Hydrogen peroxide modulates Ca2+-activation of single permeabilized fibres from fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles of rats.

PubMed

Plant, D R; Lynch, G S; Williams, D A

2000-01-01

We examined the effects of redox modulation on single membrane-permeabilized fibre segments from the fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and slow-twitch soleus muscles of adult rats to determine whether the contractile apparatus was the redox target responsible for the increased contractility of muscles exposed to low concentrations of H2O2. The effects of H2O2 on maximum Ca2+-activated force were dose-dependent with 30 min exposure to 5 mM H2O2 causing a progressive decrease by 22+/-3 and 13+/-2% in soleus and EDL permeabilized muscle fibres, respectively. Lower concentrations of exogenous H2O2 (100 microM and 1 mM) had no effect on maximum Ca2+-activated force. Subsequent exposure to the reductant dithiothreitol (DTT, 10 mM, 10 min) fully reversed the H2O2-induced depression of force in EDL, but not in soleus muscle fibres. Incubation with DTT alone for 10 min did not alter Ca2+-activated force in either soleus or EDL muscle fibres. The sensitivity of the contractile filaments to Ca2+ (pCa50) was not altered by exposure to any concentration of exogenous H2O2. However, all concentrations of H2O2 diminished the Hill coefficient in permeabilized fibres from the EDL muscle, indicating that the cooperativity of Ca2+ binding to troponin is altered. H2O2 (5 mM) did not affect rigor force, which indicates that the number of crossbridges participating in contraction was not reduced. In conclusion, H2O2 may reduce the maximum Ca2+ activated force production in skinned muscle fibres by decreasing the force per crossbridge.

Studies on the synthesis of isotopes of superheavy element Lv (Z = 116)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santhosh, K. P.; Safoora, V.

2017-11-01

The probable projectile-target combinations for the synthesis of superheavy nucleus 296Lv found in the cold valley of 296Lv have been identified by studying the interaction barrier of the colliding nuclei, probability of compound nucleus formation, P_{CN}, and survival probability W_{sur}. At energies near and above the Coulomb barrier, the capture, fusion and evaporation residue (ER) cross sections for the probable combinations for the hot and cold fusion reactions are systematically investigated. By considering intensities of the projectile beams, availabilities of the targets and half lives of the colliding nuclei, the combination 48Ca+248Cm is found to be the most probable projectile-target pair for the synthesis of 296Lv. The calculated maximum value of 2n, 3n, 4n and 5n channel cross section for the reaction 48Ca+248Cm are 0.599 pb, 5.957 pb, 4.805 pb, and 0.065 pb, respectively. Moreover, the production cross sections for the synthesis of isotopes 291-295,298Lv using 48Ca projectile on 243-247,250Cm targets are calculated. Among these reactions, the reactions 48Ca+247Cm → 295Lv and 48Ca+250Cm → 298Lv have maximum production cross section in 3n (10.697 pb) and 4n (12.006 pb) channel, respectively. Our studies on the SHE Lv using the combinations 48Ca+245Cm → 293Lv and 48Ca+248Cm → 296Lv are compared with available experimental data and with other theoretical studies. Our studies are in agreement with experimental data and we hope that these studies will be a guide for the future experiments to synthesize the isotopes of Lv.

Spring molybdenum enrichment in scallop shells: a potential tracer of diatom productivity in coastal temperate environments (Brittany, NW France)?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barats, A.; Amouroux, D.; Pécheyran, C.; Chauvaud, L.; Thébault, J.; Donard, O. F. X.

2009-08-01

Skeletal molybdenum/calcium ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratios were recently examined in bivalves. These ratios were determined by quantitative LA-ICP-MS analyses every third daily striae (i.e. a temporal resolution of 3 days) in 36 flat valves of the Great Scallop shells Pecten maximus (2-year old; 3 shells/year) collected in temperate coastal environments of Western Europe (42 to 49° N). Variations of ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratio were significant and reproducible for scallops from a same population, from different years (1998-2004) and from different coastal temperate locations. ([Mo]/[Ca])shell exhibits typical profiles characterized by a background content, below the method detection limit (<0.003 μmol/mol) for most of the shell growth period, which is punctuated by a significant transient enrichment (0.031-2.1 μmol/mol) mainly occurring from May to June. The Bay of Brest (France) was especially investigated because of long term observations on scallop communities, environmental variables, and high resolution analyses of dissolved Mo in bottom seawater in 2000. In 2000, dissolved Mo exhibited significant increasing concentration just preceding a maximum of ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratio. The environmental conditions preceding ([Mo]/[Ca])shell maximum events, both in 2000 and over the 7-year survey indicates a direct influence of the scallop environmental conditions at the sediment water interface subsequent to the intense and periodic spring bloom event. Spring maxima of ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratio were found to be specifically related to the dynamic of spring diatom blooms and to the extent of the subsequent silicate depletion. ([Mo]/[Ca])shell records reveal thus unexpected biogeochemical routes of Mo, potentially related to coastal spring productivity.

Citric Acid Production from Orange Peel Wastes by Solid-State Fermentation

PubMed Central

Torrado, Ana María; Cortés, Sandra; Manuel Salgado, José; Max, Belén; Rodríguez, Noelia; Bibbins, Belinda P.; Converti, Attilio; Manuel Domínguez, José

2011-01-01

Valencia orange (Citrus sinensis) peel was employed in this work as raw material for the production of citric acid (CA) by solid-state fermentation (SSF) of Aspergillus niger CECT-2090 (ATCC 9142, NRRL 599) in Erlenmeyer flasks. To investigate the effects of the main operating variables, the inoculum concentration was varied in the range 0.5·103 to 0.7·108 spores/g dry orange peel, the bed loading from 1.0 to 4.8 g of dry orange peel (corresponding to 35-80 % of the total volume), and the moisture content between 50 and 100 % of the maximum water retention capacity (MWRC) of the material. Moreover, additional experiments were done adding methanol or water in different proportions and ways. The optimal conditions for CA production revealed to be an inoculum of 0.5·106 spores/g dry orange peel, a bed loading of 1.0 g of dry orange peel, and a humidification pattern of 70 % MWRC at the beginning of the incubation with posterior addition of 0.12 mL H2O/g dry orange peel (corresponding to 3.3 % of the MWRC) every 12 h starting from 62 h. The addition of methanol was detrimental for the CA production. Under these conditions, the SSF ensured an effective specific production of CA (193 mg CA/g dry orange peel), corresponding to yields of product on total initial and consumed sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) of 376 and 383 mg CA/g, respectively. These results, which demonstrate the viability of the CA production by SSF from orange peel without addition of other nutrients, could be of interest to possible, future industrial applications. PMID:24031646

Calcium phosphates recovery from digester supernatant by fast precipitation and recrystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasenko, Liubov; Qu, Haiyan

2018-01-01

Conditional solubility of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) in digester supernatant was determined as a function of pH and was compared to its conditional solubility in distilled water. Conditional solubility of both substances in digester supernatant at pH >5-6 was higher than their conditional solubility in pure water due to the presence of impurities, and this influence is more significant for HAp. Amorphous CaP was precipitated through a fast precipitation process from digester supernatant with initial total phosphate concentration 0.008 mol/L and 0.015 mol/L and Ca/P ratios 2 and 5. The amorphous CaP can be subsequently recrystallized into crystalline CaP. Obtained amorphous products have Ca/P ratio > 1, which allow performing the recrystallization process without further Ca dosing into the system. Batch recrystallization of the amorphous products resulted in crystallization of HAp, DCPD or their mixture depending on the conditions of the process. Maximum achieved P-recovery was 69.5%. The increase of phosphate concentration and the addition of seeding decreased the yield of the process but promoted crystallization of DCPD. The increase of Ca/P ratio had a positive effect on the total P-recovery. Compared with the direct batch crystallization of CaP from digester supernatant, the two-step process with fast precipitation and recrystallization significantly improved the color of the obtained products.

Ultrasonic-assisted production of biodiesel from transesterification of palm oil over ostrich eggshell-derived CaO catalysts.

PubMed

Chen, Guanyi; Shan, Rui; Shi, Jiafu; Yan, Beibei

2014-11-01

In this study, waste ostrich eggshell-derived calcium oxide (denoted as CaO(OE)) particles were synthesized and explored as cost-effective catalysts for the ultrasonic-assisted transesterification of palm oil. The physicochemical properties of the resultant catalysts were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption, XRF and Hammett indicator, while the catalytic activity was evaluated through transesterification of palm oil with methanol under ultrasonic conditions. More specifically, the CaO(OE) showed comparable catalytic activity to the one derived from commercial calcium carbonate (denoted as CaO(Lab)). Moreover, under ultrasonic conditions, the catalytic activity of CaO(OE) could be enhanced significantly. The maximum yield of fatty acid methyl esters could reach 92.7% under the optimal condition of reaction time of 60 min with ultrasonic power of 60% (120 W), methanol-to-oil ratio of 9:1, and catalyst loading of 8 wt.%. The results indicated that the CaO(OE) catalysts showed good catalytic performance and reusability, and may potentially reduce the cost of biodiesel production. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Statistical evaluation of nutritional components impacting phycocyanin production Synechocystis SP.

PubMed Central

Deshmukh, Devendra V.; Puranik, Pravin R.

2012-01-01

Alkaliphilic cyanobacterial cultures were isolated from Lonar lake (MS, India). Among the set of cultures, Synechocystis sp, was studied for phycocyanin production. A maximum yield was obtained in BG-11 medium at optimized conditions (pH 10 and 16 h light). In order to increase the phycocyanin yield media optimization based on the eight media components a Plackett-Burman design of the 12 experimental trials was used. As per the analysis CaCl2, 2H2O and Na2CO3 have been found to be the most influencing media components at 95% significance. Further the optimum concentrations of these components were estimated following a Box Wilson Central Composite Design (CCD) with four star points and five replicates at the center points for each of two factors was adopted for optimization of these two media components. The results indicated that there was an interlinked influence of CaCl2, 2H2O and Na2CO3 on 98% significance. The maximum yield of phycocyanin (12% of dry wt) could be obtained at 0.058 g/l and 0.115 g/l of CaCl2, 2H2O and Na2CO3, respectively. PMID:24031838

59Ni Production Rates in Mesosiderites Measured with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fink, D.; Tuniz, C.; Herzog, G. F.; Albrecht, A.; Fifield, L. K.; Allan, G. L.; Paul, M.

1993-07-01

The cosmogenic radionuclide ^59Ni (t(sub)1/2 = 76 ky) has great potential as a monitor of thermal neutrons in metal-rich extraterrestrial materials. In deep samples from larger meteoroids (which can support a big neutron flux) containing >1% or so of nickel, thermal neutron capture on ^58Ni (sigma(sub)th = 4.6 b) is the dominant production mechanism. Near the surface of mm-size bodies production occurs via primary proton, fast neutron, and alpha reaction channels on Fe, Co, and Ni. We have applied AMS to the measurement of ^59Ni activities (see ref [1] for details) in four samples from the metal phase of the mesosiderites Estherville (fall, 1879) and Budulan, a find. The activities range from 1.5 to 3.5 dpm/g-Ni. Related work is described in refs. [2,3]. To discuss neutron fluxes in Budulan, we must correct the measured ^59Ni activities for terrestrial age. By using measured ^41Ca activities (13-19 dpm/kg-Fe [4]) and a maximum production rate, P(sub)Fe(^41Ca), in stony irons of 21 dpm/kg-Fe [5] we deduce a maximum terrestrial age of 35 ky. After correction for this terrestrial age and normalization to L-chondritic composition [6], the production rates of ^59Ni, P(sub)Fe(^59Ni), range from 5-13 dpm/g-Ni; these values are 2-3 times greater than those reported in [7] for large irons and ~10 times those for chondrites. References [4,8] present ^41Ca data in the silicate and metal phases from the same Estherville and Budulan samples. If thermal neutron production were solely responsible for P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) and P(sub)Sil(^41Ca) (the latter corrected for spallation of oxidized iron in pyroxene), then the thermal neutron fluxes, phi, inferred from each nuclide in a sample should be the same. We deduce ratios of phi(^59Ni)/phi(^41Ca) that range from 0.75 to 1.65. Differences in epithermal yields can account for only a minor fraction of this variation as the ratio of the total resonant neutron absorption integrals for ^40Ca and ^58Ni is within 10% of the ratio of the thermal neutron cross-sections alone. A twofold change in Budulan's terrestrial age alters the flux ratio by 10% at most. Like ^41Ca [9,10], P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) can be used to estimate shielding depths and lower limits on the pre-atmospheric radius. Calculations by [11] give a maximum value for P(sub)Fe(^59Ni) of 22 atoms/min/g-Ni at the center of an L-chondrite with a radius of 300 g/cm^2. The ^10Be and ^26Al activities in Estherville [5] and respective semi-empirical production rate formulas [12] set a maximum meteoroid radius of 300 g/cm^2. Our measured value for ^59Ni implies a lower radius limit of 150 g/cm^2 and shielding depths of 60-150 g/cm^2. Similarly for Budulan, we suggest a radius of 200 < R < 400 g/cm^2 and shielding depths from 40-200 g/cm^2. We infer that the above samples originated at relatively large depths (except for perhaps Budulan-2428) in meteoroids with preatmospheric radii > 30 cm, assuming a mesosiderite density of 5.5 g/cm^3. Interestingly, those samples (Budulan-2357 and Estherville-3311) having ^41Ca production rates that indicate a higher degree of shielding, have flux ratios equal to or less than 1; the other two samples have ^41Ca contents typical of near-surface exposure and have ratios phi(^59Ni)/phi(^41Ca) larger than unity. This correlation indicates that P(sub)59 from fast neutron reactions on ^60,61Ni enhances ^59Ni production at near surface regions. References: [1] Paul M. et al. (1993) Nucl. Inst. Meth., submitted. [2] Kutschera W. et al. (1992) Nucl. Inst. Meth., in press. [3] Klein J. et al.(1993) Meteoritics (this issue). [4] Albrecht A. et al. (1992) LPS XXIII, 5-6. [5] Vogt S. et al. (1991) Meteoritics, 26, 403. [6] Fink D. et al.(1992) LPS XXIII, 355-356. [7] Honda et al. (1967) Handb. Physik. 46(2), 613-632. [8] Fink D. et al. (1991) EPSL, 107, 115-128. [9] Fink D. et al. (1990) Nucl. Inst. Meth., B47, 79-96. [10] Klein J. et al. (1991) Meteoritics, 26, 358. [11] Spergel M. et al.(1986) Proc. LPS 16th; J. Geophys. Res., 91, D483-D494. [12] Graf et al. (1992) GCA, 54, 2521-2534.

Evaluation of various parameters of calcium-alginate immobilization method for enhanced alkaline protease production by Bacillus licheniformis NCIM-2042 using statistical methods.

PubMed

Potumarthi, Ravichandra; Subhakar, Ch; Pavani, A; Jetty, Annapurna

2008-04-01

Calcium-alginate immobilization method for the production of alkaline protease by Bacillus licheniformis NCIM-2042 was optimized statistically. Four variables, such as sodium-alginate concentration, calcium chloride concentration, inoculum size and agitation speed were optimized by 2(4) full factorial central composite design and subsequent analysis and model validation by a second-order regression equation. Eleven carbon, 11 organic nitrogen and seven inorganic nitrogen sources were screened by two-level Plackett-Burman design for maximum alkaline protease production by using optimized immobilized conditions. The levels of four variables, such as Na-alginate 2.78%; CaCl(2), 2.15%; inoculum size, 8.10% and agitation, 139 rpm were found to be optimum for maximal production of protease. Glucose, soybean meal and ammonium sulfate were resulted in maximum protease production at 644 U/ml, 720 U/ml, and 806 U/ml when screened for carbon, organic nitrogen and inorganic nitrogen sources, respectively, using optimized immobilization conditions. Repeated fed batch mode of operation, using optimized immobilized conditions, resulted in continuous operation for 12 cycles without disintegration of beads. Cross-sectional scanning electron microscope images have shown the growth pattern of B. licheniformis in Ca-alginate immobilized beads.

Spring molybdenum enrichment in scallop shells: a potential tracer of diatom productivity in temperate coastal environments (Brittany, NW France)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barats, A.; Amouroux, D.; Pécheyran, C.; Chauvaud, L.; Thébault, J.; Donard, O. F. X.

2010-01-01

Skeletal molybdenum/calcium ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratios were examined in shells of the Great Scallop Pecten maximus collected in temperate coastal environments of Western Europe (42 to 49° N). These ratios were determined by quantitative LA-ICP-MS analyses of daily striae taken every third day (i.e. a temporal resolution of 3 days) in 36 flat valves (2-years old; 3 shells/year). Variations of ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratios were significant and reproducible for scallops from the same population, from different years (1998-2004) and temperate coastal locations (NW France). The [Mo]/[Ca])shell ratios exhibit typical profiles characterized by a background content, below the detection limit for this method (<0.003 μmol/mol) for most of the shell growth period, which is punctuated by a significant transient enrichment (0.031-2.1 μmol/mol) mainly occurring from May to June. The Bay of Brest (France) was investigated in particular because of its long term observations on scallop communities, environmental variables, and high resolution analyses of dissolved Mo in bottom seawater in 2000. In 2000, dissolved Mo exhibited a significant increase in concentration just preceding the maximum ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratio. Both the intense monitoring survey in 2000 and over the 7-year period indicates that the ([Mo]/[Ca])shell maximum is directly influenced by spring changes of environmental conditions at the sediment water interface (SWI), occurring subsequent to the intense and periodic spring bloom. Spring maxima of ([Mo]/[Ca])shell ratios are closely correlated to the extent of silicic acid and nitrate depletion in seawater between winter and late spring (r2=0.878 and 0.780, p<0.05, n=6) that reflects diatom uptake and productivity in the Bay of Brest. The Mo inputs in bottom waters and subsequent shell enrichment are thus suggested to be directly or indirectly influenced by such biogenic material input at the SWI. The [Mo]/[Ca])shell records thus reveal unexpected biogeochemical cycles of Mo influenced by coastal spring productivity, faithfully recorded in scallop shells.

One-Pot Enzymatic Production of Lignin-Composites.

PubMed

Ion, Sabina; Opris, Cristina; Cojocaru, Bogdan; Tudorache, Madalina; Zgura, Irina; Galca, Aurelian C; Bodescu, Adina M; Enache, Madalin; Maria, Gabriel-Mihai; Parvulescu, Vasile I

2018-01-01

A novel and efficient one-pot system for green production of artificial lignin bio-composites has been developed. Monolignols such as sinapyl (SA) and coniferyl (CA) alcohols were linked together with caffeic acid (CafAc) affording a polymeric network similar with natural lignin. The interaction of the dissolved SA/CA with CafAc already bound on a solid support (S C2 /S C6 -CafAc) allowed the attachment of the polymeric product direct on the support surface (S C2 /S C6 -CafAc-L 1 and S C2 /S C6 -CafAc-L 2 , from CA and SA, respectively). Accordingly, this procedure offers the advantage of a simultaneous polymer production and deposition. Chemically, oxi-copolymerization of phenolic derivatives (SA/CA and CAfAc) was performed with H 2 O 2 as oxidation reagent using peroxidase enzyme (2-1B mutant of versatile peroxidase from Pleurotus eryngii ) as catalyst. The system performance reached a maximum of conversion for SA and CA of 71.1 and 49.8%, respectively. The conversion is affected by the system polarity as resulted from the addition of a co-solvent (e.g., MeOH, EtOH, or THF). The chemical structure, morphology, and properties of the bio-composites surface were investigated using different techniques, e.g., FTIR, TPD-NH 3 , TGA, contact angle, and SEM. Thus, it was demonstrated that the SA monolignol favored bio-composites with a dense polymeric surface, high acidity, and low hydrophobicity, while CA allowed the production of thinner polymeric layers with high hydrophobicity.

Inhibition of muscarinic-stimulated polyphosphoinositide hydrolysis and Ca2+ mobilization in cat iris sphincter smooth muscle cells by cAMP-elevating agents.

PubMed

Ding, K H; Husain, S; Akhtar, R A; Isales, C M; Abdel-Latif, A A

1997-09-01

The effects of carbachol (CCh) on inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) mobilization, and their regulation by cAMP-elevating agents were investigated in SV-40 transformed cat iris sphincter smooth muscle (SV-CISM-2) cells. CCh produced time- and dose-dependent increases in IP3 production; the t1/2 and EC50 values were 68 s and 0.5 microM, respectively. The muscarinic agonist provoked a transient increase in [Ca2+]i which reached maximum within 77 s, and increased [Ca2+]i mobilization in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of 1.4 microM. Thapsigargin, a Ca(2+)-pump inhibitor, caused a rapid rise in [Ca2+]i and subsequent addition of CCh was without effect. Both CCh-induced IP3 production and CCh-induced [Ca2+]i mobilization were more potently antagonized by 4-DAMP, an M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist, than by pirenzepine, an M1 receptor antagonist, suggesting that both responses are mediated through the M3 receptor subtype. Treatment of the cells with U73122, a phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in both CCh-stimulated IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization. These data indicate close correlation between enhanced IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization in these smooth muscle cells and suggest that the CCh-stimulated increase in [Ca2+]i could be mediated through increased IP3 production. Isoproterenol (ISO) inhibited CCh-induced IP3 production (IC50 = 80 nM) and [Ca2+]i mobilization (IC50 = 0.17 microM) in a concentration-dependent manner. Microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells contained phospholipase C (PLC) which was stimulated by CCh (10 microM) and GTP gamma S (0.1 microM). Pretreatment of the cells with ISO or forskolin, 5 microM each, produced membrane fractions in which CCh-stimulated PLC activity was significantly attenuated. Furthermore, when microsomal fractions isolated from SV-CISM-2 cells were phosphorylated with Protein kinase A (PKA), the CCh- and GTP gamma S-stimulated IP3 production were significantly inhibited. It can be concluded from these studies that in SV-CISM-2 cells, activation of M3 muscarinic receptors results in stimulation of PLC-mediated PIP2 hydrolysis, generating IP3 which mobilizes [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, elevation of cAMP may inhibit IP3 production and [Ca2+]i mobilization through mechanisms involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of PLC, G-proteins, IP3 receptor and/or IP3 metabolizing enzymes.

Isolation, optimization, and partial purification of amylase from Chrysosporium asperatum by submerged fermentation.

PubMed

Sanghvi, Gaurav V; Koyani, Rina; Rajput, Kishore S

2011-05-01

A potent fungus for amylase production, Chrysosporium asperatum, was isolated from among 30 different cultures obtained from wood samples collected in the Junagadh forest, India. All of the isolated cultures were screened for their ability to produce amylase by submerged fermentation. Among the selected cultures, C. asperatum (Class Euascomycetes; Onygenales; Onygenaceae) gave maximum amylase production. In all of the different media tested, potato starch was found to be a good substrate for production of amylase enzyme at 30 degrees C and pH 5.0. Production of enzyme reached the maximum when a combination of starch and 2% xylose, and organic nitrogen (1% yeast extract) and ammonium sulfate were used as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. There was no significant effect of metal ions on enzyme activity. The enzyme was relatively stable at 50 degrees C for 20 min, and no inhibitory effect of Ca+2 ions on amylase production was observed.

Climate-simulated raceway pond culturing: quantifying the maximum achievable annual biomass productivity of Chlorella sorokiniana in the contiguous USA

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

Huesemann, M.; Chavis, A.; Edmundson, S.

Chlorella sorokiniana (DOE 1412) emerged as one of the most promising microalgae strains from the NAABB consortium project, with a remarkable doubling time under optimal conditions of 2.57 hr-1. However, its maximum achievable annual biomass productivity in outdoor ponds in the contiguous United States remained unknown. In order to address this knowledge gap, this alga was cultured in indoor LED-lighted and temperature-controlled raceways in nutrient replete freshwater (BG-11) medium at pH 7 under conditions simulating the daily sunlight intensity and water temperature fluctuations during three seasons in Southern Florida, an optimal outdoor pond culture location for this organism identified bymore » biomass growth modeling. Prior strain characterization indicated that the average maximum specific growth rate (µmax) at 36 ºC declined continuously with pH, with µmax corresponding to 5.92, 5.83, 4.89, and 4.21 day-1 at pH 6, 7, 8, and 9, respectively. In addition, the maximum specific growth rate declined nearly linearly with increasing salinity until no growth was observed above 35 g/L NaCl. In the climate-simulated culturing studies, the volumetric ash-free dry weight-based biomass productivities during the linear growth phase were 57, 69, and 97 mg/L-day for 30-year average light and temperature simulations for January (winter), March (spring), and July (summer), respectively, which corresponds to average areal productivities of 11.6, 14.1, and 19.9 g/m2-day at a constant pond depth of 20.5 cm. The photosynthetic efficiencies (PAR) in the three climate-simulated pond culturing experiments ranged from 4.1 to 5.1%. The annual biomass productivity was estimated as ca. 15 g/m2-day, nearly double the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) 2015 State of Technology annual cultivation productivity of 8.5 g/m2-day, but this is still significantly below the projected 2022 target of ca. 25 g/m2-day (U.S. DOE, 2016) for economic microalgal biofuel production, indicating the need for additional research in strain biology and system engineering.« less

Influence of calcium ions on the crystallization of sodium bicarbonate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yi; Demilie, Paul; Davoine, Perrine; Cartage, Thierry; Delplancke-Ogletree, Marie-Paule

2005-02-01

In industrial crystallization of sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogenocarbonate), the presence of calcium ions in solutions is unavoidable due to the production process. The understanding of the Ca 2+ role in NaHCO 3 crystallization would be helpful for improving the quality of the final products. The influence of calcium ions on NaHCO 3 crystallization was investigated in a 5-l mixed suspension mixed product removal crystallizer under controlled conditions. A density meter was used for continuous supersaturation monitoring. After a steady state had been reached, different CaCl 2 amounts were added at a constant flow rate. It was found that limited calcium ion levels in the system reduce drastically the nucleation frequency of NaHCO 3 and has a limited influence on crystal growth rate. The supersaturation measurements and other methods confirmed this phenomenon. The relationship between the Ca 2+ influence on NaHCO 3 crystallization, the calcium carbonate solubility and its metastable zone in concentrated NaHCO 3 solution was established. In fact, Ca 2+ has a maximum effect on NaHCO 3 crystallization kinetics when the saturation of calcium carbonate in NaHCO 3 solution has been reached, and the effect is constant in the metastable zone. The excess of Ca 2+ precipitates in NaHCO 3 solution as CaCO 3, as observed by energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. This explained why an increasing Ca 2+ concentration in the solution has a limited influence on NaHCO 3 crystal size distribution and habit, but decreases the crystal purity. It is also confirmed that an impurity as Ca 2+ has no influence on the equilibrium NaHCO 3-Na 2CO 3.

Enhancement of Palmarumycins C(12) and C(13) production in liquid culture of endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12 after treatments with metal ions.

PubMed

Mou, Yan; Luo, Haiyu; Mao, Ziling; Shan, Tijiang; Sun, Weibo; Zhou, Kaiyi; Zhou, Ligang

2013-01-07

The influences of eight metal ions (i.e., Na+, Ca2+, Ag+, Co2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Zn2+, and Mn4+) on mycelia growth and palmarumycins C(12) and C(13) production in liquid culture of the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12 were investigated. Three metal ions, Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ were exhibited as the most effective to enhance mycelia growth and palmarumycin production. When calcium ion (Ca2+) was applied to the medium at 10.0 mmol/L on day 3, copper ion (Cu2+) to the medium at 1.0 mmol/L on day 3, aluminum ion (Al3+) to the medium at 2.0 mmol/L on day 6, the maximal yields of palmarumycins C(12) plus C(13) were obtained as 137.57 mg/L, 146.28 mg/L and 156.77 mg/L, which were 3.94-fold, 4.19-fold and 4.49-fold in comparison with that (34.91 mg/L) of the control, respectively. Al3+ favored palmarumycin C(12) production when its concentration was higher than 4 mmol/L. Ca2+ had an improving effect on mycelia growth of Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12. The combination effects of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ on palmarumycin C(13) production were further studied by employing a statistical method based on the central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). By solving the quadratic regression equation between palmarumycin C(13) and three metal ions, the optimal concentrations of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ in medium for palmarumycin C(13) production were determined as 7.58, 1.36 and 2.05 mmol/L, respectively. Under the optimum conditions, the predicted maximum palmarumycin C(13) yield reached 208.49 mg/L. By optimizing the combination of Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+ in medium, palmarumycin C(13) yield was increased to 203.85 mg/L, which was 6.00-fold in comparison with that (33.98 mg/L) in the original basal medium. The results indicate that appropriate metal ions (i.e., Ca2+, Cu2+ and Al3+) could enhance palmarumycin production. Application of the metal ions should be an effective strategy for palmarumycin production in liquid culture of the endophytic fungus Berkleasmium sp. Dzf12.

Kodak EDR2 film for patient skin dose assessment in cardiac catheterization procedures.

PubMed

Morrell, R E; Rogers, A T

2006-07-01

Patient skin doses were measured using Kodak EDR2 film for 20 coronary angiography (CA) and 32 percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedures. For CA, all skin doses were well below 1 Gy. However, 23% of PTCA patients received skin doses of 1 Gy or more. Dose-area product (DAP) was also recorded and was found to be an inadequate indicator of maximum skin dose. Practical compliance with ICRP recommendations requires a robust method for skin dosimetry that is more accurate than DAP and is applicable over a wider dose range than EDR2 film.

Development and characterisation of novel heterogeneous palm oil mill boiler ash-based catalysts for biodiesel production.

PubMed

Ho, Wilson Wei Sheng; Ng, Hoon Kiat; Gan, Suyin

2012-12-01

Novel heterogeneous catalysts from calcium oxide (CaO)/calcined calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) loaded onto different palm oil mill boiler ashes were synthesised and used in the transesterification of crude palm oil (CPO) with methanol to yield biodiesel. Catalyst preparation parameters including the type of ash support, the weight percentage of CaO and calcined CaCO(3) loadings, as well as the calcination temperature of CaCO(3) were optimised. The catalyst prepared by loading of 15 wt% calcined CaCO(3) at a fixed temperature of 800°C on fly ash exhibited a maximum oil conversion of 94.48%. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the CaCO(3) was transformed into CaO at 770°C and interacted well with the ash support, whereas rich CaO, Al(2)O(3) and SiO(2) were identified in the composition using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The fine morphology size (<5 μm) and high surface area (1.719 m(2)/g) of the fly ash-based catalyst rendered it the highest catalytic activity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of elevated physiological temperatures on sarcoplasmic reticulum function in mechanically skinned muscle fibers of the rat.

PubMed

van der Poel, C; Stephenson, D G

2007-07-01

Properties of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with respect to Ca(2+) loading and release were measured in mechanically skinned fiber preparations from isolated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the rat that were either kept at room temperature (23 degrees C) or exposed to temperatures in the upper physiological range for mammalian skeletal muscle (30 min at 40 or 43 degrees C). The ability of the SR to accumulate Ca(2+) was significantly reduced by a factor of 1.9-2.1 after the temperature treatments due to a marked increase in SR Ca(2+) leak, which persisted for at least 3 h after treatment. Results with blockers of Ca(2+) release channels (ruthenium red) and SR Ca(2+) pumps [2,5-di(tert-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone] indicate that the increased Ca(2+) leak was not through the SR Ca(2+) release channel or the SR Ca(2+) pump, although it is possible that the leak pathway was via oligomerized Ca(2+) pump molecules. No significant change in the maximum SR Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was observed after the temperature treatment, although there was a tendency for a decrease in the SR Ca(2+)-ATPase. The observed changes in SR properties were fully prevented by the superoxide (O(2)(*-)) scavenger Tiron (20 mM), indicating that the production of O(2)(*-) at elevated temperatures is responsible for the increase in SR Ca(2+) leak. Results show that physiologically relevant elevated temperatures 1) induce lasting changes in SR properties with respect to Ca(2+) handling that contribute to a marked increase in the SR Ca(2+) leak and, consequently, to the reduction in the average coupling ratio between Ca(2+) transport and SR Ca(2+)-ATPase and muscle performance, and 2) that these changes are mediated by temperature-induced O(2)(*-) production.

Triacylglycerol composition, physico-chemical characteristics and oxidative stability of interesterified canola oil and fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil blends.

PubMed

Imran, Muhammad; Nadeem, Muhammad

2015-10-29

Partial hydrogenation process is used worldwide to produce shortening, baking, and pastry margarines for food applications. However, demand for such products is decreased during last decade due to their possible links to consumer health and disease. This has raised the need to replace hydrogenation with alternative acceptable interesterification process which has advantage in context of modifying the physico-chemical properties of edible fat-based products. Therefore, the main mandate of research was the development of functional fat through chemical interesterification of canola oil (CaO) and fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil (FHCSO) mixtures. Blends were prepared in the proportions of 75:25 (T1), 50:50 (T2) and 25:75 (T3) of CaO:FHCSO (w/w). Interesterification was performed using sodium methoxide (0.2 %) as catalyst at 120 °C, under reduced pressure and constant agitation for 60 minutes. The non-interesterified and interesterified CaO:FHCSO blends were evaluated for triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative stability and consumer acceptability at 0, 30 and 60 days of storage interval. The oleic acid (58.3 ± 0.6 %) was predominantly present in CaO while the contents of stearic acid (72 ± 0.8 %) were significantly higher in FHCSO. Maximum trisaturated (S3) contents (63.9 ± 0.5 %) were found in T3 while monounsaturated (S2U), diunsaturated (U2S) and triunsaturated (U3) contents were quite low in T2 and T3 before interesterification. A marked reduction in S3 and U3 contents with concomitant increase in S2U and U2S contents was observed for all CaO:FHCSO blends on interesterification. During storage, the changes in S3, S2U and U2S contents were not found significant (p ≥ 0.05). However, maximum decrease 13 %, 7.5 and 5.6 % in U3 contents for T1, T2 and T3 was noted after 60-days of interesterification, respectively. The Lovibond color R, melting point, refractive index, specific gravity, peroxide and free fatty acids values of CaO:FHCSO blends decreased after interesterification and increased within the permissible limits during storage (p ≥ 0.05). The CaO:FHCSO blends maintained their sensory acceptability before and after interesterification which decreased significantly as storage length increased from days 30 to 60-days. Most important was the 50 % CaO:50 % FHCSO blend (T2) which possessed the desirable TAG profile, physico-chemical and sensory characteristics coming from T1 and T3. The present study concludes that functional lipids with desirable characteristics can be developed through interesterification of 50 % CaO:50 % FHCSO blend and should be explored as ingredient for the production of various healthier products for discerning consumers.

Physiological outperformance at the morphologically-transformed edge of the cyanobacteriosponge Terpios hoshinota (Suberitidae: Hadromerida) when confronting opponent corals.

PubMed

Wang, Jih-Terng; Hsu, Chia-Min; Kuo, Chao-Yang; Meng, Pei-Jie; Kao, Shuh-Ji; Chen, Chaolun Allen

2015-01-01

Terpios hoshinota, an encrusting cyanosponge, is known as a strong substrate competitor of reef-building corals that kills encountered coral by overgrowth. Terpios outbreaks cause significant declines in living coral cover in Indo-Pacific coral reefs, with the damage usually lasting for decades. Recent studies show that there are morphological transformations at a sponge's growth front when confronting corals. Whether these morphological transformations at coral contacts are involved with physiological outperformance (e.g., higher metabolic activity or nutritional status) over other portions of Terpios remains equivocal. In this study, we compared the indicators of photosynthetic capability and nitrogen status of a sponge-cyanobacteria association at proximal, middle, and distal portions of opponent corals. Terpios tissues in contact with corals displayed significant increases in photosynthetic oxygen production (ca. 61%), the δ13C value (ca. 4%), free proteinogenic amino acid content (ca. 85%), and Gln/Glu ratio (ca. 115%) compared to middle and distal parts of the sponge. In contrast, the maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), which is the indicator usually used to represent the integrity of photosystem II, of cyanobacteria photosynthesis was low (0.256~0.319) and showed an inverse trend of higher values in the distal portion of the sponge that might be due to high and variable levels of cyanobacterial phycocyanin. The inconsistent results between photosynthetic oxygen production and Fv/Fm values indicated that maximum quantum yields might not be a suitable indicator to represent the photosynthetic function of the Terpios-cyanobacteria association. Our data conclusively suggest that Terpios hoshinota competes with opponent corals not only by the morphological transformation of the sponge-cyanobacteria association but also by physiological outperformance in accumulating resources for the battle.

The effect of light, salinity, and nitrogen availability on lipid production by Nannochloropsis sp.

PubMed

Pal, Dipasmita; Khozin-Goldberg, Inna; Cohen, Zvi; Boussiba, Sammy

2011-05-01

We examined responses of batch cultures of the marine microalga Nannochloropsis sp. to combined alterations in salinity (13, 27, and 40 g/l NaCl) and light intensity (170 and 700 μmol photons/m(2)·s). Major growth parameters and lipid productivity (based on total fatty acid determination) were determined in nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-depleted cultures of an initial biomass of 0.8 and 1.4 g/l, respectively. On the nitrogen-replete medium, increases in light intensity and salinity increased the cellular content of dry weight and lipids due to enhanced formation of triacylglycerols (TAG). Maximum average productivity of ca. 410 mg TFA/l/d were obtained at 700 μmol photons/m(2)·s and 40 g/l NaCl within 7 days. Under stressful conditions, content of the major LC-PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), was significantly reduced while TAG reached 25% of biomass. In contrast, lower salinity tended to improve major growth parameters, consistent with less variation in EPA contents. Combined higher salinity and light intensity was detrimental to lipid productivity under nitrogen starvation; biomass TFA content, and lipid productivity amounted for only 33% of DW and ca. 200 mg TFA/l/day, respectively. The highest biomass TFA content (ca. 47% DW) and average lipid productivity of ca. 360 mg TFA/l/day were achieved at 13 g/l NaCl and 700 μmol photons/m(2)·s. Our data further support selecting Nannochloropsis as promising microalgae for biodiesel production. Moreover, appropriate cultivation regimes may render Nannochloropsis microalgae to produce simultaneously major valuable components, EPA, and TAG, while sustaining relatively high biomass growth rates.

Evaluation of food protective property of five natural products using fresh-cut apple slice model.

PubMed

Hakkim, Faruk Lumanul; Mathiraj; Essa, Musthafa Mohamed; Arivazhagan, Girija; Guizani, Nejib; Hyuk, Song

2012-01-01

The present study evaluated the antioxidant (AA), antimicrobial and preservation effects of five plant derived natural products viz., Rosmarinic Acid (RA), p-Coumaric Acid (pCA), Trans-Cinnamic Acid (TCA), Hydroxyphenyllactic Acid (HPA) and Caffeic acid (CA) along with synthetic compounds (Ascorbic acid, gallic acid, citric acid and BHA) on fresh cut apple slices. Antimicrobial efficacy of these compounds against Bacillus licheniformis, Pseudomonas vulgaris, Shigella boydii, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli was found to be concentration dependent with the maximum inhibition observed at 500 microg mL(-1). A considerable AA potential of these compounds was observed in in vitro based assay system, with RA exhibiting significantly higher effect than the other compounds at 500 microg mL(-1). Furthermore the compounds at 500 microg mL(-1) significantly reduced the browning, maintained the acidic pH and restricted growth of L. monocytogenes even after 10 days of treatment. Ethanol accumulation in fresh cut apple slices increased significantly throughout the experimental period. Over all RA exhibited maximum effect in all the food preservation parameters studied suggesting that it has synchronized food protection effect and can be recommended as food additive.

Production of rare sugars from common sugars in subcritical aqueous ethanol.

PubMed

Gao, Da-Ming; Kobayashi, Takashi; Adachi, Shuji

2015-05-15

A new isomerization reaction was developed to synthesize rare ketoses. D-tagatose, D-xylulose, and D-ribulose were obtained in the maximum yields of 24%, 38%, and 40%, respectively, from the corresponding aldoses, D-galactose, D-xylose, and D-ribose, by treating the aldoses with 80% (v/v) subcritical aqueous ethanol at 180°C. The maximum productivity of D-tagatose was ca. 80 g/(Lh). Increasing the concentration of ethanol significantly increased the isomerization of D-galactose. Variation in the reaction temperature did not significantly affect the production of D-tagatose from D-galactose. Subcritical aqueous ethanol converted both 2,3-threo and 2,3-erythro aldoses to the corresponding C-2 ketoses in high yields. Thus, the treatment of common aldoses in subcritical aqueous ethanol can be regarded as a new method to synthesize the corresponding rare sugars. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Citric acid production using immobilized conidia of Aspergillus niger TMB 2022

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

Tsay, S.S.; To, K.Y.

1987-02-20

Conidia of Aspergillus niger TMB 2022 were immobilized in calcium alginate for the production of citric acid. A 1-ml condidia suspension containing ca. 2.32 x 10/sup 8/ conidia were entrapped into sodium alginate solution in order to prepare 3% Ca-alginate (w/v) gel bead. Immobilized conidia were inoculated into productive medium containing 14% sucrose, 0.25% (NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/CO/sub 3/, 0.25% KH/sub 2/PO/sub 4/, and 0.025% MgSO/sub 4/.7H/sub 2/O with addition of 0.06 mg/l CuSO/sub 4/.5H/sub 2/O, 0.25 mg/l ZnCl/sub 2/, 1.3 mg/l FeCl/sub 3/.6H/sub 2/O, pH 3.8, and incubated at 35 degrees C for 13 days by surface culture to producemore » 61.53 g/l anhydrous citric acid. Under the same conditions with a batchwise culture, it was found that immobilized conidia could maintain a longer period for citric acid production (31 days): over 70 g/l anhydrous citric acid from runs No. 2-4, with the maximum yield for anhydrous citric acid reaching 77.02 g/l for run No. 2. In contrast, free conidia maintained a shorter acid-producing phase, circa 17 days; the maximum yield for anhydrous citric acid was 71.07 g/l for run No. 2 but dropped quickly as the run number increased. 14 references.« less

Climatology of sediment flux and composition in the subarctic Northeast Pacific Ocean with biogeochemical implications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timothy, D. A.; Wong, C. S.; Barwell-Clarke, J. E.; Page, J. S.; White, L. A.; Macdonald, R. W.

2013-09-01

Sequentially sampling conical sediment traps were maintained at Ocean Station Papa (OSP; 50°N, 145°W) in the Alaska Gyre from September 1982 to June 2006. The time series began with a single trap at 3800 m and traps were added at 1000 m and 200 m in March 1983 and May 1989, respectively. A trap at 3500-3700 m also was moored 5° north of OSP from May 1990 to August 1992. Total mass, biogenic silica (BSi), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), particulate organic carbon (POC) and particulate nitrogen (PN) were routinely measured. In this paper, we develop climatologies of sediment flux and composition at OSP, describing the characteristic features for comparison to sedimentary conditions globally. We then expand our use of the climatologies to arrive at four main conclusions regarding ecology and geochemistry at OSP. Fluxes of BSi and CaCO3 at 200 m and 1000 m lag by one month the annual cycle of irradiance and arrive at 3800 m ∼16 d later, with maximum export occurring several months later for POC. Next, the annual cycle of BSi flux shows that diatom production in late winter and spring is higher than indicated by spring decline of surface nutrients. We then show that the annual cycle of POC flux implies a net community production of organic carbon (NCPOC) of 3.6-5.3 mol m-2 y-1, double estimates based on mixed layer tracers but similar to estimates unaffected by mixing. NCPOC, combined with a CaCO3:POC production ratio of 0.18 determined from trap fluxes, gives a net community production of CaCO3 (NCPIC) of 0.65-0.95 mol m-2 y-1, in agreement with CaCO3 dissolution in the water column plus abyssal CaCO3 flux. Lastly, the flux climatologies at 1000 m and 3800 m are used to infer particle transformations in the bathypelagic zone including disaggregation and remineralization. Fluxes at 3800 m are best described as the sum of a primary flux sinking rapidly and a slowly-sinking secondary flux. Disaggregation of the primary flux is the likely source of secondary fluxes, with a lithogenic component transported horizontally also reaching the 3800-m traps. A detailed description of the sampling also is provided so future experiments can benefit from the successes and failures encountered at OSP. Fluxes normalized to 2000 m are 2.7, 1.3 and 1.1 times higher than the global averages for BSi, CaCO3 and POC, respectively. The Alaska Gyre is thus a siliceous basin with unusually high calcareous fluxes. Lithogenic fluxes are minor at OSP, making this site ideal to detect dust-fall events. Fluxes of BSi and CaCO3 lag surface solar irradiance by about one month at 200 m and 1000 m, and by another ∼two weeks at 3800 m. POM is preferentially retained and recycled in the mixed layer, with maximum export occurring several months after maximum fluxes of BSi and CaCO3. Export fluxes are episodic at OSP despite perennially low chlorophyll concentrations showing little seasonality. As a result of episodically high fluxes, 40-50% of MARK7 traps with narrow sampling bottles became clogged during deployment at 3800 m. Given the common occurrence of this problem globally, traps with larger bottom orifices should become standard protocol. Sediment traps provide an excellent opportunity to test sedimentary tracers of past ocean conditions. In this regard, POC content at OSP is a poor indicator of mass or POC flux because POC is diluted by BSi and CaCO3 when mass flux is high. The annual cycle of BSi flux and a reanalysis of surface nutrient data show the spring delay in [Si(OH)4] decline, based on mixed-layer nutrient climatology, results from intense mixing in spring rather than delayed diatom growth as previously proposed. The annual cycle of POC flux, normalized to measures of net community production of organic carbon (NCPOC) in summer-fall (Emerson and Stump, 2010), implies an annual NCPOC of 3.6-5.3 mol m-2 y-1. This rate is similar to estimates of new production and of water-column OC remineralization plus deep POC flux, two equivalencies to NCPOC. It is also similar to estimates of export production at OSP made from global modeling, but it is double estimates of NCPOC based on mass balance of mixed-layer tracers. The estimate of NCPOC and a CaCO3:OC export ratio of 0.18 determined from trap data gives a net community production of CaCO3 (NCPIC) of 0.65-0.95 mol m-2 y-1 in agreement with water-column CaCO3 dissolution plus deep CaCO3 flux. The similarity between the CaCO3:POC flux ratio at 50 m and the CaCO3:POC production ratio from bottle incubations (Lipsen et al., 2007) requires that ∼70% of CaCO3 production must dissolve in the euphotic zone to match the rate of POC recycling at OSP. Flux climatologies at 1000 m and 3800 m imply sediments caught at 3800 m include a component sinking rapidly (the primary flux; ∼120-350 m d-1) and another component sinking slowly (the secondary flux; ∼10-20 m d-1). A mass-balance model finds that secondary fluxes contribute ∼40% to the annual mass flux at 3800 m. Based on compositional evidence and on the arrival times at 3800 m, the secondary flux likely derives from disaggregated primary fluxes with an additional lithogenic component transported horizontally to the bathypelagic zone at OSP. Remineralization of BSi, CaCO3, OC and N estimated from decreasing flux with depth in the bathypelagic zone agrees with estimates for the Pacific Ocean based on water-column tracers provided trapping efficiency at 1000 m is 0.6-0.8 and at 3800 m is 1. Alternatively, the estimates based on tracers may include a component of seafloor remineralization. In this case, remineralization in the water column at OSP is at least 30-45% of the remineralization determined by tracers, with the remainder occurring at the seafloor.

21 CFR 176.300 - Slimicides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

...) cyclohexanone 1,2-Bis(monobromoacetoxy) ethane [CA Reg. No. 3785-34-0] At a maximum level of 0.10 pound per ton... Methylenebisbutanethiolsulfonate Methylenebisthiocyanate 2-Nitrobutyl bromoacetate [CA Reg. No. 32815-96-6] At a maximum level of 0...)phosphonium sulfate (CAS Reg. No. 55566-30-8) Maximum use level of 84 mg/kg in the pulp slurry. The additive...

21 CFR 176.300 - Slimicides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

...) cyclohexanone 1,2-Bis(monobromoacetoxy) ethane [CA Reg. No. 3785-34-0] At a maximum level of 0.10 pound per ton... Methylenebisbutanethiolsulfonate Methylenebisthiocyanate 2-Nitrobutyl bromoacetate [CA Reg. No. 32815-96-6] At a maximum level of 0...)phosphonium sulfate (CAS Reg. No. 55566-30-8) Maximum use level of 84 mg/kg in the pulp slurry. The additive...

CaSO4:DY,Mn: A new and highly sensitive thermoluminescence phosphor for versatile dosimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bahl, Shaila; Lochab, S. P.; Kumar, Pratik

2016-02-01

With the advent of newer techniques for dose reduction coupled with the development of more sensitive detectors, the radiation doses in radiological medical investigation are decreasing. Nevertheless, keeping the tenet in mind that all radiation doses could entail risk, there is a need to develop more sensitive dosimeters capable of measuring low doses. This paper gives the account of the development of a new and sensitive phosphor CaSO4:Dy,Mn and its characterization. The standard production procedure based on the recrystallization method was used to prepare CaSO4:Dy,Mn. The Thermoluminescence (TL) studies were carried out by exposing it with gamma radiation (Cs-137) from 10 μGy to 100 Gy. The theoretical studies to determine the number of peaks and kinetic parameters related to the TL glow peaks in CaSO4:Dy,Mn was performed using the Computerized Glow Curve Deconvolution (CGCD) method. Experiments were performed to determine optimum concentration of the dopants Dysprosium (Dy) and Mangnese (Mn) in the host CaSO4 so that maximum sensitivity of the phosphor may be achieved. The optimum dopant concentration turned out to be 0.1 mol%. As there were two dopants Dy and Mn their relative ratio were varied in steps of 0.025 keeping the concentration of total dopant (Dy and Mn) 0.1 mol% always. The maximum TL intensity was seen in the CaSO4:Dy(0.025),Mn(0.075) combination. The TL sensitivity of this phosphor was found to be about 2 and 1.8 times higher than that of popular phosphor CaSO4:Dy and LiF:Mg,Cu,P (TLD-700H) respectively. This new phosphor CaSO4:Dy,Mn showed fading of 11% which is similar to that of the standard phosphor CaSO4:Dy. The paper concludes that the new, highly sensitive TL phosphor CaSO4:Dy,Mn has shown higher sensitivity and hence the potential to replace commonly used CaSO4:Dy.

Measurement of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae induced by air cold plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiaoyu, DONG

2018-03-01

In this study, a novel approach to measure the absolute cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) using the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 AM was established. The parameters associated with the probe fluo-3 AM were optimized to accurately determine fluorescence intensity from the Ca2+-bound probe. Using three optimized parameters (final concentration of 6 mM probe, incubation time of 135 min, loading probe before plasma treatment), the maximum fluorescence intensity (F max = 527.8 a.u.) and the minimum fluorescence intensity (F min = 63.8 a.u.) were obtained in a saturated Ca2+ solution or a solution of lacking Ca2+. Correspondingly, the maximum [Ca2+]cyt induced by cold plasma was 1232.5 nM. Therefore, the Ca2+ indicator fluo-3 AM was successfully applied to measure the absolute [Ca2+]cyt in Saccharomyces cerevisiae stimulated by cold plasma at atmospheric air pressure.

Improving hydrocarbon yield from catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of hemicellulose and plastic in the dual-catalyst bed of CaO and HZSM-5.

PubMed

Ding, Kuan; Zhong, Zhaoping; Wang, Jia; Zhang, Bo; Fan, Liangliang; Liu, Shiyu; Wang, Yunpu; Liu, Yuhuan; Zhong, Daoxu; Chen, Paul; Ruan, Roger

2018-08-01

The high concentration of oxygenated compounds in pyrolytic products prohibits the conversion of hemicellulose to important biofuels and chemicals via fast pyrolysis. Herein a dual-catalyst bed of CaO and HZSM-5 was developed to convert acids in the pyrolytic products of xylan to valuable hydrocarbons. Meanwhile, LLDPE was co-pyrolyzed with xylan to supplement hydrogen during the catalysis of HZSM-5. The results showed that CaO could effectively transform acids into ketones. A minimum yield of acids (2.74%) and a maximum yield of ketones (42.93%) were obtained at a catalyst to feedstock ratio of 2:1. The dual-catalyst bed dramatically increased the yield of aromatics. Moreover, hydrogen-rich fragments derived from LLDPE promoted the Diels-Alder reactions of furans and participated in the hydrocarbon pool reactions of non-furanic compounds. As a result, a higher yield of hydrocarbons was achieved. This study provides a fundamental for recovering energy and chemicals from pyrolysis of hemicellulose. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Xylanase Production from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 by a Two-Step Statistical Strategy: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken Experimental Design

PubMed Central

Cui, Fengjie; Zhao, Liming

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to optimize the nutrition sources in a culture medium for the production of xylanase from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 using Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The Plackett-Burman multifactorial design was first employed to screen the important nutrient sources in the medium for xylanase production by Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) was further optimized for xylanase production by Box-Behnken design. The important nutrient sources in the culture medium, identified by the initial screening method of Placket-Burman, were wheat bran, yeast extract, NaNO3, MgSO4, and CaCl2. The optimal amounts (in g/L) for maximum production of xylanase were: wheat bran, 32.8; yeast extract, 1.02; NaNO3, 12.71; MgSO4, 0.96; and CaCl2, 1.04. Using this statistical experimental design, the xylanase production under optimal condition reached 46.50 U/mL and an increase in xylanase activity of 1.34-fold was obtained compared with the original medium for fermentation carried out in a 30-L bioreactor. PMID:22949884

Optimization of Xylanase production from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 by a two-step statistical strategy: Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken experimental design.

PubMed

Cui, Fengjie; Zhao, Liming

2012-01-01

The objective of the study was to optimize the nutrition sources in a culture medium for the production of xylanase from Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 using Plackett-Burman design and Box-Behnken design. The Plackett-Burman multifactorial design was first employed to screen the important nutrient sources in the medium for xylanase production by Penicillium sp.WX-Z1 and subsequent use of the response surface methodology (RSM) was further optimized for xylanase production by Box-Behnken design. The important nutrient sources in the culture medium, identified by the initial screening method of Placket-Burman, were wheat bran, yeast extract, NaNO(3), MgSO(4), and CaCl(2). The optimal amounts (in g/L) for maximum production of xylanase were: wheat bran, 32.8; yeast extract, 1.02; NaNO(3), 12.71; MgSO(4), 0.96; and CaCl(2), 1.04. Using this statistical experimental design, the xylanase production under optimal condition reached 46.50 U/mL and an increase in xylanase activity of 1.34-fold was obtained compared with the original medium for fermentation carried out in a 30-L bioreactor.

Shelf and open-ocean calcareous phytoplankton assemblages across the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum: Implications for global productivity gradients

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gibbs, S.J.; Bralower, T.J.; Bown, Paul R.; Zachos, J.C.; Bybell, L.M.

2006-01-01

Abrupt global warming and profound perturbation of the carbon cycle during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, ca. 55 Ma) have been linked to a massive release of carbon into the ocean-atmosphere system. Increased phytoplankton productivity has been invoked to cause subsequent CO2 drawdown, cooling, and environmental recovery. However, interpretations of geochemical and biotic data differ on when and where this increased productivity occurred. Here we present high-resolution nannofossil assemblage data from a shelf section (the U.S. Geological Survey [USGS] drill hole at Wilson Lake, New Jersey) and an open-ocean location (Ocean Drilling Program [ODP] Site 1209, paleoequatorial Pacific). These data combined with published biotic records indicate a transient steepening of shelf-offshelf trophic gradients across the PETM onset and peak, with a decrease in open-ocean productivity coeval with increased nutrient availability in shelf areas. Productivity levels recovered in the open ocean during the later stages of the event, which, coupled with intensified continental weathering rates, may have played an important role in carbon sequestration and CO2 drawdown. ?? 2006 Geological Society of America.

21 CFR 176.300 - Slimicides.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

...(monobromoacetoxy) ethane [CA Reg. No. 3785-34-0] At a maximum level of 0.10 pound per ton of dry weight fiber. Bis... Methylenebisthiocyanate 2-Nitrobutyl bromoacetate [CA Reg. No. 32815-96-6] At a maximum level of 0.15 pound per ton of dry.... No. 55566-30-8) Maximum use level of 84 mg/kg in the pulp slurry. The additive may also be added to...

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans

PubMed Central

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-01-01

This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca2+ sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf) markedly increased Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca2+ content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca2+ by a combined caffeine and low Mg2+ stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca2+ was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca2+ content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca2+ sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca2+ sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca2+ in both fibre types. Key points Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. PMID:25809942

Contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium content in type I and type II skeletal muscle fibres in active aged humans.

PubMed

Lamboley, C R; Wyckelsma, V L; Dutka, T L; McKenna, M J; Murphy, R M; Lamb, G D

2015-06-01

Muscle weakness in old age is due in large part to an overall loss of skeletal muscle tissue, but it remains uncertain how much also stems from alterations in the properties of the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and amount of stored intracellular calcium in single muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) adults. The maximum level of force production (per unit cross-sectional area) in fast twitch fibres in Old subjects was lower than in Young subjects, and the fibres were also less sensitive to activation by calcium. The amount of calcium stored inside muscle fibres and available to trigger contraction was also lower in both fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres in the Old subjects. These findings indicate that muscle weakness in old age stems in part from an impaired capacity for force production in the individual muscle fibres. This study examined the contractile properties and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content in mechanically skinned vastus lateralis muscle fibres of Old (70 ± 4 years) and Young (22 ± 3 years) humans to investigate whether changes in muscle fibre properties contribute to muscle weakness in old age. In type II fibres of Old subjects, specific force was reduced by ∼17% and Ca(2+) sensitivity was also reduced (pCa50 decreased ∼0.05 pCa units) relative to that in Young. S-Glutathionylation of fast troponin I (TnIf ) markedly increased Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, but the increase was significantly smaller in Old versus Young (+0.136 and +0.164 pCa unit increases, respectively). Endogenous and maximal SR Ca(2+) content were significantly smaller in both type I and type II fibres in Old subjects. In fibres of Young, the SR could be nearly fully depleted of Ca(2+) by a combined caffeine and low Mg(2+) stimulus, whereas in fibres of Old the amount of non-releasable Ca(2+) was significantly increased (by > 12% of endogenous Ca(2+) content). Western blotting showed an increased proportion of type I fibres in Old subjects, and increased amounts of calsequestrin-2 and calsequestrin-like protein. The findings suggest that muscle weakness in old age is probably attributable in part to (i) an increased proportion of type I fibres, (ii) a reduction in both maximum specific force and Ca(2+) sensitivity in type II fibres, and also a decreased ability of S-glutathionylation of TnIf to counter the fatiguing effects of metabolites on Ca(2+) sensitivity, and (iii) a reduction in the amount of releasable SR Ca(2+) in both fibre types. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Physiology © 2015 The Physiological Society.

Changes in North Atlantic deep-sea temperature during climatic fluctuations of the last 25,000 years based on ostracode Mg/Ca ratios

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dwyer, Gary S.; Cronin, Thomas M.; Baker, Paul A.; Rodriguez-Lazaro, Julio

2000-01-01

We reconstructed three time series of last glacial-to-present deep-sea temperature from deep and intermediate water sediment cores from the western North Atlantic using Mg/Ca ratios of benthic ostracode shells. Although the Mg/Ca data show considerable variability (“scatter”) that is common to single-shell chemical analyses, comparisons between cores, between core top shells and modern bottom water temperatures (BWT), and comparison to other paleo-BWT proxies, among other factors, suggest that multiple-shell average Mg/Ca ratios provide reliable estimates of BWT history at these sites. The BWT records show not only glacial-to-interglacial variations but also indicate BWT changes during the deglacial and within the Holocene interglacial stage. At the deeper sites (4500- and 3400-m water depth), BWT decreased during the last glacial maximum (LGM), the late Holocene, and possibly during the Younger Dryas. Maximum deep-sea warming occurred during the latest deglacial and early Holocene, when BWT exceeded modern values by as much as 2.5°C. This warming was apparently most intense around 3000 m, the depth of the modern-day core of North Atlantic deep water (NADW). The BWT variations at the deeper water sites are consistent with changes in thermohaline circulation: warmer BWT signifies enhanced NADW influence relative to Antarctic bottom water (AABW). Thus maximum NADW production and associated heat flux likely occurred during the early Holocene and decreased abruptly around 6500 years B.P., a finding that is largely consistent with paleonutrient studies in the deep North Atlantic. BWT changes in intermediate waters (1000-m water depth) of the subtropical gyre roughly parallel the deep BWT variations including dramatic mid-Holocene cooling of around 4°C. Joint consideration of the Mg/Ca-based BWT estimates and benthic oxygen isotopes suggests that the cooling was accompanied by a decrease in salinity at this site. Subsequently, intermediate waters warmed to modern values that match those of the early Holocene maximum of ∼7°C. Intermediate water BWT changes must also be driven by changes in ocean circulation. These results thus provide independent evidence that supports the hypothesis that deep-ocean circulation is closely linked to climate change over a range of timescales regardless of the mean climate state. More generally, the results further demonstrate the potential of benthic Mg/Ca ratios as a tool for reconstructing past ocean and climate conditions.

Velocity of sarcomere shortening in rat cardiac muscle: relationship to force, sarcomere length, calcium and time.

PubMed

Daniels, M; Noble, M I; ter Keurs, H E; Wohlfart, B

1984-10-01

The relation between force and velocity was determined in sixteen trabeculae of rat right ventricle as a function of time during a twitch, of sarcomere length and of external Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]o. The trabeculae were studied in modified Krebs-Henseleit solution at 25 degrees C. Force was measured with a semiconductor strain gauge. Sarcomere length was measured with a laser diffraction system. A servomotor system was used in which control could be switched between sarcomere length, muscle length and force. Force-velocity relations were derived from load clamps and from contractions in which sarcomere length was initially held constant followed by a quick release and slower release of the sarcomeres at controlled velocity. Force-velocity relations were fitted by Hill's equation (Hill, 1938), (Po-P) b = (P+a) V, where P = force, V = velocity, Po = isometric force in mN/mm2 and a and b are constants. For [Ca2+]o = 2.5 mM, with both interventions the values (mean +/- S.D.) were: b = 1.00 +/- 0.45 micron/s; a = 9.52 +/- 5.60 mN/mm2; Vo measured = 13.6 +/- 3.0 micron/s; Vo calculated = 13.4 +/- 3.4 micron/s; Po measured = 96.5 +/- 25.0 mN/mm2; Po calculated = 119.3 +/- 34.5 mN/mm2. Vo rose with [Ca2+]o to a maximum at [Ca2+]o = 1.2 mM when Po was about 50% of maximum, while Po rose with [Ca2+]o to a maximum at above 2.5 mM. Vo rose with time during the twitch to a maximum at 25 ms following onset of contraction; Po was then about 50% of the maximum that was obtained at 120 ms. Vo increased with sarcomere length from zero at a sarcomere length of 1.6 micron to a maximum at 1.85 micron. Between 1.85 micron and 2.3 micron, Vo was constant. At 1.85 micron, Po was about 60% of maximum Po. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that Vo is more sensitive than Po to the amount of Ca2+ bound to the contractile proteins, and that Vo reaches a maximal value with an amount of Ca2+ bound to the contractile proteins at which Po has obtained only about 50% of its maximal value.

Fluidized bed combustion residue as an alternative liming material and Ca source. [Prunus persica

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

Edwards, J.H.; Horton, B.D.; White, A.W. Jr.

1985-01-01

Fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR), a by-product of fossil fuel fired boilers, was evaluated as a liming material and a source of calcium for peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch). Incubation studies involving a medium textured soil indicated that FBCR (calcite (FBCRC) or dolomitic (FBCRD) sources) was as effective a liming amendment as the respective agricultural limestone. Maximum soil pH occurred after 26 days incubation with FBCRC, but soil pH increased continuously throughout 137 days incubation with dolomitic limestone. Ammonium acetate extractable Ca was not affected by calcitic source, but Mg concentration increased with rates with the two dolomitic sources, andmore » was highest in the FBCRD source after 137 days incubation. In greenhouse studies with Elberta peach seedlings, FBCRC was more effective in neutralizing soil acidity and increasing extractable soil Ca than calcitic limestone.« less

Effect of Calcium on the Oxidative Phosphorylation Cascade in Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria

PubMed Central

Glancy, Brian; Willis, Wayne T; Chess, David J; Balaban, Robert S

2014-01-01

Calcium is believed to regulate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of cellular energy homeostasis. Skeletal muscle, with an energy conversion dynamic range of up to 100-fold, is an extreme case for evaluating the cellular balance of ATP production and consumption. This study examined the role of Ca2+ on the entire oxidative phosphorylation reaction network in isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria and attempted to extrapolate these results back to the muscle, in vivo. Kinetic analysis was conducted to evaluate the dose response effect of Ca2+ on the maximum velocity of oxidative phosphorylation (VmaxO) and the ADP affinity. Force-flow analysis evaluated the interplay between energetic driving forces and flux to determine the conductance, or effective activity, of individual steps within oxidative phosphorylation. Measured driving forces (extramitochondrial phosphorylation potential (ΔGATP), membrane potential, and redox states of NADH and cytochromes bH, bL, c1, c, and a,a3) were compared with flux (oxygen consumption) at 37°C. 840 nM Ca2+ generated a ∼2 fold increase in VmaxO with no change in ADP affinity (∼43 μM). Force-flow analysis revealed that Ca2+ activation of VmaxO was distributed throughout the oxidative phosphorylation reaction sequence. Specifically, Ca2+ increased the conductance of Complex IV (2.3-fold), Complexes I+III (2.2-fold), ATP production/transport (2.4-fold), and fuel transport/dehydrogenases (1.7-fold). These data support the notion that Ca2+ activates the entire muscle oxidative phosphorylation cascade, while extrapolation of these data to the exercising muscle predicts a significant role of Ca2+ in maintaining cellular energy homeostasis. PMID:23547908

Abnormalities in intracellular calcium regulation and contractile function in myocardium from dogs with pacing-induced heart failure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perreault, C. L.; Shannon, R. P.; Komamura, K.; Vatner, S. F.; Morgan, J. P.

1992-01-01

24 d of rapid ventricular pacing induced dilated cardiomyopathy with both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in conscious, chronically instrumented dogs. We studied mechanical properties and intracellular calcium (Ca2+i) transients of trabeculae carneae isolated from 15 control dogs (n = 32) and 11 dogs with pacing-induced cardiac failure (n = 26). Muscles were stretched to maximum length at 30 degrees C and stimulated at 0.33 Hz; a subset (n = 17 control, n = 17 myopathic) was loaded with the [Ca2+]i indicator aequorin. Peak tension was depressed in the myopathic muscles, even in the presence of maximally effective (i.e., 16 mM) [Ca2+] in the perfusate. However, peak [Ca2+]i was similar (0.80 +/- 0.13 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.05 microM; [Ca2+]o = 2.5 mM), suggesting that a decrease in Cai2+ availability was not responsible for the decreased contractility. The time for decline from the peak of the Cai2+ transient was prolonged in the myopathic group, which correlated with prolongation of isometric contraction and relaxation. However, similar end-diastolic [Ca2+]i was achieved in both groups (0.29 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.31 +/- 0.02 microM), indicating that Cai2+ homeostasis can be maintained in myopathic hearts. The inotropic response of the myopathic muscles to milrinone was depressed compared with the controls. However, when cAMP production was stimulated by pretreatment with forskolin, the response of the myopathic muscles to milrinone was improved. Our findings provide direct evidence that abnormal [Ca2+]i handling is an important cause of contractile dysfunction in dogs with pacing-induced heart failure and suggest that deficient production of cAMP may be an important cause of these changes in excitation-contraction coupling.

Quantifying Ca2+ release and inactivation of Ca2+ release in fast- and slow-twitch muscles.

PubMed

Barclay, C J

2012-12-01

The aims of this study were to quantify the Ca(2+) release underlying twitch contractions of mammalian fast- and slow-twitch muscle and to comprehensively describe the transient inactivation of Ca(2+) release following a stimulus. Experiments were performed using bundles of fibres from mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. Ca(2+) release was quantified from the amount of ATP used to remove Ca(2+) from the myoplasm following stimulation. ATP turnover by crossbridges was blocked pharmacologically (N-benzyl-p-toluenesulphonamide for EDL, blebbistatin for soleus) and muscle heat production was used as an index of Ca(2+) pump ATP turnover. At 20°C, Ca(2+) release in response to a single stimulus was 34 and 84 μmol (kg muscle)(-1) for soleus and EDL, respectively, and increased with temperature (30°C: soleus, 61 μmol kg(-1); EDL, 168 μmol kg(-1)). Delivery of another stimulus within 100 ms of the first produced a smaller Ca(2+) release. The maximum magnitude of the decrease in Ca(2+) release was greater in EDL than soleus. Ca(2+) release recovered with an exponential time course which was faster in EDL (mean time constant at 20°C, 32.1 ms) than soleus (65.6 ms) and faster at 30°C than at 20°C. The amounts of Ca(2+) released and crossbridge cycles performed are consistent with a scheme in which Ca(2+) binding to troponin-C allowed an average of ∼1.7 crossbridge cycles in the two muscles.

Quantifying Ca2+ release and inactivation of Ca2+ release in fast- and slow-twitch muscles

PubMed Central

Barclay, C J

2012-01-01

The aims of this study were to quantify the Ca2+ release underlying twitch contractions of mammalian fast- and slow-twitch muscle and to comprehensively describe the transient inactivation of Ca2+ release following a stimulus. Experiments were performed using bundles of fibres from mouse extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus muscles. Ca2+ release was quantified from the amount of ATP used to remove Ca2+ from the myoplasm following stimulation. ATP turnover by crossbridges was blocked pharmacologically (N-benzyl-p-toluenesulphonamide for EDL, blebbistatin for soleus) and muscle heat production was used as an index of Ca2+ pump ATP turnover. At 20°C, Ca2+ release in response to a single stimulus was 34 and 84 μmol (kg muscle)−1 for soleus and EDL, respectively, and increased with temperature (30°C: soleus, 61 μmol kg−1; EDL, 168 μmol kg−1). Delivery of another stimulus within 100 ms of the first produced a smaller Ca2+ release. The maximum magnitude of the decrease in Ca2+ release was greater in EDL than soleus. Ca2+ release recovered with an exponential time course which was faster in EDL (mean time constant at 20°C, 32.1 ms) than soleus (65.6 ms) and faster at 30°C than at 20°C. The amounts of Ca2+ released and crossbridge cycles performed are consistent with a scheme in which Ca2+ binding to troponin-C allowed an average of ∼1.7 crossbridge cycles in the two muscles. PMID:23027818

Production and structural elucidation of exopolysaccharide from endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp. BC55.

PubMed

Mahapatra, Subhadip; Banerjee, Debdulal

2016-01-01

There is a little information on exopolysaccharide production by endophytic fungi. In this investigation endophytic Pestalotiopsis sp. BC55 was used for optimization of exopolysaccharide production. One variable at a time method and response surface methodology were adopted to find out the best culture conditions and medium compositions for maximum exopolysaccharide production. The organism produced maximum exopolysaccharide (4.320 ± 0.022 g/l EPS) in 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing 75 ml potato dextrose broth supplemented with (g%/l) glucose, 7.66; urea, 0.29; CaCl2, 0.05 with medium pH 6.93; after 3.76 days of incubation at 24°C. Exopolysaccharide [EPS (EP-I)] produced by this organism have Mw ∼2×10(5)Da with a melting point range of 122-124°C. Structural elucidation of the EPS (PS-I) was carried out after a series of experiments. Result indicated the presence of only (1→3)-linked β-d-glucopyranosyl moiety. The structure of the repeating unit was established as - →3)-β-d-Glcp-(1→. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sulphation of CaO-Based Sorbent Modified in CO2 Looping Cycles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manovic, Vasilije; Anthony, Edward J.; Loncarevic, Davor

CaO-based looping cycles for CO2 capture at high temperatures are based on cyclical carbonation of CaO and regeneration of CaCO3. The main limitation of natural sorbents is the loss of carrying capacity with increasing numbers of reaction cycles, resulting in spent sorbent ballast. Use of spent sorbent from CO2 looping cycles for SO2 capture is a possible solution investigated in this study. Three limestones were investigated: Kelly Rock (Canada), La Blanca (Spain) and Katowice (Poland). Carbonation/calcination cycles were performed in a tube furnace with original limestones and samples thermally pretreated for different times (i.e., sintered). The spent sorbent samples were sulphated in a thermogravimetric analyzer. Changes in the resulting pore structure were then investigated using mercury porosimetry. Final conversions of both spent and pretreated sorbents after longer sulphation times were comparable or higher than those observed for the original sorbents. Maximum sulphation levels strongly depend on sorbent porosity and pore surface area. The shrinkage of sorbent particles during calcination/cycling resulted in a loss of sorbent porosity (≤48%), which corresponds to maximum sulphation levels ˜55% for spent Kelly Rock and Katowice. However, this is ˜10% higher than for the original samples. By contrast, La Blanca limestone had more pronounced particle shrinkage during pretreatment and cycling, leading to lower porosity, <35%, resulting in sulphation conversion of spent samples <30%, significantly lower than for the original sample (45%). These results showed that spent sorbent samples from CO2 looping cycles can be used as sorbents for SO2 retention if significant porosity loss does not occur during CO2 reaction cycles. For spent Kelly Rock and Katowice samples final conversions are determined by the total pore volume available for the bulky CaSO4 product.

First-Principles Study of Chemical Mixtures of CaCl2 and MgCl2 Hydrates for Optimized Seasonal Heat Storage

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Chloride-based salt hydrates form a promising class of thermochemical materials (TCMs), having high storage capacity and fast kinetics. In the charging cycles of these hydrates however hydrolysis might appear along with dehydration. The HCl produced during the hydrolysis degrades and corrodes the storage system. Our GGA-DFT results show that the enthalpy charge during proton formation (an important step in hydrolysis) is much higher for CaCl2·2H2O (33.75 kcal/mol) than for MgCl2·2H2O (19.55 kcal/mol). This is a strong indicator that hydrolysis can be minimized by appropriate chemical mixing of CaCl2 and Mg Cl2 hydrates, which is also confirmed by recent experimental studies. GGA-DFT calculations were performed to obtain and analyze the optimized structures, charge distributions, bonding indicators and harmonic frequencies of various chemical mixtures hydrates and compared them to their elementary salts hydrates. We have further assessed the equilibrium products concentration of dehydration/hydrolysis of the chemical mixtures under a wide range of operating conditions. We observed that chemical mixing leads to an increase of the onset hydrolysis temperature with a maximum value of 79 K, thus increasing the resistance against hydrolysis with respect to the elementary salt hydrates. We also found that the chemical mixing of CaCl2 and MgCl2 hydrates widens the operating dehydration temperature range by a maximum value of 182 K (CaMg2Cl6·2H2O) and lowers the binding enthalpy with respect to the physical mixture by ≈65 kcal/mol for TCM based heat storage systems. PMID:28983386

An oxidized metabolite of linoleic acid increases intracellular calcium in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells.

PubMed

Payet, Marcel D; Goodfriend, Theodore L; Bilodeau, Lyne; Mackendale, Cherilu; Chouinard, Lucie; Gallo-Payet, Nicole

2006-12-01

EKODE, an epoxy-keto derivative of linoleic acid, was previously shown to stimulate aldosterone secretion in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. In the present study, we investigated the effect of exogenous EKODE on cytosolic [Ca(2+)] increase and aimed to elucidate the mechanism involved in this process. Through the use of the fluorescent Ca(2+)-sensitive dye Fluo-4, EKODE was shown to rapidly increase intracellular [Ca(2+)] ([Ca(2+)](i)) along a bell-shaped dose-response relationship with a maximum peak at 5 microM. Experiments performed in the presence or absence of Ca(2+) revealed that this increase in [Ca(2+)](i) originated exclusively from intracellular pools. EKODE-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase was blunted by prior application of angiotensin II, Xestospongin C, and cyclopiazonic acid, indicating that inositol trisphosphate (InsP(3))-sensitive Ca(2+) stores can be mobilized by EKODE despite the absence of InsP(3) production. Accordingly, EKODE response was not sensitive to the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122. EKODE mobilized a Ca(2+) store included in the thapsigargin (TG)-sensitive stores, although the interaction between EKODE and TG appears complex, since EKODE added at the plateau response of TG induced a rapid drop in [Ca(2+)](i). 9-oxo-octadecadienoic acid, another oxidized derivative of linoleic acid, also increases [Ca(2+)](i), with a dose-response curve similar to EKODE. However, arachidonic and linoleic acids at 10 microM failed to increase [Ca(2+)](i) but did reduce the amplitude of the response to EKODE. It is concluded that EKODE mobilizes Ca(2+) from an InsP(3)-sensitive store and that this [Ca(2+)](i) increase is responsible for aldosterone secretion by glomerulosa cells. Similar bell-shaped dose-response curves for aldosterone and [Ca(2+)](i) increases reinforce this hypothesis.

Synthesis of Ca(BH4)2 from Synthetic Colemanite Used in Hydrogen Storage by Mechanochemical Reaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabulut, Ahmet F.; Guru, Metin; Boynueğri, Tuğba A.; Aydin, Mustafa Yasir

2016-08-01

In this study, synthesis of Ca(BH4)2 has been carried out with a solid phase reaction in which synthetic colemanite has been used as a raw material. Three dimensional high energy spex collider was selected for this mechanochemical reaction. Calcium borohydride is one of the most valuable metal borohydrides. In order to produce calcium borohydride economically, anhydrous colemanite mineral has been used as reactant. Calcium borohydride has been directly manufactured from anhydrous colemanite in spex-type ball milling without the need for any intermediate product. Thus, the advantages of this method over wet chemical procedure (such as having no intermediate product, no azeotropic limitations and no need of regaining product from solution after production by using evaporation, crystallization and drying processes) have made it possible to achieve the desired economical gains. Parametric experiments were conducted to determine the best conditions for the highest yield of solid phase reaction in the spex-type ball milling. Best results have been determined by using areas of related peaks in spectra of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). In order to use peaks area for determining Ca(BH4)2 concentration, a calibration graph of FT-IR absorbance peak areas has been created by using samples with known different concentrations of commercial Ca(BH4)2. Optimum amounts of calcium hydride and synthesis reaction time were found to be 2.1 times the stoichiometric ratio and 2500 min, respectively. As a result of these optimizations, the maximum yield of the solid phase reaction carried out by the spex-type ball milling has been determined as 93%.

Combined thermo-chemo-sonic disintegration of waste activated sludge for biogas production.

PubMed

Kavitha, S; Yukesh Kannah, R; Yeom, Ick Tae; Do, Khac-Uan; Banu, J Rajesh

2015-12-01

In the present study, there was an investigation about the impact of a new combined thermo-chemo-sonic disintegration of waste activated sludge (WAS) on biodegradability. The outcome of sludge disintegration reveals that maximum Suspended Solids (SS) reduction and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) solubilization effectuated at a specific energy input of 5290.5kJ/kgTS, and was found to be 20%, 16.4%, 15% and 27%, 22%, and 20%, respectively for the three alkalis (NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2). The conversion coefficient of the Volatile Suspended Solids (VSS) to product Soluble COD (SCOD), calculated by nonlinear regression modeling, was found to be 0.5530gSCOD/gVSS, 0.4587gSCOD/gVSS, and 0.4195gSCOD/gVSS for NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2, respectively. In the biodegradability studies, the parameter evaluation provides an estimate of parameter uncertainty and correlation, and elucidates that there is no significant difference in biodegradability (0.413gCOD/gCOD, 0.367gCOD/gCOD, and 0.342gCOD/gCOD) for three alkalis (NaOH, KOH, and Ca(OH)2). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ionic conductivity of cold-pressed ceramics from grinding of R0.95M0.05F2.95 solid electrolytes ( R = La, Nd; M = Ca, Sr, Ba) synthesized by reaction in melt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sorokin, N. I.; Ivanovskaya, N. A.; Sobolev, B. P.

2014-03-01

Cold-pressed ceramics of fluorine-conducting solid electrolytes La1 - y M y F3 - y ( M = Ca, Sr, Ba) and Nd1 - y Ca y F3 - y with y = 0.95 have been synthesized in a melt of RF3 ( R = La, Nd) and MF2 components in a fluorinating atmosphere and ground in a ball mill. The as-prepared ceramics require annealing, during which their porosity decreases and the conductivity is stably increased (by a factor of 250 for the R 1 - y M y F3 - y composition at 293 K). The Nd0.95Ca0.05F2.95 and Nd0.95Ca0.05F2.95 compositions have a maximum ionic conductivity σ(293 K) ˜ 5 × 10-6 Sm/cm. This value is larger (by a factor of about 10) than σ (293 K) for the R 1 - y M y F3 - y ceramics of tysonite phases prepared by mechanochemical synthesis with the cold pressing of reaction products.

Alkali-activated complex binders from class C fly ash and Ca-containing admixtures.

PubMed

Guo, Xiaolu; Shi, Huisheng; Chen, Liming; Dick, Warren A

2010-01-15

Processes that maximize utilization of industrial solid wastes are greatly needed. Sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution were used to create alkali-activated complex binders (AACBs) from class C fly ash (CFA) and other Ca-containing admixtures including Portland cement (PC), flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGDG), and water treatment residual (WTR). Specimens made only from CFA (CFA100), or the same fly ash mixed with 40 wt% PC (CFA60-PC40), with 10 wt% FGDG (CFA90-FGDG10), or with 10 wt% WTR (CFA90-WTR10) had better mechanical performance compared to binders using other mix ratios. The maximum compressive strength of specimens reached 80.0 MPa. Geopolymeric gel, sodium polysilicate zeolite, and hydrated products coexist when AACB reactions occur. Ca from CFA, PC, and WTR precipitated as Ca(OH)(2), bonded in geopolymers to obtain charge balance, or reacted with dissolved silicate and aluminate species to form calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel. However, Ca from FGDG probably reacted with dissolved silicate and aluminate species to form ettringite. Utilization of CFA and Ca-containing admixtures in AACB is feasible. These binders may be widely utilized in various applications such as in building materials and for solidification/stabilization of other wastes, thus making the wastes more environmentally benign.

Influence of periodically changing oxidizing and reducing environment on sulfur capture under PFBC conditions

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

Yrjas, P.; Hupa, M.

1997-12-31

In the literature it has been reported that sulfur capture with limestone (CaCO{sub 3}) under atmospheric fluidized bed combustion conditions reaches a maximum at about 850 C. Previously, the maximum has been attributed to the sintering of the sorbent particles which decreases the reactive surface area. Lately, also another explanation has been reported. In this case the sulfur capture decrease at higher temperatures was concluded to be due to fluctuating oxidizing/reducing conditions in the atmospheric combustor. In this paper the influence of alternating oxidizing/reducing conditions on SO{sub 2} capture at atmospheric and elevated pressure (15 bar) is reported. In themore » pressurized case, the CO{sub 2} partial pressure was kept high enough to prevent CaCO{sub 3} from calcining and therefore the CaSO{sub 4} would not form CaO but CaCO{sub 3} from calcining and therefore the CaSO{sub 4} would not form CaO but CaCO{sub 3} under reducing conditions. The experiments were done with a pressurized TGA by periodically changing the gas environment between oxidizing (O{sub 2}, SO{sub 2}, CO{sub 2} and N{sub 2}) and slightly reducing (CO, SO{sub 2}, CO{sub 2} and N{sub 2}) gas mixtures at different temperatures. The results showed that under normal pressure and slightly reducing conditions CaO formation from CaSO{sub 4} increased with temperature as expected. However, no significant amounts of CaCO{sub 3} were formed from CaSO{sub 4} at elevated pressure. It was also concluded that since the formation of CaO from CaSO{sub 4} was relatively slow it could not explain the sharp sulfur capture maximum at about 850 C. Therefore, it was assumed that the strongly reducing zones, where CaS thermodynamically is the stable compound, may play a more important role than the slightly reducing zones, concerning the sulfur capture in fluidized bed combustors.« less

Bingham fluid behavior of plagioclase-bearing basaltic magma: Approach from laboratory viscosity measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ishibashi, H.; Sato, H.

2010-12-01

Datasets of one atmosphere high temperature rotational viscometry of the Fuji 1707 basalt (Ishibashi, 2009) were analyzed based on the Bingham fluid model, and both yield stress and Bingham viscosity were determined. Reproducibility of the dataset by the Bingham fluid model was slightly better than that by the power law fluid modes adopted in our previous study although both the fluid models well represent the dataset in practical perspective. The relation between Bingham viscosity and crystallinity was compared with the Krieger-Dougherty equation, and both the maximum packing fraction of crystals and intrinsic viscosity for Bingham viscosity were determined ca. 0.45 and ca. 5.25, respectively, revealing that the maximum packing fraction decreased and intrinsic viscosity increased concomitantly with the increase in shape-anisotropy of crystals. However, the obtained value of the product of the maximum packing fraction and intrinsic viscosity (= ca. 2.36) was similar to that of uniform, isotropic-shaped particles (= 2.5), indicating that the effect of crystal shape-anisotropy on Bingham viscosity might be predicted only by change of the maximum packing fraction. Finite yield stress was detected for crystallinity larger than 0.133; it increased with crystallinity which suggests that critical crystallinity for onset of yield stress is at least lower than 0.133. The upper limit value of the critical crystallinity resembles the value calculated numerically for randomly oriented uniform particles by Saar et al. (2001) (0.10-0.15 for width/length ratio of 0.1-0.2, which is similar to the ratios in the basalt) whereas crystals in the basalt were moderately parallel arranged and their sizes vary significantly. That fact might be explained as follows; effects of parallel arrangement and size variation of crystals on the critical crystallinity are offset by the effect of variation in crystal shape-anisotropy, which suggests that shape-anisotropy distribution of crystals must be a critical factor for the onset of yield stress. Keywords: magma, viscosity, Bingham fluid, yield stress, plagioclase

Should conventional angiography be the gold standard for carotid stenosis?

PubMed

Zhang, Wayne W; Harris, Linda M; Dryjski, Maciej L

2006-12-01

To compare conventional angiography (CA) and rotational angiography (RA) to assess the degree of angiographically-measured stenosis versus cross-sectional area (CSA) stenosis in an in vitro carotid model. Various grades of stenosis were created by adhering different amounts of silicone rubber sealant onto the inner wall of clear, radiolucent tubes. Following 2- and 3-projection CA and 20-projection RA, the tubes were transected at the actual maximum stenosis. The cross-sectional areas were digitally photographed, and CSA stenosis was calculated using ImageJ planimeter software. The differences among CA, RA, and CSA stenosis measurements were compared statistically. There was no significant difference between RA and CSA stenosis measurements (p=0.46). Conventional angiography with 2 or 3 projections between 0 degrees and 90 degrees underestimated the severity of disease in 19 (63%) of 30 samples. The maximum stenosis percentage was significantly lower in CA versus RA (p<0.0001 in 2-projection, p<0.0003 in 3-projection) and in CA versus CSA stenosis (p<0.0004 in 2-projection, p<0.001 in 3-projection). The maximum stenosis percentages measured by RA were less than CSA stenosis in 5 (71.4%) of 7 tubes (p=NS) containing 50% to 69% stenoses. Eight tubes had mountain-shaped lesions, which was significantly overestimated by RA (11.5%+/-9.7%, p<0.012). CA with 2 or 3 projections significantly underestimates the maximum stenosis in an in vitro model. RA may overestimate disease in patients with mountain-shaped plaques and may underestimate disease if the stenosis is <70%. Our data suggest that CA should not be the gold standard for the qualification of carotid endarterectomy in asymptomatic patients, nor for vascular laboratory quality assurance analysis.

Effects of calcium oxide treatment at varying moisture concentrations on the chemical composition, in situ degradability, in vitro digestibility and gas production kinetics of anaerobically stored corn stover.

