time points after treatment in ex vivo exflagellation tests. Ookinete Development Assay: The direct effects of NeemAzal ® and AzaA on ookinete development were measured by fluorescence microscopy after incubation of gametocytemic blood with various concentrations of test substances in microplates for 24h. The exflagellation tests revealed an half-life of NA anti-plasmodial compounds of up to 7h at a NA dose corresponding to 100mg/kg equivalent dose of AzaA. The ookinete development assay showed an increased activity of NA against early sporogonic stages compared to that of AzaA. The IC 50 value determined for NA was 6.8µg/ml (CI 95 : 5.95-7.86), about half of the AzaA IC 50 (12.4µg/ml; CI 95 : 11.0-14.04). The stronger activity of NA, when compared to AzaA, could not be explained by an additive or synergistic effect by other azadirachtins (B, D and I) present in NA. In fact, the addition of these compounds at 50µM concentration to AzaA did not evidence any decrease of the IC 50 against early sporogonic stages to that obtained with AzaA alone. It is likely that other non-limonoid compounds present in NA may contribute to AzaA activity and enhanced pharmacodynamics against exflagellation both in vitro and in vivo. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

A mobile bioassay laboratory for the assessment of internal doses based on in vivo and in vitro measurements.

PubMed

Dantas, B M; Lucena, E A; Dantas, A L A; Santos, M S; Julião, L Q C; Melo, D R; Sousa, W O; Fernandes, P C; Mesquita, S A

2010-10-01

Internal exposures may occur in nuclear power plants, radioisotope production, and in medicine and research laboratories. Such practices require quick response in case of accidents of a wide range of magnitudes. This work presents the design and calibration of a mobile laboratory for the assessment of accidents involving workers and the population as well as for routine monitoring. The system was set up in a truck with internal dimensions of 3.30 m × 1.60 m × 1.70 m and can identify photon emitters in the energy range of 100-3,000 keV in the whole body, organs, and in urine. A thyroid monitor consisting of a lead-collimated NaI(Tl)3" × 3" (7.62 × 7.62 cm) detector was calibrated with a neck-thyroid phantom developed at the IRD (Instituto de Radioproteção e Dosimetria). Whole body measurements were performed with a NaI(Tl)8" × 4" (20.32 × 10.16 cm) detector calibrated with a plastic-bottle phantom. Urine samples were measured with another NaI(Tl) 3" × 3" (7.62 × 7.62 cm) detector set up in a steel support. Standard solutions were provided by the National Laboratory for Metrology of Ionizing Radiation of the IRD. Urine measurements are based on a calibration of efficiency vs. energy for standard volumes. Detection limits were converted to minimum committed effective doses for the radionuclides of interest using standard biokinetic and dosimetric models in order to evaluate the applicability and limitations of the system. Sensitivities for high-energy activation and fission products show that the system is suitable for use in emergency and routine monitoring of individuals under risk of internal exposure by such radionuclides.

Comparative efficacy and incremental cost per responder of methotrexate versus apremilast for methotrexate-naïve patients with psoriasis.

PubMed

Armstrong, April W; Betts, Keith A; Sundaram, Murali; Thomason, Darren; Signorovitch, James E

2016-10-01

To our knowledge, no clinical trials directly compare apremilast with methotrexate (the standard of care for initial systemic treatment of psoriasis). We sought to compare apremilast's relative efficacy with that of methotrexate for moderate to severe psoriasis. An anchor-based indirect comparison was conducted for 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score from baseline to week 16 (PASI 75) rates for systemic-naïve patients from Efficacy and Safety Trial Evaluating the Effects of apreMilast in psoriasis (ESTEEM) 1 and 2 (apremilast vs placebo) and Comparative study of HumirA vs. Methotrexate vs Placebo In psOriasis patieNts (CHAMPION) (adalimumab vs methotrexate vs placebo) trials. The difference-in-difference in PASI 75 response rates was calculated as the difference between the ESTEEM apremilast and placebo rates and the CHAMPION methotrexate versus placebo rates. Number needed to treat and incremental drug cost per responder were also estimated. No statistically significant difference was found between apremilast and methotrexate in PASI 75 (risk difference 13.1%; 95% confidence interval -1.8% to 28.0%; P = .09). Number needed to treat with apremilast versus methotrexate to gain 1 additional PASI 75 responder was 7.6. Annual incremental drug cost of this responder was estimated at $187,888.33. Few trials compare systemic-naïve patients. Only direct medication costs were considered. There was no statistical evidence of greater efficacy for apremilast versus methotrexate. The $187,888 incremental cost per PASI 75 may exceed what payers are willing to pay. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Dermatology, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Efficiency of fly ash belite cement and zeolite matrices for immobilizing cesium.

