Miniaturised optical fiber pH sensor for gastro-esophageal applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldini, F.; Chiavaioli, F.; Cosi, F.; Giannetti, A.; Tombelli, S.; Trono, C.

2013-05-01

Monitoring pH for long periods, usually 24 h, in the stomach and in the esophagus may be essential in the diagnosis of gastro-esophageal diseases. The clinical range of interest is quite extended, between 1 to 8 pH units. Methyl red, after its covalent immobilization on controlled pore glass (CPG), is characterized by a working range which fits well with the clinical one. A novel probe, suitable for gastro-esophageal applications, was designed in order to optimize the performances of the colored CPG. This leads to a very simple probe configuration characterized by a very fast response.

A precipitation collector and automated pH-monitoring system

Treesearch

Gerald M. Aubertin; Benjamin C. Thorner; John Campbell

1976-01-01

A sensitive precipitation collector and automated pH-monitoring system are described. This system provides for continuous monitoring and recording of the pH of precipitation. Discrete or composite rainwater samples are manually obtainable for chemical analyses. The system can easily be adapted to accommodate a flow-through specific conductance probe and monitoring...

Studying the influence of stem composition in pH-sensitive molecular beacons onto their sensing properties.

PubMed

Dembska, Anna; Kierzek, Elzbieta; Juskowiak, Bernard

2017-10-16

Intracellular sensing using fluorescent molecular beacons is a potentially useful strategy for real-time, in vivo monitoring of important cellular events. This work is focused on evaluation of pyrene excimer signaling molecular beacons (MBs) for the monitoring of pH changes in vitro as well as inside living cells. The recognition element in our MB called pHSO (pH-sensitive oligonucleotide) is the loop enclosing cytosine-rich fragment that is able to form i-motif structure in a specific pH range. However, alteration of a sequence of the 6 base pairs containing stem of MB allowed the design of pHSO probes that exhibited different dynamic pH range and possessed slightly different transition midpoint between i-motif and open loop configuration. Moreover, this conformational transition was accompanied by spectral changes showing developed probes different pyrene excimer-monomer emission ratio triggered by pH changes. The potential of these MBs for intracellular pH sensing is demonstrated on the example of HeLa cells line. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of mitochondrial activity by two-photon absorption with near-field multioptical fiber probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kanazashi, Yasuaki; Takara, Naoshi; Iwami, Kentaro; Ohta, Yoshihiro; Umeda, Norihiro

2018-04-01

pH measurements enable the direct monitoring and evaluation of mitochondrial activity. We constructed a scanning near-field optical microscopy system with multioptical fiber probes using the two-photon absorption of a pH-sensitive fluorescent dye, SNARF-4F, to measure the activity difference of mitochondrial aggregates. pH can be monitored through the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of SNARF-4F. We derived a calibration curve of the FIR as a function of pH. The FIR dynamic responses were measured by adding hydrochloric acid to the buffer solution. Using the developed system, we simultaneously measured the pH changes at two different locations in the SNARF-4F solution. Mitochondrial samples were prepared using optical tweezers to control the number and position of mitochondria. Mitochondrial pH changes (ΔpH) between 0.05 and 0.57 were observed after adding a nutritional supplement (malate and glutamate). In addition, in the comparative experiment on the activities of two mitochondrial populations, the obtained result suggested that the activity differs depending on the difference in the number of mitochondria.

Microchamber arrays with an integrated long luminescence lifetime pH sensor.

PubMed

Poehler, Elisabeth; Pfeiffer, Simon A; Herm, Marc; Gaebler, Michael; Busse, Benedikt; Nagl, Stefan

2016-04-01

A pH probe with a microsecond luminescence lifetime was obtained via covalent coupling of 6-carboxynaphthofluorescein (CNF) moieties to ruthenium-tris-(1,10-phenanthroline)(2+). The probe was covalently attached to amino-modified poly-(2-hydroxyethyl)methacrylate (pHEMA) and showed a pH-dependent FRET with luminescence lifetimes of 681 to 1260 ns and a working range from ca. pH 6.5 to 9.0 with a pKa of 7.79 ± 0.14. The pH sensor matrix was integrated via spin coating as ca. 1- to 2-μm-thick layer into "CytoCapture" cell culture dishes of 6 mm in diameter. These contained a microcavity array of square-shaped regions of 40 μm length and width and 15 μm depth that was homogeneously coated with the pH sensor matrix. The sensor layer showed fast response times in both directions. A microscopic setup was developed that enabled imaging of the pH inside the microchamber arrays over many hours. As a proof of principle, we monitored the pH of Escherichia coli cell cultures grown in the microchamber arrays. The integrated sensor matrix allowed pH monitoring spatially resolved in every microchamber, and the differences in cell growth between individual chambers could be resolved and quantified.

Hydrogel-Based Fluorescent Dual pH and Oxygen Sensors Loaded in 96-Well Plates for High-Throughput Cell Metabolism Studies.

PubMed

Wu, Shanshan; Wu, Siying; Yi, Zheyuan; Zeng, Fei; Wu, Weizhen; Qiao, Yuan; Zhao, Xingzhong; Cheng, Xing; Tian, Yanqing

2018-02-13

In this study, we developed fluorescent dual pH and oxygen sensors loaded in multi-well plates for in-situ and high-throughput monitoring of oxygen respiration and extracellular acidification during microbial cell growth for understanding metabolism. Biocompatible PHEMA-co-PAM materials were used as the hydrogel matrix. A polymerizable oxygen probe (OS2) derived from PtTFPP and a polymerizable pH probe (S2) derived from fluorescein were chemically conjugated into the matrix to solve the problem of the probe leaching from the matrix. Gels were allowed to cure directly on the bottom of 96-well plates at room-temperature via redox polymerization. The influence of matrix's composition on the sensing behaviors was investigated to optimize hydrogels with enough robustness for repeatable use with good sensitivity. Responses of the dual sensing hydrogels to dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH were studied. These dual oxygen-pH sensing plates were successfully used for microbial cell-based screening assays, which are based on the measurement of fluorescence intensity changes induced by cellular oxygen consumption and pH changes during microbial growth. This method may provide a real-time monitoring of cellular respiration, acidification, and a rapid kinetic assessment of multiple samples for cell viability as well as high-throughput drug screening. All of these assays can be carried out by a conventional plate reader.

A protein-dye hybrid system as a narrow range tunable intracellular pH sensor.

PubMed

Anees, Palapuravan; Sudheesh, Karivachery V; Jayamurthy, Purushothaman; Chandrika, Arunkumar R; Omkumar, Ramakrishnapillai V; Ajayaghosh, Ayyappanpillai

2016-11-18

Accurate monitoring of pH variations inside cells is important for the early diagnosis of diseases such as cancer. Even though a variety of different pH sensors are available, construction of a custom-made sensor array for measuring minute variations in a narrow biological pH window, using easily available constituents, is a challenge. Here we report two-component hybrid sensors derived from a protein and organic dye nanoparticles whose sensitivity range can be tuned by choosing different ratios of the components, to monitor the minute pH variations in a given system. The dye interacts noncovalently with the protein at lower pH and covalently at higher pH, triggering two distinguishable fluorescent signals at 700 and 480 nm, respectively. The pH sensitivity region of the probe can be tuned for every unit of the pH window resulting in custom-made pH sensors. These narrow range tunable pH sensors have been used to monitor pH variations in HeLa cells using the fluorescence imaging technique.

Ratiometric detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in water and real-time monitoring of apyrase activity with a tripodal zinc complex.

PubMed

Butler, Stephen J

2014-11-24

Two tripodal fluorescent probes Zn⋅L(1,2) have been synthesised, and their anion-binding capabilities were examined by using fluorescence spectroscopy. Probe Zn⋅L(1) allows the selective and ratiometric detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) at physiological pH, even in the presence of several competing anions, such as ADP, phosphate and bicarbonate. The probe was applied to the real-time monitoring of the apyrase-catalysed hydrolysis of ATP, in a medium that mimics an extracellular fluid. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Single Probe for Imaging and Biosensing of pH, Cu(2+) Ions, and pH/Cu(2+) in Live Cells with Ratiometric Fluorescence Signals.

PubMed

Han, Yingying; Ding, Changqin; Zhou, Jie; Tian, Yang

2015-01-01

It is very essential to disentangle the complicated inter-relationship between pH and Cu in the signal transduction and homeostasis. To this end, reporters that can display distinct signals to pH and Cu are highly valuable. Unfortunately, there is still no report on the development of biosensors that can simultaneously respond to pH and Cu(2+), to the best of our knowledge. In this work, we developed a single fluorescent probe, AuNC@FITC@DEAC (AuNC, gold cluster; FITC, fluorescein isothiocyanate; DEAC, 7-diethylaminocoumarin-3-carboxylic acid), for biosensing of pH, Cu(2+), and pH/Cu(2+) with different ratiometric fluorescent signals. First, 2,2',2″-(2,2',2″-nitrilotris(ethane-2,1-diyl)tris((pyridin-2-yl-methyl)azanediyl))triethanethiol (TPAASH) was designed for specific recognition of Cu(2+), as well as for organic ligand to synthesize fluorescent AuNCs. Then, pH-sensitive molecule, FITC emitting at 518 nm, and inner reference molecule, DEAC with emission peak at 472 nm, were simultaneously conjugated on the surface of AuNCs emitting at 722 nm, thus, constructing a single fluorescent probe, AuNC@FITC@DEAC, to sensing pH, Cu(2+), and pH/Cu(2+) excited by 405 nm light. The developed probe exhibited high selectivity and accuracy for independent determination of pH and Cu(2+) against reactive oxygen species (ROS), other metal ions, amino acids, and even copper-containing proteins. The AuNC-based inorganic-organic probe with good cell-permeability and high biocompatibility was eventually applied in monitoring both pH and Cu(2+) and in understanding the interplaying roles of Cu(2+) and pH in live cells by ratiometric multicolor fluorescent imaging.

Precise detection of pH inside large unilamellar vesicles using membrane-impermeable dendritic porphyrin-based nanoprobes.

PubMed

Leiding, Thom; Górecki, Kamil; Kjellman, Tomas; Vinogradov, Sergei A; Hägerhäll, Cecilia; Arsköld, Sindra Peterson

2009-05-15

Accurate real-time measurements of proton concentration gradients are pivotal to mechanistic studies of proton translocation by membrane-bound enzymes. Here we report a detailed characterization of the pH-sensitive fluorescent nanoprobe Glu(3), which is well suited for pH measurements in microcompartmentalized biological systems. The probe is a polyglutamic porphyrin dendrimer in which multiple carboxylate termini ensure its high water solubility and prevent its diffusion across phospholipid membranes. The probe's pK is in the physiological pH range, and its protonation can be followed ratiometrically by absorbance or fluorescence in the ultraviolet-visible spectral region. The usefulness of the probe was enhanced by using a semiautomatic titration system coupled to a charge-coupled device (CCD) spectrometer, enabling fast and accurate titrations and full spectral coverage of the system at millisecond time resolution. The probe's pK was measured in bulk solutions as well as inside large unilamellar vesicles in the presence of physiologically relevant ions. Glu(3) was found to be completely membrane impermeable, and its distinct spectroscopic features permit pH measurements inside closed membrane vesicles, enabling quantitative mechanistic studies of membrane-spanning proteins. Performance of the probe was demonstrated by monitoring the rate of proton leakage through the phospholipid bilayer in large vesicles with and without the uncoupler gramicidin present. Overall, as a probe for biological proton translocation measurements, Glu(3) was found to be superior to the commercially available pH indicators.

Real-time monitoring of drug-induced changes in the stomach acidity of living rats using improved pH-sensitive nitroxides and low-field EPR techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potapenko, Dmitrii I.; Foster, Margaret A.; Lurie, David J.; Kirilyuk, Igor A.; Hutchison, James M. S.; Grigor'ev, Igor A.; Bagryanskaya, Elena G.; Khramtsov, Valery V.

2006-09-01

New improved pH-sensitive nitroxides were applied for in vivo studies. An increased stability of the probes towards reduction was achieved by the introduction of the bulky ethyl groups in the vicinity of the paramagnetic N sbnd O fragment. In addition, the range of pH sensitivity of the approach was extended by the synthesis of probes with two ionizable groups, and, therefore, with two p Ka values. Stability towards reduction and spectral characteristics of the three new probes were determined in vitro using 290 MHz radiofrequency (RF)- and X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), longitudinally detected EPR (LODEPR), and field-cycled dynamic nuclear polarization (FC-DNP) techniques. The newly synthesized probe, 4-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]-2-pyridine-4-yl-2,5,5-triethyl-2,5-dihydro-1 H-imidazol-oxyl, was found to be the most appropriate for the application in the stomach due to both higher stability and convenient pH sensitivity range from pH 1.8 to 6. LODEPR, FC-DNP and proton-electron double resonance imaging (PEDRI) techniques were used to detect the nitroxide localization and acidity in the rat stomach. Improved probe characteristics allowed us to follow in vivo the drug-induced perturbation in the stomach acidity and its normalization afterwards during 1 h or longer period of time. The results show the applicability of the techniques for monitoring drug pharmacology and disease in the living animals.

Peptide-targeted delivery of a pH sensor for quantitative measurements of intraglycosomal pH in live Trypanosoma brucei.

PubMed

Lin, Sheng; Morris, Meredith T; Ackroyd, P Christine; Morris, James C; Christensen, Kenneth A

2013-05-28

Studies of dynamic changes in organelles of protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei have been limited, in part because of the difficulty of targeting analytical probes to specific subcellular compartments. Here we demonstrate application of a ratiometric probe for pH quantification in T. brucei glycosomes. The probe consists of a peptide encoding the peroxisomal targeting sequence (F-PTS1, acetyl-CKGGAKL) coupled to fluorescein, which responds to pH. When incubated with living parasites, the probe is internalized within vesicular structures that colocalize with a glycosomal marker. Inhibition of uptake of F-PTS1 at 4 °C and pulse-chase colocalization with fluorescent dextran suggested that the probe is initially taken up by non-receptor-mediated endocytosis but is subsequently transported separately from dextran and localized within glycosomes, prior to the final fusion of labeled glycosomes and lysosomes as part of glycosomal turnover. Intraorganellar measurements and pH calibration with F-PTS1 in T. brucei glycosomes indicate that the resting glycosomal pH under physiological conditions is 7.4 ± 0.2. However, incubation in glucose-depleted buffer triggered mild acidification of the glycosome over a period of 20 min, with a final observed pH of 6.8 ± 0.3. This glycosomal acidification was reversed by reintroduction of glucose. Coupling of ratiometric fluorescent sensors and reporters to PTS peptides offers an invaluable tool for monitoring in situ glycosomal response(s) to changing environmental conditions and could be applied to additional kinetoplastid parasites.

Nanoparticle-based luminescent probes for intracellular sensing and imaging of pH.

PubMed

Schäferling, Michael

2016-05-01

Fluorescence imaging microscopy is an essential tool in biomedical research. Meanwhile, various fluorescent probes are available for the staining of cells, cell membranes, and organelles. Though, to monitor intracellular processes and dysfunctions, probes that respond to ubiquitous chemical parameters determining the cellular function such as pH, pO2 , and Ca(2+) are required. This review is focused on the progress in the design, fabrication, and application of photoluminescent nanoprobes for sensing and imaging of pH in living cells. The advantages of using nanoprobes carrying fluorescent pH indicators compared to single molecule probes are discussed as well as their limitations due to the mostly lysosomal uptake by cells. Particular attention is paid to ratiometric dual wavelength nanosensors that enable intrinsic referenced measurements. Referencing and proper calibration procedures are basic prerequisites to carry out reliable quantitative pH determinations in complex samples such as living cells. A variety of examples will be presented that highlight the diverseness of nanocarrier materials (polymers, micelles, silica, quantum dots, carbon dots, gold, photon upconversion nanocrystals, or bacteriophages), fluorescent pH indicators for the weak acidic range, and referenced sensing mechanisms, that have been applied intracellularly up to now. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:378-413. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1366 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for direct bio-imaging of lysosomal pH changes.

PubMed

Shi, Xue-Lin; Mao, Guo-Jiang; Zhang, Xiao-Bing; Liu, Hong-Wen; Gong, Yi-Jun; Wu, Yong-Xiang; Zhou, Li-Yi; Zhang, Jing; Tan, Weihong

2014-12-01

Intracellular pH plays a pivotal role in various biological processes. In eukaryotic cells, lysosomes contain numerous enzymes and proteins exhibiting a variety of activities and functions at acidic pH (4.5-5.5), and abnormal variation in the lysosomal pH causes defects in lysosomal function. Thus, it is important to investigate lysosomal pH in living cells to understand its physiological and pathological processes. In this work, we designed a one-step synthesized rhodamine derivative (RM) with morpholine as a lysosomes tracker, to detect lysosomal pH changes with high sensitivity, high selectivity, high photostability and low cytotoxicity. The probe RM shows a 140-fold fluorescence enhancement over a pH range from 7.4 to 4.5 with a pKa value of 5.23. Importantly, RM can detect the chloroquine-induced lysosomal pH increase and monitor the dexamethasone-induced lysosomal pH changes during apoptosis in live cells. All these features demonstrate its value of practical application in biological systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Bladder mucosa pH and Pco2 as a minimally invasive monitor of hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

PubMed

Clavijo-Alvarez, Julio A; Sims, Carrie A; Menconi, Michael; Shim, Inbo; Ochoa, Christian; Puyana, Juan Carlos

2004-12-01

Continuous monitoring of pH, Pco2, and Po2 using fiberoptic sensor technology has been proposed recently as a clinical monitor of the severity of shock and impaired tissue perfusion. Surrogates of gut tissue perfusion such as gastric tonometry, although cumbersome, have been used to indirectly quantify the degree of gut ischemia. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of monitoring bladder mucosa (BM) and to compare urinary bladder mucosa and proximal jejunum mucosa interstitial pH and Pco2 during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. Eleven male miniature swine (25-35 kg) (control, n = 4; shock, n = 7) underwent jejunal tonometry and cystostomy. A multisensor probe was placed adjacent to the BM. Urine was diverted. Normocarbia was maintained. Animals were hemorrhaged and kept at a mean arterial pressure of 40 mm Hg. When a constant infusion was required to maintain the mean arterial pressure at 40 mm Hg (decompensation), animals were resuscitated with shed blood plus two times the shed volume in lactated Ringer's solution (20 minutes) and observed for 2 hours. During decompensation, BM pH values decreased significantly from 7.33 +/- 0.08 to 7.01 +/- 0.2 (p < 0.01) and recovered to 7.11 +/- 0.19 at 120 minutes after completion of resuscitation. During decompensation, BM Pco2 values increased significantly compared with baseline (from 49 +/- 6 mm Hg to 71 +/- 19 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and returned to baseline with resuscitation. Jejunum mucosa and BM interstitial Pco2 correlated throughout shock and resuscitation (r = 0.49). Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated significant differences between jejunum mucosa (intramucosal pH) and BM interstitial pH. Shock-induced changes in the Pco2 of the BM are comparable to tonometric changes in the gut. These data suggest that continuous fiberoptic multisensor probe monitoring of the BM could potentially provide a minimally invasive method for the assessment of impaired tissue perfusion of the splanchnic circulation during shock and resuscitation.

Molecular Wiring in Smart Dressings: Opening a New Route to Monitoring Wound pH

PubMed Central

McLister, Anna; Davis, James

2015-01-01

It has been proposed that fluctuations in wound pH can give valuable insights into the healing processes in chronic wounds, but acquiring such data can be a technological challenge especially where there is little sample available. Developments in voltammetric pH sensing have opened up new avenues for the design of probes that can function in ultra-small volumes and can be inherently disposable but, as yet few can meet the demands of wound monitoring. A preliminary investigation of the pH response of a new redox wire prepared from a peptide homopolymer of tryptophan is presented and its potential applicability as a sensing material for use in smart dressings is critically discussed. PMID:27417774

In Vivo Monitoring of pH, Redox Status, and Glutathione Using L-Band EPR for Assessment of Therapeutic Effectiveness in Solid Tumors

PubMed Central

Bobko, Andrey A.; Eubank, Timothy D.; Voorhees, Jeffrey L.; Efimova, Olga V.; Kirilyuk, Igor A.; Petryakov, Sergey; Trofimiov, Dmitrii G.; Marsh, Clay B.; Zweier, Jay L.; Grigor’ev, Igor A.; Samouilov, Alexandre; Khramtsov, Valery V.

2011-01-01

Approach for in vivo real-time assessment of tumor tissue extracellular pH (pHe), redox, and intracellular glutathione based on L-band EPR spectroscopy using dual function pH and redox nitroxide probe and disulfide nitroxide biradical, is described. These parameters were monitored in PyMT mice bearing breast cancer tumors during treatment with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor. It was observed that tumor pHe is about 0.4 pH units lower than that in normal mammary gland tissue. Treatment with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor decreased the value of pHe by 0.3 units compared with PBS control treatment. Tumor tissue reducing capacity and intracellular glutathione were elevated compared with normal mammary gland tissue. Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor treatment resulted in a decrease of the tumor tissue reducing capacity and intracellular glutathione content. In addition to spectroscopic studies, pHe mapping was performed using recently proposed variable frequency proton–electron double-resonance imaging. The pH mapping superimposed with MRI image supports probe localization in mammary gland/tumor tissue, shows high heterogeneity of tumor tissue pHe and a difference of about 0.4 pH units between average pHe values in tumor and normal mammary gland. In summary, the developed multifunctional approach allows for in vivo, noninvasive pHe, extracellular redox, and intracellular glutathione content monitoring during investigation of various therapeutic strategies for solid tumors. Magn Reson Med 000:000–000, 2011. PMID:22113626

Hyperpolarized 15N-pyridine Derivatives as pH-Sensitive MRI Agents

PubMed Central

Jiang, Weina; Lumata, Lloyd; Chen, Wei; Zhang, Shanrong; Kovacs, Zoltan; Sherry, A. Dean; Khemtong, Chalermchai

2015-01-01

Highly sensitive MR imaging agents that can accurately and rapidly monitor changes in pH would have diagnostic and prognostic value for many diseases. Here, we report an investigation of hyperpolarized 15N-pyridine derivatives as ultrasensitive pH-sensitive imaging probes. These molecules are easily polarized to high levels using standard dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques and their 15N chemical shifts were found to be highly sensitive to pH. These probes displayed sharp 15N resonances and large differences in chemical shifts (Δδ >90 ppm) between their free base and protonated forms. These favorable features make these agents highly suitable candidates for the detection of small changes in tissue pH near physiological values. PMID:25774436

A confocal microscopy based method to monitor extracellular pH in fungal biofilms.

PubMed

Schlafer, Sebastian; Kamp, Anja; Garcia, Javier E

2018-04-19

pH in fungal biofilms is important for a variety of fungal infections and industrial applications involving fungal biofilms, but to date, it has never been measured directly inside the biofilm matrix. In the present study, a new methodology was developed allowing for confocal microscopy based monitoring of extracellular pH inside fungal biofilms. Monospecies biofilms of Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis and Cryptococcus neoformans were stained with the pH dependent ratiometric probe C-SNARF-4, imaged with a confocal microscope, and a digital image analysis procedure was developed to determine pH in the extracellular matrix. As a proof of concept, pH developments at the biofilm-substratum interface were monitored for one h after exposure to glucose. Observed pH drops differed considerably between the different species and also between replicate biofilms of the same species. C. albicans biofilms showed the highest acidogenicity, with pH drops occurring much faster than in planktonic culture. pH ratiometry with C-SNARF-4 is a valuable tool to get insight into fungal biofilm metabolism and may shed new light on both disease-related and industrially relevant processes in fungal biofilms.

A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository

PubMed Central

Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

2017-01-01

We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl− selective electrodes, one Ag2S/Ag-based reference or S2− selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors. PMID:28608820

A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository.

PubMed

Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

2017-06-13

We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl - selective electrodes, one Ag₂S/Ag-based reference or S 2- selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors.

A novel optical probe for pH sensing in gastro-esophageal apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baldini, F.; Ghini, G.; Giannetti, A.; Senesi, F.; Trono, C.

2011-03-01

Monitoring gastric pH for long periods, usually 24 h, may be essential in analyzing the physiological pattern of acidity, in obtaining information on changes in activity during peptic ulcer disease, and in assessing the effect of antisecretory drugs. Gastro-esophageal reflux, which causes a pH decrease in the esophagus content from pH 7 even down to pH 2, can determine esophagitis with possible strictures and Barrett's esophagus. One of the difficulties of the optical measurement of pH in the gastro-esophageal apparatus lies in the required extended working range from 1 to 8 pH units. The present paper deals with a novel optical pH sensor, using methyl red as optical pH indicator. Contrary to all acidbase indicators characterized by working ranges limited to 2-3 pH units, methyl red, after its covalent immobilization on controlled pore glass (CPG), is characterized by a wide working range which fits with the clinical requirements. The novel probe design here described is suitable for gastro-esophageal applications and allows the optimization of the performances of the CPG with the immobilised indicator. This leads to a very simple configuration characterized by a very fast response time.

In-vivo and ex-vivo spectrofluorometric and imaging study of liposome uptake by the liver using a pH-sensitive probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soulie-Begu, Sylvie; Devoisselle, Jean-Marie; Mordon, Serge R.

1995-04-01

Liposomes are known to be uptaken by the liver cells after intraveinous injection. Only few techniques are available to follow this process in vivo like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy or scintigraphy. Intracellular pathway and liposomes localization in the different liver cells require sacrifice of the animals, cells separation and electronic microscopy, then little is known about liposomes kinetic uptake by the acidic intracellular compartments in vivo. We propose in this study a new method to follow liposomes uptake in the liver in vivo using a fluorescent pH sensitive probe 5,6-carboxyfluorescein and two different composition of liposomes: phospholipids DSPC/Chol and DMPC in order to evaluate the influence of the formulation on the release characteristics of liposomes in the lysosomes. We have already demonstrated the ability of the fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging using a pH dependent probe to monitor pH in living tissues. As pH of lysosomes is very low, the kinetic liposomes uptake in this intracellular acidic compartment is followed by monitoring the pH of the whole liver in vivo and ex vivo. Carboxyfluorescein is used at high concentration (100 mM) in order to quench its fluorescence. Liposomes are injected to Wistar rats into the penil vein. After laparotomy, fluorescence spectra and images are recorded during two hours. Results show a clear relationship between formulation of liposomes and stability in the acidic compartments of hepatic cells. After sacrifice and flush with cold saline solution, pH of the liver ex vivo is found to be 5.0-5.5. Data show a rapid clearance of release dye and an uptake of liposomes by the liver cells and, as liposomes penetrate in the acidic compartment, dye is released from liposomes and is delivered in lysosomes leading to the decrease of the pH.

A Reliable and Non-destructive Method for Monitoring the Stromal pH in Isolated Chloroplasts Using a Fluorescent pH Probe.

PubMed

Su, Pai-Hsiang; Lai, Yen-Hsun

2017-01-01

The proton gradient established by the pH difference across a biological membrane is essential for many physiological processes, including ATP synthesis and ion and metabolite transport. Currently, ionophores are used to study proton gradients, and determine their importance to biological functions of interest. Because of the lack of an easy method for monitoring the proton gradient across the inner envelope membrane of chloroplasts (ΔpH env ), whether the concentration of ionophores used can effectively abolish the ΔpH env is not proven for most experiments. To overcome this hindrance, we tried to setup an easy method for real-time monitoring of the stromal pH in buffered, isolated chloroplasts by using fluorescent pH probes; using this method the ΔpH env can be calculated by subtracting the buffer pH from the measured stromal pH. When three fluorescent dyes, BCECF-AM [2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein acetoxymethyl ester], CFDA-SE [5(6)-Carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester] and SNARF-1 carboxylic acid acetate succinimidyl ester were incubated with isolated chloroplasts, BCECF-AM and CFDA-SE, but not the ester-formed SNARF-1 were taken up by chloroplasts and digested with esterase to release high levels of fluorescence. According to its relatively higher pKa value (6.98, near the physiological pH of the stroma), BCECF was chosen for further development. Due to shielding of the excitation and emission lights by chloroplast pigments, the ratiometric fluorescence of BCECF was highly dependent on the concentration of chloroplasts. By using a fixed concentration of chloroplasts, a highly correlated standard curve of pH to the BCECF ratiometric fluorescence with an r -square value of 0.98 was obtained, indicating the reliability of this method. Consistent with previous reports, the light-dependent formation of ΔpH env can be detected ranging from 0.15 to 0.33 pH units upon illumination. The concentration of the ionophore nigericin required to collapse the ΔpH env was then studied. The establishment of a non-destructive method of monitoring the stromal pH will be valuable for studying the roles of the ΔpH env in chloroplast physiology.

Measurement of pH micro-heterogeneity in natural cheese matrices by fluorescence lifetime imaging

PubMed Central

Burdikova, Zuzana; Svindrych, Zdenek; Pala, Jan; Hickey, Cian D.; Wilkinson, Martin G.; Panek, Jiri; Auty, Mark A. E.; Periasamy, Ammasi; Sheehan, Jeremiah J.

2015-01-01

Cheese, a product of microbial fermentation may be defined as a protein matrix entrapping fat, moisture, minerals and solutes as well as dispersed bacterial colonies. The growth and physiology of bacterial cells in these colonies may be influenced by the microenvironment around the colony, or alternatively the cells within the colony may modify the microenvironment (e.g., pH, redox potential) due to their metabolic activity. While cheese pH may be measured at macro level there remains a significant knowledge gap relating to the degree of micro-heterogeneity of pH within the cheese matrix and its relationship with microbial, enzymatic and physiochemical parameters and ultimately with cheese quality, consistency and ripening patterns. The pH of cheese samples was monitored both at macroscopic scale and at microscopic scale, using a non-destructive microscopic technique employing C-SNARF-4 and Oregon Green 488 fluorescent probes. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the suitability of these dyes for microscale pH measurements in natural cheese matrices and to enhance the sensitivity and extend the useful pH range of these probes using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). In particular, fluorescence lifetime of Oregon Green 488 proved to be sensitive probe to map pH micro heterogeneity within cheese matrices. Good agreement was observed between macroscopic scale pH measurement by FLIM and by traditional pH methods, but in addition considerable localized microheterogeneity in pH was evident within the curd matrix with pH range between 4.0 and 5.5. This technique provides significant potential to further investigate the relationship between cheese matrix physico-chemistry and bacterial metabolism during cheese manufacture and ripening. PMID:25798136

Measurement of pH micro-heterogeneity in natural cheese matrices by fluorescence lifetime imaging.

PubMed

Burdikova, Zuzana; Svindrych, Zdenek; Pala, Jan; Hickey, Cian D; Wilkinson, Martin G; Panek, Jiri; Auty, Mark A E; Periasamy, Ammasi; Sheehan, Jeremiah J

2015-01-01

Cheese, a product of microbial fermentation may be defined as a protein matrix entrapping fat, moisture, minerals and solutes as well as dispersed bacterial colonies. The growth and physiology of bacterial cells in these colonies may be influenced by the microenvironment around the colony, or alternatively the cells within the colony may modify the microenvironment (e.g., pH, redox potential) due to their metabolic activity. While cheese pH may be measured at macro level there remains a significant knowledge gap relating to the degree of micro-heterogeneity of pH within the cheese matrix and its relationship with microbial, enzymatic and physiochemical parameters and ultimately with cheese quality, consistency and ripening patterns. The pH of cheese samples was monitored both at macroscopic scale and at microscopic scale, using a non-destructive microscopic technique employing C-SNARF-4 and Oregon Green 488 fluorescent probes. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the suitability of these dyes for microscale pH measurements in natural cheese matrices and to enhance the sensitivity and extend the useful pH range of these probes using fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). In particular, fluorescence lifetime of Oregon Green 488 proved to be sensitive probe to map pH micro heterogeneity within cheese matrices. Good agreement was observed between macroscopic scale pH measurement by FLIM and by traditional pH methods, but in addition considerable localized microheterogeneity in pH was evident within the curd matrix with pH range between 4.0 and 5.5. This technique provides significant potential to further investigate the relationship between cheese matrix physico-chemistry and bacterial metabolism during cheese manufacture and ripening.

Detection of gastro-oesophageal reflux in the neonatal unit.

PubMed

Rossor, Thomas; Lingam, Ingran; Douiri, Abdel; Bhat, Ravindra; Greenough, Anne

2018-03-13

To determine whether a pH probe or multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII) more frequently detected gastro-oesophageal reflux and test the hypothesis that acid reflux was associated with lower baseline impedance. A prospective study of infants in whom reflux was suspected and evaluated using combined pH and multichannel impedance. Studies were considered abnormal if the acid index was >10% or there were >79MII reflux events in 24 hours. The acid index was the percentage of total study time with a pH

Fluorescent probes and bioimaging: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and pH.

PubMed

Yin, Jun; Hu, Ying; Yoon, Juyoung

2015-07-21

All living species and life forms have an absolute requirement for bio-functional metals and acid-base equilibrium chemistry owing to the critical roles they play in biological processes. Hence, a great need exists for efficient methods to detect and monitor biometals and acids. In the last few years, great attention has been paid to the development of organic molecule based fluorescent chemosensors. The availability of new synthetic fluorescent probes has made fluorescence microscopy an indispensable tool for tracing biologically important molecules and in the area of clinical diagnostics. This review highlights the recent advances that have been made in the design and bioimaging applications of fluorescent probes for alkali metals and alkaline earth metal cations, including lithium, sodium and potassium, magnesium and calcium, and for pH determination within biological systems.

Self-Assembled Fluorescent Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoprobes for Ratiometric pH Measurement inside Living Cells.

PubMed

Yang, Qiaoyu; Ye, Zhongju; Zhong, Meile; Chen, Bo; Chen, Jian; Zeng, Rongjin; Wei, Lin; Li, Hung-wing; Xiao, Lehui

2016-04-20

In this work, we demonstrated a new ratiometric method for the quantitative analysis of pH inside living cells. The structure of the nanosensor comprises a biofriendly fluorescent bovine serum albumin (BSA) matrix, acting as a pH probe, and pH-insensitive reference dye Alexa 594 enabling ratiometric quantitative pH measurement. The fluorescent BSA matrix was synthesized by cross-linking of the denatured BSA proteins in ethanol with glutaraldehyde. The size of the as-synthesized BSA nanoparticles can be readily manipulated from 30 to 90 nm, which exhibit decent fluorescence at the peak wavelength of 535 nm with a pH response range of 6-8. The potential of this pH sensor for intracellular pH monitoring was demonstrated inside living HeLa cells, whereby a significant change in fluorescence ratio was observed when the pH of the cell was switched from normal to acidic with anticancer drug treatment. The fast response of the nanosensor makes it a very powerful tool in monitoring the processes occurring within the cytosol.

Quantitative analysis of autophagic flux by confocal pH-imaging of autophagic intermediates

PubMed Central

Maulucci, Giuseppe; Chiarpotto, Michela; Papi, Massimiliano; Samengo, Daniela; Pani, Giovambattista; De Spirito, Marco

2015-01-01

Although numerous techniques have been developed to monitor autophagy and to probe its cellular functions, these methods cannot evaluate in sufficient detail the autophagy process, and suffer limitations from complex experimental setups and/or systematic errors. Here we developed a method to image, contextually, the number and pH of autophagic intermediates by using the probe mRFP-GFP-LC3B as a ratiometric pH sensor. This information is expressed functionally by AIPD, the pH distribution of the number of autophagic intermediates per cell. AIPD analysis reveals how intermediates are characterized by a continuous pH distribution, in the range 4.5–6.5, and therefore can be described by a more complex set of states rather than the usual biphasic one (autophagosomes and autolysosomes). AIPD shape and amplitude are sensitive to alterations in the autophagy pathway induced by drugs or environmental states, and allow a quantitative estimation of autophagic flux by retrieving the concentrations of autophagic intermediates. PMID:26506895

What Is a pH Probe Study?

MedlinePlus

What is a pH Probe Study ? What is pH a probe study? M easuring the pH in the esophagus helps determine whether or not acid is coming up from the stomach. A pH probe study is usually done in patients where ...

Conversion of S–phenylsulfonylcysteine residues to mixed disulfides at pH 4.0: utility in protein thiol blocking and in protein–S–nitrosothiol detection

PubMed Central

Reeves, B. D.; Joshi, N.; Campanello, G. C.; Hilmer, J. K.; Chetia, L.; Vance, J. A.; Reinschmidt, J. N.; Miller, C. G.; Giedroc, D. P.; Dratz, E. A.; Singel, D. J.; Grieco, P. A.

2014-01-01

A three step protocol for protein S-nitrosothiol conversion to fluorescent mixed disulfides with purified proteins, referred to as the thiosulfonate switch, is explored which involves: 1) thiol blocking at pH 4.0 using S-phenylsulfonylcysteine (SPSC); 2) trapping of protein S-nitrosothiols as their S-phenylsulfonylcysteines employing sodium benzenesulfinate; and 3) tagging the protein thiosulfonate with a fluorescent rhodamine based probe bearing a reactive thiol (Rhod-SH), which forms a mixed disulfide between the probe and the formerly S-nitrosated cysteine residue. S-nitrosated bovine serum albumin and the S-nitrosated C-terminally truncated form of AdhR-SH (alcohol dehydrogenase regulator) designated as AdhR*-SNO were selectively labelled by the thiosulfonate switch both individually and in protein mixtures containing free thiols. This protocol features the facile reaction of thiols with S-phenylsulfonylcysteines forming mixed disulfides at mild acidic pH (pH = 4.0) in both the initial blocking step as well as in the conversion of protein-S-sulfonylcysteines to form stable fluorescent disulfides. Labelling was monitored by TOF-MS and gel electrophoresis. Proteolysis and peptide analysis of the resulting digest identified the cysteine residues containing mixed disulfides bearing the fluorescent probe, Rhod-SH. PMID:24986430

A Study to Draw a Normative Database of Laryngopharynx pH Profile in Chinese

PubMed Central

Feng, Guijian; Wang, Junyao; Zhang, Lihong; Liu, Yulan

2014-01-01

Background/Aims To draw a normative database of laryngopharynx pH profile in Chinese subjects. Methods Normal volunteers were recruited from “www.Ganji.com” and People’s hospital between May 2008 and December 2009. The Restech pH Probes were calibrated in pH 7 and pH 4 buffer solutions according to the manufacturer's instructions. Each volunteer was asked to wear the device for a 24-hour period and was encouraged to participate in normal daily activities. Results The healthy volunteers consisted of 20 males and 9 females with a median age of 23 years (interquartile range, 21 to 32 years). The 95th percentiles for % total times at pH < 4, pH < 4.5, pH < 5.0 and pH < 5.5 for the oropharynx pH catheter were 0.06%, 1.01%, 7.23% and 27.34%, respectively. The 95th percentile for number of reflux events within the 24-hour period at pH < 4, pH < 4.5, pH < 5.0 and pH < 5.5 were 2.0, 18.0, 107.5 and 284.5, respectively. Conclusions This is the first study to systematically assess the degree of reflux detected by the new pH probe in healthy asymptomatic Chinese volunteers and to report normative values in Chinese people. Using an oropharyngeal pH catheter to monitor laryngopharyngeal reflux indicated that in healthy Chinese, reflux should be considered normal if the percent time at pH less than 4.5 is no more than 1%. PMID:24948130

Smartphone-Based pH Sensor for Home Monitoring of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis

PubMed Central

Sun, Alexander; Phelps, Tom; Yao, Chengyang; Venkatesh, A. G.; Conrad, Douglas; Hall, Drew A.

2017-01-01

Currently, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients lack the ability to track their lung health at home, relying instead on doctor checkups leading to delayed treatment and lung damage. By leveraging the ubiquity of the smartphone to lower costs and increase portability, a smartphone-based peripheral pH measurement device was designed to attach directly to the headphone port to harvest power and communicate with a smartphone application. This platform was tested using prepared pH buffers and sputum samples from CF patients. The system matches within ~0.03 pH of a benchtop pH meter while fully powering itself and communicating with a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone paired with either a glass or Iridium Oxide (IrOx) electrode. The IrOx electrodes were found to have 25% higher sensitivity than the glass probes at the expense of larger drift and matrix sensitivity that can be addressed with proper calibration. The smartphone-based platform has been demonstrated as a portable replacement for laboratory pH meters, and supports both highly robust glass probes and the sensitive and miniature IrOx electrodes with calibration. This tool can enable more frequent pH sputum tracking for CF patients to help detect the onset of pulmonary exacerbation to provide timely and appropriate treatment before serious damage occurs. PMID:28556804

Smartphone-Based pH Sensor for Home Monitoring of Pulmonary Exacerbations in Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Sun, Alexander; Phelps, Tom; Yao, Chengyang; Venkatesh, A G; Conrad, Douglas; Hall, Drew A

2017-05-30

Currently, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients lack the ability to track their lung health at home, relying instead on doctor checkups leading to delayed treatment and lung damage. By leveraging the ubiquity of the smartphone to lower costs and increase portability, a smartphone-based peripheral pH measurement device was designed to attach directly to the headphone port to harvest power and communicate with a smartphone application. This platform was tested using prepared pH buffers and sputum samples from CF patients. The system matches within ~0.03 pH of a benchtop pH meter while fully powering itself and communicating with a Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone paired with either a glass or Iridium Oxide (IrOx) electrode. The IrOx electrodes were found to have 25% higher sensitivity than the glass probes at the expense of larger drift and matrix sensitivity that can be addressed with proper calibration. The smartphone-based platform has been demonstrated as a portable replacement for laboratory pH meters, and supports both highly robust glass probes and the sensitive and miniature IrOx electrodes with calibration. This tool can enable more frequent pH sputum tracking for CF patients to help detect the onset of pulmonary exacerbation to provide timely and appropriate treatment before serious damage occurs.

Luminescence Probe Studies of Ionomers. I. Steady-State Measurements from Nafion Membrane.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-02-03

Bu4N+ was monitored by titrating the released protons with NaOH. Bu4N+ uptake by Na+ membranes was assumed to be the same as uptake by acidic form...spaced excited states (21). Because of their solvent sensitivity, 1,5-DNS derivatives may also be used as polarity probes (20). The acid -base... acid . The basic (unprotonated) form of the DNS derivative used here (DA+ ) shows *absorption maxima at ca. 325 and 245 nm (aqueous solution, pH 6.8

Identification of nasopharyngeal carcinoma from photoluminescence spectra of 3C-SiC nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Li-Fen; Guo, Jun-Hong; Huang, Zhi-Chun; Gu, Jian-Sen; Feng, Li-Ren; Liu, Li-Zhe

2017-09-01

The identification of intracellular pH (pHi) during carcinogenesis progression plays a crucial role in the studies of biochemistry, cytology, and clinical medicine. In this work, 3C-SiC nanocrystals (NCs), which can effectively monitor the pH environment by using the linear relation between photoluminescence intensity and surface OH- and H+ concentration, are adapted as fluorescent probes for monitoring carcinogenesis progression of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Our results demonstrated that 3C-SiC NCs are compatible with living cells and have low cytotoxicity. The pHi measurements in different carcinogenesis environments indicate the validity and sensitivity of this technology in identifying nasopharyngeal carcinoma in application.

Monitoring of potentially toxic cyanobacteria using an online multi-probe in drinking water sources.

PubMed

Zamyadi, A; McQuaid, N; Prévost, M; Dorner, S

2012-02-01

Toxic cyanobacteria threaten the water quality of drinking water sources across the globe. Two such water bodies in Canada (a reservoir on the Yamaska River and a bay of Lake Champlain in Québec) were monitored using a YSI 6600 V2-4 (YSI, Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA) submersible multi-probe measuring in vivo phycocyanin (PC) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) fluorescence, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, temperature, and turbidity in parallel. The linearity of the in vivo fluorescence PC and Chl-a probe measurements were validated in the laboratory with Microcystis aeruginosa (r(2) = 0.96 and r(2) = 0.82 respectively). Under environmental conditions, in vivo PC fluorescence was strongly correlated with extracted PC (r = 0.79) while in vivo Chl-a fluorescence had a weaker relationship with extracted Chl-a (r = 0.23). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between extracted Chl-a, extracted PC and cyanobacterial biovolume and in vivo fluorescence parameters measured by the sensors (i.e. turbidity and pH). This information will help water authorities select the in vivo parameters that are the most useful indicators for monitoring cyanobacteria. Despite highly toxic cyanobacterial bloom development 10 m from the drinking water treatment plant's (DWTP) intake on several sampling dates, low in vivo PC fluorescence, cyanobacterial biovolume, and microcystin concentrations were detected in the plant's untreated water. The reservoir's hydrodynamics appear to have prevented the transport of toxins and cells into the DWTP which would have deteriorated the water quality. The multi-probe readings and toxin analyses provided critical evidence that the DWTP's untreated water was unaffected by the toxic cyanobacterial blooms present in its source water.

Use of the pH sensitive fluorescence probe pyranine to monitor internal pH changes in Escherichia coli membrane vesicles.

PubMed

Damiano, E; Bassilana, M; Rigaud, J L; Leblanc, G

1984-01-23

Measurements of the fluorescent properties of 8-hydroxy-1,3,6-pyrenetrisulfonate (pyranine) enclosed within the internal space of Escherichia coli membrane vesicles enable recordings and quantitative analysis of: (i) changes in intravesicular pH taking place during oxidation of electron donors by the membrane respiratory chain; (ii) transient alkalization of the internal aqueous space resulting from the creation of outwardly directed acetate diffusion gradients across the vesicular membrane. Quantitation of the fluorescence variations recorded during the creation of transmembrane acetate gradients shows a close correspondence between the measured shifts in internal pH value and those expected from the amplitude of the imposed acetate gradients.

pH Meter probe assembly

DOEpatents

Hale, C.J.

1983-11-15

An assembly for mounting a pH probe in a flowing solution, such as a sanitary sewer line, which prevents the sensitive glass portion of the probe from becoming coated with grease, oil, and other contaminants, whereby the probe gives reliable pH indication over an extended period of time. The pH probe assembly utilizes a special filter media and a timed back-rinse feature for flushing clear surface contaminants of the filter. The flushing liquid is of a known pH and is utilized to check performance of the probe. 1 fig.

pH Meter probe assembly

DOEpatents

Hale, Charles J.

1983-01-01

An assembly for mounting a pH probe in a flowing solution, such as a sanitary sewer line, which prevents the sensitive glass portion of the probe from becoming coated with grease, oil, and other contaminants, whereby the probe gives reliable pH indication over an extended period of time. The pH probe assembly utilizes a special filter media and a timed back-rinse feature for flushing clear surface contaminants of the filter. The flushing liquid is of a known pH and is utilized to check performance of the probe.

Genotyping by alkaline dehybridization using graphically encoded particles.

PubMed

Zhang, Huaibin; DeConinck, Adam J; Slimmer, Scott C; Doyle, Patrick S; Lewis, Jennifer A; Nuzzo, Ralph G

2011-03-01

This work describes a nonenzymatic, isothermal genotyping method based on the kinetic differences exhibited in the dehybridization of perfectly matched (PM) and single-base mismatched (MM) DNA duplexes in an alkaline solution. Multifunctional encoded hydrogel particles incorporating allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes in two distinct regions were fabricated by using microfluidic-based stop-flow lithography. Each particle contained two distinct ASO probe sequences differing at a single base position, and thus each particle was capable of simultaneously probing two distinct target alleles. Fluorescently labeled target alleles were annealed to both probe regions of a particle, and the rate of duplex dehybridization was monitored by using fluorescence microscopy. Duplex dehybridization was achieved through an alkaline stimulus using either a pH step function or a temporal pH gradient. When a single target probe sequence was used, the rate of mismatch duplex dehybridization could be discriminated from the rate of perfect match duplex dehybridization. In a more demanding application in which two distinct probe sequences were used, we found that the rate profiles provided a means to discriminate probe dehybridizations from both of the two mismatched duplexes as well as to distinguish at high certainty the dehybridization of the two perfectly matched duplexes. These results demonstrate an ability of alkaline dehybridization to correctly discriminate the rank hierarchy of thermodynamic stability among four sets of perfect match and single-base mismatch duplexes. We further demonstrate that these rate profiles are strongly temperature dependent and illustrate how the sensitivity can be compensated beneficially by the use of an actuating gradient pH field. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ubiquinone modified printed carbon electrodes for cell culture pH monitoring.

PubMed

McBeth, Craig; Dughaishi, Rajaa Al; Paterson, Andrew; Sharp, Duncan

2018-08-15

The measurement of pH is important throughout many biological systems, but there are limited available technologies to enable its periodical monitoring in the complex, small volume, media often used in cell culture experiments across a range of disciplines. Herein, pad printed electrodes are developed and characterised through modification with: a commercially available fullerene multiwall carbon nanotube composite applied in Nafion, casting of hydrophobic ubiquinone as a pH probe to provide the electrochemical signal, and coated in Polyethylene glycol to reduce fouling and potentially enhance biocompatibility, which together are proven to enable the determination of pH in cell culture media containing serum. The ubiquinone oxidation peak position (E pa ) provided an indirect marker of pH across the applicable range of pH 6-9 (R 2 = 0.9985, n = 15) in complete DMEM. The electrochemical behaviour of these sensors was also proven to be robust; retaining their ability to measure pH in cell culture media supplemented with serum up to 20% (v/v) [encompassing the range commonly employed in cell culture], cycled > 100 times in 10% serum containing media and maintain > 60% functionality after 5 day incubation in a 10% serum containing medium. Overall, this proof of concept research highlights the potential applicability of this, or similar, electrochemical approaches to enable to detection or monitoring of pH in complex cell culture media. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Graphite Screen-Printed Electrodes Applied for the Accurate and Reagentless Sensing of pH.