PubMed

Shi, H T; Cao, Z J; Wang, Y J; Li, S L; Yang, H J; Bi, Y L; Doane, P H

2016-08-01

The objective of this study was to determine the optimum conditions for calcium oxide (CaO) treatment of anaerobically stored corn stover by in situ and in vitro methods. Four ruminally cannulated, non-lactating, non-pregnant Holstein cows were used to determine the in situ effective degradabilities of dry matter (ISDMD), organic matter (ISOMD), neutral detergent fibre (ISNDFD), in vitro organic matter disappearance (IVOMD) and gas production in 72 h (GP72h ) of corn stover. A completely randomized design involving a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement was adopted. Ground corn stover was treated with different levels of CaO (3%, 5% and 7% of dry stover) at varying moisture contents (40%, 50% and 60%) and stored under anaerobic conditions for 15 days before analysis. Compared with untreated corn stover, the CaO-treated stover had increased ash and calcium (Ca) contents but decreased aNDF and OM contents. The moisture content, CaO level and their interaction affected (p < 0.01) the content of aNDF, ash and OM, and the ratio of aNDF/OM. The greatest ISDMD, ISOMD and ISNDFD were observed when stover was treated with 7% CaO and 60% moisture, while no differences (p > 0.01) in these in situ degradability parameters were observed between the stover treated with 5% CaO at 60% moisture content and those treated with 7% CaO at 60% moisture content. Corn stover treated with 5% CaO at 50% moisture had the maximum IVOMD and GP72 h among the treatments, and there was no difference (p > 0.01) between 50% and 60% moisture. Results from this study suggested that 5% CaO applied at 60% moisture could be an effective and economical treatment combination. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition © 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Reconstruction of calmodulin single-molecule FRET states, dye interactions, and CaMKII peptide binding by MultiNest and classic maximum entropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeVore, Matthew S.; Gull, Stephen F.; Johnson, Carey K.

2013-08-01

We analyzed single molecule FRET burst measurements using Bayesian nested sampling. The MultiNest algorithm produces accurate FRET efficiency distributions from single-molecule data. FRET efficiency distributions recovered by MultiNest and classic maximum entropy are compared for simulated data and for calmodulin labeled at residues 44 and 117. MultiNest compares favorably with maximum entropy analysis for simulated data, judged by the Bayesian evidence. FRET efficiency distributions recovered for calmodulin labeled with two different FRET dye pairs depended on the dye pair and changed upon Ca2+ binding. We also looked at the FRET efficiency distributions of calmodulin bound to the calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) binding domain. For both dye pairs, the FRET efficiency distribution collapsed to a single peak in the case of calmodulin bound to the CaMKII peptide. These measurements strongly suggest that consideration of dye-protein interactions is crucial in forming an accurate picture of protein conformations from FRET data.

Reconstruction of Calmodulin Single-Molecule FRET States, Dye-Interactions, and CaMKII Peptide Binding by MultiNest and Classic Maximum Entropy

PubMed Central

DeVore, Matthew S.; Gull, Stephen F.; Johnson, Carey K.

2013-01-01

We analyze single molecule FRET burst measurements using Bayesian nested sampling. The MultiNest algorithm produces accurate FRET efficiency distributions from single-molecule data. FRET efficiency distributions recovered by MultiNest and classic maximum entropy are compared for simulated data and for calmodulin labeled at residues 44 and 117. MultiNest compares favorably with maximum entropy analysis for simulated data, judged by the Bayesian evidence. FRET efficiency distributions recovered for calmodulin labeled with two different FRET dye pairs depended on the dye pair and changed upon Ca2+ binding. We also looked at the FRET efficiency distributions of calmodulin bound to the calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) binding domain. For both dye pairs, the FRET efficiency distribution collapsed to a single peak in the case of calmodulin bound to the CaMKII peptide. These measurements strongly suggest that consideration of dye-protein interactions is crucial in forming an accurate picture of protein conformations from FRET data. PMID:24223465

Reconstruction of Calmodulin Single-Molecule FRET States, Dye-Interactions, and CaMKII Peptide Binding by MultiNest and Classic Maximum Entropy.

PubMed

Devore, Matthew S; Gull, Stephen F; Johnson, Carey K

2013-08-30

We analyze single molecule FRET burst measurements using Bayesian nested sampling. The MultiNest algorithm produces accurate FRET efficiency distributions from single-molecule data. FRET efficiency distributions recovered by MultiNest and classic maximum entropy are compared for simulated data and for calmodulin labeled at residues 44 and 117. MultiNest compares favorably with maximum entropy analysis for simulated data, judged by the Bayesian evidence. FRET efficiency distributions recovered for calmodulin labeled with two different FRET dye pairs depended on the dye pair and changed upon Ca 2+ binding. We also looked at the FRET efficiency distributions of calmodulin bound to the calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) binding domain. For both dye pairs, the FRET efficiency distribution collapsed to a single peak in the case of calmodulin bound to the CaMKII peptide. These measurements strongly suggest that consideration of dye-protein interactions is crucial in forming an accurate picture of protein conformations from FRET data.

Electrochemically driven three-phase interlines into insulator compounds: electroreduction of solid SiO2 in molten CaCl2.

PubMed

Xiao, Wei; Jin, Xianbo; Deng, Yuan; Wang, Dihua; Hu, Xiaohong; Chen, George Z

2006-08-11

The electrochemical reduction of solid SiO2 (quartz) to Si is studied in molten CaCl2 at 1173 K. Experimental observations are compared and agree well with a novel penetration model in relation with electrochemistry at the dynamic conductor|insulator|electrolyte three-phase interlines. The findings show that the reduction of a cylindrical quartz pellet at certain potentials is mainly determined by the diffusion of the O(2-) ions and also the ohmic polarisation in the reduction-generated porous silicon layer. The reduction rate increases with the overpotential to a maximum after which the process is retarded, most likely due to precipitation of CaO in the reaction region (cathodic passivation). Data are reported on the reduction rate, current efficiency and energy consumption during the electroreduction of quartz under potentiostatic conditions. These theoretical and experimental findings form the basis for an in-depth discussion on the optimisation of the electroreduction method for the production of silicon.

CaFe2O4 as a self-sufficient solar energy converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tablero, C.

2017-10-01

An ideal solar energy to electricity or fuel converter should work without the use of any external bias potential. An analysis of self-sufficiency when CaFe2O4 is used to absorb the sunlight is carried out based on the CaFe2O4 absorption coefficient. We started to obtain this coefficient theoretically within the experimental bandgap range in order to fix the interval of possible values of photocurrents, maximum absorption efficiencies, and photovoltages and thus that of self-sufficiency considering only the radiative processes. Also for single-gap CaFe2O4, we evaluate an alternative for increasing the photocurrent and maximum absorption efficiency based on inserting an intermediate band using high doping or alloying.

Potential use of avocado oil on structured lipids MLM-type production catalysed by commercial immobilised lipases.

PubMed

Caballero, Eduardo; Soto, Carmen; Olivares, Araceli; Altamirano, Claudia

2014-01-01

Structured Lipids are generally constituents of functional foods. Growing demands for SL are based on a fuller understanding of nutritional requirements, lipid metabolism, and improved methods to produce them. Specifically, this work was aimed to add value to avocado oil by producing dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (M) at positions sn-1,3 and long-chain fatty acids (L) at position sn-2. These MLM-type structured lipids (SL) were produced by interesterification of caprylic acid (CA) (C8:0) and avocado oil (content of C18:1). The regiospecific sn-1,3 commercial lipases Lipozyme RM IM and TL IM were used as biocatalysts to probe the potential of avocado oil to produce SL. Reactions were performed at 30-50°C for 24 h in solvent-free media with a substrate molar ratio of 1∶2 (TAG:CA) and 4-10% w/w enzyme content. The lowest incorporation of CA (1.1% mol) resulted from Lipozyme RM IM that was incubated at 50°C. The maximum incorporation of CA into sn-1,3 positions of TAG was 29.2% mol. This result was obtained at 30°C with 10% w/w Lipozyme TL IM, which is the highest values obtained in solvent-free medium until now for structured lipids of low-calories. This strategy opens a new market to added value products based on avocado oil.

Potential Use of Avocado Oil on Structured Lipids MLM-Type Production Catalysed by Commercial Immobilised Lipases

PubMed Central

Caballero, Eduardo; Soto, Carmen; Olivares, Araceli; Altamirano, Claudia

2014-01-01

Structured Lipids are generally constituents of functional foods. Growing demands for SL are based on a fuller understanding of nutritional requirements, lipid metabolism, and improved methods to produce them. Specifically, this work was aimed to add value to avocado oil by producing dietary triacylglycerols (TAG) containing medium-chain fatty acids (M) at positions sn-1,3 and long-chain fatty acids (L) at position sn-2. These MLM-type structured lipids (SL) were produced by interesterification of caprylic acid (CA) (C8:0) and avocado oil (content of C18:1). The regiospecific sn-1,3 commercial lipases Lipozyme RM IM and TL IM were used as biocatalysts to probe the potential of avocado oil to produce SL. Reactions were performed at 30–50°C for 24 h in solvent-free media with a substrate molar ratio of 1∶2 (TAG:CA) and 4–10% w/w enzyme content. The lowest incorporation of CA (1.1% mol) resulted from Lipozyme RM IM that was incubated at 50°C. The maximum incorporation of CA into sn-1,3 positions of TAG was 29.2% mol. This result was obtained at 30°C with 10% w/w Lipozyme TL IM, which is the highest values obtained in solvent-free medium until now for structured lipids of low-calories. This strategy opens a new market to added value products based on avocado oil. PMID:25248107

Increased calcium deposits and decreased Ca2+-ATPase in right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broiler chickens.

PubMed

Li, K; Qiao, J; Zhao, L; Dong, S; Ou, D; Wang, J; Wang, H; Xu, T

2006-11-01

Right ventricular hypertrophy and failure is an important step in the development of ascites syndrome (AS) in broiler chickens. Cytoplasmic calcium concentration is a major regulator of cardiac contractile function and various physiological processes in cardiac muscle cells. The purpose of this study was to measure the right ventricular pressure and investigate the precise ultrastructural location of Ca(2+) and Ca(2+)-ATPase in the right ventricular myocardium of chickens with AS induced by low ambient temperature. The results showed that the right ventricular diastolic pressure of ascitic broilers was significantly higher than that of control broilers (P < 0.01), and the maximum change ratio of right intraventricular pressure (RV +/- dp/dt(max)) of ascitic broilers was significantly lower than that of the controls (P < 0.01). Extensively increased calcium deposits were observed in the right ventricular myocardium of ascitic broilers, whereas in the age-matched control broilers, calcium deposits were much less. The Ca(2+)-ATPase reactive products were obviously found on the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial membrane of the control right ventricular myocardium, but rarely observed in the ascitic broilers. The data suggest that in ascitic broilers there is the right ventricular diastolic dysfunction, in which the overload of intracellular calcium and the decreased Ca(2+)-ATPase activity might be the important factors.

A physiological basis for variation in the contractile properties of isolated rat heart.

PubMed Central

Lin, L E; McClellan, G; Weisberg, A; Winegrad, S

1991-01-01

1. The maximum Ca(2+)-activated force, maximum velocity of unloaded shortening and both Ca(2+)- and actin-activated ATPase activities of myosin have been measured in detergent-skinned preparations of isolated bundles of rat right ventricle after exposure of the intact tissue to different conditions of superfusion, mechanical activity and temperature. 2. Maximum Ca(2+)-activated force per unit cross-sectional area decreases with increasing cross-sectional area, and, in the absence of electrical stimulation, with the duration of superfusion. Maximum velocity of unloaded shortening is not influenced by these differences. 3. Actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin decreases as cross-sectional area increases and duration of superfusion increases, but the extent of the decrease in enzymatic activity is less than that of developed force. Ca(2+)-activated ATPase activity is independent of these differences. 4. Actin-activated ATPase activity in cryostatic sections of quickly frozen tissue is not uniform across the transverse section. In thin bundles, it is highest in the centre and lowest at the edge of the section, which correspond, respectively, to the centre and the surface of the tissue bundle. Exposure of the tissue section to 1 microM-cyclic AMP increases the actin-activated ATPase activity of myosin with the largest increase in activity occurring at or near the surface of the bundle. 5. Ca(2+)-activated ATPase activity of myosin is uniform across the transverse section and is not changed by cyclic AMP. 6. Electrical stimulation, elevated Ca2+ concentration in the superfusion medium, or isoprenaline partially or completely reverse the decline in maximum Ca(2+)-activated force produced by prolonged superfusion of the bundle before its skinning. 7. These observations are similar in many ways to those made on frog skeletal muscles by Elzinga, Howarth, Rull, Wilson & Woledge (1989a). An explanation based on the existence of a physiological mechanism for regulating the properties of force generators is proposed. Regulation of the attachment of the cross-bridge to an actin filament may be the basis for the regulatory mechanism. Images Fig. 4 Fig. 7 PMID:1667804

Enhanced lipid accumulation of green microalga Scenedesmus sp. by metal ions and EDTA addition.

PubMed

Ren, Hong-Yu; Liu, Bing-Feng; Kong, Fanying; Zhao, Lei; Xie, Guo-Jun; Ren, Nan-Qi

2014-10-01

Effects of Fe(3+) (0-0.12 g/L), Mg(2+) (0-0.73 g/L) and Ca(2+) (0-0.98 g/L) on the biomass and lipid accumulation of heterotrophic microalgae were investigated in dark environment. The biomass and lipid production exhibited an increasing trend with increasing the concentrations of metal ions. In cultures with 1.2 × 10(-3) g/L Fe(3+), 7.3 × 10(-3) g/L Mg(2+) and 9.8 × 10(-4) g/L Ca(2+), the maximum biomass, total lipid content and lipid productivity reached 3.49 g/L, 47.4% and 275.7 mg/L/d, respectively. More importantly, EDTA addition (1.0 × 10(-3) g/L) could enhance the solubility of metal ions (iron and calcium) and increase their availability by microalgae, which evidently promote the lipid accumulation. Compared with the control, the total lipid content and lipid productivity increased 28.2% and 29.7%, respectively. These show that appropriate concentrations of metal ions and EDTA in the culture medium were beneficial to lipid accumulation of heterotrophic Scenedesmus sp. cells. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of carbonate sediments by a unicellular green alga

USGS Publications Warehouse

Yates, K.K.; Robbins, L.L.

1998-01-01

This study investigates the ability of the unicellular green alga Natmochloris atoimis to precipitate CaCO3, quantifies mineral precipitation rates, estimates sediment production in a N. atomiis bloom, and discusses the implications of microbial calcification for carbonate sediment deposition. A series of N. atomus cultures, isolated from Lake Reeve, Australia, were incubated at various pH and calcium concentrations to determine environmental parameters for calcification. Rates of calcification were calculated from initial and postincubation alkalinity, pH, and calcium measurements. Replicate experiments and controls consisting of non-calcifying cultures, uninoculated media, and dead cell cultures were performed using environmental culture parameters determined in series cultures. Average calcification rates from replicate experiments were used to predict daily sediment production rates in a small bloom of N. atomus. N. atomus precipitates 0.138 g/L of calcite in approximately 4 h when incubated at pH 8.5, 14.24 mM calcium concentration, 33 ??C, 100 ??E/m2/s light intensity, and a cell population density of 107 cells/mL. Assuming continuous precipitation, this corresponds to a maximum estimated sediment production rate of 1.6 ?? 106 kg of CaCO3, per 12 h day in a single bloom of 3.2 ?? 109 L. Our results suggest that microbial calcification contributes significantly to the carbonate sediment budget.

Sulfur capture under periodically changing oxidizing and reducing conditions in PFBC

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

Zevenhoven, R.; Yrjas, P.; Hupa, M.

1999-07-01

During in situ sulfur capture with a calcium-based sorbent in fluidized bed combustion (FBC), a temperature optimum is found, at atmospheric pressure, at {approximately}850 C. The repeated decomposition of sulfated limestone during stages where the gas atmosphere surrounding the sorbent particle is not oxidizing but reducing has been identified to explain this maximum. Under pressurized (PFBC) conditions, an additional aspect is the direct conversion of calcium carbonate (CaCO{sub 3}) without the intermediate calcium oxide (CaO) due to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}). In this work it was evaluated how stable calcium sulfate (CaSO{sub 4}) is in amore » gas atmosphere that periodically changes from oxidizing to reducing and vice versa. Atmospheric as well as elevated pressures are considered. CaO or CaCO{sub 3}, and/or calcium sulfide (CaS) are formed during the reducing stage. Using a pressurized thermogravimetric reactor (PTGR) a limestone was periodically sulfated under oxidizing conditions and decomposed under reducing conditions with carbon monoxide (CO), or with CO + H{sub 2} (hydrogen). Experiments at 1 bar and 15 bar were carried out, at temperatures from 850 C to 950 C, at C O and CO + H{sub 2} concentrations up to 4%-vol. The experimental data were modeled using simple first order (parallel) reaction schemes that allowed for sorbent structure changes. This gave rate parameters for the sulfation and the decomposition reactions, and identified the decomposition products. It was found that 1 bar, CO + H{sub 2} gives a higher reduction of CaSO{sub 4} than CO, at the same total concentration. The rate of decomposition increases faster with temperature than the sulfation, explaining the sulfation efficiency maximum mentioned above. At 15 bar, a different picture is seen. The reductive decomposition rate as well as the sulfation rate are slower, with CO as well as CO with small amounts of H{sub 2} as the reducing species. There is a significant effect of the water which is present in the gas at higher concentrations than H{sub 2}. Thermodynamics indicate that this leads to the decomposition of CaS, releasing H{sub 2}S.« less

Variations in Compressive Strength of Geopolymer due to the CaO Added Fly Ash

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yuqing; Koumoto, Tatsuya; Kondo, Fumiyoshi

Recently, geopolymer has been a noteworthy material which can be used as a replacement for portland cement. The mechanical characteristics and consistency of the geopolymer are strongly affected by its chemical components of fly ash. The variations in compressive strength of geopolymer due to the CaO added fly ash were investigated in this paper. The compressive strengths of geopolymer were increased with an increase in the curing period, and the characteristics changed from the one of plastic soil material to brittle material such as concrete, regardless of CaO content. Also, the results of compressive strength and modulus of deformation showed their maximum value in the case of 8-10% CaO content. From this result, the maximum characteristics of the strengths were assumed to be exerted in case which the water draining process of geopolymer was balanced with the water absorbing process of additional CaO.

Actual and potential transpiration and carbon assimilation in an irrigated poplar plantation.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun-Seok; Oren, Ram; Hinckley, Thomas M

2008-04-01

We examined the tradeoffs between stand-level water use and carbon uptake that result when biomass production of trees in plantations is maximized by removing nutrient and water limitations. A Populus trichocarpa Torr. x P. deltoides Bartr. & Marsh. plantation was irrigated and received frequent additions of nutrients to optimize biomass production. Sap flux density was measured continuously over four of the six growing-season months, supplemented with periodic measurements of leaf gas exchange and water potential. Measurements of tree diameter and height were used to estimate leaf area and biomass production based on allometric relationships. Sap flux was converted to canopy conductance and analyzed with an empirical model to isolate the effects of water limitation. Actual and soil-water-unlimited potential CO(2) uptakes were estimated with a canopy conductance constrained carbon assimilation (4C-A) scheme, which couples actual or potential canopy conductance with vertical gradients of light distribution, leaf-level conductance, maximum Rubisco capacity and maximum electron transport. Net primary production (NPP) was about 43% of gross primary production (GPP); when estimated for individual trees, this ratio was independent of tree size. Based on the NPP/GPP ratio, we found that current irrigation reduced growth by about 18% compared with growth with no water limitation. To achieve maximum growth, however, would require 70% more water for transpiration, and would reduce water-use efficiency by 27%, from 1.57 to 1.15 g stem wood C kg(-1) water. Given the economic and social values of water, plantation managers appear to have optimized water use.

Effects of acidification on metal accumulation by aquatic plants and invertebrates. 1. Constructed wetlands

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

Albers, P.H.; Camardese, M.B.

1993-06-01

Compared were concentrations of Al,Cd,Ca,Cu,Fe,Hg,Pb,Mg,Mn,Ni,P, and Zn in water, plants and aquatic insects of three acidified (pH [approximately] 5.0) and three nonacidified (pH [approximately] 6.5) constructed wetlands. Concentrations of Zn in water and bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) were higher in acidified wetlands than in nonacidified wetlands. Floating nonrooted plants contained mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Mn that were higher than recommended maximum levels for poultry feed. The mean concentrations of all metals in insects were below recommended maximum levels for poultry feed and below levels that cause toxic effects in wild birds. Smaller than expected increases of metal concentrations inmore » the water of acidified wetlands were probably due to limited mobilization of metals from the sediments and insignificant changes in sedimentation of aqueous metals. Calcium was lower in acidified than in nonacidified wetland water, but the Ca content of insects and bur-reed was not lower. Low concentrations of Ca in aquatic insects from both groups of wetlands indicated that calcium-rich crustaceans and mollusks are probably important to female waterfowl and their young during the spring, when invertebrates make up the majority of the diet. Although toxic effects from metal ingestion seem to be unlikely consequences of wetland acidification, the adverse effect of low pH on the occurrence of crustaceans and mollusks could threatened egg production and development of young.« less

D-lactic acid production from dry biomass of Hydrodictyon reticulatum by simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation using Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens.

PubMed

Nguyen, Cuong Mai; Kim, Jin-Seog; Song, Jae Kwang; Choi, Gyung Ja; Choi, Yong Ho; Jang, Kyoung Soo; Kim, Jin-Cheol

2012-12-01

D-lactic acid production from dry biomass of the microalga, Hydrodictyon reticulatum, was carried out in a 5-l jar fermentor (initial pH 6, 34 °C using CaCO(3) as a neutralizing agent) through simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation using the Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens. After 36 h, 36.6 g lactic acid/l was produced from 80 g H. reticulatum/l in the medium containing 3 g yeast extract/l and 3 g peptone/l in the absence of mineral salts. The maximum productivity, average productivity and yield were 2.38 g/l h, 1.02 g/l h and 45.8 %, respectively. The optical purity of D-Lactic acid ranged from 95.8-99.6 %. H. reticulatum is thus a promising biomass material for the production of D-Lactic acid.

Melting phase relations in the MgSiO3-CaSiO3 system at 24 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomura, Ryuichi; Zhou, Youmo; Irifune, Tetsuo

2017-12-01

The Earth's lower mantle is composed of bridgmanite, ferropericlase, and CaSiO3-rich perovskite. The melting phase relations between each component are key to understanding the melting of the Earth's lower mantle and the crystallization of the deep magma ocean. In this study, melting phase relations in the MgSiO3-CaSiO3 system were investigated at 24 GPa using a multi-anvil apparatus. The eutectic composition is (Mg,Ca)SiO3 with 81-86 mol% MgSiO3. The solidus temperature is 2600-2620 K. The solubility of CaSiO3 component into bridgmanite increases with temperature, reaching a maximum of 3-6 mol% at the solidus, and then decreases with temperature. The same trend was observed for the solubility of MgSiO3 component into CaSiO3-rich perovskite, with a maximum of 14-16 mol% at the solidus. The asymmetric regular solutions between bridgmanite and CaSiO3-rich perovskite and between MgSiO3 and CaSiO3 liquid components well reproduce the melting phase relations constrained experimentally. [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Effect of washing process on the magnetic properties of Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles prepared by reduction-diffusion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Y.; Ahn, J.; Kim, D.; Ren, W. J.; Liu, W.; Zhang, Z. D.; Choi, C. J.

2017-10-01

Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles with a particle size below 50 nm and excellent magnetic properties were obtained via a novel route which makes use of both spray drying and reduction-diffusion processes. Uniform Nd-Fe-B particles were formed by the optimization of Ca amount as a reducing agent and additional washing by milling in ethanol media. Especially, we implemented a two-step washing process which contributed to the excellent magnetic properties with high remanence and coercivity. After the removal of CaO by novel washing process, the maximum energy product (BH)max of the particles showed 22.1 MGOe. This value is superior to those reported in reduction-diffusion process. We used Henkel plot to assume the mechanism of magnetic interactions of the Nd-Fe-B nanoparticles.

Dual-wavelength and efficient continuous-wave operation of a Yb:CaGd0.1Y0.9AlO4 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di, J. Q.; Sai, Q. L.; Sun, X. H.; Xu, X. D.; Kong, L. C.; Xie, G. Q.; Liu, Y. L.; Teng, F.; Zhu, L.

2018-05-01

The spectra and laser properties of single crystalline Yb:CaGd0.1Y0.9AlO4 were investigated for the first time. The peak absorption cross-sections of 4.01 cm2 and 1.39  ×  10‑20 cm2 with full width at half maximum of 17 and 32 nm, and the maximum emission cross-sections of 2.11 and 1.53  ×  10‑20 cm2 were obtained for π and σ polarizations, respectively. The fluorescence decay time was 638 µs. The maximum continuous-wave laser achieved was 1.60 W with a slope efficiency of 23.4% for an a-cut Yb:CaGd0.1Y0.9AlO4 crystal. Dual-wavelength lasers at 1041.7 and 1044.9 nm were also demonstrated. The results show that Yb:CaGd0.1Y0.9AlO4 crystal is a promising ultra-short and dual-wavelength laser medium.

Particle phase photosensitized radical production and aerosol aging.

PubMed

Corral-Arroyo, Pablo; Bartels-Rausch, Thorsten; Alpert, Peter Aaron; Dumas, Stephane; Perrier, Sebastien; George, Christian; Ammann, Markus

2018-06-13

Atmospheric aerosol particles may contain light absorbing (brown carbon, BrC), triplet forming organic compounds that can sustain catalytic radical reactions and thus contribute to oxidative aerosol aging. We quantify UVA induced radical production initiated by imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde (IC), benzophenone (BPh) and 4-Benzoylbenzoic acid (BBA) in the presence of the non-absorbing organics citric acid (CA), shikimic acid (SA) and syringol (Syr) at varying mixing ratios. We observed a maximum HO 2 release of 10 13 molecules min -1 cm -2 at a mole ratio Χ BPh <0.02 for BPh in CA. Mixtures of either IC or BBA with CA resulted in 10 11 -10 12 molecules min -1 cm -2 of HO 2 at mole ratios (Χ IC and Χ BBA ) between 0.01 and 0.15. HO 2 release was affected by relative humidity (RH) and film thickness suggesting coupled photochemical reaction and diffusion processes. Quantum yields of HO 2 formed per absorbed photon for IC, BBA and BPh were between 10 -7 and 5∙10 -5 . The non-photoactive organics, Syr and SA, increased HO 2 production due to the reaction with the triplet excited species ensuing ketyl radical production. Rate coefficients of the triplet of IC with Syr and SA measured by laser flash photolysis experiments were k Syr =9.4±0.3∙10 8 M -1 s -1 and k SA =2.7±0.5∙10 7 M -1 s -1 . A simple kinetic model was used to assess total HO 2 and organic radical production in the condensed phase and to upscale to ambient aerosol, indicating that BrC induced radical production may amount to an upper limit of 20 and 200 M day -1 of HO 2 and organic radical respectively, which is greater or in the same order of magnitude as the internal radical production from other processes, previously estimated to be around 15 M per day.

Mitochondrial and myoplasmic [Ca2+] in single fibres from mouse limb muscles during repeated tetanic contractions

PubMed Central

Bruton, Joseph; Tavi, Pasi; Aydin, Jan; Westerblad, Håkan; Lännergren, Jan

2003-01-01

Previous studies on single fast-twitch fibres from mouse toe muscles have shown marked fatigue-induced changes in the free myoplasmic [Ca2+] ([Ca2+]i), while mitochondrial [Ca2+] remained unchanged. We have now investigated whether muscle fibres from the legs of mice respond in a similar way. Intact, single fibres were dissected from the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of adult mice. To measure [Ca2+]i, indo-1 was injected into the isolated fibres. Mitochondrial [Ca2+] was measured using Rhod-2 and confocal laser microscopy. Fatigue was induced by up to 1000 tetanic contractions (70 Hz) given at 2 s intervals. In soleus fibres, there was no significant decrease in tetanic [Ca2+]i at the end of the fatiguing stimulation, whereas tetanic force was significantly reduced by about 30 %. In 10 out of 14 soleus fibres loaded with Rhod-2 and subjected to fatigue, mitochondrial [Ca2+] increased to a maximum after about 50 tetani; this increase was fully reversed within 20 min after the end of stimulation. The force-frequency curve of the non-responding soleus fibres was shifted to higher frequencies compared to that of the responding fibres. In addition, eight out of nine Rhod-2-loaded EDL fibres showed similar changes in mitochondrial [Ca2+] during and after a period of fatiguing stimulation. The stimulation-induced increase in mitochondrial [Ca2+] was reduced when mitochondria were depolarised by application of carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone, whereas it was increased by application of an inhibitor of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchange (CGP-37157). In conclusion, isolated slow-twitch muscle fibres show only modest changes in tetanic force and [Ca2+]i during repeated contractions. The increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ does not appear to be essential for activation of mitochondrial ATP production, nor does it cause muscle damage. PMID:12815178

Optical and near-infrared study of the Ca-rich transient iPTF15eqv in the early phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawahara, Naoki; Yamanaka, Masayuki; Kawabata, Koji; Nakaoka, Tatsuya; Kawabata, Miho; Maeda, Keiichi; Takaki, Katsutoshi; Akitaya, Hiroshi; Itoh, Ryosuke; Moritani, Yuki; Uemura, Makoto; Yoshida, Michitoshi

2018-01-01

Supernovae (SNe) exhibiting strong calcium features in their spectra are called Ca-rich transients. Frequently their early-phase spectra also exhibit helium absorption lines. They are mostly discovered in elliptical galaxies or at a remote location far from the host galaxy center. Well-observed samples are still too limited to clarify the explosion and progenitor properties. We present optical and near-infrared observations of a Ca-rich transient iPTF15eqv in the spiral galaxy NGC 3430. The data are obtained using 1.5-m Kanata telescope since Sep 28, 2015. While the discovery was at a post-maximum-phase, we infer the maximum date to be 30 days before the discovery date, by comparing its light curve and spectroscopic evolution to those of well-observed samples. The spectra exhibit absorption lines of He I and prominent emission lines of Ca II IR and [Ca II] from +31 to 69 d after the maximum date. We find that iPTF15eqv is more luminous than other Ca-rich transients by 1.5 to 2 mag on +31 d, and we estimate that the peak absolute magnitude in the R band is approximately -18 to -16.5 mag. The decline rate of the light curve between 30 and 60 d is similar to those of SNe Ib/c. The line velocity of the helium is similar to those of Ca-rich transients but also to SNe Ib. The ejecta properties inferred from our observations indicate that iPTF15eqv has a larger nickel mass than typical Ca-rich transients. While these properties show similarity to SNe Ib, we show that most of these properties are indeed shared by other Ca-rich transients. The properties of iPTF15eqv may thus still be regarded to be within the diversities among the Ca-rich transients.

Patterns of Tree Species Diversity in Relation to Climatic Factors on the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

PubMed Central

Silva-Flores, Ramón; Pérez-Verdín, Gustavo; Wehenkel, Christian

2014-01-01

Biological diversity can be defined as variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial organisms, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes which they are part of. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Numerous diversity indices combine richness and evenness in a single expression, and several climate-based explanations have been proposed to explain broad-scale diversity patterns. However, climate-based water-energy dynamics appears to be an essential factor that determines patterns of diversity. The Mexican Sierra Madre Occidental occupies an area of about 29 million hectares and is located between the Neotropical and Holarctic ecozones. It shelters a high diversity of flora, including 24 different species of Pinus (ca. 22% on the whole), 54 species of Quercus (ca. 9–14%), 7 species of Arbutus (ca. 50%) and many other trees species. The objectives of this study were to model how tree species diversity is related to climatic and geographic factors and stand density and to test the Metabolic Theory, Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis, Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis, Mid-Domain Effect, and the Water-Energy Dynamic Theory on the Sierra Madre Occidental, Durango. The results supported the Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis, Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis and Water-Energy Dynamic Theory, but not the Mid-Domain Effect or Metabolic Theory. The annual aridity index was the variable most closely related to the diversity indices analyzed. Contemporary climate was found to have moderate to strong effects on the minimum, median and maximum tree species diversity. Because water-energy dynamics provided a satisfactory explanation for the patterns of minimum, median and maximum diversity, an understanding of this factor is critical to future biodiversity research. Quantile regression of the data showed that the three diversity parameters of tree species are generally higher in cold, humid temperate climates than in dry, hot climates. PMID:25127455

Patterns of tree species diversity in relation to climatic factors on the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.

PubMed

Silva-Flores, Ramón; Pérez-Verdín, Gustavo; Wehenkel, Christian

2014-01-01

Biological diversity can be defined as variability among living organisms from all sources, including terrestrial organisms, marine and other aquatic ecosystems, and the ecological complexes which they are part of. This includes diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. Numerous diversity indices combine richness and evenness in a single expression, and several climate-based explanations have been proposed to explain broad-scale diversity patterns. However, climate-based water-energy dynamics appears to be an essential factor that determines patterns of diversity. The Mexican Sierra Madre Occidental occupies an area of about 29 million hectares and is located between the Neotropical and Holarctic ecozones. It shelters a high diversity of flora, including 24 different species of Pinus (ca. 22% on the whole), 54 species of Quercus (ca. 9-14%), 7 species of Arbutus (ca. 50%) and many other trees species. The objectives of this study were to model how tree species diversity is related to climatic and geographic factors and stand density and to test the Metabolic Theory, Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis, Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis, Mid-Domain Effect, and the Water-Energy Dynamic Theory on the Sierra Madre Occidental, Durango. The results supported the Productivity-Diversity Hypothesis, Physiological Tolerance Hypothesis and Water-Energy Dynamic Theory, but not the Mid-Domain Effect or Metabolic Theory. The annual aridity index was the variable most closely related to the diversity indices analyzed. Contemporary climate was found to have moderate to strong effects on the minimum, median and maximum tree species diversity. Because water-energy dynamics provided a satisfactory explanation for the patterns of minimum, median and maximum diversity, an understanding of this factor is critical to future biodiversity research. Quantile regression of the data showed that the three diversity parameters of tree species are generally higher in cold, humid temperate climates than in dry, hot climates.

Thermodynamic and themoeconomic optimization of isothermal endoreversible chemical engine models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ocampo-García, A.; Barranco-Jiménez, M. A.; Angulo-Brown, F.

2017-12-01

A branch of finite-time thermodynamics (FTT) is the thermoeconomical analysis of simplified power plant models. The most studied models are those of the Curzon-Ahlborn (CA) and Novikov-Chambadal types. In the decade of 90's of the past century, the FTT analysis of thermal engines was extended to chemical engines. In the present paper we made a thermoeconomical analysis of heat engines and chemical engines of the CA and Novikov types. This study is carried out for isothermal endoreversible chemical engine models with a linear mass transfer law and under three different modes of thermodynamic performance (maximum power, maximum ecological function and maximum efficient power).

Ikaite precipitation by mixing of shoreline springs and lake water, Mono Lake, California, USA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bischoff, James L.; Stine, Scott; Rosenbauer, Robert J.; Fitzpatrick, John A.; Stafford, Thomas W., Jr.

1993-08-01

Metastable ikaite (CaCO 3·6H 2O) forms abundantly during winter months along the south shoreline of Mono Lake where shoreline springs mix with lake water. Ikaite precipitates because of its decreased solubility at low temperature and because of orthophosphate-ion inhibition of calcite and aragonite. During the spring some of the ikaite is transformed to anhydrous CaCO 3 and is incorporated into tufa, but most is dispersed by wave action into the lake where it reacts to form gaylussite (Na 2Ca(CO 3) 2· 5H 2O). Spring waters have low pH values, are dominantly Ca-Na-HCO 3, have low radiocarbon activities, and are mixtures of deep-seated geothermal and cold groundwaters. Chemical modeling reveals that precipitation of CaCO 3 can occur over a broad range of mixtures of spring and lake water with a maximum production occurring at 96% spring water and 4% lake water. Under these conditions all the Ca and a significant fraction of the CO 3 of the precipitate is spring supplied. A radiocarbon age of 19,580 years obtained on a natural ikaite sample supports this conclusion. With the springs supplying a large and probably variable portion of the carbonate, and with apparent 14C age of the carbonate varying from spring to spring, tufa of similar actual antiquity may yield significantly different 14C dates, making tufa at this location unsuitable for absolute age dating by the radiocarbon method.

Ikaite precipitation by mixing of shoreline springs and lake water, Mono Lake, California, USA

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bischoff, J.L.; Stine, S.; Rosenbauer, R.J.; Fitzpatrick, J.A.; Stafford, Thomas W.

1993-01-01

Metastable ikaite (CaCO3??6H2O) forms abundantly during winter months along the south shoreline of Mono Lake where shoreline springs mix with lake water. Ikaite precipitates because of its decreased solubility at low temperature and because of orthophosphate-ion inhibition of calcite and aragonite. During the spring some of the ikaite is transformed to anhydrous CaCO3 and is incorporated into tufa, but most is dispersed by wave action into the lake where it reacts to form gaylussite (Na2Ca(CO3)2?? 5H2O). Spring waters have low pH values, are dominantly Ca-Na-HCO3, have low radiocarbon activities, and are mixtures of deep-seated geothermal and cold groundwaters. Chemical modeling reveals that precipitation of CaCO3 can occur over a broad range of mixtures of spring and lake water with a maximum production occurring at 96% spring water and 4% lake water. Under these conditions all the Ca and a significant fraction of the CO3 of the precipitate is spring supplied. A radiocarbon age of 19,580 years obtained on a natural ikaite sample supports this conclusion. With the springs supplying a large and probably variable portion of the carbonate, and with apparent 14C age of the carbonate varying from spring to spring, tufa of similar actual antiquity may yield significantly different 14C dates, making tufa at this location unsuitable for absolute age dating by the radiocarbon method. ?? 1993.

Perturbation of myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate levels during agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations.

PubMed Central

Chatton, J Y; Cao, Y; Stucki, J W

1998-01-01

Agonist-induced Ca2+ oscillations in rat hepatocytes involve the production of myo-inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), which stimulates the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. The oscillatory frequency is conditioned by the agonist concentration. This study investigated the role of IP3 concentration in the modulation of oscillatory frequency by using microinjected photolabile IP3 analogs. Photorelease of IP3 during hormone-induced oscillations evoked a Ca2+ spike, after which oscillations resumed with a delay corresponding to the period set by the agonists. IP3 photorelease had no influence on the frequency of oscillations. After photorelease of 1-(alpha-glycerophosphoryl)-D-myo-inositol-4,5-diphosphate (GPIP2), a slowly metabolized IP3 analog, the frequency of oscillations initially increased by 34% and declined to its original level within approximately 6 min. Both IP3 and GPIP2 effects can be explained by their rate of degradation: the half-life of IP3, which is a few seconds, can account for the lack of influence of IP3 photorelease on the frequency, whereas the slower metabolism of GPIP2 allowed a transient acceleration of the oscillations. The phase shift introduced by IP3 is likely the result of the brief elevation of Ca2+ during spiking that resets the IP3 receptor to a state of maximum inactivation. A mathematical model of Ca2+ oscillations is in satisfactory agreement with the observed results. PMID:9449352

Premaximum observations of the type Ia SN 1990N

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leibundgut, Bruno; Kirshner, Robert P.; Filippenko, Alexei V.; Shields, Joseph C.; Foltz, Craig B.; Phillips, Mark M.; Sonneborn, George

1991-01-01

Spectroscopic and photometric observations of SN 1990N were obtained at ultraviolet and optical wavelengths, beginning 14 days before maximum light. The early observations reveal important differences from spectra of SN Ia's around maximum light. Photometry and spectroscopy obtained after maximum show that SN 1990N is a typical SN Ia and that most of the observed differences are due to the early epoch of the observations. The most significant characteristics are (1) the high velocities of Ca and Si up to 22,000 km/s; (2) the presence of Co and Fe 2 weeks before maximum; and (3) the more rapid increase in the UV flux compared to the optical. The most popular models for white dwarf deflagration that have provided the standard interpretation for SN Ia's at maximum light do not reproduce the high velocities of Ca II and Si II lines observed in SN 1990N.

Dramatically enhanced non-Ohmic properties and maximum stored energy density in ceramic-metal nanocomposites: CaCu3Ti4O12/Au nanoparticles

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Non-Ohmic and dielectric properties of a novel CaCu3Ti4O12/Au nanocomposite were investigated. Introduction of 2.5 vol.% Au nanoparticles in CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics significantly reduced the loss tangent while its dielectric permittivity remained unchanged. The non-Ohmic properties of CaCu3Ti4O12/Au (2.5 vol.%) were dramatically improved. A nonlinear coefficient of ≈ 17.7 and breakdown electric field strength of 1.25 × 104 V/m were observed. The maximum stored energy density was found to be 25.8 kJ/m3, which is higher than that of pure CaCu3Ti4O12 by a factor of 8. Au addition at higher concentrations resulted in degradation of dielectric and non-Ohmic properties, which is described well by percolation theory. PMID:24257060

Interaction of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase with clofibryl-S-acyl-glutathione in vitro and in vivo in rat.

PubMed

Grillo, M P; Benet, L Z

2001-08-01

Clofibric acid (CA) is metabolized to chemically reactive acylating products that can transacylate glutathione to form clofibryl-S-acyl-glutathione (CA-SG) in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the first step in the degradation of CA-SG to the mercapturic acid conjugate, clofibryl-S-acyl-N-acetylcysteine (CA-SNAC), which is catalyzed by gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (gamma-GT). After gamma-GT mediated cleavage of glutamate from CA-SG, the product clofibryl-S-acyl-cysteinylglycine (CA-S-CG) should undergo an intramolecular rearrangement reaction [Tate, S. S. (1975) FEBS Lett. 54, 319-322] to form clofibryl-N-acyl-cysteinylglycine (CA-N-CG). We performed in vitro studies incubating CA-SG with gamma-GT to determine the products formed, and in vivo studies examining the products excreted in urine after dosing rats with CA-SG or CA. Thus, CA-SG (0.1 mM) was incubated with gamma-GT (0.1 unit/mL) in buffer (pH 7.4, 25 degrees C) and analyzed for products formed by reversed-phase HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI/MS). Results showed that CA-SG is degraded completely after 6 h of incubation leading to the formation of two products, CA-N-CG and its disulfide, with no detection of CA-S-CG thioester. After 36 h of incubation, only the disulfide remained in the incubation. Treatment of the disulfide with dithiothreitol led to the reappearance of CA-N-CG. ESI/LC/MS analysis of urine (16 h) extracts of CA-SG-dosed rats (200 mg/kg, iv) showed that CA-SG is degraded to CA-N-CG, CA-N-acyl-cysteine (CA-N-C) and their respective S-methylated products. The mercapturic acid conjugate (CA-SNAC) was found as a minor product. Analysis of urine extracts from CA-dosed rats (200 mg/kg, ip) resulted in the detection of clofibryl-N-acyl-cysteine (CA-N-C), but no evidence for the formation of CA-SNAC was obtained. These in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that gamma-GT mediated degradation of clofibryl-S-acyl-glutathione leads primarily to the formation and excretion of clofibryl-N-acyl-cysteine products rather than the S-acyl-NAC conjugate.

Drivers of Intra-Summer Seasonality and Daily Variability of Coastal Low Cloudiness in California Subregions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schwartz, R. E.; Iacobellis, S.; Gershunov, A.; Williams, P.; Cayan, D. R.

2014-12-01

Summertime low cloud intrusion into the terrestrial west coast of North America impacts human, ecological, and logistical systems. Over a broad region of the West Coast, summer (May - September) coastal low cloudiness (CLC) varies coherently on interannual to interdecadal timescales and has been found to be organized by North Pacific sea surface temperature. Broad-scale studies of low stratiform cloudiness over ocean basins also find that the season of maximum low stratus corresponds to the season of maximum lower tropospheric stability (LTS) or estimated inversion strength. We utilize a 18-summer record of CLC derived from NASA/NOAA Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) at 4km resolution over California (CA) to make a more nuanced spatial and temporal examination of intra-summer variability in CLC and its drivers. We find that uniform spatial coherency over CA is not apparent for intra-summer variability in CLC. On monthly to daily timescales, at least two distinct subregions of coastal California (CA) can be identified, where relationships between meteorology and stratus variability appear to change throughout summer in each subregion. While north of Point Conception and offshore the timing of maximum CLC is closely coincident with maximum LTS, in the Southern CA Bight and northern Baja region, maximum CLC occurs up to about a month before maximum LTS. It appears that summertime CLC in this southern region is not as strongly related as in the northern region to LTS. In particular, although the relationship is strong in May and June, starting in July the daily relationship between LTS and CLC in the south begins to deteriorate. Preliminary results indicate a moderate association between decreased CLC in the south and increased precipitable water content above 850 hPa on daily time scales beginning in July. Relationships between daily CLC variability and meteorological variables including winds, inland temperatures, relative humidity, and geopotential heights within and above the marine boundary layer are investigated and dissected by month, CA subregion, and cloud height. The rich spatial detail of the satellite derived CLC record is utilized to examine the propagation in time and space of CLC on synoptic scales within and among subregions.

Regulation of K+ Transport in Tomato Roots by the TSS1 Locus. Implications in Salt Tolerance1

PubMed Central

Rubio, Lourdes; Rosado, Abel; Linares-Rueda, Adolfo; Borsani, Omar; García-Sánchez, María J.; Valpuesta, Victoriano; Fernández, José A.; Botella, Miguel A.

2004-01-01

The tss1 tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) mutant exhibited reduced growth in low K+ and hypersensitivity to Na+ and Li+. Increased Ca2+ in the culture medium suppressed the Na+ hypersensitivity and the growth defect on low K+ medium of tss1 seedlings. Interestingly, removing NH4+ from the growth medium suppressed all growth defects of tss1, suggesting a defective NH4+-insensitive component of K+ transport. We performed electrophysiological studies to understand the contribution of the NH4+-sensitive and -insensitive components of K+ transport in wild-type and tss1 roots. Although at 1 mm Ca2+ we found no differences in affinity for K+ uptake between wild type and tss1 in the absence of NH4+, the maximum depolarization value was about one-half in tss1, suggesting that a set of K+ transporters is inactive in the mutant. However, these transporters became active by raising the external Ca2+ concentration. In the presence of NH4+, a reduced affinity for K+ was observed in both types of seedlings, but tss1 at 1 mm Ca2+ exhibited a 2-fold higher Km than wild type did. This defect was again corrected by raising the external concentration of Ca2+. Therefore, membrane potential measurements in root cells indicated that tss1 is affected in both NH4+-sensitive and -insensitive components of K+ transport at low Ca2+ concentrations and that this defective transport is rescued by increasing the concentration of Ca2+. Our results suggest that the TSS1 gene product is part of a crucial pathway mediating the beneficial effects of Ca2+ involved in K+ nutrition and salt tolerance. PMID:14684839

Mechanochemical synthesis of magnetically hard anisotropic RFe10Si2 powders with R representing combinations of Sm, Ce and Zr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gabay, A. M.; Hadjipanayis, G. C.

2017-01-01

Alloy synthesis consisting of mechanical activation followed by annealing was explored as a method of manufacturing medium-grade permanent magnet materials with a reduced content of the critical rare earth elements. Four RxFe10Si2 alloys with R=Sm, Sm0.7Zr0.3, Sm0.3Ce0.3Zr0.4 and Ce0.6Zr0.4 (nominal compositions) were prepared from mixtures of Sm2O3, CeO2, ZrO2, Fe2O3 and Si powders in the presence of a reducing agent Ca and a CaO dispersant. The collected alloy particles typically consisted of few joined submicron crystals. For R=Sm, X-ray diffraction analysis reveals a significant amount of the unwanted Th2Zn17-type compound forming alongside the desired ThMn12-type 1:12 compound. A more pure 1:12 phase could be obtained for R=Ce0.6Zr0.4, but it exhibited a room-temperature coercivity of less than 1 kOe. The most pure 1:12 phase and the highest values of the coercivity (10.8 kOe) and calculated maximum energy product (13.8 MGOe) were obtained for R=Sm0.7Zr0.3 processed at 1150 °C. The calculated maximum energy products of the Sm0.3Ce0.3Zr0.4Fe10Si2 particles, with half of their rare earths constituents represented by the relatively abundant Ce, was 10.1 MGOe.

Effects of acidification on metal accumulation by aquatic plants and invertebrates. 1. Constructed wetlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Albers, P.H.; Camardese, M.B.

1993-01-01

The pH of lake water is often inversely correlated with concentrations of trace metals in the water column. Concentrations of Al, Cd, Ca, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, and Zn were compared in water, plants, and aquatic insects from three acidified (pH 5.0) and three nonacidified (pH 6.5) constructed wetlands. Concentrations of Zn in water and bur-reed (Sparganium americanum) were higher in acidified wetlands than in nonacidified wetlands. Floating nonrooted plants contained mean concentrations of Fe, Mg, and Mn that were higher than recommended maximum levels for poultry feed. The mean concentrations of all metals in insects were below recommended maximum levels for poultry feed and below levels that cause toxic effects in wild birds. Smaller than expected increases of metal concentrations in the water of acidified wetlands were probably due to limited mobilization of metals from the sediments and insignificant changes in sedimentation of aqueous metals. Calcium was lower in acidified than in nonacidified wetland water, but the Ca content of insects and bur-reed was not lower. Low concentrations of Ca in aquatic insects from both groups of wetlands indicate that calcium-rich crustaceans and mollusks are probably important to female waterfowl and their young during the spring, when invertebrates make up the majority of the diet. Although toxic effects from metal ingestion seem to be unlikely consequences of wetland acidification, the adverse effect of low pH on the occurrence of crustaceans and mollusks could threaten egg production and development of young.

Multiwavelength analysis of a well observed flare from SMM. [Solar Maximum Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Macneice, P.; Pallavicini, R.; Mason, H. E.; Simnett, G. M.; Antonucci, E.; Shine, R. A.; Dennis, B. R.

1985-01-01

Observations of an M 1.4 flare which began at 17:00 UT on November 12, 1980, are presented and analyzed. Ground based H-alpha and magnetogram data have been combined with EUV, soft and hard X-ray observations made with instruments on-board the Solar Maximum Mission satellite. The preflare phase was marked by a gradual brightening of the flare site in O v and the disappearance of an H-alpha filament. Filament ejecta were seen in O v moving southward at a speed of about 60 km/s, before the impulsive phase. The flare loop footpoints brightened in H-alpha and the Ca XIX resonance line broadened dramatically 2 min before the impulsive phase. Nonthermal hard X-ray emission was detected from the loop footpoints during the impulsive phase, while during the same period blue-shifts corresponding to upflows of 200-250 km/s were seen in Ca XIX. Evidence was found for energy deposition in both the chromosphere and corona at a number of stages during the flare. Two widely studied mechanisms for the production of the high temperature soft X-ray flare plasma in the corona are considered, i.e. chromospheric evaporation, and a model in which the heating and transfer of material occurs between flux tubes during reconnection.

Calcium ion dependency of ethylene production in segments of primary roots of Zea mays

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hasenstein, K. H.; Evans, M. L.

1986-01-01

We investigated the effect of Ca2+ on ethylene production in 2-cm long apical segments from primary roots of corn (Zea mays L., B73 x Missouri 17) seedlings. The seedlings were raised under different conditions of Ca2+ availability. Low-Ca and high-Ca seedlings were raised by soaking the grains and watering the seedlings with distilled water or 10 mM CaCl2, respectively. Segments from high-Ca roots produced more than twice as much ethylene as segments from low-Ca roots. Indoleacetic acid (IAA; 1 micromole) enhanced ethylene production in segments from both low-Ca and high-Ca roots but auxin-induced promotion of ethylene production was consistently higher in segments from high-Ca roots. Addition of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to root segments from low-Ca seedlings doubled total ethylene production and the rate of production remained fairly constant during a 24 h period of monitoring. In segments from high-Ca seedlings ACC also increased total ethylene production but most of the ethylene was produced within the first 6 h. The data suggest that Ca2+ enhances the conversion of ACC to ethylene. The terminal 2 mm of the root tip were found to be especially important to ethylene biosynthesis by apical segments and, experiments using 45Ca2+ as tracer indicated that the apical 2 mm of the root is the region of strongest Ca2+ accumulation. Other cations such as Mn2+, Mg2+, and K+ could largely substitute for Ca2+. The significance of these findings is discussed with respect to recent evidence for gravity-induced Ca2+ redistribution and its relationship to the establishment of asymmetric growth during gravitropic curvature.

Exogenous ACE2 Expression Allows Refractory Cell Lines To Support Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Replication

PubMed Central

Mossel, Eric C.; Huang, Cheng; Narayanan, Krishna; Makino, Shinji; Tesh, Robert B.; Peters, C. J.

2005-01-01

Of 30 cell lines and primary cells examined, productive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (Urbani strain) (SARS-CoV) infection after low-multiplicity inoculation was detected in only six: three African green monkey kidney epithelial cell lines (Vero, Vero E6, and MA104), a human colon epithelial line (CaCo-2), a porcine kidney epithelial line [PK(15)], and mink lung epithelial cells (Mv 1 Lu). SARS-CoV produced a lytic infection in Vero, Vero E6, and MA104 cells, but there was no visible cytopathic effect in Caco-2, Mv 1 Lu, or PK(15) cells. Multistep growth kinetics were identical in Vero E6 and MA104 cells, with maximum titer reached 24 h postinoculation (hpi). Virus titer was maximal 96 hpi in CaCo-2 cells, and virus was continually produced from infected CaCo-2 cells for at least 6 weeks after infection. CaCo-2 was the only human cell type of 13 tested that supported efficient SARS-CoV replication. Expression of the SARS-CoV receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), resulted in SARS-CoV replication in all refractory cell lines examined. Titers achieved were variable and dependent upon the method of ACE2 expression. PMID:15731278

Bioflocculant production and biosorption of zinc and lead by a novel bacterial species, Achromobacter sp. TERI-IASST N, isolated from oil refinery waste.

PubMed

Subudhi, Sanjukta; Batta, Neha; Pathak, Mihirjyoti; Bisht, Varsha; Devi, Arundhuti; Lal, Banwari; Al khulifah, Bader

2014-10-01

A bioflocculant-producing bacterial isolate designated as 'TERI-IASST N' was isolated from activated sludge samples collected from an oil refinery. This isolate demonstrated maximum bioflocculation activity (74%) from glucose among 15 different bioflocculant-producing bacterial strains isolated from the sludge samples and identified as Achromobacter sp. based on 16S rRNA gene sequence. Optimization of pH and supplementation of urea as nitrogen source in the production medium enhanced the flocculation activity of strain TERI-IASST N to 84% (at pH 6). This strain revealed maximum flocculation activity (90%) from sucrose compared to the flocculation activity observed from other carbon sources as investigated (glucose, lactose, fructose, maltose and starch). Ca(2+) served as the suitable divalent cation for maximum bioflocculation activity of TERI-IASST strain N. Maximum flocculation activity was observed at optimum C/N ratio of 1. Flocculation activity of this strain decreased to 75% in the presence of heavy metals; Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd. In addition strain N revealed considerable biosorption of Zn (430mgL(-1)) and Pb (30mgL(-1)). Bioflocculant yield of strain N was 10.5gL(-1). Fourier transform infrared spectrum indicated the presence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amino groups, typical of glycoprotein. Spectroscopic analysis of bioflocculant by nuclear magnetic resonance revealed that it is a glycoprotein, consisting of 57% total sugar and 13% protein. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thapsigargin-induced increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and aldosterone production in rat adrenal glomerulosa cells: interaction with potassium and angiotensin-II.

PubMed

Hajnóczky, G; Várnai, P; Holló, Z; Christensen, S B; Balla, T; Enyedi, P; Spät, A

1991-05-01

Thapsigargin (Tg), a microsomal Ca2+ pump inhibitor, dose-dependently increases the cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration and aldosterone production without having any striking effect on the formation of inositol phosphates in isolated rat adrenal glomerulosa cells. The interaction of Tg with the major Ca2(+)-mediated stimuli of glomerulosa cells on aldosterone production was also examined. The effects of Tg and the Ca2(+)-mobilizing angiotensin-II (AII) were additive. The aldosterone production stimulatory effect of potassium, which induces Ca2+ influx via voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, was potentiated by Tg. The positive interaction between Tg and potassium on aldosterone production raises the possibility that stimuli generating Ca2+ signal by depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores, such as Tg or AII, enhance the response of the cell to depolarization. Such an interaction between AII and potassium may have an important role in the physiological control of aldosterone production.

Effect of partial meniscectomy at the medial posterior horn on tibiofemoral contact mechanics and meniscal hoop strains in human knees.

PubMed

Seitz, Andreas Martin; Lubomierski, Anja; Friemert, Benedikt; Ignatius, Anita; Dürselen, Lutz

2012-06-01

We examined the influence of partial meniscectomy of 10 mm width on 10 human cadaveric knee joints, as it is performed during the treatment of radial tears in the posterior horn of the medial meniscus, on maximum contact pressure, contact area (CA), and meniscal hoop strain in the lateral and medial knee compartments. In case of 0° and 30° flexion angle, 20% and 50% partial meniscectomy did not influence maximum contact pressure and area. Only in case of 60° knee flexion, 50% partial resection increased medial maximum contact pressure and decreased the medial CA statistically significant. However, 100% partial resection increased maximum contact pressure and decreased CA significantly in the meniscectomized medial knee compartment in all tested knee positions. No significant differences were noted for meniscal hoop strain. From a biomechanical point of view, our in vitro study suggests that the medial joint compartment is not in danger of accelerated cartilage degeneration up to a resection limit of 20% meniscal depth and 10 mm width. Contact mechanics are likely to be more sensitive to partial meniscectomy at higher flexion angles, which has to be further investigated. Copyright © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society.

Highly efficient continuous-wave laser operation of LD-pumped Nd,Gd:CaF2 and Nd,Y:CaF2 crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Siyuan; Ma, Fengkai; Yu, Hao; Qian, Xiaobo; Jiang, Dapeng; Wu, Yongjing; Zhang, Feng; Liu, Jie; Xu, Jiayue; Su, Liangbi

2018-05-01

Spectroscopic properties of Nd:CaF2 crystals are investigated. The photoluminescence intensity in the near infrared region is drastically enhanced by co-doping Gd3+ ions and Y3+ in Nd:CaF2 crystals. Preliminary laser experiments are carried out with 0.3%Nd,5%Gd:CaF2 and 0.3%Nd,5%Y:CaF2 crystals under laser diode pumping; true continuous wave laser operation is achieved with slope efficiencies of 42% and 39%, respectively, and the maximum output power reaches 1.188 W.

Synthesis and thermoelectric property of Ca and In-doped n-type Bi85Sb15 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadel, Kamal; Li, Wenzhi; Joshi, Giri; Ren, Zhifeng

2014-03-01

In the present work we investigated the thermo-electric properties of undoped Bi85Sb15 and different Ca-doped Bi85Sb15Cax (x =0.5, 2, and 5) and In-doped Bi85Sb15Inx(x =0.5, 2) alloys synthesized via arc-melting first and followed by ball milling and hot pressing. Effect of different Ca and In doping levels on transport properties of Bi85Sb15 alloys has been investigated. It is found that thermal conductivity decreases with increasing Ca and decreasing In. Electrical transport measurements show that power factor increases with doping level of Ca up to Bi85Sb15Ca2 and then decreases yielding the maximum power factor of 3.8 × 10-3 Wm-1K-2 and zT of 0.39 at room temperature for Bi85Sb15Ca2. For indium doping, power factor decreases with doping level from 0.5 to 2, yielding the maximum zT value of 0.37 at room temperature for Bi85Sb15In0.5. In this work, calcium doping in Bi85Sb15 alloy is found to yield better thermoelectric property than indium doping.

Conversion of calcium sulphide to calcium carbonate during the process of recovery of elemental sulphur from gypsum waste.

PubMed

de Beer, M; Maree, J P; Liebenberg, L; Doucet, F J

2014-11-01

The production of elemental sulphur and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from gypsum waste can be achieved by thermally reducing the waste into calcium sulphide (CaS), which is then subjected to a direct aqueous carbonation step for the generation of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and CaCO3. H2S can subsequently be converted to elemental sulphur via the commercially available chemical catalytic Claus process. This study investigated the carbonation of CaS by examining both the solution chemistry of the process and the properties of the formed carbonated product. CaS was successfully converted into CaCO3; however, the reaction yielded low-grade carbonate products (i.e. <90 mass% as CaCO3) which comprised a mixture of two CaCO3 polymorphs (calcite and vaterite), as well as trace minerals originating from the starting material. These products could replace the Sappi Enstra CaCO3 (69 mass% CaCO3), a by-product from the paper industry which is used in many full-scale AMD neutralisation plants but is becoming insufficient. The insight gained is now also being used to develop and optimize an indirect aqueous CaS carbonation process for the production of high-grade CaCO3 (i.e. >99 mass% as CaCO3) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of calcium binding and of EDTA and CaEDTA on the clotting of bovine fibrinogen by thrombin.

PubMed

Perizzolo, K E; Sullivan, S; Waugh, D F

1985-03-01

Studies were carried out at pH 7.0 and gamma/2 0.15 before addition of CaCl2 or EDTA. Clotting time, tau, at 3.03 microM fibrinogen and 0.91 u/ml thrombin was determined for equilibrium systems. With added Ca2+, tau decreases, from tau 0 at 0 added Ca2+ (mean, 29.7 +/- 3 s), by approximately 3 s at 5 mM added Ca2+. With added EDTA, tau increases sigmoidally from tau 0 at 0 EDTA to a maximum (mean tau m = 142 +/- 23 s) at approximately 200 microM EDTA. tau then decreases slightly to a minimum at approximately 1.3 mM and finally increases to infinity at approximately 10 mM EDTA. Between 0 and 1.3 mM EDTA, effects on clotting time are completely reversed by adding Ca2+ and, after equilibration at 400 microM EDTA, tau is independent of EDTA concentration. Thus, up to 400 microM EDTA, effects on clotting time are attributed to decreasing fibrinogen bound Ca2+. Between 5 mM Ca2+ and 200 microM EDTA it is assumed that an equilibrium distribution of fibrinogen species having 3, 2, 1, or 0 bound calcium ions is established and that a clotting time is determined by the sum of products of species fractional abundance and pure species clotting time. Analysis indicates that pure species clotting times increase proportionately with decreasing Ca2+ binding, binding sites are nearly independent, and the microscopic association constant for the first bound Ca2+ is approximately 4.9 X 10(6) M-1. Effects of adding Ca2+ at times t1 after thrombin addition to systems initially equilibrated at 200 microM EDTA were determined. Analysis of the relation between tau and t1 indicates that as Ca2+ binding decreases, rate constants for release of B peptides decrease less than those for release of A peptides. As EDTA concentration is increased above 1.3 mM, inhibitory effects of EDTA and CaEDTA progressively increase.

An investigation into Ca-DNA conformation as a function of relative humidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Megan Schwenker

Raman spectroscopy experiments on CaDNA free-standing, highly-ordered wet-spun films containing various concentrations of CaCl2 show that CaDNA does not adopt the A conformation and reveals a maximum of DNA in the B conformation at 80% relative humidity. Swelling experiments on these same films give information as to the intermolecular spacing between molecules. Finally, a proof of principle measurement of the activation enthalpy of guanosine is also given.

40 CFR 721.10450 - Oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... Oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)). (a...)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)). 721.10450 Section 721.10450 Protection... oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)) (PMN P-02...

40 CFR 721.10450 - Oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... Oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)). (a...)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)). 721.10450 Section 721.10450 Protection... oxirane, 2-[[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy]methyl]-, reaction products with wollastonite (Ca(SiO3)) (PMN P-02...

Assuring growth inhibition of listerial contamination during processing and storage of traditional Greek Graviera cheese: compliance with the new European Union regulatory criteria for Listeria monocytogenes.

PubMed

Samelis, John; Giannou, Eleni; Lianou, Alexandra

2009-11-01

The current microbiological regulatory criteria in the European Union specify a maximum Listeria monocytogenes population of 100 CFU/g allowable in ready-to-eat foods provided the product will not exceed this limit throughout its shelf life. The aim of this study was to validate the manufacturing method for traditional Greek Graviera cheese produced from thermized milk. Initial challenge experiments evaluated the fate of inoculated L. monocytogenes (ca. 4 log CFU/ml, three-strain cocktail) in thermized Graviera cheese milk (TGCM; 63 degrees C for 30 s) in the presence and absence of a product-specific starter culture (SC) in vitro. Milk samples were incubated for 6 h at 37 degrees C and then for 66 h at 18 degrees C. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the fate of a cocktail of three nonpathogenic L. monocytogenes and L. innocua indicator strains inoculated (ca. 3 log CFU/g) in Graviera cheeses commercially manufactured from TGCM+SC. Cheeses were brined, ripened at 18 degrees C and 90% relative humidity for 20 days, and stored at 4 degrees C for up to day 60 under vacuum. In TGCM, L. monocytogenes increased by ca. 2 log units, whereas in TGCM+SC L. monocytogenes growth was retarded (P < 0.05) after a ca. 1-log increase within 6 h at 37 degrees C. Populations of Listeria indicator strains did not grow in TGCM+SC cheeses at any stage; they declined 10-fold in fresh cheeses within 5 days and then survived with little death thereafter. Thus, growth inhibition but not inactivation of potent natural Listeria contaminants at levels below 100 CFU/g occurs in the core of traditional Greek Graviera cheese during fermentation, ripening, and storage.

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2003-04-01

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

Cloning and characterization of a Prevotella melaninogenica hemolysin.

PubMed Central

Allison, H E; Hillman, J D

1997-01-01

Hemolysins have been proven to be important virulence factors in many medically relevant pathogenic organisms. Their production has also been implicated in the etiology of periodontal disease. Hemolytic strain 361B of Prevotella melaninogenica, a putative etiologic agent of periodontal disease, was used in this study. The cloning, sequencing, and characterization of phyA, the structural gene for a P. melaninogenica hemolysin, is described. No extensive sequence homology could be identified between phyA and any reported sequence at either the nucleotide or amino acid level. As predicted from sequence analysis, this gene produces a 39-kDa protein which has hemolytic activity as measured by zymogram analysis. Unlike many Ca2+-dependent bacterial hemolysins, both the cloned and native PhyA proteins were enhanced by the presence of EDTA in a dose-dependent fashion with 40 mM EDTA allowing maximum activity. Ca2+ and Mg2+ were found to be inhibitory. The hemolytic activity also was found to have a dose-dependent endpoint. Through recovery of hemolytic activity from a spent reaction, this endpoint was shown to be the result of end product inhibition. This is the first report describing the cloning and sequencing of a gene from P. melaninogenica. PMID:9199448

Cloning and characterization of a Prevotella melaninogenica hemolysin.

PubMed

Allison, H E; Hillman, J D

1997-07-01

Hemolysins have been proven to be important virulence factors in many medically relevant pathogenic organisms. Their production has also been implicated in the etiology of periodontal disease. Hemolytic strain 361B of Prevotella melaninogenica, a putative etiologic agent of periodontal disease, was used in this study. The cloning, sequencing, and characterization of phyA, the structural gene for a P. melaninogenica hemolysin, is described. No extensive sequence homology could be identified between phyA and any reported sequence at either the nucleotide or amino acid level. As predicted from sequence analysis, this gene produces a 39-kDa protein which has hemolytic activity as measured by zymogram analysis. Unlike many Ca2+-dependent bacterial hemolysins, both the cloned and native PhyA proteins were enhanced by the presence of EDTA in a dose-dependent fashion with 40 mM EDTA allowing maximum activity. Ca2+ and Mg2+ were found to be inhibitory. The hemolytic activity also was found to have a dose-dependent endpoint. Through recovery of hemolytic activity from a spent reaction, this endpoint was shown to be the result of end product inhibition. This is the first report describing the cloning and sequencing of a gene from P. melaninogenica.

Late Quaternary Productivity Records from Coccolith Sr/Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoll, H. M.; Burke, A.; Mejia Ramirez, L. M.; Shimizu, N.; Ziveri, P. P. I.

2014-12-01

The Sr/Ca of coccoliths has been proposed as an indicator of productivity on the basis of correlation with export production in sediment traps and across upwelling productivity gradients, although the mechanism responsable for this relationship is not clear. For diverse oceanographic settings in the Late Quaternary, we compare coccolith Sr/Ca productivity records with those of other productivity indicators and proxies for mechanisms of productivity forcing. For the Somalia Basin in the Arabian Sea, coccolith Sr/Ca shows a large variation coherent with precessional forcing of wind strength as a mechanism for productivity regulation. During the glacial, the Sr/Ca peak is decoupled from productivity indicators based on organic C accumulation rate. For the Northern Bay of Bengal, coccolith Sr/Ca, Ba/Ti, and relative abundance of G. bulloides, all suggest greater productivity during the interglacial periods, consisted with Nd isotopic evidence for greater riverine nutrient inputs. In the Andaman Sea, coccolith Sr/Ca is highest during precessional maxima in the summer monsoon, consistent with proxies for chemical weathering in the Irawaddy rivershed. In the Eastern Mediterranean, coccolith Sr/Ca is on average low, and peaks during the E. Holocene interval characterized by deposition of sapropel S1. The peak in Sr/Ca however is comparable to the level maintained throughout the Holocene in the Western Mediterranean, where no sapropel occurs, implicating deepwater oxygen levels as a significant contributor to sapropel formation. Finally, on the Agulhas Bank, minima in coccolith Sr/Ca occur during obliquity minima which are periods of anomalous equatorward deposition of IRD in the Southern Ocean. Northward explansion of the westerly wind field during these cold intervals, block upwelling on the Agulhas Bank and result in low productivity.

A multiproxy study between the Río de la Plata and the adjacent South-western Atlantic inner shelf to assess the sediment footprint of river vs. marineinfluence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burone, Leticia; Ortega, Leonardo; Franco-Fraguas, Paula; Mahiques, Michel; García-Rodriguez, Felipe; Venturini, Natalia; Marin, Yamandú; Brugnoli, Ernesto; Nagai, Renata; Muniz, Pablo; Bícego, Marcia; Figueira, Rubens; Salaroli, Alexandre

2013-03-01

Proxies of terrigenous versus marine input (Al and Ti, Fe/Ca and Ti/Ca ratios), origin of organic matter (δ13C, δ15N and C/N ratio), productivity (Corg; Nt; CaCO3, P, Ca, and Ba content; and Ba/Al and Ba/Ti ratios), hydrodynamics (grain size, mean diameter and sorting) and biological records of the main features of the environment (benthic foraminifera assemblage distribution) were used to assess the sediment footprint of river vs. marine influence along the salinity gradient between the Rio de la Plata (RdlP) estuary and the adjacent South Western Atlantic Shelf. These criteria permitted characterisation and interpretation of the sedimentary processes influencing transition between three known environments: tidal river, estuarine and marine zones. Increases in sand and clay content at the transition between tidal river and proper estuarine zones indicate resuspension/deposition processes associated with the maximum turbidity zone (MTZ). The MTZ was also characterised by an increase in mixed organic matter content indicated by stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values, an increment in productivity proxies (Corg, Nt and CaCO3) and the substitution of the Miliammina fusca assemblage (brackish environments) for the Ammonia tepida assemblage (estuarine environments). The transition between estuarine and marine environments was characterised by a sharp (up to 99%) increase in sand content, reflecting the progradation of modern RdlP sediments toward relict continental shelf sediment. C/N values typical of the marine environment, decreased trace element concentrations and the distribution of the Buliminella elegantissima assemblage (a more marine assemblage) also highlight the marine environment. This paper is particularly important as a tool both to better understand sedimentological dynamics in salinity fronts (along the shelf sediment of large estuaries) and to elaborate more precise palaeoenvironmental and palaeoceanographic reconstructions.

Development of a histologically validated segmentation protocol for the hippocampal body.

PubMed

Steve, Trevor A; Yasuda, Clarissa L; Coras, Roland; Lail, Mohjevan; Blumcke, Ingmar; Livy, Daniel J; Malykhin, Nikolai; Gross, Donald W

2017-08-15

Recent findings have demonstrated that hippocampal subfields can be selectively affected in different disease states, which has led to efforts to segment the human hippocampus with in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, no studies have examined the histological accuracy of subfield segmentation protocols. The presence of MRI-visible anatomical landmarks with known correspondence to histology represents a fundamental prerequisite for in vivo hippocampal subfield segmentation. In the present study, we aimed to: 1) develop a novel method for hippocampal body segmentation, based on two MRI-visible anatomical landmarks (stratum lacunosum moleculare [SLM] & dentate gyrus [DG]), and assess its accuracy in comparison to the gold standard direct histological measurements; 2) quantify the accuracy of two published segmentation strategies in comparison to the histological gold standard; and 3) apply the novel method to ex vivo MRI and correlate the results with histology. Ultra-high resolution ex vivo MRI was performed on six whole cadaveric hippocampal specimens, which were then divided into 22 blocks and histologically processed. The hippocampal bodies were segmented into subfields based on histological criteria and subfield boundaries and areas were directly measured. A novel method was developed using mean percentage of the total SLM distance to define subfield boundaries. Boundary distances and subfield areas on histology were then determined using the novel method and compared to the gold standard histological measurements. The novel method was then used to determine ex vivo MRI measures of subfield boundaries and areas, which were compared to histological measurements. For direct histological measurements, the mean percentages of total SLM distance were: Subiculum/CA1 = 9.7%, CA1/CA2 = 78.4%, CA2/CA3 = 97.5%. When applied to histology, the novel method provided accurate measures for CA1/CA2 (ICC = 0.93) and CA2/CA3 (ICC = 0.97) boundaries, but not for the Subiculum/CA1 (ICC = -0.04) boundary. Accuracy was poorer using previous techniques for CA1/CA2 (maximum ICC = 0.85) and CA2/CA3 (maximum ICC = 0.88), with the previously reported techniques also performing poorly in defining the Subiculum/CA1 boundary (maximum ICC = 0.00). Ex vivo MRI measurements using the novel method were linearly related to direct measurements of SLM length (r 2 = 0.58), CA1/CA2 boundary (r 2 = 0.39) and CA2/CA3 boundary (r 2 = 0.47), but not for Subiculum/CA1 boundary (r 2 = 0.01). Subfield areas measured with the novel method on histology and ex vivo MRI were linearly related to gold standard histological measures for CA1, CA2, and CA3/CA4/DG. In this initial proof of concept study, we used ex vivo MRI and histology of cadaveric hippocampi to develop a novel segmentation protocol for the hippocampal body. The novel method utilized two anatomical landmarks, SLM & DG, and provided accurate measurements of CA1, CA2, and CA3/CA4/DG subfields in comparison to the gold standard histological measurements. The relationships demonstrated between histology and ex vivo MRI supports the potential feasibility of applying this method to in vivo MRI studies. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Anaerobic monodigestion of poultry manure: determination of operational parameters for CSTR.

PubMed

Chamy, R; León, C; Vivanco, E; Poirrier, P; Ramos, C

2012-01-01

In this work the anaerobic monodigestion for the treatment of turkey manure was evaluated, without its codigestion with another substrate. The effect of the organic loading rate (OLR) and the substrate concentration (high total solids (TS) concentration) or product concentration (high volatile fatty acids (VFA) and/or ammonia (NH(3)-N) concentrations) was studied. The results show that for a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) operation, a maximum of 40 g/L of TS and 4.0 g/L of ammonium (NH(4)(+)) was required. In addition, the maximum organic loading rate (OLR) will not exceed 1.5 kg VS/m(3)d. Higher TS and NH(4)(+) concentrations and OLR lead to a reduction on the methane productivity and volatile solids (VS) removal. During the CSTR operation, a high alkalinity concentration (above 10 g/L CaCO(3)) was found; this situation allowed maintaining a constant and appropriate pH (close to 7.8), despite the VFA accumulation. In this sense, the alkalinity ratio (α) is a more appropriate control and monitoring parameter of the reactor operation compared to pH. Additionally, with this parameter a VS removal of 80% with a methane productivity of 0.50 m(3)(CH4)/m(3)(R)d is achieved.

Chemical versus mechanical bioerosion of coral reefs by boring sponges--lessons from Pione cf. vastifica.

PubMed

Zundelevich, A; Lazar, B; Ilan, M

2007-01-01

Bioerosion by boring sponges is an important mechanism shaping the structure of coral reefs all around the world. To determine the excavation rate by boring sponges, we developed a system in which chemical and mechanical boring rates [calcium carbonate (CaCO(3)) dissolution and chip production, respectively] were measured simultaneously in experimental tanks containing reefal rock inhabited by a boring sponge. Pione cf. vastifica (Hancock 1849) was chosen as a model species to study the erosion rate of boring sponges. It is an abundant species in the coral reefs of the Nature Reserve Reef, Elat, Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea, reaching maximum abundance at 25-30 m. The rate of chemical bioerosion was determined from the increase in tank-seawater alkalinity over time, and the mechanical bioerosion rate was estimated from the total amount of CaCO(3) chips produced over the same time interval. The measured bioerosion rate of P. cf. vastifica was 2.3 g m(-2) sponge day(-1), showing seasonal but not diurnal variations, suggesting that the zooxanthellae harboring the sponge have no effect on its boring rate. The experiments indicated clearly that per each mass of chips that P. cf. vastifica produces during its boring activity, it dissolves three masses of reef CaCO(3) framework. Assuming that some additional boring sponges can use a similar strategy of bioerosion, these findings suggest that chips, the most obvious erosion products of boring sponges, represent only a small fraction of boring sponge bioerosion capacity.

Hydrological Cycle in the Western Equatorial Warm Pool over the Past 220 k years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachikawa, K.; Cartapanis, O.; Vidal, L.; Beaufort, L.; Bard, E.

2008-12-01

The Western Pacific Warm Pool is a major source of heat and moisture to extra-tropical regions, and its condition could have great impact on global climate response to various forcing factors. We reconstructed the rainfall pattern over Papua New Guinea (PNG) for the past 220 kyr using terrigenous elemental contents (Ti, Fe, K and Si) and calcareous productivity (Ca) recorded in a marine sediment core MD05-2920 (2°51.48S, 144°32.04E) from 100 km off the Sepik River mouth in Northern PNG. The core chronostratigraphy is established by 14C dating and benthic foraminiferal oxygen isotopes. The Sepik and Ramu river system forms one of the highest sediment discharge zones in the world because of high rainfall rates, warm and humid climate, steep topography and erodible volcanic rocks in the draining basin. At present, the rainfall over this area is under the influence of both Asia-Australian monsoon and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The results obtained by an XRF core scanner indicate that for the whole record major sediment components are of terrigenous river-born nature and biogenic CaCO3. Spectral analysis reveals that dominant peaks for Ti are precession and obliquity periods whereas Ca variability is rather dominated by obliquity. The wet periods appear during maximum local insolation, which is in phase with minimum East Asian summer monsoon strength recorded by Chinese speleothems. Modeled past ENSO activity cannot explain the reconstructed rainfall and productivity patterns. Taken together, the fresh water cycle over New Guinea is better explained by latitudinal shifts of the Intertropical Convergence Zone rather than ENSO-type variability on orbital time scales. The variability of calcareous productivity is likely related to general changes in nutricline depth of the tropical Pacific band.

Growth and Deposition of Inorganic Nutrient Elements in Developing Leaves of Zea mays L. 1

PubMed Central

Meiri, Avraham; Silk, Wendy Kuhn; Läuchli, André

1992-01-01

Spatial distributions of growth and of the concentration of some inorganic nutrient elements were analyzed in developing leaves of maize (Zea mays L.). Growth was analyzed by pinprick experiments with numerical analysis to characterize fields of velocity and relative elemental elongation rate. Inductively coupled plasma and atomic emission spectroscopy were used to measure nutrients extracted from segments of leaf tissue collected by position. Leaves 7 and 8, both elongating 3 millimeters per hour had maximum relative elemental growth rates of 0.06 to 0.08 millimeters per hour with maximum rates 20 to 50 millimeters from the node and cessation of growth by 90 millimeters from the node. Spatial distribution of dry weight density revealed that the rate of biomass deposition was maximum in the most rapidly expanding region and continued beyond the elongation zone. The nutrient elements K, Cl, Ca, Mg, and P showed different distribution patterns of ion density (on a dry weight basis). K and Cl had minimal density in the leaf tips; K density was maximum in the growing region, whereas Cl density was maximum at the region of growth cessation. Ca, Mg, and P had relatively high densities at the base of the elongation zone near the node and also in the tip regions. Near the node, P and Mg densities were higher in the young, growing leaves, whereas Ca density near the node was higher in older leaves that had completed elongation. Deposition rates of all nutrients were greatest in the region of maximum elongation rate. PMID:16669027

Facile solution-precipitation assisted synthesis and luminescence property of greenish-yellow emitting Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor

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

Ji, Haipeng; Huang, Zhaohui, E-mail: huang118@cugb.edu.cn; Xia, Zhiguo, E-mail: xiazg@ustb.edu.cn

2016-03-15

Highlights: • Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor was prepared by the solution-precipitation assisted route. • The phosphors have satisfactory smooth grain surface and particle size. • It shows greenish-yellow color emission (maximum at 540 nm) upon blue light excitation. • Eu{sup 2+} is coordinated with isolated oxygen atoms and those from PO{sub 4} polyhedra. - Abstract: Greenish-yellow emitting microcrystalline Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O:Eu{sup 2+} phosphor was successfully prepared by a solution-precipitation assisted high temperature reaction method. Phase structure, morphology and/or luminescence properties of the precursor and the as-prepared phosphors were characterized. The phase-pure Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O:Eu{sup 2+} phosphorsmore » were obtained with smooth grain surface and particle size of 2–8 μm. Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O:Eu{sup 2+} exhibits bright greenish-yellow color emission with its maximum at 540 nm upon UV-blue light excitation. The maximum position of the broad emission band is independent on the calcination temperature. The emission intensity increases with increasing calcination temperature due to improved crystallinity. Besides, the presence of two Eu{sup 2+} emission centers in the Ca{sub 6}Ba(PO{sub 4}){sub 4}O crystal lattice was confirmed and the coordination effects are considered concerning the roles of isolated O atoms and those from the PO{sub 4} tetrahedra.« less

Assays of mitochondrial Ca2+ transport and Ca2+ efflux via the MPTP.

PubMed

Ben-Hail, Danya; Shoshan-Barmatz, Varda

2014-02-01

Studying Ca(2+) transport in mitochondria in connection with energy production, as well as cell death, is of great importance. Ca(2+) activates several key enzymes in the mitochondrial matrix to enhance ATP production. This provides an important mechanism for synchronizing energy production with the energy demands of Ca(2+)-activated processes, such as contraction, allowing important feedback effects to help shape cytosolic Ca(2+) signals. A rise in mitochondrial Ca(2+) can convey both apoptotic and necrotic death signals by inducing opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP). Here, we present a protocol for measuring Ca(2+) transport and release in isolated mitochondria.

Intracellular calcium and the mechanism of anodal supernormal excitability in langendorff perfused rabbit ventricles.

PubMed

Joung, Boyoung; Park, Hyung-Wook; Maruyama, Mitsunori; Tang, Liang; Song, Juan; Han, Seongwook; Piccirillo, Gianfranco; Weiss, James N; Lin, Shien-Fong; Chen, Peng-Sheng

2011-01-01

Anodal stimulation hyperpolarizes the cell membrane and increases the intracellular Ca(2+) (Ca(i)) transient. This study tested the hypothesis that the maximum slope of the Ca(i) decline (-(dCa(i)/dt)(max)) corresponds to the timing of anodal dip on the strength-interval curve and the initiation of repetitive responses and ventricular fibrillation (VF) after a premature stimulus (S(2)). We simultaneously mapped the membrane potential (V(m)) and Ca(i) in 23 rabbit ventricles. A dip in the anodal strength-interval curve was observed. During the anodal dip, ventricles were captured by anodal break excitation directly under the S(2) electrode. The Ca(i) following anodal stimuli is larger than that following cathodal stimuli. The S(1)-S(2) intervals of the anodal dip (203±10 ms) coincided with the -(dCa(i)/dt)(max) (199±10 ms, P=NS). BAPTA-AM (n=3), inhibition of the electrogenic Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger current (I(NCX)) by low extracellular Na(+) (n=3), and combined ryanodine and thapsigargin infusion (n=2) eliminated the anodal supernormality. Strong S(2) during the relative refractory period (n=5) induced 29 repetitive responses and 10 VF episodes. The interval between S(2) and the first non-driven beat was coincidental with the time of -(dCa(i)/dt)(max). Larger Ca(i) transient and I(NCX) activation induced by anodal stimulation produces anodal supernormality. The time of maximum I(NCX) activation is coincidental to the induction of non-driven beats from the Ca(i) sinkhole after a strong premature stimulation. All rights are reserved to the Japanese Circulation Society.

Interobserver Agreement on First-Stage Conversation Analytic Transcription

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roberts, Felicia; Robinson, Jeffrey D.

2004-01-01

This investigation assesses interobserver agreement on conversation analytic (CA) transcription. Four professional CA transcribers spent a maximum of 3 hours transcribing 2.5 minutes of a previously unknown, naturally occurring, mundane telephone call. Researchers unitized transcripts into words, sounds, silences, inbreaths, outbreaths, and laugh…

Efficient continuous-wave, broadly tunable and passive Q-switching lasers based on a Tm3+:CaF2 crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jingjing; Zhang, Cheng; Zu, Yuqian; Fan, Xiuwei; Liu, Jie; Guo, Xinsheng; Qian, Xiaobo; Su, Liangbi

2018-04-01

Laser operations in the continuous-wave as well as in the pulsed regime of a 4 at.% Tm3+:CaF2 crystal are reported. For the continuous-wave operation, a maximum average output power of 1.15 W was achieved, and the corresponding slope efficiency was more than 64%. A continuous tuning range of about 160 nm from 1877-2036 nm was achieved using a birefringent filter. Using Argentum nanorods as a saturable absorber, the significant pulsed operation of a passively Q-switched Tm3+:CaF2 laser was observed at 1935.4 nm for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. A maximum output power of 385 mW with 41.4 µJ pulse energy was obtained under an absorbed pump power of 2.04 W. The present results indicate that the Tm3+:CaF2 lasers could be promising laser sources to operate in the eye-safe spectral region.

Antibacterial and anticancer activity of ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) produced by a marine Bacillus subtilis sp.

PubMed

El-Sersy, Nermeen A; Abdelwahab, Abeer E; Abouelkhiir, Samia S; Abou-Zeid, Dunja-Manal; Sabry, Soraya A

2012-10-01

A marine Bacillus subtilis SDNS was isolated from sea water in Alexandria and identified using 16S rDNA sequence analysis. The bacterium produced a compound active against a number of gram negativeve bacteria. Moreover, the anticancer activity of this bacterium was tested against three different human cell lines (Hela S3, HepG2 and CaCo). The highest inhibition activity was recorded against Hela S3 cell line (77.2%), while almost no activity was recorded towards CaCo cell line. HPLC and TLC analyses supported evidence that Bacillus subtilis SDNS product is ε-poly-L-lysine. To achieve maximum production, Plackett-Burman experimental design was applied. A 1.5 fold increase was observed when Bacillus subtilis SDNS was grown in optimized medium composed of g/l: (NH(4))(2) SO(4), 15; K(2)HPO(4), 0.3; KH(2)PO(4), 2; MgSO(4) · 7 H(2)O, 1; ZnSO(4) · 7 H(2)O, 0; FeSO(4) · 7 H(2)O, 0.03; glucose, 25; yeast extract, 1, pH 6.8. Under optimized culture condition, a product value of 76.3 mg/l could be obtained. According to available literature, this is the first announcement for the production of ε-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) by a member of genus Bacillus. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Yarrowia lipolytica: a model yeast for citric acid production.

PubMed

Cavallo, Ema; Charreau, Hernán; Cerrutti, Patricia; Foresti, María Laura

2017-12-01

Every year more than 2 million tons of citric acid (CA) are produced around the world for industrial uses. Although initially extracted from citrus, the low profitability of the process and the increasing demand soon stimulated the search for more efficient methods to produce CA. Currently, most world CA demand (99%) is satisfied by fermentations with microorganisms, especially filamentous fungi and yeasts. CA production with yeasts has certain advantages over molds (e.g. higher productivity and easier cultivation), which in the last two decades have triggered a clear increase in publications and patents devoted to the use of yeasts in this field. Yarrowia lipolytica has become a model yeast that proved to be successful in different production systems. Considering the current interest evidenced in the literature, the most significant information on CA production using Y. lipolytica is summarized. The relevance on CA yields of key factors such as strains, media formulation, environmental conditions and production regimes is thoroughly discussed, with particular focus on increasing CA productivity. Besides, the possibility of tuning the mentioned variables to reduce concomitant isocitric acid production-the biggest disadvantage of using yeasts-is analyzed. Available methods for CA purification/quantification are also discussed. © FEMS 2017. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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.

