Heating and current drive on NSTX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, J. R.; Batchelor, D.; Carter, M.; Hosea, J.; Ignat, D.; LeBlanc, B.; Majeski, R.; Ono, M.; Phillips, C. K.; Rogers, J. H.; Schilling, G.

1997-04-01

Low aspect ratio tokamaks pose interesting new challenges for heating and current drive. The NSTX (National Spherical Tokamak Experiment) device to be built at Princeton is a low aspect ratio toroidal device that has the achievement of high toroidal beta (˜45%) and non-inductive operation as two of its main research goals. To achieve these goals significant auxiliary heating and current drive systems are required. Present plans include ECH (Electron cyclotron heating) for pre-ionization and start-up assist, HHFW (high harmonic fast wave) for heating and current drive and eventually NBI (neutral beam injection) for heating, current drive and plasma rotation.

Perturbative tests of theoretical transport models using cold pulse and modulated electron cyclotron heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kinsey, J. E.; Waltz, R. E.; DeBoo, J. C.

1999-05-01

It is difficult to discriminate between various tokamak transport models using standardized statistical measures to assess the goodness of fit with steady-state density and temperature profiles in tokamaks. This motivates consideration of transient transport experiments as a technique for testing the temporal response predicted by models. Results are presented comparing the predictions from the Institute for Fusion Studies—Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (IFS/PPPL), gyro-Landau-fluid (GLF23), Multi-mode (MM), Current Diffusive Ballooning Mode (CDBM), and Mixed-shear (MS) transport models against data from ohmic cold pulse and modulated electron cyclotron heating (ECH) experiments. In ohmically heated discharges with rapid edge cooling due to trace impurity injection, it is found that critical gradient models containing a strong temperature ratio (Ti/Te) dependence can exhibit behavior that is qualitatively consistent both spatially and temporally with experimental observation while depending solely on local parameters. On the DIII-D tokamak [J. L. Luxon and L. G. Davis, Fusion Technol. 8, 441 (1985)], off-axis modulated ECH experiments have been conducted in L-mode (low confinement mode) and the perturbed electron and ion temperature response to multiple heat pulses has been measured across the plasma core. Comparing the predicted Fourier phase of the temperature perturbations, it is found that no single model yielded agreement with both electron and ion phases for all cases. In general, it was found that the IFS/PPPL, GLF23, and MS models agreed well with the ion response, but not with the electron response. The CDBM and MM models agreed well with the electron response, but not with the ion response. For both types of transient experiments, temperature coupling between the electron and ion transport is found to be an essential feature needed in the models for reproducing the observed perturbative response.

ECH-assisted startup at KSTAR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bae, Y. S.; Jeong, J. H.; Park, S. I.; Cho, M. H.; Namkung, W.; Jackson, G. L.; Joung, M.; Yoon, S. W.; Kim, J. H.; Hahn, S. H.; Kim, W. C.; Yang, H. L.; Oh, Y. K.; Humphreys, D.; Walker, M. L.; Gorelov, Y.; Leuer, J. A.; Hyatt, A. W.; Eidietis, N. W.; Mueller, D.; Bak, J. S.; Kwon, M.

2009-11-01

The electron cyclotron heating (ECH)-assisted startup was successful in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) first plasma campaign completed in June, 2008. It was observed that the second harmonic EC wave of 0.35 MW was sufficient to achieve breakdown in the ECH pre-ionization phase, to allow burn through, and to sustain the plasma during the current ramp with a low loop voltage of 2.0 V. This corresponds to a toroidal electric field of 0.24 Vm-1 at the innermost vacuum vessel wall (R = 1.3 m). Since there is no feedback control of the plasma radial position in the initial phase of the KSTAR first plasma campaign, wall contact caused the plasma current fall to zero soon after the ECH beam was turned off. Extending pulse duration of the ECH power to 190 ms allowed the plasma current to rise up to more than 100 kA with a ramp-up rate of 0.8 MA/s and the pulse duration of 210 ms. Later in the first plasma campaign, the plasma was sustained up to 865 ms with the help of additional heating of 350-ms long ECH beam and with the help of the plasma radial position feedback control. The plasma current in the pre-ionization phase was observed and it is considered to be pressure-driven Pfirsch-Schlüter current.

Simulation of the Plasma Density Evolution during Electron Cyclotron Resonance Heating at the T-10 Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dnestrovskij, Yu. N.; Vershkov, V. A.; Danilov, A. V.; Dnestrovskij, A. Yu.; Zenin, V. N.; Lysenko, S. E.; Melnikov, A. V.; Shelukhin, D. A.; Subbotin, G. F.; Cherkasov, S. V.

2018-01-01

In ohmically heated (OH) plasma with low recycling, an improved particle confinement (IPC) mode is established during gas puffing. However, after gas puffing is switched off, this mode is retained only for about 100 ms, after which an abrupt phase transition into the low particle confinement (LPC) mode occurs in the entire plasma cross section. During such a transition, energy transport due to heat conduction does not change. The phase transition in OH plasma is similar to the effect of density pump-out from the plasma core, which occurs after electron cyclotron heating (ECH) is switched on. Analysis of the measured plasma pressure profiles in the T-10 tokamak shows that, after gas puffing in the OH mode is switched off, the plasma pressure profile in the IPC stage becomes more peaked and, after the peakedness exceeds a certain critical value, the IPC-LPC transition occurs. Similar processes are also observed during ECH. If the pressure profile is insufficiently peaked during ECH, then the density pump-out effect comes into play only after the critical peakedness of the pressure profile is reached. In the plasma core, the density and pressure profiles are close to the corresponding canonical profiles. This allows one to derive an expression for the particle flux within the canonical profile model and formulate a criterion for the IPC-LPC transition. The time evolution of the plasma density profile during phase transitions was simulated for a number of T-10 shots with ECH and high recycling. The particle transport coefficients in the IPC and LPC phases, as well as the dependences of these coefficients on the ECH power, are determined.

Compact antenna for two-dimensional beam scan in the JT-60U electron cyclotron heating/current drive system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moriyama, S.; Kajiwara, K.; Takahashi, K.; Kasugai, A.; Seki, M.; Ikeda, Y.; Fujii, T.

2005-11-01

A compact antenna system was designed and fabricated to enable millimeter-wave beam scanning in the toroidal and poloidal directions of the JT-60U tokamak for electron cyclotron heating (ECH) and electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) experiments. The antenna consists of a fast movable flat mirror mounted on the tokamak vacuum vessel and a rotary focusing mirror attached at the end of the waveguide that is supported from outside the vacuum vessel. This separate support concept enables a compact structure inside a shallow port (0.68×0.54×0.2m) that is shared with a subport for an independent diagnostic system. During a plasma shot, the flat mirror is driven by a servomotor with a 3-m-long drive shaft to reduce the influence of the high magnetic field on the motor. The focusing mirror is rotated by a simple mechanism utilizing a push rod and an air cylinder. The antenna has been operated reliably for 3 years after a small improvement to the rotary drive mechanism. It has made significant contributions to ECH and ECCD experiments, especially the current profile control in JT-60U.

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

Russell Feder and Mahmoud Z. Yousef

Neutronics analysis to find nuclear heating rates and personnel dose rates were conducted in support of the integration of diagnostics in to the ITER Upper Port Plugs. Simplified shielding models of the Visible-Infrared diagnostic and of the ECH heating system were incorporated in to the ITER global CAD model. Results for these systems are representative of typical designs with maximum shielding and a small aperture (Vis-IR) and minimal shielding with a large aperture (ECH). The neutronics discrete-ordinates code ATTILA® and SEVERIAN® (the ATTILA parallel processing version) was used. Material properties and the 500 MW D-T volume source were taken frommore » the ITER “Brand Model” MCNP benchmark model. A biased quadrature set equivelant to Sn=32 and a scattering degree of Pn=3 were used along with a 46-neutron and 21-gamma FENDL energy subgrouping. Total nuclear heating (neutron plug gamma heating) in the upper port plugs ranged between 380 and 350 kW for the Vis-IR and ECH cases. The ECH or Large Aperture model exhibited lower total heating but much higher peak volumetric heating on the upper port plug structure. Personnel dose rates are calculated in a three step process involving a neutron-only transport calculation, the generation of activation volume sources at pre-defined time steps and finally gamma transport analyses are run for selected time steps. ANSI-ANS 6.1.1 1977 Flux-to-Dose conversion factors were used. Dose rates were evaluated for 1 full year of 500 MW DT operation which is comprised of 3000 1800-second pulses. After one year the machine is shut down for maintenance and personnel are permitted to access the diagnostic interspace after 2-weeks if dose rates are below 100 μSv/hr. Dose rates in the Visible-IR diagnostic model after one day of shutdown were 130 μSv/hr but fell below the limit to 90 μSv/hr 2-weeks later. The Large Aperture or ECH style shielding model exhibited higher and more persistent dose rates. After 1-day the dose rate was 230 μSv/hr but was still at 120 μSv/hr 4-weeks later. __________________________________________________« less

Observations of temperature rise during electron cyclotron heating application in Proto-MPEX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T.; Caneses, J. F.; Diem, S. J.; Rapp, J.; Reinke, M.; Kafle, N.; Ray, H. B.; Showers, M.

2017-10-01

The Prototype Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (Proto-MPEX) at ORNL utilizes a variety of power systems to generate and deliver a high heat flux plasma (1 MW/m2 for these discharges) onto the surface of material targets. In the experiments described here, up to 120 kW of 13.56 MHz ``helicon'' waves are combined with 20 kW of 28 GHz microwaves to produce Deuterium plasma discharges. The 28 GHz waves are launched in a region of the device where the magnetic field is axially varying near 0.8 T, resulting in the presence of a 2nd harmonic electron cyclotron heating (ECH) resonance layer that transects the plasma column. The electron density and temperature profiles are measured using a Thomson scattering (TS) diagnostic, and indicate that the electron density is radially peaked. In the core of the plasma column the electron density is higher than the cut-off density (0.9x1019 m-3) for ECH waves to propagate and O-X-B mode conversion into electron Bernstien waves (EBW) is expected. TS measurements indicate electron temperature increases during 28 GHz wave application, rising (from 5 eV to 20 eV) as the neutral Deuterium pressure is reduced below 1 mTorr. This work was supported by the US. D.O.E. contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Recent Progress on ECH Technology for ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sirigiri, Jagadishwar

2005-10-01

The Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive (ECH&CD) system for ITER is a critical ITER system that must be available for use on Day 1 of the ITER experimental program. The applications of the system include plasma start-up, plasma heating and suppression of Neoclassical Tearing Modes (NTMs). These applications are accomplished using 27 one megawatt continuous wave gyrotrons: 24 at a frequency of 170 GHz and 3 at a frequency of 120 GHz. There are DC power supplies for the gyrotrons, a transmission line system, one launcher at the equatorial plane and three upper port launchers. The US will play a major role in delivering parts of the ECH&CD system to ITER. The present state-of-the-art includes major advances in all areas of ECH technology. In the US, a major effort is underway to supply gyrotrons of up to 1.5 MW power level at 110 GHz to General Atomics for use in heating the DIII-D tokamak. This presentation will include a brief review of the state-of-the-art, worldwide, in ECH technology. The requirements for the ITER ECH&CD system will then be reviewed. ITER calls for gyrotrons capable of operating from a 50 kV power supply, after potential depression, with a minimum of 50% overall efficiency. This is a very significant challenge and some approaches to meeting this goal will be presented. Recent experimental results at MIT showing improved efficiency of high frequency, 1.5 MW gyrotrons will be described. These results will be incorporated into the planned development of gyrotrons for ITER. The ITER ECH&CD system will also be a challenge to the transmission lines, which must operate at high average power at up to 1000 seconds and with high efficiency. The technology challenges and efforts in the US and other ITER parties to solve these problems will be reviewed. *In collaboration with E. Choi, C. Marchewka, I. Mastovosky, M. A. Shapiro and R. J. Temkin. This work is supported by the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences of the U. S. Department of Energy.

Investigation of ion and electron heat transport of high- T e ECH heated discharges in the large helical device

DOE PAGES

Pablant, N. A.; Satake, S.; Yokoyama, M.; ...

2016-01-28

An analysis of the radial electric field and heat transport, both for ions and electrons, is presented for a high-more » $${{T}_{\\text{e}}}$$ electron cyclotron heated (ECH) discharge on the large helical device (LHD). Transport analysis is done using the task3d transport suite utilizing experimentally measured profiles for both ions and electrons. Ion temperature and perpendicular flow profiles are measured using the recently installed x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer diagnostic (XICS), while electron temperature and density profiles are measured using Thomson scattering. The analysis also includes calculated ECH power deposition profiles as determined through the travis ray-tracing code. This is the first time on LHD that this type of integrated transport analysis with measured ion temperature profiles has been performed without NBI, allowing the heat transport properties of plasmas with only ECH heating to be more clearly examined. For this study, a plasma discharge is chosen which develops a high central electron temperature ($${{T}_{\\text{eo}}}=9$$ keV) at moderately low densities ($${{n}_{\\text{eo}}}=1.5\\times {{10}^{19}}$$ m-3). The experimentally determined transport properties from task3d are compared to neoclassical predictions as calculated by the gsrake and fortec-3d codes. The predicted electron fluxes are seen to be an order of magnitude less than the measured fluxes, indicating that electron transport is largely anomalous, while the neoclassical and measured ion heat fluxes are of the same magnitude. Neoclassical predictions of a strong positive ambipolar electric field ($${{E}_{\\text{r}}}$$ ) in the plasma core are validated through comparisons to perpendicular flow measurements from the XICS diagnostic. Furthermore, this provides confidence that the predictions are producing physically meaningful results for the particle fluxes and radial electric field, which are a key component in correctly predicting plasma confinement.« less

Progress of long pulse discharges by ECH in LHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimura, Y.; Kasahara, H.; Tokitani, M.; Sakamoto, R.; Ueda, Y.; Ito, S.; Okada, K.; Kubo, S.; Shimozuma, T.; Igami, H.; Takahashi, H.; Tsujimura, T. I.; Makino, R.; Kobayashi, S.; Mizuno, Y.; Akiyama, T.; Ashikawa, N.; Masuzaki, S.; Motojima, G.; Shoji, M.; Suzuki, C.; Tanaka, H.; Tanaka, K.; Tokuzawa, T.; Tsuchiya, H.; Yamada, I.; Goto, Y.; Yamada, H.; Mutoh, T.; Komori, A.; Takeiri, Y.; the LHD Experiment Group

2016-04-01

Using ion cyclotron heating and electron cyclotron heating (ECH), or solo ECH, trials of steady state plasma sustainment have been conducted in the superconducting helical/stellarator, large helical device (LHD) (Ida K et al 2015 Nucl. Fusion 55 104018). In recent years, the ECH system has been upgraded by applying newly developed 77 and 154 GHz gyrotrons. A new gas fueling system applied to the steady state operations in the LHD realized precise feedback control of the line average electron density even when the wall condition varied during long pulse discharges. Owing to these improvements in the ECH and the gas fueling systems, a stable 39 min discharge with a line average electron density n e_ave of 1.1  ×  1019 m-3, a central electron temperature T e0 of over 2.5 keV, and a central ion temperature T i0 of 1.0 keV was successfully performed with ~350 kW EC-waves. The parameters are much improved from the previous 65 min discharge with n e_ave of 0.15  ×  1019 m-3 and T e0 of 1.7 keV, and the 30 min discharge with n e_ave of 0.7  ×  1019 m-3 and T e0 of 1.7 keV.

Validation of TGLF in C-Mod and DIII-D using machine learning and integrated modeling tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Fernandez, P.; White, Ae; Cao, Nm; Creely, Aj; Greenwald, Mj; Grierson, Ba; Howard, Nt; Meneghini, O.; Petty, Cc; Rice, Je; Sciortino, F.; Yuan, X.

2017-10-01

Predictive models for steady-state and perturbative transport are necessary to support burning plasma operations. A combination of machine learning algorithms and integrated modeling tools is used to validate TGLF in C-Mod and DIII-D. First, a new code suite, VITALS, is used to compare SAT1 and SAT0 models in C-Mod. VITALS exploits machine learning and optimization algorithms for the validation of transport codes. Unlike SAT0, the SAT1 saturation rule contains a model to capture cross-scale turbulence coupling. Results show that SAT1 agrees better with experiments, further confirming that multi-scale effects are needed to model heat transport in C-Mod L-modes. VITALS will next be used to analyze past data from DIII-D: L-mode ``Shortfall'' plasma and ECH swing experiments. A second code suite, PRIMA, allows for integrated modeling of the plasma response to Laser Blow-Off cold pulses. Preliminary results show that SAT1 qualitatively reproduces the propagation of cold pulses after LBO injections and SAT0 does not, indicating that cross-scale coupling effects play a role in the plasma response. PRIMA will be used to ``predict-first'' cold pulse experiments using the new LBO system at DIII-D, and analyze existing ECH heat pulse data. Work supported by DE-FC02-99ER54512, DE-FC02-04ER54698.

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

Seo, Dongcheol; Peterson, B. J.; Lee, Seung Hun

The resistive bolometers have been successfully installed in the midplane of L-port in Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) device. The spatial and temporal resolutions, 4.5 cm and {approx}1 kHz, respectively, enable us to measure the radial profile of the total radiated power from magnetically confined plasma at a high temperature through radiation and neutral particles. The radiated power was measured at all shots. Even at low plasma current, the bolometer signal was detectable. The electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECH) has been used in tokamak for ECH assisted start-up and plasma control by local heating and current drive. The detectorsmore » of resistive bolometer, near the antenna of ECH, are affected by electron cyclotron wave. The tomographic reconstruction, using the Phillips-Tikhonov regularization method, will be carried out for a major radial profile of the radiation emissivity of the circular cross-section plasma.« less

Fast wave direct electron heating in advanced inductive and ITER baseline scenario discharges in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Pinsker, R. I.; Austin, M. E.; Diem, S. J.; ...

2014-02-12

Fast Wave (FW) heating and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) are used in the DIII-D tokamak to study plasmas with low applied torque and dominant electron heating characteristic of burning plasmas. FW heating via direct electron damping has reached the 2.5 MW level in high performance ELMy H-mode plasmas. In Advanced Inductive (AI) plasmas, core FW heating was found to be comparable to that of ECH, consistent with the excellent first-pass absorption of FWs predicted by ray-tracing models at high electron beta. FW heating at the ~2 MW level to ELMy H-mode discharges in the ITER Baseline Scenario (IBS) showed unexpectedlymore » strong absorption of FW power by injected neutral beam (NB) ions, indicated by significant enhancement of the D-D neutron rate, while the intended absorption on core electrons appeared rather weak. As a result, the AI and IBS discharges are compared in an effort to identify the causes of the different response to FWs.« less

Fast wave direct electron heating in advanced inductive and ITER baseline scenario discharges in DIII-D

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

Pinsker, R. I.; Jackson, G. L.; Luce, T. C.

Fast Wave (FW) heating and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) are used in the DIII-D tokamak to study plasmas with low applied torque and dominant electron heating characteristic of burning plasmas. FW heating via direct electron damping has reached the 2.5 MW level in high performance ELMy H-mode plasmas. In Advanced Inductive (AI) plasmas, core FW heating was found to be comparable to that of ECH, consistent with the excellent first-pass absorption of FWs predicted by ray-tracing models at high electron beta. FW heating at the ∼2 MW level to ELMy H-mode discharges in the ITER Baseline Scenario (IBS) showed unexpectedlymore » strong absorption of FW power by injected neutral beam (NB) ions, indicated by significant enhancement of the D-D neutron rate, while the intended absorption on core electrons appeared rather weak. The AI and IBS discharges are compared in an effort to identify the causes of the different response to FWs.« less

Fast wave direct electron heating in advanced inductive and ITER baseline scenario discharges in DIII-D

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

Pinsker, R. I.; Austin, M. E.; Diem, S. J.

Fast Wave (FW) heating and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) are used in the DIII-D tokamak to study plasmas with low applied torque and dominant electron heating characteristic of burning plasmas. FW heating via direct electron damping has reached the 2.5 MW level in high performance ELMy H-mode plasmas. In Advanced Inductive (AI) plasmas, core FW heating was found to be comparable to that of ECH, consistent with the excellent first-pass absorption of FWs predicted by ray-tracing models at high electron beta. FW heating at the ~2 MW level to ELMy H-mode discharges in the ITER Baseline Scenario (IBS) showed unexpectedlymore » strong absorption of FW power by injected neutral beam (NB) ions, indicated by significant enhancement of the D-D neutron rate, while the intended absorption on core electrons appeared rather weak. As a result, the AI and IBS discharges are compared in an effort to identify the causes of the different response to FWs.« less

Response of a core coherent density oscillation on electron cyclotron resonance heating in Heliotron J plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, T.; Kobayashi, S.; Lu, X. X.; Kenmochi, N.; Ida, K.; Ohshima, S.; Yamamoto, S.; Kado, S.; Kokubu, D.; Nagasaki, K.; Okada, H.; Minami, T.; Otani, Y.; Mizuuchi, T.

2018-01-01

We report properties of a coherent density oscillation observed in the core region and its response to electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECH) in Heliotron J plasma. The measurement was performed using a multi-channel beam emission spectroscopy system. The density oscillation is observed in a radial region between the core and the half radius. The poloidal mode number is found to be 1 (or 2). By modulating the ECH power with 100 Hz, repetition of formation and deformation of a strong electron temperature gradient, which is likely ascribed to be an electron internal transport barrier, is realized. Amplitude and rotation frequency of the coherent density oscillation sitting at the strong electron temperature gradient location are modulated by the ECH, while the poloidal mode structure remains almost unchanged. The change in the rotation velocity in the laboratory frame is derived. Assuming that the change of the rotation velocity is given by the background E × B velocity, a possible time evolution of the radial electric field was deduced.

High Performance Double-null Plasma Operation Under Radiating Divertor Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrie, T. W.; Osborne, T.; Leonard, A. W.; Luce, T. C.; Petty, C. C.; Fenstermacher, M. E.; Lasnier, C. J.; Turco, F.; Watkins, J. G.

2017-10-01

We report on heat flux reduction experiments in which deuterium/neon- or deuterium/argon-based radiating mantle/divertor approaches were applied to high performance double-null (DN) plasmas (H98 1.4-1.7,βN 4 , q 95 6) with a combined neutral beam and ECH power input PIN 15 MW. When the radial location of the ECH deposition is close to the magnetic axis (e.g., ρ <=0.20), the radial profiles of both injected and intrinsic impurities are flat to somewhat hollow. For deposition farther out (e.g., ρ=0.45), the impurity profiles are highly peaked on axis, which would make high performance DN operation with impurity injection more problematical. Comparison of neon with argon `seeding' with respect to core dilution, energy confinement, and heat flux reduction under these conditions favors argon. Conditions that lead to an improved τE as predicted previously from ELITE code analysis, i.e., very high PIN, proximity to magnetic balance, and higher q95, are largely consistent with this data. Work was supported by the US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-AC52-07NA27344, DE-FG02-04ER54761, and DE-AC04-94AL85000.

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

DOE PAGES

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.; ...

2017-03-10

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

Effect of heating scheme on SOL width in DIII-D and EAST

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

Wang, L.; Makowski, M. A.; Guo, H. Y.

Joint DIII-D/EAST experiments in the radio-frequency (RF) heated H-mode scheme with comparison to that of neutral beam (NB) heated H-mode scheme were carried out on DIII-D and EAST under similar conditions to examine the effect of heating scheme on scrape-off layer (SOL) width in H-mode plasmas for application to ITER. A dimensionally similar plasma equilibrium was used to match the EAST shape parameters. The divertor heat flux and SOL widths were measured with infra-red camera in DIII-D, while with divertor Langmuir probe array in EAST. It has been demonstrated on both DIII-D and EAST that RF-heated plasma has a broadermore » SOL than NB-heated plasma when the edge electrons are effectively heated in low plasma current and low density regime with low edge collisionality. Detailed edge and pedestal profile analysis on DIII-D suggests that the low edge collisionality and ion orbit loss effect may account for the observed broadening. Finally, the joint experiment in DIII-D has also demonstrated the strong inverse dependence of SOL width on the plasma current in electron cyclotron heated (ECH) H-mode plasmas.« less

A comparison of soil moisture sensors for space flight applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Norikane, J. H.; Prenger, J. J.; Rouzan-Wheeldon, D. T.; Levine, H. G.

2005-01-01

Plants will be an important part of future long-term space missions. Automated plant growth systems require accurate and reliable methods of monitoring soil moisture levels. There are a number of different methods to accomplish this task. This study evaluated sensors using the capacitance method (ECH2O), the heat-pulse method (TMAS), and tensiometers, compared to soil water loss measured gravimetrically in a side-by-side test. The experiment monitored evaporative losses from substrate compartments filled with 1- to 2-mm baked calcinated clay media. The ECH2O data correlated well with the gravimetric measurements, but over a limited range of soil moisture. The averaged TMAS sensor data overstated soil moisture content levels. The tensiometer data appeared to track evaporative losses in the 0.5- to 2.5-kPa range of matric potential that corresponds to the water content needed to grow plants. This small range is characteristic of large particle media, and thus high-resolution tensiometers are required to distinguish changing moisture contents in this range.

42GHz ECRH assisted Plasma Breakdown in tokamak SST-1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, B. K.; Pradhan, S.; Patel, Paresh; Babu, Rajan; Patel, Jatin; Patel, Harshida; Dhorajia, Pragnesh; Tanna, V.; Atrey, P. K.; Manchanda, R.; Gupta, Manoj; Joisa, Shankar; Gupta, C. N.; Danial, Raju; Singh, Prashant; Jha, R.; Bora, D.

2015-03-01

In SST-1, 42GHz ECRH system has been commissioned to carry out breakdown and heating experiments at 0.75T and 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic fields. The 42GHz ECRH system consists of high power microwave source Gyrotron capable to deliver 500kW microwave power for 500ms duration, approximately 20 meter long transmission line and a mirror based launcher. The ECRH power in fundamental O-mode & second harmonic X-mode is launched from low field side (radial port) of the tokamak. At 0.75T operation, approximately 300 kW ECH power is launched in second harmonic X-mode and successful ECRH assisted breakdown is achieved at low loop_voltage ~ 3V. The ECRH power is launched around 45ms prior to loop voltage. The hydrogen pressure in tokamak is maintained ~ 1×10-5mbar and the pre-ionized density is ~ 4×1012/cc. At 1.5T operating toroidal magnetic field, the ECH power is launched in fundamental O-mode. The ECH power at fundamental harmonic is varied from 100 kW to 250 kW and successful breakdown is achieved in all ECRH shots. In fundamental harmonic there is no delay in breakdown while at second harmonic ~ 40ms delay is observed, which is normal in case of second harmonic ECRH assisted breakdown.

Role of the Trichoderma harzianum Endochitinase Gene, ech42, in Mycoparasitism

PubMed Central

Carsolio, Carolina; Benhamou, Nicole; Haran, Shoshan; Cortés, Carlos; Gutiérrez, Ana; Chet, Ilan; Herrera-Estrella, Alfredo

1999-01-01

The role of the Trichoderma harzianum endochitinase (Ech42) in mycoparasitism was studied by genetically manipulating the gene that encodes Ech42, ech42. We constructed several transgenic T. harzianum strains carrying multiple copies of ech42 and the corresponding gene disruptants. The level of extracellular endochitinase activity when T. harzianum was grown under inducing conditions increased up to 42-fold in multicopy strains as compared with the wild type, whereas gene disruptants exhibited practically no activity. The densities of chitin labeling of Rhizoctonia solani cell walls, after interactions with gene disruptants were not statistically significantly different than the density of chitin labeling after interactions with the wild type. Finally, no major differences in the efficacies of the strains generated as biocontrol agents against R. solani or Sclerotium rolfsii were observed in greenhouse experiments. PMID:10049844

"It's Like Giving Us a Car, Only without the Wheels": A Critical Policy Analysis of an Early College Programme

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Locke, Leslie Ann; McKenzie, Kathryn Bell

2016-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative inquiry was to examine the perceptions and experiences of Latina students, who were underperforming in an early college high school (ECHS), regarding their achievement and experiences. Additionally, the school's institutional documents were used to critically assess the viability of the ECHS as an equity-oriented,…

The Compact Ignition Tokamak and electron cyclotron heating: Description of need; assessment of prospects

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

Ignat, D.W.; Cohn, D.R.; Woskov, P.P.

1989-01-01

The CIT will benefit from auxiliary heating of 10 to 40 MW. The schedules of both the CIT construction project and the operating plan contain adequate time to develop and implement ECH systems based on the gyrotron and the induction free electron laser (IFEL). Each approach has advantages and is the object of R and D at the level of many millions of dollars per year. While the gyrotron is further advanced in terms of power and pulse length achieved, rapid progress is scheduled for the IFEL, including experiments on tokamaks. Plans of CIT, gyrotron, and IFEL make 1992 anmore » appropriate time frame to commit to one or both systems. 12 refs., 8 figs., 2 tabs.« less

Paleoclassical transport explains electron transport barriers in RTP and TEXTOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hogeweij, G. M. D.; Callen, J. D.; RTP Team; TEXTOR Team

2008-06-01

The recently developed paleoclassical transport model sets the minimum level of electron thermal transport in a tokamak. This transport level has proven to be in good agreement with experimental observations in many cases when fluctuation-induced anomalous transport is small, i.e. in (near-)ohmic plasmas in small to medium size tokamaks, inside internal transport barriers (ITBs) or edge transport barriers (H-mode pedestal). In this paper predictions of the paleoclassical transport model are compared in detail with data from such kinds of discharges: ohmic discharges from the RTP tokamak, EC heated RTP discharges featuring both dynamic and shot-to-shot scans of the ECH power deposition radius and off-axis EC heated discharges from the TEXTOR tokamak. For ohmically heated RTP discharges the Te profiles predicted by the paleoclassical model are in reasonable agreement with the experimental observations, and various parametric dependences are captured satisfactorily. The electron thermal ITBs observed in steady state EC heated RTP discharges and transiently after switch-off of off-axis ECH in TEXTOR are predicted very well by the paleoclassical model.

Perturbative transport modeling and comparison to cold-pulse and heat-pulse propagation experiments in Alcator C-Mod and DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez Fernandez, P.; White, A. E.; Cao, N. M.; Creely, A. J.; Greenwald, M. J.; Howard, N. T.; Hubbard, A. E.; Hughes, J. W.; Irby, J. H.; Petty, C. C.; Rice, J. E.; Alcator C-Mod Team

2016-10-01

Possible ``non-local'' transport phenomena are often observed in tokamak plasmas. Different models have been proposed to explain fast responses during perturbative transport experiments, including non-diffusive effects. Specific tools to characterize the dynamic behavior and power balance analysis using TRANSP and the quasi-linear trapped gyro-landau fluid code TGLF have been developed to analyze Alcator C-Mod experiments. Recent results from cold pulse experiments show that fast core temperature increases following edge cold-pulse injections (peak within 10ms , while τE 25ms) are not correlated with the direction of intrinsic rotation, and instead the amplitude of the core response depends on density, plasma current and RF input power. The propagation of the cold pulse can be compared with propagation of heat pulses from sawteeth, and both may be used to probe changes in temperature profile stiffness. A Laser Blow Off (LBO) system is being developed for DIII-D that will allow further validation and cross-machine comparison of cold pulse experiments. LBO at DIII-D will also allow for direct comparisons with ECH perturbative heat pulse experiments. Work supported by US DOE under Grants DE-FC02-99ER54512 (C-Mod) and DE-FC02-04ER54698 (DIII-D) and La Caixa Fellowship.

Global helium particle balance in LHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motojima, G.; Masuzaki, S.; Tokitani, M.; Kasahara, H.; Yoshimura, Y.; Kobayashi, M.; Sakamoto, R.; Morisaki, T.; Miyazawa, J.; Akiyama, T.; Ohno, N.; Mutoh, T.; Yamada, H.; LHD Experiment Group

2015-08-01

Global helium particle balance in long-pulse discharges is analyzed for the first time in the Large Helical Device (LHD) with the plasma-facing components of the first wall and the divertor tiles composed of stainless steel and carbon, respectively. During the 2-min discharge sustained by ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) and electron cyclotron heating (ECH), helium is observed to be highly retained in the wall (regarded as both the first wall and the divertor tiles). Almost all (about 96%) puffed helium particles (1.3 × 1022 He) are absorbed in the wall near the end of the discharge. Even though a dynamic retention is eliminated, 56% is still absorbed. The analysis is also applied to longer pulse discharges over 40 min by ICRH and ECH, indicating that the helium wall retention is dynamically changed in time. At the initial phase of the discharge, a mechanism for adsorbing helium other than dynamical retention is invoked.

Enzyme Diffusion from Trichoderma atroviride (= T. harzianum P1) to Rhizoctonia solani Is a Prerequisite for Triggering of Trichoderma ech42 Gene Expression before Mycoparasitic Contact

PubMed Central

Kullnig, Cornelia; Mach, Robert L.; Lorito, Matteo; Kubicek, Christian P.

2000-01-01

A plate confrontation experiment is commonly used to study the mechanism by which Trichoderma spp. antagonize and parasitize other fungi. Previous work with chitinase gene expression (ech42) during the precontact period of this process in which cellophane and dialysis membranes separated Trichoderma harzianum and its host Rhizoctonia solani resulted in essentially opposite results. Here, we show that cellophane membranes are permeable to proteins up to at least 90 kDa in size but that dialysis membranes are not. ech42 was expressed during the precontact stage of the confrontation between Trichoderma atroviride and its host only if the cellophane was placed between the two fungi. These results are consistent with enzyme diffusion from T. atroviride to R. solani generating the trigger of ech42 gene expression. PMID:10788407

Central Safety Factor and Normalized Beta Control Under Near-Zero Input Torque Constraints in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pajares, Andres; Wehner, William; Schuster, Eugenio; Burrell, Keith; Ferron, John; Walker, Michael; Humphreys, David; Lehigh University Team; Atomics Team, General

2017-10-01

DIII-D experiments have assessed the capability of combined central safety factor (q0) and normalized beta (βN) control under near-zero net torque to facilitate access to QH-mode with reverse Ip and normal Bt. Regulation of q0 and βN can prevent magneto-hydrodynamic instabilities that deteriorate plasma performance in discharges with a monotonically increasing safety-factor profile. Zero-input-torque scenarios are of special interest because future burning plasma tokamaks such as ITER will most likely operate with very low input torque, which makes these scenarios more susceptible to locked modes. To support studies of such scenarios, a controller for simultaneous regulation of q0 and βN has been developed using near-zero net input torque actuators including balanced neutral beam injection (NBI) and electron-cyclotron heating & current drive (ECH/ECCD). Experimental results show that in spite of the presence of locked modes the use of feedback control resulted in good tracking of the commanded q0 and βN when both ECCD/ECH and NBI were available. Supported by the US DOE under DE-SC0010661 and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Electron Bernstein Wave Emission Studies on the TJ-II Stellarator

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

Caughman, John B; Fernandez, A.; Cappa, A.

2009-01-01

Electron Bernstein Wave (EBW) heating is important for high-beta plasma experiments and will be used for heating over-dense plasmas on TJ-II. TJ-II is a medium sized Heliac operating at CIEMAT in Madrid, whose plasmas are created and heated by ECH via two 300 kW gyrotrons at second harmonic X-mode (53.2 GHz), with additional heating provided by two neutral beam injectors. Theoretical work has shown that the most suitable scheme for launching EBWs in TJ-II is O-X-B mode conversion, which has acceptable heating efficiency for central densities above 1.2 x 1019 m-3.[1] A system based on a 28 GHz-100ms diode gyrotronmore » will be used to deliver 300 kW through a corrugated waveguide. The microwave heating beam will be directed and focused by a steering mirror located inside the vacuum vessel. Prior to the heating experiments, measurement of the thermal EBW emission (EBE) from the plasma is being made to help determine the optimum launch angle for EBW mode conversion, and also to provide an indication of the electron temperature evolution in over-dense plasmas. A dual-polarized quad-ridged broadband horn is used to measure the EBW emission and polarization at 28 GHz. Initial measurements indicate that the emission in under-dense plasmas corresponds to oblique electron cyclotron emission (ECE) and then converts to EBE when the plasma becomes over-dense during neutral beam injection.« less

Understanding rotation profile structures in ECH-heated plasmas using nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weixing; Brian, B.; Ethier, S.; Chen, J.; Startsev, E.; Diamond, P. H.; Lu, Z.

2015-11-01

A non-diffusive momentum flux connecting edge momentum sources/sinks and core plasma flow is required to establish the off-axis peaked ion rotation profile typically observed in ECH-heated DIII-D plasmas without explicit external momentum input. The understanding of the formation of such profile structures provides an outstanding opportunity to test the physics of turbulence driving intrinsic rotation, and validate first-principles-based gyrokinetic simulation models. Nonlinear, global gyrokinetic simulations of DIII-D ECH plasmas indicate a substantial ITG fluctuation-induced residual stress generated around the region of peaked toroidal rotation, along with a diffusive momentum flux. The residual stress profile shows an anti-gradient, dipole structure, which is critical for accounting for the formation of the peaked rotation profile. It is showed that both turbulence intensity gradient and zonal flow ExB shear contribute to the generation of k// asymmetry needed for residual stress generation. By balancing the simulated residual stress and the momentum diffusion, a rotation profile is calculated. In general, the radial structure of core rotation profile is largely determined by the residual stress profile, while the amplitude of core rotation depends on the edge toroidal rotation velocity, which is determined by edge physics and used as a boundary condition in our model. The calculated core rotation profile is consistent with the experimental measurements. Also discussed is the modification of turbulence-generated Reynolds stress on poloidal rotation in those plasmas. Work supported by U.S. DOE Contract DE-AC02-09-CH11466.

Improved cross-calibration of Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission with ECH on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Brookman, M. W.; Austin, M. E.; McLean, A. G.; ...

2016-08-08

Thomson scattering (TS) produces n e profiles from measurement of scattered laser beam intensity. In the case of Rayleigh scattering, it provides a first calibration of the relation n e / ITS, which depends on many factors (e.g. laser alignment and power, optics, and measurement systems). On DIII-D, the n e calibration is adjusted for each laser and optic path against an absolute n e measurement from a density-driven cutoff on the 48 channel 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission (ECE) system. This method has been used to calibrate Thompson densities from the edge to near the core (r/a >more » 0.15). Application of core electron cyclotron heating improves the quality of cutoff and depth of its penetration into the core. ECH also changes underlying MHD activity. Furthermore, on the removal of ECH power, cutoff penetrates in from the edge to the core and channels fall successively and smoothly into cutoff. This improves the quality of the TS n e calibration while minimizing wall loading.« less

EBW and Whistler propagation and damping in a linear device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Diem, S. J.; Caughman, J. B. O.; Harvey, R. W.; Petrov, Yu.

2011-10-01

Linear plasma devices are an economic method to study plasma-material interactions under high heat and particle fluxes. ORNL is developing a large cross section, high-density helicon plasma generator with additional resonant electron heating to study plasma-material interactions in ITER like conditions. The device will produce a heat flux of 10-20 MW/m2 and particle flux of 1024 /m2/s in a high recycling plasma near a target plate with a magnetic field of ~1 T. As part of this effort, heating of overdense plasma is being studied using a microwave-based plasma experiment. The plasma is initiated with a high-field launch of 18 GHz whistler waves producing a moderate-density plasma of ne ~1018 m-3. Electron heating of the overdense plasma can be provided by either whistler waves or EBW at 6 and 18 GHz. A modified GENRAY (GENRAY-C) ray-tracing code has been used to determine EBW and ECH whistler wave accessibility for these overdense plasmas. These results combined with emission measurements will be used to determine launcher designs and their placement. ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. DOE under contract DE-AC-05-00OR22725.

Comparison of Sheath Power Transmission Factor for Neutral Beam Injection and Electron Cyclotron Heated Discharges in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donovan, D. C.; Buchenauer, D. A.; Watkins, J. G.; Leonard, A. W.; Lasnier, C. J.; Stangeby, P. C.

2011-10-01

The sheath power transmission factor (SPTF) is examined in DIII-D with a new IR camera, a more thermally robust Langmuir probe array, fast thermocouples, and a unique probe configuration on the Divertor Materials Evaluation System (DiMES). Past data collected from the fixed Langmuir Probes and Infrared Camera on DIII-D have indicated a SPTF near 1 at the strike point. Theory indicates that the SPTF should be approximately 7 and cannot be less than 5. SPTF values are calculated using independent measurements from the IR camera and fast thermocouples. Experiments have been performed with varying levels of electron cyclotron heating and neutral beam power. The ECH power does not involve fast ions, so the SPTF can be calculated and compared to previous experiments to determine the extent to which fast ions may be influencing the SPTF measurements, and potentially offer insight into the disagreement with the theory. Work supported in part by US DOE under DE-AC04-94AL85000, DE-FC02-04ER54698, and DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Transport modeling of convection dominated helicon discharges in Proto-MPEX with the B2.5-Eirene code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Owen, L. W.; Rapp, J.; Canik, J.; Lore, J. D.

2017-11-01

Data-constrained interpretative analyses of plasma transport in convection dominated helicon discharges in the Proto-MPEX linear device, and predictive calculations with additional Electron Cyclotron Heating/Electron Bernstein Wave (ECH/EBW) heating, are reported. The B2.5-Eirene code, in which the multi-fluid plasma code B2.5 is coupled to the kinetic Monte Carlo neutrals code Eirene, is used to fit double Langmuir probe measurements and fast camera data in front of a stainless-steel target. The absorbed helicon and ECH power (11 kW) and spatially constant anomalous transport coefficients that are deduced from fitting of the probe and optical data are additionally used for predictive simulations of complete axial distributions of the densities, temperatures, plasma flow velocities, particle and energy fluxes, and possible effects of alternate fueling and pumping scenarios. The somewhat hollow electron density and temperature radial profiles from the probe data suggest that Trivelpiece-Gould wave absorption is the dominant helicon electron heating source in the discharges analyzed here. There is no external ion heating, but the corresponding calculated ion temperature radial profile is not hollow. Rather it reflects ion heating by the electron-ion equilibration terms in the energy balance equations and ion radial transport resulting from the hollow density profile. With the absorbed power and the transport model deduced from fitting the sheath limited discharge data, calculated conduction limited higher recycling conditions were produced by reducing the pumping and increasing the gas fueling rate, resulting in an approximate doubling of the target ion flux and reduction of the target heat flux.

Electron cyclotron heating/current-drive system using high power tubes for QUEST spherical tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onchi, Takumi; Idei, H.; Hasegawa, M.; Nagata, T.; Kuroda, K.; Hanada, K.; Kariya, T.; Kubo, S.; Tsujimura, T. I.; Kobayashi, S.; Quest Team

2017-10-01

Electron cyclotron heating (ECH) is the primary method to ramp up plasma current non-inductively in QUEST spherical tokamak. A 28 GHz gyrotron is employed for short pulses, where the radio frequency (RF) power is about 300 kW. Current ramp-up efficiency of 0.5 A/W has been obtained with focused beam of the second harmonic X-mode. A quasi-optical polarizer unit has been newly installed to avoid arcing events. For steady-state tokamak operation, 8.56 GHz klystron with power of 200 kW is used as the CW-RF source. The high voltage power supply (54 kV/13 A) for the klystron has been built recently, and initial bench test of the CW-ECH system is starting. The array of insulated-gate bipolar transistor works to quickly cut off the input power for protecting the klystron. This work is supported by JSPS KAKENHI (15H04231), NIFS Collaboration Research program (NIFS13KUTR085, NIFS17KUTR128), and through MEXT funding for young scientists associated with active promotion of national university reforms.

Observation of magnetic fluctuations and rapid density decay of magnetospheric plasma in Ring Trap 1

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saitoh, H.; Yoshida, Z.; Morikawa, J.; Yano, Y.; Mikami, H.; Kasaoka, N.; Sakamoto, W.

2012-06-01

The Ring Trap 1 device, a magnetospheric configuration generated by a levitated dipole field magnet, has created high-β (local β ˜ 70%) plasma by using electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECH). When a large population of energetic electrons is generated at low neutral gas pressure operation, high frequency magnetic fluctuations are observed. When the fluctuations are strongly excited, rapid loss of plasma was simultaneously observed especially in a quiet decay phase after the ECH microwave power is turned off. Although the plasma is confined in a strongly inhomogeneous dipole field configuration, the frequency spectra of the fluctuations have sharp frequency peaks, implying spatially localized sources of the fluctuations. The fluctuations are stabilized by decreasing the hot electron component below approximately 40%, realizing stable high-β confinement.

Electron temperature response to ECRH on FTU tokamak in transient conditions.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacchia, A.; Bruschi, A.; Cirant, S.; Granucci, G.; Sozzi, C.; de Luca, F.; Amadeo, P.; Bracco, G.; Tudisco, O.

2001-10-01

Steady-state electron heat transport analysis of FTU high density plasmas under Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECRH) shows "stiff" electron temperature profiles [1,2,3]. Plasma response to off-axis EC heating, in fact, exibits a lower limit to electron temperature gradient length, Lc , below which electron thermal conductivity switches to higher values. Stiffness, however, is attenuated in the plasma core of saw-tooth free discharges with flat-hollow temperature profile and during current ramp-up [3,4,5], in which cases the temperature gradient length can be brought to very low values by means of on-axis ECH. Steady and current ramp-up discharges probed by steady and modulated ECH are analyzed in terms of stiffnes. Critical gradient length dependence on local features of computed current density profile is discussed. [1] Sozzi, C. et al., Paper EXP5/13, Plasma Phys. Contr. Fus. Res., Proc.18th IAEA Conf., Sorrento, 2000. [2] Jacchia, A. et al. Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas, Oxnard, USA, (2001). [3] Cirant, S. et al. Topical Conference on Radio Frequency Power in Plasmas, Oxnard, USA, (2001). [4] Sozzi, C. et al., EPS, Madeira 2001. [5] Bracco, G. et al.,Plasma Phys. Contr. Fus. Res., Proc.18th IAEA Conf., Sorrento, 2000.

Extended capability of the integrated transport analysis suite, TASK3D-a, for LHD experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokoyama, M.; Seki, R.; Suzuki, C.; Sato, M.; Emoto, M.; Murakami, S.; Osakabe, M.; Tsujimura, T. Ii.; Yoshimura, Y.; Ido, T.; Ogawa, K.; Satake, S.; Suzuki, Y.; Goto, T.; Ida, K.; Pablant, N.; Gates, D.; Warmer, F.; Vincenzi, P.; Simulation Reactor Research Project, Numerical; LHD Experiment Group

2017-12-01

The integrated transport analysis suite, TASK3D-a (Analysis), has been developed to be capable for routine whole-discharge analyses of plasmas confined in three-dimensional (3D) magnetic configurations such as the LHD. The routine dynamic energy balance analysis for NBI-heated plasmas was made possible in the first version released in September 2012. The suite has been further extended through implementing additional modules for neoclassical transport and ECH deposition for 3D configurations. A module has also been added for creating systematic data for the International Stellarator-Heliotron Confinement and Profile Database. Improvement of neutral beam injection modules for multiple-ion species plasmas and loose coupling with a large-simulation code are also highlights of recent developments.

National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX) and Planned Research

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

Peng, Yueng Kay Martin; Ono, M.; Kaye, S.

1998-01-01

The U.S. fusion energy sciences program began in 1996 to increase emphasis on confinement concept innovation. The NSTX is being built at PPPL as a national fusion science research facility in response to this emphasis. NSTX is to test fusion science principles of the Spherical Torus (ST) plasmas, which include: (1) High plasma pressure in low magnetic field for high fusion power density, (2) Good energy confinement is a small-size plasma, (3) Nearly fully self-driven (bootstrap) plasma current, (4) Dispersed heat and particle fluxes, and (5) Plasma startup without complicated in board solenoid magnet. These properties of the ST plasma,more » if verified, would lead to possible future fusion devices of high fusion performance, small size, feasible power handling, and improved economy. The design of NSTX is depicted in a figure. The vessel will be covered fully with graphite tiles and can be baked to 350 C. Other wall condition techniques are also planned. The NSTX facilty extensively utilizes the equipment at PPPL and other reasearch institutions in collaboration. These include 6-MW High Harmonic Fast Wave (HHFW) power at {approx}30 MHz for 5 s, which will be the primary heating and current drive system following the first plasma planned for April 1999, and small ECH systems to assist breakdown for initiation. A plethora of diagnostics from TFTR and collaborators are planned. A NBI system from TFTR capable of delivering 5 MW at 80 keV for 5 s, and more powerful ECH systems are also planned for installation in 2000. The baseline plan for diagnostics systems are laid out in a figure and include: (1) Rogowski coils to measure total plasma and halo curents.« less

Hysteresis and fast timescales in transport relations of toroidal plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Itoh, K.; Itoh, S.-I.; Ida, K.; Inagaki, S.; Kamada, Y.; Kamiya, K.; Dong, J. Q.; Hidalgo, C.; Evans, T.; Ko, W. H.; Park, H.; Tokuzawa, T.; Kubo, S.; Kobayashi, T.; Kosuga, Y.; Sasaki, M.; Yun, G. S.; Song, S. D.; Kasuya, N.; Nagashima, Y.; Moon, C.; Yoshinuma, M.; Makino, R.; Tsujimura, T.; Tsuchiya, H.; Stroth, U.

2017-10-01

This article assesses current understanding of hysteresis in transport relations, and its impact on the field. The rapid changes of fluxes compared to slow changes of plasma parameters are overviewed for both core and edge plasmas. The modulation ECH experiment is explained, in which the heating power cycles on-and-off periodically, revealing hysteresis and fast changes in the gradient-flux relation. The key finding is that hystereses were observed simultaneously in both the the gradient-flux and gradient-fluctuation relations. Hysteresis with rapid timescale exists in the channels of energy, electron and impurity densities, and plausibly in momentum. Advanced methods of data analysis are explained. Transport hysteresis can be studied by observing the higher harmonics of temperature perturbation δ Tm in heating modulation experiments. The hysteresis introduces the term δ Tm , which depends on the harmonic number m in an algebraic manner (not exponential decay). Next, the causes of hysteresis and its fast timescale are discussed. The nonlocal-in-space coupling works here, but does not suffice. One mechanism for ‘the heating heats turbulence’ is that the external source S in phase space for heating has its fluctuation in turbulent plasma. This coupling can induce the direct input of heating power into fluctuations. The height of the jump in transport hysteresis is smaller for heavier hydrogen isotopes, and could be one of the origins of isotope effects on confinement. Finally, the impacts of transport hysteresis on the control system are assessed. Control systems must be designed so as to protect the system from sudden plasma loss.

Noninductive RF startup in CDX-U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, B.; Majeski, R.; Efthimion, P.; Kaita, R.; Menard, J.; Munsat, T.; Takase, Y.

1998-11-01

For the spherical torus (ST) to prove viable as a reactor, it will be necessary to devise techniques for noninductive plasma startup. Initial studies of noninductive plasma initiation have been performed on CDX-U, using the 100 kW high harmonic fast wave (HHFW) system in combination with the 1 kW 2.45 GHz electron cyclotron heating system used for breakdown. Modest density (ne ~ 10^12 cm-3), low temperature (5 eV) plasmas were formed, but the density profile was peaked far off-axis, very near the HHFW antenna. High neutral fill pressures were also required. In upcoming experiments, up to 500 kW of low frequency RF power will utilized for heating and noninductive current drive in the mode conversion regime in a target noninductive plasma formed by a combination of 5.6 and 14 GHz ECH (40 kW total). Modeling will be presented which indicates that startup to plasma currents of 60 kA is feasible with this system.

Response profiles of enteric methane emissions and lactational performance during habituation to dietary coconut oil in dairy cows.

PubMed

Hollmann, M; Powers, W J; Fogiel, A C; Liesman, J S; Beede, D K

2013-03-01

Dietary coconut oil (CNO) can reduce dry matter intake (DMI), enteric methane (eCH(4)) emissions, and milk fat yield of lactating cows. The goals of this research were to examine responses to different CNO concentrations during the habituation period (34-d) and to evaluate temporal patterns of DMI, eCH(4), and milk fat yield. Treatment diets contained (dry basis): 0.0% (CNO0), 1.3% (CNO1.3), 2.7% (CNO2.7), 3.3% (CNO3.3), or 4.0% CNO (CNO4). In experiment 1, 12 primi- or small secundiparous cows were housed in individual, environmentally controlled rooms and fed CNO0, CNO1.3, CNO2.7, or CNO4. Measurements included DMI, eCH(4), and milk yield and composition. Due to a precipitous drop in DMI (26%), cows fed CNO4 were replaced with cows fed CNO3.3 following d 10. Dietary CNO of 2.7% or more reduced eCH(4) emissions. Reduction was greater with increased CNO and during the first than the second half of the day. Simultaneously, decline in DMI of cows fed CNO2.7, CNO3.3, or CNO4 was increasingly precipitous with increased CNO concentration. Total-tract neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility during wk 5 was reduced in cows fed CNO2.7 or CNO3.3, which in part explained concomitantly reduced eCH(4)/DMI. In addition, milk fat yield was depressed at an increasing rate in cows fed CNO2.7, CNO3.3, and CNO4. In experiment 2, DMI was measured individually in 12 multiparous cows during habituation to CNO0, CNO1.3, CNO2.7, or CNO3.3 for 21 d before relocation to individual, environmentally controlled rooms. Dietary CNO2.7 or CNO3.3 reduced DMI by d 4 and total-tract NDF digestibility during wk 5. Relocation to individual rooms was associated with a 15% reduction in DMI, which was not affected by treatment. Results showed that 2.7% or more dietary CNO reduced eCH(4) and DMI, caused milk fat depression, and decreased NDF digestibility. Copyright © 2013 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Formation of Epichlorohydrin, a Known Rodent Carcinogen, Following Oral Administration of 1,3-Dichloro-2-propanol in Rats

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The observed toxicity and carcinogenicity of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (DCP) in rodents is thought to be due to the formation of reactive metabolites, epichlorohydrin (ECH) and dichloroacetone (DCA). However, there is no direct evidence for the formation of these metabolites from exposure to DCP in rodents due to the challenges of measuring these reactive intermediates directly in vivo. The objective of this work was to investigate the metabolism of DCP to ECH and DCA in vivo by first developing a sensitive analytical method in a suitable biological matrix and analyzing samples from rats administered DCP. DCA reacted rapidly in vitro in rat blood, plasma, and liver homogenate, precluding its detection. Because ECH rapidly disappeared in liver homogenate, but was relatively long-lived in plasma and blood in vitro, blood was selected for analysis of this metabolite. Following a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg DCP in male or female Harlan Sprague–Dawley rats, ECH was detected in blood with a maximum concentration reached at ≤13.7 min. ECH was cleared rapidly with a half-life of ca. 33 and 48 min in males and females, respectively. Following a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg ECH in male and female rats, the elimination half-life of ECH was ca. 34 and 20 min, respectively; the oral bioavailability of ECH was low (males, 5.2%; females, 2.1%), suggesting extensive first pass metabolism of ECH following oral administration. The area under the concentration vs time curve for ECH following oral administration of DCP and intravenous administration of ECH was used to estimate the percent of the DCP dose converted to ECH in rats. On the basis of this analysis, we concluded that in male and female rats following oral administration of 50 mg/kg DCP, ≥1.26% or ≥1.78% of the administered dose was metabolized to ECH, respectively. PMID:25254956

Marshall N. Rosenbluth Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Award Talk: Simultaneous Measurement of Electron Temperature and Density Fluctuations in the Core of DIII-D Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, A. E.

2009-11-01

Multi-field fluctuation measurements provide opportunities for rigorous comparison between experiment and nonlinear gyrokinetic turbulence simulations. A unique set of diagnostics on DIII-D allows for simultaneous study of local, long-wavelength (0 < kθρs< 0.5) electron temperature and density fluctuations in the core plasma (0.4 < ρ< 0.8). Previous experiments in L-mode indicate that normalized electron temperature fluctuation levels (40 < f < 400,kHz) increase with radius from ˜0.4% at ρ= 0.5 to ˜2% at ρ=0.8, similar to simultaneously measured density fluctuations. Electron cyclotron heating (ECH) is used to increase Te, which increases electron temperature fluctuation levels and electron heat transport in the experiments. In contrast, long wavelength density fluctuation levels change very little. The different responses are consistent with increased TEM drive relative to ITG-mode drive. A new capability at DIII-D is the measurement of phase angle between electron temperature and density fluctuations using coupled correlation electron cyclotron emission radiometer and reflectometer diagnostics. Linear and nonlinear GYRO runs have been used to design validation experiments that focus on measurements of the phase angle. GYRO shows that if Te and ∇Te increase 50% in a beam-heated L-mode plasma (ρ=0.5), then the phase angle between electron temperature and density fluctuations decreases 30%-50% and electron temperature fluctuation levels increase a factor of two more than density fluctuations. Comparisons between these predictions and experimental results will be presented.

ECHS1 mutations cause combined respiratory chain deficiency resulting in Leigh syndrome.

PubMed

Sakai, Chika; Yamaguchi, Seiji; Sasaki, Masayuki; Miyamoto, Yusaku; Matsushima, Yuichi; Goto, Yu-ichi

2015-02-01

The human ECHS1 gene encodes the short-chain enoyl coenzyme A hydratase, the enzyme that catalyzes the second step of β-oxidation of fatty acids in the mitochondrial matrix. We report on a boy with ECHS1 deficiency who was diagnosed with Leigh syndrome at 21 months of age. The patient presented with hypotonia, metabolic acidosis, and developmental delay. A combined respiratory chain deficiency was also observed. Targeted exome sequencing of 776 mitochondria-associated genes encoded by nuclear DNA identified compound heterozygous mutations in ECHS1. ECHS1 protein expression was severely depleted in the patient's skeletal muscle and patient-derived myoblasts; a marked decrease in enzyme activity was also evident in patient-derived myoblasts. Immortalized patient-derived myoblasts that expressed exogenous wild-type ECHS1 exhibited the recovery of the ECHS1 activity, indicating that the gene defect was pathogenic. Mitochondrial respiratory complex activity was also mostly restored in these cells, suggesting that there was an unidentified link between deficiency of ECHS1 and respiratory chain. Here, we describe the patient with ECHS1 deficiency; these findings will advance our understanding not only the pathology of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation disorders, but also the regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. © 2014 WILEY PERIODICALS, INC.

A Novel Atypical PKC-Iota Inhibitor, Echinochrome A, Enhances Cardiomyocyte Differentiation from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells.

PubMed

Kim, Hyoung Kyu; Cho, Sung Woo; Heo, Hye Jin; Jeong, Seung Hun; Kim, Min; Ko, Kyung Soo; Rhee, Byoung Doo; Mishchenko, Natalia P; Vasileva, Elena A; Fedoreyev, Sergey A; Stonik, Valentin A; Han, Jin

2018-06-02

Echinochrome A (EchA) is a marine bioproduct extracted from sea urchins having antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and chelating effects, and is the active component of the clinical drug histochrome. We investigated the potential use of Ech A for inducing cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). We also assessed the effects of Ech A on mitochondrial mass, inner membrane potential (Δψm), reactive oxygen species generation, and levels of Ca 2+ . To identify the direct target of Ech A, we performed in vitro kinase activity and surface plasmon resonance binding assays. Ech A dose-dependently enhanced cardiomyocyte differentiation with higher beating rates. Ech A (50 μM) increased the mitochondrial mass and membrane potential but did not alter the mitochondrial superoxide and Ca 2+ levels. The in vitro kinase activity of the atypical protein kinase C-iota (PKCι) was significantly decreased by 50 μM of Ech A with an IC 50 for PKCι activity of 107 μM. Computational protein-ligand docking simulation results suggested the direct binding of Ech A to PKCι, and surface plasmon resonance confirmed the direct binding with a low K D of 6.3 nM. Therefore, Ech A is a potential drug for enhancing cardiomyocyte differentiation from mESCs through direct binding to PKCι and inhibition of its activity.

Advancing Non-Solenoidal Startup on the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reusch, J. A.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2016-10-01

The Pegasus experiment utilizes compact, edge-localized current sources (Ainj 2 - 4 cm2, Iinj 10 kA, Vinj 1 kV) for non-solenoidal local helicity injection (LHI) startup. Recent campaigns are comparing two injector geometries that vary the differing relative contributions of DC helicity input and non-solenoidal inductive voltages. A predictive 0-D model that treats the plasma as a resistive element with time-varying inductance and enforces Ip limits from Taylor relaxation was tested with inward growth of the plasma current channel using injectors on the outboard midplane. Strong inductive drive arises from plasma shape evolution and poloidal field (PF) induction. A major unknown in the model is the resistive dissipation, and hence the electron confinement. Te (R) profile measurements in LHI show centrally-peaked Te > 100 eV while the plasma is coupled to the injectors, suggesting LHI confinement is not strongly stochastic. A second campaign utilizes new injectors in the lower divertor region. This geometry trades subtler relaxation field programming and reduced PF induction for higher HI rates. Present efforts are developing relaxation methods at high BT, with relaxation at BT , inj > 0.15 T achieved to date via higher Iinj and PF manipulation. Conceptual design studies of coaxial helicity injection (CHI) and ECH heating systems for Pegasus have been initiated to explore direct comparison of LHI to CHI with and without ECH assist. Supported by US DOE Grants DE-FG02-96ER54375, DE-SC0006928.

Update on the DIII-D ECH system: experiments, gyrotrons, advanced diagnostics, and controls

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohr, John; Brambila, Rigoberto; Cengher, Mirela; Gorelov, Yuri; Grosnickle, William; Moeller, Charles; Ponce, Dan; Torrezan, Antonio; Ives, Lawrence; Reed, Michael; Blank, Monica; Felch, Kevin; Parisuaña, Claudia; LeViness, Alexandra

2017-08-01

The ECH system on DIII-D is continuing to be upgraded, while simultaneously being operated nearly daily for plasma experiments. The latest major hardware addition is a new 117.5 GHz gyrotron, which generated 1.7 MW for short pulses during factory testing. A new gyrotron control system based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technology with very high speed system data acquisition has significantly increased the flexibility and reliability of individual gyrotron operation. We have improved the performance of the fast mirror scanning, both by increasing the scan speeds and by adding new algorithms for controlling the aiming using commands generated by the Plasma Control System (PCS). The system is used for transport studies, ELM control, current profile control, non-inductive current generation, suppression of MHD modes, startup assist, plasma density control, and other applications. A program of protective measures, which has been in place for more than two years, has eliminated damage to hardware and diagnostics caused by overdense operation. Other activities not directly related to fusion research have used the ECH system to test components, study methods for improving production of semiconductor junctions and materials, and test the feasibility of using ground based microwave systems to power satellites into orbit.

The Physics Performance Of The Front Steering Launcher For The ITER ECRH Upper Port

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

Henderson, M.; Chavan, R.; Nikkola, P.

2005-09-26

The capability of any given e.m.-wave plasma heating system to be utilized for physics applications depends strongly on the technical properties of the launching antenna (or launcher). An effective ECH launcher must project a small mm-wave beam spot size far into the plasma and 'steer' the beam across a large fraction of the plasma cross section (along the resonance surface). Thus the choice in the launcher concept and design may either severely limit or enhance the capability of a heating system to be effectively applied for physics applications, such as sawtooth stabilization, control of the Neoclassical Tearing Mode (NTM), Edgemore » Localized Mode (ELM) control, etc. Presently, two antenna concepts are under consideration for the ITER upper port ECH launcher: front steering (FS) and remote steering (RS) launchers. The RS launcher has the technical advantage of easier maintenance access to the steering mirror, which is isolated from the torus vacuum. The FS launcher places the steering mirror near the plasma increasing the technical challenges, but significantly enhancing the focusing and steering capabilities of the launcher, offering a threefold increase in NTM stabilization efficiency over the RS launcher as well as the potential for application to other critical physics issues such as ELM or sawtooth control.« less

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench modulates human T-cell cytokine response☆

PubMed Central

Fonseca, Fabiana N.; Papanicolaou, Genovefa; Lin, Hong; Lau, Clara B.S.; Kennelly, Edward J.; Cassileth, Barrie R.; Cunningham-Rundles, Susanna

2014-01-01

The study objective was to evaluate the composition of a neutral and weakly acidic water-soluble extract from Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EchNWA) previously shown to modify murine influenza infection, and to assess immunomodulatory effects on human T-cells. EchNWA extract from fresh aerial parts was extracted with water, ethanolic precipitation, and size-exclusion chromatography. The chemical profile of EchNWA was characterized by chromatography (size-exclusion, HPLC, GC–MS), and small molecule finger-print analysis performed by HPLC–PDA. Jurkat T-cells at high and low cell density were pretreated or not with doses of EchNWA, followed by activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate plus ionomycin (PMA+I). Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon gamma (IFNg) cytokine secretions were measured by multi-cytokine luminex technology. Results showed that EchNWA contains 80% polysaccharides, predominantly a 10 kDa entity; phenolic compounds, cynarin, cichoric and caftaric acids, but no detectable alkylamides. Cytokine production required stimulation and was lower after PMA+I activation in high-density compared to low-density conditions. EchNWA mediated a strong dose-dependent enhancement of high-density T-cell production of IL-2 and IFNg response to PMA+I. EchNWA alone did not stimulate T-cells. EchNWA enhanced mean fluorescence intensity of IL-2 in Jurkat T-cells activated by PMA+1 or ionomycin alone. Conversely EchNWA mediated modest but significant suppression of IFNg response and reduced the percentage of CD25+ T-cells under low-density conditions. Conclusions are that EchNWA polysaccharides, but not phenolic compounds have dose-related adjuvant effects on human T-cell cytokine responses characterized by enhancing and suppressive effects that are regulated by T-cell density. PMID:24434371

Stable sustainment of plasmas with electron internal transport barrier by ECH in the LHD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshimura, Y.; Kasahara, H.; Tokitani, M.; Sakamoto, R.; Ueda, Y.; Marushchenko, N. B.; Seki, R.; Kubo, S.; Shimozuma, T.; Igami, H.; Takahashi, H.; Tsujimura, T. I.; Makino, R.; Kobayashi, S.; Ito, S.; Mizuno, Y.; Okada, K.; Akiyama, T.; Tanaka, K.; Tokuzawa, T.; Yamada, I.; Yamada, H.; Mutoh, T.; Takeiri, Y.; the LHD Experiment Group

2018-02-01

The long pulse experiments in the Large Helical Device has made progress in sustainment of improved confinement states. It was found that steady-state sustainment of the plasmas with improved confinement at the core region, that is, electron internal transport barrier (e-ITB), was achieved with no significant difficulty. Sustainment of a plasma having e-ITB with the line average electron density n e_ave of 1.1 × 1019 m-3 and the central electron temperature T e0 of ˜3.5 keV for longer than 5 min only with 340 kW ECH power was successfully demonstrated.

Magnetic shear effects on plasma transport and turbulence at high electron to ion temperature ratio in DIII-D and JT-60U plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, M.; McKee, G. R.; Murakami, M.; Grierson, B. A.; Nakata, M.; Davis, E. M.; Marinoni, A.; Ono, M.; Rhodes, T. L.; Sung, C.; Schmitz, L.; Petty, C. C.; Ferron, J. R.; Turco, F.; Garofalo, A. M.; Holcomb, C. T.; Collins, C. M.; Solomon, W. M.

2017-05-01

Negative magnetic shear has been demonstrated in DIII-D and JT-60U to mitigate the confinement degradation typically observed with increasing the electron to ion temperature ratio (T e/T i). In recent experiments in DIII-D negative central magnetic shear (NCS) discharges, the thermal transport in the internal transport barrier formed around the radius of the minimum safety factor (q min) remained almost constant and modestly increased in the region outside of q min compared to the positive shear (PS) case, when T e/T i increased from about 0.8 to 1.1 through electron cyclotron heating (ECH). The benefit of NCS extending into the region outside of q min can be explained by the lower magnetic shear in the NCS plasma over the plasma radius relative to the PS plasma. Reduced confinement degradation at high T e/T i with NCS plasmas was commonly observed in DIII-D and JT-60U. The mechanism of the different transport responses between the NCS and PS plasmas has been assessed in terms of fluctuation measurements and gyrokinetic simulations in DIII-D; NCS gave a smaller rise in the low-wavenumber broadband turbulent fluctuations with the increase in T e/T i compared with the PS case. This is consistent with gyrokinetic simulations, which show a smaller rise in the growth rates of the ion temperature gradient mode in the NCS plasmas, with increasing T e/T i. Gyrokinetic simulations also showed a change in the stability of the electron modes with ECH applied, consistent with higher-wavenumber fluctuation measurements, although more detailed simulations are needed to give a quantitative explanation for the experimental observations. Control of q-profile and magnetic shear will allow confinement improvement in future machines with dominant electron heating.

Magnetic shear effects on plasma transport and turbulence at high electron to ion temperature ratio in DIII-D and JT-60U plasmas

DOE PAGES

Yoshida, Maiko; McKee, George R.; Murakami, Masanori; ...

2017-03-30

We demonstrated negative magnetic shear in DIII-D and JT-60U in order to mitigate the confinement degradation typically observed with increasing the electron to ion temperature ratio (T-e/T-i). In recent experiments in DIII-D negative central magnetic shear (NCS) discharges, the thermal transport in the internal transport barrier formed around the radius of the minimum safety factor (q(min)) remained almost constant and modestly increased in the region outside of q(min) compared to the positive shear (PS) case, when T-e/T-i increased from about 0.8 to 1.1 through electron cyclotron heating (ECH). The benefit of NCS extending into the region outside of qmin canmore » be explained by the lower magnetic shear in the NCS plasma over the plasma radius relative to the PS plasma. Reduced confinement degradation at high T-e/T-i with NCS plasmas was commonly observed in DIII-D and JT-60U. Furthermore, the mechanism of the different transport responses between the NCS and PS plasmas has been assessed in terms of fluctuation measurements and gyrokinetic simulations in DIII-D; NCS gave a smaller rise in the low-wavenumber broadband turbulent fluctuations with the increase in T-e/T-i compared with the PS case. This is consistent with gyrokinetic simulations, and this shows a smaller rise in the growth rates of the ion temperature gradient mode in the NCS plasmas, with increasing T-e/T-i. Gyrokinetic simulations also showed a change in the stability of the electron modes with ECH applied, consistent with higher-wavenumber fluctuation measurements, although more detailed simulations are needed to give a quantitative explanation for the experimental observations. Control of q-profile and magnetic shear will allow confinement improvement in future machines with dominant electron heating.« less

ECHS1 mutations in Leigh disease: a new inborn error of metabolism affecting valine metabolism.

PubMed

Peters, Heidi; Buck, Nicole; Wanders, Ronald; Ruiter, Jos; Waterham, Hans; Koster, Janet; Yaplito-Lee, Joy; Ferdinandusse, Sacha; Pitt, James

2014-11-01

Two siblings with fatal Leigh disease had increased excretion of S-(2-carboxypropyl)cysteine and several other metabolites that are features of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-CoA hydrolase (HIBCH) deficiency, a rare defect in the valine catabolic pathway associated with Leigh-like disease. However, this diagnosis was excluded by HIBCH sequencing and normal enzyme activity. In contrast to HIBCH deficiency, the excretion of 3-hydroxyisobutyryl-carnitine was normal in the children, suggesting deficiency of short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1 gene). This mitochondrial enzyme is active in several metabolic pathways involving fatty acids and amino acids, including valine, and is immediately upstream of HIBCH in the valine pathway. Both children were compound heterozygous for a c.473C > A (p.A158D) missense mutation and a c.414+3G>C splicing mutation in ECHS1. ECHS1 activity was markedly decreased in cultured fibroblasts from both siblings, ECHS1 protein was undetectable by immunoblot analysis and transfection of patient cells with wild-type ECHS1 rescued ECHS1 activity. The highly reactive metabolites methacrylyl-CoA and acryloyl-CoA accumulate in deficiencies of both ECHS1 and HIBCH and are probably responsible for the brain pathology in both disorders. Deficiency of ECHS1 or HIBCH should be considered in children with Leigh disease. Urine metabolite testing can detect and distinguish between these two disorders. © The Author (2014). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Guarantors of Brain. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

High frequency plasma generator for ion thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goede, H.; Divergilio, W. F.; Fosnight, V. V.; Komatsu, G.

1984-01-01

The results of a program to experimentally develop two new types of plasma generators for 30 cm electrostatic argon ion thrusters are presented. The two plasma generating methods selected for this study were by radio frequency induction (RFI), operating at an input power frequency of 1 MHz, and by electron cyclotron heating (ECH) at an operating frequency of 5.0 GHz. Both of these generators utilize multiline cusp permanent magnet configurations for plasma confinement and beam profile optimization. The program goals were to develop a plasma generator possessing the characteristics of high electrical efficiency (low eV/ion) and simplicity of operation while maintaining the reliability and durability of the conventional hollow cathode plasma sources. The RFI plasma generator has achieved minimum discharge losses of 120 eV/ion while the ECH generator has obtained 145 eV/ion, assuming a 90% ion optical transparency of the electrostatic acceleration system. Details of experimental tests with a variety of magnet configurations are presented.

Effects of low central fuelling on density and ion temperature profiles in reversed shear plasmas on JT-60U

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takenaga, H.; Ide, S.; Sakamoto, Y.; Fujita, T.; JT-60 Team

2008-07-01

Effects of low central fuelling on density and ion temperature profiles have been investigated using negative ion based neutral beam injection and electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in reversed shear plasmas on JT-60U. Strong internal transport barrier (ITB) was maintained in density and ion temperature profiles, when central fuelling was decreased by switching positive ion based neutral beam injection to ECH after the strong ITB formation. Similar density and ion temperature ITBs were formed for the low and high central fuelling cases during the plasma current ramp-up phase. Strong correlation between the density gradient and the ion temperature gradient was observed, indicating that particle transport and ion thermal transport are strongly coupled or the density gradient assists the ion temperature ITB formation through suppression of drift wave instabilities such as ion temperature gradient mode. These results support that the density and ion temperature ITBs can be formed under reactor relevant conditions.

Improved cross-calibration of Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission with ECH on DIII-D.

PubMed

Brookman, M W; Austin, M E; McLean, A G; Carlstrom, T N; Hyatt, A W; Lohr, J

2016-11-01

Thomson scattering produces n e profiles from measurement of scattered laser beam intensity. Rayleigh scattering provides a first calibration of the relation n e ∝ I TS , which depends on many factors (e.g., laser alignment and power, optics, and measurement systems). On DIII-D, the n e calibration is adjusted against an absolute n e from the density-driven cutoff of the 48 channel 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission system. This method has been used to calibrate Thomson n e from the edge to near the core (r/a > 0.15). Application of core electron cyclotron heating improves the quality of cutoff and depth of its penetration into the core, and also changes underlying MHD activity, minimizing crashes which confound calibration. Less fueling is needed as "ECH pump-out" generates a plasma ready to take up gas. On removal of gyrotron power, cutoff penetrates into the core as channels fall successively and smoothly into cutoff.

QuEChERS sample preparation for the determination of pesticides and other organic residues in environmental matrices: a critical review.

PubMed

Bruzzoniti, Maria Concetta; Checchini, Leonardo; De Carlo, Rosa Maria; Orlandini, Serena; Rivoira, Luca; Del Bubba, Massimo

2014-07-01

Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) is an extraction and clean-up technique originally developed for recovering pesticide residues from fruits and vegetables. Since its introduction, and until December 2013, about 700 papers have been published using the QuEChERS technique, according to a literature overview carried out using SciFinder, Elsevier SciVerse, and Google search engines. Most of these papers were dedicated to pesticide multiresidue analysis in food matrices, and this topic has been thoroughly reviewed over recent years. The QuEChERS approach is now rapidly developing beyond its original field of application to analytes other than pesticides, and matrices other than food, such as biological fluids and non-edible plants, including Chinese medicinal plants. Recently, the QuEChERS concept has spread to environmental applications by analyzing not only pesticides but also other compounds of environmental concern in soil, sediments, and water. To the best of our knowledge, QuEChERS environmental applications have not been reviewed so far; therefore, in this contribution, after a general discussion on the evolution and changes of the original QuEChERS method, a critical survey of the literature regarding environmental applications of conventional and modified QuEChERS methodology is provided. The overall recoveries obtained with QuEChERS and other extraction approaches (e.g., accelerated solvent extraction, ultrasonic solvent extraction, liquid/solid extraction, and soxhlet extraction) were compared, providing evidence for QuEChERS higher recoveries for various classes of compounds, such as biopesticides, chloroalkanes, phenols, and perfluoroalkyl substances. The role of physicochemical properties of soil (i.e., clay and organic carbon content, as well as cation exchange capacity) and target analytes (i.e., log KOW, water solubility, and vapor pressure) were also evaluated in order to interpret recovery and matrix effect data.

