Thermodynamics of micelle formation in a water-alcohol solution of sodium tetradecyl sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shilova, S. V.; Tret'yakova, A. Ya.; Barabanov, V. P.

2016-01-01

The effects of addition of ethanol and propan-1-ol on sodium tetradecyl sulfate micelle formation in an aqueous solution are studied via microprobe fluorescence microscopy and conductometry. The critical micelle concentration, quantitative characteristics of micelles, and thermodynamic parameters of micelle formation are determined. Addition of 5-15 vol % of ethanol or 5-10 vol % of propan-1-ol is shown to result in a lower critical micelle concentration than in the aqueous solution, and in the formation of mixed spherical micelles whose sizes and aggregation numbers are less than those for the systems without alcohol. The contribution from the enthalpy factor to the free energy of sodium tetradecyl sulfate micelle formation is found to dominate in mixed solvents, in contrast to aqueous solutions.

Modeling the relative contributions of secondary ice formation processes to ice crystal number concentrations within mixed-phase clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, Sylvia; Hoose, Corinna; Nenes, Athanasios

2016-04-01

Measurements of in-cloud ice crystal number concentrations can be three or four orders of magnitude greater than the in-cloud ice nuclei number concentrations. This discrepancy can be explained by various secondary ice formation processes, which occur after initial ice nucleation, but the relative importance of these processes, and even the exact physics of each, is still unclear. A simple bin microphysics model (2IM) is constructed to investigate these knowledge gaps. 2IM extends the time-lag collision parameterization of Yano and Phillips, 2011 to include rime splintering, ice-ice aggregation, and droplet shattering and to incorporate the aspect ratio evolution as in Jensen and Harrington, 2015. The relative contribution of the secondary processes under various conditions are shown. In particular, temperature-dependent efficiencies are adjusted for ice-ice aggregation versus collision around -15°C, when rime splintering is no longer active, and the effect of aspect ratio on the process weighting is explored. The resulting simulations are intended to guide secondary ice formation parameterizations in larger-scale mixed-phase cloud schemes.

Time-resolved SAXS study of the effect of a double hydrophilic block-copolymer on the formation of CaCO3 from a supersaturated salt solution.

PubMed

Bolze, J; Pontoni, D; Ballauff, M; Narayanan, T; Cölfen, H

2004-09-01

The effect of a double hydrophilic block-copolymer additive (made of polyaspartic acid and polyethyleneglycol, pAsp(10)-b-PEG(110)) on the initial formation of calcium carbonate from a supersaturated salt solution has been studied in situ by means of time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). A stopped-flow cell was used for rapidly mixing the 20 mM aqueous reactant solutions of calcium chloride and sodium carbonate. In reference measurements without polymer additive the very rapid formation of primary, overall spherical CaCO(3) particles with a radius of ca. 19 nm and a size polydispersity of ca. 26% was observed within the first 10 ms after mixing. A subsequent, very rapid aggregation of these primary particles was evidenced by a distinct upturn of the SAXS intensity at smallest angles. During the aggregation process the size of the primary particles remained unchanged. From an analysis of the absolute scattering intensity the mass density of these particles was determined to 1.9 g/cm(3). From this rather low density it is concluded that those precursor particles are amorphous, which has been confirmed by simultaneous wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements. Upon adding 200 pm of the block-copolymer no influence on the size, the size polydispersity and morphology of the primary particles, nor on the kinetics of their formation and growth, was found. On the other hand, the subsequent aggregation and precipitation process is considerably slowed down by the additive and smaller aggregates result. The crystalline morphology of the sediment was studied in situ by WAXS ca. 50 min after mixing the reactants. Several diffraction rings could be detected, which indicate that a transformation of the metastable, amorphous precursor particles to randomly oriented vaterite nanocrystallites has taken place. In addition, a few isolated Bragg spots of high intensity were detected, which are attributed to individual, oriented calcite microcrystals that nucleated at the wall of the capillary.

Understanding co-polymerization in amyloid formation by direct observation of mixed oligomers† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7sc00620a Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Young, Lydia M.; Tu, Ling-Hsien; Raleigh, Daniel P.; Ashcroft, Alison E.

2017-01-01

Although amyloid assembly in vitro is commonly investigated using single protein sequences, fibril formation in vivo can be more heterogeneous, involving co-assembly of proteins of different length, sequence and/or post-translational modifications. Emerging evidence suggests that co-polymerization can alter the rate and/or mechanism of aggregation and can contribute to pathogenicity. Electrospray ionization-ion mobility spectrometry-mass spectrometry (ESI-IMS-MS) is uniquely suited to the study of these heterogeneous ensembles. Here, ESI-IMS-MS combined with analysis of fibrillation rates using thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence, is used to track the course of aggregation of variants of islet-amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) in isolation and in pairwise mixtures. We identify a sub-population of extended monomers as the key precursors of amyloid assembly, and reveal that the fastest aggregating sequence in peptide mixtures determines the lag time of fibrillation, despite being unable to cross-seed polymerization. The results demonstrate that co-polymerization of IAPP sequences radically alters the rate of amyloid assembly by altering the conformational properties of the mixed oligomers that form. PMID:28970890

Optical and morphological characterizations of pyronin dye-poly (vinyl alcohol) thin films formed on glass substrates

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

Meral, Kadem, E-mail: kademm@atauni.edu.tr; Arik, Mustafa, E-mail: marik@tatauni.edu.tr; Onganer, Yavuz, E-mail: yonganer@atauni.edu.tr

Thin films of pyronin dye mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on glass substrate were prepared by using spin-coating technique. The optical and morphological properties of the thin films were studied by UV-Vis., steady-state fluorescence spectroscopies and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thin films on glass substrate were fabricated at various [PVA]/[dye] (P/D) ratios. Hence, the monomeric and H-aggregates thin films of pyronin dye mixed with PVA were formed as a function of the dye and PVA concentration. It was determined that while the monomeric thin films showed strong fluorescence, the formation of H-aggregates in the thin film caused to decreasingmore » the fluorescence intensity. AFM studies demonstrated that the morphology of the thin film was drastically varied with changing the optical property of the thin film such as monomeric and H-aggregates thin films.« less

Physicochemical perspectives (aggregation, structure and dynamics) of interaction between pluronic (L31) and surfactant (SDS).

PubMed

Prameela, G K S; Phani Kumar, B V N; Pan, A; Aswal, V K; Subramanian, J; Mandal, A B; Moulik, S P

2015-11-11

The influence of the water soluble non-ionic tri-block copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO [poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)] i.e., E2P16E2 (L31) on the microstructure and self-aggregation dynamics of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution was investigated using cloud point (CP), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. CP provided the thermodynamic information on the Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, entropy and heat capacity changes pertaining to the phase separation of the system at elevated temperature. The ITC and NMR self-diffusion measurements helped to understand the nature of the binding isotherms of SDS in the presence of L31 in terms of the formation of mixed aggregates and free SDS micelles in solution. EPR analysis provided the micro-viscosity of the spin probe 5-DSA in terms of rotational correlation time. The SANS study indicated the presence of prolate ellipsoidal mixed aggregates, whose size increased with the increasing addition of L31. At a large [L31], SANS also revealed the progressive decreasing size of the ellipsoidal mixed aggregates of SDS-L31 into nearly globular forms with the increasing SDS addition. Wrapping of the spherical SDS micelles by L31 was also corroborated from (13)C NMR and SANS measurements.

Can hydro-economic river basin models simulate water shadow prices under asymmetric access?

PubMed

Kuhn, A; Britz, W

2012-01-01

Hydro-economic river basin models (HERBM) based on mathematical programming are conventionally formulated as explicit 'aggregate optimization' problems with a single, aggregate objective function. Often unintended, this format implicitly assumes that decisions on water allocation are made via central planning or functioning markets such as to maximize social welfare. In the absence of perfect water markets, however, individually optimal decisions by water users will differ from the social optimum. Classical aggregate HERBMs cannot simulate that situation and thus might be unable to describe existing institutions governing access to water and might produce biased results for alternative ones. We propose a new solution format for HERBMs, based on the format of the mixed complementarity problem (MCP), where modified shadow price relations express spatial externalities resulting from asymmetric access to water use. This new problem format, as opposed to commonly used linear (LP) or non-linear programming (NLP) approaches, enables the simultaneous simulation of numerous 'independent optimization' decisions by multiple water users while maintaining physical interdependences based on water use and flow in the river basin. We show that the alternative problem format allows the formulation HERBMs that yield more realistic results when comparing different water management institutions.

Summer aerosol particle mixing in different climate and source regions of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semeniuk, T. A.; Bruintjes, R. T.; Salazar, V.; Breed, D. W.; Jensen, T. L.; Buseck, P. R.

2005-12-01

The high aerosol loadings over the UAE reflect local to regional natural and anthropogenic pollution sources. To understand the impact of the high levels of pollution on both local and global climate systems, aerosol characterization flights in summer 2002 were used to sample major source areas, and to provide information on the interaction of aerosol particles within different geographic regions of the UAE. Atmospheric information and aerosol samples were collected from the marine/oil-industry region, NW coastal industries and cities, Oman Mountain Range, and NE coastal region. Aerosol samples were collected with multi-stage impactors and were analysed later using transmission electron microscopy. All samples are dominated by mineral grains or mineral aggregates in the coarse-mode fraction, and ammonium sulfate droplets in the fine-mode fraction. Differences in the types of mineral grains (different regional desert sources), inorganic salt and soot fractions, and types of internally mixed particles occur between regions. Oil-related industry sites have an abundance of coated and internally mixed particles, including sulfate-coated mineral grains, and mineral aggregates with chloride and sulfate. Cities have slightly elevated soot fractions, and typically have metal oxides. The NE coastal area is characterized by high soot fractions (local shipping) and mixed volatile droplets (regional Asian pollution). Particle populations within the convection zone over the Oman Mountain Range comprise an external mixture of particles from NW and NE sources, with many deliquesced particles. Both land-sea breezes in the NW regions and convection systems in the mountains mix aerosol particles from different local and regional sources, resulting in the formation of abundant internally mixed particles. The interaction between desert dust and anthropogenic pollution, and in particular the formation of mineral aggregates with chloride and sulfate, enhances the coarse-mode fraction and droplet fraction in industrial and mountainous regions.

Continuous, size and shape-control synthesis of hollow silica nanoparticles enabled by a microreactor-assisted rapid mixing process.

PubMed

He, Yujuan; Kim, Ki-Joong; Chang, Chih-Hung

2017-06-09

Hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs) were synthesized using a microreactor-assisted system with a hydrodynamic focusing micromixer. Due to the fast mixing of each precursor in the system, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) thermodynamic-locked (TML) conformations were protected from their random aggregations by the immediately initiated growth of silica shells. When altering the mixing time through varying flow rates and flow rate ratios, the different degrees of the aggregation of PAA TML conformations were observed. The globular and necklace-like TML conformations were successfully captured by modifying the PAA concentration at the optimized mixing condition. Uniform HSNPs with an average diameter ∼30 nm were produced from this system. COMSOL numerical models was established to investigate the flow and concentration profiles, and their effects on the formation of PAA templates. Finally, the quality and utility of these uniform HSNPs were demonstrated by the fabrication of antireflective thin films on monocrystalline photovoltaic cells which showed a 3.8% increase in power conversion efficiency.

Aggregation study in mixture surfactant system TX-100+SDS in heavy water solutions by SANS method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajewska, A.; Islamov, A. Kh.; Bakeeva, R. F.

2018-03-01

The mixing of amphiphiles in water may lead to the formation of mixed micelles which often present new properties with respect to the pure component solutions [1,2]. The mixture system of classic surfactants SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate)+TX-100(p-(1,1,3,3- tetramethyl) poly(oxyethylene) (anionic + non-ionic) in heavy water solutions was investigated at temperatures 30°, 50°, 70°C for compositions 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 by the small-angle neutron scattering(SANS) method on spectrometer (‘YuMO’) at the IBR-2 pulsed neutron source at FLNP, JINR in Dubna (Russia). Measurements have covered Q range from 8x10-3 to 0.4 Å-1. From the measured dependence of the scattered intensity on the scattering angle, we derived the size, shape of micelles, aggregation number at various compositions and temperatures. The size of mixed micelle is a weak function of the mixing ratio between the two components.

Continuous, size and shape-control synthesis of hollow silica nanoparticles enabled by a microreactor-assisted rapid mixing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Yujuan; Kim, Ki-Joong; Chang, Chih-Hung

2017-06-01

Hollow silica nanoparticles (HSNPs) were synthesized using a microreactor-assisted system with a hydrodynamic focusing micromixer. Due to the fast mixing of each precursor in the system, the poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) thermodynamic-locked (TML) conformations were protected from their random aggregations by the immediately initiated growth of silica shells. When altering the mixing time through varying flow rates and flow rate ratios, the different degrees of the aggregation of PAA TML conformations were observed. The globular and necklace-like TML conformations were successfully captured by modifying the PAA concentration at the optimized mixing condition. Uniform HSNPs with an average diameter ∼30 nm were produced from this system. COMSOL numerical models was established to investigate the flow and concentration profiles, and their effects on the formation of PAA templates. Finally, the quality and utility of these uniform HSNPs were demonstrated by the fabrication of antireflective thin films on monocrystalline photovoltaic cells which showed a 3.8% increase in power conversion efficiency.

Comparison of solution-mixed and sequentially processed P3HT: F4TCNQ films: effect of doping-induced aggregation on film morphology

DOE PAGES

Jacobs, Ian E.; Aasen, Erik W.; Oliveira, Julia L.; ...

2016-03-23

Doping polymeric semiconductors often drastically reduces the solubility of the polymer, leading to difficulties in processing doped films. Here, we compare optical, electrical, and morphological properties of P3HT films doped with F4TCNQ, both from mixed solutions and using sequential solution processing with orthogonal solvents. We demonstrate that sequential doping occurs rapidly (<1 s), and that the film doping level can be precisely controlled by varying the concentration of the doping solution. Furthermore, the choice of sequential doping solvent controls whether dopant anions are included or excluded from polymer crystallites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that sequential doping produces significantly moremore » uniform films on the nanoscale than the mixed-solution method. In addition, we show that mixed-solution doping induces the formation of aggregates even at low doping levels, resulting in drastic changes to film morphology. Sequentially coated films show 3–15 times higher conductivities at a given doping level than solution-doped films, with sequentially doped films processed to exclude dopant anions from polymer crystallites showing the highest conductivities. In conclusion, we propose a mechanism for doping induced aggregation in which the shift of the polymer HOMO level upon aggregation couples ionization and solvation energies. To show that the methodology is widely applicable, we demonstrate that several different polymer:dopant systems can be prepared by sequential doping.« less

Comparison of solution-mixed and sequentially processed P3HT: F4TCNQ films: effect of doping-induced aggregation on film morphology

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

Jacobs, Ian E.; Aasen, Erik W.; Oliveira, Julia L.

Doping polymeric semiconductors often drastically reduces the solubility of the polymer, leading to difficulties in processing doped films. Here, we compare optical, electrical, and morphological properties of P3HT films doped with F4TCNQ, both from mixed solutions and using sequential solution processing with orthogonal solvents. We demonstrate that sequential doping occurs rapidly (<1 s), and that the film doping level can be precisely controlled by varying the concentration of the doping solution. Furthermore, the choice of sequential doping solvent controls whether dopant anions are included or excluded from polymer crystallites. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) reveals that sequential doping produces significantly moremore » uniform films on the nanoscale than the mixed-solution method. In addition, we show that mixed-solution doping induces the formation of aggregates even at low doping levels, resulting in drastic changes to film morphology. Sequentially coated films show 3–15 times higher conductivities at a given doping level than solution-doped films, with sequentially doped films processed to exclude dopant anions from polymer crystallites showing the highest conductivities. In conclusion, we propose a mechanism for doping induced aggregation in which the shift of the polymer HOMO level upon aggregation couples ionization and solvation energies. To show that the methodology is widely applicable, we demonstrate that several different polymer:dopant systems can be prepared by sequential doping.« less

Critical Nucleus Structure and Aggregation Mechanism of the C-terminal Fragment of Copper-Zinc Superoxide Dismutase Protein.

PubMed

Zou, Yu; Sun, Yunxiang; Zhu, Yuzhen; Ma, Buyong; Nussinov, Ruth; Zhang, Qingwen

2016-03-16

The aggregation of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) protein is linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. A recent experimental study has shown that the (147)GVIGIAQ(153) SOD1 C-terminal segment not only forms amyloid fibrils in isolation but also accelerates the aggregation of full-length SOD1, while substitution of isoleucine at site 149 by proline blocks its fibril formation. Amyloid formation is a nucleation-polymerization process. In this study, we investigated the oligomerization and the nucleus structure of this heptapeptide. By performing extensive replica-exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations and conventional MD simulations, we found that the GVIGIAQ hexamers can adopt highly ordered bilayer β-sheets and β-barrels. In contrast, substitution of I149 by proline significantly reduces the β-sheet probability and results in the disappearance of bilayer β-sheet structures and the increase of disordered hexamers. We identified mixed parallel-antiparallel bilayer β-sheets in both REMD and conventional MD simulations and provided the conformational transition from the experimentally observed parallel bilayer sheets to the mixed parallel-antiparallel bilayer β-sheets. Our simulations suggest that the critical nucleus consists of six peptide chains and two additional peptide chains strongly stabilize this critical nucleus. The stabilized octamer is able to recruit additional random peptides into the β-sheet. Therefore, our simulations provide insights into the critical nucleus formation and the smallest stable nucleus of the (147)GVIGIAQ(153) peptide.

Investigating the Relative Contributions of Secondary Ice Formation Processes to Ice Crystal Number Concentrations Within Mixed-Phase Clouds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sullivan, S.; Nenes, A.

2015-12-01

Measurements of the in-cloud ice nuclei concentration can be three or four orders of magnitude less than those of the in-cloud ice crystal number concentration. Different secondary formation processes, active after initial ice nucleation, have been proposed to explain this discrepancy, but their relative importance, and even the exact physics of each mechanism, are still unclear. We construct a simple bin microphysics model (2IM) including depositional growth, the Hallett-Mossop process, ice-ice collisions, and ice-ice aggregation, with temperature- and supersaturation-dependent efficiencies for each process. 2IM extends the time-lag collision model of Yano and Phillips to additional bins and incorporates the aspect ratio evolution of Jensen and Harrington. Model output and measured ice crystal size distributions are compared to answer three questions: (1) how important is ice-ice aggregation relative to ice-ice collision around -15°C, where the Hallett-Mossop process is no longer active; (2) what process efficiencies lead to the best reproduction of observed ice crystal size distributions; and (3) does ice crystal aspect ratio affect the dominant secondary formation process. The resulting parameterization is intended for eventual use in larger-scale mixed-phase cloud schemes.

Using Asymmetric Flow Field-Flow Fractionation (AF4) to Determine C60 Colloidal Size Distributions

EPA Science Inventory

The formation of aqueous fullerene suspensions by solvent exchange, sonication, or extended mixing in water is widely reported. Commonly used methods for determining the size of these aggregates rely on static and dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy (EM), or atomic forc...

Formation of wormlike aggregates of fluorocarbon-hydrocarbon hybrid surfactant by Langmuir-Blodgett transfer and alignment of gold nanoparticles.

PubMed

Kondo, Yukishige; Fukuoka, Hiroshi; Nakano, Shuichi; Hayashi, Kohei; Tsukagoshi, Tatsuya; Matsumoto, Mutsuyoshi; Yoshino, Norio

2007-05-22

A novel anionic fluorocarbon-hydrocarbon hybrid surfactant (SS-Hyb-Na+) with a disulfide group has been synthesized from 11-bromo-1-undecanal and perfluorohexylethyl iodide via three steps. The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) transfer of the 1:100 (mol/mol) mixed monolayer of SS-Hyb-Na+ and stearyl alcohol (C18OH) formed on an aqueous solution containing a cationic polymer, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA+Cl-) onto a hydrophobic silicon wafer yields the formation of wormlike aggregates consisting of SS-Hyb-/PDDA+ polyion complexes. It is found that the aggregates align along the withdrawal direction of the wafer substrate. When the wafer on which the wormlike aggregates exist is immersed into the dispersion of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) prepared by the citrate reduction method, Au NPs align along the wormlike structures. Even though the surface of the wafer is placed either vertical or parallel to the monolayer compression direction during the LB transfer, the one-dimensional (1D) array of Au NPs is observed along the withdrawal direction of the wafer. This indicates that the wormlike aggregates of SS-Hyb-/PDDA+ complexes are aligned during the LB transfer, and the aligned aggregates behave as a scaffold in the 1D array of Au NPs.

Collision experiments between centimeter-sized protoplanetesimals in microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whizin, Akbar; Colwell, Joshua E.; Dove, Adrienne; Brisset, Julie; Cruz, Roberto; Foster, Zach

2016-10-01

In the early stages of planet formation in a protoplanetary disk the first coalescing bodies are weakly bound. Conditions in the disk, such as the presence of gas (drag), make further growth through centimeter and meter sized bodies difficult. For centimeter-sized aggregates self-gravity is almost non-existent and electrostatic surface forces such as van der Waals-type forces play a critical role in holding loosely bound rubble-piles together during their early formation. In order to understand how aggregates of this size grow we study the mechanical strengths, material, and collisional properties of cm-sized aggregates. The collisional outcomes between two aggregates can be determined by a set of definable collision parameters and experimental constraints on these parameters will aid in astrophysical models of planet formation. We have carried out a series of microgravity laboratory experiments in which we collide a pair of weakly bound aggregates together. In our free-fall chamber we collide two 3-cm aggregates together at collision velocities ranging from 50 to 220 cm/s and with pressure ~1 mbar. The aggregates are made of mm-sized silica bead particles and require internal cohesion to avoid fragmentation above modest collision speeds, which is supplied by adding H2O (later dehydrated) and between 0 - 0.1 g of a well-mixed liquid adhesive to simulate surface forces and bonds between particles. We measure the compressive strengths of the aggregates (0.5 - 10 kPa), find their coefficients of restitution (CoR), and determine their bouncing and fragmentation thresholds, over a range of velocities and internal strengths. We observed collisional outcomes such as bouncing, erosion (mass-loss), and fragmentation of the aggregates. We find the CoR of the aggregates to have a mean of 0.11 ± 0.1 with no dependence on velocity or strength. Impact velocities above ~2 m/s resulted in fragmentation of our aggregates, higher than the ~1 m/s threshold for porous dust aggregates of roughly the same size implying non-porous aggregates are also capable of easily dissipating energy in collisions.

Effect of surfactant concentration to aggregations of nanogold particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Duangthanu, Methawee; Pattanaporkratana, Apichart

2017-09-01

This research presents a study of aggregation of colloidal gold nanoparticles using 400 nm diameter gold nanoparticles mixed with a surfactant (Plantacare 2000) at various concentrations. When observed under a microscope, we found that the nanoparticles aggregated to form nearly spherical clusters at the beginning of the formation, and then sedimented to the bottom of the container. These clusters moved with Brownian’s motion and collided with each other in the horizontal plane, forming branch-like clusters in 2D. The appearance and size of the clusters were different depending on the concentration of surfactant. The clusters’ size and appearance were rarely changed after mixing with surfactant for 90 minutes, and we found that the cluster’s shapes were nearly spherical at low surfactant concentration (c = 0.25%). At surfactant concentration between 0.50% - 5.00%, the aggregates formed branch-like clusters with skinnier branches and smaller sizes at higher surfactant concentration. Moreover, we also found that, at surfactant concentrations between 2.50% - 5.00%, nanoparticles and aggregates stuck to the bottom of the glass container quickly and rarely moved after 10 minutes. At c = 0.25%, the 2D fractal dimension of the aggregates was measured to be D = 1.88 ± 0.04, since the aggregates were nearly spherical. The fractal dimension decreased to the minimum of D = 1.50 ± 0.12 at c = 1.50%, similar to D ∼ 1.45 found in diffusion-limited cluster aggregation (DLCA). At surfactant concentration above 1.50%, the fractal dimension increased until it reached the value of D ∼ 1.66 at c = 5.00%.

Hail formation triggers rapid ash aggregation in volcanic plumes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Eaton, Alexa R.; Mastin, Larry G.; Herzog, M.; Schwaiger, Hans F.; Schneider, David J.; Wallace, Kristi; Clarke, Amanda B

2015-01-01

During explosive eruptions, airborne particles collide and stick together, accelerating the fallout of volcanic ash and climate-forcing aerosols. This aggregation process remains a major source of uncertainty both in ash dispersal forecasting and interpretation of eruptions from the geological record. Here we illuminate the mechanisms and timescales of particle aggregation from a well-characterized ‘wet’ eruption. The 2009 eruption of Redoubt Volcano in Alaska incorporated water from the surface (in this case, a glacier), which is a common occurrence during explosive volcanism worldwide. Observations from C-band weather radar, fall deposits, and numerical modeling demonstrate that volcanic hail formed rapidly in the eruption plume, leading to mixed-phase aggregation of ~95% of the fine ash and stripping much of the cloud out of the atmosphere within 30 minutes. Based on these findings, we propose a mechanism of hail-like aggregation that contributes to the anomalously rapid fallout of fine ash and the occurrence of concentrically-layered aggregates in volcanic deposits.

Impact of Blood Mixing and ABO Compatibility on Platelet-Leukocyte Aggregations and Platelet P-Selectin Expression: An in Vitro Study.

PubMed

Huang, Go-Shine; Hu, Mei-Hua; Lin, Tso-Chou; Tsai, Yi-Ting; Lin, Chih-Yuan; Ke, Hung-Yen; Zheng, Xu-Zhi; Lin, Yi-Chang; Tsai, Chien-Sung

2018-05-01

Effects of blood transfusions on platelet- and leukocyte-related inflammation are unclear. We simulated transfusion using in vitro blood mixing to evaluate platelet-leukocyte aggregations (PLA) and platelet P-selectin expression, and the mechanism of PLA. Donor packed red blood cells (pRBCs) were obtained from a blood bank. Recipient whole blood samples were obtained from patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Blood sample mixtures were divided into four groups: group M, cross-matched blood type mixing; group O, donor type O with other blood type mixing (A, B, or AB); group S, ABO type-specific uncross-matched blood mixing; and group I, ABO incompatibility mixing. Donor pRBCs were added to recipient blood to reach 1%, 5%, and 10% (vol/vol) concentrations. Blood sample mixtures were analyzed to determine the PLA; P-selectin expression; and leukocyte CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 subunits of integrin expression. Analysis of variance tests were used to analyze differences. PLA significantly increased only in groups O and I (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001). Subpopulations of leukocytes significantly increased in all groups. There were no significant differences among the four groups (P = 0.578) in PLA increase. Although there was no significant effect on P-selectin expression (P = 1.000) and leukocyte CD11a and CD18 expression (P = 0.999, P = 0.422) within and between the groups, there was an increase in CD11b expression (P = 0.018). Blood mixing can increase PLA, especially in platelet-neutrophil and platelet-monocyte aggregations, possibly through nonhemolytic reactions. The CD11b integrin with CD18 may play a role in the formation of PLA.

Ionic liquid-induced aggregate formation and their applications.

PubMed

Dutta, Rupam; Kundu, Sangita; Sarkar, Nilmoni

2018-06-01

In the last two decades, researchers have extensively studied highly stable and ordered supramolecular assembly formation using oppositely charged surfactants. Thereafter, surface-active ionic liquids (SAILs), a special class of room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs), replace the surfactants to form various supramolecular aggregates. Therefore, in the last decade, the building blocks of the supramolecular aggregates (micelle, mixed micelle, and vesicular assemblies) have changed from oppositely charged surfactant/surfactant pair to surfactant/SAIL and SAIL/SAIL pair. It is also found that various biomolecules can also interact with SAILs to construct biologically important supramolecular assemblies. The very latest addition to this combination of ion pairs is the dye molecules having a long hydrophobic chain part along with a hydrophilic ionic head group. Thus, dye/surfactant or dye/SAIL pair also produces different assemblies through electrostatic, hydrophobic, and π-π stacking interactions. Vesicles are one of the important self-assemblies which mimic cellular membranes, and thus have biological application as a drug carrier. Moreover, vesicles can act as a suitable microreactor for nanoparticle synthesis.

Self-assembly and omniphobic property of fluorinated unit end-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Junyan, Liang; Pingdi, Xu; Jingxian, Bao; Ling, He; Nan, Zhu

2018-03-01

The self-assembly behavior of fluorinated unit end-functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PDFHM-ef-PMMA) in solution and its influence on the surface microstructure, elemental composition and omniphobic property of cast film was investigated in this work. Specifically, three mixed solutions of tetrahydrofuran (THF)/methanol (MeOH), THF/H2O and THF/H2O/MeOH in various compositions were employed separately as the selective solvents. In THF/MeOH solution, the aggregate morphologies of PDFHM-ef-PMMA changed gradually from core-shell spheres to worm, and then to elliptical vesicles as MeOH content increased. In THF/H2O solution, spherical and bowl-shaped aggregates with significantly larger sizes than those in THF/MeOH solution were favored despite lower H2O content. The further addition of MeOH to THF/H2O mixture could reduce the size of aggregate but hardly change original aggregate morphology. During the film formation process, those self-assembled aggregates in THF/MeOH solution fused with one another to form a smooth surface. When such surface was fully covered by fluorinated segments, the outstanding hexadecane and water slide-off properties and ink-resistant property required for antifouling application were demonstrated. Instead, the aggregates formed in THF/H2O/MeOH mixture were subjected to secondary aggregation of PDFHM-ef-PMMA chains during solvent evaporation, leading to the formation of a particulate film with poor adhesion towards glass plate and hexadecane-repellent property.

To what extent clay mineralogy affects soil aggregation? Consequences for soil organic matter stabilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fernandez-Ugalde, O.; Barré, P.; Hubert, F.; Virto, I.; Chenu, C.; Ferrage, E.; Caner, L.

2012-12-01

Aggregation is a key process for soil functioning as it influences C storage, vulnerability to erosion and water holding capacity. While the influence of soil organic C on aggregation has been documented, much less is known about the role of soil mineralogy. Soils usually contain a mixture of clay minerals with contrasted surface properties, which should result on different abilities of clay minerals to aggregation. We took advantage of the intrinsic mineral heterogeneity of a temperate Luvisol to compare the role of clay minerals (illite, smectite, kaolinite, and mixed-layer illite-smectite) in aggregation. In a first step, grassland and tilled soil samples were fractionated in water in aggregate-size classes according to the hierarchical model of aggregation (Tisdall and Oades, 1982). Clay mineralogy and organic C in the aggregate-size classes were analyzed. The results showed that interstratified minerals containing swelling phases accumulated in aggregated fractions (>2 μm) compared to free clay fractions (<2 μm) in the two land-uses. The accumulation increased from large macro-aggregates (>500 μm) to micro-aggregates (50-250 μm). C concentration and C/N ratio followed the opposite trend. These results constitute a clay mineral-based evidence for the hierarchical model of aggregation, which postulates an increasing importance of the reactivity of clay minerals in the formation of micro-aggregates compared to larger aggregates. In the latter aggregates, formation relies on the physical enmeshment of particles by fungal hyphae, and root and microbial exudates. In a second step, micro-aggregates from the tilled soil samples were submitted to increasingly disaggregating treatments by sonication to evaluate the link between their water stability and clay mineralogy. Micro-aggregates with increasing stability showed an increase of interstratified minerals containing swelling phases and C concentration for low intensities of disaggregation (from 0 to 5 J mL-1). This suggests that swelling phases promote their stability. Swelling phases and organic C decreased for greater intensities of disaggregation. These results and the SEM images taken at different disaggregation intensities indicate that when increasing disaggregation intensity above 5 J mL-1, the recovered material consists on sand particles covered by physical coatings of illite and kaolinite. Our results show that different clay minerals have different contribution to soil aggregation. Swelling phases are especially important for water-stable aggregates formation, whereas illite and kaolinite can either contribute to aggregation or been coated to sand grains in "mineral aggregates", without porosity and organic C protection capability. In conclusion, soils with large proportion of swelling clay minerals have greater potential for carbon storage by occlusion in aggregates and greater resistance to erosion. Tisdall JM, Oades JM (1982) Organic matter and water-stable aggregates in soils. J Soil Sci 62: 141-163.

A model for thin layer formation by delayed particle settling at sharp density gradients

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prairie, Jennifer C.; White, Brian L.

2017-02-01

Thin layers - regions where plankton or particles accumulate vertically on scales of a few meters or less - are common in coastal waters, and have important implications for both trophic dynamics and carbon cycling. These features can form by a variety of biological and physical mechanisms, including localized growth, shear-thinning, and directed swimming. An additional mechanism may result in the formation of thin layers of marine aggregates, which have been shown to decrease their settling velocity when passing through sharp density gradients, a behavior termed delayed settling. Here, we apply a simple vertical advection-diffusion model to predict the properties of aggregate thin layers formed by this process. We assume a constant vertical flux of particles from the surface, which is parameterized by observations from laboratory experiments with marine aggregates. The formation, maintenance, and shape of the layers are described in relation to non-dimensional numbers that depend on environmental conditions and particle settling properties. In particular, model results demonstrate layer intensity and sharpness both increase with higher Péclet number (Pe), that is, under conditions with weaker mixing relative to layer formation. Similarly, more intense and sharper layers are found when the delayed settling behavior of aggregates is characterized by a lower velocity minimum. The model also predicts layers that are vertically asymmetric and highly "peaky" when compared with a Gaussian distribution, features often seen in thin layers in natural environments. Lastly, by comparing model predictions with observations of thin layers in the field, we are able to gain some insight into the applicability of delayed settling as a thin layer formation mechanism in different environmental conditions.

On the mesoscopic origins of high viscosities in some polyelectrolyte-surfactant mixtures

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

Hoffmann, Ingo, E-mail: ingo.hoffmann@tu-berlin.de; Institut Max von Laue-Paul Langevin; Farago, Bela

Oppositely charged polyelectrolyte (PE) surfactant mixtures allow the control of rheological parameters of a solution even at fairly low concentrations. For example, addition of 0.3 wt. % of anionic surfactant to a 1 wt. % solution of the polycation JR 400 increases the viscosity by 4 orders of magnitude. Recently, we could show that this increase is related to the formation of mixed, rod-like PE/surfactant aggregates which interconnect several polyelectrolyte chains [Hoffmann et al., Europhys. Lett. 104, 28001 (2013)]. In this paper, we refine our structural model of the aggregates to obtain a more consistent picture of their internal structure for differentmore » anionic surfactants. Combining small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and neutron spin-echo (NSE) allows us to determine the size of the aggregates. By comparing different contrasts, the internal structure of the aggregates can be elucidated and it is seen that the PE in the aggregates retains a relatively high freedom of movement. We proceeded to investigate the influence of the surfactant concentration and the surfactant type on structure and dynamics of the mixed aggregates. It is seen that the structural parameters of the aggregates depend very little on the surfactant concentration and headgroup. However, it is crucial to incorporate a sufficient amount of PE in the aggregates to increase the viscosity of the aggregates. By comparing viscous samples at 1 wt. % PE concentration with samples at a PE concentration of 0.3 wt. %, where no significant increase in viscosity is observed, we find that similar aggregates are formed already at this lower PE concentrations. However, the amount of PE incorporated in them is insufficient to interconnect several PE chains and therefore, they do not increase viscosity. So, our detailed investigation combining contrast variation SANS and NSE does not only allow to explain the viscosity behavior but also to deduced detailed information regarding the structures and the dynamics especially of the polyelectrolyte within the complexes.« less

Structural characteristics of internally mixed carbonaceous aggregates from Barcelona (Spain) during DAURE winter campaign

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coz, Esther; Casuccio, Gary S.; Robinson, Allen L.; Moreno, Teresa; Mohr, Claudia; Prevot, Andre S. H.; Artíñano, Begoña.

2010-05-01

Particle structure, understood as the characterization of size, morphology, texture and the spatial distribution of the different compounds at an individual particle level, influences carbonaceous aggregates behavior in the atmosphere and the respiratory system. Additionally, the absorption and scattering of light is modified by the particle structure and also influences water absorption and water vapor nucleation and, hence cloud formation, residence time in the atmosphere and removal processes. Two factors seem determinant in these processes: quantity of scattering material adsorbed onto the light absorbing core during the residence in the atmosphere and subsequent aging, and the spatial distribution of this condensed matter (commonly discussed as internally/externally mixtures). Morning, noon, afternoon, and evening samples were collected for electron microscopy analyses during 3 consecutive days during an atmospheric episode of thermal inversion in February 2009 in an urban background area within the city of Barcelona. The main goal of this study was to quantify the variations in morphology and state of mixture of carbonaceous soot-like aggregate structures observed during different times of the day. The study was part of the winter campaign: "Determination of the sources of atmospheric Aerosols in Urban and Rural Environments in the western Mediterranean" (DAURE, February/March 2009). The analysis of the aggregate structure was conducted by digital image analysis of several thousand particles to determine variations on size, shape and texture by means of several different mathematical descriptors such as aspect ratio/elongation, compactness and roughness through fractal dimension analysis, textural energy and entropy. Results indicate that carbon aggregates were mostly within 200-400 nm of geometric size, with slightly smaller sizes during time intervals associated to traffic peaks compared to the daily average. The morphological parameters obtained for these ambient aggregates were compared with the same parameters obtained for carbon aggregates obtained from diesel exhaust and wood-burning combustion laboratory studies. Ambient carbon aggregates, independent of the time of the day, had very close values to those of freshly emitted from diesel combustion, with the exception of roughness and textural parameters. These differences were mainly associated to the properties of the coating (soot in internal mixture) presented in the urban carbon aggregates in comparison with the laboratory generated ones. No similarities were found with the carbon aggregates formed by the "tar balls" from wood-burning experiments. Results obtained to date show that freshly-emitted carbonaceous aggregates may become rapidly processed as found for Mexico City during the MILAGRO campaign (Johnson et al., 2005). In addition, carbonaceous aggregates in Barcelona presented similar sizes to internally mixed soot in Mexico City and the associated aspect ratios were also high indicating the tendency to maintain the fresh-structure (Adachi and Buseck, 2008). Whereas ambient soot particles were heavily internally mixed primarily with ammonium sulfate in the case of Mexico, low sulfate concentration was found in the Barcelona aggregates. The extraordinarily high concentration of nitrates and organic compounds during sampling together with the microscopy results suggests a complex coating structure comprised by mixtures of both nitrate and organic compounds. Further analyses are needed to understand more in detail the chemical nature and formation mechanisms of these coatings. References Adachi, K. and P.R. Buseck (2008), Internally mixed soot, sulfates, and organic matter in aerosol particles from Mexico City, ACP, 8, 6469-6481. Johnson et al., (2005), Processing of soot in an urban environment: case study from the Mexico City Metropolitan Area, ACP, 5, 3033-3043. Acknowledgements The authors acknowledge the coordination of the campaign to Andrés Alastuey, Xavier Querol (IDAEA-CSIC) and Jose Luis Jimenez (U. of Colorado). This part of the study has been financed by the CGL2007-30502-E/CLI, CGL2008-02817-E/CLI, PROFASE (CGL2007-64117) and GRACCIE (CSD2007-00067) projects.