Production of surfactant and detergent-stable, halophilic, and alkalitolerant alpha-amylase by a moderately halophilic Bacillus sp. Strain TSCVKK.

PubMed

Kiran, Kondepudi Kanthi; Chandra, T S

2008-01-01

A moderately halophilic alkalitolerant Bacillus sp. Strain TSCVKK, with an ability to produce extracellular halophilic, alkalitolerant, surfactant, and detergent-stable alpha-amylase was isolated from soil samples obtained from a salt-manufacturing industry in Chennai. The culture conditions for higher amylase production were optimized with respect to NaCl, substrate, pH, and temperature. Maximum amylase production of 592 mU/ml was achieved in the medium at 48 h with 10% NaCl, 1% dextrin, 0.4% yeast extract, 0.2% tryptone, and 0.2% CaCl(2) at pH 8.0 at 30 degrees C. The enzyme activity in the culture supernatant was highest with 10% NaCl at pH 7.5 and 55 degrees C. The amylase that was partially purified by acetone precipitation was highly stable in various surfactants and detergents. Glucose, maltose, and maltooligosaccharides were the main end products of starch hydrolysis indicating that it is an alpha-amylase.

Study on the microwave catalytic pyrolysis characteristics and energy consumption analysis of oil shale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Chunxiang; Cheng, Zheng; Xu, Qing; Qin, Songheng

2018-04-01

In order to explore the high-efficient utilization of oil shale, the effects of different microwave powers and different kinds of catalysts (metal oxides and metal salts) on the temperature characteristics and product yield towards the oil shale are investigated by microwave catalytic pyrolysis. The results show that the effect of microwave power on the heating and pyrolysis rates of oil shale is significant, and the maximum output of shale oil is 5.1% when the microwave power is 1500W; CaO has a certain effect on the temperature rise of oil shale, and MgO and CuO have a certain degree of inhibition, but the addition of three kinds of metal oxidation is beneficial to increase the shale oil production; From the perspective of unit power consumption and gas production, the catalytic effect order of three kinds of metal oxides is MgO> CaO> CuO; The addition of three kinds of metal salts is favorable for the increase of pyrolysis temperature of oil shale, after adding 5% ZnCl2, the unit power consumption of shale oil and pyrolysis gas increases by 62.60% and 81.96% respectively. After adding 5% NaH2PO3, the unit power consumption of shale oil increases by 64.64%, and reduces by 9.56% by adding 5% MgCl2.

Magnetoresistance measurements in Ferro -- Antiferromagnetic bilayers based on the Ca-doped lanthanum manganite system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, M. E.; Marin, L.; Ramirez, G.; Prieto, P.

2011-03-01

We studied the isothermal magnetic field dependence of the resistance behavior in ferromagnetic--antiferromagnetic interface based on the Ca-doped lanthanum manganite system at temperatures below Neel temperature of the antiferromagnetic layer. We studied the influence of the thickness of the AF-layer, tAF , and F-layer, tF , on the ZFC and FC magnetoresistance (MR) in La 2/3 Ca 1/3 Mn O3 (tF) / La 1/3 Ca 2(3 Mn O3 (tAF) bilayers. HFC was 400 Oe and the applied magnetic field, H. We systematically varied the tF and tAF thickness, maintaining constant the total bilayer thickness (d = tF +tAF) . We found that MR has hysteretic behavior as observed in [ La 2/3 Ca 1/3 Mn O3 (tF) / La 1/3 Ca 2(3 Mn O3 (tAF) ]N superlattices, but; MR increases with the increasing field from H=0 to a maximum and then decreases continuously. This behavior also appears for negative fields in both ZFC and FC loops. The position and magnitude of the maximum is not symmetric with respect to the axis H=0. Work supported by CENM-COLCIENCIAS contract RC-0043-(2005).

Quantitative Analysis of Ca, Mg, and K in the Roots of Angelica pubescens f. biserrata by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Combined with Artificial Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, J.; Shi, M.; Zheng, P.; Xue, Sh.; Peng, R.

2018-03-01

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy has been applied for the quantitative analysis of Ca, Mg, and K in the roots of Angelica pubescens Maxim. f. biserrata Shan et Yuan used in traditional Chinese medicine. Ca II 317.993 nm, Mg I 517.268 nm, and K I 769.896 nm spectral lines have been chosen to set up calibration models for the analysis using the external standard and artificial neural network methods. The linear correlation coefficients of the predicted concentrations versus the standard concentrations of six samples determined by the artificial neural network method are 0.9896, 0.9945, and 0.9911 for Ca, Mg, and K, respectively, which are better than for the external standard method. The artificial neural network method also gives better performance comparing with the external standard method for the average and maximum relative errors, average relative standard deviations, and most maximum relative standard deviations of the predicted concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K in the six samples. Finally, it is proved that the artificial neural network method gives better performance compared to the external standard method for the quantitative analysis of Ca, Mg, and K in the roots of Angelica pubescens.

X-Ray Microanalysis of Human Cementum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez-Pérez, Marco Antonio; Alvarez-Fregoso, Octavio; Ortiz-López, Jaime; Arzate, Higinio

2005-08-01

An energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis study was performed throughout the total length of cementum on five impacted human teeth. Mineral content of calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were determined with an electron probe from the cemento-enamel junction to the root apex on the external surface of the cementum. The concentration profiles for calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were compared by using Ca/P and Mg/Ca atomic percent ratio. Our findings demonstrated that the Ca/P ratio at the cemento-enamel junction showed the highest values (1.8 2.2). However, the area corresponding to the acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC) usually located on the coronal one-third of the root surface showed a Ca/P media value of 1.65. Nevertheless, on the area representing the fulcrum of the root there is an abrupt change in the Ca/P ratio, which decreases to 1.3. Our results revealed that Mg2+ distribution throughout the length of human cementum reached its maximum Mg/Ca ratio value of 1.3 1.4 at.% around the fulcrum of the root and an average value of 0.03%. A remarkable finding was that the Mg/Ca ratio pattern distribution showed that in the region where the Ca/P ratio showed a decreasing tendency, the Mg/Ca ratio reached its maximum value, showing a negative correlation. In conclusion, this study has established that clear compositional differences exist between AEFC and cellular mixed stratified cementum varieties and adds new knowledge about Mg2+ distribution and suggests its provocative role regulating human cementum metabolism.

Heterogeneous photochemistry of imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde: HO2 radical formation and aerosol growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González Palacios, Laura; Corral Arroyo, Pablo; Aregahegn, Kifle Z.; Steimer, Sarah S.; Bartels-Rausch, Thorsten; Nozière, Barbara; George, Christian; Ammann, Markus; Volkamer, Rainer

2016-09-01

The multiphase chemistry of glyoxal is a source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA), including its light-absorbing product imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde (IC). IC is a photosensitizer that can contribute to additional aerosol ageing and growth when its excited triplet state oxidizes hydrocarbons (reactive uptake) via H-transfer chemistry. We have conducted a series of photochemical coated-wall flow tube (CWFT) experiments using films of IC and citric acid (CA), an organic proxy and H donor in the condensed phase. The formation rate of gas-phase HO2 radicals (PHO2) was measured indirectly by converting gas-phase NO into NO2. We report on experiments that relied on measurements of NO2 formation, NO loss and HONO formation. PHO2 was found to be a linear function of (1) the [IC] × [CA] concentration product and (2) the photon actinic flux. Additionally, (3) a more complex function of relative humidity (25 % < RH < 63 %) and of (4) the O2 / N2 ratio (15 % < O2 / N2 < 56 %) was observed, most likely indicating competing effects of dilution, HO2 mobility and losses in the film. The maximum PHO2 was observed at 25-55 % RH and at ambient O2 / N2. The HO2 radicals form in the condensed phase when excited IC triplet states are reduced by H transfer from a donor, CA in our system, and subsequently react with O2 to regenerate IC, leading to a catalytic cycle. OH does not appear to be formed as a primary product but is produced from the reaction of NO with HO2 in the gas phase. Further, seed aerosols containing IC and ammonium sulfate were exposed to gas-phase limonene and NOx in aerosol flow tube experiments, confirming significant PHO2 from aerosol surfaces. Our results indicate a potentially relevant contribution of triplet state photochemistry for gas-phase HO2 production, aerosol growth and ageing in the atmosphere.

Lake Qinghai sediment geochemistry linked to hydroclimate variability since the last glacial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhangdong; An, Zhisheng; Yu, Jimin; Li, Fuchun; Zhang, Fei

2015-08-01

Geochemistry of basin sediments from semi-arid regions is valuable to understand past hydroclimatic changes. Here, we investigate the links of sedimentary geochemistry (Rb, Sr, Ca/Zr, TOC, and %CaCO3), carbonate mineralogy and ostracod shell δ18O of Lake Qinghai, a basin proximal to major dust production centers at mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, to changes in depositional conditions and hydroclimate during the past 32 ka. Surface lacustrine sediments are characterized by low-Rb, high-Sr, low-Rb/Sr, high-%CaCO3 and high-Ca/Zr values, in contrast to the chemical compositions of eolian loess (high-Rb, low-Sr, high-Rb/Sr, low-%CaCO3, and low-Ca/Zr). A direct comparison of soluble Ca and Sr in two short cores with instrumental water discharge data suggests that lacustrine precipitates in Lake Qinghai are dominated by authigenic aragonite formed under Ca2+-limited water conditions, and that the accumulation rate of aragonite dominantly depends on solute fluxes into the lake during the rainy seasons (late May to September). Our high-resolution down-core records show that sediments during the last glacial (∼32-19.8 ka) had high-Rb, low-Sr, low-%CaCO3, and low-Ca/Zr, indicating eolian dust (loess) accumulation in a desiccated basin under dry glacial conditions, further supported by grain size and pollen results. This type of sedimentation was maintained during the last deglacial (∼19.8-11.5 ka), but interrupted by episodic lacustrine precipitates with high-Sr, high-%CaCO3, high-Ca/Zr, and low-Rb. At ∼11.5 ka, sedimentary Rb/Sr, Ca/Zr, %CaCO3 and TOC show dramatic and permanent changes, implying an abrupt shift in the atmospheric circulation at the onset of the Holocene in the Lake Qinghai region. Lacustrine precipitates have persisted throughout the Holocene with a maximum during the early to mid-Holocene (∼10.5-8.0 ka). Since ∼8.0 ka, the gradual and significant decreases in aragonite and Sr accumulations in tandem with increasing dust deposit and more positive ostracod δ18O may be linked to a weakening of Asian summer monsoons during the mid-to-late Holocene. Overall, our records appear to show a high sensitivity of sediment development and geochemistry in Lake Qinghai to the regional hydroclimate changes since the last glacial.

Phase Composition and Hardening of Castable Al - Ca - Ni - Sc Alloys Containing 0.3% Sc

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belov, N. A.; Naumova, E. A.; Bazlova, T. A.; Doroshenko, V. V.

2017-05-01

The phase composition of aluminum alloys of the Al - Ca - Ni - Sc system containing 0.3 wt.% Sc is studied. It is shown that the aluminum solid solution may be in equilibrium not only with binary phases (Al4Ca, Al3Sc and Al3Ni) but also with a ternary Al9NiCa compound. The temperature of attainment of maximum hardening due to precipitation of nanoparticles of phase Al3Sc is determined for all the alloys studied. Principal possibility of creation of castable alloys based on an (Al) + Al4Ca + Al9NiCa eutectic, the hardening heat treatment of which does not require quenching, is substantiated.

Electrochemical double layers at the interface between glassy electrolytes and platinum: Differentiating between the anode and the cathode capacitance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruempelmann, J.; Mariappan, C. R.; Schober, C.; Roling, B.

2010-12-01

We have measured potential-dependent interfacial capacitances of two Na-Ca-phosphosilicate glasses and of an AgI-doped silver borate glass between ion-blocking Pt electrodes. An asymmetric electrode configuration with highly dissimilar electrode areas on both faces of the glass samples allowed us to determine the capacitance at the small-area electrode. Using equivalent circuit fitting we extract potential-dependent double-layer capacitances. The potential-dependent anodic capacitance exhibits a weak maximum and drops strongly at higher potentials. The cathodic capacitance exhibits a more pronounced maximum, this maximum being responsible for the maximum in the total capacitance observed in measurements in a symmetrical electrode configuration. The capacitance maxima of the Na-Ca phosphosilicate glasses show up at higher electrode potentials than the maxima of the AgI-doped silver borate glass. Remarkably, for both types of glasses, the potential of the cathodic capacitance maximum is closely related to the activation energy of the bulk ion transport. We compare our results to recent theoretical predictions by Shklovskii and co-workers.

Efficient rare-earth free red-emitting Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+,M(M = Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+) phosphors for white light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Zhong, Jiasong; Chen, Daqin; Chen, Xiao; Wang, Keyuan; Li, Xinyue; Zhu, Yiwen; Ji, Zhenguo

2018-05-08

Owing to its low-cost and satisfactory luminescent-emission performance in warm white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs), the non-rare-earth Mn4+-activated red phosphor has become a promising competitor of commercial rare-earth doped phosphor. In this study, a series of novel red-light emitting phosphors based on Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+ have been developed successfully by a conventional solid-state reaction. The structural and luminescent properties of these phosphors are systematically investigated. The as-prepared Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+ product exhibits a broad excitation band ranging from 250 to 600 nm and an abnormal intense deep-red emission centered at 680 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of ∼46 nm. The optimal Mn4+ doping concentration is about 0.3 mol%, and the concentration quenching mechanism is determined to be a dipole-dipole interaction. Impressively, the Ca2YSbO6:0.003Mn4+ phosphor shows an outstanding quantum efficiency of 62.6% and an excellent thermal stability. In addition, the effect of Li+, Mg2+, Na+ and K+ dopants on the luminescent properties of Mn4+-doped Ca2YSbO6 phosphors is elucidated. Furthermore, by employing the as-prepared Ca2YSbO6:Mn4+ as a red component, a warm w-LED with high color rendering index (Ra = 87.5) and low correlated color temperature (CCT = 3255 K) can be acquired. It is believed that the present phosphor has a potential application as a supplement of the red component for warm w-LEDs.

Properties of Semi-dry Flue Gas Desulfurization Ash and Used for Phosphorus Removal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Y. P.; Fang, Y.; Chai, S. Y.; Zhuang, Z. Z.

2018-05-01

The composition of Semi-dry Flue Gas Desulfurization ash was as follows: CaSO3 · 0.5H2O and Ca(OH)2. Most of the particle size was about 8 µm particles were irregular and small, while the other part was rough and globular. CaSO3 strongly oxidized at about 466°C and Ca(OH)2 decomposed at ∼ 662°C. The maximum amount of phosphorus removal in Semi-dry Flue Gas Desulfurization ash was 79.898 mg/g.

Anisotropic nanocrystalline MnBi with high coercivity at high temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, J. B.; Yang, Y. B.; Chen, X. G.; Ma, X. B.; Han, J. Z.; Yang, Y. C.; Guo, S.; Yan, A. R.; Huang, Q. Z.; Wu, M. M.; Chen, D. F.

2011-08-01

Magnetic hard nanocrystalline MnBi has been prepared by melt spinning and subsequent low temperature annealing. A coercivity of 2.5 T can be achieved at 540 K for MnBi with an average grain size of about 20-30 nm. The coercivity iHc, mainly controlled by the coherent magnetization rotation, shows a strong dependence on the time of grinding and exhibits a positive temperature coefficient from 100 up to 540 K. The unique temperature dependent behavior of the coercivity (magnetocrystalline anisotropy) has a relationship with the variations in the crystal lattice ratio of c/a with temperatures. In addition, discontinuity can not be found in the lattice parameters of a, c, and c/a ratio at the magnetostructural transition temperature. The nanocrystalline MnBi powder fixed in an epoxy resin and under an applied magnetic field of 24 kOe shows a maximum energy product of 7.1 MGOe at room temperature and shows anisotropic characteristics with high Mr/Ms ratio up to 560 K.

Diode pumped tunable lasers based on Tm:CaF2 and Tm:Ho:CaF2 ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Šulc, Jan; Němec, Michal; Jelinková, Helena; Doroshenko, Maxim E.; Fedorov, Pavel P.; Osiko, Vyacheslav V.

2014-02-01

The Tm:CaF2 (4% of TmF3) and Tm:Ho:CaF2 (2% of TmF3, 0.3% of HoF3) ceramics, prepared using hot pressing, and hot formation technique had been used as an active medium of diode pumped mid-infrared tunable laser. A fibre (core diameter 400 μm, NA = 0.22) coupled laser diode (LIMO, HLU30F400-790) was used to longitudinal pumping. The laser diode was operating in the pulsed regime (6 ms pulse length, 10 Hz repetition rate). The duty-cycle 6% ensures a low thermal load even under the maximum diode pumping power amplitude 25W (ceramics samples were only air-cooled). The laser diode emission wavelength was 786 nm. The 80mm long semi-hemispherical laser resonator consisted of a flat pumping mirror (HR @ 1.85 - 2.15 μm, HT @ 0.78 μm) and a curved (r = 150mm) output coupler with a reflectivity of ˜ 98% @ 1.85 - 2.0 μm for Tm:CaF2 laser or ˜ 99.5% @ 2.0 - 2.15 μm for Ho:Tm:CaF2. Tuning of the laser was accomplished by using a birefringent filter (single 1.5mm thick quartz plate) placed inside the optical resonator at the Brewster angle. Both samples offered broad and smooth tuning possibilities in mid-IR spectral range and the lasers were continuously tunable over ˜ 100 nm. The obtained Tm:CaF2 tunability ranged from 1892 to 1992nm (the maximum output energy 1.8mJ was reached at 1952nm for absorbed pumping energy 78 mJ). In case of Tm:Ho:CaF2 laser tunability from 2016 to 2111nm was reached (the maximum output energy 1.5mJ was reached at 2083nm for absorbed pumping energy 53 mJ). Both these material are good candidates for a future investigation of high energy, ultra-short, laser pulse generation.

SU-E-T-578: On Definition of Minimum and Maximum Dose for Target Volume

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

Gong, Y; Yu, J; Xiao, Y

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the impact of different minimum and maximum dose definitions in radiotherapy treatment plan quality evaluation criteria by using tumor control probability (TCP) models. Methods: Dosimetric criteria used in RTOG 1308 protocol are used in the investigation. RTOG 1308 is a phase III randomized trial comparing overall survival after photon versus proton chemoradiotherapy for inoperable stage II-IIIB NSCLC. The prescription dose for planning target volume (PTV) is 70Gy. Maximum dose (Dmax) should not exceed 84Gy and minimum dose (Dmin) should not go below 59.5Gy in order for the plan to be “per protocol” (satisfactory).A mathematicalmore » model that simulates the characteristics of PTV dose volume histogram (DVH) curve with normalized volume is built. The Dmax and Dmin are noted as percentage volumes Dη% and D(100-δ)%, with η and d ranging from 0 to 3.5. The model includes three straight line sections and goes through four points: D95%= 70Gy, Dη%= 84Gy, D(100-δ)%= 59.5 Gy, and D100%= 0Gy. For each set of η and δ, the TCP value is calculated using the inhomogeneously irradiated tumor logistic model with D50= 74.5Gy and γ50=3.52. Results: TCP varies within 0.9% with η; and δ values between 0 and 1. With η and η varies between 0 and 2, TCP change was up to 2.4%. With η and δ variations from 0 to 3.5, maximum of 8.3% TCP difference is seen. Conclusion: When defined maximum and minimum volume varied more than 2%, significant TCP variations were seen. It is recommended less than 2% volume used in definition of Dmax or Dmin for target dosimetric evaluation criteria. This project was supported by NIH grants U10CA180868, U10CA180822, U24CA180803, U24CA12014 and PA CURE Grant.« less

Hydrologic and water-quality characteristics of Caño Boquerón, Cabo Rojo, and Puerto Mosquito, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico, July 2015–July 2016

USGS Publications Warehouse

Gómez-Fragoso, Julieta M.; Santiago-Sáez, José A.

2018-05-07

Coastal lagoons are common features of the Puerto Rico shoreline that provide habitat for commercial and recreational species and serve important roles in the nutrient cycle of the ecosystems. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, conducted a limnological study at Caño Boquerón in Cabo Rojo and at Puerto Mosquito on Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico, to assess the principal mechanisms affecting the hydrology and water-quality characteristics of these coastal lagoons and provide baseline information to the regulatory agencies responsible for the management and conservation of these coastal waters and the preservation of their aquatic life.Field measurements and water samples were collected and processed during July 2015–July 2016 for analysis of physical, chemical, biological, and bacteriological characteristics. In addition, bathymetric surveys were made and sediment cores were collected in each lagoon to determine water volume and sediment deposition rate. Physicochemical properties assessed at Caño Boquerón indicated values were generally in compliance with Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board standards; turbidity was occasionally slightly greater than the established standards, and dissolved oxygen concentration at bottom depths was lower than standards limits. Water transparency was evaluated through the Secchi disk method, and the average depth of disappearance was 1.0 meter (m) for Caño Boquerón and 1.9 m for Puerto Mosquito.Assessment of biological characteristics at both sites included primary productivity calculations as well as carbon production equivalents and monthly water sampling for bacteriological and nutrient analyses. For Caño Boquerón, gross plankton primary productivity averaged 3.38 grams of oxygen per cubic meter per day (gO2/m3-d); this value was computed as the sum of net phytoplankton primary productivity (0.74 gO2/m3-d) and plankton respiration (2.64 gO2/m3-d). Net community primary productivity averaged 1.44 gO2/m3-d, and the community respiration rate averaged 8.10 gO2/m3-d, which indicates that the biological community, aside from phytoplankton, acts as a net consumer rather than a net producer of biomass. In Puerto Mosquito, gross plankton primary productivity averaged 2.07 gO2/m3-d, of which 0.39 gO2/m3-d could be ascribed to net phytoplankton primary productivity, and 1.68 gO2/m3-d could be ascribed to plankton respiration. Diel studies conducted at Puerto Mosquito reflected an average net community primary productivity of 2.43 gO2/m3-d, and the average respiration rate was 6.72 gO2/m3-d.In a bathymetric survey conducted in August 2015, the water volume for the Caño Boquerón lagoon was calculated as 967,000 cubic meters (m3), and the water volume at Puerto Mosquito was calculated as 1,182,200 m3, with an average depth of 1.5 m for Caño Boquerón and 1.8 m for Puerto Mosquito. The daily seawater exchange for Caño Boquerón and Puerto Mosquito was 13 and 5 percent of their water volumes referenced to mean sea level, respectively. A total of 20 sediment samples were processed and analyzed for cesium-137 (137Cs) and lead-210 (210Pb) radioisotopes. Analyses indicated that the sediment deposition rate at Caño Boquerón ranged from 0.32 to 0.36 centimeter per year, based on age dating analysis of 137Cs and 210Pb data; in Puerto Mosquito, the sediment deposition rate ranged from 0.26 to 0.27 centimeter per year, based on 137Cs and 210Pb data.Bacteriological analyses at Caño Boquerón and Puerto Mosquito indicated that fecal coliform and enterococci concentrations were below Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board standards during the study. The highest concentrations of fecal coliform (22 colonies per 100 milliliters) and enterococci (9 colonies per 100 milliliters) at Caño Boquerón occurred in July, which coincided with the busiest season of vacation rentals near the lagoon. Bacteria concentrations were generally lower in Puerto Mosquito than in Caño Boquerón; maximum concentrations of fecal coliform and enterococci bacteria were measured in November 2015. The potential sources of contamination for Puerto Mosquito are limited, because it is within a conservation area.

Effect of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR) Calcium Content on SR Calcium Release Elicited by Small Voltage-Clamp Depolarizations in Frog Cut Skeletal Muscle Fibers Equilibrated with 20 mM EGTA

PubMed Central

Pape, Paul C.; Carrier, Nicole

1998-01-01

Cut muscle fibers from Rana temporaria (sarcomere length, 3.5–3.9 μm; 14–16°C) were mounted in a double Vaseline-gap chamber and equilibrated with an external solution that contained tetraethyl ammonium– gluconate and an internal solution that contained Cs as the principal cation, 20 mM EGTA, and 0 Ca. Fibers were stimulated with a voltage-clamp pulse protocol that consisted of pulses to −70, −65, −60, −45, and −20 mV, each separated by 400-ms periods at −90 mV. The change in total Ca that entered into the myoplasm (Δ[CaT]) and the Ca content of the SR ([CaSR]) were estimated with the EGTA/phenol red method (Pape, P.C., D.-S. Jong, and W.K. Chandler. 1995. J. Gen. Physiol. 106:259–336). Fibers were stimulated with the pulse protocol, usually every 5 min, so that the resting value of [CaSR] decreased from its initial value of 1,700–2,300 μM to values near or below 100 μM after 18–30 stimulations. Three main findings for the voltage pulses to −70, −65, and −60 mV are: (a) the depletion-corrected rate of Ca release (release permeability) showed little change when [CaSR] decreased from its highest level (>1,700 μM) to ∼1,000 μM; (b) as [CaSR] decreased below 1,000 μM, the release permeability increased to a maximum level when [CaSR] was near 300 μM that was on average about sevenfold larger than the values observed for [CaSR] > 1,000 μM; and (c) as [CaSR] decreased from ∼300 μM to <100 μM, the release permeability decreased, reaching half its maximum value when [CaSR] was ∼110 μM on average. It was concluded that finding b was likely due to a decrease in Ca inactivation, while finding c was likely due to a decrease in Ca-induced Ca release. PMID:9689025

Magnesium transport extraction of transuranium elements from LWR fuel

DOEpatents

Ackerman, John P.; Battles, James E.; Johnson, Terry R.; Miller, William E.; Pierce, R. Dean

1992-01-01

A process of separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels which contain rare earth and noble metal fission products. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of CaCl.sub.2 and a U-Fe alloy containing not less than about 84% by weight uranium at a temperature in the range of from about 800.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C. to produce additional uranium metal which dissolves in the U-Fe alloy raising the uranium concentration and having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein. The CaCl.sub.2 having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein is separated and electrolytically treated with a carbon electrode to reduce the CaO to Ca metal while converting the carbon electrode to CO and CO.sub.2. The Ca metal and CaCl.sub.2 is recycled to reduce additional oxide fuel. The U-Fe alloy having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein is contacted with Mg metal which takes up the actinide and rare earth fission product metals. The U-Fe alloy retains the noble metal fission products and is stored while the Mg is distilled and recycled leaving the transuranium actinide and rare earth fission products isolated.

Enhanced antibacterial metabolite production through the application of statistical methodologies by a Streptomyces nogalater NIIST A30 isolated from Western Ghats forest soil

PubMed Central

Jacob, Jubi; Rajendran, Reshma Uma; Priya, Syama Hari; Purushothaman, Jayamurthy; Saraswathy Amma, Dileep Kumar Bhaskaran Nair

2017-01-01

Streptomyces strains isolated from Nelliyampathy forest soil of Western Ghats, Kerala, India were evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy against two indicator pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus). Among 140 strains tested, sixteen recorded potent antibacterial properties and were further screened against eleven bacterial pathogens. A strain identified as Streptomyces nogalater and designated as NIIST A30 exhibited maximum inhibition against all the test pathogens. Among the eight fermentation media tested, inorganic salts starch broth recorded the best for antibacterial production. The ethyl acetate crude extract exhibited antioxidant properties with IC50 value of 30 μg/mL and had no cytotoxicity towards L6, H9c2 and RAW 264.7 cell lines up to a concentration of 50 μg/mL. Maximum metabolite production was achieved in pH 7.0 at 35°C after 7 days incubation. The significant media components for maximum metabolite production were optimized through response surface methodology employing Plackett-Burman and Box-Behnken designs. The composition of the final optimized medium was soluble starch, 14.97g; (NH4)2SO4, 2.89g; K2HPO4, 2.07g; MgSO4.7H2O, 1g; NaCl, 1g, CaCO3, 2g; FeSO4.7H2O, 1mg; MnCl2.7H2O, 1mg; and ZnSO4.7H2O, 1mg per litre of distilled water. The optimization resulted an antibacterial activity of 28±1.5mm against S. epidermidis which was in close accordance with the predicted value of 30 mm. It is also evident from the result that an increase of 86.66% antibacterial production was recorded in optimized media. The chosen method was economical, efficient and useful for future antibacterial drug discovery from a broad spectrum metabolite producer like Streptomyces nogalater NIIST A30. PMID:28437452

Fusarium graminearum in Stored Wheat: Use of CO2 Production to Quantify Dry Matter Losses and Relate This to Relative Risks of Zearalenone Contamination under Interacting Environmental Conditions

PubMed Central

Kiaitsi, Elsa; Magan, Naresh

2018-01-01

Zearalenone (ZEN) contamination from Fusarium graminearum colonization is particularly important in food and feed wheat, especially during post-harvest storage with legislative limits for both food and feed grain. Indicators of the relative risk from exceeding these limits would be useful. We examined the effect of different water activities (aw; 0.95–0.90) and temperature (10–25 °C) in naturally contaminated and irradiated wheat grain, both inoculated with F. graminearum and stored for 15 days on (a) respiration rate; (b) dry matter losses (DML); (c) ZEN production and (d) relationship between DML and ZEN contamination relative to the EU legislative limits. Gas Chromatography was used to measure the temporal respiration rates and the total accumulated CO2 production. There was an increase in temporal CO2 production rates in wetter and warmer conditions in all treatments, with the highest respiration in the 25 °C × 0.95 aw treatments + F. graminearum inoculation. This was reflected in the total accumulated CO2 in the treatments. The maximum DMLs were in the 0.95 aw/20–25 °C treatments and at 10 °C/0.95 aw. The DMLs were modelled to produce contour maps of the environmental conditions resulting in maximum/minimum losses. Contamination with ZEN/ZEN-related compounds were quantified. Maximum production was at 25 °C/0.95–0.93 aw and 20 °C/0.95 aw. ZEN contamination levels plotted against DMLs for all the treatments showed that at ca. <1.0% DML, there was a low risk of ZEN contamination exceeding EU legislative limits, while at >1.0% DML, the risk was high. This type of data is important in building a database for the development of a post-harvest decision support system for relative risks of different mycotoxins. PMID:29462982

Fusarium graminearum in Stored Wheat: Use of CO₂ Production to Quantify Dry Matter Losses and Relate This to Relative Risks of Zearalenone Contamination under Interacting Environmental Conditions.

PubMed

Garcia-Cela, Esther; Kiaitsi, Elsa; Sulyok, Michael; Medina, Angel; Magan, Naresh

2018-02-17

Zearalenone (ZEN) contamination from Fusarium graminearum colonization is particularly important in food and feed wheat, especially during post-harvest storage with legislative limits for both food and feed grain. Indicators of the relative risk from exceeding these limits would be useful. We examined the effect of different water activities (a w ; 0.95-0.90) and temperature (10-25 °C) in naturally contaminated and irradiated wheat grain, both inoculated with F. graminearum and stored for 15 days on (a) respiration rate; (b) dry matter losses (DML); (c) ZEN production and (d) relationship between DML and ZEN contamination relative to the EU legislative limits. Gas Chromatography was used to measure the temporal respiration rates and the total accumulated CO₂ production. There was an increase in temporal CO₂ production rates in wetter and warmer conditions in all treatments, with the highest respiration in the 25 °C × 0.95 a w treatments + F. graminearum inoculation. This was reflected in the total accumulated CO₂ in the treatments. The maximum DMLs were in the 0.95 a w /20-25 °C treatments and at 10 °C/0.95 a w . The DMLs were modelled to produce contour maps of the environmental conditions resulting in maximum/minimum losses. Contamination with ZEN/ZEN-related compounds were quantified. Maximum production was at 25 °C/0.95-0.93 a w and 20 °C/0.95 a w . ZEN contamination levels plotted against DMLs for all the treatments showed that at ca <1.0% DML, there was a low risk of ZEN contamination exceeding EU legislative limits, while at >1.0% DML, the risk was high. This type of data is important in building a database for the development of a post-harvest decision support system for relative risks of different mycotoxins.

Thyrotropin-induced hydrogen peroxide production in FRTL-5 thyroid cells is mediated not by adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate, but by Ca2+ signaling followed by phospholipase-A2 activation and potentiated by an adenosine derivative.

PubMed

Kimura, T; Okajima, F; Sho, K; Kobayashi, I; Kondo, Y

1995-01-01

The production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an essential process for iodide organification is a key reaction in TSH-induced thyroid hormone synthesis. Here we characterize the signal transduction pathway involved in TSH-induced H2O2 production in FRTL-5 thyroid cells. At higher than 1 nM TSH, N6-(L-2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine (PIA), an adenosine receptor agonist having, by itself, no influence on H2O2 generation, potentiated this TSH action, whereas the TSH increase and PIA addition reduced cAMP accumulation. RO 20-1724, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, amplified the TSH-induced cAMP accumulation, but did not change H2O2 generation in the whole range of TSH used. Ca(2+)-mobilizing agonists, GTP and ATP, also induced H2O2 production without stimulating cAMP accumulation. Chelation of intracellular Ca2+ markedly inhibited the TSH action, but intracellular Ca2+ increases by either thapsigargin or ionomycin mimicking it. All of the findings show the participation of Ca2+, but not cAMP, in the action of TSH. Desensitization of protein kinase-C (PKC) did not influence the receptor-mediated H2O2 production, suggesting the reduced importance of PKC activation compared to Ca2+ signaling to the reaction. A rise in intracellular Ca2+ independent of receptor activation also induced H2O2 production as well as arachidonate release, and both were potentiated by PIA. In addition, inhibitors of phospholipase-A2 and the arachidonate metabolic pathway depressed H2O2 generation, suggesting the participation of an arachidonate cascade in the Ca(2+)-dependent H2O2 production. Lipoxygenase inhibitors depressed the Ca2+ action without influencing arachidonate release, suggesting the involvement of a lipoxygenase product(s) of arachidonate in the Ca(2+)-signaling mechanism. In conclusion, in FRTL-5 cells, TSH-induced H2O2 production is mediated not by cAMP, but by the phospholipase-C/Ca2+ cascade, possibly followed by the Ca(2+)-dependent phospholipase-A2/arachidonate cascade. PIA amplifies TSH-induced H2O2 production at the steps of phospholipase-C and phospholipase-A2 activation in a pertussis toxin-sensitive manner.

Synthesis, characterization, temperature dependent electrical and magnetic properties of Ca3Co4O9 by a starch assisted sol-gel combustion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agilandeswari, K.; Ruban Kumar, A.

2014-09-01

In this present work we discussed the synthesis of pure Ca3Co4O9 ceramic powder by a starch assisted sol-gel combustion method. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses (TGA-DTA), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the formation of single phase Ca3Co4O9 at a sintering temperature of 1073 K, and it is also confirmed in the thermal analysis. SEM images indicate the presence of diffused microporous sphere like morphology and the grain sizes are in the range of 150-300 nm. Optical properties of Ca3Co4O9 ceramic show a band gap at an energy level of 2.10 eV. A maximum electrical resistivity of 0.002 mΩ cm was exhibited by Ca3Co4O9 that was decreased to 0.0012 mΩ cm, when the temperature increased from 300 K to 473 K. Dielectric studies were conducted at various temperatures from room temperature to 673 K and the results indicate that the space charge polarization contributes to the conduction mechanism. It also shows that the dielectric relaxation with activation energy is 0.96 eV. The magnetic properties as a function of temperature represent the ferri-paramagnetic phase transition at above 50 K. M-H curve shows the hysteresis loop with saturation magnetization (Ms) and confirms the presence of soft magnetic materials.

L-type calcium channels refine the neural population code of sound level

PubMed Central

Grimsley, Calum Alex; Green, David Brian

2016-01-01

The coding of sound level by ensembles of neurons improves the accuracy with which listeners identify how loud a sound is. In the auditory system, the rate at which neurons fire in response to changes in sound level is shaped by local networks. Voltage-gated conductances alter local output by regulating neuronal firing, but their role in modulating responses to sound level is unclear. We tested the effects of L-type calcium channels (CaL: CaV1.1–1.4) on sound-level coding in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) in the auditory midbrain. We characterized the contribution of CaL to the total calcium current in brain slices and then examined its effects on rate-level functions (RLFs) in vivo using single-unit recordings in awake mice. CaL is a high-threshold current and comprises ∼50% of the total calcium current in ICC neurons. In vivo, CaL activates at sound levels that evoke high firing rates. In RLFs that increase monotonically with sound level, CaL boosts spike rates at high sound levels and increases the maximum firing rate achieved. In different populations of RLFs that change nonmonotonically with sound level, CaL either suppresses or enhances firing at sound levels that evoke maximum firing. CaL multiplies the gain of monotonic RLFs with dynamic range and divides the gain of nonmonotonic RLFs with the width of the RLF. These results suggest that a single broad class of calcium channels activates enhancing and suppressing local circuits to regulate the sensitivity of neuronal populations to sound level. PMID:27605536

Production of poly(β-l-malic acid) by Aureobasidium pullulans HA-4D under solid-state fermentation.

PubMed

Xia, Jun; Li, Rongqing; He, Aiyong; Xu, Jiaxing; Liu, Xiaoyan; Li, Xiangqian; Xu, Jiming

2017-11-01

Poly(β-l-malic acid) (PMA) production by Aureobasidium pullulans HA-4D was carried out through solid-state fermentation (SSF) using agro-industrial residues. Maximum PMA production (75.4mg/g substrate) was obtained from a mixed substrate of sweet potato residue and wheat bran (1:1, w/w) supplemented with NaNO 3 (0.8%, w/w) and CaCO 3 (2%, w/w), with an initial moisture content of 70% and inoculum size of 13% (v/w) for 8days. Repeated-batch SSF was successfully conducted for 5 cycles with a high productivity. The scanning electron microscopy showed that the yeast-like cells of A. pullulans HA-4D could grow well on the solid substrate surface. Moreover, the cost analysis showed that the unit price of PMA in SSF was much lower than that of SmF. This is the first report on PMA production via SSF, and this study provided a new method to produce PMA from inexpensive agro-industrial residues. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impaired systemic oxygen extraction in treated exercise pulmonary hypertension: a new engine in an old car?

PubMed

Faria-Urbina, Mariana; Oliveira, Rudolf K F; Segrera, Sergio A; Lawler, Laurie; Waxman, Aaron B; Systrom, David M

2018-01-01

Ambrisentan in 22 patients with pulmonary hypertension diagnosed during exercise (ePH) improved pulmonary hemodynamics; however, there was only a trend toward increased maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) secondary to decreased maximum exercise systemic oxygen extraction (Ca-vO 2 ). We speculate that improved pulmonary hemodynamics at maximum exercise "unmasked" a pre-existing skeletal muscle abnormality.

Adsorption and Desorption Characteristics of Cd2+ and Pb2+ by Micro and Nano-sized Biogenic CaCO3

PubMed Central

Liu, Renlu; Guan, Yong; Chen, Liang; Lian, Bin

2018-01-01

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the characteristics and mechanisms of adsorption and desorption for heavy metals by micro and nano-sized biogenic CaCO3 induced by Bacillus subtilis, and the pH effect on adsorption was investigated. The results showed that the adsorption characteristics of Cd2+ and Pb2+ are well described by the Langmuir adsorption isothermal equation, and the maximum adsorption amounts for Cd2+ and Pb2+ were 94.340 and 416.667 mg/g, respectively. The maximum removal efficiencies were 97% for Cd2+, 100% for Pb2+, and the desorption rate was smaller than 3%. Further experiments revealed that the biogenic CaCO3 could maintain its high adsorption capability for heavy metals within wide pH ranges (3–8). The FTIR and XRD results showed that, after the biogenic CaCO3 adsorbed Cd2+ or Pb2+, it did not produce a new phase, which indicated that biogenic CaCO3 and heavy metal ions were governed by a physical adsorption process, and the high adsorptive capacity of biogenic CaCO3 for Cd2+ and Pb2+ were mainly attributed to its large total specific surface area. The findings could improve the state of knowledge about biogenic CaCO3 formation in the environment and its potential roles in the biogeochemical cycles of heavy metals. PMID:29434577

Effect of contact angle and contact angle hysteresis on the floatability of spheres at the air-water interface.

PubMed

Feng, Dong-Xia; Nguyen, Anh V

2017-10-01

The floatability of solid particles on the water surface governs many natural phenomena and industrial processes including film flotation and froth flotation separation of coal and valuable minerals. For many years, the contact angle (CA) has been postulated as the key factor in determining the particle floatability. Indeed, the maximum force (tenacity) supporting the flotation of fine spheres was conjectured to occur when the apical angle of the contact circle is equal to the contact angle. In this paper, the model predictions are reviewed and compared with experimental results. It is shown that CA can be affected by many physical and chemical factors such as surface roughness and chemical heterogeneity and can have a range of values known as the CA hysteresis. This multiple-valued CA invalidates the available theories on the floatability of spheres. Even the intuitive replacement of CA by the advancing (maximum) CA in the classical theories can be wrong. A few new examples are also reviewed and analyzed to demonstrate the significance of CA variation in controlling the particle floatability. They include the pinning of the contact line at the sharp edge, known as the Gibbs inequality condition, and the nearby interaction among floating particles, known as lateral inter-particle interaction. It is concluded that our quantitative understanding of the floatability of real particles being irregular and heterogeneous both morphologically and chemically is still far from being satisfactory. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Elastic and inelastic light scattering from single bacterial spores in an optical trap allows the monitoring of spore germination dynamics

PubMed Central

Peng, Lixin; Chen, De; Setlow, Peter; Li, Yong-qing

2009-01-01

Raman scattering spectroscopy and elastic light scattering intensity (ESLI) were used to simultaneously measure levels of Ca-dipicolinic acid (CaDPA) and changes in spore morphology and refractive index during germination of individual B. subtilis spores with and without the two redundant enzymes (CLEs), CwlJ and SleB, that degrade spores’ peptidoglycan cortex. Conclusions from these measurements include: 1) CaDPA release from individual wild-type germinating spores was biphasic; in a first heterogeneous slow phase, Tlag, CaDPA levels decreased ∼15% and in the second phase ending at Trelease, remaining CaDPA was released rapidly; 2) in L-alanine germination of wild-type spores and spores lacking SleB: a) the ESLI rose ∼2-fold shortly before Tlag at T1; b) following Tlag, the ESLI again rose ∼2-fold at T2 when CaDPA levels had decreased ∼50%; and c) the ESLI reached its maximum value at ∼Trelease and then decreased; 3) in CaDPA germination of wild-type spores: a) Tlag increased and the first increase in ESLI occurred well before Tlag, consistent with different pathways for CaDPA and L-alanine germination; b) at Trelease the ESLI again reached its maximum value; 4) in L-alanine germination of spores lacking both CLEs and unable to degrade their cortex, the time ΔTrelease (Trelease–Tlag) for excretion of ≥75% of CaDPA was ∼15-fold higher than that for wild-type or sleB spores; and 5) spores lacking only CwlJ exhibited a similar, but not identical ESLI pattern during L-alanine germination to that seen with cwlJ sleB spores, and the high value for ΔTrelease. PMID:19374431

Production of an extracellular thermohalophilic lipase from a moderately halophilic bacterium, Salinivibrio sp. strain SA-2.

PubMed

Amoozegar, Mohammad Ali; Salehghamari, Ensieh; Khajeh, Khosro; Kabiri, Mahbube; Naddaf, Saied

2008-06-01

Fifty strains of moderately halophilic bacteria were isolated from various salty environments in Iran. A strain designated as SA-2 was shown to be the best producer of extracellular lipase and was selected for further studies. Biochemical and physiological characterization along with 16S rDNA sequence analysis placed SA-2 in the genus Salinivibrio. The optimum salt, pH, temperature and aeration for enzyme production were 0.1 M KCl, pH 8, 35 degrees C and 150 rpm, respectively. The enzyme production was synchronized bacterial growth and reached a maximum level during the early-stationary phase in the basal medium containing 1 M NaCl. Triacylglycerols enhanced lipase production, while carbohydrates had inhibitory effects on it. The maximum lipase activity was obtained at pH 7.5, 50 degrees C and CaCl(2) concentration of 0.01 M. The enzyme was stable at pH range of 7.5-8 and retained 90% of its activity at 80 degrees C for 30 min. Different concentrations of NaNO(3), Na(2)SO(4), KCl and NaCl had no affect on lipase stability for 3 h. These results suggest that the lipase secreted by Salinivibrio sp. strain SA-2 is industrially important from the perspective of its tolerance to a broad temperature range, its moderate thermoactivity and its high tolerance to a wide range of salt concentrations (0-3 M NaCl).

Comparison of intrinsic and extrinsic tracer methods for estimating calcium bioavailability to rats from dairy foods

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

Buchowski, M.S.; Sowizral, K.C.; Lengemann, F.W.

Dairy products doubly labeled with 45Ca and 47Ca were used to evaluate an extrinsic labeling procedure for calcium bioavailability determination. Nonfat milk, yogurt, and fresh cheese curd were prepared from caprine milk that was intrinsically labeled with 45Ca. The products were then labeled extrinsically with 47Ca and administered to rats by gavage. The 47Ca to 45Ca ratio in bone and teeth averaged about 1.00 with either milk, yogurt, or CaCl2, but the ratio was about 1.04 when dosed with cheese curd. Ca absorption, determined by whole-body counting of 47Ca, was lower (P less than 0.05) in cheese curd (59%) thanmore » in either milk (69%), yogurt (72%), or CaCl2 (72%). Expressed as percent of dose, the absorption of 47Ca was highly correlated with bone 47Ca (r = 0.973) and with bone 45Ca (r = 0.946). Correlation between tibia 47Ca and tibia 45Ca was r = 0.923. For the dairy products tested, our results indicated that extrinsic 47Ca was absorbed similarly to intrinsic 45Ca. Moreover, the percent of radioactive dose retained in bone appears to be a valid indicator of relative bioavailability of food Ca.« less

Ca(2+)-Calmodulin regulation of testicular androgen production in Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus).

PubMed

Martins, Rute S T; Fuentes, Juan; Almeida, Olinda; Power, Deborah M; Canario, Adelino V M

2009-06-01

The Ca(2+)-Calmodulin (CaM) signaling pathway has previously been shown to be involved in the regulation of teleost fish ovarian steroidogenesis. However, a putative role of CaM in testicular steroidogenesis and potential targets has not been examined. To examine whether basal steroidogenesis is modulated by Ca(2+) and CaM levels in the testis of Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) we have incubated testicular fragments in vitro under different conditions and analyzed steroid output. Calcium-free medium with or without EGTA did not affect testicular basal 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and testosterone (T) secretion. However, addition of 80microM the CaM inhibitor W7 significantly reduced basal 11-KT, T and androstenedione secretion. Interestingly, the decreased androgen production by 80microM of W7 was accompanied by increased 11-desoxicortisol output and by the activation of cortisol synthesis in the testis, the latter undetected in untreated tissues. However, production of 17,20alpha-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one was unaltered by W7. This suggests that C17,20 desmolase, 21-hydroxylase and possibly 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase are targets for CaM. In addition, androgen production was also found to be regulated by the level of cAMP since incubations with forskolin (FK) significantly increased 11-KT and T output. A cross-talk between the cAMP and Ca(2+)-CaM signaling pathways was detected since W7 administration also decreased FK stimulated androgen production. Altogether, these data show that both basal and cAMP stimulated androgen levels were modulated by intracellular Ca(2+)-dependent CaM and that possibly Ca(2+)-CaM determines the shift in steroidogenesis from C21 steroids to androgens.

Improved model of the retardance in citric acid coated ferrofluids using stepwise regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, J. F.; Qiu, X. R.

2017-06-01

Citric acid (CA) coated Fe3O4 ferrofluids (FFs) have been conducted for biomedical application. The magneto-optical retardance of CA coated FFs was measured by a Stokes polarimeter. Optimization and multiple regression of retardance in FFs were executed by Taguchi method and Microsoft Excel previously, and the F value of regression model was large enough. However, the model executed by Excel was not systematic. Instead we adopted the stepwise regression to model the retardance of CA coated FFs. From the results of stepwise regression by MATLAB, the developed model had highly predictable ability owing to F of 2.55897e+7 and correlation coefficient of one. The average absolute error of predicted retardances to measured retardances was just 0.0044%. Using the genetic algorithm (GA) in MATLAB, the optimized parametric combination was determined as [4.709 0.12 39.998 70.006] corresponding to the pH of suspension, molar ratio of CA to Fe3O4, CA volume, and coating temperature. The maximum retardance was found as 31.712°, close to that obtained by evolutionary solver in Excel and a relative error of -0.013%. Above all, the stepwise regression method was successfully used to model the retardance of CA coated FFs, and the maximum global retardance was determined by the use of GA.

The Influence of Layer Thickness-Ratio on Magnetoresistance in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/La1/3Ca2/3MnO3 Exchange Biased System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gomez, Maria Elena; Milena Diez, Sandra; Cuartas, Lina Maria; Marin, Lorena; Prieto, Pedro

2012-02-01

Isothermal magnetic field dependence of the resistance in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3 (F-LCMO)/ La1/3Ca2/3MnO3(AF-LCMO) bilayer and AF-LCMO/F-LCMO/AF-LCMO trilayer at temperatures below N'eel temperature of the antiferromagnetic layer were carried out to study the thickness layers influence on magneto transport properties. We grew multilayers using a high oxygen pressure sputtering technique. We systematically varied the thickness of the F-LCMO layer, tF, maintaining constant the thickness of the AF-LCMO layer, tAF. We studied the influence of the thickness ratio tF/tAF on the ZFC and FC magnetoresistance (MR) loops. HFC was varied from 100 Oe to 400 Oe. We found that MR has hysteretic behavior as observed in [La2/3Ca1/3MnO3/La1/3Ca2/3MnO3]N superlattices, where MR increases with the increasing field from H=0 to a maximum and then it decreases continuously. The position and magnitude of the maximum is not symmetric with respect to the axis H=0 for both FC and ZFC loops. We found that magnetoresistance behavior of the bilayer and trilayer is thickness-ratio dependent for both ZFC and FC loops.

Hydration Characteristics of Low-Heat Cement Substituted by Fly Ash and Limestone Powder.

PubMed

Kim, Si-Jun; Yang, Keun-Hyeok; Moon, Gyu-Don

2015-09-01

This study proposed a new binder as an alternative to conventional cement to reduce the heat of hydration in mass concrete elements. As a main cementitious material, low-heat cement (LHC) was considered, and then fly ash (FA), modified FA (MFA) by vibrator mill, and limestone powder (LP) were used as a partial replacement of LHC. The addition of FA delayed the induction period at the hydration heat curve and the maximum heat flow value ( q max ) increased compared with the LHC based binder. As the proportion and fineness of the FA increased, the induction period of the hydration heat curve was extended, and the q max increased. The hydration production of Ca(OH)₂ was independent of the addition of FA or MFA up to an age of 7 days, beyond which the amount of Ca(OH)₂ gradually decreased owing to their pozzolanic reaction. In the case of LP being used as a supplementary cementitious material, the induction period of the hydration heat curve was reduced by comparison with the case of LHC based binder, and monocarboaluminate was observed as a hydration product. The average pore size measured at an age of 28 days was smaller for LHC with FA or MFA than for 100% LHC.

High quantum yield of the Egyptian blue family of infrared phosphors (MCuSi4O10, M = Ca, Sr, Ba)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berdahl, Paul; Boocock, Simon K.; Chan, George C.-Y.; Chen, Sharon S.; Levinson, Ronnen M.; Zalich, Michael A.

2018-05-01

The alkaline earth copper tetra-silicates, blue pigments, are interesting infrared phosphors. The Ca, Sr, and Ba variants fluoresce in the near-infrared (NIR) at 909, 914, and 948 nm, respectively, with spectral widths on the order of 120 nm. The highest quantum yield ϕ reported thus far is ca. 10%. We use temperature measurements in sunlight to determine this parameter. The yield depends on the pigment loading (mass per unit area) ω with values approaching 100% as ω → 0 for the Ca and Sr variants. Although maximum quantum yield occurs near ω = 0, maximum fluorescence occurs near ω = 70 g m-2, at which ϕ = 0.7. The better samples show fluorescence decay times in the range of 130 to 160 μs. The absorbing impurity CuO is often present. Good phosphor performance requires long fluorescence decay times and very low levels of parasitic absorption. The strong fluorescence enhances prospects for energy applications such as cooling of sunlit surfaces (to reduce air conditioning requirements) and luminescent solar concentrators.

Cow dung: a potential biomass substrate for the production of detergent-stable dehairing protease by alkaliphilic Bacillus subtilis strain VV.

PubMed

Vijayaraghavan, Ponnuswamy; Vijayan, Aija; Arun, Arumugaperumal; Jenisha, John Kennady; Vincent, Samuel Gnana Prakash

2012-01-01

Cow dung, a cheap and easily available source of energy, was used as the substrate for the production of alkaline protease by solid-state fermentation using the Bacillus subtilis strain VV. In order to achieve the maximum yield of this enzyme, the following optimum process parameters are needed: fermentation period (72 h), pH (10.0), moisture content (140%), inoculum (25%), temperature (30-40°C), carbon source (2% (w/w) maltose) and nitrogen source (1% (w/w) urea). The protease was stable over a broad temperature range (30-50°C) and pH (8.0-10.0), with maximum activity at 50°C and pH 10.0. Among the divalent ions tested, Ca(2+) (0.01 M) increased enzyme activity. The purified protease, after being subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, was found to have a molecular mass of 38.5 kDa. The enzyme was solvent-and surfactant-stable and showed activity even after 24 h incubation along with various commercially available detergents. This enzyme possessed dehairing properties for animal hide after 16 h of incubation at room temperature. From these results it is evident that cow dung is a potential substrate for the production of a detergent-stable, dehairing protease by B. subtilis. This enzyme has a lot of potential applications in the detergent and leather-processing industries.

SHRIMP U-Pb detrital zircon dating to check subdivisions in metamorphic complexes: a case of study in the Nevado-Filábride complex (Betic Cordillera, Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santamaría-López, Ángel; Sanz de Galdeano, Carlos

2018-04-01

U-Pb dating on inherited detrital zircons has been applied to obtain the probable maximum age of deposition of the detrital protolith of the Nevado-Filábride complex (Betic Cordillera, Spain). Five of eight samples correspond to the lower part of the lithologic sequence of this complex, where radiometric dating of metasediments has not been presented till the present. The youngest age populations in the majority of samples are Carboniferous. The estimation of the maximum age of deposition in the lower and upper units is 349.1 ± 1.6 and 334.6 ± 2.9 Ma, respectively. In addition, samples show common age populations at ca. 490-630 and ca. 910-1010 Ma. Observations agree with the Carboniferous to early Permian U-Pb ages previously obtained in orthogneisses levels which are situated in the upper part of the complex. Combination of the minimum age of deposition deducible from the orthogneisses studies and the maximum ages of deposition obtained from the detrital zircons of this work, allow establishing the deposition of de studied lithological succession comprised between ca. 282 and 349 Ma or a shorter period.

Effects of Domestic Storage and Thawing Practices on Salmonella in Poultry-Based Meat Preparations.

PubMed

Roccato, Anna; Uyttendaele, Mieke; Cibin, Veronica; Barrucci, Federica; Cappa, Veronica; Zavagnin, Paola; Longo, Alessandra; Catellani, Paolo; Ricci, Antonia

2015-12-01

Among consumer food handling practices, time-temperature abuse has been reported as one of the most common contributory factors in salmonellosis outbreaks where the evidence is strong. The present study performed storage tests of burgers, sausages, and kebabs and investigated (i) the effect of refrigerator temperatures (4°C versus 8 or 12°C, which were the temperatures recorded in 33 and 3%, respectively, of domestic refrigerators in Italy), with or without prior temperature abuse (25°C for 2 h, simulating transport of meats from shop to home), and (ii) the impact of the thawing method (overnight in the refrigerator at 8°C versus on the kitchen countertop at 23°C) on the presence and numbers of Salmonella bacteria. Storage tests were carried out on naturally or artificially (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium at ca. 10 CFU/g) contaminated products, while freezing-thawing tests were conducted only on artificially contaminated products (Salmonella Typhimurium at ca. 10, 100, and 1,000 CFU/g). The results from the artificially contaminated products showed significant (P < 0.05) growth of Salmonella Typhimurium at 12°C (i.e., from ca. 8 most probable number [MPN]/g to > 710 MPN/g) in kebabs after 7 and 10 days but more moderate growth in sausages (i.e., from ca. 14 MPN/g to a maximum of 96 MPN/g after 9 days of storage). Storage of naturally contaminated burgers or sausages (contamination at or below 1 MPN/g) at 4, 8, or 12°C and a short time of temperature abuse (2 h at 25°C) did not facilitate an increase in the presence and numbers of Salmonella bacteria. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator led to either a moderate reduction or no change of Salmonella Typhimurium numbers in burgers, sausages, and kebabs. Overall, this study showed that domestic storage and thawing practices can affect food safety and that time-temperature abuse can cause a substantial increase of Salmonella numbers in some types of poultry-based meat preparations, highlighting that efforts for the dissemination of consumer guidelines on the correct storage and handling of meats need to be continued.

Coccolithophore surface distributions in the North Atlantic and their modulation of the air-sea flux of CO2 from 10 years of satellite Earth observation data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shutler, J. D.; Land, P. E.; Brown, C. W.; Findlay, H. S.; Donlon, C. J.; Medland, M.; Snooke, R.; Blackford, J. C.

2013-04-01

Coccolithophores are the primary oceanic phytoplankton responsible for the production of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). These climatically important plankton play a key role in the oceanic carbon cycle as a major contributor of carbon to the open ocean carbonate pump (~50%) and their calcification can affect the atmosphere-to-ocean (air-sea) uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) through increasing the seawater partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2). Here we document variations in the areal extent of surface blooms of the globally important coccolithophore, Emiliania huxleyi, in the North Atlantic over a 10-year period (1998-2007), using Earth observation data from the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS). We calculate the annual mean sea surface areal coverage of E. huxleyi in the North Atlantic to be 474 000 ± 104 000 km2, which results in a net CaCO3 carbon (CaCO3-C) production of 0.14-1.71 Tg CaCO3-C per year. However, this surface coverage (and, thus, net production) can fluctuate inter-annually by -54/+8% about the mean value and is strongly correlated with the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate oscillation index (r=0.75, p<0.02). Our analysis evaluates the spatial extent over which the E. huxleyi blooms in the North Atlantic can increase the pCO2 and, thus, decrease the localised air-sea flux of atmospheric CO2. In regions where the blooms are prevalent, the average reduction in the monthly air-sea CO2 flux can reach 55%. The maximum reduction of the monthly air-sea CO2 flux in the time series is 155%. This work suggests that the high variability, frequency and distribution of these calcifying plankton and their impact on pCO2 should be considered if we are to fully understand the variability of the North Atlantic air-to-sea flux of CO2. We estimate that these blooms can reduce the annual N. Atlantic net sink atmospheric CO2 by between 3-28%.

Calibration of the B/Ca proxy in symbiont-bearing planktonic foraminifera for application to the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haynes, L.; Hoenisch, B.; Eggins, S.; Holland, K.; Rosenthal, Y.

2015-12-01

During the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), rapid surface ocean acidification is indicated by a large decrease in the B/Ca ratios of planktic foraminiferal calcite, which is a proxy for the surface ocean carbonate system [1]. However, due to uncertainty in the effects of past seawater chemistry (e.g, different [Mg], [Ca], and [B]) on B/Ca, modern calibrations cannot be used to estimate the magnitude of acidification during this critical period. In addition, recent inorganic and sediment trap studies have respectively documented the controls of growth rate and light levels on B/Ca [2,3]. To extend the application of the B/Ca proxy to the PETM, we have conducted culturing experiments in O. universa, G. ruber, and G. sacculifer in which we simulated changes in pH and total DIC under Paleogene seawater conditions- high [Ca], low [Mg], and low [B]. We have further investigated the effects of variable light intensity (a control on symbiont activity), [Ca]seawater, and [B]seawater on the proxy. Results from O. universa confirm that B/Ca decreases with increasing DIC, decreasing pH, and decreasing [B]seawater, supporting a [B(OH)4-]/DIC control on the proxy [4]. In contrast, neither low light nor [Ca]seawater have a measurable effect on B/Ca, implying that influences of these parameters over the PETM were likely negligible. Critically, B/Ca appears to be more sensitive to pH at very low [B(OH)4-]/DIC in comparison to modern calibrations. Using estimates of surface ocean pH from boron isotopes, new calibrations can explain a larger proportion of the observed B/Ca excursion over the PETM. However, simulation of a large DIC pulse is necessary to explain the full excursion. New data will be presented from species that are more sensitive to pH, such as G. ruber and G. sacculifer, which will illuminate the range of responses of B/Ca to ocean acidification during the Paleogene. [1] Penman et al. 2014. Paleoceanography 29. [2] Uchikawa et al. 2015. GCA 150. [3] Babila et al. 2014. EPSL 404. [4] Allen et al. 2012. EPSL 351-352.

Experimental Determination of the Cosmogenic Ar Production Rate From Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niedermann, S.; Schäfer, J. M.; Wieler, R.; Naumann, R.

2005-12-01

Cosmogenic 38Ar is produced in terrestrial surface rocks by spallation of target nuclides, in particular K and Ca. Though the presence of cosmogenic Ar in Ca-rich minerals has been demonstrated earlier [1], is has proven difficult to establish its production rate. To circumvent problems connected to 36Ar production by 35Cl neutron capture and different production rates from K and Ca, we have analyzed the noble gases in seven pyroxene separates (px) from the Antarctic Dry Valleys which are essentially free of Cl and K. The px were obtained from dolerite rocks, for which 3He and 21Ne exposure ages from 1.5 to 6.5 Ma have been reported [2]. The noble gases were extracted in two or three heating steps at GFZ Potsdam, yielding 38Ar/36Ar ratios up to 0.2283 ± 0.0008 (air: 0.1880). Ca (3.7-11.2 wt. %) is expected to be the only relevant target element for Ar production in the five pure px (<0.05% K); the production rate from Fe is at least two orders of magnitude lower than that from Ca [e.g. 3]. Assuming an 38Ar/36Ar production ratio of 1.5 ± 0.2, we obtain cosmogenic 38Ar concentrations between 130 and 530x106 atoms/g. The 38Ar production rate was calculated based on 21Ne exposure ages [2], corrected for elevated nuclide production in Antarctica due to prevailing low air pressure and for the revised 21Ne production rate from Si. We obtain values between 188 ± 17 and 243 +110/-24 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 at sea level and high (northern) latitudes for four out of the five pure px, while one yields a very high value of 348 ± 70 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1. Values above 250 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 are also obtained from two less pure px containing 0.3 and 0.9% K and from one feldspar/quartz accumulate, indicating that the production rate from K may be higher than that from Ca. The weighted mean (excluding the outlier) of ~200 atoms (g Ca)-1 a-1 is in excellent agreement with Lal's [3] theoretical estimate. [1] Renne et al., EPSL 188 (2001) 435. [2] Schäfer et al., EPSL 167 (1999) 215. [3] Lal, EPSL 104 (1991) 424.

Growth and Energy Demand of Meloidogyne incognita on Susceptible and Resistant Vitis vinifera Cultivars.

PubMed

Melakeberhan, H; Ferris, H

1988-10-01

Food (energy) consumption rates ofMeloidogyne incognita were calculated on Vitis vinifera cv. French Colombard (highly susceptible) and cv. Thompson Seedless (moderately resistant). One-month-old grape seedlings in styrofoam cups were inoculated with 2,000 or 8,000 M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) and maintained at 17.5 degree days (DD - base 10 C)/day until maximum adult female growth and (or) the end of oviposition. At 70 DD intervals, nematode fresh biomass was calculated on the basis of volumes of 15-20 nematodes per plant obtained with a digitizer and computer algorithm. Egg production was measured at 50-80 DD intervals by weighing 7-10 egg masses and counting the number of eggs. Nematode growth and food (energy) consumption rates were calculated up to 1,000 DD based on biomass increase, respiratory requirements, and an assumption of 60 % assimilation efficiency. The growth rate of a single root-knot nematode, excluding egg production, was similar in both cultivars and had a logistic form. The maximum fresh weight of a mature female nematode was ca. 29-32 mug. The total biomass increase, including egg production, also had a logistic form. Maximum biomass (mature adult female and egg mass) was 211 mug on French Colombard and 127 mug on Thompson Seedless. The calculated total cost to the host for the development of a single J2 from root penetration to the end of oviposition for body growth and total biomass was 0.535 and 0.486 calories with a total energy demand of 1.176 and 0.834 calories in French Colombard and Thompson Seedless, respectively.

Development of a solid-state fermentation process for production of an alpha amylase with potentially interesting properties.

PubMed

Hashemi, Maryam; Razavi, Seyed Hadi; Shojaosadati, Seyed Abbas; Mousavi, Seyyed Mohammad; Khajeh, Khosro; Safari, Mohammad

2010-09-01

Ca-independency with potential activity and stability at low pH are among the most interesting characteristics of alpha-amylase in starch industry. In this attempt the synergetic effect of low pH on activity of crude Ca-independent alpha-amylase isolated from a native Bacillus sp. KR-8104 in solid-state fermentation (SSF) was studied using wheat bran (WB) as a substrate. The effects of different parameters including moisturizing agents, solid substrate to moisture ratio, particle size, incubation temperature and period, inoculum (v/w) and supplementation with 1% (w/w) different carbon and nitrogen sources on enzyme production were investigated. Maximum enzyme production of 140U/g dry fermented substrate was obtained from wheat bran moistened with tap water at a ratio of 1:1.5 and supplemented with 1% (w/w) NH(4)NO(3) and 1% (w/w) lactose after 48h incubation at 37 degrees C. Even though the production of alpha-amylase was lower at 40 and 45 degrees C, the viable cell count was higher. In addition response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to find optimum conditions of temperature and pH on crude amylase activity. Using central composite design (CCD) a quadratic mathematical model equation was derived for the prediction of enzyme activity. The results showed that the model was in good agreement with experimental results, with R(2)=0.90 (p<0.0001) and the low pH has a synergetic effect on enzyme activity at higher temperature. Copyright 2010 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Enhancement of force generated by individual myosin heads in skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibers at low ionic strength.

PubMed

Sugi, Haruo; Abe, Takahiro; Kobayashi, Takakazu; Chaen, Shigeru; Ohnuki, Yoshiki; Saeki, Yasutake; Sugiura, Seiryo

2013-01-01

Although evidence has been presented that, at low ionic strength, myosin heads in relaxed skeletal muscle fibers form linkages with actin filaments, the effect of low ionic strength on contraction characteristics of Ca(2+)-activated muscle fibers has not yet been studied in detail. To give information about the mechanism of muscle contraction, we have examined the effect of low ionic strength on the mechanical properties and the contraction characteristics of skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibers in both relaxed and maximally Ca(2+)-activated states. By progressively decreasing KCl concentration from 125 mM to 0 mM (corresponding to a decrease in ionic strength μ from 170 mM to 50 mM), relaxed fibers showed changes in mechanical response to sinusoidal length changes and ramp stretches, which are consistent with the idea of actin-myosin linkage formation at low ionic strength. In maximally Ca(2+)-activated fibers, on the other hand, the maximum isometric force increased about twofold by reducing KCl concentration from 125 to 0 mM. Unexpectedly, determination of the force-velocity curves indicated that, the maximum unloaded shortening velocity Vmax, remained unchanged at low ionic strength. This finding indicates that the actin-myosin linkages, which has been detected in relaxed fibers at low ionic strength, are broken quickly on Ca(2+) activation, so that the linkages in relaxed fibers no longer provide any internal resistance against fiber shortening. The force-velocity curves, obtained at various levels of steady Ca(2+)-activated isometric force, were found to be identical if they are normalized with respect to the maximum isometric force. The MgATPase activity of muscle fibers during isometric force generation was found not to change appreciably at low ionic strength despite the two-fold increase in Ca(2+)-activated isometric force. These results can be explained in terms of enhancement of force generated by individual myosin heads, but not by any changes in kinetic properties of cyclic actin-myosin interaction.

Increase of calcium and reduction of lactose concentration in milk by treatment with kefir grains and eggshell.

PubMed

Fina, Brenda L; Brun, Lucas R; Rigalli, Alfredo

2016-01-01

Dairy products are the main source of calcium (Ca), but the loss of the consumption habit contributes to low consumption in adulthood, which leads to osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. Domestic use of kefir is straightforward and the eggshell is a natural discarded source of Ca. This paper proposes the development of an enriched Ca reduced lactose milk using eggshell and kefir. During the in vitro preparation, the pH, Ca and lactose contents were measured. Ca intestinal absorption of untreated milk and milk with kefir was compared. Finally, human volunteers consumed this dairy product and 24-h urine Ca was measured. Results showed that the beverage has lower lactose and higher Ca than untreated milk and milk with kefir. Intestinal Ca absorption was not different between both milks and an increase in urinary Ca excretion was observed in humans. This study provides a methodology to prepare at home a dairy product that could contribute to improve the Ca intake in adults.

Blocking and isolation of a calcium channel from neurons in mammals and cephalopods utilizing a toxin fraction (FTX) from funnel-web spider poison.

PubMed Central

Llinás, R; Sugimori, M; Lin, J W; Cherksey, B

1989-01-01

A Ca2+-channel blocker derived from funnel-web spider toxin (FTX) has made it possible to define and study the ionic channels responsible for the Ca2+ conductance in mammalian Purkinje cell neurons and the preterminal in squid giant synapse. In cerebellar slices, FTX blocked Ca2+-dependent spikes in Purkinje cells, reduced the spike afterpotential hyperpolarization, and increased the Na+-dependent plateau potential. In the squid giant synapse, FTX blocked synaptic transmission without affecting the presynaptic action potential. Presynaptic voltage-clamp results show blockage of the inward Ca2+ current and of transmitter release. FTX was used to isolate channels from cerebellum and squid optic lobe. The isolated product was incorporated into black lipid membranes and was analyzed by using patch-clamp techniques. The channel from cerebellum exhibited a 10- to 12-pS conductance in 80 mM Ba2+ and 5-8 pS in 100 mM Ca2+ with voltage-dependent open probabilities and kinetics. High Ba2+ concentrations at the cytoplasmic side of the channel increased the average open time from 1 to 3 msec to more than 1 sec. A similar channel was also isolated from squid optic lobe. However, its conductance was higher in Ba2+, and the maximum opening probability was about half of that derived from cerebellar tissue and also was sensitive to high cytoplasmic Ba2+. Both channels were blocked by FTX, Cd2+, and Co2+ but were not blocked by omega-conotoxin or dihydropyridines. These results suggest that one of the main Ca2+ conductances in mammalian neurons and in the squid preterminal represents the activation of a previously undefined class of Ca2+ channel. We propose that it be termed the "P" channel, as it was first described in Purkinje cells. Images PMID:2537980

Blocking and isolation of a calcium channel from neurons in mammals and cephalopods utilizing a toxin fraction (FTX) from funnel-web spider poison.

PubMed

Llinás, R; Sugimori, M; Lin, J W; Cherksey, B

1989-03-01

A Ca2+-channel blocker derived from funnel-web spider toxin (FTX) has made it possible to define and study the ionic channels responsible for the Ca2+ conductance in mammalian Purkinje cell neurons and the preterminal in squid giant synapse. In cerebellar slices, FTX blocked Ca2+-dependent spikes in Purkinje cells, reduced the spike afterpotential hyperpolarization, and increased the Na+-dependent plateau potential. In the squid giant synapse, FTX blocked synaptic transmission without affecting the presynaptic action potential. Presynaptic voltage-clamp results show blockage of the inward Ca2+ current and of transmitter release. FTX was used to isolate channels from cerebellum and squid optic lobe. The isolated product was incorporated into black lipid membranes and was analyzed by using patch-clamp techniques. The channel from cerebellum exhibited a 10- to 12-pS conductance in 80 mM Ba2+ and 5-8 pS in 100 mM Ca2+ with voltage-dependent open probabilities and kinetics. High Ba2+ concentrations at the cytoplasmic side of the channel increased the average open time from 1 to 3 msec to more than 1 sec. A similar channel was also isolated from squid optic lobe. However, its conductance was higher in Ba2+, and the maximum opening probability was about half of that derived from cerebellar tissue and also was sensitive to high cytoplasmic Ba2+. Both channels were blocked by FTX, Cd2+, and Co2+ but were not blocked by omega-conotoxin or dihydropyridines. These results suggest that one of the main Ca2+ conductances in mammalian neurons and in the squid preterminal represents the activation of a previously undefined class of Ca2+ channel. We propose that it be termed the "P" channel, as it was first described in Purkinje cells.

Sub-hectare crop area mapped wall-to-wall in Tigray Ethiopia with HEC processing of WorldView sub-meter panchromatic image texture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neigh, C. S. R.; Carroll, M.; Wooten, M.; McCarty, J. L.; Powell, B.; Husak, G. J.; Enenkel, M.; Hain, C.

2017-12-01

Global food production in the developing world occurs within sub-hectare fields that are difficult to identify with moderate resolution satellite imagery. Knowledge about the distribution of these fields is critical in food security programs. We developed a semi-automated image segmentation approach using wall-to-wall sub-meter imagery with high-end computing (HEC) to map crop area (CA) throughout Tigray, Ethiopia that encompasses over 41,000 km2. Our approach tested multiple HEC processing streams to reduce processing time and minimize mapping error. We applied multiple resolution smoothing kernels to capture differences in land surface texture associated to CA. Typically, very-small fields (mean < 2 ha) have a smooth image roughness compared to natural scrub/shrub woody vegetation at the 1 m scale and these features can be segmented in panchromatic imagery with multi-level histogram thresholding. We found multi-temporal very-high resolution (VHR) panchromatic imagery with multi-spectral VHR and moderate resolution imagery are sufficient in extracting critical CA information needed in food security programs. We produced a 2011 ‒ 2015 CA map using over 3,000 WorldView-1 panchromatic images wall-to-wall in 1/2° mosaics for Tigray, Ethiopia in 1 week. We evaluated CA estimates with nearly 3,000 WorldView-2 2 m multispectral 250 × 250 m image subsets, with seven expert interpretations, and with in-situ global positioning system (GPS) photography. Our CA estimates ranged from 32 to 41% in sub-regions of Tigray with median maximum per bin commission and omission errors of 11% and 1% respectively, with most of the error occurring in bins less than 15%. This empirical, simple, and low direct cost approach via U.S. government license agreement and HEC could be a viable big-data methodology to extract wall-to-wall CA for other regions of the world that have very-small agriculture fields with similar image texture.

Surface Nutrient Utilisation and Productivity During Glacial-Interglacial Periods from the Equatorial Indian Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

R, C. K.; Bhushan, R.; Agnihotri, R.; Sawlani, R.; Jull, A. J. T.

2016-12-01

Seawaters and underlying sediments off Sri Lanka provide a unique marine realm affected by both branches of Northern Indian Ocean i.e. Arabian Sea (AS) and Bay of Bengal (BOB). AS and BOB are known for their distinct response to southwest monsoon. AS experiencing mainly winds and upwelling while BOB receives precipitation driven surface runoff from the Indian sub-continent. Multiple proxies were measured on a radiocarbon dated sediment core raised off Sri Lanka; their down core variations were used to understand oceanic history (nutrient utilisation, surface productivity, nature of organic matter) spanning last glacial-interglacial cycle ( 26 to 2.5 ka BP). Variations in CaCO3, biogenic silica (BSi) and δ15N from 26 ka to 12.5 ka BP indicate the region was experiencing high surface productivity with probably reduced surface nutrient utilisation efficiency. Sedimentary δ15N depth profile is decoupled from down core variations of major productivity indices (e.g. CaCO3, OC), hinting plausibly partial utilization of nutrients in the mixed layer (photic zone). δ13C of OC and C/N (wt. ratio) clearly reveal the terrestrial origin of organic matter at 15 ka BP, a period known for witnessing onset of deglaciation in northern hemisphere. δ13C minimum at 9 ka BP indicates intense monsoonal activity during this time coinciding well with solar insolation (June) maximum of the northern hemisphere. With the onset of Holocene ( 11 ka BP), δ15N variations appear to correlate with BSi and Ba/Ti indicating enhanced utilization of available nutrients at surface. Suggesting surface productivity over the region was probably micro-nutrient limited. The increased inventory of terrestrial runoff in Holocene probably demonstrates enhanced carbon sequestration capability of the region.

Overexpression of afsR and Optimization of Metal Chloride to Improve Lomofungin Production in Streptomyces lomondensis S015.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Wang, Huasheng; Hu, Hongbo; Peng, Huasong; Zhang, Xuehong

2015-05-01

As a global regulatory gene in Streptomyces, afsR can activate the biosynthesis of many secondary metabolites. The effect of afsR on the biosynthesis of a phenazine metabolite, lomofungin, was studied in Streptomyces lomondensis S015. There was a 2.5-fold increase of lomofungin production in the afsR-overexpressing strain of S. lomondensis S015 N1 compared with the wild-type strain. Meanwhile, the transcription levels of afsR and two important genes involved in the biosynthesis of lomofungin (i.e., phzC and phzE) were significantly upregulated in S. lomondensis S015 N1. The optimization of metal chlorides was investigated to further increase the production of lomofungin in the afsR-overexpressing strain. The addition of different metal chlorides to S. lomondensis S015 N1 cultivations showed that CaCl2, FeCl2, and MnCl2 led to an increase in lomofungin biosynthesis. The optimum concentrations of these metal chlorides were obtained using response surface methodology. CaCl2 (0.04 mM), FeCl2 (0.33 mM), and MnCl2 (0.38 mM) gave a maximum lomofungin production titer of 318.0 ± 10.7 mg/l, which was a 4.1-fold increase compared with that of S. lomondensis S015 N1 without the addition of a metal chloride. This work demonstrates that the biosynthesis of phenazine metabolites can be induced by afsR. The results also indicate that metal chlorides addition might be a simple and useful strategy for improving the production of other phenazine metabolites in Streptomyces.

Late quaternary sediments, minerals, and inferred geochemical history of Didwana Lake, Thar Desert, India

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wasson, R.J.; Smith, G.I.; Agrawal, D.P.

1984-01-01

Variations in clastic sediment texture, mineralogy of both evaporites formed at the surface and precipitates formed below the lake floor, and the relative chemical activities of the major dissolved components of the chemical precipitates, have allowed reconstruction of the history of salinity and water-level changes in Didwana Lake, Thar Desert, India. Hypersaline conditions prevailed at about the Last Glacial Maximum, with little evidence of clastic sediments entering the lake. Between ca. 13,000 and 6000 B.P. the lake level fluctuated widely, the lake alternately hypersaline and fresh, and clastic sediments were delivered to the lake at a low rate. Deep-water conditions occurred ca. 6000 B.P. and clastic influx increased abruptly. The water level dropped towards 4000 B.P. when the lake dried briefly. Since 4000 B.P. the lake has been ephemeral with a lowered rate of sedimentation and mildly saline conditions rather like those of today. This sequence of changes documented in the lake parallels changes in vegetation recorded in published pollen diagrams from both the Thar and the Arabian Sea. Correlation of the various lines of evidence suggests that the climate of the Last Glacial Maximum at Didwana was dry and windy with a weak monsson circulation. The monsson was re-established between ca. 13,000 and a little before 6000 B.P., and, when winter rainfall increased ca. 6000 B.P., the lake filled to its maximum depth. ?? 1984.

Segmentized Clear Channel Assessment for IEEE 802.15.4 Networks.

PubMed

Son, Kyou Jung; Hong, Sung Hyeuck; Moon, Seong-Pil; Chang, Tae Gyu; Cho, Hanjin

2016-06-03

This paper proposed segmentized clear channel assessment (CCA) which increases the performance of IEEE 802.15.4 networks by improving carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA). Improving CSMA/CA is important because the low-power consumption feature and throughput performance of IEEE 802.15.4 are greatly affected by CSMA/CA behavior. To improve the performance of CSMA/CA, this paper focused on increasing the chance to transmit a packet by assessing precise channel status. The previous method used in CCA, which is employed by CSMA/CA, assesses the channel by measuring the energy level of the channel. However, this method shows limited channel assessing behavior, which comes from simple threshold dependent channel busy evaluation. The proposed method solves this limited channel decision problem by dividing CCA into two groups. Two groups of CCA compare their energy levels to get precise channel status. To evaluate the performance of the segmentized CCA method, a Markov chain model has been developed. The validation of analytic results is confirmed by comparing them with simulation results. Additionally, simulation results show the proposed method is improving a maximum 8.76% of throughput and decreasing a maximum 3.9% of the average number of CCAs per packet transmission than the IEEE 802.15.4 CCA method.

Segmentized Clear Channel Assessment for IEEE 802.15.4 Networks

PubMed Central

Son, Kyou Jung; Hong, Sung Hyeuck; Moon, Seong-Pil; Chang, Tae Gyu; Cho, Hanjin

2016-01-01

This paper proposed segmentized clear channel assessment (CCA) which increases the performance of IEEE 802.15.4 networks by improving carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA). Improving CSMA/CA is important because the low-power consumption feature and throughput performance of IEEE 802.15.4 are greatly affected by CSMA/CA behavior. To improve the performance of CSMA/CA, this paper focused on increasing the chance to transmit a packet by assessing precise channel status. The previous method used in CCA, which is employed by CSMA/CA, assesses the channel by measuring the energy level of the channel. However, this method shows limited channel assessing behavior, which comes from simple threshold dependent channel busy evaluation. The proposed method solves this limited channel decision problem by dividing CCA into two groups. Two groups of CCA compare their energy levels to get precise channel status. To evaluate the performance of the segmentized CCA method, a Markov chain model has been developed. The validation of analytic results is confirmed by comparing them with simulation results. Additionally, simulation results show the proposed method is improving a maximum 8.76% of throughput and decreasing a maximum 3.9% of the average number of CCAs per packet transmission than the IEEE 802.15.4 CCA method. PMID:27271626

Formation of fatty acids in photochemical conversions of saturated hydrocarbons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Telegina, T. A.; Pavlovskaya, T. Y.; Ladyzhenskaya, A. I.

1977-01-01

Abiogenic synthesis of fatty acids was studied in photochemical conversions of saturated hydrocarbons. It was shown that, in a hydrocarbon water CaCO3 suspension, the action of 254 nm UV rays caused the formation of fatty acids with a maximum number of carbon atoms in the chain not exceeding that in the initial hydrocarbon. Synthesis of acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, caproic, enanthic and caprylic (in the case of octane) acids occurs in heptane water CaCO3 and octane water CaCO3 systems.

Calcium from salmon and cod bone is well absorbed in young healthy men: a double-blinded randomised crossover design.

PubMed

Malde, Marian K; Bügel, Susanne; Kristensen, Mette; Malde, Ketil; Graff, Ingvild E; Pedersen, Jan I

2010-07-20

Calcium (Ca) - fortified foods are likely to play an important role in helping the consumer achieve an adequate Ca intake, especially for persons with a low intake of dairy products. Fish bones have a high Ca content, and huge quantities of this raw material are available as a by-product from the fish industry. Previously, emphasis has been on producing high quality products from fish by-products by use of bacterial proteases. However, documentation of the nutritional value of the enzymatically rinsed Ca-rich bone fraction remains unexplored. The objective of the present study was to assess the bioavailability of calcium in bones of Atlantic salmon (oily fish) and Atlantic cod (lean fish) in a double-blinded randomised crossover design. Ca absorption was measured in 10 healthy young men using 47Ca whole body counting after ingestion of a test meal extrinsically labelled with the 47Ca isotope. The three test meals contained 800 mg of Ca from three different calcium sources: cod bones, salmon bones and control (CaCO3). Mean Ca absorption (+/- SEE) from the three different Ca sources were 21.9 +/- 1.7%, 22.5 +/- 1.7% and 27.4 +/- 1.8% for cod bones, salmon bones, and control (CaCO3), respectively. We conclude that bones from Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod are suitable as natural Ca sources in e.g. functional foods or as supplements.

Calcium from salmon and cod bone is well absorbed in young healthy men: a double-blinded randomised crossover design

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

Background Calcium (Ca) - fortified foods are likely to play an important role in helping the consumer achieve an adequate Ca intake, especially for persons with a low intake of dairy products. Fish bones have a high Ca content, and huge quantities of this raw material are available as a by-product from the fish industry. Previously, emphasis has been on producing high quality products from fish by-products by use of bacterial proteases. However, documentation of the nutritional value of the enzymatically rinsed Ca-rich bone fraction remains unexplored. The objective of the present study was to assess the bioavailability of calcium in bones of Atlantic salmon (oily fish) and Atlantic cod (lean fish) in a double-blinded randomised crossover design. Methods Ca absorption was measured in 10 healthy young men using 47Ca whole body counting after ingestion of a test meal extrinsically labelled with the 47Ca isotope. The three test meals contained 800 mg of Ca from three different calcium sources: cod bones, salmon bones and control (CaCO3). Results Mean Ca absorption (± SEE) from the three different Ca sources were 21.9 ± 1.7%, 22.5 ± 1.7% and 27.4 ± 1.8% for cod bones, salmon bones, and control (CaCO3), respectively. Conclusion We conclude that bones from Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod are suitable as natural Ca sources in e.g. functional foods or as supplements. PMID:20646299

Salt transport extraction of transuranium elements from LWR fuel

DOEpatents

Pierce, R.D.; Ackerman, J.P.; Battles, J.E.; Johnson, T.R.; Miller, W.E.

1992-11-03

A process is described for separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels which contain rare earth and noble metal fission products. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of CaCl[sub 2] and a Cu--Mg alloy containing not less than about 25% by weight Mg at a temperature in the range of from about 750 C to about 850 C to precipitate uranium metal and some of the noble metal fission products leaving the Cu--Mg alloy having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and some of the noble metal fission products dissolved therein. The CaCl[sub 2] having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein is separated and electrolytically treated with a carbon electrode to reduce the CaO to Ca metal while converting the carbon electrode to CO and CO[sub 2]. The Ca metal and CaCl[sub 2] is recycled to reduce additional oxide fuel. The Cu--Mg alloy having transuranium metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein is contacted with a transport salt including MgCl[sub 2] to transfer Mg values from the transport salt to the Cu--Mg alloy while transuranium actinide and rare earth fission product metals transfer from the Cu--Mg alloy to the transport salt. Then the transport salt is mixed with a Mg--Zn alloy to transfer Mg values from the alloy to the transport salt while the transuranium actinide and rare earth fission product values dissolved in the salt are reduced and transferred to the Mg--Zn alloy. 2 figs.

Salt transport extraction of transuranium elements from lwr fuel

DOEpatents

Pierce, R. Dean; Ackerman, John P.; Battles, James E.; Johnson, Terry R.; Miller, William E.

1992-01-01

A process of separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels which contain rare earth and noble metal fission products. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of CaCl.sub.2 and a Cu--Mg alloy containing not less than about 25% by weight Mg at a temperature in the range of from about 750.degree. C. to about 850.degree. C. to precipitate uranium metal and some of the noble metal fission products leaving the Cu--Mg alloy having transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals and some of the noble metal fission products dissolved therein. The CaCl.sub.2 having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein is separated and electrolytically treated with a carbon electrode to reduce the CaO to Ca metal while converting the carbon electrode to CO and CO.sub.2. The Ca metal and CaCl.sub.2 is recycled to reduce additional oxide fuel. The Cu--Mg alloy having transuranium metals and rare earth fission product metals and the noble metal fission products dissolved therein is contacted with a transport salt including Mg Cl.sub.2 to transfer Mg values from the transport salt to the Cu--Mg alloy while transuranium actinide and rare earth fission product metals transfer from the Cu--Mg alloy to the transport salt. Then the transport salt is mixed with a Mg--Zn alloy to transfer Mg values from the alloy to the transport salt while the transuranium actinide and rare earth fission product values dissolved in the salt are reduced and transferred to the Mg--Zn alloy.

The role of nitrogen and phosphorus in regulating Phormidium sp. (cyanobacteria) growth and anatoxin production.

