Process-model Simulations of Cloud Albedo Enhancement by Aerosols in the Arctic

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

Kravitz, Benjamin S.; Wang, Hailong; Rasch, Philip J.

2014-11-17

A cloud-resolving model is used to simulate the effectiveness of Arctic marine cloud brightening via injection of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). An updated cloud microphysical scheme is employed, with prognostic CCN and cloud particle numbers in both liquid and mixed-phase marine low clouds. Injection of CCN into the marine boundary layer can delay the collapse of the boundary layer and increase low-cloud albedo. Because nearly all of the albedo effects are in the liquid phase due to the removal of ice water by snowfall when ice processes are involved, albedo increases are stronger for pure liquid clouds than mixed-phase clouds.more » Liquid precipitation can be suppressed by CCN injection, whereas ice precipitation (snow) is affected less; thus the effectiveness of brightening mixed-phase clouds is lower than for liquid-only clouds. CCN injection into a clean regime results in a greater albedo increase than injection into a polluted regime, consistent with current knowledge about aerosol-cloud interactions. Unlike previous studies investigating warm clouds, dynamical changes in circulation due to precipitation changes are small.« less

Direct observation of the phase space footprint of a painting injection in the Rapid Cycling Synchrotron at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, P. K.; Shobuda, Y.; Hotchi, H.; Hayashi, N.; Takayanagi, T.; Harada, H.; Irie, Y.

2009-04-01

The 3 GeV Rapid Cycling Synchrotron (RCS) at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex is nearly at the operational stage with regard to the beam commissioning aspects. Recently, the design painting injection study has been commenced with the aim of high output beam power at the extraction. In order to observe the phase space footprint of the painting injection, a method was developed utilizing a beam position monitor (BPM) in the so-called single pass mode. The turn-by-turn phase space coordinates of the circulating beam directly measured using a pair of BPMs entirely positioned in drift space, and the calculated transfer matrices from the injection point to the pair of BPMs with several successive turns were used together in order to obtain the phase space footprint of the painting injection. There are two such pairs of BPMs placed in two different locations in the RCS, the results from which both agreed and were quite consistent with what was expected.

Full Life Cycle Research at the Ketzin Pilot Site, Germany - From Safe and Successful CO2 Injection Operation to Post-Injection Monitoring and Site Closure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebscher, A. H.

2016-12-01

The Ketzin pilot site near Berlin, Germany, was initiated in 2004 as the first European onshore storage project for research and development on geological CO2 storage. The operational CO2 injection period started in June 2008 and ended in August 2013 when the site entered the post-injection closure period. During these five years, a total amount of 67 kt of CO2 was safely injected into a saline aquifer (Upper Triassic sandstone) at a depth of 630 m - 650 m. In fall 2013, the first observation well was partially plugged in the reservoir section; full abandonment of this well finished in 2015 after roughly 2 years of well closure monitoring. Abandonment of the remaining 4 wells will be finished by 2017 and hand-over of liability to the competent authority is planned for end of 2017. The CO2 injected was mainly of food grade quality (purity > 99.9%). In addition, 1.5 kt of CO2 from the pilot capture facility "Schwarze Pumpe" (oxyfuel power plant CO2 with purity > 99.7%) was injected in 2011. The injection period terminated with a CO2-N2 co-injection experiment of 650 t of a 95% CO2/5% N2 mixture in summer 2013 to study the effects of impurities in the CO2 stream on the injection operation. During regular operation, the CO2 was pre-heated on-site to 40 - 45°C prior to injection to ensure a single-phase injection process and avoid any phase transition or transient states within the injection facility or the reservoir. Between March and July 2013, just prior to the CO2-N2 co-injection experiment, the injection temperature was stepwise decreased down to 10°C within a "cold-injection" experiment to study the effects of two-phase injection conditions. During injection operation, the combination of different geochemical and geophysical monitoring methods enabled detection and mapping of the spatial and temporal in-reservoir behaviour of the injected CO2 even for small quantities. After the cessation of CO2 injection, post-injection monitoring continued and two additional field experiments have been performed. A CO2 back-production experiment was run in autumn 2014 to study the physicochemical properties of the back-produced CO2 as well as the pressure response of the reservoir. In October 2015 to January 2016, a brine injection experiment studied the imbibition process and residual gas saturation.

Large-scale preparation of clove essential oil and eugenol-loaded liposomes using a membrane contactor and a pilot plant.

PubMed

Sebaaly, Carine; Greige-Gerges, Hélène; Agusti, Géraldine; Fessi, Hatem; Charcosset, Catherine

2016-01-01

Based on our previous study where optimal conditions were defined to encapsulate clove essential oil (CEO) into liposomes at laboratory scale, we scaled-up the preparation of CEO and eugenol (Eug)-loaded liposomes using a membrane contactor (600 mL) and a pilot plant (3 L) based on the principle of ethanol injection method, both equipped with a Shirasu Porous Glass membrane for injection of the organic phase into the aqueous phase. Homogenous, stable, nanometric-sized and multilamellar liposomes with high phospholipid, Eug loading rates and encapsulation efficiency of CEO components were obtained. Saturation of phospholipids and drug concentration in the organic phase may control the liposome stability. Liposomes loaded with other hydrophobic volatile compounds could be prepared at large scale using the ethanol injection method and a membrane for injection.

Investigation of representing hysteresis in macroscopic models of two-phase flow in porous media using intermediate scale experimental data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cihan, Abdullah; Birkholzer, Jens; Trevisan, Luca; Gonzalez-Nicolas, Ana; Illangasekare, Tissa

2017-01-01

Incorporating hysteresis into models is important to accurately capture the two phase flow behavior when porous media systems undergo cycles of drainage and imbibition such as in the cases of injection and post-injection redistribution of CO2 during geological CO2 storage (GCS). In the traditional model of two-phase flow, existing constitutive models that parameterize the hysteresis associated with these processes are generally based on the empirical relationships. This manuscript presents development and testing of mathematical hysteretic capillary pressure—saturation—relative permeability models with the objective of more accurately representing the redistribution of the fluids after injection. The constitutive models are developed by relating macroscopic variables to basic physics of two-phase capillary displacements at pore-scale and void space distribution properties. The modeling approach with the developed constitutive models with and without hysteresis as input is tested against some intermediate-scale flow cell experiments to test the ability of the models to represent movement and capillary trapping of immiscible fluids under macroscopically homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. The hysteretic two-phase flow model predicted the overall plume migration and distribution during and post injection reasonably well and represented the postinjection behavior of the plume more accurately than the nonhysteretic models. Based on the results in this study, neglecting hysteresis in the constitutive models of the traditional two-phase flow theory can seriously overpredict or underpredict the injected fluid distribution during post-injection under both homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions, depending on the selected value of the residual saturation in the nonhysteretic models.

Numerical Simulation of nZVI at the Field Scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, A. I.; Krol, M.; Sleep, B. E.; O'Carroll, D. M.

2014-12-01

Nano-scale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been used at a number of contaminated sites over the last decade. At most of these sites, significant decreases in contaminant concentrations have resulted from the application of nZVI. However, limited work has been completed investigating nZVI mobility at the field-scale. In this study a three dimensional, three phase, finite difference numerical simulator (CompSim) was used to simulate nZVI and polymer transport in a variably saturated site. The model was able to accurately predict the field observed head data without parameter fitting. In addition, the numerical simulator estimated the amount of nZVI delivered to the saturated and unsaturated zones as well as the phase of nZVI (i.e., attached or aqueous phase). The simulation results showed that the injected slurry migrated radially outward from the injection well, and therefore nZVI transport was governed by injection velocity as well as viscosity of the injected solution. A suite of sensitivity analyses was performed to investigate the impact of different injection scenarios (e.g. different volume and injection rate) on nZVI migration. Simulation results showed that injection of a higher volume of nZVI delivered more iron particles at a given distance; however, not necessarily to a greater distance proportionate to the increase in volume. This study suggests that on-site synthesized nZVI particles are mobile in the subsurface and the numerical simulator can be a valuable tool for optimum design of nZVI applications.

Enzymatic recontouring of auricular cartilage in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Massengill, Phillip L; Goco, Paulino E; Norlund, L Layne; Muir-Padilla, Jeanne

2005-01-01

To evaluate the effectiveness of contouring auricular cartilage in a rabbit model using biologically active enzymes injected subcutaneously. The first phase determined the most effective volume and concentration required to affect the cartilage. To accomplish this task, we used ex vivo rabbit ears from a slaughterhouse. In the second phase, we injected 1 mL of hyaluronidase (150 U per milliliter of isotonic sodium chloride solution [saline]), elastase (1 mg per milliliter of saline), or saline into the ears of live rabbits. The study took place at the Madigan Army Medical Center (Tacoma, Wash), and included 10 animals. In each rabbit, we injected the test compound in one ear and saline in the other ear (control). We injected hyaluronidase in 5 ears and elastase in 5 ears. After injection, the ears were contoured and splinted for 4 weeks. In the third phase, we changed the injection pathway in 5 animals. At 4 weeks, 4 (80%) of the 5 ears injected with hyaluronidase showed full response and 1 (20%) had a partial response. Of the 5 ears injected with elastase, 4 (80%) showed a full response while 1 (20%) demonstrated a partial response. There was a response in all 10 of the ears injected with a test compound. Of the 10 control ears, 3 (30%) showed a partial response. At 6 weeks, approximately 6 (30%) of the ears had maintained contour demonstrating a full response. The difference between the test ears and the control ears was statistically significant (P = .006). Compared with the control ears, the results were statistically significant for elastase (P = .004) and hyaluronidase (P = .02). Overall, both agents demonstrated a subjective and objective response compared with control ears. This study demonstrates that bioactive enzymes and splinting can be effective in correcting ear deformities in a rabbit model.

Quantum correlation in degenerate optical parametric oscillators with mutual injections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takata, Kenta; Marandi, Alireza; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

2015-10-01

We theoretically and numerically study the quantum dynamics of two degenerate optical parametric oscillators with mutual injections. The cavity mode in the optical coupling path between the two oscillator facets is explicitly considered. Stochastic equations for the oscillators and mutual injection path based on the positive P representation are derived. The system of two gradually pumped oscillators with out-of-phase mutual injections is simulated, and its quantum state is investigated. When the incoherent loss of the oscillators other than the mutual injections is small, the squeezed quadratic amplitudes p ̂ in the oscillators are positively correlated near the oscillation threshold. It indicates finite quantum correlation, estimated via Gaussian quantum discord, and the entanglement between the intracavity subharmonic fields. When the loss in the injection path is low, each oscillator around the phase transition point forms macroscopic superposition even under a small pump noise. It suggests that the squeezed field stored in the low-loss injection path weakens the decoherence in the oscillators.

Phase and flow behavior of mixed gas hydrate systems during gas injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darnell, K.; Flemings, P. B.; DiCarlo, D. A.

2017-12-01

We present one-dimensional, multi-phase flow model results for injections of carbon dioxide and nitrogen mixtures, or flue gas, into methane hydrate bearing reservoirs. Our flow model is coupled to a thermodynamic simulator that predicts phase stabilities as a function of composition, so multiple phases can appear, disappear, or change composition as the injection invades the reservoir. We show that the coupling of multi-phase fluid flow with phase behavior causes preferential phase fractionation in which each component flows through the system at different speeds and in different phases. We further demonstrate that phase and flow behavior within the reservoir are driven by hydrate stability of each individual component in addition to the hydrate stability of the injection composition. For example, if carbon dioxide and nitrogen are both individually hydrate stable at the reservoir P-T conditions, then any injection composition will convert all available water into hydrate and plug the reservoir. In contrast, if only carbon dioxide is hydrate stable at the reservoir P-T conditions, then nitrogen preferentially stays in the gaseous phase, while the carbon dioxide partitions into the hydrate and liquid water phases. For all injections of this type, methane originally held in hydrate is released by dissociation into the nitrogen-rich gaseous phase. The net consequence is that a gas phase composed of nitrogen and methane propagates through the reservoir in a fast-moving front. A slower-moving front lags behind where carbon dioxide and nitrogen form a mixed hydrate, but methane is absent due to dissociation-induced methane stripping from the first, fast-moving front. The entire composition path traces through the phase space as the flow develops with each front moving at different, constant velocities. This behavior is qualitatively similar to the dynamics present in enhanced oil recovery or enhanced coalbed methane recovery. These results explain why the inclusion of nitrogen in mixed gas injection into methane hydrate reservoirs has been far more successful at producing methane than pure carbon dioxide injections. These results also provide a test for the validity of equilibrium thermodynamics in transport-dominated mixed hydrate systems that can be validated by laboratory-scale flow-through experiments.

Effect of mitomycin c and 5-flurouracil adjuvant therapy on the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

PubMed

Cui, Qi N; Hsia, Yen C; Lin, Shan C; Stamper, Robert L; Rose-Nussbaumer, Jennifer; Mehta, Nitisha; Porco, Travis C; Naseri, Ayman; Han, Ying

2017-03-01

To examine the effect of mitomycin c and 5-flurouracil on treatment outcomes following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation. Retrospective consecutive case series. Fifty patients who received Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation from 1999 to 2013 in the San Francisco Veterans Administration Hospital. The +INJECTION group received intraoperative mitomycin c followed by postoperative mitomycin c and/or 5-flurouracil, whereas the -INJECTION group did not. Primary outcome was treatment success at 1 year post-implantation. Intraocular pressure, hypertensive phase, and the number of glaucoma medications were also examined. Twenty-six patients/eyes in the +INJECTION group and 24 patients/eyes in the -INJECTION group were included. Treatment success was higher in the +INJECTION compared with the -INJECTION group (86 vs. 58%; P = 0.04). Intraocular pressure was lower in the +INJECTION compared with the -INJECTION group at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (P ≪ 0.00001, P = 0.00003, 0.0008 and 0.024). Hypertensive phase occurred less often in the +INJECTION compared with the -INJECTION group (3.8 vs. 54%; P = 0.021). The +INJECTION group required fewer medications compared with the -INJECTION group (P = 0.02, 0.002, 0.003 and 0.008 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months). Complication rates were comparable between groups (46.2 and 54.2%; P = 0.63). Adjuvant treatment with antifibrotics following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation decreased the hypertensive phase and improved surgical outcomes without impacting complication rates at 1 year. This study postulates a role for antifibrotics in the postoperative management of Ahmed glaucoma valves. © 2016 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.

Phase-locking of an axisymmetric-fold combination cavity CO2 laser using the back surface of the output-mirror

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen; Li, Yude; Feng, Ting; Qiu, Yi

2009-12-01

The principle of phase-locking of an axisymmetric fold combination cavity CO2 laser, fulfilled by the reflection-injection of the back surface of the output-mirror, has been studied in detail. Variation of the equiphase surface and the influence of some characteristic parameters on phase-locking are analyzed—for example, phase error, changes in the cavity length and curvature radius, line-width and temperature. It is shown that the injected beam can excite a stable mode in the cavities, and the value of the energy coupling coefficient directly reflects the degree of phase-locking. Therefore, the output beams have a fixed phase relation between each other, and good coherent beams can be obtained by using the phase-locking method.

Remediation of Chlorinated Solvent Plumes Using In-Situ Air Sparging—A 2-D Laboratory Study

PubMed Central

Adams, Jeffrey A.; Reddy, Krishna R.; Tekola, Lue

2011-01-01

In-situ air sparging has evolved as an innovative technique for soil and groundwater remediation impacted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chlorinated solvents. These may exist as non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) or dissolved in groundwater. This study assessed: (1) how air injection rate affects the mass removal of dissolved phase contamination, (2) the effect of induced groundwater flow on mass removal and air distribution during air injection, and (3) the effect of initial contaminant concentration on mass removal. Dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents can be effectively removed through the use of air sparging; however, rapid initial rates of contaminant removal are followed by a protracted period of lower removal rates, or a tailing effect. As the air flow rate increases, the rate of contaminant removal also increases, especially during the initial stages of air injection. Increased air injection rates will increase the density of air channel formation, resulting in a larger interfacial mass transfer area through which the dissolved contaminant can partition into the vapor phase. In cases of groundwater flow, increased rates of air injection lessened observed downward contaminant migration effect. The air channel network and increased air saturation reduced relative hydraulic conductivity, resulting in reduced groundwater flow and subsequent downgradient contaminant migration. Finally, when a higher initial TCE concentration was present, a slightly higher mass removal rate was observed due to higher volatilization-induced concentration gradients and subsequent diffusive flux. Once concentrations are reduced, a similar tailing effect occurs. PMID:21776228

Remediation of chlorinated solvent plumes using in-situ air sparging--a 2-D laboratory study.

PubMed

Adams, Jeffrey A; Reddy, Krishna R; Tekola, Lue

2011-06-01

In-situ air sparging has evolved as an innovative technique for soil and groundwater remediation impacted with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including chlorinated solvents. These may exist as non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) or dissolved in groundwater. This study assessed: (1) how air injection rate affects the mass removal of dissolved phase contamination, (2) the effect of induced groundwater flow on mass removal and air distribution during air injection, and (3) the effect of initial contaminant concentration on mass removal. Dissolved-phase chlorinated solvents can be effectively removed through the use of air sparging; however, rapid initial rates of contaminant removal are followed by a protracted period of lower removal rates, or a tailing effect. As the air flow rate increases, the rate of contaminant removal also increases, especially during the initial stages of air injection. Increased air injection rates will increase the density of air channel formation, resulting in a larger interfacial mass transfer area through which the dissolved contaminant can partition into the vapor phase. In cases of groundwater flow, increased rates of air injection lessened observed downward contaminant migration effect. The air channel network and increased air saturation reduced relative hydraulic conductivity, resulting in reduced groundwater flow and subsequent downgradient contaminant migration. Finally, when a higher initial TCE concentration was present, a slightly higher mass removal rate was observed due to higher volatilization-induced concentration gradients and subsequent diffusive flux. Once concentrations are reduced, a similar tailing effect occurs.

Evaluation of Usability and Acceptance of a New Autoinjector Intended for Methotrexate Subcutaneous Self-Administration in the Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

PubMed

Hudry, Christophe; Lebrun, Agnès; Moura, Bertrand; Zinovieva, Elena; Backers, Onne; Herman-Demars, Hélène

2017-06-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease, for which the introduction of injectable treatments has had a major impact on quality of life directly related to the disease. The purpose of this descriptive study was to evaluate the usability of a new autoinjector, intended for methotrexate self-administration, based on the device's design and instructions for use (IFU). This multicenter trial included three user groups: a group of patients with established RA subdivided into two groups according to their hand disability, and a group of caregivers or nurses. Each subject performed three simulated injections with a water-filled device on a foam pad. The first injection was made just after reading the IFU without further instructions (first phase). The second phase consisted of two injections made after explanations provided upon request of the subject in an optimum environment and in a "worst-case" home environment. The usability of the autoinjector was assessed by a questionnaire (success: ≥75% of positive responses) and by a score card reflecting injection performances (success: execution of ≥75% of handling steps). Forty-two subjects were enrolled in the study. During the first phase, the great majority of subjects succeeded in the usability questionnaire (90.5%) and in the injection performance (95.2%) with no major differences between the user groups. In the Second phase, all subjects from all three user groups succeeded in the usability questionnaire and had a positive rate of device handling, regardless of the environment and of the user group. No safety concerns were raised during the study. This study found a very high level of usability and subject acceptance of the autoinjector, intended for methotrexate self-administration, regardless of the hand disability and environmental conditions. Nordic Group. EudraCT reference number: 2014-A0141245.

Plan for radionuclide tracer studies of the residence time distribution in the Wilsonville dissolver and preheater

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

Jolley, R.L.; Begovich, J.M.; Brashear, H.R.

1983-12-01

Stimulus-response measurements using radiotracers to measure residence time distribution (RTD) and hydrodynamic parameters for the preheaters and dissolvers at the Ft. Lewis Solvent Refined Coal (SRC) and the Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) coal conversion pilot plants are reviewed. A plan is also presented for a series of radioactive tracer studies proposed for the Advanced Coal Liquefaction Facility at Wilsonville, Alabama, to measure the RTD for the preheater and dissolvers in the SRC-I mode. The tracer for the gas phase will be /sup 133/Xe, and /sup 198/Au (on carbonized resin or as an aqueous colloidal suspension) will be used as themore » slurry tracer. Four experimental phases are recommended for the RTD tracer studies: (1) preheater; (2) dissolver with 100% takeoff; (3) dissolver with 100% takeoff and solids withdrawal; and (4) dissolver with 50% takeoff. Eighteen gas-tracer and 22 liquid-tracer injections are projected to accomplish the four experimental phases. Two to four tracer injections are projected for preliminary tests to ensure the capability of safe injection of the radiotracers and the collection of statistically significant data. A complete projected cost and time schedule is provided, including procurement of necessary components, preparation of the radiotracers, assembly and testing of tracer injection apparatus and detection systems, onsite work and tracer injections, laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and report writing.« less

Achieving interconnected pore architecture in injectable PolyHIPEs for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Robinson, Jennifer L; Moglia, Robert S; Stuebben, Melissa C; McEnery, Madison A P; Cosgriff-Hernandez, Elizabeth

2014-03-01

Template polymerization of a high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) is a relatively new method to produce tunable high-porosity scaffolds for tissue regeneration. This study focuses on the development of biodegradable injectable polyHIPEs with interconnected porosity that have the potential to fill bone defects and enhance healing. Our laboratory previously fabricated biodegradable polyHIPEs that cure in situ upon injection; however, these scaffolds possessed a closed-pore morphology, which could limit bone ingrowth. To address this issue, HIPEs were fabricated with a radical initiator dissolved in the organic phase rather than the aqueous phase of the emulsion. Organic-phase initiation resulted in macromer densification forces that facilitated pore opening during cure. Compressive modulus and strength of the polyHIPEs were found to increase over 2 weeks to 43±12 MPa and 3±0.2 MPa, respectively, properties comparable to cancellous bone. The viscosity of the HIPE before cure (11.0±2.3 Pa·s) allowed for injection and filling of the bone defect, retention at the defect site during cure under water, and microscale integration of the graft with the bone. Precuring the materials before injection allowed for tuning of the work and set times. Furthermore, storage of the HIPEs before cure for 1 week at 4°C had a negligible effect on pore architecture after injection and cure. These findings indicate the potential of these emulsions to be stored at reduced temperatures and thawed in the surgical suite before injection. Overall, this work highlights the potential of interconnected propylene fumarate dimethacrylate polyHIPEs as injectable scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Phase measurement by using a forced delay-line oscillator and its application for an acoustic fiber sensor.

PubMed

Fleyer, Michael; Horowitz, Moshe

2018-04-02

We demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, a new method to measure small changes in the cavity length of oscillators. The method is based on the high sensitivity of the phase of forced delay-line oscillators to changes in their cavity length. The oscillator phase is directly detected by mixing the oscillator output with the injected signal. We describe a comprehensive theoretical model for studying the signal and the noise at the output of a general forced delay-line oscillator with an instantaneous gain saturation and an amplitude-to-phase conversion. The results indicate that the magnitude and the bandwidth of the oscillator response to a small perturbation can be controlled by adjusting the injection ratio and the injected frequency. For signals with a frequency that is smaller than the device bandwidth, the oscillator noise is dominated by the noise of the injected signal. This noise is highly suppressed by mixing the oscillator output with the injected signal. Hence, the device sensitivity at frequencies below its bandwidth is limited only by the internal noise that is added in a single roundtrip in the oscillator cavity. We demonstrate the use of a forced oscillator as an acoustic fiber sensor in an optoelectronic oscillator. A good agreement is obtained between theory and experiments. The magnitude of the output signal can be controlled by adjusting the injection ratio while the noise power at low frequencies is not enhanced as in sensors that are based on a free-running oscillator.

Phase noise reduction by optical phase-locked loop for a coherent bichromatic laser based on the injection-locking technique.

PubMed

Wu, C F; Yan, X S; Huang, J Q; Zhang, J W; Wang, L J

2018-01-01

We present a coherent bichromatic laser system with low phase noise. An optical injection process is used to generate coherent laser beams with a frequency difference of 9.192 631 77 GHz using an electro-optical modulator. An optical phase-locked loop is then applied to reduce the phase noise. The phase noise of the beat note is -41, -81, -98, -83, and -95 dBrad 2 /Hz at the offset frequencies of 1 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 1 MHz, respectively. Compared to a system that uses optical injection alone, the phase noise is reduced by up to 20-30 dB in the low-frequency range, and the intermodulation effect on the continuous atomic clock is reduced by an order of magnitude. This configuration can adjust the intensities and polarizations of the laser beams independently and reduce the phase noise caused by environmental disturbances and optical injection, which may be useful for application to atomic coherence experiments.

Phase noise reduction by optical phase-locked loop for a coherent bichromatic laser based on the injection-locking technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, C. F.; Yan, X. S.; Huang, J. Q.; Zhang, J. W.; Wang, L. J.

2018-01-01

We present a coherent bichromatic laser system with low phase noise. An optical injection process is used to generate coherent laser beams with a frequency difference of 9.192 631 77 GHz using an electro-optical modulator. An optical phase-locked loop is then applied to reduce the phase noise. The phase noise of the beat note is -41, -81, -98, -83, and -95 dBrad2/Hz at the offset frequencies of 1 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, and 1 MHz, respectively. Compared to a system that uses optical injection alone, the phase noise is reduced by up to 20-30 dB in the low-frequency range, and the intermodulation effect on the continuous atomic clock is reduced by an order of magnitude. This configuration can adjust the intensities and polarizations of the laser beams independently and reduce the phase noise caused by environmental disturbances and optical injection, which may be useful for application to atomic coherence experiments.

Study of phase-locked diode laser array and DFB/DBR surface emitting laser diode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsin, Wei

New types of phased-array and surface-emitting lasers are designed. The importance and approaches (or structures) of different phased array and surface emitting laser diodes are reviewed. The following are described: (1) a large optical cavity channel substrate planar laser array with layer thickness chirping; (2) a vertical cavity surface emitter with distributed feedback (DFB) optical cavity and a transverse junction buried heterostructure; (3) a microcavity distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) surface emitter; and (4) two surface emitting laser structures which utilized lateral current injection schemes to overcome the problems occurring in the vertical injection scheme.

Theoretical study on phase-locking of a radial array CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen

2014-11-01

The phase-locking of the radial array CO2 laser (RAL) is introduced based on the injection-locking principle. The characteristic parameters of laser beams used in the phase-locking are described, and the coupling coefficient c00 between the injected mode and the eigenmode of RAL is calculated. The laser modes from RAL are the low-order Hermite Gaussian modes due to the diffraction loss. The analytical formula for the output beam through an ABCD optical system is derived according Collins formula. The numerical examples are given to illustrate our analytical results.

Assessment of grammar optimizes language tasks for the intracarotid amobarbital procedure.

PubMed

Połczyńska, Monika; Kuhn, Taylor; You, S Christine; Walshaw, Patricia; Curtiss, Susan; Bookheimer, Susan

2017-11-01

A previous study showed that assessment of language laterality could be improved by adding grammar tests to the recovery phase of the intracarotid amobarbital procedure (IAP) (Połczyńska et al. 2014). The aim of this study was to further investigate the extent to which grammar tests lateralize language function during the recovery phase of the IAP in a larger patient sample. Forty patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (14 females, thirty-two right-handed, mean age 38.5years, SD=10.6) participated in this study. On EEG, 24 patients had seizures originating in the left hemisphere (LH), 13 in the right hemisphere (RH), and 4 demonstrated mixed seizure origin. Thirty participants (75%) had bilateral injections, and ten (25%) had unilateral injections (five RH and five LH). Based on results from the encoding phase, we segregated our study participants to a LH language dominant and a mixed dominance group. In the recovery phase of the IAP, the participants were administered a new grammar test (the CYCLE-N) and a standard language test. We analyzed the laterality index measure and effect sizes in the two tests. In the LH-dominant group, the CYCLE-N generated more profound language deficits in the recovery phase than the standard after injection to either hemisphere (p<0.001). At the same time, the laterality index for the grammar tasks was still higher than for the standard tests. Critically, the CYCLE-N administered in the recovery phase was nearly as effective as the standard tests given during the encoding phase. The results may be significant for individuals with epilepsy undergoing IAP. The grammar tests may be a highly efficient measure for lateralizing language function in the recovery phase. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

PSR Injection Line Upgrade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blind, Barbara; Jason, Andrew J.

1997-05-01

We describe the new injection line to be implemented for the Los Alamos Proton Storage Ring in the change from a two-step process to direct H- injection. While obeying all geometrical constraints imposed by the existing structures, the new line has properties not found in the present injection line. In particular, it features decoupled transverse phase spaces downstream of the skew bend and a high degree of tunability of the beam at the injection foil. A comprehensive set of error studies has dictated the component tolerances imposed and has indicated the expected performance of the system.

Population pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in purple sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) following an intracoelomic injection or extended immersion.

PubMed

Rosenberg, Justin F; Haulena, Martin; Phillips, Brianne E; Harms, Craig A; Lewbart, Gregory A; Lahner, Lesanna L; Papich, Mark G

2016-11-01

OBJECTIVE To determine population pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin in purple sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) administered an intracoelomic injection of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg) or immersed in an enrofloxacin solution (5 mg/L) for 6 hours. ANIMALS 28 sea stars of undetermined age and sex. PROCEDURES The study had 2 phases. Twelve sea stars received an intracoelomic injection of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg) or were immersed in an enrofloxacin solution (5 mg/L) for 6 hours during the injection and immersion phases, respectively. Two untreated sea stars were housed with the treated animals following enrofloxacin administration during both phases. Water vascular system fluid samples were collected from 4 sea stars and all controls at predetermined times during and after enrofloxacin administration. The enrofloxacin concentration in those samples was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. For each phase, noncompartmental analysis of naïve averaged pooled samples was used to obtain initial parameter estimates; then, population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed that accounted for the sparse sampling technique used. RESULTS Injection phase data were best fit with a 2-compartment model; elimination half-life, peak concentration, area under the curve, and volume of distribution were 42.8 hours, 18.9 μg/mL, 353.8 μg•h/mL, and 0.25 L/kg, respectively. Immersion phase data were best fit with a 1-compartment model; elimination half-life, peak concentration, and area under the curve were 56 hours, 36.3 μg•h/mL, and 0.39 μg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that the described enrofloxacin administration resulted in water vascular system fluid drug concentrations expected to exceed the minimum inhibitory concentration for many bacterial pathogens.

Timing effect of intramyocardial hydrogel injection for positively impacting left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction

PubMed Central

Yoshizumi, Tomo; Zhu, Yang; Jiang, Hongbin; D’Amore, Antonio; Sakaguchi, Hirokazu; Tchao, Jason; Tobita, Kimimasa; Wagner, William R.

2016-01-01

Intramyocardial injection of various injectable hydrogel materials has shown benefit in positively impacting the course of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, since LV remodeling is a complex, time dependent process, the most efficacious time of hydrogel injection is not clear. In this study, we injected a relatively stiff, thermoresponsive and bioabsorbable hydrogel in rat hearts at 3 different time points - immediately after MI (IM), 3 d post-MI (3D), and 2 w post-MI (2W), corresponding to the beginnings of the necrotic, fibrotic and chronic remodeling phases. The employed left anterior descending coronary artery ligation model showed expected infarction responses including functional loss, inflammation and fibrosis with distinct time dependent patterns. Changes in LV geometry and contractile function were followed by longitudinal echocardiography for 10 w post-MI. While all injection times positively affected LV function and wall thickness, the 3D group gave better functional outcomes than the other injection times and also exhibited more local vascularization and less inflammatory markers than the earlier injection time. The results indicate an important role for injection timing in the increasingly explored concept of post-MI biomaterial injection therapy and suggest that for hydrogels with mechanical support as primary function, injection at the beginning of the fibrotic phase may provide improved outcomes. PMID:26774561

Timing effect of intramyocardial hydrogel injection for positively impacting left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Yoshizumi, Tomo; Zhu, Yang; Jiang, Hongbin; D'Amore, Antonio; Sakaguchi, Hirokazu; Tchao, Jason; Tobita, Kimimasa; Wagner, William R

2016-03-01

Intramyocardial injection of various injectable hydrogel materials has shown benefit in positively impacting the course of left ventricular (LV) remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). However, since LV remodeling is a complex, time dependent process, the most efficacious time of hydrogel injection is not clear. In this study, we injected a relatively stiff, thermoresponsive and bioabsorbable hydrogel in rat hearts at 3 different time points - immediately after MI (IM), 3 d post-MI (3D), and 2 w post-MI (2W), corresponding to the beginnings of the necrotic, fibrotic and chronic remodeling phases. The employed left anterior descending coronary artery ligation model showed expected infarction responses including functional loss, inflammation and fibrosis with distinct time dependent patterns. Changes in LV geometry and contractile function were followed by longitudinal echocardiography for 10 w post-MI. While all injection times positively affected LV function and wall thickness, the 3D group gave better functional outcomes than the other injection times and also exhibited more local vascularization and less inflammatory markers than the earlier injection time. The results indicate an important role for injection timing in the increasingly explored concept of post-MI biomaterial injection therapy and suggest that for hydrogels with mechanical support as primary function, injection at the beginning of the fibrotic phase may provide improved outcomes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

From Site Characterization through Safe and Successful CO2 Injection Operation to Post-injection Monitoring and Site Closure - Closing the Full Life Cycle Research at the Ketzin Pilot Site, Germany

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liebscher, Axel

2017-04-01

Initiated in 2004, the Ketzin pilot site near Berlin, Germany, was the first European onshore storage project for research and development on geological CO2 storage. After comprehensive site characterization the site infrastructure was build comprising three deep wells and the injection facility including pumps and storage tanks. The operational CO2 injection period started in June 2008 and ended in August 2013 when the site entered the post-injection closure period. During these five years, a total amount of 67 kt of CO2 was safely injected into an Upper Triassic saline sandstone aquifer at a depth of 630 m - 650 m. In fall 2013, the first observation well was partially plugged in the reservoir section with CO2 resistant cement; full abandonment of this well finished in 2015 after roughly 2 years of cement plug monitoring. Abandonment of the remaining wells will be finished by summer 2017 and hand-over of liability to the competent authority is scheduled for end of 2017. The CO2 injected was mainly of food grade quality (purity > 99.9%). In addition, 1.5 kt of CO2 from the oxyfuel pilot capture facility "Schwarze Pumpe" (purity > 99.7%) was injected in 2011. The injection period terminated with a CO2-N2 co-injection experiment of 650 t of a 95% CO2/5% N2 mixture in summer 2013 to study the effects of impurities in the CO2 stream on the injection operation. During regular operation, the CO2 was pre-heated on-site to 40°C prior to injection to ensure a single-phase injection process and avoid any phase transition or transient states within the injection facility or the reservoir. Between March and July 2013, just prior to the CO2-N2 co-injection experiment, the injection temperature was stepwise decreased down to 10°C within a "cold-injection" experiment to study the effects of two-phase injection conditions. During injection operation, the combination of different geochemical and geophysical monitoring methods enabled detection and mapping of the spatial and temporal in-reservoir behaviour of the injected CO2 even for small quantities. After the cessation of CO2 injection, post-injection monitoring continues and is guided by the three high-level criteria set out in the EU Directive for transfer of liability: i) observed behaviour of the injected CO2 conforms to the modelled behaviour, ii) no detectable leakage, and iii) site is evolving towards a situation of long-term stability. In addition, two further field experiments have been performed since end of injection. A CO2 back-production experiment was run in autumn 2014 to study the physicochemical properties of the back-produced CO2 as well as the pressure response of the reservoir. From October 2015 to January 2016, a brine injection experiment aimed at studying the imbibition process and residual gas saturation. Just prior to final well abandonment, drilling of two sidetracks in one of the wells is scheduled for summer 2017 to recover unique core samples from reservoir and cap rocks that reflect 9 years of in-situ CO2 exposure and will provide first-hand information on CO2-triggered mineralogical, mechanical and petrophysical rock property changes.

Injection-locking of terahertz quantum cascade lasers up to 35GHz using RF amplitude modulation.

PubMed

Gellie, Pierre; Barbieri, Stefano; Lampin, Jean-François; Filloux, Pascal; Manquest, Christophe; Sirtori, Carlo; Sagnes, Isabelle; Khanna, Suraj P; Linfield, Edmund H; Davies, A Giles; Beere, Harvey; Ritchie, David

2010-09-27

We demonstrate that the cavity resonance frequency - the round-trip frequency - of Terahertz quantum cascade lasers can be injection-locked by direct modulation of the bias current using an RF source. Metal-metal and single-plasmon waveguide devices with roundtrip frequencies up to 35GHz have been studied, and show locking ranges above 200MHz. Inside this locking range the laser round-trip frequency is phase-locked, with a phase noise determined by the RF-synthesizer. We find a square-root dependence of the locking range with RF-power in agreement with classical injection-locking theory. These results are discussed in the context of mode-locking operation.

Injection locking of an electronic maser in the hard excitation mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yakunina, K. A.; Kuznetsov, A. P.; Ryskin, N. M.

2015-11-01

The phenomenon of hard excitation is natural for many electronic oscillators. In particular, in a gyrotron, a maximal efficiency is often attained in the hard excitation regime. In this paper, we study the injection-locking phenomena using two models of an electronic maser in the hard excitation mode. First, bifurcation analysis is performed for the quasilinear model described by ordinary differential equations for the slow amplitude and phase. Two main scenarios of transition to the injection-locked mode are described, which are generalizations of the well-known phase-locking and suppression mechanisms. The results obtained for the quasilinear model are confirmed by numerical simulations of a gyrotron with fixed Gaussian structure of the RF field.

Evaluation of optimized magnetic resonance perfusion imaging scanning time window after contrast agent injection for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions

PubMed Central

Dong, Jie; Wang, Dawei; Ma, Zhenshen; Deng, Guodong; Wang, Lanhua; Zhang, Jiandong

2017-01-01

The aim of the study was evaluate the 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging scanning time window following contrast injection for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions and to determine the optimum scanning time window for increased scanner usage efficiency and reduced diagnostic adverse risk factors. A total of 52 women with breast abnormalities were selected for conventional MR imaging and T1 dynamic-enhanced imaging. Quantitative parameters [volume transfer constant (Ktrans), rate constant (Kep) and extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve)] were calculated at phases 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50, which represented time windows at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min, respectively, following injection of contrast agent. The association of the parameters at different phases with benign and malignant tumor diagnosis was analyzed. MR perfusion imaging was verified as an effective modality in the diagnosis of breast malignancies and the best scanning time window was identified: i) Values of Ktrans and Kep at all phases were statistically significant in differentiating benign and malignant tumors (P<0.05), while the value of Ve had statistical significance only at stage 10, but not at any other stages (P>0.05); ii) values of Ve in benign tumors increased with phase number, but achieved no obvious changes at different phases in malignant tumors; iii) the optimum scanning time window of breast perfusion imaging with 3.0 T MR was between phases 10 and 30 (i.e., between 5 and 15 min after contrast agent injection). The variation trend of Ve values at different phases may serve as a diagnostic reference for differentiating benign and malignant breast abnormalities. The most efficient scanning time window was indicated to be 5 min after contrast injection, based on the observation that the Ve value only had statistical significance in diagnosis at stage 10. However, the optimal scanning time window is from 5 to 15 min following the injection of contrast agent, since that the variation trend of Ve is able to serve as a diagnostic reference. PMID:28450944

Evaluation of optimized magnetic resonance perfusion imaging scanning time window after contrast agent injection for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions.

PubMed

Dong, Jie; Wang, Dawei; Ma, Zhenshen; Deng, Guodong; Wang, Lanhua; Zhang, Jiandong

2017-03-01

The aim of the study was evaluate the 3.0 T magnetic resonance (MR) perfusion imaging scanning time window following contrast injection for differentiating benign and malignant breast lesions and to determine the optimum scanning time window for increased scanner usage efficiency and reduced diagnostic adverse risk factors. A total of 52 women with breast abnormalities were selected for conventional MR imaging and T1 dynamic-enhanced imaging. Quantitative parameters [volume transfer constant (K trans ), rate constant (K ep ) and extravascular extracellular volume fraction (V e )] were calculated at phases 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50, which represented time windows at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 min, respectively, following injection of contrast agent. The association of the parameters at different phases with benign and malignant tumor diagnosis was analyzed. MR perfusion imaging was verified as an effective modality in the diagnosis of breast malignancies and the best scanning time window was identified: i) Values of K trans and K ep at all phases were statistically significant in differentiating benign and malignant tumors (P<0.05), while the value of V e had statistical significance only at stage 10, but not at any other stages (P>0.05); ii) values of V e in benign tumors increased with phase number, but achieved no obvious changes at different phases in malignant tumors; iii) the optimum scanning time window of breast perfusion imaging with 3.0 T MR was between phases 10 and 30 (i.e., between 5 and 15 min after contrast agent injection). The variation trend of V e values at different phases may serve as a diagnostic reference for differentiating benign and malignant breast abnormalities. The most efficient scanning time window was indicated to be 5 min after contrast injection, based on the observation that the V e value only had statistical significance in diagnosis at stage 10. However, the optimal scanning time window is from 5 to 15 min following the injection of contrast agent, since that the variation trend of V e is able to serve as a diagnostic reference.

Phase-locked Optical Signal Recovery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

detection . However, implementing an optical phase lock loop ( OPLL ) to generate the synchronised carrier for the homodyne technique requires... Loop (OIPLL) in which a narrow bandwidth optical phase lock loop ( OPLL ) is used to control the free -running frequency of an optically injection...receiver uses an Optical Injection Phase Lock Loop (OIPLL) for carrier recovery,

Phase-locked Optical Signal Recovery

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

detection . However, implementing an optical phase lock loop ( OPLL ) to generate the synchronised carrier for the homodyne technique requires... Loop (OIPLL) in which a narrow bandwidth optical phase lock loop ( OPLL ) is used to control the free -running frequency of an optically injection...The receiver uses an Optical Injection Phase Lock Loop (OIPLL) for carrier

OPTIM trial: a Phase III trial of an oncolytic herpes virus encoding GM-CSF for unresectable stage III or IV melanoma.

PubMed

Kaufman, Howard L; Bines, Steven D

2010-06-01

There are few effective treatment options available for patients with advanced melanoma. An oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 encoding granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF; Oncovex(GM-CSF)) for direct injection into accessible melanoma lesions resulted in a 28% objective response rate in a Phase II clinical trial. Responding patients demonstrated regression of both injected and noninjected lesions highlighting the dual mechanism of action of Oncovex(GM-CSF) that includes both a direct oncolytic effect in injected tumors and a secondary immune-mediated anti-tumor effect on noninjected tumors. Based on these preliminary results a prospective, randomized Phase III clinical trial in patients with unresectable Stage IIIb or c and Stage IV melanoma has been initiated. The rationale, study design, end points and future development of the Oncovex(GM-CSF) Pivotal Trial in Melanoma (OPTIM) trial are discussed in this article.

Nanoscale surface characterization and miscibility study of a spray-dried injectable polymeric matrix consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

PubMed

Meeus, Joke; Chen, Xinyong; Scurr, David J; Ciarnelli, Valeria; Amssoms, Katie; Roberts, Clive J; Davies, Martyn C; van Den Mooter, Guy

2012-09-01

Injectable controlled-release formulations are of increasing interest for the treatment of chronic diseases. This study aims to develop and characterize a polymeric matrix for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection, consisting of two biocompatible polymers, particularly suitable for formulating poorly soluble drugs. For this matrix, the water-insoluble polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is combined with the water-soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Microparticles of these two polymers were prepared by spray drying. The phase behavior of the samples was studied by means of modulated differential scanning calorimetry and the results showed that phase separation occurred in the bulk sample through evidence of two mixed amorphous phases, namely, a PLGA-rich phase and a PVP-rich phase. Characterization of the samples by scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the spray-dried particles were hollow with a thin shell. Because of the importance in relation to stability and drug release, information about the surface of the microparticles was collected by different complementary surface analysis techniques. Atomic force microscopy gathered information about the morphology and phase behavior of the microparticle surface. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis of the particles revealed that the surface consisted mainly of the PLGA-rich phase. This was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy at an increased sampling depth (≈ 10 nm). Nanothermal analysis proved to be an innovative way to thermally detect the presence of the PLGA-dominated surface layer and the underlying PVP phase. Taken together, this information provides a rational basis for predicting the likely drug release behavior this formulation will display. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cloud-Resolving Model Simulations of Aerosol-Cloud Interactions Triggered by Strong Aerosol Emissions in the Arctic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, H.; Kravitz, B.; Rasch, P. J.; Morrison, H.; Solomon, A.

2014-12-01

Previous process-oriented modeling studies have highlighted the dependence of effectiveness of cloud brightening by aerosols on cloud regimes in warm marine boundary layer. Cloud microphysical processes in clouds that contain ice, and hence the mechanisms that drive aerosol-cloud interactions, are more complicated than in warm clouds. Interactions between ice particles and liquid drops add additional levels of complexity to aerosol effects. A cloud-resolving model is used to study aerosol-cloud interactions in the Arctic triggered by strong aerosol emissions, through either geoengineering injection or concentrated sources such as shipping and fires. An updated cloud microphysical scheme with prognostic aerosol and cloud particle numbers is employed. Model simulations are performed in pure super-cooled liquid and mixed-phase clouds, separately, with or without an injection of aerosols into either a clean or a more polluted Arctic boundary layer. Vertical mixing and cloud scavenging of particles injected from the surface is still quite efficient in the less turbulent cold environment. Overall, the injection of aerosols into the Arctic boundary layer can delay the collapse of the boundary layer and increase low-cloud albedo. The pure liquid clouds are more susceptible to the increase in aerosol number concentration than the mixed-phase clouds. Rain production processes are more effectively suppressed by aerosol injection, whereas ice precipitation (snow) is affected less; thus the effectiveness of brightening mixed-phase clouds is lower than for liquid-only clouds. Aerosol injection into a clean boundary layer results in a greater cloud albedo increase than injection into a polluted one, consistent with current knowledge about aerosol-cloud interactions. Unlike previous studies investigating warm clouds, the impact of dynamical feedback due to precipitation changes is small. According to these results, which are dependent upon the representation of ice nucleation processes in the employed microphysical scheme, Arctic geoengineering/shipping could have substantial local radiative effects, but is unlikely to be effective as the sole means of counterbalancing warming due to climate change.

Process-model simulations of cloud albedo enhancement by aerosols in the Arctic.

PubMed

Kravitz, Ben; Wang, Hailong; Rasch, Philip J; Morrison, Hugh; Solomon, Amy B

2014-12-28

A cloud-resolving model is used to simulate the effectiveness of Arctic marine cloud brightening via injection of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), either through geoengineering or other increased sources of Arctic aerosols. An updated cloud microphysical scheme is employed, with prognostic CCN and cloud particle numbers in both liquid and mixed-phase marine low clouds. Injection of CCN into the marine boundary layer can delay the collapse of the boundary layer and increase low-cloud albedo. Albedo increases are stronger for pure liquid clouds than mixed-phase clouds. Liquid precipitation can be suppressed by CCN injection, whereas ice precipitation (snow) is affected less; thus, the effectiveness of brightening mixed-phase clouds is lower than for liquid-only clouds. CCN injection into a clean regime results in a greater albedo increase than injection into a polluted regime, consistent with current knowledge about aerosol-cloud interactions. Unlike previous studies investigating warm clouds, dynamical changes in circulation owing to precipitation changes are small. According to these results, which are dependent upon the representation of ice nucleation processes in the employed microphysical scheme, Arctic geoengineering is unlikely to be effective as the sole means of altering the global radiation budget but could have substantial local radiative effects. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Process-model simulations of cloud albedo enhancement by aerosols in the Arctic

PubMed Central

Kravitz, Ben; Wang, Hailong; Rasch, Philip J.; Morrison, Hugh; Solomon, Amy B.

2014-01-01

A cloud-resolving model is used to simulate the effectiveness of Arctic marine cloud brightening via injection of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), either through geoengineering or other increased sources of Arctic aerosols. An updated cloud microphysical scheme is employed, with prognostic CCN and cloud particle numbers in both liquid and mixed-phase marine low clouds. Injection of CCN into the marine boundary layer can delay the collapse of the boundary layer and increase low-cloud albedo. Albedo increases are stronger for pure liquid clouds than mixed-phase clouds. Liquid precipitation can be suppressed by CCN injection, whereas ice precipitation (snow) is affected less; thus, the effectiveness of brightening mixed-phase clouds is lower than for liquid-only clouds. CCN injection into a clean regime results in a greater albedo increase than injection into a polluted regime, consistent with current knowledge about aerosol–cloud interactions. Unlike previous studies investigating warm clouds, dynamical changes in circulation owing to precipitation changes are small. According to these results, which are dependent upon the representation of ice nucleation processes in the employed microphysical scheme, Arctic geoengineering is unlikely to be effective as the sole means of altering the global radiation budget but could have substantial local radiative effects. PMID:25404677

A Phase Space Monitoring of Injected Beam of J-PARC MR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatakeyama, Shuichiro; Toyama, Takeshi

Beam power of J-PARC MR (30 GeV Proton Synchrotron Main Ring) has been improved since 2008 and now achieved over 200 kW for the user operation. A part of beam loss is localized at the beam injection phase so it is important to monitor the beam bunch behavior in the transverse direction. In this paper it is described the method how to measure the position and momentum for each injected beam bunch using Beam Position Monitors (BPMs). It is also mentioned some implementation of an operator's interface (OPI) to display the plots of injected and circulating beam bunches in phase space coordinate.

Phase-locking dynamics in optoelectronic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banerjee, Abhijit; Sarkar, Jayjeet; Das, NikhilRanjan; Biswas, Baidyanath

2018-05-01

This paper analyzes the phase-locking phenomenon in single-loop optoelectronic microwave oscillators considering weak and strong radio frequency (RF) signal injection. The analyses are made in terms of the lock-range, beat frequency and the spectral components of the unlocked-driven oscillator. The influence of RF injection signal on the frequency pulling of the unlocked-driven optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is also studied. An approximate expression for the amplitude perturbation of the oscillator is derived and the influence of amplitude perturbation on the phase-locking dynamics is studied. It is shown that the analysis clearly reveals the phase-locking phenomenon and the associated frequency pulling mechanism starting from the fast-beat state through the quasi-locked state to the locked state of the pulled OEO. It is found that the unlocked-driven OEO output signal has a very non-symmetrical sideband distribution about the carrier. The simulation results are also given in partial support to the conclusions of the analysis.

Effect of additional optical pumping injection into the ground-state ensemble on the gain and the phase recovery acceleration of quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jungho

2014-02-01

The effect of additional optical pumping injection into the ground-state ensemble on the ultrafast gain and the phase recovery dynamics of electrically-driven quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers is numerically investigated by solving 1088 coupled rate equations. The ultrafast gain and the phase recovery responses are calculated with respect to the additional optical pumping power. Increasing the additional optical pumping power can significantly accelerate the ultrafast phase recovery, which cannot be done by increasing the injection current density.

Vitamin B12 affects non-photic entrainment of circadian locomotor activity rhythms in mice.

PubMed

Ebihara, S; Mano, N; Kurono, N; Komuro, G; Yoshimura, T

1996-07-15

Administration of vitamin B12 (VB12) has been reported to normalize human sleep-wake rhythm disorders such as non-24-h sleep-wake syndrome (HNS), delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) or insomnia. However, the mechanisms of the action of VB12 on the rhythm disorders are unknown. In the present study, therefore, effects of VB12 on circadian rhythms of locomotor activity were examined in mice. In the first experiment, CBA/J mice were maintained under continuous light condition (LL) or blinded, and after free-running rhythms became stable, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with either VB12 or saline at a fixed time every day. In all the mice with tau > 24 h, saline injections resulted in entrainment of circadian rhythms, whereas not all the mice with tau < 24 h entrained to the injection. In contrast to saline injections, VB12 injections did not always induce entrainment and about half of the mice with tau > 24 h free-ran during the injection. In the second experiment, the amount of phase advances of circadian rhythms induced by a single injection of saline at circadian time (CT) 11 under LL was compared between the mice with and without VB12 silastic tubes. The results showed that the amplitude of phase advances was smaller in the mice with VB12 than those without VB12. In the third experiment, daily injections of saline were given to the mice with VB12 silastic tubes maintained under LL. In this chronic treatment of VB12 as well, attenuating effects of VB12 on saline-induced entrainment were observed. These results suggest that VB12 affects the mechanisms implicated in non-photic entrainment of circadian rhythms in mice.

The U.S. Gas Flooding Experience: CO2 Injection Strategies and Impact on Ultimate Recovery

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

Nunez-Lopez, Vanessa; Hosseini, Seyyed; Gil-Egui, Ramon

The Permian Basin in West Texas and southwestern New Mexico has seen 45 years of oil reserve growth through CO2 enhanced oil recovery (CO2 EOR). More than 60 CO2 EOR projects are currently active in the region’s limestone, sandstone and dolomite reservoirs. Water alternating gas (WAG) has been the development strategy of choice in the Permian for several technical and economic reasons. More recently, the technology started to get implemented in the much more porous and permeable clastic depositional systems of the onshore U.S. Gulf Coast. Continued CO2 injection (CGI), as opposed to WAG, was selected as the injection strategymore » to develop Gulf Coast oil fields, where CO2 injection volumes are significantly larger (up to 6 times larger) than those of the Permian. We conducted a compositional simulation based study with the objective of comparing the CO2 utilization ratios (volume of CO2 injected to produce a barrel of oil) of 4 conventional and novel CO2 injection strategies: (1) continuous gas injection (CGI), (2) water alternating gas (WAG), (3) water curtain injection (WCI), and (4) WAG and WCI combination. These injection scenarios were simulated using the GEM module from the Computer Modeling Group (CMG). GEM is an advanced general equation-of-state compositional simulator, which includes equation of state, CO2 miscible flood, CO2/brine interactions, and complex phase behavior. The simulator is set up to model three fluid phases including water, oil, and gas. Our study demonstrates how the selected field development strategy has a significant impact on the ultimate recovery of CO2-EOR projects, with GCI injection providing maximum oil recovery in absolute volume terms, but with WAG offering a more balanced technical-economical approach.« less

Injection locking of an electronic maser in the hard excitation mode

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

Yakunina, K. A.; Kuznetsov, A. P.; Ryskin, N. M.

2015-11-15

The phenomenon of hard excitation is natural for many electronic oscillators. In particular, in a gyrotron, a maximal efficiency is often attained in the hard excitation regime. In this paper, we study the injection-locking phenomena using two models of an electronic maser in the hard excitation mode. First, bifurcation analysis is performed for the quasilinear model described by ordinary differential equations for the slow amplitude and phase. Two main scenarios of transition to the injection-locked mode are described, which are generalizations of the well-known phase-locking and suppression mechanisms. The results obtained for the quasilinear model are confirmed by numerical simulationsmore » of a gyrotron with fixed Gaussian structure of the RF field.« less

A laser-induced-fluorescence visualization study of transverse, sonic fuel injection in a nonreacting supersonic combustor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcdaniel, J. C.; Graves, J., Jr.

1986-01-01

The present paper reports work which has been conducted in the first phase of a research program which is to provide a data base of spatially-resolved measurements in nonreacting supersonic combustors. In the measurements, a nonintrusive diagnostic technique based on the utilization of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is employed. The reported work had the objective to conduct LIF visualization studies of the injection of a simulated fuel into a Mach 2.07 airstream for comparison with corresponding numerical calculations. Attention is given to injection from a single orifice into a constant-area duct, injection from a single orifice behind a rearward-facing step, and injection from staged orifices behind a rearward-facing step.

The effects of magnesium sulphate and EDTA in the hypercholesterolaemic rabbit.

PubMed

Evans, D A; Tariq, M; Sujata, B; McCann, G; Sobki, S

2001-12-01

Numerous clinical reports suggest the beneficial effects of chelation therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, the results of these studies are inconclusive and controversial. The purpose of this present study was to examine the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of chelation liquid (CHL) in experimental atherosclerosis. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 45 days. In the prophylactic phase of the study subcutaneous 300 mg EDTA + 500 mg magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) injections (five rabbits) and isotonic saline (five rabbits) were given to test and control groups, respectively, along with cholesterol rich diet. The CHL treatment ameliorated the rise of serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride concentrations, lowered serum calcium concentrations and reduced the aortic atheroma. In the therapeutic phase of the experiment the cholesterol diet was stopped and the remaining 10 animals were returned to normal diet. Five of these rabbits were given CHL injections and other five animals were given isotonic saline injections for 121 days. Although the level of cholesterol and triglyceride were not significantly different in the two groups, the serum calcium concentration and the percentage of the area of flate aortic specimen occupied by atheroma were significantly lower in the CHL treated rabbits as compared to controls. It is concluded that CHL injections have a definite prophylactic effect on atherogenesis in the cholesterol-fed rabbit, and may have some therapeutic value in the regression phase. Further confirmatory studies are suggested.

Transverse injection of a particle-laden liquid jet in supersonic flow: A three-phase flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schetz, J. A.; Ogg, J. C.

1980-01-01

The results of a two part study of the behavior of particle laden liquid jets injected into air are presented. Water was used as the liquid carrier and either 1-37 or 13-44 microns diam. spherical glass beads with a specific gravity of 2.8-3.0 as the particles. The observations were mainly photographic. The breakup of jets injected into still air was investigated as a function of particle loading, and the results were compared to the pure liquid jet case. The jets were found to be more stable with particles present. The length to breakup was increased, and the formation of satellite droplets was suppressed. The penetration and breakup of transverse jets in a Mach 3.0 air stream was studied. The general breakup mechanism of wave formation was found to be the same as for the all liquid case. Significant separation of the phases was observed, and the penetration of the liquid phase was reduced compared to all liquid cases at the same value of the jet to free stream momentum flux ratio.

Performance and stability analysis of gas-injection enhanced natural circulation in heavy-liquid-metal-cooled systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Yeon-Jong

The purpose of this study is to investigate the performance and stability of the gas-injection enhanced natural circulation in heavy-liquid-metal-cooled systems. The target system is STAR-LM, which is a 400-MWt-class advanced lead-cooled fast reactor under development by Argonne National Laboratory and Oregon State University. The primary loop of STAR-LM relies on natural circulation to eliminate main circulation pumps for enhancement of passive safety. To significantly increase the natural circulation flow rate for the incorporation of potential future power uprates, the injection of noncondensable gas into the coolant above the core is envisioned ("gas lift pump"). Reliance upon gas-injection enhanced natural circulation raises the concern of flow instability due to the relatively high temperature change in the reactor core and the two-phase flow condition in the riser. For this study, the one-dimensional flow field equations were applied to each flow section and the mixture models of two-phase flow, i.e., both the homogeneous and drift-flux equilibrium models were used in the two-phase region of the riser. For the stability analysis, the linear perturbation technique based on the frequency-domain approach was used by employing the Nyquist stability criterion and a numerical root search method. It has been shown that the thermal power of the STAR-LM natural circulation system could be increased from 400 up to 1152 MW with gas injection under the limiting void fraction of 0.30 and limiting coolant velocity of 2.0 m/s from the steady-state performance analysis. As the result of the linear stability analysis, it has turned out that the STAR-LM natural circulation system would be stable even with gas injection. In addition, through the parametric study, it has been found that the thermal inertia effects of solid structures such as fuel rod and heat exchanger tube should be considered in the stability analysis model. The results of this study will be a part of the optimized stable design of the gas-injection enhanced natural circulation of STAR-LM with substantially improved power level and economical competitiveness. Furthermore, combined with the parametric study, this research could contribute a guideline for the design of other similar heavy-liquid-metal-cooled natural circulation systems with gas injection.

Modeling of two-phase porous flow with damage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Z.; Bercovici, D.

2009-12-01

Two-phase dynamics has been broadly studied in Earth Science in a convective system. We investigate the basic physics of compaction with damage theory and present preliminary results of both steady state and time-dependent transport when melt migrates through porous medium. In our simple 1-D model, damage would play an important role when we consider the ascent of melt-rich mixture at constant velocity. Melt segregation becomes more difficult so that porosity is larger than that in simple compaction in the steady-state compaction profile. Scaling analysis for compaction equation is performed to predict the behavior of melt segregation with damage. The time-dependent of the compacting system is investigated by looking at solitary wave solutions to the two-phase model. We assume that the additional melt is injected to the fracture material through a single pulse with determined shape and velocity. The existence of damage allows the pulse to keep moving further than that in simple compaction. Therefore more melt could be injected to the two-phase mixture and future application such as carbon dioxide injection is proposed.

Permanent downhole fiber optic pressure and temperature monitoring during CO2 injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt-Hattenberger, C.; Moeller, F.; Liebscher, A.; Koehler, S.

2009-04-01

Permanent downhole monitoring of pressure and temperature, ideally over the entire length of the injection string, is essential for any smooth and safe CO2 injection within the framework of geological CO2 storage: i) To avoid fracturing of the cap-rock, a certain, site dependent pressure threshold within the reservoir should not be exceeded; ii) Any CO2 phase transition within the injection string, i.e. either condensation or evaporation, should be avoided. Such phase transitions cause uncontrolled and undetermined P-T regimes within the injection string that may ultimately result in a shut-in of the injection facility; and iii) Precise knowledge of the P and T response of the reservoir to the CO2 injection is a prerequisite to any reservoir modeling. The talk will present first results from our permanent downhole P-T monitoring program from the Ketzin CO2 storage test site (CO2SINK). At Ketzin, a fiber Bragg grating pressure sensor has been installed at the end of the injection string in combination with distributed temperature profiling over the entire length (about 550 m) of the string for continuous P-T monitoring during operation. Such fiber optic monitoring technique is used by default in the oil and gas industry but has not yet been applied as standard on a long-term routine mode for CO2 injection. Pressure is measured every 5 seconds with a resolution of < 1 bar. The data are later processed by user-defined program. The temperature logs along the injection string are measured every 3 minutes with a spatial resolution of one meter and with a temperature resolution of about 0.1°C. The long-term stability under full operational conditions is currently under investigation. The main computer of the P-T system operates as a stand-alone data-acquisition unit, and is connected with a secure intranet in order to ensure remote data access and system maintenance. The on-line measurements are displayed on the operator panel of the injection facility for direct control. The monitoring program started already prior to CO2 injection and runs since 6 months without any fatal errors. The recorded data cover the pre-injection well-testing phase, the initial injection phase as well as several shut-in and re-start phases during routine injection. Especially during the initial and re-start phases the monitoring results significantly optimized and improved the operation of the injection facility in terms of injection rate and injection temperature. Due to the high qualitative and also quantitative resolution of this technique even shortest-term transient disturbances of the reservoir and injection regime could be monitored as they may occur due to fluid sampling or logging in neighboring wells. Such short-term transient effects are normally overlooked using non-permanent monitoring techniques. On the long-term perspective, this monitoring technique will also support the control of CO2 injection tubing integrity, which is a prerequisite for any secure long-lasting CO2 injection and storage.

Water quality requirements for sustaining aquifer storage and recovery operations in a low permeability fractured rock aquifer.

PubMed

Page, Declan; Miotliński, Konrad; Dillon, Peter; Taylor, Russel; Wakelin, Steve; Levett, Kerry; Barry, Karen; Pavelic, Paul

2011-10-01

A changing climate and increasing urbanisation has driven interest in the use of aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) schemes as an environmental management tool to supplement conventional water resources. This study focuses on ASR with stormwater in a low permeability fractured rock aquifer and the selection of water treatment methods to prevent well clogging. In this study two different injection and recovery phases were trialed. In the first phase ~1380 m(3) of potable water was injected and recovered over four cycles. In the second phase ~3300 m(3) of treated stormwater was injected and ~2410 m(3) were subsequently recovered over three cycles. Due to the success of the potable water injection cycles, its water quality was used to set pre-treatment targets for harvested urban stormwater of ≤ 0.6 NTU turbidity, ≤ 1.7 mg/L dissolved organic carbon and ≤ 0.2 mg/L biodegradable dissolved organic carbon. A range of potential ASR pre-treatment options were subsequently evaluated resulting in the adoption of an ultrafiltration/granular activated carbon system to remove suspended solids and nutrients which cause physical and biological clogging. ASR cycle testing with potable water and treated stormwater demonstrated that urban stormwater containing variable turbidity (mean 5.5 NTU) and organic carbon (mean 8.3 mg/L) concentrations before treatment could be injected into a low transmissivity fractured rock aquifer and recovered for irrigation supplies. A small decline in permeability of the formation in the vicinity of the injection well was apparent even with high quality water that met turbidity and DOC but could not consistently achieve the BDOC criteria. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of zirconium doped NiAl/Cr(Mo) hypoeutectic alloy prepared by injection casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheng, L. Y.; Du, B. N.; Guo, J. T.

2017-01-01

NiAl based materials has been considered as most potential candidate of turbine blade, due to its excellent high-temperature properties. However the bad room-temperature properties handicap its application. In the present paper, the zirconium doped NiAl/Cr(Mo) hypoeutectic alloy is fabricated by conventional casting and injection casting technology to improve its room-temperature properties. The microstructure and compressive properties at different temperatures of the conventionally-cast and injection-cast were investigated. The results exhibit that the conventionally-cast alloy comprises coarse primary NiAl phase and eutectic cell, which is dotted with irregular Ni2AlZr Heusler phase. Compared with the conventionally-cast alloy, the injection-cast alloy possesses refined the primary NiAl, eutectic cell and eutectic lamella. In addition, the Ni2AlZr Heusler phase become smaller and distribute uniformly. Moreover, the injection casting decrease the area fraction of primary NiAl phase at the cell interior or cell boundaries. The compressive ductility and yield strength of the injection-cast alloy at room temperature increase by about 100% and 35% over those of conventionally-cast alloy, which should be ascribed to the microstructure optimization.

The detection of chronic cerebral hemorrhage in rabbits with magnetic induction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jian; Jin, Gui; Qin, Mingxin; Wan, Zibing; Wang, Jinbao; ChaoWang; Guo, Wanyou; Xu, Lin; Ning, Xu; Xu, Jia; Pu, Xianjie; Chen, Mingsheng; Zhao, Hongmei

2012-12-01

Chronic cerebral hemorrhage (CCH) in the brain is an important clinical problem that is often monitored and studied with expensive devices such as MRI and PET, which are not readily available in low economical resource parts of the world. We have developed a less expensive tool for non-contact monitoring of CCH in the brain. The system measures the phase shift between the electromagnetic signals on the two coils. CCH was induced in the brain of rabbits by stereotactic method. Intracranial pressure (ICP) and Electrocardiograph (ECG) of subjects were monitored for 1.5h. Signals were continuously monitored up to t=1.5h at exciting frequency 10.7MHz. From 0.8 to 2.4 ml of autologous blood was injected (each injection quantity of 0.8 ml, the interval time for 30 minutes). The results show significant phase shifts increase as a function of injection volume. ICP and phase shift were directly proportional to the related, while HRV were stable around 200beats*min-1. Our system has high sensitivity that even 0.8 ml can also be detected. In this study, the curves of inductive phase shift are significantly related to ICP. This observation suggests that the method could be valuable, in addition to continuous monitoring, also for early warning in emergency medicine and critical care units.

Theoretical analysis and simulation study of the deep overcompression mode of velocity bunching for a comblike electron bunch train

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Dan; Yan, Lixin; Du, YingChao; Huang, Wenhui; Gai, Wei; Tang, Chuanxiang

2018-02-01

Premodulated comblike electron bunch trains are used in a wide range of research fields, such as for wakefield-based particle acceleration and tunable radiation sources. We propose an optimized compression scheme for bunch trains in which a traveling wave accelerator tube and a downstream drift segment are together used as a compressor. When the phase injected into the accelerator tube for the bunch train is set to ≪-10 0 ° , velocity bunching occurs in a deep overcompression mode, which reverses the phase space and maintains a velocity difference within the injected beam, thereby giving rise to a compressed comblike electron bunch train after a few-meter-long drift segment; we call this the deep overcompression scheme. The main benefits of this scheme are the relatively large phase acceptance and the uniformity of compression for the bunch train. The comblike bunch train generated via this scheme is widely tunable: For the two-bunch case, the energy and time spacings can be continuously adjusted from +1 to -1 MeV and from 13 to 3 ps, respectively, by varying the injected phase of the bunch train from -22 0 ° to -14 0 ° . Both theoretical analysis and beam dynamics simulations are presented to study the properties of the deep overcompression scheme.

Resonant interaction of the electron beam with a synchronous wave in controlled magnetrons for high-current superconducting accelerators

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

Kazakevich, G.; Johnson, R.; Lebedev, V.

A simplified analytical model of the resonant interaction of the beam of Larmor electrons drifting in the crossed constant fields of a magnetron with a synchronous wave providing a phase grouping of the drifting charge was developed to optimize the parameters of an rf resonant injected signal driving the magnetrons for management of phase and power of rf sources with a rate required for superconducting high-current accelerators. The model, which considers the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the operation of the injection-locked tube, substantiates the recently developed method of fast power control of magnetronsmore » in the range up to 10 dB at the highest generation efficiency, with low noise, precise stability of the carrier frequency, and the possibility of wideband phase control. Experiments with continuous wave 2.45 GHz, 1 kW microwave oven magnetrons have verified the correspondence of the behavior of these tubes to the analytical model. A proof of the principle of the novel method of power control in magnetrons, based on the developed model, was demonstrated in the experiments. The method is attractive for high-current superconducting rf accelerators. This study also discusses vector methods of power control with the rates required for superconducting accelerators, the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the rate of phase control of the injection-locked tubes, and a conceptual scheme of the magnetron transmitter with highest efficiency for high-current accelerators.« less

Resonant interaction of the electron beam with a synchronous wave in controlled magnetrons for high-current superconducting accelerators

DOE PAGES

Kazakevich, G.; Johnson, R.; Lebedev, V.; ...

2018-06-14

A simplified analytical model of the resonant interaction of the beam of Larmor electrons drifting in the crossed constant fields of a magnetron with a synchronous wave providing a phase grouping of the drifting charge was developed to optimize the parameters of an rf resonant injected signal driving the magnetrons for management of phase and power of rf sources with a rate required for superconducting high-current accelerators. The model, which considers the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the operation of the injection-locked tube, substantiates the recently developed method of fast power control of magnetronsmore » in the range up to 10 dB at the highest generation efficiency, with low noise, precise stability of the carrier frequency, and the possibility of wideband phase control. Experiments with continuous wave 2.45 GHz, 1 kW microwave oven magnetrons have verified the correspondence of the behavior of these tubes to the analytical model. A proof of the principle of the novel method of power control in magnetrons, based on the developed model, was demonstrated in the experiments. The method is attractive for high-current superconducting rf accelerators. This study also discusses vector methods of power control with the rates required for superconducting accelerators, the impact of the rf resonant signal injected into the magnetron on the rate of phase control of the injection-locked tubes, and a conceptual scheme of the magnetron transmitter with highest efficiency for high-current accelerators.« less

Assessing the immediate impact of botulinum toxin injection on impedance of spastic muscle.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoyan; Shin, Henry; Li, Le; Magat, Elaine; Li, Sheng; Zhou, Ping

2017-05-01

This study aimed to investigate the immediate impacts of Botulinum Toxin A (BoNT-A) injections on the inherent electrical properties of spastic muscles using a newly developed electrical impedance myography (EIM) technique. Impedance measures were performed before and after a BoNT-A injection in biceps brachii muscles of 14 subjects with spasticity. Three major impedance variables, resistance (R), reactance (X) and phase angle (θ) were obtained from three different configurations, and were evaluated using the conventional EIM frequency at 50kHz as well as multiple frequency analysis. Statistical analysis demonstrated a significant decrease of resistance in the injected muscles (Multiple-frequency: R pre =25.17±1.94Ohm, R post =23.65±1.63Ohm, p<0.05; 50kHz: R pre =29.06±2.16Ohm, R post =27.7±1.89Ohm, p<0.05). Despite this decrease, there were no substantial changes in the reactance, phase angle, or anisotropy features after a BoNT-A injection. The significant changes of muscle resistance were most likely associated with the liquid injection of the BoNT-A-saline solution rather than the immediate toxin effects on the muscle. This study demonstrated high sensitivity of the EIM technique in the detection of alterations to muscle composition. Copyright © 2017 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of Gas Injection Performance for Heterogeneous Reservoirs

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

Blunt, Martin J.; Orr, Franklin M.

This report describes research carried out in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Stanford University from September 1997 - September 1998 under the second year of a three-year grant from the Department of Energy on the "Prediction of Gas Injection Performance for Heterogeneous Reservoirs." The research effort is an integrated study of the factors affecting gas injection, from the pore scale to the field scale, and involves theoretical analysis, laboratory experiments, and numerical simulation. The original proposal described research in four areas: (1) Pore scale modeling of three phase flow in porous media; (2) Laboratory experiments and analysis of factorsmore » influencing gas injection performance at the core scale with an emphasis on the fundamentals of three phase flow; (3) Benchmark simulations of gas injection at the field scale; and (4) Development of streamline-based reservoir simulator. Each state of the research is planned to provide input and insight into the next stage, such that at the end we should have an integrated understanding of the key factors affecting field scale displacements.« less

Push-pull tests for estimating effective porosity: expanded analytical solution and in situ application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paradis, Charles J.; McKay, Larry D.; Perfect, Edmund; Istok, Jonathan D.; Hazen, Terry C.

2018-03-01

The analytical solution describing the one-dimensional displacement of the center of mass of a tracer during an injection, drift, and extraction test (push-pull test) was expanded to account for displacement during the injection phase. The solution was expanded to improve the in situ estimation of effective porosity. The truncated equation assumed displacement during the injection phase was negligible, which may theoretically lead to an underestimation of the true value of effective porosity. To experimentally compare the expanded and truncated equations, single-well push-pull tests were conducted across six test wells located in a shallow, unconfined aquifer comprised of unconsolidated and heterogeneous silty and clayey fill materials. The push-pull tests were conducted by injection of bromide tracer, followed by a non-pumping period, and subsequent extraction of groundwater. The values of effective porosity from the expanded equation (0.6-5.0%) were substantially greater than from the truncated equation (0.1-1.3%). The expanded and truncated equations were compared to data from previous push-pull studies in the literature and demonstrated that displacement during the injection phase may or may not be negligible, depending on the aquifer properties and the push-pull test parameters. The results presented here also demonstrated the spatial variability of effective porosity within a relatively small study site can be substantial, and the error-propagated uncertainty of effective porosity can be mitigated to a reasonable level (< ± 0.5%). The tests presented here are also the first that the authors are aware of that estimate, in situ, the effective porosity of fine-grained fill material.

Phase Field Model of Hydraulic Fracturing in Poroelastic Media: Fracture Propagation, Arrest, and Branching Under Fluid Injection and Extraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santillán, David; Juanes, Ruben; Cueto-Felgueroso, Luis

2018-03-01

The simulation of fluid-driven fracture propagation in a porous medium is a major computational challenge, with applications in geosciences and engineering. The two main families of modeling approaches are those models that represent fractures as explicit discontinuities and solve the moving boundary problem and those that represent fractures as thin damaged zones, solving a continuum problem throughout. The latter family includes the so-called phase field models. Continuum approaches to fracture face validation and verification challenges, in particular grid convergence, well posedness, and physical relevance in practical scenarios. Here we propose a new quasi-static phase field formulation. The approach fully couples fluid flow in the fracture with deformation and flow in the porous medium, discretizes flow in the fracture on a lower-dimension manifold, and employs the fluid flux between the fracture and the porous solid as coupling variable. We present a numerical assessment of the model by studying the propagation of a fracture in the quarter five-spot configuration. We study the interplay between injection flow rate and rock properties and elucidate fracture propagation patterns under the leak-off toughness dominated regime as a function of injection rate, initial fracture length, and poromechanical properties. For the considered injection scenario, we show that the final fracture length depends on the injection rate, and three distinct patterns are observed. We also rationalize the system response using dimensional analysis to collapse the model results. Finally, we propose some simplifications that alleviate the computational cost of the simulations without significant loss of accuracy.

Methods, systems and apparatus for optimization of third harmonic current injection in a multi-phase machine

DOEpatents

Gallegos-Lopez, Gabriel

2012-10-02

Methods, system and apparatus are provided for increasing voltage utilization in a five-phase vector controlled machine drive system that employs third harmonic current injection to increase torque and power output by a five-phase machine. To do so, a fundamental current angle of a fundamental current vector is optimized for each particular torque-speed of operating point of the five-phase machine.

Procedural and Physical Interventions for Vaccine Injections: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Quasi-Randomized Controlled Trials.

PubMed

Taddio, Anna; Shah, Vibhuti; McMurtry, C Meghan; MacDonald, Noni E; Ipp, Moshe; Riddell, Rebecca Pillai; Noel, Melanie; Chambers, Christine T

2015-10-01

This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness of physical and procedural interventions for reducing pain and related outcomes during vaccination. Databases were searched using a broad search strategy to identify relevant randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials. Data were extracted according to procedure phase (preprocedure, acute, recovery, and combinations of these) and pooled using established methods. A total of 31 studies were included. Acute infant distress was diminished during intramuscular injection without aspiration (n=313): standardized mean difference (SMD) -0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.18, -0.46). Injecting the most painful vaccine last during vaccinations reduced acute infant distress (n=196): SMD -0.69 (95% CI: -0.98, -0.4). Simultaneous injections reduced acute infant distress compared with sequential injections (n=172): SMD -0.56 (95% CI: -0.87, -0.25). There was no benefit of simultaneous injections in children. Less infant distress during the acute and recovery phases combined occurred with vastus lateralis (vs. deltoid) injections (n=185): SMD -0.70 (95% CI: -1.00, -0.41). Skin-to-skin contact in neonates (n=736) reduced acute distress: SMD -0.65 (95% CI: -1.05, -0.25). Holding infants reduced acute distress after removal of the data from 1 methodologically diverse study (n=107): SMD -1.25 (95% CI: -2.05, -0.46). Holding after vaccination (n=417) reduced infant distress during the acute and recovery phases combined: SMD -0.65 (95% CI: -1.08, -0.22). Self-reported fear was reduced for children positioned upright (n=107): SMD -0.39 (95% CI: -0.77, -0.01). Non-nutritive sucking (n=186) reduced acute distress in infants: SMD -1.88 (95% CI: -2.57, -1.18). Manual tactile stimulation did not reduce pain across the lifespan. An external vibrating device and cold reduced pain in children (n=145): SMD -1.23 (95% CI: -1.58, -0.87). There was no benefit of warming the vaccine in adults. Muscle tension was beneficial in selected indices of fainting in adolescents and adults. Interventions with evidence of benefit in select populations include: no aspiration, injecting most painful vaccine last, simultaneous injections, vastus lateralis injection, positioning interventions, non-nutritive sucking, external vibrating device with cold, and muscle tension.

Monitoring of Cyclic Steam Stimulation by Inversion of Surface Tilt Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maharramov, M.; Zoback, M. D.

2014-12-01

Temperature and pressure changes associated with the cyclic steam simulation (CSS) used in heavy oil production from sands are accompanied by significant deformation. Inversion of geomechanical data may provide a potentially powerful reservoir monitoring tool where geomechanical effects are significant. Induced pore pressure changes can be inverted from measurable surface deformations by solving an inverse problem of poroelasticity. In this work, we apply this approach to estimating pore pressure changes from surface tilt measurements at a heavy oil reservoir undergoing cyclic steam simulation. Steam was injected from November 2007 through January 2008. Surface tilt measurements were collected from 25 surface tilt stations during this period. The injection ran in two overlapping phases: Phase 1 ran from the beginning of the injection though mid-December, and Phase 2 overlapped with Phase 1 and ran through the beginning of January. During Phase 1 steam was injected in the western part of the reservoir, followed by injection in the eastern part in Phase 2. The pore pressure evolution was inverted from daily tilt measurements using regularized constrained least squares fitting, the results are shown on the plot. Estimated induced pore pressure change (color scale), observed daily incremental tilts (green arrows) and modeled daily incremental tilts (red arrows) are shown in three panels corresponding to two and five weeks of injection, and the end of injection period. DGPS measurements available for a single location were used as an additional inversion constraint. The results indicate that the pore pressure increase in the reservoir follows the same pattern as the steam injection, from west to east. This qualitative behaviour is independent of the amount of regularization, indirectly validating our inversion approach. Patches of lower pressure appear to be stable with regard to regularization and may provide valuable insight into the efficiency of steam injection. Inversion of pore pressure (and surface deformation) from tilts in this case is non-unique, and the DGPS measurement provided an important additional constraint. The method can be applied to inverting pore pressure changes from InSAR observations, and the latter can be expected to reduce limitations due to noise in tilt measurements.