Membrane Interactions of hIAPP Monomer and Oligomer with Lipid Membranes by Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Zhang, Mingzhen; Ren, Baiping; Liu, Yonglan; Liang, Guizhao; Sun, Yan; Xu, Lijian; Zheng, Jie

2017-08-16

Interaction of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) peptides with cell membrane is crucial for the understanding of amyloid toxicity associated with Type II diabetes (T2D). While it is known that the hIAPP-membrane interactions are considered to promote hIAPP aggregation into fibrils and induce membrane disruption, the membrane-induced conformation, orientation, aggregation, and adsorption behaviors of hIAPP peptides have not been well understood at the atomic level. Herein, we perform all-atom explicit-water molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the adsorption, orientation, and surface interaction of hIAPP aggregates with different sizes (monomer to tetramer) and conformations (monomer with α-helix and tetramer with β-sheet-rich U-turn) upon adsorption on the lipid bilayers composed of both pure zwitterionic POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and mixed anionic POPC/POPE (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) (3:1) lipids. MD simulation results show that hIAPP monomer with α-helical conformation and hIAPP pentamer with β-sheet conformation can adsorb on both POPC and POPC/POPE bilayers via a preferential orientation of N-terminal residues facing toward the bilayer surface. The hIAPP aggregates show stronger interactions with mixed POPC/POPE lipids than pure POPC lipids, consistent with experimental observation that hIAPP adsorption and fibrililation are enhanced on mixed lipid bilayers. While electrostatic interactions are main attractive forces to drive the hIAPP aggregates to adsorb on both bilayers, the introduction of the more hydrophilic head groups of POPE lipids further promote the formation of the interfacial hydrogen bonds. Complement to our previous studies of hIAPP aggregates in bulk solution, this computational work increases our knowledge about the mechanism of amyloid peptide-membrane interactions that is central to the understanding the progression of all amyloid diseases.

Evidence for an intermediate in tau filament formation.

PubMed

Chirita, Carmen N; Kuret, Jeff

2004-02-17

Alzheimer's disease is defined in part by the intraneuronal accumulation of filaments comprised of the microtubule-associated protein tau. In vitro, fibrillization of full-length, unphosphorylated recombinant tau can be induced under near-physiological conditions by treatment with various agents, including anionic surfactants. Here we examine the pathway through which anionic surfactants promote tau fibrillization using a combination of electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Protein and surfactant first interacted in solution to form micelles, which then provided negatively charged surfaces that accumulated tau aggregates. Surface aggregation of tau protein was followed by the time-dependent appearance of a thioflavin S reactive intermediate that accumulated over a period of hours. The intermediate was unstable in the absence of anionic surfaces, suggesting it was not filamentous. Fibrillization proceeded after intermediate formation with classic nucleation-dependent kinetics, consisting of lag phase followed by the exponential increase in filament lengths, followed by an equilibrium phase reached in approximately 24 h. The pathway did not require protein insertion into the micelle hydrophobic core or conformational change arising from mixed micelle formation, because anionic microspheres constructed from impermeable polystyrene were capable of qualitatively reproducing all aspects of the fibrillization reaction. It is proposed that the progression from amorphous aggregation through intermediate formation and fibrillization may underlie the activity of other inducers such as hyperphosphorylation and may be operative in vivo.

Spatiotemporal Changes of Cyanobacterial Bloom in Large Shallow Eutrophic Lake Taihu, China

PubMed Central

Qin, Boqiang; Yang, Guijun; Ma, Jianrong; Wu, Tingfeng; Li, Wei; Liu, Lizhen; Deng, Jianming; Zhou, Jian

2018-01-01

Lake Taihu is a large shallow eutrophic lake with frequent recurrence of cyanobacterial bloom which has high variable distribution in space and time. Based on the field observations and remote sensing monitoring of cyanobacterial bloom occurrence, in conjunction with laboratory controlled experiments of mixing effects on large colony formation and colonies upward moving velocity measurements, it is found that the small or moderate wind-induced disturbance would increase the colonies size and enable it more easily to overcome the mixing and float to water surface rapidly during post-disturbance. The proposed mechanism of wind induced mixing on cyanobacterial colony enlargement is associated with the presence of the extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) which increased the size and buoyancy of cyanobacteria colonies and promote the colonies aggregate at the water surface to form bloom. Both the vertical movement and horizontal migration of cyanobacterial colonies were controlled by the wind induced hydrodynamics. Because of the high variation of wind and current coupling with the large cyanobacterial colony formation make the bloom occurrence as highly mutable in space and time. This physical factor determining cyanobacterial bloom formation in the large shallow lake differ from the previously documented light-mediated bloom formation dynamics. PMID:29619011

Innovative Equipment and Production Method for Mixed Fodder in the Conditions of Agricultural Enterprises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabiev, U. K.; Demchuk, E. V.; Myalo, V. V.; Soyunov, A. S.

2017-07-01

It is recommended to feed the cattle and poultry with grain fodder in the form of feed mixture balanced according to the content. Feeding of grain fodder in the form of stock feed is inefficient and economically unreasonable. The article is devoted to actual problem - the preparation of mixed fodder in the conditions of agricultural enterprises. Review and critical analyses of mixed fodder assemblies and aggregates are given. Structural and technical schemes of small-size mixed fodder aggregate with intensified attachments of vibrating and percussive action for preparation of bulk feed mixture in the conditions of agricultural enterprises were developed. The mixed fodder aggregate for its preparation in the places of direct consumption from own grain fodder production and purchased protein and vitamin supplements is also suggested. Mixed fodder aggregate allows to get prepared mixed fodder of high uniformity at low cost of energy and price of production that is becoming profitable for livestock breeding. Model line-up of suggested mixed fodder aggregate with different productivity both for small and big agricultural enterprises is considered.

Processing Impact on Monoclonal Antibody Drug Products: Protein Subvisible Particulate Formation Induced by Grinding Stress.

PubMed

Gikanga, Benson; Eisner, Devon Roshan; Ovadia, Robert; Day, Eric S; Stauch, Oliver B; Maa, Yuh-Fun

2017-01-01

Subvisible particle formation in monoclonal antibody drug product resulting from mixing and filling operations represents a significant processing risk that can lead to filter fouling and thereby lead to process delays or failures. Several previous studies from our lab and others demonstrated the formation of subvisible particulates in mAb formulations resulting from mixing operations using some bottom-mounted mixers or stirrer bars. It was hypothesized that the stress (e.g., shear/cavitation) derived from tight clearance and/or close contact between the impeller and shaft was responsible for protein subvisible particulate generation. These studies, however, could not distinguish between the two surfaces without contact (tight clearance) or between two contacting surfaces (close contact). In the present study we expand on those findings and utilize small-scale mixing models that are able to, for the first time, distinguish between tight clearances and tight contact. In this study we evaluated different mixer types including a top-mounted mixer, several impeller-based bottom-mounted mixers, and a rotary piston pump. The impact of tight clearance/close contact on subvisible particle formation in at-scale mixing platforms was demonstrated in the gap between the impeller and drive unit as well as between the piston and the housing of the pump. Furthermore, small-scale mixing models based on different designs of magnetic stir bars that mimic the tight clearance/close contact of the manufacturing-scale mixers also induced subvisible particles in mAb formulations. Additional small-scale models that feature tight clearance but no close contact (grinding) suggested that it is the repeated grinding/contacting of the moving parts and not the presence of tight clearance in the processing equipment that is the root cause of protein subvisible particulate formation. When multiple mAbs, Fabs (fragment antigen binding), or non-antibody related proteins were mixed in the small-scale mixing model, for molecules investigated, it was observed that mAbs and Fabs appear to be more susceptible to particle formation than non-antibody-related proteins. In the grinding zone, mAb/Fab molecules aggregated into insoluble particles with neither detectable soluble aggregates nor fragmented species. This investigation represents a step closer to the understanding of the underlying stress mechanism leading to mAb subvisible particulate formation as the result of drug product processing. LAY ABSTRACT: Mixing and fill finish are important unit operations in drug product manufacturing for compounding (dilution, pooling, homogenization, etc.) and filling into primary packaging containers (vials, pre-filled syringes, etc.), respectively. The current trend in adopting bottom-mounted mixers as well as low fill-volume filling systems has raised concerns about their impact on drug product quality and process performance. However, investigations into the effects of their use for biopharmaceutical products, particularly monoclonal antibody formulations, are rarely published. The purpose of this study is three-fold: (1) to revisit the impact of bottom-mounted mixer design on monoclonal antibody subvisible particle formation; (2) to identify the root cause for subvisible particle formation; and (3) to fully utilize available particle analysis tools to demonstrate the correlation between particle count in the solution and filter fouling during sterile filtration. The outcomes of this study will benefit scientists and engineers who develop biologic product manufacturing processes by providing a better understanding of drug product process challenges. © PDA, Inc. 2017.

Changes in soil aggregate dynamics following 18 years of experimentally increased precipitation in a cold desert ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Graaff, M.; vanderVeen, J.; Germino, M. J.

2011-12-01

Climate change is expected to alter the amount and timing of precipitation in semiarid ecosystems of the intermountain west, which can alter soil carbon dynamics. Specifically, an increase in precipitation in arid ecosystems promotes microbial activity, which can increase soil aggregate formation and enhance sequestration of soil organic carbon within stable aggregates. This study was conducted to assess: (1) how precipitation shifts affect soil aggregate formation and associated soil organic carbon contents in semi arid ecosystems, and (2) how plants mediate precipitation impacts on soil aggregate dynamics. Soil samples were collected from a long-term ecohydrology study located in the cold desert of the Idaho National Lab, USA. Precipitation treatments delivered during the previous 18 years consist of three regimes: (1) a control (ambient precipitation), (2) 200 mm irrigation added during the growing season, and (3) 200 mm irrigation added during the cold dormant season. Experimental plots were planted with a diverse native mix of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) and associated shrubs, grasses, and forbs, but had also become invaded by crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum). Soils were collected in February (2011) with a 4.8 cm diameter soil corer to a depth of 15 cm. Across all precipitation treatments we sampled both directly beneath sagebrush and crested wheatgrass and from relatively bare plant-interspaces. Subsamples (100 g) were sieved (4.75 mm) and air dried. Then, the soils were fractionated into (1) macro aggregates (> 250 μm), (2) free micro aggregates (53-250 μm) and (3) free silt and clay fractions (<53 μm), using a wet sieving protocol. Further, macro aggregates were separated into particulate organic matter (POM), micro aggregates and silt and clay fractions using a micro aggregate isolator. Soil fractions were analyzed for soil organic carbon contents after removal of soil carbonates using sulfurous acid. Our preliminary results indicate that supplemental precipitation enhanced macro aggregate formation by 20% under plants and by 70% in plant interspaces. In contrast, free silt and clay fractions decreased in response to supplemental precipitation. These preliminary findings suggest that increased precipitation in a cold desert ecosystem may significantly enhance soil structure, particularly in the interspaces separating plants where surface crusting, poor infiltration and reduced fertility otherwise prevail.

Geology and Refractory Clay Deposits of the Haldeman and Wrigley Quadrangles, Kentucky

USGS Publications Warehouse

Patterson, Sam H.; Hosterman, John W.; Huddle, John Warfield

1962-01-01

The Haldeman and Wrigley 7th-minute quadrangles are near the western edge of the eastern Kentucky coal field and cover an area of approximately 117 square miles in parts of Carter, Rowan, Elliott, and Morgan Counties, Ky. The rocks exposed in the two quadrangles are of Early and Late Mississippian and Early and Middle Pennsylvanian age. The Mississippian rocks are composed of the thick Brodhead formation, which consists of siltstone and shale, and eleven thin marine limestone and shale formations, having an aggregate thickness of about 150 feet. The Lee and Breathitt formations, of Pennsylvanian age, consist of sandstone, siltstone, and shale; they also contain thin beds of coal and several beds of underclay, including the economically important Olive Hill clay bed of Crider, 1913. Pennsylvanian rocks include beds of both continental and marine origin. The eleven thin Mississippian formations and the upper-most part of the thick Brodhead formation are truncated by a prominent unconformity on which rocks of Pennsylvanian age rest. The rocks occupy a region of gentle dips between the Cincinnati arch and the Appalachian Mountains. Refractory clay deposits are in the Olive Hill clay bed, which occurs in the lower part of the Lee formation. The Olive Hill clay bed is discontinuous and consists of a series of irregularly shaped lenses. The bed is approximately two-thirds semifiint clay and one-third flint clay, and it contains minor amounts of plastic clay. Some of the flint clay is nearly pure kaolinite, but the semi flint and plastic clay consists of mixtures of kaolinite, illite, and mixed-layer clay minerals. The structure of the kaolinite ranges from highly crystalline to very poorly crystalline 'fireclay' type. The degree of crystallinity of the kaolinite and the hardness of the clay vary inversely with the amount of illite and mixed-layer clay minerals present. The nearly pure kaolinite is believed to have formed by the removal of alkalies and some silica fram mixtures of kaolinite, illite, and mixed-layer clays by leaching in swamps to the deposition of the beds overlying the clay. The refractory properties of the clay vary directly with the purity of the kaolinite, and refractoriness decreases as the proportions of illite and mixed-layer clays increase. Certain nonclay minerals, chiefly siderite, pyrite, and iron oxide-bearing minerals, also act as fiuxes, reducing the refractory properties of the clay. The entire resources of clay in the Olive Hill clay bed are roughly and tentatively estimated to include 105,000,000 tons in the Haldeman quadrangle and 175,000,000 tons in the Wrigley quadrangle. Much of this clay is of poor quality and the amount that is better than the minimum requirements for use in refractories is probably about 30,000,000 tons. Only a fraction of this tonnage is suitable for superheat-duty products. Limestone is the only nonmetallic mineral resource other than refractory clay that has been developed in the two quadrangles, but 1arge amounts of shale suitable for use in making lightweight aggregate and structural clay products may also be present. Most of the limestone, which is quarried. in both quadrangles, is used for road-metal, concrete aggregate, and agriculture stone, but some of the limestone is of the quality that would be suitable for other uses. Virtually all the Mississippian Beech Creek limestone of Malott, 1919 which is as much as 18 feet thick, consists of high-calcium limestone. Shale beds that appear most favoralble for making lightweight aggregate are in the shale facies of the Lee formation of Pennsylvanian age. Shale that is probably suitable for structural clay products is present in the shale flacles of the Lee formation and in the Muldraugh formation of Mississippian age. Several dry holes have been drilled in search for oil and gas within the area of the two quadrangles. Though no commercial production was ever attained, one well furnished a supply of gas f

Maxwell displacement current allows to study structural changes of gramicidin A in monolayers at the air-water interface.

PubMed

Vitovic, Pavol; Weis, Martin; Tomcík, Pavol; Cirák, Július; Hianik, Tibor

2007-05-01

We applied methods of measurement Maxwell displacement current (MDC) pressure-area isotherms and dipole potential for analysis of the properties of gramicidin A (gA) and mixed gA/DMPC monolayers at an air-water interface. The MDC method allowed us to observe the kinetics of formation of secondary structure of gA in monolayers at an air-water interface. We showed, that secondary structure starts to form at rather low area per molecule at which gA monolayers are in gaseous state. Changes of the MDC during compression can be attributed to the reorientation of dipole moments in a gA double helix at area 7 nm(2)/molecule, followed by the formation of intertwined double helix of gA. The properties of gA in mixed monolayers depend on the molar fraction of gA/DMPC. At higher molar fractions of gA (around 0.5) the shape of the changes of dipole moment of mixed monolayer was similar to that for pure gA. The analysis of excess free energy in a gel (18( ) degrees C) and in a liquid-crystalline phase (28( ) degrees C) allowed us to show influence of the monolayer structural state on the interaction between gA and the phospholipids. In a gel state and at the gA/DMPC molar ratio below 0.17 the aggregates of gA were formed, while above this molar ratio gA interacts favorably with DMPC. In contrast, for DMPC in a liquid-crystalline state aggregation of gA was observed for all molar fractions studied. The effect of formation ordered structures between gA and DMPC is more pronounced at low temperatures.

Thermoresponsive complex amphiphilic block copolymer micelles investigated by laser light scattering.

PubMed

Zhao, Fang; Xie, Dinghai; Zhang, Guangzhao; Pispas, Stergios

2008-05-22

Poly(isoprene)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PI-b-PEO) diblock copolymers form micelles in water. The introduction of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO) triblock copolymer leads to the formation of mixed micelles through hydrophobic interaction. The dimension of the mixed micelles varies with the weight ratio (r) of PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO to PI-b-PEO. By use of laser light scattering, we have investigated the temperature dependence of the structural evolution of the micelles at different r. At r<10, the size of the mixed micelles decreases with temperature. At r>10, due to the excessive PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO chains in solution, as temperature increases, the mixed micelles aggregate into larger micelle clusters.

Minimizing mixing intensity to improve the performance of rice straw anaerobic digestion via enhanced development of microbe-substrate aggregates.

PubMed

Kim, Moonkyung; Kim, Byung-Chul; Choi, Yongju; Nam, Kyoungphile

2017-12-01

The aim of this work was to study the effect of the differential development of microbe-substrate aggregates at different mixing intensities on the performance of anaerobic digestion of rice straw. Batch and semi-continuous reactors were operated for up to 50 and 300days, respectively, under different mixing intensities. In both batch and semi-continuous reactors, minimal mixing conditions exhibited maximum methane production and lignocellulose biodegradability, which both had strong correlations with the development of microbe-substrate aggregates. The results implied that the aggregated microorganisms on the particulate substrate played a key role in rice straw hydrolysis, determining the performance of anaerobic digestion. Increasing the mixing speed from 50 to 150rpm significantly reduced the methane production rate by disintegrating the microbe-substrate aggregates in the semi-continuous reactor. A temporary stress of high-speed mixing fundamentally affected the microbial communities, increasing the possibility of chronic reactor failure. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optical subcarrier processing for Nyquist SCM signals via coherent spectrum overlapping in four-wave mixing with coherent multi-tone pump.

PubMed

Lu, Guo-Wei; Luís, Ruben S; Mendinueta, José Manuel Delgado; Sakamoto, Takahide; Yamamoto, Naokatsu

2018-01-22

As one of the promising multiplexing and multicarrier modulation technologies, Nyquist subcarrier multiplexing (Nyquist SCM) has recently attracted research attention to realize ultra-fast and ultra-spectral-efficient optical networks. In this paper, we propose and experimentally demonstrate optical subcarrier processing technologies for Nyquist SCM signals such as frequency conversion, multicast and data aggregation of subcarriers, through the coherent spectrum overlapping between subcarriers in four-wave mixing (FWM) with coherent multi-tone pump. The data aggregation is realized by coherently superposing or combining low-level subcarriers to yield high-level subcarriers in the optical field. Moreover, multiple replicas of the data-aggregated subcarriers and the subcarriers carrying the original data are obtained. In the experiment, two 5 Gbps quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) subcarriers are coherently combined to generate a 10 Gbps 16 quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) subcarrier with frequency conversions through the FWM with coherent multi-tone pump. Less than 1 dB optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalty variation is observed for the synthesized 16QAM subcarriers after the data aggregation. In addition, some subcarriers are kept in the original formats, QPSK, with a power penalty of less than 0.4 dB with respect to the original input subcarriers. The proposed subcarrier processing technology enables flexibility for spectral management in future dynamic optical networks.

Optimizing the durability of the coarse fraction of porous asphalt RAP for effective recycling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holleran, Irina; Wilson, Douglas J.; Black, Philippa; Holleran, Glynn; Walubita, Lubinda F.

2017-09-01

Porous asphalt (PA) durability depends not only on the binder used to manufacture the mix, but also on the aggregates chosen, particularly the coarse fraction component. Aggregates for PA should be of the highest quality and highly durable to withstand the effects of weather and traffic. To recycle PA into a new PA mix, without compromising the long-term performance, the durability of the recovered aggregates from PA-derived reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) should be assessed alongside the aged binder properties. In this study, the Micro-Deval (MD) Abrasion test, combined with water absorption, was found to be a good predictor of asphalt mix performance for PA. Minerology of the aggregates is an important factor when setting limits for MD loss. New Zealand (NZ) aggregates are significantly younger in geological terms, and chemically and physically less stable compared to the aggregates used in many other countries. This is especially true for greywacke, the most used aggregate in NZ for road construction. If the MD limits reported in some literature are applied to NZ PA-derived RAP aggregates, poor performing material can be erroneously incorporated in asphalt mixes. Findings from this study contributes in understanding how PA-derived RAP can be recycled into new value PA mixes.

Domain Formation Induced by the Adsorption of Charged Proteins on Mixed Lipid Membranes

PubMed Central

Mbamala, Emmanuel C.; Ben-Shaul, Avinoam; May, Sylvio

2005-01-01

Peripheral proteins can trigger the formation of domains in mixed fluid-like lipid membranes. We analyze the mechanism underlying this process for proteins that bind electrostatically onto a flat two-component membrane, composed of charged and neutral lipid species. Of particular interest are membranes in which the hydrocarbon lipid tails tend to segregate owing to nonideal chain mixing, but the (protein-free) lipid membrane is nevertheless stable due to the electrostatic repulsion between the charged lipid headgroups. The adsorption of charged, say basic, proteins onto a membrane containing anionic lipids induces local lipid demixing, whereby charged lipids migrate toward (or away from) the adsorption site, so as to minimize the electrostatic binding free energy. Apart from reducing lipid headgroup repulsion, this process creates a gradient in lipid composition around the adsorption zone, and hence a line energy whose magnitude depends on the protein's size and charge and the extent of lipid chain nonideality. Above a certain critical lipid nonideality, the line energy is large enough to induce domain formation, i.e., protein aggregation and, concomitantly, macroscopic lipid phase separation. We quantitatively analyze the thermodynamic stability of the dressed membrane based on nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann theory, accounting for both the microscopic characteristics of the proteins and lipid composition modulations at and around the adsorption zone. Spinodal surfaces and critical points of the dressed membranes are calculated for several different model proteins of spherical and disk-like shapes. Among the models studied we find the most substantial protein-induced membrane destabilization for disk-like proteins whose charges are concentrated in the membrane-facing surface. If additional charges reside on the side faces of the proteins, direct protein-protein repulsion diminishes considerably the propensity for domain formation. Generally, a highly charged flat face of a macroion appears most efficient in inducing large compositional gradients, hence a large and unfavorable line energy and consequently lateral macroion aggregation and, concomitantly, macroscopic lipid phase separation. PMID:15626713

Mixed micelles of 7,12-dioxolithocholic acid and selected hydrophobic bile acids: interaction parameter, partition coefficient of nitrazepam and mixed micelles haemolytic potential.

PubMed

Poša, Mihalj; Tepavčević, Vesna

2011-09-01

The formation of mixed micelles built of 7,12-dioxolithocholic and the following hydrophobic bile acids was examined by conductometric method: cholic (C), deoxycholic (D), chenodeoxycholic (CD), 12-oxolithocholic (12-oxoL), 7-oxolithocholic (7-oxoL), ursodeoxycholic (UD) and hiodeoxycholic (HD). Interaction parameter (β) in the studied binary mixed micelles had negative value, suggesting synergism between micelle building units. Based on β value, the hydrophobic bile acids formed two groups: group I (C, D and CD) and group II (12-oxoL, 7-oxoL, UD and HD). Bile acids from group II had more negative β values than bile acids from group I. Also, bile acids from group II formed intermolecular hydrogen bonds in aggregates with both smaller (2) and higher (4) aggregation numbers, according to the analysis of their stereochemical (conformational) structures and possible structures of mixed micelles built of these bile acids and 7,12-dioxolithocholic acid. Haemolytic potential and partition coefficient of nitrazepam were higher in mixed micelles built of the more hydrophobic bile acids (C, D, CD) and 7,12-dioxolithocholic acid than in micelles built only of 7,12-dioxolithocholic acid. On the other hand, these mixed micelles still had lower values of haemolytic potential than micelles built of C, D or CD. The mixed micelles that included bile acids: 12-oxoL, 7-oxoL, UD or HD did not significantly differ from the micelles of 7,12-dioxolithocholic acid, observing the values of their haemolytic potential. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blended aggregate bituminous mixes.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-01-01

Virginia has provided skid resistant pavements in the limestone area of the state by placing thin overlays of sand mixes incorporating local materials, by sprinkling highly skid resistant aggregates on limestone bituminous mixes prior to rolling, and...

Mechanical Properties of Warm Mix Asphalt Prepared Using Foamed Asphalt Binders : Executive Summary Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a mixture containing aggregates and asphalt binders prepared at specified : proportions. The aggregates and asphalt binder proportions are determined through a mix design : procedure such as the Marshall Mix Design or the Sup...

Mechanical properties of warm mix asphalt prepared using foamed asphalt binders : executive summary report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-03-01

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a mixture containing aggregates and asphalt binders prepared at specified : proportions. The aggregates and asphalt binder proportions are determined through a mix design : procedure such as the Marshall Mix Design or the Sup...

Heterogeneous Cadherin Expression and Multicellular Aggregate Dynamics in Ovarian Cancer Dissemination.

PubMed

Klymenko, Yuliya; Johnson, Jeffrey; Bos, Brandi; Lombard, Rachel; Campbell, Leigh; Loughran, Elizabeth; Stack, M Sharon

2017-07-01

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma spreads via shedding of cells and multicellular aggregates (MCAs) from the primary tumor into peritoneal cavity, with subsequent intraperitoneal tumor cell:mesothelial cell adhesion as a key early event in metastatic seeding. Evaluation of human tumor extracts and tissues confirms that well-differentiated ovarian tumors express abundant E-cadherin (Ecad), whereas advanced lesions exhibit upregulated N-cadherin (Ncad). Two expression patterns are observed: "mixed cadherin," in which distinct cells within the same tumor express either E- or Ncad, and "hybrid cadherin," wherein single tumor cell(s) simultaneously expresses both cadherins. We demonstrate striking cadherin-dependent differences in cell-cell interactions, MCA formation, and aggregate ultrastructure. Mesenchymal-type Ncad+ cells formed stable, highly cohesive solid spheroids, whereas Ecad+ epithelial-type cells generated loosely adhesive cell clusters covered by uniform microvilli. Generation of "mixed cadherin" MCAs using fluorescently tagged cell populations revealed preferential sorting into cadherin-dependent clusters, whereas mixing of cell lines with common cadherin profiles generated homogeneous aggregates. Recapitulation of the "hybrid cadherin" Ecad+/Ncad+ phenotype, via insertion of the CDH2 gene into Ecad+ cells, resulted in the ability to form heterogeneous clusters with Ncad+ cells, significantly enhanced adhesion to organotypic mesomimetic cultures and peritoneal explants, and increased both migration and matrix invasion. Alternatively, insertion of CDH1 gene into Ncad+ cells greatly reduced cell-to-collagen, cell-to-mesothelium, and cell-to-peritoneum adhesion. Acquisition of the hybrid cadherin phenotype resulted in altered MCA surface morphology with increased surface projections and increased cell proliferation. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that MCA cadherin composition impacts intraperitoneal cell and MCA dynamics and thereby affects ultimate metastatic success. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Initiation of soil formation in weathered sulfidic Cu-Pb-Zn tailings under subtropical and semi-arid climatic conditions.

PubMed

You, Fang; Dalal, Ram; Huang, Longbin

2018-08-01

Field evidence has been scarce about soil (or technosol) formation and direct phytostabilization of base metal mine tailings under field conditions. The present study evaluated key attributes of soil formation in weathered and neutral Cu-Pb-Zn tailings subject to organic amendment (WC: woodchips) and colonization of pioneer native plant species (mixed native woody and grass plant species) in a 2.5-year field trial under subtropical and semi-arid climatic conditions. Key soil indicators of engineered soil formation process were characterized, including organic carbon fractions, aggregation, microbial community and key enzymatic activities. The majority (64-87%) of the OC was stabilized in microaggregate or organo-mineral complexes in the amended tailings. The levels of OC and water soluble OC were elevated by 2-3 folds across the treatments, with the highest level in the treatment of WC and plant colonization (WC+P). Specifically, the WC+P treatment increased the proportion of water stable macroaggregates. Plants further contributed to the N rich organic matter in the tailings, favouring organo-mineral interactions and organic stabilization. Besides, the plants played a major role in boosting microbial biomass and activities in the treated tailings. WC and plants enhanced the contents of organic carbon (OC) associated with aggregates (e.g., physically protected OC), formation of water-stable aggregates (e.g., micro and macroaggregates), chemical buffering capacity (e.g., cation exchange capacity). Microbial community and enzymatic activities were also stimulated in the amended tailings. The present results showed that the formation of functional technosol was initiated in the eco-engineered and weathered Cu-Pb-Zn tailings under field conditions for direct phytostabilization. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enterococcus faecalis Ebp pili are important for cell-cell aggregation and intraspecies gene transfer

PubMed Central

Leanti La Rosa, Sabina; Camila Montealegre, Maria; Singh, Kavindra V.

2016-01-01

Enterococcus faecalis is an opportunistic pathogen that ranks among the leading causes of biofilm-associated infections. We previously demonstrated that the endocarditis- and biofilm-associated pili (Ebp) of E. faecalis play a major role in biofilm formation, adherence to abiotic surfaces and experimental infections. In this study, derivatives of E. faecalis strain OG1 were engineered to further characterize functions of Ebp pili. Loss of pili resulted in a 36-fold decrease in the number of closely associated cells when OG1RFΔebpABC was mixed with OG1SSpΔebpABC, compared with mixing the Ebp+ parental strains. In addition, using the Ebp+ parental strains as donor and recipient, we found a statistically significant increase (280–360 %, P < 0.05) in the frequency of plasmid transfer versus using Ebp−  mutants in the conjugation experiments. These results demonstrate a previously unrecognized role of Ebp pili, namely, as important contributors to microscale cell aggregation and horizontal spread of genetic material. PMID:26967674

Flash NanoPrecipitation of organic actives via confined micromixing and block copolymer stabilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Johnson, Brian K.

This dissertation provides a method and the understanding required to produce nanoparticles of organic actives using Flash NanoPrecipitation . The process comprises mixing a solvent phase containing molecularly dissolved amphiphilic block copolymer and an organic active with an anti-solvent. One block of the copolymer precipitates to alter the nucleation and growth of the organic active while the other remains in solution for particle stabilization. A custom built confined impinging jets (CIJ) mixer provides optimum micromixing at the laboratory or full scale within milliseconds. Comparison to other reactor designs is provided. The resulting nanoparticles have functional surfaces tailored to meet the needs of pharmaceutical or specialty chemical formulations. Example beta-carotene nanoparticles with a polyethylene oxide surface are produced at high concentration, high yield, low stabilizer content, and a size suitable for sterile filtration or larger. The technical challenges in nanoparticle production are explained via the characteristic times for mixing, copolymer aggregation, and organic active particle formation. The time for Flash NanoPrecipitation is shown to depend strongly on the time for copolymer aggregation, and control of the organic nucleation versus growth is critical to achieve nanoparticles. Mixing operating lines explain the impact of solubility differences between the colloidal stabilizer and the organic active as function of mixing rate. Techniques to measure the solubility of the copolymer and DeltaG° , DeltaH°, and DeltaS° of micellization are demonstrated. An analytical CIJ mixer is developed by quantifying the characteristic time and physical mechanism of mixing. The methodology described to find an absolute mixing lifetime is also applied to a vortex mixer at a spectrum of flow ratios away from one. Dimensional analysis using the process Damkohler number, defined as the ratio of the mixing to the process time, is applied to precipitation to quantify the induction time through knowledge of the mixing lifetime. Copolymer aggregation without an organic active to kinetically frozen nanoparticles occurs by a "fusion only" mechanism. By analogy to classical precipitation kinetics, the interfacial free energy of a diblock copolymer nanoparticle is determined for the first time. The composite dissertation provides a clear picture of Flash NanoPrecipitation for future research and applications.

A Mixed Stimuli-Responsive Magnetic and Gold Nanoparticle System for Rapid Purification, Enrichment, and Detection of Biomarkers

PubMed Central

Nash, Michael A.; Yager, Paul; Hoffman, Allan S.; Stayton, Patrick S.

2010-01-01

A new diagnostic system for the enrichment and detection of protein biomarkers from human plasma is presented. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were surface-modified with a diblock copolymer synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The diblock copolymer contained a thermally-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) block, a cationic amine-containing block, and a semi-telechelic PEG2-biotin end group. When a mixed suspension of 23 nm pNIPAAm-modified AuNPs was heated with pNIPAAm-coated 10 nm iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) in human plasma, the thermally-responsive pNIPAAm directed the formation of mixed AuNP/mNP aggregates that could be separated efficiently with a magnet. Model studies showed that this mixed nanoparticle system could efficiently purify and strongly enrich the model biomarker protein streptavidin in spiked human plasma. A 10 ng/mL streptavidin sample was mixed with the biotinylated and pNIPAAm modified AuNP and magnetically separated in the mixed nanoparticle system with pNIPAAm mNPs. The aggregates were concentrated into a 50-fold smaller fluid volume at room temperature where the gold nanoparticle reagent redissolved with the streptavidin target still bound. The concentrated gold-labeled streptavidin could be subsequently analyzed directly using lateral flow immunochromatography. This rapid capture and enrichment module thus utilizes the mixed stimuli-responsive nanoparticle system to achieve direct concentration of a gold-labeled biomarker that can be directly analyzed using lateral flow or other rapid diagnostic strategies. PMID:21070026

Effect of mix parameters on longevity of bituminous mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichle, Clayton Matthew

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of varying aggregate sources, aggregate gradations on the stripping and rutting potential of bituminous based plant mixes specified by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The different aggregate combinations included two different aggregate sources (Potosi Dolomite and Jefferson City Dolomite) including two variations for the Jefferson City Dolomite mix to simulate a marginally in-specification mix and an out-of-specification but in-field tolerance mix. The "field" mix simulated the marginal mix where field tolerance of high dust and low binder content were maximized. All three mixes were evaluated for stripping susceptibility using the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) test and the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD). The mix characteristics (unit weight, effective binder content, and air voids) were used for a Level 3 analysis in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to determine long term pavement distress conditions such as fatigue cracking, rutting, and IRI (smoothness). The Potosi mix exhibited the best resistance to rutting and stripping during both the TSR testing as well as the Hamburg testing. The Jefferson City In-Spec and Out-of-Spec mixes showed less resistance to rutting and stripping in order, respectively. This was expected for the Jefferson City mixes where the aggregate was of lower quality (higher Los Angeles Abrasion, Micro Deval loss, absorption, and deleterious materials). Also, in the case of the Jefferson City Out-of-Spec mix, the binder content was lower. Upon evaluating the mixes using the MEPDG software, it was shown that mix characteristics such as air voids, VMA, and VFA influenced the fatigue cracking, rutting, and IRI predictions to a minor degree.

Subtle Effects of Aliphatic Alcohol Structure on Water Extraction and Solute Aggregation in Biphasic Water/ n -Dodecane

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

Knight, Andrew W.; Qiao, Baofu; Chiarizia, Renato

Organic phase aggregation behavior of 1-octanol and its structural isomer, 2-ethylhexanol, in a biphasic n-dodecane water system is studied with a combination of physical measurement, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and atomistic molecular dynamic simulations. Physical properties of the organic phases are probed following their mixing and equilibration with immiscible water phases. Studies reveal that the interfacial tension decreases as a function of increasing alcohol concentration over the solubility range of the alcohol with no evidence for a critical aggregate concentration (cac). An uptake of water into the organic phases is quantified, as a function of alcohol content, by Karl Fischermore » titrations. The extraction of water into dodecane was further assessed as a function of alcohol concentration via the slope-analysis method sometimes employed in chemical separations. This provides a qualitative understanding of solute (water/alcohol) aggregation in the organic phase. The physical results are supported by analyses of SAXS data that reveals an emergence of aggregates in n-dodecane at elevated alcohol concentrations. The observed aggregate structure is dependent on the alcohol tail group geometry, consistent with surfactant packing parameter. The formation of these aggregates is discussed at a molecular level, where alcohol-alcohol and alcohol-water H-bonding interactions likely dominate the occurrence and morphology of the aggregates.« less

Feasibility of substituting #78 for #8 aggregate in S-5 mixes.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1979-01-01

The study investigated the feasibility of using a coarse aggregate in the S-5 asphalt mixes. Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation specifications were adhered to with the exception of incorporating into the mix a small percentage of +1/2...