PubMed

Goñi, S; Guerrero, A; Lorenzo, M P

2006-10-11

The efficiency of innovative matrices for immobilizing cesium is presented in this work. The matrix formulation included the use of fly ash belite cement (FABC-2-W) and gismondine-type Na-P1 zeolite, both of which are synthesized from fly ash of coal combustion. The efficiency for immobilizing cesium is evaluated from the leaching test ANSI/ANS 16.1-1986 at the temperature of 40 degrees C, from which the apparent diffusion coefficient of cesium is obtained. Matrices with 100% of FABC-2-W are used as a reference. The integrity of matrices is evaluated by porosity and pore-size distribution from mercury intrusion porosimetry, X-ray diffraction and nitrogen adsorption analyses. Both matrices can be classified as good solidify systems for cesium, specially the FABC-2-W/zeolite matrix in which the replacement of 50% of belite cement by the gismondine-type Na-P1 zeolite caused a decrease of two orders of magnitude of cesium mean Effective Diffusion Coefficient (D(e)) (2.8e-09 cm(2)/s versus 2.2e-07 cm(2)/s, for FABC-2-W/zeolite and FABC-2-W matrices, respectively).

Solubility of NaCl in aqueous electrolyte solutions from 10 to 100°C

USGS Publications Warehouse

Clynne, M.A.; Potter, R.W.; Haas, J.L.

1981-01-01

The solubilities of NaCl in aqueous KCl, MgCl2, CaCl2, and mixed CaCl2-KCl solutions have been determined from 10 to 100??C. The data were fit to an equation, and the equation was used to calculate values of the change in solubility of NaCl, ???[NaCl]/???T. These values are required for calculations of the rate of migration of fluids in a thermal gradient in rock salt. The data obtained here indicate that the values of ???[NaCl]/???T are 36-73% greater for solutions containing divalent ions than for the NaCl-H2O system.

Mitigation of enamel erosion using commercial toothpastes evaluated with optical coherence tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassimiro-Silva, Patricia Fernandes; Maia, Ana Marly Araújo; Monteiro, Gabriela Queiroz de Melo; Gomes, Anderson S. L.

2016-03-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercial toothpastes containing sodium fluoride (NaF), stannous fluoride (SnF2), or casein phosphopeptides (CPP)-amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP)/NaF regarding their potential to inhibit enamel erosion. Twenty-eight 4×4 mm enamel specimens were randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=7): negative control; Pronamel (NaF); Pro Health (SnF2/NaF); Mi Paste Plus (CPP-ACP/NaF). Erosive cycles with 0.5% citric acid, 5 times, 3 minutes/day for 7 days were performed. After the first and last cycle of each day, toothpaste slurries were applied for 2 min. The quantitative analysis was accomplished using Contact Profilometry and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), complemented by roughness and qualitative scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. OCT and Profilometry analysis showed similar effectiveness in measuring the reduction of mineral loss. A significant increase in the mean roughness values was observed on eroded surface and also on treated surface as revealed by scanning electron microscopy. The use of SnF2/NaF toothpaste was the most effective method for reducing mineral loss. As quantitative methods, OCT and Contact Profilometry showed no statistical differences. OCT, which was used for this purpose for the first time, has the advantage of being noninvasive, and therefore have the potential for clinical application.

Effects of sodium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, and gaseous hydrogen peroxide on the natural properties of cancellous bone.

PubMed

Bi, Long; Li, De-Cheng; Huang, Zhao-Song; Yuan, Zhi

2013-07-01

Processed xenegeneic cancellous bone represents an alternative to bone autograft. In order to observe the effects of present prion inactivation treatments on the natural properties of xenogeneic cancellous bones, we treated bovine bone granules with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and gaseous hydrogen peroxide (gH2 O2 ) respectively in this study. The microstructure, composition, and mineral content of the granules were evaluated by scanning electron micrograph, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ash analysis, and micro-computed tomography. The biomechanical property was analyzed by a materials testing machine. The cytocompatibility was evaluated by using a mouse fibroblast cell line (3T3). The microstructure, organic content, and mechanical strength were dramatically altered at the surface of bone in both NaOH- and NaOCl-treated groups, but not in the gH2 O2 -treated group. Compared with the gH2 O2 -treated group, attachment and proliferation of 3T3 were reduced in either NaOH- or NaOCl-treated groups. As the consequence, gH2 O2 treatment may be a useful approach of disinfection for the preparation of natural cancellous bone with well-preserved structural, mechanical, and biological properties. © 2013, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2013, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

What goes up must . . . Keep going up? Cultural differences in cognitive styles influence evaluations of dynamic performance.

PubMed

Ferris, D Lance; Reb, Jochen; Lian, Huiwen; Sim, Samantha; Ang, Dionysius

2018-03-01

Past research on dynamic workplace performance evaluation has taken as axiomatic that temporal performance trends produce naïve extrapolation effects on performance ratings. That is, we naïvely assume that an individual whose performance has trended upward over time will continue to improve, and rate that individual more positively than an individual whose performance has trended downward over time-even if, on average, the 2 individuals have performed at an equivalent level. However, we argue that such naïve extrapolation effects are more pronounced in Western countries than Eastern countries, owing to Eastern countries having a more holistic cognitive style. To test our hypotheses, we examined the effect of performance trend on expectations of future performance and ratings of past performance across 2 studies: Study 1 compares the magnitude of naïve extrapolation effects among Singaporeans primed with either a more or less holistic cognitive style, and Study 2 examines holistic cognitive style as a mediating mechanism accounting for differences in the magnitude of naïve extrapolation effects between American and Chinese raters. Across both studies, we found support for our predictions that dynamic performance trends have less impact on the ratings of more holistic thinkers. Implications for the dynamic performance and naïve extrapolation literatures are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