Effects of Gasoline Direct Injection Engine Operating Parameters on Particle Number Emissions

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

He, X.; Ratcliff, M. A.; Zigler, B. T.

2012-04-19

A single-cylinder, wall-guided, spark ignition direct injection engine was used to study the impact of engine operating parameters on engine-out particle number (PN) emissions. Experiments were conducted with certification gasoline and a splash blend of 20% fuel grade ethanol in gasoline (E20), at four steady-state engine operating conditions. Independent engine control parameter sweeps were conducted including start of injection, injection pressure, spark timing, exhaust cam phasing, intake cam phasing, and air-fuel ratio. The results show that fuel injection timing is the dominant factor impacting PN emissions from this wall-guided gasoline direct injection engine. The major factor causing high PN emissionsmore » is fuel liquid impingement on the piston bowl. By avoiding fuel impingement, more than an order of magnitude reduction in PN emission was observed. Increasing fuel injection pressure reduces PN emissions because of smaller fuel droplet size and faster fuel-air mixing. PN emissions are insensitive to cam phasing and spark timing, especially at high engine load. Cold engine conditions produce higher PN emissions than hot engine conditions due to slower fuel vaporization and thus less fuel-air homogeneity during the combustion process. E20 produces lower PN emissions at low and medium loads if fuel liquid impingement on piston bowl is avoided. At high load or if there is fuel liquid impingement on piston bowl and/or cylinder wall, E20 tends to produce higher PN emissions. This is probably a function of the higher heat of vaporization of ethanol, which slows the vaporization of other fuel components from surfaces and may create local fuel-rich combustion or even pool-fires.« less

Cost and Performance Assessment of In-situ Chemical Oxidation for Intermittent and Continuous Oxidant Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, U.; Parker, J.; Borden, R. C.

2015-12-01

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) is a popular remediation technology that involves injection of chemical oxidant into groundwater to destroy dissolved and non-aqueous liquid phase contaminants. Depending on site conditions, oxidant can be injected into the contaminated subsurface periodically (intermittently) or continuously. A common approach is to intermittently inject oxidant into a network of wells over a period long enough to emplace oxidant over a target treatment volume (referred to ISCO-int). The injection phase is followed by a passive phase when the oxidant is allowed to react with contaminants and natural oxygen demand (NOD) and to migrate under natural hydraulic gradients. This process may be repeated multiple times until termination criteria are met. Recently, some practitioners have adopted an alternative approach in which oxidant is injected continuously with extraction wells recovering unreacted oxidant to recycle with additional makeup oxidant to maintain its constant concentration (referred to ISCO-cont). Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages. This study numerically evaluates those two ISCO practices in terms of remediation costs and performance based on multiple equi-probable parameter sets. Stochastic cost optimization toolbox (SCOToolkit) is used for this purpose. SCOToolkit is an integrated semi-analytical model for contaminant transport and remediation (e.g., thermal source treatment, ISCO, electron donor injections, permeable reactive barriers) enabling inverse solution and Monte Carlo simulations. Four different aquifer settings, slow and fast Darcy velocities combined with low and high NOD conditions, are used for the evaluation. Preliminary results showed that ISCO-cont is effective for a full scale application without large investment while ISCO-int is more efficient to utilize oxidant in well-characterized sites. Pros and cons of each approach are discussed for the practical use of ISCO for various site conditions.

Exploring Liquid Sequential Injection Chromatography to Teach Fundamentals of Separation Methods: A Very Fast Analytical Chemistry Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Penteado, Jose C.; Masini, Jorge Cesar

2011-01-01

Influence of the solvent strength determined by the addition of a mobile-phase organic modifier and pH on chromatographic separation of sorbic acid and vanillin has been investigated by the relatively new technique, liquid sequential injection chromatography (SIC). This technique uses reversed-phase monolithic stationary phase to execute fast…

Phase-locking of combination-cylinder discharge CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen

2014-05-01

A new type of laser resonator is presented to obtained good coherent beam and the parameters of the laser beam are calculated. The principle of phase-locking is described based on the injection-locking, the properties of the injected beam in the resonator are studied in detail. The output beam from output mirror is an annular laser beam with zero central intensity. An analytical expression for the annular laser beam through the ABCD optical system is derived. Typical numerical examples are calculated to confirm our analytical results. It is shown that the good coherent beam can be obtained through phase-locking, and the central intensity of annular beam through ABCD optical system will become maximum when the parameters of laser beam are selected reasonably.

Pressurized feed-injection spray-forming apparatus

DOEpatents

Berry, R.A.; Fincke, J.R.; McHugh, K.M.

1995-08-29

A spray apparatus and method are disclosed for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers. 22 figs.

Pressurized feed-injection spray-forming apparatus

DOEpatents

Berry, Ray A.; Fincke, James R.; McHugh, Kevin M.

1995-01-01

A spray apparatus and method for injecting a heated, pressurized liquid in a first predetermined direction into a pressurized gas flow that is flowing in a second predetermined direction, to provide for atomizing and admixing the liquid with the gas to form a two-phase mixture. A valve is also disposed within the injected liquid conduit to provide for a pulsed injection of the liquid and timed deposit of the atomized gas phase. Preferred embodiments include multiple liquid feed ports and reservoirs to provide for multiphase mixtures of metals, ceramics, and polymers.

In situ forming phase-inversion implants for sustained ocular delivery of triamcinolone acetonide.

PubMed

Sheshala, Ravi; Hong, Gan Chew; Yee, Wong Pui; Meka, Venkata Srikanth; Thakur, Raghu Raj Singh

2018-02-26

The objectives of this study were to develop biodegradable poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) based injectable phase inversion in situ forming system for sustained delivery of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and to conduct physicochemical characterisation including in vitro drug release of the prepared formulations. TA (at 0.5%, 1% and 2.5% w/w loading) was dissolved in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solvent and then incorporated 30% w/w PLGA (50/50 and 75/25) polymer to prepare homogenous injectable solution. The formulations were evaluated for rheological behaviour using rheometer, syringeability by texture analyser, water uptake and rate of implant formation by optical coherence tomography (OCT) microscope. Phase inversion in situ forming formulations were injected into PBS pH 7.3 to form an implant and release samples were collected and analysed for drug content using a HPLC method. All formulations exhibited good syringeability and rheological properties (viscosity: 0.19-3.06 Pa.s) by showing shear thinning behaviour which enable them to remain as free-flowing solution for ease administration. The results from OCT microscope demonstrated that thickness of the implants were increased with the increase in time and the rate of implant formation indicated the fast phase inversion. The drug release from implants was sustained over a period of 42 days. The research findings demonstrated that PLGA/NMP-based phase inversion in situ forming implants can improve compliance in patient's suffering from ocular diseases by sustaining the drug release for a prolonged period of time and thereby reducing the frequency of ocular injections.

Efficacy and safety of cross-linked hyaluronic acid single injection on osteoarthritis of the knee: a post-marketing Phase IV study.

PubMed

Bashaireh, Khaldoon; Naser, Ziad; Hawadya, Khaled Al; Sorour, Sorour; Al-Khateeb, Rami Nabeel

2015-01-01

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and duration of action of viscosupplementation with Crespine® Gel over a 9-month period. The study was a post-marketing Phase IV study. A total of 109 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee (grades 1-4) in the tibio-femoral compartment were recruited in Jordan. Data were collected from each participant during the baseline visit. Each participant received Crespine® Gel injection, and follow-up visits took place at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months post-injection. An assessment of participants by phone was conducted at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 5 months, 7 months, and 8 months post-injection. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index questionnaires were completed during each visit. A 72-hour visit questionnaire was used to assess the safety of the injection. Statistical analysis included a two-sided 95% confidence interval for the difference between pain scores across visits, and the percent change from baseline was calculated. The full analysis included 84 participants who gave their informed consent and finished the necessary baseline and follow-up visits needed to assess efficacy and safety. Peak improvement was noted at 5 months post-injection, when pain and physical performance scores had decreased to 2.60 and 9.90, respectively, and the stiffness score was 0.33. The peak improvement in stiffness was noted at 8 months post-injection, when the stiffness score had decreased to 0.32. Significant improvements were still apparent at 9 months post-injection, when the pain score was 3.36, the stiffness score was 0.42, and the physical performance score was 11.5. All side effects were local and transient, and included pain, swelling, and redness of the knee. Most side effects were treated. Hyaluronan should be encouraged as an alternative or adjunct treatment to oral analgesics to reduce their required doses, and delay potential future surgical intervention.

Intensity dynamics in a waveguide array laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Mingming; Williams, Matthew O.; Kutz, J. Nathan; Silverman, Kevin L.; Mirin, Richard P.; Cundiff, Steven T.

2011-02-01

We consider experimentally and theoretically the optical field dynamics of a five-emitter laser array subject to a ramped injection current. We have achieved experimentally an array that produces a robust oscillatory power output with a nearly constant π phase shift between the oscillations from each waveguide. The output power also decreases linearly as a function of waveguide number. Those behaviors persisted for pump currents varying between 380 and 500 mA with only a slight change in phase. Of note is the fact that the fundamental frequency of oscillation increases with injection current, and higher harmonics are produced above a threshold current of approximately 380 mA. Experimental observations and theoretical predictions are in agreement. A low dimensional model was also developed and the impact of the nonuniform injection current studied. A nonuniform injection current is capable of shifting the bifurcations of the waveguide array providing a valuable method of array tuning without additional gain or structural alterations to the array.

Application of a Persistent Dissolved-phase Reactive Treatment Zone for Mitigation of Mass Discharge from Sources Located in Lower-Permeability Sediments

PubMed Central

Marble, J.C.; Brusseau, M.L.; Carroll, K.C.; Plaschke, M.; Fuhrig, L.; Brinker, F.

2015-01-01

The purpose of this study is to examine the development and effectiveness of a persistent dissolved-phase treatment zone, created by injecting potassium permanganate solution, for mitigating discharge of contaminant from a source zone located in a relatively deep, low-permeability formation. A localized 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE) source zone comprising dissolved- and sorbed-phase mass is present in lower permeability strata adjacent to a sand/gravel unit in a section of the Tucson International Airport Area (TIAA) Superfund Site. The results of bench-scale studies conducted using core material collected from boreholes drilled at the site indicated that natural oxidant demand was low, which would promote permanganate persistence. The reactive zone was created by injecting a permanganate solution into multiple wells screened across the interface between the lower-permeability and higher-permeability units. The site has been monitored for nine years to characterize the spatial distribution of DCE and permanganate. Permanganate continues to persist at the site, and a substantial and sustained decrease in DCE concentrations in groundwater has occurred after the permanganate injection.. These results demonstrate successful creation of a long-term, dissolved-phase reactive-treatment zone that reduced mass discharge from the source. This project illustrates the application of in-situ chemical oxidation as a persistent dissolved-phase reactive-treatment system for lower-permeability source zones, which appears to effectively mitigate persistent mass discharge into groundwater. PMID:26300570

Study of a Multi-phase Hybrid Heat Exchanger-Reaction (HEX Reactor): Part 1 - Experimental Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

considerably higher frictional losses than if the liquid and gas phases were simply injected at the inlet as in references [11,12]. Although the...individual channel face opposite directions to form a tor- tuous network of crisscrossing passageways. Fluid streams direc - ted along the upper and...gravity SP single-phase TP two-phase c corrugated section e equivalent g gas phase h hydraulic l liquid phase pp port-to-port N. Niedbalski et al

Managing la malilla: Exploring drug treatment experiences among injection drug users in Tijuana, Mexico, and their implications for drug law reform

PubMed Central

Syvertsen, Jennifer; Pollini, Robin A.; Lozada, Remedios; Vera, Alicia; Rangel, Gudelia; Strathdee, Steffanie A.

2012-01-01

Background In August 2009, Mexico reformed its drug laws and decriminalized small quantities of drugs for personal use; offenders caught three times will be mandated to enter drug treatment. However, little is known about the quality or effectiveness of drug treatment programs in Mexico. We examined injection drug users’ (IDUs) experiences in drug treatment in Tijuana, Mexico, with the goal of informing program planning and policy. Methods We examined qualitative and quantitative data from Proyecto El Cuete, a multi-phased research study on HIV risk among IDUs in Tijuana. Phase I consisted of 20 in-depth interviews and Phase II employed respondent-driven sampling to recruit 222 IDUs for a quantitative survey. We also reviewed national drug policy documents, surveillance data, and media reports to situate drug users’ experiences within the broader sociopolitical context. Results Participants in the qualitative study were 50% male with a mean age of 32; most injected heroin (85.0%) and methamphetamine (60.0%). The quantitative sample was 91.4% male with a mean age of 35; 98.2% injected heroin and 83.7% injected heroin and methamphetamine together. The majority of participants reported receiving treatment: residential treatment was most common, followed by methadone; other types of services were infrequently reported. Participants’ perceptions of program acceptability and effectiveness were mixed. Mistreatment emerged as a theme in the qualitative interviews and was reported by 21.6% of Phase II participants, primarily physical (72.0%) and verbal (52.0%) abuse. Conclusions Our results point to the need for political, economic, and social investment in the drug treatment system before offenders are sentenced to treatment under the revised national drug law. Resources are needed to strengthen program quality and ensure accountability. The public health impact of the new legislation that attempts to bring drug treatment to the forefront of national drug policy should be systematically evaluated. PMID:20800464

Magnetic flux density measurement with balanced steady state free precession pulse sequence for MREIT: a simulation study.

PubMed

Minhas, Atul S; Woo, Eung Je; Lee, Soo Yeol

2009-01-01

Magnetic Resonance Electrical Impedance Tomography (MREIT) utilizes the magnetic flux density B(z), generated due to current injection, to find conductivity distribution inside an object. This B(z) can be measured from MR phase images using spin echo pulse sequence. The SNR of B(z) and the sensitivity of phase produced by B(z) in MR phase image are critical in deciding the resolution of MREIT conductivity images. The conventional spin echo based data acquisition has poor phase sensitivity to current injection. Longer scan time is needed to acquire data with higher SNR. We propose a balanced steady state free precession (b-SSFP) based pulse sequence which is highly sensitive to small off-resonance phase changes. A procedure to reconstruct B(z) from MR signal obtained with b-SSFP sequence is described. Phases for b-SSFP signals for two conductivity phantoms of TX 151 and Gelatin are simulated from the mathematical models of b-SSFP signal. It was observed that the phase changes obtained from b-SSFP pulse sequence are highly sensitive to current injection and hence would produce higher magnetic flux density. However, the b-SSFP signal is dependent on magnetic field inhomogeneity and the signal deteriorated highly for small offset from resonance frequency. The simulation results show that the b-SSFP sequence can be utilized for conductivity imaging of a local region where magnetic field inhomogeneity is small. A proper shimming of magnet is recommended before using the b-SSFP sequence.

IRay therapy as an adjuvant therapy in newly diagnosed patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Brand, Christopher; Arnoldussen, Mark

2018-04-17

To determine the safety and efficacy at 12 months of follow-up after stereotactic radiotherapy in combination therapy with intravitreal ranibizumab injections in treatment naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Retrospective data analysis in patients who received stereotactic radiotherapy (IRay Therapy) during the induction phase of intravitreal ranibizumab injections and a monotherapy control group. The baseline VA in the IRay and control group was 59.87 and 59.12 letters respectively. The real world visual acuity outcomes for the IRay group showed a mean gain of +3.0 letters at 12 months. The historical control group had a mean change of - 0.3 letters. The average number of injections for the IRay group and control group over 12 months was 4.45 and 5.64, respectively with three loading injections. Excluding the loading phase, the difference over 12 months was a 45.2% reduction in injections (P < 0.001). The number of subjects in the IRay group that didn't require further injections following the loading phase was 45.5 vs. 24.0% control group (P = 0.005). The difference in mean change in central macular thickness from baseline is significant at 6 (P = 0.010) and 12 months (P < 0.01). There were no safety concerns with the IRay therapy group. Stereotactic radiotherapy in the induction phase of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for treatment naïve patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, resulted in improved visual outcome, statistically fewer injections and statistically drier macular at 12 months, compared to historical controls treated with monotherapy intravitreal ranibizumab injections.

Prostate Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy With Injection of Hyaluronic Acid: Acute Toxicities in a Phase 2 Study

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

Chapet, Olivier, E-mail: olivier.chapet@chu-lyon.fr; EMR3738, Université Lyon 1, Lyon; Decullier, Evelyne

Purpose: Hypofractionated radiation therapy (RT) in prostate cancer can be developed only if the risk of rectal toxicity is controlled. In a multicenter phase 2 trial, hypofractionated irradiation was combined with an injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) to preserve the rectal wall. Tolerance of the injection and acute toxicity rates are reported. Methods and Materials: The study was designed to assess late grade 2 toxicity rates. The results described here correspond to the secondary objectives. Acute toxicity was defined as occurring during RT or within 3 months after RT and graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Eventsmore » version 4.0. HA tolerance was evaluated with a visual analog scale during the injection and 30 minutes after injection and then by use of the Common Terminology Criteria at each visit. Results: From 2010 to 2012, 36 patients with low-risk to intermediate-risk prostate cancer were included. The HA injection induced a mean pain score of 4.6/10 ± 2.3. Thirty minutes after the injection, 2 patients still reported pain (2/10 and 3/10), which persisted after the intervention. Thirty-three patients experienced at least 1 acute genitourinary toxicity and 20 patients at least 1 acute gastrointestinal toxicity. Grade 2 toxicities were reported for 19 patients with urinary obstruction, frequency, or both and for 1 patient with proctitis. No grade 3 or 4 toxicities were reported. At the 3-month visit, 4 patients described grade 2 obstruction or frequency, and no patients had any grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicities. Conclusions: The injection of HA makes it possible to deliver hypofractionated irradiation over 4 weeks with a dose per fraction of > 3 Gy, with limited acute rectal toxicity.« less

Continuous-flow ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process: An efficient diesel treatment by injection of the aqueous phase.

PubMed

Rahimi, Masoud; Shahhosseini, Shahrokh; Movahedirad, Salman

2017-11-01

A new continuous-flow ultrasound assisted oxidative desulfurization (UAOD) process was developed in order to decrease energy and aqueous phase consumption. In this process the aqueous phase is injected below the horn tip leading to enhanced mixing of the phases. Diesel fuel as the oil phase with sulfur content of 1550ppmw and an appropriate mixture of hydrogen peroxide and formic acid as the aqueous phase were used. At the first step, the optimized condition for the sulfur removal has been obtained in the batch mode operation. Hence, the effect of more important oxidation parameters; oxidant-to-sulfur molar ratio, acid-to-sulfur molar ratio and sonication time were investigated. Then the optimized conditions were obtained using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique. Afterwards, some experiments corresponding to the best batch condition and also with objective of minimizing the residence time and aqueous phase to fuel volume ratio have been conducted in a newly designed double-compartment reactor with injection of the aqueous phase to evaluate the process in a continuous flow operation. In addition, the effect of nozzle diameter has been examined. Significant improvement on the sulfur removal was observed specially in lower sonication time in the case of dispersion method in comparison with the conventional contact between two phases. Ultimately, the flow pattern induced by ultrasonic device, and also injection of the aqueous phase were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by capturing the sequential images. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Delay of behavioral estrus in hamsters and phenobarbital.

PubMed

Alleva, J J

1989-01-01

The onset of behavioral estrus was used as a phase marker of the hamster timing system in SLD 16:8 (dark 20:00-04:00). TZ was injected between 11:00 of cycle day 3 and noon of cycle day 4 when onset of estrus was determined. At no time did injection of TZ cause a phase advance in SLD 16:8. Small delays of estrus resulted from 11:00-16:00 injections but marked delays began with the 17:00 injection. Phenobarbital was injected between noon and 19:30 on cycle day 3. Injections between noon and 16:00 had no effect but all later injections beginning at 17:00 delayed estrus, the 17:30 injection causing the greatest delay. Diazepam also markedly delayed estrus when tested at 17:30. These results with three drugs support results with light pulses that 18:00 in SLD 16:8 marks the same phase of the 24-h hamster timing system as the onset of wheel running does in DD, LL, and WLD. These findings with three GABA potentiators extend to SLD previous evidence based on the onset of wheel running in DD, LL and WLD that GABA may be involved in hamster timekeeping and its responses to light and drugs.

Numerical Studies of High-Intensity Injection Painting for Project X

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

Drozhdin, A.I.; Vorobiev, L.G.; Johnson, D.E.

Injection phase space painting enables the mitigation of space charge and stability issues, and will be indispensable for the Project-X at Fermilab [1], delivering high-intensity proton beams to HEP experiments. Numerical simulations of multi-turn phase space painting have been performed for the FNAL Recycler Ring, including a self-consistent space charge model. The goal of our studies was to study the injection painting with inclusion of 3D space charge, using the ORBIT tracking code. In a current scenario the painting lasts for 110 turns, twice faster, than we considered in this paper. The optimal wave-forms for painting kickers, which ensure themore » flatter phase distributions, should be found. So far we used a simplified model for painting kicker strength (implemented as the 'ideal bump' in ORBIT). We will include a more realistic field map for the chicane magnets. Additional stripping simulations will be combined. We developed a block for longitudinal painting, which works with arbitrary notches in incoming micro-bunch buckets. The appropriate choice of the amplitude of the second harmonic of RF field will help to flatten the RF-bucket contours, as was demonstrated in 1D simulations. Non-linear lattice issue will be also addressed.« less

Experimental muscle pain produces central modulation of proprioceptive signals arising from jaw muscle spindles.

PubMed

Capra, N F; Ro, J Y

2000-05-01

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of intramuscular injection with hypertonic saline, a well-established experimental model for muscle pain, on central processing of proprioceptive input from jaw muscle spindle afferents. Fifty-seven cells were recorded from the medial edge of the subnucleus interpolaris (Vi) and the adjacent parvicellular reticular formation from 11 adult cats. These cells were characterized as central units receiving jaw muscle spindle input based on their responses to electrical stimulation of the masseter nerve, muscle palpation and jaw stretch. Forty-five cells, which were successfully tested with 5% hypertonic saline, were categorized as either dynamic-static (DS) (n=25) or static (S) (n=20) neurons based on their responses to different speeds and amplitudes of jaw movement. Seventy-six percent of the cells tested with an ipsilateral injection of hypertonic saline showed a significant modulation of mean firing rates (MFRs) during opening and/or holding phases. The most remarkable saline-induced change was a significant reduction of MFR during the hold phase in S units (100%, 18/18 modulated). Sixty-nine percent of the DS units (11/16 modulated) also showed significant changes in MFRs limited to the hold phase. However, in the DS neurons, the MFRs increased in seven units and decreased in four units. Finally, five DS neurons showed significant changes of MFRs during both opening and holding phases. Injections of isotonic saline into the ipsilateral masseter muscle had little effect, but hypertonic saline injections made into the contralateral masseter muscle produced similar results to ipsilateral injections with hypertonic saline. These results unequivocally demonstrate that intramuscular injection with an algesic substance, sufficient to produce muscle pain, produces significant changes in the proprioceptive properties of the jaw movement-related neurons. Potential mechanisms involved in saline-induced changes in the proprioceptive signals and functional implications of the changes are discussed.

An integrated bioremediation process for petroleum hydrocarbons removal and odor mitigation from contaminated marine sediment.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhen; Lo, Irene M C; Yan, Dickson Y S

2015-10-15

This study developed a novel integrated bioremediation process for the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons and the mitigation of odor induced by reduced sulfur from contaminated marine sediment. The bioremediation process consisted of two phases. In Phase I, acetate was dosed into the sediment as co-substrate to facilitate the sulfate reduction process. Meanwhile, akaganeite (β-FeOOH) was dosed in the surface layer of the sediment to prevent S(2-) release into the overlying seawater. In Phase II, NO3(-) was injected into the sediment as an electron acceptor to facilitate the denitrification process. After 20 weeks of treatment, the sequential integration of the sulfate reduction and denitrification processes led to effective biodegradation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), in which about 72% of TPH was removed. In Phase I, the release of S(2-) was effectively controlled by the addition of akaganeite. The oxidation of S(2-) by Fe(3+) and the precipitation of S(2-) by Fe(2+) were the main mechanisms for S(2-) removal. In Phase II, the injection of NO3(-) completely inhibited the sulfate reduction process. Most of residual AVS and S(0) were removed within 4 weeks after NO3(-) injection. The 16S rRNA clone library-based analysis revealed a distinct shift of bacterial community structure in the sediment over different treatment phases. The clones affiliated with Desulfobacterales and Desulfuromonadales were the most abundant in Phase I, while the clones related to Thioalkalivibrio sulfidophilus, Thiohalomonas nitratireducens and Sulfurimonas denitrificans predominated in Phase II. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development of porous lamellar poly(L-lactic acid) scaffolds by conventional injection molding process.

PubMed

Ghosh, Satyabrata; Viana, Júlio C; Reis, Rui L; Mano, João F

2008-07-01

A novel fabrication technique is proposed for the preparation of unidirectionally oriented, porous scaffolds by selective polymer leaching from lamellar structures created by conventional injection molding. The proof of the concept is implemented using a 50/50 wt.% poly(L-lactic acid)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PLLA/PEO) blend. With this composition, the PLLA and PEO blend is biphasic, containing a homogeneous PLLA/PEO phase and a PEO-rich phase. The two phases were structured using injection molding into well-defined alternating layers of homogeneous PLLA/PEO phase and PEO-rich phase. Leaching of water-soluble PEO from the PEO-rich phase produces macropores, and leaching of phase-separated PEO from the initially homogeneous PLLA/PEO phase produces micropores in the lamellae. Thus, scaffolds with a macroporous lamellar architecture with microporous walls can be produced. The lamellae are continuous along the flow direction, and a continuous lamellar thickness of less than 1 microm could be achieved. Porosities of 57-74% and pore sizes of around 50-100 microm can be obtained using this process. The tensile elastic moduli of the porous constructs were between 580 and 800 MPa. We propose that this organic-solvent-free method of preparing lamellar scaffolds with good mechanical properties, and the reproducibility associated with the injection molding technique, holds promise for a wide range of guided tissue engineering applications.

An experimental study of fuel injection strategies in CAI gasoline engine

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

Hunicz, J.; Kordos, P.

2011-01-15

Combustion of gasoline in a direct injection controlled auto-ignition (CAI) single-cylinder research engine was studied. CAI operation was achieved with the use of the negative valve overlap (NVO) technique and internal exhaust gas re-circulation (EGR). Experiments were performed at single injection and split injection, where some amount of fuel was injected close to top dead centre (TDC) during NVO interval, and the second injection was applied with variable timing. Additionally, combustion at variable fuel-rail pressure was examined. Investigation showed that at fuel injection into recompressed exhaust fuel reforming took place. This process was identified via an analysis of the exhaust-fuelmore » mixture composition after NVO interval. It was found that at single fuel injection in NVO phase, its advance determined the heat release rate and auto-ignition timing, and had a strong influence on NO{sub X} emission. However, a delay of single injection to intake stroke resulted in deterioration of cycle-to-cycle variability. Application of split injection showed benefits of this strategy versus single injection. Examinations of different fuel mass split ratios and variable second injection timing resulted in further optimisation of mixture formation. At equal share of the fuel mass injected in the first injection during NVO and in the second injection at the beginning of compression, the lowest emission level and cyclic variability improvement were observed. (author)« less

Frequency domain phase noise analysis of dual injection-locked optoelectronic oscillators.

PubMed

Jahanbakht, Sajad

2016-10-01

Dual injection-locked optoelectronic oscillators (DIL-OEOs) have been introduced as a means to achieve very low-noise microwave oscillations while avoiding the large spurious peaks that occur in the phase noise of the conventional single-loop OEOs. In these systems, two OEOs are inter-injection locked to each other. The OEO with the longer optical fiber delay line is called the master OEO, and the other is called the slave OEO. Here, a frequency domain approach for simulating the phase noise spectrum of each of the OEOs in a DIL-OEO system and based on the conversion matrix approach is presented. The validity of the new approach is verified by comparing its results with previously published data in the literature. In the new approach, first, in each of the master or slave OEOs, the power spectral densities (PSDs) of two white and 1/f noise sources are optimized such that the resulting simulated phase noise of any of the master or slave OEOs in the free-running state matches the measured phase noise of that OEO. After that, the proposed approach is able to simulate the phase noise PSD of both OEOs at the injection-locked state. Because of the short run-time requirements, especially compared to previously proposed time domain approaches, the new approach is suitable for optimizing the power injection ratios (PIRs), and potentially other circuit parameters, in order to achieve good performance regarding the phase noise in each of the OEOs. Through various numerical simulations, the optimum PIRs for achieving good phase noise performance are presented and discussed; they are in agreement with the previously published results. This further verifies the applicability of the new approach. Moreover, some other interesting results regarding the spur levels are also presented.

Critical review: Injectability of calcium phosphate pastes and cements.

PubMed

O'Neill, R; McCarthy, H O; Montufar, E B; Ginebra, M-P; Wilson, D I; Lennon, A; Dunne, N

2017-03-01

Calcium phosphate cements (CPC) have seen clinical success in many dental and orthopaedic applications in recent years. The properties of CPC essential for clinical success are reviewed in this article, which includes properties of the set cement (e.g. bioresorbability, biocompatibility, porosity and mechanical properties) and unset cement (e.g. setting time, cohesion, flow properties and ease of delivery to the surgical site). Emphasis is on the delivery of calcium phosphate (CaP) pastes and CPC, in particular the occurrence of separation of the liquid and solid components of the pastes and cements during injection; and established methods to reduce this phase separation. In addition a review of phase separation mechanisms observed during the extrusion of other biphasic paste systems and the theoretical models used to describe these mechanisms are discussed. Occurrence of phase separation of calcium phosphate pastes and cements during injection limits their full exploitation as a bone substitute in minimally invasive surgical applications. Due to lack of theoretical understanding of the phase separation mechanism(s), optimisation of an injectable CPC that satisfies clinical requirements has proven difficult. However, phase separation of pastes during delivery has been the focus across several research fields. Therefore in addition to a review of methods to reduce phase separation of CPC and the associated constraints, a review of phase separation mechanisms observed during extrusion of other pastes and the theoretical models used to describe these mechanisms is presented. It is anticipated this review will benefit future attempts to develop injectable calcium phosphate based systems. Crown Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solid State Mini-RPV Color Imaging System

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-09-12

completed in the design and construction phase . Con- siderations are now in progress for conducting field tests of the equipment against "real world...Simplified Parallel Injection Configuration 2-21 CID Parallel Injection Configuration 2-23 Element Rate Timing 2-25 Horizontal Input and Phase Line...Timing 2-26 Line Reset /Injection Timing 2-27 Line Rate Timing (Start of Readout) 2-28 Driver A4 Block Diagram 2-31 Element Scan Time Base

Large-volume injection of sample diluents not miscible with the mobile phase as an alternative approach in sample preparation for bioanalysis: an application for fenspiride bioequivalence.

PubMed

Medvedovici, Andrei; Udrescu, Stefan; Albu, Florin; Tache, Florentin; David, Victor

2011-09-01

Liquid-liquid extraction of target compounds from biological matrices followed by the injection of a large volume from the organic layer into the chromatographic column operated under reversed-phase (RP) conditions would successfully combine the selectivity and the straightforward character of the procedure in order to enhance sensitivity, compared with the usual approach of involving solvent evaporation and residue re-dissolution. Large-volume injection of samples in diluents that are not miscible with the mobile phase was recently introduced in chromatographic practice. The risk of random errors produced during the manipulation of samples is also substantially reduced. A bioanalytical method designed for the bioequivalence of fenspiride containing pharmaceutical formulations was based on a sample preparation procedure involving extraction of the target analyte and the internal standard (trimetazidine) from alkalinized plasma samples in 1-octanol. A volume of 75 µl from the octanol layer was directly injected on a Zorbax SB C18 Rapid Resolution, 50 mm length × 4.6 mm internal diameter × 1.8 µm particle size column, with the RP separation being carried out under gradient elution conditions. Detection was made through positive ESI and MS/MS. Aspects related to method development and validation are discussed. The bioanalytical method was successfully applied to assess bioequivalence of a modified release pharmaceutical formulation containing 80 mg fenspiride hydrochloride during two different studies carried out as single-dose administration under fasting and fed conditions (four arms), and multiple doses administration, respectively. The quality attributes assigned to the bioanalytical method, as resulting from its application to the bioequivalence studies, are highlighted and fully demonstrate that sample preparation based on large-volume injection of immiscible diluents has an increased potential for application in bioanalysis.

Efficacy of a Subacromial Corticosteroid Injection for Persistent Pain After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair.

PubMed

Shin, Sang-Jin; Do, Nam-Hoon; Lee, Juyeob; Ko, Young-Won

2016-09-01

Corticosteroid injections have been widely used for reducing shoulder pain. However, catastrophic complications induced by corticosteroid such as infections and tendon degeneration have made surgeons hesitant to use a corticosteroid injection as a pain control modality, especially during the postoperative recovery phase. To determine the effectiveness and safety of a subacromial corticosteroid injection for persistent pain control during the recovery period and to analyze the factors causing persistent pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. A total of 458 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were included in this study. Patient-specific parameters, tear size and pattern, and pain intensity were reviewed. Seventy-two patients were administered a postoperative subacromial corticosteroid injection under ultrasound guidance. The corticosteroid injection was administered to patients who awakened overnight because of constant severe shoulder pain or whose pain was exacerbated at the time of rehabilitation exercises within 8 weeks after surgery. Pain intensity, patient satisfaction, and functional outcomes using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores were compared between the patients with and without a subacromial corticosteroid injection. The retear rate was evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging at 6 months postoperatively. In patients with an injection, the mean (±SD) visual analog scale for pain (pVAS) score was 7.7 ± 1.2 at the time of the injection. This significantly decreased to 2.3 ± 1.4 at the end of the first month after the injection, demonstrating a 70.2% reduction in pain (P < .01). At 3 months after the injection, the mean pVAS score was 1.2 ± 1.8. Functional outcomes at final follow-up showed no significant differences between patients with and without an injection (ASES score: 90.1 ± 14.6 with injection, 91.9 ± 8.2 without injection [P = .91]; Constant score: 89.1 ± 12.9 with injection, 84.5 ± 13.0 without injection [P = .17]). Patients with an injection showed no significant increase in the retear rate (6.8% with injection, 18.4% without injection; P = .06). According to the tear pattern, L-shaped rotator cuff tears (41.8%) showed a higher occurrence of severe postoperative persistent pain. Preoperative shoulder stiffness was revealed as a predisposing factor for persistent pain (odds ratio, 0.2; P = .04). A subacromial corticosteroid injection can be considered as a useful and safe modality for the treatment of patients having severe persistent pain during the recovery phase after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. © 2016 The Author(s).

Groundwater Hydrology and Chemistry in and near an Emulsified Vegetable-Oil Injection Zone, Solid Waste Management Unit 17, Naval Weapons Station Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina, 2004-2009

USGS Publications Warehouse

Vroblesky, Don A.; Petkewich, Matthew D.; Lowery, Mark A.; Conlon, Kevin J.; Casey, Clifton C.

2010-01-01

The U.S. Geological Survey and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast investigated the hydrology and groundwater chemistry in the vicinity of an emulsified vegetable-oil injection zone at Solid Waste Management Unit (SWMU) 17, Naval Weapons Station Charleston, North Charleston, South Carolina. In May 2004, Solutions-IES initiated a Phase-I pilot-scale treatability study at SWMU17 involving the injection of an edible oil emulsion into the aquifer near wells 17PS-01, 17PS-02, and 17PS-03 to treat chlorinated solvents. The Phase-I injection of emulsified vegetable oil resulted in dechlorination of trichloroethene (TCE) to cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cDCE), but the dechlorination activity appeared to stall at cDCE, with little further dechlorination of cDCE to vinyl chloride (VC) or to ethene. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the groundwater hydrology and chemistry in and near the injection zone to gain a better understanding of the apparent remediation stall. It is unlikely that the remediation stall was due to the lack of an appropriate microbial community because groundwater samples showed the presence of Dehalococcoides species (sp.) and suitable enyzmes. The probable causes of the stall were heterogeneous distribution of the injectate and development of low-pH conditions in the injection area. Because groundwater pH values in the injection area were below the range considered optimum for dechlorination activity, a series of tests was done to examine the effect on dechlorination of increasing the pH within well 17PS-02. During and following the in-well pH-adjustment tests, VC concentrations gradually increased in some wells in the injection zone that were not part of the in-well pH-adjustment tests. These data possibly reflect a gradual microbial acclimation to the low-pH conditions produced by the injection. In contrast, a distinct increase in VC concentration was observed in well 17PS-02 following the in-well pH increase. Adjustment of the pH to near-neutral values in well 17PS-02 may have made that well relatively favorable to VC production compared with much of the rest of the injection zone, possibly accounting for acceleration of VC production at that well. Following a Phase-II injection in which Solutions-IES, Inc., injected pH-buffered emulsified vegetable oil with an improved efficiency injection approach, 1,1-dichloroethene, TCE, and cDCE rapidly decreased in concentration and are now (2009) undetectable in the injection zone, with the exception of a low concentration (43 micrograms per liter, August 2009) of cDCE in well 17PS-01. In August 2009, VC was still present in groundwater at the test wells in concentrations ranging from 150 to 640 micrograms per liter. The Phase-II injection, however, appears to have locally decreased aquifer permeability, possibly resulting in movement of contamination around, rather than through, the treatment area.

[Pharmacokinetics of phenolic antioxidant 4-methyl-2,6-diisobornylphenol upon intravenous injection].

PubMed

Chernyshova, G A; Smol'iakova, V I; Plotnikov, M B; Ianovskaia, E A; Gurto, R V; Udut, V V; Kuchin, A V; Chukicheva, I Iu

2011-01-01

The pharmacokinetics of 4-methyl-2,6-diisobornylphenol (MDIBP) in rat blood plasma has been studied after intravenous injection. The drug concentration in the plasma was determined using a reverse-phase HPLC procedure. It is shown that MDIBP rapidly penetrates into intensively perfused organs, but is slowly eliminated from the organism (MRT value amounting to 9 h).

Shattered Pellet Injection Simulations With NIMROD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Charlson; Parks, Paul; Lao, Lang; Lehnan, Michael; Loarte, Alberto; Izzo, Valerie; Nimrod Team

2017-10-01

Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) will be the Disruption Mitigation System in ITER. SPI propels a cryo-pellet of high-Z and deuterium into a sharp bend of the flight tube, shattering the pellet into a plume of shards. These shards are injected into the plasma to quench it and mitigate forces and heat loads that may damage in-vessel components. We use NIMROD to perform 3-D nonlinear MHD simulations of SPI to study the thermal quench. This work builds upon prior Massive Gas Injection (MGI) studies by Izzo. A Particle-in-Cell (PIC) model is implemented to mimic the shards, providing a discrete moving source. Observations indicate that the quench proceeds in two phases. Initially, the outer plasma is shed via interchange-like instabilities while preserving the core temperature. This results in a steep gradient and triggers the second phase, an external kink-like event that collapses the core. We report on the radiation efficiency and toroidal peaking as well as fueling efficiency and other metrics that assess the efficacy of the SPI system. Work supported by GA ITER Contract ITER/CT/14/4300001108 and US DOE DE-FG02-95ER54309.

Local anesthetic syringe ergonomics and student preferences.

PubMed

Wiener, R Constance; Crout, Richard J; Sandell, Joan; Howard, Brandi; Ouassa, Lydia; Wearden, Stanley; Wiener, Michael A

2009-04-01

With a diverse population of dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants, there is a wide range of sizes and shapes of individuals. Ergonomic considerations have resulted in the design of many adjustable delivery systems, chairs, and pieces of equipment. Companies have marketed instrumentation specifically for people with small hands, yet little research has been done regarding the advertising claims. The objective of this study was to compare the perceptions of dental and dental hygiene students after they used a conventional syringe and a petite syringe that has been marketed as advantageous for individuals with smaller hands. The two syringes were compared for aspiration, injection, and sense of control. A total of 181 students were invited to serve as subjects in the study, and ninety participated. The study involved two phases. During phase I, students used conventional and petite syringes to give a simulated inferior alveolar nerve block injection. In phase II, students gave a simulated palatal injection using both sizes of syringes. After performing the simulations, the students responded to a questionnaire. The students reported that the petite syringe gave them control, and 62.2 percent of them preferred it to the conventional syringe. There were differences in preferences between female and male students and also differences in preferences based on students' glove sizes. The female students preferred the petite syringe when aspiration was required. Overall, the students who wore small and extra small gloves had a preference for the petite syringe and felt it provided a sense of control, a key component when learning to provide injections.

Carrier-envelope phase-controlled quantum interference of injected photocurrents in semiconductors.

PubMed

Fortier, T M; Roos, P A; Jones, D J; Cundiff, S T; Bhat, R D R; Sipe, J E

2004-04-09

We demonstrate quantum interference control of injected photocurrents in a semiconductor using the phase stabilized pulse train from a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser. Measurement of the comb offset frequency via this technique results in a signal-to-noise ratio of 40 dB (10 Hz resolution bandwidth), enabling solid-state detection of carrier-envelope phase shifts of a Ti:sapphire oscillator.

[A Phase 1 study of beta-methyl-p-(123I)-iodophenyl-pentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP)].

PubMed

Torizuka, K; Yonekura, Y; Nishimura, T; Tamaki, N; Uehara, T; Ikekubo, K; Hino, M

1991-07-01

Phase 1 study of beta-methyl-p-(123I)-iodophenylpentadecanoic acid (123I-BMIPP), a new radiopharmaceutical developed for the evaluation of myocardial fatty acid metabolism, was performed in six normal volunteers to evaluate its biodistribution and safety. After intravenous injection of 111 MBq of 123I-BMIPP, the agent accumulated to the myocardium rapidly (5.4 +/- 0.6% at 1.5 hr after injection) and was washed-out slowly (5.1 +/- 0.4% at 3.0hr). 123I-BMIPP demonstrated no significant accumulation to any specific organs other than myocardium, liver and muscle. Myocardium was clearly visualized in the planar and SPECT images obtained 30 min and 3 hrs after injection. The absorption doses from 123I-BMIPP estimated by MIRD method were lower than those from 201Tl in all organs. Neither adverse reactions nor abnormal clinical laboratory findings were found in the safety evaluation. These results suggest 123I-BMIPP is a promising agent for evaluating myocardial fatty acid metabolism.

INJECTION SYSTEM DESIGN FOR THE BSNS/RCS.

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

WEI, J.; TANG, J.Y.; CHEN, Y.

2006-06-23

The BSNS injection system is designed to take one uninterrupted long drift in one of the four dispersion-free straight sections to host all the injection devices. Painting bumper magnets are used for both horizontal and vertical phase space painting. Closed-orbit bumper magnets are used for facilitating the installation of the injection septa and decreasing proton traversal in the stripping foil. Even with large beam emittance of about 300 {pi}mm.mrad used, BSNS/RCS still approaches the space charge limit during the injection/trapping phase for the accumulated particles of 1.9*10{sup 13} and at the low injection energy of 80 MeV. Uniform-like beam distributionmore » by well-designed painting scheme is then obtained to decrease the tune shift/spread. ORBIT code is used for the 3D simulations. Upgrading to higher injection energy has also been considered.« less

Construction of a Direct Water-Injected Two-Stroke Engine for Phased Direct Fuel Injection-High Pressure Charging Investigations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somsel, James P.

1998-01-01

The development of a water injected Orbital Combustion Process (OCP) engine was conducted to assess the viability of using the powerplant for high altitude NASA aircraft and General Aviation (GA) applications. An OCP direct fuel injected, 1.2 liter, three cylinder, two-stroke engine has been enhanced to independently inject water directly into the combustion chamber. The engine currently demonstrates low brake specific fuel consumption capability and an excellent power to weight ratio. With direct water injection, significant improvements can be made to engine power, to knock limits/ignition advance timing, and to engine NO(x) emissions. The principal aim of the testing was to validate a cyclic model developed by the Systems Analysis Branch at NASA Ames Research Center. The work is a continuation of Ames' investigations into a Phased Direct Fuel Injection Engine with High Pressure Charging (PDFI-ITPC).

Imaging hydraulic fractures using temperature transients in the Belridge Diatomite

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

Shahin, G.T.; Johnston, R.M.

1995-12-31

Results of a temperature transient analysis of Shell`s Phase 1 and Phase 2 Diatomite Steamdrive Pilots are used to image hydraulic injection fracture lengths, angles, and heat injectivities into the low-permeability formation. The Phase 1 Pilot is a limited-interval injection test. In Phase 2, steam is injected into two 350 ft upper and lower zones through separate hydraulic fractures. Temperature response of both pilots is monitored with sixteen logging observation wells. A perturbation analysis of the non-linear pressure diffusion and heat transport equations indicates that at a permeability of about 0.1 md or less, heat transport in the Diatomite tendsmore » to be dominated by thermal diffusivity, and pressure diffusion is dominated by the ratio of thermal expansion to fluid compressibility. Under these conditions, the temperature observed at a logging observation well is governed by a dimensionless quantity that depends on the perpendicular distance between the observation well and the hydraulic fracture, divided by the square root of time. Using this dependence, a novel method is developed for imaging hydraulic fracture geometry and relative heat injectivity from the temperature history of the pilot.« less

Long-acting antiviral agents for HIV treatment

PubMed Central

Margolis, David A.; Boffito, Marta

2015-01-01

Purpose of review Long-acting antiretroviral (ARV) agents are currently under development for the treatment of chronic HIV infection. This review focuses on data recently produced on injectable ARVs for patients living with HIV/AIDS and on the patients’ perspectives on the use of these agents. Recent findings Crystalline nanoparticle formulations of the nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor rilpivirine (TMC278) and of the HIV-1 integrase strand transfer inhibitor cabotegravir (GSK1265744) have progressed into phase II clinical trials as injectable maintenance therapy for patients living with HIV/AIDS with an undetectable viral load. Summary Phase II studies evaluating the coadministration of rilpivirine and cabotegravir intramuscularly to HIV-infected individuals with an undetectable viral load are currently underway. Rilpivirine and cabotegravir are characterized by different mechanisms of action against HIV and a favorable drug interaction profile, providing a rationale for coadministration. The high potency and low daily dosing requirements of oral cabotegravir and rilpivirine facilitate long-acting formulation development. Intramuscular dosing is preceded by an oral lead-in phase to assess safety and tolerability in individual participants. In addition to assessing the safety of injectable therapies in ongoing studies, it will be important to evaluate whether differences in drug adherence between injectable and oral therapies lead to different virologic outcomes, including rates of virologic failure and the emergence of resistance. Long-acting formulations may be associated with challenges, such as the management of adverse effects with persistent drug concentrations and the risk of virologic resistance, as drug concentrations decline following discontinuation. PMID:26049949

Optical injection phase-lock loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bordonalli, Aldario Chrestani

Locking techniques have been widely applied for frequency synchronisation of semiconductor lasers used in coherent communication and microwave signal generation systems. Two main locking techniques, the optical phase-lock loop (OPLL) and optical injection locking (OIL) are analysed in this thesis. The principal limitations on OPLL performance result from the loop propagation delay, which makes difficult the implementation of high gain and wide bandwidth loops, leading to poor phase noise suppression performance and requiring the linewidths of the semiconductor laser sources to be less than a few megahertz for practical values of loop delay. The OIL phase noise suppression is controlled by the injected power. The principal limitations of the OIL implementation are the finite phase error under locked conditions and the narrow stable locking range the system provides at injected power levels required to reduce the phase noise output of semiconductor lasers significantly. This thesis demonstrates theoretically and experimentally that it is possible to overcome the limitations of OPLL and OIL systems by combining them, to form an optical injection phase-lock loop (OIPLL). The modelling of an OIPLL system is presented and compared with the equivalent OPLL and OIL results. Optical and electrical design of an homodyne OIPLL is detailed. Experimental results are given which verify the theoretical prediction that the OIPLL would keep the phase noise suppression as high as that of the OIL system over a much wider stable locking range, even with wide linewidth lasers and long loop delays. The experimental results for lasers with summed linewidth of 36 MHz and a loop delay of 15 ns showed measured phase error variances as low as 0.006 rad2 (500 MHz bandwidth) for locking bandwidths greater than 26 GHz, compared with the equivalent OPLL phase error variance of around 1 rad2 (500 MHz bandwidth) and the equivalent OIL locking bandwidth of less than 1.2 GHz.

nZVI injection into variably saturated soils: Field and modeling study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdhury, Ahmed I. A.; Krol, Magdalena M.; Kocur, Christopher M.; Boparai, Hardiljeet K.; Weber, Kela P.; Sleep, Brent E.; O'Carroll, Denis M.

2015-12-01

Nano-scale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been used at a number of contaminated sites over the last decade. At most of these sites, significant decreases in contaminant concentrations have resulted from the application of nZVI. However, limited work has been completed investigating nZVI field-scale mobility. In this study, a field test was combined with numerical modeling to examine nZVI reactivity along with transport properties in variably saturated soils. The field test consisted of 142 L of carboxymethyle cellulose (CMC) stabilized monometallic nZVI synthesized onsite and injected into a variably saturated zone. Periodic groundwater samples were collected from the injection well, as well as, from two monitoring wells to analyze for chlorinated solvents and other geochemistry indicators. This study showed that CMC stabilized monometallic nZVI was able to decrease tricholorethene (TCE) concentrations in groundwater by more than 99% from the historical TCE concentrations. A three dimensional, three phase, finite difference numerical simulator, (CompSim) was used to further investigate nZVI and polymer transport at the variably saturated site. The model was able to accurately predict the field observed head data without parameter fitting. In addition, the numerical simulator estimated the mass of nZVI delivered to the saturated and unsaturated zones and distinguished the nZVI phase (i.e. aqueous or attached). The simulation results showed that the injected slurry migrated radially outward from the injection well, and therefore nZVI transport was governed by injection velocity and viscosity of the injected solution. A suite of sensitivity analyses was performed to investigate the impact of different injection scenarios (e.g. different volume and injection rate) on nZVI migration. Simulation results showed that injection of a higher nZVI volume delivered more iron particles at a given distance; however, the travel distance was not proportional to the increase in volume. Moreover, simulation results showed that using a 1D transport equation to simulate nZVI migration in the subsurface may overestimate the travel distance. This is because the 1D transport equation assumes a constant velocity while pore water velocity radially decreases from the well during injection. This study suggests that on-site synthesized nZVI particles are mobile in the subsurface and that a numerical simulator can be a valuable tool for optimal design of nZVI field applications.

A Two-Phase Pilot Study to Evaluate the Safety and Tolerability of an In Situ Polymerizing Collagen.

PubMed

Inglefield, Christopher; Rone-McCrate, Rebecca; Brooks, Robert; Zhu, Jiaxun; Grant, Sheila; DeVore, Dale P

2017-09-01

Demand for collagen-based fillers has declined primarily because of limited long-term clinical benefit and the introduction of hyaluronic acid compositions. In situ polymerizing collagen is a noncrosslinked solution of porcine collagen containing a collagenase shield that undergoes fibrillogenesis on injected into tissues forming a natural matrix. Conduct a prospective, single-center, dual-phase open-label study in 8 subjects to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the porcine collagen composition. In Phase I, potential hypersensitivity of the collagen composition was evaluated after skin testing in the back (men) or forearms of subjects (women). In Phase II, subjects showing no signs of hypersensitivity received collagen injections into the nasolabial area followed by evaluation at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. None of the subjects had signs of hypersensitivity and all continued in Phase II. The treating physician(s) reported no post-treatment adverse events. Improvement of the nasolabial fold was observed by the physicians and confirmed by assessment of high-resolution photographs and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale scores over the 12-week treatment were maintained. In this pilot clinical study in situ polymerizing collagen was shown to be safe and effective throughout the 3-month study period.

Heat transfer characteristics of a surface type direct contact boiler

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

Deeds, R.S.; Jacobs, H.R.; Boehm, R.F.

1976-03-01

Two direct contact heat exchangers were constructed and test results were obtained using water and refrigerant 113 as the working fluids. The heat exchangers were operated in a three-phase mode; the water remained liquid throughout the vessel and the liquid refrigerant 113 underwent vaporization following direct injection into the water. The effect of important operational parameters--operating heights, refrigerant 113 injection techniques, mass flow ratios, and temperatures--was studied to determine generalized trends important in the design and operation of a prototype three-phase direct contact heat exchanger. The primary system used in this study performed well overall. The initial favorable results ofmore » this study warrant further investigation of direct contact heat exchange as a means of utilizing geothermal energy.« less

Injection of Super-Critical CO2 in Brine Saturated Sandstone:

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ott, Holger; de Kloe, Kees; Taberner, Conxita; Marcelis, Fons; Makurat, Axel

2010-05-01

Presently, large-scale geological sequestration of CO2, originating from sources like fossil-fueled power plants and contaminated gas production, is seen as an option to reduce anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Deep saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas fields are potential subsurface deposits for CO2. Injected CO2, however, interacts physically and chemically with the formation leading to uncertainties for CCS projects. One of these uncertainties is related to a dry-out zone that is likely to form around the well bore owing to the injection of dry CO2. Precipitation of salt (mainly halite) that is associated with that drying out of a saline formation has the potential to impair injectivity, and could even lead to the loss of a well. If dry (or under-saturated), super-critical (SC) CO2 is injected into water-bearing geological formations like saline aquifers, water is removed by either advection of the aqueous phase or by evaporation of water and subsequent advection in the injected CO2-rich phase. Both mechanisms act in parallel, however while advection of the aqueous phase decreases with increasing CO2 saturation (diminished mobility), evaporation becomes increasingly important as the aqueous phase becomes immobile. Below residual water saturation, only evaporation takes place and the formation dries out if no additional source of water is available. If water evaporates, the salts originally present in the water are left behind. In case of highly saline formations, the amount of salt that potentially precipitates per unit volume can be quite substantial. It depends on salinity, the solubility limit of water in the CO2 rich phase, and on the ratio of advection and evaporation rates. Since saturations and flow rates cover a large range as functions of space and time close to the well bore, there is no easy answer to the questions whether, where and how salt precipitation impacts injectivity. The present paper presents results of core-flood experiments that were performed to investigate the spatial and temporal precipitation of salt due to the injection of dry CO2 and to understand the underlying mechanisms; super-critical CO2 was injected into brine-saturated sandstone (Berea) samples under realistic pressure and temperature conditions and at high injection rate. To match flow rates that are realistic for the near well-bore area, the experiments were performed on small-scale samples with a cross section of less than 1 cm2. Density profiles were measured by mCT (micro computer tomography) scanning during injection. Reference scans and brine doping with a contrast agent allow the distinction between the CO2-rich phase, the aqueous phase and precipitated solid salt even on pore scale. By means of mCT scanning, spatial and time evolution of halite precipitation in rock samples have been observed under sequestration conditions. Pattern formation of solid salt along the main flow direction as well as a cross-sectional pattern formation has been found. However, while there are areas of high local solid salt accumulation, permeability remained unaffected, which might be a result of the precipitation pattern. The results were complemented by (ex-situ) eSEM/EDAX measurements to study where and how salt precipitates on the microscopic scale. The SEM results cannot be directly translated to in-situ conditions, as salt migrates post-experiment at ambient conditions, but give valuable insight into microscopic processes controlling deposition. Numerical simulations have been performed for a qualitative understanding of principle mechanisms and show a dependency of the observed profile on injection rate and capillary pressure.

Noncircular Cross Sections Could Enhance Mixing in Sprays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bellan, Josette; Abdel-Hameed, Hesham

2003-01-01

A computational study has shown that by injecting drops in jets of gas having square, elliptical, triangular, or other noncircular injection cross sections, it should be possible to increase (relative to comparable situations having circular cross section) the entrainment and dispersion of liquid drops. This finding has practical significance for a variety of applications in which it is desirable to increase dispersion of drops. For example, in chemical-process sprays, increased dispersion leads to increases in chemical- reaction rates; in diesel engines, increasing the dispersion of drops of sprayed fuel reduces the production of soot; and in household and paint sprays, increasing the dispersion of drops makes it possible to cover larger surfaces. It has been known for some years that single-phase fluid jets that enter flow fields through noncircular inlets entrain more fluid than do comparable jets entering through circular inlets. The computational study reported here was directed in part toward determining whether and how this superior mixing characteristic of noncircular single phase jets translates to a similar benefit in cases of two-phase jets (that is, sprays). The study involved direct numerical simulations of single- and two-phase free jets with circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, and triangular inlet cross sections. The two-phase jets consisted of gas laden with liquid drops randomly injected at the inlets. To address the more interesting case of evaporating drops, the carrier gas in the jets was specified to be initially unvitiated by the vapor of the liquid chemical species and the initial temperature of the drops was chosen to be smaller than that of the gas. The mathematical model used in the study was constructed from the conservation equations for the two-phase flow and included complete couplings of mass, momentum, and energy based on thermodynamically self-consistent specification of the enthalpy, internal energy, and latent heat of vaporization of the vapor.

Continuous-Wave Single-Frequency Operation of Fabry-Perot Laser Diodes by Self-Injection Phase Locking Using Feedback from a Fiber Bragg Grating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duerksen, Gary L.; Krainak, Michael A.

1998-01-01

Single-frequency operation of uncoated Fabry-Perot laser diodes is demonstrated by phase- locking the laser oscillations through self-injection seeding with feedback from a fiber Bragg grating. By precisely tuning the laser temperature so that an axial-mode coincides with the short-wavelength band edge of the grating, the phase of the feedback is made conjugate to that of the axial mode, locking the phase of the laser oscillations to that mode.

Targeting radioimmunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma with iodine ({sup 131}I) metuximab injection: Clinical Phase I/II trials

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

Chen Zhinan; Mi Li; Xu Jing

2006-06-01

Purpose: HAb18G/CD147 is a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated antigen. We developed iodine ({sup 131}I) metuximab injection (Licartin), a novel {sup 131}I-labeled HAb18G/CD147-specific monoclonal antibody F(ab'){sub 2} fragment, and evaluated its safety, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy on HCC in Phase I/II trials. Methods and Materials: In a Phase I trial, 28 patients were randomly assigned to receive the injection in 9.25-, 18.5-, 27.75-, or 37-MBq/kg doses by hepatic artery infusion. In a multicenter Phase II trial, 106 patients received the injection (27.75 MBq/kg) on Day 1 of a 28-day cycle. Response rate and survival rate were the endpoints. Results: No life-threatening toxicmore » effects were found. The safe dosage was 27.75 MBq/kg. The blood clearance fitted a biphasic model, and its half-life was 90.56-63.93 h. In the Phase II trial, the injection was found to be targeted and concentrated to tumor tissues. Of the 73 patients completing two cycles, 6 (8.22%) had a partial response, 14 (19.18%) minor response, and 43 (58.90%) stable disease. The 21-month survival rate was 44.54%. The survival rate of progression-free patients was significantly higher than that of patients with progressive disease after either one or two cycles (p < 0.0001 or p 0.0019). Conclusion: Iodine ({sup 131}I) metuximab injection is safe and active for HCC patients.« less

Equilibrium-phase MR angiography: Comparison of unspecific extracellular and protein-binding gadolinium-based contrast media with respect to image quality.

PubMed

Erb-Eigner, Katharina; Taupitz, Matthias; Asbach, Patrick

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to compare contrast and image quality of whole-body equilibrium-phase high-spatial-resolution MR angiography using a non-protein-binding unspecific extracellular gadolinium-based contrast medium with that of two contrast media with different protein-binding properties. 45 patients were examined using either 15 mL of gadobutrol (non-protein-binding, n = 15), 32 mL of gadobenate dimeglumine (weakly protein binding, n = 15) or 11 mL gadofosveset trisodium (protein binding, n = 15) followed by equilibrium-phase high-spatial-resolution MR-angiography of four consecutive anatomic regions. The time elapsed between the contrast injection and the beginning of the equilibrium-phase image acquisition in the respective region was measured and was up to 21 min. Signal intensity was measured in two vessels per region and in muscle tissue. Relative contrast (RC) values were calculated. Vessel contrast, artifacts and image quality were rated by two radiologists in consensus on a five-point scale. Compared with gadobutrol, gadofosveset trisodium revealed significantly higher RC values only when acquired later than 15 min after bolus injection. Otherwise, no significant differences between the three contrast media were found regarding vascular contrast and image quality. Equilibrium-phase high-spatial-resolution MR-angiography using a weakly protein-binding or even non-protein-binding contrast medium is equivalent to using a stronger protein-binding contrast medium when image acquisition is within the first 15 min after contrast injection, and allows depiction of the vasculature with high contrast and image quality. The protein-binding contrast medium was superior for imaging only later than 15 min after contrast medium injection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Continued Brightening of the Afterglow of GW170817/GRB 170817A as Being Due to a Delayed Energy Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bing; Li, Long-Biao; Huang, Yong-Feng; Geng, Jin-Jun; Yu, Yong-Bo; Song, Li-Ming

2018-05-01

The brightness of the multi-wavelength afterglow of GRB 170817A is increasing unexpectedly even ∼160 days after the associated gravitational burst. Here we suggest that the brightening can be caused by a late-time energy injection process. We use an empirical expression to mimic the evolution of the injection luminosity, which consists of a power-law rising phase and a power-law decreasing phase. It is found that the power-law indices of the two phases are 0.92 and ‑2.8, respectively, with the peak time of the injection being ∼110 days. The energy injection could be due to some kind of accretion, with the total accreted mass being ∼0.006 M ⊙. However, normal fall-back accretion, which usually lasts for a much shorter period, cannot provide a natural explanation. Our best-fit decay index of ‑2.8 is also at odds with the expected value of ‑5/3 for normal fall-back accretion. Noting that the expansion velocities of the kilonova components associated with GW170817 are 0.1–0.3 c, we argue that there should also be some ejecta with correspondingly lower velocities during the coalescence of the double neutron star (NS) system. They are bound by the gravitational well of the remnant central compact object and might be accreted at a timescale of about 100 days, providing a reasonable explanation for the energy injection. Detailed studies on the long-lasting brightening of GRB 170817A thus may provide useful information on matter ejection during the merger process of binary neutron stars.

Simulation of cesium injection and distribution in rf-driven ion sources for negative hydrogen ion generation.

PubMed

Gutser, R; Fantz, U; Wünderlich, D

2010-02-01

Cesium seeded sources for surface generated negative hydrogen ions are major components of neutral beam injection systems in future large-scale fusion experiments such as ITER. Stability and delivered current density depend highly on the cesium conditions during plasma-on and plasma-off phases of the ion source. The Monte Carlo code CSFLOW3D was used to study the transport of neutral and ionic cesium in both phases. Homogeneous and intense flows were obtained from two cesium sources in the expansion region of the ion source and from a dispenser array, which is located 10 cm in front of the converter surface.

Completion of five years of safe CO2 injection and transition into the post-closure phase at the Ketzin pilot site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martens, Sonja; Moeller, Fabian; Streibel, Martin; Liebscher, Axel; Ketzin Group

2014-05-01

The injection of CO2 at the Ketzin pilot site in Germany ended after five years in August 2013. We present the key results from site operation and outline future activities within the post-closure phase. From June 2008 onwards, a total amount of 67 kt of CO2 was safely injected into a saline aquifer (Upper Triassic sandstone) at a depth of 630 m - 650 m. The CO2 used was mainly of food grade quality (purity > 99.9%). In addition, 1.5 kt of CO2 from the pilot capture facility "Schwarze Pumpe" (power plant CO2 with purity > 99.7%) was injected in 2011. During regular operation, the CO2 was pre-heated on-site to 45°C before injection in order to avoid pressure build-up within the reservoir. During the final months of injection a "cold-injection" experiment with a stepwise decrease of the injection temperature down to 10°C was conducted between March and July 2013. In summer 2013, the injection of a mixture of 95% CO2 and 5% N2 was also tested. After ceasing the injection in August the injection facility and pipeline were removed in December 2013. Geological storage of CO2 at the Ketzin pilot site has so far proceeded in a safe and reliable manner. As a result of one of the most comprehensive R&D programs worldwide, a combination of different geochemical and geophysical monitoring methods is able to detect even small quantities of CO2 and map their spatial extent. After the cessation of CO2 injection a series of activities and further investigations are involved in the post-closure phase. The aim is that Ketzin will for the first time ever close the complete life-time cycle of a CO2 storage site at pilot scale. The five wells (1 injection/observation well, 4 pure observation wells) will be successively abandoned within the next few years while monitoring is continuing. The partial plugging of one observation well in the reservoir section was already completed in fall 2013. The new four-years project COMPLETE (CO2 post-injection monitoring and post-closure phase at the Ketzin pilot site) started in January 2014. Activities within COMPLETE include R&D work on well integrity, post-closure monitoring as well as two field experiments. One is a back-production test of the CO2 aiming at information on the physicochemical properties of the back-produced CO2 as well as the pressure response of the reservoir. The other experiment will focus on brine injection into the CO2 storage reservoir in order to study e.g. the residual gas saturation. Public outreach has been a key element for the project from the very beginning and accompanies the research on CO2 storage at Ketzin since 2004. Thus dissemination (e.g. www.co2ketzin.de) and activities at the visitor centre at the pilot site will continue within COMPLETE and along the entire life cycle of the Ketzin project.

Monitoring TCE Degradation by In-situ Bioremediation in TCE-Contaminated site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, K.; Hong, U.; Ahn, G.; Jiang, H.; Yoo, H.; Park, S.; Kim, N.; Ahn, H.; Kwon, S.; Kim, Y.

2012-12-01

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a long-term common groundwater pollutant because the compound with high density is slowly released into groundwater. Physical and chemical remediation processes have been used to clean-up the contaminant, but novel remediation technology is required to overcome a low efficiency of the traditional treatment process. Many researchers focused on biological process using an anaerobic TCE degrading culture, but it still needs to evaluate whether the process can be applied into field scale under aerobic condition. Therefore, in this work we investigated two different tests (i.e., biostimulation and bioaugmentation) of biological remediation through the Well-to-Well test (injection well to extraction well) in TCE-contaminated site. Also solutions (Electron donor & acceptor, tracer) were injected into the aquifer using a liquid coupled with nitrogen gas sparging. In biostimulation, we use 3 phases to monitoring biological remediation. Phase 1: we inject formate solution to get electron donor hydrogen (hydrogen can be generated from fermentation of formate). We also inject bromide as tracer. Phase 2: we made injection solution by formate, bromide and sulfate. The reason why we inject sulfate is that as a kind of electron accepter, sulfate reduction process is helpful to create anaerobic condition. Phase 3: we inject mixed solution made by formate, sulfate, fumarate, and bromide. The degradation of fumarate has the same mechanism and condition with TCE degradation, so we added fumarate to make sure that if the anaerobic TCE degradation by indigenous microorganisms started up (Because low TCE concentration by gas sparging). In the bioaugmentation test, we inject the Evanite culture (containing dehalococcoides spp) and TCE degradation to c-DCE, VC, ETH was monitored. We are evaluating the transport of the Evanite culture in the field by measuring TCE and VC reductases.

The Efficacy and Safety of Concurrent Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injections for 2 Dupuytren Contractures in the Same Hand: A Prospective, Multicenter Study.

PubMed

Gaston, R Glenn; Larsen, Søren Erik; Pess, Gary M; Coleman, Stephen; Dean, Brian; Cohen, Brian M; Kaufman, Gregory J; Tursi, James P; Hurst, Lawrence C

2015-10-01

To evaluate efficacy and safety of concurrent administration of 2 collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injections to treat 2 joints in the same hand with Dupuytren fixed flexion contractures (FFCs). Patients with 2 or more contractures in the same hand caused by palpable cords participated in a 60-day, multicenter, open-label, phase 3b study. Two 0.58 mg CCH doses were injected into 1 or 2 cords in the same hand (1 injection per affected joint) during the same visit. Finger extension was performed approximately 24, 48, or 72 or more hours later. Changes in FFC and range of motion, incidence of clinical success (FFC ≤ 5°), and adverse events (AEs) were summarized. The study enrolled 715 patients (725 treated joint pairs), and 714 patients (724 joint pairs) were analyzed for efficacy. At day 31, mean total FFC (sum of 2 treated joints) decreased 74%, from 98° to 27°. Mean total range of motion increased from 90° to 156°. The incidence of clinical success was 65% in metacarpophalangeal joints and 29% in proximal interphalangeal joints. Most treatment-related AEs were mild to moderate, resolving without intervention; the most common were swelling of treated extremity, contusion, and pain in extremity. The incidence of skin lacerations was 22% (160 of 715). Efficacy and safety were similar regardless of time to finger extension. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum can be used to effectively treat 2 affected joints concurrently without a greater risk of AEs than treatment of a single joint, with the exception of skin laceration. The incidence of clinical success in this study after 1 injection per joint was comparable to phase 3 study results after 3 or more injections per joint. Two concurrent CCH injections may allow more rapid overall treatment of multiple affected joints, and the ability to vary the time between CCH injection and finger extension may allow physicians and patients greater flexibility with scheduling treatment. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

MICROBIAL RESPONSES TO IN SITU CHEMICAL OXIDATION, SIX-PHASE HEATING, AND STEAM INJECTION REMEDIATION TECHNOLOGIES IN GROUND WATER

EPA Science Inventory

The evaluation of microbial responses to three in situ source removal remedial technologies including permanganate-based in-situ chemical oxidation (ISCO), six-phase heating (SPH), and steam injection (SI) was performed at Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida. The investigatio...

Raman Scattering Study of Supercritical Bi-Component Mixtures Injected into a Subcritical Environment

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

Technology (NIST) [7]. SUPERTRAPP is an interactive computer database designed to predict the thermodynamic and transport properties of fluid mixtures...of liquid sprays. However, the potential core computation is done for all the Raman scattering injection conditions to compare the condensed phase...spaced from the Rayleigh component suggesting that they contain the same information about the vibrational quantum energy. The intensity

Accumulation of unsaturated lipids in monocytes during early phase pyrogen tolerance.

PubMed

Szewczenko-Pawlikowski, M; Kozak, W

2000-04-12

This paper presents data that inspired a new explanation for the mechanism of early phase endotoxin tolerance. Rabbits injected intravenously with LPS from Salmonella abortus developed a two-phase fever (6 h) and monophasic hyperlipidemia of very low density lipoproteins (two consecutive days). If during these days rabbits were injected with the same dose of LPS at 24-h intervals, the second phase of fever disappeared, i.e. early phase pyrogenic tolerance was obtained. This was correlated with a decrease of lipoprotein hyperlipidemia (measured 1.5 h after LPS injection) and an accumulation of lipids rich in double bonds in monocytes (measured 3.5 h after LPS injection). Results showed that the degree of unsaturation of acyl chains (AC) in monocytes (AC/DB, DB=double bonds) is negatively correlated (r=-0.72) with fever response (fever index). The authors maintain that a gradual increase in monocyte membrane fluidity is an adaptation to repeated exposure of monocytes to lipid A and is responsible for the progressive desensitization of monocytes to endotoxin. It is suggested that disorders of this mechanism lead to an accumulation of abnormal quantities of saturated lipids and cholesterol within macrophages, which, as foam cells, are the starting point for atherosclerosis pathology.

Analytical model and error analysis of arbitrary phasing technique for bunch length measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qushan; Qin, Bin; Chen, Wei; Fan, Kuanjun; Pei, Yuanji

2018-05-01

An analytical model of an RF phasing method using arbitrary phase scanning for bunch length measurement is reported. We set up a statistical model instead of a linear chirp approximation to analyze the energy modulation process. It is found that, assuming a short bunch (σφ / 2 π → 0) and small relative energy spread (σγ /γr → 0), the energy spread (Y =σγ 2) at the exit of the traveling wave linac has a parabolic relationship with the cosine value of the injection phase (X = cosφr|z=0), i.e., Y = AX2 + BX + C. Analogous to quadrupole strength scanning for emittance measurement, this phase scanning method can be used to obtain the bunch length by measuring the energy spread at different injection phases. The injection phases can be randomly chosen, which is significantly different from the commonly used zero-phasing method. Further, the systematic error of the reported method, such as the influence of the space charge effect, is analyzed. This technique will be especially useful at low energies when the beam quality is dramatically degraded and is hard to measure using the zero-phasing method.

Tralokinumab pharmacokinetics and tolerability when administered by different subcutaneous injection methods and rates

PubMed Central

Jain, Meena; Doughty, Diane; Clawson, Corbin; Li, Xiaobai; White, Nicholas; Agoram, Balaji; van der Merwe, René

2017-01-01

Objective: Tralokinumab, administered as two 1-mL subcutaneous injections every 2 weeks, at the target dose 300 mg, has been shown to improve lung function in patients with asthma. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) and tolerability profile of tralokinumab 300 mg when administered by different rates of subcutaneous injection, as part of a pilot investigation of new injection regimens. Methods: This phase I study randomized 60 healthy adults to receive 300 mg tralokinumab, as two 1-mL subcutaneous injections, each delivered over 10 seconds, or one 2-mL injection delivered over 10 seconds (12 mL/min), 1 minute (2 mL/min), or 12 minutes (0.167 mL/min). Results: No differences in the PK profile of tralokinumab were observed between cohorts. Immediately following injection, injection-site pain intensity (mean (SD)) was lowest following 0.167 mL/min injection (5.1 mm (8.0) via visual analog scale (VAS)) and greatest following 12 mL/min injection (41 mm (27.7) via VAS); with mean injection-site pruritus intensity low for all participants. Two types of local injection-site reactions were observed: erythema (58.3%) and hematoma/bleeding (18.3%). All treatment-emergent adverse events were mild. Conclusions: Tralokinumab 300 mg is well tolerated, with comparable PK, when administered by a single 2-mL injection at different rates of subcutaneous injection vs. two 1-mL injections. PMID:28590244

Multiphase Modeling of Water Injection on Flame Deflector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vu, Bruce T.; Bachchan, Nili; Peroomian, Oshin; Akdag, Vedat

2013-01-01

This paper describes the use of an Eulerian Dispersed Phase (EDP) model to simulate the water injected from the flame deflector and its interaction with supersonic rocket exhaust from a proposed Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle. The Eulerian formulation, as part of the multi-phase framework, is described. The simulations show that water cooling is only effective over the region under the liquid engines. Likewise, the water injection provides only minor effects over the surface area under the solid engines.

New kind of injection-locked oscillator and its corresponding long-term stability control.

PubMed

Hong, Jun; Liu, An; Wang, Xiao-hu; Yao, Sheng-xing; Li, Zu-ling

2015-09-20

A new type of opto-electronic hybrid oscillator is proposed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, and verified by experiments in this paper. Typical electronic oscillator-dielectric resonator oscillator as the first injection source is used to injection lock the first long-fiber loop-based opto-electronic oscillator (OEO); then its output is used to injection lock the second long-fiber opto-electronic oscillator. Using this method, low-phase noise output signal can be obtained. Experiments show that single side-band (SSB) phase noise of a 9.5 GHz oscillation signal at 10 kHz offset frequency decreases from -123 to -135  dBc/Hz after the first injection, then, through the second injection, the SSB phase noise drops down to -146  dBc/Hz. In order to solve the long-term stability problem of the above oscillator, a new stability-control circuit also is designed and verified by experiments. Experiments show that the Allan deviation decreases from 9.0×10(-11) to 2.2×10(-12) during 1 s after the long-term stability-control circuit being used.

Extended Duration Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Inhibition in the Eye: Failures, Successes, and Future Possibilities.

PubMed

Stewart, Michael W

2018-01-27

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in the development of neovascularization and edema from several common chorioretinal vascular conditions. The intravitreally injected drugs (aflibercept, bevacizumab, conbercept, pegaptanib, and ranibizumab) used to treat these conditions improve the visual acuity and macular morphology in most patients. Monthly or bimonthly injections were administered in the phase III pivotal trials but physicians usually individualize therapy with pro re nata (PRN) or treat and extend regimens. Despite these lower frequency treatment regimens, frequent injections and clinic visits are still needed to produce satisfactory outcomes. Newly developed drugs and refillable reservoirs with favorable pharmacokinetic profiles may extend durations of action and require fewer office visits. However, we have learned from previous experiences that the longer durations of action seen in strategically designed phase III trials often do not translate to less frequent injections in real-life clinical practice. Unfortunately, long-acting therapies that produce soluble VEGF receptors (encapsulated cell technology and adenovirus injected DNA) have failed in phase II trials. The development of longer duration therapies remains a difficult and frustrating process, and frequent drug injections are likely to remain the standard-of-care for years to come.

Shadowgraphy of transcritical cryogenic fluids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodward, R. D.; Talley, D. G.; Anderson, T. J.; Winter, M.

1994-01-01

The future of liquid-rocket propulsion depends heavily on continued development of high pressure liquid oxygen/hydrogen systems that operate near or above the propellant critical states; however, current understanding of transcritical/supercritical injection and combustion is yet lacking. The Phillips Laboratory and the United Technologies Research Center are involved in a collaborative effort to develop diagnostics for and make detailed measurements of transcritical droplet vaporization and combustion. The present shadowgraph study of transcritical cryogenic fluids is aimed at providing insight into the behavior of liquid oxygen or cryogenic stimulants as they are injected into a supercritical environment of the same or other fluids. A detailed history of transcritical injection of liquid nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen at reduced pressures of 0.63 (subcritical) to 1.05 (supercritical) is provided. Also, critical point enhancement due to gas phase solubility and mixture effects is investigated by adding helium to the nitrogen system, which causes a distinct liquid phase to re-appear at supercritical nitrogen pressures. Liquid oxygen injection into supercritical argon or nitrogen, however, does not indicate an increase in the effective critical pressure of the system.

Sensitivity to injected cholera toxin of the sodium efflux in single barnacle muscle fibers.

PubMed

Bittar, E E; Nwoga, J

1984-01-01

A study has been made of the effect of microinjected cholera toxin (CT) on the efflux in single barnacle muscle fibers. Characteristically, injected CT causes sustained stimulation of the ouabain-insensitive Na efflux but only after a lag phase. An effect is seen with as little as a 10(-7) M-solution of CT. Sustained stimulation after a lag phase is also seen following injection of subunit A fragment. Enrichment of fibers with NAD+ fails to enhance the response to CT. Prior injection of GTP or its non-hydrolyzeable analogue, Gpp(NH)p, markedly reduces the response to CT, whilst prior injection of CT reduces the response to guanine nucleotides. Evidence is also brought forward that omission of external Ca2+ reversibly reduces the response to CT and that pre- or postinjection of EGTA markedly reduces the response to CT. In addition, fibers preinjected with CT show increased aequorin light emission. Whereas verapamil and Cd2+ are ineffective, both Mg2+ and trace metals, e.g. Fe and Zn, reverse the response to CT following injection. Prior injection of protein kinase inhibitor reduces the response to CT. As for calmodulin inhibitors, e.g. chlorpromazine, imipramine and mepacrine, they are effective in reducing the response to CT but not calmodulin antibody (IgG). Collectively, the above results are compatible with the view that sustained stimulation of the ouabain-insensitive Na efflux by injected CT is due to persistent activation of adenylate cyclase by the toxin and that a fall in myoplasmic pCa facilitates or augments this activation mechanism.

Material flow data for numerical simulation of powder injection molding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duretek, I.; Holzer, C.