PubMed

Galdino, Flávia E; Smith, Jamie P; Kwamou, Sophie I; Kampouris, Dimitrios K; Iniesta, Jesus; Smith, Graham C; Bonacin, Juliano A; Banks, Craig E

2015-12-01

A reagentless pH sensor based upon disposable and economical graphite screen-printed electrodes (GSPEs) is demonstrated for the first time. The voltammetric pH sensor utilizes GSPEs which are chemically pretreated to form surface immobilized oxygenated species that, when their redox behavior is monitored, give a Nernstian response over a large pH range (1-13). An excellent experimental correlation is observed between the voltammetric potential and pH over the entire pH range of 1-13 providing a simple approach with which to monitor solution pH. Such a linear response over this dynamic pH range is not usually expected but rather deviation from linearity is encountered at alkaline pH values; absence of this has previously been attributed to a change in the pKa value of surface immobilized groups from that of solution phase species. This non-deviation, which is observed here in the case of our facile produced reagentless pH sensor and also reported in the literature for pH sensitive compounds immobilized upon carbon electrodes/surfaces, where a linear response is observed over the entire pH range, is explained alternatively for the first time. The performance of the GSPE pH sensor is also directly compared with a glass pH probe and applied to the measurement of pH in "real" unbuffered samples where an excellent correlation between the two protocols is observed validating the proposed GSPE pH sensor.

Development and application of an excitation ratiometric optical pH sensor for bioprocess monitoring.

PubMed

Badugu, Ramachandram; Kostov, Yordan; Rao, Govind; Tolosa, Leah

2008-01-01

The development of a fluorescent excitation ratiometric pH sensor (AHQ-PEG) using a novel allylhydroxyquinolinium (AHQ) derivative copolymerized with polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEG) is described. The AHQ-PEG sensor film is shown to be suitable for real-time, noninvasive, continuous, online pH monitoring of bioprocesses. Optical ratiometric measurements are generally more reliable, robust, inexpensive, and insensitive to experimental errors such as fluctuations in the source intensity and fluorophore photobleaching. The sensor AHQ-PEG in deionized water was shown to exhibit two excitation maxima at 375 and 425 nm with a single emission peak at 520 nm. Excitation spectra of AHQ-PEG show a decrease in emission at the 360 nm excitation and an increase at the 420 nm excitation with increasing pH. Accordingly, the ratio of emission at 420:360 nm excitation showed a maximum change between pH 5 and 8 with an apparent pK(a) of 6.40. The low pK(a) value is suitable for monitoring the fermentation of most industrially important microorganisms. Additionally, the AHQ-PEG sensor was shown to have minimal sensitivity to ionic strength and temperature. Because AHQ is covalently attached to PEG, the film shows no probe leaching and is sterilizable by steam and alcohol. It shows rapid (approximately 2 min) and reversible response to pH over many cycles without any photobleaching. Subsequently, the AHQ-PEG sensor film was tested for its suitability in monitoring the pH of S. cereviseae (yeast) fermentation. The observed pH using AHQ-PEG film is in agreement with a conventional glass pH electrode. However, unlike the glass electrode, the present sensor is easily adaptable to noninvasive monitoring of sterilized, closed bioprocess environments without the awkward wire connections that electrodes require. In addition, the AHQ-PEG sensor is easily miniaturized to fit in microwell plates and microbioreactors for high-throughput cell culture applications.

PP-16 WEAK ACID REFLUX A TRIGGER FOR RECURRENT RESPIRATORY DISEASES IN CHILDREN.

PubMed

Kostovski, Aco; Zdraveska, Nikolina

2015-10-01

The main advantage of multichannel intraluminar impedance (MII) compared with pH monitoring is its ability to detect both acid and non-acid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and to determine the characteristics of reflux (liquid or gas). To compare the value of pH monitoring and MII for diagnosis of GER in children who present with refractory respiratory symptoms. A prospective study that included 37 patients, aged 4.25 ± 3.15 years, using combined MII-pH monitoring was performed. Patients were referred for investigation because of suspected GER as the etiology of recurrent respiratory diseases, including recurrent obstructive bronchitis, recurrent pneumonia, laryngitis, and chronic cough. We analyzed the percentage of time during which the pH was less than 4, the numeric and percentile values of acid, weak acid, and non-acid reflux episodes, and the values of liquid and mixed reflux. Diagnostic values were determined separately for pH monitoring and MII using Fisher's exact test. Reflux was detected in 31 patients. pH monitoring was positive in 20 patients (% time during which pH <4 was 17.72 ± 12.06) and negative in 17 patients (2.93% ± 1.67). Both pH and MII were positive in 19 patients: in 11 patients, MII was positive and pH was negative, and in 6 patients, both were negative. Fisher's exact test showed significant statistical difference and superiority of MII in diagnosing GER (p = 0.033). Out of 30 patients with MII-positive results, 15 had both acid and weak acid reflux episodes, 3 had only acid reflux, 8 had weak acid reflux, and 3 had non-acid reflux. Sixteen patients had mixed (liquid and gas) reflux, and 14 had both liquid and mixed reflux. This study suggests that significant numbers of GER include weak acid reflux that cannot be detected by pH probes alone. The weak acid reflux could be a trigger for recurrent respiratory symptoms. Combining pH with MII monitoring is a valuable diagnostic method for diagnosing GER in children.

Synthetic-Molecule/Protein Hybrid Probe with Fluorogenic Switch for Live-Cell Imaging of DNA Methylation.

PubMed

Hori, Yuichiro; Otomura, Norimichi; Nishida, Ayuko; Nishiura, Miyako; Umeno, Maho; Suetake, Isao; Kikuchi, Kazuya

2018-02-07

Hybrid probes consisting of synthetic molecules and proteins are powerful tools for detecting biological molecules and signals in living cells. To date, most targets of the hybrid probes have been limited to pH and small analytes. Although biomacromolecules are essential to the physiological function of cells, the hybrid-probe-based approach has been scarcely employed for live-cell detection of biomacromolecules. Here, we developed a hybrid probe with a chemical switch for live-cell imaging of methylated DNA, an important macromolecule in the repression of gene expression. Using a protein labeling technique, we created a hybrid probe containing a DNA-binding fluorogen and a methylated-DNA-binding domain. The hybrid probe enhanced fluorescence intensity upon binding to methylated DNA and successfully monitored methylated DNA during mitosis. The hybrid probe offers notable advantages absent from probes based on small molecules or fluorescent proteins and is useful for live-cell analyses of epigenetic phenomena and diseases related to DNA methylation.

Brain parenchyma PO2, PCO2, and pH during and after hypoxic, ischemic brain insult in dogs.

PubMed

McKinley, B A; Morris, W P; Parmley, C L; Butler, B D

1996-11-01

1) The investigation of fiberoptic PO2, PCO2, and pH sensor technology as a monitor of brain parenchyma during and after brain injury, and 2) the comparison of brain parenchyma PO2, PCO2, and pH with intracranial pressure during and after hypoxic, ischemic brain insult. Prospective, controlled, animal study in an acute experimental preparation. Physiology laboratory in a university medical school. Fourteen mongrel dogs (20 to 35 kg), anesthetized, room-air ventilated. Anesthesia was induced with thiopental and maintained after intubation using 1% to 1.5% halothane in room air (FiO2 0.21). Mechanical ventilation was established to maintain end-tidal PCO2 approximately 35 torr (-4.7 kPa). Intravenous, femoral artery, and pulmonary artery catheters were placed. The common carotid arteries were surgically exposed, and ultrasonic blood flow probes were applied. A calibrated intracranial pressure probe was placed through a right-side transcranial bolt, and a calibrated intracranial chemistry probe with optical sensors for PO2, PCO2, and pH was placed through a left-side bolt into brain parenchyma. Brain insult was induced in the experimental group (n = 6) by hypoxia (FiO2 0.1), ischemia (bilateral carotid artery occlusion), and hypotension (mean arterial pressure [MAP] approximately 40 mm Hg produced with isoflurane approximately 4%). After 45 mins, carotid artery occlusion was released, FiO2 was reset to 0.21, and anesthetic was returned to halothane (approximately 1.25%). The control group (n = 5) had the same surgical preparation and sequence of anesthetic agent exposure but no brain insult. Monitored variables included brain parenchyma PO2, PCO2, and pH, which were monitored at 1-min intervals, and intracranial pressure, MAP, arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (by pulse oximetry), end-tidal PCO2, and carotid artery blood flow rate, for which data were collected at 15-min intervals for 7 hrs. Arterial and mixed venous blood gas analyses were done at approximately 1-hr intervals. Baseline data agreed closely with other published results: brain parenchyma PO2 of 27 +/- 7 (SD) torr (3.6 +/- 0.9 kPa); brain parenchyma PCO2 of 69 +/- 12 torr (9.2 +/- 1.6 kPa); and brain parenchyma pH of 7.13 +/- 0.09. Postcalibration data were accurate, indicating stability and durability over several hours. In six experiments, during the brain insult, brain parenchyma PO2 decreased to 16 +/- 2 torr (2.1 +/- 0.3 kPa), brain parenchyma PCO2 increased to 105 +/- 44 torr (14 +/- 5.9 kPa) (p < .05), and brain parenchyma pH decreased to 6.75 +/- 0.08 (p < .05). Intracranial pressure (ICP) remained nearly constant (baseline 16 +/- 6 to 14 +/- 5 mm Hg at the end of the brain insult). Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP = MAP - ICP) decreased (baseline 95 +/- 15 to 28 +/- 8 mm Hg; p < .05). On release of brain insult stresses, ICP increased to 30 +/- 9 mm Hg and CPP increased to 71 +/- 19 mm Hg (p < .05). A biphasic recovery was observed for brain parenchyma pH, which had the slowest recovery of the monitored variables. On average, brain parenchyma pH gradually returned toward baseline, and was no longer significantly different from baseline 3 hrs after release of insult stresses. Brain parenchyma PCO2 continued to decrease rapidly after brain insult and then remained approximately 52 +/- 10 torr (approximately 6.9 +/- 1.3 kPa) (p < .05). Brain parenchyma PO2 increased from a minimum at the end of brain insult to a maximum of 43 +/- 17 torr (5.7 +/- 2.3 kPa) within 1.25 hrs (p < .05), and then gradually decreased to approximately 35 +/- 10 torr (approximately 4.7 +/- 1.3 kPa). Cerebral perfusion pressure gradually decreased as ICP increased 3 to 5 hrs after insult. Intracranial chemistry probes with optical sensors demonstrated stable, reproducible monitoring of brain parenchyma PO2, PCO2, and pH in dogs for periods lasting > 8 hrs. Significant changes in brain p

A Class of Multiresponsive Colorimetric and Fluorescent pH Probes via Three Different Reaction Mechanisms of Salen Complexes: A Selective and Accurate pH Measurement.

PubMed

Cheng, Jinghui; Gou, Fei; Zhang, Xiaohong; Shen, Guangyu; Zhou, Xiangge; Xiang, Haifeng

2016-09-19

We report a class of multiresponsive colorimetric and fluorescent pH probes based on three different reaction mechanisms including cation exchange, protonation, and hydrolysis reaction of K(I), Ca(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), Al(III), and Pd(II) Salen complexes. Compared with traditional pure organic pH probes, these complex-based pH probes exhibited a much better selectivity due to the shielding function of the filled-in metal ion in the complex. Their pH sensing performances were affected by the ligand structure and the central metal ion. This work is the first report of "off-on-on'-off" colorimetric and fluorescent pH probes that possess three different reaction mechanisms and should inspire the design of multiple-responsive probes for important analytes in biological systems.

Fluorescent probes and nanoparticles for intracellular sensing of pH values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Wen; Li, Xiaohua; Ma, Huimin

2014-12-01

Intracellular pH regulates a number of cell metabolism processes and its sensing is thus of great importance for cell studies. Among various methods, fluorescent probes have been widely used for sensing intracellular pH values because of their high sensitivity and spatiotemporal resolution capability. In this article, the development of fluorescent probes with good practicability in sensing intracellular pH values and pH variation during 2009 - 2014 is reviewed. These fluorescence probes are divided into two kinds: small molecules and nanoparticles. Photophysical properties, advantages/disadvantages and applications of the two kinds of probes are discussed in detail.

Pharyngeal pH alone is not reliable for the detection of pharyngeal reflux events: A study with oesophageal and pharyngeal pH-impedance monitoring

PubMed Central

Desjardin, Marie; Roman, Sabine; des Varannes, Stanislas Bruley; Gourcerol, Guillaume; Coffin, Benoit; Ropert, Alain; Mion, François

2013-01-01

Background Pharyngeal pH probes and pH-impedance catheters have been developed for the diagnosis of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux. Objective To determine the reliability of pharyngeal pH alone for the detection of pharyngeal reflux events. Methods 24-h pH-impedance recordings performed in 45 healthy subjects with a bifurcated probe for detection of pharyngeal and oesophageal reflux events were reviewed. Pharyngeal pH drops to below 4 and 5 were analysed for the simultaneous occurrence of pharyngeal reflux, gastro-oesophageal reflux, and swallows, according to impedance patterns. Results Only 7.0% of pharyngeal pH drops to below 5 identified with impedance corresponded to pharyngeal reflux, while 92.6% were related to swallows and 10.2 and 13.3% were associated with proximal and distal gastro-oesophageal reflux events, respectively. Of pharyngeal pH drops to below 4, 13.2% were related to pharyngeal reflux, 87.5% were related to swallows, and 18.1 and 21.5% were associated with proximal and distal gastro-oesophageal reflux events, respectively. Conclusions This study demonstrates that pharyngeal pH alone is not reliable for the detection of pharyngeal reflux and that adding distal oesophageal pH analysis is not helpful. The only reliable analysis should take into account impedance patterns demonstrating the presence of pharyngeal reflux event preceded by a distal and proximal reflux event within the oesophagus. PMID:24917995

Microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis of highly fluorescent carbon nanoparticles and its application in intracellular pH sensing.

PubMed

Yang, Shenghong; Chen, Xiao; Liu, Shuqin; Wang, Fuxin; Ouyang, Gangfeng

2018-08-15

Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNPs) have been deeply researched and widely applied in recent years due to their good optics performance, chemical stability and biocompatibility. Herein, a green and rapid microwave-assisted solid-phase synthesis (solvent-free) approach was proposed for the fabrication of highly FCNPs in a very short period of time, 4 min. The as-prepared FCNPs can emit a blue emission with quantum yield of up to 63.2% in water solution and show yellow fluorescence in the solid state. The FCNPs also exhibit special solvent effect that the fluorescence emission can be adjusted by controlling the solvent ratio of ethanol and water. Most importantly, the FCNPs possess a narrow-range pH response. The probe responds linearly and rapidly to minor pH fluctuations within the range of 3.47-5.10 and the correlation coefficient is above 0.99. The proposed FCNPs also exhibit high photostability and reusability. As expected, the cell imaging and intracellular pH monitoring was achieved successfully in living SMMC 7721 hepatoma cells by this probe. The FCNPs is promising as a convenient and general fluorescent pH sensor for bioimaging applications. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Development and application of a ruthenium(II) complex-based photoluminescent and electrochemiluminescent dual-signaling probe for nitric oxide.

PubMed

Zhang, Wenzhu; Zhang, Jingmei; Zhang, Hailei; Cao, Liyan; Zhang, Run; Ye, Zhiqiang; Yuan, Jingli

2013-11-15

A ruthenium(II) complex, [Ru(bpy)2(DA-phen)](PF6)2 (bpy: 2,2'-bipyridine; DA-phen: 5,6-diamino-1,10-phenanthroline), has been developed as a photoluminescent (PL) and electrochemiluminescent (ECL) dual-signaling probe for the highly sensitive and selective detection of nitric oxide (NO) in aqueous and biological samples. Due to the presence of electron transfer process from diamino group to the excited-state of the Ru(II) complex, the PL and ECL intensities of the probe are very weak. After the probe was reacted with NO in physiological pH aqueous media under aerobic conditions to afford its triazole derivative, [Ru(bpy)2(TA-phen)](2+) (TA-phen: 5,6-triazole-1,10-phenanthroline), the electron transfer process was inhibited, so that the PL and ECL efficiency of the Ru(II) complex was remarkably increased. The PL and ECL responses of the probe to NO in physiological pH media are highly sensitive with the detection limits at low micromolar concentration level, and highly specific without the interferences of other reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and metal ions. Moreover, the probe has good cell-membrane permeability, and can be rapidly transferred into living cells for trapping the intracellular NO molecules. These features enabled the probe to be successfully used for the monitoring of the endogenous NO production in living biological cell and tissue samples with PL and ECL dual-modes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Evaluation of an automated pH-monitor and its logic of calculation].

PubMed

Ducrotté, P; Hubin, M; Xin, H; Roussignol, C; Denis, P

1990-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the results of 3-hour postprandial esophageal pH recordings obtained simultaneously from a standard Beckmann pH recorder and a commercially available fully automated pH recording device, "pH 60" in 30 subjects. Both apparatuses were connected to the same pH probe and to a unique chart recorder to obtain simultaneous pH graphic tracings. The percentage of time between each pH level below pH 5, the percentage of time with pH less than 4 and Kaye's score were determined hourly and for the overall recording time. The pH graphic traces in both apparatuses were strictly identical demonstrating the accuracy of the analog-to-digital converter and the memory module to record pH changes. Moreover, we found a significant correlation (p less than 0.01) and a good overall agreement for all compared parameters between manual and computerized analysis. This study documents that the commercially available ambulatory esophageal pH instrument studied produces accurate data for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux.

A theoretical investigation of two typical two-photon pH fluorescent probes.

PubMed

Xu, Zhong; Ren, Ai-Min; Guo, Jing-Fu; Liu, Xiao-Ting; Huang, Shuang; Feng, Ji-Kang

2013-01-01

Intracellular pH plays an important role in many cellular events, such as cell growth, endocytosis, cell adhesion and so on. Some pH fluorescent probes have been reported, but most of them are one-photon fluorescent probes, studies about two-photon fluorescent probes are very rare. In this work, the geometrical structure, electronic structure and one-photon properties of a series of two-photon pH fluorescent probes have been theoretically studied by using density functional theory (DFT) method. Their two-photon absorption (TPA) properties are calculated using the method of ZINDO/sum-over-states method. Two types of two-photon pH fluorescent probes have been investigated by theoretical methods. The mechanisms of the Photoinduced Charge Transfer (PCT) probes and the Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) probes are verified specifically. Some designed strategies of good two-photon pH fluorescent probes are suggested on the basis of the investigated results of two mechanisms. For the PCT probes, substituting a stronger electron-donating group for the terminal methoxyl group is an advisable choice to increase the TPA cross section. For the PET probes, the TPA cross sections increase upon protonation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Photochemistry and Photobiology © 2012 The American Society of Photobiology.

A study of hydrocarbons associated with brines from DOE geopressured wells. Final report

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

Keeley, D.F.

1993-07-01

Accomplishments are summarized on the following tasks: distribution coefficients and solubilities, DOE design well sampling, analysis of well samples, review of theoretical models of geopressured reservoir hydrocarbons, monitor for aliphatic hydrocarbons, development of a ph meter probe, DOE design well scrubber analysis, removal and disposition of gas scrubber equipment at Pleasant Bayou Well, and disposition of archived brines.

A study of hydrocarbons associated with brines from DOE geopressured wells

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

Keeley, D.F.

1993-01-01

Accomplishments are summarized on the following tasks: distribution coefficients and solubilities, DOE design well sampling, analysis of well samples, review of theoretical models of geopressured reservoir hydrocarbons, monitor for aliphatic hydrocarbons, development of a ph meter probe, DOE design well scrubber analysis, removal and disposition of gas scrubber equipment at Pleasant Bayou Well, and disposition of archived brines.

In vivo fluorescence imaging of lysosomes: a potential technique to follow dye accumulation in the context of PDT?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devoisselle, Jean-Marie; Mordon, Serge R.; Soulie-Begu, Sylvie

1995-03-01

Lysosomes and intracellular acidic compartments seem to play an important role in the context of PDT. Some photosensitizers are localized in the lysosomes of tumor-associated macrophages. Liposomes, which are lysosomotropic drug carriers, are used to deliver photosensitizers in tumors. Liposomes are taken up by the liver cells after intravenous injection. Intracellular pathway and liposomes localization in the different liver cells require sacrifice of the animals, cell separation, and observation by electronic microscopy. Little is known about liposomes kinetic uptake by the acidic intracellular compartments in vivo. We propose in this study a new method to follow liposomes uptake in the liver in vivo using a fluorescent pH-sensitive probe. We have already demonstrated the ability of fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging using a pH-dependent probe to monitor pH in living tissues. As pH of lysosome is very low, the kinetic of liposome uptake in this intracellular acidic compartment is followed by monitoring the pH of the whole liver in vivo and ex vivo. Liposomes-encapsulated carboxyfluorescein are prepared by the sonication procedure. Carboxyfluorescein is used at high concentration (100 mM) in order to quench its fluorescence. Liposomes are injected to Wistar rats into the peinil vein. After laparotomy, fluorescence spectra and images are recorded during two hours. Results show a rapid fluorescence increase followed by a slow phase of fluorescence decrease. pH decreases from physiological value to 6.0. After sacrifice and flush with cold saline solution, pH of liver ex vivo is found to be 5.0 - 5.5. These data show a rapid clearance of released dye and an uptake of liposomes by the liver cells and, as liposomes penetrate in the acidic compartment, dye is released from liposomes and is delivered in lysosomes leading to the decrease of pH.

Development of an On-animal Separation-based Sensor for Monitoring Drug Metabolism in Freely Roaming Sheep

PubMed Central

Scott, David E.; Willis, Sean D.; Gabbert, Seth; Johnson, Dave A.; Naylor, Erik; Janle, Elsa M.; Krichevsky, Janice E.; Lunte, Craig E.; Lunte, Susan M.

2015-01-01

The development of an on-animal separation-based sensor that can be employed for monitoring drug metabolism in a freely roaming sheep is described. The system consists of microdialysis sampling coupled directly to microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection (MD-ME-EC). Separations were accomplished using an all-glass chip with integrated platinum working and reference electrodes. Discrete samples from the microdialysis flow were introduced into the electrophoresis chip using a flow-gated injection approach. Electrochemical detection was accomplished in-channel using a two-electrode isolated potentiostat. Nitrite was separated by microchip electrophoresis using reverse polarity and a run buffer consisting of 50 mM phosphate at pH 7.4. The entire system was under telemetry control. The system was first tested with rats to monitor the production of nitrite following introduction of nitroglycerin into the subdermal tissue using a linear probe. The data acquired using the on-line MD-ME-EC system was compared to that obtained off-line analysis by liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC-EC), using a second microdialysis probe implanted parallel to the first probe in the same animal. The MD-ME-EC device was then used on-animal to monitor the subdermal metabolism of nitroglycerin in sheep. The ultimate goal is to use this device to simultaneously monitor drug metabolism and behavior in a freely roaming animal. PMID:25697221

Sentinel Wraps: Real-Time Monitoring of Food Contamination by Printing DNAzyme Probes on Food Packaging.

PubMed

Yousefi, Hanie; Ali, M Monsur; Su, Hsuan-Ming; Filipe, Carlos D M; Didar, Tohid F

2018-04-24

Here, we report the development of a transparent, durable, and flexible sensing surface that generates a fluorescence signal in the presence of a specific target bacterium. This material can be used in packaging, and it is capable of monitoring microbial contamination in various types of food products in real time without having to remove the sample or the sensor from the package. The sensor was fabricated by covalently attaching picoliter-sized microarrays of an E. coli-specific RNA-cleaving fluorogenic DNAzyme probe (RFD-EC1) to a thin, flexible, and transparent cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) film. Our experimental results demonstrate that the developed (RFD-EC1)-COP surface is specific, stable for at least 14 days under various pH conditions (pH 3-9), and can detect E. coli in meat and apple juice at concentrations as low as 10 3 CFU/mL. Furthermore, we demonstrate that our sensor is capable of detecting bacteria while still attached to the food package, which eliminates the need to manipulate the sample. The developed biosensors are stable for at least the shelf life of perishable packaged food products and provide a packaging solution for real-time monitoring of pathogens. These sensors hold the potential to make a significant contribution to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the negative public-health-related impacts of food-borne illnesses.

A six-membered-ring incorporated Si-rhodamine for imaging of copper(ii) in lysosomes.

PubMed

Wang, Baogang; Cui, Xiaoyan; Zhang, Zhiqiang; Chai, Xiaoyun; Ding, Hao; Wu, Qiuye; Guo, Zhongwu; Wang, Ting

2016-07-12

The regulation of copper homeostasis in lysosomes of living cells is closely related to various physiological and pathological processes. Thus, it is of urgent need to develop a fluorescent probe for selectively and sensitively monitoring the location and concentration of lysosomal Cu(2+). Herein, a six-membered ring, thiosemicarbazide, was incorporated into a Si-rhodamine (SiR) scaffold for the first time, affording a SiR-based fluorescent probe SiRB-Cu. Through the effective Cu(2+)-triggered ring-opening process, the probe exhibits fast NIR chromogenic and fluorogenic responses to Cu(2+) within 2 min as the result of formation of a highly fluorescent product SiR-NCS. Compared with a five-membered ring, the expanded ring retains great tolerance to H(+), ensuring the superior sensitivity with a detection limit as low as 7.7 nM and 200-fold enhancement of relative fluorescence in the presence of 1.0 equiv. of Cu(2+) in pH = 5.0 solution, the physiological pH of lysosome. Moreover, the thiosemicarbazide moiety acts not only as the chelating and reactive site, but also as an efficient lysosome-targeting group, leading to the proactive accumulation of the probe into lysosomes. Taking advantage of these distinct properties, SiRB-Cu provides a functional probe suitable for imaging exogenous and endogenous lysosomal Cu(2+) with high imaging contrast and fidelity.

A Novel Water-soluble Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe Based on FRET for Sensing Lysosomal pH.

PubMed

Song, Guang-Jie; Bai, Su-Yun; Luo, Jing; Cao, Xiao-Qun; Zhao, Bao-Xiang

2016-11-01

A new ratiometric fluorescent probe based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for sensing lysosomal pH has been developed. The probe (RMPM) was composed of imidazo[1,5-α]pyridine quaternary ammonium salt fluorophore as the FRET donor and the rhodamine moiety as the FRET acceptor. It's the first time to report that imidazo[1,5-α]pyridine quaternary ammonium salt acts as the FRET donor. The ratio of fluorescence intensity of the probe at two wavelengths (I 424 /I 581 ) changed significantly and responded linearly toward minor pH changes in the range of 5.4-6.6. It should be noted that it's rare to report that a ratiometric pH probe could detect so weak acidic pH with pKa = 6.31. In addition, probe RMPM exhibited excellent water-solubility, fast-response, all-right selectivity and brilliant reversibility. Moreover, RMPM has been successfully applied to sensing lysosomal pH in HeLa cells and has low cytotoxicity.

Acid-base titration of melanocortin peptides: evidence of Trp rotational conformers interconversion.

PubMed

Fernandez, Roberto M; Vieira, Renata F F; Nakaie, Clóvis R; Lamy, M Teresa; Ito, Amando S

2005-01-01

Tryptophantime-resolved fluorescence was used to monitor acid-base titration properties of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and the biologically more potent analog [Nle4, D-Phe7]alpha -MSH (NDP-MSH), labeled or not with the paramagnetic amino acid probe 2,2,6,6-tetramthylpiperidine-N-oxyl-4-amino-4-carboxylic acid (Toac). Global analysis of fluorescence decay profiles measured in the pH range between 2.0 and 11.0 showed that, for each peptide, the data could be well fitted to three lifetimes whose values remained constant. The less populated short lifetime component changed little with pH and was ascribed to Trp g+ chi1 rotamer, in which electron transfer deactivation predominates over fluorescence. The long and intermediate lifetime preexponential factors interconverted along that pH interval and the result was interpreted as due to interconversion between Trp g- and trans chi1 rotamers, driven by conformational changes promoted by modifications in the ionization state of side-chain residues. The differences in the extent of interconversion in alpha-MSH and NDP-MSH are indicative of structural differences between the peptides, while titration curves suggest structural similarities between each peptide and its Toac-labeled species, in aqueous solution. Though less sensitive than fluorescence, the Toac electron spin resonance (ESR) isotropic hyperfine splitting parameter can also monitor the titration of side-chain residues located relatively far from the probe. Copyright (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Acid-Activatable Michael-Type Fluorescent Probes for Thiols and for Labeling Lysosomes in Live Cells.

PubMed

Dai, Chun-Guang; Du, Xiao-Jiao; Song, Qin-Hua

2015-12-18

A Michael addition is usually taken as a base-catalyzed reaction. Most fluorescent probes have been designed to detect thiols in slightly alkaline solutions (pH 7-9). The sensing reactions of almost all Michael-type fluorescent probes for thiols are faster in a high pH solution than in a low pH solution. In this work, we synthesized a series of 7-substituted 2-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)malonic acids (QMAs, substituents: NEt2, OH, H, Cl, or NO2) and their ethyl esters (QMEs) as Michael-type fluorescent probes for thiols. The sensing reactions of QMAs and QMEs occur in distinct pH ranges, pH < 7 for QMAs and pH > 7 for QMEs. On the basis of experimental and theoretic studies, we have clarified the distinct pH effects on the sensing reactivity between QMAs and QMEs and demonstrated that two QMAs (NEt2, OH) are highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probes for thiols in acidic solutions (pH < 7) and promising dyes that can label lysosomes in live cells.

pH-sensitive fluorescent sensors based on europium(III) complexes.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaolin; Jiao, Yang; Jing, Xu; Wu, Hongmei; He, Guangjie; Duan, Chunying

2011-03-21

New europium(III) complexes Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ and Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 were designed and synthesized as new fluorescent pH probes (where HDSQ = 5-(dimethylamino)-N-(4-(2-((8-hydroxyquinolin-2-yl)methylene)hydrazinecarbonyl)phenyl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide, DR1 = N(1)-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-N(2)-(rhodamine-6G) lactamethylene-diamine and TTA = thiophentrifluoroacetone). Eu(TTA)(2)-DSQ exhibited high sensitivity in monitoring pH changes in neutral aqueous solution with negligible background fluorescence. Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 comprised a green light emitting Rhodamine 6G fluorophore and a Eu(III) moiety as the origin of red light. These pH-sensitive emitter components have pK(a) values of 5.0 and 7.2 respectively, and exhibit isolated protonated steps within one molecule. Luminescence titrations demonstrate that Eu(TTA)(3)-DR1 was able to detect pH values at both near neutral pH and acidic pH ranges, and was also able to detect pH in both cultured cells and in vivo.

Ratiometric Near-Infrared Fluorescent Probes Based On Through-Bond Energy Transfer and π-Conjugation Modulation between Tetraphenylethene and Hemicyanine Moieties for Sensitive Detection of pH Changes in Live Cells.

PubMed

Wang, Jianbo; Xia, Shuai; Bi, Jianheng; Fang, Mingxi; Mazi, Wafa; Zhang, Yibin; Conner, Nathan; Luo, Fen-Tair; Lu, H Peter; Liu, Haiying

2018-04-18

In this paper, we present three ratiometric near-infrared fluorescent probes (A-C) for accurate, ratiometric detection of intracellular pH changes in live cells. Probe A consists of a tetraphenylethene (TPE) donor and near-infrared hemicyanine acceptor in a through-bond energy transfer (TBET) strategy, while probes B and C are composed of TPE and hemicyanine moieties through single and double sp 2 carbon-carbon bond connections in a π-conjugation modulation strategy. The specific targeting of the probes to lysosomes in live cells was achieved by introducing morpholine residues to the hemicyanine moieties to form closed spirolactam ring structures. Probe A shows aggregation-induced emission (AIE) property at neutral or basic pH, while probes B and C lack AIE properties. At basic or neutral pH, the probes only show fluorescence of TPE moieties with closed spirolactam forms of hemicyanine moieties, and effectively avoid blind fluorescence imaging spots, an issue which typical intensity-based pH fluorescent probes encounter. Three probes show ratiometric fluorescence responses to pH changes from 7.0 to 3.0 with TPE fluorescence decreases and hemicyanine fluorescence increases, because acidic pH makes the spirolactam rings open to enhance π-conjugation of hemicyanine moieties. However, probe A shows much more sensitive ratiometric fluorescence responses to pH changes from 7.0 to 3.0 with remarkable ratio increase of TPE fluorescence to hemicyanine fluorescence up to 238-fold than probes B and C because of its high efficiency of energy transfer from TPE donor to the hemicyanine acceptor in the TBET strategy. The probe offers dual Stokes shifts with a large pseudo-Stokes shift of 361 nm and well-defined dual emissions, and allows for colocalization of the imaging readouts of visible and near-infrared fluorescence channels to achieve more precisely double-checked ratiometric fluorescence imaging. These platforms could be employed to develop a variety of novel ratiometric fluorescent probes for accurate detection of different analytes in applications of chemical and biological sensing, imaging, and diagnostics by introducing appropriate sensing ligands to hemicyanine moieties to form on-off spirolactam switches.

A rhodamine 6G derived Schiff base as a fluorescent and colorimetric probe for pH detection and its crystal structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Ping; Liu, Lijuan; Shi, Qian; Yin, Chunyan; Shi, Xuefang

2017-02-01

A fluorescent and colorimetric pH probe based on a rhodamine 6G derivative, RP1, was designed and synthesized. The probe was based on the pH induced change in the structure between the spirocyclic (non-fluorescent, colorless) and quinoid (fluorescent, pink) forms of rhodamine 6G. The effect of the acid concentration on the fluorescence "off-on" behaviors of RP1 was investigated. RP1 was fluorescent in the pH range of 1.1-3.1 and has a pKa value of 2.08 (±0.07). Thus RP1 should be useful for studies in strongly acidic environments. Possible interferences from fourteen common metal ions were tested and excluded showing the excellent selectivity of the probe. Finally, the probe exhibits an intense color change at pH values lower than 3.1 which makes it useful for naked-eye pH detection.

A cell-surface-anchored ratiometric fluorescent probe for extracellular pH sensing.

PubMed

Ke, Guoliang; Zhu, Zhi; Wang, Wei; Zou, Yuan; Guan, Zhichao; Jia, Shasha; Zhang, Huimin; Wu, Xuemeng; Yang, Chaoyong James

2014-09-10

Accurate sensing of the extracellular pH is a very important yet challenging task in biological and clinical applications. This paper describes the development of an amphiphilic lipid-DNA molecule as a simple yet useful cell-surface-anchored ratiometric fluorescent probe for extracellular pH sensing. The lipid-DNA probe, which consists of a hydrophobic diacyllipid tail and a hydrophilic DNA strand, is modified with two fluorescent dyes; one is pH-sensitive as pH indicator and the other is pH-insensitive as an internal reference. The lipid-DNA probe showed sensitive and reversible response to pH change in the range of 6.0-8.0, which is suitable for most extracellular studies. In addition, based on simple hydrophobic interactions with the cell membrane, the lipid-DNA probe can be easily anchored on the cell surface with negligible cytotoxicity, excellent stability, and unique ratiometric readout, thus ensuring its accurate sensing of extracellular pH. Finally, this lipid-DNA-based ratiometric pH indicator was successfully used for extracellular pH sensing of cells in 3D culture environment, demonstrating the potential applications of the sensor in biological and medical studies.

The pH-influenced PET processes between pyronine and different heterocycles.

PubMed

Yang, Ling; Niu, Jin-Yun; Sun, Ru; Xu, Yu-Jie; Ge, Jian-Feng

2017-10-11

The OFF-ON and ON-OFF type pH probes based on rosamine were designed by using the relative electron densities between pyronine and various linked heterocycles. Probe 1a with an indole-pyronine skeleton gave an OFF-ON pH response (pK a = 1.41) with decreasing pH, and the relative fluorescence intensity increased 15-fold, while probe 1b with an imidazole-pyronine skeleton did not give an ON-OFF response to different pH values. When pyronine was connected with a quinolinyl group, i.e., probes 1c-d, the red emission (around 575-800 nm) gave a monotonous ON-OFF pH response (pK a = 3.26 and 2.62, respectively) with decreasing pH. The relative fluorescence intensities decreased 263- and 46-fold, respectively. Changes in the electron donating abilities of the nitrogen containing heterocycles were used to explain variations in PET processes within the probes, and their pH-dependent PET mechanisms were verified using time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Confocal fluorescence imaging was also used to evaluate the potential biomedical application of probes 1a-d. Ultimately, probe 1d with an appropriate pK a value and good biocompatibility showed lysosome targeting ability.

Cyclic voltammetry as a sensitive method for in situ probing of chemical transformations in quantum dots.

PubMed

Osipovich, Nikolai P; Poznyak, Sergei K; Lesnyak, Vladimir; Gaponik, Nikolai

2016-04-21

The application of electrochemical methods for the characterization of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) attracts considerable attention as these methods may allow for monitoring of some crucial parameters, such as energetic levels of conduction and valence bands as well as surface traps and ligands under real conditions of colloidal solution. In the present work we extend the applications of cyclic voltammetry (CV) to in situ monitoring of degradation processes of water-soluble CdTe QDs. This degradation occurs under lowering of pH to the values around 5, i.e. under conditions relevant to bioimaging applications of these QDs, and is accompanied by pronounced changes of their photoluminescence. Observed correlations between characteristic features of CV diagrams and the fluorescence spectra allowed us to propose mechanisms responsible for evolution of the photoluminescence properties as well as degradation pathway of CdTe QDs at low pH.

A quinoline-based fluorometric and colorimetric dual-modal pH probe and its application in bioimaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qin; Li, Zhao; Mu, Lan; Zeng, Xi; Redshaw, Carl; Wei, Gang

2018-01-01

The compound (E)-8-hydroxyl-2-[(E)-2-(2, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)vinyl]-quinoline (1) has been developed as a fluorometric and colorimetric dual-modal probe for pH detection in solution and in vivo. Remarkable changes in the fluorescence intensity with large Stokes shifts and colorimetric responses were observed as a function of pH. The sensing mechanisms involving protonation and deprotonation processes over the acidic and alkaline pH ranges were confirmed by 1H NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis. Furthermore, the application of probe 1 for the imaging of live PC3 cells was successfully achieved. Test strips based on probe 1 were fabricated, and were found to act as a convenient and efficient pH test kits.

Colorimetric and Fluorescent Bimodal Ratiometric Probes for pH Sensing of Living Cells.

PubMed

Liu, Yuan-Yuan; Wu, Ming; Zhu, Li-Na; Feng, Xi-Zeng; Kong, De-Ming

2015-06-01

pH measurement is widely used in many fields. Ratiometric pH sensing is an important way to improve the detection accuracy. Herein, five water-soluble cationic porphyrin derivatives were synthesized and their optical property changes with pH value were investigated. Their pH-dependent assembly/disassembly behaviors caused significant changes in both absorption and fluorescence spectra, thus making them promising bimodal ratiometric probes for both colorimetric and fluorescent pH sensing. Different substituent identity and position confer these probes with different sensitive pH-sensing ranges, and the substituent position gives a larger effect. By selecting different porphyrins, different signal intensity ratios and different fluorescence excitation wavelengths, sensitive pH sensing can be achieved in the range of 2.1-8.0. Having demonstrated the excellent reversibility, good accuracy and low cytotoxicity of the probes, they were successfully applied in pH sensing inside living cells. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

SERS-Fluorescence Dual-Mode pH-Sensing Method Based on Janus Microparticles.

PubMed

Yue, Shuai; Sun, Xiaoting; Wang, Ning; Wang, Yaning; Wang, Yue; Xu, Zhangrun; Chen, Mingli; Wang, Jianhua

2017-11-15

A surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-fluorescence dual-mode pH-sensing method based on Janus microgels was developed, which combined the advantages of high specificity offered by SERS and fast imaging afforded by fluorescence. Dual-mode probes, pH-dependent 4-mercaptobenzoic acid, and carbon dots were individually encapsulated in the independent hemispheres of Janus microparticles fabricated via a centrifugal microfluidic chip. On the basis of the obvious volumetric change of hydrogels in different pHs, the Janus microparticles were successfully applied for sensitive and reliable pH measurement from 1.0 to 8.0, and the two hemispheres showed no obvious interference. The proposed method addressed the limitation that sole use of the SERS-based pH sensing usually failed in strong acidic media. The gastric juice pH and extracellular pH change were measured separately in vitro using the Janus microparticles, which confirmed the validity of microgels for pH sensing. The microparticles exhibited good stability, reversibility, biocompatibility, and ideal semipermeability for avoiding protein contamination, and they have the potential to be implantable sensors to continuously monitor pH in vivo.

A NBD-based simple but effective fluorescent pH probe for imaging of lysosomes in living cells.

PubMed

Cao, Xiang-Jian; Chen, Li-Na; Zhang, Xuan; Liu, Jin-Ting; Chen, Ming-Yu; Wu, Qiu-Rong; Miao, Jun-Ying; Zhao, Bao-Xiang

2016-05-12

NBDlyso with lysosome-locating morpholine moiety has been developed as a high selective and sensitive fluorescent pH probe. This probe can respond to acidic pH (2.0-7.0) in a short time (less than 1 min) and not almost change after continuously illuminated for an extended period by ultraviolet light. The fluorescence intensity of NBDlyso enhanced 100-fold in acidic solution, with very good linear relationship (R(2) = 0.996). The pKa of probe NBDlyso is 4.10. Therefore, NBDlyso was used to detect lysosomal pH changes successfully. Besides, X-ray crystallography was used to verify the structure of NBDlyso, and the recognition mechanism involving photo-induced electron transfer was interpreted theoretically by means of DFT and TDDFT calculations skillfully when NBDlyso comes into play under the acidic condition. This probe showed good ability to sense pH change in living cell image. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sensitive detection of strong acidic condition by a novel rhodamine-based fluorescent pH chemosensor.

PubMed

Tan, Jia-Lian; Yang, Ting-Ting; Liu, Yu; Zhang, Xue; Cheng, Shu-Jin; Zuo, Hua; He, Huawei

2016-05-01

A novel rhodamine-based fluorescent pH probe responding to extremely low pH values has been synthesized and characterized. This probe showed an excellent photophysical response to pH on the basis that the colorless spirocyclic structure under basic conditions opened to a colored and highly fluorescent form under extreme acidity. The quantitative relationship between fluorescence intensity and pH value (1.75-2.62) was consistent with the equilibrium equation pH = pKa + log[(Imax - I)/(I - Imin)]. This sensitive pH probe was also characterized with good reversibility and no interaction with interfering metal ions, and was successfully applied to image Escherichia coli under strong acidity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Direct measurement of CO2 solubility and pH in NaCl hydrothermal solutions by combining in-situ potentiometry and Raman spectroscopy up to 280 °C and 150 bar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Truche, Laurent; Bazarkina, Elena F.; Berger, Gilles; Caumon, Marie-Camille; Bessaque, Gilles; Dubessy, Jean

2016-03-01

The in-situ monitoring of aqueous solution chemistry at elevated temperatures and pressures is a major challenge in geochemistry. Here, we combined for the first time in-situ Raman spectroscopy for concentration measurements and potentiometry for pH measurement in a single hydrothermal cell equipped with sampling systems and operating under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure. Dissolved CO2 concentration and pH were measured at temperatures up to 280 °C and pressures up to 150 bar in the H2O-CO2 and H2O-CO2-NaCl systems. A Pitzer specific-ion-interaction aqueous model was developed and confirmed the accuracy and consistency of the measurements, at least up to 250 °C. The revised Pitzer parameters for the H2O-CO2-NaCl system were formatted for the Phreeqc geochemical software. Significant changes with respect to the Pitzer.dat database currently associated with Phreeqc were observed. The new model parameters are now available for further applications. The Raman and pH probes tested here may also be applied to field monitoring of hydrothermal springs, geothermal wells, and oil and gas boreholes.

Identifying low pH active and lactate-utilizing taxa within oral microbiome communities from healthy children using stable isotope probing techniques.

PubMed

McLean, Jeffrey S; Fansler, Sarah J; Majors, Paul D; McAteer, Kathleen; Allen, Lisa Z; Shirtliff, Mark E; Lux, Renate; Shi, Wenyuan

2012-01-01

Many human microbial infectious diseases including dental caries are polymicrobial in nature. How these complex multi-species communities evolve from a healthy to a diseased state is not well understood. Although many health- or disease-associated oral bacteria have been characterized in vitro, their physiology within the complex oral microbiome is difficult to determine with current approaches. In addition, about half of these species remain uncultivated to date with little known besides their 16S rRNA sequence. Lacking culture-based physiological analyses, the functional roles of uncultivated species will remain enigmatic despite their apparent disease correlation. To start addressing these knowledge gaps, we applied a combination of Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) with RNA and DNA based Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) to oral plaque communities from healthy children for in vitro temporal monitoring of metabolites and identification of metabolically active and inactive bacterial species. Supragingival plaque samples from caries-free children incubated with (13)C-substrates under imposed healthy (buffered, pH 7) and diseased states (pH 5.5 and pH 4.5) produced lactate as the dominant organic acid from glucose metabolism. Rapid lactate utilization upon glucose depletion was observed under pH 7 conditions. SIP analyses revealed a number of genera containing cultured and uncultivated taxa with metabolic capabilities at pH 5.5. The diversity of active species decreased significantly at pH 4.5 and was dominated by Lactobacillus and Propionibacterium species, both of which have been previously found within carious lesions from children. Our approach allowed for identification of species that metabolize carbohydrates under different pH conditions and supports the importance of Lactobacilli and Propionibacterium in the development of childhood caries. Identification of species within healthy subjects that are active at low pH can lead to a better understanding of oral caries onset and generate appropriate targets for preventative measures in the early stages.

Near infrared fluorescence-based bacteriophage particles for ratiometric pH imaging.

PubMed

Hilderbrand, Scott A; Kelly, Kimberly A; Niedre, Mark; Weissleder, Ralph

2008-08-01

Fluorogenic imaging agents emitting in the near-infrared are becoming important research tools for disease investigation in vivo. Often pathophysiological states such as cancer and cystic fibrosis are associated with disruptions in acid/base homeostasis. The development of optical sensors for pH imaging would facilitate the investigation of these diseased conditions. In this report, the design and synthesis of a ratiometric near-infrared emitting probe for pH quantification is detailed. The pH-responsive probe is prepared by covalent attachment of pH-sensitive and pH-insensitive fluorophores to a bacteriophage particle scaffold. The pH-responsive cyanine dye, HCyC-646, used to construct the probe, has a fluorogenic pKa of 6.2, which is optimized for visualization of acidic pH often associated with tumor hypoxia and other diseased states. Incorporation of pH-insensitive reference dyes enables the ratiometric determination of pH independent of the probe concentration. With the pH-responsive construct, measurement of intracellular pH and accurate determination of pH through optically diffuse biological tissue is demonstrated.

Probing the cytochrome c' folding landscape.

PubMed

Pletneva, Ekaterina V; Zhao, Ziqing; Kimura, Tetsunari; Petrova, Krastina V; Gray, Harry B; Winkler, Jay R

2007-11-01

The folding kinetics of R. palustris cytochrome c' (cyt c') have been monitored by heme absorption and native Trp72 fluorescence at pH 5. The Trp72 fluorescence burst signal suggests early compaction of the polypeptide ensemble. Analysis of heme transient absorption spectra reveals deviations from two-state behavior, including a prominent slow phase that is accelerated by the prolyl isomerase cyclophilin. A nonnative proline configuration (Pro21) likely interferes with the formation of the helical bundle surrounding the heme.

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

Jones, T.P.

Sensors for the determination of pH have been developed which are based on the immobilization of direct dyes at hydrolyzed cellulosic films. The performance and structural characteristics of the sensors were investigated by a variety of spectroscopic methods, and applications for remote sensing were developed. Films of cellulose acetate were base hydrolyzed in 0.07 M KOH to yield a porous support structure. The structural changes resulting from the hydrolysis on cellulose acetate were probed with infrared internal reflectance spectroscopy. The progress of the hydrolysis reaction was monitored by the changes in vibrational modes of the acetyl group, and other spectralmore » changes indicated changes in film thickness as a result of solvent incorporation. Direct dyes, including Congo Red and C. I. Direct Blue 8, were then immobilized at these porous cellulosic films. The optical response characteristics of the Congo Red pH sensor were characterized, including the UV-visible absorption spectra as a function of pH, the response time as a function of ionic strength and ionic size of electrolyte, the long-term stability of the sensor, the effects of metal-ion interference, and the concentration of Congo Red in the polymer film. The structural characteristics of the sensor were investigated by internal reflectance spectroscopy and resonance-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and the protonation sites were identified as the two azo groups of Congo Red. Infrared internal reflection spectra of immobilized Congo Red led to the development of a sensor for pH based on infrared spectroscopy. Finally, a two-wavelength fiber-optic photometer, which is based on solid-state sources and detectors, and a fiber-optic photometer, which is based on solid-state sources and detectors, and a fiber-optic probe were developed for pH determinations using Congo Red and C. I. Direct Blue 8 pH sensors.« less

Hydrazine functionalized probes for chromogenic and fluorescent ratiometric sensing of pH and F-: experimental and DFT studies.

PubMed

Roy Chowdhury, Additi; Mondal, Amita; Roy, Biswajit Gopal; K, Jagadeesh C Bose; Mukhopadhyay, Sudit; Banerjee, Priyabrata

2017-11-08

Two novel hydrazine based sensors, BPPIH (N 1 ,N 3 -bis(perfluorophenyl)isophthalohydrazide) and BPBIH (N 1' ,N 3' -bis(perfluorobenzylidene)isophthalohydrazide), are presented here. BPPIH is found to be a highly sensitive pH sensor in the pH range 5.0 to 10.0 in a DMSO-water solvent mixture with a pK a value of 9.22. Interesting optical responses have been observed for BPPIH in the above mentioned pH range. BPBIH on the other hand turns out to be a less effective pH sensor in the above mentioned pH range. The increase in fluorescence intensity at a lower pH for BPPIH was explained by using density functional theory. The ability of BPPIH to monitor the pH changes inside cancer cells is a useful application of the sensor as a functional material. In addition fluoride (F - ) selectivity studies of these two chemosensors have been performed and show that between them, BPBIH shows greater selectivity towards F - . The interaction energy calculated from the DFT-D3 supports the experimental findings. The pH sensor (BPPIH) can be further interfaced with suitable circuitry interfaced with desired programming for ease of access and enhancement of practical applications.

Measurement of the Extracellular pH of Adherently Growing Mammalian Cells with High Spatial Resolution Using a Voltammetric pH Microsensor.

