Reversible and irreversible heat engine and refrigerator cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leff, Harvey S.

2018-05-01

Although no reversible thermodynamic cycles exist in nature, nearly all cycles covered in textbooks are reversible. This is a review, clarification, and extension of results and concepts for quasistatic, reversible and irreversible processes and cycles, intended primarily for teachers and students. Distinctions between the latter process types are explained, with emphasis on clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) cycles. Specific examples of each are examined, including Carnot, Kelvin and Stirling cycles. For the Stirling cycle, potentially useful task-specific efficiency measures are proposed and illustrated. Whether a cycle behaves as a traditional refrigerator or heat engine can depend on whether it is reversible or irreversible. Reversible and irreversible-quasistatic CW cycles both satisfy Carnot's inequality for thermal efficiency, η ≤ η C a r n o t . Irreversible CCW cycles with two reservoirs satisfy the coefficient of performance inequality K ≤ K C a r n o t . However, an arbitrary reversible cycle satisfies K ≥ K C a r n o t when compared with a reversible Carnot cycle operating between its maximum and minimum temperatures, a potentially counterintuitive result.

Time reversibility of intracranial human EEG recordings in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Heyden, M. J.; Diks, C.; Pijn, J. P. M.; Velis, D. N.

1996-02-01

Intracranial electroencephalograms from patients suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy were tested for time reversibility. If the recorded time series is irreversible, the input of the recording system cannot be a realisation of a linear Gaussian random process. We confirmed experimentally that the measurement equipment did not introduce irreversibility in the recorded output when the input was a realisation of a linear Gaussian random process. In general, the non-seizure recordings are reversible, whereas the seizure recordings are irreversible. These results suggest that time reversibility is a useful property for the characterisation of human intracranial EEG recordings in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Process dominance analysis for fate modeling of flubendazole and fenbendazole in liquid manure and manured soil.

PubMed

Moenickes, Sylvia; Höltge, Sibylla; Kreuzig, Robert; Richter, Otto

2011-12-01

Fate monitoring data on anaerobic transformation of the benzimidazole anthelmintics flubendazole (FLU) and fenbendazole (FEN) in liquid pig manure and aerobic transformation and sorption in soil and manured soil under laboratory conditions were used for corresponding fate modeling. Processes considered were reversible and irreversible sequestration, mineralization, and metabolization, from which a set of up to 50 different models, both nested and concurrent, was assembled. Five selection criteria served for model selection after parameter fitting: the coefficient of determination, modeling efficiency, a likelihood ratio test, an information criterion, and a determinability measure. From the set of models selected, processes were classified as essential or sufficient. This strategy to identify process dominance was corroborated through application to data from analogous experiments for sulfadiazine and a comparison with established fate models for this substance. For both, FLU and FEN, model selection performance was fine, including indication of weak data support where observed. For FLU reversible and irreversible sequestration in a nonextractable fraction was determined. In particular, both the extractable and the nonextractable fraction were equally sufficient sources for irreversible sequestration. For FEN generally reversible formation of the extractable sulfoxide metabolite and reversible sequestration of both the parent and the metabolite were dominant. Similar to FLU, irreversible sequestration in the nonextractable fraction was determined for which both the extractable or the nonextractable fraction were equally sufficient sources. Formation of the sulfone metabolite was determined as irreversible, originating from the first metabolite. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced product yield in chemical processes by second law effects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

England, C.; Funk, J. E.

1980-01-01

An analysis of second law effects in chemical processes, where product yield is explicitly related to the individual irreversibilities within the process to indicate a maximum theoretical yield, is presented. Examples are given that indicate differences between first and second law approaches toward process efficiency and process yield. This analysis also expresses production capacity in terms of the heating value of a product. As a result, it is particularly convenient in analyzing fuel conversion plants and their potential for improvement. Relationships are also given for the effects of irreversibilities on requirements for process heat and for feedstocks.

Detailed Modeling and Irreversible Transfer Process Analysis of a Multi-Element Thermoelectric Generator System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Heng; Gou, Xiaolong; Yang, Suwen

2011-05-01

Thermoelectric (TE) power generation technology, due to its several advantages, is becoming a noteworthy research direction. Many researchers conduct their performance analysis and optimization of TE devices and related applications based on the generalized thermoelectric energy balance equations. These generalized TE equations involve the internal irreversibility of Joule heating inside the thermoelectric device and heat leakage through the thermoelectric couple leg. However, it is assumed that the thermoelectric generator (TEG) is thermally isolated from the surroundings except for the heat flows at the cold and hot junctions. Since the thermoelectric generator is a multi-element device in practice, being composed of many fundamental TE couple legs, the effect of heat transfer between the TE couple leg and the ambient environment is not negligible. In this paper, based on basic theories of thermoelectric power generation and thermal science, detailed modeling of a thermoelectric generator taking account of the phenomenon of energy loss from the TE couple leg is reported. The revised generalized thermoelectric energy balance equations considering the effect of heat transfer between the TE couple leg and the ambient environment have been derived. Furthermore, characteristics of a multi-element thermoelectric generator with irreversibility have been investigated on the basis of the new derived TE equations. In the present investigation, second-law-based thermodynamic analysis (exergy analysis) has been applied to the irreversible heat transfer process in particular. It is found that the existence of the irreversible heat convection process causes a large loss of heat exergy in the TEG system, and using thermoelectric generators for low-grade waste heat recovery has promising potential. The results of irreversibility analysis, especially irreversible effects on generator system performance, based on the system model established in detail have guiding significance for the development and application of thermoelectric generators, particularly for the design and optimization of TE modules.

Capital dissipation minimization for a class of complex irreversible resource exchange processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xia, Shaojun; Chen, Lingen

2017-05-01

A model of a class of irreversible resource exchange processes (REPes) between a firm and a producer with commodity flow leakage from the producer to a competitive market is established in this paper. The REPes are assumed to obey the linear commodity transfer law (LCTL). Optimal price paths for capital dissipation minimization (CDM) (it can measure economic process irreversibility) are obtained. The averaged optimal control theory is used. The optimal REP strategy is also compared with other strategies, such as constant-firm-price operation and constant-commodity-flow operation, and effects of the amount of commodity transferred and the commodity flow leakage on the optimal REP strategy are also analyzed. The commodity prices of both the producer and the firm for the CDM of the REPes with commodity flow leakage change with the time exponentially.

Logic reversibility and thermodynamic irreversibility demonstrated by DNAzyme-based Toffoli and Fredkin logic gates.

PubMed

Orbach, Ron; Remacle, Françoise; Levine, R D; Willner, Itamar

2012-12-26

The Toffoli and Fredkin gates were suggested as a means to exhibit logic reversibility and thereby reduce energy dissipation associated with logic operations in dense computing circuits. We present a construction of the logically reversible Toffoli and Fredkin gates by implementing a library of predesigned Mg(2+)-dependent DNAzymes and their respective substrates. Although the logical reversibility, for which each set of inputs uniquely correlates to a set of outputs, is demonstrated, the systems manifest thermodynamic irreversibility originating from two quite distinct and nonrelated phenomena. (i) The physical readout of the gates is by fluorescence that depletes the population of the final state of the machine. This irreversible, heat-releasing process is needed for the generation of the output. (ii) The DNAzyme-powered logic gates are made to operate at a finite rate by invoking downhill energy-releasing processes. Even though the three bits of Toffoli's and Fredkin's logically reversible gates manifest thermodynamic irreversibility, we suggest that these gates could have important practical implication in future nanomedicine.

Carnot's cycle for small systems: Irreversibility and cost of operations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sekimoto, Ken; Takagi, Fumiko; Hondou, Tsuyoshi

2000-12-01

In the thermodynamic limit, the existence of a maximal efficiency of energy conversion attainable by a Carnot cycle consisting of quasistatic isothermal and adiabatic processes precludes the existence of a perpetual machine of the second kind, whose cycles yield positive work in an isothermal environment. We employ the recently developed framework of the energetics of stochastic processes (called ``stochastic energetics'') to reanalyze the Carnot cycle in detail, taking account of fluctuations, without taking the thermodynamic limit. We find that in this nonmacroscopic situation both processes of connection to and disconnection from heat baths and adiabatic processes that cause distortion of the energy distribution are sources of inevitable irreversibility within the cycle. Also, the so-called null-recurrence property of the cumulative efficiency of energy conversion over many cycles and the irreversible property of isolated, purely mechanical processes under external ``macroscopic'' operations are discussed in relation to the impossibility of a perpetual machine, or Maxwell's demon. This analysis may serve as the basis for the design and analysis of mesoscopic energy converters in the near future.

The Making and Breaking of Yugoslavia and Its Impact on Health

PubMed Central

Kunitz, Stephen J.

2004-01-01

The creation of nation-states in Europe has generally been assumed to be intrinsic to modernization and to be irreversible. The disintegration of Czechoslovakia, the Soviet Union, and Yugoslavia demonstrates that the process is not irreversible. I argue that in the case of Yugoslavia, (1) disintegration was caused by the interaction between domestic policies with regard to nationalities and integration into the global economy and (2) the impact of the disintegration of the federation on health care and public health systems has been profound. Improving and converging measures of mortality before the collapse gave way to increasing disparities afterward. The lesson is that processes of individual and social modernization do not result in improvements in health and well-being that are necessarily irreversible or shared equally. PMID:15514224

Logic reversibility and thermodynamic irreversibility demonstrated by DNAzyme-based Toffoli and Fredkin logic gates

PubMed Central

Orbach, Ron; Remacle, Françoise; Levine, R. D.; Willner, Itamar

2012-01-01

The Toffoli and Fredkin gates were suggested as a means to exhibit logic reversibility and thereby reduce energy dissipation associated with logic operations in dense computing circuits. We present a construction of the logically reversible Toffoli and Fredkin gates by implementing a library of predesigned Mg2+-dependent DNAzymes and their respective substrates. Although the logical reversibility, for which each set of inputs uniquely correlates to a set of outputs, is demonstrated, the systems manifest thermodynamic irreversibility originating from two quite distinct and nonrelated phenomena. (i) The physical readout of the gates is by fluorescence that depletes the population of the final state of the machine. This irreversible, heat-releasing process is needed for the generation of the output. (ii) The DNAzyme-powered logic gates are made to operate at a finite rate by invoking downhill energy-releasing processes. Even though the three bits of Toffoli’s and Fredkin’s logically reversible gates manifest thermodynamic irreversibility, we suggest that these gates could have important practical implication in future nanomedicine. PMID:23236131

When an Adiabatic Irreversible Expansion or Compression Becomes Reversible

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anacleto, Joaquim; Ferreira, J. M.; Soares, A. A.

2009-01-01

This paper aims to contribute to a better understanding of the concepts of a "reversible process" and "entropy". For this purpose, an adiabatic irreversible expansion or compression is analysed, by considering that an ideal gas is expanded (compressed), from an initial pressure P[subscript i] to a final pressure P[subscript f], by being placed in…

Measuring aerobic respiration in stream ecosystems using the resazurin-resorufin system

Treesearch

R. González-Pinzón; R. Haggerty; D.D. Myrold

2012-01-01

The use of smart tracers to study hydrologic systems is becoming more widespread. Smart tracers are compounds that irreversibly react in the presence of a process or condition under investigation. Resazurin (Raz) is a smart tracer that undergoes an irreversible reduction to resorufin (Rru) in the presence of cellular metabolic activity. We quantified the relationship...

Analysis of the Magneto-Hydrodynamic (MHD) Energy Bypass Engine for High-Speed Air-Breathing Propulsion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Riggins, David W.

2002-01-01

The performance of the MHD energy bypass air-breathing engine for high-speed propulsion is analyzed in this investigation. This engine is a specific type of the general class of inverse cycle engines. In this paper, the general relationship between engine performance (specific impulse and specific thrust) and the overall total pressure ratio through an engine (from inlet plane to exit plane) is first developed and illustrated. Engines with large total pressure decreases, regardless of cause or source, are seen to have exponentially decreasing performance. The ideal inverse cycle engine (of which the MHD engine is a sub-set) is then demonstrated to have a significant total pressure decrease across the engine; this total pressure decrease is cycle-driven, degrades rapidly with energy bypass ratio, and is independent of any irreversibility. The ideal MHD engine (inverse cycle engine with no irreversibility other than that inherent in the MHD work interaction processes) is next examined and is seen to have an additional large total pressure decrease due to MHD-generated irreversibility in the decelerator and the accelerator. This irreversibility mainly occurs in the deceleration process. Both inherent total pressure losses (inverse cycle and MHD irreversibility) result in a significant narrowing of the performance capability of the MHD bypass engine. The fundamental characteristics of MHD flow acceleration and flow deceleration from the standpoint of irreversibility and second-law constraints are next examined in order to clarify issues regarding flow losses and parameter selection in the MM modules. Severe constraints are seen to exist in the decelerator in terms of allowable deceleration Mach numbers and volumetric (length) required for meaningful energy bypass (work interaction). Considerable difficulties are also encountered and discussed due to thermal/work choking phenomena associated with the deceleration process. Lastly, full engine simulations utilizing inlet shock systems, finite-rate chemistry, wall cooling with thermally balanced engine (fuel heat sink), fuel injection and mixing, friction, etc. are shown and discussed for both the MHD engine and the conventional scramjet. The MHD bypass engine has significantly lower performance in all categories across the Mach number range (8 to 12.2). The lower performance is attributed to the combined effects of 1) additional irreversibility and cooling requirements associated with the MHD components and 2) the total pressure decrease associated with the inverse cycle itself.

Theory of fracture mechanics based upon plasticity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. D.

1976-01-01

A theory of fracture mechanics is formulated on the foundation of continuum mechanics. Fracture surface is introduced as an unknown quantity and is incorporated into boundary and initial conditions. Surface energy is included in the global form of energy conservation law and the dissipative mechanism is formulated into constitutive equations which indicate the thermodynamic irreversibility and the irreversibility of fracture process as well.

Onsager's variational principle in soft matter.

PubMed

Doi, Masao

2011-07-20

In the celebrated paper on the reciprocal relation for the kinetic coefficients in irreversible processes, Onsager (1931 Phys. Rev. 37 405) extended Rayleigh's principle of the least energy dissipation to general irreversible processes. In this paper, I shall show that this variational principle gives us a very convenient framework for deriving many established equations which describe the nonlinear and non-equilibrium phenomena in soft matter, such as phase separation kinetics in solutions, gel dynamics, molecular modeling for viscoelasticity nemato-hydrodynamics, etc. Onsager's variational principle can therefore be regarded as a solid general basis for soft matter physics.

Irreversible temperature gating in trpv1 sheds light on channel activation

PubMed Central

Sánchez-Moreno, Ana; Guevara-Hernández, Eduardo; Contreras-Cervera, Ricardo; Rangel-Yescas, Gisela; Ladrón-de-Guevara, Ernesto; Rosenbaum, Tamara

2018-01-01

Temperature-activated TRP channels or thermoTRPs are among the only proteins that can directly convert temperature changes into changes in channel open probability. In spite of a wealth of functional and structural information, the mechanism of temperature activation remains unknown. We have carefully characterized the repeated activation of TRPV1 by thermal stimuli and discovered a previously unknown inactivation process, which is irreversible. We propose that this form of gating in TRPV1 channels is a consequence of the heat absorption process that leads to channel opening. PMID:29869983

An Irreversible Constitutive Law for Modeling the Delamination Process using Interface Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goyal, Vinay K.; Johnson, Eric R.; Davila, Carlos G.; Jaunky, Navin; Ambur, Damodar (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

An irreversible constitutive law is postulated for the formulation of interface elements to predict initiation and progression of delamination in composite structures. An exponential function is used for the constitutive law such that it satisfies a multi-axial stress criterion for the onset of delamination, and satisfies a mixed mode fracture criterion for the progression of delamination. A damage parameter is included to prevent the restoration of the previous cohesive state between the interfacial surfaces. To demonstrate the irreversibility capability of the constitutive law, steady-state crack growth is simulated for quasi-static loading-unloading cycle of various fracture test specimens.

An Irreversible Constitutive Law for Modeling the Delamination Process Using Interface Elements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goyal, Vinay K.; Johnson, Eric R.; Davila, Carlos G.; Jaunky, Navin; Bushnell, Dennis M. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

An irreversible constitutive law is postulated for the formulation of interface elements to predict initiation and progression of delamination in composite structures. An exponential function is used for the constitutive law such that it satisfies a multi-axial stress criterion for the onset of delamination, and satisfies a mixed mode fracture criterion for the progression of delamination. A damage parameter is included to prevent the restoration of the previous cohesive state between the interfacial surfaces. To demonstrate the irreversibility capability of the constitutive law, steady-state crack growth is simulated for quasi-static loading-unloading cycle of various fracture test specimens.

Unveiling the irreversible performance degradation of organo-inorganic halide perovskite films and solar cells during heating and cooling processes.

PubMed

Mamun, Abdullah Al; Ava, Tanzila Tasnim; Byun, Hye Ryung; Jeong, Hyeon Jun; Jeong, Mun Seok; Nguyen, Loi; Gausin, Christine; Namkoong, Gon

2017-07-26

While organo-inorganic halide perovskite solar cells show great potential to meet future energy needs, their thermal instability raises serious questions about their commercialization viability. At present, the stability of perovskite solar cells has been studied under various environmental conditions including humidity and temperature. Nonetheless, understanding of the performance of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite solar cells is limited. This study reports the irreversible performance degradation of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x perovskite solar cells during the heating and cooling processes under AM 1.5 and unveils what triggers the irreversible performance degradation of solar cells. Particularly, the primary cause of the irreversible performance degradation of CH 3 NH 3 PbI 3-x Cl x is quantitatively analyzed by monitoring in real time the development of deteriorated crystallinity, charge trapping/detrapping, trap depth, and the PbI 2 phase, namely a critical signal of perovskite degradation while varying the temperature of the perovskite films and solar cells. Most surprisingly, it is revealed that the degradation of both perovskite films and solar cells was triggered at ∼70 °C. Remarkably, even after the device temperature cooled down to room temperature, the degraded performance of the solar cells persisted with increasing charge trapping and further development of the PbI 2 phase. Identification of the irreversible performance degradation of perovskite solar cells provides guidance for future development of more stable perovskite solar cells.

Irreversible Denaturation of Maltodextrin Glucosidase Studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Circular Dichroism, and Turbidity Measurements

PubMed Central

Goyal, Megha; Chaudhuri, Tapan K.; Kuwajima, Kunihiro

2014-01-01

Thermal denaturation of Escherichia coli maltodextrin glucosidase was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism (230 nm), and UV-absorption measurements (340 nm), which were respectively used to monitor heat absorption, conformational unfolding, and the production of solution turbidity. The denaturation was irreversible, and the thermal transition recorded at scan rates of 0.5–1.5 K/min was significantly scan-rate dependent, indicating that the thermal denaturation was kinetically controlled. The absence of a protein-concentration effect on the thermal transition indicated that the denaturation was rate-limited by a mono-molecular process. From the analysis of the calorimetric thermograms, a one-step irreversible model well represented the thermal denaturation of the protein. The calorimetrically observed thermal transitions showed excellent coincidence with the turbidity transitions monitored by UV-absorption as well as with the unfolding transitions monitored by circular dichroism. The thermal denaturation of the protein was thus rate-limited by conformational unfolding, which was followed by a rapid irreversible formation of aggregates that produced the solution turbidity. It is thus important to note that the absence of the protein-concentration effect on the irreversible thermal denaturation does not necessarily means the absence of protein aggregation itself. The turbidity measurements together with differential scanning calorimetry in the irreversible thermal denaturation of the protein provided a very effective approach for understanding the mechanisms of the irreversible denaturation. The Arrhenius-equation parameters obtained from analysis of the thermal denaturation were compared with those of other proteins that have been reported to show the one-step irreversible thermal denaturation. Maltodextrin glucosidase had sufficiently high kinetic stability with a half-life of 68 days at a physiological temperature (37°C). PMID:25548918

Irreversible denaturation of maltodextrin glucosidase studied by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism, and turbidity measurements.

PubMed

Goyal, Megha; Chaudhuri, Tapan K; Kuwajima, Kunihiro

2014-01-01

Thermal denaturation of Escherichia coli maltodextrin glucosidase was studied by differential scanning calorimetry, circular dichroism (230 nm), and UV-absorption measurements (340 nm), which were respectively used to monitor heat absorption, conformational unfolding, and the production of solution turbidity. The denaturation was irreversible, and the thermal transition recorded at scan rates of 0.5-1.5 K/min was significantly scan-rate dependent, indicating that the thermal denaturation was kinetically controlled. The absence of a protein-concentration effect on the thermal transition indicated that the denaturation was rate-limited by a mono-molecular process. From the analysis of the calorimetric thermograms, a one-step irreversible model well represented the thermal denaturation of the protein. The calorimetrically observed thermal transitions showed excellent coincidence with the turbidity transitions monitored by UV-absorption as well as with the unfolding transitions monitored by circular dichroism. The thermal denaturation of the protein was thus rate-limited by conformational unfolding, which was followed by a rapid irreversible formation of aggregates that produced the solution turbidity. It is thus important to note that the absence of the protein-concentration effect on the irreversible thermal denaturation does not necessarily means the absence of protein aggregation itself. The turbidity measurements together with differential scanning calorimetry in the irreversible thermal denaturation of the protein provided a very effective approach for understanding the mechanisms of the irreversible denaturation. The Arrhenius-equation parameters obtained from analysis of the thermal denaturation were compared with those of other proteins that have been reported to show the one-step irreversible thermal denaturation. Maltodextrin glucosidase had sufficiently high kinetic stability with a half-life of 68 days at a physiological temperature (37°C).

Dental caries and pulpal disease.

PubMed

Zero, Domenick T; Zandona, Andrea Ferreira; Vail, Mychel Macapagal; Spolnik, Kenneth J

2011-01-01

This article reviews the diagnostic process, from the first clinically evident stages of the caries process to development of pulpal pathosis. The caries diagnostic process includes 4 interconnected components-staging caries lesion severity, assessing caries lesion activity, and risk assessments at the patient and tooth surface level - which modify treatment decisions for the patient. Pulpal pathosis is diagnosed as reversible pulpitis, irreversible pulpitis (asymptomatic), irreversible pulpitis (symptomatic), and pulp necrosis. Periapical disease is diagnosed as symptomatic apical periodontitis, asymptomatic apical periodontitis, acute apical abscess, and chronic apical abscess. Ultimately, the goal of any diagnosis should be to achieve better treatment decisions and health outcomes for the patient. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Irreversible temperature gating in trpv1 sheds light on channel activation.

PubMed

Sánchez-Moreno, Ana; Guevara-Hernández, Eduardo; Contreras-Cervera, Ricardo; Rangel-Yescas, Gisela; Ladrón-de-Guevara, Ernesto; Rosenbaum, Tamara; Islas, León D

2018-06-05

Temperature-activated TRP channels or thermoTRPs are among the only proteins that can directly convert temperature changes into changes in channel open probability. In spite of a wealth of functional and structural information, the mechanism of temperature activation remains unknown. We have carefully characterized the repeated activation of TRPV1 by thermal stimuli and discovered a previously unknown inactivation process, which is irreversible. We propose that this form of gating in TRPV1 channels is a consequence of the heat absorption process that leads to channel opening. © 2018, Sánchez-Moreno et al.

A dual-plate ITO-ITO generator-collector microtrench sensor: surface activation, spatial separation and suppression of irreversible oxygen and ascorbate interference.

PubMed

Hasnat, Mohammad A; Gross, Andrew J; Dale, Sara E C; Barnes, Edward O; Compton, Richard G; Marken, Frank

2014-02-07

Generator-collector electrode systems are based on two independent working electrodes with overlapping diffusion fields where chemically reversible redox processes (oxidation and reduction) are coupled to give amplified current signals. A generator-collector trench electrode system prepared from two tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) electrodes placed vis-à-vis with a 22 μm inter-electrode gap is employed here as a sensor in aqueous media. The reversible 2-electron anthraquinone-2-sulfonate redox system is demonstrated to give well-defined collector responses even in the presence of oxygen due to the irreversible nature of the oxygen reduction. For the oxidation of dopamine on ITO, novel "Piranha-activation" effects are observed and chemically reversible generator-collector feedback conditions are achieved at pH 7, by selecting a more negative collector potential, again eliminating possible oxygen interference. Finally, dopamine oxidation in the presence of ascorbate is demonstrated with the irreversible oxidation of ascorbate at the "mouth" of the trench electrode and chemically reversible oxidation of dopamine in the trench "interior". This spatial separation of chemically reversible and irreversible processes within and outside the trench is discussed as a potential in situ microscale sensing and separation tool.

Rare behavior of growth processes via umbrella sampling of trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klymko, Katherine; Geissler, Phillip L.; Garrahan, Juan P.; Whitelam, Stephen

2018-03-01

We compute probability distributions of trajectory observables for reversible and irreversible growth processes. These results reveal a correspondence between reversible and irreversible processes, at particular points in parameter space, in terms of their typical and atypical trajectories. Thus key features of growth processes can be insensitive to the precise form of the rate constants used to generate them, recalling the insensitivity to microscopic details of certain equilibrium behavior. We obtained these results using a sampling method, inspired by the "s -ensemble" large-deviation formalism, that amounts to umbrella sampling in trajectory space. The method is a simple variant of existing approaches, and applies to ensembles of trajectories controlled by the total number of events. It can be used to determine large-deviation rate functions for trajectory observables in or out of equilibrium.

Irreversible Local Markov Chains with Rapid Convergence towards Equilibrium.

PubMed

Kapfer, Sebastian C; Krauth, Werner

2017-12-15

We study the continuous one-dimensional hard-sphere model and present irreversible local Markov chains that mix on faster time scales than the reversible heat bath or Metropolis algorithms. The mixing time scales appear to fall into two distinct universality classes, both faster than for reversible local Markov chains. The event-chain algorithm, the infinitesimal limit of one of these Markov chains, belongs to the class presenting the fastest decay. For the lattice-gas limit of the hard-sphere model, reversible local Markov chains correspond to the symmetric simple exclusion process (SEP) with periodic boundary conditions. The two universality classes for irreversible Markov chains are realized by the totally asymmetric SEP (TASEP), and by a faster variant (lifted TASEP) that we propose here. We discuss how our irreversible hard-sphere Markov chains generalize to arbitrary repulsive pair interactions and carry over to higher dimensions through the concept of lifted Markov chains and the recently introduced factorized Metropolis acceptance rule.

Irreversible Local Markov Chains with Rapid Convergence towards Equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapfer, Sebastian C.; Krauth, Werner

2017-12-01

We study the continuous one-dimensional hard-sphere model and present irreversible local Markov chains that mix on faster time scales than the reversible heat bath or Metropolis algorithms. The mixing time scales appear to fall into two distinct universality classes, both faster than for reversible local Markov chains. The event-chain algorithm, the infinitesimal limit of one of these Markov chains, belongs to the class presenting the fastest decay. For the lattice-gas limit of the hard-sphere model, reversible local Markov chains correspond to the symmetric simple exclusion process (SEP) with periodic boundary conditions. The two universality classes for irreversible Markov chains are realized by the totally asymmetric SEP (TASEP), and by a faster variant (lifted TASEP) that we propose here. We discuss how our irreversible hard-sphere Markov chains generalize to arbitrary repulsive pair interactions and carry over to higher dimensions through the concept of lifted Markov chains and the recently introduced factorized Metropolis acceptance rule.

Parkinson’s disease managing reversible neurodegeneration

PubMed Central

Hinz, Marty; Stein, Alvin; Cole, Ted; McDougall, Beth; Westaway, Mark

2016-01-01

Traditionally, the Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptom course has been classified as an irreversible progressive neurodegenerative disease. This paper documents 29 PD and treatment-induced systemic depletion etiologies which cause and/or exacerbate the seven novel primary relative nutritional deficiencies associated with PD. These reversible relative nutritional deficiencies (RNDs) may facilitate and accelerate irreversible progressive neurodegeneration, while other reversible RNDs may induce previously undocumented reversible pseudo-neurodegeneration that is hiding in plain sight since the symptoms are identical to the symptoms being experienced by the PD patient. Documented herein is a novel nutritional approach for reversible processes management which may slow or halt irreversible progressive neurodegenerative disease and correct reversible RNDs whose symptoms are identical to the patient’s PD symptoms. PMID:27103805

Flocculation kinetics of low-turbidity raw water and the irreversible floc breakup process.

PubMed

Marques, Rodrigo de Oliveira; Ferreira Filho, Sidney Seckler

2017-04-01

The main objective of this study was to propose an improvement to the flocculation kinetics model presented by Argaman and Kaufman, by including a new term that accounts for the irreversible floc breakup process. Both models were fitted to the experimental results obtained with flocculation kinetics assays of low turbidity raw water containing Microcystis aeruginosa cells. Aluminum sulfate and ferric chloride were used as coagulants, and three distinct average velocity gradient (G) values were applied in the flocculation stage (20, 40 and 60 s -1 ). Experimental results suggest that the equilibrium between the aggregation and breakup process, as depicted by Argaman and Kaufman's original model, might not be constant over time, since the residual turbidity increased in various assays (phenomenon that was attributed to the irreversible floc breakup process). In the aluminum sulfate assays, the residual turbidity increase was visible when G = 20 s -1 (dosages of 60 and 80 mg L -1 ). For the ferric chloride assays, the phenomenon was noticed when G = 60 s -1 (dosages of 60 and 80 mg L -1 ). The proposed model presented a better fit to the experimental results, especially at higher coagulant dosages and/or higher values of average velocity gradient (G).

Universal ideal behavior and macroscopic work relation of linear irreversible stochastic thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yi-An; Qian, Hong

2015-06-01

We revisit the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck (OU) process as the fundamental mathematical description of linear irreversible phenomena, with fluctuations, near an equilibrium. By identifying the underlying circulating dynamics in a stationary process as the natural generalization of classical conservative mechanics, a bridge between a family of OU processes with equilibrium fluctuations and thermodynamics is established through the celebrated Helmholtz theorem. The Helmholtz theorem provides an emergent macroscopic ‘equation of state’ of the entire system, which exhibits a universal ideal thermodynamic behavior. Fluctuating macroscopic quantities are studied from the stochastic thermodynamic point of view and a non-equilibrium work relation is obtained in the macroscopic picture, which may facilitate experimental study and application of the equalities due to Jarzynski, Crooks, and Hatano and Sasa.

Reversible and irreversible sorption of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) by sediments of an urban reservoir.

PubMed

Chen, Huiting; Reinhard, Martin; Nguyen, Viet Tung; Gin, Karina Yew-Hoong

2016-02-01

Uncertainty about the extent to which contaminant sorption by suspended solids and bed sediments is irreversible is a major impediment for modeling and managing the water quality of surface water resources. This study examined reversible and irreversible sorption of several perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) to bed sediments from an urban reservoir. PFCs investigated include C4, C6, C8, C9 and C10 perfluoroalkanoate homologues (PFBA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFNA and PFDA, respectively) and perfluorooctane and hexane sulfonate (PFOS and PFHxS, respectively). Although sorption branches of the PFOS, PFNA and PFDA isotherms were nearly linear (implying a partitioning-like process), desorption experiments indicated that a fraction of the sorbed PFCs were entrapped and resistant to desorption. The hysteretic desorption branches were approximately linear. Irreversibility increased with chain length and was nearly complete for PFDA (thermodynamic irreversibility index (TII) 0.98). For the weakly sorbing PFOA and PFHxS, sorption was largely reversible. Data suggest that (1) for the strongly sorbing PFCs, e.g. PFNA, PFDA and PFOS, bed sediments acted predominantly as irreversible sinks, (2) aqueous concentrations of the moderately sorbing PFCs (PFOA and PFHxS) are buffered by reversibly sorbing suspended solids, and (3) the short-chain PFCs (PFBA and PFHxA) are not significantly sorbed and therefore not expected to be significantly influenced by sediment transport. Situations in which highly contaminated particles entering relatively clean water bodies, equilibrium is approached from the reverse (desorption) direction. For irreversibly sorbed contaminants field-based K(D) values will be higher than the K(D) values derived from laboratory sorption data obtained from forward sorption experiments. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Bistability in cell signaling: How to make continuous processes discontinuous, and reversible processes irreversible

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrell, James E.; Xiong, Wen

2001-03-01

Xenopus oocyte maturation is an example of an all-or-none, irreversible cell fate induction process. In response to a submaximal concentration of the steroid hormone progesterone, a given oocyte may either mature or not mature, but it can exist in intermediate states only transiently. Moreover, once an oocyte has matured, it will remain arrested in the mature state even after the progesterone is removed. It has been hypothesized that the all-or-none character of oocyte maturation, and some aspects of the irreversibility of maturation, arise out of the bistability of the signal transduction system that triggers maturation. The bistability, in turn, is hypothesized to arise from the way the signal transducers are organized into a signaling circuit that includes positive feedback (which makes it so that the system cannot rest in intermediate states) and ultrasensitivity (which filters small stimuli out of the feedback loop, allowing the system to have a stable off-state). Here we review two simple graphical methods that are commonly used to analyze bistable systems, discuss the experimental evidence for bistability in oocyte maturation, and suggest that bistability may be a common means of producing all-or-none responses and a type of biochemical memory.

Maximally reliable Markov chains under energy constraints.

PubMed

Escola, Sean; Eisele, Michael; Miller, Kenneth; Paninski, Liam

2009-07-01

Signal-to-noise ratios in physical systems can be significantly degraded if the outputs of the systems are highly variable. Biological processes for which highly stereotyped signal generations are necessary features appear to have reduced their signal variabilities by employing multiple processing steps. To better understand why this multistep cascade structure might be desirable, we prove that the reliability of a signal generated by a multistate system with no memory (i.e., a Markov chain) is maximal if and only if the system topology is such that the process steps irreversibly through each state, with transition rates chosen such that an equal fraction of the total signal is generated in each state. Furthermore, our result indicates that by increasing the number of states, it is possible to arbitrarily increase the reliability of the system. In a physical system, however, an energy cost is associated with maintaining irreversible transitions, and this cost increases with the number of such transitions (i.e., the number of states). Thus, an infinite-length chain, which would be perfectly reliable, is infeasible. To model the effects of energy demands on the maximally reliable solution, we numerically optimize the topology under two distinct energy functions that penalize either irreversible transitions or incommunicability between states, respectively. In both cases, the solutions are essentially irreversible linear chains, but with upper bounds on the number of states set by the amount of available energy. We therefore conclude that a physical system for which signal reliability is important should employ a linear architecture, with the number of states (and thus the reliability) determined by the intrinsic energy constraints of the system.

The Emergence of Temporal Structures in Dynamical Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mainzer, Klaus

2010-10-01

Dynamical systems in classical, relativistic and quantum physics are ruled by laws with time reversibility. Complex dynamical systems with time-irreversibility are known from thermodynamics, biological evolution, growth of organisms, brain research, aging of people, and historical processes in social sciences. Complex systems are systems that compromise many interacting parts with the ability to generate a new quality of macroscopic collective behavior the manifestations of which are the spontaneous emergence of distinctive temporal, spatial or functional structures. But, emergence is no mystery. In a general meaning, the emergence of macroscopic features results from the nonlinear interactions of the elements in a complex system. Mathematically, the emergence of irreversible structures is modelled by phase transitions in non-equilibrium dynamics of complex systems. These methods have been modified even for chemical, biological, economic and societal applications (e.g., econophysics). Emergence of irreversible structures can also be simulated by computational systems. The question arises how the emergence of irreversible structures is compatible with the reversibility of fundamental physical laws. It is argued that, according to quantum cosmology, cosmic evolution leads from symmetry to complexity of irreversible structures by symmetry breaking and phase transitions. Thus, arrows of time and aging processes are not only subjective experiences or even contradictions to natural laws, but they can be explained by quantum cosmology and the nonlinear dynamics of complex systems. Human experiences and religious concepts of arrows of time are considered in a modern scientific framework. Platonic ideas of eternity are at least understandable with respect to mathematical invariance and symmetry of physical laws. Heraclit’s world of change and dynamics can be mapped onto our daily real-life experiences of arrows of time.

Elucidating the Irreversible Mechanism and Voltage Hysteresis in Conversion Reaction for High-Energy Sodium-Metal Sulfide Batteries

DOE PAGES

Wang, Jiajun; Wang, Liguang; Eng, Christopher; ...

2017-03-03

We present that irreversible electrochemical behavior and large voltage hysteresis are commonly observed in battery materials, in particular for materials reacting through conversion reaction, resulting in undesirable round-trip energy loss and low coulombic efficiency. Seeking solutions to these challenges relies on the understanding of the underlying mechanism and physical origins. Here, this study combines in operando 2D transmission X-ray microscopy with X-ray absorption near edge structure, 3D tomography, and galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques to uncover the conversion reaction in sodium–metal sulfide batteries, a promising high-energy battery system. This study shows a high irreversible electrochemistry process predominately occurs at first cycle,more » which can be largely linked to Na ion trapping during the first desodiation process and large interfacial ion mobility resistance. Subsequently, phase transformation evolution and electrochemical reaction show good reversibility at multiple discharge/charge cycles due to materials' microstructural change and equilibrium. The origin of large hysteresis between discharge and charge is investigated and it can be attributed to multiple factors including ion mobility resistance at the two-phase interface, intrinsic slow sodium ion diffusion kinetics, and irreversibility as well as ohmic voltage drop and overpotential. In conclusion, this study expects that such understandings will help pave the way for engineering design and optimization of materials microstructure for future-generation batteries.« less

Temporal asymmetry in precipitation time series and its influence on flow simulations in combined sewer systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Thomas; Schütze, Manfred; Bárdossy, András

2017-09-01

A property of natural processes is temporal irreversibility. However, this property cannot be reflected by most statistics used to describe precipitation time series and, consequently, is not considered in most precipitation models. In this paper, a new statistic, the asymmetry measure, is introduced and applied to precipitation enabling to detect and quantify irreversibility. It is used to analyze two different data sets of Singapore and Germany. The data of both locations show a significant asymmetry for high temporal resolutions. The asymmetry is more pronounced for Singapore where the climate is dominated by convective precipitation events. The impact of irreversibility on applications is analyzed on two different hydrological sewer system models. The results show that the effect of the irreversibility can lead to biases in combined sewer overflow statistics. This bias is in the same order as the effect that can be achieved by real time control of sewer systems. Consequently, wrong conclusion can be drawn if synthetic time series are used for sewer systems if asymmetry is present, but not considered in precipitation modeling.

Unravelling the origin of irreversible capacity loss in NaNiO 2 for high voltage sodium ion batteries

DOE PAGES

Wang, Liguang; Wang, Jiajun; Zhang, Xiaoyi; ...

2017-02-24

Layered transition metal compounds have attracted much attention due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density for sodium ion batteries. However, this kind of material suffers from serious irreversible capacity decay during the charge and discharge process. Here, using synchrotron-based operando transmission X-ray microscopy and high-energy X-ray diffraction combined with electrochemical measurements, the visualization of the dissymmetric phase transformation and structure evolution mechanism of layered NaNiO 2 material during initial charge and discharge cycles are clarified. Phase transformation and deformation of NaNiO 2 during the voltage range of below 3.0 V and over 4.0 V are responsible for themore » irreversible capacity loss during the first cycling, which is also confirmed by the evolution of reaction kinetics behavior obtained by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. Lastly, these findings reveal the origin of the irreversibility of NaNiO 2 and offer valuable insight into the phase transformation mechanism, which will provide underlying guidance for further development of high-performance sodium ion batteries.« less

Unravelling the origin of irreversible capacity loss in NaNiO 2 for high voltage sodium ion batteries

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

Wang, Liguang; Wang, Jiajun; Zhang, Xiaoyi

Layered transition metal compounds have attracted much attention due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density for sodium ion batteries. However, this kind of material suffers from serious irreversible capacity decay during the charge and discharge process. Here, using synchrotron-based operando transmission X-ray microscopy and high-energy X-ray diffraction combined with electrochemical measurements, the visualization of the dissymmetric phase transformation and structure evolution mechanism of layered NaNiO 2 material during initial charge and discharge cycles are clarified. Phase transformation and deformation of NaNiO 2 during the voltage range of below 3.0 V and over 4.0 V are responsible for themore » irreversible capacity loss during the first cycling, which is also confirmed by the evolution of reaction kinetics behavior obtained by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. Lastly, these findings reveal the origin of the irreversibility of NaNiO 2 and offer valuable insight into the phase transformation mechanism, which will provide underlying guidance for further development of high-performance sodium ion batteries.« less

Unravelling the origin of irreversible capacity loss in NaNiO 2 for high voltage sodium ion batteries

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

Wang, Liguang; Wang, Jiajun; Zhang, Xiaoyi

Layered transition metal compounds have attracted much attention due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density for sodium ion batteries. However, this kind of material suffers from serious irreversible capacity decay during the charge and discharge process. Here, using synchrotron-based operando transmission X-ray microscopy and high-energy X-ray diffraction combined with electrochemical measurements, the visualization of the dissymmetric phase transformation and structure evolution mechanism of layered NaNiO2 material during initial charge and discharge cycles are clarified. Phase transformation and deformation of NaNiO2 during the voltage range of below 3.0 V and over 4.0 V are responsible for the irreversible capacitymore » loss during the first cycling, which is also confirmed by the evolution of reaction kinetics behavior obtained by the galvanostatic intermittent titration technique. These findings reveal the origin of the irreversibility of NaNiO2 and offer valuable insight into the phase transformation mechanism, which will provide underlying guidance for further development of high-performance sodium ion batteries.« less

Robust and irreversible development in cell society as a general consequence of intra-inter dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaneko, Kunihiko; Furusawa, Chikara

2000-05-01

A dynamical systems scenario for developmental cell biology is proposed, based on numerical studies of a system with interacting units with internal dynamics and reproduction. Diversification, formation of discrete and recursive types, and rules for differentiation are found as a natural consequence of such a system. “Stem cells” that either proliferate or differentiate to different types stochastically are found to appear when intra-cellular dynamics are chaotic. Robustness of the developmental process against microscopic and macroscopic perturbations is shown to be a natural consequence of such intra-inter dynamics, while irreversibility in developmental process is discussed in terms of the gain of stability, loss of diversity and chaotic instability.

Magnetic irreversibility: An important amendment in the zero-field-cooling and field-cooling method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teixeira Dias, Fábio; das Neves Vieira, Valdemar; Esperança Nunes, Sabrina; Pureur, Paulo; Schaf, Jacob; Fernanda Farinela da Silva, Graziele; de Paiva Gouvêa, Cristol; Wolff-Fabris, Frederik; Kampert, Erik; Obradors, Xavier; Puig, Teresa; Roa Rovira, Joan Josep

2016-02-01

The present work reports about experimental procedures to correct significant deviations of magnetization data, caused by magnetic relaxation, due to small field cycling by sample transport in the inhomogeneous applied magnetic field of commercial magnetometers. The extensively used method for measuring the magnetic irreversibility by first cooling the sample in zero field, switching on a constant applied magnetic field and measuring the magnetization M(T) while slowly warming the sample, and subsequently measuring M(T) while slowly cooling it back in the same field, is very sensitive even to small displacement of the magnetization curve. In our melt-processed YBaCuO superconducting sample we observed displacements of the irreversibility limit up to 7 K in high fields. Such displacements are detected only on confronting the magnetic irreversibility limit with other measurements, like for instance zero resistance, in which the sample remains fixed and so is not affected by such relaxation. We measured the magnetic irreversibility, Tirr(H), using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) from Quantum Design. The zero resistance data, Tc0(H), were obtained using a PPMS from Quantum Design. On confronting our irreversibility lines with those of zero resistance, we observed that the Tc0(H) data fell several degrees K above the Tirr(H) data, which obviously contradicts the well known properties of superconductivity. In order to get consistent Tirr(H) data in the H-T plane, it was necessary to do a lot of additional measurements as a function of the amplitude of the sample transport and extrapolate the Tirr(H) data for each applied field to zero amplitude.

Time in Science: Reversibility vs. Irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pomeau, Yves

To discuss properly the question of irreversibility one needs to make a careful distinction between reversibility of the equations of motion and the choice of the initial conditions. This is also relevant for the rather confuse philosophy of the wave packet reduction in quantum mechanics. The explanation of this reduction requires also to make precise assumptions on what initial data are accessible in our world. Finally I discuss how a given (and long) time record can be shown in an objective way to record an irreversible or reversible process. Or: can a direction of time be derived from its analysis? This leads quite naturally to examine if there is a possible spontaneous breaking of the time reversal symmetry in many body systems, a symmetry breaking that would be put in evidence objectively by looking at certain specific time correlations.

Sediment-Associated Reactions of Aromatic Amines

EPA Science Inventory

Sorption of aromatic amines to sediments and soils can occur by both reversible physical processes and irreversible chemical processes. To elucidate the significance of these sorption pathways, the sorption kinetics of aniline and pyridine were studied in resaturated pond sedimen...

Nonequilibrium Statistical Operator Method and Generalized Kinetic Equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuzemsky, A. L.

2018-01-01

We consider some principal problems of nonequilibrium statistical thermodynamics in the framework of the Zubarev nonequilibrium statistical operator approach. We present a brief comparative analysis of some approaches to describing irreversible processes based on the concept of nonequilibrium Gibbs ensembles and their applicability to describing nonequilibrium processes. We discuss the derivation of generalized kinetic equations for a system in a heat bath. We obtain and analyze a damped Schrödinger-type equation for a dynamical system in a heat bath. We study the dynamical behavior of a particle in a medium taking the dissipation effects into account. We consider the scattering problem for neutrons in a nonequilibrium medium and derive a generalized Van Hove formula. We show that the nonequilibrium statistical operator method is an effective, convenient tool for describing irreversible processes in condensed matter.

From Discrete to Continuous Process Simulation in Classical Thermodynamics: Irreversible Expansions of Ideal Monatomic Gases

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Álvarez-Rúa, Carmen; Borge, Javier

2016-01-01

Thermodynamic processes are complex phenomena that can be understood as a set of successive stages. When treating processes, classical thermodynamics (and most particularly, the Gibbsian formulation, predominantly used in chemistry) only pays attention to initial and final states. However, reintroducing the notion of process is absolutely…

Crack layer theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chudnovsky, A.

1984-01-01

A damage parameter is introduced in addition to conventional parameters of continuum mechanics and consider a crack surrounded by an array of microdefects within the continuum mechanics framework. A system consisting of the main crack and surrounding damage is called crack layer (CL). Crack layer propagation is an irreversible process. The general framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes are employed to identify the driving forces (causes) and to derive the constitutive equation of CL propagation, that is, the relationship between the rates of the crack growth and damage dissemination from one side and the conjugated thermodynamic forces from another. The proposed law of CL propagation is in good agreement with the experimental data on fatigue CL propagation in various materials. The theory also elaborates material toughness characterization.

Crack layer theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chudnovsky, A.

1987-01-01

A damage parameter is introduced in addition to conventional parameters of continuum mechanics and consider a crack surrounded by an array of microdefects within the continuum mechanics framework. A system consisting of the main crack and surrounding damage is called crack layer (CL). Crack layer propagation is an irreversible process. The general framework of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes are employed to identify the driving forces (causes) and to derive the constitutive equation of CL propagation, that is, the relationship between the rates of the crack growth and damage dissemination from one side and the conjugated thermodynamic forces from another. The proposed law of CL propagation is in good agreement with the experimental data on fatigue CL propagation in various materials. The theory also elaborates material toughness characterization.

Entropy production and nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations.

PubMed

Casas, G A; Nobre, F D; Curado, E M F

2012-12-01

The entropy time rate of systems described by nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations--which are directly related to generalized entropic forms--is analyzed. Both entropy production, associated with irreversible processes, and entropy flux from the system to its surroundings are studied. Some examples of known generalized entropic forms are considered, and particularly, the flux and production of the Boltzmann-Gibbs entropy, obtained from the linear Fokker-Planck equation, are recovered as particular cases. Since nonlinear Fokker-Planck equations are appropriate for the dynamical behavior of several physical phenomena in nature, like many within the realm of complex systems, the present analysis should be applicable to irreversible processes in a large class of nonlinear systems, such as those described by Tsallis and Kaniadakis entropies.

Roles of Reversible and Irreversible Aggregation in Sugar Processing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Colloids (1-1000 nm particles) in sugar cane/beet juice originate from non-sucrose impurities (polyphenolic colorants, residual soil, polysaccharides) of the plant materials; additional colloids form during the high temperature processing. Colloids are reactive towards aggregation, sorption, desorp...

Surface Chemistry and Precursor Material Effects on the Performance of Pyrolyzed Nanofibers as Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loebl, Andrew James

Next-generation lithium-ion batteries to meet consumer demands and new applications require the development of new electrode materials. Electrospinning of polymers is a simple and effective method to create one-dimensional, self-supporting materials, with no inactive components after pyrolysis. Composites of these nanofibers and high-capacity lithium materials have been demonstrated to possess superior reversible capacity than state-of-the-art commercial anodes. Despite impressive reversible discharge capacities polyacrylonitrile-based composites are not ready for adoption in commercial applications. These materials suffer from irreversible losses of Li to formation on the electrode of the solid electrolyte interphase during the first charge of the cell. This thesis work has taken two approaches to engineer high-performing nanofiber-based electrodes. First, the chemistry at the interface of the electrode and the electrolyte has been changed by depositing new surfaces. Attempts to create a graphitic fiber surface via plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition did not result in an improvement of the irreversible losses. However, the experiments did demonstrate the growth of large surface area carbon nanowalls on the pyrolyzed electrospun fibers, creating a material which could serve as a substrate in catalysis or as an electrode for composite ultra-capacitors. Additionally, passivation surfaces were deposited by atomic layer deposition and molecular layer deposition. These new surfaces were employed to reduce the irreversible consumption of lithium by moving the charge transfer reaction to the interface of the carbon and the new material. The removal the lithium from the solvent prior to charge transfer limits the irreversible reduction of solvent by metallic lithium. Alumina films grown by atomic layer deposition reduced lithium losses to the solid electrolyte interphase by up to 42% for twenty deposition cycles. This large improvement in irreversible capacity resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in reversible lithium storage. Thinner coatings of alumina had a less dramatic effect on both the irreversible capacity losses and the reversible discharge capacity. A coating of ten cycles of alumina at a temperature of 150 °C resulted in a 17% reduction in irreversible capacity with negligible impact on the reversible capacity. Hybrid aluminum-organic films grown by molecular layer deposition also reduced irreversible lithium losses. The largest reduction was 23% for electrodes coated with 40 cycles of the alucone material. For all thicknesses studied these hybrid films delivered less improvement than the alumina grown by atomic layer deposition, with poor reversible lithium storage capacity available at high charging and discharging currents. Second, polyacrylonitrile has served as the precursor for electrospun composite electrodes because of its ease of processing and well-known carbonization process. Polyimides represent a family of polymers for which the material properties can be tailored by careful monomer selection. These polymers were used as the non-woven matrix to create materials capable of delivering a larger percentage of their maximum reversible capacities at high currents when compared to polyacrylonitrile-based electrodes. These materials had a more graphitic structure based on Raman spectroscopy, and resulted in lower irreversible capacity losses than polyacrylonitrile-based fibers for fibers based on pyromellitic dianhydride and p-phenylene diamine.

Reconstructing quantum entropy production to probe irreversibility and correlations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gherardini, Stefano; Müller, Matthias M.; Trombettoni, Andrea; Ruffo, Stefano; Caruso, Filippo

2018-07-01

One of the major goals of quantum thermodynamics is the characterization of irreversibility and its consequences in quantum processes. Here, we discuss how entropy production provides a quantification of the irreversibility in open quantum systems through the quantum fluctuation theorem. We start by introducing a two-time quantum measurement scheme, in which the dynamical evolution between the measurements is described by a completely positive, trace-preserving (CPTP) quantum map (forward process). By inverting the measurement scheme and applying the time-reversed version of the quantum map, we can study how this backward process differs from the forward one. When the CPTP map is unital, we show that the stochastic quantum entropy production is a function only of the probabilities to get the initial measurement outcomes in correspondence of the forward and backward processes. For bipartite open quantum systems we also prove that the mean value of the stochastic quantum entropy production is sub-additive with respect to the bipartition (except for product states). Hence, we find a method to detect correlations between the subsystems. Our main result is the proposal of an efficient protocol to determine and reconstruct the characteristic functions of the stochastic entropy production for each subsystem. This procedure enables to reconstruct even others thermodynamical quantities, such as the work distribution of the composite system and the corresponding internal energy. Efficiency and possible extensions of the protocol are also discussed. Finally, we show how our findings might be experimentally tested by exploiting the state of-the-art trapped-ion platforms.

The effect of growth temperature on the irreversibility line of MPMG YBCO bulk with Y2O3 layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurnaz, Sedat; Çakır, Bakiye; Aydıner, Alev

2017-07-01

In this study, three kinds of YBCO samples which are named Y1040, Y1050 and Y1060 were fabricated by Melt-Powder-Melt-Growth (MPMG) method without a seed crystal. Samples seem to be single crystal. The compacted powders were located on a crucible with a buffer layer of Y2O3 to avoid liquid to spread on the furnace plate and also to support crystal growth. YBCO samples were investigated by magnetoresistivity (ρ-T) and magnetization (M-T) measurements in dc magnetic fields (parallel to c-axis) up to 5 T. Irreversibility fields (Hirr) and upper critical fields (Hc2) were obtained using 10% and 90% criteria of the normal state resistivity value from ρ-T curves. M-T measurements were carried out using the zero field cooling (ZFC) and field cooling (FC) processes to get irreversible temperature (Tirr). Fitting of the irreversibility line results to giant flux creep and vortex glass models were discussed. The results were found to be consistent with the results of the samples fabricated using a seed crystal. At the fabrication of MPMG YBCO, optimized temperature for crystal growth was determined to be around 1050-1060 °C.

Reversibility and energy dissipation in adiabatic superconductor logic.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Naoki; Yamanashi, Yuki; Yoshikawa, Nobuyuki

2017-03-06

Reversible computing is considered to be a key technology to achieve an extremely high energy efficiency in future computers. In this study, we investigated the relationship between reversibility and energy dissipation in adiabatic superconductor logic. We analyzed the evolution of phase differences of Josephson junctions in the reversible quantum-flux-parametron (RQFP) gate and confirmed that the phase differences can change time reversibly, which indicates that the RQFP gate is physically, as well as logically, reversible. We calculated energy dissipation required for the RQFP gate to perform a logic operation and numerically demonstrated that the energy dissipation can fall below the thermal limit, or the Landauer bound, by lowering operation frequencies. We also investigated the 1-bit-erasure gate as a logically irreversible gate and the quasi-RQFP gate as a physically irreversible gate. We calculated the energy dissipation of these irreversible gates and showed that the energy dissipation of these gate is dominated by non-adiabatic state changes, which are induced by unwanted interactions between gates due to logical or physical irreversibility. Our results show that, in reversible computing using adiabatic superconductor logic, logical and physical reversibility are required to achieve energy dissipation smaller than the Landauer bound without non-adiabatic processes caused by gate interactions.

The entropic cost of quantum generalized measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mancino, Luca; Sbroscia, Marco; Roccia, Emanuele; Gianani, Ilaria; Somma, Fabrizia; Mataloni, Paolo; Paternostro, Mauro; Barbieri, Marco

2018-03-01

Landauer's principle introduces a symmetry between computational and physical processes: erasure of information, a logically irreversible operation, must be underlain by an irreversible transformation dissipating energy. Monitoring micro- and nano-systems needs to enter into the energetic balance of their control; hence, finding the ultimate limits is instrumental to the development of future thermal machines operating at the quantum level. We report on the experimental investigation of a lower bound to the irreversible entropy associated to generalized quantum measurements on a quantum bit. We adopted a quantum photonics gate to implement a device interpolating from the weakly disturbing to the fully invasive and maximally informative regime. Our experiment prompted us to introduce a bound taking into account both the classical result of the measurement and the outcoming quantum state; unlike previous investigation, our entropic bound is based uniquely on measurable quantities. Our results highlight what insights the information-theoretic approach provides on building blocks of quantum information processors.

Time irreversibility and intrinsics revealing of series with complex network approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Hui; Shang, Pengjian; Xia, Jianan; Wang, Jing

2018-06-01

In this work, we analyze time series on the basis of the visibility graph algorithm that maps the original series into a graph. By taking into account the all-round information carried by the signals, the time irreversibility and fractal behavior of series are evaluated from a complex network perspective, and considered signals are further classified from different aspects. The reliability of the proposed analysis is supported by numerical simulations on synthesized uncorrelated random noise, short-term correlated chaotic systems and long-term correlated fractal processes, and by the empirical analysis on daily closing prices of eleven worldwide stock indices. Obtained results suggest that finite size has a significant effect on the evaluation, and that there might be no direct relation between the time irreversibility and long-range correlation of series. Similarity and dissimilarity between stock indices are also indicated from respective regional and global perspectives, showing the existence of multiple features of underlying systems.

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

Nikitin, M. P.; Orlov, A. V.; Sokolov, I. L.

The magnetically soft, disk-shaped particles reveal a strong nonlinearity of the magnetization process due to irreversible transitions from the spin vortex to single-domain configuration, enabling their ultrasensitive detection in high-background environments.

Theoretical analysis of Lumry-Eyring models in differential scanning calorimetry

PubMed Central

Sanchez-Ruiz, Jose M.

1992-01-01

A theoretical analysis of several protein denaturation models (Lumry-Eyring models) that include a rate-limited step leading to an irreversibly denatured state of the protein (the final state) has been carried out. The differential scanning calorimetry transitions predicted for these models can be broadly classified into four groups: situations A, B, C, and C′. (A) The transition is calorimetrically irreversible but the rate-limited, irreversible step takes place with significant rate only at temperatures slightly above those corresponding to the transition. Equilibrium thermodynamics analysis is permissible. (B) The transition is distorted by the occurrence of the rate-limited step; nevertheless, it contains thermodynamic information about the reversible unfolding of the protein, which could be obtained upon the appropriate data treatment. (C) The heat absorption is entirely determined by the kinetics of formation of the final state and no thermodynamic information can be extracted from the calorimetric transition; the rate-determining step is the irreversible process itself. (C′) same as C, but, in this case, the rate-determining step is a previous step in the unfolding pathway. It is shown that ligand and protein concentration effects on transitions corresponding to situation C (strongly rate-limited transitions) are similar to those predicted by equilibrium thermodynamics for simple reversible unfolding models. It has been widely held in recent literature that experimentally observed ligand and protein concentration effects support the applicability of equilibrium thermodynamics to irreversible protein denaturation. The theoretical analysis reported here disfavors this claim. PMID:19431826

Nanometer-scale mapping of irreversible electrochemical nucleation processes on solid Li-ion electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Amit; Arruda, Thomas M.; Tselev, Alexander; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Lawton, Jamie S.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.; Butyaev, Oleg; Zayats, Sergey; Jesse, Stephen; Kalinin, Sergei V.

2013-04-01

Electrochemical processes associated with changes in structure, connectivity or composition typically proceed via new phase nucleation with subsequent growth of nuclei. Understanding and controlling reactions requires the elucidation and control of nucleation mechanisms. However, factors controlling nucleation kinetics, including the interplay between local mechanical conditions, microstructure and local ionic profile remain inaccessible. Furthermore, the tendency of current probing techniques to interfere with the original microstructure prevents a systematic evaluation of the correlation between the microstructure and local electrochemical reactivity. In this work, the spatial variability of irreversible nucleation processes of Li on a Li-ion conductive glass-ceramics surface is studied with ~30 nm resolution. An increased nucleation rate at the boundaries between the crystalline AlPO4 phase and amorphous matrix is observed and attributed to Li segregation. This study opens a pathway for probing mechanisms at the level of single structural defects and elucidation of electrochemical activities in nanoscale volumes.

Using compression calorimetry to characterize powder compaction behavior of pharmaceutical materials.

PubMed

Buckner, Ira S; Friedman, Ross A; Wurster, Dale Eric

2010-02-01

The process by which pharmaceutical powders are compressed into cohesive compacts or tablets has been studied using a compression calorimeter. Relating the various thermodynamic results to relevant physical processes has been emphasized. Work, heat, and internal energy change values have been determined with the compression calorimeter for common pharmaceutical materials. A framework of equations has been proposed relating the physical processes of friction, reversible deformation, irreversible deformation, and inter-particle bonding to the compression calorimetry values. The results indicate that irreversible deformation dominated many of the thermodynamic values, especially the net internal energy change following the compression-decompression cycle. The relationships between the net work and the net heat from the complete cycle were very clear indicators of predominating deformation mechanisms. Likewise, the ratio of energy stored as internal energy to the initial work input distinguished the materials according to their brittle or plastic deformation tendencies. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Nanometer-scale mapping of irreversible electrochemical nucleation processes on solid Li-ion electrolytes.

PubMed

Kumar, Amit; Arruda, Thomas M; Tselev, Alexander; Ivanov, Ilia N; Lawton, Jamie S; Zawodzinski, Thomas A; Butyaev, Oleg; Zayats, Sergey; Jesse, Stephen; Kalinin, Sergei V

2013-01-01

Electrochemical processes associated with changes in structure, connectivity or composition typically proceed via new phase nucleation with subsequent growth of nuclei. Understanding and controlling reactions requires the elucidation and control of nucleation mechanisms. However, factors controlling nucleation kinetics, including the interplay between local mechanical conditions, microstructure and local ionic profile remain inaccessible. Furthermore, the tendency of current probing techniques to interfere with the original microstructure prevents a systematic evaluation of the correlation between the microstructure and local electrochemical reactivity. In this work, the spatial variability of irreversible nucleation processes of Li on a Li-ion conductive glass-ceramics surface is studied with ~30 nm resolution. An increased nucleation rate at the boundaries between the crystalline AlPO4 phase and amorphous matrix is observed and attributed to Li segregation. This study opens a pathway for probing mechanisms at the level of single structural defects and elucidation of electrochemical activities in nanoscale volumes.

Nanometer-scale mapping of irreversible electrochemical nucleation processes on solid Li-ion electrolytes

PubMed Central

Kumar, Amit; Arruda, Thomas M.; Tselev, Alexander; Ivanov, Ilia N.; Lawton, Jamie S.; Zawodzinski, Thomas A.; Butyaev, Oleg; Zayats, Sergey; Jesse, Stephen; Kalinin, Sergei V.

2013-01-01

Electrochemical processes associated with changes in structure, connectivity or composition typically proceed via new phase nucleation with subsequent growth of nuclei. Understanding and controlling reactions requires the elucidation and control of nucleation mechanisms. However, factors controlling nucleation kinetics, including the interplay between local mechanical conditions, microstructure and local ionic profile remain inaccessible. Furthermore, the tendency of current probing techniques to interfere with the original microstructure prevents a systematic evaluation of the correlation between the microstructure and local electrochemical reactivity. In this work, the spatial variability of irreversible nucleation processes of Li on a Li-ion conductive glass-ceramics surface is studied with ~30 nm resolution. An increased nucleation rate at the boundaries between the crystalline AlPO4 phase and amorphous matrix is observed and attributed to Li segregation. This study opens a pathway for probing mechanisms at the level of single structural defects and elucidation of electrochemical activities in nanoscale volumes. PMID:23563856

Is “Hit and Run” a Single Word? The Processing of Irreversible Binomials in Neglect Dyslexia

PubMed Central

Arcara, Giorgio; Lacaita, Graziano; Mattaloni, Elisa; Passarini, Laura; Mondini, Sara; Benincà, Paola; Semenza, Carlo

2012-01-01

The present study is the first neuropsychological investigation into the problem of the mental representation and processing of irreversible binomials (IBs), i.e., word pairs linked by a conjunction (e.g., “hit and run,” “dead or alive”). In order to test their lexical status, the phenomenon of neglect dyslexia is explored. People with left-sided neglect dyslexia show a clear lexical effect: they can read IBs better (i.e., by dropping the leftmost words less frequently) when their components are presented in their correct order. This may be taken as an indication that they treat these constructions as lexical, not decomposable, elements. This finding therefore constitutes strong evidence that IBs tend to be stored in the mental lexicon as a whole and that this whole form is preferably addressed in the retrieval process. PMID:22347199

Analysis of the irreversible process of proton transport in the purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium.

PubMed

Hong, T; Manqi, T

1980-04-01

The proton transport across biological membrane, accompanied by energy transformation, is closely related with many basic processes involved in the maintenance of life. Active researches are carried out in this field, but so far we have not known a complete calculation. This paper presents a model of an open and closed photon-controlled ion pore with a quantitative analysis of the irreversible process of the proton transport across the purple membrane. Upon absorbing photon by the purple membrane, the deprotonation of the Schiff base causes the ion pore to open, but it will close when it returns to bR570. A set of nonlinear differential equations describing this model is given. The stability of the equations is discussed. The results of the numerical calculation for steady state are found in good agreement with the experimental data of Bakker.

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF A NEW AIR POLLUTION MODELING SYSTEM--II. AEROSOL MODULE STRUCTURE AND DESIGN (R823186)

EPA Science Inventory

The methods used for simulating aerosol physical and chemical processes in a new air pollution modeling system are discussed and analyzed. Such processes include emissions, nucleation, coagulation, reversible chemistry, condensation, dissolution, evaporation, irreversible chem...

A new irreversible enzyme-aided esterification method in organic solvents.

PubMed

Jeromin, Günter E; Zoor, Annegreth

2008-05-01

A new irreversible esterification method for carboxylic acids catalyzed by a lipase from Candida antarctica (Novozyme 435) in organic solvents has been developed. The water produced during the process is chemically destroyed by a corresponding ester of acetoacetate, which acts as a sacrificial substrate in this reaction. The flavour esters isobutyl acetate, methyl butyrate, ethyl butyrate and benzyl butyrate were synthesized either in small scale (0.05 mol) or large scale (1 mol). The yields range from 82 to 92% within 24 h at 52 degrees C. Optimal molar ratios of reactants were 1:1:1 (carboxylic acid:alcohol:acetoacetate).

Hydrodynamic theory of active matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jülicher, Frank; Grill, Stephan W.; Salbreux, Guillaume

2018-07-01

We review the general hydrodynamic theory of active soft materials that is motivated in particular by biological matter. We present basic concepts of irreversible thermodynamics of spatially extended multicomponent active systems. Starting from the rate of entropy production, we identify conjugate thermodynamic fluxes and forces and present generic constitutive equations of polar active fluids and active gels. We also discuss angular momentum conservation which plays a role in the the physics of active chiral gels. The irreversible thermodynamics of active gels provides a general framework to discuss the physics that underlies a wide variety of biological processes in cells and in multicellular tissues.