PubMed

Heath, Mark; Wood, Susie A; Young, Roger G; Ryan, Ken G

2016-03-01

Benthic proliferations of the cyanobacteria Phormidium can cover many kilometres of riverbed. Phormidium can produce neurotoxic anatoxins and ingestion of benthic mats has resulted in numerous animal poisonings in the last decade. Despite this, there is a poor understanding of the environmental factors regulating growth and anatoxin production. In this study, the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus on the growth of two Phormidium strains (anatoxin-producing and non-anatoxin-producing) were examined in batch monocultures. Cell concentrations were significantly reduced under reduced nitrogen (ca. <0.100 mM) and phosphorus conditions (ca. <0.003 mM). Cell concentrations and maximum growth rates were higher for the non-anatoxin-producing strain in all treatments, suggesting there may be an energetic cost to toxin production. Cellular anatoxin concentrations were lowest (169 fg cell(-1)) under the high-nitrogen and high-phosphorus treatment. This supports the growth-differentiation balance hypothesis that suggests actively dividing and expanding cells are less likely to produce secondary-metabolites. Anatoxin quota was highest (>407 fg cell(-1)) in the reduced phosphorus treatments, possibly suggesting that it is produced as a stress response to growth limiting conditions. In all treatments there was a 4-5-fold increase in anatoxin quota in the lag growth phase, possibly indicating it may provide a physiological benefit during initial substrate colonization. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Aerobic Hydrogen Production via Nitrogenase in Azotobacter vinelandii CA6

PubMed Central

Noar, Jesse; Loveless, Telisa; Navarro-Herrero, José Luis; Olson, Jonathan W.

2015-01-01

The diazotroph Azotobacter vinelandii possesses three distinct nitrogenase isoenzymes, all of which produce molecular hydrogen as a by-product. In batch cultures, A. vinelandii strain CA6, a mutant of strain CA, displays multiple phenotypes distinct from its parent: tolerance to tungstate, impaired growth and molybdate transport, and increased hydrogen evolution. Determining and comparing the genomic sequences of strains CA and CA6 revealed a large deletion in CA6's genome, encompassing genes related to molybdate and iron transport and hydrogen reoxidation. A series of iron uptake analyses and chemostat culture experiments confirmed iron transport impairment and showed that the addition of fixed nitrogen (ammonia) resulted in cessation of hydrogen production. Additional chemostat experiments compared the hydrogen-producing parameters of different strains: in iron-sufficient, tungstate-free conditions, strain CA6's yields were identical to those of a strain lacking only a single hydrogenase gene. However, in the presence of tungstate, CA6 produced several times more hydrogen. A. vinelandii may hold promise for developing a novel strategy for production of hydrogen as an energy compound. PMID:25911479

Acute effects of constant torque and constant angle stretching on the muscle and tendon tissue properties.

PubMed

Konrad, Andreas; Budini, Francesco; Tilp, Markus

2017-08-01

Static stretching induces acute structural changes of the muscle-tendon unit (MTU) that are related to the intensity or duration of stretching. It has been reported that stretching with a constant torque (CT) leads to greater joint range of motion changes than stretching with a constant angle (CA). Whether or not this difference is due to different structural changes of the MTUs of the lower leg and ankle plantar flexors is not known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of single CA and CT stretching on various muscle and tendon mechanical properties. Seventeen young, healthy volunteers were tested on two separate days using either CT or CA stretching (4 × 30 s each). Before and after stretching, dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM), passive resistive torque (PRT), and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured with a dynamometer. Ultrasonography of the medial gastrocnemius (GM) muscle-tendon junction (MTJ) displacement allowed us to determine the length changes in the tendon and muscle, respectively, and hence to calculate their stiffness. Maximum dorsiflexion increased while PRT, muscle-tendon stiffness, and muscle stiffness decreased following both CA and CT stretching. There was a greater increase in RoM following CT stretching compared to CA stretching. Moreover, the decline in PRT was greater during CT stretching compared to CA stretching. As expected, several functional adaptations (RoM, PRT) were different between CT and CA stretching due to the higher intensity of CT stretching. However, no structural differences in the adaptations to the stretching modalities could be detected. We suggest that the different functional adaptations between CA and CT stretching are the consequence of different adaptations in the perception of stretch and pain.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 enhances rat skeletal muscle charge movement and L-type Ca2+ channel gene expression

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhong-Min; Laura Messi, María; Renganathan, Muthukrishnan; Delbono, Osvaldo

1999-01-01

We investigated whether insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), an endogenous potent activator of skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation, enhances L-type Ca2+ channel gene expression resulting in increased functional voltage sensors in single skeletal muscle cells. Charge movement and inward Ca2+ current were recorded in primary cultured rat myoballs using the whole-cell configuration of the patch-clamp technique. Ca2+ current and maximum charge movement (Qmax) were potentiated in cells treated with IGF-1 without significant changes in their voltage dependence. Peak Ca2+ current in control and IGF-1-treated cells was -7·8 ± 0·44 and -10·5 ± 0·37 pA pF−1, respectively (P < 0·01), whilst Qmax was 12·9 ± 0·4 and 22·0 ± 0·3 nC μF−1, respectively (P < 0·01). The number of L-type Ca2+ channels was found to increase in the same preparation. The maximum binding capacity (Bmax) of the high-affinity radioligand [3H]PN200-110 in control and IGF-1-treated cells was 1·21 ± 0·25 and 3·15 ± 0·5 pmol (mg protein)−1, respectively (P < 0·01). No significant change in the dissociation constant for [3H]PN200-110 was found. Antisense RNA amplification showed a significant increase in the level of mRNA encoding the L-type Ca2+ channel α1-subunit in IGF-1-treated cells. This study demonstrates that IGF-1 regulates charge movement and the level of L-type Ca2+ channel α1-subunits through activation of gene expression in skeletal muscle cells. PMID:10087334

Removal of chromium (VI) ions from aqueous solutions using amine-impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles modified cellulose acetate membranes.

PubMed

Gebru, Kibrom Alebel; Das, Chandan

2018-01-01

In this work, TiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) were modified using tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA), ethylenediamine (EDA), and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) amines using impregnation process. The prepared amine modified TiO 2 samples were explored as an additive to fabricate ultrafiltration membranes with enhanced capacity towards the removal of chromium ions from aqueous solution. Modified membranes were prepared from cellulose acetate (CA) polymer blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive, and amine modified TiO 2 by using phase inversion technique. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential (ζ), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), water contact angle (WCA), and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) studies were done to characterize the membranes in terms of chemical structure, electric charge, thermal stability, morphology, hydrophilicity, and removal performance. The pure water permeability and Cr (VI) ion removal efficiency of the unmodified (i.e. CA/U-Ti) and the amine modified (CA/Ti-HMTA, CA/Ti-EDA, and CA/Ti-TEPA) membranes were dependent on pH and metal ion concentration. Incorporation of amine modified TiO 2 composite to the CA polymer was found to improve the fouling and removal characteristics of the membranes during the chromium ultrafiltration process. The maximum removal efficiency result of Cr (VI) ions at pH of 3.5 using CA/Ti-TEPA membrane was 99.8%. The washing/regeneration cycle results in this study described as an essential part for prospect industrial applications of the prepared membranes. The maximum Cr (VI) removal results by using CA/Ti-TEPA membrane for four washing/regeneration cycles are 99.6%, 99.5%, 98.6% and, 96.6%, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

L-type calcium channels refine the neural population code of sound level.

PubMed

Grimsley, Calum Alex; Green, David Brian; Sivaramakrishnan, Shobhana

2016-12-01

The coding of sound level by ensembles of neurons improves the accuracy with which listeners identify how loud a sound is. In the auditory system, the rate at which neurons fire in response to changes in sound level is shaped by local networks. Voltage-gated conductances alter local output by regulating neuronal firing, but their role in modulating responses to sound level is unclear. We tested the effects of L-type calcium channels (Ca L : Ca V 1.1-1.4) on sound-level coding in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) in the auditory midbrain. We characterized the contribution of Ca L to the total calcium current in brain slices and then examined its effects on rate-level functions (RLFs) in vivo using single-unit recordings in awake mice. Ca L is a high-threshold current and comprises ∼50% of the total calcium current in ICC neurons. In vivo, Ca L activates at sound levels that evoke high firing rates. In RLFs that increase monotonically with sound level, Ca L boosts spike rates at high sound levels and increases the maximum firing rate achieved. In different populations of RLFs that change nonmonotonically with sound level, Ca L either suppresses or enhances firing at sound levels that evoke maximum firing. Ca L multiplies the gain of monotonic RLFs with dynamic range and divides the gain of nonmonotonic RLFs with the width of the RLF. These results suggest that a single broad class of calcium channels activates enhancing and suppressing local circuits to regulate the sensitivity of neuronal populations to sound level. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Calcium Isotope (δ44/40Ca) Composition of Morozovella Velascoensis During the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum Ocean Acidification Event

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kitch, G. D.; Jacobson, A. D.; Hurtgen, M.; Sageman, B. B.; Harper, D. T.; Zachos, J. C.

2017-12-01

Ocean acidification (OA) events are transient disruptions to the carbonate chemistry of seawater that involve decreases in pH, [CO32-] and carbonate mineral saturation states (Ω). Numerical modeling studies predict that the Ca isotope (δ44/40Ca) composition of primary marine carbonate should be sensitive to OA1, and recent evidence from the rock record may support this hypothesis2. Boron isotope (δ11B) data for the planktonic foraminifera Morozovella velascoensis indicate that the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM; 55 Mya) was an interval of pronounced OA3, although the Ca isotope composition of the bulk carbonate record appears to show post-burial diagenetic effects4. To further evaluate the Ca isotope proxy, we used a high-precision (2σSD=±0.04‰), double-spike (43Ca-42Ca) TIMS method5 to measure δ44/40Ca values of well-preserved M. velascoensis tests spanning the PETM. M. velascoensis tests (250-355 µm) were picked from samples recovered during ODP Leg 198, Site 1209 on Shatsky Rise in the equatorial Pacific. Five M. velascoensis tests were combined per sample, dissolved, spiked, and analyzed using a Triton TIMS. Repeat dissolutions of ten samples gave δ44/40Ca values within ±0.04‰ of the original measurements. Method and procedural blanks were negligible. δ44/40Ca values are elevated, even before the negative carbon isotope excursion (CIE) that marks the PETM. When δ11/10B values decrease during the CIE, δ44/40Ca values remain elevated, but then decrease by 0.10‰ as δ11B values return to pre-CIE levels. The apparent inverse correlation between δ44/40Ca and δ11B values suggests that Ca isotope fractionation by M. velascoensis was sensitive to OA. A decrease in pH indicated by lower δ11B values is consistent with higher δ44/40Ca values (decreased fractionation) due to elevated [Ca2+]/[CO32-] ratios and reduced W. The Ca isotope composition of pristine foraminiferal calcite may have potential for reconstructing [CO32-]. The current, preliminary dataset may indicate changes in [CO32-] prior to the CIE. 1Nielsen et al., 2012. 2Du Vivier et al., 2015. 3Penman et al., 2014. 4Griffith et al., 2015. 5Lehn et al., 2013.

Hydration kinetics of CA{sub 2} and CA-Investigations performed on a synthetic calcium aluminate cement

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

Klaus, S.R., E-mail: klaus@geol.uni-erlangen.de; Neubauer, J., E-mail: juergen.neubauer@gzn.uni-erlangen.de; Goetz-Neunhoeffer, F., E-mail: friedlinde.goetz@gzn.uni-erlangen.de

2013-01-15

Much is already known about the hydration of monocalcium aluminate (CA) in calcium aluminate cements (CACs). CA{sub 2} is known to be weakly hydraulic. Therefore, the hydration kinetics of CA{sub 2} were not of as great interest as those of the hydration of CAC. We were able to show that the hydration of CA{sub 2} begins as soon as the hydration rate of CA has reached its maximum and the first precipitation of C{sub 2}AH{sub 8} has started. The hydration of different CA/CA{sub 2} ratios was analyzed by the G-factor quantification. The individual contributions of the phases CA and CA{submore » 2} to the heat flow were calculated based on the amounts dissolved by applying thermodynamic data. The heat flow as calculated from XRD data was then compared with the measured heat flow. It obtained a good consistency between the two. The very pronounced influence of CA{sub 2} during hydration of CAC can be clearly demonstrated.« less

Sucrose uptake by pinocytosis in Amoeba proteus and the influence of external calcium

PubMed Central

1979-01-01

The relationship between Ca++ and pinocytosis was investigated in Amoeba proteus. Pinocytosis was induced with 0.01% alcian blue, a large molecular weight dye which binds irreversibly to the cell surface. The time-course and intensity of pinocytosis was monitored by following the uptake of [3H]SUCROSE. When the cells are exposed to 0.01% alcian blue, there is an immediate uptake of sucrose. The cells take up integral of 10% of their initial volume during the time-course of pinocytosis. The duration of pinocytosis in the amoeba is integral of 50 min, with maximum sucrose uptake occurring 15 min after the induction of pinocytosis. The pinocytotic uptake of sucrose is reversibly blocked at 3 degrees C and a decrease in pH increases the uptake of sucrose by pinocytosis. The process of pinocytosis is also dependent upon the concentration of the inducer in the external medium. The association between Ca++ and pinocytosis in A. proteus was investigated initially by determining the effect of the external Ca++ concentration on sucrose uptake induced by alcian blue. In Ca++-free medium, no sucrose uptake is observed in the presence of 0.01% alcian blue. As the Ca++ concentration is increased, up to a maximum of 0.1 mM, pinocytotic sucrose uptake is also increased. Increases in the external Ca++ concentration above 0.1 mM brings about a decrease in sucrose uptake. Further investigations into the association between Ca++ and pinocytosis demonstrated that the inducer of pinocytosis displaces surface calcium in the amoeba. It is suggested that Ca++ is involved in two separate stages in the process of pinocytosis; an initial displacement of surface calcium by the inducer which may increase the permeability of the membrane to solutes and a subsequent Ca++ influx bringing about localized increases in cytoplasmic Ca++ ion activity. PMID:512629

Induced calcium carbonate precipitation using Bacillus species.

PubMed

Seifan, Mostafa; Samani, Ali Khajeh; Berenjian, Aydin

2016-12-01

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation is an emerging process for the production of self-healing concrete. This study was aimed to investigate the effects and optimum conditions on calcium carbonate biosynthesis. Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sphaericus, yeast extract, urea, calcium chloride and aeration were found to be the most significant factors affecting the biomineralization of calcium carbonate. It was noticed that the morphology of microbial calcium carbonate was mainly affected by the genera of bacteria (cell surface properties), the viscosity of the media and the type of electron acceptors (Ca 2+ ). The maximum calcium carbonate concentration of 33.78 g/L was achieved at the optimum conditions This value is the highest concentration reported in the literature.

Diastolic scattered light fluctuation, resting force and twitch force in mammalian cardiac muscle

PubMed Central

Lakatta, E. G.; Lappé, D. L.

1981-01-01

1. When coherent light was passed through isolated isometric cardiac muscles during the diastolic or resting period, intensity fluctuations were observed in the scattered field. The frequency of these intensity fluctuations (f½) varied with many experimental interventions known to enhance Ca2+ flux into the cell. 2. In rat muscles stimulated at low frequencies (0.1 ± 2.0 min-1) stepwise increases (0.4-10 mm) of [Ca2+] in the bathing fluid ([Ca2+]e), or addition of ouabain (10-6-6 × 10-4 m) to the perfusate caused stepwise increases in f½. These were paralleled by increments in resting force (RF) such that the changes in f½ and RF were highly correlated. Substitution of K+ for Na+ in the perfusate resulted in parallel transients in RF and f½. 3. In contrast to the rat, most cat muscles stimulated at low frequencies in the steady state exhibited neither diastolic intensity fluctuations nor Ca2+-dependent changes in RF in [Ca2+]e of 10 mm or less; when [Ca2+]e was increased to 12-32 mm, however, steady-state Ca2+-dependent f½ and RF were observed. In a given [Ca2+]e reduction of [Na+]e increased f½. In the transient state following cessation of regular stimulation at more rapid rates (12-96 min-1) intensity fluctuations were present in all [Ca2+]e and decayed with time (seconds to minutes); the f½ and time course of the decay of the fluctuations were determined by the rate of prior stimulation and [Ca2+]e. 4. Maximum potentiation of twitch force in response to the above inotropic interventions was associated with an optimal level of f½ which was similar in both species; when higher levels of f½ were produced by more intense inotropic intervention, twitch force declined. Over the range of inotropic intervention up to and including that at which maximum twitch potentiation occurred, the increase in diastolic f½ predicted the extent of twitch potentiation with a high degree of accuracy (r > 0.97) both in the transient and steady states. 5. In contrast to the other inotropic interventions studied, catecholamines were unique in that neither f½ nor RF increased over a full range of concentrations that resulted in maximum potentiation of the twitch. 6. It is concluded from these observations that f½ reflects diastolic Ca2+-dependent myofilament interaction; the increase in the extent of this interaction by inotropic interventions that do not alter the affinity of the myofilaments for Ca2+ probably reflects an increase in diastolic myoplasmic [Ca2+], an optimal level of which is associated with maximal potentiation of twitch force; the difference in f½ in rat and cat muscles under a given set of in vitro conditions may be related to the marked species difference in the effectiveness of excitation—contraction coupling. PMID:7310715

Temporal and spatial correlation of platelet-activating factor-induced increases in endothelial [Ca²⁺]i, nitric oxide, and gap formation in intact venules.

PubMed

Zhou, Xueping; He, Pingnian

2011-11-01

We have previously demonstrated that platelet-activating factor (PAF)-induced increases in microvessel permeability were associated with endothelial gap formation and that the magnitude of peak endothelial intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and nitric oxide (NO) production at the single vessel level determines the degree of the permeability increase. This study aimed to examine whether the magnitudes of PAF-induced peak endothelial [Ca(2+)](i), NO production, and gap formation are correlated at the individual endothelial cell level in intact rat mesenteric venules. Endothelial gaps were quantified by the accumulation of fluorescent microspheres at endothelial clefts using confocal imaging. Endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) was measured on fura-2- or fluo-4-loaded vessels, and 4,5-diaminofluorescein (DAF-2) was used for NO measurements. The results showed that increases in endothelial [Ca(2+)](i), NO production, and gap formation occurred in all endothelial cells when vessels were exposed to PAF but manifested a spatial heterogeneity in magnitudes among cells in each vessel. PAF-induced peak endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) preceded the peak NO production by 0.6 min at the cellular level, and the magnitudes of NO production and gap formation linearly correlated with that of the peak endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) in each cell, suggesting that the initial levels of endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) determine downstream NO production and gap formation. These results provide direct evidence from intact venules that inflammatory mediator-induced increases in microvessel permeability are associated with the generalized formation of endothelial gaps around all endothelial cells. The spatial differences in the molecular signaling that were initiated by the heterogeneous endothelial Ca(2+) response contribute to the heterogeneity in permeability increases along the microvessel wall during inflammation.

Late Quaternary loess in northeastern Colorado: Part I - Age and paleoclimatic significance

USGS Publications Warehouse

Muhs, D.R.; Aleinikoff, J.N.; Stafford, Thomas W.; Kihl, R.; Been, J.; Mahan, S.A.; Cowherd, S.

1999-01-01

Loess in eastern Colorado covers an estimated 14000 km2, and is the westernmost part of the North American midcontinent loess province. Stratigraphic studies indicate there were two periods of loess deposition in eastern Colorado during late Quaternary time. The first period spanned ca. 20 000 to 12 000 14C yr B.P. (ca. 20-14 ka) and correlates reasonably well with the culmination and retreat of Pinedale glaciers in the Colorado Front Range during the last glacial maximum. The second period of loess deposition occurred between ca. 11 000 and 9000 14C yr B.P. This interval may be Holocene or may correlate with a hypothesized Younger Dryas glacial advance in the Colorado Front Range. Sedimentologic, mineralogic, and geochemical data indicate that as many as three sources could have supplied loess in eastern Colorado. These sources include glaciogenic silt (derived from the Colorado Front Range) and two bedrock sources, volcaniclastic silt from the White River Group, and clays from the Pierre Shale. The sediment sources imply a generally westerly paleowind during the last glacial maximum. New carbon isotope data, combined with published faunal data, indicate that the loess was probably deposited on a cool steppe, implying a last glacial maximum July temperature depression, relative to the present, of at least 5-6??C. Overall, loess deposition in eastern Colorado occurred mostly toward the end of the last glacial maximum, under cooler and drier conditions, with generally westerly winds from more than one source.

Non-Linear Response to Holocene Insolation Forcing Recorded by High-Resolution Lake Sediment Records Across Iceland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geirsdottir, A.; Miller, G. H.; Axford, Y.

2009-12-01

Many Icelandic lakes have sedimentation rates in excess of 1 m ka-1 throughout the Holocene. Such high rates offer the potential for decadally resolved (or better) records of environmental change at this sensitive North Atlantic site. Abundant well-defined tephra provide a secure geochronology. The fidelity of the common climate proxies biogenic silica (BSi) and total organic carbon (TOC), was tested by comparing these proxies in three lakes with very different catchment characteristics. Hestvatn (HST, 60 m deep) in southern Iceland receives overflow from a large river originating in the glaciated highlands of central Iceland, whereas the nearby lake Vestra Gislholtsvatn (VGHV, 15 m deep) has a small, low elevation catchment without glaciers. Haukadalsvatn (HAK, 42 m deep), in northwestern Iceland, has a large, high relief catchment. The BSi record from HAK has been shown to reflect April-May temperatures, with BSi highest when spring temperatures are at their maximum. The first- and second-order trends in BSi are similar in all three lakes for most of the Holocene. This supports the contention that BSi reflects primary productivity, and is less influenced by changes in sedimentation rate. In all three lakes, BSi reaches a maximum value shortly after 8 ka, and then declines gradually toward present, reflecting a relatively late Holocene thermal maximum, potentially due to the influence of meltwater from the lingering Laurentide Ice Sheet. A steady reduction in summer insolation determines this first-order trend towards lower BSi through the middle and late Holocene. Large, abrupt departures from the overall decrease in BSi characterize all three records after 8 ka. Following each rapid BSi decrease, BSi usually exhibits a step-function change, re-equilibrating at a lower BSi value. Some of the strongest departures (ca. 6 ka, 4 to 4.5 ka and ca. 3 ka) may be related to Icelandic volcanism, but the lack of a full recovery to pre-existing values after the eruptions suggests a change in state occurred in the catchments of the lakes. TOC reflects the balance between changes in primary productivity within the lakes, which appears to dominate the early and middle Holocene, and the flux of soil carbon to the lake during periods of catchment instability that dominates the record after ~2.5 ka. In HAK TOC the flux of soil carbon to the lake is high when cold summers are accompanied by dry, windy winters. The two southern lakes exhibit a substantial overprinting after settlement, although the northern and southern records start to depart ca. 1.5 ka, well before settlement, possibly reflecting an earlier onset of late Holocene cooling off northwest Iceland than in the south where the Irminger current maintains warmer coastal temperatures.

Xylanase production by Burkholderia sp. DMAX strain under solid state fermentation using distillery spent wash.

PubMed

Mohana, Sarayu; Shah, Amita; Divecha, Jyoti; Madamwar, Datta

2008-11-01

Xylanase production by a newly isolated strain of Burkholderia sp. was studied under solid state fermentation using anaerobically treated distillery spent wash. Response surface methodology (RSM) involving Box-Behnken design was employed for optimizing xylanase production. The interactions between distillery effluent concentration, initial pH, moisture ratio and inoculum size were investigated and modeled. Under optimized conditions, xylanase production was found to be in the range of 5200-5600 U/g. The partially purified enzyme recovered after ammonium sulphate fractionation showed maximum activity at 50 degrees C and pH 8.6. Kinetic parameters like Km and Vmax for xylan were found to be 12.75 mg/ml and 165 micromol/mg/min. In the presence of metal ions such as Ca2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Ba2+, Mg2+ and protein disulphide reducing agents such as beta-mercaptoethanol and dithiotheritol (DTT) the activity of enzyme increased, where as strong inhibition of enzyme activity was observed in the presence of Cu2+, Ag+, Fe2+ and SDS. The crude enzyme hydrolysed lignocellulosic substrate, wheat bran as well as industrial pulp.

Luminescence and Site Occupancy of Eu2+ in Ba2 Ca(BO3)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Pan-Lai; Wang, Zhi-Jun; Yang, Zhi-Ping; Guo, Qing-Lin

2011-01-01

A green phosphor Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ was synthesized by a high temperature solid-state reaction method under a reductive atmosphere. The luminescence and site occupancy of Eu2+ in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are investigated. Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ shows one green band (537 nm) under 400 nm near ultraviolet excitation which is suitable for UV LED. Ca2+ and Ba2+ ions in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are replaced by Eu2+ ions, the Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ shows a dissymmetrical emission band. The influence of Eu2+ doping concentrations on the emission intensity of Ba2Ca(BO3)2:Eu2+ is studied. It is found that the emission intensity is influenced by the Eu2+ concentration and reaches the maximum value at 2% Eu2+. According to the Dexter theory, the concentration quenching mechanisms of Eu2+ in Ba2Ca(BO3)2 are the d-dinteraction.

Endothelial CaMKII as a regulator of eNOS activity and NO-mediated vasoreactivity

PubMed Central

Murthy, Shubha; Koval, Olha M.; Ramiro Diaz, Juan M.; Kumar, Santosh; Nuno, Daniel; Scott, Jason A.; Allamargot, Chantal; Zhu, Linda J.; Broadhurst, Kim; Santhana, Velarchana; Kutschke, William J.; Irani, Kaikobad; Lamping, Kathryn G.; Grumbach, Isabella M.

2017-01-01

The multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a serine/threonine kinase important in transducing intracellular Ca2+ signals. While in vitro data regarding the role of CaMKII in the regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) are contradictory, its role in endothelial function in vivo remains unknown. Using two novel transgenic models to express CaMKII inhibitor peptides selectively in endothelium, we examined the effect of CaMKII on eNOS activation, NO production, vasomotor tone and blood pressure. Under baseline conditions, CaMKII activation was low in the aortic wall. Consistently, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and plasma NO levels were unaltered by endothelial CaMKII inhibition. Moreover, endothelial CaMKII inhibition had no significant effect on NO-dependent vasodilation. These results were confirmed in studies of aortic rings transduced with adenovirus expressing a CaMKII inhibitor peptide. In cultured endothelial cells, bradykinin treatment produced the anticipated rapid influx of Ca2+ and transient CaMKII and eNOS activation, whereas CaMKII inhibition blocked eNOS phosphorylation on Ser-1179 and dephosphorylation at Thr-497. Ca2+/CaM binding to eNOS and resultant NO production in vitro were decreased under CaMKII inhibition. Our results demonstrate that CaMKII plays an important role in transient bradykinin-driven eNOS activation in vitro, but does not regulate NO production, vasorelaxation or blood pressure in vivo under baseline conditions. PMID:29059213

Optimizing the Dopant and Carrier Concentration of Ca5Al2Sb6 for High Thermoelectric Efficiency

PubMed Central

Yan, Yuli; Zhang, Guangbiao; Wang, Chao; Peng, Chengxiao; Zhang, Peihong; Wang, Yuanxu; Ren, Wei

2016-01-01

The effects of doping on the transport properties of Ca5Al2Sb6 are investigated using first-principles electronic structure methods and Boltzmann transport theory. The calculated results show that a maximum ZT value of 1.45 is achieved with an optimum carrier concentration at 1000 K. However, experimental studies have shown that the maximum ZT value is no more than 1 at 1000 K. By comparing the calculated Seebeck coefficient with experimental values, we find that the low dopant solubility in this material is not conductive to achieve the optimum carrier concentration, leading a smaller experimental value of the maximum ZT. Interestingly, the calculated dopant formation energies suggest that optimum carrier concentrations can be achieved when the dopants and Sb atoms have similar electronic configurations. Therefore, it might be possible to achieve a maximum ZT value of 1.45 at 1000 K with suitable dopants. These results provide a valuable theoretical guidance for the synthesis of high-performance bulk thermoelectric materials through dopants optimization. PMID:27406178

Failure of antimony trioxide to induce micronuclei or chromosomal aberrations in rat bone-marrow after sub-chronic oral dosing.

PubMed

Kirkland, David; Whitwell, James; Deyo, James; Serex, Tessa

2007-03-05

Antimony trioxide (Sb2O3, CAS 1309-64-4) is widely used as a flame retardant synergist in a number of household products, as a fining agent in glass manufacture, and as a catalyst in the manufacture of various types of polyester plastics. It does not induce point mutations in bacteria or mammalian cells, but is able to induce chromosomal aberrations (CA) in cultured cells in vitro. Although no CA or micronuclei (MN) have been induced after acute oral dosing of mice, repeated oral dosing for 14 or 21 days resulted in increased CA in one report, but did not result in increased MN in another. In order to further investigate its in vivo genotoxicity, Sb2O3 was dosed orally to groups of rats for 21 days at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg day. There were no clinical signs of toxicity in the Sb2O3-exposed animals except for some reductions in body-weight gain in the top dose group. Toxicokinetic measurements in a separate study confirmed bone-marrow exposure, and at higher levels than would have been achieved by single oral dosing. Large numbers of cells were scored for CA (600 metaphases/sex group) and MN (12,000 PCE/sex group) but frequencies of CA or MN in Sb2O3-treated rats were very similar to controls, and not biologically or statistically different, at all doses. These results provide further indication that Sb2O3 is not genotoxic to the bone marrow of rodents after 21 days of oral administration at high doses close to the maximum tolerated dose.

Fermentation profiles of Manzanilla-Aloreña cracked green table olives in different chloride salt mixtures.

PubMed

Bautista-Gallego, J; Arroyo-López, F N; Durán-Quintana, M C; Garrido-Fernández, A

2010-05-01

NaCl plays an important role in table olive processing affecting the flavour and microbiological stability of the final product. However, consumers demand foods low in sodium, which makes necessary to decrease levels of this mineral in fruits. In this work, the effects of diverse mixtures of NaCl, CaCl(2) and KCl on the fermentation profiles of cracked directly brined Manzanilla-Aloreña olives, were studied by means of response surface methodology based in a simplex lattice mixture design with constrains. All salt combinations led to lactic acid processes. The growth of Enterobacteriaceae populations was always limited and partially inhibited by the presence of CaCl(2). Only time to reach half maximum populations and decline rates of yeasts, which were higher as concentrations of NaCl or KCl increased, were affected, and correspondingly modelled, as a function of salt mixtures. However, lactic acid bacteria growth parameters could not be related to initial environmental conditions. They had a longer lag phase, slower growth and higher population levels than yeasts. Overall, the presence of CaCl(2) led to a slower Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria growth than the traditional NaCl brine but to higher yeast activity. The presence of CaCl(2) in the fermentation brines also led to higher water activity, lower pH and combined acidity as well as a faster acidification while NaCl and KCl had fairly similar behaviours. Apparently, NaCl may be substituted in diverse proportions with KCl or CaCl(2) without substantially disturbing water activity or the usual fermentation profiles while producing olives with lower salt content. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of nontermination of collective rotation near the maximum angular momentum in Rb75

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, P. J.; Afanasjev, A. V.; Wadsworth, R.; Andreoiu, C.; Austin, R. A. E.; Carpenter, M. P.; Dashdorj, D.; Finlay, P.; Freeman, S. J.; Garrett, P. E.; Görgen, A.; Greene, J.; Grinyer, G. F.; Hyland, B.; Jenkins, D. G.; Johnston-Theasby, F. L.; Joshi, P.; Macchiavelli, A. O.; Moore, F.; Mukherjee, G.; Phillips, A. A.; Reviol, W.; Sarantites, D.; Schumaker, M. A.; Seweryniak, D.; Smith, M. B.; Svensson, C. E.; Valiente-Dobon, J. J.; Ward, D.

2010-12-01

Two of the four known rotational bands in Rb75 were studied via the Ca40(Ca40,αp)Rb75 reaction at a beam energy of 165 MeV. Transitions were observed up to the maximum spin Imax of the assigned configuration in one case and one-transition short of Imax in the other. Lifetimes were determined using the residual Doppler shift attenuation method. The deduced transition quadrupole moments show a small decrease with increasing spin, but remain large at the highest spins. The results obtained are in good agreement with cranked Nilsson-Strutinsky calculations, which indicate that these rotational bands do not terminate, but remain collective at Imax.

76 FR 68785 - Certain Communications Equipment, Components Thereof, and Products Containing the Same, Including...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-11-07

... complaint names as respondents Cisco Systems, Inc. of San Jose, CA; Cisco Consumer Products LLC of Irvine, CA; Cisco Systems International B.V. of Amsterdam, Netherlands; Cisco-Linksys LLC of Irvine, CA...

Chronic exposure to high glucose impairs bradykinin-stimulated nitric oxide production by interfering with the phospholipase-C-implicated signalling pathway in endothelial cells: evidence for the involvement of protein kinase C.

PubMed

Tang, Y; Li, G D

2004-12-01

Overwhelming evidence indicates that endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetes is characterised by diminished endothelium-dependent relaxation, but the matter of the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. As nitric oxide (NO) production from the endothelium is the major player in endothelium-mediated vascular relaxation, we investigated the effects of high glucose on NO production, and the possible alterations of signalling pathways implicated in this scenario. NO production and intracellular Ca(2+) levels ([Ca(2+)](i)) were assessed using the fluorescent probes 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate and fura-2 respectively. Exposure of cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells to high glucose for 5 or 10 days significantly reduced NO production induced by bradykinin (but not by Ca(2+) ionophore) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This was probably due to an attenuation in bradykinin-induced elevations of [Ca(2+)](i) under these conditions, since a close correlation between [Ca(2+)](i) increases and NO generation was observed in intact bovine aortic endothelial cells. Both bradykinin-promoted intracellular Ca(2+) mobilisation and extracellular Ca(2+) entry were affected. Moreover, bradykinin-induced formation of Ins(1,4,5)P(3), a phospholipase C product leading to increases in [Ca(2+)](i), was also inhibited following high glucose culture. This abnormality was not attributable to a decrease in inositol phospholipids, but possibly to a reduction in the number of bradykinin receptors. The alterations in NO production, the increases in [Ca(2+)](i), and the bradykinin receptor number due to high glucose could be largely reversed by protein kinase C inhibitors and D: -alpha-tocopherol (antioxidant). Chronic exposure to high glucose reduces NO generation in endothelial cells, probably by impairing phospholipase-C-mediated Ca(2+) signalling due to excess protein kinase C activation. This defect in NO release may contribute to the diminished endothelium-dependent relaxation and thus to the development of cardiovascular diseases in diabetes.

Leaching of aluminum and iron from boiler slag generated from a typical Chinese Steel Plant.

PubMed

Li, Jinping; Gan, Jinhua; Li, Xianwang

2009-07-30

This paper presents a new way of recycling aluminum and iron in boiler slag derived from coal combustion plants, which integrates efficient extraction and reuse of the leached pellets together. The boiler slag was pelletized together with washed coal and lime prior to sintering and then was sintered at 800-1200 degrees C for different periods to produce sintered pellets for the leaching test. An elemental analysis of aqueous solutions leached by sulfuric acid was determined by EDTA-Na(2)-ZnCl(2) titration method. The components and microstructures of the samples, sintered pellets and leached residue were examined by means of XRF, XRD and SEM. XRD analysis indicates that predominate minerals such as kaolinite, quartz, calcium silicide, hematate and metakoalin exist in the boiler slag. An aluminum extraction efficiency of 86.50% was achieved. The maximum extraction efficiency of Fe was 94.60% in the same conditions of that for the maximum extraction efficiency of Al. The extraction efficiencies of Al and Fe increased with an increase in temperature, leaching time and acidity. High Al extraction efficiency was obtained for pellets with high CaO content. The final product of alumina would be used directly for the production of metallic aluminum.

Minireview: The Intimate Link Between Calcium Sensing Receptor Trafficking and Signaling: Implications for Disorders of Calcium Homeostasis

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) regulates organismal Ca2+ homeostasis. Dysregulation of CaSR expression or mutations in the CASR gene cause disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis and contribute to the progression or severity of cancers and cardiovascular disease. This brief review highlights recent findings that define the CaSR life cycle, which controls the cellular abundance of CaSR and CaSR signaling. A novel mechanism, termed agonist-driven insertional signaling (ADIS), contributes to the unique hallmarks of CaSR signaling, including the high degree of cooperativity and the lack of functional desensitization. Agonist-mediated activation of plasma membrane-localized CaSR increases the rate of insertion of CaSR at the plasma membrane without altering the constitutive endocytosis rate, thereby acutely increasing the maximum signaling response. Prolonged CaSR signaling requires a large intracellular ADIS-mobilizable pool of CaSR, which is maintained by signaling-mediated increases in biosynthesis. This model provides a rational framework for characterizing the defects caused by CaSR mutations and the altered functional expression of wild-type CaSR in disease states. Mechanistic dissection of ADIS of CaSR should lead to optimized pharmacological approaches to normalize CaSR signaling in disorders of Ca2+ homeostasis. PMID:22745192

Textural improvement of salt-reduced Alaska pollack (Theragra chalcogramma) roe product by CaCl2.

PubMed

Chen, Chaoping; Okazaki, Emiko; Osako, Kazufumi

2016-12-15

Salt-reduced Alaska pollack roe benefits public health by decreasing NaCl intake; however, it has a poor texture with low breaking strength. This study addresses the feasibility of NaCl reduction in salted roe products, with focusing on the improvement of breaking strength using CaCl2. Salted roe products were prepared by immersing Alaska pollack roe in either NaCl solutions (3.5, 7.0, 15.0, 20.0, and 25.0%) or 7.0% NaCl solutions with added CaCl2 (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%). Breaking strength, moisture and salt contents, eggshell protein composition of the salted roe products, as well as total endogenous transglutaminase (TGase) activity in various NaCl and CaCl2 concentrations were analyzed. CaCl2 addition enhanced eggshell protein crosslinking and breaking strength of the salt-reduced roe products. An acyl transfer reaction catalyzed by calcium-dependent TGase may be responsible for the eggshell protein crosslinking and improved texture. Thus, we successfully developed a salt-reduced Alaska roe product using CaCl2. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Rengen Grassland experiment: bryophytes biomass and element concentrations after 65 years of fertilizer application.

PubMed

Hejcman, Michal; Száková, Jirina; Schellberg, Jürgen; Srek, Petr; Tlustos, Pavel; Balík, Jirí

2010-07-01

The Rengen Grassland Experiment in Germany, established in 1941, consists of the following fertilizer treatments applied under a two cut management: control, Ca, CaN, CaNP, CaNP-KCl, and CaNP-K(2)SO(4). The aim of this study was (1) to identify effects of fertilizer application on biomass and species composition of bryophytes and (2) to investigate the impact of fertilizer application on macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), micro- (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn), and toxic (As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni) element concentrations in bryophyte biomass. In June 2006, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus was the only bryophyte species recorded in the control. In treatment Ca, R. squarrosus was the dominant bryophyte species whereas Brachythecium rutabulum occurred sporadically only in a single plot of that treatment. The latter was the only bryophyte species collected in CaN, CaNP, CaNP-KCl, and CaNP-K(2)SO(4) treatments. Dry matter accumulation of bryophytes was highest in the control (180 g m(-2)) followed by Ca (46 g m(-2)), CaNP (25 g m(-2)), CaNP-KCl (15 g m(-2)), CaNP-K(2)SO(4) (9 g m(-2)), and CaN (2 g m(-2)) treatments. A negative correlation between biomass production of bryophytes and dry matter production of vascular plants was revealed up to a threshold value of 400 g m(-2). Above this limit, biomass production of bryophytes remained obviously unaffected by further increase in biomass production of vascular plants. A significant effect of treatment on As, Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, P, Ca, Mg, K, and N concentrations was revealed. Concentrations of these elements were a function of amount of elements supplied with fertilizers. Bryophytes seem to be promising bio-indicators not only for airborne deposition of toxic element but also for fertilizer introduced as well.

Magnetic and structural transitions in La1-xAxCoO3 ( A=Ca , Sr, and Ba)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kriener, M.; Braden, M.; Kierspel, H.; Senff, D.; Zabara, O.; Zobel, C.; Lorenz, T.

2009-06-01

We report thermal-expansion, lattice-constant, and specific-heat data of the series La1-xAxCoO3 for 0≤x≤0.30 with A=Ca , Sr, and Ba. For the undoped compound LaCoO3 , the thermal-expansion coefficient α(T) exhibits a pronounced maximum around T=50K caused by a temperature-driven spin-state transition from a low-spin state of the Co3+ ions at low temperatures toward a higher spin state at higher temperatures. The partial substitution of the La3+ ions by divalent Ca2+ , Sr2+ , or Ba2+ ions causes drastic changes in the macroscopic properties of LaCoO3 . The large maximum in α(T) is suppressed and completely vanishes for x≳0.125 . For A=Ca three different anomalies develop in α(T) with further increasing x , which are visible in specific-heat data as well. Together with temperature-dependent x-ray data, we identify several phase transitions as a function of the doping concentration x and temperature. From these data we propose an extended phase diagram for La1-xCaxCoO3 .

Screening of medium constituents for clavulanic acid production by Streptomyces clavuligerus.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Kaio César da Silva; Souza, Arianne Tairyne de; Badino, Alberto Colli; Pedrolli, Danielle Biscaro; Cerri, Marcel Otavio

2018-03-15

Clavulanic acid is a β-lactam compound with potent inhibitory activity against β-lactamases. Studies have shown that certain amino acids play essential roles in CA biosynthesis. However, quantitative evaluations of the effects of these amino acids are still needed in order to improve CA production. Here, we report a study of the nutritional requirements of Streptomyces clavuligerus for CA production. Firstly, the influence of the primary nitrogen source and the salts composition was investigated. Subsequently, soybean protein isolate was supplemented with arginine (0.0-3.20gL -1 ), threonine (0.0-1.44gL -1 ), ornithine (0.0-4.08gL -1 ), and glutamate (0.0-8.16gL -1 ), according to a two-level central composite rotatable design. A medium containing ferrous sulfate yielded CA production of 437mgL -1 , while a formulation without this salt produced only 41mgL -1 of CA. This substantial difference suggested that Fe 2+ is important for CA biosynthesis. The experimental design showed that glutamate and ornithine negatively influenced CA production while arginine and threonine had no influence. The soybean protein isolate provided sufficient C5 precursor for CA biosynthesis, so that supplementation was unnecessary. Screening of medium components, together with experimental design tools, could be a valuable way of enhancing CA titers and reducing the process costs. Copyright © 2018 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Calcium looping process for high purity hydrogen production integrated with capture of carbon dioxide, sulfur and halides

DOEpatents

Ramkumar, Shwetha; Fan, Liang-Shih

2013-07-30

A process for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: (i) gasifying a fuel into a raw synthesis gas comprising CO, hydrogen, steam, sulfur and halide contaminants in the form of H.sub.2S, COS, and HX, wherein X is a halide; (ii) passing the raw synthesis gas through a water gas shift reactor (WGSR) into which CaO and steam are injected, the CaO reacting with the shifted gas to remove CO.sub.2, sulfur and halides in a solid-phase calcium-containing product comprising CaCO.sub.3, CaS and CaX.sub.2; (iii) separating the solid-phase calcium-containing product from an enriched gaseous hydrogen product; and (iv) regenerating the CaO by calcining the solid-phase calcium-containing product at a condition selected from the group consisting of: in the presence of steam, in the presence of CO.sub.2, in the presence of synthesis gas, in the presence of H.sub.2 and O.sub.2, under partial vacuum, and combinations thereof.

The destiny of Ca(2+) released by mitochondria.

PubMed

Takeuchi, Ayako; Kim, Bongju; Matsuoka, Satoshi

2015-01-01

Mitochondrial Ca(2+) is known to regulate diverse cellular functions, for example energy production and cell death, by modulating mitochondrial dehydrogenases, inducing production of reactive oxygen species, and opening mitochondrial permeability transition pores. In addition to the action of Ca(2+) within mitochondria, Ca(2+) released from mitochondria is also important in a variety of cellular functions. In the last 5 years, the molecules responsible for mitochondrial Ca(2+) dynamics have been identified: a mitochondrial Ca(2+) uniporter (MCU), a mitochondrial Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (NCLX), and a candidate for a mitochondrial H(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger (Letm1). In this review, we focus on the mitochondrial Ca(2+) release system, and discuss its physiological and pathophysiological significance. Accumulating evidence suggests that the mitochondrial Ca(2+) release system is not only crucial in maintaining mitochondrial Ca(2+) homeostasis but also participates in the Ca(2+) crosstalk between mitochondria and the plasma membrane and between mitochondria and the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Frequency and sources of basin floor turbidites in alfonso basin, Gulf of California, Mexico: Products of slope failures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez-Yajimovich, Oscar E.; Gorsline, Donn S.; Douglas, Robert G.

2007-07-01

Alfonso Basin is a small margin basin formed by extensional tectonics in the actively rifting, seismically active Gulf of California. The basin is centered at 24°40' N and 110° 38' W, and is a closed depression (maximum depth 420 m) with an effective sill depth of about 320 m (deepest sill), a width of 20 km and length of 25 km. Basin floor area below a depth of 350 m is about 260 km 2. The climate is arid to semiarid but was wetter during the early (ca. 10,000-7000 Calendar years Before Present [BP]) and middle Holocene (ca. 7000-4000 Cal. Years BP). Basin-wide turbidity currents reach the floor of Alfonso Basin at centennial to millennial intervals. The peninsular drainages tributary to the basin are small and have maximum flood discharges of the order of 10 4m 3. The basin-floor turbidites thicker than 1 cm have volumes of the order of 10 6m 3 to 10 8m 3 and require a much larger source. The largest turbidite seen in our cores is ca. 1 m thick in the central basin floor and was deposited 4900 Calendar Years Before Present (BP). Two smaller major events occurred about 1500 and 2800 Cal. Years BP. Seismicity over the past century of record shows a clustering of larger epicenters along faults forming the eastern Gulf side of Alfonso Basin. In that period there have been four earthquakes with magnitudes above 7.0 but all are distant from the basin. Frequency of such earthquakes in the basin vicinity is probably millennial. It is concluded that the basin-wide turbidites thicker than 1 cm must be generated by slope failures on the eastern side of the basin at roughly millennial intervals. The thin flood turbidites have a peninsular source at centennial frequencies.

Role of Ca-bentonite to improve the humification, enzymatic activities, nutrient transformation and end product quality during sewage sludge composting.

PubMed

Awasthi, Mukesh Kumar; Awasthi, Sanjeev Kumar; Wang, Quan; Awasthi, Mrigendra Kumar; Zhao, Junchao; Chen, Hongyu; Ren, Xiuna; Wang, Meijing; Zhang, Zengqiang

2018-04-10

This study was aimed to examine the response of Ca-bentonite (CB) amendment to improve the sewage sludge (SS) composting along with wheat straw (WS) as bulking agent. Five treatments (SS + WS) were mixed with or without blending of discrepant concentration of CB (2%, 4%, 6%, and 10%), respectively, and without CB added treatment applied as the control. The results showed that compared to control and 2%CB blended treatments, while the 6-10%CB -amended treatment indicated maximum enzymatic activities with the composting progress and highest organic matter degradation and loss. The amendment of 6-10%CB increased the humic acid, HA/FA ratio, DON, NH 4 + -N, NO 3 and DOC but reduced the fulvic acids content and the maturity period by 2 weeks as compared to control. In addition, maturity parameters also confirmed that the highest seed germination was observed with the 10%CB applied compost followed by 6%CB, 4%CB and 2%CB applied treatments, respectively. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimal low symmetric dissipation Carnot engines and refrigerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Tomás, C.; Hernández, A. Calvo; Roco, J. M. M.

2012-01-01

A unified optimization criterion for Carnot engines and refrigerators is proposed. It consists of maximizing the product of the heat absorbed by the working system times the efficiency per unit time of the device, either the engine or the refrigerator. This criterion can be applied to both low symmetric dissipation Carnot engines and refrigerators. For engines the criterion coincides with the maximum power criterion and then the Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency ηCA=1-Tc/Th is recovered, where Th and Tc are the temperatures of the hot and cold reservoirs, respectively [Esposito, Kawai, Lindenberg, and Van den Broeck, Phys. Rev. Lett.PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.105.150603 105, 150603 (2010)]. For refrigerators the criterion provides the counterpart of Curzon-Ahlborn efficiency for refrigerators ɛCA=[1/(1-(Tc/Th)]-1, first derived by Yan and Chen for the particular case of an endoreversible Carnot-type refrigerator with linear (Newtonian) finite heat transfer laws [Yan and Chen, J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.JPAPBE0022-372710.1088/0022-3727/23/2/002 23, 136 (1990)].

Productive and Non-productive Pathways for Synaptotagmin 1 to Support Ca2+-Triggered Fast Exocytosis.

PubMed

Kim, Jaewook; Shin, Yeon-Kyun

2017-01-01

Ca 2+ -triggered SNARE-mediated membrane fusion is essential for neuronal communication. The speed of this process is of particular importance because it sets a time limit to cognitive and physical activities. In this work, we expand the proteoliposome-to-supported bilayer (SBL) fusion assay by successfully incorporating synaptotagmin 1 (Syt1), a major Ca 2+ sensor. We report that Syt1 and Ca 2+ together can elicit more than a 50-fold increase in the number of membrane fusion events when compared with membrane fusion mediated by SNAREs only. What is remarkable is that ~55% of all vesicle fusion events occurs within 20 ms upon vesicle docking. Furthermore, pre-binding of Syt1 to SNAREs prior to Ca 2+ inhibits spontaneous fusion, but intriguingly, this leads to a complete loss of the Ca 2+ responsiveness. Thus, our results suggest that there is a productive and a non-productive pathway for Syt1, depending on whether there is a premature interaction between Syt1 and SNAREs. Our results show that Ca 2+ binding to Syt1 prior to Syt1's binding to SNAREs may be a prerequisite for the productive pathway. The successful reconstitution of Syt1 activities in the physiological time scale provides new opportunities to test the current mechanistic models for Ca 2+ -triggered exocytosis.

Exogenous feeding of immediate precursors reveals synergistic effect on picroside-I biosynthesis in shoot cultures of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Varun; Sharma, Neha; Sood, Hemant; Chauhan, Rajinder Singh

2016-07-01

In the current study, we asked how the supply of immediate biosynthetic precursors i.e. cinnamic acid (CA) and catalpol (CAT) influences the synthesis of picroside-I (P-I) in shoot cultures of P. kurroa. Our results revealed that only CA and CA+CAT stimulated P-I production with 1.6-fold and 4.2-fold, respectively at 2.5 mg/100 mL concentration treatment. Interestingly, feeding CA+CAT not only directed flux towards p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) production but also appeared to trigger the metabolic flux through both shikimate/phenylpropanoid and iridoid pathways by utilizing more of CA and CAT for P-I biosynthesis. However, a deficiency in the supply of either the iridoid or the phenylpropanoid precursor limits flux through the respective pathways as reflected by feedback inhibition effect on PAL and decreased transcripts expressions of rate limiting enzymes (DAHPS, CM, PAL, GS and G10H). It also appears that addition of CA alone directed flux towards both p-CA and P-I production. Based on precursor feeding and metabolic fluxes, a current hypothesis is that precursors from both the iridoid and shikimate/phenylpropanoid pathways are a flux limitation for P-I production in shoot cultures of P. kurroa plants. This work thus sets a stage for future endeavour to elevate production of P-I in cultured plant cells.

The role of Ca2+ signaling in the coordination of mitochondrial ATP production with cardiac work

PubMed Central

Balaban, Robert S.

2009-01-01

The heart is capable of balancing the rate of mitochondrial ATP production with utilization continuously over a wide range of activity. This results in a constant phosphorylation potential despite a large change in metabolite turnover. The molecular mechanisms responsible for generating this energy homeostasis are poorly understood. The best candidate for a cytosolic signaling molecule reflecting ATP hydrolysis is Ca2+. Since Ca2+ initiates and powers muscle contraction as well as serves as the primary substrate for SERCA, Ca2+ is an ideal feed-forward signal for priming ATP production. With the sarcoplasmic reticulum to cytosolic Ca2+ gradient near equilibrium with the free energy of ATP, cytosolic Ca2+ release is exquisitely sensitive to the cellular energy state providing a feedback signal. Thus, Ca2+ can serve as a feed-forward and feedback regulator of ATP production. Consistent with this notion is the correlation of cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ with work in numerous preparations as well as the localization of mitochondria near Ca2+ release sites. How cytosolic Ca2+ signaling might regulate oxidative phosphorylation is a focus of this review. The relevant Ca2+ sensitive sites include several dehydrogenases and substrate transporters together with a post-translational modification of F1-FO-ATPase and cytochrome oxidase. Thus, Ca2+ apparently activates both the generation of the mitochondrial membrane potential as well as utilization to produce ATP. This balanced activation extends the energy homeostasis observed in the cytosol into the mitochondria matrix in the never resting heart. PMID:19481532

Comparison of eastern tropical Pacific TEX86 and Globigerinoides ruber Mg/Ca derived sea surface temperatures: Insights from the Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hertzberg, Jennifer E.; Schmidt, Matthew W.; Bianchi, Thomas S.; Smith, Richard W.; Shields, Michael R.; Marcantonio, Franco

2016-01-01

The use of the TEX86 temperature proxy has thus far come to differing results as to whether TEX86 temperatures are representative of surface or subsurface conditions. In addition, although TEX86 temperatures might reflect sea surface temperatures based on core-top (Holocene) values, this relationship might not hold further back in time. Here, we investigate the TEX86 temperature proxy by comparing TEX86 temperatures to Mg/Ca temperatures of multiple species of planktonic foraminifera for two sites in the eastern tropical Pacific (on the Cocos and Carnegie Ridges) across the Holocene and Last Glacial Maximum. Core-top and Holocene TEX86H temperatures at both study regions agree well, within error, with the Mg/Ca temperatures of Globigerinoides ruber, a surface dwelling planktonic foraminifera. However, during the Last Glacial Maximum, TEX86H temperatures are more representative of upper thermocline temperatures, and are offset from G. ruber Mg/Ca temperatures by 5.8 °C and 2.9 °C on the Cocos Ridge and Carnegie Ridge, respectively. This offset between proxies cannot be reconciled by using different TEX86 temperature calibrations, and instead, we suggest that the offset is due to a deeper export depth of GDGTs at the LGM. We also compare the degree of glacial cooling at both sites based on both temperature proxies, and find that TEX86H temperatures greatly overestimate glacial cooling, especially on the Cocos Ridge. This study has important implications for applying the TEX86 paleothermometer in the eastern tropical Pacific.

Coefficient of performance and its bounds with the figure of merit for a general refrigerator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Long, Rui; Liu, Wei

2015-02-01

A general refrigerator model with non-isothermal processes is studied. The coefficient of performance (COP) and its bounds at maximum χ figure of merit are obtained and analyzed. This model accounts for different heat capacities during the heat transfer processes. So, different kinds of refrigerator cycles can be considered. Under the constant heat capacity condition, the upper bound of the COP is the Curzon-Ahlborn (CA) coefficient of performance and is independent of the time durations of the heat exchanging processes. With the maximum χ criterion, in the refrigerator cycles, such as the reversed Brayton refrigerator cycle, the reversed Otto refrigerator cycle and the reversed Atkinson refrigerator cycle, where the heat capacity in the heat absorbing process is not less than that in the heat releasing process, their COPs are bounded by the CA coefficient of performance; otherwise, such as for the reversed Diesel refrigerator cycle, its COP can exceed the CA coefficient of performance. Furthermore, the general refined upper and lower bounds have been proposed.

Preparation of core-shell structured CaCO3 microspheres as rapid and recyclable adsorbent for anionic dyes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Mengen; Chen, Zhenhua; Lv, Xinyan; Zhou, Kang; Zhang, Jie; Tian, Xiaohan; Ren, Xiuli; Mei, Xifan

2017-09-01

Core-shell structured CaCO3 microspheres (MSs) were prepared by a facile, one-pot method at room temperature. The adsorbent dosage and adsorption time of the obtained CaCO3 MSs were investigated. The results suggest that these CaCO3 MSs can rapidly and efficiently remove 99-100% of anionic dyes within the first 2 min. The obtained CaCO3 MSs have a high Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area (211.77 m2 g-1). In addition, the maximum adsorption capacity of the obtained CaCO3 MSs towards Congo red was 99.6 mg g-1. We also found that the core-shell structured CaCO3 MSs have a high recycling capability for removing dyes from water. Our results demonstrate that the prepared core-shell structured CaCO3 MSs can be used as an ideal, rapid, efficient and recyclable adsorbent to remove dyes from aqueous solution.

Characterization and evaluation of antibacterial activity of plant mediated calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles by employing Mentha pipertia extract

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ijaz, Umber; Bhatti, Ijaz Ahmed; Mirza, Saima; Ashar, Ambreen

2017-10-01

The antibacterial activity of green synthesized calcium oxide nanoparticles was investigated using leaf extract of Mentha piperita in this study. The synthesized nanomaterial was subjected to characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The SEM images showed agglomeration of disc shaped nanoparticles, and FTIR and EDX spectroscopy indicated intensive peaks for calcium ions and oxygen. Subsequently, the potential of nanoscale CaO was also evaluated for antimicrobial index against E. coli using the well diffusion method. A maximum zone of inhibition up to 42 mm was observed when 100 µg ml-1 material was loaded with inoculum size 50 µl of E. coli in sunlight exposure of 5 h. The experimental conditions were optimized using a central composite design using a response surface methodology. The maximum antimicrobial index of the CaO nanoparticle was 6 mm as a result of the optimized response. Furthermore, the minimum inhibitory concentration of the CaO nanoparticle showed 25 µg ml-1, an effective initial concentration for E.coli removal. The results revealed that the CaO nanocomposite synthesized via a green route was a promising candidate for the removal of E. coli present in drinking water, which is an important fecal indicator.

Energetic aspects of skeletal muscle contraction: implications of fiber types.

PubMed

Rall, J A

1985-01-01

In this chapter fundamental energetic properties of skeletal muscles as elucidated from isolated muscle preparations are described. Implications of these intrinsic properties for the energetic characterization of different fiber types and for the understanding of locomotion have been considered. Emphasis was placed on the myriad of physical and chemical techniques that can be employed to understand muscle energetics and on the interrelationship of results from different techniques. The anaerobic initial processes which liberate energy during contraction and relaxation are discussed in detail. The high-energy phosphate (approximately P) utilized during contraction and relaxation can be distributed between actomyosin ATPase or cross-bridge cycling (70%) and the Ca2+ ATPase of the sacroplasmic reticulum (30%). Muscle shortening increases the rate of approximately P hydrolysis, and stretching a muscle during contraction suppresses the rate of approximately P hydrolysis. The economy of an isometric contraction is defined as the ratio of isometric mechanical response to energetic cost and is shown to be a fundamental intrinsic parameter describing muscle energetics. Economy of contraction varies across the animal kingdom by over three orders of magnitude and is different in different mammalian fiber types. In mammalian skeletal muscles differences in economy of contraction can be attributed mainly to differences in the specific actomyosin and Ca2+ ATPase of muscles. Furthermore, there is an inverse relationship between economy of contraction and maximum velocity of muscle shortening (Vmax) and maximum power output. This is a fundamental relationship. Muscles cannot be economical at developing and maintaining force and also exhibit rapid shortening. Interestingly, there appears to be a subtle system of unknown nature that modulates the Vmax and economy of contraction. Efficiency of a work-producing contraction is defined and contrasted to the economy of contraction. Unlike economy, maximum efficiency of work production varies little across the animal kingdom. There are difficulties associated with the measurement of maximum efficiency of contraction, and it has yet to be determined unequivocally if the maximum efficiency of contraction varies in different fiber types. The intrinsic properties of force per cross-sectional area, economy, and Vmax determine the basic energetic properties of skeletal muscles. Nonetheless, the mechanics and energetics of skeletal muscles in the body are profoundly influenced by muscle architecture, attachment of muscles to the skeleton, and motor unit organization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Long-term observation of particulate barium fluxes in the subtropical Northeast Atlantic (33 N, 22 W)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, Judith; Dellwig, Olaf; Waniek, Joanna J.

2017-04-01

Particle flux material was collected with a sediment trap in 2000 m depth of the deep-sea mooring Kiel 276. The mooring is located in the oligotrophic subtropical NE Atlantic (33˚ N, 22˚ W), which is influenced by the Azores Current and its associated front and lithogenic particle inputs via atmospheric transport pathways. Total barium fluxes and biogenic barium (Babio) fluxes between 2002 and 2008, calculated on the basis of Ba amounts measured with ICP-OES (inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry), are demonstrated in this study. The behavior of (biogenic) barium in the deep-sea is of great interest because it is used as a proxy for surface ocean productivity. Nevertheless, formation and transport mechanisms of particulate Ba, especially barite, in the oceans are still under debate. Especially, long-term Ba flux studies demonstrating inter and intra annual variability are missing. To fill this gap we used time-series measurements of Ba fluxes observed at Kiel 276 to demonstrate the variability of particulate Ba formation and transport. Total Ba fluxes and Babio fluxes at the mooring are characterized by flux pattern attributed to the behavior of the total particle flux. The particle flux is highly variable with peak fluxes up to 365 mg m-2 d-1 during winter and early spring just after highest primary production (winter bloom of coccolithophores) and maximum dust concentration in the atmosphere occurred. The Babioflux (up to 97 % of the total Ba flux) is influenced by productivity but also by the position of the Azores Front leading to a clear reduced Babio flux from 2005 onwards related to changes in shape and size of the catchment area of the sediment trap and reduced productivity due to lower nutrient availability. We observed a close connection of Babio flux and Ca flux results from incorporation of Ba in biogenic CaCO3 and from the formation of aggregates including Ba-bearing particles like barite and biogenic CaCO3. The transport of particulate Ba seems to be mainly driven by the formation of aggregates in the water column.

Radical production from photosensitization of imidazoles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corral Arroyo, P.; Gonzalez, L.; Steimer, S.; Aellig, R.; Volkamer, R. M.; George, C.; Bartels-Rausch, T.; Ammann, M.

2015-12-01

Reactions promoted by light are key in atmospheric chemistry. Some of them occur in the condensed phase of aerosols containing light absorbing organic compounds (George et al., 2015). This work explores the radical reactions initiated by near-UV light in mixtures of citric acid (CA) and imidazole-2-carboxaldehyde (IC) using NO as a probe molecule for HO2, by means of coated wall flow tube experiments. Citric acid may act as H atom or electron donor in condensed phase radical cycles. IC may act as a photosensitizer. The loss of NO was measured by a chemiluminescence detector. The dependence of the NO loss on the NO concentration, the IC/CA ratio in the film, relative humidity, light intensity, oxygen molar fraction were investigated as well as the HONO and NO2 yields. We also added halide salts to investigate the effect of a competing electron donor in the system and the output of halogens to the gas phase. We found a correlation between the loss of NO above the film and the molar ratio of IC/CA and the light intensity. The variation of the NO loss with oxygen corroborates a mechanism, in which the triplet excited state of IC is reduced by citric acid, to a reduced ketyl radical that transfers an electron to molecular oxygen, which in turn leads to production of HO2 radicals. Therefore, the NO loss in the gas phase is related to the production of HO2 radicals. Relative humidity had a strong impact on the HO2 output, which shows a maximum production rate at around 30%. The addition of halide ions (X- = Cl-, Br-, I-) increases the HO2 output at low concentration and decrease it at higher concentration when X2- radical ions likely scavenge HO2. We could preliminarily quantify for the first time the contribution of these processes to the oxidative capacity in the atmosphere and conclude that their role is significant for aerosol aging and potentially a significant source of halogen compounds to the gas phase.

Photoluminescence of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+}-substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} phosphors

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

Sletnes, M.; Lindgren, M.; Valmalette, J.C.

The photoluminescence of two series of A- and B-site Eu{sup 3+} substituted (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} double perovskite phosphor materials, (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} and (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}Ca{sub 0.96}Eu{sub 0.02}Li{sub 0.02}W{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6} (x and y=0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1), were studied systematically as a function of stoichiometry and crystal structure. The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites controlled by co-doping with either K or Li were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. The variation in integrated emission intensity and emission colour over the experimental matrix was examined using statistical tools, and themore » observed trends were rationalized based on the physical and electronic structure of the phosphors. Phosphors with Eu on B-site with maximum Sr content had remarkably higher emission intensities than all other materials, but the emission was more orange than red due to domination of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} (595 nm) transition of Eu{sup 3+}. The relative intensities of the {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 2} (615 nm) and {sup 5}D{sub 0}–{sup 7}F{sub 1} transitions of Eu{sup 3+}, and thus the red-shift of the emission, decreased linearly with increasing Sr content in the A-site Eu-substituted phosphors, and reached a maximum for Sr{sub 1.96}Eu{sub 0.02}K{sub 0.02}CaW{sub 0.25}Mo{sub 0.75}O{sub 6}. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 17% was obtained for the phosphor Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6} with Eu on B-site. - Highlights: • Systematic study of the photoluminescence of Eu{sup 3+}-doped (Sr{sub x}Ba{sub 1−x}){sub 2}CaW{sub y}Mo{sub 1−y}O{sub 6}. • The Eu{sup 3+} lattice sites were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. • A large parameter space was investigated using statistical tools. • A maximum external QE of 17% was obtained for Sr{sub 2}Ca{sub 0.7}Eu{sub 0.15}Li{sub 0.15}W{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.5}O{sub 6}.« less

Near-Net-Shape Production of Hollow Titanium Alloy Components via Electrochemical Reduction of Metal Oxide Precursors in Molten Salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Di; Xiao, Wei; Chen, George Z.

2013-04-01

Metal oxide precursors (ca. 90 wt pct Ti, 6 wt pct Al, and 4 wt pct V) were prepared with a hollow structure in various shapes such as a sphere, miniature golf club head, and cup using a one-step solid slip-casting process. The precursors were then electro-deoxidized in molten calcium chloride [3.2 V, 1173 K (900 °C)] against a graphite anode. After 24 hours of electrolysis, the near-net-shape Ti-6Al-4V product maintained its original shape with controlled shrinkage. Oxygen contents in the Ti-6Al-4V components were typically below 2000 ppm. The maximum compressive stress and modulus of electrolytic products obtained in this work were approximately 243 MPa and 14 GPa, respectively, matching with the requirement for medical implants. Further research directions are discussed for mechanical improvement of the products via densification during or after electrolysis. This simple, fast, and energy-efficient near-net-shape manufacturing method could allow titanium alloy components with desired geometries to be prepared directly from a mixture of metal oxides, promising an innovative technology for the low-cost production of titanium alloy components.

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

Ramkumar, Shwetha; Fan, Liang-Shih

A process for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of: (i) gasifying a fuel into a raw synthesis gas comprising CO, hydrogen, steam, sulfur and halide contaminants in the form of H.sub.2S, COS, and HX, wherein X is a halide; (ii) passing the raw synthesis gas through a water gas shift reactor (WGSR) into which CaO and steam are injected, the CaO reacting with the shifted gas to remove CO.sub.2, sulfur and halides in a solid-phase calcium-containing product comprising CaCO.sub.3, CaS and CaX.sub.2; (iii) separating the solid-phase calcium-containing product from an enriched gaseous hydrogen product; and (iv) regenerating the CaO bymore » calcining the solid-phase calcium-containing product at a condition selected from the group consisting of: in the presence of steam, in the presence of CO.sub.2, in the presence of synthesis gas, in the presence of H.sub.2 and O.sub.2, under partial vacuum, and combinations thereof.« less

Physico-chemical factors influencing spore germination in cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola.

PubMed

Mishra, Biranchi N; Kaushik, Manish S; Abraham, Gerard; Singh, Pawan K

2018-06-19

Spore (akinete) formation in the heterocystous and branched filamentous cyanobacterium Fischerella muscicola involves a significant increase in cell size and formation of several endospores in each of the cells. In present study, the physico-chemical factors (pH, light sources, nutrient deficiency, nitrogen sources, carbon sources, and growth hormones) affecting the germination of spores of F. muscicola were examined. Increase in spore germination frequency was detected above pH 8 with maximum germination (46.04%) recorded at pH 9, whereas a significant decrease in germination was observed at pH 6 when compared to control (pH 7.6). Spore germination was not observed at pH 5. Among light sources germination frequency followed the following order, that is, red light (39.9%) > white light (33.8%) > yellow light (3.4%) > green light (1.3%) whereas germination did not take place in dark and blue light. Ammonium chloride (NH 4 Cl) supported maximum (99.5%) germination frequency followed by calcium nitrate (Ca(NO 3 ) 2 ), potassium nitrate (KNO 3 ), and minimum germination was observed in urea. Nutrient (phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium) deficiency significantly enhanced the germination frequency with maximum increase in magnesium (Mg) deficient condition. Further, supplementation of carbon sources (glucose, fructose, and sodium acetate) and growth hormones (IAA and GA) also enhanced the germination frequency in this cyanobacterium. Therefore, it may be concluded that, those factors supporting higher germination frequency could be considered for successful production and use of this cyanobacterium in biofertilizer and other algal production technologies. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effects of thinning intensities on transpiration and productivity of 50-year-old Pinus koraeinsis stands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Juhan; Kim, Taekyu; Moon, Minkyu; Cho, Sungsik; Ryu, Daun; Kim, Hyun Seok

2015-04-01

This study investigated the effects of thinning intensities on stand transpiration and productivity of 50-year-old Korean pine forests for two years. Forest thinning, which removes some fraction of trees from stand, is widely conducted for reducing competition between remaining trees, improving tree productivity, reducing the risk of natural fire, and thus maintaining healthy forest. Forest thinning alters the microclimatic conditions such as radiation distribution within canopy, vapor pressure deficit, and amount of available soil water. These changes influence on the tree water use, and related productivity. Thinning was conducted on March, 2012 with two intensities (Control, Light-thinning (20%), and Heavy-thinning (40% of tree density)). Transpiration was estimated from sap flux density, which was measured with Granier-type thermal dissipation sensors. Tree diameter growth was measured with dendrometer, and converted to tree productivity using allometric equations developed specifically in our study sites. The climatic conditions showed little differences between two years. During the first growing season after thinning, stand transpiration was ca. 20% and 42% lower on light-thinning and heavy-thinning stand, respectively, even though sap flux density were higher in thinned stand. The difference in stand transpiration among treatments showed seasonal trends, so it was larger on summer when soil moisture was abundant due to monsoon, but was diminished on spring and autumn when soil moisture was limited. Tree-level productivity increased ca. 8% and 21% on light-thinning and heavy thinning stand, respectively. However, stand net primary production was ca. 20% lower on light-thinning stand, and ca. 31% on heavy-thinning stand. As a result, water use efficiency increased only in heavy-thinning stand. During the second growing season after thinning, stand transpiration was ca. 19% lower on light-thinning stand, and ca. 37% lower on heavy-thinning stand. The reduction of stand transpiration difference in heavy-thinning stand was caused mainly by increase in sap flux density. Trees in thinned stand showed higher productivity, but the magnitude was ca. 4% on light-thinning stand, and ca. 27% on heavy-thinning stand. Stand net primary production was ca. 23% lower on light-thinning stand, and ca. 28% on heavy-thinning stand. As a result, heavy-thinning stand showed highest water use efficiency. These results indicate that there are differences in biological reactions with thinning intensities.

Synthesis of high-purity precipitated calcium carbonate during the process of recovery of elemental sulphur from gypsum waste.

PubMed

de Beer, M; Doucet, F J; Maree, J P; Liebenberg, L

2015-12-01

We recently showed that the production of elemental sulphur and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from gypsum waste by thermally reducing the waste into calcium sulphide (CaS) followed by its direct aqueous carbonation yielded low-grade carbonate products (i.e. <90 mass% as CaCO3). In this study, we used the insight gained from our previous work and developed an indirect aqueous CaS carbonation process for the production of high-grade CaCO3 (i.e. >99 mass% as CaCO3) or precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC). The process used an acid gas (H2S) to improve the aqueous dissolution of CaS, which is otherwise poorly soluble. The carbonate product was primarily calcite (99.5%) with traces of quartz (0.5%). Calcite was the only CaCO3 polymorph obtained; no vaterite or aragonite was detected. The product was made up of micron-size particles, which were further characterised by XRD, TGA, SEM, BET and true density. Results showed that about 0.37 ton of high-grade PCC can be produced from 1.0 ton of gypsum waste, and generates about 0.19 ton of residue, a reduction of 80% from original waste gypsum mass to mass of residue that needs to be discarded off. The use of gypsum waste as primary material in replacement of mined limestone for the production of PPC could alleviate waste disposal problems, along with converting significant volumes of waste materials into marketable commodities. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae  β-Galactosidase on Cellulose Acetate-Polymethylmethacrylate Membrane and Its Application in Hydrolysis of Lactose from Milk and Whey.

PubMed

Ansari, Shakeel Ahmed; Satar, Rukhsana; Kashif Zaidi, Syed; Ahmad, Abrar

2014-01-01

The present study demonstrates the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase on cellulose acetate-polymethylmethacrylate (CA-PMMA) membrane and its application in hydrolyzing lactose in dairy industries. The effect of physical and chemical denaturants like pH, temperature, product inhibition by galactose, storage stability, and reuse number of the enzyme immobilized on CA-PMMA membrane has been investigated. Lactose was hydrolyzed from milk and whey in batch reactors at 50°C by free and immobilized β-galactosidase (IβG). Optimum pH for the free and immobilized enzyme was found to be the same, that is, 4.5. However, IβG retained greater fractions of catalytic activity at lower and higher pH ranges. The temperature optimum for the immobilized enzyme was increased by 10°C. Moreover, Michaelis-Menten constant was increased for IβG as compared to the native one while maximum reaction rate was reduced for the immobilized enzyme. The preserved activity of free and immobilized enzyme was found to be 45% and 83%, respectively, after five weeks of storage at 4°C. Reusability of IβG was observed to be 86% even after fifth repeated use, thereby signifying its application in lactose hydrolysis (as shown in lab-scale batch reactors) in various dairy products including milk and whey.

Immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae   β-Galactosidase on Cellulose Acetate-Polymethylmethacrylate Membrane and Its Application in Hydrolysis of Lactose from Milk and Whey

PubMed Central

Ansari, Shakeel Ahmed; Satar, Rukhsana; Kashif Zaidi, Syed; Ahmad, Abrar

2014-01-01

The present study demonstrates the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase on cellulose acetate-polymethylmethacrylate (CA-PMMA) membrane and its application in hydrolyzing lactose in dairy industries. The effect of physical and chemical denaturants like pH, temperature, product inhibition by galactose, storage stability, and reuse number of the enzyme immobilized on CA-PMMA membrane has been investigated. Lactose was hydrolyzed from milk and whey in batch reactors at 50°C by free and immobilized β-galactosidase (IβG). Optimum pH for the free and immobilized enzyme was found to be the same, that is, 4.5. However, IβG retained greater fractions of catalytic activity at lower and higher pH ranges. The temperature optimum for the immobilized enzyme was increased by 10°C. Moreover, Michaelis-Menten constant was increased for IβG as compared to the native one while maximum reaction rate was reduced for the immobilized enzyme. The preserved activity of free and immobilized enzyme was found to be 45% and 83%, respectively, after five weeks of storage at 4°C. Reusability of IβG was observed to be 86% even after fifth repeated use, thereby signifying its application in lactose hydrolysis (as shown in lab-scale batch reactors) in various dairy products including milk and whey. PMID:27350979

Characterization of Photochemical Processes for H2 Production by CdS Nanorod-[FeFe] Hydrogenase Complexes

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

Brown, K. A.; Wilker, M. B.; Boehm, M.

2012-03-28

We have developed complexes of CdS nanorods capped with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and Clostridium acetobutylicum [FeFe]-hydrogenase I (CaI) that photocatalyze reduction of H{sup +} to H{sub 2} at a CaI turnover frequency of 380-900 s{sup -1} and photon conversion efficiencies of up to 20% under illumination at 405 nm. In this paper, we focus on the compositional and mechanistic aspects of CdS:CaI complexes that control the photochemical conversion of solar energy into H{sub 2}. Self-assembly of CdS with CaI was driven by electrostatics, demonstrated as the inhibition of ferredoxin-mediated H{sub 2} evolution by CaI. Production of H{sub 2} by CdS:CaImore » was observed only under illumination and only in the presence of a sacrificial donor. We explored the effects of the CdS:CaI molar ratio, sacrificial donor concentration, and light intensity on photocatalytic H{sub 2} production, which were interpreted on the basis of contributions to electron transfer, hole transfer, or rate of photon absorption, respectively. Each parameter was found to have pronounced effects on the CdS:CaI photocatalytic activity. Specifically, we found that under 405 nm light at an intensity equivalent to total AM 1.5 solar flux, H{sub 2} production was limited by the rate of photon absorption ({approx}1 ms{sup -1}) and not by the turnover of CaI. Complexes were capable of H{sub 2} production for up to 4 h with a total turnover number of 106 before photocatalytic activity was lost. This loss correlated with inactivation of CaI, resulting from the photo-oxidation of the CdS capping ligand MPA.« less

Why Do Organisms in the Atlantic Ocean Produce So Much CaCO3?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toggweiler, J. R.

2010-12-01

Sediments in the Atlantic are richer in CaCO3 than sediments in the other oceans. Sediment trap observations show that sinking particles in the Atlantic also tend to have more CaCO3 in relation to organic carbon than sinking particles elsewhere. The reason for the extra production of CaCO3 has never been very clear. The Atlantic is unusual because it receives much more than its share of the global input of river water. River water adds alkalinity to the surface ocean while the production of CaCO3 takes it away. In this presentation a new tracer, called Alk*, is derived from the surface alkalinity distribution to highlight the impact of river inputs and the production of CaCO3. If the production of CaCO3 were evenly distributed across the ocean one would expect the Atlantic to have a higher level of Alk* becaused of its river inputs. We find instead that Alk* is lower in the middle of the Atlantic than almost any place else. This, of course, is consistent with the fact that organisms in the Atlantic produce a lot of CaCO3. Comparison with other areas with especially low values of Alk* (Red Sea and northern Arabian Sea) shows that the production of CaCO3 is highly correlated across the ocean with the surface salinity. Hence, we argue that organisms in the Atlantic produce a lot of CaCO3 simply because the Atlantic is so salty. Salty waters, by definition, have more CO3= ions, which increase the supersaturation with respect to calcite and aragonite. This finding, while extremely simple, has major implifications for the impact of ocean acidification on calcifying organisms.

Calneuron 1 Increased Ca2+ in the Endoplasmic Reticulum and Aldosterone Production in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma.

PubMed

Kobuke, Kazuhiro; Oki, Kenji; Gomez-Sanchez, Celso E; Gomez-Sanchez, Elise P; Ohno, Haruya; Itcho, Kiyotaka; Yoshii, Yoko; Yoneda, Masayasu; Hattori, Noboru

2018-01-01

Aldosterone production is initiated by angiotensin II stimulation and activation of intracellular Ca 2+ signaling. In aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) cells, the activation of intracellular Ca 2+ signaling is independent of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone systems. The purpose of our study was to clarify molecular mechanisms of aldosterone production related to Ca 2+ signaling. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the CALN1 gene encoding calneuron 1 had the strongest correlation with CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) among genes encoding Ca 2+ -binding proteins in APA. CALN1 modulation and synthetic or fluorescent compounds were used for functional studies in human adrenocortical carcinoma (HAC15) cells. CALN1 expression was 4.4-fold higher in APAs than nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenomas. CALN1 expression colocalized with CYP11B2 expression as investigated using immunohistochemistry in APA and zona glomerulosa of male rats fed by a low-salt diet. CALN1 expression was detected in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) by using GFP-fused CALN1, CellLight ER-RFP, and the corresponding antibodies. CALN1 -overexpressing HAC15 cells showed increased Ca 2+ in the ER and cytosol fluorescence-based studies. Aldosterone production was potentiated in HAC15 cells by CALN1 expression, and dose-responsive inhibition with TMB-8 showed that CALN1-mediated Ca 2+ storage in ER involved sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase. The silencing of CALN1 decreased Ca 2+ in ER, and abrogated angiotensin II- or KCNJ5 T158A-mediated aldosterone production in HAC15 cells. Increased CALN1 expression in APA was associated with elevated Ca 2+ storage in ER and aldosterone overproduction. Suppression of CALN1 expression prevented angiotensin II- or KCNJ5 T158A-mediated aldosterone production in HAC15 cells, suggesting that CALN1 is a potential therapeutic target for excess aldosterone production. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

A homomeric geranyl diphosphate synthase-encoding gene from Camptotheca acuminata and its combinatorial optimization for production of geraniol in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Yang, Lixia; Jiang, Liangzhen; Li, Wei; Yang, Yun; Zhang, Guolin; Luo, Yinggang

2017-10-01

Geranyl diphosphate (GPP), the unique precursor for all monoterpenoids, is biosynthesized from isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate via the head-to-tail condensation reaction catalyzed by GPP synthase (GPPS). Herein a homomeric GPPS from Camptotheca acuminata, a camptothecin-producing plant, was obtained from 5'- and 3'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends and subsequent overlap extension and convenient PCR amplifications. The truncate CaGPPS was introduced to replace ispA of pBbA5c-MevT(CO)-MBIS(CO, ispA), a de novo biosynthetic construct for farnesyl diphosphate generation, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli, together with the truncate geraniol synthase-encoding gene from C. acuminata (tCaGES), to confirm CaGPPS-catalyzed reaction in vivo. A 24.0 ± 1.3 mg L -1 of geraniol was produced in the recombinant E. coli. The production of GPP was also validated by the direct UPLC-HRMS E analyses. The tCaGPPS and tCaGES genes with different copy numbers were introduced into E. coli to balance their catalytic potential for high-yield geraniol production. A 1.6-fold increase of geraniol production was obtained when four copies of tCaGPPS and one copy of tCaGES were introduced into E. coli. The following fermentation conditions optimization, including removal of organic layers and addition of new n-decane, led to a 74.6 ± 6.5 mg L -1 of geraniol production. The present study suggested that the gene copy number optimization, i.e., the ratio of tCaGPPS and tCaGES, plays an important role in geraniol production in the recombinant E. coli. The removal and addition of organic solvent are very useful for sustainable high-yield production of geraniol in the recombinant E. coli in view of that the solubility of geraniol is limited in the fermentation broth and/or n-decane.

High-titer and productivity of l-(+)-lactic acid using exponential fed-batch fermentation with Bacillus coagulans arr4, a new thermotolerant bacterial strain.

PubMed

Coelho, Luciana Fontes; Beitel, Susan Michelz; Sass, Daiane Cristina; Neto, Paulo Marcelo Avila; Contiero, Jonas

2018-04-01

Bacillus coagulans arr4 is a thermotolerant microorganism with great biotechnological potential for l-(+)-lactic acid production from granulated sugar and yeast extract. The highest l-(+)-lactic acid production was obtained with Ca(OH) 2 . The maximum production of l-(+)-lactic acid (206.81 g/L) was observed in exponential feeding using granulated sugar solution (900 g/L) and yeast extract (1%) at 50 °C, pH 6.5, and initial granulated sugar concentration of 100 g/L at 39 h. 5.3 g/L h productivity and 97% yield were observed, and no sugar remained. Comparing the simple batch with exponential fed-batch fermentation, the l(+) lactic acid production was improved in 133.22% and dry cell weight was improved in 83.29%, using granulated sugar and yeast extract. This study presents the highest productivity of lactic acid ever observed in the literature, on the fermentation of thermotolerant Bacillus sp. as well as an innovative and high-efficiency purification technology, using low-cost substances as Celite and charcoal. The recovery of lactic acid was 86%, with 100% protein removal, and the fermentation medium (brown color) became a colorless solution.

Traffic jam dynamics in stochastic cellular automata

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

Nagel, K.; Schreckenberg, M.

1995-09-01

Simple models for particles hopping on a grid (cellular automata) are used to simulate (single lane) traffic flow. Despite their simplicity, these models are astonishingly realistic in reproducing start-stop-waves and realistic fundamental diagrams. One can use these models to investigate traffic phenomena near maximum flow. A so-called phase transition at average maximum flow is visible in the life-times of jams. The resulting dynamic picture is consistent with recent fluid-dynamical results by Kuehne/Kerner/Konhaeuser, and with Treiterer`s hysteresis description. This places CA models between car-following models and fluid-dynamical models for traffic flow. CA models are tested in projects in Los Alamos (USA)more » and in NRW (Germany) for large scale microsimulations of network traffic.« less

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

Manovic, V.; Anthony, E.J.; Loncarevic, D.

CaO-based looping cycles are promising processes for CO{sub 2} Capture from both syngas and flue gas. The technology is based on cyclical carbonation of CaO and regeneration of CaCO{sub 3} in a dual fluidized-bed reactor to produce a pure CO{sub 2} stream suitable for sequestration. Use of spent sorbent from CO{sub 2} looping cycles for SO{sub 2} capture is investigated. Three limestones were investigated: Kelly Rock (Canada), La Blanca (Spain), and Katowice (Poland, Upper Silesia). Carbonation/calcination cycles were performed in a tube furnace with both the original limestones and samples thermally pretreated for different times (i.e., sintered). The spent sorbentmore » samples were sulfated in a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The changes in the resulting sorbent pore structure were then investigated using mercury porosimetry. It has been shown that the sulfation rates of both thermally pretreated and spent sorbent samples are lower in comparison with those of the original samples. However, final conversions of both spent and pretreated sorbents after longer sulfation time were comparable or higher than those observed for the original sorbents under comparable conditions. Maximum sulfation levels strongly depend on sorbent porosity and pore surface area. The results showed that spent sorbent samples from CO{sub 2} looping cycles can be used as sorbents for SO{sub 2} retention in cases where significant porosity loss does not occur during CO{sub 2} reaction cycles. In the case of spent Kelly Rock and Katowice samples, sorbent particles are practically uniformly sulfated, achieving final conversions that are determined by the total pore volume available for the bulky CaSO{sub 4} product.« less

Biological and mechanical properties of an experimental glass-ionomer cement modified by partial replacement of CaO with MgO or ZnO.

PubMed

Kim, Dong-Ae; Abo-Mosallam, Hany; Lee, Hye-Young; Lee, Jung-Hwan; Kim, Hae-Won; Lee, Hae-Hyoung

2015-01-01

Some weaknesses of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) as dental materials, for instance the lack of bioactive potential and poor mechanical properties, remain unsolved.Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the partial replacement of CaO with MgO or ZnO on the mechanical and biological properties of the experimental glass ionomer cements.Material and Methods Calcium fluoro-alumino-silicate glass was prepared for an experimental glass ionomer cement by melt quenching technique. The glass composition was modified by partial replacement (10 mol%) of CaO with MgO or ZnO. Net setting time, compressive and flexural properties, and in vitrorat dental pulp stem cells (rDPSCs) viability were examined for the prepared GICs and compared to a commercial GIC.Results The experimental GICs set more slowly than the commercial product, but their extended setting times are still within the maximum limit (8 min) specified in ISO 9917-1. Compressive strength of the experimental GIC was not increased by the partial substitution of CaO with either MgO or ZnO, but was comparable to the commercial control. For flexural properties, although there was no significance between the base and the modified glass, all prepared GICs marked a statistically higher flexural strength (p<0.05) and comparable modulus to control. The modified cements showed increased cell viability for rDPSCs.Conclusions The experimental GICs modified with MgO or ZnO can be considered bioactive dental materials.

Calcium requirements from dairy foods in France can be met at low energy and monetary cost.

PubMed

Drewnowski, Adam; Tang, Wesley; Brazeilles, Rémi

2015-12-14

Inadequate Ca intakes are a concern for global public health. In France, most dietary Ca is provided by dairy products: milks, fermented milks (mostly yogurts), dairy desserts and cheeses. The present dairy database (n 837) included milks (n 101), fermented milks, yogurts and other fresh dairy products (n 326), desserts (n 162) and a wide variety of cheeses (n 248). Energy and nutrient values were obtained from industry sources and the French national nutrient composition database. Retail prices were from Paris supermarkets. Products in each group were aggregated into twenty-one categories using clustering analyses. The costs in energy (kJ (kcal)), euros (€), and in SFA, added sugar and Na (defined here as nutrients to LIMit) associated with providing 120 mg of Ca (equivalent to 15 % daily value (15 % DV)) were calculated for each product group and category. The milk group supplied Ca at the lowest energy, monetary and LIM cost. Fresh plain and 'light' yogurts and fermented milks were next, followed by sweetened yogurts and flavoured milks. Light dairy desserts provided Ca with relatively few energy but were more expensive. Cheeses were a heterogeneous group. Hard cheeses (Comté) provided the most Ca per serving. Semi-hard cheeses (Camembert) and cream and blue cheeses (Roquefort) provided Ca at a cost comparable with sweetened yogurts and flavoured milks. Double cream, soft and goat cheeses were not optimal Ca sources. New value metrics can help identify affordable dairy foods that provide Ca without excessive energy or nutrients to limit. These conditions were satisfied by a wide variety of dairy products in France.