PubMed

Munteanu, Raluca-Elena; Stǎnicǎ, Luciana; Gheorghiu, Mihaela; Gáspár, Szilveszter

2018-05-15

There are only a few tools suitable for measuring the extracellular pH of adherently growing mammalian cells with high spatial resolution, and none of them is widely used in laboratories around the world. Cell biologists very often limit themselves to measuring the intracellular pH with commercially available fluorescent probes. Therefore, we built a voltammetric pH microsensor and investigated its suitability for monitoring the extracellular pH of adherently growing mammalian cells. The voltammetric pH microsensor consisted of a 37 μm diameter carbon fiber microelectrode modified with reduced graphene oxide and syringaldazine. While graphene oxide was used to increase the electrochemically active surface area of our sensor, syringaldazine facilitated pH sensing through its pH-dependent electrochemical oxidation and reduction. The good sensitivity (60 ± 2.5 mV/pH unit), reproducibility (coefficient of variation ≤3% for the same pH measured with 5 different microsensors), and stability (pH drift around 0.05 units in 3 h) of the built voltammetric pH sensors were successfully used to investigate the acidification of the extracellular space of both cancer cells and normal cells. The results indicate that the developed pH microsensor and the perfected experimental protocol based on scanning electrochemical microscopy can reveal details of the pH regulation of cells not attainable with pH sensors lacking spatial resolution or which cannot be reproducibly positioned in the extracellular space.

Study the friction behaviour of poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] brush with AFM probes in contact mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raftari, Maryam; Zhang, Zhenyu; Leggett, Graham J.; Geoghegan, Mark

2011-10-01

We have studied the frictional behaviour of grafted poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) films using friction force microscopy (FFM). The films were prepared on native oxide-terminated silicon substrates using the technique of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). We show that single asperity contact mechanics (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts(JKR) and Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov(DMT)) as well as a linear (Amontons) relation between applied load and frictional load depending on the pH of the FFM probe. Measurements were made using functionalized and unfunctionalized silicon nitride triangular probes. Functionalized probes included gold-coated probes, and ones coated with a self-assembled monolayer of dodecanethiol (DDT). The frictional behaviour between PDMAEMA and all tips immersed in pH from 3 to 11 are corresponded to the DMT or JKR model and are linear in pH=1, 2, and 12. These results show that contact mechanics of polyelectrolytes in water is complex and strongly dependent on the environmental pH.

Esophageal motor activity in children with gastro-esophageal reflux disease and esophagitis.

PubMed

Chitkara, Denesh K; Fortunato, Christine; Nurko, Samuel

2005-01-01

To evaluate esophageal body motor contractions occurring during esophageal reflux in pediatric patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Patients referred for the evaluation of GERD who were evaluated with combined 24-hour pH probe and esophageal manometry test (MP24) were included. Patients were separated into the following groups: Group C -- normal pH probe and normal EGD; Group 1 -- abnormal pH probe and normal EGD; and Group 2 -- abnormal pH probe and EGD with histologic esophagitis. Esophageal motor function during reflux episodes was analyzed. Twenty-five patients were included. All had a normal stationary esophageal manometry. Patients in Groups 1 and 2 had significantly more gastroesophageal reflux by pH probe than Group C (P < 0.01). During the MP24, patients in Group 1 and 2 had significantly fewer contractions per minute pre-, during, and post-GER (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the number of isolated and prolonged contractions (>7 sec) during prolonged GERD episodes >5 minutes (P < 0.05). Children with GERD have a decreased number and abnormal esophageal body contractions with esophageal reflux. This suggests that children with GERD with and without esophagitis have impaired esophageal body acid clearance.

Monitoring microbial metabolites using an inductively coupled resonance circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karnaushenko, Daniil; Baraban, Larysa; Ye, Dan; Uguz, Ilke; Mendes, Rafael G.; Rümmeli, Mark H.; de Visser, J. Arjan G. M.; Schmidt, Oliver G.; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Makarov, Denys

2015-08-01

We present a new approach to monitor microbial population dynamics in emulsion droplets via changes in metabolite composition, using an inductively coupled LC resonance circuit. The signal measured by such resonance detector provides information on the magnetic field interaction with the bacterial culture, which is complementary to the information accessible by other detection means, based on electric field interaction, i.e. capacitive or resistive, as well as optical techniques. Several charge-related factors, including pH and ammonia concentrations, were identified as possible contributors to the characteristic of resonance detector profile. The setup enables probing the ionic byproducts of microbial metabolic activity at later stages of cell growth, where conventional optical detection methods have no discriminating power.

Multiplexed fibre optic sensing in the distal lung (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choudhary, Tushar R.; Tanner, Michael G.; Megia-Fernandez, Alicia; Harrington, Kerrianne; Wood, Harry A.; Chankeshwara, Sunay; Zhu, Patricia; Choudhury, Debaditya; Yu, Fei; Thomson, Robert R.; Duncan, Rory R.; Dhaliwal, Kevin; Bradley, Mark

2017-02-01

We present a toolkit for a multiplexed pH and oxygen sensing probe in the distal lung using multicore fibres. Measuring physiological relevant parameters like pH and oxygen is of significant importance in understanding changes associated with disease pathology. We present here, a single multicore fibre based pH and oxygen sensing probe which can be used with a standard bronchoscope to perform in vivo measurements in the distal lung. The multiplexed probe consists of fluorescent pH sensors (fluorescein based) and oxygen sensors (Palladium porphyrin complex based) covalently bonded to silica microspheres (10 µm) loaded on the distal facet of a 19 core (10 µm core diameter) multicore fibre (total diameter of 150 µm excluding coating). Pits are formed by selectively etching the cores using hydrofluoric acid, multiplexing is achieved through the self-location of individual probes on differing cores. This architecture can be expanded to include probes for further parameters. Robust measurements are demonstrated of self-referencing fluorophores, not limited by photobleaching, with short (100ms) measurement times at low ( 10µW) illumination powers. We have performed on bench calibration and tests of in vitro tissue models and in an ovine whole lung model to validate our sensors. The pH sensor is demonstrated in the physiologically relevant range of pH 5 to pH 8.5 and with an accuracy of ± 0.05 pH units. The oxygen sensor is demonstrated in gas mixtures downwards from 20% oxygen and in liquid saturated with 20% oxygen mixtures ( 8mg/L) down to full depletion (0mg/L) with 0.5mg/L accuracy.

In vivo optical detection of pH in microscopic tissue samples of Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Kašík, Ivan; Podrazký, Ondřej; Mrázek, Jan; Martan, Tomáš; Matějec, Vlastimil; Hoyerová, Klára; Kamínek, Miroslav

2013-12-01

Minimally invasive in vivo measurement of pH in microscopic biological samples of μm or μl size, e.g. plant cells, tissues and saps, may help to explain complex biological processes. Consequently, techniques to achieve such measurements are a focus of interest for botanists. This paper describes a technique for the in vivo measurement of pH in the range pH5.0 to pH7.8 in microscopic plant tissue samples of Arabidopsis thaliana based on a ratiometric fluorescence method using low-loss robust tapered fiber probes. For this purpose tapered fiber probes were prepared and coated with a detection layer containing ion-paired fluorescent pH-transducer 8-hydroxypyrene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid trisodium salt (c-HPTS). A fluorescence ratiometric approach was employed based on excitation at 415 nm and 450 nm and on the comparison of the fluorescence response at 515 nm. The suitability of tapered fiber probes for local detection of pH between 5.0 and 7.8 was demonstrated. A pH sensitivity of 0.15 pH units was achieved within the pH ranges 5.0-5.9 and 7.1-7.8, and this was improved to 0.04 pH units within the pH range 5.9-7.1. Spatial resolution of the probes was better than 20 μm and a time response within 15-20s was achieved. Despite the minute dimensions of the tapered fiber probes the setup developed was relatively robust and compact in construction and performed reliably. It has been successfully employed for the in vivo local determination of pH of mechanically resistant plant tissues of A. thaliana of microscopic scale. The detection of momentary pH gradients across the intact plant seems to be a good tool for the determination of changes in pH in response to experimental treatments affecting for example enzyme activities, availability of mineral nutrients, hormonal control of plant development and plant responses to environmental cues. © 2013.

Imaging Lysosomal pH Alteration in Stressed Cells with a Sensitive Ratiometric Fluorescence Sensor.

PubMed

Xue, Zhongwei; Zhao, Hu; Liu, Jian; Han, Jiahuai; Han, Shoufa

2017-03-24

The organelle-specific pH is crucial for cell homeostasis. Aberrant pH of lysosomes has been manifested in myriad diseases. To probe lysosome responses to cell stress, we herein report the detection of lysosomal pH changes with a dual colored probe (CM-ROX), featuring a coumarin domain with "always-on" blue fluorescence and a rhodamine-lactam domain activatable to lysosomal acidity to give red fluorescence. With sensitive ratiometric signals upon subtle pH changes, CM-ROX enables discernment of lysosomal pH changes in cells undergoing autophagy, cell death, and viral infection.

A simple rhodamine hydrazide-based turn-on fluorescent probe for HOCl detection.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhen; Zou, Yuan; Deng, Chengquan; Meng, Liesu

2016-06-01

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) plays a crucial role in daily life and mediates a variety of physiological processes, however, abnormal levels of HOCl have been associated with numerous human diseases. It is therefore of significant interest to establish a simple, selective, rapid and sensitive fluorogenic method for the detection of HOCl in environmental and biological samples. A hydrazide-containing fluorescent probe based on a rhodamine scaffold was facilely developed that could selectively detect HOCl over other biologically relevant reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and most common metal ions in vitro. Via an irreversible oxidation-hydrolysis mechanism, and upon HOCl-triggered opening of the intramolecular spirocyclic ring during detection, the rhodamine hydrazide-based probe exhibited large fluorescence enhancement in the emission spectra with a fast response, low detection limit and comparatively wide pH detection range in aqueous media. The probe was further successfully applied to monitoring trace HOCl in tap water and imaging both exogenous and endogenous HOCl within living cells. It is anticipated that this simple and useful probe might be an efficient tool with which to facilitate more HOCl-related chemical and biological research. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Hapten-derivatized nanoparticle targeting and imaging of gene expression by multimodality imaging systems.

PubMed

Cheng, C-M; Chu, P-Y; Chuang, K-H; Roffler, S R; Kao, C-H; Tseng, W-L; Shiea, J; Chang, W-D; Su, Y-C; Chen, B-M; Wang, Y-M; Cheng, T-L

2009-01-01

Non-invasive gene monitoring is important for most gene therapy applications to ensure selective gene transfer to specific cells or tissues. We developed a non-invasive imaging system to assess the location and persistence of gene expression by anchoring an anti-dansyl (DNS) single-chain antibody (DNS receptor) on the cell surface to trap DNS-derivatized imaging probes. DNS hapten was covalently attached to cross-linked iron oxide (CLIO) to form a 39+/-0.5 nm DNS-CLIO nanoparticle imaging probe. DNS-CLIO specifically bound to DNS receptors but not to a control single-chain antibody receptor. DNS-CLIO (100 microM Fe) was non-toxic to both B16/DNS (DNS receptor positive) and B16/phOx (control receptor positive) cells. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging could detect as few as 10% B16/DNS cells in a mixture in vitro. Importantly, DNS-CLIO specifically bound to a B16/DNS tumor, which markedly reduced signal intensity. Similar results were also shown with DNS quantum dots, which specifically targeted CT26/DNS cells but not control CT26/phOx cells both in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that DNS nanoparticles can systemically monitor the expression of DNS receptor in vivo by feasible imaging systems. This targeting strategy may provide a valuable tool to estimate the efficacy and specificity of different gene delivery systems and optimize gene therapy protocols in the clinic.

A dual-selective fluorescent probe for GSH and Cys detection: Emission and pH dependent selectivity.

PubMed

Tang, Yunqiang; Jin, Longyi; Yin, Bingzhu

2017-11-15

A novel fluorescent probe 1 based on acridine orange was developed for the selective detection and bioimaging of biothiols. The probe exhibits higher selectivity and turn-on fluorescence response to cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH) than to other amino acids. Importantly, the probe responds to GSH and Cys/Hcy with distinct fluorescence emissions in PBS buffer at pH of 7.4. The Cys/Hcy-triggered tandem S N Ar-rearrangement reaction and GSH-induced S N Ar reaction with the probe led to the corresponding amino-acridinium and thio-acridinium dyes, respectively, which can discriminate GSH from Cys/Hcy through different emission channels. Interestingly, Cys finishes the tandem reaction with the probe and subsequently forms amino-acridinium and Hcy/GSH induces S N Ar reaction with the probe to form thio-acridiniums at weakly acidic conditions (pH 6.0), enabling Cys to be discriminated from Hcy/GSH at different emissions. Finally, we demonstrated that probe 1 can selectively probe GSH over Cys and Hcy or Cys over GSH and Hcy in HeLa cells through multicolor imaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Unusual Fluorescent Responses of Morpholine-functionalized Fluorescent Probes to pH via Manipulation of BODIPY’s HOMO and LUMO Energy Orbitals for Intracellular pH Detection

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jingtuo; Yang, Mu; Mazi, Wafa; Adhikari, Kapil; Fang, Mingxi; Xie, Fei; Valenzano, Loredana; Tiwari, Ashutosh; Luo, Fen-Tair; Liu, Haiying

2016-01-01

Three uncommon morpholine-based fluorescent probes (A, B and C) for pH were prepared by introducing morpholine residues to BODIPY dyes at 4,4’- and 2,6-positions, respectively. In contrast to morpholine-based fluorescent probes for pH reported in literature, these fluorescent probes display high fluorescence in a basic condition while they exhibit very weak fluorescence in an acidic condition. The theoretical calculation confirmed that morpholine is unable to function as either an electron donor or an electron acceptor to quench the BODIPY fluorescence in the neutral and basic condition via photo-induced electron transfer (PET) mechanism because the LUMO energy of morpholine is higher than those of the BODIPY dyes while its HOMO energy is lower than those of the BODIPY dyes. However, the protonation of tertiary amines of the morpholine residues in an acidic environment leads to fluorescence quenching of the BODIPY dyes via d-PET mechanism. The fluorescence quenching is because the protonation effectively decreases the LUMO energy which locates between the HOMO and LUMO energies of the BODIPY dyes. Fluorescent probe C with deep-red emission has been successfully used to detect pH changes in mammalian cells. PMID:27547822

A new fluorescence-based method to monitor the pH in the thylakoid lumen using GFP variants

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

Yang, Hong; Pu, Xiaojun; Wang, Lu

The ΔpH-dependent/Tat pathway is unique for using only the proton motive force for driving proteins transport across the thylakoid membrane in chloroplasts. 9-aminoacridine fluorescence quenching is widely used to monitor the ΔpH developed across the thylakoid membrane in the light. However, this method suffers from limited sensitivity to low ΔpH values and to spurious fluorescence signals due to membrane binding. In order to develop a more sensitive method for monitoring the real pH of the thylakoid lumen without these problems we transformed Arabidopsis thaliana with a ratiometric pH-sensitive GFP variant (termed pHluorin) targeted to the lumen by the prOE17 transitmore » peptide. Positive transgenic plants displayed localization of pHluorin in the chloroplast by confocal microscopy, and fractionation experiments revealed that it is in the lumen. The pHluorin signal was the strongest in very young plants and diminished as the plants matured. The pHluorin released from the lumen displayed the expected fluorescence intensity changes in response to pH titration. The fluorescence signal in isolated chloroplasts responded to illumination in a manner consistent with light-dependent lumen acidification. Future experiments will exploit the use of this new pH-indicating probe of the thylakoid lumen to examine the influence of the thylakoid ΔpH on ATP synthesis and protein transport.« less

A small molecular pH-dependent fluorescent probe for cancer cell imaging in living cell.

PubMed

Ma, Junbao; Li, Wenqi; Li, Juanjuan; Shi, Rongguang; Yin, Gui; Wang, Ruiyong

2018-05-15

A novel pH-dependent two-photon fluorescent molecular probe ABMP has been prepared based on the fluorophore of 2, 4, 6-trisubstituted pyridine. The probe has an absorption wavelength at 354 nm and corresponding emission wavelength at 475 nm with the working pH range from 2.20 to 7.00, especially owning a good liner response from pH = 2.40 to pH = 4.00. ABMP also has excellent reversibility, photostability and selectivity which promotes its ability in analytical application. The probe can be excited with a two-photon fluorescence microscopy and the fluorescence cell imaging indicated that the probe can distinguish Hela cancer cells out of normal cells with a two-photon fluorescence microscopy which suggested its potential application in tumor cell detection. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Flexible high-temperature pH probe

DOEpatents

Bielawski, John C.; Outwater, John O.; Halbfinger, George P.

2003-04-22

A flexible pH probe device is provided for use in hot water and other high temperature environments up to about 590.degree. F. The pH probe includes a flexible, inert tubular probe member, an oxygen anion conducting, solid state electrolyte plug located at the distal end of the tubular member, oxide powder disposed at the distal end of the tubular member; a metal wire extending along the tubular member and having a distal end in contact with the oxide powder so as to form therewith an internal reference electrode; and a compression fitting forming a pressure boundary seal around a portion of the tubular member remote from the distal end thereof. Preferably, the tubular member is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the solid state electrolyte plug is made of stabilized zirconia. The flexibility of the probe member enables placement of the electrode into the area of interest, including around corners, into confined areas and the like.

Curcumin-Based "Enhanced SNAr" Promoted Ultrafast Fluorescent Probe for Thiophenols Detection in Aqueous Solution and in Living Cells.

PubMed

Yue, Yongkang; Huo, Fangjun; Zhang, Yongbin; Chao, Jianbin; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón; Yin, Caixia

2016-11-01

We report herein a highly selective and sensitive turn-on fluorescent probe (compound 1) with a fast response time (less than 2 min) for thiophenol detection based on an "enhanced S N Ar" reaction between thiophenols and a sulfonyl-ester moiety covalently attach to curcumin. Reaction of 1 in Hepes-MeOH (1:1, v/v, pH 7.4) in the presence of 4-methylthiophenol (MTP) resulted in a remarkable enhancement of the fluorescence. A linear response in the presence of MTP of the relative fluorescent intensity (F - F 0 ) of 1 at 536 nm in the 0-40 μM MTP concentration range was found. A limit of detection (LOD) for the detection of MTP of 26 nM, based on the definition by IUPAC (C DL = 3 Sb/m), was calculated. Probe 1 was applied to monitor and imaging exogenous MTP in live cells and to the detection of MTP in real water samples.

Live Cells as Dynamic Laboratories: Time Lapse Raman Spectral Microscopy of Nanoparticles with Both IgE Targeting and pH-Sensing Functions

DOE PAGES

Nowak-Lovato, Kristy L.; Rector, Kirk D.

2012-01-01

Tmore » his review captures the use of live cells as dynamic microlaboratories through implementation of labeled nanoparticles (nanosensors) that have both sensing and targeting functions. he addition of 2,4-ε-dinitrophenol-L-lysine (DNP) as a FcεRI targeting ligand and 4-mercaptopyridine (4-MPy) as a pH-sensing ligand enables spatial and temporal monitoring of FcεRI receptors and their pH environment within the endocytic pathway. o ensure reliability, the sensor is calibrated in vivo using the ionophore nigericin and standard buffer solutions to equilibrate the external [ H + ] concentration with that of the cell compartments. his review highlights the nanosensors, ability to traffic and respond to pH of receptor-bound nanosensors (1) at physiological temperature ( 37 ° C ) versus room temperature ( 25 ° C ) , (2) after pharmacological treatment with bafilomycin, an H + APase pump inhibitor, or amiloride, an inhibitor of Na + / H + exchange, and (3) in response to both temperature and pharmacological treatment. Whole-cell, time lapse images are demonstrated to show the ability to transform live cells into dynamic laboratories to monitor temporal and spatial endosomal pH. he versatility of these probes shows promise for future applications relevant to intracellular trafficking and intelligent drug design.« less

Coherent evolution of parahydrogen induced polarisation using laser pump, NMR probe spectroscopy: Theoretical framework and experimental observation.

PubMed

Halse, Meghan E; Procacci, Barbara; Henshaw, Sarah-Louise; Perutz, Robin N; Duckett, Simon B

2017-05-01

We recently reported a pump-probe method that uses a single laser pulse to introduce parahydrogen (p-H 2 ) into a metal dihydride complex and then follows the time-evolution of the p-H 2 -derived nuclear spin states by NMR. We present here a theoretical framework to describe the oscillatory behaviour of the resultant hyperpolarised NMR signals using a product operator formalism. We consider the cases where the p-H 2 -derived protons form part of an AX, AXY, AXYZ or AA'XX' spin system in the product molecule. We use this framework to predict the patterns for 2D pump-probe NMR spectra, where the indirect dimension represents the evolution during the pump-probe delay and the positions of the cross-peaks depend on the difference in chemical shift of the p-H 2 -derived protons and the difference in their couplings to other nuclei. The evolution of the NMR signals of the p-H 2 -derived protons, as well as the transfer of hyperpolarisation to other NMR-active nuclei in the product, is described. The theoretical framework is tested experimentally for a set of ruthenium dihydride complexes representing the different spin systems. Theoretical predictions and experimental results agree to within experimental error for all features of the hyperpolarised 1 H and 31 P pump-probe NMR spectra. Thus we establish the laser pump, NMR probe approach as a robust way to directly observe and quantitatively analyse the coherent evolution of p-H 2 -derived spin order over micro-to-millisecond timescales. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Reflection-mode micro-spherical fiber-optic probes for in vitro real-time and single-cell level pH sensing.

PubMed

Yang, Qingbo; Wang, Hanzheng; Lan, Xinwei; Cheng, Baokai; Chen, Sisi; Shi, Honglan; Xiao, Hai; Ma, Yinfa

2015-02-01

pH sensing at the single-cell level without negatively affecting living cells is very important but still a remaining issue in the biomedical studies. A 70 μm reflection-mode fiber-optic micro-pH sensor was designed and fabricated by dip-coating thin layer of organically modified aerogel onto a tapered spherical probe head. A pH sensitive fluorescent dye 2', 7'-Bis (2-carbonylethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) was employed and covalently bonded within the aerogel networks. By tuning the alkoxide mixing ratio and adjusting hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) priming procedure, the sensor can be optimized to have high stability and pH sensing ability. The in vitro real-time sensing capability was then demonstrated in a simple spectroscopic way, and showed linear measurement responses with a pH resolution up to an average of 0.049 pH unit within a narrow, but biological meaningful pH range of 6.12-7.81. Its novel characterizations of high spatial resolution, reflection mode operation, fast response and high stability, great linear response within biological meaningful pH range and high pH resolutions, make this novel pH probe a very cost-effective tool for chemical/biological sensing, especially within the single cell level research field.

Reflection-mode micro-spherical fiber-optic probes for in vitro real-time and single-cell level pH sensing

PubMed Central

Yang, Qingbo; Wang, Hanzheng; Lan, Xinwei; Cheng, Baokai; Chen, Sisi; Shi, Honglan; Xiao, Hai; Ma, Yinfa

2014-01-01

pH sensing at the single-cell level without negatively affecting living cells is very important but still a remaining issue in the biomedical studies. A 70 μm reflection-mode fiber-optic micro-pH sensor was designed and fabricated by dip-coating thin layer of organically modified aerogel onto a tapered spherical probe head. A pH sensitive fluorescent dye 2′, 7′-Bis (2-carbonylethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF) was employed and covalently bonded within the aerogel networks. By tuning the alkoxide mixing ratio and adjusting hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) priming procedure, the sensor can be optimized to have high stability and pH sensing ability. The in vitro real-time sensing capability was then demonstrated in a simple spectroscopic way, and showed linear measurement responses with a pH resolution up to an average of 0.049 pH unit within a narrow, but biological meaningful pH range of 6.12–7.81. Its novel characterizations of high spatial resolution, reflection mode operation, fast response and high stability, great linear response within biological meaningful pH range and high pH resolutions, make this novel pH probe a very cost-effective tool for chemical/biological sensing, especially within the single cell level research field. PMID:25530670

Monitoring microbial metabolites using an inductively coupled resonance circuit

PubMed Central

Karnaushenko, Daniil; Baraban, Larysa; Ye, Dan; Uguz, Ilke; Mendes, Rafael G.; Rümmeli, Mark H.; de Visser, J. Arjan G. M.; Schmidt, Oliver G.; Cuniberti, Gianaurelio; Makarov, Denys

2015-01-01

We present a new approach to monitor microbial population dynamics in emulsion droplets via changes in metabolite composition, using an inductively coupled LC resonance circuit. The signal measured by such resonance detector provides information on the magnetic field interaction with the bacterial culture, which is complementary to the information accessible by other detection means, based on electric field interaction, i.e. capacitive or resistive, as well as optical techniques. Several charge-related factors, including pH and ammonia concentrations, were identified as possible contributors to the characteristic of resonance detector profile. The setup enables probing the ionic byproducts of microbial metabolic activity at later stages of cell growth, where conventional optical detection methods have no discriminating power. PMID:26264183

Aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics of quinoline based compound - A versatile fluorescent probe for pH, Fe(III) ion, BSA binding and optical cell imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Manikandan, Irulappan; Chang, Chien-Huei; Chen, Chia-Ling; Sathish, Veerasamy; Li, Wen-Shan; Malathi, Mahalingam

2017-07-01

Novel benzimidazoquinoline derivative (AVT) was synthesized through a substitution reaction and characterized by various spectral techniques. Analyzing the optical properties of AVT under absorption and emission spectral studies in different environments exclusively with respect to solvents and pH, intriguing characteristics viz. aggregation induced emission enhancement (AIEE) in the THF solvent and 'On-Off' pH sensing were found at neutral pH. Sensing nature of AVT with diverse metal ions and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also studied. Among the metal ions, Fe3 + ion alone tunes the fluorescence intensity of AVT probe in aqueous medium from ;turn-on; to ;turn-off; through ligand (probe) to metal charge transfer (LMCT) mechanism. The probe AVT in aqueous medium interacts strongly with BSA due to Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and the conformational change in BSA was further analyzed using synchronous fluorescence techniques. Docking study of AVT with BSA reveals that the active site of binding is tryptophan residue which is also supported by the experimental results. Interestingly, fluorescent AVT probe in cells was examined through cellular imaging studies using BT-549 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Thus, the single molecule probe based detection of multiple species and stimuli were described.

24-hour esophageal pH-monitoring in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease: analysis of intraesophageal pH monitoring values recorded in distal and proximal channel at diagnosis.

PubMed

Semeniuk, Janusz; Kaczmarski, Maciej

2007-10-14

To assess values of 24-h esophageal pH-monitoring parameters with dual-channel probe (distal and proximal channel) in children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 264 children suspected of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) were enrolled in a study (mean age c=20.78+/-17.23 mo). The outcomes of this study, immunoallerrgological tests and positive result of oral food challenge test with a potentially noxious nutrient, enabled to qualify children into particular study groups. 32 (12.1%) infants (group 1) had physiological GER diagnosed. Pathological acid GER was confirmed in 138 (52.3%) children. Primary GER was diagnosed in 76 (28.8%) children (group 2) and GER secondary to allergy to cow milk protein and/or other food (CMA/FA) in 62 (23.5%) children (group 3). 32 (12.1%) of them had CMA/FA (group 4-reference group), and in remaining 62 (23.5%) children neither GER nor CMA/FA was confirmed (group 5). Mean values of pH monitoring parameters measured in distal and proximal channel were analyzed in individual groups. This analysis showed statistically significant differentiation of mean values in the case of: number of episodes of acid GER, episodes of acid GER lasting >5 min, duration of the longest episode of acid GER in both channels, acid GER index total and supine in proximal channel. Statistically significant differences of mean values among examined groups, especially between group 2 and 3 in the case of total acid GER index (only distal channel) were confirmed. 24-h esophageal pH monitoring confirmed pathological acid GER in 52.3% of children with typical and atypical symptoms of GERD. The similar pH-monitoring values obtained in group 2 and 3 confirm the necessity of implementation of differential diagnosis for primary vs secondary cause of GER.

Comparative study of two modes of gastroesophageal reflux measuring: conventional esophageal pH monitoring and wireless pH monitoring.

PubMed

Azzam, Rimon Sobhi; Sallum, Rubens A A; Brandão, Jeovana Ferreira; Navarro-Rodriguez, Tomás; Nasi, Ary

2012-01-01

Esophageal pH monitoring is considered to be the gold standard for the diagnosis of gastroesophageal acid reflux. However, this method is very troublesome and considerably limits the patient's routine activities. Wireless pH monitoring was developed to avoid these restrictions. To compare the first 24 hours of the conventional and wireless pH monitoring, positioned 3 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter, in relation to: the occurrence of relevant technical failures, the ability to detect reflux and the ability to correlate the clinical symptoms to reflux. Twenty-five patients referred for esophageal pH monitoring and with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were studied prospectively, underwent clinical interview, endoscopy, esophageal manometry and were submitted, with a simultaneous initial period, to 24-hour catheter pH monitoring and 48-hour wireless pH monitoring. Early capsule detachment occurred in one (4%) case and there were no technical failures with the catheter pH monitoring (P = 0.463). Percentages of reflux time (total, upright and supine) were higher with the wireless pH monitoring (P < 0.05). Pathological gastroesophageal reflux occurred in 16 (64%) patients submitted to catheter and in 19 (76%) to the capsule (P = 0.355). The symptom index was positive in 12 (48%) patients with catheter pH monitoring and in 13 (52%) with wireless pH monitoring (P = 0.777). 1) No significant differences were reported between the two methods of pH monitoring (capsule vs catheter), in regard to relevant technical failures; 2) Wireless pH monitoring detected higher percentages of reflux time than the conventional pH-metry; 3) The two methods of pH monitoring were comparable in diagnosis of pathological gastroesophageal reflux and comparable in correlating the clinical symptoms with the gastroesophageal reflux.

Development of a BODIPY-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for hypochlorous acid and its application in living cells.

PubMed

Wang, Xuzhe; Zhou, Li; Qiang, Fei; Wang, Feiyi; Wang, Rui; Zhao, Chunchang

2016-03-10

A BODIPY-based ratiometric fluorescent probe for HOCl has been designed based on the transduction of thioether to sulfoxide function. This probe features a marked absorption and emission blue-shift upon the HOCl-promoted rapid transduction, enabling the highly selective and ratiometric detection. In addition, the probe works excellently within a wide pH range of 4-10, addressing the existing pH dependency issue. Living cells studies demonstrate that the probe is cell membrane permeable and can be employed successfully to image endogenous HOCl generation in macrophage cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimization of peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) for the detection of bacteria: The effect of pH, dextran sulfate and probe concentration.

PubMed

Rocha, Rui; Santos, Rita S; Madureira, Pedro; Almeida, Carina; Azevedo, Nuno F

2016-05-20

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a molecular technique widely used for the detection and characterization of microbial populations. FISH is affected by a wide variety of abiotic and biotic variables and the way they interact with each other. This is translated into a wide variability of FISH procedures found in the literature. The aim of this work is to systematically study the effects of pH, dextran sulfate and probe concentration in the FISH protocol, using a general peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe for the Eubacteria domain. For this, response surface methodology was used to optimize these 3 PNA-FISH parameters for Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas fluorescens) and Gram-positive species (Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Bacillus cereus). The obtained results show that a probe concentration higher than 300nM is favorable for both groups. Interestingly, a clear distinction between the two groups regarding the optimal pH and dextran sulfate concentration was found: a high pH (approx. 10), combined with lower dextran sulfate concentration (approx. 2% [w/v]) for Gram-negative species and near-neutral pH (approx. 8), together with higher dextran sulfate concentrations (approx. 10% [w/v]) for Gram-positive species. This behavior seems to result from an interplay between pH and dextran sulfate and their ability to influence probe concentration and diffusion towards the rRNA target. This study shows that, for an optimum hybridization protocol, dextran sulfate and pH should be adjusted according to the target bacteria. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of Growing Soil Bacterial Communities across a pH gradient Using H218O DNA-Stable Isotope Probing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Welty-Bernard, A. T.; Schwartz, E.

2014-12-01

Recent studies have established consistent relationships between pH and bacterial diversity and community structure in soils from site-specific to landscape scales. However, these studies rely on DNA or PLFA extraction techniques from bulk soils that encompass metabolically active and inactive, or dormant, communities, and loose DNA. Dormant cells may comprise up to 80% of total live cells. If dormant cells dominate a particular environment, it is possible that previous interpretations of the soil variables assumed to drive communities could be profoundly affected. We used H218O stable isotope probing and bar-coded illumina sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to monitor the response of actively growing communities to changes in soil pH in a soil microcosm over 14 days. This substrate-independent approach has several advantages over 13C or 15N-labelled molecules in that all growing bacteria should be able to make use of water, allowing characterization of whole communities. We hypothesized that Acidobacteria would increasingly dominate the growing community and that Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes would decline, given previously established responses by these taxa to soil pH. Instead, we observed the reverse. Actinobacteria abundance increased three-fold from 26 to 76% of the overall community as soil pH fell from pH 5.6 to pH 4.6. Shifts in community structure and decreases in diversity with declining soil pH were essentially driven by two families, Streptomyceaca and Microbacteracea, which collectively increased from 2 to 40% of the entire community. In contrast, Acidobacteria as a whole declined although numbers of subdivision 1 remained stable across all soil pH levels. We suggest that the brief incubation period in this SIP study selected for growth of acid-tolerant Actinobacteria over Acidobacteria. Taxa within Actinomycetales have been readily cultured over short time frames, suggesting rapid growth patterns. Conversely, taxa within Acidobacteria have been characterized as slow growers with low cell turnover and may represent a relatively quiescent portion of the bacterial community over the short-term. These results suggest that the short-term responses by individual taxa to pH may differ significantly from long-term responses reflecting variable life strategies within the community itself.

ISFET Based Microsensors for Environmental Monitoring

PubMed Central

Jimenez-Jorquera, Cecilia; Orozco, Jahir; Baldi, Antoni

2010-01-01

The use of microsensors for in-field monitoring of environmental parameters is gaining interest due to their advantages over conventional sensors. Among them microsensors based on semiconductor technology offer additional advantages such as small size, robustness, low output impedance and rapid response. Besides, the technology used allows integration of circuitry and multiple sensors in the same substrate and accordingly they can be implemented in compact probes for particular applications e.g., in situ monitoring and/or on-line measurements. In the field of microsensors for environmental applications, Ion Selective Field Effect Transistors (ISFETs) have a special interest. They are particularly helpful for measuring pH and other ions in small volumes and they can be integrated in compact flow cells for continuous measurements. In this paper the technologies used to fabricate ISFETs and a review of the role of ISFETs in the environmental field are presented. PMID:22315527

Glucose oxidase probe as a surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensor for glucose.

PubMed

Qi, Guohua; Wang, Yi; Zhang, Biying; Sun, Dan; Fu, Cuicui; Xu, Weiqing; Xu, Shuping

2016-10-01

Glucose oxidase (GOx) possessing a Raman-active chromophore (flavin adenine dinucleotide) is used as a signal reporter for constructing a highly specific "turn off" surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor for glucose. This sensing chip is made by the electrostatic assembly of GOx over silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-functionalized SERS substrate through a positively charged polyelectrolyte linker under the pH of 6.86. To trace glucose in blood serum, owing to the reduced pH value caused by the production of gluconic acid in the GOx-catalyzed oxidation reaction, the bonding force between GOx and polyelectrolyte weakens, making GOx drop off from the sensing chip. As a result, the SERS intensity of GOx on the chip decreases along with the concentration of glucose. This glucose SERS sensor exhibits excellent selectivity based on the specific GOx/glucose catalysis reaction and high sensitivity to 1.0 μM. The linear sensing range is 2.0-14.0 mM, which also meets the requirement on the working range of the human blood glucose detection. Using GOx as a probe shows superiority over other organic probes because GOx almost has no toxicity to the biological system. This sensing mechanism can be applied for intracellular in vivo SERS monitoring of glucose in the future. Graphical abstract Glucose oxidase is used as a Raman signal reporter for constructing a highly specific glucose surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor.

[Study of laryngopharyngeal reflux using pH-metering in immediate post-op of laryngectomized patients].

PubMed

Marín Garrido, Cristina; Fernández Liesa, Rafael; Vallès Varela, Héctor; Naya Gálvez, María José

2007-01-01

Little is known about incidence of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux (LPR) and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in the early postoperatory period of laryngectomy. To evaluate the effect and characteristics of the LPR and GER in laryngectomized patients, by means of double pH-metry during 48 hours after surgery. In 50 patients, 48-hour double-probe pH monitoring was performed in postoperative of laringectomy, after a intraoperatory placement. Descriptive analysis of 4 variables of pH to level of the sensor proximal, and definition of the presence of esofagic reflux and LPR. The incidence of LPR in the postoperatory of laringectomy ranges between 30% and 40%. A esofagic reflux has been observed in 40%. A high incidence of LPR and GER in the postoperatory immediate of laryngectomized patients was found.

Multifunctional PHPMA-Derived Polymer for Ratiometric pH Sensing, Fluorescence Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Su, Fengyu; Agarwal, Shubhangi; Pan, Tingting; Qiao, Yuan; Zhang, Liqiang; Shi, Zhengwei; Kong, Xiangxing; Day, Kevin; Chen, Meiwan; Meldrum, Deirdre; Kodibagkar, Vikram D; Tian, Yanqing

2018-01-17

In this paper, we report synthesis and characterization of a novel multimodality (MRI/fluorescence) probe for pH sensing and imaging. A multifunctional polymer was derived from poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA) and integrated with a naphthalimide-based-ratiometric fluorescence probe and a gadolinium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid complex (Gd-DOTA complex). The polymer was characterized using UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectrofluorophotometry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and confocal microscopy for optical and MRI-based pH sensing and cellular imaging. In vitro labeling of macrophage J774 and esophageal CP-A cell lines shows the polymer's ability to be internalized in the cells. The transverse relaxation time (T 2 ) of the polymer was observed to be pH-dependent, whereas the spin-lattice relaxation time (T 1 ) was not. The pH probe in the polymer shows a strong fluorescence-based ratiometric pH response with emission window changes, exhibiting blue emission under acidic conditions and green emission under basic conditions, respectively. This study provides new materials with multimodalities for pH sensing and imaging.

Fluorometric determination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus using an F0F1-ATPase-based aptamer and labeled chromatophores.

PubMed

Duan, Nuo; Wu, Shijia; Zhang, Huiling; Zou, Ying; Wang, Zhouping

2018-05-18

An F 0 F 1 -ATPase-based aptasensor is described for the fluorometric determination of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Chromatophores containing F 0 F 1 -ATPases were first prepared from Rhodospirillum rubrum cells. Then, an aptamer-functionalized chromatophore acts as the capture probe, and a chromatophore labeled with the pH probe fluorescein acts as the signalling probe. In the presence of V. parahaemolyticus, the rotation rate of F 0 F 1 -ATPase is decreased due to the formation of the aptamer-chromatophore complex. This leads to a retarded proton flux out of the chromatophores. As a result, the pH value inside the chromatophores is reduced, and the fluorescence of the pH probe F1300 is accordingly decreased. The relative fluorescence varies linearly over the 15 to 1.5 × 10 6  cfu·mL -1 Vibrio parahaemolyticus concentration range, and the limit of detection is 15 cfu·mL -1 . The method was applied to analyze artificially contaminated salmon samples where it showed excellent perfomance. Graphical abstract In this assay, aptamer functionalized chromatophores act as a capture probe, and the fluoresce in labeled chromatophores as signalling probe. The formation of aptamer-chromatophore complex leads to a retarded proton flux out of the chromatophores. As a result, the pH value inside the chromatophores is reduced, and fluorescence intensity is accordingly decreased.

Study of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in India.

PubMed

Kamble, Nitish L; Khan, Naushad A; Kumar, Naresh; Nayak, Hemanta K; Daga, Mradul K

2013-04-01

To study the incidence and pattern of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in patients with mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) using dual-probe 24-h oesophageal pH recording. This was a prospective study of 50 patients with mild-to-moderate stage COPD based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. A detailed history of illness along with spirometry was done in all patients. In the study group, reflux symptoms were measured using a validated scoring system. All the patients underwent oesophageal manometry and dual-probe 24-h oesophageal pH recording. Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux were present in 38 patients. Twenty-four-hour oesophageal pH monitoring revealed pathological reflux in 31 out of 38 symptomatic and 8 out of 12 asymptomatic patients. The overall rate of GORD was 78% in our study. Only distal GORD was observed in 11 (28.9%), and both distal and proximal GORD was observed in 20 (52.6%) out of the 38 symptomatic subjects. In the remaining 12 asymptomatic patients, eight had GORD. Distal GORD was present in six (50%) patients, and two (16.6%) had both distal and proximal GORD in this group. Isolated proximal GORD was not observed in any patient. There is an increased occurrence of GORD in patients with even mild-to-moderate COPD. © 2013 The Authors. Respirology © 2013 Asian Pacific Society of Respirology.

Influence of esophagectomy on the gastroesophageal reflux in patients with esophageal cancer.

PubMed

Kim, D; Min, Y W; Park, J G; Lee, H; Min, B-H; Lee, J H; Rhee, P-L; Kim, J J; Zo, J I

2017-12-01

This study aims to assess the influence of esophagectomy with gastric transposition on the gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and gastric acidity in patients with esophageal cancer. Data on 53 esophageal cancer patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring after esophagectomy were retrospectively analyzed. We used a solid-state esophageal pH probe in which the esophageal pH sensor is placed 1.5 cm distal to the upper esophageal sphincter and the gastric pH sensor is located 15 cm distal to the esophageal pH channel. 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring data and other clinical data including anastomosis site stricture and incidence of pneumonia were collected. We defined pathologic reflux with reference to known normative data. Stricture was defined when an intervention such as bougienage or balloon dilatation was required to relieve dysphagia. The esophageal and gastric mean pH were 5.47 ± 1.51 and 3.33 ± 1.64, respectively. The percent time of acidic pH (<4) was 6.66 ± 12.49% in the esophagus and 70.53 ± 32.19% in the stomach. Esophageal pathologic acid reflux was noticed in 32.1%, 20.8%, and 35.8% during total, upright, and recumbent time, respectively. Esophageal pathologic bolus reflux was noted in 83.0%, 77.4%, and 64.2% during total, upright, and recumbent time, respectively. Gastric acidity increased with time after esophagectomy. Esophageal acid exposure time correlated with intragastric pH. However, esophageal pathologic acid reflux was not associated with anastomosis site stricture or pneumonia. In conclusion, GER frequently occurs after esophagectomy. Thus, strict lifestyle modifications and acid suppression would be necessary in patients following esophagectomy. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Probing chromium(III) from chromium(VI) in cells by a fluorescent sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Xiangquan; Chai, Jie; Liu, Yanfei; Liu, Bin; Yang, Binsheng

2016-01-01

Cellular uptake of Cr(VI), followed by its reduction to Cr(III) with the formation of kinetically inert Cr(III) complexes, is a complex process. To better understand its physiological and pathological functions, efficient methods for the monitoring of Cr(VI) are desired. In this paper a selective fluorescent probe L, rhodamine hydrazide bearing a benzo[b]furan-2-carboxaldehyde group, was demonstrated as a red chemosensor for Cr(III) at about 586 nm. This probe has been used to probe Cr(III) which is reduced from Cr(VI) by reductants such as glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, cysteine (Cys), H2O2 and Dithiothreitol (DTT) by fluorescence spectra. Cr(VI) metabolism in vivo is primarily driven by Vc and GSH. Vc could reduce CrO42 - to Cr(III) in a faster rate than GSH. The indirectly detection limit for Cr(VI) by L + GSH system was determined to be 0.06 μM at pH = 6.2. Moreover, the confocal microscopy image experiments indicated that Cr(VI) can be reduced to Cr(III) inside cells rapidly and the resulted Cr(III) can be captured and imaged timely by L.

Ionic calcium determination in skim milk with molecular probes and front-face fluorescence spectroscopy: simple linear regression.

PubMed

Gangidi, R R; Metzger, L E

2006-11-01

The purpose of this study was to determine if the ionic calcium content of skim milk could be determined using molecular probes and front-face fluorescence spectroscopy. Current methods for determining ionic calcium are not sensitive, overestimate ionic calcium, or require complex procedures. Molecular probes designed specifically for measuring ionic calcium could potentially be used to determine the ionic calcium content of skim milk. The goal of the current study was to develop foundation methods for future studies to determine ionic calcium directly in skim milk and other dairy products with molecular probes and fluorescence spectroscopy. In this study, the effect of pH on calcium-sensitive fluorescent probe (Rhod-5N and Fluo-5N) performance using various concentrations of skim milk was determined. The pH of diluted skim milk (1.9 to 8.9% skim milk), was adjusted to either 6.2 or 7.0, after which the samples were analyzed with fluorescent probes (1 microM) and front-face fluorescence spectroscopy. The ionic calcium content of each sample was also determined using a calcium ion-selective electrode. The results demonstrated that the ionic calcium content of each sample was highly correlated (R2 > 0.989) with the fluorescence intensities of the probe-calcium adduct using simple linear regression. Higher than suggested ionic calcium contents of 1,207 and 1,973 microM were determined with the probes (Fluo-5N and Rhod-5N) in diluted skim milk with pH 7.0 and 6.2, respectively. The fluorescence intensity of the probe-calcium adduct decreased with a decrease in pH for the same ionic calcium concentration. This study demonstrates that Fluo-5N and Rhod-5N can be used to determine the ionic-calcium content of diluted milk with front-face fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, these probes may also have the potential to determine the ionic calcium content of undiluted skim milk.

The effect of probe choice and solution conditions on the apparent photoreactivity of dissolved organic matter.

PubMed

Maizel, Andrew C; Remucal, Christina K

2017-08-16

Excited triplet states of dissolved organic matter ( 3 DOM) are quantified directly with the species-specific probes trans,trans-hexadienoic acid (HDA) and 2,4,6-trimethylphenol (TMP), and indirectly with the singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) probe furfuryl alcohol (FFA). Although previous work suggests that these probe compounds may be sensitive to solution conditions, including dissolved organic carbon concentration ([DOC]) and pH, and may quantify different 3 DOM subpopulations, the probes have not been systematically compared. Therefore, we quantify the apparent photoreactivity of diverse environmental waters using HDA, TMP, and FFA. By conducting experiments under ambient [DOC] and pH, with standardized [DOC] and pH, and with solid phase extraction isolates, we demonstrate that much of the apparent dissimilarity in photochemical measurements is attributable to solution conditions, rather than intrinsic differences in 3 DOM production. In general, apparent quantum yields (Φ 1 O 2 ≥ Φ 3 DOM,TMP ≫ Φ 3 DOM,HDA ) and pseudo-steady state concentrations ([ 1 O 2 ] ss > [ 3 DOM] ss,TMP > [ 3 DOM] ss,HDA ) show consistent relationships in all waters under standardized conditions. However, intrinsic differences in 3 DOM photoreactivity are apparent between DOM from diverse sources, as seen in the higher Φ 1 O 2 and lower Φ 3 DOM,TMP of wastewater effluents compared with oligotrophic lakes. Additionally, while conflicting trends in photoreactivity are observed under ambient conditions, all probes observe quantum yields increasing from surface wetlands to terrestrially influenced waters to oligotrophic lakes under standardized conditions. This work elucidates how probe selection and solution conditions influence the apparent photoreactivity of environmental waters and confirms that 3 DOM or 1 O 2 probes cannot be used interchangeably in waters that vary in [DOC], pH, or DOM source.

Ratiometric pH Imaging with a CoII2 MRI Probe via CEST Effects of Opposing pH Dependences (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-13

7b08574 14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words) We report a Co2-based magnetic resonance (MR) probe that enables the ratiometric quantitation and imaging of...ratios of CEST peak intensities at 104 and 64 ppm are correlated with solution pH in the physiological range 6.5−7.6 to construct a linear calibration...magnetic resonance (MR); ratiometric quantitation ; chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST); carboxamide; hydroxyl-substituted bisphosphonate

A lysosome-targetable turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of thiols in living cells based on a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Beibei; Wang, Baiyan; Ma, Qiujuan; Xie, Caixia; Li, Xian; Wang, Suiping

2018-03-01

Biological thiols, like cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH), play crucial roles in biological systems and in lysosomal processes. Highly selective probes for detecting biological thiols in lysomes of living cells are rare. In this work, a lysosome-targetable turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of thiols in living cells was designed and synthesized based on a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative. The probe has a 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine unit as a lysosome-targetable group and an acrylate group as the thiol recognition unit as well as a fluorescence quencher. In the absence of biothiols, the probe displayed weak fluorescence due to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Upon the addition of biothiols, the probe exhibited an enhanced fluorescence emission centered at 550 nm due to cleavage of the acrylate moiety. The probe had high selectivity toward biothiols. Moreover, the probe features fast response time, excitation in the visible region and ability of working in a wide pH range. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Cys from 1.5 × 10- 7 to 1.0 × 10- 5 mol·L- 1 and the detection limit is 6.9 × 10- 8 mol·L- 1 for Cys. The probe has been successfully applied to the confocal imaging of biothiols in lysosomes of A549 cells with low cell toxicity. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the determination of thiols in a complex multicomponent mixture such as human serum, which suggests our proposed method has great potential for diagnostic purposes. All of such good properties prove it can be used to monitor biothiols in lysosomes of living cells and to be a good fluorescent probe for the selective detection of thiols.

Single-cell intracellular nano-pH probes.

PubMed

Özel, Rıfat Emrah; Lohith, Akshar; Mak, Wai Han; Pourmand, Nader

2015-01-01

Within a large clonal population, such as cancerous tumor entities, cells are not identical, and the differences between intracellular pH levels of individual cells may be important indicators of heterogeneity that could be relevant in clinical practice, especially in personalized medicine. Therefore, the detection of the intracellular pH at the single-cell level is of great importance to identify and study outlier cells. However, quantitative and real-time measurements of the intracellular pH of individual cells within a cell population is challenging with existing technologies, and there is a need to engineer new methodologies. In this paper, we discuss the use of nanopipette technology to overcome the limitations of intracellular pH measurements at the single-cell level. We have developed a nano-pH probe through physisorption of chitosan onto hydroxylated quartz nanopipettes with extremely small pore sizes (~100 nm). The dynamic pH range of the nano-pH probe was from 2.6 to 10.7 with a sensitivity of 0.09 units. We have performed single-cell intracellular pH measurements using non-cancerous and cancerous cell lines, including human fibroblasts, HeLa, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, with the pH nanoprobe. We have further demonstrated the real-time continuous single-cell pH measurement capability of the sensor, showing the cellular pH response to pharmaceutical manipulations. These findings suggest that the chitosan-functionalized nanopore is a powerful nano-tool for pH sensing at the single-cell level with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Forces of interactions between bare and polymer-coated iron and silica: effect of pH, ionic strength, and humic acids.