Multiscale multifractal time irreversibility analysis of stock markets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Chenguang; Shang, Pengjian; Shi, Wenbin

2016-11-01

Time irreversibility is one of the most important properties of nonstationary time series. Complex time series often demonstrate even multiscale time irreversibility, such that not only the original but also coarse-grained time series are asymmetric over a wide range of scales. We study the multiscale time irreversibility of time series. In this paper, we develop a method called multiscale multifractal time irreversibility analysis (MMRA), which allows us to extend the description of time irreversibility to include the dependence on the segment size and statistical moments. We test the effectiveness of MMRA in detecting multifractality and time irreversibility of time series generated from delayed Henon map and binomial multifractal model. Then we employ our method to the time irreversibility analysis of stock markets in different regions. We find that the emerging market has higher multifractality degree and time irreversibility compared with developed markets. In this sense, the MMRA method may provide new angles in assessing the evolution stage of stock markets.

Anderson localized state as a predissipative state: irreversible emission of thermalized quanta from a dynamically delocalized state.

PubMed

Yamada, Hiroaki; Ikeda, Kensuke S

2002-04-01

It was shown that localization in one-dimensional disordered (quantum) electronic system is destroyed against coherent harmonic perturbations and the delocalized electron exhibits an unlimited diffusive motion [Yamada and Ikeda, Phys. Rev. E 59, 5214 (1999)]. The appearance of diffusion implies that the system has potential for irreversibility and dissipation. In the present paper, we investigate dissipative property of the dynamically delocalized state, and we show that an irreversible quasistationary energy flow indeed appears in the form of a "heat" flow when we couple the system with another dynamical degree of freedom. In the concrete we numerically investigate dissipative properties of a one-dimensional tight-binding electronic system perturbed by time-dependent harmonic forces, by coupling it with a quantum harmonic oscillator or a quantum anharmonic oscillator. It is demonstrated that if the on-site potential is spatially irregular an irreversible energy transfer from the scattered electron to the test oscillator occurs. Moreover, the test oscillator promptly approaches a thermalized state characterized by a well-defined time-dependent temperature. On the contrary, such a relaxation process cannot be observed at all for periodic potential systems. Our system is one of the minimal quantum systems in which a distinct nonequilibrium statistical behavior is self-induced.

Understanding Irreversible Degradation of Nb3Sn Wires with Fundamental Fracture Mechanics

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

Zhai, Yuhu; Calzolaio, Ciro; Senatore, Carmine

2014-08-01

Irreversible performance degradation of advanced Nb3Sn superconducting wires subjected to transverse or axial mechanical loading is a critical issue for the design of large-scale fusion and accelerator magnets such as ITER and LHC. Recent SULTAN tests indicate that most cable-in-conduit conductors for ITER coils made of Nb3Sn wires processed by various fabrication techniques show similar performance degradation under cyclic loading. The irreversible degradation due to filament fracture and local strain accumulation in Nb3Sn wires cannot be described by the existing strand scaling law. Fracture mechanic modeling combined with X-ray diffraction imaging of filament micro-crack formation inside the wires under mechanicalmore » loading may reveal exciting insights to the wire degradation mechanisms. We apply fundamental fracture mechanics with a singularity approach to study influence of wire filament microstructure of initial void size and distribution to local stress concentration and potential crack propagation. We report impact of the scale and density of the void structure on stress concentration in the composite wire materials for crack initiation. These initial defects result in an irreversible degradation of the critical current beyond certain applied stress. We also discuss options to minimize stress concentration in the design of the material microstructure for enhanced wire performance for future applications.« less

Study of time reversibility/irreversibility of cardiovascular data: theoretical results and application to laser Doppler flowmetry and heart rate variability signals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humeau-Heurtier, Anne; Mahé, Guillaume; Chapeau-Blondeau, François; Rousseau, David; Abraham, Pierre

2012-07-01

Time irreversibility can be qualitatively defined as the degree of a signal for temporal asymmetry. Recently, a time irreversibility characterization method based on entropies of positive and negative increments has been proposed for experimental signals and applied to heart rate variability (HRV) data (central cardiovascular system (CVS)). The results led to interesting information as a time asymmetry index was found different for young subjects and elderly people or heart disease patients. Nevertheless, similar analyses have not yet been conducted on laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signals (peripheral CVS). We first propose to further investigate the above-mentioned characterization method. Then, LDF signals, LDF signals reduced to samples acquired during ECG R peaks (LDF_RECG signals) and HRV recorded simultaneously in healthy subjects are processed. Entropies of positive and negative increments for LDF signals show a nonmonotonic pattern: oscillations—more or less pronounced, depending on subjects—are found with a period matching the one of cardiac activity. However, such oscillations are not found with LDF_RECG nor with HRV. Moreover, the asymmetry index for LDF is markedly different from the ones of LDF_RECG and HRV. The cardiac activity may therefore play a dominant role in the time irreversibility properties of LDF signals.

Study of the Mechanism of Irreversible Adsorption of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes to Sephacryl Hydrogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rolsma, Caleb

As a class of carbon-based nanomaterials, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) have many structural variations, called chiralities, each with different properties. Many potential applications of SWNT require the properties of a single chirality, but current synthesis methods can only produce single chiralities at prohibitive costs, or mixtures of chiralities at more affordable prices. Post-synthesis chirality separations provide a solution to this problem, and hydrogel separations are one such method. Despite much work in this field, the underlying interactions between SWNT and hydrogel are not fully understood. During separation, large quantities of SWNT are irretrievably lost due to irreversible adsorption to the hydrogel, posing a major problem to separation efficiency, while also offering an interesting scientific problem concerning the interaction of SWNT with hydrogels and surfactants. This thesis explores the problem of irreversible adsorption, offering an explanation for the process from a mechanistic viewpoint, opening new ways for improvement in separation. In brief, this work concludes adsorption follows three pathways, two of which lead to irreversible adsorption, both mediated by the presence of surfactants and limited by characteristics of the hydrogel surface. These findings stand to increase the general understanding of hydrogel SWNT separations, leading to improvements in separation, and bringing the research field closer to the many potential applications of single-chirality SWNT.

General Definitions of Work and Heat in Thermodynamic Processes.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gislason, Eric A.; Craig, Norman C.

1987-01-01

Argues that previous definitions of work and heat are inappropriate. Presents new definitions that are formulated using experimental quantities, claiming that they apply equally well to reversible and irreversible processes. Indicates some of the problems with earlier definitions and applies the new definitions to the First Law of thermodynamics.…

The Analysis of Spontaneous Processes Using Equilibrium Thermodynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Honig, J. M.; Ben-Amotz, Dor

2006-01-01

The derivations based on the use of deficit functions provide a simple means of demonstrating the extremism conditions that are applicable to various thermodynamics function. The method shows that the maximum quantity of work is available from a system only when the processes are carried out reversibly since irreversible (spontaneous)…

Effect of irreversibility on the thermodynamic characterization of the thermal denaturation of Aspergillus saitoi acid proteinase.

PubMed Central

Tello-Solis, S R; Hernandez-Arana, A

1995-01-01

The thermal denaturation of the acid proteinase from Aspergillus saitoi was studied by CD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). This process seemed to be completely irreversible, as protein samples that were heated to temperatures at which the transition had been completed and then cooled at 25 degrees C did not show any reversal of the change in the CD signal. Similar results were obtained with DSC. Nevertheless, we were able to detect the presence of reversibly unfolded species in experiments in which the enzyme solution was heated to a temperature within the transition region, followed by rapid cooling at 25 degrees C. Accordingly, the denaturation of behaviour of the acid proteinase seems to be consistent with the existence of one (or more) reversible unfolding transition followed by an irreversible step. The van't Hoff enthalpy, delta HvH, which corresponds to the reversible transition was calculated from extrapolation to infinite heating rate as 310 kJ.mol-1. This parameter was also determined from direct estimation of the equilibrium constant at several temperatures (delta HvH = 176 kJ.mol-1). Comparison of the average delta HvH with the calorimetric enthalpy (delta Hcal. = 770 kJ.mol-1) gave a value of 3.2 for the delta Hcal./delta HvH ratio, indicating that the molecular structure of the enzyme is probably formed by three or four cooperative regions, a number similar to that of the acid proteinase, pepsin. It should be noted that a completely different conclusion would be obtained from a straightforward analysis of the calorimetric curves, disregarding the effect of irreversibility on the denaturation process. PMID:7487958

Sorptive and desorptive fractionation of dissolved organic matter by mineral soil matrices.

PubMed

Oren, Adi; Chefetz, Benny

2012-01-01

Interactions of dissolved organic matter (DOM) with soil minerals, such as metal oxides and clays, involve various sorption mechanisms and may lead to sorptive fractionation of certain organic moieties. While sorption of DOM to soil minerals typically involves a degree of irreversibility, it is unclear which structural components of DOM correspond to the irreversibly bound fraction and which factors may be considered determinants. To assist in elucidating that, the current study aimed at investigating fractionation of DOM during sorption and desorption processes in soil. Batch DOM sorption and desorption experiments were conducted with organic matter poor, alkaline soils. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Vis spectroscopy were used to analyze bulk DOM, sorbed DOM, and desorbed DOM fractions. Sorptive fractionation resulted mainly from the preferential uptake of aromatic, carboxylic, and phenolic moieties of DOM. Soil metal-oxide content positively affected DOM sorption and binding of some specific carboxylate and phenolate functional groups. Desorptive fractionation of DOM was expressed by the irreversible-binding nature of some carboxylic moieties, whereas other bound carboxylic moieties were readily desorbed. Inner-sphere, as opposed to outer-sphere, ligand-exchange complexation mechanisms may be responsible for these irreversible, as opposed to reversible, interactions, respectively. The interaction of aliphatic DOM constituents with soil, presumably through weak van der Waals forces, was minor and increased with increasing proportion of clay minerals in the soil. Revealing the nature of DOM-fractionation processes is of great importance to understanding carbon stabilization mechanisms in soils, as well as the overall fate of contaminants that might be associated with DOM. Copyright © by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America, Inc.

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

Wang, Jiajun; Wang, Liguang; Eng, Christopher

We present that irreversible electrochemical behavior and large voltage hysteresis are commonly observed in battery materials, in particular for materials reacting through conversion reaction, resulting in undesirable round-trip energy loss and low coulombic efficiency. Seeking solutions to these challenges relies on the understanding of the underlying mechanism and physical origins. Here, this study combines in operando 2D transmission X-ray microscopy with X-ray absorption near edge structure, 3D tomography, and galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques to uncover the conversion reaction in sodium–metal sulfide batteries, a promising high-energy battery system. This study shows a high irreversible electrochemistry process predominately occurs at first cycle,more » which can be largely linked to Na ion trapping during the first desodiation process and large interfacial ion mobility resistance. Subsequently, phase transformation evolution and electrochemical reaction show good reversibility at multiple discharge/charge cycles due to materials' microstructural change and equilibrium. The origin of large hysteresis between discharge and charge is investigated and it can be attributed to multiple factors including ion mobility resistance at the two-phase interface, intrinsic slow sodium ion diffusion kinetics, and irreversibility as well as ohmic voltage drop and overpotential. In conclusion, this study expects that such understandings will help pave the way for engineering design and optimization of materials microstructure for future-generation batteries.« less

Potential effects of tooth-brushing on human dentin wear following exposure to acidic soft drinks.

PubMed

Choi, S; Park, K-H; Cheong, Y; Moon, S W; Park, Y-G; Park, H-K

2012-08-01

This study used scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to examine the short-term potential effects of brushing time and the start-time of tooth-brushing after demineralization on primary dentin wear in vitro. Thirty-six noncarious primary central incisors were assigned to 12 experimental groups. Exposure to cola drinks was used to initiate the demineralization process. Three brushing times (5, 15 and 30 s) and four start-times of brushing (0, 30, 60 and 120 min) after an erosive attack were used for the abrasion process. Tooth-brushing the softened dentin surface led to increases in the open tubular fraction and microstructural changes on the dentin surface. Brushing immediately after exposure to cola resulted in the greatest irreversible dentin loss, whereas brushing 60 or 120 min after pretreatment resulted in the least irreversible dentin loss. However, brushing time had no effect on the irreversible loss of dentin wear. Based on these experimental results, tooth-brushing should be performed at least 60 min after consuming a cola drink to achieve the desired tooth cleaning and avoid the introduction of surface lesions on dentin. © 2012 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2012 Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health.

Irreversible Processes in Ionized Gases

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

Balescu, R.

1960-01-01

The general theory of irreversible processes, developed by Prigogine and Balescu, is applied to the case of long range interactions in ionized gases. A similar diagram technique permits the systematic selection of all the contributions to the evolution of the distribution function, a an order of approximation equivalent to Debye's equilibrium theory. The infinite series which appear in this way can be summed exactly. The resulting evolution equations have a clear physical significance: they describe interactions of "quasi particles," which are electrons or ions "dressed" by their polarization clouds. These clouds are not a permanent feature, as in equilibrium theory,more » but have a nonequilibrium, changing shape, distorted by the motions of the particles. From the mathematical point of view, these equations exhibit a new type of nonlinearity, which is very directly related to the collective nature of the interactions.« less

Analysis of organic foulants in the coagulation-microfiltration process for the treatment of Taihu Lake.

PubMed

Dong, Bingzhi; Gui, Bo; Liu, Junxia; Wang, Zhihong; Tan, Kaiting

2018-06-01

This paper analysed organic foulants in the coagulation-microfiltration process for Taihu Lake treatment. High-performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM) were applied to elucidate the influence of characteristics of organics on microfiltration (MF) membrane fouling. Results showed that coagulation pretreatment could extend the operation duration of MF based on the fact that pretreatment could effectively remove macromolecular substances as well as a portion of small molecular weight (MW) organics. The analysis of foulants indicated that organics of strong hydrophobic acids (SHA) and neutral hydrophilic (Neut) fractions (based on hydrophobicity) and medium and small MW components (based on MW distribution) contributed greatly to irreversible fouling. EEM fluorescence analysis of chemical solutions exhibited that aromatic proteins and soluble microbial products were mainly a response to irreversible fouling.

The Law of Self-Acting Machines and Irreversible Processes with Reversible Replicas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valev, Pentcho

2002-11-01

Clausius and Kelvin saved Carnot theorem and developed the second law by assuming that Carnot machines can work in the absence of an operator and that all the irreversible processes have reversible replicas. The former assumption restored Carnot theorem as an experience of mankind whereas the latter generated "the law of ever increasing entropy". Both assumptions are wrong so it makes sense to return to Carnot theorem (or some equivalent) and test it experimentally. Two testable paradigms - the system performing two types of reversible work and the system in dynamical equilibrium - suggest that perpetuum mobile of the second kind in the presence of an operator is possible. The deviation from the second law prediction, expressed as difference between partial derivatives in a Maxwell relation, measures the degree of structural-functional evolution for the respective system.

Large-cell Monte Carlo renormalization of irreversible growth processes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nakanishi, H.; Family, F.

1985-01-01

Monte Carlo sampling is applied to a recently formulated direct-cell renormalization method for irreversible, disorderly growth processes. Large-cell Monte Carlo renormalization is carried out for various nonequilibrium problems based on the formulation dealing with relative probabilities. Specifically, the method is demonstrated by application to the 'true' self-avoiding walk and the Eden model of growing animals for d = 2, 3, and 4 and to the invasion percolation problem for d = 2 and 3. The results are asymptotically in agreement with expectations; however, unexpected complications arise, suggesting the possibility of crossovers, and in any case, demonstrating the danger of using small cells alone, because of the very slow convergence as the cell size b is extrapolated to infinity. The difficulty of applying the present method to the diffusion-limited-aggregation model, is commented on.

Process boundaries of irreversible scCO2 -assisted phase separation in biphasic whole-cell biocatalysis.

PubMed

Brandenbusch, Christoph; Glonke, Sebastian; Collins, Jonathan; Hoffrogge, Raimund; Grunwald, Klaudia; Bühler, Bruno; Schmid, Andreas; Sadowski, Gabriele

2015-11-01

The formation of stable emulsions in biphasic biotransformations catalyzed by microbial cells turned out to be a major hurdle for industrial implementation. Recently, a cost-effective and efficient downstream processing approach, using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2 ) for both irreversible emulsion destabilization (enabling complete phase separation within minutes of emulsion treatment) and product purification via extraction has been proposed by Brandenbusch et al. (2010). One of the key factors for a further development and scale-up of the approach is the understanding of the mechanism underlying scCO2 -assisted phase separation. A systematic approach was applied within this work to investigate the various factors influencing phase separation during scCO2 treatment (that is pressure, exposure of the cells to CO2 , and changes of cell surface properties). It was shown that cell toxification and cell disrupture are not responsible for emulsion destabilization. Proteins from the aqueous phase partially adsorb to cells present at the aqueous-organic interface, causing hydrophobic cell surface characteristics, and thus contribute to emulsion stabilization. By investigating the change in cell-surface hydrophobicity of these cells during CO2 treatment, it was found that a combination of catastrophic phase inversion and desorption of proteins from the cell surface is responsible for irreversible scCO2 mediated phase separation. These findings are essential for the definition of process windows for scCO2 -assisted phase separation in biphasic whole-cell biocatalysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Thermal mechanisms responsible for the irreversible degradation of superconductivity in commercial superconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romanovskii, V. R.

2017-08-01

Conditions for the irreversible propagation of thermal instabilities in commercial superconductors subjected to intense and soft cooling have been formulated. An analysis has been conducted using two types of the superconductor's I-V characteristics, i.e., an ideal I-V characteristic, which assumes a step superconducting-to-normal transition, and a continuous I-V characteristic, which is described by a power law. The propagation rate of thermal instabilities along the superconducting composite has been determined. Calculations have been made for both subcritical and supercritical values of the current. It has been shown that they propagate along a commercial superconductor in the form of a switching wave. In rapidly cooled commercial superconductors, the steady-state rate of thermal instability propagation in the longitudinal direction can only be positive because there is no region of steady stabilization. It has been proved that, in the case of thermal instability irreversible propagation, the rise in the commercial superconductor temperature is similar to diffusion processes that occur in explosive chain reactions.

Heat-induced Irreversible Denaturation of the Camelid Single Domain VHH Antibody Is Governed by Chemical Modifications

PubMed Central

Akazawa-Ogawa, Yoko; Takashima, Mizuki; Lee, Young-Ho; Ikegami, Takahisa; Goto, Yuji; Uegaki, Koichi; Hagihara, Yoshihisa

2014-01-01

The variable domain of camelid heavy chain antibody (VHH) is highly heat-resistant and is therefore ideal for many applications. Although understanding the process of heat-induced irreversible denaturation is essential to improve the efficacy of VHH, its inactivation mechanism remains unclear. Here, we showed that chemical modifications predominantly governed the irreversible denaturation of VHH at high temperatures. After heat treatment, the activity of VHH was dependent only on the incubation time at 90 °C and was insensitive to the number of heating (90 °C)-cooling (20 °C) cycles, indicating a negligible role for folding/unfolding intermediates on permanent denaturation. The residual activity was independent of concentration; therefore, VHH lost its activity in a unimolecular manner, not by aggregation. A VHH mutant lacking Asn, which is susceptible to chemical modifications, had significantly higher heat resistance than did the wild-type protein, indicating the importance of chemical modifications to VHH denaturation. PMID:24739391

Non-equilibrium thermodynamics in cells.

PubMed

Jülicher, Frank; Grill, Stephan W; Salbreux, Guillaume

2018-03-15

We review the general hydrodynamic theory of active soft materials that is motivated in partic- ular by biological matter. We present basic concepts of irreversible thermodynamics of spatially extended multicomponent active systems. Starting from the rate of entropy production, we iden- tify conjugate thermodynamic fluxes and forces and present generic constitutive equations of polar active fluids and active gels. We also discuss angular momentum conservation which plays a role in the the physics of active chiral gels. The irreversible thermodynamics of active gels provides a general framework to discuss the physics that underlies a wide variety of biological processes in cells and in multicellular tissues. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Entropy, matter, and cosmology.

PubMed

Prigogine, I; Géhéniau, J

1986-09-01

The role of irreversible processes corresponding to creation of matter in general relativity is investigated. The use of Landau-Lifshitz pseudotensors together with conformal (Minkowski) coordinates suggests that this creation took place in the early universe at the stage of the variation of the conformal factor. The entropy production in this creation process is calculated. It is shown that these dissipative processes lead to the possibility of cosmological models that start from empty conditions and gradually build up matter and entropy. Gravitational entropy takes a simple meaning as associated to the entropy that is necessary to produce matter. This leads to an extension of the third law of thermodynamics, as now the zero point of entropy becomes the space-time structure out of which matter is generated. The theory can be put into a convenient form using a supplementary "C" field in Einstein's field equations. The role of the C field is to express the coupling between gravitation and matter leading to irreversible entropy production.

Ultrasensitive detection enabled by nonlinear magnetization of nanomagnetic labels

DOE PAGES

Nikitin, M. P.; Orlov, A. V.; Sokolov, I. L.; ...

2018-01-01

The magnetically soft, disk-shaped particles reveal a strong nonlinearity of the magnetization process due to irreversible transitions from the spin vortex to single-domain configuration, enabling their ultrasensitive detection in high-background environments.

Dirac structures in nonequilibrium thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gay-Balmaz, François; Yoshimura, Hiroaki

2018-01-01

Dirac structures are geometric objects that generalize both Poisson structures and presymplectic structures on manifolds. They naturally appear in the formulation of constrained mechanical systems. In this paper, we show that the evolution equations for nonequilibrium thermodynamics admit an intrinsic formulation in terms of Dirac structures, both on the Lagrangian and the Hamiltonian settings. In the absence of irreversible processes, these Dirac structures reduce to canonical Dirac structures associated with canonical symplectic forms on phase spaces. Our geometric formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamic thus consistently extends the geometric formulation of mechanics, to which it reduces in the absence of irreversible processes. The Dirac structures are associated with the variational formulation of nonequilibrium thermodynamics developed in the work of Gay-Balmaz and Yoshimura, J. Geom. Phys. 111, 169-193 (2017a) and are induced from a nonlinear nonholonomic constraint given by the expression of the entropy production of the system.

Scaling of the entropy budget with surface temperature in radiative-convective equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Martin S.; O'Gorman, Paul A.

2016-09-01

The entropy budget of the atmosphere is examined in simulations of radiative-convective equilibrium with a cloud-system resolving model over a wide range of surface temperatures from 281 to 311 K. Irreversible phase changes and the diffusion of water vapor account for more than half of the irreversible entropy production within the atmosphere, even in the coldest simulation. As the surface temperature is increased, the atmospheric radiative cooling rate increases, driving a greater entropy sink that must be matched by greater irreversible entropy production. The entropy production resulting from irreversible moist processes increases at a similar fractional rate as the entropy sink and at a lower rate than that implied by Clausius-Clapeyron scaling. This allows the entropy production from frictional drag on hydrometeors and on the atmospheric flow to also increase with warming, in contrast to recent results for simulations with global climate models in which the work output decreases with warming. A set of approximate scaling relations is introduced for the terms in the entropy budget as the surface temperature is varied, and many of the terms are found to scale with the mean surface precipitation rate. The entropy budget provides some insight into changes in frictional dissipation in response to warming or changes in model resolution, but it is argued that frictional dissipation is not closely linked to other measures of convective vigor.

Exergetic analysis of a thermo-generator for automotive application: A dynamic numerical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glavatskaya, O.; Goupil, C.; Bakkali, A. El; Shonda, O.

2012-06-01

It is well known that, when using a passenger car with an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine), only a fraction of the burnt fuel energy actually contributes to drive the vehicle. Typical passenger vehicle engines run about 25% efficiency while a great part of the remaining energy (about 40%), is lost through the exhaust gases. This latter has a significant energy conversion potential since the temperature (more than 300°C) and the mass flow rate are high enough. Thus, direct conversion of heat into electricity is a credible option if the overall system is optimized. This point is crucial since the heat conversion into work process is very sensible to any mismatching of the different parts of the system, and very sensible significant to the possible varying working conditions. All these effects constitute irreversibility sources that degrade the overall efficiency. The exergetic analysis is known to be an efficient tool for finding the root causes of theses irreversible processes. In order to investigate the performance of our automotive thermo-generator we propose an analysis of the exergy flow through the system under dynamic conditions. Taking into account the different irreversible sources such as thermal conduction and Joule effect, we are able to localize and quantify the exergy losses. Then, in order to optimize the thermoelectric converter for a given vehicle, correct actions in term of design and working conditions can be proposed.

Inverted electro-mechanical behaviour induced by the irreversible domain configuration transformation in (K,Na)NbO3-based ceramics

PubMed Central

Huan, Yu; Wang, Xiaohui; Koruza, Jurij; Wang, Ke; Webber, Kyle G.; Hao, Yanan; Li, Longtu

2016-01-01

Miniaturization of domains to the nanometer scale has been previously reported in many piezoelectrics with two-phase coexistence. Despite the observation of nanoscale domain configuration near the polymorphic phase transition (PPT) regionin virgin (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) based ceramics, it remains unclear how this domain state responds to external loads and influences the macroscopic electro-mechanical properties. To this end, the electric-field-induced and stress-induced strain curves of KNN-based ceramics over a wide compositional range across PPT were characterized. It was found that the coercive field of the virgin samples was highest in PPT region, which was related to the inhibited domain wall motion due to the presence of nanodomains. However, the coercive field was found to be the lowest in the PPT region after electrical poling. This was related to the irreversible transformation of the nanodomains into micron-sized domains during the poling process. With the similar micron-sized domain configuration for all poled ceramics, the domains in the PPT region move more easily due to the additional polarization vectors. The results demonstrate that the poling process can give rise to the irreversible domain configuration transformation and then account for the inverted macroscopic piezoelectricity in the PPT region of KNN-based ceramics. PMID:26915972

Entropy Filtered Density Function for Large Eddy Simulation of Turbulent Reacting Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safari, Mehdi

Analysis of local entropy generation is an effective means to optimize the performance of energy and combustion systems by minimizing the irreversibilities in transport processes. Large eddy simulation (LES) is employed to describe entropy transport and generation in turbulent reacting flows. The entropy transport equation in LES contains several unclosed terms. These are the subgrid scale (SGS) entropy flux and entropy generation caused by irreversible processes: heat conduction, mass diffusion, chemical reaction and viscous dissipation. The SGS effects are taken into account using a novel methodology based on the filtered density function (FDF). This methodology, entitled entropy FDF (En-FDF), is developed and utilized in the form of joint entropy-velocity-scalar-turbulent frequency FDF and the marginal scalar-entropy FDF, both of which contain the chemical reaction effects in a closed form. The former constitutes the most comprehensive form of the En-FDF and provides closure for all the unclosed filtered moments. This methodology is applied for LES of a turbulent shear layer involving transport of passive scalars. Predictions show favor- able agreements with the data generated by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the same layer. The marginal En-FDF accounts for entropy generation effects as well as scalar and entropy statistics. This methodology is applied to a turbulent nonpremixed jet flame (Sandia Flame D) and predictions are validated against experimental data. In both flows, sources of irreversibility are predicted and analyzed.

UV-damaged DNA binding protein-1 and de-etiolated-1 regulate golden 2-like transcription factor by assembling a cullin 4-based ubiquitin ligase in tomato

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fleshy fruit undergo a novel developmental program that ends in the irreversible process of ripening and eventual tissue senescence. During these maturation processes, fruit undergo numerous physiological, biochemical and structural alterations, making them more attractive to seed dispersal organism...

Exact solutions for mass-dependent irreversible aggregations.

PubMed

Son, Seung-Woo; Christensen, Claire; Bizhani, Golnoosh; Grassberger, Peter; Paczuski, Maya

2011-10-01

We consider the mass-dependent aggregation process (k+1)X→X, given a fixed number of unit mass particles in the initial state. One cluster is chosen proportional to its mass and is merged into one, either with k neighbors in one dimension, or--in the well-mixed case--with k other clusters picked randomly. We find the same combinatorial exact solutions for the probability to find any given configuration of particles on a ring or line, and in the well-mixed case. The mass distribution of a single cluster exhibits scaling laws and the finite-size scaling form is given. The relation to the classical sum kernel of irreversible aggregation is discussed.

Basic radiological assessment of synovial diseases: a pictorial essay

PubMed Central

Turan, Aynur; Çeltikçi, Pınar; Tufan, Abdurrahman; Öztürk, Mehmet Akif

2017-01-01

The synovium is a specialized tissue lining the synovial joints, bursae, and tendon sheaths of the body. It is affected by various localized or systemic disorders. Synovial diseases can be classified as inflammatory, infectious, degenerative, traumatic, hemorrhagic, and neoplastic. Damage in other intraarticular structures, particularly cartilages, generally occurs as a part of pathologic processes involving the synovium, leading to irreversible joint destruction. Imaging has an essential role in the early detection of synovial diseases prior to irreversible joint damage. Obtaining and understanding characteristic imaging findings of synovial diseases enables a proper diagnosis for early treatment. This article focuses on the recent literature that is related with the role of imaging in synovial disease. PMID:28638696

Spectral properties and structure of unsymmetrical diarylethenes based on thiazole ring with hydrogen at the reactive carbon.

PubMed

Lvov, Andrey G; Alexeeva, Anna M; Lvova, Evgeniya A; Krayushkin, Mikhail M; Shirinian, Valerii Z

2018-05-31

Six new photoactive unsymmetrical diarylethenes bearing thiazole ring with hydrogen at the reactive carbon atom have been synthesized. Their structures have been studied by DFT calculations and X-ray crystallography. All compounds undergo irreversible photochemical transformations under irradiation with ultraviolet light, proceeding through the photocyclization stage. It has been found that only some normal (thiophene, imidazole and pyrazole derivatives) and inverse type (oxazole derivative) diarylethenes form colored photoinduced isomers under UV. In polar acetonitrile these intermediates show relatively fast irreversible thermal reaction, while in nonpolar toluene slow cycloreversion to initial diarylethenes is the predominant process of these species. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Block selective redaction for minimizing loss during de-identification of burned in text in irreversibly compressed JPEG medical images.

PubMed

Clunie, David A; Gebow, Dan

2015-01-01

Deidentification of medical images requires attention to both header information as well as the pixel data itself, in which burned-in text may be present. If the pixel data to be deidentified is stored in a compressed form, traditionally it is decompressed, identifying text is redacted, and if necessary, pixel data are recompressed. Decompression without recompression may result in images of excessive or intractable size. Recompression with an irreversible scheme is undesirable because it may cause additional loss in the diagnostically relevant regions of the images. The irreversible (lossy) JPEG compression scheme works on small blocks of the image independently, hence, redaction can selectively be confined only to those blocks containing identifying text, leaving all other blocks unchanged. An open source implementation of selective redaction and a demonstration of its applicability to multiframe color ultrasound images is described. The process can be applied either to standalone JPEG images or JPEG bit streams encapsulated in other formats, which in the case of medical images, is usually DICOM.

Incorporating reversible and irreversible transverse relaxation effects into Steady State Free Precession (SSFP) signal intensity expressions for fMRI considerations.

PubMed

Mulkern, Robert V; Balasubramanian, Mukund; Orbach, Darren B; Mitsouras, Dimitrios; Haker, Steven J

2013-04-01

Among the multiple sequences available for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the Steady State Free Precession (SSFP) sequence offers the highest signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per unit time as well as distortion free images not feasible with the more commonly employed single-shot echo planar imaging (EPI) approaches. Signal changes occurring with activation in SSFP sequences reflect underlying changes in both irreversible and reversible transverse relaxation processes. The latter are characterized by changes in the central frequencies and widths of the inherent frequency distribution present within a voxel. In this work, the well-known frequency response of the SSFP signal intensity is generalized to include the widths and central frequencies of some common frequency distributions on SSFP signal intensities. The approach, using a previously unnoted series expansion, allows for a separation of reversible from irreversible transverse relaxation effects on SSFP signal intensity changes. The formalism described here should prove useful for identifying and modeling mechanisms associated with SSFP signal changes accompanying neural activation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Thermal denaturation of β-glucosidase B from Paenibacillus polymyxa proceeds through a Lumry-Eyring mechanism.

PubMed

Camarillo-Cadena, Menandro; Garza-Ramos, Georgina; Peimbert, Mariana; Pérez-Hernández, Gerardo; Zubillaga, Rafael A

2011-06-01

β-glucosidase B (BglB), 1,4-β-D: -glucanohydrolase, is an enzyme with various technological applications for which some thermostable mutants have been obtained. Because BglB denatures irreversibly with heating, the stabilities of these mutants are assessed kinetically. It, therefore, becomes relevant to determine whether the measured rate constants reflect one or several elementary kinetic steps. We have analyzed the kinetics of heat denaturation of BglB from Paenibacillus polymyxa under various conditions by following the loss of secondary structure and enzymatic activity. The denaturation is accompanied by aggregation and an initial reversible step at low temperatures. At T ≥ T ( m ), the process follows a two-state irreversible mechanism for which the kinetics does not depend on the enzyme concentration. This behavior can be explained by a Lumry-Eyring model in which the difference between the rates of the irreversible and the renaturation steps increases with temperature. Accordingly, at high scan rates (≥1 °C min(-1)) or temperatures (T ≥ T ( m )), the measurable activation energy involves only the elementary step of denaturation.

Irreversible covalent modification of type I dehydroquinase with a stable Schiff base.

PubMed

Tizón, Lorena; Maneiro, María; Peón, Antonio; Otero, José M; Lence, Emilio; Poza, Sergio; van Raaij, Mark J; Thompson, Paul; Hawkins, Alastair R; González-Bello, Concepción

2015-01-21

The irreversible inhibition of type I dehydroquinase (DHQ1), the third enzyme of the shikimic acid pathway, is investigated by structural, biochemical and computational studies. Two epoxides, which are mimetics of the natural substrate, were designed as irreversible inhibitors of the DHQ1 enzyme and to study the binding requirements of the linkage to the enzyme. The epoxide with the S configuration caused the covalent modification of the protein whereas no reaction was obtained with its epimer. The first crystal structure of DHQ1 from Salmonella typhi covalently modified by the S epoxide, which is reported at 1.4 Å, revealed that the modified ligand is surprisingly covalently attached to the essential Lys170 by the formation of a stable Schiff base. The experimental and molecular dynamics simulation studies reported here highlight the huge importance of the conformation of the C3 carbon of the ligand for covalent linkage to this type of aldolase I enzyme, revealed the key role played by the essential His143 as a Lewis acid in this process and show the need for a neatly closed active site for catalysis.

An improvement of the measurement of time series irreversibility with visibility graph approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhenyu; Shang, Pengjian; Xiong, Hui

2018-07-01

We propose a method to improve the measure of real-valued time series irreversibility which contains two tools: the directed horizontal visibility graph and the Kullback-Leibler divergence. The degree of time irreversibility is estimated by the Kullback-Leibler divergence between the in and out degree distributions presented in the associated visibility graph. In our work, we reframe the in and out degree distributions by encoding them with different embedded dimensions used in calculating permutation entropy(PE). With this improved method, we can not only estimate time series irreversibility efficiently, but also detect time series irreversibility from multiple dimensions. We verify the validity of our method and then estimate the amount of time irreversibility of series generated by chaotic maps as well as global stock markets over the period 2005-2015. The result shows that the amount of time irreversibility reaches the peak with embedded dimension d = 3 under circumstances of experiment and financial markets.

Efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines.

PubMed

Wang, Yang; Tu, Z C

2012-01-01

The efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines is investigated based on the assumption that the rate of irreversible entropy production of the working substance in each "isothermal" process is a quadratic form of the heat exchange rate between the working substance and the reservoir. It is found that the maximum power output corresponds to minimizing the irreversible entropy production in two isothermal processes of the Carnot-like cycle, and that the efficiency at maximum power output has the form η(mP)=η(C)/(2-γη(C)), where η(C) is the Carnot efficiency, while γ depends on the heat transfer coefficients between the working substance and two reservoirs. The value of η(mP) is bounded between η(-)≡η(C)/2 and η(+)≡η(C)/(2-η(C)). These results are consistent with those obtained by Chen and Yan [J. Chem. Phys. 90, 3740 (1989)] based on the endoreversible assumption, those obtained by Esposito et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 150603 (2010)] based on the low-dissipation assumption, and those obtained by Schmiedl and Seifert [Europhys. Lett. 81, 20003 (2008)] for stochastic heat engines which in fact also satisfy the low-dissipation assumption. Additionally, we find that the endoreversible assumption happens to hold for Carnot-like heat engines operating at the maximum power output based on our fundamental assumption, and that the Carnot-like heat engines that we focused on do not strictly satisfy the low-dissipation assumption, which implies that the low-dissipation assumption or our fundamental assumption is a sufficient but non-necessary condition for the validity of η(mP)=η(C)/(2-γη(C)) as well as the existence of two bounds, η(-)≡η(C)/2 and η(+)≡η(C)/(2-η(C)). © 2012 American Physical Society

Efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Tu, Z. C.

2012-01-01

The efficiency at maximum power output of linear irreversible Carnot-like heat engines is investigated based on the assumption that the rate of irreversible entropy production of the working substance in each “isothermal” process is a quadratic form of the heat exchange rate between the working substance and the reservoir. It is found that the maximum power output corresponds to minimizing the irreversible entropy production in two isothermal processes of the Carnot-like cycle, and that the efficiency at maximum power output has the form ηmP=ηC/(2-γηC), where ηC is the Carnot efficiency, while γ depends on the heat transfer coefficients between the working substance and two reservoirs. The value of ηmP is bounded between η-≡ηC/2 and η+≡ηC/(2-ηC). These results are consistent with those obtained by Chen and Yan [J. Chem. Phys.JCPSA60021-960610.1063/1.455832 90, 3740 (1989)] based on the endoreversible assumption, those obtained by Esposito [Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.105.150603 105, 150603 (2010)] based on the low-dissipation assumption, and those obtained by Schmiedl and Seifert [Europhys. Lett.EULEEJ0295-507510.1209/0295-5075/81/20003 81, 20003 (2008)] for stochastic heat engines which in fact also satisfy the low-dissipation assumption. Additionally, we find that the endoreversible assumption happens to hold for Carnot-like heat engines operating at the maximum power output based on our fundamental assumption, and that the Carnot-like heat engines that we focused on do not strictly satisfy the low-dissipation assumption, which implies that the low-dissipation assumption or our fundamental assumption is a sufficient but non-necessary condition for the validity of ηmP=ηC/(2-γηC) as well as the existence of two bounds, η-≡ηC/2 and η+≡ηC/(2-ηC).

Stochastic wave-function simulation of irreversible emission processes for open quantum systems in a non-Markovian environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polyakov, Evgeny A.; Rubtsov, Alexey N.

2018-02-01

When conducting the numerical simulation of quantum transport, the main obstacle is a rapid growth of the dimension of entangled Hilbert subspace. The Quantum Monte Carlo simulation techniques, while being capable of treating the problems of high dimension, are hindered by the so-called "sign problem". In the quantum transport, we have fundamental asymmetry between the processes of emission and absorption of environment excitations: the emitted excitations are rapidly and irreversibly scattered away. Whereas only a small part of these excitations is absorbed back by the open subsystem, thus exercising the non-Markovian self-action of the subsystem onto itself. We were able to devise a method for the exact simulation of the dominant quantum emission processes, while taking into account the small backaction effects in an approximate self-consistent way. Such an approach allows us to efficiently conduct simulations of real-time dynamics of small quantum subsystems immersed in non-Markovian bath for large times, reaching the quasistationary regime. As an example we calculate the spatial quench dynamics of Kondo cloud for a bozonized Kodno impurity model.

Potential role of centrioles in determining the morphogenetic status of animal somatic cells.

PubMed

Tkemaladze, J; Chichinadze, K

2005-05-01

Irreversible differentiation (change of morphogenetic status) and programmed death (apoptosis) are observed only in somatic cells. Cell division is the only way by which the morphogenetic status of the offspring cells may be modified. It is known that there is a fixed limit to the number of possible cell divisions, the so-called 'Hayflick limit'. Existing links between cell division, differentiation and apoptosis make it possible to conclude that all these processes could be controlled by a single self-reproducing structure. Potential candidates for this replicable structure in a somatic cell are chromosomes, mitochondria (both contain DNA), and centrioles. Centrioles (diplosome) are the most likely unit that can fully regulate the processes of irreversible differentiation, determination and modification of the morphogenetic status. It may contain differently encoded RNA molecules stacked in a definite order. During mitosis, these RNA molecules are released one by one into the cytoplasm. In the presence of reverse transcriptase and endonuclease, RNA can be embedded in nuclear DNA. This process presumably changes the status of repressed and potentially active genes and, subsequently, the morphogenetic status of a cell.

Centriole, differentiation, and senescence.

PubMed

Tkemaladze, J; Chichinadze, K

2010-01-01

Irreversible differentiation (change of morphogenetic status) and programmed death (apoptosis) are observed only in somatic cells, and cell division is the only way by which the morphogenetic status of the offspring cells may be modified. It is known that there is a fixed limit to the number of possible cell divisions, the so-called Hayflick limit. Existing links between cell division, differentiation, and apoptosis make it possible to conclude that all of these processes could be controlled by a single self-reproducing structure. Potential candidates for this replicable structure in a somatic cell are the chromosomes, mitochondria (both contain DNA), and centrioles. Centrioles (a diplosome, or pair of centrioles) are the most likely unit that can fully regulate the processes of irreversible differentiation, determination, and modification of the morphogenetic status. Centrioles may contain differently encoded RNA molecules stacked in a definite order, and during mitosis, these RNA molecules are released one by one into the cytoplasm. In the presence of reverse transcriptase and endonuclease, processing of this RNA presumably changes the status of repressed and potentially active genes and, subsequently, the morphogenetic status of a cell.

Systematic study of polycrystalline flow during tension test of sheet 304 austenitic stainless steel at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muñoz-Andrade, Juan D.

2013-12-01

By systematic study the mapping of polycrystalline flow of sheet 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) during tension test at constant crosshead velocity at room temperature was obtained. The main results establish that the trajectory of crystals in the polycrystalline spatially extended system (PCSES), during irreversible deformation process obey a hyperbolic motion. Where, the ratio between the expansion velocity of the field and the velocity of the field source is not constant and the field lines of such trajectory of crystals become curved, this accelerated motion is called a hyperbolic motion. Such behavior is assisted by dislocations dynamics and self-accommodation process between crystals in the PCSES. Furthermore, by applying the quantum mechanics and relativistic model proposed by Muñoz-Andrade, the activation energy for polycrystalline flow during the tension test of 304 ASS was calculated for each instant in a global form. In conclusion was established that the mapping of the polycrystalline flow is fundamental to describe in an integral way the phenomenology and mechanics of irreversible deformation processes.

Non-Destructive Monitoring of Charge-Discharge Cycles on Lithium Ion Batteries using 7Li Stray-Field Imaging

PubMed Central

Tang, Joel A.; Dugar, Sneha; Zhong, Guiming; Dalal, Naresh S.; Zheng, Jim P.; Yang, Yong; Fu, Riqiang

2013-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging provides a noninvasive method for in situ monitoring of electrochemical processes involved in charge/discharge cycling of batteries. Determining how the electrochemical processes become irreversible, ultimately resulting in degraded battery performance, will aid in developing new battery materials and designing better batteries. Here we introduce the use of an alternative in situ diagnostic tool to monitor the electrochemical processes. Utilizing a very large field-gradient in the fringe field of a magnet, stray-field-imaging (STRAFI) technique significantly improves the image resolution. These STRAFI images enable the real time monitoring of the electrodes at a micron level. It is demonstrated by two prototype half-cells, graphite∥Li and LiFePO4∥Li, that the high-resolution 7Li STRAFI profiles allow one to visualize in situ Li-ions transfer between the electrodes during charge/discharge cyclings as well as the formation and changes of irreversible microstructures of the Li components, and particularly reveal a non-uniform Li-ion distribution in the graphite. PMID:24005580

Retrodictive determinism. [covariant and transformational behavior of tensor fields in hydrodynamics and thermodynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kiehn, R. M.

1976-01-01

With respect to irreversible, non-homeomorphic maps, contravariant and covariant tensor fields have distinctly natural covariance and transformational behavior. For thermodynamic processes which are non-adiabatic, the fact that the process cannot be represented by a homeomorphic map emphasizes the logical arrow of time, an idea which encompasses a principle of retrodictive determinism for covariant tensor fields.

Assessing the role of feed water constituents in irreversible membrane fouling of pilot-scale ultrafiltration drinking water treatment systems.

PubMed

Peiris, R H; Jaklewicz, M; Budman, H; Legge, R L; Moresoli, C

2013-06-15

Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) approach together with principal component analysis (PCA) was used for assessing hydraulically irreversible fouling of three pilot-scale ultrafiltration (UF) systems containing full-scale and bench-scale hollow fiber membrane modules in drinking water treatment. These systems were operated for at least three months with extensive cycles of permeation, combination of back-pulsing and scouring and chemical cleaning. The principal component (PC) scores generated from the PCA of the fluorescence EEMs were found to be related to humic substances (HS), protein-like and colloidal/particulate matter content. PC scores of HS- and protein-like matter of the UF feed water, when considered separately, showed reasonably good correlations with the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling for long-term UF operations. In contrast, comparatively weaker correlations for PC scores of colloidal/particulate matter and the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling were obtained for all UF systems. Since, individual correlations could not fully explain the evolution of the rate of irreversible fouling, multi-linear regression models were developed to relate the combined effect of HS-like, protein-like and colloidal/particulate matter PC scores to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling for each specific UF system. These multi-linear regression models revealed significant individual and combined contribution of HS- and protein-like matter to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling, with protein-like matter generally showing the greatest contribution. The contribution of colloidal/particulate matter to the rate of hydraulically irreversible fouling was not as significant. The addition of polyaluminum chloride, as coagulant, to UF feed appeared to have a positive impact in reducing hydraulically irreversible fouling by these constituents. The proposed approach has applications in quantifying the individual and synergistic contribution of major natural water constituents to the rate of hydraulically irreversible membrane fouling and shows potential for controlling UF irreversible fouling in the production of drinking water. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cognitive Developmental Biology: History, Process and Fortune's Wheel

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Balaban, Evan

2006-01-01

Biological contributions to cognitive development continue to be conceived predominantly along deterministic lines, with proponents of different positions arguing about the preponderance of gene-based versus experience-based influences that organize brain circuits irreversibly during prenatal or early postnatal life, and evolutionary influences…

Electricity storage using a thermal storage scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Alexander

2015-01-01

The increasing use of renewable energy technologies for electricity generation, many of which have an unpredictably intermittent nature, will inevitably lead to a greater demand for large-scale electricity storage schemes. For example, the expanding fraction of electricity produced by wind turbines will require either backup or storage capacity to cover extended periods of wind lull. This paper describes a recently proposed storage scheme, referred to here as Pumped Thermal Storage (PTS), and which is based on "sensible heat" storage in large thermal reservoirs. During the charging phase, the system effectively operates as a high temperature-ratio heat pump, extracting heat from a cold reservoir and delivering heat to a hot one. In the discharge phase the processes are reversed and it operates as a heat engine. The round-trip efficiency is limited only by process irreversibilities (as opposed to Second Law limitations on the coefficient of performance and the thermal efficiency of the heat pump and heat engine respectively). PTS is currently being developed in both France and England. In both cases, the schemes operate on the Joule-Brayton (gas turbine) cycle, using argon as the working fluid. However, the French scheme proposes the use of turbomachinery for compression and expansion, whereas for that being developed in England reciprocating devices are proposed. The current paper focuses on the impact of the various process irreversibilities on the thermodynamic round-trip efficiency of the scheme. Consideration is given to compression and expansion losses and pressure losses (in pipe-work, valves and thermal reservoirs); heat transfer related irreversibility in the thermal reservoirs is discussed but not included in the analysis. Results are presented demonstrating how the various loss parameters and operating conditions influence the overall performance.

Thermal cycling effects on static and dynamic properties of a phase separated manganite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sacanell, J.; Sievers, B.; Quintero, M.; Granja, L.; Ghivelder, L.; Parisi, F.

2018-06-01

In this work we address the interplay between two phenomena which are signatures of the out-of-equilibrium state in phase separated manganites: irreversibility against thermal cycling and aging/rejuvenation process. The sample investigated is La0.5Ca0.5MnO3, a prototypical manganite exhibiting phase separation. Two regimes for isothermal relaxation were observed according to the temperature range: for T > 100 K, aging/rejuvenation effects are observed, while for T < 100 K an irreversible aging was found. Our results show that thermal cycles act as a tool to unveil the dynamical behavior of the phase separated state in manganites, revealing the close interplay between static and dynamic properties of phase separated manganites.

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

Yang, Sangmo; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Noh, Tae Won

The voltage spectroscopies in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques are widely used to investigate the electrochemical processes in nanoscale volumes, which are important for current key applications, such as batteries, fuel cells, catalysts, and memristors. The spectroscopic measurements are commonly performed on a grid of multiple points to yield spatially resolved maps of reversible and irreversible electrochemical functionalities. Hence, the spacing between measurement points is an important parameter to be considered, especially for irreversible electrochemical processes. Here, we report nonlocal electrochemical dynamics in chains of Ag particles fabricated by the SPM tip on a silver ion solid electrolyte. When themore » grid spacing is small compared with the size of the formed Ag particles, anomalous chains of unequally sized particles with double periodicity evolve. This behavior is ascribed to a proximity effect during the tip-induced electrochemical process, specifically, size-dependent silver particle growth following the contact between the particles. In addition, fractal shape evolution of the formed Ag structures indicates that the growth-limiting process changes from Ag +/Ag redox reaction to Ag +-ion diffusion with the increase in the applied voltage and pulse duration. Our study shows that characteristic shapes of the electrochemical products are good indicators for determining the underlying growth-limiting process, and emergence of complex phenomena during spectroscopic mapping of electrochemical functionalities.« less

Time-resolved single-shot terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for ultrafast irreversible processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhai, Zhao-Hui; Zhong, Sen-Cheng; Li, Jun; Zhu, Li-Guo; Meng, Kun; Li, Jiang; Liu, Qiao; Peng, Qi-Xian; Li, Ze-Ren; Zhao, Jian-Heng

2016-09-01

Pulsed terahertz spectroscopy is suitable for spectroscopic diagnostics of ultrafast events. However, the study of irreversible or single shot ultrafast events requires ability to record transient properties at multiple time delays, i.e., time resolved at single shot level, which is not available currently. Here by angular multiplexing use of femtosecond laser pulses, we developed and demonstrated a time resolved, transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique, where burst mode THz pulses were generated and then detected in a single shot measurement manner. The burst mode THz pulses contain 2 sub-THz pulses, and the time gap between them is adjustable up to 1 ns with picosecond accuracy, thus it can be used to probe the single shot event at two different time delays. The system can detect the sub-THz pulses at 0.1 THz-2.5 THz range with signal to noise ratio (SNR) of ˜400 and spectrum resolution of 0.05 THz. System design was described here, and optimizations of single shot measurement of THz pulses were discussed in detail. Methods to improve SNR were also discussed in detail. A system application was demonstrated where pulsed THz signals at different time delays of the ultrafast process were successfully acquired within single shot measurement. This time resolved transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique provides a new diagnostic tool for irreversible or single shot ultrafast events where dynamic information can be extracted at terahertz range within one-shot experiment.

Time-resolved single-shot terahertz time-domain spectroscopy for ultrafast irreversible processes.

PubMed

Zhai, Zhao-Hui; Zhong, Sen-Cheng; Li, Jun; Zhu, Li-Guo; Meng, Kun; Li, Jiang; Liu, Qiao; Peng, Qi-Xian; Li, Ze-Ren; Zhao, Jian-Heng

2016-09-01

Pulsed terahertz spectroscopy is suitable for spectroscopic diagnostics of ultrafast events. However, the study of irreversible or single shot ultrafast events requires ability to record transient properties at multiple time delays, i.e., time resolved at single shot level, which is not available currently. Here by angular multiplexing use of femtosecond laser pulses, we developed and demonstrated a time resolved, transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique, where burst mode THz pulses were generated and then detected in a single shot measurement manner. The burst mode THz pulses contain 2 sub-THz pulses, and the time gap between them is adjustable up to 1 ns with picosecond accuracy, thus it can be used to probe the single shot event at two different time delays. The system can detect the sub-THz pulses at 0.1 THz-2.5 THz range with signal to noise ratio (SNR) of ∼400 and spectrum resolution of 0.05 THz. System design was described here, and optimizations of single shot measurement of THz pulses were discussed in detail. Methods to improve SNR were also discussed in detail. A system application was demonstrated where pulsed THz signals at different time delays of the ultrafast process were successfully acquired within single shot measurement. This time resolved transient terahertz time domain spectroscopy technique provides a new diagnostic tool for irreversible or single shot ultrafast events where dynamic information can be extracted at terahertz range within one-shot experiment.

Antibacterial efficacy and effect of Morinda citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid for dental impressions: A randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Ahmed, A Shafath; Charles, P David; Cholan, R; Russia, M; Surya, R; Jailance, L

2015-08-01

This study aimed to evaluate whether the extract of Morinda citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid powder decreases microbial contamination during impression making without affecting the resulting casts. Twenty volunteers were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). Group A 30 ml extract of M. citrifolia L diluted in 30 ml of water was mixed to make the impression with irreversible hydrocolloid material. Group B 30 ml deionized water was mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid material to make the impressions following which the surface roughness and dimensional stability of casts were evaluated. Extract of M. citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid decreased the percentage of microorganisms when compared with water (P < 0.001) but did not affect the surface quality or dimensional stability of the casts. Mixing the extract of M. citrifolia L. with irreversible hydrocolloid powder is an alternative method to prevent contamination without sacrificing impression quality.

Irreversible thermodynamic analysis and application for molecular heat engines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucia, Umberto; Açıkkalp, Emin

2017-09-01

Is there a link between the macroscopic approach to irreversibility and microscopic behaviour of the systems? Consumption of free energy keeps the system away from a stable equilibrium. Entropy generation results from the redistribution of energy, momentum, mass and charge. This concept represents the essence of the thermodynamic approach to irreversibility. Irreversibility is the result of the interaction between systems and their environment. The aim of this paper is to determine lost works in a molecular engine and compare results with macro (classical) heat engines. Firstly, irreversible thermodynamics are reviewed for macro and molecular cycles. Secondly, irreversible thermodynamics approaches are applied for a quantum heat engine with -1/2 spin system. Finally, lost works are determined for considered system and results show that macro and molecular heat engines obey same limitations. Moreover, a quantum thermodynamic approach is suggested in order to explain the results previously obtained from an atomic viewpoint.

Sustainable and Continuous Synthesis of Enantiopure l-Amino Acids by Using a Versatile Immobilised Multienzyme System.

PubMed

Velasco-Lozano, Susana; da Silva, Eunice S; Llop, Jordi; López-Gallego, Fernando

2018-02-16

The enzymatic synthesis of α-amino acids is a sustainable and efficient alternative to chemical processes, through which achieving enantiopure products is difficult. To more address this synthesis efficiently, a hierarchical architecture that irreversibly co-immobilises an amino acid dehydrogenase with polyethyleneimine on porous agarose beads has been designed and fabricated. The cationic polymer acts as an irreversible anchoring layer for the formate dehydrogenase. In this architecture, the two enzymes and polymer colocalise across the whole microstructure of the porous carrier. This multifunctional heterogeneous biocatalyst was kinetically characterised and applied to the enantioselective synthesis of a variety of canonical and noncanonical α-amino acids in both discontinuous (batch) and continuous modes. The co-immobilised bienzymatic system conserves more than 50 % of its initial effectiveness after five batch cycles and 8 days of continuous operation. Additionally, the environmental impact of this process has been semiquantitatively calculated and compared with the state of the art. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ultrasonic fatigue of a high strength steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koster, M.; Wagner, G.; Eifler, D.

2010-07-01

At the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Kaiserslautern an ultrasonic testing system for the fatigue assessment of metallic materials in the very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) regime was developed. The ultrasonic testing system allows to control the test and to measure detailed fatigue data. The achieved results can be used to describe the cyclic deformation behaviour of wheel steels at ultrasonic frequencies. In load increase tests (LIT), the critical stress amplitude can be determined, which leads to a defined change of process parameters like generator power, dissipated energy and specimen temperature. With SEM investigations it was proved that the change of the process parameters correlates with irreversible changes in the microstructure. It can be shown that the stress amplitude, leading to first irreversible changes in the microstructure, strongly depends on the depth position within the original wheel rim. New and basic results on the fatigue mechanisms of high strength steels in the VHCF-regime can be achieved.

A Graphical Proof of the Positive Entropy Change in Heat Transfer between Two Objects

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kiatgamolchai, Somchai

2015-01-01

It is well known that heat transfer between two objects results in a positive change in the total entropy of the two-object system. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy change of a naturally irreversible process is positive. In other words, if the entropy change of any process is positive, it can be inferred that such a process…

Unreal perpetual motion machine, Rydberg constant and Carnot non-unitary efficiency as a consequence of the atomic irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucia, Umberto

2018-02-01

A perpetual motion machine is a completely ideal engine which cannot be realized. Carnot introduced the concept of the ideal engine which operates on a completely reversible cycle, without any dissipation, but with an upper limit in it. So, even in ideal condition without any dissipation, there is something that prevents the conversion of all the energy absorbed by an ideal reservoir into work. But what is the cause of irreversibility? Here we highlight the atomic nature of this irreversibility, proving that it is no more than the continuous interaction of the atoms with the surrounding field. The macroscopic irreversibility is the consequence of the microscopic irreversibility.

Ictal time-irreversible intracranial EEG signals as markers of the epileptogenic zone.

PubMed

Schindler, Kaspar; Rummel, Christian; Andrzejak, Ralph G; Goodfellow, Marc; Zubler, Frédéric; Abela, Eugenio; Wiest, Roland; Pollo, Claudio; Steimer, Andreas; Gast, Heidemarie

2016-09-01

To show that time-irreversible EEG signals recorded with intracranial electrodes during seizures can serve as markers of the epileptogenic zone. We use the recently developed method of mapping time series into directed horizontal graphs (dHVG). Each node of the dHVG represents a time point in the original intracranial EEG (iEEG) signal. Statistically significant differences between the distributions of the nodes' number of input and output connections are used to detect time-irreversible iEEG signals. In 31 of 32 seizure recordings we found time-irreversible iEEG signals. The maximally time-irreversible signals always occurred during seizures, with highest probability in the middle of the first seizure half. These signals spanned a large range of frequencies and amplitudes but were all characterized by saw-tooth like shaped components. Brain regions removed from patients who became post-surgically seizure-free generated significantly larger time-irreversibilities than regions removed from patients who still had seizures after surgery. Our results corroborate that ictal time-irreversible iEEG signals can indeed serve as markers of the epileptogenic zone and can be efficiently detected and quantified in a time-resolved manner by dHVG based methods. Ictal time-irreversible EEG signals can help to improve pre-surgical evaluation in patients suffering from pharmaco-resistant epilepsies. Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Flipping the Switch from G1 to S Phase with E3 Ubiquitin Ligases

PubMed Central

Rizzardi, Lindsay F.

2012-01-01

The cell cycle ensures genome maintenance by coordinating the processes of DNA replication and chromosome segregation. Of particular importance is the irreversible transition from the G1 phase of the cell cycle to S phase. This transition marks the switch from preparing chromosomes for replication (“origin licensing”) to active DNA synthesis (“origin firing”). Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is essential for restricting DNA replication to only once per cell cycle and is the major mechanism regulating the G1 to S phase transition. Although some changes in protein levels are attributable to regulated mRNA abundance, protein degradation elicits very rapid changes in protein abundance and is critical for the sharp and irreversible transition from one cell cycle stage to the next. Not surprisingly, regulation of the G1-to-S phase transition is perturbed in most cancer cells, and deregulation of key molecular events in G1 and S phase drives not only cell proliferation but also genome instability. In this review we focus on the mechanisms by which E3 ubiquitin ligases control the irreversible transition from G1 to S phase in mammalian cells. PMID:23634252

Nanoparticle shape evolution and proximity effects during tip-induced electrochemical processes

DOE PAGES

Yang, Sangmo; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans; Noh, Tae Won; ...

2016-01-08

The voltage spectroscopies in scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques are widely used to investigate the electrochemical processes in nanoscale volumes, which are important for current key applications, such as batteries, fuel cells, catalysts, and memristors. The spectroscopic measurements are commonly performed on a grid of multiple points to yield spatially resolved maps of reversible and irreversible electrochemical functionalities. Hence, the spacing between measurement points is an important parameter to be considered, especially for irreversible electrochemical processes. Here, we report nonlocal electrochemical dynamics in chains of Ag particles fabricated by the SPM tip on a silver ion solid electrolyte. When themore » grid spacing is small compared with the size of the formed Ag particles, anomalous chains of unequally sized particles with double periodicity evolve. This behavior is ascribed to a proximity effect during the tip-induced electrochemical process, specifically, size-dependent silver particle growth following the contact between the particles. In addition, fractal shape evolution of the formed Ag structures indicates that the growth-limiting process changes from Ag +/Ag redox reaction to Ag +-ion diffusion with the increase in the applied voltage and pulse duration. Our study shows that characteristic shapes of the electrochemical products are good indicators for determining the underlying growth-limiting process, and emergence of complex phenomena during spectroscopic mapping of electrochemical functionalities.« less

Chitosan effects on physiochemical indicators of drought-induced leaf stress

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Water deficit stress in crops is associated with leaf senescence, a damaging oxidative process that is irreversible once it is initiated. This study was conducted to assess the effect of chitosan, a marine polysaccharide with unique bioactive properties that scavenges for reactive oxygen species; h...

Exergy and the economic process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karakatsanis, Georgios

2016-04-01

The Second Law of Thermodynamics (2nd Law) dictates that the introduction of physical work in a system requires the existence of a heat gradient, according to the universal notion of Carnot Heat Engine. This is the corner stone for the notion of exergy as well, as exergy is actually the potential of physical work generation across the process of equilibration of a number of unified systems with different thermodynamic states. However, although energy concerns the abstract ability of work generation, exergy concerns the specific ability of work generation, due to the requirement for specifying an environment of reference, in relation to which the thermodynamic equilibration takes place; also determining heat engine efficiencies. Consequently, while energy is always conserved, exergy -deriving from heat gradient equilibration- is always consumed. According to this perspective, the availability of heat gradients is what fundamentally drives the evolution of econosystems, via enhancing -or even substituting- human labor (Boulding 1978; Chen 2005; Ayres and Warr 2009). In addition, exergy consumption is irreversible, via the gradual transformation of useful physical work to entropy; hence reducing its future economic availability. By extending Roegen's relative approach (1971), it could be postulated that this irreversible exhaustion of exergy comprises the fundamental cause of economic scarcity, which is the corner stone for the development of economic science. Conclusively, scarcity consists in: (a) the difficulty of allocating -in the Earth System- very high heat gradients that would make humanity's heat engines very efficient and (b) the irreversible depletion of existent heat gradients due to entropy production. In addition, the concept of exergy could be used to study natural resource degradation and pollution at the biogeochemical level and understand why heat gradient scarcity in the Earth System was eventually inevitable. All of these issues are analyzed both theoretically and quantitatively. Keywords: 2nd Law, physical work, heat gradient, Carnot Heat Engine, exergy, energy, reference environment, econosystems, irreversibility, entropy, scarcity, resource degradation, pollution References 1. Ayres, Robert U. and Benjamin Warr (2009), The Economic Growth Engine: How Energy and Work Drive Material Prosperity, Edward Elgar and IIASA 2. Boulding, Kenneth E. (1978), Ecodynamics: A New Theory of Societal Evolution, Sage Publication 3. Chen, Jing (2005), The Physical Foundations of Economics: An Analytic Thermodynamic Theory, World Scientific 4. Roegen, Nicolas Georgescu (1971), The Entropy Law and the Economic Process, Harvard University Press

The effects of isoprene and NOx on secondary organic aerosols formed through reversible and irreversible uptake to aerosol water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Sayed, Marwa M. H.; Ortiz-Montalvo, Diana L.; Hennigan, Christopher J.

2018-01-01

Isoprene oxidation produces water-soluble organic gases capable of partitioning to aerosol liquid water. The formation of secondary organic aerosols through such aqueous pathways (aqSOA) can take place either reversibly or irreversibly; however, the split between these fractions in the atmosphere is highly uncertain. The aim of this study was to characterize the reversibility of aqSOA formed from isoprene at a location in the eastern United States under substantial influence from both anthropogenic and biogenic emissions. The reversible and irreversible uptake of water-soluble organic gases to aerosol water was characterized in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, using measurements of particulate water-soluble organic carbon (WSOCp) in alternating dry and ambient configurations. WSOCp evaporation with drying was observed systematically throughout the late spring and summer, indicating reversible aqSOA formation during these times. We show through time lag analyses that WSOCp concentrations, including the WSOCp that evaporates with drying, peak 6 to 11 h after isoprene concentrations, with maxima at a time lag of 9 h. The absolute reversible aqSOA concentrations, as well as the relative amount of reversible aqSOA, increased with decreasing NOx / isoprene ratios, suggesting that isoprene epoxydiol (IEPOX) or other low-NOx oxidation products may be responsible for these effects. The observed relationships with NOx and isoprene suggest that this process occurs widely in the atmosphere, and is likely more important in other locations characterized by higher isoprene and/or lower NOx levels. This work underscores the importance of accounting for both reversible and irreversible uptake of isoprene oxidation products to aqueous particles.