Comparison of sample preparation methods combined with fast gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food.

PubMed

Hercegová, Andrea; Dömötörová, Milena; Kruzlicová, Dása; Matisová, Eva

2006-05-01

Four sample preparation techniques were compared for the ultratrace analysis of pesticide residues in baby food: (a) modified Schenck's method based on ACN extraction with SPE cleaning; (b) quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method based on ACN extraction and dispersive SPE; (c) modified QuEChERS method which utilizes column-based SPE instead of dispersive SPE; and (d) matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD). The methods were combined with fast gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis. The effectiveness of clean-up of the final extract was determined by comparison of the chromatograms obtained. Time consumption, laboriousness, demands on glassware and working place, and consumption of chemicals, especially solvents, increase in the following order QuEChERS < modified QuEChERS < MSPD < modified Schenck's method. All methods offer satisfactory analytical characteristics at the concentration levels of 5, 10, and 100 microg/kg in terms of recoveries and repeatability. Recoveries obtained for the modified QuEChERS method were lower than for the original QuEChERS. In general the best LOQs were obtained for the modified Schenck's method. Modified QuEChERS method provides 21-72% better LOQs than the original method.

Out of the Mouths of Babes: Early College High School Students' Transformational Learning Experiences

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McDonald, Denise; Farrell, Tina

2012-01-01

Focus Group interviews with 31 disadvantaged students in an Early College High School (ECHS) program present insights to students' experience in the hybrid school, specifically regarding their perceptions of college readiness. Student "voice" in research can yield significant information when examining aspects of school design that…

Wave-Particle Interactions Involving Correlated Electron Bursts and Whistler Chorus in Earth's Radiation Belts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Echterling, N.; Schriver, D.; Roeder, J. L.; Fennell, J. F.

2017-12-01

During the recovery phase of substorm plasma injections, the Van Allen Probes commonly observe events of quasi-periodic energetic electron bursts correlating with simultaneously detected upper-band, whistler-mode chorus emissions. These electron bursts exhibit narrow ranges of pitch angles (75-80° and 100-105°) and energies (20-40 keV). Electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) emissions are also commonly detected, but typically do not display correlation with the electron bursts. To examine sources of free energy and the generation of these wave emissions, an observed electron velocity distribution on January 13, 2013 is used as the starting condition for a particle in cell (PIC) simulation. Effects of temperature anisotropy (perpendicular temperature greater than parallel temperature), the presence of a loss cone and a cold electron population on the generation of whistler and ECH waves are examined to understand wave generation and nonlinear interactions with the particle population. These nonlinear interactions produce energy diffusion along with strong pitch angle scattering into the loss cone on the order of milliseconds, which is faster than a typical bounce period of seconds. To examine the quasi-periodic nature of the electron bursts, a loss-cone recycling technique is implemented to model the effects of the periodic emptying of the loss cone and electron injection on the growth of whistler and ECH waves. The results of the simulations are compared to the Van Allen Probe observations to determine electron acceleration, heating and transport in Earth's radiation belts due to wave-particle interactions.

Use of enoyl coenzyme A hydratase of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis for the serological diagnosis of Johne's disease.

PubMed

Nagata, Reiko; Kawaji, Satoko; Mori, Yasuyuki

2013-10-01

Johne's disease (JD), caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), remains difficult to control because of the lack of specific and sensitive diagnostic tests. In order to improve the specificity of sero-diagnosis for JD, the phage display library derived from genomic DNA of MAP was immunoscreened to identify novel antigenic targets. We selected a clone using antibodies from MAP experimentally infected cattle, and annotated its coding sequence as MAP1197 in the MAP genome, which encoded "echA12_2" in the MAP protein (Map-echA) belonging to Enoyl-CoA hydratase, known as a crotonase enzyme. The Map-echA was expressed in Esherichia coli and purified as a histidine-tag recombinant protein (rMap-echA), and the diagnostic potential of the protein was further evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Antibody responses to rMap-echA were higher in MAP-infected cattle than in uninfected cattle. The specificity of the Map-echA ELISA was also confirmed by evaluation with hyper-immune sera against various kinds of Mycobacterium species. Furthermore, in all experimentally infected cattle the antibody against rMap-echA was detected 2-7months earlier than by a commercially available ELISA kit. These results suggested that Map-echA can be used as a specific and sensitive serological diagnostic antigen for the detection of MAP infection. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Effect of Ech1 overexpression on biological behavior of mouse hepatocarcinoma Hca-P cells in vitro].

PubMed

Wang, Mei; Song, Bo; Wang, Bo; Zhang, Jun; Tang, Jian-wu

2013-05-01

To investigate the effect of enoyl coenzyme A hydratase-1 (Ech1) on the proliferation and invasion ability of mouse hepatocarcinoma Hca-P cells in vitro. Recombinant pcDNA3.1(+)-Ech1 gene and pcDNA3.1(+) were transfected into Hca-P cells by cationic liposomes introduction. Clone of PEch1 cells that stably expressing Ech1 and clone of control Pvector cells were screened by G418. The Ech1 expression was identified subsequently by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The malignant behaviors of the cell lines were compared by proliferation, invasion and migration test. The cell line Hca-P cells stably expressing Ech1 gene was constructed. The relative expression of Ech1 mRNA in the PEch1 group was 3.21 ± 0.43 and in the Pvector group was 1.44 ± 0.03, with a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.029). The results of ELISA revealed that the expression of Ech1 protein was 0.140 ± 0.005 in the PEch1 group, 0.088 ± 0.003 in the Pvector group, and 0.078 ± 0.006 in the Hca-P group, showing a significant difference between the PEch1 group and the Pvector and Hca-P groups (P < 0.05). Transwell migration test showed that the number of penetrated cells in the PEch1 group was 143.00 ± 7.25 cells, significantly higher than that of the Pvector group (95.73 ± 3.88 cells) and un-treated Hca-1 group (106.67 ± 3.54 cells, both P < 0.05). The Transwell invasion assay showed that the number of penetrated cells was 77.20 ± 5.46 cells in the PEch1 group, significantly higher than 46.34 ± 4.35 cells in the Pvector group and 49.80 ± 5.21 cells in the un-treated Hca-1 group (both P < 0.05). The results showed that overexpressed Ech1 in Hca-P cells may significantly increase the cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. The up-regulation of Ech1 may increase to some extent the migration and invasion capacity of Hca-P cells. The efforts aiming at up-regulation of Ech1 expression may become a therapeutic target in the treatment of hepatocarcinoma.

On the correlation between ‘non-local’ effects and intrinsic rotation reversals in Alcator C-Mod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodriguez-Fernandez, P.; Rice, J. E.; Cao, N. M.; Creely, A. J.; Howard, N. T.; Hubbard, A. E.; Irby, J. H.; White, A. E.

2017-07-01

Contemporary predictive models for heat and particle transport in tokamak plasmas are based on the assumption that local fluxes can be described in terms of local plasma parameters, where electromagnetic drift-wave-type turbulence is driven by local gradients and results in cross-field transport. The question of whether or not transport could be dominated by non-local terms in certain circumstances is essential for our understanding of transport in magnetically confined plasmas, and critical for developing predictive models for future tokamaks, such as ITER. Perturbative transport experiments using cold-pulse injections at low density seem to challenge the local closure of anomalous transport: a rapid temperature increase in the core of the plasma following a sharp edge cooling is widely observed in tokamaks and helical devices. Past work in Ohmic plasmas in Alcator C-Mod and in ECH plasmas in KSTAR found that the temperature inversions disappear at higher densities, above the intrinsic toroidal rotation reversal density. These observations suggested that the so-called ‘non-local’ heat transport effects were related to the intrinsic rotation reversal, and therefore to changes in momentum transport. In this work, new experiments and analysis at Alcator C-Mod show that intrinsic rotation reversals and disappearance of temperature inversions are not concomitant in Ohmic plasmas at high plasma current and in ICRH L-modes. This new data set shows that the correlation between transient temperature inversions and intrinsic rotation reversals is not universal, suggesting that ‘non-local’ heat transport and momentum transport effects may be affected by different physical mechanisms.

Animal models for treatment of unresectable liver tumours: a histopathologic and ultra-structural study of cellular toxic changes after electrochemical treatment in rat and dog liver.

PubMed

von Euler, Henrik; Olsson, Jerker M; Hultenby, Kjell; Thörne, Anders; Lagerstedt, Anne-Sofie

2003-04-01

Electrochemical treatment (EChT) has been taken under serious consideration as being one of several techniques for local treatment of malignancies. The advantage of EChT is the minimal invasive approach and the absence of serious side effects. Macroscopic, histopathological and ultra-structural findings in liver following a four-electrode configuration (dog) and a two-electrode EChT design (dog and rat) were studied. 30 female Sprague-Dawley rats and four female beagle dogs were studied with EChT using Platinum:Iridium electrodes and the delivered dose was 5, 10 or 90 C (As). After EChT, the animals were euthanized. The distribution of the lesions was predictable, irrespective of dose and electrode configuration. Destruction volumes were found to fit into a logarithmic curve (dose-response). Histopathological examination confirmed a spherical (rat) and cylindrical/ellipsoidal (dog) lesion. The type of necrosis differed due to electrode polarity. Ultra-structural analysis showed distinct features of cell damage depending on the distance from the electrode. Histopathological and ultra-structural examination demonstrated that the liver tissue close to the border of the lesion displayed a normal morphology. The in vivo dose-planning model is reliable, even in species with larger tissue mass such as dogs. A multi-electrode EChT-design could obtain predictable lesions. The cellular toxicity following EChT is clearly identified and varies with the distance from the electrode and polarity. The distinct border between the lesion and normal tissue suggests that EChT in a clinical setting for the treatment of liver tumours can give a reliable destruction margin.

A new simpler way to obtain high fusion power gain in tandem mirrors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fowler, T. K.; Moir, R. W.; Simonen, T. C.

2017-05-01

From the earliest days of fusion research, Richard F. Post and other advocates of magnetic mirror confinement recognized that mirrors favor high ion temperatures where nuclear reaction rates < σ v> begin to peak for all fusion fuels. In this paper we review why high ion temperatures are favored, using Post’s axisymmetric Kinetically Stabilized Tandem Mirror as the example; and we offer a new idea that appears to greatly improve reactor prospects at high ion temperatures. The idea is, first, to take advantage of recent advances in superconducting magnet technology to minimize the size and cost of End Plugs; and secondly, to utilize parallel advances in gyrotrons that would enable intense electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in these high field End Plugs. The yin-yang magnets and thermal barriers that complicated earlier tandem mirror designs are not required. We find that, concerning end losses, intense ECH in symmetric End Plugs could increase the fusion power gain Q, for both DT and Catalyzed DD fuel cycles, to levels competitive with steady-state tokamaks burning DT fuel. Radial losses remain an issue that will ultimately determine reactor viability.

Improved cross-calibration of Thomson scattering and electron cyclotron emission with ECH on DIII-D

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

Brookman, M. W., E-mail: brookmanmw@fusion.gat.com; Austin, M. E.; McLean, A. G.

2016-11-15

Thomson scattering produces n{sub e} profiles from measurement of scattered laser beam intensity. Rayleigh scattering provides a first calibration of the relation n{sub e} ∝ I{sub TS}, which depends on many factors (e.g., laser alignment and power, optics, and measurement systems). On DIII-D, the n{sub e} calibration is adjusted against an absolute n{sub e} from the density-driven cutoff of the 48 channel 2nd harmonic X-mode electron cyclotron emission system. This method has been used to calibrate Thomson n{sub e} from the edge to near the core (r/a > 0.15). Application of core electron cyclotron heating improves the quality of cutoffmore » and depth of its penetration into the core, and also changes underlying MHD activity, minimizing crashes which confound calibration. Less fueling is needed as “ECH pump-out” generates a plasma ready to take up gas. On removal of gyrotron power, cutoff penetrates into the core as channels fall successively and smoothly into cutoff.« less

Determination of acrylamide in dried fruits and edible seeds using QuEChERS extraction and LC separation with MS detection.

PubMed

De Paola, Eleonora Laura; Montevecchi, Giuseppe; Masino, Francesca; Garbini, Davide; Barbanera, Martino; Antonelli, Andrea

2017-02-15

Acrylamide is a carcinogenic and neurotoxic process contaminant that is generated from food components during heat treatment, while it is absent in raw foodstuffs. Its level in food arouses great concern. A method for acrylamide extraction and determination in dried fruits (dried prunes and raisins) and edible seeds (almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts) using a QuEChERS-LC-ESI-MS-Triple Quadrupole approach was set up. Linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the method were satisfactory. Dried prunes and peanuts were the only samples appreciably contaminated, 14.7-124.3 and 10.0-42.9μg/kg, respectively, as a consequence of the drying process. In fact, prunes are dried at 70-80°C for a quite long time (24-36h), while peanuts undergo a roasting process at 160-180°C for 25-30min. The relative standard deviations, accuracy, LOD, and LOQ show that the method provides a reliable approach to acrylamide determination in different matrices. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Crucial issues of multi-beam feed-back control with ECH/ECCD in fusion plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cirant, S.; Berrino, J.; Gandini, F.; Granucci, G.; Iannone, F.; Lazzaro, E.; D'Antona, G.; Farina, D.; Koppenburg, K.; Nowak, S.; Ramponi, G.

2005-01-01

Proof of principle of feed-back controlled Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive (ECH/ECCD), aiming at automatic limitation (or suppression) of Neoclassical Tearing Modes amplitude, has been achieved in a number of present machines. In addition to Neoclassical Tearing Mode stabilization, more applications of well-localized ECH/ECCD can be envisaged (saw-tooth crash control, current profile control, thermal barrier control, disruption mitigation). However, in order to be able to take a step forward towards the application of these techniques to burning plasmas, some crucial issues should be more deeply analyzed: multi-beam simultaneous action, control of deposition radii rdep, diagnostic of plasma reaction. So far the Electron Cyclotron Emission has been the most important tool to get localized information on plasma response, essential for both rdep and risland recognition, but its use in very hot burning plasmas within automatic control loops should be carefully verified. Assuming that plasma response is appropriately diagnosed, the next matter to be discussed concerns how to control rdep, since all techniques so far used, or proposed (plasma position, toroidal field, mechanical beam steering, gyrotron frequency tuning) have limitations or drawbacks. Finally, simultaneous multiple actions on many actuators (EC beams), concurring to automatic control of one single parameter (e.g. NTM amplitude) might be a challenging task for the controller, particularly in view of the fact that any effect of each beam becomes visible only when it is positioned very close to the right radius. All these interlinked aspects are discussed in the paper.

Epichlorohydrin induced biochemical changes in the rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri Scopoli.

PubMed

Hans, B; Kaur, S; Sangha, G K

1999-08-01

Intraperitoneal administration of epichlorohydrin (ECH) at the dose level of 20 and 50 mg/kg body weight inhibited spermatogenesis in the testis of parakeet during breeding season. A total load of 60 mg/kg body weight of ECH given on 3 consecutive days proved to be lethal. Testicular proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), phospholipids and acid phosphatase activity were decreased, while the lipids, total cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase activity increased after ECH administration. The results suggest that the testicular atrophy caused by ECH was associated with an alteration in the activities of macromolecules and enzymes related to specific events of spermatogenesis.

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

Joung, M.; Woo, M. H.; Jeong, J. H.

For a high-performance, advanced tokamak mode in KSTAR, we have been developing a real-time control system of MHD modes such as sawtooth and Neo-classical Tearing Mode (NTM) by ECH/ECCD. The active feedback control loop will be also added to the mirror position and the real-time detection of the mode position. In this year, for the stabilization of NTM that is crucial to plasma performance we have implemented open-loop ECH antenna control system in KSTAR Plasma Control System (PCS) for ECH mirror movement during a single plasma discharge. KSTAR 170 GHz ECH launcher which was designed and fabricated by collaboration withmore » PPPL and POSTECH has a final mirror of a poloidally and toroidally steerable mirror. The poloidal steering motion is only controlled in the real-time NTM control system and its maximum steering speed is 10 degree/sec by DC motor. However, the latency of the mirror control system and the return period of ECH antenna mirror angle are not fast because the existing launcher mirror control system is based on PLC which is connected to the KSTAR machine network through serial to LAN converter. In this paper, we present the design of real time NTM control system, ECH requirements, and the upgrade plan.« less

Kelch-like ECH-associated Protein 1-dependent Nuclear Factor-E2-related Factor 2 Activation in Relation to Antioxidation Induced by Sevoflurane Preconditioning.

PubMed

Cai, Min; Tong, Li; Dong, Beibei; Hou, Wugang; Shi, Likai; Dong, Hailong

2017-03-01

The authors have reported that antioxidative effects play a crucial role in the volatile anesthetic-induced neuroprotection. Accumulated evidence shows that endogenous antioxidation could be up-regulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 through multiple pathways. However, whether nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation is modulated by sevoflurane preconditioning and, if so, what is the signaling cascade underlying upstream of this activation are still unknown. Sevoflurane preconditioning in mice was performed with sevoflurane (2.5%) 1 h per day for five consecutive days. Focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, manganese superoxide dismutase, thioredoxin-1, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinolone oxidoreductase-1 was detected (n = 6). The antioxidant activities and oxidative product expression were also examined. To determine the role of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 inhibition-dependent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation in sevoflurane preconditioning-induced neuroprotection, the kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1-nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 signal was modulated by nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 knockout, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 overexpression lentivirus, and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 deficiency small interfering RNA (n = 8). The infarct volume, neurologic scores, and cellular apoptosis were assessed. Sevoflurane preconditioning elicited neuroprotection and increased nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 nuclear translocation, which in turn up-regulated endogenous antioxidation and reduced oxidative injury. Sevoflurane preconditioning reduced kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 expression. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 ablation abolished neuroprotection and reversed sevoflurane preconditioning by mediating the up-regulation of antioxidants. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 overexpression reversed nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 up-regulation and abolished the neuroprotection induced by sevoflurane preconditioning. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 small interfering RNA administration improved nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 expression and the outcome of mice subjected to ischemia/reperfusion injury. Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 down-regulation-dependent nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 activation underlies the ability of sevoflurane preconditioning to activate the endogenous antioxidant response, which elicits its neuroprotection.

High-power and steady-state operation of ICRF heating in the large helical device

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

Mutoh, T., E-mail: mutoh@nifs.ac.jp; Seki, T.; Saito, K.

2015-12-10

Recent progress in an ion cyclotron range of frequencies (ICRF) heating system and experiment results in a Large Helical Device (LHD) are reported. Three kinds of ICRF antenna pairs were installed in the LHD, and the operation power regimes were extended up to 4.5 MW; also, the steady-state operation was extended for more than 45 min in LHD at a MW power level. We studied ICRF heating physics in heliotron configuration using a Hand Shake type (HAS) antenna, Field Aligned Impedance Transforming (FAIT) antenna, and Poloidal Array (PA) antenna, and established the optimum minority-ion heating scenario in an LHD. The FAITmore » antenna having a novel impedance transformer inside the vacuum chamber could reduce the VSWR and successfully injected a higher power to plasma. We tested the PA antennas completely removing the Faraday-shield pipes to avoid breakdown and to increase the plasma coupling. The heating performance was almost the same as other antennas; however, the heating efficiency was degraded when the gap between the antenna and plasma surface was large. Using these three kinds of antennas, ICRF heating could contribute to raising the plasma beta with the second- and third-harmonic cyclotron heating mode, and also to raising the ion temperature as discharge cleaning tools. In 2014, steady-state operation plasma with a line-averaged electron density of 1.2 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}, ion and electron temperature of 2 keV, and plasma sustainment time of 48 min was achieved with ICH and ECH heating power of 1.2 MW for majority helium with minority hydrogen. In 2015, the higher-power steady-state operation with a heating power of up to 3 MW was tested with higher density of 3 × 10{sup 19} m{sup −3}.« less

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Organic Compounds without H2 Supply: An Electrochemical System

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Navarro, Daniela Maria do Amaral Ferraz; Navarro, Marcelo

2004-01-01

An experiment developed for an undergraduate organic chemistry laboratory course that can be used to introduce the catalytic hydrogenation reaction, catalysis electrochemical principles and gas chromatography is presented. The organic compounds hydrogenated by the electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) process were styrene, benzaldehyde and…

Performance Optimization Control of ECH using Fuzzy Inference Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubey, Abhay Kumar

Electro-chemical honing (ECH) is a hybrid electrolytic precision micro-finishing technology that, by combining physico-chemical actions of electro-chemical machining and conventional honing processes, provides the controlled functional surfaces-generation and fast material removal capabilities in a single operation. Process multi-performance optimization has become vital for utilizing full potential of manufacturing processes to meet the challenging requirements being placed on the surface quality, size, tolerances and production rate of engineering components in this globally competitive scenario. This paper presents an strategy that integrates the Taguchi matrix experimental design, analysis of variances and fuzzy inference system (FIS) to formulate a robust practical multi-performance optimization methodology for complex manufacturing processes like ECH, which involve several control variables. Two methodologies one using a genetic algorithm tuning of FIS (GA-tuned FIS) and another using an adaptive network based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) have been evaluated for a multi-performance optimization case study of ECH. The actual experimental results confirm their potential for a wide range of machining conditions employed in ECH.

New method for determination of epichlorohydrin in epoxy-coated cans by oxolane derivatization and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Sung, Jun Hyun; Lee, Young Ja; Park, Hyun Jin

2008-08-01

A new method was developed for the determination of epichlorohydrin (ECH) in food contact surface of epoxy-coated cans. The oxolane derivative, which produced by reaction of epoxy moiety in ECH with cyclopentanone in the presence of borontrifluoride-diethyletherate, was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrometry (MS). 1,2-Epoxyhexane was used as internal standard (IS), which produced an oxolane derivative under the same reaction mechanism as ECH. The developed method was validated with 1 ng ml(-1) of limit of detection (LOD, surface area related 20 ng dm(-2)), >0.999 of linearity. Good precision, which was tested both in terms of intra-day repeatability and inter-day reproducibility, and 97.3-102.7% of good recoveries were obtained on three spiked levels of 5.2, 40.3 and 149.1 ng ml(-1). The excellent validation data suggests that this method is more simple, quick and effective than the official method in European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to determine the residual amount of ECH in food contact materials for food law compliance test. The residual amount of ECH for 13 epoxy-coated can samples was analyzed, and none of the samples was found to be detectable levels of ECH in epoxy-coated cans.

Real time MHD mode control using ECCD in KSTAR: Plan and requirements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joung, M.; Woo, M. H.; Jeong, J. H.; Hahn, S. H.; Yun, S. W.; Lee, W. R.; Bae, Y. S.; Oh, Y. K.; Kwak, J. G.; Yang, H. L.; Namkung, W.; Park, H.; Cho, M. H.; Kim, M. H.; Kim, K. J.; Na, Y. S.; Hosea, J.; Ellis, R.

2014-02-01

For a high-performance, advanced tokamak mode in KSTAR, we have been developing a real-time control system of MHD modes such as sawtooth and Neo-classical Tearing Mode (NTM) by ECH/ECCD. The active feedback control loop will be also added to the mirror position and the real-time detection of the mode position. In this year, for the stabilization of NTM that is crucial to plasma performance we have implemented open-loop ECH antenna control system in KSTAR Plasma Control System (PCS) for ECH mirror movement during a single plasma discharge. KSTAR 170 GHz ECH launcher which was designed and fabricated by collaboration with PPPL and POSTECH has a final mirror of a poloidally and toroidally steerable mirror. The poloidal steering motion is only controlled in the real-time NTM control system and its maximum steering speed is 10 degree/sec by DC motor. However, the latency of the mirror control system and the return period of ECH antenna mirror angle are not fast because the existing launcher mirror control system is based on PLC which is connected to the KSTAR machine network through serial to LAN converter. In this paper, we present the design of real time NTM control system, ECH requirements, and the upgrade plan.

Developing the science and technology for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rapp, J.; Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T. S.; Caneses, J. F.; Caughman, J. B. O.; Diem, S. J.; Goulding, R. H.; Isler, R. C.; Lumsdaine, A.; Beers, C. J.; Bjorholm, T.; Bradley, C.; Canik, J. M.; Donovan, D.; Duckworth, R. C.; Ellis, R. J.; Graves, V.; Giuliano, D.; Green, D. L.; Hillis, D. L.; Howard, R. H.; Kafle, N.; Katoh, Y.; Lasa, A.; Lessard, T.; Martin, E. H.; Meitner, S. J.; Luo, G.-N.; McGinnis, W. D.; Owen, L. W.; Ray, H. B.; Shaw, G. C.; Showers, M.; Varma, V.; the MPEX Team

2017-11-01

Linear plasma generators are cost effective facilities to simulate divertor plasma conditions of present and future fusion reactors. They are used to address important R&D gaps in the science of plasma material interactions and towards viable plasma facing components for fusion reactors. Next generation plasma generators have to be able to access the plasma conditions expected on the divertor targets in ITER and future devices. The steady-state linear plasma device MPEX will address this regime with electron temperatures of 1-10 eV and electron densities of 1021{\\text{}}-1020 m-3 . The resulting heat fluxes are about 10 MW m-2 . MPEX is designed to deliver those plasma conditions with a novel Radio Frequency plasma source able to produce high density plasmas and heat electron and ions separately with electron Bernstein wave (EBW) heating and ion cyclotron resonance heating with a total installed power of 800 kW. The linear device Proto-MPEX, forerunner of MPEX consisting of 12 water-cooled copper coils, has been operational since May 2014. Its helicon antenna (100 kW, 13.56 MHz) and EC heating systems (200 kW, 28 GHz) have been commissioned and 14 MW m-2 was delivered on target. Furthermore, electron temperatures of about 20 eV have been achieved in combined helicon and ECH heating schemes at low electron densities. Overdense heating with EBW was achieved at low heating powers. The operational space of the density production by the helicon antenna was pushed up to 1.1 × 1020 m-3 at high magnetic fields of 1.0 T at the target. The experimental results from Proto-MPEX will be used for code validation to enable predictions of the source and heating performance for MPEX. MPEX, in its last phase, will be capable to expose neutron-irradiated samples. In this concept, targets will be irradiated in ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor and then subsequently exposed to fusion reactor relevant plasmas in MPEX.

Influence of demineralized bone matrix's embryonic origin on bone formation: an experimental study in rats.

PubMed

Stavropoulos, Andreas; Kostopoulos, Lambros; Mardas, Nicolaos; Karring, Thorkild

2003-01-01

There are results suggesting that differences regarding bone-inducing potential, in terms of amount and/or rate of bone formation, exist between demineralized bone matrices (DBMs) of different embryonic origins. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the embryonic origin of DBM affects bone formation when used as an adjunct to guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Endomembranous (EM) and endochondral (ECH) DBMs were produced from calvarial and long bones of rats, respectively. Prior to the study the osteoinductive properties of the DBMs were confirmed in six rats following intramuscular implantation. Following surgical exposure of the mandibular ramus, a rigid hemispheric Teflon capsule loosely packed with a standardized quantity of DBM was placed with its open part facing the lateral surface of the ramus in both sides of the jaw in 30 rats. In one side of the jaw, chosen at random, the capsule was filled with EM-DBM, whereas in the other side ECH-DBM was used. Groups of 10 animals were sacrificed after healing periods of 1, 2, and 4 months, and undecalcified sections of the capsules were produced and subjected to histologic analysis and computer-assisted planimetric measurements. During the experiment increasing amounts of newly formed bone were observed inside the capsules in both sides of the animals' jaws. Limited bone formation was observed in the 1- and 2-month specimens, but after 4 months of healing, the newly formed bone in the ECH-DBM grafted sides occupied 59.1% (range 45.6-74.7%) of the area created by the capsule versus 46.9% (range 23.0-64.0%) in the EM-DBM grafted sides (p =.01). It is concluded that the embryonic origin of DBM influences bone formation by GTR and that ECH-DBM is superior to EM-DBM.

Phylogenetic Evidence for H2 based Electron Bifurcation In Early Life

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, M. W.; Boyd, E. S.; Schut, G.; Peters, J.

2012-12-01

Energy conservation is a fundamental underpinning of all life and is accomplished by electron transport phosphorylation and/or substrate level phosphorylation. A third mechanism, known as flavin-based electron bifurcation, has recently been established as a mechanism by which life can conserve energy. In this mechanism, a flavin-containing multienzyme complex catalyzes the thermodynamically unfavorable reduction of low potential ferredoxin using electron donors with higher potentials, such as NAD(P)H or H2. Such endergonic reactions are driven forward through the simultaneous oxidation of the electron donor with higher potential acceptors such as NAD+ or heterodisulfide. Membrane associated energy converting [NiFe]hydrogenases (Ech, Eha) link the oxidation of ferredoxin with the production of H2 and in the process conserve energy in the form of an ion (Na+/H+) gradient. Ech/Eha exhibit a modular composition represented by a Na+/H+ antiporter domain and a [NiFe] hydrogenase domain. In addition, Ech/Eha can be accompanied by a formate dehyrogenase, carbon monoxide dehydrogenase, or an FAD/NAD(P)H module that enables coupling with these substrates. Representatives of Ech/Eha have been identified among anaerobic Archaea and Bacteria, including deeply rooted methanogens, sulfur-reducing Crenarcheota/Euryarchaeota as well as Thermotogae. Ech exhibit extensive homology to a number of subunits within the NADH quinone oxidoreductase or complex I family (Nuo, Fpo). Metabolically, Ech generally couple the oxidation of carbon monooxide, formate or ferredoxin to the production of H2. In contrast, the Eha complex couples the translocation of Na+ and the oxidation of H2 to the reduction of ferredoxin, which is then available for the reduction of CO2 in methanogens. In the case of Eha, the gradient of Na+/H+ produced through translocation coupled to ferredoxin oxidation can in be used to drive the phosphorylation of ADP via an ATP synthase complex, thereby representing one of the most simple forms of ATP production supporting life. This finding is consistent with phylogenetic analyses which indicate a close phylogenetic relationship between Ech/Eha and Nuo/Fpo, with [NiFe]-hydrogenase typically involved in H2 oxidation forming divergent lineages. This suggests that Ech/Eha are most likely to represent an ancestor of the Complex I family and the [NiFe]-hydrogenase family. A concatenation and phylogenetic analysis of the large and small subunits of Ech and Nuo was performed and and additional modules enabling coupling with CO2 (Eha), CO (Ech-CODH), and formate (Ech-Fdh) through H2-based electron bifurcation were overlaid on this phylogeny. The results suggest an origin for H2-based electron bifurcation via Ech/Eha among CO2 reducing hydrogenotrophic methanogenic Archaea or sulfur-reducing Archaea, with evolution towards coupling with formate and CO. These results provide insight into the evolutionary relationships between electron bifurcation-enabled ionic gradients capable of driving phosphorylation and electron transport-based phosphorylation. Moreover, these observations suggest that electron bifurcation may have been important in overcoming key metabolic bottlenecks and may have enabled life to access small energetic gradients to support metabolism on early Earth.

Reply to comments on "Volatile methylsiloxanes in personal care products - Using QuEChERS as a "green" analytical approach" published in Talanta 174 (2017) 156-157.

PubMed

Capela, Daniela; Homem, Vera; Alves, Arminda; Santos, Lúcia

2018-03-01

Recently, Pierre Germain from CES - Silicon Europe published a comment on the paper "Volatile methylsiloxanes in personal care products - Using QuEChERS as a "green" analytical approach", raising concerns that the artefacts employed in the analysis of cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) were not adequately controlled, while using this example as an opportunity to emphasize the difficulties associated with siloxanes analyses in complex matrices such as personal care products (PCPs). We are now addressing these concerns and conveying some clarifications regarding the experiments performed to validate the analytical method adequately. Those details were not included in the original publication because the objective was the quantification of VMS in several PCPs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Laboratory Performance of Five Selected Soil Moisture Sensors Applying Factory and Own Calibration Equations for Two Soil Media of Different Bulk Density and Salinity Levels

PubMed Central

Matula, Svatopluk; Báťková, Kamila; Legese, Wossenu Lemma

2016-01-01

Non-destructive soil water content determination is a fundamental component for many agricultural and environmental applications. The accuracy and costs of the sensors define the measurement scheme and the ability to fit the natural heterogeneous conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate five commercially available and relatively cheap sensors usually grouped with impedance and FDR sensors. ThetaProbe ML2x (impedance) and ECH2O EC-10, ECH2O EC-20, ECH2O EC-5, and ECH2O TE (all FDR) were tested on silica sand and loess of defined characteristics under controlled laboratory conditions. The calibrations were carried out in nine consecutive soil water contents from dry to saturated conditions (pure water and saline water). The gravimetric method was used as a reference method for the statistical evaluation (ANOVA with significance level 0.05). Generally, the results showed that our own calibrations led to more accurate soil moisture estimates. Variance component analysis arranged the factors contributing to the total variation as follows: calibration (contributed 42%), sensor type (contributed 29%), material (contributed 18%), and dry bulk density (contributed 11%). All the tested sensors performed very well within the whole range of water content, especially the sensors ECH2O EC-5 and ECH2O TE, which also performed surprisingly well in saline conditions. PMID:27854263

Generation of lower and upper bands of electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves in the Van Allen radiation belts

DOE PAGES

Zhou, Qinghua; Xiao, Fuliang; Yang, Chang; ...

2017-05-22

Electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves generated by the electron loss cone distribution can produce efficient scattering loss of plasma sheet electrons, which has a significant effect on the dynamics in the outer magnetosphere. Here we report two ECH emission events around the same location L≈ 5.7–5.8, MLT ≈ 12 from Van Allen Probes on 11 February (event A) and 9 January 2014 (event B), respectively. The spectrum of ECH waves was centered at the lower half of the harmonic bands during event A, but the upper half during event B. The observed electron phase space density in both eventsmore » is fitted by the subtracted bi-Maxwellian distribution, and the fitting functions are used to evaluate the local growth rates of ECH waves based on a linear theory for homogeneous plasmas. ECH waves are excited by the loss cone instability of 50 eV–1 keV electrons in the lower half of harmonic bands in the low-density plasmasphere in event A, and 1–10 keV electrons in the upper half of harmonic bands in a relatively high-density region in event B. Here, the current results successfully explain observations and provide a first direct evidence on how ECH waves are generated in the lower and upper half of harmonic frequency bands.« less

Generation of lower and upper bands of electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves in the Van Allen radiation belts

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

Zhou, Qinghua; Xiao, Fuliang; Yang, Chang

Electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves generated by the electron loss cone distribution can produce efficient scattering loss of plasma sheet electrons, which has a significant effect on the dynamics in the outer magnetosphere. Here we report two ECH emission events around the same location L≈ 5.7–5.8, MLT ≈ 12 from Van Allen Probes on 11 February (event A) and 9 January 2014 (event B), respectively. The spectrum of ECH waves was centered at the lower half of the harmonic bands during event A, but the upper half during event B. The observed electron phase space density in both eventsmore » is fitted by the subtracted bi-Maxwellian distribution, and the fitting functions are used to evaluate the local growth rates of ECH waves based on a linear theory for homogeneous plasmas. ECH waves are excited by the loss cone instability of 50 eV–1 keV electrons in the lower half of harmonic bands in the low-density plasmasphere in event A, and 1–10 keV electrons in the upper half of harmonic bands in a relatively high-density region in event B. Here, the current results successfully explain observations and provide a first direct evidence on how ECH waves are generated in the lower and upper half of harmonic frequency bands.« less

Time Dependent Predictive Modeling of DIII-D ITER Baseline Scenario using Predictive TRANSP

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grierson, B. A.; Andre, R. G.; Budny, R. V.; Solomon, W. M.; Yuan, X.; Candy, J.; Pinsker, R. I.; Staebler, G. M.; Holland, C.; Rafiq, T.

2015-11-01

ITER baseline scenario discharges on DIII-D are modeled with TGLF and MMM transitioning from combined ECH (3.3MW) +NBI(2.8MW) heating to NBI only (3.0 MW) heating maintaining βN = 2.0 on DIII-D predicting temperature, density and rotation for comparison to experimental measurements. These models capture the reduction of confinement associated with direct electron heating H98y2 = 0.89 vs. 1.0) consistent with stiff electron transport. Reasonable agreement between experimental and modeled temperature profiles is achieved for both heating methods, whereas density and momentum predictions differ significantly. Transport fluxes from TGLF indicate that on DIII-D the electron energy flux has reached a transition from low-k to high-k turbulence with more stiff high-k transport that inhibits an increase in core electron stored energy with additional electron heating. Projections to ITER also indicate high electron stiffness. Supported by US DOE DE-AC02-09CH11466, DE-FC02-04ER54698, DE-FG02-07ER54917, DE-FG02-92-ER54141.

A Case Study of Modern PLC and LabVIEW Controls: Power Supply Controls for the ORNL ITER ECH Test Stand

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

Barker, Alan M; Killough, Stephen M; Bigelow, Tim S

2011-01-01

Power Supply Controls are being developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to test transmission line components of the Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system, with a focus on gyrotrons and waveguides, in support of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The control is performed by several Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC s) located near the different equipment. A technique of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is presented to monitor, control, and log actions of the PLC s on a PC through use of Allen Bradley s Remote I/O communication interface coupled with an Open Process Control/Object Linking and Embedding [OLE]more » for Process Control (OPC) Server/Client architecture. The OPC data is then linked to a National Instruments (NI) LabVIEW system for monitoring and control. Details of the architecture and insight into applicability to other systems are presented in the rest of this paper. Future integration with an EPICS (Experimental Physics Industrial Control System) based mini-CODAC (Control, Data Access and Communication) SCADA system is under consideration, and integration considerations will be briefly introduced.« less

DIII-D Electron Cyclotron Heating System Status and Upgrades

DOE PAGES

Cengher, Mirela; Lohr, John; Gorelov, Yuri; ...

2016-06-23

The DIII-D Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system consists of six 110 GHz gyrotrons with corrugated coaxial 31.75 mm waveguide transmission lines and steerable launching mirrors. The system has been gradually updated, leading to increased experimental flexibility and a high system reliability of 91% in the past year. Operationally, the gyrotrons can generate up to a total of 4.8 MW of rf power for pulses up to 5 seconds. The maximum ECH energy injected into the DIII-D is 16.6 MJ. The HE1,1 mode content is over 85% for all the lines, and the transmission coefficient is better than -1.1 dB formore » all the transmission lines, close to the theoretical value. A new depressed collector gyrotron was recently installed and was injecting up to 640 kW of power into the plasma during 2014-2015 tokamak operations. Four dual waveguide launchers, which can steer the RF beams ±20 degrees poloidally and toroidally, are used for real-time neoclassical tearing mode control and suppression. The launchers now have increased poloidal scanning speed and beam positioning accuracy of ~±2 mm at the plasma center. Two more gyrotrons are expected to be installed and operational in 2015- 2016. The first is a repaired 110 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron that had a gun failure after more than 11 years of operation at DIII-D. The second is a newly designed depressed collector tube in the 1.5 MW class, operating at 117.5 GHz, manufactured by Communications and Power Industries (CPI).« less

Voices of Early College High School Graduates in Texas: A Narrative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodcock, JoDee Baker; Olson Beal, Heather K.

2013-01-01

School districts across the U.S. are experimenting with various reforms in an attempt to bridge the gap between secondary and postsecondary education and create greater access to postsecondary education for all students. One such reform initiative is the Early College High School (ECHS) model, which allows high school students to earn a diploma…

Echinacoside induces rat pulmonary artery vasorelaxation by opening the NO-cGMP-PKG-BKCa channels and reducing intracellular Ca2+ levels

PubMed Central

Gai, Xiang-yun; Wei, Yu-hai; Zhang, Wei; Wuren, Ta-na; Wang, Ya-ping; Li, Zhan-qiang; Liu, Shou; Ma, Lan; Lu, Dian-xiang; Zhou, Yi; Ge, Ri-li

2015-01-01

Aim: Sustained pulmonary vasoconstriction as experienced at high altitude can lead to pulmonary hypertension (PH). The main purpose of this study is to investigate the vasorelaxant effect of echinacoside (ECH), a phenylethanoid glycoside from the Tibetan herb Lagotis brevituba Maxim and Cistanche tubulosa, on the pulmonary artery and its potential mechanism. Methods: Pulmonary arterial rings obtained from male Wistar rats were suspended in organ chambers filled with Krebs-Henseleit solution, and isometric tension was measured using a force transducer. Intracellular Ca2+ levels were measured in cultured rat pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) using Fluo 4-AM. Results: ECH (30–300 μmol/L) relaxed rat pulmonary arteries precontracted by noradrenaline (NE) in a concentration-dependent manner, and this effect could be observed in both intact endothelium and endothelium-denuded rings, but with a significantly lower maximum response and a higher EC50 in endothelium-denuded rings. This effect was significantly blocked by L-NAME, TEA, and BaCl2. However, IMT, 4-AP, and Gli did not inhibit ECH-induced relaxation. Under extracellular Ca2+-free conditions, the maximum contraction was reduced to 24.54%±2.97% and 10.60%±2.07% in rings treated with 100 and 300 μmol/L of ECH, respectively. Under extracellular calcium influx conditions, the maximum contraction was reduced to 112.42%±7.30%, 100.29%±8.66%, and 74.74%±4.95% in rings treated with 30, 100, and 300 μmol/L of ECH, respectively. After cells were loaded with Fluo 4-AM, the mean fluorescence intensity was lower in cells treated with ECH (100 μmol/L) than with NE. Conclusion: ECH suppresses NE-induced contraction of rat pulmonary artery via reducing intracellular Ca2+ levels, and induces its relaxation through the NO-cGMP pathway and opening of K+ channels (BKCa and KIR). PMID:25864652

Modification of the surface adsorption properties of alumina-supported Pd catalysts for the electrocatalytic hydrogenation of phenol.

PubMed

Cirtiu, Ciprian Mihai; Hassani, Hicham Oudghiri; Bouchard, Nicolas-Alexandre; Rowntree, Paul A; Ménard, Hugues

2006-07-04

The electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) of phenol has been studied using palladium supported on gamma-alumina (10% Pd-Al2O3) catalysts. The catalyst powders were suspended in aqueous supporting electrolyte solutions containing methanol and short-chain aliphatic acids (acetic acid, propionic acid, or butyric acid) and were dynamically circulated through a reticulated vitreous carbon cathode. The efficiency of the hydrogenation process was measured as a function of the total electrolytic charge and was compared for different types of supporting electrolyte and for various solvent compositions. Our results show that these experimental parameters strongly affect the overall ECH efficiency of phenol. The ECH efficiency and yields vary inversely with the quantity of methanol present in the electrolytic solutions, whereas the presence of aliphatic carboxylic acids increased the ECH efficiency in proportion to the chain length of the specific acids employed. In all cases, ECH efficiency was directly correlated with the adsorption properties of phenol onto the Pd-alumina catalyst in the studied electrolyte solution, as measured independently using dynamic adsorption isotherms. It is shown that the alumina surface binds the aliphatic acids via the carboxylate terminations and transforms the catalyst into an organically functionalized material. Temperature-programmed mass spectrometry analysis and diffuse-reflectance infrared spectroscopy measurements confirm that the organic acids are stably bound to the alumina surface below 200 degrees C, with coverages that are independent of the acid chain length. These reproducibly functionalized alumina surfaces control the adsorption/desorption equilibrium of the target phenol molecules and allow us to prepare new electrocatalytic materials to enhance the efficiency of the ECH process. The in situ grafting of specific aliphatic acids on general purpose Pd-alumina catalysts offers a new and flexible mechanism to control the ECH process to enhance the selectivity, efficiency, and yields according to the properties of the specific target molecule.

Electron pitch angle diffusion by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic waves: The origin of pancake distributions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horne, Richard B.; Thorne, Richard M.

2000-03-01

It has been suggested that highly anisotropic electron pancake distributions are the result of pitch angle diffusion by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and whistler mode waves in the equatorial region. Here we present pitch angle diffusion rates for ECH wave spectra centered at different frequencies with respect to the electron gyrofrequency Ωe corresponding to spacecraft observations. The wave spectra are carefully mapped to the correct resonant electron velocities. We show that previous diffusion calculations of ECH waves at 1.5Ωe, driven by the loss cone instability, result in large diffusion rates confined to a small range of pitch angles near the loss cone and therefore cannot account for pancake distributions. However, when the wave spectrum is centered at higher frequencies in the band (>1.6Ωe), the diffusion rates become very small inside the loss cone, peak just outside, and remain large over a wide range of pitch angles up to 60° or more. When the upper hybrid resonance frequency ωUHR is several times Ωe, ECH waves excited in higher bands also contribute significantly to pitch angle diffusion outside the loss cone up to very large pitch angles. We suggest that ECH waves driven by a loss cone could form pancake distributions as they grow if the wave spectrum extends from the middle to the upper part of the first (and higher) gyroharmonic bands. Alternatively, we suggest that pancake distributions can be formed by outward propagation in a nonhomogeneous medium, so that resonant absorption occurs at higher frequencies between(n+12) and (n+1)Ωe in regions where waves are also growing locally at <=1.5Ωe. The calculated diffusion rates suggest that ECH waves with amplitudes of the order of 1 mV m-1 can form pancake distributions from an initially isotropic distribution on a timescale of a few hours. This is consistent with recent CRRES observations of ECH wave amplitudes following substorm injections near geostationary orbit and the timescales for pancake formation. Persistent but much weaker ECH waves can further intensify and maintain pancake distributions during magnetically quiet periods.

Steady-state sustainment of high-β plasmas through stability control in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute Tokamak-60 Upgradea)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isayama, A.

2005-05-01

Recent results from steady-state sustainment of high-β plasma experiments in the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute Tokamak-60 Upgrade (JT-60U) tokamak [A. Kitsunezaki et al., Fusion Sci. Technol. 42, 179 (2002)] are described. Extension of discharge duration to 65s (formerly 15s) has enabled physics research with long time scale. In long-duration high-β research, the normalized beta βN=2.5, which is comparable to that in the steady-state operation in International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) [R. Aymar, P. Barabaschi, and Y. Shimomura, Plasma Phys. Controlled Fusion 44, 519 (2002)], has been sustained for about 15s with confinement enhancement factor H89PL above 2, where the duration is about 80 times energy confinement time and ˜10 times current diffusion time (τR). In the scenario aiming at longer duration with βN˜1.9, which is comparable to that in the ITER standard operation scenario, duration has been extended to 24s (˜15τR). Also, from the viewpoint of collisionality and Larmor radius of the plasmas, these results are obtained in the ITER-relevant regime with a few times larger than the ITER values. No serious effect of current diffusion on instabilities is observed in the region of βN≲2.5, and in fact neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs), which limit the achievable β in the stationary high-βp H-mode discharges, are suppressed throughout the discharge. In high-β research with the duration of several times τR, a high-β plasma with βN˜2.9-3 has been sustained for 5-6s with two scenarios for NTM suppression: (a) NTM avoidance by modification of pressure and current profiles, and (b) NTM stabilization with electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD)/electron cyclotron heating (ECH). NTM stabilization with the second harmonic X-mode ECCD/ECH has been performed, and it is found that EC current density comparable to bootstrap current density at the mode location is required for complete stabilization. Structure of a magnetic island associated with an m /n=3/2 NTM has been measured in detail (m and n are poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively). By applying newly developed analysis method using motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic, where change in current density is directly evaluated from change in MSE pitch angle without equilibrium reconstruction, localized decrease/increase in current density at the mode rational surface is observed for NTM growth/suppression. In addition, it is found that characteristic structure of electron temperature perturbation profile is deformed during NTM stabilization. Hypothesis that temperature increase inside the magnetic island well explains the experimental observations. It is also found that the characteristic structure is not formed for the case of ECCD/ECH before the mode, while the structure is seen for the case with ECCD/ECH just after the mode onset, suggesting the stronger stabilization effect of the early EC wave injection.

On the potential of the EChO mission to characterize gas giant atmospheres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barstow, J. K.; Aigrain, S.; Irwin, P. G. J.; Bowles, N.; Fletcher, L. N.; Lee, J.-M.

2013-04-01

Space telescopes such as Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) and James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be important for the future study of extrasolar planet atmospheres. Both of these missions are capable of performing high sensitivity spectroscopic measurements at moderate resolutions in the visible and infrared, which will allow the characterization of atmospheric properties using primary and secondary transit spectroscopy. We use the Non-linear optimal Estimator for MultivariateE spectral analysis (NEMESIS) radiative transfer and retrieval tool, as developed by Irwin et al. and Lee et al., to explore the potential of the proposed EChO mission to solve the retrieval problem for a range of H2-He planets orbiting different stars. We find that EChO should be capable of retrieving temperature structure to ˜200 K precision and detecting H2O, CO2 and CH4 from a single eclipse measurement for a hot Jupiter orbiting a Sun-like star and a hot Neptune orbiting an M star, also providing upper limits on CO and NH3. We provide a table of retrieval precisions for these quantities in each test case. We expect around 30 Jupiter-sized planets to be observable by EChO; hot Neptunes orbiting M dwarfs are rarer, but we anticipate observations of at least one similar planet.

Developing the science and technology for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment

DOE PAGES

Rapp, J.; Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T. S.; ...

2017-07-27

Linear plasma generators are cost effective facilities to simulate divertor plasma conditions of present and future fusion reactors. They are used to address important R&D gaps in the science of plasma material interactions and towards viable plasma facing components for fusion reactors. Next generation plasma generators have to be able to access the plasma conditions expected on the divertor targets in ITER and future devices. The steady-state linear plasma device MPEX will address this regime with electron temperatures of 1–10 eV and electron densities ofmore » $$10^{21}{\\text{}}\\!-\\!10^{20}$$ $${\\rm m}^{-3}$$. The resulting heat fluxes are about 10 MW $${\\rm m}^{-2}$$ . MPEX is designed to deliver those plasma conditions with a novel Radio Frequency plasma source able to produce high density plasmas and heat electron and ions separately with electron Bernstein wave (EBW) heating and ion cyclotron resonance heating with a total installed power of 800 kW. The linear device Proto-MPEX, forerunner of MPEX consisting of 12 water-cooled copper coils, has been operational since May 2014. Its helicon antenna (100 kW, 13.56 MHz) and EC heating systems (200 kW, 28 GHz) have been commissioned and 14 MW $${\\rm m}^{-2}$$ was delivered on target. Furthermore, electron temperatures of about 20 eV have been achieved in combined helicon and ECH heating schemes at low electron densities. Overdense heating with EBW was achieved at low heating powers. The operational space of the density production by the helicon antenna was pushed up to $$1.1 \\times 10^{20}$$ $${\\rm m}^{-3}$$ at high magnetic fields of 1.0 T at the target. Finally, the experimental results from Proto-MPEX will be used for code validation to enable predictions of the source and heating performance for MPEX. MPEX, in its last phase, will be capable to expose neutron-irradiated samples. In this concept, targets will be irradiated in ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and then subsequently exposed to fusion reactor relevant plasmas in MPEX.« less

Developing the science and technology for the Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment

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

Rapp, J.; Biewer, T. M.; Bigelow, T. S.

Linear plasma generators are cost effective facilities to simulate divertor plasma conditions of present and future fusion reactors. They are used to address important R&D gaps in the science of plasma material interactions and towards viable plasma facing components for fusion reactors. Next generation plasma generators have to be able to access the plasma conditions expected on the divertor targets in ITER and future devices. The steady-state linear plasma device MPEX will address this regime with electron temperatures of 1–10 eV and electron densities ofmore » $$10^{21}{\\text{}}\\!-\\!10^{20}$$ $${\\rm m}^{-3}$$. The resulting heat fluxes are about 10 MW $${\\rm m}^{-2}$$ . MPEX is designed to deliver those plasma conditions with a novel Radio Frequency plasma source able to produce high density plasmas and heat electron and ions separately with electron Bernstein wave (EBW) heating and ion cyclotron resonance heating with a total installed power of 800 kW. The linear device Proto-MPEX, forerunner of MPEX consisting of 12 water-cooled copper coils, has been operational since May 2014. Its helicon antenna (100 kW, 13.56 MHz) and EC heating systems (200 kW, 28 GHz) have been commissioned and 14 MW $${\\rm m}^{-2}$$ was delivered on target. Furthermore, electron temperatures of about 20 eV have been achieved in combined helicon and ECH heating schemes at low electron densities. Overdense heating with EBW was achieved at low heating powers. The operational space of the density production by the helicon antenna was pushed up to $$1.1 \\times 10^{20}$$ $${\\rm m}^{-3}$$ at high magnetic fields of 1.0 T at the target. Finally, the experimental results from Proto-MPEX will be used for code validation to enable predictions of the source and heating performance for MPEX. MPEX, in its last phase, will be capable to expose neutron-irradiated samples. In this concept, targets will be irradiated in ORNL's High Flux Isotope Reactor and then subsequently exposed to fusion reactor relevant plasmas in MPEX.« less

The relationship between building design and residents' quality of life in extra care housing schemes.

PubMed

Orrell, Alison; McKee, Kevin; Torrington, Judith; Barnes, Sarah; Darton, Robin; Netten, Ann; Lewis, Alan

2013-05-01

Well-designed housing is recognised as being an important factor in promoting a good quality of life. Specialised housing models incorporating care services, such as extra care housing (ECH) schemes are seen as enabling older people to maintain a good quality of life despite increasing health problems that can accompany ageing. Despite the variation in ECH building design little is known about the impact of ECH building design on the quality of life of building users. The evaluation of older people's living environments (EVOLVE) study collected cross-sectional data on building design and quality of life in 23 ECH schemes in England, UK. Residents' quality of life was assessed using the schedule for the evaluation of individual quality of life-direct weighting (SEIQoL-DW) and on the four domains of control, autonomy, self-realisation and pleasure on the CASP-19. Building design was measured on 12 user-related domains by means of a new tool; the EVOLVE tool. Using multilevel linear regression, significant associations were found between several aspects of building design and quality of life. Furthermore, there was evidence that the relationship between building design and quality of life was partly mediated by the dependency of participants and scheme size (number of living units). Our findings suggest that good quality building design in ECH can support the quality of life of residents, but that designing features that support the needs of both relatively independent and frail users is problematic, with the needs of highly dependent users not currently supported as well as could be hoped by ECH schemes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Pesticide analysis in teas and chamomile by liquid chromatography and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using a modified QuEChERS method: validation and pilot survey in real samples.

PubMed

Lozano, Ana; Rajski, Łukasz; Belmonte-Valles, Noelia; Uclés, Ana; Uclés, Samanta; Mezcua, Milagros; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2012-12-14

This paper presents the validation of a modified QuEChERS method in four matrices - green tea, red tea, black tea and chamomile. The experiments were carried out using blank samples spiked with a solution of 86 pesticides (insecticides, fungicides and herbicides) at four levels - 10, 25, 50 and 100 μg/kg. The samples were extracted according to the citrate QuEChERS protocol; however, to reduce the amount of coextracted matrix compounds, calcium chloride was employed instead of magnesium sulphate in the clean-up step. The samples were analysed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Included in the scope of validation were: recovery, linearity, matrix effects, limits of detection and quantitation as well as intra-day and inter-day precision. The validated method was used in a real sample survey carried out on 75 samples purchased in ten different countries. In all matrices, recoveries of the majority of compounds were in the 70-120% range and were characterised by precision lower than 20%. In 85% of pesticide/matrix combinations the analytes can be detected quantitatively by the proposed method at the European Union Maximum Residue Level. The analysis of the real samples revealed that large number of teas and chamomiles sold in the European Union contain pesticides whose usage is not approved and also pesticides in concentrations above the EU MRLs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A plasma generator utilizing the high intensity ASTROMAG magnets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sullivan, James D.; Post, R. S.; Lane, B. G.; Tarrh, J. M.

1986-01-01

The magnet configuration for the proposed particle astrophysics magnet facility (ASTROMAG) on the space station includes a cusp magnetic field with an intensity of a few tesla. With these large magnets (or others) located in the outer ionosphere, many quite interesting and unique plasma physics experiments become possible. First there are studies utilizing the magnet alone to examine the supersonic, sub-Alfvenic interaction with the ambient medium; the scale length for the magnet perturbation is approx. 20 m. The magnetic field geometry when combined with the Earth's and their relative motion will give rise to a host of plasma phenomena: ring nulls, x-points, ion-acoustic and lower-hybrid shocks, electron heating (possible shuttle glow without a surface) launching of Alfvenwaves, etc. Second, active experiments are possible for a controlled study of fundamental plasma phenomena. A controlled variable species plasma can be made by using an RF ion source; use of two soft iron rings placed about the line cusp would give an adequate resonance zone (ECH or ICH) and a confining volume suitable for gas efficiency. The emanating plasma can be used to study free expansion of plasma along and across field lines (polar wind), plasma flows around the space platform, turbulent mixing in the wake region, long wavelength spectrum of convecting modes, plasma-dust interactions, etc.

Evaluation of anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant potential of andrographolide and echiodinin isolated from callus culture of Andrographis paniculata Nees

PubMed Central

Arifullah, Mohmmed; Namsa, Nima Dandu; Mandal, Manabendra; Chiruvella, Kishore Kumar; Vikrama, Paritala; Gopal, Ghanta Rama

2013-01-01

Objective To evaluate the anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant activity of andrographolide (AND) and echiodinin (ECH) of Andrographis paniculata. Methods In this study, an attempt has been made to demonstrate the anti-microbial and anti-oxidant activity of isolated AND and ECH by broth micro-dilution method and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Structure elucidation was determined by electro-spray ionization-MSD, NMR (1H and 13C) and IR spectra. Results AND was effective against most of the strains tested including Mycobacterium smegmatis, showing broad spectrum of growth inhibition activity with Minimum inhibitory concentration values against Staphylococcus aureus (100 µg/mL), Streptococcus thermophilus (350 µg/mL) Bacillus subtilis (100 µg/mL), Escherichia coli (50 µg/mL), Mycobacterium smegmatis (200 µg/mL), Klebsiella pneumonia (100 µg/mL), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (200 µg/mL). ECH showed specific anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration higher than 225 µg/mL. Both AND and ECH were not effective against the two yeast strains, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae tested in this study. Conclusion This preliminary study showed promising anti-bacterial activity and moderate free radical scavenging activity of AND and ECH, and it may provide the scientific rationale for its popular folklore medicines. PMID:23905016

Multidisciplinary management of an intra-sellar cavernous hemangioma: Case report and review of the literature.

PubMed

Chibbaro, S; Cebula, H; Ganau, M; Gubian, A; Todeschi, J; Lhermitte, B; Proust, F; Noel, G

2018-06-01

Extra-axial cavernous hemangiomas (ECH) are rare vascular lesions with a tendency to grow within the medial structures of the middle cranial fossa. This pathological entity lacks specific symptoms, and falls into the category of differential diagnosis of space occupying lesions in the cavernous sinus (CS) with or without sellar involvement, including those of tumoral, vascular and inflammatory nature. Of note, ECH can also be indolent, and is at times discovered incidentally during autopsy investigations. On radiological studies, ECH with sellar extension are frequently mistaken at first for pituitary adenomas. Total removal of intrasellar-CS ECH is technically demanding and burdened by remarkable morbidity and mortality rates, mostly related to the complex neuroanatomy of the CS-sellar region (i.e., peri and postoperative bleeding, and transitory or permanent nerve palsies, hormonal deficits). Consequently, only a few cases of successful total removal have been reported so far in the literature. Surgical debulking with cranial nerve decompression followed by stereotactic radiosurgery is currently considered the best alternative to total removal when the latter carries excessive perioperative risks. We present a rare case of a mainly located intrasellar ECH extending to the left CS discussing its clinical features and focusing on the most relevant aspects of the surgical management along with a review of the pertinent literature. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of temperature and purity of magnesium sulfate during extraction of pesticides residues using the QuEChERS method

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Despite its many documented advantages, the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) sample preparation approach has problems with a few unstable pesticides, partly due to the exothermic reaction generated by the use of anhydrous magnesium sulfate during extraction. These pesticide...

Superthermal Electron Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling in the Diffuse Aurora in the Presence of ECH Waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Tripathi, A. K.; Singhal, R. P.; Himwich, Elizabeth; Glocer, A.; Sibeck, D. G.

2015-01-01

There are two main theories for the origin of the diffuse auroral electron precipitation: first, pitch angle scattering by electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves, and second, by whistler mode waves. Precipitating electrons initially injected from the plasma sheet to the loss cone via wave-particle interaction processes degrade in the atmosphere toward lower energies and produce secondary electrons via impact ionization of the neutral atmosphere. These secondary electrons can escape back to the magnetosphere, become trapped on closed magnetic field lines, and deposit their energy back to the inner magnetosphere. ECH and whistler mode waves can also move electrons in the opposite direction, from the loss cone into the trap zone, if the source of such electrons exists in conjugate ionospheres located at the same field lines as the trapped magnetospheric electron population. Such a situation exists in the simulation scenario of superthermal electron energy interplay in the region of diffuse aurora presented and discussed by Khazanov et al. (2014) and will be quantified in this paper by taking into account the interaction of secondary electrons with ECH waves.

Evaluation of operating conditions for sustainable harvesting of microalgal biomass applying electrochemical method using non sacrificial electrodes.

PubMed

Misra, Rohit; Guldhe, Abhishek; Singh, Poonam; Rawat, Ismail; Stenström, Thor Axel; Bux, Faizal

2015-01-01

The efficient harvesting of microalgae is considered to be one of the challenging steps of algal biofuel production and a key factor limiting the commercial use of microalgae. To overcome the limitation of metallic electrodes depletion, the application of non-sacrificial electrode was investigated for the electrochemical harvesting (ECH) of microalgae. The effect of applied current, addition of electrolyte and initial pH were parameters investigated. The highest recovery efficiency of 83% was obtained for Scenedesmus obliquus at 1.5A, initial pH 9 and 6gL(-)(1) NaCl with power consumption of 3.84kWhkg(-)(1). Recovery efficiency of ECH process was comparable to literature reported centrifugation, filtration and chemical flocculation techniques but with a much lower power consumption. The ECH process with addition of electrolyte enhanced the lipid extraction by 22% without any adverse effects. The ECH process with non sacrificial carbon electrodes could be a possible harvesting step at commercial scale microalgal biomass production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of diethylaminoethyl dextran hydrogel and its heavy metal ion adsorption characteristics.

PubMed

Demirbilek, Celile; Dinç, Cemile Özdemir

2012-10-01

Epichlorohydrin-crosslinked diethylaminoethyl dextran (DEAE-D/ECH) hydrogel was synthesized by intermolecular side-chain reaction of DEAE-D hydroxyl groups with monomeric crosslinking agent, ECH. Swelling ability, adsorption capacity and metal removal of the hydrogel were profoundly determined and some structural parameters for the hydrogel such as volume of non-swollen gel, percentages of gellation, swelling ratio and equilibrium water content were evaluated in this study. The ability of removing heavy metal ions from Orontes River by the synthesized hydrogel, thoroughly characterized by photometric spectrometer and the adsorption characteristics of metal ions, was investigated as well as surface morphologies of the hydrogel before and after metal adsorption were examined by SEM. Structure of DEAE-D/ECH gel was analyzed by FTIR, TGA, and DSC. Gellation point of binary system reaction between DEAE-D and ECH was determined via monitoring viscosity changes during reaction. The order of affinity based on amount of metal ion uptake was found as follows: Zn(2+)>Mn(2+)>Pb(2+)>Cd(2+). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combination of QuEChERS and DLLME for GC-MS determination of pesticide residues in orange samples.

PubMed

Andraščíková, Mária; Hrouzková, Svetlana; Cunha, Sara C

2013-01-01

A new method combining QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) and DLLME (dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction) followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selected ion monitoring (SIM) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 19 pesticides from nine chemical groups exhibiting or suspected to exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties in orange samples. Acetonitrile extract obtained from QuEChERS extraction was used for DLLME as dispersive solvent and carbon tetrachloride as extractive solvent to increase the enrichment factor of the extraction procedure. The effect of several extraction parameters, such as volume extract achieved by the QuEChERS method and subsequently used for DLLME, selection of extractive solvent and its volume, was tested. Under optimum conditions, good linearity, satisfactory recoveries and repeatability were obtained. Limits of quantification (LOQs) achieved (ranging from 0.02 to 47 ng/g) were below the maximum residue limits established by the European Union. The proposed method was applied to the monitoring of pesticide residue levels in oranges commercialised in Portugal.

Inexpensive, effective novel activated carbon fibers for sample cleanup: application to multipesticide residue analysis in food commodities using a QuEChERS method.

PubMed

Singh, Shiv; Srivastava, Anshuman; Singh, Sheelendra Pratap

2018-03-01

Phenolic resin based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were applied for the first time as a reversed-dispersive solid-phase extraction (r-DSPE) sorbent. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was applied to determine 26 pesticides (organophosphates, organochlorines, synthetic pyrethroids, and herbicides) in different complex matrices, including cauliflower, cucumber, banana, apple, wheat, and black gram. Different physicochemical characterization techniques were used to investigate the engineering and structural properties of the r-DSPE sorbent. All the chromatographic analyses were performed with a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. The recoveries of all 26 pesticides were acceptable (70-120%), with relative standard deviations of less than 15%. The limit of detection and the limit of quantification were 1.13-5.48 ng/g and 3.42-16.60 ng/g, respectively. In the original QuEChERS method, primary secondary amine is extensively used as the r-DSPE sorbent in the cleanup process, but it is eightfold more expensive than the ACFs used in this study. Therefore, the modified QuEChERS method using ACFs during the cleanup process is more efficient, cheaper, and more robust to determine pesticides from different types of matrices, including vegetables, grains, and fruits, and ACFs could be used as a cost-effective alternative to primary secondary amine. Graphical Abstract Sample clean-up using PSA and ACF as r-DSPE sorbent in QuEChERS method.

Multi-residue methods for the determination of over four hundred pesticides in solid and liquid high sucrose content matrices by tandem mass spectrometry coupled with gas and liquid chromatograph.

PubMed

Lozowicka, Bozena; Ilyasova, Gulzhakhan; Kaczynski, Piotr; Jankowska, Magdalena; Rutkowska, Ewa; Hrynko, Izabela; Mojsak, Patrycja; Szabunko, Julia

2016-05-01

For the first time three methods: matrix solid phase dispersion (MSPD), original and modified QuEChERS, with and without clean up step were studied in order to evaluate the extraction efficiency of various classes of pesticides from solid and liquid high sucrose content matrices. Determinations over four hundred pesticides were performed by gas and liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC/LC/MS/MS) using multiple reaction monitoring. The proposed methods were validated on sugar beets and their technological product beet molasses. In general, the recoveries obtained for the original QuEChERS and MSPD method were lower (<70%) than for the modified QuEChERS without clean up in sugar beet and with clean up in beet molasses. Among these methods, high extraction yields were achieved as recommended in SANCO/12571/2013, with repeatability of 4.4-19.2% and within-laboratory reproducibility of 7.1-18.4% for citrate QuEChERS, whereas greater ruggedness were observed for MSPD. The limit of quantification (LOQ) at (the lowest MRL=0.01mgkg(-1)e.g. for oxamyl()) or below (0.005mgkg(-1)) the regulatory maximum residue level for the pesticides were achieved. The expanded measurement uncertainty was not higher than 30% for all target analytes. Matrix effects were compared and observed for both matrices at both gas and liquid chromatography. The most compounds showed signal enhancement and it was compensated by using matrix-matched calibration and modified QuEChERS characterized lower matrix effects. The confirmation of suitability citrate QuEChERS optimized method was to use for routine testing of several dozen samples determination and residue of epoxiconazole and tebuconazole (both at 0.01mgkg(-1)) in the samples of beet molasses and cyfluthrin (0.06mgkg(-1)) in sugar beet were found. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EChO. Exoplanet characterisation observatory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinetti, G.; Beaulieu, J. P.; Henning, T.; Meyer, M.; Micela, G.; Ribas, I.; Stam, D.; Swain, M.; Krause, O.; Ollivier, M.; Pace, E.; Swinyard, B.; Aylward, A.; van Boekel, R.; Coradini, A.; Encrenaz, T.; Snellen, I.; Zapatero-Osorio, M. R.; Bouwman, J.; Cho, J. Y.-K.; Coudé de Foresto, V.; Guillot, T.; Lopez-Morales, M.; Mueller-Wodarg, I.; Palle, E.; Selsis, F.; Sozzetti, A.; Ade, P. A. R.; Achilleos, N.; Adriani, A.; Agnor, C. B.; Afonso, C.; Allende Prieto, C.; Bakos, G.; Barber, R. J.; Barlow, M.; Batista, V.; Bernath, P.; Bézard, B.; Bordé, P.; Brown, L. R.; Cassan, A.; Cavarroc, C.; Ciaravella, A.; Cockell, C.; Coustenis, A.; Danielski, C.; Decin, L.; De Kok, R.; Demangeon, O.; Deroo, P.; Doel, P.; Drossart, P.; Fletcher, L. N.; Focardi, M.; Forget, F.; Fossey, S.; Fouqué, P.; Frith, J.; Galand, M.; Gaulme, P.; Hernández, J. I. González; Grasset, O.; Grassi, D.; Grenfell, J. L.; Griffin, M. J.; Griffith, C. A.; Grözinger, U.; Guedel, M.; Guio, P.; Hainaut, O.; Hargreaves, R.; Hauschildt, P. H.; Heng, K.; Heyrovsky, D.; Hueso, R.; Irwin, P.; Kaltenegger, L.; Kervella, P.; Kipping, D.; Koskinen, T. T.; Kovács, G.; La Barbera, A.; Lammer, H.; Lellouch, E.; Leto, G.; Lopez Morales, M.; Lopez Valverde, M. A.; Lopez-Puertas, M.; Lovis, C.; Maggio, A.; Maillard, J. P.; Maldonado Prado, J.; Marquette, J. B.; Martin-Torres, F. J.; Maxted, P.; Miller, S.; Molinari, S.; Montes, D.; Moro-Martin, A.; Moses, J. I.; Mousis, O.; Nguyen Tuong, N.; Nelson, R.; Orton, G. S.; Pantin, E.; Pascale, E.; Pezzuto, S.; Pinfield, D.; Poretti, E.; Prinja, R.; Prisinzano, L.; Rees, J. M.; Reiners, A.; Samuel, B.; Sánchez-Lavega, A.; Forcada, J. Sanz; Sasselov, D.; Savini, G.; Sicardy, B.; Smith, A.; Stixrude, L.; Strazzulla, G.; Tennyson, J.; Tessenyi, M.; Vasisht, G.; Vinatier, S.; Viti, S.; Waldmann, I.; White, G. J.; Widemann, T.; Wordsworth, R.; Yelle, R.; Yung, Y.; Yurchenko, S. N.

2012-10-01

A dedicated mission to investigate exoplanetary atmospheres represents a major milestone in our quest to understand our place in the universe by placing our Solar System in context and by addressing the suitability of planets for the presence of life. EChO—the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory—is a mission concept specifically geared for this purpose. EChO will provide simultaneous, multi-wavelength spectroscopic observations on a stable platform that will allow very long exposures. The use of passive cooling, few moving parts and well established technology gives a low-risk and potentially long-lived mission. EChO will build on observations by Hubble, Spitzer and ground-based telescopes, which discovered the first molecules and atoms in exoplanetary atmospheres. However, EChO's configuration and specifications are designed to study a number of systems in a consistent manner that will eliminate the ambiguities affecting prior observations. EChO will simultaneously observe a broad enough spectral region—from the visible to the mid-infrared—to constrain from one single spectrum the temperature structure of the atmosphere, the abundances of the major carbon and oxygen bearing species, the expected photochemically-produced species and magnetospheric signatures. The spectral range and resolution are tailored to separate bands belonging to up to 30 molecules and retrieve the composition and temperature structure of planetary atmospheres. The target list for EChO includes planets ranging from Jupiter-sized with equilibrium temperatures T eq up to 2,000 K, to those of a few Earth masses, with T eq u223c 300 K. The list will include planets with no Solar System analog, such as the recently discovered planets GJ1214b, whose density lies between that of terrestrial and gaseous planets, or the rocky-iron planet 55 Cnc e, with day-side temperature close to 3,000 K. As the number of detected exoplanets is growing rapidly each year, and the mass and radius of those detected steadily decreases, the target list will be constantly adjusted to include the most interesting systems. We have baselined a dispersive spectrograph design covering continuously the 0.4-16 μm spectral range in 6 channels (1 in the visible, 5 in the InfraRed), which allows the spectral resolution to be adapted from several tens to several hundreds, depending on the target brightness. The instrument will be mounted behind a 1.5 m class telescope, passively cooled to 50 K, with the instrument structure and optics passively cooled to u223c45 K. EChO will be placed in a grand halo orbit around L2. This orbit, in combination with an optimised thermal shield design, provides a highly stable thermal environment and a high degree of visibility of the sky to observe repeatedly several tens of targets over the year. Both the baseline and alternative designs have been evaluated and no critical items with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) less than 4-5 have been identified. We have also undertaken a first-order cost and development plan analysis and find that EChO is easily compatible with the ESA M-class mission framework.

Residue analysis of sixty pesticides in red swamp crayfish using QuEChERS with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study, a multi-residue analytical method using QuEChERS extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup followed by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) was developed for rapid determination of 60 pesticide residues in whole crayfish a...

QuEChERS, a sample preparation technique that is “catching on”: an up-to-date interview with its inventors

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The technique of QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) is only 7 years old, yet it is revolutionizing the manner in which multiresidue, multiclass pesticide analysis (and perhaps beyond) is performed. Columnist Ron Majors sits down with inventors Steve Lehotay and Michelangelo An...

Determination of sulfonamides in animal tissues by modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wen, Ching-Hsuan; Lin, Shu-Ling; Fuh, Ming-Ren

2017-03-01

In this study, the salting-out solvent extraction and dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) clean-up steps in QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method were optimized to reduce matrix effect and efficiently extract target sulfonamides from a variety of edible animal tissues. The extracted sulfonamides were then analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Good extraction recoveries (74.0-100.3% in five different sources of animal tissues; n=3) with acceptable matrix effect (<10%, except for liver samples) were obtained using the proposed method. For the first time, a commercial ND-lipids cartridge was used to remove hydrophobic matrix components from fat-rich animal tissues in the clean-up step of QuEChERS. In addition, good linearity (0.125-12.5ngg -1 ) was observed using matrix-matched calibration (in beef). Limits of detection (LODs) were estimated at 0.01-0.03ngg -1 in beef, pork, and chicken samples. For beef tripe and pig liver samples, the LODs were in the range of 0.02-0.04ngg -1 . Good intra-day/inter-day precision (1.0-10.5%/0.4-8.0%) and accuracy (95.2-107.2%/97.8-102.1%) were also achieved using the modified QuEChERS for sample pretreatment. The applicability of the modified QuEChERS-LC-MS/MS method was demonstrated by determining the occurrence of target sulfonamides in various edible animal tissues for potential food safety analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Resolution and some properties of enzymes involved in enantioselective transformation of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol to (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol by Corynebacterium sp. strain N-1074.