PubMed

Pensini, Erica; Sleep, Brent E; Yip, Christopher M; O'Carroll, Denis

2012-12-18

The interactions between a silica substrate and iron particles were investigated using atomic force microscopy-based force spectroscopy (AFM). The micrometer- and nanosized iron particles employed were either bare or coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a polymer utilized to stabilize iron particle suspensions. The effect of water chemistry on the forces of interaction was probed by varying ionic strength (with 100 mM NaCl and 100 mM CaCl₂) or pH (4, 5.5, and 8) or by introducing 10 mg/L of humic acids (HA). When particles were uncoated, the forces upon approach between silica and iron were attractive at pH 4 and 5.5 and in 100 mM CaCl₂ at pH 8, but they were negligible in 100 mM NaCl buffered to pH 8 and repulsive in water buffered to pH 8 and in HA solutions. HA produced electrosteric repulsion between iron particles and silica, likely due to its sorption to iron particles. HA sorption to silica was excluded on the basis of experiments conducted with a quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Repulsion with CMC-coated iron was attributed to electrosteric forces, which were damped at high ionic strength. An extended DLVO model and a modified version of Ohshima's theory were successfully utilized to model AFM data.

Physiological Monitoring of Optically Trapped Cells: Studying the Effects of Confinement by 1064 NM Lazer Tweezers Using Microfluorometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yagang

A novel technique that combines microfluorometric detection and optical laser trapping has been developed for in-situ assessing the physiological state of an optically trapped biological sample. This optical diagnostic technique achieves high sensitivity (>30 dB signal -to-noise ratio) and high spatial resolution (~ 1 μm) over a broad spectral range (>400 nm). The fluorescence spectra derived from exogenous fluorescent probes, including laurdan, acridine orange, propidium iodide and Snarf, are used to assess the effects of optical confinement with respect to temperature, DNA structure, cell viability, and intracellular pH, respectively. In the latter three cases, fluorescence is excited via a two-photon absorption process, using the cw laser trap itself as the fluorescence excitation source. This enables the cw near infrared laser trapping beam to be used simultaneously as an optical diagnostic probe as well as an optical micromanipulator. Using microfluorometry, a temperature increase of less than several degrees centigrade was measured for test samples, including liposomes, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and human sperm cells that were held stationary by 1064 nm optical tweezers having a power density of ~10^7 W/cm^2. Additional physiological monitoring experiments indicated that there is no observable denaturation of DNA, or change of intracellular pH under typical continuous wave laser trapping conditions (P <= 400 mW). Under some circumstances, however, it was possible to achieve a decrease in cell viability with cw trapping, as monitored by a live/dead vital stain. In comparison, significant DNA denaturation and cellular physiological changes (e.g. cell death) were observed when a Q-switched pulsed laser at a threshold of ~30mu J/pulse was used as trapping source. These results generally support the conclusion that cw laser trapping at 1064 nm wavelength is a safe, non-invasive process and should prove to be of great value for understanding the mechanisms of laser microirradiation effects on living cells held stationary in a near-infrared trapping beam.

Synthesis and sensor activity of a PET-based 1,8-naphthalimide Probe for Zn(2+) and pH determination.

PubMed

Dimov, Stefan M; Georgiev, Nikolai I; Asiri, Abdullah M; Bojinov, Vladimir B

2014-11-01

A novel blue-emitting 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore designed as a molecular PET-based probe for determination of pH and detection of transition metal ions in the environment was successfully synthesized. Novel compound was configured on the "fluorophore-spacer-receptor" format. Due to the tertiary amine receptor the novel system showed "off-on" switching properties under the transition from alkaline to acid media (FE = 3.2) and in the presence of Zn(2+) ions (FE = 2.5). The results obtained illustrate the high potential of the synthesized blue-emitting 1,8-naphthalimide fluorophore as an efficient pH chemosensing material and a selective probe for Zn(2+) ions.

Probing of protein localization and shuttling in mitochondrial microcompartments by FLIM with sub-diffraction resolution.

PubMed

Söhnel, Anna-Carina; Kohl, Wladislaw; Gregor, Ingo; Enderlein, Jörg; Rieger, Bettina; Busch, Karin B

2016-08-01

The cell is metabolically highly compartmentalized. Especially, mitochondria host many vital reactions in their different microcompartments. However, due to their small size, these microcompartments are not accessible by conventional microscopy. Here, we demonstrate that time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) fluorescence lifetime-imaging microscopy (FLIM) classifies not only mitochondria, but different microcompartments inside mitochondria. Sensor proteins in the matrix had a different lifetime than probes at membrane proteins. Localization in the outer and inner mitochondrial membrane could be distinguished by significant differences in the lifetime. The method was sensitive enough to monitor shifts in protein location within mitochondrial microcompartments. Macromolecular crowding induced by changes in the protein content significantly affected the lifetime, while oxidizing conditions or physiological pH changes had only marginal effects. We suggest that FLIM is a versatile and completive method to monitor spatiotemporal events in mitochondria. The sensitivity in the time domain allows for gaining substantial information about sub-mitochondrial localization overcoming diffraction limitation. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'EBEC 2016: 19th European Bioenergetics Conference, Riva del Garda, Italy, July 2-6, 2016', edited by Prof. Paolo Bernardi. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Dual Sensor for pH and Hydrogen Peroxide Using Polymer-Coated Optical Fibre Tips.

PubMed

Purdey, Malcolm S; Thompson, Jeremy G; Monro, Tanya M; Abell, Andrew D; Schartner, Erik P

2015-12-17

This paper demonstrates the first single optical fibre tip probe for concurrent detection of both hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration and pH of a solution. The sensor is constructed by embedding two fluorophores: carboxyperoxyfluor-1 (CPF1) and seminaphtharhodafluor-2 (SNARF2) within a polymer matrix located on the tip of the optical fibre. The functionalised fibre probe reproducibly measures pH, and is able to accurately detect H₂O₂ over a biologically relevant concentration range. This sensor offers potential for non-invasive detection of pH and H₂O₂ in biological environments using a single optical fibre.

Electrocatalyzed O2 response of myoglobin immobilized on multi-walled carbon nanotube forest electrodes.

PubMed

Pacios, M; del Valle, M; Bartroli, J; Esplandiu, M J

2009-10-01

Direct electrochemistry and activity of myoglobin (Mb) immobilized on carbon nanotube (CNT) forest electrodes were investigated by probing mainly its electrocatalytical response towards oxygen. The protein was anchored on the CNT electrodes through carbodiimide coupling, which was shown to provide long term stability. The electrochemical response was monitored as a function of oxygen concentration and pH. Conformational changes together with the consequent loss of oxygen affinity were recorded at low pH, which delimits the operative range of the Mb/CNT electrodes for sensing purposes. In general, it can be concluded that CNT forests constitute suitable platforms for Mb attachment without compromising the protein bioactivity and by keeping at the same time the direct electron exchange with the heme core. All these characteristics confer to the protein modified CNT system promising properties for the implementation of (bio)sensor devices with impact in the clinical and environmental field.

Spearhead Nanometric Field-Effect Transistor Sensors for Single-Cell Analysis.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanjun; Clausmeyer, Jan; Babakinejad, Babak; Córdoba, Ainara López; Ali, Tayyibah; Shevchuk, Andrew; Takahashi, Yasufumi; Novak, Pavel; Edwards, Christopher; Lab, Max; Gopal, Sahana; Chiappini, Ciro; Anand, Uma; Magnani, Luca; Coombes, R Charles; Gorelik, Julia; Matsue, Tomokazu; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; Klenerman, David; Sviderskaya, Elena V; Korchev, Yuri

2016-03-22

Nanometric field-effect-transistor (FET) sensors are made on the tip of spear-shaped dual carbon nanoelectrodes derived from carbon deposition inside double-barrel nanopipettes. The easy fabrication route allows deposition of semiconductors or conducting polymers to comprise the transistor channel. A channel from electrodeposited poly pyrrole (PPy) exhibits high sensitivity toward pH changes. This property is exploited by immobilizing hexokinase on PPy nano-FETs to give rise to a selective ATP biosensor. Extracellular pH and ATP gradients are key biochemical constituents in the microenvironment of living cells; we monitor their real-time changes in relation to cancer cells and cardiomyocytes. The highly localized detection is possible because of the high aspect ratio and the spear-like design of the nano-FET probes. The accurately positioned nano-FET sensors can detect concentration gradients in three-dimensional space, identify biochemical properties of a single living cell, and after cell membrane penetration perform intracellular measurements.

Spearhead Nanometric Field-Effect Transistor Sensors for Single-Cell Analysis

PubMed Central

Córdoba, Ainara López; Ali, Tayyibah; Shevchuk, Andrew; Takahashi, Yasufumi; Novak, Pavel; Edwards, Christopher; Lab, Max; Gopal, Sahana; Chiappini, Ciro; Anand, Uma; Magnani, Luca; Coombes, R. Charles; Gorelik, Julia; Matsue, Tomokazu; Schuhmann, Wolfgang; Klenerman, David; Sviderskaya, Elena V.; Korchev, Yuri

2016-01-01

Nanometric field-effect-transistor (FET) sensors are made on the tip of spear-shaped dual carbon nanoelectrodes derived from carbon deposition inside double-barrel nanopipettes. The easy fabrication route allows deposition of semiconductors or conducting polymers to comprise the transistor channel. A channel from electrodeposited poly pyrrole (PPy) exhibits high sensitivity toward pH changes. This property is exploited by immobilizing hexokinase on PPy nano-FETs to give rise to a selective ATP biosensor. Extracellular pH and ATP gradients are key biochemical constituents in the microenvironment of living cells; we monitor their real-time changes in relation to cancer cells and cardiomyocytes. The highly localized detection is possible because of the high aspect ratio and the spear-like design of the nano-FET probes. The accurately positioned nano-FET sensors can detect concentration gradients in three-dimensional space, identify biochemical properties of a single living cell, and after cell membrane penetration perform intracellular measurements. PMID:26816294

Selective imaging of cancer cells with a pH-activatable lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe.

PubMed

Shi, Rongguang; Huang, Lu; Duan, Xiaoxue; Sun, Guohao; Yin, Gui; Wang, Ruiyong; Zhu, Jun-Jie

2017-10-02

Fluorescence imaging with tumor-specific fluorescent probe has emerged as a tool to aid surgeons in the identification and removal of tumor tissue. We report here a new lysosome-targeting fluorescent probe (NBOH) with BODIPY fluorephore to distinguish tumor tissue out of normal tissue based on different pH environment. The probe exhibited remarkable pH-dependent fluorescence behavior in a wide pH range from 3.0 to 11.0, especially a sensitive pH-dependent fluorescence change at pH range between 3.5 and 5.5, corresponding well to the acidic microenvironment of tumor cells, in aqueous solution. The response time of NBOH was extremely short and the photostability was proved to be good. Toxicity test and fluorescence cell imaging together with a sub-cellular localization study were carried out revealing its low biotoxicity and good cell membrane permeability. And NBOH was successfully applied to the imaging of tumor tissue in tumor-bearing mice suggesting potential application to surgery as a tumor-specific probe. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

pHlash: A New Genetically Encoded and Ratiometric Luminescence Sensor of Intracellular pH

PubMed Central

Robertson, J. Brian; Johnson, Carl Hirschie

2012-01-01

We report the development of a genetically encodable and ratiometic pH probe named “pHlash” that utilizes Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) rather than fluorescence excitation. The pHlash sensor–composed of a donor luciferase that is genetically fused to a Venus fluorophore–exhibits pH dependence of its spectral emission in vitro. When expressed in either yeast or mammalian cells, pHlash reports basal pH and cytosolic acidification in vivo. Its spectral ratio response is H+ specific; neither Ca++, Mg++, Na+, nor K+ changes the spectral form of its luminescence emission. Moreover, it can be used to image pH in single cells. This is the first BRET-based sensor of H+ ions, and it should allow the approximation of pH in cytosolic and organellar compartments in applications where current pH probes are inadequate. PMID:22905204

pHlash: a new genetically encoded and ratiometric luminescence sensor of intracellular pH.

PubMed

Zhang, Yunfei; Xie, Qiguang; Robertson, J Brian; Johnson, Carl Hirschie

2012-01-01

We report the development of a genetically encodable and ratiometic pH probe named "pHlash" that utilizes Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) rather than fluorescence excitation. The pHlash sensor-composed of a donor luciferase that is genetically fused to a Venus fluorophore-exhibits pH dependence of its spectral emission in vitro. When expressed in either yeast or mammalian cells, pHlash reports basal pH and cytosolic acidification in vivo. Its spectral ratio response is H(+) specific; neither Ca(++), Mg(++), Na(+), nor K(+) changes the spectral form of its luminescence emission. Moreover, it can be used to image pH in single cells. This is the first BRET-based sensor of H(+) ions, and it should allow the approximation of pH in cytosolic and organellar compartments in applications where current pH probes are inadequate.

Polymeric nanotheranostics for real-time non-invasive optical imaging of breast cancer progression and drug release.

PubMed

Ferber, Shiran; Baabur-Cohen, Hemda; Blau, Rachel; Epshtein, Yana; Kisin-Finfer, Einat; Redy, Orit; Shabat, Doron; Satchi-Fainaro, Ronit

2014-09-28

Polymeric nanocarriers conjugated with low molecular weight drugs are designed in order to improve their efficacy and toxicity profile. This approach is particularly beneficial for anticancer drugs, where the polymer-drug conjugates selectively accumulate at the tumor site, due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. The conjugated drug is typically inactive, and upon its pH- or enzymatically-triggered release from the carrier, it regains its therapeutic activity. These settings lack information regarding drug-release time, kinetics and location. Thereby, real-time non-invasive intravital monitoring of drug release is required for theranostics (therapy and diagnostics). We present here the design, synthesis and characterization of a theranostic nanomedicine, based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymer, owing its fluorescence-based monitoring of site-specific drug release to a self-quenched near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) probe. We designed two HPMA copolymer-based systems that complement to a theranostic nanomedicine. The diagnostic system consists of self-quenched Cy5 (SQ-Cy5) as a reporter probe and the therapeutic system is based on the anticancer agent paclitaxel (PTX). HPMA copolymer-PTX/SQ-Cy5 systems enable site-specific release upon enzymatic degradation in cathepsin B-overexpressing breast cancer cells. The release of the drug occurs concomitantly with the activation of the fluorophore to its Turn-ON state. HPMA copolymer-SQ-Cy5 exhibits preferable body distribution and drug release compared with the free drug and probe when administered to cathepsin B-overexpressing 4T1 murine mammary adenocarcinoma-bearing mice. This approach of co-delivery of two complementary systems serves as a proof-of-concept for real-time deep tissue intravital orthotopic monitoring and may have the potential use in clinical utility as a theranostic nanomedicine. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Optical pH Sensor Covering the Range from pH 0-14 Compatible with Mobile-Device Readout and Based on a Set of Rationally Designed Indicator Dyes.

PubMed

Gotor, Raúl; Ashokkumar, Pichandi; Hecht, Mandy; Keil, Karin; Rurack, Knut

2017-08-15

In this work, a family of pH-responsive fluorescent probes has been designed in a rational manner with the aid of quantum chemistry tools, covering the entire pH range from 0-14. Relying on the boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) core, all the probes as well as selected reference dyes display very similar spectroscopic properties with ON-OFF fluorescence switching responses, facilitating optical readout in simple devices used for detection and analysis. Embedding of the probes and reference dyes into hydrogel spots on a plastic strip yielded a test strip that reversibly indicates pH with a considerably small uncertainty of ∼0.1 pH units. These strips are not only reusable but, combined with a 3D-printed case that can be attached to a smartphone, the USB port of which drives the integrated LED used for excitation, allows for autonomous operation in on-site or in-the-field applications; the developed Android application software ("app") further simplifies operation for unskilled users.

Tuning the field distribution and fabrication of an Al@ZnO core-shell nanostructure for a SPR-based fiber optic phenyl hydrazine sensor.

PubMed

Tabassum, Rana; Kaur, Parvinder; Gupta, Banshi D

2016-05-27

We report the fabrication and characterization of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based fiber optic sensor that uses coatings of silver and aluminum (Al)-zinc oxide (ZnO) core-shell nanostructure (Al@ZnO) for the detection of phenyl hydrazine (Ph-Hyd). To optimize the volume fraction (f) of Al in ZnO and the thickness of the core-shell nanostructure layer (d), the electric field intensity along the normal to the multilayer system is simulated using the two-dimensional multilayer matrix method. The Al@ZnO core-shell nanostructure is prepared using the laser ablation technique. Various probes are fabricated with different values of f and an optimized thickness of core-shell nanostructure for the characterization of the Ph-Hyd sensor. The performance of the Ph-Hyd sensor is evaluated in terms of sensitivity. It is found that the Ag/Al@ZnO nanostructure core-shell-coated SPR probe with f = 0.25 and d = 0.040 μm possesses the maximum sensitivity towards Ph-Hyd. These results are in agreement with the simulated ones obtained using electric field intensity. In addition, the performance of the proposed probe is compared with that of probes coated with (i) Al@ZnO nanocomposite, (ii) Al nanoparticles and (iii) ZnO nanoparticles. It is found that the probe coated with an Al@ZnO core-shell nanostructure shows the largest resonance wavelength shift. The detailed mechanism of the sensing (involving chemical reactions) is presented. The sensor also manifests optimum performance at pH 7.

Probing cathepsin K activity with a selective substrate spanning its active site.

PubMed

Lecaille, Fabien; Weidauer, Enrico; Juliano, Maria A; Brömme, Dieter; Lalmanach, Gilles

2003-10-15

The limited availability of highly selective cathepsin substrates seriously impairs studies designed to monitor individual cathepsin activities in biological samples. Among mammalian cysteine proteases, cathepsin K has a unique preference for a proline residue at P2, the primary determinant of its substrate specificity. Interestingly, congopain from Trypanosoma congolense also accommodates a proline residue in its S2 subsite. Analysis of a congopain model showed that amino acids forming its S2 subsite are identical with those of cathepsin K, except Leu67 which is replaced by a tyrosine residue in cathepsin K. Furthermore, amino acid residues of the congopain S2' binding pocket, which accepts a proline residue, are strictly identical with those of cathepsin K. Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph [where Abz represents o-aminobenzoic acid and EDN2ph (=EDDnp) represents N -(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-ethylenediamine], a substrate initially developed for trypanosomal enzymes, was efficiently cleaved at the Gly-Gly bond by cathepsin K (kcat/ K(m)=426000 M(-1) x s(-1)). On the other hand, Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was resistant to hydrolysis by cathepsins B, F, H, L, S and V (20 nM enzyme concentration) and the Y67L (Tyr67-->Leu)/L205A cathepsin K mutant (20 nM), but still acted as a competitive inhibitor. Taken together, the selectivity of Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph to cathepsin K primarily depends on the S2 and S2' subsite specificities of cathepsin K and the ionization state of histidine at P3. Whereas Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was hydrolysed by wild-type mouse fibroblast lysates, its hydrolysis was completely abolished in the cathepsin K-deficient samples, indicating that Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph can be used to monitor selectively cathepsin K activity in physiological fluids and cell lysates.

Probing cathepsin K activity with a selective substrate spanning its active site.

PubMed Central

Lecaille, Fabien; Weidauer, Enrico; Juliano, Maria A; Brömme, Dieter; Lalmanach, Gilles

2003-01-01

The limited availability of highly selective cathepsin substrates seriously impairs studies designed to monitor individual cathepsin activities in biological samples. Among mammalian cysteine proteases, cathepsin K has a unique preference for a proline residue at P2, the primary determinant of its substrate specificity. Interestingly, congopain from Trypanosoma congolense also accommodates a proline residue in its S2 subsite. Analysis of a congopain model showed that amino acids forming its S2 subsite are identical with those of cathepsin K, except Leu67 which is replaced by a tyrosine residue in cathepsin K. Furthermore, amino acid residues of the congopain S2' binding pocket, which accepts a proline residue, are strictly identical with those of cathepsin K. Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph [where Abz represents o-aminobenzoic acid and EDN2ph (=EDDnp) represents N -(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-ethylenediamine], a substrate initially developed for trypanosomal enzymes, was efficiently cleaved at the Gly-Gly bond by cathepsin K (kcat/ K(m)=426000 M(-1) x s(-1)). On the other hand, Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was resistant to hydrolysis by cathepsins B, F, H, L, S and V (20 nM enzyme concentration) and the Y67L (Tyr67-->Leu)/L205A cathepsin K mutant (20 nM), but still acted as a competitive inhibitor. Taken together, the selectivity of Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph to cathepsin K primarily depends on the S2 and S2' subsite specificities of cathepsin K and the ionization state of histidine at P3. Whereas Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph was hydrolysed by wild-type mouse fibroblast lysates, its hydrolysis was completely abolished in the cathepsin K-deficient samples, indicating that Abz-HPGGPQ-EDN2ph can be used to monitor selectively cathepsin K activity in physiological fluids and cell lysates. PMID:12837132

Biosensors for detecting stress in developing embryos

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Purdey, Malcolm S.; Saini, Avishkar; McLennan, Hanna J.; Pullen, Benjamin J.; Schartner, Erik P.; Sutton-McDowall, Melanie L.; Thompson, Jeremy G.; Monro, Tanya M.; Nicholls, Stephen J.; Abell, Andrew D.

2016-12-01

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) cause DNA damage and defective function in sperm and also affects the developmental competence of embryos. It is therefore critical to monitor ROS in sperm, oocytes and developing embryos. In particular, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a ROS important to normal cell function and signalling as well as its role in oxidative stress. Here we report the development of a fluorescent sensor for H2O2 using carboxyperoxyfluor-1 (CPF1) in solution and attached to a glass slide or multi-mode optical fibre. CPF1 increases in fluorescence upon reaction with H2O2 to non-invasively detect H2O2 near developing embryos. These probes are constructed by immobilising CPF1 to the optical fibre tip a polyacrylamide layer. Also reported is a new dual optical fibre sensor for detecting both H2O2 and pH that is functional at biologically concentrations of H2O2 and can sense pH to 0.1 units. This research shows promise for the use of optical fibre sensors for monitoring the health of developing embryos. Furthermore, these sensors are applicable for use beyond embryos such as detecting stress in endothelial cells involved in cardiovascular dysfunction.

Sequential Excitation Preparation of Molecular Energy Levels with Special Structural and Chemical Properties.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-06

D.E. Reisner, and P.H. Vaccaro, pp. 393-404 in Lasers as Reactants and Probes in Chemistry, (eds. W.M. Jackson and A.B. Harvey) Howard University Press...as Reactants and Probes in Chemistry, Howard University (May 1982). 4. J.L. Kinsey, "An Outsider’s View of the Spectroscopy of Polyatomic Systems...Kinsey, C. Kittrell, D.E. Reisner, and P.H. Vaccaro, pp. 393-404 in Lasers as Reactants and Probes in Chemistry (eds. W.M. Jackson and A.B. Harvey), Howard

Highly sensitive electrochemical assay for Nosema bombycis gene DNA PTP1 via conformational switch of DNA nanostructures regulated by H+ from LAMP.

PubMed

Zhao, Jianmin; Gao, Jiaxi; Zheng, Ting; Yang, Zhehan; Chai, Yaqin; Chen, Shihong; Yuan, Ruo; Xu, Wenju

2018-05-30

The portable and rapid detection of biomolecules via pH meters to monitor the concentration of hydrogen ions (H + ) from biological reactions (e.g. loop-mediated isothermal amplification, LAMP) has attracted research interest. However, this assay strategy suffered from inherent drawback of low sensitivity, resulting in great limitations in practical applications. Herein, a novel electrochemical biosensor was constructed for highly sensitive detection of Nosema bombycis gene DNA (PTP1) through transducing chemical stimuli H + from PTP1-based LAMP into electrochemical output signal of electroactive ferrocene (Fc). With use of target PTP1 as the template, the H + from LAMP induced the conformational switch of pH-responsive DNA nanostructures (DNA NSs, Fc-Sp@Ts) that was assembled by the hybridization of Fc-labeled signal probe (Fc-Sp) with DNA-based receptor (Ts). Due to the folding of Ts into stable triplex structure at decreased pH, the configuration change of Fc-Sp@Ts led to the releasing of Fc-Sp, which was subsequently immobilized in the electrode interface through the hybridization with the capture probe modified with -SH (SH-Cp), generating amplified electrochemical signal from Fc. The developed biosensor for PTP1 exhibited a reliable linear range of 1 fg µL -1 to 50 ng µL -1 with the limit of detection of 0.31 fg µL -1 . Thus, by the regulation of H + from LAMP reaction on DNA NSs allostery, this novel and simple transduction scheme would be interesting and promising to open up a novel analytical route for sensitive monitoring of different target DNAs in related disease diagnosis. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Carbonic Anhydrase Activity Monitored In Vivo by Hyperpolarized 13C-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Demonstrates Its Importance for pH Regulation in Tumors.

PubMed

Gallagher, Ferdia A; Sladen, Helen; Kettunen, Mikko I; Serrao, Eva M; Rodrigues, Tiago B; Wright, Alan; Gill, Andrew B; McGuire, Sarah; Booth, Thomas C; Boren, Joan; McIntyre, Alan; Miller, Jodi L; Lee, Shen-Han; Honess, Davina; Day, Sam E; Hu, De-En; Howat, William J; Harris, Adrian L; Brindle, Kevin M

2015-10-01

Carbonic anhydrase buffers tissue pH by catalyzing the rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3 (-)). We assessed the functional activity of CAIX in two colorectal tumor models, expressing different levels of the enzyme, by measuring the rate of exchange of hyperpolarized (13)C label between bicarbonate (H(13)CO3(-)) and carbon dioxide ((13)CO2), following injection of hyperpolarized H(13)CO3(-), using (13)C-magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((13)C-MRS) magnetization transfer measurements. (31)P-MRS measurements of the chemical shift of the pH probe, 3-aminopropylphosphonate, and (13)C-MRS measurements of the H(13)CO3(-)/(13)CO2 peak intensity ratio showed that CAIX overexpression lowered extracellular pH in these tumors. However, the (13)C measurements overestimated pH due to incomplete equilibration of the hyperpolarized (13)C label between the H(13)CO3(-) and (13)CO2 pools. Paradoxically, tumors overexpressing CAIX showed lower enzyme activity using magnetization transfer measurements, which can be explained by the more acidic extracellular pH in these tumors and the decreased activity of the enzyme at low pH. This explanation was confirmed by administration of bicarbonate in the drinking water, which elevated tumor extracellular pH and restored enzyme activity to control levels. These results suggest that CAIX expression is increased in hypoxia to compensate for the decrease in its activity produced by a low extracellular pH and supports the hypothesis that a major function of CAIX is to lower the extracellular pH. ©2015 American Association for Cancer Research.

Persistent molecular superfluid response in doped para-hydrogen clusters.

PubMed

Raston, P L; Jäger, W; Li, H; Le Roy, R J; Roy, P-N

2012-06-22

Direct observation of superfluid response in para-hydrogen (p-H(2)) remains a challenge because of the need for a probe that would not induce localization and a resultant reduction in superfluid fraction. Earlier work [H. Li, R. J. Le Roy, P.-N. Roy, and A. R. W. McKellar, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 133401 (2010)] has shown that carbon dioxide can probe the effective inertia of p-H(2) although larger clusters show a lower superfluid response due to localization. It is shown here that the lighter carbon monoxide probe molecule allows one to measure the effective inertia of p-H(2) clusters while maintaining a maximum superfluid response with respect to dopant rotation. Microwave spectroscopy and a theoretical analysis based on Feynman path-integral simulations are used to support this conclusion.

Optical fibre PH sensor based on immobilized indicator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Defu; Cao, Qiang; Han, JingHong; Cai, Jine; Li, YaTing; Zhu, ZeMin; Fan, Jie; Gao, Ning

1991-08-01

An optical fiber pH sensor which has the immobilized pH sensitive indicator dye reagents on the tip of the optical fiber has been studied. The probe is made by covalently immobilizing the phenol red, bromine phenol blue, or bromothymol blue on the polyacrylamide microsphere fixed by polyterafluoroethylene (PTFE) film. A gap between the dye and optical fiber was used to make the diffusion of the hydrogen ions easier. The parameters of the optical fiber pH sensor have been given completely. The ranges of measurement are 3.0 - 5.0 pH, 7.0 - 8.5 pH, and 8.0 - 10.0 pH for bromine phenol blue, phenol red, and bromothymol blue, respectively. The sensitivity is 66.6 mV/pH. The probe has a precision of better than 0.55 pH. The linear correlation coefficient is 0.999. The response time is 1 - 2 min. The hysteresis is 0.52%. The repeatability is 0.013 mV, while the stability is 0.015 pH/h.

Chiral probes for α1-AGP reporting by species-specific induced circularly polarised luminescence† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c8sc00482j

PubMed Central

Suturina, Elizaveta A.; Mason, Kevin

2018-01-01

Luminescence spectroscopy has been used to monitor the selective and reversible binding of pH sensitive, macrocyclic lanthanide complexes, [LnL1], to the serum protein α1-AGP, whose concentration can vary significantly in response to inflammatory processes. On binding α1-AGP, a very strong induced circularly-polarised europium luminescence signal was observed that was of opposite sign for human and bovine variants of α1-AGP – reflecting the differences in the chiral environment of their drug-binding pockets. A mixture of [EuL1] and [TbL1] complexes allowed the ratiometric monitoring of α1-AGP levels in serum. Moreover, competitive displacement of [EuL1] from the protein by certain prescription drugs could be monitored, allowing the determination of drug binding constants. Reversible binding of the sulphonamide arm as a function of pH, led to a change of the coordination environment around the lanthanide ion, from twisted square antiprism (TSAP) to a square antiprismatic geometry (SAP), signalled by emission spectral changes and verified by detailed computations and the fitting of NMR pseudocontact shift data in the sulphonamide bound TSAP structure for the Dy and Eu examples. Such analyses allowed a full definition of the magnetic susceptibility tensor for [DyL1]. PMID:29732083

Laser Driven Compression Equations of State and Hugoniot Pressure Measurements in Thick Solid Metallic Targets at ˜0.17-13 TW/cm2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Remo, John L.

2010-10-01

An electro-optic laser probe was developed to obtain parameters for high energy density equations of state (EoS), Hugoniot pressures (PH), and strain rates for high energy density laser irradiation intensity, I, experiments at ˜170 GW/cm2 (λ = 1064 nm) to ˜13 TW/cm2 (λ = 527 nm) on Al, Cu, Ti, Fe, Ni metal targets in a vacuum. At I ˜7 TW/cm2 front surface plasma pressures and temperatures reached 100's GPa and over two million K. Rear surface PH ranged from 7-120 GPa at average shock wave transit velocities 4.2-8.5 km/s, depending on target thickness and I. A surface plasma compression ˜100's GPa generated an impulsive radial expanding shock wave causing compression, rarefactions, and surface elastic and plastic deformations depending on I. A laser/fiber optic system measured rear surface shock wave emergence and particle velocity with ˜3 GHz resolution by monitoring light deflection from diamond polished rear surfaces of malleable metallic targets, analogous to an atomic force microscope. Target thickness, ˜0.5-2.9 mm, prevented front surface laser irradiation penetration, due to low radiation skin depth, from altering rear surface reflectivity (refractive index). At ˜10 TW electromagnetic plasma pulse noise generated from the target chamber overwhelmed detector signals. Pulse frequency analysis using Moebius loop antennae probed transient noise characteristics. Average shock (compression) and particle (rear surface displacement) velocity measurements determined rear surface PH and GPa) EoS that are compared with gas guns.

A novel pH sensitive water soluble fluorescent nanomicellar sensor for potential biomedical applications.

PubMed

Georgiev, Nikolai I; Bryaskova, Rayna; Tzoneva, Rumiana; Ugrinova, Iva; Detrembleur, Christophe; Miloshev, Stoyan; Asiri, Abdullah M; Qusti, Abdullah H; Bojinov, Vladimir B

2013-11-01

Herein we report on the synthesis and sensor activity of a novel pH sensitive probe designed as highly water-soluble fluorescent micelles by grafting of 1,8-naphthalimide-rhodamine bichromophoric FRET system (RNI) to the PMMA block of a well-defined amphiphilic diblock copolymer-poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(methacrylic acid) (PMMA48-b-PMAA27). The RNI-PMMA48-b-PMAA27 adduct is capable of self-assembling into micelles with a hydrophobic PMMA core, containing the anchored fluorescent probe, and a hydrophilic shell composed of PMAA block. Novel fluorescent micelles are able to serve as a highly sensitive pH probe in water and to internalize successfully HeLa and HEK cells. Furthermore, they showed cell specificity and significantly higher photostability than that of a pure organic dye label such as BODIPY. The valuable properties of the newly prepared fluorescent micelles indicate the high potential of the probe for future biological and biomedical applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A fluorescent pH probe for acidic organelles in living cells.

PubMed

Chen, Jyun-Wei; Chen, Chih-Ming; Chang, Cheng-Chung

2017-09-26

A water-soluble pH sensor, 2-(6-(4-aminostyryl)-1,3-dioxo-1H-benzo[de]isoquinolin-2(3H)-yl)-N, N-dimethylethanamine (ADA), was synthesized based on the molecular design of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The fluorescence emission response against a pH value is in the range 3-6, which is suitable for labelling intracellular pH-dependent microenvironments. After biological evolution, ADA is more than a pH biosensor because it is also an endocytosis pathway tracking biosensor that labels endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosome pH gradients. From this, the emissive aggregates of ADA and protonated-ADA in these organs were evaluated to explore how this probe stresses emission colour change to cause these unique cellular images.

A quinoline-based Cu2 + ion complex fluorescence probe for selective detection of inorganic phosphate anion in aqueous solution and its application to living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Yanpeng; Wang, Peng; Fu, Jiaxin; Yao, Kun; Xu, Kuoxi; Pang, Xiaobin

2017-08-01

A quinaldine functionalized probe QP has been designed and synthesized. It exhibited selective turn-off fluorescence response toward Cu2 + ion over most of the biologically important ions at physiological pH. The binding ratio of the probe QP and Cu2 + ion was determined to be 1:1 through fluorescence titration, Job's plot and ESI-MS. The binding constant (K) of Cu2 + to probe QP was found to be 2.12 × 104 M- 1. Further, the Cu2 + ensemble of probe QP was found to respond H2PO4- and HPO42 - among other important biological anions via fluorescence turn-on response at physiological pH. Fluorescence microscopy imaging using living Hela cells showed that probe QP could be used as an effective fluorescent probe for detecting Cu2 + cation and H2PO4- and HPO42 - anions in living cells.

A quinoline-based Cu2+ ion complex fluorescence probe for selective detection of inorganic phosphate anion in aqueous solution and its application to living cells.

PubMed

Dai, Yanpeng; Wang, Peng; Fu, Jiaxin; Yao, Kun; Xu, Kuoxi; Pang, Xiaobin

2017-08-05

A quinaldine functionalized probe QP has been designed and synthesized. It exhibited selective turn-off fluorescence response toward Cu 2+ ion over most of the biologically important ions at physiological pH. The binding ratio of the probe QP and Cu 2+ ion was determined to be 1:1 through fluorescence titration, Job's plot and ESI-MS. The binding constant (K) of Cu 2+ to probe QP was found to be 2.12×10 4 M -1 . Further, the Cu 2+ ensemble of probe QP was found to respond H 2 PO 4 - and HPO 4 2- among other important biological anions via fluorescence turn-on response at physiological pH. Fluorescence microscopy imaging using living Hela cells showed that probe QP could be used as an effective fluorescent probe for detecting Cu 2+ cation and H 2 PO 4 - and HPO 4 2- anions in living cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of pH value of probe molecule on the graphene oxide-based surface enhanced Raman scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Shao-li; Du, Xiao-qing; Zeng, Chao; Li, Lu; Bao, Jun

2017-06-01

The dependence of graphene oxide (GO)-based surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) on the pH value of probe molecule was investigated. Water-soluble copper phthalocyanine (TSCuPc) was used as probe molecule and its pH value was adjusted with HCl and NaOH solution. The Raman spectra of TSCuPc with pH equaling 3, 8, and 11 on GO base were tested, respectively. The results show that both Raman enhanced intensity and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of characteristic peaks vary with the pH value of TSCuPc. It is shown that there is no obvious spectral widening of TSCuPc characteristic peaks when TSCuPc is neutral or acidic, and the chemical enhancement intensity of neutral TSCuPc on GO is biggest. In contrast, when TSCuPc is alkaline, the characteristic Raman peaks between 1350 and 1600 cm-1 of TSCuPc on GO are much wider and the intensities of characteristic peaks decrease considerably. The reasons for the pH dependence of GO-based Raman spectra were explored by comparing the wettability of molecule droplet on GO and the absorbance of different pH-adjusted TSCuPc films. It is found that the effect of molecule's pH value on SERS can be contributed to the differences of concentration and distributions on GO surface for varied pH-treated molecule.

Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes as AIE Phosphorescent Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of Mitophagy in Living Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Chengzhi; Liu, Jiangping; Chen, Yu; Guan, Ruilin; Ouyang, Cheng; Zhu, Yanjiao; Ji, Liangnian; Chao, Hui

2016-02-01

Mitophagy, which is a special autophagy that removes damaging mitochondria to maintain sufficient healthy mitochondria, provides an alternative path for addressing dysfunctional mitochondria and avoiding cellular death. In the present study, by coupling the triphenylamine group with 2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline derivatives, we synthesized five Ir(III) complexes with an AIE property that are expected to fulfill requirements for real-time monitoring of mitophagy. Ir1-Ir5 were exploited to image mitochondria with a short incubation time by confocal microscopy and inductive coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Due to aggregation-induced emission (AIE), Ir1-Ir5 exhibited excellent photostability compared to MitoTracker Green (MTG). Moreover, Ir1-Ir5 manifested satisfactory photostability in the mitochondrial physiological pH range. In addition, the uptake mechanism of Ir1 was investigated using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, using both Ir1 and LysoTracker Green, we were able to achieve real-time monitoring of mitophagy.

Probing pH difference between micellar solution and nanoscale water within common black film by fluorescent dye

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Jingni; Zhang, Luning

2018-03-01

The protonation/deprotonation equilibrium of a fluorescent pH probe (carboxy-seminaphthorhodafluor-1, SNARF-1) within the nanoscale water layer confined in common black films (CBFs) has been studied. We find that SNARF-1 molecules feel a more acidic environment in CBFs than when they are in the bulk micellar solution, using the base/acid peak area ratio of the dye to indicate its microenvironment pH. Three surfactants are used to study the dependence of the pH drop versus charge: cationic (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, CTAB), anionic (sodium dodecylsulphate, SDS) and nonionic (Triton X-100) species. The decrease of CBFs pH versus the pH of the micellar solution is the following: ΔpH ≈ 1.5 for CTAB (pH: 7.0-9.0), ΔpH ≈ 0.8 for SDS, and ΔpH ≈ 0.4 for Triton X-100. With the addition of electrolyte in CBFs, we observe large decrease the amplitude of the pH anomaly, thus suggesting an electrostatic origin of the pH change at nanoscale environment.

Comparing the acidities of aqueous, frozen, and freeze-dried phosphate buffers: Is there a "pH memory" effect?

PubMed

Vetráková, Ľubica; Vykoukal, Vít; Heger, Dominik

2017-09-15

The concept of "pH memory" has been established in the literature for the correlation between the pH of a pre-lyophilization solution and the ionization state of freeze-dried powder (lyophile). In this paper, the concept of "pH memory" is explored for the system of an aqueous solution, a frozen solution, and a lyophile. Sodium and potassium phosphate buffers in the pH range of 5-9 were frozen and lyophilized with sulfonephthalein indicators as acidity probes, and their Hammett acidity functions were compared to the initial pH of the aqueous solution. The results show that the acidities of the lyophiles are somewhat changed compared to the initial pHs, but the acidities in the frozen state differ more substantially. The Hammett acidity functions of the frozen buffers were found to be markedly dissimilar from the initial pH, especially in the sodium phosphate frozen at 233K, where an increase in the initial pH led to a decrease in the Hammett acidity function of the frozen state at a certain pH range. The large acidification observed after freezing the sodium phosphate buffer was not detected in the lyophiles after the sample had been dried; the phenomenon is explained considering the formed crystals analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction. The results suggest that monitoring the final acidity of a lyophile is not sufficient to predict all the acidity changes throughout the whole lyophilization process. The importance of well-controlled freezing and lyophilization conditions follows from the results of the research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Regional postprandial differences in pH within the stomach and gastroesophageal junction.

PubMed

Simonian, Hrair P; Vo, Lien; Doma, Siva; Fisher, Robert S; Parkman, Henry P

2005-12-01

Our objective was to determine regional differences in intragastric pH after different types of meals. Ten normal subjects underwent 27-hr esophagogastric pH monitoring using a four-probe pH catheter. Meals were a spicy lunch, a high-fat dinner, and a typical bland breakfast. The fatty dinner had the highest postprandial buffering effect, elevating proximal and mid/distal gastric pH to 4.9 +/- 0.4 and 4.0 +/- 0.4, respectively, significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared to 4.2 +/- 0.3 and 3.0 +/- 0.4 for the spicy lunch and 3.0 +/- 0.3 and 2.5 +/- 0.8 for the breakfast. The buffering effect of the high-volume fatty meal to pH > 4 was also longer (150 min) compared to that of the spicy lunch (45 min) and the bland breakfast, which did not increase gastric pH to > 4 at any time. Proximal gastric acid pockets were seen between 15 and 90 min postprandially. These were located 3.4 +/- 0.8 cm below the proximal LES border, extending for a length of 2.3 +/- 0.8 cm, with a drop in mean pH from 4.7 +/- 0.4 to 1.5 +/- 0.9. Acid pockets were seen equally after the spicy lunch and fatty dinner but less frequently after the bland breakfast. We conclude that a high-volume fatty meal has the highest buffering effect on gastric pH compared to a spicy lunch or a bland breakfast. Buffering effects of meals are significantly higher in the proximal than in the mid/distal stomach. Despite the intragastric buffering effect of meals, focal areas of acidity were observed in the region of the cardia-gastroesophageal junction during the postprandial period.

Analysis of chemical equilibrium of silicon-substituted fluorescein and its application to develop a scaffold for red fluorescent probes.

PubMed

Hirabayashi, Kazuhisa; Hanaoka, Kenjiro; Takayanagi, Toshio; Toki, Yuko; Egawa, Takahiro; Kamiya, Mako; Komatsu, Toru; Ueno, Tasuku; Terai, Takuya; Yoshida, Kengo; Uchiyama, Masanobu; Nagano, Tetsuo; Urano, Yasuteru

2015-09-01

Fluorescein is a representative green fluorophore that has been widely used as a scaffold of practically useful green fluorescent probes. Here, we report synthesis and characterization of a silicon-substituted fluorescein, i.e., 2-COOH TokyoMagenta (2-COOH TM), which is a fluorescein analogue in which the O atom at the 10' position of the xanthene moiety of fluorescein is replaced with a Si atom. This fluorescein analogue forms a spirolactone ring via intramolecular nucleophilic attack of the carboxylic group in a pH-dependent manner. Consequently, 2-COOH TM exhibits characteristic large pH-dependent absorption and fluorescence spectral changes: (1) 2-COOH TM is colorless at acidic pH, whereas fluorescein retains observable absorption and fluorescence even at acidic pH, and the absorption maximum is also shifted; (2) the absorption spectral change occurs above pH 7.0 for 2-COOH TM and below pH 7.0 for fluorescein; (3) 2-COOH TM shows a much sharper pH response than fluorescein because of its pKa inversion, i.e., pKa1 > pKa2. These features are also different from those of a compound without the carboxylic group, 2-Me TokyoMagenta (2-Me TM). Analysis of the chemical equilibrium between pH 3.0 and 11.0 disclosed that 2-COOH TM favors the colorless and nonfluorescent lactone form, compared with fluorescein. Substitution of Cl atoms at the 4' and 5' positions of the xanthene moiety of 2-COOH TM to obtain 2-COOH DCTM shifted the equilibrium so that the new derivative exists predominantly in the strongly fluorescent open form at physiological pH (pH 7.4). To demonstrate the practical utility of 2-COOH DCTM as a novel scaffold for red fluorescent probes, we employed it to develop a probe for β-galactosidase.

Proton gradients in intact cyanobacteria

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Belkin, S.; Mehlhorn, R. J.; Packer, L.

1987-01-01

The internal pH values of two unicellular cyanobacterial strains were determined with electron spin resonance probes, over an external pH range of 6 to 9, in the light and in the dark. The slow growing, thylakoid-lacking Gloeobacter violaceus was found to have a low capacity for maintaining a constant internal pH. The distribution pattern of weak acid and amine nitroxide spin probes across the cell membranes of this organism, in the light and in the dark, was consistent with the assumption that it contains a single intracellular compartment. At an external pH of 7.0, intracellular pH was 6.8 in the dark and 7.2 in the light. The cells of Agmenellum quadruplicatum, a marine species, were found to contain two separate compartments; in the dark, the pH of the cytoplasmic and the intrathylakoid spaces were calculated to be 7.2 and 5.5, respectively. Upon illumination, the former increased and the latter decreased by about 0.5 pH units.

Monitoring environmental effects of shale gas exploitation at Wysin in Poland.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lasocki, Stanislaw; Mirek, Janusz; Bialon, Wojciech; Cielesta, Szymon; Lasak, Mateusz; Cesca, Simone; Lopez Comino, Jose Angel; Dahm, Torsten; Scarpa, Roberto; Gunning, Andrew; Montcoudiol, Nelly; Isherwood, Catherine; Jaroslawski, Janusz; Guzikowski, Jakub

2017-04-01

Environmental effects of shale gas exploration and exploitation are extensively studied in the framework of "Shale Gas Exploration and Exploitation Induced Risks" project (SHEER, H2020-LCE 16-2014-1). One of the main component of this study is on-site monitoring of the effects at Wysin shale-gas play of Polish Oil and Gas Company in Poland. This includes monitoring of seismicity and water and air quality. Surface seismic monitoring network consists of 6 surface broadband (BB) seismometers and 25 surface short-period (SP) seismometers The SPs are assembled into three small aperture arrays with 9, 8 and 8 stations, respectively, distributed in a triangle geometry at a distance of about 2-4 km from the hydrofracturing rig. Each array is complemented with one BB station. The three remaining BBs are located up to about 5 km from the rig. In addition 3 borehole broadband seismometers are located in three shallow boreholes. The groundwater monitoring makes use of four wells, which reach a main underground water reservoir. Three complementary datasets are collected: continuous monitoring of borehole data, laboratory analyses of water samples and field monitoring of water quality parameters. The continuous monitoring makes use of down-hole probes, which have been installed in each borehole. The probes record absolute pressure, temperature and electrical conductivity. In addition, a barometric probe has been installed above ground to record atmospheric pressure in order to allow conversion of absolute pressure to a water level. After collection, water samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The field monitoring is undertaken during the sampling visits. Whilst the borehole is being purged, physico-chemical parameters are monitored using a multi-parameter probe. This measures and records temperature, specific conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen and oxidation-reduction potential within the water. Hydrocarbon gas content within the water is below detection limits for methane, ethane, ethene and propane gases. Air pollution monitoring is performed by means of an automatic station. The station is situated east from the Wysin rig at the distance of some 1200 m. This distance is appropriate in order not to measure a direct emission of pollutants. The station monitors the content of NO, NO2, NOx, CO, PM10, O3, CO2, CH4, NMHC and Radon. At the beginning of SHEER project in May 2015, there was one vertical well at the site, reaching gas-bearing shale formations at the nearly 4km depth. Further on two horizontal wells, each of about 1.7km length, were drilled (late Autumn 2015) and fracked (June - August, 2016). This time table has provided the opportunity to record background seismicity and baseline levels of water and air quality, and then to record the immediate and delayed effects of hydrofracturing operations. The monitoring will continue at least 1.5 year after completion of technological activity at the site. This work was supported within SHEER: "Shale Gas Exploration and Exploitation Induced Risks" project funded from Horizon 2020 - R&I Framework Programme, call H2020-LCE-2014-1 and within statutory activities No3841/E-41/S/2016 of Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland.

Nanoparticle assembled microcapsules for application as pH and ammonia sensor.

PubMed

Amali, Arlin Jose; Awwad, Nour H; Rana, Rohit Kumar; Patra, Digambara

2011-12-05

The encapsulation of molecular probes in a suitable nanostructured matrix can be exploited to alter their optical properties and robustness for fabricating efficient chemical sensors. Despite high sensitivity, simplicity, selectivity and cost effectiveness, the photo-destruction and photo-bleaching are the serious concerns while utilizing molecular probes. Herein we demonstrate that hydroxy pyrene trisulfonate (HPTS), a pH sensitive molecular probe, when encapsulated in a microcapsule structure prepared via the assembly of silica nanoparticles mediated by poly-L-lysine and trisodium citrate, provides a robust sensing material for pH sensing under the physiological conditions. The temporal evolution under continuous irradiation indicates that the fluorophore inside the silica microcapsule is extraordinarily photostable. The fluorescence intensity alternation at dual excitation facilitates for a ratiometic sensing of the pH, however, the fluorescence lifetime is insensitive to hydrogen ion concentration. The sensing scheme is found to be robust, fast and simple for the measurement of pH in the range 5.8-8.0, and can be successfully applied for the determination of ammonia in the concentration range 0-1.2 mM, which is important for aquatic life and the environment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Specific in situ discrimination of amyloid fibrils versus α-helical fibres by the fluorophore NIAD-4.