2017-01-01

The powder injection molding (PIM) process is a cost efficient and important net-shape manufacturing process that is not completely understood. For the application of simulation programs for the powder injection molding process, apart from suitable physical models, exact material data and in particular knowledge of the flow behavior are essential in order to get precise numerical results. The flow processes of highly filled polymers are complex. Occurring effects are very hard to separate, like shear flow with yield stress, wall slip, elastic effects, etc. Furthermore, the occurrence of phase separation due to the multi-phase composition of compounds is quite probable. In this work, the flow behavior of a 316L stainless steel feedstock for powder injection molding was investigated. Additionally, the influence of pre-shearing on the flow behavior of PIM-feedstocks under practical conditions was examined and evaluated by a special PIM injection molding machine rheometer. In order to have a better understanding of key factors of PIM during the injection step, 3D non-isothermal numerical simulations were conducted with a commercial injection molding simulation software using experimental feedstock properties. The simulation results were compared with the experimental results. The mold filling studies amply illustrate the effect of mold temperature on the filling behavior during the mold filling stage. Moreover, the rheological measurements showed that at low shear rates no zero shear viscosity was observed, but instead the viscosity further increased strongly. This flow behavior could be described with the Cross-WLF approach with Herschel-Bulkley extension very well.

Design and development of a direct injection system for cryogenic engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutumba, Angela; Cheeseman, Kevin; Clarke, Henry; Wen, Dongsheng

2018-04-01

The cryogenic engine has received increasing attention due to its promising potential as a zero-emission engine. In this study, a new robust liquid nitrogen injection system was commissioned and set up to perform high-pressure injections into an open vessel. The system is used for quasi-steady flow tests used for the characterisation of the direct injection process for cryogenic engines. An electro-hydraulic valve actuator provides intricate control of the valve lift, with a minimum cycle time of 3 ms and a frequency of up to 20 Hz. With additional sub-cooling, liquid phase injections from 14 to 94 bar were achieved. Results showed an increase in the injected mass with the increase in pressure, and decrease in temperature. The injected mass was also observed to increases linearly with the valve lift. Better control of the injection process, minimises the number of variables, providing more comparable and repeatable sets of data. Implications of the results on the engine performance were also discussed.

Capillary-Driven Solute Transport and Precipitation in Porous Media during Dry-Out

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ott, Holger; Andrew, Matthew; Blunt, Martin; Snippe, Jeroen

2014-05-01

The injection of dry or under-saturated gases or supercritical (SC) fluids into water bearing formations might lead to a formation dry-out in the vicinity of the injection well. The dry-out is caused by the evaporation/dissolution of formation water into the injected fluid and the subsequent transport of dissolved water in the injected fluid away from the injection well. Dry-out results in precipitation from solutes of the formation brine and consequently leads to a reduction of the rock's pore space (porosity) and eventually to a reduction of permeability near the injection well, or even to the loss of injectivity. Recently evidence has been found that the complexity of the pore space and the respective capillary driven solute transport plays a key role. While no effective-permeability (Keff) reduction was observed in a single-porosity sandstone, multi porosity carbonate rocks responded to precipitation with a strong reduction of Keff. The reason for the different response of Keff to salt precipitation is suspected to be in the exact location of the precipitate (solid salt) in the pore space. In this study, we investigate dry-out and salt precipitation due to supercritical CO2 injection in single and multi-porosity systems under near well-bore conditions. We image fluid saturation changes by means of μCT scanning during desaturation. We are able to observe capillary driven transport of the brine phase and the respective transport of solutes on the rock's pore scale. Finally we have access to the precipitated solid-salt phase and their distribution. The results can proof the thought models behind permeability porosity relationships K(φ) for injectivity modeling. The topic and the mechanisms we show are of general interest for drying processes in porous material such as soils and paper.

Determination of Parabens by Injection-Port Derivatization Coupled With Gas-Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Matrix Solid Phase Dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djatmika, Rosalina; Ding, Wang-Hsien; Sulistyarti, Hermin

2018-01-01

A rapid determination of four parabens preservatives (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and butyl paraben) in marketed seafood is presented. Analytes were extracted and purified using matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) method, followed by Injection port acylation gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with acetic anhydride reagent. In this method, acylation of parabens was performed by acetic anhydride at GC injection-port generating reduction of the time-consuming sample-processing steps, and the amount of toxic reagents and solvents. The parameters affecting this method such as injection port temperature, purge-off time and acylation (acetic anhydride) volume were studied. In addition, the MSPD influence factors (including the amount of dispersant and clean-up co-sorbent, as well as the volume of elution solvent) were also investigated. After MSPD method and Injection port acylation applied, good linearity of analytes was achieved. The limits of quantitation (LOQs) were 0.2 to 1.0 ng/g (dry weight). Compared with offline derivatization commonly performed, injection port acylation employs a rapid, simple, low-cost and environmental-friendly derivatization process. The optimized method has been successfully applied for the analysis of parabens in four kind of marketed seafood. Preliminary results showed that the total concentrations of four selected parabens ranged from 16.7 to 44.7 ng/g (dry weight).

Injection locking of optomechanical oscillators via acoustic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Ke; Hossein-Zadeh, Mani

2018-04-01

Injection locking is a powerful technique for synchronization of oscillator networks and controlling the phase and frequency of individual oscillators using similar or other types of oscillators. Here, we present the first demonstration of injection locking of a radiation-pressure driven optomechanical oscillator (OMO) via acoustic waves. As opposed to previously reported techniques (based on pump modulation or direct application of a modulated electrostatic force), injection locking of OMO via acoustic waves does not require optical power modulation or physical contact with the OMO and it can easily be implemented on various platforms. Using this approach we have locked the phase and frequency of two distinct modes of a microtoroidal silica OMO to a piezoelectric transducer (PZT). We have characterized the behavior of the injection locked OMO with three acoustic excitation configurations and showed that even without proper acoustic impedance matching the OMO can be locked to the PZT and tuned over 17 kHz with only -30 dBm of RF power fed to the PZT. The high efficiency, simplicity and scalability of the proposed approach paves the road toward a new class of photonic systems that rely on synchronization of several OMOs to a single or multiple RF oscillators with applications in optical communication, metrology and sensing. Beyond its practical applications, injection locking via acoustic waves can be used in fundamental studies in quantum optomechanics where thermal and optical isolation of the OMO are critical.

Diffraction effect of the injected beam in axisymmetrical structural CO2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yonggen; Wang, Shijian; Fan, Qunchao

2012-07-01

Diffraction effect of the injected beam in axisymmetrical structural CO2 laser is studied based on the injection-locking principle. The light intensity of the injected beam at the plane where the holophotes lie is derived according to the Huygens-Fresnel diffraction integral equation. And then the main parameters which influence the diffraction light intensity are given. The calculated results indicate that the first-order diffraction signal will play an important role in the phase-locking when the zero-order diffraction cannot reach the folded cavities. The numerical examples are given to confirm the correctness of the results, and the comparisons between the theoretical and the experimental results are illustrated.

The effect of aging treatment on the fracture toughness and impact strength of injection molded Ni-625 superalloy parts

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

Özgün, Özgür, E-mail: oozgun@bingol.edu.tr; Yılmaz, Ramazan; Özkan Gülsoy, H.

In this study, the effect of aging heat treatment on fracture toughness and impact strength of Ni-625 superalloy fabricated by using powder injection molding (PIM) method was examined. After a feedstock was prepared by mixing the prealloyed Ni-625 superalloy powder, which was fabricated by gas atomisation, with a polymeric binder system and then it was granulated, it was shaped through the use of injection. The molded specimens were sintered at 1300 °C for 3 h after a two-stage debinding process. Once the sintered specimens were treated in the solution at 1150 °C for 2 h, they were quenched. Aging treatmentmore » was performed by keeping specimens at 745 °C for 22 h. Fracture toughness and impact tests were performed on sintered and aged specimens. Microstructure examinations were performed by using optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope. The results revealed that aging heat treatment led to the formation of some carbides and intermetallic phases in the microstructure. While the hardness of the aged specimens increased due to these phases, their fracture toughness and impact strength values decreased. - Highlights: • Ni-625 superalloy components were produced by means of powder injection molding. • The produced components were subjected to aging treatment. • Aging process provided approximately 50% increase in the hardness of components. • Intermetallic precipitates, carbides and TCP phases occurred within the aged parts. • Fracture toughness and impact strength values decreased due to the hard phases.« less

The acute-phase response impairs host defence against Enterococcus faecium peritonitis

PubMed Central

Leendertse, Masja; Willems, Rob J L; Giebelen, Ida A J; van den Pangaart, Petra S; Bonten, Marc J M; van der Poll, Tom

2009-01-01

Enterococcus faecium is an emerging pathogen that causes infections in hospitalized patients with various co-morbid diseases. These underlying diseases are often associated with an acute-phase response that renders patients vulnerable to nosocomial infections. To study the influence of the acute-phase response induced by sterile tissue injury on host defence against E. faecium, mice were injected subcutaneously with either turpentine or casein 1 day before intraperitoneal infection with E. faecium. Control mice were subcutaneously injected with saline or sodium bicarbonate, respectively. Turpentine and casein induced an acute-phase response as reflected by increases in the plasma concentrations of interleukin-6, serum amyloid P and C3. A pre-existent acute-phase response in mice was associated with a strongly reduced capacity to clear E. faecium, resulting in prolonged bacteraemia for several days. The inflammatory response to E. faecium was impaired in mice with an acute-phase response, as shown by reduced capacity to mount a neutrophilic leucocytosis in peripheral blood and by decreased local cytokine concentrations. These data indicate that the acute-phase response impairs host defence against E. faecium, suggesting that this condition may contribute to the increased vulnerability of critically ill patients to enterococcal infections. PMID:19175794

Temporary Vascular Occlusion by Rapid Reverse Phase Polymer: A Preliminary In Vitro Study of Retrograde Injection

PubMed Central

Dregelid, Einar

2012-01-01

During vascular surgical operations, there is a need for a simpler and more reliable method of temporary arterial occlusion than those currently employed, especially of heavily calcified arteries. A thermosensitive polymer, LeGoo (LG) (Pluromed, Woburn, MA), has been used successfully for temporary vascular occlusion. It has hitherto been injected by a cannula that has been introduced into the artery to be occluded, here henceforth called the “cannulation method.” Injection into arterial ostia without cannulation, using an injection device that arrests blood flow during the injection, here henceforth called “a retrograde method” may enable temporary hemostasis when ostial stenoses render it impossible to inject LG using the cannulation method. The objective of the present study was to study the feasibility of a retrograde method and to compare it with the cannulation method in an in vitro model, incorporating a narrow orifice to simulate ostial stenosis, using tap water at 37°C instead of blood. The retrograde method of LG injection, using a modified paediatric Foley catheter, turned out to be feasible to produce a durable LG plug more reliably, at higher water pressure and with less deep LG injection than with the cannulation method. PMID:22888352

Efficacy and safety of cross-linked hyaluronic acid single injection on osteoarthritis of the knee: a post-marketing Phase IV study

PubMed Central

Bashaireh, Khaldoon; Naser, Ziad; Hawadya, Khaled Al; Sorour, Sorour; Al-Khateeb, Rami Nabeel

2015-01-01

Purpose The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and duration of action of viscosupplementation with Crespine® Gel over a 9-month period. Materials and methods The study was a post-marketing Phase IV study. A total of 109 participants with osteoarthritis of the knee (grades 1–4) in the tibio–femoral compartment were recruited in Jordan. Data were collected from each participant during the baseline visit. Each participant received Crespine® Gel injection, and follow-up visits took place at 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months post-injection. Main outcome measure(s) An assessment of participants by phone was conducted at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 5 months, 7 months, and 8 months post-injection. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index questionnaires were completed during each visit. A 72-hour visit questionnaire was used to assess the safety of the injection. Statistical analysis included a two-sided 95% confidence interval for the difference between pain scores across visits, and the percent change from baseline was calculated. Main results The full analysis included 84 participants who gave their informed consent and finished the necessary baseline and follow-up visits needed to assess efficacy and safety. Peak improvement was noted at 5 months post-injection, when pain and physical performance scores had decreased to 2.60 and 9.90, respectively, and the stiffness score was 0.33. The peak improvement in stiffness was noted at 8 months post-injection, when the stiffness score had decreased to 0.32. Significant improvements were still apparent at 9 months post-injection, when the pain score was 3.36, the stiffness score was 0.42, and the physical performance score was 11.5. All side effects were local and transient, and included pain, swelling, and redness of the knee. Most side effects were treated. Conclusion Hyaluronan should be encouraged as an alternative or adjunct treatment to oral analgesics to reduce their required doses, and delay potential future surgical intervention. PMID:25897212

Rationale and Design of the SENECA (StEm cell iNjECtion in cAncer survivors) Trial.

PubMed

Bolli, Roberto; Hare, Joshua M; Henry, Timothy D; Lenneman, Carrie G; March, Keith L; Miller, Kathy; Pepine, Carl J; Perin, Emerson C; Traverse, Jay H; Willerson, James T; Yang, Phillip C; Gee, Adrian P; Lima, João A; Moyé, Lem; Vojvodic, Rachel W; Sayre, Shelly L; Bettencourt, Judy; Cohen, Michelle; Ebert, Ray F; Simari, Robert D

2018-07-01

SENECA (StEm cell iNjECtion in cAncer survivors) is a phase I, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and feasibility of delivering allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (allo-MSCs) transendocardially in subjects with anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). AIC is an incurable and often fatal syndrome, with a prognosis worse than that of ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy. Recently, cell therapy with MSCs has emerged as a promising new approach to repair damaged myocardium. The study population is 36 cancer survivors with a diagnosis of AIC, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction ≤40%, and symptoms of heart failure (NYHA class II-III) on optimally-tolerated medical therapy. Subjects must be clinically free of cancer for at least two years with a ≤ 30% estimated five-year risk of recurrence. The first six subjects participated in an open-label, lead-in phase and received 100 million allo-MSCs; the remaining 30 will be randomized 1:1 to receive allo-MSCs or vehicle via 20 transendocardial injections. Efficacy measures (obtained at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months) include MRI evaluation of LV function, LV volumes, fibrosis, and scar burden; assessment of exercise tolerance (six-minute walk test) and quality of life (Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire); clinical outcomes (MACE and cumulative days alive and out of hospital); and biomarkers of heart failure (NT-proBNP). This is the first clinical trial using direct cardiac injection of cells for the treatment of AIC. If administration of allo-MSCs is found feasible and safe, SENECA will pave the way for larger phase II/III studies with therapeutic efficacy as the primary outcome. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A connectivity-based modeling approach for representing hysteresis in macroscopic two-phase flow properties

DOE PAGES

Cihan, Abdullah; Birkholzer, Jens; Trevisan, Luca; ...

2014-12-31

During CO 2 injection and storage in deep reservoirs, the injected CO 2 enters into an initially brine saturated porous medium, and after the injection stops, natural groundwater flow eventually displaces the injected mobile-phase CO 2, leaving behind residual non-wetting fluid. Accurate modeling of two-phase flow processes are needed for predicting fate and transport of injected CO 2, evaluating environmental risks and designing more effective storage schemes. The entrapped non-wetting fluid saturation is typically a function of the spatially varying maximum saturation at the end of injection. At the pore-scale, distribution of void sizes and connectivity of void space playmore » a major role for the macroscopic hysteresis behavior and capillary entrapment of wetting and non-wetting fluids. This paper presents development of an approach based on the connectivity of void space for modeling hysteretic capillary pressure-saturation-relative permeability relationships. The new approach uses void-size distribution and a measure of void space connectivity to compute the hysteretic constitutive functions and to predict entrapped fluid phase saturations. Two functions, the drainage connectivity function and the wetting connectivity function, are introduced to characterize connectivity of fluids in void space during drainage and wetting processes. These functions can be estimated through pore-scale simulations in computer-generated porous media or from traditional experimental measurements of primary drainage and main wetting curves. The hysteresis model for saturation-capillary pressure is tested successfully by comparing the model-predicted residual saturation and scanning curves with actual data sets obtained from column experiments found in the literature. A numerical two-phase model simulator with the new hysteresis functions is tested against laboratory experiments conducted in a quasi-two-dimensional flow cell (91.4cm×5.6cm×61cm), packed with homogeneous and heterogeneous sands. Initial results show that the model can predict spatial and temporal distribution of injected fluid during the experiments reasonably well. However, further analyses are needed for comprehensively testing the ability of the model to predict transient two-phase flow processes and capillary entrapment in geological reservoirs during geological carbon sequestration.« less

Preparation and evaluation of injectable Rasagiline mesylate dual-controlled drug delivery system for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Jiang, Ying; Zhang, Xuemei; Mu, Hongjie; Hua, Hongchen; Duan, Dongyu; Yan, Xiuju; Wang, Yiyun; Meng, Qingqing; Lu, Xiaoyan; Wang, Aiping; Liu, Wanhui; Li, Youxin; Sun, Kaoxiang

2018-11-01

A microsphere-gel in situ forming implant (MS-Gel ISFI) dual-controlled drug delivery system was applied to a high water-soluble small-molecule compound Rasagiline mesylate (RM) for effective treatment of Parkinson's disease. This injectable complex depot system combined an in situ phase transition gel with high drug-loading and encapsulation efficiency RM-MS prepared by a modified emulsion-phase separation method and optimized by Box-Behnken design. It was evaluated for in vitro drug release, in vivo pharmacokinetics, and in vivo pharmacodynamics. We found that the RM-MS-Gel ISFI system showed no initial burst release and had a long period of in vitro drug release (60 days). An in vivo pharmacokinetic study indicated a significant reduction (p < .01) in the initial high plasma drug concentration of the RM-MS-Gel ISFI system compared to that of the single RM-MS and RM-in situ gel systems after intramuscular injection to rats. A pharmacodynamic study demonstrated a significant reduction (p < .05) in 6-hydroxydopamine-induced contralateral rotation behavior and an effective improvement (p < .05) in dopamine levels in the striatum of the lesioned side after 28 days in animals treated with the RM-MS-Gel ISFI compared with that of animals treated with saline. MS-embedded in situ phase transition gel is superior for use as a biodegradable and injectable sustained drug delivery system with a low initial burst and long period of drug release for highly hydrophilic small molecule drugs.

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

Fernandez-Gutierrez, Sulmer, E-mail: sulmer.a.fernandez.gutierrez@intel.com; Browning, Jim; Lin, Ming-Chieh

Phase-control of a magnetron is studied via simulation using a combination of a continuous current source and a modulated current source. The addressable, modulated current source is turned ON and OFF at the magnetron operating frequency in order to control the electron injection and the spoke phase. Prior simulation work using a 2D model of a Rising Sun magnetron showed that the use of 100% modulated current controlled the magnetron phase and allowed for dynamic phase control. In this work, the minimum fraction of modulated current source needed to achieve a phase control is studied. The current fractions (modulated versusmore » continuous) were varied from 10% modulated current to 100% modulated current to study the effects on phase control. Dynamic phase-control, stability, and start up time of the device were studied for all these cases showing that with 10% modulated current and 90% continuous current, a phase shift of 180° can be achieved demonstrating dynamic phase control.« less

Imaging of CO{sub 2} injection during an enhanced-oil-recovery experiment

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

Gritto, Roland; Daley, Thomas M.; Myer, Larry R.

2003-04-29

A series of time-lapse seismic cross well and single well experiments were conducted in a diatomite reservoir to monitor the injection of CO{sub 2} into a hydrofracture zone, using P- and S-wave data. During the first phase the set of seismic experiments were conducted after the injection of water into the hydrofrac-zone. The set of seismic experiments was repeated after a time period of 7 months during which CO{sub 2} was injected into the hydrofractured zone. The issues to be addressed ranged from the detectability of the geologic structure in the diatomic reservoir to the detectability of CO{sub 2} withinmore » the hydrofracture. During the pre-injection experiment, the P-wave velocities exhibited relatively low values between 1700-1900 m/s, which decreased to 1600-1800 m/s during the post-injection phase (-5 percent). The analysis of the pre-injection S-wave data revealed slow S-wave velocities between 600-800 m/s, while the post-injection data revealed velocities between 500-700 m/s (-6 percent). These velocity estimates produced high Poisson ratios between 0.36 and 0.46 for this highly porous ({approx} 50 percent) material. Differencing post- and pre-injection data revealed an increase in Poisson ratio of up to 5 percent. Both, velocity and Poisson estimates indicate the dissolution of CO{sub 2} in the liquid phase of the reservoir accompanied by a pore-pressure increase. The results of the cross well experiments were corroborated by single well data and laboratory measurements on core data.« less

Retention and effective diffusion of model metabolites on porous graphitic carbon.

PubMed

Lunn, Daniel B; Yun, Young J; Jorgenson, James W

2017-12-29

The study of metabolites in biological samples is of high interest for a wide range of biological and pharmaceutical applications. Reversed phase liquid chromatography is a common technique used for the separation of metabolites, but it provides little retention for polar metabolites. An alternative to C18 bonded phases, porous graphitic carbon has the ability to provide significant retention for both non-polar and polar analytes. The goal of this work is to study the retention and effective diffusion properties of porous graphitic carbon, to see if it is suitable for the wide injection bands and long run times associated with long, packed capillary-scale separations. The retention of a set of standard metabolites was studied for both stationary phases over a wide range of mobile phase conditions. This data showed that porous graphitic carbon benefits from significantly increased retention (often >100 fold) under initial gradient conditions for these metabolites, suggesting much improved ability to focus a wide injection band at the column inlet. The effective diffusion properties of these columns were studied using peak-parking experiments with the standard metabolites under a wide range of retention conditions. Under the high retention conditions, which can be associated with retention after injection loading for gradient separations, D eff /D m ∼0.1 for both the C18-bonded and porous graphitic carbon columns. As C18 bonded particles are widely, and successfully utilized for long gradient separations without issue of increasing peak width from longitudinal diffusion, this suggests that porous graphitic carbon should be amenable for long runtime gradient separations as well. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ethanol-induced conditioned taste aversion in Warsaw Alcohol High-Preferring (WHP) and Warsaw Alcohol Low-Preferring (WLP) rats.

PubMed

Dyr, Wanda; Wyszogrodzka, Edyta; Paterak, Justyna; Siwińska-Ziółkowska, Agnieszka; Małkowska, Anna; Polak, Piotr

2016-03-01

The aversive action of the pharmacological properties of ethanol was studied in selectively bred Warsaw Alcohol High-Preferring (WHP) and Warsaw Alcohol Low-Preferring (WLP) rats. For this study, a conditioned-taste aversion test was used. Male WHP and WLP rats were submitted to daily 20-min sessions for 5 days, in which a saccharin solution (1.0 g/L) was available (pre-conditioning phase). Next, this drinking was paired with the injection of ethanol (0, 0.5, 1.0 g/kg), intraperitoneally [i.p.] immediately after removal of the saccharin bottle (conditioning phase). Afterward, the choice between the saccharin solution and water was extended for 18 subsequent days for 20-min daily sessions (post-conditioning phase). Both doses of ethanol did not produce an aversion to saccharin in WLP and WHP rats in the conditioning phase. However, injection of the 1.0 g/kg dose of ethanol produced an aversion in WLP rats that was detected by a decrease in saccharin intake at days 1, 3, 7, and 10 of the post-conditioning phase, with a decrease in saccharin preference for 16 days of the post-conditioning phase. Conditioned taste aversion, measured as a decrease in saccharin intake and saccharin preference, was only visible in WHP rats at day 1 and day 3 of the post-conditioning phase. This difference between WLP and WHP rats was apparent despite similar blood ethanol levels in both rat lines following injection of 0.5 and 1.0 g/kg of ethanol. These results may suggest differing levels of aversion to the post-ingestional effects of ethanol between WLP and WHP rats. These differing levels of aversion may contribute to the selected line difference in ethanol preference in WHP and WLP rats. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Dosimetric Implications of an Injection of Hyaluronic Acid for Preserving the Rectal Wall in Prostate Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

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

Chapet, Olivier, E-mail: olivier.chapet@chu-lyon.fr; Udrescu, Corina; Department of Medical Physics, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Benite

2014-02-01

Purpose: This study assessed the contribution of ahyaluronic acid (HA) injection between the rectum and the prostate to reducing the dose to the rectal wall in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). Methods and Materials: As part of a phase 2 study of hypofractionated radiation therapy (62 Gy in 20 fractions), the patients received a transperineal injection of 10 cc HA between the rectum and the prostate. A dosimetric computed tomographic (CT) scan was systematically performed before (CT1) and after (CT2) the injection. Two 9-beam intensity modulated radiation therapy-SBRT plans were optimized for the first 10 patients on both CTs accordingmore » to 2 dosage levels: 5 × 6.5 Gy (PlanA) and 5 × 8.5 Gy (PlanB). Rectal wall parameters were compared with a dose–volume histogram, and the prostate–rectum separation was measured at 7 levels of the prostate on the center line of the organ. Results: For both plans, the average volume of the rectal wall receiving the 90% isodose line (V90%) was reduced up to 90% after injection. There was no significant difference (P=.32) between doses received by the rectal wall on CT1 and CT2 at the base of the prostate. This variation became significant from the median plane to the apex of the prostate (P=.002). No significant differences were found between PlanA without HA and PlanB with HA for each level of the prostate (P=.77, at the isocenter of the prostate). Conclusions: HA injection significantly reduced the dose to the rectal wall and allowed a dose escalation from 6.5 Gy to 8.5 Gy without increasing the dose to the rectum. A phase 2 study is under way in our department to assess the rate of acute and late rectal toxicities when SBRT (5 × 8.5 Gy) is combined with an injection of HA.« less

Safety and effectiveness of a single and repeat intramuscular injection of a GnRH vaccine (GonaCon™) in adult female domestic cats.

PubMed

Vansandt, L M; Kutzler, M A; Fischer, A E; Morris, K N; Swanson, W F

2017-04-01

Sterilization is a key strategy to reduce the number of domestic cats entering and killed in shelters each year. However, surgical sterilization is expensive and labour-intensive and cannot fully address the 70 million free-roaming cats estimated to exist in the United States. GonaCon™ is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone vaccine originally developed for use as a wildlife immunocontraceptive. An earlier formulation was tested in domestic cats and found to be safe and effective for long-term contraception. However, the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered formulation consists of a different antigen-carrier protein and increased antigen concentration and has never been tested in cats. A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the short-term safety of a single GonaCon immunization, assess the consequences of vaccinated cats receiving an accidental second GonaCon injection and determine the humoral immune response to immunization. During Phase 1, cats in Group A (n = 3) received a single intramuscular injection of GonaCon and Group B (n = 3) received a single intramuscular injection of saline. During Phase 2, Group A received a second GonaCon injection and Group B received their initial GonaCon injection. All cats developed GnRH antibodies within 30 days of vaccine administration. The endpoint titre (1:1,024,000) was similar among all cats, and levels remained high throughout the duration of the study. Four cats developed a sterile, painless, self-limiting mass at the site of injection. The mean number of days to mass development was 110.3 (range, 18-249 days). In conclusion, this preliminary study suggests that the EPA-registered GonaCon formulation is safe for continued testing in domestic cats, an accidental revaccination should not increase the risk of a vaccine reaction and the EPA-registered formulation effectively elicits a strong humoral immune response. © 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Metabolic profile of Kudiezi injection in rats by UHPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhang, Jingdan; Zhang, Xiaoxue; Zhao, Yangyang; Song, Aihua; Sun, Wei; Yin, Ran

2018-02-01

In this study, a reliable and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry method was developed for the systematic study of the metabolic profile of Kudiezi injection in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces after intravenous administration of a single dose. The chromatographic separation was performed on an Agilent Eclipse Plus C 18 column (4.6 mm × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) and the identification of prototype components and metabolites was achieved on a Bruker Solarix 7.0 T ultra-high resolution spectrometer in negative ion mode. Results indicated that a total of 76 constituents including 29 prototype compounds and 47 metabolites (10 phase I metabolites and 37 phase II metabolites) were tentatively identified. And the metabolic pathways of these prototype compounds including hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, glucuronidation, and sulfate conjugation. In conclusion, the developed method with high resolution and sensitivity was effective for screening and identification of prototypes and metabolites of Kudiezi injection in vivo. Moreover, these results would provide significant information for further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological research of Kudiezi injection in vivo. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanostructured Photocatalytic TiO2 Coating Deposited by Suspension Plasma Spraying with Different Injection Positions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xuezhang; Wen, Kui; Deng, Chunming; Yang, Kun; Deng, Changguang; Liu, Min; Zhou, Kesong

2018-02-01

High plasma power is beneficial for the deposition efficiency and adhesive strength of suspension-sprayed photocatalytic TiO2 coatings, but it confronts two challenges: one is the reduced activity due to the critical phase transformation of anatase into rutile, and the other is fragmented droplets which cannot be easily injected into the plasma core. Here, TiO2 coatings were deposited at high plasma power and the position of suspension injection was varied with the guidance of numerical simulation. The simulation was based on a realistic three-dimensional time-dependent numerical model that included the inside and outside of torch regions. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to study the microstructure of the TiO2 coatings, whereas x-ray diffraction was adopted to analyze phase composition. Meanwhile, photocatalytic activities of the manufactured TiO2 coatings were evaluated by the degradation of an aqueous solution of methylene blue dye. Fragmented droplets were uniformly injected into the plasma jet, and the solidification pathway of melting particles was modified by varying the position of suspension injection. A nanostructured TiO2 coating with 93.9% anatase content was obtained at high plasma power (48.1 kW), and the adhesive coating bonding to stainless steel exhibited the desired photocatalytic activity.

Preclinical safety study of a recombinant Streptococcus pyogenes vaccine formulated with aluminum adjuvant.

PubMed

HogenEsch, Harm; Dunham, Anisa; Burlet, Elodie; Lu, Fangjia; Mosley, Yung-Yi C; Morefield, Garry

2017-02-01

A recombinant vaccine composed of a fusion protein formulated with aluminum hydroxide adjuvant is under development for protection against diseases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. The safety and local reactogenicity of the vaccine was assessed by a comprehensive series of clinical, pathologic and immunologic tests in preclinical experiments. Outbred mice received three intramuscular injections of 1/5th of the human dose (0.1 ml) and rabbits received two injections of the full human dose. Control groups received adjuvant or protein antigen. The vaccine did not cause clinical evidence of systemic toxicity in mice or rabbits. There was a transient increase of peripheral blood neutrophils after the third vaccination of mice. In addition, the concentration of acute phase proteins serum amyloid A and haptoglobin was significantly increased 1 day after injection of the vaccine in mice. There was mild transient swelling and erythema of the injection site in both mice and rabbits. Treatment-related pathology was limited to inflammation at the injection site and accumulation of adjuvant-containing macrophages in the draining lymph nodes. In conclusion, the absence of clinical toxicity in two animal species suggest that the vaccine is safe for use in a phase I human clinical trial. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Characterization of polymeric solutions as injectable vehicles for hydroxyapatite microspheres.

PubMed

Oliveira, Serafim M; Almeida, Isabel F; Costa, Paulo C; Barrias, Cristina C; Ferreira, M Rosa Pena; Bahia, M Fernanda; Barbosa, Mário A

2010-06-01

A polymeric solution and a reinforcement phase can work as an injectable material to fill up bone defects. However, the properties of the solution should be suitable to enable the transport of that extra phase. Additionally, the use of biocompatible materials is a requirement for tissue regeneration. Thus, we intended to optimize a biocompatible polymeric solution able to carry hydroxyapatite microspheres into bone defects using an orthopedic injectable device. To achieve that goal, polymers usually regarded as biocompatible were selected, namely sodium carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and Na-alginate (ALG). The rheological properties of the polymeric solutions at different concentrations were assessed by viscosimetry before and after moist heat sterilization. In order to correlate rheological properties with injectability, solutions were tested using an orthopedic device applied for minimal invasive surgeries. Among the three polymers, ALG solutions presented the most suitable properties for our goal and a non-sterile ALG 6% solution was successfully used to perform preliminary injection tests of hydroxyapatite microspheres. Sterile ALG 7.25% solution was found to closely match non-sterile ALG 6% properties and it was selected as the optimal vehicle. Finally, sterile ALG 7.25% physical stability was studied at different temperatures over a 3-month period. It was observed that its rheological properties presented minor changes when stored at 25 degrees C or at 4 degrees C.

Microwave phase conjugation using artificial nonlinear microwave surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yian

1997-09-01

A new technique is developed and demonstrated to simulate nonlinear materials in the microwave and millimeter wave regime. Such materials are required to extend nonlinear optical techniques into longer wavelength areas. Using an array of antenna coupled mixers as an artificial nonlinear surface, we have demonstrated two-dimensional free space microwave phase conjugation at 10 GHz. The basic concept is to replace the weak nonlinearity of electron distribution in a crystal with the strong nonlinear V-I response of a P-N junction. This demnstration uses a three-wave mixing method with the effective nonlinear susceptibility χ(2) provided by an artificial nonlinear surface. The pump signal at 2ω (20 GHz) can be injected to the mixing elements electrically or optically. Electrical injection was first used to prove the concept of artificial nonlinear surfaces. However, due to the loss and size of microwave components, electrical injection is not practical for an array of artificial nonlinear surfaces, as would be needed in a three-dimensional free space phase conjugation setup. Therefore optical injection was implemented to carry the 2ω microwave pump signal in phase to all mixing elements. In both cases, two-dimensional free space phase conjugation was observed by directly measuring the electric field amplitude and phase distribution. The electric field wavefronts exhibited retro-directivity and auto- correction characteristics of phase conjugation. This demonstration surface also shows a power gain of 10 dB, which is desired for potential communication applications.

Benzimidazole derivative vs. different phases of TiO2-physico-chemical approach.

PubMed

Karunakaran, C; Jayabharathi, J; Jayamoorthy, K

2013-10-01

1-Benzyl-2-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole (BPBI) has been synthesized by simple steps and characterized by spectral studies. Absorption and fluorescence spectral studies have been employed to investigate the interaction of BPBI with the anatase, hombikat, P25 and rutile phases of TiO2. The emission of the BPBI is efficiently quenched by anatase, hombikat and P25 TiO2 nanoparticles owing to charge injection from the excited singlet state of BPBI to the conduction band of the TiO2 nanoparticles. Surprisingly, rutile phase enhances the fluorescence which is likely due to lowering of LUMO and HOMO levels of the ligand on ducking of the benzimidazole moiety of the BPBI molecule into the void space of rutile TiO2. Electron injection from photoexcited BPBI to the TiO2 conduction band (S*→S(+)+e(-)(CB)) is likely to enhance the fluorescence. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bioactive hydrogel-nanosilica hybrid materials: a potential injectable scaffold for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Lewandowska-Łańcucka, Joanna; Fiejdasz, Sylwia; Rodzik, Łucja; Kozieł, Marcin; Nowakowska, Maria

2015-02-10

Novel bioactive organic-inorganic hybrid materials that can serve as injectable hydrogel systems for bone tissue regeneration were obtained. The silica nanoparticles (SiNP) prepared in situ by the Stöber method were dispersed in collagen, collagen-chitosan or chitosan sols, which were then subsequently crosslinked. Laser scanning confocal microscopy studies, in which fluorescent SiNP were applied, and SEM images indicated that the nanosilica particles were distributed in the whole volume of the hydrogel matrix. In vitro studies on fibroblast cell viability indicated that the hybrid materials are biocompatible. The silica nanoparticles dispersed in the biopolymer matrix had a positive effect on cell viability. Studies on the mineralization process under simulated body fluid (SBF) conditions confirmed the bioactivity of prepared materials. SEM images revealed mineral phase formation in the majority of the hybrid materials developed. EDS analysis indicated that these mineral phases are mainly composed of calcium and phosphorus. The XRD studies confirmed that mineral phases formed during SBF incubation of hybrid materials based on collagen are bone-like apatite minerals. The silica nanoparticles added to the hydrogel at the stage of synthesis induced the occurrence of mineralization. This process occurs not only at the surface of the material but in its entire volume, which is important for the preparation of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The ability of these materials to undergo in situ gelation under physiological temperature and their bioactivity as well as biocompatibility make them interesting candidates for bioactive injectable systems.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SEMICONDUCTOR INJECTION LASERS SELCO-87: High-performance 1.3-μm InGaAsP/InP heterostructures formed by two-phase liquid epitaxy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Novotný, J.; Procházková, O.; Šrobár, F.; Zelinka, J.

1988-11-01

A description is given of a two-phase liquid epitaxy method used to grow InGaAsP/InP heterostructures intended for injection lasers emitting in the 1.3-μm range. A study was made of heterostructures of three types: double, with an additional quaternary layer (λ approx 1.1 μm) adjoining the active layer; with two quaternary layers between the active layer and the InP confining layers. The configuration with two flanking quaternary layers was found to be the best from the point of view of the threshold current density, optical output power, and reproducibility.

Characterization of quantum interference control of injected currents in LT-GaAs for carrier-envelope phase measurements.

PubMed

Roos, Peter; Quraishi, Qudsia; Cundiff, Steven; Bhat, Ravi; Sipe, J

2003-08-25

We use two mutually coherent, harmonically related pulse trains to experimentally characterize quantum interference control (QIC) of injected currents in low-temperature-grown gallium arsenide. We observe real-time QIC interference fringes, optimize the QIC signal fidelity, uncover critical signal dependences regarding beam spatial position on the sample, measure signal dependences on the fundamental and second harmonic average optical powers, and demonstrate signal characteristics that depend on the focused beam spot sizes. Following directly from our motivation for this study, we propose an initial experiment to measure and ultimately control the carrier-envelope phase evolution of a single octave-spanning pulse train using the QIC phenomenon.

Study of the radiated energy loss during massive gas injection mitigated disruptions on EAST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duan, Y. M.; Hao, Z. K.; Hu, L. Q.; Wang, L.; Xu, P.; Xu, L. Q.; Zhuang, H. D.; EAST Team

2015-08-01

The MGI mitigated disruption experiments were carried out on EAST with a new fast gas controlling valve in 2012. Different amounts of noble gas He or mixed gas of 99% He + 1% Ar are injected into plasma in current flat-top phase and current ramp-down phase separately. The initial results of MGI experiments are described. The MGI system and the radiation measurement system are briefly introduced. The characteristics of radiation distribution and radiation energy loss are analyzed. About 50% of the stored thermal energy Wdia is dissipated by radiation during the entire disruption process and the impurities of C and Li from the PFC play important roles to radiative energy loss. The amount of the gas can affect the pre-TQ phase. Strong poloidal asymmetry of radiation begins to appear in the CQ phase, which is possibly caused by the plasma configuration changes as a result of VDE. No toroidal radiation asymmetry is observed presently.

nZVI injection into variably saturated soils: Field and modeling study.

PubMed

Chowdhury, Ahmed I A; Krol, Magdalena M; Kocur, Christopher M; Boparai, Hardiljeet K; Weber, Kela P; Sleep, Brent E; O'Carroll, Denis M

2015-12-01

Nano-scale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been used at a number of contaminated sites over the last decade. At most of these sites, significant decreases in contaminant concentrations have resulted from the application of nZVI. However, limited work has been completed investigating nZVI field-scale mobility. In this study, a field test was combined with numerical modeling to examine nZVI reactivity along with transport properties in variably saturated soils. The field test consisted of 142L of carboxymethyle cellulose (CMC) stabilized monometallic nZVI synthesized onsite and injected into a variably saturated zone. Periodic groundwater samples were collected from the injection well, as well as, from two monitoring wells to analyze for chlorinated solvents and other geochemistry indicators. This study showed that CMC stabilized monometallic nZVI was able to decrease tricholorethene (TCE) concentrations in groundwater by more than 99% from the historical TCE concentrations. A three dimensional, three phase, finite difference numerical simulator, (CompSim) was used to further investigate nZVI and polymer transport at the variably saturated site. The model was able to accurately predict the field observed head data without parameter fitting. In addition, the numerical simulator estimated the mass of nZVI delivered to the saturated and unsaturated zones and distinguished the nZVI phase (i.e. aqueous or attached). The simulation results showed that the injected slurry migrated radially outward from the injection well, and therefore nZVI transport was governed by injection velocity and viscosity of the injected solution. A suite of sensitivity analyses was performed to investigate the impact of different injection scenarios (e.g. different volume and injection rate) on nZVI migration. Simulation results showed that injection of a higher nZVI volume delivered more iron particles at a given distance; however, the travel distance was not proportional to the increase in volume. Moreover, simulation results showed that using a 1D transport equation to simulate nZVI migration in the subsurface may overestimate the travel distance. This is because the 1D transport equation assumes a constant velocity while pore water velocity radially decreases from the well during injection. This study suggests that on-site synthesized nZVI particles are mobile in the subsurface and that a numerical simulator can be a valuable tool for optimal design of nZVI field applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Use of a Ferrous Sulfate - Sodium Dithionite Blend to Treat a Dissolved Phase Cr(VI) Plume

EPA Science Inventory

A field study was conducted to evaluate the use of a combination of sodium dithionite and ferrous sulfate in creating an in situ redox zone for treatment of a dissolved phase Cr(VI) plume at a former industrial site. The reductant blend was injected into the path of a dissolved ...

THE EFFECT OF WATER (VAPOR-PHASE) AND CARBON ON ELEMENTAL MERCURY REMOVAL IN A FLOW REACTOR

EPA Science Inventory

The paper gives results of studying the effect of vapor-phase moisture on elemental mercury (Hgo) removal by activated carbon (AC) in a flow reactor. tests involved injecting AC into both a dry and a 4% moisture nitrogen (N2) /Hgo gas stream. A bituminous-coal-based AC (Calgon WP...

Visualization of the evaporation of a diesel spray using combined Mie and Rayleigh scattering techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Anne; Leick, Philippe; Bittlinger, Gerd; Schulz, Christof

2009-09-01

Evaporating Diesel sprays are studied by laser Rayleigh scattering measurements in an optically accessible high-pressure/high-temperature cell that reproduces the thermodynamic conditions which exist in the combustion chamber of a Diesel engine during injection. n-Decane is injected into the vessel using a state-of-the-art near-production three-hole nozzle. Global images of the distributions of the liquid and vapor phases of the injected fuel are obtained using a combined Schlieren and Mie scattering setup. More details about the evaporation are revealed when the spray is illuminated by a laser light sheet: laser light can be scattered by molecules in the gas phase (Rayleigh scattering) or comparably large fuel droplets (Mie scattering). The former is seen in regions where the fuel has completely evaporated, and the latter is dominant in regions with high droplet concentrations. Studying the polarization of the signal light allows the distinction of three different regions in the spray that are characterized by a moderate, low or negligible concentration of liquid fuel droplets. The characteristics of fuel evaporation are investigated for different observation times after the start of injection, chamber conditions and injection pressures. For the quantification of the fuel concentration measurements based on Rayleigh scattering, a calibration method that uses propane as a reference gas is presented and tested. At high ambient temperatures, the accuracy of the concentration measurements is limited by pyrolysis of the fuel molecules.

Dopamine Modulates Delta-Gamma Phase-Amplitude Coupling in the Prefrontal Cortex of Behaving Rats.

PubMed

Andino-Pavlovsky, Victoria; Souza, Annie C; Scheffer-Teixeira, Robson; Tort, Adriano B L; Etchenique, Roberto; Ribeiro, Sidarta

2017-01-01

Dopamine release and phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (CFC) have independently been implicated in prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning. To causally investigate whether dopamine release affects phase-amplitude comodulation between different frequencies in local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the medial PFC (mPFC) of behaving rats, we used RuBiDopa, a light-sensitive caged compound that releases the neurotransmitter dopamine when irradiated with visible light. LFP power did not change in any frequency band after the application of light-uncaged dopamine, but significantly strengthened phase-amplitude comodulation between delta and gamma oscillations. Saline did not exert significant changes, while injections of dopamine and RuBiDopa produced a slow increase in comodulation for several minutes after the injection. The results show that dopamine release in the medial PFC shifts phase-amplitude comodulation from theta-gamma to delta-gamma. Although being preliminary results due to the limitation of the low number of animals present in this study, our findings suggest that dopamine-mediated modification of the frequencies involved in comodulation could be a mechanism by which this neurotransmitter regulates functioning in mPFC.

Dopamine Modulates Delta-Gamma Phase-Amplitude Coupling in the Prefrontal Cortex of Behaving Rats

PubMed Central

Andino-Pavlovsky, Victoria; Souza, Annie C.; Scheffer-Teixeira, Robson; Tort, Adriano B. L.; Etchenique, Roberto; Ribeiro, Sidarta

2017-01-01

Dopamine release and phase-amplitude cross-frequency coupling (CFC) have independently been implicated in prefrontal cortex (PFC) functioning. To causally investigate whether dopamine release affects phase-amplitude comodulation between different frequencies in local field potentials (LFP) recorded from the medial PFC (mPFC) of behaving rats, we used RuBiDopa, a light-sensitive caged compound that releases the neurotransmitter dopamine when irradiated with visible light. LFP power did not change in any frequency band after the application of light-uncaged dopamine, but significantly strengthened phase-amplitude comodulation between delta and gamma oscillations. Saline did not exert significant changes, while injections of dopamine and RuBiDopa produced a slow increase in comodulation for several minutes after the injection. The results show that dopamine release in the medial PFC shifts phase-amplitude comodulation from theta-gamma to delta-gamma. Although being preliminary results due to the limitation of the low number of animals present in this study, our findings suggest that dopamine-mediated modification of the frequencies involved in comodulation could be a mechanism by which this neurotransmitter regulates functioning in mPFC. PMID:28536507

Effect of injection matrix concentration on peak shape and separation efficiency in ion chromatography.

PubMed

Zhang, Ya; Lucy, Charles A

2014-12-05

In HPLC, injection of solvents that differ from the eluent can result in peak broadening due to solvent strength mismatch or viscous fingering. Broadened, distorted or even split analyte peaks may result. Past studies of this injection-induced peak distortion in reversed phase (RPLC) and hydrophilic interaction (HILIC) liquid chromatography have led to the conclusion that the sample should be injected in the eluent or a weaker solvent. However, there have been no studies of injection-induced peak distortion in ion chromatography (IC). To address this, injection-induced effects were studied for six inorganic anions (F-, Cl-, NO2-, Br-, NO3- and SO4(2-)) on a Dionex AS23 IC column using a HCO3-/CO3(2-) eluent. The VanMiddlesworth-Dorsey injection sensitivity parameter (s) showed that IC of anions has much greater tolerance to the injection matrix (HCO3-/CO3(2-) herein) mismatch than RPLC or HILIC. Even when the injection contained a ten-fold greater concentration of HCO3-/CO3(2-) than the eluent, the peak shapes and separation efficiencies of six analyte ions did not change significantly. At more than ten-fold greater matrix concentrations, analyte anions that elute near the system peak of the matrix were distorted, and in the extreme cases exhibited a small secondary peak on the analyte peak front. These studies better guide the degree of dilution needed prior to IC analysis of anions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Galvanic Currents Generated Between Different Combinations of Orthodontic Brackets and Archwires Using Potentiostat: An In Vitro Study.

PubMed

Nayak, Rabindra S; Shafiuddin, Bareera; Pasha, Azam; Vinay, K; Narayan, Anjali; Shetty, Smitha V

2015-07-01

Technological advances in wire selection and bracket design have led to improved treatment efficiency and allowed longer time intervals between appliance adjustments. The wires remain in the mouth for a longer duration and are subjected to electrochemical reactions, mechanical forces of mastication and generalized wear. These cause different types of corrosion. This study was done to compare the galvanic currents generated between different combinations of brackets and archwires commonly used in orthodontic practices. The materials used for the study included different commercially available orthodontic archwires and brackets. The galvanic current generated by individual materials and different combinations of these materials was tested and compared. The orthodontic archwires used were 0.019″ × 0.025″ heat-activated nickel-titanium (3M Unitek), 0.019″ × 0.025″ beta-titanium (3M Unitek) and 0.019″ × 0.025″ stainless steel (3M Unitek). The orthodontic brackets used were 0.022″ MBT laser-cut (Victory Series, 3M Unitek) and metal-injection molded (Leone Company) maxillary central incisor brackets respectively. The ligature wire used for ligation was 0.009″ stainless steel ligature (HP Company). The galvanic current for individual archwires, brackets, and the different bracket-archwire-ligature combinations was measured by using a Potentiostat machine. The data were generated using the Linear Sweep Voltammetry and OriginPro 8.5 Graphing and Data Analysis Softwares. The study was conducted in two phases. Phase I comprised of five groups for open circuit potential (OCP) and galvanic current (I), whereas Phase II comprised of six groups for galvanic current alone. Mean, standard deviation and range were computed for the OCP and galvanic current (I) values obtained. Results were subjected to statistical analysis through ANOVA. In Phase I, higher mean OCP was recorded in stainless steel archwire, followed by beta-titanium archwire, heat-activated nickel titanium archwire, laser-cut bracket and metal-injection molded bracket, respectively. The difference in mean OCP recorded among the groups was found to be statistically significant in aerated phosphate buffered saline solution. The galvanic current (I) for metal-injection molded stainless steel brackets showed significantly higher values than all the other materials. Phase II results suggested that, in the couples formed by the archwire-bracket-ligature combinations, the bracket had more important contribution to the total galvanic current generated, since there were significant differences between galvanic current among the 2 brackets tested but not among the 3 wires. The galvanic current of the metal-injection molded bracket was significantly higher than that of laser-cut bracket. Highest mean current (I) was recorded in metal-injection molded bracket when used with heat-activated nickel titanium archwire while lowest mean current (I) was recorded in laser-cut bracket when used with beta-titanium archwire. The present study concluded that the bracket emerged to be the most important factor in determining the galvanic current (I). Higher mean current (I) was recorded in metal-injection molded bracket compared to laser-cut bracket. Among the three archwires, higher mean current (I) was recorded in heat-activated nickel-titanium, followed by stainless-steel and beta-titanium respectively. When coupled together; highest mean current (I) was recorded in metal-injection molded bracket when used with heat-activated nickel titanium archwire while lowest mean current (I) was recorded in laser-cut bracket when used with beta-titanium archwire.

Apoptotic cell-mediated suppression of streptococcal cell wall-induced arthritis is associated with alteration of macrophage function and local regulatory T-cell increase: a potential cell-based therapy?

PubMed Central

Perruche, Sylvain; Saas, Philippe; Chen, Wanjun

2009-01-01

Introduction Experimental streptococcal cell wall (SCW)-induced arthritis is characterized by two successive phases of the disease. The acute phase occurs early and is associated with an inflammatory process and neutrophil infiltration into the synovium. The second chronic phase is related to effector T-cell activation and the dysregulation of macrophage function. Creation of an immunomodulatory environment has been attributed to apoptotic cells themselves, apoptotic cell uptake by phagocytes as well as a less sensibility of phagocytes capturing apoptotic bodies to activation. Therefore we evaluated the potential of apoptotic cell injection to influence the course of inflammation in SCW-induced arthritis in rats. Methods Rat apoptotic thymocytes were injected intraperitoneally (2 × 108) in addition to an arthritogenic dose of systemic SCW in LEW female rats. Control rats received SCW immunization and PBS. Rats were then followed for arthritis occurrence and circulating cytokine detection. At sacrifice, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and macrophages were analyzed. Results Apoptotic cell injection profoundly suppressed joint swelling and destruction typically observed during the acute and chronic phases of SCW-induced arthritis. Synovial inflammatory cell infiltration and bone destruction were also markedly suppressed. Ex vivo experiments revealed reduced levels of TNF in cultures of macrophages from rats challenged with SCW in the presence of apoptotic thymocytes as well as reduced macrophage response to lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, apoptotic cell injection induced higher Foxp3+ Tregs in the lymphoid organs, especially in the draining lymph nodes. Conclusions Our data indicate that apoptotic cells modulate macrophage function and result in Treg generation/increase. This may be involved in inhibition of inflammation and amelioration of arthritis. This highlights and confirms previous studies showing that in vivo generation of Tregs using apoptotic cell injection may be a useful tool to prevent and treat inflammatory autoimmune responses. PMID:19570235

In search of a phase response curve for lithium chloride

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

Readey, M.A.; Groh, K.R.; Ehret, C.F.

1987-01-01

Male rats were free-run, and one day later were exposed to a single, punctate dose of 5 mM LiCl/kg body weight by injection at one of eight equally spaced times throughout the 24-h period. For each of the six days following injection, a separate phase response curve was derived from core-temperature chronograms. Unlike the classical response induced by chronobiotics such as dexamethasone, alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine, and theophylline, statistically significant phase shifts for lithium were observed only on the first day following injection. These induced phase changes were not permanent, but instead were transient. By the sixth day of free-run, all experimental ratsmore » had drifted to the control acrophase; i.e., by the end of the experiment, most of the treated rats again had phase and confidence arcs not significantly different from their controls. The confidence arcs of the acrophases of the individual animals on the subsequent days post injection reveal that in this experiment, lithium was transiently dyschronogenic rather than definitively chronobiotic. The results suggest that punctate rather than chronic administration of lithium, followed by strict orthochronal administration of traditional zeitgebers, would be an effective way of restoring circadian synchrony in an internally desynchronized system. 122 refs.« less

Phase 1/2 study of immunotherapy with dendritic cells pulsed with autologous tumor lysate in patients with refractory bone and soft tissue sarcoma.

PubMed

Miwa, Shinji; Nishida, Hideji; Tanzawa, Yoshikazu; Takeuchi, Akihiko; Hayashi, Katsuhiro; Yamamoto, Norio; Mizukoshi, Eishiro; Nakamoto, Yasunari; Kaneko, Shuichi; Tsuchiya, Hiroyuki

2017-05-01

There are limited options for the curative treatment of refractory bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The purpose of this phase 1/2 study was to assess the immunological and clinical effects of dendritic cells (DCs) pulsed with autologous tumor lysate (TL) in patients with advanced bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Thirty-seven patients with metastatic or recurrent sarcomas were enrolled in this study. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from the patients were suspended in media containing interleukin 4 (IL-4) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Subsequently, these cells were treated with TL, tumor necrosis factor α, and OK-432. The DCs were injected into the inguinal or axillary region. One treatment course comprised 6 weekly DC injections. The toxicity, clinical response (tumor volume, serum interferon-γ [IFN-γ], and serum IL-12), and oncological outcomes were observed. In total, 47 courses of DC therapy were performed in 37 patients. No severe adverse events or deaths associated with the DC injections were observed in the study patients. Increased serum IFN-γ and IL-12 levels were observed 1 month after the DC injection. Among the 37 patients, 35 patients were assessed for clinical responses: 28 patients showed tumor progression, 6 patients had stable disease, and 1 patient showed a partial response 8 weeks after the DC injection. The 3-year overall and progression-free survival rates of the patients were 42.3% and 2.9%, respectively. Although DC therapy appears safe and resulted in an immunological response in patients with refractory sarcoma, it resulted in an improvement of the clinical outcome in only a small number of patients. Cancer 2017;123:1576-1584. © 2017 American Cancer Society. © 2017 American Cancer Society.

Injection locking of optomechanical oscillators via acoustic waves.

PubMed

Huang, Ke; Hossein-Zadeh, Mani

2018-04-02

Injection locking is an effective technique for synchronization of oscillator networks and controlling the phase and frequency of individual oscillators. As such, exploring new mechanisms for injection locking of emerging oscillators is important for their usage in various systems. Here, we present the first demonstration of injection locking of a radiation pressure driven optomechanical oscillator (OMO) via acoustic waves. As opposed to previously reported techniques (based on pump modulation or direct application of a modulated electrostatic force), injection locking of OMO via acoustic waves does not require optical power modulation or physical contact with the OMO and it can be easily implemented on various platforms to lock different types of OMOs independent of their size and structure. Using this approach we have locked the phase and frequency of two distinct modes of a microtoroidal silica OMO to a piezoelectric transducer (PZT). We have characterized the behavior of the injection locked OMO with three acoustic excitation configurations and showed that even without proper acoustic impedance, matching the OMO can be locked to the PZT and tuned over 17 kHz with only -30 dBm of RF power fed to the PZT. The high efficiency, simplicity, and scalability of the proposed approach paves the road toward a new class of photonic systems that rely on synchronization of several OMOs to a single or multiple RF oscillators with applications in optical communication, metrology, and sensing. Beyond its practical applications, injection locking via acoustic waves can be used in fundamental studies in quantum optomechanics where thermal and optical isolation of the OMO are critical.

Safety of an Escherichia coli-expressed bivalent human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) L1 virus-like particle vaccine: an open-label phase I clinical trial.

PubMed

Hu, Yue-Mei; Huang, Shou-Jie; Chu, Kai; Wu, Ting; Wang, Zhong-Ze; Yang, Chang-Lin; Cai, Jia-Ping; Jiang, Han-Min; Wang, Yi-Jun; Guo, Meng; Liu, Xiao-Hui; Huang, Hong-Jiang; Zhu, Feng-Cai; Zhang, Jun; Xia, Ning-Shao

2014-01-01

An Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant bivalent human papillomavirus (types 16 and 18) vaccine candidate has been shown to be safe and immunogenic in preclinical trials. The safety of this vaccine was analyzed in an open-label phase I clinical trial in Jiangsu province, China. Thirty-eight healthy women from 18 to 55 y of age were enrolled and vaccinated at 0, 1, and 6 mo. Adverse events that occurred within 30 d after each injection and serious adverse events that occurred throughout the study were recorded. In addition, blood parameters were tested before and after each injection. All but one woman received all 3 doses. Thirty-two (84.2%) of the participants reported adverse events, all adverse events of which were mild, of short duration and resolved spontaneously. No serious adverse events occurred during the study. Changes in blood parameters after each injection were random, mild, and not clinically significant. These preliminary results show that a new Escherichia coli-expressed recombinant HPV 16/18 bivalent vaccine is well tolerated in healthy women and support further immunogenicity and efficacy studies for this HPV vaccine candidate.

Ionic liquid and aqueous two-phase extraction based on salting-out coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography for the determination of seven rare ginsenosides in Xue-Sai-Tong injection.

PubMed

Li, Lan-Jie; Jin, Yong-Ri; Wang, Xiao-Zhong; Liu, Ying; Wu, Qian; Shi, Xiao-Lei; Li, Xu-Wen

2015-09-01

A method of ionic liquid salt aqueous two-phase extraction coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography has been developed for the analysis of seven rare ginsenosides including Rg6 , F4 , 20(S)-Rg3 , 20(R)-Rg3 , Rk3 , Rk1 , and Rg5 in Xue-Sai-Tong injection. The injection was mixed with ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide aqueous solution, and a mixture was obtained. With the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate and dipotassium phosphate into the mixture, the aqueous two-phase mixture was formed after ultrasonic treatment and centrifuged. Rare ginsenosides were extracted into the upper phase. To obtain a high extraction factors, various influences were considered systematically, such as the volume of ionic liquid, the category and amount of salts, the amount of sodium dodecyl sulfate, the pH value of system, and the time of ultrasonic treatment. Under the optimal condition, rare ginsenosides in Xue-Sai-Tong injection were enriched and detected, the recoveries of seven rare ginsenosides ranged from 90.05 to 112.55%, while relative standard deviations were lower than 2.50%. The developed method was reliable, rapid and sensitive for the determination of seven rare ginsenosides in the injections. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Characterization of Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) Using Premixed Gasoline and Direct-Injected Gasoline with a Cetane Improver on a Multi-Cylinder Engine

DOE PAGES

Dempsey, Adam B.; Curran, Scott; Reitz, Rolf D.

2015-04-14

The focus of the present paper was to characterize Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) using a single-fuel approach of gasoline and gasoline mixed with a commercially available cetane improver on a multi-cylinder engine. RCCI was achieved by port-injecting a certification grade 96 research octane gasoline and direct-injecting the same gasoline mixed with various levels of a cetane improver, 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN). The EHN volume percentages investigated in the direct-injected fuel were 10, 5, and 2.5%. The combustion phasing controllability and emissions of the different fueling combinations were characterized at 2300 rpm and 4.2 bar brake mean effective pressure over amore » variety of parametric investigations including direct injection timing, premixed gasoline percentage, and intake temperature. Comparisons were made to gasoline/diesel RCCI operation on the same engine platform at nominally the same operating condition. The experiments were conducted on a modern four cylinder light-duty diesel engine that was modified with a port-fuel injection system while maintaining the stock direct injection fuel system. The pistons were modified for highly premixed operation and feature an open shallow bowl design. The results indicate that the authority to control the combustion phasing through the fuel delivery strategy (e.g., direct injection timing or premixed gasoline percentage) is not a strong function of the EHN concentration in the direct-injected fuel. It was also observed that NOx emissions are a strong function of the global EHN concentration in-cylinder and the combustion phasing. Finally, in general, NOx emissions are significantly elevated for gasoline/gasoline+EHN operation compared with gasoline/diesel RCCI operation at a given operating condition.« less

POISON SPIDER FIELD CHEMICAL FLOOD PROJECT, WYOMING

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

Douglas Arnell; Malcolm Pitts; Jie Qi

2004-11-01

A reservoir engineering and geologic study concluded that approximate 7,852,000 bbls of target oil exits in Poison Spider. Field pore volume, OOIP, and initial oil saturation are defined. Potential injection water has a total dissolved solids content of 1,275 mg/L with no measurable divalent cations. If the Lakota water consistently has no measurable cations, the injection water does not require softening to dissolve alkali. Produced water total dissolved solids were 2,835 mg/L and less than 20 mg/L hardness as the sum of divalent cations. Produced water requires softening to dissolve chemicals. Softened produced water was used to dissolve chemicals inmore » these evaluations. Crude oil API gravity varies across the field from 19.7 to 22.2 degrees with a dead oil viscosity of 95 to 280 cp at 75 F. Interfacial tension reductions of up to 21,025 fold (0.001 dyne/cm) were developed with fifteen alkaline-surfactant combinations at some alkali concentration. An additional three alkaline-surfactant combinations reduced the interfacial tension greater than 5,000 fold. NaOH generally produced the lowest interfacial tension values. Interfacial tension values of less than 0.021 dyne/cm were maintained when the solutions were diluted with produced water to about 60%. Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} when mixed with surfactants did not reduce interfacial tension values to levels at which incremental oil can be expected. NaOH without surfactant interfacial tension reduction is at a level where some additional oil might be recovered. Most of the alkaline-surfactant-polymer solutions producing ultra low interfacial tension gave type II- phase behavior. Only two solutions produced type III phase behavior. Produced water dilution resulted in maintenance of phase type for a number of solutions at produced water dilutions exceeding 80% dilution. The average loss of phase type occurred at 80% dilution. Linear corefloods were performed to determine relative permeability end points, chemical-rock compatibility, polymer injectivity, dynamic chemical retention by rock, and recommended injected polymer concentration. Average initial oil saturation was 0.796 Vp. Produced water injection recovered 53% OOIP leaving an average residual oil saturation of 0.375 Vp. Poison Spider rock was strongly water-wet with a mobility ratio for produced water displacing the 280 cp crude oil of 8.6. Core was not sensitive to either alkali or surfactant injection. Injectivity increased 60 to 80% with alkali plus surfactant injection. Low and medium molecular weight polyacrylamide polymers (Flopaam 3330S and Flopaam 3430S) dissolved in either an alkaline-surfactant solution or softened produced water injected and flowed through Poison Spider rock. Recommended injected polyacrylamide concentration is 2,100 mg/L for both polymers for a unit mobility ratio. Radial corefloods were performed to evaluate oil recovery efficiency of different chemical solutions. Waterflood oil recovery averaged 46.4 OOIP and alkaline-surfactant-polymer flood oil recovery averaged an additional 18.1% OIP for a total of 64.6% OOIP. Oil cut change due to injection of a 1.5 wt% Na{sub 2}CO{sub 3} plus 0.05 wt% Petrostep B-100 plus 0.05 wt% Stepantan AS1216 plus 2100 mg/L Flopaam 3430S was from 2% to a peak of 23.5%. Additional study might determine the impact on oil recovery of a lower polymer concentration. An alkaline-surfactant-polymer flood field implementation outline report was written.« less

Seismic Borehole Monitoring of CO2 Injection in an Oil Reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gritto, R.; Daley, T. M.; Myer, L. R.

2002-12-01

A series of time-lapse seismic cross well and single well experiments were conducted in a diatomite reservoir to monitor the injection of CO2 into a hydrofracture zone, based on P- and S-wave data. A high-frequency piezo-electric P-wave source and an orbital-vibrator S-wave source were used to generate waves that were recorded by hydrophones as well as three-component geophones. The injection well was located about 12 m from the source well. During the pre-injection phase water was injected into the hydrofrac-zone. The set of seismic experiments was repeated after a time interval of 7 months during which CO2 was injected into the hydrofractured zone. The questions to be answered ranged from the detectability of the geologic structure in the diatomic reservoir to the detectability of CO2 within the hydrofracture. Furthermore it was intended to determine which experiment (cross well or single well) is best suited to resolve these features. During the pre-injection experiment, the P-wave velocities exhibited relatively low values between 1700-1900 m/s, which decreased to 1600-1800 m/s during the post-injection phase (-5%). The analysis of the pre-injection S-wave data revealed slow S-wave velocities between 600-800 m/s, while the post-injection data revealed velocities between 500-700 m/s (-6%). These velocity estimates produced high Poisson ratios between 0.36 and 0.46 for this highly porous (~ 50%) material. Differencing post- and pre-injection data revealed an increase in Poisson ratio of up to 5%. Both, velocity and Poisson estimates indicate the dissolution of CO2 in the liquid phase of the reservoir accompanied by a pore-pressure increase. The single well data supported the findings of the cross well experiments. P- and S-wave velocities as well as Poisson ratios were comparable to the estimates of the cross well data.

Sequential injection-bead injection-lab-on-valve coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography for online renewable micro-solid-phase extraction of carbamate residues in food and environmental samples.

PubMed

Vichapong, Jitlada; Burakham, Rodjana; Srijaranai, Supalax; Grudpan, Kate

2011-07-01

A sequential injection-bead injection-lab-on-valve system was hyphenated to HPLC for online renewable micro-solid-phase extraction of carbamate insecticides. The carbamates studied were isoprocarb, methomyl, carbaryl, carbofuran, methiocarb, promecarb, and propoxur. LiChroprep(®) RP-18 beads (25-40 μm) were employed as renewable sorbent packing in a microcolumn situated inside the LOV platform mounted above the multiposition valve of the sequential injection system. The analytes sorbed by the microcolumn were eluted using 80% acetonitrile in 0.1% acetic acid before online introduction to the HPLC system. Separation was performed on an Atlantis C-18 column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 μm) utilizing gradient elution with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and a detection wavelength at 270 nm. The sequential injection system offers the means of performing automated handling of sample preconcentration and matrix removal. The enrichment factors ranged between 20 and 125, leading to limits of detection (LODs) in the range of 1-20 μg/L. Good reproducibility was obtained with relative standard deviations of <0.7 and 5.4% for retention time and peak area, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to the determination of carbamate residues in fruit, vegetable, and water samples. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Autologous Platelet-Poor Plasma Gel for Injection Laryngoplasty

PubMed Central

Woo, Seung Hoon; Kim, Jin Pyeong; Park, Jung Je; Chung, Phil-Sang

2013-01-01

Purpose To overcome the potential disadvantages of the use of foreign materials and autologous fat or collagen, we introduce here an autologous plasma gel for injection laryngoplasty. The purpose of this study was to present a new injection material, a plasma gel, and to discuss its clinical effectiveness. Materials and Methods From 2 mL of blood, the platelet poor serum layer was collected and heated at 100℃ for 12 min to form a plasma gel. The plasma gel was then injected into a targeted site; the safety and efficacy thereof were evaluated in 30 rats. We also conducted a phase I/II clinical study of plasma gel injection laryngoplasty in 11 unilateral vocal fold paralysis patients. Results The plasma gel was semi-solid and an easily injectable material. Of note, plasma gel maintains the same consistency for up to 1 year in a sealed bottle. However, exposure to room air causes the plasma gel to disappear within 1 month. In our animal study, the autologous plasma gel remained in situ for 6 months in animals with minimal inflammation. Clinical study showed that vocal cord palsy was well compensated for with the plasma gel in all patients at two months after injection with no significant complications. Jitter, shimmer, maximum, maximum phonation time (MPT) and mean voice handicap index (VHI) also improved significantly after plasma gel injection. However, because the injected plasma gel was gradually absorbed, 6 patients needed another injection, while the gel remained in place in 2 patients. Conclusion Injection laryngoplasty with autologous plasma gel may be a useful and safe treatment option for temporary vocal cord palsy. PMID:24142660

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

Dempsey, Adam B.; Curran, Scott; Reitz, Rolf D.

The focus of the present paper was to characterize Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) using a single-fuel approach of gasoline and gasoline mixed with a commercially available cetane improver on a multi-cylinder engine. RCCI was achieved by port-injecting a certification grade 96 research octane gasoline and direct-injecting the same gasoline mixed with various levels of a cetane improver, 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN). The EHN volume percentages investigated in the direct-injected fuel were 10, 5, and 2.5%. The combustion phasing controllability and emissions of the different fueling combinations were characterized at 2300 rpm and 4.2 bar brake mean effective pressure over amore » variety of parametric investigations including direct injection timing, premixed gasoline percentage, and intake temperature. Comparisons were made to gasoline/diesel RCCI operation on the same engine platform at nominally the same operating condition. The experiments were conducted on a modern four cylinder light-duty diesel engine that was modified with a port-fuel injection system while maintaining the stock direct injection fuel system. The pistons were modified for highly premixed operation and feature an open shallow bowl design. The results indicate that the authority to control the combustion phasing through the fuel delivery strategy (e.g., direct injection timing or premixed gasoline percentage) is not a strong function of the EHN concentration in the direct-injected fuel. It was also observed that NOx emissions are a strong function of the global EHN concentration in-cylinder and the combustion phasing. Finally, in general, NOx emissions are significantly elevated for gasoline/gasoline+EHN operation compared with gasoline/diesel RCCI operation at a given operating condition.« less

Modifications of the Quasi-biennial Oscillation by a Geoengineering Perturbation of the Stratospheric Aerosol Layer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Aquila, V.; Garfinkel, C. I.; Newman, P. A.; Oman, L. D.; Waugh, D. W.

2014-01-01

This paper examines the impact of geoengineering via stratospheric sulfate aerosol on the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) using the NASA Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) Chemistry Climate Model. We performed four 30-year simulations with a continuous injection of sulfur dioxide on the equator at 0 degree longitude. The four simulations differ by the amount of sulfur dioxide injected (5Tg per year and 2.5 Tg per year) and the altitude of the injection (16km-25km and 22km-25km). We find that such an injection dramatically alters the quasi-biennial oscillation, prolonging the phase of easterly shear with respect to the control simulation. In the case of maximum perturbation, i.e. highest stratospheric aerosol burden, the lower tropical stratosphere is locked into a permanent westerly QBO phase. This locked QBO westerly phase is caused by the increased aerosol heating and associated warming in the tropical lower stratosphere.

Fluid Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide Disposal into Saline Aquifers

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

Garcia, Julio Enrique

2003-01-01

Injection of carbon dioxide (CO 2) into saline aquifers has been proposed as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (geological carbon sequestration). Large-scale injection of CO 2 will induce a variety of coupled physical and chemical processes, including multiphase fluid flow, fluid pressurization and changes in effective stress, solute transport, and chemical reactions between fluids and formation minerals. This work addresses some of these issues with special emphasis given to the physics of fluid flow in brine formations. An investigation of the thermophysical properties of pure carbon dioxide, water and aqueous solutions of CO 2 and NaCl has beenmore » conducted. As a result, accurate representations and models for predicting the overall thermophysical behavior of the system CO 2-H 2O-NaCl are proposed and incorporated into the numerical simulator TOUGH2/ECO2. The basic problem of CO 2 injection into a radially symmetric brine aquifer is used to validate the results of TOUGH2/ECO2. The numerical simulator has been applied to more complex flow problem including the CO 2 injection project at the Sleipner Vest Field in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and the evaluation of fluid flow dynamics effects of CO 2 injection into aquifers. Numerical simulation results show that the transport at Sleipner is dominated by buoyancy effects and that shale layers control vertical migration of CO 2. These results are in good qualitative agreement with time lapse surveys performed at the site. High-resolution numerical simulation experiments have been conducted to study the onset of instabilities (viscous fingering) during injection of CO 2 into saline aquifers. The injection process can be classified as immiscible displacement of an aqueous phase by a less dense and less viscous gas phase. Under disposal conditions (supercritical CO 2) the viscosity of carbon dioxide can be less than the viscosity of the aqueous phase by a factor of 15. Because of the lower viscosity, the CO 2 displacement front will have a tendency towards instability. Preliminary simulation results show good agreement between classical instability solutions and numerical predictions of finger growth and spacing obtained using different gas/liquid viscosity ratios, relative permeability and capillary pressure models. Further studies are recommended to validate these results over a broader range of conditions.« less

Engine Company Evaluation of Feasibility of Aircraft Retrofit Water-Injected Turbomachines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Becker, Arthur

2006-01-01

This study supports the NASA Glenn Research Center and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in their efforts to evaluate the effect of water injection on aircraft engine performance and emissions. In this study, water is only injected during the takeoff and initial climb phase of a flight. There is no water injection during engine start or ground operations, nor during climb, cruise, descent, or landing. This study determined the maintenance benefit of water injection during takeoff and initial climb and evaluated the feasibility of retrofitting a current production engine, the PW4062 (Pratt & Whitney, East Hartford, CT), with a water injection system. Predicted NO(x) emissions based on a 1:1 water-tofuel ratio are likely to be reduced between 30 to 60 percent in Environmental Protection Agency parameter (EPAP). The maintenance cost benefit for an idealized combustor water injection system installed on a PW4062 engine in a Boeing 747-400ER aircraft (The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL) is computed to be $22 per engine flight hour (EFH). Adding water injection as a retrofit kit would cost up to $375,000 per engine because of the required modifications to the fuel system and addition of the water supply system. There would also be significant nonrecurring costs associated with the development and certification of the system that may drive the system price beyond affordability.

Fimbrial phase variation and systemic E. coli infection studied in the mouse peritonitis model.

PubMed

Nowicki, B; Vuopio-Varkila, J; Viljanen, P; Korhonen, T K; Mäkelä, P H

1986-08-01

Mouse peritonitis induced by intraperitoneal injection of a virulent (LD50 4 x 10(5) E. coli 018:K1:H7 strain isolated from neonatal meningitis was studied. These bacteria are capable of producing both type 1 and S fimbriae, binding to mannose or sialic acid containing glycoconjugates, respectively; the production of both fimbrial types is subject to phase variation. A broth culture of the bacteria was fractionated into subpopulations containing either type 1 or S fimbriae or neither (nonfimbriated cells), and each fraction, grown in broth to logarithmic growth phase, was used to infect groups of mice. The type 1 fraction was associated with decreased virulence as the fraction was eliminated rapidly without causing a progressive infection even at 10(6) bacteria/mouse, whereas both S and nonfimbriated cells started rapid multiplication in the peritoneal cavity and spread to the blood. In nonfibriated cells, however, S fimbriae production was induced at the same time so that at 1 h after injection, 60-70% of the bacteria in the peritoneal cavity and in the blood of the mice had S fimbriae. The injected S-fimbriated fraction remained completely S-fimbriated. Rapid induction of S fimbriae also took place in vitro when the nonfimbriated bacteria were grown in mouse serum or peritoneal fluid. Anti-S serum protected the mice from a lethal dose of S-fimbriated bacteria.

Initiation of phase III contractions in the jejunum by atropine, hexamethonium and xylocaine in conscious dogs.

PubMed

Tohara, K; Uchida, Y; Suzuki, H; Itoh, Z

2000-02-01

Mechanisms of initiation of phase III contractions in the jejunum during the digestive state are not well understood. To test whether phase III can be induced by a local injection of various agents in a jejunal segment, a polyethylene tube was chronically placed in a branch of the jejunal artery, and force transducers were chronically placed in the upper jejunum. Local injection of atropine, hexamethonium and xylocaine induced caudal-migrating phase III in the injected segment only in the digestive state, and simultaneous intra-arterial infusions of L-arginine, an NK-1 antagonist, or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 1P and 3 antagonists inhibited the induced phase III. Intravenous atropine and hexamethonium also inhibited xylocaine-induced phase III contractions. Atropine and hexamethonium-induced phase III were brought about by inhibition of neural transmission at nicotinic receptors in the inhibitory pathway to NO neurones. NK-1, 5-HT1P and 5-HT3 receptors are present in the excitatory but not the inhibitory pathway to NO neurones. Xylocaine appears to stop neuronal transmission from mechanoreceptors to NO neurones. Thus, the initiation of spontaneous occurrence of phase III in the digestive jejunum is likely to be brought about by transient cessation of postprandial contractions in a segment of the jejunum.

Fibroblast growth factor-2-induced host stroma reaction during initial tumor growth promotes progression of mouse melanoma via vascular endothelial growth factor A-dependent neovascularization.

PubMed

Tsunoda, Satoshi; Nakamura, Toshiyuki; Sakurai, Hiroaki; Saiki, Ikuo

2007-04-01

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 has been considered to play a critical role in neovascularization in several tumors; however, its precise role in tumor progression is not fully understood. In the present study, we have characterized the role of FGF-2 in B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells, focusing on effects during the initial phase of tumor growth. FGF-2 was injected at the tumor inoculation site of dorsal skin during the initial phase. FGF-2 induced marked tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. This was well correlated with an increase in neovascularization in the host stroma. FGF-2 also recruited inflammatory and mesenchymal cells in host stroma. Marked tumor growth, pulmonary metastasis and intensive neovascularization in tumor parenchyma were also observed after a single injection of FGF-2 into the footpad inoculation site. In contrast, repeated injections of FGF-2 at a site remote from the footpad tumor were ineffective in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. These promoting activities of FGF-2 were blocked by local injections of a glucocorticoid hormone, suggesting that host inflammatory responses induced by FGF-2 are associated with FGF-2-induced tumor progression. In addition, although FGF-2 did not promote cellular proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) mRNA expression in B16-BL6 cells in vitro, FGF-2 induced VEGFA expression in host stroma rather than tumor tissue, and local injections of a neutralizing antibody against VEGFA inhibited these activities of FGF-2 in vivo. These results indicate that abundant FGF-2 during the initial phase of tumor growth induces VEGFA-dependent intensive neovascularization in host stroma, and supports marked tumor growth and metastasis.

Fault Injection Techniques and Tools

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsueh, Mei-Chen; Tsai, Timothy K.; Iyer, Ravishankar K.

1997-01-01

Dependability evaluation involves the study of failures and errors. The destructive nature of a crash and long error latency make it difficult to identify the causes of failures in the operational environment. It is particularly hard to recreate a failure scenario for a large, complex system. To identify and understand potential failures, we use an experiment-based approach for studying the dependability of a system. Such an approach is applied not only during the conception and design phases, but also during the prototype and operational phases. To take an experiment-based approach, we must first understand a system's architecture, structure, and behavior. Specifically, we need to know its tolerance for faults and failures, including its built-in detection and recovery mechanisms, and we need specific instruments and tools to inject faults, create failures or errors, and monitor their effects.

Determination of ambroxol hydrochloride, methylparaben and benzoic acid in pharmaceutical preparations based on sequential injection technique coupled with monolithic column.

PubMed

Satínský, Dalibor; Huclová, Jitka; Ferreira, Raquel L C; Montenegro, Maria Conceição B S M; Solich, Petr

2006-02-13

The porous monolithic columns show high performance at relatively low pressure. The coupling of short monoliths with sequential injection technique (SIA) results in a new approach to implementation of separation step to non-separation low-pressure method. In this contribution, a new separation method for simultaneous determination of ambroxol, methylparaben and benzoic acid was developed based on a novel reversed-phase sequential injection chromatography (SIC) technique with UV detection. A Chromolith SpeedROD RP-18e, 50-4.6 mm column with 10 mm precolumn and a FIAlab 3000 system with a six-port selection valve and 5 ml syringe were used for sequential injection chromatographic separations in our study. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile-tetrahydrofuran-0.05M acetic acid (10:10:90, v/v/v), pH 3.75 adjusted with triethylamine, flow rate 0.48 mlmin(-1), UV-detection was at 245 nm. The analysis time was <11 min. A new SIC method was validated and compared with HPLC. The method was found to be useful for the routine analysis of the active compounds ambroxol and preservatives (methylparaben or benzoic acid) in various pharmaceutical syrups and drops.