Irreversible blockade of sigma-1 receptors by haloperidol and its metabolites in guinea pig brain and SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Cobos, Enrique J; del Pozo, Esperanza; Baeyens, José M

2007-08-01

We evaluated the effect of haloperidol (HP) and its metabolites on [(3)H](+)-pentazocine binding to sigma(1) receptors in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells and guinea pig brain P(1), P(2) and P(3) subcellular fractions. Three days after a single i.p. injection in guinea pigs of HP (but not of other sigma(1) antagonists or (-)-sulpiride), [(3)H](+)-pentazocine binding to brain membranes was markedly decreased. Recovery of sigma(1) receptor density to steady state after HP-induced inactivation required more than 30 days. HP-metabolite II (reduced HP, 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-hydroxy-1-piperidinebutanol), but not HP-metabolite I (4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine), irreversibly blocked sigma(1) receptors in guinea pig brain homogenate and P(2) fraction in vitro. We found similar results in SH-SY5Y cells, which suggests that this process may also take place in humans. HP irreversibly inactivated sigma(1) receptors when it was incubated with brain homogenate and SH-SY5Y cells, but not when incubated with P(2) fraction membranes, which suggests that HP is metabolized to inactivate sigma(1) receptors. Menadione, an inhibitor of the ketone reductase activity that leads to the production of HP-metabolite II, completely prevented HP-induced inactivation of sigma(1) receptors in brain homogenates. These results suggest that HP may irreversibly inactivate sigma(1) receptors in guinea pig and human cells, probably after metabolism to reduced HP.

Beta-lactam antibiotic-induced platelet dysfunction: Evidence for irreversible inhibition of platelet activation in vitro and in vivo after prolonged exposure to penicillin

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

Burroughs, S.F.; Johnson, G.J.

beta-Lactam antibiotics cause platelet dysfunction with bleeding complications. Previous in vitro studies documented reversible inhibition of agonist-receptor interaction. This mechanism is inadequate to explain the effect of beta-lactam antibiotics in vivo. Platelet function does not return to normal immediately after drug treatment, implying irreversible inhibition of platelet function. We report here evidence of irreversible platelet functional and biochemical abnormalities after in vitro and in vivo exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics. Irreversible binding of (14C)-penicillin (Pen) occurred in vitro. After 24 hours' in vitro incubation with 10 to 20 mmol/L Pen, or ex vivo after antibiotic treatment, irreversible functional impairment occurred; butmore » no irreversible inhibition of alpha 2 adrenergic receptors, measured with (3H)-yohimbine, or high-affinity thromboxane A2/prostaglandin H2 (TXA2/PGH2) receptors, measured with agonist (3H)-U46619 and antagonist (3H)-SQ29548, occurred. However, low-affinity platelet TXA2/PGH2 receptors were decreased 40% after Pen exposure in vitro or in vivo, indicating irreversible membrane alteration. Two postreceptor biochemical events were irreversibly inhibited in platelets incubated with Pen for 24 hours in vitro or ex vivo after antibiotic treatment. Thromboxane synthesis was inhibited 28.3% to 81.7%. Agonist-induced rises in cytosolic calcium ((Ca2+)i) were inhibited 40.1% to 67.5% in vitro and 26.6% to 52.2% ex vivo. Therefore, Pen binds to platelets after prolonged exposure, resulting in irreversible dysfunction attributable to inhibition of TXA2 synthesis and impairment of the rise in (Ca2+)i. The loss of low-affinity TXA2/PGH2 receptors suggests that the primary site of action of these drugs is on the platelet membrane.« less

Irreversibility of financial time series: A graph-theoretical approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Flanagan, Ryan; Lacasa, Lucas

2016-04-01

The relation between time series irreversibility and entropy production has been recently investigated in thermodynamic systems operating away from equilibrium. In this work we explore this concept in the context of financial time series. We make use of visibility algorithms to quantify, in graph-theoretical terms, time irreversibility of 35 financial indices evolving over the period 1998-2012. We show that this metric is complementary to standard measures based on volatility and exploit it to both classify periods of financial stress and to rank companies accordingly. We then validate this approach by finding that a projection in principal components space of financial years, based on time irreversibility features, clusters together periods of financial stress from stable periods. Relations between irreversibility, efficiency and predictability are briefly discussed.

Effect of design variables on irreversible magnet demagnetization in brushless dc motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Tae Heoung; Lee, Ju

2005-05-01

The large demagnetizing currents in brushless dc (BLdc) motor are generated by the short-circuited stator windings and the fault of a drive circuit. So, irreversible magnet demagnetization occurs due to the external demagnetizing field by these currents. In this paper, we deal with the effect of design variables on irreversible magnet demagnetization in BLdc motor through the modeling approach using a two-dimensional finite-element method (2D FEM). The nonlinear analysis of a permanent magnet is added to 2D FEM to consider irreversible demagnetization. As a result, it is shown that magnet thickness, teeth surface width, and rotor back yoke thickness are the most important geometrical dimensions of BLdc motor in terms of irreversible magnet demagnetization.

Antibacterial efficacy and effect of Morinda citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid for dental impressions: A randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Ahmed, A. Shafath; Charles, P. David; Cholan, R.; Russia, M.; Surya, R.; Jailance, L.

2015-01-01

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate whether the extract of Morinda citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid powder decreases microbial contamination during impression making without affecting the resulting casts. Materials and Methods: Twenty volunteers were randomly divided into two groups (n = 10). Group A 30 ml extract of M. citrifolia L diluted in 30 ml of water was mixed to make the impression with irreversible hydrocolloid material. Group B 30 ml deionized water was mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid material to make the impressions following which the surface roughness and dimensional stability of casts were evaluated. Results: Extract of M. citrifolia L. mixed with irreversible hydrocolloid decreased the percentage of microorganisms when compared with water (P < 0.001) but did not affect the surface quality or dimensional stability of the casts. Conclusion: Mixing the extract of M. citrifolia L. with irreversible hydrocolloid powder is an alternative method to prevent contamination without sacrificing impression quality. PMID:26538926

Anisotropy in the Ratchet Growth of PBX 9502

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

Schwarz, Ricardo Blum; Liu, Cheng; Thompson, Darla Graff

2015-03-12

TATB-based compactions and composites are known to undergo “ratchet growth”, an irreversible volume increase that occurs upon heating or cooling of a specimen. Ratchet growth likely arises because the coefficient of thermal expansion of the TATB crystals is strongly anisotropic, but the exact mechanism is not well-understood. TATB crystals in solid, plastic-bonded, explosive PBX 9502 parts can have a preferred crystallographic orientation (texture) caused by the compaction process. As a result, the irreversible strain associated with PBX 9502 ratchet growth is anisotropic. The present paper relates the magnitude of ratchet growth to the crystalline anisotropy of the TATB crystals. Themore » crystalline anisotropy is measured by x-ray diffraction and the ratchet growth is measured by a digital image-correlation technique.« less

Beneficial and paradoxical roles of selenium at nutritional levels of intake in healthspan and longevity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Accumulation of damage to the genome and macromolecules is a hallmark of aging, age-associated degeneration, and genome instability syndromes. Although the processes of aging are irreversible, they can be modulated by genome maintenance pathways and environmental factors such as diet. Selenium (Se) ...

A QSAR Model for Thyroperoxidase Inhibition and Screening of a Large Set of Environmental Chemicals (SOT)

EPA Science Inventory

Thyroid hormones (THs) are critical modulators of a wide range of biological processes from neurodevelopment to metabolism. Well regulated levels of THs are critical during development and even moderate changes in maternal or fetal TH levels produce irreversible neurological defi...

Development of a QSAR Model for Thyroperoxidase Inhbition and Screening of 72,524 REACH substances - (Eurotox 2016)

EPA Science Inventory

hyroid hormones (THs) are involved in multiple biological processes and are critical modulators of fetal development. Even moderate changes in maternal or fetal TH levels can produce irreversible neurological deficits in children, such as lower IQ. The enzyme thyroperoxidase (TPO...

Language: The Great Barrier.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKenzie, Keith S.

1969-01-01

The author comments on the lack of sufficient interest in the education of Indians and Eskimos in Canada. Although he feels that the process of the acculturation of the Indian into white society is "ongoing, irreversible, and destined to continue no matter what anyone desires," it is "neither the task nor the prerogative of the…

Opportunities for improving risk communication during the permitting process for entomophagous biological control agents: A review of current systems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Concerns about potentially irreversible non-target impacts from the importation and release of entomophagous biological control agents (BCAs) have resulted in increasingly stringent import requirements by National Plant Protection Organizations. Despite numerous scientific publications on the poten...

Quasi-linear versus potential-based formulations of force-flux relations and the GENERIC for irreversible processes: comparisons and examples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hütter, Markus; Svendsen, Bob

2013-11-01

An essential part in modeling out-of-equilibrium dynamics is the formulation of irreversible dynamics. In the latter, the major task consists in specifying the relations between thermodynamic forces and fluxes. In the literature, mainly two distinct approaches are used for the specification of force-flux relations. On the one hand, quasi-linear relations are employed, which are based on the physics of transport processes and fluctuation-dissipation theorems (de Groot and Mazur in Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, North Holland, Amsterdam, 1962, Lifshitz and Pitaevskii in Physical kinetics. Volume 10, Landau and Lifshitz series on theoretical physics, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1981). On the other hand, force-flux relations are also often represented in potential form with the help of a dissipation potential (Šilhavý in The mechanics and thermodynamics of continuous media, Springer, Berlin, 1997). We address the question of how these two approaches are related. The main result of this presentation states that the class of models formulated by quasi-linear relations is larger than what can be described in a potential-based formulation. While the relation between the two methods is shown in general terms, it is demonstrated also with the help of three examples. The finding that quasi-linear force-flux relations are more general than dissipation-based ones also has ramifications for the general equation for non-equilibrium reversible-irreversible coupling (GENERIC: e.g., Grmela and Öttinger in Phys Rev E 56:6620-6632, 6633-6655, 1997, Öttinger in Beyond equilibrium thermodynamics, Wiley Interscience Publishers, Hoboken, 2005). This framework has been formulated and used in two different forms, namely a quasi-linear (Öttinger and Grmela in Phys Rev E 56:6633-6655, 1997, Öttinger in Beyond equilibrium thermodynamics, Wiley Interscience Publishers, Hoboken, 2005) and a dissipation potential-based (Grmela in Adv Chem Eng 39:75-129, 2010, Grmela in J Non-Newton Fluid Mech 165:980-986, 2010, Mielke in Continuum Mech Therm 23:233-256, 2011) form, respectively, relating the irreversible evolution to the entropy gradient. It is found that also in the case of GENERIC, the quasi-linear representation encompasses a wider class of phenomena as compared to the dissipation-based formulation. Furthermore, it is found that a potential exists for the irreversible part of the GENERIC if and only if one does for the underlying force-flux relations.

Magnetization reversal processes in bonded magnets made from a mixture of Nd-(Fe,Co)-B and strontium ferrite powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dospial, M.; Plusa, D.

2013-03-01

Isotropic epoxy-resin bonded magnets composed of different amounts of Magnequench MQP-B and strontium ferrite powders have been prepared using a compression molding technique. The magnetic parameters for magnets with different amounts of strontium ferrite and magnetization reversal processes have been studied by the measurement of the initial magnetization curves, the major hysteresis loops measured at a field up to 14 T and sets of recoil loops. The enhancement of μ0MR and μ0HC is observed in comparison with the calculated values. From the recoil loops the field dependences of the reversible, irreversible and total magnetization components and the differential susceptibilities were derived. From the dependence of the irreversible magnetization component versus an applied field it was deduced that the main mechanism of magnetization reversal process is the pinning of domain walls in MQP-B and strontium ferrite grains. The interactions between the magnetic particles and grains have been examined by the analysis of the δM plot. The δM behavior of magnets with ferrite has been interpreted as being composed of magnetizing exchange coupling and demagnetizing dipolar interactions.

Fundamental economic irreversibilities influence policies for enhancing international forest phytosanitary security

Treesearch

Thomas P. Holmes; Will Allen; Robert G. Haight; E. Carina H. Keskitalo; Mariella Marzano; Maria Pettersson; Christopher P. Quine; E. R. Langer

2017-01-01

National and international efforts to manage forest biosecurity create tension between opposing sources of ecological and economic irreversibility. Phytosanitary policies designed to protect national borders from biological invasions incur sunk costs deriving from economic and political irreversibilities that incentivizes wait-and-see decision-making. However, the...

Re-analysis of experiments to quantify irreversibility of pesticide sorption-desorption in soil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Previously published research has used an isotope-exchange technique to measure irreversibility of pesticide adsorption-desorption in soil. Results have indicated significant irreversibility (6-51%) in the sorption in five pesticide-soil systems measured over 72 hours. Here, we propose a three-site ...

Theoretical foundations of apparent-damping phenomena and nearly irreversible energy exchange in linear conservative systems.

PubMed

Carcaterra, A; Akay, A

2007-04-01

This paper discusses a class of unexpected irreversible phenomena that can develop in linear conservative systems and provides a theoretical foundation that explains the underlying principles. Recent studies have shown that energy can be introduced to a linear system with near irreversibility, or energy within a system can migrate to a subsystem nearly irreversibly, even in the absence of dissipation, provided that the system has a particular natural frequency distribution. The present work introduces a general theory that provides a mathematical foundation and a physical explanation for the near irreversibility phenomena observed and reported in previous publications. Inspired by the properties of probability distribution functions, the general formulation developed here is based on particular properties of harmonic series, which form the common basis of linear dynamic system models. The results demonstrate the existence of a special class of linear nondissipative dynamic systems that exhibit nearly irreversible energy exchange and possess a decaying impulse response. In addition to uncovering a new class of dynamic system properties, the results have far-reaching implications in engineering applications where classical vibration damping or absorption techniques may not be effective. Furthermore, the results also support the notion of nearly irreversible energy transfer in conservative linear systems, which until now has been a concept associated exclusively with nonlinear systems.

Attribution of irreversible loss to anthropogenic climate change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huggel, Christian; Bresch, David; Hansen, Gerrit; James, Rachel; Mechler, Reinhard; Stone, Dáithí; Wallimann-Helmer, Ivo

2016-04-01

The Paris Agreement (2015) under the UNFCCC has anchored loss and damage in a separate article which specifies that understanding and support should be enhanced in areas addressing loss and damage such as early warning, preparedness, insurance and resilience. Irreversible loss is a special category under loss and damage but there is still missing clarity over what irreversible loss actually includes. Many negative impacts of climate change may be handled or mitigated by existing risk management, reduction and absorption approaches. Irreversible loss, however, is thought to be insufficiently addressed by risk management. Therefore, countries potentially or actually affected by irreversible loss are calling for other measures such as compensation, which however is highly contested in international climate policy. In Paris (2015) a decision was adopted that loss and damage as defined in the respective article of the agreement does not involve compensation and liability. Nevertheless, it is likely that some sort of mechanism will eventually need to come into play for irreversible loss due to anthropogenic climate change, which might involve compensation, other forms of non-monetary reparation, or transformation. Furthermore, climate litigation has increasingly been attempted to address negative effects of climate change. In this context, attribution is important to understand the drivers of change, what counts as irreversible loss due to climate change, and, possibly, who or what is responsible. Here we approach this issue by applying a detection and attribution perspective on irreversible loss. We first analyze detected climate change impacts as assessed in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. We distinguish between irreversible loss in physical, biological and human systems, and accordingly identify the following candidates of irreversible loss in these systems: loss of glaciers and ice sheets, loss of subsurface ice (permafrost) and related loss of lake systems; loss of land area due to coastal and hillslope erosion and sea level change; loss of plant and animal species, loss of ecosystems and biodiversity; loss of human lives, homelands, and cultural identity. Attribution to anthropogenic climate change is analyzed based on recent progress following from the IPCC AR5. Generally, high confidence in attributing irreversible loss to anthropogenic climate change is found in physical systems and more specifically in cryosphere environments, both in mountain and polar regions. Detected loss in terrestrial ecosystems has typically low confidence in attribution whereas loss in some ocean ecosystems (corals) has high confidence. Impacts in human systems that may be classified as irreversible loss are of low confidence in terms of attribution except for the Arctic where higher confidence for a relation with anthropogenic emissions was found. Our analysis suggests that scientific progress in detection and attribution is now at a level that would likely allow policy, or courts, to define mechanisms, or take decisions, as related to irreversible loss in many cryosphere systems. On the other hand, policy may need to consider that at least in the near future it will be difficult to establish clear tracks between irreversible loss in most human systems and anthropogenic climate change, a domain, which however is at the forefront of discussions. We end our discussion with setting out ideas for further clarification of different categories of irreversible loss, including in human systems, and the role of attribution in any policy or legal mechanism in order to help in the development of just and sensible solutions.

Non-input analysis for incomplete trapping irreversible tracer with PET.

PubMed

Ohya, Tomoyuki; Kikuchi, Tatsuya; Fukumura, Toshimitsu; Zhang, Ming-Rong; Irie, Toshiaki

2013-07-01

When using metabolic trapping type tracers, the tracers are not always trapped in the target tissue; i.e., some are completely trapped in the target, but others can be eliminated from the target tissue at a measurable rate. The tracers that can be eliminated are termed 'incomplete trapping irreversible tracers'. These incomplete trapping irreversible tracers may be clinically useful when the tracer β-value, the ratio of the tracer (metabolite) elimination rate to the tracer efflux rate, is under approximately 0.1. In this study, we propose a non-input analysis for incomplete trapping irreversible tracers based on the shape analysis (Shape), a non-input analysis used for irreversible tracers. A Monte Carlo simulation study based on experimental monkey data with two actual PET tracers (a complete trapping irreversible tracer [(11)C]MP4A and an incomplete trapping irreversible tracer [(18)F]FEP-4MA) was performed to examine the effects of the environmental error and the tracer elimination rate on the estimation of the k3-parameter (corresponds to metabolic rate) using Shape (original) and modified Shape (M-Shape) analysis. The simulation results were also compared with the experimental results obtained with the two PET tracers. When the tracer β-value was over 0.03, the M-Shape method was superior to the Shape method for the estimation of the k3-parameter. The simulation results were also in reasonable agreement with the experimental ones. M-Shape can be used as the non-input analysis of incomplete trapping irreversible tracers for PET study. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Surface Detail Reproduction and Dimensional Stability of Contemporary Irreversible Hydrocolloid Alternatives after Immediate and Delayed Pouring.

PubMed

Kusugal, Preethi; Chourasiya, Ritu Sunil; Ruttonji, Zarir; Astagi, Preeti; Nayak, Ajay Kumar; Patil, Abhishekha

2018-01-01

To overcome the poor dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloids, alternative materials were introduced. The dimensional changes of these alternatives after delayed pouring are not well studied and documented in the literature. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the surface detail reproduction and dimensional stability of two irreversible hydrocolloid alternatives with an extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid at different time intervals. All testing were performed according to the ANSI/ADA specification number 18 for surface detail reproduction and specification number 19 for dimensional change. The test materials used in this study were newer irreversible hydrocolloid alternatives such as AlgiNot FS, Algin-X Ultra FS, and Kromopan 100 which is an extended pour irreversible hydrocolloid as control. The surface detail reproduction was evaluated using stereomicroscope. The dimensional change after storage period of 1 h, 24 h, and 120 h was assessed and compared between the test materials and control. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test. Statistically significant results ( P < 0.001) were seen when mean scores of the tested materials were compared with respect to reproduction of 22 μm line from the metal block. Kromopan 100 showed statistically significant differences between different time intervals ( P < 0.001) and exhibited more dimensional change. Algin-X Ultra FS proved to be more accurate and dimensionally stable. Newer irreversible hydrocolloid alternative impression materials were more accurate in surface detail reproduction and exhibited minimal dimensional change after storage period of 1 h, 24 h, and 120 h than extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid impression material.

Partially-irreversible sorption of formaldehyde in five polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Wei; Cox, Steven S.; Zhao, Xiaomin; Frazier, Charles E.; Little, John C.

2014-12-01

Due to its environmental ubiquity and concern over its potential toxicity, the mass-transfer characteristics of formaldehyde are of critical importance to indoor air quality research. Previous studies have suggested that formaldehyde mass transfer in polymer is partially irreversible. In this study, mechanisms that could cause the observed irreversibility were investigated. Polycarbonate and four other polymeric matrices were selected and subjected to formaldehyde sorption/desorption cycles. Mass transfer of formaldehyde was partially irreversible in all cases, and three potential mechanisms were evaluated. First, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis was used to investigate possible formaldehyde polymerization on polymer surfaces. ATR-FTIR showed no detectable paraformaldehyde or formaldehyde on the film surfaces that had been exposed to formaldehyde and air. ATR-FTIR did detect aliphatic acids suggesting oxidation had occurred on film surfaces as a result of exposure to formaldehyde. However, additional study suggested that air is not the primary cause for irreversibility. Second, statistical physics theory was tested as a possible explanation. According to this theory, reversible and irreversible sorption could be taking place simultaneously. The irreversible fraction should be constant during sorption and the fraction could be determined by performing a complete sorption/desorption test. The sorption/desorption data was consistent with this theory. Third, chemisorption was considered as another possible cause for irreversibility. Extraction/fluorimetry testing of post-sorption and post-desorption polymer films showed measurable quantities of formaldehyde suggesting that some of the chemisorbed formaldehyde was reversible at the higher extraction temperature. Further quantitative study on chemical reaction products is needed.

The Impact of Uncertainty and Irreversibility on Investments in Online Learning

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oslington, Paul

2004-01-01

Uncertainty and irreversibility are central to online learning projects, but have been neglected in the existing educational cost-benefit analysis literature. This paper builds some simple illustrative models of the impact of irreversibility and uncertainty, and shows how different types of cost and demand uncertainty can have substantial impacts…

Ethacrynic acid improves the antitumor effects of irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer.

PubMed

Liu, Bing; Huang, XinPing; Hu, YunLong; Chen, TingTing; Peng, BoYa; Gao, NingNing; Jin, ZhenChao; Jia, TieLiu; Zhang, Na; Wang, ZhuLin; Jin, GuangYi

2016-09-06

Prolonged treatment of breast cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) often results in acquired resistance and a narrow therapeutic index. One strategy to improve the therapeutic effects of EGFR TKIs is to combine them with drugs used for other clinical indications. Ethacrynic acid (EA) is an FDA approved drug that may have antitumor effects and may enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents by binding to glutathione and inhibiting WNT signaling. While the α,β-unsaturated-keto structure of EA is similar to that of irreversible TKIs, the mechanism of action of EA when combined with irreversible EGFR TKIs in breast cancer remains unknown. We therefore investigated the combination of irreversible EGFR TKIs and EA. We found that irreversible EGFR TKIs and EA synergistically inhibit breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of EGFR TKIs and EA induces necrosis and cell cycle arrest and represses WNT/β-catenin signaling as well as MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling. We conclude that EA synergistically enhances the antitumor effects of irreversible EGFR TKIs in breast cancer.

Partial purification of the mu opioid receptor irreversibly labeled with (/sup 3/H)b-funaltrexamine

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

Liu-Chen, L.Y.; Phillips, C.A.; Tam, S.W.

1986-03-01

The mu opioid receptor in bovine striatal membranes was specifically and irreversibly labeled by incubation with 5 nM (/sup 3/H)..beta..-funaltrexamine (approx.-FNA) at 37/sup 0/C for 90 min in the presence of 100 mM NaCl. The specific and irreversible binding of (/sup 3/H)..beta..-FNA as defined by that blocked by 1 /sup +/M naloxone was about 60% of total irreversible binding. The specific irreversible binding was saturable, stereospecific, time-, temperature, and tissue-dependent. Mu opioid ligands were much more potent than delta or kappa ligands in inhibiting the specific irreversible labeling. SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of solubilized membranes in the presence of 2-mercaptoethanolmore » yielded a major radiolabeled broad band of MW 68-97K daltons, characteristic of a glycoprotein band. This band was not observed in membranes labeled in the presence of excess unlabeled naloxone. The glycoprotein nature of the (/sup 3/H)..beta..-FNA-labeled opioid receptor was confirmed by its binding to a wheat germ agglutinin-Sepharose column and its elution with N-acetylglucosamine.« less

Fourier heat conduction as a phenomenon described within the scope of the second law

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

Jesudason, Christopher G.

The historical development of the Carnot cycle necessitated the construction of isothermal and adiabatic pathways within the cycle that were also mechanically 'reversible' which lead eventually to the Kelvin-Clausius development of the entropy function S where for any reversible closed path C, ∮{sub C} dS = 0 based on an infinite number of concatenated Carnot engines that approximated the said path and where for each engine ΔQ{sub 1}/T{sub 1}+ΔQ{sub 2}/T{sub 2} = 0 where the Q's and T's are the heat absorption increments and temperature respectively with the subscripts indicating the isothermal paths (1;2) where for the Carnot engine, the heat absorptionmore » is for the diathermal (isothermal) paths of the cycle only. Since 'heat' has been defined as that form of energy that is transferred as a result of a temperature difference and a corollary of the Clausius statement of the Second law is that it is impossible for heat to be transferred from a cold to a hot reservoir with no other effect on the environment, these statements suggested that the local mode of transfer of 'heat' in the isothermal segments of the pathway does imply a Fourier heat conduction mechanism (to conform to the definition of 'heat') albeit of a 'reversible' kind, but on the other hand, the Fourier mechanism is apparently irreversible, leading to an increase in entropy of the combined reservoirs at either end of the material involved in the conveyance of the heat energy. These and several other considerations lead Benofy and Quay (BQ) to postulate the Fourier heat conduction phenomenon to be an ancillary principle in thermodynamics, with this principle being strictly local in nature, where the global Second law statements could not be applied to this local process. Here we present equations that model heat conduction as a thermodynamically reversible but mechanically irreversible process where due to the belief in mechanical time reversible symmetry, thermodynamical reversibility has been unfortunately linked to mechanical reversibility, that has discouraged such an association. The modeling is based on an application of a 'recoverable transition', defined and developed earlier on ideas derived from thermal desorption of particles from a surface where the Fourier heat conduction process is approximated as a series of such desorption processes. We recall that the original Carnot engine required both adiabatic and isothermal steps to complete the zero entropy cycle, and this construct lead to the consequent deduction that any Second law statement that refers to heat-work conversion processes are only globally relevant. Here, on the other hand, we examine Fourier heat conduction from MD simulation and model this process as a zero-entropy forward scattering process relative to each of the atoms in the lattice chain being treated as a system where the Carnot cycle can be applied individually. The equations developed predicts the 'work' done to be equal to the energy transfer rate. The MD simulations conducted shows excellent agreement with the theory. Such views and results as these, if developed to a successful conclusion could imply that the Carnot cycle be viewed as describing a local process of energy-work conversion and that irreversible local processes might be brought within the scope of this cycle, implying a unified treatment of thermodynamically (i) irreversible, (ii) reversible, (iii) isothermal and (iv) adiabatic processes.« less

Irreversibility and entanglement spectrum statistics in quantum circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaffer, Daniel; Chamon, Claudio; Hamma, Alioscia; Mucciolo, Eduardo R.

2014-12-01

We show that in a quantum system evolving unitarily under a stochastic quantum circuit the notions of irreversibility, universality of computation, and entanglement are closely related. As the state evolves from an initial product state, it gets asymptotically maximally entangled. We define irreversibility as the failure of searching for a disentangling circuit using a Metropolis-like algorithm. We show that irreversibility corresponds to Wigner-Dyson statistics in the level spacing of the entanglement eigenvalues, and that this is obtained from a quantum circuit made from a set of universal gates for quantum computation. If, on the other hand, the system is evolved with a non-universal set of gates, the statistics of the entanglement level spacing deviates from Wigner-Dyson and the disentangling algorithm succeeds. These results open a new way to characterize irreversibility in quantum systems.

Monitoring techniques for high accuracy interference fit assembly processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liuti, A.; Vedugo, F. Rodriguez; Paone, N.; Ungaro, C.

2016-06-01

In the automotive industry, there are many assembly processes that require a high geometric accuracy, in the micrometer range; generally open-loop controllers cannot meet these requirements. This results in an increased defect rate and high production costs. This paper presents an experimental study of interference fit process, aimed to evaluate the aspects which have the most impact on the uncertainty in the final positioning. The press-fitting process considered, consists in a press machine operating with a piezoelectric actuator to press a plug into a sleeve. Plug and sleeve are designed and machined to obtain a known interference fit. Differential displacement and velocity measurements of the plug with respect to the sleeve are measured by a fiber optic differential laser Doppler vibrometer. Different driving signals of the piezo actuator allow to have an insight into the differences between a linear and a pulsating press action. The paper highlights how the press-fit assembly process is characterized by two main phases: the first is an elastic deformation of the plug and sleeve, which produces a reversible displacement, the second is a sliding of the plug with respect to the sleeve, which results in an irreversible displacement and finally realizes the assembly. The simultaneous measurements of the displacement and the force have permitted to define characteristic features in the signal useful to identify the start of the irreversible movement. These indicators could be used to develop a control logic in a press assembly process.

Inhibition of human TDP2 by deazaflavins | Center for Cancer Research

Cancer.gov

Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 2 repairs irreversible topoisomerase II-mediated cleavage complexes generated by anticancer topoisomerase-targeted drugs and processes replication intermediates for picornaviruses (VPg unlinkase) and hepatitis B virus. There is currently no TDP2 inhibitor in clinical development. Here, we report a series of deazaflavin derivatives that selectively

Reversible and irreversible impacts of greenhouse gas emissions in multi-century projections with the NCAR global coupled carbon cycle-climate model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Froelicher, T. L.; Joos, F.

2010-12-01

The legacy of historical and the long-term impacts of 21st century greenhouse gas emissions on climate, ocean acidification, and carbon-climate feedbacks are investigated with a coupled carbon cycle-climate model. Emission commitment scenarios with zero emissions after year 2100 and 21st century emissions of 1,800, 900, and 0 gigatons of carbon are run up to year 2500. The reversibility and irreversibility of impacts is quantified by comparing anthropogenically-forced regional changes with internal, unforced climate variability. We show that the influence of historical emissions and of non-CO2 agents is largely reversible on the regional scale. Forced changes in surface temperature and precipitation become smaller than internal variability for most land and ocean grid cells in the absence of future carbon emissions. In contrast, continued carbon emissions over the 21st century cause irreversible climate change on centennial to millennial timescales in most regions and impacts related to ocean acidification and sea level rise continue to aggravate for centuries even if emissions are stopped in year 2100. Undersaturation of the Arctic surface ocean with respect to aragonite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate secreted by marine organisms, is imminent and remains widespread. The volume of supersaturated water providing habitat to calcifying organisms is reduced from preindustrial 40 to 25% in 2100 and to 10% in 2300 for the high emission case. We conclude that emission trading schemes, related to the Kyoto Process,should not permit trading between emissions of relatively short-lived agents and CO2 given the irreversible impacts of anthropogenic carbon emissions.

Reversible and irreversible impacts of greenhouse gas emissions in multi-century projections with the NCAR global coupled carbon cycle-climate model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frölicher, Thomas L.; Joos, Fortunat

2010-12-01

The legacy of historical and the long-term impacts of 21st century greenhouse gas emissions on climate, ocean acidification, and carbon-climate feedbacks are investigated with a coupled carbon cycle-climate model. Emission commitment scenarios with zero emissions after year 2100 and 21st century emissions of 1,800, 900, and 0 gigatons of carbon are run up to year 2500. The reversibility and irreversibility of impacts is quantified by comparing anthropogenically-forced regional changes with internal, unforced climate variability. We show that the influence of historical emissions and of non-CO2 agents is largely reversible on the regional scale. Forced changes in surface temperature and precipitation become smaller than internal variability for most land and ocean grid cells in the absence of future carbon emissions. In contrast, continued carbon emissions over the 21st century cause irreversible climate change on centennial to millennial timescales in most regions and impacts related to ocean acidification and sea level rise continue to aggravate for centuries even if emissions are stopped in year 2100. Undersaturation of the Arctic surface ocean with respect to aragonite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate secreted by marine organisms, is imminent and remains widespread. The volume of supersaturated water providing habitat to calcifying organisms is reduced from preindustrial 40 to 25% in 2100 and to 10% in 2300 for the high emission case. We conclude that emission trading schemes, related to the Kyoto Process, should not permit trading between emissions of relatively short-lived agents and CO2 given the irreversible impacts of anthropogenic carbon emissions.

The truth about the 1st cycle Coulombic efficiency of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM) cathodes.

PubMed

Kasnatscheew, J; Evertz, M; Streipert, B; Wagner, R; Klöpsch, R; Vortmann, B; Hahn, H; Nowak, S; Amereller, M; Gentschev, A-C; Lamp, P; Winter, M

2016-02-07

The 1st cycle Coulombic efficiency (CE) of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM) at 4.6 V vs. Li/Li(+) has been extensively investigated in NCM/Li half cells. It could be proven that the major part of the observed overall specific capacity loss (in total 36.3 mA h g(-1)) is reversible and induced by kinetic limitations, namely an impeded lithiation reaction during discharge. A measure facilitating the lithiation reaction, i.e. a constant potential (CP) step at the discharge cut-off potential, results in an increase in specific discharge capacity of 22.1 mA h g(-1). This capacity increase during the CP step could be proven as a relithiation process by Li(+) content determination in NCM via an ICP-OES measurement. In addition, a specific capacity loss of approx. 4.2 mA h g(-1) could be determined as an intrinsic reaction to the NCM cathode material at room temperature (RT). In total, less than 10.0 mA h g(-1) (=28% of the overall capacity loss) can be attributed to irreversible reactions, mainly to irreversible structural changes of NCM. Thus, the impact of parasitic reactions, such as oxidative electrolyte decomposition, on the irreversible capacity is negligible and could also be proven by on-line MS. As a consequence, the determination of the amount of extracted Li(+) ("Li(+) extraction ratio") so far has been incorrect and must be calculated by the charge capacity (=delithiation amount) divided by the theoretical capacity. In a NCM/graphite full cell the relithiation amount during the constant voltage (CV) step is smaller than in the half cell, due to irreversible Li(+) loss at graphite.

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

Sadovskii, V. M., E-mail: sadov@icm.krasn.ru; Sadovskaya, O. V., E-mail: o-sadov@icm.krasn.ru

Based on the generalized rheological method, the mathematical model describing small deformations of a single-phase porous medium without regard to the effects of a fluid or gas in pores is constructed. The change in resistance of a material to the external mechanical impacts at the moment of pore collapse is taken into account by means of the von Mises–Schleicher strength condition. In order to consider irreversible deformations, alongside with the classical yield conditions by von Mises and Tresca– Saint-Venant, the special condition modeling the plastic loss of stability of a porous skeleton is used. The random nature of the poremore » size distribution is taken into account. It is shown that the proposed mathematical model satisfies the principles of thermodynamics of irreversible processes. Phenomenological parameters of the model are determined on the basis of the approximate calculation of the problem on quasi-static loading of a cubic periodicity cell with spherical voids. In the framework of the obtained model, the process of propagation of plane longitudinal waves of the compression in a homogenous porous medium, accompanied by the plastic deformation of a skeleton and the collapse of pores, is analyzed.« less

Systematic study of polycrystalline flow during tension test of sheet 304 austenitic stainless steel at room temperature

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

Muñoz-Andrade, Juan D., E-mail: jdma@correo.azc.uam.mx

2013-12-16

By systematic study the mapping of polycrystalline flow of sheet 304 austenitic stainless steel (ASS) during tension test at constant crosshead velocity at room temperature was obtained. The main results establish that the trajectory of crystals in the polycrystalline spatially extended system (PCSES), during irreversible deformation process obey a hyperbolic motion. Where, the ratio between the expansion velocity of the field and the velocity of the field source is not constant and the field lines of such trajectory of crystals become curved, this accelerated motion is called a hyperbolic motion. Such behavior is assisted by dislocations dynamics and self-accommodation processmore » between crystals in the PCSES. Furthermore, by applying the quantum mechanics and relativistic model proposed by Muñoz-Andrade, the activation energy for polycrystalline flow during the tension test of 304 ASS was calculated for each instant in a global form. In conclusion was established that the mapping of the polycrystalline flow is fundamental to describe in an integral way the phenomenology and mechanics of irreversible deformation processes.« less

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

Jia, Y.F.; Thomas, K.M.

Various types of oxygen functional groups were introduced onto the surface of coconut shell derived activated carbon by oxidation using nitric acid. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), temperature-programmed desorption (TPD), and selective neutralization were used to characterize the surface oxygen functional groups. The oxidized carbons were also heat treated to provide a suite of carbons where the oxygen functional groups of various thermal stabilities were varied progressively. The adsorption of cadmium ions was enhanced dramatically by oxidation of the carbon. The ratio of released protons to adsorbed cadmium ions on oxidized carbon was approximately 2, indicating cation exchange was involved inmore » the process of adsorption. Na{sup +} exchange studies with the oxidized carbon gave a similar ratio. After heat treatment of the oxidized carbons to remove oxygen functional groups, the ratio of H{sup +} released to Cd{sup 2+} adsorbed and the adsorption capacity decreased significantly. Both reversible and irreversible processes were involved in cadmium ion adsorption with reversible adsorption having higher enthalpy. The irreversible adsorption resulted from cation exchange with carboxylic acid groups, whereas the reversible adsorption probably involved physisorption of the partially hydrated cadmium ion.« less

Irreversible electroporation in the treatment of locally advanced pancreas and liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma.

PubMed

Wichtowski, Mateusz; Nowaczyk, Piotr; Kocur, Jacek; Murawa, Dawid

2016-01-01

Irreversible electroporation is a new, non-thermal ablation technique in the treatment of parenchymal organ tumors which uses short high voltage pulses of electricity in order to induce apoptosis of targeted cells. In this paper the application of this method of treatment in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and liver cancer is analyzed. Between 04.2014 and 09.2014 two patients with LAPC and one with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) were qualified for treatment with irreversible electroporation. Both patients remained under constant observation and control. PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar databases were searched and eight original reports on irreversible electroporation of pancreatic and liver tumors based on the biggest groups of patients were found. Two patients with LAPC and one with CRLM were qualified for ablation with irreversible electroporation. In all three patients a successful irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedure of the whole tumor was conducted. In the minimum seven-month follow-up 100% local control was achieved - without progression. In the literature review the local response to treatment ranged from 41% to 100%. The event-free survival rate in six-month observation was 94%. Ablation with irreversible electroporation is a new non-thermal ablation technique which has been demonstrated, both in the previously published studies and in the cases described in this paper, as a safe and efficient therapeutic method for patients with LAPC and CRLM.

Irreversible phase transitions due to laser-based T-jump heating of precursor Eu:ZrO{sub 2}/Tb:Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} core/shell nanoparticles

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

Gunawidjaja, Ray; Diez-y-Riega, Helena; Eilers, Hergen, E-mail: eilers@wsu.edu

2015-09-15

Amorphous precursors of Eu-doped-ZrO{sub 2}/Tb-doped-Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} (p-Eu:ZrO{sub 2}/p-Tb:Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}) core/shell nanoparticles are rapidly heated to temperatures between 200 °C and 950 °C for periods between 2 s and 60 s using a CO{sub 2} laser. During this heating process the nanoparticles undergo irreversible phase changes. The fluorescence spectra due to Eu{sup 3+} dopants in the core and Tb{sup 3+} dopants in the shell are used to identify distinct phases within the material and to generate time/temperature phase diagrams. Such phase diagrams can potentially help to determine unknown time/temperature histories in thermosensor applications. - Graphical abstract: A CO{sub 2}more » laser is used for rapid heating of p-Eu:ZrO{sub 2}/p-Tb:Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} core/shell nanoparticles. Optical spectra are used to identify distinct phases and to determine its thermal history. - Highlights: • Synthesized oxide precursors of lanthanide doped core/shell nanoparticles. • Heated core/shell nanoparticles via laser-based T-jump technique. • Observed time- and temperature-dependent irreversible phase transition.« less

The Prophylactic Effects of Zintoma and Ibuprofen on Post-endodontic Pain of Molars with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

PubMed Central

Ramazani, Mohsen; Hamidi, Mahmoud Reza; Moghaddamnia, Ali Akbar; Ramazani, Nahid; Zarenejad, Nafiseh

2013-01-01

Introduction Post endodontic pain is often linked to the inflammatory process as well as additional central mechanisms. The purpose of the present double-blind randomized clinical trial study was to compare the prophylactic effects of a derivative of Zingiber Officinale, Zintoma, and Ibuprofen on post endodontic pain of molars with irreversible pulpitis. Materials and Methods The post endodontic pain of 72 enrolled patients suffering from irreversible pulpitis was assessed after prophylactic use of 400 mg Ibuprofen, 2 gr Zintoma and placebo. Using the Heft-Parker Visual Analogue Scale, the patients recorded their perceived pain before taking the medicament (baseline), immediately after and also at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h post one-visit endodontic treatment. The statistical analysis was done using Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, and Freedman tests (P<0.05). Results At all times, there was significant difference between the Ibuprofen and Zintoma (P<0.05) and also between the Ibuprofen and placebo (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between Zintoma and the placebo in any of time intervals (P>0.05). No side effects were observed. Conclusion The obtained results of the trial revealed that prophylactic use of 2 gr Zintoma is not an effective pain relieving agent. PMID:23922575

From Maximum Entropy Models to Non-Stationarity and Irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cofre, Rodrigo; Cessac, Bruno; Maldonado, Cesar

The maximum entropy distribution can be obtained from a variational principle. This is important as a matter of principle and for the purpose of finding approximate solutions. One can exploit this fact to obtain relevant information about the underlying stochastic process. We report here in recent progress in three aspects to this approach.1- Biological systems are expected to show some degree of irreversibility in time. Based on the transfer matrix technique to find the spatio-temporal maximum entropy distribution, we build a framework to quantify the degree of irreversibility of any maximum entropy distribution.2- The maximum entropy solution is characterized by a functional called Gibbs free energy (solution of the variational principle). The Legendre transformation of this functional is the rate function, which controls the speed of convergence of empirical averages to their ergodic mean. We show how the correct description of this functional is determinant for a more rigorous characterization of first and higher order phase transitions.3- We assess the impact of a weak time-dependent external stimulus on the collective statistics of spiking neuronal networks. We show how to evaluate this impact on any higher order spatio-temporal correlation. RC supported by ERC advanced Grant ``Bridges'', BC: KEOPS ANR-CONICYT, Renvision and CM: CONICYT-FONDECYT No. 3140572.

Formation of Irreversible H-bonds in Cellulose Materials

Treesearch

Umesh P. Agarwal; Sally A. Ralph; Rick S. Reiner; Nicole M. Stark

2015-01-01

Understanding of formation of irreversible Hbonds in cellulose is important in a number of fields. For example, fields as diverse as pulp and paper and enzymatic saccharification of cellulose are affected. In the present investigation, the phenomenon of formation of irreversible H-bonds is studied in a variety of celluloses and under two different drying conditions....

Guinea pig ductus arteriosus. II - Irreversible closure after birth.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fay, F. S.; Cooke, P. H.

1972-01-01

To investigate the mechanism underlying irreversibility of ductal closure after birth, studies were undertaken to determine the exact time course for the onset of irreversible closure of the guinea pig ductus arteriosus. Parallel studies of the reactivity of ductal smooth muscle to oxygen and studies of the postpartum cellular changes within the vessel were also carried out.

One-Particle Representation of Heat Conduction Described within the Scope of the Second Law.

PubMed

Jesudason, Christopher Gunaseelan

2016-01-01

The Carnot cycle and its deduction of maximum conversion efficiency of heat inputted and outputted isothermally at different temperatures necessitated the construction of isothermal and adiabatic pathways within the cycle that were mechanically "reversible", leading eventually to the Kelvin-Clausius development of the entropy function S with differential dS = dq/T such that [symbol: see text]C dS = 0 where the heat absorption occurs at the isothermal paths of the elementary Carnot cycle. Another required condition is that the heat transfer processes take place infinitely slowly and "reversibly", implying that rates of transfer are not explicitly featured in the theory. The definition of 'heat' as that form of energy that is transferred as a result of a temperature difference suggests that the local mode of transfer of "heat" in the isothermal segments of the pathway implies a Fourier-like heat conduction mechanism which is apparently irreversible, leading to an increase in entropy of the combined reservoirs at either end of the conducting material, and which is deemed reversible mechanically. These paradoxes are circumvented here by first clarifying the terms used before modeling heat transfer as a thermodynamically reversible but mechanically irreversible process and applied to a one dimensional atomic lattice chain of interacting particles subjected to a temperature difference exemplifying Fourier heat conduction. The basis of a "recoverable trajectory" i.e. that which follows a zero entropy trajectory is identified. The Second Law is strictly maintained in this development. A corollary to this zero entropy trajectory is the generalization of the Zeroth law for steady state non-equilibrium systems with varying temperature, and thus to a statement about "equilibrium" in steady state non-thermostatic conditions. An energy transfer rate term is explicitly identified for each particle and agrees quantitatively (and independently) with the rate of heat absorbed at the reservoirs held at different temperatures and located at the two ends of the lattice chain in MD simulations, where all energy terms in the simulation refer to a single particle interacting with its neighbors. These results validate the theoretical model and provides the necessary boundary conditions (for instance with regard to temperature differentials and force fields) that thermodynamical variables must comply with to satisfy the conditions for a recoverable trajectory, and thus determines the solution of the differential and integral equations that are used to model these processes. These developments and results, if fully pursued would imply that not only can the Carnot cycle be viewed as describing a local process of energy-work conversion by a single interacting particle which feature rates of energy transfer and conversion not possible in the classical Carnot development, but that even irreversible local processes might be brought within the scope of this cycle, implying a unified treatment of thermodynamically (i) irreversible (ii) reversible (iii) isothermal and (iv) adiabatic processes by conflating the classically distinct concept of work and heat energy into a single particle interactional process. A resolution to the fundamental and long-standing conjecture of Benofy and Quay concerning the Fourier principle is one consequence of the analysis.

One-Particle Representation of Heat Conduction Described within the Scope of the Second Law

PubMed Central

Jesudason, Christopher Gunaseelan

2016-01-01

The Carnot cycle and its deduction of maximum conversion efficiency of heat inputted and outputted isothermally at different temperatures necessitated the construction of isothermal and adiabatic pathways within the cycle that were mechanically “reversible”, leading eventually to the Kelvin-Clausius development of the entropy function S with differential dS=dq/T such that ∮CdS=0 where the heat absorption occurs at the isothermal paths of the elementary Carnot cycle. Another required condition is that the heat transfer processes take place infinitely slowly and “reversibly”, implying that rates of transfer are not explicitly featured in the theory. The definition of ‘heat’ as that form of energy that is transferred as a result of a temperature difference suggests that the local mode of transfer of “heat” in the isothermal segments of the pathway implies a Fourier-like heat conduction mechanism which is apparently irreversible, leading to an increase in entropy of the combined reservoirs at either end of the conducting material, and which is deemed reversible mechanically. These paradoxes are circumvented here by first clarifying the terms used before modeling heat transfer as a thermodynamically reversible but mechanically irreversible process and applied to a one dimensional atomic lattice chain of interacting particles subjected to a temperature difference exemplifying Fourier heat conduction. The basis of a “recoverable trajectory” i.e. that which follows a zero entropy trajectory is identified. The Second Law is strictly maintained in this development. A corollary to this zero entropy trajectory is the generalization of the Zeroth law for steady state non-equilibrium systems with varying temperature, and thus to a statement about “equilibrium” in steady state non-thermostatic conditions. An energy transfer rate term is explicitly identified for each particle and agrees quantitatively (and independently) with the rate of heat absorbed at the reservoirs held at different temperatures and located at the two ends of the lattice chain in MD simulations, where all energy terms in the simulation refer to a single particle interacting with its neighbors. These results validate the theoretical model and provides the necessary boundary conditions (for instance with regard to temperature differentials and force fields) that thermodynamical variables must comply with to satisfy the conditions for a recoverable trajectory, and thus determines the solution of the differential and integral equations that are used to model these processes. These developments and results, if fully pursued would imply that not only can the Carnot cycle be viewed as describing a local process of energy-work conversion by a single interacting particle which feature rates of energy transfer and conversion not possible in the classical Carnot development, but that even irreversible local processes might be brought within the scope of this cycle, implying a unified treatment of thermodynamically (i) irreversible (ii) reversible (iii) isothermal and (iv) adiabatic processes by conflating the classically distinct concept of work and heat energy into a single particle interactional process. A resolution to the fundamental and long-standing conjecture of Benofy and Quay concerning the Fourier principle is one consequence of the analysis. PMID:26760507

Surface Detail Reproduction and Dimensional Stability of Contemporary Irreversible Hydrocolloid Alternatives after Immediate and Delayed Pouring

PubMed Central

Kusugal, Preethi; Chourasiya, Ritu Sunil; Ruttonji, Zarir; Astagi, Preeti; Nayak, Ajay Kumar; Patil, Abhishekha

2018-01-01

Purpose: To overcome the poor dimensional stability of irreversible hydrocolloids, alternative materials were introduced. The dimensional changes of these alternatives after delayed pouring are not well studied and documented in the literature. The purpose of the study is to evaluate and compare the surface detail reproduction and dimensional stability of two irreversible hydrocolloid alternatives with an extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid at different time intervals. Materials and Methods: All testing were performed according to the ANSI/ADA specification number 18 for surface detail reproduction and specification number 19 for dimensional change. The test materials used in this study were newer irreversible hydrocolloid alternatives such as AlgiNot FS, Algin-X Ultra FS, and Kromopan 100 which is an extended pour irreversible hydrocolloid as control. The surface detail reproduction was evaluated using stereomicroscope. The dimensional change after storage period of 1 h, 24 h, and 120 h was assessed and compared between the test materials and control. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: Statistically significant results (P < 0.001) were seen when mean scores of the tested materials were compared with respect to reproduction of 22 μm line from the metal block. Kromopan 100 showed statistically significant differences between different time intervals (P < 0.001) and exhibited more dimensional change. Algin-X Ultra FS proved to be more accurate and dimensionally stable. Conclusions: Newer irreversible hydrocolloid alternative impression materials were more accurate in surface detail reproduction and exhibited minimal dimensional change after storage period of 1 h, 24 h, and 120 h than extended-pour irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. PMID:29599578

Irreversibility Line Measurement and Vortex Dynamics in High Magnetic Fields in Ni- and Co-Doped Iron Pnictide Bulk Superconductors

DOE PAGES

Nikolo, Martin; Singleton, John; Zapf, Vivien S.; ...

2016-07-20

The de-pinning or irreversibility lines were determined by ac susceptibility, magnetization, radio-frequency proximity detector oscillator (PDO), and resistivity methods in Ba(Fe 0.92Co 0.08) 2As 2 ( T c = 23.2 K), Ba(Fe 0.95Ni 0.05) 2As 2 ( T c = 20.4 K), and Ba(Fe 0.94Ni 0.06) 2As 2 ( T c = 18.5 K) bulk superconductors in ac, dc, and pulsed magnetic fields up to 65 T. A new method of extracting the irreversibility fields from the radio-frequency proximity detector oscillator induction technique is described. Wide temperature broadening of the irreversibility lines, for any given combination of ac and dcmore » fields, is dependent on the time frame of measurement. Increasing the magnetic field sweep rate (dH/dt) shifts the irreversibility lines to higher temperatures up to about dH/d t = 40,000 Oe/s; for higher dH/dt, there is little impact on the irreversibility line. There is an excellent data match between the irreversibility fields obtained from magnetization hysteresis loops, PDO, and ac susceptibility measurements, but not from resistivity measurements in these materials. Lower critical field vs. temperature phase diagrams are measured. Their very low values near 0 T indicate that these materials are in mixed state in nonzero magnetic fields, and yet the strength of the vortex pinning enables very high irreversibility fields, as high as 51 T at 1.5 K for the Ba(Fe 0.92Co 0.08) 2As 2 polycrystalline sample, showing a promise for liquid helium temperature applications.« less

Transplanting hearts after death measured by cardiac criteria: the challenge to the dead donor rule.

PubMed

Veatch, Robert M

2010-06-01

The current definition of death used for donation after cardiac death relies on a determination of the irreversible cessation of the cardiac function. Although this criterion can be compatible with transplantation of most organs, it is not compatible with heart transplantation since heart transplants by definition involve the resuscitation of the supposedly "irreversibly" stopped heart. Subsequently, the definition of "irreversible" has been altered so as to permit heart transplantation in some circumstances, but this is unsatisfactory. There are three available strategies for solving this "irreversibility problem": altering the definition of death so as to rely on circulatory irreversibility, rather than cardiac; defining death strictly on the basis of brain death (either whole-brain or more pragmatically some higher brain criteria); or redefining death in traditional terms and simultaneously legalizing some limited instances of medical killing to procure viable hearts. The first two strategies are the most ethically justifiable and practical.

A Fingerprint Encryption Scheme Based on Irreversible Function and Secure Authentication

PubMed Central

Yu, Jianping; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Shulan

2015-01-01

A fingerprint encryption scheme based on irreversible function has been designed in this paper. Since the fingerprint template includes almost the entire information of users' fingerprints, the personal authentication can be determined only by the fingerprint features. This paper proposes an irreversible transforming function (using the improved SHA1 algorithm) to transform the original minutiae which are extracted from the thinned fingerprint image. Then, Chinese remainder theorem is used to obtain the biokey from the integration of the transformed minutiae and the private key. The result shows that the scheme has better performance on security and efficiency comparing with other irreversible function schemes. PMID:25873989

A fingerprint encryption scheme based on irreversible function and secure authentication.

PubMed

Yang, Yijun; Yu, Jianping; Zhang, Peng; Wang, Shulan

2015-01-01

A fingerprint encryption scheme based on irreversible function has been designed in this paper. Since the fingerprint template includes almost the entire information of users' fingerprints, the personal authentication can be determined only by the fingerprint features. This paper proposes an irreversible transforming function (using the improved SHA1 algorithm) to transform the original minutiae which are extracted from the thinned fingerprint image. Then, Chinese remainder theorem is used to obtain the biokey from the integration of the transformed minutiae and the private key. The result shows that the scheme has better performance on security and efficiency comparing with other irreversible function schemes.

Ethacrynic acid improves the antitumor effects of irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer

PubMed Central

Hu, YunLong; Chen, TingTing; Peng, BoYa; Gao, NingNing; Jin, ZhenChao; Jia, TieLiu; Zhang, Na; Wang, ZhuLin; Jin, GuangYi

2016-01-01

Prolonged treatment of breast cancer with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) often results in acquired resistance and a narrow therapeutic index. One strategy to improve the therapeutic effects of EGFR TKIs is to combine them with drugs used for other clinical indications. Ethacrynic acid (EA) is an FDA approved drug that may have antitumor effects and may enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents by binding to glutathione and inhibiting WNT signaling. While the α,β-unsaturated-keto structure of EA is similar to that of irreversible TKIs, the mechanism of action of EA when combined with irreversible EGFR TKIs in breast cancer remains unknown. We therefore investigated the combination of irreversible EGFR TKIs and EA. We found that irreversible EGFR TKIs and EA synergistically inhibit breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. The combination of EGFR TKIs and EA induces necrosis and cell cycle arrest and represses WNT/β-catenin signaling as well as MAPK-ERK1/2 signaling. We conclude that EA synergistically enhances the antitumor effects of irreversible EGFR TKIs in breast cancer. PMID:27487128

Applications of Some New Ideas on Irreversible Processes to Particular Fluids.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-23

616ftf SI PPLICAtTIONS OF SOME1 NEW IDEAS ON IEIYRSIKE V PROCESSES TO PARTICULAR FLUIDS(U) JOHNS HOPKINS UNIV BALTIMORE NO DEPT OF RATIONAL MECHANICS...Code) 7b. ADDRESS (City, State, and ZIP Code) Department of Rational Mechanics Baltimore, MD 21218. Boiling AFB, DC 20332 OL NAME OF FUNDING/ SPONSORING...34" - ’ ’ I Justification_. Clifford A. Truesdell By_ Professor, Program in Rational Mechanics Distribution/ Availability Codes’ !Avail and/or Dist

SERDP ER-1376 Enhancement of In Situ Bioremediation of Energetic Compounds by Coupled Abiotic/Biotic Processes:Final Report for 2004 - 2006

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

Szecsody, James E.; Comfort, Steve; Fredrickson, Herbert L.

2007-08-07

This project was initiated by SERDP to quantify processes and determine the effectiveness of abiotic/biotic mineralization of energetics (RDX, HMX, TNT) in aquifer sediments by combinations of biostimulation (carbon, trace nutrient additions) and chemical reduction of sediment to create a reducing environment. Initially it was hypothesized that a balance of chemical reduction of sediment and biostimulation would increase the RDX, HMX, and TNT mineralization rate significantly (by a combination of abiotic and biotic processes) so that this abiotic/biotic treatment may be a more efficient for remediation than biotic treatment alone in some cases. Because both abiotic and biotic processes aremore » involved in energetic mineralization in sediments, it was further hypothesized that consideration for both abiotic reduction and microbial growth was need to optimize the sediment system for the most rapid mineralization rate. Results show that there are separate optimal abiotic/biostimulation aquifer sediment treatments for RDX/HMX and for TNT. Optimal sediment treatment for RDX and HMX (which have chemical similarities and similar degradation pathways) is mainly chemical reduction of sediment, which increased the RDX/HMX mineralization rate 100 to150 times (relative to untreated sediment), with additional carbon or trace nutrient addition, which increased the RDX/HMX mineralization rate an additional 3 to 4 times. In contrast, the optimal aquifer sediment treatment for TNT involves mainly biostimulation (glucose addition), which stimulates a TNT/glucose cometabolic degradation pathway (6.8 times more rapid than untreated sediment), degrading TNT to amino-intermediates that irreversibly sorb (i.e., end product is not CO2). The TNT mass migration risk is minimized by these transformation reactions, as the triaminotoluene and 2,4- and 2,6-diaminonitrotoluene products that irreversibly sorb are no longer mobile in the subsurface environment. These transformation rates are increased 13 times further by chemical reduction of sediment. Dithionite reduction alone is not an effective treatment for TNT (intermediates that irreversibly sorb are not produced), even though the TNT degradation rate (to 2- or 4-aminodinitrotoluene) increases.« less

Irreversible electroporation in the treatment of locally advanced pancreas and liver metastases of colorectal carcinoma

PubMed Central

Wichtowski, Mateusz; Nowaczyk, Piotr; Kocur, Jacek

2016-01-01

Aim of the study Irreversible electroporation is a new, non-thermal ablation technique in the treatment of parenchymal organ tumors which uses short high voltage pulses of electricity in order to induce apoptosis of targeted cells. In this paper the application of this method of treatment in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) and liver cancer is analyzed. Material and methods Between 04.2014 and 09.2014 two patients with LAPC and one with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) were qualified for treatment with irreversible electroporation. Both patients remained under constant observation and control. PubMed/Medline, Embase and Google Scholar databases were searched and eight original reports on irreversible electroporation of pancreatic and liver tumors based on the biggest groups of patients were found. Results Two patients with LAPC and one with CRLM were qualified for ablation with irreversible electroporation. In all three patients a successful irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedure of the whole tumor was conducted. In the minimum seven-month follow-up 100% local control was achieved – without progression. In the literature review the local response to treatment ranged from 41% to 100%. The event-free survival rate in six-month observation was 94%. Conclusions Ablation with irreversible electroporation is a new non-thermal ablation technique which has been demonstrated, both in the previously published studies and in the cases described in this paper, as a safe and efficient therapeutic method for patients with LAPC and CRLM. PMID:27095938

Study of RF breakdown and multipacting in accelerator components

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

Pande, Manjiri; Singh, P., E-mail: manjiri@barc.gov.in, E-mail: psingh@barc.gov.in

2014-07-01

Radio frequency (RF) structures that are part of accelerators and energy sources, operate with sinusoidally varying electromagnetic fields under high RF energy. Here, RF breakdown and multipacting take place in RF structures and limit their performance. Electron field emission processes in a RF structure are precursors for breakdown processes. RF breakdown is a major phenomena affecting and causing the irreversible damage to RF structures. Breakdown rate and the damage induced by the breakdowns are its important properties. The damage is related to power absorbed during breakdown, while the breakdown rate is determined by the amplitudes of surface electric and magneticmore » fields, geometry, metal surface preparation and conditioning history. It limits working power and produces irreversible surface damage. The breakdown limit depends on the RF circuit, structure geometry, RF frequency, input RF power, pulse width, materials used, surface processing technique and surface electric and magnetic fields. Multipactor (MP) is a low power, electron multiplication based resonance breakdown phenomenon in vacuum and is often observed in RF structures. A multipactor discharge is undesirable, as it can create a reactive component that detunes the resonant cavities and components, generates noise in communication system and induces gas desorption from the conductor surfaces. In RF structures, certain conditions are required to generate multipacting. (author)« less

Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Glyoxal: photochemical versus dark uptake and reversible versus irreversible SOA formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waxman, E.; Slowik, J. G.; Kampf, C. J.; Timkovsky, J.; Noziere, B.; Praplan, A. P.; Pfaffenberger, L.; Holzinger, R.; Hoffmann, T.; Dommen, J.; Prevot, A. S.; Baltensperger, U.; Volkamer, R.

2011-12-01

Glyoxal forms secondary organic aerosol (SOA) by partitioning to the aerosol aqueous phase according to Henry's law. The subsequent processing by heterogeneous and multiphase reactions shifts the partitioning towards aerosols. Currently it is not well understood whether these reactions result in reversible or irreversible SOA formation, and what parameters influence the rate limiting step of multiphase processing. We conducted a series of simulation chamber experiments at PSI in April and May 2011 to investigate processing under dark conditions, UV and/or visible light irradiated conditions, and in the presence and absence of OH radicals. Experiments used ammonium sulfate or ammonium sulfate/fulvic acid mixtures as seed aerosols, and were conducted between 50% and 85% relative humidity at approximately constant RH over the course of any given experiment. Glyoxal was produced photochemically from acetylene, using HONO photolysis as the OH radical source. Gas-phase glyoxal was measured by the CU LED-Cavity Enhanced-DOAS. The Thermal-Desorption Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (TD-PTR-MS) and Ion Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (IC-MS) monitored both gas and aerosol-phase organic reaction products. Particle composition was monitored by High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS), and HPLC-ESI MS/MS and LC-MS analysis of filter samples.

Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation from Glyoxal: photochemical versus dark uptake and reversible versus irreversible SOA formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waxman, E.; Slowik, J.; Kampf, C.; Timkovsky, J.; Noziere, B.; Praplan, A.; Pffafenberger, L.; Holzinger, R.; Hoffmann, T.; Dommen, J.; Prevot, A.; Baltensperger, U.; Volkamer, R.

2012-04-01

Glyoxal forms secondary organic aerosol (SOA) by partitioning to the aerosol aqueous phase according to Henry's law. The subsequent processing by heterogeneous and multiphase reactions shifts the partitioning towards aerosols. Currently it is not well understood whether these reactions result in reversible or irreversible SOA formation, and what parameters influence the rate limiting step of multiphase processing. We conducted a series of simulation chamber experiments at PSI in April and May 2011 to investigate processing under dark conditions, UV and/or visible light irradiated conditions, and in the presence and absence of OH radicals. Experiments used ammonium sulfate or ammonium sulfate/fulvic acid mixtures as seed aerosols, and were conducted between 50% and 85% relative humidity at approximately constant RH over the course of any given experiment. Glyoxal was produced photochemically from acetylene, using HONO photolysis as the OH radical source. Gas-phase glyoxal was measured by the CU LED-Cavity Enhanced-DOAS. The Thermal-Desorption Proton-Transfer-Reaction Mass Spectrometer (TD-PTR-MS) and Ion Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (IC-MS) monitored both gas and aerosol-phase organic reaction products. Particle composition was monitored by High-Resolution Time-of-Flight Aerosol Mass Spectrometry (HR-ToF-AMS), and HPLC-ESI MS/MS and LC-MS analysis of filter samples.

IRREVERSIBLE PROCESSES IN A PLASMA

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

Balescu, R.

1959-04-01

ABS>The characteristic divergences caused by long-range phenomena in gases can be eliminated in equilibrium situations by partial summations of terms individually divergent but whose sum converges. It is shown how the recently developed diagram technique enables treatment of non-equilibrium cases by a rigorous asymptotic method. The general ideas underlying the approach are briefly indicated. (T.R. H.)

Temperature-dependent rate models of vascular cambium cell mortality

Treesearch

Matthew B. Dickinson; Edward A. Johnson

2004-01-01

We use two rate-process models to describe cell mortality at elevated temperatures as a means of understanding vascular cambium cell death during surface fires. In the models, cell death is caused by irreversible damage to cellular molecules that occurs at rates that increase exponentially with temperature. The models differ in whether cells show cumulative effects of...

Can the Earth be Dated from Decay of Its Magnetic Field?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dalrymple, G. Brent

1983-01-01

Thomas G. Barnes, geologist/creationist, argues that the geomagnetic field was created by unknown processes when earth was created and has been decaying (irreversibly/exponentially) with a half-life of about 1,400 years since then. Shows that Barnes' proposition is wrong and explains why the earth's age cannot be determined from magnetic-field…

The Grieving Process in Children: Strategies for Understanding, Educating, and Reconciling Children's Perceptions of Death.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Willis, Clarissa A.

2002-01-01

Provides an overview of how young children understand death, and offers concrete strategies for talking to children about death and suggestions for teachers about how to help children of various ages through grief and mourning. Highlights developmental differences in four components of children's understanding of death: irreversibility, finality,…

Nernst Energy Conversion in Thin Films,

DTIC Science & Technology

equations describing the performance of a Nernst energy converter were developed in a macroscopic analysis of irreversible conduction processes in...The feasibility of practical Nernst energy conversion was investigated. The galvanomagnetic and thermomagnetic effects were reviewed. The theoretical...solids. Semimetals were determined to be the best available materials for the Nernst application. A thin film Nernst generator was constructed from

Highly efficient catalytic systems based on Pd-coated microbeads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Jin Hyun; Cho, Ahyoung; Lee, Seung Hwan; Park, Bumkyo; Kang, Dong Woo; Koo, Chong Min; Yu, Taekyung; Park, Bum Jun

2018-01-01

The efficiency of two prototype catalysis systems using palladium (Pd)-coated microparticles was investigated with regard to the recovery and recyclability of the catalytic particles. One such system was the interface-adsorption method, in which polymer particles coated with Pd nanoparticles strongly and irreversibly attach to the oil-water interface. Due to the irreversible adsorption of the catalytic particles to the interface, particle loss was completely prevented while mixing the aqueous solution and while collecting the products. The other system was based on the magnetic field-associated particle recovery method. The use of polymeric microparticles containing Pd nanoparticles and magnetite nanoparticles accelerated the sedimentation of the particles in the aqueous phase by applying a strong magnetic field, consequently suppressing drainage of the particles from the reactor along the product stream. Upon multiple runs of the catalytic reactions, it was found that conversion does not change significantly, demonstrating the excellent recyclability and performance efficiency in the catalytic processes.