PubMed

Brandenburg, Enrico; von Berlepsch, Hans; Koksch, Beate

2012-02-01

A wide range of human pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases and other forms of amyloidosis, are associated with the formation of insoluble fibrillar protein aggregates known as amyloids. To gain insights into this process analytical methods are needed, which give quantitative data on the molecular events that are taking place. The dye Thioflavin T (ThT) is widely used for the spectroscopic determination of amyloid fibril formation. Different binding affinities to amyloids at neutral and acidic pH and the frequently observed poor binding at acidic pH are problematic in the use of the cationic ThT. The uncharged fluorescence probe [[5'-(4-hydroxyphenyl)[2,2'-bithiophen]-5-yl]methylene]-propanedinitrile (NIAD-4) has been recently designed by Swager and coworkers, in order to eliminate some of the limitations of ThT. Here we have used this novel dye for in vitro monitoring of the amyloid formation processes of de novo designed model peptides. Amyloid structures were successfully detected by NIAD-4 at neutral as well as acidic pH and no significant fluorescence was detectable in the presence of α-helical fibres. Thus, NIAD-4 proved to be a valuable alternative to ThT for spectroscopic studies on amyloid structures over a broad pH range.

High resolution in situ ultrasonic corrosion monitor

DOEpatents

Grossman, R.J.

1984-01-10

An ultrasonic corrosion monitor is provided which produces an in situ measurement of the amount of corrosion of a monitoring zone or zones of an elongate probe placed in the corrosive environment. A monitoring zone is preferably formed between the end of the probe and the junction of the zone with a lead-in portion of the probe. Ultrasonic pulses are applied to the probe and a determination made of the time interval between pulses reflected from the end of the probe and the junction referred to, both when the probe is uncorroded and while it is corroding. Corresponding electrical signals are produced and a value for the normalized transit time delay derived from these time interval measurements is used to calculate the amount of corrosion.

High resolution in situ ultrasonic corrosion monitor

DOEpatents

Grossman, Robert J.

1985-01-01

An ultrasonic corrosion monitor is provided which produces an in situ measurement of the amount of corrosion of a monitoring zone or zones of an elongate probe placed in the corrosive environment. A monitoring zone is preferably formed between the end of the probe and the junction of the zone with a lead-in portion of the probe. Ultrasonic pulses are applied to the probe and a determination made of the time interval between pulses reflected from the end of the probe and the junction referred to, both when the probe is uncorroded and while it is corroding. Corresponding electrical signals are produced and a value for the normalized transit time delay derived from these time interval measurements is used to calculate the amount of corrosion.

Biological pH sensing based on the environmentally friendly Raman technique through a polyaniline probe.

PubMed

Li, Songyang; Liu, Zhiming; Su, Chengkang; Chen, Haolin; Fei, Xixi; Guo, Zhouyi

2017-02-01

The biological pH plays an important role in various cellular processes. In this work, a novel strategy is reported for biological pH sensing by using Raman spectroscopy and polyaniline nanoparticles (PANI NPs) as the pH-sensitive Raman probe. It is found that the Raman spectrum of PANI NPs is strongly dependent on the pH value. The intensities of Raman spectral bands at 1225 and 1454 cm -1 increase obviously with pH value varying from 5.5 to 8.0, which covers the range of regular biological pH variation. The pH-dependent Raman performance of PANI NPs, as well as their robust Raman signals and sensitivities to pH, was well retained after the nanoparticles incorporated into living 4T1 breast adenocarcinoma cells. The data indicate that such PANI NPs can be used as an effective biological pH sensor. Most interestingly, the PANI spherical nanostructures can be acquired by a low-cost, metal-free, and one-pot oxidative polymerization, which gives them excellent biocompatibility for further biological applications.

Investigation of the optical response of photonic crystal nanocavities in ferroelectric oxide thin film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Pao Tai; Russin, William A.; Joshi-Imre, Alexandra; Ocola, Leonidas E.; Wessels, B. W.

2015-10-01

The optical properties of BaTiO3 two dimensional photonic crystal (PhC) nanocavities were investigated. Two types of nanocavities consisting of dopants and vacancies with PhC periodicities ranging from 200 to 550 nm were evaluated. The images from laser scanning confocal microscopy show the optical scattering of the PhC cavities is highly wavelength dependent. An optical intensity reversal is observed when the wavelength of probe light shifts by 29 nm. Meanwhile, intensity contrast between the nanocavity and its adjacent PhCs is enhanced as the PhC periodicity becomes shorter than the probe wavelength. To determine the photonic band structures fluorescence from dye covered PhCs were imaged and analyzed. A strong enhancement of fluorescence is observed for the PhC with a period of 200 nm. Upon comparison to the 2D finite difference time domain calculations, the enhancement is attributed to strong light localization within the PhC nanocavity. As a result, the in-plane lightwave propagation is prohibited that results in an increase in the vertical light scattering.

Optical imaging of tumor microenvironment

PubMed Central

Wu, Yihan; Zhang, Wenjie; Li, Jinbo; Zhang, Yan

2013-01-01

Tumor microenvironment plays important roles in tumor development and metastasis. Features of the tumor microenvironment that are significantly different from normal tissues include acidity, hypoxia, overexpressed proteases and so on. Therefore, these features can serve as not only biomarkers for tumor diagnosis but also theraputic targets for tumor treatment. Imaging modalities such as optical, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been intensively applied to investigate tumor microenvironment. Various imaging probes targeting pH, hypoxia and proteases in tumor microenvironment were thus well developed. In this review, we will focus on recent examples on fluorescent probes for optical imaging of tumor microenvironment. Construction of these fluorescent probes were based on characteristic feature of pH, hypoxia and proteases in tumor microenvironment. Strategies for development of these fluorescent probes and applications of these probes in optical imaging of tumor cells or tissues will be discussed in this review paper. PMID:23342297

Gas-Permeable Membrane-Based Conductivity Probe Capable of In Situ Real-Time Monitoring of Ammonia in Aquatic Environments.

PubMed

Li, Tianling; Panther, Jared; Qiu, Yuan; Liu, Chang; Huang, Jianyin; Wu, Yonghong; Wong, Po Keung; An, Taicheng; Zhang, Shanqing; Zhao, Huijun

2017-11-21

Aquatic ammonia has toxic effects on aquatic life. This work reports a gas-permeable membrane-based conductivity probe (GPMCP) developed for real-time monitoring of ammonia in aquatic environments. The GPMCP innovatively combines a gas-permeable membrane with a boric acid receiving phase to selectively extract ammonia from samples and form ammonium at the inner membrane interface. The rate of the receiving phase conductivity increase is directly proportional to the instantaneous ammonia concentration in the sample, which can be rapidly and sensitively determined by the embedded conductivity detector. A precalibration strategy was developed to eliminate the need for an ongoing calibration. The analytical principle and GPMCP performance were systematically validated. The laboratory results showed that ammonia concentrations ranging from 2 to 50 000 μg L -1 can be detected. The field deployment results demonstrated the GPMCP's ability to obtain high-resolution continuous ammonia concentration profiles and the absolute average ammonia concentration over a prolonged deployment period. By inputting the temperature and pH data, the ammonium concentration can be simultaneously derived from the corresponding ammonia concentration. The GPMCP embeds a sophisticated analytical principle with the inherent advantages of high selectivity, sensitivity, and accuracy, and it can be used as an effective tool for long-term, large-scale, aquatic-environment assessments.

Measurement of esophago-gastric junction cross-sectional area and distensibility by an endolumenal functional lumen imaging probe for the diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

PubMed

Tucker, E; Sweis, R; Anggiansah, A; Wong, T; Telakis, E; Knowles, K; Wright, J; Fox, M

2013-11-01

Measurement of esophago-gastric junction (EGJ) cross-sectional area (CSA) and distensibility by an Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe (EndoFLIP®) may distinguish between gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients and healthy volunteers (HV). We aimed to assess the agreement of EndoFLIP® measurements with clinical and physiologic diagnosis of GERD. Twenty-one HV and 18 patients with typical GERD symptoms were studied. After gastroscopy, EGJ CSA, and distensibility were measured by EndoFLIP®. Forty-eight hour esophageal pH monitoring was then performed by a wireless system. The ability of EndoFLIP® to discriminate GERD patient and HVs was assessed. Planned secondary analysis then assessed whether EGJ CSA and distensibility were increased in individuals with pathologic acid exposure. Healthy volunteers were younger and had lower body mass index (BMI; both p < 0.001). Pathologic acid exposure was present in 3/21 (14%) HVs and 9/18 (50%) patients (p = 0.126). At 30 mL EndoFLIP® bag volume, EGJ CSA was higher (p = 0.058) and EGJ distensibility was lower (p = 0.020) in HVs than patients. Secondary analysis showed that EGJ measurements were similar in participants with and without pathologic acid exposure (CSA 98 mm² vs 107 mm²; p = 0.789, distensibility; p = 0.704). An inverse association between BMI and CSA (R² = 0.2758, p = 0.001) and distensibility (R² = 0.2005, p = 0.005) was present. Endolumenal Functional Lumen Imaging Probe is not useful for GERD diagnosis because EGJ CSA and distensibility do not distinguish between HVs and GERD patients defined by clinical presentation or pH measurement. This unexpected result may be due to an important, confounding interaction of obesity. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Towards Longitudinal Mapping of Extracellular pH in Gliomas

PubMed Central

Huang, Yuegao; Coman, Daniel; Herman, Peter; Rao, Jyotsna U.; Maritim, Samuel; Hyder, Fahmeed

2016-01-01

Biosensor Imaging of Redundant Deviation in Shifts (BIRDS), an ultrafast chemical shift imaging technique, requires infusion of paramagnetic probes like 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetrakis(methylene phosphonate (DOTP8−) complexed with thulium (Tm3+) ion (i.e., TmDOTP5−), where the pH-sensitive resonances of hyperfine-shifted nonexchangeable protons contained within the paramagnetic magnetic resonance probe are detected. While imaging extracellular pH (pHe) with BIRDS meets an important cancer research need by mapping the intratumoral-peritumoral pHe gradient, the surgical intervention used to raise the probe’s plasma concentration limits longitudinal scans on the same subject. Here we describe using probenecid (i.e., an organic anion transporter inhibitor) to temporarily restrict renal clearance of TmDOTP5−, thereby facilitating molecular imaging by BIRDS without surgical intervention. Co-infusion of probenecid with TmDOTP5− increased the probe’s distribution into various organs, including the brain, compared with when infusing TmDOTP5− alone. In vivo BIRDS data using probenecid/TmDOTP5− co-infusion method in rats bearing RG2, 9L, and U87 brain tumors showed intratumoral-peritumoral pHe gradients that were unaffected by the probe dose. This co-infusion method can be used for pHe mapping with BIRDS in preclinical models for tumor characterization and therapeutic monitoring given the possibility of repeated scans with BIRDS (e.g., over days and even weeks) in the same subject. The longitudinal pHe readout by probenecid/TmDOTP5− co-infusion method for BIRDS adds translational value in tumor assessment and treatment. PMID:27472471

Characterization of ozone decomposition in a soil slurry: kinetics and mechanism.

PubMed

Lim, Hyung-Nam; Choi, Hechul; Hwang, Tae-Moon; Kang, Joon-Wun

2002-01-01

A series of soil slurry experiments were performed in a carefully conceived reactor set-up to investigate the characteristics of the catalytic decomposition of ozone on a sand and iron surface. Real time on-line monitoring of ozone in the reaction module was possible using flow injection analysis coupled with a computer-controlled UV detector and data acquisition system. The effects of the soil media and size, ozone dosage, pH and p-CBA as a probe compound were examined at the given experimental conditions. Two apparent phases existed, and ozone instantaneously decomposed within one second in the first phase. These were defined as the instantaneous ozone demand (ID) phase, and the relatively slow decay stage. The interactions of ozone with the soil organic matter (SOM) and metal oxides were attributed mostly to the instantaneous decomposition of ozone. From the probe (p-CBA) experiments, 60-68% of total p-CBA removal occurred during the ID phase. The generation of hydroxyl radicals (OH.) was demonstrated and was closely related with metal oxides as well as SOM. Metal oxides in soil surface were considered to have relatively faster reaction rate with ozone and provide more favorable reactive sites to generate higher amount of OH. than SOM. Even at one-tenth concentration of the sands, a goethite-induced catalytic reaction outfitted the removal rate ofp-CBA among all the soils tested. More than 40% of total p-CBA removal occurred on the soil surface. It was inferred that the radical reaction with the probe compound seemed to take place not only on the soil surface but also in the solid-liquid interface. Ozone decomposition and the reaction between OH. and p-CBA appeared to be independent of any change in pH.

A lysosome-targetable turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of thiols in living cells based on a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative.

PubMed

Liang, Beibei; Wang, Baiyan; Ma, Qiujuan; Xie, Caixia; Li, Xian; Wang, Suiping

2018-03-05

Biological thiols, like cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH), play crucial roles in biological systems and in lysosomal processes. Highly selective probes for detecting biological thiols in lysomes of living cells are rare. In this work, a lysosome-targetable turn-on fluorescent probe for the detection of thiols in living cells was designed and synthesized based on a 1,8-naphthalimide derivative. The probe has a 4-(2-aminoethyl)morpholine unit as a lysosome-targetable group and an acrylate group as the thiol recognition unit as well as a fluorescence quencher. In the absence of biothiols, the probe displayed weak fluorescence due to the photoinduced electron transfer (PET) process. Upon the addition of biothiols, the probe exhibited an enhanced fluorescence emission centered at 550nm due to cleavage of the acrylate moiety. The probe had high selectivity toward biothiols. Moreover, the probe features fast response time, excitation in the visible region and ability of working in a wide pH range. The linear response range covers a concentration range of Cys from 1.5×10 -7 to 1.0×10 -5 mol·L -1 and the detection limit is 6.9×10 -8 mol·L -1 for Cys. The probe has been successfully applied to the confocal imaging of biothiols in lysosomes of A549 cells with low cell toxicity. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to the determination of thiols in a complex multicomponent mixture such as human serum, which suggests our proposed method has great potential for diagnostic purposes. All of such good properties prove it can be used to monitor biothiols in lysosomes of living cells and to be a good fluorescent probe for the selective detection of thiols. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Design Fabrication Installation & Evaluation of the Balance Probe Monitor for Large Centrifuges at a National Laboratory Facility.

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

Gallegos, Jonathan Michael

Balance Probe Monitors were designed, fabricated, installed, and evaluated at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) for the 22,600 g kg (50,000 g lb) direct drive electromotor driven large centrifuges. These centrifuges provide a high onset/decay rate g environment. The Balance Probe Monitor is physically located near a centrifuge’s Capacitance Probe, a crucial sensor for the centrifuge’s sustainability. The Balance Probe Monitor will validate operability of the centrifuge. Most importantly, it is used for triggering a kill switch under the condition that the centrifuge displacement value exceeds allowed tolerances. During operational conditions, the Capacitance Probe continuously detects the structural displacement of themore » centrifuge and an adjoining AccuMeasure 9000 translates this displacement into an output voltage.« less

Noninvasive High-Throughput Single-Cell Analysis of the Intracellular pH of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Ratiometric Flow Cytometry

PubMed Central

Valkonen, Mari; Mojzita, Dominik; Penttilä, Merja

2013-01-01

The ability of cells to maintain pH homeostasis in response to environmental changes has elicited interest in basic and applied research and has prompted the development of methods for intracellular pH measurements. Many traditional methods provide information at population level and thus the average values of the studied cell physiological phenomena, excluding the fact that cell cultures are very heterogeneous. Single-cell analysis, on the other hand, offers more detailed insight into population variability, thereby facilitating a considerably deeper understanding of cell physiology. Although microscopy methods can address this issue, they suffer from limitations in terms of the small number of individual cells that can be studied and complicated image processing. We developed a noninvasive high-throughput method that employs flow cytometry to analyze large populations of cells that express pHluorin, a genetically encoded ratiometric fluorescent probe that is sensitive to pH. The method described here enables measurement of the intracellular pH of single cells with high sensitivity and speed, which is a clear improvement compared to previously published methods that either require pretreatment of the cells, measure cell populations, or require complex data analysis. The ratios of fluorescence intensities, which correlate to the intracellular pH, are independent of the expression levels of the pH probe, making the use of transiently or extrachromosomally expressed probes possible. We conducted an experiment on the kinetics of the pH homeostasis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures grown to a stationary phase after ethanol or glucose addition and after exposure to weak acid stress and glucose pulse. Minor populations with pH homeostasis behaving differently upon treatments were identified. PMID:24038689

Noninvasive high-throughput single-cell analysis of the intracellular pH of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by ratiometric flow cytometry.

PubMed

Valkonen, Mari; Mojzita, Dominik; Penttilä, Merja; Bencina, Mojca

2013-12-01

The ability of cells to maintain pH homeostasis in response to environmental changes has elicited interest in basic and applied research and has prompted the development of methods for intracellular pH measurements. Many traditional methods provide information at population level and thus the average values of the studied cell physiological phenomena, excluding the fact that cell cultures are very heterogeneous. Single-cell analysis, on the other hand, offers more detailed insight into population variability, thereby facilitating a considerably deeper understanding of cell physiology. Although microscopy methods can address this issue, they suffer from limitations in terms of the small number of individual cells that can be studied and complicated image processing. We developed a noninvasive high-throughput method that employs flow cytometry to analyze large populations of cells that express pHluorin, a genetically encoded ratiometric fluorescent probe that is sensitive to pH. The method described here enables measurement of the intracellular pH of single cells with high sensitivity and speed, which is a clear improvement compared to previously published methods that either require pretreatment of the cells, measure cell populations, or require complex data analysis. The ratios of fluorescence intensities, which correlate to the intracellular pH, are independent of the expression levels of the pH probe, making the use of transiently or extrachromosomally expressed probes possible. We conducted an experiment on the kinetics of the pH homeostasis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultures grown to a stationary phase after ethanol or glucose addition and after exposure to weak acid stress and glucose pulse. Minor populations with pH homeostasis behaving differently upon treatments were identified.

Phenyl-imidazolo-cytidine analogues: structure-photophysical activity relationship and ability to detect single DNA mismatch.

PubMed

Kovaliov, Marina; Weitman, Michal; Major, Dan Thomas; Fischer, Bilha

2014-08-01

To expand the arsenal of fluorescent cytidine analogues for the detection of genetic material, we synthesized para-substituted phenyl-imidazolo-cytidine ((Ph)ImC) analogues 5a-g and established a relationship between their structure and fluorescence properties. These analogues were more emissive than cytidine (λem 398-420 nm, Φ 0.009-0.687), and excellent correlation was found between Φ of 5a-g and σp(-) of the substituent on the phenyl-imidazolo moiety (R(2) = 0.94). Calculations suggested that the dominant tautomer of (Ph)ImC in methanol solution is identical to that of cytidine. DFT calculations of the stable tautomer of selected (Ph)ImC analogues suggested a relationship between the HOMO-LUMO gap and Φ and explained the loss of fluorescence in the nitro analogue. Incorporation of the CF3-(Ph)ImdC analogue into a DNA probe resulted in 6-fold fluorescence quenching of the former. A 17-fold reduction of fluorescence was observed for the G-matched duplex vs ODN(CF3-(Ph)ImdC), while for A-mismatched duplex, only a 2-fold decrease was observed. Furthermore, since the quantum yield of ODN(CF3-(Ph)ImdC):ODN(G) was reduced 17-fold vs that of a single strand, whereas that of ODN(CF3-(Ph)ImdC):ORN(G) was reduced only 3.8-fold, ODN(CF3-(Ph)ImdC) appears to be a DNA-selective probe. We conclude that the ODN(CF3-(Ph)ImdC) probe, exhibiting emission sensitivity upon single nucleotide replacement, may be potentially useful for DNA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing.

New Amino-Acid-Based β-Phosphorylated Nitroxides for Probing Acidic pH in Biological Systems by EPR Spectroscopy.

PubMed

Thétiot-Laurent, Sophie; Gosset, Gaëlle; Clément, Jean-Louis; Cassien, Mathieu; Mercier, Anne; Siri, Didier; Gaudel-Siri, Anouk; Rockenbauer, Antal; Culcasi, Marcel; Pietri, Sylvia

2017-02-01

There is increasing interest in measuring pH in biological samples by using nitroxides with pH-dependent electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. Aiming to improve the spectral sensitivity (Δa X ) of these probes (i.e., the difference between the EPR hyperfine splitting (hfs) in their protonated and unprotonated forms), we characterized a series of novel linear α-carboxy, α'-diethoxyphosphoryl nitroxides constructed on an amino acid core and featuring an (α or α')-C-H bond. In buffer, the three main hfs (a N , a H , and a P ) of their EPR spectra vary reversibly with pH and, from a P or a H titration curves, a two- to fourfold increase in sensitivity was achieved compared to reference imidazoline or imidazolidine nitroxides. The crystallized carboxylate 10 b (pK a ≈3.6), which demonstrated low cytotoxicity and good resistance to bioreduction, was applied to probe stomach acidity in rats. The results pave the way to a novel generation of highly sensitive EPR pH markers. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fluorescent pH-Sensing Probe Based on Biorefinery Wood Lignosulfonate and Its Application in Human Cancer Cell Bioimaging.

PubMed

Xue, Yuyuan; Liang, Wanshan; Li, Yuan; Wu, Ying; Peng, Xinwen; Qiu, Xueqing; Liu, Jinbin; Sun, Runcang

2016-12-28

A water-soluble, ratiometric fluorescent pH probe, L-SRhB, was synthesized via grafting spirolactam Rhodamine B (SRhB) to lignosulfonate (LS). As the ring-opening product of L-SRhB, FL-SRhB was also prepared. The pH-response experiment indicated that L-SRhB showed a rapid response to pH changes from 4.60 to 6.20 with a pK a of 5.35, which indicated that L-SRhB has the potential for pH detection of acidic organelle. In addition, the two probes were internalized successfully by living cells through the endocytosis pathway and could distinguish normal cells from cancer cells by different cell staining rates. In addition, L-SRhB showed obvious cytotoxicity to cancer cells, whereas it was nontoxic to normal cells in the same condition. L-SRhB might have potential in cancer therapy. L-SRhB might be a promising ratiometric fluorescent pH sensor and bioimaging dye for the recognition of cancer cells. The results also provided a new perspective to the high-value utilization of lignin.

Measurements of spectral responses for developing fiber-optic pH sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, Wook Jae; Heo, Ji Yeon; Jang, Kyoung Won; Seo, Jeong Ki; Moon, Jin Soo; Park, Jang-Yeon; Park, Byung Gi; Cho, Seunghyun; Lee, Bongsoo

2011-01-01

In this study, we have fabricated a fiber-optic pH sensor, which is composed of a light source, a pH-sensing probe, plastic optical fibers and a spectrometer, for determining the degree of infection by Helicobacter pylori in the stomach. As pH indicators, phenol red and m-cresol purple are used, and pH liquid solutions are prepared by mixing phenol red or m-cresol purple solutions and various kinds of pH buffer solutions. The light emitted by a light source is guided by plastic optical fibers to the pH liquid solution, and the optical characteristic of a reflected light is changed according to the color variations of the pH indicator in the pH-sensing probe. Therefore, we have measured the intensities and wavelength shifts of the reflected lights, which change according to the color variations of indicators at different pH values, by using a spectrometer for spectral analysis. Also, the relationships between the pH values of liquid solutions and the optical properties of the modulated lights are obtained on the basis of the changes of the colors of indicators.

Lack of correlation between extended pH monitoring and scintigraphy in the evaluation of infants with gastroesophageal reflux

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

Tolia, V.; Calhoun, J.A.; Kuhns, L.R.

1990-05-01

Sixty-nine infants younger than 1 year of age, with symptoms of persistent vomiting, recurrent choking, apnea, persistent cough, or stridor, were evaluated for gastroesophageal reflux. All infants underwent extended intraesophageal pH monitoring for 16 to 24 hours as well as gastroesophageal scintigraphy with technetium 99m sulfur colloid to study the correlation between the two tests. Forty-eight infants exhibited reflux with extended pH monitoring whereas 46 infants showed reflux with scintigraphy. However, the diagnosis of reflux in individual patients by extended pH monitoring corresponded poorly with the diagnosis of reflux in the same patients by scintigraphy. Similarly, no correlation was observedmore » between extended pH monitoring and scintigraphy results, whether expressed as percent gastric emptying or as gastroesophageal reflux ratio. We conclude that extended pH monitoring and scintigraphy measure different pathophysiologic phenomena and detect reflux under different conditions. The ability of these tests to detect reflux may be complementary and they may be of greatest value when used together to enhance the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic evaluation. Extended pH monitoring and scintigraphy should not be used interchangeably to monitor gastroesophageal reflux.« less

Superdosing phytase reduces real-time gastric pH in broilers and weaned piglets.

PubMed

Lee, S A; Dunne, J; Febery, E; Wilcock, P; Mottram, T; Bedford, M R

2018-06-01

1. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of high phytase doses on growth performance and real-time gastric pH measurements in broiler chickens and pigs. 2. In the first experiment, 576 male Ross 308 broilers were fed in two phases (0-21 and 21-42 d) with 4 treatment groups, with diets meeting nutrient requirements containing 0, 500, 1500 or 2500 FTU/kg phytase. In the second, 64 Landrace weaners were fed on diets meeting nutrient requirements with or without phytase (0 or 2500 FTU/kg) in two phases (0-21 and 21-42 d). Heidelberg pH capsules were administered to 7 broilers and approximately 13 pigs per treatment group, pre- and post-phase change, with readings monitored over several hours. 3. Addition of phytase into an adequate Ca and P diet had no significant effect on broiler performance although phytase tended (P < 0.07) to improve feed conversion in pigs over the entire experimental period. Real-time pH capsule readings in broilers demonstrated an increase (P < 0.05) in gizzard pH when phytase was dosed at 500 or 1500 FTU/kg, while higher doses of 2500 FTU/kg phytase lowered pH to a level comparable to control birds. Gastric pH increased (P < 0.01) when animals were exposed to dietary phase change, signifying a potential challenge period for nutrient digestibility. However, pigs fed 2500 FTU/kg were able to maintain gastric pH levels through diet phase change. In contrast, spear-tip probe measurements showed no treatment effect on gastric pH. 4. These findings demonstrate dietary manipulation of gastric pH and the value of real-time pH capsule technology as a means of determining phytase dose response.

Nonlinear ultrasonic characterization of precipitation in 17-4PH stainless steel

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

Matlack, Kathryn; Bradley, Harrison A.; Thiele, Sebastian

2015-04-01

The extension of operational lifetime of most US nuclear reactors will cause reactor pressure vessel to be exposed to increased levels of neutron radiation damage. This research is part of a broader effort to develop a nondestructive evaluation technique to monitor radiation damage in reactor pressure vessel steels. The main contributor to radiation embrittlement in these steels is the formation of copper-rich precipitates. In this work, a precipitate hardenable martensitic alloy, 17-4PH stainless steel is exposed to thermal aging treatments, and used as a surrogate material to study the effects of copper precipitates on the measured acoustic nonlinearity parameter. Previousmore » work has demonstrated the effectiveness of these nonlinear ultrasonic (NLU) measurements in the characterization of radiation-induced microstructural changes in neutron irradiated reactor pressure vessel steels. NLU measurements using Rayleigh surface waves are performed on 17-4PH samples subjected to isothermal aging. NLU measurements are interpreted with hardness, thermo-electric power, TEM, and atom probe tomography measurements. The Rayleigh wave measurements showed a decrease in the acoustic nonlinearity parameter with increasing aging time, consistent with evidence of increasing number density of nucleated precipitates.« less

Measurement of vehicle potential using a mother-daughter tethered rocket

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Williamson, P. R.; Denig, W. F.; Banks, P. M.; Raitt, W. J.; Kawashima, N.; Hirao, K.; Oyama, K. I.; Sasaki, S.

1982-01-01

The equipment, experimental design, and results of mother-daughter tethered probes for measuring the potential of a spacecraft are described. The object was to inject a probe into the ionosphere by rocket and then lower an impedance voltage monitor-equipped section of the probe by means of a highly insulated wire. The mother probe, also carrying voltage monitors, would inject charges into the plasma that would be measured at both ends of the tether. Instrumentation on the daughter probe included voltage current monitors and a Langmuir probe, while the mother payload also carried a charge probe, floating probe, a Langmuir probe, and an impedance probe. The first launch was from Japan in 1980, and operations confirmed that Langmuir probes with area ratios less than 400:1 can produce changes in the vehicle potential if probe voltages of more than 10 V are applied in the collection mode. A ratio of 200:1 was sufficient for the daughter probe with voltages of 5 V. The experiment is concluded to verify the tethered probe method of measuring vehicle potential.

Timely confirmation of gastro-esophageal reflux disease via pH monitoring: estimating budget impact on managed care organizations.

PubMed

Lee, W C; Yeh, Y C; Lacy, B E; Pandolfino, J E; Brill, J V; Weinstein, M L; Carlson, A M; Williams, M J; Wittek, M R; Pashos, C L

2008-05-01

Current guidelines recommend the use of pH monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of acid reflux in patients with a normal endoscopy. This analysis evaluated the financial impact of pH monitoring with the wireless pH capsule on a managed care organization (MCO) in the United States. A decision model was constructed to project total 1-year costs to manage GERD symptoms with and without the adoption of wireless pH capsules in a hypothetical MCO with 10 000 eligible adult enrollees, of whom 600 presented with GERD-like symptoms. Costs of GERD diagnosis, treatment, and symptom management for those in whom a GERD diagnosis was ruled out by pH monitoring were assessed. The incremental per-member-per-month (PMPM) and per-treated-member-per-month (PTMPM) costs were the primary outcomes. Data sources included literature, expert input, and standardized fee schedules. An increase of 10 percentage points in the use of pH monitoring with wireless pH capsules yielded incremental PMPM and PTMPM costs of $0.029 and $0.481, respectively. The costs of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy to the plan dropped to $236,363 from $238,086, while increases were observed in pH monitoring (from $16 739 to $21 973) and non-GERD therapy costs (from $1392 to $1740). The results were sensitive to the percentage of patients requiring repeat endoscopy before wireless pH monitoring and the cost of PPIs. Timely and increased use of pH monitoring as recommended in published guidelines leads to less unnecessary use of PPIs with a modest budgetary impact on health plans.

How water molecules affect the catalytic activity of hydrolases--a XANES study of the local structures of peptide deformylase.

PubMed

Cui, Peixin; Wang, Yu; Chu, Wangsheng; Guo, Xiaoyun; Yang, Feifei; Yu, Meijuan; Zhao, Haifeng; Dong, Yuhui; Xie, Yaning; Gong, Weimin; Wu, Ziyu

2014-12-12

Peptide deformylase (PDF) is a prokaryotic enzyme that catalyzes the deformylation of nascent peptides generated during protein synthesis and water molecules play a key role in these hydrolases. Using X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) and ab initio calculations we accurately probe the local atomic environment of the metal ion binding in the active site of PDF at different pH values and with different metal ions. This new approach is an effective way to monitor existing correlations among functions and structural changes. We show for the first time that the enzymatic activity depends on pH values and metal ions via the bond length of the nearest coordinating water (Wat1) to the metal ion. Combining experimental and theoretical data we may claim that PDF exhibits an enhanced enzymatic activity only when the distance of the Wat1 molecule with the metal ion falls in the limited range from 2.15 to 2.55 Å.

Quantifying Interfacial pH Variation at Molecular Length Scales Using a Concurrent Non-Faradaic Reaction.

PubMed

Ryu, Jaeyune; Wuttig, Anna; Surendranath, Yogesh

2018-05-15

We quantify changes in the interfacial pH local to the electrochemical double layer during electrocatalysis, using a concurrent non-faradaic probe reaction. In the absence of electrocatalysis, nanostructured Pt/C surfaces mediate the reaction of H2 with cis-2-butene-1,4-diol to form a mixture of 1,4-butanediol and n-butanol with a selectivity that is linearly dependent on the bulk solution pH. We show that kinetic branching occurs from a common surface-bound intermediate, ensuring that this probe reaction is uniquely sensitive to the interfacial pH within molecular length scales of the surface. We use the pH-dependent selectivity of this reaction to track changes in interfacial pH during concurrent hydrogen oxidation electrocatalysis and find that the local pH can vary dramatically, > 3 units, relative to the bulk value even at modest current densities in well-buffered electrolytes. This work highlights the key role that interfacial pH variation plays in modulating inner-sphere electrocatalysis. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

[Alpha but not beta-adrenergic stimulation has a positive inotropic effect associated with alkalinization of intracellular pH].

PubMed

Gambassi, G; Lakatta, E G; Capogrossi, M C

1991-01-01

There is increasing evidence that alpha-adrenoceptors also exist in the myocardium and that an increase in force of contraction may be produced by stimulation of these sites. This positive inotropism seems to be dependent either on an increased amount of Ca++ released into the cytosol with each action potential or on increased myofilament responsiveness. In contrast, beta-adrenergic stimulation reduces the sensitivity of the contractile proteins and the positive inotropic effect is due to the activation of L-type calcium channels on the sarcolemma. We used single, isolated, enzymatically dissociated, adult rat ventricular myocytes. Cells were loaded either with the ester derivative of the Ca++ probe Indo-1 or with the intracellular pH probe Snarf-1 and at the same time we measured the contractile parameters and monitored the fluorescence as an index of intracellular calcium concentration or pH value. The single cells (bicarbonate buffer continuously gassed with O2 95%, CO2 5%, Ca++ 1.5 mM, field stimulation 0.5 Hz) were exposed to phenylephrine (50 microM) and nadolol (1 microM). Alpha-adrenergic stimulation increased twitch amplitude (delta ES = 1.93 +/- 0.77, n = 8; p less than 0.05) and showed only a slight increase in Ca++ transient. On the other end, the positive inotropic effect (delta ES = 2.84 +/- 0.86, n = 4; p less than 0.02) obtained with beta-adrenergic stimulation (isoproterenol 50 nM, bicarbonate buffer, Ca++ 0.5 mM, field stimulation 0.2 Hz) was always associated with a large increase in intracellular Ca++ concentration. Isoproterenol did not change intracellular pH (delta pH = 0.006 +/- 0.006, n = 4; NS) while phenylephrine increased it significantly (delta pH = 0.055 +/- 0.011, n = 8; p less than 0.002). Moreover, there was a statistically significant correlation between delta ES and delta pH (R2 = 0.532; p less than 0.05) when phenylephrine was present. This alkalinization as well as the increased contractility was antagonized by treatment with ethyl isopropyl-amiloride (10 microM), a selective Na+/H+ inhibitor (delta ES = 0.09 +/- 0.07, n = 6; NS and delta pH = -0.001 +/- 0.011, n = 6; NS). Thus, alpha-adrenergic stimulation in isolated cardiac cells exerts a positive inotropic effect and this is associated with a significant intracellular pH alkalinization. In contrast, the marked inotropic action of beta-stimulation does not involve any intracellular pH modulation. Therefore, it seems likely that, in myocardial cells, an increased myofilament responsiveness due to the alkalinization could represent a possible mechanism for the positive inotropic effect mediated by alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in children with pathological acid gastroesophageal reflux: primary and secondary to food allergy. Part II. Intraesophageal pH values in proximal channel; preliminary study and control studies--after 1, 2, 4 and 9 years of clinical observation as well as dietary and pharmacological treatment.

PubMed

Semeniuk, J; Kaczmarski, M

2007-01-01

Among 264 children suspected of GERD, acid GER was confirmed in 138 children on the basis of 24-hour pH monitoring. Comparative analysis of parameters of 24-hour intraesophageal pH monitoring with dual-channel probe (in proximal channel) in children with acid GER: primary and secondary to cow milk allergy and/or other food allergy (CMA/FA) diagnosed; comparison of examined values of pH monitoring parameters with regard to duration of the disease (preliminary study and prospective studies--after 1, 2, 4 and 9 years of clinical observation and/or conservative treatment). 264 children suspected of GERD, aged: 1.5-102 months; x = 20.78 +/- 17.23 months, were enrolled in a study. In order to differentiate acid primary GER from GER secondary to CMA/FA in 138 (52.3%) children with GERD immunoallergological tests were performed. Positive result of oral food challenge test confirmed the allergy being the cause of GER. 138 children with pathological acid GER were qualified into two groups: 1 and 2. Group 1--76 patients (55.1%), aged: 4-102 months; x = 25.2 +/- 27.28 months, with pathological primary GER. Group 2--62 patients (44.9%), aged: 4-74 months; x = 21.53 +/- 17.79 months, with pathological GER secondary to CMA/FA. Significant differentiation of the mean values of these parameters between preliminary study and control studies within groups was shown in the case of: number of episodes of acid GER and duration of the longest episode of acid GER, acid GER index: total and supine (proximal channel). Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was higher in group 1, especially during prospective clinical observation and/or conservative treatment. At the same time significant differentiation of the mean values of: number of episodes of acid GER and episodes of acid GER lasting more than 5 minutes and mean values of acid GER index: total and supine was shown between the groups. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was higher in group 2. The preliminary study of examined children confirmed that values of pH monitoring in proximal channel were comparable to those in distal channel and did not contribute to differentiation of GER into primary and secondary. During prospective clinical observation and/or clinical treatment, on the basis of consecutive measurements, especially the number of episodes of acid GER and episodes of acid GER lasting more than 5 minutes, and also supine acid GER index it was stated that GER secondary to CMA/FA was of wider extent (higher) in comparison with primary GER in these patients.

Label-Free Electrochemical Detection of the Specific Oligonucleotide Sequence of Dengue Virus Type 1 on Pencil Graphite Electrodes

PubMed Central

Souza, Elaine; Nascimento, Gustavo; Santana, Nataly; Ferreira, Danielly; Lima, Manoel; Natividade, Edna; Martins, Danyelly; Lima-Filho, José

2011-01-01

A biosensor that relies on the adsorption immobilization of the 18-mer single-stranded nucleic acid related to dengue virus gene 1 on activated pencil graphite was developed. Hybridization between the probe and its complementary oligonucleotides (the target) was investigated by monitoring guanine oxidation by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The pencil graphite electrode was made of ordinary pencil lead (type 4B). The polished surface of the working electrode was activated by applying a potential of 1.8 V for 5 min. Afterward, the dengue oligonucleotides probe was immobilized on the activated electrode by applying 0.5 V to the electrode in 0.5 M acetate buffer (pH 5.0) for 5 min. The hybridization process was carried out by incubating at the annealing temperature of the oligonucleotides. A time of five minutes and concentration of 1 μM were found to be the optimal conditions for probe immobilization. The electrochemical detection of annealing between the DNA probe (TS-1P) immobilized on the modified electrode, and the target (TS-1T) was achieved. The target could be quantified in a range from 1 to 40 nM with good linearity and a detection limit of 0.92 nM. The specificity of the electrochemical biosensor was tested using non-complementary sequences of dengue virus 2 and 3. PMID:22163916

Fluorescent probes in biology and medicine: measurement of intracellular pH values in individual cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Slavik, Jan; Cimprich, Petr; Gregor, Martin; Smetana, Karel, Jr.

1997-12-01

The application possibilities of fluorescent probes have increased dramatically in the last few years. The main areas are as follows (Slavik, 1994, 1996, 1998). Intracellular ionic cell composition: There are selective ion-sensitive dyes for H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, Fe3+, Cl-, Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Ba2+, La3+. Membrane potential: Using the so-called slow (Nernstian dyes) or electrochromic dyes one can assess the value of the transmembrane potential. Membrane fluidity: Fluorescent probes inform about the freedom of rotational and translational movement of membrane proteins and lipids. Selective labeling: Almost any object of interest inside the cell or on its surface can be selectively fluorescently labeled. There are dyes specific for DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides (FISH), Golgi, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, vacuoles, cytoskeleton, etc. Using fluorescent dyes specific receptors may be localized, their conformational changes followed and the polarity of corresponding binding sites accessed. The endocytic pathway may be followed, enzymes and their local enzymatic activity localized. For really selective labeling fluorescent labeled antibodies exist. Imaging: One of the main advantages of fluorescence imaging is its versatility. It allow choice among ratio imaging in excitation, ratio imaging in emission and lifetime imaging. These approaches can be applied to both the classical wide-field fluorescence microscopy and to the laser confocal fluorescence microscopy, one day possibly to the scanning near field optical microscopy. Simultaneous application of several fluorescent dyes: The technical progress in both excitation sources and in detectors allows to extend the excitation deeper in the blue and ultraviolet side and the detection further in the NIR and IR. Consequently, up to 6 peaks in excitation and up to 6 peaks in emission can be followed without any substantial difficulties. Application of dyes such with longer fluorescence lifetimes such as rare earth dyes gives chance for the separated detection of another six peak pairs. The literature data on simultaneous applications of several fluorescent dyes are rare, usually it is only pH and calcium, pH and membrane potential or pH and cytoskeleton changes that are mentioned. Nevertheless, I am sure that in the near future it will be quite common to employ several fluorescent dyes simultaneously. So, in a few years, you may expect to be comfortably seated in an armchair in front of the monitor screen, sip your coffee and follow simultaneously several physiological parameters trying to find out new relations among them. In this respect the potential of fluorescent probes is unsurpassed if you just recall only the discovery of calcium waves and calcium spikes during the past years.

Real-time pH monitoring of industrially relevant enzymatic reactions in a microfluidic side-entry reactor (μSER) shows potential for pH control.

PubMed

Gruber, Pia; Marques, Marco P C; Sulzer, Philipp; Wohlgemuth, Roland; Mayr, Torsten; Baganz, Frank; Szita, Nicolas

2017-06-01

Monitoring and control of pH is essential for the control of reaction conditions and reaction progress for any biocatalytic or biotechnological process. Microfluidic enzymatic reactors are increasingly proposed for process development, however typically lack instrumentation, such as pH monitoring. We present a microfluidic side-entry reactor (μSER) and demonstrate for the first time real-time pH monitoring of the progression of an enzymatic reaction in a microfluidic reactor as a first step towards achieving pH control. Two different types of optical pH sensors were integrated at several positions in the reactor channel which enabled pH monitoring between pH 3.5 and pH 8.5, thus a broader range than typically reported. The sensors withstood the thermal bonding temperatures typical of microfluidic device fabrication. Additionally, fluidic inputs along the reaction channel were implemented to adjust the pH of the reaction. Time-course profiles of pH were recorded for a transketolase and a penicillin G acylase catalyzed reaction. Without pH adjustment, the former showed a pH increase of 1 pH unit and the latter a pH decrease of about 2.5 pH units. With pH adjustment, the pH drop of the penicillin G acylase catalyzed reaction was significantly attenuated, the reaction condition kept at a pH suitable for the operation of the enzyme, and the product yield increased. This contribution represents a further step towards fully instrumented and controlled microfluidic reactors for biocatalytic process development. © 2017 The Authors. Biotechnology Journal published by WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Clinical evaluation of a new intracranial pressure monitoring device.

PubMed

Stendel, R; Heidenreich, J; Schilling, A; Akhavan-Sigari, R; Kurth, R; Picht, T; Pietilä, T; Suess, O; Kern, C; Meisel, J; Brock, M

2003-03-01

Continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) still plays a key role in the management of patients at risk from intracranial hypertension. Numerous ICP-measuring devices are available. The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatibility of the recently developed Neurovent-P(REHAU AG+CO, REHAU, Germany) ICP monitoring device. In a prospective two-center study, a total of 98 patients with severe head injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracerebral haemorrhage, and non-traumatic brain edema underwent intraparenchymal monitoring of ICP using the Neurovent-P. A control group comprising 50 patients underwent implantation of the Camino-OLM-110-4B ICP monitor. The zero drift of the probes was determined before and after the ICP recording period. Technical and medical complications were documented. The MRI compatibility of the Neurovent-P ICP probe was investigated by evaluating artifacts caused by the probe, probe function and temperature changes during MRI, and probe movement caused by the magnetic field. The mean zero drift was 0.2+/-0.41 mmHg (maximum 3 mmHg) for the Neurovent-P ICP probes and 0.4+/-0.57 mmHg (maximum 12 mmHg) for the Camino-OLM-110-4B ICP probes. No significant correlation was identified between the extent of zero drift following the removal of the probes and the length of monitoring. Intraparenchymal haemorrhage spatially related to the probe occurred in 1 out of 50 (2%) patients with a Camino-OLM-110-4B probe and in 1 out of 98 (1%) with a Neurovent-P. Damage of the probe due to kinking or overextension of the cable or glass fiber occurred in 4 of the 50 (8%) Camino-OLM-110-4B ICP probes and in 5 of the 98 (5%) Neurovent-P probes. On T2-weighted MR images, the Neurovent-P ICP probe induced only small artifacts with very good discrimination of the surrounding tissue. On T1-weighted MR images, there was a good imaging quality but artifact-related local disturbances in signal occurred. There was no temperature change in the Neurovent-P probe and in the surrounding brain tissue during MR imaging. The Neurovent-P ICP measuring system is a safe and reliable tool for ICP monitoring. Handling of the Neurovent-P system is safe when performed properly.

The application of pH-sensitive fluorescent dyes in lactic acid bacteria reveals distinct extrusion systems for unmodified and conjugated dyes.

PubMed

Glaasker, E; Konings, W N; Poolman, B

1996-01-01

Intracellular pH in bacteria can be measured efficiently between internal pH values of 6.5 and 8.5 with the fluorescent pH indicator 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5[and-6]-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). A new fluorescent pH probe with a lower pKa(app) than BCECF was synthesized from fluorescein isothiocyanate and glutamate. The new probe, N-(fluorescein thio-ureanyl)-glutamate (FTUG), was much less sensitive to changes in concentrations of KCl than was BCECF. Similar to BCECF, an efflux of FTUG independent of the proton motive force, but dependent on ATP, was observed both in Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus lactis. Corrections for probe efflux allowed accurate measurements of the pHin. Similar intracellular pH values were determined with FTUG and BCECF, in the range where both probes can be applied, and the pH values correlated well with those estimated from the distribution of radio-labelled benzoic acid. Since FITC can easily be coupled to substrates containing an amino group, it is possible to develop other FITC derivatives as well. The mechanisms of probe excretion and the nature of the excreted product(s) were studied in further detail for BCECF and FTUG. BCECF was excreted from wild-type L. lactis in an unmodified form as was determined by chromatographic and mass spectrometry analysis. In the case of FTUG, the excreted product was a conjugated derivative. Unmodified FTUG was not excreted, although it was present in cellular extracts from L. lactis. Exit of BCECF was completely inhibited in a BCECF efflux mutant (Bef-) of L. lactis, whereas FTUG-conjugate efflux in this mutant was similar to the wild-type. Addition of indomethacin, a known inhibitor of BCECF efflux in human epithelial cells, resulted in complete inhibition of BCECF efflux in wild-type L. lactis, whereas FTUG-conjugate exit was only slightly affected. The results of the mutant and inhibitor studies suggest that FTUG-conjugate and BCECF efflux in L. lactis are mediated by different ATP-driven extrusion systems for organic anions.

Contactless, probeless and non-titrimetric determination of acid-base reactions using broadband acoustic resonance dissolution spectroscopy (BARDS).

PubMed

Ahmed, M Rizwan; McSweeney, Sean; Krüse, Jacob; Vos, Bastiaan; Fitzpatrick, Dara

2018-02-12

pH determination is a routine measurement in scientific laboratories worldwide. Most major advances in pH measurement were made in the 19th and early 20th century. pH measurements are critical for the determination of acid base reactions. This study demonstrates how an acid-base reaction can be monitored without the use of a pH probe, indicator and titres of reagent. The stoichiometric reaction between carbonate and HCl acid yields specific quantities of CO 2 , which causes reproducible changes to the compressibility of the solvent. This in turn slows down the speed of sound in solution which is induced by a magnetic follower gently tapping the inner wall of the vessel. As a consequence the frequencies of the acoustic resonances in the vessel are reduced. This approach is called Broadband Acoustic Resonance Dissolution Spectroscopy (BARDS) which harnesses this phenomenon for many applications. The acid-carbonate experiments have also been validated using H 2 SO 4 acid and using both potassium and sodium counterions for the carbonate. This method can be used to interrogate strong acid-base reactions in a rapid and non-invasive manner using carbonate as the base. The data demonstrate the first example of a reactant also acting as an indicator. The applicability of the method to weak acids has yet to be determined. A novel conclusion from the study is that a person with a well-trained ear is capable of determining the concentration and pH of a strong acid just by listening. This brings pH measurement into the realm of human perception.

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

Norton, R.S.; Cossins, A.I.; Kem, W.R.

The solution properties of the polypeptide neurotoxin I from the sea anemone Stichodactyla helianthus (Sh I) have been investigated by high-resolution H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy at 300 MHz. The pH dependence of the spectra has been examined over the range 1.1-12.2 at 27{degree}C. Individual pK{sub a} values have been obtained for the {alpha}-ammonium group of Ala-1 (8.6) and the side chains of Glu-8 (3.7), Tyr-36 (10.9), and Tyr-37 (10.8). For the remaining seven carboxyl groups in the molecule, four pK{sub a} values can be clearly identified. The five Lys residues titrate in the range 10.5-11, but individual pK{submore » a} values could not be obtained because of peak overlap. Conformational changes associated with the protonation of carboxylates occur below pH 4, while in the alkaline pH range major unfolding occurs above pH 10. The molecule also unfolds at elevated temperatures. Exchange of the backbone amide protons has been monitored at various values of pH and temperature in the ranges pH 4-5 and 12-27{degree}C. Comparison of these properties of Sh I in solution with those of the related polypeptides anthopleurin A and Anemonia sulcata toxins I and II indicates that Sh I is less stable thermally and that there are some significant differences in the ionic interactions that maintain the tertiary structure. The solvent accessibility of aromatic residues has been probed with photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization NMR at 360 MHz.« less

In vivo pH monitoring using boron doped diamond microelectrode and silver needles: Application to stomach disorder diagnosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fierro, Stéphane; Seishima, Ryo; Nagano, Osamu; Saya, Hideyuki; Einaga, Yasuaki

2013-11-01

This study presents the in vivo electrochemical monitoring of pH using boron doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode and silver needles for potential application in medical diagnosis. Accurate calibration curve for pH determination were obtained through in vitro electrochemical measurements. The increase induced in stomach pH by treatment with pantoprazole was used to demonstrate that it is possible to monitor the pH in vivo using the simple and noninvasive system proposed herein. Using the results of the in vivo and in vitro experiments, a quantitative analysis of the increase in stomach pH is also presented. It is proposed that the catheter-free pH monitoring system presented in this study could be potentially employed in any biological environment.