A measurement routine to determine 137Cs activities at steep mountain slopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schaub, Monika; Konz, Nadine; Meusburger, Katrin; Alewell, Chrstine

2010-05-01

Caesium-137 (137Cs) is a common tracer for soil erosion. So far, in-situ measurements in steep alpine environments have not often been done. Most studies have been carried out in arable lands and with Ge detectors. However, the NaI detector system is a good priced, easy to handle field instrument. A comparison of laboratory measurements with GeLi detector and in-situ measurements with NaI detector of 137Cs gamma soil radiation has been done in an alpine catchment (Urseren Valley, Swizerland). The aim of this study was to calibrate the in-situ NaI detector system for application at steep alpine slopes. Replicate samples from an altitudinal transect through the Urseren Valley were measured ex situ in the laboratory with a GeLi detector, and compared to in situ NaI detector measurements. Ex situ soil samples showed a big variability in 137Cs activities at a meter-scale. This large, small scale heterogeneity determined with the GeLi detector is smoothed out by uncollimated in-situ measurements with the NaI detector, which provide integrated estimates of 137Cs within the field of view of each measurement (3.1 m2). There was no dependency of 137Cs on pH, clay content and carbon content. However, a close relationship was determined between 137Cs and soil moisture. Thus, in-situ data must be corrected for soil moisture. Close correlation (R2 = 0.86) was found for 137Cs activities (in Bq kg-1) estimated with both, in-situ (NaI detector) and laboratory (GeLi detector) methods which proves the validity of the in-situ measurements with the NaI detector system. This paper describes the calibration of the NaI detector system for field application under elevated 137Cs activities originating from Chernobyl fallout.

Molecular dynamics study of linear and comb-like polyelectrolytes in aqueous solution: effect of Ca2+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Kefeng; Song, Xingfu; Sun, Shuying; Xu, Yanxia; Yu, Jianguo

2014-08-01

All-atom molecular dynamics simulations were employed to provide microscopic mechanism for the salt tolerance of polyelectrolytes dispersants. The conformational variation of polyelectrolytes and interactions between COO- groups and counterions/water molecules were also studied via radius of gyration and pair correlations functions. Sodium polyacrylate (NaPA) and sodium salts of poly(acrylic acid)-poly(ethylene oxide) (NaPA-PEO) were selected as the representative linear and comb-like polyelectrolyte, respectively. The results show that Ca2+ ions interact with COO- groups much stronger than Na+ ions and can bring ion-bridging interaction between intermolecular COO- groups in the NaPA systems. While in the NaPA-PEO systems, the introduced PEO side chains can prevent backbone chains from ion-bridging interactions and weaken the conformational changes. The present results can help in selecting and designing new-type efficient polyelectrolyte dispersants with good salt tolerance.

Integrating Entropy-Based Naïve Bayes and GIS for Spatial Evaluation of Flood Hazard.

PubMed

Liu, Rui; Chen, Yun; Wu, Jianping; Gao, Lei; Barrett, Damian; Xu, Tingbao; Li, Xiaojuan; Li, Linyi; Huang, Chang; Yu, Jia

2017-04-01

Regional flood risk caused by intensive rainfall under extreme climate conditions has increasingly attracted global attention. Mapping and evaluation of flood hazard are vital parts in flood risk assessment. This study develops an integrated framework for estimating spatial likelihood of flood hazard by coupling weighted naïve Bayes (WNB), geographic information system, and remote sensing. The north part of Fitzroy River Basin in Queensland, Australia, was selected as a case study site. The environmental indices, including extreme rainfall, evapotranspiration, net-water index, soil water retention, elevation, slope, drainage proximity, and density, were generated from spatial data representing climate, soil, vegetation, hydrology, and topography. These indices were weighted using the statistics-based entropy method. The weighted indices were input into the WNB-based model to delineate a regional flood risk map that indicates the likelihood of flood occurrence. The resultant map was validated by the maximum inundation extent extracted from moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery. The evaluation results, including mapping and evaluation of the distribution of flood hazard, are helpful in guiding flood inundation disaster responses for the region. The novel approach presented consists of weighted grid data, image-based sampling and validation, cell-by-cell probability inferring and spatial mapping. It is superior to an existing spatial naive Bayes (NB) method for regional flood hazard assessment. It can also be extended to other likelihood-related environmental hazard studies. © 2016 Society for Risk Analysis.

Three-dimensional polarization algebra for all polarization sensitive optical systems.