The Influence of Prior Modes of Growth, Temperature, Medium, and Substrate Surface on Biofilm Formation by Antibiotic-Resistant Campylobacter jejuni.

PubMed

Teh, Amy Huei Teen; Lee, Sui Mae; Dykes, Gary A

2016-12-01

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the most common causes of bacterial gastrointestinal food-borne infection worldwide. It has been suggested that biofilm formation may play a role in survival of these bacteria in the environment. In this study, the influence of prior modes of growth (planktonic or sessile), temperatures (37 and 42 °C), and nutrient conditions (nutrient broth and Mueller-Hinton broth) on biofilm formation by eight C. jejuni strains with different antibiotic resistance profiles was examined. The ability of these strains to form biofilm on different abiotic surfaces (stainless steel, glass, and polystyrene) as well as factors potentially associated with biofilm formation (bacterial surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, and initial attachment) was also determined. The results showed that cells grown as sessile culture generally have a greater ability to form biofilm (P < 0.05) compared to their planktonic counterparts. Biofilm was also greater (P < 0.05) in lower nutrient media, while growth at different temperatures affects biofilm formation in a strain-dependent manner. The strains were able to attach and form biofilms on different abiotic surfaces, but none of them demonstrated strong, complex, or structured biofilm formation. There were no clear trends between the bacterial surface hydrophobicity, auto-aggregation, attachment, and biofilm formation by the strains. This finding suggests that environmental factors did affect biofilm formation by C. jejuni, and they are more likely to persist in the environment in the form of mixed-species rather than monospecies biofilms.

An experimental study on the hazard assessment and mechanical properties of porous concrete utilizing coal bottom ash coarse aggregate in Korea.

PubMed

Park, Seung Bum; Jang, Young Il; Lee, Jun; Lee, Byung Jae

2009-07-15

This study evaluates quality properties and toxicity of coal bottom ash coarse aggregate and analyzes mechanical properties of porous concrete depending on mixing rates of coal bottom ash. As a result, soundness and resistance to abrasion of coal bottom ash coarse aggregate were satisfied according to the standard of coarse aggregate for concrete. To satisfy the standard pertaining to chloride content, the coarse aggregates have to be washed more than twice. In regards to the result of leaching test for coal bottom ash coarse aggregate and porous concrete produced with these coarse aggregates, it was satisfied with the environment criteria. As the mixing rate of coal bottom ash increased, influence of void ratio and permeability coefficient was very little, but compressive and flexural strength decreased. When coal bottom ash was mixed over 40%, strength decreased sharply (compressive strength: by 11.7-27.1%, flexural strength: by maximum 26.4%). Also, as the mixing rate of coal bottom ash increased, it was confirmed that test specimens were destroyed by aggregate fracture more than binder fracture and interface fracture. To utilize coal bottom ash in large quantities, it is thought that an improvement method in regards to strength has to be discussed such as incorporation of reinforcing materials and improvement of aggregate hardness.

Validation of source approval of HMA surface mix aggregate : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

The main focus of this research project was to develop methodologies for the validation of source approval of hot : mix asphalt surface mix aggregate. In order to further enhance the validation process, a secondary focus was also to : create a spectr...

Evaluation of Superpave Gyratory Compaction of Hot Mix Asphalt

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-01-01

About 85 percent of hot mix asphalt (HMA) by volume consist of mineral aggregate. One of the most important properties of the aggregate in a HMA mix is the gradation. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of restricted zone on volumetric ...

Role of CaCO3 and Charcoal Application on Organic Matter Retention in Silt-sized Aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berhe, A. A.; Kaiser, M.; Ghezzehei, T.; Myrold, D.; Kleber, M.

2011-12-01

The effectiveness of charcoal and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) applications to improve soil conditions has been well documented. However, their influence on the formation of silt-sized aggregates and the amount and protection of associated organic matter (OM) against microbial decomposition under differing soil mineralogical and microbiological conditions are still unknown. For sustainable management of agricultural soils, silt-sized aggregates (2-50 μm) are of particularly large importance because they store up to 60% of soil organic carbon and with mean residence times between 70 and 400 years. The objectives of this study are i) to analyze the ability of soil amendments (CaCO3, charcoal and their combined application) to increase the amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated organic matter, ii) vary soil mineral conditions to establish relevant boundary conditions for amendment-induced aggregation process, iii) to determine how amendment-induced changes in formation of silt-sized aggregates relate to microbial decomposition of OM. We set up artificial high reactive (clay: 40%, sand: 57%, SOM: 3%) and low reactive soils (clay: 10%, sand: 89%, SOM: 1%) and mixed them with charcoal (1%) and/or CaCO3 (0.2%). The samples were adjusted to a water potential of 0.3 bar using a nutrient solution and sub samples were incubated with microbial innoculum. After four months, silt-sized aggregates are separated by a combination of wet-sieving and sedimentation. We hypothesize that the relative increase in amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated OM is larger for less reactive soils than for high reactive soils because of a relative larger increase in binding agents by addition of charcoal and/or CaCO3 in less reactive soils. The effect of charcoal and/or CaCO3 application on the amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated OM is expected to increases with an increase in microbial activity. Between different treatments, we expect the incubated 'charcoal+CaCO3' combination to have the largest effect on silt-size scale aggregation processes because the amount of microbial derived cementing agents, charcoal derived functional groups containing OM, and Ca2+ ions are enhanced at the same time.

Layer-by-layer films and colloidal dispersions of graphene oxide nanosheets for efficient control of the fluorescence and aggregation properties of the cationic dye acridine orange.

PubMed

Hansda, Chaitali; Chakraborty, Utsav; Hussain, Syed Arshad; Bhattacharjee, Debajyoti; Paul, Pabitra Kumar

2016-03-15

Chemically derived graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets have received great deal of interest for technological application such as optoelectronic and biosensors. Aqueous dispersions of GO become an efficient template to induce the association of cationic dye namely Acridine Orange (AO). Interactions of AO with colloidal GO was governed by both electrostatic and π-π stacking cooperative interactions. The type of dye aggregations was found to depend on the concentration of GO in the mixed ensemble. Spectroscopic calculations revealed the formation of both H and J-type dimers, but H-type aggregations were predominant. Preparation of layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembled films of AO and GO onto poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) coated quartz substrate is also reported in this article. UV-Vis absorption, steady state and time resolve fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic techniques have been employed to explore the detail photophysical properties of pure AO, AO/GO mixed solution and AO/GO LbL films. Scanning electron microscopy was also used for visual evidence of the synthesized nanodimensional GO sheets. The fluorescence quenching of AO in the presence of GO in aqueous solution was due to the interfacial photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from photoexcited AO to GO i.e. GO acts as an efficient quenching agent for the fluorescence emission of AO. The quenching is found to be static in nature. Raman spectroscopic results also confirmed the interaction of AO with GO and the electron transfer. The formation of AO/GO complex via very fast excited state electron transfer mechanism may be proposed as to prepare GO-based fluorescence sensor for biomolecular detection without direct labeling the biomolecules by fluorescent probe. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Layer-by-layer films and colloidal dispersions of graphene oxide nanosheets for efficient control of the fluorescence and aggregation properties of the cationic dye acridine orange

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansda, Chaitali; Chakraborty, Utsav; Hussain, Syed Arshad; Bhattacharjee, Debajyoti; Paul, Pabitra Kumar

2016-03-01

Chemically derived graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets have received great deal of interest for technological application such as optoelectronic and biosensors. Aqueous dispersions of GO become an efficient template to induce the association of cationic dye namely Acridine Orange (AO). Interactions of AO with colloidal GO was governed by both electrostatic and π-π stacking cooperative interactions. The type of dye aggregations was found to depend on the concentration of GO in the mixed ensemble. Spectroscopic calculations revealed the formation of both H and J-type dimers, but H-type aggregations were predominant. Preparation of layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembled films of AO and GO onto poly (allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) coated quartz substrate is also reported in this article. UV-Vis absorption, steady state and time resolve fluorescence and Raman spectroscopic techniques have been employed to explore the detail photophysical properties of pure AO, AO/GO mixed solution and AO/GO LbL films. Scanning electron microscopy was also used for visual evidence of the synthesized nanodimensional GO sheets. The fluorescence quenching of AO in the presence of GO in aqueous solution was due to the interfacial photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from photoexcited AO to GO i.e. GO acts as an efficient quenching agent for the fluorescence emission of AO. The quenching is found to be static in nature. Raman spectroscopic results also confirmed the interaction of AO with GO and the electron transfer. The formation of AO/GO complex via very fast excited state electron transfer mechanism may be proposed as to prepare GO-based fluorescence sensor for biomolecular detection without direct labeling the biomolecules by fluorescent probe.

Metabolic states following accumulation of intracellular aggregates: implications for neurodegenerative diseases.

PubMed

Vazquez, Alexei

2013-01-01

The formation of intracellular aggregates is a common etiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondrial defects and oxidative stress has been pointed as the major mechanistic links between the accumulation of intracellular aggregates and cell death. In this work we propose a "metabolic cell death by overcrowding" as an alternative hypothesis. Using a model of neuron metabolism, we predict that as the concentration of protein aggregates increases the neurons transit through three different metabolic phases. The first phase (0-6 mM) corresponds with the normal neuron state, where the neuronal activity is sustained by the oxidative phosphorylation of lactate. The second phase (6-8.6 mM) is characterized by a mixed utilization of lactate and glucose as energy substrates and a switch from ammonia uptake to ammonia release by neurons. In the third phase (8.6-9.3 mM) neurons are predicted to support their energy demands from glycolysis and an alternative pathway for energy generation, involving reactions from serine synthesis, one carbon metabolism and the glycine cleavage system. The model also predicts a decrease in the maximum neuronal capacity for energy generation with increasing the concentration of protein aggregates. Ultimately this maximum capacity becomes zero when the protein aggregates reach a concentration of about 9.3 mM, predicting the cessation of neuronal activity.

Validation of source approval of HMA surface mix aggregate using spectrometer : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2016-04-01

The main focus of this research project was to develop methodologies for the validation of source approval of hot : mix asphalt surface mix aggregate. In order to further enhance the validation process, a secondary focus was also to : create a spectr...

Microwave-induced formation of oligomeric amyloid aggregates.

PubMed

Lee, Wonseok; Choi, Yeseong; Lee, Sang Won; Kim, Insu; Lee, Dongtak; Hong, Yoochan; Lee, Gyudo; Yoon, Dae Sung

2018-08-24

Amyloid aggregates have emerged as a significant hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Although it has been recently reported that microwave heating induces amyloid aggregation compared with conventional heating methods, the mechanism of amyloid aggregate induction has remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the formation of oligomeric amyloid aggregates (OAAs) by microwave irradiation at microscale volumes of solution. Microwave irradiation of protein monomer solution triggered rapid formation of OAAs within 7 min. We characterized the formation of OAAs using atomic force microscopy, thioflavin T fluorescent assay and circular dichroism. In the microwave system, we also investigated the inhibitory effect on the formation of amyloid aggregates by L-ascorbic acid as well as enhanced amyloid aggregation by silver nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nanowires. We believe that microwave technology has the potential to facilitate the study of amyloid aggregation in the presence of chemical agents or nanomaterials.

Combining Pre- and Post-Nucleation Trajectories for the Synthesis of High FAU-Content Faujasite Nanocrystals from Organic-Free Sols

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

Khaleel, Maryam; Xu, Wenqian; Lesch, David A.

The effects of synthesis conditions on the FAU/EMT content and the size of nanocrystals, formed from inorganic aluminosilicate sols, were investigated. High resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging and comparison of experimental X-ray diffraction patterns with simulations demonstrated that all materials made starting from synthesis mixtures in the composition range (1.8-33) SiO2: 1 Al2O3: (2.7-33) Na2O: (41-1000) H2O contain FAU/EMT intergrowths. Compositions with low water content increase the FAU fraction up to 0.8 but the crystal size exceeds 100 nm. Extension of the higher FAU purity to nanocrystals was achieved only by first mixing the sol at high water content compositionsmore » that favor nanocrystal formation and then - after a certain time - lowering by freeze-drying the water to levels favoring the formation of FAU. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering from representative optically clear and colloidally stable precursor sols (aged and crystallized at ambient temperature) reveal the formation of amorphous aggregates before the detection of crystals, in agreement with earlier findings and an existing model for the aggregative growth of the zeolite MFI. The presence of these amorphous aggregates coincides with the aforementioned state of sol that preserves the original trajectory towards nano-crystals after the pronounced reduction of water content by freeze-drying. If water reduction by freeze-drying is applied earlier (before the detection of amorphous aggregates), the sol follows the low water content trajectory towards larger crystals. Despite this memory effect, the sol at this stage is still agnostic towards FAU or EMT formation, the relative content of which is dominantly determined by the final water content. These findings demonstrate that it is possible to combine the effects of pre-and post-nucleation sol composition to steer crystal size and crystal structure, respectively. They confirm precursor nanoparticle evolution, while they emphasize the importance of solution phase composition at both pre- and post-nucleation stages of aggregative crystal growth.« less

Effect of Cement on Properties of Over-Burnt Brick Bituminous Concrete Mixes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarkar, Dipankar; Pal, Manish

2016-06-01

The present investigation is carried out to propose the use of cement coated over burnt brick aggregate in the preparation of bituminous concrete mix. The effect of cement on various mechanical properties such as Marshall stability, flow, Marshall quotient (stability to flow ratio), indirect tensile strength, stripping, rutting and fatigue life of bituminous concrete overlay has been evaluated. In this study, different cement percentages such as 2, 3, 4 and 5 % by weight of aggregate have been mixed with Over Burnt Brick Aggregate (OBBA). The laboratory results indicate that bituminous concrete prepared by 4 % cement coated OBBA gives the highest Marshall stability. The bituminous concrete mix with 4 % cement shows considerable improvement in various mechanical properties of the mix compared to the plain OBBA concrete mix.

Microemulsions and Aggregation Formation in Extraction Processes for Used Nuclear Fuel: Thermodynamic and Structural Studies

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

Nilsson, Mikael

Advanced nuclear fuel cycles rely on successful chemical separation of various elements in the used fuel. Numerous solvent extraction (SX) processes have been developed for the recovery and purification of metal ions from this used material. However, the predictability of process operations has been challenged by the lack of a fundamental understanding of the chemical interactions in several of these separation systems. For example, gaps in the thermodynamic description of the mechanism and the complexes formed will make predictions very challenging. Recent studies of certain extraction systems under development and a number of more established SX processes have suggested thatmore » aggregate formation in the organic phase results in a transformation of its selectivity and efficiency. Aggregation phenomena have consistently been interfering in SX process development, and have, over the years, become synonymous with an undesirable effect that must be prevented. This multiyear, multicollaborative research effort was carried out to study solvation and self-organization in non-aqueous solutions at conditions promoting aggregation phenomena. Our approach to this challenging topic was to investigate extraction systems comprising more than one extraction reagent where synergy of the metal ion could be observed. These systems were probed for the existence of stable microemulsions in the organic phase, and a number of high-end characterization tools were employed to elucidate the role of the aggregates in metal ion extraction. The ultimate goal was to find connections between synergy of metal ion extraction and reverse micellar formation. Our main accomplishment for this project was the expansion of the understanding of metal ion complexation in the extraction system combining tributyl phosphate (TBP) and dibutyl phosphoric acid (HDBP). We have found that for this system no direct correlation exists for the metal ion extraction and the formation of aggregates, meaning that the metal ion is not solubilized in a reverse micelle core. Rather we have found solid evidence that the metal ions are extracted and coordinated by the organic ligands as suggested by classic SX theories. However, we have challenged the existence of mixed complexes that have been suggested to exist in this particular extraction system. Most importantly we have generated a wealth of information and trained students on important lab techniques and strengthened the collaboration between the DOE national laboratories and US educational institution involved in this work.« less

A Study on Suitability of EAF Oxidizing Slag in Concrete: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Replacement for Natural Coarse Aggregate

PubMed Central

Sekaran, Alan; Palaniswamy, Murthi; Balaraju, Sivagnanaprakash

2015-01-01

Environmental and economic factors increasingly encourage higher utility of industrial by-products. The basic objective of this study was to identify alternative source for good quality aggregates which is depleting very fast due to fast pace of construction activities in India. EAF oxidizing slag as a by-product obtained during the process in steel making industry provides great opportunity to utilize it as an alternative to normally available coarse aggregates. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete made with EAF oxidizing slag in addition to supplementary cementing material fly ash. This study presents the experimental investigations carried out on concrete grades of M20 and M30 with three mixes: (i) Mix A, conventional concrete mix with no material substitution, (ii) Mix B, 30% replacement of cement with fly ash, and (iii) Mix C, 30% replacement of cement with fly ash and 50% replacement of coarse aggregate with EAF oxidizing slag. Tests were conducted to determine mechanical and durability properties up to the age of 90 days. The test results concluded that concrete made with EAF oxidizing slag and fly ash (Mix C) had greater strength and durability characteristics when compared to Mix A and Mix B. Based on the overall observations, it could be recommended that EAF oxidizing slag and fly ash could be effectively utilized as coarse aggregate replacement and cement replacement in all concrete applications. PMID:26421315

A Study on Suitability of EAF Oxidizing Slag in Concrete: An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Replacement for Natural Coarse Aggregate.

PubMed

Sekaran, Alan; Palaniswamy, Murthi; Balaraju, Sivagnanaprakash

2015-01-01

Environmental and economic factors increasingly encourage higher utility of industrial by-products. The basic objective of this study was to identify alternative source for good quality aggregates which is depleting very fast due to fast pace of construction activities in India. EAF oxidizing slag as a by-product obtained during the process in steel making industry provides great opportunity to utilize it as an alternative to normally available coarse aggregates. The primary aim of this research was to evaluate the physical, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete made with EAF oxidizing slag in addition to supplementary cementing material fly ash. This study presents the experimental investigations carried out on concrete grades of M20 and M30 with three mixes: (i) Mix A, conventional concrete mix with no material substitution, (ii) Mix B, 30% replacement of cement with fly ash, and (iii) Mix C, 30% replacement of cement with fly ash and 50% replacement of coarse aggregate with EAF oxidizing slag. Tests were conducted to determine mechanical and durability properties up to the age of 90 days. The test results concluded that concrete made with EAF oxidizing slag and fly ash (Mix C) had greater strength and durability characteristics when compared to Mix A and Mix B. Based on the overall observations, it could be recommended that EAF oxidizing slag and fly ash could be effectively utilized as coarse aggregate replacement and cement replacement in all concrete applications.

"Mixed-charge self-assembled monolayers" as a facile method to design pH-induced aggregation of large gold nanoparticles for near-infrared photothermal cancer therapy.

PubMed

Li, Huan; Liu, Xiangsheng; Huang, Nan; Ren, Kefeng; Jin, Qiao; Ji, Jian

2014-01-01

The acidic microenvironment of tumor tissues has proven to be one of the major differences from other normal tissues. The near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation of aggregated gold nanoparticles in a tumor acidic pH-induced manner could then provide an effect approach to treat solid tumors with the advantage of minimizing the undesired damage to normal tissues. Although it is well-known the aggregation of larger nanoparticles will result in a better NIR photothermal effect, the preparation of pH-sensitive gold nanoparticles in large sizes remains a big challenge because of their worse dispersive stability. In this paper, we introduce a facile way to endow large gold nanoparticles with tunable pH-aggregation behaviors by modifying the nanoparticle surface with mixed-charge self-assembly monolayers compromising positively and negatively charged thiol ligands. Four different size nanoparticles were used to study the general principle of tailoring the pH-induced aggregation behaviors of mixed-charge gold nanoparticles (MC-GNPs) by adjusting the surface ligand composition. With proper surface ligand composition, the MC-GNPs in four different sizes that all exhibited aggregation at tumor acidic pH were obtained. The biggest MC-GNPs showed the most encouraging aggregation-enhanced photothermal efficacy in vitro when they formed aggregates. The mixed-charge self-assembled monolayers were then proved as a facile method to design pH-induced aggregation of large gold nanoparticles for better NIR photothermal cancer therapy.

Performance Testing of Hot-Mix Asphalt Aggregates

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1999-12-01

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements are subject to thermal cracking, fatigue cracking, rutting, stripping, raveling, and freeze-thaw damage. Some of these distresses are directly affected by the choice of aggregates. Particle shape, surface texture, part...

Influence of calcium carbonate and charcoal application on aggregation processes and organic matter retention at the silt-size scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asefaw Berhe, Asmeret; Kaiser, Michael; Ghezzehei, Teamrat; Myrold, David; Kleber, Markus

2013-04-01

The effectiveness of charcoal and calcium carbonate applications to improve soil conditions has been well documented. However, their influence on the formation of silt-sized aggregates and the amount and protection of associated organic matter (OM) against microbial decomposition is still largely unknown. For sustainable management of agricultural soils, silt-sized aggregates (2-53 µm) are of particularly large importance because they store up to 60% of soil organic carbon with mean residence times between 70 and 400 years. The objectives are i) to analyze the ability of CaCO3 and/or charcoal application to increase the amount of silt-sized aggregates and associated OM, ii) vary soil mineral conditions to establish relevant boundary conditions for amendment-induced aggregation processes, iii) to determine how amendment-induced changes in formation of silt-sized aggregates relate to microbial decomposition of OM. We set up artificial high reactive (HR, clay: 40%, sand: 57%, OM: 3%) and low reactive soils (LR, clay: 10%, sand: 89%, OM: 1%) and mixed them with charcoal (CC, 1%) and/or calcium carbonate (Ca, 0.2%). The samples were adjusted to a water potential of 0.3 bar and sub samples were incubated with microbial inoculum (MO). After a 16-weeks aggregation experiment, size fractions were separated by wet-sieving and sedimentation. Since we did not use mineral compounds in the artificial mixtures within the size range of 2 to 53 µm, we consider material recovered in this fraction as silt-sized aggregates, which was confirmed by SEM analyses. For the LR mixtures, we detected increasing N concentrations within the 2-53 µm fractions of the charcoal amended samples (CC, CC+Ca, and CC+Ca+MO) as compared to the Control sample with the strongest effect for the CC+Ca+MO sample. This indicates an association of N-containing microbial derived OM with silt-sized aggregates. For the charcoal amended LR and HR mixtures, the C concentrations of the 2-53 µm fractions are larger than those of the respective fractions of the Control samples but the effect is several times stronger for the LR mixtures. The C concentrations of the 2-53 µm fractions relative to the total C amount of the LR and HR mixtures are between 30 and 50%. The charcoal amended samples show generally larger relative C amounts associated with the 2-53 µm fractions than the Control samples. Benefits for aggregate formation and OM storage were larger for sand (LR) than for clay soil (HR). The gained data are similar to respective data for natural soils. Consequently, the suggested microcosm experiments are suitable to analyze mechanisms within soil aggregation processes.

Diatom-associated bacteria are required for aggregation of Thalassiosira weissflogii

PubMed Central

Gärdes, Astrid; Iversen, Morten H; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Passow, Uta; Ullrich, Matthias S

2011-01-01

Aggregation of algae, mainly diatoms, is an important process in marine systems leading to the settling of particulate organic carbon predominantly in the form of marine snow. Exudation products of phytoplankton form transparent exopolymer particles (TEP), which acts as the glue for particle aggregation. Heterotrophic bacteria interacting with phytoplankton may influence TEP formation and phytoplankton aggregation. This bacterial impact has not been explored in detail. We hypothesized that bacteria attaching to Thalassiosira weissflogii might interact in a yet-to-be determined manner, which could impact TEP formation and aggregate abundance. The role of individual T. weissflogii-attaching and free-living new bacterial isolates for TEP production and diatom aggregation was investigated in vitro. T. weissflogii did not aggregate in axenic culture, and striking differences in aggregation dynamics and TEP abundance were observed when diatom cultures were inoculated with either diatom-attaching or free-living bacteria. The data indicated that free-living bacteria might not influence aggregation whereas bacteria attaching to diatom cells may increase aggregate formation. Interestingly, photosynthetically inactivated T. weissflogii cells did not aggregate regardless of the presence of bacteria. Comparison of aggregate formation, TEP production, aggregate sinking velocity and solid hydrated density revealed remarkable differences. Both, photosynthetically active T. weissflogii and specific diatom-attaching bacteria were required for aggregation. It was concluded that interactions between heterotrophic bacteria and diatoms increased aggregate formation and particle sinking and thus may enhance the efficiency of the biological pump. PMID:20827289

The roles of prostaglandin endoperoxides, thromboxane A2 and adenosine diphosphate in collagen-induced aggregation in man and the rat.

PubMed Central

Emms, H.; Lewis, G. P.

1986-01-01

The effects of aspirin, carboxyheptylimidazole (CHI) and creatine phosphate/creatine phosphokinase (CP/CPK) on platelet aggregation and thromboxane B2 (TxB2) formation induced by collagen have been examined in vitro. Platelets from two species, man and the rat, have been used. In man, aspirin and CHI abolished TxB2 production but only partially inhibited aggregation. CP/CPK partially inhibited aggregation and TxB2 formation. In the rat, aspirin and CHI abolished TxB2 formation but had no effect on aggregation. CP/CPK completely inhibited aggregation and partially inhibited TxB2 generation. In man, collagen-induced aggregation is largely dependent on ADP and to a lesser extent on arachidonate metabolites whereas, in the rat, ADP alone mediates aggregation induced by this agonist. The results with CP/CPK suggest that TxB2 formation is dependent either on the prior release of platelet ADP or on aggregation itself rather than being responsible for the aggregation response. PMID:3082399

Chemical colloids versus biological colloids: a comparative study for the elucidation of the mechanism of protein fiber formation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Xu, Shaohua; Wu, David; Arnsdorf, Morton; Johnson, Robert; Getz, Godfrey S.; Cabana, Veneracion G.

2005-01-01

Fiber formation from murine serum amyloid A1 (SAA) was compared to the linear aggregation and fiber formation of colloidal gold particles. Here we report the similarities of these processes. Upon incubation with acetic acid, SAA misfolds and adopts a new conformation, which we termed saa. saa apparently is less soluble than SAA in aqueous solution; it aggregates and forms nucleation units and then fibers. The fibers appear as a string of the nucleation units. Additionally, an external electric field promotes saa fiber formation. These properties of saa are reminiscent of colloidal gold formation from gold ions and one-dimensional aggregation of the gold colloids. Colloidal gold particles were also found to be capable of aggregating one-dimensionally under an electric field or in the presence of polylysine. These gold fibers resembled in structure that of saa fibers. In summary, protein aggregation and formation of fibers appear to follow the generalized principles derived in colloidal science for the aggregation of atoms and molecules, including polymers such as polypeptides. The analysis of colloidal gold formation and of one-dimensional aggregation provides a simple model system for the elucidation of some aspects of protein fiber formation.

Evaluation of the effect on aggregate properties of samples extracted using the ignition furnace.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2000-04-01

The Superpave mix design system includes four consensus aggregate properties to ensure aggregate quality: coarse aggregate angularity, flat and elongated particles, fine aggregate angularity, and sand equivalent. In addition to determining these cons...

Aggregation of gluten proteins in model dough after fibre polysaccharide addition.

PubMed

Nawrocka, Agnieszka; Szymańska-Chargot, Monika; Miś, Antoni; Wilczewska, Agnieszka Z; Markiewicz, Karolina H

2017-09-15

FT-Raman spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were used to study changes in structure of gluten proteins and their thermal properties influenced by four dietary fibre polysaccharides (microcrystalline cellulose, inulin, apple pectin and citrus pectin) during development of a model dough. The flour reconstituted from wheat starch and wheat gluten was mixed with the polysaccharides in five concentrations: 3%, 6%, 9%, 12% and 18%. The obtained results showed that all polysaccharides induced similar changes in secondary structure of gluten proteins concerning formation of aggregates (1604cm -1 ), H-bonded parallel- and antiparallel-β-sheets (1690cm -1 ) and H-bonded β-turns (1664cm -1 ). These changes concerned mainly glutenins since β-structures are characteristic for them. The observed structural changes confirmed hypothesis about partial dehydration of gluten network after polysaccharides addition. The gluten aggregation and dehydration processes were also reflected in the DSC results, while the TGA ones showed that gluten network remained thermally stable after polysaccharides addition. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Coupling of demixing and magnetic ordering phase transitions probed by turbidimetric measurements in a binary mixture doped with magnetic nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hernández-Díaz, Lorenzo; Hernández-Reta, Juan Carlos; Encinas, Armando; Nahmad-Molinari, Yuri

2010-05-19

We present a novel study on the effect of a magnetic field applied on a binary mixture doped with magnetic nanoparticles close to its demixing transition. Turbidity measurements in the Faraday configuration show that the effect of applying an external field produces changes in the critical opalescence of the mixture that allow us to track an aggregation produced by critical Casimir forces and a reversible aggregation due to the formation of chain-like flocks in response to the external magnetic field. The observation of a crossover of the aggregation curves through optical signals is interpreted as the evolution from low to high power dispersion nuclei due to an increase in the radius of the condensation seed brought about by Casimir or magnetic interactions. Finally, evidence of an enhanced magnetocaloric effect due to the coupling between mixing and ordering phase transitions is presented which opens up a nonsolid state approach of designing refrigerating cycles and devices.

Self-Assembly of Porphyrin J-Aggregates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Snitka, Valentinas; Rackaitis, Mindaugas; Navickaite, Gintare

2006-03-01

The porphyrin nanotubes were built by ionic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrins in aqueous solution. The porphyrins in the acid aqueous solution self-assemble into J-aggregates, wheels or other structures. The electrostatic forces between these porphyrin blocks contribute to the formation of porphyrin aggregates in the form of nanotubes, enhance the structural stability of these nanostructures. The nanotubes were composed mixing aqueous solutions of the two porphyrins - anionic Meso-tetra(4- sulfonatophrnyl)porhine dihydrochloride (TPPS4) and cationic Meso-tetra(4-pyridyl)porphine (T4MPyP). The porphyrin nanotubes obtained are hollow structures with the length of 300 nm and diameter 50 nm. Photocatalytic porphyrins are used to reduce metal complexes from aqueous solution and to control the deposition of Au from AuHCl4 and Au nanoparticles colloid solutions onto porphyrin nanotubes. Porphyrin nanotubes are shown to reduce metal complexes and deposit the metal selectively onto the inner or outer surface of the tubes, leading to nanotube-metal composite structures.

Synergetics of hardening construction systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolstoy, A. D.; Lesovik, V. S.; Glagolev, E. S.; Krymova, A. I.

2018-03-01

The study of hardening high-strength systems indicates the relation between the potential of synergetics and issues related to structure formation of aggregates produced on the basis of rationally selected construction mixes. The paper considers challenges of the general principles of synergetics and sustainable development of open dissipative systems and their use in industry, as well as their understanding as complete self-regulating nonequilibrium systems. The main objective of the study was to demonstrate that the principles of self-regulating systems development can be applied in construction technology.

Cationic gemini surfactant as a dual linker for a cholic acid-modified polysaccharide in aqueous solution: thermodynamics of interaction and phase behavior.

PubMed

Bai, Guangyue; Wu, Hui; Lou, Pengxiao; Wang, Yujie; Nichifor, Marieta; Zhuo, Kelei; Wang, Jianji; Bastos, Margarida

2017-01-04

Understanding the thermodynamics of formation of biocompatible aggregates is a key factor in the bottom up approach to the development of novel types of drug carriers and their structural tuning using small amphiphilic molecules. We chose an anionic amphiphilic and biocompatible polymer that consists of a dextran and grafted cholic acid pendants, randomly distributed along the dextran backbone, with a degree of substitution (DS) of 15 mol% (designated Dex-15CACOONa). The thermodynamics of interaction and phase behavior of mixtures of this polyelectrolyte and a cationic gemini surfactant hexanediyl-α,ω-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (C 12 C 6 C 12 Br 2 ) or its monomer surfactant dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) in aqueous solution were characterized by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and turbidity, together with cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM). The various critical concentrations and the enthalpy changes of the corresponding phase transitions for the oppositely charged system were obtained from the plots of the observed enthalpy change (ΔH obs ) and turbidity measurements as a function of gemini concentration. The morphologies of the aggregates in various phases were observed by Cryo-TEM. Altogether these results suggest the critical role of gemini as a dual linker. At the concentrations where the crosslink between the pendant aggregates happens, the free gemini concentration is proximately zero and the aggregate retains its negative charge. The analysis of various factors involved in the interaction allowed a rationalization of the driving forces for mixed aggregate formation, which will contribute to a subsequent rational design of drug delivery systems based on this polymer/surfactant system.

Value-added utilisation of recycled concrete in hot-mix asphalt.

PubMed

Wong, Yiik Diew; Sun, Darren Delai; Lai, Dickson

2007-01-01

The feasibility of partial substitution of granite aggregate in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) with waste concrete aggregate was investigated. Three hybrid HMA mixes incorporating substitutions of granite fillers/fines with 6%, 45% untreated, and 45% heat-treated concrete were evaluated by the Marshall mix design method; the optimum binder contents were found to be 5.3%, 6.5% and 7.0% of grade Pen 60/70 bitumen, respectively. All three hybrid mixes satisfied the Marshall criteria of the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) W3B wearing course specification. The hybrid mix with 6% concrete fillers gave comparable resilient modulus and creep resistance as the conventional W3B mix, while hybrid mixes with higher concrete substitutions achieved better performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the distinct presence of free lime in the heat-treated concrete, while the scanning electron microscope (SEM) provided an in-depth perspective of the concrete grains in the HMA matrix. The results suggest feasible use of waste concrete as partial aggregate substitution in HMA.

Multiscale imaging and characterization of the effect of mixing temperature on asphalt concrete containing recycled components.

PubMed

Cavalli, M C; Griffa, M; Bressi, S; Partl, M N; Tebaldi, G; Poulikakos, L D

2016-10-01

When producing asphalt concrete mixture with high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), the mixing temperature plays a significant role in the resulting spatial distribution of the components as well as on the quality of the resulting mixture, in terms of workability during mixing and compaction as well as in service mechanical properties. Asphalt concrete containing 50% RAP was investigated at mixing temperatures of 140, 160 and 180°C, using a multiscale approach. At the microscale, using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy the RAP binder film thickness was visualized and measured. It was shown that at higher mixing temperatures this film thickness was reduced. The reduction in film thickness can be attributed to the loss of volatiles as well as the mixing of RAP binder with virgin binder at higher temperatures. X-ray computer tomography was used to characterize statistically the distribution of the RAP and virgin aggregates geometric features: volume, width and shape anisotropy. In addition using X-ray computer tomography, the packing and spatial distribution of the RAP and virgin aggregates was characterized using the nearest neighbour metric. It was shown that mixing temperature may have a positive effect on the spatial distribution of the aggregates but did not affect the packing. The study shows a tendency for the RAP aggregates to be more likely distributed in clusters at lower mixing temperatures. At higher temperatures, they were more homogeneously distributed. This indicates a higher degree of blending both at microscale (binder film) and macroscale (spatial distribution) between RAP and virgin aggregates as a result of increasing mixing temperatures and the ability to quantify this using various imaging techniques. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Problem of the thermodynamic status of the mixed-layer minerals

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zen, E.-A.

1962-01-01

Minerals that show mixed layering, particularly with the component layers in random sequence, pose problems because they may behave thermodynamically as single phases or as polyphase aggregates. Two operational criteria are proposed for their distinction. The first scheme requires two samples of mixed-layer material which differ only in the proportions of the layers. If each of these two samples are allowed to equilibrate with the same suitably chosen monitoring solution, then the intensive parameters of the solution will be invariant if the mixed-layer sample is a polyphase aggregate, but not otherwise. The second scheme makes use of the fact that portions of many titration curves of clay minerals show constancy of the chemical activities of the components in the equilibrating solutions, suggesting phase separation. If such phase separation occurs for a mixed-layer material, then, knowing the number of independent components in the system, it should be possible to decide on the number of phases the mixed-layer material represents. Knowledge of the phase status of mixed-layer material is essential to the study of the equilibrium relations of mineral assemblages involving such material, because a given mixed-layer mineral will be plotted and treated differently on a phase diagram, depending on whether it is a single phase or a polyphase aggregate. Extension of the titration technique to minerals other than the mixed-layer type is possible. In particular, this method may be used to determine if cryptoperthites and peristerites are polyphase aggregates. In general, for any high-order phase separation, the method may be used to decide just at what point in this continuous process the system must be regarded operationally as a polyphase aggregate. ?? 1962.