PubMed Central

Nakamura, T; Nagasawa, T; Yu, F; Watanabe, I; Yamada, H

1992-01-01

During the course of the transformation of 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (DCP) into (R)-3-chloro-1,2-propanediol [(R)-MCP] with the cell extract of Corynebacterium sp. strain N-1074, epichlorohydrin (ECH) was transiently formed. The cell extract was fractionated into two DCP-dechlorinating activities (fractions Ia and Ib) and two ECH-hydrolyzing activities (fractions IIa and IIb) by TSKgel DEAE-5PW column chromatography. Fractions Ia and Ib catalyzed the interconversion of DCP to ECH, and fractions IIa and IIb catalyzed the transformation of ECH into MCP. Fractions Ia and IIa showed only low enantioselectivity for each reaction, whereas fractions Ib and IIb exhibited considerable enantioselectivity, yielding R-rich ECH and MCP, respectively. Enzymes Ia and Ib were isolated from fractions Ia and Ib, respectively. Enzyme Ia had a molecular mass of about 108 kDa and consisted of four subunits identical in molecular mass (about 28 kDa). Enzyme Ib was a protein of 115 kDa, composed of two different polypeptides (about 35 and 32 kDa). The specific activity of enzyme Ib for DCP was about 30-fold higher than that of enzyme Ia. Both enzymes catalyzed the transformation of several halohydrins into the corresponding epoxides with liberation of halides and its reverse reaction. Their substrate specificities and immunological properties differed from each other. Enzyme Ia seemed to be halohydrin hydrogen-halide-lyase which was already purified from Escherichia coli carrying a gene from Corynebacterium sp. strain N-1074. Images PMID:1447132

Microwave plasma source for neutral-beam injection systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1981-08-01

The overall program is described and the technical and programmatic reasons for the decision to pursue both the RFI and ECH sources into the current hydrogen test stage is discussed. The general characteristics of plasma sources in the parameter regime of interest for neutral beam applications are considered. The operational characteristics, advantages and potential problems of RFI and ECH sources are discussed.

Determination of six parabens residues in fresh-cut vegetables using QuEChERS with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In this study, an optimized QuEChERS sample preparation method was developed to analyze residues of six parabens: methyl-, ethyl-, n-propyl-, isopropyl-, n-butyl-, and isobutyl-paraben in five fresh-cut vegetables (potato, broccoli, carrot, celery and cabbage) with high performance liquid chromatogr...

The membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase (Ech) from Methanosarcina barkeri: unusual properties of the iron-sulphur clusters.

PubMed

Kurkin, Sergei; Meuer, Jörn; Koch, Jürgen; Hedderich, Reiner; Albracht, Simon P J

2002-12-01

The purified membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase from Methanosarcina barkeri was studied with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) focusing on the properties of the iron-sulphur clusters. The EPR spectra showed signals from three different [4Fe-4S] clusters. Two of the clusters could be reduced under 101 kPa of H2, whereas the third cluster was only partially reduced. Magnetic interaction of one of the clusters with an unpaired electron localized on the Ni-Fe site indicated that this was the proximal cluster as found in all [NiFe]-hydrogenases. Hence, this cluster was assigned to be located in the EchC subunit. The other two clusters could therefore be assigned to be bound to the EchF subunit, which has two conserved four-Cys motifs for the binding of a [4Fe-4S] cluster. Redox titrations at different pH values demonstrated that the proximal cluster and one of the clusters in the EchF subunit had a pH-dependent midpoint potential. The possible relevance of these properties for the function of this proton-pumping [NiFe]-hydrogenase is discussed.

A Vivens Ex Vivo Study on the Synergistic Effect of Electrolysis and Freezing on the Cell Nucleus.

PubMed

Lugnani, Franco; Zanconati, Fabrizio; Marcuzzo, Thomas; Bottin, Cristina; Mikus, Paul; Guenther, Enric; Klein, Nina; Rubinsky, Liel; Stehling, Michael K; Rubinsky, Boris

2015-01-01

Freezing-cryosurgery, and electrolysis-electrochemical therapy (EChT), are two important minimally invasive surgery tissue ablation technologies. Despite major advantages they also have some disadvantages. Cryosurgery cannot induce cell death at high subzero freezing temperatures and requires multiple freeze thaw cycles, while EChT requires high concentrations of electrolytic products-which makes it a lengthy procedure. Based on the observation that freezing increases the concentration of solutes (including products of electrolysis) in the frozen region and permeabilizes the cell membrane to these products, this study examines the hypothesis that there could be a synergistic effect between freezing and electrolysis in their use together for tissue ablation. Using an animal model we refer to as vivens ex vivo, which may be of value in reducing the use of animals for experiments, combined with a Hematoxylin stain of the nucleus, we show that there are clinically relevant protocols in which the cell nucleus appears intact when electrolysis and freezing are used separately but is affected by certain combinations of electrolysis and freezing.

A Vivens Ex Vivo Study on the Synergistic Effect of Electrolysis and Freezing on the Cell Nucleus

PubMed Central

Lugnani, Franco; Zanconati, Fabrizio; Marcuzzo, Thomas; Bottin, Cristina; Mikus, Paul; Guenther, Enric; Klein, Nina; Rubinsky, Liel; Stehling, Michael K.; Rubinsky, Boris

2015-01-01

Freezing—cryosurgery, and electrolysis—electrochemical therapy (EChT), are two important minimally invasive surgery tissue ablation technologies. Despite major advantages they also have some disadvantages. Cryosurgery cannot induce cell death at high subzero freezing temperatures and requires multiple freeze thaw cycles, while EChT requires high concentrations of electrolytic products—which makes it a lengthy procedure. Based on the observation that freezing increases the concentration of solutes (including products of electrolysis) in the frozen region and permeabilizes the cell membrane to these products, this study examines the hypothesis that there could be a synergistic effect between freezing and electrolysis in their use together for tissue ablation. Using an animal model we refer to as vivens ex vivo, which may be of value in reducing the use of animals for experiments, combined with a Hematoxylin stain of the nucleus, we show that there are clinically relevant protocols in which the cell nucleus appears intact when electrolysis and freezing are used separately but is affected by certain combinations of electrolysis and freezing. PMID:26695185

[Poldi-Čech cemented femoral stem in total hip arthroplasty after 25 years].

PubMed

Rozkydal, Z; Janíček, P

2010-08-01

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of Poldi-Čech femoral stem implantation in primary total hip arthroplasty after 25 years. A group of 65 patients (90 hips) with Poldi-Čech total hip arthroplasty carried out between 1974 and 1984 was evaluated at the end of 2009. The mean follow-up of all patients was 28 years (25 to 35). There were seven men and 58 women. The mean age at the time of implantation was 43 years (26 to 60) and at the latest follow-up it was 72 years. In all patients the cemented UHMW PE acetabular component (RCH 1000) was used together with AKV Ultra 2 Poldi steel femoral stems (1st, 2nd and 3rd generations). The stem was a monoblock with a 32-mm head. The evaluation of the results was based on the Harris hip score and X ray with an A-P view of the pelvis and the affected hip. Statistical analysis was made using the life-table method. At the latest follow up the mean Harris score was 69.7 points (40 to 88). There were 69 hips with an original Poldi-Čech femoral component still in situ, 64 of them were stable and five with radiological evidence of aseptic loosening. Five patients had undergone Girdlestone resection arthroplasty for septic loosening. Thirteen patients (16 hips) had femoral stem revision. The cumulative proportion of clinical survivorship of the Poldi-Čech femoral stem, with revision for any reason as the endpoint, .was 0.93 at 6 years, 0.84 at 12 years, and 0.77 at 18, 24 and 30 years after the index surgery. Radiographic findings revealed 64 hips with stable stems, five hips with ;aseptic loosening (probable, 0 possible, 2, definite, 3). Six- teen hips were after revision surgery for aseptic loosening of the stem and five hips were after Girdlestone resection arthroplasty for septic failure. The cumulative proportion of radiological survivorship of the Poldi-Čech femoral stem with any reason as the endpoint was 0.92 at 6 years, 0.78 at 12 years, 0.72 at 18 years, 0.69 at 24 years and 0.69 at 30 years. The Poldi-Čech stem with its anatomical shape and a highly polished surface meets the principles of successful composite beam stems. Its disadvantage is a valgus neck- shaft angle of 140° giving lower femoral offset and the risk of development of valgus deformity of the ipsilateral knee. In most cases osteolysis, radiolucent lines and bone rarefaction of the femur resulted from polyethylene wear of the acetabular component. This study demonstrates a long-term survivorship of the Poldi-Čech femoral component in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty 25 to 35 years ago.

Pesticide Multiresidue Analysis in Cereal Grains Using Modified QuEChERS Method Combined with Automated Direct Sample Introduction GC-TOFMS and UPLC-MS/MS Techniques

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation method was modified to accommodate various cereal grain matrices (corn, oat, rice and wheat) and provide good analytical results (recoveries in the range of 70-120% and RSDs <20%) for the majority of the target pestici...

Electron Cyclotron Heating system status and upgrades on DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Cengher, Mirela; Lohr, John; Gorelov, Yuri; ...

2016-06-02

The Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system on the DIII-D tokamak consists of six 110 GHz gyrotrons with corrugated coaxial 31.75 mm waveguide transmission lines and steerable launching mirrors. The system has been gradually updated, leading to increased experimental flexibility and a high system reliability of 91% in the past year. Operationally, the gyrotrons can generate up to a total of 4.8 MW of rf power for pulses up to 5 seconds in length. The maximum ECH energy injected into the DIII-D has been 16.6 MJ. The HE11 mode content is over 85% for all the lines, and the transmission coefficientmore » is better than -1.1 dB for all the transmission lines, close to the theoretical value. A new depressed collector gyrotron was recently installed and was injecting up to 640 kW of power into the plasma during 2014-2015 tokamak operations. Three dual waveguide launchers, which can steer the RF beams ±20 degrees poloidally and toroidally, were used for real-time neoclassical tearing mode control and suppression. The launchers now have increased poloidal scanning speed and beam positioning accuracy of ~±2 mm at the plasma center. A new method of in-situ calibration of the mirror angle was used in conjunction with the upgrading of the encoders and motors for the launchers. Two more gyrotrons are expected to be installed and operational in 2015-2016. The first is a repaired 110 GHz, 1 MW gyrotron that had a gun failure after more than 11 years of operation at DIII-D. The second is a newly designed depressed collector tube in the 1.5 MW class, operating at 117.5 GHz, manufactured by Communications and Power Industries (CPI). It operates in the TE20,9 mode and has achieved 1.8 MW for short pulses during factory testing. Furthermore, this gyrotron is undergoing rework to address a high voltage standoff problem.« less

Hydrogenation of benzaldehyde via electrocatalysis and thermal catalysis on carbon-supported metals

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

Song, Yang; Sanyal, Udishnu; Pangotra, Dhananjai

Abstract Selective reduction of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol on C-supported Pt, Rh, Pd, and Ni in aqueous phase was conducted using either directly H2 (thermal catalytic hydrogenation, TCH) or in situ electrocatalytically generated hydrogen (electrocatalytic hydrogenation, ECH). In TCH, the intrinsic activity of the metals at room temperature and 1 bar H2 increased in the sequence Rh/C < Pt/C < Pd/C, while Ni/C is inactive at these conditions due to surface oxidation in the absence of cathodic potential. The reaction follows a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism with the second hydrogen addition to the adsorbed hydrocarbon being the rate-determining step. All tested metalsmore » were active in ECH of benzaldehyde, although hydrogenation competes with the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The minimum cathodic potentials to obtain appreciable ECH rates were identical to the onset potentials of HER. Above this onset, the relative rates of H reacting to H2 and H addition to the hydrocarbon determines the selectivity to ECH and TCH. Accordingly, the selectivity of the metals towards ECH increases in the order Ni/C < Pt/C < Rh/C < Pd/C. Pd/C shows exceptionally high ECH selectivity due to its surprisingly low HER reactivity under the reaction conditions. Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank the groups of Hubert A. Gasteiger at the Technische Universität München of Jorge Gascon at the Delft University of Technology for advice and valuable discussions. The authors are grateful to Nirala Singh, Erika Ember, Gary Haller, and Philipp Rheinländer for fruitful discussions. We are also grateful to Marianne Hanzlik for TEM measurements and to Xaver Hecht and Martin Neukamm for technical support. Y.S. would like to thank the Chinese Scholarship Council for the financial support. The research described in this paper is part of the Chemical Transformation Initiative at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), conducted under the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program at PNNL, a multiprogram national laboratory operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.« less

Cold-induced aqueous acetonitrile phase separation: A salt-free way to begin quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe.

PubMed

Shao, Gang; Agar, Jeffrey; Giese, Roger W

2017-07-14

Cooling a 1:1 (v/v) solution of acetonitrile and water at -16° C is known to result in two clear phases. We will refer to this event as "cold-induced aqueous acetonitrile phase separation (CIPS)". On a molar basis, acetonitrile is 71.7% and 13.6% in the upper and lower phases, respectively, in our study. The phase separation proceeds as a descending cloud of microdroplets. At the convenient temperature (typical freezer) employed here the lower phase is rather resistant to solidification, although it emerges from the freezer as a solid if various insoluble matter is present at the outset. In a preliminary way, we replaced the initial (salting-out) step of a representative QuEChERS procedure with CIPS, applying this modified procedure ("CIPS-QuEChERS") to a homogenate of salmon (and partly to beef). Three phases resulted, where only the upper, acetonitrile-rich phase is a liquid (that is completely clear). The middle phase comprises ice and precipitated lipids, while the lower phase is the residual matrix of undissolved salmon or meat. Treating the upper phase from salmon, after isolation, with anhydrous MgSO 4 and C18-Si (typical QuEChERS dispersive solid phase extraction sorbents), and injecting into a GC-MS in a nontargeted mode, gives two-fold more preliminary hits for chemicals, and also number of spiked pesticides recovered, relative to that from a comparable QuEChERS method. In part, this is because of much higher background signals in the latter case. Further study of CIPS-QuEChERS is encouraged, including taking advantage of other QuERChERS conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of accelerated solvent extraction and quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method for extraction and determination of pharmaceuticals in vegetables.

PubMed

Chuang, Ya-Hui; Zhang, Yingjie; Zhang, Wei; Boyd, Stephen A; Li, Hui

2015-07-24

Land application of biosolids and irrigation with reclaimed water in agricultural production could result in accumulation of pharmaceuticals in vegetable produce. To better assess the potential human health impact from long-term consumption of pharmaceutical-contaminated vegetables, it is important to accurately quantify the amount of pharmaceuticals accumulated in vegetables. In this study, a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method was developed and optimized to extract multiple classes of pharmaceuticals from vegetables, which were subsequently quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. For the eleven target pharmaceuticals in celery and lettuce, the extraction recovery of the QuEChERS method ranged from 70.1 to 118.6% with relative standard deviation <20%, and the method detection limit was achieved at the levels of nanograms of pharmaceuticals per gram of vegetables. The results revealed that the performance of the QuEChERS method was comparable to, or better than that of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) method for extraction of pharmaceuticals from plants. The two optimized extraction methods were applied to quantify the uptake of pharmaceuticals by celery and lettuce growing hydroponically. The results showed that all the eleven target pharmaceuticals could be absorbed by the vegetables from water. Compared to the ASE method, the QuEChERS method offers the advantages of short time and reduced costs of sample preparation, and less amount of organic solvents used. The established QuEChERS method could be used to determine the accumulation of multiple classes of pharmaceutical residues in vegetables and other plants, which is needed to evaluate the quality and safety of agricultural produce consumed by humans. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A sensitive and efficient method for routine pesticide multiresidue analysis in bee pollen samples using gas and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Vázquez, P Parrilla; Lozano, A; Uclés, S; Ramos, M M Gómez; Fernández-Alba, A R

2015-12-24

Several clean-up methods were evaluated for 253 pesticides in pollen samples concentrating on efficient clean-up and the highest number of pesticides satisfying the recovery and precision criteria. These were: (a) modified QuEChERS using dSPE with PSA+C18; (b) freeze-out prior to QuEChERS using dSPE with PSA+C18; (c) freeze-out prior to QuEChERS using dSPE with PSA+C18+Z-Sep; and (d) freeze-out followed by QuEChERS using dSPE with PSA+C18 and SPE with Z-Sep. Determinations were made using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. The modified QuEChERS protocol applying a freeze-out followed by dSPE with PSA+C18 and SPE clean-up with Z-Sep was selected because it provided the highest number of pesticides with mean recoveries in the 70-120% range, as well as relative standard deviations (RSDs) typically below 20% (12.2% on average) and ensured much better removal of co-extracted matrix compounds of paramount importance in routine analysis. Limits of quantification at levels as low as 5μgkg(-1) were obtained for the majority of the pesticides. The proposed methodology was applied to the analysis of 41 pollen bee samples from different areas in Spain. Pesticides considered potentially toxic to bees (DL50<2μg/bee) were detected in some samples with concentrations up to 72.7μgkg(-1), which could negatively affect honeybee health. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterising Super Earths With The EChO Spacemission Concept

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tessenyi, Marcell; Ollivier, M.; Tinetti, G.; Beaulieu, J. P.; Coudé du Foresto, V.; Encrenaz, T.; Micela, G.; Swinyard, B.; Ribas, I.; Aylward, A.; Tennyson, J.; Swain, M. R.; Sozzetti, A.; Vasisht, G.; Deroo, P.

2011-09-01

Transiting Super Earths orbiting M dwarfs are excellent targets for the prospect of studying potentially habitable extrasolar planets. While most of the currently known Exoplanets are of the Hot Jupiter and Neptune type, attention is now turning to these Super Earths. Two recent examples are GJ 1214b, found by Charbonneau et al. in 2009, and Cancri 55 e, found by Winn et al. in 2011. These candidates offer the opportunity of obtaining spectral signatures of their atmospheres in transiting scenarios, via data obtained by ground based and space observatories, compared to simulated climate scenarios. With the recent selection of the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) mission by ESA for further studies, I present observational strategies and time requirements for a range of targets characterisable by EChO, with a view to Super Earths orbiting M dwarfs.

Multi-scale transport in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating and projection to ITER

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

Grierson, B. A.; Staebler, G. M.; Solomon, W. M.

Multi-scale fluctuations measured by turbulence diagnostics spanning long and short wavelength spatial scales impact energy confinement and the scale-lengths of plasma kinetic profiles in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating. Contrasting discharge phases with ECH + neutral beam injection (NBI) and NBI only at similar rotation reveal higher energy confinement and lower fluctuations when only NBI heating is used. Modeling of the core transport with TGYRO using the TGLF turbulent transport model and NEO neoclassical transport reproduces the experimental profile changes upon application of direct electron heating and indicates that multi-scale transport mechanisms are responsible for changesmore » in the temperature and density profiles. Intermediate and high-k fluctuations appear responsible for the enhanced electron thermal flux, and intermediate-k electron modes produce an inward particle pinch that increases the inverse density scale length. Projection to ITER is performed with TGLF and indicates a density profile that has a finite scale length due to intermediate-k electron modes at low collisionality and increases the fusion gain. Finally, for a range of E×B shear, the dominant mechanism that increases fusion performance is suppression of outward low-k particle flux and increased density peaking.« less

Multi-scale transport in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating and projection to ITER

DOE PAGES

Grierson, B. A.; Staebler, G. M.; Solomon, W. M.; ...

2018-02-01

Multi-scale fluctuations measured by turbulence diagnostics spanning long and short wavelength spatial scales impact energy confinement and the scale-lengths of plasma kinetic profiles in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating. Contrasting discharge phases with ECH + neutral beam injection (NBI) and NBI only at similar rotation reveal higher energy confinement and lower fluctuations when only NBI heating is used. Modeling of the core transport with TGYRO using the TGLF turbulent transport model and NEO neoclassical transport reproduces the experimental profile changes upon application of direct electron heating and indicates that multi-scale transport mechanisms are responsible for changesmore » in the temperature and density profiles. Intermediate and high-k fluctuations appear responsible for the enhanced electron thermal flux, and intermediate-k electron modes produce an inward particle pinch that increases the inverse density scale length. Projection to ITER is performed with TGLF and indicates a density profile that has a finite scale length due to intermediate-k electron modes at low collisionality and increases the fusion gain. Finally, for a range of E×B shear, the dominant mechanism that increases fusion performance is suppression of outward low-k particle flux and increased density peaking.« less

Multi-scale transport in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating and projection to ITER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grierson, B. A.; Staebler, G. M.; Solomon, W. M.; McKee, G. R.; Holland, C.; Austin, M.; Marinoni, A.; Schmitz, L.; Pinsker, R. I.; DIII-D Team

2018-02-01

Multi-scale fluctuations measured by turbulence diagnostics spanning long and short wavelength spatial scales impact energy confinement and the scale-lengths of plasma kinetic profiles in the DIII-D ITER baseline scenario with direct electron heating. Contrasting discharge phases with ECH + neutral beam injection (NBI) and NBI only at similar rotation reveal higher energy confinement and lower fluctuations when only NBI heating is used. Modeling of the core transport with TGYRO using the TGLF turbulent transport model and NEO neoclassical transport reproduces the experimental profile changes upon application of direct electron heating and indicates that multi-scale transport mechanisms are responsible for changes in the temperature and density profiles. Intermediate and high-k fluctuations appear responsible for the enhanced electron thermal flux, and intermediate-k electron modes produce an inward particle pinch that increases the inverse density scale length. Projection to ITER is performed with TGLF and indicates a density profile that has a finite scale length due to intermediate-k electron modes at low collisionality and increases the fusion gain. For a range of E × B shear, the dominant mechanism that increases fusion performance is suppression of outward low-k particle flux and increased density peaking.

A Different Kind of Leader for a Different Kind of School? A Study of Two Early College High Schools in North Carolina

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wynn, William H., III

2016-01-01

Early College High Schools (ECHS) allow students to combine high school and college curriculum and graduate with a high school diploma and transferable college credit, with students in many cases earning associate's degrees. ECHS schools have a tendency to focus on students that have been underserved in the education system. Currently there is a…

Use of ammonium formate in QuEChERS for high-throughput analysis of pesticides in food by fast, low-pressure gas chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe” (QuEChERS) approach to sample preparation is widely applied in pesticide residue analysis, but the use of magnesium sulfate for salting out in the method is not ideal for mass spectrometry. In this study we developed and evaluated three new diffe...

Differences in clinical characteristics and frequency of accompanying migraine features in episodic and chronic cluster headache.

PubMed

Gaul, C; Christmann, N; Schröder, D; Weber, R; Shanib, H; Diener, H C; Holle, D

2012-05-01

Data on clinical differences between episodic (eCH) and chronic cluster headache (cCH) and accompanying migraine features are limited. History and clinical features of 209 consecutive cluster headache patients (144 eCH, 65 cCH; male:female ratio 3.4 : 1) were obtained in a tertiary headache centre by face-to-face interviews. Relationship between occurrence of accompanying symptoms, pain intensity, comorbid migraine, and circannual and circadian rhythmicity was analysed. 99.5% of patients reported a minimum of one ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptom (CAS); 80% showed at least three CAS. A seasonal rhythmicity was observed in both eCH and cCH. A comorbid headache disorder occurred in 25%. No significant difference was detected between patients with comorbid migraine and without regarding occurrence of phonophobia, photophobia or nausea during cluster attacks. Patients with comorbid migraine reported allodynia significantly (p = 0.022) more often during cluster attacks than patients without comorbid migraine. Occurrence of CAS and attack frequency, as well as periodic patterns of attacks, are relatively uniform in eCH and cCH. Multiple CAS are not related to pain intensity. Allodynia during cluster attacks is a frequent symptom. The unexpectedly high rate of accompanying migrainous features during cluster attacks cannot be explained by comorbid migraine.

Simultaneous analysis of 70 pesticides using HPlc/MS/MS: a comparison of the multiresidue method of Klein and Alder and the QuEChERS method.

PubMed

Riedel, Melanie; Speer, Karl; Stuke, Sven; Schmeer, Karl

2010-01-01

Since 2003, two new multipesticide residue methods for screening crops for a large number of pesticides, developed by Klein and Alder and Anastassiades et al. (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe; QuEChERS), have been published. Our intention was to compare these two important methods on the basis of their extraction efficiency, reproducibility, ruggedness, ease of use, and speed. In total, 70 pesticides belonging to numerous different substance classes were analyzed at two concentration levels by applying both methods, using five different representative matrixes. In the case of the QuEChERS method, the results of the three sample preparation steps (crude extract, extract after SPE, and extract after SPE and acidification) were compared with each other and with the results obtained with the Klein and Alder method. The extraction efficiencies of the QuEChERS method were far higher, and the sample preparation was much quicker when the last two steps were omitted. In most cases, the extraction efficiencies after the first step were approximately 100%. With extraction efficiencies of mostly less than 70%, the Klein and Alder method did not compare favorably. Some analytes caused problems during evaluation, mostly due to matrix influences.

Turbulent particle transport as a function of toroidal rotation in DIII-D H-mode plasmas

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xin; Mordijck, Saskia; Zeng, Lei; ...

2016-03-01

In this paper we show how changes in toroidal rotation, by controlling the injected torque, affect particle transport and confinement. The toroidal rotation is altered using the co- and counter neutral beam injection (NBI) in low collisionality H-mode plasmas on DIII-D with dominant electron cyclotron heating (ECH). We find that there is no correlation between the toroidal rotation shear and the inverse density gradient, which is observed on AUG whenmore » $${{T}_{\\text{e}}}/{{T}_{\\text{i}}}$$ is varied using ECH (Angioni et al 2011 Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 215003). In DIII-D, we find that in a discharge with balanced torque injection, the $$E\\times B$$ shear is smaller than the linear gyrokinetic growth rate for small $${{k}_{\\theta}}{{\\rho}_{s}}$$ for $$\\rho =0.6$$ –0.85. This results in lower particle confinement. In the co- and counter- injected discharges the $$E\\times B$$ shear is larger or close to the linear growth rate at the plasma edge and both configurations have higher particle confinement. In order to measure particle transport, we use a small periodic perturbative gas puff. This gas puff perturbs the density profiles and allows us to extract the perturbed diffusion and inward pinch coefficients. We observe a strong increase in the inward particle pinch in the counter-torque injected plasma. Lastly, the calculated quasi-linear particle flux, nor the linear growth rates using TGLF agree with experimental observations.« less

Comparison of QuEChERS sample preparation methods for the analysis of pesticide residues in canned and fresh peach.

PubMed

Costa, Fabiane Pinho; Caldas, Sergiane Souza; Primel, Ednei Gilberto

2014-12-15

Original, citrate and acetate QuEChERS methods were studied in order to evaluate the extraction efficiency and the matrix effect in the extraction of pesticides from canned peach samples. Determinations were performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The proposed method with extraction using the original QuEChERS method and determination by GC-MS was validated. LOQs ranged between 1 and 10 μg kg(-1) and all analytical curves showed r values higher than 0.99. Recovery values varied from 69% to 125% with RSDs less than 20%. The matrix effect was evaluated and most compounds showed signal enrichment. Robustness was demonstrated using fresh peaches, which provided recovery values within acceptable limits. The applicability of the method was verified and residues of tebuconazole and dimethoate were found in the samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of ten pyrethroids in various fruit juices: comparison of dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction sample preparation and QuEChERS method combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction.

PubMed

Zhang, Yaohai; Zhang, Xuelian; Jiao, Bining

2014-09-15

Dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) sample preparation and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) method combined with DLLME were developed and compared for the analysis of ten pyrethroids in various fruit juices using gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD). QuEChERS-DLLME method has found its widespread applications to all the fruit juices including those samples with more complex matrices (orange, lemon, kiwi and mango) while DLLME was confined to the fruit juices with simpler matrices (apple, pear, grape and peach). The two methods provided acceptable recoveries and repeatability. In addition, the applicabilities of two methods were demonstrated with the real samples and further confirmed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Evaluation of the QuEChERS sample preparation approach for the analysis of pesticide residues in olives.

PubMed

Cunha, Sara C; Lehotay, Steven J; Mastovska, Katerina; Fernandes, José O; Beatriz, Maria; Oliveira, P P

2007-03-01

This paper describes the use of a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method for extraction and cleanup of 16 pesticide residues of interest in olives and olive oil. These products contain a high lipid content, which can adversely affect pesticide recoveries and harm traditional chromatographic systems. For extraction, the main factors (oil and water content) were studied and optimized in experiments to maximize pesticide recoveries. Dispersive SPE with different sorbents was also investigated to minimize matrix coextractives and interferences. For analysis, a new automated DSI device was tested in GC-MS to avoid nonvolatile coextractives from contaminating the instrument. LC-MS/MS with positive ESI was used for those pesticides that were difficult to detect by GC-MS. The final method was validated for olives in terms of recoveries, repeatabilities, and reproducibilities using both detection techniques. The results demonstrated that the method achieved acceptable quantitative recoveries of 70-109% with RSDs < 20% for DSI-GC-MS and 88-130% with RSDs < 10% for LC-MS/MS, and LOQ at or below the regulatory maximum residue limits for the pesticides were achieved.

Effects of limiter biasing on the ATF torsatron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uckan, T.; Aceto, S. C.; Baylor, L. R.; Bell, J. D.; Bigelow, T. S.; England, A. C.; Harris, J. H.; Isler, R. C.; Jernigan, T. C.; Lyon, J. F.; Ma, C. H.; Mioduszewski, P. K.; Murakami, M.; Rasmussen, D. A.; Wilgen, J. B.; Zielinski, J. J.

1992-12-01

Positive limiter biasing on the currentless ATF torsatron produces a significant increase in the particle confinement with no improvement in the energy confinement. Experiments have been carried out in 1-T plasmas with ˜400 kW of ECH. Two rail limiters located at the last closed flux surface (LCFS), one at the top and one at the bottom of the device, are biased at positive and negative potentials with respect to the vessel. When the limiters are positively biased at up to 300 V, the density increases sharply to the ECH cutoff value. At the same time, the H α radiation drops, indicating that the particle confinement improves. When the density is kept constant, the H α radiation is further reduced and there is almost no change of plasma stored energy. Under these conditions, the density profiles become peaked and the electric field becomes outward-pointing outside the LCFS and more negative inside the LCFS. In contrast, negative biasing yields some reduction of the density and stored energy at constant gas feed, and the plasma potential profile remains the same. Biasing has almost no effect on the intrinsic impurity levels in the plasma.

Protecting Against Damage from Refraction of High Power Microwaves in the DIII-D Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lohr, John; Brambila, Rigo; Cengher, Mirela; Chen, Xi; Gorelov, Yuri; Grosnickle, William; Moeller, Charles; Ponce, Dan; Prater, Ron; Torrezan, Antonio; Austin, Max; Doyle, Edward; Hu, Xing; Dormier, Calvin

2017-07-01

Several new protective systems are being installed on the DIII D tokamak to increase the safety margins for plasma operations with injected ECH power at densities approaching cutoff. Inadvertent overdense operation has previously resulted in reflection of an rf beam back into a launcher causing extensive arcing and melt damage on one waveguide line. Damage to microwave diagnostics, which are located on the same side of the tokamak as the ECH launchers, also has occurred. Developing a reliable microwave based interlock to protect the many vulnerable systems in DIII-D has proved to be difficult. Therefore, multiple protective steps have been taken to reduce the risk of damage in the future. Among these is a density interlock generated by the plasma control system, with setpoint determined by the ECH operators based on rf beam trajectories and plasma parameters. Also installed are enhanced video monitoring of the launchers, and an ambient light monitor on each of the waveguide systems, along with a Langmuir probe at the mouth of each launcher. Versatile rf monitors, measuring forward and reflected power in addition to the mode content of the rf beams, have been installed as the last miter bends in each waveguide line. As these systems are characterized, they are being incorporated in the interlock chains, which enable the ECH injection permits. The diagnostics most susceptible to damage from the ECH waves have also been fitted with a variety of protective devices including stripline filters, thin resonant notch filters tuned to the 110 GHz injected microwave frequency, blazed grating filters and shutters. Calculations of rf beam trajectories in the plasmas are performed using the TORAY ray tracing code with input from kinetic profile diagnostics. Using these calculations, strike points for refracted beams on the vacuum vessel are calculated, which allows evaluation of the risk of damage to sensitive diagnostics and hardware.

Pesticide residues in fruit samples: comparison of different QuEChERS methods using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Christia, C; Bizani, E; Christophoridis, C; Fytianos, K

2015-09-01

Acetate- and citrate-buffered quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe (QuEChERS) pretreatment methods were evaluated for the determination of various pesticides in peaches, grapes, apples, bananas, pears, and strawberries from various regions of Greece, using LC-MS/MS. The purposes of this study were (i) to evaluate which type of QuEChERS method was the most appropriate and effective for each matrix; (ii) to apply the selected QuEChERS method for each matrix, in order to detect and quantify pesticide residues in various fruit samples using UPLC-MS/MS; (iii) to examine the concentration distribution of pesticide classes among fruit originating from various areas; and (iv) to assess pesticide concentration distribution between peel and flesh of fruit in order to evaluate the penetration of pesticide residues in the fruit flesh. Acetate-buffered QuEChERS was found to be the most suitable technique for most of the fruit matrices. According to the recovery values at two different concentration levels, peaches should preferably be treated by the citrate-buffered type, whereas grapes, bananas, apples, pears, and strawberries are best treated by the acetate-buffered version, although the differences in efficiency were small. The addition of graphitized carbon black significantly decreases the recovery of specific pesticides in all matrices except for strawberries. The majority of values do not exceed the official maximum residue levels set by the European Commission. Organophosphates proved to be the most commonly detected category along with triazines-triazoles-conazoles group and by carbamates. Apples and pears seem to be the most contaminated fruit matrices among those tested. Distribution of pesticide classes shows variations between different regions, suggesting different pesticide application practices. In the case of peaches and pears, there is an equal distribution of detected pesticides between peel and flesh, indicating penetration of contaminants into the fruit flesh.

Protecting against damage from refraction of high power microwaves in the DIII-D tokamak

DOE PAGES

Lohr, John; Brambila, Rigo; Cengher, Mirela; ...

2017-07-24

Here, several new protective systems are being installed on the DIII D tokamak to increase the safety margins for plasma operations with injected ECH power at densities approaching cutoff. Inadvertent overdense operation has previously resulted in reflection of an rf beam back into a launcher causing extensive arcing and melt damage on one waveguide line. Damage to microwave diagnostics, which are located on the same side of the tokamak as the ECH launchers, also has occurred. Developing a reliable microwave based interlock to protect the many vulnerable systems in DIII-D has proved to be difficult. Therefore, multiple protective steps havemore » been taken to reduce the risk of damage in the future. Among these is a density interlock generated by the plasma control system, with setpoint determined by the ECH operators based on rf beam trajectories and plasma parameters. Also installed are enhanced video monitoring of the launchers, and an ambient light monitor on each of the waveguide systems, along with a Langmuir probe at the mouth of each launcher. Versatile rf monitors, measuring forward and reflected power in addition to the mode content of the rf beams, have been installed as the last miter bends in each waveguide line. As these systems are characterized, they are being incorporated in the interlock chains, which enable the ECH injection permits. The diagnostics most susceptible to damage from the ECH waves have also been fitted with a variety of protective devices including stripline filters, thin resonant notch filters tuned to the 110 GHz injected microwave frequency, blazed grating filters and shutters. Calculations of rf beam trajectories in the plasmas are performed using the TORAY ray tracing code with input from kinetic profile diagnostics. Using these calculations, strike points for refracted beams on the vacuum vessel are calculated, which allows evaluation of the risk of damage to sensitive diagnostics and hardware.« less

Protecting against damage from refraction of high power microwaves in the DIII-D tokamak

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

Lohr, John; Brambila, Rigo; Cengher, Mirela

Here, several new protective systems are being installed on the DIII D tokamak to increase the safety margins for plasma operations with injected ECH power at densities approaching cutoff. Inadvertent overdense operation has previously resulted in reflection of an rf beam back into a launcher causing extensive arcing and melt damage on one waveguide line. Damage to microwave diagnostics, which are located on the same side of the tokamak as the ECH launchers, also has occurred. Developing a reliable microwave based interlock to protect the many vulnerable systems in DIII-D has proved to be difficult. Therefore, multiple protective steps havemore » been taken to reduce the risk of damage in the future. Among these is a density interlock generated by the plasma control system, with setpoint determined by the ECH operators based on rf beam trajectories and plasma parameters. Also installed are enhanced video monitoring of the launchers, and an ambient light monitor on each of the waveguide systems, along with a Langmuir probe at the mouth of each launcher. Versatile rf monitors, measuring forward and reflected power in addition to the mode content of the rf beams, have been installed as the last miter bends in each waveguide line. As these systems are characterized, they are being incorporated in the interlock chains, which enable the ECH injection permits. The diagnostics most susceptible to damage from the ECH waves have also been fitted with a variety of protective devices including stripline filters, thin resonant notch filters tuned to the 110 GHz injected microwave frequency, blazed grating filters and shutters. Calculations of rf beam trajectories in the plasmas are performed using the TORAY ray tracing code with input from kinetic profile diagnostics. Using these calculations, strike points for refracted beams on the vacuum vessel are calculated, which allows evaluation of the risk of damage to sensitive diagnostics and hardware.« less

Comparison of two extraction methods for the determination of 135 pesticides in Corydalis Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-mass spectrometry. Application to the roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines.

PubMed

Liu, Jie; Tong, Ling; Li, Dongxiang; Meng, Wenting; Sun, Wanyang; Zhao, Yunli; Yu, Zhiguo

2016-04-01

In this study, two simple pretreatment methods were comprehensively evaluated for the determination of 135 pesticide residues in roots and rhizomes of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). The studied methodologies are (a) solid-phase extraction (SPE) and (b) Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS). For SPE, extraction solvents, SPE cartridges and types and volume of eluent were accessed and optimized. For QuEChERS, different versions, acetic acid concentration and dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) sorbent materials were tested. SPE and QuEChERS were estimated in recovery range, the number of pesticides that were recovered ranging from 90% to 110% and expenses in Corydalis Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. QuEChERS method showed better performance than SPE. The method showed good linearity over the range assayed 0.9986-0.9999 (1-80ng/mL for 124 pesticides, 1-50ng/mL for 10 pesticides, 1-20ng/mL for satisfar). The matrix effect was compensated by matrix-based calibration curves with internal standard. The average recoveries of all pesticides were ranging from 70% to 120% at three levels of 10, 50 and 100ng/g with relative standard deviations less than 20%. The limits of quantification of the 135 pesticides in three matrices were 1-5ng/g, which were below the maximum residue levels (MRLs) established by the European Union. The verified QuEChERS method was successfully applied to the analysis of 65 actual samples from eight different types of roots and rhizomes of CHMs. Angelicae Sinensis Radix was the most susceptible to pesticides among these samples, and the most frequently detected pesticide was carbendazim with levels below MRLs. Metalaxyl, phorate, atrazine, diniconazole, coumaphos and paclobutrazol were also detected in some samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simultaneous determination of multiclass pesticide residues in human plasma using a mini QuEChERS method.

PubMed

Srivastava, Anshuman; Rai, Satyajeet; Kumar Sonker, Ashish; Karsauliya, Kajal; Pandey, Chandra Prabha; Singh, Sheelendra Pratap

2017-06-01

Blood is one of the most assessable matrices for the determination of pesticide residue exposure in humans. Effective sample preparation/cleanup of biological samples is very important in the development of a sensitive, reproducible, and robust method. In the present study, a simple, cost-effective, and rapid gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of 31 multiclass (organophosphates, organochlorines, and synthetic pyrethroids) pesticide residues in human plasma by means of a mini QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method. We have adopted a modified version of the QuEChERS method, which is primarily used for pesticide residue analysis in food commodities. The QuEChERS method was optimized by use of different extraction solvents and different amounts and combinations of salts and sorbents (primary-secondary amines and C 18 ) for the dispersive solid-phase extraction step. The results show that a combination of ethyl acetate with 2% acetic acid, magnesium sulfate (0.4 g), and solid-phase extraction for sample cleanup with primary-secondary amines (50 mg) per 1-mL volume of plasma is the most suitable for generating acceptable results with high recoveries for all multiclass pesticides from human plasma. The mean recovery ranged from 74% to 109% for all the analytes. The limit of quantification and limit of detection of the method ranged from 0.12 to 13.53 ng mL -1 and from 0.04 to 4.10 ng mL -1 respectively. The intraday precision and the interday precision of the method were 6% or less and 11% or less respectively. This method would be useful for the analysis of a wide range of pesticides of interest in a small volume of clinical and/or forensic samples to support biomonitoring and toxicological applications. Graphical Abstract Pesticide residues analysis in human plasma using mini QuEChERS method.

Design of the ITER Electron Cyclotron Heating and Current Drive Waveguide Transmission Line

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bigelow, T. S.; Rasmussen, D. A.; Shapiro, M. A.; Sirigiri, J. R.; Temkin, R. J.; Grunloh, H.; Koliner, J.

2007-11-01

The ITER ECH transmission line system is designed to deliver the power, from twenty-four 1 MW 170 GHz gyrotrons and three 1 MW 127.5 GHz gyrotrons, to the equatorial and upper launchers. The performance requirements, initial design of components and layout between the gyrotrons and the launchers is underway. Similar 63.5 mm ID corrugated waveguide systems have been built and installed on several fusion experiments; however, none have operated at the high frequency and long-pulse required for ITER. Prototype components are being tested at low power to estimate ohmic and mode conversion losses. In order to develop and qualify the ITER components prior to procurement of the full set of 24 transmission lines, a 170 GHz high power test of a complete prototype transmission line is planned. Testing of the transmission line at 1-2 MW can be performed with a modest power (˜0.5 MW) tube with a low loss (10-20%) resonant ring configuration. A 140 GHz long pulse, 400 kW gyrotron will be used in the initial tests and a 170 GHz gyrotron will be used when it becomes available. Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.

Measurement of a density profile of a hot-electron plasma in RT-1 with three-chord interferometry

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

Saitoh, H.; Yano, Y.; Yoshida, Z.

2015-02-15

The electron density profile of a plasma in a magnetospheric dipole field configuration was measured with a multi-chord interferometry including a relativistic correction. In order to improve the accuracy of density reconstruction, a 75 GHz interferometer was installed at a vertical chord of the Ring Trap 1 (RT-1) device in addition to previously installed ones at tangential and another vertical chords. The density profile was calculated by using the data of three-chord interferometry including relativistic effects for a plasma consisting of hot and cold electrons generated by electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECH). The results clearly showed the effects of density peakingmore » and magnetic mirror trapping in a strongly inhomogeneous dipole magnetic field.« less

The EChO science case

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinetti, Giovanna; Drossart, Pierre; Eccleston, Paul; Hartogh, Paul; Isaak, Kate; Linder, Martin; Lovis, Christophe; Micela, Giusi; Ollivier, Marc; Puig, Ludovic; Ribas, Ignasi; Snellen, Ignas; Swinyard, Bruce; Allard, France; Barstow, Joanna; Cho, James; Coustenis, Athena; Cockell, Charles; Correia, Alexandre; Decin, Leen; de Kok, Remco; Deroo, Pieter; Encrenaz, Therese; Forget, Francois; Glasse, Alistair; Griffith, Caitlin; Guillot, Tristan; Koskinen, Tommi; Lammer, Helmut; Leconte, Jeremy; Maxted, Pierre; Mueller-Wodarg, Ingo; Nelson, Richard; North, Chris; Pallé, Enric; Pagano, Isabella; Piccioni, Guseppe; Pinfield, David; Selsis, Franck; Sozzetti, Alessandro; Stixrude, Lars; Tennyson, Jonathan; Turrini, Diego; Zapatero-Osorio, Mariarosa; Beaulieu, Jean-Philippe; Grodent, Denis; Guedel, Manuel; Luz, David; Nørgaard-Nielsen, Hans Ulrik; Ray, Tom; Rickman, Hans; Selig, Avri; Swain, Mark; Banaszkiewicz, Marek; Barlow, Mike; Bowles, Neil; Branduardi-Raymont, Graziella; du Foresto, Vincent Coudé; Gerard, Jean-Claude; Gizon, Laurent; Hornstrup, Allan; Jarchow, Christopher; Kerschbaum, Franz; Kovacs, Géza; Lagage, Pierre-Olivier; Lim, Tanya; Lopez-Morales, Mercedes; Malaguti, Giuseppe; Pace, Emanuele; Pascale, Enzo; Vandenbussche, Bart; Wright, Gillian; Ramos Zapata, Gonzalo; Adriani, Alberto; Azzollini, Ruymán; Balado, Ana; Bryson, Ian; Burston, Raymond; Colomé, Josep; Crook, Martin; Di Giorgio, Anna; Griffin, Matt; Hoogeveen, Ruud; Ottensamer, Roland; Irshad, Ranah; Middleton, Kevin; Morgante, Gianluca; Pinsard, Frederic; Rataj, Mirek; Reess, Jean-Michel; Savini, Giorgio; Schrader, Jan-Rutger; Stamper, Richard; Winter, Berend; Abe, L.; Abreu, M.; Achilleos, N.; Ade, P.; Adybekian, V.; Affer, L.; Agnor, C.; Agundez, M.; Alard, C.; Alcala, J.; Allende Prieto, C.; Alonso Floriano, F. J.; Altieri, F.; Alvarez Iglesias, C. A.; Amado, P.; Andersen, A.; Aylward, A.; Baffa, C.; Bakos, G.; Ballerini, P.; Banaszkiewicz, M.; Barber, R. J.; Barrado, D.; Barton, E. J.; Batista, V.; Bellucci, G.; Belmonte Avilés, J. A.; Berry, D.; Bézard, B.; Biondi, D.; Błęcka, M.; Boisse, I.; Bonfond, B.; Bordé, P.; Börner, P.; Bouy, H.; Brown, L.; Buchhave, L.; Budaj, J.; Bulgarelli, A.; Burleigh, M.; Cabral, A.; Capria, M. T.; Cassan, A.; Cavarroc, C.; Cecchi-Pestellini, C.; Cerulli, R.; Chadney, J.; Chamberlain, S.; Charnoz, S.; Christian Jessen, N.; Ciaravella, A.; Claret, A.; Claudi, R.; Coates, A.; Cole, R.; Collura, A.; Cordier, D.; Covino, E.; Danielski, C.; Damasso, M.; Deeg, H. J.; Delgado-Mena, E.; Del Vecchio, C.; Demangeon, O.; De Sio, A.; De Wit, J.; Dobrijévic, M.; Doel, P.; Dominic, C.; Dorfi, E.; Eales, S.; Eiroa, C.; Espinoza Contreras, M.; Esposito, M.; Eymet, V.; Fabrizio, N.; Fernández, M.; Femenía Castella, B.; Figueira, P.; Filacchione, G.; Fletcher, L.; Focardi, M.; Fossey, S.; Fouqué, P.; Frith, J.; Galand, M.; Gambicorti, L.; Gaulme, P.; García López, R. J.; Garcia-Piquer, A.; Gear, W.; Gerard, J.-C.; Gesa, L.; Giani, E.; Gianotti, F.; Gillon, M.; Giro, E.; Giuranna, M.; Gomez, H.; Gomez-Leal, I.; Gonzalez Hernandez, J.; González Merino, B.; Graczyk, R.; Grassi, D.; Guardia, J.; Guio, P.; Gustin, J.; Hargrave, P.; Haigh, J.; Hébrard, E.; Heiter, U.; Heredero, R. L.; Herrero, E.; Hersant, F.; Heyrovsky, D.; Hollis, M.; Hubert, B.; Hueso, R.; Israelian, G.; Iro, N.; Irwin, P.; Jacquemoud, S.; Jones, G.; Jones, H.; Justtanont, K.; Kehoe, T.; Kerschbaum, F.; Kerins, E.; Kervella, P.; Kipping, D.; Koskinen, T.; Krupp, N.; Lahav, O.; Laken, B.; Lanza, N.; Lellouch, E.; Leto, G.; Licandro Goldaracena, J.; Lithgow-Bertelloni, C.; Liu, S. J.; Lo Cicero, U.; Lodieu, N.; Lognonné, P.; Lopez-Puertas, M.; Lopez-Valverde, M. A.; Lundgaard Rasmussen, I.; Luntzer, A.; Machado, P.; MacTavish, C.; Maggio, A.; Maillard, J.-P.; Magnes, W.; Maldonado, J.; Mall, U.; Marquette, J.-B.; Mauskopf, P.; Massi, F.; Maurin, A.-S.; Medvedev, A.; Michaut, C.; Miles-Paez, P.; Montalto, M.; Montañés Rodríguez, P.; Monteiro, M.; Montes, D.; Morais, H.; Morales, J. C.; Morales-Calderón, M.; Morello, G.; Moro Martín, A.; Moses, J.; Moya Bedon, A.; Murgas Alcaino, F.; Oliva, E.; Orton, G.; Palla, F.; Pancrazzi, M.; Pantin, E.; Parmentier, V.; Parviainen, H.; Peña Ramírez, K. Y.; Peralta, J.; Perez-Hoyos, S.; Petrov, R.; Pezzuto, S.; Pietrzak, R.; Pilat-Lohinger, E.; Piskunov, N.; Prinja, R.; Prisinzano, L.; Polichtchouk, I.; Poretti, E.; Radioti, A.; Ramos, A. A.; Rank-Lüftinger, T.; Read, P.; Readorn, K.; Rebolo López, R.; Rebordão, J.; Rengel, M.; Rezac, L.; Rocchetto, M.; Rodler, F.; Sánchez Béjar, V. J.; Sanchez Lavega, A.; Sanromá, E.; Santos, N.; Sanz Forcada, J.; Scandariato, G.; Schmider, F.-X.; Scholz, A.; Scuderi, S.; Sethenadh, J.; Shore, S.; Showman, A.; Sicardy, B.; Sitek, P.; Smith, A.; Soret, L.; Sousa, S.; Stiepen, A.; Stolarski, M.; Strazzulla, G.; Tabernero, H. M.; Tanga, P.; Tecsa, M.; Temple, J.; Terenzi, L.; Tessenyi, M.; Testi, L.; Thompson, S.; Thrastarson, H.; Tingley, B. W.; Trifoglio, M.; Martín Torres, J.; Tozzi, A.; Turrini, D.; Varley, R.; Vakili, F.; de Val-Borro, M.; Valdivieso, M. L.; Venot, O.; Villaver, E.; Vinatier, S.; Viti, S.; Waldmann, I.; Waltham, D.; Ward-Thompson, D.; Waters, R.; Watkins, C.; Watson, D.; Wawer, P.; Wawrzaszk, A.; White, G.; Widemann, T.; Winek, W.; Wiśniowski, T.; Yelle, R.; Yung, Y.; Yurchenko, S. N.

2015-12-01

The discovery of almost two thousand exoplanets has revealed an unexpectedly diverse planet population. We see gas giants in few-day orbits, whole multi-planet systems within the orbit of Mercury, and new populations of planets with masses between that of the Earth and Neptune—all unknown in the Solar System. Observations to date have shown that our Solar System is certainly not representative of the general population of planets in our Milky Way. The key science questions that urgently need addressing are therefore: What are exoplanets made of? Why are planets as they are? How do planetary systems work and what causes the exceptional diversity observed as compared to the Solar System? The EChO (Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory) space mission was conceived to take up the challenge to explain this diversity in terms of formation, evolution, internal structure and planet and atmospheric composition. This requires in-depth spectroscopic knowledge of the atmospheres of a large and well-defined planet sample for which precise physical, chemical and dynamical information can be obtained. In order to fulfil this ambitious scientific program, EChO was designed as a dedicated survey mission for transit and eclipse spectroscopy capable of observing a large, diverse and well-defined planet sample within its 4-year mission lifetime. The transit and eclipse spectroscopy method, whereby the signal from the star and planet are differentiated using knowledge of the planetary ephemerides, allows us to measure atmospheric signals from the planet at levels of at least 10-4 relative to the star. This can only be achieved in conjunction with a carefully designed stable payload and satellite platform. It is also necessary to provide broad instantaneous wavelength coverage to detect as many molecular species as possible, to probe the thermal structure of the planetary atmospheres and to correct for the contaminating effects of the stellar photosphere. This requires wavelength coverage of at least 0.55 to 11 μm with a goal of covering from 0.4 to 16 μm. Only modest spectral resolving power is needed, with R ~ 300 for wavelengths less than 5 μm and R ~ 30 for wavelengths greater than this. The transit spectroscopy technique means that no spatial resolution is required. A telescope collecting area of about 1 m2 is sufficiently large to achieve the necessary spectro-photometric precision: for the Phase A study a 1.13 m2 telescope, diffraction limited at 3 μm has been adopted. Placing the satellite at L2 provides a cold and stable thermal environment as well as a large field of regard to allow efficient time-critical observation of targets randomly distributed over the sky. EChO has been conceived to achieve a single goal: exoplanet spectroscopy. The spectral coverage and signal-to-noise to be achieved by EChO, thanks to its high stability and dedicated design, would be a game changer by allowing atmospheric composition to be measured with unparalleled exactness: at least a factor 10 more precise and a factor 10 to 1000 more accurate than current observations. This would enable the detection of molecular abundances three orders of magnitude lower than currently possible and a fourfold increase from the handful of molecules detected to date. Combining these data with estimates of planetary bulk compositions from accurate measurements of their radii and masses would allow degeneracies associated with planetary interior modelling to be broken, giving unique insight into the interior structure and elemental abundances of these alien worlds. EChO would allow scientists to study exoplanets both as a population and as individuals. The mission can target super-Earths, Neptune-like, and Jupiter-like planets, in the very hot to temperate zones (planet temperatures of 300-3000 K) of F to M-type host stars. The EChO core science would be delivered by a three-tier survey. The EChO Chemical Census: This is a broad survey of a few-hundred exoplanets, which allows us to explore the spectroscopic and chemical diversity of the exoplanet population as a whole. The EChO Origin: This is a deep survey of a subsample of tens of exoplanets for which significantly higher signal to noise and spectral resolution spectra can be obtained to explain the origin of the exoplanet diversity (such as formation mechanisms, chemical processes, atmospheric escape). The EChO Rosetta Stones: This is an ultra-high accuracy survey targeting a subsample of select exoplanets. These will be the bright "benchmark" cases for which a large number of measurements would be taken to explore temporal variations, and to obtain two and three dimensional spatial information on the atmospheric conditions through eclipse-mapping techniques. If EChO were launched today, the exoplanets currently observed are sufficient to provide a large and diverse sample. The Chemical Census survey would consist of > 160 exoplanets with a range of planetary sizes, temperatures, orbital parameters and stellar host properties. Additionally, over the next 10 years, several new ground- and space-based transit photometric surveys and missions will come on-line (e.g. NGTS, CHEOPS, TESS, PLATO), which will specifically focus on finding bright, nearby systems. The current rapid rate of discovery would allow the target list to be further optimised in the years prior to EChO's launch and enable the atmospheric characterisation of hundreds of planets.

Correction of temperature and bulk electrical conductivity effects on soil water content measurements using ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosenbaum, Ulrike; Huisman, Sander; Vrba, Jan; Vereecken, Harry; Bogena, Heye

2010-05-01

For a monitoring of dynamic spatiotemporal soil moisture patterns at the catchment scale, automated and continuously measuring systems that provide spatial coverage and high temporal resolution are needed. Promising techniques like wireless sensor networks (e.g. SoilNet) have to integrate low-cost electromagnetic soil water content sensors [1], [2]. However, the measurement accuracy of such sensors is often deteriorated by effects of temperature and soil bulk electrical conductivity. The objective of this study is to derive and validate correction functions for such temperature and electrical conductivity effects for the ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors. We used dielectric liquids with known dielectric properties for two different laboratory experiments. In the first experiment, the temperature of eight reference liquids with permittivity ranging from 7 to 42 was varied from 5 to 40°C. All sensor types showed an underestimation of permittivity for low temperatures and an overestimation for high temperatures. In the second experiment, the conductivity of the reference liquids was increased by adding NaCl. The highest deviations occurred for high permittivity and electrical conductivity between ~0.8 and 1.5 dS/m (underestimation from 8 to 16 permittivity units depending on sensor type). For higher electrical conductivity (2.5 dS/m), the permittivity was overestimated (10 permittivity units for the EC-5 and 7 for the 5TE sensor). Based on these measurements on reference liquids, we derived empirical correction functions that are able to correct thermal and conductivity effects on measured sensor response. These correction functions were validated using three soil samples (coarse sand, silty clay loam and bentonite). For the temperature correction function, the results corresponded better with theoretical predictions after correction for temperature effects on the sensor circuitry. It was also shown that the application of the conductivity correction functions improved the accuracy of the soil water content predictions considerably. References: [1] Bogena, H.R., J.A. Huisman, C. Oberdörster, H. Vereecken (2007): Evaluation of a low-cost soil water content sensor for wireless network applications. Journal of Hydrology: 344, 32- 42. [2] Rosenbaum, U., Huisman, J.A., Weuthen, A., Vereecken, H. and Bogena, H.R. (2010): Quantification of sensor-to-sensor variability of the ECH2O EC-5, TE and 5TE sensors in dielectric liquids. Accepted for publication in VZJ (09/2009).

Tardigrades from Nahuel Huapi National Park (Argentina, South America) with descriptions of two new Macrobiotidae species.

PubMed

Roszkowska, Milena; Stec, Daniel; Ciobanu, Daniel Adrian; Kaczmarek, Łukasz

2016-04-21

In 31 samples of mosses and lichens collected in the Argentinean province of Río Negro, 657 tardigrades, 53 exuviae and 219 free-laid eggs were found. In total, 20 species were identified: Diphascon chilenense, Dip. mitrense, Echiniscus bigranulatus, Ech. corrugicaudatus, Ech. merokensis merokensis, Ech. testudo, Hebesuncus mollispinus, Hypsibius convergens, Macrobiotus cf. anderssoni, Mac. andinus, Mac. kazmierskii, Mac. patagonicus, Mesobiotus szeptyckii, Mes. pseudoblocki sp. nov., Milnesium argentinum, Mil. beatae, Mil. brachyungue, Mil. granulatum, Mopsechiniscus granulosus, Minibiotus pseudostellarus sp. nov. Of the two new species, Mesobiotus pseudoblocki sp. nov. is most similar to Mes. blocki, but it differs mainly by the lack of dentate lunules, smaller eggs and presence of reticular design on egg processes. Minibiotus pseudostellarus sp. nov. is most similar to Min. constellatus, Min. eichhorni, Min. sidereus or Min. vinciguerrae, but it differs from them by the presence of 'pseudo-star'-shaped pores in the dorsal cuticle instead of fully developed 'stars' and by other morphometric characters.

Exoplanet atmospheres with EChO: spectral retrievals using EChOSim

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barstow, Joanna K.; Bowles, Neil E.; Aigrain, Suzanne; Fletcher, Leigh N.; Irwin, Patrick G. J.; Varley, Ryan; Pascale, Enzo

2015-12-01

We demonstrate the effectiveness of the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory mission concept for constraining the atmospheric properties of hot and warm gas giants and super Earths. Synthetic primary and secondary transit spectra for a range of planets are passed through EChOSim [13] to obtain the expected level of noise for different observational scenarios; these are then used as inputs for the NEMESIS atmospheric retrieval code and the retrieved atmospheric properties (temperature structure, composition and cloud properties) compared with the known input values, following the method of [1]. To correctly retrieve the temperature structure and composition of the atmosphere to within 2 σ, we find that we require: a single transit or eclipse of a hot Jupiter orbiting a sun-like (G2) star at 35 pc to constrain the terminator and dayside atmospheres; 20 transits or eclipses of a warm Jupiter orbiting a similar star; 10 transits/eclipses of a hot Neptune orbiting an M dwarf at 6 pc; and 30 transits or eclipses of a GJ1214b-like planet.

QuEChERS Purification Combined with Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneous Quantification of 25 Mycotoxins in Cereals.

PubMed

Sun, Juan; Li, Weixi; Zhang, Yan; Hu, Xuexu; Wu, Li; Wang, Bujun

2016-12-15

A method based on the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) purification combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), was optimized for the simultaneous quantification of 25 mycotoxins in cereals. Samples were extracted with a solution containing 80% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid, and purified with QuEChERS before being separated by a C18 column. The mass spectrometry was conducted by using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) models. The method gave good linear relations with regression coefficients ranging from 0.9950 to 0.9999. The detection limits ranged from 0.03 to 15.0 µg·kg -1 , and the average recovery at three different concentrations ranged from 60.2% to 115.8%, with relative standard deviations (RSD%) varying from 0.7% to 19.6% for the 25 mycotoxins. The method is simple, rapid, accurate, and an improvement compared with the existing methods published so far.

Detecting a wide range of environmental contaminants in human blood samples--combining QuEChERS with LC-MS and GC-MS methods.

PubMed

Plassmann, Merle M; Schmidt, Magdalena; Brack, Werner; Krauss, Martin

2015-09-01

Exposure to environmental pollution and consumer products may result in an uptake of chemicals into human tissues. Several studies have reported the presence of diverse environmental contaminants in human blood samples. However, previously developed multi-target methods for the analysis of human blood include a fairly limited amount of compounds stemming from one or two related compound groups. Thus, the sample preparation method QuEChERS (quick easy cheap effective rugged and safe) was tested for the extraction of 64 analytes covering a broad compound domain followed by detection using liquid and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC- and GC-MS). Forty-seven analytes showed absolute recoveries above 70% in the first QuEChERS step, being a simple liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) using acetonitrile and salt. The second QuEChERS step, being a dispersive solid phase extraction, did not result in an overall improvement of recoveries or removal of background signals. Using solely the LLE step, eight analytes could subsequently be detected in human blood samples from the German Environmental Specimen Bank. Using a LC-multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) method with a triple quadrupole instrument, better recoveries were achieved than with an older LC-high-resolution (HR) MS full scan orbitrap instrument, which required a higher concentration factor of the extracts. However, the application of HRMS full scan methods could be used for the detection of additional compounds retrospectively.

The effects of inhalation anaesthetics on common clinical pathology parameters in laboratory rats.

PubMed

Deckardt, K; Weber, I; Kaspers, U; Hellwig, J; Tennekes, H; van Ravenzwaay, B

2007-09-01

Effects of common anaesthetics such as ether, methoxyflurane, isoflurane, carbon dioxide (at 100%, 80% or 60% admixed with O(2)) on toxicity and clinical pathology parameters in rats were investigated. Ether, methoxyflurane and 100% CO(2) induced toxicity in some animals. Erythrocyte, haemoglobin and haematocrit were reduced in females by 100% CO(2), methoxyflurane and isoflurane. Glucose was increased by 60% CO(2), 80% CO(2), ether, isoflurane and methoxyflurane in males. Chloride was reduced by isoflurane and all CO(2) concentrations in females. Serum proteins were reduced by isoflurane and methoxyflurane. Sodium, inorganic phosphate, calcium and magnesium were reduced by methoxyflurane and isoflurane, but increased by all CO(2) concentrations. Potassium was reduced by ether, methoxyflurane or isoflurane. Triiodothyronine and thyroxine were reduced by all anaesthetics. Prolactin was reduced by methoxyflurane, but raised by ether and isoflurane. Erythrocyte cholinesterase (E-ChE) activity is markedly reduced (20-40%) after anaesthesia with all CO(2) concentrations in both sexes. E-ChE was unaffected by ether, methoxyflurane, or isoflurane. Serum and brain cholinesterase activities were not affected. E-ChE inhibition correlated with decreased blood pH, suggesting that this was caused by acidosis. This is of practical relevance in the risk assessment of cholinesterase inhibitors. Clinical pathology data were affected by all anaesthetics. CO(2)/O(2) (80%/20%) and isoflurane are the most suitable anaesthetics. If E-ChE activity is to be determined, isoflurane is the anaesthetic of choice.

Metallomics of two microorganisms relevant to heavy metal bioremediation reveal fundamental differences in metal assimilation and utilization

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

Lancaster, Andrew; Menon, Angeli; Scott, Israel

2014-03-26

Although as many as half of all proteins are thought to require a metal cofactor, the metalloproteomes of microorganisms remain relatively unexplored. Microorganisms from different environments are likely to vary greatly in the metals that they assimilate, not just among the metals with well-characterized roles but also those lacking any known function. Herein we investigated the metal utilization of two microorganisms that were isolated from very similar environments and are of interest because of potential roles in the immobilization of heavy metals, such as uranium and chromium. The metals assimilated and their concentrations in the cytoplasm of Desulfovibrio vulgaris strainmore » Hildenborough (DvH) and Enterobacter cloacae strain Hanford (EcH) varied dramatically, with a larger number of metals present in Enterobacter. For example, a total of 9 and 19 metals were assimilated into their cytoplasmic fractions, respectively, and DvH did not assimilate significant amounts of zinc or copper whereas EcH assimilated both. However, bioinformatic analysis of their genome sequences revealed a comparable number of predicted metalloproteins, 813 in DvH and 953 in EcH. These allowed some rationalization of the types of metal assimilated in some cases (Fe, Cu, Mo, W, V) but not in others (Zn, Nd, Ce, Pr, Dy, Hf and Th). It was also shown that U binds an unknown soluble protein in EcH but this incorporation was the result of extracellular U binding to cytoplasmic components after cell lysis.« less

Accelerated solvent extraction by using an 'in-line' clean-up approach for multiresidue analysis of pesticides in organic honey.

PubMed

Chiesa, Luca Maria; Labella, Giuseppe Federico; Panseri, Sara; Britti, Domenico; Galbiati, Fabrizio; Villa, Roberto; Arioli, Francesco

2017-05-01

The worldwide loss of honeybee colonies may be due to their exposure to several contaminants (i.e., pesticides); such contamination may also have impacts on consumers' health. Therefore, it is essential to develop quick and new methods to detect several pesticide residues in honey samples. In this study, the effectiveness of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) was compared with QuEChERS methods for the analysis of 53 pesticides in organic honey by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Two simple and rapid ASE methods with 'in-line' clean-up were optimised and then compared with QuEChERS. Hexane-ethyl acetate (Hex:EtAc) and Florisil were chosen as extraction solvent and retainer for the first ASE method respectively; acetonitrile and a primary-secondary amine phase (ACN-PSA) were selected for the second ASE method. The methods were validated according to the European Union SANTE/11945/2015 guidelines. The validation parameters showed that QuEChERS and ASE with PSA as retainer had better repeatability than ASE with Hex:EtAc and Florisil. In particular, QuEChERS and ASE (ACN-PSA) showed good recovery, according to the SANTE criteria, for the majority of investigated pesticides. Conversely, when ASE with Hex:EtAc and Florisil was used as the retainer, several compounds showed recoveries lower than the acceptable value of 70%. The ASE in-line method was finally applied to evaluate pesticide concentration in organic honey samples.

Banded Structures in Electron Pitch Angle Diffusion Coefficients from Resonant Wave Particle Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripathi, A. K.; Singhal, R. P.; Khazanov, G. V.; Avanov, L. A.

2016-01-01

Electron pitch angle (D (alpha)) and momentum (D(pp)) diffusion coefficients have been calculated due to resonant interactions with electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and whistler mode chorus waves. Calculations have been performed at two spatial locations L = 4.6 and 6.8 for electron energies 10 keV. Landau (n = 0) resonance and cyclotron harmonic resonances n = +/-1, +/-2,...+/-5 have been included in the calculations. It is found that diffusion coefficient versus pitch angle (alpha) profiles show large dips and oscillations or banded structures. The structures are more pronounced for ECH and lower band chorus (LBC) and particularly at location 4.6. Calculations of diffusion coefficients have also been performed for individual resonances. It is noticed that the main contribution of ECH waves in pitch angle diffusion coefficient is due to resonances n = +1 and n = +2. A major contribution to momentum diffusion coefficients appears from n = +2. However, the banded structures in D alpha and Dpp coefficients appear only in the profile of diffusion coefficients for n = +2. The contribution of other resonances to diffusion coefficients is found to be, in general, quite small or even negligible. For LBC and upper band chorus waves, the banded structures appear only in Landau resonance. The Dpp diffusion coefficient for ECH waves is one to two orders smaller than D alpha coefficients. For chorus waves, Dpp coefficients are about an order of magnitude smaller than D alpha coefficients for the case n does not = 0. In case of Landau resonance, the values of Dpp coefficient are generally larger than the values of D alpha coefficients particularly at lower energies. As an aid to the interpretation of results, we have also determined the resonant frequencies. For ECH waves, resonant frequencies have been estimated for wave normal angle 89 deg and harmonic resonances n = +1, +2, and +3, whereas for whistler mode waves, the frequencies have been calculated for angle 10 deg and Landau resonance. Further, in ECH waves, the banded structures appear for electron energies (is) greater than1 keV, and for whistler mode chorus waves, structures appear for energies greater than 2 keV at L = 4.6 and above 200 eV for L = 6.8. The results obtained in the present work will be helpful in the study of diffusion curves and will have important consequences for diffuse aurora and pancake distributions.

Banded Structures in Electron Pitch Angle Diffusion Coefficients from Resonant Wave-Particle Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tripathi, A. K.; Singhal, R. P.; Khazanov, G. V.; Avanov, L. A.

2016-01-01

Electron pitch angle (D(sub (alpha alpha))) and momentum (D(sub pp)) diffusion coefficients have been calculated due to resonant interactions with electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and whistler mode chorus waves. Calculations have been performed at two spatial locations L=4.6 and 6.8 for electron energies less than or equal to 10 keV. Landau (n=0) resonance and cyclotron harmonic resonances n= +/- 1, +/-2, ... +/-5 have been included in the calculations. It is found that diffusion coefficient versus pitch angle (alpha) profiles show large dips and oscillations or banded structures. The structures are more pronounced for ECH and lower band chorus (LBC) and particularly at location 4.6. Calculations of diffusion coefficients have also been performed for individual resonances. It is noticed that the main contribution of ECH waves in pitch angle diffusion coefficient is due to resonances n=+1 and n=+2. A major contribution to momentum diffusion coefficients appears from n=+2. However, the banded structures in D(sub alpha alpha) and D(sub pp) coefficients appear only in the profile of diffusion coefficients for n=+2. The contribution of other resonances to diffusion coefficients is found to be, in general, quite small or even negligible. For LBC and upper band chorus waves, the banded structures appear only in Landau resonance. The D(sub pp) diffusion coefficient for ECH waves is one to two orders smaller than D(sub alpha alpha) coefficients. For chorus waves, D(sub pp) coefficients are about an order of magnitude smaller than D(sub alpha alpha) coefficients for the case n does not equal 0. In case of Landau resonance, the values of D(sub pp) coefficient are generally larger than the values of D(sub alpha alpha) coefficients particularly at lower energies. As an aid to the interpretation of results, we have also determined the resonant frequencies. For ECH waves, resonant frequencies have been estimated for wave normal angle 89 deg and harmonic resonances n= +1, +2, and +3, whereas for whistler mode waves, the frequencies have been calculated for angle 10 deg and Landau resonance. Further, in ECH waves, the banded structures appear for electron energies 1 greater than or equal to keV, and for whistler mode chorus waves, structures appear for energies greater than 2 keV at L=4.6 and above 200 eV for L=6.8. The results obtained in the present work will be helpful in the study of diffusion curves and will have important consequences for diffuse aurora and pancake distributions.

Understanding and Predicting Profile Structure and Parametric Scaling of Intrinsic Rotation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Weixing

2016-10-01

It is shown for the first time that turbulence-driven residual Reynolds stress can account for both the shape and magnitude of the observed intrinsic toroidal rotation profile. Nonlinear, global gyrokinetic simulations using GTS of DIII-D ECH plasmas indicate a substantial ITG fluctuation-induced non-diffusive momentum flux generated around a mid-radius-peaked intrinsic toroidal rotation profile. The non-diffusive momentum flux is dominated by the residual stress with a negligible contribution from the momentum pinch. The residual stress profile shows a robust anti-gradient, dipole structure in a set of ECH discharges with varying ECH power. Such interesting features of non-diffusive momentum fluxes, in connection with edge momentum sources and sinks, are found to be critical to drive the non-monotonic core rotation profiles in the experiments. Both turbulence intensity gradient and zonal flow ExB shear are identified as major contributors to the generation of the k∥-asymmetry needed for the residual stress generation. By balancing the residual stress and the momentum diffusion, a self-organized, steady-state rotation profile is calculated. The predicted core rotation profiles agree well with the experimentally measured main-ion toroidal rotation. The validated model is further used to investigate the characteristic dependence of global rotation profile structure in the multi-dimensional parametric space covering turbulence type, q-profile structure and collisionality with the goal of developing physics understanding needed for rotation profile control and optimization. Interesting results obtained include intrinsic rotation reversal induced by ITG-TEM transition in flat-q profile regime and by change in q-profile from weak to normal shear.. Fluctuation-generated poloidal Reynolds stress is also shown to significantly modify the neoclassical poloidal rotation in a way consistent with experimental observations. Finally, the first-principles-based model is applied to studying the ρ * -scaling and predicting rotations in ITER regime. Work supported by U.S. DOE Contract DE-AC02-09-CH11466.

Microwave Assisted Helicon Plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McKee, John; Caron, David; Jemiolo, Andrew; Scime, Earl

2017-10-01

The use of two (or more) rf sources at different frequencies is a common technique in the plasma processing industry to control ion energy characteristics separately from plasma generation. A similar approach is presented here with the focus on modifying the electron population in argon and helium plasmas. The plasma is generated by a helicon source at a frequency f0 = 13.56 MHz. Microwaves of frequency f1 = 2.45 GHz are then injected into the helicon source chamber perpendicular to the background magnetic field. The microwaves damp on the electrons via X-mode Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) at the upper hybrid resonance, providing additional energy input into the electrons. The effects of this secondary-source heating on electron density, temperature, and energy distribution function are examined and compared to helicon-only single source plasmas as well as numeric models suggesting that the heating is not evenly distributed. Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES) is used to examine the impact of the energetic tail of the electron distribution on ion and neutral species via collisional excitation. Large enhancements of neutral spectral lines are observed in both Ar and He. While small enhancement of ion lines is seen in Ar, ion lines not normally present in He are observed during microwave injection. U.S. National Science Foundation Grant No. PHY-1360278.

Survey of upper band chorus and ECH waves: Implications for the diffuse aurora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meredith, Nigel; Horne, Richard; Thorne, Richard; Anderson, Roger

2010-05-01

The origin of the diffuse aurora has been a source of controversy for many years. More recently the question has taken a new significance in view of the associated changes in atmospheric chemistry which may affect the middle atmosphere. Here we use CRRES data to assess the importance of upper band chorus and electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves in the production of the diffuse aurora. Both wave modes increase with increasing geomagnetic activity, suggesting they are related to periods of enhanced convection and/or substorm activity. They are confined to the near-equatorial region which excludes the pre-noon sector from the wave survey. During active conditions intense ECH waves and upper band chorus, with amplitudes exceeding 1 mVm-1, are observed in the region 4 < L < 7 from 2100 to 0600 MLT approximately 20% and 6% of the time respectively. This suggests that both wave modes can put electrons on strong diffusion, but only during active conditions and not at all local times. Scattering rates fall below the strong diffusion limit at other times when the wave amplitudes are weaker. Fluxes of low energy electrons (100 eV < E < 30 keV) also increase with increasing geomagnetic activity in approximately the same region of geospace as the waves, suggesting that these electrons are responsible for the generation of the waves. The patterns of the upper band chorus, ECH waves and low energy electrons are similar to the global morphology of the diffuse aurora, suggesting that both wave modes play significant roles in the production of the diffuse aurora.

Nutritional Ingredients Modulate Adipokine Secretion and Inflammation in Human Primary Adipocytes

PubMed Central

Romacho, Tania; Glosse, Philipp; Richter, Isabel; Elsen, Manuela; Schoemaker, Marieke H.; van Tol, Eric A.; Eckel, Jürgen

2015-01-01

Nutritional factors such as casein hydrolysates and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids have been proposed to exert beneficial metabolic effects. We aimed to investigate how a casein hydrolysate (eCH) and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids could affect human primary adipocyte function in vitro. Incubation conditions with the different nutritional factors were validated by assessing cell vitality with lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and neutral red incorporation. Intracellular triglyceride content was assessed with Oil Red O staining. The effect of eCH, a non-peptidic amino acid mixture (AA), and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) on adiponectin and leptin secretion was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Intracellular adiponectin expression and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation were analyzed by Western blot, while monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) release was explored by ELISA. The eCH concentration dependently increased adiponectin secretion in human primary adipocytes through its intrinsic peptide bioactivity, since the non-peptidic mixture, AA, could not mimic eCH’s effects on adiponectin secretion. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and DHA combined with arachidonic acid (ARA) upregulated adiponectin secretion. However, only DHA and DHA/ARA exerted a potentanti-inflammatory effect reflected by prevention of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) induced NF-κB activation and MCP-1 secretion in human adipocytes. eCH and DHA alone or in combination with ARA, may hold the key for nutritional programming through their anti-inflammatory action to prevent diseases with low-grade chronic inflammation such as obesity or diabetes. PMID:25629558

Trace analysis of parabens preservatives in drinking water treatment sludge, treated, and mineral water samples.