Effect of subinhibitory concentrations of chlorogenic acid on reducing the virulence factor production by Staphylococcus aureus.

PubMed

Li, Guanghui; Qiao, Mingyu; Guo, Yan; Wang, Xin; Xu, Yunfeng; Xia, Xiaodong

2014-09-01

Chlorogenic acid (CA) has been reported to inhibit several pathogens, but the influence of subinhibitory concentrations of CA on virulence expression of pathogens has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of CA on the virulence factor production of Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CA against S. aureus was determined using a broth microdilution method. Hemolysin assays, coagulase titer assays, adherence to solid-phase fibrinogen assays, Western blot, and real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction were performed to evaluate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of CA on the virulence factors of S. aureus. MIC of CA against S. aureus ATCC29213 was found to be 2.56 mg/mL. At subinhibitory concentrations, CA significantly inhibited the hemolysis and dose-dependently decreased coagulase titer. Reduced binding to fibrinogen and decreased production of SEA were observed with treatment of CA at concentrations ranging from 1/16MIC to 1/2MIC. CA markedly inhibited the expression of hla, sea, and agr genes in S. aureus. These data demonstrate that the virulence expression of S. aureus could be reduced by CA and suggest that CA could be potentially developed as a supplemental strategy to control S. aureus infection and to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning.

Enhancement of Force Generated by Individual Myosin Heads in Skinned Rabbit Psoas Muscle Fibers at Low Ionic Strength

PubMed Central

Sugi, Haruo; Abe, Takahiro; Kobayashi, Takakazu; Chaen, Shigeru; Ohnuki, Yoshiki; Saeki, Yasutake; Sugiura, Seiryo

2013-01-01

Although evidence has been presented that, at low ionic strength, myosin heads in relaxed skeletal muscle fibers form linkages with actin filaments, the effect of low ionic strength on contraction characteristics of Ca2+-activated muscle fibers has not yet been studied in detail. To give information about the mechanism of muscle contraction, we have examined the effect of low ionic strength on the mechanical properties and the contraction characteristics of skinned rabbit psoas muscle fibers in both relaxed and maximally Ca2+-activated states. By progressively decreasing KCl concentration from 125 mM to 0 mM (corresponding to a decrease in ionic strength μ from 170 mM to 50 mM), relaxed fibers showed changes in mechanical response to sinusoidal length changes and ramp stretches, which are consistent with the idea of actin-myosin linkage formation at low ionic strength. In maximally Ca2+-activated fibers, on the other hand, the maximum isometric force increased about twofold by reducing KCl concentration from 125 to 0 mM. Unexpectedly, determination of the force-velocity curves indicated that, the maximum unloaded shortening velocity Vmax, remained unchanged at low ionic strength. This finding indicates that the actin-myosin linkages, which has been detected in relaxed fibers at low ionic strength, are broken quickly on Ca2+ activation, so that the linkages in relaxed fibers no longer provide any internal resistance against fiber shortening. The force-velocity curves, obtained at various levels of steady Ca2+-activated isometric force, were found to be identical if they are normalized with respect to the maximum isometric force. The MgATPase activity of muscle fibers during isometric force generation was found not to change appreciably at low ionic strength despite the two-fold increase in Ca2+-activated isometric force. These results can be explained in terms of enhancement of force generated by individual myosin heads, but not by any changes in kinetic properties of cyclic actin-myosin interaction. PMID:23691080

Groundwater-quality data in the Santa Cruz, San Gabriel, and Peninsular Ranges Hard Rock Aquifers study unit, 2011-2012: results from the California GAMA program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Davis, Tracy A.; Shelton, Jennifer L.

2014-01-01

Results for constituents with nonregulatory benchmarks set for aesthetic concerns showed that iron concentrations greater than the CDPH secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL-CA) of 300 μg/L were detected in samples from 19 grid wells. Manganese concentrations greater than the SMCL-CA of 50 μg/L were detected in 27 grid wells. Chloride was detected at a concentration greater than the SMCL-CA upper benchmark of 500 mg/L in one grid well. TDS concentrations in three grid wells were greater than the SMCL-CA upper benchmark of 1,000 mg/L.

Inhibition effects of high calcium concentration on anaerobic biological treatment of MSW leachate.

PubMed

Xia, Yi; He, Pin-Jing; Pu, Hong-Xia; Lü, Fan; Shao, Li-Ming; Zhang, Hua

2016-04-01

With the increasing use of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) and more stringent limits on landfilling of organic waste, more MSWI bottom ash is being landfilled, and the proportion of inorganic wastes in landfills is increasing, causing the increased Ca concentrations in landfill leachate. In this research, the inhibition effect of Ca concentration on the anaerobic treatment of landfill leachate was studied using a biochemical methane potential experiment. Slight inhibition of methane production occurred when the addition of Ca concentration was less than 2000 mg/L. When the addition of Ca concentration was between 6000 and 8000 mg/L, methane production was significantly reduced (to 29.4-34.8 % of that produced by the BLK reactor), and the lag phase was increased from 8.55 to 16.32 d. Moreover, when the dosage of Ca concentration increased from zero to 8000 mg/L, reductions in solution Ca concentration increased from 929 to 2611 mg/L, and the proportion of Ca in the residual sludge increased from 22.58 to 46.87 %. Based on the results, when the dosage of Ca concentration was less than 4000 mg/L, the formation of Ca precipitates on the surface of sludge appeared to prevent mass transfer and was the dominant reason for the reduction in methane production and sludge biomass. At higher Ca concentrations (6000-8000 mg/L), the severe inhibition of methane production appeared to be caused by the toxic effect of highly concentrated Ca on sludge as well as mass transfer blockage.

Peroxisome proliferation activation receptor alpha modulation of Ca2+-regulated exocytosis via arachidonic acid in guinea-pig antral mucous cells.

PubMed

Sawabe, Yukinori; Shimamoto, Chikao; Sakai, Akiko; Kuwabara, Hiroko; Saad, Adel H; Nakano, Takashi; Takitani, Kimitaka; Tamai, Hiroshi; Mori, Hiroshi; Marunaka, Yoshinori; Nakahari, Takashi

2010-08-01

Indomethacin (IDM, 10 microm), not aspirin (ASA; 10 microm), enhanced the Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis stimulated by 1 microm acetylcholine (ACh) in guinea-pig antral mucous cells. Indomethacin inhibits prostaglandin G/H (PGG/H) and 15R-hydroperoxy-eicosatetraenoic acid (15R-HPETE) production from arachidonic acid (AA), while ASA inhibits PGG/H production but accelerates 15R-HPETE production. This suggests that IDM accumulates AA. Arachidonic acid (2 microm) enhanced Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in antral mucous cells to a similar extent to IDM. Moreover, a stable analogue of AA, arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF(3)), also enhanced Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis, indicating that AA, not products from AA, enhances Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis. We hypothesized that AA activates peroxisome proliferation activation receptor alpha (PPARalpha), because AA is a natural ligand for PPARalpha. A PPARalpha agonist (WY14643; 1 microm) enhanced Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis, and a PPARalpha blocker (MK886; 50 microm) abolished the enhancement of Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis induced by AA, IDM, AACOCF(3) and WY14643. Western blotting and immunohistochemical examinations demonstrated that PPARalpha exists in antral mucous cells. Moreover, MK886 decreased the frequency of Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis activated by 1 microm ACh or 2 microm thapsigargin alone by 25-30%. Thus, ACh stimulates AA accumulation via an [Ca(2+)](i) increase, which activates PPARalpha, leading to enhancement of Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in antral mucous cells. A novel autocrine mechanism mediated via PPARalpha enhances Ca(2+)-regulated exocytosis in guinea-pig antral mucous cells.

Uranium chloride extraction of transuranium elements from LWR fuel

DOEpatents

Miller, W.E.; Ackerman, J.P.; Battles, J.E.; Johnson, T.R.; Pierce, R.D.

1992-08-25

A process of separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels containing rare earth and noble metal fission products as well as other fission products is disclosed. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of Ca chloride and a U-Fe alloy which is liquid at about 800 C to dissolve uranium metal and the noble metal fission product metals and transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals leaving Ca chloride having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein. The Ca chloride and CaO and the fission products contained therein are separated from the U-Fe alloy and the metal values dissolved therein. The U-Fe alloy having dissolved therein reduced metals from the spent nuclear fuel is contacted with a mixture of one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halides selected from the class consisting of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and Fe or U halide or a combination thereof to transfer transuranium actinide metals and rare earth metals to the halide salt leaving the uranium and some noble metal fission products in the U-Fe alloy and thereafter separating the halide salt and the transuranium metals dissolved therein from the U-Fe alloy and the metals dissolved therein. 1 figure.

Uranium chloride extraction of transuranium elements from LWR fuel

DOEpatents

Miller, William E.; Ackerman, John P.; Battles, James E.; Johnson, Terry R.; Pierce, R. Dean

1992-01-01

A process of separating transuranium actinide values from uranium values present in spent nuclear oxide fuels containing rare earth and noble metal fission products as well as other fission products is disclosed. The oxide fuel is reduced with Ca metal in the presence of Ca chloride and a U-Fe alloy which is liquid at about 800.degree. C. to dissolve uranium metal and the noble metal fission product metals and transuranium actinide metals and rare earth fission product metals leaving Ca chloride having CaO and fission products of alkali metals and the alkali earth metals and iodine dissolved therein. The Ca chloride and CaO and the fission products contained therein are separated from the U-Fe alloy and the metal values dissolved therein. The U-Fe alloy having dissolved therein reduced metals from the spent nuclear fuel is contacted with a mixture of one or more alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halides selected from the class consisting of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal and Fe or U halide or a combination thereof to transfer transuranium actinide metals and rare earth metals to the halide salt leaving the uranium and some noble metal fission products in the U-Fe alloy and thereafter separating the halide salt and the transuranium metals dissolved therein from the U-Fe alloy and the metals dissolved therein.

Deciphering the Boron Proxy Records of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoenisch, B.; Haynes, L.; Harper, D. T.; Penman, D. E.; Holland, K.; Rosenthal, Y.; Zachos, J. C.

2016-12-01

Rapid surface ocean acidification at the PETM has been documented by pronounced decreases in the boron isotope and B/Ca proxies measured in surface dwelling planktic foraminifera (Babila et al., 2016; Penman et al., 2014). However, translating these geochemical signatures to past seawater carbonate chemistry is challenging due to the different-from-modern elemental and isotopic composition of seawater, in addition to the lack of constraints on vital effects in foraminifer species that are now extinct. While the pH decrease can be reasonably quantified from boron isotopes, the application of modern laboratory calibrations to translate the B/Ca signal yields unfeasible estimates, thus raising questions about how well we understand fundamental proxy systematics. Here we present a possible solution to this conundrum from laboratory culture experiments performed under simulated Paleocene seawater conditions, with lower [B] and [Mg], higher [Ca] and across a range of dissolved inorganic carbon and pH. These experiments suggest that raising DIC in addition to acidification amplifies the B/Ca decrease recorded in planktic foraminifera shells, thus providing an opportunity to deconvolve the B/Ca record into pH and DIC signals. Using the boron proxy records in ODP 1209 from Shatsky Rise in the Pacific Ocean as a case study, we will perform a series of sensitivity studies to better constrain the carbon perturbation at the PETM, and the long-term evolution of surface ocean chemistry from the Paleocene into the Eocene. Our results will be compared to LOSCAR model estimates of different carbon input scenarios at the PETM. Babila, T.L., Rosenthal, Y., Wright, J.D. and Miller, K.G. (2016) A continental shelf perspective of ocean acidification and temperature evolution during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Geology 44, 275-278. Penman, D.E., Hönisch, B., Zeebe, R.E., Thomas, E. and Zachos, J.C. (2014) Rapid and sustained surface ocean acidification during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. Paleoceanography 29, 2014PA002621.

Groundwater-quality data in the North San Francisco Bay Shallow Aquifer study unit, 2012: results from the California GAMA Program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bennett, George L.; Fram, Miranda S.

2014-01-01

Results for constituents with non-regulatory benchmarks set for aesthetic concerns from the grid wells showed that iron concentrations greater than the CDPH secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL-CA) of 300 μg/L were detected in 13 grid wells. Chloride was detected at a concentration greater than the SMCL-CA recommended benchmark of 250 mg/L in two grid wells. Sulfate concentrations greater than the SMCL-CA recommended benchmark of 250 mg/L were measured in two grid wells, and the concentration in one of these wells was also greater than the SMCL-CA upper benchmark of 500 mg/L. TDS concentrations greater than the SMCL-CA recommended benchmark of 500 mg/L were measured in 15 grid wells, and concentrations in 4 of these wells were also greater than the SMCL-CA upper benchmark of 1,000 mg/L.

The Effect of Ca Content on the Microstructure, Hardness and Tensile Properties of AZ81 Mg Cast Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Allameh, S. H.; Emamy, M.

2017-05-01

The effects of various Ca contents (0.1-4 wt.%) on the microstructure and tensile properties of AZ81 magnesium alloy were investigated with the contribution of an analytical method. Ca addition (up to 1.0 wt.%) refined the alloy microstructure but further addition of Ca resulted in a coarse structure and introduced large dendrites within the grains. The changes in the microstructures revealed that Al4Ca, Al2Ca, τ-Mg32(A1,Zn)49 and ɛ-MgZn intermetallics are formed in the alloy as a result of Ca addition and Al consumption. The assessment of tensile properties of AZ81-1.0 wt.%Ca alloy showed the optimum values of yield strength and ultimate tensile strength, while AZ81-0.7 wt.%Ca alloy showed maximum elongation. The reduction in tensile properties of the cast alloy by the addition of more Ca was attributed to grain coarsening and evolution of a network of intermetallic compounds. FF study of tensile fractured surfaces indicated that Ca addition encourages brittle mode of fracture propagating through precipitated intermetallics in the structure.

Validated spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate based on charge transfer complexation reactions.

PubMed

Belal, Tarek S; El-Kafrawy, Dina S; Mahrous, Mohamed S; Abdel-Khalek, Magdi M; Abo-Gharam, Amira H

2016-02-15

This work presents the development, validation and application of four simple and direct spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate (VP) through charge transfer complexation reactions. The first method is based on the reaction of the drug with p-chloranilic acid (p-CA) in acetone to give a purple colored product with maximum absorbance at 524nm. The second method depends on the reaction of VP with dichlone (DC) in dimethylformamide forming a reddish orange product measured at 490nm. The third method is based upon the interaction of VP and picric acid (PA) in chloroform resulting in the formation of a yellow complex measured at 415nm. The fourth method involves the formation of a yellow complex peaking at 361nm upon the reaction of the drug with iodine in chloroform. Experimental conditions affecting the color development were studied and optimized. Stoichiometry of the reactions was determined. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures were effectively validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Calibration curves of the formed color products with p-CA, DC, PA and iodine showed good linear relationships over the concentration ranges 24-144, 40-200, 2-20 and 1-8μg/mL respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the assay of sodium valproate in tablets and oral solution dosage forms with good accuracy and precision. Assay results were statistically compared to a reference pharmacopoeial HPLC method where no significant differences were observed between the proposed methods and reference method. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validated spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate based on charge transfer complexation reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belal, Tarek S.; El-Kafrawy, Dina S.; Mahrous, Mohamed S.; Abdel-Khalek, Magdi M.; Abo-Gharam, Amira H.

2016-02-01

This work presents the development, validation and application of four simple and direct spectrophotometric methods for determination of sodium valproate (VP) through charge transfer complexation reactions. The first method is based on the reaction of the drug with p-chloranilic acid (p-CA) in acetone to give a purple colored product with maximum absorbance at 524 nm. The second method depends on the reaction of VP with dichlone (DC) in dimethylformamide forming a reddish orange product measured at 490 nm. The third method is based upon the interaction of VP and picric acid (PA) in chloroform resulting in the formation of a yellow complex measured at 415 nm. The fourth method involves the formation of a yellow complex peaking at 361 nm upon the reaction of the drug with iodine in chloroform. Experimental conditions affecting the color development were studied and optimized. Stoichiometry of the reactions was determined. The proposed spectrophotometric procedures were effectively validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Calibration curves of the formed color products with p-CA, DC, PA and iodine showed good linear relationships over the concentration ranges 24-144, 40-200, 2-20 and 1-8 μg/mL respectively. The proposed methods were successfully applied to the assay of sodium valproate in tablets and oral solution dosage forms with good accuracy and precision. Assay results were statistically compared to a reference pharmacopoeial HPLC method where no significant differences were observed between the proposed methods and reference method.

Hyposmotic stimulation-induced nitric oxide production in outer hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea.

PubMed

Takeda-Nakazawa, Hiroko; Harada, Narinobu; Shen, Jing; Kubo, Nobuo; Zenner, Hans-Peter; Yamashita, Toshio

2007-08-01

Nitric oxide (NO) production during hyposmotic stimulation in outer hair cells (OHCs) of the guinea pig cochlea was investigated using the NO sensitive dye DAF-2. Simultaneous measurement of the cell length and NO production showed rapid hyposmotic-induced cell swelling to precede NO production in OHCs. Hyposmotic stimulation failed to induce NO production in the Ca2+-free solution. L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific NO synthase inhibitor and gadolinium, a stretch-activated channel blocker inhibited the hyposmotic stimulation-induced NO production whereas suramin, a P2 receptor antagonist did not. S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor inhibited the hyposmotic stimulation-induced increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]i) while L-NAME enhanced it. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase and KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) mimicked effects of L-NAME on the Ca2+ response. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), an osmo- and mechanosensitive channel was expressed in the OHCs by means of immunohistochemistry. 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a TRPV4 synthetic activator, induced NO production in OHCs. These results suggest that hyposmotic stimulation can induce NO production by the [Ca2+]i increase, which is presumably mediated by the activation of TRPV4 in OHCs. NO conversely inhibits the Ca2+ response via the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway by a feedback mechanism.

Hyposmotic stimulation-induced nitric oxide production in outer hair cells of the guinea pig cochlea.

PubMed

Takeda-Nakazawa, Hiroko; Harada, Narinobu; Shen, Jing; Kubo, Nobuo; Zenner, Hans-Peter; Yamashita, Toshio

2007-05-01

Nitric oxide (NO) production during hyposmotic stimulation in outer hair cells (OHCs) of the guinea pig cochlea was investigated using the NO sensitive dye DAF-2. Simultaneous measurement of the cell length and NO production showed rapid hyposmotic-induced cell swelling to precede NO production in OHCs. Hyposmotic stimulation failed to induce NO production in the Ca(2+)-free solution. L-N(G)-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a non-specific NO synthase inhibitor and gadolinium, a stretch-activated channel blocker inhibited the hyposmotic stimulation-induced NO production whereas suramin, a P2 receptor antagonist did not. S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), a NO donor inhibited the hyposmotic stimulation-induced increase in the intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)) while L-NAME enhanced it. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3a]quinoxalin-1-one, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase and KT5823, an inhibitor of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) mimicked effects of L-NAME on the Ca(2+) response. Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), an osmo- and mechanosensitive channel was expressed in the OHCs by means of immunohistochemistry. 4alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, a TRPV4 synthetic activator, induced NO production in OHCs. These results suggest that hyposmotic stimulation can induce NO production by the [Ca(2+)](i) increase, which is presumably mediated by the activation of TRPV4 in OHCs. NO conversely inhibits the Ca(2+) response via the NO-cGMP-PKG pathway by a feedback mechanism.

Transmittance of selected nanostructurized solar glasses designated via relative change in electrical parameters of silicon solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pociask-Bialy, Malgorzata; Kalwas, Kornelia

2017-01-01

Photovoltaics is one of the most promising technologies for electricity production. In the future, photovoltaics could be an effective and safe source of energy. In this work were present the results of the analysis of a special solar glasses transmissivity coefficient used as protective cover of photovoltaic cell. Antireflective glass due to its unique physical properties eliminate reflections and significantly increasing light transmission. The study of the relative change in the electrical parameters of photovoltaic cells ,with and without coats, as open-circuit current ISC and the maximum power point MPP are presented in this paper. Research were undertaken with using the solar simulator QuickSun130CA, Class AAA+, under Standard Test Conditions.

Effects of microbial phytase on apparent and standardized total tract digestibility of calcium in calcium supplements fed to growing pigs.

PubMed

González-Vega, J C; Walk, C L; Stein, H H

2015-05-01

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that differences in the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Ca exist among Ca supplements and that inclusion of microbial phytase increases the ATTD and STTD of Ca. One hundred and four growing barrows (average initial BW of 17.73 ± 2.53 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 13 dietary treatments and 8 pigs per treatment. A basal diet containing corn, cornstarch, potato protein isolate, soybean oil, calcium carbonate, monosodium phosphate, vitamins, and minerals was formulated. Five additional diets were formulated by adding monocalcium phosphate (MCP), dicalcium phosphate (DCP), calcium carbonate, Lithothamnium calcareum Ca, or a high-Ca sugar beet co-product to the basal diet at the expense of cornstarch. Six additional diets that were similar to the previous 6 diets with the exception that they also contained 500 units per kilogram of microbial phytase were also formulated. A Ca-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of Ca. Feces were collected using the marker-to-marker approach. Results indicated that regardless of inclusion of microbial phytase, MCP had the greatest (P < 0.05) ATTD and STTD of Ca. The ATTD and STTD of Ca in DCP were greater (P < 0.05) than in calcium carbonate, L. calcareumC a, or in the sugar beet co-product, but no differences were observed among the ATTD and STTD of Ca in calcium carbonate, L. calcareum Ca, or sugar beet co-product. Inclusion of microbial phytase increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD and STTD of Ca in the diets, but this was not the case in the Ca supplements. Regardless of inclusion of microbial phytase, the ATTD of P was greater ( P< 0.05) in pigs fed basal, MCP, or DCP diets than in pigs fed calcium carbonate, L. calcareum Ca, or the sugar beet co-product, but pigs fed calcium carbonate diets had greater ( P< 0.05) ATTD of P than pigs fed L. calcareumCa or the sugar beet co-product. Regardless of Ca source, inclusion of microbial phytase increased (P < 0.001) the ATTD of P. In conclusion, MCP has the greatest ATTD and STTD of Ca among the calcium supplements used in this experiment, followed by DCP. Basal, MCP, and DCP diets had greater ATTD of P than the other diets, and inclusion of microbial phytase increased the ATTD and STTD of Ca and the ATTD of P in the diets.

Modulation of Candida albicans virulence by bacterial biofilms on titanium surfaces.

PubMed

Cavalcanti, Yuri Wanderley; Wilson, Melanie; Lewis, Michael; Del-Bel-Cury, Altair Antoninha; da Silva, Wander José; Williams, David W

2016-01-01

Whilst Candida albicans occurs in peri-implant biofilms, its role in peri-implantitis remains unclear. This study therefore examined the virulence of C. albicans in mixed-species biofilms on titanium surfaces. Biofilms of C. albicans (Ca), C. albicans with streptococci (Streptococcus sanguinis, S. mutans) (Ca-Ss-Sm) and those incorporating Porphyromonas gingivalis (Ca-Pg and Ca-Ss-Sm-Pg) were developed. Expression of C. albicans genes associated with adhesion (ALS1, ALS3, HWP1) and hydrolytic enzymes (SAP2, SAP4, SAP6, PLD1) was measured and hyphal production by C. albicans quantified. Compared with Ca biofilms, significant (p<0.05) up-regulation of ALS3, HWP1, SAP2 and SAP6, and hyphal production occurred in biofilms containing streptococci (Ca-Ss-Sm). In Ca-Pg biofilms, down-regulation of HWP1 and SAP4 expression, with reduced hyphal production occurred. Ca-Ss-Sm-Pg biofilms had increased hyphal proportions and up-regulation of ALS3, SAP2 and SAP6. In conclusion, C. albicans expressed virulence factors in biofilms that could contribute to peri-implantitis, but this was dependent on associated bacterial species.

Preparation and characterizaton of CaO nanoparticle for biodiesel production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Jharna; Agarwal, Madhu

2016-04-01

Nanoparticle of CaO from calcium Nitrate (CaO/CaN) and Snail shell (CaO/SS) are successfully synthesized by method as described in the literature and used as an active and stable catalyst for the biodiesel production. These catalysts are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The average crystalline size in nanometer was also calculated by Debye-Scherrer equation. The performance of the CaO/CaN and CaO/SS were tested for their catalytic activity via transesterification process and it was found that biodiesel yield has been increased from 93 to 96%. The optimum conditions for the highest yield were 8wt% catalyst loading, 65°C temperature, 12:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, and 6 h for reaction time. The nano catalyst from snail shell exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability for the transesterification reaction, which suggested that this catalyst would be potentially used as a solid base nano catalyst for biodiesel production. In order to examine the reusability of catalyst developed from snail shell, five transesterification reaction cycles were also performed.

Revisiting carbonate chemistry controls on planktic foraminifera Mg / Ca: implications for sea surface temperature and hydrology shifts over the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Eocene-Oligocene transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evans, David; Wade, Bridget S.; Henehan, Michael; Erez, Jonathan; Müller, Wolfgang

2016-04-01

Much of our knowledge of past ocean temperatures comes from the foraminifera Mg / Ca palaeothermometer. Several nonthermal controls on foraminifera Mg incorporation have been identified, of which vital effects, salinity, and secular variation in seawater Mg / Ca are the most commonly considered. Ocean carbonate chemistry is also known to influence Mg / Ca, yet this is rarely examined as a source of uncertainty, either because (1) precise pH and [CO32-] reconstructions are sparse or (2) it is not clear from existing culture studies how a correction should be applied. We present new culture data of the relationship between carbonate chemistry and Mg / Ca for the surface-dwelling planktic species Globigerinoides ruber and compare our results to data compiled from existing studies. We find a coherent relationship between Mg / Ca and the carbonate system and argue that pH rather than [CO32-] is likely to be the dominant control. Applying these new calibrations to data sets for the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and Eocene-Oligocene transition (EOT) enables us to produce a more accurate picture of surface hydrology change for the former and a reassessment of the amount of subtropical precursor cooling for the latter. We show that pH-adjusted Mg / Ca and δ18O data sets for the PETM are within error of no salinity change and that the amount of precursor cooling over the EOT has been previously underestimated by ˜ 2 °C based on Mg / Ca. Finally, we present new laser-ablation data of EOT-age Turborotalia ampliapertura from St. Stephens Quarry (Alabama), for which a solution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) Mg / Ca record is available (Wade et al., 2012). We show that the two data sets are in excellent agreement, demonstrating that fossil solution and laser-ablation data may be directly comparable. Together with an advancing understanding of the effect of Mg / Casw, the coherent picture of the relationship between Mg / Ca and pH that we outline here represents a step towards producing accurate and quantitative palaeotemperatures using this proxy.

Manganese in the shell of the bivalve Mytilus edulis: Seawater Mn or physiological control?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Freitas, Pedro S.; Clarke, Leon J.; Kennedy, Hilary; Richardson, Christopher A.

2016-12-01

Manganese in the shell calcite of marine bivalves has been suggested to reflect ambient seawater Mn concentrations, thus providing a high-resolution archive of past seawater Mn concentrations. However, a quantitative relationship between seawater Mn and shell Mn/Ca ratios, as well as clear understanding of which process(es) control(s) shell Mn/Ca, are still lacking. Blue mussels, Mytilus edulis, were grown in a one-year duration field experiment in the Menai Strait, U.K., to study the relationship between seawater particulate and dissolved Mn2+ concentrations and shell calcite Mn/Ca ratios. Shell Mn/Ca showed a well-defined intra-annual double-peak, with maximum values during early spring and early summer and low values during autumn and winter. Seawater particulate Mn peaked during winter and autumn, with a series of smaller peaks during spring and summer, whereas dissolved Mn2+ exhibited a marked single maximum during late-spring to early-summer, being low during the remainder of the year. Consequently, neither seawater particulate Mn nor dissolved Mn2+ concentrations explain the intra-annual variation of shell Mn/Ca ratios. A physiological control on shell Mn/Ca ratios is evident from the strong similarity and timing of the double-peaked intra-annual variations of Mn/Ca and shell growth rate (SGR), the latter corresponding to periods of increased metabolic activity (as indicated by respiration rate). It is thus likely that in M. edulis SGR influences shell Mn/Ca by altering the concentration or activity of Mn2+ within the extra-pallial fluid (EPF), by changing the flux of Mn into or the proportion of protein bound Mn within the EPF. By linking shell Mn/Ca ratios to the endogenous and environmental factors that determine growth and metabolic activity, this study helps to explain the lack of a consistent relationship between shell Mn/Ca in marine bivalve shell calcite and seawater particulate and dissolved Mn2+ concentrations. The use of Mn content from M. edulis shell calcite as a proxy for the dissolved and/or particulate Mn concentrations, and thus the biogeochemical processes that control them, remains elusive.

Structure of the skeletal muscle calcium release channel activated with Ca2+ and AMP-PCP.

PubMed Central

Serysheva, I I; Schatz, M; van Heel, M; Chiu, W; Hamilton, S L

1999-01-01

The functional state of the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel is modulated by a number of endogenous molecules during excitation-contraction. Using electron cryomicroscopy and angular reconstitution techniques, we determined the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the skeletal muscle Ca2+ release channel activated by a nonhydrolyzable analog of ATP in the presence of Ca2+. These ligands together produce almost maximum activation of the channel and drive the channel population toward a predominately open state. The resulting 30-A 3D reconstruction reveals long-range conformational changes in the cytoplasmic region that might affect the interaction of the Ca2+ release channel with the t-tubule voltage sensor. In addition, a central opening and mass movements, detected in the transmembrane domain of both the Ca(2+)- and the Ca2+/nucleotide-activated channels, suggest a mechanism for channel opening similar to opening-closing of the iris in a camera diaphragm. PMID:10512814

The effect of gallic acid on cytotoxicity, Ca(2+) homeostasis and ROS production in DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells and CTX TNA2 rat astrocytes.

PubMed

Hsu, Shu-Shong; Chou, Chiang-Ting; Liao, Wei-Chuan; Shieh, Pochuen; Kuo, Daih-Huang; Kuo, Chun-Chi; Jan, Chung-Ren; Liang, Wei-Zhe

2016-05-25

Gallic acid, a polyhydroxylphenolic compound, is widely distributed in various plants, fruits and foods. It has been shown that gallic acid passes into blood brain barrier and reaches the brain tissue of middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. However, the effect of gallic acid on Ca(2+) signaling in glia cells is unknown. This study explored whether gallic acid affected Ca(2+) homeostasis and induced Ca(2+)-associated cytotoxicity in DBTRG-05MG human glioblastoma cells and CTX TNA2 rat astrocytes. Gallic acid (20-40 μM) concentration-dependently induced cytotoxicity and intracellular Ca(2+) level ([Ca(2+)]i) increases in DBTRG-05MG cells but not in CTX TNA2 cells. In DBTRG-05MG cells, the Ca(2+) response was decreased by half by removal of extracellular Ca(2+). In Ca(2+)-containing medium, gallic acid-induced Ca(2+) entry was inhibited by store-operated Ca(2+) channel inhibitors (2-APB, econazole and SKF96365). In Ca(2+)-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished gallic acid-induced [Ca(2+)]i increases. Conversely, incubation with gallic acid also abolished thapsigargin-induced [Ca(2+)]i increases. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122 abolished gallic acid-induced [Ca(2+)]i increases. Gallic acid significantly caused cytotoxicity in DBTRG-05MG cells, which was partially prevented by prechelating cytosolic Ca(2+) with BAPTA-AM. Moreover, gallic acid activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathways that involved ROS production. Together, in DBTRG-05MG cells but not in CTX TNA2 cells, gallic acid induced [Ca(2+)]i increases by causing Ca(2+) entry via 2-APB, econazole and SKF96365-sensitive store-operated Ca(2+) entry, and phospholipase C-dependent release from the endoplasmic reticulum. This Ca(2+) signal subsequently evoked mitochondrial pathways of apoptosis that involved ROS production. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Different Roles of N-Terminal and C-Terminal Domains in Calmodulin for Activation of Bacillus anthracis Edema Factor

PubMed Central

Lübker, Carolin; Dove, Stefan; Tang, Wei-Jen; Urbauer, Ramona J. Bieber; Moskovitz, Jackob; Urbauer, Jeffrey L.; Seifert, Roland

2015-01-01

Bacillus anthracis adenylyl cyclase toxin edema factor (EF) is one component of the anthrax toxin and is essential for establishing anthrax disease. EF activation by the eukaryotic Ca2+-sensor calmodulin (CaM) leads to massive cAMP production resulting in edema. cAMP also inhibits the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-oxidase, thus reducing production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) used for host defense in activated neutrophils and thereby facilitating bacterial growth. Methionine (Met) residues in CaM, important for interactions between CaM and its binding partners, can be oxidized by ROS. We investigated the impact of site-specific oxidation of Met in CaM on EF activation using thirteen CaM-mutants (CaM-mut) with Met to leucine (Leu) substitutions. EF activation shows high resistance to oxidative modifications in CaM. An intact structure in the C-terminal region of oxidized CaM is sufficient for major EF activation despite altered secondary structure in the N-terminal region associated with Met oxidation. The secondary structures of CaM-mut were determined and described in previous studies from our group. Thus, excess cAMP production and the associated impairment of host defence may be afforded even under oxidative conditions in activated neutrophils. PMID:26184312

Calcium-dependent nitric oxide production is involved in the cytoprotective properties of n-acetylcysteine in glycochenodeoxycholic acid-induced cell death in hepatocytes

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

Gonzalez-Rubio, Sandra; Linares, Clara I.; Bello, Rosario I.

The intracellular oxidative stress has been involved in bile acid-induced cell death in hepatocytes. Nitric oxide (NO) exerts cytoprotective properties in glycochenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA)-treated hepatocytes. The study evaluated the involvement of Ca{sup 2+} on the regulation of NO synthase (NOS)-3 expression during N-acetylcysteine (NAC) cytoprotection against GCDCA-induced cell death in hepatocytes. The regulation of Ca{sup 2+} pools (EGTA or BAPTA-AM) and NO (L-NAME or NO donor) production was assessed during NAC cytoprotection in GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The stimulation of Ca{sup 2+} entrance was induced by A23187 in HepG2. Cell death, Ca{sup 2+} mobilization, NOS-1, -2 and -3 expression, AP-1 activation,more » and NO production were evaluated. GCDCA reduced intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration and NOS-3 expression, and enhanced cell death in HepG2. NO donor prevented, and L-NAME enhanced, GCDCA-induced cell death. The reduction of Ca{sup 2+} entry by EGTA, but not its release from intracellular stores by BAPTA-AM, enhanced cell death in GCDCA-treated cells. The stimulation of Ca{sup 2+} entrance by A23187 reduced cell death and enhanced NOS-3 expression in GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The cytoprotective properties of NAC were related to the recovery of intracellular Ca{sup 2+} concentration, NOS-3 expression and NO production induced by GCDCA-treated HepG2 cells. The increase of NO production by Ca{sup 2+}-dependent NOS-3 expression during NAC administration reduces cell death in GCDCA-treated hepatocytes.« less

Seasonal growth and translocation of some major and trace elements in two Mediterranean grasses (Stipa tenacissima Loefl. ex L. and Lygeum spartum Loefl. ex L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nedjimi, Bouzid

2018-05-01

The rangelands of Stipa tenacissima and Lygeum spartum (Poaceae) constitute one of the main typical ecosystems in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa. This study examines the seasonal changes in aboveground biomass accumulation and translocation of some major (Ca and K) and trace elements (Br, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr and Zn) from topsoil to shoots of these perennial grasses. Species, season and their interaction significantly affected the dry biomass (DW) and chemical composition of both species and their surrounding soil. The maximum DW was found in spring due to high physiological activity and was correlated positively with rainfall. A significant relationship between seasons and chemical elements was found. For both species the maximum concentrations of Ca, Cu and Zn were found in spring season. However L. spartum had the highest concentrations of K, Cr, Br, and Sr in autumn season, indicating exceptional ability of these species to accumulate large contents of these elements during the active growth periods. By way of contrast, in the topsoil the highest concentrations of almost all chemical elements were found in summer and autumn. Principal component analyses (PCA) showed that growth of L. spartum was highly associated with K, Ca, Zn, Br and Sr, whereas topsoil was correlated with Cu, Cr, Fe and Mn concentrations. Translocation factor (TFx) of chemical elements was not identical across the two species, demonstrating inter-specific variability to uptake chemical elements. The maximum values of TFx were recorded for K, Ca and Sr especially for L. spartum. To cope with arid conditions, S. tenacissima and L. spartum sprout quickly by increasing their rate of growth and nutrient uptake as soon as soil water is available after the rain.

Covariance Manipulation for Conjunction Assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hejduk, M. D.

2016-01-01

Use of probability of collision (Pc) has brought sophistication to CA. Made possible by JSpOC precision catalogue because provides covariance. Has essentially replaced miss distance as basic CA parameter. Embrace of Pc has elevated methods to 'manipulate' covariance to enable/improve CA calculations. Two such methods to be examined here; compensation for absent or unreliable covariances through 'Maximum Pc' calculation constructs, projection (not propagation) of epoch covariances forward in time to try to enable better risk assessments. Two questions to be answered about each; situations to which such approaches are properly applicable, amount of utility that such methods offer.

Effect of tenderizers combined with organic acids on Escherichia coli O157:H7 thermal resistance in non-intact beef.

PubMed

Yoon, Yohan; Mukherjee, Avik; Belk, Keith E; Scanga, John A; Smith, Gary C; Sofos, John N

2009-07-31

Non-intact beef products include beef cuts that have been ground, mechanically tenderized, restructured, or have been injected with solutions to enhance tenderness and/or flavor. This study examined the effects of tenderizing salts and organic acids on thermal inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a ground beef model system simulating non-intact beef products. Ground beef (95% lean; 700 g batches) was mixed (2 min) with nothing (C) or solutions (22 ml) of water (WA), calcium ascorbate (CaA, 0.86%; wt/wt), calcium chloride (CaC, 0.23%; wt/wt), acetic acid (AA, 0.3%; v/wt), citric acid (CA, 0.2%; wt/wt), NaCl (NA, 0.5%; wt/wt), and mixtures of CaA/NA, CaC/NA, AA/NA, CA/NA, CaA/CaC/NA, CaA/AA/NA, CaA/CA/NA, CaC/AA/NA and CaC/CA/NA. Samples (30 g) were extruded into test tubes, inoculated (7 log CFU/g) with E. coli O157:H7 (5-strain mixture), and stored (4 degrees C) overnight. Samples were then cooked to 60 degrees C or 65 degrees C, in a water bath, to simulate rare or medium-rare doneness of beef, respectively. Weight, fat and moisture losses, total bacterial (tryptic soy agar) and E. coli O157:H7 (modified eosin methylene blue agar, and modified sorbitol MacConkey agar) populations were determined after inoculation, storage, and cooking. Fat and moisture losses were not affected by treatment and temperature, while weight losses increased at 65 degrees C and in acid treated samples (60 degrees C). E. coli O157:H7 survivors were generally lower (P<0.05) in acid treated than non-acid treated samples. Pathogen counts in samples treated with tenderizers (CaA, CaC) and NA were not different (P> or =0.05) than those of control samples. Thus, inclusion of organic acids in beef tenderizing recipes may help in thermal inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 that may been transferred to the interior of non-intact products during their production.

Effect of Ca addition on the damping capacity of Mg-Al-Zn casting alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jun, Joong-Hwan; Moon, Jung-Hyun

2015-07-01

The influences of Ca addition on the microstructures and damping capacities of AZ91-(0˜2)%Ca casting alloys were investigated, on the basis of the results of X-ray diffractometry, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and vibration tests in a single cantilever mode. The amount of intermetallic compounds decreased with increasing Ca content up to 0.5%, above which it increased; the average cell size showed the opposite tendency. All alloys exhibited similar damping levels in the strain-amplitude independent region. Considering the very low solubility of Ca in the matrix, and that most of the Ca elements are consumed by the formation of the Al2Ca phase and incorporation into the Mg17Al12 phase, this would be ascribed to the almost identical concentrations of Ca solutes distributed in the matrix. In the strain-amplitude dependent region, however, the AZ91-0.5%Ca alloy possessed the maximum damping capacity. From the viewpoint of microstructural evolution with Ca addition, the number density of compound particles is considered to be the principal factor affecting the damping behavior in the strain-amplitude dependent region.

Important role of calcium chloride in preventing carbon monoxide generation during desflurane degradation with alkali hydroxide-free carbon dioxide absorbents.

PubMed

Ando, Takahiro; Mori, Atsushi; Ito, Rie; Nishiwaki, Kimitoshi

2017-12-01

We investigated whether calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ), a supplementary additive in carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) absorbents, could affect carbon monoxide (CO) production caused by desflurane degradation, using a Japanese alkali-free CO 2 absorbent Yabashi Lime ® -f (YL-f), its CaCl 2 -free and 1% CaCl 2 -added derivatives, and other commercially available alkali-free absorbents with or without CaCl 2 . The reaction between 1 L of desflurane gas (3-10%) and 20 g of desiccated specimen was performed in an artificial closed-circuit anesthesia system for 3 min at 20 or 40 °C. The CO concentration was measured using a gas chromatograph equipped with a semiconductor sensor detector. The systems were validated by detecting dose-dependent CO production with an alkali hydroxide-containing CO 2 absorbent, Sodasorb ® . Compared with YL-f, the CaCl 2 -free derivative caused the production of significantly more CO, while the 1% CaCl 2 -added derivative caused the production of a comparable amount of CO. These phenomena were confirmed using commercially available absorbents AMSORB ® PLUS, an alkali-free absorbent with CaCl 2 , and LoFloSorb™, an alkali-free absorbent without CaCl 2 . These results suggest that CaCl 2 plays an important role in preventing CO generation caused by desflurane degradation with alkali hydroxide-free CO 2 absorbents like YL-f.

Towards validation of the Canadian precipitation analysis (CaPA) for hydrologic modeling applications in the Canadian Prairies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boluwade, Alaba; Zhao, K.-Y.; Stadnyk, T. A.; Rasmussen, P.

2018-01-01

This study presents a three-step validation technique to compare the performance of the Canadian Precipitation Analysis (CaPA) product relative to actual observation as a hydrologic forcing in regional watershed simulation. CaPA is an interpolated (6 h or 24 h accumulation) reanalysis precipitation product in near real time covering all of North America. The analysis procedure involves point-to-point (P2P) and map-to-map (M2M) comparisons, followed by proxy validation using an operational version of the WATFLOOD™ hydrologic model from 2002 to 2005 in the Lake Winnipeg Basin (LWB), Canada. The P2P technique using a Bayesian change point analysis shows that CaPA corresponds with actual observations (Canadian daily climate data, CDCD), on both an annual and seasonal basis. CaPA has the same spatial pattern, dependency and autocorrelation properties as CDCD pixel by pixel (M2M). When used as hydrologic forcing in WATFLOOD™, results indicate that CaPA is a reliable product for water resource modeling and predictions, but that the quality of CaPA data varies annually and seasonally, as does the quality of observations. CaPA proved most beneficial as a hydrologic forcing during winter seasons where observation quality is the lowest. Reanalysis products, such as CaPA, can be a reliable option in sparse network areas, and is beneficial for regional governments when the cost of new weather stations is prohibitive.

OxLDL enhances L-type Ca2+ currents via lysophosphatidylcholine-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

PubMed

Fearon, Ian M

2006-03-01

To examine the mechanisms underlying oxidised LDL- (oxLDL)-induced alterations in Ca(2+) currents, an effect which underlies altered vascular contractility and cardiac myocyte function. Ca(2+) currents (I(Ca)) were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp in HEK293 cells expressing L-type Ca(2+) channel alpha(1C) subunits or isolated rat ventricular myocytes. oxLDL (but not native LDL) significantly enhanced recombinant I(Ca), an effect mimicked by 1 microM lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC). LPC failed to enhance I(Ca) either in mitochondrial electron transport chain-depleted rho(0) cells, or in the presence of rotenone (1 microM), or MPP(+) (10 microM). The LPC response was similarly ablated by ascorbate (200 microM) or TROLOX (500 microM) and by the mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, MitoQ (250 nM). In myocytes, enhancement of I(Ca) due to LPC was similarly abrogated with rotenone and MitoQ. These data suggest that LPC enhanced recombinant Ca(2+) currents due to increased mitochondrial ROS production. In support with this, LPC enhanced fluorescence in HEK293 cells and cardiac myocytes loaded with a ROS-sensitive mitochondrial dye, reduced mitotracker red. LPC up-regulates L-type Ca(2+) currents due to altered mitochondrial ROS production, an effect which mediates the response of the native I(Ca) in cardiac myocytes to oxLDL.

Toxicity and removal efficiency of pharmaceutical metabolite clofibric acid by Typha spp.--potential use for phytoremediation?

PubMed

Dordio, Ana V; Duarte, Cátia; Barreiros, Margarida; Carvalho, A J Palace; Pinto, A P; da Costa, Cristina Teixeira

2009-02-01

A study was conducted to assess Typha spp.'s ability to withstand and remove, from water, a metabolite of blood lipid regulator drugs, clofibric acid (CA). At a concentration of 20 microg L(-1), Typha had removed >50% of CA within the first 48h, reaching a maximum of 80% by the end of the assay. Experimental conditions assured that photodegradation, adsorption to vessel walls and microbial degradation did not contribute to the removal. Exposure to higher CA concentrations did not affect Typha's photosynthetic pigments but the overall increase in enzyme activity (ascorbate and guaiacol peroxidases, catalase, superoxide dismutase) indicates that both roots and leaves were affected by the xenobiotic. Eventually, Typha seemed able to cope with the CA's induced oxidative damage suggesting its ability for phytoremediation of CA contaminated waters.

Association between ROS production, swelling and the respirasome integrity in cardiac mitochondria.

PubMed

Jang, Sehwan; Javadov, Sabzali

2017-09-15

Although mitochondrial Ca 2+ overload and ROS production play a critical role in mitochondria-mediated cell death, a cause-effect relationship between them remains elusive. This study elucidated the crosstalk between mitochondrial swelling, ROS production, and electron transfer chain (ETC) supercomplexes in rat heart mitochondria in response to Ca 2+ and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH), a lipid-soluble organic peroxide. Results showed that ROS production induced by TBH was significantly increased in the presence of Ca 2+ in a dose-dependent manner. TBH markedly inhibited the state 3 respiration rate with no effect on the mitochondrial swelling. Ca 2+ exerted a slight effect on mitochondrial respiration that was greatly aggravated by TBH. Analysis of supercomplexes revealed a minor difference in the presence of TBH and/or Ca 2+ . However, incubation of mitochondria in the presence of high Ca 2+ (1 mM) or inhibitors of ETC complexes (rotenone and antimycin A) induced disintegration of the main supercomplex, respirasome. Thus, PTP-dependent swelling of mitochondria solely depends on Ca 2+ but not ROS. TBH has no effect on the respirasome while Ca 2+ induces disintegration of the supercomplex only at a high concentration. Intactness of individual ETC complexes I and III is important for maintenance of the structural integrity of the respirasome. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Spatially Explicit Models of Carbon and Alkalinity Cycling in the Coastal Oceans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Mara, N. A.; Dunne, J. P.

2016-12-01

Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) production, dissolution, and preservation are strongly influenced by seawater temperature and carbon chemistry and thus play a key role in the global carbon cycle and are highly susceptible to influence by climate change. Coastal and continental shelf (neritic) environments have been estimated to account for more than half of all CaCO3 accumulation in ocean sediment globally. Unfortunately, current neritic CaCO3 budgets are muddled with assumptions of the spatial extent of various communities, rely on long term averages rather than deterministic relationships for production rates, and therefore have little predictive power for quantifying the impact of climate change on this system. Current biogeochemical components of globally coupled earth system models include open ocean pelagic CaCO3 production and deep sea preservation (0.130 PgC yr-1), but do not resolve nearshore pelagic or benthic production. Here, a 1° spatially explicit model for determining CaCO3 accumulation in neritic sediments is developed. Globally gridded observational, satellite, and benthic community area data are used to calculate rates of benthic and pelagic community CaCO3 production and preservation using a set of equations sensitive to temperature, carbonate saturation state, light availability, and nutrients. Accumulation rates (PgC yr-1) of four neritic zone environments are calculated: coral reefs and banks (0.075), seagrass dominated embayments (0.043), carbonate rich shelves (0.042), and carbonate poor shelves (0.0007). This analysis corroborates previous budget predictions of total neritic CaCO3 accumulation (0.160) and additionally supports the hypothesis that benthic CaCO3 production (0.151) in coastal water greatly exceeds pelagic production (0.009). However, results additionally suggest that erroneous assumptions about spatial extent of neritic communities have led to overestimations of coral reef and under estimations of embayment accumulation rates in the past.

Estimation of the solar Lyman alpha flux from ground based measurements of the Ca II K line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rottman, G. J.; Livingston, W. C.; White, O. R.

1990-01-01

Measurements of the solar Lyman alpha and Ca II K from October 1981 to April 1989 show a strong correlation (r = 0.95) that allows estimation of the Lyman alpha flux at 1 AU from 1975 to December 1989. The estimated Lyman alpha strength of 3.9 x 10 to the 11th + or - 0.15 x 10 to the 11th photons/s sq cm on December 7, 1989 is at the same maximum levels seen in Cycle 21. Relative to other UV surrogates (sunspot number, 10.7 cm radio flux, and He I 10830 line strength), Lyman alpha estimates computed from the K line track the SME measurements well from solar maximum, through solar minimum, and into Cycle 22.

Production of nattokinase by batch and fed-batch culture of Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Cho, Young-Han; Song, Jae Yong; Kim, Kyung Mi; Kim, Mi Kyoung; Lee, In Young; Kim, Sang Bum; Kim, Hyeon Shup; Han, Nam Soo; Lee, Bong Hee; Kim, Beom Soo

2010-09-30

Nattokinase was produced by batch and fed-batch culture of Bacillus subtilis in flask and fermentor. Effect of supplementing complex media (peptone, yeast extract, or tryptone) was investigated on the production of nattokinase. In flask culture, the highest cell growth and nattokinase activity were obtained with 50 g/L of peptone supplementation. In this condition, nattokinase activity was 630 unit/ml at 12 h. In batch culture of B. subtilis in fermentor, the highest nattokinase activity of 3400 unit/ml was obtained at 10h with 50 g/L of peptone supplementation. From the batch kinetics data, it was shown that nattokinase production was growth-associated and culture should be harvested before stationary phase for maximum nattokinase production. In fed-batch culture of B. subtilis using pH-stat feeding strategy, cell growth (optical density monitored at 600 nm) increased to ca. 100 at 22 h, which was 2.5 times higher than that in batch culture. The highest nattokinase activity was 7100 unit/ml at 19 h, which was also 2.1 times higher than that in batch culture. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Force of crystallisation-development during CaO hydration: theory vs. experiment and the role of fluid transport

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wolterbeek, Tim; van Noort, Reinier; Spiers, Chris

2017-04-01

When chemical reactions that involve an increase in solid volume proceed in a confined space, this may under certain conditions lead to the development of a so-called force of crystallisation (FoC). In other words, reaction can result in stress being exerted on the confining boundaries of the system. In principle, any thermodynamic driving force that is able to produce a supersaturation with respect to a solid product can generate a FoC, as long as precipitation can occur under confined conditions, i.e. within load-bearing grain contacts. Well-known examples of such reactions include salt damage, where supersaturation is caused by evaporation and surface curvature effects, and a wide range of mineral reactions where the solid products comprise a larger volume than the solid reactants. Frost heave, where crystallisation is driven by fluid under-cooling, i.e. temperature change, is a similar process. In a geological context, FoC-development is widely considered to play an important role in pseudomorphic replacement, vein formation, and reaction-driven fracturing. Chemical reactions capable of producing a FoC such as the hydration of CaO (lime), which is thermodynamically capable of producing stresses in the GPa range, also offer obvious engineering potential. Despite this, relatively few studies have been conducted where the magnitude of the FoC is determined directly. Indeed, the maximum stress obtainable by CaO hydration has not been validated or determined experimentally. Here we report uni-axial compaction/expansion experiments performed in an oedometer-type apparatus on pre-compacted CaO powder, at 65 °C and at atmospheric pore fluid pressure. Using this set-up, the FoC generated during CaO hydration could be measured directly. Our results show FoC-induced stresses reaching up to 153 MPa, with the hydration reaction stopping or slowing down significantly before completion. Failure to achieve the GPa stresses predicted by thermodynamic theory is attributed to competition between FoC development and its inhibiting effect on reaction progress. Our microstructural observations indicate that hydration-induced stresses caused the shut-down of pathways for water into the sample, thereby hampering ongoing reaction and limiting the magnitude of stress build-up to the values observed.

[Involvement of interaction between TRPC1 and Orai1 in calcium sensing receptor-mediated calcium influx and nitric oxide generation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells].

PubMed

Wang, La-Mei; Tang, Na; Zhong, Hua; Pang, Li-Juan; Zhang, Chun-Jun; He, Fang

2018-06-25

The present study was to investigate the role of the interaction between canonical transient receptor potential channel 1 (TRPC1) and calcium release-activated calcium modulator 1 (Orai1) in extracellular Ca 2+ -sensing receptor (CaR)-induced extracellular Ca 2+ influx and nitric oxide (NO) production. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with CaR agonist Spermine [activating store-operated calcium channels (SOC) and receptor-operated calcium channels (ROC)] alone or in combination with the following reagents: CaR negative allosteric modulator Calhex231 plus ROC analogue TPA (activating ROC and blocking SOC), Ro31-8220 (PKC inhibitor that activates SOC and blocks ROC) or Go6967 (PKCs and PKCµ inhibitor that activates SOC and blocks ROC). The protein expressions and co-localization of TRPC1 and Orai1 were determined using immunofluorescent staining. The interaction between TRPC1 and Orai1 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. We silenced the expressions of their genes in the HUVECs by transfection of constructed TRPC1 and Orai1 shRNA plasmids. Intracellular Ca 2+ concentration ([Ca 2+ ] i ) was detected using Ca 2+ indicator Fura-2/AM, and NO production was determined by DAF-FM staining. The results showed that TRPC1 and Orai1 protein expressions were co-located on the cell membrane of the HUVECs. Compared with Spermine+Ca 2+ group, Calhex231+ TPA+Spermine+Ca 2+ , Ro31-8220+Spermine+Ca 2+ and Go6976+Spermine+Ca 2+ groups exhibited down-regulated protein expressions of TRPC1 and Orai1 in cytoplasm and decreased co-localization on the cell membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation results showed that the interaction between TRPC1 and Orai1 was reduced by Calhex231 plus TPA, Ro31-8220 or Go6976 addition in the Spermine-stimulated HUVECs. Double knockdown of Trpc1 and Orai1 genes significantly decreased [Ca 2+ ] i level and NO production in all of the Spermine+Ca 2+ , Calhex231+TPA+Spermine+Ca 2+ , Ro31-8220+Spermine+Ca 2+ and Go6976+Spermine+Ca 2+ groups. These results suggest that TRPC1/Orai1 may form a complex that mediates Ca 2+ influx and No production via SOC and ROC activation.

Effect of CaO on the selectivity of N2O decomposition products: A combined experimental and DFT study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Lingnan; Hu, Xiaoying; Qin, Wu; Gao, Pan; Dong, Changqing; Yang, Yongping

2016-09-01

The effect of CaO on N2O decomposition and the selectivity of its decomposition products (NO and N2) was investigated using a fixed-bed flow reactor with varying temperatures from 317 °C to 947 °C. The selectivity of NO from CaO-catalyzed N2O decomposition is much lower than the N2 selectivity with the N2/NO products ratio greater than 12.1. Compared to N2O homogeneous decomposition with the minimum N2/NO products ratio of 6.2 at 718 °C, CaO also decreases the NO selectivity from 718 °C to 947 °C. Density functional theory calculations provide possible N2O decomposition routes on the CaO (1 0 0) surface considering both N2 and NO as N2O decomposition products. The N2 formation route is more favorable than the NO formation route in terms of energy barrier and reaction energy, and NO formation on the CaO (1 0 0) surface is likely to proceed via N2O + Osurf2- → N2 + O2 , surf2- and N2O + O2 , surf2- → 2NO + Osurf2-.

Scale inhibition in geothermal operations: experiments with Dequest 2060 phosphonate in Republic's East Mesa Field

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

Vetter, O.J.; Campbell, D.A.

Two calcium carbonate (CaCO/sub 3/) scale inhibition tests have been performed at East Mesa wells number 16-29 and number 56-30. The first test at well number 16-29 could not be finished due to downhole pump problems. However, two inhibitor concentration runs were completed and a third run started before the pump failed. A follow-up test at well number 56-30 was completed according to the original plan. Typical power plant conditions (i.e., pressure and temperature drops, flow conditions) were simulated by using test loops (pipe diameters of eight inches at well number 16-29 and twelve inches at well number 56-30) andmore » field separators. Untreated East Mesa brine exhibits a calcium carbonate scale tendency as soon as the pressure is dropped below 75 psig. The uninhibited brine from well number 16-29 formed a maximum scale thickness of 0.5 inch in an eight inch ID pipe after a 92.75 hour test run at an average production rate of 375,000 lb/hr. The brine from well number 56-30 formed a maximum scale thickness of 1.25 inches in a twelve inch ID pipe after a 104 hour test run at an average production rate of 722,000 lb/hr. The principal conclusions of this test work are listed.« less

Organic carbon preservation in Southeastern Arabian Sea sediments since mid-Holocene: Implications to South Asian Summer Monsoon variability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagoji, Siddhesh S.; Tiwari, Manish

2017-09-01

The earlier studies show a contrasting long-term trend of the South Asian Summer Monsoon (SASM) after attaining the precessional forcing induced mid-Holocene maximum. The increasing total organic carbon (TOC) concentration of marine sediments in the Southeastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) has been interpreted to imply strengthening SASM since mid-Holocene by a few studies. However, TOC concentration is also influenced by redox conditions, sedimentation rate, and an influx of terrigenous matter depending on the regional settings. So, it needs to be ascertained whether the TOC concentration of the sediments in the SEAS is a signal of productivity related to the SASM strength or preservation. Therefore, we studied multiple proxies (TOC, total nitrogen, atomic C/N, δ13Corg, CaCO3, and major and trace elements concentration) for determining the productivity, redox conditions, detrital supply, and provenance in a sediment core from the upper continental slope of the SEAS spanning the past ˜4700 years at centennial scale resolution. The present study shows that the observed increase in the TOC values since the mid-Holocene is a result of better preservation caused by increased sedimentation rate and enhanced reducing conditions. We further show that the SASM has been declining since mid-Holocene after attaining a precession-forced maximum, which corroborates the earlier model ensemble studies.

Guanosine 5′-monophosphate-chelated calcium and iron feed additives maintains egg production and prevents Salmonella Gallinarum in experimentally infected layers

PubMed Central

Noh, Hye-Ji; Kim, HeeKyong; Heo, Su Jeong; Cho, Hyang Hyun

2017-01-01

We evaluated the effects of guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP)-chelated calcium and iron (CaFe-GMP) on health and egg quality in layers experimentally infected with Salmonella Gallinarum. In this study, a CaFe-GMP feed additive was added to a commercial layer feed and fed to layers over a four-week period. All were inoculated with Salmonella Gallinarum. Body weight, mortality, clinical symptoms, and poultry production including feed intake, egg production, egg loss, and feed conversion rate were observed, and Salmonella Gallinarum was re-isolated from the liver, spleen, and cecum of the layers. All tested internal organs for the CaFe-GMP additive group exhibited significantly lower re-isolation numbers of Salmonella Gallinarum and less severe pathological changes than those in the control group, indicating that the CaFe-GMP feed supplement induced bacterial clearance and increased resistance to Salmonella Gallinarum. Additionally, due to the inhibitory action of CaFe-GMP on the growth of Salmonella Gallinarum, the CaFe-GMP additive group exhibited better egg production, including a higher laying rate and fewer broken eggs. The results suggest that a 0.16% CaFe-GMP additive may help prevent salmonellosis in the poultry industry. PMID:28057911

Differential effects of peroxynitrite on contractile protein properties in fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscle fibers of rat.

PubMed

Dutka, T L; Mollica, J P; Lamb, G D

2011-03-01

Oxidative modification of contractile proteins is thought to be a key factor in muscle weakness observed in many pathophysiological conditions. In particular, peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), a potent short-lived oxidant, is a likely candidate responsible for this contractile dysfunction. In this study ONOO(-) or 3-morpholinosydnonimine (Sin-1, a ONOO(-) donor) was applied to rat skinned muscle fibers to characterize the effects on contractile properties. Both ONOO(-) and Sin-1 exposure markedly reduced maximum force in slow-twitch fibers but had much less effect in fast-twitch fibers. The rate of isometric force development was also reduced without change in the number of active cross bridges. Sin-1 exposure caused a disproportionately large decrease in Ca(2+) sensitivity, evidently due to coproduction of superoxide, as it was prevented by Tempol, a superoxide dismutase mimetic. The decline in maximum force with Sin-1 and ONOO(-) treatments could be partially reversed by DTT, provided it was applied before the fiber was activated. Reversal by DTT indicates that the decrease in maximum force was due at least in part to oxidation of cysteine residues. Ascorbate caused similar reversal, further suggesting that the cysteine residues had undergone S-nitrosylation. The reduction in Ca(2+) sensitivity, however, was not reversed by either DTT or ascorbate. Western blot analysis showed cross-linking of myosin heavy chain (MHC) I, appearing as larger protein complexes after ONOO(-) exposure. The findings suggest that ONOO(-) initially decreases maximum force primarily by oxidation of cysteine residues on the myosin heads, and that the accompanying decrease in Ca(2+) sensitivity is likely due to other, less reversible actions of hydroxyl or related radicals.

Randomized clinical trial of a calcium supplement for improvement of health in dairy cows in early lactation.

PubMed

Miltenburg, Cynthia L; Duffield, Todd F; Bienzle, Dorothee; Scholtz, Elizabeth L; LeBlanc, Stephen J

2016-08-01

Prophylactic Ca supplementation immediately after calving is a common strategy to prevent clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia in parturient dairy cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prophylactic administration of an injected Ca supplement on blood Ca concentration at 24 and 48h after treatment, incidence risk of clinical disease and culling, milk production in early lactation, and probability of pregnancy at first insemination. Cows without signs of visible milk fever (n=984) from 7 farms were blocked by parity and randomly assigned to receive either Ca gluconate (35% wt/vol) in combination with Ca glucoheptonate (10% wt/vol; TheraCalcium, Vétoquinol Canada Inc., Lavaltrie, Quebec) or a placebo (medication vehicle solution with no Ca) at first contact with each cow after calving and again 12 to 24h later. Each dose was 120mL injected subcutaneously over 2 sites. Total serum Ca concentration (tCa) was measured from coccygeal blood samples before (time 0) and 24 and 48h after first treatment in a subsample of cows (n=129). Blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations were measured from all cows twice between 3 and 16d in milk at weekly visits and cows were evaluated for vaginal discharge once between 28 and 42d in milk. Disease events, production data from the first 3 Dairy Herd Improvement milk tests, reproduction, and culling data were collected from each herd. For cows that had received 1 injection of Ca before the blood sample at 24h (n=95), tCa was significantly higher in the treated cows: mean ± standard error, 2.03±0.03 versus 1.90±0.03mmol/L, accounting for tCa at time of enrollment and a treatment by tCa at enrollment interaction. At 48h, no significant difference was found in tCa between treatment and control (mean ± SE, 2.12±0.02 and 2.10±0.03mmol/L, respectively). Cows treated with the Ca product were significantly less likely to have received intravenous, subcutaneous, or oral supplemental Ca for exhibiting clinical signs of hypocalcemia than control cows (5.0 vs. 8.4%). No effect was found of treatment on retained placenta, metritis, hyperketonemia, prevalence of purulent vaginal discharge, culling from the herd, early lactation production, probability of pregnancy to first artificial insemination, or time to pregnancy. With this subcutaneous prophylactic Ca treatment regimen, blood Ca levels were temporarily increased at 24h after treatment, but no effect was observed of supplemental Ca on the risk of disease or culling, milk production, or reproductive performance. Copyright © 2016 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Optic Disk Measurement by OCT on Early Diagnosis of Glaucoma.

PubMed

Hua, Zanmei; Fang, Qiuyun; Sha, Xiangyin; Yang, Ruiming; Hong, Zuopeng

2015-03-01

Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to irreversible optic nerve damage and cause blindness. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) allows an early diagnosis of glaucoma by the measurements of the retinal nerve fiber and optic disc parameters. A retrospective study was designed to analyze the effects of the measurement of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and the optic disc tomography by spectral-domain OCT on the early diagnosis of suspected glaucoma and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). This was a clinical case-control study. The RNFL thickness around the optic disc and optic disk tomographic parameters of the control (n = 51, 98 eyes), suspected glaucoma (n = 81, 146 eyes), and POAG groups (n = 55, 106 eyes) were measured by OCT. The parameters included superior, inferior, nasal and temporal mean RNFL thickness, disc area (DA), cup area (CA), rim area (RA), disc volume (DV), cup volume (CV), rim volume (RV), cup/disc area ratio (CA/DA), rim/disc area ratio (RA/DA), cup/disc volume ratio (CV/DV) and rim/disc volume ratio (RV/DV). Superior, nasal, and mean RNFL parameters, DA, CA,RA, DV, CV, CA/DA, RA/DA, CV/DV and RV/DV significantly differed among three groups by single-factorial ANOVA. Inferior and temporal RNFL thickness significantly differed between the control and POAG groups. No significant difference was observed in RV among three groups. In the POAG group, the maximum area under the ROC curve (AROC) of mean RNFL thickness was 0.845. The maximum AROC of optic disk parameters was RA/DA (0.998), followed by CA/DA (0.997). The AROC of CA, RA, CV, and DV were all > 0.900. OCT may serve as a useful diagnostic modality in distinguishing suspected glaucoma from POAG.

Effects of Food on the Pharmacokinetics of Omega-3-Carboxylic Acids in Healthy Japanese Male Subjects: A Phase I, Randomized, Open-label, Three-period, Crossover Trial.

PubMed

Shimada, Hitoshi; Nilsson, Catarina; Noda, Yoshinori; Kim, Hyosung; Lundström, Torbjörn; Yajima, Toshitaka

2017-09-01

Omega-3-carboxylic acids (OM3-CA) contain omega-3 free fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as carboxylic acids. Food intake is known to affect the bioavailability of ethyl ester fatty acid formulations. We conducted a phase I study to investigate the effects of the timing of OM3-CA administration relative to food intake on the pharmacokinetics of EPA and DHA. In this randomized, open-label, three-period crossover study, Japanese healthy male subjects were administered 4×1 g OM3-CA capsules with continued fasting, before a meal, or after a meal. All subjects fasted for ≥10 h prior to drug/meal administration. The primary objective was to examine the effect of meal timing on the pharmacokinetics of EPA and DHA after OM3-CA administration. The secondary objectives were to examine the safety and tolerability of OM3-CA. A total of 42 Japanese subjects was enrolled in the study. The baseline-adjusted maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 72 h for EPA, DHA, and EPA +DHA were lower in the fasting and before meal conditions than in the after meal condition. The maximum total EPA, total DHA, and total EPA+DHA concentrations were reached later when administered in fasting conditions than in fed conditions, indicating slower absorption in fasting conditions. Diarrhea was reported by five, six, and no subjects in the fasting, before meal, and after meal conditions, respectively. The timing of OM3-CA administration relative to food intake influences the systemic bioavailability of EPA and DHA in healthy Japanese male subjects. NCT02372344.

Regulation of insulin secretion from islets of Langerhans rendered permeable by electric discharge

PubMed Central

Yaseen, M. Adel; Pedley, Kevin C.; Howell, Simon L.

1982-01-01

1. High-voltage electric discharge has been used to increase the permeability of B-cells of isolated islets of Langerhans to facilitate studies of the effects of normally impermeable substances on insulin secretion. 2. The application of an intense electric field increased the [14C]sucrose space of the islets from 37.8±3.1% to 86.2±5.2% of their total volume as assessed by 3H2O content. The cells remained permeable for at least 40min. 3. Ultrastructural studies showed no deleterious changes in the structure of the B-cells after discharge. 4. Insulin secretion from normal islets was unaffected by increasing the medium [Ca2+] from 10nm to 10μm. In the islets that had been rendered permeable by discharge, insulin secretion was significantly increased under these conditions, without any alteration in the release of lactate dehydrogenase, a cytoplasmic marker enzyme. 5. Studies of the dynamics of insulin release during perifusion showed that the response to increased (10μm) Ca2+ concentration was rapid and sustained over a period of at least 13min. 6. Secretion responses to Ca2+ in perifusion established that maximum release in permeabilized islets occurs at approx. 1μm-Ca2+ and half-maximum release occurs at approx. 0.6μm-Ca2+. 7. The study of the effect of agents that interfere with the microtubular microfilamentous system in B-cells using a perifusion system revealed that cytochalasin B caused a considerable increase, whereas vinblastine sulphate caused a significant inhibition, in insulin release in response to 1μm-Ca2+. 8. This technique should facilitate the study of the role of normally impermeable ions and metabolic intermediates in the regulation of insulin secretion. ImagesPLATE 1 PMID:6751326

Preparation and characterizaton of CaO nanoparticle for biodiesel production

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

Gupta, Jharna, E-mail: onlinejharna@gmail.com; Agarwal, Madhu, E-mail: madhunaresh@gmail.com

Nanoparticle of CaO from calcium Nitrate (CaO/CaN) and Snail shell (CaO/SS) are successfully synthesized by method as described in the literature and used as an active and stable catalyst for the biodiesel production. These catalysts are characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The average crystalline size in nanometer was also calculated by Debye–Scherrer equation. The performance of the CaO/CaN and CaO/SS were tested for their catalytic activity via transesterification process and it was found that biodiesel yield has been increased from 93 to 96%. The optimum conditions for the highest yield weremore » 8wt% catalyst loading, 65°C temperature, 12:1 methanol/oil molar ratio, and 6 h for reaction time. The nano catalyst from snail shell exhibits excellent catalytic activity and stability for the transesterification reaction, which suggested that this catalyst would be potentially used as a solid base nano catalyst for biodiesel production. In order to examine the reusability of catalyst developed from snail shell, five transesterification reaction cycles were also performed.« less

Consumption of a calcium and vitamin D-fortified food product does not affect iron status during initial military training: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Hennigar, Stephen R; Gaffney-Stomberg, Erin; Lutz, Laura J; Cable, Sonya J; Pasiakos, Stefan M; Young, Andrew J; McClung, James P

2016-02-28

Ca/vitamin D supplementation maintains bone health and decreases stress fracture risk during initial military training (IMT); however, there is evidence that Ca may negatively affect the absorption of other critical micronutrients, particularly Fe. The objective of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was to determine whether providing 2000 mg/d Ca and 25 µg/d vitamin D in a fortified food product during 9 weeks of military training affects Fe status in young adults. Male (n 98) and female (n 54) volunteers enrolled in US Army basic combat training (BCT) were randomised to receive a snack bar with Ca/vitamin D (n 75) or placebo (snack bar without Ca/vitamin D; n 77) and were instructed to consume 2 snack bars/d between meals throughout the training course. Circulating ionised Ca was higher (P0·05) in markers of Fe status between placebo and Ca/vitamin D groups. Collectively, these data indicate that Ca/vitamin D supplementation through the use of a fortified food product consumed between meals does not affect Fe status during IMT.

Synthesis and hydration behavior of calcium zirconium aluminate (Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18}) cement

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

Kang, Eun-Hee; Yoo, Jun-Sang; Kim, Bo-Hye

2014-02-15

Calcium zirconium aluminate (Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18}) cements were prepared by solid state reaction and polymeric precursor methods, and their phase evolution, morphology, and hydration behavior were investigated. In polymeric precursor method, a nearly single phase Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18} was obtained at relatively lower temperature (1200 °C) whereas in solid state reaction, a small amount of CaZrO{sub 3} coexisted with Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18} even at higher temperature (1400 °C). Unexpectedly, Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18} synthesized by polymeric precursor process was the large-sized and rough-shaped powder. The planetary ball milling was employed to control the particle size and shape.more » The hydration behavior of Ca{sub 7}ZrAl{sub 6}O{sub 18} was similar to that of Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6} (C3A), but the hydration products were Ca{sub 3}Al{sub 2}O{sub 6}·6H{sub 2}O (C3AH6) and several intermediate products. Thus, Zr (or ZrO{sub 2}) stabilized the intermediate hydration products of C3A.« less

Synthesis and luminescent properties of spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors

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

Tian, Yue; Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning 116026; Liu, Yu

2012-01-15

Graphical abstract: In this paper, spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were prepared via a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted sonochemical process. Dependence of emission intensity on Sm{sup 3+} ions concentration in the CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphor were also calculated via a nonlinear fitting by using the formula y = ax/(1 + bx{sup c}). Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The samples were prepared via a PVP assisted sonochemical process. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The color coordinates for 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} doped CaWO{sub 4} phosphor were calculated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The D-D interaction is responsible for concentration quenching between Sm{sup 3+} ions. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The critical energy transfer distances (R{sub c}) were obtained.more » -- Abstract: Spindle-like CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors were prepared via a Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted sonochemical process, and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). The XRD results suggested that the prepared samples are single-phase. The FE-SEM images indicated that the prepared CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors are composed of many spindles with maximum average diameter of 150 nm and maximum average length of 500 nm. Under 404 nm excitation, the characteristic emissions corresponding to {sup 4}G{sub 5/2} {yields} {sup 6}H{sub J} (J = 5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) transitions of Sm{sup 3+} in CaWO{sub 4} phosphors were observed. The color coordinates for 1 mol% Sm{sup 3+} doped CaWO{sub 4} phosphor were calculated to be (0.595, 0.404). The fluorescent concentration quenching of Sm{sup 3+} doped spindle-like phosphors was studied based on the Van Uitert's model, and it was found that the electric dipole-dipole (D-D) interaction is the dominant energy transfer mechanism between Sm{sup 3+} ions in the CaWO{sub 4}:Sm{sup 3+} phosphors. The critical energy transfer distance was estimated.« less

Sugarcane straw as a feedstock for xylitol production by Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037.

PubMed

Hernández-Pérez, Andrés Felipe; de Arruda, Priscila Vaz; Felipe, Maria das Graças de Almeida

2016-01-01

Sugarcane straw has become an available lignocellulosic biomass since the progressive introduction of the non-burning harvest in Brazil. Besides keeping this biomass in the field, it can be used as a feedstock in thermochemical or biochemical conversion processes. This makes feasible its incorporation in a biorefinery, whose economic profitability could be supported by integrated production of low-value biofuels and high-value chemicals, e.g., xylitol, which has important industrial and clinical applications. Herein, biotechnological production of xylitol is presented as a possible route for the valorization of sugarcane straw and its incorporation in a biorefinery. Nutritional supplementation of the sugarcane straw hemicellulosic hydrolyzate as a function of initial oxygen availability was studied in batch fermentation of Candida guilliermondii FTI 20037. The nutritional supplementation conditions evaluated were: no supplementation; supplementation with (NH4)2SO4, and full supplementation with (NH4)2SO4, rice bran extract and CaCl2·2H2O. Experiments were performed at pH 5.5, 30°C, 200rpm, for 48h in 125mL Erlenmeyer flasks containing either 25 or 50mL of medium in order to vary initial oxygen availability. Without supplementation, complete consumption of glucose and partial consumption of xylose were observed. In this condition the maximum xylitol yield (0.67gg(-1)) was obtained under reduced initial oxygen availability. Nutritional supplementation increased xylose consumption and xylitol production by up to 200% and 240%, respectively. The maximum xylitol volumetric productivity (0.34gL(-1)h(-1)) was reached at full supplementation and increased initial oxygen availability. The results demonstrated a combined effect of nutritional supplementation and initial oxygen availability on xylitol production from sugarcane straw hemicellulosic hydrolyzate. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Microbiologia. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Consumer Acceptability of Cucumber Pickles Produced by Fermentation in Calcium Chloride Brine for Reduced Environmental Impact.

PubMed

Wilson, Emily M; Johanningsmeier, Suzanne D; Osborne, Jason A

2015-06-01

Fermentation of cucumbers in calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) brine has been proposed as an alternative process to reduce the environmental impact of traditional, high salt fermentations. The objective of this research was to determine whether consumer acceptability of pickle products would be impacted by fermentation and storage of cucumbers in CaCl2 brine. Cucumbers were fermented and stored with 0.1M CaCl2 or 1M sodium chloride (NaCl) in open-air, 3000 gal tanks at a commercial facility and processed into hamburger dill chips containing 0.38M NaCl. Cucumbers fermented in CaCl2 required additional desalting to reduce CaCl2 concentrations to that of current products. Consumers (n = 101) showed no significant preference for pickles from different fermentation treatments, whether stored for 2 mo (P = 0.75) or 8 mo (P = 0.68) prior to processing. In contrast, NaCl fermented pickles were preferred over CaCl2 fermented pickles stored for 10 mo and desalted only once (P < 0.01). A series of preference tests indicated that the taste of CaCl2 was not the factor affecting consumer preference, and the 50% detection threshold of CaCl2 in dill pickle chips was found to be 61.8 ± 7.6 mM, indicating that processors could potentially use CaCl2 fermentations with a single desalting step. Consumer liking of flavor (n = 73) was not influenced by fermentation in CaCl2 or by 23 or 35 mM CaCl2 in finished products (P > 0.05), but variability in texture decreased consumer liking (P < 0.05). Although promising, individual fermentation variability and texture quality of CaCl2 fermented products should be further evaluated prior to broad implementation of this process. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Reverse ion exchange as a major process controlling the groundwater chemistry in an arid environment: a case study from northwestern Saudi Arabia.

PubMed

Zaidi, Faisal K; Nazzal, Yousef; Jafri, Muhammad Kamran; Naeem, Muhammad; Ahmed, Izrar

2015-10-01

Assessment of groundwater quality is of utmost significance in arid regions like Saudi Arabia where the lack of present-day recharge and high evaporation rates coupled with increasing groundwater withdrawal may restrict its usage for domestic or agricultural purposes. In the present study, groundwater samples collected from agricultural farms in Hail (15 samples), Al Jawf (15 samples), and Tabuk (30 samples) regions were analyzed for their major ion concentration. The objective of the study was to determine the groundwater facies, the main hydrochemical process governing the groundwater chemistry, the saturation index with respect to the principal mineral phases, and the suitability of the groundwater for irrigational use. The groundwater samples fall within the Ca-Cl type, mixed Ca-Mg-Cl type, and Na-Cl type. Evaporation and reverse ion exchange appear to be the major processes controlling the groundwater chemistry though reverse ion exchange process is the more dominating factor. The various ionic relationships confirmed the reverse ion exchange process where the Ca and Mg in the aquifer matrix have been replaced by Na at favorable exchange sites. This phenomenon has accounted for the dominance of Ca and Mg ions over Na ion at all the sites. The process of reverse ion exchange was further substantiated by the use of modified Piper diagram (Chadha's classification) and the chloro-alkaline indices. Evaporation as a result of extreme aridity has resulted in the groundwater being oversaturated with aragonite/calcite and dolomite as revealed by the saturation indices. The groundwater samples were classified as safe (less than 10) in terms of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) values, good (less than 1.25) in terms of residual sodium carbonate (RSC) values, and safe to moderate (between 0 and 3) in terms of Mg hazard for irrigation purposes. Though the high salinity groundwater in the three regions coupled with low SAR values are good for the soil structure, it can have a negative impact on the crop production by adversely affecting the crop physiology. Cultivation of high-salinity-resistant varieties of crops is recommended for maximum agricultural productivity.

Bio-oil from cassava peel: a potential renewable energy source.

PubMed

Ki, Ong Lu; Kurniawan, Alfin; Lin, Chun Xiang; Ju, Yi-Hsu; Ismadji, Suryadi

2013-10-01

In this work, liquid biofuel (bio-oil) was produced by pyrolizing cassava peel. The experiments were conducted isothermally in a fixed-bed tubular reactor at temperatures ranging from 400 to 600°C with a heating rate of 20°C/min. The chemical compositions of bio-oil were analyzed by a gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. For the optimization of liquid product, temperature was plotted to be the most decisive factor. The maximum yield of bio-oil ca. 51.2% was obtained at 525°C and the biofuel has a gross calorific value of 27.43 MJ/kg. The kinetic-based mechanistic model fitted well with experimental yield of pyrolysis products with the mean squared error (MSE) of 13.37 (R(2)=0.96) for solid (char), 16.24 (R(2)=0.95) for liquid (bio-oil), and 0.49 (R(2)=0.99) for gas. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting the photoproduction of ammonia from dinitrogen and water by the cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain ATCC 33047.

PubMed

Ramos, J L; Guerrero, M G; Losada, M

1987-04-01

Synthesis of ammonia from dinitrogen and water by suspensions of Anabaena sp. Strain ATCC 33047 treated with the glutamine synthetase inhibitor L-methionine-D,L-sulfoximine is strictly dependent on light. Under otherwise optimal conditions, the yield of ammonia production is influenced by irradiance, as well as by the density, depth, and turbulence of the cell suspension. The interaction among these factors seems to determine the actual amount of light available to each single cell or filament in the suspension for the photoproduction process. Under convenient illumination, the limiting factor in the synthesis of ammonia seems to be the cellular nitrogenase activity level, but under limiting light conditions the limiting factor could, however, be the assimilatory power required for nitrogen fixation. Photosynthetic ammonia production from atmospheric nitrogen and water can operate with an efficiency of ca. 10% of its theoretical maximum, representing a remarkable process for the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.

Two dimensional Z-scheme AgCl/Ag/CaTiO3 nano-heterojunctions for photocatalytic hydrogen production enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Ziyuan; Pan, Jiaqi; Wang, Beibei; Li, Chaorong

2018-04-01

The two dimensional(2D) Z-scheme AgCl/Ag/Ca/TiO3 nano-heterojunction is synthesized via simple preparation of hydrothermal-chemical co-deposition method. The results of SEM, EDS, elemental mapping, XRD, TEM, XPS and Raman shift imply that the AgCl/Ag nanoparticles have deposited on the surfaces of CaTiO3 nanosheets successfully. Compared with the unmodified samples, the photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared 2D AgCl/Ag/CaTiO3 nano-heterojunction exhibits a remarkable enhancement by the hydrogen production. Further, the photocatalytic process has been studied and the mechanism of the photocatalytic hydrogen production enhancement has been provided, which could be ascribed to the Z-scheme heterojunction and 2D lamellar structure of the CaTiO3.

Trichloroethylene decomposition and in-situ dry sorption of Cl-products by calcium oxides prepared from hydrated limes.

PubMed

Gotoh, Yoshimi; Iwata, Goichi; Choh, Kyaw; Kubota, Mitsuhiro; Matsuda, Hitoki

2011-10-01

A comparison of CaOs produced by calcining two types of hydrated lime and calcium carbonate was made for decomposition of trichloroethylene and in-situ dry sorption of the decomposed Cl-products using a lab-scale gas flow type tubular packed bed reactor. About 20 mg of CaO sample was mixed with about 2 g of Al2O3 particles and packed in the reactor and allowed to react with a flowing standard gas containing 500 ppm of C2HCl3 (N2 balance) at 673 and 873 K, under the condition that the reaction of CaO with C2HCl3 might be completed within a few hours. It was found that no thermal decomposition of C2HCl3 at or below 673 K was observed in a reactor packed only with Al2O3 particles. However, a considerable amount of decomposition of C2HCl3 was obtained in a reactor packed with CaO and Al2O3, even at 673 K. For 1 mol of CaO prepared by calcining highly reactive Ca(OH)2 at 673 K, decomposition of 0.42 mol of C2HCl3 and in-situ absorption product of 0.53 mol of CaCl2 were obtained. At 873 K, about 46% of C2HCl3 was thermally decomposed. The total amount of C2HCl3 decomposed in CaO-Al2O3 particle bed at 873 K became nearly twice larger than that at 673 K. For 1 mol of CaO prepared by calcining highly reactive Ca(OH)2 at 873 K, decomposition of 0.59 mol of C2HCl3 and in-situ absorption product of 0.67 mol of CaCl2 were obtained. Small amounts of C2Cl2, C2Cl4, CCl4, etc. were detected during decomposition of C2HCl3 at 673 and 873 K. It was recognized that the data on decomposition of C2HCl3 as well as in-situ dry sorption of Cl-products in CaO particle bed were correlated with specific surface area of the CaO employed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Production of fine calcium powders by centrifugal atomization with rotating quench bath

DOE PAGES

Tian, Liang; Ames Lab. and Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA; Anderson, Iver; ...

2016-02-08

Recently, a novel Al/Ca composite was produced by severe plastic deformation of Al powders and Ca granules for possible use as a high-voltage power transmission conductor. Since the strength of such composites is inversely proportional to the Ca filament size, fine Ca powders (less than ~250 μm) are needed to achieve the desired high strength for the powder metallurgy production of an Al-matrix composite reinforced by nano-scale Ca filaments. However, fine Ca powders are not commercially available. Therefore, we have developed a method to produce fine Ca powders via centrifugal atomization to supply Ca powder for prototype development of Al/Camore » composite conductor. A secondary goal of the project was to demonstrate that Ca powder can be safely prepared, stored, and handled and could potentially be scaled for commercial production. Our results showed that centrifugal atomization can yield as much as 83 vol. % Ca powder particles smaller than 250 μm. The mean particle size sometimes matches, sometimes deviates substantially from the predictions of the Champagne & Anger equation likely due to unexpected secondary atomization. The particle size distribution is typical for a ligament-disintegration atomization mode. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the morphology of these Ca powders varied with powder size. Spark testing and auto-ignition tests indicated that the atomized powders were difficult to ignite, providing confidence that this material can be handled safely in air.« less

Isolation of a lead tolerant novel bacterial species, Achromobacter sp. TL-3: assessment of bioflocculant activity.

PubMed

Batta, Neha; Subudhi, Sanjukta; Lal, Banwari; Devi, Arundhuti

2013-11-01

Lead is one of the four heavy metals that has a profound damaging effects on human health. In the recent past there has been an increasing global concern for development of sustainable bioremediation technologies for detoxification of lead contaminant. Present investigation highlights for lead biosorption by a newly isolated novel bacterial species; Achromobacter sp. TL-3 strain, isolated from activated sludge samples contaminated with heavy metals (collected from oil refinery, Assam, North-East India). For isolation of lead tolerant bacteria, sludge samples were enriched into Luria Broth medium supplemented separately with a range of lead nitrate; 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 ppm respectively. The bacterial consortium that could tolerate 1500 ppm of lead nitrate was selected further for purification of lead tolerant bacterial isolates. Purified lead tolerant bacterial isolates were then eventually inoculated into production medium supplemented with ethanol and glycerol as carbon and energy source to investigate for bioflocculant production. Bioflocculant production was estimated by monitoring the potential of lead tolerant bacterial isolate to flocculate Kaolin clay in presence of 1% CaCl2. Compared to other isolates, TL-3 isolate demonstrated for maximum bioflocculant activity of 95% and thus was identified based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. TL3 isolate revealed maximum homology (98%) with Achromobacter sp. and thus designated as Achromobacter sp. TL-3. Bioflocculant activity of TL-3 isolate was correlated with the change in pH and growth. Achromobacter sp. TL-3 has significant potential for lead biosorption and can be effectively employed for detoxification of lead contaminated waste effluents/waste waters.