In vivo pH monitoring using boron doped diamond microelectrode and silver needles: application to stomach disorder diagnosis.

PubMed

Fierro, Stéphane; Seishima, Ryo; Nagano, Osamu; Saya, Hideyuki; Einaga, Yasuaki

2013-11-19

This study presents the in vivo electrochemical monitoring of pH using boron doped diamond (BDD) microelectrode and silver needles for potential application in medical diagnosis. Accurate calibration curve for pH determination were obtained through in vitro electrochemical measurements. The increase induced in stomach pH by treatment with pantoprazole was used to demonstrate that it is possible to monitor the pH in vivo using the simple and noninvasive system proposed herein. Using the results of the in vivo and in vitro experiments, a quantitative analysis of the increase in stomach pH is also presented. It is proposed that the catheter-free pH monitoring system presented in this study could be potentially employed in any biological environment.

Indications of 24-h esophageal pH monitoring, capsule pH monitoring, combined pH monitoring with multichannel impedance, esophageal manometry, radiology and scintigraphy in gastroesophageal reflux disease?

PubMed

Vardar, Rukiye; Keskin, Muharrem

2017-12-01

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is an essential method in patients exhibiting signs of non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) to make an objective diagnosis. Intra-esophageal pH monitoring is important in patients who are non-responsive to medications and in those with extraesophageal symptoms, particularly in NERD, before surgical interventions. With the help of the wireless capsule pH monitoring, measurements can be made under more physiological conditions as well as longer recordings can be performed because the investigation can be better tolerated by patients. Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring can be detected within normal limits in 17%-31.4% of the patients with endoscopic esophagitis; therefore, normal pH monitoring cannot exclude the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Multi-channel intraluminal impedance pH (MII-pH) technology have been developed and currently the most sensitive tool to evaluate patients with both typical and atypical reflux symptoms. The sensitivity of a pH catheter test is 58% for the detection of acid reflux compared with MII-pH monitoring; further, its sensitivity is 28% for the detection of weak acid reflux compared with MII-pH monitoring. By adding impedance to pH catheter in patients with reflux symptoms, particularly in those receiving PPIs, it has been demonstrated that higher rates of diagnoses and symptom analyses can be obtained than those using only pH catheter. Esophageal manometry is used in the evaluation of patients with functional dysphagia and unexplained noncardiac chest pain and prior to antireflux surgery. The use of esophageal manometry is suitable for the detection of esophageal motor patterns and extreme motor abnormalities (e.g., achalasia and extreme hypomotility). Esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring are often used in assessments prior to laparoscopic antireflux surgery and in patients with reflux symptoms refractory to medical treatment. Although the esophageal motility is predominantly normal in patients with non-acid reflux, ineffective esophageal motility is often monitored in patients with acid reflux. In the literature, there are contradictory and an insufficient number of studies regarding radiological methods for the diagnosis of GERD. There are inconsistent values for sensitivity and specificity among the barium studies. There are inadequate studies in the literature involving scintigraphic examinations in the diagnosis of GERD, and a majority of existing studies have been conducted in the pediatric group. The results of a few studies do not provide sufficient contribution toward the implementation in clinical practice.

Comparison of Characteristics According to Reflux Type in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux.

PubMed

Lee, Jun Seok; Jung, Ah Ra; Park, Jung Min; Park, Myung Jin; Lee, Young Chan; Eun, Young-Gyu

2018-06-01

To analyze laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) as an acidic, nonacidic, or mixed type according to 24-hour multi-channel intraluminal impedance (MII) pH monitoring and the clinical characteristics of each type. Ninety patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent 24-hour MII pH monitoring as a diagnostic tool. Eighty-three patients were diagnosed with LPR. The patients were classified into three groups according to the pH of the hypopharyngeal probe: the acid reflux group, nonacid reflux group, and mixed reflux group. Subjective symptoms and objective findings were evaluated based on patients' responses to the Short Form 12 Survey (SF-12), LPR health-related quality of life (LPR-HRQOL), reflux symptom index, and reflux finding score. The results of each group were compared. As a result, 34 patients were classified into the nonacid reflux group and 49 into the mixed reflux group. There were no patients classified as having acid reflux alone. There was no significant difference between the two groups when comparing the reflux symptom index, reflux finding score, LPR-HRQOL, or the mental component score of the SF-12. However, the physical component score of the SF-12 was higher in the nonacid reflux group ( P =0.018). The DeMeester composite score ( P =0.015) and total number of LPR events ( P =0.001) were lower in the nonacid reflux group than in the mixed reflux group. In conclusion, no LPR patient had only acid reflux. The nonacid reflux LPR patients showed similar clinical characteristics and findings compared to the mixed reflux group, but exhibited significantly fewer LPR episodes.

Deciphering the Sensitivity and Specificity of the Implantable Doppler Probe in Free Flap Monitoring.

PubMed

Chang, Edward I; Ibrahim, Amir; Zhang, Hong; Liu, Jun; Nguyen, Alexander T; Reece, Gregory P; Yu, Peirong

2016-03-01

The efficacy of implantable Doppler probes remains an area of considerable debate. This study aims to decipher its sensitivity and specificity for free flap monitoring. A retrospective review of all free flaps with an implantable Doppler probe was performed between 2000 and 2012. A Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler probe was used in 439 patients (head and neck, n = 364; breast, n = 53; extremity, n = 22), and demonstrated equivalent sensitivity and specificity between flap types. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 77.8 percent and 88.4 percent, respectively. The artery was monitored in 267 patients, compared to venous monitoring in 101 patients, and in 71 patients both the artery and vein were monitored. Arterial monitoring had significantly greater specificity than venous monitoring, (94.2 percent versus 74.0 percent; p < 0.001), but no benefit was found in monitoring both the artery and the vein. Venous monitoring was significantly associated with reoperation (OR, 3.17; 95 percent CI, 1.70 to 5.91; p = 0.0003). There were 284 flaps that had a monitoring segment in addition to the implantable Doppler probe that significantly increased overall specificity for microvascular complications (OR, 17.71; 95 percent CI, 3.39 to 92.23; p = 0.0006). The specificity (90.5 percent versus 84.8 percent) and sensitivity (80.0 percent versus 66.7 percent) were significantly higher for clinically monitored flaps. The take-back rate was 13.0 percent, with positive findings in 59.6 percent, and 5.2 percent total flap loss. The use of implantable Doppler probes has high sensitivity and specificity for buried free flaps despite positive findings in less than 60 percent of take-backs. Monitoring the artery is recommended, but clinical examination remains the gold standard for flap monitoring. Diagnostic, IV.

New Optical Sensing Materials for Application in Marine Research

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borisov, S.; Klimant, I.

2012-04-01

Optical chemosensors are versatile analytical tools which find application in numerous fields of science and technology. They proved to be a promising alternative to electrochemical methods and are applied increasingly often in marine research. However, not all state-of-the- art optical chemosensors are suitable for these demanding applications since they do not fully fulfil the requirements of high luminescence brightness, high chemical- and photochemical stability or their spectral properties are not adequate. Therefore, development of new advanced sensing materials is still of utmost importance. Here we present a set of novel optical sensing materials recently developed in the Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry which are optimized for marine applications. Particularly, we present new NIR indicators and sensors for oxygen and pH which feature high brightness and low level of autofluorescence. The oxygen sensors rely on highly photostable metal complexes of benzoporphyrins and azabenzoporphyrins and enable several important applications such as simultaneous monitoring of oxygen and chlorophyll or ultra-fast oxygen monitoring (Eddy correlation). We also developed ulta-sensitive oxygen optodes which enable monitoring in nM range and are primary designed for investigation of oxygen minimum zones. The dynamic range of our new NIR pH indicators based on aza-BODIPY dyes is optimized for the marine environment. A highly sensitive NIR luminescent phosphor (chromium(III) doped yttrium aluminium borate) can be used for non-invasive temperature measurements. Notably, the oxygen, pH sensors and temperature sensors are fully compatible with the commercially available fiber-optic readers (Firesting from PyroScience). An optical CO2 sensor for marine applications employs novel diketopyrrolopyrrol indicators and enables ratiometric imaging using a CCD camera. Oxygen, pH and temperature sensors suitable for lifetime and ratiometric imaging of analytes distribution are also realized. To enable versatility of applications we also obtained a range of nano- and microparticles suitable for intra- and extracellular imaging of the above analytes. Bright ratiometric 2-photon-excitable probes were also developed. Magnetic microparticles are demonstrated to be very promising tools for imaging of oxygen, temperature and other parameters in biofilms, corals etc. since they combine the sensing function with the possibility of external manipulation.

Towards label-free and site-specific probing of the local pH in proteins: pH-dependent deep UV Raman spectra of histidine and tyrosine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bröermann, Andreas; Steinhoff, Heinz-Jürgen; Schlücker, Sebastian

2014-09-01

The site-specific pH is an experimental probe for assessing models of structural folding and function of a protein as well as protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions. It can be determined by various techniques such as NMR, FT-IR, fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy. The latter require the use of external labels, i.e., employ pH-dependent dyes and spin labels, respectively. In this contribution, we outline an approach to a label-free and site-specific method for determining the local pH using deep ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopic fingerprints of the aromatic amino acids histidine and tyrosine in combination with a robust algorithm that determines the pH value using three UVRR reference spectra and without prior knowledge of the pKa.

The potential of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combine phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) for diseases diagnosis, treatment and monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Kanheng; Wang, Yan; Feng, Kairui; Li, Chunhui; Huang, Zhihong

2018-02-01

HIFU is a truly noninvasive, acoustic therapeutic technique that utilizes high intensity acoustic field in the focus to kill the targeted tissue for disease treatment purpose. The mechanical properties of targeted tissue changes before and after treatment, and this change can be accurately detected by shear wave elastography. Hence, shear wave elastography is usually used for monitoring HIFU treatment asynchronously. To improve the low spatial resolution in ultrasound shear wave elastography, and to perform diseases diagnosis, treatment and monitoring in the same system, a new setup that combines HIFU and PhS-OCT system was proposed in this study. This proposed setup could do 1) HIFU treatment when the transducer works at high energy level, 2) ultrasound induced shear wave optical coherence elastography for HIFU treatment asynchronous monitoring when the transducer works at low energy level. Ex-vivo bovine liver tissue was treated at the same energy level for different time (0s, 1s, 5s, 9s) in this research. Elastography was performed on the lesion area of the sample after HIFU treatment, and the elastogram was reconstructed by the time of flight time method. The elastogram results clearly show the boundary of HIFU lesion area and surrounding normal tissue, even for 1s treatment time. And the average elasticity of the lesion grows linearly as the treatment time increases. Combined with OCT needle probe, the proposed method has a large potential not only to be used for superficial diseases treatment, but also to be used for high-precision-demanded diseases treatment, e.g. nervous disease treatment.

The combination of pH monitoring in the most distal esophagus and symptom association analysis markedly improves the clinical value of esophageal pH tests.

PubMed

Hall, Mats Guerrero Garcia; Wenner, Jörgen; Öberg, Stefan

2016-01-01

The poor sensitivity of esophageal pH monitoring substantially limits the clinical value of the test. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of esophageal pH monitoring and symptom association analysis performed at the conventional level with that obtained in the most distal esophagus. Eighty-two patients with typical reflux symptoms and 49 asymptomatic subjects underwent dual 48-h pH monitoring with the electrodes positioned immediately above, and 6 cm above the squamo-columnar junction (SCJ). The degree of esophageal acid exposure and the temporal relationship between reflux events and symptoms were evaluated. The sensitivity of pH recording and the diagnostic yield of Symptom Association Probability (SAP) were significantly higher for pH monitoring performed at the distal compared with the conventional level (82% versus 65%, p<0.001 and 74% versus 62%, p<0.001, respectively). The greatest improvement was observed in patients with non-erosive disease. In this group, the sensitivity increased from 46% at the standard level to 66% immediately above the SCJ, and with the combination of a positive SAP as a marker for a positive pH test, the diagnostic yield further increased to 94%. The diagnostic accuracy of esophageal pH monitoring in the most distal esophagus is superior to that performed at the conventional level and it is further improved with the combination of symptom association analysis. PH monitoring with the pH electrode positioned immediately above the SCJ should be introduced in clinical practice and always combined with symptom association analysis.

Effective and efficient detection of pH fluctuations based on ratiometric metallic-ciprofloxacin architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhuosen; Gao, Jinwei; Zhang, Kaibo; Mai, Zhihong; Wang, Qianming

2018-07-01

The availability of lanthanide ciprofloxacin complexes and the exploration of efficient new ways to the target species have made fluorescent signals as essential tools for chemical sensing. Both terbium (III) and europium (III) compounds possess easily distinguished, line-like emission bands occurring in the green and red region respectively. Based on the steps of ionizations and the coordination structure changes, the two molecular probes give rise to unique pH-sensitivities at different conditions. The photoluminescence properties of the mixture for the two complexes are demonstrated. At pH from 3 to 6, the Eu(III) emission is found to be less affected and the solution emits blue light in acidic environment (pH = 3). The terbium (III) characteristic luminescence exhibited off-on changes within a narrow pH range (pH = 5-6). Further spectroscopic pH titrations (pH from 6 to 10) are performed and the Eu (III) red emission has been significantly improved. The molecular-based probes have excellent water solubility, negligible cytotoxicity and enough permeability to across cell membrane. Such pH-responsive performance has been carried out for the investigation of intracellular pH measurement and these novel pH indicators were considered to be suitable for detecting bio-medical samples.

Problems, pitfalls and probes: Welcome to the jungle of electrochemical noise technology

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

Edgemon, G.L.

1998-02-19

The rise in electrochemical noise (EN) as a corrosion monitoring technique has resulted in unique problems associated with the field application of this method. Many issues relate to the design of the EN probe electrodes. The ability of an electrochemical noise monitoring system to identify and discriminate between localized corrosion mechanisms is related primarily to the capability of the probe to separate the corrosion cell anode from the corresponding cathode. Effectiveness of this separation is largely determined by the details of and the proper design of the probe that is in the environment of interest. No single probe design ormore » geometry can be effectively use in every situation to monitor all types of corrosion. In this paper the authors focus on a case study and probe development history related to monitoring corrosion in an extremely hostile environment using EN. While the ultimate application of EN was and continues to be successful, the case study shows that patience and persistence was necessary to meet and properly implement the monitoring program. Other possible source of problems and frustration with implementing EN are also discussed.« less

Carbon-Based Solid-State Calcium Ion-Selective Microelectrode and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: A Quantitative Study of pH-Dependent Release of Calcium Ions from Bioactive Glass.

PubMed

Ummadi, Jyothir Ganesh; Downs, Corey J; Joshi, Vrushali S; Ferracane, Jack L; Koley, Dipankar

2016-03-15

Solid-state ion-selective electrodes are used as scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) probes because of their inherent fast response time and ease of miniaturization. In this study, we report the development of a solid-state, low-poly(vinyl chloride), carbon-based calcium ion-selective microelectrode (Ca(2+)-ISME), 25 μm in diameter, capable of performing an amperometric approach curve and serving as a potentiometric sensor. The Ca(2+)-ISME has a broad linear response range of 5 μM to 200 mM with a near Nernstian slope of 28 mV/log[a(Ca(2+))]. The calculated detection limit for Ca(2+)-ISME is 1 μM. The selectivity coefficients of this Ca(2+)-ISME are log K(Ca(2+),A) = -5.88, -5.54, and -6.31 for Mg(2+), Na(+), and K(+), respectively. We used this new type of Ca(2+)-ISME as an SECM probe to quantitatively map the chemical microenvironment produced by a model substrate, bioactive glass (BAG). In acidic conditions (pH 4.5), BAG was found to increase the calcium ion concentration from 0.7 mM ([Ca(2+)] in artificial saliva) to 1.4 mM at 20 μm above the surface. In addition, a solid-state dual SECM pH probe was used to correlate the release of calcium ions with the change in local pH. Three-dimensional pH and calcium ion distribution mapping were also obtained by using these solid-state probes. The quantitative mapping of pH and Ca(2+) above the BAG elucidates the effectiveness of BAG in neutralizing and releasing calcium ions in acidic conditions.

Analysis of β-Subgroup Proteobacterial Ammonia Oxidizer Populations in Soil by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis Analysis and Hierarchical Phylogenetic Probing

PubMed Central

Stephen, John R.; Kowalchuk, George A.; Bruns, Mary-Ann V.; McCaig, Allison E.; Phillips, Carol J.; Embley, T. Martin; Prosser, James I.

1998-01-01

A combination of denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and oligonucleotide probing was used to investigate the influence of soil pH on the compositions of natural populations of autotrophic β-subgroup proteobacterial ammonia oxidizers. PCR primers specific to this group were used to amplify 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) from soils maintained for 36 years at a range of pH values, and PCR products were analyzed by DGGE. Genus- and cluster-specific probes were designed to bind to sequences within the region amplified by these primers. A sequence specific to all β-subgroup ammonia oxidizers could not be identified, but probes specific for Nitrosospira clusters 1 to 4 and Nitrosomonas clusters 6 and 7 (J. R. Stephen, A. E. McCaig, Z. Smith, J. I. Prosser, and T. M. Embley, Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 62:4147–4154, 1996) were designed. Elution profiles of probes against target sequences and closely related nontarget sequences indicated a requirement for high-stringency hybridization conditions to distinguish between different clusters. DGGE banding patterns suggested the presence of Nitrosomonas cluster 6a and Nitrosospira clusters 2, 3, and 4 in all soil plots, but results were ambiguous because of overlapping banding patterns. Unambiguous band identification of the same clusters was achieved by combined DGGE and probing of blots with the cluster-specific radiolabelled probes. The relative intensities of hybridization signals provided information on the apparent selection of different Nitrosospira genotypes in samples of soil of different pHs. The signal from the Nitrosospira cluster 3 probe decreased significantly, relative to an internal control probe, with decreasing soil pH in the range of 6.6 to 3.9, while Nitrosospira cluster 2 hybridization signals increased with increasing soil acidity. Signals from Nitrosospira cluster 4 were greatest at pH 5.5, decreasing at lower and higher values, while Nitrosomonas cluster 6a signals did not vary significantly with pH. These findings are in agreement with a previous molecular study (J. R. Stephen, A. E. McCaig, Z. Smith, J. I. Prosser, and T. M. Embley, Appl. Environ. Microbiol 62:4147–4154, 1996) of the same sites, which demonstrated the presence of the same four clusters of ammonia oxidizers and indicated that selection might be occurring for clusters 2 and 3 at acid and neutral pHs, respectively. The two studies used different sets of PCR primers for amplification of 16S rDNA sequences from soil, and the similar findings suggest that PCR bias was unlikely to be a significant factor. The present study demonstrates the value of DGGE and probing for rapid analysis of natural soil communities of β-subgroup proteobacterial ammonia oxidizers, indicates significant pH-associated differences in Nitrosospira populations, and suggests that Nitrosospira cluster 2 may be of significance for ammonia-oxidizing activity in acid soils. PMID:9687457

Revisiting Mitochondrial pH with an Improved Algorithm for Calibration of the Ratiometric 5(6)-carboxy-SNARF-1 Probe Reveals Anticooperative Reaction with H+ Ions and Warrants Further Studies of Organellar pH

PubMed Central

Żurawik, Tomasz Michał; Pomorski, Adam; Belczyk-Ciesielska, Agnieszka; Goch, Grażyna; Niedźwiedzka, Katarzyna; Kucharczyk, Róża; Krężel, Artur; Bal, Wojciech

2016-01-01

Fluorescence measurements of pH and other analytes in the cell rely on accurate calibrations, but these have routinely used algorithms that inadequately describe the properties of indicators. Here, we have established a more accurate method for calibrating and analyzing data obtained using the ratiometric probe 5(6)-carboxy-SNARF-1. We tested the implications of novel approach to measurements of pH in yeast mitochondria, a compartment containing a small number of free H+ ions. Our findings demonstrate that 5(6)-carboxy-SNARF-1 interacts with H+ ions inside the mitochondria in an anticooperative manner (Hill coefficient n of 0.5) and the apparent pH inside the mitochondria is ~0.5 unit lower than had been generally assumed. This result, at odds with the current consensus on the mechanism of energy generation in the mitochondria, is in better agreement with theoretical considerations and warrants further studies of organellar pH. PMID:27557123

pH at the micellar interface: synthesis of pH probes derived from salicylic acid, acid-base dissociation in sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles, and Poisson-Boltzmann simulation.

PubMed

Souza, T P; Zanette, D; Kawanami, A E; de Rezende, L; Ishiki, H M; do Amaral, A T; Chaimovich, H; Agostinho-Neto, A; Cuccovia, I M

2006-05-01

The study of the H+ concentration at the micellar interface is a convenient system for modeling the distribution of H+ at interfaces. We have synthesized salicylic acid derivatives to analyze the proton dissociation of both the carboxylic and phenol groups of the probes, determining spectrophotometrically the apparent pK(a)'s (pK(ap)) in sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, micelles with and without added salt. The synthesized probes were 2-hydroxy-5-(2-trimethylammoniumacetyl)benzoate; 2-hydroxy-5-(2-dimethylhexadecylammoniumacetyl)benzoate; 2-hydroxy-5-(2-dimethylhexadecylammoniumhexanoyl)benzoate; 2-hydroxy-5-(2-dimethylhexadecylammoniumundecanoyl)benzoate; 2-hydroxy-5-acetylbenzoic acid; and 2-hydroxy-5-dodecanoylbenzoic acid. Upon incorporation into SDS micelles the pK(ap)'s of both carboxylic and phenol groups increased by ca. 3 pH units and NaCl addition caused a decrease in the probe-incorporated pK(ap). The experimental results were fitted with a cell model Poisson-Boltzmann (P-B) equation taking in consideration the effect of salt on the aggregation number of SDS and using the distance of the dissociating group as a parameter. The conformations of the probes were analyzed theoretically using two dielectric constants, e.g., 2 and 78. Both the P-B analysis and conformation calculations can be interpreted by assuming that the acid groups dissociate very close to, or at, the interface. Our results are consistent with the assumption that the intrinsic pK(a)'s of both carboxylic and phenol groups of the salicylic acid probes used here can be taken as those in water. Using this assumption the micellar and salt effects on the pK(ap)'s of the (trialkylammonium)benzoate probes were described accurately using a cell model P-B analysis.

Comparison of two methods of measuring gastric pH.

PubMed

Neill, K M; Rice, K T; Ahern, H L

1993-01-01

To assess the agreement between two methods of measuring gastric pH in critically ill patients (multiple band litmus paper-tested aspirations versus a meter-read probe located in the tip of a nasogastric tube) and to compare nurse satisfaction with both methods of measuring pH. Prospective, correlational, nonprobability sample. Mid-Atlantic, semirural Veterans Affairs Medical Center. 39 male, surgical, critical care patients, who were nasogastrically intubated in the operating room and received nothing by mouth. NURSES: Twenty-seven registered nurses on the medical-surgical intensive care staff. Differences in pH units as determined by two methods of measurement and nurse satisfaction scores. Litmus paper-tested aspirations versus a meter-read probe located in the tip of the nasogastric tube, measured every 2 hours for 48 hours. A nurse satisfaction assessment form for both measurement methods at entry, 6 months, and 12 months. All measures of association, Pearson's r (0.79), the concordance coefficient (0.74), and eta (0.88), were high. The concordance coefficient measures indicated sufficient agreement between the two methods at the initial and 24 hour measurement times (Cb) = 0.97, 0.97, and 0.94), but not at 48 hours. The meter method indicated prophylaxis was needed when the paper did not, more often than did the paper method (9.3% vs 5.2%). A significant difference between methods was found only at the last reading at 48 hours (z = -2.24, p < .0249). MANOVA revealed that nurses' preference for the meter method was significant (F = 139.48, df = 1.18) and increased over time (F = 4.77, df = 2,36). The gastric probe method of measuring pH is an accurate substitution up to 48 hours for the litmus-paper aspiration method in the postoperative patient who is receiving nothing by mouth. Nurses prefer the gastric probe method of measuring pH over the litmus-paper method because they judge it to be safer, faster, and more accurate.

Reaction between peroxynitrite and triphenylphosphonium-substituted arylboronic acid isomers–Identification of diagnostic marker products and biological implications

PubMed Central

Sikora, Adam; Zielonka, Jacek; Adamus, Jan; Debski, Dawid; Dybala-Defratyka, Agnieszka; Michalowski, Bartosz; Joseph, Joy; Hartley, Richard C.; Murphy, Michael P.; Kalyanaraman, Balaraman

2013-01-01

Aromatic boronic acids react rapidly with peroxynitrite (ONOO−) to yield phenols as major products. This reaction was used to monitor ONOO− formation in cellular systems. Previously, we proposed that the reaction between ONOO− and arylboronates (PhB(OH)2) yields a phenolic product (major pathway) and a radical pair PhB(OH)2O•−…•NO2 (minor pathway). [Sikora A. et al., Chem Res Toxicol 24, 687-97, 2011]. In this study, we investigated the influence of a bulky triphenylphosphonium (TPP) group on the reaction between ONOO− and mitochondria-targeted arylboronate isomers (o-, m-, and p-MitoPhB(OH)2). Results from the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin-trapping experiments unequivocally showed the presence of a phenyl radical intermediate from meta and para isomers, and not from the ortho isomer. The yield of o-MitoPhNO2 formed from the reaction between o-MitoPhB(OH)2 and ONOO− was not diminished by phenyl radical scavengers, suggesting a rapid fragmentation of the o-MitoPhB(OH)2O•− radical anion with subsequent reaction of the resulting phenyl radical with •NO2 in the solvent cage. The DFT quantum mechanical calculations showed that the energy barrier for the dissociation of o-MitoPhB(OH)2O•− radical anion is significantly lower than that of m-MitoPhB(OH)2O•− and p-MitoPhB(OH)2O•− radical anions. The nitrated product, o-MitoPhNO2, is not formed by nitrogen dioxide radical generated by myeloperoxidase in the presence of nitrite anion and hydrogen peroxide, indicating that this specific nitrated product may be used as a diagnostic marker product for ONOO−. Incubation of o-MitoPhB(OH)2 with RAW 264.7 macrophages activated to produce ONOO− yielded the corresponding phenol o-MitoPhOH as well as the diagnostic nitrated product, o-MitoPhNO2. We conclude that the ortho isomer probe reported here is most suitable for specific detection of ONOO− in biological systems. PMID:23611338

A Non-Invasive Deep Tissue PH Monitor.

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-08-11

disturbances in acid-base regulation may have serious effects on metabolic activity, circulation, and the central nervous system. Currently, acid-base...to tissue ischemia than is arterial pH. Consequently, a non-invasive deep tissue pH monitor has enormous value as a mechanism for rapid and effective ...achieved, and improve our understanding of what physical effects are important to successful non-invasive deep tissue pH monitoring. This last statement

Hydrologic data and description of a hydrologic monitoring plan for Medicine Lake Volcano, California

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schneider, Tiffany Rae; McFarland, W.D.

1996-01-01

A hydrologic reconnaissance of the Medicine Lake Volcano area was done to collect data needed for the design of a hydrologic monitoring plan. The reconnaissance was completed during two field trips made in June and September 1992, during which geothermal and hydrologic features of public interest in the Medicine Lake area were identified. Selected wells, springs, and geothermal features were located and documented, and initial water-level, discharge, temperature, and specific-conductance measurements were made. Lakes in the study area also were surveyed during the September field trip. Temperature, specific- conductance, dissolved oxygen, and pH data were collected by using a multiparameter probe. The proposed monitoring plan includes measurement of water levels in wells, discharge from springs, and lake stage, as well as analysis of well-,spring-, and lake-water quality. In determining lake-water quality, data for both stratified and unstratified conditions would be considered. (Data for stratified conditions were collected during the reconnaissance phase of this project, but data for unstratified conditions were not.) In addition, lake stage also would be monitored. A geothermal feature near Medicine Lake is a "hot spot" from which hot gases discharge from two distinct vents. Gas chemistry and temperature would be monitored in one of these vents.

Dandelion Root Extract Induces Intracellular Ca2+ Increases in HEK293 Cells.

PubMed

Gerbino, Andrea; Russo, Daniela; Colella, Matilde; Procino, Giuseppe; Svelto, Maria; Milella, Luigi; Carmosino, Monica

2018-04-07

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F.H.Wigg.) has been used for centuries as an ethnomedical remedy. Nonetheless, the extensive use of different kinds of dandelion extracts and preparations is based on empirical findings. Some of the tissue-specific effects reported for diverse dandelion extracts may result from their action on intracellular signaling cascades. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an ethanolic dandelion root extract (DRE) on Ca 2+ signaling in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. The cytotoxicity of increasing doses of crude DRE was determined by the Calcein viability assay. Fura-2 and the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based probe ERD1 were used to measure cytoplasmic and intraluminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca 2+ levels, respectively. Furthermore, a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based probe was used to monitor phospholipase C (PLC) activation (pleckstrin homology [PH]-PLCδ-GFP). DRE (10-400 µg/mL) exposure, in the presence of external Ca 2+ , dose-dependently increased intracellular Ca 2+ levels. The DRE-induced Ca 2+ increase was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca 2+ . In addition, DRE caused a significant Ca 2+ release from the ER of intact cells and a concomitant translocation of PH-PLCδ-GFP. In conclusion, DRE directly activates both the release of Ca 2+ from internal stores and a significant Ca 2+ influx at the plasma membrane. The resulting high Ca 2+ levels within the cell seem to directly stimulate PLC activity.

Low-Temperature Band Transport and Impact of Contact Resistance in Organic Field-Effect Transistors Based on Single-Crystal Films of Ph-BTBT-C10

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Joung-min; Mori, Takehiko

2016-06-01

Transistors based on single-crystal films of 2-decyl-7-phenyl-[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (Ph-BTBT-10) fabricated using the blade-coating method are investigated by the four-probe method down to low temperatures. The four-probe mobility is as large as 18 cm2/V s at room temperature, and increases to 45 cm2/V s at 80 K. At 60 K the two-probe mobility drops abruptly by about 50%, but the mobility drop is mostly attributed to the increase of the source resistance. The carrier transport in the present single-crystal film is regarded as essentially bandlike down to 30 K.

Periodontal health, salivary status, and metabolic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Aren, Gamze; Sepet, Elif; Ozdemir, Didem; Dinççağ, Nevin; Güvener, Bora; Firatli, Erhan

2003-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine whether detectable periodontal destruction and alterations in the salivary status were present with duration of diabetes in children with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 DM) as compared to healthy controls. Sixteen newly diagnosed children with DM (group 1), 16 children with type 1 DM of long duration (group 2), and 16 healthy children (group 3) participated in the study. Periodontal health was assessed by plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and periodontal probing depths. The flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and peroxidase activities of stimulated saliva were determined. The data were analyzed by Kruskall-Wallis, Student t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis. The mean values for fasting blood glucose levels for the diabetic groups were significantly higher than for the controls. The mean values for salivary buffering capacities and salivary pH from the diabetic groups were significantly lower than for the controls. The plaque index values for the diabetic groups were significantly higher than for the controls. The mean gingival index value for group 1 was significantly lower than for group 2. The mean periodontal probing depths for group 1 were similar to those of the non-DM controls, but the mean periodontal probing depths for group 2 were significantly greater than for both the non-DM controls and group 1. Group 1 had significantly greater bleeding on probing scores than did the other groups (P < 0.05). The glycemic status of the diabetic subjects affects the periodontal probing depths, salivary pH, buffering capacity, and peroxidase activity.

High Resolution PET Imaging Probe for the Detection, Molecular Characterization and Treatment Monitoring of Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-07-01

W81XWH-09-1-0420 TITLE: High Resolution PET Imaging Probe for the Detection, Molecular Characterization and Treatment Monitoring of Prostate Cancer...4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE High-Resolution PET Imaging Probe for the Detection, Molecular Characterization and Treatment of Prostate Cancer... molecular imaging for diagnosis as well as treatment planning and monitoring in prostate cancer. This investigation hypothesizes that a dedicated

Geologic and hydrologic data for the municipal solid waste landfill facility, U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort Bliss, El Paso County, Texas

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abeyta, Cynthia G.; Frenzel, P.F.

1999-01-01

Geologic and hydrologic data for the Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Facility on the U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery Center and Fort Bliss in El Paso County, Texas, were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the U.S. Department of the Army. The 106.03-acre landfill has been in operation since January 1974. The landfill contains household refuse, Post solid wastes, bulky items, grass and tree trimmings from family housing, refuse from litter cans, construction debris, classified waste (dry), dead animals, asbestos, and empty oil cans. The depth of the filled areas is about 30 feet and the cover, consisting of locally derived material, is 2 to 3 feet thick. Geologic and hydrologic data were collected at or adjacent to the landfill during (1) drilling of 10 30- to 31-foot boreholes that were completed with gas-monitoring probes, (2) drilling of a 59-foot borehole, (3) drilling of a 355-foot borehole that was completed as a ground-water monitoring well, and (4) in situ measurements made on the landfill cover. After completion, the gas- monitoring probes were monitored on a quarterly basis (1 year total) for gases generated by the landfill. Water samples were collected from the ground-water monitoring well for chemical analysis. Data collection is divided into two elements: geologic data and hydrologic data. Geologic data include lithologic descriptions of cores and cuttings, geophysical logs, soil- gas and ambient-air analyses, and chemical analyses of soil. Hydrologic data include physical properties, total organic carbon, and pH of soil and sediment samples; soil-water chloride and soil-moisture analyses; physical properties of the landfill cover; measurements of depth to ground water; and ground-water chemical analyses. Interpretation of data is not included in this report.

A ph sensor based on a flexible substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wen-Ding

pH sensor is an essential component used in many chemical, food, and bio-material industries. Conventional glass electrodes have been used to construct pH sensors, however, have some disadvantages. Glass electrodes are easily affected by alkaline or HF solution, they require a high input impedance pH meter, they often exhibit a sluggish response. In some specific applications, it is also difficult to use glass electrodes for in vivo biomedical or food monitoring applications due to the difficulty of size miniaturization, planarization and polymerization based on current manufacturing technologies. In this work, we have demonstrated a novel flexible pH sensor based on low-cost sol-gel fabrication process of iridium oxide (IrOx) sensing film (IROF). A pair of flexible miniature IrOx/AgCl electrode generated the action potential from the solution by electrochemical mechanism to obtain the pH level of the reagent. The fabrication process including sol-gel, thermal oxidation, and the electro-plating process of the silver chloride (AgCl) reference electrode were reported in the work. The IrOx film was verified and characterized using electron dispersive analysis (EDAX), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The flexible pH sensor's performance and characterization have been investigated with different testing parameters such as sensitivity, response time, stability, reversibility, repeatability, selectivity and temperature dependence. The flexible IrOx pH sensors exhibited promising sensing performance with a near-Nernstian response of sensitivity which is between --51.1mV/pH and --51.7mV/pH in different pH levels ranging from 1.5 to 12 at 25°C. Two applications including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) diagnosis and food freshness wireless monitoring using our micro-flexible IrOx pH sensors were demonstrated. For the GERD diagnosing system, we embedded the micro flexible pH sensor on a 1.2cmx3.8cm of the capsule size of wireless sensor implanted inside the esophagus. Our pH electrode can monitor the pH changes of gastric juice in real time when the reflux happening in the esophagus. Our micro flexible pH sensor performed clear responses in each distinct pH reflux episode quickly and accurately comparing with the other commercial pH monitoring system. For the food freshness monitoring applications, we used the flexible pH sensor as a freshness indicator to monitor the pH changing profile during the food spoilage procedure. The sensor was then embedded with radio frequency identification (RFID) based passive telemetry enabling remote monitoring of food freshness. In the result, our pH-wireless RFID system presented 633Hz/pH of the sensitivity in the frequency calibration. The calibration of stability and dynamical response of the RFID system were also demonstrated before the test on food freshness monitoring. Finally, a white fish meat for long term spoilage procedure monitoring was applied and tested by using our wireless IrOx pH sensing system. Our RFID pH sensing module is able to monitor, collect and transmit the pH information continuously for 18 hours during the food spoilage procedure. In this dissertation, a micro size of IrOx/AgCl pH sensor was fabricated on a flexible substrate. The physical properties of the IrO x thin film was verified in the work. The different sensing capability such as the sensitivity, stability, reversibility, response time, repeatability, selectivity, and temperature dependence was then demonstrated in this work. After the different in-vitro tests, the pH sensor were embedded with our passive RFID circuitry for the in-vivo GERD diagnosis and food freshness monitoring application. Our wireless pH sensing system was able to deliver the accurate and quick pH sensing data wirelessly. In conclusion, our deformable IrOx pH electrodes have been demonstrated with the advantages of accommodating and conforming sensors in small spaces or curved surfaces. This miniature IrOx pH sensor can respond to distinct potentials of the various pH levels as traditional glass electrodes, however, the miniature, bio-compatible and flexible substrate and the ability to be integrated in batterryless telemetry enable the pH sensor to be applied on many new medical, bio-chemical and biological field.

A hemicyanine based ratiometric fluorescence probe for mapping lysosomal pH during heat stroke in living cells.

PubMed

Wu, Luling; Wang, Yang; James, Tony D; Jia, Nengqin; Huang, Chusen

2018-05-29

Heat stroke is a lethal condition which can cause dysfunction in the central nervous system, multi-organ damage and even death. However, there is still limited knowledge of the detailed mechanism about the roles of lysosomes in heat stroke due to lack of effective tools. Herein, we introduce our previously developed hemicyanine with a large D-π-A structure as the key fluorophore to develop a new fluorescent probe (CPY) for ratiometric mapping of lysosomal pH changes in live cells under a heat shock stimulus.

Automatic Flushing Unit With Cleanliness Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hildebrandt, N. E.

1982-01-01

Liquid-level probe kept clean, therefore at peak accuracy, by unit that flushes probe with solvent, monitors effluent for contamination, and determines probe is particle-free. Approach may be adaptable to industrial cleaning such as flushing filters and pipes, and ensuring that manufactured parts have been adequately cleaned.

Anilinomethylrhodamines: pH sensitive probes with tunable photophysical properties by substituent effect.

PubMed

Best, Quinn A; Liu, Chuangjun; van Hoveln, Paul D; McCarroll, Matthew E; Scott, Colleen N

2013-10-18

A series of pH dependent rhodamine analogues possessing an anilino-methyl moiety was developed and shown to exhibit a unique photophysical response to pH. These anilinomethylrhodamines (AnMR) maintain a colorless, nonfluorescent spirocyclic structure at high pH. The spirocyclic structures open in mildly acidic conditions and are weakly fluorescent; however, at very low pH, the fluorescence is greatly enhanced. The equilibrium constants of these processes show a linear response to substituent effects, which was demonstrated by the Hammett equation.

Positron emission tomography probe to monitor selected sugar metabolism in vivo

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

Witte, Owen; Clark, Peter M.; Castillo, Blanca Graciela Flores

The invention disclosed herein discloses selected ribose isomers that are useful as PET probes (e.g. [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-arabinose). These PET probes are useful, for example, in methods designed to monitor physiological processes including ribose metabolism and/or to selectively observe certain tissue/organs in vivo. The invention disclosed herein further provides methods for making and using such probes.

Monitoring probe for groundwater flow

DOEpatents

Looney, Brian B.; Ballard, Sanford

1994-01-01

A monitoring probe for detecting groundwater migration. The monitor features a cylinder made of a permeable membrane carrying an array of electrical conductivity sensors on its outer surface. The cylinder is filled with a fluid that has a conductivity different than the groundwater. The probe is placed in the ground at an area of interest to be monitored. The fluid, typically saltwater, diffuses through the permeable membrane into the groundwater. The flow of groundwater passing around the permeable membrane walls of the cylinder carries the conductive fluid in the same general direction and distorts the conductivity field measured by the sensors. The degree of distortion from top to bottom and around the probe is precisely related to the vertical and horizontal flow rates, respectively. The electrical conductivities measured by the sensors about the outer surface of the probe are analyzed to determine the rate and direction of the groundwater flow.

Monitoring probe for groundwater flow

DOEpatents

Looney, B.B.; Ballard, S.

1994-08-23

A monitoring probe for detecting groundwater migration is disclosed. The monitor features a cylinder made of a permeable membrane carrying an array of electrical conductivity sensors on its outer surface. The cylinder is filled with a fluid that has a conductivity different than the groundwater. The probe is placed in the ground at an area of interest to be monitored. The fluid, typically saltwater, diffuses through the permeable membrane into the groundwater. The flow of groundwater passing around the permeable membrane walls of the cylinder carries the conductive fluid in the same general direction and distorts the conductivity field measured by the sensors. The degree of distortion from top to bottom and around the probe is precisely related to the vertical and horizontal flow rates, respectively. The electrical conductivities measured by the sensors about the outer surface of the probe are analyzed to determine the rate and direction of the groundwater flow. 4 figs.

High Temperatures Health Monitoring of the Condensed Water Height in Steam Pipe Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lih, Shyh-Shiuh; Bar-Cohen, Yoseph; Lee, Hyeong Jae; Badescu, Mircea; Bao, Xiaoqi; Sherrit, Stewart; Takano, Nobuyuki; Ostlund, Patrick; Blosiu, Julian

2013-01-01

Ultrasonic probes were designed, fabricated and tested for high temperature health monitoring system. The goal of this work was to develop the health monitoring system that can determine the height level of the condensed water through the pipe wall at high temperature up to 250 deg while accounting for the effects of surface perturbation. Among different ultrasonic probe designs, 2.25 MHz probes with air backed configuration provide satisfactory results in terms of sensitivity, receiving reflections from the target through the pipe wall. A series of tests were performed using the air-backed probes under irregular conditions, such as surface perturbation and surface disturbance at elevated temperature, to qualify the developed ultrasonic system. The results demonstrate that the fabricated air-backed probes combined with advanced signal processing techniques offer the capability of health monitoring of steam pipe under various operating conditions.

40 CFR 401.17 - pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2012-07-01 2012-07-01 false pH Effluent limitations under... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GENERAL PROVISIONS § 401.17 pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring. (a) Where a permittee continuously measures the pH of wastewater pursuant to a...

40 CFR 401.17 - pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 30 2013-07-01 2012-07-01 true pH Effluent limitations under... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GENERAL PROVISIONS § 401.17 pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring. (a) Where a permittee continuously measures the pH of wastewater pursuant to a...

40 CFR 401.17 - pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2014-07-01 2012-07-01 true pH Effluent limitations under... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GENERAL PROVISIONS § 401.17 pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring. (a) Where a permittee continuously measures the pH of wastewater pursuant to a...

40 CFR 401.17 - pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 29 2011-07-01 2009-07-01 true pH Effluent limitations under... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GENERAL PROVISIONS § 401.17 pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring. (a) Where a permittee continuously measures the pH of wastewater pursuant to a...

40 CFR 401.17 - pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... 40 Protection of Environment 28 2010-07-01 2010-07-01 true pH Effluent limitations under... (CONTINUED) EFFLUENT GUIDELINES AND STANDARDS GENERAL PROVISIONS § 401.17 pH Effluent limitations under continuous monitoring. (a) Where a permittee continuously measures the pH of wastewater pursuant to a...

Label-Free Carbon-Dots-Based Ratiometric Fluorescence pH Nanoprobes for Intracellular pH Sensing.

PubMed

Shangguan, Jingfang; He, Dinggeng; He, Xiaoxiao; Wang, Kemin; Xu, Fengzhou; Liu, Jinquan; Tang, Jinlu; Yang, Xue; Huang, Jin

2016-08-02

Measuring pH in living cells is of great importance for better understanding cellular functions as well as providing pivotal assistance for early diagnosis of diseases. In this work, we report the first use of a novel kind of label-free carbon dots for intracellular ratiometric fluorescence pH sensing. By simple one-pot hydrothermal treatment of citric acid and basic fuchsin, the carbon dots showing dual emission bands at 475 and 545 nm under single-wavelength excitation were synthesized. It is demonstrated that the fluorescence intensities of the as-synthesized carbon dots at the two emissions are pH-sensitive simultaneously. The intensity ratio (I475 nm/I545 nm) is linear against pH values from 5.2 to 8.8 in buffer solution, affording the capability as ratiometric probes for intracellular pH sensing. It also displays that the carbon dots show excellent reversibility and photostability in pH measurements. With this nanoprobe, quantitative fluorescence imaging using the ratio of two emissions (I475 nm/I545 nm) for the detection of intracellular pH were successfully applied in HeLa cells. In contrast to most of the reported nanomaterials-based ratiometric pH sensors which rely on the attachment of additional dyes, these carbon-dots-based ratiometric probes are low in toxicity, easy to synthesize, and free from labels.

A Critical and Comparative Review of Fluorescent Tools for Live-Cell Imaging.

PubMed

Specht, Elizabeth A; Braselmann, Esther; Palmer, Amy E

2017-02-10

Fluorescent tools have revolutionized our ability to probe biological dynamics, particularly at the cellular level. Fluorescent sensors have been developed on several platforms, utilizing either small-molecule dyes or fluorescent proteins, to monitor proteins, RNA, DNA, small molecules, and even cellular properties, such as pH and membrane potential. We briefly summarize the impressive history of tool development for these various applications and then discuss the most recent noteworthy developments in more detail. Particular emphasis is placed on tools suitable for single-cell analysis and especially live-cell imaging applications. Finally, we discuss prominent areas of need in future fluorescent tool development-specifically, advancing our capability to analyze and integrate the plethora of high-content data generated by fluorescence imaging.

Active Control of pH in the Bioculture System Through Carbon Dioxide Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Monhollon, Luke; Pletcher, David; Hauss, Jessica

2016-01-01

For successful cell research, the growth culture environment must be tightly controlled. Deviance from the optimal conditions will mask the desired variable being analyzed or lead to inconstancies in the results. In standard laboratories, technology and procedures are readily available for the reliable control of variables such as temperature, pH, nutrient loading, and dissolved gases. Due to the nature of spaceflight, and the inherent constraints to engineering designs, these same elements become a challenge to maintain at stable values by both automated and manual approaches. Launch mass, volume, and power usage create significant constraints to cell culture systems; nonetheless, innovative solutions for active environmental controls are available. The acidity of the growth media cannot be measured through standard probes due to the degradation of electrodes and reliance on indicators for chromatography. Alternatively, carbon dioxide sensors are capable of monitoring the pH by leveraging the relationship between the partial pressure of carbon dioxide and carbonic acid in solution across a membrane. In microgravity cell growth systems, the gas delivery system can be used to actively maintain the media at the proper acidity by maintaining a suitable gas mixture around permeable tubing. Through this method, launch mass and volume are significantly reduced through the efficient use of the limited gas supply in orbit.

pH-based fiber optic biosensors for use in clinical and biotechnological applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mueller, Cord; Hitzmann, Bernd; Schubert, Florian; Scheper, Thomas

1995-05-01

The development of pH-based fiber optic biosensors and their uses in clinical and biotechnological applications are described. Based on a pH-sensitive optode, different biosensors for urea, penicillin, glucose and creatinine were developed. A multichannel modular fluorimeter was used to measure signals from up to three optodes simultaneously. The pH value and the buffer capacity are critical factors for biosensors based on pH probes and influence the biosensor signal. A flow injection analysis (FIA) system is used to eliminate the latter influences. With this integrated system, samples can be analyzed sequentially by the injection of a defined volume of each sample into a continuously flowing buffer stream that transports the samples to the sensors. The complex signal is transformed and analyzed by a computer system. Characteristic features of the FIA peak give information about the buffer capacity in the solution. With the help of intelligent computing (neural networks) it is possible to recognize these features and relate them to the respective buffer capacity to obtain more accurate values. Various applications of these biosensors are discussed. The pH optode is also used to monitor enzymatic reactions in non aqueous solvents. In this case the production of acetic acid can be detected on line.

A comparison of rating scales used in the diagnosis of extraesophageal reflux.

PubMed

Musser, Joy; Kelchner, Lisa; Neils-Strunjas, Jean; Montrose, Marshall

2011-05-01

To evaluate the level of agreement between reflux area index scores, the reflux symptom index (RSI), and the reflux finding score (RFS). Inter- and intrarater reliability of the RFS was assessed. A criterion of pH 5 was used to evaluate its effects on agreement. Adult participants were enrolled in this prospective study. Eighty-two participants (72 patients and 10 controls) completed the RSI, videoendoscopy, and 24-hour pH probe monitoring. The reflux area index for extraesophageal reflux (EER) events was calculated at pH 4 and 5. Two speech-language pathologists and one otolaryngologist independently rated 36 endoscopic examinations using the RFS through a web-based system. A repeated rating of six examinations was completed. Chi-square revealed poor agreement between the diagnostic tools, regardless of which pH criterion was used. Intraclass correlation coefficients revealed fair interrater reliability of the RFS and moderate intrarater reliability. Independent-sample t tests for the RFS and reflux area index (RAI) scores failed to identify patients from normal controls. The results of this study highlight the lack of agreement among the current available diagnostic tools for EER. Raters were not in agreement regarding the presence and severity of physical findings of EER. Results support the need for greater consensus among the clinical tools used in the diagnosis of EER. Physical rating scales may overidentify patients and would benefit from uniform scales and training. Assessing EER occurring at pH 5 may also yield important diagnostic information. Further research is needed to verify normative RAI cutpoints. Copyright © 2011 The Voice Foundation. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Monitoring Physiological Variables with Membrane Probes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Janle, Elsa M.

1997-01-01

This project has demonstrated the possibility of using membrane probes in rodents to monitor physiological variables for extended periods of time. The utility of these probes in physiological studies of microgravity has been demonstrated. The feasibility of developing on-line sensors has also been demonstrated and allows for the possibility of developing real-time automated monitoring systems which can be used in ground-base physiological research as well as in research and medical monitoring in space. In addition to space applications these techniques can be extended to medical monitoring in critical care situations on earth as well as facilitating research in many human and animal diseases.