PubMed

Li, Yahong; Fu, Yuegang; Liu, Zhiying; Zhou, Jianhong; Bryanston-Cross, P J; Li, Yan; He, Wenjun

2018-05-28

Using three-dimensional (3D) coherency vector (9 × 1), we develop a new 3D polarization algebra to calculate the polarization properties of all polarization sensitive optical systems, especially when the incident optical field is partially polarized or un-polarized. The polarization properties of a high numerical aperture (NA) microscope objective (NA = 1.25 immersed in oil) are analyzed based on the proposed 3D polarization algebra. Correspondingly, the polarization simulation of this high NA optical system is performed by the commercial software VirtualLAB Fusion. By comparing the theoretical calculations with polarization simulations, a perfect matching relation is obtained, which demonstrates that this 3D polarization algebra is valid to quantify the 3D polarization properties for all polarization sensitive optical systems.

Origin of high Coulombic loss during sodiation in Na-Sn battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Byeon, Young-Woon; Choi, Yong-Seok; Ahn, Jae-Pyoung; Lee, Jae-Chul

2017-03-01

Electrochemical sodiation is performed in crystalline Sn foil using in situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to simultaneously measure the changes in the electrical resistivity and volume of the Sn anode in a Na-Sn battery. We observe that sodiation causes an increase in the Sn anode resistivity by six orders of magnitude. Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of the Na-Sn alloy system demonstrate that the increased resistivity of the anode is caused by the formation of an electrically resistive amorphous NaSn phase (a-NaSn) with a pseudogap. It is also observed that the formation of a-NaSn is always accompanied by a large volume expansion of ∼200%, causing the development of residual tensile stress. The residual stress in turn alters the electronic structure of the a-NaSn phase, further increasing the resistivity of a-NaSn and thus decreasing the energy efficiency of the Na-Sn battery.

Thermodynamic Analysis of Secondary Minerals Stability in Altered Carbonatites of the Oldoinyo Lengai Volcano, Northern Tanzania

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perova, E. N.; Zaitsev, A. N.

2017-12-01

Carbonatites from the Oldoinyo Lengai volcano, northern Tanzania, are unstable under normal atmospheric conditions. Owing to carbonatite interaction with water, the major minerals—gregoryite Na2(CO3), nyerereite Na2Ca(CO3)2, and sylvite KCl—are dissolved and replaced with secondary low-temperature minerals: thermonatrite Na2(CO3) · H2O, trona Na3(CO3)(HCO3) · 2H2O, nahcolite Na(HCO3), pirssonite Na2Ca(CO3)2 · 2H2O, calcite Ca(CO3), and shortite Na2Ca2(CO3)3. Thermodynamic calculations show that the formation of secondary minerals in Oldoinyo Lengai carbonatites are controlled by the pH of the pore solution, H2O and CO2 fugacity, and the ratio of Ca and Na activity in the Na2O-CaO-CO2-H2O system.

Na-KATPase activity and intracellular ion concentrations in the lactating guinea pig mammary gland. Studies on Na-K activated adenosine triphosphatase, XXXVI.

PubMed

Vreeswijk, J H; de Pont, J J; Bonting, S L

1975-01-01

The intracellular sodium, potassium and chloride concentrations in slices of lactating guinea pig mammary gland have been determined by chemical analysis and the use of appropriate values for extracellular space. These ion concentrations after 1 hr incubation at 37 degrees C in a Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution are 45mM Na+, 138 mM K+ and 44 mM Cl-, which values are in agreement with those found in fresh mammary gland slices. Inhibition of the NaK activated ATPase cation pump system of the tissue by 10(-4)M ouabain, anoxia or cooling to 0 degrees C Causes a gain of Na+ and an equimolar loss of K+ without a significant change in chloride concentration. The effect of cooling (0 degrees C) is reversible by reincubation at 37 degrees C. Water content of the tissue (76.5% of wet weight) and extracellular space (40.5%) do not change under these conditions. The results permit the conclusion that the NaK activated ATPase system is responsible for the maintenance of the intracellular Na+ and K+ concentrations, but do not support the presence of a chloride pump.

Music and the nucleus accumbens.

PubMed

Mavridis, Ioannis N

2015-03-01

Music is a universal feature of human societies over time, mainly because it allows expression and regulation of strong emotions, thus influencing moods and evoking pleasure. The nucleus accumbens (NA), the most important pleasure center of the human brain (dominates the reward system), is the 'king of neurosciences' and dopamine (DA) can be rightfully considered as its 'crown' due to the fundamental role that this neurotransmitter plays in the brain's reward system. Purpose of this article was to review the existing literature regarding the relation between music and the NA. Studies have shown that reward value for music can be coded by activity levels in the NA, whose functional connectivity with auditory and frontal areas increases as a function of increasing musical reward. Listening to music strongly modulates activity in a network of mesolimbic structures involved in reward processing including the NA. The functional connectivity between brain regions mediating reward, autonomic and cognitive processing provides insight into understanding why listening to music is one of the most rewarding and pleasurable human experiences. Musical stimuli can significantly increase extracellular DA levels in the NA. NA DA and serotonin were found significantly higher in animals exposed to music. Finally, passive listening to unfamiliar although liked music showed activations in the NA.