Holocene temperature variations at a high-altitude site in the Eastern Alps: a chironomid record from Schwarzsee ob Sölden, Austria

PubMed Central

Ilyashuk, Elena A.; Koinig, Karin A.; Heiri, Oliver; Ilyashuk, Boris P.; Psenner, Roland

2011-01-01

Few well-dated, quantitative Holocene temperature reconstructions exist from high-altitude sites in the Central Eastern Alps. Here, we present a chironomid-based quantitative reconstruction of mean July air temperatures (TJuly) throughout the Holocene for a remote high-mountain lake, Schwarzsee ob Sölden, situated above the treeline at 2796 m a.s.l. in the Austrian Alps. Applying a chironomid-temperature inference model developed from lakes of the Alpine region to a high-resolution chironomid record from the lake provides evidence for early Holocene (ca 10000–8600 cal yr BP) TJuly of up to 8.5 °C, i.e. >4 °C above the modern (1977–2006) mean July temperature. The reconstruction reveals the so-called ‘8.2-ka cold event’ centered at ca 8250–8000 cal yr BP with temperatures ca 3 °C below the early-Holocene thermal maximum. Rather warm (ca 6 °C) and productive conditions prevailed during ca 7900–4500 cal yr BP. The chironomid record suggests a climate transition between ca 5200 and 4500 cal yr BP to cooler TJuly. A distinct cooling trend is evident from ca 4500 until ca 2500 cal yr BP. Thereafter, the study site experienced its coldest conditions (around 4 °C or less) throughout the rest of the Holocene, with the exception of the warming trend during the late 20th century. Beside other factors, the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation seems to be the major driving force for the long-term trends in TJuly at high altitudes in the Eastern Alps. Due to the extreme location of the lake and the limited temperature range represented by the applied calibration data set, the chironomid-based temperature reconstruction fails to track phases of the late-Holocene climatic history with TJuly cooler than 4 °C. Further chironomid-based palaeoclimate model and down-core studies are required to address this problem, provide more realistic TJuly estimates from undisturbed high-altitude lakes in the Alps, and extract a reliable regional temperature signal. PMID:21317974

Importance of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in high glucose-induced endothelial cell dysfunction.

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Yang, Jie; Chen, Shuhua; Xiang, Hong; Liu, Hengdao; Lin, Dan; Zhao, Shaoli; Peng, Hui; Chen, Pan; Chen, Alex F; Lu, Hongwei

2017-11-01

Mitochondrial Ca 2+ overload is implicated in hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial cell dysfunction, but the key molecular events responsible remain unclear. We examined the involvement of mitochondrial calcium uniporter, which mediates mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake, in endothelial cell dysfunction resulting from high-glucose treatment. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to various glucose concentrations and to high glucose (30 mM) following mitochondrial calcium uniporter inhibition or activation with ruthenium red and spermine, respectively. Subsequently, mitochondrial calcium uniporter and mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulator 1 messenger RNA and protein expression was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Ca 2+ concentrations were analysed by laser confocal microscopy, and cytoplasmic and mitochondrial oxidative stress was detected using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and MitoSOX Red, respectively. Apoptosis was assessed by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, and a wound-healing assay was performed using an in vitro model. High glucose markedly upregulated mitochondrial calcium uniporter and mitochondrial calcium uniporter regulator 1 messenger RNA expression, as well as protein production, in a dose- and time-dependent manner with a maximum effect demonstrated at 72 h and 30 mM glucose concentration. Moreover, high-glucose treatment significantly raised both mitochondrial and cytoplasmic Ca 2+ and reactive oxygen species levels, increased apoptosis and compromised wound healing (all p < 0.05). These effects were enhanced by spermine and completely negated by ruthenium red, which are known to activate and inhibit mitochondrial calcium uniporter, respectively. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter plays an important role in hyperglycaemia-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and may constitute a therapeutic target to reduce vascular complications in diabetes.

Fine root dynamics and forest production across a calcium gradient in northern hardwood and conifer ecosystems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Park, B.B.; Yanai, R.D.; Fahey, T.J.; Bailey, S.W.; Siccama, T.G.; Shanley, J.B.; Cleavitt, N.L.

2008-01-01

Losses of soil base cations due to acid rain have been implicated in declines of red spruce and sugar maple in the northeastern USA. We studied fine root and aboveground biomass and production in five northern hardwood and three conifer stands differing in soil Ca status at Sleepers River, VT; Hubbard Brook, NH; and Cone Pond, NH. Neither aboveground biomass and production nor belowground biomass were related to soil Ca or Ca:Al ratios across this gradient. Hardwood stands had 37% higher aboveground biomass (P = 0.03) and 44% higher leaf litter production (P < 0.01) than the conifer stands, on average. Fine root biomass (<2 mm in diameter) in the upper 35 cm of the soil, including the forest floor, was very similar in hardwoods and conifers (5.92 and 5.93 Mg ha-1). The turnover coefficient (TC) of fine roots smaller than 1 mm ranged from 0.62 to 1.86 y-1 and increased significantly with soil exchangeable Ca (P = 0.03). As a result, calculated fine root production was clearly higher in sites with higher soil Ca (P = 0.02). Fine root production (biomass times turnover) ranged from 1.2 to 3.7 Mg ha-1 y-1 for hardwood stands and from 0.9 to 2.3 Mg ha-1 y -1 for conifer stands. The relationship we observed between soil Ca availability and root production suggests that cation depletion might lead to reduced carbon allocation to roots in these ecosystems. ?? 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Morphological Properties of Slender Ca II H Fibrils Observed by Sunrise II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gafeira, R.; Lagg, A.; Solanki, S. K.; Jafarzadeh, S.; van Noort, M.; Barthol, P.; Blanco Rodríguez, J.; del Toro Iniesta, J. C.; Gandorfer, A.; Gizon, L.; Hirzberger, J.; Knölker, M.; Orozco Suárez, D.; Riethmüller, T. L.; Schmidt, W.

2017-03-01

We use seeing-free high spatial resolution Ca II H data obtained by the Sunrise observatory to determine properties of slender fibrils in the lower solar chromosphere. In this work we use intensity images taken with the SuFI instrument in the Ca II H line during the second scientific flight of the Sunrise observatory to identify and track elongated bright structures. After identification, we analyze theses structures to extract their morphological properties. We identify 598 slender Ca II H fibrils (SCFs) with an average width of around 180 km, length between 500 and 4000 km, average lifetime of ≈400 s, and average curvature of 0.002 arcsec-1. The maximum lifetime of the SCFs within our time series of 57 minutes is ≈2000 s. We discuss similarities and differences of the SCFs with other small-scale, chromospheric structures such as spicules of type I and II, or Ca II K fibrils.

Calcium phosphate coatings modified with zinc- or copper- incorporation on Ti-40Nb alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komarova, E. G.; Sedelnikova, M. B.; Sharkeev, Yu P.; Kazakbaeva, A. A.; Glukhov, I. A.; Khimich, M. A.

2017-05-01

The influence of the microarc oxidation parameters and electrolyte composition on the structure, properties and composition of CaP coatings modified with Zn- or Cu- incorporation on the Ti-40mas.%Nb (Ti-40Nb) alloy was investigated. The linear growth of thickness, roughness, and size of structural elements with process voltage increasing has been revealed. It was shown that the CaP coatings have the low contact angles with liquids and, consequently, high free surface energy. This indicates a high hydrophilicity of the coatings. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the coatings have X-ray amorphous structure. The increase of the process voltage leads to the formation of such crystalline phases as CaHPO4 and β-Ca2P2O7 in the coatings. The maximum Ca/P atomic ratio was equal to 0.4, and Zn or Cu contents was equal to 0.3 or 0.2 at.%, respectively.

Quantifying the flux of CaCO3 and organic carbon from the surface ocean using in situ measurements of O2, N2, pCO2, and pH

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Emerson, Steven; Sabine, Christopher; Cronin, Meghan F.; Feely, Richard; Cullison Gray, Sarah E.; Degrandpre, Mike

2011-09-01

Ocean acidification from anthropogenic CO2 has focused our attention on the importance of understanding the rates and mechanisms of CaCO3 formation so that changes can be monitored and feedbacks predicted. We present a method for determining the rate of CaCO3 production using in situ measureme nts of fCO2 and pH in surface waters of the eastern subarctic Pacific Ocean. These quantities were determined on a surface mooring every 3 h for a period of about 9 months in 2007 at Ocean Station Papa (50°N, 145°W). We use the data in a simple surface ocean, mass balance model of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and alkalinity (Alk) to constrain the CaCO3: organic carbon (OC) production ratio to be approximately 0.5. A CaCO3 production rate of 8 mmol CaCO3 m-2 d-1 in the summer of 2007 (1.2 mol m-2 yr-1) is derived by combining the CaCO3: OC ratio with the a net organic carbon production rate (2.5 mol C m-2 yr-1) determined from in situ measurements of oxygen and nitrogen gas concentrations measured on the same mooring (Emerson and Stump, 2010). Carbonate chemistry data from a meridional hydrographic section in this area in 2008 indicate that isopycnal surfaces that outcrop in the winter in the subarctic Pacific and deepen southward into the subtropics are a much stronger source for alkalinity than vertical mixing. This pathway has a high enough Alk:DIC ratio to support the CaCO3:OC production rate implied by the fCO2 and pH data.

Ethanol stimulates ROS generation by mitochondria through Ca2+ mobilization and increases GFAP content in rat hippocampal astrocytes.

PubMed

González, Antonio; Pariente, José A; Salido, Ginés M

2007-10-31

We have employed rat hippocampal astrocytes in culture to investigate the effect of ethanol on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production as well as its effect on [Ca2+]c and GFAP expression. Cells were loaded with the fluorescent probes fura-2 and H2DCFDA for the determination of changes in [Ca2+]c and ROS production respectively, employing spectrofluorimetry. GFAP content was determined by immunocytochemistry and confocal scanning microscopy. Our results show ROS production in response to 50 mM ethanol, that was reduced in Ca2+-free medium (containing 0.5 mM EGTA) and in the presence of the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA (10 microM). The effect of ethanol on ROS production was significantly reduced in the presence of the alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitor 4-methylpyrazole (1 mM), and the antioxidants resveratrol (100 microM) or catalase (300 U/ml). Preincubation of astrocytes in the presence of 10 microM antimycin plus 10 microM oligomycin to inhibit mitochondria completely blocked ethanol-evoked ROS production. In addition, ethanol led to a sustained increase in [Ca2+]c that reached a constant level over the prestimulation values. Finally, incubation of astrocytes in the presence of ethanol increased the content of GFAP that was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+ and by resveratrol and catalase pretreatment. The data obtained in the present study suggest that astrocytes are able to metabolize ethanol, which induces two effects on intracellular homeostasis: an immediate response (Ca2+ release and ROS generation) and later changes involving GFAP expression. Both effects may underline various signaling pathways which are important for cell proliferation, differentiation and function.

Mineral composition of organically grown tomato

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghambashidze, Giorgi

2014-05-01

In recent years, consumer concerns on environmental and health issues related to food products have increased and, as a result, the demand for organically grown production has grown. Results indicate that consumers concerned about healthy diet and environmental degradation are the most likely to buy organic food, and are willing to pay a high premium. Therefore, it is important to ensure the quality of the produce, especially for highly consumed products. The tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) is one of the most widely consumed fresh vegetables in the world. It is also widely used by the food industries as a raw material for the production of derived products such as purees or ketchup. Consequently, many investigations have addressed the impact of plant nutrition on the quality of tomato fruit. The concentrations of minerals (P, Na, K, Ca and Mg) and trace elements (Cu, Zn and Mn) were determined in tomatoes grown organically in East Georgia, Marneuli District. The contents of minerals and Mn seem to be in the range as shown in literature. Cu and Zn were found in considerably high amounts in comparison to maximum permissible values established in Georgia. Some correlations were observed between the minerals and trace elements studied. K and Mg were strongly correlated with Cu and Zn. Statistically significant difference have shown also P, K and Mg based between period of sampling.

Bioaccessible nutrients and bioactive components from fortified products prepared using finger millet (Eleusine coracana).

PubMed

Oghbaei, Morteza; Prakash, Jamuna

2012-08-30

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), a staple food in semi-arid parts of the world, is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive components comparable to rice and wheat but with higher fibre content. Unprocessed and processed finger millet (whole flour (WFM), sieved flour (SFM), wafers and vermicelli with altered matrices (added Fe or Zn or reduced fibre)) were analysed for chemical composition, bioaccessible Fe, Zn and Ca, in vitro digestible starch (IVSD) and protein (IVPD) and bioactive components (polyphenols and flavonoids). WFM and SFM flours differed significantly in their composition. Sieving decreased the content of both nutrients and antinutrients in WFM but increased their digestibility/bioaccessibility. WFM products with Zn and Fe showed highest IVPD, whereas SFM products with Fe showed highest IVSD. Products with externally added Fe and Zn showed maximum bioaccessibility of Fe and Zn respectively. WFM had the highest levels of total polyphenols and flavonoids, 4.18 and 15.85 g kg⁻¹ respectively; however, bioaccessibility was highest in SFM vermicelli. The availability of nutrients and bioactive components was influenced by both processing methods and compositional alterations of the food matrix in finger millet products, and bioaccessibility of all constituents was higher in vermicelli (wet matrix) than in wafers (dry matrix). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of a Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus brevis RK03 and Efficient Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Batch Fermentation.

PubMed

Wu, Chien-Hui; Hsueh, Yi-Huang; Kuo, Jen-Min; Liu, Si-Jia

2018-01-04

Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from fish and evaluated for their γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing abilities. Out of thirty-two isolates, Lactobacillus brevis RK03 showed the highest GABA production ability. The effects of various fermentation parameters including initial glutamic acid level, culture temperature, initial pH, and incubation time on GABA production were investigated via a singleparameter optimization strategy. For industrial large-scale production, a low-cost GABA producing medium (GM) broth was developed for fermentation with L. brevis RK03. We found that an optimized GM broth recipe of 1% glucose; 2.5% yeast extract; 2 ppm each of CaCO₃, MnSO₄, and Tween 80; and 10 μM pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) resulted in a maximum GABA yield of 62,523 mg/L after 88 h following the addition of 650 mM monosodium glutamate (MSG), for a conversion rate of 93.28%. Our data provide a practical approach for the highly efficient and economic production of GABA. In addition, L. brevis RK03 is highly resistant to gastric acid and bovine bile salt. Thus, the discovery of Lactobacillus strains with the ability to synthesize GABA may offer new opportunities in the design of improved health-promoting functional foods.

Characterization of a Potential Probiotic Lactobacillus brevis RK03 and Efficient Production of γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Batch Fermentation

PubMed Central

Hsueh, Yi-Huang; Kuo, Jen-Min; Liu, Si-Jia

2018-01-01

Lactic acid bacteria were isolated from fish and evaluated for their γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing abilities. Out of thirty-two isolates, Lactobacillus brevis RK03 showed the highest GABA production ability. The effects of various fermentation parameters including initial glutamic acid level, culture temperature, initial pH, and incubation time on GABA production were investigated via a singleparameter optimization strategy. For industrial large-scale production, a low-cost GABA producing medium (GM) broth was developed for fermentation with L. brevis RK03. We found that an optimized GM broth recipe of 1% glucose; 2.5% yeast extract; 2 ppm each of CaCO3, MnSO4, and Tween 80; and 10 μM pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) resulted in a maximum GABA yield of 62,523 mg/L after 88 h following the addition of 650 mM monosodium glutamate (MSG), for a conversion rate of 93.28%. Our data provide a practical approach for the highly efficient and economic production of GABA. In addition, L. brevis RK03 is highly resistant to gastric acid and bovine bile salt. Thus, the discovery of Lactobacillus strains with the ability to synthesize GABA may offer new opportunities in the design of improved health-promoting functional foods. PMID:29300336

Feasible conversion of solid waste bauxite tailings into highly crystalline 4A zeolite with valuable application.

PubMed

Ma, Dongyang; Wang, Zhendong; Guo, Min; Zhang, Mei; Liu, Jingbo

2014-11-01

Bauxite tailings are a major type of solid wastes generated in the flotation process. The waste by-products caused significant environmental impact. To lessen this hazardous effect from poisonous mine tailings, a feasible and cost-effective solution was conceived and implemented. Our approach focused on reutilization of the bauxite tailings by converting it to 4A zeolite for reuse in diverse applications. Three steps were involved in the bauxite conversion: wet-chemistry, alkali fusion, and crystallization to remove impurities and to prepare porous 4A zeolite. It was found that the cubic 4A zeolite was single phase, in high purity, with high crystallinity and well-defined structure. Importantly, the 4A zeolite displayed maximum calcium ion exchange capacity averaged at 296 mg CaCO3/g, comparable to commercially-available zeolite (310 mg CaCO3/g) exchange capacity. Base on the optimal synthesis condition, the reaction yield of zeolite 4A from bauxite tailings achieved to about 38.43%, hence, this study will provide a new paradigm for remediation of bauxite tailings, further mitigating the environmental and health care concerns, particularly in the mainland of PR China. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Welding of 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel with Activated Tungsten Inert Gas Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, E.; Ebrahimi, A. R.

2015-02-01

The use of activating flux in TIG welding process is one of the most notable techniques which are developed recently. This technique, known as A-TIG welding, increases the penetration depth and improves the productivity of the TIG welding. In the present study, four oxide fluxes (SiO2, TiO2, Cr2O3, and CaO) were used to investigate the effect of activating flux on the depth/width ratio and mechanical property of 316L austenitic stainless steel. The effect of coating density of activating flux on the weld pool shape and oxygen content in the weld after the welding process was studied systematically. Experimental results indicated that the maximum depth/width ratio of stainless steel activated TIG weld was obtained when the coating density was 2.6, 1.3, 2, and 7.8 mg/cm2 for SiO2, TiO2, Cr2O3, and CaO, respectively. The certain range of oxygen content dissolved in the weld, led to a significant increase in the penetration capability of TIG welds. TIG welding with active fluxes can increase the delta-ferrite content and improves the mechanical strength of the welded joint.

PTH (parathyroid hormone) elevates inositol polyphosphates and diacylglycerol in a rat osteoblast-like cell line

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

Civitelli, R.; Reid, I.R.; Westbrook, S.

1988-11-01

Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-stimulated signal transduction through mechanisms alternate to adenosine 3{prime},5{prime}-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production were studied in UMR 106-01 cells, a cell line with an osteoblastic phenotype. PTH produced transient, dose-related increases in cytosolic calcium ((Ca{sup 2+}){sub i}), inositol trisphosphates, and diacylglycerol (DAG). Both inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Ins-1,4,5P{sub 3}) and inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate (Ins-1,3,4P{sub 3}) production were rapidly stimulated by PTH. Consistent with the production of Ins-1,3,4P{sub 3}, rapid stimulation of late eluting inositol tetrakisphosphate was observed. The effects on the inositol phosphates were induced rapidly, consistent with roles as signals for changes in (Ca{sup 2+}){sub i}. In saponin-permeabilized UMR 106-01 cells,more » Ins-1,4,5P{sub 3} stimulated {sup 45}Ca release from a nonmitochondrial intracellular pool. Thus the hypothesis that PTH-stimulated Ins-1,4,5P{sub 3} production initiates Ca{sup 2+} release and contributes to transient elevations of (Ca{sup 2+}){sub i} is supported. These data suggest that stimulation of cAMP production during PTH stimulation may negatively affect production of rises in (Ca{sup 2+}){sub i} during PTH stimulation. The inactivation of the inhibitory G protein of adenylate cyclase by pertussis toxin could explain its action similar to cAMP analogues. Cyclci nucleotides diminish the effects of PTH on (Ca{sup 2+}){sub i}, probably interacting on a biochemical step subsequent to or independent of Ins-1,4,5P{sub 3} release.« less

Production and characterization of alpha-amylase from mango kernel by Fusarium solani NAIMCC-F-02956 using submerged fermentation.

PubMed

Kumar, Devendra; Yadav, Kaushlesh K; Muthukumar, M; Garg, Neelima

2013-11-01

Microbial production of enzymes using low valued agro industrial wastes is gaining importance globally. Mango is one of the major fruit processed into a variety of products. During processing 40-50% of solid waste is generated in form of peel and stones. After decortications of mango stone, kernel is obtained which is a rich source of starch (upto 60%). It was utilized as a substrate for alpha-amylase production using Fusarium soloni. Maximum alpha-amylase production (0.889 U g(-1)) was recorded using a substrate concentration of 5% (w/v), pH-4 and temperature 30 degrees C on 9th day of incubation. Supplementation of production medium with micronutrients viz., Ca2+, Fe2+ or Mg2+ improved the enzyme production while, Zn2+, B3+ or Mn2+ ions exhibited inhibitory effect. The extracellular protein was precipitated by ammonium sulphate up to 70% saturation, dialyzed and purified (27.84 fold) by gel-exclusion (Sephadex G-75) chromatography. Protein profiling on 12% SDS-PAGE revealed three bands corresponding to 26, 27 and 30 kDa molecular sizes. The optimum amylase activity was achieved at pH 5.0 at 40 degrees C. The Michaelis constant (KM), Vmax and activation energy (-Ea) were found to be 3.7 mg ml(-1), 0.24 U mg(-1) and 42.39 kJ mole(-1), respectively.

Preparation of Al-Si Master Alloy by Electrochemical Reduction of Fly Ash in Molten Salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Aimin; Li, Liangxing; Xu, Junli; Shi, Zhongning; Hu, Xianwei; Gao, Bingliang; Wang, Zhaowen; Yu, Jiangyu; Chen, Gong

2014-05-01

An electrochemical method on preparation of Al-Si master alloy was investigated in fluoride-based molten salts of 47.7wt.%NaF-43.3wt.%AlF3-4wt.%CaF2 containing 5 wt.% fly ash at 1233 K. The cathodic products obtained by galvanostatic electrolysis were analyzed by means of x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive spectrometry. The result showed that the compositions of the products are Al, Si, and Al3.21Si0.47. Meanwhile, the cathodic electrochemical process was studied by cyclic voltammetry, and the results showed the reduction peak of aluminum deposition is at -1.3 V versus the platinum quasi-reference electrode in 50.3wt.%NaF-45.7wt.%AlF3-4wt.%CaF2 molten salts, while the reduction peak at -1.3 V was the co-deposition of aluminum and silicon when the fly ash was added. The silicon and iron were formed via both co-deposition and aluminothermic reduction. In the electrolysis experiments, current efficiency first increased to a maximum value of 40.7% at a current density of 0.29 A/cm2, and then it decreased with the increase of current density. With the electrolysis time lasting, the content of aluminum in the alloys decreased from 76.05 wt.% to 48.29 wt.% during 5 h, while the content of silicon increased from 15.94 wt.% to 37.89 wt.%.

Size and performance of anoxic limestone drains to neutralize acdic mine drainagei

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cravotta, C.A.

2003-01-01

Acidic mine drainage (AMD) can be neutralized effectively in underground, anoxic limestone drains (ALDs). Owing to reaction between the AMD and limestone (CaCO3), the pH and concentrations of alkalinity and calcium increase asymptotically with detention time in the ALD, while concentrations of sulfate, ferrous iron, and manganese typically are unaffected. This paper introduces a method to predict the alkalinity produced within an ALD and to estimate the mass of limestone required for its construction on the basis of data from short-term, closed-container (cubitainer) tests. The cubitainer tests, which used an initial mass of 4 kg crushed limestone completely inundated with 2.8 L AMD, were conducted for 11 to 16 d and provided estimates for the initial and maximum alkalinities and corresponding rates of alkalinity production and limestone dissolution. Long-term (5-11 yr) data for alkalinity and CaCO3 flux at the Howe Bridge, Morrison, and Buck Mountain ALDs in Pennsylvania, USA, indicate that rates of alkalinity production and limestone dissolution under field conditions were comparable with those in cubitainers filled with limestone and AMD from each site. The alkalinity of effluent and intermediate samples along the flow path through the ALDs and long-term trends in the residual mass of limestone and the effluent alkalinity were estimated as a function of the computed detention time within the ALD and second-order dissolution rate models for cubitainer tests. Thus, cubitainer tests can be a useful tool for designing ALDs and predicting their performance.

Fuzzy multi-objective optimization case study based on an anaerobic co-digestion process of food waste leachate and piggery wastewater.

PubMed

Choi, Angelo Earvin Sy; Park, Hung Suck

2018-06-20

This paper presents the development and evaluation of fuzzy multi-objective optimization for decision-making that includes the process optimization of anaerobic digestion (AD) process. The operating cost criteria which is a fundamental research gap in previous AD analysis was integrated for the case study in this research. In this study, the mixing ratio of food waste leachate (FWL) and piggery wastewater (PWW), calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations were optimized to enhance methane production while minimizing operating cost. The results indicated a maximum of 63.3% satisfaction for both methane production and operating cost under the following optimal conditions: mixing ratio (FWL: PWW) - 1.4, CaCO 3 - 2970.5 mg/L and NaCl - 2.7 g/L. In multi-objective optimization, the specific methane yield (SMY) was 239.0 mL CH 4 /g VS added , while 41.2% volatile solids reduction (VSR) was obtained at an operating cost of 56.9 US$/ton. In comparison with the previous optimization study that utilized the response surface methodology, the SMY, VSR and operating cost of the AD process were 310 mL/g, 54% and 83.2 US$/ton, respectively. The results from multi-objective fuzzy optimization proves to show the potential application of this technique for practical decision-making in the process optimization of AD process. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evidence of superconductivity on the border of quasi-2D ferromagnetism in Ca2RuO4 at high pressure.

PubMed

Alireza, Patricia Lebre; Nakamura, Fumihiko; Goh, Swee Kuan; Maeno, Yoshiteru; Nakatsuji, Satoru; Ko, Yuen Ting Chris; Sutherland, Michael; Julian, Stephen; Lonzarich, Gilbert George

2010-02-10

The layered perovskite Ca(2)RuO(4) is a spin-one Mott insulator at ambient pressure and exhibits metallic ferromagnetism at least up to ∼ 80 kbar with a maximum Curie temperature of 28 K. Above ∼ 90 and up to 140 kbar, the highest pressure reached, the resistivity and ac susceptibility show pronounced downturns below ∼ 0.4 K in applied magnetic fields of up to ∼ 10 mT. This indicates that our specimens of Ca(2)RuO(4) are weakly superconducting on the border of a quasi-2D ferromagnetic state.

Mechanical properties of high-temperature superconducting wires. Ph.D. Thesis - Illinois Inst. of Tech.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goretta, K. C.; Cluff, J. A.; Joo, J.; Lanagan, M. T.; Singh, J. P.; Vasanthamohan, N.; Xin, Y.; Wong, K. W.

1995-01-01

Bending strength, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus data were acquired for YBa2Cu3O(x), Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(x) (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x), and Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O(x) bars. These data and thermal expansion coefficients strongly suggest that the maximum possible tensile strain without fracture of bulk tapes or wires is approximately equals 0.2%. In Ag-clad conductors, residual stresses will be of limited benefit, but fractures produced by larger strains can be accommodated by shunting current through the Ag.

Variability in climate and productivity during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum in the western Tethys (Forada section)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giusberti, L.; Boscolo Galazzo, F.; Thomas, E.

2016-02-01

The Forada section (northeastern Italy) provides a continuous, expanded deep-sea record of the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) in the central-western Tethys. We combine a new, high-resolution, benthic foraminiferal assemblage record with published calcareous plankton, mineralogical and biomarker data to document climatic and environmental changes across the PETM, highlighting the benthic foraminiferal extinction event (BEE). The onset of the PETM, occurring ˜ 30 kyr after a precursor event, is marked by a thin, black, barren clay layer, possibly representing a brief pulse of anoxia and carbonate dissolution. The BEE occurred within the 10 cm interval including this layer. During the first 3.5 kyr of the PETM, several agglutinated recolonizing taxa show rapid species turnover, indicating a highly unstable, CaCO3-corrosive environment. Calcareous taxa reappeared after this interval, and the next ˜9 kyr were characterized by rapid alternation of peaks in abundance of various calcareous and agglutinated recolonizers. These observations suggest that synergistic stressors, including deepwater CaCO3 corrosiveness, low oxygenation, and high environmental instability caused the extinction. Combined faunal and biomarker data (BIT index, higher plant n-alkane average chain length) and the high abundance of the mineral chlorite suggest that erosion and weathering increased strongly at the onset of the PETM, due to an overall wet climate with invigorated hydrological cycle, which led to storm flood events carrying massive sediment discharge into the Belluno Basin. This interval was followed by the core of the PETM, characterized by four precessionally paced cycles in CaCO3 %, hematite %, δ13C, abundant occurrence of opportunistic benthic foraminiferal taxa, and calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal taxa typical of high-productivity environments, radiolarians, and lower δDn-alkanes. We interpret these cycles as reflecting alternation between an overall arid climate, characterized by strong winds and intense upwelling, and an overall humid climate, with abundant rains and high sediment delivery (including refractory organic carbon) from land. Precessionally paced marl-limestone couplets occur throughout the recovery interval of the carbon isotope excursion (CIE) and up to 10 m above it, suggesting that these wet-dry cycles persisted, though at declining intensity, after the peak PETM. Enhanced climate extremes at mid-latitudes might have been a direct response to the massive CO2 input in the ocean atmosphere system at the Paleocene-Eocene transition, and may have had a primary role in restoring the Earth system to steady state.

Benthic foraminifera at the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum in the western Tethys (Forada section): variability in climate and productivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giusberti, L.; Boscolo Galazzo, F.; Thomas, E.

2015-09-01

The Forada section (northeastern Italy) provides a continuous, expanded deep-sea record of the Paleocene/Eocene thermal maximum (PETM) in the central-western Tethys. We combine a new, high resolution, benthic foraminiferal assemblage record with published calcareous plankton, mineralogical and biomarker data to document climatic and environmental changes across the PETM, highlighting the benthic foraminiferal extinction event (BEE). The onset of the PETM, occurring ~ 30 kyr after a precursor event, is marked by a thin, black, barren clay layer, possibly representing a brief pulse of anoxia and carbonate dissolution. The BEE occurred within the 10 cm interval including this layer. During the first 3.5 kyr of the PETM several agglutinated recolonizing taxa show rapid species turnover, indicating a highly unstable, CaCO3-corrosive environment. Calcareous taxa reappeared after this interval, and the next ~ 9 kyr were characterized by rapid alternation of peaks in abundance of various calcareous and agglutinant recolonizers. These observations suggest that synergistic stressors including deep water CaCO3-corrosiveness, low oxygenation, and high environmental instability caused the extinction. Combined faunal and biomarker data (BIT index, higher plant n-alkane average chain length) and the high abundance of the mineral chlorite suggest that erosion and weathering increased strongly at the onset of the PETM, due to an overall wet climate with invigorated hydrological cycle, which led to storm flood-events carrying massive sediment discharge into the Belluno Basin. This interval was followed by the core of the PETM, characterized by four precessionally paced cycles in CaCO3%, hematite%, δ13C, abundant occurrence of opportunistic benthic foraminiferal taxa, as well as calcareous nannofossil and planktonic foraminiferal taxa typical of high productivity environments, radiolarians, and lower δDn-alkanes. We interpret these cycles as reflecting alternation between an overall arid climate, characterized by strong winds and intense upwelling, with an overall humid climate, with abundant rains and high sediment delivery (including refractory organic carbon) from land. Precessionally paced marl-limestone couplets occur throughout the recovery interval of the CIE and up to ten meters above it, suggesting that these wet-dry cycles persisted, though at declining intensity, after the peak PETM. Enhanced climate extremes at mid-latitudes might have been a direct response to the massive CO2 input in the ocean atmosphere system at the Paleocene-Eocene transition, and may have had a primary role in restoring the Earth system to steady state.

Immobilized carbonic anhydrase on mesoporous cruciate flower-like metal organic framework for promoting CO2 sequestration.

PubMed

Ren, Sizhu; Feng, Yuxiao; Wen, Huan; Li, Conghai; Sun, Baoting; Cui, Jiandong; Jia, Shiru

2018-05-25

CO 2 capture by immobilized carbonic anhydrase (CA) has become an alternative and environmental friendly approach in CO 2 sequestration technology. However, the immobilized CA usually exhibits low CO 2 sequestration efficiency due to no gas adsorption function for the conventional CA supports. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are an excellent material for gas adsorption and enzyme immobilization. Herein, a combined immobilization system of CA and ZIF-8 with cruciate flower-like morphology for CO 2 adsorption was prepared for the first time by adsorbing CA onto ZIF-8. The immobilization efficiency was greater than 95%, and the maximum activity recovery reached 75%, indicating the highly efficient immobilization process. The resultant CA@ZIF-8 composites exhibited outstanding thermostability, the tolerance against denaturants, and reusability compared with free CA. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that the shape of ZIF-8 could be controlled by adjusting concentrations of Zn 2+ ions at the high concentration of 2-methylimidazole (1 M). More importantly, we also demonstrated the applicability of the CA@ZIF-8 composites to the sequestration of CO 2 in carbonate minerals. The yields of the CaCO 3 obtained by using CA@ZIF-8 composites were 22-folds compared to free CA. Thus, this CA@ZIF-8 composite can be successfully used as a robust biocatalyst for sequestration of CO 2 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tubular localization of silent calcium channels in crustacean skeletal muscle fibers.

PubMed

Monterrubio, J; Ortiz, G; Orkand, P M; Zuazaga, C

2002-01-01

Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) in the superficial abdominal flexor muscle of the crustacean Atya lanipes appears to be mediated by a local control mechanism similar to that of vertebrate cardiac muscle, but with an unusually high gain. Thus, Ca2+ influx increases sufficiently the local concentration of Ca2+ in the immediate vicinity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channels to trigger the highly amplified release of Ca2+ required for contraction, but is too low to generate a macroscopic inward current (i.e., the Ca2+ channels are silent). To determine the localization of the silent Ca2+ Channels, the mechanical, electrophysiological and ultrastructural properties of the muscle were examined before and after formamide treatment, a procedure that produces the disruption of transverse tubules of striated muscle. We found that tubular disruption decreased tension generation by about 90%; reduced inward current (measured as Vmax, the maximum rate of rise of Sr2+ action potentials) by about 80%; and decreased membrane capacitance by about 77%. The results suggest that ca. 80% of the silent Ca2+ channels are located in the tubular system. Thus, these studies provide further evidence to support the local control mechanism of CICR in crustacean skeletal muscle.

Intact mitochondrial Ca2+ uniport is essential for agonist-induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).

PubMed

Charoensin, Suphachai; Eroglu, Emrah; Opelt, Marissa; Bischof, Helmut; Madreiter-Sokolowski, Corina T; Kirsch, Andrijana; Depaoli, Maria R; Frank, Saša; Schrammel, Astrid; Mayer, Bernd; Waldeck-Weiermair, Markus; Graier, Wolfgang F; Malli, Roland

2017-01-01

Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake regulates diverse endothelial cell functions and has also been related to nitric oxide (NO • ) production. However, it is not entirely clear if the organelles support or counteract NO • biosynthesis by taking up Ca 2+ . The objective of this study was to verify whether or not mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake influences Ca 2+ -triggered NO • generation by endothelial NO • synthase (eNOS) in an immortalized endothelial cell line (EA.hy926), respective primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and eNOS-RFP (red fluorescent protein) expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. We used novel genetically encoded fluorescent NO • probes, the geNOps, and Ca 2+ sensors to monitor single cell NO • and Ca 2+ dynamics upon cell treatment with ATP, an inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP 3 )-generating agonist. Mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake was specifically manipulated by siRNA-mediated knock-down of recently identified key components of the mitochondrial Ca 2+ uniporter machinery. In endothelial cells and the eNOS-RFP expressing HEK293 cells we show that reduced mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake upon the knock-down of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) protein and the essential MCU regulator (EMRE) yield considerable attenuation of the Ca 2+ -triggered NO • increase independently of global cytosolic Ca 2+ signals. The knock-down of mitochondrial calcium uptake 1 (MICU1), a gatekeeper of the MCU, increased both mitochondrial Ca 2+ sequestration and Ca 2+ -induced NO • signals. The positive correlation between mitochondrial Ca 2+ elevation and NO • production was independent of eNOS phosphorylation at serine 1177 . Our findings emphasize that manipulating mitochondrial Ca 2+ uptake may represent a novel strategy to control eNOS-mediated NO • production. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Cloud condensation nucleation activities of calcium carbonate and its atmospheric ageing products.

PubMed

Tang, M J; Whitehead, J; Davidson, N M; Pope, F D; Alfarra, M R; McFiggans, G; Kalberer, M

2015-12-28

Aerosol particles can serve as cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) to form cloud droplets, and its composition is a main factor governing whether an aerosol particle is an effective CCN. Pure mineral dust particles are poor CCN; however, changes in chemical composition of mineral dust aerosol particles, due to heterogeneous reactions with reactive trace gases in the troposphere, can modify their CCN properties. In this study we investigated the CCN activities of CaCO3 (as a surrogate for mineral dust) and its six atmospheric ageing products: Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2, CaSO4, Ca(CH3SO3)2, Ca(HCOO)2, and Ca(CH3COO)2. CaCO3 has a very low CCN activity with a hygroscopicity parameter (κ) of 0.001-0.003. The CCN activities of its potential atmospheric ageing products are significantly higher. For example, we determined that Ca(NO3)2, CaCl2 and Ca(HCOO)2 have κ values of ∼0.50, similar to that of (NH4)2SO4. Ca(CH3COO)2 has slightly lower CCN activity with a κ value of ∼0.40, and the κ value of CaSO4 is around 0.02. We further show that exposure of CaCO3 particles to N2O5 at 0% relative humidity (RH) significantly enhances their CCN activity, with κ values increasing to around 0.02-0.04. Within the experimental uncertainties, it appears that the variation in exposure to N2O5 from ∼550 to 15,000 ppbv s does not change the CCN activities of aged CaCO3 particles. This observation indicates that the CaCO3 surface may be already saturated at the shortest exposure. We also discussed the atmospheric implications of our study, and suggested that the rate of change in CCN activities of mineral dust particles in the troposphere is important to determine their roles in cloud formation.

Europium concentration effect on characteristics and luminescent properties of hydroxyapatite nanocrystalline powders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nikolaev, Anton; Kolesnikov, Ilya; Frank-Kamenetskaya, Olga; Kuz'mina, Maria

2017-12-01

Series of Eu-apatites were synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions with the Eu/Ca atomic ratio from 0.5% to 5% at T = 90 °C. Resulting precipitates were studied using different experimental techniques including X-ray powder diffraction, infrared and raman spectroscopy, scanning elecrton microscopy, EDX and photoluminescent spectroscopy. Eu-doped Ca-deficit nanosized non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite with high water content has been obtained throughout the experiment. Europium content in the synthesized apatites reaches 0.24 apfu (Eu/Ca = 2.5%). Relations between Eu content is the solution and precipitate have been established. It was shown that Eu-monacite starts to precipitate as secondary phase at Eu/Ca ratio in starting solution 1% or higher. Maximum luminescence is observed in apatite with ∼2% Eu/Ca ratio (which equals to ∼0.2 apfu and corresponds to 3% Eu/Ca ratio in the starting solution). As an important and brand-new result, apatite with 2% Eu/Ca ratio can be considered as the most appropriate material for the producing biolabels for luminescent research in medicine and biology.

Salinity bias on the foraminifera Mg/Ca thermometry: Correction procedure and implications for past ocean hydrographic reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mathien-Blard, Elise; Bassinot, Franck

2009-12-01

Mg/Ca in foraminiferal calcite has recently been extensively used to estimate past oceanic temperatures. Here we show, however, that the Mg/Ca temperature relationship of the planktonic species Globigerinoides ruber is significantly affected by seawater salinity, with a +1 psu change in salinity resulting in a +1.6°C bias in Mg/Ca temperature calculations. If not accounted for, such a bias could lead, for instance, to systematic overestimations of Mg/Ca temperatures during glacial periods, when global ocean salinity had significantly increased compared to today. We present here a correction procedure to derive unbiased sea surface temperatures (SST) and δ18Osw from G. ruber TMg/Ca and δ18Of measurements. This correction procedure was applied to a sedimentary record to reconstruct hydrographic changes since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in the Western Pacific Warm Pool. While uncorrected TMg/Ca data indicate a 3°C warming of the Western Pacific Warm Pool since the LGM, the salinity-corrected SST result in a stronger warming of 4°C.

2.4 μm diode-pumped Dy2+:CaF2 laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Švejkar, Richard; Papashvili, Alexander G.; Šulc, Jan; Němec, Michal; Jelínková, Helena; Doroshenko, Maxim E.; Batygov, Sergei H.; Osiko, Vyacheslav V.

2018-01-01

In this work, a cryogenic cooled, longitudinal diode-pumped Dy2+ :CaF2 laser was investigated for the first time. The temperature dependence of the spectroscopy and the laser properties of Dy2+ :CaF2 are presented. The tested Dy2+ :CaF2 crystal was a longitudinal pump in a near-IR region (926 nm) by laser diode radiation. The maximal mean output power and slope efficiency at 78 K during the pulse regime of the laser were 57.5 mW and 7%, respectively. Furthermore, the CW regime was successfully tested and a maximum output power of 0.37 W was obtained for the absorbed pumping power 5.7 W. The emission laser wavelength was 2367 nm.

Color tuning in neodymium doped dicalcium silicate nanostructures prepared via ultrasound method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Venkataravanappa, M.; Nagabhushana, H.; Basavaraj, R. B.; Venkatachalaiah, K. N.; Prasad, B. Daruka

2017-05-01

Blue light emitting neodymium (Nd) doped dicalcium (Ca2SiO4) silicate nanostructures were prepared for the first time via ultrasound assisted sonochemical synthesis route using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant. The obtained final product was well characterized. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) profiles confirmed that product was highly crystalline in nature with monoclinic phase. Influence of various reaction parameters such as, the effect of sonication time, concentration of the surfactant and pH of the precursor solution on the morphology was studied in detail. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) was studied to evaluate the band gap energy of the products and the values were found in the range of 5.78 - 6.17 eV. The particle size was estimated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and it was found in the range of 20-30 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) properties were studied in detail by recording emission spectra of all the Nd doped dicalcium silicate nanostructures at an excitation wavelength of 380 nm. The emission peaks were observed at 469, 520, 545 and 627 nm which corresponds to Nd3+ ion transitions. The 7 mol% Nd3+ doped Ca2SiO4 nanostructures showed maximum intensity. Further photometric measurements were done by evaluating, Commission International De I-Eclairage (CIE) and correlated color temperature (CCT). From CIE it was observed that the color coordinates lies in blue-green region, which slightly shifts to green as the Nd3+ concentration increases. The color purity and quantum efficiency were also estimated and the results indicate that the nanophosphor obtained in this route can be used in preparing light emitting diodes with a blue-green emission as prominent color.

Production, characterization, and immobilization of partially purified surfactant-detergent and alkali-thermostable protease from newly isolated Aeromonas caviae.

PubMed

Datta, Sumitra; Menon, Gopalakrishnan; Varughese, Bincy

2017-04-21

Proteolytic Aeromonas caviae P-1-1 growing at wide-ranging pH (7.0-11.0) and moderate salinity (0-5% NaCl) was isolated from cattle shed of Thanjavur, India. It produced lipase, gelatinase, and polyhydroxybutyrate. Different culture conditions, incubation time, carbon and nitrogen sources, vitamins, amino acids, surfactants, and metal ions for optimal growth and protease production of P-1-1 were examined. Maximum protease (0.128 U/mL) production was achieved with 1% fructose, 1% yeast extract, 0.1% ammonium sulfate, 3% NaCl, 0.1% CaCl 2  · 2H 2 O, 1% glycine, 0.1% vitamin E, and 0.1% Tween-40 at pH 8.0 after 42 hr of incubation at 37°C. It was active over broad range of pH (7.0-12.0), temperature (15-100°C), and salinity (0-9% NaCl) with optima at pH 10.0, 55°C, and 3% NaCl. It retained 65 and 48% activities at pH 12.0 and 100°C, respectively. Partially purified protease was highly stable (100%) within pH range 7.0-12.0 and salinities of 0-5% NaCl for 48 hr. Cu 2+ , Mn 2+ , Co 2+ , and Ca 2+ did not inhibit its activity. Its stability at extreme pHs, temperatures, and in the presence of surfactants and commercial detergents suggests its possible application in laundry detergents. Partially purified protease was immobilized and reused. This is the first report of alkali-thermotolerant, surfactant-detergent-stable partially purified extracellular protease from A. caviae.

Calcium-ion transport by intact Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells. Role of respiratory substrates, Pi and temperature.

PubMed

Charlton, R R; Wenner, C E

1978-03-15

1. The interaction of intact Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells with Ca2+ at 37 degrees C consists of Ca2+ uptake followed by efflux from the cells. Under optimum conditions, two or three cycles of uptake and efflux are observed in the first 15 min after Ca2+ addition. 2. The respiratory substrates malate, succinate and ascorbate plus p-phenylenediamine support Ca2+ uptake. Ca2+ uptake at 37 degrees C is sensitive to the respiratory inhibitors rotenone and antimycin A when appropriate substrates are present. Ca2+ uptake and retention are inhibited by the uncoupler S-13. 3. Increasing extracellular Pi (12 to 30 mM) stimulates uncoupler-sensitive Ca2+ uptake, which reaches a maximum extent of 15 nmol/mg of protein when supported by succinate respiration. Ca2+ efflux is partially inhibited at 30 mM-Pi. 4. Optimum Ca2+ uptake occurs in the presence of succinate and Pi, suggesting that availability of substrate and Pi are rate-limiting. K. Ca2+ uptake occurs at 4 degrees C and is sensitive to uncouplers and oligomycin. Ca2+ efflux at this temperature is minimal. These data are consistent with a model in which passive diffusion of Ca2+ through the plasma membrane is followed by active uptake by the mitochondria. Ca2+ uptake is supported by substrates entering respiration at all three energy-coupling sites. Ca2+ efflux appears to be an active process with a high temperature coefficient.

Functional characterization of a geraniol synthase-encoding gene from Camptotheca acuminata and its application in production of geraniol in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Chen, Fei; Li, Wei; Jiang, Liangzhen; Pu, Xiang; Yang, Yun; Zhang, Guolin; Luo, Yinggang

2016-09-01

Geraniol synthase (GES) catalyzes the conversion of geranyl diphosphate (GPP) into geraniol, an acyclic monoterpene alcohol that has been widely used in many industries. Here we report the functional characterization of CaGES from Camptotheca acuminata, a camptothecin-producing plant, and its application in production of geraniol in Escherichia coli. The full-length cDNA of CaGES was obtained from overlap extension PCR amplification. The intact and N-terminus-truncated CaGESs were overexpressed in E. coli and purified to homogeneity. Recombinant CaGES showed the conversion activity from GPP to geraniol. To produce geraniol in E. coli using tCaGES, the biosynthetic precursor GPP should be supplied and transferred to the catalytic pocket of tCaGES. Thus, ispA(S80F), a mutant of farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthase, was prepared to produce GPP via the head-to-tail condensation of isoprenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). A slight increase of geraniol production was observed in the fermentation broth of the recombinant E. coli harboring tCaGES and ispA(S80F). To enhance the supply of IPP and DMAPP, the encoding genes involved in the whole mevalonic acid biosynthetic pathway were introduced to the E. coli harboring tCaGES and the ispA(S80F) and a significant increase of geraniol yield was observed. The geraniol production was enhanced to 5.85 ± 0.46 mg L(-1) when another copy of ispA(S80F) was introduced to the above recombinant strain. The following optimization of medium composition, fermentation time, and addition of metal ions led to the geraniol production of 48.5 ± 0.9 mg L(-1). The present study will be helpful to uncover the biosynthetic enigma of camptothecin and tCaGES will be an alternative to selectively produce geraniol in E. coli with other metabolic engineering approaches.

Tracking an upper limit of the "Carnian Crisis" and/or Carnian stage in the Western Carpathians (Slovakia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohút, Milan; Hofmann, Mandy; Havrila, Milan; Linnemann, Ulf; Havrila, Jakub

2018-01-01

The Late Triassic timescale, especially the Carnian-Norian boundary, is poorly constrained mainly due to a paucity of high-precision radio-isotopic ages that can be related accurately to contradictions between the biostratigraphic and magnetostratigraphic correlations. LA ICP-MS dating of detrital zircons from five samples of the Lunz Formation—the Upper Triassic siliciclastic sediments from the Western Carpathians (Slovakia)—provided a wide spectrum of ages that vary from Late Archaean (ca. 2582 Ma) to Triassic (ca. 216 Ma). These marine delta sediments represent a typical product of the "Carnian Crisis"—a major climate change and biotic turnover that occurred during the Carnian stage in the Tethys Ocean within the carbonate shelf and intrashelf basins in the Northern Calcareous Alps and the Western Carpathians. The supply of clastic material in the studied Lunz Formation was derived from several sources, especially: (i) from the recycled Variscan orogen; (ii) from the remote East European Platform; and (iii) from the contemporaneous Triassic volcanic sources. Syn-sedimentary volcanic zircons with a concordia age of 221.2 ± 1.6 Ma (calculated from 12 single analyses) represent the maximum age of deposition of the Lunz Formation, and demonstrate that the upper limit of the "Carnian Crisis" and/or the Carnian stage in the Alpine-Carpathians realm is younger than the current age of the Carnian-Norian boundary at ca. 227 Ma listed on the International Chronostratigraphic Chart (International Commission on Stratigraphy 2016/12 Edition).

Oxytocin receptors expressed and coupled to Ca2+ signalling in a human vascular smooth muscle cell line.

PubMed

Yazawa, H; Hirasawa, A; Horie, K; Saita, Y; Iida, E; Honda, K; Tsujimoto, G

1996-03-01

1. In a human vascular smooth muscle cell line (HVSMC), binding experiments with [3H]-arginine8-vasopressin (AVP) have shown the existence of a homogeneous population of binding sites with affinity (Kd value) of 0.65 nM and a maximum number of binding sites (Bmax) of 122 fmol mg-1 protein. 2. Nonlabelled compounds compete for [3H]-AVP binding in the HVSMC membrane with an order of potency of oxytocin > lyspressin > or = AVP > Thr4, Gly7-oxytocin > (beta-mercapto-beta-beta-cyclopentamethylenepropionyl-O-Me Tyr2, Arg8) vasopressin > desmopressin > OPC21268 > OPC31260. This order was markedly different from that observed in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (A10), a well-established V1A receptor system. 3. In HVSMC both oxytocin and AVP increased inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production and [Ca2+]i response, but the efficacy of the responses was greater for oxytocin than AVP. 4. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay detected only oxytocin receptor but not V1A or V2 receptors in HVSMC, whereas only V1A receptors were found in A10 cells. 5. In conclusion, in HVSMC only oxytocin receptors are expressed among the vasopressin receptor family, and they coupled to phosphatidyl inositol (PI) turnover/Ca2+ signalling. This unexpected observation should provide new insight into the functional role of the oxytocin receptor in a human vascular smooth muscle cell line.

Ca and Fe modified biochars as adsorbents of arsenic and chromium in aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Agrafioti, Evita; Kalderis, Dimitrios; Diamadopoulos, Evan

2014-12-15

This work investigated the production of Ca and Fe modified biochars in order to use them for the removal of arsenic As(V) and chromium Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. Rice husk was impregnated with CaO at an impregnation ratio 0.114, while both rice husk and the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes were impregnated with Fe(0) and Fe(3+) at impregnation ratios 0.114 and 0.23. The modified biochars exhibited high As(V) removal capacity (>95%), except for the case of rice husk impregnated with Fe(0), whose removal capacity reached only 58%. All modified biochars exhibited much better As(V) removal capacity compared to the non-impregnated biochars. However, the Cr(VI) removal rates were not as high as the As(V) ones. The maximum Cr(VI) removal was observed in the case of rice husk biochar impregnated with 2.3% w/w Fe(3+), whereas the majority of impregnation agents examined did not manage to enhance the biochars' Cr(VI) removal ability. The equilibrium study showed that the Freundlich model can adequately describe the sorption process for the majority of samples examined. Analysis of the amount of Fe present in the equilibrium solutions suggested that the main mechanisms of As(V) and Cr(VI) removal were possibly metal precipitation and electrostatic interactions between the modified biochars and the adsorbate. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Development, characterization and dissolution behavior of calcium-aluminoborate glass wasteforms to immobilize rare-earth oxides.

PubMed

Kim, Miae; Corkhill, Claire L; Hyatt, Neil C; Heo, Jong

2018-03-28

Calcium-aluminoborate (CAB) glasses were developed to sequester new waste compositions made of several rare-earth oxides generated from the pyrochemical reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Several important wasteform properties such as waste loading, processability and chemical durability were evaluated. The maximum waste loading of the CAB compositions was determined to be ~56.8 wt%. Viscosity and the electrical conductivity of the CAB melt at 1300 °C were 7.817 Pa·s and 0.4603 S/cm, respectively, which satisfies the conditions for commercial cold-crucible induction melting (CCIM) process. Addition of rare-earth oxides to CAB glasses resulted in dramatic decreases in the elemental releases of B and Ca in aqueous dissolution experiments. Normalized elemental releases from product consistency standard chemical durability test were <3.62·10 -5  g·m -2 for Nd, 0.009 g·m -2 for Al, 0.067 g·m -2 for B and 0.073 g·m -2 for Ca (at 90, after 7 days, for SA/V = 2000m -1 ); all meet European and US regulation limits. After 20 d of dissolution, a hydrated alteration layer of ~ 200-nm-thick, Ca-depleted and Nd-rich, was formed at the surface of CAB glasses with 20 mol% Nd 2 O 3 whereas boehmite [AlO(OH)] secondary crystalline phases were formed in pure CAB glass that contained no Nd 2 O 3 .

77 FR 26786 - Certain Products Containing Interactive Program and Parental Control Technology; Notice of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-07

.... of CA; Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America, Inc. of CA; Netflix Inc. of CA; Roku, Inc. of CA; and... public health and welfare in the United States, competitive conditions in the United States economy, the...

Ca2+-regulated-cAMP/PKA signaling in cardiac pacemaker cells links ATP supply to demand.

PubMed

Yaniv, Yael; Juhaszova, Magdalena; Lyashkov, Alexey E; Spurgeon, Harold A; Sollott, Steven J; Lakatta, Edward G

2011-11-01

In sinoatrial node cells (SANC), Ca(2+) activates adenylate cyclase (AC) to generate a high basal level of cAMP-mediated/protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of Ca(2+) cycling proteins. These result in spontaneous sarcoplasmic-reticulum (SR) generated rhythmic Ca(2+) oscillations during diastolic depolarization, that not only trigger the surface membrane to generate rhythmic action potentials (APs), but, in a feed-forward manner, also activate AC/PKA signaling. ATP is consumed to pump Ca(2+) to the SR, to produce cAMP, to support contraction and to maintain cell ionic homeostasis. Since feedback mechanisms link ATP-demand to ATP production, we hypothesized that (1) both basal ATP supply and demand in SANC would be Ca(2+)-cAMP/PKA dependent; and (2) due to its feed-forward nature, a decrease in flux through the Ca(2+)-cAMP/PKA signaling axis will reduce the basal ATP production rate. O(2) consumption in spontaneous beating SANC was comparable to ventricular myocytes (VM) stimulated at 3 Hz. Graded reduction of basal Ca(2+)-cAMP/PKA signaling to reduce ATP demand in rabbit SANC produced graded ATP depletion (r(2)=0.96), and reduced O(2) consumption and flavoprotein fluorescence. Neither inhibition of glycolysis, selectively blocking contraction nor specific inhibition of mitochondrial Ca(2+) flux reduced the ATP level. Feed-forward basal Ca(2+)-cAMP/PKA signaling both consumes ATP to drive spontaneous APs in SANC and is tightly linked to mitochondrial ATP production. Interfering with Ca(2+)-cAMP/PKA signaling not only slows the firing rate and reduces ATP consumption, but also appears to reduce ATP production so that ATP levels fall. This distinctly differs from VM, which lack this feed-forward basal cAMP/PKA signaling, and in which ATP level remains constant when the demand changes. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Production of Optical Quality Free Standing Diamond Wafer

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-19

Title : Production of Optical Quality Free Standing Diamond Wafer Prime Contractor : Onyx Optics, Inc. 6551 Sierra Lane Dublin, Ca 94568...www.onyxoptics.com Program Manager : Helmuth Meissner Onyx Optics, Inc. 6551 Sierra Lane Dublin, CA 94568 Email: hmeissner@onyxoptics.com Ph: 925...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) Onyx Optics, Inc. 6551 Sierra Lane Dublin, Ca 94568 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER 9. SPONSORING

Two fast-type fibers in claw closer and abdominal deep muscles of the Australian freshwater crustacean, Cherax destructor, differ in Ca2+ sensitivity and troponin-I isoforms.

PubMed

Koenders, Annette; Lamey, Tina M; Medler, Scott; West, Jan M; Mykles, Donald L

2004-07-01

One type of fast fiber and two types of slow (slow-twitch, S1 and slow-tonic, S2) fibers are found in decapod crustacean skeletal muscles that differ in contractile properties and myofibrillar protein isoform compositions. In this study the structural characteristics, protein isoform compositions, and Ca2+-activation properties of fast fibers in the claw closer (F1) and abdominal deep flexor (F2) muscles of Cherax destructor were analyzed. For comparison, myofibrillar protein isoform compositions of slow (long-sarcomere) fibers from claw and abdomen were also determined; our results indicate that the slow fibers in the claw closer were the slow-twitch (S1) type and those in the abdominal superficial flexor were primarily slow-tonic (S2) type. F1 fibers had shorter resting sarcomere lengths (2.93 microm in unstretched fibers and 3.06 microm in stretched fibers) and smaller fiber diameter (256 microm) than F2 fibers (sarcomere lengths 3.48 microm in unstretched and 3.46 microm in stretched; 747 microm diameter). Moreover, F1 fibers showed a narrower range in sarcomere lengths than F2 fibers (2.81 to 3.28 microm vs. 2.47 to 4.05 micro m in unstretched fibers). Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed that the fast fibers from claw and abdomen differed in troponin-I composition; F1 fibers expressed two isoforms of troponin-I (TnI1 and TnI2) in approximately equal amounts, whereas F2 fibers expressed primarily TnI3 and lower levels of TnI1. F1 fibers were more sensitive to Ca2+, as shown by higher pCa values at threshold activation (pCa(10)=6.50+/-0.07) and at 50% maximum force (pCa(50)=6.43+/-0.07) than F2 fibers (pCa(10)=6.12+/-0.04 and pCa(50)=5.88+/-0.03, respectively). F1 fibers also had a greater degree of co-operativity in Ca2+ activation, as shown by a higher maximum slope of the force-pCa curve (n(Ca)=12.98+/-2.27 vs. 4.34+/-0.64). These data indicate that there is a greater fast fiber-type diversity in crustacean muscles than was previously supposed. Moreover, the differences in activation properties suggest that the TnI isoform composition influences the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile mechanism. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Determination of Fusion Barrier Distributions from Quasielastic Scattering Cross Sections towards Superheavy Nuclei Synthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, Taiki; Narikiyo, Yoshihiro; Morita, Kosuke; Fujita, Kunihiro; Kaji, Daiya; Morimoto, Kouji; Yamaki, Sayaka; Wakabayashi, Yasuo; Tanaka, Kengo; Takeyama, Mirei; Yoneda, Akira; Haba, Hiromitsu; Komori, Yukiko; Yanou, Shinya; Jean-Paul Gall, Benoît; Asfari, Zouhair; Faure, Hugo; Hasebe, Hiroo; Huang, Minghui; Kanaya, Jumpei; Murakami, Masashi; Yoshida, Atsushi; Yamaguchi, Takayuki; Tokanai, Fuyuki; Yoshida, Tomomi; Yamamoto, Shoya; Yamano, Yuki; Watanabe, Kenyu; Ishizawa, Satoshi; Asai, Masato; Aono, Ryuji; Goto, Shin-ichi; Katori, Kenji; Hagino, Kouichi

2018-01-01

In order to study the nucleus-nucleus interactions for syntheses of superheavy nuclei, we measured excitation functions for the quasielastic scattering of 48Ca+208Pb, 50Ti+208Pb, and 48Ca+248Cm using the gas-filled-type recoil ion separator GARIS. The quasielastic scattering events were clearly separated from deep-inelastic events by using GARIS and its focal plan detectors, except for high-incident-energy points. The quasielastic barrier distributions were successfully extracted for these systems, and compared with coupled-channels calculations. The results of the calculations indicate that vibrational and rotational excitations of the colliding nuclei, as well as neutron transfers before contact, strongly affect the structure of the barrier distribution. For the reactions of 48Ca+208Pb and 50Ti+208Pb, a local maximum of the barrier distribution occurred at the same energy as the peak of the 2n evaporation cross section of the system. On the other hand, for the hot fusion reaction of 48Ca+248Cm, the 4n evaporation cross section of the system peaks at energies well above the maximum of the barrier distribution. This may be attributed to the deformation of the target nucleus. We argue that these findings can be utilized to locate the optimal energy for future searches for undiscovered superheavy nuclei.

Pulmonary microsomes contain a Ca(2+)-transport system sensitive to oxidative stress.

PubMed

Menshikova, E V; Ritov, V B; Shvedova, A A; Elsayed, N; Karol, M H; Kagan, V E

1995-03-14

A variety of events, including inhalation of atmospheric chemicals, trauma, and ischemia-reperfusion, may cause generation of reactive oxygen species in the lung and result in airways constriction. The specific metabolic mechanisms that translate oxygen radical production into airways constriction are yet to be identified. In the lung, calcium homeostasis is central to release of bronchoactive and vasoactive chemical mediators and to regulation of smooth muscle cell contractility, i.e., airway constriction. In the present work, we characterized Ca(2+)-transport in the microsomal fraction of mouse lungs, and determined how reactive oxygen species, generated by Fe2+/ascorbate and H2O2/hemoglobin, affected Ca2+ transport. The microsomal fraction of pulmonary tissue accumulated 90 +/- 5 nmol Ca2+/mg protein by an ATP-dependent process in the presence of 15 mM oxalate, and 16 +/- 2 nmol Ca2+ in its absence. In the presence of oxalate, the rate of Ca2+ uptake was 50 +/- 5 nmol Ca2+/min per mg protein at pCa 5.9 (37 degrees C). The Ca(2+)-ATPase activity was 50-60 nmol Pi/min per mg protein (pCa 5.9, 37 degrees C) in the presence of alamethicin. Inhibitors of mitochondrial H(+)-ATPase had no effect on the Ca2+ transport. Half-maximal activation of Ca2+ transport was produced by 0.4-0.5 microM Ca2+. Endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-pump (SERC-ATPase) was found to be predominantly responsible for the Ca(2+)-accumulating capacity of the pulmonary microsomes. Incubation of the microsomes in the presence of either Fe2+/ascorbate or H2O2/hemoglobin resulted in a time-dependent accumulation of peroxidation products (TBARS) and in inhibition of the Ca2+ transport. The inhibitory effect of Fe2+/ascorbate on Ca2+ transport strictly correlated with the inhibition of the Ca(2+)-ATPase activity. These results are the first to indicate a highly active microsomal Ca2+ transport system in murine lungs which is sensitive to endogenous oxidation products. The importance of this system to pulmonary disorders exacerbated by oxidative chemicals remains to be studied.

Power output and force-velocity relationship of red and white muscle fibres from the Pacific blue marlin (Makaira nigricans).

PubMed

Johnston, I A; Salamonski, J

1984-07-01

Single white fibres and small bundles (two to three) of red fibres were isolated from the trunk muscle of Pacific Blue Marlin (50-121 kg body weight). Fibres were chemically skinned with 1% Brij. Maximum Ca2+-activated force production (Po) was 57 kN m-2 for red fibres and 176 kN m-2 for white fibres at 25 degrees C. The force-velocity (P-V) characteristics of these fibres were determined at 15 and 25 degrees C. Points below 0.6 Po on the P-V curve could be fitted to a linear form of Hill's equation. The degree of curvature of the P-V curve was similar at 15 and 25 degrees C (Hill's constant a/Po = 0.24 and 0.12 for red and white fibres respectively). Extrapolated maximum contraction velocities (Vmax) were 2.5 muscle lengths s-1 (Lo S-1) (red fibres) and 5.3 Lo S-1 (white fibres) at 25 degrees C. Q10(15-25 degrees C) values for Vmax were 1.4 and 1.3 for red and white fibres respectively. Maximum power output had a similar low temperature dependence and amounted to 13 W kg-1 for red and 57 W kg-1 for white muscle at 25 degrees C. The results are briefly discussed in relation to the locomotion and ecology of marlin.

The impact of extracerebral organ failure on outcome of patients after cardiac arrest: an observational study from the ICON database.

PubMed

Nobile, Leda; Taccone, Fabio S; Szakmany, Tamas; Sakr, Yasser; Jakob, Stephan M; Pellis, Tommaso; Antonelli, Massimo; Leone, Marc; Wittebole, Xavier; Pickkers, Peter; Vincent, Jean-Louis

2016-11-14

We used data from a large international database to assess the incidence and impact of extracerebral organ dysfunction on prognosis of patients admitted after cardiac arrest (CA). This was a sub-analysis of the Intensive Care Over Nations (ICON) database, which contains data from all adult patients admitted to one of 730 participating intensive care units (ICUs) in 84 countries from 8-18 May 2012, except admissions for routine postoperative surveillance. For this analysis, patients admitted after CA (defined as those with "post-anoxic coma" or "cardiac arrest" as the reason for ICU admission) were included. Data were collected daily in the ICU for a maximum of 28 days; patients were followed up for outcome data until death, hospital discharge, or a maximum of 60 days in-hospital. Favorable neurological outcome was defined as alive at hospital discharge with a last available neurological Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) subscore of 0-2. Among the 469 patients admitted after CA, 250 (53 %) had had out-of-hospital CA; 210 (45 %) patients died in the ICU and 357 (76 %) had an unfavorable neurological outcome. Non-survivors had a higher incidence of renal (43 vs. 16 %), cardiovascular (56 vs. 45 %), and respiratory (62 vs. 48 %) failure on admission and during the ICU stay than survivors (all p < 0.05). Similar results were found for patients with unfavorable vs. favorable neurological outcomes. In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of ICU mortality were renal failure on admission, high admission Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, high maximum serum lactate levels within the first 24 h after ICU admission, and development of sepsis. Independent predictors of unfavorable neurological outcome were mechanical ventilation on admission, high admission SAPS II score, and neurological dysfunction on admission. In this multicenter cohort, extracerebral organ dysfunction was common in CA patients. Renal failure on admission was the only extracerebral organ dysfunction independently associated with higher ICU mortality.

Positive Allosteric Modulation of the Calcium-sensing Receptor by Physiological Concentrations of Glucose*

PubMed Central

Medina, Johan; Nakagawa, Yuko; Nagasawa, Masahiro; Fernandez, Anny; Sakaguchi, Kazushige; Kitaguchi, Tetsuya; Kojima, Itaru

2016-01-01

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) is activated by various cations, cationic compounds, and amino acids. In the present study we investigated the effect of glucose on CaSR in HEK293 cells stably expressing human CaSR (HEK-CaSR cells). When glucose concentration in the buffer was raised from 3 to 25 mm, a rapid elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) was observed. This elevation was immediate and transient and was followed by a sustained decrease in [Ca2+]c. The effect of glucose was detected at a concentration of 4 mm and reached its maximum at 5 mm. 3-O-Methylglucose, a non-metabolizable analogue of glucose, reproduced the effect of glucose. Sucrose also induced an elevation of [Ca2+]c in HEK-CaSR cells. Similarly, sucralose was nearly as effective as glucose in inducing elevation of [Ca2+]c. Glucose was not able to increase [Ca2+]c in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. The effect of glucose on [Ca2+]c was inhibited by NPS-2143, an allosteric inhibitor of CaSR. In addition, NPS-2143 also inhibited the [Ca2+]c responses to sucralose and sucrose. Glucose as well as sucralose decreased cytoplasmic cAMP concentration in HEK-CaSR cells. The reduction of cAMP induced by glucose was blocked by pertussis toxin. Likewise, sucralose reduced [cAMP]c. Finally, glucose increased [Ca2+]c in PT-r parathyroid cells and in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, both of which express endogenous CaSR. These results indicate that glucose acts as a positive allosteric modulator of CaSR. PMID:27613866

77 FR 59186 - Notice of Receipt of Pesticide Products; Registration Applications To Register New Uses

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-09-26

...: Valent U.S.A. Corporation, P.O. Box 8025, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Active ingredient: Clothianidin..., P.O. Box 8025, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. Active ingredient: Clothianidin. Product Type: Insecticide...

Induced effect of Ca2+ on dalesconols A and B biosynthesis in the culture of Daldinia eschscholzii via calcium/calmodulin signaling.

PubMed

Lu, Yanhua; Pan, Zhenghua; Tao, Jun; An, Faliang

2018-02-01

Dalesconols (dalesconols A and B) were isolated from Daldinia eschscholzii and have remarkable immunosuppressive activity. In this study, the response of fungal growth, intra- and extracellular Ca 2+ , and dalesconols production after CaCl 2 addition were reported for the first time. After supplementation with 5 mM Ca 2+ at 24 h, dalesconols production reached 84.33 mg/L, which resulted in a 1.57-fold enhancement compared to the control. The key role of calcium/calmodulin signaling in dalesconols biosynthesis was confirmed by treatment with Ca 2+ channel and calmodulin inhibitors. The transcriptional levels of dalesconols biosynthetic genes were up-regulated after CaCl 2 addition and down-regulated after inhibitors were added. The results demonstrated that Ca 2+ addition induces dalesconols biosynthesis through up-regulation of dalesconols biosynthesis genes via regulation of calcium/calmodulin signaling. This study provided an efficient strategy for improving dalesconols production and would facilitate further research on the biosynthesis and regulation of dalesconols. Copyright © 2017 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel technologies for enhanced production of ethanol: impact of high productivity on process economics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

In these studies Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL Y-566 was used to produce ethanol from a concentrated glucose (250-300 gL-1) solution. When fermentation media were supplemented with CaCO3 and CaCl2, ethanol concentrations, yield, and productivities were improved significantly. In control batch fermen...

Iron, zinc and calcium dialyzability from extruded product based on whole grain amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus and Amaranthus cruentus) and amaranth/Zea mays blends.

PubMed

Galan, María Gimena; Drago, Silvina Rosa; Armada, Margarita; José, Rolando González

2013-06-01

Amaranth is a Native American grain appreciated for its high nutritional properties including high mineral content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the availability of Fe, Zn and Ca from extruded products made with two varieties of amaranth and their mixtures with maize at two levels of replacement. Mineral availability was estimated using dialyzability method. The contents of Fe (64.0-84.0 mg/kg), Ca (1977.5-2348.8 mg/kg) and Zn (30.0-32.1 mg/kg) were higher in amaranth than in maize products (6.2, 19.1, 9.7 mg/kg, respectively). Mineral availability was in the range of (2.0-3.6%), (3.3-11.1%) and (1.6-11.4%) for Fe, Ca and Zn, respectively. Extruded amaranth and amaranth/maize products provide higher amount of Fe and Ca than extruded maize. Extruded amaranth products and amaranth addition to maize could be an interesting way to increase nutritional value of extruded products.

[The effects of increased dietary calcium intake on bone mineral density in long-term lactating women, and recovery of bone loss caused by long-term lactation with low calcium diet].

PubMed

Yoneyama, Kyoko; Ikeda, Junko

2004-12-01

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of an increased calcium (Ca) diet for preventing bone mineral loss in long-term lactating women, considering bone metabolism, and recovery of bone loss caused by long-term lactation with low dietary Ca intake. Two groups of long-term (> 12 mon.) lactating women ... one with an enhanced Ca intake (Group M, n = 22) and the other with diet feeding no cow's milk and no milk products (Group N, n = 16) ... and a control group of 21 non-lactating postpartum women (Group C) were studied. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by ultrasonic bone densitometry. Stiffness calculated from the combined value of speed of sound and broadband ultrasound attenuation was used as an index of BMD. BMD and bone metabolic markers in urine and serum (only M and C groups) were assessed from 1 approximately 12 weeks postpartum (initial) at six-month intervals for a maximum of two years and changes were compared among the groups. 1. The mean (+/- SD) dietary Ca intake was 1032 (209) mg/day in the M group. 2. After lactating for one year, the N group demonstrated significant decrease in BMD, with both 1 and 2 babies, whereas the M group had no significant change. 3. The BMD in the N group returned to initial levels at 0.5 approximately 1 year post-weaning, 4. In the N group, compared with the M group, the urinary Hydroxyproline/creatinine ratio was significantly higher at the initial measurement and half a year thereafter, while urinary Ca/ creatinine ratio was significantly lower after a year. However, there were no significant differences between the M and C groups. 5. Serum bone alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher in the M group compared with the C group. Bone loss during long-term lactation can be prevented with adequate dietary Ca intake. Once lost, recovery to initial levels occurs 0.5 approximately 1 year post-weaning.

Sea Level Rise Drove Enhanced Coastal Erosion following the Last Glacial Maximum, Southern California, U.S.A.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharman, G.; Covault, J. A.; Stockli, D. F.; Sickmann, Z.; Malkowski, M. A.; Johnstone, S.

2017-12-01

Seacliff erosion poses a major threat to southern California coastal communities, including the propensity for episodic cliff failure and damage to residential and commercial property. Rising sea level is predicted to accelerate seacliff retreat, yet few constraints exist on how rapid sea level rise influenced coastal erosion rates in pre-modern timescales. Here we look to the geologic record in submarine fans to investigate changes in relative sediment supply from rivers and coastal erosion, the latter including seacliff retreat and bluffland erosion. To understand how sea level rise driven by past global warming impacted coastal erosion rates, we sampled modern rivers of the Peninsular Ranges and latest Pleistocene-Holocene submarine canyon-fan systems in southern California for detrital zircon U-Pb geochronology (1369 analyses from 10 samples). Modern river samples show a systematic north-south change in grain age populations broadly distributed across Cretaceous time (ca. 70-135 Ma) to a predominance of middle Cretaceous grain ages (ca. 95-115 Ma), reflecting variations in the geologic age of units within each river catchment. The Carlsbad and La Jolla submarine canyon-fan systems, deposited during sea level lowstand and highstand, respectively, exhibit detrital zircon age distributions consistent with derivation from upstream rivers, with mixing in the littoral zone. However, a sample from the Oceanside fan, deposited during rapid sea level rise at ca. 13 ka, is dominated by detrital ages that lack a local source in the northern Peninsular Ranges, including latest Cretaceous, late Jurassic, and Proterozoic ages. However, such grain ages are widespread in Paleogene sedimentary rocks that comprise the shelf and coastal area, suggesting increased sediment supply from coastal and shelf erosion. Assuming that the Oceanside sample is representative of sediment production during sea level rise, sediment mixing calculations suggest a one to two orders of magnitude increase in sediment from coastal erosion relative to river-supplied sediment. Our results thus suggest a significant increase in coastal erosion rates following the Last Glacial Maximum, highlighting the risk that future sea level rise poses to coastal communities.

Roles of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in long-term memory formation in crickets.

PubMed

Mizunami, Makoto; Nemoto, Yuko; Terao, Kanta; Hamanaka, Yoshitaka; Matsumoto, Yukihisa

2014-01-01

Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key molecule in many systems of learning and memory in vertebrates, but roles of CaMKII in invertebrates have not been characterized in detail. We have suggested that serial activation of NO/cGMP signaling, cyclic nucleotide-gated channel, Ca(2+)/CaM and cAMP signaling participates in long-term memory (LTM) formation in olfactory conditioning in crickets, and here we show participation of CaMKII in LTM formation and propose its site of action in the biochemical cascades. Crickets subjected to 3-trial conditioning to associate an odor with reward exhibited memory that lasts for a few days, which is characterized as protein synthesis-dependent LTM. In contrast, animals subjected to 1-trial conditioning exhibited memory that lasts for only several hours (mid-term memory, MTM). Injection of a CaMKII inhibitor prior to 3-trial conditioning impaired 1-day memory retention but not 1-hour memory retention, suggesting that CaMKII participates in LTM formation but not in MTM formation. Animals injected with a cGMP analogue, calcium ionophore or cAMP analogue prior to 1-trial conditioning exhibited 1-day retention, and co-injection of a CaMKII inhibitor impaired induction of LTM by the cGMP analogue or that by the calcium ionophore but not that by the cAMP analogue, suggesting that CaMKII is downstream of cGMP production and Ca(2+) influx and upstream of cAMP production in biochemical cascades for LTM formation. Animals injected with an adenylyl cyclase (AC) activator prior to 1-trial conditioning exhibited 1-day retention. Interestingly, a CaMKII inhibitor impaired LTM induction by the AC activator, although AC is expected to be a downstream target of CaMKII. The results suggest that CaMKII interacts with AC to facilitate cAMP production for LTM formation. We propose that CaMKII serves as a key molecule for interplay between Ca(2+) signaling and cAMP signaling for LTM formation, a new role of CaMKII in learning and memory.

Calcium Chloride in Neonatal Parenteral Nutrition Solutions with and without Added Cysteine: Compatibility Studies Using Laser and Micro-Flow Imaging Methodology.

PubMed

Huston, Robert K; Christensen, J Mark; Alshahrani, Sultan M; Mohamed, Sumeia M; Clark, Sara M; Nason, Jeffrey A; Wu, Ying Xing

2015-01-01

Previous studies of compatibility of calcium chloride (CaCl2) and phosphates have not included particle counts in the range specified by the United States Pharmacopeia. Micro-flow imaging techniques have been shown to be comparable to light obscuration when determining particle count and size in pharmaceutical solutions. The purpose of this study was to do compatibility testing for parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions containing CaCl2 using dynamic light scattering and micro-flow imaging techniques. Solutions containing TrophAmine (Braun Medical Inc, Irvine, CA), CaCl2, and sodium phosphate (NaPhos) were compounded with and without cysteine. All solutions contained standard additives to neonatal PN solutions including dextrose, trace metals, and electrolytes. Control solutions contained no calcium or phosphate. Solutions were analyzed for particle size and particle count. Means of Z-average particle size and particle counts of controls were determined. Study solutions were compared to controls and United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapter 788 guidelines. The maximum amount of Phos that was compatible in solutions that contained at least 10 mmol/L of Ca in 2.5% amino acids (AA) was determined. Compatibility of these solutions was verified by performing analyses of 5 repeats of these solutions. Microscopic analyses of the repeats were also performed. Amounts of CaCl2 and NaPhos that were compatible in solutions containing 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3% AA were determined. The maximum amount of NaPhos that could be added to TrophAmine solutions of > = 2.5% AA containing at least 10 mmol/L of CaCl2 was 7.5 mmol/L. Adding 50 mg/dL of cysteine increased the amount of NaPhos that could be added to solutions containing 10 mmol/L of CaCl2 to 10 mmol/L. Calcium chloride can be added to neonatal PN solutions containing NaPhos in concentrations that can potentially provide an intravenous intake of adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus.

The influence of headspace and dissolved oxygen level on growth and haemolytic BL enterotoxin production of a psychrotolerant Bacillus weihenstephanensis isolate on potato based ready-to-eat food products.

PubMed

Samapundo, S; Everaert, H; Wandutu, J N; Rajkovic, A; Uyttendaele, M; Devlieghere, F

2011-04-01

The major objective of this study was to determine the influence of the initial headspace and dissolved O(2) level and vacuum packaging on growth and diarrhoeal enterotoxin production by Bacillus weihenstephanensis on potato based ready-to-eat food products. In general, the lower the initial headspace or dissolved O(2) level the slower the maximum growth rate (μ(max), log(10) CFU g(-1) d(-1)), the longer the lag phase duration (λ, d) and the smaller the maximum population density (N(max), log(10) CFU g(-1)) became. The slowest μ(max), the longest λ and the smallest N(max) were generally found for growth under vacuum packaging. This implies shorter shelf-lives will occur at higher initial headspace or dissolved O(2) levels as the growth of B. weihenstephanensis to the infective dose of 10(5) CFU g(-1) in such atmospheres takes a shorter time. Significant consumption of dissolved O(2) only occurred when growth shifted from the lag to the exponential phase and growth generally transitioned from the exponential to the stationary phase when the dissolved O(2) levels fell below ca. 75 ppb. Diarrhoeal enterotoxin production (determined via detection of the L2 component of haemolytic BL) was similar for growth under initial headspace O(2) levels of 1-20.9%, and was only reduced when growth took place under vacuum packaging. The reduction in L2 production when growth took place under vacuum was most probably related to the low final cell densities observed under this condition. Both growth and L2 production were inhibited over a 32-day incubation period at 7 °C by 40% CO(2) irrespective of the headspace or dissolved O(2) levels. The results illustrate the importance of residual O(2) and CO(2) on the shelf-stability and safety of modified atmosphere packaged potato based ready-to-eat food products with regards to B. weihenstephanensis. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Milk and dairy products: a unique micronutrient combination.

PubMed

Gaucheron, Frédéric

2011-10-01

Milk and dairy products contain micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins, which contribute to multiple and different vital functions in the organism. The mineral fraction is composed of macroelements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, and Cl) and oligoelements (Fe, Cu, Zn, and Se). From a physicochemical point of view, the chemical forms, the associations with other ions or organic molecules, and the location of macroelements such as Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, and Cl in milk are relatively well described and understood. Thus, it is admitted that these macroelements are differently distributed into aqueous and micellar phases of milk, depending on their nature. K, Na, and Cl ions are essentially in the aqueous phase, whereas Ca, P, and Mg are partly bound to the casein micelles. About one third of the Ca, half of the P, and two thirds of the Mg are located in the aqueous phase of milk. Dairy products are more or less rich in these different minerals. In cheeses, mineral content depends mainly on their processing. The Ca content is strongly related to the acidification step. Moreover, if acidification is associated with the draining step, the Ca content in the cheese will be reduced. Thus, the Ca content varies in the following increasing order: milks/fermented milks/fresh cheeses < soft cheeses < semi-hard cheeses < hard cheeses. The chemical forms and associations are less described than those present in milk. Concerning Ca, the formation of insoluble calcium phosphate, carbonate, and lactate is reported in some ripened cheeses. The NaCl content in cheeses depends on the salting of the curd. From a nutritional point of view, it is largely admitted that milk and dairy products are important sources of Ca, Mg, Zn, and Se. The vitamin fraction of milk and dairy products is composed of lipophilic (A, D, E, and K) and hydrophilic (B(1), B(2), B(3), B(5), B(6), B(8), B(9), B(12), and C) vitamins. Because of their hydrophobic properties, the lipophilic vitamins are mainly in the milk fat fraction (cream, butter). The hydrophilic vitamins are in the aqueous phase of milk. For one part of these vitamins, the concentrations described in the literature are not always homogenous and sometimes not in accordance between them; these discrepancies are due to the difficulty of the sample preparation and the use of appropriate methods for their quantification. However, there is no doubt of the significant contribution of milk and dairy products to the intake of vitamins. Milk and dairy are considered essential sources for vitamins. Key teaching points: Milk and dairy products are unique micronutrient combinations with recognized health benefits. The concentration, chemical forms, and location of different minerals are relatively well known and described. For example, Ca is present in dairy products in different forms: free, associated with citrate, inorganic and organic phosphates, and free fatty acids. Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of Ca, P, Mg, Zn, and Se. The concentration of vitamins in milk and dairy products is variable and depends on several factors such as biosynthesis, animal feeding, physicochemical conditions (heat, light, O(2), oxidant agents), and analytical methods for their determinations. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are mainly located in the lipid phase and vitamins of group B and C in the aqueous phase. Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of vitamins A, B(1), B(2), and B(12).

Late Holocene stratigraphy of the Tetimpa archaeological sites, northeast flank of Popocatepetl volcano, central Mexico

USGS Publications Warehouse

Panfil, M.S.; Gardner, T.W.; Hirth, K.G.

1999-01-01

Late Holocene (240 km2 on the east side of the volcano with >25 cm of tephra. Lavas from eruptive sequence I dammed drainage in the lowland area near the town of San Nicolas and caused local upstream deposition of as much as 30 m of lacustrine silts, clays, and sands. These lacustrine deposits record an eruptive hiatus for the Tetimpa area of about 750 14C yr: between ca. 2100 and ca. 1350 yr B.P., no major tephras were deposited in the Tetimpa area. In upland areas, this time period is represented by an unconformity and by Entisols formed in the top of pumice deposits and lavas from eruptive sequence I. Artifacts, agricultural furrows, and dwellings record human reoccupation of this surface. At the end of this hiatus, several lahars were deposited above the lacustrine sequence and locally above the Entisol in upland positions adjacent to streams. Between ca. 1350 and ca. 1200 yr B.P., tephras from eruptive sequence II buried these paleosols, occupation sites, lacustrine sediments, and lahars. Andesitic (~62% SiO2) pumice lapilli deposits in the Tetimpa area record three pumice-fall eruptions directed northeast and east of the crater. The first and smallest of these (maximum Tetimpa area thickness = 12 cm; >52 km2 covered by >25 cm) took place at ca. 1350 yr B.P. and was accompanied by pyroclastic surge events preserved in the Tetimpa area by charcoal, sand waves, and cross-stratified sand-sized tephra. At ca. 1200 yr B.P., the products of two Plinian-style events and additional pyroclastic surges reached the Tetimpa area. The largest of these tephra-fall events covered the Tetimpa area with 0.5-1 m of tephra and blanketed an area of >230 km2 with a thickness of >25 cm. The Tetimpa record confirms two of the four periods of explosive volcanism recognized by studies conducted around Popocatepetl in the past 30 yr. Eruptive sequence I corresponds to the explosive period between 2100 and 2500 yr B.P., and eruptive sequence II corresponds to the period between 900 and 1400 yr B.P. The archaeology and lacustrine stratigraphy of the Tetimpa area help constrain the timing of the Plinian phase of eruptive sequence I to ca. 2100 yr B.P. and suggest that the pumice-fall eruptions of eruptive sequence II took place in at least two intervals between ca. 1350 and ca. 1200 yr B.P.

caGrid 1.0: a Grid enterprise architecture for cancer research.

PubMed

Oster, Scott; Langella, Stephen; Hastings, Shannon; Ervin, David; Madduri, Ravi; Kurc, Tahsin; Siebenlist, Frank; Covitz, Peter; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Foster, Ian; Saltz, Joel

2007-10-11

caGrid is the core Grid architecture of the NCI-sponsored cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIG) program. The current release, caGrid version 1.0, is developed as the production Grid software infrastructure of caBIG. Based on feedback from adopters of the previous version (caGrid 0.5), it has been significantly enhanced with new features and improvements to existing components. This paper presents an overview of caGrid 1.0, its main components, and enhancements over caGrid 0.5.

Incorporating benthic community changes into hydrochemical-based projections of coral reef calcium carbonate production under ocean acidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaw, Emily C.; Hamylton, Sarah M.; Phinn, Stuart R.

2016-06-01

The existence of coral reefs is dependent on the production and maintenance of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) framework that is produced through calcification. The net production of CaCO3 will likely decline in the future, from both declining net calcification rates (decreasing calcification and increasing dissolution) and shifts in benthic community composition from calcifying organisms to non-calcifying organisms. Here, we present a framework for hydrochemical studies that allows both declining net calcification rates and changes in benthic community composition to be incorporated into projections of coral reef CaCO3 production. The framework involves upscaling net calcification rates for each benthic community type using mapped proportional cover of the benthic communities. This upscaling process was applied to the reef flats at One Tree and Lady Elliot reefs (Great Barrier Reef) and Shiraho Reef (Okinawa), and compared to existing data. Future CaCO3 budgets were projected for Lady Elliot Reef, predicting a decline of 53 % from the present value by end-century (800 ppm CO2) without any changes to benthic community composition. A further 5.7 % decline in net CaCO3 production is expected for each 10 % decline in calcifier cover, and net dissolution is predicted by end-century if calcifier cover drops below 18 % of the present extent. These results show the combined negative effect of both declining net calcification rates and changing benthic community composition on reefs and the importance of considering both processes for determining future reef CaCO3 production.

Biological pretreatment of rice straw with Streptomyces griseorubens JSD-1 and its optimized production of cellulase and xylanase for improved enzymatic saccharification efficiency.