PubMed

Marta-Sanchez, Ana Victoria; Caldas, Sergiane Souza; Schneider, Antunielle; Cardoso, Sónia Maria Vaz Sanches; Primel, Ednei Gilberto

2018-05-01

Parabens have been widely used as antimicrobial agents, mainly in food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Although they are known as safe preservatives, they also cause some harm to human health, which has been discussed lately. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of nine parabens (including isomers) in mineral and drinking waters, besides in drinking water treatment sludge (DWTS) samples with determination by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Both methods solid phase extraction (SPE) and QuEChERS were validated. Calibration curves showed a correlation coefficient of 0.99 for all compounds. LOQ values ranged from 0.04 to 4 μg L -1 in aqueous matrices and from 5 to 500 ng g -1 in DWTS. Recoveries between 70 and 115% were reached with RSD below 20% for all compounds in SPE whereas recoveries between 62 and 119% were found with RSD below 20% for almost all compounds in QuEChERS. Matrix effect had low values (< 20%); it was only above 20% for methylparaben in the SPE and for pentylparaben in the QuEChERS. Using a quick and simple extraction procedures with SPE, QuEChERS, and LC-MS/MS analyses, these methods proved to be selective and sensitive. They were successfully applied to real samples (treated water, mineral water, and sludge), and methylparaben was detected at concentration levels below 0.242 μg L -1 in mineral and treated water samples and 10 ng g -1 in DWTS samples.

EChO fine guidance sensor design and architecture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ottensamer, Roland; Rataj, Miroslaw; Schrader, Jan-Rutger; Ferstl, Roman; Güdel, Manuel; Kerschbaum, Franz; Luntzer, Armin

2014-08-01

EChO, the Exoplanet Characterization Observatory, is an M-class candidate in the ESA Comic Vision programme. It will provide high resolution, multi-wavelength spectroscopic observations of exoplanets, measure their atmospheric composition, temperature and albedo. The scientific payload is a spectrometer covering the 0.4-11 micron waveband. High photometric stability over a time scale of about 10 hours is one of the most stringent requirements of the EChO mission. As a result, fine pointing stability relative to the host star is mandatory. This will be achieved through a Fine Guidance Sensor (FGS), a separate photometric channel that uses a fraction of the target star signal from the optical channel. The main task of the FGS is to ensure the centering, focusing and guiding of the satellite, but it will also provide supplemental high-precision astrometry and photometry of the target to ground for de-trending the spectra and complementary science. In this paper we give an overview of the current architectural design of the FGS subsystem and discuss related requirements as well as the expected performance.

Validation of QuEChERS method for the determination of some pesticide residues in two apple varieties.

PubMed

Tiryaki, Osman

2016-10-02

This study was undertaken to validate the "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe" (QuEChERS) method using Golden Delicious and Starking Delicious apple matrices spiked at 0.1 maximum residue limit (MRL), 1.0 MRL and 10 MRL levels of the four pesticides (chlorpyrifos, dimethoate, indoxacarb and imidacloprid). For the extraction and cleanup, original QuEChERS method was followed, then the samples were subjected to liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for chromatographic analyses. According to t test, matrix effect was not significant for chlorpyrifos in both sample matrices, but it was significant for dimethoate, indoxacarb and imidacloprid in both sample matrices. Thus, matrix-matched calibration (MC) was used to compensate matrix effect and quantifications were carried out by using MC. The overall recovery of the method was 90.15% with a relative standard deviation of 13.27% (n = 330). Estimated method detection limit of analytes blew the MRLs. Some other parameters of the method validation, such as recovery, precision, accuracy and linearity were found to be within the required ranges.

Modified QuEChERS combined with ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry to determine seven biogenic amines in Chinese traditional condiment soy sauce.

PubMed

Dong, Hao; Xiao, Kaijun

2017-08-15

A rapid and sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS method followed by modified QuEChERS was developed for the simultaneous determination of seven biogenic amines in soy sauce. Samples were firstly diluted by water and pH values of which were adjusted using ammonia water. Modified QuEChERS method was adopted for the purification and 1, 7-heptyldiamine was used as the internal standard. Analysis of seven biogenic amines was within 4min. Under the optimized conditions, linear relations were favorable over the selected concentration ranges of 3.0-600μg/L with correlationcoefficients greater than 0.999. The average accuracy was between 84% and 115%. Intra- and inter- assay precisions for six replicates ranged from 2.2% to 8.8% or below 12%, respectively. The method limits of detection and the method limits of quantitation were 4-8μg/kg and 15-30μg/kg, respectively. The method was successfully applied to determine the concentrations of seven biogenic amines in soy sauces. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of mycotoxins in plant-based beverages using QuEChERS and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Miró-Abella, Eugènia; Herrero, Pol; Canela, Núria; Arola, Lluís; Borrull, Francesc; Ras, Rosa; Fontanals, Núria

2017-08-15

A method was developed for the simultaneous determination of 11 mycotoxins in plant-based beverage matrices, using a QuEChERS extraction followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry detection (UHPLC-(ESI)MS/MS). This multi-mycotoxin method was applied to analyse plant-based beverages such as soy, oat and rice. QuEChERS extraction was applied obtaining suitable extraction recoveries between 80 and 91%, and good repeatability and reproducibility values. Method Quantification Limits were between 0.05μgL -1 (for aflatoxin G 1 and aflatoxin B 1 ) and 15μgL -1 (for deoxynivalenol and fumonisin B 2 ). This is the first time that plant-based beverages have been analysed, and certain mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, aflatoxin B 1 , aflatoxin B 2 , aflatoxin G 1 , aflatoxin G 2 , ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin and zearalenone, were found in the analysed samples, and some of them quantified between 0.1μgL -1 and 19μgL -1 . Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

QuEChERS Purification Combined with Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Simultaneous Quantification of 25 Mycotoxins in Cereals

PubMed Central

Sun, Juan; Li, Weixi; Zhang, Yan; Hu, Xuexu; Wu, Li; Wang, Bujun

2016-01-01

A method based on the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) purification combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS), was optimized for the simultaneous quantification of 25 mycotoxins in cereals. Samples were extracted with a solution containing 80% acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid, and purified with QuEChERS before being separated by a C18 column. The mass spectrometry was conducted by using positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) models. The method gave good linear relations with regression coefficients ranging from 0.9950 to 0.9999. The detection limits ranged from 0.03 to 15.0 µg·kg−1, and the average recovery at three different concentrations ranged from 60.2% to 115.8%, with relative standard deviations (RSD%) varying from 0.7% to 19.6% for the 25 mycotoxins. The method is simple, rapid, accurate, and an improvement compared with the existing methods published so far. PMID:27983693

A High Throughput Method for Measuring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seafood Using QuEChERS Extraction and SBSE.

PubMed

Pfannkoch, Edward A; Stuff, John R; Whitecavage, Jacqueline A; Blevins, John M; Seely, Kathryn A; Moran, Jeffery H

2015-01-01

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Method NMFS-NWFSC-59 2004 is currently used to quantitatively analyze seafood for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination, especially following events such as the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that released millions of barrels of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico. This method has limited throughput capacity; hence, alternative methods are necessary to meet analytical demands after such events. Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) is an effective technique to extract trace PAHs in water and the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction strategy effectively extracts PAHs from complex food matrices. This study uses SBSE to concentrate PAHs and eliminate matrix interference from QuEChERS extracts of seafood, specifically oysters, fish, and shrimp. This method provides acceptable recovery (65-138%) linear calibrations and is sensitive (LOD = 0.02 ppb, LOQ = 0.06 ppb) while providing higher throughput and maintaining equivalency between NOAA 2004 as determined by analysis of NIST SRM 1974b mussel tissue.

Banded structures in electron pitch angle diffusion coefficients from resonant wave-particle interactions

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

Tripathi, A. K., E-mail: aktrip2001@yahoo.co.in; Singhal, R. P., E-mail: rpsiitbhu@yahoo.com; Khazanov, G. V., E-mail: George.V.Khazanov@nasa.gov

2016-04-15

Electron pitch angle (D{sub αα}) and momentum (D{sub pp}) diffusion coefficients have been calculated due to resonant interactions with electrostatic electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) and whistler mode chorus waves. Calculations have been performed at two spatial locations L = 4.6 and 6.8 for electron energies ≤10 keV. Landau (n = 0) resonance and cyclotron harmonic resonances n = ±1, ±2, … ±5 have been included in the calculations. It is found that diffusion coefficient versus pitch angle (α) profiles show large dips and oscillations or banded structures. The structures are more pronounced for ECH and lower band chorus (LBC) and particularly at location 4.6. Calculations of diffusionmore » coefficients have also been performed for individual resonances. It is noticed that the main contribution of ECH waves in pitch angle diffusion coefficient is due to resonances n = +1 and n = +2. A major contribution to momentum diffusion coefficients appears from n = +2. However, the banded structures in D{sub αα} and D{sub pp} coefficients appear only in the profile of diffusion coefficients for n = +2. The contribution of other resonances to diffusion coefficients is found to be, in general, quite small or even negligible. For LBC and upper band chorus waves, the banded structures appear only in Landau resonance. The D{sub pp} diffusion coefficient for ECH waves is one to two orders smaller than D{sub αα} coefficients. For chorus waves, D{sub pp} coefficients are about an order of magnitude smaller than D{sub αα} coefficients for the case n ≠ 0. In case of Landau resonance, the values of D{sub pp} coefficient are generally larger than the values of D{sub αα} coefficients particularly at lower energies. As an aid to the interpretation of results, we have also determined the resonant frequencies. For ECH waves, resonant frequencies have been estimated for wave normal angle 89° and harmonic resonances n = +1, +2, and +3, whereas for whistler mode waves, the frequencies have been calculated for angle 10° and Landau resonance. Further, in ECH waves, the banded structures appear for electron energies ≥1 keV, and for whistler mode chorus waves, structures appear for energies >2 keV at L = 4.6 and above 200 eV for L = 6.8. The results obtained in the present work will be helpful in the study of diffusion curves and will have important consequences for diffuse aurora and pancake distributions.« less

Improved Analytical Method for Determination of Cholesterol-Oxidation Products in Meat and Animal Fat by QuEChERS Coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Chiu, Che-Wei; Kao, Tsai-Hua; Chen, Bing-Huei

2018-04-04

Cholesterol is widely present in animal fats and meat products and can undergo oxidation to form cholesterol-oxidation products (COPs) during heating. The objective of this study was to develop a QuEChERS method for the determination of COPs in edible animal fats and meat products via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in which the required solvent volume and extraction time were reduced. By employing a DB-5MS capillary column (30 m × 0.25 mm i.d., 0.25 μm film thickness) and a temperature-programming method, seven COPs, cholesterol, and the internal standard 5α-cholestane could be separated within 19 min. The limits of detection and limits of quantitation based on the COP standards ranged from 0.16 to 180 ng/mL and from 0.32 to 400 ng/mL, respectively, and the recoveries ranged from 89.1 to 107.6% for boiled pork and from 80.5 to 105.6% for lard. The intraday variabilities for boiled pork and lard ranged from 2.27 to 6.87% and from 1.52 to 9.78%, respectively, whereas the interday variabilities ranged from 1.81 to 7.89% and from 3.57 to 9.26%, respectively. Among the various meat samples, fish showed the highest level of COPs (31.84 μg/g). For the edible fats, the COP contents in tallow (22.79-60.15 μg/g) were much higher than those in lard (0.152-2.55 μg/g) and butter (0.526-1.36 μg/g). Collectively, this method can be applied to determine COPs in cholesterol-containing foodstuffs.

Lethal and sublethal toxicity of the industrial chemical epichlorohydrin on Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae) embryos and larvae.

PubMed

Hutler Wolkowicz, Ianina R; Aronzon, Carolina M; Pérez Coll, Cristina S

2013-12-15

Lethal and sublethal toxicity of the major chemical used in epoxide compounds, epichlorohydrin (ECH) was evaluated on the early life cycle of the common South American toad, Rhinella arenarum (Anura, Bufonidae). The stages evaluated were (according to Del Conte and Sirlin): early blastula (S.3-S.4), gastrula (S.10-S.12), rotation (S.15), tail bud (S.17), muscular response (S.18), gill circulation (S.20), open mouth (S.21), opercular folds (S.23) and complete operculum (S.25). The LC50 and EC50 values for lethal and sublethal effects were calculated. The early blastula was the most sensitive stage to ECH both for continuously and pulse-exposures (LC50-24h=50.9 mg L(-1)), while S.20 was the most resistant (LC50-24h=104.9 mg L(-1)). Among sublethal effects, early blastula was also the most sensitive stage (LOEC-48 h=20 mg L(-1)) and it has a Teratogenic Index of 2.5, which indicates the teratogenic potential of the substance. The main abnormalities were persistent yolk plugs, cell dissociation, tumors, hydropsy, oral malformations, axial/tail flexures, delayed development and reduced body size. ECH also caused neurotoxicity including scarce response to stimuli, reduction in the food intake, general weakness, spasms and shortening, erratic or circular swimming. Industrial contamination is considered an important factor on the decline of amphibian populations. Considering the available information about ECH's toxicity and its potential hazard to the environment, this work shows the first results of its developmental toxicity on a native amphibian species, Rhinella arenarum. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identification and Functional Characterization of a Novel Monotreme- Specific Antibacterial Protein Expressed during Lactation

PubMed Central

Bisana, Swathi; Kumar, Satish; Rismiller, Peggy; Nicol, Stewart C.; Lefèvre, Christophe; Nicholas, Kevin R.; Sharp, Julie A.

2013-01-01

Monotremes are the only oviparous mammals and exhibit a fascinating combination of reptilian and mammalian characters. They represent a component of synapsidal reproduction by laying shelled eggs which are incubated outside the mother’s body. This is accompanied by a prototherian lactation process, marking them as representatives of early mammals. The only extant monotremes are the platypus, and the short- and long- beaked echidnas, and their distributions are limited to Australia and New Guinea. Apart for a short weaning period, milk is the sole source of nutrition and protection for the hatchlings which are altricial and immunologically naive. The duration of lactation in these mammals is prolonged relative to the gestational length and period of incubation of eggs. Much of the development of monotreme young occurs in the non-sterile ex-utero environment. Therefore the role of milk in the growth, development and disease protection of the young is of significant interest. By sequencing the cDNA of cells harvested from monotreme milk, we have identified a novel monotreme- specific transcript, and the corresponding gene was designated as the EchAMP. The expression profile of this gene in various tissues revealed that it is highly expressed in milk cells. The peptides corresponding to the EchAMP protein have been identified in a sample of echidna milk In silico analysis indicated putative antimicrobial potential for the cognate protein of EchAMP. This was further confirmed by in vitro assays using a host of bacteria. Interestingly, EchAMP did not display any activity against a commensal gut floral species. These results support the hypothesis of enhancement of survival of the young by antimicrobial bioactives of mammary gland origin and thus emphasize the protective, non- nutritional role of milk in mammals. PMID:23326486

Use of ammonium formate in QuEChERS for high-throughput analysis of pesticides in food by fast, low-pressure gas chromatography and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

González-Curbelo, Miguel Ángel; Lehotay, Steven J; Hernández-Borges, Javier; Rodríguez-Delgado, Miguel Ángel

2014-09-05

The "quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe" (QuEChERS) approach to sample preparation is widely applied in pesticide residue analysis, but the use of magnesium sulfate and other nonvolatile compounds for salting out in the method is not ideal for mass spectrometry. In this study, we developed and evaluated three new different versions of the QuEChERS method using more volatile salts (ammonium chloride and ammonium formate and acetate buffers) to induce phase separation and extraction of 43 representative pesticide analytes of different classes. Fast low-pressure gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography (LC)-MS/MS were used for analysis. The QuEChERS AOAC Official Method 2007.01 was also tested for comparison purposes. Of the studied methods, formate buffering using 7.5g of ammonium formate and 15mL of 5% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile for the extraction of 15g of sample (5g for wheat grain) provided the best performance and practical considerations. Method validation was carried out with and without the use of dispersive solid-phase extraction for cleanup, and no significant differences were observed for the majority of pesticides. The method was demonstrated in quantitative analysis for GC- and LC-amenable pesticides in 4 representative food matrices (apple, lemon, lettuce, and wheat grain). With the typical exceptions of certain pH-dependent and labile pesticides, 90-110% recoveries and <10% RSD were obtained. Detection limits were mostly <5ng/g, which met the general need to determine pesticide concentrations as low as 10ng/g for monitoring purposes in food applications. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nrf2 and HSF-1 Pathway Activation via Hydroquinone-Based Proelectrophilic Small Molecules Is Regulated by Electrochemical Oxidation Potential

PubMed Central

Stalder, Romain; McKercher, Scott R.; Williamson, Robert E.; Roth, Gregory P.; Lipton, Stuart A.

2015-01-01

Activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and heat-shock protein 90/heat-shock factor-1 signal-transduction pathways plays a central role in combatting cellular oxidative damage and related endoplasmic reticulum stress. Electrophilic compounds have been shown to be activators of these transcription-mediated responses through S-alkylation of specific regulatory proteins. Previously, we reported that a prototype compound (D1, a small molecule representing a proelectrophilic, para-hydroquinone species) exhibited neuroprotective action by activating both of these pathways. We hypothesized that the para-hydroquinone moiety was critical for this activation because it enhanced transcription of these neuroprotective pathways to a greater degree than that of the corresponding ortho-hydroquinone isomer. This notion was based on the differential oxidation potentials of the isomers for the transformation of the hydroquinone to the active, electrophilic quinone species. Here, to further test this hypothesis, we synthesized a pair of para- and ortho-hydroquinone-based proelectrophilic compounds and measured their redox potentials using analytical cyclic voltammetry. The redox potential was then compared with functional biological activity, and the para-hydroquinones demonstrated a superior neuroprotective profile. PMID:26243592

Nrf2 and HSF-1 Pathway Activation via Hydroquinone-Based Proelectrophilic Small Molecules is Regulated by Electrochemical Oxidation Potential.

PubMed

Satoh, Takumi; Stalder, Romain; McKercher, Scott R; Williamson, Robert E; Roth, Gregory P; Lipton, Stuart A

2015-01-01

Activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and heat-shock protein 90/heat-shock factor-1 signal-transduction pathways plays a central role in combatting cellular oxidative damage and related endoplasmic reticulum stress. Electrophilic compounds have been shown to be activators of these transcription-mediated responses through S-alkylation of specific regulatory proteins. Previously, we reported that a prototype compound (D1, a small molecule representing a proelectrophilic, para-hydroquinone species) exhibited neuroprotective action by activating both of these pathways. We hypothesized that the para-hydroquinone moiety was critical for this activation because it enhanced transcription of these neuroprotective pathways to a greater degree than that of the corresponding ortho-hydroquinone isomer. This notion was based on the differential oxidation potentials of the isomers for the transformation of the hydroquinone to the active, electrophilic quinone species. Here, to further test this hypothesis, we synthesized a pair of para- and ortho-hydroquinone-based proelectrophilic compounds and measured their redox potentials using analytical cyclic voltammetry. The redox potential was then compared with functional biological activity, and the para-hydroquinones demonstrated a superior neuroprotective profile. © The Author(s) 2015.

Studies of electron-polyatomic-molecule collisions Applications to e-CH4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lima, M. A. P.; Gibson, T. L.; Mckoy, V.; Huo, W. M.

1985-01-01

The first application of the Schwinger multichannel formulation to low-energy electron collisions with a nonlinear polyatomic target is reported. Integral and differential cross sections are obtained for e-CH4 collisions from 3 to 20 eV at the static-plus-exchange interaction level. In these studies, the exchange potential is directly evaluated and not approximated by local models. An interesting feature of the small-angle differential cross section is ascribed to polarization effects and not reproduced at the static-plus-exchange level. These differential cross sections are found to be in reasonable agreement with existing measurements at 7.5 eV and higher energies.

Application of recombinant Pediococcus acidilactici BD16 (fcs⁺/ech⁺) in malolactic fermentation.

PubMed

Kaur, Baljinder; Kumar, Balvir; Kaur, Gaganjot; Chakraborty, Debkumar; Kaur, Kiranjeet

2015-04-01

This study was conducted to enhance flavor characteristics of wine by malolactic fermentation using recombinant Pediococcus acidilactici BD16 (fcs (+)/ech (+)) encoding synthetic genes of feruloyl-CoA synthetase and enoyl-CoA hydratase. After malolactic fermentation, wine phenolics were characterized using LCMS-ESI technique and a significant improvement in the antioxidant activity and flavor characteristics of wine was observed due to increased concentration of cinnamic acid derivatives. This proof of concept study highlights the role of recombinant P. acidilactici BD16 (fcs (+)/ech (+)) in improving flavor as well as aroma of wine due to production of several phenolic derivatives during secondary fermentation. A novel metabolic pathway was predicted from mass spectral analysis data that indicates biotransformation of cinnamic acid and derivatives into apigenin, catechin, coniferyl aldehyde, cyanidin, hydroxybenzoic acids, laricitrin, luteolin, malvidin 3-glucoside, myricetin, naringenin, pelargonin, piceatannol, querecitin, and vanillin that not only increased the overall consumer appreciation but also improved nutritional and probably the therapeutic properties of wines. This is a first evidence-based study where role of recombinant P. acidilactici BD16 (fcs (+)/ech (+)) in the wine secondary fermentation has been elucidated.

Evaluation of the QuEChERS method for the extraction of pharmaceuticals and personal care products from drinking-water treatment sludge with determination by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS.

PubMed

Cerqueira, Maristela B R; Guilherme, Juliana R; Caldas, Sergiane S; Martins, Manoel L; Zanella, Renato; Primel, Ednei G

2014-07-01

A modified version of the QuEChERS method has been evaluated for the determination of 21 pharmaceuticals and 6 personal care products (PPCPs) in drinking-water sludge samples by employing ultra high liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The performance of the method was evaluated through linearity, recovery, precision (intra-day), method detection and quantification limits (MDL and MQL) and matrix effect. The calibration curves prepared in acetonitrile and in the matrix extract showed a correlation coefficient ranging from 0.98 to 0.99. MQLs values were on the ng g(-1) order of magnitude for most compounds. Recoveries between 50% and 93% were reached with RSDs lower than 10% for most compounds. Matrix effect was almost absent with values lower than 16% for 93% of the compounds. By coupling a quick and simple extraction called QuEChERS with the UPLC-MS/MS analysis, a method that is both selective and sensitive was obtained. This methodology was successfully applied to real samples and caffeine and benzophenone-3 were detected in ng g(-1) levels. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Golgi- and Trans-Golgi Network-Mediated Vesicle Trafficking Is Required for Wax Secretion from Epidermal Cells1[W][OPEN

PubMed Central

McFarlane, Heather E.; Watanabe, Yoichiro; Yang, Weili; Huang, Yan; Ohlrogge, John; Samuels, A. Lacey

2014-01-01

Lipid secretion from epidermal cells to the plant surface is essential to create the protective plant cuticle. Cuticular waxes are unusual secretory products, consisting of a variety of highly hydrophobic compounds including saturated very-long-chain alkanes, ketones, and alcohols. These compounds are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but must be trafficked to the plasma membrane for export by ATP-binding cassette transporters. To test the hypothesis that wax components are trafficked via the endomembrane system and packaged in Golgi-derived secretory vesicles, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) stem wax secretion was assayed in a series of vesicle-trafficking mutants, including gnom like1-1 (gnl1-1), transport particle protein subunit120-4, and echidna (ech). Wax secretion was dependent upon GNL1 and ECH. Independent of secretion phenotypes, mutants with altered ER morphology also had decreased wax biosynthesis phenotypes, implying that the biosynthetic capacity of the ER is closely related to its structure. These results provide genetic evidence that wax export requires GNL1- and ECH-dependent endomembrane vesicle trafficking to deliver cargo to plasma membrane-localized ATP-binding cassette transporters. PMID:24468625

Matrix Effect Evaluation and Method Validation of Azoxystrobin and Difenoconazole Residues in Red Flesh Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) Matrices Using QuEChERS Sample Preparation Methods Followed by LC-MS/MS Determination.

PubMed

Noegrohati, Sri; Hernadi, Elan; Asviastuti, Syanti

2018-06-01

Production of red flesh dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) was hampered by Colletotrichum sp. Pre-harvest application of azoxystrobin and difenoconazole mixture is recommended, therefore, a selective and sensitive multi residues analytical method is required in monitoring and evaluating the commodity's safety. LC-MS/MS is a well-established analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative determination in complex matrices. However, this method is hurdled by co-eluted coextractives interferences. This work evaluated the pH effect of acetate buffered and citrate buffered QuEChERS sample preparation in their effectiveness of matrix effect reduction. Citrate buffered QuEChERS proved to produce clean final extract with relative matrix effect 0.4%-0.7%. Method validation of the selected sample preparation followed by LC-MS/MS for whole dragon fruit, flesh and peel matrices fortified at 0.005, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 g/g showed recoveries 75%-119%, intermediate repeatability 2%-14%. The expanded uncertainties were 7%-48%. Based on the international acceptance criteria, this method is valid.

Air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction integrated with QuEChERS for determining endocrine-disrupting compounds in fish by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Luo, Zhoufei; Lu, Jing; Li, Haipu; Tu, Yi; Wan, Yuehao; Yang, Zhaoguang

2018-09-15

A new, sensitive, and rapid method based on the Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) approach and air-assisted liquid-liquid microextraction (AALLME) technology was developed for the determination of 20 endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) in fish by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method first integrates AALLME into QuEChERS to achieve clean-up and enrichment of the EDCs in one step. A self-made glass tube was enfolded with plasticine to withstand the high centrifugal force. The established method was developed by optimization of the parameters. High linearities (R 2  > 0.9924) and recoveries (78.2-118.6%) at three spiked levels (5, 10, and 20 ng g -1 ), and low relative standard deviation values (1.1-14.5%) and limits of detection (0.03-0.80 ng g -1 ) were obtained. The method comparison shows that the proposed method is superior as it involves less organic solvent usage, simple operation and high efficiency. This method was successfully applied to different fishes for analyzing EDCs. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Early College STEM-focused High Schools: A Natural and Overlooked Recruitment Pool for the Geosciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freeman, R.; Bathon, J.; Fryar, A. E.; Lyon, E.; McGlue, M. M.

2017-12-01

As national awareness of the importance of STEM education has grown, so too has the number of high schools that specifically emphasize STEM education. Students at these schools outperform their peers and these institutions send students into the college STEM pipeline at twice the rate of the average high school or more. Another trend in secondary education is the "early college high school" (ECHS) model, which encourages students to prepare for and attend college while in high school. These high schools, particularly ECHS's that focus on STEM, represent a natural pool for recruitment into the geosciences, yet most efforts at linking high school STEM education to future careers focus on health sciences or engineering. Through the NSF GEOPATHS-IMPACT program, the University of Kentucky (UK) Department of Earth and Environmental Science and the STEAM Academy, a STEM-focused ECHS located in Lexington, KY, have partnered to expose students to geoscience content. This public ECHS admits students using a lottery system to ensure that the demographics of the high school match those of the surrounding community. The perennial problem for recruiting students into geosciences is the lack of awareness of it as a potential career, due to lack of exposure to the subject in high school. Although the STEAM Academy does not offer an explicitly-named geoscience course, students begin their first semester in 9th grade Integrated Science. This course aligns to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which include a variety of geoscience content. We are working with the teachers to build a project-based learning curriculum to include explicit mention and awareness of careers in geosciences. The second phase of our project involves taking advantage of the school's existing internship program, in which students develop professional skills and career awareness by spending either one day/week or one hour/day off campus. We hosted our second round of interns this year. Eventually we plan to enroll interested students in introductory earth science courses in our department or at a nearby community college. We hope to build a model for establishing a pipeline from an ECHS STEM high school to a geoscience department that can be implemented by other universities. Here we present the highlights and challenges of this first year of our program.

Biasing experiments on the Advanced Toroidal Facility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uckan, T.; Isler, R. C.; Jernigan, T. C.; Lyon, J. F.; Mioduszewski, P. K.; Murakami, M.; Rasmussen, D. A.; Wilgen, J. B.; Aceto, S. C.; Zielinski, J. J.

1992-09-01

Biasing experiments have been carried out in 1 T plasmas with approximately 200 kW of electron cyclotron heating (ECH) in the current-fire Advanced Toroidal Facility (ATF) torsatron. Two rail limiters, one at the top and one at the bottom of the device, located at the last closed flux surface (LCFS), are, biased at positive and negative potentials with respect to the vacuum vessel. When the limiters are positively biased at up to 300 V and the plasma density is controlled with a significantly reduced gas feed, the H(sub alpha) radiation from both the limiter and the wall drops, indicating reduced particle recycling as a result of improved particle confinement. For bias voltages around +100 V, there is almost no change of plasma stored energy W(sub p), but W(sub p) then drops with the higher biasing voltages. Positive biasing has caused the core plasma density profile to become peaked and the electric field to become more negative inside the LCFS. At the same time, edge plasma fluctuations are reduced significantly and their power spectrum becomes less broad. The propagation direction of these electrostatic fluctuations reverses to the ion diamagnetic direction, and their wavelengths become longer. The resulting fluctuation-induced particle flux is also reduced. Power deposition on the limiters is lower as a result of reduced edge plasma density and temperature. Negative biasing yields somewhat less improvement in the particle confinement while having almost no apparent effect on W(sub p) or on the core and the edge plasma density and temperature profiles. Simultaneous measurements of the plasma potential profile indicate almost no significant change. Biasing has almost no effect on the intrinsic impurity levels in the plasma.

Imagerie combinée géoélectrique radar géologique des cavités souterraines de la ville de Zaouit Ech Cheikh (Maroc)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Khammari, Kamal; Najine, Abdessamad; Jaffal, Mohammed; Aïfa, Tahar; Himi, Mahjoub; Vásquez, Diego; Casas, Albert; Andrieux, Pierre

2007-06-01

The basement of the Zaouit Ech Cheikh city shelters a dense network of underground cavities. These sub-surface voids make many buildings or infrastructures unstable or cause them to collapse. To test the efficiency of geophysical methods in detecting cavities, 2D electrical tomography and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) studies were carried out along the main streets of the city. The obtained results reveal the existence of a large number of underground cavities throughout the investigated area. They also show the interest of such combined geophysical methods as tools for mapping underground holes in an urban area.

Determination of coumarin in seasonal bakery products using QuEChERS and GC-MS.

PubMed

Vetter, F; Müller, C; Stöckelhuber, M; Bracher, F

2017-06-01

Cinnamon is a traditional herbal drug, but more importantly, it is used as a flavor compound in the production of foodstuff. Due to the content of significant concentrations of coumarin in Cassia cinnamon, effective control of the coumarin content in seasonal bakery products like ginger bread and cinnamon biscuits is urgently needed. Here we present a novel, fast and fully validated protocol for the determination of coumarin in marketed bakery products using the QuEChERS sample preparation technique in combination with GC-MS analysis. Ten grams of homogenized sample was mixed with 20 mL acetonitrile/water (1:1) and 5 g magnesium sulfate/sodium chloride mixture (4:1). The organic phase was cleaned by dSPE with 25 mg magnesium sulfate/PSA (5:1). The LOD was 0.15 μg/mL and the LOQ 0.50 μg/mL. We detected a mean coumarin content of 19.5 μg/kg in 9 out of 14 seasonal food products (ranging from 1.45 to 39.4 mg/kg). No coumarin was detected in five cinnamon containing products. With this investigation we demonstrate that the QuEChERS sample preparation, previously applied mainly to the analysis of pesticides in vegetables, is also suitable for other complex matrices.

Simultaneous Analysis of Ursolic Acid and Oleanolic Acid in Guava Leaves Using QuEChERS-Based Extraction Followed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

PubMed Central

Xu, Chang; Liao, Yiyi; Fang, Chunyan; Zhang, Yingxia

2017-01-01

In this paper, a novel method of QuEChERS-based extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed for the simultaneous determination of ursolic acid (UA) and oleanolic acid (OA) in guava leaves. The QuEChERS-based extraction parameters, including the amount of added salt, vortex-assisted extraction time, and absorbent amount, and the chromatographic conditions were investigated for the analysis of UA and OA in guava leaves. Under the optimized conditions, the method showed good linearity over a range of 1–320 μg mL−1, with correlation coefficients above 0.999. The limits of detection of UA and OA were 0.18 and 0.36 μg mL−1, respectively. The intraday and interday precision were below 1.95 and 2.55%, respectively. The accuracies of the UA and OA determinations ranged from 97.4 to 111.4%. The contents of UA and OA in the guava leaf samples were 2.50 and 0.73 mg g−1, respectively. These results demonstrate that the developed method is applicable to the simultaneous determination of UA and OA in guava leaves. PMID:28781908

The study of Equatorial coronal hole during maximum phase of Solar Cycle 21, 22, 23 and 24

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karna, Mahendra; Karna, Nishu

2017-08-01

The 11-year Solar Cycle (SC) is characterized by the periodic change in the solar activity like sunspot numbers, coronal holes, active regions, eruptions such as flares and coronal mass ejections. We study the relationship between equatorial coronal holes (ECH) and the active regions (AR) as coronal whole positions and sizes change with the solar cycle. We made a detailed study of equatorial coronal hole for four solar maximum: Solar Cycle 21 (1979,1980,1981 and 1982), Solar Cycle 22 (1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992), Solar Cycle 23 (1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002) and Solar Cycle 24 (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015). We used publically available NOAA solar coronal hole data for cycle 21 and 22. We measured the ECH region using the EIT and AIA synoptic map for cycle 23 and 24. We noted that in two complete 22-year cycle of solar activity, the equatorial coronal hole numbers in SC 22 is greater than SC 21 and similarly, SC 24 equatorial coronal hole numbers are greater than SC 23. Moreover, we also compared the position of AR and ECH during SC 23 and 24. We used daily Solar Region Summary (SRS) data from SWPC/NOAA website. Our goal is to examine the correlation between equatorial holes, active regions, and flares.

Promoted decomposition of NOx in automotive diesel-like exhausts by electro-catalytic honeycombs.

PubMed

Huang, Ta-Jen; Chiang, De-Yi; Shih, Chi; Lee, Cheng-Chin; Mao, Chih-Wei; Wang, Bo-Chung

2015-03-17

NO and NO2 (collectively called NOx) are major air pollutants in automotive emissions. More effective and easier treatments of NOx than those achieved by the present methods can offer better protection of human health and higher fuel efficiency that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, currently commercialized technologies for automotive NOx emission control cannot effectively treat diesel-like exhausts with high NOx concentrations. Thus, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) has been used extensively, which reduces fuel efficiency and increases particulate emission considerably. Our results show that the electro-catalytic honeycomb (ECH) promotes the decomposition of NOx to nitrogen and oxygen, without consuming reagents or other resources. NOx can be converted to nitrogen and oxygen almost completely. The ECHs are shown to effectively remove NOx from gasoline-fueled diesel-like exhausts. A very high NO concentration is preferred in the engine exhaust, especially during engine cold-start. Promoted NOx decomposition (PND) technology for real-world automotive applications is established in this study by using the ECH. With PND, EGR is no longer needed. Diesel-like engines can therefore achieve superior fuel efficiency, and all major automotive pollutants can be easily treated due to high concentration of oxygen in the diesel-like exhausts, leading to zero pollution.

QuEChERS-based purification method coupled to ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to determine six quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) in dairy products.

PubMed

Xian, Yanping; Dong, Hao; Wu, Yuluan; Guo, Xindong; Hou, Xiangchang; Wang, Bin

2016-12-01

QuEChERS-based purification coupled with UPLC-MS/MS method, was developed for six quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) determination in dairy products. Powder samples were firstly dispersed by water. Protein in liquid milk was precipitated and sample solution was extracted by acetonitrile. QuEChERS-based purification was used to purify the solution. QACs were finally separated by HILIC column and detected in MRM mode of MS/MS under ESI(+). The stable isotope benzyl-2,3,4,5,6-d5-dimethyltetradecylammonium bromide (C14-BAC-d5) was used as an internal standard. This method was validated in terms of linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy. Linear relations were favorable for QACs over the selected concentration ranges of 0.2-50μg/L, with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. The limits of detection (LODs) were in the range of 0.4-14.5μg/kg. Recoveries were between 91.2% and 115% with RSDs of 2.8-7.5% for intra-day precision and 3.7-6.7% for inter-day precision. This validated method was successfully applied to determine the QACs concentrations in dairy products. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ionosphere-Magnetosphere Energy Interplay in the Regions of Diffuse Aurora

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Khazanov, G. V.; Glocer, A.; Sibeck, D. G.; Tripathi, A. K.; Detweiler, L.G.; Avanov, L. A.; Singhal, R. P.

2016-01-01

Both electron cyclotron harmonic (ECH) waves and whistler mode chorus waves resonate with electrons of the Earths plasma sheet in the energy range from tens of eV to several keV and produce the electron diffuse aurora at ionospheric altitudes. Interaction of these superthermal electrons with the neutral atmosphere leads to the production of secondary electrons (E500600 eV) and, as a result, leads to the activation of lower energy superthermal electron spectra that can escape back to the magnetosphere and contribute to the thermal electron energy deposition processes in the magnetospheric plasma. The ECH and whistler mode chorus waves, however, can also interact with the secondary electrons that are coming from both of the magnetically conjugated ionospheres after they have been produced by initially precipitated high-energy electrons that came from the plasma sheet. After their degradation and subsequent reflection in magnetically conjugate atmospheric regions, both the secondary electrons and the precipitating electrons with high (E600 eV) initial energies will travel back through the loss cone, become trapped in the magnetosphere, and redistribute the energy content of the magnetosphere-ionosphere system. Thus, scattering of the secondary electrons by ECH and whistler mode chorus waves leads to an increase of the fraction of superthermal electron energy deposited into the core magnetospheric plasma.

DIII-D research advancing the scientific basis for burning plasmas and fusion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

W. M. SolomonThe DIII-D Team

2017-10-01

The DIII-D tokamak has addressed key issues to advance the physics basis for ITER and future steady-state fusion devices. In work related to transient control, magnetic probing is used to identify a decrease in ideal stability, providing a basis for active instability sensing. Improved understanding of 3D interactions is emerging, with RMP-ELM suppression correlated with exciting an edge current driven mode. Should rapid plasma termination be necessary, shattered neon pellet injection has been shown to be tunable to adjust radiation and current quench rate. For predictive simulations, reduced transport models such as TGLF have reproduced changes in confinement associated with electron heating. A new wide-pedestal variant of QH-mode has been discovered where increased edge transport is found to allow higher pedestal pressure. New dimensionless scaling experiments suggest an intrinsic torque comparable to the beam-driven torque on ITER. In steady-state-related research, complete ELM suppression has been achieved that is relatively insensitive to q 95, having a weak effect on the pedestal. Both high-q min and hybrid steady-state plasmas have avoided fast ion instabilities and achieved increased performance by control of the fast ion pressure gradient and magnetic shear, and use of external control tools such as ECH. In the boundary, experiments have demonstrated the impact of E× B drifts on divertor detachment and divertor asymmetries. Measurements in helium plasmas have found that the radiation shortfall can be eliminated provided the density near the X-point is used as a constraint in the modeling. Experiments conducted with toroidal rings of tungsten in the divertor have indicated that control of the strike-point flux is important for limiting the core contamination. Future improvements are planned to the facility to advance physics issues related to the boundary, transients and high performance steady-state operation.

DIII-D research advancing the scientific basis for burning plasmas and fusion energy

DOE PAGES

Solomon, Wayne M.

2017-07-12

The DIII-D tokamak has addressed key issues to advance the physics basis for ITER and future steady-state fusion devices. In work related to transient control, magnetic probing is used to identify a decrease in ideal stability, providing a basis for active instability sensing. Improved understanding of 3D interactions is emerging, with RMP-ELM suppression correlated with exciting an edge current driven mode. Should rapid plasma termination be necessary, shattered neon pellet injection has been shown to be tunable to adjust radiation and current quench rate. For predictive simulations, reduced transport models such as TGLF have reproduced changes in confinement associated withmore » electron heating. A new wide- pedestal variant of QH-mode has been discovered where increased edge transport is found to allow higher pedestal pressure. New dimensionless scaling experiments suggest an intrinsic torque comparable to the beam-driven torque on ITER. In steady-state-related research, complete ELM suppression has been achieved that is relatively insensitive to q 95, having a weak effect on the pedestal. Both high-q min and hybrid steady-state plasmas have avoided fast ion instabilities and achieved increased performance by control of the fast ion pressure gradient and magnetic shear, and use of external control tools such as ECH. In the boundary, experiments have demonstrated the impact of E × B drifts on divertor detachment and divertor asymmetries. Measurements in helium plasmas have found that the radiation shortfall can be eliminated provided the density near the X-point is used as a constraint in the modeling. Experiments conducted with toroidal rings of tungsten in the divertor have indicated that control of the strike-point flux is important for limiting the core contamination. In conclusion, future improvements are planned to the facility to advance physics issues related to the boundary, transients and high performance steady-state operation.« less

DIII-D research advancing the scientific basis for burning plasmas and fusion energy

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

Solomon, Wayne M.

The DIII-D tokamak has addressed key issues to advance the physics basis for ITER and future steady-state fusion devices. In work related to transient control, magnetic probing is used to identify a decrease in ideal stability, providing a basis for active instability sensing. Improved understanding of 3D interactions is emerging, with RMP-ELM suppression correlated with exciting an edge current driven mode. Should rapid plasma termination be necessary, shattered neon pellet injection has been shown to be tunable to adjust radiation and current quench rate. For predictive simulations, reduced transport models such as TGLF have reproduced changes in confinement associated withmore » electron heating. A new wide- pedestal variant of QH-mode has been discovered where increased edge transport is found to allow higher pedestal pressure. New dimensionless scaling experiments suggest an intrinsic torque comparable to the beam-driven torque on ITER. In steady-state-related research, complete ELM suppression has been achieved that is relatively insensitive to q 95, having a weak effect on the pedestal. Both high-q min and hybrid steady-state plasmas have avoided fast ion instabilities and achieved increased performance by control of the fast ion pressure gradient and magnetic shear, and use of external control tools such as ECH. In the boundary, experiments have demonstrated the impact of E × B drifts on divertor detachment and divertor asymmetries. Measurements in helium plasmas have found that the radiation shortfall can be eliminated provided the density near the X-point is used as a constraint in the modeling. Experiments conducted with toroidal rings of tungsten in the divertor have indicated that control of the strike-point flux is important for limiting the core contamination. In conclusion, future improvements are planned to the facility to advance physics issues related to the boundary, transients and high performance steady-state operation.« less

Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Phenol over Platinum and Rhodium: Unexpected Temperature Effects Resolved

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

Singh, Nirala; Song, Yang; Gutiérrez, Oliver Y.

2016-11-04

Both electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) and thermal hydrogenation (TH) of phenol by Pt and Rh show a roll-over in rate with increasing temperature without changing the principal reaction pathways. The negative effect of temperature for aqueous-phase phenol H2 and electrocatalytic hydrogenation on Pt and Rh is deduced to be due to the unexpected buildup of dehydrogenated phenol adsorbates, which block active sites. Rates of ECH and TH increase similarly with increasing hydrogen chemical potential whether induced by applied potential or H2 pressure, both via increasing H coverage, and indirectly by removing site blockers, a very strong effect at high temperature. Thismore » enables unprecedented rates in the TH of phenol at these temperatures.« less

Evaluation of the QuEChERS Method and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis Pesticide Residues in Water and Sediment

PubMed Central

de Macedo, A. N.; Vicente, G. H. L.; Nogueira, A. R. A.

2010-01-01

A method for the determination of pesticide residues in water and sediment was developed using the QuEChERS method followed by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. The method was validated in terms of accuracy, specificity, linearity, detection and quantification limits. The recovery percentages obtained for the pesticides in water at different concentrations ranged from 63 to 116%, with relative standard deviations below 12%. The corresponding results from the sediment ranged from 48 to 115% with relative standard deviations below 16%. The limits of detection for the pesticides in water and sediment were below 0.003 mg L−1 and 0.02 mg kg−1, respectively. PMID:21165598

Bridging the Generation Gap: A Rapid Early Career Hire Training Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rieber, Richard R.; Coffee, Thomas; Dong, Shuonan; Infield, Samantha I.; Kilbride, Kendra B.; Seibert, Michael A.; Solish, Benjamin S.

2008-01-01

This paper describes a training program to provide Early Career Hires (ECHs) in the aerospace industry with real, rapid, hands-on exposure to multiple phases and multiple disciplines of flight project development. Such a program has become necessary to close the Generation Gap and ensure that aerospace organizations maintain a highly skilled workforce as experienced personnel begin to retire. This paper discusses the specific motivations for and implementation of such a program at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. However, the essential features are widely applicable to other NASA centers and organizations delivering large llight systems. This paper details the overall program concept, stages of participation by an ECH, oversight and mentoring, program assessment, training project selection, and facilities requirements.

Chondrocyte differentiation for auricular cartilage reconstruction using a chitosan based hydrogel.

PubMed

García-López, J; Garciadiego-Cázares, D; Melgarejo-Ramírez, Y; Sánchez-Sánchez, R; Solís-Arrieta, L; García-Carvajal, Z; Sánchez-Betancourt, J I; Ibarra, C; Luna-Bárcenas, G; Velasquillo, C

2015-12-01

Tissue engineering with the use of biodegradable and biocompatible scaffolds is an interesting option for ear repair. Chitosan-Polyvinyl alcohol-Epichlorohydrine hydrogel (CS-PVA-ECH) is biocompatible and displays appropriate mechanical properties to be used as a scaffold. The present work, studies the potential of CS-PVA-ECH scaffolds seeded with chondrocytes to develop elastic cartilage engineered-neotissues. Chondrocytes isolated from rabbit and swine elastic cartilage were independently cultured onto CS-PVA-ECH scaffolds for 20 days to form the appropriate constructs. Then, in vitro cell viability and morphology were evaluated by calcein AM and EthD-1 assays and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) respectively, and the constructs were implanted in nu/nu mice for four months, in order to evaluate the neotissue formation. Histological analysis of the formed neotissues was performed by Safranin O, Toluidine blue (GAG's), Verhoeff-Van Gieson (elastic fibers), Masson's trichrome (collagen) and Von Kossa (Calcium salts) stains and SEM. Results indicate appropriate cell viability, seeded with rabbit or swine chondrocyte constructs; nevertheless, upon implantation the constructs developed neotissues with different characteristics depending on the animal species from which the seeded chondrocytes came from. Neotissues developed from swine chondrocytes were similar to auricular cartilage, while neotissues from rabbit chondrocytes were similar to hyaline cartilage and eventually they differentiate to bone. This result suggests that neotissue characteristics may be influenced by the animal species source of the chondrocytes isolated.

Suppression of fat deposition in broiler chickens by (-)-hydroxycitric acid supplementation: A proteomics perspective

PubMed Central

Peng, Mengling; Han, Jing; Li, Longlong; Ma, Haitian

2016-01-01

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) suppresses fatty acid synthesis in animals, but its biochemical mechanism in poultry is unclear. This study identified the key proteins associated with fat metabolism and elucidated the biochemical mechanism of (-)-HCA in broiler chickens. Four groups (n = 30 each) received a diet supplemented with 0, 1000, 2000 or 3000 mg/kg (-)-HCA for 4 weeks. Of the differentially expressed liver proteins, 40 and 26 were identified in the mitochondrial and cytoplasm respectively. Pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 components (PDHA1 and PDHB), dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (DLD), aconitase (ACO2), a-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (DLST), enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) were upregulated, while NADP-dependent malic enzyme (ME1) was downregulated. Biological network analysis showed that the identified proteins were involved in glycometabolism and lipid metabolism, whereas PDHA1, PDHB, ECHS1, and ME1 were identified in the canonical pathway by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The data indicated that (-)-HCA inhibited fatty acid synthesis by reducing the acetyl-CoA supply, via promotion of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (upregulation of PDHA1, PDHB, ACO2, and DLST expression) and inhibition of ME1 expression. Moreover, (-)-HCA promoted fatty acid beta-oxidation by upregulating ECHS1 expression. These results reflect a biochemically relevant mechanism of fat reduction by (-)-HCA in broiler chickens. PMID:27586962

Evaluation of various QuEChERS based methods for the analysis of herbicides and other commonly used pesticides in polished rice by LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Pareja, Lucía; Cesio, Verónica; Heinzen, Horacio; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2011-02-15

Four different extraction and clean-up protocols based on the QuEChERS method were compared for the development of an optimized sample preparation procedure for the multiresidue analysis of 16 commonly applied herbicides in rice crops using LC-QqQ/MS. Additionally the methods were evaluated for the analysis of 26 insecticides and fungicides currently used in rice crops. The methods comprise, in general, the hydratation of the sample with water followed by the extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with the addition of different salts and finally a clean-up step with various sorbents. Matrix effects were evaluated for the 4 studied methods using LC-QqQ/MS. Additionally LC-TOF/MS was used to compare the co-extractants obtained with the four assayed methodologies. Thirty-six pesticides presented good performance with recoveries in the range 70-120% and relative standard deviations below 20% using 7.5 g of milled polished rice and the buffered acetate QuEChERS method without clean-up at both fortification levels: 10 and 300 μg kg(-1). The other six pesticides presented low recovery rates, nevertheless all these analytes could be analyzed with at least one of the other three studied procedures. Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Initial results for a 170 GHz high power ITER waveguide component test stand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bigelow, Timothy; Barker, Alan; Dukes, Carl; Killough, Stephen; Kaufman, Michael; White, John; Bell, Gary; Hanson, Greg; Rasmussen, Dave

2014-10-01

A high power microwave test stand is being setup at ORNL to enable prototype testing of 170 GHz cw waveguide components being developed for the ITER ECH system. The ITER ECH system will utilize 63.5 mm diameter evacuated corrugated waveguide and will have 24 >150 m long runs. A 170 GHz 1 MW class gyrotron is being developed by Communications and Power Industries and is nearing completion. A HVDC power supply, water-cooling and control system has been partially tested in preparation for arrival of the gyrotron. The power supply and water-cooling system are being designed to operate for >3600 second pulses to simulate the operating conditions planned for the ITER ECH system. The gyrotron Gaussian beam output has a single mirror for focusing into a 63.5 mm corrugated waveguide in the vertical plane. The output beam and mirror are enclosed in an evacuated duct with absorber for stray radiation. Beam alignment with the waveguide is a critical task so a combination of mirror tilt adjustments and a bellows for offsets will be provided. Analysis of thermal patterns on thin witness plates will provide gyrotron mode purity and waveguide coupling efficiency data. Pre-prototype waveguide components and two dummy loads are available for initial operational testing of the gyrotron. ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Dept. of Energy under Contract DE-AC-05-00OR22725.

High Frequency Plasma Generators for Ion Thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Divergilio, W. F.; Goede, H.; Fosnight, V. V.

1981-01-01

The results of a one year program to experimentally adapt two new types of high frequency plasma generators to Argon ion thrusters and to analytically study a third high frequency source concept are presented. Conventional 30 cm two grid ion extraction was utilized or proposed for all three sources. The two plasma generating methods selected for experimental study were a radio frequency induction (RFI) source, operating at about 1 MHz, and an electron cyclotron heated (ECH) plasma source operating at about 5 GHz. Both sources utilize multi-linecusp permanent magnet configurations for plasma confinement. The plasma characteristics, plasma loading of the rf antenna, and the rf frequency dependence of source efficiency and antenna circuit efficiency are described for the RFI Multi-cusp source. In a series of tests of this source at Lewis Research Center, minimum discharge losses of 220+/-10 eV/ion were obtained with propellant utilization of .45 at a beam current of 3 amperes. Possible improvement modifications are discussed.

Soft rot erwiniae: from genes to genomes.

PubMed

Toth, Ian K; Bell, Kenneth S; Holeva, Maria C; Birch, Paul R J

2003-01-01

SUMMARY The soft rot erwiniae, Erwinia carotovora ssp. atroseptica (Eca), E. carotovora ssp. carotovora (Ecc) and E. chrysanthemi (Ech) are major bacterial pathogens of potato and other crops world-wide. We currently understand much about how these bacteria attack plants and protect themselves against plant defences. However, the processes underlying the establishment of infection, differences in host range and their ability to survive when not causing disease, largely remain a mystery. This review will focus on our current knowledge of pathogenesis in these organisms and discuss how modern genomic approaches, including complete genome sequencing of Eca and Ech, may open the door to a new understanding of the potential subtlety and complexity of soft rot erwiniae and their interactions with plants. The soft rot erwiniae are members of the Enterobacteriaceae, along with other plant pathogens such as Erwinia amylovora and human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Yersinia spp. Although the genus name Erwinia is most often used to describe the group, an alternative genus name Pectobacterium was recently proposed for the soft rot species. Ech mainly affects crops and other plants in tropical and subtropical regions and has a wide host range that includes potato and the important model host African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha). Ecc affects crops and other plants in subtropical and temperate regions and has probably the widest host range, which also includes potato. Eca, on the other hand, has a host range limited almost exclusively to potato in temperate regions only. Disease symptoms: Soft rot erwiniae cause general tissue maceration, termed soft rot disease, through the production of plant cell wall degrading enzymes. Environmental factors such as temperature, low oxygen concentration and free water play an essential role in disease development. On potato, and possibly other plants, disease symptoms may differ, e.g. blackleg disease is associated more with Eca and Ech than with Ecc. http://www.scri.sari.ac.uk/TiPP/Erwinia.htm, http://www.ahabs.wisc.edu:16080/ approximately pernalab/erwinia/index.htm, http://www.tigr.org/tdb/mdb/mdbinprogress.html, http://www.sanger.ac.uk/Projects/E_carotovora/.

Initial results in SST-1 after up-gradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pradhan, S.; Khan, Z.; Tanna, V. L.; Prasad, U.; Paravastu, Y.; Raval, D. C.; Masand, H.; Kumar, Aveg; Dhongde, J. R.; Jana, S.; Kakati, B.; Patel, K. B.; Bhandarkar, M. K.; Shukla, B. K.; Ghosh, D.; Patel, H. S.; Parekh, T. J.; Mansuri, I. A.; Dhanani, K. R.; Varadharajulu, A.; Khristi, Y. S.; Biswas, P.; Gupta, C. N.; George, S.; Semwal, P.; Sharma, D. K.; Gulati, H. K.; Mahajan, K.; Praghi, B. R.; Banaudha, M.; Makwana, A. R.; Chudasma, H. H.; Kumar, M.; Manchanda, R.; Joisa, Y. S.; Asudani, K.; Pandya, S. N.; Pathak, S. K.; Banerjee, S.; Patel, P. J.; Santra, P.; Pathan, F. S.; Chauhan, P. K.; Khan, M. S.; Thankey, P. L.; Prakash, A.; Panchal, P. N.; Panchal, R. N.; Patel, R. J.; Mahsuria, G. I.; Sonara, D. P.; Patel, K. M.; Jayaswal, S. P.; Sharma, M.; Patel, J. C.; Varmora, P.; Srikanth, G. L. N.; Christian, D. R.; Garg, A.; Bairagi, N.; Babu, G. R.; Panchal, A. G.; Vora, M. M.; Singh, A. K.; Sharma, R.; Nimavat, H. D.; Shah, P. R.; Purwar, G.; Raval, T. Y.; Sharma, A. L.; Ojha, A.; Kumar, S.; Ramaiya, N. K.; Siju, V.; Gopalakrishna, M. V.; Kumar, A.; Sharma, P. K.; Atrey, P. K.; Kulkarni, SV; Ambulkar, K. K.; Parmar, P. R.; Thakur, A. L.; Raval, J. V.; Purohit, S.; Mishra, P. K.; Adhiya, A. N.; Nagora, U. C.; Thomas, J.; Chaudhari, V. K.; Patel, K. G.; Dalakoti, S.; Virani, C. G.; Gupta, S.; Kumar, Ajay; Chaudhari, B.; Kaur, R.; Srinivasan, R.; Raju, D.; Kanabar, D. H.; Jha, R.; Das, A.; Bora, D.

2017-04-01

SST-1 Tokamak has recently completed the 1st phase of up-gradation with successful installation and integration of all its First Wall components. The First Wall of SST-1 comprises of ∼ 3800 high heat flux compatible graphite tiles being assembled and installed on 132 CuCrZr heat sink back plates engraved with ∼ 4 km of leak tight baking and cooling channels in five major sub groups equipped with ∼ 400 sensors and weighing ∼ 6000 kg in total in thirteen isolated galvanic and six isolated hydraulic circuits. The phase-1 up-gradation spectrum also includes addition of Supersonic Molecular Beam Injection (SMBI) both on the in-board and out-board side, installation of fast reciprocating probes, adding some edge plasma probe diagnostics in the SOL region, installation and integration of segmented and up-down symmetric radial coils aiding/controlling plasma rotations, introduction of plasma position feedback and density controls etc. Post phase-I up-gradation spanning from Nov 2014 till June 2016, initial plasma experiments in up-graded SST-1 have begun since Aug 2016 after a brief engineering validation period in SST-1. The first experiments in SST-1 have revealed interesting aspects on the ‘eddy currents in the First Wall support structures’ influencing the ‘magnetic Null evolution dynamics’ and the subsequent plasma start-up characteristics after the ECH pre-ionization, the influence of the first walls on the ‘field errors’ and the resulting locked modes observed, the magnetic index influencing the evolution of the equilibrium of the plasma column, low density supra-thermal electron induced discharges and normal ohmic discharges etc. Presently; repeatable ohmic discharges regimes in SST-1 having plasma currents in excess of 65 KA (qa ∼ 3.8, BT = 1.5 T) with a current ramp rates ∼ 1.2 MA/s over a duration of ∼ 300 ms with line averaged densities ∼ 0.8 × 1019 and temperatures ∼ 200 eV with copious MHD signatures have been experimentally established. Further elongation of the plasma duration up to one second or more with position and density feedback as well as coupling of Lower Hybrid waves are currently being persuaded in SST-1 apart from increasing the core plasma parameters with further optimizations and with wall conditioning.

Determination of tocopherols and sitosterols in seeds and nuts by QuEChERS-liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Delgado-Zamarreño, M Milagros; Fernández-Prieto, Cristina; Bustamante-Rangel, Myriam; Pérez-Martín, Lara

2016-02-01

In the present work a simple, reliable and affordable sample treatment method for the simultaneous analysis of tocopherols and free phytosterols in nuts was developed. Analyte extraction was carried out using the QuEChERS methodology and analyte separation and detection were accomplished using HPLC-DAD. The use of this methodology for the extraction of natural occurring substances provides advantages such as speed, simplicity and ease of use. The parameters evaluated for the validation of the method developed included the linearity of the calibration plots, the detection and quantification limits, repeatability, reproducibility and recovery. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of tocopherols and free phytosterols in samples of almonds, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, peanuts, tiger nuts, sun flower seeds and pistachios. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterising the Atmospheres of Transiting Planets with a Dedicated Space Telescope

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tessenyi, M.; Ollivier, M.; Tinetti, G.; Beaulieu, J. P.; Coudé du Foresto, V.; Encrenaz, T.; Micela, G.; Swinyard, B.; Ribas, I.; Aylward, A.; Tennyson, J.; Swain, M. R.; Sozzetti, A.; Vasisht, G.; Deroo, P.

2011-10-01

Transiting super-Earths orbiting M dwarfs are excellent targets for the prospect of studying potentially habitable extrasolar planets. While most of the currently known Exoplanets are of the Hot Jupiter and Neptune type, attention is now turning to these super- Earths. Two recent examples are GJ 1214b, found by Charbonneau et al. in 2009, and Cancri 55 e, found by Winn et al. in 2011. These candidates offer the opportunity of obtaining spectral signatures of their atmospheres in transiting scenarios, via data obtained by ground based and space observatories, compared to simulated climate scenarios. With the recent selection of the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) mission by ESA for further studies, I present observational strategies and time requirements for a range of targets characterisable by EChO, with a view to super-Earths orbiting M dwarfs.

Impact of echinocandin on prognosis of proven invasive candidiasis in ICU: A post-hoc causal inference model using the AmarCAND2 study.

PubMed

Bailly, Sébastien; Leroy, Olivier; Azoulay, Elie; Montravers, Philippe; Constantin, Jean-Michel; Dupont, Hervé; Guillemot, Didier; Lortholary, Olivier; Mira, Jean-Paul; Perrigault, Pierre-François; Gangneux, Jean-Pierre; Timsit, Jean-François

2017-04-01

guidelines recommend first-line systemic antifungal therapy (SAT) with echinocandins in invasive candidiasis (IC), especially in critically ill patients. This study aimed at assessing the impact of echinocandins compared to azoles as initial SAT on the 28-day prognosis in adult ICU patients. From the prospective multicenter AmarCAND2 cohort (835 patients), we selected those with documented IC and treated with echinocandins (ECH) or azoles (AZO). The average causal effect of echinocandins on 28-day mortality was assessed using an inverse probability of treatment weight (IPTW) estimator. 397 patients were selected, treated with echinocandins (242 patients, 61%) or azoles (155 patients, 39%); septic shock: 179 patients (45%). The median SAPSII was higher in the ECH group (48 [35; 62] vs. 43 [31; 58], p = 0.01). Crude mortality was 34% (ECH group) vs. 25% (AZO group). After adjustment on baseline confounders, no significant association emerged between initial SAT with echinocandins and 28-day mortality (HR: 0.95; 95% CI: [0.60; 1.49]; p = 0.82). However, echinocandin tended to benefit patients with septic shock (HR: 0.46 [0.19; 1.07]; p = 0.07). Patients who received echinocandins were more severely ill. Echinocandin use was associated with a non-significant 7% decrease of 28-day mortality and a trend to a beneficial effect for patient with septic shock. Copyright © 2017 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enoyl-CoA hydratase mediates polyhydroxyalkanoate mobilization in Haloferax mediterranei

PubMed Central

Liu, Guiming; Cai, Shuangfeng; Hou, Jing; Zhao, Dahe; Han, Jing; Zhou, Jian; Xiang, Hua

2016-01-01

Although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation and mobilization are one of the most general mechanisms for haloarchaea to adapt to the hypersaline environments with changeable carbon sources, the PHA mobilization pathways are still not clear for any haloarchaea. In this study, the functions of five putative (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratases (R-ECHs) in Haloferax mediterranei, named PhaJ1 to PhaJ5, respectively, were thoroughly investigated. Through gene deletion and complementation, we demonstrated that only certain of these ECHs had a slight contribution to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biosynthesis. But significantly, PhaJ1, the only R-ECH that is associated with PHA granules, was shown to be involved in PHA mobilization in this haloarchaeon. PhaJ1 catalyzes the dehydration of (R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA, the common product of PHA degradation, to enoyl-CoA, the intermediate of the β-oxidation cycle, thus could link PHA mobilization to β-oxidation pathway in H. mediterranei. This linkage was further indicated from the up-regulation of the key genes of β-oxidation under the PHA mobilization condition, as well as the obvious inhibition of PHA degradation upon inhibition of the β-oxidation pathway. Interestingly, 96% of phaJ-containing haloarchaeal species possess both phaC (encoding PHA synthase) and the full set genes of β-oxidation, implying that the mobilization of carbon storage in PHA through the β-oxidation cycle would be general in haloarchaea. PMID:27052994

Enoyl-CoA hydratase mediates polyhydroxyalkanoate mobilization in Haloferax mediterranei.

PubMed

Liu, Guiming; Cai, Shuangfeng; Hou, Jing; Zhao, Dahe; Han, Jing; Zhou, Jian; Xiang, Hua

2016-04-07

Although polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) accumulation and mobilization are one of the most general mechanisms for haloarchaea to adapt to the hypersaline environments with changeable carbon sources, the PHA mobilization pathways are still not clear for any haloarchaea. In this study, the functions of five putative (R)-specific enoyl-CoA hydratases (R-ECHs) in Haloferax mediterranei, named PhaJ1 to PhaJ5, respectively, were thoroughly investigated. Through gene deletion and complementation, we demonstrated that only certain of these ECHs had a slight contribution to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biosynthesis. But significantly, PhaJ1, the only R-ECH that is associated with PHA granules, was shown to be involved in PHA mobilization in this haloarchaeon. PhaJ1 catalyzes the dehydration of (R)-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA, the common product of PHA degradation, to enoyl-CoA, the intermediate of the β-oxidation cycle, thus could link PHA mobilization to β-oxidation pathway in H. mediterranei. This linkage was further indicated from the up-regulation of the key genes of β-oxidation under the PHA mobilization condition, as well as the obvious inhibition of PHA degradation upon inhibition of the β-oxidation pathway. Interestingly, 96% of phaJ-containing haloarchaeal species possess both phaC (encoding PHA synthase) and the full set genes of β-oxidation, implying that the mobilization of carbon storage in PHA through the β-oxidation cycle would be general in haloarchaea.

Recent Modifications and Validation of QuEChERS-dSPE Coupled to LC-MS and GC-MS Instruments for Determination of Pesticide/Agrochemical Residues in Fruits and Vegetables: Review.

PubMed

Lawal, Abubakar; Wong, Richard Chee Seng; Tan, Guan Huat; Abdulra'uf, Lukman Bola; Alsharif, Ali Mohamed Ali

2018-04-21

Fruits and vegetables constitute a major type of food consumed daily apart from whole grains. Unfortunately, the residual deposits of pesticides in these products are becoming a major health concern for human consumption. Consequently, the outcome of the long-term accumulation of pesticide residues has posed many health issues to both humans and animals in the environment. However, the residues have previously been determined using conventionally known techniques, which include liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction (SPE) and the recently used liquid-phase microextraction techniques. Despite the positive technological effects of these methods, their limitations include; time-consuming, operational difficulty, use of toxic organic solvents, low selective property and expensive extraction setups, with shorter lifespan of instrumental performances. Thus, the potential and maximum use of these methods for pesticides residue determination has resulted in the urgent need for better techniques that will overcome the highlighted drawbacks. Alternatively, attention has been drawn recently towards the use of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe technique (QuEChERS) coupled with dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) to overcome the setback challenges experienced by the previous technologies. Conclusively, the reviewed QuEChERS-dSPE techniques and the recent cleanup modifications justifiably prove to be reliable for routine determination and monitoring the concentration levels of pesticide residues using advanced instruments such as high-performance liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The fate of spirotetramat and dissipation metabolites in Apiaceae and Brassicaceae leaf-root and soil system under greenhouse conditions estimated by modified QuEChERS/LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Łozowicka, Bożena; Mojsak, Patrycja; Kaczyński, Piotr; Konecki, Rafał; Borusiewicz, Andrzej

2017-12-15

The aim of this study was to investigate the dissipation of spirotetramat and its four metabolites (B-enol, B-keto, B-mono and B-glu) in different parts of vegetables belong to the minor crops (Appiacea and Brassicaceae) and soil from cultivation. The challenge of this study was to apply an optimized clean up step in QuEChERS to obtain one universal sorbent for different complex matrices like leaves with high levels of pigments, roots containing acids, sugars, polyphenolls and pigments and soil with organic ingredients. Eight commercial (Florisil, neutral alumina, GCB, PSA, C18, diatomaceous earth, VERDE and ChloroFiltr) and one organic (Chitosan) sorbents were tested. A modified clean up step in QuEChERS methodology was used for analysis. The dissipation of spirotetramat and its metabolites was described according to a first-order (FO) kinetics equation with R 2 between 0.9055 and 0.9838. The results showed that the time after 50% (DT 50 ) of the substance degraded was different for soil, roots and leaves, and amounted to 0.2day, 2.8-2.9days and 2.1-2.4days, respectively. The terminal residues of spiroteramat (expressed as the sum of spirotetramat, B-enol, B-glu, B-keto and B-mono) were much lower than the MRLs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrodeposition of palladium and reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites on foam-nickel electrode for electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination of 4-chlorophenol.

PubMed

Liu, Yong; Liu, Lan; Shan, Jun; Zhang, Jingdong

2015-06-15

A high-performance palladium (Pd) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composite electrode was prepared on foam-nickel (foam-Ni) via two-step electrodeposition processes. The scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed that the obtained Pd/RGO/foam-Ni composite electrode displayed a uniform and compact morphology. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analysis confirmed the successful deposition of Pd and RGO on nickel substrate. The cyclic voltammetric (CV) measurements indicated that the presence of RGO greatly enhanced the active surface area of Pd particles deposited on foam-Ni. The as-deposited Pd/RGO/foam-Ni electrode was applied to electrocatalytic hydrodechlorination (ECH) of 4-chlorophenol (4-CP). Various factors influencing the dechlorination of 4-CP such as dechlorination current, initial concentration of 4-CP, Na2SO4 concentration and initial pH were systematically investigated. The thermodynamic analysis showed that the dechlorination reaction of 4-CP at different temperatures followed the first-order kinetics and the activation energy for 4-CP dechlorination on Pd/RGO/foam-Ni electrode was calculated to be 51.96 kJ mol(-1). Under the optimum conditions, the dechlorination efficiency of 4-CP could reach 100% after 60-min ECH treatment. Moreover, the prepared Pd/RGO/foam-Ni composite electrode showed good stability for recycling utilization in ECH of 4-CP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluating the accuracy of soil water sensors for irrigation scheduling to conserve freshwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganjegunte, Girisha K.; Sheng, Zhuping; Clark, John A.

2012-06-01

In the Trans-Pecos area, pecan [ Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh) C. Koch] is a major irrigated cash crop. Pecan trees require large amounts of water for their growth and flood (border) irrigation is the most common method of irrigation. Pecan crop is often over irrigated using traditional method of irrigation scheduling by counting number of calendar days since the previous irrigation. Studies in other pecan growing areas have shown that the water use efficiency can be improved significantly and precious freshwater can be saved by scheduling irrigation based on soil moisture conditions. This study evaluated the accuracy of three recent low cost soil water sensors (ECH2O-5TE, Watermark 200SS and Tensiometer model R) to monitor volumetric soil water content (θv) to develop improved irrigation scheduling in a mature pecan orchard in El Paso, Texas. Results indicated that while all three sensors were successful in following the general trends of soil moisture conditions during the growing season, actual measurements differed significantly. Statistical analyses of results indicated that Tensiometer provided relatively accurate soil moisture data than ECH2O-5TE and Watermark without site-specific calibration. While ECH2O-5TE overestimated the soil water content, Watermark and Tensiometer underestimated. Results of this study suggested poor accuracy of all three sensors if factory calibration and reported soil water retention curve for study site soil texture were used. This indicated that sensors needed site-specific calibration to improve their accuracy in estimating soil water content data.

Roles of HynAB and Ech, the Only Two Hydrogenases Found in the Model Sulfate Reducer Desulfovibrio gigas

PubMed Central

Morais-Silva, Fabio O.; Santos, Catia I.; Rodrigues, Rute

2013-01-01

Sulfate-reducing bacteria are characterized by a high number of hydrogenases, which have been proposed to contribute to the overall energy metabolism of the cell, but exactly in what role is not clear. Desulfovibrio spp. can produce or consume H2 when growing on organic or inorganic substrates in the presence or absence of sulfate. Because of the presence of only two hydrogenases encoded in its genome, the periplasmic HynAB and cytoplasmic Ech hydrogenases, Desulfovibrio gigas is an excellent model organism for investigation of the specific function of each of these enzymes during growth. In this study, we analyzed the physiological response to the deletion of the genes that encode the two hydrogenases in D. gigas, through the generation of ΔechBC and ΔhynAB single mutant strains. These strains were analyzed for the ability to grow on different substrates, such as lactate, pyruvate, and hydrogen, under respiratory and fermentative conditions. Furthermore, the expression of both hydrogenase genes in the three strains studied was assessed through quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. The results demonstrate that neither hydrogenase is essential for growth on lactate-sulfate, indicating that hydrogen cycling is not indispensable. In addition, the periplasmic HynAB enzyme has a bifunctional activity and is required for growth on H2 or by fermentation of pyruvate. Therefore, this enzyme seems to play a dominant role in D. gigas hydrogen metabolism. PMID:23974026

Electrochemical red-ox therapy of prostate cancer in nude mice.

PubMed

Cury, Fabio L; Bhindi, Bimal; Rocha, Joice; Scarlata, Eleonora; El Jurdi, Katia; Ladouceur, Michel; Beauregard, Stéphane; Vijh, Ashok K; Taguchi, Yosh; Chevalier, Simone

2015-08-01

Minimally invasive therapies are increasingly in demand for organ-confined prostate tumors. Electrochemical therapy (EChT) is attractive, as it relies on locally-induced reduction-oxidation reactions to kill tumor cells. Its efficacy for prostate cancer was assessed in human PC-3 and LNCaP tumor xenografts growing subcutaneously in nude mice (n = 80) by applying 2 Stainless Steel vs. 4 Platinum-Iridium (Pt-Ir) electrodes to deliver current densities of 10 to 35 mA/cm(2) for 30 or 60 min. The procedure was uneventful in 90% of mice. No difference in tumor vs. body temperature was observed. Changes at electrode-tumor junctions were immediate, with dryness and acidity (pH2-3) at the anode and oedema and alkalinity (pH10-12) at the cathode. This was accompanied by cellular alterations, found more pronounced at the cathode. Such acidic and alkaline conditions were cytotoxic in vitro and dissolved cells at pH>10. In mice, tumor destruction was extensive by 24h with almost undetectable blood prostate specific antigen (LNCaP model) and covered the whole tumor surface by 4 days. EChT was most efficient at 25-30 mA/cm(2) for 60 min, yielding the longest recurrence-free survival and higher cure rates, especially with 4 Pt-Ir electrodes. EChT is a promising option to optimize for organ-confined prostate tumors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening of 23 β-lactams in foodstuffs by LC-MS/MS using an alkaline QuEChERS-like extraction.

PubMed

Bessaire, Thomas; Mujahid, Claudia; Beck, Andrea; Tarres, Adrienne; Savoy, Marie-Claude; Woo, Pei-Mun; Mottier, Pascal; Desmarchelier, Aurélien

2018-04-01

A fast and robust high performance LC-MS/MS screening method was developed for the analysis of β-lactam antibiotics in foods of animal origin: eggs, raw milk, processed dairy ingredients, infant formula, and meat- and fish-based products including baby foods. QuEChERS extraction with some adaptations enabled 23 drugs to be simultaneously monitored. Screening target concentrations were set at levels adequate to ensure compliance with current European, Chinese, US and Canadian regulations. The method was fully validated according to the European Community Reference Laboratories Residues Guidelines using 93 food samples of different composition. False-negative and false-positive rates were below 5% for all analytes. The method is adequate for use in high-routine laboratories. A 1-year study was additionally conducted to assess the stability of the 23 analytes in the working standard solution.

Matrix effects in pesticide multi-residue analysis by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Kruve, Anneli; Künnapas, Allan; Herodes, Koit; Leito, Ivo

2008-04-11

Three sample preparation methods: Luke method (AOAC 985.22), QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) and matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) were applied to different fruits and vegetables for analysis of 14 pesticide residues by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI/MS). Matrix effect, recovery and process efficiency of the sample preparation methods applied to different fruits and vegetables were compared. The Luke method was found to produce least matrix effect. On an average the best recoveries were obtained with the QuEChERS method. MSPD gave unsatisfactory recoveries for some basic pesticide residues. Comparison of matrix effects for different apple varieties showed high variability for some residues. It was demonstrated that the amount of co-extracting compounds that cause ionization suppression of aldicarb depends on the apple variety as well as on the sample preparation method employed.