Effects of Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride and Calcium Chloride on the Formation of α-Dicarbonyl Compounds, Furfurals and Development of Browning in Cookies during Baking.

PubMed

Kocadağlı, Tolgahan; Gökmen, Vural

2016-10-02

Effect of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, NaHCO3, and NH4HCO3 on the formation of glucosone, 1-deoxyglucosone, 3-deoxyglucosone, glyoxal, methylglyoxal, diacetyl, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, 2-furfural and browning were investigated in cookies. Presence of 1.5% NaCl, 1% KCl, and 1% CaCl2 on flour basis had no effect on α-dicarbonyl compounds, except 1-deoxyglucosone increased in the presence of KCl and CaCl2. The increase in 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural formation in the presence of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 did not relate to 3-deoxyglucosone formation and pH changes. NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 increased browning in cookies. Model reaction systems indicated that NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 enhance browning by increasing furfurals in caramelization. NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 decreased browning intensity in heated glucose-glycine system. Usage of CaCl2 in cookies may considerably increase furfurals but not α-dicarbonyl compounds. Sodium reduction can be obtained by replacement with potassium without sacrificing the desired consequences of caramelization in sugar rich bakeries.

Online Oxide Contamination Measurement and Purification Demonstration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bradley, D. E.; Godfroy, T. J.; Webster, K. L.; Garber, A. E.; Polzin, K. A.; Childers, D. J.

2011-01-01

Liquid metal sodium-potassium (NaK) has advantageous thermodynamic properties indicating its use as a fission reactor coolant for a surface (lunar, martian) power system. A major area of concern for fission reactor cooling systems is system corrosion due to oxygen contaminants at the high operating temperatures experienced. A small-scale, approximately 4-L capacity, simulated fission reactor cooling system employing NaK as a coolant was fabricated and tested with the goal of demonstrating a noninvasive oxygen detection and purification system. In order to generate prototypical conditions in the simulated cooling system, several system components were designed, fabricated, and tested. These major components were a fully-sealed, magnetically-coupled mechanical NaK pump, a graphite element heated reservoir, a plugging indicator system, and a cold trap. All system components were successfully demonstrated at a maximum system flow rate of approximately 150 cc/s at temperatures up to 550 C. Coolant purification was accomplished using a cold trap before and after plugging operations which showed a relative reduction in oxygen content.

Apical membrane permeability and kinetic properties of the sodium pump in rabbit urinary bladder.

PubMed

Lewis, S A; Wills, N K

1983-08-01

Previous studies have shown that aldosterone stimulates the rate of Na+ transport across the rabbit urinary bladder epithelium by increasing the apical membrane permeability to Na+. Paradoxically, ion-sensitive and conventional micro-electrode measurements demonstrated that intracellular Na+ activity aiNa+ was essentially unchanged by aldosterone, i.e. aiNa+ was constant regardless of the rate of Na+ transport. The present study was designed to resolve this apparent contradiction. The effects of elevated, endogenous aldosterone levels produced by low-Na+ diet (Lewis & Diamond, 1976) on urinary bladder Na+ transport were investigated in vitro using Ussing-type chambers and intracellular conventional and ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Apical membrane selectivity and kinetics of the Na+ pump were assessed as a function of hormone stimulation. The aldosterone-stimulated increase in Na+ transport was accounted for by increases in both the relative selective permeability of the apical membrane to Na+ and an increase in its absolute Na+ permeability. The kinetics of the Na+ pump were evaluated electrically by loading the cells with Na+ (monitored with Na+-sensitive micro-electrodes) or alternatively by manipulating serosal solution K+ concentration and measuring changes in the basolateral membrane electromotive forces and resistance. From these measurements the current generated by the pump was calculated as a function of intracellular Na+ or extracellular K+. The kinetics of the pump were not altered by aldosterone. A model of highly co-operative binding estimated Km for Na+ as 14.2 mM and 2.3 mM for K+. Hill coefficients for these ions were 2.8 and 1.8, respectively, consistent with a pump stoichiometry of 3 Na+ to 2 K+. The kinetic properties of the Na-K pump indicate that physiological levels of aiNa+ are poised at the foot of a step kinetic curve which energetically favours Na+ extrusion.

From experiments to simulations: tracing Na+ distribution around roots under different transpiration rates and salinity levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perelman, Adi; Jorda, Helena; Vanderborght, Jan; Pohlmeier, Andreas; Lazarovitch, Naftali