PubMed

Zhang, Dan; Luo, Yanqing; Chu, Shaohua; Zhi, Yuee; Wang, Bin; Zhou, Pei

2016-08-17

Biological pretreatment of rice straw and production of reducing sugars by hydrolysis of bio-pretreated material with Streptomyces griseorubens JSD-1 was investigated. After 10 days of incubation, various chemical compositions of inoculated rice straw were degraded and used for further enzymatic hydrolysis studies. The production of cellulolytic enzyme by S. griseorubens JSD-1 favored the conversion of cellulose to reducing sugars. The culture medium for cellulolytic enzyme production by using agro-industrial wastes was optimized through response surface methodology. According to the response surface analysis, the concentrations of 11.13, 20.34, 4.61, and 2.85 g L(-1) for rice straw, wheat bran, peptone, and CaCO3, respectively, were found to be optimum for cellulase and xylanase production. Then the hydrolyzed spent Streptomyces cells were used as a nitrogen source and the maximum filter paper cellulase, carboxymethylcellulase, and xylanase activities of 25.79, 78.91, and 269.53 U mL(-1) were achieved. The crude cellulase produced by S. griseorubens JSD-1 was subsequently used for the hydrolysis of bio-pretreated rice straw, and the optimum saccharification efficiency of 88.13% was obtained, indicating that the crude enzyme might be used instead of commercial cellulase during a saccharification process. These results give a basis for further study of bioethanol production from agricultural cellulosic waste.

Baseline levels of melamine in food items sold in Canada. II. Egg, soy, vegetable, fish and shrimp products.

PubMed

Tittlemier, Sheryl A; Lau, Benjamin P-Y; Ménard, Cathie; Corrigan, Catherine; Sparling, Melissa; Gaertner, Dean; Cao, Xu-Liang; Dabeka, Bob; Hilts, Carla

2010-01-01

A variety of egg-containing, soy-based, fish, shrimp and vegetable products sold in Canada were analysed for melamine (MEL) using a sensitive solid-phase extraction LC-MS/MS analytical method. MEL was detected above the method quantification limit of 0.004 mg/kg in 98 of the 378 samples analysed. Concentrations in the various food product groups ranged 0.00507-0.247 mg/kg (egg-containing items), 0.00408-0.0479 mg/kg (soy-based meat substitutes), 0.00409-1.10 mg/kg (fish and shrimp products), and 0.00464-0.688 mg/kg (vegetable products). MEL was detected less frequently in egg- and soy-containing products. The presence of MEL in most of the Canadian Total Diet Study shrimp composites collected after 2001 suggested the residues in shrimp were caused by a relatively recent exposure to MEL. All concentrations of MEL reported were lower than the 2.5 mg/kg interim standard established for MEL in items containing milk and milk-derived ingredients and the respective maximum residue limits for cyromazine and its metabolite, melamine, in vegetables set by the Canadian Government (2009; http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/chem-chim/melamine/qa-melamine-qr-eng.php#8 ). The consumption of foods containing these low levels of MEL does not constitute a health risk for consumers.

Effects of sea-ice and biogeochemical processes and storms on under-ice water fCO2 during the winter-spring transition in the high Arctic Ocean: Implications for sea-air CO2 fluxes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fransson, Agneta; Chierici, Melissa; Skjelvan, Ingunn; Olsen, Are; Assmy, Philipp; Peterson, Algot K.; Spreen, Gunnar; Ward, Brian

2017-07-01

We performed measurements of carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2) in the surface water under Arctic sea ice from January to June 2015 during the Norwegian young sea ICE (N-ICE2015) expedition. Over this period, the ship drifted with four different ice floes and covered the deep Nansen Basin, the slopes north of Svalbard, and the Yermak Plateau. This unique winter-to-spring data set includes the first winter-time under-ice water fCO2 observations in this region. The observed under-ice fCO2 ranged between 315 µatm in winter and 153 µatm in spring, hence was undersaturated relative to the atmospheric fCO2. Although the sea ice partly prevented direct CO2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere, frequently occurring leads and breakup of the ice sheet promoted sea-air CO2 fluxes. The CO2 sink varied between 0.3 and 86 mmol C m-2 d-1, depending strongly on the open-water fractions (OW) and storm events. The maximum sea-air CO2 fluxes occurred during storm events in February and June. In winter, the main drivers of the change in under-ice water fCO2 were dissolution of CaCO3 (ikaite) and vertical mixing. In June, in addition to these processes, primary production and sea-air CO2 fluxes were important. The cumulative loss due to CaCO3 dissolution of 0.7 mol C m-2 in the upper 10 m played a major role in sustaining the undersaturation of fCO2 during the entire study. The relative effects of the total fCO2 change due to CaCO3 dissolution was 38%, primary production 26%, vertical mixing 16%, sea-air CO2 fluxes 16%, and temperature and salinity insignificant.

Chemical, physical-chemical, and sensory characteristics of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) wines.

PubMed

Alves, Juliana Alvarenga; de Oliveira Lima, Luiz Carlos; Nunes, Cleiton Antônio; Dias, Disney Ribeiro; Schwan, Rosane Freitas

2011-01-01

Four lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) wines (prepared with 3 yeast strains [UFLA CA11, UFLA CA1183, and UFLA CA1174]) and a spontaneous fermentation (SPON) were done in order to add value to the fruit while preventing waste arising from the short shelf life of lychee. The fermentation was monitored daily by analyzing the soluble solids, pH, acidity, ethanol, and sugar. At the end of fermentation, the wines were subjected to chemical, physical-chemical, and sensory analysis. The wines prepared showed greater variations in the qualitative than in the quantitative analysis of their constituents. The sensory analysis indicated that the wines fermented by yeast UFLA CA1183 and UFLA CA11 had rates of acceptance above 75%. The principal components analysis separated the wines into 2 groups according to the analyzed compounds. Based on these analyses, the wine produced by inoculation with UFLA CA1183 proved to be the most suitable for the production of lychee wines. Development of new products and adding value to fruits. Importance of selection of specific yeasts for production of fruit wine. © 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®

Functional effects of uridine triphosphate on human skinned skeletal muscle fibers.

PubMed

Vianna-Jorge, R; Oliveira, C F; Mounier, Y; Suarez-Kurtz, G

1998-02-01

Chemically skinned human skeletal muscle fibers were used to study the effects of uridine triphosphate (UTP) on the tension-pCa relationship and on Ca2+ uptake and release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Total replacement (2.5 mM) of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with UTP (i) displaced the tension-pCa relationship to the left along the abcissae and increased maximum Ca(2+)-activated tension, both effects being larger in slow- than in fast-type fibers; (ii) markedly reduced Ca2+ uptake by the SR (evaluated by the caffeine-evoked tension) in both fiber types; (iii) had no effect on the rate of depletion of caffeine-sensitive Ca2+ stores during soaking in relaxing solutions; (iv) induced tension in slow- but not in fast-type fibers. The effects on the SR functional properties are consistent with the notion that UTP is a poor substitute for ATP as a substrate for the Ca ATPase pump and as an agonist of the ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+)-release channel. The UTP-induced tension in human slow-type fibers is attributed to effect(s) of the nucleotide on the tension-pCa relationship of the contractile machinery. The present data reveal important differences between the effects of UTP on human versus rat muscle fibers.

Measurements of cross sections and decay properties of the isotopes of elements 112, 114, and 116 produced in the fusion reactions 233,238 U , 242Pu , and 248Cm + 48Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oganessian, Yu. Ts.; Utyonkov, V. K.; Lobanov, Yu. V.; Abdullin, F. Sh.; Polyakov, A. N.; Shirokovsky, I. V.; Tsyganov, Yu. S.; Gulbekian, G. G.; Bogomolov, S. L.; Gikal, B. N.; Mezentsev, A. N.; Iliev, S.; Subbotin, V. G.; Sukhov, A. M.; Voinov, A. A.; Buklanov, G. V.; Subotic, K.; Zagrebaev, V. I.; Itkis, M. G.; Patin, J. B.; Moody, K. J.; Wild, J. F.; Stoyer, M. A.; Stoyer, N. J.; Shaughnessy, D. A.; Kenneally, J. M.; Wilk, P. A.; Lougheed, R. W.; Il'Kaev, R. I.; Vesnovskii, S. P.

2004-12-01

We have studied the dependence of the production cross sections of the isotopes 282,283 112 and 286,287 114 on the excitation energy of the compound nuclei 286112 and 290114 . The maximum cross section values of the xn -evaporation channels for the reaction 238U ( 48Ca ,xn) 286-x 112 were measured to be σ3n = 2.5 +1.8 -1.1 pb and σ4n = 0.6 +1.6 -0.5 pb ; for the reaction 242Pu ( 48Ca ,xn) 290-x 114 : σ2n ˜0.5 pb , σ3n = 3.6 +3.4 -1.7 pb , and σ4n = 4.5 +3.6 -1.9 pb . In the reaction 233U ( 48Ca ,2 4n) 277 279 112 at E*=34.9±2.2 MeV we measured an upper cross section limit of σxn ⩽0.6 pb . The observed shift of the excitation energy associated with the maximum sum evaporation residue cross section σER (E*) to values significantly higher than that associated with the calculated Coulomb barrier can be caused by the orientation of the deformed target nucleus in the entrance channel of the reaction. An increase of σER in the reactions of actinide targets with 48Ca is consistent with the expected increase of the survivability of the excited compound nucleus upon closer approach to the closed neutron shell N=184 . In the present work we detected 33 decay chains arising in the decay of the known nuclei 282112 , 283112 , 286114 , 287114 , and 288114 . In the decay of 287114 (α) → 283112 (α) → 279110 (SF) , in two cases out of 22, we observed decay chains of four and five sequential α transitions that end in spontaneous fission of 271Sg ( Tα/SF = 2.4 +4.3 -1.0 min) and 267Rf ( TSF ˜2.3 h) , longer decay chains than reported previously. We observed the new nuclide 292116 ( Tα = 18 +16 -6 ms, Eα =10.66±0.07 MeV) in the irradiation of the 248Cm target at a higher energy than in previous experiments. The observed nuclear decay properties of the nuclides with Z=104 118 are compared with theoretical nuclear mass calculations and the systematic trends of spontaneous fission properties. As a whole, they give a consistent pattern of decay of the 18 even- Z neutron-rich nuclides with Z=104 118 and N=163 177 . The experiments were performed with the heavy-ion beam delivered by the U400 cyclotron of the FLNR (JINR, Dubna) employing the Dubna gas-filled recoil separator.

Proton and neutron density distributions at supranormal density in low- and medium-energy heavy-ion collisions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stone, J. R.; Danielewicz, P.; Iwata, Y.

2017-07-01

Background: The distribution of protons and neutrons in the matter created in heavy-ion collisions is one of the main points of interest for the collision physics, especially at supranormal densities. These distributions are the basis for predictions of the density dependence of the symmetry energy and the density range that can be achieved in a given colliding system. We report results of the first systematic simulation of proton and neutron density distributions in central heavy-ion collisions within the beam energy range of Ebeam≤800 MeV /nucl . The symmetric 40Ca+40Ca , 48Ca+48Ca , 100Sn+100Sn , and 120Sn+120Sn and asymmetric 40Ca+48Ca and 100Sn+120Sn systems were chosen for the simulations. Purpose: We simulate development of proton and neutron densities and asymmetries as a function of initial state, beam energy, and system size in the selected collisions in order to guide further experiments pursuing the density dependence of the symmetry energy. Methods: The Boltzmann-Uhlenbeck-Uehling (pBUU) transport model with four empirical models for the density dependence of the symmetry energy was employed. Results of simulations using pure Vlasov dynamics were added for completeness. In addition, the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) model, with the SV-bas Skyrme interaction, was used to model the heavy-ion collisions at Ebeam≤40 MeV /nucl . Maximum proton and neutron densities ρpmax and ρnmax, reached in the course of a collision, were determined from the time evolution of ρp and ρn. Results: The highest total densities predicted at Ebeam=800 MeV /nucl . were of the order of ˜2.5 ρ0 (ρ0=0.16 fm-3 ) for both Sn and Ca systems. They were found to be only weakly dependent on the initial conditions, beam energy, system size, and a model of the symmetry energy. The proton-neutron asymmetry δ =(ρnmax-ρpmax) /(ρnmax+ρpmax) at maximum density does depend, though, on these parameters. The highest value of δ found in all systems and at all investigated beam energies was ˜0.17 . Conclusions: We find that the initial state, beam energy, system size, and a symmetry energy model affect very little the maximum proton and neutron densities, but have a subtle impact on the proton-neutron asymmetry. Most importantly, the variations in the proton-neutron asymmetry at maximum densities are related at most at 50% level to the details in the symmetry energy at supranormal density. The reminder is due to the details in the symmetry energy at subnormal densities and proton and neutron distributions in the initial state. This result brings to the forefront the need for a proper initialization of the nuclei in the simulation, but also brings up the question of microscopy, such as shell effects, that affect initial proton and neutron densities, but cannot be consistently incorporated into semiclassical transport models.

NCLX protein, but not LETM1, mediates mitochondrial Ca2+ extrusion, thereby limiting Ca2+-induced NAD(P)H production and modulating matrix redox state.

PubMed

De Marchi, Umberto; Santo-Domingo, Jaime; Castelbou, Cyril; Sekler, Israel; Wiederkehr, Andreas; Demaurex, Nicolas

2014-07-18

Mitochondria capture and subsequently release Ca(2+) ions, thereby sensing and shaping cellular Ca(2+) signals. The Ca(2+) uniporter MCU mediates Ca(2+) uptake, whereas NCLX (mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger) and LETM1 (leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1) were proposed to exchange Ca(2+) against Na(+) or H(+), respectively. Here we study the role of these ion exchangers in mitochondrial Ca(2+) extrusion and in Ca(2+)-metabolic coupling. Both NCLX and LETM1 proteins were expressed in HeLa cells mitochondria. The rate of mitochondrial Ca(2+) efflux, measured with a genetically encoded indicator during agonist stimulations, increased with the amplitude of mitochondrial Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)]mt) elevations. NCLX overexpression enhanced the rates of Ca(2+) efflux, whereas increasing LETM1 levels had no impact on Ca(2+) extrusion. The fluorescence of the redox-sensitive probe roGFP increased during [Ca(2+)]mt elevations, indicating a net reduction of the matrix. This redox response was abolished by NCLX overexpression and restored by the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger inhibitor CGP37157. The [Ca(2+)]mt elevations were associated with increases in the autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, whose amplitude was strongly reduced by NCLX overexpression, an effect reverted by Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange inhibition. We conclude that NCLX, but not LETM1, mediates Ca(2+) extrusion from mitochondria. By controlling the duration of matrix Ca(2+) elevations, NCLX contributes to the regulation of NAD(P)H production and to the conversion of Ca(2+) signals into redox changes. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

NCLX Protein, but Not LETM1, Mediates Mitochondrial Ca2+ Extrusion, Thereby Limiting Ca2+-induced NAD(P)H Production and Modulating Matrix Redox State*

PubMed Central

De Marchi, Umberto; Santo-Domingo, Jaime; Castelbou, Cyril; Sekler, Israel; Wiederkehr, Andreas; Demaurex, Nicolas

2014-01-01

Mitochondria capture and subsequently release Ca2+ ions, thereby sensing and shaping cellular Ca2+ signals. The Ca2+ uniporter MCU mediates Ca2+ uptake, whereas NCLX (mitochondrial Na/Ca exchanger) and LETM1 (leucine zipper-EF-hand-containing transmembrane protein 1) were proposed to exchange Ca2+ against Na+ or H+, respectively. Here we study the role of these ion exchangers in mitochondrial Ca2+ extrusion and in Ca2+-metabolic coupling. Both NCLX and LETM1 proteins were expressed in HeLa cells mitochondria. The rate of mitochondrial Ca2+ efflux, measured with a genetically encoded indicator during agonist stimulations, increased with the amplitude of mitochondrial Ca2+ ([Ca2+]mt) elevations. NCLX overexpression enhanced the rates of Ca2+ efflux, whereas increasing LETM1 levels had no impact on Ca2+ extrusion. The fluorescence of the redox-sensitive probe roGFP increased during [Ca2+]mt elevations, indicating a net reduction of the matrix. This redox response was abolished by NCLX overexpression and restored by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor CGP37157. The [Ca2+]mt elevations were associated with increases in the autofluorescence of NAD(P)H, whose amplitude was strongly reduced by NCLX overexpression, an effect reverted by Na+/Ca2+ exchange inhibition. We conclude that NCLX, but not LETM1, mediates Ca2+ extrusion from mitochondria. By controlling the duration of matrix Ca2+ elevations, NCLX contributes to the regulation of NAD(P)H production and to the conversion of Ca2+ signals into redox changes. PMID:24898248

The relationship between the electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of Zintl compounds M2Zn5As4 (M = K, Rb).

PubMed

Yang, Gui; Yang, Jueming; Yan, Yuli; Wang, Yuanxu

2014-03-28

The electronic structure and the thermoelectric properties of M2Zn5As4 (M = K, Rb) are studied by the first principles and the semiclassical BoltzTraP theory. It is determined that they are semiconductors with an indirect band gap of about 1 eV, which is much larger than that of Ca5Al2Sb6 (0.50 eV). The calculated electronic localization function indicates that they are typical Zintl bonding compounds. The combination of heavy and light bands near the valence band maximum may improve their thermoelectric performance. Rb2Zn5As4 exhibits relatively large Seebeck coefficients, high electrical conductivities, and the large "maximum" thermoelectric figures of merit (ZeT). Compared with Ca5Al2Sb6, the highest ZeT of Rb2Zn5As4 appears at relatively low carrier concentration. For Rb2Zn4As5, the p-type doping may achieve a higher thermoelectric performance than n-type doping. The thermoelectric properties of Rb2Zn5As4 are possibly superior to those of Ca5Al2Sb6.

Magnetic-field-dependent dielectric constant in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rivas, J.; Mira, J.; Rivas-Murias, B.; Fondado, A.; Dec, J.; Kleemann, W.; Señarís-Rodríguez, M. A.

2006-06-01

We report a rather high dependence of the dielectric permittivity on the magnetic field in La2/3Ca1/3MnO3. The variation is maximum at around 270K, little above the Curie temperature TC, and it reaches a 35% under only 0.5T. We attribute this phenomenon to the space-charge or interfacial polarization produced between the insulator and the metallic regions segregated intrinsically in the material above TC.

Plasma-Filled Rod-Pinch Diode Research on Gamble II

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-01

by the dashed red line in Fig. 3. CaF2 thermoluminescent dosimeters ( TLDs ) located on the front surface of the rolled edge measure the dose. The...half-maximum line-spread function] and high dose [23 rad(CaF2) at 1 m] with 1-2 MeV electron energies are unique capabilities that the PFRP offers...for radiographic imaging in this electron -energy range. The source distribution has a narrow central peak that can enhance the spatial resolution

Understanding corrosion behavior of Mg-Zn-Ca alloys from subcutaneous mouse model: effect of Zn element concentration and plasma electrolytic oxidation.

PubMed

Jang, Yongseok; Tan, Zongqing; Jurey, Chris; Xu, Zhigang; Dong, Zhongyun; Collins, Boyce; Yun, Yeoheung; Sankar, Jagannathan

2015-03-01

Mg-Zn-Ca alloys are considered as suitable biodegradable metallic implants because of their biocompatibility and proper physical properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of Zn concentration of Mg-xZn-0.3Ca (x=1, 3 and 5wt.%) alloys and surface modification by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) on corrosion behavior in in vivo environment in terms of microstructure, corrosion rate, types of corrosion, and corrosion product formation. Microstructure analysis of alloys and morphological characterization of corrosion products were conducted using x-ray computed tomography (micro-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Elemental composition and crystal structure of corrosion products were determined using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results show that 1) as-cast Mg-xZn-0.3Ca alloys are composed of Mg matrix and a secondary phase of Ca2Mg6Zn3 formed along grain boundaries, 2) the corrosion rate of Mg-xZn-0.3Ca alloys increases with increasing concentration of Zn in the alloy, 3) corrosion rates of alloys treated by PEO sample are decreased in in vivo environment, and 4) the corrosion products of these alloys after in vivo tests are identified as brucite (Mg(OH)2), hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2), and magnesite (MgCO3·3H2O). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcium-mediated signaling and calmodulin-dependent kinase regulate hepatocyte-inducible nitric oxide synthase expression.

PubMed

Zhang, Baochun; Crankshaw, Will; Nesemeier, Ryan; Patel, Jay; Nweze, Ikenna; Lakshmanan, Jaganathan; Harbrecht, Brian G

2015-02-01

Induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is induced in hepatocytes by shock and inflammatory stimuli. Excessive NO from iNOS mediates shock-induced hepatic injury and death, so understanding the regulation of iNOS will help elucidate the pathophysiology of septic shock. In vitro, cytokines induce iNOS expression through activation of signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinases and nuclear factor κB. Cytokines also induce calcium (Ca(2+)) mobilization and activate calcium-mediated intracellular signaling pathways, typically through activation of calmodulin-dependent kinases (CaMK). Calcium regulates NO production in macrophages but the role of calcium and calcium-mediated signaling in hepatocyte iNOS expression has not been defined. Primary rat hepatocytes were isolated, cultured, and induced to produce NO with proinflammatory cytokines. Calcium mobilization and Ca(2+)-mediated signaling were altered with ionophore, Ca(2+) channel blockers, and inhibitors of CaMK. The Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 suppressed cytokine-stimulated NO production, whereas Ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid and nifedipine increased NO production, iNOS messenger RNA, and iNOS protein expression. Inhibition of CaMK with KN93 and CBD increased NO production but the calcineurin inhibitor FK 506 decreased iNOS expression. These data demonstrate that calcium-mediated signaling regulates hepatocyte iNOS expression and does so through a mechanism independent of calcineurin. Changes in intracellular calcium levels may regulate iNOS expression during hepatic inflammation induced by proinflammatory cytokines. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Equatorial Pacific Productivity Events and Intervals in the Middle and late Miocene through XRF-Scanned Bulk Sediment Composition Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lyle, M. W.; Stepanova, A.; Wilson, J. K.; Marcantonio, F.

2014-12-01

The equatorial Pacific is the largest open ocean productivity center, responsible for nearly half of global marine new production and about 40% of CaCO3 burial. Understanding how the equatorial Pacific upwelling system has evolved over the Neogene is critical to understand the evolution of the global carbon cycle. We know from reconnaissance studies that productivity in equatorial Pacific surface waters as well as dissolution driven by deep waters have strongly affected the sediment record. We have used calibrated XRF scanning to capture anomalies in equatorial Pacific upwelling and productivity at Milankovitch-resolving resolution since the early Miocene. The 8 elements calibrated in the XRF scans can be used to distinguish intervals of high carbonate dissolution from those of high productivity. Carbonate dissolution intervals are recorded by a drop of CaCO3 relative to Aeolian clays, with little change in the ratio between estimated opal and clay (estimated by TiO2). In contrast, high production intervals have high opal/TiO2 and low CaCO3. Low CaCO3 contents are caused partly by dilution, since high production skews tropical particulate rain to be more opal-rich relative to carbonate, and additional C-org rain can help to increase CaCO3 dissolution within near-surface sediments. We observe long-lived high production anomalies modulated by orbitally-driven climate variability. Prominent intervals are found at the end of the Miocene climate optimum (~ 14 Ma), interspersed with dissolution intervals in the Carbonate Crash interval (~9-11 Ma), and in the Biogenic Bloom interval (8-4.5 Ma). Using relationships among biogenic fluxes in modern equatorial sediment trap studies, especially the positive correlations between biogenic Ba , C-org, and CaCO3 fluxes, we find that the highest production intervals have much higher opal/C-org in the particulate rain, implying an inefficient carbon pump to the deep ocean. If confirmed, productivity was not as strong a feedback to atmospheric CO2 in the Miocene as it is in the Holocene.

Quantifying uncertainty in coral Sr/Ca-based SST estimates from Orbicella faveolata: A basis for multi-colony SST reconstructions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Richey, J. N.; Flannery, J. A.; Toth, L. T.; Kuffner, I. B.; Poore, R. Z.

2017-12-01

The Sr/Ca in massive corals can be used as a proxy for sea surface temperature (SST) in shallow tropical to sub-tropical regions; however, the relationship between Sr/Ca and SST varies throughout the ocean, between different species of coral, and often between different colonies of the same species. We aimed to quantify the uncertainty associated with the Sr/Ca-SST proxy due to sample handling (e.g., micro-drilling or analytical error), vital effects (e.g., among-colony differences in coral growth), and local-scale variability in microhabitat. We examine the intra- and inter-colony reproducibility of Sr/Ca records extracted from five modern Orbicella faveolata colonies growing in the Dry Tortugas, Florida, USA. The average intra-colony absolute difference (AD) in Sr/Ca of the five colonies during an overlapping interval (1997-2008) was 0.055 ± 0.044 mmol mol-1 (0.96 ºC) and the average inter-colony Sr/Ca AD was 0.039 ± 0.01 mmol mol-1 (0.51 ºC). All available Sr/Ca-SST data pairs from 1997-2008 were combined and regressed against the HadISST1 gridded SST data set (24 ºN and 82 ºW) to produce a calibration equation that could be applied to O. faveolata specimens from throughout the Gulf of Mexico/Caribbean/Atlantic region after accounting for the potential uncertainties in Sr/Ca-derived SSTs. We quantified a combined error term for O. faveolata using the root-sum-square (RMS) of the analytical, intra-, and inter-colony uncertainties and suggest that an overall uncertainty of 0.046 mmol mol-1 (0.81 ºC, 1σ), should be used to interpret Sr/Ca records from O. faveolata specimens of unknown age or origin to reconstruct SST. We also explored how uncertainty is affected by the number of corals used in a reconstruction by iteratively calculating the RMS error for composite coral time-series using two, three, four, and five overlapping coral colonies. Our results indicate that maximum RMS error at the 95% confidence interval on mean annual SST estimates is 1.4 ºC when a composite record is made from only two overlapping coral Sr/Ca records. The uncertainty decreases as additional coral Sr/Ca data are added, with a maximum RMS error of 0.5 ºC on mean annual SST for a five-colony composite. To reduce uncertainty to under 1 ºC, it is best to use Sr/Ca from three or more coral colonies from the same geographic location and time period.

Cementum structure in Beluga whale teeth

DOE PAGES

Stock, S. R.; Finney, L. A.; Telser, A.; ...

2016-11-09

We report that a large fraction of the volume of Beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) teeth consists of cementum, a mineralized tissue which grows throughout the life of the animal and to which the periodontal ligaments attach. Annular growth bands or growth layer groups (GLGs) form within Beluga cementum, and this study investigates GLG structure using X-ray fluorescence mapping and X-ray diffraction mapping with microbeams of synchrotron radiation. The Ca and Zn fluorescent intensities and carbonated hydroxyapatite (cAp) diffracted intensities rise and fall together and match the light-dark bands visible in transmitted light micrographs. Within the bands of maximum Ca andmore » Zn intensity, the ratio of Zn to Ca is slightly higher than in the minima bands. Further, the GLG cAp, Ca and Zn modulation is preserved throughout the cementum for durations >25 year.« less

Interactions between calcium and phosphorus in the regulation of the production of fibroblast growth factor 23 in vivo

PubMed Central

Quinn, Stephen J.; Thomsen, Alex R. B.; Pang, Jian L.; Kantham, Lakshmi; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans; Pollak, Martin; Goltzman, David

2013-01-01

Calcium and phosphorus homeostasis are highly interrelated and share common regulatory hormones, including FGF23. However, little is known about calcium's role in the regulation of FGF23. We sought to investigate the regulatory roles of calcium and phosphorus in FGF23 production using genetic mouse models with targeted inactivation of PTH (PTH KO) or both PTH and the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR; PTH-CaSR DKO). In wild-type, PTH KO, and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, elevation of either serum calcium or phosphorus by intraperitoneal injection increased serum FGF23 levels. In PTH KO and PTH-CaSR DKO mice, however, increases in serum phosphorus by dietary manipulation were accompanied by severe hypocalcemia, which appeared to blunt stimulation of FGF23 release. Increases in dietary phosphorus in PTH-CaSR DKO mice markedly decreased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] despite no change in FGF23, suggesting direct regulation of 1,25(OH)2D3 synthesis by serum phosphorus. Calcium-mediated increases in serum FGF23 required a threshold level of serum phosphorus of about 5 mg/dl. Analogously, phosphorus-elicited increases in FGF23 were markedly blunted if serum calcium was less than 8 mg/dl. The best correlation between calcium and phosphorus and serum FGF23 was found between FGF23 and the calcium × phosphorus product. Since calcium stimulated FGF23 production in the PTH-CaSR DKO mice, this effect cannot be mediated by the full-length CaSR. Thus the regulation of FGF23 by both calcium and phosphorus appears to be fundamentally important in coordinating the serum levels of both mineral ions and ensuring that the calcium × phosphorus product remains within a physiological range. PMID:23233539

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from biomass-derived compounds: a case study of citric acid.

PubMed

Alkaim, Ayad F; Kandiel, Tarek A; Dillert, Ralf; Bahnemann, Detlef W

2016-11-01

Highly crystalline anatase TiO2 nanoparticles with high BET surface area have been synthesized by thermal hydrolysis of titanium(IV) bis(ammoniumlactato) dihydroxide aqueous solutions. The photocatalytic H2 production from aqueous citric acid (CA) solutions over Pt-loaded TiO2 has been investigated under different experimental conditions, that is, different CA concentration, temperature, light intensity, and pH of Pt/TiO2 suspension. For comparison, the photocatalytic dehydrogenation of triethanolamine (TEA) has also been investigated. The highest H2 production rates were obtained at pH 3 and 9 for CA and TEA, respectively. This behavior is readily explained by the adsorption characteristic of the employed reagent on the surface of the charged TiO2. The effect of the photocatalyst loading and the light intensity on the H2 production rate showed the same behavior in the case of CA and TEA evincing that these parameters are catalyst dependent. The apparent activation energies have been determined to be 13.5 ± 1.8 and 14.7 ± 1.6 kJ mol(-1) for CA and TEA, respectively, indicating the existence of an activation energy barrier in a photocatalytic process which can be attributed to the desorption of adsorbed products.

Production of nanoparticles during experimental deformation of smectite and implications for seismic slip

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aretusini, S.; Mittempergher, S.; Plümper, O.; Spagnuolo, E.; Gualtieri, A. F.; Di Toro, G.

2017-04-01

Nanoparticles and amorphous materials are common constituents of the shallow sections of active faults. Understanding the conditions at which nanoparticles are produced and their effects on friction can further improve our understanding of fault mechanics and earthquake energy budgets. Here we present the results of 59 rotary shear experiments conducted at room humidity conditions on gouge consisting of mixtures of smectite (Ca-montmorillonite) and quartz. Experiments with 60, 50, 25, 0 wt.% Ca-montmorillonite, were performed to investigate the influence of variable clay content on nanoparticle production and their influence on frictional processes. All experiments were performed at a normal stress of 5 MPa, slip rate of 0.0003 ≤ V ≤ 1.5 ms-1, and at a displacement of 3 m. To monitor the development of fabric and the mineralogical changes during the experiments, we investigated the deformed gouges using scanning and transmission electron microscopy combined with X-ray powder diffraction quantitative phase analysis. This integrated analytical approach reveals that, at all slip rates and compositions, the nanoparticles (grain size of 10-50 nm) are partly amorphous and result from cataclasis, wear and mechanical solid-state amorphization of smectite. The maximum production of amorphous nanoparticle occurs in the intermediate slip rate range (0.0003 ≤ V ≤ 0.1 ms-1), at the highest frictional work, and is associated to diffuse deformation and slip strengthening behavior. Instead, the lowest production of amorphous nanoparticles occurs at co-seismic slip rates (V ≥ 1.3 ms-1), at the highest frictional power and is associated with strain and heat localization and slip weakening behavior. Our findings suggest that, independently of the amount of smectite nanoparticles, they produce fault weakening only when typical co-seismic slip rates (>0.1 ms-1) are achieved. This implies that estimates of the fracture surface energy dissipated during earthquakes in natural faults might be extremely difficult to constrain.

In vitro bioactivity of novel tricalcium silicate ceramics.

PubMed

Zhao, Wenyuan; Chang, Jiang; Wang, Junying; Zhai, Wanyin; Wang, Zheng

2007-05-01

In this study, bone-like apatite-formation ability of tricalcium silicate (Ca(3)SiO(5)) ceramics in simulated body fluid (SBF) was evaluated and the in vitro degradability was investigated by soaking in Ringer's solution. The effect of ionic products from Ca(3)SiO(5) dissolution on osteobalsts proliferation was investigated. The result indicated that hydroxyapatite (HA) was formed on the surface of the Ca(3)SiO(5) ceramics after soaking in SBF for 1 day, and Ca(3)SiO(5) ceramics could degraded in Ringer's solution. The Si ions from Ca(3)SiO(5) dissolution at certain concentration range significantly stimulated osteoblasts proliferation. Our results show that Ca(3)SiO(5) ceramics possess bone-like apatite-formation ability and degradability, and can release soluble ionic products to stimulate cell proliferation.

Preferential Zn2+ influx through Ca2+-permeable AMPA/kainate channels triggers prolonged mitochondrial superoxide production

PubMed Central

Sensi, Stefano L.; Yin, Hong Z.; Carriedo, Sean G.; Rao, Shyam S.; Weiss, John H.

1999-01-01

Synaptically released Zn2+ can enter and cause injury to postsynaptic neurons. Microfluorimetric studies using the Zn2+-sensitive probe, Newport green, examined levels of [Zn2+]i attained in cultured cortical neurons on exposure to N-methyl-d-asparte, kainate, or high K+ (to activate voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels) in the presence of 300 μM Zn2+. Indicating particularly high permeability through Ca2+-permeable α-amino3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic-acid/kainate (Ca-A/K) channels, micromolar [Zn2+]i rises were observed only after kainate exposures and only in neurons expressing these channels [Ca-A/K(+) neurons]. Further studies using the oxidation-sensitive dye, hydroethidine, revealed Zn2+-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that paralleled the [Zn2+]i rises, with rapid oxidation observed only in the case of Zn2+ entry through Ca-A/K channels. Indicating a mitochondrial source of this ROS generation, hydroethidine oxidation was inhibited by the mitochondrial electron transport blocker, rotenone. Additional evidence for a direct interaction between Zn2+ and mitochondria was provided by the observation that the Zn2+ entry through Ca-A/K channels triggered rapid mitochondrial depolarization, as assessed by using the potential-sensitive dye tetramethylrhodamine ethylester. Whereas Ca2+ influx through Ca-A/K channels also triggers ROS production, the [Zn2+]i rises and subsequent ROS production are of more prolonged duration. PMID:10051656

Malignant hyperthermia and calcium-induced heat production.

PubMed

Ueda, I; Shinoda, F; Kamaya, H; Krishna, P R

1994-05-01

The abnormal increase in intracellular Ca++ in malignant hyperthermia (MH) is well documented, but the link between the increased Ca++ concentration and high temperature remains speculative. We investigated the possibility that the Ca(++)-induced change in the state of cell membranes may contribute to the temperature elevation. Calcium ion transforms phospholipid membranes from the fluid to solid state. This is analogous to the freezing of water, and liberates latent heat. Differential titration calorimetry (DTC) measures heat production or absorption during ligand binding to macromolecules. When CaCl2 solution was added to anionic dimyristoylphosphatidic acid (DMPA) and dimyristoylphosphatidylglycerol (DMPG) vesicle membranes in incremental doses, DTC showed that the heat production suddenly increased when the Ca++ concentration exceeded about 120 microM. At this Ca++ concentration range, these lipid membranes underwent phase transition. The latent heat of transition was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The values were 7.1 +/- 0.7 (SD, n = 4) kcal.mol-1 of DMPA and 6.8 +/- 0.7 (SD, n = 4) kcal.mol-1 of DMPG. The study shows that Ca++ produces heat when bound to lipid membranes. We are not proposing, however, that this is the sole source of heat. We contend that the lipid phase transition is one of the heat sources and it may trigger a hypermetabolic state by elevating the temperature of cell membranes. Because Ca++ is implicated as the second messenger in signal transduction, multiple systems may be involved. More studies are needed to clarify how Ca++ increases body temperature.

ROS-mediated decline in maximum Ca2+-activated force in rat skeletal muscle fibers following in vitro and in vivo stimulation.

PubMed

Dutka, Travis L; Verburg, Esther; Larkins, Noni; Hortemo, Kristin H; Lunde, Per K; Sejersted, Ole M; Lamb, Graham D

2012-01-01

We hypothesised that normal skeletal muscle stimulated intensely either in vitro or in situ would exhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated contractile apparatus changes common to many pathophysiological conditions. Isolated soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the rat were bubbled with 95% O(2) and stimulated in vitro at 31°C to give isometric tetani (50 Hz for 0.5 s every 2 s) until maximum force declined to ≤30%. Skinned superficial slow-twitch fibers from the SOL muscles displayed a large reduction (∼41%) in maximum Ca(2+)-activated specific force (F(max)), with Ca(2+)-sensitivity unchanged. Fibers from EDL muscles were less affected. The decrease in F(max) in SOL fibers was evidently due to oxidation effects on cysteine residues because it was reversed if the reducing agent DTT was applied prior to activating the fiber. The GSH:GSSG ratio was ∼3-fold lower in the cytoplasm of superficial fibers from stimulated muscle compared to control, confirming increased oxidant levels. The presence of Tempol and L-NAME during in vitro stimulation prevented reduction in F(max). Skinned fibers from SOL muscles stimulated in vivo at 37°C with intact blood supply also displayed reduction in F(max), though to a much smaller extent (∼12%). Thus, fibers from muscles stimulated even with putatively adequate O(2) supply display a reversible oxidation-induced decrease in F(max) without change in Ca(2+)-sensitivity, consistent with action of peroxynitrite (or possibly superoxide) on cysteine residues of the contractile apparatus. Significantly, the changes closely resemble the contractile deficits observed in a range of pathophysiological conditions. These findings highlight how readily muscle experiences ROS-related deficits, and also point to potential difficulties when defining muscle performance and fatigue.

ROS-Mediated Decline in Maximum Ca2+-Activated Force in Rat Skeletal Muscle Fibers following In Vitro and In Vivo Stimulation

PubMed Central

Dutka, Travis L.; Verburg, Esther; Larkins, Noni; Hortemo, Kristin H.; Lunde, Per K.; Sejersted, Ole M.; Lamb, Graham D.

2012-01-01

We hypothesised that normal skeletal muscle stimulated intensely either in vitro or in situ would exhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated contractile apparatus changes common to many pathophysiological conditions. Isolated soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the rat were bubbled with 95% O2 and stimulated in vitro at 31°C to give isometric tetani (50 Hz for 0.5 s every 2 s) until maximum force declined to ≤30%. Skinned superficial slow-twitch fibers from the SOL muscles displayed a large reduction (∼41%) in maximum Ca2+-activated specific force (Fmax), with Ca2+-sensitivity unchanged. Fibers from EDL muscles were less affected. The decrease in Fmax in SOL fibers was evidently due to oxidation effects on cysteine residues because it was reversed if the reducing agent DTT was applied prior to activating the fiber. The GSH∶GSSG ratio was ∼3-fold lower in the cytoplasm of superficial fibers from stimulated muscle compared to control, confirming increased oxidant levels. The presence of Tempol and L-NAME during in vitro stimulation prevented reduction in Fmax. Skinned fibers from SOL muscles stimulated in vivo at 37°C with intact blood supply also displayed reduction in Fmax, though to a much smaller extent (∼12%). Thus, fibers from muscles stimulated even with putatively adequate O2 supply display a reversible oxidation-induced decrease in Fmax without change in Ca2+-sensitivity, consistent with action of peroxynitrite (or possibly superoxide) on cysteine residues of the contractile apparatus. Significantly, the changes closely resemble the contractile deficits observed in a range of pathophysiological conditions. These findings highlight how readily muscle experiences ROS-related deficits, and also point to potential difficulties when defining muscle performance and fatigue. PMID:22629297

One-dimensional non-LTE time-dependent radiative transfer of an He-detonation model and the connection to faint and fast-decaying supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dessart, Luc; Hillier, D. John

2015-02-01

We present non-LTE (non-Local-Thermodynamic-Equilibrium) time-dependent radiative transfer simulations for ejecta produced by the detonation of a helium shell at the surface of a low-mass carbon/oxygen white dwarf (WD). This mechanism is one possible origin for supernovae (SNe) with faint and fast-decaying light curves, such as .Ia SNe and Ca-rich transients. Our initial ejecta conditions at 1 d are given by the 0.18 B explosion model COp45HEp2 of Waldman et al. The 0.2 M⊙ ejecta initially contains 0.11 M⊙ of He, 0.03 M⊙ of Ca, and 0.03 M⊙ of Ti. We obtain an ˜ 5 d rise to a bolometric maximum of 3.59 × 1041 erg s-1, primarily powered by 48V decay. Multi-band light curves show distinct morphologies, with a rise to maximum magnitude (-14.3 to -16.7 mag) that varies between 3 to 9 d from the U to the K bands. Near-IR light curves show no secondary maximum. Because of the presence of both He I and Si II lines at early times we obtain a hybrid Type Ia/Ib classification. During the photospheric phase line blanketing is caused primarily by Ti II. At nebular times, the spectra show strong Ca II lines in the optical (but no [O I] 6300-6364 Å emission), and Ti II in the near-IR. Overall, these results match qualitatively the very disparate properties of .Ia SNe and Ca-rich transients. Although the strong Ti II blanketing and red colours that we predict are rarely observed, they are seen, for example, in OGLE-2013- SN-079. Furthermore, we obtain a faster light-curve evolution than, for example, PTF10iuv, indicating an ejecta mass >0.2 M⊙. An alternate scenario may be the merger of two WDs, one or both composed of He.

The magnitude and phasing of variations in climate and ocean carbonate chemistry during Eocene Thermal Maximum 2: Insights into C cycle feedbacks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harper, D. T.; Zeebe, R. E.; Hoenisch, B.; Zachos, J. C.

2016-12-01

The early Eocene features several large abrupt global warming events ("hyperthermals") that were characterized by negative δ13C excursions suggesting isotopically `light' carbon release to the atmosphere. The most prominent events, the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) and Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM2), present an opportunity to study the operation of carbon cycle processes, and in particular negative feedbacks in the carbon cycle, such as silicate and carbonate weathering. Here we study sea surface temperature (SST) and ocean carbonate chemistry changes across ETM2, by measuring Mg/Ca, B/Ca, and δ13C in planktic foraminifera at two IODP sites (1209 in the Pacific and 1265 in the S. Atlantic). We observe a 2-3°C increase in SST in the Pacific and a 2°C increase in the Atlantic. The observed decrease in planktic B/Ca at both sites is consistent with increased atmospheric pCO2, and when scaled to the 0.3 pH unit decrease estimated for the PETM by Penman et al., 2014, the estimated pH decrease during the ETM2 is 0.15. However, reconstructions of the δ13C recovery during the ETM2 show that it is more rapid than models have been able to successfully simulate. We compare these new proxy data to LOSCAR model output, to assess whether the rapid δ13C recovery was a result of: 1) changes in the type and δ13C of weathered carbonates or δ13C of buried organic carbon during the recovery, 2) a one-time event of isotopically `light' carbon burial during the recovery phase, or 3) enhanced burial of `light' carbon due to background orbital eccentricity forcing during the recovery. Our preliminary results suggest that the phasing of the drop in the B/Ca relative to δ13C during recovery is due to the burial of organic carbon.

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

PubMed Central

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

2015-01-01

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

Multiple caloric effects in (Ba0.865Ca0.135Zr0.1089Ti0.8811Fe0.01)O3 ferroelectric ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patel, Satyanarayan; Chauhan, Aditya; Vaish, Rahul

2015-07-01

Multiple caloric effects have been investigated for Fe-doped bulk (Ba0.865Ca0.135Zr0.1089Ti0.8811Fe0.01)O3 (BCZTO-Fe) ferroelectric ceramic. Indirect predictions were made using Maxwell's relations in conjunction with data from experimental observations. It was revealed that bulk BCZTO-Fe has huge untapped potential for solid-state refrigeration. A peak electrocaloric effect of 0.45 K (347 K) was predicted for 0-3 kV.mm-1 electric field, significantly higher than other BCZTO based materials. A maximum elastocaloric cooling of 1.4 K (298 K) was achieved for applied stress of 0-200 MPa. Finally, an unforeseen component of electric field driven caloric effect has been reported as inverse piezocaloric effect, with a maximum temperature change of 0.28 K (298 K).

A diode-pumped Tm:CaYAlO4 laser at 1851 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Jinglong; Guan, Xiaofeng; Xu, Bin; Moncorgé, Richard; Xu, Huiying; Cai, Zhiping

2017-07-01

Laser emission at ~1850 nm is of great interest for neural stimulation applications. In this letter, we report on the diode-pumped continuous-wave (CW) and Q-switched (QS) laser operation of Tm:CaYAlO4 at 1851 nm, for the first time to our knowledge. In the CW regime, a maximum output power up to 0.62 W is obtained with a laser slope efficiency of about 18.0%. Using a Cr:ZnSe saturable absorber, QS laser operation is achieved with a maximum average output power of 0.25 W, the narrowest pulse width of 107 ns and the highest repetition rate of 5.85 kHz. The corresponding pulse peak power and pulse energy are about 388 W and 42.8 µJ, respectively. In this Q-switched mode, wavelength tuning is also realized over about 3 nm by slightly tilting the saturable absorber.

Preliminary Results of the Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pap, Judit

1995-01-01

The preliminary results of the photometry of CaII K spectroheliograms taken at the NationalSolar Observatory at Sacramento peak are presented in this paper. We have digitizedspectroheliograms for 1980 (maximum of SC21), 1985 (minimum of SC21), 1987 (beginning of theascending phase of SC22), 1988 and 1989 (ascending phase and maximum of SC22), and 1992(declining phase of SC22). We have analyzed images for 1992 and separated the plages, the magneticnetwork, internetwork elements and the chromospheric background using histogram method. Wehave derived the intensity and area of these features as well as the full disk intensity (Spatial KIndex). The Spatial K Index has been compared to the spectral Ca K index derived from the lineprofiles and total solar and UV irradiance measured by the UARS and NOAA9 satellites. Thecontribution of plages, the magnetic network and internetwork element to the changes observed intotal solar and UV irradiances are also estimated.

Coral Ba/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios as proxies of precipitation and terrestrial input at the eastern offshore area of Hainan Island

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Qiaowen; Cao, Zhimin; Wang, Daoru; Li, Yuanchao; Wu, Zhongjie; Ni, Jianyu

2017-12-01

Geochemical ratios in coral reef skeletons could be used as proxies to reconstruct past climatological and environmental records in data-poor regions. Using a 103-year data set (1902 to 2005), the annual variations in Ba/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios of Porites lutea skeletons at an eastern offshore area of Hainan Island (19°12´28.4´´N, 110°37´38.8´´E) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The analysis results showed that Ba/Ca ratios varied from a minimum of 3.120 μmol mol-1 in 1903 to a maximum of 10.064 μmol mol-1 in 1944, with an average of 5.256 μmol mol-1. Mn/Ca ratios varied from 0.206 to 5.708 μmol mol-1 with an annual average of 1.234 μmol mol-1, with peak values in 2001, 1964 and 1932, that correlated with strong rainfall events caused by typhoons. Variation in Ba/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios were compared with available river discharge and precipitation records, providing insight into past climatological events. Human activities and their indirect effects could impact the strength of the relationship between Ba/Ca and Mn/Ca ratios and observed precipitation and terrestrial input in the future.

Enhanced adsorption of U(VI) and 241Am(III) from wastewater using Ca/Al layered double hydroxide@carbon nanotube composites.

PubMed

Chen, Haijun; Chen, Zhe; Zhao, Guixia; Zhang, Zhibin; Xu, Chao; Liu, Yunhai; Chen, Jing; Zhuang, Li; Haya, Tasawar; Wang, Xiangke

2018-04-05

Ca/Al layered double hydroxide decorated carbon nanotube (Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs) composites were fabricated by co-precipitation method and hydrothermal aged treatment. The prepared Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was characterized by SEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FT-IR, UV-vis and XPS techniques, and applied to remove U(VI) from aqueous solutions under various environmental conditions (i.e., pH, ionic strength, temperature and contact time). The results indicated that the adsorption of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was four times higher than that of U(VI) on bare CNTs. The kinetic investigations reflected the chemisorption of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs through oxygen-containing functional groups. The adsorption isotherms demonstrated that the adsorption of U(VI) was well fitted by Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacity of U(VI) on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs was calculated to be 382.9 mg g -1 at 289.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters calculated from temperature-dependent isotherms suggested that U(VI) adsorption on Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs were endothermic and spontaneous process. Furthermore, Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs could remove ∼91% of 241 Am(III) at pH = 8.0, which confirmed Ca/Al-LDH@CNTs as a promising material for multiply low level radionuclides' pollution remediation. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bubble coalescence suppression driven carbon monoxide (CO)-water mass transfer increase by electrolyte addition in a hollow fiber membrane bioreactor (HFMBR) for microbial CO conversion to ethanol.

PubMed

Jang, Nulee; Yasin, Muhammad; Kang, Hyunsoo; Lee, Yeubin; Park, Gwon Woo; Park, Shinyoung; Chang, In Seop

2018-05-04

This study investigated the effects of electrolytes (CaCl 2 , K 2 HPO 4 , MgSO 4 , NaCl, and NH 4 Cl) on CO mass transfer and ethanol production in a HFMBR. The hollow fiber membranes (HFM) were found to generate tiny gas bubbles; the bubble coalescence was significantly suppressed in electrolyte solution. The volumetric gas-liquid mass transfer coefficients (k L a) increased up to 414% compared to the control. Saturated CO (C ∗ ) decreased as electrolyte concentrations increased. Overall, the maximum mass transfer rate (R max ) in electrolyte solution ranged from 106% to 339% of the value obtained in water. The electrolyte toxicity on cell growth was tested using Clostridium autoethanogenum. Most electrolytes, except for MgSO 4 , inhibited cell growth. The HFMBR operation using a medium containing 1% MgSO 4 achieved 119% ethanol production compared to that without electrolytes. Finally, a kinetic simulation using the parameters got from the 1% MgSO 4 medium predicted a higher ethanol production compared to the control. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

78 FR 49768 - Notice Pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993-Joint Task-Force...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-08-15

...; Peter Dare (Individual), Queensland, AUSTRALIA; CS Meyer, Inc., Grass Valley, CA; Devoncroft Partners, Coronado, CA; Dimension Data, Oberursel, GERMANY; Dimetis GmbH, Dietzenbach, GERMANY; DIRECTV, El Segundo..., San Mateo, CA; Grass Valley, San Francisco, CA; Harmonic Inc., Portland, OR; Harris Broadcast...

The Advantages of Collimator Optimization for Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doozan, Brian

The goal of this study was to improve dosimetry for pelvic, lung, head and neck, and other cancers sites with aspherical planning target volumes (PTV) using a new algorithm for collimator optimization for intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) that minimizes the x-jaw gap (CAX) and the area of the jaws (CAA) for each treatment field. A retroactive study on the effects of collimator optimization of 20 patients was performed by comparing metric results for new collimator optimization techniques in Eclipse version 11.0. Keeping all other parameters equal, multiple plans are created using four collimator techniques: CA 0, all fields have collimators set to 0°, CAE, using the Eclipse collimator optimization, CAA, minimizing the area of the jaws around the PTV, and CAX, minimizing the x-jaw gap. The minimum area and the minimum x-jaw angles are found by evaluating each field beam's eye view of the PTV with ImageJ and finding the desired parameters with a custom script. The evaluation of the plans included the monitor units (MU), the maximum dose of the plan, the maximum dose to organs at risk (OAR), the conformity index (CI) and the number of fields that are calculated to split. Compared to the CA0 plans, the monitor units decreased on average by 6% for the CAX method with a p-value of 0.01 from an ANOVA test. The average maximum dose remained within 1.1% difference between all four methods with the lowest given by CAX. The maximum dose to the most at risk organ was best spared by the CAA method, which decreased by 0.62% compared to the CA0. Minimizing the x-jaws significantly reduced the number of split fields from 61 to 37. In every metric tested the CAX optimization produced comparable or superior results compared to the other three techniques. For aspherical PTVs, CAX on average reduced the number of split fields, lowered the maximum dose, minimized the dose to the surrounding OAR, and decreased the monitor units. This is achieved while maintaining the same control of the PTV.

Ca2+-induced delayed afterdepolarizations are triggered by dyadic subspace Ca2+ affirming that increasing SERCA reduces aftercontractions

PubMed Central

Noble, Penelope J.; Noble, Denis

2011-01-01

Ca2+-induced delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs) are depolarizations that occur after full repolarization. They have been observed across multiple species and cell types. Experimental results have indicated that the main cause of DADs is Ca2+ overload. The main hypothesis as to their initiation has been Ca2+ overflow from the overloaded sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Our results using 37 previously published mathematical models provide evidence that Ca2+-induced DADs are initiated by the same mechanism as Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, i.e., the modulation of the opening of ryanodine receptors (RyR) by Ca2+ in the dyadic subspace; an SR overflow mechanism was not necessary for the induction of DADs in any of the models. The SR Ca2+ level is better viewed as a modulator of the appearance of DADs and the magnitude of Ca2+ release. The threshold for the total Ca2+ level within the cell (not only the SR) at which Ca2+ oscillations arise in the models is close to their baseline level (∼1- to 3-fold). It is most sensitive to changes in the maximum sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) pump rate (directly proportional), the opening probability of RyRs, and the Ca2+ diffusion rate from the dyadic subspace into the cytosol (both indirectly proportional), indicating that the appearance of DADs is multifactorial. This shift in emphasis away from SR overload as the trigger for DADs toward a multifactorial analysis could explain why SERCA overexpression has been shown to suppress DADs (while increasing contractility) and why DADs appear during heart failure (at low SR Ca2+ levels). PMID:21666112

Sequestration of flue gas CO₂ by direct gas-solid carbonation of air pollution control system residues.

PubMed

Tian, Sicong; Jiang, Jianguo

2012-12-18

Direct gas-solid carbonation reactions of residues from an air pollution control system (APCr) were conducted using different combinations of simulated flue gas to study the impact on CO₂ sequestration. X-ray diffraction analysis of APCr determined the existence of CaClOH, whose maximum theoretical CO₂ sequestration potential of 58.13 g CO₂/kg APCr was calculated by the reference intensity ratio method. The reaction mechanism obeyed a model of a fast kinetics-controlled process followed by a slow product layer diffusion-controlled process. Temperature is the key factor in direct gas-solid carbonation and had a notable influence on both the carbonation conversion and the CO₂ sequestration rate. The optimal CO₂ sequestrating temperature of 395 °C was easily obtained for APCr using a continuous heating experiment. CO₂ content in the flue gas had a definite influence on the CO₂ sequestration rate of the kinetics-controlled process, but almost no influence on the final carbonation conversion. Typical concentrations of SO₂ in the flue gas could not only accelerate the carbonation reaction rate of the product layer diffusion-controlled process, but also could improve the final carbonation conversion. Maximum carbonation conversions of between 68.6% and 77.1% were achieved in a typical flue gas. Features of rapid CO₂ sequestration rate, strong impurities resistance, and high capture conversion for direct gas-solid carbonation were proved in this study, which presents a theoretical foundation for the applied use of this encouraging technology on carbon capture and storage.

9 CFR 381.168 - Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products. 381.168 Section 381.168 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... Standards of Identity or Composition § 381.168 Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products. The...

9 CFR 381.168 - Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products. 381.168 Section 381.168 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE... Standards of Identity or Composition § 381.168 Maximum percent of skin in certain poultry products. The...

Inhibition of ethylene production by cobaltous ion. [Beans, apples

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

Lau, O.L; Yang, S.F.

1976-07-01

The effect of Co/sup 2 +/ on ethylene production by mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) and by apple tissues was studied. Co/sup 2 +/, depending on concentrations applied, effectively inhibited ethylene production by both tissues. It also strongly inhibited the ethylene production induced by IAA, kinetin, IAA plus kinetin, Ca/sup 2 +/, kinetin plus Ca/sup 2 +/, or Cu/sup 2 +/ treatments in mung bean hypocotyl segments. While Co/sup 2 +/ greatly inhibited ethylene production, it had little effect on the respiration of apple tissue, indicating that Co/sup 2 +/ does not exert its inhibitory effect as a general metabolicmore » inhibitor. Ni/sup 2 +/, which belongs to the same group as Co/sup 2 +/ in the periodic table, also markedly curtailed both the basal and the induced ethylene production by apple and mung bean hypocotyl tissues. In a system in which kinetin and Ca/sup 2 +/ were applied together, kinetin greatly enhanced Ca/sup 2 +/ uptake, thus enhancing ethylene production. Co/sup 2 +/, however, slightly inhibited the uptake of Ca/sup 2 +/ but appreciably inhibited ethylene production, either in the presence or in the absence of kinetin. Tracer experiments using apple tissue indicated that Co/sup 2 +/ strongly inhibited the in vivo conversion of L-(U--/sup 14/C)methionine to /sup 14/C-ethylene. These data suggested that Co/sup 2 +/ inhibited ethylene production by inhibiting the conversion of methionine to ethylene, a common step which is required for ethylene formation by higher plants. Co/sup 2 +/ is known to promote elongation, leaf expansion, and hook opening in excised plant parts in response to applied auxins or cytokinins.Since ethylene is known to inhibit those growth phenomena, it is suggested that Co/sup 2 +/ exerts its promotive effect, at least in part, by inhibiting ethylene formation.« less

Dual-wavelength Nd:CaLnAlO4 lasers at 1.365 and 1.390 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loiko, Pavel; Maria Serres, Josep; Mateos, Xavier; Xu, Xiaodong; Xu, Jun; Griebner, Uwe; Petrov, Valentin; Aguiló, Magdalena; Díaz, Francesc; Major, Arkady

2018-02-01

Tetragonal calcium rare-earth aluminates, CaLnAlO4, are attractive laser host crystals. The emission of Nd3+ ions at 1.3- 1.4 μm due to the 4F3/2 -> 4I13/2 transition is of interest for medicine, fiber optics, and light conversion. We report on compact Nd:CaLnAlO4 lasers using a plane-plane cavity. With an a-cut 0.8 at.% Nd:CaYAlO4 crystal diode-pumped at 802 nm, a maximum continuous-wave output power of 365 mW was achieved at 1.365 & 1.390 μm corresponding to the σ-polarization. The 4F3/2 -> 4I13/2 laser performance of the Nd:CaLnAlO4 crystals was compared to that from a monoclinic Nd:KGd(WO4)2. At the 4F3/2-> 4I11/2 transition (1.08 μm), a Nd:CaYAlO4 micro-laser generated multi-watt output (>4 W) with a slope efficiency of 39%.

caGrid 1.0: A Grid Enterprise Architecture for Cancer Research

PubMed Central

Oster, Scott; Langella, Stephen; Hastings, Shannon; Ervin, David; Madduri, Ravi; Kurc, Tahsin; Siebenlist, Frank; Covitz, Peter; Shanbhag, Krishnakant; Foster, Ian; Saltz, Joel

2007-01-01

caGrid is the core Grid architecture of the NCI-sponsored cancer Biomedical Informatics Grid (caBIGTM) program. The current release, caGrid version 1.0, is developed as the production Grid software infrastructure of caBIGTM. Based on feedback from adopters of the previous version (caGrid 0.5), it has been significantly enhanced with new features and improvements to existing components. This paper presents an overview of caGrid 1.0, its main components, and enhancements over caGrid 0.5. PMID:18693901

Roles of Ca2+ and cyclic nucleotide gated channel in plant innate immunity.

PubMed

Ma, Wei

2011-10-01

The increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) is a vital event in plant pathogen signaling cascades. Molecular components linking pathogen signal perception to cytosolic Ca(2+) increase have not been well characterized. Plant cyclic nucleotide gated channels (CNGCs) play important roles in the pathogen signaling cascade, in terms of facilitating Ca(2+) uptake into the cytosol in response to pathogen and pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP) signals. Perception of pathogens leads to cyclic nucleotide production and the activation of CNGCs. The Ca(2+) signal is transduced through Ca(2+) sensors (Calmodulin (CaM) and CaM-like proteins (CMLs)), which regulates the production of nitric oxide (NO). In addition, roles of Ca(2+)/CaM interacting proteins such as CaM binding Protein (CBP) and CaM-binding transcription activators (CAMTAs)) have been recently identified in the plant defense signaling cascade as well. Furthermore, Ca(2+)-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) have been found to function as components in terms of transcriptional activation in response to a pathogen (PAMP) signal. Although evidence shows that Ca(2+) is an essential signaling component upstream from many vital signaling molecules (such as NO), some work also indicates that these downstream signaling components can also regulate Ca(2+) homeostasis. NO can induce cytosolic Ca(2+) increase (through activation of plasma membrane- and intracellular membrane-localized Ca(2+) channels) during pathogen signaling cascades. Thus, much work is needed to further elucidate the complexity of the plant pathogen signaling network in the future. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multi-centennial Record of Labrador Sea Primary Productivity and Sea-Ice Variability Archived in Coralline Algal Ba/Ca

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chan, Phoebe; Halfar, Jochen; Adey, Walter; Hetzinger, Steffen; Zack, Thomas; Moore, Kent; Wortmann, Ulrich; Williams, Branwen; Hou, Alicia

2017-04-01

Arctic sea-ice thickness and concentration have dropped by approximately 9% per decade since 1978. Concurrent with this sea-ice decline is an increase in rates of phytoplankton productivity, driven by shoaling of the mixed layer and enhanced transmittance of solar radiation into the surface ocean. This has recently been confirmed by phytoplankton studies in Arctic and Subarctic basins that have revealed earlier timing, prolonged duration, and increased primary productivity of the spring phytoplankton bloom. However, difficulties of navigating in remote ice-laden waters and harsh polar climates have often resulted in short and incomplete records of in-situ plankton abundance in the northwestern Labrador Sea. Alternatively, information of past ocean productivity may be gained through the study of trace nutrient distributions in the surface water column. Investigations of dissolved barium (Ba) concentrations in the Arctic reveal significant depletions of Ba in surface seawaters due to biological scavenging during the spring phytoplankton bloom. Here we apply a barium-to-calcium (Ba/Ca) and carbon isotope (δ13C) multiproxy approach to long-lived crustose coralline algae in order to reconstruct an annually-resolved multi-centennial record of Labrador Sea productivity related to sea-ice variability in Labrador, Canada that extends well into the Little Ice Age (LIA; 1646 AD). The crustose coralline alga Clathromorphum compactum is a shallow marine calcareous plant that is abundant along the eastern Canadian coastline, and produces annual growth increments which allow for the precise calendar dating and geochemical sampling of hard tissue. Algal Ba/Ca ratios can serve as a promising new proxy for surface water productivity, demonstrating a close correspondence to δ13C that does not suffer from the anthropogenically-induced carbon isotope decline (ex. Suess Effect) beginning in the 1960s. Coralline algal Ba/Ca demonstrates statistically significant correlations to both observational and proxy records of sea-ice extent and transport variability, and shows a persistent pattern of covariability that is broadly consistent with the timing and phasing of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). Lower algal Ba/Ca values are interpreted as increased productivity (via biological scavenging) coinciding with warming sea surface temperatures and melting of sea-ice, and vice versa. This relationship is further supported by negative correlations between algal Ba/Ca and spatially averaged chlorophyll α concentrations determined from Sea-Viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS; 1998 - 2009) ocean colour data. Extended comparisons to a multi-centennial tree-ring proxy AMO index demonstrates more frequent positive Ba/Ca excursions (indicating reduced productivity) associated with AMO cool phases during the Little Ice Age, followed by a step-wise decline in Ba/Ca (indicating increasing productivity) from 1910 to present levels - unprecedented in the last 365 years. Our multi-centennial record of coralline algal Ba/Ca in the Subarctic northwest Atlantic demonstrates a long-term increasing trend in primary productivity that is in agreement with recent satellite-based productivity in the Arctic Ocean. This ongoing increase in phytoplankton productivity is expected to fundamentally alter marine biodiversity and trophic dynamics as warming and freshening of the surface layer is projected to intensify over the coming century.

Biosorption of clofibric acid and carbamazepine in aqueous solution by agricultural waste rice straw.

PubMed

Liu, Zhanguang; Zhou, Xuefei; Chen, Xiaohua; Dai, Chaomeng; Zhang, Juan; Zhang, Yalei

2013-12-01

Due to their widespread use, clofibric acid (CA) and carbamazepine (CBZ) have been frequently detected simultaneously at relatively high concentrations in aquatic environments. In this study, agricultural waste rice straw was employed as a potentially low-cost, effective and easy-to-operate biosorbent (RSB) to remove CA and CBZ. The adsorption of both pharmaceuticals followed pseudo second-order kinetics, and intraparticle diffusion was an important rate-limiting step. The adsorption isotherms of both drugs were fit well with Freundlich model. The adsorption of CA onto RSB was exothermic and was more likely to be dominated by physical processes, while the adsorption of CBZ was endothermic. Solution pH was determined to be the most important factor for CA adsorption, such that the adsorption capacity of CA onto RSB increased with the decline of solution pH. In the lower range of solution pH below 3.1, the CA removal efficiency was enhanced with the increase of biosorbent dosage. The CBZ removal efficiency was enhanced with the increase of RSB dosage without pH control. The maximum adsorption capacities were 126.3 mg/g for CA and 40.0 mg/g for CBZ.

Cellular automata rule characterization and classification using texture descriptors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Machicao, Jeaneth; Ribas, Lucas C.; Scabini, Leonardo F. S.; Bruno, Odermir M.

2018-05-01

The cellular automata (CA) spatio-temporal patterns have attracted the attention from many researchers since it can provide emergent behavior resulting from the dynamics of each individual cell. In this manuscript, we propose an approach of texture image analysis to characterize and classify CA rules. The proposed method converts the CA spatio-temporal patterns into a gray-scale image. The gray-scale is obtained by creating a binary number based on the 8-connected neighborhood of each dot of the CA spatio-temporal pattern. We demonstrate that this technique enhances the CA rule characterization and allow to use different texture image analysis algorithms. Thus, various texture descriptors were evaluated in a supervised training approach aiming to characterize the CA's global evolution. Our results show the efficiency of the proposed method for the classification of the elementary CA (ECAs), reaching a maximum of 99.57% of accuracy rate according to the Li-Packard scheme (6 classes) and 94.36% for the classification of the 88 rules scheme. Moreover, within the image analysis context, we found a better performance of the method by means of a transformation of the binary states to a gray-scale.

Exposure to As(III) and As(V) changes the Ca²⁺-activation properties of the two major fibre types from the chelae of the freshwater crustacean Cherax destructor.

PubMed

Williams, Gemma; Snow, Elizabeth T; West, Jan M

2014-10-01

Arsenic is a known carcinogen found in the soil in gold mining regions at concentrations thousands of times greater than gold. Mining releases arsenic into the environment and surrounding water bodies. The main chemical forms of arsenic found in the environment are inorganic arsenite (As(III)) and arsenate (As(V)). Yabbies (Cherax destructor) accumulate arsenic at levels comparable to those in the sediment of their environment but the effect on their physiological function is not known. The effects of arsenic exposure (10 ppm sodium arsenite, AsNaO2 - 5.7 ppm As(III)) and 10 ppm arsenic acid, Na2HAsO4·7H2O - 2.6 ppm As(V)) for 40 days on the contractile function of the two major fibre types from the chelae were determined. After exposure, individual fibres were isolated from the chela, "skinned" (membrane removed) and attached to the force recording apparatus. Contraction was induced in solutions containing increasing [Ca(2+)] until a maximum Ca(2+)-activation was obtained. Submaximal force responses were plotted as a percentage of the maximum Ca(2+)-activated force. As(V) exposure resulted in lower levels of calcium required for activation than As(III) indicating an increased sensitivity to Ca(2+) after long term exposure to arsenate compared to arsenite. Myosin heavy chain and tropomyosin content in individual fibres was also decreased as a result of arsenic exposure. Single fibres exposed to As(V) produced significantly more force than muscle fibres from control animals. Long-term exposure of yabbies to arsenic alters the contractile function of the two major fibre types in the chelae. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting ultraviolet-A photon emission from β-irradiated human keratinocyte cells.

PubMed

Le, M; Mothersill, C E; Seymour, C B; Ahmad, S B; Armstrong, A; Rainbow, A J; McNeill, F E

2015-08-21

The luminescence intensity of 340±5 nm photons emitted from HaCaT (human keratinocyte) cells was investigated using a single-photon-counting system during cellular exposure to (90)Y β-particles. Multiple factors were assessed to determine their influence upon the quantity and pattern of photon emission from β-irradiated cells. Exposure of 1 x 10(4) cells/5 mL to 703 μCi resulted in maximum UVA photoemission at 44.8 x 10(3)±2.5 x 10(3) counts per second (cps) from live HaCaT cells (background: 1-5 cps); a 16-fold increase above cell-free controls. Significant biophoton emission was achieved only upon stimulation and was also dependent upon presence of cells. UVA luminescence was measured for (90)Y activities 14 to 703 μCi where a positive relationship between photoemission and (90)Y activity was observed. Irradiation of live HaCaT cells plated at various densities produced a distinct pattern of emission whereby luminescence increased up to a maximum at 1 x 10(4) cells/5 mL and thereafter decreased. However, this result was not observed in the dead cell population. Both live and dead HaCaT cells were irradiated and were found to demonstrate different rates of photon emission at low β activities (⩽400 μCi). Dead cells exhibited greater photon emission rates than live cells which may be attributable to metabolic processes taking place to modulate the photoemissive effect. The results indicate that photon emission from HaCaT cells is perturbed by external stimulation, is dependent upon the activity of radiation delivered, the density of irradiated cells, and cell viability. It is postulated that biophoton emission may be modulated by a biological or metabolic process.

Palaeozoic gas charging in the Ahnet-Timimoun basin, Algeria

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

Cawley, S.J.; Wilson, N.P.; Primmer, T.

1995-08-01

The Ahnet-Timimoun Basin, Southern Algeria, contains significant gas reserves expelled from originally oil prone Silurian and Frasnian shales. The gas is reservoired in Devonian and Carboniferous clastics in inversion anticlines formed, primarily, during the Hercynian orogeny. Integration of organic and inorganic geochemical techniques, such as AFTA, ZFTA, fluid inclusion analysis, vitrinite and chitinizoan reflectance, is entirely consistent with gas generation 300 +/- 30MY, immediately prior to or synchronous with the Hercynian orogeny. Data from gas fields has shown the remobilisation of gas during post Hercynian tectonics. A {open_quotes}two-event{close_quotes} heating/cooling history is proposed: (1) Maximum burial and palaeotemperature at ca. 300more » +/- 30MY prior to or synchronous with Hercynian uplift and cooling. (2) Cooling from a secondary peak (lower than maximum) palaeotemperature at ca. 30-60My following Creataceous burial. Calibrated thermal modelling indicates that Palaeozoic source rocks were heated above 200{degrees}C in the Late Carboniferous. Such high temperatures are consistent with the widespread occurrence of pyrophyllite in Silurian shales. Two end-member thermal models can account for the observed maturities. The first is a constant high Pre-Hercynian heat flow which rapidly decreases during Hercynian uplift to remain at Present day values of 50-75mW/m{sup 2}. Gas expulsion in this case commences much earlier than trap formation. The second is {open_quotes}normal{close_quotes} heat flow of ca. 50mW/m{sup 2} until ca. 310My with a rapid increase at ca. 290My followed by an equally rapid drop to constant present day values - in this model, petroleum generation and expulsion is late in relation to structuring.« less

Changes in the response of mitochondrial calcium transport to exogenous phosphate during development in flight muscle of the sheep blowfly Lucilla cuprina.

PubMed Central

Smith, R L; Bygrave, F L

1978-01-01

1. Ca2+ transport by mitochondria isolated from flight muscle of the sheep blowfly Lucilla cuprina does not occur in the absence of added P1. Maximum rates of transport are attained when about 2.5 mM-phosphate is present. 2. As mitochondria develop, high but not low phosphate concentrations begin to inhibit Ca2+ transport markedly; those isolated from 2-day-old flies for example, are inhibited by about 75% by 20 mM-phosphate. Maximum rates of transport, i.e. those measured in the presence of 2.5 mM-phosphate, begin to decline only when the fly is about 3 days old. 3. Mitochondrial phosphate transport activity does not change during development of the blowfly, but the endogenous concentration of the anion does. At emergence it is about 6nmol/mg of protein, increases to about 17 nmol/mg of protein at 2-3h and then rapidly declines to reach less than 5 nmol/mg of protein after 2 days of adult life. 4. Studies on the effect of phosphate on oxidation of alpha-glycerophosphate in the absence and presence of ADP reveal a lack of inhibition by high phosphate concentrations indicating that the anion does not influence Ca2+ transport by preventing the generation of the proton electrochemical gradient across the inner membrane. 5. It is concluded that the molecular assembly in the inner membrane of Lucilla mitochondria responsible for transporting Ca2+ is fully developed at emergence and remains so for at least 2-3 days of adult life. The possibility exists that Ca2+-transport activity in these mitochondria is controlled at least in part by P1. PMID:629784

Infrasound-induced hemodynamics, ultrastructure, and molecular changes in the rat myocardium.

PubMed

Pei, Zhaohui; Sang, Hanfei; Li, Ruiman; Xiao, Pingxi; He, Jiangui; Zhuang, Zhiqiang; Zhu, Miaozhang; Chen, Jingzao; Ma, Hong

2007-04-01

Recent interest in adverse effects of infrasound on organisms arises from health concerns. We assessed the association between infrasound exposure of 5 Hz at 130 dB and changes of cardiac ultrastructure and function in rats. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into control, 1, 7, and 14 days groups for 2 h of infrasound once daily according to planned schedules. Changes of cardiac ultrastructure, hemodynamics indices, intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations ([Ca(2+)](i)), and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase 2 (SERCA2) were detected. Heart rates in 1 day group were significantly increased compared with control group and no significant changes in other groups. Left ventricular systolic pressures were significantly increased with time. Left ventricular diastolic end pressure and maximum rising rates of left ventricular pressure (+dl/dt) were significantly increased in 7 and 14 days groups and not changed in 1 day group, compared with control group. Maximum dropping rates of left ventricular pressure (-dl/dt) were significantly decreased in 7 and 14 days groups and not changed in 1 day group, compared with control group. In heart cells, there were several swelled mitochondria in 1 day group, more swelled mitochondria in 7 days group, platelet aggregation in the intercellular substance in 14 days group. [Ca(2+)](i) were significantly increased with time. There was a significant increase in SERCA2 in 1 day group, while a significant decrease in 7 and 14 days groups, compared with control group. Infrasound of 5 Hz at 130 dB can damage cardiac ultrastructure and function. Changes of [Ca(2+)](i) and SERCA2 play an important role in the secondary cardiac damage. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Deformation processed Al/Ca nano-filamentary composite conductors for HVDC applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Czahor, C. F.; Anderson, I. E.; Riedemann, T. M.; Russell, A. M.

2017-07-01

Efficient long-distance power transmission is necessary as the world continues to implement renewable energy sources, often sited in remote areas. Light, strong, high-conductivity materials are desirable for this application to reduce both construction and operational costs. In this study an Al/Ca (11.5% vol.) composite with nano-filamentary reinforcement was produced by powder metallurgy then extruded, swaged, and wire drawn to a maximum true strain of 12.7. The tensile strength increased exponentially as the filament size was reduced to the sub-micron level. In an effort to improve the conductor’s ability to operate at elevated temperatures, the deformation-processed wires were heat-treated at 260°C to transform the Ca-reinforcing filaments to Al2Ca. Such a transformation raised the tensile strength by as much as 28%, and caused little change in ductility, while the electrical conductivity was reduced by only 1% to 3%. Al/Al2Ca composites are compared to existing conductor materials to show how implementation could affect installation and performance.

Muscle RANK is a key regulator of Ca2+ storage, SERCA activity, and function of fast-twitch skeletal muscles.

PubMed

Dufresne, Sébastien S; Dumont, Nicolas A; Boulanger-Piette, Antoine; Fajardo, Val A; Gamu, Daniel; Kake-Guena, Sandrine-Aurélie; David, Rares Ovidiu; Bouchard, Patrice; Lavergne, Éliane; Penninger, Josef M; Pape, Paul C; Tupling, A Russell; Frenette, Jérôme

2016-04-15

Receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), its ligand RANKL, and the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin are the key regulators of osteoclast differentiation and bone remodeling. Here we show that RANK is also expressed in fully differentiated myotubes and skeletal muscle. Muscle RANK deletion has inotropic effects in denervated, but not in sham, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles preventing the loss of maximum specific force while promoting muscle atrophy, fatigability, and increased proportion of fast-twitch fibers. In denervated EDL muscles, RANK deletion markedly increased stromal interaction molecule 1 content, a Ca(2+)sensor, and altered activity of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA) modulating Ca(2+)storage. Muscle RANK deletion had no significant effects on the sham or denervated slow-twitch soleus muscles. These data identify a novel role for RANK as a key regulator of Ca(2+)storage and SERCA activity, ultimately affecting denervated skeletal muscle function. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Muscle RANK is a key regulator of Ca2+ storage, SERCA activity, and function of fast-twitch skeletal muscles

PubMed Central

Dufresne, Sébastien S.; Dumont, Nicolas A.; Boulanger-Piette, Antoine; Fajardo, Val A.; Gamu, Daniel; Kake-Guena, Sandrine-Aurélie; David, Rares Ovidiu; Bouchard, Patrice; Lavergne, Éliane; Penninger, Josef M.; Pape, Paul C.; Tupling, A. Russell

2016-01-01

Receptor-activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK), its ligand RANKL, and the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin are the key regulators of osteoclast differentiation and bone remodeling. Here we show that RANK is also expressed in fully differentiated myotubes and skeletal muscle. Muscle RANK deletion has inotropic effects in denervated, but not in sham, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles preventing the loss of maximum specific force while promoting muscle atrophy, fatigability, and increased proportion of fast-twitch fibers. In denervated EDL muscles, RANK deletion markedly increased stromal interaction molecule 1 content, a Ca2+ sensor, and altered activity of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) modulating Ca2+ storage. Muscle RANK deletion had no significant effects on the sham or denervated slow-twitch soleus muscles. These data identify a novel role for RANK as a key regulator of Ca2+ storage and SERCA activity, ultimately affecting denervated skeletal muscle function. PMID:26825123

Variations in iron and calcium abundances during solar flares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antonucci, E.; Martin, R.

1995-07-01

Evidence for variations in iron and calcium abundances during the impulsive phase of solar flares has been obtained by analyzing the Ca XIX and Fe XXV spectra, detected with the Bent Crystal Spectrometer of the Solar Maximum Mission. The plasma thermal conditions have been investigated by considering different temperature indicators: namely, the temperatures TCa and TFe, derived from the intensity ratios of the dielectronic recombination satellites to the resonance line, and the temperature TCaFe, calculated from the ratio of the resonance lines of Ca XIX and Fe XXV, which is also depending on the Fe/Ca abundance ratio. The observed values of TCa and TFe can be ascribed to the specific characteristics of the plasma therma distribution, the corresponding values of TCaFe can be explained by allowing also for variations in the Fe/Ca abundance ratio relative to the photospheric ratio by a factor within 0.2 and 2.4. According to the observed abundance variations, the events analyzed can be divided in Ca-rich and Fe-rich flares.

PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATE IN THE CULTURE OF JUVENILE SEA URCHIN Lytechinus variegatus

PubMed Central

Heflin, Laura E.; Makowsky, Robert; Taylor, J. Christopher; Williams, Michael B.; Lawrence, Addison L.; Watts, Stephen A.

2016-01-01

Juvenile Lytechinus variegatus (ca. 3.95± 0.54 g) were fed one of 10 formulated diets with different protein (ranging from 11- 43%) and carbohydrate (12 or 18%; brackets determined from previous studies) levels. Urchins (n= 16 per treatment) were fed a daily sub-satiation ration equivalent to 2.0% of average body weight for 10 weeks. Our objective was (1) to create predictive models of growth, production and efficiency outcomes and (2) to generate economic analysis models in relation to these dietary outcomes for juvenile L. variegatus held in culture. At dietary protein levels below ca. 30%, models for most growth and production outcomes predicted increased rates of growth and production among urchins fed diets containing 18% dietary carbohydrate levels as compared to urchins fed diets containing 12% dietary carbohydrate. For most outcomes, growth and production was predicted to increase with increasing level of dietary protein up to ca. 30%, after which, no further increase in growth and production were predicted. Likewise, dry matter production efficiency was predicted to increase with increasing protein level up to ca. 30%, with urchins fed diets with 18% carbohydrate exhibiting greater efficiency than those fed diets with 12% carbohydrate. The energetic cost of dry matter production was optimal at protein levels less than those required for maximal weight gain and gonad production, suggesting an increased energetic cost (decreased energy efficiency) is required to increase gonad production relative to somatic growth. Economic analysis models predict when cost of feed ingredients are low, the lowest cost per gram of wet weight gain will occur at 18% dietary carbohydrate and ca. 25- 30% dietary protein. In contrast, lowest cost per gram of wet weight gain will occur at 12% dietary carbohydrate and ca. 35- 40% dietary protein when feed ingredient costs are high or average. For both 18 and 12% levels of dietary carbohydrate, cost per gram of wet weight gain is predicted to be maximized at low dietary protein levels, regardless of feed ingredient costs. These models will compare dietary requirements and growth outcomes in relation to economic costs and provide insight for future commercialization of sea urchin aquaculture. PMID:28082753

PRODUCTION AND ECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF DIETARY PROTEIN AND CARBOHYDRATE IN THE CULTURE OF JUVENILE SEA URCHIN Lytechinus variegatus.

PubMed

Heflin, Laura E; Makowsky, Robert; Taylor, J Christopher; Williams, Michael B; Lawrence, Addison L; Watts, Stephen A

2016-10-01

Juvenile Lytechinus variegatus (ca. 3.95± 0.54 g) were fed one of 10 formulated diets with different protein (ranging from 11- 43%) and carbohydrate (12 or 18%; brackets determined from previous studies) levels. Urchins (n= 16 per treatment) were fed a daily sub-satiation ration equivalent to 2.0% of average body weight for 10 weeks. Our objective was (1) to create predictive models of growth, production and efficiency outcomes and (2) to generate economic analysis models in relation to these dietary outcomes for juvenile L. variegatus held in culture. At dietary protein levels below ca. 30%, models for most growth and production outcomes predicted increased rates of growth and production among urchins fed diets containing 18% dietary carbohydrate levels as compared to urchins fed diets containing 12% dietary carbohydrate. For most outcomes, growth and production was predicted to increase with increasing level of dietary protein up to ca. 30%, after which, no further increase in growth and production were predicted. Likewise, dry matter production efficiency was predicted to increase with increasing protein level up to ca. 30%, with urchins fed diets with 18% carbohydrate exhibiting greater efficiency than those fed diets with 12% carbohydrate. The energetic cost of dry matter production was optimal at protein levels less than those required for maximal weight gain and gonad production, suggesting an increased energetic cost (decreased energy efficiency) is required to increase gonad production relative to somatic growth. Economic analysis models predict when cost of feed ingredients are low, the lowest cost per gram of wet weight gain will occur at 18% dietary carbohydrate and ca. 25- 30% dietary protein. In contrast, lowest cost per gram of wet weight gain will occur at 12% dietary carbohydrate and ca. 35- 40% dietary protein when feed ingredient costs are high or average. For both 18 and 12% levels of dietary carbohydrate, cost per gram of wet weight gain is predicted to be maximized at low dietary protein levels, regardless of feed ingredient costs. These models will compare dietary requirements and growth outcomes in relation to economic costs and provide insight for future commercialization of sea urchin aquaculture.

Characterization and constructive utilization of sludge produced in clari-flocculation unit of water treatment plant

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, Tarique; Ahmad, Kafeel; Alam, Mehtab

2018-03-01

All water treatment plants produce waste/residue amid the treatment of raw water. This study selectively investigates the clariflocculator sludge for its physicochemical characteristics and potential reuse options. Sieve analysis, XRF, SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TG-DTA instrumental techniques have been used to characterize the sludge sample. Results show that clariflocculator sludge contains about 78% fine sand having grain size range 150-75 μm. SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 and CaO constitute the maximum percentage of chemical compounds present in the sludge and quartz is the main crystalline phase of the sludge. Recycling and reuse of this sludge, especially, as fine sand in preparing mortar, concrete mix and other civil engineering products would pave the way for constructive utilization with safe and sustainable sludge management strategies.

Low-Temperature Molten-Salt Production of Silicon Nanowires by the Electrochemical Reduction of CaSiO3.

PubMed

Dong, Yifan; Slade, Tyler; Stolt, Matthew J; Li, Linsen; Girard, Steven N; Mai, Liqiang; Jin, Song

2017-11-13

Silicon is an extremely important technological material, but its current industrial production by the carbothermic reduction of SiO 2 is energy intensive and generates CO 2 emissions. Herein, we developed a more sustainable method to produce silicon nanowires (Si NWs) in bulk quantities through the direct electrochemical reduction of CaSiO 3 , an abundant and inexpensive Si source soluble in molten salts, at a low temperature of 650 °C by using low-melting-point ternary molten salts CaCl 2 -MgCl 2 -NaCl, which still retains high CaSiO 3 solubility, and a supporting electrolyte of CaO, which facilitates the transport of O 2- anions, drastically improves the reaction kinetics, and enables the electrolysis at low temperatures. The Si nanowire product can be used as high-capacity Li-ion battery anode materials with excellent cycling performance. This environmentally friendly strategy for the practical production of Si at lower temperatures can be applied to other molten salt systems and is also promising for waste glass and coal ash recycling. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Medical Management of Cutaneous Sulfur Mustard Injuries

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-01

negative pressure, (2) Amino-Plex® Spray (biO2 Cosmeceuticals International, Inc., Beverly Hills, CA), a nutritive cosmeceutical product that is...Inc., Beverly Hills, CA) is a nutritive cosmeceutical product that is designed to increase oxygen in cells, stimulate ATP synthesis, improve glucose... nutritive cosmeceutical product that is esigned to increase oxygen in cells, stimulate ATP synthesis, mprove glucose transportation, stimulate

Intracellular Ca2+ transients in mouse soleus muscle after hindlimb unloading and reloading

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ingalls, C. P.; Warren, G. L.; Armstrong, R. B.; Hamilton, S. L. (Principal Investigator)

1999-01-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether altered intracellular Ca(2+) handling contributes to the specific force loss in the soleus muscle after unloading and/or subsequent reloading of mouse hindlimbs. Three groups of female ICR mice were studied: 1) unloaded mice (n = 11) that were hindlimb suspended for 14 days, 2) reloaded mice (n = 10) that were returned to their cages for 1 day after 14 days of hindlimb suspension, and 3) control mice (n = 10) that had normal cage activity. Maximum isometric tetanic force (P(o)) was determined in the soleus muscle from the left hindlimb, and resting free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)), tetanic [Ca(2+)](i), and 4-chloro-m-cresol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) were measured in the contralateral soleus muscle by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Unloading and reloading increased resting [Ca(2+)](i) above control by 36% and 24%, respectively. Although unloading reduced P(o) and specific force by 58% and 24%, respectively, compared with control mice, there was no difference in tetanic [Ca(2+)](i). P(o), specific force, and tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) were reduced by 58%, 23%, and 23%, respectively, in the reloaded animals compared with control mice; however, tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) was not different between unloaded and reloaded mice. These data indicate that although hindlimb suspension results in disturbed intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, changes in tetanic [Ca(2+)](i) do not contribute to force deficits. Compared with unloading, 24 h of physiological reloading in the mouse do not result in further changes in maximal strength or tetanic [Ca(2+)](i).

Disruption of calcium nutrition at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (New Hampshire) alters the health and productivity of red spruce and sugar maple trees and provides lessons pertinent to other sites and regions

Treesearch

Paul G. Schaberg; Gary J. Hawley

2010-01-01

Pollution-induced acidification and other anthropogenic factors are leaching calcium (Ca) and mobilizing aluminum (Al) in many forest soils. Because Ca is an essential nutrient and Al is a potential toxin, resulting depletions of Ca and increases in available Al may significantly alter the health and productivity of forest trees. Controlled experiments on red spruce (...

Modulation of calcium carbonate precipitation by exopolysaccharide in Bacillus sp. JH7.