A highly selective and sensitive turn-on probe for aluminum(III) based on quinoline Schiff's base and its cell imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Fenfen; Wang, Hongqing; Liu, Pengying; Hu, Qinghua; Wang, Yuyuan; Liu, Can; Hu, Jiangke

2018-02-01

A reversible Schiff's base fluorescence probe for Al3+, (3,5-dichloro-2- hydroxybenzylidene) quinoline-2-carbohydrazide (QC), based on quinoline derivative has been designed, synthesized and evaluated. The QC exhibited a high sensitivity and selectivity toward Al3+ in EtOH-H2O (v/v = 1:9, pH = 6) by forming a 1:1 complex with Al3+ and the detection limit of QC for Al3+ was as low as 0.012 μM. Furthermore, these results displayed that the binding of QCsbnd Al3+ was broken by F-, so this system could be used to monitor F- in the future. The enhancement fluorescence of the QC could be attributed to the inhibition of PET and ESIPT and the emergency of CHEF process induced by Al3+. More importantly, QC was not only successfully used for the determination of trace Al3+ in the tap water and the human blood serum, but was valid for fluorescence imaging of Al3+ in the Hela cells.

Identifying Low pH Active and Lactate-Utilizing Taxa within Oral Microbiome Communities from Healthy Children Using Stable Isotope Probing Techniques

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

McLean, Jeffrey S.; Fansler, Sarah J.; Majors, Paul D.

Many human microbial infectious diseases including dental caries are polymicrobial in nature and how these complex multi-species communities evolve from a healthy to a diseased state is not well understood. Although many health- or disease-associated oral microbes have been characterized in vitro, their physiology in vivo in the presence of the complex oral microbiome is difficult to determine with current approaches. In addition, about half of these oral species remain uncultivated to date and little is known except their 16S rRNA sequence. Lacking culture-based physiological analyses, the functional roles of uncultivated microorganisms will remain enigmatic despite their apparent disease correlation.more » To start addressing these knowledge gaps, we applied a novel combination of in vivo Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) with RNA and DNA based Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) to oral plaque communities from healthy children for temporal monitoring of carbohydrate utilization, organic acid production and identification of metabolically active and inactive bacterial species.« less

Soil solution interactions may limit Pb remediation using P ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Lead (Pb) contaminated soils are a potential exposure hazard to the public. Amending soils with phosphorus (P) may reduce Pb soil hazards. Soil from Cleveland, OH containing 726 ± 14 mg Pb kg-1 was amended in a laboratory study with bone meal and triple super phosphate (TSP) at 5:1 P:Pb molar ratios. Soil was acidified, neturalized and re-acidified to encourage Pb phosphate formation. PRSTM-probes were used to evaluate changes in soil solution chemistry. Soil acidification did not decrease in vitro bioaccessible (IVBA) Pb using either a pH 1.5, 0.4 M glycine solution or a pH 2.5 solution with organic acids. PRSTM-probe data found soluble Pb increased 10-fold in acidic conditions compared to circumnetural pH conditions. In acidic conditions (p = 3-4), TSP treated soils increased detected P 10-fold over untreated soils. Bone meal application did not increase PRSTM-probe detected P, indicating there may have been insufficient P to react with Pb. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggested a 10% increase in pyromorphite formation for the TSP treated soil only. Treatments increased soil electrical conductivity above 16 mS cm-1, potentially causing a new salinity hazard. This study used a novel approach by combining the human ingestion endpoint, PRSTM-probes, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to evaluate treatment efficacy. PRSTM-probe data indicated potentially excess Ca relative to P across incubation steps that could have competed with Pb for soluble P. Mor

WATER QUALITY EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS FOR SOURCE WATER AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MONITORING

EPA Science Inventory

A variety of probes for use in continuous monitoring of water quality exist. They range from single parameter chemical/physical probes to comprehensive screening systems based on whole organism responses. Originally developed for monitoring specific characteristics of water qua...

Intracellular pH imaging in cancer cells in vitro and tumors in vivo using the new genetically encoded sensor SypHer2.

PubMed

Shirmanova, Marina V; Druzhkova, Irina N; Lukina, Maria M; Matlashov, Mikhail E; Belousov, Vsevolod V; Snopova, Ludmila B; Prodanetz, Natalia N; Dudenkova, Varvara V; Lukyanov, Sergey A; Zagaynova, Elena V

2015-09-01

Measuring intracellular pH (pHi) in tumors is essential for the monitoring of cancer progression and the response of cancer cells to various treatments. The purpose of the study was to develop a method for pHi mapping in living cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo, using the novel genetically encoded indicator, SypHer2. A HeLa Kyoto cell line stably expressing SypHer2 in the cytoplasm was used, to perform ratiometric (dual excitation) imaging of the probe in cell culture, in 3D tumor spheroids and in tumor xenografts in living mice. Using SypHer2, pHi was demonstrated to be 7.34±0.11 in monolayer HeLa cells in vitro under standard cultivation conditions. An increasing pHi gradient from the center to the periphery of the spheroids was displayed. We obtained fluorescence ratio maps for HeLa tumors in vivo and ex vivo. Comparison of the map with the pathomorphology and with hypoxia staining of the tumors revealed a correspondence of the zones with higher pHi to the necrotic and hypoxic areas. Our results demonstrate that pHi imaging with the genetically encoded pHi indicator, SypHer2, can be a valuable tool for evaluating tumor progression in xenograft models. We have demonstrated, for the first time, the possibility of using the genetically encoded sensor SypHer2 for ratiometric pH imaging in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo. SypHer2 shows great promise as an instrument for pHi monitoring able to provide high accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

EPR spin probe and spin label studies of some low molecular and polymer micelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wasserman, A. M.; Kasaikin, V. A.; Timofeev, V. P.

1998-12-01

The rotational mobility of spin probes of different shape and size in low molecular and polymer micelles has been studied. Several probes having nitroxide fragment localized either in the vicinity of micelle interface or in the hydrocarbon core have been used. Upon increasing the number of carbon atoms in hydrocarbon chain of detergent from 7 to 13 (sodium alkyl sulfate micelles) or from 12 to 16 (alkyltrimethylammonium bromide micelles) the rotational mobility of spin probes is decreased by the factor 1.5-2.0. The spin probe rotational mobility in polymer micelles (the complexes of alkyltrimethylammonium bromides and polymethacrylic or polyacrylic acids) is less than mobility in free micelles of the same surfactants. The study of EPR-spectra of spin labeled polymethacrylic acid (PMA) indicated that formation of water soluble complexes of polymer and alkyltrimethylammonium bromides in alkaline solutions (pH 9) does not affect the polymer segmental mobility. On the other hand, the polymer complexes formation in slightly acidic water solution (pH 6) breaks down the compact PMA conformation, thus increasing the polymer segmental mobility. Possible structures of polymer micelles are discussed.

Intracellular pH measurements made simple by fluorescent protein probes and the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging†

PubMed Central

Digman, Michelle A.; Gratton, Enrico; Storti, Barbara; Beltram, Fabio

2013-01-01

A versatile pH-dependent fluorescent protein was applied to intracellular pH measurements by means of the phasor approach to fluorescence lifetime imaging. By this fit-less method we obtain intracellular pH maps under resting or altered physiological conditions by single-photon confocal or two-photon microscopy. PMID:22517076

Electrostatic stabilization in sperm whale and harbor seal myoglobins

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

Gurd, F.R.N.; Friend, S.H.; Rothgeb, T.M.

1980-10-01

The compact, largely helical structure of sperm whale and harbor seal myoglobins undergoes an abrupt one-step transition between pH 4.5 and 3.5 as monitored by changes in either the heme Soret band absorbance or circular dichroism probes of secondary structure, for which a modified Tanford-Kirkwood theory provides identification of certain dominant electrostatic interactions responsible for the loss of stability. A similar treatment permits identification of the electrostatic interactions primarily responsible for a process in which the anchoring of the A helix to other parts of the molecule is weakened. This process is detected with both myoglobins, in a pH rangemore » approx. 1 unit higher than the onset of the overall unfolding process, through changes in the circular dichroic spectra near 295 nm which correspond to the L/sub a/O-O band of the only two tryptophan residues in these proteins, residues 7 and 14. In each case protonation of certain sites in neighboring parts of the molecule can be identified as producing destabilizing interactions with components of the A helix, particularly with lysine 16.« less

An iridium oxide microelectrode for monitoring acute local pH changes of endothelial cells.

PubMed

Ng, Shu Rui; O'Hare, Danny

2015-06-21

pH sensors were fabricated by anodically electrodepositing iridium oxide films (AEIROFs) onto microelectrodes on chips and coated with poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) for mechanical stability. These demonstrate super-Nernstian response to pH from pH 4.0 to 7.7 in chloride-free phosphate buffer. The surface of the chip was coated with fibronectin for the attachment of porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAECs). The working capability of the pH sensor for monitoring acute local pH changes was investigated by stimulating the PAECs with thrombin. Our results show that thrombin induced acute extracellular acidification of PAECs and dissolution of fibronectin, causing the local pH to decrease. The use of PD98059, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, reduced extracellular acidification and an increase in local pH was observed. This study shows that our pH sensors can facilitate the investigation of acute cellular responses to stimulation by monitoring the real-time, local pH changes of cells attached to the sensors.

A chromenoquinoline-based fluorescent off-on thiol probe for bioimaging.

PubMed

Kand, Dnyaneshwar; Kalle, Arunasree Marasanapalli; Varma, Sreejith Jayasree; Talukdar, Pinaki

2012-03-11

A new chromenoquinoline-based fluorescent off-on thiol probe 2 is reported. In aqueous buffer solutions at physiological pH, the probe exhibited 223-fold enhancement in fluorescence intensity by a Michael addition of cysteine to the maleimide appended to a chromenoquinoline. Cell permeability and live cell imaging of thiols are also demonstrated. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

Comparative testing of pulse oximeter probes.

PubMed

van Oostrom, Johannes H; Melker, Richard J

2004-05-01

The testing of pulse oximeter probes is generally limited to the integrity of the electrical circuit and does not include the optical properties of the probes. Few pulse oximeter testers evaluate the accuracy of both the monitor and the probe. We designed a study to compare the accuracy of nonproprietary probes (OSS Medical) designed for use with Nellcor, Datex-Ohmeda, and Criticare pulse oximeter monitors with that of their corresponding proprietary probes by using a commercial off-the-shelf pulse oximeter tester (Index). The Index pulse oximeter tester does include testing of the optical properties of the pulse oximeter probes. The pulse oximeter tester was given a controlled input that simulated acute apnea. Desaturation curves were automatically recorded from the pulse oximeter monitors with a data-collection computer. Comparisons between equivalent proprietary and nonproprietary probes were performed. Data were analyzed by using univariate and multivariate general linear model analysis. Five OSS Medical probe models were statistically better than the equivalent proprietary probes. The remainder of the probes were statistically similar. Comparative and simulation studies can have significant advantages over human studies because they are cost-effective, evaluate equipment in a clinically relevant scenario, and pose no risk to patients, but they are limited by the realism of the simulation. We studied the performance of pulse oximeter probes in a simulated environment. Our results show significant differences between some probes that affect the accuracy of measurement.

High Temperature Ultrasonic Probe and Pulse-Echo Probe Mounting Fixture for Testing and Blind Alignment on Steam Pipes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lih, Shyh-Shiuh (Inventor); Takano, Nobuyuki (Inventor); Lee, Hyeong Jae (Inventor); Bao, Xiaoqi (Inventor); Badescu, Mircea (Inventor); Bar-Cohen, Yoseph (Inventor); Sherrit, Stewart (Inventor); Ostlund, Patrick N. (Inventor)

2017-01-01

A high temperature ultrasonic probe and a mounting fixture for attaching and aligning the probe to a steam pipe using blind alignment. The high temperature ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric transducer having a high temperature. The probe provides both transmitting and receiving functionality. The mounting fixture allows the high temperature ultrasonic probe to be accurately aligned to the bottom external surface of the steam pipe so that the presence of liquid water in the steam pipe can be monitored. The mounting fixture with a mounted high temperature ultrasonic probe are used to conduct health monitoring of steam pipes and to track the height of condensed water through the wall in real-time.

Cellular Oxygen and Nutrient Sensing in Microgravity Using Time-Resolved Fluorescence Microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Szmacinski, Henryk

2003-01-01

Oxygen and nutrient sensing is fundamental to the understanding of cell growth and metabolism. This requires identification of optical probes and suitable detection technology without complex calibration procedures. Under this project Microcosm developed an experimental technique that allows for simultaneous imaging of intra- and inter-cellular events. The technique consists of frequency-domain Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), a set of identified oxygen and pH probes, and methods for fabrication of microsensors. Specifications for electronic and optical components of FLIM instrumentation are provided. Hardware and software were developed for data acquisition and analysis. Principles, procedures, and representative images are demonstrated. Suitable lifetime sensitive oxygen, pH, and glucose probes for intra- and extra-cellular measurements of analyte concentrations have been identified and tested. Lifetime sensing and imaging have been performed using PBS buffer, culture media, and yeast cells as a model systems. Spectral specifications, calibration curves, and probes availability are also provided in the report.

Development of atomic radical monitoring probe and its application to spatial distribution measurements of H and O atomic radical densities in radical-based plasma processing

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

Takahashi, Shunji; Katagiri Engineering Co., Ltd., 3-5-34 Shitte Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-0003; Takashima, Seigo

2009-09-01

Atomic radicals such as hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) play important roles in process plasmas. In a previous study, we developed a system for measuring the absolute density of H, O, nitrogen, and carbon atoms in plasmas using vacuum ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy (VUVAS) with a compact light source using an atmospheric pressure microplasma [microdischarge hollow cathode lamp (MHCL)]. In this study, we developed a monitoring probe for atomic radicals employing the VUVAS with the MHCL. The probe size was 2.7 mm in diameter. Using this probe, only a single port needs to be accessed for radical density measurements. We successfullymore » measured the spatial distribution of the absolute densities of H and O atomic radicals in a radical-based plasma processing system by moving the probe along the radial direction of the chamber. This probe allows convenient analysis of atomic radical densities to be carried out for any type of process plasma at any time. We refer to this probe as a ubiquitous monitoring probe for atomic radicals.« less

AnilinoMethylRhodamines: pH Sensitive Probes with Tunable Photophysical Properties by Substituent Effect

PubMed Central

Best, Quinn A.; Liu, Chuangjun; van Hoveln, Paul D.; McCarroll, Matthew E.

2013-01-01

A series of pH dependent rhodamine analogs possessing an anilino-methyl moiety was developed and shown to exhibit a unique photophysical response to pH. These Anilinomethylrhodamines (AnMR) maintain a colorless, non-fluorescent spiro-cyclic structure at high pH. The spiro-cyclic structures open in mildly acidic conditions and are weakly fluorescent; however at very low pH, the fluorescence is greatly enhanced. The equilibrium constants of these processes show a linear response to substituent effects, which was demonstrated by the Hammett equation. PMID:24050117

New Photochrome Probe Allows Simultaneous pH and Microviscosity Sensing.

PubMed

Wu, Yuanyuan; Papper, Vladislav; Pokholenko, Oleksandr; Kharlanov, Vladimir; Zhou, Yubin; Steele, Terry W J; Marks, Robert S

2015-07-01

4-N,N'-dimethylamino-4'-N'-stilbenemaleamic acid (DASMA), a unique molecular photochrome probe that exhibits solubility and retains trans-cis photoisomerisation in a wide range of organic solvents and aqueous pH environments, was prepared, purified and chemically characterised. Absorption, fluorescence excitation and emission spectra and constant-illumination fluorescence decay were measured in acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethanol, propylene carbonate, and aqueous glycerol mixtures. The pseudo-first-order fluorescence decay rates were found to be strongly dependent on the medium viscosity. In addition, the molecule exhibited the pH-dependent fluorescence and photoisomerisation kinetics.

Use of Time-Resolved Fluorescence to Monitor Bioactive Compounds in Plant Based Foodstuffs

PubMed Central

Lemos, M. Adília; Sárniková, Katarína; Bot, Francesca; Anese, Monica; Hungerford, Graham

2015-01-01

The study of compounds that exhibit antioxidant activity has recently received much interest in the food industry because of their potential health benefits. Most of these compounds are plant based, such as polyphenolics and carotenoids, and there is a need to monitor them from the field through processing and into the body. Ideally, a monitoring technique should be non-invasive with the potential for remote capabilities. The application of the phenomenon of fluorescence has proved to be well suited, as many plant associated compounds exhibit fluorescence. The photophysical behaviour of fluorescent molecules is also highly dependent on their microenvironment, making them suitable probes to monitor changes in pH, viscosity and polarity, for example. Time-resolved fluorescence techniques have recently come to the fore, as they offer the ability to obtain more information, coupled with the fact that the fluorescence lifetime is an absolute measure, while steady state just provides relative and average information. In this work, we will present illustrative time-resolved measurements, rather than a comprehensive review, to show the potential of time-resolved fluorescence applied to the study of bioactive substances. The aim is to help assess if any changes occur in their form, going from extraction via storage and cooking to the interaction with serum albumin, a principal blood transport protein. PMID:26132136

An efficient core-shell fluorescent silica nanoprobe for ratiometric fluorescence detection of pH in living cells.

PubMed

Fu, Jingni; Ding, Changqin; Zhu, Anwei; Tian, Yang

2016-08-07

Intracellular pH plays a vital role in cell biology, including signal transduction, ion transport and homeostasis. Herein, a ratiometric fluorescent silica probe was developed to detect intracellular pH values. The pH sensitive dye fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC), emitting green fluorescence, was hybridized with reference dye rhodamine B (RB), emitting red fluorescence, as a dual-emission fluorophore, in which RB was embedded in a silica core of ∼40 nm diameter. Moreover, to prevent fluorescence resonance energy transfer between FITC and RB, FITC was grafted onto the surface of core-shell silica colloidal particles with a shell thickness of 10-12 nm. The nanoprobe exhibited dual emission bands centered at 517 and 570 nm, under single wavelength excitation of 488 nm. RB encapsulated in silica was inert to pH change and only served as reference signals for providing built-in correction to avoid environmental effects. Moreover, FITC (λem = 517 nm) showed high selectivity toward H(+) against metal ions and amino acids, leading to fluorescence variation upon pH change. Consequently, variations of the two fluorescence intensities (Fgreen/Fred) resulted in a ratiometric pH fluorescent sensor. The specific nanoprobe showed good linearity with pH variation in the range of 6.0-7.8. It can be noted that the fluorescent silica probe demonstrated good water dispersibility, high stability and low cytotoxicity. Accordingly, imaging and biosensing of pH variation was successfully achieved in HeLa cells.

Patterns of Limnohabitans Microdiversity across a Large Set of Freshwater Habitats as Revealed by Reverse Line Blot Hybridization

PubMed Central

Jezbera, Jan; Jezberová, Jitka; Kasalický, Vojtěch; Šimek, Karel; Hahn, Martin W.

2013-01-01

Among abundant freshwater Betaproteobacteria, only few groups are considered to be of central ecological importance. One of them is the well-studied genus Limnohabitans and mainly its R-BT subcluster, investigated previously mainly by fluorescence in situ hybridization methods. We designed, based on sequences from a large Limnohabitans culture collection, 18 RLBH (Reverse Line Blot Hybridization) probes specific for different groups within the genus Limnohabitans by targeting diagnostic sequences on their 16 S–23 S rRNA ITS regions. The developed probes covered in sum 92% of the available isolates. This set of probes was applied to environmental DNA originating from 161 different European standing freshwater habitats to reveal the microdiversity (intra-genus) patterns of the Limnohabitans genus along a pH gradient. Investigated habitats differed in various physicochemical parameters, and represented a very broad range of standing freshwater habitats. The Limnohabitans microdiversity, assessed as number of RLBH-defined groups detected, increased significantly along the gradient of rising pH of habitats. 14 out of 18 probes returned detection signals that allowed predictions on the distribution of distinct Limnohabitans groups. Most probe-defined Limnohabitans groups showed preferences for alkaline habitats, one for acidic, and some seemed to lack preferences. Complete niche-separation was indicated for some of the probe-targeted groups. Moreover, bimodal distributions observed for some groups of Limnohabitans, suggested further niche separation between genotypes within the same probe-defined group. Statistical analyses suggested that different environmental parameters such as pH, conductivity, oxygen and altitude influenced the distribution of distinct groups. The results of our study do not support the hypothesis that the wide ecological distribution of Limnohabitans bacteria in standing freshwater habitats results from generalist adaptations of these bacteria. Instead, our observations suggest that the genus Limnohabitans, as well as its R-BT subgroup, represent ecologically heterogeneous taxa, which underwent pronounced ecological diversification. PMID:23554898

Tuning the probe location on zwitterionic micellar system with variation of pH and addition of surfactants with different alkyl chains: solvent and rotational relaxation studies.

PubMed

Banerjee, Chiranjib; Mandal, Sarthak; Ghosh, Surajit; Rao, Vishal Govind; Sarkar, Nilmoni

2012-09-13

In this manuscript, we have modulated the location of an anionic probe, Coumarin-343 (C-343) in a zwitterionic (N-hexadecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio-1-propanesulfonate (SB-16)) micellar system by three different approaches. The effect of addition of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and the room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium octylsulfate (EmimOs) and N,N-dimethylethanol hexanoate (DAH), to the micellar solution has been studied. The effect of pH variation has been studied as well using solvent and rotational measurements. Migration of the anionic probe, C-343, from the palisade layer of SB-16 micelle to the bulk water has been observed to varying extents with the addition of SDS and EmimOs. The effect is much more pronounced in the presence of SDS and can be ascribed to the presence of the long alkyl (dodecyl) chain on SDS which can easily orient itself and fuse inside the SB-16 micelle and facilitate the observed migration of the probe molecule. This phenomenon is confirmed by faster solvation and rotational relaxation of the investigated probe molecule. The analogous fusion process is difficult in case of EmimOs and DAH because of their comparatively smaller alkyl (octyl and hexanoate) chain. However, the direction of C-343 migration is reversed with the decrease of pH of the SB-16 micellar medium. An increase in the average solvation and rotational relaxation time of the probe in acidic medium has been observed. Since experimental conditions are maintained such that the probe molecules and the zwitterionic SB-16 micelles remain oppositely charged, the observed results can be attributed to the increased electrostatic interaction (attractive) between them. Temperature dependent study also supports this finding.

Imidazole as a pH Probe: An NMR Experiment for the General Chemistry Laboratory

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hagan, William J., Jr.; Edie, Dennis L.; Cooley, Linda B.

2007-01-01

The analysis describes an NMR experiment for the general chemistry laboratory, which employs an unknown imidazole solution to measure the pH values. The described mechanism can also be used for measuring the acidity within the isolated cells.

The baric probe: a novel long-term implantable intracranial pressure monitor with ultrasound-based interrogation.

PubMed

Limbrick, David D; Lake, Stephen; Talcott, Michael; Alexander, Benjamin; Wight, Samuel; Willie, Jon T; Richard, William D; Genin, Guy M; Leuthardt, Eric C

2012-12-01

Prompt diagnosis of shunt malfunction is critical in preventing neurological morbidity and death in individuals with hydrocephalus; however, diagnostic methods for this condition remain limited. For several decades, investigators have sought a long-term, implantable intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor to assist in the diagnosis of shunt malfunction, but efforts have been impeded by device complexity, marked measurement drift, and limited instrumentation lifespan. In the current report, the authors introduce an entirely novel, simple, compressible gas design that addresses each of these problems. The device described herein, termed the "baric probe," consists of a subdural fluid bladder and multichannel indicator that monitors the position of an air-fluid interface (AFI). A handheld ultrasound probe is used to interrogate the baric probe in vivo, permitting noninvasive ICP determination. To assess the function of device prototypes, ex vivo experiments were conducted using a water column, and short- and long-term in vivo experiments were performed using a porcine model with concurrent measurements of ICP via a fiberoptic monitor. Following a toe region of approximately 2 cm H(2)O, the baric probe's AFI demonstrated a predictable linear relationship to ICP in both ex vivo and in vivo models. After a 2-week implantation of the device, this linear relationship remained robust and reproducible. Further, changes in ICP were observed with the baric probe, on average, 3 seconds in advance of the fiberoptic ICP monitor reading. The authors demonstrate "proof-of-concept" and feasibility for the baric probe, a long-term implantable ICP monitor designed to facilitate the prompt and accurate diagnosis of shunt malfunction. The baric probe showed a consistent linear relationship between ICP and the device's AFI in ex vivo and short- and long-term in vivo models. With a low per-unit cost, a reduced need for radiography or CT, and an indicator that can be read with a handheld ultrasound probe that interfaces with any smart phone, the baric probe promises to simplify the care of patients with shunt-treated hydrocephalus throughout both the developed and the developing world.

Monitoring of chicken meat freshness by means of a colorimetric sensor array.

PubMed

Salinas, Yolanda; Ros-Lis, José V; Vivancos, José-L; Martínez-Máñez, Ramón; Marcos, M Dolores; Aucejo, Susana; Herranz, Nuria; Lorente, Inmaculada

2012-08-21

A new optoelectronic nose to monitor chicken meat ageing has been developed. It is based on 16 pigments prepared by the incorporation of different dyes (pH indicators, Lewis acids, hydrogen-bonding derivatives, selective probes and natural dyes) into inorganic materials (UVM-7, silica and alumina). The colour changes of the sensor array were characteristic of chicken ageing in a modified packaging atmosphere (30% CO(2)-70% N(2)). The chromogenic array data were processed with qualitative (PCA) and quantitative (PLS) tools. The PCA statistical analysis showed a high degree of dispersion, with nine dimensions required to explain 95% of variance. Despite this high dimensionality, a tridimensional representation of the three principal components was able to differentiate ageing with 2-day intervals. Moreover, the PLS statistical analysis allows the creation of a model to correlate the chromogenic data with chicken meat ageing. The model offers a PLS prediction model for ageing with values of 0.9937, 0.0389 and 0.994 for the slope, the intercept and the regression coefficient, respectively, and is in agreement with the perfect fit between the predicted and measured values observed. The results suggest the feasibility of this system to help develop optoelectronic noses that monitor food freshness.

Novel Multisensor Probe for Monitoring Bladder Temperature During Locoregional Chemohyperthermia for Nonmuscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Technical Feasibility Study

PubMed Central

Geijsen, Debby E.; Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, Paul J.; Schooneveldt, Gerben; Sijbrands, Jan; Hulshof, Maarten C.; de la Rosette, Jean; de Reijke, Theo M.; Crezee, Hans

2013-01-01

Abstract Background and Purpose: The effectiveness of locoregional hyperthermia combined with intravesical instillation of mitomycin C to reduce the risk of recurrence and progression of intermediate- and high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer is currently investigated in clinical trials. Clinically effective locoregional hyperthermia delivery necessitates adequate thermal dosimetry; thus, optimal thermometry methods are needed to monitor accurately the temperature distribution throughout the bladder wall. The aim of the study was to evaluate the technical feasibility of a novel intravesical device (multi-sensor probe) developed to monitor the local bladder wall temperatures during loco-regional C-HT. Materials and Methods: A multisensor thermocouple probe was designed for deployment in the human bladder, using special sensors to cover the bladder wall in different directions. The deployment of the thermocouples against the bladder wall was evaluated with visual, endoscopic, and CT imaging in bladder phantoms, porcine models, and human bladders obtained from obduction for bladder volumes and different deployment sizes of the probe. Finally, porcine bladders were embedded in a phantom and subjected to locoregional heating to compare probe temperatures with additional thermometry inside and outside the bladder wall. Results: The 7.5 cm thermocouple probe yielded optimal bladder wall contact, adapting to different bladder volumes. Temperature monitoring was shown to be accurate and representative for the actual bladder wall temperature. Conclusions: Use of this novel multisensor probe could yield a more accurate monitoring of the bladder wall temperature during locoregional chemohyperthermia. PMID:24112045

Microrheology and microstructure of water-in-water emulsions containing sodium caseinate and locust bean gum.

PubMed

Moschakis, Thomas; Chantzos, Nikos; Biliaderis, Costas G; Dickinson, Eric

2018-05-23

The mechanical response on the microscale of phase-separated water-in-water emulsions containing sodium caseinate (SCN) and locust bean gum (LBG) has been monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and particle tracking microrheology. Mixed biopolymer systems exhibiting phase-separated micro-regions were enriched in either protein or polysaccharide in the continuous or dispersed phase, depending on the weight ratio of the two biopolymers. Measurements of the tracking of charged probe particles revealed that the local rheological properties of protein-rich regions were considerably lower than that of LBG-rich domains for all the biopolymer ratios examined. At pH 7 in the absence of added salt, the viscosity of the protein-rich regions was little affected by an increase in overall LBG concentration, which is consistent with the phase separation mechanism in the mixed solution of charged (SCN) and uncharged (LBG) biopolymers being dominated by the relative entropy of the counter-ions associated with the charged protein molecules. Addition of salt was found to produce an enhancement in the level of thermodynamic incompatibility, leading to faster and more pronounced phase separation, and altering the micro-viscosity of protein-rich regions. At high ionic strength, it was also noted that there was a pronounced accumulation of incorporated probe particles at the liquid-liquid interface. The microrheological properties of the SCN-rich regions were found to be substantially pH-dependent in the range 7 > pH > 5.4. By adjusting the acidification conditions and the biopolymer ratio, discrete protein-based microspheres were generated with potential applications as a functional food ingredient.

Research on Segmentation Monitoring Control of IA-RWA Algorithm with Probe Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Danping; Guo, Kun; Yao, Qiuyan; Zhao, Jijun

2018-04-01

The impairment-aware routing and wavelength assignment algorithm with probe flow (P-IA-RWA) can make an accurate estimation for the transmission quality of the link when the connection request comes. But it also causes some problems. The probe flow data introduced in the P-IA-RWA algorithm can result in the competition for wavelength resources. In order to reduce the competition and the blocking probability of the network, a new P-IA-RWA algorithm with segmentation monitoring-control mechanism (SMC-P-IA-RWA) is proposed. The algorithm would reduce the holding time of network resources for the probe flow. It segments the candidate path suitably for the data transmitting. And the transmission quality of the probe flow sent by the source node will be monitored in the endpoint of each segment. The transmission quality of data can also be monitored, so as to make the appropriate treatment to avoid the unnecessary probe flow. The simulation results show that the proposed SMC-P-IA-RWA algorithm can effectively reduce the blocking probability. It brings a better solution to the competition for resources between the probe flow and the main data to be transferred. And it is more suitable for scheduling control in the large-scale network.

Aggregation-induced emission spectral shift as a measure of local concentration of a pH-activatable rhodamine-based smart probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arsov, Zoran; Urbančič, Iztok; Štrancar, Janez

2018-02-01

Generating activatable probes that report about molecular vicinity through contact-based mechanisms such as aggregation can be very convenient. Specifically, such probes change a particular spectral property only at the intended biologically relevant target. Xanthene derivatives, for example rhodamines, are able to form aggregates. It is typical to examine aggregation by absorption spectroscopy but for microscopy applications utilizing fluorescent probes it is very important to perform characterization by measuring fluorescence spectra. First we show that excitation spectra of aqueous solutions of rhodamine 6G can be very informative about the aggregation features. Next we establish the dependence of the fluorescence emission spectral maximum shift on the dimer concentration. The obtained information helped us confirm the possibility of aggregation of a recently designed and synthesized rhodamine 6G-based pH-activatable fluorescent probe and to study its pH and concentration dependence. The size of the aggregation-induced emission spectral shift at specific position on the sample can be measured by fluorescence microspectroscopy, which at particular pH allows estimation of the local concentration of the observed probe at microscopic level. Therefore, we show that besides aggregation-caused quenching and aggregation-induced emission also aggregation-induced emission spectral shift can be a useful photophysical phenomenon.

Probing the endocytic pathways of the filamentous bacteriophage in live cells using ratiometric pH fluorescent indicator.

PubMed

Tian, Ye; Wu, Man; Liu, Xiangxiang; Liu, Zhi; Zhou, Quan; Niu, Zhongwei; Huang, Yong

2015-02-18

Viral nanoparticles have attracted extensive research interests in diverse applications of diagnosis and therapy. In particular, filamentous M13 bacteriophages have shown great potential in biomedical applications. However, its pathways entering into cells still remain unclear, and this greatly hinders its further use as a drug or gene carrier. Here, a ratiometric M13 pH probe is designed by conjugating two fluorescent dyes onto the surface of M13. Since the intensity ratio is not influenced by probe concentration, ion strength, temperature, photobleaching, and optical path length, this ratiometric probe can be used to investigate the intracellular pH map of M13. More importantly, the internalization mechanism of M13 can be elucidated. It is found that this filamentous phage shows great cell-type dependence in interaction with cells and internalization mechanism. The phage tends to be bounded on the cell membrane of only epithelial cells, not endothelial cells. Furthermore, the M13 phage enters into cells through endocytosis with specific mechanism: clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis for HeLa; vesicular transport, clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and macropinocytosis for MCF-7; caveolae-mediated endocytosis for human dermal microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC). This work provides key notes for cancer diagnosis and therapy based on filamentous bacteriophage, especially for design of pH-sensitive drug delivery systems. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Simple Method for Decreasing the Liquid Junction Potential in a Flow-through-Type Differential pH Sensor Probe Consisting of pH-FETs by Exerting Spatiotemporal Control of the Liquid Junction

PubMed Central

Yamada, Akira; Mohri, Satoshi; Nakamura, Michihiro; Naruse, Keiji

2015-01-01

The liquid junction potential (LJP), the phenomenon that occurs when two electrolyte solutions of different composition come into contact, prevents accurate measurements in potentiometry. The effect of the LJP is usually remarkable in measurements of diluted solutions with low buffering capacities or low ion concentrations. Our group has constructed a simple method to eliminate the LJP by exerting spatiotemporal control of a liquid junction (LJ) formed between two solutions, a sample solution and a baseline solution (BLS), in a flow-through-type differential pH sensor probe. The method was contrived based on microfluidics. The sensor probe is a differential measurement system composed of two ion-sensitive field-effect transistors (ISFETs) and one Ag/AgCl electrode. With our new method, the border region of the sample solution and BLS is vibrated in order to mix solutions and suppress the overshoot after the sample solution is suctioned into the sensor probe. Compared to the conventional method without vibration, our method shortened the settling time from over two min to 15 s and reduced the measurement error by 86% to within 0.060 pH. This new method will be useful for improving the response characteristics and decreasing the measurement error of many apparatuses that use LJs. PMID:25835300

Single-cell intracellular nano-pH probes†

PubMed Central

Özel, Rıfat Emrah; Lohith, Akshar; Mak, Wai Han; Pourmand, Nader

2016-01-01

Within a large clonal population, such as cancerous tumor entities, cells are not identical, and the differences between intracellular pH levels of individual cells may be important indicators of heterogeneity that could be relevant in clinical practice, especially in personalized medicine. Therefore, the detection of the intracellular pH at the single-cell level is of great importance to identify and study outlier cells. However, quantitative and real-time measurements of the intracellular pH of individual cells within a cell population is challenging with existing technologies, and there is a need to engineer new methodologies. In this paper, we discuss the use of nanopipette technology to overcome the limitations of intracellular pH measurements at the single-cell level. We have developed a nano-pH probe through physisorption of chitosan onto hydroxylated quartz nanopipettes with extremely small pore sizes (~100 nm). The dynamic pH range of the nano-pH probe was from 2.6 to 10.7 with a sensitivity of 0.09 units. We have performed single-cell intracellular pH measurements using non-cancerous and cancerous cell lines, including human fibroblasts, HeLa, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, with the pH nanoprobe. We have further demonstrated the real-time continuous single-cell pH measurement capability of the sensor, showing the cellular pH response to pharmaceutical manipulations. These findings suggest that the chitosan-functionalized nanopore is a powerful nano-tool for pH sensing at the single-cell level with high temporal and spatial resolution. PMID:27708772

Development of a novel probe sonication assisted enhanced loading of 5-FU in SPION encapsulated pectin nanocarriers for magnetic targeted drug delivery system.

PubMed

Dutta, Raj Kumar; Sahu, Saurabh

2012-09-01

A novel probe sonication method is developed to enhance loading of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in SPION encalsulated pectin nanocarriers of 100-150 nm size (referred here as MP-5FU nanocarriers). Probe sonication at 20 kHz for 60 min resulted in 5-FU loading efficiency of 33.2 ± 2.5%w/w and corresponding drug loading content of 18.2 ± 1.1 wt%. These are two folds higher than literature report of 5-FU loading in pectin. The enhanced loading is attributed to increase in the rate of dissolution of 5-FU in pectin due to transmission of kHz order sonic waves which increases temperature and pressure in the medium due to formation and collapsing of cavitation bubbles. The fabricated MP-5FU nanocarriers with saturation magnetization (43.13 emu/g) exhibited pH responsive, swelling controlled in vitro release of 5-FU in simulated gastric fluid at pH 1.2, in simulated intestinal fluid at pH 6.8, in simulated colonic fluid at pH 5.5, and in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of MP-5FU was measured by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and its GI(50) was more than 5mg/mL for cancer cells of HT-29 (colon) and Hep G2 (liver), while it was 3.7 mg/mL for cancer cells of MIA-PaCa-2 (Pancreas). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A TEMPO-conjugated fluorescent probe for monitoring mitochondrial redox reactions.

PubMed

Hirosawa, Shota; Arai, Satoshi; Takeoka, Shinji

2012-05-18

We report a mitochondrial targeted redox probe (MitoRP) that comprises a nitroxide radical (TEMPO) moiety and coumarin 343. Using isolated mitochondria in the presence/absence of substrates and inhibitors of oxidative phosphorylation, we demonstrated that MitoRP is a useful probe to monitor the electron flow associated with complex I. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

Miniature probe for the delivery and monitoring of a photopolymerizable material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmocker, Andreas; Khoushabi, Azadeh; Schizas, Constantin; Bourban, Pierre-Etienne; Pioletti, Dominique P.; Moser, Christophe

2015-12-01

Photopolymerization is a common method to cure materials initially in a liquid state, such as dental implants or bone or tissue fillers. Recent advances in the development of biocompatible gel- and cement-systems open up an avenue for in situ photopolymerization. For minimally invasive surgery, such procedures require miniaturized surgical endoscopic probes to activate and control photopolymerization in situ. We present a miniaturized light probe in which a photoactive material can be (1) mixed, pressurized, and injected, (2) photopolymerized/photoactivated, and (3) monitored during the chemical reaction. The device is used to implant and cure poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate-hydrogel-precursor in situ with ultraviolet A (UVA) light (365 nm) while the polymerization reaction is monitored in real time by collecting the fluorescence and Raman signals generated by the 532-nm excitation light source. Hydrogels could be delivered, photopolymerized, and monitored by the probe up to a curing depth of 4 cm. The size of the photopolymerized samples could be correlated to the fluorescent signal collected by the probe, and the reproducibility of the procedure could be demonstrated. The position of the probe tip inside a bovine caudal intervertebral disc could be estimated in vitro based on the collected fluorescence and Raman signal.

Plasmonic nanopipette biosensor.

PubMed

Masson, Jean-Francois; Breault-Turcot, Julien; Faid, Rita; Poirier-Richard, Hugo-Pierre; Yockell-Lelièvre, Hélène; Lussier, Félix; Spatz, Joachim P

2014-09-16

Integrating a SERS immunoassay on a plasmonic "patch clamp" nanopipette enabled nanobiosensing for the detection of IgG. A SERS response was obtained using a sandwich assay benefiting from plasmon coupling between a capture Au nanoparticle (AuNP) on a nanotip and a second AuNP modified with a Raman active reporter and an antibody selective for IgG. The impact of nanoparticle shape and surface coverage was investigated alongside the choice of Raman active reporter, deposition pH, and plasmonic coupling, in an attempt to fully understand the plasmonic properties of nanopipettes and to optimize the nanobiosensor for the detection of IgG. These probes will find applications in various fields due to their nanoscale size leading to the possibility of spatially and temporally addressing their location near cells to monitor secretion of biomolecules.

Ligand-displacement-based two-photon fluorogenic probe for visualizing mercapto biomolecules in live cells, Drosophila brains and zebrafish.

PubMed

Zhao, Yanfei; Ni, Yun; Wang, Liulin; Xu, Chenchen; Xin, Chenqi; Zhang, Chengwu; Zhang, Gaobin; Xie, Xiaoji; Li, Lin; Huang, Wei

2018-06-19

Investigating the change in expression level of mercapto biomolecules (GSH/Cys/Hcy) necessitates a rapid detection method for a series of physiological and pathological processes. Herein, we present a ligand-displacement-based two-photon fluorogenic probe based on an Fe(iii) complex, TPFeS, which is a GSH/Cys/Hcy rapid detection fluorogenic probe for in vitro analysis and live cell/tissue/in vivo imaging. The "in situ" probe is non-fluorescent and was prepared from a 1 : 2 ratio of Fe(iii) and TPS, a novel two-photon (TP) fluorophore with excellent one-photon (OP) and TP properties under physiological conditions, as a fluorescent ligand. This probe shows a rapid and remarkable fluorescence restoration (OFF-ON) property due to the ligand-displacement reaction of mercapto biomolecules in a recyclable manner in vitro. A significant two-photon action cross-section, good selectivity for biothiols, low cytotoxicity, and insensitivity to pH over the biologically relevant pH range allowed the direct visualization of mercapto biomolecules at different levels between normal/drug-treated live cells, as well as in Drosophila brain tissues/zebrafish based on the use of two-photon fluorescence microscopy.

Surface acidity and solid-state compatibility of excipients with an acid-sensitive API: case study of atorvastatin calcium.

PubMed

Govindarajan, Ramprakash; Landis, Margaret; Hancock, Bruno; Gatlin, Larry A; Suryanarayanan, Raj; Shalaev, Evgenyi Y

2015-04-01

The objectives of this study were to measure the apparent surface acidity of common excipients and to correlate the acidity with the chemical stability of an acid-sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in binary API-excipient powder mixtures. The acidity of 26 solid excipients was determined by two methods, (i) by measuring the pH of their suspensions or solutions and (ii) the pH equivalent (pHeq) measured via ionization of probe molecules deposited on the surface of the excipients. The chemical stability of an API, atorvastatin calcium (AC), in mixtures with the excipients was evaluated by monitoring the appearance of an acid-induced degradant, atorvastatin lactone, under accelerated storage conditions. The extent of lactone formation in AC-excipient mixtures was presented as a function of either solution/suspension pH or pHeq. No lactone formation was observed in mixtures with excipients having pHeq > 6, while the lactone levels were pronounced (> 0.6% after 6 weeks at 50°C/20% RH) with excipients exhibiting pHeq < 3. The three pHeq regions (> 6, 3-6, and < 3) were consistent with the reported solution pH-stability profile of AC. In contrast to the pHeq scale, lactone formation did not show any clear trend when plotted as a function of the suspension/solution pH. Two mechanisms to explain the discrepancy between the suspension/solution pH and the chemical stability data were discussed. Acidic excipients, which are expected to be incompatible with an acid-sensitive API, were identified based on pHeq measurements. The incompatibility prediction was confirmed in the chemical stability tests using AC as an example of an acid-sensitive API.

The utility of oesophageal pH monitoring in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease-related chronic cough.

PubMed

Rybka, Aleksandra; Malesa, Kamila; Radlińska, Olga; Krakowiak, Karolina; Grabczak, Elżbieta M; Dąbrowska, Marta; Chazan, Ryszarda

2014-01-01

Chronic cough is a common medical complaint, which may deteriorate patients' quality of life and cause many complications. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the frequent reasons for chronic cough. Oesophageal pH monitoring is one of the diagnostic methods performed to confirm diagnosis of GERD-related cough. The aim of the study was to analyse the utility of oesophageal pH monitoring in diagnosing GERD-related cough and to identify the most sensitive pH monitoring parameters for diagnosing GERD-related cough. 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring was performed in 204 patients suffering from chronic cough. The group consisted of 65% females and the median age was 59 years. An acid reflux episode was defined as a rapid drop in pH to a value below 4 for at least 12 seconds. The diagnosis of GERD was based on total fraction time of pH < 4, upright or supine fraction time of pH < 4, or DeMeester score. The diagnosis of GERD-related cough was made if cough episodes, marked by the patients, appeared within 2 minutes after the reflux. The association between reflux episode and appearance of cough was analysed using two parameters: symptom index (SI ≥ 50%) and/or symptom association probability (SAP ≥ 95%). Based on results of pH monitoring, 135 patients (135/204, 66%) were diagnosed with GERD. Among them, 117 patients (117/135, 87%) were diagnosed based on DeMeester score. Among patients with GERD, 61 patients met the criteria of GERD-related cough (61/135, 45%), i.e. 30% of the group as a whole. Thirty-six patients (36/61, 59%) were diagnosed based on SAP, 12 patients (20%) based on SI, and 13 (21%) based on both parameters. Spearman rank correlation coefficient for SAP ≥ 95% and SI ≥ 50% was 0.46 (p < 0.05). Based on pH monitoring results, GERD was diagnosed twice as often as GERD-related cough. SAP index is more sensitive than SI for the diagnosis of GERD-related cough.

Cellphone probes as an ATMS tool

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-06-01

The foundation of traffic operations and management is the ability to monitor traffic conditions. One approach to traffic monitoring is to sample conditions by tracking a limited number of probe vehicles as they traverse a network. An emerging techno...

Noninvasive, near infrared spectroscopic-measured muscle pH and PO2 indicate tissue perfusion for cardiac surgical patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soller, Babs R.; Idwasi, Patrick O.; Balaguer, Jorge; Levin, Steven; Simsir, Sinan A.; Vander Salm, Thomas J.; Collette, Helen; Heard, Stephen O.

2003-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether near infrared spectroscopic measurement of tissue pH and Po2 has sufficient accuracy to assess variation in tissue perfusion resulting from changes in blood pressure and metabolic demand during cardiopulmonary bypass. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS: Eighteen elective cardiac surgical patients. INTERVENTION: Cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A near infrared spectroscopic fiber optic probe was placed over the hypothenar eminence. Reference Po2 and pH sensors were inserted in the abductor digiti minimi (V). Data were collected every 30 secs during surgery and for 6 hrs following cardiopulmonary bypass. Calibration equations developed from one third of the data were used with the remaining data to investigate sensitivity of the near infrared spectroscopic measurement to physiologic changes resulting from cardiopulmonary bypass. Near infrared spectroscopic and reference pH and Po2 measurements were compared for each subject using standard error of prediction. Near infrared spectroscopic pH and Po2 at baseline were compared with values during cardiopulmonary bypass just before rewarming commenced (hypotensive, hypothermic), after rewarming (hypotensive, normothermic) just before discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass, and at 6 hrs following cardiopulmonary bypass (normotensive, normothermic) using mixed-model analysis of variance. Near infrared spectroscopic pH and Po2 were well correlated with the invasive measurement of pH (R2 =.84) and Po2 (R 2 =.66) with an average standard error of prediction of 0.022 +/- 0.008 pH units and 6 +/- 3 mm Hg, respectively. The average difference between the invasive and near infrared spectroscopic measurement was near zero for both the pH and Po2 measurements. Near infrared spectroscopic Po2 significantly decreased 50% on initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass and remained depressed throughout the bypass and monitored intensive care period. Near infrared spectroscopic pH decreased significantly during cardiopulmonary bypass, decreased significantly during rewarming, and remained depressed 6 hrs after cardiopulmonary bypass. Diabetic patients responded differently than nondiabetic subjects to cardiopulmonary bypass, with lower muscle pH values (p =.02). CONCLUSIONS: Near infrared spectroscopic-measured muscle pH and Po2 are sensitive to changes in tissue perfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass.

Biomedical and sensing applications of a multi-mode biodegradable phosphate-based optical fiber

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Podrazky, Ondřej; Peterka, Pavel; Vytykáčová, SoÅa.; Proboštová, Jana; Kuneš, Martin; Lyutakov, Oleksiy; Ceci-Ginistrelli, Edoardo; Pugliese, Diego; Boetti, Nadia G.; Janner, Davide; Milanese, Daniel

2018-02-01

We report on the employment of a biodegradable phosphate-based optical fiber as a pH sensing probe in physiological environment. The phosphate-based optical fiber preform was fabricated by the rod-in-tube technique. The fiber biodegradability was first tested in-vitro and then its biodegradability and toxicity were tested in-vivo. Optical probes for pH sensing were prepared by the immobilization of a fluorescent dye on the fiber tip by a sol-gel method. The fluorescence response of the pH-sensor was measured as a ratio of the emission intensities at the excitation wavelengths of 405 and 450 nm.

Role of intragastric and intraoesophageal alkalinisation in the genesis of complications in Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus.

PubMed Central

Attwood, S E; Ball, C S; Barlow, A P; Jenkinson, L; Norris, T L; Watson, A

1993-01-01

Patients with Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus have severe acid gastrooesophageal reflux and may develop complications, including ulceration, stricture, and carcinoma. The aim of this study was to establish if a relationship exists between the pH profile in the oesophagus and stomach and the development of complications in patients with Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus. Twenty four hour ambulatory oesophageal pH monitoring was performed in 26 patients with Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus and combined with 24 hour ambulatory gastric pH monitoring in 16. Ten of the 26 with Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus had complications including stricture (eight), deep ulceration (one), and carcinoma (one). Oesophageal acid exposure (% time < pH 4) was similar in patients with or without complications (19.2% v 19.3% p > 0.05). Oesophageal alkaline exposure (% time > pH 7) was greater in patients with complications (24.2% v 8.4% p > 0.05). Of the 16 patients who underwent gastric pH monitoring there was a clear relationship between gastric and oesophageal alkalinisation in 13. These results support the hypothesis that complications in Barrett's columnar lined lower oesophagus develop in association with increased exposure of the oesophagus to an alkaline environment which appears to be secondary to duodenogastric reflux. The routine use of 24 hour ambulatory gastric pH monitoring in conjunction with oesophageal pH monitoring can help identify those patients at risk. PMID:8432439

4-amino-1H-benzo[g]quinazoline-2-one: a fluorescent analog of cytosine to probe protonation sites in triplex forming oligonucleotides.