Pre-Saturation Technique of the Recycled Aggregates: Solution to the Water Absorption Drawback in the Recycled Concrete Manufacture †

PubMed Central

García-González, Julia; Rodríguez-Robles, Desirée; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Morán-del Pozo, Julia Mª; Guerra-Romero, M. Ignacio

2014-01-01

The replacement of natural aggregates by recycled aggregates in the concrete manufacturing has been spreading worldwide as a recycling method to counteract the large amount of construction and demolition waste. Although legislation in this field is still not well developed, many investigations demonstrate the possibilities of success of this trend given that concrete with satisfactory mechanical and durability properties could be achieved. However, recycled aggregates present a low quality compared to natural aggregates, the water absorption being their main drawback. When used untreated in concrete mix, the recycled aggregate absorb part of the water initially calculated for the cement hydration, which will adversely affect some characteristics of the recycled concrete. This article seeks to demonstrate that the technique of pre-saturation is able to solve the aforementioned problem. In order to do so, the water absorption of the aggregates was tested to determine the necessary period of soaking to bring the recycled aggregates into a state of suitable humidity for their incorporation into the mixture. Moreover, several concrete mixes were made with different replacement percentages of natural aggregate and various periods of pre-saturation. The consistency and compressive strength of the concrete mixes were tested to verify the feasibility of the proposed technique. PMID:28788188

Chaperone protein HYPK interacts with the first 17 amino acid region of Huntingtin and modulates mutant HTT-mediated aggregation and cytotoxicity

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

Choudhury, Kamalika Roy; Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012; Bhattacharyya, Nitai P., E-mail: nitai_sinp@yahoo.com

2015-01-02

Highlights: • HYPK reduces mutant HTT-mediated aggregate formation and cytotoxicity. • Interaction of HYPK with HTT requires N-terminal 17 amino acid of HTT (HTT-N17). • Deletion of HTT-N17 leads to SDS-soluble, smaller, nuclear aggregates. • These smaller aggregates do not associate with HYPK and are more cytotoxic. • Maybe, interaction of HYPK with amphipathic HTT-N17 block HTT aggregate formation. - Abstract: Huntington’s disease is a polyglutamine expansion disorder, characterized by mutant HTT-mediated aggregate formation and cytotoxicity. Many reports suggests roles of N-terminal 17 amino acid domain of HTT (HTT-N17) towards subcellular localization, aggregate formation and subsequent pathogenicity induced by N-terminalmore » HTT harboring polyQ stretch in pathogenic range. HYPK is a HTT-interacting chaperone which can reduce N-terminal mutant HTT-mediated aggregate formation and cytotoxicity in neuronal cell lines. However, how HYPK interacts with N-terminal fragment of HTT remained unknown. Here we report that specific interaction of HYPK with HTT-N17 is crucial for the chaperone activity of HYPK. Deletion of HTT-N17 leads to formation of tinier, SDS-soluble nuclear aggregates formed by N-terminal mutant HTT. The increased cytotoxicity imparted by these tiny aggregates might be contributed due to loss of interaction with HYPK.« less

Quality Assessment of Mixed and Ceramic Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Wastes in the Concrete Manufacture According to the Spanish Standard.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Robles, Desirée; García-González, Julia; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Morán-Del Pozo, Julia Mª; Guerra-Romero, Manuel I

2014-08-13

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) constitutes an increasingly significant problem in society due to the volume generated, rendering sustainable management and disposal problematic. The aim of this study is to identify a possible reuse option in the concrete manufacturing for recycled aggregates with a significant ceramic content: mixed recycled aggregates (MixRA) and ceramic recycled aggregates (CerRA). In order to do so, several tests are conducted in accordance with the Spanish Code on Structural Concrete (EHE-08) to determine the composition in weight and physic-mechanical characteristics (particle size distributions, fine content, sand equivalent, density, water absorption, flakiness index, and resistance to fragmentation) of the samples for the partial inclusion of the recycled aggregates in concrete mixes. The results of these tests clearly support the hypothesis that this type of material may be suitable for such partial replacements if simple pretreatment is carried out. Furthermore, this measure of reuse is in line with European, national, and regional policies on sustainable development, and presents a solution to the environmental problem caused by the generation of CDW.

Novel direct factor Xa inhibitory compounds from Tenebrio molitor with anti-platelet aggregation activity.

PubMed

Lee, Wonhwa; Kim, Mi-Ae; Park, InWha; Hwang, Jae Sam; Na, MinKyun; Bae, Jong-Sup

2017-11-01

Tenebrio molitor is an edible insect that has antimicrobial, anticancer, and antihypertensive effects. The aim of this study was to identify the unreported bioactive compounds from T. molitor larvae with inhibitory activities against factor Xa (FXa) and platelet aggregation. Isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-FXa and anti-platelet aggregation properties by monitoring clotting time, platelet aggregation, FXa activity, and thrombus formation. A diketopiperazine (1, cyclo( L -Pro- L -Tyr)) and a phenylethanoid (2, N-acetyltyramine) were isolated and inhibited the catalytic activity of FXa in a mixed inhibition model and inhibited platelet aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and U46619. They inhibited ADP- and U46619-induced phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS) and the expression of P-selectin and PAC-1 in platelets. They also improved the production of nitric oxide and inhibited the oversecretion of endothelin-1 compared to that of the ADP- or U46619-treated group. In an animal model of arterial and pulmonary thrombosis, the isolated compounds showed enhanced antithrombotic effects. They also elicited anticoagulant effects in mice. Compounds 1-2 inhibited ADP-, collagen-, or U46619-induced platelet aggregation and showed similar anti-thrombotic efficacy to rivaroxaban, a positive control. Therefore, 1-2 could serve as candidates and provide scaffolds for the development of new anti-FXa and anti-platelet drugs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of Thermal Denaturation and Aggregation of Bovine Serum Albumin

PubMed Central

Borzova, Vera A.; Markossian, Kira A.; Chebotareva, Natalia A.; Kleymenov, Sergey Yu.; Poliansky, Nikolay B.; Muranov, Konstantin O.; Stein-Margolina, Vita A.; Shubin, Vladimir V.; Markov, Denis I.; Kurganov, Boris I.

2016-01-01

Thermal aggregation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been studied using dynamic light scattering, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation and analytical ultracentrifugation. The studies were carried out at fixed temperatures (60°C, 65°C, 70°C and 80°C) in 0.1 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, at BSA concentration of 1 mg/ml. Thermal denaturation of the protein was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. Analysis of the experimental data shows that at 65°C the stage of protein unfolding and individual stages of protein aggregation are markedly separated in time. This circumstance allowed us to propose the following mechanism of thermal aggregation of BSA. Protein unfolding results in the formation of two forms of the non-native protein with different propensity to aggregation. One of the forms (highly reactive unfolded form, Uhr) is characterized by a high rate of aggregation. Aggregation of Uhr leads to the formation of primary aggregates with the hydrodynamic radius (Rh,1) of 10.3 nm. The second form (low reactive unfolded form, Ulr) participates in the aggregation process by its attachment to the primary aggregates produced by the Uhr form and possesses ability for self-aggregation with formation of stable small-sized aggregates (Ast). At complete exhaustion of Ulr, secondary aggregates with the hydrodynamic radius (Rh,2) of 12.8 nm are formed. At 60°C the rates of unfolding and aggregation are commensurate, at 70°C the rates of formation of the primary and secondary aggregates are commensurate, at 80°C the registration of the initial stages of aggregation is complicated by formation of large-sized aggregates. PMID:27101281

A study on the performance of concrete containing recycled aggregates and ceramic as materials replacement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azmi, N. B.; Khalid, F. S.; Irwan, J. M.; Anting, N.; Mazenan, P. N.

2017-11-01

Natural fine aggregate materials are commonly used in development and commercial construction in Malaysia. In fact, concrete production was increased as linear with the growing Malaysia economy. However, an issue was production of concrete was to locate adequate sources of natural fine aggregates. There lot of studies have been conducted in order to replace the fine aggregate in which natural fine aggregate replace with the waste material in concrete preparation. Therefore, this study aims to utilize the Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) and ceramic waste which has great potential to replace the natural aggregate in concrete mix with different type of method, admixture, and parameters. This research were focused on compressive strength and water absorption test to determine the optimum mix ratio of concrete mix. The concrete aggregate was chosen due to improvement capillary bonding mechanisms and ceramic presented similar strength compared to the conventional concrete using natural aggregate. Percent of replacement have been used in this study was at 25%, 35% and 45% of the RCA and 5%, 10% and 15% for ceramic, respectively. Furthermore, this research was conduct to find the optimum percentage of aggregate replacement, using water-cement ratio of 0.55 with concrete grade 25/30. The best percentage of replacement was the RCA35% C15% with the compressive strength of 34.72 MPa and the water absorption was satisfied.

Method for the production of cementitious compositions and aggregate derivatives from said compositions

DOEpatents

Minnick, L. John

1981-01-01

Method for the production of cementitious compositions and aggregate derivatives of said compositions, and cementitious compositions and aggregates produced by said method, wherein fluidized bed combustion residue and pozzolanic material, such as pulverized coal combustion system fly ash, are incorporated in a cementitious mix. The mix is cast into desired shape and cured. If desired, the shape may then be crushed so as to result in a fluidized bed combustion residue-fly ash aggregate material or the shape may be used by itself.

Lysosomal enzyme cathepsin B enhances the aggregate forming activity of exogenous α-synuclein fibrils.

PubMed

Tsujimura, Atsushi; Taguchi, Katsutoshi; Watanabe, Yoshihisa; Tatebe, Harutsugu; Tokuda, Takahiko; Mizuno, Toshiki; Tanaka, Masaki

2015-01-01

The formation of intracellular aggregates containing α-synuclein (α-Syn) is one of the key steps in the progression of Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Recently, it was reported that pathological α-Syn fibrils can undergo cell-to-cell transmission and form Lewy body-like aggregates. However, little is known about how they form α-Syn aggregates from fibril seeds. Here, we developed an assay to study the process of aggregate formation using fluorescent protein-tagged α-Syn-expressing cells and examined the aggregate forming activity of exogenous α-Syn fibrils. α-Syn fibril-induced formation of intracellular aggregates was suppressed by a cathepsin B specific inhibitor, but not by a cathepsin D inhibitor. α-Syn fibrils pretreated with cathepsin B in vitro enhanced seeding activity in cells. Knockdown of cathepsin B also reduced fibril-induced aggregate formation. Moreover, using LAMP-1 immunocytochemistry and live-cell imaging, we observed that these aggregates initially occurred in the lysosome. They then rapidly grew larger and moved outside the boundary of the lysosome within one day. These results suggest that the lysosomal protease cathepsin B is involved in triggering intracellular aggregate formation by α-Syn fibrils. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

IgG particle formation during filling pump operation: a case study of heterogeneous nucleation on stainless steel nanoparticles.

PubMed

Tyagi, Anil K; Randolph, Theodore W; Dong, Aichun; Maloney, Kevin M; Hitscherich, Carl; Carpenter, John F

2009-01-01

This study investigated factors associated with vial filling with a positive displacement piston pump leading to formation of protein particles in a formulation of an IgG. We hypothesized that nanoparticles shed from the pump's solution-contact surfaces nucleated protein aggregation and particle formation. Vials of IgG formulation filled at a clinical manufacturing site contained a few visible particles and about 100,000 particles (1.5-3 microm) per mL. In laboratory studies with the same model (National Instruments FUS-10) of pump, pumping of 20 mg/mL IgG formulation resulted in about 300,000 particles (1.5-3 microm) per mL. Pumping of protein-free formulation resulted in 13,000 particles (1.5-15 microm) per mL. More than 99% of the particles were 0.25-0.95 microm in size. Mixing of protein-free pumped solution with an equal volume of 40 mg/mL IgG resulted in 300,000 particles (1.5-15 microm) per mL. Also, mixing IgG formulation with 30,000/mL stainless steel nanoparticles resulted in formation of 30,000 protein microparticles (1.5-15 microm) per mL. Infrared spectroscopy showed that secondary structure of IgG in microparticles formed by pumping or mixing with steel nanoparticles was minimally perturbed. Our results document that nanoparticles of foreign materials shed by pumps can serve as heterogeneous nuclei for formation of protein microparticles. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association

Using Qualitative Metasummary to Synthesize Qualitative and Quantitative Descriptive Findings

PubMed Central

Sandelowski, Margarete; Barroso, Julie; Voils, Corrine I.

2008-01-01

The new imperative in the health disciplines to be more methodologically inclusive has generated a growing interest in mixed research synthesis, or the integration of qualitative and quantitative research findings. Qualitative metasummary is a quantitatively oriented aggregation of qualitative findings originally developed to accommodate the distinctive features of qualitative surveys. Yet these findings are similar in form and mode of production to the descriptive findings researchers often present in addition to the results of bivariate and multivariable analyses. Qualitative metasummary, which includes the extraction, grouping, and formatting of findings, and the calculation of frequency and intensity effect sizes, can be used to produce mixed research syntheses and to conduct a posteriori analyses of the relationship between reports and findings. PMID:17243111

Physical mechanisms for chemotactic pattern formation by bacteria.

PubMed Central

Brenner, M P; Levitov, L S; Budrene, E O

1998-01-01

This paper formulates a theory for chemotactic pattern formation by the bacteria Escherichia coli in the presence of excreted attractant. In a chemotactically neutral background, through chemoattractant signaling, the bacteria organize into swarm rings and aggregates. The analysis invokes only those physical processes that are both justifiable by known biochemistry and necessary and sufficient for swarm ring migration and aggregate formation. Swarm rings migrate in the absence of an external chemoattractant gradient. The ring motion is caused by the depletion of a substrate that is necessary to produce attractant. Several scaling laws are proposed and are demonstrated to be consistent with experimental data. Aggregate formation corresponds to finite time singularities in which the bacterial density diverges at a point. Instabilities of swarm rings leading to aggregate formation occur via a mechanism similar to aggregate formation itself: when the mass density of the swarm ring exceeds a threshold, the ring collapses cylindrically and then destabilizes into aggregates. This sequence of events is demonstrated both in the theoretical model and in the experiments. PMID:9545032

Design and evaluation of high strength concrete for girders : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1980-05-01

The scope of the study was to make concrete mixes in the laboratory using a partial factorial, with three cement contents, two coarse aggregates and three fine-to-coarse aggregate ratios. The mixes showing the best properties and highest compressive ...

Influence of water-insoluble nonionic copolymer E(6)P(39)E(6) on the microstructure and self-aggregation dynamics of aqueous SDS solution-NMR and SANS investigations.

PubMed

Prameela, G K S; Phani Kumar, B V N; Aswal, V K; Mandal, Asit Baran

2013-10-28

The influence of water-insoluble nonionic triblock copolymer PEO-PPO-PEO [poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide)] i.e., E6P39E6 with molecular weight 2800, on the microstructure and self-aggregation dynamics of anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) in aqueous solution (D2O) were investigated using high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements. Variable concentration and temperature proton ((1)H), carbon ((13)C) NMR chemical shifts, (1)H self-diffusion coefficients, (1)H spin-lattice and spin-spin relaxation rates data indicate that the higher hydrophobic nature of copolymer significantly influenced aggregation characteristics of SDS. The salient features of the NMR investigations include (i) the onset of mixed micelles at lower SDS concentrations (<3 mM) relative to the copolymer-free case and their evolution into SDS free micelles at higher SDS concentrations (~30 mM), (ii) disintegration of copolymer-SDS mixed aggregate at moderate SDS concentrations (~10 mM) and still binding of a copolymer with SDS and (iii) preferential localization of the copolymer occurred at the SDS micelle surface. SANS investigations indicate prolate ellipsoidal shaped mixed aggregates with an increase in SDS aggregation number, while a contrasting behavior in the copolymer aggregation is observed. The aggregation features of SDS and the copolymer, the sizes of mixed aggregates and the degree of counterion dissociation (α) extracted from SANS data analysis corroborate reasonably well with those of (1)H NMR self-diffusion and sodium ((23)Na) spin-lattice relaxation data.

Mechanical Properties of Steel Fiber Reinforced all Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Y. M.; Li, J. Y.; Zhen, Y.; Nie, Y. N.; Dong, W. L.

2018-05-01

In order to study the basic mechanical properties and failure characteristics of all lightweight aggregate concrete with different volume of steel fiber (0%, 1%, 2%), shale ceramsite is used as light coarse aggregate. The shale sand is made of light fine aggregate and mixed with different volume of steel fiber, and the mix proportion design of all lightweight aggregate concrete is carried out. The cubic compressive strength, axial compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting strength and modulus of elasticity of steel fiber all lightweight aggregate concrete were studied. Test results show that the incorporation of steel fiber can restrict the cracking of concrete, improve crack resistance; at the same time, it shows good plastic deformation ability and failure morphology. It lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the application of all lightweight aggregate concrete in structural systems.

Evaluation of recycled concrete aggregates for their suitability in construction activities: An experimental study.

PubMed

Puthussery, Joseph V; Kumar, Rakesh; Garg, Anurag

2017-02-01

Construction and demolition waste disposal is a major challenge in developing nations due to its ever increasing quantities. In this study, the recycling potential of waste concrete as aggregates in construction activities was studied. The metal leaching from the recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) collected from the demolition site of a 50year old building, was evaluated by performing three different leaching tests (compliance, availability and Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure). The metal leaching was found mostly within the permissible limit except for Hg. Several tests were performed to determine the physical and mechanical properties of the fine and coarse aggregates produced from recycled concrete. The properties of recycled aggregates were found to be satisfactory for their utilization in road construction activities. The suitability of using recycled fine and coarse aggregates with Portland pozzolanic cement to make a sustainable and environmental friendly concrete mix design was also analyzed. No significant difference was observed in the compressive strength of various concrete mixes prepared by natural and recycled aggregates. However, only the tensile strength of the mix prepared with 25% recycled fine aggregates was comparable to that of the control concrete. For other mixes, the tensile strength of the concrete was found to drop significantly. In summary, RCA should be considered seriously as a building material for road construction, mass concrete works, lightly reinforced sections, etc. The present work will be useful for the waste managers and policy makers particularly in developing nations where proper guidelines are still lacking. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Study of the Technical Feasibility of Increasing the Amount of Recycled Concrete Waste Used in Ready-Mix Concrete Production

PubMed Central

Ferreiro-Cabello, Javier; López-González, Luis M.

2017-01-01

The construction industry generates a considerable amount of waste. Faced with this undesirable situation, the ready-mix concrete sector, in particular, has invested energy and resources into reusing its own waste in its production process as it works towards the goal of more sustainable construction. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating two types of concrete waste, which currently end up in landfill, into the production process of ready-mix concrete: the waste generated during the initial production stage (ready-mix concrete waste), and waste created when demolition waste is treated to obtain artificial aggregate. The first phase of the study’s methodology corroborates the suitability of the recycled aggregate through characterization tests. After this phase, the impact of incorporating different percentages of recycled coarse aggregate is evaluated by examining the performance of the produced concrete. The replacement rate varied between 15% and 50%. The results indicate that recycled aggregates are, indeed, suitable to be incorporated into ready-mix concrete production. The impact on the final product’s performance is different for the two cases examined herein. Incorporating aggregates from generic concrete blocks led to a 20% decrease in the produced concrete’s strength performance. On the other hand, using recycled aggregates made from the demolition waste led to a smaller decrease in the concrete’s performance: about 8%. The results indicate that with adequate management and prior treatment, the waste from these plants can be re-incorporated into their production processes. If concrete waste is re-used, concrete production, in general, becomes more sustainable for two reasons: less waste ends up as landfill and the consumption of natural aggregates is also reduced. PMID:28773183

Study of the Technical Feasibility of Increasing the Amount of Recycled Concrete Waste Used in Ready-Mix Concrete Production.

PubMed

Fraile-Garcia, Esteban; Ferreiro-Cabello, Javier; López-Ochoa, Luis M; López-González, Luis M

2017-07-18

The construction industry generates a considerable amount of waste. Faced with this undesirable situation, the ready-mix concrete sector, in particular, has invested energy and resources into reusing its own waste in its production process as it works towards the goal of more sustainable construction. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating two types of concrete waste, which currently end up in landfill, into the production process of ready-mix concrete: the waste generated during the initial production stage (ready-mix concrete waste), and waste created when demolition waste is treated to obtain artificial aggregate. The first phase of the study's methodology corroborates the suitability of the recycled aggregate through characterization tests. After this phase, the impact of incorporating different percentages of recycled coarse aggregate is evaluated by examining the performance of the produced concrete. The replacement rate varied between 15% and 50%. The results indicate that recycled aggregates are, indeed, suitable to be incorporated into ready-mix concrete production. The impact on the final product's performance is different for the two cases examined herein. Incorporating aggregates from generic concrete blocks led to a 20% decrease in the produced concrete's strength performance. On the other hand, using recycled aggregates made from the demolition waste led to a smaller decrease in the concrete's performance: about 8%. The results indicate that with adequate management and prior treatment, the waste from these plants can be re-incorporated into their production processes. If concrete waste is re-used, concrete production, in general, becomes more sustainable for two reasons: less waste ends up as landfill and the consumption of natural aggregates is also reduced.

Value-added utilisation of recycled concrete in hot-mix asphalt

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

Wong, Yiik Diew; Sun, Darren Delai; Lai, Dickson

2007-07-01

The feasibility of partial substitution of granite aggregate in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) with waste concrete aggregate was investigated. Three hybrid HMA mixes incorporating substitutions of granite fillers/fines with 6%, 45% untreated, and 45% heat-treated concrete were evaluated by the Marshall mix design method; the optimum binder contents were found to be 5.3%, 6.5% and 7.0% of grade Pen 60/70 bitumen, respectively. All three hybrid mixes satisfied the Marshall criteria of the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) W3B wearing course specification. The hybrid mix with 6% concrete fillers gave comparable resilient modulus and creep resistance as the conventional W3B mix, whilemore » hybrid mixes with higher concrete substitutions achieved better performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed the distinct presence of free lime in the heat-treated concrete, while the scanning electron microscope (SEM) provided an in-depth perspective of the concrete grains in the HMA matrix. The results suggest feasible use of waste concrete as partial aggregate substitution in HMA.« less

Environmental evaluation of green concretes versus conventional concrete by means of LCA.

PubMed

Turk, Janez; Cotič, Zvonko; Mladenovič, Ana; Šajna, Aljoša

2015-11-01

A number of green concrete mixes having similar basic properties were evaluated from the environmental point of view by means of the Life Cycle Assessment method, and compared with a corresponding conventional concrete mix. The investigated green concrete mixes were prepared from three different types of industrial by-products, i.e. (1) foundry sand, and (2) steel slag, both of which were used as manufactured aggregates, and (3) fly ash, which was used as a mineral admixture. Some green concrete mixes were also prepared from a recycled aggregate, which was obtained from reinforced concrete waste. In some of the green concrete mixes the recycled aggregate was used in combination with the above-mentioned types of manufactured aggregate and fly ash. All of these materials are able, to some extent, to replace natural aggregate or Portland cement in concrete mixes, thus providing an environmental benefit from the point of view of the saving of natural resources. Taking into account consequential modelling, the credit related to the avoidance of the need to dispose of the waste materials is considered as a benefit. In case of the recycling of waste concrete into aggregate, credit is attributed to the recovery of scrap iron from the steel reinforcement. In the case of the use of steel slag, credit is attributed to the recovery of metals, which are extracted from the slag before being used as an alternative material. The disadvantage of using alternative materials and recycled aggregates can sometimes be their relatively long delivery distance. For this reason, a transport sensitivity analysis was carried out. The results indicate that the use of the discussed alternative and recycled materials is beneficial in the concrete production industry. Preference is given to the fly ash and foundry sand scenarios, and especially to those scenarios which are based on the combined use of recycled aggregate with these two alternative materials. It was found that longer delivery distances of the alternative materials do not necessarily affect the results significantly. However, variable delivery distances may have a greater effect when choosing between different alternative scenarios. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermodynamics and kinetics of vesicles formation processes.

PubMed

Guida, Vincenzo

2010-12-15

Vesicles are hollow aggregates, composed of bilayers of amphiphilic molecules, dispersed into and filled with a liquid solvent. These aggregates can be formed either as equilibrium or as out of equilibrium meta-stable structures and they exhibit a rich variety of different morphologies. The surprising richness of structures, the vast range of industrial applications and the presence of vesicles in a number of biological systems have attracted the interest of numerous researchers and scientists. In this article, we review both the thermodynamics and the kinetics aspects of the phenomena of formation of vesicles. We start presenting the thermodynamics of bilayer membranes formation and deformation, with the aim of deriving the conditions for the existence of equilibrium vesicles. Specifically, we use the results from continuum thermodynamics to discuss the possibility of formation of stable equilibrium vesicles, from both mixed amphiphiles and single component systems. We also link the bilayer membrane properties to the molecular structure of the starting amphiphiles. In the second part of this article, we focus on the dynamics and kinetics of vesiculation. We review the process of vesicles formation both from planar lamellar phase under shear and from isotropic micelles. In order to clarify the physical mechanisms of vesicles formation, we continuously draw a parallel between emulsification and vesiculation processes. Specifically, we compare the experimental results, the driving forces and the relative scaling laws identified for the two processes. Describing the dynamics of vesicles formation, we also discuss why non equilibrium vesicles can be formed by kinetics control and why they are meta-stable. Understanding how to control the properties, the stability and the formation process of vesicles is of fundamental importance for a vast number of industrial applications. Copyright © 2009. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Quality Assessment of Mixed and Ceramic Recycled Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Wastes in the Concrete Manufacture According to the Spanish Standard †

PubMed Central

Rodríguez-Robles, Desirée; García-González, Julia; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Pozo, Julia Mª Morán-del; Guerra-Romero, Manuel I

2014-01-01

Construction and demolition waste (CDW) constitutes an increasingly significant problem in society due to the volume generated, rendering sustainable management and disposal problematic. The aim of this study is to identify a possible reuse option in the concrete manufacturing for recycled aggregates with a significant ceramic content: mixed recycled aggregates (MixRA) and ceramic recycled aggregates (CerRA). In order to do so, several tests are conducted in accordance with the Spanish Code on Structural Concrete (EHE-08) to determine the composition in weight and physic-mechanical characteristics (particle size distributions, fine content, sand equivalent, density, water absorption, flakiness index, and resistance to fragmentation) of the samples for the partial inclusion of the recycled aggregates in concrete mixes. The results of these tests clearly support the hypothesis that this type of material may be suitable for such partial replacements if simple pretreatment is carried out. Furthermore, this measure of reuse is in line with European, national, and regional policies on sustainable development, and presents a solution to the environmental problem caused by the generation of CDW. PMID:28788164

Thermodynamics of Protein Aggregation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osborne, Kenneth L.; Barz, Bogdan; Bachmann, Michael; Strodel, Birgit

Amyloid protein aggregation characterizes many neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Creutz- feldt-Jakob disease. Evidence suggests that amyloid aggregates may share similar aggregation pathways, implying simulation of full-length amyloid proteins is not necessary for understanding amyloid formation. In this study we simulate GNNQQNY, the N-terminal prion-determining domain of the yeast protein Sup35 to investigate the thermodynamics of structural transitions during aggregation. We use a coarse-grained model with replica-exchange molecular dynamics to investigate the association of 3-, 6-, and 12-chain GNNQQNY systems and we determine the aggregation pathway by studying aggregation states of GN- NQQNY. We find that the aggregation of the hydrophilic GNNQQNY sequence is mainly driven by H-bond formation, leading to the formation of /3-sheets from the very beginning of the assembly process. Condensation (aggregation) and ordering take place simultaneously, which is underpinned by the occurrence of a single heat capacity peak only.

SMU.940 regulates dextran-dependent aggregation and biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans.

PubMed

Senpuku, Hidenobu; Yonezawa, Hideo; Yoneda, Saori; Suzuki, Itaru; Nagasawa, Ryo; Narisawa, Naoki

2018-02-01

The oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans is the principal agent in the development of dental caries. Biofilm formation by S. mutans requires bacterial attachment, aggregation, and glucan formation on the tooth surface under sucrose supplementation conditions. Our previous microarray analysis of clinical strains identified 74 genes in S. mutans that were related to biofilm morphology; however, the roles of almost all of these genes in biofilm formation are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of 21 genes randomly selected from our previous study regarding S. mutans biofilm formation, regulation by the complement pathway, and responses to competence-stimulating peptide. Eight competence-stimulating peptide-dependent genes were identified, and their roles in biofilm formation and aggregation were examined by mutational analyses of the S. mutansUA159 strain. Of these eight genes, the inactivation of the putative hemolysin III family SMU.940 gene of S. mutansUA159 promoted rapid dextran-dependent aggregation and biofilm formation in tryptic soy broth without dextrose (TSB) with 0.25% glucose and slightly reduced biofilm formation in TSB with 0.25% sucrose. The SMU.940 mutant showed higher expression of GbpC and gbpC gene than wild-type. GbpC is known to be involved in the dextran-dependent aggregation of S. mutans. An SMU.940-gbpC double mutant strain was constructed in the SMU.940 mutant background. The gbpC mutation completely abolished the dextran-dependent aggregation of the SMU.940 mutant. In addition, the aggregation of the mutant was abrogated by dextranase. These findings suggest that SMU.940 controls GbpC expression, and contributes to the regulation of dextran-dependent aggregation and biofilm formation. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Sequence dependent aggregation of peptides and fibril formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hung, Nguyen Ba; Le, Duy-Manh; Hoang, Trinh X.

2017-09-01

Deciphering the links between amino acid sequence and amyloid fibril formation is key for understanding protein misfolding diseases. Here we use Monte Carlo simulations to study the aggregation of short peptides in a coarse-grained model with hydrophobic-polar (HP) amino acid sequences and correlated side chain orientations for hydrophobic contacts. A significant heterogeneity is observed in the aggregate structures and in the thermodynamics of aggregation for systems of different HP sequences and different numbers of peptides. Fibril-like ordered aggregates are found for several sequences that contain the common HPH pattern, while other sequences may form helix bundles or disordered aggregates. A wide variation of the aggregation transition temperatures among sequences, even among those of the same hydrophobic fraction, indicates that not all sequences undergo aggregation at a presumable physiological temperature. The transition is found to be the most cooperative for sequences forming fibril-like structures. For a fibril-prone sequence, it is shown that fibril formation follows the nucleation and growth mechanism. Interestingly, a binary mixture of peptides of an aggregation-prone and a non-aggregation-prone sequence shows the association and conversion of the latter to the fibrillar structure. Our study highlights the role of a sequence in selecting fibril-like aggregates and also the impact of a structural template on fibril formation by peptides of unrelated sequences.

Formation of thermally induced aggregates of the soya globulin beta-conglycinin.

PubMed

Mills, E N; Huang, L; Noel, T R; Gunning, A P; Morris, V J

2001-06-11

The effect of ionic strength (I) on the formation of thermally induced aggregates by the 7S globular storage protein of soya, beta-conglycinin, has been studied using atomic force microscopy. Aggregates were only apparent when I> or =0.1, and had a fibrous appearance, with a height (diameter) of 8-11 nm. At high ionic strength (I=1.0) the aggregates appeared to associate into clumps. When aggregate formation was studied at I=0.2, it was clear that aggregation only began at temperatures above the main thermal transition for the protein at 75 degrees C, as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. This coincided with a small change in secondary structure, as indicated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, suggesting that a degree of unfolding was necessary for aggregation to proceed. Despite prolonged heating the size of the aggregates did not increase indefinitely, suggesting that certain beta-conglycinin isoforms were able to act as chain terminators. At higher protein concentrations (1% w/v) the linear aggregates appeared to form large macroaggregates, which may be the precursors of protein gel formation. The ability of beta-conglycinin to form such distinctive aggregates is discussed in relation to the presence of acidic inserts in certain of the beta-conglycinin subunits, which may play an important role in limiting aggregate length.

Tests for Plastic Fines in Aggregates Related to Stripping in Asphalt Paving Mixtures

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-03-01

This study was undertaken for determining the best aggregate test method that indicates the presence of detrimental plastic fines in the fine aggregate, which may induce stripping in hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. Ten fine aggregates representing a ...

Natural fracking and the genesis of five-element veins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markl, Gregor; Burisch, Mathias; Neumann, Udo

2016-08-01

Hydrothermal Ag-Co-Ni-Bi-As (five-element vein type) ore deposits show very conspicuous textures of the native elements silver, bismuth, and arsenic indicating formation from a rapid, far-from-equilibrium process. Such textures include up to dm-large tree- and wire-like aggregates overgrown by Co-Ni-Fe arsenides and mostly carbonates. Despite the historical and contemporary importance of five-element vein type deposits as sources of silver, bismuth, and cobalt, and despite of spectacular museum specimens, their process of formation is not yet understood and has been a matter of debate since centuries. We propose, based on observations from a number of classical European five-element vein deposits and carbon isotope analyses, that "natural fracking," i.e., liberation of hydrocarbons or hydrocarbon-bearing fluids during break up of rocks in the vicinity of an active hydrothermal system and mixing between these hydrocarbons (e.g., methane and/or methane-bearing fluids) and a metal-rich hydrothermal fluid is responsible for ore precipitation and the formation of the unusual ore textures and assemblages. Thermodynamic and isotope mixing calculations show that the textural, chemical, and isotopic features of the investigated deposits can entirely be explained by this mechanism.

Thermodynamics between RAP/RAS and virgin aggregates during asphalt concrete production : a literature review.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2015-09-01

In hot-mix asphalt (HMA) plants, virgin aggregates are heated and dried separately before being mixed with : RAP/RAS and virgin asphalt binder. RAP/RAS materials are not heated or dried directly by a burner to avoid : burning of aged binder coating o...

On cooperative effects and aggregation of GNNQQNY and NNQQNY peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nochebuena, Jorge; Ireta, Joel

2015-10-01

Some health disturbances like neurodegenerative diseases are associated to the presence of amyloids. GNNQQNY and NNQQNY peptides are considered as prototypical examples for studying the formation of amyloids. These exhibit quite different aggregation behaviors despite they solely differ in size by one residue. To get insight into the reasons for such difference, we have examined association energies of aggregates (parallel β-sheets, fibril-spines, and crystal structures) from GNNQQNY and NNQQY using density functional theory. As we found that GNNQQNY tends to form a zwitterion in the crystal structure, we have investigated the energetics of parallel β-sheets and fibril-spines in the canonical and zwitterionic states. We found that the formation of GNNQQNY aggregates is energetically more favored than the formation of the NNQQNY ones. We show that the latter is connected to the network of hydrogen bonds formed by each aggregate. Moreover, we found that the formation of some NNQQNY aggregates is anticooperative, whereas cooperative with GNNQQNY. These results have interesting implications for deciphering the factors determining peptide aggregation propensities.

Protein aggregate turbidity: Simulation of turbidity profiles for mixed-aggregation reactions.

PubMed

Hall, Damien; Zhao, Ran; Dehlsen, Ian; Bloomfield, Nathaniel; Williams, Steven R; Arisaka, Fumio; Goto, Yuji; Carver, John A

2016-04-01

Due to their colloidal nature, all protein aggregates scatter light in the visible wavelength region when formed in aqueous solution. This phenomenon makes solution turbidity, a quantity proportional to the relative loss in forward intensity of scattered light, a convenient method for monitoring protein aggregation in biochemical assays. Although turbidity is often taken to be a linear descriptor of the progress of aggregation reactions, this assumption is usually made without performing the necessary checks to provide it with a firm underlying basis. In this article, we outline utilitarian methods for simulating the turbidity generated by homogeneous and mixed-protein aggregation reactions containing fibrous, amorphous, and crystalline structures. The approach is based on a combination of Rayleigh-Gans-Debye theory and approximate forms of the Mie scattering equations. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of mix ingredients on the performance of rubber-modified asphalt mixtures

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

Takallou, H.B.

1987-01-01

In rubber-modified asphalt pavements ground recycled tire particles are added to a gap-graded aggregate and then mixed with hot asphalt cement. In view of the significant reductions in wintertime stopping distances under icy or frosty road surface conditions, the use of coarse rubber in asphalt pavements should be seriously considered. This research project consisted of a laboratory study of mix properties as a function of variables such as rubber gradation and content, void content, aggregate graduation, mix process, temperature, and asphalt content. Twenty different mix combinations were evaluated for diametral modulus and fatigue at two different temperatures. Also, five differentmore » mix combinations were evaluated for static creep and permanent deformation. The findings of the laboratory study indicate that the rubber gradation and content, aggregate gradation, and use of surcharge during sample preparation have considerable effect on modulus and fatigue life of the mix. The results of static creep and permanent deformation tests indicate that the rubber asphalt mixes had low stability and high elasticity. Also, due to greater allowable tensile strain in rubber-modified mixtures, the thickness of the modified mixture can be reduced, using a layer equivalency of 1.4 to 1.0« less

Thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer assemblies with tunable fluorescence emissions.

PubMed

Wu, Yonghao; Hu, Huamin; Hu, Jinming; Liu, Tao; Zhang, Guoying; Liu, Shiyong

2013-03-19

We report on thermo- and light-regulated formation and disintegration of double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) micelles associated with tunable fluorescence emissions by employing two types of DHBCs covalently labeled with fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor and acceptor moieties, respectively, within the light and temperature dually responsive block. Both DHBCs are molecularly soluble at room temperature in their aqueous mixture, whereas, upon heating to above the critical micellization temperature (CMT, ~31 °C), they coassemble into mixed micelles possessing hydrophilic coronas and mixed cores containing FRET donors and acceptors. Accordingly, the closer spatial proximity between the FRET pair (NBDAE and RhBEA moieties) within micellar cores leads to substantially enhanced FRET efficiency, compared to that in the non-aggregated unimer state. Moreover, upon UV irradiation, the light-reactive moieties undergo light-cleavage reaction and transform into negatively charged carboxylate residues, leading to elevated CMT (∼46 °C). Thus, thermo-induced mixed micelles in the intermediate temperature range (31 °C < T < 46 °C) undergo light-triggered disintegration into unimers, accompanied with the decrease of FRET efficiency. Overall, the coassembly and disassembly occurring in the mixed DHBC solution can be dually regulated by temperature and UV irradiation, and most importantly, these processes can be facilely monitored via changes in FRET efficiency and distinct emission colors.