Determination of pesticides in coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn.) water and pulp using modified QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Ferreira, Jordana Alves; Ferreira, Joana Maria Santos; Talamini, Viviane; Facco, Janice de Fátima; Rizzetti, Tiele Medianeira; Prestes, Osmar Damian; Adaime, Martha Bohrer; Zanella, Renato; Bottoli, Carla Beatriz Grespan

2016-12-15

The use of pesticides is directly linked to improvements in productivity and to the preservation of coconut palms. However pesticide analysis is necessary to determine whether pesticide residues in the food products containing coconut are within the maximum residue limits (MRLs), ensuring the quality of these products. This work aimed to develop a method for multiresidue determination of ten pesticides in coconut water and pulp using QuEChERS and LC-MS/MS. The method was effective in terms of selectivity, linearity, matrix effect, accuracy and precision, providing LOD of 3μgkg(-1), LOQ of 10μgkg(-1) and recoveries between 70 and 120% with RSD lower than 20%. The developed method was applied to 36 samples in which residues of carbendazim, carbofuran, cyproconazole and thiabendazole were found below the LOQ in coconut water and pulp. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impact of feeder space on laying hen feeding behavior and production performance in enriched colony housing.

PubMed

Oliveira, J L; Xin, H; Wu, H

2018-05-30

Current feeder space recommendations in laying hen welfare guidelines are inconsistent among and within countries. One determining criterion forming the recommendations (e.g. 12.0 cm/hen for the EU guideline) is that all birds can feed simultaneously. However, if there are other resources in the environment, as in enriched colony housing (ECH), it is unknown whether group-housed hens will choose to feed simultaneously. This study assesses the impact of feeder space on feeding behavior of 60 laying hens (W-36) in ECH using a ultra-high frequency radio-frequency identification-based tracking system. The feeder spaces investigated were 12.0, 9.5, 8.5 and 6.5 cm/hen, achieved by blocking portions of the overall feeder access to keep hens at the same stocking density. Each feeder space treatment, randomly assigned over the course of the experiment, lasted for 7 consecutive days. Feeding behaviors were characterized as daily time spent at the feeder (TS, min/hen-day), daily frequency of visits to the feeder (FV, #/hen-day), and maximum or average percentage of hens feeding simultaneously (MPB, APB, %). Group-average daily feed intake (FI, g/hen-day), water use (WU, g/hen-day), and hen-day egg production (HDEP, %) were also measured. The results revealed that at 12.0 cm/hen, where unoccupied feeder space was present, a maximum of 59.0±1.4% (average of 31.7±0.3%) hens fed simultaneously. No significant differences were detected among 12.0, 9.5 and 8.5 cm/hen in TS (293±10, 286±10 and 281±10 min/hen-day) and MPB (59.0±1.4, 57.3±1.4 and 53.3±1.4%) (P>0.05). The outcome of no significant differences also held true between 12.0 and 9.5 cm/hen in APB (31.7±0.3 v. 30.8±0.3%) and between 9.5 and 8.5 cm/hen in all response variables measured (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences in APB between 6.5 cm/hen and all other treatments; in TS and FV between 6.5 and 9.5 cm/hen; and in MPB between 6.5 and 12 cm/hen (P0.05). The results revealed that synchronous feeding of hens in the ECH did not increase with increasing feeder space. However, it is worth noting that lower feeder space may lead to aggression or frustration which was not quantified in the current study.

Validation of an Analytical Method for Determination of Benzo[a]pyrene Bread using QuEChERS Method by GC-MS

PubMed Central

Eslamizad, Samira; Yazdanpanah, Hassan; Javidnia, Katayon; Sadeghi, Ramezan; Bayat, Mitra; Shahabipour, Sara; Khalighian, Najmeh; Kobarfard, Farzad

2016-01-01

A fast and simple modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, rugged and safe) extraction method based on spiked calibration curves and direct sample introduction was developed for determination of Benzo [a] pyrene (BaP) in bread by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry single quadrupole selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SQ-SIM). Sample preparation includes: extraction of BaP into acetone followed by cleanup with dispersive solid phase extraction. The use of spiked samples for constructing the calibration curve substantially reduced adverse matrix-related effects. The average recovery of BaP at 6 concentration levels was in range of 95-120%. The method was proved to be reproducible with relative standard deviation less than 14.5% for all of the concentration levels. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.3 ng/g and 0.5 ng/g, respectively. Correlation coefficient of 0.997 was obtained for spiked calibration standards over the concentration range of 0.5-20 ng/g. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a QuEChERS method is used for the analysis of BaP in breads. The developed method was used for determination of BaP in 29 traditional (Sangak) and industrial (Senan) bread samples collected from Tehran in 2014. These results showed that two Sangak samples were contaminated with BaP. Therefore, a comprehensive survey for monitoring of BaP in Sangak bread samples seems to be needed. This is the first report concerning contamination of bread samples with BaP in Iran. PMID:27642317

Determination of multiple pesticides in fruits and vegetables using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method with magnetic nanoparticles and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Li, Yan-Fei; Qiao, Lu-Qin; Li, Fang-Wei; Ding, Yi; Yang, Zi-Jun; Wang, Ming-Lin

2014-09-26

Based on a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation method with Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as the adsorbing material and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) determination in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, we established a new method for the determination of multiple pesticides in vegetables and fruits. It was determined that bare MNPs have excellent function as adsorbent when purified, and it is better to be separated from the extract. The amount of MNPs influenced the clean-up performance and recoveries. To achieve the optimum performance of modified QuEChERS towards the target analytes, several parameters including the amount of the adsorbents and purification time were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, recoveries were evaluated in four representative matrices (tomato, cucumber, orange and apple) with the spiked concentrations of 10 μg kg(-1), 50 μg kg(-1)and 200 μg kg(-1) in all cases. The results showed that the recovery of 101 pesticides ranged between 71.5 and 111.7%, and the relative standard deviation was less than 10.5%. The optimum clean-up system improved the purification efficiency and simultaneously obtained satisfactory recoveries of multiple pesticides, including planar-ring pesticides. In short, the modified QuEChERS method in addition to MNPs used for removing impurities improved the speed of sample pre-treatment and exhibited an enhanced performance and purifying effect. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Thermal control system of the Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory Payload: design and predictions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morgante, G.; Terenzi, L.; Eccleston, P.; Bradshaw, T.; Crook, M.; Linder, M.; Hunt, T.; Winter, B.; Focardi, M.; Malaguti, G.; Micela, G.; Pace, E.; Tinetti, G.

2015-12-01

The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) is a space mission dedicated to investigate exoplanetary atmospheres by undertaking spectroscopy of transiting planets in a wide spectral region from the visible to the mid-InfraRed (IR). The high sensitivity and the long exposures required by the mission need an extremely stable thermo-mechanical platform. The instrument is passively cooled down to approximately 40 K, together with the telescope assembly, by a V-Groove based design that exploits the L2 orbit favourable thermal conditions. The visible and short-IR wavelength detectors are maintained at the operating temperature of 40 K by a dedicated radiator coupled to the cold space. The mid-IR channels, require a lower operating temperature and are cooled by an active refrigerator: a 28 K Neon Joule-Thomson (JT) cold end, fed by a mechanical compressor. Temperature stability is one of the challenging issues of the whole architecture: periodical perturbations must be controlled before they reach the sensitive units of the instrument. An efficient thermal control system is required: the design is based on a combination of passive and active solutions. In this paper we describe the thermal architecture of the payload with the main cryo-chain stages and their temperature control systems. The requirements that drive the design and the trade-offs needed to enable the EChO exciting science in a technically feasible payload design are discussed. Thermal modelling results and preliminary performance predictions in terms of steady state and transient conditions are also reported. This paper is presented on behalf of the EChO Consortium.

Characterization of two Streptomyces enzymes that convert ferulic acid to vanillin.

PubMed

Yang, Wenwen; Tang, Hongzhi; Ni, Jun; Wu, Qiulin; Hua, Dongliang; Tao, Fei; Xu, Ping

2013-01-01

Production of flavors from natural substrates by microbial transformation has become a growing and expanding field of study over the past decades. Vanillin, a major component of vanilla flavor, is a principal flavoring compound used worldwide. Streptomyces sp. strain V-1 is known to be one of the most promising microbial producers of natural vanillin from ferulic acid. Although identification of the microbial genes involved in the biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin has been previously reported, purification and detailed characterization of the corresponding enzymes with important functions have rarely been studied. In this study, we isolated and identified 2 critical genes, fcs and ech, encoding feruloyl-CoA synthetase and enoyl-CoA hydratase/aldolase, respectively, which are involved in the vanillin production from ferulic acid. Both genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resting cell reactions for converting ferulic acid to vanillin were performed. The corresponding crucial enzymes, Fcs and Ech, were purified for the first time and the enzymatic activity of each purified protein was studied. Furthermore, Fcs was comprehensively characterized, at an optimal pH of 7.0 and temperature of 30°C. Kinetic constants for Fcs revealed the apparent Km, kcat, and Vmax values to be 0.35 mM, 67.7 s(-1), and 78.2 U mg(-1), respectively. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) value of Fcs was 193.4 mM(-1) s(-1) for ferulic acid. The characterization of Fcs and Ech may be helpful for further research in the field of enzymatic engineering and metabolic regulation.

Development of a simple one-pot extraction method for various drugs and metabolites of forensic interest in blood by modifying the QuEChERS method.

PubMed

Matsuta, Shuntaro; Nakanishi, Keiko; Miki, Akihiro; Zaitsu, Kei; Shima, Noriaki; Kamata, Tooru; Nishioka, Hiroshi; Katagi, Munehiro; Tatsuno, Michiaki; Tsuboi, Kento; Tsuchihashi, Hitoshi; Suzuki, Koichi

2013-10-10

A rapid and convenient extraction method has been developed for the determination of various drugs and metabolites of forensic interest in blood by modifying the dispersive solid-phase extraction method "QuEChERS". The following 13 analytes with various chemical properties were used for the method development and its validation: amphetamine, methamphetamine, zolpidem, the carboxylate-form major metabolite of zolpidem M-1, flunitrazepam, 7-aminoflunitrazepam, phenobarbital, triazolam, α-hydroxytriazolam, brotizolam, α-hydroxybrotizolam, chlorpromazine, and promethazine. The modification of the QuEChERS method includes the use of relatively large amounts of inorganic salts in order to coagulate blood, which allows easy isolation of the organic extract phase. A combination of 100 mg anhydrous magnesium sulfate as a dehydrating agent, 50mg sodium chloride as a salting-out agent, and 500 μL acetonitrile containing 0.2% acetic acid as the organic solvent provided the optimum conditions for processing a 100 μL whole blood sample. The recoveries of the analytes spiked into whole blood at 0.5 μg/mL ranged between 59% and 93%. Although the addition of the graphitized carbon Envi-carb for cleanup decreased the recoveries of zolpidem and its carboxylate-form metabolite M-1, it was very effective in avoiding interferences by cholesterol. The present method can provide a rapid, effective, user-friendly, and relatively hygienic method for the simultaneous extraction of a wide range of drugs and metabolites in whole blood specimens. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of pesticides in sewage sludge from an agro-food industry using QuEChERS extraction followed by analysis with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Ponce-Robles, Laura; Rivas, Gracia; Esteban, Belen; Oller, Isabel; Malato, Sixto; Agüera, Ana

2017-10-01

An analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of ten pesticides in sewage sludge coming from an agro-food industry. The method was based on the application of Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction for solid sewage sludge and SPE extraction for sludge aqueous phase, followed by liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to hybrid quadrupole/linear ion trap mass spectrometry (QqLIT-MS). The QuEChERS method was reported 14 years ago and nowadays is mainly applied to the analysis of pesticides in food. More recent applications have been reported in other matrices as sewage sludge, but the complexity of the matrix makes necessary the optimization of the cleanup step to improve the efficiency of the analysis. With this aim, several dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup sorbents were tested, choosing C18 + PSA as a d-SPE sorbent. The proposed method was satisfactorily validated for most compounds investigated, showing recoveries higher than 80% in most cases, with the only exception of prochloraz (71%) at low concentration level. Limits of quantification were lower than 40 ng l -1 in the aqueous phase and below 40 ng g -1 in the solid phase for the majority of the analytes. The method was applied to solid sludge and the sludge aqueous phase coming from an agro-food industry which processes fruits and vegetables. Graphical abstract Application of LC/MS/MS advanced analytical techniques for determination of pesticides contained in sewage sludge.

Characterization of Two Streptomyces Enzymes That Convert Ferulic Acid to Vanillin

PubMed Central

Yang, Wenwen; Tang, Hongzhi; Ni, Jun; Wu, Qiulin; Hua, Dongliang; Tao, Fei; Xu, Ping

2013-01-01

Production of flavors from natural substrates by microbial transformation has become a growing and expanding field of study over the past decades. Vanillin, a major component of vanilla flavor, is a principal flavoring compound used worldwide. Streptomyces sp. strain V-1 is known to be one of the most promising microbial producers of natural vanillin from ferulic acid. Although identification of the microbial genes involved in the biotransformation of ferulic acid to vanillin has been previously reported, purification and detailed characterization of the corresponding enzymes with important functions have rarely been studied. In this study, we isolated and identified 2 critical genes, fcs and ech, encoding feruloyl-CoA synthetase and enoyl-CoA hydratase/aldolase, respectively, which are involved in the vanillin production from ferulic acid. Both genes were heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and the resting cell reactions for converting ferulic acid to vanillin were performed. The corresponding crucial enzymes, Fcs and Ech, were purified for the first time and the enzymatic activity of each purified protein was studied. Furthermore, Fcs was comprehensively characterized, at an optimal pH of 7.0 and temperature of 30°C. Kinetic constants for Fcs revealed the apparent K m, k cat, and V max values to be 0.35 mM, 67.7 s−1, and 78.2 U mg−1, respectively. The catalytic efficiency (k cat/K m) value of Fcs was 193.4 mM−1 s−1 for ferulic acid. The characterization of Fcs and Ech may be helpful for further research in the field of enzymatic engineering and metabolic regulation. PMID:23840666

Reveal genes functionally associated with ACADS by a network study.

PubMed

Chen, Yulong; Su, Zhiguang

2015-09-15

Establishing a systematic network is aimed at finding essential human gene-gene/gene-disease pathway by means of network inter-connecting patterns and functional annotation analysis. In the present study, we have analyzed functional gene interactions of short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase gene (ACADS). ACADS plays a vital role in free fatty acid β-oxidation and regulates energy homeostasis. Modules of highly inter-connected genes in disease-specific ACADS network are derived by integrating gene function and protein interaction data. Among the 8 genes in ACADS web retrieved from both STRING and GeneMANIA, ACADS is effectively conjoined with 4 genes including HAHDA, HADHB, ECHS1 and ACAT1. The functional analysis is done via ontological briefing and candidate disease identification. We observed that the highly efficient-interlinked genes connected with ACADS are HAHDA, HADHB, ECHS1 and ACAT1. Interestingly, the ontological aspect of genes in the ACADS network reveals that ACADS, HAHDA and HADHB play equally vital roles in fatty acid metabolism. The gene ACAT1 together with ACADS indulges in ketone metabolism. Our computational gene web analysis also predicts potential candidate disease recognition, thus indicating the involvement of ACADS, HAHDA, HADHB, ECHS1 and ACAT1 not only with lipid metabolism but also with infant death syndrome, skeletal myopathy, acute hepatic encephalopathy, Reye-like syndrome, episodic ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. The current study presents a comprehensible layout of ACADS network, its functional strategies and candidate disease approach associated with ACADS network. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in seafoods using QuEChERS-based extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.

PubMed

Gratz, Samuel R; Ciolino, Laura A; Mohrhaus, Angela S; Gamble, Bryan M; Gracie, Jill M; Jackson, David S; Roetting, John P; McCauley, Heather A; Heitkemper, Douglas T; Fricke, Fred L; Krol, Walter J; Arsenault, Terri L; White, Jason C; Flottmeyer, Michele M; Johnson, Yoko S

2011-01-01

A rapid, sensitive, and accurate method for the screening and determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in edible seafood is described. The method uses quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based extraction and HPLC with fluorescence detection (FLD). The method was developed and validated in response to the massive Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Rapid and highly sensitive PAH screening methods are critical tools needed for oil spill response; they help to assess when seafood is safe for harvesting and consumption. Sample preparation involves SPE of edible seafood portions with acetonitrile, followed by the addition of salts to induce water partitioning. After centrifugation, a portion of the acetonitrile layer is filtered prior to analysis via HPLC-FLD. The chromatographic method uses a polymeric C18 stationary phase designed for PAH analysis with gradient elution, and it resolves 15 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority parent PAHs in fewer than 20 min. The procedure was validated in three laboratories for the parent PAHs using spike recovery experiments at PAH fortification levels ranging from 25 to 10 000 microg/kg in oysters, shrimp, crab, and finfish, with recoveries ranging from 78 to 99%. Additional validation was conducted for a series of alkylated homologs of naphthalene, dibenzothiophene, and phenanthrene, with recoveries ranging from 87 to 128%. Method accuracy was further assessed based on analysis of National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Material 1974b. The method provides method detection limits in the sub to low ppb (microg/kg) range, and practical LOQs in the low ppb (microg/kg) range for most of the PAH compounds studied.

Lignin depolymerization and upgrading via fast pyrolysis and electrocatalysis for the production of liquid fuels and value-added products

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garedew, Mahlet

The production of liquid hydrocarbon fuels from biomass is needed to replace fossil fuels, which are decreasing in supply at an unsustainable rate. Renewable fuels also address the rising levels of greenhouse gases, an issue for which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change implicated humanity in 2013. In response, the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) mandates the production of 21 billion gallons of advanced biofuels by 2022. Biomass fast pyrolysis (BFP) uses heat (400-600 °C) without oxygen to convert biomass to liquids fuel precursors offering an alternative to fossil fuels and a means to meet the EISA mandate. The major product, bio-oil, can be further upgraded to liquid hydrocarbon fuels, while biochar can serve as a solid fuel or soil amendment. The combustible gas co-product is typically burned for process heat. Though the most valuable of the pyrolysis products, the liquid bio-oil is highly oxygenated, corrosive, low in energy content and unstable during storage. As a means of improving bio-oil properties, electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) is employed to reduce and deoxygenate reactive compounds. This work specifically focuses on lignin as a feed material for BFP. As lignin comprises up to 30% of the mass and 40% of the energy stored in biomass, it offers great potential for the production of liquid fuels and value-added products by utilizing fast pyrolysis as a conversion method coupled with electrocatalysis as an upgrading method.

High frequency RF waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horton, William; Brookman, M.; Goniche, M.; Peysson, Y.; Ekedahl, A.

2017-10-01

ECH and LHCD- are scattered by the density and magnetic field turbulence from drift waves as measured in and Tore Supra-WEST, EAST and DIII-D. Ray equations give the spreading from plasma refraction from the antenna through the core plasma until and change the parallel phase velocity evolves to where RF waves are absorbed by the electrons. Extensive LH ray tracing and absorption has been reported using the coupled CP3O ray tracing and LUKE electron phase space density code with collisionless electron-wave resonant absorption. In theory and simulations are shown for the ray propagation with the resulting electron distributions along with the predicted X ray distribution that compared to the measured X-ray spectrum. Lower-hybrid is essential for steady-state operation in tokamaks with control of the high-energy electrons intrinsic to tokamaks confinement and heating. The record steady tokamak plasma is Tore Supra a steady 6 minute steady state plasma with 1 Gigajoule energy passing through the plasma. WEST is repeating the experiments with ITER shaped separatrix and divertor chamber and EAST achieved comparable long-pulse plasmas. Results are presented from an IFS-3D spectral code with a pair of inside-outside LHCD antennas and a figure-8 magnetic separatrix are presented. Scattering of the slow wave into the fast wave wave is explored showing the RF scattering from drift wave dne and dB increases the core penetration may account the measured broad X-ray spectrum. Work supported by the DoE through Grants to the Institute for Fusion Studies [DE-FG02-04ER54742], ARLUT and General Atomics, San Diego, California, USA and the IRFM at Cadarache by the Comissariat Energie Atomique, France.

Noncommutative Line Bundles and Gerbes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurčo, B.

We introduce noncommutative line bundles and gerbes within the framework of deformation quantization. The Seiberg-Witten map is used to construct the corresponding noncommutative Čech cocycles. Morita equivalence of star products and quantization of twisted Poisson structures are discussed from this point of view.

Artificial intelligence for the EChO mission planning tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garcia-Piquer, Alvaro; Ribas, Ignasi; Colomé, Josep

2015-12-01

The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) has as its main goal the measurement of atmospheres of transiting planets. This requires the observation of two types of events: primary and secondary eclipses. In order to yield measurements of sufficient Signal-to-Noise Ratio to fulfil the mission objectives, the events of each exoplanet have to be observed several times. In addition, several criteria have to be considered to carry out each observation, such as the exoplanet visibility, its event duration, and no overlapping with other tasks. It is expected that a suitable mission plan increases the efficiency of telescope operation, which will represent an important benefit in terms of scientific return and operational costs. Nevertheless, to obtain a long term mission plan becomes unaffordable for human planners due to the complexity of computing the huge number of possible combinations for finding an optimum solution. In this contribution we present a long term mission planning tool based on Genetic Algorithms, which are focused on solving optimization problems such as the planning of several tasks. Specifically, the proposed tool finds a solution that highly optimizes the defined objectives, which are based on the maximization of the time spent on scientific observations and the scientific return (e.g., the coverage of the mission survey). The results obtained on the large experimental set up support that the proposed scheduler technology is robust and can function in a variety of scenarios, offering a competitive performance which does not depend on the collection of exoplanets to be observed. Specifically, the results show that, with the proposed tool, EChO uses 94% of the available time of the mission, so the amount of downtime is small, and it completes 98% of the targets.

Pesticide residue evaluation in major staple food items of Ethiopia using the QuEChERS method: a case study from the Jimma Zone.

PubMed

Mekonen, Seblework; Ambelu, Argaw; Spanoghe, Pieter

2014-06-01

Samples of maize, teff, red pepper, and coffee (green bean and coffee bean with pulp) were collected from a local market in the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Samples were analyzed for the occurrence of cypermethrin, permethrin, deltamethrin, chlorpyrifos ethyl, DTT and its metabolites, and endosulfan (α, β). In the analytical procedure, the QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction methodology with dispersive solid phase extraction clean up (d-SPE) technique was applied. Validation of the QuEChERS method was satisfactory. Recovery percentages of most pesticides were in the range of 70% to 120%, with good repeatability (%relative standard deviation < 20). The limit of detection and limit of quantification varied between 0.001 µg/g and 0.092 µg/g and between 0.002 µg/g and 0.307 µg/g, respectively. The main pesticides detected were DDT, endosulfan, cypermethrin, and permethrin. All of the pesticides analyzed were detected in red pepper and green coffee bean. Residues of DDT in coffee pulp significantly differed (p < 0.01) from other food items except for red pepper. The concentration of pesticides in the food items varied from 0.011 mg/kg to 1.115 mg/kg. All food items contained 1 or more pesticides. Two-thirds of the samples had residues below corresponding maximum residue limits, and the remaining one-third of samples were above the maximum residue limits. These results indicate the need for a good pesticide monitoring program to evaluate consumer risk for the Ethiopian people. © 2014 SETAC.

Residue analysis of four diacylhydrazine insecticides in fruits and vegetables by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, Xingang; Xu, Jun; Dong, Fengshou; Li, Yuanbo; Song, Wenchen; Zheng, Yongquan

2011-08-01

The new analytical method using Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) procedure for simultaneous determination of diacylhydrazine insecticide residues in fruits and vegetables was developed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The four insecticides (tebufenozide, methoxfenozide, chromafenozide, and halofenozide) were extracted from six fruit and vegetable matrices using acetonitrile and subsequently cleaned up using primary secondary amine (PSA) or octadecylsilane (C18) as sorbent prior to UPLC-MS/MS analysis. The determination of the target compounds was achieved in less than 3.0 min using an electrospray ionization source in positive mode (ESI+) for tebufenozide, methoxfenozide, and halofenozide and in negative mode (ESI-) for chromafenozide. The limits of detection were below 0.6 μg kg(-1), while the limit of quantification did not exceed 2 μg kg(-1) in different matrices. The QuEChERS procedure by using two sorbents (PSA and C18) and the matrix-matched standards gave satisfactory recoveries and relative standard deviation (RSD) values in different matrices at four spiked levels (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 1 mg kg(-1)). The overall average recoveries for this method in apple, grape, cucumber, tomato, cabbage, and spinach at four levels ranged from 74.2% to 112.5% with RSDs in the range of 1.4-13.8% (n = 5) for all analytes. This study provides a theoretical basis for China to draw up maximum residue limits and analytical method for diacylhydrazine insecticide in vegetables and fruits.

Simultaneous determination of five plant growth regulators in fruits by modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Shi, Xiaomei; Jin, Fen; Huang, Yuting; Du, Xinwei; Li, Chunmei; Wang, Miao; Shao, Hua; Jin, Maojun; Wang, Jing

2012-01-11

An effective method using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and optimized to obtain a complete separation of five representative plant growth regulators (PGRs) [gibberellic acid, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), thidiazuron, forchlorfenuron, and paclobutrazol] in fruits. Extraction was performed with acetonitrile containing 0.1% (v/v) acetic acid, applying modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) methodology. LC-MS/MS conditions including composition of mobile phases and mass spectrometry (MS) conditions were evaluated to achieve the highest sensitivity in MS detection. All of the data acquisition was employed in the segmented multiple-reaction monitoring mode for the selected negative and positive transition ions. The octadecylsilyl (C18) dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent was found to provide the more satisfied recoveries than primary secondary amine (PSA) and graphitized carbon black (GCB) for five target PGRs. The optimized method allowed for recoveries of 76-112% for the five PGRs from fruit samples with relative standard deviation (RSD) values less than 10%. Limits of quantification (0.5-16.5 μg/kg) were lower than the maximum limit of residues established for PGRs. The results demonstrated that the developed LC-MS/MS and QuEChERS extraction method is highly effective for analyzing trace amounts of target PGRs in fruit samples. Finally, the method was successfully used to detect residual PGRs in Beijing, China, in 2010. The concentrations of 2,4-D (5.1-1503 μg/kg) and paclobutrazol (1-1381 μg/kg) found in orange and peach, respectively, suggesting that the use of these PGRs in these fruits should be regulated in China in the future.

Elimination of hydrogenase active site assembly blocks H2 production and increases ethanol yield in Clostridium thermocellum

DOE PAGES

Biswas, Ranjita; Zheng, Tianyong; Olson, Daniel G.; ...

2015-02-12

The native ability of Clostridium thermocellum to rapidly consume cellulose and produce ethanol makes it a leading candidate for a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) biofuel production strategy. C. thermocellum also synthesizes lactate, formate, acetate, H2, and amino acids that compete with ethanol production for carbon and electrons. Elimination of H2 production could redirect carbon flux towards ethanol production by making more electrons available for acetyl-CoA reduction to ethanol. C. thermocellum encodes four hydrogenases and rather than delete each individually, we targeted a hydrogenase maturase gene (hydG), involved in converting the three [FeFe] hydrogenase apoenzymes into holoenzymes. Further deletion of the [NiFe]more » hydrogenase (ech) resulted in a mutant that functionally lacks all four hydrogenases. H2 production in hydG ech was undetectable and ethanol yield increased nearly 2-fold compared to wild type. Interestingly, mutant growth improved upon the addition of acetate, which led to increased expression of genes related to sulfate metabolism, suggesting these mutants may use sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor to balance redox reactions. Genomic analysis of hydG revealed a mutation in adhE, resulting in a strain with both NADH- and NADPH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase activities. While this same adhE mutation is found in ethanol tolerant C. thermocellum strain E50C, hydG and hydG ech are not more ethanol tolerant than wild type, illustrating the complicated interactions between redox balancing and ethanol tolerance in C. thermocellum. The dramatic increase in ethanol production here suggests that targeting protein post-translational modification is a promising new approach for inactivation of multiple enzymes simultaneously for metabolic engineering.« less

Block by Block: Civic Action in the Battle of Baghdad

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-11-01

powdered musk and ambergris. Arts and sciences flourished— literature, music, calligraphy, philosophy, mathematics, chemistry, history. All that was...of the insur- gency, (i.e., guerrilla, underground, and auxiliary). The basic premise of civic-action operations is that the lower ech- elon of

A modified QuEChERS method for the determination of some herbicides in yogurt and milk by high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Li, Na; Lei, Lei; Nian, Li; Zhang, Rui; Wu, Shuting; Ren, Ruibing; Wang, Yeqiang; Zhang, Hanqi; Yu, Aimin

2013-02-15

A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method was applied to the extraction of triazines and phenylureas from milk and yogurt. The herbicides was extracted by the mixture of ethyl acetate and n-hexane and cleaned by primary secondary amine (10mg/mL). The frozen-out centrifugation was applied to further remove fatty. The proposed method can achieve efficient extraction and cleanup. Some experimental parameters, such as extraction method, extraction solvent and adsorbent, pH of sample solution, extraction time and amount of primary secondary amine and sodium chloride were investigated and optimized. The precision and absolute recoveries of eight herbicides vary from 0.07 to 5.86% and from 78.9 to 99.9%, respectively. The detection limits for simeton, monuron, chlorotoluron, simetryne, atrazine, karmex, ametryne and propazine range from 0.15 to 0.35 ng/mL. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiresidue method for the determination of pesticides in Oolong tea using QuEChERS by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wu, Chia-Chang

2017-08-15

We propose a simple, rapid analytical method for determination of 89 pesticides in Oolong tea by GC/MS/MS. Samples were extracted via QuEChERS. The limits of detection and quantification range of the 89 pesticides were 1-25μgL -1 and 10-50μgL -1 , respectively. Good separation was attained in less than 36min. A wide linear range of 1-250μgL -1 was observed with r 2 values from 0.9955 to 0.9998. Pesticide-free tea powder spiked at 50 and 100μgL -1 . Recovery ranges of the 86 (50μgL -1 ) and 83 (100μgL -1 ) pesticides were from 60% to 120%. Relative standard deviations were less than 20%. The laboratory proficiency test (FAPAS, 2014) shows satisfactory (|z|<2) z-score values. The proposed monitoring technique rapidly and efficiently screens, multiple pesticides in Oolong tea. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of epichlorohydrin and 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol in synthesis of cationic etherifying reagent by headspace gas chromatography.

PubMed

Tao, Zheng-Yi; Chai, Xin-Sheng; Wu, Shu-Bin

2011-09-16

This study demonstrates a headspace gas chromatographic(HS-GC) technique for the determination of residual epichlorohydrin (ECH) and generated 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (DCP) in synthesis process of 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (CHTAC). By a weight-based sampling method, coupled with significant dilution in 15.8% sodium sulfate and 0.1% silver nitrate mixed solution rapidly, the sample for HS-GC analysis is prepared. Based on the reaction stoichiometry, the conversion (R) of CHTAC during the synthesis process can be calculated from sampling weight and GC peak area. The results showed that the method has a good measurement precision (RSD<2.5%) and accuracy (recovery=101-104%) for the quantification of both ECH and DCP in the process samples. The present method is simple and accurate, which can be used for the efficient determination of the CHTAC conversion in the synthesis research. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in polyamine epichlorohydrin solution by headspace gas chromatography.

PubMed

Yan, Ning; Wan, Xiao-Fang; Chai, Xin-Sheng; Chen, Run-Quan

2017-05-05

This study demonstrated a headspace gas chromatographic (HS-GC) method for the determination of residual epichlorohydrin (ECH) and the by-product 1,3-dichloro-2-propanol (DCP) in polyamine epichlorohydrin (PAE) solution. It was based on the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of these analytes at 60°C for 30min in a closed headspace sample vial before GC measurement. It was found that matrix of the PAE solution had the effect on the headspace equilibrium of these species and therefore a standard addition must be applied in the method validation. The results showed that the present method has a good measurement precision (RSD <2.90%) and accuracy (recoveries from 93.6 to 105%), and the limit of quantitation (LOQ) is 3.75mg/L for ECH and 0.8g/L for DCP. The present method is suitable to be used for analyzing the chlorinated volatile organic compounds in the commercial PAE resin solutions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development, validation and matrix effect of a QuEChERS method for the analysis of organochlorine pesticides in fish tissue.

PubMed

Stremel, Tatiana R De O; Domingues, Cinthia E; Zittel, Rosimara; Silva, Cleber P; Weinert, Patricia L; Monteiro, Franciele C; Campos, Sandro X

2018-04-03

This study aims to develop and validate a method to determine OCPs in fish tissues, minimizing the consumption of sample and reagents, by using a modified QuEChERS along with ultrasound, d-SPE and gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD), refraining the pooling. Different factorial designs were employed to optimize the sample preparation phase. The validation method presented a recovery of around 77.3% and 110.8%, with RSD lower than 13% and the detection limits were between 0.24 and 2.88 μgkg -1 , revealing good sensitiveness and accuracy. The method was satisfactorily applied to the analysis of tissues from different species of fish and OCPs residues were detected. The proposed method was shown effective to determine OCPs low concentrations in fish tissues, using small sample mass (0.5 g), making the sample analyses viable without the need for grouping (pool).

Determination of 105 antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic agents and tranquilizers by LC-MS/MS based on an acidic QuEChERS-like extraction.

PubMed

Desmarchelier, Aurélien; Fan, Kaïli; Minh Tien, Mai; Savoy, Marie-Claude; Tarres, Adrienne; Fuger, Denis; Goyon, Alexandre; Bessaire, Thomas; Mottier, Pascal

2018-04-01

A procedure for screening 105 veterinary drugs in foods by liquid chromatography tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is presented. Its scope encompasses raw materials of animal origin (milk, meat, fish, egg and fat) but also related processed ingredients and finished products commonly used and manufactured by food business operators. Due to the complexity of the matrices considered and to efficiently deal with losses during extraction and matrix effects during MS source ionisation, each sample was analysed twice, that is 'unspiked' and 'spiked at the screening target concentration' using a QuEChERS-like extraction. The entire procedure was validated according to the European Community Reference Laboratories Residues Guidelines. False-negative and false-positive rates were below 5% for all veterinary drugs whatever the food matrix. Effectiveness of the procedure was further demonstrated through participation to five proficiency tests and its ruggedness demonstrated in quality control operations by a second laboratory.

Fast determination of pyrethroid pesticides in tobacco by GC-MS-SIM coupled with modified QuEChERS sample preparation procedure.

PubMed

Gao, Yan; Sun, Ying; Jiang, Chunzhu; Yu, Xi; Wang, Yuanpeng; Zhang, Hanqi; Song, Daqian

2013-01-01

An analytical method was developed for the extraction and determination of pyrethroid pesticide residues in tobacco. The modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method was applied for preparing samples. In this study, methyl cyanide (MeCN)-saturated salt aqueous was used as the two-phase extraction solvent for the first time, and a vortex shaker was used for the simultaneous shaking and concentration of the analytes. The effects of experimental parameters on extraction and clean-up efficiency were investigated and optimized. The analytes were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-selected ion monitoring (GC-MS-SIM). The obtained recoveries of the analytes at three different fortification levels were 76.85-114.1% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) were lower than 15.7%. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were from 1.28 to 26.6 μg kg(-1). This method was also applied to the analysis of actual commercial tobacco products and the analytical results were satisfactory.

Verification and optimization of the CFETR baseline scenario

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, D.; Lao, L. L.; Meneghini, O.; Staebler, G. M.; Candy, J.; Smith, S. P.; Snyder, P. B.; Prater, R.; Chen, X.; Chan, V. S.; Li, J.; Chen, J.; Shi, N.; Guo, W.; Pan, C.; Jian, X.

2016-10-01

The baseline scenario of China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) was designed starting from 0D calculations. The CFETR baseline scenario satisfies the minimum goal of Fusion Nuclear Science Facility aimed at bridging the gaps between ITER and DEMO. 1.5D calculations are presented to verify the on-going efforts in higher-dimensional modeling of CFETR. Steady-state scenarios are calculated self-consistently by the OMFIT integrated modeling framework that includes EFIT for equilibrium, ONETWO for sources and current, TGYRO for transport. With 68MW of neutral beam power and 8MW of ECH injected to the plasma, the average ion temperature is maintained at 15keV, while 150MW fusion power is produced. The neutral beams also drive 55% of the plasma current. Modest fast ion diffusion will reduce NBCD and affect the profile substantially. Top-launch ECH will increase the current drive and the power absorption rate. EPED model are being included. Work supported by U.S. DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698 and the USTC CFETR contract.

Evaluation of an analytical methodology using QuEChERS and GC-SQ/MS for the investigation of the level of pesticide residues in Brazilian melons.

PubMed

da Silva Sousa, Jonas; de Castro, Rubens Carius; de Albuquerque Andrade, Gilliane; Lima, Cleidiane Gomes; Lima, Lucélia Kátia; Milhome, Maria Aparecida Liberato; do Nascimento, Ronaldo Ferreira

2013-12-01

A multiresidue method based on the sample preparation by modified QuEChERS and detection by gas chromatography coupled to single quadruple mass spectrometers (GC-SQ/MS) was used for the analysis of 35 multiclass pesticides in melons (Cucumis melo inodorus) produced in Ceara-Brazil. The rates of recovery for pesticides studied were satisfactory (except for the etridiazole), ranging from 85% to 117% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 15%, at concentrations between 0.05 and 0.20 mg kg(-1). The limit of quantification (LOQ) for most compounds was below the MRLs established in Brazil. The combined relative uncertainty (Uc) and expanded uncertainty (Ue) was determined using repeatability, recovery and calibration curves data for each pesticide. Analysis of commercial melons samples revealed the presence of pesticides bifenthrin and imazalil at levels below the MRLs established by ANVISA, EU and USEPA. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of anthelmintic drug residues in milk using UPLC-MS/MS with rapid polarity switching

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new UPLC-MS/MS (ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry) method was developed and validated to detect 38 anthelmintic drug residues, consisting of benzimidazoles, avermectins and flukicides. A modified QuEChERS-type extraction method was developed with an added...

New Method for Analysis of Multiple Anthelmintic Residues in Animal Tissue

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For the first time, 39 of the major anthelmintics can be detected in one rapid and sensitive LC-MS/MS method, including the flukicides, which have been generally overlooked in surveillance programs. Utilizing the QuEChERS approach, residues were extracted from liver and milk using acetonitrile, sod...

Multiresidue analysis of pesticides in straw roughage by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A multiresidue analytical method using a modification of the “quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe” (QuEChERS) sample preparation approach combined with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis was established and validated for the rapid determination of 69 pesti...

The Costs and Consequences of Excess Credit Hours Policies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kramer, Dennis A., II; Holcomb, Michael R.; Kelchen, Robert

2018-01-01

The growth of the public discourse on college completion and student debt has pushed policymakers and institutional leaders to implement a variety of policies aimed at incentivizing student completion. This article examines state-adopted excess credit hour (ECH) policies on student completion and median debt outcomes. Using a quasi-experimental…

Mercantilist Development in Russia: The Legitimacy of State Power, State Identity, and the Energy Charter Regime (1990--2010)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruynooghe, Daniel; Wynn, Henry P.

This dissertation investigates the creation, adaptation, and demise of international regimes. Specifically, I ask why international regimes sometimes fail to fulfill their original purpose. Empirically, I examine the evolution and eventual failure of the Energy Charter (ECH), a multilateral regime that governs the Eurasian energy economy. Modeled after the European Steel and Coal Community, the original goal of the regime was to capitalize on economic complementarities in energy to integrate Gorbachev's reforming USSR (later Russia) with Europe and promote pan-European cooperation and peace. By 2010, integration had failed, and the regime itself had become a source of conflict. To understand this outcome, I focus on the foreign energy policy of Russia, a central state within the ECH, which actively participated in designing the regime in the 1990s but two decades later decided that it was no longer in its interest. Using data collected from interviews and archival searches during field research in Russia, Brussels, and Paris, I find that under President Yeltsin, low domestic sovereignty meant the state could not integrate key domestic players into ECH policy-making. This led Russia to conclude a bargain that it could not implement domestically. Under President Putin, high domestic sovereignty meant the state had sufficient capacity to corral these recalcitrant actors. However, the new policy that emerged compelled Russia to attempt to modify the ECH in ways that violated previously accepted norms, thereby alienating its European partners and undermining the regime. This study supports Hegemonic Stability theory which suggests that we can expect regime failure after major shifts in the distribution of power produce changes in the interests and policies of key states. I extend this finding by showing that Russian state power increased due to changes in elite conceptions about the legitimacy of state power. I demonstrate this by using over time comparisons between most similar cases, tracing the process through which ECH policy evolved, and examining intervening variables---state building strategies and elite identities vis-a-vis the state---that changed over time in unexpected ways. The shift in elite beliefs had a transformative effect on the structure of domestic politics, generating new patterns of authority, a higher level of state domestic sovereignty, and enhanced state power. Finally, state domestic sovereignty was associated with state capacity to organize domestic groups, behave as a unitary actor, and follow through on international commitments. To capture these developments, I use the concept of state identity which combines the level of domestic sovereignty (high or low) with elite beliefs about the state's role in the international system (regime maker or regime taker). This generates a typology of four state identities---master, pretender, disciple, and apprentice---that can be used to understand regime outcomes more generally. In political economy, I use the term mercantilist instead of master to connect my research with realist insights about the role of power in international political economy. I propose the term "mercantilist development" which refers to a state that attempts to fundamentally change the structure of the international economy in order to accumulate capital. Thus, mercantilist development helps us understand the micro-mechanisms through which the structure of the international system changes. Finally, I explore the factors associated with successful regime adaptation to accommodate rising powers, an especially pressing contemporary concern given that the balance of power is expected to shift considerably in the twenty-first century.

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

Isler, R.C.; Colchin, R.J.; Wade, M.R.

Collapses of stored energy are typically observed in low-density ({anti n}{sub e} {approx} 10{sup 13} cm{sup {minus}3}) extensively gettered ATF plasmas when the electron density rises to the ECH cutoff point, and the central heating is supplied only by neutral- beam-injection (NBI). However, the decline of stored energy can be avoided if the density is raised rapidly to about 5 {times} 10{sup 13} cm{sup {minus}3}. Three mechanisms have been proposed to explain the collapses: (1) impurity radiation, (2) excitation of an electron instability driven by the neutral beams, or (3) poor coupling of the beam ions to the thermal plasmas.more » Detailed spectroscopic studies of plasma cleanliness as a function of the gettering procedure have shown that radiation is an unlikely candidate for initiating collapses, although it may become an important loss mechanism once the electron temperature has fallen to a low level. No specific electron instability has yet been identified with injection, but recent experimental and computational work indicates that losses by shinethrough and charge exchange strongly influence the evolution of low-density plasmas. This report discusses the beam particle losses, thermal ions, and the evolution of radiation profiles.« less

Injection of electrons with predominantly perpendicular energy into an area of toroidal field ripple in a tokamak plasma to improve plasma confinement

DOEpatents

Ono, Masayuki; Furth, Harold

1993-01-01

An electron injection scheme for controlling transport in a tokamak plasma. Electrons with predominantly perpendicular energy are injected into a ripple field region created by a group of localized poloidal field bending magnets. The trapped electrons then grad-B drift vertically toward the plasma interior until they are detrapped, charging the plasma negative. Calculations indicate that the highly perpendicular velocity electrons can remain stable against kinetic instabilities in the regime of interest for tokamak experiments. The penetration distance can be controlled by controlling the "ripple mirror ratio", the energy of the injected electrons, and their v.sub..perp. /v.sub.51 ratio. In this scheme, the poloidal torque due to the injected radial current is taken by the magnets and not by the plasma. Injection is accomplished by the flat cathode containing an ECH cavity to pump electrons to high v.sub..perp..

Benzimidazole Carbamate Residues in Milk: Detection by SPR Biosensor; using a Modified QuEChERS Method for Extraction

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor screening assay was developed and validated to detect 11 benzimidazole carbamate (BZT) veterinary drug residues in milk. The polyclonal antibody used was raised in sheep against a methyl 5 (6)-[(carboxypentyl)-thio]-2-benzimidazole carbamate protein conjug...

Development and validation of an ultra performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry for the determination of fipronil and its metabolites in tea and chrysanthemum.

PubMed

Chen, Hongping; Gao, Guanwei; Liu, Pingxiang; Pan, Meiling; Chai, Yunfeng; Liu, Xin; Lu, Chengyin

2018-04-25

A fast, sensitive and reliable method for the determination of fipronil and its metabolites in tea and chrysanthemum was developed using a modified QuEChERS technique and an ultra performance liquid chromatography Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry. The mixture of adsorbents containing primary secondary amine (PSA), octadecylsilane (C 18 ) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), was used as QuEChERS adsorbents. The use of mass resolution at 70000 full width at half maximum (FWHM) and narrow mass windows at 5 ppm achieved high selectivity and repeatability. Satisfactory linearity with correlative coefficient (R 2 ) higher than 0.996 was achieved for all compounds. Recoveries at three levels (2, 10 and 50 μg kg -1 ) ranged from 86% to 112%, while the intra- and inter-day accuracies were less than 15%. Limits of quantification for fipronil and its metabolites were 2 μg kg -1 , which fulfils the requirement of maximum residue limits formulated by European Union and Japan. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of a modified QuEChERS extraction of multiple classes of pesticides from a rice paddy soil by LC-APCI-MS/MS.

PubMed

Caldas, Sergiane S; Bolzan, Cátia M; Cerqueira, Maristela B; Tomasini, Débora; Furlong, Eliana B; Fagundes, Carlos; Primel, Ednei G

2011-11-23

A new method for the determination of clomazone, fipronil, tebuconazole, propiconazole, and azoxystrobin in samples of rice paddy soil is presented. The extraction of the pesticides from soil samples was performed by using a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. Some extraction conditions such as salt addition, sample acidification, use of buffer, and cleanup step were evaluated. The optimized method dealt with a single extraction of the compounds under study with acidified acetonitrile, followed by the addition of MgSO(4) and NaCl prior to the final determination by liquid chromatography-atmospheric chemical pressure ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Validation studies were carried out in soil samples. Recoveries of the spiked samples ranged between 70.3 and 120% with relative standard deviation lower than 18.2%. The limits of quantification were between 10 and 50 μg kg(-1). The method was applied to the analysis of real samples of soils where rice is cultivated.

Mechanisms of Furfural Reduction on Metal Electrodes: Distinguishing Pathways for Selective Hydrogenation of Bioderived Oxygenates.

PubMed

Chadderdon, Xiaotong H; Chadderdon, David J; Matthiesen, John E; Qiu, Yang; Carraher, Jack M; Tessonnier, Jean-Philippe; Li, Wenzhen

2017-10-11

Electrochemical reduction of biomass-derived platform molecules is an emerging route for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. However, understanding gaps between reaction conditions, underlying mechanisms, and product selectivity have limited the rational design of active, stable, and selective catalyst systems. In this work, the mechanisms of electrochemical reduction of furfural, an important biobased platform molecule and model for aldehyde reduction, are explored through a combination of voltammetry, preparative electrolysis, thiol-electrode modifications, and kinetic isotope studies. It is demonstrated that two distinct mechanisms are operable on metallic Cu electrodes in acidic electrolytes: (i) electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) and (ii) direct electroreduction. The contributions of each mechanism to the observed product distribution are clarified by evaluating the requirement for direct chemical interactions with the electrode surface and the role of adsorbed hydrogen. Further analysis reveals that hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis products are generated by parallel ECH pathways. Understanding the underlying mechanisms enables the manipulation of furfural reduction by rationally tuning the electrode potential, electrolyte pH, and furfural concentration to promote selective formation of important biobased polymer precursors and fuels.

Determination of bromothalonil residues and degradation in apple and soil by QuEChERS and GC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Liu, Huijun; Guo, Baoyuan; Wang, Huili; Li, Jianzhong; Zheng, Lin

2014-04-01

The dissipation and residues of bromothalonil in apple and soil under field condition were analyzed by QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer method. The recoveries were ranged from 80.8 % to 106 % with coefficient variation for repeatability ranged from 3.08 % to 7.09 % at fortification levels of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.2 mg/kg in apple and soil. The limit of quantification of the method was 0.31 μg/kg. The dissipation rates of bromothalonil followed the first-order kinetics and the half-lives were from 3.61 to 3.98 days in apple and from 4.65 to 9.29 days in soil. In apple, the terminal residues of bromothalonil were below the China maximum residue limit (0.2 mg/kg) after 7 days of application. This work contributed to provide the basic information for a safe usage of bromothalonil in apple orchard and preventing health problem from consumers in China.

Rapid Modified QuEChERS Method for Pesticides Detection in Honey by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography UV-visible

PubMed Central

Ceci, Edmondo; Montemurro, Nicola; Tantillo, Giuseppina; Di Pinto, Angela; Celano, Gaetano Vitale; Bozzo, Giancarlo

2014-01-01

The extensive use of pesticides in agriculture plays an important role in bees die-off and allows the presence of residues in hive products, particularly in honey. An accurate and reliable analytical method, based on QuEChERS extractive technique, has been developed for the quantitative determination by high-performance liquid chromatography UV-visible detector of 5 pesticides (Deltamethrin, Dimethoate, Imidacloprid, Acetamiprid, Chlorfenvinphos) in honey. The method, according to Commission Directive 2002/63/EC and Regulation 882/2004/EC, provided excellent results with respect to linearity (correlation coefficient up to 0.993), limits of detection and quantification (0.005 and 0.01 µg/mL for Dimethoate, Deltamethrin and Chlorfenvinphos; 0.02 and 0.05 µg/mL for Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid), recovery values (86.4 to 96.3%), precision and relative expanded uncertainty of a measurement, demonstrating the conformity of the this method with the European directives. The proposed method was applied to 23 samples of Apulian honey. None of the investigated pesticides was detected in these samples. PMID:27800334

QuEChERS-based extraction procedure for multifamily analysis of phytohormones in vegetables by UHPLC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Flores, María Isabel Alarcón; Romero-González, Roberto; Frenich, Antonia Garrido; Vidal, José Luis Martínez

2011-07-01

A new method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of different phytohormones (auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins) in vegetables. The compounds were extracted using a QuEChERS-based method (acronym of quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe). The separation and determination of the selected phytohormones were carried out by ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), using electrospray ionization source (ESI) in positive and negative ion modes. The method was validated and mean recoveries were evaluated at three concentration levels (50, 100 and 250 μg/kg), ranging from 75 to 110% at the three levels assayed. Intra- and interday precisions, expressed as relative standard deviations (RSDs), were lower than 20 and 25%, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQs) were equal or lower than 10 μg/kg. The developed procedure was applied to seven courgette samples, and naphthylacetic acid, naphthylacetamide and benzyladenine were found in some of the analysed samples. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Multifamily determination of pesticide residues in soya-based nutraceutical products by GC/MS-MS.

PubMed

Páleníková, Agneša; Martínez-Domínguez, Gerardo; Arrebola, Francisco Javier; Romero-González, Roberto; Hrouzková, Svetlana; Frenich, Antonia Garrido

2015-04-15

An analytical method based on a modified QuEChERS extraction coupled with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was evaluated for the determination of 177 pesticides in soya-based nutraceutical products. The QuEChERS method was optimised and different extraction solvents and clean-up approaches were tested, obtaining the most efficient conditions with a mixture of sorbents (PSA, C18, GBC and Zr-Sep(+)). Recoveries were evaluated at 10, 50 and 100 μg/kg and ranged between 70% and 120%. Precision was expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), and it was evaluated for more than 160 pesticides as intra and inter-day precision, with values always below 20% and 25%, respectively. Limits of detection (LODs) ranged from 0.1 to 10 μg/kg, whereas limits of quantification (LOQs) from 0.5 to 20 μg/kg. The applicability of the method was proved by analysing soya-based nutraceuticals. Two pesticides were found in these samples, malathion and pyriproxyfen, at 11.1 and 1.5 μg/kg respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Food safety traits of mussels and clams: distribution of PCBs, PBDEs, OCPs, PAHs and PFASs in sample from different areas using HRMS-Orbitrap® and modified QuEChERS extraction followed by GC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Chiesa, Luca Maria; Nobile, Maria; Malandra, Renato; Pessina, Davide; Panseri, Sara; Labella, Giuseppe Federico; Arioli, Francesco

2018-05-01

Reviewing the presence of contaminant residues is important both for food safety and for monitoring of environmental pollution. Here, the occurrence of 6 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 4 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 17 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) was evaluated in mussels and clams. A liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS) and an innovative QuEChERS extraction followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) methods were developed, validated and applied. We demonstrate good linearity, repeatability and accuracy of these methods, confirming that they are suitable for the analyses of mollusc samples. The prevalence of PCBs, OCPs and PAHs was higher in mussels than in clams. For PFASs, contamination was higher in clams than in mussels. The samples were all compliant with the regulations, and, for the compounds without legislative limits, a risk assessment confirmed that the values were lower than the tolerable intakes.

Mechanisms of Furfural Reduction on Metal Electrodes: Distinguishing Pathways for Selective Hydrogenation of Bioderived Oxygenates

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

Chadderdon, Xiaotong H.; Chadderdon, David J.; Matthiesen, John E.

Electrochemical reduction of biomass-derived platform molecules is an emerging route for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Understanding gaps between reaction conditions, underlying mechanisms, and product selectivity have limited the rational design of active, stable, and selective catalyst systems. Here, the mechanisms of electrochemical reduction of furfural, an important biobased platform molecule and model for aldehyde reduction, are explored through a combination of voltammetry, preparative electrolysis, thiol-electrode modifications, and kinetic isotope studies. It is demonstrated that two distinct mechanisms are operable on metallic Cu electrodes in acidic electrolytes: (i) electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) and (ii) direct electroreduction. The contributions ofmore » each mechanism to the observed product distribution are clarified by evaluating the requirement for direct chemical interactions with the electrode surface and the role of adsorbed hydrogen. Further analysis reveals that hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis products are generated by parallel ECH pathways. By understanding the underlying mechanisms it enables the manipulation of furfural reduction by rationally tuning the electrode potential, electrolyte pH, and furfural concentration to promote selective formation of important biobased polymer precursors and fuels.« less

Validation of QuEChERS based method for determination of fenitrothion residues in tomatoes by gas chromatography-flame photometric detector: Decline pattern and risk assessment.

PubMed

Malhat, Farag; Boulangé, Julien; Abdelraheem, Ehab; Abd Allah, Osama; Abd El-Hamid, Rania; Abd El-Salam, Shokr

2017-08-15

A simple and rapid gas chromatography with flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) determination method was developed to detect residue levels and investigate the dissipation pattern and safe use of fenitrothion in tomatoes. A modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) using an ethyl acetate-based extraction, followed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with primary-secondary amine (PSA) and graphite carbon black (GCB) for clean up, was applied prior to GC-FPD analysis. The method showed satisfactory linearity, recovery and precision. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.005 and 0.01mg/kg, respectively. The residue levels of fenitrothion were best described by first order kinetics with a half-life of 2.2days in tomatoes. The potential health risks posed by fenitrothion were not significant, based on supervised residue trial data. The current findings could provide guidance for safe and reasonable use of fenitrothion in tomatoes and prevent health problems to consumers. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

QuEChERS GC-MS validation and monitoring of pesticide residues in different foods in the tomato classification group.

PubMed

Ramírez Restrepo, Andrés; Gallo Ortiz, Andrés Fernando; Hoyos Ossa, Duvan Esteban; Peñuela Mesa, Gustavo Antonio

2014-09-01

The objective of this study was to validate (SANCO/12495/2011 and NTC-ISO/IEC 17025) multi-residue multi-class methods using QuEChERS sample preparation and GC-MS for the analysis of regulated pesticides in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), tamarillos (Solanum betaceum) and goldenberries (Physalis peruviana). These Latin American products are representative and widely produced in Antioquia (Colombia). Sample preparation followed the UNE-EN 15662 method (150 mg MgSO4, 25mg primary secondary amines and 25mg of octadecylsiloxane for cleanup; graphitized carbon black was added for tomatoes). Extracts were injected using a programmed temperature-vaporizing injector. The residues were validated over a range from 0.02 mg/kg to 0.20 mg/kg, with 24 analytes validated in tomatoes, 33 in tamarillos and 28 in goldenberries. An initial risk assessment was enabled by monitoring 24 samples in the municipalities of El Peñol, Marinilla and San Vicente Ferrer. Risks were found for tomatoes, but no significant risks were found for tamarillos or goldenberries. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of Furfural Reduction on Metal Electrodes: Distinguishing Pathways for Selective Hydrogenation of Bioderived Oxygenates

DOE PAGES

Chadderdon, Xiaotong H.; Chadderdon, David J.; Matthiesen, John E.; ...

2017-09-13

Electrochemical reduction of biomass-derived platform molecules is an emerging route for the sustainable production of fuels and chemicals. Understanding gaps between reaction conditions, underlying mechanisms, and product selectivity have limited the rational design of active, stable, and selective catalyst systems. Here, the mechanisms of electrochemical reduction of furfural, an important biobased platform molecule and model for aldehyde reduction, are explored through a combination of voltammetry, preparative electrolysis, thiol-electrode modifications, and kinetic isotope studies. It is demonstrated that two distinct mechanisms are operable on metallic Cu electrodes in acidic electrolytes: (i) electrocatalytic hydrogenation (ECH) and (ii) direct electroreduction. The contributions ofmore » each mechanism to the observed product distribution are clarified by evaluating the requirement for direct chemical interactions with the electrode surface and the role of adsorbed hydrogen. Further analysis reveals that hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis products are generated by parallel ECH pathways. By understanding the underlying mechanisms it enables the manipulation of furfural reduction by rationally tuning the electrode potential, electrolyte pH, and furfural concentration to promote selective formation of important biobased polymer precursors and fuels.« less

Artificial intelligence for the EChO long-term mission planning tool

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Piquer, Álvaro; Ribas, Ignasi; Colomé, Josep

2014-08-01

The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory (EChO) was an ESA mission candidate competing for a launch opportunity within the M3 call. Its main aim was to carry out research on the physics and chemistry of atmospheres of transiting planets. This requires the observation of two types of events: primary and secondary eclipses. The events of each exoplanet have to be observed several times in order to obtain measurements with adequate Signal-to-Noise Ratio. Furthermore, several criteria must be considered to perform an observation, among which we can highlight the exoplanet visibility, its event duration, and the avoidance of overlapping with other tasks. It is important to emphasize that, since the communications for transferring data from ground stations to the spacecraft are restricted, it is necessary to compute a long-term plan of observations in order to provide autonomy to the observatory. Thus, a suitable mission plan will increase the efficiency of telescope operation, and this will result in a raise of the scientific return and a reduction of operational costs. Obtaining a long-term mission plan becomes unaffordable for human planners due to the complexity of computing the large amount of possible combinations for finding a near-optimal solution. In this contribution we present a long-term mission planning tool based on Genetic Algorithms, which are focused on solving optimization problems such as the planning of several tasks. Specifically, the proposed tool finds a solution that highly optimizes the objectives defined, which are based on the maximization of the time spent on scientific observations and the scientific return (e.g., the coverage of the mission survey). The results obtained on the large experimental set up support that the proposed scheduler technology is robust and can function in a variety of scenarios, offering a competitive performance which does not depend on the collection of objects to be observed. Finally, it is noteworthy that the conducted experiments allow us to size some aspects of the mission with the aim of guaranteeing its feasibility.

Development of a method for the analysis of hormones and pharmaceuticals in earthworms by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) extraction followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

PubMed

Bergé, Alexandre; Vulliet, Emmanuelle

2015-10-01

The earthworm represents a kind of creature in contact with the soil surface and usually exposed to a variety of organic pollutants from human activities. Therefore, it can be considered as an organism of choice for identifying pollution or better understanding the input of contaminants in food chains in particular through the contributions of sludge. Moreover, the use of organisms such as soil invertebrates is to be developed for ecotoxicological risk assessment of pollutants. In this context, a simple, rapid and effective multi-residue method was developed for the determination of 31 compounds including 11 steroids, 14 veterinary antibiotics and 6 human contaminants (paracetamol, sulfamethoxazole, fluvoxamine, carbamazepine, ibuprofen, bisphenol A) in earthworm. The sample preparation procedure was based on a salting-out extraction with acetonitrile (QuEChERS approach) that was optimised with regard to the acetonitrile/water ratio used in the extraction step, the choice of the clean-up and the quantity of the matrix. The optimised extraction method exhibited recoveries that comprised between 44 and 98 % for all the tested compounds. The limits of detection of all compounds were below 14 ng g(-1) and the limits of quantification (LOQ) comprised between 1.6 and 40 ng g(-1) (wet weight). The method was therefore applied to determine the levels of pharmaceuticals and hormones in six earthworm samples collected in various soils. Concentrations up to 195 ng g(-1) for bisphenol A were determined, between a few nanograms per gram and 43.1 ng g(-1) (estriol) for hormones and between a few nanograms per gram and 73.5 ng g(-1) (florfenicol) for pharmaceuticals. Experiments were also conducted in laboratory conditions to evaluate the accumulation of the target substances by earthworm.

Determination of novel brominated flame retardants and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in serum using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with two simplified sample preparation procedures.

PubMed

Gao, Le; Li, Jian; Wu, Yandan; Yu, Miaohao; Chen, Tian; Shi, Zhixiong; Zhou, Xianqing; Sun, Zhiwei

2016-11-01

Two simple and efficient pretreatment procedures have been developed for the simultaneous extraction and cleanup of six novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) and eight common polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in human serum. The first sample pretreatment procedure was a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based approach. An acetone/hexane mixture was employed to isolate the lipid and analytes from the serum with a combination of MgSO 4 and NaCl, followed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) step using C18 particles as a sorbent. The second sample pretreatment procedure was based on solid-phase extraction. The sample extraction and cleanup were conducted directly on an Oasis HLB SPE column using 5 % aqueous isopropanol, concentrated sulfuric acid, and 10 % aqueous methanol, followed by elution with dichloromethane. The NBFRs and PBDEs were then detected using gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC-NCI MS). The methods were assessed for repeatability, accuracy, selectivity, limits of detection (LODs), and linearity. The results of spike recovery experiments in fetal bovine serum showed that average recoveries ranged from 77.9 % to 128.8 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) from 0.73 % to 12.37 % for most of the analytes. The LODs for the analytes in fetal bovine serum ranged from 0.3 to 50.8 pg/mL except for decabromodiphenyl ethane. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of the 14 brominated flame retardants in human serum. The two pretreatment procedures described here are simple, accurate, and precise, and are suitable for the routine analysis of human serum. Graphical Abstract Workflow of a QuEChERS-based approach (top) and an SPE-based approach (bottom) for the detection of PBDEs and NBFRs in serum.

UHPLC-MS/MS determination of ochratoxin A and fumonisins in coffee using QuEChERS extraction combined with mixed-mode SPE purification.

PubMed

Nielsen, Kristian Fog; Ngemela, Archard Ferdinand; Jensen, Lene Bai; de Medeiros, Lívia Soman; Rasmussen, Peter Have

2015-01-28

A method was developed for simultaneous determination of the mycotoxins: ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins B2 (FB2), B4 (FB4), and B6 (FB6) in green, roasted, and instant coffee. Extraction was performed by QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) under acidic conditions followed by mixed-mode reversed phase-anion exchange solid phase extraction. OTA and FB2 were detected at levels down to 0.5 and 2 μg/kg by UHPLC-MS/MS and quantitated via isotope dilution using U-(13)C-labeled FB2 and OTA as internal standards. Mixing 20% isopropanol in the acetonitrile of the acidic UHPLC gradient system increased the signal intensity by 50% and decreased the ion-suppression with 50-75% in roasted coffee samples. About half of the roasted coffee samples (n = 57, from 9 countries) contained detectable levels of OTA, however, with only 5 samples above the EU regulatory limit of 5 μg/kg and the highest with 21 μg/kg. None of the 25 instant coffee samples contained OTA above the EU regulatory level of 10 μg/kg. Nonetheless, the toxin could be detected in 56% of the analyzed instant coffee samples. Fumonisins were not detected in any of the roasted or instant coffee samples (n = 82). However, in the green coffee samples (n = 18) almost half of the samples were positive with a maximum value of 164 μg/kg (sum of FB2, FB4, and FB6). This discrepancy between green coffee and processed coffees indicated that the fumonisins decompose during the roasting process, which was confirmed in roasting experiments. Here fumonisins could not be detected after roasting of the green, 164 μg/kg coffee, sample. Under the same conditions, OTA was reduced from 2.4 to 0.5 μg/kg.

Lethal neonatal case and review of primary short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (SCEH) deficiency associated with secondary lymphocyte pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) deficiency.

PubMed

Bedoyan, Jirair K; Yang, Samuel P; Ferdinandusse, Sacha; Jack, Rhona M; Miron, Alexander; Grahame, George; DeBrosse, Suzanne D; Hoppel, Charles L; Kerr, Douglas S; Wanders, Ronald J A

2017-04-01

Mutations in ECHS1 result in short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (SCEH) deficiency which mainly affects the catabolism of various amino acids, particularly valine. We describe a case compound heterozygous for ECHS1 mutations c.836T>C (novel) and c.8C>A identified by whole exome sequencing of proband and parents. SCEH deficiency was confirmed with very low SCEH activity in fibroblasts and nearly absent immunoreactivity of SCEH. The patient had a severe neonatal course with elevated blood and cerebrospinal fluid lactate and pyruvate concentrations, high plasma alanine and slightly low plasma cystine. 2-Methyl-2,3-dihydroxybutyric acid was markedly elevated as were metabolites of the three branched-chain α-ketoacids on urine organic acids analysis. These urine metabolites notably decreased when lactic acidosis decreased in blood. Lymphocyte pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) activity was deficient, but PDC and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex activities in cultured fibroblasts were normal. Oxidative phosphorylation analysis on intact digitonin-permeabilized fibroblasts was suggestive of slightly reduced PDC activity relative to control range in mitochondria. We reviewed 16 other cases with mutations in ECHS1 where PDC activity was also assayed in order to determine how common and generalized secondary PDC deficiency is associated with primary SCEH deficiency. For reasons that remain unexplained, we find that about half of cases with primary SCEH deficiency also exhibit secondary PDC deficiency. The patient died on day-of-life 39, prior to establishing his diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early and rapid neonatal diagnosis because of possible adverse effects of certain therapeutic interventions, such as administration of ketogenic diet, in this disorder. There is a need for better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and phenotypic variability in this relatively recently discovered disorder. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of a modified QuEChERS method for the determination of veterinary antibiotics in swine manure by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Guo, Chunna; Wang, Mingru; Xiao, Hui; Huai, Binbin; Wang, Feng; Pan, Guangfang; Liao, Xiaoping; Liu, Yahong

2016-08-01

A QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) based methodology was developed for the rapid, simultaneous quantification and identification of 26 veterinary drugs in swine manure by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The selected antibiotics included tetracyclines, sulfonamides, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, lincosamides and pleuromutilins. This is the first study to determine pleuromutilin levels in manure. The QuEChERS process involved two simple steps. First, sample extraction with methanol: acetonitrile: 0.1M EDTA-McIlvaine buffer followed by phase separation with MgSO4: NaCl addition. The supernatant was then extracted and cleaned by dispersive solid-phase extraction using a primary-secondary amine (PSA) and octadecylsilane (C18) support. The proposed method provides a linearity in the range of 1-500ngmL-1 and linear regression coefficients (r) were greater than 0.996. MDL and MQL ranged between 0.01-1.86μgkg(-1) and 0.05-5.91μgkg(-1), respectively. Recoveries ranged from 61.39 to 105.65% with the exception of sulfaquinoxaline (55.7-56.8%) and valnemulin (33.7-37.7%). This method resulted in good precision (repeatability and reproducibility) and relative standard deviations less than 17% within the same day, and lower than 20% between days. The method was then applied to study the swine manure samples collected from Guangdong, China. Chlortetracycline, tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfadimidine and tilmicosin were detected in all samples indicating high residuals in manure. In fact tilmicosin was detected at 14400μgkg(-1) suggesting that prudent treatment of manure should be conducted to prevent environmental contamination. In conclusion, this workflow can provide a simpler and more cost-effective alternative to conventional methods and is compatible with processing large sample numbers over a short time period. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The science of EChO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinetti, Giovanna; Cho, James Y.-K.; Griffith, Caitlin A.; Grasset, Olivier; Grenfell, Lee; Guillot, Tristan; Koskinen, Tommi T.; Moses, Julianne I.; Pinfield, David; Tennyson, Jonathan; Tessenyi, Marcell; Wordsworth, Robin; Aylward, Alan; van Boekel, Roy; Coradini, Angioletta; Encrenaz, Therese; Snellen, Ignas; Zapatero-Osorio, Maria R.; Bouwman, Jeroen; Coudé du Foresto, Vincent; Lopez-Morales, Mercedes; Mueller-Wodarg, Ingo; Pallé, Enric; Selsis, Franck; Sozzetti, Alessandro; Beaulieu, Jean-Philippe; Henning, Thomas; Meyer, Michael; Micela, Giuseppina; Ribas, Ignasi; Stam, Daphne; Swain, Mark; Krause, Oliver; Ollivier, Marc; Pace, Emanuele; Swinyard, Bruce; Ade, Peter A. R.; Achilleos, Nick; Adriani, Alberto; Agnor, Craig B.; Afonso, Cristina; Allende Prieto, Carlos; Bakos, Gaspar; Barber, Robert J.; Barlow, Michael; Bernath, Peter; Bézard, Bruno; Bordé, Pascal; Brown, Linda R.; Cassan, Arnaud; Cavarroc, Céline; Ciaravella, Angela; Cockell, Charles; Coustenis, Athéna; Danielski, Camilla; Decin, Leen; De Kok, Remco; Demangeon, Olivier; Deroo, Pieter; Doel, Peter; Drossart, Pierre; Fletcher, Leigh N.; Focardi, Matteo; Forget, Francois; Fossey, Steve; Fouqué, Pascal; Frith, James; Galand, Marina; Gaulme, Patrick; González Hernández, Jonay I.; Grassi, Davide; Griffin, Matt J.; Grözinger, Ulrich; Guedel, Manuel; Guio, Pactrick; Hainaut, Olivier; Hargreaves, Robert; Hauschildt, Peter H.; Heng, Kevin; Heyrovsky, David; Hueso, Ricardo; Irwin, Pat; Kaltenegger, Lisa; Kervella, Patrick; Kipping, David; Kovacs, Geza; La Barbera, Antonino; Lammer, Helmut; Lellouch, Emmanuel; Leto, Giuseppe; Lopez Morales, Mercedes; Valverde, Lopez Miguel A.; Lopez-Puertas, Manuel; Lovi, Christophe; Maggio, Antonio; Maillard, Jean-Pierre; Prado, Jesus Maldonado; Marquette, Jean-Baptiste; Martin-Torres, Francisco J.; Maxted, Pierre; Miller, Steve; Molinari, Sergio; Montes, David; Moro-Martin, Amaya; Mousis, Olivier; Tuong, Napoléon Nguyen; Nelson, Richard; Orton, Glenn S.; Pantin, Eric; Pascale, Enzo; Pezzuto, Stefano; Poretti, Ennio; Prinja, Raman; Prisinzano, Loredana; Réess, Jean-Michel; Reiners, Ansgar; Samuel, Benjamin; Sanz Forcada, Jorge; Sasselov, Dimitar; Savini, Giorgio; Sicardy, Bruno; Smith, Alan; Stixrude, Lars; Strazzulla, Giovanni; Vasisht, Gautam; Vinatier, Sandrine; Viti, Serena; Waldmann, Ingo; White, Glenn J.; Widemann, Thomas; Yelle, Roger; Yung, Yuk; Yurchenko, Sergey

2011-11-01

The science of extra-solar planets is one of the most rapidly changing areas of astrophysics and since 1995 the number of planets known has increased by almost two orders of magnitude. A combination of ground-based surveys and dedicated space missions has resulted in 560-plus planets being detected, and over 1200 that await confirmation. NASA's Kepler mission has opened up the possibility of discovering Earth-like planets in the habitable zone around some of the 100,000 stars it is surveying during its 3 to 4-year lifetime. The new ESA's Gaia mission is expected to discover thousands of new planets around stars within 200 parsecs of the Sun. The key challenge now is moving on from discovery, important though that remains, to characterisation: what are these planets actually like, and why are they as they are? In the past ten years, we have learned how to obtain the first spectra of exoplanets using transit transmission and emission spectroscopy. With the high stability of Spitzer, Hubble, and large ground-based telescopes the spectra of bright close-in massive planets can be obtained and species like water vapour, methane, carbon monoxide and dioxide have been detected. With transit science came the first tangible remote sensing of these planetary bodies and so one can start to extrapolate from what has been learnt from Solar System probes to what one might plan to learn about their faraway siblings. As we learn more about the atmospheres, surfaces and near-surfaces of these remote bodies, we will begin to build up a clearer picture of their construction, history and suitability for life. The Exoplanet Characterisation Observatory, EChO, will be the first dedicated mission to investigate the physics and chemistry of Exoplanetary Atmospheres. By characterising spectroscopically more bodies in different environments we will take detailed planetology out of the Solar System and into the Galaxy as a whole. EChO has now been selected by the European Space Agency to be assessed as one of four M3 mission candidates.

Simultaneous determination of 24 personal care products in fish muscle and liver tissues using QuEChERS extraction coupled with ultra pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analyses.

PubMed

Yao, Li; Zhao, Jian-Liang; Liu, You-Sheng; Yang, Yuan-Yuan; Liu, Wang-Rong; Ying, Guang-Guo

2016-11-01

A sensitive and selective quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction combined with dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup method was developed to simultaneously extract a wide range of personal care products (16 biocides, 4 synthetic musks, and 4 benzotriazoles) in fish muscle and liver tissues. In order to get satisfactory recoveries, different extraction parameters were optimized, including extraction salts and d-SPE materials, extraction solvents and acetic acid contents in organic phase, and the ratios of solvent and water. Ultra pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the target compounds in the extracts. Among the 24 personal care products, the recoveries in the range of 70-120 % were obtained for 20, 19, and 12 analytes in fish muscle at the spiking concentrations of 10, 5, and 1 ng/g ww, respectively, and for 13, 12, and 11 analytes in liver at the spiking concentrations of 40, 20, and 4 ng/g ww, respectively. Method quantification limits (MQLs) of all analytes were 0.02-2.12 ng/g ww for fish muscle and 0.22-12.2 ng/g ww for fish liver tissues. The method was successfully applied to wild fish samples collected from Dongjiang River, south China. Twenty-one and 17 of the analytes were found in fish muscle and liver samples, respectively, in at least one site of the river with the concentrations between below MQLs and 119 ng/g ww, respectively. Graphical abstract Achieved satisfactory recoveries, high precision, and low method quantification limits (MQLs) for PCPs in wild fish tissues by QuEChERS procedure optimization combined with UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS analyses.

Cationized milled pine bark as an adsorbent for orthophosphate anions

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala; K.G. Karthikeyan; D. Wang

2004-01-01

More efficient adsorption media are needed for removing dissolved phosphorus in surface water runoff. We studied the use of cationized pine bark as a sorbent for dissolved phosphorus in water. Cationized pine bark was prepared by treating extracted milled pine bark with polyallylamine hydrochloride (PAA HCl) and epichlorohydrin (ECH) in aqueous medium. Attachment of...

Measurement of Pyrethroids and Their Environmental Degradates in Fruits and Vegetables using a Modification of the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe (QuEChERS) Method

EPA Science Inventory

Pyrethroid insecticides are used extensively in agriculture and they, as well as their environmental degradates, may remain as residues on food products such as fruits and vegetables. Since pyrethroid degradates can be identical to the urinary markers used in human biomonitoring ...

Estimating Impacts on Program-Related Subgroups Using Propensity Score Matching: Evidence from the Early College High School Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Unlu, Fatih; Yamaguchi, Ryoko; Bernstein, Larry; Edmunds, Julie

2010-01-01

This paper addresses methodological issues arising from an experimental study of North Carolina's Early College High School Initiative, a four-year longitudinal experimental study funded by Institute for Education Sciences. North Carolina implemented the Early College High School (ECHS) Initiative in response to low high school graduation rates.…

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 activity reduces hypertrophy in 3T3-L1 adipocytes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) pathway responds to oxidative stress via control of the expression of several antioxidant genes. Recent efforts demonstrate that Nrf2 modulates development of adiposity and adipogenesis. However little is kno...