Standard Gibbs free energies of reactions of ozone with free radicals in aqueous solution: quantum-chemical calculations.

PubMed

Naumov, Sergej; von Sonntag, Clemens

2011-11-01

Free radicals are common intermediates in the chemistry of ozone in aqueous solution. Their reactions with ozone have been probed by calculating the standard Gibbs free energies of such reactions using density functional theory (Jaguar 7.6 program). O(2) reacts fast and irreversibly only with simple carbon-centered radicals. In contrast, ozone also reacts irreversibly with conjugated carbon-centered radicals such as bisallylic (hydroxycylohexadienyl) radicals, with conjugated carbon/oxygen-centered radicals such as phenoxyl radicals, and even with nitrogen- oxygen-, sulfur-, and halogen-centered radicals. In these reactions, further ozone-reactive radicals are generated. Chain reactions may destroy ozone without giving rise to products other than O(2). This may be of importance when ozonation is used in pollution control, and reactions of free radicals with ozone have to be taken into account in modeling such processes.

Emergent Irreversibility and Entanglement Spectrum Statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chamon, Claudio; Hamma, Alioscia; Mucciolo, Eduardo R.

2014-06-01

We study the problem of irreversibility when the dynamical evolution of a many-body system is described by a stochastic quantum circuit. Such evolution is more general than a Hamiltonian one, and since energy levels are not well defined, the well-established connection between the statistical fluctuations of the energy spectrum and irreversibility cannot be made. We show that the entanglement spectrum provides a more general connection. Irreversibility is marked by a failure of a disentangling algorithm and is preceded by the appearance of Wigner-Dyson statistical fluctuations in the entanglement spectrum. This analysis can be done at the wave-function level and offers an alternative route to study quantum chaos and quantum integrability.

Statistical Irreversible Thermodynamics in the Framework of Zubarev's Nonequilibrium Statistical Operator Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luzzi, R.; Vasconcellos, A. R.; Ramos, J. G.; Rodrigues, C. G.

2018-01-01

We describe the formalism of statistical irreversible thermodynamics constructed based on Zubarev's nonequilibrium statistical operator (NSO) method, which is a powerful and universal tool for investigating the most varied physical phenomena. We present brief overviews of the statistical ensemble formalism and statistical irreversible thermodynamics. The first can be constructed either based on a heuristic approach or in the framework of information theory in the Jeffreys-Jaynes scheme of scientific inference; Zubarev and his school used both approaches in formulating the NSO method. We describe the main characteristics of statistical irreversible thermodynamics and discuss some particular considerations of several authors. We briefly describe how Rosenfeld, Bohr, and Prigogine proposed to derive a thermodynamic uncertainty principle.

Absorption media for irreversibly gettering thionyl chloride

DOEpatents

Buffleben, George; Goods, Steven H.; Shepodd, Timothy; Wheeler, David R.; Whinnery, Jr., LeRoy

2002-01-01

Thionyl chloride is a hazardous and reactive chemical used as the liquid cathode in commercial primary batteries. Contrary to previous thinking, ASZM-TEDA.RTM. carbon (Calgon Corporation) reversibly absorbs thionyl chloride. Thus, several candidate materials were examined as irreversible getters for thionyl chloride. The capacity, rate and effect of temperature were also explored. A wide variety of likely materials were investigated through screening experiments focusing on the degree of heat generated by the reaction as well as the material absorption capacity and irreversibility, in order to help narrow the group of possible getter choices. More thorough, quantitative measurements were performed on promising materials. The best performing getter was a mixture of ZnO and ASZM-TEDA.RTM. carbon. In this example, the ZnO reacts with thionyl chloride to form ZnCl.sub.2 and SO.sub.2. The SO.sub.2 is then irreversibly gettered by ASZM-TEDA.RTM. carbon. This combination of ZnO and carbon has a high capacity, is irreversible and functions effectively above -20.degree. C.

Computer model of one-dimensional equilibrium controlled sorption processes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Grove, D.B.; Stollenwerk, K.G.

1984-01-01

A numerical solution to the one-dimensional solute-transport equation with equilibrium-controlled sorption and a first-order irreversible-rate reaction is presented. The computer code is written in FORTRAN language, with a variety of options for input and output for user ease. Sorption reactions include Langmuir, Freundlich, and ion-exchange, with or without equal valance. General equations describing transport and reaction processes are solved by finite-difference methods, with nonlinearities accounted for by iteration. Complete documentation of the code, with examples, is included. (USGS)

Ibrutinib targets mutant-EGFR kinase with a distinct binding conformation.

PubMed

Wang, Aoli; Yan, Xiao-E; Wu, Hong; Wang, Wenchao; Hu, Chen; Chen, Cheng; Zhao, Zheng; Zhao, Peng; Li, Xixiang; Wang, Li; Wang, Beilei; Ye, Zi; Wang, Jinhua; Wang, Chu; Zhang, Wei; Gray, Nathanael S; Weisberg, Ellen L; Chen, Liang; Liu, Jing; Yun, Cai-Hong; Liu, Qingsong

2016-10-25

Ibrutinib, a clinically approved irreversible BTK kinase inhibitor for Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) etc, has been reported to be potent against EGFR mutant kinase and currently being evaluated in clinic for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Through EGFR wt/mutant engineered isogenic BaF3 cell lines we confirmed the irreversible binding mode of Ibrutinib with EGFR wt/mutant kinase via Cys797. However, comparing to typical irreversible EGFR inhibitor, such as WZ4002, the washing-out experiments revealed a much less efficient covalent binding for Ibrutinib. The biochemical binding affinity examination in the EGFR L858R/T790M kinase revealed that, comparing to more efficient irreversible inhibitor WZ4002 (Kd: 0.074 μM), Ibrutinib exhibited less efficient binding (Kd: 0.18 μM). An X-ray crystal structure of EGFR (T790M) in complex with Ibrutinib exhibited a unique DFG-in/c-Helix-out inactive binding conformation, which partially explained the less efficiency of covalent binding and provided insight for further development of highly efficient irreversible binding inhibitor for the EGFR mutant kinase. These results also imply that, unlike the canonical irreversible inhibitor, sustained effective concentration might be required for Ibrutinib in order to achieve the maximal efficacy in the clinic application against EGFR driven NSCLC.

The Safety and Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation for Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

PubMed

Zeng, Jianying; Liu, Guifeng; Li, Zhong-Hai; Yang, Yi; Fang, Gang; Li, Rong-Rong; Xu, Ke-Cheng; Niu, Lizhi

2017-02-01

This study aimed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of irreversible electroporation ablation for unresectable large liver cancer. Fourteen patients were enrolled: 8 with large hepatocellular carcinoma (tumor diameter: 5.1-11.5 cm) and 6 with medium hepatocellular carcinoma (tumor diameter: 3.0-4.1 cm). All patients received percutaneous irreversible electroporation ablation. Ablation time and the incidence of complications were assessed by a t test. Post-irreversible electroporation and regular contrast-enhanced computerized tomography scans were performed to investigate the effect of tumor size (large vs medium) on irreversible electroporation treatment efficacy; 4-table data were assessed using a Fisher exact test. The 14 patients completed irreversible electroporation ablation successfully. In the large hepatocellular carcinoma group, no major complications occurred in the perioperative period. Minor complications comprised bloating, hypokalemia, edema, low white blood cells, and blood clotting abnormalities. All complications were mild and improved after symptomatic treatment. The frequency of minor complications was not significantly different ( P > .05) compared with the medium hepatocellular carcinoma group. The average follow-up time was 2.8 ± 2.1 months and complete ablation was achieved in 25% (2/8; residual = 75%). For the patients with medium hepatocellular carcinoma, the mean follow-up time was 4.3 ± 3.2 months; the rate of complete ablation was 66.6% (4/6; residual rate = 33.3%). The complete ablation rate was not statistically different between the 2 groups ( P > .05). Irreversible electroporation ablation for unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma is safe, with no major complications. Short-term efficacy is relatively good; however, long-term efficacy remains to be explored.

Spectroscopic properties and conformational stability of Concholepas concholepas hemocyanin.

PubMed

Idakieva, Krassimira; Nikolov, Peter; Chakarska, Irena; Genov, Nicolay; Shnyrov, Valery L

2008-01-01

The structure in solution and conformational stability of the hemocyanin from the Chilean gastropod mollusk Concholepas concholepas (CCH) and its structural subunits, CCH-A and CCH-B, were studied using fluorescence spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The fluorescence properties of the oxygenated and apo-form (copper-deprived) of the didecamer and its subunits were characterized. Besides tryptophan residues buried in the hydrophobic interior of the protein molecule also exposed fluorophores determine the fluorescence emission of the oxy- and apo-forms of the investigated hemocyanins. The copper-dioxygen system at the binuclear active site quenches the tryptophan emission of the oxy-forms of CCH and its subunits. The removal of this system increases the fluorescence quantum yield and causes structural rearrangement of the microenvironment of the emitting tryptophan residues in the respective apo-forms. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements show that the oxygenated and copper-deprived forms of the CCH and its subunits exist in different conformations. The thermal denaturation of the hemocyanin is an irreversible process, under kinetic control. A successive annealing procedure was applied to obtain the experimental deconvolution of the irreversible thermal transitions. Arrhenius equation parameter for the two-state irreversible model of the thermal denaturation of oxy-CCH at pH 7.2 was estimated. Both factors, oligomerization and the copper-dioxygen system at the active site, are important for stabilizing the structure of the hemocyanin molecule.

Polymer depletion-driven cluster aggregation and initial phase separation in charged nanosized colloids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gögelein, Christoph; Nägele, Gerhard; Buitenhuis, Johan; Tuinier, Remco; Dhont, Jan K. G.

2009-05-01

We study polymer depletion-driven cluster aggregation and initial phase separation in aqueous dispersions of charge-stabilized silica spheres, where the ionic strength and polymer (dextran) concentration are systematically varied, using dynamic light scattering and visual observation. Without polymers and for increasing salt and colloid content, the dispersions become increasingly unstable against irreversible cluster formation. By adding nonadsorbing polymers, a depletion-driven attraction is induced, which lowers the stabilizing Coulomb barrier and enhances the cluster growth rate. The initial growth rate increases with increasing polymer concentration and decreases with increasing polymer molar mass. These observations can be quantitatively understood by an irreversible dimer formation theory based on the classical Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek pair potential, with the depletion attraction modeled by the Asakura-Oosawa-Vrij potential. At low colloid concentration, we observe an exponential cluster growth rate for all polymer concentrations considered, indicating a reaction-limited aggregation mechanism. At sufficiently high polymer and colloid concentrations, and lower salt content, a gas-liquidlike demixing is observed initially. Later on, the system separates into a gel and fluidlike phase. The experimental time-dependent state diagram is compared to the theoretical equilibrium phase diagram obtained from a generalized free-volume theory and is discussed in terms of an initial reversible phase separation process in combination with irreversible aggregation at later times.

Polymer depletion-driven cluster aggregation and initial phase separation in charged nanosized colloids.

PubMed

Gögelein, Christoph; Nägele, Gerhard; Buitenhuis, Johan; Tuinier, Remco; Dhont, Jan K G

2009-05-28

We study polymer depletion-driven cluster aggregation and initial phase separation in aqueous dispersions of charge-stabilized silica spheres, where the ionic strength and polymer (dextran) concentration are systematically varied, using dynamic light scattering and visual observation. Without polymers and for increasing salt and colloid content, the dispersions become increasingly unstable against irreversible cluster formation. By adding nonadsorbing polymers, a depletion-driven attraction is induced, which lowers the stabilizing Coulomb barrier and enhances the cluster growth rate. The initial growth rate increases with increasing polymer concentration and decreases with increasing polymer molar mass. These observations can be quantitatively understood by an irreversible dimer formation theory based on the classical Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek pair potential, with the depletion attraction modeled by the Asakura-Oosawa-Vrij potential. At low colloid concentration, we observe an exponential cluster growth rate for all polymer concentrations considered, indicating a reaction-limited aggregation mechanism. At sufficiently high polymer and colloid concentrations, and lower salt content, a gas-liquidlike demixing is observed initially. Later on, the system separates into a gel and fluidlike phase. The experimental time-dependent state diagram is compared to the theoretical equilibrium phase diagram obtained from a generalized free-volume theory and is discussed in terms of an initial reversible phase separation process in combination with irreversible aggregation at later times.

Inelastic compaction, dilation and hysteresis of sandstones under hydrostatic conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shalev, Eyal; Lyakhovsky, Vladimir; Ougier-Simonin, Audrey; Hamiel, Yariv; Zhu, Wenlu

2014-05-01

Sandstones display non-linear and inelastic behaviour such as hysteresis when subjected to cyclic loading. We present three hydrostatic compaction experiments with multiple loading-unloading cycles on Berea and Darley Dale sandstones and explain their hysteretic behaviour using non-linear inelastic compaction and dilation. Each experiment included eight to nine loading-unloading cycles with increasing maximum pressure in each subsequent cycle. Different pressure-volumetric strain relations during loading and unloading were observed. During the first cycles, under relatively low pressures, not all of the volumetric strain is recovered at the end of each cycle whereas at the last cycles, under relatively high pressures, the strain is recovered and the pressure-volumetric strain hysteresis loops are closed. The observed pressure-volumetric strain relations are non-linear and the effective bulk modulus of the sandstones changes between cycles. Observations are modelled with two inelastic deformation processes: irreversible compaction caused by changes in grain packing and recoverable compaction associated with grain contact adhesion, frictional sliding on grains or frictional sliding on cracks. The irreversible compaction is suggested to reflect rearrangement of grains into a more compact mode as the maximum pressure increases. Our model describes the `inelastic compaction envelope' in which sandstone sample will follow during hydrostatic loading. Irreversible compaction occurs when pressure is greater than a threshold value defined by the `inelastic compaction envelope'.

Fourier Transform Infrared Imaging analysis of dental pulp inflammatory diseases.

PubMed

Giorgini, E; Sabbatini, S; Conti, C; Rubini, C; Rocchetti, R; Fioroni, M; Memè, L; Orilisi, G

2017-05-01

Fourier Transform Infrared microspectroscopy let characterize the macromolecular composition and distribution of tissues and cells, by studying the interaction between infrared radiation and matter. Therefore, we hypothesize to exploit this analytical tool in the analysis of inflamed pulps, to detect the different biochemical features related to various degrees of inflammation. IR maps of 13 irreversible and 12 hyperplastic pulpitis, together with 10 normal pulps, were acquired, compared with histological findings and submitted to multivariate (HCA, PCA, SIMCA) and statistical (one-way ANOVA) analysis. The fit of convoluted bands let calculate meaningful band area ratios (means ± s.d., P < 0.05). The infrared imaging analysis pin-pointed higher amounts of water and lower quantities of type I collagen in all inflamed pulps. Specific vibrational markers were defined for irreversible pulpitis (Lipids/Total Biomass, PhII/Total Biomass, CH 2 /CH 3 , and Ty/AII) and hyperplastic ones (OH/Total Biomass, Collagen/Total Biomass, and CH 3 Collagen/Total Biomass). The study confirmed that FTIR microspectroscopy let discriminate tissues' biological features. The infrared imaging analysis evidenced, in inflamed pulps, alterations in tissues' structure and composition. Changes in lipid metabolism, increasing amounts of tyrosine, and the occurrence of phosphorylative processes were highlighted in irreversible pulpitis, while high amounts of water and low quantities of type I collagen were detected in hyperplastic samples. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Ceramic membrane fouling during ultrafiltration of oil/water emulsions: roles played by stabilization surfactants of oil droplets.

PubMed

Lu, Dongwei; Zhang, Tao; Ma, Jun

2015-04-07

Oil/water (O/W) emulsion stabilized by surfactants is the part of oily wastewater that is most difficult to handle. Ceramic membrane ultrafiltration presently is an ideal process to treat O/W emulsions. However, little is known about the fouling mechanism of the ceramic membrane during O/W emulsion treatment. This paper investigated how stabilization surfactants of O/W emulsions influence the irreversible fouling of ceramic membranes during ultrafiltration. An unexpected phenomenon observed was that irreversible fouling was much less when the charge of the stabilization surfactant of O/W emulsions is opposite to the membrane. The less ceramic membrane fouling in this case was proposed to be due to a synergetic steric effect and demulsification effect which prevented the penetration of oil droplets into membrane pores and led to less pore blockage. This proposed mechanism was supported by cross section images of fouled and virgin ceramic membranes taken with scanning electron microscopy, regression results of classical fouling models, and analysis of organic components rejected by the membrane. Furthermore, this mechanism was also verified by the existence of a steric effect and demulsification effect. Our finding suggests that ceramic membrane oppositely charged to the stabilization surfactant should be applied in ultrafiltration of O/W emulsions to alleviate irreversible membrane fouling. It could be a useful rule for ceramic membrane ultrafiltration of oily wastewater.

Mechanism-based strategies for protein thermostabilization.

PubMed

Mozhaev, V V

1993-03-01

Strategies for stabilizing enzymes can be derived from a two-step model of irreversible inactivation that involves preliminary reversible unfolding, followed by an irreversible step. Reversible unfolding is best prevented by covalent immobilization, whereas methods such as covalent modification of amino acid residues or 'medium engineering' (by the addition of low-molecular-weight compounds) are effective against irreversible 'incorrect' refolding. Genetic modification of the protein sequence is the most effective approach for preventing chemical deterioration.

Simplification of irreversible Markov chains by removal of states with fast leaving rates.

PubMed

Jia, Chen

2016-07-07

In the recent work of Ullah et al. (2012a), the authors developed an effective method to simplify reversible Markov chains by removal of states with low equilibrium occupancies. In this paper, we extend this result to irreversible Markov chains. We show that an irreversible chain can be simplified by removal of states with fast leaving rates. Moreover, we reveal that the irreversibility of the chain will always decrease after model simplification. This suggests that although model simplification can retain almost all the dynamic information of the chain, it will lose some thermodynamic information as a trade-off. Examples from biology are also given to illustrate the main results of this paper. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Entropy production in a Glauber–Ising irreversible model with dynamical competition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa, Oscar A.; Tomé, Tânia

2018-06-01

An out of equilibrium Glauber–Ising model, evolving in accordance with an irreversible and stochastic Markovian dynamics, is analyzed in order to improve our comprehension concerning critical behavior and phase transitions in nonequilibrium systems. Therefore, a lattice model ruled by the competition between two Glauber dynamics acting on interlaced square lattices is proposed. Previous results have shown how the entropy production provides information about irreversibility and criticality. Mean-field approximations and Monte Carlo simulations were used in the analysis. The results obtained here show a continuous phase transition, reflected in the entropy production as a logarithmic divergence of its derivative, which suggests a shared universality class with the irreversible models invariant under the symmetry operations of the Ising model.

Thermomechanical Modeling of Shape Memory Alloys and Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lexcellent, C.; Leclercq, S.

The aim of the present paper is a general macroscopic description of the thermomechanical behavior of shape memory alloys (SMA). We use for framework the thermodynamics of irreversible processes. This model is efficient for describing the behavior of "smart" structures as a bronchial, a tentacle element and an prosthesis hybrid structure made of Ti Ni SMA wires embedded in a resin epoxy matrix.

Anthrax toxin-induced rupture of artificial lipid bilayer membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nablo, Brian J.; Panchal, Rekha G.; Bavari, Sina; Nguyen, Tam L.; Gussio, Rick; Ribot, Wil; Friedlander, Art; Chabot, Donald; Reiner, Joseph E.; Robertson, Joseph W. F.; Balijepalli, Arvind; Halverson, Kelly M.; Kasianowicz, John J.

2013-08-01

We demonstrate experimentally that anthrax toxin complexes rupture artificial lipid bilayer membranes when isolated from the blood of infected animals. When the solution pH is temporally acidified to mimic that process in endosomes, recombinant anthrax toxin forms an irreversibly bound complex, which also destabilizes membranes. The results suggest an alternative mechanism for the translocation of anthrax toxin into the cytoplasm.

Criteria for selecting electrodes for electrical stimulation: theoretical and practical considerations.

PubMed

Brummer, S B; Robblee, L S; Hambrecht, F T

1983-01-01

Smaller, more charge-intensive electrodes are needed for "safe" stimulation of the nervous system. In this paper we review critical concepts and the state of the art in electrodes. Control of charge density and charge balance are essential to avoid tissue electrolysis. Chemical criteria for "safe" stimulation are reviewed ("safe" is equated with "chemically reversible"). An example of a safe, but generally impractical, charge-injection process is double-layer charging. The limit here is the onset of irreversible faradaic processes. More charge can be safely injected with so-called "capacitor" electrodes, such as porous intermixtures of Ta/Ta2O5. BaTiO3 has excellent dielectric properties and may provide a new generation of capacitor electrodes. Faradaic charge injection is usually partially irreversible since some of the products escape into the solution. With Pt, up to 400 muc/cm2 real area can be absorbed by faradaic reactions of surface-adsorbed species, but a small part is lost due to metal dissolution. The surface of "activated" Ir is covered with a multilayer hydrated oxide. Charge injection occurs via rapid valence change within this oxide. Little or no metal dissolution is observed, and gassing limits are not exceeded even under stringent conditions.

A thermodynamically general theory for convective vortices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Renno, Nilton O.

2008-08-01

Convective vortices are common features of atmospheres that absorb lower-entropy-energy at higher temperatures than they reject higher-entropy-energy to space. These vortices range from small to large-scale and play an important role in the vertical transport of heat, momentum, and tracer species. Thus, the development of theoretical models for convective vortices is important to our understanding of some of the basic features of planetary atmospheres. The heat engine framework is a useful tool for studying convective vortices. However, current theories assume that convective vortices are reversible heat engines. Since there are questions about how reversible real atmospheric heat engines are, their usefulness for studying real atmospheric vortices is somewhat controversial. In order to reduce this problem, a theory for convective vortices that includes irreversible processes is proposed. The paper's main result is that the proposed theory provides an expression for the pressure drop along streamlines that includes the effects of irreversible processes. It is shown that a simplified version of this expression is a generalization of Bernoulli's equation to convective circulations. It is speculated that the proposed theory not only explains the intensity, but also sheds light on other basic features of convective vortices such as their physical appearance.

Anthropogenic transformation of the terrestrial biosphere.

PubMed

Ellis, Erle C

2011-03-13

Human populations and their use of land have transformed most of the terrestrial biosphere into anthropogenic biomes (anthromes), causing a variety of novel ecological patterns and processes to emerge. To assess whether human populations and their use of land have directly altered the terrestrial biosphere sufficiently to indicate that the Earth system has entered a new geological epoch, spatially explicit global estimates of human populations and their use of land were analysed across the Holocene for their potential to induce irreversible novel transformation of the terrestrial biosphere. Human alteration of the terrestrial biosphere has been significant for more than 8000 years. However, only in the past century has the majority of the terrestrial biosphere been transformed into intensively used anthromes with predominantly novel anthropogenic ecological processes. At present, even were human populations to decline substantially or use of land become far more efficient, the current global extent, duration, type and intensity of human transformation of ecosystems have already irreversibly altered the terrestrial biosphere at levels sufficient to leave an unambiguous geological record differing substantially from that of the Holocene or any prior epoch. It remains to be seen whether the anthropogenic biosphere will be sustained and continue to evolve.

Interplay of Determinism and Randomness: From Irreversibility to Chaos, Fractals, and Stochasticity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsonis, A.

2017-12-01

We will start our discussion into randomness by looking exclusively at our formal mathematical system to show that even in this pure and strictly logical system one cannot do away with randomness. By employing simple mathematical models, we will identify the three possible sources of randomness: randomness due to inability to find the rules (irreversibility), randomness due to inability to have infinite power (chaos), and randomness due to stochastic processes. Subsequently we will move from the mathematical system to our physical world to show that randomness, through the quantum mechanical character of small scales, through chaos, and because of the second law of thermodynamics, is an intrinsic property of nature as well. We will subsequently argue that the randomness in the physical world is consistent with the three sources of randomness suggested from the study of simple mathematical systems. Many examples ranging from purely mathematical to natural processes will be presented, which clearly demonstrate how the combination of rules and randomness produces the world we live in. Finally, the principle of least effort or the principle of minimum energy consumption will be suggested as the underlying principle behind this symbiosis between determinism and randomness.

The effect of stress and incentive magnetic field on the average volume of magnetic Barkhausen jump in iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Di; Guo, Lei; Yin, Liang; Chen, Zhaoyang; Chen, Juan; Qi, Xin

2015-11-01

The average volume of magnetic Barkhausen jump (AVMBJ) v bar generated by magnetic domain wall irreversible displacement under the effect of the incentive magnetic field H for ferromagnetic materials and the relationship between irreversible magnetic susceptibility χirr and stress σ are adopted in this paper to study the theoretical relationship among AVMBJ v bar(magneto-elasticity noise) and the incentive magnetic field H. Then the numerical relationship among AVMBJ v bar, stress σ and the incentive magnetic field H is deduced. Utilizing this numerical relationship, the displacement process of magnetic domain wall for single crystal is analyzed and the effect of the incentive magnetic field H and the stress σ on the AVMBJ v bar (magneto-elasticity noise) is explained from experimental and theoretical perspectives. The saturation velocity of Barkhausen jump characteristic value curve is different when tensile or compressive stress is applied on ferromagnetic materials, because the resistance of magnetic domain wall displacement is different. The idea of critical magnetic field in the process of magnetic domain wall displacement is introduced in this paper, which solves the supersaturated calibration problem of AVMBJ - σ calibration curve.

The Need for a Kinetics for Biological Transport

PubMed Central

Schindler, A. M.; Iberall, A. S.

1973-01-01

The traditional theory of transport across capillary membranes via a laminar Poiseuille flow is shown to be invalid. It is demonstrated that the random, diffusive nature of the molecular flow and interactions with the “pore” walls play an important role in the transport process. Neither the continuum Navier-Stokes theory nor the equivalent theory of irreversible thermodynamics is adequate to treat the problem. Combination of near-continuum hydrodynamic theory, noncontinuum kinetic theory, and the theory of fluctuations provides a first step toward modeling both liquid processes in general and membrane transport processes as a specific application. PMID:4726880

Reversible and irreversible low-pressure membrane foulants in drinking water treatment: Identification by principal component analysis of fluorescence EEM and mitigation by biofiltration pretreatment.

PubMed

Peldszus, Sigrid; Hallé, Cynthia; Peiris, Ramila H; Hamouda, Mohamed; Jin, Xiaohui; Legge, Raymond L; Budman, Hector; Moresoli, Christine; Huck, Peter M

2011-10-15

With the increased use of membranes in drinking water treatment, fouling--particularly the hydraulically irreversible type--remains the main operating issue that hinders performance and increases operational costs. The main challenge in assessing fouling potential of feed water is to accurately detect and quantify feed water constituents responsible for membrane fouling. Utilizing fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM), protein-like substances, humic and fulvic acids, and particulate/colloidal matter can be detected with high sensitivity in surface waters. The application of principal component analysis to fluorescence EEMs allowed estimation of the impact of surface water constituents on reversible and irreversible membrane fouling. This technique was applied to experimental data from a two year bench-scale study that included thirteen experiments investigating the fouling potential of Grand River water (Ontario, Canada) and the effect of biofiltration pre-treatment on the level of foulants during ultrafiltration (UF). Results showed that, although the content of protein-like substances in this membrane feed water (=biofiltered natural water) was much lower than commonly found in wastewater applications, the content of protein-like substances was still highly correlated with irreversible fouling of the UF membrane. In addition, there is evidence that protein-like substances and particulate/colloidal matter formed a combined fouling layer, which contributed to both reversible and irreversible fouling. It is suggested that fouling transitions from a reversible to an irreversible regime depending on feed composition and operating time. Direct biofiltration without prior coagulant addition reduced the protein-like content of the membrane feed water which in turn reduced the irreversible fouling potential for UF membranes. Biofilters also decreased reversible fouling, and for both types of fouling higher biofilter contact times were beneficial. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions.

PubMed

Solomon, Susan; Plattner, Gian-Kasper; Knutti, Reto; Friedlingstein, Pierre

2009-02-10

The severity of damaging human-induced climate change depends not only on the magnitude of the change but also on the potential for irreversibility. This paper shows that the climate change that takes place due to increases in carbon dioxide concentration is largely irreversible for 1,000 years after emissions stop. Following cessation of emissions, removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide decreases radiative forcing, but is largely compensated by slower loss of heat to the ocean, so that atmospheric temperatures do not drop significantly for at least 1,000 years. Among illustrative irreversible impacts that should be expected if atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase from current levels near 385 parts per million by volume (ppmv) to a peak of 450-600 ppmv over the coming century are irreversible dry-season rainfall reductions in several regions comparable to those of the "dust bowl" era and inexorable sea level rise. Thermal expansion of the warming ocean provides a conservative lower limit to irreversible global average sea level rise of at least 0.4-1.0 m if 21st century CO(2) concentrations exceed 600 ppmv and 0.6-1.9 m for peak CO(2) concentrations exceeding approximately 1,000 ppmv. Additional contributions from glaciers and ice sheet contributions to future sea level rise are uncertain but may equal or exceed several meters over the next millennium or longer.

Irreversible climate change due to carbon dioxide emissions

PubMed Central

Solomon, Susan; Plattner, Gian-Kasper; Knutti, Reto; Friedlingstein, Pierre

2009-01-01

The severity of damaging human-induced climate change depends not only on the magnitude of the change but also on the potential for irreversibility. This paper shows that the climate change that takes place due to increases in carbon dioxide concentration is largely irreversible for 1,000 years after emissions stop. Following cessation of emissions, removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide decreases radiative forcing, but is largely compensated by slower loss of heat to the ocean, so that atmospheric temperatures do not drop significantly for at least 1,000 years. Among illustrative irreversible impacts that should be expected if atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations increase from current levels near 385 parts per million by volume (ppmv) to a peak of 450–600 ppmv over the coming century are irreversible dry-season rainfall reductions in several regions comparable to those of the “dust bowl” era and inexorable sea level rise. Thermal expansion of the warming ocean provides a conservative lower limit to irreversible global average sea level rise of at least 0.4–1.0 m if 21st century CO2 concentrations exceed 600 ppmv and 0.6–1.9 m for peak CO2 concentrations exceeding ≈1,000 ppmv. Additional contributions from glaciers and ice sheet contributions to future sea level rise are uncertain but may equal or exceed several meters over the next millennium or longer. PMID:19179281

Reversible simulation of irreversible computation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ming; Tromp, John; Vitányi, Paul

1998-09-01

Computer computations are generally irreversible while the laws of physics are reversible. This mismatch is penalized by among other things generating excess thermic entropy in the computation. Computing performance has improved to the extent that efficiency degrades unless all algorithms are executed reversibly, for example by a universal reversible simulation of irreversible computations. All known reversible simulations are either space hungry or time hungry. The leanest method was proposed by Bennett and can be analyzed using a simple ‘reversible’ pebble game. The reachable reversible simulation instantaneous descriptions (pebble configurations) of such pebble games are characterized completely. As a corollary we obtain the reversible simulation by Bennett and, moreover, show that it is a space-optimal pebble game. We also introduce irreversible steps and give a theorem on the tradeoff between the number of allowed irreversible steps and the memory gain in the pebble game. In this resource-bounded setting the limited erasing needs to be performed at precise instants during the simulation. The reversible simulation can be modified so that it is applicable also when the simulated computation time is unknown.

Relaxation of bending stresses and the reversibility of residual stresses in amorphous soft magnetic alloys

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

Kekalo, I. B.; Mogil’nikov, P. S., E-mail: pavel-mog@mail.ru

2015-06-15

The reversibility of residual bending stresses is revealed in ribbon samples of cobalt- and iron-based amorphous alloys Co{sub 69}Fe{sub 3.7}Cr{sub 3.8}Si{sub 12.5}B{sub 11} and Fe{sub 57}Co{sub 31}Si{sub 2.9}B{sub 9.1}: the ribbons that are free of applied stresses and bent under the action of residual stresses become completely or incompletely straight upon annealing at the initial temperatures. The influence of annealing on the relaxation of bending stresses is studied. Preliminary annealing is found to sharply decrease the relaxation rate of bending stresses, and the initial stage of fast relaxation of these stresses is absent. Complete straightening of preliminarily annealed ribbons ismore » shown to occur at significantly higher temperatures than that of the initial ribbons. Incomplete straightening of the ribbons is explained by the fact that bending stresses relaxation at high annealing temperatures proceeds due to both reversible anelastic deformation and viscous flow, which is a fully irreversible process. Incomplete reversibility is also caused by irreversible processes, such as the release of excess free volume and clustering (detected by small-angle X-ray scattering). The revealed differences in the relaxation processes that occur in the cobalt- and iron-based amorphous alloys are discussed in terms of different atomic diffusion mobilities in these alloys.« less

Trehalose delays the reversible but not the irreversible thermal denaturation of cutinase.

PubMed

Baptista, R P; Cabral, J M; Melo, E P

2000-12-20

The effect of trehalose (0.5 M) on the thermal stability of cutinase in the alkaline pH range was studied. The thermal unfolding induced by increasing temperature was analyzed in the absence and in the presence of trehalose according to a two-state model (which assumes that only the folded and unfolded states of cutinase were present). Trehalose delays the reversible unfolding. The midpoint temperature of the unfolding transition (Tm) increases by 4.0 degrees C and 2. 6 degrees C at pH 9.2 and 10.5, respectively, in the presence of trehalose. At pH 9.2 the thermal unfolding occurs at higher temperatures (Tm is 52.6 degrees C compared to 42.0 degrees C at pH 10.5) and a refolding yield of around 80% was obtained upon cooling. This pH value was chosen to study the irreversible inactivation (long-term stability) of cutinase. Temperatures in the transition range from folded to unfolded state were selected and the rate constants of irreversible inactivation determined. Inactivation followed first-order kinetics and trehalose reduced the observed rate constants of inactivation, pointing to a stabilizing effect on the irreversible inactivation step of thermal denaturation. However, if the contribution of reversible unfolding on the irreversible inactivation of cutinase was taken into account, i.e., considering the fraction of cutinase molecules in the reversible unfolded conformation, the intrinsic rate constants can be calculated. Based on the intrinsic rate constants it was concluded that trehalose does not delay the irreversible inactivation. This conclusion was further supported by comparing the activation energy of the irreversible inactivation in the absence and in the presence of trehalose. The apparent activation energy in the absence and in the presence of trehalose were 67 and 99 Kcal/mol, respectively. The activation energy calculated from intrinsic rate constants was higher in the absence (30 Kcal/mol) than in the presence of trehalose (16 Kcal/mol), showing that kinetics of the irreversible inactivation step increased in the presence of trehalose. In fact, trehalose stabilized only the reversible step of thermal denaturation of cutinase.

Laser displacement sensor to monitor the layup process of composite laminate production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miesen, Nick; Groves, Roger M.; Sinke, Jos; Benedictus, Rinze

2013-04-01

Several types of flaw can occur during the layup process of prepreg composite laminates. Quality control after the production process checks the end product by testing the specimens for flaws which are included during the layup process or curing process, however by then these flaws are already irreversibly embedded in the laminate. This paper demonstrates the use of a laser displacement sensor technique applied during the layup process of prepreg laminates for in-situ flaw detection, for typical flaws that can occur during the composite production process. An incorrect number of layers and fibre wrinkling are dominant flaws during the process of layup. These and other dominant flaws have been modeled to determine the requirements for an in-situ monitoring during the layup process of prepreg laminates.

Attenuation of brain white matter lesions after lacunar stroke.

PubMed

Durand-Birchenall, Julia; Leclercq, Claire; Daouk, Joël; Monet, Pauline; Godefroy, Olivier; Bugnicourt, Jean-Marc

2012-02-01

White matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly observed in stroke patients with small vessel disease (SVD) and are thought to result from a progressive, irreversible disease process following arteriolosclerosis. In this study, we report a case of partial disappearance of WMLs 1 year after a lacunar stroke in a 69-year-old man with evidence of SVD. We also discuss possible mechanisms associated with this observation.

Anthrax toxin-induced rupture of artificial lipid bilayer membranes

PubMed Central

Nablo, Brian J.; Panchal, Rekha G.; Bavari, Sina; Nguyen, Tam L.; Gussio, Rick; Ribot, Wil; Friedlander, Art; Chabot, Donald; Reiner, Joseph E.; Robertson, Joseph W. F.; Balijepalli, Arvind; Halverson, Kelly M.; Kasianowicz, John J.

2013-01-01

We demonstrate experimentally that anthrax toxin complexes rupture artificial lipid bilayer membranes when isolated from the blood of infected animals. When the solution pH is temporally acidified to mimic that process in endosomes, recombinant anthrax toxin forms an irreversibly bound complex, which also destabilizes membranes. The results suggest an alternative mechanism for the translocation of anthrax toxin into the cytoplasm. PMID:23947891

Thermodynamic considerations on Ca2+-induced biochemical reactions in living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucia, Umberto; Ponzetto, Antonio

2016-02-01

Cells can be regarded as complex engines that execute a series of chemical reactions. Energy transformations, thermo-electro-chemical processes and transport phenomena can occur across cell membranes. Different, related thermo-electro-biochemical behaviour can occur between health and disease states. Analysis of the irreversibility related to ion fluxes can represent a new approach to study and control the biochemical behaviour of living cells.

The Creative Chaos: Speculations on the Connection Between Non-Linear Dynamics and the Creative Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zausner, Tobi

Chaos theory may provide models for creativity and for the personality of the artist. A collection of speculative hypotheses examines the connection between art and such fundamentals of non-linear dynamics as iteration, dissipative processes, open systems, entropy, sensitivity to stimuli, autocatalysis, subsystems, bifurcations, randomness, unpredictability, irreversibility, increasing levels of organization, far-from-equilibrium conditions, strange attractors, period doubling, intermittency and self-similar fractal organization. Non-linear dynamics may also explain why certain individuals suffer mental disorders while others remain intact during a lifetime of sustained creative output.

Potential landscape and flux field theory for turbulence and nonequilibrium fluid systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wei; Zhang, Feng; Wang, Jin

2018-02-01

Turbulence is a paradigm for far-from-equilibrium systems without time reversal symmetry. To capture the nonequilibrium irreversible nature of turbulence and investigate its implications, we develop a potential landscape and flux field theory for turbulent flow and more general nonequilibrium fluid systems governed by stochastic Navier-Stokes equations. We find that equilibrium fluid systems with time reversibility are characterized by a detailed balance constraint that quantifies the detailed balance condition. In nonequilibrium fluid systems with nonequilibrium steady states, detailed balance breaking leads directly to a pair of interconnected consequences, namely, the non-Gaussian potential landscape and the irreversible probability flux, forming a 'nonequilibrium trinity'. The nonequilibrium trinity characterizes the nonequilibrium irreversible essence of fluid systems with intrinsic time irreversibility and is manifested in various aspects of these systems. The nonequilibrium stochastic dynamics of fluid systems including turbulence with detailed balance breaking is shown to be driven by both the non-Gaussian potential landscape gradient and the irreversible probability flux, together with the reversible convective force and the stochastic stirring force. We reveal an underlying connection of the energy flux essential for turbulence energy cascade to the irreversible probability flux and the non-Gaussian potential landscape generated by detailed balance breaking. Using the energy flux as a center of connection, we demonstrate that the four-fifths law in fully developed turbulence is a consequence and reflection of the nonequilibrium trinity. We also show how the nonequilibrium trinity can affect the scaling laws in turbulence.

Case report: Irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Orcutt, Sonia; Kis, Bela; Malafa, Mokenge

2017-01-01

For patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who are not candidates for surgical resection, long-term survival is poor, even with currently available systemic and radiation therapy options. However, for those with locally advanced disease who do not have distant metastasis, locoregional control of the tumor has the potential to improve long-term outcomes. A newly developed technology, irreversible electroporation, has advantages over traditional thermal ablation with unresectable cancers in this location. In our case report, we describe the first patient treated with irreversible electroporation at our institution for locally advanced pancreatic cancer. The patient is a 63-year-old man who had a partial response to standard chemotherapy and radiation, but was found on operative assessment to have persistently unresectable disease. He therefore underwent irreversible electroporation to the pancreatic mass. His postoperative course was complicated by delayed gastric emptying and wound infection. Three months after surgery, he had no evidence of distant or recurrent disease. Irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreatic cancer is an emerging technique which attempts to improve local control of locally advanced, non-metastatic pancreatic cancer. Early data have demonstrated the potential for improved long-term survival in these patients, although further studies are needed to confirm safety and efficacy of this technique. While there is a positive outlook for the use of irreversible electroporation for locally advanced pancreas cancer, there remain some uncertainties surrounding this therapy, which underscores the importance of future research in this area. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Characterization of thermal cut-off mechanisms in prismatic lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venugopal, Ganesh

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells that are subjected to electrical abuse, overcharge and external short-circuit in particular, exhibit a rapid increase in cell temperature that could potentially lead to catastrophic disassembly of the cell. For this reason these cells are integrated or combined with one or more safety components that are designed to restrict or even prevent current flow through the cell under abusive conditions. In this work, the characteristics of these components in several prismatic Li-ion cells are studied by monitoring the impedance ( Z) at 1 kHz and the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the discharged cells as a function of temperature. All the cells studied were found to use polyethylene-based shutdown (SD) separators that were irreversibly activated within a narrow temperature range between 130 and 135°C. In some cells irreversible cut-off was also provided by a current interrupt device (CID) or a thermal fuse. Both these devices had a circuit-breaker effect, causing the impedance of the cell to rise infinitely and the OCV to drop to zero. In addition to these irreversible cut-off mechanisms, some cells also contained internal or external positive-temperature-coefficient (PTC) devices that could provide current-limiting capability over a very wide temperature range. The interdependence of the thermal behavior of these components on each other and on other thermally dependant processes like cell venting, separator meltdown and weld joint failure are also discussed.

Magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of nonthermal irreversible electroporation in vegetable tissue.

PubMed

Hjouj, Mohammad; Rubinsky, Boris

2010-07-01

We introduce and characterize the use of MRI for studying nonthermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) in a vegetative tissue model. NTIRE is a new minimally invasive surgical technique for tissue ablation in which microsecond, high electric-field pulses form nanoscale defects in the cell membrane that lead to cell death. Clinical NTIRE sequences were applied to a potato tuber tissue model. The potato is used for NTIRE studies because cell damage is readily visible with optical means through a natural oxidation process of released intracellular enzymes (polyphenol oxidase) and the formation of brown-black melanins. MRI sequences of the treated area were taken at various times before and after NTIRE and compared with photographic images. A comparison was made between T1W, T2W, FLAIR and STIR MRIs of NTIRE and photographic images. Some MRI sequences show changes in areas treated by irreversible electroporation. T1W and FLAIR produce brighter images of the treated areas. In contrast, the signal was lost from the treated area when a suppression technique, STIR, was used. There was similarity between optical photographic images of the treated tissue and MRIs of the same areas. This is the first study to characterize MRI of NTIRE in vegetative tissue. We find that NTIRE produces changes in vegetative tissue that can be imaged by certain MRI sequences. This could make MRI an effective tool to study the fundamentals of NTIRE in nonanimal tissue.

Minimum energy dissipation required for a logically irreversible operation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takeuchi, Naoki; Yoshikawa, Nobuyuki

2018-01-01

According to Landauer's principle, the minimum heat emission required for computing is linked to logical entropy, or logical reversibility. The validity of Landauer's principle has been investigated for several decades and was finally demonstrated in recent experiments by showing that the minimum heat emission is associated with the reduction in logical entropy during a logically irreversible operation. Although the relationship between minimum heat emission and logical reversibility is being revealed, it is not clear how much free energy is required to be dissipated for a logically irreversible operation. In the present study, in order to reveal the connection between logical reversibility and free energy dissipation, we numerically demonstrated logically irreversible protocols using adiabatic superconductor logic. The calculation results of work during the protocol showed that, while the minimum heat emission conforms to Landauer's principle, the free energy dissipation can be arbitrarily reduced by performing the protocol quasistatically. The above results show that logical reversibility is not associated with thermodynamic reversibility, and that heat is not only emitted from logic devices but also absorbed by logic devices. We also formulated the heat emission from adiabatic superconductor logic during a logically irreversible operation at a finite operation speed.

Polymerization on the rocks: theoretical introduction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Orgel, L. E.; Bada, J. L. (Principal Investigator)

1998-01-01

It is difficult if not impossible to synthesize long polymers of amino acids, nucleotides, etc., in homogeneous aqueous solution. We suggest that long polymers were synthesized on the surface of minerals in a prebiotic process analogous to solid-phase synthesis. Provided that the affinity of a mineral for an oligomer increases with the length of the oligomer, adsorption must become essentially irreversible for sufficiently long oligomers. Irreversibly adsorbed oligomers may be elongated indefinitely by repeated cycles in which the mineral with its adsorbed oligomers is first incubated with activated monomers and then washed free of deactivated monomer and side-products. We discuss in some detail the formation of oligomers of negatively-charged amino acids such as glutamic acid on anion-exchange minerals such as hydroxylapatite or illite. We show that the average length of adsorbed oligomers at steady state, n, depends on the balance between the rate of chain elongation and the rate of hydrolysis, and we derive a very approximate formula for n.

Nutrient-Dependent Endocycling in Steroidogenic Tissue Dictates Timing of Metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Ohhara, Yuya; Kobayashi, Satoru

2017-01-01

Many animals have an intrinsic growth checkpoint during juvenile development, after which an irreversible decision is made to upregulate steroidogenesis, triggering the metamorphic juvenile-to-adult transition. However, a molecular process underlying such a critical developmental decision remains obscure. Here we show that nutrient-dependent endocycling in steroidogenic cells provides the machinery necessary for irreversible activation of metamorphosis in Drosophila melanogaster. Endocycle progression in cells of the prothoracic gland (PG) is tightly coupled with the growth checkpoint, and block of endocycle in PG cells causes larval developmental arrest due to reduction in biosynthesis of the steroid hormone ecdysone. Moreover, inhibition of the nutrient sensor target of rapamycin (TOR) in the PG during the checkpoint period causes endocycle inhibition and developmental arrest, which can be rescued by inducing additional rounds of endocycles by Cyclin E. We propose that a TOR-mediated cell cycle checkpoint in steroidogenic tissue provides a systemic growth checkpoint for reproductive maturation. PMID:28121986

Application of membrane bioreactors in the preliminary treatment of early planetary base wastewater for long-duration space missions.

PubMed

Zhang, Kai; Choi, Hyeok; Dionysiou, Dionysios D; Oerther, Daniel B

2008-12-01

Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are the preferred technology for the preliminary treatment of Early Planetary Base Wastewater (EPBW) because of their compact configuration and promising treatment performance. For long-duration space missions, irreversible membrane biofouling resulting from the strong attachment of biomass and the formation of biofilms are major concerns for the MBR process. In this study, a MBR was operated for 230 days treating synthetic EPBW. The reactor demonstrated excellent treatment performance, in terms of chemical oxygen demand removal and nitrification. Filtration resistance is mainly caused by concentration polarization, reversible fouling, and irreversible fouling. Analysis of the microbial communities in the planktonic and corresponding sessile biomass suggested that the microbial community of the planktonic biomass was significantly different from the one of the sessile biomass. This study provides valuable information for the development of the water reuse component in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (Washington, D.C.) Advanced Life Support system for long-term space missions.

Modelling anaerobic digestion acclimatisation to a biodegradable toxicant: application to cyanide.

PubMed

Zaher, U; Moussa, M S; Widyatmika, I N; van Der Steen, P; Gijzen, H J; Vanrolleghem, P A

2006-01-01

The observed acclimatisation to biodegradable toxicants in anaerobic cassava wastewater treatment is explained by modelling anaerobic cyanide degradation. A complete degradation pathway is proposed for cyanide. Cyanide degradation is modelled as enzymatic hydrolysis to formate and ammonia. Ammonia is added to the inorganic nitrogen content of the digester while formate is degraded by the hydrogenotrophic methanogens. Cyanide irreversible enzyme inhibition is modelled as an inhibition factor to acetate uptake processes. Cyanide irreversible toxicity is modelled as a decay factor to the acetate degraders. Cyanide as well as added phosphorus buffer solution were considered in the chemical equilibrium calculations of pH. The observed reversible effect after acclimatisation of sludge is modelled by a population shift between two aceticlastic methanogens that have different tolerance to cyanide toxicity. The proposed pathway is added to the IWA Anaerobic Digestion Model no.1 (ADM1). The ADM1 model with the designed extension is validated by an experiment using three lab-scale upflow anaerobic sludge bed reactors which were exposed to different cyanide loadings.

Irreversible opinion spreading on scale-free networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Candia, Julián

2007-02-01

We study the dynamical and critical behavior of a model for irreversible opinion spreading on Barabási-Albert (BA) scale-free networks by performing extensive Monte Carlo simulations. The opinion spreading within an inhomogeneous society is investigated by means of the magnetic Eden model, a nonequilibrium kinetic model for the growth of binary mixtures in contact with a thermal bath. The deposition dynamics, which is studied as a function of the degree of the occupied sites, shows evidence for the leading role played by hubs in the growth process. Systems of finite size grow either ordered or disordered, depending on the temperature. By means of standard finite-size scaling procedures, the effective order-disorder phase transitions are found to persist in the thermodynamic limit. This critical behavior, however, is absent in related equilibrium spin systems such as the Ising model on BA scale-free networks, which in the thermodynamic limit only displays a ferromagnetic phase. The dependence of these results on the degree exponent is also discussed for the case of uncorrelated scale-free networks.

A proposed approach to the application of nonlinear irreversible thermodynamics to fracture in composite materials

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindenmeyer, P. H.

1983-01-01

The fracture criteria upon which most fracture mechanics is based involves an energy balance that is not appropriate for the fracture mechanics of viscoelastic materials such as polymer matrix composites. A more appropriate criterion based upon nonequilibrium thermodynamics and involving a power balance rather than an energy balance is proposed. This crierion is based upon a reformulation of the second law of thermodynamics which focuses attention on the total Legendre transform of energy expressed as a functional over time and space. This excess energy functional can be shown to be equivalent to the Rice J integral if the only irreversible process is the propogation of a single crack completely through the thickness of the specimen and if the crack propogation is assured to be independent of time. For the more general case of more than one crack in a viscoelastic medium integration over both time and space is required. Two experimentally measurable parameters are proposed which should permit the evaluation of this more general fracture criterion.

Irreversible entropy production in two-phase flows with evaporating drops

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bellan, J.; Okong'o, N. A.

2002-01-01

A derivation of the irreversible entropy production, that is the dissipation, in two-phase flows is presented for the purpose of examining the effect of evaporative-drop modulation of flows having turbulent features.

A Numerical Study on Small-Scale Permeability Creation Associated with Fluid Pressure Induced Inelastic Shearing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vogler, D.; Amann, F.; Bayer, P.

2014-12-01

Anthropogenic perturbations in a rock mass at great depth cause a complex thermal-hydro-mechanical (THM) response. This is of particular relevance when dealing with enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) and unconventional oil and gas recovery utilizing hydraulic fracturing. Studying the key THM coupled processes associated with specific reservoir characteristics in an EGS are of foremost relevance to establish a heat exchanger able to achieve the target production rate.Many reservoirs are naturally low permeable, and the target permeability can only be achieved through the creation of new fractures or inelastic and dilatant shearing of pre-existing discontinuities. The latter process, which is considered to irreversibly increase the apertures of pre-existing discontinuities, has been shown to be especially important for EGS. Common constitutive equations linking the change in hydraulic aperture and the change in mechanical aperture are based on the basic formulation of the cubic law, which linearly relates the flow rate in a fracture to the pressure gradient. However, HM-coupled laboratory investigations demonstrate, that the relation between the mechanical and the hydraulic aperture as assumed in the cubic law, is not valid when dealing with very small initial apertures, which are likely to occur at great depth. In a current study, we investigate the relevance of this discrepancy for the early stage of permeability creation in an EGS, where massive fluid injections trigger largely irreversible in-elastic shearing of critically stressed discontinuities. Understanding small-scale effects in fractures in EGS during fluid injection is crucial to predict reservoir fluid production rates and seismic events.Our study aims to implement an empirical constitutive law in an existing discrete fracture code, and calibrate this against experimental data showing the irreversible shearing induced permeability changes. This empirical relation will later be used to quantify the relevance of uncertainties in reservoir characterisation such as discrete fracture networks (DFN) and in-situ state of stress.

Comparative evaluation of effect of preoperative alprazolam and diclofenac potassium on the success of inferior alveolar, Vazirani-Akinosi, and Gow-Gates techniques for teeth with irreversible pulpitis: Randomized controlled trial

PubMed Central

Shetkar, Pratibha; Jadhav, Ganesh Ranganath; Mittal, Priya; Surapaneni, Saikalyan; Kalra, Dheeraj; Sakri, Mohan; Basavaprabhu, A

2016-01-01

Introduction: In teeth with irreversible pulpitis, successful local anesthesia is hard to achieve irrespective of the amount of local anesthesia and technique used. Such cases can be managed by concoction of pre-medications like anxiolytics, analgesics and effective local anesthesia. This double-blind, placebo-controlled study was planned to evaluate the effect of oral administration of alprazolam and diclofenac potassium on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB), Gow-Gates (GG) and Vazirani-Akinosi (VA) techniques for the root canal treatment of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. Method: 198 emergency patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into three groups as – A, B and C receiving IANB, GG or V-A respectively using 2% lidocaine with 1: 100,000 epinephrine. These groups were sub-divided into sub-groups I and II as control and pre-medication groups. Patients who did not react to the stimulus made by an explorer between the canine and first premolar and showing subjective lip and tongue numbness were included in the study. Result: All sub-groups showed statistically significant reduction in VAS score. However sub-groups V and VI (that is GG with and without pre-medication respectively) showed best improvement in initial severe pain in mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. Moreover, all pre-medication sub-groups showed better pain control compared to respective control groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that use of pre-medications in the form of combination of anxiolytics and analgesics improves the success rate of local anesthesia in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Use of anxiolytics eases the patient in endodontic emergencies. Also use of GG along with pre-medication is the best method for effective pain management of acute pain in irreversible pulpitis. PMID:27656053

Effect of disinfection on irreversible hydrocolloid and alternative impression materials and the resultant gypsum casts.

PubMed

Suprono, Montry S; Kattadiyil, Mathew T; Goodacre, Charles J; Winer, Myron S

2012-10-01

Many new products have been introduced and marketed as alternatives to traditional irreversible hydrocolloid materials. These alternative materials have the same structural formula as addition reaction silicone, also known as vinyl polysiloxane (VPS), impression materials. Currently, there is limited in vitro and in vivo research on these products, including on the effects of chemical disinfectants on the materials. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a spray disinfecting technique on a traditional irreversible hydrocolloid and 3 new alternative impression materials in vitro. The tests were performed in accordance with the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) Specification Nos. 18 and 19. Under standardized conditions, 100 impressions were made of a ruled test block with an irreversible hydrocolloid and 3 alternative impression materials. Nondisinfected irreversible hydrocolloid was used as the control. The impressions were examined for surface detail reproduction before and after disinfection with a chloramine-T product. Type III and Type V dental stone casts were evaluated for linear dimensional change and gypsum compatibility. Comparisons of linear dimensional change were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA of mean ranks with the Scheffé post hoc comparisons (α=.05). Data for surface detail reproduction were analyzed with the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank procedure and gypsum compatibility with the Kruskal-Wallis Rank procedure (α=.05). The alternative impression materials demonstrated significantly better outcomes with all 3 parameters tested. Disinfection with chloroamine-T did not have any effect on the 3 alternative impression materials. The irreversible hydrocolloid groups produced the most variability in the measurements of linear dimensional change. All of the tested materials were within the ADA's acceptable limit of 1.0% for linear dimensional change, except for the disinfected irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. The alternative impression materials performed best for the parameters tested. Spray disinfection had no effect on the alternative impression materials. Copyright © 2012 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Irreversible and reversible components in the genesis of hypertension by sodium chloride (salt).

PubMed

Tekol, Yalcin

2008-01-01

Despite the abundant studies and overwhelming evidences demonstrating the essential role of salt (sodium chloride) for developing "essential" hypertension (EH), the controversies about salt-hypertension (HT) relations are still continuing. One of important mistakes in this topic is assuming that the HT-producing effect of salt is reversible. The present paper explains the complex nature of salt-HT relations. The deduction was made basing on the studies which investigate the relations between salt and HT. Animal experiments show that HT-producing effect of salt contains irreversible and reversible components. The existence of irreversible component manifests itself in this way: the blood pressure (BP) does not recede to the natural values despite removing of salt exposure. The proportion of BP decreasing after salt exposure termination belongs to the reversible component. Available evidences indicate that the irreversible component is developed in utero, during suckling and, generally, in prepubertal period secondary to salt exposure, however, if the salt exposure extends over more than one period, the HT may be intensified. The consequences of salt exposure during early life of human beings have not been investigated as detailed as in experimental animals, however, there are some clinical trials and epidemiological observations indicating that, similar to experimental animals, irreversible and reversible components are also developed in man during the genesis of HT. By the introduction of irreversible and reversible components notion, some obscured items on salt-HT relations can be clarified. For example, some intervention studies could not find dramatic relations between salt and HT, because these interventions modify only the reversible component, but irreversible component remains unchanged. As a result, salt exposure is detrimental for each period of life. For eradication of HT, it is prerequisite to prevent all individuals (especially pregnant or lactating women, and children) from salt exposure. In this condition, the new generation will be free from HT.

Emergent irreversibility and entanglement spectrum statistics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mucciolo, Eduardo; Chamon, Claudio; Hamma, Alioscia

2014-03-01

We study the problem of irreversibility when the dynamical evolution of a many-body system is described by a stochastic quantum circuit. Such evolution is more general than Hamitonian, and since energy levels are not well defined, the well-established connection between the statistical fluctuations of the energy spectrum and irreversibility cannot be made. We show that the entanglement spectrum provides a more general connection. Irreversibility is marked by a failure of a disentangling algorithm and is preceded by the appearance of Wigner-Dyson statistical fluctuations in the entanglement spectrum. This analysis can be done at the wavefunction level and offers a new route to study quantum chaos and quantum integrability. We acknowledge financial support from the U.S. National Science Foundation through grants CCF 1116590 and CCF 1117241, from the National Basic Research Program of China through grants 2011CBA00300 and 2011CBA00301, and from the National Natural Science Fo.

Time irreversibility and multifractality of power along single particle trajectories in turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cencini, Massimo; Biferale, Luca; Boffetta, Guido; De Pietro, Massimo

2017-10-01

The irreversible turbulent energy cascade epitomizes strongly nonequilibrium systems. At the level of single fluid particles, time irreversibility is revealed by the asymmetry of the rate of kinetic energy change, the Lagrangian power, whose moments display a power-law dependence on the Reynolds number, as recently shown by Xu et al. [H. Xu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111, 7558 (2014), 10.1073/pnas.1321682111]. Here Lagrangian power statistics are rationalized within the multifractal model of turbulence, whose predictions are shown to agree with numerical and empirical data. Multifractal predictions are also tested, for very large Reynolds numbers, in dynamical models of the turbulent cascade, obtaining remarkably good agreement for statistical quantities insensitive to the asymmetry and, remarkably, deviations for those probing the asymmetry. These findings raise fundamental questions concerning time irreversibility in the infinite-Reynolds-number limit of the Navier-Stokes equations.

Parkinson's disease: carbidopa, nausea, and dyskinesia.

PubMed

Hinz, Marty; Stein, Alvin; Cole, Ted

2014-01-01

When l-dopa use began in the early 1960s for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, nausea and reversible dyskinesias were experienced as continuing side effects. Carbidopa or benserazide was added to l-dopa in 1975 solely to control nausea. Subsequent to the increasing use of carbidopa has been the recognition of irreversible dyskinesias, which have automatically been attributed to l-dopa. The research into the etiology of these phenomena has identified the causative agent of the irreversible dyskinesias as carbidopa, not l-dopa. The mechanism of action of the carbidopa and benserazide causes irreversible binding and inactivation of vitamin B6 throughout the body. The consequences of this action are enormous, interfering with over 300 enzyme and protein functions. This has the ability to induce previously undocumented profound antihistamine dyskinesias, which have been wrongly attributed to l-dopa and may be perceived as irreversible if proper corrective action is not taken.

Parkinson’s disease: carbidopa, nausea, and dyskinesia

PubMed Central

Hinz, Marty; Stein, Alvin; Cole, Ted

2014-01-01

When l-dopa use began in the early 1960s for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, nausea and reversible dyskinesias were experienced as continuing side effects. Carbidopa or benserazide was added to l-dopa in 1975 solely to control nausea. Subsequent to the increasing use of carbidopa has been the recognition of irreversible dyskinesias, which have automatically been attributed to l-dopa. The research into the etiology of these phenomena has identified the causative agent of the irreversible dyskinesias as carbidopa, not l-dopa. The mechanism of action of the carbidopa and benserazide causes irreversible binding and inactivation of vitamin B6 throughout the body. The consequences of this action are enormous, interfering with over 300 enzyme and protein functions. This has the ability to induce previously undocumented profound antihistamine dyskinesias, which have been wrongly attributed to l-dopa and may be perceived as irreversible if proper corrective action is not taken. PMID:25484598

Joint Program on Molecular Biology of Marine Organisms

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-08-20

and lateral flagella formation in a marine vibrio (Belas and Colwell, 1982). Upon contact with a surface, the polar flagella of Vibrio ... parahemolyticus ceased to function. Shortl’ thereafter, lateral flagella formed around the cells, apparently mediating the "irreversible" attachment process. Pilus...Colwell. 1982. Adsorption kinetics of 18 Slaterally and polarly flagellated Vibrio . J. Bacteriol. 151:1568-1580. S-- Brown, C.M., D.C. Ellwood, and

Attenuation of Brain White Matter Lesions After Lacunar Stroke

PubMed Central

Durand-Birchenall, Julia; Leclercq, Claire; Daouk, Joël; Monet, Pauline; Godefroy, Olivier; Bugnicourt, Jean-Marc

2012-01-01

White matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly observed in stroke patients with small vessel disease (SVD) and are thought to result from a progressive, irreversible disease process following arteriolosclerosis. In this study, we report a case of partial disappearance of WMLs 1 year after a lacunar stroke in a 69-year-old man with evidence of SVD. We also discuss possible mechanisms associated with this observation. PMID:22347611

Role of emotional intelligence in the military transformation process.

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-10

corporate - finance /our-insights/enduring-ideas-the-7-s-framework. 18 Kotter John, “Leading Change; Why Transformation Efforts Fail,” In HBR’s 10 Must Reads...business-functions/ strategy-and- corporate - finance /our-insights/enduring-ideas-the-7-s-framework. Formica, Michael D. “Building Irreversible...Only leadership can blast through the many sources of corporate inertia. Only leadership can motivate the actions needed to alter behavior in any

Aragonite→calcite transformation studied by EPR of Mn 2+ ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lech, J.; Śl|zak, A.

1989-05-01

The irreversible transformation aragonite→calcite has been studied both at different fixed heating rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 K/min) and at different fixed temperatures. Apparent progression rates of the transformation were observed above 685 K. At 730 K the transformation became sudden and violent. Time developments of the transformation at fixed temperatures have been discussed in terms of Avrami-Lichti's approach to transitions involving nucleation processes.

Raney nickel catalytic device

DOEpatents

O'Hare, Stephen A.

1978-01-01

A catalytic device for use in a conventional coal gasification process which includes a tubular substrate having secured to its inside surface by expansion a catalytic material. The catalytic device is made by inserting a tubular catalytic element, such as a tubular element of a nickel-aluminum alloy, into a tubular substrate and heat-treating the resulting composite to cause the tubular catalytic element to irreversibly expand against the inside surface of the substrate.

Optimizing spread dynamics on graphs by message passing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altarelli, F.; Braunstein, A.; Dall'Asta, L.; Zecchina, R.

2013-09-01

Cascade processes are responsible for many important phenomena in natural and social sciences. Simple models of irreversible dynamics on graphs, in which nodes activate depending on the state of their neighbors, have been successfully applied to describe cascades in a large variety of contexts. Over the past decades, much effort has been devoted to understanding the typical behavior of the cascades arising from initial conditions extracted at random from some given ensemble. However, the problem of optimizing the trajectory of the system, i.e. of identifying appropriate initial conditions to maximize (or minimize) the final number of active nodes, is still considered to be practically intractable, with the only exception being models that satisfy a sort of diminishing returns property called submodularity. Submodular models can be approximately solved by means of greedy strategies, but by definition they lack cooperative characteristics which are fundamental in many real systems. Here we introduce an efficient algorithm based on statistical physics for the optimization of trajectories in cascade processes on graphs. We show that for a wide class of irreversible dynamics, even in the absence of submodularity, the spread optimization problem can be solved efficiently on large networks. Analytic and algorithmic results on random graphs are complemented by the solution of the spread maximization problem on a real-world network (the Epinions consumer reviews network).

Isothermal chemical denaturation of large proteins: Path-dependence and irreversibility.