COLLECTIVE EFFECTS AT INJECTION FOR THE APS-U MBA LATTICE

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

Lindberg, R.; Borland, M.; Blednykh, A.

The Advanced Photon Source has proposed an upgrade to a multi-bend achromat (MBA) with a proposed timing mode calls for 48 bunches of 15 nC each. In this mode of operation we find that phase space mismatch from the booster can drive large wakefields that in turn may limit the current below that of the nominal collective instability threshold. We show that collective effects at injection lead to emittance growth that makes usual off-axis accumulation very challenging. On-axis injection ameliorates many of these issues, but we find that transverse feedback is still required. We explore the role of impedance, feedback,more » and phase-space mismatch on transverse instabilities at injection.« less

Phased laser array for generating a powerful laser beam

DOEpatents

Holzrichter, John F.; Ruggiero, Anthony J.

2004-02-17

A first injection laser signal and a first part of a reference laser beam are injected into a first laser element. At least one additional injection laser signal and at least one additional part of a reference laser beam are injected into at least one additional laser element. The first part of a reference laser beam and the at least one additional part of a reference laser beam are amplified and phase conjugated producing a first amplified output laser beam emanating from the first laser element and an additional amplified output laser beam emanating from the at least one additional laser element. The first amplified output laser beam and the additional amplified output laser beam are combined into a powerful laser beam.

Optical intensity dynamics in a five-emitter semiconductor array laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Matthew O.; Kutz, J. Nathan

2009-06-01

The intensity dynamics of a five-emitter laser array subject to a linearly decreasing injection current are examined numerically. We have matched the results of the numerical model to an experimental AlGaAs quantum-dot array laser and have achieved the same robust oscillatory power output with a nearly π phase shift between emitters that was observed in experiments. Due to the linearly decreasing injection current, the output power of the waveguide decreases as a function of waveguide number. For injection currents ranging from 380 to 500 mA, the oscillatory behavior persists with only a slight change in phase difference. However, the fundamental frequency of oscillation increases with injection current, and higher harmonics as well as some fine structures are produced.

Phase-front measurements of an injection-locked AlGaAs laser-diode array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cornwell, Donald M., Jr.; Rall, Jonathan A. R.; Abshire, James B.

1989-01-01

The phase-front quality of the primary spatial lobe emitted from an injection-locked gain-guided AlGaAs laser-diode array is measured by using an equal-path, phase-shifting Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Root-mean-square phase errors of 0.037 + or - 0.003 wave are measured for the single spatial lobe, which contained 240-mW cw output power in a single longitudinal mode. This phase-front quality corresponds to a Strehl ratio of S = 0.947, which results in a 0.23-dB power loss from the single lobe's ideal diffraction-limited power. These values are comparable with those measured for single-stripe index-guided AlGaAs lasers.

Priming with a simplified intradermal HIV-1 DNA vaccine regimen followed by boosting with recombinant HIV-1 MVA vaccine is safe and immunogenic: a phase IIa randomized clinical trial.

PubMed

Munseri, Patricia J; Kroidl, Arne; Nilsson, Charlotta; Joachim, Agricola; Geldmacher, Christof; Mann, Philipp; Moshiro, Candida; Aboud, Said; Lyamuya, Eligius; Maboko, Leonard; Missanga, Marco; Kaluwa, Bahati; Mfinanga, Sayoki; Podola, Lilly; Bauer, Asli; Godoy-Ramirez, Karina; Marovich, Mary; Moss, Bernard; Hoelscher, Michael; Gotch, Frances; Stöhr, Wolfgang; Stout, Richard; McCormack, Sheena; Wahren, Britta; Mhalu, Fred; Robb, Merlin L; Biberfeld, Gunnel; Sandström, Eric; Bakari, Muhammad

2015-01-01

Intradermal priming with HIV-1 DNA plasmids followed by HIV-1MVA boosting induces strong and broad cellular and humoral immune responses. In our previous HIVIS-03 trial, we used 5 injections with 2 pools of HIV-DNA at separate sites for each priming immunization. The present study explores whether HIV-DNA priming can be simplified by reducing the number of DNA injections and administration of combined versus separated plasmid pools. In this phase IIa, randomized trial, priming was performed using 5 injections of HIV-DNA, 1000 μg total dose, (3 Env and 2 Gag encoding plasmids) compared to two "simplified" regimens of 2 injections of HIV-DNA, 600 μg total dose, of Env- and Gag-encoding plasmid pools with each pool either administered separately or combined. HIV-DNA immunizations were given intradermally at weeks 0, 4, and 12. Boosting was performed intramuscularly with 108 pfu HIV-MVA at weeks 30 and 46. 129 healthy Tanzanian participants were enrolled. There were no differences in adverse events between the groups. The proportion of IFN-γ ELISpot responders to Gag and/or Env peptides after the second HIV-MVA boost did not differ significantly between the groups primed with 2 injections of combined HIV-DNA pools, 2 injections with separated pools, and 5 injections with separated pools (90%, 97% and 97%). There were no significant differences in the magnitude of Gag and/or Env IFN-γ ELISpot responses, in CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses measured as IFN-γ/IL-2 production by intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) or in response rates and median titers for binding antibodies to Env gp160 between study groups. A simplified intradermal vaccination regimen with 2 injections of a total of 600 μg with combined HIV-DNA plasmids primed cellular responses as efficiently as the standard regimen of 5 injections of a total of 1000 μg with separated plasmid pools after boosting twice with HIV-MVA. World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform PACTR2010050002122368.

Comparison of injectable molindone and haloperidol followed by oral dosage forms in acutely ill schizophrenics.

PubMed

Escobar, J I; Mann, J J; Keller, J; Wilkins, J; Mason, B; Mills, M J

1985-08-01

The comparative efficacy of molindone and haloperidol, given by injection for the first 2-3 days of hospitalization and then continued orally for up to 4 weeks, is reported from an ongoing double-blind study. Efficacy and side effects were assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions, Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale, and Target Symptom Ratings. Analyses based on the first 35 patients who entered the study indicate that both drugs were effective and well tolerated. There were slight advantages for molindone early during the injectable phase of treatment and for haloperidol late during the oral portion of the study, but these differences were not clinically significant. No significant differences in side effects were found between the two drugs.

Pore-scale interfacial dynamics during gas-supersaturated water injection in porous media - on nucleation, growth and advection of disconnected fluid phases (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Or, D.; Ioannidis, M.

2010-12-01

Degassing and in situ development of a mobile gas bubbles occur when injecting supersaturated aqueous phase into water-saturated porous media. Supersaturated water injection (SWI) has potentially significant applications in remediation of soils contaminated by non-aqueous phase liquids and in enhanced oil recovery. Pore network simulations indicate the formation of a region near the injection boundary where gas phase nuclei are activated and grow by mass transfer from the flowing supersaturated aqueous phase. Ramified clusters of gas-filled pores develop which, owing to the low prevailing Bond number, grow laterally to a significant extent prior to the onset of mobilization, and are thus likely to coalesce. Gas cluster mobilization invariably results in fragmentation and stranding, such that a macroscopic region containing few tenuously connected large gas clusters is established. Beyond this region, gas phase nucleation and mass transfer from the aqueous phase are limited by diminishing supply of dissolved gas. New insights into SWI dynamics are obtained using rapid micro-visualization in transparent glass micromodels. Using high-speed imaging, we observe the nucleation, initial growth and subsequent fate (mobilization, fragmentation, collision, coalescence and stranding) of CO2 bubbles and clusters of gas-filled pores and analyze cluster population statistics. We find significant support for the development of invasion-percolation-like patterns, but also report on hitherto unaccounted for gas bubble behavior. Additionally, we report for the first time on the acoustic emission signature of SWI in porous media and relate it to the dynamics of bubble nucleation and growth. Finally, we identify the pore-scale mechanisms associated with the mobilization and subsequent recovery of a residual non-aqueous phase liquid due to gas bubble dynamics during SWI.

Efficacy and safety of collagenase clostridium histolyticum in the treatment of proximal interphalangeal joints in dupuytren contracture: combined analysis of 4 phase 3 clinical trials.

PubMed

Badalamente, Marie A; Hurst, Lawrence C; Benhaim, Prosper; Cohen, Brian M

2015-05-01

To examine the results of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures from 4 phase 3 clinical trials of collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH) injection for Dupuytren contracture. Patients enrolled in Collagenase Option for Reduction of Dupuytren I/II and JOINT I/II with one or more PIP joint contractures (20° to 80°) received CCH 0.58 mg/0.20 mL or placebo (Collagenase Option for Reduction of Dupuytren I/II only) injected directly into a palpable cord. The percentage of PIP joints achieving clinical success (0° to 5° of full extension), clinical improvement (50% or more reduction in baseline contracture), and range of motion improvement at 30 days after the first and last CCH injections was assessed. The PIP joint contractures were classified into low (40° or less) and high (more than 40°) baseline severity. Adverse events were recorded. A total of 506 adults (mean age, 63 ± 10 y; 80% male) received 1,165 CCH injections in 644 PIP joint cords (mean, 1.6 injections/cord). Most patients (60%) received 1 injection, with 24%, 16%, and 1% receiving 2, 3, and 4 injections, respectively. Clinical success and clinical improvement occurred in 27% and 49% of PIP joints after one injection and in 34% and 58% after the last injection. Patients with lower baseline severity showed greater improvement and response was comparable between fingers, as were improvements in range of motion. Adverse events occurring in more than 10% of patients were peripheral edema (58%), contusion (38%), injection site hemorrhage (23%), injection site pain (21%), injection site swelling (16%), and tenderness (13%). This incidence was consistent with data reported in phase 3 trials. Two tendon ruptures occurred. No further ruptures occurred after a modified injection technique was adopted. Collagenase clostridium histolyticum was effective and well tolerated in the short term in patients with Dupuytren PIP joint contractures. Therapeutic II. Copyright © 2015 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Experimental Study of Injection Characteristics of a Multi-hole port injector on various Fuel Injection pressures and Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Movahednejad, E.; Ommi, F.; Nekofar, K.

2013-04-01

The structures of the port injector spray dominates the mixture preparation process and strongly affect the subsequent engine combustion characteristics over a wide range of operating conditions in port-injection gasoline engines. All these spray characteristics are determined by particular injector design and operating conditions. In this paper, an experimental study is made to characterize the breakup mechanism and spray characteristics of a injector with multi-disc nozzle (SAGEM,D2159MA). A comparison was made on injection characteristics of the multi-hole injectors and its effects on various fuel pressure and temperature. The distributions of the droplet size and velocity and volume flux were characterized using phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) technique. Through this work, it was found that the injector produces a finer spray with a wide spray angle in higher fuel pressure and temperature.

Live birth rates and safety profile using dydrogesterone for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive techniques

PubMed Central

Nadarajah, Ravichandran; Rajesh, Hemashree; Wong, Ker Yi; Faisal, Fazlin; Yu, Su Ling

2017-01-01

INTRODUCTION Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) result in a deficient luteal phase, requiring the administration of intramuscular, intravaginal or oral exogenous progesterone. Dydrogesterone, an oral retroprogesterone with good bioavailability, has been used in assisted reproductive cycles with outcomes that are comparable to those of vaginal or intramuscular progesterone. However, there are limited reviews on its use for luteal phase support in ARTs, in terms of pregnancy outcomes and associated fetal anomalies. This study aimed to review the live birth rates and associated fetal anomalies of women who were given dydrogesterone for luteal phase support in assisted reproductive cycles at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. METHODS This retrospective descriptive study included 1,050 women who underwent in vitro fertilisation/intracytoplasmic sperm injection at the Centre for Assisted Reproduction of Singapore General Hospital between 2000 and 2011. The women were given dydrogesterone for luteal phase support. The main outcome measures were rates of pregnancy, live birth, miscarriage and fetal anomalies. RESULTS The pregnancy and live birth rates were 34.7% and 27.7%, respectively. Among those who achieved pregnancy, 17.0% miscarried, 0.8% had ectopic pregnancies and 0.3% had molar pregnancies. Fetal anomalies were detected in 1.9% of pregnancies, all of which were terminated by choice. CONCLUSION Since the outcomes of dydrogesterone are comparable to those of intramuscular and vaginal progesterone, it is a reasonable option to provide luteal phase support for women who are uncomfortable with injections or vaginal insertions. Randomised controlled studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage of dydrogesterone for luteal phase support in ARTs. PMID:27090598

Simulation of elution profiles in liquid chromatography - II: Investigation of injection volume overload under gradient elution conditions applied to second dimension separations in two-dimensional liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Stoll, Dwight R; Sajulga, Ray W; Voigt, Bryan N; Larson, Eli J; Jeong, Lena N; Rutan, Sarah C

2017-11-10

An important research direction in the continued development of two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) is to improve the detection sensitivity of the method. This is especially important in applications where injection of large volumes of effluent from the first dimension ( 1 D) column into the second dimension ( 2 D) column leads to severe 2 D peak broadening and peak shape distortion. For example, this is common when coupling two reversed-phase columns and the organic solvent content of the 1 D mobile phase overwhelms the 2 D column with each injection of 1 D effluent, leading to low resolution in the second dimension. In a previous study we validated a simulation approach based on the Craig distribution model and adapted from the work of Czok and Guiochon [1] that enabled accurate simulation of simple isocratic and gradient separations with very small injection volumes, and isocratic separations with mismatched injection and mobile phase solvents [2]. In the present study we have extended this simulation approach to simulate separations relevant to 2D-LC. Specifically, we have focused on simulating 2 D separations where gradient elution conditions are used, there is mismatch between the sample solvent and the starting point in the gradient elution program, injection volumes approach or even exceed the dead volume of the 2 D column, and the extent of sample loop filling is varied. To validate this simulation we have compared results from simulations and experiments for 101 different conditions, including variation in injection volume (0.4-80μL), loop filling level (25-100%), and degree of mismatch between sample organic solvent and the starting point in the gradient elution program (-20 to +20% ACN). We find that that the simulation is accurate enough (median errors in retention time and peak width of -1.0 and -4.9%, without corrections for extra-column dispersion) to be useful in guiding optimization of 2D-LC separations. However, this requires that real injection profiles obtained from 2D-LC interface valves are used to simulate the introduction of samples into the 2 D column. These profiles are highly asymmetric - simulation using simple rectangular pulses leads to peak widths that are far too narrow under many conditions. We believe the simulation approach developed here will be useful for addressing practical questions in the development of 2D-LC methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fatigue-propagation du melange polymere polystyrene/polyethylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bureau, Martin N.

The interrelations between the morphology of PS/HDPE and PS/SEBS/HDPE immiscible polymer blends and their mechanical behavior, namely in monotonic loading and in cyclic loading, were studied. As predicted by theory, high shear rates encountered during extrusion blending led to efficient minor phase emulsification in PS/HDPE blends for which the viscosity ratio approaches unity. Consequently, the emulsifying effect of an SEBS triblock copolymer employed as a compatibilizer was found to be negligible. In subsequent molding process, disintegration, shape relaxation and coarsening of the minor phase domains were responsible for the morphological evolution of the blends. In the compression molding process, morphological observations showed that the rate of minor phase coarsening followed the predictions of the Ostwald ripening theory, in agreement with the rheological analysis. In the injection molding process, minor phase coarsening was attributed to shear coalescence. The fatigue crack propagation behavior of injection-molded specimens of pure PS as well as of 95/5, 85/15 and 70/30 PS/HDPE blends and of 95/(0.5/4.5), 85/(1.5/13.5) and 70/(3/27) PS/(SEBS/HDPE) blends was then studied. The fatigue fracture surface features of specimens of pure PS as well as of PS/HDPE and PS/SEBS/HDPE blends were analyzed in detail in order to interpret their fatigue crack propagation behavior. In pure PS specimens, discontinuous growth bands, associated with the fracture of crazes in the plastic zone, formed at low fatigue crack growth rates, large dimple-like features at intermediate fatigue crack growth rates and fatigue striations at high fatigue crack growth rates. The fracture toughness of injection-molded specimens of pure PS as well as of 95/5, 85/15 and 70/30 PS/HDPE blends and of 95/(0.5/4.5) PS/(SEBS/HDPE), 85/(1.5/13.5) and 70/(3/27) PS/(SEBS/HDPE) was finally studied. The results showed that the addition of HDPE to PS led to a reduction of the fracture toughness KQ following ASTM E-399 when compared to that of pure PS. This effect was attributed to the very fine minor phase morphology of the blends obtained after extrusion blending and injection molding. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Predictive Engineering Tools for Injection-Molded Long-Carbon-Fiber Thermoplastic Composites. Topical Report

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

Nguyen, Ba Nghiep; Fifield, Leonard S.; Wang, Jin

2016-06-01

This project aimed to integrate, optimize, and validate the fiber orientation and length distribution models previously developed and implemented in the Autodesk® Simulation Moldflow® Insight (ASMI) software package for injection-molded long-carbon-fiber (LCF) thermoplastic composite structures. The project was organized into two phases. Phase 1 demonstrated the ability of the advanced ASMI package to predict fiber orientation and length distributions in LCF/polypropylene (PP) and LCF/polyamide-6, 6 (PA66) plaques within 15% of experimental results. Phase 2 validated the advanced ASMI package by predicting fiber orientation and length distributions within 15% of experimental results for a complex three-dimensional (3D) Toyota automotive part injection-moldedmore » from LCF/PP and LCF/PA66 materials. Work under Phase 2 also included estimate of weight savings and cost impacts for a vehicle system using ASMI and structural analyses of the complex part. The present report summarizes the completion of Phases 1 and 2 work activities and accomplishments achieved by the team comprising Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL); Purdue University (Purdue); Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech); Autodesk, Inc. (Autodesk); PlastiComp, Inc. (PlastiComp); Toyota Research Institute North America (Toyota); Magna Exteriors and Interiors Corp. (Magna); and University of Illinois. Figure 1 illustrates the technical approach adopted in this project that progressed from compounding LCF/PP and LCF/PA66 materials, to process model improvement and implementation, to molding and modeling LCF/PP and LCF/PA66 plaques. The lessons learned from the plaque study and the successful validation of improved process models for fiber orientation and length distributions for these plaques enabled the project to go to Phase 2 to mold, model, and optimize the 3D complex part.« less

The hepatocyte phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis and early liver cirrhosis in a rat model: an experimental study.

PubMed

Ma, Chunmei; Liu, Ailian; Wang, Yuanyuan; Geng, Xiaoling; Hao, Li; Song, Qingwei; Sun, Bo; Wang, Heqing; Zhao, Gang

2014-07-17

To evaluate the hepatocyte phase of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI in the early diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis and assessment of liver function in a rat model. In 2 groups of SD rats, liver fibrosis was induced in experimental animals by repetitive carbon tetrachloride injections, while the control group received saline injections. Five experimental rats and 2 control rats were randomly selected at weeks 4, 8, 12. One week after carbon tetrachloride administration, MRI (FIRM T1WI) scan was performed. Gd-EOB-DTPA (0.08mL) was injected into the rat's tail vein and hepatocyte phase images were obtained after 20min. The pre-enhanced phase and hepatocyte phase signal intensities (SI) were measured, and the relative contrast enhancement index (RCEI) was calculated. ANOVA analysis (LSD) of RCEI values in controls (n=6), hepatic fibrosis (n=7), and histopathologically-determined early cirrhosis group (n=6) was performed. RECI values showed a decreasing trend in the control group, hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis groups (1.11±0.43, 0.96±0.22, and 0.57±0.33, respectively). While the difference between the control and early cirrhosis groups was statistically significant (p=0.013), there was no significant difference in the hepatic fibrosis group vs the control (p=0.416) and the hepatic fibrosis group vs the early cirrhosis group (p=0.054). Hepatocyte phase RCEI values obtained with Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI scan indicate liver injury in hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis. RCEI values are helpful for early diagnosis of liver cirrhosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theta frequency background tunes transmission but not summation of spiking responses.

PubMed

Parameshwaran, Dhanya; Bhalla, Upinder S

2013-01-01

Hippocampal neurons are known to fire as a function of frequency and phase of spontaneous network rhythms, associated with the animal's behaviour. This dependence is believed to give rise to precise rate and temporal codes. However, it is not well understood how these periodic membrane potential fluctuations affect the integration of synaptic inputs. Here we used sinusoidal current injection to the soma of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the rat brain slice to simulate background oscillations in the physiologically relevant theta and gamma frequency range. We used a detailed compartmental model to show that somatic current injection gave comparable results to more physiological synaptically driven theta rhythms incorporating excitatory input in the dendrites, and inhibitory input near the soma. We systematically varied the phase of synaptic inputs with respect to this background, and recorded changes in response and summation properties of CA1 neurons using whole-cell patch recordings. The response of the cell was dependent on both the phase of synaptic inputs and frequency of the background input. The probability of the cell spiking for a given synaptic input was up to 40% greater during the depolarized phases between 30-135 degrees of theta frequency current injection. Summation gain on the other hand, was not affected either by the background frequency or the phasic afferent inputs. This flat summation gain, coupled with the enhanced spiking probability during depolarized phases of the theta cycle, resulted in enhanced transmission of summed inputs during the same phase window of 30-135 degrees. Overall, our study suggests that although oscillations provide windows of opportunity to selectively boost transmission and EPSP size, summation of synaptic inputs remains unaffected during membrane oscillations.

Joint Cross Well and Single Well Seismic Studies at Lost Hills, California

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

Gritto, Roland; Daley, Thomas M.; Myer, Larry R.

2002-06-25

A series of time-lapse seismic cross well and single well experiments were conducted in a diatomite reservoir to monitor the injection of CO{sub 2} into a hydrofracture zone, based on P- and S-wave data. A high-frequency piezo-electric P-wave source and an orbital-vibrator S-wave source were used to generate waves that were recorded by hydrophones as well as three-component geophones. The injection well was located about 12 m from the source well. During the pre-injection phase water was injected into the hydrofrac-zone. The set of seismic experiments was repeated after a time interval of 7 months during which CO{sub 2} wasmore » injected into the hydrofractured zone. The questions to be answered ranged from the detectability of the geologic structure in the diatomic reservoir to the detectability of CO{sub 2} within the hydrofracture. Furthermore it was intended to determine which experiment (cross well or single well) is best suited to resolve these features. During the pre-injection experiment, the P-wave velocities exhibited relatively low values between 1700-1900 m/s, which decreased to 1600-1800 m/s during the post-injection phase (-5%). The analysis of the pre-injection S-wave data revealed slow S-wave velocities between 600-800 m/s, while the post-injection data revealed velocities between 500-700 m/s (-6%). These velocity estimates produced high Poisson ratios between 0.36 and 0.46 for this highly porous ({approx} 50%) material. Differencing post- and pre-injection data revealed an increase in Poisson ratio of up to 5%. Both, velocity and Poisson estimates indicate the dissolution of CO{sub 2} in the liquid phase of the reservoir accompanied by a pore-pressure increase. The single well data supported the findings of the cross well experiments. P- and S-wave velocities as well as Poisson ratios were comparable to the estimates of the cross well data. The cross well experiment did not detect the presence of the hydrofracture but appeared to be sensitive to overall changes in the reservoir and possibly the presence of a fault. In contrast, the single well reflection data revealed an arrival that could indicate the presence of the hydrofracture between the source and receiver wells, while it did not detect the presence of the fault, possibly due to out of plane reflections.« less

Analysis Impact of Distributed Generation Injection to Profile of Voltage and Short-Circuit Fault in 20 kV Distribution Network System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulyadi, Y.; Sucita, T.; Rahmawan, M. D.

2018-01-01

This study was a case study in PT. PLN (Ltd.) APJ Bandung area with the subject taken was the installation of distributed generation (DG) on 20-kV distribution channels. The purpose of this study is to find out the effect of DG to the changes in voltage profile and three-phase short circuit fault in the 20-kV distribution system with load conditions considered to be balanced. The reason for this research is to know how far DG can improve the voltage profile of the channel and to what degree DG can increase the three-phase short circuit fault on each bus. The method used in this study was comparing the simulation results of power flow and short-circuit fault using ETAP Power System software with manual calculations. The result obtained from the power current simulation before the installation of DG voltage was the drop at the end of the channel at 2.515%. Meanwhile, the three-phase short-circuit current fault before the DG installation at the beginning of the channel was 13.43 kA. After the installation of DG with injection of 50%, DG power obtained voltage drop at the end of the channel was 1.715% and the current fault at the beginning network was 14.05 kA. In addition, with injection of 90%, DG power obtained voltage drop at the end of the channel was 1.06% and the current fault at the beginning network was 14.13%.

In situ stabilization of NAPL contaminant source-zones as a remediation technique to reduce mass discharge and flux to groundwater.

PubMed

Mateas, Douglas J; Tick, Geoffrey R; Carroll, Kenneth C

2017-09-01

Widely used flushing and in-situ destruction based remediation techniques (i.e. pump-and treat, enhanced-solubilization, and chemical oxidation/reduction) for sites contaminated by nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminant sources have been shown to be ineffective at complete mass removal and reducing aqueous-phase contaminant of concern (COC) concentrations to levels suitable for site closure. A remediation method was developed to reduce the aqueous solubility and mass-flux of COCs within NAPL through the in-situ creation of a NAPL mixture source-zone. In contrast to remediation techniques that rely on the rapid removal of contaminant mass, this technique relies on the stabilization of difficult-to-access NAPL sources to reduce COC mass flux to groundwater. A specific amount (volume) of relatively insoluble n-hexadecane (HEXDEC) or vegetable oil (VO) was injected into a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminant source-zone through a bench-scale flow cell port (i.e. well) to form a NAPL mixture of targeted mole fraction (TCE:HEXDEC or TCE:VO). NAPL-aqueous phase batch tests were conducted prior to the flow-cell experiments to evaluate the effects of various NAPL mixture ratios on equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations of TCE to design optimal NAPL (HEXDEC or VO) injection volumes for the flow-cell experiments. The NAPL-stabilization flow-cell experiments initiated and sustained significant reductions in COC concentration and mass flux due to a combination of both reduced relative permeability (increased NAPL-saturation) and via modification of NAPL composition (decreased TCE mole fraction). Variations in remediation performance (i.e. impacts on TCE concentration and mass flux reduction) between the different HEXDEC injection volumes were relatively minor, and therefore inconsistent with Raoult's Law predictions. This phenomenon likely resulted from non-uniform mixing of the injected HEXDEC with TCE in the source-zone. VO injection caused TCE concentrations and mass-flux to decrease more rapidly than with HEXDEC injections. This phenomenon occurred because the injected VO was observed to mix more uniformly with TCE in the source-zone due to a lower mobilization potential. The relative lower density differences (buoyancy effects) between VO and the flushing solution (water) was the primary factor contributing to the lower mobilization potential for VO. Overall, this study indicated that the delivery of HEXDEC or VO into the toxic TCE source-zone was effective in significantly reducing contaminant aqueous-phase concentration and mass-flux. However, the effectiveness of this in-situ NAPL stabilization technique depends on source delivery, uniform mixing of amendment, and that the amendment remains immobilized within and around the NAPL contaminant source. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two-Dimensional Array Beam Scanning Via Externally and Mutually Injection Locked Coupled Oscillators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald J.

2000-01-01

Some years ago, Stephan proposed an approach to one dimensional (linear) phased array beam steering which requires only a single phase shifter. This involves the use of a linear array of voltage-controlled electronic oscillators coupled to nearest neighbors. The oscillators are mutually injection locked by controlling their coupling and tuning appropriately. Stephan's approach consists of deriving two signals from a master oscillator, one signal phase shifted with respect to the other by means of a single phase shifter. These two signals are injected into the end oscillators of the array. The result is a linear phase progression across the oscillator array. Thus, if radiating elements are connected to each oscillator and spaced uniformly along a line, they will radiate a beam at an angle to that line determined by the phase gradient which is, in turn, determined by the phase difference between the injection signals.The beam direction is therefore controlled by adjusting this phase difference. Recently, Pogorzelski and York presented a formulation which facilitates theoretical analysis of the above beam steering technique. This was subsequently applied by Pogorzelski in analysis of two dimensional beam steering using perimeter detuning of a coupled oscillator array. The formulation is based on a continuum model in which the oscillator phases are represented by a continuous function satisfying a partial differential equation of diffusion type. This equation can be solved via the Laplace transform and the resulting solution exhibits the dynamic behavior of the array as the beam is steered. Stephan's beam steering technique can be similarly generalized to two-dimensional arrays in which the beam control signals are applied to the oscillators on the perimeter of the array. In this paper the continuum model for this two-dimensional case is developed and the dynamic solution for the corresponding aperture phase function is obtained. The corresponding behavior of the resulting far-zone radiation pattern is displayed as well.

3-D numerical evaluation of density effects on tracer tests.

PubMed

Beinhorn, M; Dietrich, P; Kolditz, O

2005-12-01

In this paper we present numerical simulations carried out to assess the importance of density-dependent flow on tracer plume development. The scenario considered in the study is characterized by a short-term tracer injection phase into a fully penetrating well and a natural hydraulic gradient. The scenario is thought to be typical for tracer tests conducted in the field. Using a reference case as a starting point, different model parameters were changed in order to determine their importance to density effects. The study is based on a three-dimensional model domain. Results were interpreted using concentration contours and a first moment analysis. Tracer injections of 0.036 kg per meter of saturated aquifer thickness do not cause significant density effects assuming hydraulic gradients of at least 0.1%. Higher tracer input masses, as used for geoelectrical investigations, may lead to buoyancy-induced flow in the early phase of a tracer test which in turn impacts further plume development. This also holds true for shallow aquifers. Results of simulations with different tracer injection rates and durations imply that the tracer input scenario has a negligible effect on density flow. Employing model cases with different realizations of a log conductivity random field, it could be shown that small variations of hydraulic conductivity in the vicinity of the tracer injection well have a major control on the local tracer distribution but do not mask effects of buoyancy-induced flow.

Analgesic Effect of Botulinum Toxin A in Myofascial Pain Syndrome Patients Previously Treated with Local Infiltration of Anesthetic and Steroids.

PubMed

Cartagena-Sevilla, Joaquín; García-Fernández, María R; Vicente-Villena, Juan P

2016-12-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) injections in patients with myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) who were previously treated with the local infiltration of anesthetic and steroids (LIAS). The study included a retrospective phase and a longitudinal open-label prospective phase, which were conducted on consecutive patients with MPS previously treated with the local infiltration of anesthetic (levobupivacaíne 0.25%) and steroids (triamcinolone 40 mg). Eligible patients were treated with a single intramuscular injection of BoNTA (Botox; Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA). The treatment efficacy was determined according to the degree of pain relief obtained. Eighty-two patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and were included in the study. Successful results were obtained for 32 (39.0%) and 30 (36.6%) patients, during treatment with BoNTA and LIAS, respectively. The mean (standard deviation) length of the analgesic effect was significantly longer with BoNTA (29.6 [SD = 17.7] weeks) than with LIAS (8.5 [SD = 6.4] weeks), P <.0001. As regards the side effects, 19 (23.2%) patients reported transient soreness at the injection site for 2 to 3 days with BoNTA. The MPS patients previously treated with a local infiltration of anesthetic and steroids who then received a single injection of BoNTA experienced significantly reduced pain for a relatively long time.

Gas driven displacement in a Hele-Shaw cell with chemical reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Andrew; Ward, Thomas

2011-11-01

Injecting a less viscous fluid into a more viscous fluid produces instabilities in the form of fingering which grow radially from the less viscous injection point (Saffman & Taylor, Proc. R. Soc. Lon. A, 1958). For two non-reacting fluids in a radial Hele-Shaw cell the ability of the gas phase to penetrate the liquid phase is largely dependent on the gap height, liquid viscosity and gas pressure. In contrast combining two reactive fluids such as aqueous calcium hydroxide and carbon dioxide, which form a precipitate, presents a more complex but technically relevant system. As the two species react calcium carbonate precipitates and increases the aqueous phase visocosity. This change in viscosity may have a significant impact on how the gas phase penetrates the liquid phase. Experimental are performed in a radial Hele-Shaw cell with gap heights O(10-100) microns by loading a single drop of aqueous calcium hydroxide and injecting carbon dioxide into the drop. The calcium hydroxide concentration, carbon dioxide pressure and gap height are varied and images of the gas penetration are analyzed to determine residual film thickness and bursting times.

Phase noise analysis of a 10-GHz optical injection-locked vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser-based optoelectronic oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coronel, Juan; Varón, Margarita; Rissons, Angélique

2016-09-01

The optical injection locking (OIL) technique is proposed to reduce the phase noise of a carrier generated for a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL)-based optoelectronic oscillator. The OIL technique permits the enhancement of the VCSEL direct modulation bandwidth as well as the stabilization of the optical noise of the laser. A 2-km delay line, 10-GHz optical injection-locked VCSEL-based optoelectronic oscillator (OILVBO) was implemented. The internal noise sources of the optoelectronic oscillator components were characterized and analyzed to understand the noise conversion of the system into phase noise in the oscillator carrier. The implemented OILVBO phase noise was -105.7 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz from the carrier; this value agrees well with the performed simulated analysis. From the computed and measured phase noise curves, it is possible to infer the noise processes that take place inside the OILVBO. As a second measurement of the oscillation quality, a time-domain analysis was done through the Allan's standard deviation measurement, reported for first time for an optoelectronic oscillator using the OIL technique.

Brain regions involved in the development of acute phase responses accompanying fever in rabbits.

PubMed Central

Morimoto, A; Murakami, N; Nakamori, T; Sakata, Y; Watanabe, T

1989-01-01

1. The effects of microinjection of rabbit endogenous pyrogen and human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha on rectal temperature and acute phase responses were extensively examined in forty different brain regions of rabbits. The acute phase responses that were investigated were the changes in plasma levels of iron, zinc and copper concentration and the changes in circulating leucocyte count. 2. The rostral hypothalamic regions, such as nucleus broca ventralis, preoptic area and anterior hypothalamic region, responded to the microinjection of endogenous pyrogen or interleukin-1 by producing both fever and acute phase responses. 3. The microinjection of endogenous pyrogen or interleukin-1 into the rostral hypothalamic regions significantly decreased the plasma levels of iron and zinc concentration 8 and 24 h after injection. The circulating leucocyte count increased 8 h after injection. However, neither the injections of endogenous pyrogen nor interleukin-1 affected the number of red blood cells. 4. The present results show that the rostral hypothalamic regions respond directly to endogenous pyrogen or interleukin-1 with the consequent development of fever and acute phase responses. PMID:2514261

An Agile Beam Transmit Array Using Coupled Oscillator Phase Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pogorzelski, Ronald S.; Scaramastra, Rocco P.; Huang, John; Beckon, Robert J.; Petree, Steve M.; Chavez, Cosme

1993-01-01

A few years ago York and colleagues suggested that injection locking of voltage controlled oscillators could be used to implement beam steering in a phased array [I]. The scheme makes use of the fact that when an oscillator is injection locked to an external signal, the phase difference between the output of the oscillator and the injection signal is governed by the difference between the injection frequency and the free running frequency of the oscillator (the frequency to which the oscillator is tuned). Thus, if voltage controlled oscillators (VCOs) are used, this phase difference is controlled by an applied voltage. Now, if a set of such oscillators are coupled to nearest neighbors, they can be made to mutually injection lock and oscillate as an ensemble. If they are all tuned to the same frequency, they will all oscillate in phase. Thus, if the outputs are connected to radiating elements forming a linear array, the antenna will radiate normal to the line of elements. Scanning is accomplished by antisymmetrically detuning the end oscillators in the array by application of a pair of appropriate voltages to their tuning ports. This results in a linear phase progression across the array which is just the phasing required to scan the beam. The scan angle is determined by the degree of detuning. We have constructed a seven element one dimensional agile beam array at S-band based on the above principle. Although, a few such arrays have been built in the past, this array possesses two unique features. First, the VCO MMICs have buffer amplifiers which isolate the output from the tuning circuit, and second, the oscillators are weakly coupled to each other at their resonant circuits rather than their outputs. This results in a convenient isolation between the oscillator array design and the radiating aperture design. An important parameter in the design is the so called coupling phase which determines the phase shift of the signals passing from one oscillator to its neighbors. Using this array, we have been able to verify the theoretical predictions concerning the effect of this phase on both the locking range and ensemble frequency of the array. However, the scan range achieved fell somewhat short of the theoretical value because of the amplitude variation of the oscillator outputs with tuning.

Acetate injection into anaerobic settled sludge for biological P-removal in an intermittently aerated reactor.

PubMed

Ahn, K H; Yoo, H; Lee, J W; Maeng, S K; Park, K Y; Song, K G

2001-01-01

Injecting acetate into the sludge layer during the settling and decanting periods was adopted to enhance phosphorus release inside the sludge layer during those periods and phosphorus uptake during the subsequent aeration period in a KIST Intermittently Decanted Extended Aeration (KIDEA) process. The relationship among nitrification, denitrification and phosphorus removal was investigated in detail and analyzed with a qualitative floc model. Dependencies of nitrification on the maximum DO level during the aerobic phase and phosphorus release on residual nitrate concentration during the settling phase were significant. High degree of nitrification resulted that phosphorus release inside the sludge layer was significantly interfered with nitrate due to the limitation of available acetate and the carbon sources from influent. Such limitation was related to the primary utilization of organic substance for denitrification in the outer layer of the floc and the retarded mass transfer into the inner layer of the floc. Nevertheless, effects of acetate injection on both denitrification and phosphorus release during the settling phase were significant. Denitrification rate after acetate injection was two times as high as that before acetate injection, and phosphorus release reached about 14 mg PO4(3-)-P/g MLVSS/hr during the decanting phase after the termination of denitrification inside the sludge layer. Extremely low level of maximum DO (around 0.5 mg/L) during the aerobic phase may inhibited nitrification, considerably, and thus nearly no nitrate was present. However, the absence of nitrate increased when the phosphorus release rate was reached up to 33 mg PO4(3-)-P/g MLVSS/hr during the settling and decanting phase, and nearly all phosphorus was taken up during subsequent aerobic phase. Since the sludge layer could function as a blocking layer, phosphorus concentrations in the supernatant was not influenced by the released phosphorus inside the sludge layer during the settling and decanting period. Phosphorus removal was directly (for uptake) and indirectly (for release) dependent on the median and maximum DO concentration during the aerobic phase, and those optimal values may exist within the range from 0.2 to 0.6 mg/L and 0.4 to 1.2 mg/L, respectively.

A current-driven resistive instability and its nonlinear effects in simulations of coaxial helicity injection in a tokamak

DOE PAGES

Hooper, E. B.; Sovinec, C. R.

2016-10-06

An instability observed in whole-device, resistive magnetohydrodynamic simulations of the driven phase of coaxial helicity injection in the National Spherical Torus eXperiment is identified as a current-driven resistive mode in an unusual geometry that transiently generates a current sheet. The mode consists of plasma flow velocity and magnetic field eddies in a tube aligned with the magnetic field at the surface of the injected magnetic flux. At low plasma temperatures (~10–20 eV), the mode is benign, but at high temperatures (~100 eV) its amplitude undergoes relaxation oscillations, broadening the layer of injected current and flow at the surface of themore » injected toroidal flux and background plasma. The poloidal-field structure is affected and the magnetic surface closure is generally prevented while the mode undergoes relaxation oscillations during injection. Furthermore, this study describes the mode and uses linearized numerical computations and an analytic slab model to identify the unstable mode.« less

The Value of Botox-A in Acute Radiation Proctitis: Results From a Phase I/II Study Using a Three-Dimensional Scoring System

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

Vuong, Te, E-mail: tvuong@jgh.mcgill.ca; Waschke, Kevin; Niazi, Tamim

Purpose: Acute radiation proctitis (ARP) is a common side effect of pelvic radiotherapy, and its management is challenging in daily practice. The present phase I/II study evaluates the safety and efficacy of the botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) in ARP treatment for rectal cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant high-dose-rate endorectal brachytherapy (HDREBT). Methods and Materials: Fifteen patients, treated with neoadjuvant HDREBT, 26-Gy in 4 fractions, received the study treatment that consisted of a single injection of BTX-A into the rectal wall. The injection was performed post-HDREBT and prior to the development of ARP. The control group, 20 such patients, did not receivemore » the BTX-A injection. Both groups had access to standard treatment with hydrocortisone rectal aerosol foam (Cortifoam) and anti-inflammatory and narcotic medication. The ARP was clinically evaluated by self-administered daily questionnaires using visual analog scores to document frequency and urgency of bowel movements, rectal burning/tenesmus, and pain symptoms before and after HDREBT. Results: At the time of this analysis, there was no observed systemic toxicity. Patient compliance with the self-administered questionnaire was 100% from week 1 to 4, 70% during week 5, and 40% during week 6. The maximum tolerated dose was established at the 100-U dose level, and noticeable mean differences were observed in bowel frequency (p = 0.016), urgency (p = 0.007), and pain (p = 0.078). Conclusions: This study confirms the feasibility and efficacy of BTX-A intervention at 100-U dose level for study patients compared to control patients. A phase III study with this dose level is planned to validate these results.« less

Selective central activation of somatostatin receptor 2 increases food intake, grooming behavior and rectal temperature in rats.

PubMed

Stengel, A; Goebel, M; Wang, L; Rivier, J; Kobelt, P; Monnikes, H; Tache, Y

2010-08-01

The consequences of selective activation of brain somatostatin receptor-2 (sst2) were assessed using the sst2 agonist, des-AA(1,4-6,11-13)-[DPhe(2),Aph7(Cbm),DTrp(8)]-Cbm-SST-Thr-NH2. Food intake (FI) was monitored in ad libitum fed rats chronically implanted with an intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) cannula. The sst(2) agonist injected i.c.v. at 0.1 and 1 microg/rat dose-dependently increased light phase FI from 2 to 6 hours post injection (2.3+/-0.5 and 7.5+/-1.2 respectively vs. vehicle: 0.2+/-0.2 g/300 g bw, P<0.001). Peptide action was reversed by i.c.v. injection of the sst2 antagonist, des-AA(1,4-6,11-13)-[pNO(2)-Phe(2),DCys(3),Tyr(7),DAph(Cbm)8]-SST-2Nal-NH(2) and not reproduced by intraperitoneal injection (30 microg/rat). The sst(2) antagonist alone i.c.v. significantly decreased the cumulative 14-hours dark phase FI by 29.5%. Other behaviors, namely grooming, drinking and locomotor activity were also increased by the sst(2) agonist (1 microg/rat, i.c.v.) as monitored during the 2(nd) hour post injection while gastric emptying of solid food was unaltered. Rectal temperature rose 1 hour after the sst(2) agonist (1 microg/rat, i.c.v.) with a maximal response maintained from 1 to 4 hours post injection. These data show that selective activation of the brain sst(2) receptor induces a feeding response in the light phase not associated with changes in gastric emptying. The food intake reduction following sst(2) receptor blockade suggests a role of this receptor in the orexigenic drive during the dark phase.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Venturi Dustiness Tester

PubMed Central

Dubey, Prahit; Ghia, Urmila; Turkevich, Leonid A.

2017-01-01

Dustiness quantifies the propensity of a finely divided solid to be aerosolized by a prescribed mechanical stimulus. Dustiness is relevant wherever powders are mixed, transferred or handled, and is important in the control of hazardous exposures and the prevention of dust explosions and product loss. Limited quantities of active pharmaceutical powders available for testing led to the development (at University of North Carolina) of a Venturi-driven dustiness tester. The powder is turbulently injected at high speed (Re ~ 2 × 104) into a glass chamber; the aerosol is then gently sampled (Re ~ 2 × 103) through two filters located at the top of the chamber; the dustiness index is the ratio of sampled to injected mass of powder. Injection is activated by suction at an Extraction Port at the top of the chamber; loss of powder during injection compromises the sampled dustiness. The present work analyzes the flow inside the Venturi Dustiness Tester, using an Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes formulation with the k-ω Shear Stress Transport turbulence model. The simulation considers single-phase flow, valid for small particles (Stokes number Stk <1). Results show that ~ 24% of fluid-tracers escape the tester before the Sampling Phase begins. Dispersion of the powder during the Injection Phase results in a uniform aerosol inside the tester, even for inhomogeneous injections, satisfying a necessary condition for the accurate evaluation of dustiness. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of reduced Extraction-Port flow; results confirm the importance of high Extraction-Port flow rate (standard operation) for uniform distribution of fluid tracers. Simulations are also performed under the conditions of delayed powder injection; results show that a uniform aerosol is still achieved provided 0.5 s elapses between powder injection and sampling. PMID:28638167

Phoenixin-14 injected intracerebroventricularly but not intraperitoneally stimulates food intake in rats.

PubMed

Schalla, Martha; Prinz, Philip; Friedrich, Tiemo; Scharner, Sophie; Kobelt, Peter; Goebel-Stengel, Miriam; Rose, Matthias; Stengel, Andreas

2017-10-01

Phoenixin, a recently discovered 20-amino acid peptide was implicated in reproduction. However, the expression in food intake-regulatory nuclei such as the paraventricular nucleus, the arcuate nucleus and the nucleus of the solitary tract suggests an implication of phoenixin in food intake regulation. Therefore, we investigated the effects of phoenixin-14, the shorter form of phoenixin, on food intake following intracerebroventricular (icv) and intraperitoneal (ip) injection in ad libitum fed male Sprague-Dawley rats. Phoenixin-14 injected icv (0.2, 1.7 or 15nmol/rat) during the light phase induced a dose-dependent increase of light phase food intake reaching significance at a minimum dose of 1.7 nmol/rat (+72%, p<0.05 vs. vehicle) used for all further analyses. Assessment of the food intake microstructure showed an icv phoenixin-14-induced increase in meal size (+51%), meal duration (+157%), time spent in meals (+182%) and eating rate (+123%), while inter-meal intervals (-42%) and the satiety ratio (-64%) were decreased compared to vehicle (p<0.05). When injected icv during the dark phase, no modulation of food intake was observed (p>0.05). The light phase icv phoenixin-14-induced increase of water intake did not reach statistical significance compared to vehicle (+136%, p>0.05). The increase of food intake following icv phoenixin-14 was not associated with a significant alteration of grooming behavior (0.4-fold, p=0.377) or locomotion (6-fold, p=0.066) compared to vehicle. When injected ip at higher doses (0.6, 5nmol/kg or 45nmol/kg body weight) during the light phase, phoenixin-14 did not affect food intake (p>0.05). In summary, phoenixin-14 exerts a centrally-mediated orexigenic effect. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Precision digital pulse phase generator

DOEpatents

McEwan, T.E.

1996-10-08

A timing generator comprises a crystal oscillator connected to provide an output reference pulse. A resistor-capacitor combination is connected to provide a variable-delay output pulse from an input connected to the crystal oscillator. A phase monitor is connected to provide duty-cycle representations of the reference and variable-delay output pulse phase. An operational amplifier drives a control voltage to the resistor-capacitor combination according to currents integrated from the phase monitor and injected into summing junctions. A digital-to-analog converter injects a control current into the summing junctions according to an input digital control code. A servo equilibrium results that provides a phase delay of the variable-delay output pulse to the output reference pulse that linearly depends on the input digital control code. 2 figs.

Precision digital pulse phase generator

DOEpatents

McEwan, Thomas E.

1996-01-01

A timing generator comprises a crystal oscillator connected to provide an output reference pulse. A resistor-capacitor combination is connected to provide a variable-delay output pulse from an input connected to the crystal oscillator. A phase monitor is connected to provide duty-cycle representations of the reference and variable-delay output pulse phase. An operational amplifier drives a control voltage to the resistor-capacitor combination according to currents integrated from the phase monitor and injected into summing junctions. A digital-to-analog converter injects a control current into the summing junctions according to an input digital control code. A servo equilibrium results that provides a phase delay of the variable-delay output pulse to the output reference pulse that linearly depends on the input digital control code.

Solid-state carrier-envelope phase stabilization via quantum interference control of injected photocurrents.

PubMed

Roos, P A; Li, Xiaoqin; Smith, R P; Pipis, Jessica A; Fortier, T M; Cundiff, S T

2005-04-01

We demonstrate carrier-envelope phase stabilization of a mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser by use of quantum interference control of injected photocurrents in a semiconductor. No harmonic generation is required for this stabilization technique. Instead, interference between coexisting single- and two-photon absorption pathways in the semiconductor provides a phase comparison between different spectral components. The phase comparison, and the detection of the photocurrent that it produces, both occur within a single low-temperature-grown gallium arsenide sample. The carrier-envelope offset beat note fidelity is 30 dB in a 10-kHz resolution bandwidth. The out-of-loop phase-noise level is essentially identical to the best previous measurements with the standard self-referencing technique.

Luteal phase bleeding after IVF cycles: comparison between progesterone vaginal gel and intramuscular progesterone and correlation with pregnancy outcomes

PubMed Central

Jabara, Sami; Barnhart, Kurt; Schertz, Joan C; Patrizio, Pasquale

2009-01-01

Background: To compare luteal phase bleeding and pregnancy outcomes in normogonadotropic patients receiving progesterone vaginal gel (PVG) or intramuscular progesterone (IMP) injections. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data from 270 patients (292 cycles) undergoing day-3 fresh embryo transfer were analyzed. PVG, 90 mg daily (170 cycles) or IMP, 50 mg daily (122 cycles) began at egg retrieval. Results: Luteal phase bleeding was significantly more common in the PVG than the IMP group. No significant differences were observed in biochemical pregnancy or spontaneous abortion rates between the two groups. Patients who bled before the pregnancy test had significantly lower total and clinical pregnancy rates than non-bleeders. Total and ongoing pregnancy/delivery rates were higher in the PVG than IMP group, but did not achieve statistical significance. Conclusion: Luteal phase bleeding was more common in the PVG group than the IMP group, but pregnancy was successful in more patients in the PVG group. Luteal phase bleeding is prevented or delayed during IMP treatment, but patients who bled before the pregnancy test, whether using the gel or injected progesterone, had significantly reduced pregnancy rates compared with non-bleeders. PMID:20485581

Simulation and Experimental Studies of a 2.45GHz Magnetron Source for an SRF Cavity with Field Amplitude and Phase Controls

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

Wang, Haipeng; Plawski, Tomasz E.; Rimmer, Robert A.

2016-06-01

Phase lock to an SRF cavity by using injection signal through output waveguide of a magnetron has been demonstrated [1, 3]. Amplitude control using magnetic field trimming and anode voltage modulation has been studied using MATLAB/Simulink simulations [2]. Based on these, we are planning to use an FPGA based digital LLRF system, which allows applying various types of control algorithms in order to achieve the required accelerating field stability. Since the 1497 MHz magnetron is still in the design stage, the proof of principle measurements of a commercial 2450 MHz magnetron are carried out to characterize the anode I-V curve,more » output power (the tube electronic efficiency), frequency dependence on the anode current (frequency pushing) and the Rieke diagram (frequency pulling by the reactive load). Based on early Simulink simulation, experimental data and extension of the Adler equation governing injection phase stability by Chen’s model, the specification of the new LLRF control chassis for both 2450 and 1497MHz systems are presented in this paper.« less

Optical arbitrary waveform generation based on multi-wavelength semiconductor fiber ring laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Peili; Ma, Xiaolu; Shi, Weihua; Xu, Enming

2017-09-01

A new scheme of generating optical arbitrary waveforms based on multi-wavelength semiconductor fiber ring laser (SFRL) is proposed. In this novel scheme, a wide and flat optical frequency comb (OFC) is provided directly by multi-wavelength SFRL, whose central frequency and comb spacing are tunable. OFC generation, de-multiplexing, amplitude and phase modulation, and multiplexing are implementing in an intensity and phase tunable comb filter, as induces the merits of high spectral coherence, satisfactory waveform control and low system loss. By using the mode couple theory and the transfer matrix method, the theoretical model of the scheme is established. The impacts of amplitude control, phase control, number of spectral line, and injection current of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) on the waveform similarity are studied using the theoretical model. The results show that, amplitude control and phase control error should be smaller than 1% and 0.64% respectively to achieve high similarity. The similarity of the waveform is improved with the increase of the number of spectral line. When the injection current of SOA is in a certain range, the optical arbitrary waveform reaches a high similarity.

Porous structure and fluid partitioning in polyethylene cores from 3D X-ray microtomographic imaging.

PubMed

Prodanović, M; Lindquist, W B; Seright, R S

2006-06-01

Using oil-wet polyethylene core models, we present the development of robust throat finding techniques for the extraction, from X-ray microtomographic images, of a pore network description of porous media having porosity up to 50%. Measurements of volume, surface area, shape factor, and principal diameters are extracted for pores and area, shape factor and principal diameters for throats. We also present results on the partitioning of wetting and non-wetting phases in the pore space at fixed volume increments of the injected fluid during a complete cycle of drainage and imbibition. We compare these results with fixed fractional flow injection, where wetting and non-wetting phase are simultaneously injected at fixed volume ratio. Finally we demonstrate the ability to differentiate three fluid phases (oil, water, air) in the pore space.

Active Management of Integrated Geothermal-CO2 Storage Reservoirs in Sedimentary Formations

DOE Data Explorer

Buscheck, Thomas A.

2012-01-01

Active Management of Integrated Geothermal–CO2 Storage Reservoirs in Sedimentary Formations: An Approach to Improve Energy Recovery and Mitigate Risk: FY1 Final Report The purpose of phase 1 is to determine the feasibility of integrating geologic CO2 storage (GCS) with geothermal energy production. Phase 1 includes reservoir analyses to determine injector/producer well schemes that balance the generation of economically useful flow rates at the producers with the need to manage reservoir overpressure to reduce the risks associated with overpressure, such as induced seismicity and CO2 leakage to overlying aquifers. Based on a range of well schemes, techno-economic analyses of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) are conducted to determine the economic benefits of integrating GCS with geothermal energy production. In addition to considering CO2 injection, reservoir analyses are conducted for nitrogen (N2) injection to investigate the potential benefits of incorporating N2 injection with integrated geothermal-GCS, as well as the use of N2 injection as a potential pressure-support and working-fluid option. Phase 1 includes preliminary environmental risk assessments of integrated geothermal-GCS, with the focus on managing reservoir overpressure. Phase 1 also includes an economic survey of pipeline costs, which will be applied in Phase 2 to the analysis of CO2 conveyance costs for techno-economics analyses of integrated geothermal-GCS reservoir sites. Phase 1 also includes a geospatial GIS survey of potential integrated geothermal-GCS reservoir sites, which will be used in Phase 2 to conduct sweet-spot analyses that determine where promising geothermal resources are co-located in sedimentary settings conducive to safe CO2 storage, as well as being in adequate proximity to large stationary CO2 sources.

Qualitative and quantitative changes in detrital reservoir rocks caused by CO2-brine-rock interactions during first injection phases (Utrillas sandstones, northern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrezueta, E.; Ordóñez-Casado, B.; Quintana, L.

2016-01-01

The aim of this article is to describe and interpret qualitative and quantitative changes at rock matrix scale of lower-upper Cretaceous sandstones exposed to supercritical (SC) CO2 and brine. The effects of experimental injection of CO2-rich brine during the first injection phases were studied at rock matrix scale, in a potential deep sedimentary reservoir in northern Spain (Utrillas unit, at the base of the Cenozoic Duero Basin).

Experimental CO2-rich brine was exposed to sandstone in a reactor chamber under realistic conditions of deep saline formations (P ≈ 7.8 MPa, T ≈ 38 °C and 24 h exposure time). After the experiment, exposed and non-exposed equivalent sample sets were compared with the aim of assessing possible changes due to the effect of the CO2-rich brine exposure. Optical microscopy (OpM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) aided by optical image analysis (OIA) were used to compare the rock samples and get qualitative and quantitative information about mineralogy, texture and pore network distribution. Complementary chemical analyses were performed to refine the mineralogical information and to obtain whole rock geochemical data. Brine composition was also analyzed before and after the experiment.

The petrographic study of contiguous sandstone samples (more external area of sample blocks) before and after CO2-rich brine injection indicates an evolution of the pore network (porosity increase ≈ 2 %). It is probable that these measured pore changes could be due to intergranular quartz matrix detachment and partial removal from the rock sample, considering them as the early features produced by the CO2-rich brine. Nevertheless, the whole rock and brine chemical analyses after interaction with CO2-rich brine do not present important changes in the mineralogical and chemical configuration of the rock with respect to initial conditions, ruling out relevant precipitation or dissolution at these early stages to rock-block scale. These results, simulating the CO2 injection near the injection well during the first phases (24 h) indicate that, in this environment where CO2 enriches the brine, the mixture principally generates local mineralogical/textural re-adjustments on the external area of the samples studied.

The application of OpM, SEM and optical image analysis have allowed an exhaustive characterization of the sandstones studied. The procedure followed, the porosity characterization and the chemical analysis allowed a preliminary approximation of the CO2-brine-rock interactions and could be applied to similar experimental injection tests.

Facile hot-injection synthesis of stoichiometric Cu2ZnSnSe4 nanocrystals using bis(triethylsilyl) selenide.

PubMed

Jin, Chunyu; Ramasamy, Parthiban; Kim, Jinkwon

2014-07-07

Cu2ZnSnSe4 is a prospective material as an absorber in thin film solar cells due to its many advantages including direct band gap, high absorption coefficient, low toxicity, and relative abundance (indium-free) of its elements. In this report, CZTSe nanoparticles have been synthesized by the hot-injection method using bis-(triethylsilyl)selenide [(Et3Si)2Se] as the selenium source for the first time. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the stoichiometry of CZTSe nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that the nanocrystals were single phase polycrystalline with their size within the range of 25-30 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy measurements ruled out the existence of secondary phases such as Cu2SnSe3 and ZnSe. The effect of reaction time and precursor injection order on the formation of stoichiometric CZTSe nanoparticles has been studied by Raman spectroscopy. UV-vis-NIR data indicate that the CZTSe nanocrystals have an optical band gap of 1.59 eV, which is optimal for photovoltaic applications.

Intravitreal Aflibercept Injection for Macular Edema Resulting from Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: One-Year Results of the Phase 3 GALILEO Study.

PubMed

Korobelnik, Jean-François; Holz, Frank G; Roider, Johann; Ogura, Yuichiro; Simader, Christian; Schmidt-Erfurth, Ursula; Lorenz, Katrin; Honda, Miki; Vitti, Robert; Berliner, Alyson J; Hiemeyer, Florian; Stemper, Brigitte; Zeitz, Oliver; Sandbrink, Rupert

2014-01-01

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal aflibercept injections for treatment of macular edema secondary to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). A randomized, multicenter, double-masked phase 3 study. A total of 177 treatment-naive patients with macular edema secondary to CRVO were randomized in a 3:2 ratio. Patients received either 2-mg intravitreal aflibercept or sham injections every 4 weeks for 20 weeks. From week 24 to 48, the aflibercept group received aflibercept as needed (pro re nata [PRN]), and the sham group continued receiving sham injections. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of patients who gained 15 letters or more in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 24. This study reports week 52 results including the proportion of patients who gained 15 letters or more in BCVA and the mean change from baseline BCVA and central retinal thickness. Efficacy end points at week 52 were all exploratory. At week 52, the mean percentage of patients gaining 15 letters or more was 60.2% in the aflibercept group and 32.4% in the sham group (P = 0.0004). Aflibercept patients, compared with sham patients, had a significantly higher mean improvement in BCVA (+16.9 letters vs. +3.8 letters, respectively) and reduction in central retinal thickness (-423.5 μm vs. -219.3 μm, respectively) at week 52 (P < 0.0001 for both). Aflibercept patients received a mean of 2.5 injections (standard deviation, 1.7 injections) during PRN dosing. The most common ocular adverse events in the aflibercept group were related to the injection procedure or the underlying disease, and included macular edema (33.7%), increased intraocular pressure (17.3%), and eye pain (14.4%). Treatment with intravitreal aflibercept provided significant functional and anatomic benefits after 52 weeks as compared with sham. The improvements achieved after 6 monthly doses at week 24 largely were maintained until week 52 with as-needed dosing. Intravitreal aflibercept generally was well tolerated. Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theory of injection locking and rapid start-up of magnetrons, and effects of manufacturing errors in terahertz traveling wave tubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pengvanich, Phongphaeth

In this thesis, several contemporary issues on coherent radiation sources are examined. They include the fast startup and the injection locking of microwave magnetrons, and the effects of random manufacturing errors on phase and small signal gain of terahertz traveling wave amplifiers. In response to the rapid startup and low noise magnetron experiments performed at the University of Michigan that employed periodic azimuthal perturbations in the axial magnetic field, a systematic study of single particle orbits is performed for a crossed electric and periodic magnetic field. A parametric instability in the orbits, which brings a fraction of the electrons from the cathode toward the anode, is discovered. This offers an explanation of the rapid startup observed in the experiments. A phase-locking model has been constructed from circuit theory to qualitatively explain various regimes observed in kilowatt magnetron injection-locking experiments, which were performed at the University of Michigan. These experiments utilize two continuous-wave magnetrons; one functions as an oscillator and the other as a driver. Time and frequency domain solutions are developed from the model, allowing investigations into growth, saturation, and frequency response of the output. The model qualitatively recovers many of the phase-locking frequency characteristics observed in the experiments. Effects of frequency chirp and frequency perturbation on the phase and lockability have also been quantified. Development of traveling wave amplifier operating at terahertz is a subject of current interest. The small circuit size has prompted a statistical analysis of the effects of random fabrication errors on phase and small signal gain of these amplifiers. The small signal theory is treated with a continuum model in which the electron beam is monoenergetic. Circuit perturbations that vary randomly along the beam axis are introduced through the dimensionless Pierce parameters describing the beam-wave velocity mismatch (b), the gain parameter (C), and the cold tube circuit loss ( d). Our study shows that perturbation in b dominates the other two in terms of power gain and phase shift. Extensive data show that standard deviation of the output phase is linearly proportional to standard deviation of the individual perturbations in b, C and d.

Predictive Power-balance Modeling of PEGASUS and NSTX-U Local Helicity Injection Discharges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barr, J. L.; Bongard, M. W.; Burke, M. G.; Fonck, R. J.; Hinson, E. T.; Perry, J. M.; Redd, A. J.; Schlossberg, D. J.

2013-10-01

Local helicity injection (LHI) with outer poloidal-field (PF) induction for solenoid-free startup is being studied on PEGASUS, reaching Ip <= 0 . 175 MA with 6 kA of injected current. A lumped-parameter circuit model for predicting the performance of LHI initiated plasmas is under development. The model employs energy and helicity balance, and includes applied PF ramping and the inductive effects of shape evolution. Low- A formulations for both the plasma external inductance and a uniform equilibrium-field are used to estimate inductive voltages. PEGASUS LHI plasmas are created near the outboard injectors with aspect ratio (A) ~ 5-6.5 and grow inward to fill the confinement region at A <= 1 . 3 . Initial results match experimental Ip (t) trajectories within 15 kA with a prescribed geometry evolution. Helicity injection is the largest driving term in the initial phase, but in the later phase is reduced to 20-45% of the total drive as PF induction and decreasing plasma inductance become dominant. In contrast, attaining ~1 MA non-solenoidal startup via LHI on NSTX-U will require operation in the regime where helicity injection drive exceeds inductive and geometric changes at full size. A large-area multi-injector array will increase available helicity injection by 3-4 times and allow exploration of this helicity-dominated regime at Ip ~ 0 . 3 MA in PEGASUS. Comparison of model predictions with time-evolving magnetic equilibria is in progress for model validation. Work supported by US DOE Grant DE-FG02-96ER54375.

Critical appraisal of 3-monthly paliperidone depot injections in the treatment of schizophrenia.

PubMed

Carpiniello, Bernardo; Pinna, Federica

2016-01-01

Three-monthly injections of paliperidone palmitate (PP-3M) represent a new and recently introduced long-acting antipsychotic therapeutic option. This review focuses on available data relating to the efficacy and safety of PP-3M and its position in the current therapeutic scenario. An analysis of PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases was conducted, and all available papers on PP-3M, including poster presentations, were selected and considered for the purpose of the present review. to date, three full papers have been published, the first, a Phase 1 randomized, open label study investigating the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of the drug; the second, a Phase 3 double blind study vs placebo focusing on efficacy and tolerability; and the last relating to the practical use of PP-3M. The five posters identified describe data reported in the above-cited papers. Overall, the pharmacokinetic findings obtained in these studies highlight the feasibility of administering PP-3M on a 3-monthly basis, subsequent to the administration of four 1-monthly injections of PP at doses 3.5 times higher than the stabilized dose of 1-monthly injections of PP (ie, 175, 300, 450, and 525 mgs). The published studies highlight a significantly longer time to relapse compared to placebo, and significantly better results compared to placebo for all secondary end-points (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Clinical Global Impression-Severity Scale, Personal and Social Performance Scale scores), in addition to reasonably good safety and tolerability profiles. PP-3M emerges as a potential candidate for use as a first-line long-acting agent in the maintenance treatment of patients with schizophrenia. Further studies should however be conducted to confirm this expectation. In view of its efficacy, tolerability, and safety, together with the longer timespan between injections, PP-3M currently represents one of the best available options, and may contribute towards addressing the issue of poor adherence, even in early psychosis.

Computational fluid dynamics study of viscous fingering in supercritical fluid chromatography.

PubMed

Subraveti, Sai Gokul; Nikrityuk, Petr; Rajendran, Arvind

2018-01-26

Axi-symmetric numerical simulations are carried out to study the dynamics of a plug introduced through a mixed-stream injection in supercritical fluid chromatographic columns. The computational fluid dynamics model developed in this work takes into account both the hydrodynamics and adsorption equilibria to describe the phenomena of viscous fingering and plug effect that contribute to peak distortions in mixed-stream injections. The model was implemented into commercial computational fluid dynamics software using user-defined functions. The simulations describe the propagation of both the solute and modifier highlighting the interplay between the hydrodynamics and plug effect. The simulated peaks showed good agreement with experimental data published in the literature involving different injection volumes (5 μL, 50 μL, 1 mL and 2 mL) of flurbiprofen on Chiralpak AD-H column using a mobile phase of CO 2 and methanol. The study demonstrates that while viscous fingering is the main source of peak distortions for large-volume injections (1 mL and 2 mL) it has negligible impact on small-volume injections (5 μL and 50 μL). Band broadening in small-volume injections arise mainly due to the plug effect. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dual-phase gas-permeation flow-injection thermometric analysis for the determination of carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Liu, S J; Tubino, M

1998-11-01

A flow-injection configuration based on a dual-phase gas-permeation system from a liquid donor to a gas acceptor stream with a thermistor flow-through detector is proposed for the direct analysis of the gas in the acceptor. This system was applied for the determination of carbon dioxide (in the form of carbonate) using the following chemical reaction: CO(2)(g)+2NH(3)(g)+H(2)O(g)=(NH(4))(2)CO(3)(s), with a linear response from 1x10(-3) to 50x10(-3) mol l(-1) of CO(3)(2-). Carbon dioxide was produced in the liquid donor and permeated into the gaseous acceptor stream of air/water vapor. The detection limit is 1x10(-3) mol l(-1) of carbonate, and a sampling frequency of 60 h(-1) is achieved with a relative standard deviation of 4.1% for replicate injections. The dual-phase gas-permeation flow-injection manifold, along with the membrane and phase separations, as well as the chemical reaction, provides enhanced selectivity when compared with the system employing a liquid acceptor stream, as serious interferents in this system, for instance, acetate and formate, among others, do not interfere in the proposed system.

Dynamics and Synchronization of Nonlinear Oscillators with Time Delays: A Study with Fiber Lasers

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-19

or coupling lines PC Polarization Controller PD Photodetector VA Variable Attenuator WDM Wavelength Division Multiplexer x Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1...lasers and detectors. Injection locking of lasers is a common practice that can be used to lock the frequency and phase of a laser to an injected signal...finding a basis vector that maximizes the mean squared projection of the data. Succeeding basis vectors are found that max- imize the projection with the

On the transition between two-phase and single-phase interface dynamics in multicomponent fluids at supercritical pressures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahms, Rainer N.; Oefelein, Joseph C.

2013-09-01

A theory that explains the operating pressures where liquid injection processes transition from exhibiting classical two-phase spray atomization phenomena to single-phase diffusion-dominated mixing is presented. Imaging from a variety of experiments have long shown that under certain conditions, typically when the pressure of the working fluid exceeds the thermodynamic critical pressure of the liquid phase, the presence of discrete two-phase flow processes become diminished. Instead, the classical gas-liquid interface is replaced by diffusion-dominated mixing. When and how this transition occurs, however, is not well understood. Modern theory still lacks a physically based model to quantify this transition and the precise mechanisms that lead to it. In this paper, we derive a new model that explains how the transition occurs in multicomponent fluids and present a detailed analysis to quantify it. The model applies a detailed property evaluation scheme based on a modified 32-term Benedict-Webb-Rubin equation of state that accounts for the relevant real-fluid thermodynamic and transport properties of the multicomponent system. This framework is combined with Linear Gradient Theory, which describes the detailed molecular structure of the vapor-liquid interface region. Our analysis reveals that the two-phase interface breaks down not necessarily due to vanishing surface tension forces, but due to thickened interfaces at high subcritical temperatures coupled with an inherent reduction of the mean free molecular path. At a certain point, the combination of reduced surface tension, the thicker interface, and reduced mean free molecular path enter the continuum length scale regime. When this occurs, inter-molecular forces approach that of the multicomponent continuum where transport processes dominate across the interfacial region. This leads to a continuous phase transition from compressed liquid to supercritical mixture states. Based on this theory, a regime diagram for liquid injection is developed that quantifies the conditions under which classical sprays transition to dense-fluid jets. It is shown that the chamber pressure required to support diffusion-dominated mixing dynamics depends on the composition and temperature of the injected liquid and ambient gas. To illustrate the method and analysis, we use conditions typical of diesel engine injection. We also present a companion set of high-speed images to provide experimental validation of the presented theory. The basic theory is quite general and applies to a wide range of modern propulsion and power systems such as liquid rockets, gas turbines, and reciprocating engines. Interestingly, the regime diagram associated with diesel engine injection suggests that classical spray phenomena at typical injection conditions do not occur.

Modeling and experimental studies of a side band power re-injection locked magnetron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Wen-Jun; Zhang, Yi; Yuan, Ping; Zhu, Hua-Cheng; Huang, Ka-Ma; Yang, Yang

2016-12-01

A side band power re-injection locked (SBPRIL) magnetron is presented in this paper. A tuning stub is placed between the external injection locked (EIL) magnetron and the circulator. Side band power of the EIL magnetron is reflected back to the magnetron. The reflected side band power is reused and pulled back to the central frequency. A phase-locking model is developed from circuit theory to explain the process of reuse of side band power in SBPRIL magnetron. Theoretical analysis proves that the side band power is pulled back to the central frequency of the SBPRIL magnetron, then the amplitude of the RF voltage increases and the phase noise performance is improved. Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation of a 10-vane continuous wave (CW) magnetron model is presented. Computer simulation predicts that the frequency spectrum’s peak of the SBPRIL magnetron has an increase of 3.25 dB compared with the free running magnetron. The phase noise performance at the side band offset reduces 12.05 dB for the SBPRIL magnetron. Besides, the SBPRIL magnetron experiment is presented. Experimental results show that the spectrum peak rises by 14.29% for SBPRIL magnetron compared with the free running magnetron. The phase noise reduces more than 25 dB at 45-kHz offset compared with the free running magnetron. Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2013CB328902) and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 61501311).

Exacerbated febrile responses to LPS, but not turpentine, in TNF double receptor-knockout mice.

PubMed

Leon, L R; Kozak, W; Peschon, J; Kluger, M J

1997-02-01

We examined the effects of injections of systemic [lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 2.5 mg/kg or 50 pg/kg ip] or local (turpentine, 100 microl sc) inflammatory stimuli on fever, motor activity, body weight, and food intake in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) double receptor (TNFR)-knockout mice. A high dose of LPS resulted in exacerbated fevers in TNFR-knockout mice compared with wild-type mice for the early phase of fever (3-15 h); the late phase of fever (16-24 h) and fevers to a low dose of LPS were similar in both groups. Motor activity, body weight, and food intake were similarly reduced in both groups of mice after LPS administration. In response to turpentine, TNFR-knockout and wild-type mice developed virtually identical responses to all variables monitored. These results suggest that 1) TNF modulates fevers to LPS dose dependently, 2) TNF does not modulate fevers to a subcutaneous injection of turpentine, and 3) knockout mice may develop cytokine redundancy in the regulation of the acute phase response to intraperitoneally injected LPS or subcutaneously injected turpentine.

Emerging pharmacological therapies in schizophrenia: what's new, what's different, what's next?

PubMed

Citrome, Leslie

2016-12-01

There are several new and emerging medication interventions for both the acute and maintenance treatment phases of schizophrenia. Recently approved are 2 new dopamine receptor partial agonists, brexpiprazole and cariprazine, as well as 2 new long-acting injectable antipsychotic formulations, aripiprazole lauroxil and 3-month paliperidone palmitate. Although differences in efficacy compared to other available choices are not expected, the new oral options offer different tolerability profiles that may be attractive for individual patients who have had difficulties with older medications. The new long-acting injectable options provide additional flexibility in terms of increasing the time interval between injections. In Phase III of clinical development is a novel antipsychotic, lumateperone (ITI-007), that appears to have little in the way of significant adverse effects. Deutetrabenazine and valbenazine are agents in Phase III for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia, a condition that can be found among persons receiving chronic antipsychotic therapy. On the horizon are additional injectable formulations of familiar antipsychotics, aripiprazole and risperidone, that may be more convenient than what is presently available.

Field demonstration of CO2 leakage detection and potential impacts on groundwater quality at Brackenridge Field Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zou, Y.; Yang, C.; Guzman, N.; Delgado, J.; Mickler, P. J.; Horvoka, S.; Trevino, R.

2015-12-01

One concern related to GCS is possible risk of unintended CO2 leakage from the storage formations into overlying potable aquifers on underground sources of drinking water (USDW). Here we present a series of field tests conducted in an alluvial aquifer which is on a river terrace at The University of Texas Brackenridge Field Laboratory. Several shallow groundwater wells were completed to the limestone bedrock at a depth of 6 m and screened in the lower 3 m. Core sediments recovered from the shallow aquifer show that the sediments vary in grain size from clay-rich layers to coarse sandy gravels. Two main types of field tests were conducted at the BFL: single- (or double-) well push-pull test and pulse-like CO2 release test. A single- (or double-) well push-pull test includes three phases: the injection phase, the resting phase and pulling phase. During the injection phase, groundwater pumped from the shallow aquifer was stored in a tank, equilibrated with CO2 gasand then injected into the shallow aquifer to mimic CO2 leakage. During the resting phase, the groundwater charged with CO2 reacted with minerals in the aquifer sediments. During the pulling phase, groundwater was pumped from the injection well and groundwater samples were collected continuously for groundwater chemistry analysis. In such tests, large volume of groundwater which was charged with CO2 can be injected into the shallow aquifer and thus maximize contact of groundwater charged with CO2. Different than a single- (or double-) well push-pull test, a pulse-like CO2 release test for validating chemical sensors for CO2 leakage detection involves a CO2 release phase that CO2 gas was directly bubbled into the testing well and a post monitoring phase that groundwater chemistry was continuously monitored through sensors and/or grounder sampling. Results of the single- (or double-) well push-pull tests conducted in the shallow aquifer shows that the unintended CO2 leakage could lead to dissolution of carbonates and some silicates and mobilization of heavy metals from the aquifer sediments to groundwater, however, such mobilization posed no risks on groundwater quality at this site. The pulse-like tests have demonstrated it is plausible to use chemical sensors for CO2 leakage detection in groundwater.

Evaluation of rock/fracture interactions during steam injection through vertical hydrofractures

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

Kovscek, A.R.; Johnston, R.M.; Patzek, T.W.

1995-12-31

This paper illustrates the design and results of Shell`s Phase 2 steam drive pilot in the South Belridge Diatomite, Kern County, California. Steam drive on 5/8 acre spacing appears to be an economically viable alternative to waterflooding in the Diatomite; hence, it is being explored as a secondary recovery process. The purpose of the Phase 2 pilot was to demonstrate that steam could be injected across the full Diatomite interval and to quantify reservoir heating and volumetric sweep by steam. In this pilot, two separate, noncommunicating hydrofractures that span the entire Diatomite column (1,110--1,910 ft) are used for injection. Tomore » interpret quantitatively steam drive results the authors propose a computationally simple, high resolution model that captures formation heating due to both steam/hot condensate convection and heat conduction, evolution of formation permeability, and changes in the size and shape of the injection hydrofractures. From this model they obtain formation pressure, temperature, the cumulative steam injection, the dynamics of hydrofractures while they undergo steam injection, and, thus, a history match for the pilot.« less

Modeling and investigation of refrigeration system performance with two-phase fluid injection in a scroll compressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Rui

Vapor compression cycles are widely used in heating, refrigerating and air-conditioning. A slight performance improvement in the components of a vapor compression cycle, such as the compressor, can play a significant role in saving energy use. However, the complexity and cost of these improvements can block their application in the market. Modifying the conventional cycle configuration can offer a less complex and less costly alternative approach. Economizing is a common modification for improving the performance of the refrigeration cycle, resulting in decreasing the work required to compress the gas per unit mass. Traditionally, economizing requires multi-stage compressors, the cost of which has restrained the scope for practical implementation. Compressors with injection ports, which can be used to inject economized refrigerant during the compression process, introduce new possibilities for economization with less cost. This work focuses on computationally investigating a refrigeration system performance with two-phase fluid injection, developing a better understanding of the impact of injected refrigerant quality on refrigeration system performance as well as evaluating the potential COP improvement that injection provides based on refrigeration system performance provided by Copeland.

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

Soltanian, Mohamad Reza; Amooie, Mohammad Amin; Cole, David R.

In this study, a field-scale carbon dioxide (CO 2) injection pilot project was conducted as part of the Southeast Regional Sequestration Partnership (SECARB) at Cranfield, Mississippi. We present higher-order finite element simulations of the compositional two-phase CO 2-brine flow and transport during the experiment. High- resolution static models of the formation geology in the Detailed Area Study (DAS) located below the oil- water contact (brine saturated) are used to capture the impact of connected flow paths on breakthrough times in two observation wells. Phase behavior is described by the cubic-plus-association (CPA) equation of state, which takes into account the polarmore » nature of water molecules. Parameter studies are performed to investigate the importance of Fickian diffusion, permeability heterogeneity, relative permeabilities, and capillarity. Simulation results for the pressure response in the injection well and the CO 2 breakthrough times at the observation wells show good agreement with the field data. For the high injection rates and short duration of the experiment, diffusion is relatively unimportant (high P clet numbers), while relative permeabilities have a profound impact on the pressure response. High-permeability pathways, created by fluvial deposits, strongly affect the CO 2 transport and highlight the importance of properly characterizing the formation heterogeneity in future carbon sequestration projects.« less

Simulation of the injection damping and resonance correction systems for the HEB of the SSC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, M.; Zhang, P.; Machida, S.

1993-12-01

An injection damping and resonance correction system for the High Energy Booster (HEB) of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC) was investigated by means of multiparticle tracking. For an injection damping study, the code Simpsons is modified to utilize two Beam Position Monitors (BPM) and two dampers. The particles of 200 Gev/c, numbered 1024 or more, with Gaussian distribution in 6-D phase space are injected into the HEB with certain injection offsets. The whole bunch of particles is then kicked in proportion to the BPM signals with some upper limit. Tracking these particles up to several hundred turns while the damping system is acting shows the turn-by-turn emittance growth, which is caused by the tune spread due to nonlinearity of the lattice and residual chromaticity with synchrotron oscillations. For a resonance correction study, the operating tune is scanned as a function of time so that a bunch goes through a resonance. The performance of the resonance correction system is demonstrated. We optimize the system parameters which satisfy the emittance budget of the HEB, taking into account the realistic hardware requirement.