2017-04-01

When salinity increases beyond a certain threshold it will result in reduced crop yield at a fixed rate, according to Maas and Hoffman model (1976). Thus, there is a great importance of predicting salinization and its impact on crops. Current models do not consider the impact of environmental conditions on plants salt tolerance, even though these conditions are affecting plant water uptake and therefore salt accumulation around the roots. Different factors, such as transpiration rates, can influence the plant sensitivity to salinity by influencing salt concentrations around the roots. Better parametrization of a model can help improving predicting the real effects of salinity on crop growth and yield. The aim of this research is to study Na+ distribution around roots at different scales using different non-invasive methods, and study how this distribution is being affected by transpiration rate and plant water uptake. Results from tomato plants growing on Rhizoslides (capillary paper growth system), show that Na+ concentration is higher at the root- substrate interface, compared with the bulk. Also, Na+ accumulation around the roots decreased under low transpiration rate, which is supporting our hypothesis. Additionally, Rhizoslides enable to study roots' growth rate and architecture under different salinity levels. Root system architecture was retrieved from photos taken during the experiment and enabled us to incorporate real root systems into a simulation. To observe the correlation of root system architectures and Na+ distribution in three dimensions, we used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI provides fine resolution of Na+ accumulation around a single root without disturbing the root system. With time, Na+ was accumulating only where roots were found in the soil and later on around specific roots. These data are being used for model calibration, which is expected to predict root water uptake in saline soils for different climatic conditions and different soil water availabilities.

Systemic effects in naïve mice injected with immunomodulatory lectin ArtinM

PubMed Central

Oliveira Brito, Patrícia Kellen Martins; Gonçalves, Thiago Eleutério; Fernandes, Fabrício Freitas; Miguel, Camila Botelho; Rodrigues, Wellington Francisco; Lazo Chica, Javier Emílio; Roque-Barreira, Maria Cristina

2017-01-01

Toll-like receptors (TLR) contain N-glycans, which are important glycotargets for plant lectins, to induce immunomodulation. The lectin ArtinM obtained from Artocarpus heterophyllus interacts with TLR2 N-glycans to stimulate IL-12 production by antigen-presenting cells and to drive the immune response toward the Th1 axis, conferring resistance against intracellular pathogens. This immunomodulatory effect was demonstrated by subcutaneously injecting (s.c.) ArtinM (0.5 μg) in infected mice. In this study, we evaluated the systemic implications of ArtinM administration in naïve BALB/c mice. The mice were s.c. injected twice (7 days interval) with ArtinM (0.5, 1.0, 2.5, or 5.0 μg), LPS (positive control), or PBS (negative control) and euthanized after three days. None of the ArtinM-injected mice exhibited change in body weight, whereas the relative mass of the heart and lungs diminished in mice injected with the highest ArtinM dose (5.0 μg). Few and discrete inflammatory foci were detected in the heart, lung, and liver of mice receiving ArtinM at doses ≥2.5 μg. Moreover, the highest dose of ArtinM was associated with increased serum levels of creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) and globulins as well as an augmented presence of neutrophils in the heart and lung. IL-12, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10 measurements in the liver, kidney, spleen, heart, and lung homogenates revealed decreased IL-10 level in the heart and lung of mice injected with 5.0 μg ArtinM. We also found an augmented frequency of T helper and B cells in the spleen of all ArtinM-injected naïve mice, whereas the relative expressions of T-bet, GATA-3, and ROR-γt were similar to those in PBS-injected animals. Our study demonstrates that s.c. injection of high doses of ArtinM in naïve mice promotes mild inflammatory lesions and that a low immunomodulatory dose is innocuous to naïve mice. PMID:29084277

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy of bulk aqueous solutions at oceanic pressures: evaluation of key measurement parameters

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

Michel, Anna P. M.; Lawrence-Snyder, Marion; Angel, S. Michael

The development of in situ chemical sensors is critical for present-day expeditionary oceanography and the new mode of ocean observing systems that we are entering. New sensors take a significant amount of time to develop; therefore, validation of techniques in the laboratory for use in the ocean environment is necessary. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a promising in situ technique for oceanography. Laboratory investigations on the feasibility of using LIBS to detect analytes in bulk liquids at oceanic pressures were carried out. LIBS was successfully used to detect dissolved Na, Mn, Ca, K, and Li at pressures up to 2.76x107more » Pa. The effects of pressure, laser-pulse energy, interpulse delay, gate delay, temperature, and NaCl concentration on the LIBS signal were examined. An optimal range of laser-pulse energies was found to exist for analyte detection in bulk aqueous solutions at both low and high pressures. No pressure effect was seen on the emission intensity for Ca and Na, and an increase in emission intensity with increased pressure was seen for Mn. Using the dual-pulse technique for several analytes, a very short interpulse delay resulted in the greatest emission intensity. The presence of NaCl enhanced the emission intensity for Ca, but had no effect on peak intensity of Mn or K. Overall, increased pressure, the addition of NaCl to a solution, and temperature did not inhibit detection of analytes in solution and sometimes even enhanced the ability to detect the analytes. The results suggest that LIBS is a viable chemical sensing method for in situ analyte detection in high-pressure environments such as the deep ocean.« less

Susceptibility of Brazilian influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses to neuraminidase inhibitors in the 2014-2016 seasons: Identification of strains bearing mutations associated with reduced inhibition profile.