PubMed

Wafer, Lucas; Kloczewiak, Marek; Polleck, Sharon M; Luo, Yin

2017-12-15

State functions (e.g., ΔG) are path independent and quantitatively describe the equilibrium states of a thermodynamic system. Isothermal chemical denaturation (ICD) is often used to extrapolate state function parameters for protein unfolding in native buffer conditions. The approach is prudent when the unfolding/refolding processes are path independent and reversible, but may lead to erroneous results if the processes are not reversible. The reversibility was demonstrated in several early studies for smaller proteins, but was assumed in some reports for large proteins with complex structures. In this work, the unfolding/refolding of several proteins were systematically studied using an automated ICD instrument. It is shown that: (i) the apparent unfolding mechanism and conformational stability of large proteins can be denaturant-dependent, (ii) equilibration times for large proteins are non-trivial and may introduce significant error into calculations of ΔG, (iii) fluorescence emission spectroscopy may not correspond to other methods, such as circular dichroism, when used to measure protein unfolding, and (iv) irreversible unfolding and hysteresis can occur in the absence of aggregation. These results suggest that thorough confirmation of the state functions by, for example, performing refolding experiments or using additional denaturants, is needed when quantitatively studying the thermodynamics of protein unfolding using ICD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimal allocation of thermodynamic irreversibility for the integrated design of propulsion and thermal management systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maser, Adam Charles

More electric aircraft systems, high power avionics, and a reduction in heat sink capacity have placed a larger emphasis on correctly satisfying aircraft thermal management requirements during conceptual design. Thermal management systems must be capable of dealing with these rising heat loads, while simultaneously meeting mission performance. Since all subsystem power and cooling requirements are ultimately traced back to the engine, the growing interactions between the propulsion and thermal management systems are becoming more significant. As a result, it is necessary to consider their integrated performance during the conceptual design of the aircraft gas turbine engine cycle to ensure that thermal requirements are met. This can be accomplished by using thermodynamic subsystem modeling and simulation while conducting the necessary design trades to establish the engine cycle. However, this approach also poses technical challenges associated with the existence of elaborate aircraft subsystem interactions. This research addresses these challenges through the creation of a parsimonious, transparent thermodynamic model of propulsion and thermal management systems performance with a focus on capturing the physics that have the largest impact on propulsion design choices. This modeling environment, known as Cycle Refinement for Aircraft Thermodynamically Optimized Subsystems (CRATOS), is capable of operating in on-design (parametric) and off-design (performance) modes and includes a system-level solver to enforce design constraints. A key aspect of this approach is the incorporation of physics-based formulations involving the concurrent usage of the first and second laws of thermodynamics, which are necessary to achieve a clearer view of the component-level losses across the propulsion and thermal management systems. This is facilitated by the direct prediction of the exergy destruction distribution throughout the system and the resulting quantification of available work losses over the time history of the mission. The characterization of the thermodynamic irreversibility distribution helps give the propulsion systems designer an absolute and consistent view of the tradeoffs associated with the design of the entire integrated system. Consequently, this leads directly to the question of the proper allocation of irreversibility across each of the components. The process of searching for the most favorable allocation of this irreversibility is the central theme of the research and must take into account production cost and vehicle mission performance. The production cost element is accomplished by including an engine component weight and cost prediction capability within the system model. The vehicle mission performance is obtained by directly linking the propulsion and thermal management model to a vehicle performance model and flying it through a mission profile. A canonical propulsion and thermal management systems architecture is then presented to experimentally test each element of the methodology separately: first the integrated modeling and simulation, then the irreversibility, cost, and mission performance considerations, and then finally the proper technique to perform the optimal allocation. A goal of this research is the description of the optimal allocation of system irreversibility to enable an engine cycle design with improved performance and cost at the vehicle-level. To do this, a numerical optimization was first used to minimize system-level production and operating costs by fixing the performance requirements and identifying the best settings for all of the design variables. There are two major drawbacks to this approach: It does not allow the designer to directly trade off the performance requirements and it does not allow the individual component losses to directly factor into the optimization. An irreversibility allocation approach based on the economic concept of resource allocation is then compared to the numerical optimization. By posing the problem in economic terms, exergy destruction is treated as a true common currency to barter for improved efficiency, cost, and performance. This allows the designer to clearly see how changes in the irreversibility distribution impact the overall system. The inverse design is first performed through a filtered Monte Carlo to allow the designer to view the irreversibility design space. The designer can then directly perform the allocation using the exergy destruction, which helps to place the design choices on an even thermodynamic footing. Finally, two use cases are presented to show how the irreversibility allocation approach can assist the designer. The first describes a situation where the designer can better address competing system-level requirements; the second describes a different situation where the designer can choose from a number of options to improve a system in a manner that is more robust to future requirements.

Antimicrobial activity and properties of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials incorporated with silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ginjupalli, Kishore; Alla, Rama Krishna; Tellapragada, Chaitanya; Gupta, Lokendra; Upadhya Perampalli, Nagaraja

2016-06-01

Conventional spray and the immersion disinfection of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials may lead to dimensional changes. The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity and properties of irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials incorporated with silver nanoparticles. The antimicrobial activity and properties of 2 commercially available irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials were evaluated after incorporating varying concentrations of silver nanoparticles. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the disk diffusion method. The gel strength, permanent deformation, flow, and gelation time were measured according to American Dental Association specification #18. Analysis of variance was used to identify the significant differences within and across the groups (α=.05). Adding silver nanoparticles to irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials resulted in superior antimicrobial activity without adversely affecting their properties. Adding silver nanoparticles to Zelgan significantly increased the gel strength compared with the control group, except at 5 wt%. However, the gel strength of Tropicalgin was unaffected except at 5 wt%. An increase in the permanent deformation was found with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles in both Zelgan and Tropicalgin. The flow of Zelgan increased with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles, whereas a decrease in the flow of Tropicalgin was observed at 1 wt% and 2 wt%. An increase in the gelation time of both Zelgan and Tropicalgin was observed with the incorporation of silver nanoparticles. Based on this in vitro study, silver nanoparticles can be incorporated into irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials as antimicrobial agents without adversely affecting their properties. Copyright © 2016 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Application of ceramic membranes for microalgal biomass accumulation and recovery of the permeate to be reused in algae cultivation.

PubMed

Nędzarek, Arkadiusz; Drost, Arkadiusz; Harasimiuk, Filip; Tórz, Agnieszka; Bonisławska, Małgorzata

2015-12-01

The present study was carried out to investigate the possibility of using ceramic membranes for microalgal biomass densification and to evaluate the qualitative composition of the permeate as a source of nitrogen and phosphorus for microalgae cultivated in a closed system. The studies were conducted on the microalga Monoraphidium contortum. The microfiltration process was carried out on a quarter-technical scale using ceramic membranes with 1.4 μm, 300 and 150 kDa cut-offs. Permeate flux and respective hydraulic resistances were calculated. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fractions were measured in the feed and the permeate. It was noted that the permeate flux in the MF process was decreasing while the values of reversible and irreversible resistances were increasing as the cut-off of the studied membranes was diminishing. An analysis of the hydraulic series resistance showed that using a 300 kDa membrane would be the most beneficial, as it was characterized by a comparatively high permeate flux (Jv=1.68 10(-2)m(3)/m(2)s), a comparatively low susceptibility to irreversible fouling (1.72·10(9) 1/m) and a high biomass retention coefficient (91%). The obtained permeate was characterized by high concentrations of dissolved nitrogen and phosphorus forms, which indicated that it could be reused in the process of microalgal biomass production. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Some Consequences of an Analysis of the Kelvin-Clausius Entropy Formulation Based on Traditional Axiomatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jesudason, Christopher G.

2003-09-01

Recently, there have appeared interesting correctives or challenges [Entropy 1999, 1, 111-147] to the Second law formulations, especially in the interpretation of the Clausius equivalent transformations, closely related in area to extensions of the Clausius principle to irreversible processes [Chem. Phys. Lett. 1988, 143(1), 65-70]. Since the traditional formulations are central to science, a brief analysis of some of these newer theories along traditional lines is attempted, based on well-attested axioms which have formed the basis of equilibrium thermodynamics. It is deduced that the Clausius analysis leading to the law of increasing entropy does not follow from the given axioms but it can be proved that for irreversible transitions, the total entropy change of the system and thermal reservoirs (the "Universe") is not negative, even for the case when the reservoirs are not at the same temperature as the system during heat transfer. On the basis of two new simple theorems and three corollaries derived for the correlation between irreversible and reversible pathways and the traditional axiomatics, it is shown that a sequence of reversible states can never be used to describe a corresponding sequence of irreversible states for at least closed systems, thereby restricting the principle of local equilibrium. It is further shown that some of the newer irreversible entropy forms given exhibit some paradoxical properties relative to the standard axiomatics. It is deduced that any reconciliation between the traditional approach and novel theories lie in creating a well defined set of axioms to which all theoretical developments should attempt to be based on unless proven not be useful, in which case there should be consensus in removing such axioms from theory. Clausius' theory of equivalent transformations do not contradict the traditional understanding of heat- work efficiency. It is concluded that the intuitively derived assumptions over the last two centuries seem to be reasonably well grounded, requiring perhaps some minor elaboration to the concepts of (i) system, (ii) the mechanism of heat transfer, and (iii) the environment, which would be expected to evolve with time in any case. If new generalizations at variance with Clausius' concepts are presented, then these ideas could be expected to require a different axiomatic basis than the one for equilibrium theory, and this difference must be stated at the outset of any new development. So far such empirically self-consistent axiomatic developments are not very much in evidence.

Time-Dependent Reversible-Irreversible Deformation Threshold Determined Explicitly by Experimental Technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Castelli, Michael G.; Arnold, Steven M.

2000-01-01

Structural materials for the design of advanced aeropropulsion components are usually subject to loading under elevated temperatures, where a material's viscosity (resistance to flow) is greatly reduced in comparison to its viscosity under low-temperature conditions. As a result, the propensity for the material to exhibit time-dependent deformation is significantly enhanced, even when loading is limited to a quasi-linear stress-strain regime as an effort to avoid permanent (irreversible) nonlinear deformation. An understanding and assessment of such time-dependent effects in the context of combined reversible and irreversible deformation is critical to the development of constitutive models that can accurately predict the general hereditary behavior of material deformation. To this end, researchers at the NASA Glenn Research Center at Lewis Field developed a unique experimental technique that identifies the existence of and explicitly determines a threshold stress k, below which the time-dependent material deformation is wholly reversible, and above which irreversible deformation is incurred. This technique is unique in the sense that it allows, for the first time, an objective, explicit, experimental measurement of k. The underlying concept for the experiment is based on the assumption that the material s time-dependent reversible response is invariable, even in the presence of irreversible deformation.

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in patients with irreversible pulpitis: An in vivo study.

PubMed

Bhuyan, Atool Chandra; Latha, Satheesh Sasidharan; Jain, Shefali; Kataki, Rubi

2014-11-01

Pain management remains the utmost important qualifying criteria in minimizing patient agony and establishing a strong dentist-patient rapport. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a painful condition necessitating immediate attention and supplemental anesthetic techniques are often resorted to in addition to conventional inferior alveolar nerve block. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, in mandibular posterior teeth, using 4% Articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline as local anesthetic, when the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block proved ineffective. X-tip system was used to administer 1.7 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in 30 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular posterior teeth with moderate to severe pain on endodontic access after administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block. The results of the study showed that 25 X-tip injections (83.33%) were successful and 5 X-tip injections (16.66%) were unsuccessful. When the inferior alveolar nerve block fails to provide adequate pulpal anesthesia, X-tip system using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was successful in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in patients with irreversible pulpitis: An in vivo study

PubMed Central

Bhuyan, Atool Chandra; Latha, Satheesh Sasidharan; Jain, Shefali; Kataki, Rubi

2014-01-01

Introduction: Pain management remains the utmost important qualifying criteria in minimizing patient agony and establishing a strong dentist–patient rapport. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a painful condition necessitating immediate attention and supplemental anesthetic techniques are often resorted to in addition to conventional inferior alveolar nerve block. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, in mandibular posterior teeth, using 4% Articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline as local anesthetic, when the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block proved ineffective. Materials and Methods: X-tip system was used to administer 1.7 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline in 30 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of mandibular posterior teeth with moderate to severe pain on endodontic access after administration of an inferior alveolar nerve block. Results: The results of the study showed that 25 X-tip injections (83.33%) were successful and 5 X-tip injections (16.66%) were unsuccessful. Conclusion: When the inferior alveolar nerve block fails to provide adequate pulpal anesthesia, X-tip system using 4% articaine with 1:100,000 adrenaline was successful in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis. PMID:25506137

Contrasting Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation in Aerosol Liquid Water During Summer and Winter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Sayed, M.; Hennigan, C. J.

2017-12-01

In this study, we characterize the formation of aqueous secondary organic aerosols (aqSOA) in the eastern United States during summer and winter. The aim was to identify the main factors affecting the reversible and irreversible uptake of water-soluble organic gases to aerosol liquid water under variable influence from biogenic and anthropogenic sources. The reversible and irreversible uptake of water-soluble organic gases to aerosol water was measured in Baltimore, MD using a recently developed on-line method. The formation of aqSOA was observed during the summer and the winter; however, the amount of aqSOA varied significantly between the two seasons, as did the reversible and irreversible nature of the uptake. While the availability of aerosol liquid water (ALW) predominantly controlled aqSOA formation in the summer, wintertime aqSOA formation was limited by precursor VOCs as well. During the summer, aqSOA formation was tightly linked with isoprene oxidation, while the aqSOA formed in the winter was associated with biomass burning. Irreversible aqSOA was formed in both seasons; however, reversible aqSOA was only observed in the summer. Overall, these results demonstrate the importance of multi-phase chemistry in aerosol formation and underscore the significance of soluble organic gases partitioning to aerosol water both reversibly and irreversibly.

Mildly Acidic pH Triggers an Irreversible Conformational Change in the Fusion Domain of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Glycoprotein B and Inactivation of Viral Entry.

PubMed

Weed, Darin J; Pritchard, Suzanne M; Gonzalez, Floricel; Aguilar, Hector C; Nicola, Anthony V

2017-03-01

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) entry into a subset of cells requires endocytosis and endosomal low pH. Preexposure of isolated virions to mildly acidic pH of 5 to 6 partially inactivates HSV infectivity in an irreversible manner. Acid inactivation is a hallmark of viruses that enter via low-pH pathways; this occurs by pretriggering conformational changes essential for fusion. The target and mechanism(s) of low-pH inactivation of HSV are unclear. Here, low-pH-treated HSV-1 was defective in fusion activity and yet retained normal levels of attachment to cell surface heparan sulfate and binding to nectin-1 receptor. Low-pH-triggered conformational changes in gB reported to date are reversible, despite irreversible low-pH inactivation. gB conformational changes and their reversibility were measured by antigenic analysis with a panel of monoclonal antibodies and by detecting changes in oligomeric conformation. Three-hour treatment of HSV-1 virions with pH 5 or multiple sequential treatments at pH 5 followed by neutral pH caused an irreversible >2.5 log infectivity reduction. While changes in several gB antigenic sites were reversible, alteration of the H126 epitope was irreversible. gB oligomeric conformational change remained reversible under all conditions tested. Altogether, our results reveal that oligomeric alterations and fusion domain changes represent distinct conformational changes in gB, and the latter correlates with irreversible low-pH inactivation of HSV. We propose that conformational change in the gB fusion domain is important for activation of membrane fusion during viral entry and that in the absence of a host target membrane, this change results in irreversible inactivation of virions. IMPORTANCE HSV-1 is an important pathogen with a high seroprevalence throughout the human population. HSV infects cells via multiple pathways, including a low-pH route into epithelial cells, the primary portal into the host. HSV is inactivated by low-pH preexposure, and gB, a class III fusion protein, undergoes reversible conformational changes in response to low-pH exposure. Here, we show that low-pH inactivation of HSV is irreversible and due to a defect in virion fusion activity. We identified an irreversible change in the fusion domain of gB following multiple sequential low-pH exposures or following prolonged low-pH treatment. This change appears to be separable from the alteration in gB quaternary structure. Together, the results are consistent with a model by which low pH can have an activating or inactivating effect on HSV depending on the presence of a target membrane. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

Powerless fluxes and forces, and change of scale in irreversible thermodynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ostoja-Starzewski, M.; Zubelewicz, A.

2011-08-01

We show that the dissipation function of linear processes in continuum thermomechanics may be treated as the average of the statistically fluctuating dissipation rate on either coarse or small spatial scales. The first case involves thermodynamic orthogonality due to Ziegler, while the second one involves powerless forces in a general solution of the Clausius-Duhem inequality according to Poincaré and Edelen. This formulation is demonstrated using the example of parabolic versus hyperbolic heat conduction. The existence of macroscopic powerless heat fluxes is traced here to the hidden dissipative processes at lower temporal and spatial scales.

50 CFR 402.09 - Irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A INTERAGENCY COOPERATION-ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED General § 402.09 Irreversible or... proposed species or proposed critical habitat under section 7(a)(4) of the Act. ...

50 CFR 402.09 - Irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A INTERAGENCY COOPERATION-ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED General § 402.09 Irreversible or... proposed species or proposed critical habitat under section 7(a)(4) of the Act. ...

50 CFR 402.09 - Irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A INTERAGENCY COOPERATION-ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED General § 402.09 Irreversible or... proposed species or proposed critical habitat under section 7(a)(4) of the Act. ...

50 CFR 402.09 - Irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A INTERAGENCY COOPERATION-ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED General § 402.09 Irreversible or... proposed species or proposed critical habitat under section 7(a)(4) of the Act. ...

50 CFR 402.09 - Irreversible or irretrievable commitment of resources.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE); ENDANGERED SPECIES COMMITTEE REGULATIONS SUBCHAPTER A INTERAGENCY COOPERATION-ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973, AS AMENDED General § 402.09 Irreversible or... proposed species or proposed critical habitat under section 7(a)(4) of the Act. ...

Autonomous Research Vessels for Adaptive Upper-Ocean Process Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-30

system with the goal  of extending  its mission robustness,  adaptabilit and science capabilities beyond that  of the   Arduino -­‐ based ones... measure the interplay between these finescale dynamics and turbulence, which ultimately drives  the  irreversible  heat/freshwater  transports...profiling in Greenland  Fjords. acquiring CTD cast (and ADCP profiles) within m of a Greenland iceberg.APPROACH: Our first ARV (ARV Rob) was based on

Crystallization of DNA fragments from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol.

PubMed

Osica, V D; Sukharevsky, B Y; Vasilchenko, V N; Verkin, B I; Polyvtsev, O F

1976-09-01

Fragments of calf thymus DNA have been crystallized by precipitation from water-salt solutions, containing 2-methylpentane-2,3-diol (MPD). DNA crystals usually take the form either of spherulites up to 100 mu in diameter or of needles with the length up to 50 mu. No irreversible denaturation of DNA occurs during the crystallization process. X-ray diffraction from dense slurries of DNA crystals yields crystalline powder patterns.

Techniques and potential capabilities of multi-resolutional information (knowledge) processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meystel, A.

1989-01-01

A concept of nested hierarchical (multi-resolutional, pyramidal) information (knowledge) processing is introduced for a variety of systems including data and/or knowledge bases, vision, control, and manufacturing systems, industrial automated robots, and (self-programmed) autonomous intelligent machines. A set of practical recommendations is presented using a case study of a multiresolutional object representation. It is demonstrated here that any intelligent module transforms (sometimes, irreversibly) the knowledge it deals with, and this tranformation affects the subsequent computation processes, e.g., those of decision and control. Several types of knowledge transformation are reviewed. Definite conditions are analyzed, satisfaction of which is required for organization and processing of redundant information (knowledge) in the multi-resolutional systems. Providing a definite degree of redundancy is one of these conditions.

Amplified Self-replication of DNA Origami Nanostructures through Multi-cycle Fast-annealing Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Feng; Zhuo, Rebecca; He, Xiaojin; Sha, Ruojie; Seeman, Nadrian; Chaikin, Paul

We have developed a non-biological self-replication process using templated reversible association of components and irreversible linking with annealing and UV cycles. The current method requires a long annealing time, up to several days, to achieve the specific self-assembly of DNA nanostructures. In this work, we accomplished the self-replication with a shorter time and smaller replication rate per cycle. By decreasing the ramping time, we obtained the comparable replication yield within 90 min. Systematic studies show that the temperature and annealing time play essential roles in the self-replication process. In this manner, we can amplify the self-replication process to a factor of 20 by increasing the number of cycles within the same amount of time.

Incidence of missed inferior alveolar nerve blocks in vital asymptomatic subjects and in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Fowler, Sara; Reader, Al; Beck, Mike

2015-05-01

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of missed inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) blocks by using a 1- or 2-cartridge volume of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in vital asymptomatic teeth and in emergency patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. As part of 37 studies, 3169 subjects/patients were evaluated for missed IAN blocks. The study included 2450 asymptomatic subjects and 719 emergency patients presenting with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Each subject or patient received either a 1- or 2-cartridge volume of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. A missed block was defined as no lip numbness at 15-20 minutes after the IAN block. The effect of anesthetic volume on the incidence of missed blocks was assessed by using mixed models logistic regression with individual studies as a random effect. The incidence of missed blocks for asymptomatic subjects was 6.3% for the 1-cartridge volume and 3.8% for the 2-cartridge volume. For patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis, the incidence of missed blocks was 7.7% for the 1-cartridge volume and 2.3% for the 2-cartridge volume. In both asymptomatic subjects and patients with irreversible pulpitis, the 2-cartridge volume was significantly (P = .0395) better than the 1-cartridge volume. There were no significant effects for pulpal diagnosis (P = .7523) or the pulpal diagnosis and anesthetic volume interaction (P = .3973). Concerning missed IAN blocks, we concluded that administration of a 2-cartridge volume was significantly better (P = .0395) than a 1-cartridge volume in both asymptomatic subjects and emergency patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Determination of irreversibility of clinical brain death. Electroencephalography and evoked potentials].

PubMed

Buchner, H; Ferbert, A

2016-02-01

Principally, in the fourth update of the rules for the procedure to finally determine the irreversible cessation of function of the cerebrum, the cerebellum and the brainstem, the importance of an electroencephalogram (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SEP) and brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) are confirmed. This paper presents the reliability and validity of the electrophysiological diagnosis, discusses the amendments in the fourth version of the guidelines and introduces the practical application, problems and sources of error.An EEG is the best established supplementary diagnostic method for determining the irreversibility of clinical brain death syndrome. It should be noted that residual brain activity can often persist for many hours after the onset of brain death syndrome, particularly in patients with primary brainstem lesions. The derivation and analysis of an EEG requires a high level of expertise to be able to safely distinguish artefacts from primary brain activity. The registration of EEGs to demonstrate the irreversibility of clinical brain death syndrome is extremely time consuming.The BAEPs can only be used to confirm the irreversibility of brain death syndrome in serial examinations or in the rare cases of a sustained wave I or sustained waves I and II. Very often, an investigation cannot be reliably performed because of existing sound conduction disturbances or failure of all potentials even before the onset of clinical brain death syndrome. This explains why BAEPs are only used in exceptional cases.The SEPs of the median nerve can be very reliably derived, are technically simple and with few sources of error. A serial investigation is not required and the time needed for examination is short. For these reasons SEPs are given preference over EEGs and BAEPs for establishing the irreversibility of clinical brain death syndrome.

Measures of thermodynamic irreversibility in deterministic and stochastic dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ford, Ian J.

2015-07-01

It is generally observed that if a dynamical system is sufficiently complex, then as time progresses it will share out energy and other properties amongst its component parts to eliminate any initial imbalances, retaining only fluctuations. This is known as energy dissipation and it is closely associated with the concept of thermodynamic irreversibility, measured by the increase in entropy according to the second law. It is of interest to quantify such behaviour from a dynamical rather than a thermodynamic perspective and to this end stochastic entropy production and the time-integrated dissipation function have been introduced as analogous measures of irreversibility, principally for stochastic and deterministic dynamics, respectively. We seek to compare these measures. First we modify the dissipation function to allow it to measure irreversibility in situations where the initial probability density function (pdf) of the system is asymmetric as well as symmetric in velocity. We propose that it tests for failure of what we call the obversibility of the system, to be contrasted with reversibility, the failure of which is assessed by stochastic entropy production. We note that the essential difference between stochastic entropy production and the time-integrated modified dissipation function lies in the sequence of procedures undertaken in the associated tests of irreversibility. We argue that an assumed symmetry of the initial pdf with respect to velocity inversion (within a framework of deterministic dynamics) can be incompatible with the Past Hypothesis, according to which there should be a statistical distinction between the behaviour of certain properties of an isolated system as it evolves into the far future and the remote past. Imposing symmetry on a velocity distribution is acceptable for many applications of statistical physics, but can introduce difficulties when discussing irreversible behaviour.

A model of jam formation in congested traffic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bunzarova, N. Zh; Pesheva, N. C.; Priezzhev, V. B.; Brankov, J. G.

2017-12-01

We study a model of irreversible jam formation in congested vehicular traffic on an open segment of a single-lane road. The vehicles obey a stochastic discrete-time dynamics which is a limiting case of the generalized Totally Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process. Its characteristic features are: (a) the existing clusters of jammed cars cannot break into parts; (b) when the leading vehicle of a cluster hops to the right, the whole cluster follows it deterministically, and (c) any two clusters of vehicles, occupying consecutive positions on the chain, may become nearest-neighbors and merge irreversibly into a single cluster. The above dynamics was used in a one-dimensional model of irreversible aggregation by Bunzarova and Pesheva [Phys. Rev. E 95, 052105 (2017)]. The model has three stationary non-equilibrium phases, depending on the probabilities of injection (α), ejection (β), and hopping (p) of particles: a many-particle one, MP, a completely jammed phase CF, and a mixed MP+CF phase. An exact expression for the stationary probability P(1) of a completely jammed configuration in the mixed MP+CF phase is obtained. The gap distribution between neighboring clusters of jammed cars at large lengths L of the road is studied. Three regimes of evolution of the width of a single gap are found: (i) growing gaps with length of the order O(L) when β > p; (ii) shrinking gaps with length of the order O(1) when β < p; and (iii) critical gaps at β = p, of the order O(L 1/2). These results are supported by extensive Monte Carlo calculations.

Thermodynamics of cosmological matter creation.

PubMed

Prigogine, I; Geheniau, J; Gunzig, E; Nardone, P

1988-10-01

A type of cosmological history that includes large-scale entropy production is proposed. These cosmologies are based on reinterpretation of the matter-energy stress tensor in Einstein's equations. This modifies the usual adiabatic energy conservation laws, thereby including irreversible matter creation. This creation corresponds to an irreversible energy flow from the gravitational field to the created matter constituents. This point of view results from consideration of the thermodynamics of open systems in the framework of cosmology. It is shown that the second law of thermodynamics requires that space-time transforms into matter, while the inverse transformation is forbidden. It appears that the usual initial singularity associated with the big bang is structurally unstable with respect to irreversible matter creation. The corresponding cosmological history therefore starts from an instability of the vacuum rather than from a singularity. This is exemplified in the framework of a simple phenomenological model that leads to a three-stage cosmology: the first drives the cosmological system from the initial instability to a de Sitter regime, and the last connects with the usual matter-radiation Robertson-Walker universe. Matter as well as entropy creation occurs during the first two stages, while the third involves the traditional cosmological evolution. A remarkable fact is that the de Sitter stage appears to be an attractor independent of the initial fluctuation. This is also the case for all the physical predictions involving the present Robertson-Walker universe. Most results obtained previously, in the framework of quantum field theory, can now be obtained on a macroscopic basis. It is shown that this description leads quite naturally to the introduction of primeval black holes as the intermediate stage between the Minkowski vacuum and the present matter-radiation universe. The instability at the origin of the universe is the result of fluctuations of the vacuum in which black holes act as membranes that stabilize these fluctuations. In short, black holes will be produced by and "inverse" Hawking radiation process and, once formed, will decompose into "real" matter through the usual Hawking radiation. In this way, the irreversible transformation of space-time into matter can be described as a phase separation between matter and gravitation in which black holes play the role of "critical nuclei."

Systematic assignment of thermodynamic constraints in metabolic network models

PubMed Central

Kümmel, Anne; Panke, Sven; Heinemann, Matthias

2006-01-01

Background The availability of genome sequences for many organisms enabled the reconstruction of several genome-scale metabolic network models. Currently, significant efforts are put into the automated reconstruction of such models. For this, several computational tools have been developed that particularly assist in identifying and compiling the organism-specific lists of metabolic reactions. In contrast, the last step of the model reconstruction process, which is the definition of the thermodynamic constraints in terms of reaction directionalities, still needs to be done manually. No computational method exists that allows for an automated and systematic assignment of reaction directions in genome-scale models. Results We present an algorithm that – based on thermodynamics, network topology and heuristic rules – automatically assigns reaction directions in metabolic models such that the reaction network is thermodynamically feasible with respect to the production of energy equivalents. It first exploits all available experimentally derived Gibbs energies of formation to identify irreversible reactions. As these thermodynamic data are not available for all metabolites, in a next step, further reaction directions are assigned on the basis of network topology considerations and thermodynamics-based heuristic rules. Briefly, the algorithm identifies reaction subsets from the metabolic network that are able to convert low-energy co-substrates into their high-energy counterparts and thus net produce energy. Our algorithm aims at disabling such thermodynamically infeasible cyclic operation of reaction subnetworks by assigning reaction directions based on a set of thermodynamics-derived heuristic rules. We demonstrate our algorithm on a genome-scale metabolic model of E. coli. The introduced systematic direction assignment yielded 130 irreversible reactions (out of 920 total reactions), which corresponds to about 70% of all irreversible reactions that are required to disable thermodynamically infeasible energy production. Conclusion Although not being fully comprehensive, our algorithm for systematic reaction direction assignment could define a significant number of irreversible reactions automatically with low computational effort. We envision that the presented algorithm is a valuable part of a computational framework that assists the automated reconstruction of genome-scale metabolic models. PMID:17123434

ScienceCast 145: No Turning Back: West Antarctic Glaciers in Irreversible Decline

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-05-12

A new study led by NASA researchers shows that half-a-dozen key glaciers in the West Antarctic Ice Sheet are in irreversible decline. The melting of these sprawling icy giants will affect global sea levels in the centuries ahead.

Irreversible Capacities of Graphite in Low Temperature Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ratnakumar, B.; Smart, M.; Surampudi, S.; Wang, Y.; Zhang, X.; Greenbaum, S.; Hightower, A.; Ahn, C.; Fultz, B.

1999-01-01

Carbonaceous anode materials in lithium ion rechargeable cells experience irreversible capacity, mainly due to a consumption of lithium in the formation of surface passive films. The stability and kinetics of lithium intercalation into the carbon anodes are dictated by these films.

Influence of Irreversible Adsorption on the Glass Transition Temperature of Polymer Thin Films as Measured by Fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burroughs, Mary; Priestley, Rodney

2014-03-01

Polymers confined to the nanometer length scale have been shown to exhibit deviations in the glass transition temperature (Tg) from the bulk. With the increasing use of confined polymers in nanotechnology, understanding and predicting this behavior is extremely relevant to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to organic electronics. Recent work (Napolitano, Wübbenhorst, Nature Communications, 2, 260 (2011)) has connected deviations in Tg under confinement with irreversible physical adsorption of polymer chains at substrate interfaces. Here we investigate the influence of irreversibly adsorbed layers on the Tg of polystyrene (PS) thin films supported on silica via fluorescence. We examine the Tg of the brushes as a function of annealing time and irreversibly adsorbed layer thickness. By incorporating fluorescently labeled polymer layers into multilayered films of unlabeled polymer, we will examine the influence of brushes on adjacent layers dynamics. Finally, we will compare the results on PS with those of poly(methyl methacrylate).

Vertical distortion in distal extension ridges and palatal area of casts made by different techniques.

PubMed

Wang, H Y; Lu, Y C; Shiau, Y Y; Tsou, D

1996-03-01

A coordinate measurement machine with laser probe was used to measure the vertical distortion of the casts produced by use of three types of impression materials (irreversible hydrocolloid, condensation silicone, and addition silicone) and two types of trays (stock and custom trays). Results indicated that all impression groups showed positive vertical distortion (ranging from 0.00566 to 0.30299 mm) at the edentulous ridges and palatal area. The amount of the vertical distortion was greatest at the palatal area and was followed by the high edentulous ridge and the low edentulous ridge. Addition silicone, with either custom tray or stock tray, was the most accurate impression material. Condensation silicone was more accurate than irreversible hydrocolloid in custom tray impression. However, in stock tray impression the irreversible hydrocolloid was more accurate than the condensation silicone. The results suggest that, with careful manipulation, irreversible hydrocolloid with stock tray impression may provide a satisfactory cast for fabricating the framework of a distal extension removable partial denture.

Dynamic compaction of granular materials

PubMed Central

Favrie, N.; Gavrilyuk, S.

2013-01-01

An Eulerian hyperbolic multiphase flow model for dynamic and irreversible compaction of granular materials is constructed. The reversible model is first constructed on the basis of the classical Hertz theory. The irreversible model is then derived in accordance with the following two basic principles. First, the entropy inequality is satisfied by the model. Second, the corresponding ‘intergranular stress’ coming from elastic energy owing to contact between grains decreases in time (the granular media behave as Maxwell-type materials). The irreversible model admits an equilibrium state corresponding to von Mises-type yield limit. The yield limit depends on the volume fraction of the solid. The sound velocity at the yield surface is smaller than that in the reversible model. The last one is smaller than the sound velocity in the irreversible model. Such an embedded model structure assures a thermodynamically correct formulation of the model of granular materials. The model is validated on quasi-static experiments on loading–unloading cycles. The experimentally observed hysteresis phenomena were numerically confirmed with a good accuracy by the proposed model. PMID:24353466

Thermodynamic potential of free energy for thermo-elastic-plastic body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Śloderbach, Z.; Pająk, J.

2018-01-01

The procedure of derivation of thermodynamic potential of free energy (Helmholtz free energy) for a thermo-elastic-plastic body is presented. This procedure concerns a special thermodynamic model of a thermo-elastic-plastic body with isotropic hardening characteristics. The classical thermodynamics of irreversible processes for material characterized by macroscopic internal parameters is used in the derivation. Thermodynamic potential of free energy may be used for practical determination of the level of stored energy accumulated in material during plastic processing applied, e.g., for industry components and other machinery parts received by plastic deformation processing. In this paper the stored energy for the simple stretching of austenitic steel will be presented.

Solving a layout design problem by analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuzkaya, Umut R.; Eser, Arzum; Argon, Goner

2004-02-01

Today, growing amounts of waste due to fast consumption rate of products started an irreversible environmental pollution and damage. A considerable part of this waste is caused by packaging material. With the realization of this fact, various waste policies have taken important steps. Here we considered a firm, where waste Aluminum constitutes majority of raw materials for this fir0m. In order to achieve a profitable recycling process, plant layout should be well designed. In this study, we propose a two-step approach involving Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to solve facility layout design problems. A case example is considered to demonstrate the results achieved.

Single cell imaging of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase using an irreversible inhibitor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Turetsky, Anna; Kim, Eunha; Kohler, Rainer H.; Miller, Miles A.; Weissleder, Ralph

2014-04-01

A number of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are currently in development, yet it has been difficult to visualize BTK expression and pharmacological inhibition in vivo in real time. We synthesized a fluorescent, irreversible BTK binder based on the drug Ibrutinib and characterized its behavior in cells and in vivo. We show a 200 nM affinity of the imaging agent, high selectivity, and irreversible binding to its target following initial washout, resulting in surprisingly high target-to-background ratios. In vivo, the imaging agent rapidly distributed to BTK expressing tumor cells, but also to BTK-positive tumor-associated host cells.

Vortex pinning and irreversibility fields in FeS1-xSex (x = 0, 0.06)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Aifeng; Petrovic, C.

2017-06-01

We report strong vortex pinning and large irreversibility fields in single crystals of tetragonal FeS1-xSex (x = 0, 0.06). Vortex dynamics is characterized by crossover in field dependence of the depinning energy U0, indicative of single flux surface pinning to the region of collective flux pinning on point-like defects. The close proximity of the irreversibility lines to the upper critical field (Hc2) is consistent with strong pinning in FeS and FeS0.94Se0.06, pointing that new materials with building-blocks of FeS4 tetrahedra are likely to host high critical currents.

Effect of preoperative alprazolam on the success of inferior alveolar nerve block for teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Khademi, Abbas Ali; Saatchi, Masoud; Minaiyan, Mohsen; Rostamizadeh, Nasim; Sharafi, Fatemeh

2012-10-01

Success of inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) block decreases in patients with irreversible pulpitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of alprazolam on the success of the IAN block for teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Sixty patients with irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular molar were selected for this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The patients received identical capsules of either 0.5 mg of alprazolam or placebo 45 minutes before the administration of a conventional IAN block. Access cavity preparation was initiated 15 minutes after the IAN block injection. Lip numbness was recorded for all the patients. Success was defined as no or mild pain on the basis of visual analogue scale recordings during access cavity preparation and initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed by t test, Mann-Whitney, and χ(2) tests. The success rate was 53% for alprazolam group and 40% for placebo group, with no significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .301). Within the scope of the current study, preoperative oral administration of 0.5 mg of alprazolam did not improve the success of the IAN block in mandibular molars in patients with irreversible pulpitis, and the success rate was not adequate to ensure profound pulpal anesthesia. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Complexity and time asymmetry of heart rate variability are altered in acute mental stress.

PubMed

Visnovcova, Z; Mestanik, M; Javorka, M; Mokra, D; Gala, M; Jurko, A; Calkovska, A; Tonhajzerova, I

2014-07-01

We aimed to study the complexity and time asymmetry of short-term heart rate variability (HRV) as an index of complex neurocardiac control in response to stress using symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility methods. ECG was recorded at rest and during and after two stressors (Stroop, arithmetic test) in 70 healthy students. Symbolic dynamics parameters (NUPI, NCI, 0V%, 1V%, 2LV%, 2UV%), and time irreversibility indices (P%, G%, E) were evaluated. Additionally, HRV magnitude was quantified by linear parameters: spectral powers in low (LF) and high frequency (HF) bands. Our results showed a reduction of HRV complexity in stress (lower NUPI with both stressors, lower NCI with Stroop). Pattern classification analysis revealed significantly higher 0V% and lower 2LV% with both stressors, indicating a shift in sympathovagal balance, and significantly higher 1V% and lower 2UV% with Stroop. An unexpected result was found in time irreversibility: significantly lower G% and E with both stressors, P% index significantly declined only with arithmetic test. Linear HRV analysis confirmed vagal withdrawal (lower HF) with both stressors; LF significantly increased with Stroop and decreased with arithmetic test. Correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility. Concluding, symbolic dynamics and time irreversibility could provide independent information related to alterations of neurocardiac control integrity in stress-related disease.

Treatment Outcomes of Full Pulpotomy as an Alternative to Tooth Extraction in Molars with Hyperplastic/Irreversible Pulpitis: A Case Report

PubMed Central

Asgary, Saeed; Verma, Prashant; Nosrat, Ali

2017-01-01

Root canal therapy (RCT) is a common and successful treatment for irreversible pulpitis due to carious pulp exposure in mature permanent teeth. However, it is often an expensive procedure, may require multiple appointments, and requires a high level of training and clinical skill, specifically in molars. Uninsured patients, low-income patients, and patients with limited access to specialist care often elect for extraction of restorable teeth with irreversible pulpitis. There is a need for an alternative affordable treatment option to preserve their teeth and maintain chewing function. A case of pulpotomy using calcium-enriched mixture (CEM) cement in two maxillary molars (#14 and 15) in a healthy 36-year-old patient is presented. Both teeth were diagnosed with symptomatic hyperplastic/irreversible pulpitis. Patient did not have dental insurance, was unable to afford RCT, and refused to extract the teeth. CEM pulpotomy and amalgam build-ups were done as an alternative to extraction. At 2-year recall, both teeth were functional with no signs/symptoms of inflammation/infection. Periapical radiographs and 3D images showed normal PDL around all roots. Pulpotomy with CEM biomaterial might be a viable alternative to tooth extraction for mature permanent teeth with hyperplastic/irreversible pulpitis, and can result in long-term tooth retention and improved oral health. PMID:28512498

Dissipated energy and entropy production for an unconventional heat engine: the stepwise `circular cycle'

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

di Liberto, Francesco; Pastore, Raffaele; Peruggi, Fulvio

2011-05-01

When some entropy is transferred, by means of a reversible engine, from a hot heat source to a colder one, the maximum efficiency occurs, i.e. the maximum available work is obtained. Similarly, a reversible heat pumps transfer entropy from a cold heat source to a hotter one with the minimum expense of energy. In contrast, if we are faced with non-reversible devices, there is some lost work for heat engines, and some extra work for heat pumps. These quantities are both related to entropy production. The lost work, i.e. ? , is also called 'degraded energy' or 'energy unavailable to do work'. The extra work, i.e. ? , is the excess of work performed on the system in the irreversible process with respect to the reversible one (or the excess of heat given to the hotter source in the irreversible process). Both quantities are analysed in detail and are evaluated for a complex process, i.e. the stepwise circular cycle, which is similar to the stepwise Carnot cycle. The stepwise circular cycle is a cycle performed by means of N small weights, dw, which are first added and then removed from the piston of the vessel containing the gas or vice versa. The work performed by the gas can be found as the increase of the potential energy of the dw's. Each single dw is identified and its increase, i.e. its increase in potential energy, evaluated. In such a way it is found how the energy output of the cycle is distributed among the dw's. The size of the dw's affects entropy production and therefore the lost and extra work. The distribution of increases depends on the chosen removal process.

Vertical distribution of overpotentials and irreversible charge losses in lithium ion battery electrodes.

PubMed

Klink, Stefan; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; La Mantia, Fabio

2014-08-01

Porous lithium ion battery electrodes are characterized using a vertical distribution of cross-currents. In an appropriate simplification, this distribution can be described by a transmission line model (TLM) consisting of infinitely thin electrode layers. To investigate the vertical distribution of currents, overpotentials, and irreversible charge losses in a porous graphite electrode in situ, a multi-layered working electrode (MWE) was developed as the experimental analogue of a TLM. In this MWE, each layer is in ionic contact but electrically insulated from the other layers by a porous separator. It was found that the negative graphite electrodes get lithiated and delithiated stage-by-stage and layer-by-layer. Several mass-transport- as well as non-mass-transport-limited processes could be identified. Local current densities can reach double the average, especially on the outermost layer at the beginning of each intercalation stage. Furthermore, graphite particles close to the counter electrode act as "electrochemical sieve" reducing the impurities present in the electrolyte such as water. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Highly Sensitive Electro-Optic Modulators

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

DeVore, Peter S

2015-10-26

There are very important diagnostic and communication applications that receive faint electrical signals to be transmitted over long distances for capture. Optical links reduce bandwidth and distance restrictions of metal transmission lines; however, such signals are only weakly imprinted onto the optical carrier, resulting in low fidelity transmission. Increasing signal fidelity often necessitates insertion of radio-frequency (RF) amplifiers before the electro-optic modulator, but (especially at high frequencies) RF amplification results in large irreversible distortions. We have investigated the feasibility of a Sensitive and Linear Modulation by Optical Nonlinearity (SALMON) modulator to supersede RF-amplified modulators. SALMON uses cross-phase modulation, a manifestationmore » of the Kerr effect, to enhance the modulation depth of an RF-modulated optical wave. This ultrafast process has the potential to result in less irreversible distortions as compared to a RF-amplified modulator due to the broadband nature of the Kerr effect. Here, we prove that a SALMON modulator is a feasible alternative to an RFamplified modulator, by demonstrating a sensitivity enhancement factor greater than 20 and significantly reduced distortion.« less

'Sex and crime' in evolution - why sexuality was so successful.

PubMed

Schubert, Ingo

2011-01-01

Components of sexuality have fore-runners already in prokaryotes, for instance conjugation, recombination- repair and the molecular constituents needed for nuclear division. For eukaryotes, the basic and predominant mode of propagation is via sexuality, although it is highly complex and costly. Many interactions between individual cells are detrimental for one partner and might be considered as a 'criminal' act performed by the active partner. For instance, the irreversible and non-reciprocal processes of phagocytosis or endocellular parasitism but also the irreversible, asymmetric and sustainable endosymbiosis with a benefit bias in favour of the active partner represent such events. Contrary to this, sexuality in general represents an indirectly reversible, reciprocal, sustainable (by reiteration) and mutually beneficial interaction between equal-ranking cells. After fertilization, a doubled set of genetic information protects against loss of essential genes, while the haplophase allows ridding lethal mutations. Resorting of parental chromosome sets, recombination between homologous chromosomes during meiosis, and new combination of alleles during fertilization, mediate a high genetic variability at a minimum risk of deleterious variants, thus promoting evolutionary adaptability.

Calorimetric Study of Helix aspersa Maxima Hemocyanin Isoforms

PubMed Central

Raynova, Yuliana; Idakieva, Krassimira

2018-01-01

The thermal unfolding of hemocyanin isoforms, β-HaH and αD+N-HaH, isolated from the hemolymph of garden snails Helix aspersa maxima, was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). One transition, with an apparent transition temperature (Tm) at 79.88°C, was detected in the thermogram of β-HaH in 20 mM HEPES buffer, containing 0.1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, and 5 mM MgCl2, pH 7.0, at scan rate of 1.0°C min−1. By means of successive annealing procedure, two individual transitions were identified in the thermogram of αD+N-HaH. Denaturation of both hemocyanins was found to be an irreversible process. The scan-rate dependence of the calorimetric profiles indicated that the thermal unfolding of investigated hemocyanins was kinetically controlled. The thermal denaturation of the isoforms β-HaH and αD+N-HaH was described by the two-state irreversible model, and parameters of the Arrhenius equation were calculated. PMID:29686932

Preparation of 24 ternary thin film materials libraries on a single substrate in one experiment for irreversible high-throughput studies.

PubMed

Buenconsejo, Pio John S; Siegel, Alexander; Savan, Alan; Thienhaus, Sigurd; Ludwig, Alfred

2012-01-09

For different areas of combinatorial materials science, it is desirable to have multiple materials libraries: especially for irreversible high-throughput studies, like, for example, corrosion resistance testing in different media or annealing of complete materials libraries at different temperatures. Therefore a new combinatorial sputter-deposition process was developed which yields 24 materials libraries in one experiment on a single substrate. It is discussed with the example of 24 Ti-Ni-Ag materials libraries. They are divided based on the composition coverage and orientation of composition gradient into two sets of 12 nearly identical materials libraries. Each materials library covers at least 30-40% of the complete ternary composition range. An acid etch test in buffered-HF solution was performed, illustrating the feasibility of our approach for destructive materials characterization. The results revealed that within the composition range of Ni < 30 at.%, the films were severely etched. The composition range which shows reversible martensitic transformations was confirmed to be outside this region. The high output of the present method makes it attractive for combinatorial studies requiring multiple materials libraries.

Pilot Decision-Making in Irreversible Emergencies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Winter, Scott R.

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if a reflexive learning treatment utilizing select case studies could enhance the decision-making of pilots who encounter an irreversible emergency. Participants, who consisted of members of the subject university's professional pilot program, were divided into either a control or experimental group and…

APPROACH TO EQUILIBRIUM OF A QUANTUM PLASMA

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

Balescu, R.

1961-01-01

The treatment of irreversible processes in a classical plasma (R. Balescu, Phys. Fluids 3, 62(1960)) was extended to a gas of charged particles obeying quantum statistics. The various contributions to the equation of evolution for the reduced one-particle Wigner function were written in a form analogous to the classical formalism. The summation was then performed in a straightforward manner. The resulting equation describes collisions between particles "dressed" by their polarization clouds, exactly as in the classical situation. (auth)

TRANSPORT EQUATION OF A PLASMA

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

Balescu, R.

1960-10-01

It is shown that the many-body problem in plasmas can be handled explicitly. An equation describing the collective effects of the problem is derived. For simplicity, a onecomponent gas is considered in a continuous neutralizing background. The tool for handling the problem is provided by the general theory of irreversible processes in gases. The equation derived describes the interaction of electrons which are"dressed" by a polarization cloud. The polarization cloud differs from the Debye cloud. (B.O.G.)

Why Psychology Cannot be an Empirical Science.

PubMed

Smedslund, Jan

2016-06-01

The current empirical paradigm for psychological research is criticized because it ignores the irreversibility of psychological processes, the infinite number of influential factors, the pseudo-empirical nature of many hypotheses, and the methodological implications of social interactivity. An additional point is that the differences and correlations usually found are much too small to be useful in psychological practice and in daily life. Together, these criticisms imply that an objective, accumulative, empirical and theoretical science of psychology is an impossible project.

Tuning and synthesis of metallic nanostructures by mechanical compression

DOEpatents

Fan, Hongyou; Li, Binsong

2015-11-17

The present invention provides a pressure-induced phase transformation process to engineer metal nanoparticle architectures and to fabricate new nanostructured materials. The reversible changes of the nanoparticle unit cell dimension under pressure allow precise control over interparticle separation in 2D or 3D nanoparticle assemblies, offering unique robustness for interrogation of both quantum and classic coupling interactions. Irreversible changes above a threshold pressure of about 8 GPa enables new nanostructures, such as nanorods, nanowires, or nanosheets.

Magnetic Spin Effects in Photoprocesses inside Polymeric Photoconductors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rumyantsev, B. M.; Berendyaev, V. I.; Pebalk, A. V.

2018-06-01

Magnetic spin effects are detected and studied in the processes of sensitized current-carrier photogeneration and luminescence inside polymer photoconductor films based on polyimides and composites of polymers with carbazole moieties combined with electron acceptors (chemical sensitization) and dyes (spectral sensitization). The effect an electric field has on the quantum yield of photogeneration and the luminescence of excited charge-transfer complexes (reversible and irreversible effects) at spectral sensitization is studied in the presence of O2.

Instabilities of Damage and Surface Degradation Mechanisms in Brittle Material Structural Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-03-15

I INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE 1.1 General Brittle materials such as rock and concrete contain a multitude of defects in the form of micro-voids and/or...micro-cracks even before any external load is applied. The term "structure" is associated with such defects . During a loading- unloading process, these...voids/cracks may undergo irreversible growth and new ones may nucleate. The ultimate coalescence of such defects may result in macro- crack initiation

Design of a thermally controlled sequence of triazolinedione-based click and transclick reactions† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Additional figures, experimental details, synthesis and analysis of all the model compounds and polymers, computational methods and relevant theoretical data. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00119c Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Houck, Hannes A.; De Bruycker, Kevin; Billiet, Stijn; Dhanis, Bastiaan; Goossens, Hannelore; Catak, Saron; Van Speybroeck, Veronique

2017-01-01

The reaction of triazolinediones (TADs) and indoles is of particular interest for polymer chemistry applications, as it is a very fast and irreversible additive-free process at room temperature, but can be turned into a dynamic covalent bond forming process at elevated temperatures, giving a reliable bond exchange or ‘transclick’ reaction. In this paper, we report an in-depth study aimed at controlling the TAD–indole reversible click reactions through rational design of modified indole reaction partners. This has resulted in the identification of a novel class of easily accessible indole derivatives that give dynamic TAD-adduct formation at significantly lower temperatures. We further demonstrate that these new substrates can be used to design a directed cascade of click reactions of a functionalized TAD moiety from an initial indole reaction partner to a second indole, and finally to an irreversible reaction partner. This controlled sequence of click and transclick reactions of a single TAD reagent between three different substrates has been demonstrated both on small molecule and macromolecular level, and the factors that control the reversibility profiles have been rationalized and guided by mechanistic considerations supported by theoretical calculations. PMID:28507685

Heat dissipation guides activation in signaling proteins.

PubMed

Weber, Jeffrey K; Shukla, Diwakar; Pande, Vijay S

2015-08-18

Life is fundamentally a nonequilibrium phenomenon. At the expense of dissipated energy, living things perform irreversible processes that allow them to propagate and reproduce. Within cells, evolution has designed nanoscale machines to do meaningful work with energy harnessed from a continuous flux of heat and particles. As dictated by the Second Law of Thermodynamics and its fluctuation theorem corollaries, irreversibility in nonequilibrium processes can be quantified in terms of how much entropy such dynamics produce. In this work, we seek to address a fundamental question linking biology and nonequilibrium physics: can the evolved dissipative pathways that facilitate biomolecular function be identified by their extent of entropy production in general relaxation processes? We here synthesize massive molecular dynamics simulations, Markov state models (MSMs), and nonequilibrium statistical mechanical theory to probe dissipation in two key classes of signaling proteins: kinases and G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Applying machinery from large deviation theory, we use MSMs constructed from protein simulations to generate dynamics conforming to positive levels of entropy production. We note the emergence of an array of peaks in the dynamical response (transient analogs of phase transitions) that draw the proteins between distinct levels of dissipation, and we see that the binding of ATP and agonist molecules modifies the observed dissipative landscapes. Overall, we find that dissipation is tightly coupled to activation in these signaling systems: dominant entropy-producing trajectories become localized near important barriers along known biological activation pathways. We go on to classify an array of equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular switches that harmonize to promote functional dynamics.

Evidence for the quasi-two dimensional behavior of the vortex structure in Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pastoriza, H.; Arribere, A.; Goffman, M. F.; de la Cruz, F.; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.

1994-02-01

AC susceptibility and dc magnetization measurements on Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8 (BSCCO) single crystals in a wide range of temperatures clearly show that below the dc irreversibility line the vortex system loss the long range order in the c direction. The susceptibility data taken at 7 Hz show the different nature of two dissipation peaks: One related to the interplane currents at temperatures well below the dc irreversibility line and the other associated with the intraplane ones at temperatures above that line. In this sense the irreversibility line corresponds to the temperature where quasi-two dimensional vortices are depinned.

Loss of interplane correlation in Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arribére, A.; Pastoriza, H.; Goffman, M. F.; de La Cruz, F.; Mitzi, D. B.; Kapitulnik, A.

1993-09-01

By means of dc magnetization and the ac response of Bi2Sr2CaCu2O6 single crystals it is shown that at the dc irreversibility line the vortex system has no long-range order in the c direction. We find an energy dissipation peak at 7 Hz for interplane current that takes place at a temperature well below the irreversibility line. In this sense, the irreversibility line marks the temperature where quasi-two-dimensional vortices are depinned. The experimental data clearly show the different nature of two dissipation peaks in the susceptibility: one related to the interplane currents and the other associated with the intraplane ones.

[Possibilities of dialysis therapy in irreversible renal failure in rheumatoid arthritis with secondary amyloidosis].

PubMed

Vachtenheim, J; Tocík, J; Novák, Z; Zeman, P

1990-11-01

The authors discuss their initial experience with the treatment of secondary amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis with irreversible renal failure in patients included in a regular dialyzation programme. The hitherto assembled 15-month experience justifies the inclusion of patients with this cause of irreversible renal failure in a dialyzation programme. The reverse is not only wrong from the medical aspect but is inhuman and interferes with the life of families of these patients. Although the procedure during a regular dialyzation programme of these patients with rheumatoid arthritis with secondary amyloidosis is more complicated, more pretentious and more responsible, it is our medical duty to carry this burden together with the patient.

Reversible and Irreversible Time-Dependent Behavior of GRCop-84

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lerch, Bradley A.; Arnold, Steven M.; Ellis, David L.

2017-01-01

A series of mechanical tests were conducted on a high-conductivity copper alloy, GRCop-84, in order to understand the time dependent response of this material. Tensile, creep, and stress relaxation tests were performed over a wide range of temperatures, strain rates, and stress levels to excite various amounts of time-dependent behavior. At low applied stresses the deformation behavior was found to be fully reversible. Above a certain stress, termed the viscoelastic threshold, irreversible deformation was observed. At these higher stresses the deformation was observed to be viscoplastic. Both reversible and irreversible regions contained time dependent deformation. These experimental data are documented to enable characterization of constitutive models to aid in design of high temperature components.

Temperature and field dependent magnetization studies on nano-crystalline ZnFe2O4 thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahu, B. N.; Suresh, K. G.; Venkataramani, N.; Prasad, Shiva; Krishnan, R.

2018-05-01

Single phase nano-crystalline zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) thin films were deposited on fused quartz substrate using the pulsed laser deposition technique. The films were deposited at different substrate temperatures. The field dependence of magnetization at 10 K shows hysteresis loops for all the samples. Temperature dependence of the field cooled (FC) and zero field cooled (ZFC) magnetization indicated irreversible behavior between the FC and ZFC data, and the irreversibility depends on the measuring magnetic field. The thermo-magnetic irreversibility in the magnetization data is correlated with the magnitude of the applied field and the coercivity (HC) obtained from the M-H loops.

The minimal work cost of information processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Faist, Philippe; Dupuis, Frédéric; Oppenheim, Jonathan; Renner, Renato

2015-07-01

Irreversible information processing cannot be carried out without some inevitable thermodynamical work cost. This fundamental restriction, known as Landauer's principle, is increasingly relevant today, as the energy dissipation of computing devices impedes the development of their performance. Here we determine the minimal work required to carry out any logical process, for instance a computation. It is given by the entropy of the discarded information conditional to the output of the computation. Our formula takes precisely into account the statistically fluctuating work requirement of the logical process. It enables the explicit calculation of practical scenarios, such as computational circuits or quantum measurements. On the conceptual level, our result gives a precise and operational connection between thermodynamic and information entropy, and explains the emergence of the entropy state function in macroscopic thermodynamics.

Photo-induced processes in collagen-hypericin system revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy

PubMed Central

Hovhannisyan, V.; Guo, H. W.; Hovhannisyan, A.; Ghukasyan, V.; Buryakina, T.; Chen, Y. F.; Dong, C. Y.

2014-01-01

Collagen is the main structural protein and the key determinant of mechanical and functional properties of tissues and organs. Proper balance between synthesis and degradation of collagen molecules is critical for maintaining normal physiological functions. In addition, collagen influences tumor development and drug delivery, which makes it a potential cancer therapy target. Using second harmonic generation, two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy, and spectrofluorimetry, we show that the natural pigment hypericin induces photosensitized destruction of collagen-based tissues. We demonstrate that hypericin–mediated processes in collagen fibers are irreversible and may be used for the treatment of cancer and collagen-related disorders. PMID:24877000

Photo-induced processes in collagen-hypericin system revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy.

PubMed

Hovhannisyan, V; Guo, H W; Hovhannisyan, A; Ghukasyan, V; Buryakina, T; Chen, Y F; Dong, C Y

2014-05-01

Collagen is the main structural protein and the key determinant of mechanical and functional properties of tissues and organs. Proper balance between synthesis and degradation of collagen molecules is critical for maintaining normal physiological functions. In addition, collagen influences tumor development and drug delivery, which makes it a potential cancer therapy target. Using second harmonic generation, two-photon excited fluorescence microscopy, and spectrofluorimetry, we show that the natural pigment hypericin induces photosensitized destruction of collagen-based tissues. We demonstrate that hypericin-mediated processes in collagen fibers are irreversible and may be used for the treatment of cancer and collagen-related disorders.

Effect of Entropy Generation on Wear Mechanics and System Reliability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gidwani, Akshay; James, Siddanth; Jagtap, Sagar; Karthikeyan, Ram; Vincent, S.

2018-04-01

Wear is an irreversible phenomenon. Processes such as mutual sliding and rolling between materials involve entropy generation. These processes are monotonic with respect to time. The concept of entropy generation is further quantified using Degradation Entropy Generation theorem formulated by Michael D. Bryant. The sliding-wear model can be extrapolated to different instances in order to further provide a potential analysis of machine prognostics as well as system and process reliability for various processes besides even mere mechanical processes. In other words, using the concept of ‘entropy generation’ and wear, one can quantify the reliability of a system with respect to time using a thermodynamic variable, which is the basis of this paper. Thus in the present investigation, a unique attempt has been made to establish correlation between entropy-wear-reliability which can be useful technique in preventive maintenance.

Articaine for supplemental intraosseous anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Bigby, Jason; Reader, Al; Nusstein, John; Beck, Mike; Weaver, Joel

2006-11-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy and heart rate effect of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for supplemental intraosseous injection in mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Thirty-seven emergency patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth, received an inferior alveolar nerve block and had moderate-to-severe pain upon endodontic access. The Stabident system was used to administer 1.8 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. Success of the intraosseous injection was defined as none or mild pain upon endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The results demonstrated that anesthetic success was obtained in 86% (32 of 37) of the patients. Maximum mean heart rate was increased 32 beats/minute during the intraosseous injection. We can conclude that when the inferior alveolar nerve block fails to provide profound pulpal anesthesia, the intraosseous injection of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine would be successful 86% of the time in achieving pulpal anesthesia in mandibular posterior teeth of patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis.

Time reversibility of quantum diffusion in small-world networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Sung-Guk; Kim, Beom Jun

2012-02-01

We study the time-reversal dynamics of a tight-binding electron in the Watts-Strogatz (WS) small-world networks. The localized initial wave packet at time t = 0 diffuses as time proceeds until the time-reversal operation, together with the momentum perturbation of the strength η, is made at the reversal time T. The time irreversibility is measured by I = |Π( t = 2 T) - Π( t = 0)|, where Π is the participation ratio gauging the extendedness of the wavefunction and for convenience, t is measured forward even after the time reversal. When η = 0, the time evolution after T makes the wavefunction at t = 2 T identical to the one at t = 0, and we find I = 0, implying a null irreversibility or a complete reversibility. On the other hand, as η is increased from zero, the reversibility becomes weaker, and we observe enhancement of the irreversibility. We find that I linearly increases with increasing η in the weakly-perturbed region, and that the irreversibility is much stronger in the WS network than in the local regular network.

Kinematically irreversible particle motion in 2D suspensions due to surface-pressure-dependent surface rheology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikantan, Harishankar; Squires, Todd

2017-11-01

The surface viscosity of many insoluble surfactants depends strongly on the surface pressure (or surface tension) of that surfactant. Surface pressure gradients naturally arise in interfacial flows, and surface-pressure-dependent surface rheology alters 2D suspension dynamics in significant ways. We use the Lorentz reciprocal theorem to asymptotically quantify the irreversible dynamics that break Newtonian symmetries. We first show that a particle embedded in a surfactant-laden interface and translating parallel to or rotating near an interfacial boundary experiences a force in the direction perpendicular to the boundary. Building on this, we extend the theory to compute the first effects of pressure-dependent surface viscosity on 2D particle pairs in suspension. The fore-aft symmetry of pair trajectories in a Newtonian interface is lost, leading to well-separated (when pressure-thickening) or aggregated (when pressure-thinning) particles. Notably, the relative motion is kinematically irreversible, and pairs steadily evolve toward a particular displacement. Based on these irreversible pair interactions, we hypothesize that pressure-thickening (or -thinning) leads to shear-thinning (or -thickening) in 2D suspensions.

Activation of cathepsin L contributes to the irreversible depolarization induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons.

PubMed

Kikuta, Shogo; Murai, Yoshinaka; Tanaka, Eiichiro

2017-01-01

Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) elicits a rapid and irreversible depolarization with a latency of ∼5min in intracellular recordings of hippocampal CA1 neurons in rat slice preparations. In the present study, we examined the role of cathepsin L in the OGD-induced depolarization. OGD-induced depolarizations were irreversible as no recovery of membrane potential was observed. The membrane potential reached 0mV when oxygen and glucose were reintroduced immediately after the onset of the OGD-induced rapid depolarization. The OGD-induced depolarizations became reversible when the slice preparations were pre-incubated with cathepsin L inhibitors (types I and IV at 0.3-2nM and 0.3-30nM, respectively). Moreover, pre-incubation with these cathepsin inhibitors prevented the morphological changes, including swelling of the cell soma and fragmentation of dendrites, observed in control neurons after OGD. These findings suggest that the activation of cathepsin L contributes to the irreversible depolarization produced by OGD. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mechanisms of resistance to irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and therapeutic strategies in non-small cell lung cancer

PubMed Central

Xu, Jing; Wang, Jinghui; Zhang, Shucai

2017-01-01

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation is the most frequent mechanism which accounts for about 60% of acquired resistance to first-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring EGFR activating mutations. Irreversible EGFR-TKIs which include the second-generation and third-generation EGFR-TKIs are developed to overcome T790M mediated resistance. The second-generation EGFR-TKIs inhibit the wide type (WT) EGFR combined with dose-limiting toxicity which limits its application in clinics, while the development of third-generation EGFR-TKIs brings inspiring efficacy either in vitro or in vivo. The acquired resistance, however, will also occur and limit their response. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance to irreversible EGFR-TKIs plays an important role in the choice of subsequent treatment. In this review, we show the currently known mechanisms of resistance which can be summarized as EGFR dependent and independent mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies to irreversible EGFR-TKIs. PMID:29163853

Physical realization of the Glauber quantum oscillator.

PubMed

Gentilini, Silvia; Braidotti, Maria Chiara; Marcucci, Giulia; DelRe, Eugenio; Conti, Claudio

2015-11-02

More than thirty years ago Glauber suggested that the link between the reversible microscopic and the irreversible macroscopic world can be formulated in physical terms through an inverted harmonic oscillator describing quantum amplifiers. Further theoretical studies have shown that the paradigm for irreversibility is indeed the reversed harmonic oscillator. As outlined by Glauber, providing experimental evidence of these idealized physical systems could open the way to a variety of fundamental studies, for example to simulate irreversible quantum dynamics and explain the arrow of time. However, supporting experimental evidence of reversed quantized oscillators is lacking. We report the direct observation of exploding n = 0 and n = 2 discrete states and Γ0 and Γ2 quantized decay rates of a reversed harmonic oscillator generated by an optical photothermal nonlinearity. Our results give experimental validation to the main prediction of irreversible quantum mechanics, that is, the existence of states with quantized decay rates. Our results also provide a novel perspective to optical shock-waves, potentially useful for applications as lasers, optical amplifiers, white-light and X-ray generation.

Bundled and densified carbon nanotubes (CNT) fabrics as flexible ultra-light weight Li-ion battery anode current collectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yehezkel, Shani; Auinat, Mahmud; Sezin, Nina; Starosvetsky, David; Ein-Eli, Yair

2016-04-01

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) fabrics were studied and evaluated as anode current collectors, replacing the traditional copper foil current collector in Li-ion batteries. Glavanostatic measurements reveal high values of irreversible capacities (as high as 28%), resulted mainly from the formation of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer at the CNT fabric surface. Various pre-treatments to the CNT fabric prior to active anode material loading have shown that the lowest irreversible capacity is achieved by immersing and washing the CNT fabric with iso-propanol (IPA), which dramatically modified the fabric surface. Additionally, the use of very thin CNT fabrics (5 μm) results in a substantial irreversible capacity minimization. A combination of IPA rinse action and utilization of the thinnest CNT fabric provides the lowest irreversible capacity of 13%. The paper describes innovative and rather simple techniques towards a complete implementation of CNT fabric as an anode current collector in Li-ion batteries, instead of the relatively heavy and expensive copper foil, enabling an improvement in the gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of such advanced batteries.

Anesthetic efficacy of articaine for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Claffey, Elizabeth; Reader, Al; Nusstein, John; Beck, Mike; Weaver, Joel

2004-08-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine to 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients experiencing irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth. Seventy-two emergency patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth randomly received, in a double-blind manner, 2.2 ml of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2.2 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine using a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block. Endodontic access was begun 15 min after solution deposition, and all patients were required to have profound lip numbness. Success was defined as none or mild pain (Visual Analogue Scale recordings) on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The success rate for the inferior alveolar nerve block using articaine was 24% and for the lidocaine solution success was 23%. There was no significant difference (p = 0.89) between the articaine and lidocaine solutions. Neither solution resulted in an acceptable rate of anesthetic success in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Estimating Temperature Rise Due to Flashlamp Heating Using Irreversible Temperature Indicators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koshti, Ajay M.