Role of erbB-2 and erbB-3 in the Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3 -Kinase.

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-06-01

epithelium with the human papilloma virus , will provide an independent test of the oncogenic potential of c-erbB-2 overexpression in non-neoplastic human...cellnucei fom riplcat wels fr ech cndiion human papilloma virus (HPV) 16 and are not tumori- were solubilized with detergent and counted in a hmn

Early College High Schools

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dessoff, Alan

2011-01-01

For at-risk students who stand little chance of going to college, or even finishing high school, a growing number of districts have found a solution: Give them an early start in college while they still are in high school. The early college high school (ECHS) movement that began with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 10 years ago…

Automated mini-column solid-phase extraction cleanup for high-throughput analysis of chemical contaminants in foods by low-pressure gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study demonstrated the application of an automated high-throughput mini-cartridge solid-phase extraction (mini-SPE) cleanup for the rapid low-pressure gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS) analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants in QuEChERS extracts of foods. ...

Analysis of nitrosamines in cooked bacon by QuEChERS sample preparation and gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry with backflushing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Nitrites are added as a preservative to a variety of cured meats, including bacon, to kill bacteria, extend shelf-life, and improve quality. During cooking, nitrites in the meat can be converted to carcinogenic nitrosamines (NAs), the formation of which are mitigated by the addition of anti-oxidant...

The Scholars Project: Maine's Distance Education Model for Preparing Early Childhood Special Educators to Work with Young Children with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rooks-Ellis, Deborah L.

2017-01-01

The Early Childhood Opportunity (EChO) Scholars project was designed to address the following significant needs in Maine: (a) prepare highly qualified early interventionists and early childhood special educators through distance education, (b) develop a system of support through a mentor network, (c) provide a graduate-level early childhood…

Measurement of pyrethroids and their environmental degradation products in fresh fruits and vegetables using a modification of the quick easy cheap effective rugged safe (QuEChERS) method

EPA Science Inventory

Pyrethroid insecticides are used extensively in agriculture, and they, as well as their environmental degradates, may remain as residues on foods such as fruits and vegetables. Since pyrethroid degradates can be identical to the urinary markers used in human biomonitoring, it is ...

Evaluation of a recent product to remove lipids and other matrix co-extractives in the analysis of pesticide residues and environmental contaminants in foods

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This study demonstrates the application of a novel lipid removal product to the residue analysis of 65 pesticides and 52 environmental contaminants in kale, pork, salmon, and avocado by fast, low pressure gas chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LPGC-MS/MS). Sample preparation involves QuEChE...

Treatment costs and indirect costs of cluster headache: A health economics analysis.

PubMed

Gaul, Charly; Finken, Julia; Biermann, Janine; Mostardt, Sarah; Diener, Hans-Christoph; Müller, Oliver; Wasem, Jürgen; Neumann, Anja

2011-12-01

Cluster headache (CH) is the most frequent trigemino-autonomic cephalgia. CH can manifest as episodic (eCH) or chronic cluster headache (cCH) causing significant burden of disease and requiring attack therapy and prophylactic treatment. Treatment costs (direct costs) due to healthcare utilisation, as well as costs caused by disability and reduction in earning capacity (indirect costs), were obtained using a questionnaire in CH patients treated in a tertiary headache centre based at the University Duisburg-Essen over a 6-month period. A total 179 patients (72 cCH, 107 eCH) were included. Mean attack frequency was 3.5 ± 2.5 per day. Mean direct and indirect costs for one person were €5963 in the 6-month period. Direct costs were positively correlated with attack frequency (r = 0.467, p < 0.001). Burden of disease measured with HIT-6 showed a significant correlation with attack frequency (r = 0.467, p < 0.001). Twenty-four (13.4%) of the participants were disabled and not able to work. CH leads to major socioeconomic impact on patients as well as society due to direct healthcare costs and indirect costs caused by loss of working capacity.

Simultaneous determination of atropine and scopolamine in buckwheat and related products using modified QuEChERS and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Chen, Hongping; Marín-Sáez, Jesús; Romero-González, Roberto; Garrido Frenich, Antonia

2017-03-01

A method was developed for the determination of atropine and scopolamine in buckwheat and related products. A modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) extraction procedure was evaluated. Dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) was studied as clean-up step, using graphitized black carbon (GBC) and primary secondary amine (PSA). The extract was diluted with water (50:50, v/v) prior to chromatographic analysis. The method was validated and recoveries (except chia samples spiked at 10μg/kg) ranged from 75% to 92%. Intra and inter-day precision was lower than or equal to 17%. The limit of quantification of atropine and scopolamine was 0.4 and 2μg/kg, respectively. Eight types of samples (buckwheat, wheat, soy, buckwheat flour, buckwheat noodle, amaranth grain, chia seeds and peeled millet) were analyzed. Target compounds were not found above the detection limits of the method, but three transformation products of scopolamine (norscopine, hydroscopolamine and dihydroxyscopolamine) were putative identified in the tested samples using high resolution mass spectrometry (Exactive-Orbitrap). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of zirconium dioxide-based sorbents to decrease the matrix effect in avocado and almond multiresidue pesticide analysis followed by gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Lozano, Ana; Rajski, Łukasz; Uclés, Samanta; Belmonte-Valles, Noelia; Mezcua, Milagros; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2014-01-01

Two sorbents containing ZrO₂ (Z-Sep and Z-Sep+) were tested as a d-SPE clean-up in combination with the QuEChERS and ethyl acetate multiresidue method in the pesticide residues extraction in avocado. All extracts were analysed using gas chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer working in multi-reaction monitoring mode. GC QToF was used to compare the amount of matrix compounds present in the final extracts, prepared according to different protocols. The highest number of pesticides with acceptable recoveries and the lowest amount of coextracted matrix compounds were provided by QuEChERS with Z-Sep. Subsequently, this method was fully validated in avocado and almonds. Validation studies were carried out according to DG Sanco guidelines including: the evaluation of recoveries at two levels (10 and 50 μg/kg), limit of quantitation, linearity, matrix effects, as well as interday and intraday precision. In avocado, 166 pesticides were fully validated compared to 119 in almonds. The method was operated satisfactorily in routine analysis and was applied to real samples. © 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

On the equivalence of some spectral sequences for Serre fibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Onishchenko, Aleksandr Yu; Popelenskii, Fedor Yu

2011-04-01

Several different constructions of a spectral sequence for a Serre fibration \\pi\\colon E \\to B over a compact simply connected manifold B are considered in this paper. Namely, we consider the spectral sequence for the minimal model (\\Lambda V\\otimes \\Lambda W,d) of the fibration, along with the spectral sequences arising from the Čech filtration in the complexes \\check{C}^*(\\mathscr{U}, A_{PL}^*(\\pi^{-1}(U))) and \\check{C}^*(\\mathscr{U}, S^*(\\pi^{-1}(U))), where \\mathscr{U}=\\{U\\} is a covering of the base B. It is known that all these spectral sequences have the same terms E_2^{*,*}=H^*(X)\\otimes H^*(F) and converge to the cohomology of the total space E. A new natural isomorphism of these spectral sequences is constructed in every term E_r with r\\ge2. It is also proved that in the case of a smooth locally trivial fibration these spectral sequences are isomorphic to the spectral sequences of the complex of smooth forms \\Omega^*(E) and of the Čech-de Rham complex. It is therefore established that all these constructions give the same spectral sequence, starting from the E_2 term. Bibliography: 9 titles.

Determination of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and spirotetramat and their relevant metabolites in pistachio using modified QuEChERS combined with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Faraji, Mohammad; Noorbakhsh, Roya; Shafieyan, Hooshang; Ramezani, Mohammadkazem

2018-02-01

A QuEChERS based methodology was developed for the simultaneous identification and quantification of acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and spirotetramat and their relevant metabolites in pistachio by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the first time. First, sample extraction was done with MeCN:citrate buffer:NaHCO 3 followed by phase separation with the addition of MgSO 4 :NaCl. The supernatant was then cleaned by a primary-secondary amine (PSA), GCB, and MgSO 4 . The proposed method provides a linearity in the range of 5-200µgL -1 , and the linear regression coefficients were higher than 0.99. LOD and LOQ were obtained to be 2 and 5µgkg -1 for the studied insecticides, respectively, with the exception of imidacloprid-olefin (5 and 10µgkg -1 ). Acceptable recoveries (91-110%) were obtained for all the analytes with good intra- and inter-precisions (0.4≥RSD ≤11.0). The method was then used for the pistachio samples collected from a field trial to estimate the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in next step. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mycotoxin Analysis of Human Urine by LC-MS/MS: A Comparative Extraction Study

PubMed Central

Escrivá, Laura; Font, Guillermina

2017-01-01

The lower mycotoxin levels detected in urine make the development of sensitive and accurate analytical methods essential. Three extraction methods, namely salting-out liquid–liquid extraction (SALLE), miniQuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), were evaluated and compared based on analytical parameters for the quantitative LC-MS/MS measurement of 11 mycotoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, OTA, ZEA, BEA, EN A, EN B, EN A1 and EN B1) in human urine. DLLME was selected as the most appropriate methodology, as it produced better validation results for recovery (79–113%), reproducibility (RSDs < 12%), and repeatability (RSDs < 15%) than miniQuEChERS (71–109%, RSDs <14% and <24%, respectively) and SALLE (70–108%, RSDs < 14% and < 24%, respectively). Moreover, the lowest detection (LODS) and quantitation limits (LOQS) were achieved with DLLME (LODs: 0.005–2 μg L−1, LOQs: 0.1–4 μg L−1). DLLME methodology was used for the analysis of 10 real urine samples from healthy volunteers showing the presence of ENs B, B1 and A1 at low concentrations. PMID:29048356

Organochlorine pesticide residues in strawberries from integrated pest management and organic farming.

PubMed

Fernandes, Virginia C; Domingues, Valentina F; Mateus, Nuno; Delerue-Matos, Cristina

2011-07-27

A rapid, specific, and sensitive method based on the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method and a cleanup using dispersive solid-phase extraction with MgSO(4), PSA, and C18 sorbents has been developed for the routine analysis of 14 pesticides in strawberries. The analyses were performed by three different analytical methodologies: gas chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection (ECD), mass spectrometry (MS), and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The recoveries for all the pesticides studied were from 46 to 128%, with relative standard deviation of <15% in the concentration range of 0.005-0.250 mg/kg. The limit of detection (LOD) for all compounds met maximum residue limits (MRL) accepted in Portugal for organochlorine pesticides (OCP). A survey study of strawberries produced in Portugal in the years 2009-2010 obtained from organic farming (OF) and integrated pest management (IPM) was developed. Lindane and β-endosulfan were detected above the MRL in OF and IPM. Other OCP (aldrin, o,p'-DDT and their metabolites, and methoxychlor) were found below the MRL. The OCP residues detected decreased from 2009 to 2010. The QuEChERS method was successfully applied to the analysis of strawberry samples.

Fast analysis of 4-tertoctylphenol, pentachlorophenol and 4-nonylphenol in river sediments by QuEChERS extraction procedure combined with GC-QqQ-MS/MS.

PubMed

Czech, T; Bonilla, N Barco; Gambus, F; González, R Romero; Marín-Sáez, J; Vidal, J L Martínez; Frenich, A Garrido

2016-07-01

A quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS)-based extraction method has been optimized for the determination of pentachlorophenol, 4-tertoctylphenol and 4-nonylphenol in river sediments. The extraction method was followed by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) analysis, which ensures the reliable identification of the target compounds. The proposed method has been validated allowing the successful determination of the selected compounds, with recoveries ranging from 72 to 96%, when three concentration levels were evaluated (10, 50 and 100μgkg(-1)) and inter-day and intra-day precision, expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD), were lower than 20%. The method showed limits of detection (LODs) and limits of quantification (LOQs) ranging from 0.1 to 2.0μgkg(-1) and from 0.5 to 5.0μgkg(-1), respectively. Finally, 25 real samples from Poland have been analyzed, and only 4-tertoctylphenol was detected at concentrations up to 8.9μgkg(-1) of soil dry weight. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rapid and reliable QuEChERS-based LC-MS/MS method for determination of acrylamide in potato chips and roasted coffee

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanović, S.; Đorđevic, V.; Jelušić, V.

2017-09-01

The aim of this paper is to verify the performance characteristics and fitness for purpose of rapid and simple QuEChERS-based LC-MS/MS method for determination of acrylamide in potato chips and coffee. LC-MS/MS is by far the most suitable analytical technique for acrylamide measurements given its inherent sensitivity and selectivity, as well as capability of analyzing underivatized molecule. Acrylamide in roasted coffee and potato chips wasextracted with water:acetonitrile mixture using NaCl and MgSO4. Cleanup was carried out with MgSO4 and PSA. Obtained results were satisfactory. Recoveries were in the range of 85-112%, interlaboratory reproducibility (Cv) was 5.8-7.6% and linearity (R2) was in the range of 0.995-0.999. LoQ was 35 μg kg-1 for coffee and 20 μg kg-1 for potato chips. Performance characteristic of the method are compliant with criteria for analytical methods validation. Presented method for quantitative determination of acrylamide in roasted coffee and potato chips is fit for purposes of self-control in food industry as well as regulatory controls carried out by the governmental agencies.

Validation of QuEChERS method for the determination of 36 pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables from Ghana, using gas chromatography with electron capture and pulsed flame photometric detectors.

PubMed

Donkor, Augustine; Osei-Fosu, Paul; Nyarko, Stephen; Kingsford-Adaboh, Robert; Dubey, Brajesh; Asante, Isaac

2015-01-01

In this study, "Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe" 'QuEChERS' method was modified for the determination of 36 pesticides fortified at (0.01-1.0) mg kg(-1) in three vegetables and a fruit (lettuce, carrot, tomatoes and pineapples respectively) from Ghana. The method involved extraction with acetonitrile, phase separation with primary secondary amine and magnesium sulfate; the final injection solution was reconstituted in ethyl acetate. Organochlorine and synthetic pyrethroids residues were detected with electron capture detector whereas organophosphorus, pulsed flame photometric detector was used. The recoveries at different concentration levels (0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 mg kg(-1)) were in the range of 83% and 93% with relative standard deviation ranging from 2% to 10% (n = 5) and the coefficient of determination (R(2)) was greater than 0.99 for all the 36 pesticides. The method was successfully tested on 120 real samples from Accra markets and this proved to be useful for monitoring purposes particularly in laboratories that have no gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Enantioconvergent production of (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol from styrene oxide by combining the Solanum tuberosum and an evolved Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1 epoxide hydrolases.

PubMed

Cao, Li; Lee, Jintae; Chen, Wilfred; Wood, Thomas K

2006-06-20

Soluble epoxide hydrolase (EH) from the potato Solanum tuberosum and an evolved EH of the bacterium Agrobacterium radiobacter AD1, EchA-I219F, were purified for the enantioconvergent hydrolysis of racemic styrene oxide into the single product (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol, which is an important intermediate for pharmaceuticals. EchA-I219F has enhanced enantioselectivity (enantiomeric ratio of 91 based on products) for converting (R)-styrene oxide to (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol (2.0 +/- 0.2 micromol/min/mg), and the potato EH converts (S)-styrene oxide primarily to the same enantiomer, (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol (22 +/- 1 micromol/min/mg), with an enantiomeric ratio of 40 +/- 17 (based on substrates). By mixing these two purified enzymes, inexpensive racemic styrene oxide (5 mM) was converted at 100% yield to 98% enantiomeric excess (R)-1-phenyl-1,2-ethanediol at 4.7 +/- 0.7 micromol/min/mg. Hence, at least 99% of substrate is converted into a single stereospecific product at a rapid rate. 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

New receiving line for the remote-steering antenna of the 140 GHz CTS diagnostics in the FTU Tokamak

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

D'Arcangelo, O.; Bin, W.; Bruschi, A.; Cappelli, M.; Fanale, F.; Gittini, G.; Pallotta, F.; Rocchi, G.; Tudisco, O.; Garavaglia, S.; Granucci, G.; Moro, A.; Tuccillo, A. A.

2018-01-01

A new receiving antenna for collecting signals of the Collective Thomson Scattering (CTS) diagnostics in FTU Tokamak has been recently installed. The squared corrugated section and the precisely defined length make it possible to receive from different directions by remotely steering the receiving mirrors. This type of Remote-Steering (RS) antennas, being studied on FTU for the DEMO Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH) system launch, is already installed on the W7- X stellarator and will be tested in the next campaign. The transmission of the signal from the antenna in the tokamak hall to the CTS diagnostics hall will be mainly realized by means of oversized circular corrugated waveguides carrying the hybrid HE11 (quasi-gaussian) waveguide mode, with inclusion of a special smooth-waveguide section and a short run of reduced-size square-corrugated waveguide through the tokamak bio-shield. The coupling between different waveguide types is made with ellipsoidal focusing mirrors, using quasi-optical matching formulas between the gaussian-shaped beams in input and output to the waveguides. In this work, after a complete study of feasibility of the overall line, a design for the receiving line will be proposed, in order to realize an executive layout to be used as a guideline for the commissioning phase.

Status and Plans for the TRANSP Interpretive and Predictive Simulation Code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaye, Stanley; Andre, Robert; Marina, Gorelenkova; Yuan, Xingqui; Hawryluk, Richard; Jardin, Steven; Poli, Francesca

2015-11-01

TRANSP is an integrated interpretive and predictive transport analysis tool that incorporates state of the art heating/current drive sources and transport models. The treatments and transport solvers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and comprehensive. For instance, the ISOLVER component provides a free boundary equilibrium solution, while the PT_SOLVER transport solver is especially suited for stiff transport models such as TGLF. TRANSP also incorporates such source models as NUBEAM for neutral beam injection, GENRAY, TORAY, TORBEAM, TORIC and CQL3D for ICRH, LHCD, ECH and HHFW. The implementation of selected components makes efficient use of MPI for speed up of code calculations. TRANSP has a wide international user-base, and it is run on the FusionGrid to allow for timely support and quick turnaround by the PPPL Computational Plasma Physics Group. It is being used as a basis for both analysis and development of control algorithms and discharge operational scenarios, including simulation of ITER plasmas. This poster will describe present uses of the code worldwide, as well as plans for upgrading the physics modules and code framework. Progress on implementing TRANSP as a component in the ITER IMAS will also be described. This research was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under contracts DE-AC02-09CH11466.

ERTS-C (Landsat 3) cryogenic heat pipe experiment definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brennan, P. J.; Kroliczek, E. J.

1975-01-01

A flight experiment designed to demonstrate current cryogenic heat pipe technology was defined and evaluated. The experiment package developed is specifically configured for flight aboard an ERTS type spacecraft. Two types of heat pipes were included as part of the experiment package: a transporter heat pipe and a thermal diode heat pipe. Each was tested in various operating modes. Performance data obtained from the experiment are applicable to the design of cryogenic systems for detector cooling, including applications where periodic high cooler temperatures are experienced as a result of cyclic energy inputs.

Occurrence and distribution study of residues from pesticides applied under controlled conditions in the field during rice processing.

PubMed

Pareja, Lucía; Colazzo, Marcos; Pérez-Parada, Andrés; Besil, Natalia; Heinzen, Horacio; Böcking, Bernardo; Cesio, Verónica; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2012-05-09

The results of an experiment to study the occurrence and distribution of pesticide residues during rice cropping and processing are reported. Four herbicides, nine fungicides, and two insecticides (azoxystrobin, byspiribac-sodium, carbendazim, clomazone, difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, isoprothiolane, kresoxim-methyl, propanil, quinclorac, tebuconazole, thiamethoxam, tricyclazole, trifloxystrobin, λ-cyhalotrin) were applied to an isolated rice-crop plot under controlled conditions, during the 2009-2010 cropping season in Uruguay. Paddy rice was harvested and industrially processed to brown rice, white rice, and rice bran, which were analyzed for pesticide residues using the original QuEChERS methodology and its citrate variation by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS. The distribution of pesticide residues was uneven among the different matrices. Ten different pesticide residues were found in paddy rice, seven in brown rice, and eight in rice bran. The highest concentrations were detected in paddy rice. These results provide information regarding the fate of pesticides in the rice food chain and its safety for consumers.

Building as We Go: Secondary Schools, Community Colleges, and Universities in Partnership--The Early College High School Initiative

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bush, V. Barbara

2017-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of key informants about the processes of institutional change and collaboration involved in the development of three early college high schools (ECHS)s over a 4-year period. The 15 study participants were members of early college high school councils and included high school principals,…

Streamlined sample cleanup using combined dispersive solid-phase extraction and in-vial filtration for analysis of pesticides and environmental pollutants in shrimp

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A new method of sample preparation was developed and is reported for the first time. The approach combines in-vial filtration with dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) in a fast and convenient cleanup of QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) extracts. The method was appli...

Evaluation of a new carbon/zirconia-based sorbent for the cleanup of food extracts in multiclass analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A novel carbon/zirconia based material, SupelTM QuE Verde (Verde), was evaluated in a filter-vial dispersive solid phase extraction (d-SPE) cleanup of QuEChERS extracts of pork, salmon, kale, and avocado for residual analysis of pesticides and environmental contaminants. Low pressure (LP) GC-MS/MS w...

Multi-residue pesticide analysis (gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection)-Improvement of the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method for dried fruits and fat-rich cereals-Benefit and limit of a standardized apple purée calibration (screening).

PubMed

Rasche, Claudia; Fournes, Britta; Dirks, Uwe; Speer, Karl

2015-07-17

Some steps of the QuEChERS method for the analysis of pesticides with GC-MS/MS in cereals and dried fruits were improved or simplified. For the latter, a mixing vessel with stator-rotor-system proved to be advantageous. The extraction procedure of dried fruits is much easier and safer than the Ultra Turrax and results in excellent validation data at a concentration level of 0.01mg/kg (116 of 118 analytes with recoveries in the range of 70-120%, 117 of 118 analytes with RSD <20%). After qualifying problematic lipophilic pesticides in fat-rich cereals (fat content >7%), predominantly organochlorines showed recoveries of <70% in quantification when the standard QuEChERS method with water was used. A second extraction was carried out analogous to the QuEChERS method, however, without the addition of water. With this simple modification, the problematic lipophilic pesticides, which had been strongly affected by the fat content of the commodities, could be determined with recoveries above 70% even at a concentration level of 0.01mg/kg. Moreover, a GC-MS/MS screening method for 120 pesticides at a concentration level of 0.01mg/kg was established by employing analyte protectants (ethylglycerol, gulonolactone, and sorbitol). The use of only one standardized calibration, made of an apple purée extract in combination with analyte protectants, allowed for a qualitative and quantitative analysis of 120 pesticides in different matrix extracts (tomato, red pepper, sour cherries, dried apples, black currant powder, raisins, wheat flour, rolled oats, wheat germ). The analyte protectants leveled the differences in the matrix-induced protection effect of the analyzed extracts over a wide range. The majority of the pesticides were analyzed with good analytical results (recoveries in the range of 70-120% and RSD <20%). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Catabolism of the Last Two Steroid Rings in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Other Bacteria

PubMed Central

Crowe, Adam M.; Casabon, Israël; Brown, Kirstin L.; Liu, Jie; Lian, Jennifer; Rogalski, Jason C.; Hurst, Timothy E.; Snieckus, Victor; Foster, Leonard J.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Most mycolic acid-containing actinobacteria and some proteobacteria use steroids as growth substrates, but the catabolism of the last two steroid rings has yet to be elucidated. In Mycobacterium tuberculosis, this pathway includes virulence determinants and has been proposed to be encoded by the KstR2-regulated genes, which include a predicted coenzyme A (CoA) transferase gene (ipdAB) and an acyl-CoA reductase gene (ipdC). In the presence of cholesterol, ΔipdC and ΔipdAB mutants of either M. tuberculosis or Rhodococcus jostii strain RHA1 accumulated previously undescribed metabolites: 3aα-H-4α(carboxyl-CoA)-5-hydroxy-7aβ-methylhexahydro-1-indanone (5-OH HIC-CoA) and (R)-2-(2-carboxyethyl)-3-methyl-6-oxocyclohex-1-ene-1-carboxyl-CoA (COCHEA-CoA), respectively. A ΔfadE32 mutant of Mycobacterium smegmatis accumulated 4-methyl-5-oxo-octanedioic acid (MOODA). Incubation of synthetic 5-OH HIC-CoA with purified IpdF, IpdC, and enoyl-CoA hydratase 20 (EchA20), a crotonase superfamily member, yielded COCHEA-CoA and, upon further incubation with IpdAB and a CoA thiolase, yielded MOODA-CoA. Based on these studies, we propose a pathway for the final steps of steroid catabolism in which the 5-member ring is hydrolyzed by EchA20, followed by hydrolysis of the 6-member ring by IpdAB. Metabolites accumulated by ΔipdF and ΔechA20 mutants support the model. The conservation of these genes in known steroid-degrading bacteria suggests that the pathway is shared. This pathway further predicts that cholesterol catabolism yields four propionyl-CoAs, four acetyl-CoAs, one pyruvate, and one succinyl-CoA. Finally, a ΔipdAB M. tuberculosis mutant did not survive in macrophages and displayed severely depleted CoASH levels that correlated with a cholesterol-dependent toxicity. Our results together with the developed tools provide a basis for further elucidating bacterial steroid catabolism and virulence determinants in M. tuberculosis. PMID:28377529

Simultaneous Analysis of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP in Asian Style Sauces Using QuEChERS Extraction and Gas Chromatography-Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry.

PubMed

Genualdi, Susan; Nyman, Patricia; DeJager, Lowri

2017-02-01

Acid hydrolyzed vegetable protein (aHVP) is used for flavoring a wide variety of foods and also in the production of nonfermented soy sauce. During the production of aHVP, chloropropanols including 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3 dichloropropane-2-ol (1,3-DCP) can be formed through the reaction of the hydrochloric acid catalyst and residual fat and the reaction of 3-MCPD with acetic acid, respectively. 3-MCPD is a carcinogen, and 1,3-DCP has been classified as a genotoxic carcinogen. The European Union (EU) has set a maximum concentration of 0.02 mg/kg of 3-MCPD in aHVP, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a guidance limit of 1 mg/kg of 3-MCPD in aHVP. 1,3-DCP is not an approved food additive, and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JEFCA) has set a limit at 0.005 mg/kg, which is close to the estimated method detection limit. Currently there are few analytical methods for the simultaneous determination of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP without derivatization due to differences in their physical chemical properties and reactivity. A new method was developed using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) with direct analysis of the extract without derivatization using gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ). Additionally, a market sampling of 60 soy sauce samples was performed in 2015 to determine if concentrations have changed since the FDA limit was set in 2008. The sampling results were compared between the new QuEChERS method and a method using phenylboronic acid (PBA) as a derivatizing agent for 3-MCPD analysis. The concentrations of 3-MCPD detected in soy sauce samples collected in 2015 (

Simultaneous Analysis of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP in Asian Style Sauces Using QuEChERS Extraction and Gas Chromatography–Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Genualdi, Susan; Nyman, Patricia; DeJager, Lowri

2017-01-01

Acid hydrolyzed vegetable protein (aHVP) is used for flavoring a wide variety of foods and also in the production of nonfermented soy sauce. During the production of aHVP, chloropropanols including 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) and 1,3 dichloropropane-2-ol (1,3-DCP) can be formed through the reaction of the hydrochloric acid catalyst and residual fat and the reaction of 3-MCPD with acetic acid, respectively. 3-MCPD is a carcinogen, and 1,3-DCP has been classified as a genotoxic carcinogen. The European Union (EU) has set a maximum concentration of 0.02 mg/kg of 3-MCPD in aHVP, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) set a guidance limit of 1 mg/kg of 3-MCPD in aHVP. 1,3-DCP is not an approved food additive, and the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JEFCA) has set a limit at 0.005 mg/kg, which is close to the estimated method detection limit. Currently there are few analytical methods for the simultaneous determination of 3-MCPD and 1,3-DCP without derivatization due to differences in their physical chemical properties and reactivity. A new method was developed using QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) with direct analysis of the extract without derivatization using gas chromatography–triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ). Additionally, a market sampling of 60 soy sauce samples was performed in 2015 to determine if concentrations have changed since the FDA limit was set in 2008. The sampling results were compared between the new QuEChERS method and a method using phenylboronic acid (PBA) as a derivatizing agent for 3-MCPD analysis. The concentrations of 3-MCPD detected in soy sauce samples collected in 2015 (

Extension of the QuEChERS method for pesticide residues in cereals to flaxseeds, peanuts, and doughs.

PubMed

Koesukwiwat, Urairat; Lehotay, Steven J; Mastovska, Katerina; Dorweiler, Kelly J; Leepipatpiboon, Natchanun

2010-05-26

A simple method was evaluated for the determination of pesticide residues in flaxseeds, doughs, and peanuts using gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF) for analysis. A modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method, which was previously optimized for cereal grain samples, was evaluated in these fatty matrices. This extraction method involves first mixing the sample with 1:1 water/acetonitrile for an hour to swell the matrix and permit the salt-out liquid-liquid partitioning step using anhydrous MgSO(4) and NaCl. After shaking and centrifugation, cleanup is done by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) using 150 mg of anhydrous MgSO(4), 150 mg of PSA, and 50 mg of C-18 per milliliter of extract. This method gave efficient separation of pesticides from fat and removal of coextracted substances better than gel permeation chromatography or use of a freeze-out step, which involved excessive use of solvent and/or time. The optimized analytical conditions were evaluated in terms of recoveries, reproducibilities, limits of detection, and matrix effects for 34 representative pesticides using different types of flaxseeds, peanuts, and doughs. Use of matrix-matched standards provided acceptable results for most pesticides with overall average recoveries between 70 and 120% and consistent RSDs <20% for semipolar pesticides and <26% for lipophilic pesticides. The recoveries of these latter types of pesticides depended on the fat content in the matrices and partitioning factor between the lipids and acetonitrile. We believe that the consistency of the pesticide recoveries for different samples in multiple experiments and the physicochemical partitioning explanation for <70% recoveries of lipophilic pesticides justify compensation of results for the empirically determined recovery values. In any case, this method still meets 10 ng/g detection limit needs for lipophilic pesticides and may be used for qualitative screening applications, in which any identified pesticides can be quantified and confirmed by a more intensive method that achieves >70% recoveries for lipophilic pesticides.

High Energy Antimatter Telescope (HEAT) Balloon Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beatty, J. J.

1995-01-01

This grant supported our work on the High Energy Antimatter Telescope(HEAT) balloon experiment. The HEAT payload is designed to perform a series of experiments focusing on the cosmic ray positron, electron, and antiprotons. Thus far two flights of the HEAT -e+/- configuration have taken place. During the period of this grant major accomplishments included the following: (1) Publication of the first results of the 1994 HEAT-e+/- flight in Physical Review Letters; (2) Successful reflight of the HEAT-e+/- payload from Lynn Lake in August 1995; (3) Repair and refurbishment of the elements of the HEAT payload damaged during the landing following the 1995 flight; and (4) Upgrade of the ground support equipment for future flights of the HEAT payload.

ORGANIZATION 6, NOVA SCIENCE UNIT 7.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

1964

DIRECTIONS FOR CONDUCTING A SERIES OF SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS ARE PRESENTED. THE EXPERIMENTS CONCERN THE STUDY OF HEAT AND MOLECULAR MOTION, HEAT EXCHANGE IN A MIXTURE, SPECIFIC HEAT, HEAT AND SIZE, EXPANSION OF LIQUID, EXPANSION OF AIR, HEAT OF FUSION OF ICE, HEAT OF VAPORIZATION OF WATER, LIGHT AND SOUND, LAW OF REFLECTION, PLANE MIRROR IMAGES,…

Lycopene activates antioxidant enzymes and nuclear transcription factor systems in heat-stressed broilers.

PubMed

Sahin, K; Orhan, C; Tuzcu, M; Sahin, N; Hayirli, A; Bilgili, S; Kucuk, O

2016-05-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lycopene supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, and muscle nuclear transcription factor [Kelch like-ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2)] expressions in broiler chickens exposed to heat stress (HS). A total of 180 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were assigned randomly to one of 2×3 factorially arranged treatments: two housing temperatures (22°C for 24 h/d; thermoneutral, TN or 34°C for 8 h/d HS) and three dietary lycopene levels (0, 200, or 400 mg/kg). Each treatment consisted of three replicates of 10 birds. Birds were reared to 42 d of age. Heat stress caused reductions in feed intake and weight gain by 12.2 and 20.7% and increased feed efficiency by 10.8% (P<0.0001 for all). Increasing dietary lycopene level improved performance in both environments. Birds reared under the HS environment had lower serum and muscle lycopene concentration (0.34 vs. 0.50 μg/mL and 2.80 vs. 2.13 μg/g), activities of superoxide dismutase (151 vs. 126 U/mL and 131 vs. 155 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (184 vs. 154 U/mL and 1.39 vs. 1.74 U/mg protein), and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (0.53 vs. 0.83 μg/mL and 0.78 vs. 0.45 μg/ mg protein) than birds reared under the TN environment. Changes in levels of lycopene and MDA and activities of enzymes in serum and muscle varied by the environmental temperature as dietary lycopene level increased. Moreover, increasing dietary lycopene level suppressed muscle Keap1 expression and enhanced muscle Nrf2 expression, which had increased by 150% and decreased by 40%, respectively in response to HS. In conclusion, lycopene supplementation alleviates adverse effects of HS on performance through modulating expressions of stress-related nuclear transcription factors. © 2016 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Impact of endochitinase-transformed white spruce on soil fungal communities under greenhouse conditions.

PubMed

Lamarche, Josyanne; Stefani, Franck O P; Séguin, Armand; Hamelin, Richard C

2011-05-01

Chitinase genes isolated from plants, bacteria or fungi have been widely used in genetic engineering to enhance the resistance of crops and trees to fungal pathogens. However, there are concerns about the possible effect of chitinase-transformed plants on nontarget fungi. This study aimed at evaluating the impact of endochitinase-transformed white spruce on soil fungal communities. Endochitinase-expressing white spruce and untransformed controls were transplanted in soils from two natural forests and grown for 8 months in a greenhouse. Soil fungal biomass and diversity, estimated through species richness and Shannon and Rao diversity indices, were not different between transgenic and control tree rhizospheres. The fungal phylogenetic community structure was the same in soil samples from control and transgenic white spruces after 8 months. Soil type and presence of seedlings had a much more significant impact on fungal community structure than the insertion and expression of the ech42 transgene within the white spruce genome. The results suggest that the insertion and constitutive expression of the ech42 gene in white spruce did not significantly affect soil fungal biomass, diversity and community structure. © 2011 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada FEMS Microbiology Ecology © 2011 Federation of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Chitosan from shrimp shells: A renewable sorbent applied to the clean-up step of the QuEChERS method in order to determine multi-residues of veterinary drugs in different types of milk.

PubMed

Arias, Jean Lucas de Oliveira; Schneider, Antunielle; Batista-Andrade, Jahir Antonio; Vieira, Augusto Alves; Caldas, Sergiane Souza; Primel, Ednei Gilberto

2018-02-01

Clean extracts are essential in LC-MS/MS, since the matrix effect can interfere in the analysis. Alternative materials which can be used as sorbents, such as chitosan in the clean-up step, are cheap and green options. In this study, chitosan from shrimp shell waste was evaluated as a sorbent in the QuEChERS method in order to determine multi-residues of veterinary drugs in different types of milk, i. e., fatty matrices. After optimization, the method showed correlation coefficients above 0.99, LOQs ranged between 1 and 50μgkg -1 and recoveries ranged between 62 and 125%, with RSD<20% for all veterinary drugs in all types of milk under study. The clean-up step which employed chitosan proved to be effective, since it reduced both the matrix effect (from values between -40 and -10% to values from -10 to +10%) and the extract turbidity (up to 95%). When the proposed method was applied to different milk samples, residues of albendazole (49μgkg -1 ), sulfamethazine (

Non-covalent Small-Molecule Kelch-like ECH-Associated Protein 1-Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Keap1-Nrf2) Inhibitors and Their Potential for Targeting Central Nervous System Diseases.

PubMed

Pallesen, Jakob S; Tran, Kim T; Bach, Anders

2018-05-29

The transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) has a protective effect against oxidative stress and plays a major role in inflammation and central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Inhibition of the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between Nrf2 and its repressor protein, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), leads to translocation of Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus and expression of detoxifying antioxidant enzymes. To date, several non-covalent small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors have been identified; however, many of them contain carboxylic acids and are rather large in size, which likely prevents or decreases CNS permeability. This Perspective describes current small-molecule Keap1-Nrf2 inhibitors with experimental evidence for the ability to inhibit the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction by binding to Keap1 in a non-covalent manner. Binding data, biostructural studies, and biological activity are summarized for the inhibitors, and their potential as CNS tool compounds is discussed by analyzing physicochemical properties, including CNS multiparameter optimization (MPO) scoring algorithms. Finally, several strategies for identifying CNS-targeting Keap1 inhibitors are described.

Signaling via the Trichoderma atroviride mitogen-activated protein kinase Tmk 1 differentially affects mycoparasitism and plant protection.

PubMed

Reithner, Barbara; Schuhmacher, Rainer; Stoppacher, Norbert; Pucher, Marion; Brunner, Kurt; Zeilinger, Susanne

2007-11-01

Trichoderma atroviride is a mycoparasite of a number of plant pathogenic fungi thereby employing morphological changes and secretion of cell wall degrading enzymes and antibiotics. The function of the tmk 1 gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) during fungal growth, mycoparasitic interaction, and biocontrol was examined in T. atroviride. Deltatmk 1 mutants exhibited altered radial growth and conidiation, and displayed de-regulated infection structure formation in the absence of a host-derived signal. In confrontation assays, tmk 1 deletion caused reduced mycoparasitic activity although attachment to Rhizoctonia solani and Botrytis cinerea hyphae was comparable to the parental strain. Under chitinase-inducing conditions, nag 1 and ech 42 transcript levels and extracellular chitinase activities were elevated in a Deltatmk 1 mutant, whereas upon direct confrontation with R. solani or B. cinerea a host-specific regulation of ech 42 transcription was found and nag 1 gene transcription was no more inducible over an elevated basal level. Deltatmk 1 mutants exhibited higher antifungal activity caused by low molecular weight substances, which was reflected by an over-production of 6-pentyl-alpha-pyrone and peptaibol antibiotics. In biocontrol assays, a Deltatmk 1 mutant displayed a higher ability to protect bean plants against R. solani.

[Simultaneous determination of pyraclostrobin and thiophanate-methyl and its metabolite carbendazim residues in soil and citrus by QuEChERS-liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Li, Fuqin; Shi, Lihong; Wang, Fei; Sun, Caiyuan; Kang, Di; Zhang, Yuping; Chen, Lingzhu; Hu, Deyu

2017-06-08

A QuEChERS-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl and its metabolite carbendazim in soil and citrus. The samples were extracted with methanol or acetonitrile, purified by primary secondary amine (PSA), then separated by LC, detected in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mass spectrometry mode via positive electrospray ionization. The analytes were quantified by matrix-matched standard solutions with external standard method. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim in different matrices were 5.8-7.0 μg/kg, 9.3-14.1 μg/kg and 2.1-2.6 μg/kg, respectively. For all the samples, the spiked recoveries ranged from 75.48% to 109.18%, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) were 0.60%-5.11% ( n =5). The method is quick, easy, effective, sensitive and accurate. The matrix-matched calibration solutions can efficiently compensate matrix effects of the pyraclostrobin, thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim in LC-MS/MS analysis. The established method can be applied to the residue analysis of the real samples of soil, citrus peel, citrus pulp and citrus fruits.

Development of a QuEChERS-Based Stable-Isotope Dilution LC-MS/MS Method To Quantitate Ferulic Acid and Its Main Microbial and Hepatic Metabolites in Milk.

PubMed

Waterstraat, Martin; Hildebrand, Andreas; Rosler, Margit; Bunzel, Mirko

2016-11-16

Forage plants of the Poaceae family are grown as pasturage or used for the production of hay, straw, corn stover, etc. Although ferulic acid contents of grasses are generally high, the amount of ingested ferulic acid differs depending on the type of forage, resulting in varying contents of ferulic acid and its microbial and hepatic metabolites in milk. Concentrations and patterns of these metabolites may be used as markers to track different forages in livestock feeding. Therefore, we developed a stable isotope dilution assay to quantitate ferulic acid, 12 ferulic acid-based metabolites, p-coumaric acid, and cinnamic acid in milk. Because most analytes were not commercially available as stable isotope labeled standard compounds, they were synthesized as 13 C- or deuterium-labeled standard compounds. A modification of the QuEChERS method, a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe approach usually applied to analyze pesticides in plant-based products, was used to extract the phenolic acids from milk. Determination was carried out by LC-ESI-MS/MS in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring modus. By using three different milk samples, the applicability of the validated approach was demonstrated.

Signaling via the Trichoderma atroviride mitogen-activated protein kinase Tmk1 differentially affects mycoparasitism and plant protection

PubMed Central

Reithner, Barbara; Schuhmacher, Rainer; Stoppacher, Norbert; Pucher, Marion; Brunner, Kurt; Zeilinger, Susanne

2015-01-01

Trichoderma atroviride is a mycoparasite of a number of plant pathogenic fungi thereby employing morphological changes and secretion of cell wall degrading enzymes and antibiotics. The function of the tmk1 gene encoding a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) during fungal growth, mycoparasitic interaction, and biocontrol was examined in T. atroviride. Δtmk1 mutants exhibited altered radial growth and conidiation, and displayed de-regulated infection structure formation in the absence of a host-derived signal. In confrontation assays, tmk1 deletion caused reduced mycoparasitic activity although attachment to Rhizoctonia solani and Botrytis cinerea hyphae was comparable to the parental strain. Under chitinase-inducing conditions, nag1 and ech42 transcript levels and extracellular chitinase activities were elevated in a Δtmk1 mutant, whereas upon direct confrontation with R. solani or B. cinerea a host-specific regulation of ech42 transcription was found and nag1 gene transcription was no more inducible over an elevated basal level. Δtmk1 mutants exhibited higher antifungal activity caused by low molecular weight substances, which was reflected by an over-production of 6-pentyl-α-pyrone and peptaibol antibiotics. In biocontrol assays, a Δtmk1 mutant displayed a higher ability to protect bean plants against R. solani. PMID:17509915

Simple and sensitive monitoring of β2-agonist residues in meat by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry using a QuEChERS with preconcentration as the sample treatment.

PubMed

Xiong, Lin; Gao, Ya-Qin; Li, Wei-Hong; Yang, Xiao-Lin; Shimo, Shimo Peter

2015-07-01

A liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometric detection (LC-MS/MS) method was established for the simultaneous determination of the levels of 10 β2-agonists in meat. The samples were extracted using an aqueous acidic solution and cleaned up using a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) technique utilising a DVB-NVP-SO3Na sorbent synthesised in-house. First, the β2-agonist residues were extracted in an aqueous acidic solution, followed by matrix solid-phase dispersion for clean-up. The linearities of the method were R(2)=0.9925-0.9998, with RSDs of 2.7-15.3% and 73.7-103.5% recoveries. Very low limits of detection (LOD) and quantitation (LOQ) of 0.2-0.9 μg/kg and 0.8-3.2 μg/kg, respectively, were achieved for spiked meat. The values obtained were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) established by the EU and China. These results clearly demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The evaluated method provided reliable screening, quantification and identification of 10 β2-agonists in meat. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cryogenic Heat Pipe Experiment (CRYOHP)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcintosh, Roy

1992-01-01

The objective of the CRYOHP experiment is to conduct a shuttle experiment that demonstrates the reliable operation of two oxygen heat pipes in microgravity. The experiment will perform the following tasks: (1) demonstrate startup of the pipes from the supercritical state; (2) measure the heat transport capacity of the pipes; (3) measure evaporator and condenser film coefficients; and (4) work shuttle safety issues. The approach for the experiment is as follows: (1) fly two axially grooved oxygen heat pipes attached to mechanical stirling cycle tactical coolers; (2) integrate experiment in hitch-hiker canister; and (3) fly on shuttle and control from ground.

Origin of temperature plateaus in laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geballe, Zachary M.; Jeanloz, Raymond

2012-06-01

Many high-pressure high-temperature studies using laser-heated diamond cells have documented plateaus in the increase of temperature with increasing laser power or with time. By modeling heat transfer in typical laser-heated diamond anvil cell experiments, we demonstrate that latent heat due to melting or other phase transformation is unlikely to be the source of observed plateaus in any previously published studies, regardless of whether pulsed or continuous lasers were used. Rather, large increases (˜10-fold) in thermal conductivity can explain some of the plateaus, and modest increases in reflectivity (tens of percent) can explain any or all of them. Modeling also shows that the sub-microsecond timescale of heating employed in recent pulsed heating experiments is fast enough compared to heat transport into and through typical insulations, but too slow compared to heat transport into metallic laser absorbers themselves to allow the detection of a large plateau due to latent heat of fusion. Four new designs are suggested for future experiments that could use the simple observation of a latent heat-induced plateau to provide reliable high-pressure melting data.

The International Heat Stress Genotype Experiment for modeling wheat response to heat: field experiments and AgMIP-Wheat multi-model simulations

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The data set contains a portion of the International Heat Stress Genotype Experiment (IHSGE) data used in the AgMIP-Wheat project to analyze the uncertainty of 30 wheat crop models and quantify the impact of heat on global wheat yield productivity. It includes two spring wheat cultivars grown during...

Experimental study of a 1 MW, 170 GHz gyrotron oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kimura, Takuji

A detailed experimental study is presented of a 1 MW, 170 GHz gyrotron oscillator whose design is consistent with the ECH requirements of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) for bulk heating and current drive. This work is the first to demonstrate that megawatt power level at 170 GHz can be achieved in a gyrotron with high efficiency for plasma heating applications. Maximum output power of 1.5 MW is obtained at 170.1 GHz in 85 kV, 50A operation for an efficiency of 35%. Although the experiment at MIT is conducted with short pulses (3 μs), the gyrotron is designed to be suitable for development by industry for continuous wave operation. The peak ohmic loss on the cavity wall for 1 MW of output power is calculated to be 2.3 kW/cm2, which can be handled using present cooling technology. Mode competition problems in a highly over-moded cavity are studied to maximize the efficiency. Various aspects of electron gun design are examined to obtain high quality electron beams with very low velocity spread. A triode magnetron injection gun is designed using the EGUN simulation code. A total perpendicular velocity spread of less than 8% is realized by designing a low- sensitivity, non-adiabatic gun. The RF power is generated in a short tapered cavity with an iris step. The operating mode is the TE28,8,1 mode. A mode converter is designed to convert the RF output to a Gaussian beam. Power and efficiency are measured in the design TE28,8,1 mode at 170.1 GHz as well as the TE27,8,1 mode at 166.6 GHz and TE29,8,1 mode at 173.5 GHz. Efficiencies between 34%-36% are consistently obtained over a wide range of operating parameters. These efficiencies agree with the highest values predicted by the multimode simulations. The startup scenario is investigated and observed to agree with the linear theory. The measured beam velocity ratio is consistent with EGUN simulation. Interception of reflected beam by the mod-anode is measured as a function of velocity ratio, from which the beam velocity spreads are estimated. A preliminary test of the mode converter shows that the radiation from the dimpled wall launcher is a Gaussian-like beam. (Copies available exclusively from MIT Libraries, Rm. 14-0551, Cambridge, MA 02139- 4307. Ph. 617-253-5668; Fax 617-253-1690.)

Scattering of Magnetic Mirror-Trapped Fast Electrons by a Shear Alfvén Wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Gekelman, W. N.; Pribyl, P.; Papadopoulos, K.

2011-12-01

Highly energetic electrons produced naturally or artificially can be trapped in the earth's radiation belts for months, posing a danger to satellites in space. An experimental investigation of the scattering of mirror trapped fast electrons by a shear Alfvén wave is performed at the Large Plasma Device (LaPD) at UCLA, and sheds light on a technique for artificially de-trapping the hazardous electrons in space. The experiment is performed in a quiescent afterglow plasma (ne ≈ 0.1 to 1×1012cm-3, Te ≈ 0.5 eV, B0 = 400 to 1200 G, L = 18 m, and diameter = 0.6 m). The magnetic field is programmed to include a mirror section approximately 3 m long, with 1.1 ≤Rmirror≤ 4. A trapped fast electron population is generated in the mirror section using second harmonic Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH). The heating source comprises a 25 kW magnetron, operating at 2.45 GHz, with the microwave power injected for 10 - 50 ms. Longer injection periods (τ>30ms) result in a population of runaway electrons (energies up to 5MeV) as evidenced by X-ray production when the electron orbits hit a probe or the waveguide. The fastest electrons are generated in an annular region in front of the waveguide, with a radial extent of several cm and axial extent L ≈ 1 m. Shear Alfvén waves are launched with Bwave/B0 less than 0.5%, at frequencies ranging from 115 to 230 kHz (0.19 to 0.75 of fci in the straight field). Using the X-ray production, v⊥ probes and Langmuir probes as diagnostics, the Alfvén waves are observed to have a dramatic effect on the run-away electrons (E~105eV) as well as the less energetic electrons (E~102eV): the Alfvén wave can modify the trapped electron orbits to the extent that they are lost from the mirror trap. Possible mechanisms for scattering include the shear Alfvén wave breaking of one or more adiabatic invariants of an electron in a mirror field. This work is supported by The Office of Naval Research and performed at the Basic Plasma Science Facility under ONR MURI 00014-07-1-0789. The BaPSF is funded by the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation.

DiMES Tests of W Leading Edge Power Loading in DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nygren, R. E.; Watkins, J. G.; Rudakov, D. L.; Lasnier, C. J.; Pitts, R. A.; Stangeby, P. C.

2015-11-01

In a transient melt experiment in JET, the power to a ~1-mm-high leading edge on a W lamella in the bulk-W outer divertor was lower than expected from the geometry by factors of 5 and 2 for L-mode and H-mode discharges, respectively. We checked this surprising result in DIII-D with 3 W blocks (10 mm square) mounted radially side-by-side in DiMES with leading edges of 0.0, 0.3, 1.0 mm, single null L-mode plasmas, OSP just outside ``0.0'' block, limited scans (NBI+ECH), B-field incident at 1.5° or 2.5°, and viewed, as in JET, from above with 0.2mm/pixel resolution IRTV. Langmuir probes measured parallel power to the target. We compared probe and IR data with a detailed thermal model of the blocks and concluded provisionally that we did not reproduce the power deficit found in JET. Blurred IR images complicated fitting of temperature distributions from the thermal model. We plan an experiment with both L- and H-mode He plasmas before the APS meeting. Supported by US DOE under DE-AC04-94AL85000, 44500007360, DE-AC52-07NA27344, and DE-FC02-04ER54698.

Experimental investigation of heat transfer coefficient of mini-channel PCHE (printed circuit heat exchanger)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Dohoon; Jin, Lingxue; Jung, WooSeok; Jeong, Sangkwon

2018-06-01

Heat transfer coefficient of a mini-channel printed circuit heat exchanger (PCHE) with counter-flow configuration is investigated. The PCHE used in the experiments is two layered (10 channels per layer) and has the hydraulic diameter of 1.83 mm. Experiments are conducted under various cryogenic heat transfer conditions: single-phase, boiling and condensation heat transfer. Heat transfer coefficients of each experiments are presented and compared with established correlations. In the case of the single-phase experiment, empiricial correlation of modified Dittus-Boelter correlation was proposed, which predicts the experimental results with 5% error at Reynolds number range from 8500 to 17,000. In the case of the boiling experiment, film boiling phenomenon occurred dominantly due to large temperature difference between the hot side and the cold side fluids. Empirical correlation is proposed which predicts experimental results with 20% error at Reynolds number range from 2100 to 2500. In the case of the condensation experiment, empirical correlation of modified Akers correlation was proposed, which predicts experimental results with 10% error at Reynolds number range from 3100 to 6200.

The Cryogenic Test Bed experiments: Cryogenic heat pipe flight experiment CRYOHP (STS-53). Cryogenic two phase flight experiment CRYOTP (STS-62). Cryogenic flexible diode flight experiment CRYOFD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thienel, Lee; Stouffer, Chuck

1995-09-01

This paper presents an overview of the Cryogenic Test Bed (CTB) experiments including experiment results, integration techniques used, and lessons learned during integration, test and flight phases of the Cryogenic Heat Pipe Flight Experiment (STS-53) and the Cryogenic Two Phase Flight Experiment (OAST-2, STS-62). We will also discuss the Cryogenic Flexible Diode Heat Pipe (CRYOFD) experiment which will fly in the 1996/97 time frame and the fourth flight of the CTB which will fly in the 1997/98 time frame. The two missions tested two oxygen axially grooved heat pipes, a nitrogen fibrous wick heat pipe and a 2-methylpentane phase change material thermal storage unit. Techniques were found for solving problems with vibration from the cryo-collers transmitted through the compressors and the cold heads, and mounting the heat pipe without introducing parasitic heat leaks. A thermally conductive interface material was selected that would meet the requirements and perform over the temperature range of 55 to 300 K. Problems are discussed with the bi-metallic thermostats used for heater circuit protection and the S-Glass suspension straps originally used to secure the BETSU PCM in the CRYOTP mission. Flight results will be compared to 1-g test results and differences will be discussed.

The Cryogenic Test Bed experiments: Cryogenic heat pipe flight experiment CRYOHP (STS-53). Cryogenic two phase flight experiment CRYOTP (STS-62). Cryogenic flexible diode flight experiment CRYOFD

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thienel, Lee; Stouffer, Chuck

1995-01-01

This paper presents an overview of the Cryogenic Test Bed (CTB) experiments including experiment results, integration techniques used, and lessons learned during integration, test and flight phases of the Cryogenic Heat Pipe Flight Experiment (STS-53) and the Cryogenic Two Phase Flight Experiment (OAST-2, STS-62). We will also discuss the Cryogenic Flexible Diode Heat Pipe (CRYOFD) experiment which will fly in the 1996/97 time frame and the fourth flight of the CTB which will fly in the 1997/98 time frame. The two missions tested two oxygen axially grooved heat pipes, a nitrogen fibrous wick heat pipe and a 2-methylpentane phase change material thermal storage unit. Techniques were found for solving problems with vibration from the cryo-collers transmitted through the compressors and the cold heads, and mounting the heat pipe without introducing parasitic heat leaks. A thermally conductive interface material was selected that would meet the requirements and perform over the temperature range of 55 to 300 K. Problems are discussed with the bi-metallic thermostats used for heater circuit protection and the S-Glass suspension straps originally used to secure the BETSU PCM in the CRYOTP mission. Flight results will be compared to 1-g test results and differences will be discussed.

Role of turbulence regime on determining the local density gradient

DOE PAGES

Wang, X.; Mordijck, Saskia; Doyle, E. J.; ...

2017-11-16

In this study we show that the local density gradient in the plasma core depends on the calculated mode-frequency of the most unstable linear mode and reaches a maximum when this frequency is close to zero. Previous theoretical and experimental work on AUG has shown that the ratio of electron to ion temperature, and as such the frequency of the dominant linear gyrokinetic mode, affects the local density gradient close to ρ = 0.3 [1, 2]. On DIII-D we find that by adding Electron Cyclotron Heating (ECH), we modify the dominant unstable linear gyro kinetic mode from an Ion Temperaturemore » Gradient (ITG) mode to a Trapped Electron Mode (TEM), which means that the frequency of the dominant mode changes sign (from the ion to the electron direction). Local density peaking around mid-radius increases by 50% right around the cross-over between the ITG and TEM regimes. By comparing how the particle flux changes, through the derivative of the electron density, n e, with respect to time, ∂n e/∂t, we find that the particle flux also exhibits the same trend versus mode frequency. As a result, we find that the changes in local particle transport are inversely proportional to the changes in electron density, indicating that the changes are driven by a change in thermo-diffusive pinch.« less

GHRS Ech-B Wavelength Monitor -- Cycle 4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soderblom, David

1994-01-01

This proposal defines the spectral lamp test for Echelle B. It is an internal test which makes measurements of the wavelength lamp SC2. It calibrates the carrousel function, Y deflections, resolving power, sensitivity, and scattered light. The wavelength calibration dispersion constants will be updated in the PODPS calibration data base. It will be run every 4 months. The wavelengths may be out of range according to PEPSI or TRANS. Please ignore the errors.

Quantification of VX Nerve Agent in Various Food Matrices by Solid-Phase Extraction Ultra-Performance Liquid ChromatographyTime-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-04-01

QUANTIFICATION OF VX NERVE AGENT IN VARIOUS FOOD MATRICES BY SOLID-PHASE EXTRACTION ULTRA-PERFORMANCE...TITLE AND SUBTITLE Quantification of VX Nerve Agent in Various Food Matrices by Solid-Phase Extraction Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography... food matrices. The mixed-mode cation exchange (MCX) sorbent and Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) methods were used for

Combined Steady-State and Dynamic Heat Exchanger Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Luyben, William L.; Tuzla, Kemal; Bader, Paul N.

2009-01-01

This paper describes a heat-transfer experiment that combines steady-state analysis and dynamic control. A process-water stream is circulated through two tube-in-shell heat exchangers in series. In the first, the process water is heated by steam. In the second, it is cooled by cooling water. The equipment is pilot-plant size: heat-transfer areas…

In-Space technology experiments program. A high efficiency thermal interface (using condensation heat transfer) between a 2-phase fluid loop and heatpipe radiator: Experiment definition phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pohner, John A.; Dempsey, Brian P.; Herold, Leroy M.

1990-01-01

Space Station elements and advanced military spacecraft will require rejection of tens of kilowatts of waste heat. Large space radiators and two-phase heat transport loops will be required. To minimize radiator size and weight, it is critical to minimize the temperature drop between the heat source and sink. Under an Air Force contract, a unique, high-performance heat exchanger is developed for coupling the radiator to the transport loop. Since fluid flow through the heat exchanger is driven by capillary forces which are easily dominated by gravity forces in ground testing, it is necessary to perform microgravity thermal testing to verify the design. This contract consists of an experiment definition phase leading to a preliminary design and cost estimate for a shuttle-based flight experiment of this heat exchanger design. This program will utilize modified hardware from a ground test program for the heat exchanger.

Fluid physics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer experiments in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dodge, F. T.; Abramson, H. N.; Angrist, S. W.; Catton, I.; Churchill, S. W.; Mannheimer, R. J.; Otrach, S.; Schwartz, S. H.; Sengers, J. V.

1975-01-01

An overstudy committee was formed to study and recommend fundamental experiments in fluid physics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer for experimentation in orbit, using the space shuttle system and a space laboratory. The space environment, particularly the low-gravity condition, is an indispensable requirement for all the recommended experiments. The experiments fell broadly into five groups: critical-point thermophysical phenomena, fluid surface dynamics and capillarity, convection at reduced gravity, non-heated multiphase mixtures, and multiphase heat transfer. The Committee attempted to assess the effects of g-jitter and other perturbations of the gravitational field on the conduct of the experiments. A series of ground-based experiments are recommended to define some of the phenomena and to develop reliable instrumentation.

Proposal of experimental setup on boiling two-phase flow on-orbit experiments onboard Japanese experiment module "KIBO"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baba, S.; Sakai, T.; Sawada, K.; Kubota, C.; Wada, Y.; Shinmoto, Y.; Ohta, H.; Asano, H.; Kawanami, O.; Suzuki, K.; Imai, R.; Kawasaki, H.; Fujii, K.; Takayanagi, M.; Yoda, S.

2011-12-01

Boiling is one of the efficient modes of heat transfer due to phase change, and is regarded as promising means to be applied for the thermal management systems handling a large amount of waste heat under high heat flux. However, gravity effects on the two-phase flow phenomena and corresponding heat transfer characteristics have not been clarified in detail. The experiments onboard Japanese Experiment Module "KIBO" in International Space Station on boiling two-phase flow under microgravity conditions are proposed to clarify both of heat transfer and flow characteristics under microgravity conditions. To verify the feasibility of ISS experiments on boiling two-phase flow, the Bread Board Model is assembled and its performance and the function of components installed in a test loop are examined.

Experimental and Computational Investigations of Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage Canisters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ibrahim, Mounir; Kerslake, Thomas; Sokolov, Pavel; Tolbert, Carol

1996-01-01

Two sets of experimental data are examined in this paper, ground and space experiments, for cylindrical canisters with thermal energy storage applications. A 2-D computational model was developed for unsteady heat transfer (conduction and radiation) with phase-change. The radiation heat transfer employed a finite volume method. The following was found in this study: (1) Ground Experiments: the convection heat transfer is equally important to that of the radiation heat transfer; radiation heat transfer in the liquid is found to be more significant than that in the void; including the radiation heat transfer in the liquid resulted in lower temperatures (about 15 K) and increased the melting time (about 10 min.); generally, most of the heat flow takes place in the radial direction. (2) Space Experiments: radiation heat transfer in the void is found to be more significant than that in the liquid (exactly the opposite to the Ground Experiments); accordingly, the location and size of the void affects the performance considerably; including the radiation heat transfer in the void resulted in lower temperatures (about 40 K).

Dependence of core heating properties on heating pulse duration and intensity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johzaki, Tomoyuki; Nagatomo, Hideo; Sunahara, Atsushi; Cai, Hongbo; Sakagami, Hitoshi; Mima, Kunioki

2009-11-01

In the cone-guiding fast ignition, an imploded core is heated by the energy transport of fast electrons generated by the ultra-intense short-pulse laser at the cone inner surface. The fast core heating (˜800eV) has been demonstrated at integrated experiments with GEKKO-XII+ PW laser systems. As the next step, experiments using more powerful heating laser, FIREX, have been started at ILE, Osaka university. In FIREX-I (phase-I of FIREX), our goal is the demonstration of efficient core heating (Ti ˜ 5keV) using a newly developed 10kJ LFEX laser. In the first integrated experiments, the LFEX laser is operated with low energy mode (˜0.5kJ/4ps) to validate the previous GEKKO+PW experiments. Between the two experiments, though the laser energy is similar (˜0.5kJ), the duration is different; ˜0.5ps in the PW laser and ˜ 4ps in the LFEX laser. In this paper, we evaluate the dependence of core heating properties on the heating pulse duration on the basis of integrated simulations with FI^3 (Fast Ignition Integrated Interconnecting) code system.

Ion and electron heating characteristics of magnetic reconnection in tokamak plasma merging experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Y.; Tanabe, H.; Yamada, T.; Inomoto, M.; T, Ii; Inoue, S.; Gi, K.; Watanabe, T.; Gryaznevich, M.; Scannell, R.; Michael, C.; Cheng, C. Z.

2012-12-01

Recently, the TS-3 and TS-4 tokamak merging experiments revealed significant plasma heating during magnetic reconnection. A key question is how and where ions and electrons are heated during magnetic reconnection. Two-dimensional measurements of ion and electron temperatures and plasma flow made clear that electrons are heated inside the current sheet mainly by the Ohmic heating and ions are heated in the downstream areas mainly by the reconnection outflows. The outflow kinetic energy is thermalized by the fast shock formation and viscous damping. The magnetic reconnection converts the reconnecting magnetic field energy mostly to the ion thermal energy in the outflow region whose size is much larger than the current sheet size for electron heating. The ion heating energy is proportional to the square of the reconnection magnetic field component B_p^2 . This scaling of reconnection heating indicates the significant ion heating effect of magnetic reconnection, which leads to a new high-field reconnection heating experiment for fusion plasmas.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a scalable modular geothermal heat storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordbeck, Johannes; Bauer, Sebastian; Beyer, Christof

2017-04-01

Storage of heat will play a significant role in the transition towards a reliable and renewable power supply, as it offers a way to store energy from fluctuating and weather dependent energy sources like solar or wind power and thus better meet consumer demands. The focus of this study is the simulation-based design of a heat storage system, featuring a scalable and modular setup that can be integrated with new as well as existing buildings. For this, the system can be either installed in a cellar or directly in the ground. Heat supply is by solar collectors, and heat storage is intended at temperatures up to about 90°C, which requires a verification of the methods used for numerical simulation of such systems. One module of the heat storage system consists of a helical heat exchanger in a fully water saturated, high porosity cement matrix, which represents the heat storage medium. A lab-scale storage prototype of 1 m3 volume was set up in a thermally insulated cylinder equipped with temperature and moisture sensors as well as flux meters and temperature sensors at the inlet and outlet pipes in order to experimentally analyze the performance of the storage system. Furthermore, the experimental data was used to validate an accurate and spatially detailed high-resolution 3D numerical model of heat and fluid flow, which was developed for system design optimization with respect to storage efficiency and environmental impacts. Three experiments conducted so far are reported and analyzed in this work. The first experiment, consisting of cooling of the fully loaded heat storage by heat loss across the insulation, is designed to determine the heat loss and the insulation parameters, i.e. heat conductivity and heat capacity of the insulation, via inverse modelling of the cooling period. The average cooling rate experimentally found is 1.2 °C per day. The second experiment consisted of six days of thermal loading up to a storage temperature of 60°C followed by four days of heat extraction. The experiment was performed for the determination of heat losses during a complete thermal loading and extraction cycle. The storage could be charged with 54 kWh of heat energy during thermal loading. 36 kWh could be regained during the extraction period, which translates to a heat loss of 33% during the 10 days of operation. Heat exchanger fluid flow rates and supply temperature were measured during the experiment and used as input for the 3D finite element model. Numerically simulated temperature distribution in the storage, return temperature and heat balances were compared to the measured data and showed that the 3D model accurately reflects the storage behavior. Also the third experiment, consisting of six days of cyclic operation after five days of continuous thermal loading, a good agreement between observed and modelled heat storage behavior is found. In addition to determining the storage performance during cyclic operation, the experiment will also be used to further validate the numerical model. This abstract will present the laboratory setup as well as the experimental data obtained from the experiment. It will also present the modelling approach chosen for the numerical representation of the experiment and give a comparison between measured and modelled temperatures and heat balances for the modular heat storage system.

Large-scale pesticide testing in olives by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry using two sample preparation methods based on matrix solid-phase dispersion and QuEChERS.

PubMed

Gilbert-López, Bienvenida; García-Reyes, Juan F; Lozano, Ana; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R; Molina-Díaz, Antonio

2010-09-24

In this work we have evaluated the performance of two sample preparation methodologies for the large-scale multiresidue analysis of pesticides in olives using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The tested sample treatment methodologies were: (1) liquid-liquid partitioning with acetonitrile followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up using GCB, PSA and C18 sorbents (QuEChERS method - modified for fatty vegetables) and (2) matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) using aminopropyl as sorbent material and a final clean-up performed in the elution step using Florisil. An LC-MS/MS method covering 104 multiclass pesticides was developed to examine the performance of these two protocols. The separation of the compounds from the olive extracts was achieved using a short C18 column (50 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) with 1.8 microm particle size. The identification and confirmation of the compounds was based on retention time matching along with the presence (and ratio) of two typical MRM transitions. Limits of detection obtained were lower than 10 microgkg(-1) for 89% analytes using both sample treatment protocols. Recoveries studies performed on olives samples spiked at two concentration levels (10 and 100 microgkg(-1)) yielded average recoveries in the range 70-120% for most analytes when QuEChERS procedure is employed. When MSPD was the choice for sample extraction, recoveries obtained were in the range 50-70% for most of target compounds. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the analysis of real olives samples, revealing the presence of some of the target species in the microgkg(-1) range. Besides the evaluation of the sample preparation approaches, we also discuss the use of advanced software features associated to MRM method development that overcome several limitations and drawbacks associated to MS/MS methods (time segments boundaries, tedious method development/manual scheduling and acquisition limitations). This software feature recently offered by different vendors is based on an algorithm that associates retention time data for each individual MS/MS transition, so that the number of simultaneously traced transitions throughout the entire chromatographic run (dwell times and sensitivity) is maximized. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multi-residue analysis of pharmaceuticals in aqueous environmental samples by online solid-phase extraction-ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: optimisation and matrix effects reduction by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe extraction.

PubMed

Bourdat-Deschamps, Marjolaine; Leang, Sokha; Bernet, Nathalie; Daudin, Jean-Jacques; Nélieu, Sylvie

2014-07-04

The aim of this study was to develop and optimise an analytical method for the quantification of a bactericide and 13 pharmaceutical products, including 8 antibiotics (fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, sulfonamides, macrolide), in various aqueous environmental samples: soil water and aqueous fractions of pig slurry, digested pig slurry and sewage sludge. The analysis was performed by online solid-phase extraction coupled to ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (online SPE-UHPLC-MS-MS). The main challenge was to minimize the matrix effects observed in mass spectrometry, mostly due to ion suppression. They depended on the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content and its origin, and ranged between -22% and +20% and between -38% and -93% of the signal obtained without matrix, in soil water and slurry supernatant, respectively. The very variable levels of these matrix effects suggested DOC content cut-offs above which sample purification was required. These cut-offs depended on compounds, with concentrations ranging from 30 to 290mgC/L for antibiotics (except tylosine) up to 600-6400mgC/L for the most apolar compounds. A modified Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) extraction procedure was therefore optimised using an experimental design methodology, in order to purify samples with high DOC contents. Its performance led to a compromise, allowing fluoroquinolone and tetracycline analysis. The QuEChERS extraction salts consisted therefore of sodium acetate, sodium sulfate instead of magnesium sulfate, and sodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) as a ligand of divalent cations. The modified QuEChERS procedure employed for the extraction of pharmaceuticals in slurry and digested slurry liquid phases reduced the matrix effects for almost all the compounds, with extraction recoveries generally above 75%. The performance characteristics of the method were evaluated in terms of linearity, intra-day and inter-day precision, accuracy and limits of quantification, which reached concentration ranges of 5-270ng/L in soil water and sludge supernatant, and 31-2400ng/L in slurry and digested slurry supernatants, depending on the compounds. The new method was then successfully applied for the determination of the target compounds in environmental samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of heat stress on serum insulin, adipokines, AMP-activated protein kinase, and heat shock signal molecules in dairy cows.

PubMed

Min, Li; Cheng, Jian-bo; Shi, Bao-lu; Yang, Hong-jian; Zheng, Nan; Wang, Jia-qi

2015-06-01

Heat stress affects feed intake, milk production, and endocrine status in dairy cows. The temperature-humidity index (THI) is employed as an index to evaluate the degree of heat stress in dairy cows. However, it is difficult to ascertain whether THI is the most appropriate measurement of heat stress in dairy cows. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress on serum insulin, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and heat shock signal molecules (heat shock transcription factor (HSF) and heat shock proteins (HSP)) in dairy cows and to research biomarkers to be used for better understanding the meaning of THI as a bioclimatic index. To achieve these objectives, two experiments were performed. The first experiment: eighteen lactating Holstein dairy cows were used. The treatments were: heat stress (HS, THI average=81.7, n=9) and cooling (CL, THI average=53.4, n=9). Samples of HS were obtained on August 16, 2013, and samples of CL were collected on April 7, 2014 in natural conditions. The second experiment: HS treatment cows (n=9) from the first experiment were fed for 8 weeks from August 16, 2013 to October 12, 2013. Samples for moderate heat stress, mild heat stress, and no heat stress were obtained, respectively, according to the physical alterations of the THI. Results showed that heat stress significantly increased the serum adiponectin, AMPK, HSF, HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 (P<0.05). Adiponectin is strongly associated with AMPK. The increases of adiponectin and AMPK may be one of the mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in heat-stressed dairy cows. When heat stress treatment lasted 8 weeks, a higher expression of HSF and HSP70 was observed under moderate heat stress. Serum HSF and HSP70 are sensitive and accurate in heat stress and they could be potential indicators of animal response to heat stress. We recommend serum HSF and HSP70 as meaningful biomarkers to supplement the THI and evaluate moderate heat stress in dairy cows in the future.

Effects of heat stress on serum insulin, adipokines, AMP-activated protein kinase, and heat shock signal molecules in dairy cows*

PubMed Central

Min, Li; Cheng, Jian-bo; Shi, Bao-lu; Yang, Hong-jian; Zheng, Nan; Wang, Jia-qi

2015-01-01

Heat stress affects feed intake, milk production, and endocrine status in dairy cows. The temperature-humidity index (THI) is employed as an index to evaluate the degree of heat stress in dairy cows. However, it is difficult to ascertain whether THI is the most appropriate measurement of heat stress in dairy cows. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of heat stress on serum insulin, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and heat shock signal molecules (heat shock transcription factor (HSF) and heat shock proteins (HSP)) in dairy cows and to research biomarkers to be used for better understanding the meaning of THI as a bioclimatic index. To achieve these objectives, two experiments were performed. The first experiment: eighteen lactating Holstein dairy cows were used. The treatments were: heat stress (HS, THI average=81.7, n=9) and cooling (CL, THI average=53.4, n=9). Samples of HS were obtained on August 16, 2013, and samples of CL were collected on April 7, 2014 in natural conditions. The second experiment: HS treatment cows (n=9) from the first experiment were fed for 8 weeks from August 16, 2013 to October 12, 2013. Samples for moderate heat stress, mild heat stress, and no heat stress were obtained, respectively, according to the physical alterations of the THI. Results showed that heat stress significantly increased the serum adiponectin, AMPK, HSF, HSP27, HSP70, and HSP90 (P<0.05). Adiponectin is strongly associated with AMPK. The increases of adiponectin and AMPK may be one of the mechanisms to maintain homeostasis in heat-stressed dairy cows. When heat stress treatment lasted 8 weeks, a higher expression of HSF and HSP70 was observed under moderate heat stress. Serum HSF and HSP70 are sensitive and accurate in heat stress and they could be potential indicators of animal response to heat stress. We recommend serum HSF and HSP70 as meaningful biomarkers to supplement the THI and evaluate moderate heat stress in dairy cows in the future. PMID:26055916

Dissipation rate study and pre-harvest intervals calculation of imidacloprid and oxamyl in exported Egyptian green beans and chili peppers after pestigation treatment.

PubMed

Hanafi, Ahmad; Dasenaki, Marilena; Bletsou, Anna; Thomaidis, Nikolaos S

2018-02-01

Two QuEChERS-based methods were developed and validated, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric detection, in order to accurately determine residues of imidacloprid and oxamyl in green beans and chili peppers after treatment via irrigation system under field conditions in Egyptian farms. The validation included experiments for specificity, linearity, trueness, precision, matrix effect and limits of detection and quantification according to European Commission standards. The dissipation rates of both pesticides in green beans and chili peppers were studied and the pre-harvest intervals (PHIs) were calculated. The LOQ values of imidacloprid were 0.47 and 2.6μg/kg in green beans and chili peppers, respectively, while for oxamyl the LOQs were 2.9 and 0.67μg/kg, respectively. No PHI of imidacloprid is required, while for oxamyl it was found that still after 21days, its residues' concentration on both crops was significantly higher than the maximum residue limit. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

ELM Behavior in High- βp EAST-Demonstration Plasmas on DIII-D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, G. Q.; Gong, X. Z.; Garofalo, A. M.; Lao, L. L.; Meneghini, O.; Snyder, P. B.; Ren, Q. L.; Ding, S. Y.; Guo, W. F.; Qian, J. P.; Wan, B. N.; Xu, G. S.; Holcomb, C. T.; Solomon, W. M.

2015-11-01

In the DIII-D high- βp EAST-demonstration experiment, for several similar discharges when the experimental parameters such as the toroidal magnetic field or ECH power are varied slightly, the changes in ELM frequency response are observed to be much larger. Kinetic EFIT equilibrium reconstructions for these discharges have been performed, which suggest that the ELM frequency changes are likely due to the variations of pedestal width, height, and edge current density. Kinetic profile analyses further indicate that the strong ITB that are located at large minor radii (rho=0.6 ~0.7) in these discharges are affecting the pedestal structure. The ITB could broaden the pedestal width and decrease the pedestal height, thus changing the ELM frequency and size. With the GATO and ELITE MHD codes, the linear growth rates and mode structures of these ELMs are analyzed. The impact of ITB on the ELMs behavior will be discussed. Work supported by China MOST under 2014GB106001 and 2015GB102001 and US DOE under DE-FC02-04ER54698 and DE-FG03-95ER54309.