Physio-chemical reactions in recycle aggregate concrete.

PubMed

Tam, Vivian W Y; Gao, X F; Tam, C M; Ng, K M

2009-04-30

Concrete waste constitutes the major proportion of construction waste at about 50% of the total waste generated. An effective way to reduce concrete waste is to reuse it as recycled aggregate (RA) for the production of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). This paper studies the physio-chemical reactions of cement paste around aggregate for normal aggregate concrete (NAC) and RAC mixed with normal mixing approach (NMA) and two-stage mixing approach (TSMA) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Four kinds of physio-chemical reactions have been recorded from the concrete samples, including the dehydration of C(3)S(2)H(3), iron-substituted ettringite, dehydroxylation of CH and development of C(6)S(3)H at about 90 degrees C, 135 degrees C, 441 degrees C and 570 degrees C, respectively. From the DSC results, it is confirmed that the concrete samples with RA substitution have generated less amount of strength enhancement chemical products when compared to those without RA substitution. However, the results from the TSMA are found improving the RAC quality. The pre-mix procedure of the TSMA can effectively develop some strength enhancing chemical products including, C(3)S(2)H(3), ettringite, CH and C(6)S(3)H, which shows that RAC made from the TSMA can improve the hydration processes.

Development of k-300 concrete mix for earthquake-resistant Housing infrastructure in indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zulkarnain, Fahrizal

2018-03-01

In determining the strength of K-300 concrete mix that is suitable for earthquake-resistant housing infrastructure, it is necessary to research the materials to be used for proper quality and quantity so that the mixture can be directly applied to the resident’s housing, in the quake zone. In the first stage, the examination/sieve analysis of the fine aggregate or sand, and the sieve analysis of the coarse aggregate or gravel will be carried out on the provided sample weighing approximately 40 kilograms. Furthermore, the specific gravity and absorbance of aggregates, the examination of the sludge content of aggregates passing the sieve no. 200, and finally, examination of the weight of the aggregate content. In the second stage, the planned concrete mix by means of the Mix Design K-300 is suitable for use in Indonesia, with implementation steps: Planning of the cement water factor (CWF), Planning of concrete free water (Liters / m3), Planning of cement quantity, Planning of minimum cement content, Planning of adjusted cement water factor, Planning of estimated aggregate composition, Planning of estimated weight of concrete content, Calculation of composition of concrete mixture, Calculation of mixed correction for various water content. Implementation of the above tests also estimates the correction of moisture content and the need for materials of mixture in kilograms for the K-300 mixture, so that the slump inspection result will be achieved in planned 8-12 cm. In the final stage, a compressive strength test of the K-300 experimental mixture is carried out, and subsequently the composition of the K-300 concrete mixture suitable for one sack of cement of 50 kg is obtained for the foundation of the proper dwelling. The composition is consists of use of Cement, Sand, Gravel, and Water.

Ice cream structure modification by ice-binding proteins.

PubMed

Kaleda, Aleksei; Tsanev, Robert; Klesment, Tiina; Vilu, Raivo; Laos, Katrin

2018-04-25

Ice-binding proteins (IBPs), also known as antifreeze proteins, were added to ice cream to investigate their effect on structure and texture. Ice recrystallization inhibition was assessed in the ice cream mixes using a novel accelerated microscope assay and the ice cream microstructure was studied using an ice crystal dispersion method. It was found that adding recombinantly produced fish type III IBPs at a concentration 3 mg·L -1 made ice cream hard and crystalline with improved shape preservation during melting. Ice creams made with IBPs (both from winter rye, and type III IBP) had aggregates of ice crystals that entrapped pockets of the ice cream mixture in a rigid network. Larger individual ice crystals and no entrapment in control ice creams was observed. Based on these results a model of ice crystals aggregates formation in the presence of IBPs was proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infrared Spectroscopy of Naphthalene Aggregation and Cluster Formation in Argon Matrices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roser, J. E.; Allamondola, L. J.

2011-01-01

Fourier-transform mid-infrared absorption spectra of mixed argon/naphthalene matrices at 5 K are shown with ratios of argon-to-naphthalene that vary from 1000 to 0. These spectra show the changes as naphthalene clustering and aggregation occurs, with moderate spectral shifts affecting the C-H vibrational modes and relatively small or no shifts to the C-C and C-C-C vibrational modes. The possible contribution of homogeneous naphthalene clusters to the interstellar unidentified infrared bands is discussed. The contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) clusters to the 7.7 micron emission plateau and the blue shading of the 12.7 micron emission band are identified as promising candidates for future research. In addition, since PAH clusters are model components of Jupiter and Titan's atmospheres, the information presented here may also be applicable to the spectroscopy of these objects.

An insight into non-emissive excited states in conjugated polymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Zhongjian; Willard, Adam P.; Ono, Robert J.; Bielawski, Christopher W.; Rossky, Peter J.; vanden Bout, David A.

2015-09-01

Conjugated polymers in the solid state usually exhibit low fluorescence quantum yields, which limit their applications in many areas such as light-emitting diodes. Despite considerable research efforts, the underlying mechanism still remains controversial and elusive. Here, the nature and properties of excited states in the archetypal polythiophene are investigated via aggregates suspended in solvents with different dielectric constants (ε). In relatively polar solvents (ε>~ 3), the aggregates exhibit a low fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 2-5%, similar to bulk films, however, in relatively nonpolar solvents (ε<~ 3) they demonstrate much higher fluorescence QY up to 20-30%. A series of mixed quantum-classical atomistic simulations illustrate that dielectric induced stabilization of nonradiative charge-transfer (CT) type states can lead to similar drastic reduction in fluorescence QY as seen experimentally. Fluorescence lifetime measurement reveals that the CT-type states exist as a competitive channel of the formation of emissive exciton-type states.

Role of advanced glycation on aggregation and DNA binding properties of α-synuclein.

PubMed

Padmaraju, Vasudevaraju; Bhaskar, Jamuna J; Prasada Rao, Ummiti J S; Salimath, Paramahans V; Rao, K S

2011-01-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease with multiple etiologies. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulate in the aging brain and could be one of the reasons for age-related diseases like PD. Oxidative stress also leads to the formation of AGEs and may be involved in neurodegeneration by altering the properties of proteins. α-Synuclein is involved in pathogenesis of PD and there are limited studies on the role of AGE-α-synuclein in neurodegeneration. We studied the aggregation and DNA binding ability of AGE-α-synuclein in vitro. α-Synuclein is glycated using methylglyoxal and formation of AGE-α-synuclein is characterized using fluorescence studies, intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, and fructosamine estimation. The results indicated that AGE-α-synuclein aggregates into smaller globular-like aggregates compared to fibrils formed with native α-synuclein. Further, it is found that AGE-α-synuclein induced conformational changes in scDNA from B-form to B-C-A mixed conformation. Additionally, AGE-α-synuclein altered DNA integrity as evidenced by the melting temperature, ethidium bromide, and DNAse I sensitivity studies. AGE-α-synuclein converted biphasic Tm to higher monophasic Tm. The Tm of AGE-α-synuclein-scDNA complex is more than that of native α-synuclein-scDNA complex, indicating that AGE-α-synuclein stabilized the uncoiled scDNA. AGE-α-synuclein could stabilize the uncoiled scDNA, as shown by the decrease in the number of ethidium bromide binding molecules per base pair of DNA. DNAse I sensitive studies indicated that both AGE-α-synuclein-scDNA and α-synuclein-scDNA are resistant to DNAse I digestion. The relevance of these findings to neuronal cell death is discussed.

The role of synaptotagmin I C2A calcium-binding domain in synaptic vesicle clustering during synapse formation

PubMed Central

Gardzinski, Peter; Lee, David W K; Fei, Guang-He; Hui, Kwokyin; Huang, Guan J; Sun, Hong-Shuo; Feng, Zhong-Ping

2007-01-01

Synaptic vesicles aggregate at the presynaptic terminal during synapse formation via mechanisms that are poorly understood. Here we have investigated the role of the putative calcium sensor synaptotagmin I in vesicle aggregation during the formation of soma–soma synapses between identified partner cells using a simple in vitro synapse model in the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis. Immunocytochemistry, optical imaging and electrophysiological recording techniques were used to monitor synapse formation and vesicle localization. Within 6 h, contact between appropriate synaptic partner cells up-regulated global synaptotagmin I expression, and induced a localized aggregation of synaptotagmin I at the contact site. Cell contacts between non-synaptic partner cells did not affect synaptotagmin I expression. Application of an human immunodeficiency virus type-1 transactivator (HIV-1 TAT)-tagged peptide corresponding to loop 3 of the synaptotagmin I C2A domain prevented synaptic vesicle aggregation and synapse formation. By contrast, a TAT-tagged peptide containing the calcium-binding motif of the C2B domain did not affect synaptic vesicle aggregation or synapse formation. Calcium imaging with Fura-2 demonstrated that TAT–C2 peptides did not alter either basal or evoked intracellular calcium levels. These results demonstrate that contact with an appropriate target cell is necessary to initiate synaptic vesicle aggregation during nascent synapse formation and that the initial aggregation of synaptic vesicles is dependent on loop 3 of the C2A domain of synaptotagmin I. PMID:17317745

Effects of aggregate angularity on mix design characteristics and pavement performance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2009-12-01

This research targeted two primary purposes: to estimate current aggregate angularity test methods and to evaluate current : aggregate angularity requirements in the Nebraska asphalt mixture/pavement specification. To meet the first research : object...

SOD1 aggregation in astrocytes following ischemia/reperfusion injury: a role of NO-mediated S-nitrosylation of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI).

PubMed

Chen, Xueping; Guan, Teng; Li, Chen; Shang, Huifang; Cui, Liying; Li, Xin-Min; Kong, Jiming

2012-10-12

Ubiquitinated-protein aggregates are implicated in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. The very presence of these ubiquitinated-protein aggregates is abnormal and seems to be disease-related. However, it is not clear what leads to aggregate formation and whether the aggregations represent a reaction to aggregate-mediated neurodegeneration. To study the nitrosative stress-induced protein aggregation in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, we used primary astrocyte cultures as a cell model, and systematically examined their iNOS expression and consequent NO generation following oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion. The expression of protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were also examined, and the biochemical interaction between PDI and SOD1 was determined by immunoprecipitation. In addition, the levels of S-nitrosylated PDI in cultured astrocytes after oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion treatment were measured using the biotin-switch assay. The formation of ubiquitinated-protein aggregates was detected by immunoblot and immunofluorescence staining. Our data showed that the up-regulation of iNOS expression after oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion treatment led to excessive NO generation. Up-regulation of PDI and SOD1 was also identified in cultured astrocytes following oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion, and these two proteins were found to bind to each other. Furthermore, the increased nitrosative stress due to ischemia/reperfusion injury was highly associated with NO-induced S-nitrosylation of PDI, and this S-nitrosylation of PDI was correlated with the formation of ubiquitinated-protein aggregates; the levels of S-nitrosylated PDI increased in parallel with the formation of aggregates. When NO generation was pharmacologically inhibited by iNOS specific inhibitor 1400W, S-nitrosylation of PDI was significantly blocked. In addition, the formation of ubiquitinated-protein aggregates in cultured astrocytes following oxygen glucose deprivation and reperfusion was also suppressed by 1400W. Interestingly, these aggregates were colocalized with SOD1, which was found to co-immunoprecipitate with PDI. NO-mediated S-nitrosylation of PDI may be involved in the formation of the SOD1-linked ubiquitinated-protein aggregates in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Pectin extraction from lemon by-product with acidified date juice: rheological properties and microstructure of pure and mixed pectin gels.

PubMed

Masmoudi, M; Besbes, S; Ben Thabet, I; Blecker, C; Attia, H

2010-04-01

The microstructure and the rheological properties of lemon-pectin mixtures were studied and compared to those of pure lemon (high methoxyl: HM) and date (low methoxyl: LM) pectins. Rheological properties were carried out in the presence of 30%, 45% and 60% sucrose, and increasing calcium concentrations (0-0.1%). The presence of date with lemon pectin led to a gel formation at 45% sucrose and in the presence of calcium, which was not the case for lemon pectin alone under the same conditions. It is suggested that lemon and date pectins interacted, leading to gel formations at different gelling temperatures, which were strongly dependent on degree of methylation. These results were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed inhomogeneous gels where dense aggregated network and loose, open network areas were present. Addition of calcium to pectin mixture gels led to stronger and faster gel formation.

Formation and Growth of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra in Ni via Vacancy Aggregation Mechanism

DOE PAGES

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Lu, Chenyang; Jin, Ke; ...

2015-12-29

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the formation and growth of stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) are captured by vacancy cluster diffusion and aggregation mechanisms in Ni. The vacancytetrahedron acts as a nucleation point for SFT formation. Simulations show that perfect SFT can grow to the next size perfect SFT via a vacancy aggregation mechanism. The stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) calculations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that SFT can form farther away from the initial cascade-event locations, indicating the operation of diffusion-based vacancy-aggregation mechanism.

Formation and Growth of Stacking Fault Tetrahedra in Ni via Vacancy Aggregation Mechanism

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

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Lu, Chenyang; Jin, Ke

Using molecular dynamics simulations, the formation and growth of stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) are captured by vacancy cluster diffusion and aggregation mechanisms in Ni. The vacancytetrahedron acts as a nucleation point for SFT formation. Simulations show that perfect SFT can grow to the next size perfect SFT via a vacancy aggregation mechanism. The stopping and range of ions in matter (SRIM) calculations and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations reveal that SFT can form farther away from the initial cascade-event locations, indicating the operation of diffusion-based vacancy-aggregation mechanism.

Impact of cationic surfactant on the self-assembly of sodium caseinate.

PubMed

Vinceković, Marko; Curlin, Marija; Jurašin, Darija

2014-08-27

The impact of a cationic surfactant, dodecylammonium chloride (DDACl), on the self-assembly of sodium caseinate (SC) has been investigated by light scattering, zeta potential, and rheological measurements as well as by microscopy (transmission electron and confocal laser scanning microscopy). In SC dilute solutions concentration-dependent self-assembly proceeds through the formation of spherical associates and their aggregation into elongated structures composed of connected spheres. DDACl interacts with SC via its hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, inducing changes in SC self-assembled structures. These changes strongly depend on the surfactant aggregation states (monomeric or micellar) as well as concentration ratio of both components, leading to the formation of soluble and insoluble complexes of nano- to microdimensions. DDACl monomers interact with SC self-assembled entities in a different way compared to their micelles. Surfactant monomers form soluble complexes (similar to surfactant mixed micelles) at lower SC concentration but insoluble gelatinous complexes at higher SC concentration. At surfactant micellar concentration soluble complexes with casein chains wrapped around surfactant micelles are formed. This study suggests that the use of proper cationic surfactant concentration will allow modification and control of structural changes of SC self-assembled entities.

Dual Effect of (LK)nL Peptides on the Onset of Insulin Amyloid Fiber Formation at Hydrophobic Surfaces.

PubMed

Chouchane, Karim; Vendrely, Charlotte; Amari, Myriam; Moreaux, Katie; Bruckert, Franz; Weidenhaupt, Marianne

2015-08-20

Soluble proteins are constantly in contact with material or cellular surfaces, which can trigger their aggregation and therefore have a serious impact on the development of stable therapeutic proteins. In contact with hydrophobic material surfaces, human insulin aggregates readily into amyloid fibers. The kinetics of this aggregation can be accelerated by small peptides, forming stable beta-sheets on hydrophobic surfaces. Using a series of (LK)nL peptides with varying length, we show that these peptides, at low, substoichiometric concentrations, have a positive, cooperative effect on insulin aggregation. This effect is based on a cooperative adsorption of (LK)nL peptides at hydrophobic surfaces, where they form complexes that help the formation of aggregation nuclei. At higher concentrations, they interfere with the formation of an aggregative nucleus. These effects are strictly dependent on the their adsorption on hydrophobic material surfaces and highlight the importance of the impact of materials on protein stability. (LK)nL peptides prove to be valuable tools to investigate the mechanism of HI aggregation nuclei formation on hydrophobic surfaces.

Accelerated degradation and durability of concrete in cold climates.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-08-01

Degradation of aggregate in concrete can be caused by erosion or fracture, and both cementitious materials and aggregate age over time. : The specification requirements for the degradation of aggregates have been established for hot mix asphalt and f...

How the Emitted Size Distribution and Mixing State of Feldspar Affect Ice Nucleating Particles in a Global Model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perlwitz, Jan P.; Fridlind, Ann M.; Knopf, Daniel A.; Miller, Ron L.; García-Pando, Carlos Perez

2017-01-01

The effect of aerosol particles on ice nucleation and, in turn, the formation of ice and mixed phase clouds is recognized as one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate prediction. We apply an improved dust mineral specific aerosol module in the NASA GISS Earth System ModelE, which takes into account soil aggregates and their fragmentation at emission as well as the emission of large particles. We calculate ice nucleating particle concentrations from K-feldspar abundance for an active site parameterization for a range of activation temperatures and external and internal mixing assumption. We find that the globally averaged INP concentration is reduced by a factor of two to three, compared to a simple assumption on the size distribution of emitted dust minerals. The decrease can amount to a factor of five in some geographical regions. The results vary little between external and internal mixing and different activation temperatures, except for the coldest temperatures. In the sectional size distribution, the size range 24 micrometer contributes the largest INP number.

How the Emitted Size Distribution and Mixing State of Feldspar Affect Ice Nucleating Particles in a Global Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perlwitz, J. P.; Fridlind, A. M.; Knopf, D. A.; Miller, R. L.; Pérez García-Pando, C.

2017-12-01

The effect of aerosol particles on ice nucleation and, in turn, the formation of ice and mixed phase clouds is recognized as one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate prediction. We apply an improved dust mineral specific aerosol module in the NASA GISS Earth System ModelE, which takes into account soil aggregates and their fragmentation at emission as well as the emission of large particles. We calculate ice nucleating particle concentrations from K-feldspar abundance for an active site parameterization for a range of activation temperatures and external and internal mixing assumption. We find that the globally averaged INP concentration is reduced by a factor of two to three, compared to a simple assumption on the size distribution of emitted dust minerals. The decrease can amount to a factor of five in some geographical regions. The results vary little between external and internal mixing and different activation temperatures, except for the coldest temperatures. In the sectional size distribution, the size range 2-4 μm contributes the largest INP number.

Evaluate the use of reclaimed concrete aggregate in french drain applications.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-01

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is often used as a replacement of virgin aggregate in road : foundations (base course), embankments, hot-mix asphalt, and Portland cement concrete; however, the : use of RCA in exfiltration drainage systems, such as ...

Evaluate the use of reclaimed concrete aggregate in french drain applications : [summary].

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2014-02-01

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is often used : as a replacement of virgin aggregate in road : foundations (base course), embankments, hot-mix : asphalt, and Portland cement concrete. However, : the use of RCA in exfiltration drainage systems, : su...

Lightweight Concrete Produced Using a Two-Stage Casting Process.

PubMed

Yoon, Jin Young; Kim, Jae Hong; Hwang, Yoon Yi; Shin, Dong Kyu

2015-03-25

The type of lightweight aggregate and its volume fraction in a mix determine the density of lightweight concrete. Minimizing the density obviously requires a higher volume fraction, but this usually causes aggregates segregation in a conventional mixing process. This paper proposes a two-stage casting process to produce a lightweight concrete. This process involves placing lightweight aggregates in a frame and then filling in the remaining interstitial voids with cementitious grout. The casting process results in the lowest density of lightweight concrete, which consequently has low compressive strength. The irregularly shaped aggregates compensate for the weak point in terms of strength while the round-shape aggregates provide a strength of 20 MPa. Therefore, the proposed casting process can be applied for manufacturing non-structural elements and structural composites requiring a very low density and a strength of at most 20 MPa.

Laboratory Investigation on the Effects of Natural Fine Aggregates and Recycled Waste Tire Rubber in Pervious Concrete to Develop More Sustainable Pavement Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonicelli, Alessandra; Fuentes, Luis G.; Khalil Dawd Bermejo, Ibrahim

2017-10-01

Pervious concrete pavement is a recognized sustainable solution for urban roads. To enhance mechanical properties of pervious concrete material, in order to allow wider use of this technology, a lot of studies are going on all over the world. The use of a little percentage of fine aggregates is proven to increase the material resistance without an excessive reduction of permeability. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing the fine virgin aggregates with r cycled tire rubber. 14 different mixes were analysed in terms of indirect tensile strength resistance, void content and density. Two different dimensions of crumb rubber were studied, as well as two different dosages, which were applied to different no-fine control mixes. All results were compared with the same control mixes containing natural fine aggregate. The mixes had a fixed granulometric curve but varied in water/cement ratio; this in order to evaluate the effect of recycled rubber depending to w/c ratio of the mix. An image analysis was also conducted to verify the rubber distribution in the mixture and the cracking surfaces. The experimental analysis showed that a correct proportioning of fine sand significantly increased the strength of the material. Moreover, the use of recycled waste tire rubber, gave interesting improvements respect to the no-fine control mixes, even though the developed resistance was lower respect to mixes containing mineral sand. This result was expected because of the cementing property of mineral sand. Although, the important result was that it was possible to use waste tire rubber in pervious concrete, with an appropriate dosage and granular dimension, for increasing the performance of traditional mix design, in order to achieve pavement materials more and more sustainable.

Vitamin k3 inhibits protein aggregation: Implication in the treatment of amyloid diseases

PubMed Central

Alam, Parvez; Chaturvedi, Sumit Kumar; Siddiqi, Mohammad Khursheed; Rajpoot, Ravi Kant; Ajmal, Mohd Rehan; Zaman, Masihuz; Khan, Rizwan Hasan

2016-01-01

Protein misfolding and aggregation have been associated with several human diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and familial amyloid polyneuropathy etc. In this study, anti-fibrillation activity of vitamin k3 and its effect on the kinetics of amyloid formation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and Aβ-42 peptide were investigated. Here, in combination with Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy and cell cytotoxicity assay, we demonstrated that vitamin k3 significantly inhibits fibril formation as well as the inhibitory effect is dose dependent manner. Our experimental studies inferred that vitamin k3 exert its neuro protective effect against amyloid induced cytotoxicity through concerted pathway, modifying the aggregation formation towards formation of nontoxic aggregates. Molecular docking demonstrated that vitamin k3 mediated inhibition of HEWL and Aβ-42 fibrillogenesis may be initiated by interacting with proteolytic resistant and aggregation prone regions respectively. This work would provide an insight into the mechanism of protein aggregation inhibition by vitamin k3; pave the way for discovery of other small molecules that may exert similar effect against amyloid formation and its associated neurodegenerative diseases. PMID:27230476

Vitamin k3 inhibits protein aggregation: Implication in the treatment of amyloid diseases.

PubMed

Alam, Parvez; Chaturvedi, Sumit Kumar; Siddiqi, Mohammad Khursheed; Rajpoot, Ravi Kant; Ajmal, Mohd Rehan; Zaman, Masihuz; Khan, Rizwan Hasan

2016-05-27

Protein misfolding and aggregation have been associated with several human diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and familial amyloid polyneuropathy etc. In this study, anti-fibrillation activity of vitamin k3 and its effect on the kinetics of amyloid formation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and Aβ-42 peptide were investigated. Here, in combination with Thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence assay, circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy and cell cytotoxicity assay, we demonstrated that vitamin k3 significantly inhibits fibril formation as well as the inhibitory effect is dose dependent manner. Our experimental studies inferred that vitamin k3 exert its neuro protective effect against amyloid induced cytotoxicity through concerted pathway, modifying the aggregation formation towards formation of nontoxic aggregates. Molecular docking demonstrated that vitamin k3 mediated inhibition of HEWL and Aβ-42 fibrillogenesis may be initiated by interacting with proteolytic resistant and aggregation prone regions respectively. This work would provide an insight into the mechanism of protein aggregation inhibition by vitamin k3; pave the way for discovery of other small molecules that may exert similar effect against amyloid formation and its associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Properties of Non-Structural Concrete Made with Mixed Recycled Aggregates and Low Cement Content

PubMed Central

López-Uceda, Antonio; Ayuso, Jesús; López, Martin; Jimenez, José Ramón; Agrela, Francisco; Sierra, María José

2016-01-01

In spite of not being legally accepted in most countries, mixed recycled aggregates (MRA) could be a suitable raw material for concrete manufacturing. The aims of this research were as follows: (i) to analyze the effect of the replacement ratio of natural coarse aggregates with MRA, the amount of ceramic particles in MRA, and the amount of cement, on the mechanical and physical properties of a non-structural concrete made with a low cement content; and (ii) to verify if it is possible to achieve a low-strength concrete that replaces a greater amount of natural aggregate with MRA and that has a low cement content. Two series of concrete mixes were manufactured using 180 and 200 kg/m3 of CEM II/A-V 42.5 R type Portland cement. Each series included seven concrete mixes: one with natural aggregates; two MRA with different ceramic particle contents; and one for each coarse aggregate replacement ratio (20%, 40%, and 100%). To study their properties, compressive and splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, density, porosity, water penetration, and sorptivity, tests were performed. The results confirmed that the main factors affecting the properties analyzed in this research are the amount of cement and the replacement ratio; the two MRAs used in this work presented a similar influence on the properties. A non-structural, low-strength concrete (15 MPa) with an MRA replacement ratio of up to 100% for 200 kg/m3 of cement was obtained. This type of concrete could be applied in the construction of ditches, sidewalks, and other similar civil works. PMID:28787874

Properties of Non-Structural Concrete Made with Mixed Recycled Aggregates and Low Cement Content.

PubMed

López-Uceda, Antonio; Ayuso, Jesús; López, Martin; Jimenez, José Ramón; Agrela, Francisco; Sierra, María José

2016-01-26

In spite of not being legally accepted in most countries, mixed recycled aggregates (MRA) could be a suitable raw material for concrete manufacturing. The aims of this research were as follows: (i) to analyze the effect of the replacement ratio of natural coarse aggregates with MRA, the amount of ceramic particles in MRA, and the amount of cement, on the mechanical and physical properties of a non-structural concrete made with a low cement content; and (ii) to verify if it is possible to achieve a low-strength concrete that replaces a greater amount of natural aggregate with MRA and that has a low cement content. Two series of concrete mixes were manufactured using 180 and 200 kg/m³ of CEM II/A-V 42.5 R type Portland cement. Each series included seven concrete mixes: one with natural aggregates; two MRA with different ceramic particle contents; and one for each coarse aggregate replacement ratio (20%, 40%, and 100%). To study their properties, compressive and splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, density, porosity, water penetration, and sorptivity, tests were performed. The results confirmed that the main factors affecting the properties analyzed in this research are the amount of cement and the replacement ratio; the two MRAs used in this work presented a similar influence on the properties. A non-structural, low-strength concrete (15 MPa) with an MRA replacement ratio of up to 100% for 200 kg/m³ of cement was obtained. This type of concrete could be applied in the construction of ditches, sidewalks, and other similar civil works.

Physical and mechanical properties of carbon fiber reinforced smart porous concrete for planting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Seung-Bum; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Seo, Dae-Seuk

2005-05-01

The reinforcement strength of porous concrete and its applicability as a recycled aggregate was measured. Changes in physical and mechanical properties, subsequent to the mixing of carbon fiber and silica fume, were examined, and the effect of recycled aggregate depending on their mixing rate was evaluated. The applicability of planting to concrete material was also assessed. The results showed that there were not any remarkable change in the porosity and strength characteristics although its proportion of recycled aggregate increased. Also, the mixture of 10% of silica was found to be most effective for strength enforcement. In case of carbon fiber, the highest flexural strength was obtained with its mixing rate being 3%. It was also noticed that PAN-derived carbon fiber was superior to Pitch-derived ones in view of strength. The evaluation of its use for vegetation proved that the growth of plants was directly affected by the existence of covering soil, in case of having the similar size of aggregate and void.

Formation and characterization of chitosan-protein particles with fractal whey protein aggregates.

PubMed

Ahmed, Khouloud Fekih; Aschi, Adel; Nicolai, Taco

2018-05-15

Hybrid protein-polysaccharide particles were formed by complexation of fractal whey protein aggregates and the cationic polysaccharide chitosan. The fractal aggregates were preformed by heating native whey protein isolate at pH 7 and subsequently mixed with chitosan at pH 3 where these proteins and polysaccharides don't interact with each other. Stable dispersions of protein-polysaccharide particles were formed spontaneously when the pH was gradually increased between 4.1 and 6.8, whereas in the absence of chitosan the fractal aggregates precipitated between pH 4.1 and 5.4. Potentiometric titration of the mixtures showed that deprotonation of both components was affected by complexation. With increasing pH, the size of the complexes increased sharply between pH 4.1. and pH 4.5, remained constant up to pH 5.6 and then increased again. A minimum amount of chitosan was needed to form stable complexes at pH 5.0 and the size of the complexes decreased with increasing chitosan concentration. Light scattering showed that the complexes were stable to dilution and had a self similar structure with a fractal dimensions close to two. The effect of changing the pH on the size and stability of the complexes was investigated. Suspensions of complexes of preformed whey protein aggregates and chitosan are more stable up to high pH (6.8) than complexes between native WPI and chitosan as reported in the literature. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Durability assessment of coarse aggregates for HMA in Maine.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2012-12-01

In this study, Micro-Deval and L.A. Abrasion were used to evaluate the durability of 72 individual : coarse aggregates used for HMA in Maine. Aggregates used in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) must be : durable and resistant to abrasion and degradation. Materi...

Micro-Deval testing of aggregates in the southeast

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2002-10-01

Aggregates to be utilized in hot mix asphalt (HMA) must be both tough and durable. Historically, the toughness of aggregates has been determined using the Los Angeles (L.A.) Abrasion and Impact test (AASHTO T96). Some research has suggested that the ...

Development of construction materials using nano-silica and aggregates recycled from construction and demolition waste.

PubMed

Mukharjee, Bibhuti Bhusan; Barai, Sudhirkumar V

2015-06-01

The present work addresses the development of novel construction materials utilising commercial grade nano-silica and recycled aggregates retrieved from construction and demolition waste. For this, experimental work has been carried out to examine the influence of nano-silica and recycled aggregates on compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, density and volume of voids of concrete. Fully natural and recycled aggregate concrete mixes are designed by replacing cement with three levels (0.75%, 1.5% and 3%) of nano-silica. The results of the present investigation depict that improvement in early days compressive strength is achieved with the incorporation of nano-silica in addition to the restoration of reduction in compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete mixes caused owing to the replacement of natural aggregates by recycled aggregates. Moreover, the increase in water absorption and volume of voids with a reduction of bulk density was detected with the incorporation of recycled aggregates in place of natural aggregates. However, enhancement in density and reduction in water absorption and volume of voids of recycled aggregate concrete resulted from the addition of nano-silica. In addition, the results of the study reveal that nano-silica has no significant effect on elastic modulus of concrete. © The Author(s) 2015.

Growing into and out of the bouncing barrier in planetesimal formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruss, Maximilian; Teiser, Jens; Wurm, Gerhard

2017-04-01

In recent laboratory studies the robustness of a bouncing barrier in planetesimal formation was studied with an ensemble of pre-formed compact mm-sized aggregates. Here we show that a bouncing barrier indeed evolves self-consistently by hit-and-stick from an ensemble of smaller dust aggregates. In addition, we feed small aggregates to an ensemble of larger bouncing aggregates. The stickiness temporarily increases, but the final number of aggregates still bouncing remains the same. However, feeding on the small particle supply, the size of the bouncing aggregates increases. This suggests that in the presence of a dust reservoir aggregates grow into but also out of a bouncing barrier at larger size.

Aggregation of nitroaniline in tetrahydrofuran through intriguing H-bond formation by sodium borohydride.

PubMed

Ganguly, Mainak; Mondal, Chanchal; Pal, Anjali; Pratik, Saied Md; Pal, Jaya; Pal, Tarasankar

2014-07-07

The participation of sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in hydrogen bonding interactions and transient anion radical formation has been proved. Thus, the properties of NaBH4 are extended beyond the purview of its normal reducing capability and nucleophilic property. It is reported that ortho- and para-nitroanilines (NAs) form stable aggregates only in tetrahydrofuran (THF) in the presence of NaBH4 and unprecedented orange/red colorations are observed. The same recipe with nitrobenzene instead of nitroanilines (NAs) in the presence of NaBH4 evolves a transient rose red solution due to the formation of a highly fluorescent anion radical. Spectroscopic studies (UV-vis, fluorescence, RLS, Raman, NMR etc.) as well as theoretical calculations supplement the J-aggregate formation of NAs due to extensive hydrogen bonding. This is the first report where BH4(-) in THF has been shown to support such an aggregation process through H-bonding. It is further confirmed that stable intermolecular hydrogen bond-induced aggregation requires a geometrical match in both the nitro- and amino-functionalities attached to the phenyl ring with proper geometry. On the contrary, meta-nitroaniline remains as the odd man out and does not take part in such aggregation. Surprisingly, Au nanoparticles dismantle the J-aggregates of NA in THF. Explicit hydrogen bond formation in NA has been confirmed experimentally considering its promising applications in different fields including non-linear optics.

A Factorial Design Approach to Analyse the Effect of Coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregates on the Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanty, Kiranbala; Mukharjee, Bibhuti Bhusan; Das, Sudhanshu Shekhar

2018-06-01

The present study investigates the effect of replacement of coarse fraction of natural aggregates by recycled concrete aggregates on the properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) using general factorial design approach. For this two factors i.e. recycled coarse aggregates percentage [RCA (%)] and bitumen content percentage [BC (%)] are considered. Tests have been carried out on the HMA type bituminous concrete, prepared with varying RCA (%) and BC (%). Analysis of variance has been performed on the experimental data to determine the effect of the chosen factors on various parameters such as stability, flow, air void, void mineral aggregate, void filled with bitumen and bulk density. The study depicts that RCA (%) and BC (%) have significant effect on the selected responses as p value is less than the chosen significance level. In addition to above, the outcomes of the statistical analysis indicate that interaction between factors have significant effects on void mineral aggregate and bulk density of bituminous concrete.

A Factorial Design Approach to Analyse the Effect of Coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregates on the Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanty, Kiranbala; Mukharjee, Bibhuti Bhusan; Das, Sudhanshu Shekhar

2018-02-01

The present study investigates the effect of replacement of coarse fraction of natural aggregates by recycled concrete aggregates on the properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA) using general factorial design approach. For this two factors i.e. recycled coarse aggregates percentage [RCA (%)] and bitumen content percentage [BC (%)] are considered. Tests have been carried out on the HMA type bituminous concrete, prepared with varying RCA (%) and BC (%). Analysis of variance has been performed on the experimental data to determine the effect of the chosen factors on various parameters such as stability, flow, air void, void mineral aggregate, void filled with bitumen and bulk density. The study depicts that RCA (%) and BC (%) have significant effect on the selected responses as p value is less than the chosen significance level. In addition to above, the outcomes of the statistical analysis indicate that interaction between factors have significant effects on void mineral aggregate and bulk density of bituminous concrete.

Model for amorphous aggregation processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stranks, Samuel D.; Ecroyd, Heath; van Sluyter, Steven; Waters, Elizabeth J.; Carver, John A.; von Smekal, Lorenz

2009-11-01

The amorphous aggregation of proteins is associated with many phenomena, ranging from the formation of protein wine haze to the development of cataract in the eye lens and the precipitation of recombinant proteins during their expression and purification. While much literature exists describing models for linear protein aggregation, such as amyloid fibril formation, there are few reports of models which address amorphous aggregation. Here, we propose a model to describe the amorphous aggregation of proteins which is also more widely applicable to other situations where a similar process occurs, such as in the formation of colloids and nanoclusters. As first applications of the model, we have tested it against experimental turbidimetry data of three proteins relevant to the wine industry and biochemistry, namely, thaumatin, a thaumatinlike protein, and α -lactalbumin. The model is very robust and describes amorphous experimental data to a high degree of accuracy. Details about the aggregation process, such as shape parameters of the aggregates and rate constants, can also be extracted.

Embryonic Mutant Huntingtin Aggregate Formation in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease.

PubMed

Osmand, Alexander P; Bichell, Terry Jo; Bowman, Aaron B; Bates, Gillian P

2016-12-15

The role of aggregate formation in the pathophysiology of Huntington's disease (HD) remains uncertain. However, the temporal appearance of aggregates tends to correlate with the onset of symptoms and the numbers of neuropil aggregates correlate with the progression of clinical disease. Using highly sensitive immunohistochemical methods we have detected the appearance of diffuse aggregates during embryonic development in the R6/2 and YAC128 mouse models of HD. These are initially seen in developing axonal tracts and appear to spread throughout the cerebrum in the early neonate.

PLANETESIMAL FORMATION BY GRAVITATIONAL INSTABILITY OF A POROUS DUST DISK

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

Michikoshi, Shugo; Kokubo, Eiichiro, E-mail: michikos@ccs.tsukuba.ac.jp, E-mail: kokubo@th.nao.ac.jp

2016-07-10

It has recently been proposed that porous icy dust aggregates are formed by the pairwise accretion of dust aggregates beyond the snowline. We calculate the equilibrium random velocity of porous dust aggregates, taking into account mutual gravitational scattering, collisions, gas drag, and turbulent stirring and scattering. We find that the disk of porous dust aggregates becomes gravitationally unstable as the aggregates evolve through gravitational compression in the minimum-mass solar nebula model for a reasonable range of turbulence strength, which leads to rapid formation of planetesimals.