The effect of pinealectomy, melatonin and leptin hormones on ovarian follicular development in female Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

PubMed

Karakaş, A; Kaya, Aliye; Gündüz, B

2010-12-01

We studied the effects of melatonin and leptin hormones on ovarian follicular development in intact and pinealectomized female Syrian hamsters. We first monitored the oestrous cycle of the hamsters by the vaginal smear samples throughout a ten day period to start the injections simultaneously in all groups and performed saline, melatonin and leptin hormone injection groups for both control and pinealectomized hamsters. Then the injections were applied for four days starting the oestrus phase of the cycle and the ovaries were removed for preparation of histological analysis. We measured the diameters and the numbers of the follicles and we classified the follicles according to the number of the granulosa cell layer. Leptin hormone injection increased melatonin hormone injection decreased the number and the diameter of the follicles. The stimulating effect of the leptin hormone was more pronounced in the pinealectomized group. The results of the present study indicate that the removal of the pineal gland and leptin hormone administration are playing a stimulatory while melatonin hormone administration is playing an inhibitory role on the follicular development in female Syrian hamsters.

Intraarticular local anesthesia: can it reduce pain related to MR or CT arthrography of the shoulder?

PubMed

Choo, Hye Jung; Lee, Sun Joo; Kim, Dong Wook; Choi, Seok Jin; Lee, In Sook

2013-04-01

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate whether intraarticular anesthesia can reduce pain after MR or CT arthrography of the shoulder. This study included 120 patients who underwent CT or MR arthrography of the shoulder. The patients were randomized into two groups: the study group (n = 60), each administered an intraarticular injection of the contrast agent mixed with a local anesthetic (2% mepivacaine); and the control group (n = 60), each injected with the contrast agent only. Each patient's pain level was assessed at five phases-baseline and immediately, 2 hours, 1 day, and 2 days after injection-by using a visual analog scale or a verbal rating scale. The net pain score at each phase was also calculated. The pain course and net pain score were compared between study and control groups by repeated-measures analysis of variance. After the patients were divided into subgroups according to patient- or procedure-related factors, the efficacy of the intraarticular local anesthetic in each subgroup was evaluated. The pain course showed a quadratic trend and was not significantly different between study and control groups. The net pain score also was not significantly different between the two groups. No subgroup showed a significantly different efficacy of the intraarticular local anesthetic between the two groups. Intraarticular local anesthesia did not reduce arthrography-related pain.

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of the novel antituberculous vaccine RUTI: randomized, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial in patients with latent tuberculosis infection.

PubMed

Nell, Andre S; D'lom, Eva; Bouic, Patrick; Sabaté, Montserrat; Bosser, Ramon; Picas, Jordi; Amat, Mercè; Churchyard, Gavin; Cardona, Pere-Joan

2014-01-01

To evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of three different doses (5, 25 and 50 µg) of the novel antituberculous vaccine RUTI compared to placebo in subjects with latent tuberculosis infection. Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II Clinical Trial (95 patients randomized). Three different RUTI doses and placebo were tested, randomized both in HIV-positive (n = 47) and HIV-negative subjects (n = 48), after completion of one month isoniazid (INH) pre-vaccination. Each subject received two vaccine administrations, 28 Days apart. Five patients withdrew and 90 patients completed the study. Assessment of safety showed no deaths during study. Two subjects had serious adverse events one had a retinal detachment while taking INH and was not randomized and the other had a severe local injection site abscess on each arm and was hospitalized; causality was assessed as very likely and by the end of the study the outcome had resolved. All the patients except 5 (21%) patients of the placebo group (3 HIV+ and 2 HIV-) reported at least one adverse event (AE) during the study. The most frequently occurring AEs among RUTI recipients were (% in HIV+/-): injection site reactions [erythema (91/92), induration (94/92), local nodules (46/25), local pain (66/75), sterile abscess (6/6), swelling (74/83), ulcer (20/11), headache (17/22) and nasopharyngitis (20/5)]. These events were mostly mild and well tolerated. Overall, a polyantigenic response was observed, which differed by HIV- status. The best polyantigenic response was obtained when administrating 25 µg RUTI, especially in HIV-positive subjects which was not increased after the second inoculation. This Phase II clinical trial demonstrates reasonable tolerability of RUTI. The immunogenicity profile of RUTI vaccine in LTBI subjects, even being variable among groups, allows us considering one single injection of one of the highest doses in future trials, preceded by an extended safety clinical phase. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01136161.

Morphology Evolution of Polymer Blends under Intense Shear During High Speed Thin-Wall Injection Molding.

PubMed

Zhou, Yi; Yu, Feilong; Deng, Hua; Huang, Yajiang; Li, Guangxian; Fu, Qiang

2017-06-29

The morphology evolution under shear during different processing is indeed an important issue regarding the phase morphology control as well as final physical properties of immiscible polymer blends. High-speed thin wall injection molding (HSTWIM) has recently been demonstrated as an effective method to prepare alternating multilayered structure. To understand the formation mechanism better and explore possible phase morphology for different blends under HSTWIM, the relationship between the morphology evolution of polymer blends based on polypropylene (PP) under HSTWIM and some intrinsic properties of polymer blends, including viscosity ratio, interfacial tension, and melt elasticity, is systematically investigated in this study. Blends based on PP containing polyethylene (PE), ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), and polylactic acid (PLA) are used as examples. Compatibilizer has also been added into respective blends to alter their interfacial interaction. It is demonstrated that dispersed phase can be deformed into a layered-like structure if interfacial tension, viscosity ratio, and melt elasticity are relatively small. While some of these values are relatively large, these dispersed droplets are not easily deformed under HSTWIM, forming ellipsoidal or fiber-like structure. The addition of a moderate amount of compatibilizer into these blends is shown to be able to reduce interfacial tension and the size of dispersed phase, thus, allowing more deformation on the dispersed phase. Such a study could provide some guidelines on phase morphology control of immiscible polymer blends under shear during various processing methods.

Extraforaminal needle tip position reduces risk of intravascular injection in CT-fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections

PubMed Central

Yu, Robinson K.; Ghodadra, Anish; Agarwal, Vikas

2016-01-01

Background Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is a common and effective tool for managing lumbar radicular pain, although accidental intravascular injection can rarely result in paralysis. The purpose of this study is to determine the safest needle tip position for computed tomography (CT)-guided lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections as determined by incidence of intravascular injection. Methods Three radiologists, in consensus, reviewed procedural imaging for consecutive CT-fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections performed during a 16-month period. Intravascular injections were identified and categorized by needle tip position, vessel type injected, intravascular injection volume and procedural phase containing the intravascular injection. Pearson chi-square and logistic regression testing were used to assess differences between groups, as appropriate. Results Intravascular injections occurred in 9% (52/606) of injections. The intravascular injection rate was significantly lower (P<0.001) for extraforaminal needle position (0%, 0/109) compared to junctional (8%, 27/319) and foraminal (14%, 25/178) needle tip positions. Of the intravascular injections, 4% (2/52) were likely arterial, 35% (18/52) were likely venous, and 62% (32/52) were indeterminate for vessel type injected. 46% (24/52) of intravascular injections were large volume, 33% (17/52) were small volume, and 21% (11/52) were trace volume. 56% (29/52) of intravascular injections occurred with the contrast trial dose, 29% (15/52) with the steroid/analgesic cocktail, and 15% (8/52) with both. Conclusions An extraforaminal needle position for CT-fluoroscopic lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections decreases the risk of intravascular injection and therefore may be safer than other needle tip positions. PMID:28097241

MUFITS Code for Modeling Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide at Sub- and Supercritical Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Afanasyev, A.

2012-12-01

Two-phase models are widely used for simulation of CO2 storage in saline aquifers. These models support gaseous phase mainly saturated with CO2 and liquid phase mainly saturated with H2O (e.g. TOUGH2 code). The models can be applied to analysis of CO2 storage only in relatively deeply-buried reservoirs where pressure exceeds CO2 critical pressure. At these supercritical reservoir conditions only one supercritical CO2-rich phase appears in aquifer due to CO2 injection. In shallow aquifers where reservoir pressure is less than the critical pressure CO2 can split in two different liquid-like and gas-like phases (e.g. Spycher et al., 2003). Thus a region of three-phase flow of water, liquid and gaseous CO2 can appear near the CO2 injection point. Today there is no widely used and generally accepted numerical model capable of the three-phase flows with two CO2-rich phases. In this work we propose a new hydrodynamic simulator MUFITS (Multiphase Filtration Transport Simulator) for multiphase compositional modeling of CO2-H2O mixture flows in porous media at conditions of interest for carbon sequestration. The simulator is effective both for supercritical flows in a wide range of pressure and temperature and for subcritical three-phase flows of water, liquid CO2 and gaseous CO2 in shallow reservoirs. The distinctive feature of the proposed code lies in the methodology for mixture properties determination. Transport equations and Darcy correlation are solved together with calculation of the entropy maximum that is reached in thermodynamic equilibrium and determines the mixture composition. To define and solve the problem only one function - mixture thermodynamic potential - is required. The potential is determined using a three-parametric generalization of Peng-Robinson equation of state fitted to experimental data (Todheide, Takenouchi, Altunin etc.). We apply MUFITS to simple 1D and 2D test problems of CO2 injection in shallow reservoirs subjected to phase changes between liquid and gaseous CO2. We consider CO2 injection into highly heterogeneous the 10th SPE reservoir. We provide analysis of physical phenomena that have control temperature distribution in the reservoir. The distribution is non-monotonic with regions of high and low temperature. The main phenomena responsible for considerable temperature decline around CO2 injection point is the liquid CO2 evaporation process. We also apply the code to real-scale 3D simulations of CO2 geological storage at supercritical conditions in Sleipner field and Johansen formation (Fig). The work is supported financially by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (12-01-31117) and grant for leading scientific schools (NSh 1303.2012.1). CO2 phase saturation in Johansen formation after 50 years of injection and 1000 years of rest period

Wallula Basalt Pilot Demonstration Project: Post-injection Results and Conclusions

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

McGrail, Bernard Pete; Schaef, Herbert T.; Spane, Frank A.

Deep underground geologic formations are emerging as a reasonable option for long-term storage of CO 2, including large continental flood basalt formations. At the GHGT-11 and GHGT-12 conferences, progress was reported on the initial phases for Wallula Basalt Pilot demonstration test (located in Eastern Washington state), where nearly 1,000 metric tons of CO 2 were injected over a 3-week period during July/August 2013. The target CO 2 injection intervals were two permeable basalt interflow reservoir zones with a combined thickness of ~20 m that occur within a layered basalt sequence between a depth of 830-890 m below ground surface. Duringmore » the two-year post-injection period, downhole fluid samples were periodically collected during this post-injection monitoring phase, coupled with limited wireline borehole logging surveys that provided indirect evidence of on-going chemical geochemical reactions/alterations and CO 2 disposition. A final detailed post-closure field characterization program that included downhole fluid sampling, and performance of hydrologic tests and wireline geophysical surveys. Included as part of the final wireline characterization activities was the retrieval of side-wall cores from within the targeted injection zones. These cores were examined for evidence of in-situ mineral carbonization. Visual observations of the core material identified small globular nodules, translucent to yellow in color, residing within vugs and small cavities of the recovered basalt side-wall cores, which were not evident in pre-injection side-wall cores obtained from the native basalt formation. Characterization by x-ray diffraction identified these nodular precipitates as ankerite, a commonly occurring iron and calcium rich carbonate. Isotopic characterization (δ 13C, δ 18O) conducted on the ankerite nodules indicate a distinct isotopic signature that is closely aligned with that of the injected CO 2. Both the secondary mineral nodules and injected CO 2 are measurably different from the isotopic content of basalt, injection zone groundwater and for naturally occurring calcite. Final post-injection wireline geophysical logging results also indicate the presence of free-phase CO 2 at the top of the two injection interflow zones, with no vertical migration of CO 2 above the injection horizons. Furthermore, these findings are significant and demonstrate the feasibility of sequestering CO 2 in a basalt formation.« less

Wallula Basalt Pilot Demonstration Project: Post-injection Results and Conclusions

DOE PAGES

McGrail, Bernard Pete; Schaef, Herbert T.; Spane, Frank A.; ...

2017-08-18

Deep underground geologic formations are emerging as a reasonable option for long-term storage of CO 2, including large continental flood basalt formations. At the GHGT-11 and GHGT-12 conferences, progress was reported on the initial phases for Wallula Basalt Pilot demonstration test (located in Eastern Washington state), where nearly 1,000 metric tons of CO 2 were injected over a 3-week period during July/August 2013. The target CO 2 injection intervals were two permeable basalt interflow reservoir zones with a combined thickness of ~20 m that occur within a layered basalt sequence between a depth of 830-890 m below ground surface. Duringmore » the two-year post-injection period, downhole fluid samples were periodically collected during this post-injection monitoring phase, coupled with limited wireline borehole logging surveys that provided indirect evidence of on-going chemical geochemical reactions/alterations and CO 2 disposition. A final detailed post-closure field characterization program that included downhole fluid sampling, and performance of hydrologic tests and wireline geophysical surveys. Included as part of the final wireline characterization activities was the retrieval of side-wall cores from within the targeted injection zones. These cores were examined for evidence of in-situ mineral carbonization. Visual observations of the core material identified small globular nodules, translucent to yellow in color, residing within vugs and small cavities of the recovered basalt side-wall cores, which were not evident in pre-injection side-wall cores obtained from the native basalt formation. Characterization by x-ray diffraction identified these nodular precipitates as ankerite, a commonly occurring iron and calcium rich carbonate. Isotopic characterization (δ 13C, δ 18O) conducted on the ankerite nodules indicate a distinct isotopic signature that is closely aligned with that of the injected CO 2. Both the secondary mineral nodules and injected CO 2 are measurably different from the isotopic content of basalt, injection zone groundwater and for naturally occurring calcite. Final post-injection wireline geophysical logging results also indicate the presence of free-phase CO 2 at the top of the two injection interflow zones, with no vertical migration of CO 2 above the injection horizons. Furthermore, these findings are significant and demonstrate the feasibility of sequestering CO 2 in a basalt formation.« less

The Effect of Exercise on the Early Stages of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Induced Cartilage Repair in a Rat Osteochondral Defect Model

PubMed Central

Yamaguchi, Shoki; Aoyama, Tomoki; Ito, Akira; Nagai, Momoko; Iijima, Hirotaka; Tajino, Junichi; Zhang, Xiangkai; Kiyan, Wataru; Kuroki, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

The repair of articular cartilage is challenging owing to the restriction in the ability of articular cartilage to repair itself. Therefore, cell supplementation therapy is possible cartilage repair method. However, few studies have verified the efficacy and safety of cell supplementation therapy. The current study assessed the effect of exercise on early the phase of cartilage repair following cell supplementation utilizing mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) intra-articular injection. An osteochondral defect was created on the femoral grooves bilaterally of Wistar rats. Mesenchymal stromal cells that were obtained from male Wistar rats were cultured in monolayer. After 4 weeks, MSCs were injected into the right knee joint and the rats were randomized into an exercise or no-exercise intervention group. The femurs were divided as follows: C group (no exercise without MSC injection); E group (exercise without MSC injection); M group (no exercise with MSC injection); and ME group (exercise with MSC injection). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the injection, the femurs were sectioned and histologically graded using the Wakitani cartilage repair scoring system. At 2 weeks after the injection, the total histological scores of the M and ME groups improved significantly compared with those of the C group. Four weeks after the injection, the scores of both the M and ME groups improved significantly. Additionally, the scores in the ME group showed a significant improvement compared to those in the M group. The improvement in the scores of the E, M, and ME groups at 8 weeks were not significantly different. The findings indicate that exercise may enhance cartilage repair after an MSC intra-articular injection. This study highlights the importance of exercise following cell transplantation therapy. PMID:26968036

The Effect of Exercise on the Early Stages of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Induced Cartilage Repair in a Rat Osteochondral Defect Model.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Shoki; Aoyama, Tomoki; Ito, Akira; Nagai, Momoko; Iijima, Hirotaka; Tajino, Junichi; Zhang, Xiangkai; Kiyan, Wataru; Kuroki, Hiroshi

2016-01-01

The repair of articular cartilage is challenging owing to the restriction in the ability of articular cartilage to repair itself. Therefore, cell supplementation therapy is possible cartilage repair method. However, few studies have verified the efficacy and safety of cell supplementation therapy. The current study assessed the effect of exercise on early the phase of cartilage repair following cell supplementation utilizing mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) intra-articular injection. An osteochondral defect was created on the femoral grooves bilaterally of Wistar rats. Mesenchymal stromal cells that were obtained from male Wistar rats were cultured in monolayer. After 4 weeks, MSCs were injected into the right knee joint and the rats were randomized into an exercise or no-exercise intervention group. The femurs were divided as follows: C group (no exercise without MSC injection); E group (exercise without MSC injection); M group (no exercise with MSC injection); and ME group (exercise with MSC injection). At 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the injection, the femurs were sectioned and histologically graded using the Wakitani cartilage repair scoring system. At 2 weeks after the injection, the total histological scores of the M and ME groups improved significantly compared with those of the C group. Four weeks after the injection, the scores of both the M and ME groups improved significantly. Additionally, the scores in the ME group showed a significant improvement compared to those in the M group. The improvement in the scores of the E, M, and ME groups at 8 weeks were not significantly different. The findings indicate that exercise may enhance cartilage repair after an MSC intra-articular injection. This study highlights the importance of exercise following cell transplantation therapy.

Terahertz injection lasers based on PbSnSe alloy with an emission wavelength up to 46.5 μm

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

Maremyanin, K. V., E-mail: kirillm@ipmras.ru; Rumyantsev, V. V.; Ikonnikov, A. V.

2016-12-15

Diffusion injection lasers based on Pb{sub 1} {sub –} {sub x}Sn{sub x}Se alloy, emitting in a wide spectral range of 10–46.5 μm depending on the composition and temperatures are fabricated. A technology for growing high-quality single crystals from the vapor phase under conditions of free growth is developed. The dependences of the total emission intensity on the pump current and the emission spectra of injection lasers based on Pb{sub 1–x}Sn{sub x}Se are studied. In these samples, lasing of long-wavelength radiation to a record wavelength of 46.5 μm is achieved.

Liquid-Phase Heat-Release Rates of the Systems Hydrazine-Nitric Acid and Unsymmetrical Dimethylhydrazine-Nitric Acid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Somogyi, Dezso; Feiler, Charles E.

1960-01-01

The initial rates of heat release produced by the reactions of hydrazine and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine with nitric acid were determined in a bomb calorimeter under conditions of forced mixing. Fuel-oxidant weight ratio and injection velocity were varied. The rate of heat release apparently depended on the interfacial area between the propellants. Above a narrow range of injection velocities representing a critical amount of interfacial area, the rates reached a maximum and were almost constant with injection velocity. The maximum rate for hydrazine was about 70 percent greater than that for unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine. The total heat released did not vary with mixture ratio over the range studied.

New approach for local cancer treatment using pulsed high-intensity focused ultrasound and phase-change nanodroplets.

PubMed

Ashida, Reiko; Kawabata, Ken-Ichi; Maruoka, Takashi; Asami, Rei; Yoshikawa, Hideki; Takakura, Rena; Ioka, Tatsuya; Katayama, Kazuhiro; Tanaka, Sachiko

2015-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the combination effects of pulsed HIFU (pHIFU) and phase-change nanodroplets (PCND) as a sensitizer on efficient induction of mechanical effects of pHIFU and chemically enhanced tumor growth inhibition for local anti-tumor therapy. Changes in growth of colon 26 tumor tissue inoculated onto CDF1 mice were evaluated by the following treatments. (1) pHIFU exposure (1.1 MHz, 3.2 kW/cm(2), 300 cycles, and 50 ms interval) for 60 s, (2) PCND (1 %) injection, (3) adriamycin (4 mg/kg) injection, (4) pHIFU exposure after PCND injection, and (5) pHIFU exposure after PCND + adriamycin injection simultaneously. Significant changes in tumor growth were observed in the group with combination of pHIFU and PCND, although single therapy did not show any significant difference. PCND enhanced mechanical tissue fractionation by pHIFU, which was detectable by Real-time tissue elastography. Moreover, the combination of pHIFU and PCND + Adriamycin suppressed the tumor growth for 2 weeks, and 3 of 4 mice did not show any sign of regrowth during the 30-day observation. The combination of pHIFU and PCND exerted a significant anti-tumor effect and may be a new candidate for treatment of locally advanced cancer.

Fibrinogen-like protein 1, a hepatocyte derived protein is an acute phase reactant

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

Liu Zhilin; Ukomadu, Chinweike

2008-01-25

Fibrinogen-like protein 1 (FGL1) is a hepatocyte derived protein that is upregulated in regenerating rodent livers following partial hepatectomy. It has been implicated as a mitogen for liver cell proliferation. In this study, we show that recombinant human IL-6 induces FGL1 expression in Hep G2 cells in a pattern similar to those of acute phase reactants. Following induction of acute inflammation in rats by subcutaneous injection of turpentine oil, serum FGL1 levels are also enhanced. Although, a recent report suggests that FGL1 associates almost exclusively with the fibrin matrix, we report here that approximately 20% of the total plasma FGL1more » remains free. The enhancement of FGL1 levels in vitro by IL-6 and its induction after turpentine oil injection suggest that it is an acute phase reactant. Its presence in bound and free forms in the blood also implies biological roles that extend beyond the proposed autocrine effect it has on hepatocytes during regeneration.« less

Stoichiometric and Oxygen-Deficient VO2 as Versatile Hole Injection Electrode for Organic Semiconductors.

PubMed

Fu, Keke; Wang, Rongbin; Katase, Takayoshi; Ohta, Hiromichi; Koch, Norbert; Duhm, Steffen

2018-03-28

Using photoemission spectroscopy, we show that the surface electronic structure of VO 2 is determined by the temperature-dependent metal-insulator phase transition and the density of oxygen vacancies, which depends on the temperature and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions. The atomically clean and stoichiometric VO 2 surface is insulating at room temperature and features an ultrahigh work function of up to 6.7 eV. Heating in UHV just above the phase transition temperature induces the expected metallic phase, which goes in hand with the formation of oxygen defects (up to 6% in this study), but a high work function >6 eV is maintained. To demonstrate the suitability of VO 2 as hole injection contact for organic semiconductors, we investigated the energy-level alignment with the prototypical organic hole transport material N, N'-di(1-naphthyl)- N, N'-diphenyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine (NPB). Evidence for strong Fermi-level pinning and the associated energy-level bending in NPB is found, rendering an Ohmic contact for holes.

Fabrication of calcium phosphate–calcium sulfate injectable bone substitute using hydroxy-propyl-methyl-cellulose and citric acid

PubMed Central

Thai, Van Viet

2010-01-01

In this study, an injectable bone substitute (IBS) consisting of citric acid, chitosan, and hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) as the liquid phase and tetra calcium phosphate (TTCP), dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and calcium sulfate dehydrate (CSD, CaSO4·2H2O) powders as the solid phase, were fabricated. Two groups were classified based on the percent of citric acid in the liquid phase (20, 40 wt%). In each groups, the HPMC percentage was 0, 2, and 4 wt%. An increase in compressive strength due to changes in morphology was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy images. A good conversion rate of HAp at 20% citric acid was observed in the XRD profiles. In addition, HPMC was not obviously affected by apatite formation. However, both HPMC and citric acid increased the compressive strength of IBS. The maximum compressive strength for IBS was with 40% citric acid and 4% HPMC after 14 days of incubation in 100% humidity at 37°C. PMID:20333539

Particle Effects On The Extinction And Ignition Of Flames In Normal- And Micro-Gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andac, M. G.; Egolfopoulos, F. N.; Campbell, C. S.

2003-01-01

Reacting dusty flows have been studied to lesser extent than pure gas phase flows and sprays. Particles can significantly alter the ignition, burning and extinction characteristics of the gas phase due to the dynamic, thermal, and chemical couplings between the phases. The understanding of two-phase flows can be attained in stagnation flow configurations, which have been used to study spray combustion [e.g. 1] as well as reacting dusty flows [e.g. 2]. The thermal coupling between inert particles and a gas, as well as the effect of gravity, were studied in Ref. 3. It was also shown that the gravity can substantially affect parameters such as the particle velocity, number density, mass flux, and temperature. In Refs. 4 and 5, the effects of inert particles on the extinction of strained premixed and nonpremixed flames were studied both experimentally and numerically at 1-g and m-g. It was shown that large particles can cool flames more effectively than smaller particles. The effects of flame configuration and particle injection orientation were also addressed. It was shown that it was not possible to obtain a simple and still meaningful scaling that captured all the pertinent physics due to the complexity of the couplings between parameters. Also, the cooling by particles is more profound in the absence of gravity as gravity works to reduce the particle number density in the neighborhood of the flame. The efforts were recently shifted towards the understanding of the effects of combustible particles on extinction [6], the gas-phase ignition by hot particle injection [7], and the hot gas ignition of flames in the presence of particles that are not hot enough to ignite the gas phase by themselves.

Theoretical analysis of a method for extracting the phase of a phase-amplitude modulated signal generated by a direct-modulated optical injection-locked semiconductor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hwan; Cho, Jun-Hyung; Sung, Hyuk-Kee

2017-05-01

The phase modulation (PM) and amplitude modulation (AM) of optical signals can be achieved using a direct-modulated (DM) optical injection-locked (OIL) semiconductor laser. We propose and theoretically analyze a simple method to extract the phase component of a PM signal produced by a DM-OIL semiconductor laser. The pure AM component of the combined PM-AM signal can be isolated by square-law detection in a photodetector and can then be used to compensate for the PM-AM signal based on an optical homodyne method. Using the AM compensation technique, we successfully developed a simple and cost-effective phase extraction method applicable to the PM-AM optical signal of a DM-OIL semiconductor laser.

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Spontaneous symmetry breaking in a bridge model fed by junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Popkov, Vladislav; Evans, Martin R.; Mukamel, David

2008-10-01

We introduce a class of 1D models mimicking a single-lane bridge with two junctions and two particle species driven in opposite directions. The model exhibits spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) for a range of injection/extraction rates. In this phase the steady-state currents of the two species are not equal. Moreover, there is a co-existence region in which the symmetry-broken phase co-exists with a symmetric phase. Along a path in which the extraction rate is varied, keeping the injection rate fixed and large, hysteresis takes place. The mean-field phase diagram is calculated and supporting Monte Carlo simulations are presented. One of the transition lines exhibits a kink, a feature which cannot exist in transition lines of equilibrium phase transitions.

Second-line drug susceptibility breakpoints for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using the MODS assay.

PubMed

Trollip, A P; Moore, D; Coronel, J; Caviedes, L; Klages, S; Victor, T; Romancenco, E; Crudu, V; Ajbani, K; Vineet, V P; Rodrigues, C; Jackson, R L; Eisenach, K; Garfein, R S; Rodwell, T C; Desmond, E; Groessl, E J; Ganiats, T G; Catanzaro, A

2014-02-01

To establish breakpoint concentrations for the fluoroquinolones (moxifloxacin [MFX] and ofloxacin [OFX]) and injectable second-line drugs (amikacin [AMK], kanamycin [KM] and capreomycin [CPM]) using the microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay. A multinational study conducted between February 2011 and August 2012 in Peru, India, Moldova and South Africa. In the first phase, breakpoints for the fluoroquinolones and injectable second-line drugs (n = 58) were determined. In the second phase, MODS second-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) as an indirect test was compared to MGIT™ DST (n = 89). In the third (n = 30) and fourth (n = 156) phases, we determined the reproducibility and concordance of MODS second-line DST directly from sputum. Breakpoints for MFX (0.5 μg/ml), OFX (1 μg/ml), AMK (2 μg/ml), KM (5 μg/ml) and CPM (2.5 μg/ml) were determined. In all phases, MODS results were highly concordant with MGIT DST. The few discrepancies suggest that the MODS breakpoint concentrations for some drugs may be too low. MODS second-line DST yielded comparable results to MGIT second-line DST, and is thus a promising alternative. Further studies are needed to confirm the accuracy of the drug breakpoints and the reliability of MODS second-line DST as a direct test.

Permittivity changes induced by injected electrons and field-induced phase transition in KTa1-xNbxO3 optical beam deflectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imai, Tadayuki; Toyoda, Seiji; Miyazu, Jun; Kobayashi, Junya; Kojima, Seiji

2014-09-01

A space-charge-controlled optical beam deflector made of a KTa1-xNbxO3 (KTN) single crystal utilizes electrons that are injected through the cathode by applying voltage. With the deflector made of lithium-doped KTN (K0.95Li0.05Ta0.73Nb0.27O3, KLTN/0.05/0.27), we observed large increases in the capacitance of the deflector when we injected electrons. The increases were not caused by changes in the electrode interface but by changes in the permittivity of the bulk crystal. In the paraelectric phase, the KLTN/0.05/0.27 crystal exhibited nonlinearity in the dielectric response with double hysteresis loops in the D-E curves. We ascribed the permittivity change to this nonlinear phenomenon. We also discuss this nonlinearity in terms of the Landau-Devonshire phenomenological theory. The coefficient g4 of the fourth power term in the expanded free energy was negative in the paraelectric phase near the phase transition temperature as it is for other materials that exhibit a first-order phase transition. However, g4 depended on the temperature and its sign became positive about 15 °C above the phase transition temperature.

Preliminary results toward injection locking of an incoherent laser array

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Daher, J.

1986-01-01

The preliminary results of phase locking an incoherent laser array to a master source in an attempt to achieve coherent operation are presented. The techniques necessary to demonstrate phase locking are described along with some topics for future consideration. As expected, the results obtained suggest that injection locking of an array, where the spacing between adjacent longitudinal modes of its elements is significantly larger than the locking bandwidth, may not be feasible.

Online solid-phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for the determination of five tannins in traditional Chinese medicine injections.

PubMed

Sun, Meng; Lin, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Jie; Zheng, Shaohua; Wang, Sicen

2016-03-01

A rapid analytical method based on online solid-phase extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry has been established and applied to the determination of tannin compounds that may cause adverse effects in traditional Chinese medicine injections. Different solid-phase extraction sorbents have been compared and the elution buffer was optimized. The performance of the method was verified by evaluation of recovery (≥40%), repeatability (RSD ≤ 6%), linearity (r(2) ≥ 0.993), and limit of quantification (≤0.35 μg/mL). Five tannin compounds, gallic acid, cianidanol, gallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, and penta-O-galloylglucose, were identified with concentrations ranging from 3.1-37.4 μg/mL in the analyzed traditional Chinese medicine injections. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

"Reagentless" flow injection determination of ammonia and urea using membrane separation and solid phase basification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Akse, J. R.; Thompson, J. O.; Sauer, R. L.; Atwater, J. E.

1998-01-01

Flow injection analysis instrumentation and methodology for the determination of ammonia and ammonium ions in an aqueous solution are described. Using in-line solid phase basification beds containing crystalline media. the speciation of ammoniacal nitrogen is shifted toward the un-ionized form. which diffuses in the gas phase across a hydrophobic microporous hollow fiber membrane into a pure-water-containing analytical stream. The two streams flow in a countercurrent configuration on opposite sides of the membrane. The neutral pH of the analytical stream promotes the formation of ammonium cations, which are detected using specific conductance. The methodology provides a lower limit of detection of 10 microgram/L and a dynamic concentration range spanning three orders of magnitude using a 315-microliters sample injection volume. Using immobilized urease to enzymatically promote the hydrolysis of urea to produce ammonia and carbon dioxide, the technique has been extended to the determination of urea.

Heat transfer to two-phase air/water mixtures flowing in small tubes with inlet disequilibrium

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janssen, J. M.; Florschuetz, L. W.; Fiszdon, J. P.

1986-01-01

The cooling of gas turbine components was the subject of considerable research. The problem is difficult because the available coolant, compressor bleed air, is itself quite hot and has relatively poor thermophysical properties for a coolant. Injecting liquid water to evaporatively cool the air prior to its contact with the hot components was proposed and studied, particularly as a method of cooling for contingency power applications. Injection of a small quantity of cold liquid water into a relatively hot coolant air stream such that evaporation of the liquid is still in process when the coolant contacts the hot component was studied. No approach was found whereby heat transfer characteristics could be confidently predicted for such a case based solely on prior studies. It was not clear whether disequilibrium between phases at the inlet to the hot component section would improve cooling relative to that obtained where equilibrium was established prior to contact with the hot surface.

Development of a split-flow system for high precision variable sample introduction in supercritical fluid chromatography.

PubMed

Sakai, Miho; Hayakawa, Yoshihiro; Funada, Yasuhiro; Ando, Takashi; Fukusaki, Eiichiro; Bamba, Takeshi

2017-09-15

In this study, we propose a novel variable sample injection system based on full-loop injection, named the split-flow sample introduction system, for application in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this system, the mobile phase is split by the differential pressure between two back pressure regulators (BPRs) after full-loop injection suitable for SFC, and this differential pressure determines the introduction rate. Nine compounds with a wide range of characteristics were introduced with high reproducibility and universality, confirming that a robust variable sample injection system was achieved. We also investigated the control factors of our proposed system. Sample introduction was controlled by the ratio between the column-side pressure drops in splitless and split flow, ΔP columnsideinsplitless and ΔP columnsideinsplit , respectively, where ΔP columnsideinsplitless is related to the mobile phase flow rate and composition and the column resistance. When all other conditions are kept constant, increasing the make-up flow induces an additional pressure drop on the column side of the system, which leads to a reduced column-side flow rate, and hence decreased the amount of sample injected, even when the net pressure drop on the column side remains the same. Thus, sample introduction could be highly controlled at low sample introduction rate, regardless of the introduction conditions. This feature is advantageous because, as a control factor, the solvent in the make-up pump is independent of the column-side pressure drop. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Isolation and identification of human metabolites from a novel anti-tumor candidate drug 5-chlorogenic acid injection by HPLC-HRMS/MSn and HPLC-SPE-NMR.

PubMed

Ren, Tiankun; Wang, Yanan; Wang, Caihong; Zhang, Mengtian; Huang, Wang; Jiang, Jiandong; Li, Wenbin; Zhang, Jinlan

2017-12-01

A novel anti-tumor candidate drug, 5-chlorogenic acid (5-CQA) injection, was used for the treatment of malignant glioma in clinical trial (phase I) in China. The isolation and identification of the metabolites of 5-CQA injection in humans were investigated in the present study. Urine and feces samples obtained after intramuscular administration of 5-CQA injection to healthy adults have been analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass and multiple-stage mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS/MS n ). No metabolite was detected in human feces; however, in human urine, a total of six metabolites were identified including isomerized 5-CQA (P1 and P2), hydrolyzed 5-CQA (M1and M2), and methylated 5-CQA (M3 and M4). Among them, M3 and M4 were the main metabolites and target analytes for human mass balance study. Additionally, the structure of M3 and M4 was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography-solid phase extraction-nuclear magnetic resonance (HPLC-SPE-NMR), and the results demonstrated that the methoxy group of M3 and M4 was exclusively attributed to C-3' and C-4', respectively. Due to the unavailability of commercial reference, the pure products of M3 and M4 were synthesized by 5-CQA methylation and followed by isolation and purification. Moreover, the potential activity of M3 and M4 on malignant glioma was predicted using a reverse molecular docking analysis on eight malignant glioma-related pathways. The results showed that M3 and M4 had various interactions against malignant glioma-related targets. Our study provides an insight into the metabolism of 5-CQA injection in humans and supports the clinical human mass balance study. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Sensitivity analysis and economic optimization studies of inverted five-spot gas cycling in gas condensate reservoir

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shams, Bilal; Yao, Jun; Zhang, Kai; Zhang, Lei

2017-08-01

Gas condensate reservoirs usually exhibit complex flow behaviors because of propagation response of pressure drop from the wellbore into the reservoir. When reservoir pressure drops below the dew point in two phase flow of gas and condensate, the accumulation of large condensate amount occurs in the gas condensate reservoirs. Usually, the saturation of condensate accumulation in volumetric gas condensate reservoirs is lower than the critical condensate saturation that causes trapping of large amount of condensate in reservoir pores. Trapped condensate often is lost due to condensate accumulation-condensate blockage courtesy of high molecular weight, heavy condensate residue. Recovering lost condensate most economically and optimally has always been a challenging goal. Thus, gas cycling is applied to alleviate such a drastic loss in resources. In gas injection, the flooding pattern, injection timing and injection duration are key parameters to study an efficient EOR scenario in order to recover lost condensate. This work contains sensitivity analysis on different parameters to generate an accurate investigation about the effects on performance of different injection scenarios in homogeneous gas condensate system. In this paper, starting time of gas cycling and injection period are the parameters used to influence condensate recovery of a five-spot well pattern which has an injection pressure constraint of 3000 psi and production wells are constraint at 500 psi min. BHP. Starting injection times of 1 month, 4 months and 9 months after natural depletion areapplied in the first study. The second study is conducted by varying injection duration. Three durations are selected: 100 days, 400 days and 900 days. In miscible gas injection, miscibility and vaporization of condensate by injected gas is more efficient mechanism for condensate recovery. From this study, it is proven that the application of gas cycling on five-spot well pattern greatly enhances condensate recovery preventing financial, economic and resource loss that previously occurred.

Electropolymerized fluorinated aniline-based fiber for headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatographic determination of benzaldehyde in injectable pharmaceutical formulations.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Ali; Mohammadi, Somayeh; Bayandori Moghaddam, Abdolmajid; Masoumi, Vahideh; Walker, Roderick B

2014-10-01

In this study, a simple method was developed and validated to detect trace levels of benzaldehyde in injectable pharmaceutical formulations by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. Polyaniline was electrodeposited on a platinum wire in trifluoroacetic acid solvent by cyclic voltammetry technique. This fiber shows high thermal and mechanical stability and high performance in extraction of benzaldehyde. Extraction and desorption time and temperature, salt effect and gas chromatography parameters were optimized as key parameters. At the optimum conditions, the fiber shows good linearity between peak area ratio of benzaldehyde/3-chlorobenzaldehyde and benzaldehyde concentration in the range of 50-800 ng/mL with percent relative standard deviation values ranging from 0.75 to 8.64% (n = 3). The limits of quantitation and detection were 50 and 16 ng/mL, respectively. The method has the requisite selectivity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision to assay benzaldehyde in injectable pharmaceutical dosage forms. © The Author [2013]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Understanding the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dahms, Rainer N.

2016-04-01

A generalized framework for multi-component liquid injections is presented to understand and predict the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions. The analysis focuses on the thermodynamic structure and the immiscibility state of representative gas-liquid interfaces. The most modern form of Helmholtz energy mixture state equation is utilized which exhibits a unique and physically consistent behavior over the entire two-phase regime of fluid densities. It is combined with generalized models for non-linear gradient theory and for liquid injections to quantify multi-component two-phase interface structures in global thermal equilibrium. Then, the Helmholtz free energy is minimized which determines the interfacial species distribution as a consequence. This minimal free energy state is demonstrated to validate the underlying assumptions of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization. However, under certain engine-relevant conditions for which corroborating experimental data are presented, this requirement for interfacial thermal equilibrium becomes unsustainable. A rigorously derived probability density function quantifies the ability of the interface to develop internal spatial temperature gradients in the presence of significant temperature differences between injected liquid and ambient gas. Then, the interface can no longer be viewed as an isolated system at minimal free energy. Instead, the interfacial dynamics become intimately connected to those of the separated homogeneous phases. Hence, the interface transitions toward a state in local equilibrium whereupon it becomes a dense-fluid mixing layer. A new conceptual view of a transitional liquid injection process emerges from a transition time scale analysis. Close to the nozzle exit, the two-phase interface still remains largely intact and more classic two-phase processes prevail as a consequence. Further downstream, however, the transition to dense-fluid mixing generally occurs before the liquid length is reached. The significance of the presented modeling expressions is established by a direct comparison to a reduced model, which utilizes widely applied approximations but fundamentally fails to capture the physical complexity discussed in this paper.

Coherent Control of Nanoscale Ballistic Currents in Transition Metal Dichalcogenide ReS2.

PubMed

Cui, Qiannan; Zhao, Hui

2015-04-28

Transition metal dichalcogenides are predicted to outperform traditional semiconductors in ballistic devices with nanoscale channel lengths. So far, experimental studies on charge transport in transition metal dichalcogenides are limited to the diffusive regime. Here we show, using ReS2 as an example, all-optical injection, detection, and coherent control of ballistic currents. By utilizing quantum interference between one-photon and two-photon interband transition pathways, ballistic currents are injected in ReS2 thin film samples by a pair of femtosecond laser pulses. We find that the current decays on an ultrafast time scale, resulting in an electron transport of only a fraction of one nanometer. Following the relaxation of the initially injected momentum, backward motion of the electrons for about 1 ps is observed, driven by the Coulomb force from the oppositely moved holes. We also show that the injected current can be controlled by the phase of the laser pulses. These results demonstrate a new platform to study ballistic transport of nonequilibrium carriers in transition metal dichalcogenides.

In Situ NAPL Modification for Contaminant Source-Zone Passivation, Mass Flux Reduction, and Remediation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mateas, D. J.; Tick, G.; Carroll, K. C.

2016-12-01

A remediation method was developed to reduce the aqueous solubility and mass-flux of target NAPL contaminants through the in-situ creation of a NAPL mixture source-zone. This method was tested in the laboratory using equilibrium batch tests and two-dimensional flow-cell experiments. The creation of two different NAPL mixture source zones were tested in which 1) volumes of relatively insoluble n-hexadecane (HEX) or vegetable oil (VO) were injected into a trichloroethene (TCE) contaminant source-zone; and 2) pre-determined HEX-TCE and VO-TCE mixture ratio source zones were emplaced into the flow cell prior to water flushing. NAPL-aqueous phase batch tests were conducted prior to the flow-cell experiments to evaluate the effects of various NAPL mixture ratios on equilibrium aqueous-phase concentrations of TCE and toluene (TOL) and to design optimal NAPL (HEX or VO) injection volumes for the flow-cell experiments. Uniform NAPL mixture source-zones were able to quickly decrease contaminant mass-flux, as demonstrated by the emplaced source-zone experiments. The success of the HEX and VO injections to also decrease mass flux was dependent on the ability of these injectants to homogeneously mix with TCE source-zone. Upon injection, both HEX and VO migrated away from the source-zone, to some extent. However, the lack of a steady-state dissolution phase and the inefficient mass-flux-reduction/mass-removal behavior produced after VO injection suggest that VO was more effective than HEX for mixing and partitioning within the source-zone region to form a more homogeneous NAPL mixture with TCE. VO appears to be a promising source-zone injectant-NAPL due to its negligible long-term toxicity and lower mobilization potential.

[Clinical effect of ultrasound-guided injection of biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Fe3O4 in situ implant for magnetic thermal ablation in treatment of nude mice with human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells].

PubMed

Liang, B; Zuo, G Q; Zheng, Y Y; He, S; Zuo, D Y

2016-12-20

Objective: To prepare the Fe 3 O 4 -loaded biodegradable liquid-solid phase inversion poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in situ implant for ultrasound-guided injection into nude mouse tumor model, and to investigate its clinical effect in thermomagnetic treatment of nude mice with human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells in an alternating magnetic field. Methods: An in situ implant containing 10% Fe 3 O 4 was prepared, and 50 μl Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA-NMP gel was injected into the subcutaneous tissue of Kunming mice. The degradation of this material was observed for 2 consecutive months, and the changes in body weight were recorded. HE staining and Prussian blue staining were performed for the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of Kunming mice. Fresh ex vivo bovine liver was taken and cut into cubes with a dimension of 2 cm×2 cm×2 cm and then 50 μl Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA-NMP gel was injected; after phase inversion, the cubes of ex vivo bovine liver were heated for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 minutes, respectively, and then cut open for observing the range of ablation; HE staining was also performed. Micro-CT scan was performed after ultrasound-guided injection of 50 μl Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA gel into the tumors of the nude mice, and then the nude mice were divided into treatment group and control group. The mice in the treatment group were given thermomagnetic treatment for 3 minutes, and tumor growth was observed daily. Results: The biodegradation of Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA-NMP implant showed that the subcutaneously injected material was gradually metabolized at 2 weeks after injection and that the nude mice were in good condition. The bovine liver ablation experiment showed that the range of ablation of 50 μl Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA implant reached 1.46 ± 0.11 cm. HE staining showed that part of bovine liver had coagulative necrosis. The phase inversion experiment of Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA gel showed quick liquid-solid phase inversion of the material after injection into the tumor, and the process of liquid-solid phase inversion could be monitored by ultrasound and CT. The detachment and incrustation of the tumor started at 2 days after treatment, the wound started to heal 15 days later, and the tumor tissue disappeared completely. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided injection of biodegradable Fe 3 O 4 -PLGA in situ implant combined with magnetic thermal ablation can effectively treat human liver cancer SMMC-7721 cells in nude mice.

Optical double-locked semiconductor lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AlMulla, Mohammad

2018-06-01

Self-sustained period-one (P1) nonlinear dynamics of a semiconductor laser are investigated when both optical injection and modulation are applied for stable microwave frequency generation. Locking the P1 oscillation through modulation on the bias current, injection strength, or detuning frequency stabilizes the P1 oscillation. Through the phase noise variance, the different modulation types are compared. It is demonstrated that locking the P1 oscillation through optical modulation on the output of the master laser outperforms bias-current modulation of the slave laser. Master laser modulation shows wider P1-oscillation locking range and lower phase noise variance. The locking characteristics of the P1 oscillation also depend on the operating conditions of the optical injection system

A K-Band Low-Power Phase Shifter Based on Injection Locked Oscillator in 0.13 μm CMOS Technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Qi-Lin; Yu, Xiao-Peng; Sui, Wen-Quan

2017-11-01

In this paper, the design challenges of the injection-locked oscillator (ILO)-based phase shifter are reviewed and analyzed. The key design considerations such as the operating frequency, locking range, and linearity of the phase shifters are analysed in detail. It is possible to optimize the phase shifter in certain parameters such as ultra-low power while meeting the requirements of a certain system. As a design example, a K-band phase shifter is implemented using a commercial 0.13 μm CMOS technology, where a conventional LC tank based topology is implemented but optimised with a good balance among power consumption, working range, sensitivity, and silicon area, etc. Measurement results show that the proposed phase shift is able to work at 22-23.4 GHz with a range of 180∘ while consuming 3.14 mW from a 1.2 V supply voltage.

Phase Recovery Acceleration of Quantum-Dot Semiconductor Optical Amplifiers by Optical Pumping to Quantum-Well Wetting Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jungho

2013-11-01

We theoretically investigate the phase recovery acceleration of quantum-dot (QD) semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) by means of the optical pump injection to the quantum-well (QW) wetting layer (WL). We compare the ultrafast gain and phase recovery responses of QD SOAs in either the electrical or the optical pumping scheme by numerically solving 1088 coupled rate equations. The ultrafast gain recovery responses on the order of sub-picosecond are nearly the same for the two pumping schemes. The ultrafast phase recovery is not significantly accelerated by increasing the electrical current density, but greatly improved by increasing the optical pumping power to the QW WL. Because the phase recovery time of QD SOAs with the optical pumping scheme can be reduced down to several picoseconds, the complete phase recovery can be achieved when consecutive pulse signals with a repetition rate of 100 GHz is injected.

Plasma Rotation During Neutral Beam Injection In MST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hudson, Ben; Ding, W.; Fiksel, G.; Prager, S.; Yates, T.

2006-10-01

The effect of fast ions from neutral beam injection (20 keV, 30 A, 1.5 ms) on plasma rotation and magnetic tearing modes is studied. We observe that during co-injected NBI (with the injection in the same direction as the plasma and mode rotation) the rotation of the core-resonant n = 5 magnetic mode decreases and in many instances lock to the vessel wall. There is an associated drop in the poloidal component of n = 5 magnetic mode amplitude. The drop in the mode velocity suggests a counter-directed torque, perhaps due to modification of the radial electric field. The rotation slows during the injection phase, then restores itself on the timescale of the fast ion slowing down time (5 ms @ Te = 100 eV). The fluctuation-induced j x b Maxwell stress is measured using MST's FIR diagnostic and presented for comparison. Equilibrium reconstruction suggests a small increase in on-axis J||, consistent with the presence of a localized fast ion population moving in the direction of the plasma current. Mode rotation during NBI counter-injection is also presented.

Subsurface injection of combustion power plant effluent as a solid-phase carbon dioxide storage strategy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Darnell, K. N.; Flemings, P. B.; DiCarlo, D.

2017-06-01

Long-term geological storage of CO2 may be essential for greenhouse gas mitigation, so a number of storage strategies have been developed that utilize a variety of physical processes. Recent work shows that injection of combustion power plant effluent, a mixture of CO2 and N2, into CH4 hydrate-bearing reservoirs blends CO2 storage with simultaneous CH4 production where the CO2 is stored in hydrate, an immobile, solid compound. This strategy creates economic value from the CH4 production, reduces the preinjection complexity since costly CO2 distillation is circumvented, and limits leakage since hydrate is immobile. Here we explore the phase behavior of these types of injections and describe the individual roles of H2O, CO2, CH4, and N2 as these components partition into aqueous, vapor, hydrate, and liquid CO2 phases. Our results show that CO2 storage in subpermafrost or submarine hydrate-forming reservoirs requires coinjection of N2 to maintain two-phase flow and limit plugging.

Simulating the injection of micellar solutions to recover diesel in a sand column.

PubMed

Bernardez, Letícia A; Therrien, René; Lefebvre, René; Martel, Richard

2009-01-26

This paper presents numerical simulations of laboratory experiments where diesel, initially present at 18% residual saturation in a sand column, was recovered by injecting a micellar solution containing the surfactant Hostapur SAS-60 (SAS), and two alcohols, n-butanol (n-BuOH), and n-pentanol (n-PeOH). The micellar solution was developed and optimized for diesel recovery using phase diagrams and soil column experiments. Numerical simulations with the compositional simulator UTCHEM agree with the experimental results and show that the entire residual diesel in the sand column was recovered after the downward injection of 5 pore volumes of the micellar solution. Recovery of diesel occurs by enhanced solubility in the microemulsion phase and by mobilization. An additional series of simulations investigated the effects of phase transfer, alcohol partitioning, and component segregation on diesel recovery. These simulations indicate that diesel can be accurately represented in the model by a single component, but that the pseudo-component approach for active matter and the assumption of local phase equilibrium leads to an underestimation of diesel mobilization.

Simulating the injection of micellar solutions to recover diesel in a sand column

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernardez, Letícia A.; Therrien, René; Lefebvre, René; Martel, Richard

2009-01-01

This paper presents numerical simulations of laboratory experiments where diesel, initially present at 18% residual saturation in a sand column, was recovered by injecting a micellar solution containing the surfactant Hostapur SAS-60 (SAS), and two alcohols, n-butanol ( n-BuOH), and n-pentanol ( n-PeOH). The micellar solution was developed and optimized for diesel recovery using phase diagrams and soil column experiments. Numerical simulations with the compositional simulator UTCHEM agree with the experimental results and show that the entire residual diesel in the sand column was recovered after the downward injection of 5 pore volumes of the micellar solution. Recovery of diesel occurs by enhanced solubility in the microemulsion phase and by mobilization. An additional series of simulations investigated the effects of phase transfer, alcohol partitioning, and component segregation on diesel recovery. These simulations indicate that diesel can be accurately represented in the model by a single component, but that the pseudo-component approach for active matter and the assumption of local phase equilibrium leads to an underestimation of diesel mobilization.

SCORE Study Report 7: incidence of intravitreal silicone oil droplets associated with staked-on vs luer cone syringe design.

PubMed

Scott, Ingrid U; Oden, Neal L; VanVeldhuisen, Paul C; Ip, Michael S; Blodi, Barbara A; Antoszyk, Andrew N

2009-11-01

To evaluate the incidence of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) droplets associated with intravitreal injections using a staked-on vs luer cone syringe design in the SCORE (Standard Care vs COrticosteroid in REtinal Vein Occlusion) Study. Prospective, randomized, phase III clinical trial. The incidence of intravitreal SO was compared among participants exposed to the staked-on syringe design, the luer cone syringe design, or both of the syringe designs in the SCORE Study, which evaluated intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection(s) for vision loss secondary to macular edema associated with central or branch retinal vein occlusion. Injections were given at baseline and 4-month intervals, based on treatment assignment and study-defined retreatment criteria. Because intravitreal SO was observed following injections in some participants, investigators were instructed, on September 22, 2006, to look for intravitreal SO at all study visits. On November 1, 2007, the luer cone syringe design replaced the staked-on syringe design. A total of 464 participants received a total of 1,205 injections between November 4, 2004 and February 28, 2009. Intravitreal SO was noted in 141 of 319 participants (44%) exposed only to staked-on syringes, 11 of 87 (13%) exposed to both syringe designs, and 0 of 58 exposed only to luer cone syringes (P < .0001). Among participants with first injections after September 22, 2006, intravitreal SO was noted in 65 of 114 (57%) injected only with staked-on syringes compared with 0 of 58 injected only with luer cone syringes. Differential follow-up is unlikely to explain these results. In the SCORE Study, luer cone syringe design is associated with a lower frequency of intravitreal SO droplet occurrence compared with the staked-on syringe design, likely attributable to increased residual space in the needle hub with the luer cone design.

The Effectiveness of Nitrate-Mediated Control of the Oil Field Sulfur Cycle Depends on the Toluene Content of the Oil

PubMed Central

Suri, Navreet; Voordouw, Johanna; Voordouw, Gerrit

2017-01-01

The injection of nitrate is one of the most commonly used technologies to impact the sulfur cycle in subsurface oil fields. Nitrate injection enhances the activity of nitrate-reducing bacteria, which produce nitrite inhibiting sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). Subsequent reduction of nitrate to di-nitrogen (N2) alleviates the inhibition of SRB by nitrite. It has been shown for the Medicine Hat Glauconitic C (MHGC) field, that alkylbenzenes especially toluene are important electron donors for the reduction of nitrate to nitrite and N2. However, the rate and extent of reduction of nitrate to nitrite and of nitrite to nitrogen have not been studied for multiple oil fields. Samples of light oil (PNG, CPM, and Tundra), light/heavy oil (Gryphon and Obigbo), and of heavy oil (MHGC) were collected from locations around the world. The maximum concentration of nitrate in the aqueous phase, which could be reduced in microcosms inoculated with MHGC produced water, increased with the toluene concentration in the oil phase. PNG, Gryphon, CPM, Obigbo, MHGC, and Tundra oils had 77, 17, 5.9, 4.0, 2.6, and 0.8 mM toluene, respectively. In incubations with 49 ml of aqueous phase and 1 ml of oil these were able to reduce 22.2, 12.3, 7.9, 4.6, 4.0, and 1.4 mM of nitrate, respectively. Nitrate reduced increased to 35 ± 4 mM upon amendment of all these oils with 570 mM toluene prior to incubation. Souring control by nitrate injection requires that the nitrate is directed toward oxidation of sulfide, not toluene. Hence, the success of nitrate injections will be inversely proportional to the toluene content of the oil. Oil composition is therefore an important determinant of the success of nitrate injection to control souring in a particular field. PMID:28620357

Emulsification kinetics during quasi-miscible flow in dead-end pores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broens, M.; Unsal, E.

2018-03-01

Microemulsions have found applications as carriers for the transport of solutes through various porous media. They are commonly pre-prepared in bulk form, and then injected into the medium. The preparation is done by actively mixing the surfactant, water and oil, and then allowing the mixture to stagnate until equilibrium is reached. The resulting microemulsion characteristics of the surfactant/oil/water system are studied at equilibrium conditions, and perfect mixing is assumed. But in applications like subsurface remediation and enhanced oil recovery, microemulsion formation may occur in the pore space. Surfactant solutions are injected into the ground to solubilize and/or mobilize the non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) by in-situ emulsification. Flow dynamics and emulsification kinetics are coupled, which also contributes to in-situ mixing. In this study, we investigated the nature of such coupling for a quasi-miscible fluid system in a conductive channel with dead-end extensions. A microfluidic setup was used, where an aqueous solution of an anionic, internal olefin sulfonate 20-24 (IOS) surfactant was injected into n-decane saturated glass micromodel. The oil phase was coloured using a solvatochromatic dye allowing for direct visualization of the aqueous and oil phases as well as their microemulsions under fluorescent light. Presence of both conductive and stagnant dead-end channels in a single pore system made it possible to isolate different transport mechanisms from each other but also allowed to study the transitions from one to the other. In the conductive channel, the surfactant was carried with flow, and emulsification was controlled by the localized flow dynamics. In the stagnant zones, the driving force of the mass transfer was driven by the chemical concentration gradient. Some of the equilibrium phase behaviour characteristics of the surfactant/oil/water system were recognisable during the quasi-miscible displacement. However, the equilibrium tests alone were not sufficient to predict the emulsification process under dynamic conditions.

Closed-Loop Control of Chemical Injection Rate for a Direct Nozzle Injection System.

PubMed

Cai, Xiang; Walgenbach, Martin; Doerpmond, Malte; Schulze Lammers, Peter; Sun, Yurui

2016-01-20

To realize site-specific and variable-rate application of agricultural pesticides, accurately metering and controlling the chemical injection rate is necessary. This study presents a prototype of a direct nozzle injection system (DNIS) by which chemical concentration transport lag was greatly reduced. In this system, a rapid-reacting solenoid valve (RRV) was utilized for injecting chemicals, driven by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal at 100 Hz, so with varying pulse width the chemical injection rate could be adjusted. Meanwhile, a closed-loop control strategy, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method, was applied for metering and stabilizing the chemical injection rate. In order to measure chemical flow rates and input them into the controller as a feedback in real-time, a thermodynamic flowmeter that was independent of chemical viscosity was used. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the performance of DNIS and PID control strategy. Due to the nonlinear input-output characteristics of the RRV, a two-phase PID control process obtained better effects as compared with single PID control strategy. Test results also indicated that the set-point chemical flow rate could be achieved within less than 4 s, and the output stability was improved compared to the case without control strategy.

Safe and Effective Use of the Once Weekly Dulaglutide Single-Dose Pen in Injection-Naïve Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

PubMed

Matfin, Glenn; Van Brunt, Kate; Zimmermann, Alan G; Threlkeld, Rebecca; Ignaut, Debra A

2015-04-21

This 4-week, phase 3b, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, outpatient study demonstrated the safe and effective use of the dulaglutide single-dose pen containing 0.5 mL of placebo for subcutaneous injection in injection-naïve adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with A1C ≤ 8.5% (69 mmol/mol), BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 and ≤ 45 kg/m(2). Patients completed a modified self-injecting subscale of the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (mD-FISQ) and were trained to self-inject with the single-dose pen. Patients completed the initial self-injection at the site, injected at home for 2 subsequent weeks, and returned to the site for the final injection. The initial and final self-injections were evaluated for success; the final (initial) self-injection success rate was the primary (secondary) outcome measure, and the primary (secondary) objective was to demonstrate this success rate as being significantly greater than 80%. Patients recorded their level of pain after each injection. After the final injection, patients completed the mD-FISQ and the Medication Delivery Device Assessment Battery (MDDAB) to assess their perceptions of the single-dose pen, including ease of use and experience with the device. Among 211 patients (mean age: 61 years), the primary objective was met, with a final injection success rate of 99.1% (95% CI: 96.6% to 99.7%). Among 214 patients, the initial injection success rate was 97.2% (95% CI: 94.0% to 98.7%), meeting the key secondary objective. Overall, most patients (>96%) found the device easy to use, were satisfied with the device, and would be willing to continue to use the single-dose pen after the study. There was a significant reduction (P < .001) from baseline to study end in patients' fear of self-injecting, as measured by the mD-FISQ. The dulaglutide single-dose pen was found to be a safe and effective device for use by patients with T2D who were injection-naïve. A positive injection experience is an important factor for patients and providers when initiating injectable therapy. © 2015 Diabetes Technology Society.

Safe and Effective Use of the Once Weekly Dulaglutide Single-Dose Pen in Injection-Naïve Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

PubMed Central

Matfin, Glenn; Van Brunt, Kate; Zimmermann, Alan G.; Threlkeld, Rebecca; Ignaut, Debra A.

2015-01-01

Background: This 4-week, phase 3b, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, outpatient study demonstrated the safe and effective use of the dulaglutide single-dose pen containing 0.5 mL of placebo for subcutaneous injection in injection-naïve adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with A1C ≤ 8.5% (69 mmol/mol), BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2 and ≤ 45 kg/m2. Method: Patients completed a modified self-injecting subscale of the Diabetes Fear of Injecting and Self-Testing Questionnaire (mD-FISQ) and were trained to self-inject with the single-dose pen. Patients completed the initial self-injection at the site, injected at home for 2 subsequent weeks, and returned to the site for the final injection. The initial and final self-injections were evaluated for success; the final (initial) self-injection success rate was the primary (secondary) outcome measure, and the primary (secondary) objective was to demonstrate this success rate as being significantly greater than 80%. Patients recorded their level of pain after each injection. After the final injection, patients completed the mD-FISQ and the Medication Delivery Device Assessment Battery (MDDAB) to assess their perceptions of the single-dose pen, including ease of use and experience with the device. Results: Among 211 patients (mean age: 61 years), the primary objective was met, with a final injection success rate of 99.1% (95% CI: 96.6% to 99.7%). Among 214 patients, the initial injection success rate was 97.2% (95% CI: 94.0% to 98.7%), meeting the key secondary objective. Overall, most patients (>96%) found the device easy to use, were satisfied with the device, and would be willing to continue to use the single-dose pen after the study. There was a significant reduction (P < .001) from baseline to study end in patients’ fear of self-injecting, as measured by the mD-FISQ. Conclusions: The dulaglutide single-dose pen was found to be a safe and effective device for use by patients with T2D who were injection-naïve. A positive injection experience is an important factor for patients and providers when initiating injectable therapy. PMID:25901022

Stability of the phase motion in race-track microtrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kubyshin, Yu. A.; Larreal, O.; Ramírez-Ros, R.; Seara, T. M.

2017-06-01

We model the phase oscillations of electrons in race-track microtrons by means of an area preserving map with a fixed point at the origin, which represents the synchronous trajectory of a reference particle in the beam. We study the nonlinear stability of the origin in terms of the synchronous phase -the phase of the synchronous particle at the injection. We estimate the size and shape of the stability domain around the origin, whose main connected component is enclosed by an invariant curve. We describe the evolution of the stability domain as the synchronous phase varies. We also clarify the role of the stable and unstable invariant curves of some hyperbolic (fixed or periodic) points.

School Emergencies--Preparation Not Panic.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sousa, Barbara

1982-01-01

A three-phase emergency recognition course was designed to train 26 faculty and staff members to recognize and respond to emergency school medical situations. Phase I included comprehensive first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and injections. Phase II dealt with recognition of medical emergencies, and Phase III recertified those who had…

Effects of 5,7-DHT Injection into the Optic Lobe on the Circadian Locomotor Rhythm in the Cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.

PubMed

Germ, M; Tomioka, K

1998-06-01

The effect of direct 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) injection into the medulla region of the optic lobe on the locomotor activity was investigated in the adult male cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus. After a 6 hr phase advance of a light-dark cycle, the 5,7-DHT injected animals needed significantly longer time for resynchronization to the new cycle (6.55 +/- 0.62 days) than the control, Ringer's solution injected animals (3.17 +/- 0.15 days; P < 0.001, t-test). Light induced a bout of activity (i.e., masking effect) when light-dark cycle was phase advanced by 6 hr and the duration of the masking effect was significantly longer in 5,7-DHT injected animals. An initial bout of the nocturnal activity was significantly greater in the 5,7-DHT injected animal. Under constant darkness, the freerunning periods of both groups were not significantly different. Under constant light, a significantly higher percentage of 5,7-DHT injected animals showed arrhythmicity compared with the control group. An analysis carried by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electro-chemical detection (HPLC-ECD) revealed that the serotonin content in the optic lobe was significantly reduced to less than 50% in the 5,7-DHT injected animals, even one month after the injection. These results suggest that serotonin plays important roles in the regulation of circadian locomotor rhythms of the cricket mainly by regulating the sensitivity of the photoreceptive system.

40 CFR 146.23 - Operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... the injection phase of cyclic steam operations And recording of one observation of injection pressure...; (4) Maintenance of the results of all monitoring until the next permit review (see 40 CFR 144.52(a)(5...

40 CFR 146.23 - Operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... the injection phase of cyclic steam operations And recording of one observation of injection pressure...; (4) Maintenance of the results of all monitoring until the next permit review (see 40 CFR 144.52(a)(5...

40 CFR 146.23 - Operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... the injection phase of cyclic steam operations And recording of one observation of injection pressure...; (4) Maintenance of the results of all monitoring until the next permit review (see 40 CFR 144.52(a)(5...

40 CFR 146.23 - Operating, monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... the injection phase of cyclic steam operations And recording of one observation of injection pressure...; (4) Maintenance of the results of all monitoring until the next permit review (see 40 CFR 144.52(a)(5...

PRODUCTIVITY OF SOLAR FLARES AND MAGNETIC HELICITY INJECTION IN ACTIVE REGIONS

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

Park, Sung-hong; Wang Haimin; Chae, Jongchul, E-mail: sp295@njit.ed

The main objective of this study is to better understand how magnetic helicity injection in an active region (AR) is related to the occurrence and intensity of solar flares. We therefore investigate the magnetic helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux, as a reference. In total, 378 ARs are analyzed using SOHO/MDI magnetograms. The 24 hr averaged helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux are compared with the flare index and the flare-productive probability in the next 24 hr following a measurement. In addition, we study the variation of helicity over a span of several days around the times ofmore » the 19 flares above M5.0 which occurred in selected strong flare-productive ARs. The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) for a sub-sample of 91 large ARs with unsigned magnetic fluxes in the range from (3-5) x 10{sup 22} Mx, there is a difference in the magnetic helicity injection rate between flaring ARs and non-flaring ARs by a factor of 2; (2) the GOES C-flare-productive probability as a function of helicity injection displays a sharp boundary between flare-productive ARs and flare-quiet ones; (3) the history of helicity injection before all the 19 major flares displayed a common characteristic: a significant helicity accumulation of (3-45) x 10{sup 42} Mx{sup 2} during a phase of monotonically increasing helicity over 0.5-2 days. Our results support the notion that helicity injection is important in flares, but it is not effective to use it alone for the purpose of flare forecast. It is necessary to find a way to better characterize the time history of helicity injection as well as its spatial distribution inside ARs.« less

Productivity of Solar Flares and Magnetic Helicity Injection in Active Regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Sung-hong; Chae, Jongchul; Wang, Haimin

2010-07-01

The main objective of this study is to better understand how magnetic helicity injection in an active region (AR) is related to the occurrence and intensity of solar flares. We therefore investigate the magnetic helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux, as a reference. In total, 378 ARs are analyzed using SOHO/MDI magnetograms. The 24 hr averaged helicity injection rate and unsigned magnetic flux are compared with the flare index and the flare-productive probability in the next 24 hr following a measurement. In addition, we study the variation of helicity over a span of several days around the times of the 19 flares above M5.0 which occurred in selected strong flare-productive ARs. The major findings of this study are as follows: (1) for a sub-sample of 91 large ARs with unsigned magnetic fluxes in the range from (3-5) × 1022 Mx, there is a difference in the magnetic helicity injection rate between flaring ARs and non-flaring ARs by a factor of 2; (2) the GOES C-flare-productive probability as a function of helicity injection displays a sharp boundary between flare-productive ARs and flare-quiet ones; (3) the history of helicity injection before all the 19 major flares displayed a common characteristic: a significant helicity accumulation of (3-45) × 1042 Mx2 during a phase of monotonically increasing helicity over 0.5-2 days. Our results support the notion that helicity injection is important in flares, but it is not effective to use it alone for the purpose of flare forecast. It is necessary to find a way to better characterize the time history of helicity injection as well as its spatial distribution inside ARs.

Magnetic resonance imaging study on near miscible supercritical CO2 flooding in porous media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Yongchen; Zhu, Ningjun; Zhao, Yuechao; Liu, Yu; Jiang, Lanlan; Wang, Tonglei

2013-05-01

CO2 flooding is one of the most popular secondary or tertiary recoveries for oil production. It is also significant for studying the mechanisms of the two-phase and multiphase flow in porous media. In this study, an experimental study was carried out by using magnetic resonance imaging technique to examine the detailed effects of pressure and rates on CO2/decane flow in a bead-pack porous media. The displacing processes were conducted under various pressures in a region near the minimum miscibility pressure (the system tuned from immiscible to miscible as pressure is increasing in this region) and the temperature of 37.8 °C at several CO2 injection volumetric rates of 0.05, 0.10, and 0.15 ml/min (or linear rates of 3.77, 7.54, and 11.3 ft/day). The evolution of the distribution of decane and the characteristics of the two phase flow were investigated and analyzed by considering the pressure and rate. The area and velocity of the transition zone between the two phases were calculated and analyzed to quantify mixing. The area of transition zone decreased with pressure at near miscible region and a certain injection rate and the velocity of the transition zone was always less than the "volumetric velocity" due to mutual solution and diffusion of the two phases. Therefore, these experimental results give the fundamental understanding of tertiary recovery processes at near miscible condition.

Phase 1 and 2 studies demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intraprostatic injection of PRX302 for the targeted treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PubMed

Denmeade, Samuel R; Egerdie, Blair; Steinhoff, Gary; Merchant, Rosemina; Abi-Habib, Ralph; Pommerville, Peter

2011-05-01

PRX302 is a prostate specific antigen (PSA)-activated pore-forming protein toxin under development as a targeted approach for improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) without affecting sexual function. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRX302 in men with moderate to severe BPH. Eligible subjects were refractory, intolerant, or unwilling to undergo medical therapies for BPH and had International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, a quality of life (QoL) score ≥3, and prostate volumes between 30 and 80 g. Fifteen patients were enrolled in phase 1 studies, and 18 patients entered phase 2 studies. Subjects received intraprostatic injection of PRX302 into the right and left transition zone via a transperineal approach in an office-based setting. Phase 1 subjects received increasing concentrations of PRX302 at a fixed volume; phase 2 subjects received increasing volumes per deposit at a fixed concentration. IPSS, QoL, prostate volume, maximum flow rate (Q(max)), International Index of Erectile Function, serum PSA levels, pharmacokinetics, and adverse events were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 180, 270, and 360 d after treatment with PRX302. Sixty percent of men in the phase 1 study and 64% of men in the phase 2 study treated with PRX302 had ≥30% improvement compared to baseline in IPSS out to day 360. Patients also experienced improvement in QoL and reduction in prostate volume out to day 360. Patients receiving ≥1 ml of PRX302 per deposit had the best response overall. PRX302 had no deleterious effect on erectile function. Adverse events were mild to moderate and transient in nature. The major study limitation was the small sample size. The promising safety profile and evidence of efficacy in the majority of treated subjects in these phase 1 and 2 studies supports further development of PRX302 as a minimally invasive, targeted treatment for BPH. Copyright © 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Single column comprehensive analysis of pharmaceutical preparations using dual-injection mixed-mode (ion-exchange and reversed-phase) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Kazarian, Artaches A; Taylor, Mark R; Haddad, Paul R; Nesterenko, Pavel N; Paull, Brett

2013-12-01

The comprehensive separation and detection of hydrophobic and hydrophilic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), their counter-ions (organic, inorganic) and excipients, using a single mixed-mode chromatographic column, and a dual injection approach is presented. Using a mixed-mode Thermo Fisher Acclaim Trinity P1 column, APIs, their counter-ions and possible degradants were first separated using a combination of anion-exchange, cation-exchange and hydrophobic interactions, using a mobile phase consisting of a dual organic modifier/salt concentration gradient. A complementary method was also developed using the same column for the separation of hydrophilic bulk excipients, using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) under high organic solvent mobile phase conditions. These two methods were then combined within a single gradient run using dual sample injection, with the first injection at the start of the applied gradient (mixed-mode retention of solutes), followed by a second sample injection at the end of the gradient (HILIC retention of solutes). Detection using both ultraviolet absorbance and refractive index enabled the sensitive detection of APIs and UV-absorbing counter-ions, together with quantitative determination of bulk excipients. The developed approach was applied successfully to the analysis of a dry powder inhalers (Flixotide(®), Spiriva(®)), enabling comprehensive quantification of all APIs and excipients in the sample. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

LPG gaseous phase electronic port injection on performance, emission and combustion characteristics of Lean Burn SI Engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhasker J, Pradeep; E, Porpatham

2016-08-01

Gaseous fuels have always been established as an assuring way to lessen emissions in Spark Ignition engines. In particular, LPG resolved to be an affirmative fuel for SI engines because of their efficient combustion properties, lower emissions and higher knock resistance. This paper investigates performance, emission and combustion characteristics of a microcontroller based electronic LPG gaseous phase port injection system. Experiments were carried out in a single cylinder diesel engine altered to behave as SI engine with LPG as fuel at a compression ratio of 10.5:1. The engine was regulated at 1500 rpm at a throttle position of 20% at diverse equivalence ratios. The test results were compared with that of the carburetion system. The results showed that there was an increase in brake power output and brake thermal efficiency with LPG gas phase injection. There was an appreciable extension in the lean limit of operation and maximum brake power output under lean conditions. LPG injection technique significantly reduces hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Also, it extremely enhances the rate of combustion and helps in extending the lean limit of LPG. There was a minimal increase of NOx emissions over the lean operating range due to higher temperature. On the whole it is concluded that port injection of LPG is best suitable in terms of performance and emission for LPG fuelled lean burn SI engine.

Time-controlled synthesis mechanism analysis of kesterite-phased Cu2ZnSnS4 nanorods via colloidal route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jain, Shefali; Singh, Dinesh; Vijayan, N.; Sharma, Shailesh Narain

2018-05-01

In this work, stable Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) nanocrystals (NCs) in pure kesterite phase were synthesized by a facile one-pot rapid injection technique (colloidal route). Time-dependent reaction mechanism for the synthesis of CZTS nanoparticles is explained. When TOP-S (Tri-octyl phosphine-sulphur) was injected in the CuZnSn-complex with TOPO (Tri-octyl phosphine oxide) as capping ligand, orthorhombic phase Cu2-X S nanoparticles of spherical shape were found at nucleation sites. With an advancement in the reaction time, Sn got infused in Cu2-X S to form Cu2SnS3 and its shape got deformed. Further increase in reaction time infuses Zn to form Cu2ZnSnS4 with the gradual vanishing of Cu2-X S and Cu2SnS3 phases and finally, the rod-shaped CZTS Np's were obtained. This factor of reaction time, which influence the morphology and size were studied in detail. The structural and optical properties of the pure kesterite phase CZTS nanorods were also analysed. The band gap of the rod-like CZTS is determined to be around 1.43 eV, which is an optimum value for solar photoelectric conversion.

Off-flavor related volatiles in soymilk as affected by soybean variety, grinding, and heat-processing methods.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Guo, Shuntang; Liu, Zhisheng; Chang, Sam K C

2012-08-01

Off-flavor of soymilk is a barrier to the acceptance of consumers. The objectionable soy odor can be reduced through inhibition of their formation or through removal after being formed. In this study, soymilk was prepared by three grinding methods (ambient, cold, and hot grinding) from two varieties (yellow Prosoy and a black soybean) before undergoing three heating processes: stove cooking, one-phase UHT (ultrahigh temperature), and two-phase UHT process using a Microthermics direct injection processor, which was equipped with a vacuuming step to remove injected water and volatiles. Eight typical soy odor compounds, generated from lipid oxidation, were extracted by a solid-phase microextraction method and analyzed by gas chromatography. The results showed that hot grinding and cold grinding significantly reduced off-flavor as compared with ambient grinding, and hot grinding achieved the best result. The UHT methods, especially the two-phase UHT method, were effective to reduce soy odor. Different odor compounds showed distinct concentration patterns because of different formation mechanisms. The two varieties behaved differently in odor formation during the soymilk-making process. Most odor compounds could be reduced to below the detection limit through a combination of hot grinding and two-phase UHT processing. However, hot grinding gave lower solid and protein recoveries in soymilk.

Controlled longitudinal emittance blow-up using band-limited phase noise in CERN PSB

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quartullo, D.; Shaposhnikova, E.; Timko, H.

2017-07-01

Controlled longitudinal emittance blow-up (from 1 eVs to 1.4 eVs) for LHC beams in the CERN PS Booster is currently achievied using sinusoidal phase modulation of a dedicated high-harmonic RF system. In 2021, after the LHC injectors upgrade, 3 eVs should be extracted to the PS. Even if the current method may satisfy the new requirements, it relies on low-power level RF improvements. In this paper another method of blow-up was considered, that is the injection of band-limited phase noise in the main RF system (h=1), never tried in PSB but already used in CERN SPS and LHC, under different conditions (longer cycles). This technique, which lowers the peak line density and therefore the impact of intensity effects in the PSB and the PS, can also be complementary to the present method. The longitudinal space charge, dominant in the PSB, causes significant synchrotron frequency shifts with intensity, and its effect should be taken into account. Another complication arises from the interaction of the phase loop with the injected noise, since both act on the RF phase. All these elements were studied in simulations of the PSB cycle with the BLonD code, and the required blow-up was achieved.

Safety and durability of effect of contralateral-eye administration of AAV2 gene therapy in patients with childhood-onset blindness caused by RPE65 mutations: a follow-on phase 1 trial.