The 1954 and 1980 Algerian earthquakes: implications for the characteristic-displacement model of fault behavior

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dewey, J.W.

1991-01-01

Joint epicenter determination of earthquakes that occurred in northern Algeria near Ech Cheliff (named Orleansville in 1954 and El Asnam in 1980) shows that the earthquake of 9 September 1954 (M=6.5) occurred at nearly the same location as the earthquake of 10 October 1980 (M=7.3). The 1954 main shock and earliest aftershocks were concentrated close to the boundaries of segment B (nomenclature of Deschamps et al., 1982; King and Yielding, 1984) of the 1980 fault system, which was to experience approximately 8 m of slip in the 1980 earthquake. Later aftershocks of the 1954 earthquake were spread over a broad area, notably in a region north of the 1980 fault system that also experienced many aftershocks to the 1980 earthquake. The closeness of the 1954 main shock and earliest aftershocks to the 1980 segment B implies that the 1954 earthquake involved either 1) rupture of segment B proper, or 2) rupture of a distinct fault in the hanging wall of footwall block of segment B. -from Author

A Lewis acid β-diiminato-zinc-complex as all-rounder for co- and terpolymerisation of various epoxides with carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Reiter, M; Vagin, S; Kronast, A; Jandl, C; Rieger, B

2017-03-01

A β-diiminato-zinc-N(SiMe 3 ) 2 complex ( 1 ) was synthesised and fully characterised, including an X-ray diffraction study. The activity of catalyst 1 towards the coupling reaction of CO 2 and various epoxides, including propylene oxide (PO), cyclohexene oxide (CHO), styrene oxide (SO), limonene oxide (LO), octene oxide (OO) and epichlorohydrin (ECH), was investigated. Terpolymerisation of CO 2 , PO and LO, as well as CO 2 , CHO and PO, was successfully realised, resulting in polymers with adjustable glass transition temperatures and transparencies. Reaction conditions such as temperature, pressure and catalyst concentration were varied to find the optimal reaction values, especially regarding LO/CO 2 . In situ IR experiments hinted that at 60 °C and a critical LO concentration, polymerisation and depolymerisation are in an equilibrium (ceiling effect). Pressurising catalyst 1 with carbon dioxide resulted in a dimeric catalyst ( 2 ) with a OSiMe 3 group as a new initiator. Homopolymerisation of different epoxides was carried out in order to explain the reactivity concerning copolymerisation reaction of CO 2 and epoxides.

A new approach in sample treatment combined with UHPLC-MS/MS for the determination of multiclass mycotoxins in edible nuts and seeds.

PubMed

Arroyo-Manzanares, Natalia; Huertas-Pérez, José F; Gámiz-Gracia, Laura; García-Campaña, Ana M

2013-10-15

A sensitive, simple and rapid method for the determination of fourteen mycotoxins in nuts and seeds (including almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts and pine nuts) has been developed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The sample treatment comprises a first step based on QuEChERS procedure for the determination of fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2, deoxynivalenol, fusarenon-X, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, citrinin, sterigmatocystin, zearalenone and ochratoxin A. A subsequent clean-up step based on the dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) was necessary for the determination of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2), since their determination was not possible applying only the QuEChERS-based extraction. The method was validated for peanuts as representative matrix and was subsequently evaluated for the other eight matrices. Quantification limits obtained for aflatoxins, the unique mycotoxins legislated on these matrices, were lower than the maximum levels allowed by the current legislation, while quantification limits obtained for the other mycotoxins were lower than the limits usually permitted by the legislation in other food matrices. Precision of the method was always lower than 11%, and recoveries ranged between 60.7% and 104.3%. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Rapid screening and confirmation of 205 pesticide residues in rice by QuEChERS and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Chen, Xi; Cheng, Lei; Qu, Shichao; Huang, Daliang; Liu, Jiacheng; Cui, Han; Jia, Yanbo; Ji, Mingshan

2015-10-01

A method for rapid screening and confirmation of 205 pesticide residues in rice was developed by combining QuEChERS and high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TRAP/MS). The rice samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and then cleaned up with primary secondary amine (PSA), anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) and C18 adsorbent. Finally, the samples were detected by LC-Q-TRAP/MS in multiple reaction monitoring with information-dependent acquisition of enhanced product ion (MRM-IDA-EPI) mode followed with database searching. A total of 205 pesticide residues were confirmed by retention times, ion pairs and the database searching using EPI library, and quantified by external standard method. All the pesticides showed good linearities with linear correlation coefficients all above 0.995. The limits of quantification (LOQs) for the 205 pesticides were 0.5-10.0 μg/kg. The average recoveries of the 205 pesticides ranged from 62.4% to 127.1% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 1.0% - 20.0% at spiked levels of 10 μg/kg and 50 μg/kg, and only 20 min were needed for the analysis of an actual rice sample. In brief, the method is fast, accurate and highly sensitive, and is suitable for the screening and confirmation of pesticide residues in rice.

Sterilization of medical devices by ethylene oxide, determination of the dissipation of residues, and use of Green Fluorescent Protein as an indicator of process control.

PubMed

Dias, Fábio N; Ishii, Marina; Nogaroto, Sergio L; Piccini, Bruno; Penna, Thereza C V

2009-11-01

Ethylene oxide (EO) is used to sterilize Oxygenator and Tubing applied to heart surgery. Residual levels of EO and its derivatives, ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) and ethylene glycol (EG), may be hazardous to the patients. Therefore, it must be removed by the aeration process. This study aimed to estimate the minimum aeration time for these devices to attain safe limits for use (avoiding excessive aeration time) and to evaluate the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) as a biosensor capable of best indicating the distribution and penetration of EO gas throughout the sterilization chamber. Sterilization cycles of 2, 4, and 8 h were monitored by Bacillus atrophaeus ATCC 9372 as a biological indicator (BI) and by the GFP. Residual levels of EO, ECH, and EG were determined by gas chromatography (GC), and the residual dissipation was studied. Safe limits were reached right after the sterilization process for Oxygenator and after 204 h of aeration for Tubing. In the 2 h cycle, the GFP concentration decreased from 4.8 (+/-3.2)% to 7.5 (+/-2.5)%. For the 4 h cycle, the GFP concentration decreased from 17.4 (+/-3.0)% to 21.5 (+/-6.8)%, and in the 8 h cycle, it decreased from 22.5 (+/-3.2)% to 23.9 (+/-3.9)%. This finding showed the potentiality for GFP applications as an EO biosensor.

New analytical method for the determination of musks in personal care products by Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe extraction followed by GC-MS.

PubMed

Homem, Vera; Silva, José Avelino; Cunha, Carina; Alves, Arminda; Santos, Lúcia

2013-07-01

Synthetic musks are organic compounds used as fragrance additives and fixative compounds in a diversity of personal care products. A new method based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction followed by GC-MS for the analysis of 12 musks in personal care products was developed and validated. Some experimental parameters, such as total QuEChERS mass, sample mass/solvent volume ratio, type of extraction solvent, as well as salts and sorbents amount were investigated and optimized. The final method involves the musks extraction using acetonitrile, followed by the addition of anhydrous magnesium sulphate and sodium acetate. The clean-up step was performed using dispersive SPE with primary and secondary amine and octadecyl-silica sorbents. This extraction procedure is fast (about 10 min) when compared to other traditional approaches. The method was robust for the matrices studied and shows a high precision (%RSD < 15%) and accuracy (average recovery of 85%), allowing the detection of musks in minimum concentrations between 0.01 ng/g (galaxolide) and 15.80 ng/g (musk xylene). The developed method was applied to the analysis of 12 samples, which revealed musks concentrations ranging from 2 ng/g (toothpaste) to 882,340 ng/g (perfumed body lotion). © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Reptile and rodent parasites in raptor pellets in an archaeological context: the case of Epullán Chica (northwestern Patagonia, Argentina)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beltrame, María Ornela; Fernández, Fernando Julián; Sardella, Norma Haydeé

2015-07-01

Paleoparasitology is the study of parasite remains from archaeological and paleontological sites. Raptor pellets can be used as source for paleoparasitological information in archaeological sites. However, this zooarchaeological material has been scarcely studied. Epullán Chica (ECh) is an archaeological site in northwestern Patagonia. This cave yielded remains from more than 2000 years before present. The aim of this paper was to study the parasite remains found in owl pellets from the archaeological site ECh, and to discuss the paleoparasitological findings in an archaeological context. Twenty two raptor pellets were examined for parasites. The pellets were whole processed by rehydration in a 0.5% water solution of trisodium phosphate, followed by homogenization, filtered and processed by spontaneous sedimentation. Eight out of 22 bird pellets examined were positive for parasites from reptiles and rodents. Representatives of 12 parasite taxa were recorded; nine of this parasitic species were reported for the first time from ancient samples from Patagonia. This is the first time that pellets give evidences of ancient reptile parasites from archaeological contexts. It is noteworthy that Late Holocene hunter-gatherers of the upper Limay River basin, could have been exposed to some of these zoonotic parasites. Future paleoparasitological studies on owl pellets may reflect even more the parasitological diversity of all micromammal and reptile species presents in ancient times.

Chemometric-assisted QuEChERS extraction method for post-harvest pesticide determination in fruits and vegetables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Minmin; Dai, Chao; Wang, Fengzhong; Kong, Zhiqiang; He, Yan; Huang, Ya Tao; Fan, Bei

2017-02-01

An effective analysis method was developed based on a chemometric tool for the simultaneous quantification of five different post-harvest pesticides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), carbendazim, thiabendazole, iprodione, and prochloraz) in fruits and vegetables. In the modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method, the factors and responses for optimization of the extraction and cleanup analyses were compared using the Plackett-Burman (P-B) screening design. Furthermore, the significant factors (toluene percentage, hydrochloric acid (HCl) percentage, and graphitized carbon black (GCB) amount) were optimized using a central composite design (CCD) combined with Derringer’s desirability function (DF). The limits of quantification (LOQs) were estimated to be 1.0 μg/kg for 2,4-D, carbendazim, thiabendazole, and prochloraz, and 1.5 μg/kg for iprodione in food matrices. The mean recoveries were in the range of 70.4-113.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 16.9% at three spiking levels. The measurement uncertainty of the analytical method was determined using the bottom-up approach, which yielded an average value of 7.6%. Carbendazim was most frequently found in real samples analyzed using the developed method. Consequently, the analytical method can serve as an advantageous and rapid tool for determination of five preservative pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

Determination of Acid Herbicides Using Modified QuEChERS with Fast Switching ESI(+)/ESI(-) LC-MS/MS.

PubMed

Sack, Chris; Vonderbrink, John; Smoker, Michael; Smith, Robert E

2015-11-04

A method for the determination of 35 acid herbicides in food matrices was developed, validated, and implemented. It utilizes a modified QuEChERS extraction procedure coupled with quantitation by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The acid herbicides analyzed are all organic carboxylic acids, including the older chlorophenoxy acid herbicides such as 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), dicamba, 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA), quinclorac, and many of the newer imidazolinone herbicides such as imazethapyr and imazaquin. In the procedure, 10 mL of water is added to 5 g of sample and then extracted with 1% formic acid in acetonitrile for 1 min. The acetonitrile phase is salted out of the extract by adding sodium chloride and magnesium sulfate, followed by centrifugation. The acetonitrile is diluted 1:1 with water to enable quantitation by LC-MS/MS using fast switching between positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. The average recoveries for all the compounds except aminocyclopyrachlor were 95% with a precision of 8%. The method detection limits for all residues were less than 10 ng/g, and the correlation coefficients for the calibration curves was greater than 0.99 for all but two compounds tested. The method was used successfully for the quantitation of acid herbicides in the FDA's total diet study. The procedure proved to be accurate, precise, linear, sensitive, and rugged.

Chemometric-assisted QuEChERS extraction method for post-harvest pesticide determination in fruits and vegetables

PubMed Central

Li, Minmin; Dai, Chao; Wang, Fengzhong; Kong, Zhiqiang; He, Yan; Huang, Ya Tao; Fan, Bei

2017-01-01

An effective analysis method was developed based on a chemometric tool for the simultaneous quantification of five different post-harvest pesticides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), carbendazim, thiabendazole, iprodione, and prochloraz) in fruits and vegetables. In the modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method, the factors and responses for optimization of the extraction and cleanup analyses were compared using the Plackett–Burman (P–B) screening design. Furthermore, the significant factors (toluene percentage, hydrochloric acid (HCl) percentage, and graphitized carbon black (GCB) amount) were optimized using a central composite design (CCD) combined with Derringer’s desirability function (DF). The limits of quantification (LOQs) were estimated to be 1.0 μg/kg for 2,4-D, carbendazim, thiabendazole, and prochloraz, and 1.5 μg/kg for iprodione in food matrices. The mean recoveries were in the range of 70.4–113.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 16.9% at three spiking levels. The measurement uncertainty of the analytical method was determined using the bottom-up approach, which yielded an average value of 7.6%. Carbendazim was most frequently found in real samples analyzed using the developed method. Consequently, the analytical method can serve as an advantageous and rapid tool for determination of five preservative pesticides in fruits and vegetables. PMID:28225030

Chemometric-assisted QuEChERS extraction method for post-harvest pesticide determination in fruits and vegetables.

PubMed

Li, Minmin; Dai, Chao; Wang, Fengzhong; Kong, Zhiqiang; He, Yan; Huang, Ya Tao; Fan, Bei

2017-02-22

An effective analysis method was developed based on a chemometric tool for the simultaneous quantification of five different post-harvest pesticides (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), carbendazim, thiabendazole, iprodione, and prochloraz) in fruits and vegetables. In the modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method, the factors and responses for optimization of the extraction and cleanup analyses were compared using the Plackett-Burman (P-B) screening design. Furthermore, the significant factors (toluene percentage, hydrochloric acid (HCl) percentage, and graphitized carbon black (GCB) amount) were optimized using a central composite design (CCD) combined with Derringer's desirability function (DF). The limits of quantification (LOQs) were estimated to be 1.0 μg/kg for 2,4-D, carbendazim, thiabendazole, and prochloraz, and 1.5 μg/kg for iprodione in food matrices. The mean recoveries were in the range of 70.4-113.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 16.9% at three spiking levels. The measurement uncertainty of the analytical method was determined using the bottom-up approach, which yielded an average value of 7.6%. Carbendazim was most frequently found in real samples analyzed using the developed method. Consequently, the analytical method can serve as an advantageous and rapid tool for determination of five preservative pesticides in fruits and vegetables.

[Determination of six plant growth regulator residues in strawberry by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry].

PubMed

Liu, Jingjing; Gong, Ping; Zhang, Xiaomei; Wang, Jianhua; Wang, Jingtang

2012-10-01

A novel method was established for the determination of six plant growth regulators (PGRs), 2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic (2,4-D), 4-chlorophenoxy-acetic acid (CAP), 4-(3-indolyl)-butyric acid (BAA), forchlorfenuron (CPPU), abscisic acid (ABA) and trans-zeatin (ZT) in strawberry using liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q TOF MS). The Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method (QuEChERS) has been validated for the extraction. In this QuEChERS method, the sample was extracted by acetonitrile and cleaned up with C18 adsorbent. The extract was measured directly by LC-Q TOF MS with electrospray ionization in negative mode. The compounds were separated on an Eclipse XDB-C8 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) with acetonitrile-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate-0. 1% formic acid as mobile phase under gradient elution. The confirmatory analysis was carried out by determining the accurate masses of all compounds and fragment ions upon Target MS/MS. The limits of detection (LODs) were between 1 microg/kg and 5 microg/kg. The linear range was 0.005-1.0 mg/L for each analyte. The recoveries ranged from 87% to 107% with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 10% (n = 6). The method was proved to be simple and accurate.

Multiclass screening method based on solvent extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of antimicrobials and mycotoxins in egg.

PubMed

Capriotti, Anna Laura; Cavaliere, Chiara; Piovesana, Susy; Samperi, Roberto; Laganà, Aldo

2012-12-14

A QuEChERS (Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged Safe)-like extraction method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of veterinary drugs and mycotoxins in hen eggs by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray (ESI) source. Various classes of antimicrobials (tetracyclines, ionophores, coccidiostats, penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides) and mycotoxins (enniatins, beauvericin, ochratoxins, aflatoxins) were considered for the development of this method. Particular attention was devoted to extraction optimization: different solvents (acetone, acetonitrile and methanol), different pH values and different sample to extracting volume ratios were tested and evaluated in terms of recovery, relative standard deviation (RSD) and ESI signal suppression due to matrix effect. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions were optimized to obtain the best instrumental performances for most of the analytes. Quantitative analysis was performed by means of matrix-matched calibration, in a range that varied depending on the analyte and its established maximum limit, when there was one. Recoveries at 100 μg kg(-1) spiking level were >62% (3

Experiments of Transient Condensation Heat Transfer on the Heat Flux Senor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xuwen; Liu, Qiusheng; Zhu, Zhiqiang; Chen, Xue

2015-09-01

The influence of transient heat transfer in different condensation condition was investigated experimentally in the present paper. Getting condensation heat and mass transfer regularity and characteristics in space can provide theoretical basis for thermodynamic device such as heat pipes, loop heat pipes and capillary pumped loops as well as other fluid management engineering designing. In order to study the condensation process in space, an experimental study has been carried out on the ground for space experiment. The results show that transit heat transfer coefficient of film condensation is related to the condensation film width, the flow condition near the two phase interface and the pressure of the vapor and non-condensable gas in chamber. On the ground, the condensation heat flux on vertical surface is higher than it on horizontal surface. The transit heat flux of film condensation is affected by the temperature of superheated vapor, the temperature of condensation surface and non-condensable gas pressure. Condensation heat flux with vapor forced convection is many times more than it with natural convection. All of heat flux for both vapor forced convection and natural convection condensation in limited chamber declines dramatically over time. The present experiment is preliminary work for our future space experiments of the condensation and heat transfer process onboard the Chinese Spacecraft "TZ-1" to be launched in 2016.

Design, development, and fabrication of a prototype ice pack heat sink subsystem. Flight experiment physical phenomena experiment chest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roebelen, G. J., Jr.; Dean, W. C., II

1975-01-01

The concept of a flight experiment physical phenomena experiment chest, to be used eventually for investigating and demonstrating ice pack heat sink subsystem physical phenomena during a zero gravity flight experiment, is described.

HSPB8 and BAG3 cooperate to promote spatial sequestration of ubiquitinated proteins and coordinate the cellular adaptive response to proteasome insufficiency.

PubMed

Guilbert, Solenn M; Lambert, Herman; Rodrigue, Marc-Antoine; Fuchs, Margit; Landry, Jacques; Lavoie, Josée N

2018-02-05

BCL2-associated athanogene (BAG)-3 is viewed as a platform that would physically and functionally link distinct classes of molecular chaperones of the heat shock protein (HSP) family for the stabilization and clearance of damaged proteins. In this study, we show that HSPB8, a member of the small heat shock protein subfamily, cooperates with BAG3 to coordinate the sequestration of harmful proteins and the cellular adaptive response upon proteasome inhibition. Silencing of HSPB8, like depletion of BAG3, inhibited targeting of ubiquitinated proteins to the juxtanuclear aggresome, a mammalian system of spatial quality control. However, aggresome targeting was restored in BAG3-depleted cells by a mutant BAG3 defective in HSPB8 binding, uncoupling HSPB8 function from its binding to BAG3. Depletion of HSPB8 impaired formation of ubiquitinated microaggregates in an early phase and interfered with accurate modifications of the stress sensor p62/sequestosome (SQSTM)-1. This impairment correlated with decreased coupling of BAG3 to p62/SQSTM1 in response to stress, hindering Kelch-like ECH-associated protein (KEAP)-1 sequestration and stabilization of nuclear factor E2-related factor (Nrf)-2, an important arm of the antioxidant defense. Notably, the myopathy-associated mutation of BAG3 (P209L), which lies within the HSPB8-binding motif, deregulated the association between BAG3 and p62/SQSTM1 and the KEAP1-Nrf2 signaling axis. Together, our findings support a so-far-unrecognized role for the HSPB8-BAG3 connection in mounting of an efficient stress response, which may be involved in BAG3-related human diseases.-Guilbert, S. M., Lambert, H., Rodrigue, M.-A., Fuchs, M., Landry, J., Lavoie, J. N. HSPB8 and BAG3 cooperate to promote spatial sequestration of ubiquitinated proteins and coordinate the cellular adaptive response to proteasome insufficiency.

Interactions between moist heating and dynamics in atmospheric predictability

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

Straus, D.M.; Huntley, M.A.

1994-02-01

The predictability properties of a fixed heating version of a GCM in which the moist heating is specified beforehand are studied in a series of identical twin experiments. Comparison is made to an identical set of experiments using the control GCM, a five-level R30 version of the COLA GCM. The experiments each contain six ensembles, with a single ensemble consisting of six 30-day integrations starting from slightly perturbed Northern Hemisphere wintertime initial conditions. The moist heating from each integration within a single control ensemble was averaged over the ensemble. This averaged heating (a function of three spatial dimensions and time)more » was used as the prespecified heating in each member of the corresponding fixed heating ensemble. The errors grow less rapidly in the fixed heating case. The most rapidly growing scales at small times (global wavenumber 6) have doubling times of 3.2 days compared to 2.4 days for the control experiments. The predictability times for the most energetic scales (global wavenumbers 9-12) are about two weeks for the fixed heating experiments, compared to 9 days for the control. The ratio of error energy in the fixed heating to the control case falls below 0.5 by day 8, and then gradually increases as the error growth slows in the control case. The growth of errors is described in terms of budgets of error kinetic energy (EKE) and error available potential energy (EAPE) developed in terms of global wavenumber n. The diabatic generation of EAPE (G[sub APE]) is positive in the control case and is dominated by midlatitude heating errors after day 2. The fixed heating G[sub APE] is negative at all times due to longwave radiative cooling. 36 refs., 9 figs., 1 tab.« less

Conceptual design of liquid droplet radiator shuttle-attached experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pfeiffer, Shlomo L.

1989-01-01

The conceptual design of a shuttle-attached liquid droplet radiator (LDR) experiment is discussed. The LDR is an advanced, lightweight heat rejection concept that can be used to reject heat from future high-powered space platforms. In the LDR concept, submillimeter-sized droplets are generated, pass through space, radiate heat before they are collected, and recirculated back to the heat source. The LDR experiment is designed to be attached to the shuttle longeron and integrated into the shuttle bay using standard shuttle/experiment interfaces. Overall power, weight, and data requirements of the experiment are detailed. The conceptual designs of the droplet radiator, droplet collector, and the optical diagnostic system are discussed in detail. Shuttle integration and safety design issues are also discussed.

In-space experiment on thermoacoustic convection heat transfer phenomenon-experiment definition

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parang, M.; Crocker, D. S.

1991-01-01

The definition phase of an in-space experiment in thermoacoustic convection (TAC) heat transfer phenomenon is completed and the results are presented and discussed in some detail. Background information, application and potential importance of TAC in heat transfer processes are discussed with particular focus on application in cryogenic fluid handling and storage in microgravity space environment. Also included are the discussion on TAC space experiment objectives, results of ground support experiments, hardware information, and technical specifications and drawings. The future plans and a schedule for the development of experiment hardware (Phase 1) and flight tests and post-flight analysis (Phase 3/4) are also presented. The specific experimental objectives are rapid heating of a compressible fluid and the measurement of the fluid temperature and pressure and the recording and analysis of the experimental data for the establishment of the importance of TAC heat transfer process. The ground experiments that were completed in support of the experiment definition included fluid temperature measurement by a modified shadowgraph method, surface temperature measurements by thermocouples, and fluid pressure measurements by strain-gage pressure transducers. These experiments verified the feasibility of the TAC in-space experiment, established the relevance and accuracy of the experimental results, and specified the nature of the analysis which will be carried out in the post-flight phase of the report.

Resonant Optical Circuits Based on Coupling Between Whispering Gallery Modes in Dielectric Microresonators

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-30

111111 (2006). 2. S.P. Ashili , V.N. Astratov, and E.C.H. Sykes, “The effects of inter-cavity separation on optical coupling in dielectric bispheres...chains of coupled spherical cavities,” Opt. Lett. 32, 409-411 (2007). 4. V.N. Astratov, and S.P. Ashili , “Percolation of light through whispering...Propagation via Whispering Gallery Modes in 3-D Networks of Coupled Spherical Cavities (Talk), V.N. Astratov, S.P. Ashili , and A.M. Kapitonov, in Frontiers in

Operation TUMBLER-SNAPPER 1952

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-06-14

coordinates are used in this report, as seen in table 1-1. The first three digits refer to I point on an east-west axis, and the second throe digits ...8217icultural ,ech S’tte ’No,. a4inlovvi as t ;’ib i Libary U ’ aerSji ’, T’" Lbra ": 2N L ibrn "Ne•w 5e,•t ’tall I it’ra ’vr Vn Ver t 1 .o0 ,rthl ’a l

Selected Economic Translations on Czechoslovakia (9th in the Series).

DTIC Science & Technology

1960-09-01

and Its Development in the Third Five-Year Plan.,. 1 Gas Production and the Tasks of the Third Five-Year Plan» *<, <,*••..«........ e...USE ONLY C7.ECH0 SLOVAKIA Coal Processing In Czechoslovakia, and Its Development in the Third Flve-Year^laiT [The following is a translation of...struction during the Third Five-Year Plari in the coal- processing sectors which in size and scope ;has never been matched by our country before. The

Investigation of Collection Ion Acceleration Using Intense Relativistic Electron Beams.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

in these results ’.. . supports the reflecting bea model of Ryutov. IM 1. Introduction Graybill and TUglual appear to have first studied...current (Figure 5). 1600 ~ aupild4 ho a- Doi"e Time Og0s4.Ter E The present model extends that of Ryutov𔄃 by including 1200a description of the...potential-electron density relation Ech Data POW Is based on measurements of the transmitted beam current. ’L l " j This model is applicable to the

Scaling of an Optically Pumped Mid-Infrared Rubidium Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-03-26

v AFIT-ENP-MS-15-M-104 Abstract An optically pumped mid-infrared rubidium (Rb) pulsed laser has been demonstrated in a heat pipe ... Heat Pipe Assembly ........................................................................................12 Figure 3.3. Rb Number Density vs. Heat ...the first experiments that used a heat pipe as the gain cell. This experiment would influence the work of Sharma (Sharma, 1981:210). 9 Krupke

Comparative Investigation and Operational Performance Characteristics of a Wick Assisted and Axially Square Grooved Heat Pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naik, Rudra, Dr.; Rama Narasihma, K., Dr.; Anikivi, Atmanand

2018-04-01

The present work reported here involves the experimental investigation and performance evaluation of wick assisted and axially square grooved heat pipes of outer diameter 8mm, inner diameter 4mm with a length of 150mm.The objective of this work is to design, fabricate and test the heat pipes with and without an axial square groove for horizontal and gravity assisted conditions. The performance of the heat pipes was measured in terms of thermal resistance and heat transfer coefficients. In the present investigation four different working fluids were chosen namely acetone, ethanol, methanol and distilled water. Experiments were conducted by varying the heat load from 2 W to 10 W for different fill charge ratios in the range of 25% to 75% of evaporator volume for wick assisted heat pipe and 8 W to 18 W for axially square grooved heat pipe. From the experiments, it was found that there is a steady increase in temperature with the increase in heat input. The overall heat transfer coefficient was found to increase with the increase heat load for wick assisted heat pipe. In case of axially square grooved heat pipe, an attempt was made to experiment the heat pipe in different orientations. The maximum heat transfer coefficient of 7000 W/m2 °C is found for Acetone at 180° orientation.

LDEF transverse flat plate heat pipe experiment /S1005/. [Long Duration Exposure Facility

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Robinson, G. A., Jr.

1979-01-01

The paper describes the Transverse Flat Plate Heat Pipe Experiment. A transverse flat plate heat pipe is a thermal control device that serves the dual function of temperature control and mounting base for electronic equipment. In its ultimate application, the pipe would be a lightweight structure member that could be configured in a platform or enclosure and provide temperature control for large space structures, flight experiments, equipment, etc. The objective of the LDEF flight experiment is to evaluate the zero-g performance of a number of transverse flat plate heat pipe modules. Performance will include: (1) the pipes transport capability, (2) temperature drop, and (3) ability to maintain temperature over varying duty cycles and environments. Performance degradation, if any, will be monitored over the length of the LDEF mission. This information is necessary if heat pipes are to be considered for system designs where they offer benefits not available with other thermal control techniques, such as minimum weight penalty, long-life heat pipe/structural members.

A Simple Calorimetric Experiment that Highlights Aspects of Global Heat Retention and Global Warming

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Burley, Joel D.; Johnston, Harold S.

2007-01-01

In this laboratory experiment, general chemistry students measure the heating curves for three different systems: (i) 500 g of room-temperature water heated by a small desk lamp, (ii) 500 g of an ice-water mixture warmed by conduction with room-temperature surroundings, and (iii) 500 g of an ice-water mixture heated by a small desk lamp and by…

Investigation of Sensible and Latent Heat Storage System using various HTF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beemkumar, N.; Karthikeyan, A.; Manoj, A.; Keerthan, J. S.; Stallan, Joseph Paul; Amithkishore, P.

2017-05-01

The objective of the work is investigating the latent heat storage system by varying heat transfer fluid (HTF). In this experiment, the effect of using different heat transfer fluids on the combined system is studied while using a low melting phase change material (PCM) i.e., paraffin wax. The heat transfer fluids chosen are water (low boiling fluid) and Therminol-66 (High boiling fluid). A comparison is made between the heat transfers by employing both the Heat transfer fluids. In the beginning, water is made to flow as the HTF and the charging process is undertaken followed by the discharging process by utilizing the different encapsulation materials namely, copper, aluminium and brass. These processes are then repeated for therminol-66 as HTF. At the end of the experiment it was concluded that even though therminol-66 enhances the latent heat storage capacity, water offers a higher sensible heat storage capacity, making it a better HTF for low melting PCM. Similar to above said process the experiments can be conducted for high and medium range melting point PCM with variation of HTF.

Microgravity ignition experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Motevalli, Vahid; Elliott, William; Garrant, Keith

1992-01-01

The purpose of this project is to develop a flight ready apparatus of the microgravity ignition experiment for the GASCan 2 program. This involved redesigning, testing, and making final modifications to the existing apparatus. The microgravity ignition experiment is intended to test the effect of microgravity on the time to ignition of a sample of alpha-cellulose paper. An infrared heat lamp is used to heat the paper sample within a sealed canister. The interior of the canister was redesigned to increase stability and minimize conductive heat transfer to the sample. This design was fabricated and tested and a heat transfer model of the paper sample was developed.

Multiresidue method for the determination of 77 pesticides in wine using QuEChERS sample preparation and gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Jiang, Y; Li, X; Xu, J; Pan, C; Zhang, J; Niu, W

2009-06-01

A method based on a QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, safe) sample preparation method and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection by selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM) was developed for simultaneous determination of 77 pesticide residues in wine. An extraction of 10 ml of sample with acetonitrile followed by liquid-liquid partition formed by the addition of 4 g MgSO(4) and 3 g NaCl was applied in the sample preparation. The clean-up was carried out by applying dispersive solid-phase with 150 mg MgSO(4) as well as 50 mg primary secondary amine (PSA). One quantitation ion and at least two identification ions were selected in the analytical method for each pesticide compound by GC/MS. The recovery data were obtained by spiking blank samples at two concentration levels (0.05 and 0.2 mg l(-1)). The recoveries of all pesticides were in the range 70-110%, with intra-day precision of less than 15%, and the inter-day precision of less than 22% and 15% for 0.05 and 0.2 mg l(-1) fortification levels, respectively. Linearity was between 0.02 and 2 mg l(-1) with determination coefficients (R(2)) greater than 0.98 for all compounds. The limits of quantification (LOQs) for the 77 pesticides ranged from 0.003 to 0.05 mg l(-1). This method was applied for routine analysis in market products.

Multiresidue pesticide analysis of tuber and root commodities by QuEchERS extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Garrido Frenich, Antonia; Martín Fernández, María del Mar; Díaz Moreno, Laura; Martínez Vidal, Jose Lúis; López-Gutiérrez, Noelia

2012-01-01

A simple, rapid, and reliable multiresidue method to determine 84 pesticides in potato and carrot samples by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to MS/MS has been developed and fully validated for routine analysis according to ISO/IEC 17025:2005. The method makes use of a buffered Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation procedure based on a single extraction with acidified acetonitrile, followed by partitioning with salts. Chromatographic conditions were optimized in order to achieve a rapid separation in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Performance characteristics of the method, including an estimation of measurement uncertainty using validation data, are reported for both matrixes. Calibration curves were linear from 0.010 to 0.150 mg/kg for most compounds. The LOD and LOQ were 0.006 and 0.010 mg/kg, respectively, except for fluorocloridone, fluquinconazol, and hexitiazox, which were 0.030 and 0.050 mg/kg, respectively. Recoveries obtained were in the range 70-116%, with intraday precision values < or = 20% RSD and interday precision values < or = 25% RSD at two different concentration levels. The overall uncertainty of the method was estimated at two concentrations as being lower than 34% in all cases. The method has been applied to the analysis of 70 vegetable samples, and imidacloprid and linuron were the pesticides most frequently found in potato and carrot commodities, respectively.

Development of QuEChERS-based extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for quantifying flumethasone residues in beef muscle.

PubMed

Park, Ki Hun; Choi, Jeong-Heui; Abd El-Aty, A M; Cho, Soon-Kil; Park, Jong-Hyouk; Kwon, Ki Sung; Park, Hee Ra; Kim, Hyung Soo; Shin, Ho-Chul; Kim, Mi Ra; Shim, Jae-Han

2012-12-01

A rapid, specific, and sensitive method based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was developed and validated to quantify flumethasone residues in beef muscle. Methods were compared between the original as well as the EN quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based extraction. Good linearity was achieved at concentration levels of 5-30 μg/kg. Estimated recovery rates at spiking levels of 5 and 10 μg/kg ranged from 72.1 to 84.6%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs)<7%. The results of the inter-day study, which was performed by fortifying beef muscle samples (n=18) on 3 separate days, showed an accuracy of 93.4-94.4%. The precision (expressed as relative standard deviation values) for the inter-day variation at two levels of fortification (10 and 20 μg/kg) was 1.9-5.2%. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 1.7 and 5 μg/kg, at signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) of 3 and 10, respectively. The method was successfully applied to analyze real samples obtained from large markets throughout the Korean Peninsula. The method proved to be sensitive and reliable and, thus, rendered an appropriate means for residue analysis studies. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Magnitude of cyantraniliprole residues in tomato following open field application: pre-harvest interval determination and risk assessment.

PubMed

Malhat, Farag; Kasiotis, Konstantinos M; Shalaby, Shehata

2018-02-05

Cyantraniliprole is an anthranilic diamide insecticide, belonging to the ryanoid class, with a broad range of applications against several pests. In the presented work, a reliable analytical technique employing high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for analyzing cyantraniliprole residues in tomato was developed. The method was then applied to field-incurred tomato samples collected after applications under open field conditions. The latter aimed to ensure the safe application of cyantraniliprole to tomato and contribute the derived residue data to the risk assessment under field conditions. Sample preparation involved a single step extraction with acetonitrile and sodium chloride for partitioning. The extract was purified utilizing florisil as cleanup reagent. The developed method was further evaluated by comparing the analytical results with those obtained using the QuEChERS technique. The novel method outbalanced QuEChERS regarding matrix interferences in the analysis, while it met all guideline criteria. Hence, it showed excellent linearity over the assayed concentration and yielded satisfactory recovery rate in the range of 88.9 to 96.5%. The half-life of degradation of cyantraniliprole was determined at 2.6 days. Based on the Codex MRL, the pre-harvest interval (PHI) for cyantraniliprole on tomato was 3 days, after treatment at the recommended dose. To our knowledge, the present work provides the first record on PHI determination of cyantraniliprole in tomato under open field conditions in Egypt and the broad Mediterranean region.

Determination of spinetoram and its metabolites in amaranth and parsley using QuEChERS-based extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Park, Ki Hun; Choi, Jeong-Heui; Abd El-Aty, A M; Cho, Soon-Kil; Park, Jong-Hyouk; Kim, Bo Mi; Yang, Angel; Na, Tae Woong; Rahman, Musfiqur; Im, Geon-Jae; Shim, Jae-Han

2012-10-15

In this study, a simultaneous method was developed for the determination of spinetoram (XDE-175-J and XDE-175-L) and its demethyl metabolites (N-demethyl-175-J and N-demethyl-175-L) and formyl metabolites (N-formyl-175-J and N-formyl-175-L) in the minor crops; amaranth and parsley. The method uses quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS)-based extraction. Afterwards, the analytes were quantified and confirmed via liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) in the positive ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Calibration curves were linear over the calibration ranges for all the analytes tested with r(2)>0.993. Limits of detection and quantitation were 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg for all the tested analytes in amaranth and parsley, respectively. Recovery values, at spiking levels 0.05 and 0.25 mg/kg, ranged from 71.0% to 115.2% with relative standard deviations <15%, except for N-formyl-175-J in both amaranth and parsley. This method was applied to field-incurred samples and was shown to provide an adequate sensitivity and performance for the simultaneous determination of spinetoram and metabolites. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time spinetoram and its metabolites were quantified using LC-MS/MS in minor crops. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Indole-3-Butyric Acid Induces Ectopic Formation of Metaxylem in the Hypocotyl of Arabidopsis thaliana without Conversion into Indole-3-Acetic Acid and with a Positive Interaction with Ethylene.

PubMed

Fattorini, Laura; Della Rovere, Federica; Andreini, Eleonora; Ronzan, Marilena; Falasca, Giuseppina; Altamura, Maria Maddalena

2017-11-21

The role of the auxins indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and of the auxin-interacting phytohormone ethylene, on the ectopic formation of primary xylem (xylogenesis in planta) is still little known. In particular, auxin/ethylene-target tissue(s), modality of the xylary process (trans-differentiation vs. de novo formation), and the kind of ectopic elements formed (metaxylem vs. protoxylem) are currently unknown. It is also unclear whether IBA may act on the process independently of conversion into IAA. To investigate these topics, histological analyses were carried out in the hypocotyls of Arabidopsis wild type seedlings and ech2ibr10 and ein3eil1 mutants, which are blocked in IBA-to-IAA conversion and ethylene signalling, respectively. The seedlings were grown under darkness with either IAA or IBA, combined or not with the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid. Adventitious root formation was also investigated because this process may compete with xylogenesis. Our results show that ectopic formation of protoxylem and metaxylem occurred as an indirect process starting from the pericycle periclinal derivatives of the hypocotyl basal part. IAA favoured protoxylem formation, whereas IBA induced ectopic metaxylem with ethylene cooperation through the EIN3EIL1 network. Ectopic metaxylem differentiation occurred independently of IBA-to-IAA conversion as mediated by ECH2 and IBR10, and in the place of IBA-induced adventitious root formation.

Multiresidue method for the determination of 227 pesticides in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhu, Yong-Zhe; Zhao, Mei-Ai; Nan Feng, Ya; Han Kim, Jeong

2014-10-01

A high-throughput, rapid, and efficient modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method with a simple cleanup procedure has been developed for simultaneously determining 227 pesticides in pepper samples by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (running time: 10 min). Pesticide residues were extracted/partitioned with an acetonitrile/DisQuE QuEChERS pouch, and the resulting samples were cleaned up with different methods: dispersive solid-phase extraction with primary secondary amines or multiwalled carbon nanotubes and graphitized carbon solid mini cartridge column. The results indicated that multiwalled carbon nanotubes dispersive sorbents achieved the best recoveries and had less matrix interference. The numbers of pesticides with a recovery in the range of 70-120% were 199 at a spiked level of 40 μg/kg. The correlation coefficients (r(2)) for 227 pesticides were above 0.99, while the limits of quantitation of pesticides in pepper samples ranged from 0.13 to 13.51 μg/kg (S/N = 10), and the limits of detection ranged from 0.04 to 4.05 μg/kg (S/N = 3). The relative standard deviations of approximately 197 pesticides were below 20% at spiked levels of 40 μg/kg. Based on these results, the proposed method was chosen as the most suitable cleanup procedure for the determination of multiresidue pesticides in pepper samples. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Is the Water Heating Curve as Described?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Riveros, H. G.; Oliva, A. I.

2008-01-01

We analysed the heating curve of water which is described in textbooks. An experiment combined with some simple heat transfer calculations is discussed. The theoretical behaviour can be altered by changing the conditions under which the experiment is modelled. By identifying and controlling the different parameters involved during the heating…

A comparison between the effects of artificial land cover and anthropogenic heat on a localized heavy rain event in 2008 in Zoshigaya, Tokyo, Japan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souma, Kazuyoshi; Tanaka, Kenji; Suetsugi, Tadashi; Sunada, Kengo; Tsuboki, Kazuhisa; Shinoda, Taro; Wang, Yuqing; Sakakibara, Atsushi; Hasegawa, Koichi; Moteki, Qoosaku; Nakakita, Eiichi

2013-10-01

5 August 2008, a localized heavy rainfall event caused a rapid increase in drainpipe discharge, which killed five people working in a drainpipe near Zoshigaya, Tokyo. This study compared the effects of artificial land cover and anthropogenic heat on this localized heavy rainfall event based on three ensemble experiments using a cloud-resolving model that includes realistic urban features. The first experiment CTRL (control) considered realistic land cover and urban features, including artificial land cover, anthropogenic heat, and urban geometry. In the second experiment NOAH (no anthropogenic heat), anthropogenic heat was ignored. In the third experiment NOLC (no land cover), urban heating from artificial land cover was reduced by keeping the urban geometry but with roofs, walls, and roads of artificial land cover replaced by shallow water. The results indicated that both anthropogenic heat and artificial land cover increased the amount of precipitation and that the effect of artificial land cover was larger than that of anthropogenic heat. However, in the middle stage of the precipitation event, the difference between the two effects became small. Weak surface heating in NOAH and NOLC reduced the near-surface air temperature and weakened the convergence of horizontal wind and updraft over the urban areas, resulting in a reduced rainfall amount compared with that in CTRL.

Future heat waves and surface ozone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meehl, Gerald A.; Tebaldi, Claudia; Tilmes, Simone; Lamarque, Jean-Francois; Bates, Susan; Pendergrass, Angeline; Lombardozzi, Danica

2018-06-01

A global Earth system model is used to study the relationship between heat waves and surface ozone levels over land areas around the world that could experience either large decreases or little change in future ozone precursor emissions. The model is driven by emissions of greenhouse gases and ozone precursors from a medium-high emission scenario (Representative Concentration Pathway 6.0–RCP6.0) and is compared to an experiment with anthropogenic ozone precursor emissions fixed at 2005 levels. With ongoing increases in greenhouse gases and corresponding increases in average temperature in both experiments, heat waves are projected to become more intense over most global land areas (greater maximum temperatures during heat waves). However, surface ozone concentrations on future heat wave days decrease proportionately more than on non-heat wave days in areas where ozone precursors are prescribed to decrease in RCP6.0 (e.g. most of North America and Europe), while surface ozone concentrations in heat waves increase in areas where ozone precursors either increase or have little change (e.g. central Asia, the Mideast, northern Africa). In the stabilized ozone precursor experiment, surface ozone concentrations increase on future heat wave days compared to non-heat wave days in most regions except in areas where there is ozone suppression that contributes to decreases in ozone in future heat waves. This is likely associated with effects of changes in isoprene emissions at high temperatures (e.g. west coast and southeastern North America, eastern Europe).

Scaling Study of Reconnection Heating in Torus Plasma Merging Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Yasushi; Akimitsu, Moe; Sawada, Asuka; Cao, Qinghong; Koike, Hideya; Hatano, Hironori; Kaneda, Taishi; Tanabe, Hiroshi

2017-10-01

We have been investigating toroidal plasma merging and reconnection for high-power heating of spherical tokamak (ST) and field-reversed configuration (FRC), using TS-3 (ST, FRC: R =0.2m, 1985-), TS-4 (ST, FRC: R =0.5m, 2000-), UTST (ST: R =0.45m, 2008-) and MAST (ST: R =0.9m, 2000-) devices. The series of merging experiments made clear the promising scaling and characteristics of reconnection heating: (i) its ion heating energy that scales with square of the reconnecting magnetic field Brec, (ii) its energy loss lower than 10%, (iii) its ion heating energy (in the downstream) 10 time larger than its electron heating energy (at around X-point) and (iv) low dependence of ion heating on the guide (toroidal) field Bg. The Brec2-scalingwas obtained when the current sheet was compressed to the order of ion gyrodadius. When the sheet was insufficiently compressed, the measured ion temperature was lower than the scaling prediction. Based on this scaling, we realized significant ion heating up to 1.2keV in MAST after 2D elucidation of ion heating up to 250eV in TS-3 [3,4]. This promising scaling leads us to new high Brec reconnection heating experiments for future direct access to burning plasma: TS-U (2017-) in Univ. Tokyo and ST-40 in Tokamak Energy Inc. (2017-). This presentation reviews major progresses in those toroidal plasma merging experiments for physics and fusion applications of magnetic reconnection.

Solar Heating Proof-of-Concept Experiment for a Public School Building. Report for the Period 15 Jan. 1974 to 15 May 1974. No. ER-7934.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AAI Corp., Baltimore, MD.

In the middle of January 1974, AAI Corporation received a contract to conduct a solar heating proof-of-concept experiment (POCE) for a public school building. On March 1, 1974, the experiment began as Timonium Elementary School, in Maryland, became the first school in the United States to be heated by solar energy. In this brief period, the…

A prototype heat pipe heat exchanger for the capillary pumped loop flight experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ku, Jentung; Yun, Seokgeun; Kroliczek, Edward J.

1992-01-01

A Capillary Pumped Two-Phase Heat Transport Loop (CAPL) Flight Experiment, currently planned for 1993, will provide microgravity verification of the prototype capillary pumped loop (CPL) thermal control system for EOS. CAPL employs a heat pipe heat exchanger (HPHX) to couple the condenser section of the CPL to the radiator assembly. A prototype HPHX consisting of a heat exchanger (HX), a header heat pipe (HHP), a spreader heat pipe (SHP), and a flow regulator has been designed and tested. The HX transmits heat from the CPL condenser to the HHP, while the HHP and SHP transport heat to the radiator assembly. The flow regulator controls flow distribution among multiple parallel HPHX's. Test results indicated that the prototype HPHX could transport up to 800 watts with an overall heat transfer coefficient of more than 6000 watts/sq m-deg C. Flow regulation among parallel HPHX's was also demonstrated.

Experimental study of heat transfer enhancement due to the surface vibrations in a flexible double pipe heat exchanger

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hosseinian, A.; Meghdadi Isfahani, A. H.

2018-04-01

In this study, the heat transfer enhancement due to the surface vibration for a double pipe heat exchanger, made of PVDF, is investigated. In order to create forced vibrations (3-9 m/s2, 100 Hz) on the outer surface of the heat exchanger electro-dynamic vibrators are used. Experiments were performed at inner Reynolds numbers ranging from 2533 to 9960. The effects of volume flow rate and temperature on heat transfer performance are evaluated. Results demonstrated that heat transfer coefficient increases by increasing vibration level and mass flow rate. The most increase in heat transfer coefficient is 97% which is obtained for the highest vibration level (9 m/s2) in the experiment range.

"Cooking the sample": radiofrequency induced heating during solid-state NMR experiments.

PubMed

d'Espinose de Lacaillerie, Jean-Baptiste; Jarry, Benjamin; Pascui, Ovidiu; Reichert, Detlef

2005-09-01

Dissipation of radiofrequency (RF) energy as heat during continuous wave decoupling in solid-state NMR experiment was examined outside the conventional realm of such phenomena. A significant temperature increase could occur while performing dynamic NMR measurements provided the sample contains polar molecules and the sequence calls for relatively long applications of RF power. It was shown that the methyl flip motion in dimethylsulfone (DMS) is activated by the decoupling RF energy conversion to heat during a CODEX pulse sequence. This introduced a significant bias in the correlation time-temperature dependency measurement used to obtain the activation energy of the motion. By investigating the dependency of the temperature increase in hydrated lead nitrate on experimental parameters during high-power decoupling one-pulse experiments, the mechanisms for the RF energy deposition was identified. The samples were heated due to dissipation of the energy absorbed by dielectric losses, a phenomenon commonly known as "microwave" heating. It was thus established that during solid-state NMR experiments at moderate B0 fields, RF heating could lead to the heating of samples containing polar molecules such as hydrated polymers and inorganic solids. In particular, this could result in systematic errors for slow dynamics measurements by solid-state NMR.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment: Thermal Phenomena in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasan, Mohammad M.; Lin, Chin S.; Knoll, Richard H.; Bentz, Michael D.

1996-01-01

The report presents the results of the flight experiment Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Thermal Phenomena (TPCE/TP) performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle. TPCE/TP, flown on the Space Transportation System STS-52, was a second flight of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE). The experiment used Freon 113 at near saturation conditions. The test tank was filled with liquid to about 83% by volume. The experiment consisted of 21 tests. Each test generally started with a heating phase to increase the tank pressure and to develop temperature stratification in the fluid, followed by a fluid mixing phase for the tank pressure reduction and fluid temperature equilibration. The heating phase provided pool boiling data from large (relative to bubble sizes) heating surfaces (0.1046 m by 0.0742 m) at low heat fluxes (0.23 to 1.16 kW/sq m). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied from 39 to 78 kPa and 1 to 3 C, respectively. The boiling process during the entire heating period, as well as the jet-induced mixing process for the first 2 min of the mixing period, was also recorded on video. The unique features of the experimental results are the sustainability of high liquid superheats for long periods and the occurrence of explosive boiling at low heat fluxes (0.86 to 1.1 kW/sq m). For a heat flux of 0.97 kW/sq m, a wall superheat of 17.9 C was attained in 10 min of heating. This superheat was followed by an explosive boiling accompanied by a pressure spike of about 38% of the tank pressure at the inception of boiling. However, at this heat flux the vapor blanketing the heating surface could not be sustained. Steady nucleate boiling continued after the explosive boiling. The jet-induced fluid mixing results were obtained for jet Reynolds numbers of 1900 to 8000 and Weber numbers of 0.2 to 6.5. Analyses of data from the two flight experiments (TPCE and TPCE/TP) and their comparison with the results obtained in drop tower experiments suggest that as Bond number approaches zero the flow pattern produced by an axial jet and the mixing time can be predicted by the Weber number.

Inclusion of 1-naphthylacetic acid and 2-(1-naphthyl)acetamide into three typical multiresidue methods for LC/MS/MS analysis of tomatoes and zucchini.

PubMed

Lozano, Ana; Pérez-Parada, Andrés; Heinzen, Horacio; Fernández-Alba, Amadeo R

2012-01-01

In spite of high plant growth regulator application rates, little has been reported in the literature on determination of their residues in fruits and vegetables. This would be useful in monitoring good manufacturing practices and overall safety through the enforcement of maximum residue levels (MRLs). The present work describes method validation for the determination of 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA) and 2(1-naphthyl)acetamide (NAAm) in tomato and zucchini using the mini-Luke, ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and acetate-buffered quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) methods. Samples were spiked at two different levels: 50 and 100 pg/kg for NAA and 20 and 100 pg/kg for NAAm. These compounds were analyzed within the same chromatographic run with LC coupled to triple quadrupole MS (LC/(QqQ)MS/MS) in positive and negative electrospray ionization [ESI(+) and ESI(-)] modes for NAAm and NAA, respectively. For analyte confirmation, LC/ESI(-)QTOF-MS was also investigated given that NAA has only one multiple reaction monitoring transition (185.1-*140.9 m/z). These three common methods were used to determine linearity, recoveries, precision (RSD), matrix effects, repeatability, and reproducibility (n = 5) for the selected matrixes. In terms of the Directorate-General for Health and Consumers (DG-SANCO) guidelines, only insignificant differences were found for the multiresidue methods tested, regardless of the commodity. Matrix-matched calibration was used, and LODs were below 10.1 pg/kg for NAA and 6.0 pg/kg for NAAm, which were lower than the MRLs established in current European Union legislation for these compounds. Obtained recoveries for NAA ranged from 87 to 107% with RSD values below 10% for mini-Luke, 83 to 107% with RSD <11% for EtOAc, and 76 to 85% with RSD <7% for QuEChERS. NAAm recoveries ranged from 74 to 102% with RSD 5 15% for mini-Luke, 76 to 97% with RSD <4% for EtOAc, and 76 to 93% with RSD < 5% for QuEChERS. The linearity of the response over two orders of magnitude was demonstrated (r2 > 0.996) for all methods used. Good repeatability and reproducibility in terms of RSD were obtained (11.3-17.8%) for these analytical methods. The results were acceptable within the studied ranges for both analytes in all methods. As these multiresidue methods are used at the present time in many laboratories, this survey indicates that these analytes should be included in their monitoring scope.

Mechanisms of Ocean Heat Uptake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garuba, Oluwayemi

An important parameter for the climate response to increased greenhouse gases or other radiative forcing is the speed at which heat anomalies propagate downward in the ocean. Ocean heat uptake occurs through passive advection/diffusion of surface heat anomalies and through the redistribution of existing temperature gradients due to circulation changes. Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) weakens in a warming climate and this should slow the downward heat advection (compared to a case in which the circulation is unchanged). However, weakening AMOC also causes a deep warming through the redistributive effect, thus increasing the downward rate of heat propagation compared to unchanging circulation. Total heat uptake depends on the combined effect of these two mechanisms. Passive tracers in a perturbed CO2 quadrupling experiments are used to investigate the effect of passive advection and redistribution of temperature anomalies. A new passive tracer formulation is used to separate ocean heat uptake into contributions due to redistribution and passive advection-diffusion of surface heating during an ocean model experiment with abrupt increase in surface temperature. The spatial pattern and mechanisms of each component are examined. With further experiments, the effects of surface wind, salinity and temperature changes in changing circulation and the resulting effect on redistribution in the individual basins are isolated. Analysis of the passive advection and propagation path of the tracer show that the Southern ocean dominates heat uptake, largely through vertical and horizontal diffusion. Vertical diffusion transports the tracer across isopycnals down to about 1000m in 100 years in the Southern ocean. Advection is more important in the subtropical cells and in the Atlantic high latitudes, both with a short time scale of about 20 years. The shallow subtropical cells transport the tracer down to about 500m along isopycnal surfaces, below this vertical diffusion takes over transport in the tropics; in the Atlantic, the MOC transports heat as deep 2000m in about 30 years. Redistributive surface heat uptake alters the total amount surface heat uptake among the basins. Compared to the passive-only heat uptake, which is about the same among the basins, redistribution nearly doubles the surface heat input into the Atlantic but makes smaller increases in the Indian and Pacific oceans for a net global increase of about 25%, in the perturbation experiment with winds unchanged. The passive and redistributive heat uptake components are further distributed among the basins through the global conveyor belt. The Pacific gains twice the surface heat input into it through lateral transport from the other two basins, as a result, the Atlantic and Pacific gain similar amounts of heat even though surface heat input is in the Atlantic is much bigger. Of this heat transport, most of the passive component comes from the Indian and the redistributive component comes from the Atlantic. Different surface forcing perturbation gives different circulation change pattern and as a result yield different redistributive uptake. Ocean heat uptake is more sensitive to wind forcing perturbation than to thermohaline forcing perturbation. About 2% reduction in subtropical cells transport and southern ocean transport, in the wind-change perturbation experiment, resulted in about 10% reduction in the global ocean heat uptake of wind-unchanged experiment. The AMOC weakened by about 35% and resulted in a 25% increase in passive heat uptake in the wind-unchanged experiment. Surface winds weakening reduces heat uptake by warming the reservoir surface temperatures, while MOC weakening increases heat input by a cooling reservoir surface temperatures. Thermohaline forcing perturbation is combination of salinity and temperature perturbations, both weaken the AMOC, however, they have opposite redistributive effects. Ocean surface freshening gives positive redistributive effect, while surface temperature increase gives negative redistributive effect on heat uptake. The salinity effect dominates the redistributive effect for thermohaline perturbation.

Students' Design of Experiments: An Inquiry Module on the Conduction of Heat

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hatzikraniotis, E.; Kallery, M.; Molohidis, A.; Psillos, D.

2010-01-01

This article examines secondary students' design of experiments after engagement in an innovative and inquiry-oriented module on heat transfer. The module consists of an integration of hands-on experiments, simulated experiments and microscopic model simulations, includes a structured series of guided investigative tasks and was implemented for a…

Heat transfer from nanoparticles: a corresponding state analysis.

PubMed

Merabia, Samy; Shenogin, Sergei; Joly, Laurent; Keblinski, Pawel; Barrat, Jean-Louis

2009-09-08

In this contribution, we study situations in which nanoparticles in a fluid are strongly heated, generating high heat fluxes. This situation is relevant to experiments in which a fluid is locally heated by using selective absorption of radiation by solid particles. We first study this situation for different types of molecular interactions, using models for gold particles suspended in octane and in water. As already reported in experiments, very high heat fluxes and temperature elevations (leading eventually to particle destruction) can be observed in such situations. We show that a very simple modeling based on Lennard-Jones (LJ) interactions captures the essential features of such experiments and that the results for various liquids can be mapped onto the LJ case, provided a physically justified (corresponding state) choice of parameters is made. Physically, the possibility of sustaining very high heat fluxes is related to the strong curvature of the interface that inhibits the formation of an insulating vapor film.

Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) low-temperature Heat Pipe Experiment Package (HEPP) flight results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcintosh, Roy; Mccreight, Craig; Brennan, Patrick J.

1992-01-01

The Low Temperature Heat Pipe Flight Experiment (HEPP) is a fairly complicated thermal control experiment that was designed to evaluate the performance of two different low temperature ethane heat pipes and a n-Heptane Phase Change Material (PCM) canister. A total of 388 days of continuous operation with an axially grooved aluminum fixed conductance heat pipe of axially grooved stainless steel heat pipe diode was demonstrated before the EDS batteries lost power. The inability of the HEPP's radiator to cool below 190 K in flight prevented freezing of the PCM and the opportunity to conduct transport tests with the heat pipes. Post flight tests showed that the heat pipes and the PCM are still functioning. This paper presents a summary of the flight data analysis for the HEPP and its related support systems. Pre and post-flight thermal vacuum tests results are presented for the HEPP thermal control system along with individual heat pipe performance and PCM behavior. Appropriate SIG related systems data will also be included along with a 'lessons learned' summary.

Mechanical Equivalent of Heat--Software for a Thermistor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boleman, Michael

2008-01-01

The Mechanical Equivalent of Heat Apparatus from PASCO scientific provides the means for doing a simple experiment to determine the mechanical equivalent of heat, "J." A necessary step of this experiment is to determine the temperature of an aluminum cylinder. By measuring the resistance of a thermistor embedded in the cylinder, one is able to…

How Efficient is a Laboratory Burner in Heating Water?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jansen, Michael P.

1997-01-01

Describes an experiment in which chemistry students determine the efficiency of a laboratory burner used to heat water. The reaction is assumed to be the complete combustion of methane, CH4. The experiment is appropriate for secondary school chemistry students familiar with heats of reaction and simple calorimetry. Contains pre-laboratory and…

In situ experimental formation and growth of Fe nanoparticles and vesicles in lunar soil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thompson, Michelle S.; Zega, Thomas J.; Howe, Jane Y.

2017-03-01

We report the results of the first dynamic, in situ heating of lunar soils to simulate micrometeorite impacts on the lunar surface. We performed slow- and rapid-heating experiments inside the transmission electron microscope to understand the chemical and microstructural changes in surface soils resulting from space-weathering processes. Our slow-heating experiments show that the formation of Fe nanoparticles begins at 575 °C. These nanoparticles also form as a result of rapid-heating experiments, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurements indicate the Fe nanoparticles are composed entirely of Fe0, suggesting this simulation accurately mimics micrometeorite space-weathering processes occurring on airless body surfaces. In addition to Fe nanoparticles, rapid-heating experiments also formed vesiculated textures in the samples. Several grains were subjected to repeated thermal shocks, and the measured size distribution and number of Fe nanoparticles evolved with each subsequent heating event. These results provide insight into the formation and growth mechanisms for Fe nanoparticles in space-weathered soils and could provide a new methodology for relative age dating of individual soil grains from within a sample population.

Modeling of N2 and O optical emissions for ionosphere HF powerful heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sergienko, T.; Gustavsson, B.

Analyses of experiments of F region ionosphere modification by HF powerful radio waves show that optical observations are very useful tools for diagnosing of the interaction of the probing radio wave with the ionospheric plasma Hitherto the emissions usually measured in the heating experiment have been the 630 0 nm and the 557 7 nm lines of atomic oxygen Other emissions for instance O 844 8 nm and N2 427 8 nm have been measured episodically in only a few experiments although the very rich optical spectrum of molecular nitrogen potentially involves important information about ionospheric plasma in the heated region This study addresses the modeling of optical emissions from the O and the N2 triplet states first positive second positive Vegard-Kaplan infrared afterglow and Wu-Benesch band systems excited under a condition of the ionosphere heating experiment The auroral triplet state population distribution model was modified for the ionosphere heating conditions by using the different electron distribution functions suggested by Mishin et al 2000 2003 and Gustavsson at al 2004 2005 Modeling results are discussed from the point of view of efficiency of measurements of the N2 emissions in future experiments

A preliminary assessment of the effects of heat flux distribution and penetration on the creep rupture of a reactor vessel lower head

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

Chu, T.Y.; Bentz, J.; Simpson, R.

1997-02-01

The objective of the Lower Head Failure (LHF) Experiment Program is to experimentally investigate and characterize the failure of the reactor vessel lower head due to thermal and pressure loads under severe accident conditions. The experiment is performed using 1/5-scale models of a typical PWR pressure vessel. Experiments are performed for various internal pressure and imposed heat flux distributions with and without instrumentation guide tube penetrations. The experimental program is complemented by a modest modeling program based on the application of vessel creep rupture codes developed in the TMI Vessel Investigation Project. The first three experiments under the LHF programmore » investigated the creep rupture of simulated reactor pressure vessels without penetrations. The heat flux distributions for the three experiments are uniform (LHF-1), center-peaked (LHF-2), and side-peaked (LHF-3), respectively. For all the experiments, appreciable vessel deformation was observed to initiate at vessel wall temperatures above 900K and the vessel typically failed at approximately 1000K. The size of failure was always observed to be smaller than the heated region. For experiments with non-uniform heat flux distributions, failure typically occurs in the region of peak temperature. A brief discussion of the effect of penetration is also presented.« less

OPALS: A COTS-based Tech Demo of Optical Communications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oaida, Bogdan

2012-01-01

I. Objective: Deliver video from ISS to optical ground terminal via an optical communications link. a) JPL Phaeton/Early Career Hire (ECH) training project. b) Implemented as Class-D payload. c) Downlink at approx.30Mb/s. II. Flight System a) Optical Head Beacon Acquisition Camera. Downlink Transmitter. 2-axis Gimbal. b) Sealed Container Laser Avionics Power distribution Digital I/O board III. Implementation: a) Ground Station - Optical Communications Telescope Laboratory at Table Mountain Facility b) Flight System mounted to ISS FRAM as standard I/F. Attached externally on Express Logistics Carrier.

Public Water Supply, Red River Parish, Louisiana.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-04-01

aI -4 w0 > k)~ 04 00 004 0 Ř 1-4 ua4 0 to 441 Ia) 40 1.H r. ) 4 14w w. ’a (A 0a 4) 0 a 0 Ai 0 41 .a- .a. to 0tic .. 9-:. PS4 W w~ u 00 r4 to- $4 0...tidT.ant sho~uld he recoarded on the hack -4 VA IL Ilbis Ir t o a. st.panite %heef andI alla, hv.. r I L_ 1 1 14. 4;. ian the valaies in ech

Dilute: A Mini-Campaign Simulation Model to Analyze Strategic Penetration of Various Force Mix Combinations of Cruise Missiles and Manned Penetrators.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-03-01

effectiveness when corn - ared to adding ECH and low RCS techniques (Ref 29:110). It was because of this assertion that the third speed level of 800...XT. Mtff)TEN 721 TT3. 1415/2 72 ELSE 731 I~sATM15flOMIS) M1 P92JIIIEIVtW,301U1 -.Z9)) 733 P.61’EI(3.3SI*(-.t13Q) 714 Ih.P9- (P9P) ’ COB ~T. b 725 71=S

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Assessment of Satellite Concepts and Aviation Spectrum Requirements.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-01

a of transition and the eventual deconmissioning and witldrawal of ,jtp/stems was considered briefly. ’ De group chose to define system concepts I I, i...r t~n; riu~ysi, a de ’ one ech second has been a -_ useful value for f.~tufe oi.erazionS in terminai areas. A ~ -: -4 seconlLias ; ix en assrncxi...r over a daily cycle), depcnoing on aeronautica, service needs. ,)NIS i"Z e n- la fol " , moeentation ,. satelite safety se .vicc. ,: - a ~..ty S

Bitburg AB, Bitburg, Germany. Revised Uniform Summary of Surface Weather Observations (RUSSWO). Parts A-F

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-02-20

for e;--ch month and annual (all motnhs) and the total valid aebserntion count. An asterisk (%*)J is printed in any yar-montha block -.en the en-rme...annuel (all months). An asterisk (*) is printed in each data block if one or more days are missing for the mantt. No occurxvnces for a month ae indicted...in the sae msaar as in the extreme tables above. If a trace becoms the extreme or wathly total in say of these tables it is printed as r Continaed an

Residue analysis and persistence evaluation of fipronil and its metabolites in cotton using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wu, Xiaohu; Yu, Yang; Xu, Jun; Dong, Fengshou; Liu, Xingang; Du, Pengqiang; Wei, Dongmei; Zheng, Yongquan

2017-01-01

A simple residue analytical method based on the QuEChERS approach and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) detection was developed for the analysis of fipronil and its three metabolites in cottonseed, cotton plant and soil. The average recoveries of four test compounds from all three matrices were 78.6-108.9% at the level of 0.005 to 0.5 mg/kg, with an RSD in the range of 0.6 to 13.7%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the four test compounds ranged from 0.005 to 0.01 mg/kg. The results of the residual dynamics experiments showed that fipronil dissipated rapidly in cotton plants and soil and that oxidation and photolysis were the main degradation pathways. Moreover, the bi-exponential models demonstrated a good fit of the measured data for fipronil in cotton plants and soil, with R2 in the range of 0.8989 to 0.9989. Furthermore, a total of 40 samples of cottonseed from Shandong Province were analyzed, and all of the samples were free from the four test compound residues.

Non-Solenoidal Startup Research Directions on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fonck, R. J.; Bongard, M. W.; Lewicki, B. T.; Reusch, J. A.; Winz, G. R.

2017-10-01

The Pegasus research program has been focused on developing a physical understanding and predictive models for non-solenoidal tokamak plasma startup using Local Helicity Injection (LHI). LHI employs strong localized electron currents injected along magnetic field lines in the plasma edge that relax through magnetic turbulence to form a tokamak-like plasma. Pending approval, the Pegasus program will address a broader, more comprehensive examination of non-solenoidal tokamak startup techniques. New capabilities may include: increasing the toroidal field to 0.6 T to support critical scaling tests to near-NSTX-U field levels; deploying internal plasma diagnostics; installing a coaxial helicity injection (CHI) capability in the upper divertor region; and deploying a modest (200-400 kW) electron cyclotron RF capability. These efforts will address scaling of relevant physics to higher BT, separate and comparative studies of helicity injection techniques, efficiency of handoff to consequent current sustainment techniques, and the use of ECH to synergistically improve the target plasma for consequent bootstrap and neutral beam current drive sustainment. This has an ultimate goal of validating techniques to produce a 1 MA target plasma in NSTX-U and beyond. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Residue analysis and persistence evaluation of fipronil and its metabolites in cotton using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

PubMed Central

Wu, Xiaohu; Yu, Yang; Xu, Jun; Dong, Fengshou; Liu, Xingang; Du, Pengqiang; Wei, Dongmei; Zheng, Yongquan

2017-01-01

A simple residue analytical method based on the QuEChERS approach and high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) detection was developed for the analysis of fipronil and its three metabolites in cottonseed, cotton plant and soil. The average recoveries of four test compounds from all three matrices were 78.6–108.9% at the level of 0.005 to 0.5 mg/kg, with an RSD in the range of 0.6 to 13.7%. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the four test compounds ranged from 0.005 to 0.01 mg/kg. The results of the residual dynamics experiments showed that fipronil dissipated rapidly in cotton plants and soil and that oxidation and photolysis were the main degradation pathways. Moreover, the bi-exponential models demonstrated a good fit of the measured data for fipronil in cotton plants and soil, with R2 in the range of 0.8989 to 0.9989. Furthermore, a total of 40 samples of cottonseed from Shandong Province were analyzed, and all of the samples were free from the four test compound residues. PMID:28291815

Measuring the Heats of Water.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hunt, James L.; Tegart, Tracy L.

1994-01-01

Uses common equipment (tea kettle and vacuum bottles) to precisely measure the specific heat, latent heat of fusion, and latent heat of vaporization of water. Provides descriptions for all three experiments. (MVL)

Flow visualization of acoustic levitation experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baroth, ED

1987-01-01

Acoustic levitation experiments for space applications were performed. Holographic interferometry is being used to study the heat transfer rates on a heated rod enclosed in a 6 cu in chamber. Acoustic waves at levels up to 150 db increased the heating rates to the rod by factors of three to four. High speed real time holographic interferometry was used to measure the boundary layer on the heated rod. Data reduction and digitization of the interferograms are being implemented.

Influence of heat transmission mode on heating rates and on the selection of patches for heating in a mediterranean lizard.

PubMed

Belliure, Josabel; Carrascal, Luis M

2002-01-01

Heliothermy (heat gain by radiation) has been given a prominent role in basking lizards. However, thigmothermy (heat gain by conduction) could be relevant for heating in small lizards. To ascertain the importance of the different heat transmission modes to the thermoregulatory processes, we conducted an experimental study where we analyzed the role of heat transmission modes on heating rates and on the selection of sites for heating in the Mediterranean lizard Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Lacertidae). The study was conducted under laboratory conditions, where two situations of different operative temperatures (38 degrees and 50 degrees C) were simulated in a terrarium. In a first experiment, individuals were allowed to heat up during 2 min at both temperatures and under both heat transmission modes. In a second experiment, individuals were allowed to select between patches differing in the main transmission mode, at both temperatures, to heat up. Experiences were conducted with live, nontethered lizards with a starting body temperature of 27 degrees C. Temperature had a significant effect on the heating rate, with heat gain per unit of time being faster at the higher operative temperature (50 degrees C). The effect of the mode of heat transmission on the heating rate was also significant: at 50 degrees C, heating rate was greater when the main heat transmission mode was conduction from the substrate (thigmothermy) than when heating was mainly due to heat gain by radiation (heliothermy); at 38 degrees C, heating rates did not significantly differ between transmission modes. At 38 degrees C, selection of the site for heating was not significantly different from that expected by chance. However, at 50 degrees C, the heating site offering the slowest heating rate (heliothermic patch) was selected. These results show that heating rates vary not only with environmental temperature but also with different predominant heat transmission modes. Lizards are able to identify and exploit this heterogeneity, selecting the source of heat gain (radiation) that minimizes the risk of overheating when temperature is high.

Magnetic behaviors of cataclasites within Wenchuan earthquake fault zone in heating experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, L.; Li, H.; Sun, Z.; Chou, Y. M.; Cao, Y., Jr.; Huan, W.; Ye, X.; He, X.

2017-12-01

Previous rock magnetism of fault rocks were used to trace the frictional heating temperature, however, few studies are focus on different temperatures effect of rock magnetic properties. To investigate rock magnetic response to different temperature, we conducted heating experiments on cataclasites from the Wenchuan earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling borehole 2 (WFSD-2) cores. Samples of cataclasites were obtained using an electric drill with a 1 cm-diameter drill pipe from 580.65 m-depth. Experiments were performed by a Thermal-optical measurement system under argon atmosphere and elevated temperatures. Both microstructural observations and powder X-ray diffraction analyses show that feldspar and quartz start to melt at 1100 ° and 1300 ° respectively. Magnetic susceptibility values of samples after heating are higher than that before heating. Samples after heating at 700 and 1750 ° have the highest values of magnetic susceptibility. Rock magnetic measurements show that the main ferromagnetic minerals within samples heated below 1100 ° (400, 700, 900 and 1100 °) are magnetite, which is new-formed by transformation of paramagnetic minerals. The χferri results show that the quantity of magnetite is bigger at sample heated by 700° experiment than by 400, 900 and 1100° experiments. Based on the FORC diagrams, we consider that magnetite grains are getting finer from 400 to 900°, and growing coarser when heated from 900 to 1100 °. SEM-EDX results indicate that the pure iron are formed in higher temperature (1300, 1500 and 1750 °), which present as framboids with size <10 μm. Rock magnetic measurements imply pure iron is the main ferromagnetic materials in these heated samples. The amount and size of iron framboids increase with increasing temperature. Therefore, we conclude that the paramagnetic minerals are decomposed into fine magnetite, then to coarse-grained magnetite, finally to pure iron at super high temperature. New-formed magnetite contributes to the higher magnetic susceptibility values of samples when heated at 400, 700, 900 and 1100°, while the neoformed pure iron is responsible to the higher magnetic susceptibility values of samples when heated at 1300, 1500 and 1750°.

Energy Conservation Experiments You Can Do...from Edison.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Thomas Alva Edison Foundation, Southfield, MI.

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 11 energy conservation experiments. They include: (1) five experiments on heating and cooling (investigating how insulation works, investigating how weatherstripping works, investigating how storm windows work, building a draftometer, and letting sun heat a house);…

Modification of embryonic resistance to heat shock in cattle by melatonin and genetic variation in HSPA1L.

PubMed

Ortega, M Sofia; Rocha-Frigoni, Nathália A S; Mingoti, Gisele Zoccal; Roth, Zvi; Hansen, Peter J

2016-11-01

The objectives were to test whether (1) melatonin blocks inhibition of embryonic development caused by heat shock at the zygote stage, and (2) the frequency of a thermoprotective allele for HSPA1L is increased in blastocysts formed from heat-shocked zygotes as compared with blastocysts from control zygotes. It was hypothesized that melatonin prevents effects of heat shock on development by reducing accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and that embryos inheriting the thermoprotective allele of HSPA1L would be more likely to survive heat shock. Effects of 1 µM melatonin on ROS were determined in experiments 1 and 2. Zygotes were cultured at 38.5 or 40°C for 3 h in the presence of CellROX reagent (ThermoFisher Scientific, Waltham, MA). Culture was in a low [5% (vol/vol)] oxygen (experiment 1) or low or high [21% (vol/vol)] oxygen environment (experiment 2). Heat shock and high oxygen increased ROS; melatonin decreased ROS. Development was assessed in experiments 3 and 4. In experiment 3, zygotes were cultured in low oxygen ± 1 µM melatonin and exposed to 38.5 or 40°C for 12 h (experiment 1) beginning 8 h after fertilization. Melatonin did not protect the embryo from heat shock. Experiment 4 was performed similarly except that temperature treatments (38.5 or 40°C, 24 h) were performed in a low or high oxygen environment (2×2 × 2 factorial design with temperature, melatonin, and oxygen concentration as main effects), and blastocysts were genotyped for a deletion (D) mutation (C→D) in the promoter region of HSPA1L associated with thermotolerance. Heat shock decreased percent of zygotes developing to the blastocyst stage independent of melatonin or oxygen concentration. Frequency of genotypes for HSPA1L was affected by oxygen concentration and temperature, with an increase in the D allele for blastocysts that developed in high oxygen and following heat shock. It was concluded that (1) lack of effect of melatonin or oxygen concentration on embryonic development means that the negative effects of heat shock on the zygote are not mediated by ROS, (2) previously reported effect of melatonin on fertility of heat-stressed cows might involve actions independent of the antioxidant properties of melatonin, and (3) the deletion mutation in the promoter of HSPA1L confers protection to the zygote from heat shock and high oxygen. Perhaps, embryonic survival during heat stress could be improved by selecting for thermotolerant genotypes. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Coupling heat and chemical tracer experiments for estimating heat transfer parameters in shallow alluvial aquifers.