1999-01-01

One of the nondestructive thermography inspection techniques uses photographic flashlamps. The flashlamps provide a short duration (about 0.005 sec) heat pulse. The short burst of energy results in a momentary rise in the surface temperature of the part. The temperature rise may be detrimental to the top layer of the part being exposed. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure the nondestructive nature of the technique. Amount of the temperature rise determines whether the flashlamp heating would be detrimental to the part. A direct method for the temperature measurement is to use of an infrared pyrometer that has much shorter response time than the flash duration. In this paper, an alternative technique is given using the irreversible temperature 'indicators. This is an indirect technique and it measures the temperature rise on the irreversible temperature indicators and computes the incident heat flux. Once the heat flux is known, the temperature rise on the part can be computed. A wedge shaped irreversible temperature indicator for measuring the heat flux is proposed. A procedure is given to use the wedge indicator.

Irreversibilities and efficiency at maximum power of heat engines: the illustrative case of a thermoelectric generator.

PubMed

Apertet, Y; Ouerdane, H; Goupil, C; Lecoeur, Ph

2012-03-01

Energy conversion efficiency at maximum output power, which embodies the essential characteristics of heat engines, is the main focus of the present work. The so-called Curzon and Ahlborn efficiency η(CA) is commonly believed to be an absolute reference for real heat engines; however, a different but general expression for the case of stochastic heat engines, η(SS), was recently found and then extended to low-dissipation engines. The discrepancy between η(CA) and η(SS) is here analyzed considering different irreversibility sources of heat engines, of both internal and external types. To this end, we choose a thermoelectric generator operating in the strong-coupling regime as a physical system to qualitatively and quantitatively study the impact of the nature of irreversibility on the efficiency at maximum output power. In the limit of pure external dissipation, we obtain η(CA), while η(SS) corresponds to the case of pure internal dissipation. A continuous transition between from one extreme to the other, which may be operated by tuning the different sources of irreversibility, also is evidenced.

Osmolytic Effect of Sucrose on Thermal Denaturation of Pea Seedling Copper Amine Oxidase.

PubMed

Amani, Mojtaba; Barzegar, Aboozar; Mazani, Mohammad

2017-04-01

Protein stability is a subject of interest by many researchers. One of the common methods to increase the protein stability is using the osmolytes. Many studies and theories analyzed and explained osmolytic effect by equilibrium thermodynamic while most proteins undergo an irreversible denaturation. In current study we investigated the effect of sucrose as an osmolyte on the thermal denaturation of pea seedlings amine oxidase by the enzyme activity, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and differential scanning calorimetry. All experiments are in agreement that pea seedlings amine oxidase denaturation is controlled kinetically and its kinetic stability is increased in presence of sucrose. Differential scanning calorimetry experiments at different scanning rates showed that pea seedlings amine oxidase unfolding obeys two-state irreversible model. Fitting the differential scanning calorimetry data to two-state irreversible model showed that unfolding enthalpy and T * , temperature at which rate constant equals unit per minute, are increased while activation energy is not affected by increase in sucrose concentration. We concluded that osmolytes decrease the molecular oscillation of irreversible proteins which leads to decline in unfolding rate constant.

Thermal inactivation and chaperonin-mediated renaturation of mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase.

PubMed Central

Lawton, J M; Doonan, S

1998-01-01

Mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase is inactivated irreversibly on heating. The inactivated protein aggregates, but aggregation is prevented by the presence of the chaperonin 60 from Escherichia coli (GroEL). The chaperonin increases the rate of thermal inactivation in the temperature range 55-65 degrees C but not at lower temperatures. It has previously been shown [Twomey and Doonan (1997) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1342, 37-44] that the enzyme switches to a modified, but catalytically active, conformation at approx. 55-60 degrees C and the present results show that this conformation is recognized by and binds to GroEL. The thermally inactivated protein can be released from GroEL in an active form by the addition of chaperonin 10 from E. coli (GroES)/ATP, showing that inactivation is not the result of irreversible chemical changes. These results suggest that the irreversibility of thermal inactivation is due to the formation of an altered conformation with a high kinetic barrier to refolding rather than to any covalent changes. In the absence of chaperonin the unfolded molecules aggregate but this is a consequence, rather than the cause, of irreversible inactivation. PMID:9693123

Post-veraison irreversible stem shrinkage in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is caused by periderm formation.

PubMed

Van de Wal, Bart A E; Leroux, Olivier; Steppe, Kathy

2018-05-01

Grapevines are characterized by a period of irreversible stem shrinkage around the onset of ripening of the grape berries. Since this shrinkage is unrelated to meteorological conditions or drought, it is often suggested that it is caused by the increased sink strength of the grape berries during this period. However, no studies so far have experimentally investigated the mechanisms underlying this irreversible stem shrinkage. We therefore combined continuous measurements of stem diameter variations and histology of potted 2-year-old grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. 'Boskoop Glory'). Sink strength was altered by pruning all grape clusters (treatment P), while non-pruned grapevines served as control (treatment C). Unexpectedly, our results showed irreversible post-veraison stem shrinkage in both treatments, suggesting that the shrinkage is not linked to grape berry sink strength. Anatomical analysis indicated that the shrinkage is the result of the formation of successive concentric periderm layers, and the subsequent dehydration and compression of the older bark tissues, an anatomical feature that is characteristic of Vitis stems. Stem shrinkage is hence unrelated to grape berry development, in contrast to what has been previously suggested.

Pulp and apical tissue response to deep caries in immature teeth: A histologic and histobacteriologic study.

PubMed

Ricucci, Domenico; Siqueira, José F; Loghin, Simona; Lin, Louis M

2017-01-01

Descriptions of the pathologic changes in the pulp and associated apical structures of human immature teeth in response to deep caries are lacking in the literature. This article describes the histologic events associated with the radicular pulp and the apical tissues of human immature teeth following pulp inflammation and necrosis. Twelve immature teeth with destructive caries lesions were obtained from 8 patients. Two intact immature teeth served as controls. Teeth were extracted for reasons not related to this study and immediately processed for histopathologic and histobacteriologic analyses. Serial sections were examined for the pulp conditions and classified as reversible or irreversible pulp inflammation, or pulp necrosis. Other histologic parameters were also evaluated. In the 3 cases with reversible pulp inflammation, tissue in the pulp chamber showed mild to moderate inflammation and tertiary dentin formation related to tubules involved in the caries process. Overall, the radicular pulp tissue, apical papilla and Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) exhibited characteristics of normality. In the 3 cases with irreversible pulp inflammation, the pulps were exposed and severe inflammation occurred in the pulp chamber, with minor areas of necrosis and infection. Large areas of the canal walls were free from odontoblasts and lined by an atubular mineralized tissue. The apical papilla showed extremely reduced cellularity or lack of cells and HERS was discontinuous or absent. In the 6 cases with pulp necrosis, the coronal and radicular pulp tissue was necrotic and colonized by bacterial biofilms. The apical papilla could not be discerned, except for one case. HERS was absent in the necrotic cases. While immature teeth with reversible pulpitis showed histologic features almost similar to normal teeth in the canal and in the apical region, those with irreversible pulpitis and necrosis exhibited significant alterations not only in the radicular pulp but also in the apical tissues, including the apical papilla and HERS. Alterations in the radicular pulp and apical tissues help explain the outcome of current regenerative/reparative therapies and should be taken into account when devising more predictable therapeutic protocols for teeth with incomplete root formation. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Comparison of Different Volumes of Articaine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Molar Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis.

PubMed

Abazarpoor, Ramin; Parirokh, Masoud; Nakhaee, Nouzar; Abbott, Paul V

2015-09-01

Achieving anesthesia in mandibular molar teeth with irreversible pulpitis is very difficult. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of 1.8 mL and 3.6 mL articaine for an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) when treating molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, 82 first mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis randomly received conventional IANB injection either with 1 (1.8 mL) or 2 cartridges (3.6 mL) of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The patients recorded their pain before and during access cavity preparation as well as during root canal instrumentation using a Heft-Parker visual analog scale. No or mild pain was considered as successful anesthesia. Data were analyzed by t and chi-square tests. Eighty patients were eligible to participate in this study, which showed that 3.6 mL articaine provided a significantly higher success rate (77.5%) of IANBs compared with 1.8 mL of the same anesthetic solution (27.5%) although neither group had 100% successful anesthesia (P < .001). Increasing the volume of articaine provided a significantly higher success rate of IANBs in mandibular first molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, but it did not result in 100% anesthetic success. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reversible and irreversible heat transfer by radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

del Río, Fernando; de la Selva, Sara María Teresa

2015-05-01

The theme of heat transfer by radiation is absent from most textbooks on thermodynamics, and its treatment in the applied literature presents some basic discrepancies concerning the validity of the Clausius relation between the quantity of heat exchanged, δ Q, and the accompanying entropy change, dS. We review the reversible and irreversible heat transfers by radiation to clarify the validity of the Clausius relation, and we show that in both cases, the Clausius relation is obeyed, as it should be. We also deal with radiation diluted by the presence of matter, introducing a dilution coefficient, ϕ, and an irreversibility factor, χ (φ ). This treatment requires the use of the correct relation between energy and heat fluxes, the spectral fluxes of energy and entropy, and Planck’s equation for the entropy of monochromatic radiation. For the irreversible case of diluted radiation, we recover the ratio between the fluxes of heat and entropy that agree with Clausius’ inequality, including an irreversibility factor, (4/3)χ (φ ). An improved modification for the explicit function χ (φ ) is given. As an illustration, the fluxes of energy and entropy from the Sun to the Earth are obtained. We also calculate the fluxes re-emitted by the Earth, taking into account the greenhouse effect. We find the value of 1.258 W{{m}-2}{{K}-1} for the re-emitted entropy flux after the radiation has been thermalized, which is much larger than the incident flux, in agreement with other authors.

Time irreversibility of the statistics of a single particle in compressible turbulence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grafke, Tobias; Frishman, Anna; Falkovich, Gregory

2015-04-01

We investigate time irreversibility from the point of view of a single particle in Burgers turbulence. Inspired by the recent work for incompressible flows [Xu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 111, 7558 (2014), 10.1073/pnas.1321682111], we analyze the evolution of the kinetic energy for fluid markers and use the fluctuations of the instantaneous power as a measure of time irreversibility. For short times, starting from a uniform distribution of markers, we find the scaling <[E(t ) -E (0 ) ] n>∝t and ∝Ren -1 for the power as a function of the Reynolds number. Both observations can be explained using the "flight-crash" model, suggested by Xu et al. Furthermore, we use a simple model for shocks that reproduces the moments of the energy difference, including the pre-factor for . To complete the single-particle picture for Burgers we compute the moments of the Lagrangian velocity difference and show that they are bifractal. This arises in a similar manner to the bifractality of Eulerian velocity differences. In the above setting, time irreversibility is directly manifest as particles eventually end up in shocks. We additionally investigate time irreversibility in the long-time limit when all particles are located inside shocks and the Lagrangian velocity statistics are stationary. We find the same scalings for the power and energy differences as at short times and argue that this is also a consequence of rare "flight-crash" events related to shock collisions.

Variability of Irreversible Poleward Transport in the Lower Stratosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Mark; Douglass, Anne; Newman, Paul; Nash, Eric; Witte, Jacquelyn; Ziemke, Jerry

2011-01-01

The ascent and descent of the Brewer-Dobson circulation plays a large role in determining the distributions of many constituents in the extratropical lower stratosphere. However, relatively fast, quasi-horizontal transport out of the tropics and polar regions also significantly contribute to determining these distributions. The tropical tape recorder signal assures that there must be outflow from the tropics into the extratropical lower stratosphere. The phase of the quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and state of the polar vortex are known to modulate the transport from the tropical and polar regions, respectively. In this study we examine multiple years of ozone distributions in the extratropical lower stratosphere observed by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) and the Aura High Resolution Dynamic Limb Sounder (HIRDLS). The distributions are compared with analyses of irreversible, meridional isentropic transport. We show that there is considerable year-to-year seasonal variability in the amount of irreversible transport from the tropics, which is related to both the phase of the QBO and the state of the polar vortex. The reversibility of the transport is consistent with the number of observed breaking waves. The variability of the atmospheric index of refraction in the lower stratosphere is shown to be significantly correlated with the wave breaking and amount of irreversible transport. Finally, we will show that the seasonal extratropical stratosphere to troposphere transport of ozone can be substantially modulated by the amount of irreversible meridional transport in the lower stratosphere and we investigate how observable these differences are in data of tropospheric ozone.

Characterization of long-term extension of isolated cell walls from growing cucumber hypocotyls

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cosgrove, D. J.

1989-01-01

Walls from frozen-thawed cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) hypocotyls extend for many hours when placed in tension under acidic conditions. This study examined whether such "creep" is a purely physical process dependent on wall viscoelasticity alone or whether enzymatic activities are needed to maintain wall extension. Chemical denaturants inhibited wall creep, some acting reversibly and others irreversibly. Brief (15 s) boiling in water irreversibly inhibited creep, as did pre-incubation with proteases. Creep exhibited a high Q10 (3.8) between 20 degrees and 30 degrees C, with slow inactivation at higher temperatures, whereas the viscous flow of pectin solutions exhibited a much lower Q10 (1.35). On the basis of its temperature sensitivity, involvement of pectic gel-sol transitions was judged to be of little importance in creep. Pre-incubation of walls in neutral pH irreversibly inactivated their ability to creep, with a half-time of about 40 min. At 1 mM, Cu2+, Hg2+ and Al3+ were strongly inhibitory whereas most other cations, including Ca2+, had little effect. Sulfhydryl-reducing agents strongly stimulated creep, apparently by stabilizing wall enzyme(s). The physical effects of these treatments on polymer interactions were examined by Instron and stress-relaxation analyses. Some treatments, such as pH and Cu2+, had significant effects on wall viscoelasticity, but others had little or no apparent effect, thus implicating an enzymatic creep mechanism. The results indicate that creep depends on relatively rugged enzymes that are firmly attached to or entangled in the wall. The sensitivity of creep to SH-reducing agents indicates that thiol reduction of wall enzymes might provide a control mechanism for endogenous cell growth.

The Social Cost of Stochastic and Irreversible Climate Change

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Y.; Judd, K. L.; Lontzek, T.

2013-12-01

Many scientists are worried about climate change triggering abrupt and irreversible events leading to significant and long-lasting damages. For example, a rapid release of methane from permafrost may lead to amplified global warming, and global warming may increase the frequency and severity of heavy rainfall or typhoon, destroying large cities and killing numerous people. Some elements of the climate system which might exhibit such a triggering effect are called tipping elements. There is great uncertainty about the impact of anthropogenic carbon and tipping elements on future economic wellbeing. Any rational policy choice must consider the great uncertainty about the magnitude and timing of global warming's impact on economic productivity. While the likelihood of tipping points may be a function of contemporaneous temperature, their effects are long lasting and might be independent of future temperatures. It is assumed that some of these tipping points might occur even in this century, but also that their duration and post-tipping impact are uncertain. A faithful representation of the possibility of tipping points for the calculation of social cost of carbon would require a fully stochastic formulation of irreversibility, and accounting for the deep layer of uncertainties regarding the duration of the tipping process and also its economic impact. We use DSICE, a DSGE extension of the DICE2007 model of William Nordhaus, which incorporates beliefs about the uncertain economic impact of possible climate tipping events and uses empirically plausible parameterizations of Epstein-Zin preferences to represent attitudes towards risk. We find that the uncertainty associated with anthropogenic climate change imply carbon taxes much higher than implied by deterministic models. This analysis indicates that the absence of uncertainty in DICE2007 and similar IAM models may result in substantial understatement of the potential benefits of policies to reduce GHG emissions.

Observer detection of image degradation caused by irreversible data compression processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ji; Flynn, Michael J.; Gross, Barry; Spizarny, David

1991-05-01

Irreversible data compression methods have been proposed to reduce the data storage and communication requirements of digital imaging systems. In general, the error produced by compression increases as an algorithm''s compression ratio is increased. We have studied the relationship between compression ratios and the detection of induced error using radiologic observers. The nature of the errors was characterized by calculating the power spectrum of the difference image. In contrast with studies designed to test whether detected errors alter diagnostic decisions, this study was designed to test whether observers could detect the induced error. A paired-film observer study was designed to test whether induced errors were detected. The study was conducted with chest radiographs selected and ranked for subtle evidence of interstitial disease, pulmonary nodules, or pneumothoraces. Images were digitized at 86 microns (4K X 5K) and 2K X 2K regions were extracted. A full-frame discrete cosine transform method was used to compress images at ratios varying between 6:1 and 60:1. The decompressed images were reprinted next to the original images in a randomized order with a laser film printer. The use of a film digitizer and a film printer which can reproduce all of the contrast and detail in the original radiograph makes the results of this study insensitive to instrument performance and primarily dependent on radiographic image quality. The results of this study define conditions for which errors associated with irreversible compression cannot be detected by radiologic observers. The results indicate that an observer can detect the errors introduced by this compression algorithm for compression ratios of 10:1 (1.2 bits/pixel) or higher.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Restricted Diffusion does not Necessarily Mean Irreversibility.

PubMed

Wagih, Alaa; Mohsen, Laila; Rayan, Moustafa M; Hasan, Mo'men M; Al-Sherif, Ashraf H

2015-01-01

Restricted diffusion is the second most common atypical presentation of PRES. This has a very important implication, as lesions with cytotoxic edema may progress to infarction. Several studies suggested the role of DWI in the prediction of development of infarctions in these cases. Other studies, however, suggested that PRES is reversible even with cytotoxic patterns. Our aim was to evaluate whether every restricted diffusion in PRES is reversible and what factors affect this reversibility. Thirty-six patients with acute neurological symptoms suggestive of PRES were included in our study. Inclusion criteria comprised imaging features of atypical PRES where DWI images and ADC maps show restricted diffusion. Patients were imaged with 0.2-T and 1.5-T machines. FLAIR images were evaluated for the severity of the disease and a FLAIR/DWI score was used. ADC values were selectively recorded from the areas of diffusion restriction. A follow-up MRI study was carried out in all patients after 2 weeks. Patients were classified according to reversibility into: Group 1 (reversible PRES; 32 patients) and Group 2 (irreversible changes; 4 patients). The study was approved by the University's research ethics committee, which conforms to the declaration of Helsinki. The age and blood pressure did not vary significantly between both groups. The total number of regions involved and the FLAIR/DWI score did not vary significantly between both groups. Individual regions did not reveal any tendency for the development of irreversible lesions. Similarly, ADC values did not reveal any significant difference between both groups. PRES is completely reversible in the majority of patients, even with restricted diffusion. None of the variables under study could predict the reversibility of PRES lesions. It seems that this process is individual-dependent.

Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES): Restricted Diffusion does not Necessarily Mean Irreversibility

PubMed Central

Wagih, Alaa; Mohsen, Laila; Rayan, Moustafa M.; Hasan, Mo’men M.; Al-Sherif, Ashraf H.

2015-01-01

Summary Background Restricted diffusion is the second most common atypical presentation of PRES. This has a very important implication, as lesions with cytotoxic edema may progress to infarction. Several studies suggested the role of DWI in the prediction of development of infarctions in these cases. Other studies, however, suggested that PRES is reversible even with cytotoxic patterns. Our aim was to evaluate whether every restricted diffusion in PRES is reversible and what factors affect this reversibility. Material/Methods Thirty-six patients with acute neurological symptoms suggestive of PRES were included in our study. Inclusion criteria comprised imaging features of atypical PRES where DWI images and ADC maps show restricted diffusion. Patients were imaged with 0.2-T and 1.5-T machines. FLAIR images were evaluated for the severity of the disease and a FLAIR/DWI score was used. ADC values were selectively recorded from the areas of diffusion restriction. A follow-up MRI study was carried out in all patients after 2 weeks. Patients were classified according to reversibility into: Group 1 (reversible PRES; 32 patients) and Group 2 (irreversible changes; 4 patients). The study was approved by the University’s research ethics committee, which conforms to the declaration of Helsinki. Results The age and blood pressure did not vary significantly between both groups. The total number of regions involved and the FLAIR/DWI score did not vary significantly between both groups. Individual regions did not reveal any tendency for the development of irreversible lesions. Similarly, ADC values did not reveal any significant difference between both groups. Conclusions PRES is completely reversible in the majority of patients, even with restricted diffusion. None of the variables under study could predict the reversibility of PRES lesions. It seems that this process is individual-dependent. PMID:25960819

Origin of Cancer: An Information, Energy, and Matter Disease

PubMed Central

Hanselmann, Rainer G.; Welter, Cornelius

2016-01-01

Cells are open, highly ordered systems that are far away from equilibrium. For this reason, the first function of any cell is to prevent the permanent threat of disintegration that is described by thermodynamic laws and to preserve highly ordered cell characteristics such as structures, the cell cycle, or metabolism. In this context, three basic categories play a central role: energy, information, and matter. Each of these three categories is equally important to the cell and they are reciprocally dependent. We therefore suggest that energy loss (e.g., through impaired mitochondria) or disturbance of information (e.g., through mutations or aneuploidy) or changes in the composition or distribution of matter (e.g., through micro-environmental changes or toxic agents) can irreversibly disturb molecular mechanisms, leading to increased local entropy of cellular functions and structures. In terms of physics, changes to these normally highly ordered reaction probabilities lead to a state that is irreversibly biologically imbalanced, but that is thermodynamically more stable. This primary change—independent of the initiator—now provokes and drives a complex interplay between the availability of energy, the composition, and distribution of matter and increasing information disturbance that is dependent upon reactions that try to overcome or stabilize this intracellular, irreversible disorder described by entropy. Because a return to the original ordered state is not possible for thermodynamic reasons, the cells either die or else they persist in a metastable state. In the latter case, they enter into a self-driven adaptive and evolutionary process that generates a progression of disordered cells and that results in a broad spectrum of progeny with different characteristics. Possibly, 1 day, one of these cells will show an autonomous and aggressive behavior—it will be a cancer cell. PMID:27909692

DEFORMATION PROCESSES IN MATERIALS. Final Report

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

Washburn, J.; Parker, E.R.; Tinder, R.F.

1962-08-01

It was found that irreversible plastic deformation occurs in polycrystaliine specimens of zinc, copper and its dilute alloys, and aluminum at room temperature, beginning at stresses indetectably above zero applied stress. Neither Frank-Read source generation nor simple bowing of dislocations between fixed nodes can explain the irreversible plastic behavior observed at small stresses in the metals studied. More extensive rearrangements of the dislocation substructure that probably involve glide of nodes and formation of new nodes seem to be required. Prestrained specimens of copper and its dilute alloys often exhibited bursts of plastic deformation which could possibly be due to cooperativemore » rearrangement of the dislocation substructure in one or a few grains. The introduction, by particle bombardment, of new lengths of dislocations into the gage section surface of specimens of copper and its dilute alloys produced extensive irreversible plastic flow beginning at stresses indetectably above zero applied stress. The effect of prestraln on the shape of the loading and unloading curves for zinc shows that dislocation rearrangements that cause forward and reverse strain can occur simultaneously. The net strain rate can be the algebraic sum of the strain recovery rate and the forward creep rate. The present quantitative theories of the Peierls-Nabarro stress are insufficient to permit an estimate of its magnitude from the results of this investigation. In dilute copper alloys containing up to 0.1 at.% impurity, there were many dislocations in the grown-in networks that were not locked by segregation of the foreign atoms. The study of creep behavior over a range of temperatures and at the same strain sensitivity used in these experiments combined with dislocation etch pit observations of dislocation substructure appears to be a particularly fruitful field for further investigation. (auth)« less

Magnetic Resonance Measurement of Turbulent Kinetic Energy for the Estimation of Irreversible Pressure Loss in Aortic Stenosis

PubMed Central

Dyverfeldt, Petter; Hope, Michael D.; Tseng, Elaine E.; Saloner, David

2013-01-01

OBJECTIVES The authors sought to measure the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the ascending aorta of patients with aortic stenosis and to assess its relationship to irreversible pressure loss. BACKGROUND Irreversible pressure loss caused by energy dissipation in post-stenotic flow is an important determinant of the hemodynamic significance of aortic stenosis. The simplified Bernoulli equation used to estimate pressure gradients often misclassifies the ventricular overload caused by aortic stenosis. The current gold standard for estimation of irreversible pressure loss is catheterization, but this method is rarely used due to its invasiveness. Post-stenotic pressure loss is largely caused by dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy into heat. Recent developments in magnetic resonance flow imaging permit noninvasive estimation of TKE. METHODS The study was approved by the local ethics review board and all subjects gave written informed consent. Three-dimensional cine magnetic resonance flow imaging was used to measure TKE in 18 subjects (4 normal volunteers, 14 patients with aortic stenosis with and without dilation). For each subject, the peak total TKE in the ascending aorta was compared with a pressure loss index. The pressure loss index was based on a previously validated theory relating pressure loss to measures obtainable by echocardiography. RESULTS The total TKE did not appear to be related to global flow patterns visualized based on magnetic resonance–measured velocity fields. The TKE was significantly higher in patients with aortic stenosis than in normal volunteers (p < 0.001). The peak total TKE in the ascending aorta was strongly correlated to index pressure loss (R2 = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS Peak total TKE in the ascending aorta correlated strongly with irreversible pressure loss estimated by a well-established method. Direct measurement of TKE by magnetic resonance flow imaging may, with further validation, be used to estimate irreversible pressure loss in aortic stenosis. PMID:23328563

Magnetic resonance measurement of turbulent kinetic energy for the estimation of irreversible pressure loss in aortic stenosis.

PubMed

Dyverfeldt, Petter; Hope, Michael D; Tseng, Elaine E; Saloner, David

2013-01-01

The authors sought to measure the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) in the ascending aorta of patients with aortic stenosis and to assess its relationship to irreversible pressure loss. Irreversible pressure loss caused by energy dissipation in post-stenotic flow is an important determinant of the hemodynamic significance of aortic stenosis. The simplified Bernoulli equation used to estimate pressure gradients often misclassifies the ventricular overload caused by aortic stenosis. The current gold standard for estimation of irreversible pressure loss is catheterization, but this method is rarely used due to its invasiveness. Post-stenotic pressure loss is largely caused by dissipation of turbulent kinetic energy into heat. Recent developments in magnetic resonance flow imaging permit noninvasive estimation of TKE. The study was approved by the local ethics review board and all subjects gave written informed consent. Three-dimensional cine magnetic resonance flow imaging was used to measure TKE in 18 subjects (4 normal volunteers, 14 patients with aortic stenosis with and without dilation). For each subject, the peak total TKE in the ascending aorta was compared with a pressure loss index. The pressure loss index was based on a previously validated theory relating pressure loss to measures obtainable by echocardiography. The total TKE did not appear to be related to global flow patterns visualized based on magnetic resonance-measured velocity fields. The TKE was significantly higher in patients with aortic stenosis than in normal volunteers (p < 0.001). The peak total TKE in the ascending aorta was strongly correlated to index pressure loss (R(2) = 0.91). Peak total TKE in the ascending aorta correlated strongly with irreversible pressure loss estimated by a well-established method. Direct measurement of TKE by magnetic resonance flow imaging may, with further validation, be used to estimate irreversible pressure loss in aortic stenosis. Copyright © 2013 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Using irreversible compression in digital radiology: a preliminary study of the opinions of radiologists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seeram, Euclid

2006-03-01

The large volumes of digital images produced by digital imaging modalities in Radiology have provided the motivation for the development of picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) in an effort to provide an organized mechanism for digital image management. The development of more sophisticated methods of digital image acquisition (Multislice CT and Digital Mammography, for example), as well as the implementation and performance of PACS and Teleradiology systems in a health care environment, have created challenges in the area of image compression with respect to storing and transmitting digital images. Image compression can be reversible (lossless) or irreversible (lossy). While in the former, there is no loss of information, the latter presents concerns since there is a loss of information. This loss of information from diagnostic medical images is of primary concern not only to radiologists, but also to patients and their physicians. In 1997, Goldberg pointed out that "there is growing evidence that lossy compression can be applied without significantly affecting the diagnostic content of images... there is growing consensus in the radiologic community that some forms of lossy compression are acceptable". The purpose of this study was to explore the opinions of expert radiologists, and related professional organizations on the use of irreversible compression in routine practice The opinions of notable radiologists in the US and Canada are varied indicating no consensus of opinion on the use of irreversible compression in primary diagnosis, however, they are generally positive on the notion of the image storage and transmission advantages. Almost all radiologists are concerned with the litigation potential of an incorrect diagnosis based on irreversible compressed images. The survey of several radiology professional and related organizations reveals that no professional practice standards exist for the use of irreversible compression. Currently, the only standard for image compression is stated in the ACR's Technical Standards for Teleradiology and Digital Image Management.

Positive Feedback of NDT80 Expression Ensures Irreversible Meiotic Commitment in Budding Yeast

PubMed Central

Tsuchiya, Dai; Yang, Yang; Lacefield, Soni

2014-01-01

In budding yeast, meiotic commitment is the irreversible continuation of the developmental path of meiosis. After reaching meiotic commitment, cells finish meiosis and gametogenesis, even in the absence of the meiosis-inducing signal. In contrast, if the meiosis-inducing signal is removed and the mitosis-inducing signal is provided prior to reaching meiotic commitment, cells exit meiosis and return to mitosis. Previous work has shown that cells commit to meiosis after prophase I but before entering the meiotic divisions. Since the Ndt80 transcription factor induces expression of middle meiosis genes necessary for the meiotic divisions, we examined the role of the NDT80 transcriptional network in meiotic commitment. Using a microfluidic approach to analyze single cells, we found that cells commit to meiosis in prometaphase I, after the induction of the Ndt80-dependent genes. Our results showed that high-level expression of NDT80 is important for the timing and irreversibility of meiotic commitment. A modest reduction in NDT80 levels delayed meiotic commitment based on meiotic stages, although the timing of each meiotic stage was similar to that of wildtype cells. A further reduction of NDT80 resulted in the surprising finding of inappropriately uncommitted cells: withdrawal of the meiosis-inducing signal and addition of the mitosis-inducing signal to cells at stages beyond metaphase I caused return to mitosis, leading to multi-nucleate cells. Since Ndt80 enhances its own transcription through positive feedback, we tested whether positive feedback ensured the irreversibility of meiotic commitment. Ablating positive feedback in NDT80 expression resulted in a complete loss of meiotic commitment. These findings suggest that irreversibility of meiotic commitment is a consequence of the NDT80 transcriptional positive feedback loop, which provides the high-level of Ndt80 required for the developmental switch of meiotic commitment. These results also illustrate the importance of irreversible meiotic commitment for maintaining genome integrity by preventing formation of multi-nucleate cells. PMID:24901499

An in vitro investigation into the physical properties of irreversible hydrocolloid alternatives.

PubMed

Patel, Rishi D; Kattadiyil, Mathew T; Goodacre, Charles J; Winer, Myron S

2010-11-01

A number of manufacturers have introduced new products that are marketed as alternatives to irreversible hydrocolloid impression materials. However, there is a paucity of laboratory and clinical research on these products compared to traditional irreversible hydrocolloid. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detail reproduction, gypsum compatibility, and linear dimensional change of 3 recently introduced impression materials designed as alternatives to irreversible hydrocolloid. The tested materials were Position Penta Quick, Silgimix, and AlgiNot. An irreversible hydrocolloid impression material, Jeltrate Plus Antimicrobial, served as the control. The parameters of detail reproduction, gypsum compatibility, and linear dimensional change were tested in accordance with ANSI/ADA Specifications No. 18 and 19. The gypsum compatibility was tested using a type III stone (Microstone Golden) and a type IV stone (Die-Keen Green). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test (α=.05). The test materials demonstrated significantly (P<.001) better detail reproduction than the control material. Silgimix exhibited the best compatibility with Microstone, whereas AlgiNot and Position Penta Quick exhibited the best gypsum compatibility with Die-Keen. An incompatibility was observed over time between the Jeltrate control material and the Microstone gypsum material. For linear dimensional change, the mean dimension of the control material most closely approximated the distance between the lines on the test die, but it exhibited the greatest variability in measurements. All of the test materials exhibited linear dimensional change within the ADA's accepted limit of 1.0%. The 3 new impression materials exhibited better detail reproduction and less variability in linear dimensional change than the irreversible hydrocolloid control. Gypsum compatibility varied with the brand of gypsum used, with an incompatibility identified between the control material (Jeltrate Plus Antimicrobial) and Microstone related to surface changes observed over time. Copyright © 2010 The Editorial Council of the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Instrumentation to Support the Research Program of Pulsed Laser Deposition of Polymer Nanocomposite Films

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-05-19

ablated the targets in the same spots during the PLD process. The beams quickly created craters in these spots. That led to cracks and rapid (in...nanoparticles in the near-IR range taken with the newly acquired (with the support from the DoD Grant) UV -VIS-NIR Spectrophotometer Cary from Varian. As...reagent film has the capability of recovering from the exposure to very high ammonia concentrations without experiencing any irreversible damage . Based on

Topological nature of the inertiality of a nonequilibrium system far from equilibrium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saikhanov, M. B.

2017-04-01

We consider inertial and topological properties of a nonequilibrium system far from the equilibrium. We show that from the topological standpoint, the layered structure of the energy levels of a nonequilibrium system leads to the concept of connectivity. We state an assumption on the key role of the dimension of the hypersurface of the full entropy production in the study of the inertiality of an irreversible process in a nonequilibrium system including in the region of unstable states.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using micro-Raman spectroscopy.

Characterization of Organic Materials in the Xenolithic Clasts in Sharps (H3.4) Meteorite Using Microraman Spectroscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chan, Q. H. S.; Zolensky, M. E.; Bodnar, R. J.; Kebukawa, Y.

2015-01-01

Graphitization of carbon is an irreversible process which alters the structure of graphitic materials in response to the increase in metamorphic grade (temperature and/or pressure). Carbonaceous materials offer a reliable geothermometer as their Raman spectra change systematically with increasing metamorphic grade [1-3]. In this study, we identified carbonaceous materials in the xenolithic clasts in Sharps and interpreted their metamorphic history by revealing the structural organization (order) of the polyaromatic organic phases using µ-Raman spectroscopy.

Origins of species: acquired genomes and individuality

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Margulis, L.

1993-01-01

Entire genomes with their accompanying protein synthetic systems are transferred throughout the biosphere primarily as bacteria and protists which become symbionts as they irreversibly integrate into pre-existing organisms to form more complex individuals. Individualization is stabilized by simultaneous transmission of once-separate heterologous genetic systems. The origin of new species is hypothesized to correlate with the acquisition, integration and subsequent inheritance of such acquired microbial genomes. These processes were recognized by Mereschkovsky ("Symbiogenesis" in Russian, 1909) and by Wallin ("Symbionticism", see p. 181, this issue).

Entropy in statistical energy analysis.

PubMed

Le Bot, Alain

2009-03-01

In this paper, the second principle of thermodynamics is discussed in the framework of statistical energy analysis (SEA). It is shown that the "vibrational entropy" and the "vibrational temperature" of sub-systems only depend on the vibrational energy and the number of resonant modes. A SEA system can be described as a thermodynamic system slightly out of equilibrium. In steady-state condition, the entropy exchanged with exterior by sources and dissipation exactly balances the production of entropy by irreversible processes at interface between SEA sub-systems.

Process Defects in Composites.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-01-30

mean velocity, U, a high kinematic viscosity, v , and a small diameter of the fibers, D , lead to a very small Reynolds number Re = UD << 1 (1) where p is...partial credit to ARO). 9. D . Krajcinovic and S . Mastilovic, "Damage Evolution and Failure Modes", in: Proc. of the Int. Conf. on Computational...34Computer Simulation of a Model for Irreversible Gelation", Journal of Physics A, Vol. 16., pp. 1221-1239. Kuksenko, V . S . and Tamuzs, V . P., 1981

Entropy Change for the Irreversible Heat Transfer between Two Finite Objects

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-10

independent heat capacities. Another interesting aspect of this problem is to compute the entropy change during the process. Textbooks typically only...case where the two objects have unequal heat capacities, both of which are finite. (From a calculus point of view, each time an increment of heat dQ is...Theory, and Statistical Thermodynamics 3rd edn (Reading MA: Addison-Wesley) ch 5 [3] Larson R and Edwards B 2014 Calculus 10th edn (Boston MA: Brooks

LASER APPLICATIONS AND OTHER TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS: Determination of photophysical parameters of tryptophan molecules by methods of laser fluorimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banishev, A. A.; Shirshin, E. A.; Fadeev, V. V.

2008-01-01

The photophysical parameters of tryptophan molecules at a low concentration in aqueous solution are measured by the methods of nanosecond laser fluorimetry upon excitation by 266-nm laser pulses. Two-step processes (reversible and irreversible photochemical transformations) taking place in this case are described quantitatively and it is shown that they can be neglected at the exciting photon flux density F < 5×1024 cm-2 s-1 in ~10-ns pulses.

Prostaglandin E2 to diagnose between reversible and irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Petrini, M; Ferrante, M; Ciavarelli, L; Brunetti, L; Vacca, M; Spoto, G

2012-01-01

The aim of this work is to verify a correlation between the grade of inflammation and the concentration of PGE2 in human dental pulp. A total of 25 human dental pulps were examined by histological analysis and radioimmunologic dosage of PGE2. The pulps used in this experiment were from healthy and symptomatic teeth; the first ones were collected from teeth destined to be extracted for orthodontic reasons. An increase was observed of PGE2 in reversible pulpitis compared with healthy pulps and with the irreversible pulpitis and the clear decrease of these when NSAIDs are taken. This study demonstrates that PGE2 level is correlated to histological analysis thus allowing to distinguish symptomatic teeth in reversible and irreversible pulpitis.

Antifreeze Protein Binds Irreversibly to Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braslavsky, I.; Pertaya, N.; di Prinzio, C. L.; Wilen, L.; Thomson, E.; Wettlaufer, J. S.; Marshall, C. B.; Davies, P. L.

2006-03-01

Many organisms are protected from freezing by antifreeze proteins (AFPs), which bind to ice and prevent its growth by a mechanism not completely understood. Although it has been postulated that AFPs would have to bind irreversibly to arrest the growth of an ice crystal bathed in excess liquid water, the binding forces seem insufficient to support such a tight interaction. By putting a fluorescent tag on a fish AFP, we were able to visualize AFP binding to ice and demonstrate, by lack of recovery after photo-bleaching, that it is indeed irreversible. Because even the most avid protein/ligand interactions exhibit reversibility, this finding is key to understanding the mechanism of antifreeze proteins, which are becoming increasingly valuable in cryopreservation and improving the frost tolerance of crops.

Flux pinning characteristics and irreversibility line in high temperature superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matsushita, T.; Ihara, N.; Kiuchi, M.

1995-01-01

The flux pinning properties in high temperature superconductors are strongly influenced by thermally activated flux motion. The scaling relation of the pinning force density and the irreversibility line in various high temperature superconductors are numerically analyzed in terms of the flux creep model. The effect of two factors, i.e., the flux pinning strength and the dimensionality of the material, on these properties are investigated. It is speculated that the irreversibility line in Bi-2212 superconductors is one order of magnitude smaller than that in Y-123, even if the flux pinning strength in Bi-2212 is improved up to the level of Y-123. It is concluded that these two factors are equally important in determination of the flux pinning characteristics at high temperatures.

Thermodynamic Processes Involving Liquefied Natural Gas at the LNG Receiving Terminals / Procesy termodynamiczne z wykorzystaniem skroplonego gazu ziemnego w terminalach odbiorczych LNG

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Łaciak, Mariusz

2013-06-01

The increase in demand for natural gas in the world, cause that the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and in consequences its regasification becoming more common process related to its transportation. Liquefied gas is transported in the tanks at a temperature of about 111K at atmospheric pressure. The process required to convert LNG from a liquid to a gas phase for further pipeline transport, allows the use of exergy of LNG to various applications, including for electricity generation. Exergy analysis is a well known technique for analyzing irreversible losses in a separate process. It allows to specify the distribution, the source and size of the irreversible losses in energy systems, and thus provide guidelines for energy efficiency. Because both the LNG regasification and liquefaction of natural gas are energy intensive, exergy analysis process is essential for designing highly efficient cryogenic installations. Wzrost zapotrzebowania na gaz ziemny na świecie powoduje, że produkcja skroplonego gazu ziemnego (LNG), a w konsekwencji jego regazyfikacja, staje się coraz bardziej powszechnym procesem związanym z jego transportem. Skroplony gaz transportowany jest w zbiornikach w temperaturze około 111K pod ciśnieniem atmosferycznym. Przebieg procesu regazyfikacji niezbędny do zamiany LNG z fazy ciekłej w gazową dla dalszego transportu w sieci, umożliwia wykorzystanie egzergii LNG do różnych zastosowań, między innymi do produkcji energii elektrycznej. Analiza egzergii jest znaną techniką analizowania nieodwracalnych strat w wydzielonym procesie. Pozwala na określenie dystrybucji, źródła i wielkości nieodwracalnych strat w systemach energetycznych, a więc ustalić wytyczne dotyczące efektywnego zużycia energii. Ponieważ zarówno regazyfikacja LNG jak i skraplanie gazu ziemnego są energochłonne, proces analizy egzergii jest niezbędny do projektowania wysoce wydajnych instalacji kriogenicznych.

Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and maximum entropy production in the Earth system: applications and implications.

PubMed

Kleidon, Axel

2009-06-01

The Earth system is maintained in a unique state far from thermodynamic equilibrium, as, for instance, reflected in the high concentration of reactive oxygen in the atmosphere. The myriad of processes that transform energy, that result in the motion of mass in the atmosphere, in oceans, and on land, processes that drive the global water, carbon, and other biogeochemical cycles, all have in common that they are irreversible in their nature. Entropy production is a general consequence of these processes and measures their degree of irreversibility. The proposed principle of maximum entropy production (MEP) states that systems are driven to steady states in which they produce entropy at the maximum possible rate given the prevailing constraints. In this review, the basics of nonequilibrium thermodynamics are described, as well as how these apply to Earth system processes. Applications of the MEP principle are discussed, ranging from the strength of the atmospheric circulation, the hydrological cycle, and biogeochemical cycles to the role that life plays in these processes. Nonequilibrium thermodynamics and the MEP principle have potentially wide-ranging implications for our understanding of Earth system functioning, how it has evolved in the past, and why it is habitable. Entropy production allows us to quantify an objective direction of Earth system change (closer to vs further away from thermodynamic equilibrium, or, equivalently, towards a state of MEP). When a maximum in entropy production is reached, MEP implies that the Earth system reacts to perturbations primarily with negative feedbacks. In conclusion, this nonequilibrium thermodynamic view of the Earth system shows great promise to establish a holistic description of the Earth as one system. This perspective is likely to allow us to better understand and predict its function as one entity, how it has evolved in the past, and how it is modified by human activities in the future.

Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cohen, E. G. D.

Lecture notes are organized around the key word dissipation, while focusing on a presentation of modern theoretical developments in the study of irreversible phenomena. A broad cross-disciplinary perspective towards non-equilibrium statistical mechanics is backed by the general theory of nonlinear and complex dynamical systems. The classical-quantum intertwine and semiclassical dissipative borderline issue (decoherence, "classical out of quantum") are here included . Special emphasis is put on links between the theory of classical and quantum dynamical systems (temporal disorder, dynamical chaos and transport processes) with central problems of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics like e.g. the connection between dynamics and thermodynamics, relaxation towards equilibrium states and mechanisms capable to drive and next maintain the physical system far from equilibrium, in a non-equilibrium steady (stationary) state. The notion of an equilibrium state - towards which a system naturally evolves if left undisturbed - is a fundamental concept of equilibrium statistical mechanics. Taken as a primitive point of reference that allows to give an unambiguous status to near equilibrium and far from equilibrium systems, together with the dynamical notion of a relaxation (decay) towards a prescribed asymptotic invariant measure or probability distribution (properties of ergodicity and mixing are implicit). A related issue is to keep under control the process of driving a physical system away from an initial state of equilibrium and either keeping it in another (non-equilibrium) steady state or allowing to restore the initial data (return back, relax). To this end various models of environment (heat bath, reservoir, thermostat, measuring instrument etc.), and the environment - system coupling are analyzed. The central theme of the book is the dynamics of dissipation and various mechanisms responsible for the irreversible behaviour (transport properties) of open systems on classical and quantum levels of description. A distinguishing feature of these lecture notes is that microscopic foundations of irreversibility are investigated basically in terms of "small" systems, when the "system" and/or "environment" may have a finite (and small) number of degrees of freedom and may be bounded. This is to be contrasted with the casual understanding of statistical mechanics which is regarded to refer to systems with a very large number of degrees of freedom. In fact, it is commonly accepted that the accumulation of effects due to many (range of the Avogadro number) particles is required for statistical mechanics reasoning. Albeit those large numbers are not at all sufficient for transport properties. A helpful hint towards this conceptual turnover comes from the observation that for chaotic dynamical systems the random time evolution proves to be compatible with the underlying purely deterministic laws of motion. Chaotic features of the classical dynamics already appear in systems with two degrees of freedom and such systems need to be described in statistical terms, if we wish to quantify the dynamics of relaxation towards an invariant ergodic measure. The relaxation towards equilibrium finds a statistical description through an analysis of statistical ensembles. This entails an extension of the range of validity of statistical mechanics to small classical systems. On the other hand, the dynamics of fluctuations in macroscopic dissipative systems (due to their molecular composition and thermal mobility) may render a characterization of such systems as being chaotic. That motivates attempts of understanding the role of microscopic chaos and various "chaotic hypotheses" - dynamical systems approach is being pushed down to the level of atoms, molecules and complex matter constituents, whose natural substitute are low-dimensional model subsystems (encompassing as well the mesoscopic "quantum chaos") - in non-equilibrium transport phenomena. On the way a number of questions is addressed like e.g.: is there, or what is the nature of a connection between chaos (modern theory of dynamical systems) and irreversible thermodynamics; can really quantum chaos explain some peculiar features of quantum transport? The answer in both cases is positive, modulo a careful discrimination between viewing the dynamical chaos as a necessary or sufficient basis for irreversibility. In those dynamical contexts, another key term dynamical semigroups refers to major technical tools appropriate for the "dissipative mathematics", modelling irreversible behaviour on the classical and quantum levels of description. Dynamical systems theory and "quantum chaos" research involve both a high level of mathematical sophistication and heavy computer "experimentation". One of the present volume specific flavors is a tutorial access to quite advanced mathematical tools. They gradually penetrate the classical and quantum dynamical semigroup description, while culminating in the noncommutative Brillouin zone construction as a prerequisite to understand transport in aperiodic solids. Lecture notes are structured into chapters to give a better insight into major conceptual streamlines. Chapter I is devoted to a discussion of non-equilibrium steady states and, through so-called chaotic hypothesis combined with suitable fluctuation theorems, elucidates the role of Sinai-Ruelle-Bowen distribution in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium statistical physics frameworks (E. G. D. Cohen). Links between dynamics and statistics (Boltzmann versus Tsallis) are also discussed. Fluctuation relations and a survey of deterministic thermostats are given in the context of non-equilibrium steady states of fluids (L. Rondoni). Response of systems driven far from equilibrium is analyzed on the basis of a central assertion about the existence of the statistical representation in terms of an ensemble of dynamical realizations of the driving process. Non-equilibrium work relation is deduced for irreversible processes (C. Jarzynski). The survey of non-equilibrium steady states in statistical mechanics of classical and quantum systems employs heat bath models and the random matrix theory input. The quantum heat bath analysis and derivation of fluctuation-dissipation theorems is performed by means of the influence functional technique adopted to solve quantum master equations (D. Kusnezov). Chapter II deals with an issue of relaxation and its dynamical theory in both classical and quantum contexts. Pollicott-Ruelle resonance background for the exponential decay scenario is discussed for irreversible processes of diffusion in the Lorentz gas and multibaker models (P. Gaspard). The Pollicott-Ruelle theory reappears as a major inspiration in the survey of the behaviour of ensembles of chaotic systems, with a focus on model systems for which no rigorous results concerning the exponential decay of correlations in time is available (S. Fishman). The observation, that non-equilibrium transport processes in simple classical chaotic systems can be described in terms of fractal structures developing in the system phase space, links their formation and properties with the entropy production in the course of diffusion processes displaying a low dimensional deterministic (chaotic) origin (J. R. Dorfman). Chapter III offers an introduction to the theory of dynamical semigroups. Asymptotic properties of Markov operators and Markov semigroups acting in the set of probability densities (statistical ensemble notion is implicit) are analyzed. Ergodicity, mixing, strong (complete) mixing and sweeping are discussed in the familiar setting of "noise, chaos and fractals" (R. Rudnicki). The next step comprises a passage to quantum dynamical semigroups and completely positive dynamical maps, with an ultimate goal to introduce a consistent framework for the analysis of irreversible phenomena in open quantum systems, where dissipation and decoherence are crucial concepts (R. Alicki). Friction and damping in classical and quantum mechanics of finite dissipative systems is analyzed by means of Markovian quantum semigroups with special emphasis on the issue of complete positivity (M. Fannes). Specific two-level model systems of elementary particle physics (kaons) and rudiments of neutron interferometry are employed to elucidate a distinction between positivity and complete positivity (F. Benatti). Quantization of dynamics of stochastic models related to equilibrium Gibbs states results in dynamical maps which form quantum stochastic dynamical semigroups (W. A. Majewski). Chapter IV addresses diverse but deeply interrelated features of driven chaotic (mesoscopic) classical and quantum systems, their dissipative properties, notions of quantum irreversibility, entanglement, dephasing and decoherence. A survey of non-perturbative quantum effects for open quantum systems is concluded by outlining the discrepancies between random matrix theory and non-perturbative semiclassical predictions (D. Cohen). As a useful supplement to the subject of bounded open systems, methods of quantum state control in a cavity (coherent versus incoherent dynamics and dissipation) are described for low dimensional quantum systems (A. Buchleitner). The dynamics of open quantum systems can be alternatively described by means of non-Markovian stochastic Schrödinger equation, jointly for an open system and its environment, which moves us beyond the Linblad evolution scenario of Markovian dynamical semigroups. The quantum Brownian motion is considered (W. Strunz) . Chapter V enforces a conceptual transition 'from "small" to "large" systems with emphasis on irreversible thermodynamics of quantum transport. Typical features of the statistical mechanics of infinitely extended systems and the dynamical (small) systems approach are described by means of representative examples of relaxation towards asymptotic steady states: quantum one-dimensional lattice conductor and an open multibaker map (S. Tasaki). Dissipative transport in aperiodic solids is reviewed by invoking methods on noncommutative geometry. The anomalous Drude formula is derived. The occurence of quantum chaos is discussed together with its main consequences (J. Bellissard). The chapter is concluded by a survey of scaling limits of the N-body Schrödinger quantum dynamics, where classical evolution equations of irreversible statistical mechanics (linear Boltzmann, Hartree, Vlasov) emerge "out of quantum". In particular, a scaling limit of one body quantum dynamics with impurities (static random potential) and that of quantum dynamics with weakly coupled phonons are shown to yield the linear Boltzmann equation (L. Erdös). Various interrelations between chapters and individual lectures, plus a detailed fine-tuned information about the subject matter coverage of the volume, can be recovered by examining an extensive index.

Cellular Dichotomy Between Anchorage-Independent Growth Responses to bFGF and TA Reflects Molecular Switch in Commitment to Carcinogenesis

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

Waters, Katrina M.; Tan, Ruimin; Opresko, Lee K.

2009-11-01

We have investigated gene expression patterns underlying reversible and irreversible anchorage-independent growth (AIG) phenotypes to identify more sensitive markers of cell transformation for studies directed at interrogating carcinogenesis responses. In JB6 mouse epidermal cells, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) induces an unusually efficient and reversible AIG response, relative to 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced AIG which is irreversible. The reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes are characterized by largely non-overlapping global gene expression profiles. However, a subset of differentially expressed genes were identified as common to reversible and irreversible AIG phenotypes, including genes regulated in a reciprocal fashion. Hepatic leukemia factor (HLF) andmore » D-site albumin promoter-binding protein (DBP) were increased in both bFGF and TPA soft agar colonies and selected for functional validation. Ectopic expression of human HLF and DBP in JB6 cells resulted in a marked increase in TPA- and bFGF-regulated AIG responses. HLF and DBP expression were increased in soft agar colonies arising from JB6 cells exposed to gamma radiation and in a human basal cell carcinoma tumor tissue, relative to paired non-tumor tissue. Subsequent biological network analysis suggests that many of the differentially expressed genes that are common to bFGF- and TPA-dependent AIG are regulated by c-Myc, SP-1 and HNF-4 transcription factors. Collectively, we have identified a potential molecular switch that mediates the transition from reversible to irreversible AIG.« less

Anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in patients with irreversible pulpitis after inferior alveolar nerve block: A clinical study.

PubMed

Verma, Pushpendra Kumar; Srivastava, Ruchi; Ramesh, Kumar M

2013-03-01

The inferior alveolar nerve block (IAN) is the most frequently used mandibular injection technique for achieving local anesthesia in endodontics. Supplemental injections are essential to overcome failure of IAN block in patients with irreversible pulpitis. To evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection (2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine) in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth when conventional IAN block failed. Thirty emergency patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular posterior tooth received an IAN block and experienced moderate to severe pain on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The X-tip system was used to administer 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. The success of X-tip intraosseous injection was defined as none or mild pain (Heft-Parker visual analogue scale ratings < 54 mm) on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. Ninety-three percent of X-tip injections were successful and 7% were unsuccessful. Discomfort rating for X-tip perforation: 96.66% patients reported none or mild pain, whereas 3.34% reported moderate to severe pain. For discomfort rating during solution deposition, 74.99% patients reported none or mild pain and 24.92% reported moderate to severe pain. Ninety-six percent of the patients had subjective/objective increase in heart rate. Supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine has a statistically significant influence in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

Anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in patients with irreversible pulpitis after inferior alveolar nerve block: A clinical study

PubMed Central

Verma, Pushpendra Kumar; Srivastava, Ruchi; Ramesh, Kumar M

2013-01-01

Introduction: The inferior alveolar nerve block (IAN) is the most frequently used mandibular injection technique for achieving local anesthesia in endodontics. Supplemental injections are essential to overcome failure of IAN block in patients with irreversible pulpitis. Aim: To evaluate the anesthetic efficacy of X-tip intraosseous injection (2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine) in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular posterior teeth when conventional IAN block failed. Materials and Methods: Thirty emergency patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular posterior tooth received an IAN block and experienced moderate to severe pain on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The X-tip system was used to administer 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. The success of X-tip intraosseous injection was defined as none or mild pain (Heft-Parker visual analogue scale ratings < 54 mm) on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. Results: Ninety-three percent of X-tip injections were successful and 7% were unsuccessful. Discomfort rating for X-tip perforation: 96.66% patients reported none or mild pain, whereas 3.34% reported moderate to severe pain. For discomfort rating during solution deposition, 74.99% patients reported none or mild pain and 24.92% reported moderate to severe pain. Ninety-six percent of the patients had subjective/objective increase in heart rate. Conclusions: Supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection using 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine has a statistically significant influence in achieving pulpal anesthesia in patients with irreversible pulpitis. PMID:23716971

Irreversible electroporation of stage 3 locally advanced pancreatic cancer: optimal technique and outcomes

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Objective Irreversible electroporation (IRE) of stage 3 pancreatic adenocarcinoma has been used to provide quality of life time in patients who have undergone appropriate induction therapy. The optimal technique has been reported within the literature, but not in video form. IRE of locally advanced pancreatic cancer is technically demanding requiring precision ultrasound use for continuous imaging in multiple needle placements and during IRE energy delivery. Methods Appropriate patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer should have undergone appropriate induction chemotherapy for a reasonable duration. The safe and effective technique for irreversible electroporation is preformed through an open approach with the emphasis on intra-operative ultrasound and intra-operative electroporation management. Results The technique of open irreversible electroporation of the pancreas involves bracketing the target tumor with IRE probes and any and all invaded vital structures including the celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), superior mesenteric-portal vein, and bile duct with continuous intraoperative ultrasound imaging through a caudal to cranial approach. Optimal IRE delivery requires a change in amperage of at least 12 amps from baseline tissue conductivity in order to achieve technical success. Multiple pull-backs are necessary since the IRE ablation probe lengths are 1 cm and thus needed to achieve technical success along the caudal to cranial plane. Conclusions Irreversible electroporation in combination with multi-modality therapy for locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma is feasible for appropriate patients with locally advanced cancer. Technical demands are high and require the highest quality ultrasound for precise spacing measurements and optimal delivery to ensure adequate change in tissue resistance. PMID:29075594

Thermodynamics of cosmological matter creation

PubMed Central

Prigogine, I.; Geheniau, J.; Gunzig, E.; Nardone, P.

1988-01-01

A type of cosmological history that includes large-scale entropy production is proposed. These cosmologies are based on reinterpretation of the matter-energy stress tensor in Einstein's equations. This modifies the usual adiabatic energy conservation laws, thereby including irreversible matter creation. This creation corresponds to an irreversible energy flow from the gravitational field to the created matter constituents. This point of view results from consideration of the thermodynamics of open systems in the framework of cosmology. It is shown that the second law of thermodynamics requires that space-time transforms into matter, while the inverse transformation is forbidden. It appears that the usual initial singularity associated with the big bang is structurally unstable with respect to irreversible matter creation. The corresponding cosmological history therefore starts from an instability of the vacuum rather than from a singularity. This is exemplified in the framework of a simple phenomenological model that leads to a three-stage cosmology: the first drives the cosmological system from the initial instability to a de Sitter regime, and the last connects with the usual matter-radiation Robertson-Walker universe. Matter as well as entropy creation occurs during the first two stages, while the third involves the traditional cosmological evolution. A remarkable fact is that the de Sitter stage appears to be an attractor independent of the initial fluctuation. This is also the case for all the physical predictions involving the present Robertson-Walker universe. Most results obtained previously, in the framework of quantum field theory, can now be obtained on a macroscopic basis. It is shown that this description leads quite naturally to the introduction of primeval black holes as the intermediate stage between the Minkowski vacuum and the present matter-radiation universe. The instability at the origin of the universe is the result of fluctuations of the vacuum in which black holes act as membranes that stabilize these fluctuations. In short, black holes will be produced by and “inverse” Hawking radiation process and, once formed, will decompose into “real” matter through the usual Hawking radiation. In this way, the irreversible transformation of space-time into matter can be described as a phase separation between matter and gravitation in which black holes play the role of “critical nuclei.” PMID:16593986

The SAT Protein of Porcine Parvovirus Accelerates Viral Spreading through Induction of Irreversible Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress.

PubMed

Mészáros, István; Tóth, Renáta; Olasz, Ferenc; Tijssen, Peter; Zádori, Zoltán

2017-08-15

The SAT protein (SATp) of porcine parvovirus (PPV) accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and SAT deletion induces the slow-spreading phenotype. The in vitro comparison of the wild-type Kresse strain and its SAT knockout (SAT - ) mutant revealed that prolonged cell integrity and late viral release are responsible for the slower spreading of the SAT - virus. During PPV infection, regardless of the presence or absence of SATp, the expression of downstream ER stress response proteins (Xbp1 and CHOP) was induced. However, in the absence of SATp, significant differences in the quantity and the localization of CHOP were detected, suggesting a role of SATp in the induction of irreversible ER stress in infected cells. The involvement of the induction of irreversible ER stress in porcine testis (PT) cell necrosis and viral egress was confirmed by treatment of infected cells by ER stress-inducing chemicals (MG132, dithiothreitol, and thapsigargin), which accelerated the egress and spreading of both the wild-type and the SAT - viruses. UV stress induction had no beneficial effect on PPV infection, underscoring the specificity of ER stress pathways in the process. However, induction of CHOP and its nuclear translocation cannot alone be responsible for the biological effect of SAT, since nuclear CHOP could not complement the lack of SAT in a coexpression experiment. IMPORTANCE SATp is encoded by an alternative open reading frame of the PPV genome. Earlier we showed that SATp of the attenuated PPV NADL-2 strain accumulates in the ER and accelerates virus release and spreading. Our present work revealed that slow spreading is a general feature of SAT - PPVs and is the consequence of prolonged cell integrity. PPV infection induced ER stress in infected cells regardless of the presence of SATp, as demonstrated by the morphological changes of the ER and expression of the stress response proteins Xbp1 and CHOP. However, the presence of SATp made the ER stress more severe and accelerated cell death during infection, as shown by the higher rate of expression of CHOP and alteration of the localization of CHOP. The beneficial effect of irreversible ER stress on PPV spread was confirmed by treatment of infected cells with ER stress-inducing chemicals. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.

The SAT Protein of Porcine Parvovirus Accelerates Viral Spreading through Induction of Irreversible Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

PubMed Central

Tóth, Renáta; Olasz, Ferenc; Tijssen, Peter; Zádori, Zoltán

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT The SAT protein (SATp) of porcine parvovirus (PPV) accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and SAT deletion induces the slow-spreading phenotype. The in vitro comparison of the wild-type Kresse strain and its SAT knockout (SAT−) mutant revealed that prolonged cell integrity and late viral release are responsible for the slower spreading of the SAT− virus. During PPV infection, regardless of the presence or absence of SATp, the expression of downstream ER stress response proteins (Xbp1 and CHOP) was induced. However, in the absence of SATp, significant differences in the quantity and the localization of CHOP were detected, suggesting a role of SATp in the induction of irreversible ER stress in infected cells. The involvement of the induction of irreversible ER stress in porcine testis (PT) cell necrosis and viral egress was confirmed by treatment of infected cells by ER stress-inducing chemicals (MG132, dithiothreitol, and thapsigargin), which accelerated the egress and spreading of both the wild-type and the SAT− viruses. UV stress induction had no beneficial effect on PPV infection, underscoring the specificity of ER stress pathways in the process. However, induction of CHOP and its nuclear translocation cannot alone be responsible for the biological effect of SAT, since nuclear CHOP could not complement the lack of SAT in a coexpression experiment. IMPORTANCE SATp is encoded by an alternative open reading frame of the PPV genome. Earlier we showed that SATp of the attenuated PPV NADL-2 strain accumulates in the ER and accelerates virus release and spreading. Our present work revealed that slow spreading is a general feature of SAT− PPVs and is the consequence of prolonged cell integrity. PPV infection induced ER stress in infected cells regardless of the presence of SATp, as demonstrated by the morphological changes of the ER and expression of the stress response proteins Xbp1 and CHOP. However, the presence of SATp made the ER stress more severe and accelerated cell death during infection, as shown by the higher rate of expression of CHOP and alteration of the localization of CHOP. The beneficial effect of irreversible ER stress on PPV spread was confirmed by treatment of infected cells with ER stress-inducing chemicals. PMID:28566374

A Tyrosine-Reactive Irreversible Inhibitor for Glutathione S-Transferase Pi (GSTP1)

PubMed Central

Crawford, L. A.; Weerapana, E.

2016-01-01

Glutathione S-Transferase Pi (GSTP1) mediates cellular defense against reactive electrophiles. Here, we report LAS17, a dichlorotriazine-containing compound that irreversibly inhibits GSTP1 and is selective for GSTP1 within cellular proteomes. Mass spectrometry and mutational studies identified Y108 as the site of modification, providing a unique mode of GSTP1 inhibition. PMID:27113843

A tyrosine-reactive irreversible inhibitor for glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP1).

PubMed

Crawford, L A; Weerapana, E

2016-05-24

Glutathione S-transferase Pi (GSTP1) mediates cellular defense against reactive electrophiles. Here, we report LAS17, a dichlorotriazine-containing compound that irreversibly inhibits GSTP1 and is selective for GSTP1 within cellular proteomes. Mass spectrometry and mutational studies identified Y108 as the site of modification, providing a unique mode of GSTP1 inhibition.

Effective Techniques for Augmenting Heat Transfer: An Application of Entropy Generation Minimization Principles.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

augmentation techniques, entropy generation, irreversibility, exergy . 20. ABSTRACT (Continue on rovers. side If necessary and Identify by block number...35 3.5 Internally finned tubes ...... ................. .. 37 3.6 Internally roughened tubes ..... ............... . 41 3.7 Other heat transfer...irreversibility and entropy generation as fundamental criterion for evaluating and, eventually, minimizing the waste of usable energy ( exergy ) in energy

Brownian movement and microscopic irreversibility

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, L. G. M.

1981-02-01

An extension of the hypothetical experiment of Szilard, which involved the action of a one-molecule gas in an isolated isothermal system, is developed to illustrate how irreversibility may arise out of Brownian motion. As this development requires a consideration of nonmolecular components such as wheels and pistons, the thought-experiment is remodeled in molecular terms and appears to function as a perpetuum mobile.

Discovery of Novel Irreversible Inhibitors of Interleukin (IL)-2-inducible Tyrosine Kinase (Itk) by Targeting Cysteine 442 in the ATP Pocket

PubMed Central

Harling, John D.; Deakin, Angela M.; Campos, Sébastien; Grimley, Rachel; Chaudry, Laiq; Nye, Catherine; Polyakova, Oxana; Bessant, Christina M.; Barton, Nick; Somers, Don; Barrett, John; Graves, Rebecca H.; Hanns, Laura; Kerr, William J.; Solari, Roberto

2013-01-01

IL-2-inducible tyrosine kinase (Itk) plays a key role in antigen receptor signaling in T cells and is considered an important target for anti-inflammatory drug discovery. In order to generate inhibitors with the necessary potency and selectivity, a compound that targeted cysteine 442 in the ATP binding pocket and with an envisaged irreversible mode of action was designed. We incorporated a high degree of molecular recognition and specific design features making the compound suitable for inhaled delivery. This study confirms the irreversible covalent binding of the inhibitor to the kinase by x-ray crystallography and enzymology while demonstrating potency, selectivity, and prolonged duration of action in in vitro biological assays. The biosynthetic turnover of the kinase was also examined as a critical factor when designing irreversible inhibitors for extended duration of action. The exemplified Itk inhibitor demonstrated inhibition of both TH1 and TH2 cytokines, was additive with fluticasone propionate, and inhibited cytokine release from human lung fragments. Finally, we describe an in vivo pharmacodynamic assay that allows rapid preclinical development without animal efficacy models. PMID:23935099

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Nusstein, J; Reader, A; Nist, R; Beck, M; Meyers, W J

1998-07-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of a supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis. Fifty-one patients with symptomatic, vital maxillary, and mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis received conventional infiltrations or inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Pulp testing was used to determine pulpal anesthesia after "clinically successful" injections. Patients who were positive to the pulp tests, or were negative to the pulp tests but felt pain during endodontic access, received an intraosseous injection using 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The results demonstrated that 42% of the patients who tested negative to the pulp tests reported pain during treatment and required supplemental anesthesia. Eighty-one percent of the mandibular teeth and 12% of maxillary teeth required an intraosseous injection due to failure to gain pulpal anesthesia. Overall, the Stabident intraosseous injection was found to be 88% successful in gaining total pulpal anesthesia for endodontic therapy. We concluded that, for posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis, the supplemental intraosseous injection of 2% lidocaine (1:100,000 epinephrine) was successful when conventional techniques failed.