PubMed

Kim, Hyun Jung; Shin, Bora; Lee, Yun Suk; Park, Woojun

2017-08-01

Extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) is proposed to facilitate calcium ion supersaturation through its nucleation effect during the microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) process. However, the supersaturation effect of Ca 2+ via EPS in MICP has not been clearly demonstrated. Enhanced exopolysaccharide production of the alkali- and halotolerant MICP-capable bacteria, Bacillus sp. JH7, was achieved through glycerol addition. This was demonstrated by measuring cellular precipitation and Congo red binding. Interestingly, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry analysis demonstrated that there was no MICP under glycerol-amended conditions. Although glycerol promoted exopolysaccharide capture of Ca 2+ ions, Ca 2+ embedded onto EPS did not participate in MICP formation. The pH was reduced in glycerol-added media, which led us to analyze high acetate production under our test conditions. Purified glycerol-induced exopolysaccharide showed a higher capacity of Ca 2+ capture than the control. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that three genes involved in exopolysaccharide production were highly upregulated by glycerol. The amounts of three detected monosaccharides (arabinose, glucose, and mannose) were altered by glycerol. Cell hydrophobicity measurements indicated that glycerol could confer more hydrophilic characteristics to cells, which might enhance Ca 2+ binding onto EPS. Unexpectedly, our data demonstrated, for the first time, that glycerol could promote exopolysaccharide and acetate production under our test condition, which could inhibit MICP by reducing the availability of free Ca 2+ .

Effect of Fe(III) on 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane degradation and vinyl chloride accumulation in wetland sediments of the Aberdeen Proving Ground

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jones, Elizabeth; Voytek, Mary; Lorah, Michelle

2004-01-01

1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane (TeCA) contaminated groundwater at the Aberdeen Proving Ground discharges through an anaerobic wetland in West Branch Canal Creek (MD), where dechlorination occurs. Two microbially mediated pathways, dichloroelimination and hydrogenolysis, account for most of the TeCA degradation at this site. The dichloroelimination pathways lead to the formation of vinyl chloride (VC), a recalcitrant carcinogen of great concern. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether microbially-available Fe(III) in the wetland surface sediment influenced the fate of TeCA and its daughter products. Differences were identified in the TeCA degradation pathway between microcosms treated with amorphous ferric oxyhydroxide (AFO-treated) and untreated (no AFO) microcosms. TeCA degradation was accompanied by a lower accumulation of VC in AFO-treated microcosms than untreated microcosms. The microcosm incubations and subsequent experiments with the microcosm materials showed that AFO treatment resulted in lower production of VC by (1) shifting TeCA degradation from dichloroelimination pathways to production of a greater proportion of chlorinated ethane products, and (2) decreasing the microbial capability to produce VC from 1,2-dichloroethene (DCE). VC degradation was not stimulated in the presence of Fe(III). Rather, VC degradation occurred readily under methanogenic conditions and was inhibited under Fe(III)-reducing conditions.

Matching of sarcoplasmic reticulum and contractile properties in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres.

PubMed

Trinh, Huong H; Lamb, Graham D

2006-07-01

1. The twitch characteristics (fast-twitch or slow-twitch) of skeletal muscle fibres are determined not only by the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, but also by the time-course of Ca2+ release and re-uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The present study examined, in individual fibres from non-transforming muscle of the rat, whether particular SR properties are matched to the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, in particular in the case of fibres with fast-twitch contractile apparatus located in a slow-twitch muscle, namely the soleus. 2. Force was recorded in single, mechanically skinned fibres from extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius, peroneus longus and soleus muscles. Using repeated cycles in which the SR was emptied of all releasable Ca2+ and then reloaded, it was possible to determine the relative amount of Ca2+ present in the SR endogenously, the maximum SR capacity and the rate of Ca2+ loading. The sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca2+ and Sr2+ was used to classify the fibres as fast-twitch (FT), slow-twitch (ST) or mixed (< 3% of the fibres examined) and thereby identify the likely troponin C and myosin heavy chain types present. 3. There was no significant difference in SR properties between the groups of FT fibres obtained from the four different muscles, including soleus. Despite some overlap in the SR properties of individual fibres between the FT and ST groups, the properties of the FT fibres in all four muscles studied were significantly different from those of the ST and mixed fibres. 4. In general, in FT fibres the SR had a larger capacity and the endogenous Ca2+ content was a relatively lower percentage of maximum compared with ST fibres. Importantly, in terms of their SR properties, FT fibres from soleus muscle more closely resembled FT fibres from other muscles than they did ST fibres from soleus muscle.

Phosphorus recovery from biogas fermentation liquid by Ca-Mg loaded biochar.

PubMed

Fang, Ci; Zhang, Tao; Li, Ping; Jiang, Rongfeng; Wu, Shubiao; Nie, Haiyu; Wang, Yingcai

2015-03-01

Shortage in phosphorus (P) resources and P wastewater pollution is considered as a serious problem worldwide. The application of modified biochar for P recovery from wastewater and reuse of recovered P as agricultural fertilizer is a preferred process. This work aims to develop a calcium and magnesium loaded biochar (Ca-Mg/biochar) application for P recovery from biogas fermentation liquid. The physico-chemical characterization, adsorption efficiency, adsorption selectivity, and postsorption availability of Ca-Mg/biochar were investigated. The synthesized Ca-Mg/biochar was rich in organic functional groups and in CaO and MgO nanoparticles. With the increase in synthesis temperature, the yield decreased, C content increased, H content decreased, N content remained the same basically, and BET surface area increased. The P adsorption of Ca-Mg/biochar could be accelerated by nano-CaO and nano-MgO particles and reached equilibrium after 360min. The process was endothermic, spontaneous, and showed an increase in the disorder of the solid-liquid interface. Moreover, it could be fitted by the Freundlich model. The maximum P adsorption amounts were 294.22, 315.33, and 326.63mg/g. The P adsorption selectivity of Ca-Mg/biochar could not be significantly influenced by the typical pH level of biogas fermentation liquid. The nano-CaO and nano-MgO particles of Ca-Mg/biochar could reduce the negative interaction effects of coexisting ions. The P releasing amounts of postsorption Ca-Mg/biochar were in the order of Ca-Mg/B600>Ca-Mg/B450>Ca-Mg/B300. Results revealed that postsorption Ca-Mg/biochar can continually release P and is more suitable for an acid environment. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Late-glacial and Holocene records of fire and vegetation from Cradle Mountain National Park, Tasmania, Australia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stahle, Laura N.; Chin, Hahjung; Haberle, Simon; Whitlock, Cathy

2017-12-01

Fire activity was reconstructed at five sites and vegetation history at three sites in northwest Tasmania, Australia in order to examine the climate and human drivers of environmental change in the region. Watershed-scale reconstructions of fire were compared to regional vegetation history. Fire activity was very low until ca. 12,000 cal yr BP. An early-Holocene fire maximum, ca. 11,800-9800 cal yr BP, occurred during the warmest interval of the Holocene as recorded by regional paleoclimate proxy records. This period of elevated burning was also coincident with an increase in arboreal sclerophyll plant taxa. A maximum in rainforest taxa occurred at ca. 8500-5800 cal yr BP concurrent with sharply diminished biomass burning compared with the early Holocene. The increase in rainforest taxa is attributed to elevated effective moisture during this period. Conditions were drier and variable in the late Holocene as compared with earlier periods. A rise in fire activity at ca. 4800-3200 cal yr BP was accompanied by an increase in sclerophyll taxa and decline of rainforest and subalpine taxa. Elevated palynological richness during the late Holocene co-occurred with high levels of charcoal suggesting that fires promoted high floristic diversity. At Cradle Mountain, there is no clear evidence that fire regimes or vegetation were extensively modified by humans prior to European settlement. Climate was the primary driver of fire activity over millennial timescales as explained by the close relationship between charcoal and climate proxy data.

Thirty Thousand Years of Vegetation Changes in the Alabama Hills, Owens Valley, California

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koehler, Peter A.; Anderson, R. Scott

1995-03-01

Twenty packrat ( Neotoma) middens recovered from three sites (1265-1535 m) in the Alabama Hills, Inyo County, California, provide a ca. 31,450-yr record of vegetation change. Located ca. 7 km east of the Sierra Nevada, the middens document that Utah juniper ( Juniperus osteosperma), Joshua tree ( Yucca brevifolia), and bitterbush ( Purshia tridentata) occupied the site between 31,450 and 19,070 yr B.P. Joshua tree and bitterbush departed by ca. 17,760 yr B.P., with cliffrose ( Purshia mexicana) and joint-fir ( Ephedra viridis) appearing. By 13,350 yr B.P., blackbush ( Coleogyne ramosissima) and cholla ( Opuntia echinocarpa) entered the record. Between 9540 and 7990 yr B.P., Utah juniper and other species now extralocal to the sites departed and modern components such as wolfberry ( Lycium andersonii) and rubber rabbitbrush ( Chrysothamnus teretifolius) appeared. The middle Holocene records little variation in plant macrofossil composition; however, pollen analysis reflects an increase in aquatic pollen types which might suggest more-open conditions. The transition to the modern vegetation associations at the sites occurred after ca. 2800 yr B.P. The record from the Alabama Hills correlates well with that of other regional vegetation data but documents conditions of increasing aridity earlier than many other packrat midden sites. A shift in understory vegetation between 19,070 and 17,760 yr B.P. may reflect a transition from glacial maximum to post-maximum conditions in the eastern Sierra Nevada.

Heat of combustion of tantalum-tungsten oxide thermite composites

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

Cervantes, Octavio G.; Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616; Kuntz, Joshua D.

2010-12-15

The heat of combustion of two distinctly synthesized stoichiometric tantalum-tungsten oxide energetic composites was investigated by bomb calorimetry. One composite was synthesized using a sol-gel (SG) derived method in which micrometric-scale tantalum is immobilized in a tungsten oxide three-dimensional nanostructured network structure. The second energetic composite was made from the mixing of micrometric-scale tantalum and commercially available (CA) nanometric tungsten oxide powders. The energetic composites were consolidated using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique under a 300 MPa pressure and at temperatures of 25, 400, and 500 C. For samples consolidated at 25 C, the density of the CA compositemore » is 61.65 {+-} 1.07% in comparison to 56.41 {+-} 1.19% for the SG derived composite. In contrast, the resulting densities of the SG composite are higher than the CA composite for samples consolidated at 400 and 500 C. The theoretical maximum density for the SG composite consolidated to 400 and 500 C are 81.30 {+-} 0.58% and 84.42 {+-} 0.62%, respectively. The theoretical maximum density of the CA composite consolidated to 400 and 500 C are 74.54 {+-} 0.80% and 77.90 {+-} 0.79%, respectively. X-ray diffraction analyses showed an increase of pre-reaction of the constituents with an increase in the consolidation temperature. The increase in pre-reaction results in lower stored energy content for samples consolidated to 400 and 500 C in comparison to samples consolidated at 25 C. (author)« less

Inorganic fouling mitigation by salinity cycling in batch reverse osmosis.

PubMed

Warsinger, David M; Tow, Emily W; Maswadeh, Laith A; Connors, Grace B; Swaminathan, Jaichander; Lienhard V, John H

2018-06-15

Enhanced fouling resistance has been observed in recent variants of reverse osmosis (RO) desalination which use time-varying batch or semi-batch processes, such as closed-circuit RO (CCRO) and pulse flow RO (PFRO). However, the mechanisms of batch processes' fouling resistance are not well-understood, and models have not been developed for prediction of their fouling performance. Here, a framework for predicting reverse osmosis fouling is developed by comparing the fluid residence time in batch and continuous (conventional) reverse osmosis systems to the nucleation induction times for crystallization of sparingly soluble salts. This study considers the inorganic foulants calcium sulfate (gypsum), calcium carbonate (calcite), and silica, and the work predicts maximum recovery ratios for the treatment of typical water sources using batch reverse osmosis (BRO) and continuous reverse osmosis. The prediction method is validated through comparisons to the measured time delay for CaSO 4 membrane scaling in a bench-scale, recirculating reverse osmosis unit. The maximum recovery ratio for each salt solution (CaCO 3 , CaSO 4 ) is individually predicted as a function of inlet salinity, as shown in contour plots. Next, the maximum recovery ratios of batch and conventional RO are compared across several water sources, including seawater, brackish groundwater, and RO brine. Batch RO's shorter residence times, associated with cycling from low to high salinity during each batch, enable significantly higher recovery ratios and higher salinity than in continuous RO for all cases examined. Finally, representative brackish RO brine samples were analyzed to determine the maximum possible recovery with batch RO. Overall, the induction time modeling methodology provided here can be used to allow batch RO to operate at high salinity and high recovery, while controlling scaling. The results show that, in addition to its known energy efficiency improvement, batch RO has superior inorganic fouling resistance relative to conventional RO. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

Gerthoffer, W.T.; Murphey, K.A.; Khoyi, M.A.

Previous studies have shown that muscarinic activation of airway smooth muscle in low Ca++ solutions increases myosin phosphorylation without increasing tension. Blocking Ca++ influx reduced phosphorylation, but not to basal levels. It was proposed that release of intracellular Ca++ contributed to dissociation of phosphorylation and contraction. To test this hypothesis the effects of ryanodine were studied under similar conditions. Ryanodine (10(-7) to 10(-5) M) antagonized caffeine-induced contraction of canine tracheal smooth muscle. Ryanodine also reduced carbachol-induced contractions and carbachol-induced myosin phosphorylation. The effect of ryanodine on potassium and serotonin-induced contractions was also investigated to test for a nonspecific inhibitory effect.more » In contrast to the effect on carbachol responses, ryanodine (10(-5) M) potentiated the contractile response to low concentrations of serotonin and potassium, but had no effect on the maximum response to either stimulant. Carbachol (10(-6) M) and ryanodine (10(-5) M) both significantly decreased /sup 45/Ca++ content of tracheal muscle. The effect of ryanodine and carbachol together on /sup 45/Ca++ content was not greater than either drug alone suggesting that ryanodine reduces the caffeine and carbachol responses by depleting releaseable Ca++ stores. Ryanodine significantly reduced Ca++-induced contraction and myosin phosphorylation in carbachol-stimulated muscle, suggesting that some of the Ca++ responsible for elevated phosphorylation is released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.« less

The glacial/deglacial history of sedimentation in Bear Lake, Utah and Idaho

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenbaum, J.G.; Heil, C.W.

2009-01-01

Bear Lake, in northeastern Utah and southern Idaho, lies in a large valley formed by an active half-graben. Bear River, the largest river in the Great Basin, enters Bear Lake Valley ???15 km north of the lake. Two 4-m-long cores provide a lake sediment record extending back ???26 cal k.y. The penetrated section can be divided into a lower unit composed of quartz-rich clastic sediments and an upper unit composed largely of endogenic carbonate. Data from modern fluvial sediments provide the basis for interpreting changes in provenance of detrital material in the lake cores. Sediments from small streams draining elevated topography on the east and west sides of the lake are characterized by abundant dolomite, high magnetic susceptibility (MS) related to eolian magnetite, and low values of hard isothermal remanent magnetization (HIRM, indicative of hematite content). In contrast, sediments from the headwaters of the Bear River in the Uinta Mountains lack carbonate and have high HIRM and low MS. Sediments from lower reaches of the Bear River contain calcite but little dolomite and have low values of MS and HIRM. These contrasts in catchment properties allow interpretation of the following sequence from variations in properties of the lake sediment: (1) ca. 26 cal ka-onset of glaciation; (2) ca. 26-20 cal ka-quasicyclical, millennial-scale variations in the concentrations of hematite-rich glacial fl our derived from the Uinta Mountains, and dolomite- and magnetite-rich material derived from the local Bear Lake catchment (reflecting variations in glacial extent); (3) ca. 20-19 cal ka-maximum content of glacial fl our; (4) ca. 19-17 cal ka-constant content of Bear River sediment but declining content of glacial fl our from the Uinta Mountains; (5) ca. 17-15.5 cal ka-decline in Bear River sediment and increase in content of sediment from the local catchment; and (6) ca. 15.5-14.5 cal ka-increase in content of endogenic calcite at the expense of detrital material. The onset of glaciation indicated in the Bear Lake record postdates the initial rise of Lake Bonneville and roughly corresponds to the Stansbury shoreline. The lake record indicates that maximum glaciation occurred as Lake Bonneville reached its maximum extent ca. 20 cal ka and that deglaciation was under way while Lake Bonneville remained at its peak. The transition from siliciclastic to carbonate sedimentation probably indicates increasingly evaporative conditions and may coincide with the climatically driven fall of Lake Bonneville from the Provo shoreline. Although lake levels fluctuated during the Younger Dryas, the Bear Lake record for this period is more consistent with drier conditions, rather than cooler, moister conditions interpreted from many studies from western North America. Copyright ?? 2009 The Geological Society of America.

The equivalence of minimum entropy production and maximum thermal efficiency in endoreversible heat engines.

PubMed

Haseli, Y

2016-05-01

The objective of this study is to investigate the thermal efficiency and power production of typical models of endoreversible heat engines at the regime of minimum entropy generation rate. The study considers the Curzon-Ahlborn engine, the Novikov's engine, and the Carnot vapor cycle. The operational regimes at maximum thermal efficiency, maximum power output and minimum entropy production rate are compared for each of these engines. The results reveal that in an endoreversible heat engine, a reduction in entropy production corresponds to an increase in thermal efficiency. The three criteria of minimum entropy production, the maximum thermal efficiency, and the maximum power may become equivalent at the condition of fixed heat input.

Temporal trends of bulk precipitation and stream water chemistry (1977-1997) in a small forested area, Krusne hory, northern Bohemia, Czech Republic

USGS Publications Warehouse

Peters, N.E.; Cerny, J.; Havel, M.; Krejci, R.

1999-01-01

The Krusne hory (Erzgebirge or Ore Mountains) has been heavily affected by high atmospheric pollutant deposition caused by fossil fuel combustion in an adjacent Tertiary coal basin. Long-term routine sampling of bulk precipitation (1977-1996) and stream water (1977-1998) in a forested area on the south-eastern slope of the mountains were used to evaluate trends and patterns in solute concentration and flux with respect to controlling processes. From 1977 to 1996, the annual volume-weighted Ca2+ and SO42- concentrations decreased in bulk precipitation. However, after 1989, when a pronounced and continuous decrease occurred in coal production, annual volume-weighted concentrations decreased for most solutes, except H+. The concentration decreases were marked, with 1996 levels at or below 50% of those in 1989. The lack of a trend in H+ is attributed to similar decreases in both acid anions and neutralizing base cations. Stream water concentrations of most solutes, i.e. H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42- and NO3-, were highest at the onset of sampling in 1977, decreased markedly from 1977 to 1983 and decreased more gradually from 1983 to 1998. The spruce forest die-back and removal reduced dry deposition of these solutes by reducing the filtering action, which was provided by the forest canopy. A notable decrease in stream water Ca2+ concentrations occurred after 1995 and may be due to the depletion of Ca2+, which was provided by catchment liming in 1986, 1988 and 1989. Solute flux trends in bulk atmospheric deposition and stream water generally were not significant and the lack of trend is attributed to the large interannual variability in precipitation quantity and runoff, respectively. All solutes except Na+ varied seasonally. The average seasonal concentrations varied between the solutes, but for most solutes were highest in winter and spring and lowest in summer, correlating with the seasonal trend and runoff. For Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO42-, the concentration minimum occurs in September and the maximum occurs in February or March, correlating with the seasonal baseflow. These solutes are primarily controlled by the contribution of soil water and groundwater to stream flow. During snowmelt, the meltwater generally causes concentrations to decrease as soil water and groundwater are diluted. For NO3, average minimum concentrations occur in August at the end of the growing season concurrent with the lowest stream flow, and the maximum occurs in February and March with high stream flow during snowmelt. Seasonal stream water NO3- concentration variations are large compared with the long-term decrease.The Krusne hory (Erzgebirge or Ore Mountains) has been heavily affected by high atmospheric pollutant deposition caused by fossil fuel combustion in an adjacent Tertiary coal basin. Long-term routine sampling of bulk precipitation (1977-1996) and stream water (1977-1998) in a forested area on the south-eastern slope of the mountains were used to evaluate trends and patterns in solute concentration and flux with respect to controlling processes. From 1977 to 1996, the annual volume-weighted Ca2+ and SO42- concentrations decreased in bulk precipitation. However, after 1989, when a pronounced and continuous decrease occurred in coal production, annual volume-weighted concentrations decreased for most solutes, except H+. The concentration decreases were marked, with 1996 levels at or below 50% of those in 1989. The lack of a trend in H+ is attributed to similar decreases in both acid anions and neutralizing base cations. Stream water concentrations of most solutes, i.e. H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42- and NO3-, were highest at the onset of sampling in 1977, decreased markedly from 1977 to 1983 and decreased more gradually from 1983 to 1998. The spruce forest die-back and removal reduced dry deposition of these solutes by reducing the filtering action, which was provided by the forest canopy. A notable decrease in stream water Ca2+ concentrations occurred after 1995 an

Combination of soya pulp and Bacillus coagulans lilac-01 improves intestinal bile acid metabolism without impairing the effects of prebiotics in rats fed a cholic acid-supplemented diet.

PubMed

Lee, Yeonmi; Yoshitsugu, Reika; Kikuchi, Keidai; Joe, Ga-Hyun; Tsuji, Misaki; Nose, Takuma; Shimizu, Hidehisa; Hara, Hiroshi; Minamida, Kimiko; Miwa, Kazunori; Ishizuka, Satoshi

2016-08-01

Intestinal bacteria are involved in bile acid (BA) deconjugation and/or dehydroxylation and are responsible for the production of secondary BA. However, an increase in the production of secondary BA modulates the intestinal microbiota due to the bactericidal effects and promotes cancer risk in the liver and colon. The ingestion of Bacillus coagulans improves constipation via the activation of bowel movement to promote defaecation in humans, which may alter BA metabolism in the intestinal contents. BA secretion is promoted with high-fat diet consumption, and the ratio of cholic acid (CA):chenodeoxycholic acid in primary BA increases with ageing. The dietary supplementation of CA mimics the BA environment in diet-induced obesity and ageing. We investigated whether B. coagulans lilac-01 and soya pulp influence both BA metabolism and the maintenance of host health in CA-supplemented diet-fed rats. In CA-fed rats, soya pulp significantly increased the production of secondary BA such as deoxycholic acid and ω-muricholic acids, and soya pulp ingestion alleviated problems related to plasma adiponectin and gut permeability in rats fed the CA diet. The combination of B. coagulans and soya pulp successfully suppressed the increased production of secondary BA in CA-fed rats compared with soya pulp itself, without impairing the beneficial effects of soya pulp ingestion. In conclusion, it is possible that a combination of prebiotics and probiotics can be used to avoid an unnecessary increase in the production of secondary BA in the large intestine without impairing the beneficial functions of prebiotics.

Feasible conversion of solid waste bauxite tailings into highly crystalline 4A zeolite with valuable application

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

Ma, Dongyang; Wang, Zhendong; Guo, Min

2014-11-15

Highlights: • Concept to convert waste to valuable product is carried out in this study. • An industrially feasible and cost-effective approach was developed and optimized. • Highly crystalline and well-defined zeolite was produced under moderate conditions. • The zeolite derived from the bauxite tailings displayed high ion exchange capacity. • Bauxite tailings have potential application in heavy metal ions adsorbent. - Abstract: Bauxite tailings are a major type of solid wastes generated in the flotation process. The waste by-products caused significant environmental impact. To lessen this hazardous effect from poisonous mine tailings, a feasible and cost-effective solution was conceivedmore » and implemented. Our approach focused on reutilization of the bauxite tailings by converting it to 4A zeolite for reuse in diverse applications. Three steps were involved in the bauxite conversion: wet-chemistry, alkali fusion, and crystallization to remove impurities and to prepare porous 4A zeolite. It was found that the cubic 4A zeolite was single phase, in high purity, with high crystallinity and well-defined structure. Importantly, the 4A zeolite displayed maximum calcium ion exchange capacity averaged at 296 mg CaCO{sub 3}/g, comparable to commercially-available zeolite (310 mg CaCO{sub 3}/g) exchange capacity. Base on the optimal synthesis condition, the reaction yield of zeolite 4A from bauxite tailings achieved to about 38.43%, hence, this study will provide a new paradigm for remediation of bauxite tailings, further mitigating the environmental and health care concerns, particularly in the mainland of PR China.« less

Mid-depth respired carbon storage and oxygenation of the eastern equatorial Pacific over the last 25,000 years

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Umling, Natalie E.; Thunell, Robert C.

2018-06-01

A growing body of evidence suggests that respired carbon was stored in mid-depth waters (∼1-3 km) during the last glacial maximum (LGM) and released to the atmosphere from upwelling regions during deglaciation. Decreased ventilation, enhanced productivity, and enhanced carbonate dissolution are among the mechanisms that have been cited as possible drivers of glacial CO2 drawdown. However, the relative importance of each of these mechanisms is poorly understood. New approaches to quantitatively constrain bottom water carbonate chemistry and oxygenation provide methods for estimating historic changes in respired carbon storage. While increased CO2 drawdown during the LGM should have resulted in decreased oxygenation and a shift in dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) speciation towards lower carbonate ion concentrations, this is complicated by the interplay of carbonate compensation, export productivity, and circulation. To disentangle these processes, we use a multiproxy approach that includes boron to calcium (B/Ca) ratios of the benthic foraminifera Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi to reconstruct deep-water carbonate ion concentrations ([CO32-]) and the uranium to calcium (U/Ca) ratio of foraminiferal coatings in combination with benthic foraminiferal carbon isotopes to reconstruct changes in bottom water oxygen concentrations ([O2]) and organic carbon export. Our records indicate that LGM [CO32-] and [O2] was reduced at mid water depths of the eastern equatorial Pacific (EEP), consistent with increased respired carbon storage. Furthermore, our results suggest enhanced mixing of lower Circumpolar Deep Water (LCDW) to EEP mid water depths and provide evidence for the importance of circulation for oceanic-atmospheric CO2 exchange.

The Quaternary history of effusive volcanism of the Nevado de Toluca area, Central Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torres-Orozco, R.; Arce, J. L.; Layer, P. W.; Benowitz, J. A.

2017-11-01

Andesite and dacite lava flows and domes, and intermediate-mafic cones from the Nevado de Toluca area were classified into five groups using field data and 40Ar/39Ar geochronology constraints. Thirty-four lava units of diverse mineralogy and whole-rock major-element geochemistry, distributed between the groups, were identified. These effusive products were produced between ∼1.5 and ∼0.05 Ma, indicating a mid-Pleistocene older-age for Nevado de Toluca volcano, coexisting with explosive products that suggest a complex history for this volcano. A ∼0.96 Ma pyroclastic deposit attests for the co-existence of effusive and explosive episodes in the mid-Pleistocene history. Nevado de Toluca initiated as a composite volcano with multiple vents until ∼1.0 Ma, when the activity began to centralize in an area close to the present-day crater. The modern main edifice reached its maximum height at ca. 50 ka after bulky, spiny domes erupted in the current summit of the crater. Distribution and geochemical behavior in major elements of lavas indicate a co-magmatic relationship between different andesite and dacite domes and flows, although unrelated to the magmatism of the monogenetic volcanism. Mafic-intermediate magma likely replenished the system at Nevado de Toluca since ca. ∼1.0 Ma and contributed to the eruption of new domes, cones, as well as effusive-explosive activity. Altogether, field and laboratory data suggest that a large volume of magma was ejected around 1 Ma in and around the Nevado de Toluca.

CaO Nanocatalyst for Transesterification Reaction of Palm Oil to Biodiesel: Effect of Precursor’s Concentration on the Catalyst Behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassan, N.; Ismail, K. N.; Hamid, K. H. Ku; Hadi, Abdul

2018-05-01

Depletion of fossil fuel sources in a few decades due to industrialization and motorization has led to a keen interest in the production of alternative fuels like biodiesel. Research on the development and improvement of more efficient transesterification process for biodiesel production has attain great attention in the last decade. The using of low cost catalyst is one of the main focuses on the biodiesel production. As a basic heterogeneous catalyst, CaO has been examined in the transesterification of vegetable oils for biodiesel production. In this research, calcium oxide (CaO-X) catalysts were prepared by sol-gel method at different Ca2+ precursor concentration (X = 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 M). The crystalline structure and morphology of the synthesized catalysts were characterized by means of x-ray diffraction (XRD) and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. All the synthesized catalysts were then applied to transesterification reaction of palm oil to produce biodiesel. The characterization by x-ray diffraction demonstrate CaO-1.0 was partially hydrated due to the incomplete reaction during synthesis. As a matter of fact, formation of H2O on the surface of CaO causes lower basic strength of the catalysts, thus responsible in lowering the catalytic activity. It is demonstrated that CaO-2.0 exhibits mesoporous structure with least chemisorb amount of H2O on the catalysts surface has a very active catalytic activity. It was found that 2.0M of calcium precursor has high catalytic activity and 81% FAME yield was obtained within 3h reaction.

Control of calcium release and the effect of ryanodine in skinned muscle fibres of the toad.

PubMed Central

Lamb, G D; Stephenson, D G

1990-01-01

1. Skinned muscle fibres from the toad were used to investigate the roles of T-system membrane potential and Ca2+ in controlling the calcium release channels of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). 2. Replacement of K+ in the bathing solution with Na+ produced a large contraction which could last for 30 s or more under certain circumstances. This prolonged contraction could be quickly and completely terminated by repolarizing the fibre in the K+ solution and then immediately re-initiated by returning to the Na+ solution. These data indicate that the membrane potential tightly controlled the substantial and prolonged release of calcium. 3. T-system depolarization in the presence of 10 mM-free EGTA (pCa greater than 9) markedly depleted the SR of Ca2+. This implies that depolarization of the T-system can still trigger substantial release of Ca2+ from the SR even when the myoplasmic [Ca2+] is very low and very heavily buffered by EGTA. 4. When the SR was heavily loaded with Ca2+, substitution of a weakly buffered high [Ca2+] solution (pCa 5.4, 50 microM-EGTA) could produce a small to moderate, transient contraction taking between 3 and 12 s to reach a peak and lasting 30 s or more. 5. This contraction may be produced at least partly by 'calcium-induced calcium release' as ruthenium red (2 microM) completely blocked the responses. Moreover, repeated substitutions produced successively smaller responses in parallel with the 'run-down' of the depolarization-induced contractions. 6. Depolarization could always produce an additional large and fast response at any stage during a 'Ca2(+)-induced' response. 7. In the presence of 25 microM-ryanodine, the rapid contraction produced by T-system depolarization was prolonged and could not be stopped by repolarization. During and after this contraction no depolarizing stimulus could induce a further contraction, even though in some fibres addition of 30 mM-caffeine produced a maximum response which indicated that there was still a substantial amount of calcium in the SR. 8. At pCa 6.4, 25 microM-ryanodine could itself induce a substantial slow contracture in a normally polarized fibre within 30-60 s, after which little or no response could be induced by T-system depolarization. At higher concentrations (25 microM) ryanodine produced a near-maximum contraction in only a few seconds.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS) PMID:2167367

Detrital and volcanic zircon U-Pb ages from southern Mendoza (Argentina): An insight on the source regions in the northern part of the Neuquén Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naipauer, Maximiliano; Tapia, Felipe; Mescua, José; Farías, Marcelo; Pimentel, Marcio M.; Ramos, Victor A.

2015-12-01

The infill of the Neuquén Basin recorded the Meso-Cenozoic geological and tectonic evolution of the southern Central Andes being an excellent site to investigate how the pattern of detrital zircon ages varies trough time. In this work we analyze the U-Pb (LA-MC-ICP-MS) zircon ages from sedimentary and volcanic rocks related to synrift and retroarc stages of the northern part of the Neuquén Basin. These data define the crystallization age of the synrift volcanism at 223 ± 2 Ma (Cerro Negro Andesite) and the maximum depositional age of the original synrift sediments at ca. 204 Ma (El Freno Formation). Two different pulses of rifting could be recognized according to the absolute ages, the oldest developed during the Norian and the younger during the Rhaetian-Sinemurian. The source regions of the El Freno Formation show that the Choiyoi magmatic province was the main source rock of sediment supply. An important amount of detrital zircons with Triassic ages was identified and interpreted as a source area related to the synrift magmatism. The maximum depositional age calculated for the Tordillo Formation in the Atuel-La Valenciana depocenter is at ca. 149 Ma; as well as in other places of the Neuquén Basin, the U-Pb ages calculated in the Late Jurassic Tordillo Formation do not agree with the absolute age of the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian boundary (ca. 152 Ma). The main source region of sediment in the Tordillo Formation was the Andean magmatic arc. Basement regions were also present with age peaks at the Carboniferous, Neoproterozoic, and Mesoproterozoic; these regions were probably located to the east in the San Rafael Block. The pattern of zircon ages summarized for the Late Jurassic Tordillo and Lagunillas formations were interpreted as a record of the magmatic activity during the Triassic and Jurassic in the southern Central Andes. A waning of the magmatism is inferred to have happened during the Triassic. The evident lack of ages observed around ca. 200 Ma suggests cessation of the synrift magmatism. The later increase in magmatic activity during the Early Jurassic is attributed to the onset of Andean subduction, with maximum peaks at ca. 191 and 179 Ma. The trough at ca. 165 Ma and the later increase in the Late Jurassic could be explained by changes in the relative convergence rate in the Andean subduction regime, or by the shift to a more mafic composition of the magmatism with minor zircon fertility.

Enthalpies of formation of CaAl4O7 and CaAl12O19 (hibonite) by high temperature, alkali borate solution calorimetry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geiger, C. A.; Kleppa, O. J.; Grossman, L.; Mysen, B. O.; Lattimer, J. M.

1988-01-01

Enthalpies of formation were determined for two calcium aluminate phases, CaAl4O7 and CaAl12O19, using high-temperature alkali borate solution calorimetry. The aluminates were synthesized by multiple-cycle heating and grinding stoichiometric mixtures of CaCO3 and Al2O3, and the products were characteized by X-ray diffraction and SEM microbeam analysis. The data on impurities (CaAl4O7 was found to be about 89.00 percent pure by weight and the CaAl12O19 samples about 91.48 percent pure) were used to correct the heat of solution values of the synthetic products. The enthalpies of formation, at 1063 K, from oxides, were found to be equal to -(25.6 + or - 4.7) kJ/g.f.w. for CaAl4O7 and -(33.0 + or - 9.7) kJ/g.f.w. for CaAl12O19; the respective standard enthalpies of formation from elements, at 298 K, were estimated to be -4007 + or - 5.2 kJ/g.f.w. and -10,722 + or - 12 kJ/g.f.w.

Beat-to-Beat Variation in Periodicity of Local Calcium Releases Contributes to Intrinsic Variations of Spontaneous Cycle Length in Isolated Single Sinoatrial Node Cells

PubMed Central

Monfredi, Oliver; Maltseva, Larissa A.; Spurgeon, Harold A.; Boyett, Mark R.; Lakatta, Edward G.; Maltsev, Victor A.

2013-01-01

Spontaneous, submembrane local Ca2+ releases (LCRs) generated by the sarcoplasmic reticulum in sinoatrial nodal cells, the cells of the primary cardiac pacemaker, activate inward Na+/Ca2+-exchange current to accelerate the diastolic depolarization rate, and therefore to impact on cycle length. Since LCRs are generated by Ca2+ release channel (i.e. ryanodine receptor) openings, they exhibit a degree of stochastic behavior, manifested as notable cycle-to-cycle variations in the time of their occurrence. Aim The present study tested whether variation in LCR periodicity contributes to intrinsic (beat-to-beat) cycle length variability in single sinoatrial nodal cells. Methods We imaged single rabbit sinoatrial nodal cells using a 2D-camera to capture LCRs over the entire cell, and, in selected cells, simultaneously measured action potentials by perforated patch clamp. Results LCRs begin to occur on the descending part of the action potential-induced whole-cell Ca2+ transient, at about the time of the maximum diastolic potential. Shortly after the maximum diastolic potential (mean 54±7.7 ms, n = 14), the ensemble of waxing LCR activity converts the decay of the global Ca2+ transient into a rise, resulting in a late, whole-cell diastolic Ca2+ elevation, accompanied by a notable acceleration in diastolic depolarization rate. On average, cells (n = 9) generate 13.2±3.7 LCRs per cycle (mean±SEM), varying in size (7.1±4.2 µm) and duration (44.2±27.1 ms), with both size and duration being greater for later-occurring LCRs. While the timing of each LCR occurrence also varies, the LCR period (i.e. the time from the preceding Ca2+ transient peak to an LCR’s subsequent occurrence) averaged for all LCRs in a given cycle closely predicts the time of occurrence of the next action potential, i.e. the cycle length. Conclusion Intrinsic cycle length variability in single sinoatrial nodal cells is linked to beat-to-beat variations in the average period of individual LCRs each cycle. PMID:23826247

Breeding of Acrocomia aculeata using genetic diversity parameters and correlations to select accessions based on vegetative, phenological, and reproductive characteristics.

PubMed

Coser, S M; Motoike, S Y; Corrêa, T R; Pires, T P; Resende, M D V

2016-10-17

Macaw palm (Acrocomia aculeata) is a promising species for use in biofuel production, and establishing breeding programs is important for the development of commercial plantations. The aim of the present study was to analyze genetic diversity, verify correlations between traits, estimate genetic parameters, and select different accessions of A. aculeata in the Macaw Palm Germplasm Bank located in Universidade Federal de Viçosa, to develop a breeding program for this species. Accessions were selected based on precocity (PREC), total spathe (TS), diameter at breast height (DBH), height of the first spathe (HFS), and canopy area (CA). The traits were evaluated in 52 accessions during the 2012/2013 season and analyzed by restricted estimation maximum likelihood/best linear unbiased predictor procedures. Genetic diversity resulted in the formation of four groups by Tocher's clustering method. The correlation analysis showed it was possible to have indirect and early selection for the traits PREC and DBH. Estimated genetic parameters strengthened the genetic variability verified by cluster analysis. Narrow-sense heritability was classified as moderate (PREC, TS, and CA) to high (HFS and DBH), resulting in strong genetic control of the traits and success in obtaining genetic gains by selection. Accuracy values were classified as moderate (PREC and CA) to high (TS, HFS, and DBH), reinforcing the success of the selection process. Selection of accessions for PREC, TS, and HFS by the rank-average method permits selection gains of over 100%, emphasizing the successful use of the accessions in breeding programs and obtaining superior genotypes for commercial plantations.

SoyCaP: Soy and Prostate Cancer Prevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-11-01

2:16-hydroxyestrone ratio in postmenopausal women depends on equol production status but is not influenced by probiotic consumption. J Nutr 2005 Mar...their habitual diets, and received detailed instructions to exclude soy products in order to minimize isoflavone consumption from other sources...deparaffinized in AmeriClear (Scientific Products , Stockton, CA), rehydrated in graded alcohol, and transferred to phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (pH

Clavulanic acid production by the MMS 150 mutant obtained from wild type Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064

PubMed Central

da Silva Vasconcelos, Eliton; de Lima, Vanderlei Aparecido; Goto, Leandro Seiji; Cruz-Hernández, Isara Lourdes; Hokka, Carlos Osamu

2013-01-01

Clavulanic acid (CA) is a powerful inhibitor of the beta-lactamases, enzymes produced by bacteria resistants to penicillin and cefalosporin. This molecule is produced industrially by strains of Streptomyces clavuligerus in complex media which carbon and nitrogen resources are supplied by inexpensive compounds still providing high productivity. The genetic production improvement using physical and chemical mutagenic agents is an important strategy in programs of industrial production development of bioactive metabolites. However, parental strains are susceptible to loss of their original productivity due genetic instability phenomenona. In this work, some S. clavuligerus mutant strains obtained by treatment with UV light and with MMS are compared with the wild type (Streptomyces clavuligerus ATCC 27064). The results indicated that the random mutations originated some strains with different phenotypes, most divergent demonstrated by the mutants strains named AC116, MMS 150 and MMS 54, that exhibited lack of pigmentation in their mature spores. Also, the strain MMS 150 presented a larger production of CA when cultivated in semi-synthetics media. Using other media, the wild type strain obtained a larger CA production. Besides, using the modifed complex media the MMS 150 strain showed changes in its lipolitic activity and a larger production of CA. The studies also allowed finding the best conditions for a lipase activity exhibited by wild type S. clavuligerus and the MMS150 mutant. PMID:24688492

Biogenic Calcium Carbonate with Hierarchical Organic-Inorganic Composite Structure Enhancing the Removal of Pb(II) from Wastewater.

PubMed

Zhou, Xueli; Liu, Weizhen; Zhang, Jian; Wu, Can; Ou, Xinwen; Tian, Chen; Lin, Zhang; Dang, Zhi

2017-10-18

Calcium carbonate from geological sources (geo-CaCO 3 , e.g., calcite, aragonite) is used extensively in removing heavy metals from wastewater through replacement reaction. However, geo-CaCO 3 has an intrinsically compact crystalline structure that results in low efficiency in pollutant removal and thus its use may produce enormous sludge. In this work, biogenic calcium carbonate (bio-CaCO 3 ) derived from oyster shells was used to remove Pb(II) from wastewater and found to significantly outperform geo-CaCO 3 (calcite). The thermodynamics study revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of bio-CaCO 3 for Pb(II) was three times that of geo-CaCO 3 , reaching up to 1667 mg/g. The kinetics study disclosed that the dissolution kinetics and the rate of intraparticle diffusion of bio-CaCO 3 were faster than those of geo-CaCO 3 . Extensive mechanism research through X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N 2 adsorption/desorption test and mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that the hierarchical porous organic-inorganic hybrid structure of bio-CaCO 3 expedited the dissolution of CaCO 3 to provide abundant CO 3 2- active sites and facilitated the permeation and diffusion of Pb(II) into the bulk solid phases. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis, and the examination of Pb(II) removal ability of bio-CaCO 3 after calcination indicated that the organic functional groups of bio-CaCO 3 also facilitated the immobilization of Pb(II) into CaCO 3 particles, although the major contribution was from the hierarchical porous structure of bio-CaCO 3 .

The Institute of Medicine, the Food and Drug Administration, and the calcium conundrum.

PubMed

Neupane, Shristi; Knohl, Stephen J

2014-08-01

In the present article we aim to bring forward the apparent disconnect between two US government-sponsored entities - the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - regarding the safe upper limit of Ca intake. In light of the 2011 US Congress-appointed IOM report indicating an upper limit of elemental Ca intake of 2000-2500 mg/d in adults (based on age group), it is perplexing that the FDA has not yet required a change on the labelling of over-the-counter Ca-containing antacids, some of which indicate an upper limit of elemental Ca intake of 2800-3000 mg/d. Even more concerning is that Ca intake is rarely from supplementation in isolation. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2003-2006 indicate that mean dietary Ca intakes for males ranged from 871 to 1266 mg/d and for females from 748 to 968 mg/d depending on the age group. The estimated total Ca (diet + supplements) intake exceeded the upper limit in 5 % of the population older than 50 years. Furthermore, NHANES data from 1999-2000 indicate that when Ca is taken as part of an antacid preparation, patients often fail to report this as Ca intake. Thus, individuals taking the maximum allowable dose of supplemental Ca as antacids are at high risk for complications associated with excess Ca intake. Our hope is that by describing Ca homeostasis and highlighting the risks and dangers of Ca overload, the FDA will align its recommendation with the IOM and solve the current Ca conundrum in the USA for the sake of patient safety.

Superiority of biphasic over monophasic defibrillation shocks is attributable to less intracellular calcium transient heterogeneity.

PubMed

Hwang, Gyo-Seung; Tang, Liang; Joung, Boyoung; Morita, Norishige; Hayashi, Hideki; Karagueuzian, Hrayr S; Weiss, James N; Lin, Shien-Fong; Chen, Peng-Sheng

2008-09-02

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that superiority of biphasic waveform (BW) over monophasic waveform (MW) defibrillation shocks is attributable to less intracellular calcium (Ca(i)) transient heterogeneity. The mechanism by which BW shocks have a higher defibrillation efficacy than MW shocks remains unclear. We simultaneously mapped epicardial membrane potential (Vm) and Ca(i) during 6-ms MW and 3-ms/3-ms BW shocks in 19 Langendorff-perfused rabbit ventricles. After shock, the percentage of depolarized area was plotted over time. The maximum (peak) post-shock values (VmP and Ca(i)P, respectively) were used to measure heterogeneity. Higher VmP and Ca(i)P imply less heterogeneity. The defibrillation thresholds for BW and MW shocks were 288 +/- 99 V and 399 +/- 155 V, respectively (p = 0.0005). Successful BW shocks had higher VmP (88 +/- 9%) and Ca(i)P (70 +/- 13%) than unsuccessful MW shocks (VmP 76 +/- 10%, p < 0.001; Ca(i)P 57 +/- 8%, p < 0.001) of the same shock strength. In contrast, for unsuccessful BW and MW shocks of the same shock strengths, the VmP and Ca(i)P were not significantly different. The MW shocks more frequently created regions of low Ca(i) surrounded by regions of high Ca(i) (post-shock Ca(i) sinkholes). The defibrillation threshold for MW and BW shocks became similar after disabling the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) with thapsigargin and ryanodine. The greater efficacy of BW shocks is directly related to their less heterogeneous effects on shock-induced SR Ca release and Ca(i) transients. Less heterogeneous Ca(i) transients reduces the probability of Ca(i) sinkhole formation, thereby preventing the post-shock reinitiation of ventricular fibrillation.

Intestinal absorption of calcium from calcium ascorbate in rats.

PubMed

Tsugawa, N; Yamabe, T; Takeuchi, A; Kamao, M; Nakagawa, K; Nishijima, K; Okano, T

1999-01-01

The intestinal absorption of calcium (Ca) from Ca ascorbate (Ca-AsA) was investigated in normal rats. Each animal was perorally administered either 5mg (low dose) or 10mg (high dose) of Ca in 1ml of distilled water as Ca-AsA, Ca carbonate (CaCO3), or Ca chloride (CaCl2), which were intrinsically labeled with 45Ca using 45CaCl2. The amount of radioactivity in plasma was measured periodically up to 34h after dosing, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the radioactivity in plasma. The time taken to reach the maximum 45Ca level (Tmax) did not differ among the three groups. The area under the plasma 45Ca level/time curve (AUCinfinity) value for the Ca-AsA group was significantly higher than those for the CaCO3 and the CaCl2 groups. The radioactivity at Tmax (Cmax) for the Ca-AsA group was significantly higher than those for the CaCO3 and the CaCl2 groups for the low dose, and comparable with or significantly higher than those for the CaCl2 and CaCO3 groups for the high dose. Similar results were observed for whole-body 45Ca retention. Radioactivity in the femur 34h after dosing was the highest in the Ca-AsA group and the lowest in the CaCO3 group. The rank order of solubility in water, the first fluid (pH 1.2, JP-1) of JPXIII disintegration medium, acetate buffer solution (pH 4.0), triethanolamine-malate buffer solution (pH 7.0) and ammonium chloride buffer solution (pH 10.0) at 37 degrees C was CaCl2 > Ca-AsA > CaCO3. In contrast, the rank order of the solubility in the second fluid (pH 6.8, JP-2) of JPXIII disintegration medium at 37 degrees C was Ca-AsA > CaCl2 > CaCO3. These results indicate that the absorbability of Ca from Ca-AsA is almost comparable with, or higher than, that from CaCl2 and significantly higher than that from CaCO3 because of its high degree of solubility in the intestine. Therefore, Ca-AsA would be useful as a Ca supplement with relatively high absorption from intestine.

The calcium sensor GhCaM7 promotes cotton fiber elongation by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.

PubMed

Tang, Wenxin; Tu, Lili; Yang, Xiyan; Tan, Jiafu; Deng, Fenglin; Hao, Juan; Guo, Kai; Lindsey, Keith; Zhang, Xianlong

2014-04-01

Fiber elongation is the key determinant of fiber quality and output in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). Although expression profiling and functional genomics provide some data, the mechanism of fiber development is still not well understood. Here, a gene encoding a calcium sensor, GhCaM7, was isolated based on its high expression level relative to other GhCaMs in fiber cells at the fast elongation stage. The level of expression of GhCaM7 in the wild-type and the fuzzless/lintless mutant correspond to the presence and absence, respectively, of fiber initials. Overexpressing GhCaM7 promotes early fiber elongation, whereas GhCaM7 suppression by RNAi delays fiber initiation and inhibits fiber elongation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in early fiber development. ROS induced by exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) and Ca(2+) starvation promotes early fiber elongation. GhCaM7 overexpression fiber cells show increased ROS concentrations compared with the wild-type, while GhCaM7 RNAi fiber cells have reduced concentrations. Furthermore, we show that H2 O2 enhances Ca(2+) influx into the fiber and feedback-regulates the expression of GhCaM7. We conclude that GhCaM7, Ca(2+) and ROS are three important regulators involved in early fiber elongation. GhCaM7 might modulate ROS production and act as a molecular link between Ca(2+) and ROS signal pathways in early fiber development. © 2014 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2014 New Phytologist Trust.

Resilience in carbonate production despite three coral bleaching events in 5 years on an inshore patch reef in the Florida Keys.

PubMed

Manzello, Derek P; Enochs, Ian C; Kolodziej, Graham; Carlton, Renée; Valentino, Lauren

2018-01-01

The persistence of coral reef frameworks requires that calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) production by corals and other calcifiers outpaces CaCO 3 loss via physical, chemical, and biological erosion. Coral bleaching causes declines in CaCO 3 production, but this varies with bleaching severity and the species impacted. We conducted census-based CaCO 3 budget surveys using the established ReefBudget approach at Cheeca Rocks, an inshore patch reef in the Florida Keys, annually from 2012 to 2016. This site experienced warm-water bleaching in 2011, 2014, and 2015. In 2017, we obtained cores of the dominant calcifying coral at this site, Orbicella faveolata , to understand how calcification rates were impacted by bleaching and how they affected the reef-wide CaCO 3 budget. Bleaching depressed O. faveolata growth and the decline of this one species led to an overestimation of mean (± std. error) reef-wide CaCO 3 production by + 0.68 (± 0.167) to + 1.11 (± 0.236) kg m -2  year -1 when using the static ReefBudget coral growth inputs. During non-bleaching years, the ReefBudget inputs slightly underestimated gross production by - 0.10 (± 0.022) to - 0.43 (± 0.100) kg m -2  year -1 . Carbonate production declined after the first year of back-to-back bleaching in 2014, but then increased after 2015 to values greater than the initial surveys in 2012. Cheeca Rocks is an outlier in the Caribbean and Florida Keys in terms of coral cover, carbonate production, and abundance of O. faveolata , which is threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Given the resilience of this site to repeated bleaching events, it may deserve special management attention.

Symmetric splitting of very light systems

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

Grotowski, K.; Majka, Z.; Planeta, R.

1984-10-01

Inclusive and coincidence measurements have been performed to study symmetric products from the reactions 74--186 MeV /sup 12/C+ /sup 40/Ca, 141 MeV /sup 9/Be+ /sup 40/Ca, and 153 MeV /sup 6/Li+ /sup 40/Ca. The binary decay of the composite system has been verified. Energy spectra, angular distributions, and fragment correlations are presented. The total kinetic energies for the symmetric products from these very light composite systems are compared to liquid drop model calculations and fission systematics.

Organization of the Escherichia coli K-12 gene cluster responsible for production of the extracellular polysaccharide colanic acid.

PubMed Central

Stevenson, G; Andrianopoulos, K; Hobbs, M; Reeves, P R

1996-01-01

Colanic acid (CA) is an extracellular polysaccharide produced by most Escherichia coli strains as well as by other species of the family Enterobacteriaceae. We have determined the sequence of a 23-kb segment of the E. coli K-12 chromosome which includes the cluster of genes necessary for production of CA. The CA cluster comprises 19 genes. Two other sequenced genes (orf1.3 and galF), which are situated between the CA cluster and the O-antigen cluster, were shown to be unnecessary for CA production. The CA cluster includes genes for synthesis of GDP-L-fucose, one of the precursors of CA, and the gene for one of the enzymes in this pathway (GDP-D-mannose 4,6-dehydratase) was identified by biochemical assay. Six of the inferred proteins show sequence similarity to glycosyl transferases, and two others have sequence similarity to acetyl transferases. Another gene (wzx) is predicted to encode a protein with multiple transmembrane segments and may function in export of the CA repeat unit from the cytoplasm into the periplasm in a process analogous to O-unit export. The first three genes of the cluster are predicted to encode an outer membrane lipoprotein, a phosphatase, and an inner membrane protein with an ATP-binding domain. Since homologs of these genes are found in other extracellular polysaccharide gene clusters, they may have a common function, such as export of polysaccharide from the cell. PMID:8759852

The carbon cycle and biogeochemical dynamics in lake sediments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dean, W.E.

1999-01-01

The concentrations of organic carbon (OC) and CaCO3 in lake sediments are often inversely related. This relation occurs in surface sediments from different locations in the same lake, surface sediments from different lakes, and with depth in Holocene sediments. Where data on accumulation rates are available, the relation holds for organic carbon and CaCO3 accumulation rates as well. An increase of several percent OC is accompanied by a decrease of several tens of percent CaCO3 indicating that the inverse relation is not due to simple dilution of one component by another. It appears from core data that once the OC concentration in the sediments becomes greater than about 12%, the CO2 produced by decomposition of that OC and production of organic acids lowers the pH of anoxic pore waters enough to dissolve any CaCO3 that reaches the sediment-water interface. In a lake with a seasonally anoxic hypolimnion, processes in the water column also can produce an inverse relation between OC and CaCO3 over time. If productivity of the lake increases, the rain rate of OC from the epilimnion increases. Biogenic removal of CO2 and accompanying increase in pH also may increase the production of CaCO3. However, the decomposition of organic matter in the hypolimnion will decrease the pH of the hypolimnion causing greater dissolution of CaCO3 and therefore a decrease in the rain rate of CaCO3 to the sediment-water interface.

Mg-Ca Alloys Produced by Reduction of CaO: Understanding of ECO-Mg Alloy Production

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, In-Ho; Lee, Jin Kyu; Kim, Shae K.

2017-04-01

There have been long debates about the environment conscious (ECO) Mg technology which utilizes CaO to produce Ca-containing Mg alloys. Two key process technologies of the ECO-Mg process are the chemical reduction of CaO by liquid Mg and the maintenance of melt cleanliness during the alloying of Ca. Thermodynamic calculations using FactSage software were performed to explain these two key issues. In addition, an experimental study was performed to compare the melt cleanliness of the Ca-containing Mg alloys produced by the conventional route with metallic Ca and the ECO-Mg route with CaO.

Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Ca(2+) Overload Contributes to Hesperidin Induced Paraptosis in Hepatoblastoma Cells, HepG2.

PubMed

Yumnam, Silvia; Hong, Gyeong Eun; Raha, Suchismita; Saralamma, Venu Venkatarame Gowda; Lee, Ho Jeong; Lee, Won-Sup; Kim, Eun-Hee; Kim, Gon Sup

2016-06-01

Paraptosis is a programmed cell death which is morphologically and biochemically different from apoptosis. In this study, we have investigated the role of Ca(2+) in hesperidin-induced paraptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. Increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+) level was observed in hesperidin treated HepG2 cells but not in normal liver cancer cells. Inhibition of inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor (IP3 R) and ryanodine receptor also block the mitochondrial Ca(2+) accumulation suggesting that the release of Ca(2+) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may probably lead to the increase in mitochondrial Ca(2+) level. Pretreatment with ruthenium red (RuRed), a Ca(2+) uniporter inhibitor inhibited the hesperidin-induced mitochondrial Ca(2+) overload, swelling of mitochondria, and cell death in HepG2 cells. It has also been demonstrated that mitochondrial Ca(2+) influxes act upstream of ROS and mitochondrial superoxide production. The increased ROS production further leads to mitochondrial membrane loss in hesperidin treated HepG2 cells. Taken together our results show that IP3 R and ryanodine receptor mediated release of Ca(2+) from the ER and its subsequent influx through the uniporter into mitochondria contributes to hesperidin-induced paraptosis in HepG2 cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Calcium and adenosine triphosphate control of cellular pathology: asparaginase-induced pancreatitis elicited via protease-activated receptor 2

PubMed Central

Peng, Shuang; Gerasimenko, Julia V.; Tsugorka, Tatiana; Gryshchenko, Oleksiy; Samarasinghe, Sujith; Gerasimenko, Oleg V.

2016-01-01

Exocytotic secretion of digestive enzymes from pancreatic acinar cells is elicited by physiological cytosolic Ca2+ signals, occurring as repetitive short-lasting spikes largely confined to the secretory granule region, that stimulate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. By contrast, sustained global cytosolic Ca2+ elevations decrease ATP levels and cause necrosis, leading to the disease acute pancreatitis (AP). Toxic Ca2+ signals can be evoked by products of alcohol and fatty acids as well as bile acids. Here, we have investigated the mechanism by which l-asparaginase evokes AP. Asparaginase is an essential element in the successful treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common type of cancer affecting children, but AP is a side-effect occurring in about 5–10% of cases. Like other pancreatitis-inducing agents, asparaginase evoked intracellular Ca2+ release followed by Ca2+ entry and also substantially reduced Ca2+ extrusion because of decreased intracellular ATP levels. The toxic Ca2+ signals caused extensive necrosis. The asparaginase-induced pathology depended on protease-activated receptor 2 and its inhibition prevented the toxic Ca2+ signals and necrosis. We tested the effects of inhibiting the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ entry by the Ca2+ channel inhibitor GSK-7975A. This markedly reduced asparaginase-induced Ca2+ entry and also protected effectively against the development of necrosis. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Evolution brings Ca2+ and ATP together to control life and death’. PMID:27377732

Calcium and adenosine triphosphate control of cellular pathology: asparaginase-induced pancreatitis elicited via protease-activated receptor 2.

PubMed

Peng, Shuang; Gerasimenko, Julia V; Tsugorka, Tatiana; Gryshchenko, Oleksiy; Samarasinghe, Sujith; Petersen, Ole H; Gerasimenko, Oleg V

2016-08-05

Exocytotic secretion of digestive enzymes from pancreatic acinar cells is elicited by physiological cytosolic Ca(2+) signals, occurring as repetitive short-lasting spikes largely confined to the secretory granule region, that stimulate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. By contrast, sustained global cytosolic Ca(2+) elevations decrease ATP levels and cause necrosis, leading to the disease acute pancreatitis (AP). Toxic Ca(2+) signals can be evoked by products of alcohol and fatty acids as well as bile acids. Here, we have investigated the mechanism by which l-asparaginase evokes AP. Asparaginase is an essential element in the successful treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common type of cancer affecting children, but AP is a side-effect occurring in about 5-10% of cases. Like other pancreatitis-inducing agents, asparaginase evoked intracellular Ca(2+) release followed by Ca(2+) entry and also substantially reduced Ca(2+) extrusion because of decreased intracellular ATP levels. The toxic Ca(2+) signals caused extensive necrosis. The asparaginase-induced pathology depended on protease-activated receptor 2 and its inhibition prevented the toxic Ca(2+) signals and necrosis. We tested the effects of inhibiting the Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) entry by the Ca(2+) channel inhibitor GSK-7975A. This markedly reduced asparaginase-induced Ca(2+) entry and also protected effectively against the development of necrosis.This article is part of the themed issue 'Evolution brings Ca(2+) and ATP together to control life and death'. © 2016 The Authors.

Radiation induced graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate onto chrome-tanned pig skins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pietrucha, K.; Pȩkala, W.; Kroh, J.

Graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto chrome-tanned pig skins was carried out by the irradiation with 60Co ?-rays. The grafted polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) chains were isolated by acid hydrolysis of the collagen backbone in order to characterize the graft copolymers. Proof of grafting was obtained through the detection of amino acid endgroups in the isolated grafts by reaction with ninhydrin. The grafting yield of MMA in aqueous emulsion was found to be higher than that for pure MMA and MMA in acetone. The degree of grafting increases with increasing monomer concentration in emulsion and reaches maximum at radiation dose ca 15 kGy. The yield of grafting is very high - ca 90% of monomer converts into copolymer and only 10% is converted into homopolymer. The present paper reports the physical properties of chrome-tanned pig skins after graft polymerization with MMA in emulsion. Modified leathers are more resistant against water absorption and abrasion in comparison with unmodified ones. They have more uniform structure over the whole surface, greater thickness and stiffness. The results reported seem to indicate that MMA may be used in the production of shoe upper and sole leathers. The mechanism of some of the processes occuring during radiation grafting of MMA in water emulsion on tanned leathers has been also suggested and discussed.

Adsorption of Procion Blue MX-R dye from aqueous solutions by lignin chemically modified with aluminium and manganese.

PubMed

Adebayo, Matthew A; Prola, Lizie D T; Lima, Eder C; Puchana-Rosero, M J; Cataluña, Renato; Saucier, Caroline; Umpierres, Cibele S; Vaghetti, Julio C P; da Silva, Leandro G; Ruggiero, Reinaldo

2014-03-15

A macromolecule, CML, was obtained by purifying and carboxy-methylating the lignin generated from acid hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse during bioethanol production from biomass. The CMLs complexed with Al(3+) (CML-Al) and Mn(2+) (CML-Mn) were utilised for the removal of a textile dye, Procion Blue MX-R (PB), from aqueous solutions. CML-Al and CML-Mn were characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning differential calorimetry (SDC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and pHPZC. The established optimum pH and contact time were 2.0 and 5h, respectively. The kinetic and equilibrium data fit into the general order kinetic model and Liu isotherm model, respectively. The CML-Al and CML-Mn have respective values of maximum adsorption capacities of 73.52 and 55.16mgg(-1) at 298K. Four cycles of adsorption/desorption experiments were performed attaining regenerations of up to 98.33% (CML-Al) and 98.08% (CML-Mn) from dye-loaded adsorbents, using 50% acetone+50% of 0.05molL(-1) NaOH. The CML-Al removed ca. 93.97% while CML-Mn removed ca. 75.91% of simulated dye house effluents. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamic Cerebral Autoregulation Changes during Sub-Maximal Handgrip Maneuver

PubMed Central

Nogueira, Ricardo C.; Bor-Seng-Shu, Edson; Santos, Marcelo R.; Negrão, Carlos E.; Teixeira, Manoel J.; Panerai, Ronney B.

2013-01-01

Purpose We investigated the effect of handgrip (HG) maneuver on time-varying estimates of dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) using the autoregressive moving average technique. Methods Twelve healthy subjects were recruited to perform HG maneuver during 3 minutes with 30% of maximum contraction force. Cerebral blood flow velocity, end-tidal CO2 pressure (PETCO2), and noninvasive arterial blood pressure (ABP) were continuously recorded during baseline, HG and recovery. Critical closing pressure (CrCP), resistance area-product (RAP), and time-varying autoregulation index (ARI) were obtained. Results PETCO2 did not show significant changes during HG maneuver. Whilst ABP increased continuously during the maneuver, to 27% above its baseline value, CBFV raised to a plateau approximately 15% above baseline. This was sustained by a parallel increase in RAP, suggestive of myogenic vasoconstriction, and a reduction in CrCP that could be associated with metabolic vasodilation. The time-varying ARI index dropped at the beginning and end of the maneuver (p<0.005), which could be related to corresponding alert reactions or to different time constants of the myogenic, metabolic and/or neurogenic mechanisms. Conclusion Changes in dynamic CA during HG suggest a complex interplay of regulatory mechanisms during static exercise that should be considered when assessing the determinants of cerebral blood flow and metabolism. PMID:23967113

Inorganic plugs removal using ultrasonic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Nasir; Pu, Chunsheng; Xu, Li; Lei, Zhang

2017-03-01

It is essential to recover the lost productivity caused by formation damage in the proximity of the wellbore during different well operations. In comparison to conventionally used methods, the efficiency, reliability, environment friendly, and simple and convenient technique of ultrasonic waves make it more attractive in petroleum industries. In current study, ultrasonic waves were applied to mitigate the formation damage caused by deposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nearby well bore. Results showed that 100 minutes exposure time could efficiently recover 38.1% of original productivity but further increase in irradiation time (120mins) would decrease the recovery to 37.1%. This aberration can be attributed to the particle-bridge formation formed by larger particles at later stages and tendency of acoustic wave to push back the fluid flow. Moreover, ultrasonic waves transducer#2 (Frequency 20KHz and Power 1000W) could recovery maximum recovery of 36.3%, however, high frequency transducer was not effective in this recovery. This inorganic removal can be attributed to the cavitation and thermal energy produced through three different ways including cavitation, boundary friction and transformation upon hitting the medium.

Streptomyces flavogriseus HS1: isolation and characterization of extracellular proteases and their compatibility with laundry detergents.

PubMed

Ghorbel, Sofiane; Kammoun, Maher; Soltana, Hala; Nasri, Moncef; Hmidet, Noomen

2014-01-01

The present study describes the isolation of a new protease producing Streptomyces strain HS1 and the biochemical characterization of the secreted proteases. By sequencing of its noted 16S rDNA, HS1 strain was found to have a 100% identity with Streptomyces flavogriseus. The highest protease production was found using FermII media. In these conditions maximum protease production (99 U/mL) was obtained after 96 h incubation at 30°C and 150 rpm. HS1 strain produced at least five proteases as revealed by zymogram technique. The enzyme preparation exhibited activity over a broad range of pH (5-11) and temperature (25-70°C). Optimum activity was observed at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 50°C. Proteolytic activity was significantly unaffected by Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). EDTA and PMSF highly decreased the original activity. The crude extracellular proteases showed high stability when used as a detergent additive. These properties offer an interesting potential for enzymatic hydrolysis at the industrial level.

Streptomyces flavogriseus HS1: Isolation and Characterization of Extracellular Proteases and Their Compatibility with Laundry Detergents

PubMed Central

Kammoun, Maher; Soltana, Hala; Nasri, Moncef; Hmidet, Noomen

2014-01-01

The present study describes the isolation of a new protease producing Streptomyces strain HS1 and the biochemical characterization of the secreted proteases. By sequencing of its noted 16S rDNA, HS1 strain was found to have a 100% identity with Streptomyces flavogriseus. The highest protease production was found using FermII media. In these conditions maximum protease production (99 U/mL) was obtained after 96 h incubation at 30°C and 150 rpm. HS1 strain produced at least five proteases as revealed by zymogram technique. The enzyme preparation exhibited activity over a broad range of pH (5–11) and temperature (25–70°C). Optimum activity was observed at a pH of 7.0 and a temperature of 50°C. Proteolytic activity was significantly unaffected by Ca2+ and Mg2+. EDTA and PMSF highly decreased the original activity. The crude extracellular proteases showed high stability when used as a detergent additive. These properties offer an interesting potential for enzymatic hydrolysis at the industrial level. PMID:24804214

Growth rate variation and potential paleoceanographic proxies in Primnoa pacifica: Insights from high-resolution trace element microanalysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aranha, Renita; Edinger, Evan; Layne, Graham; Piercey, Glenn

2014-01-01

Red tree coral, Primnoa pacifica, is one of the more common habitat-forming deep-sea gorgonian corals in the northeast Pacific Ocean, growing in colonies up to 2 m high and living for decades to hundreds of years. Growth characteristics of P. pacifica were studied in Dixon Entrance, northern British Columbia, and the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Washington State, USA, based on samples collected in July 2008. To minimize the impact of scientific sampling on coral populations, only dead coral skeletons and dislodged live corals were collected. Ages and growth rates were measured using band counts, and checked against AMS-14C ages of gorgonin rings. Ba/Ca, Mg/Ca, Na/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in the calcite cortex were measured using radial Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (SIMS) transects with a spot size of <20 μm and separation distance of 25 μm. Growth banding was consistent in width between the central mixed zone consisting of calcite and gorgonin and the dominantly calcite cortex. Average annual radial growth rate of the nine corals analysed ranged from 0.23 to 0.58 mm/yr, with an average growth rate of 0.32 mm/yr in Dixon Entrance and 0.36 m/yr in OCNMS. These growth rates are slightly higher than P. pacifica growth rates from the Gulf of Alaska, and more than four times the growth rates of sister species Primnoa resedaeformis in the northwest Atlantic. Primary productivity is likely a more important driver of geographic variation in Primnoa growth rates than temperature or current strength. Both Dixon Entrance and OCNMS are areas with high primary productivity and strong tidal currents. Lack of post-Atomic Bomb radiocarbon in all but one of the gorgonin samples, and long radiocarbon reservoir ages in the Northeast Pacific, made radiocarbon-based verification of coral ages and growth rates difficult due to wide errors in calibrated age estimates. Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios were inversely correlated in two of the three corals analyzed, and showed evidence of interannual variation. Mg/Ca ratios ranged from 70 to 136 mmol mol-1, and Sr/Ca ratios from 2.041 to 3.14 mmol mol-1. Previously published relationships between gorgonian calcite Mg/Ca and seawater temperature yielded average temperatures matching ambient measurements, but the intra- and inter-annual variation in apparent temperature based on the Mg/Ca ratios was more than double the observed variation in modern seawater temperature ranges in the region. Annual variation in Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca could be related to seasonal changes in precipitation efficiency, which is likely a function of short-term fluctuations in coral growth rate, in turn related to variation in primary productivity. Seasonal and interannual variations in food availability, driven by primary productivity, may affect skeletal growth rate, hence Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios. Primnoid coral skeletal microgeochemistry probably records temporal changes in both temperature and primary productivity.

Stable carbon isotope ratios of archaeal GDGTs in the marine water column and surface sediments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearson, A.; Hurley, S.; Close, H. G.; Jasper, C. E.

2016-12-01

Archaeal glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) lipids are ubiquitous throughout the marine environment and are preserved in sediments and sedimentary rocks on million-year timescales. Variations in the number of ring-containing GDGT isomers in sediments correlate with differences in overlying sea surface temperatures, a relationship formalized in the TEX86 paleotemperature proxy. Ammonia-oxidizing Thaumarchaeota are believed to be the major sources of these GDGTs, implying that the greatest production and export of GDGTs from the water column should be associated with the maximum expression of ammonia monooxygenase (amoA) genes and maximum number of thaumarchaeal cells, both of which occur in the subsurface NO2- maximum near a depth of ca. 80-250 m. To examine the relationship between production and export of GDGTs from the water column, we measured the concentrations and δ13C values of GDGTs in suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the western South Atlantic Ocean and compared them to values from pure thaumarchaeal cultures and from available sediment core-tops from other locations. Thaumarchaeota are believed to fix the majority of their carbon directly from dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). However, both the SPM and core-top δ13C values in some cases are moderately more 13C-depleted than would be predicted based on the 13C content of local DIC and the previously-published biosynthetic isotope fractionation (ɛ). This indicates that the average metabolism of the planktonic archaeal community either is mixotrophic (≥ 25% organic carbon assimilation) or that the published ɛ value for the model organism Nitrosopumilus maritimus may not be representative of the total autotrophic community. In addition to this offset, δ13C values of GDGTs in SPM inversely mirror DIC profiles, with lowest values in the nitrite maximum and higher values in the deeper water column, similar to the overall trends for bulk SPM. Finally, while individual GDGTs in SPM samples have similar δ13C values, in many sediments measured to date, the isotopic composition of individual GDGTs differs. This implies that multiple sources of GDGTs are required to explain core-top 13C distributions, especially on continental margins.

75 FR 17735 - Methidathion; Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Pesticide Registrations

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-04-07

... Number Product Name Chemical Name 100-530 Methidathion Methidathion Technical 10163-236 Supracide 2E Methidathion Insecticide 10163-CA-01-0002 Supracide 2E Methidathion Insecticide 10163-CA-01-0009 Supracide 25-W Methidathion 10163-CA-01-0011 Supracide 25-W Methidathion 10163-CA-02-0002 Supracide 2E Methidathion...

Conservation agriculture among small scale farmers in semi-arid region of Kenya does improve soil biological quality and soil organic carbon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waweru, Geofrey; Okoba, Barrack; Cornelis, Wim

2016-04-01

The low food production in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been attributed to declining soil quality. This is due to soil degradation and fertility depletion resulting from unsustainable conventional farming practices such as continuous tillage, crop residue burning and mono cropping. To overcome these challenges, conservation agriculture (CA) is actively promoted. However, little has been done in evaluating the effect of each of the three principles of CA namely: minimum soil disturbance, maximum surface cover and diversified/crop rotation on soil quality in SSA. A study was conducted for three years from 2012 to 2015 in Laikipia East sub county in Kenya to evaluate the effect of tillage, surface cover and intercropping on a wide variety of physical, chemical and biological soil quality indicators, crop parameters and the field-water balance. This abstract reports on soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and soil organic carbon (SOC). The experimental set up was a split plot design with tillage as main treatment (conventional till (CT), no-till (NT) and no-till with herbicide (NTH)), and intercropping and surface cover as sub treatment (intercropping maize with: beans, MB; beans and leucaena, MBL; beans and maize residues at 1.5 Mg ha-1 MBMu, and dolichos, MD). NT had significantly higher SMBC by 66 and 31% compared with CT and NTH respectively. SOC was significantly higher in NTH than CT and NT by 15 and 4%, respectively. Intercropping and mulching had significant effect on SMBC and SOC. MBMu resulted in higher SMBC by 31, 38 and 43%, and SOC by 9, 20 and 22% as compared with MBL, MD and MB, respectively. SMBC and SOC were significantly affected by the interaction between tillage, intercropping and soil cover with NTMBMu and NTHMBMu having the highest SMBC and SOC, respectively. We conclude that indeed tillage, intercropping and mulching substantially affect SMBC and SOC. On the individual components of CA, tillage and surface cover had the highest effect on SMBC and SOC, respectively, but the highest positive effect was realized when all the three principles were applied consecutively. Therefore, CA has the potential to improve biological soil quality among small scale rainfed farmers and thus promote sustainable production.

Fouling Resistant CA/PVA/TiO2 Imprinted Membranes for Selective Recognition and Separation Salicylic Acid from Waste Water

PubMed Central

Yu, Xiaopeng; Mi, Xueyang; He, Zhihui; Meng, Minjia; Li, Hongji; Yan, Yongsheng

2017-01-01

Highly selective cellulose acetate (CA)/poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) imprinted membranes were synthesized by phase inversion and dip coating technique. The CA blend imprinted membrane was synthesized by phase inversion technique with CA as membrane matrix, polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the functional polymer, and the salicylic acid (SA) as the template molecule. The CA/PVA/TiO2 imprinted membranes were synthesized by dip coating of CA blend imprinted membrane in PVA and different concentration (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 wt %) of TiO2 nanoparticles aqueous solution. The SEM analysis showed that the surface morphology of membrane was strongly influenced by the concentration of TiO2 nanoparticles. Compared with CA/PVA-TiO2(0.05, 0.1, 0.2%)-MIM, the CA/PVA-TiO2(0.4%)-MIM possessed higher membrane flux, kinetic equilibrium adsorption amount, binding capacity and better selectivity for SA. It was found that the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was studied to describe the kinetic of CA/PVA-TiO2(0.2%)-MIM judging by multiple regression analysis. Adsorption isotherm analysis indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity for SA were 24.43 mg g−1. Moreover, the selectivity coefficients of CA/PVA-TiO2 (0.2%)-MIM for SA relative to p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HB) and methyl salicylate (MS) were 3.87 and 3.55, respectively. PMID:28184369

Response of ryanodine receptor channels to Ca2+ steps produced by rapid solution exchange.

PubMed Central

Laver, D R; Curtis, B A

1996-01-01

We used a flow method for Ca2+ activation of sheep cardiac and rabbit skeletal ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels in lipid bilayers, which activated RyRs in < 20 ms and maintained a steady [Ca2+] for 5 s. [Ca2+] was rapidly altered by flowing Ca(2+)-buffered solutions containing 100 or 200 microM Ca2+ from a perfusion tube inserted in the cis, myoplasmic chamber above the bilayer. During steps from 0.1 to 100 microM, [Ca2+] reached 0.3 microM (activation threshold) and 10 microM (maximum Po) in times consistent with predictions of a solution exchange model. Immediately following rapid RyR activation, Po was 0.67 (cardiac) and 0.45 (skeletal) at a holding voltage of +40 mV (cis/trans). Po then declined (at constant [Ca2+]) in 70% of channels (n = 25) with time constants ranging from .5 to 15 s. The mechanism for Po decline, whether it be adaptation or inactivation, was not determined in this study. cis, 2 mM Mg2+ reduced the initial Po for skeletal RyRs to 0.21 and marginally slowed the declining phase. During very rapid falls in [Ca2+] from mM (inhibited) to sub-microM (sub-activating) levels, skeletal RyR did not open. We conclude the RyR gates responsible for Ca(2+)-dependent activation and inhibition of skeletal RyRs can gate independently. Images FIGURE 1 FIGURE 8 PMID:8842211

AmeriFlux CA-Let Alberta - Mixed Grass Prairie

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

Flanagan, Lawrence B.

This is the AmeriFlux version of the carbon flux data for the site CA-Let Alberta - Mixed Grass Prairie. Site Description - Latitude 49.43° N; Longitude 112.56° W, altitude 951 meters,Mixed Grass Prairie that includes the following major species: Agropyron spp. (Wheat Grasses), Tragopogon dubius (Goat’s Beard), Vicia americana (Wild Vetch), Koleria cristata (June Grass), Eurotia lanata (Winter Fat), Stipa comata (Spear Grass), Achillea millefolium (Yarrow); Artemisia frigida (Pasture Sage); Carex spp. (Sedges), Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama Grass). Maximum canopy height varies from year to year

Cervical cancer cells suppress effector functions of cytotoxic T cells through the adenosinergic pathway.

PubMed

Mora-García, M L; Ávila-Ibarra, L R; García-Rocha, R; Weiss-Steider, B; Hernández-Montes, J; Don-López, C A; Gutiérrez-Serrano, V; Titla-Vilchis, I J; Fuentes-Castañeda, M C; Monroy-Mora, A; Jave-Suárez, L F; Chacón-Salinas, R; Vallejo-Castillo, L; Pérez-Tapia, S M; Monroy-García, A

2017-10-01

The expression of CD73 in tumor cells plays a significant role in the production of adenosine (Ado) that suppresses antitumor effector cells. In this study we analyzed the capability of HPV-positive (HPV+) cervical cancer (CeCa) cell lines CaSki, SiHa, HeLa, and RoVa; and HPV-negative (HPV-) cell lines C33A and ViBo to produce Ado and inhibit effector functions of CD8+ T cells. HPV+ CeCa cells expressed significantly higher levels of CD73 in the membrane (p<0.01) than HPV- CeCa cells and this expression was associated with the production of larger amounts of Ado (>400μM) compared to HPV-CeCa cells (<200μM) in the presence of AMP, as well asa stronger inhibition of (>50%) proliferation, activation, and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells via interaction with A2A adenosine receptor. We also provide evidence that silenced E6/E7 expression in CeCa cells, strongly reduced its CD73 expression level and its capability to generate Ado. This results suggest that HPV infection, which is associated with more than 99% of CeCa cases, may present an increased constitutive expression of CD73 in cervical neoplasia to contribute to the suppression of the immune response mediated by the production of large amounts of Ado. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Tian, Liang; Ames Lab. and Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA; Anderson, Iver

Recently, a novel Al/Ca composite was produced by severe plastic deformation of Al powders and Ca granules for possible use as a high-voltage power transmission conductor. Since the strength of such composites is inversely proportional to the Ca filament size, fine Ca powders (less than ~250 μm) are needed to achieve the desired high strength for the powder metallurgy production of an Al-matrix composite reinforced by nano-scale Ca filaments. However, fine Ca powders are not commercially available. Therefore, we have developed a method to produce fine Ca powders via centrifugal atomization to supply Ca powder for prototype development of Al/Camore » composite conductor. A secondary goal of the project was to demonstrate that Ca powder can be safely prepared, stored, and handled and could potentially be scaled for commercial production. Our results showed that centrifugal atomization can yield as much as 83 vol. % Ca powder particles smaller than 250 μm. The mean particle size sometimes matches, sometimes deviates substantially from the predictions of the Champagne & Anger equation likely due to unexpected secondary atomization. The particle size distribution is typical for a ligament-disintegration atomization mode. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the morphology of these Ca powders varied with powder size. Spark testing and auto-ignition tests indicated that the atomized powders were difficult to ignite, providing confidence that this material can be handled safely in air.« less

Late Holocene environmental reconstruction of Lake Issyk-Kul (Rep. Kyrgyzstan)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giralt, Santiago; Hernández, Armand; Sáez, Alberto; José Pueyo, Juan; Cañellas-Boltà, Núria; Margalef, Olga

2010-05-01

Lake Issyk-Kul is an endorheic mountain lake located at 1608 m a.s.l., in the northern Tien Shan ranges, in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Central Asia. It has an area of 6236 km2, a length of 180 km, a width of 60 km, and a maximum depth of 668 m making it the fifth deepest lake in the world. The lake is monomictic, brackish (6 g/l), oligotrophic to ultra-oligotrophic (2 - 3.8 ?g/l of phosphorous), and it has high values of dissolved oxygen (6.5 - 7.5 mg/l at the bottom of the lake). In August 2000, a gravity 150 cm long core (C142a, 42°34'312' N - 77°20'030' E) was recovered at 150 m of water depth at the central northern shore of the lake. This core was characterized using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) core scanner (measurements every 300 μm), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) every 3 mm, and elemental (TC and TN) and isotopic composition (δ13C and δ15N) of bulk organic matter every centimeter. The preliminary chronological framework was constructed with 4 AMS 14C dates. Statistical analyses (clusters, Principal Component (PCA) and Redundant (RDA) Analyses) were employed to identify and isolate the environmental forcings that have triggered the input, distribution and deposition of sediments within the lake. The core records the last ca. 4,000 cal. yrs BP and, during this time its primary productivity has steadily increased (higher values of TC and TN). δ13C and δ15N values suggest that the main primary producer are blue-green algae. The last ca. 100 years, the primary productivity has experienced a dramatic increase. Furthermore, PCA on XRF data also highlights that more than the 50% of the total variance is related to changes in primary productivity (the first eigenvector (EV) is tied by the opposition of the terrigenous - organic matter geochemical indicators). This EV shows that the primary productivity oscillated at decadal and centennial frequencies. The main forcing of these primary productivity fluctuations seems to be temperature changes linked to both solar activity (11 years Schwabe cycles) and anthropogenic global warming.

The relationship between Q gamma and Ca release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle

PubMed Central

1991-01-01

Asymmetric membrane currents and fluxes of Ca2+ release were determined in skeletal muscle fibers voltage clamped in a Vaseline-gap chamber. The conditioning pulse protocol 1 for suppressing Ca2+ release and the "hump" component of charge movement current (I gamma), described in the first paper of this series, was applied at different test pulse voltages. The amplitude of the current suppressed during the ON transient reached a maximum at slightly suprathreshold test voltages (- 50 to -40 mV) and decayed at higher voltages. The component of charge movement current suppressed by 20 microM tetracaine also went through a maximum at low pulse voltages. This anomalous voltage dependence is thus a property of I gamma, defined by either the conditioning protocol or the tetracaine effect. A negative (inward-going) phase was often observed in the asymmetric current during the ON of depolarizing pulses. This inward phase was shown to be an intramembranous charge movement based on (a) its presence in the records of total membrane current, (b) its voltage dependence, with a maximum at slightly suprathreshold voltages, (c) its association with a "hump" in the asymmetric current, (d) its inhibition by interventions that reduce the "hump", (e) equality of ON and OFF areas in the records of asymmetric current presenting this inward phase, and (f) its kinetic relationship with the time derivative of Ca release flux. The nonmonotonic voltage dependence of the amplitude of the hump and the possibility of an inward phase of intramembranous charge movement are used as the main criteria in the quantitative testing of a specific model. According to this model, released Ca2+ binds to negatively charged sites on the myoplasmic face of the voltage sensor and increases the local transmembrane potential, thus driving additional charge movement (the hump). This model successfully predicts the anomalous voltage dependence and all the kinetic properties of I gamma described in the previous papers. It also accounts for the inward phase in total asymmetric current and in the current suppressed by protocol 1. According to this model, I gamma accompanies activating transitions at the same set of voltage sensors as I beta. Therefore it should open additional release channels, which in turn should cause more I gamma, providing a positive feedback mechanism in the regulation of calcium release. PMID:1650812

Different signaling pathway between sphingosine-1-phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid in Xenopus oocytes: functional coupling of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor to PLC-xbeta in Xenopus oocytes.

PubMed

Noh, S J; Kim, M J; Shim, S; Han, J K

1998-08-01

In Xenopus oocytes, both sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) activate Ca2+-dependent oscillatory Cl- currents by acting through membrane-bound receptors. External application of 50 microM S1P elicited a long-lasting oscillatory current that continued over 30 min from the beginning of oscillation, with 300 nA (n = 11) as a usual maximum peak of current, whereas 1-microM LPA treatment showed only transiently oscillating but more vigorous current responses, with 2,800 nA (n = 18) as a maximum peak amplitude. Both phospholipid-induced Ca2+-dependent Cl- currents were observed in the absence of extracellular Ca2+, were blocked by intracellular injection of the Ca2+ chelator, EGTA, and could not be elicited by treatment with thapsigargin, an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase. Intracellular Ca2+ release appeared to be from inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-sensitive Ca2+ store, because Cl- currents were blocked by heparin injection. Pretreatment with the aminosteroid, U-73122, an inhibitor of G protein-mediated phospholipase C (PLC) activation, to oocytes inhibited the current responses evoked both by S1P and LPA. However, when they were injected with 10 ng of antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) against Xenopus phospholipase C (PLC-xbeta), oocytes could not respond to S1P application, whereas they responded normally to LPA, indicating that the S1P signaling pathway goes through PLC-xbeta, whereas LPA signaling goes through another unknown PLC. To determine the types of G proteins involved, we introduced AS-ODNs against four types of G-protein alpha subunits that were identified in Xenopus laevis; G(q)alpha, G11alpha, G0alpha, and G(i1)alpha. Among AS-ODNs against the G alphas tested, AS-G(q)alpha and AS-G(i1)alpha to S1P and AS-G(q)alpha and AS-G11alpha to LPA specifically reduced current responses, respectively, to about 20-30% of controls. These results demonstrate that LPA and S1P, although they have similar structural features, release intracellular Ca2+ from the IP3-sensitive pool, use different components in their signal transduction pathways in Xenopus oocytes.

Evidence for Multiple Late Quaternary Glaciations in the Southernmost Cordillera Blanca, Peru

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, J. A.; Rodbell, D. T.; Ramage, J. M.

2007-12-01

Surface-exposure dating with in-situ-produced cosmogenic isotopes has provided the basis for a growing framework of glacial chronologies in the tropical Andes. In the Peruvian Andes, long chronologies (>400 ka) with relatively small local last glacial maximum (LLGM) advances have been reported for the central Cordillera Blanca (ca. 9°30'S) and Junin Plain (11°00'S), whereas preliminary data suggest a shorter record (<40 ka) in the intervening Cordillera Huayhuash (10°15'S). These seemingly contradictory findings raise several questions: Was the LLGM a relatively minor event in the Peruvian Andes, far exceeded by bigger, older advances? Which combination of geographic and geomorphic factors increases the likelihood that evidence of older advances will be preserved? With these questions in mind, we sought a site with both high peaks and a high-altitude plateau. The glaciated Nevado Jeulla Rajo massif (10°00'S, 77°16'W, peaks ca. 5600 masl) marks the southern end of the Cordillera Blanca and the Callejon de Huaylas valley in the central Peruvian Andes. The Conococha Plain (ca. 4050 masl) borders the western side of the massif. Large lateral moraines extend onto the Conococha Plain from the west-facing valleys and multiple moraine loops lie upvalley, closer to active ice margins. Surface-exposure dating (10Be) indicates that the largest lateral moraines from Jeullesh Valley are compound features deposited during the LLGM (ca. 30 ka) and a late-glacial readvance (ca. 16 ka). The LLGM/late-glacial moraines cross-cut an older pair of lateral moraines (ca. 70 ka) that may provide evidence for a smaller advance during marine isotope stage 4. Although the LLGM/late-glacial moraines are impressively large (ca. 150 m high), they do not represent the maximum ice extent in the region. Fluvial outwash deposits beyond the termini of the moraines on the Conococha Plain are underlain by lodgement till that is up to 20 m thick and extends ca. 6 km across the width of the Plain to the Rió Santa. The wide distribution of the till suggests that at least one older glaciation was far more extensive than any of the late Quaternary advances that we have dated by 10Be. The combination of high peaks, a high-altitude plateau, and an active fault may be ideal for enhancing preservation of older moraines and till deposits.