PubMed

Wildemeersch, S; Jamin, P; Orban, P; Hermans, T; Klepikova, M; Nguyen, F; Brouyère, S; Dassargues, A

2014-11-15

Geothermal energy systems, closed or open, are increasingly considered for heating and/or cooling buildings. The efficiency of such systems depends on the thermal properties of the subsurface. Therefore, feasibility and impact studies performed prior to their installation should include a field characterization of thermal properties and a heat transfer model using parameter values measured in situ. However, there is a lack of in situ experiments and methodology for performing such a field characterization, especially for open systems. This study presents an in situ experiment designed for estimating heat transfer parameters in shallow alluvial aquifers with focus on the specific heat capacity. This experiment consists in simultaneously injecting hot water and a chemical tracer into the aquifer and monitoring the evolution of groundwater temperature and concentration in the recovery well (and possibly in other piezometers located down gradient). Temperature and concentrations are then used for estimating the specific heat capacity. The first method for estimating this parameter is based on a modeling in series of the chemical tracer and temperature breakthrough curves at the recovery well. The second method is based on an energy balance. The values of specific heat capacity estimated for both methods (2.30 and 2.54MJ/m(3)/K) for the experimental site in the alluvial aquifer of the Meuse River (Belgium) are almost identical and consistent with values found in the literature. Temperature breakthrough curves in other piezometers are not required for estimating the specific heat capacity. However, they highlight that heat transfer in the alluvial aquifer of the Meuse River is complex and contrasted with different dominant process depending on the depth leading to significant vertical heat exchange between upper and lower part of the aquifer. Furthermore, these temperature breakthrough curves could be included in the calibration of a complex heat transfer model for estimating the entire set of heat transfer parameters and their spatial distribution by inverse modeling. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ion Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ICRH) system used on the Tandem Mirror Experiment-Upgrade (TMX-U)

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

Ferguson, S.W.; Maxwell, T.M.; Antelman, D.R.

1985-11-11

Ion Cyclotron Resonant Heating (ICRH) is part of the plasma heating system used on the TMX-U experiment. Radio frequency (RF) energy is injected into the TMX-U plasma at a frequency near the fundamental ion resonance (2 to 5 MHz). The RF fields impart high velocities to the ions in a direction perpendicular to the TMX-U magnetic field. Particle collision then converts this perpendicular heating to uniform plasma heating. This paper describes the various aspects of the ICRH system: antennas, power supplies, computer control, and data acquisition. 4 refs., 10 figs.

Overview of the Lockheed Martin Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) Project

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, Thomas

2017-10-01

The Lockheed Martin Compact Fusion Reactor (CFR) Program endeavors to quickly develop a compact fusion power plant with favorable commercial economics and military utility. The CFR uses a diamagnetic, high beta, magnetically encapsulated, linear ring cusp plasma confinement scheme. Major project activities will be reviewed, including the T4B and T5 plasma heating experiments. The goal of the experiments is to demonstrate a suitable plasma target for heating experiments, to characterize the behavior of plasma sources in the CFR configuration and to then heat the plasma with neutral beams, with the plasma transitioning into the high Beta confinement regime. The design and preliminary results of the experiments will be presented, including discussion of predicted behavior, plasma sources, heating mechanisms, diagnostics suite and relevant numerical modeling. ©2017 Lockheed Martin Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Optimal experimental designs for the estimation of thermal properties of composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scott, Elaine P.; Moncman, Deborah A.

1994-01-01

Reliable estimation of thermal properties is extremely important in the utilization of new advanced materials, such as composite materials. The accuracy of these estimates can be increased if the experiments are designed carefully. The objectives of this study are to design optimal experiments to be used in the prediction of these thermal properties and to then utilize these designs in the development of an estimation procedure to determine the effective thermal properties (thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity). The experiments were optimized by choosing experimental parameters that maximize the temperature derivatives with respect to all of the unknown thermal properties. This procedure has the effect of minimizing the confidence intervals of the resulting thermal property estimates. Both one-dimensional and two-dimensional experimental designs were optimized. A heat flux boundary condition is required in both analyses for the simultaneous estimation of the thermal properties. For the one-dimensional experiment, the parameters optimized were the heating time of the applied heat flux, the temperature sensor location, and the experimental time. In addition to these parameters, the optimal location of the heat flux was also determined for the two-dimensional experiments. Utilizing the optimal one-dimensional experiment, the effective thermal conductivity perpendicular to the fibers and the effective volumetric heat capacity were then estimated for an IM7-Bismaleimide composite material. The estimation procedure used is based on the minimization of a least squares function which incorporates both calculated and measured temperatures and allows for the parameters to be estimated simultaneously.

Development of High-Field ST Merging Experiment: TS-U for High Power Reconnection Heating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ono, Y.; Koike, H.; Tanabe, H.; Himeno, S.; Ishida, S.; Kimura, K.; Kawanami, M.; Narita, M.; Takahata, Y.; Yokoyama, T.; Inomoto, M.; Cheng, C. Z.

2016-10-01

We are developing high-magnetic field ST merging/ reconnection experiment TS-U with Brec = 0.3-0.5T, based on our scaling law of reconnection heating energy proportional to square of the reconnecting (poloidal) magnetic field Brec. This scaling law indicates that the high-Brec ST merging will heat ions to the burning plasma regime without using any additional heating facility. Its mechanism is that the reconnection outflow accelerates mainly ions up to the poloidal Alfven speed like the Sweet-Parker model. The shock-like density pileups thermalize the accelerated ions in the down-streams in agreement with recent solar satellite observations and PIC simulation results. We already documented significant ion heating of spheromak and ST mergings up to 0.25keV in TS-3 and 1.2keV in MAST, leading us to the high-Brec merging experiment TS-U. It is noted that high-resolution (>500 channel) 2D measurements of ion and electron temperatures is being developed for the purpose of solving all acceleration and heating effects of magnetic reconnection, such as the huge outflow heating of ions in the downstream and electron heating localized at the X-point.

Experimental determination of in situ utilization of lunar regolith for thermal energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richter, Scott W.

1992-01-01

A Lunar Thermal Energy from Regolith (LUTHER) experiment has been designed and fabricated at the NASA Lewis Research Center to determine the feasibility of using lunar soil as thermal energy storage media. The experimental apparatus includes an alumina ceramic canister which contains simulated lunar regolith, a heater, nine heat shields, a heat transfer cold jacket, and 19 type-B platinum rhodium thermocouples. The simulated lunar regolith is a basalt that closely resembles the lunar basalt returned to earth by the Apollo missions. The experiment will test the effects of vacuum, particle size, and density on the thermophysical properties of the regolith, which include melt temperature, specific heat thermal conductivity, and latent heat of storage. Two separate tests, using two different heaters, will be performed to study the effect of heating the system using radiative and conductive heat transfer. A finite differencing SINDA model was developed at NASA Lewis Research Center to predict the performance of the LUTHER experiment. The code will predict the effects of vacuum, particle size, and density has on the heat transfer to the simulated regolith.

Bulk heating effects as tests for collapse models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adler, Stephen L.; Vinante, Andrea

2018-05-01

We discuss limits on the noise strength parameter in mass-proportional-coupled wave-function collapse models implied by bulk heating effects and examine the role of the noise power spectrum in comparing experiments of different types. This comparison utilizes a calculation of the rate of heating through phonon excitation implied by a general noise power spectrum λ (ω ) . We find that, in the standard heating formula, the reduction rate λ is replaced by λeff=2/3 π3 /2 ∫d3w e-w⃗2w⃗2λ ( ωL(w ⃗/rc) ) , with ωL(q ⃗) being the longitudinal acoustic-phonon frequency as a function of wave number q ⃗, and with rC being the noise correlation length. Hence if the noise power spectrum is cut off below ωL(| q ⃗|˜rc-1) , the bulk heating rate is sharply reduced, allowing compatibility with current experimental results. We suggest possible new bulk heating experiments that can be performed subject to limits placed by natural heating from radioactivity and cosmic rays. The proposed experiments exploit the vanishing of thermal transport in the low-temperature limit.

The Scientific Papers of James Prescott Joule 2 Volume Set

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prescott Joule, James

2011-03-01

Volume 1: Description of an electro-magnetic engine; Description of an electro-magnetic engine, with experiments; On the use of electro-magnets made of iron wire for the electro-magnetic engine; Investigations in magnetism and electro-magnetism; Investigations in magnetism and electro-magnetism; Description of an electro-magnetic engine; On electro-magnetic forces; On electro-magnetic forces; On electro-magnetic forces; Description of a new electro-magnet; On a new class of magnetic forces; On voltaic apparatus; On the production of heat by voltaic electricity; On the heat evolved by metallic conductors of electricity, and in the cells of a battery during electrolysis; On the electric origin of the heat of combustion; On the electrical origin of chemical heat; On Sir G. C. Haughton's experiments; On the heat evolved during the electrolysis of water; On the calorific effects of magneto-electricity, and on the mechanical value of heat; On the intermittent character of the voltaic current in certain cases of electrolysis; and on the intensities of various voltaic arrangements; On the changes of temperature produced by the rarefaction and condensation of air; On specific heat; On a new method for ascertaining the specific heat of bodies; Note on the employment of electrical currents for ascertaining the specific heat of bodies; On the mechanical equivalent of heat; On the existence of an equivalent relation between heat and the ordinary forms of mechanical power; On the heat disengaged in chemical combinations; On the effects of magnetism upon the dimensions of iron and steel bars; On matter, living force, and heat; On the mechanical equivalent of heat, as determined from the heat evolved by the function of fluids; On the theoretical velocity of sound; Expériences sur l'identité entre le calorique et la force méchanique. Détermination de l'équivalent par la chaleur dégagée pendant la friction du mercure; On shooting-stars; On the mechanical equivalent of heat, and on the constitution of elastic fluids; Some remarks on heat and the constitution of elastic fluids; On the mechanical equivalent of heat; On a remarkable appearance of lightning; On some amalgams; On the air-engine; Account of experiments with a powerful electro-magnet; On the economical production of mechanical effect from chemical forces; An account of some experiments with a large electro-magnet; Introductory research on the induction of magnetism by electric currents; On the fusion of metals by voltaic electricity; Note on Dalton's determination of the expansion of air by heat; On the utilization of the sewage of London and other large towns; Notice of experiments on the heat developed by friction in air; On the intensity of light during the recent solar eclipse; On an improved galvanometer; On the thermo-electricity of ferruginous metals, and on the thermal effects of stretching solid bodies; On the thermal effects of longitudinal compression of solids, with an investigation on the alterations of temperature accompanying changes of pressure in fluids; On some thermo-dynamic properties of solids; On the thermal effects of compressing fluids; On a method of testing the strength of steam-boilers; Experiments on the total heat of steam; Experiments on the passage of air through pipes and apertures in thin plates; On some amalgams; On the probable cause of electric storms; On the surface-condensation of steam; Notice of a compressing air-pump; Note on a mirage at Douglas; On a sensitive barometer; On a sensitive thermometer; Note on the meteor of February 6th, 1818; On a method of hardening steel wires for magnetic needles; On an instrument for showing rapid changes in magnetic declination; Determination of the dynamical equivalent of heat from the thermal effects of electric currents; Observations on the alteration of the freezing-point in thermometers; On a new

Solar Energy School Heating Augmentation Experiment. Design, Construction and Initial Operation. A Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

InterTechnology Corp., Warrenton, VA.

This report describes an experimental solar heating system, complete with thermal storage and controls, that has met all the heating requirements of five detached classrooms of the Fauquier High School in Warrenton, Virginia. The objectives of the experiment were to (1) demonstrate that solar energy can be used to provide a substantial part of the…

Timonium Elementary School Solar Energy Heating and Cooling Augmentation Experiment. Final Engineering Report. Executive Summary.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

AAI Corp., Baltimore, MD.

This report covers a two-year and seven-month solar space heating and cooling experiment conducted at the Timonium Elementary School, Timonium, Maryland. The system was designed to provide a minimum of 50 percent of the energy required during the heating season and to determine the feasibility of using solar energy to power absorption-type…

Solar Heating Experiment on the Grover Cleveland School, Boston, Massachusetts. Final Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

General Electric Co., Philadelphia, PA. Space Div.

General Electric Company was one of four contractors who received a contract in early January 1974 to design, build, and install a solar heating experiment in a public school. The overall objective of this program was to obtain data that would assist in evaluating the applicability of solar heating systems in large metropolitan areas. This data…

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

Not Available

On January 14, 1974, AAI Corporation received a contract from the National Science Foundation to conduct a Solar Heating Proof-of-Concept Experiment (POCE) for a public school building. On March 1, 1974, one and a half months later, the experiment began as Timonium Elementary School became the first school in the United States heated by solar energy. In this brief period of time, AAI designed, manufactured, and installed a 5000 square foot collector array complete with mounting trusses, a 15,000 gallon water storage tank, school hot water heating system, and instrumentation. From March 1 to May 15 the selected wing ofmore » the school received 90% of its heat from the solar heating system. During this period, experimental data were collected and are presented in this report. This experiment has been successful since it has proven that the solar heating of schools is possible, practical, and socially acceptable. In addition, over 1200 gallons of fuel oil have been saved in the brief period the system has been in operation. This report describes the system in detail, presents the analysis of operation, and discusses recommendations and conclusions based upon the results of the experiment so far. (auth)« less

Preparation and performance evaluation of epoxy-based heat reflective coating for the pavement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, B.; Liang, Y. H.; Guo, L. Y.; Jiang, T.

2017-04-01

According to the basic characteristics and composition of heat-reflective coating, combining with the functional requirements of road materials, the experiment selects the epoxy resin with good wear resistance and adhesive force as a film forming material, with TiO2, SiO2 and extinction powder as the main functional filler. The experiment gets a good formula with suitable viscosity, low glossiness and good cooling effect, optimizes by orthogonal experiment. The experiment evaluates the indoor and outdoor cooling effect of heat-reflective coating, and analyses the road performance of the coating. The results shows that the better heat-reflective coating formula included 12% of titanium dioxide, 4% of silica and 4% of extinction powder. When the dosage of coating is 0.8kg/m2, the indoor specimen of heat-reflective coating decrease the temperature of 12 ˜ 14°C, and the specimen under solar radiation can reduce the temperature of 7 ˜ 9°C. The pavement of heat-reflective coating has good wear resistance, but the road slip resistance partly declines. Therefore, it needs to add the anti-sliding particles to meet the safe driving requirements.

Additional experiments on flowability improvements of aviation fuels at low temperatures, volume 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stockemer, F. J.; Deane, R. L.

1982-01-01

An investigation was performed to study flow improver additives and scale-model fuel heating systems for use with aviation hydrocarbon fuel at low temperatures. Test were performed in a facility that simulated the heat transfer and temperature profiles anticipated in wing fuel tanks during flight of long-range commercial aircraft. The results are presented of experiments conducted in a test tank simulating a section of an outer wing integral fuel tank approximately full-scale in height, chilled through heat exchange panels bonded to the upper and lower horizontal surfaces. A separate system heated lubricating oil externally by a controllable electric heater, to transfer heat to fuel pumped from the test tank through an oil-to-fuel heat exchanger, and to recirculate the heated fuel back to the test tank.

Evaluation of raw and heated velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) as feed ingredients for broilers.

PubMed

Del Carmen, J; Gernat, A G; Myhrman, R; Carew, L B

1999-06-01

Velvet bean plants (Mucuna pruriens) are used widely outside the U.S. as a cover crop. The beans (VB), high in protein, contain toxic substances that possibly can be destroyed by heating. Few data are available on the use of VB in poultry nutrition. We examined the effects of raw and dry-roasted VB on broiler performance in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 10, 20, and 30% raw VB were substituted into nutritionally balanced rations fed 0 to 42 d of age. Raw VB caused progressive reductions in growth; at 42 d of age, broilers fed 30% VB weighed 39% of controls. Feed intake declined significantly only with 30% VB. Feed efficiency decreased significantly with 20 and 30% VB. In Experiment 2, 10% raw VB and 10, 20, and 30% heated VB were fed 0 to 42 d. With 10% raw VB, broilers grew significantly slower but feed intake was unchanged. Inclusion of 10% heated VB allowed better growth than raw VB, and by 42 d of age, growth was not significantly different from that of controls. At 20 and 30%, heated VB promoted much better growth and efficiency than raw VB in Experiment 1, but values were significantly lower than those of controls. With 30% heated VB, broilers grew to 66% of control, a marked improvement over raw VB. Carcass yield was unaffected. Trypsin inhibitor activity but not L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in VB was destroyed by heating. We conclude that dry heating of VB partially destroys its growth-inhibiting factor(s), allowing successful use of 10% heated VB in broiler rations. Higher levels of heated VB reduced broiler performance, although results were much better than those of raw VB.

Heat transfer from nanoparticles: A corresponding state analysis

PubMed Central

Merabia, Samy; Shenogin, Sergei; Joly, Laurent; Keblinski, Pawel; Barrat, Jean-Louis

2009-01-01

In this contribution, we study situations in which nanoparticles in a fluid are strongly heated, generating high heat fluxes. This situation is relevant to experiments in which a fluid is locally heated by using selective absorption of radiation by solid particles. We first study this situation for different types of molecular interactions, using models for gold particles suspended in octane and in water. As already reported in experiments, very high heat fluxes and temperature elevations (leading eventually to particle destruction) can be observed in such situations. We show that a very simple modeling based on Lennard–Jones (LJ) interactions captures the essential features of such experiments and that the results for various liquids can be mapped onto the LJ case, provided a physically justified (corresponding state) choice of parameters is made. Physically, the possibility of sustaining very high heat fluxes is related to the strong curvature of the interface that inhibits the formation of an insulating vapor film. PMID:19571000

Heat Transfer Experiments in the Internal Cooling Passages of a Cooled Radial Turbine Rotor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, B. V.; Wagner, J. H.

1996-01-01

An experimental study was conducted (1) to experimentally measure, assess and analyze the heat transfer within the internal cooling configuration of a radial turbine rotor blade and (2) to obtain heat transfer data to evaluate and improve computational fluid dynamics (CFD) procedures and turbulent transport models of internal coolant flows. A 1.15 times scale model of the coolant passages within the NASA LERC High Temperature Radial Turbine was designed, fabricated of Lucite and instrumented for transient beat transfer tests using thin film surface thermocouples and liquid crystals to indicate temperatures. Transient heat transfer tests were conducted for Reynolds numbers of one-fourth, one-half, and equal to the operating Reynolds number for the NASA Turbine. Tests were conducted for stationary and rotating conditions with rotation numbers in the range occurring in the NASA Turbine. Results from the experiments showed the heat transfer characteristics within the coolant passage were affected by rotation. In general, the heat transfer increased and decreased on the sides of the straight radial passages with rotation as previously reported from NASA-HOST-sponsored experiments. The heat transfer in the tri-passage axial flow region adjacent to the blade exit was relatively unaffected by rotation. However, the heat transfer on one surface, in the transitional region between the radial inflow passage and axial, constant radius passages, decreased to approximately 20 percent of the values without rotation. Comparisons with previous 3-D numerical studies indicated regions where the heat transfer characteristics agreed and disagreed with the present experiment.

Two Experiments for Estimating Free Convection and Radiation Heat Transfer Coefficients

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Economides, Michael J.; Maloney, J. O.

1978-01-01

This article describes two simple undergraduate heat transfer experiments which may reinforce a student's understanding of free convection and radiation. Apparatus, experimental procedure, typical results, and discussion are included. (Author/BB)

Screening of veterinary drug residues in food by LC-MS/MS. Background and challenges.

PubMed

Delatour, Thierry; Racault, Lucie; Bessaire, Thomas; Desmarchelier, Aurélien

2018-04-01

Regulatory agencies and government authorities have established maximum residue limits (MRL) in various food matrices of animal origin for supporting governments and food operators in the monitoring of veterinary drug residues in the food chain, and ultimately in the consumer's plate. Today, about 200 veterinary drug residues from several families, mainly with antibiotic, antiparasitic or antiinflammatory activities, are regulated in a variety of food matrices such as milk, meat or egg. This article provides a review of the regulatory framework in milk and muscle including data from Codex Alimentarius, Europe, the U.S.A., Canada and China for about 220 veterinary drugs. The article also provides a comprehensive overview of the challenge for food control, and emphasizes the pivotal role of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), either in tandem with quadrupoles (LC-MS/MS) or high resolution MS (LC-HRMS), for ensuring an adequate consumer protection combined with an affordable cost. The capability of a streamlined LC-MS/MS platform for screening 152 veterinary drug residues in a broad range of raw materials and finished products is highlighted in a production line perspective. The rationale for a suite of four methods intended to achieve appropriate performance in terms of scope and sensitivity is presented. Overall, the platform encompasses one stream for the determination of 105 compounds in a run (based on acidic QuEChERS-like), plus two streams for 23 β-lactams (alkaline QuEChERS-like) and 10 tetracyclines (low-temperature partitioning), respectively, and a dedicated stream for 14 aminoglycosides (molecularly-imprinted polymer).

Validation of a QuEChERS-based gas chromatographic method for analysis of pesticide residues in Cassia angustifolia (senna).

PubMed

Tripathy, Vandana; Saha, Ajoy; Patel, Dilipkumar J; Basak, B B; Shah, Paresh G; Kumar, Jitendra

2016-08-02

A simple multi-residue method based on modified QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) approach was established for the determination of 17 organochlorine (OC), 15 organophosphorous (OP) and 7 synthetic pyrethroid (SP) pesticides in an economically important medicinal plant of India, Senna (Cassia angustifolia), by gas chromatography coupled to electron capture and flame thermionic detectors (GC/ECD/FTD) and confirmation of residues was done on gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The developed method was validated by testing the following parameters: linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), matrix effect, accuracy-precision and measurement uncertainty; the validation study clearly demonstrated the suitability of the method for its intended application. All pesticides showed good linearity in the range 0.01-1.0 μg mL(-1) for OCs and OPs and 0.05-2.5 μg mL(-1) for SPs with correlation coefficients higher than 0.98. The method gave good recoveries for most of the pesticides (70-120%) with intra-day and inter-day precision < 20% in most of the cases. The limits of detection varied from 0.003 to 0.03 mg kg(-1), and the LOQs were determined as 0.01-0.049 mg kg(-1). The expanded uncertainties were <30%, which was distinctively less than a maximum default value of ±50%. The proposed method was successfully applied to determine pesticide residues in 12 commercial market samples obtained from different locations in India.

Analysis of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in milk using QuEChERS and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry: triple quadrupole versus Q-Orbitrap mass analyzers.

PubMed

Rúbies, Antoni; Guo, Lili; Centrich, Francesc; Granados, Mercè

2016-08-01

We developed a Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method for the high throughput determination of 10 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in milk samples using high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) with a triple quadrupole (QqQ) instrument and an electrospray ionization (ESI) source. The new extraction procedure is highly efficient, and we obtained absolute recoveries in the range 78.1-97.1 % for the extraction and clean-up steps. Chromatographic separation is performed in the gradient mode with a biphenyl column and acidic mobile phases consisting of water and acetonitrile containing formic acid. The chromatographic run time was about 12 min, and NSAID peaks showed a good symmetry factor. For MS/MS detection, we used multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, using ESI in both positive and negative modes. Our method has been validated in compliance with the European Commission Decision 657/2002/EC, and we obtained very satisfactory results in inter-laboratory testing. Furthermore, we explored the use of a hybrid high resolution mass spectrometer, combining a quadrupole and an Orbitrap mass analyzer, for high resolution (HR) MS/MS detection of NSAIDs. We achieved lower NSAID quantification limits with Q-Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS) detection than those achieved with the QqQ instrument; however, its main feature is its very high selectivity, which makes HRMS/MS particularly suitable for confirmatory analysis.

Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Giacinti, Géraldine; Raynaud, Christine; Capblancq, Sophie; Simon, Valérie

2016-12-21

The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent. This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS 2 ) quantification of pesticides in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage properties. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic acids), reaching 25mgkg -1 , whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh extracts (<0.05mgkg -1 ). A significant relationship has been found between the levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS 2 . The differences in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method, aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiresidue Method for Quantification of Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim in Tilapia Fillet by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Using QuEChERS for Sample Preparation.

PubMed

Nunes, Kátia S D; Assalin, Márcia R; Vallim, José H; Jonsson, Claudio M; Queiroz, Sonia C N; Reyes, Felix G R

2018-01-01

A multiresidue method for detecting and quantifying sulfonamides (sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfamethoxypyridazine) and trimethoprim in tilapia fillet ( Oreochromis niloticus ) using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The sample preparation was optimized using the QuEChERS approach. The chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column and 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase in the isocratic elution mode. Method validation was performed based on the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Brazilian guideline. The validation parameters evaluated were linearity ( r  ≥ 0.99); limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), 1 ng·g -1 and 5 ng·g -1 , respectively; intraday and interdays precision (CV lower than 19.4%). The decision limit (CC α 102.6-120.0 ng·g -1 and 70 ng·g -1 for sulfonamides and trimethoprim, respectively) and detection capability (CC β 111.7-140.1 ng·g -1 and 89.9 ng·g -1 for sulfonamides and trimethoprim, respectively) were determined. Analyses of tilapia fillet samples from fish exposed to sulfamethazine through feed (incurred samples) were conducted in order to evaluate the method. This new method was demonstrated to be fast, sensitive, and suitable for monitoring sulfonamides and trimethoprim in tilapia fillet in health surveillance programs, as well as to be used in pharmacokinetics and residue depletion studies.

Flesh Shear Force, Cooking Loss, Muscle Antioxidant Status and Relative Expression of Signaling Molecules (Nrf2, Keap1, TOR, and CK2) and Their Target Genes in Young Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Fed with Graded Levels of Choline

PubMed Central

Jiang, Wei-Dan; Liu, Yang; Jiang, Jun; Wu, Pei; Zhao, Juan; Kuang, Sheng-Yao; Tang, Ling; Tang, Wu-Neng; Zhang, Yong-An; Zhou, Xiao-Qiu

2015-01-01

Six groups of grass carp (average weight 266.9 ± 0.6 g) were fed diets containing 197, 385, 770, 1082, 1436 and 1795 mg choline/kg, for 8 weeks. Fish growth, and muscle nutrient (protein, fat and amino acid) content of young grass carp were significantly improved by appropriate dietary choline. Furthermore, muscle hydroxyproline concentration, lactate content and shear force were improved by optimum dietary choline supplementation. However, the muscle pH value, cooking loss and cathepsins activities showed an opposite trend. Additionally, optimum dietary choline supplementation attenuated muscle oxidative damage in grass carp. The muscle antioxidant enzyme (catalase and glutathione reductase did not change) activities and glutathione content were enhanced by optimum dietary choline supplementation. Muscle cooking loss was negatively correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione content. At the gene level, these antioxidant enzymes, as well as the targets of rapamycin, casein kinase 2 and NF-E2-related factor 2 transcripts in fish muscle were always up-regulated by suitable choline. However, suitable choline significantly decreased Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 a (Keap1a) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 b (Keap1b) mRNA levels in muscle. In conclusion, suitable dietary choline enhanced fish flesh quality, and the decreased cooking loss was due to the elevated antioxidant status that may be regulated by Nrf2 signaling. PMID:26600252

Flesh Shear Force, Cooking Loss, Muscle Antioxidant Status and Relative Expression of Signaling Molecules (Nrf2, Keap1, TOR, and CK2) and Their Target Genes in Young Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Fed with Graded Levels of Choline.

PubMed

Zhao, Hua-Fu; Feng, Lin; Jiang, Wei-Dan; Liu, Yang; Jiang, Jun; Wu, Pei; Zhao, Juan; Kuang, Sheng-Yao; Tang, Ling; Tang, Wu-Neng; Zhang, Yong-An; Zhou, Xiao-Qiu

2015-01-01

Six groups of grass carp (average weight 266.9 ± 0.6 g) were fed diets containing 197, 385, 770, 1082, 1436 and 1795 mg choline/kg, for 8 weeks. Fish growth, and muscle nutrient (protein, fat and amino acid) content of young grass carp were significantly improved by appropriate dietary choline. Furthermore, muscle hydroxyproline concentration, lactate content and shear force were improved by optimum dietary choline supplementation. However, the muscle pH value, cooking loss and cathepsins activities showed an opposite trend. Additionally, optimum dietary choline supplementation attenuated muscle oxidative damage in grass carp. The muscle antioxidant enzyme (catalase and glutathione reductase did not change) activities and glutathione content were enhanced by optimum dietary choline supplementation. Muscle cooking loss was negatively correlated with antioxidant enzyme activities and glutathione content. At the gene level, these antioxidant enzymes, as well as the targets of rapamycin, casein kinase 2 and NF-E2-related factor 2 transcripts in fish muscle were always up-regulated by suitable choline. However, suitable choline significantly decreased Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 a (Keap1a) and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 b (Keap1b) mRNA levels in muscle. In conclusion, suitable dietary choline enhanced fish flesh quality, and the decreased cooking loss was due to the elevated antioxidant status that may be regulated by Nrf2 signaling.

A comparative theoretical study on core-hole excitation spectra of azafullerene and its derivatives

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

Deng, Yunfeng; Department of Physics, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025; Gao, Bin, E-mail: bin.gao@uit.no

2014-03-28

The core-hole excitation spectra—near-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS), x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES), and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) shake-up satellites have been simulated at the level of density functional theory for the azafullerene C{sub 59}N and its derivatives (C{sub 59}N){sup +}, C{sub 59}HN, (C{sub 59}N){sub 2}, and C{sub 59}N–C{sub 60}, in which the XPS shake-up satellites were simulated using our developed equivalent core hole Kohn-Sham (ECH-KS) density functional theory approach [B. Gao, Z. Wu, and Y. Luo, J. Chem. Phys. 128, 234704 (2008)] which aims for the study of XPS shake-up satellites of large-scale molecules. Our calculated spectra are generally inmore » good agreement with available experimental results that validates the use of the ECH-KS method in the present work. The nitrogen K-edge NEXAFS, XES, and XPS shake-up satellites spectra in general can be used as fingerprints to distinguish the azafullerene C{sub 59}N and its different derivatives. Meanwhile, different carbon K-edge spectra could also provide detailed information of (local) electronic structures of different molecules. In particular, a peak (at around 284.5 eV) in the carbon K-edge NEXAFS spectrum of the heterodimer C{sub 59}N–C{sub 60} is confirmed to be related to the electron transfer from the C{sub 59}N part to the C{sub 60} part in this charge-transfer complex.« less

Determination of ribavirin in chicken muscle by quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Wu, Yin-Liang; Chen, Ruo-Xia; Zhu, Lie; Lv, Yan; Zhu, Yong; Zhao, Jian

2016-02-15

A new analytical method for the determination of ribavirin in chicken muscle using a QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) was developed and validated. Samples were extracted with acidified methanol (methanol:acetic acid, 99:1, v/v). The extract was further purified by QuEChERS method using primary-secondary amine (PSA) and C18. Finally, the extract was dried by nitrogen under 45°C and reconstituted in water. The separation was performed on a Hypercarb analytical column under a gradient elution. The mobile phase was composed of water buffered with ammonium acetate (2.0mM) and acetonitrile. The proposed method was validated according to the European Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The values of the decision limit (CCα) and the detection capability (CCβ) were 1.1 and 1.5μg/kg, respectively. The mean recoveries of ribavirin ranged from 94.2% to 99.2%. The repeatability (expressed as coefficient of variation, CVr) of the method ranged from 4.5% to 4.9% and the reproducibility (CVR) of the method ranged from 4.8% to 5.4%. The method is demonstrated to be suitable for the determination of ribavirin in chicken muscle in conformity with the current EU performance requirements through validation. The total time required for the analysis of one sample, including sample preparation, was about 45min. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multiresidue Method for Quantification of Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim in Tilapia Fillet by Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Using QuEChERS for Sample Preparation

PubMed Central

Nunes, Kátia S. D.; Assalin, Márcia R.; Vallim, José H.; Jonsson, Claudio M.; Queiroz, Sonia C. N.

2018-01-01

A multiresidue method for detecting and quantifying sulfonamides (sulfapyridine, sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, sulfamethazine, sulfadimethoxine, sulfamethoxazole, and sulfamethoxypyridazine) and trimethoprim in tilapia fillet (Oreochromis niloticus) using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was developed and validated. The sample preparation was optimized using the QuEChERS approach. The chromatographic separation was performed using a C18 column and 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile as the mobile phase in the isocratic elution mode. Method validation was performed based on the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC and Brazilian guideline. The validation parameters evaluated were linearity (r ≥ 0.99); limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), 1 ng·g−1 and 5 ng·g−1, respectively; intraday and interdays precision (CV lower than 19.4%). The decision limit (CCα 102.6–120.0 ng·g−1 and 70 ng·g−1 for sulfonamides and trimethoprim, respectively) and detection capability (CCβ 111.7–140.1 ng·g−1 and 89.9 ng·g−1 for sulfonamides and trimethoprim, respectively) were determined. Analyses of tilapia fillet samples from fish exposed to sulfamethazine through feed (incurred samples) were conducted in order to evaluate the method. This new method was demonstrated to be fast, sensitive, and suitable for monitoring sulfonamides and trimethoprim in tilapia fillet in health surveillance programs, as well as to be used in pharmacokinetics and residue depletion studies. PMID:29686929

Trace analysis of three fungicides in animal origin foods with a modified QuEChERS method and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Mu, Zhaobin; Feng, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Yun; Zhang, Hongyan

2016-02-01

A multi-residue method based on modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) sample preparation, followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), was developed and validated for the determination of three selected fungicides (propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, and isopyrazam) in seven animal origin foods. The overall recoveries at the three spiking levels of 0.005, 0.05, and 0.5 mg kg(-1) spanned between 72.3 and 101.4% with relative standard deviation (RSD) values between 0.7 and 14.9%. The method shows good linearity in the concentrations between 0.001 and 1 mg L(-1) with the coefficient of determination (R (2)) value >0.99 for each target analyte. The limit of detections (LODs) for target analytes were between 0.04 and 1.26 μg kg(-1), and the limit of quantifications (LOQs) were between 0.13 and 4.20 μg kg(-1). The matrix effect for each individual compound was evaluated through the study of ratios of the areas obtained in solvent and matrix standards. The optimized method provided a negligible matrix effect for propiconazole within 20%, whereas for pyraclostrobin and isopyrazam, the matrix effect was relatively significant with a maximum value of 49.8%. The developed method has been successfully applied to the analysis of 210 animal origin samples obtained from 16 provinces of China. The results suggested that the developed method was satisfactory for trace analysis of three fungicides in animal origin foods.

Study protocol of Prednisone in episodic Cluster Headache (PredCH): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral prednisone as an add-on therapy in the prophylactic treatment of episodic cluster headache with verapamil

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Episodic cluster headache (ECH) is a primary headache disorder that severely impairs patient’s quality of life. First-line therapy in the initiation of a prophylactic treatment is verapamil. Due to its delayed onset of efficacy and the necessary slow titration of dosage for tolerability reasons prednisone is frequently added by clinicians to the initial prophylactic treatment of a cluster episode. This treatment strategy is thought to effectively reduce the number and intensity of cluster attacks in the beginning of a cluster episode (before verapamil is effective). This study will assess the efficacy and safety of oral prednisone as an add-on therapy to verapamil and compare it to a monotherapy with verapamil in the initial prophylactic treatment of a cluster episode. Methods and design PredCH is a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with parallel study arms. Eligible patients with episodic cluster headache will be randomized to a treatment intervention with prednisone or a placebo arm. The multi-center trial will be conducted in eight German headache clinics that specialize in the treatment of ECH. Discussion PredCH is designed to assess whether oral prednisone added to first-line agent verapamil helps reduce the number and intensity of cluster attacks in the beginning of a cluster episode as compared to monotherapy with verapamil. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00004716 PMID:23889923

Evaluation and prevention of the negative matrix effect of terpenoids on pesticides in apples quantification by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Giacinti, Géraldine; Raynaud, Christine; Capblancq, Sophie; Simon, Valérie

2017-02-03

The sample matrix can enhance the gas chromatography signal of pesticide residues relative to that obtained with the same concentration of pesticide in solvent. This paper is related to negative matrix effects observed in coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ion trap (GC/MS 2 ) quantification of pesticides in concentrated extracts of apple peel prepared by the Quick Easy Cheap Effective Rugged and Safe (QuEChERS) method. It is focused on the pesticides most frequently used on the apple varieties studied, throughout the crop cycle, right up to harvest, to combat pests and diseases and to improve fruit storage properties. Extracts from the fleshy receptacle (flesh), the epiderm (peel) and fruit of three apple varieties were studied by high-performance thin-layer chromatography hyphenated with UV-vis light detection (HPTLC/UV visible). The peel extracts had high concentrations of triterpenic acids (oleanolic and ursolic acids), reaching 25mgkg -1 , whereas these compounds were not detected in the flesh extracts (<0.05mgkg -1 ). A significant relationship has been found between the levels of these molecules and negative matrix effects in GC/MS 2 . The differences in the behavior of pesticides with respect to matrix effects can be accounted for by the physicochemical characteristics of the molecules (lone pairs, labile hydrogen, conjugation). The HPTLC/UV visible method developed here for the characterization of QuEChERS extracts acts as a complementary clean-up method, aimed to decrease the negative matrix effects of such extracts. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Determination of 255 pesticides in edible vegetable oils using QuEChERS method and gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

He, Zeying; Wang, Yuehua; Wang, Lu; Peng, Yi; Wang, Wenwen; Liu, Xiaowei

2017-02-01

In this study, a simple and high-throughput method for determination of 255 pesticides in vegetable oils was developed based on QuEChERS sample preparation method combined with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Different clean-up approaches were tested: A, 150 mg PSA + 150 mg C18; B, 250 mg PSA + 250 mg C18; C, 250 mg PSA + 250 mg C18 + 15 mg GCB; D, 250 mg PSA + 250 mg C18 + 50 mg GCB; and E, EMR-Lipid TM . Best clean-up capacity was observed for EMR clean-up. The extraction procedures and parameters, including extraction time, solvent/sample ratio, and buffer system, were also thoroughly investigated and optimized. The limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged between 5 and 50 μg kg -1 , and for the majority of the pesticides the LOQs were 5 μg kg -1 , which were below the regulatory MRLs. Most recoveries at seven spiking levels were in the range of 70-120 % with RSDs <20 % indicating satisfactory accuracy. The coefficient of determination (r 2 ) was >0.99 within the calibration linearity range of 2-500 μg L -1 for the majority of the pesticides. This method was proved to be simple, sensitive, and effective, which can be applied for large-scale pesticide screening and quantification in vegetable oils.

Coupled heat transfer model and experiment study of semitransparent barrier materials in aerothermal environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Da-Lin; Qi, Hong

Semi-transparent materials (such as IR optical windows) are widely used for heat protection or transfer, temperature and image measurement, and safety in energy , space, military, and information technology applications. They are used, for instance, ceramic coatings for thermal barriers of spacecrafts or gas turbine blades, and thermal image observation under extreme or some dangerous environments. In this paper, the coupled conduction and radiation heat transfer model is established to describe temperature distribution of semitransparent thermal barrier medium within the aerothermal environment. In order to investigate this numerical model, one semi-transparent sample with black coating was considered, and photothermal properties were measured. At last, Finite Volume Method (FVM) was used to solve the coupled model, and the temperature responses from the sample surfaces were obtained. In addition, experiment study was also taken into account. In the present experiment, aerodynamic heat flux was simulated by one electrical heater, and two experiment cases were designed in terms of the duration of aerodynamic heating. One case is that the heater irradiates one surface of the sample continually until the other surface temperature up to constant, and the other case is that the heater works only 130 s. The surface temperature responses of these two cases were recorded. Finally, FVM model of the coupling conduction-radiation heat transfer was validated based on the experiment study with relative error less than 5%.

Thermal physics in practice and its confrontation with school physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vochozka, Vladimír; Tesař, Jiří; Bednář, Vít

2017-01-01

Concepts of heat, specific heat capacity and other terms of thermal physics are very abstract. For their better understanding it is necessary in teaching to include newly conceived experiments focused on the everyday experience of students. The paper evaluates the thermal phenomena with the help of infrared camera, respectively surface temperature sensors for on-line measurement. The article focuses on the experimental verification of the law of conservation of energy in thermal physics, comparing specific heat capacity of various substances and their confrontation with established experience of pupils.

Maturation during short-duration heating of carbonaceous material: A new indicator for frictional heat during earthquake slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukoyoshi, H.; Hirono, T.

2016-12-01

Estimation of frictional heating of deep to shallow portion of ancient megasplay fault is important for understanding of weakening mechanism (e.g., thermal pressurization, melt lubrication) of present plate boundary fault and megasplay fault. Raman spectroscopy has recently been used to estimate the thermal metamorphic grade of organic matter in sedimentary rocks and applying the method in order to estimate the temperature of fast heating like frictional heating during earthquake. We performed microstructural observation and Raman spectroscopic analyses of carbonaceous materials (CM) in the fault rock of 2.5-5.5 km depth of an ancient megasplay fault (an out-of sequence thrust in the Shimant accretionary complex) and 1-4 km depth of a thrust in the Emi group, Hota accretionary complex, exposed on Japan. We also conducted heating experiment of CM in host rock of these fault with anaerobic condition (range: 100-1300ºC, intervals: 100ºC, rate of temperature increase: 20 K/min) in order to investigate the effects of fast heating rate like frictional heating during earthquake. Raman spectrum of CM of both fault is similar to spectrum of 400˜600 ºC heating experiment of CM. This result shows that both fault had heating history of 400˜600 ºC by frictional heating. To evaluate the levels of friction, Raman spectrum of the short time maturated experimented CM is useful as calibration tool.

Ice Prevention on Aircraft by Means of Engine Exhaust Heat and a Technical Study of Heat Transmission from a Clark Y Airfoil

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Theodorsen, Theodore; Clay, William C

1933-01-01

This investigation was conducted to study the practicability of employing heat as a means of preventing the formation of ice on airplane wings. The report relates essentially to technical problems regarding the extraction of heat from the exhaust gases and its proper distribution over the exposed surfaces. In this connection a separate study has been made to determine the variation of the coefficient of heat transmission along the chord of a Clark Y airfoil. Experiments on ice prevention both in the laboratory and in flight show conclusively that it is necessary to heat only the front portion of the wing surface to effect complete prevention. Experiments in flight show that a vapor-heating system which extracts heat from the exhaust and distributes it to the wings is an entirely practical and efficient method for preventing ice formation.

Magma Mixing Chronometry: Quantitative 3D Tomographic Analysis of Biotite Breakdown in Heating Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grocke, S. B.; Andrews, B. J.; Manga, M.; Quinn, E. T.

2015-12-01

Dacite lavas from Chaos Crags, Lassen Volcanic Center, CA contain inclusions of more mafic magmas, suggesting that mixing or mingling of magmas occurred just prior to lava dome extrusion, and perhaps triggered the eruption. The timescales between the mixing event and eruption are unknown, but reaction rims on biotite grains hosted in the Chaos Crags dacite may provide a record of the timescale (i.e., chronometer) between mixing and eruption. To quantify the effect of pre-eruptive heating on the formation of reaction rims on biotite, we conducted isobaric (150 MPa), H2O-saturated, heating experiments on the dacite end-member. In heating experiments, we held the natural dacite at 800°C and 150MPa for 96 hours and then isobarically heated the experiments to 825 and 850°C (temperatures above the biotite liquidus, <815°C at 150MPa) for durations ≤96 hours. We analyzed run products using high-resolution SEM imaging and synchrotron-based X-ray tomography, which provides a 3-dimensional rendering of biotite breakdown reaction products and textures. X-ray tomography images of experimental run products reveal that in all heating experiments, biotite breakdown occurs and reaction products include orthopyroxenes, Fe-Ti oxides, and vapor (inferred from presence of bubbles). Experiments heated to 850°C for 96 h show extensive breakdown, consisting of large orthopyroxene crystals, Fe-Ti oxide laths (<100μm), and bubbles. When the process of biotite breakdown goes to completion, the resulting H2O bubble comprises roughly the equivalent volume of the original biotite crystal. This observation suggests that biotite breakdown can add significant water to the melt and lead to extensive bubble formation. Although bubble expansion and magma flow may disrupt the reaction products in some magmas, our experiments suggest that biotite breakdown textures in natural samples can be used as a chronometer for pre-eruptive magma mixing.

Low-Frequency Waves in HF Heating of the Ionosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, A. S.; Eliasson, B.; Milikh, G. M.; Najmi, A.; Papadopoulos, K.; Shao, X.; Vartanyan, A.

2016-02-01

Ionospheric heating experiments have enabled an exploration of the ionosphere as a large-scale natural laboratory for the study of many plasma processes. These experiments inject high-frequency (HF) radio waves using high-power transmitters and an array of ground- and space-based diagnostics. This chapter discusses the excitation and propagation of low-frequency waves in HF heating of the ionosphere. The theoretical aspects and the associated models and simulations, and the results from experiments, mostly from the HAARP facility, are presented together to provide a comprehensive interpretation of the relevant plasma processes. The chapter presents the plasma model of the ionosphere for describing the physical processes during HF heating, the numerical code, and the simulations of the excitation of low-frequency waves by HF heating. It then gives the simulations of the high-latitude ionosphere and mid-latitude ionosphere. The chapter also briefly discusses the role of kinetic processes associated with wave generation.

Analysis of higher harmonics on bidirectional heat pulse propagation experiment in helical and tokamak plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, T.; Ida, K.; Inagaki, S.; Tsuchiya, H.; Tamura, N.; Choe, G. H.; Yun, G. S.; Park, H. K.; Ko, W. H.; Evans, T. E.; Austin, M. E.; Shafer, M. W.; Ono, M.; López-bruna, D.; Ochando, M. A.; Estrada, T.; Hidalgo, C.; Moon, C.; Igami, H.; Yoshimura, Y.; Tsujimura, T. Ii.; Itoh, S.-I.; Itoh, K.

2017-07-01

In this contribution we analyze modulation electron cyclotron resonance heating (MECH) experiment and discuss higher harmonic frequency dependence of transport coefficients. We use the bidirectional heat pulse propagation method, in which both inward propagating heat pulse and outward propagating heat pulse are analyzed at a radial range, in order to distinguish frequency dependence of transport coefficients due to hysteresis from that due to other reasons, such as radially dependent transport coefficients, a finite damping term, or boundary effects. The method is applied to MECH experiments performed in various helical and tokamak devices, i.e. Large Helical Device (LHD), TJ-II, Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR), and Doublet III-D (DIII-D) with different plasma conditions. The frequency dependence of transport coefficients are clearly observed, showing a possibility of existence of transport hysteresis in flux-gradient relation.

Furfural Synthesis from d-Xylose in the Presence of Sodium Chloride: Microwave versus Conventional Heating.

PubMed

Xiouras, Christos; Radacsi, Norbert; Sturm, Guido; Stefanidis, Georgios D

2016-08-23

We investigate the existence of specific/nonthermal microwave effects for the dehydration reaction of xylose to furfural in the presence of NaCl. Such effects are reported for sugars dehydration reactions in several literature reports. To this end, we adopted three approaches that compare microwave-assisted experiments with a) conventional heating experiments from the literature; b) simulated conventional heating experiments using microwave-irradiated silicon carbide (SiC) vials; and at c) different power levels but the same temperature by using forced cooling. No significant differences in the reaction kinetics are observed using any of these methods. However, microwave heating still proves advantageous as it requires 30 % less forward power compared to conventional heating (SiC vial) to achieve the same furfural yield at a laboratory scale. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Validation experiments to determine radiation partitioning of heat flux to an object in a fully turbulent fire.

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

Ricks, Allen; Blanchat, Thomas K.; Jernigan, Dann A.

2006-06-01

It is necessary to improve understanding and develop validation data of the heat flux incident to an object located within the fire plume for the validation of SIERRA/ FUEGO/SYRINX fire and SIERRA/CALORE. One key aspect of the validation data sets is the determination of the relative contribution of the radiative and convective heat fluxes. To meet this objective, a cylindrical calorimeter with sufficient instrumentation to measure total and radiative heat flux had been designed and fabricated. This calorimeter will be tested both in the controlled radiative environment of the Penlight facility and in a fire environment in the FLAME/Radiant Heatmore » (FRH) facility. Validation experiments are specifically designed for direct comparison with the computational predictions. Making meaningful comparisons between the computational and experimental results requires careful characterization and control of the experimental features or parameters used as inputs into the computational model. Validation experiments must be designed to capture the essential physical phenomena, including all relevant initial and boundary conditions. A significant question of interest to modeling heat flux incident to an object in or near a fire is the contribution of the radiation and convection modes of heat transfer. The series of experiments documented in this test plan is designed to provide data on the radiation partitioning, defined as the fraction of the total heat flux that is due to radiation.« less

The International Heat Stress Genotype Experiment for Modeling Wheat Response to Heat: Field Experiments and AgMIP-Wheat Multi-Model Simulations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Martre, Pierre; Reynolds, Matthew P.; Asseng, Senthold; Ewert, Frank; Alderman, Phillip D.; Cammarano, Davide; Maiorano, Andrea; Ruane, Alexander C.; Aggarwal, Pramod K.; Anothai, Jakarat;

Small scale thermal violence experiments for combined insensitive high explosive and booster materials

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

Rae, Philip J; Bauer, Clare L; Stennett, C

A small scale cook-off experiment has been designed to provide a violence metric for both booster and IHE materials, singly and in combination. The experiment has a simple, axisymmetric geometry provided by a 10 mm internal diameter cylindrical steel confinement up to 80 mm in length. Heating is applied from one end of the sample length creating pseudo 1-D heating profile and a thermal gradient across the sample(s). At the opposite end of the confinement to the heating block, a machined groove provides a point of rupture that generates a cylindrical fragment. The displacement of the external face of themore » fragment is detected by Heterodyne Velocimetry. Proof of concept experiments are reported focusing on HMX and TATB formulations, and are described in relation to confinement, ullage and heating profile. The development of a violence metric, based upon fragment velocity records is discussed.« less

JET (3He)-D scenarios relying on RF heating: survey of selected recent experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Eester, D.; Lerche, E.; Andrew, Y.; Biewer, T. M.; Casati, A.; Crombé, K.; de la Luna, E.; Ericsson, G.; Felton, R.; Giacomelli, L.; Giroud, C.; Hawkes, N.; Hellesen, C.; Hjalmarsson, A.; Joffrin, E.; Källne, J.; Kiptily, V.; Lomas, P.; Mantica, P.; Marinoni, A.; Mayoral, M.-L.; Ongena, J.; Puiatti, M.-E.; Santala, M.; Sharapov, S.; Valisa, M.; JET EFDA contributors

2009-04-01

Recent JET experiments have been devoted to the study of (3He)-D plasmas involving radio frequency (RF) heating. This paper starts by discussing the RF heating efficiency theoretically expected in such plasmas, covering both relevant aspects of wave and of particle dynamics. Then it gives a concise summary of the main conclusions drawn from recent experiments that were either focusing on studying RF heating physics aspects or that were adopting RF heating as a tool to study plasma behavior. Depending on the minority concentration chosen, different physical phenomena are observed. At very low concentration (X[3He] < 1%), energetic tails are formed which trigger MHD activity and result in loss of fast particles. Alfvén cascades were observed and gamma ray tomography indirectly shows the impact of sawtooth crashes on the fast particle orbits. Low concentration (X[3He] < 10%) favors minority heating while for X[3He] Gt 10% electron mode conversion damping becomes dominant. Evidence for the Fuchs et al standing wave effect (Fuchs et al 1995 Phys. Plasmas 2 1637-47) on the absorption is presented. RF induced deuterium tails were observed in mode conversion experiments with large X[3He] (≈18%). As tentative modeling shows, the formation of these tails can be explained as a consequence of wave power absorption by neutral beam particles that efficiently interact with the waves well away from the cold D cyclotron resonance position as a result of their substantial Doppler shift. As both ion and electron RF power deposition profiles in (3He)-D plasmas are fairly narrow—giving rise to localized heat sources—the RF heating method is an ideal tool for performing transport studies. Various of the experiments discussed here were done in plasmas with internal transport barriers (ITBs). ITBs are identified as regions with locally reduced diffusivity, where poloidal spinning up of the plasma is observed. The present know-how on the role of RF heating for impurity transport is also briefly summarized.

Uncertainty Analysis of Heat Transfer to Supercritical Hydrogen in Cooling Channels

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Locke, Justin M.; Landrum, D. Brian

2005-01-01

Sound understanding of the cooling efficiency of supercritical hydrogen is crucial to the development of high pressure thrust chambers for regeneratively cooled LOX/LH2 rocket engines. This paper examines historical heat transfer correlations for supercritical hydrogen and the effects of uncertainties in hydrogen property data. It is shown that uncertainty due to property data alone can be as high as 10%. Previous heated tube experiments with supercritical hydrogen are summarized, and data from a number of heated tube experiments are analyzed to evaluate conditions for which the available correlations are valid.

Atlas of the global distribution of atmospheric heating during the global weather experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaack, Todd K.; Johnson, Donald R.

1991-01-01

Global distributions of atmospheric heating for the annual cycle of the Global Weather Experiment are estimated from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Level 3b data set. Distributions of monthly, seasonally, and annually averaged heating are presented for isentropic and isobaric layers within the troposphere and for the troposphere as a whole. The distributions depict a large-scale structure of atmospheric heating that appears spatially and temporally consistent with known features of the global circulation and the seasonal evolution.

Overview of Non-Solenoidal Startup Studies in the Pegasus ST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bongard, M. W.; Barr, J. L.; Bodner, G. M.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Pachicano, J. L.; Perry, J. M.; Reusch, J. A.; Richner, N. J.; Rodriguez Sanchez, C.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2016-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) is a non-solenoidal startup method pursued on Pegasus utilizing compact, high power current sources (Ainj 2 - 4 cm2, Iinj 10 kA, Vinj 1 kV) at the plasma edge. Outboard injectors (Ninj = 4 , Ainj = 8 cm2) produce Ip 170 kA plasmas compatible with Ohmic drive. A 0-D model that treats the plasma as a resistive element with time-varying inductance and enforces Ip limits from Taylor relaxation is used to interpret experimental Ip(t) in several scenarios. Strong inductive drive arises from the plasma shape evolution, in addition to poloidal field induction. A new injector system has recently been installed in the lower divertor region (Ninj = 2 , Ainj = 8 cm2) to explore the implications of geometric placement of the helicity injectors on LHI startup. This geometry supports tests of reconnection dynamics seen in NIMROD simulations, high-BT effects expected in larger devices, and LHI electron confinement with and without inductive assist. Plasmas with Ip > 130 kA, Vinj 0.5 kV, Δtpulse 8 ms and BT /BT , max <= 50 % are produced with the inboard system to date, consistent with performance expectations. Higher Ip is expected with increased BT, Vinj, and Δtpulse . Thomson scattering data in both geometries indicate high Te >= 100 eV during LHI, suggesting the confinement is not strongly stochastic. Conceptual design work is exploring the feasibility of coaxial helicity injection and ECH heating on Pegasus in addition to LHI. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Lunar heat flow experiments: Science objectives and a strategy for minimizing the effects of lander-induced perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiefer, Walter S.

2012-01-01

Reliable measurements of the Moon's global heat flow would serve as an important diagnostic test for models of lunar thermal evolution and would also help to constrain the Moon's bulk abundance of radioactive elements and its differentiation history. The two existing measurements of lunar heat flow are unlikely to be representative of the global heat flow. For these reasons, obtaining additional heat flow measurements has been recognized as a high priority lunar science objective. In making such measurements, it is essential that the design and deployment of the heat flow probe and of the parent spacecraft do not inadvertently modify the near-surface thermal structure of the lunar regolith and thus perturb the measured heat flow. One type of spacecraft-related perturbation is the shadow cast by the spacecraft and by thermal blankets on some instruments. The thermal effects of these shadows propagate by conduction both downward and outward from the spacecraft into the lunar regolith. Shadows cast by the spacecraft superstructure move over the surface with time and only perturb the regolith temperature in the upper 0.8 m. Permanent shadows, such as from thermal blankets covering a seismometer or other instruments, can modify the temperature to greater depth. Finite element simulations using measured values of the thermal diffusivity of lunar regolith show that the limiting factor for temperature perturbations is the need to measure the annual thermal wave for 2 or more years to measure the thermal diffusivity. The error induced by permanent spacecraft thermal shadows can be kept below 8% of the annual wave amplitude at 1 m depth if the heat flow probe is deployed at least 2.5 m away from any permanent spacecraft shadow. Deploying the heat flow probe 2 m from permanent shadows permits measuring the annual thermal wave for only one year and should be considered the science floor for a heat flow experiment on the Moon. One way to meet this separation requirement would be to deploy the heat flow and seismology experiments on opposite sides of the spacecraft. This result should be incorporated in the design of future lunar geophysics spacecraft experiments. Differences in the thermal environments of the Moon and Mars result in less restrictive separation requirements for heat flow experiments on Mars.

Studies of Phase Change Materials and a Latent Heat Storage Unit Used for a Natural Circulation Cooling/Latent Heat Storage System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakitani, Katsumi; Honda, Hiroshi

Experiments were performed to investigate feasibility of using organic materials as a PCM for a latent heat storage unit of a natural circulation cooling/latent heat storage system. This system was designed to cool a shelter accommodating telecommunication equipment located in subtropical deserts or similar regions without using a power source. Taking into account practical considerations and the results of various experiments regarding the thermodynamic properties, thermal degradation, and corrosiveness to metals, lauric acid and iron was selected for the PCM and the latent heat storage unit material, respectively. Cyclic heating and cooling of the latent heat storage unit undergoing solid-liquid phase change was repeated for more than 430 days. The results showed that the heating-cooling curve was almost unchanged between the early stage and the 1,870th cycle. It was concluded that the latent heat storage unit could be used safely for more than ten years as a component of the cooling system.

KSC-01PP1402

NASA Image and Video Library

2001-07-27

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39A, two Hitchhiker Experiments Advancing Technology (HEAT) payloads are loaded onto Discovery’s port adapter beam in the payload bay. At left is the Space Experiment Module, an educational initiative to increase educational access to space. The canister contains up to 10 small, enclosed modules that contain separate, passive experiments designed and constructed by students. Many of the experiments will study the growing characteristics of plants subjected to the space environment. At right is the Get Away Special canister containing the Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Converter (AMTEC), designed for efficient conversion of heat into electrical energy. The HEAT payloads are flying on mission STS-105, scheduled to launch Aug. 9, 2001

Gradient Heating Facility. Experiment cartridges. Description and general specifications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Breton, J.

1982-01-01

Specifications that define experiment cartridges that are compatible with the furnace of the gradient heating facility on board the Spacelab are presented. They establish a standard cartridge design independent of the type of experiment to be conducted. By using them, experimenters can design, construct, and test the hot section of the cartridge, known as the high temperature nacelle.

Making Sturdy Cloth-Bound Books Using Heat-N-Bond Ultra.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dwyer, Edward J.; Dwyer, Evelyn

The road to competence in writing is best paved with joyful experiences, especially early experiences with writing in the elementary school. One such experience is writing a story and making a beautiful cloth-bound book. Materials needed, which are easily obtained, are: (1) a commercially produced material called Heat-N-Bond (Ultra); (2) mat board…

Rigidizable Inflatable Get-Away-Special Experiment (RIGEX) Post Flight Analysis, Ground Testing, Modeling, and Future Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

applications. RIGEX was an Air Force Institute of Technology graduate-student-built Space Shuttle cargo bay experiment intended to heat and inflate...suggestions for future experiments and applications are provided. RIGEX successfully accomplished its mission statement by validating the heating and...Inflatable/Rigidizable Solar Arrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 2.6. RIGEX Student Involvement

Blodgett Forest Warming Experiment 1

DOE Data Explorer

Pries, Caitlin Hicks (ORCID:0000000308132211); Castanha, Cristina; Porras, Rachel; Torn, Margaret

2017-03-24

Carbon stocks and density fractions from soil pits used to characterize soils of the Blodgett warming experiment as well as gas well CO2, 13C, and 14C data from experimental plots. The experiment consisted of 3 control and heated plot pairs. The heated plots are warmed +4°C above the control from 10 to 100 cm.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment: Thermal Phenomena in Microgravity. Video 3 of 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The report presents the results of the flight experiment Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Thermal Phenomena (TPCE/TP) performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle. TPCE/TP, flown on the Space Transportation System STS-52, was a second flight of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE). The experiment used Freon 113 at near saturation conditions. The test tank was filled with liquid to about 83 percent by volume. The experiment consisted of 21 tests. Each test generally started with a heating phase to increase the tank pressure and to develop temperature stratification in the fluid, followed by a fluid mixing phase for the tank pressure reduction and fluid temperature equilibration. The heating phase provided pool boiling data from large (relative to bubble sizes) heating surfaces (0.1046 m by 0.0742 m) at low heat fluxes (0.23 to 1.16 kW/m(exp 2)). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied from 39 to 78 kPa and 1 to 3 deg C, respectively. The boiling process during the entire heating period, as well a jet-induced mixing process for the first 2 min. of the mixing period, was also recorded on video. Analyses of data from the two flight experiments (TPCE and TPCE/TP) and their comparison with the results obtained in drop tower experiments suggest that as Bond number approaches zero the flow pattern produced by an axial jet and the mixing time can be predicted by the Weber number. This is video 3 of 4.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment: Thermal Phenomena in Microgravity. Video 4 of 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The report presents the results of the flight experiment Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Thermal Phenomena (TPCE/TP) performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle. TPCE/TP, flown on the Space Transportation System STS-52, was a second flight of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE). The experiment used Freon 113 at near saturation conditions. The test tank was filled with liquid to about 83 percent by volume. The experiment consisted of 21 tests. Each test generally started with a heating phase to increase the tank pressure and to develop temperature stratification in the fluid, followed by a fluid mixing phase for the tank pressure reduction and fluid temperature equilibration. The heating phase provided pool boiling data from large (relative to bubble sizes) heating surfaces (0.1046 m by 0.0742 m) at low heat fluxes (0.23 to 1.16 kW/m(exp 2)). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied from 39 to 78 kPa and 1 to 3 deg C, respectively. The boiling process during the entire heating period, as well a jet-induced mixing process for the first 2 min. of the mixing period, was also recorded on video. Analyses of data from the two flight experiments (TPCE and TPCE/TP) and their comparison with the results obtained in drop tower experiments suggest that as Bond number approaches zero the flow pattern produced by an axial jet and the mixing time can be predicted by the Weber number. This is video 4 of 4.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment: Thermal Phenomena in Microgravity. Video 1 of 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The report presents the results of the flight experiment Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Thermal Phenomena (TPCE/TP) performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle. TPCE/TP, flown on the Space Transportation System STS-52, was a second flight of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE). The experiment used Freon 113 at near saturation conditions. The test tank was filled with liquid to about 83 percent by volume. The experiment consisted of 21 tests. Each test generally started with a heating phase to increase the tank pressure and to develop temperature stratification in the fluid, followed by a fluid mixing phase for the tank pressure reduction and fluid temperature equilibration. The heating phase provided pool boiling data from large (relative to bubble sizes) heating surfaces (0.1046 m by 0.0742 m) at low heat fluxes (0.23 to 1.16 kW/m(exp 2)). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied from 39 to 78 kPa and 1 to 3 deg C, respectively. The boiling process during the entire heating period, as well a jet-induced mixing process for the first 2 min. of the mixing period, was also recorded on video. Analyses of data from the two flight experiments (TPCE and TPCE/TP) and their comparison with the results obtained in drop tower experiments suggest that as Bond number approaches zero the flow pattern produced by an axial jet and the mixing time can be predicted by the Weber number. This is video 1 of 4.

Tank Pressure Control Experiment: Thermal Phenomena in Microgravity. Video 2 of 4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

The report presents the results of the flight experiment Tank Pressure Control Experiment/Thermal Phenomena (TPCE/TP) performed in the microgravity environment of the space shuttle. TPCE/TP, flown on the Space Transportation System STS-52, was a second flight of the Tank Pressure Control Experiment (TPCE). The experiment used Freon 113 at near saturation conditions. The test tank was filled with liquid to about 83 percent by volume. The experiment consisted of 21 tests. Each test generally started with a heating phase to increase the tank pressure and to develop temperature stratification in the fluid, followed by a fluid mixing phase for the tank pressure reduction and fluid temperature equilibration. The heating phase provided pool boiling data from large (relative to bubble sizes) heating surfaces (0.1046 m by 0.0742 m) at low heat fluxes (0.23 to 1.16 kW/m(exp 2)). The system pressure and the bulk liquid subcooling varied from 39 to 78 kPa and 1 to 3 deg C, respectively. The boiling process during the entire heating period, as well a jet-induced mixing process for the first 2 min. of the mixing period, was also recorded on video. Analyses of data from the two flight experiments (TPCE and TPCE/TP) and their comparison with the results obtained in drop tower experiments suggest that as Bond number approaches zero the flow pattern produced by an axial jet and the mixing time can be predicted by the Weber number. This is video 2 of 4.

Heat transfer in a liquid helium cooled vacuum tube following sudden vacuum loss

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhuley, R. C.; Van Sciver, S. W.

2015-12-01

Condensation of nitrogen gas rapidly flowing into a liquid helium (LHe) cooled vacuum tube is studied. This study aims to examine the heat transfer in geometries such as the superconducting RF cavity string of a particle accelerator following a sudden loss of vacuum to atmosphere. In a simplified experiment, the flow is generated by quickly venting a large reservoir of nitrogen gas to a straight long vacuum tube immersed in LHe. Normal LHe (LHe I) and superfluid He II are used in separate experiments. The rate of condensation heat transfer is determined from the temperature of the tube measured at several locations along the gas flow. Instantaneous heat deposition rates in excess of 200 kW/m2 result from condensation of the flowing gas. The gas flow is then arrested in its path to pressurize the tube to atmosphere and estimate the heat transfer rate to LHe. A steady LHe I heat load of ≈25 kW/m2 is obtained in this scenario. Observations from the He II experiment are briefly discussed. An upper bound for the LHe I heat load is derived based on the thermodynamics of phase change of nitrogen.

SEE Observations of Ionospheric Heating from HAARP Using Orbital Angular Momentum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briczinski, S. J.; Bernhardt, P. A.; Siefring, C. L.

2013-12-01

High power HF radio waves exciting the ionosphere provide aeronomers with a unique space-based laboratory capability. The High-Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) in Gakona, Alaksa is the world's largest heating facility, providing effective radiated powers in the gigawatt range. Experiments performed at HAARP have allowed researchers to study many non-linear effects of wave-plasma interactions. Stimulated Electromagnetic Emission (SEE) is of interest to the ionospheric community for its diagnostic purposes. Typical SEE experiments at HAARP have focused on characterizing the parametric decay of the electromagnetic pump wave into several different wave modes such as upper and lower hybrid, ion acoustic, ion-Bernstein and electron-Bernstein. These production modes have been extensively studied at HAARP using traditional beam heating patterns and SEE detection. New results are present from HAARP experiments using an excitation mode that attempts to impart orbital angular momentum (OAM) into the heating region. This OAM mode is also referred to as a 'twisted beam.' Previous analysis of twisted beam heating shows that the SEE results obtained are nearly identical to the modes without OAM. Recent twisted beam heating experiments have produced SEE modes not previously characterized. These new modes are presented and discussed. One difference in the twisted beam mode is the heating region produced is in the shape of a ring as opposed to the more traditional 'solid spot' region. The ring heating pattern may be more conducive to the creation of artificial ionization clouds. The results of these runs include artificial ionization creation and evolution as pertaining to the twisted beam pattern.

Mathematical Theory of Laminar Combustion. 8. Ignition and Explosion

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

found to be governed by 1i d2/dE - de with 6 and ( 12 ) df/dg =(- )/2T0 + (i) as g. -- ,o 0 for g =0, where the first boundary condition comes from matching...the maximum 0; and to satisfy the conditions S"( 12 ) must set -- ’:L . (la) 2 e@O h 1 / 2 Jehl_-O2 (114) -T e 0 and = 2’ .ech e Since vanishes at the...corresponding to reactant depletion; ensures that it does not go beyond H0; in fact it rapidly approaches H0 (exponentially in time).I0 LL________ - 12

Whole body heat stress increases motor cortical excitability and skill acquisition in humans

PubMed Central

Littmann, Andrew E.; Shields, Richard K.

2015-01-01

Objective Vigorous systemic exercise stimulates a cascade of molecular and cellular processes that enhance central nervous system (CNS) plasticity and performance. The influence of heat stress on CNS performance and learning is novel. We designed two experiments to determine whether passive heat stress 1) facilitated motor cortex excitability and 2) improved motor task acquisition compared to no heat stress. Methods Motor evoked potentials (MEPs) from the first dorsal interosseus (FDI) were collected before and after 30 minutes of heat stress at 73° C. A second cohort of subjects performed a motor learning task using the FDI either following heat or the no heat condition. Results Heat stress increased heart rate to 65% of age-predicted maximum. After heat, mean resting MEP amplitude increased 48% (P < 0.05). MEP stimulus-response amplitudes did not differ according to stimulus intensity. In the second experiment, heat stress caused a significant decrease in absolute and variable error (p < 0.05) during a novel movement task using the FDI. Conclusions Passive environmental heat stress 1) increases motor cortical excitability, and 2) enhances performance in a motor skill acquisition task. Significance Controlled heat stress may prime the CNS to enhance motor skill acquisition during rehabilitation. PMID:26616546

Influence of T2 Candida Testing for Rapid Diagnosis of Candida Infections on Antifungal Stewardship Efforts at a Large Academic Medical Center: A Retrospective, Single-center Study

PubMed Central

Hayes, Justin F; Turner, Orlando D; McCarty, Todd P; Manning, Malia; Hoesley, Craig J; Pappas, Peter G

2017-01-01

Abstract Background Antimicrobial stewardship has traditionally focused on the optimal use of antibacterial agents. Much less attention is focused on the optimal use of antifungal therapy (AFT). The high mortality and emergence of resistance in invasive infections due to Candida presents a critical opportunity for AFT stewardship. The T2Candida (T2C) panel is a rapid diagnostic test using magnetic resonance to detect 5 different species of Candida in whole blood. T2C has a sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 99%, negative predictive value of 99%, and generates results in <6 hours. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of candidemia cases at the UAB Medical Center in 2015–16. T2C testing was introduced in January 2016. We compared outcomes among patients prior to and following the implementation of routine T2C testing. The focus of the study was to gather data on AFT, time to initiation of therapy(TTT), and overall use of echinocandin patterns during the study period utilizing days of therapy (DOT) /1000 pt days as a parameter. Results In 2015 and 2016, 100 patients and 138 patients with candidemia, respectively, were included in the analysis. In 2016, there were 354 T2C valid results; 36 (10.2%) were positive and 318 (89.8%) were negative. The TTT for all candidemic patients in 2015 was 2.02 days vs 1.15 days for candidemic patients in 2016, including all who were blood culture(BC)+ and/or T2C+ (P < 0.0001). For patients with candidemia in 2016, TTT in the T2C+ group vs those in whom only BC+ was 0.09 days and 1.69 days, respectively (P < 0.00001). Comparing results for 2015 and 2016, we observed echinocandin (ECH) usage of 15.1 and 17.8 DOT/1000 pt days, respectively. Conclusion We observed a significant decrease in the TTT for candidemic patients since introduction of the T2C. These results suggest that rapid identification of candidemia may be an important tool for AFT stewardship. We hypothesize that other factors, such as the updated IDSA Treatment Guidelines for Candidiasis and increased attention to the early intervention for sepsis campaign, may have influenced the use of ECH, and is supported by the observation that along with the decrease in TTT, we observed a slight increase in the DOT/ 1000 pt days between 2015 and 2016, suggesting more liberal use of empiric ECH. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Processing Optimization of Deformed Plain Woven Thermoplastic Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, John R.; Vaidya, Uday K.

2013-12-01

This research addresses the processing optimization of post-manufactured, plain weave architecture composite panels consisted of four glass layers and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) when formed with only localized heating. Often times, during the production of deep drawn composite parts, a fabric preform experiences various defects, including non-isothermal heating and thickness variations. Minimizing these defects is of utmost importance for mass produceability in a practical manufacturing process. The broad objective of this research was to implement a design of experiments approach to minimize through-thickness composite panel variation during manufacturing by varying the heating time, the temperature of heated components and the clamping pressure. It was concluded that the heated tooling with least area contact was most influential, followed by the length of heating time and the amount of clamping pressure.

Loosely coupled coaxial TEM applicators for deep-heating.

PubMed

Harrison, W H; Storm, F K

1989-01-01

The development of a coaxial TEM (transverse electromagnetic) deep-heating, non-contacting applicator employing two axially spaced concentric sleeves is described which has electrostatic characteristics and has been named the ESA. Thermal data obtained with the FDA/CDRH elliptic-shaped human torso phantom (with fat overlay) showed nearly uniform heating (+/- 10%) throughout the inner cross-section. Saline tank measurements on a torso cross-section confirmed similar SAR uniformity. Animal experiments with a pig, both with and without blood flow, verified deep-heating and suggested that some preferential central heating occurred. The absence of excessive surface heating indicated that the major portion of the E-field excitation is axially aligned. The non-contacting applicator does not require a water bolus, and experiments showed that moderate patient movement had minor effect on performance.

Solute and heat transport model of the Henry and Hilleke laboratory experiment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Langevin, C.D.; Dausman, A.M.; Sukop, M.C.

2010-01-01

SEAWAT is a coupled version of MODFLOW and MT3DMS designed to simulate variable-density ground water flow and solute transport. The most recent version of SEAWAT, called SEAWAT Version 4, includes new capabilities to represent simultaneous multispecies solute and heat transport. To test the new features in SEAWAT, the laboratory experiment of Henry and Hilleke (1972) was simulated. Henry and Hilleke used warm fresh water to recharge a large sand-filled glass tank. A cold salt water boundary was represented on one side. Adjustable heating pads were used to heat the bottom and left sides of the tank. In the laboratory experiment, Henry and Hilleke observed both salt water and fresh water flow systems separated by a narrow transition zone. After minor tuning of several input parameters with a parameter estimation program, results from the SEAWAT simulation show good agreement with the experiment. SEAWAT results suggest that heat loss to the room was more than expected by Henry and Hilleke, and that multiple thermal convection cells are the likely cause of the widened transition zone near the hot end of the tank. Other computer programs with similar capabilities may benefit from benchmark testing with the Henry and Hilleke laboratory experiment. Journal Compilation ?? 2009 National Ground Water Association.

Evaluation of Heat Transfer and Thermal Stability of Supercritical JP-7 Fuel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Linne, Diane L.; Meyer, Michael L.; Edwards, Tim; Eitman, David A.

1997-01-01

A series of electrically heated tube experiments was conducted to investigate the potential of JP-7 as a coolant under conditions relevant to a Mach 8 propulsion system. The heat transfer capabilities, carbon deposition, and material compatibility of JP-7 at surface temperatures up to 1700 F (927 C) were tested in 0.125 in. diameter tubes of 304 SS, Inconel 617, Haynes 188, Haynes 230, and 50150 Moly-Rhenium. The heat transfer to the coolant was modeled well by a Dittus-Boelter correlation at lower heat fluxes. At higher heat fluxes, audible instabilities were observed and corresponded to a significant enhancement in the coolant heat transfer. The carbon deposition rates in these tests were comparable to those in previous experiments at lower heat fluxes and much longer residence times. This result suggests that alternative paths of the deposition mechanism may be enhanced under high heat flux test conditions. Microscopic investigation of the post test tubes indicated that there was a significant layer of ordered carbon deposits that had not been seen in the tests at lower heat flux.