Thermal aggregation of human immunoglobulin G in arginine solutions: Contrasting effects of stabilizers and destabilizers.

PubMed

Yoshizawa, Shunsuke; Arakawa, Tsutomu; Shiraki, Kentaro

2017-11-01

Arginine is widely used as aggregation suppressor of proteins in biotechnology and pharmaceutics. However, why the effect of arginine depends on the types of proteins and stresses, including monoclonal antibodies, is still unclear. Here we investigated the precise processes of the thermal aggregation of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the presence of additives. As expected, arginine was the best additive to suppress the formation of insoluble aggregates during heat treatment, though it was unable to preserve the monomer content. A systematic analysis of the additives showed that sugars and kosmotropic ion inhibit the formation of soluble oligomers. These behaviors indicate that the thermal aggregation of IgG occurs by (i) the formation of soluble oligomers, which is triggered by the unfolding process that can be stabilized by typical osmolytes, and (ii) the formation of insoluble aggregates through weak cluster-cluster interactions, which can be suppressed by arginine. Understanding the detailed mechanism of arginine will provide useful information for the rational formulation design of antibodies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling phase separation in mixtures of intrinsically-disordered proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Chad; Zilman, Anton

Phase separation in a pure or mixed solution of intrinsically-disordered proteins (IDPs) and its role in various biological processes has generated interest from the theoretical biophysics community. Phase separation of IDPs has been implicated in the formation of membrane-less organelles such as nucleoli, as well as in a mechanism of selectivity in transport through the nuclear pore complex. Based on a lattice model of polymers, we study the phase diagram of IDPs in a mixture and describe the selective exclusion of soluble proteins from the dense-phase IDP aggregates. The model captures the essential behaviour of phase separation by a minimal set of coarse-grained parameters, corresponding to the average monomer-monomer and monomer-protein attraction strength, as well as the protein-to-monomer size ratio. Contrary to the intuition that strong monomer-monomer interaction increases exclusion of soluble proteins from the dense IDP aggregates, our model predicts that the concentration of soluble proteins in the aggregate phase as a function of monomer-monomer attraction is non-monotonic. We corroborate the predictions of the lattice model using Langevin dynamics simulations of grafted polymers in planar and cylindrical geometries, mimicking various in-vivo and in-vitro conditions.

Lightweight Concrete Produced Using a Two-Stage Casting Process

PubMed Central

Yoon, Jin Young; Kim, Jae Hong; Hwang, Yoon Yi; Shin, Dong Kyu

2015-01-01

The type of lightweight aggregate and its volume fraction in a mix determine the density of lightweight concrete. Minimizing the density obviously requires a higher volume fraction, but this usually causes aggregates segregation in a conventional mixing process. This paper proposes a two-stage casting process to produce a lightweight concrete. This process involves placing lightweight aggregates in a frame and then filling in the remaining interstitial voids with cementitious grout. The casting process results in the lowest density of lightweight concrete, which consequently has low compressive strength. The irregularly shaped aggregates compensate for the weak point in terms of strength while the round-shape aggregates provide a strength of 20 MPa. Therefore, the proposed casting process can be applied for manufacturing non-structural elements and structural composites requiring a very low density and a strength of at most 20 MPa. PMID:28788007

Reusing recycled aggregates in structural concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kou, Shicong

The utilization of recycled aggregates in concrete can minimize environmental impact and reduce the consumption of natural resources in concrete applications. The aim of this thesis is to provide a scientific basis for the possible use of recycled aggregates in structure concrete by conducting a comprehensive programme of laboratory study to gain a better understanding of the mechanical, microstructure and durability properties of concrete produced with recycled aggregates. The study also explored possible techniques to of improve the properties of recycled aggregate concrete that is produced with high percentages (≧ 50%) of recycled aggregates. These techniques included: (a) using lower water-to-cement ratios in the concrete mix design; (b) using fly ash as a cement replacement or as an additional mineral admixture in the concrete mixes, and (c) precasting recycled aggregate concrete with steam curing regimes. The characteristics of the recycled aggregates produced both from laboratory and a commercially operated pilot construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant were first studied. A mix proportioning procedure was then established to produce six series of concrete mixtures using different percentages of recycled coarse aggregates with and without the use of fly ash. The water-to-cement (binder) ratios of 0.55, 0.50, 0.45 and 0.40 were used. The fresh properties (including slump and bleeding) of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) were then quantified. The effects of fly ash on the fresh and hardened properties of RAC were then studied and compared with those RAC prepared with no fly ash addition. Furthermore, the effects of steam curing on the hardened properties of RAC were investigated. For micro-structural properties, the interfacial transition zones of the aggregates and the mortar/cement paste were analyzed by SEM and EDX-mapping. Moreover, a detailed set of results on the fracture properties for RAC were obtained. Based on the experimental results, a number of recommendations were made on how to optimize the use of recycled aggregates for structural concrete production. The results demonstrate that one of the practical ways to utilize a higher percentage of recycled aggregates in concrete is "precasting" with the use of fly ash and an initial steam curing stage immediately after casting.

Field management of asphalt concrete mixes.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1988-01-01

Marshall properties were determined on mixes from three different contractors each producing a 1/2-in and a 3/4-in top-sized aggregate mix. From these data, statistical analyses were made to determine differences among contractors and between mix typ...

Amyloidogenic Regions and Interaction Surfaces Overlap in Globular Proteins Related to Conformational Diseases

PubMed Central

Castillo, Virginia; Ventura, Salvador

2009-01-01

Protein aggregation underlies a wide range of human disorders. The polypeptides involved in these pathologies might be intrinsically unstructured or display a defined 3D-structure. Little is known about how globular proteins aggregate into toxic assemblies under physiological conditions, where they display an initially folded conformation. Protein aggregation is, however, always initiated by the establishment of anomalous protein-protein interactions. Therefore, in the present work, we have explored the extent to which protein interaction surfaces and aggregation-prone regions overlap in globular proteins associated with conformational diseases. Computational analysis of the native complexes formed by these proteins shows that aggregation-prone regions do frequently overlap with protein interfaces. The spatial coincidence of interaction sites and aggregating regions suggests that the formation of functional complexes and the aggregation of their individual subunits might compete in the cell. Accordingly, single mutations affecting complex interface or stability usually result in the formation of toxic aggregates. It is suggested that the stabilization of existing interfaces in multimeric proteins or the formation of new complexes in monomeric polypeptides might become effective strategies to prevent disease-linked aggregation of globular proteins. PMID:19696882

Investigation of microorganisms involved in biosynthesis of the kefir grain.

PubMed

Wang, Sheng-Yao; Chen, Kun-Nan; Lo, Yung-Ming; Chiang, Ming-Lun; Chen, Hsi-Chia; Liu, Je-Ruei; Chen, Ming-Ju

2012-12-01

The purpose of this study was to understand the significance of each microorganism in grain formation by evaluating their microbial aggregation and cell surface properties during co-aggregation of LAB and yeasts together with an investigation of biofilm formation. Non-grain forming strains from viili were also evaluated as a comparison. Results indicated that the kefir grain strains, Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens and Saccharomyces turicensis possess strong auto-aggregation ability and that Lactobacillus kefiri shows significant biofilm formation properties. Significant co-aggregation was noted when S. turicensis and kefir LAB strains (Lb. kefiranofaciens and Lb. kefiri) were co-cultured. Most of the tested LAB strains are hydrophilic and had a negative charge on their cell surface. Only the kefir LAB strains, Lb. kefiranofaciens HL1 and Lb. kefiri HL2, possessed very high hydrophobicity and had a positive cell surface charge at pH 4.2. In contrast, the LAB and yeasts in viili did not show any significant self-aggregation or biofilm formation. Based on the above results, we propose that grain formation begins with the self-aggregation of Lb. kefiranofaciens and S. turicensis to form small granules. At this point, the biofilm producer, Lb. kefiri, then begins to attach to the surface of granules and co-aggregates with other organisms and components in the milk to form the grains. On sub-culturing, more organisms attach to the grains resulting in grain growth. When investigated by scanning electron microscopy, it was found that short-chain lactobacilli such as Lb. kefiri occupy the surface, while long-chain lactobacilli such as Lb. kefiranofaciens have aggregated towards the center of the kefir grains. These findings agree with the above hypothesis on the formation of grains. Taken together, this study demonstrates the importance of cell surface properties together with fermentation conditions to the formation of grains in kefir. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of particle shape and texture of mineral aggregates and their blends

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1992-05-01

Two important factors for minimizing rutting of hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are: a) the fractured face count of aggregate when gravel is used as coarse aggregate, and b) the use of manufactured sand. Both these factors relate to the shape and text...

Effects of humic and fulvic acids on aggregation of aqu/nC60 nanoparticles

EPA Science Inventory

Aggregation of fullerene nanoparticles (nC60) is a fundamental process influencing its environmental fate and transport, and toxicity. Using time-resolved dynamic light scattering we systematically investigated aggregation kinetics of nC60 generated from extended mixing in water ...

Analysis of membrane fusion as a two-state sequential process: evaluation of the stalk model.

PubMed

Weinreb, Gabriel; Lentz, Barry R

2007-06-01

We propose a model that accounts for the time courses of PEG-induced fusion of membrane vesicles of varying lipid compositions and sizes. The model assumes that fusion proceeds from an initial, aggregated vesicle state ((A) membrane contact) through two sequential intermediate states (I(1) and I(2)) and then on to a fusion pore state (FP). Using this model, we interpreted data on the fusion of seven different vesicle systems. We found that the initial aggregated state involved no lipid or content mixing but did produce leakage. The final state (FP) was not leaky. Lipid mixing normally dominated the first intermediate state (I(1)), but content mixing signal was also observed in this state for most systems. The second intermediate state (I(2)) exhibited both lipid and content mixing signals and leakage, and was sometimes the only leaky state. In some systems, the first and second intermediates were indistinguishable and converted directly to the FP state. Having also tested a parallel, two-intermediate model subject to different assumptions about the nature of the intermediates, we conclude that a sequential, two-intermediate model is the simplest model sufficient to describe PEG-mediated fusion in all vesicle systems studied. We conclude as well that a fusion intermediate "state" should not be thought of as a fixed structure (e.g., "stalk" or "transmembrane contact") of uniform properties. Rather, a fusion "state" describes an ensemble of similar structures that can have different mechanical properties. Thus, a "state" can have varying probabilities of having a given functional property such as content mixing, lipid mixing, or leakage. Our data show that the content mixing signal may occur through two processes, one correlated and one not correlated with leakage. Finally, we consider the implications of our results in terms of the "modified stalk" hypothesis for the mechanism of lipid pore formation. We conclude that our results not only support this hypothesis but also provide a means of analyzing fusion time courses so as to test it and gauge the mechanism of action of fusion proteins in the context of the lipidic hypothesis of fusion.

Soil aggregation and aggregating agents as affected by long term contrasting management of an Anthrosol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shulan; Wang, Renjie; Yang, Xueyun; Sun, Benhua; Li, Qinghui

2016-12-01

Soil aggregation was studied in a 21-year experiment conducted on an Anthrosol. The soil management regimes consisted of cropland abandonment, bare fallow without vegetation and cropping system. The cropping system was combined with the following nutrient management treatments: control (CONTROL, no nutrient input); nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); straw plus NPK (SNPK); and manure (M) plus NPK (MNPK). Compared with the CONTROL treatment, the abandonment treatment significantly increased the formation of large soil macroaggregates (>2 mm) and consequently improved the stability of aggregates in the surface soil layer due to enhancement of hyphal length and of soil organic matter content. However, in response to long-term bare fallow treatment aggregate stability was low, as were the levels of aggregating agents. Long term fertilization significantly redistributed macroaggregates; this could be mainly ascribed to soil organic matter contributing to the formation of 0.5-2 mm classes of aggregates and a decrease in the formation of the >2 mm class of aggregates, especially in the MNPK treatment. Overall, hyphae represented a major aggregating agent in both of the systems tested, while soil organic compounds played significantly different roles in stabilizing aggregates in Anthrosol when the cropping system and the soil management regimes were compared.

The chaperonin CCT promotes the formation of fibrillar aggregates of γ-tubulin.

PubMed

Pouchucq, Luis; Lobos-Ruiz, Pablo; Araya, Gissela; Valpuesta, José María; Monasterio, Octavio

2018-04-01

The type II chaperonin CCT is involved in the prevention of the pathogenesis of numerous human misfolding disorders, as it sequesters misfolded proteins, blocks their aggregation and helps them to achieve their native state. In addition, it has been reported that CCT can prevent the toxicity of non-client amyloidogenic proteins by the induction of non-toxic aggregates, leading to new insight in chaperonin function as an aggregate remodeling factor. Here we add experimental evidence to this alternative mechanism by which CCT actively promotes the formation of conformationally different aggregates of γ-tubulin, a non-amyloidogenic CCT client protein, which are mediated by specific CCT-γ-tubulin interactions. The in vitro-induced aggregates were in some cases long fiber polymers, which compete with the amorphous aggregates. Direct injection of unfolded purified γ-tubulin into single-cell zebra fish embryos allowed us to relate this in vitro activity with the in vivo formation of intracellular aggregates. Injection of a CCT-binding deficient γ-tubulin mutant dramatically diminished the size of the intracellular aggregates, increasing the toxicity of the misfolded protein. These results point to CCT having a role in the remodeling of aggregates, constituting one of its many functions in cellular proteostasis. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Soil aggregation and aggregating agents as affected by long term contrasting management of an Anthrosol

PubMed Central

Zhang, Shulan; Wang, Renjie; Yang, Xueyun; Sun, Benhua; Li, Qinghui

2016-01-01

Soil aggregation was studied in a 21-year experiment conducted on an Anthrosol. The soil management regimes consisted of cropland abandonment, bare fallow without vegetation and cropping system. The cropping system was combined with the following nutrient management treatments: control (CONTROL, no nutrient input); nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK); straw plus NPK (SNPK); and manure (M) plus NPK (MNPK). Compared with the CONTROL treatment, the abandonment treatment significantly increased the formation of large soil macroaggregates (>2 mm) and consequently improved the stability of aggregates in the surface soil layer due to enhancement of hyphal length and of soil organic matter content. However, in response to long-term bare fallow treatment aggregate stability was low, as were the levels of aggregating agents. Long term fertilization significantly redistributed macroaggregates; this could be mainly ascribed to soil organic matter contributing to the formation of 0.5–2 mm classes of aggregates and a decrease in the formation of the >2 mm class of aggregates, especially in the MNPK treatment. Overall, hyphae represented a major aggregating agent in both of the systems tested, while soil organic compounds played significantly different roles in stabilizing aggregates in Anthrosol when the cropping system and the soil management regimes were compared. PMID:27958366

Chemical modification of lysine residues in lysozyme may dramatically influence its amyloid fibrillation.

PubMed

Morshedi, Dina; Ebrahim-Habibi, Azadeh; Moosavi-Movahedi, Ali Akbar; Nemat-Gorgani, Mohsen

2010-04-01

Studies on the aggregation of mutant proteins have provided new insights into the genetics of amyloid diseases and the role of the net charge of the protein on the rate, extent, and type of aggregate formation. In the present work, hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) was employed as the model protein. Acetylation and (separately) citraconylation were employed to neutralize the charge on lysine residues. Acetylation of the lysine residues promoted amyloid formation, resulting in more pronounced fibrils and a dramatic decline in the nucleation time. In contrast, citraconylation produced the opposite effect. In both cases, native secondary and tertiary structures appeared to be retained. Studies on the effect of pH on aggregation suggested greater possibilities for amorphous aggregate formation rather than fibrillation at pH values closer to neutrality, in which the protein is known to take up a conformation more similar to its native form. This is in accord with reports in the literature suggesting that formation of amorphous aggregates is more favored under relatively more native conditions. pH 5 provided a critical environment in which a mixture of amorphous and fibrillar structures were observed. Use of Tango and Aggrescan software which describe aggregation tendencies of different parts of a protein structure suggested critical importance of some of the lysine residues in the aggregation process. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of the net charge in control of protein-protein interactions leading to aggregate formation and possible specific roles of lysine residues 96 and 97. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Geopolymerisation of silt generated from construction and demolition waste washing plants.

PubMed

Lampris, C; Lupo, R; Cheeseman, C R

2009-01-01

Recycling plants that size, sort and wash construction and demolition waste can produce high quality aggregate. However, they also produce up to 80ton per hour of filter cake waste containing fine (<63mum) silt particles that is classified as inert waste and normally landfilled. This research investigated the potential to form geopolymers containing silt, which would allow this problematic waste to be beneficially reused as aggregate. This would significantly improve the economic viability of recycling plants that wash wastes. Silt filter cakes have been collected from a number of aggregate washing plants operating in the UK. These were found to contain similar aluminosilicate crystalline phases. Geopolymer samples were produced using silt and silt mixed with either metakaolin or pulverised fuel ash (PFA). Silt geopolymers cured at room temperature had average 7-day compressive strengths of 18.7MPa, while partial substitution of silt by metakaolin or PFA increased average compressive strengths to 30.5 and 21.9MPa, respectively. Curing specimens for 24h at 105 degrees C resulted in a compressive strength of 39.7MPa and microstructural analysis confirmed the formation of dense materials. These strengths are in excess of those required for materials to be used as aggregate, particularly in unbound applications. The implications of this research for the management of waste silt at construction and demolition waste washing plants are discussed.

Photoacoustic assay for probing amyloid formation: feasibility study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Petrova, Elena; Yoon, Soon Joon; Pelivanov, Ivan; O'Donnell, Matthew

2018-02-01

The formation of amyloid - aggregate of misfolded proteins - is associated with more than 50 human pathologies, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Investigating protein aggregation is a critical step in drug discovery and development of therapeutics targeted to these pathologies. However, screens to identify protein aggregates are challenging due to the stochastic character of aggregate nucleation. Here we employ photoacoustics (PA) to screen thermodynamic conditions and solution components leading to formation of protein aggregates. Particularly, we study the temperature dependence of the Gruneisen parameter in optically-contrasted, undersaturated and supersaturated solutions of glycoside hydrolase (lysozyme). As nucleation of protein aggregates proceeds in two steps, where the first is liquid-liquid separation (rearrangement of solute's density), the PA response from complex solutions and its temperature-dependence monitor nucleation and differentiate undersaturated and supersaturated protein solutions. We demonstrate that in the temperature range from 22 to 0° C the PA response of contrasted undersaturated protein solution behaves similar to water and exhibits zero thermal expansion at 4°C or below, while the response of contrasted supersaturated protein solution is nearly temperature independent, similar to the behavior of oils. These results can be used to develop a PA assay for high-throughput screening of multi-parametric conditions (pH, ionic strength, chaperone, etc.) for protein aggregation that can become a key tool in drug discovery, targeting aggregate formation for a variety of amyloids.

Evaluating Georgia DOT's compaction requirements for stone matrix asphalt mixes.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-06-01

This study determined a compactive effort for Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixes with the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC) that would match a 50-blow Marshall compactive effort using aggregates and mix designs common in Georgia. SMA mix designs were ...

Microstructure of Concrete with Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Plants.

PubMed

Bravo, Miguel; Santos Silva, António; de Brito, Jorge; Evangelista, Luís

2016-02-01

This paper intends to analyze the microstructure of concrete with recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste from various Portuguese recycling plants. To that effect, several scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses were performed. Various concrete mixes were evaluated in order to analyze the influence of the RA's collection point and consequently of their composition on the mixes' characteristics. Afterward all the mixes were subjected to the capillary water absorption test in order to quantitatively evaluate their porosity. Results from the SEM/EDS analysis were compared with those from capillary water absorption test. The SEM/EDS analysis showed that the bond capacity of aggregates to the new cement paste is greatly influenced by the RA's nature. On the other hand, there was an increase in porosity with the incorporation of RA.

Evaluation of steel slag coarse aggregate in hot mix asphalt concrete.

PubMed

Ahmedzade, Perviz; Sengoz, Burak

2009-06-15

This paper presents the influences of the utilization of steel slag as a coarse aggregate on the properties of hot mix asphalt. Four different asphalt mixtures containing two types of asphalt cement (AC-5; AC-10) and coarse aggregate (limestone; steel slag) were used to prepare Marshall specimens and to determine optimum bitumen content. Mechanical characteristics of all mixtures were evaluated by Marshall stability, indirect tensile stiffness modulus, creep stiffness, and indirect tensile strength tests. The electrical sensitivity of the specimens were also investigated in accordance with ASTM D257-91. It was observed that steel slag used as a coarse aggregate improved the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. Moreover, volume resistivity values demonstrated that the electrical conductivity of steel slag mixtures were better than that of limestone mixtures.

Macromolecular properties of cepacian in water and in dimethylsulfoxide.

PubMed

Herasimenka, Yury; Cescutti, Paola; Sampaio Noguera, Carlos E; Ruggiero, Josè R; Urbani, Ranieri; Impallomeni, Giuseppe; Zanetti, Flavio; Campidelli, Stéphane; Prato, Maurizio; Rizzo, Roberto

2008-01-14

Cepacian is the exopolysaccharide produced by the majority of the so far investigated clinical strains of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. This is a group of nine closely related bacterial species that might cause serious lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, in some cases leading to death. In this paper the aggregation ability and the conformational properties of cepacian chain were investigated to understand its role in biofilm formation. Viscosity and atomic force microscopy studies in water and in mixed (dimethylsulfoxide/water) solvent indicated the formation of double stranded molecular structures in aqueous solutions. Inter-residue short distances along cepacian chain were investigated by NOE NMR, which showed that two side chains of cepacian were not conformationally free due to strong interactions with the polymer backbone. These interactions were attributed to hydrogen bonding and contributed to structure rigidity.

Synthesis and characterization of hollow spherical copper phosphide (Cu 3P) nanopowders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shuling; Qian, Yitai; Xu, Liqiang

2009-03-01

In this paper, hollow spherical Cu 3P nanopowders were synthesized by using copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO 4ṡ5H 2O) and yellow phosphorus in a mixed solvent of glycol, ethanol and water at 140-180 ∘C for 12 h. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electron diffraction pattern (ED) and transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) studies show that the as-synthesized nanocrystal is pure hexagonal phase Cu 3P with a hollow spherical morphology. Based on the TEM observations, a possible aggregation growth mechanism was proposed for the formation of Cu 3P hollow structures. Meanwhile, the effects of some key factors such as solvents, reaction temperature and reaction time on the final formation of the Cu 3P hollow structure were also discussed.

Cholinesterases and cell proliferation in "nonstratified" and "stratified" cell aggregates from chicken retina and tectum.

PubMed

Vollmer, G; Layer, P G

1987-12-01

Dissociated single cells from chicken retina or tectum kept in rotation-mediated cell culture aggregate, proliferate and establish a certain degree of histotypical cell-to-cell relationships ("sorting out"), but these systems never form highly laminated aggregates ("nonstratified" R- and T-aggregates). In contrast, a mixture of retinal plus pigment epithelial cells forms highly "stratified" aggregates ("RPE-aggregates", see Vollmer et al. 1984). The present comparative study of "stratified" and "nonstratified" aggregates enables us to investigate the process of cell proliferation uncoupled from that of tissue stratification. Here we try to relate these two basic neurogenetic processes with patterns of expression of cholinesterases (AChE, BChE) during formation of both types of aggregates. During early aggregate formation, in both "stratified" and "nonstratified" aggregates an increased butyrylcholinesterase activity is observed close to mitotically active cells. Quantitatively both phenomena show their maxima after 2-3 days in culture. In contrast, AChE-expression in all systems increases with incubation time. In nonproliferative areas, in the center of RPE-aggregates, the formation of plexiform layers is characterized initially by weak BChE- and then strong AChE-activity. These areas correspond with the inner (IPL) and outer (OPL) plexiform layers of the retina in vivo. Although by sucrose gradient centrifugation we find that the 6S- and the fiber-associated 11S-molecules of AChE are present in all types of aggregates, during the culture period the ratio of 11S/6S-forms increases only in RPE-aggregates, which again indicates the advanced degree of differentiation within these aggregates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Performance of composite sand cement brick containing recycle concrete aggregate and waste polyethylene terephthalate with different mix design ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Azmi, N. B.; Khalid, F. S.; Irwan, J. M.; Mazenan, P. N.; Zahir, Z.; Shahidan, S.

2018-04-01

This study is focuses to the performance of composite sand cement brick containing recycle concrete aggregate and waste polyethylene terephthalate. The objective is to determine the mechanical properties such as compressive strength and water absorption of composite brick containing recycled concrete aggregate and polyethylene terephthalate waste and to determine the optimum mix ratio of bricks containing recycled concrete aggregate and polyethylene terephthalate waste. The bricks specimens were prepared by using 100% natural sand, they were then replaced by RCA at 25%, 50% and 75% with proportions of PET consists of 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% and 2.5% by weight of natural sand. Based on the results of compressive strength, it indicates that the replacement of RCA shows an increasing strength as the strength starts to increase from 25% to 50% for both mix design ratio. The strength for RCA 75% volume of replacement started to decrease as the volume of PET increase. However, the result of water absorption with 50% RCA and 1.0% PET show less permeable compared to control brick at both mix design ratio. Thus, one would expect the density of brick decrease and the water absorption to increase as the RCA and PET content is increased.

Femtosecond fluorescence dynamics of porphyrin in solution and solid films: the effects of aggregation and interfacial electron transfer between porphyrin and TiO2.

PubMed

Luo, Liyang; Lo, Chen-Fu; Lin, Ching-Yao; Chang, I-Jy; Diau, Eric Wei-Guang

2006-01-12

The excited-state relaxation dynamics of a synthetic porphyrin, ZnCAPEBPP, in solution, coated on a glass substrate as solid films, mixed with PMMA and coated on a glass substrate as solid films, and sensitized on nanocrystalline TiO2 films were investigated by using femtosecond fluorescence up-conversion spectroscopy with excitation in the Soret band, S2. We found that the S2--> S1 electronic relaxation of ZnCAPEBPP in solution and on PMMA films occurs in 910 and 690 fs, respectively, but it becomes extremely rapid, <100 fs, in solid films and TiO2 films due to formation of porphyrin aggregates. When probed in the S1 state of porphyrin, the fluorescence transients of the solid films show a biphasic kinetic feature with the rapid and slow components decaying in 1.9-2.4 and 19-26 ps, respectively. The transients in ZnCAPEBPP/TiO2 films also feature two relaxation processes but they occur on different time scales, 100-300 fs and 0.8-4.1 ps, and contain a small offset. According to the variation of relaxation period as a function of molecular density on a TiO2 surface, we assigned the femtosecond component of the TiO2 films as due to indirect interfacial electron transfer through a phenylethynyl bridge attached to one of four meso positions of the porphyrin ring, and the picosecond component arising from intermolecular energy transfer among porphyrins. The observed variation of aggregate-induced relaxation periods between solid and TiO2 films is due mainly to aggregation of two types: J-type aggregation is dominant in the former case whereas H-type aggregation prevails in the latter case.

Special Specification 3XXX, dense-graded hot-mix asphalt.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2004-01-01

Construct a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement layer composed of a compacted, dense-graded mixture of aggregate and asphalt binder mixed hot in a mixing plant. Pay adjustments will apply to HMA placed under this specification unless the HMA is deemed exe...

Time-resolved forward-light-scattering monitoring of protein–lysozyme aggregation in precrystalline solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wakamatsu, Takashi; Onoda, Takashi; Ogata, Makoto

2018-05-01

An in situ measurement method of monitoring protein aggregation in precrystalline solutions is presented. The method is based on a small-angle forward static light scattering (F-SLS) technique. This technique uses an accurate optical arrangement of a combination of a collimating lens and a CCD to obtain an F-SLS pattern from an aggregate-containing protein solution in one shot. The real-time observation of a crystallizing lysozyme captured the formation of fractal aggregates in the initial formation stage.

Unity and diversity in mixing: Stretching, diffusion, breakup, and aggregation in chaotic flows

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

Ottino, J.M.

1991-05-01

Experiments and theory have produced a reasonably good qualitative understanding of the evolution of chaotic mixing of passive tracers, especially in two-dimensional time-periodic flow fields. Such an understanding forms a fabric for the evolution of breakup, aggregation, and diffusion-controlled reactions in more complex flows. These systems can be viewed as a population of microstructures'' whose behavior is dictated by iterations of a chaotic flow; microstructures break, diffuse, and aggregate, causing the population to evolve in space and time. This paper presents simple physical models for such processes. Self-similarity is common to all the problems; examples arise in the context ofmore » the distribution of stretchings within chaotic flows, in the asymptotic evolution of diffusion-reaction processes at striation thickness scales, in the equilibrium distribution of drop sizes generated upon mixing of immiscible fluids, in the equations describing mean-field kinetics of coagulation, in the sequence of actions necessary for the destruction of islands in two-dimensional flow, and in the fractal structure of clusters produced upon aggregation in chaotic flows.« less

Influence of the individual or combined application of biochar and slurry on soil macro-aggregate formation under varying moisture conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaiser, Michael; Grunwald, Dennis; Koch, Heinz-Josef; Rauber, Rolf; Ludwig, Bernard

2017-04-01

The formation of aggregates is of large importance for the structure and the storage of organic matter (OM) in soil. Although positive effects of organic soil additives on the formation of macro-aggregates (> 250 µm) have been reported, the influence of biochar especially applied in combination with other organic amendments remains unclear. Furthermore, studies on the effect of varying soil moisture conditions in form of drying-rewetting cycles on soil aggregate dynamics in the presence of biochar are almost missing. The objectives of this study were to analyze the effects of biochar and slurry applied to the soil individually or in combination on the formation of macro-aggregates under constant and under varying moisture conditions. We sampled four silty loam soils, carefully crushed the soil macro-aggregates, and incubated the soil at 15 °C for 60 days with the following additions: (i) none (control), (ii) biochar (12 % of dry soil mass), (iii) slurry (150 kg N ha-1), (iv) biochar (6 %) + slurry (75 kg N ha-1), (v) biochar (12 %) + slurry (75 kg N ha-1), (vi) biochar (6 %) + slurry (150 kg N ha-1) and (vii) biochar (12 %) + slurry (150 kg N ha-1). The samples were further subdivided into two groups that were incubated under conditions of constant soil moisture and of three drying-rewetting cycles. The CO2 fluxes were continuously measured during the incubation period and the samples were analyzed for microbial biomass C, macro-aggregate yields and macro-aggregate-associated C after finishing the experiment. We found the application of biochar to result in lower macro-aggregate yields with or without slurry compared to the control or the individual slurry application. In contrast, similar or higher C contents in the macro-aggregate fraction of the biochar treatments as compared to the control or slurry treatments were found indicating an occlusion of biochar in macro-aggregates. Due to the sorption characteristics of biochar, we assume the aggregate formation to be partially abiotic with direct interactions between biochar, (adsorbed) slurry, and the mineral phase of the soil. Therefore, in the presence of slurry, a prolonged period of microbial processing does not seem to be necessary to render the biochar suitable to form aggregates. Drying and rewetting of the samples resulted in significantly lower aggregate yields especially for the biochar/slurry mixtures. The drying of slurry as thought to be the most important macro-aggregate binding agent in these treatments might irreversibly disrupt large amounts of the macro-aggregates formed. Additionally, the general lower microbial biomass C and CO2 emissions for the samples experiencing drying-rewetting cycles compared to the constantly moist soils point toward less microbial activity under varying moisture conditions. This might have led to less microbial derived aggregate binding agents contributing to the lower aggregate yields found for the samples from the drying-rewetting treatments. Beside the amount and type of binding agents derived from organic soil additives, the formation and stability of soil macro-aggregate seem also to be controlled by climatically controlled soil moisture conditions.

Computational study of aggregation mechanism in human lysozyme[D67H

PubMed Central

Patel, Dharmeshkumar

2017-01-01

Aggregation of proteins is an undesired phenomena that affects both human health and bioengineered products such as therapeutic proteins. Finding preventative measures could be facilitated by a molecular-level understanding of dimer formation, which is the first step in aggregation. Here we present a molecular dynamics (MD) study of dimer formation propensity in human lysozyme and its D67H variant. Because the latter protein aggregates while the former does not, they offer an ideal system for testing the feasibility of the proposed MD approach which comprises three stages: i) partially unfolded conformers involved in dimer formation are generated via high-temperature MD simulations, ii) potential dimer structures are searched using docking and refined with MD, iii) free energy calculations are performed to find the most stable dimer structure. Our results provide a detailed explanation for how a single mutation (D67H) turns human lysozyme from non-aggregating to an aggregating protein. Conversely, the proposed method can be used to identify the residues causing aggregation in a protein, which can be mutated to prevent it. PMID:28467454

Dynamics of micelle formation from temperature-jump Monte Carlo simulations.

PubMed

Heinzelmann, G; Seide, P; Figueiredo, W

2015-11-01

In the present work we perform temperature jumps in a surfactant solution by means of Monte Carlo simulations, investigating the dynamics of micelle formation. We use a lattice model that allows orientational freedom and hydrogen bonding for solvent molecules, which can make a connection between the different time scales of hydrogen bond formation and amphiphilic aggregation. When we perform a large jump between a high-temperature nonmicellized state and a micellized state, there is strong hysteresis between the heating and cooling processes, the latter showing the formation of premicelles that act as nucleation centers for the assembly of larger aggregates and the former is a drive for dissociation of the existing aggregates. Hysteresis is not seen when we perform a small jump between two states that can be both micellized or nonmicellized. Looking for a more detailed analysis of the hydrophobic effect that drives aggregation, we compare the time evolution of the solvent hydrogen bonds in our system close and far from micelles and how that is affected by the formation of large clusters at low temperatures. We find a strong connection between them, with the total number of hydrogen bonds in the system always increasing when micelles are formed. To gain insights into the mechanism of premicellar formation and growth, we measure the lifetime of micellized amphiphiles as a function of the aggregate size and the stage of the aggregation process. Our results indicate that the premicelles are always unstable, quickly exchanging amphiphiles with the solution due to their low probabilty in equilibrium. Furthermore, we find that the stability of individual surfactants in micelles increases with the aggregate size, with the lifetime of amphiphiles in large micelles being as much as 35 times longer than in the case of the unstable premicellar region.

Modeling Multivalent Ligand-Receptor Interactions with Steric Constraints on Configurations of Cell-Surface Receptor Aggregates

PubMed Central

Monine, Michael I.; Posner, Richard G.; Savage, Paul B.; Faeder, James R.; Hlavacek, William S.

2010-01-01

Abstract We use flow cytometry to characterize equilibrium binding of a fluorophore-labeled trivalent model antigen to bivalent IgE-FcεRI complexes on RBL cells. We find that flow cytometric measurements are consistent with an equilibrium model for ligand-receptor binding in which binding sites are assumed to be equivalent and ligand-induced receptor aggregates are assumed to be acyclic. However, this model predicts extensive receptor aggregation at antigen concentrations that yield strong cellular secretory responses, which is inconsistent with the expectation that large receptor aggregates should inhibit such responses. To investigate possible explanations for this discrepancy, we evaluate four rule-based models for interaction of a trivalent ligand with a bivalent cell-surface receptor that relax simplifying assumptions of the equilibrium model. These models are simulated using a rule-based kinetic Monte Carlo approach to investigate the kinetics of ligand-induced receptor aggregation and to study how the kinetics and equilibria of ligand-receptor interaction are affected by steric constraints on receptor aggregate configurations and by the formation of cyclic receptor aggregates. The results suggest that formation of linear chains of cyclic receptor dimers may be important for generating secretory signals. Steric effects that limit receptor aggregation and transient formation of small receptor aggregates may also be important. PMID:20085718

A Survey of Jet Aircraft PM by TEM in APEX III

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

VanderWal, Randy L.; Bryg, Victoria M.

2014-01-01

Based upon field testing during the NASA led APEX III campaign conducted in November 2005 at the NASA Glenn Research Center in coordination with Continental Airlines and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. This paper reports observations of particulate emissions collected from a suite of jet engine aircraft to assess differences and similarities in soot macro- micro- and nanostructure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Aggregates are compact, primary particle sizes varied and nanostructure mixed. Comparisons are made to more familiar laboratory flame-generated soot as a well-studied point of reference. Results are interpreted in terms of turbulence interacting with the different stages of particle formation and growth.

Zn(II)- and Cu(II)-induced non-fibrillar aggregates of amyloid-beta (1-42) peptide are transformed to amyloid fibrils, both spontaneously and under the influence of metal chelators.

PubMed

Tõugu, Vello; Karafin, Ann; Zovo, Kairit; Chung, Roger S; Howells, Claire; West, Adrian K; Palumaa, Peep

2009-09-01

Aggregation of amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides is a central phenomenon in Alzheimer's disease. Zn(II) and Cu(II) have profound effects on Abeta aggregation; however, their impact on amyloidogenesis is unclear. Here we show that Zn(II) and Cu(II) inhibit Abeta(42) fibrillization and initiate formation of non-fibrillar Abeta(42) aggregates, and that the inhibitory effect of Zn(II) (IC(50) = 1.8 micromol/L) is three times stronger than that of Cu(II). Medium and high-affinity metal chelators including metallothioneins prevented metal-induced Abeta(42) aggregation. Moreover, their addition to preformed aggregates initiated fast Abeta(42) fibrillization. Upon prolonged incubation the metal-induced aggregates also transformed spontaneously into fibrils, that appear to represent the most stable state of Abeta(42). H13A and H14A mutations in Abeta(42) reduced the inhibitory effect of metal ions, whereas an H6A mutation had no significant impact. We suggest that metal binding by H13 and H14 prevents the formation of a cross-beta core structure within region 10-23 of the amyloid fibril. Cu(II)-Abeta(42) aggregates were neurotoxic to neurons in vitro only in the presence of ascorbate, whereas monomers and Zn(II)-Abeta(42) aggregates were non-toxic. Disturbed metal homeostasis in the vicinity of zinc-enriched neurons might pre-dispose formation of metal-induced Abeta aggregates, subsequent fibrillization of which can lead to amyloid formation. The molecular background underlying metal-chelating therapies for Alzheimer's disease is discussed in this light.