PubMed

Bennett, Jean; Wellman, Jennifer; Marshall, Kathleen A; McCague, Sarah; Ashtari, Manzar; DiStefano-Pappas, Julie; Elci, Okan U; Chung, Daniel C; Sun, Junwei; Wright, J Fraser; Cross, Dominique R; Aravand, Puya; Cyckowski, Laura L; Bennicelli, Jeannette L; Mingozzi, Federico; Auricchio, Alberto; Pierce, Eric A; Ruggiero, Jason; Leroy, Bart P; Simonelli, Francesca; High, Katherine A; Maguire, Albert M

2016-08-13

Safety and efficacy have been shown in a phase 1 dose-escalation study involving a unilateral subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing the RPE65 gene (AAV2-hRPE65v2) in individuals with inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations. This finding, along with the bilateral nature of the disease and intended use in treatment, prompted us to determine the safety of administration of AAV2-hRPE65v2 to the contralateral eye in patients enrolled in the phase 1 study. In this follow-on phase 1 trial, one dose of AAV2-hRPE65v2 (1.5 × 10(11) vector genomes) in a total volume of 300 μL was subretinally injected into the contralateral, previously uninjected, eyes of 11 children and adults (aged 11-46 years at second administration) with inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations, 1.71-4.58 years after the initial subretinal injection. We assessed safety, immune response, retinal and visual function, functional vision, and activation of the visual cortex from baseline until 3 year follow-up, with observations ongoing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01208389. No adverse events related to the AAV were reported, and those related to the procedure were mostly mild (dellen formation in three patients and cataracts in two). One patient developed bacterial endophthalmitis and was excluded from analyses. We noted improvements in efficacy outcomes in most patients without significant immunogenicity. Compared with baseline, pooled analysis of ten participants showed improvements in mean mobility and full-field light sensitivity in the injected eye by day 30 that persisted to year 3 (mobility p=0.0003, white light full-field sensitivity p<0.0001), but no significant change was seen in the previously injected eyes over the same time period (mobility p=0.7398, white light full-field sensitivity p=0.6709). Changes in visual acuity from baseline to year 3 were not significant in pooled analysis in the second eyes or the previously injected eyes (p>0.49 for all time-points compared with baseline). To our knowledge, AAV2-hRPE65v2 is the first successful gene therapy administered to the contralateral eye. The results highlight the use of several outcome measures and help to delineate the variables that contribute to maximal benefit from gene augmentation therapy in this disease. Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Spark Therapeutics, US National Institutes of Health, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Research to Prevent Blindness, Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Mackall Foundation Trust, F M Kirby Foundation, and The Research Foundation-Flanders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Safety and durability of effect of contralateral-eye administration of AAV2 gene therapy in patients with childhood-onset blindness caused by RPE65 mutatons: a follow-on phase 1 trial

PubMed Central

Bennett, Jean; Wellman, Jennifer; Marshall, Kathleen A; McCague, Sarah; Ashtari, Manzar; DiStefano-Pappas, Julie; Elci, Okan U; Chung, Daniel C; Sun, Junwei; Wright, J Fraser; Cross, Dominique R; Aravand, Puya; Cyckowski, Laura L; Bennicelli, Jeannette L; Mingozzi, Federico; Auricchio, Alberto; Pierce, Eric A; Ruggiero, Jason; Leroy, Bart P; Simonelli, Francesca; High, Katherine A; Maguire, Albert M

2017-01-01

Summary Background Safety and efficacy have been shown in a phase 1 dose-escalation study involving a unilateral subretinal injection of a recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector containing the RPE65 gene (AAV2-hRPE65v2) in individuals with inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations. This finding, along with the bilateral nature of the disease and intended use in treatment, prompted us to determine the safety of administration of AAV2-hRPE65v2 to the contralateral eye in patients enrolled in the phase 1 study. Methods In this follow-on phase 1 trial, one dose of AAV2-hRPE65v2 (1·5 × 1011 vector genomes) in a total volume of 300 μL was subretinally injected into the contralateral, previously uninjected, eyes of 11 children and adults (aged 11–46 years at second administration) with inherited retinal dystrophy caused by RPE65 mutations, 1·71–4·58 years after the initial subretinal injection. We assessed safety, immune response, retinal and visual function, functional vision, and activation of the visual cortex from baseline until 3 year follow-up, with observations ongoing. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01208389. Findings No adverse events related to the AAV were reported, and those related to the procedure were mostly mild (dellen formation in three patients and cataracts in two). One patient developed bacterial endophthalmitis and was excluded from analyses. We noted improvements in efficacy outcomes in most patients without significant immunogenicity. Compared with baseline, pooled analysis of ten participants showed improvements in mean mobility and full-field light sensitivity in the injected eye by day 30 that persisted to year 3 (mobility p=0·0003, white light full-field sensitivity p<0·0001), but no significant change was seen in the previously injected eyes over the same time period (mobility p=0·7398, white light full-field sensitivity p=0·6709). Changes in visual acuity from baseline to year 3 were not significant in pooled analysis in the second eyes or the previously injected eyes (p>0·49 for all time-points compared with baseline). Interpretation To our knowledge, AAV2-hRPE65v2 is the first successful gene therapy administered to the contralateral eye. The results highlight the use of several outcome measures and help to delineate the variables that contribute to maximal benefit from gene augmentation therapy in this disease. Funding Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Spark Therapeutics, US National Institutes of Health, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Research to Prevent Blindness, Center for Advanced Retinal and Ocular Therapeutics, Mackall Foundation Trust, F M Kirby Foundation, and The Research Foundation—Flanders. PMID:27375040

Electron transfer processes occurring on platinum neural stimulating electrodes: pulsing experiments for cathodic-first/charge-balanced/biphasic pulses for 0.566 ≤ k ≤ 2.3 in oxygenated and deoxygenated sulfuric acid.

PubMed

Kumsa, Doe W; Montague, Fred W; Hudak, Eric M; Mortimer, J Thomas

2016-10-01

The application of a train of cathodic-first/charge-balanced/biphasic pulses applied to a platinum electrode resulted in a positive creep of the anodic phase potential that increases with increasing charge injection but reaches a steady-state value before 1000 pulses have been delivered. The increase follows from the fact that charge going into irreversible reactions occurring during the anodic phase must equal the charge going into irreversible reactions during the cathodic phase for charge-balanced pulses. In an oxygenated electrolyte the drift of the measured positive potential moved into the platinum oxidation region of the i(V e) profile when the charge injection level exceeds k = 1.75. Platinum dissolution may occur in this region and k = 1.75 defines a boundary between damaging and non-damaging levels on the Shannon Plot. In a very low oxygen environment, the positive potential remained below the platinum oxidation region for the highest charge injection values studied, k = 2.3. The results support the hypothesis that platinum dissolution is the defining factor for the Shannon limit, k = 1.75. Numerous instrumentation issues were encountered in the course of making measurements. The solutions to these issues are provided.

Characterization of Xenorhabdus isolates from La Rioja (Northern Spain) and virulence with and without their symbiotic entomopathogenic nematodes (Nematoda: Steinernematidae).

PubMed

Campos-Herrera, R; Tailliez, P; Pagès, S; Ginibre, N; Gutiérrez, C; Boemare, N E

2009-10-01

Eighteen Xenorhabdus isolates associated with Spanish entomopathogenic nematodes of the genus Steinernema were characterized using a polyphasic approach including phenotypic and molecular methods. Two isolates were classified as Xenorhabdus nematophila and were associated with Steinernema carpocapsae. Sixteen isolates were classified as Xenorhabdus bovienii, of which fifteen were associated with Steinernema feltiae and one with Steinernema kraussei. Two X. bovienii Phase II were also isolated, one instable phase isolated from S. feltiae strain Rioja and one stable phase from S. feltiae strain BZ. Four representative bacterial isolates were chosen to study their pathogenicity against Spodoptera littoralis with and without the presence of their nematode host. The four bacterial isolates were pathogenic for S. littoralis leading to septicemia 24h post-injection and killing around 90% of the insect larvae 36 h post-injection, except for that isolated from S. kraussei. After 48 h of injection, this latter isolate showed a lower final population in the larval hemolymph (10(7) instead of 10(8)CFU per larvae) and a lower larval mortality (70% instead of 95-100%). The virulence of the nematode-bacteria complexes against S. littoralis showed similar traits with a significant insect larvae mortality (80-90%) 5 days post-infection except for S. kraussei, although this strain reached similar of larval mortality at 7 days after infection.

Analysis of pulsed injection for microgravity receiver tank chilldown

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Honkonen, Scott C.; Pietrzyk, Joe R.; Schuster, John R.

The dominant heat transfer mechanism during the hold phase of a tank chilldown cycle in a low-gravity environment is due to fluid motion persistence following the charge. As compared to the single-charge per vent cycle case, pulsed injection maintains fluid motion and the associated high wall heat transfer coefficients during the hold phase. As a result, the pulsed injection procedure appears to be an attractive method for reducing the time and liquid mass required to chill a tank. However, for the representative conditions considered, no significant benefit can be realized by using pulsed injection as compared to the single-charge case. A numerical model of the charge/hold/vent process was used to evaluate the pulsed injection procedure for tank chilldown in microgravity. Pulsed injection results in higher average wall heat transfer coefficients during the hold, as compared to the single-charge case. However, these high levels were not coincident with the maximum wall-to-fluid temperature differences, as in the single-charge case. For representative conditions investigated, the charge/hold/vent process is very efficient. A slightly shorter chilldown time was realized by increasing the number of pulses.

A Phase I/II Study of Intratumoral Injection of SD-101

ClinicalTrials.gov

2017-09-04

Extranodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of Mucosa-associated Lymphoid Tissue; Nodal Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma; Recurrent Grade 1 Follicular Lymphoma; Recurrent Grade 2 Follicular Lymphoma; Recurrent Marginal Zone Lymphoma; Recurrent Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma; Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Relationship between production of acute-phase proteins and strength of inflammatory stimulation in rats.

PubMed

Kuribayashi, Takashi; Tomizawa, Misaki; Seita, Tetsurou; Tagata, Kazutoshi; Yamamoto, Shizuo

2011-07-01

The relationship between intensity of inflammatory stimulation and production of α(2)-macroglobulin (α2M) and α(1)-acid glycoprotein (AAG) in rats was investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with turpentine oil at doses of 0.05, 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. Serum levels of α2M, interleukin (IL)-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and AAG was measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Peak serum levels of α2M and AAG in rats injected at 0.05 mL/rat were significantly lower than those at 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. However, no significant differences were observed for peak serum levels of these acute-phase proteins between 0.2 and 0.4 mL/rat. Furthermore, peak serum levels of IL-6 and CINC-1 in rats injected at 0.05 mL/rat were significantly lower than those at 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. Thus, the production of these acute-phase proteins has upper limits, even under increased strength of inflammatory stimulation in rats injected with turpentine oil.

Relationship between production of acute-phase proteins and strength of inflammatory stimulation in rats

PubMed Central

Kuribayashi, Takashi; Tomizawa, Misaki; Seita, Tetsurou; Tagata, Kazutoshi; Yamamoto, Shizuo

2011-01-01

The relationship between intensity of inflammatory stimulation and production of α 2-macroglobulin (α2M) and α 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG) in rats was investigated. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with turpentine oil at doses of 0.05, 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. Serum levels of α2M, interleukin (IL)-6 and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 (CINC-1) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and AAG was measured by single radial immunodiffusion. Peak serum levels of α2M and AAG in rats injected at 0.05 mL/rat were significantly lower than those at 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. However, no significant differences were observed for peak serum levels of these acute-phase proteins between 0.2 and 0.4 mL/rat. Furthermore, peak serum levels of IL-6 and CINC-1 in rats injected at 0.05 mL/rat were significantly lower than those at 0.2 or 0.4 mL/rat. Thus, the production of these acute-phase proteins has upper limits, even under increased strength of inflammatory stimulation in rats injected with turpentine oil. PMID:21669904

Multidimensional Mixing Behavior of Steam-Water Flow in a Downcomer Annulus During LBLOCA Reflood Phase with a Direct Vessel Injection Mode

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

Kwon, Tae-Soon; Yun, Byong-Jo; Euh, Dong-Jin

Multidimensional thermal-hydraulic behavior in the downcomer annulus of a pressurized water reactor (PWR) vessel with a direct vessel injection mode is presented based on the experimental observation in the MIDAS (multidimensional investigation in downcomer annulus simulation) steam-water test facility. From the steady-state test results to simulate the late reflood phase of a large-break loss-of-coolant accident (LBLOCA), isothermal lines show the multidimensional phenomena of a phasic interaction between steam and water in the downcomer annulus very well. MIDAS is a steam-water separate effect test facility, which is 1/4.93 linearly scaled down to a 1400-MW(electric) PWR type of a nuclear reactor, focusedmore » on understanding multidimensional thermal-hydraulic phenomena in a downcomer annulus with various types of safety injection during the refill or reflood phase of an LBLOCA. The initial and the boundary conditions are scaled from the pretest analysis based on the preliminary calculation using the TRAC code. The superheated steam with a superheating degree of 80 K at a given downcomer pressure of 180 kPa is injected equally through three intact cold legs into the downcomer.« less

Initial instability of round liquid jet at subcritical and supercritical environments

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

Muthukumaran, C. K.; Vaidyanathan, Aravind, E-mail: aravind7@iist.ac.in

2016-07-15

In the present experimental work, the behavior of laminar liquid jet in its own vapor as well as supercritical fluid environment is conducted. Also the study of liquid jet injection into nitrogen (N{sub 2}) environment is carried out at supercritical conditions. It is expected that the injected liquid jet would undergo thermodynamic transition to the chamber condition and this would alter the behavior of the injected jet. Moreover at such conditions there is a strong dependence between thermodynamic and fluid dynamic processes. Thus the thermodynamic transition has its effect on the initial instability as well as the breakup nature ofmore » the injected liquid jet. In the present study, the interfacial disturbance wavelength, breakup characteristics, and mixing behavior are analysed for the fluoroketone liquid jet that is injected into N{sub 2} environment as well as into its own vapor at subcritical to supercritical conditions. It is observed that at subcritical chamber conditions, the injected liquid jet exhibits classical liquid jet characteristics with Rayleigh breakup at lower Weber number and Taylor breakup at higher Weber number for both N{sub 2} and its own environment. At supercritical chamber conditions with its own environment, the injected liquid jet undergoes sudden thermodynamic transition to chamber conditions and single phase mixing characteristics is observed. However, the supercritical chamber conditions with N{sub 2} as ambient fluid does not have significant effect on the thermodynamic transition of the injected liquid jet.« less

An investigation of methods for injecting emissions from boreal wildfires using WRF-Chem during ARCTAS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sessions, W. R.; Fuelberg, H. E.; Kahn, R. A.; Winker, D. M.

2011-06-01

The Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) is considered a "next generation" mesoscale meteorology model. The inclusion of a chemistry module (WRF-Chem) allows transport simulations of chemical and aerosol species such as those observed during NASA's Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites (ARCTAS) in 2008. The ARCTAS summer deployment phase during June and July coincided with large boreal wildfires in Saskatchewan and Eastern Russia. One of the most important aspects of simulating wildfire plume transport is the height at which emissions are injected. WRF-Chem contains an integrated one-dimensional plume rise model to determine the appropriate injection layer. The plume rise model accounts for thermal buoyancy associated with fires and local atmospheric stability. This paper describes a case study of a 10 day period during the Spring phase of ARCTAS. It compares results from the plume model against those of two more traditional injection methods: Injecting within the planetary boundary layer, and in a layer 3-5 km above ground level. Fire locations are satellite derived from the GOES Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm (WF_ABBA) and the MODIS thermal hotspot detection. Two methods for preprocessing these fire data are compared: The prep_chem_sources method included with WRF-Chem, and the Naval Research Laboratory's Fire Locating and Monitoring of Burning Emissions (FLAMBE). Results from the simulations are compared with satellite-derived products from the AIRS, MISR and CALIOP sensors. When FLAMBE provides input to the 1-D plume rise model, the resulting injection heights exhibit the best agreement with satellite-observed injection heights. The FLAMBE-derived heights are more realistic than those utilizing prep_chem_sources. Conversely, when the planetary boundary layer or the 3-5 km a.g.l. layer were filled with emissions, the resulting injection heights exhibit less agreement with observed plume heights. Results indicate that differences in injection heights produce different transport pathways. These differences are especially pronounced in area of strong vertical wind shear and when the integration period is long.

Role of opioid system in verapamil-induced antinociception in a rat model of orofacial pain

PubMed Central

Tamaddonfard, Esmaeal; Erfanparast, Amir; Taati, Mina; Dabbaghi, Milad

2014-01-01

Calcium, through its various channels involves in local, spinal and supra-spinal transmission of pain. In the present study, we investigated the separate and combined treatment effects of verapamil (a calcium channel blocker), morphine (an opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) on pain in the orofacial region of rats. Orofacial pain was induced by subcutaneous (SC) injection of formalin (50 µL, 1.5%) into the left upper lip side, and the time durations spent face rubbing with epsilateral forepaw were recorded in three min blocks for a period of 45 min. Formalin induced a biphasic pattern (first phase: 0-3 min; second phase: 15-33 min) of pain. Intraperitoneal (IP) injections of verapamil (2 and 8 mg kg-1) and morphine (2 and 4 mg kg-1) suppressed orofacial pain. Co-administration of sub-analgesic doses of verapamil (0.5 mg kg-1) and morphine (1 mg kg-1) produced second phase analgesia. Both phases of formalin-induced pain were suppressed when an analgesic dose (2 mg kg-1) of verapamil co-administered with a sub-analgesic dose (1 mg kg-1) of morphine. The SC injection of naloxone (2 mg kg-1) alone with no effect on pain intensity, prevented the antinociceptive effects induced by morphine (2 mg kg-1), but not verapamil (2 mg kg-1). The obtained results showed antinociceptive effects for verapamli and morphine on orofacial pain. Co-administrations of verapamil and morphine produced antinociceptive effects. It seems that opioid analgesic system may not have a role in the verapamil-induced antinociception. PMID:25568692

Texas A&M vortex type phase separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Best, Frederick

2000-01-01

Phase separation is required for regenerative biological and chemical process systems as well as thermal transport and rejection systems. Liquid and gas management requirements for future spacecraft will demand small, passive systems able to operate over wide ranges of inlet qualities. Conservation and recycling of air and water is a necessary part of the construction and operation of the International Space Station as well as future long duration space missions. Space systems are sensitive to volume, mass, and power. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to recycle wastewater with minimal power consumption. Regenerative life support systems currently being investigated require phase separation to separate the liquid from the gas produced. The microgravity phase separator designed and fabricated at Texas A&M University relies on centripetal driven buoyancy forces to form a gas-liquid vortex within a fixed, right-circular cylinder. Two-phase flow is injected tangentially along the inner wall of this cylinder producing a radial acceleration gradient. The gradient produced from the intrinsic momentum of the injected mixture results in a rotating flow that drives the buoyancy process by the production of a hydrostatic pressure gradient. Texas A&M has flown several KC-135 flights with separator. These flights have included scaling studies, stability and transient investigations, and tests for inventory instrumentation. Among the hardware tested have been passive devices for separating mixed vapor/liquid streams into single-phase streams of vapor only and liquid only. .

Computer code for gas-liquid two-phase vortex motions: GLVM

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yeh, T. T.

1986-01-01

A computer program aimed at the phase separation between gas and liquid at zero gravity, induced by vortex motion, is developed. It utilizes an explicit solution method for a set of equations describing rotating gas-liquid flows. The vortex motion is established by a tangential fluid injection. A Lax-Wendroff two-step (McCormack's) numerical scheme is used. The program can be used to study the fluid dynamical behavior of the rotational two-phase fluids in a cylindrical tank. It provides a quick/easy sensitivity test on various parameters and thus provides the guidance for the design and use of actual physical systems for handling two-phase fluids.

Two-phase non-Newtonian hydrodynamic modeling of slurries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, C. S.; Lyczkowski, R. W.; Berry, G. F.

The two-phase hydrodynamic theory of fluid/solid flow has been extended to incorporate the constitutive relationship for power-law non-Newtonian behavior. A model has been developed to predict the spatial and temporal variations in solids and liquid velocities and concentration of non-Newtonian slurries under high shear rates in diesel engine injection systems. Comparisons between the present non-Newtonian two-phase theory and the conventional theory have also been made. Selected results for diesel injection nozzle applications are presented. The results from this model can be used to calculate directly the erosion rates at the nozzle boundaries and the solids loading at the nozzle exit.

External and Intraparticle Diffusion of Coumarin 102 with Surfactant in the ODS-silica Gel/water System by Single Microparticle Injection and Confocal Fluorescence Microspectroscopy.

PubMed

Nakatani, Kiyoharu; Matsuta, Emi

2015-01-01

The release mechanism of coumarin 102 from a single ODS-silica gel microparticle into the water phase in the presence of Triton X-100 was investigated by confocal fluorescence microspectroscopy combined with the single microparticle injection technique. The release rate significantly depended on the Triton X-100 concentration in the water phase and was not limited by diffusion in the pores of the microparticle. The release rate constant was inversely proportional to the microparticle radius squared, indicating that the rate-determining step is the external diffusion between the microparticle and the water phase.

Selenium Partitioning and Removal Across a Wet FGD Scrubber at a Coal-Fired Power Plant.

PubMed

Senior, Constance L; Tyree, Corey A; Meeks, Noah D; Acharya, Chethan; McCain, Joseph D; Cushing, Kenneth M

2015-12-15

Selenium has unique fate and transport through a coal-fired power plant because of high vapor pressures of oxide (SeO2) in flue gas. This study was done at full-scale on a 900 MW coal-fired power plant with electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber. The first objective was to quantify the partitioning of selenium between gas and condensed phases at the scrubber inlet and outlet. The second objective was to determine the effect of scrubber operation conditions (pH, mass transfer, SO2 removal) on Se removal in both particulate and vapor phases. During part of the testing, hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide) was injected upstream of the scrubber. Gas-phase selenium and particulate-bound selenium were measured as a function of particle size at the inlet and outlet of the scrubber. The total (both phases) removal of Se across the scrubber averaged 61%, and was enhanced when hydrated lime sorbent was injected. There was evidence of gas-to-particle conversion of selenium across the scrubber, based on the dependence of selenium concentration on particle diameter downstream of the scrubber and on thermodynamic calculations.

Transplantation of spinal cord-derived neural stem cells for ALS: Analysis of phase 1 and 2 trials.

PubMed

Glass, Jonathan D; Hertzberg, Vicki S; Boulis, Nicholas M; Riley, Jonathan; Federici, Thais; Polak, Meraida; Bordeau, Jane; Fournier, Christina; Johe, Karl; Hazel, Tom; Cudkowicz, Merit; Atassi, Nazem; Borges, Lawrence F; Rutkove, Seward B; Duell, Jayna; Patil, Parag G; Goutman, Stephen A; Feldman, Eva L

2016-07-26

To test the safety of spinal cord transplantation of human stem cells in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with escalating doses and expansion of the trial to multiple clinical centers. This open-label trial included 15 participants at 3 academic centers divided into 5 treatment groups receiving increasing doses of stem cells by increasing numbers of cells/injection and increasing numbers of injections. All participants received bilateral injections into the cervical spinal cord (C3-C5). The final group received injections into both the lumbar (L2-L4) and cervical cord through 2 separate surgical procedures. Participants were assessed for adverse events and progression of disease, as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised, forced vital capacity, and quantitative measures of strength. Statistical analysis focused on the slopes of decline of these phase 2 trial participants alone or in combination with the phase 1 participants (previously reported), comparing these groups to 3 separate historical control groups. Adverse events were mostly related to transient pain associated with surgery and to side effects of immunosuppressant medications. There was one incident of acute postoperative deterioration in neurologic function and another incident of a central pain syndrome. We could not discern differences in surgical outcomes between surgeons. Comparisons of the slopes of decline with the 3 separate historical control groups showed no differences in mean rates of progression. Intraspinal transplantation of human spinal cord-derived neural stem cells can be safely accomplished at high doses, including successive lumbar and cervical procedures. The procedure can be expanded safely to multiple surgical centers. This study provides Class IV evidence that for patients with ALS, spinal cord transplantation of human stem cells can be safely accomplished and does not accelerate the progression of the disease. This study lacks the precision to exclude important benefit or safety issues. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Sodium alginate hydrogel-based bioprinting using a novel multinozzle bioprinting system.

PubMed

Song, Seung-Joon; Choi, Jaesoon; Park, Yong-Doo; Hong, Soyoung; Lee, Jung Joo; Ahn, Chi Bum; Choi, Hyuk; Sun, Kyung

2011-11-01

Bioprinting is a technology for constructing bioartificial tissue or organs of complex three-dimensional (3-D) structure with high-precision spatial shape forming ability in larger scale than conventional tissue engineering methods and simultaneous multiple components composition ability. It utilizes computer-controlled 3-D printer mechanism or solid free-form fabrication technologies. In this study, sodium alginate hydrogel that can be utilized for large-dimension tissue fabrication with its fast gelation property was studied regarding material-specific printing technique and printing parameters using a multinozzle bioprinting system developed by the authors. A sodium alginate solution was prepared with a concentration of 1% (wt/vol), and 1% CaCl(2) solution was used as cross-linker for the gelation. The two materials were loaded in each of two nozzles in the multinozzle bioprinting system that has a total of four nozzles of which the injection speed can be independently controlled. A 3-D alginate structure was fabricated through layer-by-layer printing. Each layer was formed through two phases of printing, the first phase with the sodium alginate solution and the second phase with the calcium chloride solution, in identical printing pattern and speed condition. The target patterns were lattice shaped with 2-mm spacing and two different line widths. The nozzle moving speed was 6.67 mm/s, and the injection head speed was 10 µm/s. For the two different line widths, two injection needles with inner diameters of 260 and 410 µm were used. The number of layers accumulated was five in this experiment. By varying the nozzle moving speed and the injection speed, various pattern widths could be achieved. The feasibility of sodium alginate hydrogel free-form formation by alternate printing of alginate solution and sodium chloride solution was confirmed in the developed multinozzle bioprinting system. © 2011, Copyright the Authors. Artificial Organs © 2011, International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An integrated system for synchronous culture of animal cells under controlled conditions.

PubMed

Mendoza-Pérez, Elena; Hernández, Vanessa; Palomares, Laura A; Serrato, José A

2016-01-01

The cell cycle has fundamental effects on cell cultures and their products. Tools to synchronize cultured cells allow the study of cellular physiology and metabolism at particular cell cycle phases. However, cells are most often arrested by methods that alter their homeostasis and are then cultivated in poorly controlled environments. Cell behavior could then be affected by the synchronization method and culture conditions used, and not just by the particular cell cycle phase under study. Moreover, only a few viable cells are recovered. Here, we designed an integrated system where a large number of cells from a controlled bioreactor culture is separated by centrifugal elutriation at high viabilities. In contrast to current elutriation methods, cells are injected directly from a bioreactor into an injection loop, allowing the introduction of a large number of cells into the separation chamber without stressful centrifugation. A low pulsation peristaltic pump increases the stability of the elutriation chamber. Using this approach, a large number of healthy cells at each cell cycle phase were obtained, allowing their direct inoculation into fully instrumented bioreactors. Hybridoma cells synchronized and cultured in this system behaved as expected for a synchronous culture.

Microstructure and High Temperature Oxidation Property of Fe-Cr-B Based Metal/Ceramic Composite Manufactured by Powder Injection Molding Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, Yeun-Ah; Kim, Young-Kyun; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Lee, Kee-Ahn

2018-03-01

This study investigated the microstructure and high temperature oxidation property of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding process. Observations of initial microstructure showed a unique structure where α-Fe and (Cr, Fe)2B form a continuous three-dimensional network. High temperature oxidation tests were performed at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C, for 24 h, and the oxidation weight gain according to each temperature condition was 0.13, 0.84 and 6.4 mg/cm2, respectively. The oxidation results according to time at 900 and 1000 °C conditions represented parabolic curves, and at 1100 °C condition formed a rectilinear curve. Observation and phase analysis results of the oxides identified Cr2O3 and SiO2 at 900 and 1000 °C. In addition to Cr2O3 and SiO2, CrBO3 and FeCr2O4 formed due to phase decomposition of boride were identified at 1100 °C. Based on the findings above, this study suggested the high temperature oxidation mechanism of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding, and the possibility of its application as a high temperature component material was also discussed.

Novel self-gelling injectable hydrogel/alpha-tricalcium phosphate composites for bone regeneration: Physiochemical and microcomputer tomographical characterization.

PubMed

Douglas, Timothy E L; Schietse, Josefien; Zima, Aneta; Gorodzha, Svetlana; Parakhonskiy, Bogdan V; KhaleNkow, Dmitry; Shkarin, Roman; Ivanova, Anna; Baumbach, Tilo; Weinhardt, Venera; Stevens, Christian V; Vanhoorne, Valérie; Vervaet, Chris; Balcaen, Lieve; Vanhaecke, Frank; Slośarczyk, Anna; Surmeneva, Maria A; Surmenev, Roman A; Skirtach, Andre G

2018-03-01

Mineralized hydrogels are increasingly gaining attention as biomaterials for bone regeneration. The most common mineralization strategy has been addition of preformed inorganic particles during hydrogel formation. This maintains injectability. One common form of bone cement is formed by mixing particles of the highly reactive calcium phosphate alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) with water to form hydroxyapatite (HA). The calcium ions released during this reaction can be exploited to crosslink anionic, calcium-binding polymers such as the polysaccharide gellan gum (GG) to induce hydrogel formation. In this study, three different amounts of α-TCP particles were added to GG polymer solution to generate novel, injectable hydrogel-inorganic composites. Distribution of the inorganic phase in the hydrogel was studied by high resolution microcomputer tomography (µCT). Gelation occurred within 30 min. α-TCP converted to HA. µCT revealed inhomogeneous distribution of the inorganic phase in the composites. These results demonstrate the potential of the composites as alternatives to traditional α-TCP bone cement and pave the way for incorporation of biologically active substances and in vitro and in vivo testing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 822-828, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optimization of 64-MDCT urography: effect of dual-phase imaging with furosemide on collecting system opacification and radiation dose.

PubMed

Portnoy, Orith; Guranda, Larisa; Apter, Sara; Eiss, David; Amitai, Marianne Michal; Konen, Eli

2011-11-01

The purpose of this study was to compare opacification of the urinary collecting system and radiation dose associated with three-phase 64-MDCT urographic protocols and those associated with a split-bolus dual-phase protocol including furosemide. Images from 150 CT urographic examinations performed with three scanning protocols were retrospectively evaluated. Group A consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a three-phase protocol with saline infusion. Group B consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a reduced-radiation three-phase protocol with saline. Group C consisted of 50 sequentially registered patients who underwent a dual-phase split-bolus protocol that included a low-dose furosemide injection. Opacification of the urinary collecting system was evaluated with segmental binary scoring. Contrast artifacts were evaluated, and radiation doses were recorded. Results were compared by analysis of variance. A significant reduction in mean effective radiation dose was found between groups A and B (p < 0.001) and between groups B and C (p < 0.001), resulting in 65% reduction between groups A and C (p < 0.001). This reduction did not significantly affect opacification score in any of the 12 urinary segments (p = 0.079). In addition, dense contrast artifacts overlying the renal parenchyma observed with the three-phase protocols (groups A and B) were avoided with the dual-phase protocol (group C) (p < 0.001). A dual-phase protocol with furosemide injection is the preferable technique for CT urography. In comparison with commonly used three-phase protocols, the dual-phase protocol significantly reduces radiation exposure dose without reduction in image quality.

Imaging of cardiac perfusion of free-breathing small animals using dynamic phase-correlated micro-CT

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

Sawall, Stefan; Kuntz, Jan; Socher, Michaela

Purpose:Mouse models of cardiac diseases have proven to be a valuable tool in preclinical research. The high cardiac and respiratory rates of free breathing mice prohibit conventional in vivo cardiac perfusion studies using computed tomography even if gating methods are applied. This makes a sacrification of the animals unavoidable and only allows for the application of ex vivo methods. Methods: To overcome this issue the authors propose a low dose scan protocol and an associated reconstruction algorithm that allows for in vivo imaging of cardiac perfusion and associated processes that are retrospectively synchronized to the respiratory and cardiac motion ofmore » the animal. The scan protocol consists of repetitive injections of contrast media within several consecutive scans while the ECG, respiratory motion, and timestamp of contrast injection are recorded and synchronized to the acquired projections. The iterative reconstruction algorithm employs a six-dimensional edge-preserving filter to provide low-noise, motion artifact-free images of the animal examined using the authors' low dose scan protocol. Results: The reconstructions obtained show that the complete temporal bolus evolution can be visualized and quantified in any desired combination of cardiac and respiratory phase including reperfusion phases. The proposed reconstruction method thereby keeps the administered radiation dose at a minimum and thus reduces metabolic inference to the animal allowing for longitudinal studies. Conclusions: The authors' low dose scan protocol and phase-correlated dynamic reconstruction algorithm allow for an easy and effective way to visualize phase-correlated perfusion processes in routine laboratory studies using free-breathing mice.« less

Switching stable patients with schizophrenia from their oral antipsychotics to aripiprazole lauroxil: a post hoc safety analysis of the initial 12-week crossover period.

PubMed

Weiden, Peter J; Du, Yangchun; Liu, Chih-Chin; Stanford, Arielle D

2018-06-26

Switching antipsychotic medications is common in patients with schizophrenia who are experiencing persistent symptoms or tolerability issues associated with their current drug regimen. This analysis assessed the safety of switching from an oral antipsychotic to the long-acting injectable antipsychotic aripiprazole lauroxil (AL). This was a post hoc analysis of outpatients with schizophrenia who were prescribed an oral antipsychotic and who enrolled in an international, open-label, long-term (52-week) safety study of AL. The analysis focused on the first 3 injections of AL 882 mg over 12 weeks, divided into the immediate 4-week crossover period between the first and second AL injections (initiation phase) and the subsequent 8 weeks (stabilization phase). Patients were grouped by preswitch oral antipsychotic medication, and safety and clinical symptoms were assessed. In total, 190 patients had switched from one of the following oral antipsychotic medications: aripiprazole, conventional antipsychotics, risperidone/paliperidone, olanzapine, or quetiapine. The 12-week completion rate was high (92.1%) and similar across the different preswitch oral antipsychotic groups. Overall, adverse event (AE) rates experienced over 12 weeks were modest; no AEs were considered serious. The most common AEs in the initiation phase were injection site pain (5.8%), insomnia (5.8%), and akathisia (3.2%). No apparent relationship was observed between preswitch medication and early-onset AEs. Mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores remained stable during this period across preswitch antipsychotic groups. Switching from an oral antipsychotic to AL was feasible in an outpatient setting for patients with schizophrenia, and the 12-week retention rate was favorable.

Generation of a CW local oscillator signal using a stabilized injection locked semiconductor laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pezeshki, Jonah Massih

In high speed-communications, it is desirable to be able to detect small signals while maintaining a low bit-error rate. Conventional receivers for high-speed fiber optic networks are Amplified Direct Detectors (ADDs) that use erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs) before the detector to achieve a suitable sensitivity. In principle, a better method for obtaining the maximum possible signal to noise ratio is through the use of homodyne detection. The major difficulty in implementing a homodyne detection system is the generation of a suitable local oscillator signal. This local oscillator signal must be at the same frequency as the received data signal, as well as be phase coherent with it. To accomplish this, a variety of synchronization techniques have been explored, including Optical Phase-Lock Loops (OPLL), Optical Injection Locking (OIL) with both Fabry-Perot and DFB lasers, and an Optical Injection Phase-Lock Loop (OIPLL). For this project I have implemented a method for regenerating a local oscillator from a portion of the received optical signal. This regenerated local oscillator is at the same frequency, and is phase coherent with, the received optical signal. In addition, we show that the injection locking process can be electronically stabilized by using the modulation transfer ratio of the slave laser as a monitor, given either a DFB or Fabry-Perot slave laser. We show that this stabilization technique maintains injection lock (given a locking range of ˜1GHz) for laser drift much greater than what is expected in a typical transmission system. In addition, we explore the quality of the output of the slave laser, and analyze its suitability as a local oscillator signal for a homodyne receiver.

Simulating the Cranfield geological carbon sequestration project with high-resolution static models and an accurate equation of state

DOE PAGES

Soltanian, Mohamad Reza; Amooie, Mohammad Amin; Cole, David R.; ...

2016-10-11

In this study, a field-scale carbon dioxide (CO 2) injection pilot project was conducted as part of the Southeast Regional Sequestration Partnership (SECARB) at Cranfield, Mississippi. We present higher-order finite element simulations of the compositional two-phase CO 2-brine flow and transport during the experiment. High- resolution static models of the formation geology in the Detailed Area Study (DAS) located below the oil- water contact (brine saturated) are used to capture the impact of connected flow paths on breakthrough times in two observation wells. Phase behavior is described by the cubic-plus-association (CPA) equation of state, which takes into account the polarmore » nature of water molecules. Parameter studies are performed to investigate the importance of Fickian diffusion, permeability heterogeneity, relative permeabilities, and capillarity. Simulation results for the pressure response in the injection well and the CO 2 breakthrough times at the observation wells show good agreement with the field data. For the high injection rates and short duration of the experiment, diffusion is relatively unimportant (high P clet numbers), while relative permeabilities have a profound impact on the pressure response. High-permeability pathways, created by fluvial deposits, strongly affect the CO 2 transport and highlight the importance of properly characterizing the formation heterogeneity in future carbon sequestration projects.« less

Method of injection of onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine: a safe, well-tolerated, and effective treatment paradigm based on the PREEMPT clinical program.

PubMed

Blumenfeld, Andrew; Silberstein, Stephen D; Dodick, David W; Aurora, Sheena K; Turkel, Catherine C; Binder, William J

2010-10-01

Chronic migraine (CM) is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder. Few prophylactic treatments for CM have been investigated. OnabotulinumtoxinA, which inhibits the release of nociceptive mediators, such as glutamate, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide, has been evaluated in randomized, placebo-controlled studies for the preventive treatment of a variety of headache disorders, including CM. These studies have yielded insight into appropriate patient selection, injection sites, dosages, and technique. Initial approaches used a set of fixed sites for the pericranial injections. However, the treatment approach evolved to include other sites that corresponded to the location of pain and tenderness in the individual patient in addition to the fixed sites. The Phase III REsearch Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy (PREEMPT) injection paradigm uses both fixed and follow-the-pain sites, with additional specific follow-the-pain sites considered depending on individual symptoms. The PREEMPT paradigm for injecting onabotulinumtoxinA has been shown to be safe, well-tolerated, and effective in well-designed, controlled clinical trials and is the evidence-based approach recommended to optimize clinical outcomes for patients with CM. © 2010 American Headache Society.

Spatio-temporal droplet size statistics in developing spray of starchy solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naz, Muhammad Yasin; Sulaiman, Shaharin Anwar; Ariwahjoedi, Bambang

2015-07-01

In the given research, the spray jet breakup of a modified starch solution was studied as a function of jet injection time and nozzle orifice diameter. The starch-urea-borax solution was prepared and tested with three axisymmetric full cone nozzles at service temperature of 80°C and the injection pressure of 5 bar. It is worth mentioning that no jet breakup was seen below these temperature and pressure values. The imaging studies on the time based spray evolution revealed monotonic increase in both; spray cone angle and tip penetration with an increase in injection time form 0-300 mm. Hereinafter, both parameters exhibited constants value over injection time. Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA) measurements of the droplet size revealed significant decrease in the Sauter Mean Diameter (SMD) along the spray centerline. However, a steady decrease in SMD was seen towards the spray boundary. For fixed injection time of 300 ms, the overall SMD was decreased from 112 to 71 µm at 60 mm downstream, from 102 to 64 µm at 100 mm downstream and from 85 to 61 µm at 140 mm downstream with an increase in orifice diameter from 1.19 to 1.59 mm.

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

PubMed

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

2017-03-24

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

Thermal Velocities Arising from Injection in 2-Phase and Superheated Reservoirs

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

Shook, George Michael

2001-01-01

Production from and injection into geothermal reservoirs gives rise to temperature fronts that move through the porous medium. As many as two temperature fronts are observed in 1-D simulations. The first front is related to the saturation temperature of the production pressure. Its velocity can be calculated from the amount of excess heat in the reservoir, defined as the amount of energy above the interface temperature, Ti = Tsat(Pwf). The second temperature front velocity is the same as for single phase liquid conditions.

Creating Drug Solubilization Compartments via Phase Separation in Multicomponent Buccal Patches Prepared by Direct Hot Melt Extrusion-Injection Molding.

PubMed

Alhijjaj, Muqdad; Bouman, Jacob; Wellner, Nikolaus; Belton, Peter; Qi, Sheng

2015-12-07

Creating in situ phase separation in solid dispersion based formulations to allow enhanced functionality of the dosage form, such as improving dissolution of poorly soluble model drug as well as being mucoadhesive, can significantly maximize the in vitro and in vivo performance of the dosage form. This formulation strategy can benefit a wide range of solid dosage forms for oral and alternative routes of delivery. This study using buccal patches as an example created separated phases in situ of the buccal patches by selecting the excipients with different miscibility with each other and the model drug. The quaternary dispersion based buccal patches containing PEG, PEO, Tween 80, and felodipine were prepared by direct hot melt extrusion-injection molding (HME-IM). The partial miscibility between Tween 80 and semicrystalline PEG-PEO led to the phase separation after extrusion. The Tween phases acted as drug solubilization compartments, and the PEG-PEO phase had the primary function of providing mucoadhesion and carrier controlled dissolution. As felodipine was preferably solubilized in the amorphous regions of PEG-PEO, the high crystallinity of PEG-PEO resulted in an overall low drug solubilizing capacity. Tween 80 was added to improve the solubilization capacity of the system as the model drug showed good solubility in Tween. Increasing the drug loading led to the supersaturation of drug in Tween compartments and crystalline drug dispersed in PEG-PEO phases. The spatial distribution of these phase-separated compartments was mapped using X-ray micro-CT, which revealed that the domain size and heterogeneity of the phase separation increased with increasing the drug loading. The outcome of this study provides new insights into the applicability of in situ formed phase separation as a formulation strategy for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs and demonstrated the basic principle of excipient selection for such technology.

A study for characterization of IgE-mediated cutaneous immediate and late-phase reactions in non-allergic domestic cats.

PubMed

Seals, Shanna L; Kearney, Michael; Del Piero, Fabio; Hammerberg, Bruce; Pucheu-Haston, Cherie M

2014-05-15

Immunoglobulin-E (IgE) mediated reactions can be induced by intradermal injection of anti-IgE antibodies in both humans and dogs. These reactions grossly and histologically mimic changes seen in naturally occurring allergic dermatitis in these species. Similar studies have not been conducted in the cat. Purified polyclonal rabbit-origin IgG specific for canine IgE (anti-IgE) and rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) were injected intradermally in 7 non-allergic laboratory colony cats. Wheal measurements were obtained and biopsies collected before injection and at injection sites after 20 min, 6, 24, and 48 h. Injection of anti-IgE induced an immediate wheal response which was significantly larger than that seen after injection of rabbit IgG. Anti-IgE injected skin was also significantly thicker than IgG-injected skin. This corresponded with a significant increase in number of visibly degranulated mast cells in anti-IgE samples when compared to IgG samples. Injection of anti-IgE was associated with the rapid recruitment of inflammatory cells to the injected dermis. The number of inflammatory cells and mononuclear cells were significantly elevated after the injection of anti-IgE when compared to IgG-injected skin. Both eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly increased in anti-IgE samples relative to IgG, although neutrophils were only transiently increased. The high eosinophil and relatively low neutrophil cell counts in these samples were consistent with previously documented histologic features of naturally occurring feline allergic skin disease. Immunohistochemistry identified a significantly overall increased CD1a(+) cells after the intradermal injection of anti-IgE when compared to IgG and non-injected skin. CD3(+), CD8(+) and CD4(+) were also significantly increased overall in anti-IgE injected skin relative to IgG injected skin. These data document the gross and cellular response to injection of anti-IgE in the skin of healthy, non-allergic cats and support a possible role for IgE in the development of feline allergic dermatitis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical injection locking-based amplification in phase-coherent transfer of optical frequencies.

PubMed

Kim, Joonyoung; Schnatz, Harald; Wu, David S; Marra, Giuseppe; Richardson, David J; Slavík, Radan

2015-09-15

We demonstrate the use of an optical injection phase locked loop (OIPLL) as a regenerative amplifier for optical frequency transfer applications. The optical injection locking provides high gain within a narrow bandwidth (<100  MHz) and is capable of preserving the fractional frequency stability of the incoming carrier to better than 10(-18) at 1000 s. The OIPLL was tested in the field as a mid-span amplifier for the transfer of an ultrastable optical carrier, stabilized to an optical frequency standard, over a 292 km long installed dark fiber link. The transferred frequency at the remote end reached a fractional frequency instability of less than 1×10(-19) at averaging time of 3200 s.

Lattice Boltzmann simulations of supercritical CO2-water drainage displacement in porous media: CO2 saturation and displacement mechanism.

PubMed

Yamabe, Hirotatsu; Tsuji, Takeshi; Liang, Yunfeng; Matsuoka, Toshifumi

2015-01-06

CO2 geosequestration in deep aquifers requires the displacement of water (wetting phase) from the porous media by supercritical CO2 (nonwetting phase). However, the interfacial instabilities, such as viscous and capillary fingerings, develop during the drainage displacement. Moreover, the burstlike Haines jump often occurs under conditions of low capillary number. To study these interfacial instabilities, we performed lattice Boltzmann simulations of CO2-water drainage displacement in a 3D synthetic granular rock model at a fixed viscosity ratio and at various capillary numbers. The capillary numbers are varied by changing injection pressure, which induces changes in flow velocity. It was observed that the viscous fingering was dominant at high injection pressures, whereas the crossover of viscous and capillary fingerings was observed, accompanied by Haines jumps, at low injection pressures. The Haines jumps flowing forward caused a significant drop of CO2 saturation, whereas Haines jumps flowing backward caused an increase of CO2 saturation (per injection depth). We demonstrated that the pore-scale Haines jumps remarkably influenced the flow path and therefore equilibrium CO2 saturation in crossover domain, which is in turn related to the storage efficiency in the field-scale geosequestration. The results can improve our understandings of the storage efficiency by the effects of pore-scale displacement phenomena.

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer.

PubMed

Sarduy, M R; García, I; Coca, M A; Perera, A; Torres, L A; Valenzuela, C M; Baladrón, I; Solares, M; Reyes, V; Hernández, I; Perera, Y; Martínez, Y M; Molina, L; González, Y M; Ancízar, J A; Prats, A; González, L; Casacó, C A; Acevedo, B E; López-Saura, P A; Alonso, D F; Gómez, R; Perea-Rodríguez, S E

2015-05-12

We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose. Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using (99)Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry. Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1 ± 8.9 vs 31.3 ± 12.9 mg (P = 0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P < 0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P = 0.03) in tumour specimens. Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies.

Method for the quantification of vanadyl porphyrins in fractions of crude oils by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Flow Injection-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wandekoken, Flávia G.; Duyck, Christiane B.; Fonseca, Teresa C. O.; Saint'Pierre, Tatiana D.

2016-05-01

High performance liquid chromatography hyphenated by flow injection to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-FI-ICP-MS) was used to investigate V linked to porphyrins present in fractions of crude oil. First, the crude oil sample was submitted to fractionation by preparative liquid chromatography with UV detection, at the porphyrin Soret band wavelength (400 nm). The obtained porphyrin fractions were then separated in a 250 mm single column, in the HPLC, and eluted with different mobile phases (methanol or methanol:toluene (80:20; v:v)). The quantification of V-porphyrins in the fractions eluted from HPLC was carried out by online measuring the 51V isotope in the ICP-MS, against vanadyl octaethylporphine standard solutions (VO-OEP), prepared in the same solvent as the mobile phase, and injected post-column directly into the plasma. A 20 μg L- 1 Ge in methanol was used as internal standard for minimizing non-spectral interference, such as short-term variations due to injection. The mathematical treatment of the signal based on Fast Fourier Transform smoothing algorithm was employed to improve the precision. The concentrations of V as V-porphyrins were between 2.7 and 11 mg kg- 1 in the fractions, which were close to the total concentration of V in the porphyrin fractions of the studied crude oil.

A Mathematical Model for the Multiphase Transport and Reaction Kinetics in a Ladle with Bottom Powder Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lou, Wentao; Zhu, Miaoyong

2017-12-01

A computation fluid dynamics-population balance model-simultaneous reaction model (CFD-PBM-SRM) coupled model has been proposed to study the multiphase flow behavior and refining reaction kinetics in a ladle with bottom powder injection, and some new and important phenomena and mechanisms are presented. For the multiphase flow behavior, the effects of bubbly plume flow, powder particle motion, particle-particle collision and growth, particle-bubble collision and adhesion, and powder particle removal into top slag are considered. For the reaction kinetics, the mechanisms of multicomponent simultaneous reactions, including Al, S, Si, Mn, Fe, and O, at the multi-interface, including top slag-liquid steel interface, air-liquid steel interface, powder droplet-liquid steel interface, and bubble-liquid steel interface, are presented, and the effect of sulfur solubility in the powder droplet on the desulfurization is also taken into account. Model validation is carried out using hot tests in a 2-t induction furnace with bottom powder injection. The result shows that the powder particles gradually disperse in the entire furnace; in the vicinity of the bottom slot plugs, the desulfurization product CaS is liquid phase, while in the upper region of the furnace, the desulfurization product CaS is solid phase. The predicted sulfur contents by the present model agree well with the measured data in the 2-t furnace with bottom powder injection.

The effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on antioxidant gene expression in tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varela-Valencia, Ruth; Gómez-Ortiz, Nikte; Oskam, Gerko; de Coss, Romeo; Rubio-Piña, Jorge; del Río-García, Marcela; Albores-Medina, Arnulfo; Zapata-Perez, Omar

2014-04-01

The reactivity of nanoparticles (NPs) in biological systems is well recognized, but there are huge gaps in our understanding of NP toxicity in fish, despite a number of recent ecotoxicity studies. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of titanium dioxide NPs (TiO2-NPs) on antioxidant gene expression in the tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. First, different sizes, shapes, and phases of TiO2-NPs were synthesized and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Fish were injected intraperitoneally with different concentrations (0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/L), sizes (7, 14, and 21 nm), and phases (anatase and rutile) of TiO2-NPs, and sacrificed 3, 6, 12, and 24 h after injection, when their livers were removed. Total RNA was extracted, and expression of the catalase ( CAT), glutathione- S-transferase ( GST), and superoxide dismutase ( SOD) genes was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results showed that injection of 1.0 mg/L TiO2-NPs induced an initial mild increase in CAT, GST, and SOD gene expression in tilapia, after which transcript levels decreased. Fish injected with 7 and 14 nm TiO2-NPs showed an increase in antioxidant transcript levels 6 h after treatment. Finally, the rutile form generated stronger induction of the GST gene than anatase TiO2-NPs during the first 6 h after injection, which suggests that exposure to rutile causes higher levels of reactive oxygen species to be produced.

Investigation of salt formation between memantine and pamoic acid: Its exploitation in nanocrystalline form as long acting injection.

PubMed

Mittapelly, Naresh; Rachumallu, Ramakrishna; Pandey, Gitu; Sharma, Shweta; Arya, Abhishek; Bhatta, Rabi Shankar; Mishra, Prabhat Ranjan

2016-04-01

In the present work, we prepared memantine-pamoic acid (MEM-PAM) salt by counter ion exchange in the aqueous phase to reduce the water solubility of MEM hydrochloride (native form) to make it suitable for long acting injection. The ratio of MEM to PAM in salt formation was optimized to maximize the loading efficiency and complexation efficiency. The 2:1 molar ratio of MEM to PAM salt form displayed nearly 95% complexation efficiency and 50% drug loading. The solubility was decreased by a ∼1250 folds. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Powder X-ray Diffraction Analysis (PXRD) studies revealed the formation of new solid phase. Additionally, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the anhydrous nature of the salt form. Through Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) we identified the molecular interactions. Further, the microcrystals of the salt were transformed into nanocrystals (NCs) using high pressure homogenization. The particle size distribution and atomic force microscopy confirmed the monodispersed and spherical shape of the NCs. The in vitro dissolution studies were performed under sink condition in phosphate buffer saline pH 6.8. The results of MTT assay in murine fibroblast 3T3 cell line show that the NCs were less cytotoxic and more tolerable than plain MEM HCl. The in vivo performance of NCs administered as i.m. injection at three different doses in female Sprague-Dawley rats showed that the plasma levels lasted till the 24th day of the study. The pharmacokinetic parameters AUC0-∞ and Cmax increased linearly with increasing dose. Therefore, the results suggest that injectable NCs could represent a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of AD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Viscous and gravitational fingering in multiphase compositional and compressible flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moortgat, Joachim

2016-03-01

Viscous and gravitational fingering refer to flow instabilities in porous media that are triggered by adverse mobility or density ratios, respectively. These instabilities have been studied extensively in the past for (1) single-phase flow (e.g., contaminant transport in groundwater, first-contact-miscible displacement of oil by gas in hydrocarbon production), and (2) multi-phase immiscible and incompressible flow (e.g., water-alternating-gas (WAG) injection in oil reservoirs). Fingering in multiphase compositional and compressible flow has received much less attention, perhaps due to its high computational complexity. However, many important subsurface processes involve multiple phases that exchange species. Examples are carbon sequestration in saline aquifers and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by gas or WAG injection below the minimum miscibility pressure. In multiphase flow, relative permeabilities affect the mobility contrast for a given viscosity ratio. Phase behavior can also change local fluid properties, which can either enhance or mitigate viscous and gravitational instabilities. This work presents a detailed study of fingering behavior in compositional multiphase flow in two and three dimensions and considers the effects of (1) Fickian diffusion, (2) mechanical dispersion, (3) flow rates, (4) domain size and geometry, (5) formation heterogeneities, (6) gravity, and (7) relative permeabilities. Results show that fingering in compositional multiphase flow is profoundly different from miscible conditions and upscaling techniques used for the latter case are unlikely to be generalizable to the former.

Exploiting the dynamics of S-phase tracers in developing brain: interkinetic nuclear migration for cells entering versus leaving the S-phase

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayes, N. L.; Nowakowski, R. S.

2000-01-01

Two S-phase markers for in vivo studies of cell proliferation in the developing central nervous system, tritiated thymidine ((3)H-TdR) and bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), were compared using double-labeling techniques in the developing mouse cortex at embryonic day 14 (E14). The labeling efficiencies and detectability of the two tracers were approximately equivalent, and there was no evidence of significant tracer interactions that depend on order of administration. For both tracers, the loading time needed to label an S-phase cell to detectability is estimated at <0.2 h shortly after the injection of the label, but, as the concentration of the label falls, it increases to approximately 0.65 h after about 30 min. Thereafter, cells that enter the S-phase continue to become detectably labeled for approximately 5-6 h. The approximate equivalence of these two tracers was exploited to observe directly the numbers and positions of nuclei entering (labeled with the second tracer only) and leaving (labeled with the first tracer only) the S-phase. As expected, the numbers of nuclei entering and leaving the S-phase both increased as the interval between the two injections lengthened. Also, nuclei leaving the S-phase rapidly move towards the ventricular surface during G2, but, unexpectedly, the distribution of the entering nuclei does not differ significantly from the distribution of the nuclei in the S-phase. This indicates that: (1) the extent and rate of abventricular nuclear movement during G1 is variable, such that not all nuclei traverse the entire width of the ventricular zone, and (2) interkinetic nuclear movements are minimal during S-phase. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Photothermal-modulated drug delivery and magnetic relaxation based on collagen/poly(γ-glutamic acid) hydrogel.

PubMed

Cho, Sun-Hee; Kim, Ahreum; Shin, Woojung; Heo, Min Beom; Noh, Hyun Jong; Hong, Kwan Soo; Cho, Jee-Hyun; Lim, Yong Taik

2017-01-01

Injectable and stimuli-responsive hydrogels have attracted attention in molecular imaging and drug delivery because encapsulated diagnostic or therapeutic components in the hydrogel can be used to image or change the microenvironment of the injection site by controlling various stimuli such as enzymes, temperature, pH, and photonic energy. In this study, we developed a novel injectable and photoresponsive composite hydrogel composed of anticancer drugs, imaging contrast agents, bio-derived collagen, and multifaceted anionic polypeptide, poly (γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA). By the introduction of γ-PGA, the intrinsic temperature-dependent phase transition behavior of collagen was modified to a low viscous sol state at room temperature and nonflowing gel state around body temperature. The modified temperature-dependent phase transition behavior of collagen/γ-PGA hydrogels was also evaluated after loading of near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore, indocyanine green (ICG), which could transform absorbed NIR photonic energy into thermal energy. By taking advantage of the abundant carboxylate groups in γ-PGA, cationic-charged doxorubicin (Dox) and hydrophobic MnFe 2 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles were also incorporated successfully into the collagen/γ-PGA hydrogels. By illumination of NIR light on the collagen/γ-PGA/Dox/ICG/MnFe 2 O 4 hydrogels, the release kinetics of Dox and magnetic relaxation of MnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles could be modulated. The experimental results suggest that the novel injectable and NIR-responsive collagen/γ-PGA hydrogels developed in this study can be used as a theranostic platform after loading of various molecular imaging probes and therapeutic components.

EXOGENOUS CYTOCHROME C RESTORES MYOCARDIAL CYTOCHROME OXIDASE ACTIVITY INTO THE LATE PHASE OF SEPSIS

PubMed Central

Piel, David A.; Deutschman, Clifford S.; Levy, Richard J.

2009-01-01

Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of a variety of disease states, including sepsis. An acquired defect in oxidative phosphorylation potentially causes sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. Cytochrome oxidase (CcOX), the terminal oxidase of the respiratory chain, is competitively inhibited early in sepsis and progresses, becoming noncompetitive during the late phase. We have previously demonstrated that exogenous cytochrome c can overcome myocardial CcOX competitive inhibition and improve cardiac function during murine sepsis at the 24-h point. Here, we evaluate the effect of exogenous cytochrome c on CcOX activity and survival in mice at the later time points. Exogenous cytochrome c (800 μg) or saline was intravenously injected 24 h after cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. Steady-state mitochondrial cytochrome c levels and heme c content increased significantly 48 h post-CLP and remained elevated at 72 h in cytochrome c-injected mice compared with saline injection. Cecal ligation and puncture inhibited CcOX at 48 h in saline-injected mice. However, cytochrome c injection abrogated this inhibition and restored CcOX kinetic activity to sham values at 48 h. Survival after CLP to 96 h after cytochrome c injection approached 50% compared with only 15% after saline injection. Thus, a single injection of exogenous cytochrome c 24 h post-CLP repletes mitochondrial substrate levels for up to 72 h, restores myocardial COX activity, and significantly improves survival. PMID:18414235

Droplet-based microfluidic flow injection system with large-scale concentration gradient by a single nanoliter-scale injection for enzyme inhibition assay.

PubMed

Cai, Long-Fei; Zhu, Ying; Du, Guan-Sheng; Fang, Qun

2012-01-03

We described a microfluidic chip-based system capable of generating droplet array with a large scale concentration gradient by coupling flow injection gradient technique with droplet-based microfluidics. Multiple modules including sample injection, sample dispersion, gradient generation, droplet formation, mixing of sample and reagents, and online reaction within the droplets were integrated into the microchip. In the system, nanoliter-scale sample solution was automatically injected into the chip under valveless flow injection analysis mode. The sample zone was first dispersed in the microchannel to form a concentration gradient along the axial direction of the microchannel and then segmented into a linear array of droplets by immiscible oil phase. With the segmentation and protection of the oil phase, the concentration gradient profile of the sample was preserved in the droplet array with high fidelity. With a single injection of 16 nL of sample solution, an array of droplets with concentration gradient spanning 3-4 orders of magnitude could be generated. The present system was applied in the enzyme inhibition assay of β-galactosidase to preliminarily demonstrate its potential in high throughput drug screening. With a single injection of 16 nL of inhibitor solution, more than 240 in-droplet enzyme inhibition reactions with different inhibitor concentrations could be performed with an analysis time of 2.5 min. Compared with multiwell plate-based screening systems, the inhibitor consumption was reduced 1000-fold. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Association between injectable progestin-only contraceptives and HIV acquisition and HIV target cell frequency in the female genital tract in South African women: a prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Byrne, Elizabeth H; Anahtar, Melis N; Cohen, Kathleen E; Moodley, Amber; Padavattan, Nikita; Ismail, Nasreen; Bowman, Brittany A; Olson, Gregory S; Mabhula, Amanda; Leslie, Alasdair; Ndung'u, Thumbi; Walker, Bruce D; Ghebremichael, Musie S; Dong, Krista L; Kwon, Douglas S

2016-04-01

The use of injectable progestin-only contraceptives has been associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition in observational studies, but the biological mechanisms of this risk remain poorly understood. We aimed to assess the effects of progestins on HIV acquisition risk and the immune environment in the female genital tract. In this prospective cohort, we enrolled HIV-negative South African women aged 18-23 years who were not pregnant and were living in Umlazi, South Africa from the Females Rising through Education, Support, and Health (FRESH) study. We tested for HIV-1 twice per week to monitor incident infection. Every 3 months, we collected demographic and behavioural data in addition to blood and cervical samples. The study objective was to characterise host immune determinants of HIV acquisition risk, including those associated with injectable progestin-only contraceptive use. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards methods. Between Nov 19, 2012, and May 31, 2015, we characterised 432 HIV-uninfected South African women from the FRESH study. In this cohort, 152 women used injectable progestin-only contraceptives, 43 used other forms of contraception, and 222 women used no method of long-term contraception. Women using injectable progestin-only contraceptives were at substantially higher risk of acquiring HIV (12·06 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 6·41-20·63) than women using no long-term contraception (3·71 per 100 person-years, 1·36-8·07; adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2·93, 95% CI 1·09-7·868, p=0·0326). HIV-negative injectable progestin-only contraceptive users had 3·92 times the frequency of cervical HIV target cells (CCR5+ CD4 T cells) compared with women using no long-term contraceptive (p=0·0241). Women using no long-term contraceptive in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle also had a 3·25 times higher frequency of cervical target cells compared with those in the follicular phase (p=0·0488), suggesting that a naturally high progestin state had similar immunological effects to injectable progestin-only contraceptives. Injectable progestin-only contraceptive use and high endogenous progesterone are both associated with increased frequency of activated HIV targets cells at the cervix, the site of initial HIV entry in most women, providing a possible biological mechanism underlying increased HIV acquisition in women with high progestin exposure. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of Anticlines for Geologic Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in a Saline Aquifer in Northwestern Taiwan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shin-Hsun; Liou, Tai-Sheng

2013-04-01

In this study, migration of CO2 in a deep saline aquifer with anticlines under various injection schemes was numerically simulated using the ECO2N simulator. The hypothetical study site was selected at the Taoyuan Plateau near the second largest coal-fired power plant, Datan power plant (annual CO2 emission of 1.5 Mt/yr), in Northwestern Taiwan. A 15x15 km2 simulation domain, containing two sub-parallel east-northeast Hukou and Pingzhen anticlines, was discretized into unstructured grid with spatial refinement at the injection borehole. Kueichulin sandstone and Chinshui shale in the simulation domain were considered as the storage formation and the cap rock, respectively. It was assumed that no CO2 exists in the aquifer prior to injection, and that the aquifer has a hydrostatic pressure distribution and a constant salinity of 3%. All boundaries were assumed to be "open". Isothermal simulations with 1 Mt/yr injection rate and 20 years of injection period were considered. van Genuchten capillary pressure and Corey relative permeability were assumed for all rock formations. Simulation results indicated that pressure buildup characterized the CO2 migration into three different phases: drainage of brine, formation dry-out, and dissolution and gravity take-over . It was found that the worst leakage scenario occurs if a single injection borehole is placed along the anticline axis. In this case, rock formations near the anticline axis provide a leakage path such that CO2 ultimately leaks out of the upper boundary. On the other hand, CO2 can be safely sequestrated in the storage formation if the injection borehole was placed away from the anticline axis. This is because gas phase CO2 migrates along the counter dipping direction of the anticline as a result of buoyancy. More favorable scenarios were found if a multiple-borehole injection scheme was used. In such cases, not only pressure buildup was significantly mitigated but the amount of precipitated salt was reduced. If a five-borehole scheme was used, for example, pressure buildup and the amount of precipitated salt can be reduced by 20% and 90%, respectively. More interestingly, if injection borehole was placed midway between the two anticlines, buoyancy dominates the migration of CO2 such that most CO2 is accumulated under the apex of anticline. Therefore, it is suggested that a multiple-borehole injection scheme would be a preferable scenario because of the reduced risks of pressure buildup and salt precipitation. Moreover, it would be better to place the injection boreholes away from the anticline axis in order to make good use of all possible trapping mechanisms to permanently sequestrate CO2 in deep rock formations.

The effect of leukocyte interleukin injection (Multikine) treatment on the peritumoral and intratumoral subpopulation of mononuclear cells and on tumor epithelia: a possible new approach to augmenting sensitivity to radiation therapy and chemotherapy in oral cancer--a multicenter phase I/II clinical Trial.

PubMed

Tímár, József; Forster-Horváth, C; Lukits, J; Döme, B; Ladányi, A; Remenár, E; Kásler, M; Bencsik, M; Répássy, G; Szabó, G; Velich, N; Suba, Z; Elõ, J; Balatoni, Z; Bajtai, A; Chretien, P; Talor, Eyal

2003-12-01

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the administration of a novel immunoadjuvant, leukocyte interleukin injection, as part of an immuno-augmenting treatment regimen on the peritumoral and intratumoral subpopulations of the tumor infiltrating mononuclear cells and on the epithelial and stromal components, when administered to patients with advanced primary oral squamous cell carcinoma classified as T2-3N0-2M0, as compared with disease-matched control patients (not treated with leukocyte interleukin injection). Multicenter Phase I/II clinical trial. Fifty-four patients from four clinical centers were included in the dose-escalating study (27 in each group [leukocyte interleukin injection-treated and control groups]). Cumulative leukocyte inter-leukin injection doses were 2400, 4800, and 8000 IU (as interleukin-2 equivalent). Paraffin-embedded tumor samples obtained at surgical resection of the residual tumor (between days 21 and 28 after treatment initiation) were used. Histological analysis, necrosis evaluation, and American Joint Committee on Cancer grading were performed from H&E-stained sections. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on three different tumor regions (surface, zone 1; center, zone 2; and tumor-stroma interface, zone 3). Trichrome staining was used to evaluate connective tissue, and morphometric measurements were made using ImagePro analysis software. Cell cycling was determined by the use of Ki-67 marker. Leukocyte interleukin injection treatment induced a shift from stromal infiltrating T cells toward intraepithelial T cells and posted a significant (P <.05) increase in intraepithelial CD3-positive T cells independent of the leukocyte interleukin injection dose, whereas the increase in CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor alpha [IL-2Ralpha])-positive lymphoid cells was significant only at the lowest leukocyte interleukin injection dose (P <.05). Furthermore, both low- and medium-dose leukocyte interleukin injection treatment induced a significant (P <.05) increase in the number of cycling tumor cells, as compared with control values. The results could be highly beneficial for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. First, leukocyte interleukin injection treatment induces T-cell migration into cancer nests and, second, noncycling cancer cells may enter cell cycling on administration of leukocyte interleukin injection. This latter effect may modulate the susceptibility of cancer cells to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The findings may indicate a need to re-evaluate the way in which follow-up treatment (with radiation therapy and chemotherapy) of patients with head and neck cancer is currently approached.

Prospective Randomized Comparison of the Effectiveness of Radiation Therapy and Local Steroid Injection for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis.

PubMed

Canyilmaz, Emine; Canyilmaz, Fatih; Aynaci, Ozlem; Colak, Fatma; Serdar, Lasif; Uslu, Gonca Hanedan; Aynaci, Osman; Yoney, Adnan

2015-07-01

The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized trial of radiation therapy for plantar fasciitis and to compare radiation therapy with local steroid injections. Between March 2013 and April 2014, 128 patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to receive radiation therapy (total dose of 6.0 Gy applied in 6 fractions of 1.0 Gy three times a week) or local corticosteroid injections a 1 ml injection of 40 mg methylprednisolone and 0.5 ml 1% lidocaine under the guidance of palpation. The results were measured using a visual analog scale, a modified von Pannewitz scale, and a 5-level function score. The fundamental phase of the study was 3 months, with a follow-up period of up to 6 months. The median follow-up period for all patients was 12.5 months (range, 6.5-18.6 months). For the radiation therapy patients, the median follow-up period was 13 months (range, 6.5-18.5 months), whereas in the palpation-guided (PG) steroid injection arm, it was 12.1 months (range, 6.5-18.6 months). After 3 months, results in the radiation therapy arm were significantly superior to those in the PG steroid injection arm (visual analog scale, P<.001; modified von Pannewitz scale, P<.001; 5-level function score, P<.001). Requirements for a second treatment did not significantly differ between the 2 groups, but the time interval for the second treatment was significantly shorter in the PG steroid injection group (P=.045). This study confirms the superior analgesic effect of radiation therapy compared to mean PG steroid injection on plantar fasciitis for at least 6 months after treatment. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polymeric additives to enhance the functional properties of calcium phosphate cements

PubMed Central

Perez, Roman A; Kim, Hae-Won

2012-01-01

The vast majority of materials used in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are based on calcium phosphates due to their similarity with the mineral phase of natural bone. Among them, calcium phosphate cements, which are composed of a powder and a liquid that are mixed to obtain a moldable paste, are widely used. These calcium phosphate cement pastes can be injected using minimally invasive surgery and adapt to the shape of the defect, resulting in an entangled network of calcium phosphate crystals. Adding an organic phase to the calcium phosphate cement formulation is a very powerful strategy to enhance some of the properties of these materials. Adding some water-soluble biocompatible polymers in the calcium phosphate cement liquid or powder phase improves physicochemical and mechanical properties, such as injectability, cohesion, and toughness. Moreover, adding specific polymers can enhance the biological response and the resorption rate of the material. The goal of this study is to overview the most relevant advances in this field, focusing on the different types of polymers that have been used to enhance specific calcium phosphate cement properties. PMID:22511991

Microstructure and High Temperature Mechanical Property of Fe-Cr-B Based Metal/Ceramic Composite Manufactured by Metal Injection Molding Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kee-Ahn; Gwon, Jin-Han; Yoon, Tae-Sik

2018-03-01

This study investigated the microstructure and the room and high temperature mechanical properties of Fe-Cr-B alloy manufactured by metal injection molding. In addition, hot isostatic pressing was performed to increase the density of the material, and a comparison of properties was made. Microstructural observation confirmed a bi-continuous structure composed of a three-dimensional network of α-Fe phase and (Cr,Fe)2B phase. The HIPed specimen featured a well-formed adhesion between the α-Fe phase and boride, and the number of fine pores was significantly reduced. The tensile results confirmed that the HIPed specimen (RT to 900 °C) had higher strengths compared to the as-sintered specimen, and the change of elongation starting from 700 °C was significantly greater in the HIPed specimen. Fractography suggested that cracks propagated mostly along the interface between the α-Fe matrix and boride in the as-sintered specimen, while direct fracture of boride was observed in addition to interface separation in the HIPed specimen.

Development of a Standalone Thermal Wellbore Simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Wanqiang

With continuous developments of various different sophisticated wells in the petroleum industry, wellbore modeling and simulation have increasingly received more attention. Especially in unconventional oil and gas recovery processes, there is a growing demand for more accurate wellbore modeling. Despite notable advancements made in wellbore modeling, none of the existing wellbore simulators has been as successful as reservoir simulators such as Eclipse and CMG's and further research works on handling issues such as accurate heat loss modeling and multi-tubing wellbore modeling are really necessary. A series of mathematical equations including main governing equations, auxiliary equations, PVT equations, thermodynamic equations, drift-flux model equations, and wellbore heat loss calculation equations are collected and screened from publications. Based on these modeling equations, workflows for wellbore simulation and software development are proposed. Research works are conducted in key steps for developing a wellbore simulator: discretization, a grid system, a solution method, a linear equation solver, and computer language. A standalone thermal wellbore simulator is developed by using standard C++ language. This wellbore simulator can simulate single-phase injection and production, two-phase steam injection and two-phase oil and water production. By implementing a multi-part scheme which divides a wellbore with sophisticated configuration into several relative simple simulation running units, this simulator can handle different complex wellbores: wellbore with multistage casings, horizontal wells, multilateral wells and double tubing. In pursuance of improved accuracy of heat loss calculations to surrounding formations, a semi-numerical method is proposed and a series of FLUENT simulations have been conducted in this study. This semi-numerical method involves extending the 2D formation heat transfer simulation to include a casing wall and cement and adopting new correlations regressed by this study. Meanwhile, a correlation for handling heat transfer in double-tubing annulus is regressed. This work initiates the research on heat transfer in a double-tubing wellbore system. A series of validation and test works are performed in hot water injection, steam injection, real filed data, a horizontal well, a double-tubing well and comparison with the Ramey method. The program in this study also performs well in matching with real measured field data, simulation in horizontal wells and double-tubing wells.

A novel liquid chromatography Orbitrap mass spectrometry method with full scan for simultaneous determination of multiple bioactive constituents of Shenkang injection in rat tissues: Application to tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies.

PubMed

Yang, Jie; Sun, Zhi; Li, Duolu; Duan, Fei; Li, Zhuolun; Lu, Jingli; Shi, Yingying; Xu, Tanye; Zhang, Xiaojian

2018-06-07

Shenkang injection is a traditional Chinese formula with good curative effect on chronic renal failure. In this paper, a novel, rapid and sensitive ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high resolution accurate mass spectrometry was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of seven bioactive constituents of Shenkang injection in rat plasma and tissues after intravenous administration. Acetonitrile was used as protein precipitation agent in biological samples dispose with carbamazepine as internal standard. The chromatographic separation was carried out on a C 18 column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water (containing 0.1% formic acid). The MS analysis was performed in the full scan positive and negative ion mode. The lower limits of quantification for the seven analytes in rat plasma and tissues were 0.1-10 ng/mL. The validated method was successfully applied to tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies of Shenkang injection after intravenous administration. The results of the tissue distribution study showed that the high concentration of seven constituents were primarily in the kidney tract. This is the first time to report the application of Q-Orbitrap with full scan mass spectrometry in tissue distribution and pharmacokinetic studies of Shenkang injection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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

Dempsey, Adam B.; Curran, Scott; Wagner, Robert M.

Gasoline compression ignition concepts with the majority of the fuel being introduced early in the cycle are known as partially premixed combustion (PPC). Previous research on single- and multi-cylinder engines has shown that PPC has the potential for high thermal efficiency with low NOx and soot emissions. A variety of fuel injection strategies has been proposed in the literature. These injection strategies aim to create a partially stratified charge to simultaneously reduce NOx and soot emissions while maintaining some level of control over the combustion process through the fuel delivery system. The impact of the direct injection strategy to createmore » a premixed charge of fuel and air has not previously been explored, and its impact on engine efficiency and emissions is not well understood. This paper explores the effect of sweeping the direct injected pilot timing from -91° to -324° ATDC, which is just after the exhaust valve closes for the engine used in this study. During the sweep, the pilot injection consistently contained 65% of the total fuel (based on command duration ratio), and the main injection timing was adjusted slightly to maintain combustion phasing near top dead center. A modern four cylinder, 1.9 L diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, high pressure common rail injection system, wide included angle injectors, and variable swirl actuation was used in this study. The pistons were modified to an open bowl configuration suitable for highly premixed combustion modes. The stock diesel injection system was unmodified, and the gasoline fuel was doped with a lubricity additive to protect the high pressure fuel pump and the injectors. The study was conducted at a fixed speed/load condition of 2000 rpm and 4.0 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). The pilot injection timing sweep was conducted at different intake manifold pressures, swirl levels, and fuel injection GTP-15-1067, Dempsey 2 pressures. The gasoline used in this study has relatively high fuel reactivity with a research octane number of 68. The results of this experimental campaign indicate that the highest brake thermal efficiency and lowest emissions are achieved simultaneously with the earliest pilot injection timings (i.e., during the intake stroke).« less

AMPTE/CCE observations of the plasma composition below 17 keV during the September 4, 1984 magnetic storm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shelley, E. G.; Klumpar, D. M.; Peterson, W. K.; Ghielmetti, A.; Balsiger, H.; Geiss, J.; Rosenbauer, H.

1985-01-01

Observations from the Hot Plasma Composition Experiment on the AMPTE/CCE spacecraft during the magnetic storm of 4-5 September 1984 reveal that significant injection of ions of terrestrial origin accompanied the storm development. The compression of the magnetosphere at storm sudden commencement carried the magnetopause inside the CCE orbit clearly revealing the shocked solar wind plasma. A build up of suprathermal ions is observed near the plasmapause during the storm main phase and recovery phase. Pitch angle distributions in the ring current during the main phase show differences between H(+) and O(+) that suggest mass dependent injection, transport and/or loss processes.

Early morphological nuclear events and developmental capacity of embryos reconstructed with fetal fibroblasts at the M or G1 phase after intracytoplasmic nuclear injection in cattle.

PubMed

Ideta, Atsushi; Urakawa, Manami; Aoyagi, Yoshito; Saeki, Kazuhiro

2005-04-01

We examined morphological nuclear events during the first cell cycle of bovine embryos reconstructed with somatic cells at the M and G1 phases (M-embryos and G1-embryos, respectively) by intracytoplasmic nuclear injection, and the subsequent development of these embryos in vitro and in vivo. Bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFFs) at the M or G1 phase were directly injected into enucleated oocytes, and activated immediately. Only half (48%) of the M-embryos extruded polar body-like cells (PBCs) at 6 h post injection (hpi). At 15 to 19 hpi, 54% of the M-embryos formed a single pronucleus-like nucleus. Nuclear envelope-breakdown, premature chromosome condensation and single nuclear clusters were observed in most of the G1-embryos (88%) within 30 min following the nuclear injection. At 15 to 19 hpi, single pronucleus-like nuclei were formed in most G1-embryos (83%). The potential of G1-embryos to develop to blastocysts was significantly higher than that of M-embryos (31% vs 16%). Three of five recipients following transfer of blastocysts derived from the G1-embryos became pregnant on Day 30, and one recipient delivered a calf. Our results indicate that almost a half of the M-embryos failed to extrude PBCs and that the G1-embryos developed to blastocysts at a higher rate than the M-embryos.

Understanding the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions

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

Dahms, Rainer N.

A generalized framework for multi-component liquid injections is presented to understand and predict the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions. The analysis focuses on the thermodynamic structure and the immiscibility state of representative gas-liquid interfaces. The most modern form of Helmholtz energy mixture state equation is utilized which exhibits a unique and physically consistent behavior over the entire two-phase regime of fluid densities. It is combined with generalized models for non-linear gradient theory and for liquid injections to quantify multi-component two-phase interface structures in global thermal equilibrium. Then, the Helmholtz free energy is minimized whichmore » determines the interfacial species distribution as a consequence. This minimal free energy state is demonstrated to validate the underlying assumptions of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization. However, under certain engine-relevant conditions for which corroborating experimental data are presented, this requirement for interfacial thermal equilibrium becomes unsustainable. A rigorously derived probability density function quantifies the ability of the interface to develop internal spatial temperature gradients in the presence of significant temperature differences between injected liquid and ambient gas. Then, the interface can no longer be viewed as an isolated system at minimal free energy. Instead, the interfacial dynamics become intimately connected to those of the separated homogeneous phases. Hence, the interface transitions toward a state in local equilibrium whereupon it becomes a dense-fluid mixing layer. A new conceptual view of a transitional liquid injection process emerges from a transition time scale analysis. Close to the nozzle exit, the two-phase interface still remains largely intact and more classic two-phase processes prevail as a consequence. Further downstream, however, the transition to dense-fluid mixing generally occurs before the liquid length is reached. As a result, the significance of the presented modeling expressions is established by a direct comparison to a reduced model, which utilizes widely applied approximations but fundamentally fails to capture the physical complexity discussed in this paper.« less

Understanding the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions

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

Dahms, Rainer N., E-mail: Rndahms@sandia.gov

A generalized framework for multi-component liquid injections is presented to understand and predict the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions. The analysis focuses on the thermodynamic structure and the immiscibility state of representative gas-liquid interfaces. The most modern form of Helmholtz energy mixture state equation is utilized which exhibits a unique and physically consistent behavior over the entire two-phase regime of fluid densities. It is combined with generalized models for non-linear gradient theory and for liquid injections to quantify multi-component two-phase interface structures in global thermal equilibrium. Then, the Helmholtz free energy is minimized whichmore » determines the interfacial species distribution as a consequence. This minimal free energy state is demonstrated to validate the underlying assumptions of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization. However, under certain engine-relevant conditions for which corroborating experimental data are presented, this requirement for interfacial thermal equilibrium becomes unsustainable. A rigorously derived probability density function quantifies the ability of the interface to develop internal spatial temperature gradients in the presence of significant temperature differences between injected liquid and ambient gas. Then, the interface can no longer be viewed as an isolated system at minimal free energy. Instead, the interfacial dynamics become intimately connected to those of the separated homogeneous phases. Hence, the interface transitions toward a state in local equilibrium whereupon it becomes a dense-fluid mixing layer. A new conceptual view of a transitional liquid injection process emerges from a transition time scale analysis. Close to the nozzle exit, the two-phase interface still remains largely intact and more classic two-phase processes prevail as a consequence. Further downstream, however, the transition to dense-fluid mixing generally occurs before the liquid length is reached. The significance of the presented modeling expressions is established by a direct comparison to a reduced model, which utilizes widely applied approximations but fundamentally fails to capture the physical complexity discussed in this paper.« less

Understanding the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions

DOE PAGES

Dahms, Rainer N.