PubMed

Matos, Aline R; Resende, Paola C; Miranda, Milene D; Garcia, Cristiana C; Caetano, Braulia C; Lopes, Jonathan C O; Debur, Maria C; Cury, Ana L F; Vianna, Lucas A; Lima, Magliones C; Schirmer, Marcelo; Gubareva, Larissa; Hurt, Aeron C; Brown, David W; Siqueira, Marilda M

2018-06-01

Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) are the main class of antivirals currently used for the treatment of influenza infections. As influenza viruses are constantly evolving, drug-resistance can emerge resulting in reduced effectiveness of treatment. This study evaluated the presence of molecular markers associated with NAI susceptibility in 724 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 positive samples from Brazilian surveillance system from the 2014-2016 seasons, including 76 isolates tested for oseltamivir (OST) susceptibility and 23 isolates also tested for zanamivir, peramivir and laninamivir susceptibility. We identified the H275Y (n = 3) and I223K (n = 1) NA substitutions, associated with reduced inhibition (RI) by the NAIs. Noteworthy, no epidemiological links were identified among the patients infected with the mutant viruses. Phylogenetic analysis from NA and hemagglutinin genes showed that mutant viruses were not clustered. All mutant virus strains carried the permissive substitutions V241I and N369K, in addition to the N386K, which has been shown to destabilize the NA structure. Functional NA analysis of one virus containing the H275Y mutation confirmed its highly RI profile to OST and peramivir and demonstrated that it had decreased viral replication and NA thermostability compared to the wild type virus. The remaining tested isolates presented normal inhibition profile to the NAIs tested. In conclusion, the overall frequency of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses bearing mutations associated with NAI RI was 0.6%, similar to what has been observed in recent global studies. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative evaluation of human pulp tissue dissolution by different concentrations of chlorine dioxide, calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Taneja, Sonali; Mishra, Neha; Malik, Shubhra

2014-01-01

Introduction: Irrigation plays an indispensable role in removal of tissue remnants and debris from the complicated root canal system. This study compared the human pulp tissue dissolution by different concentrations of chlorine dioxide, calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite. Materials and Methods: Pulp tissue was standardized to a weight of 9 mg for each sample. In all,60 samples obtained were divided into 6 groups according to the irrigating solution used- 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 5.25% NaOCl, 5% calcium hypochlorite (Ca(OCl)2), 10% Ca(OCl)2, 5%chlorine dioxide (ClO2) and 13% ClO2. Pulp tissue was placed in each test tube carrying irrigants of measured volume (5ml) according to their specified subgroup time interval: 30 minutes (Subgroup A) and 60 minutes (Subgroup B). The solution from each sample test tube was filtered and was left for drying overnight. The residual weight was calculated by filtration method. Results: Mean tissue dissolution increases with increase in time period. Results showed 5.25% NaOCl to be most effective at both time intervals followed by 2.5% NaOCl at 60 minutes, 10%Ca(OCl)2 and 13% ClO2 at 60 minutes. Least amount of tissue dissolving ability was demonstrated by 5% Ca(OCl)2 and 5% ClO2 at 30 minutes. Distilled water showed no pulp tissue dissolution. Conclusion: Withinthe limitations of the study, NaOCl most efficiently dissolved the pulp tissue at both concentrations and at both time intervals. Mean tissue dissolution by Ca(OCl)2 and ClO2 gradually increased with time and with their increase in concentration. PMID:25506141

A comparative evaluation of Morinda citrifolia, green tea polyphenols, and Triphala with 5% sodium hypochlorite as an endodontic irrigant against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study

PubMed Central

Divia, A. R.; Nair, Mali G.; Varughese, Jolly Mary; Kurien, Shobha

2018-01-01

Background: Endodontic infections require effective removal of microorganisms from the root canal system for long-term prognosis. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is the most effective irrigant currently, but potential complications due to its toxicity warrant search for newer alternatives. In this study, the antimicrobial efficacy of Morinda citrifolia (MC), green tea polyphenols and Triphala was compared with 5% NaOCl against Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study sixty extracted human premolar teeth were infected with E. faecalis, a Group D Streptococci for 48 h. At the end of 48 h, the vital bacterial population was assessed by counting the number of colony-forming units (CFUs) on blood agar plate. Samples were divided into five groups; Group I (distilled water), Group II (NaOCl), Group III (MC), Group IV (Triphala), and Group V (green tea polyphenols). The samples were irrigated with individual test agents and CFUs were recorded. Kruskal–Wallis test was performed as the parametric test to compare different groups. Student's t-test was used to compare mean values between groups before and after treatment with test agents (P < 0.001). Results: NaOCl was the most effective irrigant the elimination of E. faecalis reinforcing its role as the best irrigant available currently and a gold standard for comparison of the experimental groups. Its antibacterial effect was comparable to Triphala. Among the experimental groups, MC showed the minimum antibacterial effect. Conclusion: The use of herbal alternatives as a root canal irrigant might prove to be advantageous considering the several undesirable characteristics of NaOCl. PMID:29576775

Dynamics of pH modification of an acidic protein bait used for tropical fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae).