In situ camera observations reveal major role of zooplankton in modulating marine snow formation during an upwelling-induced plankton bloom

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taucher, Jan; Stange, Paul; Algueró-Muñiz, María; Bach, Lennart T.; Nauendorf, Alice; Kolzenburg, Regina; Büdenbender, Jan; Riebesell, Ulf

2018-05-01

Particle aggregation and the consequent formation of marine snow alter important properties of biogenic particles (size, sinking rate, degradability), thus playing a key role in controlling the vertical flux of organic matter to the deep ocean. However, there are still large uncertainties about rates and mechanisms of particle aggregation, as well as the role of plankton community structure in modifying biomass transfer from small particles to large fast-sinking aggregates. Here we present data from a high-resolution underwater camera system that we used to observe particle size distributions and formation of marine snow (aggregates >0.5 mm) over the course of a 9-week in situ mesocosm experiment in the Eastern Subtropical North Atlantic. After an oligotrophic phase of almost 4 weeks, addition of nutrient-rich deep water (650 m) initiated the development of a pronounced diatom bloom and the subsequent formation of large marine snow aggregates in all 8 mesocosms. We observed a substantial time lag between the peaks of chlorophyll a and marine snow biovolume of 9-12 days, which is much longer than previously reported and indicates a marked temporal decoupling of phytoplankton growth and marine snow formation during our study. Despite this time lag, our observations revealed substantial transfer of biomass from small particle sizes (single phytoplankton cells and chains) to marine snow aggregates of up to 2.5 mm diameter (ESD), with most of the biovolume being contained in the 0.5-1 mm size range. Notably, the abundance and community composition of mesozooplankton had a substantial influence on the temporal development of particle size spectra and formation of marine snow aggregates: While higher copepod abundances were related to reduced aggregate formation and biomass transfer towards larger particle sizes, the presence of appendicularia and doliolids enhanced formation of large marine snow. Furthermore, we combined in situ particle size distributions with measurements of particle sinking velocity to compute instantaneous (potential) vertical mass flux. However, somewhat surprisingly, we did not find a coherent relationship between our computed flux and measured vertical mass flux (collected by sediment traps in 15 m depth). Although the onset of measured vertical flux roughly coincided with the emergence of marine snow, we found substantial variability in mass flux among mesocosms that was not related to marine snow numbers, and was instead presumably driven by zooplankton-mediated alteration of sinking biomass and export of small particles (fecal pellets). Altogether, our findings highlight the role of zooplankton community composition and feeding interactions on particle size spectra and formation of marine snow aggregates, with important implications for our understanding of particle aggregation and vertical flux of organic matter in the ocean.

Monitoring Insulin Aggregation via Capillary Electrophoresis

PubMed Central

Pryor, Elizabeth; Kotarek, Joseph A.; Moss, Melissa A.; Hestekin, Christa N.

2011-01-01

Early stages of insulin aggregation, which involve the transient formation of oligomeric aggregates, are an important aspect in the progression of Type II diabetes and in the quality control of pharmaceutical insulin production. This study is the first to utilize capillary electrophoresis (CE) with ultraviolet (UV) detection to monitor insulin oligomer formation at pH 8.0 and physiological ionic strength. The lag time to formation of the first detected species in the aggregation process was evaluated by UV-CE and thioflavin T (ThT) binding for salt concentrations from 100 mM to 250 mM. UV-CE had a significantly shorter (5–8 h) lag time than ThT binding (15–19 h). In addition, the lag time to detection of the first aggregated species via UV-CE was unaffected by salt concentration, while a trend toward an increased lag time with increased salt concentration was observed with ThT binding. This result indicates that solution ionic strength impacts early stages of aggregation and β-sheet aggregate formation differently. To observe whether CE may be applied for the analysis of biological samples containing low insulin concentrations, the limit of detection using UV and laser induced fluorescence (LIF) detection modes was determined. The limit of detection using LIF-CE, 48.4 pM, was lower than the physiological insulin concentration, verifying the utility of this technique for monitoring biological samples. LIF-CE was subsequently used to analyze the time course for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled insulin oligomer formation. This study is the first to report that the FITC label prevented incorporation of insulin into oligomers, cautioning against the use of this fluorescent label as a tag for following early stages of insulin aggregation. PMID:22272138

Particle Formation and Aggregation of a Therapeutic Protein in Nanobubble Suspensions

PubMed Central

Snell, Jared R.; Zhou, Chen; Carpenter, John F.; Randolph, Theodore W.

2016-01-01

The generation of nanobubbles following reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations has recently been reported.1 Here, we characterize particle formation and aggregation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in reconstituted formulations of lyophilized trehalose. Particle characterization methods including resonant mass measurement and nanoparticle tracking analysis were used to count and size particles generated upon reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations. In addition, accelerated degradation studies were conducted to monitor rhIL-1ra aggregation in solutions containing various concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. Reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations with solutions containing rhIL-1ra reduced nanobubble concentrations and generated negatively buoyant particles attributed to aggregated rhIL-1ra. Furthermore, levels of rhIL-1ra aggregation following incubation in aqueous solution correlated with concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. The results of this study suggest nanobubbles may be a contributor to protein aggregation and particle formation in reconstituted, lyophilized therapeutic protein formulations. PMID:27488901

Particle Formation and Aggregation of a Therapeutic Protein in Nanobubble Suspensions.

PubMed

Snell, Jared R; Zhou, Chen; Carpenter, John F; Randolph, Theodore W

2016-10-01

The generation of nanobubbles following reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations has recently been reported. Here, we characterize particle formation and aggregation of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in reconstituted formulations of lyophilized trehalose. Particle characterization methods including resonant mass measurement and nanoparticle tracking analysis were used to count and size particles generated upon reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations. In addition, accelerated degradation studies were conducted to monitor rhIL-1ra aggregation in solutions containing various concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. Reconstitution of lyophilized trehalose formulations with solutions containing rhIL-1ra reduced nanobubble concentrations and generated negatively buoyant particles attributed to aggregated rhIL-1ra. Furthermore, levels of rhIL-1ra aggregation following incubation in aqueous solution correlated with concentrations of suspended nanobubbles. The results of this study suggest that nanobubbles may be a contributor to protein aggregation and particle formation in reconstituted, lyophilized therapeutic protein formulations. Copyright © 2016 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Elevated Temperature on the Residual Properties of Quartzite, Granite and Basalt Aggregate Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Masood, A.; Shariq, M.; Alam, M. Masroor; Ahmad, T.; Beg, A.

2018-05-01

In the present study, experimental investigations have been carried out to determine the effect of elevated temperature on the residual properties of quartzite, granite and basalt aggregate concrete mixes. Ultrasonic pulse velocity and unstressed residual compressive strength tests on cube specimens have been conducted at ambient and after single heating-cooling cycle of elevated temperature ranging from 200 to 600 °C. The relationship between ultrasonic pulse velocity and residual compressive strength of all concrete mixes have been developed. Scanning electron microscopy was also carried out to study micro structure of quartzite, granite and basalt aggregate concrete subjected to single heating-cooling cycle of elevated temperature. The results show that the residual compressive strength of quartzite aggregate concrete has been found higher than granite and basalt aggregate concrete at ambient and at all temperatures. It has also been found that the loss of strength in concrete is due to the development of micro-cracks result in failure of cement matrix and coarse aggregate bond. Further, the basalt aggregate concrete has been observed lower strength due to low affinity with Portland cements ascribed to its ferro-magnesium rich mineral composition.

Variation of Soil Aggregation along the Weathering Gradient: Comparison of Grain Size Distribution under Different Disruptive Forces.

PubMed

Wei, Yujie; Wu, Xinliang; Xia, Jinwen; Shen, Xue; Cai, Chongfa

2016-01-01

The formation and stabilization of soil aggregates play a key role in soil functions. To date, few studies have been performed on the variation of soil aggregation with increasing soil weathering degree. Here, soil aggregation and its influencing factors along the weathering gradient were investigated. Six typical zonal soils (derived from similar parent materials) were sampled from temperate to tropical regions. Grain size distribution (GSD) in aggregate fragmentation with increasing disruptive forces (air-dried, water dispersion and chemical dispersion) was determined by laser diffraction particle size analyzer. Different forms of sesquioxides were determined by selective chemical extraction and their contributions to soil aggregation were identified by multiple stepwise regression analysis. The high variability of sesquioxides in different forms appeared with increasing free oxide content (Fed and Ald) from the temperate to tropical soils. The transformation of GSD peak to small size varied with increasing disruptive forces (p<0.05). Although in different weathering degrees, zonal soils showed a similar fragmentation process. Aggregate water stability generally increased with increasing soil weathering (p<0.01), with higher stability in eluvium (A) horizon than in illuvium (B) horizon (p<0.01). Crystalline oxides and amorphous iron oxides (Feo), especially (Fed-Feo) contributed to the formation of air-dried macroaggregates and their stability against slaking (R2 = 55%, p<0.01), while fine particles (<50μm) and Feo (excluding the complex form Fep) played a positive role in the formation of water stable aggregates (R2 = 93%, p<0.01). Additionally, water stable aggregates (including stability, size distribution and specific surface area) were closely related with pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density (BD), and free oxides (including various forms) (p<0.05). The overall results indicate that soil aggregation conforms to aggregate hierarchy theory to some extent along the weathering gradient and different forms of sesquioxides perform their specific roles in the formation and stabilization of different size aggregates.

Variation of Soil Aggregation along the Weathering Gradient: Comparison of Grain Size Distribution under Different Disruptive Forces

PubMed Central

Wu, Xinliang; Xia, Jinwen; Shen, Xue; Cai, Chongfa

2016-01-01

The formation and stabilization of soil aggregates play a key role in soil functions. To date, few studies have been performed on the variation of soil aggregation with increasing soil weathering degree. Here, soil aggregation and its influencing factors along the weathering gradient were investigated. Six typical zonal soils (derived from similar parent materials) were sampled from temperate to tropical regions. Grain size distribution (GSD) in aggregate fragmentation with increasing disruptive forces (air-dried, water dispersion and chemical dispersion) was determined by laser diffraction particle size analyzer. Different forms of sesquioxides were determined by selective chemical extraction and their contributions to soil aggregation were identified by multiple stepwise regression analysis. The high variability of sesquioxides in different forms appeared with increasing free oxide content (Fed and Ald) from the temperate to tropical soils. The transformation of GSD peak to small size varied with increasing disruptive forces (p<0.05). Although in different weathering degrees, zonal soils showed a similar fragmentation process. Aggregate water stability generally increased with increasing soil weathering (p<0.01), with higher stability in eluvium (A) horizon than in illuvium (B) horizon (p<0.01). Crystalline oxides and amorphous iron oxides (Feo), especially (Fed-Feo) contributed to the formation of air-dried macroaggregates and their stability against slaking (R2 = 55%, p<0.01), while fine particles (<50μm) and Feo (excluding the complex form Fep) played a positive role in the formation of water stable aggregates (R2 = 93%, p<0.01). Additionally, water stable aggregates (including stability, size distribution and specific surface area) were closely related with pH, organic matter, cation exchange capacity (CEC), bulk density (BD), and free oxides (including various forms) (p<0.05). The overall results indicate that soil aggregation conforms to aggregate hierarchy theory to some extent along the weathering gradient and different forms of sesquioxides perform their specific roles in the formation and stabilization of different size aggregates. PMID:27529618

Complex formation between chlorophyll a and cytochrome c: surface properties at the air-water interface. Absorbance, fluorescence and fluorescence-lifetime in Langmuir-Blodgett films.

PubMed

Lamarche, F; Picard, G; Téchy, F; Aghion, J; Leblanc, R M

1991-04-23

The binding of cytochrome c to an insoluble monolayer of chlorophyll a was studied. Surface pressure (II), surface potential (delta V) and [14C]cytochrome c surface-concentration (gamma) isotherms were measured versus molecular area (sigma) in mixed films. Compared to the successive-addition method, this procedure allows the formation of homogeneous mixed films. The cytochrome c is incorporated into a chlorophyll a monolayer, compressed at a surface pressure of 20 mN.m-1. On expansion, the quantity of protein incorporated into the monolayer gradually increases. Subsequent compression-expansion cycles result in similar isotherms, distinct from that measured during the first expansion. All surface properties measured, but more specifically the surface radioactivity of [14C]cytochrome c, indicate the irreversibility of protein incorporation into the chlorophyll a monolayer. In fact, surface properties of the binary film are completely different from the properties of either of the pure components. As a result, calculated values of surface potentials for mixed films using the additivity law deviate from experimentally measured potentials. The absorption and fluorescence spectra of mixed films transferred onto a solid substrate by the Langmuir-Blodgett technique, indicate a dilution effect of chlorophyll a by cytochrome c. However, the dilution effect cannot be detected by the fluorescence lifetimes of pure chlorophyll a and mixed chlorophyll a-cytochrome c films, both shorter than 0.2 ns. This provides support for the existence of an energy-transfer mechanism between chlorophyll a monomer and chlorophyll a aggregates which could serve as an energy trap. The role of the protein could be related to that of the matrix.

Aggregation work at polydisperse micellization: ideal solution and "dressed micelle" models comparing to molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Burov, S V; Shchekin, A K

2010-12-28

General thermodynamic relations for the work of polydisperse micelle formation in the model of ideal solution of molecular aggregates in nonionic surfactant solution and the model of "dressed micelles" in ionic solution have been considered. In particular, the dependence of the aggregation work on the total concentration of nonionic surfactant has been analyzed. The analogous dependence for the work of formation of ionic aggregates has been examined with regard to existence of two variables of a state of an ionic aggregate, the aggregation numbers of surface active ions and counterions. To verify the thermodynamic models, the molecular dynamics simulations of micellization in nonionic and ionic surfactant solutions at two total surfactant concentrations have been performed. It was shown that for nonionic surfactants, even at relatively high total surfactant concentrations, the shape and behavior of the work of polydisperse micelle formation found within the model of the ideal solution at different total surfactant concentrations agrees fairly well with the numerical experiment. For ionic surfactant solutions, the numerical results indicate a strong screening of ionic aggregates by the bound counterions. This fact as well as independence of the coefficient in the law of mass action for ionic aggregates on total surfactant concentration and predictable behavior of the "waterfall" lines of surfaces of the aggregation work upholds the model of "dressed" ionic aggregates.

Specific aerobic granules can be developed in a completely mixed tank reactor by bioaugmentation using micro-mycelial pellets of Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

PubMed

Hailei, Wang; Ping, Li; Qianlong, Jin; Ge, Qin

2014-03-01

Aerobic granules were firstly developed in a completely mixed tank reactor (CMTR) by seeding micro-mycelial pellets (MMPs) of Phanerochaete chrysosporium. During phenol wastewater treatment, sludge granulation rate reached 67 % after 15-day operation. The granules in CMTR are different from aerobic granules described in literature in morphology, and a majority of them are rod-shaped or rodlike sludge besides spherical granules. The polymorphic granules, having no essential difference with aerobic granules previously reported, achieve advantages over conventional activated sludge in settling ability, biomass concentration, density, integrity coefficient and removal ability to phenol wastewater. The optimized parameters for sludge granulation in CMTR including temperature, inoculum quantity, rotary speed and superficial air upflow velocity are 30 °C, 5–7 g/l, 150 rpm, and 0.5 cm/s, respectively. Analysis on sludge granulation mechanism indicates that MMPs not only result in the formation of aerobic granules containing MMPs as nuclei, but also induce the formation of biogranules which do not have MMP at their cores. The work challenges the general belief that the homogenous circular flow pattern of microbial aggregates is necessary for aerobic sludge granulation.

Ceramic ware waste as coarse aggregate for structural concrete production.

PubMed

García-González, Julia; Rodríguez-Robles, Desirée; Juan-Valdés, Andrés; Morán-Del Pozo, Julia M; Guerra-Romero, M Ignacio

2015-01-01

The manufacture of any kind of product inevitably entails the production of waste. The quantity of waste generated by the ceramic industry, a very important sector in Spain, is between 5% and 8% of the final output and it is therefore necessary to find an effective waste recovery method. The aim of the study reported in the present article was to seek a sustainable means of managing waste from the ceramic industry through the incorporation of this type of waste in the total replacement of conventional aggregate (gravel) used in structural concrete. Having verified that the recycled ceramic aggregates met all the technical requirements imposed by current Spanish legislation, established in the Code on Structural Concrete (EHE-08), then it is prepared a control concrete mix and the recycled concrete mix using 100% recycled ceramic aggregate instead of coarse natural aggregate. The concretes obtained were subjected to the appropriate tests in order to conduct a comparison of their mechanical properties. The results show that the concretes made using ceramic sanitary ware aggregate possessed the same mechanical properties as those made with conventional aggregate. It is therefore possible to conclude that the reuse of recycled ceramic aggregate to produce recycled concrete is a feasible alternative for the sustainable management of this waste.

Investigation of warm-mix asphalt using Iowa aggregates.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-01

The implementation of warm-mix asphalt (WMA) is becoming more widespread with a growing number of contractors utilizing various WMA technologies. Early research suggests WMA may be more susceptible to moisture damage than traditional hot-mix asphalt ...

Investigation of warm-mix asphalt using Iowa aggregates.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2011-04-01

The implementation of warm-mix asphalt (WMA) is becoming more widespread with a growing number of contractors utilizing various : WMA technologies. Early research suggests WMA may be more susceptible to moisture damage than traditional hot-mix asphal...

Voids characteristics of asphaltic concrete containing coconut shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ezree Abdullah, Mohd; Hannani Madzaili, Amirah; Putra Jaya, Ramadhansyah; Yaacob, Haryati; Hassan, Norhidayah Abdul; Nazri, Fadzli Mohamed

2017-07-01

Asphalt durability is often linked to the thickness of the asphalt coating on the aggregate particles. In order to have adequate film thickness in asphaltic concrete, there must be sufficient space between the aggregate particles in the compacted pavement. This void space is referred to as voids in total mix (VTM), voids with filled bitumen (VFB), and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA). Hence, this study investigates the performance of coconut shell (CS) as coarse aggregate replacement on voids characteristics of asphaltic concrete. Four CS were used as coarse aggregates replacement in asphalt mixture namely 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% (by weight volume). The voids properties of asphalt mixture were determined based on Marshall Mix design test. Test results show that VTM and VMA values were decrease with the increasing bitumen content where VFB was increase with increasing bitumen content. Furthermore, increasing the percentage of coconut shell in asphalt mixture was found to increases the voids value up to a peak level and then decreases with further additions of CS.

A mechanistic model for the evolution of multicellularity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amado, André; Batista, Carlos; Campos, Paulo R. A.

2018-02-01

Through a mechanistic approach we investigate the formation of aggregates of variable sizes, accounting mechanisms of aggregation, dissociation, death and reproduction. In our model, cells can produce two metabolites, but the simultaneous production of both metabolites is costly in terms of fitness. Thus, the formation of larger groups can favor the aggregates to evolve to a configuration where division of labor arises. It is assumed that the states of the cells in a group are those that maximize organismal fitness. In the model it is considered that the groups can grow linearly, forming a chain, or compactly keeping a roughly spherical shape. Starting from a population consisting of single-celled organisms, we observe the formation of groups with variable sizes and usually much larger than two-cell aggregates. Natural selection can favor the formation of large groups, which allows the system to achieve new and larger fitness maxima.

Intrinsic Lens Forming Potential of Mouse Lens Epithelial versus Newt Iris Pigment Epithelial Cells in Three-Dimensional Culture

PubMed Central

Nakamura, Kenta; Tsonis, Panagiotis A.

2014-01-01

Adult newts (Notophthalmus viridescens) are capable of complete lens regeneration that is mediated through dorsal iris pigment epithelial (IPE) cells transdifferentiation. In contrast, higher vertebrates such as mice demonstrate only limited lens regeneration in the presence of an intact lens capsule with remaining lens epithelial cells. To compare the intrinsic lens regeneration potential of newt IPE versus mouse lens epithelial cells (MLE), we have established a novel culture method that uses cell aggregation before culture in growth factor-reduced Matrigel™. Dorsal newt IPE aggregates demonstrated complete lens formation within 1 to 2 weeks of Matrigel culture without basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) supplementation, including the establishment of a peripheral cuboidal epithelial cell layer, and the appearance of central lens fibers that were positive for αA-crystallin. In contrast, the lens-forming potential of MLE cell aggregates cultured in Matrigel was incomplete and resulted in the formation of defined-size lentoids with partial optical transparency. While the peripheral cell layers of MLE aggregates were nucleated, cells in the center of aggregates demonstrated a nonapoptotic nuclear loss over a time period of 3 weeks that was representative of lens fiber formation. Matrigel culture supplementation with bFGF resulted in higher transparent bigger-size MLE aggregates that demonstrated increased appearance of βB1-crystallin expression. Our study demonstrates that bFGF is not required for induction of newt IPE aggregate-dependent lens formation in Matrigel, while the addition of bFGF seems to be beneficial for the formation of MLE aggregate-derived lens-like structures. In conclusion, the three-dimensional aggregate culture of IPE and MLE in Matrigel allows to a higher extent than older models the indepth study of the intrinsic lens-forming potential and the corresponding identification of lentogenic factors. PMID:23672748

Concentration-dependent photophysical switching in mixed self-assembled monolayers of pentacene and perylenediimide on gold nanoclusters.

PubMed

Kato, Daiki; Sakai, Hayato; Araki, Yasuyuki; Wada, Takehiko; Tkachenko, Nikolai V; Hasobe, Taku

2018-03-28

Photophysical control and switching on organic-inorganic hybrid interfaces are of great interest in diverse fundamental and applicative research areas. 6,13-Bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)pentacene (TP) is well-known to exhibit efficient singlet fission (SF) for generation of high-yield triplet excited states in aggregated forms, whereas perylenediimide (PDI) ensembles show the characteristic excimer formation. Additionally, a combination of pentacene (electron donor: D) and PDI (electron acceptor: A) is expected to undergo an efficient photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and absorption of two chromophores combined covers the entire visible region. Therefore, the concentration-dependent mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) composed of two chromophores enable us to control and switch the photophysical processes on a surface. In this work, a series of mixed SAMs composed of TP and PDI units on gold nanoclusters (GNCs) were newly synthesized by changing the relative molecular concentration ratios. Structural control of mixed SAMs on a gold surface based on the concentration ratios was successfully achieved. Time-resolved femtosecond and nanosecond transient absorption measurements clearly demonstrate photophysical control and switching of the above competitive reactions such as SF, electron transfer (ET) and excimer formation. The maximum quantum yields of triplet states (ΦT = ∼170%) and electron transfer (ΦET = ∼95%) were quantitatively evaluated by changing the concentration ratios. The rate constants of SF and excimer processes are largely dependent on the concentration ratios, whereas the rate constants of ET processes approximately remain constant. These findings are also discussed based on the statistical framework of the assembly of chromophores on the gold surface.

Mixing Behavior in Small Molecule: Fullerene Organic Photovoltaics [On the Mixing Behavior in Small Molecule: Fullerene Organic Photovoltaics

DOE PAGES

Oosterhout, Stefan D.; Savikhin, Victoria; Zhang, Junxiang; ...

2017-02-22

Here, we report a novel method to determine the amount of pure, aggregated phase of donor and acceptor in organic photovoltaic (OPV) bulk heterojunctions. By determination of the diffraction intensity per unit volume for both donor and acceptor, the volume content of pure, aggregated donor and acceptor in the blend can be determined. We find that for the small molecule X2:[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) system, in contrast to most polymer systems, all the PCBM is aggregated, indicating there is negligible miscibility of PCBM with X2. This provides an explanation why the performance of OPV devices of X2:PCBM are highmore » over a large range of PCBM concentrations. This is in contrast to many other OPV blends, where PCBM forms a mixed phase with the donor and does not provide sufficient transport for electrons when the PCBM concentration is low. This study demonstrates that a mixed phase is not necessarily a requirement for good OPV device performance.« less

Solubilization of protein aggregates by the acid stress chaperones HdeA and HdeB.

PubMed

Malki, Abderrahim; Le, Hai-Tuong; Milles, Sigrid; Kern, Renée; Caldas, Teresa; Abdallah, Jad; Richarme, Gilbert

2008-05-16

The acid stress chaperones HdeA and HdeB of Escherichia coli prevent the aggregation of periplasmic proteins at acidic pH. We show in this report that they also form mixed aggregates with proteins that have failed to be solubilized at acidic pH and allow their subsequent solubilization at neutral pH. HdeA, HdeB, and HdeA and HdeB together display an increasing efficiency for the solubilization of protein aggregates at pH 3. They are less efficient for the solubilization of aggregates at pH 2, whereas HdeB is the most efficient. Increasing amounts of periplasmic proteins draw increasing amounts of chaperone into pellets, suggesting that chaperones co-aggregate with their substrate proteins. We observed a decrease in the size of protein aggregates in the presence of HdeA and HdeB, from very high molecular mass aggregates to 100-5000-kDa species. Moreover, a marked decrease in the exposed hydrophobicity of aggregated proteins in the presence of HdeA and HdeB was revealed by 1,1'-bis(4-anilino)naphtalene-5,5'-disulfonic acid binding experiments. In vivo, during the recovery at neutral pH of acid stressed bacterial cells, HdeA and HdeB allow the solubilization and renaturation of protein aggregates, including those formed by the maltose receptor MalE, the oligopeptide receptor OppA, and the histidine receptor HisJ. Thus, HdeA and HdeB not only help to maintain proteins in a soluble state during acid treatment, as previously reported, but also assist, both in vitro and in vivo, in the solubilization at neutral pH of mixed protein-chaperone aggregates formed at acidic pH, by decreasing the size of protein aggregates and the exposed hydrophobicity of aggregated proteins.

A numerical model for aggregations formation and magnetic driving of spherical particles based on OpenFOAM®.

PubMed

Karvelas, E G; Lampropoulos, N K; Sarris, I E

2017-04-01

This work presents a numerical model for the formation of particle aggregations under the influence of a permanent constant magnetic field and their driving process under a gradient magnetic field, suitably created by a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device. The model is developed in the OpenFOAM platform and it is successfully compared to the existing experimental and numerical results in terms of aggregates size and their motion in water solutions. Furthermore, several series of simulations are performed for two common types of particles of different diameter in order to verify their aggregation and flow behaviour, under various constant and gradient magnetic fields in the usual MRI working range. Moreover, the numerical model is used to measure the mean length of aggregations, the total time needed to form and their mean velocity under different permanent and gradient magnetic fields. The present model is found to predict successfully the size, velocity and distribution of aggregates. In addition, our simulations showed that the mean length of aggregations is proportional to the permanent magnetic field magnitude and particle diameter according to the relation : l¯ a =7.5B 0 d i 3/2 . The mean velocity of the aggregations is proportional to the magnetic gradient, according to : u¯ a =6.63G˜B 0 and seems to reach a steady condition after a certain period of time. The mean time needed for particles to aggregate is proportional to permanent magnetic field magnitude, scaled by the relationship : t¯ a ∝7B 0 . A numerical model to predict the motion of magnetic particles for medical application is developed. This model is found suitable to predict the formation of aggregations and their motion under the influence of permanent and gradient magnetic fields, respectively, that are produced by an MRI device. The magnitude of the external constant magnetic field is the most important parameter for the aggregations formation and their driving. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

40 CFR 60.91 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities § 60.91... Act and in subpart A of this part. (a) Hot mix asphalt facility means any facility, as described in § 60.90, used to manufacture hot mix asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing with asphalt...

40 CFR 60.91 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities § 60.91... Act and in subpart A of this part. (a) Hot mix asphalt facility means any facility, as described in § 60.90, used to manufacture hot mix asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing with asphalt...

40 CFR 60.91 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities § 60.91... Act and in subpart A of this part. (a) Hot mix asphalt facility means any facility, as described in § 60.90, used to manufacture hot mix asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing with asphalt...

40 CFR 60.91 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities § 60.91... Act and in subpart A of this part. (a) Hot mix asphalt facility means any facility, as described in § 60.90, used to manufacture hot mix asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing with asphalt...

40 CFR 60.91 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Hot Mix Asphalt Facilities § 60.91... Act and in subpart A of this part. (a) Hot mix asphalt facility means any facility, as described in § 60.90, used to manufacture hot mix asphalt by heating and drying aggregate and mixing with asphalt...

Exact solutions for mass-dependent irreversible aggregations.

PubMed

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

2011-10-01

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

Calcium oxalate monohydrate aggregation induced by aggregation of desialylated Tamm-Horsfall protein

PubMed Central

Viswanathan, Pragasam; Rimer, Jeffrey D.; Kolbach, Ann M.; Kleinman, Jack G.

2011-01-01

Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) is thought to protect against calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stone formation by inhibiting COM aggregation. Several studies reported that stone formers produce THP with reduced levels of glycosylation, particularly sialic acid levels, which leads to reduced negative charge. In this study, normal THP was treated with neuraminidase to remove sialic acid residues, confirmed by an isoelectric point shift to higher pH. COM aggregation assays revealed that desialylated THP (ds-THP) promoted COM aggregation, while normal THP inhibited aggregation. The appearance of protein aggregates in solutions at ds-THP concentrations ≥1 µg/mL in 150 mM NaCl correlated with COM aggregation promotion, implying that ds-THP aggregation induced COM aggregation. The aggregation-promoting effect of the ds-THP was independent of pH above its isoelectric point, but was substantially reduced at low ionic strength, where protein aggregation was much reduced. COM aggregation promotion was maximized at a ds-THP to COM mass ratio of ~0.025, which can be explained by a model wherein partial COM surface coverage by ds-THP aggregates promotes crystal aggregation by bridging opposing COM surfaces, whereas higher surface coverage leads to repulsion between adsorbed ds-THP aggregates. Thus, desialylation of THP apparently abrogates a normal defensive action of THP by inducing protein aggregation, and subsequently COM aggregation, a condition that favors kidney stone formation. PMID:21229239

Backfilling behavior of a mixed aggregate based on construction waste and ultrafine tailings

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qinli; Xiao, Chongchun; Chen, Xin

2017-01-01

To study the possibility of utilizing mixed construction waste and ultrafine tailings (CW&UT) as a backfilling aggregate that can be placed underground in a mine, physicochemical evaluation, proportioning strength tests, and pumpability experiments were conducted. It was revealed that mixed CW&UT can be used as a backfilling aggregate due to the complementarities of their physicochemical properties. In addition, as the results of the proportioning strength tests show, the compressive strength of a cemented CW&UT backfilling specimen cured for 28 days, with a mass fraction of 72–74%, a cement-sand ratio of 1:12, and a CW proportion of 30%, is higher than 1.0 MPa, which meets the safety requirements and economic consideration of backfilling technology in many underground metal mines, and can also be enhanced with an increase in the cement-sand ratio. The results of the pumpability experiments show that cemented backfilling slurry based on CW&UT can be transported to the stope underground with a common filling pump, with a 16.6 MPa maximum pressure, with the condition that the time of emergency shut-down is less than approximately 20 min. All in all, the research to utilize mixed CW&UT as a backfilling aggregate can not only provide a way to dispose of CW&UT but also will bring large economic benefits and can provide constructive guidance for environmental protection. PMID:28662072

Backfilling behavior of a mixed aggregate based on construction waste and ultrafine tailings.

PubMed

Chen, Qiusong; Zhang, Qinli; Xiao, Chongchun; Chen, Xin

2017-01-01

To study the possibility of utilizing mixed construction waste and ultrafine tailings (CW&UT) as a backfilling aggregate that can be placed underground in a mine, physicochemical evaluation, proportioning strength tests, and pumpability experiments were conducted. It was revealed that mixed CW&UT can be used as a backfilling aggregate due to the complementarities of their physicochemical properties. In addition, as the results of the proportioning strength tests show, the compressive strength of a cemented CW&UT backfilling specimen cured for 28 days, with a mass fraction of 72-74%, a cement-sand ratio of 1:12, and a CW proportion of 30%, is higher than 1.0 MPa, which meets the safety requirements and economic consideration of backfilling technology in many underground metal mines, and can also be enhanced with an increase in the cement-sand ratio. The results of the pumpability experiments show that cemented backfilling slurry based on CW&UT can be transported to the stope underground with a common filling pump, with a 16.6 MPa maximum pressure, with the condition that the time of emergency shut-down is less than approximately 20 min. All in all, the research to utilize mixed CW&UT as a backfilling aggregate can not only provide a way to dispose of CW&UT but also will bring large economic benefits and can provide constructive guidance for environmental protection.

Comparison of different procedures to stabilize biogas formation after process failure in a thermophilic waste digestion system: Influence of aggregate formation on process stability

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

Kleyboecker, A.; Liebrich, M.; Kasina, M.

2012-06-15

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Mechanism of process recovery with calcium oxide. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Formation of insoluble calcium salts with long chain fatty acids and phosphate. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Adsorption of VFAs by the precipitates resulting in the formation of aggregates. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Acid uptake and phosphate release by the phosphate-accumulating organisms. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Microbial degradation of volatile fatty acids in the aggregates. - Abstract: Following a process failure in a full-scale biogas reactor, different counter measures were undertaken to stabilize the process of biogas formation, including the reduction of the organic loading rate, the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and the introduction of calcium oxide (CaO). Correspondingmore » to the results of the process recovery in the full-scale digester, laboratory experiments showed that CaO was more capable of stabilizing the process than NaOH. While both additives were able to raise the pH to a neutral milieu (pH > 7.0), the formation of aggregates was observed particularly when CaO was used as the additive. Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed calcium phosphate compounds in the core of the aggregates. Phosphate seemed to be released by phosphorus-accumulating organisms, when volatile fatty acids accumulated. The calcium, which was charged by the CaO addition, formed insoluble salts with long chain fatty acids, and caused the precipitation of calcium phosphate compounds. These aggregates were surrounded by a white layer of carbon rich organic matter, probably consisting of volatile fatty acids. Thus, during the process recovery with CaO, the decrease in the amount of accumulated acids in the liquid phase was likely enabled by (1) the formation of insoluble calcium salts with long chain fatty acids, (2) the adsorption of volatile fatty acids by the precipitates, (3) the acid uptake by phosphorus-accumulating organisms and (4) the degradation of volatile fatty acids in the aggregates. Furthermore, this mechanism enabled a stable process performance after re-activation of biogas production. In contrast, during the counter measure with NaOH aggregate formation was only minor resulting in a rapid process failure subsequent the increase of the organic loading rate.« less

Effect of cobalt ions on the interaction between macrophages and titanium.

PubMed

Pettersson, Mattias; Pettersson, Jean; Thorén, Margareta Molin; Johansson, Anders

2018-04-30

Inflammation and bone reduction around dental implants are described as peri-implantitis and can be caused by an inflammatory response against bacterial products and toxins. Titanium (Ti) forms aggregates with serum proteins, which activate and cause release of the cytokine interleukin (IL-1β) from human macrophages. It was hypothesized that cobalt (Co) ions can interact in the formation of pro-inflammatory aggregates, formed by titanium. To test this hypothesis, we differentiated THP-1 cells into macrophages and exposed them to Ti ions alone or in combination with Co ions to investigate if IL-1β release and cytotoxicity were affected. We also investigated aggregate formation, cell uptake and human biopsies with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and electron microscopy. Co at a concentration of 100 µM neutralized the IL-1β release from human macrophages and affected the aggregate formation. The aggregates formed by Ti could be detected in the cytosol of macrophages. In the presence of Co, the Ti-induced aggregates were located in the cytosol of the cultured macrophages, but outside the lysosomal structures. It is concluded that Co can neutralize the Ti-induced activation and release of active IL-1β from human macrophages in vitro. Also, serum proteins are needed for the formation of metal-protein aggregates in cell medium. Furthermore, the structures of the aggregates as well as the localisation after cellular uptake differ if Co is present in a Ti solution. Phagocytized aggregates with a similar appearance seen in vitro with Ti present, were also visible in a sample from human peri-implant tissue. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Non-pathogenic protein aggregates in skeletal muscle in MLF1 transgenic mice.

PubMed

Li, Zhi-Fang; Wu, Xiaohua; Jiang, Yun; Liu, Jianxiang; Wu, Chun; Inagaki, Masaki; Izawa, Ichiro; Mizisin, Andrew P; Engvall, Eva; Shelton, G Diane

2008-01-15

Protein aggregate formation in muscle is thought to be pathogenic and associated with clinical weakness. Over-expression of either wild type or a mutant form of myeloid leukemia factor 1 (MLF1) in transgenic mouse skeletal muscle and in cultured cells resulted in aggregate formation. Aggregates were detected in MLF1 transgenic mice at 6 weeks of age, and increased in size with age. However, histological examination of skeletal muscles of MLF1 transgenic mice revealed no pathological changes other than the aggregates, and RotaRod testing did not detect functional deficits. MLF1 has recently been identified as a protein that could neutralize the toxicity of intracellular protein aggregates in a Drosophila model of Huntington's disease (HD). We also demonstrate that MLF1 interacts with MRJ, a heat shock protein, which can independently neutralize the toxicity of intracellular protein aggregates in the Drosophila HD model. Our data suggest that over-expression of MLF1 has no significant impact on skeletal muscle function in mice; that progressive formation of protein aggregates in muscle are not necessarily pathogenic; and that MLF1 and MRJ may function together to ameliorate the toxic effects of polyglutamine or mutant proteins in myodegenerative diseases such as inclusion body myositis and oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy, as well as neurodegenerative disease.