2016-04-26

A generalized framework for multi-component liquid injections is presented to understand and predict the breakdown of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization at engine-relevant conditions. The analysis focuses on the thermodynamic structure and the immiscibility state of representative gas-liquid interfaces. The most modern form of Helmholtz energy mixture state equation is utilized which exhibits a unique and physically consistent behavior over the entire two-phase regime of fluid densities. It is combined with generalized models for non-linear gradient theory and for liquid injections to quantify multi-component two-phase interface structures in global thermal equilibrium. Then, the Helmholtz free energy is minimized whichmore » determines the interfacial species distribution as a consequence. This minimal free energy state is demonstrated to validate the underlying assumptions of classic two-phase theory and spray atomization. However, under certain engine-relevant conditions for which corroborating experimental data are presented, this requirement for interfacial thermal equilibrium becomes unsustainable. A rigorously derived probability density function quantifies the ability of the interface to develop internal spatial temperature gradients in the presence of significant temperature differences between injected liquid and ambient gas. Then, the interface can no longer be viewed as an isolated system at minimal free energy. Instead, the interfacial dynamics become intimately connected to those of the separated homogeneous phases. Hence, the interface transitions toward a state in local equilibrium whereupon it becomes a dense-fluid mixing layer. A new conceptual view of a transitional liquid injection process emerges from a transition time scale analysis. Close to the nozzle exit, the two-phase interface still remains largely intact and more classic two-phase processes prevail as a consequence. Further downstream, however, the transition to dense-fluid mixing generally occurs before the liquid length is reached. As a result, the significance of the presented modeling expressions is established by a direct comparison to a reduced model, which utilizes widely applied approximations but fundamentally fails to capture the physical complexity discussed in this paper.« less

Development of Carbon Sequestration Options by Studying Carbon Dioxide-Methane Exchange in Hydrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horvat, Kristine Nicole

Gas hydrates form naturally at high pressures (>4 MPa) and low temperatures (<4 °C) when a set number of water molecules form a cage in which small gas molecules can be entrapped as guests. It is estimated that about 700,000 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of methane (CH4) exist naturally as hydrates in marine and permafrost environments, which is more than any other natural sources combined as CH4 hydrates contain about 14 wt% CH4. However, a vast amount of gas hydrates exist in marine environments, which makes gas extraction an environmental challenge, both for potential gas losses during extraction and the potential impact of CH4 extraction on seafloor stability. From the climate change point of view, a 100 ppm increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels over the past century is of urgent concern. A potential solution to both of these issues is to simultaneously exchange CH4 with CO 2 in natural hydrate reserves by forming more stable CO2 hydrates. This approach would minimize disturbances to the host sediment matrix of the seafloor while sequestering CO2. Understanding hydrate growth over time is imperative to prepare for large scale CH4 extraction coupled with CO2 sequestration. In this study, we performed macroscale experiments in a 200 mL high-pressure Jerguson cell that mimicked the pressure-temperature conditions of the seafloor. A total of 13 runs were performed under varying conditions. These included the formation of CH4 hydrates, followed by a CO2 gas injection and CO2 hydrate formation followed by a CH4 gas injection. Results demonstrated that once gas hydrates formed, they show "memory effect" in subsequent charges, irrespective of the two gases injected. This was borne out by the induction time data for hydrate formation that reduced from 96 hours for CH4 and 24 hours for CO2 to instant hydrate formation in both cases upon injection of a secondary gas. During the study of CH4-CO2 exchange where CH4 hydrates were first formed and CO2 gas was injected into the system, gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the cell indicated a pure CH4 gas phase, i.e., all injected CO2 gas entered the hydrate phase and remained trapped in hydrate cages for several hours, though over time some CO2 did enter the gas phase. Alternatively, during the CH 4-CO2 exchange study where CO2 hydrates were first formed, the injected CH4 initially entered the hydrate phase, but quickly gaseous CO2 exchanged with CH4 in hydrates to form more stable CO2 hydrates. These results are consistent with the better thermodynamic stability of CO2 hydrates, and this appears to be a promising method to sequester CO2 in natural CH4 hydrate matrices. The macroscale study described above was complemented by a microscale study to visualize hydrate growth. This first-of-its-kind in-situ study utilized the x-ray computed microtomography (CMT) technique to visualize microscale CO2, CH4, and mixed CH 4-CO2 hydrate growth phenomenon in salt solutions in the presence or absence of porous media. The data showed that under the experimental conditions used, pure CH4 formed CH4 hydrates as mostly spheres, while pure CO2 hydrates were more dendritic branches. Additionally, varying ratios of mixed CH4-CO2 hydrates were also formed that had needle-like growth. In porous media, CO2 hydrates grew, consistent with known growth models in which the solution was the sediment wetting phase. When glass beads and Ottawa sand were used as a host, the system exhibited pore-filling hydrate growth, while the presence of liquid CO2 and possible CO2 hydrates in Ottawa sand initially were pore-filling that over time transformed into a grain-displacing morphology. The data appears promising to develop a method that would supplant our energy supply by extracting CH4 from naturally occurring hydrates while CO2 is sequestered in the same formations.

An in situ-forming phospholipid-based phase transition gel prolongs the duration of local anesthesia for ropivacaine with minimal toxicity.

PubMed

Li, Hanmei; Liu, Tao; Zhu, Yuxuan; Fu, Qiang; Wu, Wanxia; Deng, Jie; Lan, Li; Shi, Sanjun

2017-08-01

An injectable, phospholipid-based phase transition gel (PPTG) has been developed for prolonging the release of ropivacaine (RO) for local anesthesia. PPTG was prepared by mixing phospholipids, medium-chain triglyceride and ethanol. Prior to injection, the PPTG is in a sol state with low viscosity. After subcutaneous injection, the PPTG rapidly forms a gel in situ, which acts as a drug release depot as verified by in vitro release profiles and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Administering RO-PPTG to rats led to a significantly smaller initial burst release than administering RO solution or RO base suspension. Nerve blockade in guinea pigs lasted 3-fold longer after injection of RO-PPTG than after injection of RO solution. RO-PPTG showed good biocompatibility and excellent degradability in vivo. These results suggest that this PPTG-based depot system may be useful for sustained release of local anesthetics to prolong analgesia without causing systemic toxicity. The sustained release of local anesthetics at the surgical site after a single injection is the optimal method to control post-surgical pain. In situ forming implant is an attractive alternative for the sustained release of local anesthetics. However, its practical use is highly limited by certain drawbacks including high viscosity, involved toxic organic solvents and fast drug release. To date, phospholipids-based phase transition gel (PPTG) is emerging for clinical development because of the non-toxicity, biocompatibility and ready availability of phospholipids in body. Thus, we present a novel strategy for sustained release of local anesthetics to control post-surgical pain based on PPTG, which showed a prolonged duration of nerve blockade and excellent biocompatibility. Copyright © 2017 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Successful immunotherapy of canine flea allergy with injected Actinomycetales preparations.

PubMed

Marro, Alicia; Pirles, Mónica; Schiaffino, Laura; Bin, Liliana; Dávila, Héctor; Bottasso, Oscar A; McIntyre, Graham; Ripley, Paul R; Stanford, Cynthia A; Stanford, John L

2011-08-01

Can heat-killed, borate-buffered suspensions of Gordonia bronchialis, Rhodococcus coprophilus or Tsukamurella inchonensis be used to treat canine flea allergy? Organisms cultured on Sauton's medium into stationary phase were autoclaved in borate-buffered saline and stored at 10 mg wet weight/ml. Intradermal injections of 0.1 ml containing 1 mg of bacilli were administered on the first and 20th days of the study. G. bronchialis and R. coprophilus were most effective in a pilot study of a small number of dogs with flea allergy. A larger number of affected dogs were then randomized to receive placebo or either of the two selected reagents. The extent and severity of allergic signs and symptoms were scored and blood samples were collected just before the first injection and 28 days after the second. Both selected reagents reduced the extent and severity of lesions (p < 0.001) and reduced scratching. Eosinophil numbers were reduced (p < 0.0001) between the first and second assessment. Injections of G. bronchialis or R. coprophilus effectively reduce the signs and symptoms of flea allergy in dogs.

Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of the Novel Antituberculous Vaccine RUTI: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial in Patients with Latent Tuberculosis Infection

PubMed Central

Nell, Andre S.; D’lom, Eva; Bouic, Patrick; Sabaté, Montserrat; Bosser, Ramon; Picas, Jordi; Amat, Mercè; Churchyard, Gavin; Cardona, Pere-Joan

2014-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of three different doses (5, 25 and 50 µg) of the novel antituberculous vaccine RUTI compared to placebo in subjects with latent tuberculosis infection. Methods and Findings Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II Clinical Trial (95 patients randomized). Three different RUTI doses and placebo were tested, randomized both in HIV-positive (n = 47) and HIV-negative subjects (n = 48), after completion of one month isoniazid (INH) pre-vaccination. Each subject received two vaccine administrations, 28 Days apart. Five patients withdrew and 90 patients completed the study. Assessment of safety showed no deaths during study. Two subjects had serious adverse events one had a retinal detachment while taking INH and was not randomized and the other had a severe local injection site abscess on each arm and was hospitalized; causality was assessed as very likely and by the end of the study the outcome had resolved. All the patients except 5 (21%) patients of the placebo group (3 HIV+ and 2 HIV−) reported at least one adverse event (AE) during the study. The most frequently occurring AEs among RUTI recipients were (% in HIV+/−): injection site reactions [erythema (91/92), induration (94/92), local nodules (46/25), local pain (66/75), sterile abscess (6/6), swelling (74/83), ulcer (20/11), headache (17/22) and nasopharyngitis (20/5)]. These events were mostly mild and well tolerated. Overall, a polyantigenic response was observed, which differed by HIV− status. The best polyantigenic response was obtained when administrating 25 µg RUTI, especially in HIV-positive subjects which was not increased after the second inoculation. Conclusion This Phase II clinical trial demonstrates reasonable tolerability of RUTI. The immunogenicity profile of RUTI vaccine in LTBI subjects, even being variable among groups, allows us considering one single injection of one of the highest doses in future trials, preceded by an extended safety clinical phase. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01136161 PMID:24586912

Efficacy of Repeated Botulinum Toxin Type A Injections for Spastic Equinus in Children with Cerebral Palsy-A Secondary Analysis of the Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Hong, Bo Young; Chang, Hyun Jung; Lee, Sang-Jee; Lee, Soyoung; Park, Joo Hyun; Kwon, Jeong-Yi

2017-08-21

Botulinum toxin A is considered an important tool to control spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Several factors are known to affect the efficacy of botulinum toxin, such as dosage, appropriate muscle selection and application, age, and accompanying therapy. A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, prospective phase III clinical trial of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of dynamic equinus in 144 children with cerebral palsy was performed to compare the efficacies of letibotulinumtoxin A and onabotulinumtoxin A. Secondary analyses were performed to evaluate factors that affected the outcome, focusing on the number of times injections were repeated. Effectiveness was defined as a change of 2 or more in the physician's rating scale. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with multiple variables. The first injection of botulinum toxin A significantly improved D subscale of Gross Motor Function Measure-88 scores at 3 months compared to repeated injections ( p < 0.05). After 6 months, patients who had one injection or none before the study showed significantly better outcomes than those who had more than one injection in terms of observational gait scores.

Investigations on the sensitivity of the computer code TURBO-2D

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amon, B.

1994-12-01

The two-dimensional computer model TURBO-2D for the calculation of two-phase flow was used to calculate the cold injection of fuel into a model chamber. Investigations of the influence of the input parameter on its sensitivity relative to the obtained results were made. In addition to that calculations were performed and compared using experimental injection pressure data and corresponding averaged injection parameter.

Closed-Loop Control of Chemical Injection Rate for a Direct Nozzle Injection System

PubMed Central

Cai, Xiang; Walgenbach, Martin; Doerpmond, Malte; Schulze Lammers, Peter; Sun, Yurui

2016-01-01

To realize site-specific and variable-rate application of agricultural pesticides, accurately metering and controlling the chemical injection rate is necessary. This study presents a prototype of a direct nozzle injection system (DNIS) by which chemical concentration transport lag was greatly reduced. In this system, a rapid-reacting solenoid valve (RRV) was utilized for injecting chemicals, driven by a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal at 100 Hz, so with varying pulse width the chemical injection rate could be adjusted. Meanwhile, a closed-loop control strategy, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) method, was applied for metering and stabilizing the chemical injection rate. In order to measure chemical flow rates and input them into the controller as a feedback in real-time, a thermodynamic flowmeter that was independent of chemical viscosity was used. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess the performance of DNIS and PID control strategy. Due to the nonlinear input–output characteristics of the RRV, a two-phase PID control process obtained better effects as compared with single PID control strategy. Test results also indicated that the set-point chemical flow rate could be achieved within less than 4 s, and the output stability was improved compared to the case without control strategy. PMID:26805833

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

Seiya, K.; Drennan, C.; Pellico, W.

The extraction bucket position in the Fermilab Booster is controlled with a cogging process that involves the comparison of the Booster rf count and the Recycler Ring revolution marker. A one rf bucket jitter in the ex-traction bucket position results from the variability of the process that phase matches the Booster to the Recycler. However, the new slow phase lock process used to lock the frequency and phase of the Booster rf to the Recycler rf has been made digital and programmable and has been modified to correct the extraction notch position. The beam loss at the Recycler injection hasmore » been reduced by 20%. Beam studies and the phase lock system will be discussed in this paper.« less

Coupling between Transport and Injection Properties of Pentacene Field-Effect Transistors with Different Morphologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Keanchuan; Weis, Martin; Taguchi, Dai; Manaka, Takaaki; Iwamoto, Mitsumasa

2013-08-01

We investigated the injection and transport properties of pentacene organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) with inclined and lamellar pentacene grains at various mutual ratios. Although the threshold voltage was conserved and no additional trapping on grain boundaries was suggested from the current-voltage measurements, the contact resistance and mobility increased linearly with the lamellar phase content. We showed that a model based on the coupling between both transport and injection properties via a space charge field caused by injected and trapped carriers accounts for these results.

Diagnostic Systems Plan for the Advanced Light Source Top-OffUpgrade

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

Barry, Walter; Chin, Mike; Robin, David

2005-05-10

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) will soon be upgraded to enable top-off operations [1], in which electrons are quasi-continuously injected to produce constant stored beam current. The upgrade is structured in two phases. First, we will upgrade our injector from 1.5 GeV to 1.9 GeV to allow full energy injection and will start top-off operations. In the second phase, we will upgrade the Booster Ring (BR) with a bunch cleaning system to allow high bunch purity top-off injection. A diagnostics upgrade will be crucial for success in both phases of the top-off project, and our plan for it is describedmore » in this paper. New booster ring diagnostics will include updated beam position monitor (BPM) electronics, a tune monitoring system, and a new scraper. Two new synchrotron light monitors and a beam stop will be added to the booster-to-storage ring transfer line (BTS), and all the existing beam current monitors along the accelerator chain will be integrated into a single injection efficiency monitoring application. A dedicated bunch purity monitor will be installed in the storage ring (SR). Together, these diagnostic upgrades will enable smooth commissioning of the full energy injector and a quick transition to high quality top-off operation at the ALS.« less

Use of Adaptive Injection Strategies to Increase the Full Load Limit of RCCI Operation

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

Hanson, Reed; Ickes, Andrew; Wallner, Thomas

2015-01-01

Dual-fuel combustion using port-injection of low reactivity fuel combined with direct injection of a higher reactivity fuel, otherwise known as Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI), has been shown as a method to achieve low-temperature combustion with moderate peak pressure rise rates, low engine-out soot and NOx emissions, and high indicated thermal efficiency. A key requirement for extending to high-load operation is moderating the reactivity of the premixed charge prior to the diesel injection. One way to accomplish this is to use a very low reactivity fuel such as natural gas. In this work, experimental testing was conducted on a 13Lmore » multi-cylinder heavy-duty diesel engine modified to operate using RCCI combustion with port injection of natural gas and direct injection of diesel fuel. Engine testing was conducted at an engine speed of 1200 RPM over a wide variety of loads and injection conditions. The impact on dual-fuel engine performance and emissions with respect to varying the fuel injection parameters is quantified within this study. The injection strategies used in the work were found to affect the combustion process in similar ways to both conventional diesel combustion and RCCI combustion for phasing control and emissions performance. As the load is increased, the port fuel injection quantity was reduced to keep peak cylinder pressure and maximum pressure rise rate under the imposed limits. Overall, the peak load using the new injection strategy was shown to reach 22 bar BMEP with a peak brake thermal efficiency of 47.6%.« less

Impact of Three-Phase Relative Permeability and Hysteresis Models on Forecasts of Storage Associated With CO2-EOR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Wei; McPherson, Brian; Pan, Feng; Dai, Zhenxue; Moodie, Nathan; Xiao, Ting

2018-02-01

Geological CO2 sequestration in conjunction with enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) includes complex multiphase flow processes compared to CO2 storage in deep saline aquifers. Two of the most important factors affecting multiphase flow in CO2-EOR are three-phase relative permeability and associated hysteresis, both of which are difficult to measure and are usually represented by numerical interpolation models. The purpose of this study is to improve understanding of (1) the relative impacts of different three-phase relative permeability models and hysteresis models on CO2 trapping mechanisms, and (2) uncertainty associated with these two factors. Four different three-phase relative permeability models and three hysteresis models were applied to simulations of an active CO2-EOR site, the SACROC unit located in western Texas. To eliminate possible bias of deterministic parameters, we utilized a sequential Gaussian simulation technique to generate 50 realizations to describe heterogeneity of porosity and permeability, based on data obtained from well logs and seismic survey. Simulation results of forecasted CO2 storage suggested that (1) the choice of three-phase relative permeability model and hysteresis model led to noticeable impacts on forecasted CO2 sequestration capacity; (2) impacts of three-phase relative permeability models and hysteresis models on CO2 trapping are small during the CO2-EOR injection period, and increase during the post-EOR CO2 injection period; (3) the specific choice of hysteresis model is more important relative to the choice of three-phase relative permeability model; and (4) using the recommended three-phase WAG (Water-Alternating-Gas) hysteresis model may increase the impact of three-phase relative permeability models and uncertainty due to heterogeneity.

Office-based Autologous Fat Injection Laryngoplasty for Vocal Process Granuloma.

PubMed

Hu, Hao-Chun; Hung, Yi-Ting; Lin, Shu-Yi; Chang, Shyue-Yih

2016-11-01

To present the outcomes of office-based autologous fat injection laryngoplasty for the treatment of vocal process granuloma in conjunction with glottic insufficiency. Retrospective chart review. This study included nine patients with vocal process granuloma in conjunction with glottic insufficiency who received autologous fat injection laryngoplasty. Videolaryngostroboscopic data, objective voice assessment, perceptual measurements of vocal quality, and subjective ratings of voice quality were examined before and after treatment. Of the nine patients, seven (78%) exhibited complete remission. The other two patients (22%) exhibited a partial response following the injection. In a subgroup of five patients who were refractory to antireflux and voice therapies, the resolution rate was 60%. Phonatory function presented significant improvements in jitter, noise-to-harmonic ratio, maximal phonation time, and asthenia. Videolaryngostroboscopic rating revealed significant improvements in closure phase ratio in the vibratory cycle. Autologous fat injection laryngoplasty can ameliorate glottic insufficiency and the resulting hyperfunctional behavior of the larynx. This therapy also encourages remission of vocal process granuloma and may represent an alternative treatment strategy. Copyright © 2016 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Gemfibrozil modulates cytochrome P450 and peroxisome proliferation-inducible enzymes in the liver of the yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla).

PubMed

Lyssimachou, Angeliki; Thibaut, Rémi; Gisbert, Enric; Porte, Cinta

2014-01-01

The human lipid regulator gemfibrozil (GEM) has been shown to induce peroxisome proliferation in rodents leading to hepatocarcinogenesis. Since GEM is found at biological active concentrations in the aquatic environment, the present study investigates the effects of this drug on the yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Eels were injected with different concentrations of GEM (0.1 to 200 μg/g) and sampled 24- and 96-h post-injection. GEM was shown to inhibit CYP1A, CYP3A and CYP2K-like catalytic activities 24-h post-injection, but at 96-h post-injection, only CYP1A was significantly altered in fish injected with the highest GEM dose. On the contrary, GEM had little effect on the phase II enzymes examined (UDP-glucuronyltransferase and glutathione-S-transferase). Peroxisome proliferation inducible enzymes (liver peroxisomal acyl-CoA oxidase and catalase) were very weakly induced. No evidence of a significant effect on the endocrine system of eels was observed in terms of plasmatic steroid levels or testosterone esterification in the liver.

Granisetron Extended-Release Injection: A Review in Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting.

PubMed

Deeks, Emma D

2016-12-01

An extended-release (ER) subcutaneously injectable formulation of the first-generation 5-HT 3 receptor antagonist granisetron is now available in the USA (Sustol ® ), where it is indicated for the prevention of acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) following moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) or anthracycline and cyclophosphamide combination chemotherapy regimens in adults. Granisetron ER is administered as a single subcutaneous injection and uses an erosion-controlled drug-delivery system to allow prolonged granisetron release. Primary endpoint data from phase III studies after an initial cycle of chemotherapy indicate that, when used as part of an antiemetic regimen, granisetron ER injection is more effective than intravenous ondansetron in preventing delayed CINV following highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC); is noninferior to intravenous palonosetron in preventing both acute CINV following MEC or HEC and delayed CINV following MEC; and is similar, but not superior, to palonosetron in preventing delayed CINV following HEC. The benefits of granisetron ER were seen in various patient subgroups, including those receiving anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide-based HEC, and (in an extension of one of the studies) over multiple MEC or HEC cycles. Granisetron ER injection is generally well tolerated, with an adverse event profile similar to that of ondansetron or palonosetron. Thus, granisetron ER injection expands the options for preventing both acute and delayed CINV in adults with cancer receiving MEC or anthracycline plus cyclophosphamide-based HEC.

Bit-rate transparent DPSK demodulation scheme based on injection locking FP-LD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Hanlin; Xiao, Shilin; Yi, Lilin; Zhou, Zhao; Yang, Pei; Shi, Jie

2013-05-01

We propose and demonstrate a bit-rate transparent differential phase shift-keying (DPSK) demodulation scheme based on injection locking multiple-quantum-well (MQW) strained InGaAsP FP-LD. By utilizing frequency deviation generated by phase modulation and unstable injection locking state with Fabry-Perot laser diode (FP-LD), DPSK to polarization shift-keying (PolSK) and PolSK to intensity modulation (IM) format conversions are realized. We analyze bit error rate (BER) performance of this demodulation scheme. Experimental results show that different longitude modes, bit rates and seeding power have influences on demodulation performance. We achieve error free DPSK signal demodulation under various bit rates of 10 Gbit/s, 5 Gbit/s, 2.5 Gbit/s and 1.25 Gbit/s with the same demodulation setting.

Spatial structure and temporal evolution of energetic particle injections in the inner magnetosphere during the 14 July 2013 substorm event

DOE PAGES

Gkioulidou, Matina; Ohtani, S.; Mitchell, D. G.; ...

2015-03-20

Recent results by the Van Allen Probes mission showed that the occurrence of energetic ion injections inside geosynchronous orbit could be very frequent throughout the main phase of a geomagnetic storm. Understanding, therefore, the formation and evolution of energetic particle injections is critical in order to quantify their effect in the inner magnetosphere. We present a case study of a substorm event that occurred during a weak storm (Dst ~ –40 nT) on 14 July 2013. Van Allen Probe B, inside geosynchronous orbit, observed two energetic proton injections within 10 min, with different dipolarization signatures and duration. The first onemore » is a dispersionless, short-timescale injection pulse accompanied by a sharp dipolarization signature, while the second one is a dispersed, longer-timescale injection pulse accompanied by a gradual dipolarization signature. We combined ground magnetometer data from various stations and in situ particle and magnetic field data from multiple satellites in the inner magnetosphere and near-Earth plasma sheet to determine the spatial extent of these injections, their temporal evolution, and their effects in the inner magnetosphere. Our results indicate that there are different spatial and temporal scales at which injections can occur in the inner magnetosphere and depict the necessity of multipoint observations of both particle and magnetic field data in order to determine these scales.« less

Noopept efficiency in experimental Alzheimer disease (cognitive deficiency caused by beta-amyloid25-35 injection into Meynert basal nuclei of rats).

PubMed

Ostrovskaya, R U; Belnik, A P; Storozheva, Z I

2008-07-01

Experiments on adult Wistar rats showed that injection of beta-amyloid25-35 (2 microg) into Meynert basal nuclei caused long-term memory deficiency which was detected 24 days after this injection by the memory trace retrieval in conditioned passive avoidance reflex (CPAR). The effects of noopept, an original nootropic and neuroprotective dipeptide, on the severity of this cognitive deficiency were studied. Preventive (for 7 days before the injury) intraperitoneal injections of noopept in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg completely prevented mnestic disorders under conditions of this model. Noopept exhibited a significant normalizing effect, if the treatment was started 15 days after the injury, when neurodegenerative changes in the basal nuclei, cortex, and hippocampus were still acutely pronounced. The mechanisms of this effect of the drug are studied, including, in addition to the choline-positive effect, its multicomponent neuroprotective effect and stimulation of production of antibodies to beta-amyloid25-35. Noopept efficiency in many models of Alzheimer disease, its high bioavailability and low toxicity suggest this dipeptide for further studies as a potential agent for the treatment of this condition (initial and moderate phases).

Investigation of Alternative Return Strategies for Orion Trans-earth Injection Design Options

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Marchand, Belinda G.; Scarritt, Sara K.; Howell, Kathleen C.; Weeks, Michael W.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study is to investigate alternative return strategies for the Orion trans-Earth injection (TEI) phase. A dynamical systems analysis approach considers the structure of the stable and unstable Sun perturbed Earth-Moon manifolds near the Earth-Moon interface region. A hybrid approach, then, combines the results from this analysis with classical two-body methods in a targeting process that seeks to expand the window of return opportunities in a precision entry scenario. The resulting startup arcs can be used, for instance, to enhance the block set of solutions available onboard during an autonomous targeting process.

Phase control and fast start-up of a magnetron using modulation of an addressable faceted cathode

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

Browning, J., E-mail: JimBrowning@BoiseState.edu; Fernandez-Gutierrez, S.; Lin, M. C.

The use of an addressable, faceted cathode has been proposed as a method of modulating current injection in a magnetron to improve performance and control phase. To implement the controllable electron emission, five-sided and ten-sided faceted planar cathodes employing gated field emitters are considered as these emitters could be fabricated on flat substrates. For demonstration, the conformal finite-difference time-domain particle-in-cell simulation, as implemented in VORPAL, has been used to model a ten-cavity, rising sun magnetron using the modulated current sources and benchmarked against a typical continuous current source. For the modulated, ten-sided faceted cathode case, the electrons are injected frommore » three emitter elements on each of the ten facets. Each emitter is turned ON and OFF in sequence at the oscillating frequency with five emitters ON at one time to drive the five electron spokes of the π-mode. The emitter duty cycle is then 1/6th the Radio-Frequency (RF) period. Simulations show a fast start-up time as low as 35 ns for the modulated case compared to 100 ns for the continuous current cases. Analysis of the RF phase using the electron spoke locations and the RF magnetic field components shows that the phase is controlled for the modulated case while it is random, as typical, for the continuous current case. Active phase control during oscillation was demonstrated by shifting the phase of the electron injection 180° after oscillations started. The 180° phase shift time was approximately 25 RF cycles.« less

Mathematical Model of Two Phase Flow in Natural Draft Wet-Cooling Tower Including Flue Gas Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hyhlík, Tomáš

2016-03-01

The previously developed model of natural draft wet-cooling tower flow, heat and mass transfer is extended to be able to take into account the flow of supersaturated moist air. The two phase flow model is based on void fraction of gas phase which is included in the governing equations. Homogeneous equilibrium model, where the two phases are well mixed and have the same velocity, is used. The effect of flue gas injection is included into the developed mathematical model by using source terms in governing equations and by using momentum flux coefficient and kinetic energy flux coefficient. Heat and mass transfer in the fill zone is described by the system of ordinary differential equations, where the mass transfer is represented by measured fill Merkel number and heat transfer is calculated using prescribed Lewis factor.

Conversion from non-orthogonally to orthogonally polarized optical single-sideband modulation using optically injected semiconductor lasers.

PubMed

Hung, Yu-Han; Tseng, Chin-Hao; Hwang, Sheng-Kwang

2018-06-01

This Letter investigates an optically injected semiconductor laser for conversion from non-orthogonally to orthogonally polarized optical single-sideband modulation. The underlying mechanism relies solely on nonlinear laser characteristics and, thus, only a typical semiconductor laser is required as the key conversion unit. This conversion can be achieved for a broadly tunable frequency range up to at least 65 GHz. After conversion, the microwave phase quality, including linewidth and phase noise, is mostly preserved, and simultaneous microwave amplification up to 23 dB is feasible.

A Numerical Study of Spray Injected in a Gas Turbine Lean Pre-Mixed Pre-Vaporized Combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amoresano, Amedeo; Cameretti, Maria Cristina; Tuccillo, Raffaele

2015-04-01

The authors have performed a numerical study to investigate the spray evolution in a modern gas turbine combustor of the Lean Pre-Mixed Pre-vaporized type. The CFD tool is able to simulate the injection conditions, by isolating and studying some specific phenomena. The calculations have been performed by using a 3-D fluid dynamic code, the FLUENT flow solver, by choosing the injection models on the basis of a comparative analysis with some experimental data, in terms of droplet diameters, obtained by PDA technique. In a first phase of the investigation, the numerical simulation refers to non-evaporating flow conditions, in order to validate the estimation of the fundamental spray parameters. Next, the calculations employ boundary conditions close to those occurring in the actual combustor operation, in order to predict the fuel vapour distribution throughout the premixing chamber. The results obtained allow the authors to perform combustion simulation in the whole domain.

DNAPL REMOVAL MECHANISMS AND MASS TRANSFER CHARACTERISTICS DURING COSOLVENT-AIR FLOODING

EPA Science Inventory

The concurrent injection of cosolvent and air, a cosolvent-air (CA) flood was recently suggested for a dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) remediation technology. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the DNAPL removal mechanisms of the CA flood and to quantify mass t...

Correlating voice handicap index and quantitative videostroboscopy following injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal paralysis.

PubMed

Lau, David Pang Cheng; Zhang, Edward Zhiyong; Wong, Seng Mun; Lee, Gwyneth; Chan, Yiong Huak

2010-08-01

1) Determine the correlation between voice handicap index and quantitative videostroboscopy for patients undergoing injection laryngoplasty for unilateral vocal paralysis; 2) assess which videostroboscopy measurements correlate best with voice handicap index in patients demonstrating progressive improvement beyond six months following injection laryngoplasty. Case series with chart review. Patients undergoing outpatient injection laryngoplasty with hyaluronic acid between 2005 and 2007. Twenty-eight patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using voice handicap index and videostroboscopy. Various videostroboscopy measurements were quantified: glottic open area (ratio of open to total glottic area during closed phase of phonation), glottic closed phase (frame ratio of closed phase to total glottic cycle), supraglottic compression (percent encroachment of supraglottis onto best-fit ellipse around glottis), wave amplitude (difference in glottic open area between open and closed phases), and wave duration (number of frames per glottic cycle). Correlation coefficients were calculated using Spearman's r. One hundred seventeen separate recordings were analyzed. Correlation coefficients between voice handicap index (normalized to preoperative values) and glottic closed phase showed moderate-strong correlation (r = -0.733, P < 0.001), while glottic open area and wave duration showed weak-moderate correlation (r = 0.465, P < 0.001 and r = -0.404, P < 0.001 respectively). Other parameters showed poor correlation. A subset of 25 recordings from eight patients with progressive voice handicap index improvement beyond six months showed highest correlation with supraglottic compression (r = 0.504, P < 0.05). Voice handicap index correlates best with glottic closed phase, suggesting duration of vocal fold closure during the glottic cycle best represents patients' subjective outcome post-procedure. Progressive improvement in voice handicap index beyond six months may relate to gradual reduction in compensatory supraglottic compression, with moderate correlation. Copyright (c) 2010 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reduced benzodiazepine sensitivity in patients with premenstrual syndrome: a pilot study.

PubMed

Sundström, I; Ashbrook, D; Bäckström, T

1997-01-01

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is characterized by cyclical changes in psychological and physical symptoms related to the formation of the corpus luteum and the fluctuations of gonadal hormones. Ovarian steroids have direct effects on neurotransmission, exemplified by the binding of certain metabolites of progesterone to the gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABAA) receptor where they exert a facilitating effect on inhibitory neurotransmission. There is also evidence for steroids with inverse-agonist actions on the GABAA-receptor with opposite effects on the GABAergic transmission. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine a possible decrease in GABAA/benzodiazepine-receptor sensitivity in PMS patients using saccadic eye velocity and self-ratings of sedation as dependent measures. Seven patients with proven PMS and seven control subjects were recruited for the study. Saccadic eye velocity (SEV) and visual analogue ratings for sedation and mood were measured after increasing doses of placebo and diazepam. The PMS patients responded with a significantly less decrease in saccadic eye velocity after benzodiazepine injections compared with control subjects, the difference being most prominent in the luteal phase. This group difference was due to an increased SEV responsiveness to benzodiazepines among control subjects in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase. The PMS patients in the luteal phase responded with less increase in sedation change scores following benzodiazepine injections compared with control subjects. This group difference in the luteal phase was due to a decreased sedation response to benzodiazepines across the menstrual cycle in the PMS patients. There was no correlation between sedation change scores and SEV in PMS patients. These results support evidence for a reduced or dysregulated sensitivity at the GABAA/ benzodiazepine-receptor complex in patients with PMS.

Treatment of Recurrent Dupuytren Contracture in Joints Previously Effectively Treated With Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum.

PubMed

Bear, Brian J; Peimer, Clayton A; Kaplan, F Thomas D; Kaufman, Gregory J; Tursi, James P; Smith, Ted

2017-05-01

Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) is approved for the treatment of adults with Dupuytren contracture with a palpable cord. This open-label, phase 4 study evaluated the safety and efficacy of CCH for the retreatment of recurrent contractures in joints that were previously effectively treated with CCH. Patients participating in a long-term follow-up study who had contracture recurrence (increased ≥ 20° with a palpable cord) after successful treatment in the previous study were eligible. Recurrent joint contractures were treated with up to 3 CCH injections (∼ 1 month apart). Patients were followed for 1 year to evaluate safety. Assessments included change in joint contracture, range of motion, and the percentage of joints that achieved contracture of 5° or less at day 30 after the last injection. The efficacy analysis included 51 patients with 1 treated joint per patient (31 metacarpophalangeal, 20 proximal interphalangeal). A total of 35 joints (69%) received 1 injection, 12 (24%) received 2 injections, and 4 (8%) received 3 injections. Fifty-seven percent of joints achieved contracture of 5° or less (29 of 51). Overall, 86% (43 of 50) patients had a 20° or greater increase in range of motion. The adverse event profile was consistent with previous studies. One ligament injury was reported. At a short-term follow-up of 1 year, recurrent contracture in joints previously successfully treated with CCH may be effectively retreated with up to 3 injections of CCH. Therapeutic IV. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Performance Evaluation of Orbit Determination System during Initial Phase of INSAT-3 Mission

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subramanian, B.; Vighnesam, N. V.

INSAT-3C is the second in the third generation of ISRO's INSAT series of satellites that was launched by ARIANE-SPACE on 23 January 2002 at 23 h 46 m 57 s (lift off time in U.T). The ARIANE-4 Flight Nr.147 took off from Kourou in French Guyana and injected the 2750-kg communications satellite in a geostationary transfer orbit of (571 X 35935) km with an inclination of 4.007 deg at 00 h 07 m 48 s U.T on 24 January 2002 (1252 s after lift off). The satellite was successfully guided into its intended geostationary position of 74 deg E longitude by 09 February 2002 after a series of four firings of its Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) and four station acquisition (STAQ) maneuvers. Six distinct phases of the mission were categorized based on the orbit characteristics of the INSAT- 3C mission, namely, the pre-launch phase, the launch phase, transfer orbit phase, intermediate orbit phase, drift orbit phase and synchronous orbit phase. The orbit with a perigee height of 571 km at injection of the satellite, was gradually raised to higher orbits with perigee height increasing to 9346 km after Apogee Motor Firing #1 (AMF #1), 18335 km after AMF #2, 32448 km after AMF #3 and 35493 km after AMF #4. The North and South solar panels and the reflectors were deployed at this stage of the mission and the attitude of the satellite with respect to the three axes was stabilized. The Orbit Determination System (ODS) that was used in the initial phase of the mission played a crucial role in realizing the objectives of the mission. This system which consisted of Tracking Data Pre-Processing (TDPP) software, Ephemeris Generation (EPHGEN) software and the Orbit Determination (OD) software, performed rigorously and its results were used for planning the AMF and STAQ strategies with a greater degree of accuracy. This paper reports the results of evaluation of the performance of the apogee-motor firings employed to place the satellite in its intended position where it is collocated with INSAT-1D satellite. The orbit of the satellite had to be determined continuously at each stage of the initial phase of the mission at a brisk pace and this study shows that the ODS provided consistent results to meet the stringent requirements of the mission operations. At each stage of the mission the orbit was determined using tracking data obtained over varying periods of time. The orbit solutions obtained from short arc OD's are compared with that obtained using the longest arc OD of each stage of the initial phase of the mission. The results of this study have been tabled in this paper. The performance of the ODS in calibrating the ARIANE-4 launch vehicle has been analyzed. A comparison of the orbit elements obtained from the mission operational ODS with the injection parameters provided by CNES, Centre Spatial Guyanais has been made in this paper which shows that the satellite was injected well within the 1 dispersions quoted by ARIANE-SPACE. A comparison has also been shown between the determined transfer orbit elements with pre-launch nominal orbit elements. For the initial phase of this mission ranging support was provided by Hassan earth station at India and INMARSAT network of stations at LakeCowichan (Canada), Fucino (Italy) and Beijing (China). The performance of the tracking systems employed by these stations has been studied. The quality of tracking data obtained from these stations has also been assessed.

Hydraulische Optimierung des Reaktionsraumes um einen Infiltrationsbrunnen zur unterirdischen Enteisenung. Durchführung eines Feldversuchs mit Infiltrationssteuerung (Teil 2/2) Hydraulic optimization of the reaction zone around an injection well during subsurface iron removal (SIR)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bartak, Rico; Macheleidt, Wolfgang; Ahrns, Johannes; Grischek, Thomas

2017-11-01

In subsurface iron removal (SIR), oxygen-enriched water is injected into an aquifer to create a reaction zone. Ahrns et al. (2017) simulated a doubling of the efficiency coefficient by the inactivation of well screen sections during injection for a vertical SIR pilot well penetrating an aquifer with varying dissolved iron concentrations. The optimized injection regime was adopted conceptually in a pilot SIR test. An inflatable packer was used to manipulate the outflow distribution. The packer was inflated before the injection phase then evacuated with a vacuum pump before pumping while remaining inside the casing. Cycles with conventional injection were performed first and iron breakthrough was monitored in the pumped water. Subsequently when the packer was used, iron removal increased by 25% and the efficiency coefficient by 50% for an adopted reference value of 5.0 mg/l. Although the study site was unfavorable for SIR because of the unfavorable low alkalinity (pH in the re- and infiltrate decreased down to 4.2), the injectant could have been pretreated by the addition of alkalis prior to injection. This was not considered in the simulation and iron concentrations were above the limits commonly used in practice. However, the overall use of an optimized injection will still be presented.

The effect of sesame and sunflower oils on the plasma disposition of ivermectin in goats.

PubMed

Gokbulut, C; Karademir, U; Boyacioglu, M; McKellar, Q A

2008-10-01

The effect of sesame oil (SSO) and sunflower oil (SFO) (the excipients) on the plasma disposition of ivermectin (IVM) following intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) administration at a dosage of 200 microg/kg was investigated in goats. Ten clinically healthy crossbred goats were used in the study. The animals were allocated by weight and sex into two groups of five animals each. Group 1 (n = 5) received the drug and excipient by the i.v. route only and group 2 received drug and excipient by the s.c. route only. The study was designed according to a two-phase crossover design protocol. In the first phase three animals in group 1 were i.v. administered IVM (0.2 mg/kg) + SSO (1 mL) and the other two animals received IVM (0.2 mg/kg) + SFO (1 mL). In the second phase animals were crossed over and received the alternate excipient with IVM at the same dosages. In group 2 during the first phase, three animals were s.c. administered IVM (0.2 mg/kg) + SSO (1 mL) and the other two animals were received IVM (0.2 mg/kg) + SFO (1 mL). In the second phase animals were crossed over and received the alternate excipient with IVM at the same dosages. A 4-week washout period was allowed between the two phases. In group 2 significantly increased dermal thickness was observed at the s.c. injection site of the all animals which received IVM during phase I regardless of the excipient. There was almost no change observed at the injection site of any animal during the second phase of the study following s.c. administration. In group 2 the plasma concentrations of IVM in the second phase for both excipient combinations were much higher than the plasma concentrations following first administration and appeared to be related with the dermal changes. The mean plasma disposition of IVM in combination with SSO or SFO was similar following i.v. administration. Longer terminal elimination half-lives and resultant longer mean resident time were observed after s.c. administration of the both combinations compared with i.v. administration.

The evaluation of the optimization design and application effect of same-well-injection-production technique’s injection-production circulatory system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guoxing, Zheng; Minghu, Jiang; Hongliang, Gong; Nannan, Zhang; Jianguang, Wei

2018-02-01

According to basic principles of combining series of strata and demands of same-well injection-production technique, the optimization designing method of same-well injection-production technique’s injection-production circulatory system is given. Based on oil-water two-phase model with condition of arbitrarily well network, a dynamic forecast method for the application of same-well injection-production reservoir is established with considering the demands and capacity of same-well injection-production technique, sample wells are selected to launch the forecast evaluation and analysis of same-well injection-production reservoir application’s effect. Results show: single-test-well composite water cut decreases by 4.7% and test-well-group composite water cut decreases by 1.56% under the condition of basically invariant ground water injection rate. The method provides theoretical support for the proof of same-well injection-production technique’s reservoir development improving effect and further tests.

EZVI Injection Field Test Leads to Pilot-Scale Application

EPA Science Inventory

Testing and monitoring of emulsified zero-valent ironTM (EZVI) injections was conducted at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Launch Complex 34, FL, in 2002 to 2005 to evaluate the technology’s efficacy in enhancing in situ dehalogenation of dense nonaqueous-phase liquid (DNAPL) ...

Qualitative and quantitative changes in detrital reservoir rocks caused by CO2-brine-rock interactions during first injection phases (Utrillas sandstones, Northern Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berrezueta, E.; Ordóñez-Casado, B.; Quintana, L.

2015-08-01

The aim of this article is to describe and interpret qualitative and quantitative changes at rock matrix scale of Lower-Upper Cretaceous sandstones exposed to supercritical (SC) CO2 and brine. The effects of experimental injection of SC CO2 during the first injection phases were studied at rock matrix scale, in a potential deep sedimentary reservoir in Northern Spain (Utrillas unit, at the base of the Cenozoic Duero Basin). Experimental wet CO2 injection was performed in a reactor chamber under realistic conditions of deep saline formations (P ≈ 78 bar, T ≈ 38 °C and 24 h exposure time). After the experiment, exposed and non-exposed equivalent sample sets were compared with the aim of assessing possible changes due to the effect of the CO2-brine exposure. Optical microscopy (OpM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) aided by optical image analysis (OIA) were used to compare the rock samples and get qualitative and quantitative information about mineralogy, texture and porous network distribution. Chemical analyses were performed to refine the mineralogical information and to obtain whole rock geochemical data. Brine composition was also analysed before and after the experiment. The results indicate an evolution of the pore network (porosity increase ≈ 2 %). Intergranular quartz matrix detachment and partial removal from the rock sample (due to CO2 input/release dragging) are the main processes that may explain the porosity increase. Primary mineralogy (≈ 95 % quartz) and rock texture (heterogeneous sand with interconnected framework of micro-channels) are important factors that seem to enhance textural/mineralogical changes in this heterogeneous system. The whole rock and brine chemical analyses after interaction with SC CO2-brine do not present important changes in the mineralogical, porosity and chemical configuration of the rock with respect to initial conditions, ruling out relevant precipitation or dissolution at these early stages. These results, simulating the CO2 injection near the injection well during the first phases (24 h) indicate that, in this environment where CO2 displaces the brine, the mixture principally generates local mineralogical/textural re-adjustments due to physical detachment of quartz grains. Consequences deriving from these changes are variable. Possible porosity and permeability increases could facilitate further CO2 injection but textural re-adjustment could also affect the rock physically. However, it is not clear yet what effect the quartz (solid suspension) could provoke in more distant areas of the rock. Quartz could be transported in the fluid flow path and probably accumulated at pore throats.

Reactivity of Iron Bearing Minerals and CO 2 Sequestration: A Multi-­Disciplinary and Experimental Approach

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

Schoonen, Martin A.

2014-12-22

The reactivity of sandstones was studied under conditions relevant to the injection of supercritical carbon dioxide in the context of carbon geosequestration. The emphasis of the study was on the reactivity of iron-­bearing minerals when exposed to supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2) and scCO 2 with commingled aqueous solutions containing H 2S and/or SO 2. Flow through and batch experiments were conducted. Results indicate that sandstones, irrespective of their mineralogy, are not reactive when exposed to pure scCO2 or scCO 2 with commingled aqueous solutions containing H 2S and/or SO 2 under conditions simulating the environment near the injection pointmore » (flow through experiments). However, sandstones are reactive under conditions simulating the edge of the injected CO 2 plume or ahead of the plume (batch experiments). Sandstones containing hematite (red sandstone) are particularly reactive. The composition of the reaction products is strongly dependent on the composition of the aqueous phase. The presence of dissolved sulfide leads to the conversion of hematite into pyrite and siderite. The relative amount of the pyrite and siderite is influenced by the ionic strength of the solution. Little reactivity is observed when sulfite is present in the aqueous phase. Sandstones without hematite (grey sandstones) show little reactivity regardless of the solution composition.« less

Totally implantable venous power ports of the forearm and the chest: initial clinical experience with port devices approved for high-pressure injections

PubMed Central

Goltz, J P; Noack, C; Petritsch, B; Kirchner, J; Hahn, D; Kickuth, R

2012-01-01

Objectives To evaluate the technical success, clinical outcome and safety of percutaneously placed totally implantable venous power ports (TIVPPs) approved for high-pressure injections, and to analyse their value for arterial phase CT scans. Methods Retrospectively, we identified 204 patients who underwent TIVPP implantation in the forearm (n=152) or chest (n=52) between November 2009 and May 2011. Implantation via an upper arm (forearm port, FP) or subclavian vein (chest port, CP) was performed under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Complications were evaluated following the standards of the Society of Interventional Radiology. Power injections via TIVPPs were analysed, focusing on adequate functioning and catheter's tip location after injection. Feasibility of automatic bolus triggering, peak injection pressure and arterial phase aortic enhancement were evaluated and compared with 50 patients who had had power injections via classic peripheral cannulas. Results Technical success was 100%. Procedure-related complications were not observed. Catheter-related thrombosis was diagnosed in 15 of 152 FPs (9.9%, 0.02/100 catheter days) and in 1 of 52 CPs (1.9%, 0.002/100 catheter days) (p<0.05). Infectious complications were diagnosed in 9 of 152 FPs (5.9%, 0.014/100 catheter days) and in 2 of 52 CPs (3.8%, 0.003/100 catheter days) (p>0.05). Arterial bolus triggering succeeded in all attempts; the mean injection pressure was 213.8 psi. Aortic enhancement did not significantly differ between injections via cannulas and TIVPPs (p>0.05). Conclusions TIVPPs can be implanted with high technical success rates, and are associated with low rates of complications if implanted with sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance. Power injections via TIVPPs are safe and result in satisfying arterial contrast. Conventional ports should be replaced by TIVPPs. PMID:22674705

Analytical solutions to dissolved contaminant plume evolution with source depletion during carbon dioxide storage.

PubMed

Yang, Yong; Liu, Yongzhong; Yu, Bo; Ding, Tian

2016-06-01

Volatile contaminants may migrate with carbon dioxide (CO2) injection or leakage in subsurface formations, which leads to the risk of the CO2 storage and the ecological environment. This study aims to develop an analytical model that could predict the contaminant migration process induced by CO2 storage. The analytical model with two moving boundaries is obtained through the simplification of the fully coupled model for the CO2-aqueous phase -stagnant phase displacement system. The analytical solutions are confirmed and assessed through the comparison with the numerical simulations of the fully coupled model. Then, some key variables in the analytical solutions, including the critical time, the locations of the dual moving boundaries and the advance velocity, are discussed to present the characteristics of contaminant migration in the multi-phase displacement system. The results show that these key variables are determined by four dimensionless numbers, Pe, RD, Sh and RF, which represent the effects of the convection, the dispersion, the interphase mass transfer and the retention factor of contaminant, respectively. The proposed analytical solutions could be used for tracking the migration of the injected CO2 and the contaminants in subsurface formations, and also provide an analytical tool for other solute transport in multi-phase displacement system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The phase-space dependence of fast-ion interaction with tearing modes

DOE PAGES

Heidbrink, William W.; Bardoczi, Laszlo; Collins, Cami S.; ...

2018-03-19

Modulation of various neutral beam sources probes the interaction of fast ions with tearing modes (TM) in the DIII-D tokamak. As measured by electron cyclotron emission, the (m,n) = (2,1) tearing modes have an island width of ~8 cm and change phase 180 at the q = 2 surface. (Here, m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number.) Deuterium neutral beam injection by six sources with differing injection geometries produces the fast ions. To study the interaction in different parts of phase space, on successive discharges, one of the six sources is modulated at 20more » Hz to populate different fast-ion orbits. The modulation only changes the island width by a few millimeters, implying that any fast-ion effect on mode stability is below detection limits. When compared to the expected signals in the absence of TM-induced transport, both the average and modulated neutron signals deviate, implying that fast-ion transport occurs in much of phase space. Fast-ion D-α (FIDA) measurements detect reductions in signal at wavelengths that are sensitive to counter-passing ions. Neutral particle analyzer data imply poor confinement of trapped fast ions. Lastly, calculations of the expected fast-ion transport that use measured TM properties successfully reproduce the data.« less

Cortico-pontine theta carrier frequency phase shift across sleep/wake states following monoaminergic lesion in rat.

PubMed

Kalauzi, Aleksandar; Spasic, Sladjana; Petrovic, Jelena; Ciric, Jelena; Saponjic, Jelena

2012-06-01

This study was aimed to explore the sleep/wake states related cortico-pontine theta carrier frequency phase shift following a systemically induced chemical axotomy of the monoaminergic afferents within a brain of the freely moving rats. Our experiments were performed in 14 adult, male Sprague Dawley rats, chronically implanted for sleep recording. We recorded sleep during baseline condition, following sham injection (saline i.p. 1 ml/kg), and every week for 5 weeks following injection of the systemic neurotoxins (DSP-4 or PCA; 1 ml/kg, i.p.) for chemical axotomy of the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe (DR) axon terminals. After sleep/wake states identification, FFT analysis was performed on 5 s epochs. Theta carrier frequency phase shift (∆Φ) was calculated for each epoch by averaging theta Fourier component phase shifts, and the ∆Φ values were plotted for each rat in control condition and 28 days following the monoaminergic lesions, as a time for permanently established DR or LC chemical axotomy. Calculated group averages have shown that ∆Φ increased between pons and cortex significantly in all sleep/wake states (Wake, NREM and REM) following the monoaminergic lesions, with respect to controls. Monoaminergic lesions established the pontine leading role in the brain theta oscillations during all sleep/wake states.

The phase-space dependence of fast-ion interaction with tearing modes

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

Heidbrink, William W.; Bardoczi, Laszlo; Collins, Cami S.

Modulation of various neutral beam sources probes the interaction of fast ions with tearing modes (TM) in the DIII-D tokamak. As measured by electron cyclotron emission, the (m,n) = (2,1) tearing modes have an island width of ~8 cm and change phase 180 at the q = 2 surface. (Here, m is the poloidal mode number and n is the toroidal mode number.) Deuterium neutral beam injection by six sources with differing injection geometries produces the fast ions. To study the interaction in different parts of phase space, on successive discharges, one of the six sources is modulated at 20more » Hz to populate different fast-ion orbits. The modulation only changes the island width by a few millimeters, implying that any fast-ion effect on mode stability is below detection limits. When compared to the expected signals in the absence of TM-induced transport, both the average and modulated neutron signals deviate, implying that fast-ion transport occurs in much of phase space. Fast-ion D-α (FIDA) measurements detect reductions in signal at wavelengths that are sensitive to counter-passing ions. Neutral particle analyzer data imply poor confinement of trapped fast ions. Lastly, calculations of the expected fast-ion transport that use measured TM properties successfully reproduce the data.« less

Low-Temperature Combustion of High Octane Fuels in a Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine

DOE PAGES

Cung, Khanh Duc; Ciatti, Stephen Anthony; Tanov, Slavey; ...

2017-12-21

Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) has been shown as one of the advanced combustion concepts that could potentially provide a pathway to achieve cleaner and more efficient combustion engines. Fuel and air in GCI are not fully premixed as compared to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) which is a completely kinetic-controlled combustion system. Therefore, the combustion phasing can be controlled by the time of injection, usually post injection in a multiple-injection scheme, to mitigate combustion noise. Gasoline fuels ignite more difficult than Diesel. The autoignition quality of gasoline can be indicated by research octane number (RON). Fuels with high octane tendmore » to have more resistance to auto-ignition, hence more time for fuel-air mixing. In this study, three fuels, namely, Aromatic, Alkylate, and E30, with similar RON value of 98 but different hydrocarbon compositions were tested in a multi-cylinder engine under GCI combustion mode. Considerations of EGR, start of injection (SOI), and boost were investigated to study the sensitivity of dilution, local stratification, and reactivity of the charge, respectively, for each fuel. Combustion phasing was kept constant during the experiments to the changes in ignition and combustion process before and after 50% of the fuel mass is burned. Emission characteristics at different levels of EGR and lambda were revealed for all fuels with E30 having the lowest filter smoke number (FSN) and was also most sensitive to the change in dilution. Reasonably low combustion noise (< 90 dB) and stable combustion (COVIMEP < 3%) were maintained during the experiments. The second part of this paper contains visualization of the combustion process obtained from endoscope imaging for each fuel at selected conditions. Soot radiation signal from GCI combustion were strong during late injection, and also more intense at low EGR conditions. Furthermore, soot/temperature profiles indicated only the high-temperature combustion period, while cylinder pressure-based heat release rate (HRR) showed a two-stage combustion phenomenon.« less

Low-Temperature Combustion of High Octane Fuels in a Gasoline Compression Ignition Engine

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

Cung, Khanh Duc; Ciatti, Stephen Anthony; Tanov, Slavey

Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI) has been shown as one of the advanced combustion concepts that could potentially provide a pathway to achieve cleaner and more efficient combustion engines. Fuel and air in GCI are not fully premixed as compared to homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) which is a completely kinetic-controlled combustion system. Therefore, the combustion phasing can be controlled by the time of injection, usually post injection in a multiple-injection scheme, to mitigate combustion noise. Gasoline fuels ignite more difficult than Diesel. The autoignition quality of gasoline can be indicated by research octane number (RON). Fuels with high octane tendmore » to have more resistance to auto-ignition, hence more time for fuel-air mixing. In this study, three fuels, namely, Aromatic, Alkylate, and E30, with similar RON value of 98 but different hydrocarbon compositions were tested in a multi-cylinder engine under GCI combustion mode. Considerations of EGR, start of injection (SOI), and boost were investigated to study the sensitivity of dilution, local stratification, and reactivity of the charge, respectively, for each fuel. Combustion phasing was kept constant during the experiments to the changes in ignition and combustion process before and after 50% of the fuel mass is burned. Emission characteristics at different levels of EGR and lambda were revealed for all fuels with E30 having the lowest filter smoke number (FSN) and was also most sensitive to the change in dilution. Reasonably low combustion noise (< 90 dB) and stable combustion (COVIMEP < 3%) were maintained during the experiments. The second part of this paper contains visualization of the combustion process obtained from endoscope imaging for each fuel at selected conditions. Soot radiation signal from GCI combustion were strong during late injection, and also more intense at low EGR conditions. Furthermore, soot/temperature profiles indicated only the high-temperature combustion period, while cylinder pressure-based heat release rate (HRR) showed a two-stage combustion phenomenon.« less

A Semi-Analytical Method for Rapid Estimation of Near-Well Saturation, Temperature, Pressure and Stress in Non-Isothermal CO2 Injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LaForce, T.; Ennis-King, J.; Paterson, L.

2015-12-01

Reservoir cooling near the wellbore is expected when fluids are injected into a reservoir or aquifer in CO2 storage, enhanced oil or gas recovery, enhanced geothermal systems, and water injection for disposal. Ignoring thermal effects near the well can lead to under-prediction of changes in reservoir pressure and stress due to competition between increased pressure and contraction of the rock in the cooled near-well region. In this work a previously developed semi-analytical model for immiscible, nonisothermal fluid injection is generalised to include partitioning of components between two phases. Advection-dominated radial flow is assumed so that the coupled two-phase flow and thermal conservation laws can be solved analytically. The temperature and saturation profiles are used to find the increase in reservoir pressure, tangential, and radial stress near the wellbore in a semi-analytical, forward-coupled model. Saturation, temperature, pressure, and stress profiles are found for parameters representative of several CO2 storage demonstration projects around the world. General results on maximum injection rates vs depth for common reservoir parameters are also presented. Prior to drilling an injection well there is often little information about the properties that will determine the injection rate that can be achieved without exceeding fracture pressure, yet injection rate and pressure are key parameters in well design and placement decisions. Analytical solutions to simplified models such as these can quickly provide order of magnitude estimates for flow and stress near the well based on a range of likely parameters.

Insulin pump treatment compared with multiple daily injections for treatment of type 2 diabetes (OpT2mise): a randomised open-label controlled trial.

PubMed

Reznik, Yves; Cohen, Ohad; Aronson, Ronnie; Conget, Ignacio; Runzis, Sarah; Castaneda, Javier; Lee, Scott W

2014-10-04

Many patients with advanced type 2 diabetes do not meet their glycated haemoglobin targets and randomised controlled studies comparing the efficacy of pump treatment and multiple daily injections for lowering glucose in insulin-treated patients have yielded inconclusive results. We aimed to resolve this uncertainty with a randomised controlled trial (OpT2mise). We did this multicentre, controlled trial at 36 hospitals, tertiary care centres, and referal centres in Canada, Europe, Israel, South Africa, and the USA. Patients with type 2 diabetes who had poor glycaemic control despite multiple daily injections with insulin analogues were enrolled into a 2-month dose-optimisation run-in period. After the run-in period, patients with glycated haemoglobin of 8·0-12·0% (64-108 mmol/mol) were randomly assigned (1:1) by a computer-generated randomisation sequence (block size 2 with probability 0·75 and size 4 with probability 0·25) to pump treatment or to continue with multiple daily injections. Neither patients nor investigators were masked to treatment allocation. The primary endpoint was change in mean glycated haemoglobin between baseline and end of the randomised phase for the intention-to-treat population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01182493. 495 of 590 screened patients entered the run-in phase and 331 were randomised (168 to pump treatment, 163 to multiple daily injections). Mean glycated haemoglobin at baseline was 9% (75 mmol/mol) in both groups. At 6 months, mean glycated haemoglobin had decreased by 1·1% (SD 1·2; 12 mmol/mol, SD 13) in the pump treatment group and 0·4% (SD 1·1; 4 mmol/mol, SD 12) in the multiple daily injection group, resulting in a between-group treatment difference of -0·7% (95% CI -0·9 to -0·4; -8 mmol/mol, 95% CI -10 to -4, p<0·0001). At the end of the study, the mean total daily insulin dose was 97 units (SD 56) with pump treatment versus 122 units (SD 68) for multiple daily injections (p<0·0001), with no significant difference in bodyweight change between the two groups (1·5 kg [SD 3·5] vs 1·1 kg [3·6], p=0·322). Two diabetes-related serious adverse events (hyperglycaemia or ketosis without acidosis) resulting in hospital admission occurred in the pump treatment group compared with one in the multiple daily injection group. No ketoacidosis occurred in either group and one episode of severe hypoglycaemia occurred in the multiple daily injection group. In patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite using multiple daily injections of insulin, pump treatment can be considered as a safe and valuable treatment option. Medtronic. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study on the Effect of water Injection Momentum on the Cooling Effect of Rocket Engine Exhaust Plume

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Kan; Qiang, Yanhui; Zhong, Chenghang; Yu, Shaozhen

2017-10-01

For the study of water injection momentum factors impact on flow field of the rocket engine tail flame, the numerical computation model of gas-liquid two phase flow in the coupling of high temperature and high speed gas flow and low temperature liquid water is established. The accuracy and reliability of the numerical model are verified by experiments. Based on the numerical model, the relationship between the flow rate and the cooling effect is analyzed by changing the water injection momentum of the water spray pipes. And the effective mathematical expression is obtained. What’s more, by changing the number of the water spray and using small flow water injection, the cooling effect is analyzed to check the application range of the mathematical expressions. The results show that: the impact and erosion of the gas flow field could be reduced greatly by water injection, and there are two parts in the gas flow field, which are the slow cooling area and the fast cooling area. In the fast cooling area, the influence of the water flow momentum and nozzle quantity on the cooling effect can be expressed by mathematical functions without causing bifurcation flow for the mainstream gas. The conclusion provides a theoretical reference for the engineering application.

Nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with four different waveguide structures: a numerical study.

PubMed

Li, Nianqiang; Susanto, H; Cemlyn, B R; Henning, I D; Adams, M J

2018-02-19

We study the nonlinear dynamics of solitary and optically injected two-element laser arrays with a range of waveguide structures. The analysis is performed with a detailed direct numerical simulation, where high-resolution dynamic maps are generated to identify regions of dynamic instability in the parameter space of interest. Our combined one- and two-parameter bifurcation analysis uncovers globally diverse dynamical regimes (steady-state, oscillation, and chaos) in the solitary laser arrays, which are greatly influenced by static design waveguiding structures, the amplitude-phase coupling factor of the electric field, i.e. the linewidth-enhancement factor, as well as the control parameter, e.g. the pump rate. When external optical injection is introduced to one element of the arrays, we show that the whole system can be either injection-locked simultaneously or display rich, different dynamics outside the locking region. The effect of optical injection is to significantly modify the nature and the regions of nonlinear dynamics from those found in the solitary case. We also show similarities and differences (asymmetry) between the oscillation amplitude of the two elements of the array in specific well-defined regions, which hold for all the waveguiding structures considered. Our findings pave the way to a better understanding of dynamic instability in large arrays of lasers.

The effect of nozzle diameter, injection pressure and ambient temperature on spray characteristics in diesel engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhaodah Andsaler, Adiba; Khalid, Amir; Sharifhatul Adila Abdullah, Nor; Sapit, Azwan; Jaat, Norrizam

2017-04-01

Mixture formation of the ignition process is a key element in the diesel combustion as it influences the combustion process and exhaust emission. Aim of this study is to elucidate the effects of nozzle diameter, injection pressure and ambient temperature to the formation of spray. This study investigated diesel formation spray using Computational Fluid Dynamics. Multiphase volume of fluid (VOF) behaviour in the chamber are determined by means of transient simulation, Eulerian of two phases is used for implementation of mixing fuel and air. The detail behaviour of spray droplet diameter, spray penetration and spray breakup length was visualised using the ANSYS 16.1. This simulation was done in different nozzle diameter 0.12 mm and 0.2 mm performed at the ambient temperature 500 K and 700 K with different injection pressure 40 MPa, 70 MPa and 140 MPa. Results show that high pressure influence droplet diameter become smaller and the penetration length longer with the high injection pressure apply. Smaller nozzle diameter gives a shorter length of the breakup. It is necessary for nozzle diameter and ambient temperature condition to improve the formation of spray. High injection pressure is most effective in improvement of formation spray under higher ambient temperature and smaller nozzle diameter.

[Expression of hemokinin-1 in rat spinal cord after peripheral inflammation].

PubMed

Ando, Yuko

2009-06-01

Hemokinin-1 (HK-1) is a novel peptide described as a member of the tachykinin family. Substance P (SP), a representative member of the tachykinin family, has been well characterized and is thought to play a part in inflammation and pain. While several studies indicate that HK-1 is involved in inflammation and pain, the biological functions of HK-1 are not fully understood. In the present study we investigated the expression of HK-1 mRNA (TAC4) and SP mRNA (TAC1) in the dorsal spinal cord of rat after inducing peripheral inflammation by administering complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw, using real-time RT-PCR. In the behavioral studies, the thresholds of withdrawal response of the hind paw to thermal stimulation significantly decreased on the ipsilateral side, but not on the contralateral side, 6 hours after CFA injection and thermal hyperalgesia persisted until 4 days after CFA injection. The level of HK-1 mRNA expression significantly increased on the bilateral sides of the dorsal spinal cord 6 hours after CFA injection and returned to the base level 1 day after injection. On the other hand, the level of SP mRNA expression did not change in the spinal cord 6 hours and 1 day after CFA injection. These results indicate that HK-1 may contribute to inflammatory pain, in the early phase, in a different manner from SP.

Analysis of tests of subsurface injection, storage, and recovery of freshwater in the lower Floridan aquifer, Okeechobee County, Florida

USGS Publications Warehouse

Quinones-Aponte, Vicente; Kotun, Kevin; Whitley, J.F.

1996-01-01

A series of freshwater subsurface injection, storage, and recovery tests were conducted at an injection-well site near Lake Okeechobee in Okeechobee County, Florida, to assess the recoverability of injected canal water from the Lower Floridan aquifer. At the study site, the Lower Floridan aquifer is characterized as having four local, relatively independent, high-permeability flow zones (389 to 398 meters, 419 to 424 meters, 456 to 462 meters, and 472 to 476 meters below sea level). Four subsurface injection, storage, and recovery cycles were performed at the Lake Okeechobee injection-well site in which volumes of water injected ranged from about 387,275 to 1,343,675 cubic meters for all the cycles, and volumes of water recovered ranged from about 106,200 to 484,400 cubic meters for cycles 1, 2, and 3. The recovery efficiency for successive cycles 2 and 3 increased from 22 to 36 percent and is expected to continue increasing with additional cycles. A comparison of chloride concentration breakthrough curves at the deep monitor well (located about 171 meters from the injection well) for cycles 1, 4, and test no. 4 (from a previous study) revealed unexpected finings. One significant result was that the concentration asymptote, expected to be reached at concentration levels equivalent or close to the injected water concentration, was instead reached at higher concentration levels. The injection to recovery rate ratio might affect the chloride concentration breakthrough curve at the deep monitor well, which could explain this unexpected behavior. Because there are four high-permeability zones, if the rate of injection is smaller than the rate of recovery (natural artesian flow), the head differential might not be transmitted through the entire open wellbore, and injected water would probably flow only through the upper high- permeability zones. Therefore, observed chloride concentration values at the deep monitor well would be higher than the concentration of the injected water and would represent a mix of water from the different high-permeability zones. A generalized digital model was constructed to simulate the subsurface injection, storage, and recovery of freshwater in the Lower Floridan aquifer at the Lake Okeechobee injection-well site. The model was constructed using a modified version of the Saturated-Unsaturated TRAnsport code (SUTRA), which simulates variable-density advective-dispersive solute transport and variable-density ground-water flow. Satisfactory comparisons of simulated to observed dimensionless chloride concentrations for the deep monitor well were obtained when using the model during the injection and recovery phases of cycle 1, but not for the injection well during the recovery phase of cycle 1 even after several attempts. This precluded the determination of the recovery efficiency values by using the model. The unsatisfactory comparisons of simulated to observed dimensionless chloride concentrations for the injection well and failure of the model to represent the field data at this well could be due to the characteristics of the Lower Floridan aquifer (at the local scale), which is cavernous or conduit in nature. To test this possibility, Reynolds numbers were estimated at varying distances from the injection well, taking into consideration two aquifer types or conceptual systems, porous media and cavernous. For the porous media conceptual system, the Reynolds numbers were greater than 10 at distances less than 1.42 meters from the injection well. Thus, application of Darcy's law to ground-water flow might not be valid at this distance. However, at the deep monitor well (171 meters from the injection well), the Reynolds number was 0.08 which is indicative of laminar porous media flow. For the cavernous conceptual system, the Reynolds numbers were greater than 2,000 at distances less than 1,000 meters from the well. This number represents the upper limit of laminar flow, which is the fundamental assumption

Neuroprotective role of quercetin in locomotor activities and cholinergic neurotransmission in rats experimentally demyelinated with ethidium bromide.

PubMed

Beckmann, Diego V; Carvalho, Fabiano B; Mazzanti, Cinthia M; Dos Santos, Rosmarini P; Andrades, Amanda O; Aiello, Graciane; Rippilinger, Angel; Graça, Dominguita L; Abdalla, Fátima H; Oliveira, Lizielle S; Gutierres, Jessié M; Schetinger, Maria Rosa C; Mazzanti, Alexandre

2014-05-17

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the flavonoid quercetin can prevent alterations in the behavioral tests and of cholinergic neurotransmission in rats submitted to the ethidium bromide (EB) experimental demyelination model during events of demyelination and remyelination. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four groups (20 animals per group): Control (pontine saline injection and treatment with ethanol), Querc (pontine saline injection and treatment with quercetin), EB (pontine 0.1% EB injection and treatment with ethanol), and EB+Querc (pontine 0.1% EB injection and treatment with quercetin). The groups Querc and Querc+EB were treated once daily with quercetin (50mg/kg) diluted in 25% ethanol solution (1ml/kg) and the animals of the control and EB groups were treated once daily with 25% ethanol solution (1ml/kg). Two stages were observed: phase of demyelination (peak on day 7) and phase of remyelination (peak on day 21 post-injection). Behavioral tests (beam walking, foot fault and inclined plane test), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and lipid peroxidation in pons, cerebellum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, striatum and cerebral cortex were measured. The quercetin promoted earlier locomotor recovery, suggesting that there was demyelination prevention or further remyelination velocity as well as it was able to prevent the inhibition of AChE activity and the increase of lipidic peroxidation, suggesting that this compound can protect cholinergic neurotransmission. These results may contribute to a better understanding of the neuroprotective role of quercetin and the importance of an antioxidant diet in humans to provide benefits in neurodegenerative diseases such as MS. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study to determine the safety and efficacy of cultured and expanded autologous fibroblast injections for the treatment of interdental papillary insufficiency associated with the papilla priming procedure.

PubMed

McGuire, Michael K; Scheyer, E Todd

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of using autologous fibroblast injections following a minimally invasive papilla priming procedure to augment open interproximal spaces. Twenty-one patients with open interproximal spaces were enrolled in this study, with 20 patients retained to study completion. Two primary sites were selected and randomized to receive autologous fibroblast injections or placebo injections beginning 1 week following the papilla priming procedure; two additional injections were performed 7 to 14 days following the initial injections. Up to seven additional sites could be treated per patient, and the analyses were conducted for the primary and secondary sites. The primary efficacy parameter was the percentage change in papillary height of the primary treatment areas from baseline to the 4-month visit, as measured by a periodontal probe from the base of the contact area to the tip of the interproximal papilla. Digital image analysis and diagnostic models were used to confirm clinical measurements. A visual analog scale (VAS) was used by the examiner and subject to assess the defect change from baseline to 2, 3, and 4 months. Tissue texture also was assessed by the examiner. The primary efficacy analysis failed to show a significant treatment effect at 4 months, but the treatment areas showed a statistically significant mean percentage increase from baseline in papillary height (P = 0.0067; signed-rank test) at 2 months. The difference between test and placebo sites in papillary height at 2 months approached statistical significance (P = 0.0730), suggesting that the test treatment was superior to the placebo treatment. The examiner and subject VASs were statistically significantly different from baseline for both treatment groups, and the VAS was superior for the test sites over the placebo. Based on safety data, the test treatment was deemed safe. This early-phase study using cell transplantation of autologous cultured and expanded fibroblasts following a papilla priming procedure suggests that the treatment is safe and may be efficacious for treating papillary insufficiency, especially in the early phases (2 months) of healing. The analysis of the investigator and subject VAS assessments indicates that the test treatment was superior to the placebo treatment. The finite measurement required to detect a change creates a problem that needs to be addressed in future studies.

Reuse prevention syringes for reconstitution of lyophilized vaccines: Operational study and UNICEF plans for expanding introduction.

PubMed

Fleming, Jessica A; Hoekstra, Edward John; Moniaga, Vanda; Widjaya, Anton; Soepardi, Jane; Supartha, Nyoman; Salovaara, Annika; Khamassi, Selma; Nelson, Carib

2009-01-01

Since the 1990s, the United Nation's Children's Fund has encouraged injection safety for immunizations through bundling vaccines with appropriate amounts of supporting equipment and by supplying autodisable (AD) syringes for injections. However, poor vaccine reconstitution practices continue to be reported worldwide. By 2009, UNICEF will begin to phase out the distribution of standard disposable syringes for vaccine reconstitution and replace them with reuse prevention (RUP) syringes, with a full transition expected by the end of 2010. A field evaluation in Indonesia was conducted to identify introduction requirements, issues with healthcare worker training and acceptance, and RUP syringe performance and safety. Managers and health workers felt that RUP syringes improved injection safety and fit easily into country logistical systems. Healthcare workers felt they were intuitive to use, but recommended special training. The integration of RUP reconstitution syringes by UNICEF could increase injection safety by preventing the reuse of syringes and reducing vaccine contamination.

High-pressure liquid chromatography with direct injection of gas sample.

PubMed

Astanin, Anton I; Baram, Grigory I

2017-06-09

The conventional method of using liquid chromatography to determine the composition of a gaseous mixture entails dissolving vapors in a suitable solvent, then obtaining a chromatograph of the resulting solution. We studied the direct introduction of a gaseous sample into a C18 reversed-phase column, followed by separation of the components by HPLC with UV detection. Since the chromatography was performed at high pressure, vapors readily dissolved in the eluent and the substances separated in the column as effectively as in liquid samples. Samples were injected into the column in two ways: a) through the valve without a flow stop; b) after stopping the flow and relieving all pressure. We showed that an injectable gas volume could reach 70% of column dead volume. When an injected gaseous sample volume was less than 10% of the column dead volume, the resulting peaks were symmetrical and the column efficiency was high. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

WE-FG-207B-01: BEST IN PHYSICS (IMAGING): Abdominal CT with Three K-Edge Contrast Materials Using a Whole-Body Photon-Counting Scanner: Initial Results of a Large Animal Experiment

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

Lakshmanan, M; Symons, R; Cork, T

Purpose: To demonstrate the feasibility of in vivo three-material decomposition techniques using photon-counting CT (PCCT) with possible advantage of resolving arterial and venous flow of an organ simultaneously. Methods: Abdominal PCCT scans were acquired using a prototype whole-body PCCT with four energy thresholds (25/50/75/90keV) in a canine. Bismuth subsalicylate (60 mg) was administered orally one day prior to scanning. Immediately prior to CT scan, gadoteric acid (60 ml, Dotarem, Guerbet) was intravenously injected, followed in ten minutes by a 20mL injection of iodinated contrast (iopamidol 370 mg/mL, Bracco). Scans were acquired every ∼20 seconds, starting from the time of iodinemore » injection. Linear material decomposition was performed using the least mean squares method to create concentration maps of iodine, gadolinium, and bismuth. The method was calibrated to vials with known concentrations of materials placed next to the animal. The accuracy of this method was tested on vials with known concentrations. Results: The material decomposition algorithm’s accuracy was confirmed to be within ±4mM in the test vials. In the animal, we could estimate the concentration of gadolinium in delayed-enhanced phase (10 minutes post-injection) in the abdomen. We could follow the wash-in and wash-out of iodine in arterial, venous, and excretory flow of the kidneys (20s, 80s, and 120s post-iodine injection) while gadolinium was present in the delayed-enhanced phase. Bismuth, which was used as a contrast agent for the gastro-intestinal tract, was easily differentiable from the other two contrast agents in the small intestine. Conclusion: This study shows the feasibility of using photon-counting CT with four energy thresholds to differentiate three k-edge contrast agents in vivo. This can potentially reduce radiation dose to patients by combining arterial and venous phases into a single acquisition.« less

Two-Year Outcome of Aflibercept in Patients with Pigment Epithelial Detachment due to Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration (nAMD) Refractory to Ranibizumab

PubMed Central

Dumas, Stéphane; Coscas, Florence

2017-01-01

Purpose To evaluate the response of intravitreal aflibercept injection (IAI) in eyes with detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (DEP) secondary to nAMD refractory to monthly ranibizumab. Patients and Methods This is a retrospective, multicenter study. All patients received 3 IAI then treated as needed every 4 weeks for 12 months. During the second year, the eyes were treated with a treat- and-extend regimen. Results Forty-four eyes were included. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly after the loading phase (3.1 ± 6.4 letters) and at 6 months (2.8 ± 6.4 letters), but change was not significant at 1 year and 2 years. The height of the DEP was significantly decreased at 3 months and 6 months, but the difference did not reach statistical difference at 1 and 2 years. Rate of eyes with complete resolution of exudation was 59% after the loading phase and 34.3% at 2 years. Mean interval of anti-VEGF injection was extended from 31 ± 2.6 days to 61 ± 5 days after conversion. Conclusions Aflibercept intravitreal injection in patients with fibrovascular DEP due to nAMD who respond poorly to monthly ranibizumab led to short-term functional and anatomical improvement. Reduction of intravitreal injection frequency was obtained until 2 years of follow-up. PMID:29093970

Optimizing CIGB-300 intralesional delivery in locally advanced cervical cancer

PubMed Central

Sarduy, M R; García, I; Coca, M A; Perera, A; Torres, L A; Valenzuela, C M; Baladrón, I; Solares, M; Reyes, V; Hernández, I; Perera, Y; Martínez, Y M; Molina, L; González, Y M; Ancízar, J A; Prats, A; González, L; Casacó, C A; Acevedo, B E; López-Saura, P A; Alonso, D F; Gómez, R; Perea-Rodríguez, S E

2015-01-01

Background: We conducted a phase 1 trial in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer by injecting 0.5 ml of the CK2-antagonist CIGB-300 in two different sites on tumours to assess tumour uptake, safety, pharmacodynamic activity and identify the recommended dose. Methods: Fourteen patients were treated with intralesional injections containing 35 or 70 mg of CIGB-300 in three alternate cycles of three consecutive days each before standard chemoradiotherapy. Tumour uptake was determined using 99Tc-radiolabelled peptide. In situ B23/nucleophosmin was determined by immunohistochemistry. Results: Maximum tumour uptake for CIGB-300 70-mg dose was significantly higher than the one observed for 35 mg: 16.1±8.9 vs 31.3±12.9 mg (P=0.01). Both, AUC24h and biological half-life were also significantly higher using 70 mg of CIGB-300 (P<0.001). Unincorporated CIGB-300 diffused rapidly to blood and was mainly distributed towards kidneys, and marginally in liver, lungs, heart and spleen. There was no DLT and moderate allergic-like reactions were the most common systemic side effect with strong correlation between unincorporated CIGB-300 and histamine levels in blood. CIGB-300, 70 mg, downregulated B23/nucleophosmin (P=0.03) in tumour specimens. Conclusion: Intralesional injections of 70 mg CIGB-300 in two sites (0.5 ml per injection) and this treatment plan are recommended to be evaluated in phase 2 studies. PMID:25880012

Effects of supercritical environment on hydrocarbon-fuel injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shin, Bongchul; Kim, Dohun; Son, Min; Koo, Jaye

2017-04-01

In this study, the effects of environment conditions on decane were investigated. Decane was injected in subcritical and supercritical ambient conditions. The visualization chamber was pressurized to 1.68 MPa by using nitrogen gas at a temperature of 653 K for subcritical ambient conditions. For supercritical ambient conditions, the visualization chamber was pressurized to 2.52 MPa by using helium at a temperature of 653 K. The decane injection in the pressurized chamber was visualized via a shadowgraph technique and gradient images were obtained by a post processing method. A large variation in density gradient was observed at jet interface in the case of subcritical injection in subcritical ambient conditions. Conversely, for supercritical injection in supercritical ambient conditions, a small density gradient was observed at the jet interface. In a manner similar to that observed in other cases, supercritical injection in subcritical ambient conditions differed from supercritical ambient conditions such as sphere shape liquid. Additionally, there were changes in the interface, and the supercritical injection core width was thicker than that in the subcritical injection. Furthermore, in cases with the same injection conditions, the change in the supercritical ambient normalized core width was smaller than the change in the subcritical ambient normalized core width owing to high specific heat at the supercritical injection and small phase change at the interface. Therefore, the interface was affected by the changing ambient condition. Given that the effect of changing the thermodynamic properties of propellants could be essential for a variable thrust rocket engine, the effects of the ambient conditions were investigated experimentally.