PubMed

Heath, Robert R; Vazquez, Aime; Schnell, Elena Q; Villareal, Janett; Kendra, Paul E; Epsky, Nancy D

2009-12-01

Several species of Anastrepha and Bactrocera fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are captured in traps baited with the protein bait NuLure combined with borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate) in an aqueous solution, typically 9% NuLure (vol:vol) with 3% borax (wt:vol). NuLure is an acid hydrolysate of corn and has an acidic pH. Addition of borax makes the solution more alkaline, and increase in alkalinity results in increase of ammonia release from the bait solution. This is a very dynamic system, with resultant pH affected by factors such as the amount of borax added, the pH of the water used for preparation, the age of the bait solution, and the development of microbial growth. Problems with borax include amount needed to increase alkalinity of NuLure solutions, which creates difficulties in disposing of spent bait in fruit fly trapping programs. Therefore, research was conducted to evaluate NaOH as an alternative method to increase alkalinity of NuLure solutions. Laboratory experiments compared effect of NaOH versus borax for pH modification on changes in pH and ammonia content of NuLure solutions over time. Although NuLure/NaOH solutions could be adjusted to a more alkaline pH than NuLure/borax solutions, borax plays a critical role in pH stability over time. However, the pH of NuLure/NaOH is stabilized when propylene glycol (10% vol:vol) was used to prepare the bait solution. The use of NaOH can provide an alternative to the use of borax to increase bait solution alkalinity.

Hazard identification for human and ecological effects of sodium chloride road salt.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-07-01

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) requested an evaluation of : the human and ecological risks associated with the application of sodium chloride (NaCl) road : salt to roadways. NaCl is the major de-icing agent used in NH to...

Optimization of the Design of Pre-Signal System Using Improved Cellular Automaton

PubMed Central

Li, Yan; Li, Ke; Tao, Siran; Chen, Kuanmin

2014-01-01

The pre-signal system can improve the efficiency of intersection approach under rational design. One of the main obstacles in optimizing the design of pre-signal system is that driving behaviors in the sorting area cannot be well evaluated. The NaSch model was modified by considering slow probability, turning-deceleration rules, and lane changing rules. It was calibrated with field observed data to explore the interactions among design parameters. The simulation results of the proposed model indicate that the length of sorting area, traffic demand, signal timing, and lane allocation are the most important influence factors. The recommendations of these design parameters are demonstrated. The findings of this paper can be foundations for the design of pre-signal system and show promising improvement in traffic mobility. PMID:25435871

The Probable Effect of Irrigation Solution and Time on Bond Strength to Coronal Dentin: An In Vitro Evaluation.

PubMed

Mokhtari, Fatemeh; Anvar, Ehsan; Mirshahpanah, Mostafa; Hemati, Hamidreza; Danesh Kazemi, Alireza

2017-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of root canal irrigants on the microtensile bond strength of 2-step self-etch adhesive to dentin. n this study 36 sound extracted human third molars were used. After grinding 3 mm of occlusal surface, teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups based on irrigation material naming normal saline, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and also irrigation time (5 or 30 min). Next, teeth were restored with Clearfil SE bond adhesive resin system and Z250 composite. The teeth were then thermo cycled by thermo cycling machine, for 500 cycles between 5 º and 55 º C with 60 sec dwell time and 12 sec transfer time. All samples were sectioned into bucco-lingual slabs. The sections were submitted to the micro tensile testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Data was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test with the level of significance set at 0.05. Irrigation with normal saline, 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX for 5 or 30 min did not significantly change the microtensile bond strength of adhesive to dentin ( P =0.729 for time and P =0.153 for material). However the maximum and minimum microtensile bond strength was attributed to normal saline (44.13 N) and NaOCl (31.29 N) groups, respectively. Iirrigation solution and time have no influence on microtensile bond strength of two-step self-etch adhesive to coronal dentin.

The Probable Effect of Irrigation Solution and Time on Bond Strength to Coronal Dentin: An In Vitro Evaluation

PubMed Central

Mokhtari, Fatemeh; Anvar, Ehsan; Mirshahpanah, Mostafa; Hemati, Hamidreza; Danesh Kazemi, Alireza

2017-01-01

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of root canal irrigants on the microtensile bond strength of 2-step self-etch adhesive to dentin. Methods and Materials: n this study 36 sound extracted human third molars were used. After grinding 3 mm of occlusal surface, teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups based on irrigation material naming normal saline, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and also irrigation time (5 or 30 min). Next, teeth were restored with Clearfil SE bond adhesive resin system and Z250 composite. The teeth were then thermo cycled by thermo cycling machine, for 500 cycles between 5º and 55ºC with 60 sec dwell time and 12 sec transfer time. All samples were sectioned into bucco-lingual slabs. The sections were submitted to the micro tensile testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. Data was analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Irrigation with normal saline, 5.25% NaOCl and 2% CHX for 5 or 30 min did not significantly change the microtensile bond strength of adhesive to dentin (P=0.729 for time and P=0.153 for material). However the maximum and minimum microtensile bond strength was attributed to normal saline (44.13 N) and NaOCl (31.29 N) groups, respectively. Conclusion: Iirrigation solution and time have no influence on microtensile bond strength of two-step self-etch adhesive to coronal dentin. PMID:29225638