Vertically migrating swimmers generate aggregation-scale eddies in a stratified column.

PubMed

Houghton, Isabel A; Koseff, Jeffrey R; Monismith, Stephen G; Dabiri, John O

2018-04-01

Biologically generated turbulence has been proposed as an important contributor to nutrient transport and ocean mixing 1-3 . However, to produce non-negligible transport and mixing, such turbulence must produce eddies at scales comparable to the length scales of stratification in the ocean. It has previously been argued that biologically generated turbulence is limited to the scale of the individual animals involved 4 , which would make turbulence created by highly abundant centimetre-scale zooplankton such as krill irrelevant to ocean mixing. Their small size notwithstanding, zooplankton form dense aggregations tens of metres in vertical extent as they undergo diurnal vertical migration over hundreds of metres 3,5,6 . This behaviour potentially introduces additional length scales-such as the scale of the aggregation-that are of relevance to animal interactions with the surrounding water column. Here we show that the collective vertical migration of centimetre-scale swimmers-as represented by the brine shrimp Artemia salina-generates aggregation-scale eddies that mix a stable density stratification, resulting in an effective turbulent diffusivity up to three orders of magnitude larger than the molecular diffusivity of salt. These observed large-scale mixing eddies are the result of flow in the wakes of the individual organisms coalescing to form a large-scale downward jet during upward swimming, even in the presence of a strong density stratification relative to typical values observed in the ocean. The results illustrate the potential for marine zooplankton to considerably alter the physical and biogeochemical structure of the water column, with potentially widespread effects owing to their high abundance in climatically important regions of the ocean 7 .

A cost-comparison methodology for selecting appropriate hot-mix asphalt materials.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2007-01-01

The Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) Road and Bridge Specifications lists 9 dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (HMA) surface mixes (three aggregate gradations x three binder types) that could be used on Virginia's highways. VDOT's Special Pro...

Chemotactic preferences govern competition and pattern formation in simulated two-strain microbial communities.

PubMed

Centler, Florian; Thullner, Martin

2015-01-01

Substrate competition is a common mode of microbial interaction in natural environments. While growth properties play an important and well-studied role in competition, we here focus on the influence of motility. In a simulated two-strain community populating a homogeneous two-dimensional environment, strains competed for a common substrate and only differed in their chemotactic preference, either responding more sensitively to a chemoattractant excreted by themselves or responding more sensitively to substrate. Starting from homogeneous distributions, three possible behaviors were observed depending on the competitors' chemotactic preferences: (i) distributions remained homogeneous, (ii) patterns formed but dissolved at a later time point, resulting in a shifted community composition, and (iii) patterns emerged and led to the extinction of one strain. When patterns formed, the more aggregating strain populated the core of microbial aggregates where starving conditions prevailed, while the less aggregating strain populated the more productive zones at the fringe or outside aggregates, leading to a competitive advantage of the less aggregating strain. The presence of a competitor was found to modulate a strain's behavior, either suppressing or promoting aggregate formation. This observation provides a potential mechanism by which an aggregated lifestyle might evolve even if it is initially disadvantageous. Adverse effects can be avoided as a competitor hinders aggregate formation by a strain which has just acquired this ability. The presented results highlight both, the importance of microbial motility for competition and pattern formation, and the importance of the temporal evolution, or history, of microbial communities when trying to explain an observed distribution.

The microstructure of petroleum vacuum residue films for bituminous concrete: a microscopy approach.

PubMed

Sourty, E D; Tamminga, A Y; Michels, M A J; Vellinga, W-P; Meijer, H E H

2011-02-01

Selected carbon-rich refinery residues ('binders') mixed with mineral particles can form composite materials ('bituminous concrete') with bulk mechanical properties comparable to those of cement concrete. The microstructural mechanism underlying the remarkable composite properties has been related to the appearance of a rigid percolating network consisting of asphaltenes and mineral particles [Wilbrink M. et al. (2005) Rigidity percolation in dispersions with a structured visco-elastic matrix. Phys. Rev. E71, 031402]. In this paper, we explore the microstructure of thin binder films of varying thickness with a number of microscopic characterization techniques, and attempt to relate the observed microstructure to the distinctive mechanical behaviour. Two binders, only one of which has been proven to be suitable for bituminous concrete were investigated, and their microstructure compared. Both binders show the formation of asphaltene aggregates. The binder suitable for bituminous concrete is distinguished by the fact that the asphaltenes show a stronger tendency towards such aggregation, due to a higher concentration and less stabilization in the maltene phase. They also show a clear affinity to other species (such as waxes) and may act as nucleation sites for crystals and aggregates of those species. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 The Royal Microscopical Society.

Design of bituminous surface mixes with high skid resistance.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1974-01-01

The Virginia Highway Research Council has proposed a study of the skid resistance of bituminous surfaces incorporating relatively hard and expensive aggregates. The hardness of the aggregates to be used aluminum oxide (Exolon) and calcined kaolin -- ...

Formation of planetesimals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weidenschilling, Stuart J.

1991-01-01

Formation of planetesimals is discussed. The following subject areas are covered: (1) nebular structure; (2) aerodynamics of the solid bodies in the nebula; (3) problems with gravitational instability; (4) particle growth by coagulation; properties of fractal aggregates; and (5) coagulation and settling of fractal aggregates.

Ralstonia insidiosa induces cell aggregation by Listeria monocytogenes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biofilm formation is an important strategy for foodborne bacterial pathogens to survive in stressful environments such as fresh produce processing facilities. Bacterial cell aggregation strongly promotes the initiation of microcolonies and the formation of biofilms on abiological surfaces. We previ...

Influence of Aggregate Coated with Modified Sulfur on the Properties of Cement Concrete

PubMed Central

Lee, Swoo-Heon; Hong, Ki-Nam; Park, Jae-Kyu; Ko, Jung

2014-01-01

This paper proposes the mixing design of concrete having modified sulfur-coated aggregate (MSCA) to enhance the durability of Portland cement concrete. The mechanical properties and durability of the proposed MSCA concrete were evaluated experimentally. Melting-modified sulfur was mixed with aggregate in order to coat the aggregate surface at a speed of 20 rpm for 120 s. The MSCA with modified sulfur corresponding to 5% of the cement weight did not significantly affect the flexural strength in a prism concrete beam specimen, regardless of the water-cement ratio (W/C). However, a dosage of more than 7.5% decreased the flexural strength. On the other hand, the MSCA considerably improved the resistance to the sulfuric acid and the freezing-thawing, regardless of the sulfur dosage in the MSCA. The coating modified sulfur of 5% dosage consequently led to good results for the mechanical properties and durability of MSCA concrete. PMID:28788703

The effects of 7.5% NaCl/6% dextran 70 on coagulation and platelet aggregation in humans

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, J. R.; Dubick, M. A.; Summary, J. J.; Bangal, N. R.; Wade, C. E.

1992-01-01

The combination solution of 7.5% NaCl/6% dextran 70 (HSD) administered IV gives hemodynamic improvement in the treatment of hemorrhagic hypotension. Since earlier dextran solutions were reported to interfere with blood coagulation, the effects of HSD on the prothrombin time (PT), the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), platelet aggregation, and platelet concentration were studied. The HSD mixed with human plasma (1:5 and 1:10) slightly prolonged PT, but had no effect on the APTT, compared with saline controls. The HSD also decreased human platelet aggregation at the 1:5 dilution. In separate mixing studies, the hypertonic saline component of HSD was associated with the prolongation of PT and decreased platelet aggregation. The data from these studies indicate that at its proposed therapeutic dose, HSD is expected to have minimal effect on blood coagulation.

Steel slag: a waste industrial by-product as an alternative sustainable green building material in construction applications--an attempt for solid waste management.

PubMed

Pofale, Arun D; Nadeem, Mohammed

2012-01-01

This investigation explores the possibility of utilizing granular slag as an alternative to fine aggregate (natural sand) in construction applications like masonry and plastering. Construction industry utilizes large volume of fine aggregate in all the applications which has resulted into shortage of good quality naturally available fine aggregate. Use of granular slag serves two fold purposes, i.e. waste utilisation as well as alternative eco-friendly green building material for construction. The investigation highlights comparative study of properties with partial and full replacement of fine aggregate (natural sand) by granular slag in cement mortar applications (masonry and plastering). For this purpose, cement mortar mix proportions from 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 & 1:6 by volume were selected for 0, 25, 50, 75 & 100% replacement levels with w/c ratios of 0.60, 0.65, 0.70 & 0.72 respectively. Based on the study results, it could be inferred that replacement of natural sand with granular slag from 25 to 75% increased the packing density of mortar which resulted into reduced w/c ratio, increased strength properties of all mortar mixes. Hence, it could be recommended that the granular slag could be effectively utilized as fine aggregate in masonry and plastering applications in place of conventional cement mortar mixes using natural sand.

Effects of surfaces and leachables on the stability of biopharmaceuticals.

PubMed

Bee, Jared S; Randolph, Theodore W; Carpenter, John F; Bishop, Steven M; Dimitrova, Mariana N

2011-10-01

Therapeutic proteins are exposed to various potential contact surfaces, particles, and leachables during manufacturing, shipping, storage, and delivery. In this review, we present published examples of interfacial- or leachable-induced aggregation or particle formation, and discuss the mitigation strategies that were successfully utilized. Adsorption to interfaces or interactions with leachables and/or particles in some cases has been reported to cause protein aggregation or particle formation. Identification of the cause(s) of particle formation involving minute amounts of protein over extended periods of time can be challenging. Various formulation strategies such as addition of a nonionic surfactant (e.g., polysorbate) have been demonstrated to effectively mitigate adsorption-induced protein aggregation. However, not all stability problems associated with interfaces or leachables are best resolved by formulation optimization. Detectable leachables do not necessarily have any adverse impact on the protein but control of the leachable source is preferred when there is a concern. In other cases, preventing protein aggregation and particle formation may require manufacturing process and/or equipment changes, use of compatible materials at contact interfaces, and so on. This review summarizes approaches that have been used to minimize protein aggregation and particle formation during manufacturing and fill-finish operations, product storage and transportation, and delivery of protein therapeutics. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Fluffy dust forms icy planetesimals by static compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kataoka, Akimasa; Tanaka, Hidekazu; Okuzumi, Satoshi; Wada, Koji

2013-09-01

Context. Several barriers have been proposed in planetesimal formation theory: bouncing, fragmentation, and radial drift problems. Understanding the structure evolution of dust aggregates is a key in planetesimal formation. Dust grains become fluffy by coagulation in protoplanetary disks. However, once they are fluffy, they are not sufficiently compressed by collisional compression to form compact planetesimals. Aims: We aim to reveal the pathway of dust structure evolution from dust grains to compact planetesimals. Methods: Using the compressive strength formula, we analytically investigate how fluffy dust aggregates are compressed by static compression due to ram pressure of the disk gas and self-gravity of the aggregates in protoplanetary disks. Results: We reveal the pathway of the porosity evolution from dust grains via fluffy aggregates to form planetesimals, circumventing the barriers in planetesimal formation. The aggregates are compressed by the disk gas to a density of 10-3 g/cm3 in coagulation, which is more compact than is the case with collisional compression. Then, they are compressed more by self-gravity to 10-1 g/cm3 when the radius is 10 km. Although the gas compression decelerates the growth, the aggregates grow rapidly enough to avoid the radial drift barrier when the orbital radius is ≲6 AU in a typical disk. Conclusions: We propose a fluffy dust growth scenario from grains to planetesimals. It enables icy planetesimal formation in a wide range beyond the snowline in protoplanetary disks. This result proposes a concrete initial condition of planetesimals for the later stages of the planet formation.

Influence of Calcium in Extracellular DNA Mediated Bacterial Aggregation and Biofilm Formation

PubMed Central

Koop, Leena; Wong, Yie Kuan; Ahmed, Safia; Siddiqui, Khawar Sohail; Manefield, Mike

2014-01-01

Calcium (Ca2+) has an important structural role in guaranteeing the integrity of the outer lipopolysaccharide layer and cell walls of bacterial cells. Extracellular DNA (eDNA) being part of the slimy matrix produced by bacteria promotes biofilm formation through enhanced structural integrity of the matrix. Here, the concurrent role of Ca2+ and eDNA in mediating bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation was studied for the first time using a variety of bacterial strains and the thermodynamics of DNA to Ca2+ binding. It was found that the eDNA concentrations under both planktonic and biofilm growth conditions were different among bacterial strains. Whilst Ca2+ had no influence on eDNA release, presence of eDNA by itself favours bacterial aggregation via attractive acid-base interactions in addition, its binding with Ca2+ at biologically relevant concentrations was shown further increase in bacterial aggregation via cationic bridging. Negative Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values in iTC data confirmed that the interaction between DNA and Ca2+ is thermodynamically favourable and that the binding process is spontaneous and exothermic owing to its highly negative enthalpy. Removal of eDNA through DNase I treatment revealed that Ca2+ alone did not enhance cell aggregation and biofilm formation. This discovery signifies the importance of eDNA and concludes that existence of eDNA on bacterial cell surfaces is a key facilitator in binding of Ca2+ to eDNA thereby mediating bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation. PMID:24651318

Understanding curcumin-induced modulation of protein aggregation.

PubMed

Ahmad, Basir; Borana, Mohanish S; Chaudhary, Ankur P

2017-07-01

Curcumin, a diarylheptanoid compound, found in spice turmeric is known to alter the aggregation of proteins and reduce the toxicity of the aggregates. This review looks at the molecular basis of modulating protein aggregation and toxicity of the aggregates. Foremost, we identify the interaction of curcumin and its derivatives with proteins/peptides and the effect of their interaction on the conformational stability and unfolding/folding pathway(s). The unfolding/folding processes generate partially folded/unfolded intermediate, which serve as aggregation precursor state. Secondly, we discuss the effect of curcumin binding on the kinetics parameters of the aggregation process, which give information about the mechanism of the aggregation inhibition. We describe, in addition, that curcumin can accelerate/promote fibril formation by binding to oligomeric intermediate(s) accumulated in the aggregation pathway. Finally, we discuss the correlation of curcumin-induced monomeric and/or oligomeric precursor states with aggregate structure and toxicity. On the basis of these discussions, we propose a model describing curcumin-induced inhibition/promotion of formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Aggregation Paths and Products of Aβ42 Dimers Are Distinct from Those of the Aβ42 Monomer.

PubMed

O'Malley, Tiernan T; Witbold, William M; Linse, Sara; Walsh, Dominic M

2016-11-08

Extracts of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain that contain what appear to be sodium dodecyl sulfate-stable amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dimers potently block LTP and impair memory consolidation. Brain-derived dimers can be physically separated the Aβ monomer, consist primarily of Aβ42, and resist denaturation by chaotropic agents. In nature, covalently cross-linked Aβ dimers could be generated in two ways: by the formation of a dityrosine (DiY) or an isopeptide ε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine (Q-K) bond. We enzymatically cross-linked recombinant Aβ42 monomer to produce DiY and Q-K dimers and then used a range of biophysical methods to study their aggregation. Both Q-K and DiY dimers aggregate to form soluble assemblies distinct from the fibrillar aggregates formed by the Aβ monomer. The results suggest that the cross-links disfavor fibril formation from Aβ dimers, thereby enhancing the concentration of soluble aggregates akin to those in aqueous extracts of AD brain. Thus, it seems that Aβ dimers may play an important role in determining the formation of soluble rather than insoluble aggregates.

The aggregation paths and products of Aβ42 dimers are distinct from Aβ42 monomer

PubMed Central

O'Malley, Tiernan T.; Witbold, William M.; Linse, Sara; Walsh, Dominic M.

2017-01-01

Extracts of Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain that contain what appear to be SDS-stable amyloid β-protein (Aβ) dimers potently block LTP and impair memory consolidation. Brain-derived dimers can be physically separated from Aβ monomer, consist primarily of Aβ42 and resist denaturation by powerful chaotropic agents. In nature, covalently cross-linked Aβ dimers could be generated in only one of two different ways - either by the formation of a dityrosine (DiY) or an isopeptide ε-(γ-glutamyl)-lysine (Q-K) bond. We enzymatically cross-linked recombinant Aβ42 monomer to produce DiY and Q-K dimers and then applied a range of biophysical methods to study their aggregation. Both Q-K and DiY dimers aggregate to form soluble assemblies distinct from the fibrillar aggregates formed by Aβ monomer. These results suggest that Aβ dimers allow the formation of soluble aggregates akin to those in aqueous extracts of AD brain. Thus it seems that Aβ dimers may play an important role in determining the formation of soluble rather than insoluble aggregates. PMID:27750419

Intramolecular aggregation and optical limiting properties of triazine-linked mono-, bis- and tris-phthalocyanines.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Zhang, Tao; Wang, Shuangqing; Hu, Rui; Li, Shayu; Ma, Jin Shi; Yang, Guoqiang

2015-10-05

A series of triazine-linked mono-, bis- and tris-phthalocyanines are synthesized, intramolecular aggregation is found in bis- and tris-phthalocyanines via π-π stacking interaction. Theoretical and experimental studies reveal the formation of the intramolecular aggregation. The spectrographic, photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of these compounds are adjusted for the formation of the intramolecular aggregation. The bis-phthalocyanine dimer presents smaller fluorescence quantum yield, lower triplet formation yield and the triplet-minus-ground state extinction coefficient, which causes poorer optical limiting performance. It is interesting that the tris-phthalocyanine is composed of a mono-phthalocyanine part and a bis-phthalocyanine part, the optical limiting property of the tris-phthalocyanine is similar to that of mono-phthalocyanine. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

HEMORHEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF PERFLUOROCARBON BASED OXYGEN CARRIER INTERACTION WITH COLLOID PLASMA EXPANDERS AND BLOOD

PubMed Central

Vásquez, Diana M.; Ortiz, Daniel; Alvarez, Oscar A.; Briceño, Juan C.; Cabrales, Pedro

2013-01-01

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion based oxygen carriers lack colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and must be administered with colloid-based plasma expanders (PEs). Although PFC emulsions have been widely studied, there is limited information about PFC emulsion interaction with PEs and blood. Their interaction forms aggregates due to electrostatic and rheological phenomena, and change blood rheology and blood flow. This study analyzes the effects of the interaction between PFC emulsions with blood in the presence of clinically-used PEs. The rheological behavior of the mixtures was analyzed in parallel with in vivo analysis of blood flow in microvessels using intravital microscopy when administered in a clinically relevant scenario. The interaction between the PFC emulsion and PE with blood produced PFC droplets and red blood cell (RBCs) aggregation, and increased blood viscosity. The PFC droplets formed aggregates when mixed with PEs containing electrolytes, and the aggregation increased with the electrolyte concentration. Mixtures of PFC with PEs that produced PFC aggregates also induced RCBs aggregation when mixed with blood, increasing blood viscosity at low shear rates. The more viscous suspension at low shear rates produced a blunted blood flow velocity profile in vivo relative to non-aggregating mixtures of PFC and PEs. For the PEs evaluated, albumin produced minimal to undetectable aggregation. PFC and PEs interaction with blood can affect sections of the microcirculation with low shear rate (e.g. arterioles, venules, and pulmonary circulation) because aggregates could cause capillary occlusion, decrease perfusion, pulmonary emboli, or focal ischemia. PMID:23606592

Traffic-induced changes and processes in forest road aggregate particle-size distributions

Treesearch

Hakjun Rhee; James Fridley; Deborah Page-Dumroese

2018-01-01

Traffic can alter forest road aggregate material in various ways, such as by crushing, mixing it with subgrade material, and sweeping large-size, loose particles (gravel) toward the outside of the road. Understanding the changes and physical processes of the aggregate is essential to mitigate sediment production from forest roads and reduce road maintenance efforts. We...

Analysis of the usage of rubberized asphalt in hot mix asphalt using Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dwidarma Nataadmadja, Adelia; Prahara, Eduardi; Sumbung, Pierre Christian

2017-12-01

There has been an increasing demand in using more environmentally friendly materials in pavement construction. One of the alternative materials that have been widely used is the Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) aggregates. The RAP aggregates are derived from the crushed and screened pavement materials that contain asphalt and aggregates. This material is usually combined with natural aggregates and virgin asphalt binder to construct a new pavement. There have been numerous positive feedbacks in using this material although RAP aggregates also have certain weaknesses, such as questionable interaction between virgin and recycled materials and increased stiffness of RAP binder. Moreover, there has been a push on using rubber as an additive to asphalt binder to improve the welfare of rubber farmers. This research combines the usage of both latex and RAP as the ingredients to design hot mix asphalt (HMA) as latex could help in improving the flexibility of HMA and the interaction between the virgin and recycled materials. The main objective of this research is to find a suitable percentage of RAP aggregates to be used in HMA with certain percentage of latex as the binder additive.

Turtle groups or turtle soup: dispersal patterns of hawksbill turtles in the Caribbean.

PubMed

Blumenthal, J M; Abreu-Grobois, F A; Austin, T J; Broderick, A C; Bruford, M W; Coyne, M S; Ebanks-Petrie, G; Formia, A; Meylan, P A; Meylan, A B; Godley, B J

2009-12-01

Despite intense interest in conservation of marine turtles, spatial ecology during the oceanic juvenile phase remains relatively unknown. Here, we used mixed stock analysis and examination of oceanic drift to elucidate movements of hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) and address management implications within the Caribbean. Among samples collected from 92 neritic juvenile hawksbills in the Cayman Islands we detected 11 mtDNA control region haplotypes. To estimate contributions to the aggregation, we performed 'many-to-many' mixed stock analysis, incorporating published hawksbill genetic and population data. The Cayman Islands aggregation represents a diverse mixed stock: potentially contributing source rookeries spanned the Caribbean basin, delineating a scale of recruitment of 200-2500 km. As hawksbills undergo an extended phase of oceanic dispersal, ocean currents may drive patterns of genetic diversity observed on foraging aggregations. Therefore, using high-resolution Aviso ocean current data, we modelled movement of particles representing passively drifting oceanic juvenile hawksbills. Putative distribution patterns varied markedly by origin: particles from many rookeries were broadly distributed across the region, while others would appear to become entrained in local gyres. Overall, we detected a significant correlation between genetic profiles of foraging aggregations and patterns of particle distribution produced by a hatchling drift model (Mantel test, r = 0.77, P < 0.001; linear regression, r = 0.83, P < 0.001). Our results indicate that although there is a high degree of mixing across the Caribbean (a 'turtle soup'), current patterns play a substantial role in determining genetic structure of foraging aggregations (forming turtle groups). Thus, for marine turtles and other widely distributed marine species, integration of genetic and oceanographic data may enhance understanding of population connectivity and management requirements.

Marshall properties of asphalt concrete using crumb rubber modified of motorcycle tire waste

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siswanto, Henri; Supriyanto, Bambang; Pranoto, Chandra, Pria Rizky; Hakim, Arief Rahman

2017-09-01

The aim of this study is to explain the effect of Crumb Rubber Modified (CRM) of motorcycle tire waste on Marshall properties of asphalt mix. Two types of aggregate gradation, asphalt concrete wearing course (ACWC) and asphalt concrete base (ACB), and CRM passing #50 sieve size were used. Seven levels of CRM content were investigated in this study, namely 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 3%, 4.5%, and 6% by weight of aggregate. Marshall test is conducted on Marshall specimens. The specimens are tested in their optimum binder content (OBC). The results indicate that CRM addition of motorcycle tire waste increases the Marshall stability of the both mix, ACWC and ACB. In addition, 1% CRM addition of motorcycle tire waste of the total mix weight is the best mix.

Cu(II) promotes amyloid pore formation

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

Zhang, Hangyu, E-mail: hangyuz@uw.edu; Rochet, Jean-Christophe; Stanciu, Lia A.

2015-08-14

The aggregation of α-synuclein is associated with dopamine neuron death in Parkinson's disease. There is controversy in the field over the question of which species of the aggregates, fibrils or protofibrils, are toxic. Moreover, compelling evidence suggested the exposure to heavy metals to be a risk of PD. Nevertheless, the mechanism of metal ions in promoting PD remains unclear. In this research, we investigated the structural basis of Cu(II) induced aggregation of α-synuclein. Using transmission electron microscopy experiments, Cu(II) was found to promote in vitro aggregation of α-synuclein by facilitating annular protofibril formation rather than fibril formation. Furthermore, neuroprotective baicalein disaggregatedmore » annular protofibrils accompanied by considerable decrease of β-sheet content. These results strongly support the hypothesis that annular protofibrils are the toxic species, rather than fibrils, thereby inspiring us to search novel therapeutic strategies for the suppression of the toxic annular protofibril formation. - Highlights: • Cu(II) promoted the annular protofibril formation of α-synuclein in vitro. • Cu(II) postponed the in vitro fibrillization of α-synuclein. • Neuroprotective baicalein disaggregated annular protofibrils.« less

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels

PubMed Central

Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2010-01-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol−1), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH0) compared with positive entropy term (−T ΔS0 >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol–sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol–40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios. PMID:21423326

The Influence of Concentration and Temperature on the Formation of γ-Oryzanol + β-Sitosterol Tubules in Edible Oil Organogels.

PubMed

Sawalha, Hassan; Venema, Paul; Bot, Arjen; Flöter, Eckhard; van der Linden, Erik

2011-03-01

The gelation process of mixtures of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol structurants in sunflower oil was studied using light scattering, rheology, and micro-scanning calorimetry (Micro-DSC). The relation between temperature and the critical aggregation concentration (CAC) of tubule formation of γ-oryzanol and sitosterol was determined using these techniques. The temperature dependence of the CAC was used to estimate the binding energy and enthalpic and entropic contribution to the tubular formation process. The binding energy calculated at the corresponding temperatures and CACs were relatively low, in order of 2 RT (4.5 kJ mol(-1)), which is in accord with the reversibility of the tubular formation process. The formation of the tubules was associated with negative (exothermic) enthalpy change (ΔH(0)) compared with positive entropy term (-T ΔS(0) >0), indicating that the aggregation into tubules is an enthalpy-driven process. The oryzanol-sitosterol ratio affected the aggregation process; solutions with ratio of (60 oryzanol-40 sitosterol) started aggregation at higher temperature compared with other ratios.

Effects of in vitro endochondral priming and pre-vascularisation of human MSC cellular aggregates in vivo.

PubMed

Freeman, Fiona E; Allen, Ashley B; Stevens, Hazel Y; Guldberg, Robert E; McNamara, Laoise M

2015-11-05

During endochondral ossification, both the production of a cartilage template and the subsequent vascularisation of that template are essential precursors to bone tissue formation. Recent studies have found the application of both chondrogenic and vascular priming of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) enhanced the mineralisation potential of MSCs in vitro whilst also allowing for immature vessel formation. However, the in vivo viability, vascularisation and mineralisation potential of MSC aggregates that have been pre-conditioned in vitro by a combination of chondrogenic and vascular priming, has yet to be established. In this study, we test the hypothesis that a tissue regeneration approach that incorporates both chondrogenic priming of MSCs, to first form a cartilage template, and subsequent pre-vascularisation of the cartilage constructs, by co-culture with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, will improve vessel infiltration and thus mineral formation once implanted in vivo. Human MSCs were chondrogenically primed for 21 days, after which they were co-cultured with MSCs and HUVECs and cultured in endothelial growth medium for another 21 days. These aggregates were then implanted subcutaneously in nude rats for 4 weeks. We used a combination of bioluminescent imaging, microcomputed tomography, histology (Masson's trichrome and Alizarin Red) and immunohistochemistry (CD31, CD146, and α-smooth actin) to assess the vascularisation and mineralisation potential of these MSC aggregates in vivo. Pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were found to have mature endogenous vessels (indicated by α-smooth muscle actin walls and erythrocytes) after 4 weeks subcutaneous implantation, and also viable human MSCs (detected by bioluminescent imaging) 21 days after subcutaneous implantation. In contrast, aggregates that were not pre-vascularised had no vessels within the aggregate interior and human MSCs did not remain viable beyond 14 days. Interestingly, the pre-vascularised cartilaginous aggregates were also the only group to have mineralised nodules within the cellular aggregates, whereas mineralisation occurred in the alginate surrounding the aggregates for all other groups. Taken together these results indicate that a combined chondrogenic priming and pre-vascularisation approach for in vitro culture of MSC aggregates shows enhanced vessel formation and increased mineralisation within the cellular aggregate when implanted subcutaneously in vivo.

Modeling of mixing processes: Fluids, particulates, and powders

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

Ottino, J.M.; Hansen, S.

Work under this grant involves two main areas: (1) Mixing of Viscous Liquids, this first area comprising aggregation, fragmentation and dispersion, and (2) Mixing of Powders. In order to produce a coherent self-contained picture, we report primarily on results obtained under (1), and within this area, mostly on computational studies of particle aggregation in regular and chaotic flows. Numerical simulations show that the average cluster size of compact clusters grows algebraically, while the average cluster size of fractal clusters grows exponentially; companion mathematical arguments are used to describe the initial growth of average cluster size and polydispersity. It is foundmore » that when the system is well mixed and the capture radius independent of mass, the polydispersity is constant for long-times and the cluster size distribution is self-similar. Furthermore, our simulations indicate that the fractal nature of the clusters is dependent upon the mixing.« less

Pulsed electric field (PEF)-induced aggregation between lysozyme, ovalbumin and ovotransferrin in multi-protein system.

PubMed

Wu, Li; Zhao, Wei; Yang, Ruijin; Yan, Wenxu

2015-05-15

The aggregation of multi-proteins is of great interest in food processing and a good understanding of the formation of aggregates during PEF processing is needed for the application of the process to pasteurize protein-based foods. The aggregates formation of a multi-protein system (containing ovalbumin, ovotransferrin and lysozyme) was studied through turbidity, size exclusion chromatography and SDS-PAGE patterns for interaction studies and binding forces. Results from size exclusion chromatography indicated that there was no soluble aggregates formed during PEF processing. The existence of lysozyme was important to form insoluble aggregates in the chosen ovalbumin solution. The results of SDS-PAGE patterns indicated that lysozyme was prone to precipitate, and was relatively the higher component of aggregates. Citric acid could be effective in inhibiting lysozyme from interacting with other proteins during PEF processing. Blocking the free sulphydryl by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) did not affect aggregation inhibition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of nuclear asphalt content gauge : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1995-07-01

The introduction of new aggregate sources to Louisiana in the mid 1980s has presented problems in asphalt concrete mix design and construction. Absorptive aggregates such as reclaimed portland cement concrete and some stones now being supplied have m...

Optimized aggregates gradations for portland cement concrete mix designs evaluation.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-01

This research main purpose was to optimize aggregate blends utilizing more locally available materials. With the industry collaboration and partnership, the Department embraced a change that impacts a specification implemented in the 1947 for Class o...

Evaluation of superpave mixtures containing hydrated lime : tech summary.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-08-01

In the mid-1990s the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) revised its hot-mix asphalt (HMA) : mixture specifi cations. Some of those major changes included requiring larger nominal maximum aggregate size in its : aggregate ...

Enhancing physicochemical properties of emulsions by heteroaggregation of oppositely charged lactoferrin coated lutein droplets and whey protein isolate coated DHA droplets.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Wang, Xu; Xu, Duoxia; Cao, Yanping; Wang, Shaojia; Wang, Bei; Sun, Baoguo; Yuan, Fang; Gao, Yanxiang

2018-01-15

The formation and physicochemical stability of mixed functional components (lutein & DHA) emulsions through heteroaggregation were studied. It was formed by controlled heteroaggregation of oppositely charged lutein and DHA droplets coated by cationic lactoferrin (LF) and anionic whey protein isolate (WPI), respectively. Heteroaggregation was induced by mixing the oppositely charged LF-lutein and WPI-DHA emulsions together at pH 6.0. Droplet size, zeta-potential, transmission-physical stability, microrheological behavior and microstructure of the heteroaggregates formed were measured as a function of LF-lutein to WPI-DHA droplet ratio. Lutein degradation and DHA oxidation by measurement of lipid hydroperoxides and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were determined. Upon mixing the two types of bioactive compounds droplets together, it was found that the largest aggregates and highest physical stability occurred at a droplet ratio of 40% LF-lutein droplets to 60% WPI-DHA droplets. Heteroaggregates formation altered the microrheological properties of the mixed emulsions mainly by the special network structure of the droplets. When LF-coated lutein droplets ratios were more than 30% and less than 60%, the mixed emulsions exhibited distinct decreases in the Mean Square Displacement, which indicated that their limited scope of Brownian motion and stable structure. Mixed emulsions with LF-lutein/WPI-DHA droplets ratio of 4:6 exhibited Macroscopic Viscosity Index with 13 times and Elasticity Index with 3 times of magnitudes higher than the individual emulsions from which they were prepared. Compared with the WPI-DHA emulsion or LF-lutein emulsion, the oxidative stability of the heteroaggregate of LF-lutein/WPI-DHA emulsions was improved. Heteroaggregates formed by oppositely charged bioactive compounds droplets may be useful for creating specific food structures that lead to desirable physicochemical properties, such as microrheological property, physical and chemical stabilities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of the Mixing Energy Consumption Affecting Coagulation and Floc Aggregation.

PubMed

Vadasarukkai, Yamuna S; Gagnon, Graham A

2017-03-21

The operational significance of energy-intensive rapid mixing processes remains unaddressed in coagulation and flocculation of insoluble precipitates (flocs), which play an important role in the removal of impurities from drinking water supplies. In this study, the influence of rapid mixing and associated mixing energy on floc aggregation was examined for a surface water source characterized by a high fraction of aquatic humic matter. Infrared spectral analyses showed that the colloidal complexes resulting from ligand exchange between iron and dissolved natural organic matter (DOM) were not substantially influenced by the mixing energy input. This signified that DOM removal by coagulation can be achieved at lower mixing intensity, thereby reducing energy consumption. In contrast, macroscopic investigations showed the coagulation mixing energy affected floc size distributions during the slow mixing stage in flocculation and, to some extent, their settling characteristics. The results from analysis of floc properties clearly showed that more mixing energy was expended than necessary in coagulation, which is typically designed at a high mixing intensity range of 600-1000 s -1 in treatment plants. The key findings from this study have practical implications to water utilities to strategically meet water quality goals while reducing energy demands.

Mitochondrial enzymes are protected from stress-induced aggregation by mitochondrial chaperones and the Pim1/LON protease

PubMed Central

Bender, Tom; Lewrenz, Ilka; Franken, Sebastian; Baitzel, Catherina; Voos, Wolfgang

2011-01-01

Proteins in a natural environment are constantly challenged by stress conditions, causing their destabilization, unfolding, and, ultimately, aggregation. Protein aggregation has been associated with a wide variety of pathological conditions, especially neurodegenerative disorders, stressing the importance of adequate cellular protein quality control measures to counteract aggregate formation. To secure protein homeostasis, mitochondria contain an elaborate protein quality control system, consisting of chaperones and ATP-dependent proteases. To determine the effects of protein aggregation on the functional integrity of mitochondria, we set out to identify aggregation-prone endogenous mitochondrial proteins. We could show that major metabolic pathways in mitochondria were affected by the aggregation of key enzyme components, which were largely inactivated after heat stress. Furthermore, treatment with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species strongly influenced the aggregation behavior, in particular in combination with elevated temperatures. Using specific chaperone mutant strains, we showed a protective effect of the mitochondrial Hsp70 and Hsp60 chaperone systems. Moreover, accumulation of aggregated polypeptides was strongly decreased by the AAA-protease Pim1/LON. We therefore propose that the proteolytic breakdown of aggregation-prone polypeptides represents a major protective strategy to prevent the in vivo formation of aggregates in mitochondria. PMID:21209324

Study on the Effect of Straw Fiber on the Performance of Volcanic Slag Concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Li-guang; Liu, Xi-xu

2018-03-01

In this paper, the effects of straw fiber on the working performance, mechanical properties and frost resistance of volcanic slag lightweight aggregate concrete were studied. The experimental results show that the straw fiber is subjected to surface carbonization treatment and mixed into the volcanic slag light aggregate concrete. The flexural strength and fracture pressure ratio of volcanic slag lightweight aggregate concrete are improved obviously Improved volcanic slag lightweight aggregate concrete brittleness improves toughness. Carbonized straw fiber greatly improves the frost resistance of volcanic slag lightweight aggregate concrete. So that the volcanic slag light aggregate concrete freeze-thaw cycle can reach 300 times.

Attogram detection of picric acid by hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene-based chemosensors by controlled aggregation-induced emission enhancement.

PubMed

Vij, Varun; Bhalla, Vandana; Kumar, Manoj

2013-06-12

Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) based molecules 5 and 6 have been designed and synthesized. These planar coronenes are appended with rotors to invoke aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) phenomenon by controlling the ratio of H2O in solutions of aggregates. These aggregates of HBC derivatives serve as highly selective chemosensors for picric acid (PA) in mixed aqueous solution. These aggregates are also able to detect PA in vapor phase. In addition, fluorescent test strips have been prepared by dip-coating the Whatman paper with aggregates of both compounds for trace detection of PA in contact mode with detection limits in attograms.

Chondrules born in plasma? Simulation of gas-grain interaction using plasma arcs with applications to chondrule and cosmic spherule formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morlok, A.; Sutton, Y. C.; Braithwaite, N. St. J.; Grady, Monica M.

2012-12-01