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental intraosseous injection of 3% mepivacaine in irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Reisman, D; Reader, A; Nist, R; Beck, M; Weaver, J

1997-12-01

To determine the efficacy of a supplemental intraosseous injection of 3% mepivacaine in mandibular posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Intraosseous injection pain, subjective heart rate increase, and pain ratings during endodontic treatment were also assessed. Forty-eight patients with irreversible pulpitis received conventional inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Electric pulp testing was used to determine pulpal anesthesia. Patients who were positive to the pulp testing, or negative to pulp testing but felt pain during endodontic treatment, received an intraosseous injection of 1.8 ml of 3% mepivacaine. A second intraosseous injection of 3% mepivacaine (1.8 ml) was given if the first injection was unsuccessful. Seventy-five percent of patients required an initial intraosseous injection because of failure to gain pulpal anesthesia. The inferior alveolar block was 25% successful; the first intraosseous injection increased success to 80%. A second intraosseous injection further increased success to 98%. These differences were significant (p < 0.05). Eight percent (4/48) of the initial intraosseous injections resulted in solution being expressed into the oral cavity: these were considered technique failures. For mandibular posterior teeth with irreversible pulpitis, a supplemental intraosseous injection of 3% mepivacaine increased anesthetic success. A second intraosseous injection, when necessary, further improved success.

The effect of irreversible electroporation on blood vessels.

PubMed

Maor, Elad; Ivorra, Antoni; Leor, Jonathan; Rubinsky, Boris

2007-08-01

We present a pilot study on the long term effects of irreversible electroporation (IRE) on a large blood vessel. The study was motivated by the anticipated use of IRE for treatment of cancer tumors abutting large blood vessels. A sequence of 10 direct current IRE pulses of 3800 V/cm, 100 micros each, at a frequency of 10 pulses per second, were applied directly to the carotid artery in six rats. Measuring tissue conductivity during the procedure showed, as predicted, an increase in conductivity during the application of the pulse, which suggests that this measurement can be used to control the application of IRE. All the animals survived the procedure and showed no side effects. Histology performed 28 days after the procedure showed that the connective matrix of the blood vessels remained intact and the number of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in the arterial wall decreased with no evidence of aneurysm, thrombus formation or necrosis. Average VSMC density was significantly lower following IRE ablation compared with control (24 +/- 11 vs. 139 +/- 14, P<0.001), with no apparent damage to extra cellular matrix components and structure. In addition to the relevance of this study to treatment of cancer near large blood vessels these findings tentatively suggest that IRE has possible applications to treatment of pathological processes in which it is desired to reduce the proliferation of VSMC population, such as restenosis and for attenuating atherosclerotic processes in clinical important locations such as coronary, carotid and renal arteries.

Molecular dynamics simulations of β2-microglobulin interaction with hydrophobic surfaces.

PubMed

Dongmo Foumthuim, Cedrix J; Corazza, Alessandra; Esposito, Gennaro; Fogolari, Federico

2017-11-21

Hydrophobic surfaces are known to adsorb and unfold proteins, a process that has been studied only for a few proteins. Here we address the interaction of β2-microglobulin, a paradigmatic protein for the study of amyloidogenesis, with hydrophobic surfaces. A system with 27 copies of the protein surrounded by a model cubic hydrophobic box is studied by implicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. Most proteins adsorb on the walls of the box without major distortions in local geometry, whereas free molecules maintain proper structures and fluctuations as observed in explicit solvent molecular dynamics simulations. The major conclusions from the simulations are as follows: (i) the adopted implicit solvent model is adequate to describe protein dynamics and thermodynamics; (ii) adsorption occurs readily and is irreversible on the simulated timescale; (iii) the regions most involved in molecular encounters and stable interactions with the walls are the same as those that are important in protein-protein and protein-nanoparticle interactions; (iv) unfolding following adsorption occurs at regions found to be flexible by both experiments and simulations; (v) thermodynamic analysis suggests a very large contribution from van der Waals interactions, whereas unfavorable electrostatic interactions are not found to contribute much to adsorption energy. Surfaces with different degrees of hydrophobicity may occur in vivo. Our simulations show that adsorption is a fast and irreversible process which is accompanied by partial unfolding. The results and the thermodynamic analysis presented here are consistent with and rationalize previous experimental work.

Resistance switching mode transformation in SrRuO3/Cr-doped SrZrO3/Pt frameworks via a thermally activated Ti out-diffusion process

PubMed Central

Jo, Yongcheol; Jung, Kyooho; Kim, Jongmin; Woo, Hyeonseok; Han, Jaeseok; Kim, Hyungsang; Hong, Jinpyo; Lee, Jeon-Kook; Im, Hyunsik

2014-01-01

This work reports on a mechanism for irreversible resistive switching (RS) transformation from bipolar to unipolar RS behavior in SrRuO3 (SRO)/Cr-doped SrZrO3 (SZO:Cr)/Pt capacitor structures prepared on a Ti/SiO2/Si substrate. Counter-clockwise bipolar RS memory current-voltage (I–V) characteristics are observed within the RS voltage window of −2.5 to +1.9 V, with good endurance and retention properties. As the bias voltage increases further beyond 4 V under a forward bias, a forming process occurs resulting in irreversible RS mode transformation from bipolar to unipolar mode. This switching mode transformation is a direct consequence of thermally activated Ti out-diffusion from a Ti adhesion layer. Transition metal Ti effectively out-diffuses through the loose Pt electrode layer at high substrate temperatures, leading to the unintended formation of a thin titanium oxide (TiOx where x < 2) layer between the Pt electrode and the SZO:Cr layer as well as additional Ti atoms in the SZO:Cr layer. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy depth-profile measurements provided apparent evidence of the Ti out-diffusion phenomenon. We propose that the out-diffusion-induced additional Ti atoms in the SZO:Cr layer contributes to the creation of the metallic filamentary channels. PMID:25483325

Dual Layer Monolith ATR of Pyrolysis Oil for Distributed Synthesis Gas Production

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

Lawal, Adeniyi

We have successfully demonstrated a novel reactor technology, based on BASF dual layer monolith catalyst, for miniaturizing the autothermal reforming of pyrolysis oil to syngas, the second and most critical of the three steps for thermochemically converting biomass waste to liquid transportation fuel. The technology was applied to aged as well as fresh samples of pyrolysis oil derived from five different biomass feedstocks, namely switch-grass, sawdust, hardwood/softwood, golden rod and maple. Optimization of process conditions in conjunction with innovative reactor system design enabled the minimization of carbon deposit and control of the H2/CO ratio of the product gas. A comprehensivemore » techno-economic analysis of the integrated process using in part, experimental data from the project, indicates (1) net energy recovery of 49% accounting for all losses and external energy input, (2) weight of diesel oil produced as a percent of the biomass to be ~14%, and (3) for a demonstration size biomass to Fischer-Tropsch liquid plant of ~ 2000 daily barrels of diesel, the price of the diesel produced is ~$3.30 per gallon, ex. tax. However, the extension of catalyst life is critical to the realization of the projected economics. Catalyst deactivation was observed and the modes of deactivation, both reversible and irreversible were identified. An effective catalyst regeneration strategy was successfully demonstrated for reversible catalyst deactivation while a catalyst preservation strategy was proposed for preventing irreversible catalyst deactivation. Future work should therefore be focused on extending the catalyst life, and a successful demonstration of an extended (> 500 on-stream hours) catalyst life would affirm the commercial viability of the process.« less

Comment on "Irreversible sorption of trace concentrations of perfluorocarboxylic acids to fiber filters used for air sampling" by Arp and Goss (Atmospheric Environment 42, 6869-6872, 2008)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barton, Catherine A.; Kaiser, Mary A.; Butler, Larry E.; Botelho, Miguel A.

This discussion paper reflects concerns as to the technical arguments set forth in the Arp and Goss paper. The authors of the paper, Arp and Goss, hypothesize that vapor phase perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFAs) are irreversibly sorbed to the surface of air sampling filters, and that this sorption erroneously biases vapor/particle speciation measurements toward the particle phase. These authors also suggest a surface treatment of the filters is necessary. As authors of some of the experimental data used in the Arp paper, we believe Arp and Goss have misstated the case for irreversible adsorption, and that untreated filters provide adequate vapor/particle speciation results for PFAs. Additional field data are offered to help prove the point.

Neuroprotection and antioxidants

PubMed Central

Lalkovičová, Maria; Danielisová, Viera

2016-01-01

Ischemia as a serious neurodegenerative disorder causes together with reperfusion injury many changes in nervous tissue. Most of the neuronal damage is caused by complex of biochemical reactions and substantial processes, such as protein agregation, reactions of free radicals, insufficient blood supply, glutamate excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress. The result of these processes can be apoptotic or necrotic cell death and it can lead to an irreversible damage. Therefore, neuroprotection and prevention of the neurodegeneration are highly important topics to study. There are several approaches to prevent the ischemic damage. Use of many modern therapeutical methods and the incorporation of several substances into the diet of patients is possible to stimulate the endogenous protective mechanisms and improve the life quality. PMID:27482198

Epigenetic Mechanisms Impacting Aging: A Focus on Histone Levels and Telomeres

PubMed Central

Song, Shufei

2018-01-01

Aging and age-related diseases pose some of the most significant and difficult challenges to modern society as well as to the scientific and medical communities. Biological aging is a complex, and, under normal circumstances, seemingly irreversible collection of processes that involves numerous underlying mechanisms. Among these, chromatin-based processes have emerged as major regulators of cellular and organismal aging. These include DNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome positioning, and telomere regulation, including how these are influenced by environmental factors such as diet. Here we focus on two interconnected categories of chromatin-based mechanisms impacting aging: those involving changes in the levels of histones or in the functions of telomeres. PMID:29642537

Deceased organ donation for transplantation: Challenges and opportunities

PubMed Central

Girlanda, Raffaele

2016-01-01

Organ transplantation saves thousands of lives every year but the shortage of donors is a major limiting factor to increase transplantation rates. To allow more patients to be transplanted before they die on the wait-list an increase in the number of donors is necessary. Patients with devastating irreversible brain injury, if medically suitable, are potential deceased donors and strategies are needed to successfully convert them into actual donors. Multiple steps in the process of deceased organ donation can be targeted to increase the number of organs suitable for transplant. In this review, after describing this process, we discuss current challenges and potential strategies to expand the pool of deceased donors. PMID:27683626

[The Cinematographic Narration of the Posthumanism].

PubMed

Talavera, Pedro

2015-01-01

The cinema constitutes today the aesthetic forefront of the posthumanism and a powerful instance of reflection on the posthuman future. In its more futurist dimension, the films present an evolutionary irreversible process linked to the technological development, which will determine the end of the human kind and its birth to a new posthuman reality. But it turns out paradoxical that the process of dehumanization of the human beings appears like inevitable and, nevertheless, appears as ideally Utopian the desire of humanization of the androids (to support the human values beyond the human kind). In consequence, the cinematographic reflection on posthumanism seems to be headed not towards the appearance of a new nature but towards the recovery of the genuine human values.

Different routes to the glass transition: A comparison between chemical and physical vitrification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caponi, Silvia; Corezzi, Silvia

2012-07-01

Despite the differences in the molecular processes involved in chemical and physical vitrification, surprising similarities are observed in the dynamics and in the thermodynamical properties of the resulting glasses. We report on a systematic study of reactive glass-formers undergoing a process of progressive polymerization of the constituent molecules via the formation of irreversible chemical bonds. The formation of most of the materials used in engineering plastics and the hardening of natural and synthetic resins, including epoxy resins, are based on chemical vitrification. The clear analogies characterizing the dynamic evolution of physical and chemical glass-formers, on the time scale of the structural and the low-frequency vibrational dynamics, are briefly reviewed.

Nonlinear geometric scaling of coercivity in a three-dimensional nanoscale analog of spin ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shishkin, I. S.; Mistonov, A. A.; Dubitskiy, I. S.; Grigoryeva, N. A.; Menzel, D.; Grigoriev, S. V.

2016-08-01

Magnetization hysteresis loops of a three-dimensional nanoscale analog of spin ice based on the nickel inverse opal-like structure (IOLS) have been studied at room temperature. The samples are produced by filling nickel into the voids of artificial opal-like films. The spin ice behavior is induced by tetrahedral elements within the IOLS, which have the same arrangement of magnetic moments as a spin ice. The thickness of the films vary from a two-dimensional, i.e., single-layered, antidot array to a three-dimensional, i.e., multilayered, structure. The coercive force, the saturation, and the irreversibility field have been measured in dependence of the thickness of the IOLS for in-plane and out-of-plane applied fields. The irreversibility and saturation fields change abruptly from the antidot array to the three-dimensional IOLS and remain constant upon further increase of the number of layers n . The coercive force Hc seems to increase logarithmically with increasing n as Hc=Hc 0+α ln(n +1 ) . The logarithmic law implies the avalanchelike remagnetization of anisotropic structural elements connecting tetrahedral and cubic nodes in the IOLS. We conclude that the "ice rule" is the base of mechanism regulating this process.

Nε-Acryloyllysine Piperazides as Irreversible Inhibitors of Transglutaminase 2: Synthesis, Structure-Activity Relationships, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling.

PubMed

Wodtke, Robert; Hauser, Christoph; Ruiz-Gómez, Gloria; Jäckel, Elisabeth; Bauer, David; Lohse, Martin; Wong, Alan; Pufe, Johanna; Ludwig, Friedrich-Alexander; Fischer, Steffen; Hauser, Sandra; Greif, Dieter; Pisabarro, M Teresa; Pietzsch, Jens; Pietsch, Markus; Löser, Reik

2018-05-24

Transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2)-catalyzed transamidation represents an important post-translational mechanism for protein modification with implications in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, including fibrotic and neoplastic processes. Consequently, this enzyme is considered a promising target for the diagnosis of and therapy for these diseases. In this study, we report on the synthesis and kinetic characterization of N ε -acryloyllysine piperazides as irreversible inhibitors of TGase 2. Systematic structural modifications on 54 new compounds were performed with a major focus on fluorine-bearing substituents due to the potential of such compounds to serve as radiotracer candidates for positron emission tomography. The determined inhibitory activities ranged from 100 to 10 000 M -1 s -1 , which resulted in comprehensive structure-activity relationships. Structure-activity correlations using various substituent parameters accompanied by covalent docking studies provide an advanced understanding of the molecular recognition for this inhibitor class within the active site of TGase 2. Selectivity profiling of selected compounds for other transglutaminases demonstrated an excellent selectivity toward transglutaminase 2. Furthermore, an initial pharmacokinetic profiling of selected inhibitors was performed, including the assessment of potential membrane permeability and liver microsomal stability.

Serpin1 and WSCP differentially regulate the activity of the cysteine protease RD21 during plant development in Arabidopsis thaliana

PubMed Central

Rustgi, Sachin; Boex-Fontvieille, Edouard; Reinbothe, Christiane; von Wettstein, Diter; Reinbothe, Steffen

2017-01-01

Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) participate in a vast range of physiological processes, ranging from nutrient digestion to blood coagulation, thrombosis, and beyond. In plants, proteases are implicated in host recognition and pathogen infection, induced defense (immunity), and the deterrence of insect pests. Because proteases irreversibly cleave peptide bonds of protein substrates, their activity must be tightly controlled in time and space. Here, we report an example of how nature evolved alternative mechanisms to fine-tune the activity of a cysteine protease dubbed RD21 (RESPONSIVE TO DESICCATION-21). One mechanism in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana studied here comprises irreversible inhibition of RD21’s activity by Serpin1, whereas the other mechanism is a result of the reversible inhibition of RD21 activity by a Kunitz protease inhibitor named water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein (WSCP). Activity profiling, complex isolation, and homology modeling data revealed unique interactions of RD21 with Serpin1 and WSCP, respectively. Expression studies identified only partial overlaps in Serpin1 and WSCP accumulation that explain how RD21 contributes to the innate immunity of mature plants and arthropod deterrence of seedlings undergoing skotomorphogenesis and greening. PMID:28179567

Experimental characterization and numerical modeling of tissue electrical conductivity during pulsed electric fields for irreversible electroporation treatment planning.

PubMed

Neal, Robert E; Garcia, Paulo A; Robertson, John L; Davalos, Rafael V

2012-04-01

Irreversible electroporation is a new technique to kill cells in targeted tissue, such as tumors, through a nonthermal mechanism using electric pulses to irrecoverably disrupt the cell membrane. Treatment effects relate to the tissue electric field distribution, which can be predicted with numerical modeling for therapy planning. Pulse effects will change the cell and tissue properties through thermal and electroporation (EP)-based processes. This investigation characterizes these changes by measuring the electrical conductivity and temperature of ex vivo renal porcine tissue within a single pulse and for a 200 pulse protocol. These changes are incorporated into an equivalent circuit model for cells and tissue with a variable EP-based resistance, providing a potential method to estimate conductivity as a function of electric field and pulse length for other tissues. Finally, a numerical model using a human kidney volumetric mesh evaluated how treatment predictions vary when EP- and temperature-based electrical conductivity changes are incorporated. We conclude that significant changes in predicted outcomes will occur when the experimental results are applied to the numerical model, where the direction and degree of change varies with the electric field considered.

Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics modeling of covalent addition between EGFR-cysteine 797 and N-(4-anilinoquinazolin-6-yl) acrylamide.

PubMed

Capoferri, Luigi; Lodola, Alessio; Rivara, Silvia; Mor, Marco

2015-03-23

Irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors can circumvent resistance to first-generation ATP-competitive inhibitors in the treatment of nonsmall-cell lung cancer. They covalently bind a noncatalytic cysteine (Cys797) at the surface of EGFR active site by an acrylamide warhead. Herein, we used a hybrid quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) potential in combination with umbrella sampling in the path-collective variable space to investigate the mechanism of alkylation of Cys797 by the prototypical covalent inhibitor N-(4-anilinoquinazolin-6-yl) acrylamide. Calculations show that Cys797 reacts with the acrylamide group of the inhibitor through a direct addition mechanism, with Asp800 acting as a general base/general acid in distinct steps of the reaction. The obtained reaction free energy is negative (ΔA = -12 kcal/mol) consistent with the spontaneous and irreversible alkylation of Cys797 by N-(4-anilinoquinazolin-6-yl) acrylamide. Our calculations identify desolvation of Cys797 thiolate anion as a key step of the alkylation process, indicating that changes in the intrinsic reactivity of the acrylamide would have only a minor impact on the inhibitor potency.

Fine tuning the color-transition temperature of thermoreversible polydiacetylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites: The effect of photopolymerization time.

PubMed

Traiphol, Nisanart; Faisadcha, Kunruethai; Potai, Ruttayapon; Traiphol, Rakchart

2015-02-01

An ability to control the thermochromic behaviors of polydiacetylene (PDA)-based materials is very important for their utilization. Recently, our group has developed the PDA/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites, which exhibit reversible thermochromism (Traiphol et al., 2011). In this study, we present our continuation work demonstrating a rather simple method for fine tuning their color-transition temperature. The PDA/ZnO nanocomposites are prepared by varying photopolymerization time, which in turn affects the length of PDA conjugated backbone. We have found that the increase of photopolymerization time from 1 to 120min results in systematically decrease of the color-transition temperature from about 85 to 40°C. These PDA/ZnO nanocomposites still exhibit reversible thermochromism. The PDA/ZnO nanocomposites embedded in polyvinyl alcohol films show two-step color-transition processes, the reversible blue to purple and then irreversible purple to orange. Interestingly, the increase of photopolymerization time causes an increase of the irreversible color-transition temperature. Our method is quite simple and cheap, which can provide a library of PDA-based materials with controllable color-transition temperature. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serpin1 and WSCP differentially regulate the activity of the cysteine protease RD21 during plant development in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Rustgi, Sachin; Boex-Fontvieille, Edouard; Reinbothe, Christiane; von Wettstein, Diter; Reinbothe, Steffen

2017-02-28

Proteolytic enzymes (proteases) participate in a vast range of physiological processes, ranging from nutrient digestion to blood coagulation, thrombosis, and beyond. In plants, proteases are implicated in host recognition and pathogen infection, induced defense (immunity), and the deterrence of insect pests. Because proteases irreversibly cleave peptide bonds of protein substrates, their activity must be tightly controlled in time and space. Here, we report an example of how nature evolved alternative mechanisms to fine-tune the activity of a cysteine protease dubbed RD21 (RESPONSIVE TO DESICCATION-21). One mechanism in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana studied here comprises irreversible inhibition of RD21's activity by Serpin1, whereas the other mechanism is a result of the reversible inhibition of RD21 activity by a Kunitz protease inhibitor named water-soluble chlorophyll-binding protein (WSCP). Activity profiling, complex isolation, and homology modeling data revealed unique interactions of RD21 with Serpin1 and WSCP, respectively. Expression studies identified only partial overlaps in Serpin1 and WSCP accumulation that explain how RD21 contributes to the innate immunity of mature plants and arthropod deterrence of seedlings undergoing skotomorphogenesis and greening.

Dictyostelium cell death: early emergence and demise of highly polarized paddle cells.

PubMed

Levraud, Jean-Pierre; Adam, Myriam; Luciani, Marie-Françoise; de Chastellier, Chantal; Blanton, Richard L; Golstein, Pierre

2003-03-31

Cell death in the stalk of Dictyostelium discoideum, a prototypic vacuolar cell death, can be studied in vitro using cells differentiating as a monolayer. To identify early events, we examined potentially dying cells at a time when the classical signs of Dictyostelium cell death, such as heavy vacuolization and membrane lesions, were not yet apparent. We observed that most cells proceeded through a stereotyped series of differentiation stages, including the emergence of "paddle" cells showing high motility and strikingly marked subcellular compartmentalization with actin segregation. Paddle cell emergence and subsequent demise with paddle-to-round cell transition may be critical to the cell death process, as they were contemporary with irreversibility assessed through time-lapse videos and clonogenicity tests. Paddle cell demise was not related to formation of the cellulose shell because cells where the cellulose-synthase gene had been inactivated underwent death indistinguishable from that of parental cells. A major subcellular alteration at the paddle-to-round cell transition was the disappearance of F-actin. The Dictyostelium vacuolar cell death pathway thus does not require cellulose synthesis and includes early actin rearrangements (F-actin segregation, then depolymerization), contemporary with irreversibility, corresponding to the emergence and demise of highly polarized paddle cells.

Dictyostelium cell death

PubMed Central

Levraud, Jean-Pierre; Adam, Myriam; Luciani, Marie-Françoise; de Chastellier, Chantal; Blanton, Richard L.; Golstein, Pierre

2003-01-01

Cell death in the stalk of Dictyostelium discoideum, a prototypic vacuolar cell death, can be studied in vitro using cells differentiating as a monolayer. To identify early events, we examined potentially dying cells at a time when the classical signs of Dictyostelium cell death, such as heavy vacuolization and membrane lesions, were not yet apparent. We observed that most cells proceeded through a stereotyped series of differentiation stages, including the emergence of “paddle” cells showing high motility and strikingly marked subcellular compartmentalization with actin segregation. Paddle cell emergence and subsequent demise with paddle-to-round cell transition may be critical to the cell death process, as they were contemporary with irreversibility assessed through time-lapse videos and clonogenicity tests. Paddle cell demise was not related to formation of the cellulose shell because cells where the cellulose-synthase gene had been inactivated underwent death indistinguishable from that of parental cells. A major subcellular alteration at the paddle-to-round cell transition was the disappearance of F-actin. The Dictyostelium vacuolar cell death pathway thus does not require cellulose synthesis and includes early actin rearrangements (F-actin segregation, then depolymerization), contemporary with irreversibility, corresponding to the emergence and demise of highly polarized paddle cells. PMID:12654899

Femtosecond crystallography with ultrabright electrons and x-rays: capturing chemistry in action.

PubMed

Miller, R J Dwayne

2014-03-07

With the recent advances in ultrabright electron and x-ray sources, it is now possible to extend crystallography to the femtosecond time domain to literally light up atomic motions involved in the primary processes governing structural transitions. This review chronicles the development of brighter and brighter electron and x-ray sources that have enabled atomic resolution to structural dynamics for increasingly complex systems. The primary focus is on achieving sufficient brightness using pump-probe protocols to resolve the far-from-equilibrium motions directing chemical processes that in general lead to irreversible changes in samples. Given the central importance of structural transitions to conceptualizing chemistry, this emerging field has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of chemistry and its connection to driving biological processes.

On the role of vasopressin and angiotensin in the development of irreversible haemorrhagic shock

PubMed Central

Errington, M. L.; e Silva, M. Rocha

1974-01-01

1. Long-lasting haemorrhagic hypotension (4·5 hr at 35 mmHg) leading to irreversible haemorrhagic shock, has been studied in normal dogs, in dogs treated with a bradykinin potentiating nonapeptide (BPP9a), which blocks the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, and in dogs with experimental chronic diabetes insipidus (DI dogs). BPP9a was given by I.V. injection before the start of bleeding (BPP pre-treated group), 45 min after blood pressure had reached 35 mmHg (BPP early treated group) or 2 hr after blood pressure had reached 35 mmHg (BPP late-treated group). After retransfusion of blood all dogs were allowed to recover and observed for a further period of 3 days. 2. Untreated control dogs developed haemorrhagic shock with tachycardia, low cardiac output, low total peripheral conductance and low stroke volume. All died within 24 hr of retransfusion, with pathological lesions typical of irreversible haemorrhagic shock. 3. BPP pre-treated dogs developed haemorrhagic shock with bradycardia (during early shock), high cardiac output, high peripheral vascular conductance and high stroke volume when compared with the untreated controls. All pre-treated animals survived the 3 day observation period. They were then killed and on post-mortem showed no signs of irreversible haemorrhagic shock. 4. BPP early-treated animals behaved like controls before BPP, but like pre-treated animals after the drug. Only one out of eight died within the 3 day observation period. 5. BPP late-treated dogs behaved like controls before BPP. They responded to the drug with a rise in cardiac output, peripheral vascular conductance and stroke volume, and with a fall in heart rate. These responses were, however, short-lived. Four out of these eight animals died within the 3 day observation period, with lesions of irreversible haemorrhagic shock. 6. DI dogs developed haemorrhagic shock with tachycardia (like controls), but with high cardiac output and peripheral vascular conductance (like BPP pre-treated dogs). The stroke volume of DI dogs was intermediate between those of controls and pre-treated groups. All six dogs survived the 3 day observation period. 7. BPP9a had no measurable effect on the course of endotoxic shock. 8. It is suggested that the normally severe vasoconstriction of the mesenteric vascular bed, which is thought to be responsible for irreversible haemorrhagic shock, is absent or attenuated in the absence of vasopressin or angiotensin. The consequences of this on the development of irreversibility are discussed. PMID:4373570

High-pressure Irreversible Amorphization of La1/3NbO3

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

I Halevy; A Hen; A Broide

2011-12-31

The crystallographic structure of La{sub 1/3}NbO{sub 3} perovskite was studied at high pressures using a diamond-anvil cell and synchrotron radiation. High-pressure energy dispersive (EDS) x-ray diffraction and high-pressure angle dispersive (ADS) x-ray diffraction revealed an irreversible amorphization at {approx}10 GPa. A large change in the bulk modulus accompanied the high-pressure amorphization.

Visualizing the Transition State: A Hands-On Approach to the Arrhenius Equation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuntzleman, Thomas S.; Swanson, Matthew S.; Sayers, Deborah K.

2007-01-01

An exercise is presented in which the kinetics of the irreversible "reaction" of pennies in the heads-up state to pennies in the tails-up state is simulated by a hands-on, Monte Carlo approach. In addition, the exercise incorporates a second simulation in which the irreversible "reaction" of dice with a red face uppermost to a blue face uppermost…

Terminal Model Of Newtonian Dynamics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zak, Michail

1994-01-01

Paper presents study of theory of Newtonian dynamics of terminal attractors and repellers, focusing on issues of reversibility vs. irreversibility and deterministic evolution vs. probabilistic or chaotic evolution of dynamic systems. Theory developed called "terminal dynamics" emphasizes difference between it and classical Newtonian dynamics. Also holds promise for explaining irreversibility, unpredictability, probabilistic behavior, and chaos in turbulent flows, in thermodynamic phenomena, and in other dynamic phenomena and systems.

Efficacy of orally administered prednisolone versus partial endodontic treatment on pain reduction in emergency care of acute irreversible pulpitis of mandibular molars: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Kérourédan, Olivia; Jallon, Léonard; Perez, Paul; Germain, Christine; Péli, Jean-François; Oriez, Dominique; Fricain, Jean-Christophe; Arrivé, Elise; Devillard, Raphaël

2017-03-28

Irreversible pulpitis is a highly painful inflammatory condition of the dental pulp which represents a common dental emergency. Recommended care is partial endodontic treatment. The dental literature reports major difficulties in achieving adequate analgesia to perform this emergency treatment, especially in the case of mandibular molars. In current practice, short-course, orally administered corticotherapy is used for the management of oral pain of inflammatory origin. The efficacy of intraosseous local steroid injections for irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars has already been demonstrated but resulted in local comorbidities. Oral administration of short-course prednisolone is simple and safe but its efficacy to manage pain caused by irreversible pulpitis has not yet been demonstrated. This trial aims to evaluate the noninferiority of short-course, orally administered corticotherapy versus partial endodontic treatment for the emergency care of irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars. This study is a noninferiority, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial conducted at the Bordeaux University Hospital. One hundred and twenty subjects will be randomized in two 1:1 parallel arms: the intervention arm will receive one oral dose of prednisolone (1 mg/kg) during the emergency visit, followed by one morning dose each day for 3 days and the reference arm will receive partial endodontic treatment. Both groups will receive planned complete endodontic treatment 72 h after enrollment. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients with pain intensity below 5 on a Numeric Scale 24 h after the emergency visit. Secondary outcomes include comfort during care, the number of injected anesthetic cartridges when performing complete endodontic treatment, the number of antalgic drugs and the number of patients coming back for consultation after 72 h. This randomized trial will assess the ability of short-term corticotherapy to reduce pain in irreversible pulpitis as a simple and rapid alternative to partial endodontic treatment and to enable planning of endodontic treatment in optimal analgesic conditions. ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02629042 . Registered on 7 December 2015. (Version n°1.1 28 July 2015).

Electrochemical and thermodynamic studies of the electrode materials for lithium ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bang, Hyun Joo

A series of graphite samples were tested for their electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium ion cells. Specially treated natural graphite samples showed good reversible capacities and relatively small irreversible capacity losses. The good performance of these samples can be explained by the low surface area associated with the rounded edges and absence of exfoliation due to the presence of the rhombohedral phase and defects in the grain boundaries. Graphitized cokes showed larger irreversible capacity losses while mesophase carbons showed lower reversible capacity. The treated natural graphite samples, especially LBG25 were found to be high performance, low cost anode materials for the lithium ion cells. The electrochemical and thermal behaviors of the spinels---LiMn 2O4, LiCo1/6Mn11/6O4, LiFe 1/6Mn11/6O4, and LiNi1/6Mn11/6 O4 were studied using electrochemical and thermochemical techniques. The electrochemical techniques included cyclic voltammetry, charge/discharge cycling of 2016 coin cells and diffusion coefficient measurements using Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique. Better capacity retention(GITT) was observed for the substituted spinels (0.11% loss/cycle for LiCo1/6Mn 11/6O4; 0.3% loss/cycle for LiFe1/6Mn11/6 O4; and 0.2% loss/cycle for LiNi1/6Mn11/6 O4) than for the lithium manganese dioxide spinel (1.6% loss/cycle for first 10 cycles, 0.9% loss/cycle for 33 cycles) during 33 cycles. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the cobalt substituted spinel has better thermal stability than the lithium manganese oxide and other substituted spinels. The thermal profile of LiMn2O4 and LiAl0.17 Mn1.83O3.97S0.03 was measured in an isothermal micro-calorimeter. The heat contributions are discussed in terms of reversible and irreversible heat generation, in combination with the entropy change directly obtained by the dE/dT measurements and the over-potential measurements. The endothermic and exothermic heat profiles observed during the charge and discharge processes are related to the Li insertion/extraction reaction in the spinel host structure for both materials. The reversible heat generation due to the lithium insertion/extraction reaction in the host electrode is estimated on the basis of the cell entropy change. The heat generation calculated from DeltaS and the open circuit potential results is consistent with the heat profile (exothermic/endothermic) generated during the charge/discharge process and with the magnitude of the heat generation from the experimental results obtained from the IMC at a slow charge/discharge rate. The irreversible heat generation dependence on the current rate is discussed at different discharge rates.

The Effect of Acupuncture on the Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for Teeth with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Triple-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Jalali, Shahrzad; Moradi Majd, Nima; Torabi, Samane; Habibi, Mohammad; Homayouni, Hamed; Mohammadi, Navid

2015-09-01

An inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) does not always provide satisfactory anesthesia for patients with irreversible pulpitis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preoperative acupuncture on the success rate of IANBs for teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. In a randomized triple-blinded clinical trial, 40 patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were divided into 2 groups: the acupuncture and control groups. In the acupuncture group, a disposable needle was inserted at LI4 (Hegu) acupoint, and after 15 minutes, for patients who had reported the De qi sensation, an IANB was administered. In the control group, 15 minutes before the administration of an IANB, the practitioner simply imitated the acupuncture procedure but did not actually insert the needle. Endodontic treatments were conducted for the patients who reported lip numbness 15 minutes after the injection of the IANB. If the patients felt intolerable pain (>20 mm on a visual analog scale of 100 mm) during the procedure, a supplementary injection was administered. In those situations, the IANB was considered an unsuccessful injection. Data were evaluated by the chi-square, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, and t tests. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The overall success rates of IANB for the acupuncture and control groups were 60% and 20%, respectively (P < .05). The application of acupuncture before the endodontic treatment increased the effectiveness of IANBs for mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

BYK191023 (2-[2-(4-methoxy-pyridin-2-yl)-ethyl]-3h-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) is an NADPH- and time-dependent irreversible inhibitor of inducible nitric-oxide synthase.

PubMed

Tiso, Mauro; Strub, Andreas; Hesslinger, Christian; Kenney, Claire T; Boer, Rainer; Stuehr, Dennis J

2008-04-01

Imidazopyridine derivates were recently shown to be a novel class of selective and arginine-competitive inhibitors of inducible nitric-oxide synthase (iNOS), and 2-[2-(4-methoxypyridin-2-yl)-ethyl]-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (BYK191023) was found to have very high selectivity in enzymatic and cellular models ( Mol Pharmacol 69: 328-337, 2006 ). Here, we show that BYK191023 irreversibly inactivates murine iNOS in an NADPH- and time-dependent manner, whereas it acts only as a reversible l-arginine-competitive inhibitor in the absence of NADPH or during anaerobic preincubation. Time-dependent irreversible inhibition by BYK191023 could also be demonstrated in intact cells using the RAW macrophage or iNOS-overexpressing human embryonic kidney 293 cell lines. The mechanism of BYK191023 inhibition in the presence of NADPH was studied using spectral, kinetic, chromatographic, and radioligand binding methods. BYK191023-bound iNOS was spectrally indistinguishable from l-arginine-bound iNOS, pointing to an interaction of BYK191023 with the catalytic center of the enzyme. [(3)H]BYK191023 was recovered quantitatively from irreversibly inactivated iNOS, and no inhibitor metabolite was detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Size exclusion chromatography revealed only about 20% iNOS dissociation into monomers. Furthermore, HPLC and spectrophotometric analysis showed that the irreversible inhibition was associated with loss of heme from iNOS and a reduced ability to form the distinctive ferrous heme-CO complex (cytochrome P450). Thus, enzyme inactivation is mainly caused by heme loss, and it occurs in the inhibitor-bound enzyme in the presence of electron flux from NADPH.

Biotin Attachment Domain-Containing Proteins Irreversibly Inhibit Acetyl CoA Carboxylase

DOE PAGES

Keereetaweep, Jantana; Liu, Hui; Zhai, Zhiyang; ...

2018-04-06

The first committed step in fatty acid synthesis is mediated by Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), a biotin-dependent enzyme that carboxylates acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA. ACCase can be feedback-regulated by short-term (reversible) and longer-term (irreversible) inhibition upon oversupply of fatty acids (FA) provided by Tween80 (predominantly containing oleic acid; 18:1). Biotin-Attachment-Domain-Containing (BADC) proteins are inactive analogs of biotin carboxyl transfer protein (BCCP) that lack biotin and their incorporation into ACCase downregulates it by displacing active (biotin-containing) BCCP subunits. Individual T-DNA insertion lines of BADC1, BADC2, and BADC3 were used to generate badc1badc2 and badc1badc3. The badc1badc3 mutant and wild-type exhibited normal growthmore » and development, however ACCase activity was 26% higher in badc1badc3 relative to wild-type and its seeds contained 30.1 %DW more FA and 32.6 %DW more TAG than wild-type. Cell suspension cultures were generated from leaves of badc1badc3 and wild-type plants to test whether BADC contributes to the irreversible phase of ACCase inhibition resulting from culture in medium containing 10mM Tween80. While the reversible phase of ACCase inhibition after two days of Tween80 feeding was equivalent for badc1badc3 and wild-type, the irreversible phase of inhibition following four days of Tween80 feeding was reduced by 50% in badc1badc3 relative to wild-type. In this work we present evidence for two important homeostatic roles for BADC proteins in downregulating ACCase activity: during normal growth and development, and by contributing to its long-term irreversible feedback inhibition resulting from oversupply of fatty acids.« less

Reversing the irreversible: From limit cycles to emergent time symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cortês, Marina; Smolin, Lee

2018-01-01

In 1979 Penrose hypothesized that the arrows of time are explained by the hypothesis that the fundamental laws are time irreversible [R. Penrose, in General Relativity: An Einstein Centenary Survey (1979)]. That is, our reversible laws, such as the standard model and general relativity are effective, and emerge from an underlying fundamental theory which is time irreversible. In [M. Cortês and L. Smolin, Phys. Rev. D 90, 084007 (2014), 10.1103/PhysRevD.90.084007; 90, 044035 (2014), 10.1103/PhysRevD.90.044035; 93, 084039 (2016), 10.1103/PhysRevD.93.084039] we put forward a research program aiming at realizing just this. The aim is to find a fundamental description of physics above the Planck scale, based on irreversible laws, from which will emerge the apparently reversible dynamics we observe on intermediate scales. Here we continue that program and note that a class of discrete dynamical systems are known to exhibit this very property: they have an underlying discrete irreversible evolution, but in the long term exhibit the properties of a time reversible system, in the form of limit cycles. We connect this to our original model proposal in [M. Cortês and L. Smolin, Phys. Rev. D 90, 084007 (2014), 10.1103/PhysRevD.90.084007], and show that the behaviors obtained there can be explained in terms of the same phenomenon: the attraction of the system to a basin of limit cycles, where the dynamics appears to be time reversible. Further than that, we show that our original models exhibit the very same feature: the emergence of quasiparticle excitations obtained in the earlier work in the space-time description is an expression of the system's convergence to limit cycles when seen in the causal set description.

Abandon the dead donor rule or change the definition of death?

PubMed

Veatch, Robert M

2004-09-01

Research by Siminoff and colleagues reveals that many lay people in Ohio classify legally living persons in irreversible coma or persistent vegetative state (PVS) as dead that additional respondents, although classifying such patients as living, would be willing to procure organs from them. This paper analyzes possible implications of these findings for public policy. A majority would procure organs from those in irreversible coma or in PVS. Two strategies for legitimizing such procurement are suggested. One strategy would be to make exceptions to the dead donor rule permitting procurement from those in PVS or at least those who are in irreversible coma while continuing to classify them as living. Another strategy would be to further amend the definition of death to classify one or both groups as deceased, thus permitting procurement without violation of the dead donor rule. Permitting exceptions to the dead donor rule would require substantial changes in law--such as authorizing procuring surgeons to end the lives of patients by means of organ procurement--and would weaken societal prohibitions on killing. The paper suggests that it would be easier and less controversial to further amend the definition of death to classify those in irreversible coma and PVS as dead. Incorporation of a conscience clause to permit those whose religious or philosophical convictions support whole-brain or cardiac-based death pronouncement would avoid violating their beliefs while causing no more than minimal social problems. The paper questions whether those who would support an exception to the dead donor rule in these cases and those who would support a further amendment to the definition of death could reach agreement to adopt a public policy permitting organ procurement of those in irreversible coma or PVS when proper consent is obtained.

Biotin Attachment Domain-Containing Proteins Irreversibly Inhibit Acetyl CoA Carboxylase

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

Keereetaweep, Jantana; Liu, Hui; Zhai, Zhiyang

The first committed step in fatty acid synthesis is mediated by Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase), a biotin-dependent enzyme that carboxylates acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA. ACCase can be feedback-regulated by short-term (reversible) and longer-term (irreversible) inhibition upon oversupply of fatty acids (FA) provided by Tween80 (predominantly containing oleic acid; 18:1). Biotin-Attachment-Domain-Containing (BADC) proteins are inactive analogs of biotin carboxyl transfer protein (BCCP) that lack biotin and their incorporation into ACCase downregulates it by displacing active (biotin-containing) BCCP subunits. Individual T-DNA insertion lines of BADC1, BADC2, and BADC3 were used to generate badc1badc2 and badc1badc3. The badc1badc3 mutant and wild-type exhibited normal growthmore » and development, however ACCase activity was 26% higher in badc1badc3 relative to wild-type and its seeds contained 30.1 %DW more FA and 32.6 %DW more TAG than wild-type. Cell suspension cultures were generated from leaves of badc1badc3 and wild-type plants to test whether BADC contributes to the irreversible phase of ACCase inhibition resulting from culture in medium containing 10mM Tween80. While the reversible phase of ACCase inhibition after two days of Tween80 feeding was equivalent for badc1badc3 and wild-type, the irreversible phase of inhibition following four days of Tween80 feeding was reduced by 50% in badc1badc3 relative to wild-type. In this work we present evidence for two important homeostatic roles for BADC proteins in downregulating ACCase activity: during normal growth and development, and by contributing to its long-term irreversible feedback inhibition resulting from oversupply of fatty acids.« less

Irreversible evolution of angular-dependent coercivity in Fe80Ni20 nanowire arrays: Detection of a single vortex state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alikhani, M.; Ramazani, A.; Almasi Kashi, M.; Samanifar, S.; Montazer, A. H.

2016-09-01

The irreversible evolution of magnetic coercivity in arrays of 75 nm diameter Fe80Ni20 nanowires (NWs) has been explored by means of first-order reversal curve (FORC) analysis as a function of the angle between the magnetic field and the NW axis (0°≤θ≤90°). The Fe80Ni20 NWs with lengths up to 60 μm were fabricated using a pulsed electrodeposition method into hard-anodic aluminum oxide templates with an interpore distance of 275 nm. Investigating the interwire and intrawire magnetostatic interactions, the angular FORC (AFORC) diagrams indicated enhanced intrawire interactions with increasing length and θ (<90°), induced by a magnetization reversal through vortex domain wall (VDW) propagation. Intriguingly, in addition to the VDW mode, a single vortex state with broad irreversible switching of nucleation and annihilation fields was detected at θ=83° for 60 μm long NWs. At θ=90°, the NWs reversed magnetization through transverse domain wall, involving a reversible component by a fraction of 95%. Furthermore, the transition angle between the reversal modes was found to decrease with increasing aspect ratio from 200 to 800. The irreversible angular-dependent coercivity (HcIrrev(θ)) of Fe80Ni20 NWs was extracted from the AFORC measurements and compared with the major angular dependence of coercivity (HcMajor(θ)) obtained from the conventional hysteresis loop measurements. While HcMajor(θ) showed a non-monotonic behavior, HcIrrev(θ) constantly increased with increasing θ (<90°). On the other hand, using analytical models, a 93% agreement was obtained between the theoretical angular-dependent nucleation field and experimental HcIrrev(θ) for irreversible switching of VDW when 0°≤θ≤86°.

Pain Reduction in Untreated Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis Using Liposomal Bupivacaine (Exparel): A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Trial.

PubMed

Bultema, Kristy; Fowler, Sara; Drum, Melissa; Reader, Al; Nusstein, John; Beck, Mike

2016-12-01

In the treatment of patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, endodontic debridement is a predictable method to relieve pain. However, there are clinical situations in which emergency care cannot be provided immediately. An unexplored treatment option in these cases may be the use of a long-acting anesthetic to reduce pain in untreated irreversible pulpitis. Some medical studies have shown potential for infiltrations of liposomal bupivacaine (Exparel; Pacira Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA) to prolong pain relief and reduce opioid use postoperatively. The Food and Drug Administration has approved Exparel only for infiltrations; therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare an infiltration of liposomal bupivacaine versus bupivacaine for pain control in untreated, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Ninety-five emergency patients received 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine via infiltration or an inferior alveolar nerve block to relieve their initial presenting pain. Patients then randomly received either 4 mL liposomal bupivacaine (13.3 mg/mL) or 4 mL 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine by infiltration. Patients received a diary for the day of the appointment and 3 days postinjection to record soft tissue numbness, pain levels, and analgesic (non-narcotic and narcotic) use. No significant differences (P < .05) were found between the 2 anesthetic formulations for pain or the use of pain medications. A statistically higher level of soft tissue numbness was found on days 1 to 3 for the liposomal bupivacaine group. Although liposomal bupivacaine had some effect on soft tissue anesthesia, it did not reduce pain to manageable clinical levels in patients presenting with untreated, symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Copyright © 2016 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

New method for evaluating irreversible adsorption and stationary phase bleed in gas chromatographic capillary columns.

PubMed

Wright, Bob W; Wright, Cherylyn W

2012-10-26

A novel method is described for the evaluation of irreversible adsorption and column bleed in gas chromatographic (GC) columns using a tandem GC approach. This work specifically determined the degree of irreversible adsorption behavior of specific sulfur and phosphorous containing test probe compounds at levels ranging from approximately 50 picograms (pg) to 1 nanogram (ng) on selected gas chromatographic columns. This method does not replace existing evaluation methods that characterize reversible adsorption but provides an additional tool. The test compounds were selected due to their ease of adsorption and their importance in the specific trace analytical detection methodology being developed. Replicate chromatographic columns with 5% phenylmethylpolysiloxane (PMS), polyethylene glycol (wax), trifluoropropylpolysiloxane (TFP), or 78% cyanopropylpolysiloxane stationary phases from a variety of vendors were evaluated. As expected, the results demonstrate that the different chromatographic phases exhibit differing degrees of irreversible adsorption behavior. The results also indicate that all manufacturers do not produce equally inert columns nor are columns from a given manufacturer identical. The wax-coated columns for the test probes used were more inert as a group than 5% PMS coated columns, and they were more reproducibly manufactured. Both TFP and 78% cyanopropylpolysiloxane columns displayed superior inertness to the test compounds compared to either 5% PMS- or wax-coated columns. Irreversible adsorption behavior was characterized for a limited range of stationary phase film thicknesses. In addition, the method was shown effective for characterizing column bleed and methods to remove bleed components. This method is useful in screening columns for demanding applications and to obtain diagnostic information related to improved preparation methods. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Direct and irreversible inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 by nitroaspirin (NCX 4016).

PubMed

Corazzi, Teresa; Leone, Mario; Maucci, Raffaella; Corazzi, Lanfranco; Gresele, Paolo

2005-12-01

Benzoic acid, 2-(acetyl-oxy)-3-[(nitrooxy)methyl]phenyl ester (NCX 4016), a new drug made by an aspirin molecule linked, through a spacer, to a nitric oxide (NO)-donating moiety, is now under clinical testing for the treatment of atherothrombotic conditions. Aspirin exerts its antithrombotic activity by irreversibly inactivating platelet cyclooxygenase (COX)-1. NCX 4016 in vivo undergoes metabolism into deacetylated and/or denitrated metabolites, and it is not known whether NCX 4016 needs to liberate aspirin to inhibit COX-1, or whether it can block it as a whole molecule. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of NCX 4016 and its analog or metabolites on platelet COX-1 and whole blood COX-2 and on purified ovine COX (oCOX)-1 and oCOX-2. In particular, we have compared the mechanism by which NCX 4016 inhibits purified oCOX enzymes with that of aspirin using a spectrophotometric assay. All the NCX 4016 derivatives containing acetylsalicylic acid inhibited the activity of oCOX-1 and oCOX-2, whereas the deacetylated metabolites and the nitric oxide-donating moiety were inactive. Dialysis experiments showed that oCOX-1 inhibition by NCX 4016, similar to aspirin, is irreversible. Reversible COX inhibitors (indomethacin) or salicylic acid incubated with the enzyme before NCX 4016 prevent the irreversible inhibition of oCOX-1 by NCX 4016 as well as by aspirin. In conclusion, our data show that NCX 4016 acts as a direct and irreversible inhibitor of COX-1 and that the presence of a spacer and NO-donating moiety in the molecule slows the kinetics of COX-1 inhibition by NCX 4016, compared with aspirin.

Fuel cells and the theory of metals.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bocciarelli, C. V.

1972-01-01

Metal theory is used to study the role of metal catalysts in electrocatalysis, with particular reference to alkaline hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells. Use is made of a simple model, analogous to that used to interpret field emission in vacuum. Theoretical values for all the quantities in the Tafel equation are obtained in terms of bulk properties of the metal catalysts (such as free electron densities and Fermi level). The reasons why some processes are reversible (H-electrodes) and some irreversible (O-electrodes) are identified. Selection rules for desirable properties of catalytic materials are established.

Viscosity of the liquid Al-6Mg-1Mn-0.2Sc-0.1Zr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reznik, P. L.; Chikova, O. A.; Tsepelev, V. S.

2017-07-01

The microstructure and the phase composition of as-cast Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy samples are studied by electron microscopy and electron-probe microanalysis. The processes of solidification and melting of this alloy are described. The temperature dependence of the kinematic viscosity of the Al-Mg-Mn-Sc-Zr melts is studied during heating and subsequent cooling of the samples. The measurement results are used to determine the temperature at which inherited microheterogeneities in the melts are destroyed irreversibly.

Spatially: resolved heterogeneous dynamics in a strong colloidal gel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buzzaccaro, Stefano; Alaimo, Matteo David; Secchi, Eleonora; Piazza, Roberto

2015-05-01

We re-examine the classical problem of irreversible colloid aggregation, showing that the application of Digital Fourier Imaging (DFI), a class of optical correlation methods that combine the power of light scattering and imaging, allows one to pick out novel useful evidence concerning the restructuring processes taking place in a strong colloidal gel. In particular, the spatially-resolved displacement fields provided by DFI strongly suggest that the temporally-intermittent local rearrangements taking place in the course of gel ageing are characterized by very long-ranged spatial correlations.

Environmental Impact Analysis Process. Final Environmental Impact Statement. Air Force, Space Division Housing Project, San Pedro, California

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-07-24

impact on tme local zommunity’s use of :hese facilities. g ) Released to the public 24, :986. FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT kIR FORCE, SP.CE...LFM.*’* Alternative G 9 80 0 0 21 90 9 acres in southeast corner of WP and 21 acres at FM.** Alternative H 0 0 22 80 21 90 22 acres at BP and (Buildable...it may not be considered a permanent irreversible or irretrievable use of the land, the Proposed Action and alternatives (except Alternative G which

Edge-shape barrier irreversibility and decomposition of vortices in Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Indenbom, M. V.; D'Anna, G.; André, M.-O.; Kabanov, V. V.; Benoit, W.

1994-12-01

Magnetic flux dynamics is studied in Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8 single crystals by means of magneto-optical technique. It is clearly demonstrated that the magnetic irreversibility of these crystals in a magnetic field perpendicular to the basal plane at temperatures higher than approximately 35 K is governed by an edge-shape barrier and its disappearance determines the high temperature part of the magnetic irreversibility line which is commonly associated in the literature with vortex lattice melting. We argue that this barrier exists because of the non ellipsoidal shape of the samples and can disappear only when the flux lines lose their rigidity decomposing into pancakes, which is the only true magnetic phase transition on the B-T diagram for Bi 2Sr 2CaCu 2O 8.

Scaling and efficiency determine the irreversible evolution of a market

PubMed Central

Baldovin, F.; Stella, A. L.

2007-01-01

In setting up a stochastic description of the time evolution of a financial index, the challenge consists in devising a model compatible with all stylized facts emerging from the analysis of financial time series and providing a reliable basis for simulating such series. Based on constraints imposed by market efficiency and on an inhomogeneous-time generalization of standard simple scaling, we propose an analytical model which accounts simultaneously for empirical results like the linear decorrelation of successive returns, the power law dependence on time of the volatility autocorrelation function, and the multiscaling associated to this dependence. In addition, our approach gives a justification and a quantitative assessment of the irreversible character of the index dynamics. This irreversibility enters as a key ingredient in a novel simulation strategy of index evolution which demonstrates the predictive potential of the model.

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process

PubMed Central

Boullu, Loïs; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault

2016-01-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a “simple” program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network. PMID:28027290

Single-Cell-Based Analysis Highlights a Surge in Cell-to-Cell Molecular Variability Preceding Irreversible Commitment in a Differentiation Process.

PubMed

Richard, Angélique; Boullu, Loïs; Herbach, Ulysse; Bonnafoux, Arnaud; Morin, Valérie; Vallin, Elodie; Guillemin, Anissa; Papili Gao, Nan; Gunawan, Rudiyanto; Cosette, Jérémie; Arnaud, Ophélie; Kupiec, Jean-Jacques; Espinasse, Thibault; Gonin-Giraud, Sandrine; Gandrillon, Olivier

2016-12-01

In some recent studies, a view emerged that stochastic dynamics governing the switching of cells from one differentiation state to another could be characterized by a peak in gene expression variability at the point of fate commitment. We have tested this hypothesis at the single-cell level by analyzing primary chicken erythroid progenitors through their differentiation process and measuring the expression of selected genes at six sequential time-points after induction of differentiation. In contrast to population-based expression data, single-cell gene expression data revealed a high cell-to-cell variability, which was masked by averaging. We were able to show that the correlation network was a very dynamical entity and that a subgroup of genes tend to follow the predictions from the dynamical network biomarker (DNB) theory. In addition, we also identified a small group of functionally related genes encoding proteins involved in sterol synthesis that could act as the initial drivers of the differentiation. In order to assess quantitatively the cell-to-cell variability in gene expression and its evolution in time, we used Shannon entropy as a measure of the heterogeneity. Entropy values showed a significant increase in the first 8 h of the differentiation process, reaching a peak between 8 and 24 h, before decreasing to significantly lower values. Moreover, we observed that the previous point of maximum entropy precedes two paramount key points: an irreversible commitment to differentiation between 24 and 48 h followed by a significant increase in cell size variability at 48 h. In conclusion, when analyzed at the single cell level, the differentiation process looks very different from its classical population average view. New observables (like entropy) can be computed, the behavior of which is fully compatible with the idea that differentiation is not a "simple" program that all cells execute identically but results from the dynamical behavior of the underlying molecular network.

Soil carbon stocks in Sarawak, Malaysia.

PubMed

Padmanabhan, E; Eswaran, H; Reich, P F

2013-11-01

The relationship between greenhouse gas emission and climate change has led to research to identify and manage the natural sources and sinks of the gases. CO2, CH4, and N2O have an anthropic source and of these CO2 is the least effective in trapping long wave radiation. Soil carbon sequestration can best be described as a process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and relocating into soils in a form that is not readily released back into the atmosphere. The purpose of this study is to estimate carbon stocks available under current conditions in Sarawak, Malaysia. SOC estimates are made for a standard depth of 100 cm unless the soil by definition is less than this depth, as in the case of lithic subgroups. Among the mineral soils, Inceptisols tend to generally have the highest carbon contents (about 25 kg m(-2) m(-1)), while Oxisols and Ultisols rate second (about 10-15 kg m(-2) m(-1)). The Oxisols store a good amount of carbon because of an appreciable time-frame to sequester carbon and possibly lower decomposition rates for the organic carbon that is found at 1m depths. Wet soils such as peatlands tend to store significant amounts of carbon. The highest values estimated for such soils are about 114 kg m(-2) m(-1). Such appreciable amounts can also be found in the Aquepts. In conclusion, it is pertinent to recognize that degradation of the carbon pool, just like desertification, is a real process and that this irreversible process must be addressed immediately. Therefore, appropriate soil management practices should be instituted to sequester large masses of soil carbon on an annual basis. This knowledge can be used effectively to formulate strategies to prevent forest fires and clearing: two processes that can quickly release sequestered carbon to the atmosphere in an almost irreversible manner. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contributions to a thermodynamic model of Earth systems on rivers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Iberall, A. S.

1981-01-01

A model for the chemical (ground water) erosion and physical (bed load, including sedimentation) erosion of the land was developed. The rudiments of the relation between a regulated sea level (for the past 2500 million years) and the episodic rise and erosion of continents was examined to obtain some notion of the process scalings. Major process scales of about 200 years, 100,000 years, 3 My, 40 My, 300 My were estimated. It was suggested that a program targeted at ecological management would have to become familiar with processes at the first four scales (i.e., from glaciation to the horizontal movement of continents). The study returns to the initial premise. In order to understand and manage Earth biology (life, and modern man), it is necessary minimally to pursue systems' biogeology at a considerable number of process space and time scales via their irreversible thermodynamic couplings.

Comparison of anesthetic efficacy between lidocaine with and without magnesium sulfate USP 50% for inferior alveolar nerve blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Shetty, Krishna Prasad; Satish, Sarvepalli Venkata; Kilaru, Krishna Rao; Sardar, Poonam; Luke, Alexander M

2015-04-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to compare the anesthetic efficacy between lidocaine with and without magnesium sulfate USP 50% for inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) blocks in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. One hundred patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of mandibular posterior teeth were selected for the study. The patients received 1 mL magnesium sulfate USP 50% or distilled water (placebo) 1 hour before administration of conventional IAN block. Endodontic access cavity preparation was initiated 15 minutes after the IAN block injection. Lip numbness was recorded for all the patients. Success of IAN block was defined as no or mild pain on the visual analogue scale during access cavity preparation and initial instrumentation. The success rate for the IAN block was 58% for magnesium sulfate group and 32% for the placebo group, with statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .016). In mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, preoperative administration of 1 mL magnesium sulfate USP 50% resulted in statistically significant increase in success of IAN block compared with placebo. Copyright © 2015 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Phenotypic plasticity with instantaneous but delayed switches.

PubMed

Utz, Margarete; Jeschke, Jonathan M; Loeschcke, Volker; Gabriel, Wilfried

2014-01-07

Phenotypic plasticity is a widespread phenomenon, allowing organisms to better adapt to changing environments. Most empirical and theoretical studies are restricted to irreversible plasticity where the expression of a specific phenotype is mostly determined during development. However, reversible plasticity is not uncommon; here, organisms are able to switch back and forth between phenotypes. We present two optimization models for the fitness of (i) non-plastic, (ii) irreversibly plastic, and (iii) reversibly plastic genotypes in a fluctuating environment. In one model, the fitness values of an organism during different life phases act together multiplicatively (so as to consider traits that are related to survival). The other model additionally considers additive effects (corresponding to traits related to fecundity). Both models yield qualitatively similar results. If the only costs of reversible plasticity are due to temporal maladaptation while switching between phenotypes, reversibility is virtually always advantageous over irreversibility, especially for slow environmental fluctuations. If reversibility implies an overall decreased fitness, then irreversibility is advantageous if the environment fluctuates quickly or if stress events last relatively short. Our results are supported by observations from different types of organisms and have implications for many basic and applied research questions, e.g., on invasive alien species. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discovery of N-(3-(5-((3-acrylamido-4-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)phenyl)amino)-1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridin-3-yl)-2-methylphenyl)-4-(tert-butyl)benzamide (CHMFL-BTK-01) as a highly selective irreversible Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor.

PubMed

Liang, Qianmao; Chen, Yongfei; Yu, Kailin; Chen, Cheng; Zhang, Shouxiang; Wang, Aoli; Wang, Wei; Wu, Hong; Liu, Xiaochuan; Wang, Beilei; Wang, Li; Hu, Zhenquan; Wang, Wenchao; Ren, Tao; Zhang, Shanchun; Liu, Qingsong; Yun, Cai-Hong; Liu, Jing

2017-05-05

Currently there are several irreversible BTK inhibitors targeting Cys481 residue under preclinical or clinical development. However, most of these inhibitors also targeted other kinases such as BMX, JAK3, and EGFR that bear the highly similar active cysteine residues. Through a structure-based drug design approach, we discovered a highly potent (IC 50 : 7 nM) irreversible BTK inhibitor compound 9 (CHMFL-BTK-01), which displayed a high selectivity profile in KINOMEscan (S score (35) = 0.00) among 468 kinases/mutants at the concentration of 1 μM. Compound 9 completely abolished BMX, JAK3 and EGFR's activity. Both X-ray crystal structure and cysteine-serine mutation mediated rescue experiment confirmed 9's irreversible binding mode. 9 also potently inhibited BTK Y223 auto-phosphorylation (EC 50 : <30 nM), arrested cell cycle in G0/G1 phase and induced apoptosis in U2932 and Pfeiffer cells. We believe these features would make 9 a good pharmacological tool to study the BTK related pathology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Time irreversibility in reversible shell models of turbulence.

PubMed

De Pietro, Massimo; Biferale, Luca; Boffetta, Guido; Cencini, Massimo

2018-04-06

Turbulent flows governed by the Navier-Stokes equations (NSE) generate an out-of-equilibrium time irreversible energy cascade from large to small scales. In the NSE, the energy transfer is due to the nonlinear terms that are formally symmetric under time reversal. As for the dissipative term: first, it explicitly breaks time reversibility; second, it produces a small-scale sink for the energy transfer that remains effective even in the limit of vanishing viscosity. As a result, it is not clear how to disentangle the time irreversibility originating from the non-equilibrium energy cascade from the explicit time-reversal symmetry breaking due to the viscous term. To this aim, in this paper we investigate the properties of the energy transfer in turbulent shell models by using a reversible viscous mechanism, avoiding any explicit breaking of the [Formula: see text] symmetry. We probe time irreversibility by studying the statistics of Lagrangian power, which is found to be asymmetric under time reversal also in the time-reversible model. This suggests that the turbulent dynamics converges to a strange attractor where time reversibility is spontaneously broken and whose properties are robust for what concerns purely inertial degrees of freedoms, as verified by the anomalous scaling behavior of the velocity structure functions.

Temperature stability of proteins: Analysis of irreversible denaturation using isothermal calorimetry

PubMed Central

Schön, Arne; Clarkson, Benjamin R; Jaime, Maria; Freire, Ernesto

2017-01-01

The structural stability of proteins has been traditionally studied under conditions in which the folding/unfolding reaction is reversible, since thermodynamic parameters can only be determined under these conditions. Achieving reversibility conditions in temperature stability experiments has often required performing the experiments at acidic pH or other nonphysiological solvent conditions. With the rapid development of protein drugs, the fastest growing segment in the pharmaceutical industry, the need to evaluate protein stability under formulation conditions has acquired renewed urgency. Under formulation conditions and the required high protein concentration (~100 mg/mL), protein denaturation is irreversible and frequently coupled to aggregation and precipitation. In this article, we examine the thermal denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) under irreversible conditions and concentrations up to 100 mg/mL using several techniques, especially isothermal calorimetry which has been used to measure the enthalpy and kinetics of the unfolding and aggregation/precipitation at 12°C below the transition temperature measured by DSC. At those temperatures the rate of irreversible protein denaturation and aggregation of HEWL is measured to be on the order of 1 day−1. Isothermal calorimetry appears a suitable technique to identify buffer formulation conditions that maximize the long term stability of protein drugs. PMID:28722205

Connecting the irreversible capacity loss in Li-ion batteries with the electronic insulating properties of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) components.

DOE PAGES

Leung, Kevin; Lin, Yu -Xiao; Liu, Zhe; ...

2016-01-01

The formation and continuous growth of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer are responsible for the irreversible capacity loss of batteries in the initial and subsequent cycles, respectively. In this article, the electron tunneling barriers from Li metal through three insulating SEI components, namely Li 2CO 3, LiF and Li 3PO 4, are computed by density function theory (DFT) approaches. Based on electron tunneling theory, it is estimated that sufficient to block electron tunneling. It is also found that the band gap decreases under tension while the work function remains the same, and thus the tunneling barrier decreases under tensionmore » and increases under compression. A new parameter, η, characterizing the average distances between anions, is proposed to unify the variation of band gap with strain under different loading conditions into a single linear function of η. An analytical model based on the tunneling results is developed to connect the irreversible capacity loss, due to the Li ions consumed in forming these SEI component layers on the surface of negative electrodes. As a result, the agreement between the model predictions and experimental results suggests that only the initial irreversible capacity loss is due to the self-limiting electron tunneling property of the SEI.« less

Temperature stability of proteins: Analysis of irreversible denaturation using isothermal calorimetry.