Gas-phase and particle-phase PCDD/F congener distributions in the flue gas from an iron ore sintering plant.

PubMed

Liu, Xiaolong; Ye, Meng; Wang, Xue; Liu, Wen; Zhu, Tingyu

2017-04-01

The activated carbon injection-circulating fluidized bed (ACI-CFB)-bag filter coupling technique was studied in an iron ore sintering plant. For comparison, the removal efficiencies under the conditions without or with ACI technology were both evaluated. It was found that the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) removal efficiency for total international toxic equivalence quantity (I-TEQ) concentration was improved from 91.61% to 97.36% when ACI was employed, revealing that ACI was very conducive to further controlling the PCDD/F emissions. Detailed congener distributions of PCDD/Fs in the gas-phase and particle-phase of the Inlet and Outlet samples were determined. Additionally, the PCDD/F distribution for the Fly ash-with ACI sample of was also studied. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Preclinical study and phase I clinical safety evaluation of recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis ESAT6 protein.

PubMed

Du, Wei-Xin; Chen, Bao-Wen; Lu, Jin-Biao; Gao, Meng-Qiu; Shen, Xiao-Bing; Yang, Lei; Su, Cheng; Wang, Guo-Zhi; Sun, Qing-feng; Xu, Miao

2013-05-15

To investigate the ability of rESAT6 to identify different mycobacteria-sensitized guinea pigs and its safety in preclinical and phase I clinical study. Guinea pigs were sensitized with different Mycobacteria. After sensitization, all animals were intradermally injected with rESAT6 and either PPD or PPD-B. At 24 h after the injection, the erythema of the injection sites were measured using a double-blind method. For the preclinical safety study, different doses of rESAT6 and BSA were given 3 times intramuscularly to guinea pigs. On day 14 after the final immunization, the guinea pigs were intravenously injected with the same reagents in the hind legs and the allergic reactions were observed. A single-center, randomized, open phase I clinical trial was employed. The skin test was conducted in 32 healthy volunteers aged 19-65 years with 0.1 µg, 0.5 µg, and 1 µg rESAT6. Physical examination and laboratory tests were performed before and after the skin test and adverse reactions were monitored. The volunteers' local and systemic adverse reactions and adverse events were recorded for 7 days. Positive PPD or PPD-B skin tests were observed in all Mycobacteria-sensitized guinea pigs; the diameters of erythema were all >10 mm. The rESAT6 protein induced a positive skin test result in the guinea pigs sensitized with MTB, M. bovis, M. africanum and M. kansasii; the diameters of erythema were 14.7±2.0, 9.3±3.8, 18.7±2.4, and 14.8±4.2 mm, respectively. A negative skin test result was detected in BCG-vaccinated and other NTM-sensitized guinea pigs. The rESAT6 caused no allergic symptoms, but many allergic reactions, such as cough, dyspnea, and even death, were observed in the guinea pigs who were administered BSA. During the phase I clinical trial, no adverse reactions were found in the 0.1 µg rESAT6 group, but in the 0.5 µg rESAT6 group 2 volunteers reported pain and 1 reported itching, and in the 1 µg rESAT6 group there was 1 case of pain, 1 case of itching, and 1 case of blister. No other local or systemic adverse reactions or events were reported. The rESAT6 can differentiate effectively among MTB infection, BCG vaccination, and NTM infection and is safe in healthy volunteers.

Intravenous Cocaine Priming Reinstates Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lombas, Andres S.; Freeman, Kevin B.; Roma, Peter G.; Riley, Anthony L.

2007-01-01

Separate groups of rats underwent an unbiased conditioned place preference (CPP) procedure involving alternate pairings of distinct environments with intravenous (IV) injections of cocaine (0.75 mg/kg) or saline immediately or 15 min after injection. A subsequent extinction phase consisted of exposure to both conditioning environments preceded by…

Coal pump development phase 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kushida, R. O.; Sankur, V. D.; Gerbracht, F. G.; Mahajan, V.

1980-01-01

Techniques for achieving continuous coal sprays were studied. Coazial injection with gas and pressure atomization were studied. Coal particles, upon cooling, were found to be porous and fragile. Reactivity tests on the extruded coal showed overall conversion to gases and liquids unchanged from that of the raw coal. The potentials for applications of the coal pump to eight coal conversion processes were examined.

Autologous Myoblast Transplantation for Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy: a Phase I/Iia Clinical Study

PubMed Central

Périé, Sophie; Trollet, Capucine; Mouly, Vincent; Vanneaux, Valérie; Mamchaoui, Kamel; Bouazza, Belaïd; Marolleau, Jean Pierre; Laforêt, Pascal; Chapon, Françoise; Eymard, Bruno; Butler-Browne, Gillian; Larghero, Jérome; St Guily, Jean Lacau

2014-01-01

Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) is a late-onset autosomal dominant genetic disease mainly characterized by ptosis and dysphagia. We conducted a phase I/IIa clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00773227) using autologous myoblast transplantation following myotomy in adult OPMD patients. This study included 12 patients with clinical diagnosis of OPMD, indication for cricopharyngeal myotomy, and confirmed genetic diagnosis. The feasibility and safety end points of both autologous myoblast transplantation and the surgical procedure were assessed by videoendoscopy in addition to physical examinations. Potential therapeutic benefit was also assessed through videoendoscopy and videofluoroscopy of swallowing, quality of life score, dysphagia grade, and a drink test. Patients were injected with a median of 178 million myoblasts following myotomy. Short and long-term (2 years) safety and tolerability were observed in all the patients, with no adverse effects. There was an improvement in the quality of life score for all 12 patients, and no functional degradation in swallowing was observed for 10 patients. A cell dose-dependant improvement in swallowing was even observed in this study. This trial supports the hypothesis that a local injection of autologous myoblasts in the pharyngeal muscles is a safe and efficient procedure for OPMD patients. PMID:23831596

Study on the injectability of a novel glucose modified magnesium potassium phosphate chemically bonded ceramic.

PubMed

Tan, Yongshan; Dong, Jinmei; Yu, Hongfa; Li, Ying; Wen, Jing; Wu, Chengyou

2017-10-01

A novel magnesium potassium phosphate chemically bonded ceramic (MKPCBC) was prepared as a byproduct of boron-containing magnesium oxide (B-MgO) after extracting Li 2 CO 3 from salt lakes. In this work, the influence of glucose on the properties of MKPCBC, such as the setting time, compressive strength and hydration heat, was investigated. In addition, we studied the effect of the magnesium-phosphate ratio (M/P) and liquid-solid ratio (L/S) on the injectability of MKPCBC. The pH change in glucose modified MKPCBC paste was also investigated. The phase composition and microstructure were studied in detail by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS). The results show that the optimal content of glucose is 6wt%. The optimum proportions of M/P and L/S for MKPCBC are 1.5 and 0.25, respectively. The properties of the novel MPCBC can meet the requirements of biomaterials. In addition, the retardation mechanism of glucose on MKPCBC and the hydration mechanism of novel MKPCBC were studied in detail through the continuous monitoring of the phase composition and microstructure. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantitative determination of potentially harmful substance 5,5'-oxydimethylenebis (2-furfural) in traditional Chinese medicine injections.

PubMed

Zang, Qingce; Gao, Yang; Huang, Luojiao; He, Jiuming; Lin, Sheng; Jin, Hongtao; Zhang, Ruiping; Abliz, Zeper

2018-03-01

With the rapid development and wide application of traditional Chinese medicine injection (TCMI), a number of adverse events of some TCMIs have incessantly been reported and have drawn broad attention in recent years. Establishing effective and practical analytical methods for safety evaluation and quality control of TCMI can help to improve the safety of TCMIs in clinical applications. In this study, a sensitive and rapid high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of potentially harmful substance 5,5'-oxydimethylenebis (2-furfural, OMBF) in TCMI samples. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 reversed-phase column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) by gradient elution, using methanol-water containing 0.1% formic acid as mobile phase at the flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. MS/MS detection was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with positive electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction-monitoring mode. The method was sensitive with a limit of quantification of 0.3 ng/mL and linear over the range of 0.3-30 ng/mL ( r =0.9998). Intra- and inter-day precision for analyte was <9.52% RSD with recoveries in the range 88.0-109.67% at three concentration levels. The validated method was successfully applied to quantitatively determine the compound OMBF in TCMIs and glucose injections. Our study indicates that this method is simple, sensitive, practicable and reliable, and could be applied for safety evaluation and quality control of TCMIs and glucose injections.

Characterization of the guinea pig animal model and subsequent comparison of the behavioral effects of selective dopaminergic drugs and methamphetamine

PubMed Central

Lee, Kiera-Nicole; Pellom, Samuel T.; Oliver, Ericka; Chirwa, Sanika

2014-01-01

Though not commonly used in behavior tests guinea pigs may offer subtle behavior repertoires that better mimic human activity and warrant study. To test this, 31 Hartley guinea pigs (male, 200–250 g) were evaluated in PhenoTyper cages using the video-tracking EthoVision XT 7.0 software. Results showed that guinea pigs spent more time in the hidden zone (small box in corner of cage) than the food/water zone, or arena zone. Guinea pigs exhibited thigmotaxis (a wall following strategy) and were active throughout the light and dark phases. Eating and drinking occurred throughout the light and dark phases. An injection of 0.25 mg/kg SCH23390, the dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) antagonist, produced significant decreases in time spent in the hidden zone. There were insignificant changes in time spent in the hidden zone for guinea pigs treated with 7.5 mg SKF38393 (D1R agonist), 1.0 mg/kg sulpiride (D2R antagonist), and 1.0 or 10.0 mg/kg methamphetamine. Locomotor activity profiles were unchanged after injections of saline, SKF38393, SCH23390 and sulpiride. By contrast, a single injection or repeated administration for 7 days of low-dose methamphetamine induced transient hyperactivity but this declined to baseline levels over the 22-hour observation period. Guinea pigs treated with high-dose methamphetamine displayed sustained hyperactivity and travelled significantly greater distances over the circadian cycle. Subsequent 7-day treatment with high-dose methamphetamine induced motor sensitization and significant increases in total distances moved relative to single drug injections or saline controls. These results highlight the versatility and unique features of the guinea pig for studying brain-behavior interactions. PMID:24436154

Abagovomab As Maintenance Therapy in Patients With Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: A Phase III Trial of the AGO OVAR, COGI, GINECO, and GEICO—The MIMOSA Study

PubMed Central

Sabbatini, Paul; Harter, Philipp; Scambia, Giovanni; Sehouli, Jalid; Meier, Werner; Wimberger, Pauline; Baumann, Klaus H.; Kurzeder, Christian; Schmalfeldt, Barbara; Cibula, David; Bidzinski, Mariusz; Casado, Antonio; Martoni, Andrea; Colombo, Nicoletta; Holloway, Robert W.; Selvaggi, Luigi; Li, Andrew; del Campo, Jose; Cwiertka, Karel; Pinter, Tamas; Vermorken, Jan B.; Pujade-Lauraine, Eric; Scartoni, Simona; Bertolotti, Monica; Simonelli, Cecilia; Capriati, Angela; Maggi, Carlo Alberto; Berek, Jonathan S.; Pfisterer, Jacobus

2013-01-01

Purpose To determine whether abagovomab maintenance therapy prolongs recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with ovarian cancer in first clinical remission. Patients and Methods Patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III to IV ovarian cancer in complete clinical remission after primary surgery and platinum- and taxane-based chemotherapy were randomly assigned at a ratio of 2:1 in a phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study. Abagovomab 2 mg or placebo was administered as 1-mL suspension once every 2 weeks for 6 weeks (induction phase) and then once every 4 weeks (maintenance phase) until recurrence or up to 21 months after random assignment of the last patient. The primary end point was RFS; secondary end points were OS and immunologic response. Results Characteristics of the 888 patients included: mean age, 56.3 years; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, ≤ 1 in > 99% of patients; serous papillary subtype, 81.5%; stage III, 85.9%; and cancer antigen 125 ≤ 35U/mL after third cycle, 80.9%. Mean exposure to study treatment (± standard deviation) was 449.7 ± 333.08 days. Hazard ratio (HR) of RFS for the treatment group using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.099 (95% CI, 0.919 to 1.315; P = .301). HR of OS using tumor size categorization (≤ 1 cm, > 1 cm) was 1.150 (95% CI, 0.872 to 1.518; P = .322). The most frequently reported type of adverse event was an injection site reaction in 445 patients (50.2%), followed by injection site erythema and fatigue in 227 (25.6%) and 212 patients (23.9%), respectively. By the final visit, median anti–anti-idiotypic antibody level was 493,000.0 ng/mL, indicating a robust response. Conclusion Abagovomab administered as repeated monthly injections is safe and induces a measurable immune response. Administration as maintenance therapy for patients with ovarian cancer in first remission does not prolong RFS or OS. PMID:23478059

Endogenous concentrations of IL-1. alpha. , IL-1. beta. , and IL-6 male Sprague-Dawley rats after surgery, subcutaneous (SC) injections of turpentine, and intraperitoneal (IP) injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

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

Nadeau, R.; Ni-Wu, G.; Valle, C.D.

1991-03-11

The purpose of this study was to measure serum concentrations of cytokines implicated in the acute phase response with the long term goal of investigating how endogenous concentrations of cytokines impact on drug disposition. Nonfasted rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital after which a cannula was implanted in the jugular vein. In the surgery model of inflammation, blood samples were drawn from 0-48 hrs post surgery. In the turpentine model, rats were injected with 3 ml/kg turpentine sc immediately after completions of surgery. In the final model, 1 ml/kg of LPS was injected ip 24 hrs after recovery from surgery. Serialmore » blood samples were drawn after turpentine or LPS had been given. Concentrations if IL-1{alpha} were measured by a two stage immunobioassay based on the principle that IL-2 dependent CTLL-2 cells respond in a dose dependent manner to IL-2 secreted by the mouse thymoma EL-4 NOB-1 clone in response to IL-1. IL-1{beta} was measured by omitting the specific mAb capture step and serially diluting samples shown to be negative for IL-1{alpha}. IL-6 activity was assayed by the B9 subclone hybridoma assay. After incubation, cell proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation. In none of the three models was IL-1{alpha} detectable in serum at any time. IL-1{beta} was present at low concentrations shortly after surgery and turpentine injection. IL-1{beta} serum concentrations were increased by LPS injection. IL-6 concentrations, however, were significantly elevated in all the models leading the authors and others to conclude that IL-6 may be the cytokine which most often induces the full spectrum of the acute phase response.« less

Southwestern Regional Partnership For Carbon Sequestration (Phase 2) Pump Canyon CO2- ECBM/Sequestration Demonstration, San Juan Basin, New Mexico

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

Advanced Resources International

2010-01-31

Within the Southwest Regional Partnership on Carbon Sequestration (SWP), three demonstrations of geologic CO{sub 2} sequestration are being performed -- one in an oilfield (the SACROC Unit in the Permian basin of west Texas), one in a deep, unmineable coalbed (the Pump Canyon site in the San Juan basin of northern New Mexico), and one in a deep, saline reservoir (underlying the Aneth oilfield in the Paradox basin of southeast Utah). The Pump Canyon CO{sub 2}-enhanced coalbed methane (CO{sub 2}/ECBM) sequestration demonstration project plans to demonstrate the effectiveness of CO{sub 2} sequestration in deep, unmineable coal seams via a small-scalemore » geologic sequestration project. The site is located in San Juan County, northern New Mexico, just within the limits of the high-permeability fairway of prolific coalbed methane production. The study area for the SWP project consists of 31 coalbed methane production wells located in a nine section area. CO{sub 2} was injected continuously for a year and different monitoring, verification and accounting (MVA) techniques were implemented to track the CO{sub 2} movement inside and outside the reservoir. Some of the MVA methods include continuous measurement of injection volumes, pressures and temperatures within the injection well, coalbed methane production rates, pressures and gas compositions collected at the offset production wells, and tracers in the injected CO{sub 2}. In addition, time-lapse vertical seismic profiling (VSP), surface tiltmeter arrays, a series of shallow monitoring wells with a regular fluid sampling program, surface measurements of soil composition, CO{sub 2} fluxes, and tracers were used to help in tracking the injected CO{sub 2}. Finally, a detailed reservoir model was constructed to help reproduce and understand the behavior of the reservoir under production and injection operation. This report summarizes the different phases of the project, from permitting through site closure, and gives the results of the different MVA techniques.« less

Reactive transport modeling to study changes in water chemistry induced by CO2 injection at the Frio-I Brine Pilot

USGS Publications Warehouse

Xu, T.; Kharaka, Y.K.; Doughty, C.; Freifeld, B.M.; Daley, T.M.

2010-01-01

To demonstrate the potential for geologic storage of CO2 in saline aquifers, the Frio-I Brine Pilot was conducted, during which 1600 tons of CO2 were injected into a high-permeability sandstone and the resulting subsurface plume of CO2 was monitored using a variety of hydrogeological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques. Fluid samples were obtained before CO2 injection for baseline geochemical characterization, during the CO2 injection to track its breakthrough at a nearby observation well, and after injection to investigate changes in fluid composition and potential leakage into an overlying zone. Following CO2 breakthrough at the observation well, brine samples showed sharp drops in pH, pronounced increases in HCO3- and aqueous Fe, and significant shifts in the isotopic compositions of H2O and dissolved inorganic carbon. Based on a calibrated 1-D radial flow model, reactive transport modeling was performed for the Frio-I Brine Pilot. A simple kinetic model of Fe release from the solid to aqueous phase was developed, which can reproduce the observed increases in aqueous Fe concentration. Brine samples collected after half a year had lower Fe concentrations due to carbonate precipitation, and this trend can be also captured by our modeling. The paper provides a method for estimating potential mobile Fe inventory, and its bounding concentration in the storage formation from limited observation data. Long-term simulations show that the CO2 plume gradually spreads outward due to capillary forces, and the gas saturation gradually decreases due to its dissolution and precipitation of carbonates. The gas phase is predicted to disappear after 500 years. Elevated aqueous CO2 concentrations remain for a longer time, but eventually decrease due to carbonate precipitation. For the Frio-I Brine Pilot, all injected CO2 could ultimately be sequestered as carbonate minerals. ?? 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Cortical pyramidal cells as non-linear oscillators: experiment and spike-generation theory.

PubMed

Brumberg, Joshua C; Gutkin, Boris S

2007-09-26

Cortical neurons are capable of generating trains of action potentials in response to current injections. These discharges can take different forms, e.g., repetitive firing that adapts during the period of current injection or bursting behaviors. We have used a combined experimental and computational approach to characterize the dynamics leading to action potential responses in single neurons. Specifically we investigated the origin of complex firing patterns in response to sinusoidal current injections. Using a reduced model, the theta-neuron, alongside recordings from cortical pyramidal cells we show that both real and simulated neurons show phase-locking to sine wave stimuli up to a critical frequency, above which period skipping and 1-to-x phase-locking occurs. The locking behavior follows a complex "devil's staircase" phenomena, where locked modes are interleaved with irregular firing. We further show that the critical frequency depends on the time scale of spike generation and on the level of spike frequency adaptation. These results suggest that phase-locking of neuronal responses to complex input patterns can be explained by basic properties of the spike-generating machinery.

Development of a highly sensitive methodology for quantitative determination of fexofenadine in a microdose study by multiple injection method using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Tanaka, Yukari; Yoshikawa, Yutaka; Yasui, Hiroyuki

2012-01-01

An ultra high-sensitivity method for quantifying fexofenadine concentration in rat plasma samples by multiple injection method (MIM) was developed for a microdose study. In this study, MIM involved continuous injections of multiple samples containing the single compound into a column of the ultra-HPLC (UHPLC) system, and then, temporary trapping of the analyte at the column head. This was followed by elution of the compound from the column and detection by mass spectrometer. Fexofenadine, used as a model compound in this study, was extracted from the plasma samples by a protein precipitation method. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase C18 column by using a gradient method with 0.1% formic acid and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The analyte was quantified in the positive-ion electrospray ionization mode using selected reaction monitoring. In this study, the analytical time per fexofenadine sample was approximately 2 min according to the UHPLC system. The method exhibited the linear dynamic ranges of 5-5000 pg/mL for fexofenadine in rat plasma. The intra-day precisions were from 3.2 to 8.7% and the accuracy range was 95.2-99.3%. The inter-day precisions and accuracies ranged from 3.5 to 8.4% and from 98.6 to 102.6%, respectively. The validated MIM was successfully applied to a microdose study in the rats that received oral administration of 100 µg/kg fexofenadine. We suggest that this method might be beneficial for the quantification of fexofenadine concentrations in a microdose clinical study.

Automated on-line renewable solid-phase extraction-liquid chromatography exploiting multisyringe flow injection-bead injection lab-on-valve analysis.

PubMed

Quintana, José Benito; Miró, Manuel; Estela, José Manuel; Cerdà, Víctor

2006-04-15

In this paper, the third generation of flow injection analysis, also named the lab-on-valve (LOV) approach, is proposed for the first time as a front end to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for on-line solid-phase extraction (SPE) sample processing by exploiting the bead injection (BI) concept. The proposed microanalytical system based on discontinuous programmable flow features automated packing (and withdrawal after single use) of a small amount of sorbent (<5 mg) into the microconduits of the flow network and quantitative elution of sorbed species into a narrow band (150 microL of 95% MeOH). The hyphenation of multisyringe flow injection analysis (MSFIA) with BI-LOV prior to HPLC analysis is utilized for on-line postextraction treatment to ensure chemical compatibility between the eluate medium and the initial HPLC gradient conditions. This circumvents the band-broadening effect commonly observed in conventional on-line SPE-based sample processors due to the low eluting strength of the mobile phase. The potential of the novel MSFI-BI-LOV hyphenation for on-line handling of complex environmental and biological samples prior to reversed-phase chromatographic separations was assessed for the expeditious determination of five acidic pharmaceutical residues (viz., ketoprofen, naproxen, bezafibrate, diclofenac, and ibuprofen) and one metabolite (viz., salicylic acid) in surface water, urban wastewater, and urine. To this end, the copolymeric divinylbenzene-co-n-vinylpyrrolidone beads (Oasis HLB) were utilized as renewable sorptive entities in the micromachined unit. The automated analytical method features relative recovery percentages of >88%, limits of detection within the range 0.02-0.67 ng mL(-1), and coefficients of variation <11% for the column renewable mode and gives rise to a drastic reduction in operation costs ( approximately 25-fold) as compared to on-line column switching systems.

Micro-Ct Imaging of Multi-Phase Flow in Carbonates and Sandstones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andrew, M. G.; Bijeljic, B.; Blunt, M. J.

2013-12-01

One of the most important mechanisms that limits the escape of CO2 when injected into the subsurface for the purposes of carbon storage is capillary trapping, where CO2 is stranded as pore-scale droplets (ganglia). Prospective storage sites are aquifers or reservoirs that tend to be at conditions where CO2 will reside as a super-critical phase. In order to fully describe physical mechanisms characterising multi-phase flow during and post CO2 injection, experiments need to be conducted at these elevated aquifer/reservoir conditions - this poses a considerable experimental challenge. A novel experimental apparatus has been developed which uses μCT scanning for the non-invasive imaging of the distribution of CO2 in the pore space of rock with resolutions of 7μm at temperatures and pressures representative of the conditions present in prospective saline aquifer CO2 storage sites. The fluids are kept in chemical equilibrium with one-another and with the rock into which they are injected. This is done to prevent the dissolution of the CO2 in the brine to form carbonic acid, which can then react with the rock, particularly carbonates. By eliminating reaction we study the fundamental mechanisms of capillary trapping for an unchanging pore structure. In this study we present a suite of results from three carbonate and two sandstone rock types, showing that, for both cases the CO2 acts as the non-wetting phase and significant quantities of CO2 is trapped. The carbonate examined represent a wide variety of pore topologies with one rock with a very well connected, high porosity pore space (Mt Gambier), one with a lower porosity, poorly connected pore space (Estaillades) and one with a cemented bead pack type pore space (Ketton). Both sandstones (Doddington and Bentheimer) were high permeability granular quartzites. CO2 was injected into each rock, followed by brine injection. After brine injection the entire length of the rock core was scanned, processed and segmented into grain, brine and CO2. Experiments were repeated five times for each rock type, allowing for statistical errors to be estimated. The images from each experiment were approximately 900x900x3200 voxels, representing a sample size of approximately 6.4mm x 6.4mm x 22.4mm. Higher residual saturations were found in the sandstones (Bentheimer: 0.299×0.009, Doddington: 0.27×0.03) than in the carbonates (Mt Gambier: 0.187×0.007, Estaillades: 0.190×0.005, Ketton: 0.193×0.012). The size frequency distribution of ganglia was also examined. The largest ganglia contributed negligibly to the total residual saturation in all cases apart from Mt Gambier, where the increased connectivity of the pore-space inhibits non-wetting phase snap-off. The snap-off of ganglia is understood theoretically as a percolation process, and ganglia size distributions show approximately power-law distributions with exponents agreeing with predictions from percolation theory apart from in Mt Gambier limestone, where the extreme connectivity of the pore space may cause snap-off to be a non-percolation like process. We also present the first dynamic real time multiphase fluid displacements at reservoir conditions. These images were taken using the same reservoir-condition flow rig at Diamond Light Source synchrotron. This advanced facility allows for scanning intervals of 30 seconds, enabling the imaging of discrete pore-filling events (Haines jumps).

Effect of current injection into thin-film Josephson junctions

DOE PAGES

Kogan, V. G.; Mints, R. G.

2014-11-11

New thin-film Josephson junctions have recently been tested in which the current injected into one of the junction banks governs Josephson phenomena. One thus can continuously manage the phase distribution at the junction by changing the injected current. Our method of calculating the distribution of injected currents is also proposed for a half-infinite thin-film strip with source-sink points at arbitrary positions at the film edges. The strip width W is assumed small relative to Λ=2λ 2/d;λ is the bulk London penetration depth of the film material and d is the film thickness.

Injection Seeded/Phase-Conjugated 2-micron Laser System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bai, Yingxin; Yu, Jirong; Petros,M.; Petzar, Paul; Trieu, Bo; Lee, Hyung; Singh, U.; Leyva, V.; Shkunov, V.; Rockwell, D.;

APF530 (granisetron injection extended-release) in a three-drug regimen for delayed CINV in highly emetogenic chemotherapy.

PubMed

Schnadig, Ian D; Agajanian, Richy; Dakhil, Christopher; Gabrail, Nashat Y; Smith, Robert E; Taylor, Charles; Wilks, Sharon T; Schwartzberg, Lee S; Cooper, William; Mosier, Michael C; Payne, J Yvette; Klepper, Michael J; Vacirca, Jeffrey L

2016-06-01

APF530, extended-release granisetron, provides sustained release for ≥5 days for acute- and delayed-phase chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). We compared efficacy and safety of APF530 versus ondansetron for delayed CINV after highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC), following a guideline-recommended three-drug regimen. HEC patients received APF530 500 mg subcutaneously or ondansetron 0.15 mg/kg intravenously, with dexamethasone and fosaprepitant. Primary end point was delayed-phase complete response (no emesis or rescue medication). A higher percentage of APF530 versus ondansetron patients had delayed-phase complete response (p = 0.014). APF530 was generally well tolerated; treatment-emergent adverse event incidence was similar across arms, mostly mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions. APF530 versus the standard three-drug regimen provided superior control of delayed-phase CINV following HEC. ClinicalTrials.gov : NCT02106494.

Morphology Formation in PC/ABS Blends during Thermal Processing and the Effect of the Viscosity Ratio of Blend Partners

PubMed Central

Bärwinkel, Stefanie; Seidel, Andreas; Hobeika, Sven; Hufen, Ralf; Mörl, Michaela; Altstädt, Volker

2016-01-01

Morphology formation during compounding, as well as injection molding of blends containing 60 wt % polycarbonate (PC) and 40 wt % polybutadiene rubber-modified styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (ABS), has been investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Profiles of the blend morphology have been recorded in injection-molded specimens and significant morphology gradients observed between their skin and core. A <10 µm thick surface layer with strongly dispersed and elongated nano-scale (streak-like) styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) phases and well-dispersed, isolated SAN-grafted polybutadiene rubber particles is followed by a 50–150 µm thick skin layer in which polymer morphology is characterized by lamellar SAN/ABS phases. Thickness of these lamellae increases with the distance from the specimen’s surface. In the core of the specimens the SAN-grafted polybutadiene rubber particles are exclusively present within the SAN phases, which exhibit a much coarser and less oriented, dispersed morphology compared to the skin. The effects of the viscosity of the SAN in the PC/ABS blends on phase morphologies and correlations with fracture mechanics in tensile and impact tests were investigated, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) assessment of the fracture surfaces. A model explaining the mechanisms of morphology formation during injection molding of PC/ABS blends is discussed. PMID:28773780

Injection locked coupled opto-electronic oscillator for optical frequency comb generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Williams, Charles; Mandridis, Dimitrios; Davila-Rodriguez, Josue; Delfyett, Peter J.

2011-06-01

A CW injection locked Coupled Opto-Electronic Oscillator (COEO) is presented with a 10.24 GHz spaced optical frequency comb output as well as a low noise RF output. A modified Pound-Drever-Hall scheme is employed to ensure long-term stability of the injection lock, feeding back into the cavity length to compensate for cavity resonance drifts relative to the injection seed frequency. Error signal comparison to an actively mode-locked injection locked laser is presented. High optical signal-to-noise ratio of ~35 dB is demonstrated with >20 comblines of useable bandwidth. The optical linewidth, in agreement with injection locking theory, reduces to that of the injection seed frequency, <5 kHz. Low amplitude and absolute phase noise are presented from the optical output of the laser system. The integrated pulse-to-pulse energy fluctuation was found to be reduced by up to a factor of two due to optical injection. Additional decreases were shown for varying injection powers.

Sleipner vest CO{sub 2} disposal, CO{sub 2} injection into a shallow underground aquifer

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

Baklid, A.; Korbol, R.; Owren, G.

1996-12-31

This paper describes the problem of disposing large amounts of CO{sub 2} into a shallow underground aquifer from an offshore location in the North Sea. The solutions presented is an alternative for CO{sub 2} emitting industries in addressing the growing concern for the environmental impact from such activities. The topside injection facilities, the well and reservoir aspects are discussed as well as the considerations made during establishing the design basis and the solutions chosen. The CO{sub 2} injection issues in this project differs from industry practice in that the CO{sub 2} is wet and contaminated with methane, and further, becausemore » of the shallow depth, the total pressure resistance in the system is not sufficient for the CO{sub 2} to naturally stay in the dense phase region. To allow for safe and cost effective handling of the CO{sub 2}, it was necessary to develop an injection system that gave a constant back pressure from the well corresponding to the output pressure from the compressor, and being independent of the injection rate. This is accomplished by selecting a high injectivity sand formation, completing the well with a large bore, and regulating the dense phase CO{sub 2} temperature and thus the density of the fluid in order to account for the variations in back pressure from the well.« less

Anti-VEGF aptamer (pegaptanib) therapy for ocular vascular diseases.

PubMed

Ng, Eugene W M; Adamis, Anthony P

2006-10-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a central regulator of both physiological and pathological angiogenesis. Pegaptanib, a 28-nucleotide RNA aptamer specific for the VEGF(165) isoform, binds to it in the extracellular space, leaving other isoforms unaffected, and inhibits such key VEGF actions as promotion of endothelial cell proliferation and survival, and vascular permeability. Pegaptanib already has been examined as a treatment for two diseases associated with ocular neovascularization, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). Preclinical studies have shown that VEGF(165) alone mediates pathological ocular neovascularization and that its inactivation by pegaptanib inhibits the choroidal neovascularization observed in patients with neovascular AMD. In contrast, physiological vascularization, which is supported by the VEGF(121) isoform, is unaffected by this inactivation of VEGF(165). In addition, animal model studies have shown that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib can inhibit the breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier characteristic of diabetes and even can reverse this damage to some degree. These preclinical findings formed the basis for randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of pegaptanib as a therapy for AMD and DME. The VEGF Inhibition Study in Ocular Neovascularization (VISION) trial comprising two replicate, pivotal phase 3 studies, demonstrated that intravitreous injection of pegaptanib resulted in significant clinical benefit, compared with sham injection, for all prespecified clinical end points, irrespective of patient demographics or angiographic subtype, and led to pegaptanib's approval as a treatment for AMD. A phase 2 trial has provided support for the efficacy of intravitreous pegaptanib in the treatment of DME.

Profile of People Who Inject Drugs in Tehran, Iran.

PubMed

Amin-Esmaeili, Masoumeh; Rahimi-Movaghar, Afarin; Gholamrezaei, Maryam; Razaghi, Emran Mohammad

2016-12-01

The marked shift in the patterns of drug use in Iran, from opium smoking to injecting drug use, has led to serious health-related outcomes. This study was designed to explore characteristics of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Tehran, Iran. Nine hundred and four PWID were recruited from treatment and harm reduction facilities, as well as drug user hangouts in public areas in Tehran. Participants were interviewed using the Persian version of the World Health Organization Drug Injecting Study Phase II questionnaire. The median age at the time of the first illegal drug use, at the time of the first injection and current age was 20, 24 and 32, respectively. In more than 80% of the cases, the first drug used was opium. The transition from the first drug use to the first drug injection occurred after an average of 6.6 and 2.7 years for those who had started drug use with opium and heroin, respectively. Two-thirds of the participants shared injecting equipment within the last 6 months. Difficulty in obtaining sterile needles and thehigh cost of syringes were reported as the major reasons for needle/syringe sharing. Approximately 80% of community-recruited PWID reported difficulties in using treatment or harm reduction services. Self-detoxification and forced detoxification were the most common types of drug abuse treatment in alifetime. Despite a dramatic shift in drug policy in Iran during the past few years, wider coverage of harm reduction services, improvement of the quality of services, and education about such services are still necessary.

Remarks to SBS PCM based self-navigation of laser drivers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalal, M.; Matena, L.; Kong, HJ; Martinkova, M.; Cha, S.

2016-03-01

A novel technology of self-navigation of laser drivers on injected inertial fusion energy pellets employing phase conjugating mirrors based on stimulating Brillouin scattering was recently proposed. Its feasibility as well as various implications were gradually studied and working solutions to potential problems were always suggested. As this technology could help to overcome several burning key issues of inertial fusion (e.g., a sufficiently precise navigation of laser drivers on injected pellets in the case of a direct drive scheme and decreased requirements on high-repetition high-power lasers) it gradually started to attract a carefully measured tentative interest among the major inertial fusion oriented laboratories and projects. In this paper the next step in this research path will be reported. It concerns the resulting phase and amplitude structures created by multiple low energy drivers (glints) illuminating the pellet during the first stage of the process after their reflection and a subsequent superposition on the collecting/focusing final optics. It was demonstrated that with a large number of such drivers acting simultaneously from many angles the situation gets somewhat complicated and requires more detailed studies/suggestions of suitable configurations.

Quantification of a maximum injection volume of CO2 to avert geomechanical perturbations using a compositional fluid flow reservoir simulator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Hojung; Singh, Gurpreet; Espinoza, D. Nicolas; Wheeler, Mary F.

2018-02-01

Subsurface CO2 injection and storage alters formation pressure. Changes of pore pressure may result in fault reactivation and hydraulic fracturing if the pressure exceeds the corresponding thresholds. Most simulation models predict such thresholds utilizing relatively homogeneous reservoir rock models and do not account for CO2 dissolution in the brine phase to calculate pore pressure evolution. This study presents an estimation of reservoir capacity in terms of allowable injection volume and rate utilizing the Frio CO2 injection site in the coast of the Gulf of Mexico as a case study. The work includes laboratory core testing, well-logging data analyses, and reservoir numerical simulation. We built a fine-scale reservoir model of the Frio pilot test in our in-house reservoir simulator IPARS (Integrated Parallel Accurate Reservoir Simulator). We first performed history matching of the pressure transient data of the Frio pilot test, and then used this history-matched reservoir model to investigate the effect of the CO2 dissolution into brine and predict the implications of larger CO2 injection volumes. Our simulation results -including CO2 dissolution- exhibited 33% lower pressure build-up relative to the simulation excluding dissolution. Capillary heterogeneity helps spread the CO2 plume and facilitate early breakthrough. Formation expansivity helps alleviate pore pressure build-up. Simulation results suggest that the injection schedule adopted during the actual pilot test very likely did not affect the mechanical integrity of the storage complex. Fault reactivation requires injection volumes of at least about sixty times larger than the actual injected volume at the same injection rate. Hydraulic fracturing necessitates much larger injection rates than the ones used in the Frio pilot test. Tested rock samples exhibit ductile deformation at in-situ effective stresses. Hence, we do not expect an increase of fault permeability in the Frio sand even in the presence of fault reactivation.

An injection-locked OEO based frequency doubler independent of electrical doubler phase noise deteriorating rule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Zhengyang; Zheng, Xiaoping; Li, Shangyuan; Yan, Haozhe; Xiao, Xuedi; Xue, Xiaoxiao

2018-06-01

We propose an injection-locked optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) based wide-band frequency doubler, which is free from phase noise deterioration in electrical doubler, by using a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DPMZM). Through adjusting the optical phase shifts in different arms of the DPMZM, the doubling signal oscillates in the OEO loop while the fundamental signal takes on phase modulation over the light and vanishes at photo-detector (PD) output. By controlling power of fundamental signal the restriction of phase-noise deterioration rule in electrical doubler is totally canceled. Experimental results show that the doubler output has a better phase noise value of, for example, -117 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz at 6 GHz with an improvement more than 17 dB and 23 dB compared with that of fundamental input and electrical doubler, respectively. Besides, the stability of this doubler output can reach to 1 . 5 × 10-14 at 1000 s averaging time. The frequency range of doubling signal is limited by the bandwidth of electrical amplifier in OEO loop.

Enhanced H-mode pedestals with lithium injection in DIII-D

DOE PAGES

Osborne, Thomas H.; Jackson, Gary L.; Yan, Zheng; ...

2015-05-08

Periods of edge localized mode (ELM)-free H-mode with increased pedestal pressure and width were observed in the DIII-D tokamak when density fluctuations localized to the region near the separatrix were present. Injection of a powder of 45 μm diameter lithium particles increased the duration of the enhanced pedestal phases to up to 350 ms, and also increased the likelihood of a transition to the enhanced phase. Lithium injection at a level sufficient for triggering the extended enhanced phases resulted in significant lithium in the plasma core, but carbon and other higher Z impurities as well as radiated power levels weremore » reduced. Recycling of the working deuterium gas appeared unaffected by this level of lithium injection. The ion scale, k θ ρ s ~ 0.1–0.2, density fluctuations propagated in the electron drift direction with f ~ 80 kHz and occurred in bursts every ~1 ms. The fluctuation bursts correlated with plasma loss resulting in a flattening of the pressure profile in a region near the separatrix. This localized flattening 2 allowed higher overall pedestal pressure at the peeling-ballooning stability limit and higher pressure than expected under the EPED model due to reduction of the pressure gradient below the “ballooning critical profile”. Furthermore, reduction of the ion pressure by lithium dilution may contribute to the long ELM-free periods.« less

Flux amplification and sustainment of ST plasmas by multi-pulsed coaxial helicity injection on HIST

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higashi, T.; Ishihara, M.; Kikuchi, Y.; Fukumoto, N.; Nagata, M.

2010-11-01

The Helicity Injected Spherical Torus (HIST) device has been developed towards high-current start up and sustainment by Multi-pulsed Coaxial Helicity Injection (M-CHI) method. Multiple pulses operation of the coaxial plasma gun can build the magnetic field of STs and spheromak plasmas in a stepwise manner. So far, successive gun pulses on SSPX at LLNL were demonstrated to maintain the magnetic field of spheromak in a quasi-steady state against resistive decay [1]. The resistive 3D-MHD numerical simulation [2] for STs reproduced the current amplification by the M-CHI method and confirmed that stochastic magnetic field was reduced during the decay phase. By double pulsed operation on HIST, the plasma current was effectively amplified against the resistive decay. The life time increases up to 10 ms which is longer than that in the single CHI case (4 ms). The edge poloidal fields last between 0.5 ms and 6 ms like a repetitive manner. During the second driven phase, the toroidal ion flow is driven in the same direction as the plasma current as well as in the initial driven phase. At the meeting, we will discuss a current amplification mechanism based on the merging process with the plasmoid injected secondly from the gun. [1] B. Hudson et al., Phys. Plasmas Vol.15, 056112 (2008). [2] Y. Kagei et al., J. Plasma Fusion Res. Vol.79, 217 (2003).

A 15-minute light pulse during darkness prevents the antigonadotrophic action of afternoon melatonin injections in male hamsters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reiter, R. J.; Hurlbut, E. C.; King, T. S.; Richardson, B. A.; Vaughan, M. K.; Kosub, K. Y.

1982-12-01

When adult male Syrian hamsters were maintained under 14 h light and 10 h darkness daily (lights on from 0600-2000 h), peak pineal melatonin levels (705 pg/gland) were attained at 0500 h. When the dark phase of the light:dark cycle was interrupted with a 15 min pulse of light from 2300 2315 h (3 h after lights out), the highest melatonin levels achieved was roughly 400 pg/gland. Finally, if the 15 min pulse of light was given at 0200 0215 h (6 h after lights out) the nocturnal rise in pineal melatonin was completely abolished. Having made these observations, a second experiment was designed to determine the ability of afternoon melatonin injections to inhibit reproduction in hamsters kept under an uninterrupted 14∶10 cycle or under the same lighting regimen where the dark phase was interrupted with a 15 min pulse of light (0200 0215 h). In the uninterrupted light:dark schedule the daily afternoon injection of 25 μg melatonin caused the testes and the accessory sex organs to atrophy within 11 weeks. Conversely, if the dark phase was interrupted with light between 0200 0215 h, afternoon melatonin injections were incapable of inhibiting the growth of the reproductive organs. The findings suggest that exogenously administered melatonin normally synergizes with endogenously produced melatonin to cause gonadal involution in hamsters.

Evaluation of an ODS column modified with zwitterionic/nonionic mixed surfactants and its application to direct injection determination of inorganic anions.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Takuya; Umemura, Tomonari; Koide, Akira; Chiba, Koichi; Ueki, Yuji; Tsunoda, Kin-ichi; Haraguchi, Hiroki

2005-08-01

An octadecylsilica (ODS) column modified with zwitterionic/nonionic mixed surfactants was evaluated for the direct injection determination of inorganic anions in biological fluids by ion chromatography. A zwitterionic surfactant (sulfobetaine-type) and a nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene-type) were used for a stationary-phase modification. When aqueous electrolyte solutions with concentrations of sub-mM to several mM were used as a mobile phase, the zwitterionic surfactant coated on the ODS surface exhibited unique separation selectivity for ionic species, while the nonionic surfactant coated on the ODS might have formed a hydrophilic network over the ODS surface and restricted matrix proteins from adsorbing on the stationary phase. Consequently, the mixed surfactant-modified column system allowed an efficient ion chromatographic separation of inorganic anions as well as a size-exclusive removal of column-fouling proteins. This separation system was applied to the direct injection determination of UV-absorbing anions in human saliva. The detection limits for nitrite, nitrate, iodide and thiocyanate were 3.1, 2.7, 4.5 and 25 microM, respectively, with UV detection at 210 nm (injection volume; 20 microl), and their relative standard deviations for 5 replicate measurements of saliva samples spiked with 100 microM each of those anions were 1.4, 0.9, 2.2 and 5.5%, respectively.

Combustion response to acoustic perturbation in liquid rocket engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghafourian, Akbar

An experimental study of the effect of acoustic perturbations on combustion behavior of a model liquid propellant rocket engine has been carried out. A pair of compression drivers were used to excite transverse and longitudinal acoustic fields at strengths of up to 156.6 dB and 159.5 dB respectively in the combustion chamber of the experimental rocket engine. Propellant simulants were injected into the combustion chamber through a single element shear coaxial injector. Water and air were used in cold flow studies and ethanol and oxygen-enriched air were used as fuel and oxidizer in reacting hot flow studies. In cold flow studies an imposed transverse acoustic field had a more pronounced effect on the spray pattern than a longitudinal acoustic fields. A transverse acoustic field widened the spray by as much as 33 percent and the plane of impingement of the spray with chamber walls moved up closer to the injection plane. The behavior was strongly influenced by the gas phase velocity but was less sensitive to changes in the liquid phase velocity. In reacting hot flow studies the effects of changes in equivalence ratio, excitation amplitude, excitation frequency, liquid and gas phase velocity and chamber pressure on the response of the injector to imposed high frequency transverse acoustic excitation were measured. Reducing the equivalence ratio from 7.4 to 3.8 increased the chamber pressure response to the imposed excitation at 3000 Hz. Increasing the excitation amplitude from 147 dB to 155.6 dB at 3000 Hz increased the chamber pressure response to the excitation. In the frequency range of 1240 Hz to 3220 Hz, an excitation frequency of 3000 Hz resulted in the largest response of the chamber pressure indicating the importance of fluid dynamic coupling. Increasing the liquid phase velocity from 9.2 m/sec to 22.7 m/sec, did not change the amplitude of the chamber pressure response to excitation. This implied the importance of local equivalence ratio and not the overall equivalence ratio on chamber pressure response to excitation. Increasing the chamber pressure from 1.5 atm to 3.1 atm and gas phase velocity from 93.2 m/sec to 105.1 m/sec significantly increased the chamber pressure response to acoustic excitation. This emphasized the significance of the gas phase density and velocity. Measurements of the free radical C2 emission zone and Schlieren images indicated that transverse acoustic excitation moved the combustion zone closer to the injection plane and longitudinal acoustic excitation widened the combustion zone. The histogram of these images indicates that the area over which combustion takes place in the chamber increases under imposed acoustic excitation. This implied that more propellants combust prior to exiting from the exhaust nozzle under unsteady conditions.

Anatomical Regional Targeted (ART) BOTOX Injection Technique: A Novel Paradigm for Migraines and Chronic Headaches

PubMed Central

Sanniec, Kyle; Pezeshk, Ronnie; Chung, Michael

2016-01-01

Summary: Migraine headaches are a debilitating disease that causes significant socioeconomic problems. One of the speculated etiologies of the generation of migraines is peripheral nerve irritation at different trigger points. The use of Onabotulinum toxin A (BOTOX), although initially a novel approach, has now been determined to be a valid treatment for chronic headaches and migraines as described in the Phase III Research Evaluating Migraine Prophylaxis Therapy trials that prompted the approval by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of chronic migraines. The injection paradigm established by this trial was one of a broad injection pattern across large muscle groups that did not always correspond to the anatomical locations of nerves. The senior author developed the Anatomical Regional Targeted BOTOX injection paradigm as an alternative to the current injection model. This technique targets both the anatomical location of nerves known to have causal effects with migraines and the region where the pain localizes, to provide relief across a wide distribution of the peripheral nerve. This article serves as a guide to the Anatomical Regional Targeted injection technique, which, to our knowledge, is the first comprehensive BOTOX injection paradigm described in the literature for treatment of migraines that targets nerves and nerve areas rather than purely muscle groups. This technique is based on the most up-to-date anatomical and scientific studies and large-volume migraine surgery experience. PMID:28293532

Triptorelin 6-month formulation in the management of patients with locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer: an open-label, non-comparative, multicentre, phase III study.

PubMed

Lundström, Eija A; Rencken, Rupert K; van Wyk, Johann H; Coetzee, Lance J E; Bahlmann, Johann C M; Reif, Simon; Strasheim, Erdam A; Bigalke, Martin C; Pontin, Alan R; Goedhals, Louis; Steyn, Douw G; Heyns, Chris F; Aldera, Luigi A; Mackenzie, Thomas M; Purcea, Daniela; Grosgurin, Pierre Y; Porchet, Hervé C

2009-01-01

Triptorelin 6-month formulation was developed to offer greater convenience to both patients and physicians by reducing the injection frequency. The efficacy, pharmacokinetics and safety of a new 6-month formulation of triptorelin were investigated over 12 months (48 weeks). The primary objective was to evaluate the formulation in achieving castrate serum testosterone levels (< or = 1.735 nmol/L or < or = 50 ng/dL) on day 29 and in maintaining castration at months 2-12. Absence of luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation and change in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level were also assessed. An open-label, non-comparative, phase III study in 120 patients with advanced prostate cancer was conducted from July 2006 to August 2007 in private and public institutions in South Africa. Each patient received two consecutive intramuscular injections of triptorelin embonate (pamoate) 22.5 mg at an interval of 24 weeks. In all patients, testosterone (primary outcome measurement) was measured at baseline and then every 4 weeks; LH was measured before and 2 hours after the two injections. PSA was measured on day 1 and at weeks 12, 24, 36 and 48. Adverse events were recorded at each visit. In the intent-to-treat population, 97.5% (95% CI 92.9, 99.5) of patients achieved castrate serum testosterone levels by day 29, and 93.0% (95% CI 86.8, 97.0) maintained castration at months 2-12. After the second injection, 98.3% of patients showed absence of LH stimulation. The most frequent drug-related adverse events were hot flushes (71.7% of patients). No patient withdrew from the study as a result of an adverse event. The triptorelin 6-month formulation was well tolerated and was able to achieve and maintain castration for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. By reducing the frequency of required injections, this new formulation offers a more convenient treatment regimen. (Clinical Trial Registration,NCT00751790 at www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Safety and immunogenicity of the PRAME cancer immunotherapeutic in metastatic melanoma: results of a phase I dose escalation study.

PubMed

Gutzmer, R; Rivoltini, L; Levchenko, E; Testori, A; Utikal, J; Ascierto, P A; Demidov, L; Grob, J J; Ridolfi, R; Schadendorf, D; Queirolo, P; Santoro, A; Loquai, C; Dreno, B; Hauschild, A; Schultz, E; Lesimple, T P; Vanhoutte, N; Salaun, B; Gillet, M; Jarnjak, S; De Sousa Alves, P M; Louahed, J; Brichard, V G; Lehmann, F F

2016-01-01

The PRAME tumour antigen is expressed in several tumour types but in few normal adult tissues. A dose-escalation phase I/II study (NCT01149343) assessed the safety, immunogenicity and clinical activity of the PRAME immunotherapeutic (recombinant PRAME protein (recPRAME) with the AS15 immunostimulant) in patients with advanced melanoma. Here, we report the phase I dose-escalation study segment. Patients with stage IV PRAME-positive melanoma were enrolled to 3 consecutive cohorts to receive up to 24 intramuscular injections of the PRAME immunotherapeutic. The RecPRAME dose was 20, 100 or 500 µg in cohorts 1, 2 and 3, respectively, with a fixed dose of AS15. Adverse events (AEs), including predefined dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) and the anti-PRAME humoral response (ELISA), were coprimary end points. Cellular immune responses were evaluated using in vitro assays. 66 patients were treated (20, 24 and 22 in the respective cohorts). AEs considered by the investigator to be causally related were mostly grade 1 or 2 injection site symptoms, fatigue, chills, fever and headache. Two DLTs (grade 3 brain oedema and proteinuria) were recorded in two patients in two cohorts (cohorts 2 and 3). All patients had detectable anti-PRAME antibodies after four immunisations. Percentages of patients with predefined PRAME-specific-CD4+T-cell responses after four immunisations were similar in each cohort. No CD8+ T-cell responses were detected. The PRAME immunotherapeutic had an acceptable safety profile and induced similar anti-PRAME-specific humoral and cellular immune responses in all cohorts. As per protocol, the phase II study segment was initiated to further evaluate the 500 µg PRAME immunotherapeutic dose. NCT01149343, Results.

The social course of drug injection and sexual activity among YMSM and other high-risk youth: an agenda for future research.

PubMed

Clatts, Michael C; Goldsamt, Lloyd; Neaigus, Alan; Welle, Dorinda L

2003-12-01

The cumulative epidemiologic literature indicates that many injecting drug users (IDUs) initiate injection as a mode of drug administration during late adolescence or early adulthood. Recent studies have shown that IDUs are often exposed to viral infections relatively early in the course of injection, highlighting the importance of understanding this initiation process for both epidemiology and prevention. Epidemiologic evidence similarly suggests that at least some youth populations, most notably young men who have sex with men (YMSM), are at substantial risk for exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from early sexual activity. Despite the importance of this issue for both epidemiology and prevention, however, surprisingly little information is available on the social course of injection initiation, including the individual, social, or ecological factors that might mitigate or exacerbate transmission risks within the critical phase of early injection drug use. Similarly, we know little about the ways that YMSM and other high-risk youth understand risk, the kinds of exchanges and relationships in which they participate in the context of initiating sexual activity, or how drug use is operant in these exchanges and early sexual experiences. In this article, we explore key dimensions of the early initiation of injection and sexual risk, and discuss how a social network approach might be instrumental in understanding the social course of drug injection and sexual activities among youth and young adult populations.

Effect of Premixed Fuel Preparation for Partially Premixed Combustion with a Low Octane Gasoline on a Light-Duty Multi-Cylinder Compression Ignition Engine

DOE PAGES

Dempsey, Adam B.; Curran, Scott; Wagner, Robert M.; ...

2015-05-12

Gasoline compression ignition concepts with the majority of the fuel being introduced early in the cycle are known as partially premixed combustion (PPC). Previous research on single- and multi-cylinder engines has shown that PPC has the potential for high thermal efficiency with low NOx and soot emissions. A variety of fuel injection strategies has been proposed in the literature. These injection strategies aim to create a partially stratified charge to simultaneously reduce NOx and soot emissions while maintaining some level of control over the combustion process through the fuel delivery system. The impact of the direct injection strategy to createmore » a premixed charge of fuel and air has not previously been explored, and its impact on engine efficiency and emissions is not well understood. This paper explores the effect of sweeping the direct injected pilot timing from -91° to -324° ATDC, which is just after the exhaust valve closes for the engine used in this study. During the sweep, the pilot injection consistently contained 65% of the total fuel (based on command duration ratio), and the main injection timing was adjusted slightly to maintain combustion phasing near top dead center. A modern four cylinder, 1.9 L diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, high pressure common rail injection system, wide included angle injectors, and variable swirl actuation was used in this study. The pistons were modified to an open bowl configuration suitable for highly premixed combustion modes. The stock diesel injection system was unmodified, and the gasoline fuel was doped with a lubricity additive to protect the high pressure fuel pump and the injectors. The study was conducted at a fixed speed/load condition of 2000 rpm and 4.0 bar brake mean effective pressure (BMEP). The pilot injection timing sweep was conducted at different intake manifold pressures, swirl levels, and fuel injection GTP-15-1067, Dempsey 2 pressures. The gasoline used in this study has relatively high fuel reactivity with a research octane number of 68. The results of this experimental campaign indicate that the highest brake thermal efficiency and lowest emissions are achieved simultaneously with the earliest pilot injection timings (i.e., during the intake stroke).« less

Phase Behavior Modeling of Asphaltene Precipitation for Heavy Crudes: A Promising Tool Along with Experimental Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tavakkoli, M.; Kharrat, R.; Masihi, M.; Ghazanfari, M. H.; Fadaei, S.

2012-12-01

Thermodynamic modeling is known as a promising tool for phase behavior modeling of asphaltene precipitation under different conditions such as pressure depletion and CO2 injection. In this work, a thermodynamic approach is used for modeling the phase behavior of asphaltene precipitation. The precipitated asphaltene phase is represented by an improved solid model, while the oil and gas phases are modeled with an equation of state. The PR-EOS was used to perform flash calculations. Then, the onset point and the amount of precipitated asphaltene were predicted. A computer code based on an improved solid model has been developed and used for predicting asphaltene precipitation data for one of Iranian heavy crudes, under pressure depletion and CO2 injection conditions. A significant improvement has been observed in predicting the asphaltene precipitation data under gas injection conditions. Especially for the maximum value of asphaltene precipitation and for the trend of the curve after the peak point, good agreement was observed. For gas injection conditions, comparison of the thermodynamic micellization model and the improved solid model showed that the thermodynamic micellization model cannot predict the maximum of precipitation as well as the improved solid model. The non-isothermal improved solid model has been used for predicting asphaltene precipitation data under pressure depletion conditions. The pressure depletion tests were done at different levels of temperature and pressure, and the parameters of a non-isothermal model were tuned using three onset pressures at three different temperatures for the considered crude. The results showed that the model is highly sensitive to the amount of solid molar volume along with the interaction coefficient parameter between the asphaltene component and light hydrocarbon components. Using a non-isothermal improved solid model, the asphaltene phase envelope was developed. It has been revealed that at high temperatures, an increase in the temperature results in a lower amount of asphaltene precipitation and also it causes the convergence of lower and upper boundaries of the asphaltene phase envelope. This work illustrates successful application of a non-isothermal improved solid model for developing the asphaltene phase envelope of heavy crude which can be helpful for monitoring and controlling of asphaltene precipitation through the wellbore and surface facilities during heavy oil production.

Analysis of iodinated haloacetic acids in drinking water by reversed-phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry with large volume direct aqueous injection.

PubMed

Li, Yongtao; Whitaker, Joshua S; McCarty, Christina L

2012-07-06

A large volume direct aqueous injection method was developed for the analysis of iodinated haloacetic acids in drinking water by using reversed-phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization/tandem mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode. Both the external and internal standard calibration methods were studied for the analysis of monoiodoacetic acid, chloroiodoacetic acid, bromoiodoacetic acid, and diiodoacetic acid in drinking water. The use of a divert valve technique for the mobile phase solvent delay, along with isotopically labeled analogs used as internal standards, effectively reduced and compensated for the ionization suppression typically caused by coexisting common inorganic anions. Under the optimized method conditions, the mean absolute and relative recoveries resulting from the replicate fortified deionized water and chlorinated drinking water analyses were 83-107% with a relative standard deviation of 0.7-11.7% and 84-111% with a relative standard deviation of 0.8-12.1%, respectively. The method detection limits resulting from the external and internal standard calibrations, based on seven fortified deionized water replicates, were 0.7-2.3 ng/L and 0.5-1.9 ng/L, respectively. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the chamber wall on fluorocarbon-assisted atomic layer etching of SiO2 using cyclic Ar/C4F8 plasma

PubMed Central

Kawakami, Masatoshi; Metzler, Dominik; Li, Chen; Oehrlein, Gottlieb S.

2016-01-01

The authors studied the effect of the temperature and chemical state of the chamber wall on process performance for atomic layer etching of SiO2 using a steady-state Ar plasma, periodic injection of a defined number of C4F8 molecules, and synchronized plasma-based Ar+ ion bombardment. To evaluate these effects, the authors measured the quartz coupling window temperature. The plasma gas phase chemistry was characterized using optical emission spectroscopy. It was found that although the thickness of the polymer film deposited in each cycle is constant, the etching behavior changed, which is likely related to a change in the plasma gas phase chemistry. The authors found that the main gas phase changes occur after C4F8 injection. The C4F8 and the quartz window react and generate SiF and CO. The emission intensity changes with wall surface state and temperature. Therefore, changes in the plasma gas species generation can lead to a shift in etching performance during processing. During initial cycles, minimal etching is observed, while etching gradually increases with cycle number. PMID:27375342

Wideband-frequency tunable optoelectronic oscillator based on injection locking to an electronic oscillator.

PubMed

Fleyer, Michael; Sherman, Alexander; Horowitz, Moshe; Namer, Moshe

2016-05-01

We experimentally demonstrate a wideband-frequency tunable optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) based on injection locking of the OEO to a tunable electronic oscillator. The OEO cavity does not contain a narrowband filter and its frequency can be tuned over a broad bandwidth of 1 GHz. The injection locking is based on minimizing the injected power by adjusting the frequency of one of the OEO cavity modes to be approximately equal to the frequency of the injected signal. The phase noise that is obtained in the injection-locked OEO is similar to that obtained in a long-cavity self-sustained OEO. Although the cavity length of the OEO was long, the spurious modes were suppressed due to the injection locking without the need to use a narrowband filter. The spurious level was significantly below that obtained in a self-sustained OEO after inserting a narrowband electronic filter with a Q-factor of 720 into the cavity.

Development of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) sustained-release microspheres by a low temperature aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion method.

PubMed

Kang, Jian; Wu, Fei; Cai, Yunpeng; Xu, Mingxin; He, Mu; Yuan, Weien

2014-10-01

A novel method has been developed to protect Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using an aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion and S/O/W multi-emulsion method. This method develops a novel rhGH sustained-release system, which is based on the combination of rhGH-loaded dextran microparticles and PLGA microspheres. The process to fabricate rhGH-loaded dextran microparticles involves an aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion system formed at the reduced temperature. RhGH was first dissolved in water together with dextran and polyethylene glycol, followed by stirring at the speed of 2000 rpm for 20-30s at 0°C, and then a freezing process could enable the dextran phase to separate from the continuous PEG phase and rhGH could preferentially be loaded with dextran. The sample after freezing and phase separation was then lyophilized to powder and washed with dichloromethane to remove the PEG. Once loaded in the dextran microparticles (1-4 μm in diameter), rhGH gained resistance to interface tensions and was encapsulated into PLGA microspheres without aggregation thereafter. RhGH released from PLGA microspheres was in a sustained manner with minimal burst and maximally reduced incomplete release in vitro. Single subcutaneous injection of rhGH-loaded PLGA microspheres to rats resulted in a stable plasma concentration for 30 days avoiding the drug concentration fluctuations after multiple injections of protein solutions. In a hypophysectomized rat model, the IGF-1 and bodyweight results showed that there were higher than the levels obtained for the sustained release formulation by W/O/W for 40 days. These results suggest that the microsphere delivery system had the potential to be an injectable depot for sustained-release of the biocompatible protein of rhGH. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optical Phased Array Using Guided Resonance with Backside Reflectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horie, Yu (Inventor); Arbabi, Amir (Inventor); Faraon, Andrei (Inventor)

2016-01-01

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Optical phased array using guided resonance with backside reflectors

DOEpatents

Horie, Yu; Arbabi, Amir; Faraon, Andrei

2016-11-01

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Optical phased array using guided resonance with backside reflectors

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

Horie, Yu; Arbabi, Amir; Faraon, Andrei

2018-03-13

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Optical Phased Array Using Guided Resonance with Backside Reflectors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Horie, Yu (Inventor); Arbabi, Amir (Inventor); Faraon, Andrei (Inventor)

2018-01-01

Methods and systems for controlling the phase of electromagnetic waves are disclosed. A device can consist of a guided resonance grating layer, a spacer, and a reflector. A plurality of devices, arranged in a grid pattern, can control the phase of reflected electromagnetic phase, through refractive index control. Carrier injection, temperature control, and optical beams can be applied to control the refractive index.

Assessment of multi-phase movements in a gas-gathering pipeline and the relevance to on-line, real-time corrosion monitoring and inhibitor injection

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

Baker, M.A.; Asperger, R.G.

1988-01-01

A study was conducted to determine the time required for aqueous fluid to travel 100 miles (160 km) from an offshore platform in the Gulf of Mexico to landfill. If this time is short, the corrosivity of the water at landfall may be used as the basis for setting the offshore corrosion inhibitor injection rates. But, for this particular system, the traveling time was found to be long, greater than 65 days. Therefore, the corrosivity as measured on-shore can not be used for online, real-time adjustments of the offshore, corrosion inhibitor chemical pumps.

Characterization of plasma wake excitation and particle trapping in the nonlinear bubble regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedetti, Carlo; Schroeder, Carl; Esarey, Eric; Leemans, Wim

2010-11-01

We investigate the excitation of nonlinear wake (bubble) formation by an ultra-short (kpL ˜2), intense (e Alaser/mc^2 > 2) laser pulse interacting with an underdense plasma. A detailed analysis of particle orbits in the wakefield is performed by using reduced analytical models and numerical simulations performed with the 2D cylindrical, envelope, ponderomotive, hybrid PIC/fluid code INF&RNO, recently developed at LBNL. In particular we study the requirements for injection and/or trapping of background plasma electrons in the nonlinear wake. Characterization of the phase-space properties of the injected particle bunch will also be discussed.

Molecular gap and energy level diagram for pentacene adsorbed on filled d-band metal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldacchini, Chiara; Mariani, Carlo; Betti, Maria Grazia; Gavioli, L.; Fanetti, M.; Sancrotti, M.

2006-10-01

The authors present a combined photoemission and scanning-tunneling spectroscopy study of the filled electronic states, the molecular energy gap, and the energy level diagram of highly ordered arrays of pentacene deposited on the Cu(119) vicinal surface. The states localized at the interface are clearly singled out, comparing the results at different pentacene thicknesses and with gas-phase photoemission data. The molecular gap of 2.35eV, the hole injection barrier of 1.05eV, and the electron injection barrier of 1.30eV determine the energy level diagram of the states localized at the pentacene molecules.

A model relating radiated power and impurity concentrations during Ne, N and Ar injection in Tore Supra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hogan, J.; Demichelis, C.; Monier-Garbet, P.; Guirlet, R.; Hess, W.; Schunke, B.

2000-10-01

A model combining the MIST (core symmetric) and BBQ (SOL asymmetric) codes is used to study the relation between impurity density and radiated power for representative cases from Tore Supra experiments on strong radiation regimes using the ergodic divertor. Transport predictions of external radiation are compared with observation to estimate the absolute impurity density. BBQ provides the incoming distribution of recycling impurity charge states for the radial transport calculation. The shots studied use the ergodic divertor and high ICRH power. Power is first applied and then the extrinsic impurity (Ne, N or Ar) is injected. Separate time dependent intrinsic (C and O) impurity transport calculations match radiation levels before and during the high power and impurity injection phases. Empirical diffusivities are sought to reproduce the UV (CV R, I lines), CVI Lya, OVIII Lya, Zeff, and horizontal bolometer data. The model has been used to calculate the relative radiative efficiency (radiated power / extrinsically contributed electron) for the sample database.

ENHANCED CONTACT OF COSOLVENT AND DNAPL IN POROUS MEDIA BY CONCURRENT INJECTION OF COSOLVENT AND AIR

EPA Science Inventory

Remediation of sites contaminated by dense nonaqueous phase liquids (DNAPLS) is a major
environmental problem and cosolvent flooding is proposed as a remedial alternative. The
efficacy of cosolvent flooding is a function of the degree of mixing between the injected
remed...

40 CFR 59.505 - How do I demonstrate compliance with the reactivity limits?

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... for both the liquid and propellant phases), California Air Resources Board Method 310—Determination of... Pollutant Compounds in Paints and Coatings by Direct Injection into a Gas Chromatograph (40 CFR part 63... Injection into a Gas Chromatograph (40 CFR part 63, appendix A) results, the California Air Resources Board...

[Application of fingerprint chromatogram in quality control of Shen-Mai injection].

PubMed

Shi, Xian-zhe; Yang, Jun; Zhao, Chun-xia; Xiong, Jian-hui; Xu, Guo-wang

2002-07-01

The theory and practice of traditional Chinese medicine require some comprehensive methods to assess quality of the Chinese herbal medication. Fingerprint chromatogram is one of the feasible approaches to evaluate the quality of Chinese herbal medication. So the fingerprint chromatogram of Shen-Mai injection was established by using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: a Hypersil C18 column was used; the mobile phase was composed of water (A) and acetontrile (B) with linear gradient elution (0-50 min, 5%-95% B, volume fraction); the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and the UV absorbance detection was set at 202 nm. The peak-area ratios of twenty-three fingerprint peaks and internal standard (diphenyl) were taken as the criteria for quality control. The quality differences in various batches and various manufacturers of Shen-Mai injections were investigated by projection discriminance based on principal component analysis. The results show the method developed is convenient, reliable and applicable for the quality control analysis of Shen-Mai injection.

Chelate-Modified Fenton Reaction for the Degradation of Trichloroethylene in Aqueous and Two-Phase Systems

PubMed Central

Lewis, Scott; Lynch, Andrew; Bachas, Leonidas; Hampson, Steve; Ormsbee, Lindell; Bhattacharyya, Dibakar

2009-01-01

Abstract The primary objective of this research was to model and understand the chelate-modified Fenton reaction for the destruction of trichloroethylene (TCE) present in both the aqueous and organic (in the form of droplets) phases. The addition of a nontoxic chelate (L), such as citrate or gluconic acid, allows for operation at near-neutral pH and controlled release of Fe(II)/Fe(III). For the standard Fenton reaction at low pH in two-phase systems, an optimum H2O2:Fe(II) molar ratio was found to be between 1:1 and 2:1. Experimentation proved the chelate-modified Fenton reaction effectively dechlorinated TCE in both the aqueous and organic phases at pH 6–7 using low H2O2:Fe(II) molar ratios (4:1 to 8:1). Increasing the L:Fe ratio was found to decrease the rate of H2O2 degradation in both Fe(II) and Fe(III) systems at near-neutral pH. Generalized models were developed to predict the concentration of TCE in the aqueous phase and TCE droplet radius as a function of time using literature-reported hydroxyl radical reaction kinetics and mass transfer relationships. Additional aspects of this work include the reusability of the Fe–citrate complex under repeated H2O2 injections in real water systems as well as packed column studies for simulated groundwater injection. PMID:20418966

Injection envelope matching in storage rings

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

Minty, M.G.; Spence, W.L.

1995-05-01

The shape and size of the transverse phase space injected into a storage ring can be deduced from turn-by-turn measurements of the transient behavior of the beam envelope in the ring. Envelope oscillations at 2 x the {beta}-tron frequency indicate the presence of a {beta}-mismatch, while envelope oscillations at the {beta}-tron frequency are the signature of a dispersion function mismatch. Experiments in injection optimization using synchrotron radiation imaging of the beam and a fast-gated camera at the SLC damping rings are reported.

Injection envelope matching in storage rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minty, M. G.; Spence, W. L.

1995-05-01

The shape and size of the transverse phase space injected into a storage ring can be deduced from turn-by-turn measurements of the transient behavior of the beam envelope in the ring. Envelope oscillations at 2 x the beta-tron frequency indicate the presence of a beta-mismatch, while envelope oscillations at the beta-tron frequency are the signature of a dispersion function mismatch. Experiments in injection optimization using synchrotron radiation imaging of the beam and a fast-gated camera at the SLC damping rings are reported.

Applications of Optical Coherent Transient Technology to Pulse Shaping, Spectral Filtering Arbitrary Waveform Generation and RF Beamforming

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-14

the EOPM (~1 mW) was amplified by injection locking of a high power diode laser and further amplified to ~300 mW with a semiconductor optical ...The spectra of 8 GHz CW phase modulated signals in cascaded injection locking system from (a) master laser ; (b) the first slave, and (c) the second...cascaded injection locked amplifiers at 793nm, and frequency chirped lasers at 793nm. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Optical Coherent Transients, Spatial

Effect of cavitation in high-pressure direct injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboulhasanzadeh, Bahman; Johnsen, Eric

2015-11-01

As we move toward higher pressures for Gasoline Direct Injection and Diesel Direct Injection, cavitation has become an important issue. To better understand the effect of cavitation on the nozzle flow and primary atomization, we use a high-order accurate Discontinuous Galerkin approach using multi-GPU parallelism to simulate the compressible flow inside and outside the nozzle. Phase change is included using the six-equations model. We investigate the effect of nozzle geometry on cavitation inside the injector and on primary atomization outside the nozzle.

Dose Response of Sodium Nitrite on Vasoactivity Associated with HBOC-201 in a Swine Model of Controlled Hemorrhage

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

collected in blood bags containing stan- dard anticoagulant (CPD-A) (Fenwal, Deerfield, IL) and later used for autologous transfusion, when...as 8.1 J.lmollkg first injection, 16.2 J.lmoVkg second injection, 24.3 J.lmol/kg third injection. HEX is 6% hydroxy-ethyl starch (MW = 670 Kd...effect of starch on platelets. Aggregation increased in the HEX groups in hospital phase due to blood transfusion. NaN02 did not have any remarkable

Comparative Study of Alternative Fuel Icing Inhibitor Additive Properties & Chemical Analysis of Metal Speciation in Aviation Fuels

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-08-01

paraffins, olefins, cyclo-parafins ( naphthenes ), aromatics and a host of trace species. Petroleum distillates such as jet fuels are also a complex...LC method consisted of: Mobile Phase: 95% CH3OH + 0.1% (vol) Acetic Acid 5% De-Ionized H2O Injection Volume: 5 µL Needle Wash in Flush...Port for 20 seconds using mobile phase CH3OH + 0.1% (vol) Acetic- Acid Run Time: 10 minute Post Time: 1 minute Binary Pump SL Flow Rate: 0.3 ml/min

Orthogonal control of the frequency comb dynamics of a mode-locked laser diode.

PubMed

Holman, Kevin W; Jones, David J; Ye, Jun; Ippen, Erich P

2003-12-01

We have performed detailed studies on the dynamics of a frequency comb produced by a mode-locked laser diode (MLLD). Orthogonal control of the pulse repetition rate and the pulse-to-pulse carrier-envelope phase slippage is achieved by appropriate combinations of the respective error signals to actuate the diode injection current and the saturable absorber bias voltage. Phase coherence is established between the MLLD at 1550 nm and a 775-nm mode-locked Ti:sapphire laser working as part of an optical atomic clock.

Acceptability of an injectable male contraceptive regimen of norethisterone enanthate and testosterone undecanoate for men.

PubMed

Meriggiola, M Cristina; Cerpolini, S; Bremner, W J; Mbizvo, M T; Vogelsong, K M; Martorana, G; Pelusi, G

2006-08-01

We assessed attitudes towards and acceptability of male hormonal contraception among volunteers participating in a clinical trial of a prototype regimen, consisting of progestin and testosterone injections. After completing screening, eligible men were randomly assigned to the no-treatment group (n = 40) or to receive injections of norethisterone enanthate and testosterone undecanoate or placebo at different intervals (n = 50) according to a blocked randomization list. They underwent self-administered questionnaires. The average age of the participants was approximately 28 years; most were involved in a stable relationship and had no children. Ninety-two percentage of the respondents thought that men and women should share responsibility for contraception and 75% said they would try a hormonal contraceptive if available. At the end of the treatment phase, 66% of the participants said that they would use such a method, and most rated its acceptability very highly; none reported it to be unacceptable. The injections themselves were indicated as the biggest disadvantage. No significant changes in sexual function or mood states were detected among the men who underwent hormone injections. The contraceptive tested in this study was well accepted by the participants over the course of 1 year.

229 nm UV LEDs on aluminum nitride single crystal substrates using p-type silicon for increased hole injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Dong; Cho, Sang June; Park, Jeongpil; Seo, Jung-Hun; Dalmau, Rafael; Zhao, Deyin; Kim, Kwangeun; Gong, Jiarui; Kim, Munho; Lee, In-Kyu; Albrecht, John D.; Zhou, Weidong; Moody, Baxter; Ma, Zhenqiang

2018-02-01

AlGaN based 229 nm light emitting diodes (LEDs), employing p-type Si to significantly increase hole injection, were fabricated on single crystal bulk aluminum nitride (AlN) substrates. Nitride heterostructures were epitaxially deposited by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy and inherit the low dislocation density of the native substrate. Following epitaxy, a p-Si layer is bonded to the heterostructure. LEDs were characterized both electrically and optically. Owing to the low defect density films, large concentration of holes from p-Si, and efficient hole injection, no efficiency droop was observed up to a current density of 76 A/cm2 under continuous wave operation and without external thermal management. An optical output power of 160 μW was obtained with the corresponding external quantum efficiency of 0.03%. This study demonstrates that by adopting p-type Si nanomembrane contacts as a hole injector, practical levels of hole injection can be realized in UV light-emitting diodes with very high Al composition AlGaN quantum wells, enabling emission wavelengths and power levels that were previously inaccessible using traditional p-i-n structures with poor hole injection efficiency.

[Steam and air co-injection in removing TCE in 2D-sand box].

PubMed

Wang, Ning; Peng, Sheng; Chen, Jia-Jun

2014-07-01

Steam and air co-injection is a newly developed and promising soil remediation technique for non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) in vadose zone. In this study, in order to investigate the mechanism of the remediation process, trichloroethylene (TCE) removal using steam and air co-injection was carried out in a 2-dimensional sandbox with different layered sand structures. The results showed that co-injection perfectly improved the "tailing" effect compared to soil vapor extraction (SVE), and the remediation process of steam and air co-injection could be divided into SVE stage, steam strengthening stage and heat penetration stage. Removal ratio of the experiment with scattered contaminant area was higher and removal speed was faster. The removal ratios from the two experiments were 93.5% and 88.2%, and the removal periods were 83.9 min and 90.6 min, respectively. Steam strengthened the heat penetration stage. The temperature transition region was wider in the scattered NAPLs distribution experiment, which reduced the accumulation of TCE. Slight downward movement of TCE was observed in the experiment with TCE initially distributed in a fine sand zone. And such downward movement of TCE reduced the TCE removal ratio.

ACUTE ETHANOL DISRUPTS PHOTIC AND SEROTONERGIC CIRCADIAN CLOCK PHASE-RESETTING IN THE MOUSE

PubMed Central

Brager, Allison J.; Ruby, Christina L.; Prosser, Rebecca A.; Glass, J. David

2011-01-01

Background Alcohol abuse is associated with impaired circadian rhythms and sleep. Ethanol administration disrupts circadian clock phase-resetting, suggesting a mode for the disruptive effect of alcohol abuse on the circadian timing system. In this study, we extend previous work in C57BL/6J mice to: 1) characterize the SCN pharmacokinetics of acute systemic ethanol administration; 2) explore the effects of acute ethanol on photic and non-photic phase-resetting; and 2) determine if the SCN is a direct target for photic effects. Methods First, microdialysis was used to characterize the pharmacokinetics of acute i.p. injections of 3 doses of ethanol (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg) in the mouse suprachiasmatic (SCN) circadian clock. Second, the effects of acute i.p. ethanol administration on photic phase-delays and serotonergic ([+]8-OH-DPAT-induced) phase-advances of the circadian activity rhythm were assessed. Third, the effects of reverse-microdialysis ethanol perfusion of the SCN on photic phase-resetting were characterized. Results Peak ethanol levels from the 3 doses of ethanol in the SCN occurred within 20–40 min post-injection with half-lives for clearance ranging from 0.6–1.8 hr. Systemic ethanol treatment dose-dependently attenuated photic and serotonergic phase-resetting. This treatment also did not affect basal SCN neuronal activity as assessed by Fos expression. Intra-SCN perfusion with ethanol markedly reduced photic phase-delays. Conclusions These results confirm that acute ethanol attenuates photic phase-delay shifts and serotonergic phase-advance shifts in the mouse. This dual effect could disrupt photic and non-photic entrainment mechanisms governing circadian clock timing. It is also significant that the SCN clock is a direct target for disruptive effects of ethanol on photic shifting. Such actions by ethanol could underlie the disruptive effects of alcohol abuse on behavioral, physiological, and endocrine rhythms associated with alcoholism. PMID:21463340