PubMed

Schön, Arne; Clarkson, Benjamin R; Jaime, Maria; Freire, Ernesto

2017-11-01

The structural stability of proteins has been traditionally studied under conditions in which the folding/unfolding reaction is reversible, since thermodynamic parameters can only be determined under these conditions. Achieving reversibility conditions in temperature stability experiments has often required performing the experiments at acidic pH or other nonphysiological solvent conditions. With the rapid development of protein drugs, the fastest growing segment in the pharmaceutical industry, the need to evaluate protein stability under formulation conditions has acquired renewed urgency. Under formulation conditions and the required high protein concentration (∼100 mg/mL), protein denaturation is irreversible and frequently coupled to aggregation and precipitation. In this article, we examine the thermal denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) under irreversible conditions and concentrations up to 100 mg/mL using several techniques, especially isothermal calorimetry which has been used to measure the enthalpy and kinetics of the unfolding and aggregation/precipitation at 12°C below the transition temperature measured by DSC. At those temperatures the rate of irreversible protein denaturation and aggregation of HEWL is measured to be on the order of 1 day -1 . Isothermal calorimetry appears a suitable technique to identify buffer formulation conditions that maximize the long term stability of protein drugs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Do Clustering Monoclonal Antibody Solutions Really Have a Concentration Dependence of Viscosity?

PubMed Central

Pathak, Jai A.; Sologuren, Rumi R.; Narwal, Rojaramani

2013-01-01

Protein solution rheology data in the biophysics literature have incompletely identified factors that govern hydrodynamics. Whereas spontaneous protein adsorption at the air/water (A/W) interface increases the apparent viscosity of surfactant-free globular protein solutions, it is demonstrated here that irreversible clusters also increase system viscosity in the zero shear limit. Solution rheology measured with double gap geometry in a stress-controlled rheometer on a surfactant-free Immunoglobulin solution demonstrated that both irreversible clusters and the A/W interface increased the apparent low shear rate viscosity. Interfacial shear rheology data showed that the A/W interface yields, i.e., shows solid-like behavior. The A/W interface contribution was smaller, yet nonnegligible, in double gap compared to cone-plate geometry. Apparent nonmonotonic composition dependence of viscosity at low shear rates due to irreversible (nonequilibrium) clusters was resolved by filtration to recover a monotonically increasing viscosity-concentration curve, as expected. Although smaller equilibrium clusters also existed, their size and effective volume fraction were unaffected by filtration, rendering their contribution to viscosity invariant. Surfactant-free antibody systems containing clusters have complex hydrodynamic response, reflecting distinct bulk and interface-adsorbed protein as well as irreversible cluster contributions. Literature models for solution viscosity lack the appropriate physics to describe the bulk shear viscosity of unstable surfactant-free antibody solutions. PMID:23442970

Turbine component casting core with high resolution region

DOEpatents

Kamel, Ahmed; Merrill, Gary B.

2014-08-26

A hollow turbine engine component with complex internal features can include a first region and a second, high resolution region. The first region can be defined by a first ceramic core piece formed by any conventional process, such as by injection molding or transfer molding. The second region can be defined by a second ceramic core piece formed separately by a method effective to produce high resolution features, such as tomo lithographic molding. The first core piece and the second core piece can be joined by interlocking engagement that once subjected to an intermediate thermal heat treatment process thermally deform to form a three dimensional interlocking joint between the first and second core pieces by allowing thermal creep to irreversibly interlock the first and second core pieces together such that the joint becomes physically locked together providing joint stability through thermal processing.

Biocatalysis for Biobased Chemicals

PubMed Central

de Regil, Rubén; Sandoval, Georgina

2013-01-01

The design and development of greener processes that are safe and friendly is an irreversible trend that is driven by sustainable and economic issues. The use of Biocatalysis as part of a manufacturing process fits well in this trend as enzymes are themselves biodegradable, require mild conditions to work and are highly specific and well suited to carry out complex reactions in a simple way. The growth of computational capabilities in the last decades has allowed Biocatalysis to develop sophisticated tools to understand better enzymatic phenomena and to have the power to control not only process conditions but also the enzyme’s own nature. Nowadays, Biocatalysis is behind some important products in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and bulk chemicals industry. In this review we want to present some of the most representative examples of industrial chemicals produced in vitro through enzymatic catalysis. PMID:24970192

Irreversible Electroporation for Prostate Cancer as Salvage Treatment Following Prior Radiation and Cryotherapy.

PubMed

Murray, Katie S; Akin, Oguz; Coleman, Jonathan A

2017-01-01

Salvage treatment options after localized primary treatment failure of prostate cancer are limited and associated with risk for serious complications. We report on the management details of a 57-year-old African American man treated with partial-gland ablation using irreversible electroporation following local recurrence after brachytherapy and prior salvage cryoablation. Therapeutic and functional outcomes were assessed by conventional means, including serum prostate-specific antigen values and prostate biopsy results.

IRREVERSIBLE HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK IN GERMFREE RATS

PubMed Central

Zweifach, B. W.; Gordon, H. A.; Wagner, M.; Reyniers, J. A.

1958-01-01

Evidence has been provided that a state of irreversible hemorrhagic shock can be induced in a bacteria-free environment in rats reared under germfree conditions. The response to bleeding, the duration of the hypotensive episode and the pathological changes were the same in the germfree and in normal stock rats. The findings are interpreted as evidence opposed to the concept that bacteria or bacterial products are implicated, as primary factors, in the pathogenicity of shock. PMID:13513911

Preoperative oral use of Ibuprofen or dexamethasone may improve the anesthetic efficacy of an inferior alveolar nerve block in patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Nusstein, John M

2013-09-01

Effect of premedication with ibuprofen and dexamethasone on success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block for teeth with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis: a randomized clinical trial. Shahi S, Moktari H, Rahimi S, Yavari HR, Narimani S, Abdolrahmi M, Nezafati S. J Endod 2013;39(2):160-2. John M. Nusstein, DDS, MS PURPOSE/QUESTION: To determine whether preoperative oral administration of ibuprofen (400 mg), dexamethasone (0.5 mg), or placebo (lactose) would improve the anesthetic success rate of an inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with molars diagnosed with asymptomatic irreversible pulpitis University: Dental and Periodontal Research Center of Tabriz, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran Randomized controlled trial Level 2: Limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence Not applicable. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spin-phase-space-entropy production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, Jader P.; Céleri, Lucas C.; Brito, Frederico; Landi, Gabriel T.; Paternostro, Mauro

2018-05-01

Quantifying the degree of irreversibility of an open system dynamics represents a problem of both fundamental and applied relevance. Even though a well-known framework exists for thermal baths, the results give diverging results in the limit of zero temperature and are also not readily extended to nonequilibrium reservoirs, such as dephasing baths. Aimed at filling this gap, in this paper we introduce a phase-space-entropy production framework for quantifying the irreversibility of spin systems undergoing Lindblad dynamics. The theory is based on the spin Husimi-Q function and its corresponding phase-space entropy, known as Wehrl entropy. Unlike the von Neumann entropy production rate, we show that in our framework, the Wehrl entropy production rate remains valid at any temperature and is also readily extended to arbitrary nonequilibrium baths. As an application, we discuss the irreversibility associated with the interaction of a two-level system with a single-photon pulse, a problem which cannot be treated using the conventional approach.

Application of exergetic sustainability index to a nano-scale irreversible Brayton cycle operating with ideal Bose and Fermi gasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Açıkkalp, Emin; Caner, Necmettin

2015-09-01

In this study, a nano-scale irreversible Brayton cycle operating with quantum gasses including Bose and Fermi gasses is researched. Developments in the nano-technology cause searching the nano-scale machines including thermal systems to be unavoidable. Thermodynamic analysis of a nano-scale irreversible Brayton cycle operating with Bose and Fermi gasses was performed (especially using exergetic sustainability index). In addition, thermodynamic analysis involving classical evaluation parameters such as work output, exergy output, entropy generation, energy and exergy efficiencies were conducted. Results are submitted numerically and finally some useful recommendations were conducted. Some important results are: entropy generation and exergetic sustainability index are affected mostly for Bose gas and power output and exergy output are affected mostly for the Fermi gas by x. At the high temperature conditions, work output and entropy generation have high values comparing with other degeneracy conditions.

The development of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors from 2012 to 2017: A mini-review.

PubMed

Liang, Chengyuan; Tian, Danni; Ren, Xiaodong; Ding, Shunjun; Jia, Minyi; Xin, Minhang; Thareja, Suresh

2018-05-10

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has emerged as a promising drug target for multiple diseases, particularly haematopoietic malignancies and autoimmune diseases related to B lymphocytes. This review focuses on the diverse, small-molecule inhibitors of BTK kinase that have shown good prospects for clinical application. Individual examples of these inhibitors, including both reversible and irreversible inhibitors and a recently developed reversible covalent inhibitor of BTK, are discussed. Considerable progress has been made in the development of irreversible inhibitors, most of which target the SH3 pocket and the cysteine 481 residue of BTK. The present review also surveys the pharmacological advantages and deficiencies of both reversible and irreversible BTK drugs, with a focus on the structure-activity relationship (SARs) and binding modes of representative drugs, which could inspire critical thinking and new ideas for developing potent BTK inhibitors with less unwanted off-target effects. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Kinetic model of 1,3-specific triacylglycerols alcoholysis catalyzed by lipases.

PubMed

Pilarek, Maciej; Szewczyk, Krzysztof W

2007-01-20

A new model of enzymatic 1,3-specific alcoholysis of triacylglycerols has been developed. The irreversibility of the acyl bounds cleavage in glycerides, a reversible monoglycerides isomerization and an irreversible enzyme deactivation have been assumed. The Ping Pong Bi Bi mechanism with competitive inhibition by alcohol has been applied to describe rates of acyl bonds cleavage. The enzymatic propanolysis and iso-propanolysis of triacetin and tricaprylin catalyzed by immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (Novozym 435) have been investigated to verify the model. Good agreement between experimental data and calculations has been obtained. It was shown that the rate of tricaprylin alcoholysis is higher than the triacetin alcoholysis and that the rate of iso-propanolysis reactions are higher than propanolysis. The irreversible enzyme deactivation affects the conversion of glycerides whereas the competitive alcohol inhibition may be neglected. Empirical correlations of rates for monoglycerides isomerization and enzyme deactivation have been proposed.

Mn 0.9Co 0.1P in field parallel to hard direction: phase diagram and irreversibility of CONE phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieba, A.; Becerra, C. C.; Oliveira, N. F.; Fjellvåg, H.; Kjekshus, A.

1992-02-01

A single crystal of Mn 0.9Co 0.1P, a homologue of MnP with disordered metal sublattice, has been studied by the ac susceptibility method in a steady field H. This report concerns H parallel to the orthorhombic a axis ( a> b> c). The magnetic phase diagram is qualitatively similar to that of MnP, including the presence of a Lifshitz multicritical point ( TL = 98 K, HL = 42 kOe) at the confluence of the paramagnetic, ferromagnetic and modulated FAN phases. Contrary to pure MnP, irreversible behaviour was observed in the susceptibility of the modulated CONE phase. This phenomenon develops only for fields above 30 kOe, in contrast to the irreversibility of the FAN phase (reported previously for H‖ b in the whole field range down to H = 0). New features of the presumably continuous CONE-FAN transition were also found.

Ribosome-inactivating proteins

PubMed Central

Walsh, Matthew J; Dodd, Jennifer E; Hautbergue, Guillaume M

2013-01-01

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) were first isolated over a century ago and have been shown to be catalytic toxins that irreversibly inactivate protein synthesis. Elucidation of atomic structures and molecular mechanism has revealed these proteins to be a diverse group subdivided into two classes. RIPs have been shown to exhibit RNA N-glycosidase activity and depurinate the 28S rRNA of the eukaryotic 60S ribosomal subunit. In this review, we compare archetypal RIP family members with other potent toxins that abolish protein synthesis: the fungal ribotoxins which directly cleave the 28S rRNA and the newly discovered Burkholderia lethal factor 1 (BLF1). BLF1 presents additional challenges to the current classification system since, like the ribotoxins, it does not possess RNA N-glycosidase activity but does irreversibly inactivate ribosomes. We further discuss whether the RIP classification should be broadened to include toxins achieving irreversible ribosome inactivation with similar turnovers to RIPs, but through different enzymatic mechanisms. PMID:24071927

Lagrangian formulation of irreversible thermodynamics and the second law of thermodynamics.

PubMed

Glavatskiy, K S

2015-05-28

We show that the equations which describe irreversible evolution of a system can be derived from a variational principle. We suggest a Lagrangian, which depends on the properties of the normal and the so-called "mirror-image" system. The Lagrangian is symmetric in time and therefore compatible with microscopic reversibility. The evolution equations in the normal and mirror-imaged systems are decoupled and describe therefore independent irreversible evolution of each of the systems. The second law of thermodynamics follows from a symmetry of the Lagrangian. Entropy increase in the normal system is balanced by the entropy decrease in the mirror-image system, such that there exists an "integral of evolution" which is a constant. The derivation relies on the property of local equilibrium, which states that the local relations between the thermodynamic quantities in non-equilibrium are the same as in equilibrium.

Is thermodynamic irreversibility a consequence of the expansion of the Universe?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osváth, Szabolcs

2018-02-01

This paper explains thermodynamic irreversibility by applying the expansion of the Universe to thermodynamic systems. The effect of metric expansion is immeasurably small on shorter scales than intergalactic distances. Multi-particle systems, however, are chaotic, and amplify any small disturbance exponentially. Metric expansion gives rise to time-asymmetric behaviour in thermodynamic systems in a short time (few nanoseconds in air, few ten picoseconds in water). In contrast to existing publications, this paper explains without any additional assumptions the rise of thermodynamic irreversibility from the underlying reversible mechanics of particles. Calculations for the special case which assumes FLRW metric, slow motions (v ≪ c) and approximates space locally by Euclidean space show that metric expansion causes entropy increase in isolated systems. The rise of time-asymmetry, however, is not affected by these assumptions. Any influence of the expansion of the Universe on the local metric causes a coupling between local mechanics and evolution of the Universe.

Irreversible and endoreversible behaviors of the LD-model for heat devices: the role of the time constraints and symmetries on the performance at maximum χ figure of merit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Ayala, Julian; Calvo Hernández, A.; Roco, J. M. M.

2016-07-01

The main unified energetic properties of low dissipation heat engines and refrigerator engines allow for both endoreversible or irreversible configurations. This is accomplished by means of the constraints imposed on the characteristic global operation time or the contact times between the working system with the external heat baths and modulated by the dissipation symmetries. A suited unified figure of merit (which becomes power output for heat engines) is analyzed and the influence of the symmetries on the optimum performance discussed. The obtained results, independent on any heat transfer law, are faced with those obtained from Carnot-like heat models where specific heat transfer laws are needed. Thus, it is shown that only the inverse phenomenological law, often used in linear irreversible thermodynamics, correctly reproduces all optimized values for both the efficiency and coefficient of performance values.

Biogenic methane, hydrogen escape, and the irreversible oxidation of early Earth.

PubMed

Catling, D C; Zahnle, K J; McKay, C

2001-08-03

The low O2 content of the Archean atmosphere implies that methane should have been present at levels approximately 10(2) to 10(3) parts per million volume (ppmv) (compared with 1.7 ppmv today) given a plausible biogenic source. CH4 is favored as the greenhouse gas that countered the lower luminosity of the early Sun. But abundant CH4 implies that hydrogen escapes to space (upward arrow space) orders of magnitude faster than today. Such reductant loss oxidizes the Earth. Photosynthesis splits water into O2 and H, and methanogenesis transfers the H into CH4. Hydrogen escape after CH4 photolysis, therefore, causes a net gain of oxygen [CO2 + 2H2O --> CH4 + 2O2 --> CO2 + O2 + 4H(upward arrow space)]. Expected irreversible oxidation (approximately 10(12) to 10(13) moles oxygen per year) may help explain how Earth's surface environment became irreversibly oxidized.

Lagrangian formulation of irreversible thermodynamics and the second law of thermodynamics

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

Glavatskiy, K. S.

We show that the equations which describe irreversible evolution of a system can be derived from a variational principle. We suggest a Lagrangian, which depends on the properties of the normal and the so-called “mirror-image” system. The Lagrangian is symmetric in time and therefore compatible with microscopic reversibility. The evolution equations in the normal and mirror-imaged systems are decoupled and describe therefore independent irreversible evolution of each of the systems. The second law of thermodynamics follows from a symmetry of the Lagrangian. Entropy increase in the normal system is balanced by the entropy decrease in the mirror-image system, such thatmore » there exists an “integral of evolution” which is a constant. The derivation relies on the property of local equilibrium, which states that the local relations between the thermodynamic quantities in non-equilibrium are the same as in equilibrium.« less

Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy.

PubMed

Lostaglio, Matteo; Jennings, David; Rudolph, Terry

2015-03-10

Recent studies have developed fundamental limitations on nanoscale thermodynamics, in terms of a set of independent free energy relations. Here we show that free energy relations cannot properly describe quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes. By casting time-asymmetry as a quantifiable, fundamental resource of a quantum state, we arrive at an additional, independent set of thermodynamic constraints that naturally extend the existing ones. These asymmetry relations reveal that the traditional Szilárd engine argument does not extend automatically to quantum coherences, but instead only relational coherences in a multipartite scenario can contribute to thermodynamic work. We find that coherence transformations are always irreversible. Our results also reveal additional structural parallels between thermodynamics and the theory of entanglement.

Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lostaglio, Matteo; Jennings, David; Rudolph, Terry

2015-03-01

Recent studies have developed fundamental limitations on nanoscale thermodynamics, in terms of a set of independent free energy relations. Here we show that free energy relations cannot properly describe quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes. By casting time-asymmetry as a quantifiable, fundamental resource of a quantum state, we arrive at an additional, independent set of thermodynamic constraints that naturally extend the existing ones. These asymmetry relations reveal that the traditional Szilárd engine argument does not extend automatically to quantum coherences, but instead only relational coherences in a multipartite scenario can contribute to thermodynamic work. We find that coherence transformations are always irreversible. Our results also reveal additional structural parallels between thermodynamics and the theory of entanglement.

Investigation of DBS electro-oxidation reaction in the aqueous-organic solution of LiClO4.

PubMed

Darlewski, Witold; Popiel, Stanisław; Nalepa, Tomasz; Gromotowicz, Waldemar; Szewczyk, Rafał; Stankiewicz, Romuald

2010-03-15

A process of dibutyl sulphide (DBS) electro-oxidation using electrolysis and cyclic voltamperometry was investigated in water-methanol solution using different electrodes (platinum, boron doped diamond, graphite and glassy carbon). Obtained results indicate that the DBS electro-oxidation process is irreversible in voltamperometric conditions. It was shown that during DBS electrolytic oxidation on Pt, at the low anode potential (1.8 V), DBS was oxidized to sulphoxide and sulphone. Electrolysis at higher potential (up to 3.0 V) resulted in complete DBS oxidation and formation of various products, including: butyric acid, sulphuric acid, butanesulphinic acid, butanesulphonic acid, identified using gas chromatography (GC-AED) and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Description of quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes requires constraints beyond free energy

PubMed Central

Lostaglio, Matteo; Jennings, David; Rudolph, Terry

2015-01-01

Recent studies have developed fundamental limitations on nanoscale thermodynamics, in terms of a set of independent free energy relations. Here we show that free energy relations cannot properly describe quantum coherence in thermodynamic processes. By casting time-asymmetry as a quantifiable, fundamental resource of a quantum state, we arrive at an additional, independent set of thermodynamic constraints that naturally extend the existing ones. These asymmetry relations reveal that the traditional Szilárd engine argument does not extend automatically to quantum coherences, but instead only relational coherences in a multipartite scenario can contribute to thermodynamic work. We find that coherence transformations are always irreversible. Our results also reveal additional structural parallels between thermodynamics and the theory of entanglement. PMID:25754774

Observation sequences and onboard data processing of Planet-C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, M.; Imamura, T.; Nakamura, M.; Ishi, N.; Ueno, M.; Hihara, H.; Abe, T.; Yamada, T.

Planet-C or VCO Venus Climate Orbiter will carry 5 cameras IR1 IR 1micrometer camera IR2 IR 2micrometer camera UVI UV Imager LIR Long-IR camera and LAC Lightning and Airglow Camera in the UV-IR region to investigate atmospheric dynamics of Venus During 30 hr orbiting designed to quasi-synchronize to the super rotation of the Venus atmosphere 3 groups of scientific observations will be carried out i image acquisition of 4 cameras IR1 IR2 UVI LIR 20 min in 2 hrs ii LAC operation only when VCO is within Venus shadow and iii radio occultation These observation sequences will define the scientific outputs of VCO program but the sequences must be compromised with command telemetry downlink and thermal power conditions For maximizing science data downlink it must be well compressed and the compression efficiency and image quality have the significant scientific importance in the VCO program Images of 4 cameras IR1 2 and UVI 1Kx1K and LIR 240x240 will be compressed using JPEG2000 J2K standard J2K is selected because of a no block noise b efficiency c both reversible and irreversible d patent loyalty free and e already implemented as academic commercial software ICs and ASIC logic designs Data compression efficiencies of J2K are about 0 3 reversible and 0 1 sim 0 01 irreversible The DE Digital Electronics unit which controls 4 cameras and handles onboard data processing compression is under concept design stage It is concluded that the J2K data compression logics circuits using space

Quantitative Analysis of the Effective Functional Structure in Yeast Glycolysis

PubMed Central

De la Fuente, Ildefonso M.; Cortes, Jesus M.

2012-01-01

The understanding of the effective functionality that governs the enzymatic self-organized processes in cellular conditions is a crucial topic in the post-genomic era. In recent studies, Transfer Entropy has been proposed as a rigorous, robust and self-consistent method for the causal quantification of the functional information flow among nonlinear processes. Here, in order to quantify the functional connectivity for the glycolytic enzymes in dissipative conditions we have analyzed different catalytic patterns using the technique of Transfer Entropy. The data were obtained by means of a yeast glycolytic model formed by three delay differential equations where the enzymatic rate equations of the irreversible stages have been explicitly considered. These enzymatic activity functions were previously modeled and tested experimentally by other different groups. The results show the emergence of a new kind of dynamical functional structure, characterized by changing connectivity flows and a metabolic invariant that constrains the activity of the irreversible enzymes. In addition to the classical topological structure characterized by the specific location of enzymes, substrates, products and feedback-regulatory metabolites, an effective functional structure emerges in the modeled glycolytic system, which is dynamical and characterized by notable variations of the functional interactions. The dynamical structure also exhibits a metabolic invariant which constrains the functional attributes of the enzymes. Finally, in accordance with the classical biochemical studies, our numerical analysis reveals in a quantitative manner that the enzyme phosphofructokinase is the key-core of the metabolic system, behaving for all conditions as the main source of the effective causal flows in yeast glycolysis. PMID:22393350

The proprotein convertase SKI-1/S1P. In vitro analysis of Lassa virus glycoprotein-derived substrates and ex vivo validation of irreversible peptide inhibitors.

PubMed

Pasquato, Antonella; Pullikotil, Philomena; Asselin, Marie-Claude; Vacatello, Manuela; Paolillo, Livio; Ghezzo, Francesca; Basso, Federica; Di Bello, Carlo; Dettin, Monica; Seidah, Nabil G

2006-08-18

Herein we designed, synthesized, tested, and validated fluorogenic methylcoumarinamide (MCA) and chloromethylketone-peptides spanning the Lassa virus GPC cleavage site as substrates and inhibitors for the proprotein convertase SKI-1/S1P. The 7-mer MCA (YISRRLL-MCA) and 8-mer MCA (IYISRRLL-MCA) are very efficiently cleaved with respect to both the 6-mer MCA (ISRRLL-MCA) and point mutated fluorogenic analogues, except for the 7-mer mutant Y253F. The importance of the P7 phenylic residue was confirmed by digestions of two 16-mer non-fluorogenic peptidyl substrates that differ by a single point mutation (Y253A). Because NMR analysis of these 16-mer peptides did not reveal significant structural differences at recognition motif RRLL, the P7 Tyr residue is likely important in establishing key interactions within the catalytic pocket of SKI-1. Based on these data, we established through analysis of pro-ATF6 and pro-SREBP-2 cellular processing that decanoylated chloromethylketone 7-mer, 6-mer, and 4-mer peptides containing the core RRLL sequence are irreversible and potent ex vivo SKI-1 inhibitors. Although caution must be exercised in using these inhibitors in in vitro reactions, as they can also inhibit the basic amino acid-specific convertase furin, within cells and when used at concentrations < or = 100 microM these inhibitors are relatively specific for inhibition of SKI-1 processing events, as opposed to those performed by furin-like convertases.

Unfolding and inactivation during thermal denaturation of an enzyme that exhibits phytase and acid phosphatase activities.

PubMed

Wang, Xiao-Yun; Meng, Fan-Guo; Zhou, Hai-Meng

2004-03-01

The thermostability of an enzyme that exhibits phytase and acid phosphatase activities was studied. Kinetics of inactivation and unfolding during thermal denaturation of the enzyme were compared. The loss of phytase activity on thermal denaturation is most suggestive of a reversible process. As for acid phosphatase activities, an interesting phenomenon was observed; there are two phases in thermal inactivation: when the temperature was between 45 and 50 degrees C, the thermal inactivation could be characterized as an irreversible inactivation which had some residual activity and when the temperature was above 55 degrees C, the thermal inactivation could be characterized as an irreversible process which had no residual activity. The microscopic rate constants for the free enzyme and substrate-enzyme complex were determined by Tsou's method [Adv. Enzymol. Relat. Areas Mol. Biol. 61 (1988) 381]. Fluorescence analyses indicate that when the enzyme was treated at temperatures below 60 degrees C for 60 min, the conformation of the enzyme had no detectable change; when the temperatures were above 60 degrees C, some fluorescence red-shift could be observed with a decrease in emission intensity. The inactivation rates (k(+0)) of free enzymes were faster than those of conformational changes during thermal denaturation at the same temperature. The rapid inactivation and slow conformational changes of phytase during thermal denaturation suggest that inactivation occurs before significant conformational changes of the enzyme, and the active site of this enzyme is situated in a relatively fragile region which makes the active site more flexible than the molecule as a whole.

Inertial effects during irreversible meniscus reconfiguration in angular pores

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrari, Andrea; Lunati, Ivan

2014-12-01

In porous media, the dynamics of the invading front between two immiscible fluids is often characterized by abrupt reconfigurations caused by local instabilities of the interface. As a prototype of these phenomena we consider the dynamics of a meniscus in a corner as it can be encountered in angular pores. We investigate this process in detail by means of direct numerical simulations that solve the Navier-Stokes equations in the pore space and employ the Volume of Fluid method (VOF) to track the evolution of the interface. We show that for a quasi-static displacement, the numerically calculated surface energy agrees well with the analytical solutions that we have derived for pores with circular and square cross sections. However, the spontaneous reconfigurations are irreversible and cannot be controlled by the injection rate: they are characterized by the amount of surface energy that is spontaneously released and transformed into kinetic energy. The resulting local velocities can be orders of magnitude larger than the injection velocity and they induce damped oscillations of the interface that possess their own time scales and depend only on fluid properties and pore geometry. In complex media (we consider a network of cubic pores) reconfigurations are so frequent and oscillations last long enough that increasing inertial effects leads to a different fluid distribution by influencing the selection of the next pore to be invaded. This calls into question simple pore-filling rules based only on capillary forces. Also, we demonstrate that inertial effects during irreversible reconfigurations can influence the work done by the external forces that is related to the pressure drop in Darcy's law. This suggests that these phenomena have to be considered when upscaling multiphase flow because local oscillations of the menisci affect macroscopic quantities and modify the constitutive relationships to be used in macro-scale models. These results can be extrapolated to other interface instabilities that are at the origin of fast pore-scale events, such as Haines jumps, snap-off and coalescence.

Types of hydrogeological response to large-scale explosions and earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorbunova, Ella; Vinogradov, Evgeny; Besedina, Alina; Martynov, Vasilii

2017-04-01

Hydrogeological response to anthropogenic and natural impact indicates massif properties and mode of deformation. We studied uneven-aged aquifers that had been unsealed at the Semipalatinsk testing area (Kazakhstan) and geophysical observatory "Mikhnevo" at the Moscow region (Russia). Data was collected during long-term underground water monitoring that was carried out in 1983-1989 when large-scale underground nuclear explosions were realized. Precise observations of underground water response to distant earthquakes waves passage at GPO "Mikhnevo" have been conducted since 2008. One of the goals of the study was to mark out main types of either dynamic or irreversible spatial-temporal underground water response to large-scale explosions and to compare them with those of earthquakes impact as it had been presented in different papers. As far as nobody really knows hydrogeological processes that occur at the earthquake source it's especially important to analyze experimental data of groundwater level variations that was carried close to epicenter first minutes to hours after explosions. We found that hydrogeodynamic reaction strongly depends on initial geological and hydrogeological conditions as far as on seismic impact parameters. In the near area post-dynamic variations can lead to either excess pressure dome or depression cone forming that results of aquifer drainage due to rock massif fracturing. In the far area explosion effect is comparable with the one of distant earthquake and provides dynamic water level oscillations. Precise monitoring at the "Mikhnevo" area was conducted in the platform conditions far from active faults thus we consider it as a purely calm area far from earthquake sources. Both dynamic and irreversible water level change seem to form power dependence on vertical peak ground displacement velocity due to wave passage. Further research will be aimed at transition close-to-far area to identify a criterion that determines either irreversible or elastic behavior of hydrogeological response. This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project no. 16-17-00095).

OPERATIONAL TEST AND EVALUATION OF PHOTOTROPIC GOGGLES.

DTIC Science & Technology

Irreversible Phototropic Filter Device is one of many such systems. Forty-nine Air Defense Command and twenty-four Tactical Air Command aircrews evaluated the...indicated that: The goggles do not integrate with the oxygen mask, helmet and visor; It is not practicable to carry additional phototropic lenses for...in-flight changes. The Irreversible Phototropic Filter Device is operationally unacceptable for use by aircrew members. Recommend that ASD continue efforts to develop a suitable device for flashblindness protection. (Author)

A Comparative Analysis into U.S. Military Abuses at the My Lai Massacre and Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-06-01

abuse by U.S. service members, even if few and far between, have nearly irreversible impacts on the United States, including straining foreign...U.S. service members, even if few and far between, have nearly irreversible impacts on the United States, including straining foreign relations...even though violence has plagued human history. Psychology has much to offer in understanding isolated incidents of abuse. The impacts of a group

Comparison of anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Sood, Ravi; Hans, Manoj-Kumar; Shetty, Shashit

2014-12-01

This study was done to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine with that of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine during pulpectomy in patients with irreversible pulpitis for inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular posterior teeth. Patients with irreversible pulpitis referred to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, K.D. Dental College, randomly received a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block containing 1.8 mL of either 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. After the patient's subjective assessment of lip anesthesia, the absence/presence of pulpal anesthesia through electric pulp stimulation was recorded and the absence/presence of pain was recorded through visual analogue scale. The pulpal anesthesia success for articaine (76%) was slightly more than with lidocaine (58%) as measured with pulp tester as well as for the pain reported during the procedure the success rate of articaine (88%) was slightly more than that of lidocaine (82%) although the difference between the two solutions was not statistically significant. Both the local anesthetic solutions had similar effects on patients with irreversible pulpitis when used for inferior alveolar nerve block. Key words:Anesthesia, articaine, lignocaine, pulpitis.

Comparison of anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis

PubMed Central

Sood, Ravi; Shetty, Shashit

2014-01-01

Objectives: This study was done to compare the anesthetic efficacy of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine with that of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine during pulpectomy in patients with irreversible pulpitis for inferior alveolar nerve block in mandibular posterior teeth. Material and Methods: Patients with irreversible pulpitis referred to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, K.D. Dental College, randomly received a conventional inferior alveolar nerve block containing 1.8 mL of either 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine or 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine. After the patient’s subjective assessment of lip anesthesia, the absence/presence of pulpal anesthesia through electric pulp stimulation was recorded and the absence/presence of pain was recorded through visual analogue scale. Results: The pulpal anesthesia success for articaine (76%) was slightly more than with lidocaine (58%) as measured with pulp tester as well as for the pain reported during the procedure the success rate of articaine (88%) was slightly more than that of lidocaine (82%) although the difference between the two solutions was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both the local anesthetic solutions had similar effects on patients with irreversible pulpitis when used for inferior alveolar nerve block. Key words:Anesthesia, articaine, lignocaine, pulpitis. PMID:25674319

Comparison of Effect of Oral Premedication with Ibuprofen or Dexamethasone on Anesthetic Efficacy of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Patients with Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Double-blind Study.

PubMed

Bidar, Maryam; Mortazavi, Soheil; Forghani, Maryam; Akhlaghi, Saeed

2017-01-01

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to determine the effect of preoperative oral administration of ibuprofen or dexamethasone on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Seventy-eight patients with irreversible pulpitis were randomly divided into 3 groups (26 per group) and given one of the following at 1 hr prior to performing local anesthesia: a placebo; 400 mg ibuprofen; or 4 mg dexamethasone. Each patient recorded their pain level on a visual analog scale before taking the medication or placebo, at 15 min after completion of IANB, and during treatment if pain occurred. The success of the anesthesia was defined as no or mild pain at any stage during the endodontic procedure. The success rate of the IANB was 38.5, 73.1, and 80.8% with the placebo, ibuprofen, and dexamethasone, respectively. Both ibuprofen and dexamethasone were significantly more effective than the placebo. No significant difference was observed, however, between the two experimental medications in terms of effectiveness. The results of the present study suggest that premedication with ibuprofen or dexamethasone increases the success rate of an IANB in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in the mandibular molars.

Anesthetic Efficacy of Articaine and Ketamine for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

PubMed

Sakhaeimanesh, Vahid; Khazaei, Saber; Kaviani, Naser; Saatchi, Masoud; Shafiei, Maryam; Khademi, Abbasali

2017-01-01

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind study was to investigate the effect of articaine combined with ketamine on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in posterior mandible teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Forty two adult patients with diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth were selected. The patients received two cartridges of either containing 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride (A-ketamine group) or 3.2 mL 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:200000 and 0.4 mL normal saline (A-saline group) using conventional IANB injections. Access cavity preparation started 15 min after injection. Lip numbness was required for all the patients. Success was considered as no or mild pain on the basis of Heft-Parker visual analog scale recordings upon access cavity preparation or initial instrumentation. Data were analyzed by independent student t , Mann-Whitney and Chi -square tests. The success rates were 55% and 42.9% for A-ketamine and A-saline group, respectively, with no significant differences between the two groups ( P =0.437) . Adding 0.4 mL 50 mg/mL ketamine hydrochloride to the articaine local anesthetic did not increase the efficacy of IANB for posterior mandibular teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Prediction of specific damage or infarction from the measurement of tissue impedance following repetitive brain ischaemia in the rat.

PubMed

Klein, H C; Krop-Van Gastel, W; Go, K G; Korf, J

1993-02-01

The development of irreversible brain damage during repetitive periods of hypoxia and normoxia was studied in anaesthetized rats with unilateral occlusion of the carotid artery (modified Levine model). Rats were exposed to 10 min hypoxia and normoxia until severe damage developed. As indices of damage, whole striatal tissue impedance (reflecting cellular water uptake), sodium/potassium contents (due to exchange with blood). Evans Blue staining (blood-brain barrier [BBB] integrity) and silver staining (increased in irreversibly damaged neurons) were used. A substantial decrease in blood pressure was observed during the hypoxic periods possibly producing severe ischaemia. Irreversibly increased impedance, massive changes in silver staining, accumulation of whole tissue Na and loss of K occurred only after a minimum of two periods of hypoxia, but there was no disruption of the BBB. Microscopic examination of tissue sections revealed that cell death was selective with reversible impedance changes, but became massive and non-specific after irreversible increase of the impedance. The development of brain infarcts could, however, not be predicted from measurements of physiological parameters in the blood. We suggest that the development of cerebral infarction during repetitive periods of hypoxia may serve as a model for the development of brain damage in a variety of clinical conditions. Furthermore, the present model allows the screening of potential therapeutic measuring of the prevention and treatment of both infarction and selective cell death.

Chemochromic Hydrogen Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wiggins, Bryan C.

2007-01-01

As fossil fuel supplies decline, hydrogen is quickly becoming an increasingly important fuel source. Currently hydrogen is the prime fuel of today's space vehicles (e.g., Space Shuttle) and featured as a fuel for some prototype vehicles such as the BMW seven series model. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas with a 4% lower explosive limit which makes leak detection a priority. In an effort to support the use of hydrogen, a chemochromic (color changing) sensor was developed that is robust, simple to use, and does not require active operation. It can be made into a thin tape which can be conveniently used for leak detection at flanges, valves, or outlets. Chemochromic sensors can be either reversible or irreversible; however, irreversible chemochromic sensors will be analyzed in this report. The irreversible sensor is useful during hazardous operations when personnel cannot be present. To actively monitor leaks, testing of the irreversible sensor against environmental effects was completed and results indicated this material is suitable for outdoor use in the harsh beachside environment of Kennedy Space Center. The experiments in this report will give additional results to the environmental testing by adding solid rocket booster residue as a variable. The primary motivation for these experiments is to prepare the sensors for the launch pad environment at the Kennedy Space Center. In an effort to simulate the atmosphere at the pads before and after launch, the chemochromic sensors are exposed to solid rocket residue under various conditions.

Materials for interocclusal records and their ability to reproduce a 3-dimensional jaw relationship.

PubMed

Ockert-Eriksson, G; Eriksson, A; Lockowandt, P; Eriksson, O

2000-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if accuracy and dimensional stability of vinyl polysiloxanes and irreversible hydrocolloids stabilized by a tray used for fixed prosthodontics, removable partial, and complete denture cases are comparable to those of waxes and record rims and if storage time (24 hours or 6 days) affects dimensional stability of the tested materials. Two waxes, two record rims, three vinyl polysiloxanes, and one irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) were examined. Three pairs of master casts with measuring steel rods were mounted on an articulator (initial position). Five records were made of each material, and the upper cast was remounted after 24 hours or 6 days so that deviations from the initial position could be measured. Vinyl polysiloxanes reinforced by a stabilization tray were the most accurate materials able to reproduce a settled interocclusal position. Mounting casts (fixed prosthodontics cases) without records gave accuracy similar to wax records. Record rims used for removable partial and complete denture cases produced lesser accuracy than vinyl polysiloxanes and irreversible hydrocolloid stabilized by a tray. Accuracy was not significantly affected by storage time. The results show that accuracy of vinyl polysiloxanes and irreversible hydrocolloids reinforced by a tray is superior to that of record rims with regard to the complete denture case and is among the most accurate with regard to the removable partial denture case. For fixed prosthodontics, however, reinforcement is unnecessary.

Anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental X-tip intraosseous injection in patients with irreversible pulpitis.

PubMed

Nusstein, John; Kennedy, Shawn; Reader, Al; Beck, Mike; Weaver, Joel

2003-11-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of the supplemental intraosseous injection, using the X-tip system in an apical location, in mandibular posterior teeth diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis when the conventional inferior alveolar nerve block failed. Thirty-three emergency patients, diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular posterior tooth, received an inferior alveolar nerve block and had moderate-to-severe pain on endodontic access. The X-tip system was used to administer 1.8 ml of 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine. The X-tip injection site was 3- to 7-mm apical to the mucogingival junction of the affected tooth. Success of the X-tip intraosseous injection was defined as none or mild pain on endodontic access or initial instrumentation. The results of this study demonstrated that 6 of 33 (18%) X-tip injections resulted in backflow of anesthetic solution into the oral cavity; none were successful in obtaining anesthesia. Twenty-seven of the remaining 33 X-tip injections (82%) were successful. We conclude that when the inferior alveolar nerve block fails to provide profound pulpal anesthesia, the X-tip system, when used in an apical location and when there was no backflow of the anesthetic solution into the oral cavity, was successful in achieving pulpal anesthesia in mandibular posterior teeth of patients presenting with irreversible pulpitis.

Killing K channels with TEA+.

PubMed

Khodakhah, K; Melishchuk, A; Armstrong, C M

1997-11-25

Tetraethylammonium (TEA+) is widely used for reversible blockade of K channels in many preparations. We noticed that intracellular perfusion of voltage-clamped squid giant axons with a solution containing K+ and TEA+ irreversibly decreased the potassium current when there was no K+ outside. Five minutes of perfusion with 20 mM TEA+, followed by removal of TEA+, reduced potassium current to < 5% of its initial value. The irreversible disappearance of K channels with TEA+ could be prevented by addition of > or = 10 mM K+ to the extracellular solution. The rate of disappearance of K channels followed first-order kinetics and was slowed by reducing the concentration of TEA+. Killing is much less evident when an axon is held at -110 mV to tightly close all of the channels. The longer-chain TEA+ derivative decyltriethylammonium (C10+) had irreversible effects similar to TEA+. External K+ also protected K channels against the irreversible action of C10+. It has been reported that removal of all K+ internally and externally (dekalification) can result in the disappearance of K channels, suggesting that binding of K+ within the pore is required to maintain function. Our evidence further suggests that the crucial location for K+ binding is external to the (internal) TEA+ site and that TEA+ prevents refilling of this location by intracellular K+. Thus in the absence of extracellular K+, application of TEA+ (or C10+) has effects resembling dekalification and kills the K channels.

Bilateral cataract formation via acute spontaneous fracture of the lens following treatment of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome.

PubMed

Sychev, Yevgeniy V; Zepeda, Emily M; Lam, Deborah L

2017-09-01

Acute development of cataracts that may be transient is known to occur during correction of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Nettleship in 1885 was the first to describe the presence of a transient cataract in three diabetic patients that grew worse and eventually cleared with treatment. 1 We present a case of irreversible cataracts formed by nuclear fracture of the crystalline lens after hyperglycemia correction, an entity that has not yet been described. A 67 year-old Caucasian man presented with sudden bilateral vision loss one week after a week-long hospitalization in the intensive care unit for correction of hyperglycemia in the setting of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome requiring an insulin drip. This was caused by spontaneous fractures of the lens nuclei causing bilateral irreversible cataracts. The patient underwent uncomplicated bilateral cataract extraction resulting in restoration of normal vision. Acute transient cataracts that develop during correction of hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome are thought to result from osmotic lens swelling. In this case report, internal fracture of the lens was produced by mechanical forces generated in the process of lens swelling occurring as a consequence of initial hyperglycemia and its subsequent correction. This case represents a rare ocular complication of hyperglycemia correction, and provides new evidence that mechanical forces can be part of diabetic cataractogenesis.

Acetylcholine-hydrolyzing activities in soluble brain fraction: Characterization with reversible and irreversible inhibitors.

PubMed

Estévez, Jorge; Selva, Verónica; Benabent, Mónica; Mangas, Iris; Sogorb, Miguel Ángel; Vilanova, Eugenio

2016-11-25

Some effects of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) esters cannot be explained through actions on currently recognized targets acetylcholinesterase or neuropathy target esterase (NTE). In soluble chicken brain fraction, three components (Eα, Eβ and Eγ) of pheny lvalerate esterase activity (PVase) were kinetically discriminated and their relationship with acetylcholine-hydrolyzing activity (cholinesterase activity) were studied in previous works. In this work, four enzymatic components (CS1, CS2, CS3 and CS4) of cholinesterase activity have been discriminated in soluble fraction, according to their sensitivity to irreversible inhibitors mipafox, paraoxon, PMSF and iso-OMPA and to reversible inhibitors ethopropazine and BW284C51. Cholinesterase component CS1 can be related to the Eα component of PVase activity and identified as butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). No association and similarities can be stablished among the other PVase component (Eβ and Eγ) with the other cholinesterase components (CS2, CS3, CS4). The kinetic analysis has allowed us to stablish a method for discriminating the enzymatic component based on a simple test with two inhibitors. It can be used as biomarker in toxicological studies and for monitoring these cholinesterase components during isolation and molecular identification processes, which will allow OP toxicity to be understood by a multi-target approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ten reasons why a thermalized system cannot be described by a many-particle wave function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drossel, Barbara

2017-05-01

It is widely believed that the underlying reality behind statistical mechanics is a deterministic and unitary time evolution of a many-particle wave function, even though this is in conflict with the irreversible, stochastic nature of statistical mechanics. The usual attempts to resolve this conflict for instance by appealing to decoherence or eigenstate thermalization are riddled with problems. This paper considers theoretical physics of thermalized systems as it is done in practice and shows that all approaches to thermalized systems presuppose in some form limits to linear superposition and deterministic time evolution. These considerations include, among others, the classical limit, extensivity, the concepts of entropy and equilibrium, and symmetry breaking in phase transitions and quantum measurement. As a conclusion, the paper suggests that the irreversibility and stochasticity of statistical mechanics should be taken as a real property of nature. It follows that a gas of a macroscopic number N of atoms in thermal equilibrium is best represented by a collection of N wave packets of a size of the order of the thermal de Broglie wave length, which behave quantum mechanically below this scale but classically sufficiently far beyond this scale. In particular, these wave packets must localize again after scattering events, which requires stochasticity and indicates a connection to the measurement process.

Unconventional irreversible structural changes in a high-voltage Li–Mn-rich oxide for lithium-ion battery cathodes

DOE PAGES

Mohanty, Debasish; Sefat, Athena S.; Payzant, E. Andrew; ...

2015-02-19

Making all-electric vehicles (EVs) commonplace in transportation applications will require affordable high-power and high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The quest for suitable cathode materials to meet this end has currently plateaued with the discovery of high-voltage (≥4.7 V vs. Li +), high capacity (~250 mAh/g) lithium–manganese-rich (LMR) layered composite oxides. In spite of the promise of LMR oxides in high-energy-density LIBs, an irreversible structural change has been identified in this work that is governed by the formation of a ‘permanent’ spin-glass type magnetically frustrated phase indicating a dominant AB 2O 4 (A = Li, B = Mn) type spinel after amore » short-term lithium deintercalation (charging) and intercalation (discharging) process. Furthermore, reduction of transition metal (Mn) ions from the 4+ state (pristine LMR) to 3+ (cycled LMR), which alters the intercalation redox chemistry and suggests the presence of ‘unfilled’ lithium vacancies and/or oxygen vacancies in the lattice after cycling, has presented a major stumbling block. Finally, these situations result in both loss of capacity and fading of the voltage profile, and these combined effects significantly reduce the high energy density over even short-term cycling.« less

Heat loss distribution: Impedance and thermal loss analyses in LiFePO4/graphite 18650 electrochemical cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balasundaram, Manikandan; Ramar, Vishwanathan; Yap, Christopher; Lu, Li; Tay, Andrew A. O.; Palani, Balaya

2016-10-01

We report here thermal behaviour and various components of heat loss of 18650-type LiFePO4/graphite cell at different testing conditions. In this regard, the total heat generated during charging and discharging processes at various current rates (C) has been quantified in an Accelerating Rate Calorimeter experiment. Irreversible heat generation, which depends on applied current and internal cell resistance, is measured under corresponding charge/discharge conditions using intermittent pulse techniques. On the other hand, reversible heat generation which depends on entropy changes of the electrode materials during the cell reaction is measured from the determination of entropic coefficient at various states of charge/discharge. The contributions of irreversible and reversible heat generation to the total heat generation at both high and low current rates are evaluated. At every state of charge/discharge, the nature of the cell reaction is found to be either exothermic or endothermic which is especially evident at low C rates. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements are performed on above 18650 cells at various states of charge to determine the components of internal resistance. The findings from the impedance and thermal loss analysis are helpful for understanding the favourable states of charge/discharge for battery operation, and designing better thermal management systems.

Modeling nanostructural surface modifications in metal cutting by an approach of thermodynamic irreversibility: Derivation and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buchkremer, S.; Klocke, F.

2017-01-01

Performance and operational safety of many metal parts in engineering depend on their surface integrity. During metal cutting, large thermomechanical loads and high gradients of the loads concerning time and location act on the surfaces and may yield significant structural material modifications, which alter the surface integrity. In this work, the derivation and validation of a model of nanostructural surface modifications in metal cutting are presented. For the first time in process modeling, initiation and kinetics of these modifications are predicted using a thermodynamic potential, which considers the interdependent developments of plastic work, dissipation, heat conduction and interface energy as well as the associated productions and flows of entropy. The potential is expressed based on the free Helmholtz energy. The irreversible thermodynamic state changes in the workpiece surface are homogenized over the volume in order to bridge the gap between discrete phenomena involved with the initiation and kinetics of dynamic recrystallization and its macroscopic implications for surface integrity. The formulation of the thermodynamic potential is implemented into a finite element model of orthogonal cutting of steel AISI 4140. Close agreement is achieved between predicted nanostructures and those obtained in transmission electron microscopical investigations of specimen produced in cutting experiments.

Reversibility and intermediate steps as key tools for the growth of extended ordered polymers via on-surface synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Giovannantonio, Marco; Contini, Giorgio

2018-03-01

Surface-confined polymerization is a bottom-up strategy to create one- and two-dimensional covalent organic nanostructures with a π-conjugated backbone, which are suitable to be employed in real-life electronic devices, due to their high mechanical resistance and electronic charge transport efficiency. This strategy makes it possible to change the properties of the final nanostructures by a careful choice of the monomer architecture (i.e. of its constituent atoms and their spatial arrangement). Several chemical reactions have been proven to form low-dimensional polymers on surfaces, exploiting a variety of precursors in combination with metal (e.g. Cu, Ag, Au) and insulating (e.g. NaCl, CaCO3) surfaces. One of the main challenges of such an approach is to obtain nanostructures with long-range order, to boost the conductance performances of these materials. Most of the exploited chemical reactions use irreversible coupling between the monomers and, as a consequence, the resulting structures often suffer from poor order and high defect density. This review focuses on the state-of-the-art surface-confined polymerization reactions, with particular attention paid to reversible coupling pathways and irreversible processes including intermediate states, which are key aspects to control to increase the order of the final nanostructure.

Reversible and dissipative macroscopic contributions to the stress tensor: active or passive?

PubMed

Brand, H R; Pleiner, H; Svenšek, D

2014-09-01

The issue of dynamic contributions to the macroscopic stress tensor has been of high interest in the field of bio-inspired active systems over the last few years. Of particular interest is a direct coupling ("active term") of the stress tensor with the order parameter, the latter describing orientational order induced by active processes. Here we analyze more generally possible reversible and irreversible dynamic contributions to the stress tensor for various passive and active macroscopic systems. This includes systems with tetrahedral/octupolar order, polar and non-polar (chiral) nematic and smectic liquid crystals, as well as active fluids with a dynamic preferred (polar or non-polar) direction. We show that it cannot a priori be seen, neither from the symmetry properties of the macroscopic variables involved, nor from the structure of the cross-coupling contributions to the stress tensor, whether the system studied is active or passive. Rather, that depends on whether the variables that give rise to those cross-couplings in the stress tensor are driven or not. We demonstrate that several simplified descriptions of active systems in the literature that neglect the necessary counter term to the active term violate linear irreversible thermodynamics and lead to an unphysical contribution to the entropy production.

Fouling and long-term durability of an integrated forward osmosis and membrane distillation system.

PubMed

Husnain, T; Mi, B; Riffat, R

2015-01-01

An integrated forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD) system has great potential for sustainable wastewater reuse. However, the fouling and long-term durability of the system remains largely unknown. This study investigates the fouling behaviour and efficiency of cleaning procedures of FO and MD membranes used for treating domestic wastewater. Results showed that a significant decline in flux of both FO and MD membranes were observed during treatment of wastewater with organic foulants. However, shear force generated by the increased cross-flow physically removed the loosely attached foulants from the FO membrane surface and resulted in 86-88% recovery of flux by cleaning with tap water. For the MD membrane, almost no flux recovery was achieved due to adsorption of organic foulants on the hydrophobic membrane surface, thus indicating significant irreversible fouling/wetting, which may not be effectively cleaned even with chemical reagents. Long-term (10 d) tests showed consistent performance of the FO membrane by rejecting the contaminants. However, organic foulants reduced the hydrophobicity of the MD membrane, caused wetting problems and allowed contaminants to pass through. The results demonstrate that combination of the FO and MD processes can effectively reduce irreversible membrane fouling and solve the wetting problem of the MD membrane.

Irreversible Catalyst Activation Enables Hyperpolarization and Water Solubility for NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Activation of a catalyst [IrCl(COD)(IMes)] (IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; COD = cyclooctadiene)] for signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) was monitored by in situ hyperpolarized proton NMR at 9.4 T. During the catalyst-activation process, the COD moiety undergoes hydrogenation that leads to its complete removal from the Ir complex. A transient hydride intermediate of the catalyst is observed via its hyperpolarized signatures, which could not be detected using conventional nonhyperpolarized solution NMR. SABRE enhancement of the pyridine substrate can be fully rendered only after removal of the COD moiety; failure to properly activate the catalyst in the presence of sufficient substrate can lead to irreversible deactivation consistent with oligomerization of the catalyst molecules. Following catalyst activation, results from selective RF-saturation studies support the hypothesis that substrate polarization at high field arises from nuclear cross-relaxation with hyperpolarized 1H spins of the hydride/orthohydrogen spin bath. Importantly, the chemical changes that accompanied the catalyst’s full activation were also found to endow the catalyst with water solubility, here used to demonstrate SABRE hyperpolarization of nicotinamide in water without the need for any organic cosolvent—paving the way to various biomedical applications of SABRE hyperpolarization methods. PMID:25372972

Avoiding neuromuscular stimulation in liver irreversible electroporation using radiofrequency electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Castellví, Quim; Mercadal, Borja; Moll, Xavier; Fondevila, Dolors; Andaluz, Anna; Ivorra, Antoni

2018-02-01

Electroporation-based treatments typically consist of the application of high-voltage dc pulses. As an undesired side effect, these dc pulses cause electrical stimulation of excitable tissues such as motor nerves. The present in vivo study explores the use of bursts of sinusoidal voltage in a frequency range from 50 kHz to 2 MHz, to induce irreversible electroporation (IRE) whilst avoiding neuromuscular stimulation. A series of 100 dc pulses or sinusoidal bursts, both with an individual duration of 100 µs, were delivered to rabbit liver through thin needles in a monopolar electrode configuration, and thoracic movements were recorded with an accelerometer. Tissue samples were harvested three hours after treatment and later post-processed to determine the dimensions of the IRE lesions. Thermal damage due to Joule heating was ruled out via computer simulations. Sinusoidal bursts with a frequency equal to or above 100 kHz did not cause thoracic movements and induced lesions equivalent to those obtained with conventional dc pulses when the applied voltage amplitude was sufficiently high. IRE efficacy dropped with increasing frequency. For 100 kHz bursts, it was estimated that the electric field threshold for IRE is about 1.4 kV cm-1 whereas that of dc pulses is about 0.5 kV cm-1.

Thermodynamics of natural selection III: Landauer's principle in computation and chemistry.

PubMed

Smith, Eric

2008-05-21

This is the third in a series of three papers devoted to energy flow and entropy changes in chemical and biological processes, and their relations to the thermodynamics of computation. The previous two papers have developed reversible chemical transformations as idealizations for studying physiology and natural selection, and derived bounds from the second law of thermodynamics, between information gain in an ensemble and the chemical work required to produce it. This paper concerns the explicit mapping of chemistry to computation, and particularly the Landauer decomposition of irreversible computations, in which reversible logical operations generating no heat are separated from heat-generating erasure steps which are logically irreversible but thermodynamically reversible. The Landauer arrangement of computation is shown to produce the same entropy-flow diagram as that of the chemical Carnot cycles used in the second paper of the series to idealize physiological cycles. The specific application of computation to data compression and error-correcting encoding also makes possible a Landauer analysis of the somewhat different problem of optimal molecular recognition, which has been considered as an information theory problem. It is shown here that bounds on maximum sequence discrimination from the enthalpy of complex formation, although derived from the same logical model as the Shannon theorem for channel capacity, arise from exactly the opposite model for erasure.

Impaired Cargo Clearance in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Underlies Irreversible Blinding Diseases

PubMed Central

Keeling, Eloise; Lotery, Andrew J.

2018-01-01

Chronic degeneration of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) is a precursor to pathological changes in the outer retina. The RPE monolayer, which lies beneath the neuroretina, daily internalises and digests large volumes of spent photoreceptor outer segments. Impaired cargo handling and processing in the endocytic/phagosome and autophagy pathways lead to the accumulation of lipofuscin and pyridinium bis-retinoid A2E aggregates and chemically modified compounds such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal within RPE. These contribute to increased proteolytic and oxidative stress, resulting in irreversible damage to post-mitotic RPE cells and development of blinding conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt disease and choroideremia. Here, we review how impaired cargo handling in the RPE results in their dysfunction, discuss new findings from our laboratory and consider how newly discovered roles for lysosomes and the autophagy pathway could provide insights into retinopathies. Studies of these dynamic, molecular events have also been spurred on by recent advances in optics and imaging technology. Mechanisms underpinning lysosomal impairment in other degenerative conditions including storage disorders, α-synuclein pathologies and Alzheimer’s disease are also discussed. Collectively, these findings help transcend conventional understanding of these intracellular compartments as simple waste disposal bags to bring about a paradigm shift in the way lysosomes are perceived. PMID:29473871

Bioengineering thermodynamics of biological cells.

PubMed

Lucia, Umberto

2015-12-01

Cells are open complex thermodynamic systems. They can be also regarded as complex engines that execute a series of chemical reactions. Energy transformations, thermo-electro-chemical processes and transports phenomena can occur across the cells membranes. Moreover, cells can also actively modify their behaviours in relation to changes in their environment. Different thermo-electro-biochemical behaviours occur between health and disease states. But, all the living systems waste heat, which is no more than the result of their internal irreversibility. This heat is dissipated into the environment. But, this wasted heat represent also a sort of information, which outflows from the cell toward its environment, completely accessible to any observer. The analysis of irreversibility related to this wasted heat can represent a new approach to study the behaviour of the cells themselves and to control their behaviours. So, this approach allows us to consider the living systems as black boxes and analyze only the inflows and outflows and their changes in relation to the modification of the environment. Therefore, information on the systems can be obtained by analyzing the changes in the cell heat wasted in relation to external perturbations. The bioengineering thermodynamics bases are summarized and used to analyse possible controls of the calls behaviours based on the control of the ions fluxes across the cells membranes.

The warning-sign hierarchy between quantitative subcortical motor mapping and continuous motor evoked potential monitoring during resection of supratentorial brain tumors.

PubMed

Seidel, Kathleen; Beck, Jürgen; Stieglitz, Lennart; Schucht, Philippe; Raabe, Andreas

2013-02-01

Mapping and monitoring are believed to provide an early warning sign to determine when to stop tumor removal to avoid mechanical damage to the corticospinal tract (CST). The objective of this study was to systematically compare subcortical monopolar stimulation thresholds (1-20 mA) with direct cortical stimulation (DCS)-motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring signal abnormalities and to correlate both with new postoperative motor deficits. The authors sought to define a mapping threshold and DCS-MEP monitoring signal changes indicating a minimal safe distance from the CST. A consecutive cohort of 100 patients underwent tumor surgery adjacent to the CST while simultaneous subcortical motor mapping and DCS-MEP monitoring was used. Evaluation was done regarding the lowest subcortical mapping threshold (monopolar stimulation, train of 5 stimuli, interstimulus interval 4.0 msec, pulse duration 500 μsec) and signal changes in DCS-MEPs (same parameters, 4 contact strip electrode). Motor function was assessed 1 day after surgery, at discharge, and at 3 months postoperatively. The lowest individual motor thresholds (MTs) were as follows (MT in mA, number of patients): > 20 mA, n = 12; 11-20 mA, n = 13; 6-10 mA, n = 20; 4-5 mA, n = 30; and 1-3 mA, n = 25. Direct cortical stimulation showed stable signals in 70 patients, unspecific changes in 18, irreversible alterations in 8, and irreversible loss in 4 patients. At 3 months, 5 patients had a postoperative new or worsened motor deficit (lowest mapping MT 20 mA, 13 mA, 6 mA, 3 mA, and 1 mA). In all 5 patients DCS-MEP monitoring alterations were documented (2 sudden irreversible threshold increases and 3 sudden irreversible MEP losses). Of these 5 patients, 2 had vascular ischemic lesions (MT 20 mA, 13 mA) and 3 had mechanical CST damage (MT 1 mA, 3 mA, and 6 mA; in the latter 2 cases the resection continued after mapping and severe DCS-MEP alterations occurred thereafter). In 80% of patients with a mapping MT of 1-3 mA and in 75% of patients with a mapping MT of 1 mA, DCS-MEPs were stable or showed unspecific reversible changes, and none had a permanent motor worsening at 3 months. In contrast, 25% of patients with irreversible DCS-MEP changes and 75% of patients with irreversible DCS-MEP loss had permanent motor deficits. Mapping should primarily guide tumor resection adjacent to the CST. DCS-MEP is a useful predictor of deficits, but its value as a warning sign is limited because signal alterations were reversible in only approximately 60% of the present cases and irreversibility is a post hoc definition. The true safe mapping MT is lower than previously thought. The authors postulate a mapping MT of 1 mA or less where irreversible DCS-MEP changes and motor deficits regularly occur. Therefore, they recommend stopping tumor resection at an MT of 2 mA at the latest. The limited spatial and temporal coverage of contemporary mapping may increase error and may contribute to false, higher MTs.

Experimental investigations of recent anomalous results in superconductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souw, Victor K.

2000-12-01

This thesis examines three recent anomalous results associated with irreversibility in type-II superconductivity: (1) The magnetic properties of the predicted superconductors LiBeH3 and Li2BeH 4, (2) the paramagnetic transition near T = Tc in Nb, and (3) a noise transition in a YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin film near the vortex-solid transition. The investigation of Li 2BeH4 and LiBeH3 was prompted by theoretical predictions of room-temperature superconductivity for Li2BeH4 and LiBeH3 and a recent report that Li2BeH4 showed magnetic irreversibilities similar to those of type-II superconductors. A modified experimental method is introduced in order to avoid artifacts due to background signals. The resulting data is suggestive of a superparamagnetic impurity from one of the reagents used in the synthesis and after subtracting this contribution, the temperature-dependent susceptibilities of Li2 BeH4 and LiBeH3 are estimated. However, no magnetic irreversibility suggestive of superconductivity is observed. The anomalous paramagnetic transition in Nb is intriguing because Nb does not share the d-wave order parameter symmetry often invoked to explain the phenomenon in other superconductors. A modified experimental method was developed in order to avoid instrumental artifacts known to produce a similar apparently paramagnetic response, but the results of this method indicate that the paramagnetic response is a physical property of the sample. Finally, a very sharp noise transition in a YBa2Cu3O7-delta thin film was found to be distinct from previously reported features in the voltage noise commonly associated with vortex fluctuations near the irreversibility line. In each of these three cases the examination of experimental techniques is an integral part of the investigation of novel vortex behavior near the onset of irreversibility.

A prospective randomized trial of different supplementary local anesthetic techniques after failure of inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth.

PubMed

Kanaa, Mohammad D; Whitworth, John M; Meechan, John Gerard

2012-04-01

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of supplementary repeat inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine and epinephrine, buccal infiltration with 4% articaine with epinephrine, intraligamentary injection, or intraosseous injection (both with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine) after failed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) for securing pain-free treatment in patients experiencing irreversible pulpitis in mandibular permanent teeth. This randomized clinical trial included 182 patients diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis in mandibular teeth. Patients received 2.0 mL of 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine as an IANB injection. Patients who did not experience pain-free treatment received randomly 1 of 4 supplementary techniques, namely repeat lidocaine IANB (rIANB), articaine buccal infiltration (ABI), lidocaine intraligamentary injection (PDL), or lidocaine intraosseous injection (IO). Successful pulp anesthesia was considered to have occurred when no response was obtained to the maximum stimulation (80 reading) of the pulp tester, at which time treatment commenced. Treatment was regarded as being successfully completed when it was associated with no pain. Data were analyzed by χ(2) and Fisher exact tests. Of the 182 patients, 122 achieved successful pulpal anesthesia within 10 minutes after initial IANB injection; 82 experienced pain-free treatment. ABI and IO allowed more successful (pain-free) treatment (84% and 68%, respectively) than rIANB or PDL supplementary techniques (32% and 48%, respectively); this was statistically significant (P = .001). IANB injection alone does not always allow pain-free treatment for mandibular teeth with irreversible pulpitis. Supplementary buccal infiltration with 4% articaine with epinephrine and intraosseous injection with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine are more likely to allow pain-free treatment than intraligamentary and repeat IANB injections with 2% lidocaine with epinephrine for patients experiencing irreversible pulpitis in mandibular permanent teeth. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Warming early Mars with carbon dioxide clouds that scatter infrared radiation.

PubMed

Forget, F; Pierrehumbert, R T

1997-11-14

Geomorphic evidence that Mars was warm enough to support flowing water about 3.8 billion years ago presents a continuing enigma that cannot be explained by conventional greenhouse warming mechanisms. Model calculations show that the surface of early Mars could have been warmed through a scattering variant of the greenhouse effect, resulting from the ability of the carbon dioxide ice clouds to reflect the outgoing thermal radiation back to the surface. This process could also explain how Earth avoided an early irreversible glaciation and could extend the size of the habitable zone on extrasolar planets around stars.

Classical and Quantum Thermal Physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prasad, R.

2016-11-01

List of figures; List of tables; Preface; Acknowledgement; Dedication; 1. The kinetic theory of gases; 2. Ideal to real gas, viscosity, conductivity and diffusion; 3. Thermodynamics: definitions and Zeroth law; 4. First Law of Thermodynamics and some of its applications; 5. Second Law of Thermodynamics and some of its applications; 6. TdS equations and their applications; 7. Thermodynamic functions, potentials, Maxwell equations, the Third Law and equilibrium; 8. Some applications of thermodynamics to problems of physics and engineering; 9. Application of thermodynamics to chemical reactions; 10. Quantum thermodynamics; 11. Some applications of quantum thermodynamics; 12. Introduction to the thermodynamics of irreversible processes; Index.

Quench field sensitivity of two-particle correlation in a Hubbard model

PubMed Central

Zhang, X. Z.; Lin, S.; Song, Z.

2016-01-01

Short-range interaction can give rise to particle pairing with a short-range correlation, which may be destroyed in the presence of an external field. We study the transition between correlated and uncorrelated particle states in the framework of one- dimensional Hubbard model driven by a field. We show that the long time-scale transfer rate from an initial correlated state to final uncorrelated particle states is sensitive to the quench field strength and exhibits a periodic behavior. This process involves an irreversible energy transfer from the field to particles, leading to a quantum electrothermal effect. PMID:27250080