PubMed

Godde, F; Toulmé, J J; Moreau, S

2000-08-01

We developed a new fluorescent analog of cytosine, the 4-amino-1H-benzo[g]quinazoline-2-one, which constitute a probe sensitive to pH. The 2'-O-Me ribonucleoside derivative of this heterocycle was synthesized and exhibited a fluorescence emission centered at 456 nm, characterized by four major excitation maxima (250, 300, 320 and 370 nm) and a fluorescence quantum yield of Phi = 0.62 at pH 7.1. The fluorescence emission maximum shifted from 456 to 492 nm when pH was decreased from 7.1 to 2.1. The pK(a) (4) was close to that of cytosine (4.17). When introduced in triplex forming oligonucleotides this new nucleoside can be used to reveal the protonation state of triplets in triple-stranded structures. Complex formation was detected by a significant quenching of fluorescence emission (approximately 88%) and the N-3 protonation of the quinazoline ring by a shift of the emission maximum from 485 to 465 nm. Using this probe we unambiguously showed that triplex formation of the pyrimidine motif does not require the protonation of all 4-amino-2-one pyrimidine rings.

A highly sensitive nanoscale pH-sensor using Au nanoparticles linked by a multifunctional Raman-active reporter molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawson, Latevi S.; Chan, James W.; Huser, Thomas

2014-06-01

Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr06277e

Imaging on a Shoestring: Cost-Effective Technologies for Probing Vadose Zone Transport Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corkhill, C.; Bridge, J. W.; Barns, G.; Fraser, R.; Romero-Gonzalez, M.; Wilson, R.; Banwart, S.

2010-12-01

Key barriers to the widespread uptake of imaging technology for high spatial resolution monitoring of porous media systems are cost and accessibility. X-ray tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), gamma and neutron radiography require highly specialised equipment, controlled laboratory environments and/or access to large synchrotron facilities. Here we present results from visible light, fluorescence and autoradiographic imaging techniques developed at low cost and applied in standard analytical laboratories, adapted where necessary at minimal capital expense. UV-visible time lapse fluorescence imaging (UV-vis TLFI) in a transparent thin bed chamber enabled microspheres labelled with fluorescent dye and a conservative fluorophore solute (disodium fluorescein) to be measured simultaneously in saturated, partially-saturated and actively draining quartz sand to elucidate empirical values for colloid transport and deposition parameters distributed throughout the flow field, independently of theoretical approximations. Key results include the first experimental quantification of the effects of ionic strength and air-water interfacial area on colloid deposition above a capillary fringe, and the first direct observations of particle mobilisation and redeposition by moving saturation gradients during drainage. UV-vis imaging was also used to study biodegradation and reactive transport in a variety of saturated conditions, applying fluorescence as a probe for oxygen and nitrate concentration gradients, pH, solute transport parameters, reduction of uranium, and mapping of two-dimensional flow fields around a model dipole flow borehole system to validate numerical models. Costs are low: LED excitation sources (< US 50), flow chambers (US 200) and detectors (although a complete scientific-grade CCD set-up costs around US$ 8000, robust datasets can be obtained using a commercial digital SLR camera) mean that set-ups can be flexible to meet changing experimental requirements. The critical limitations of UV-vis fluorescence imaging are the need for reliable fluorescent probes suited to the experimental objective, and the reliance on thin-bed (2D) transparent porous media. Autoradiographic techniques address some of these limitations permit imaging of key biogeochemical processes in opaque media using radioactive probes, without the need for specialised radiation sources. We present initial calibration data for the use of autoradiography to monitor transport parameters for radionuclides (99-technetium), and a novel application of a radioactive salt tracer as a probe for pore water content, in model porous media systems.

Esophageal motility and 24-h pH profiles of patients with heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus.

PubMed

Korkut, Esin; Bektaş, Mehmet; Alkan, Murat; Ustün, Yusuf; Meco, Cem; Ozden, Ali; Soykan, Irfan

2010-02-01

Heterotopic gastric mucosa occurs as a flat island of red mucosa in the proximal third of the esophagus where it gives rise to the cervical inlet patch. The aims of this study were to investigate the esophageal motility pattern and 24-h pH profiles of patients with cervical inlet patch. Thirty patients (16 women, mean age: 44.9 years, range: 23-72) diagnosed as having heterotopic gastric mucosa in the cervical esophagus with upper gastrointestinal symptoms had undergone esophageal motility testing and 24-h pH monitorisation with a double-channel pH probe. Manometric investigation was abnormal in 7 patients (non-specific esophageal motor disorder in 4 patients, esophageal hypomotility in 1 patient, and hypotensive LES in 2 patients). Pathological acid reflux (pH<4) was found in 9 (30%) of 30 heterotopic gastric mucosa patients during pH monitorisation from the distal probe. Pathological acid reflux in the proximal esophagus (percentage of total time of pH<4) was seen in four of these nine patients. Only four of the 30 patients (13.3%) presented with "acid independent episodes" during the 24-h esophageal pH monitorisation. Manometric investigation and 24-h pH monitorisation revealed that some of the patients with HGM have signs of esophageal motor dysfunction and "acid independent episodes" from the patches. These abnormalities may be responsible for some of the symptoms of HGM patients. Copyright 2009 European Federation of Internal Medicine. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Monitoring of vapor phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

DOEpatents

Vo-Dinh, Tuan; Hajaligol, Mohammad R.

2004-06-01

An apparatus for monitoring vapor phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a high-temperature environment has an excitation source producing electromagnetic radiation, an optical path having an optical probe optically communicating the electromagnetic radiation received at a proximal end to a distal end, a spectrometer or polychromator, a detector, and a positioner coupled to the first optical path. The positioner can slidably move the distal end of the optical probe to maintain the distal end position with respect to an area of a material undergoing combustion. The emitted wavelength can be directed to a detector in a single optical probe 180.degree. backscattered configuration, in a dual optical probe 180.degree. backscattered configuration or in a dual optical probe 90.degree. side scattered configuration. The apparatus can be used to monitor an emitted wavelength of energy from a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon as it fluoresces in a high temperature environment.

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

Jurisson, Silvia S.; Lever, Susan Z.; Robertson, J. David

This grant was situated at the University of Missouri to train Ph.D. scientists in radiochemistry and synthetic chemistry in conjunction with Faculty from the Interdisciplinary Plant Group, Division of Biological Sciences, the MU Research Reactor Center, Molecular Biology and the Radiopharmaceutical Sciences Institute. This project was collaborative with Brookhaven National Laboratory (Richard Ferrieri, PI). Projects for the Ph.D. candidates included novel probe development for peptides, nucleosides, small molecules or radiometals, the direct use of radiometals as probes, or nuclear techniques for analysis. The projects for the postdoctoral fellow involved synthetic chemistry for the preparation of precursors for novel tracers thatmore » will be radiolabeled with 18F or other appropriate radionuclides. The skill sets of our team members allowed us to prepare probes with positron or single photon emitters, as well as ones that are dual-labeled (fluorescent and radiolabeled). We focused our technical advances to those that will be broadly applicable to any research field.« less

Dual-Responsive Molecular Probe for Tumor Targeted Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy

PubMed Central

Meng, Xiaoqing; Yang, Yueting; Zhou, Lihua; Zhang, li; Lv, Yalin; Li, Sanpeng; Wu, Yayun; Zheng, Mingbin; Li, Wenjun; Gao, Guanhui; Deng, Guanjun; Jiang, Tao; Ni, Dapeng; Gong, Ping; Cai, Lintao

2017-01-01

The precision oncology significantly relies on the development of multifunctional agents to integrate tumor targeting, imaging and therapeutics. In this study, a first small-molecule theranostic probe, RhoSSCy is constructed by conjugating 5′-carboxyrhodamines (Rho) and heptamethine cyanine IR765 (Cy) using a reducible disulfide linker and pH tunable amino-group to realize thiols/pH dual sensing. In vitro experiments verify that RhoSSCy is highly sensitive for quantitative analysis and imaging intracellular pH gradient and biothiols. Furthermore, RhoSSCy shows superb tumor targeted dual-modal imaging via near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) and photoacoustic (PA). Importantly, RhoSSCy also induces strongly reactive oxygen species for tumor photodynamic therapy (PDT) with robust antitumor activity both in vitro and in vivo. Such versatile small-molecule theranostic probe may be promising for tumor targeted imaging and precision therapy. PMID:28638467

Monitoring transients in low inductance circuits

DOEpatents

Guilford, R.P.; Rosborough, J.R.

1985-10-21

The instant invention relates to methods of and apparatus for monitoring transients in low inductance circuits and to a probe utilized to practice said method and apparatus. More particularly, the instant invention relates to methods of and apparatus for monitoring low inductance circuits, wherein the low inductance circuits include a pair of flat cable transmission lines. The instant invention is further directed to a probe for use in monitoring pairs of flat cable transmission lines.

Evaluating Metal Probe Meters for Soil Testing.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hershey, David R.

1992-01-01

Inexpensive metal probe meters that are sold by garden stores can be evaluated by students for their accuracy in measuring soil pH, moisture, fertility, and salinity. The author concludes that the meters are inaccurate and cannot be calibrated in standard units. However, the student evaluations are useful in learning the methods of soil analysis…

Fiber optic chemical sensors: The evolution of high- density fiber-optic DNA microarrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferguson, Jane A.

2001-06-01

Sensors were developed for multianalyte monitoring, fermentation monitoring, lactate analysis, remote oxygen detection for use in bioremediation monitoring and in a fuel spill clean-up project, heavy metal analysis, and high density DNA microarrays. The major focus of this thesis involved creating and improving high-density DNA gene arrays. Fiber optic sensors are created using fluorescent indicators, polymeric supports, and optical fiber substrates. The fluorescent indicator is entrapped in a polymer layer and attached to the tip of the optical fiber. The tip of the fiber bearing the sensing layer (the distal end) is placed in the sample of interest while the other end of the fiber (the proximal end) is connected to an analysis system. Any length of fiber can be used without compromising the integrity or sensitivity of the system. A fiber optic oxygen sensor was designed incorporating an oxygen sensitive fluorescent dye and a gas permeable polymer attached to an optical fiber. The construction simplicity and ruggedness of the sensor enabled its deployment for in situ chemical oxidation and bioremediation studies. Optical fibers were also used as the substrate to detect biomolecules in solution. To monitor bioprocesses, the production of the analyte of interest must be coupled with a species that is optically measurable. For example, oxygen is consumed in many metabolic functions. The fiber optic oxygen sensor is equipped with an additional sensing layer. Upon contact with a specific biochemical in the sample, a reaction occurs in the additional sensing layer that either consumes or produces oxygen. This dual layer system was used to monitor the presence of lactate, an important metabolite for clinical and bioprocess analysis. In many biological and environmental systems, the generation of one species occurs coincidentally with the generation or consumption of another species. A multianalyte sensor was prepared that can monitor the simultaneous activity of pH, CO2 and O2. This sensor is useful for monitoring bioprocesses such as (beer) fermentation and for clinical situations such as blood gas analysis. DNA sensors were created by attaching short single strands of DNA (probes) to the fiber tip. A matching single strand (target) forms a strong interacting pair with the probe upon contact. The target strands in a sample are labeled with a fluorescent dye. When a probe-target pair is formed and excitation light is sent down the fiber, the fiber bearing the pair emits light that is captured and detected. A high density DNA array was created by isolating thousands of discrete DNA sensors on the tip of an imaging optical fiber. This array was made possible by the formation of microwells on the imaging fiber tip. Microspheres functionalized with DNA were placed in the wells of the fiber and each microsphere was independently and simultaneously monitored. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Micro Electrochemical pH Sensor Applicable for Real-Time Ratiometric Monitoring of pH Values in Rat Brains.

PubMed

Zhou, Jie; Zhang, Limin; Tian, Yang

2016-02-16

To develop in vivo monitoring meter for pH measurements is still the bottleneck for understanding the role of pH plays in the brain diseases. In this work, a selective and sensitive electrochemical pH meter was developed for real-time ratiometric monitoring of pH in different regions of rat brains upon ischemia. First, 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) was employed and optimized as a selective pH recognition element to establish a 2H(+)/2e(-) approach over a wide range of pH from 5.8 to 8.0. The pH meter demonstrated remarkable selectivity toward pH detection against metal ions, amino acids, reactive oxygen species, and other biological species in the brain. Meanwhile, an inner reference, 6-(ferrocenyl)hexanethiol (FcHT), was selected as a built-in correction to avoid the environmental effect through coimmobilization with 1,2-NQ. In addition, three-dimensional gold nanoleaves were electrodeposited onto the electrode surface to amplify the signal by ∼4.0-fold and the measurement was achieved down to 0.07 pH. Finally, combined with the microelectrode technique, the microelectrochemical pH meter was directly implanted into brain regions including the striatum, hippocampus, and cortex and successfully applied in real-time monitoring of pH values in these regions of brain followed by global cerebral ischemia. The results demonstrated that pH values were estimated to 7.21 ± 0.05, 7.13 ± 0.09, and 7.27 ± 0.06 in the striatum, hippocampus, and cortex in the rat brains, respectively, in normal conditions. However, pH decreased to 6.75 ± 0.07 and 6.52 ± 0.03 in the striatum and hippocampus, upon global cerebral ischemia, while a negligible pH change was obtained in the cortex.

Hypochlorite-Mediated Modulation of Photoinduced Electron Transfer in a Phenothiazine-Boron dipyrromethene Electron Donor-Acceptor Dyad: A Highly Water Soluble "Turn-On" Fluorescent Probe for Hypochlorite.

PubMed

Soni, Disha; Duvva, Naresh; Badgurjar, Deepak; Roy, Tapta Kanchan; Nimesh, Surendra; Arya, Geeta; Giribabu, Lingamallu; Chitta, Raghu

2018-04-16

A highly water-soluble phenothiazine (PTZ)-boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY)-based electron donor-acceptor dyad (WS-Probe), which contains BODIPY as the signaling antennae and PTZ as the OCl - reactive group, was designed and used as a fluorescent chemosensor for the detection of OCl - . Upon addition of incremental amounts of NaOCl, the quenched fluorescence of WS-Probe was enhanced drastically, which indicated the inhibition of reductive photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from PTZ to 1 BODIPY*; the detection limit was calculated to be 26.7 nm. Selectivity studies with various reactive oxygen species, cations, and anions revealed that WS-Probe was able to detect OCl - selectively. Steady-state fluorescence studies performed at varied pH suggested that WS-Probe can detect NaOCl and exhibits maximum fluorescence in the pH range of 7 to 8, similar to physiological conditions. ESI-MS analysis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy titrations showed the formation of sulfoxide as the major oxidized product upon addition of hypochlorite. More interestingly, when WS-Probe was treated with real water samples, the fluorescence response was clearly visible with tap water and disinfectant, which indicated the presence of OCl - in these samples. The in vitro cell viability assay performed with human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK 293) cells suggested that WS-probe is non-toxic up to 10 μm and implicates the use of the probe for biological applications. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Soil solution interactions may limit Pb remediation using P amendments in an urban soil

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

Obrycki, John F.; Scheckel, Kirk G.; Basta, Nicholas T.

Lead (Pb) contaminated soils are a potential exposure hazard to the public. Amending soils with phosphorus (P) may reduce Pb soil hazards. Soil from Cleveland, OH containing 726 ± 14 mg Pb kg -1 was amended in a laboratory study with bone meal and triple super phosphate (TSP) at 5:1 P:Pb molar ratios. Soil was acidified, neturalized and re-acidified to encourage Pb phosphate formation. PRSTM-probes were used to evaluate changes in soil solution chemistry. Soil acidification did not decrease in vitro bioaccessible (IVBA) Pb using either a pH 1.5, 0.4 M glycine solution or a pH 2.5 solution with organicmore » acids. PRSTM-probe data found soluble Pb increased 10-fold in acidic conditions compared to circumnetural pH conditions. In acidic conditions (p = 3-4), TSP treated soils increased detected P 10-fold over untreated soils. Bone meal application did not increase PRSTM-probe detected P, indicating there may have been insufficient P to react with Pb. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggested a 10% increase in pyromorphite formation for the TSP treated soil only. Treatments increased soil electrical conductivity above 16 mS cm -1, potentially causing a new salinity hazard. This study used a novel approach by combining the human ingestion endpoint, PRSTM-probes, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to evaluate treatment efficacy. PRSTM-probe data indicated potentially excess Ca relative to P across incubation steps that could have competed with Pb for soluble P. More research is needed to characterize soil solutions in Pb contaminated urban soils to identify where P treatments might be effective and when competing cations, such as Ca, Fe, and Zn may limit low rate P applications for treating Pb soils.« less

EVALUATION OF MULTIPLE AQUATIC BIOMONITORS FOR SOURCE WATER PROTECTION

EPA Science Inventory

A variety of probes for use in continuous monitoring of water quality exist. They range from single parameter chemical/physical probes to comprehensive screening systems based on whole organism responses. Originally developed for monitoring specific characteristics of water qua...

Two-Photon Fluorescent Probe for Monitoring Autophagy via Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

PubMed

Hou, Liling; Ning, Peng; Feng, Yan; Ding, Yaqi; Bai, Lei; Li, Lin; Yu, Haizhu; Meng, Xiangming

2018-06-19

We reported the first lysosome targeted two-photon fluorescent probe (Lyso-NP) as a viscosity probe for monitoring autophagy. The fluorescence lifetime of Lyso-NP exhibited an excellent linear relationship with viscosity value ( R 2 = 0.99, x = 0.39). Lyso-NP also showed the specific capability for imaging lysosomal viscosity under two-photon excitation at 860 nm along with good biocompatibility. More importantly, Lyso-NP could be used to monitor the autophagy process in living cells by quantitatively detecting lysosomal viscosity changes during the membrane fusion process via two-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging.

Fluorescence in vivo imaging of live tumor cells with pH-activatable targeted probes via receptor-mediated endocytosis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asanuma, Daisuke; Urano, Yasuteru; Nagano, Tetsuo; Hama, Yukihiro; Koyama, Yoshinori; Kobayashi, Hisataka

2009-02-01

One goal of molecular imaging is to establish a widely applicable technique for specific detection of tumors with minimal background. Here, we achieve specific in vivo tumor visualization with a newly-designed "activatable" targeted fluorescence probe. This agent is activated after cellular internalization by sensing the pH change in the lysosome. Novel acidic pH-activatable probes based on the BODIPY fluorophore were synthesized, and then conjugated to a cancer-targeting monoclonal antibody, Trastuzumab, or galactosyl serum albumin (GSA). As proof of concept, ex and in vivo imaging of two different tumor mouse models was performed: HER2-overexpressed lung metastasis tumor with Trastuzumab-pH probe conjugates and lectin-overexpressed i.p. disseminated tumor with GSA-pH probe conjugates. These pH-activatable targeted probes were highly specific for tumors with minimal background signal. Because the acidic pH in lysosomes is maintained by the energy-consuming proton pump, only viable cancer cells were successfully visualized. Furthermore, this strategy was also applied to fluorescence endoscopy in tumor mouse models, resulting in specific visualization of tumors as small as submillimeter in size that could hardly detected by naked eyes because of their poor contrast against normal tissues. The design concept can be widely adapted to cancer-specific cell-surface-targeting molecules that result in cellular internalization.

Bluetooth technology for prevention of dental caries.

PubMed

Kolahi, Jafar; Fazilati, Mohamad

2009-12-01

Caries is caused when the pH at the tooth surface drops below 5.5. A miniaturized and autonomous pH monitoring nodes can be attached to the tooth surface, like a tooth jewel. This intelligent sensor includes three components: (a) digital micro pH meter, (b) power supply, (c) wireless communicating device. The micro pH meter facilitates long term tooth surface pH monitoring and providing real time feedback to the patients and dental experts. Power supply of this system will be microfabricated biocatalytic fuel cell (enzymatic micro-battery) using organic compounds (e.g. formate or glucose) as the fuel to generate electricity. When micro pH meter detects the pH lower than 5.5, wireless Bluetooth device sends a caution (e.g. "you are at risk of dental caries") to external monitoring equipment such as mobile phone or a hands-free heads. After reception of the caution, subjects should use routine brushing and flossing procedure or use a medicated chewing gum (e.g. chlorhexidine containing chewing gum) or rinse with a mouthwash.

African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and non-Hispanic whites without GERD or reflux symptoms have equivalent 24-h pH esophageal acid exposure.

PubMed

Vega, Kenneth J; Langford, Tracy; Palacio, Carlos; Watts, Janet; Jamal, M Mazen

2013-12-01

Ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring is, currently, the recommended diagnostic exam for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Data are currently available for African-American (AA) and non-Hispanic white (nHw) volunteers among United States ethnic groups. The purpose of this study was to obtain normal values of 24-h esophageal pH by monitoring healthy adult Hispanic American (HA) volunteers and to compare these with values obtained from healthy AA and nHw volunteers to determine if ethnic variation exists in 24-h esophageal pH. 24-h Dual esophageal pH monitoring was performed for healthy AA, HA, and nHw. Values for total number of reflux episodes, episodes longer than 5 min, total reflux time, and longest reflux episode in the proximal and/or distal esophagus were obtained for all groups. Differences between groups were considered significant if p<0.05. One-hundred and thirty-six subjects volunteered and completed 24-h pH testing. Fifty-three were AA, 25 HA, and 58 nHw, with males accounting for 52, 47, and 47%, respectively, of each group. AA were older than nHw only and nHw had a lower body mass index than both AA and HA. Shorter study duration was observed for HA than for AA and nHw. No difference was observed between ethnic groups for any measured pH data in the proximal or distal esophagus. No difference exists in values obtained during esophageal pH monitoring among healthy AA, HA, and nHw. This indicates that currently accepted normal values of ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring can be used for all major United States ethnic groups without compromising diagnostic accuracy.

Describing temporal variation in reticuloruminal pH using continuous monitoring data.

PubMed

Denwood, M J; Kleen, J L; Jensen, D B; Jonsson, N N

2018-01-01

Reticuloruminal pH has been linked to subclinical disease in dairy cattle, leading to considerable interest in identifying pH observations below a given threshold. The relatively recent availability of continuously monitored data from pH boluses gives new opportunities for characterizing the normal patterns of pH over time and distinguishing these from abnormal patterns using more sensitive and specific methods than simple thresholds. We fitted a series of statistical models to continuously monitored data from 93 animals on 13 farms to characterize normal variation within and between animals. We used a subset of the data to relate deviations from the normal pattern to the productivity of 24 dairy cows from a single herd. Our findings show substantial variation in pH characteristics between animals, although animals within the same farm tended to show more consistent patterns. There was strong evidence for a predictable diurnal variation in all animals, and up to 70% of the observed variation in pH could be explained using a simple statistical model. For the 24 animals with available production information, there was also a strong association between productivity (as measured by both milk yield and dry matter intake) and deviations from the expected diurnal pattern of pH 2 d before the productivity observation. In contrast, there was no association between productivity and the occurrence of observations below a threshold pH. We conclude that statistical models can be used to account for a substantial proportion of the observed variability in pH and that future work with continuously monitored pH data should focus on deviations from a predictable pattern rather than the frequency of observations below an arbitrary pH threshold. Copyright © 2018 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of Peroxisomal pH in Living Mammalian Cells Using pHRed.

PubMed

Godinho, Luis F; Schrader, Michael

2017-01-01

Organelle pH homeostasis is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function. The nature of the peroxisomal pH remains somewhat controversial, with several studies reporting conflicting results. Here, we describe in detail a rapid and accurate method for the measurement of peroxisomal pH, using the pHRed sensor protein and confocal microscopy of living mammalian cells. pHRed, a ratiometric sensor of pH, is targeted to the peroxisomes by virtue of a C-terminal targeting sequence. The probe has a maximum fluorescence emission at 610 nm while exhibiting dual excitation peaks at 440 and 585 nm, allowing for ratiometric imaging and determination of intracellular pH in live cell microscopy.

Study on the kinetic self-assembly of type I collagen from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin using the fluorescence probe thioflavin T.

PubMed

Yan, Mingyan; Wang, Xinping

2018-05-27

The kinetic self-assembly of type I collagen from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) skin was characterized by the fluorescence method based on thioflavin T (ThT). The fluorescence probe could bind to the active monomeric collagen with a higher ordered degree of molecule, which displayed the pH and ionic strength dependence, the binding constant higher at neutral pH and proportional to the NaCl concentration. Compared to the turbidity method, ThT was more suitable to characterize the nucleation phase of collagen self-assembly. The nucleus size was determined through the ThT fluorescence and linear-polymerization model. At various pH and ionic strength, the nucleus size was nearly identical, either one or two monomers, demonstrating that one or two active monomeric collagen formed into the nucleus and different pH and ionic strength didn't alter the self-assembly mechanism of collagen. This approach was beneficial to advance the understanding of the kinetic self-assembly of the fish-sourced collagen in vitro. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Incidences of esophageal injury during esophageal temperature monitoring: a comparative study of a multi-thermocouple temperature probe and a deflectable temperature probe in atrial fibrillation ablation.

PubMed

Kuwahara, Taishi; Takahashi, Atsushi; Takahashi, Yoshihide; Okubo, Kenji; Takagi, Katsumasa; Fujino, Tadashi; Kusa, Shigeki; Takigawa, Masateru; Watari, Yuji; Yamao, Kazuya; Nakashima, Emiko; Kawaguchi, Naohiko; Hikita, Hiroyuki; Sato, Akira; Aonuma, Kazutaka

2014-04-01

The study aim was to compare the incidence of esophageal injuries between different temperature probes in the monitoring of esophageal temperature during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. One hundred patients with drug-resistant AF were prospectively and randomly assigned into two groups according to the esophageal temperature probe used: the multi-thermocouple probe group (n = 50) and the deflectable temperature probe group (n = 50). Extensive pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was performed with a 3.5-mm open irrigated tip ablation catheter by using a radiofrequency (RF) power of 25-30 W. In both groups, the esophageal temperature thermocouple was placed on the area of the esophagus adjacent to the ablation site. When the esophageal temperature reached 42 °C, the RF energy delivery was stopped. Esophageal endoscopy was performed 1 day after the catheter ablation. No differences existed between the two groups in terms of clinical background and various parameters related to the catheter ablation, including RF delivery time and number of RF deliveries at an esophageal temperature of >42 °C. Esophageal lesions, such as esophagitis and esophageal ulcers, occurred in 10/50 (20 %) and 15/50 (30 %) patients in the multi-thermocouple and deflectable temperature probe groups, respectively (P = 0.25). Most lesions were mild to moderate injuries, and all were cured using conservative treatment. The incidence of esophageal injury was almost equal between the multi-thermocouple temperature probe and the deflectable temperature probe during esophageal temperature monitoring. Most of the esophageal lesions that developed during esophageal temperature monitoring were mild to moderate and reversible.

Online PH measurement technique in seawater desalination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haibo; Wu, Kaihua; Hu, Shaopeng

2009-11-01

The measurement technology of pH is essential in seawater desalination. Glass electrode is the main pH sensor in seawater desalination. Because the internal impedance of glass electrode is high and the signal of pH sensor is easy to be disturbed, a signal processing circuit with high input impedance was designed. Because of high salinity of seawater and the characteristic of glass electrode, ultrasonic cleaning technology was used to online clean pH sensor. Temperature compensation was also designed to reduce the measurement error caused by variety of environment temperature. Additionally, the potential drift of pH sensor was analyzed and an automatic calibration method was proposed. In order to online monitor the variety of pH in seawater desalination, three operating modes were designed. The three modes are online monitoring mode, ultrasonic cleaning mode and auto-calibration mode. The current pH in seawater desalination was measured and displayed in online monitoring mode. The cleaning process of pH sensor was done in ultrasonic cleaning mode. The calibration of pH sensor was finished in auto-calibration mode. The result of experiments showed that the measurement technology of pH could meet the technical requirements for desalination. The glass electrode could be promptly and online cleaned and its service life was lengthened greatly.

Fuel cell CO sensor

DOEpatents

Grot, Stephen Andreas; Meltser, Mark Alexander; Gutowski, Stanley; Neutzler, Jay Kevin; Borup, Rodney Lynn; Weisbrod, Kirk

1999-12-14

The CO concentration in the H.sub.2 feed stream to a PEM fuel cell stack is monitored by measuring current and/or voltage behavior patterns from a PEM-probe communicating with the reformate feed stream. Pattern recognition software may be used to compare the current and voltage patterns from the PEM-probe to current and voltage telltale outputs determined from a reference cell similar to the PEM-probe and operated under controlled conditions over a wide range of CO concentrations in the H.sub.2 fuel stream. A CO sensor includes the PEM-probe, an electrical discharge circuit for discharging the PEM-probe to monitor the CO concentration, and an electrical purging circuit to intermittently raise the anode potential of the PEM-probe's anode to at least about 0.8 V (RHE) to electrochemically oxidize any CO adsorbed on the probe's anode catalyst.

Method of monitoring CO concentrations in hydrogen feed to a PEM fuel cell

DOEpatents

Grot, Stephen Andreas; Meltser, Mark Alexander; Gutowski, Stanley; Neutzler, Jay Kevin; Borup, Rodney Lynn; Weisbrod, Kirk

2000-01-01

The CO concentration in the H.sub.2 feed stream to a PEM fuel cell stack is monitored by measuring current and/or voltage behavior patterns from a PEM-probe communicating with the reformate feed stream. Pattern recognition software may be used to compare the current and voltage patterns from the PEM-probe to current and voltage telltale outputs determined from a reference cell similar to the PEM-probe and operated under controlled conditions over a wide range of CO concentrations in the H.sub.2 fuel stream. The PEM-probe is intermittently purged of any CO build-up on the anode catalyst (e.g., by (1) flushing the anode with air, (2) short circuiting the PEM-probe, or (3) reverse biasing the PEM-probe) to keep the PEM-probe at peak performance levels.

Alkaline pH sensor molecules.

PubMed

Murayama, Takashi; Maruyama, Ichiro N

2015-11-01

Animals can survive only within a narrow pH range. This requires continual monitoring of environmental and body-fluid pH. Although a variety of acidic pH sensor molecules have been reported, alkaline pH sensor function is not well understood. This Review describes neuronal alkaline pH sensors, grouped according to whether they monitor extracellular or intracellular alkaline pH. Extracellular sensors include the receptor-type guanylyl cyclase, the insulin receptor-related receptor, ligand-gated Cl- channels, connexin hemichannels, two-pore-domain K+ channels, and transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Intracellular sensors include TRP channels and gap junction channels. Identification of molecular mechanisms underlying alkaline pH sensing is crucial for understanding how animals respond to environmental alkaline pH and how body-fluid pH is maintained within a narrow range. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Application of in vivo measurements for the management of cyanobacteria breakthrough into drinking water treatment plants.

PubMed

Zamyadi, Arash; Dorner, Sarah; Ndong, Mouhamed; Ellis, Donald; Bolduc, Anouka; Bastien, Christian; Prévost, Michèle

2014-02-01

The increasing presence of potentially toxic cyanobacterial blooms in drinking water sources and within drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) has been reported worldwide. The objectives of this study are to validate the application of in vivo probes for the detection and management of cyanobacteria breakthrough inside DWTPs, and to verify the possibility of treatment adjustment based on intensive real-time monitoring. In vivo phycocyanin YSI probes were used to monitor the fate of cyanobacteria in raw water, clarified water, filtered water, and chlorinated water in a full scale DWTP. Simultaneous samples were also taken for microscopic enumeration. The in vivo probe was successfully used to detect the incoming densities of high cyanobacterial cell number into the clarification process and their breakthrough into the filtered water. In vivo probes were used to trace the increase in floating cells over the clarifier, a robust sign of malfunction of the coagulation-sedimentation process. Pre-emptive treatment adjustments, based on in vivo probe monitoring, resulted in successful removal of cyanobacterial cells. The field results on validation of the probes with cyanobacterial bloom samples showed that the probe responses are highly linear and can be used to trigger alerts to take action.

Real-time monitoring of endogenous cysteine levels in living cells using a CD-based ratiometric fluorescent nanoprobe.

PubMed

Wang, Hong; Zhang, Peisheng; Tian, Yong; Zhang, Yuan; Yang, Heping; Chen, Shu; Zeng, Rongjin; Long, Yunfei; Chen, Jian

2018-04-30

A simple and readily available fluorescent probe is needed for the real-time monitoring of endogenous cysteine (Cys) levels in living cells, as such a probe could be used to study the role of Cys in related diseases. Herein, we report the first fluorescent probe based on carbon dots (CDs-FITA) for the selective and ratiometric imaging of endogenous Cys in live cells. In this ratiometric fluorescent probe, a fluorescein derivative (FITA) that recognizes Cys is covalently linked to the surfaces of carbon dots (CDs); employing CDs greatly improves the water solubility of the probe. Acrylate on FITA is selectively cleaved by Cys in aqueous solution under mild conditions, leading to a dramatic increase in the fluorescence from fluorescein. The probe therefore allows the highly selective ratiometric fluorescent detection of Cys even in the presence of various interferents. The as-prepared CDs-FITA showed excellent performance when applied to detect Cys in blood serum. In addition, due to its negligible cytotoxicity, the CDs-FITA can also be utilized for the real-time monitoring of endogenous cysteine (Cys) levels in living cells. Graphical abstract Illustration of the CD-based probe for Cys imaging in living cells.

Quantitative imaging of rhizosphere pH and CO2 dynamics with planar optodes.

PubMed

Blossfeld, Stephan; Schreiber, Christina Maria; Liebsch, Gregor; Kuhn, Arnd Jürgen; Hinsinger, Philippe

2013-07-01

Live imaging methods have become extremely important for the exploration of biological processes. In particular, non-invasive measurement techniques are key to unravelling organism-environment interactions in close-to-natural set-ups, e.g. in the highly heterogeneous and difficult-to-probe environment of plant roots: the rhizosphere. pH and CO2 concentration are the main drivers of rhizosphere processes. Being able to monitor these parameters at high spatio-temporal resolution is of utmost importance for relevant interpretation of the underlying processes, especially in the complex environment of non-sterile plant-soil systems. This study introduces the application of easy-to-use planar optode systems in different set-ups to quantify plant root-soil interactions. pH- and recently developed CO2-sensors were applied to rhizobox systems to investigate roots with different functional traits, highlighting the potential of these tools. Continuous and highly resolved real-time measurements were made of the pH dynamics around Triticum turgidum durum (durum wheat) roots, Cicer arietinum (chickpea) roots and nodules, and CO2 dynamics in the rhizosphere of Viminaria juncea. Wheat root tips acidified slightly, while their root hair zone alkalized their rhizosphere by more than 1 pH unit and the effect of irrigation on soil pH could be visualized as well. Chickpea roots and nodules acidified the surrounding soil during N2 fixation and showed diurnal changes in acidification activity. A growing root of V. juncea exhibited a large zone of influence (mm) on soil CO2 content and therefore on its biogeochemical surrounding, all contributing to the extreme complexity of the root-soil interactions. This technique provides a unique tool for future root research applications and overcomes limitations of previous systems by creating quantitative maps without, for example, interpolation and time delays between single data points.

The CritiView: a new fiber optic based optical device for the assessment of tissue vitality

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayevsky, Avraham; Blum, Yoram; Dekel, Nava; Deutsch, Assaf; Halfon, Rafael; Kremer, Shlomi; Pewzner, Eliyahu; Sherman, Efrat; Barnea, Ofer

2006-02-01

The most important parameter that reflects the balance between oxygen supply and demand in tissues is the mitochondrial NADH redox state that could be monitored In vivo. Nevertheless single parameter monitoring is limited in the interpretation capacity of the very complicated pathophysiological events, therefore three more parameters were added to the NADH and the multiparametric monitoring system was used in experimental and clinical studies. In our previous paper1 we described the CritiView (CRV1) including a fiber optic probe that monitor four physiological parameters in real time. In the new model (CRV3) several factors such as UV safety, size and price of the device were improved significantly. The CRV3 enable to monitor the various parameters in three different locations in the tissue thus increasing the reliability of the data due to the better statistics. The connection between the device and the monitored tissue could be done by various types of probes. The main probe that was tested also in clinical studies was a special 3 points probe that includes 9 optical fibers (3 in each point) that was embedded in a three way Foley catheter. This catheter enabled the monitoring of urethral wall vitality as an indicator of the development of body metabolic emergency state. The three point probe was tested in the brain exposed to the lack of oxygen (Anoxia, Hypoxia or Ischemia). A decrease in blood oxygenation and a large increase in mitochondrial NADH fluorescence were recorded. The microcirculatory blood flow increased during anoxia and hypoxia and decreased significantly under ischemia.

Yield of prolonged wireless pH monitoring in achalasia patients successfully treated with pneumatic dilation

PubMed Central

Franchina, Marianna; Elvevi, Alessandra; Pugliese, Delia; Tenca, Andrea; Conte, Dario; Penagini, Roberto

2016-01-01

Background Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a long-term complication of achalasia treatments. The aim of our study was to evaluate the yield of prolonged wireless pH monitoring in patients with successfully treated achalasia and its influence on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use. Methods Twenty-five patients with achalasia who underwent prolonged wireless pH monitoring after a successful treatment with pneumatic dilation were enrolled. pH variables were analysed in the first 24 hours of monitoring to determine if tracings were indicative of GORD; the same variables were analysed in the following 24-hour period in order to obtain a worst-day diagnosis of GORD. PPI therapy before and after the test was recorded. Results Five out of 25 patients had GORD diagnosis during the first day of monitoring and four of them had oesophagitis at endoscopy. During the following days of monitoring four more patients had a diagnosis of GORD. Out of the 25 patients, PPIs were started after the test in six asymptomatic GORD-positive ones, whereas prescription of PPIs was stopped without detrimental effect on symptoms in three GORD-negative patients. Conclusions Prolonged wireless pH monitoring is a useful test to be added to endoscopy in order to evaluate GORD and to optimise antisecretory treatment in successfully treated achalasia patients. PMID:29026592

Colorimetric Detection of Thiophenol Based on a Phenolphthalein Derivative and Its Application as a Molecular Logic Gate.

PubMed

Kim, Hyunsu; Swamy, K M K; Kwon, Nahyun; Kim, Yonghee; Park, Sungsu; Yoon, Juyoung

2017-07-05

A phenolphthalein-based colorimetric probe bearing a dinitrobenzene group is reported as a thiophenol (PhSH)-selective chemodosimeter. PhSH can react with chemodosimeter 1 to afford phenolphthalein. The addition of PhSH to the aqueous solution of 1 followed by a change in pH of the resulting solution to basic induces a selective color change from colorless to pink. Furthermore, using PhSH and base as inputs and color change of 1 by naked eye as an output, leads to the construction of an AND logic gate. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Autophagy failure in Alzheimer's disease and the role of defective lysosomal acidification.

PubMed

Wolfe, Devin M; Lee, Ju-Hyun; Kumar, Asok; Lee, Sooyeon; Orenstein, Samantha J; Nixon, Ralph A

2013-06-01

Autophagy is a lysosomal degradative process which recycles cellular waste and eliminates potentially toxic damaged organelles and protein aggregates. The important cytoprotective functions of autophagy are demonstrated by the diverse pathogenic consequences that may stem from autophagy dysregulation in a growing number of neurodegenerative disorders. In many of the diseases associated with autophagy anomalies, it is the final stage of autophagy-lysosomal degradation that is disrupted. In several disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), defective lysosomal acidification contributes to this proteolytic failure. The complex regulation of lysosomal pH makes this process vulnerable to disruption by many factors, and reliable lysosomal pH measurements have become increasingly important in investigations of disease mechanisms. Although various reagents for pH quantification have been developed over several decades, they are not all equally well suited for measuring the pH of lysosomes. Here, we evaluate the most commonly used pH probes for sensitivity and localisation, and identify LysoSensor yellow/blue-dextran, among currently used probes, as having the optimal profile of properties for measuring lysosomal pH. In addition, we review evidence that lysosomal acidification is defective in AD and extend our original findings, of elevated lysosomal pH in presenilin 1 (PS1)-deficient blastocysts and neurons, to additional cell models of PS1 and PS1/2 deficiency, to fibroblasts from AD patients with PS1 mutations, and to neurons in the PS/APP mouse model of AD. © 2013 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

A gold nanocluster-based fluorescent probe for simultaneous pH and temperature sensing and its application to cellular imaging and logic gates.

PubMed

Wu, Yun-Tse; Shanmugam, Chandirasekar; Tseng, Wei-Bin; Hiseh, Ming-Mu; Tseng, Wei-Lung

2016-06-07

Metal nanocluster-based nanomaterials for the simultaneous determination of temperature and pH variations in micro-environments are still a challenge. In this study, we develop a dual-emission fluorescent probe consisting of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) and fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) as temperature- and pH-responsive fluorescence signals. Under single wavelength excitation the FITC/BSA-AuNCs exhibited well-separated dual emission bands at 525 and 670 nm. When FITC was used as a reference fluorophore, FITC/BSA-AuNCs showed a good linear response over the temperature range 1-71 °C and offered temperature-independent spectral shifts, temperature accuracy, activation energy, and reusability. The possible mechanism for high temperature-induced fluorescence quenching of FITC/BSA-AuNCs could be attributed to a weakening of the Au-S bond, thereby lowering the charge transfer from BSA to AuNCs. Additionally, the pH- and temperature-responsive properties of FITC/BSA-AuNCs allow simultaneous temperature sensing from 21 to 41 °C (at intervals of 5 °C) and pH from 6.0 to 8.0 (at intervals of 0.5 pH unit), facilitating the construction of two-input AND logic gates. Three-input AND logic gates were also designed using temperature, pH, and trypsin as inputs. The practicality of using FITC/BSA-AuNCs to determine the temperature and pH changes in HeLa cells is also validated.

Electron launching voltage monitor

DOEpatents

Mendel, Clifford W.; Savage, Mark E.

1992-01-01

An electron launching voltage monitor measures MITL voltage using a relationship between anode electric field and electron current launched from a cathode-mounted perturbation. An electron launching probe extends through and is spaced from the edge of an opening in a first MITL conductor, one end of the launching probe being in the gap between the MITL conductor, the other end being adjacent a first side of the first conductor away from the second conductor. A housing surrounds the launching probe and electrically connects the first side of the first conductor to the other end of the launching probe. A detector detects the current passing through the housing to the launching probe, the detected current being representative of the voltage between the conductors.

[Probe into monitoring mechanism of Chinese materia medica resources].

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao-Bo; Li, Da-Ning; Guo, Lan-Ping; Lu, Jian-Wei; Sun, Li-Ying; Huang, Lu-Qi

2013-10-01

Focusing on the problems of Chinese materia medica resources,and combining with the national Chinese materia medica resources survey, the paper probes into monitoring mechanism of Chinese materia medica resources. The establishment of the monitoring mechanism needs one organization and management agencies to supervise and guide monitoring work, one network system to gather data information, a group of people to perform monitoring work, a system of technical methods to assure monitoring work scientific and practical, a series of achievements and products to figure out the methods for solving problems, a group of monitoring index system to accumulate basic data, and a plenty of funds to keep normal operation of monitoring work.

Aggregation-induced emission: phenomenon, mechanism and applications.

PubMed

Hong, Yuning; Lam, Jacky W Y; Tang, Ben Zhong

2009-08-07

It is textbook knowledge that chromophore aggregation generally quenches light emission. In this feature article, we give an account on how we observed an opposite phenomenon termed aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and identified the restriction of intramolecular rotation as a main cause for the AIE effect. Based on the mechanistic understanding, we developed a series of new fluorescent and phosphorescent AIE systems with emission colours covering the entire visible spectral region and luminescence quantum yields up to unity. We explored high-tech applications of the AIE luminogens as, for example, fluorescence sensors (for explosive, ion, pH, temperature, viscosity, pressure, etc.), biological probes (for protein, DNA, RNA, sugar, phospholipid, etc.), immunoassay markers, PAGE visualization agents, polarized light emitters, monitors for layer-by-layer assembly, reporters for micelle formation, multistimuli-responsive nanomaterials, and active layers in the fabrication of organic light-emitting diodes.

New highly sensitive and selective fluorescent terbium complex for the detection of aluminium ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anwar, Zeinab M.; Ibrahim, Ibrahim A.; Kamel, Rasha M.; Abdel-Salam, Enas T.; El-Asfoury, Mahmoud H.

2018-02-01

A highly sensitive and selective spectrofluorimetric method has been developed for the rapid determination of aluminium ions. The method is based on the fluorescence enhancement of Tb complex with 3,4-dimetyl-thieno[2,3 b] thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (LN) after addition trace amount of aluminium ions. The fluorescence of the probe is monitored at the characteristic an emission wavelength of Tb3+ at 545 nm with excitation at 300 nm. Optimum detection was obtained in DMSO-H2O (2:8, v/v) and at pH 6.0 using MOPSO buffer. Under the optimum conditions linear calibration curves were obtained from 0.5 μ mol L-1 to 20 μ mol L-1 with detection limit of 0.1 μ mol L-1. Effect of interference of other ions was studied.

Sensors for Environmental Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1996-01-01

Under a Kennedy Space Center Small Business Innovation Research contract, GEO-CENTERS, Inc. developed a sensing element or 'optrode,' which NASA needed for space life support research to measure a hydroponic culture's pH factor. The company then commercialized the technology in the PC Based pH Monitoring System. The system employs the optrode to enable long term continuous monitoring of the pH level of fluids in standing and flowing conditions, an optoelectronic board with light sensors and detectors that fits into a desktop computer, and a fiber optic cable that connects the two. The system is effective in monitoring the pH output of industries to maintain ranges acceptable to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Real-time curling probe monitoring of dielectric layer deposited on plasma chamber wall

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hotta, Masaya; Ogawa, Daisuke; Nakamura, Keiji; Sugai, Hideo

2018-04-01

A microwave resonator probe called a curling probe (CP) was applied to in situ monitoring of a dielectric layer deposited on a chamber wall during plasma processing. The resonance frequency of the CP was analytically found to shift in proportion to the dielectric layer thickness; the proportionality constant was determined from a comparison with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation result. Amorphous carbon layers deposited in acetylene inductively coupled plasma (ICP) discharge were monitored using the CP. The measured resonance frequency shift dictated the carbon layer thickness, which agreed with the results from the surface profiler and ellipsometry.

A monitor for continuous measurement of temperature, pH, and conductance of wet precipitation: Preliminary results from the Adirondack Mountains, New York

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnsson, P.A.; Reddy, M.M.

1990-01-01

This report describes a continuous wet-only precipitation monitor designed by the U.S. Geological Survey to record variations in rainfall temperature, pH, and specific conductance at 1-min intervals over the course of storms. Initial sampling in the Adirondack Mountains showed that rainfall acidity varied over the course of summer storms, with low initial pH values increasing as storm intensity increased.This report describes a continuous wet-only precipitation monitor designed by the U.S. Geological Survey to record variations in rainfall temperature, pH, and specific conductance at 1-min intervals over the course of storms. Initial sampling in the Adirondack Mountains showed that rainfall acidity varied over the course of summer storms, with low initial pH values increasing as storm intensity increased.

A Novel Method to Quantify Soil Aggregate Stability by Measuring Aggregate Bond Energies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Efrat, Rachel; Rawlins, Barry G.; Quinton, John N.; Watts, Chris W.; Whitmore, Andy P.

2016-04-01

Soil aggregate stability is a key indicator of soil quality because it controls physical, biological and chemical functions important in cultivated soils. Micro-aggregates are responsible for the long term sequestration of carbon in soil, therefore determine soils role in the carbon cycle. It is thus vital that techniques to measure aggregate stability are accurate, consistent and reliable, in order to appropriately manage and monitor soil quality, and to develop our understanding and estimates of soil as a carbon store to appropriately incorporate in carbon cycle models. Practices used to assess the stability of aggregates vary in sample preparation, operational technique and unit of results. They use proxies and lack quantification. Conflicting results are therefore drawn between projects that do not provide methodological or resultant comparability. Typical modern stability tests suspend aggregates in water and monitor fragmentation upon exposure to an un-quantified amount of ultrasonic energy, utilising a laser granulometer to measure the change in mean weight diameter. In this project a novel approach has been developed based on that of Zhu et al., (2009), to accurately quantify the stability of aggregates by specifically measuring their bond energies. The bond energies are measured operating a combination of calorimetry and a high powered ultrasonic probe, with computable output function. Temperature change during sonication is monitored by an array of probes which enables calculation of the energy spent heating the system (Ph). Our novel technique suspends aggregates in heavy liquid lithium heteropolytungstate, as opposed to water, to avoid exposing aggregates to an immeasurable disruptive energy source, due to cavitation, collisions and clay swelling. Mean weight diameter is measured by a laser granulometer to monitor aggregate breakdown after successive periods of calculated ultrasonic energy input (Pi), until complete dispersion is achieved and bond energy (Pb; input energy used in aggregate breakdown) can be calculated by the following equation: ΣPi - Ph = Pb The novel technique was tested by comparing the bond energies measured from a series of soil aggregates sampled from different land management histories, to the samples corresponding stability measurement obtained from standard modern stability tests. The effectiveness of the heavy liquid as a suspension (as opposed to water) was evaluated by comparing the bond energies of samples measured in both suspensions. Our results determine i) how disruptive water is in aggregate stability tests, ii) how accurate and representative standard aggregate stability tests are, and iii) how bond strength varies depending on land use. Keywords: Aggregate; Bond; Fragmentation; Soil; Sonication; Stability References: Zhu, Z. L., Minasny, B. & Field D. J. 2009. Measurement of aggregate bond energy using ultrasonic dispersion. European Journal of Soil Science, 60, 695-705

Monitoring the Rate Solvolytic Decomposition of Benzenediazonium Tetrafluoroborate in Aqueous Media Using a pH Electrode

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wiseman, Floyd L.

2005-01-01

A lab rotary experiment using the pH measurements of an aqueous solution to monitor the course of a solvolytic reaction was conducted. This experiment allowed the students to gain experience in taking precise pH measurement, to use nonlinear analysis techniques for analyzing kinetic data and to use the Arrhenius equation for determination of…

A graphene oxide pH sensor for wound monitoring.

PubMed

Melai, B; Salvo, P; Calisi, N; Moni, L; Bonini, A; Paoletti, C; Lomonaco, T; Mollica, V; Fuoco, R; Di Francesco, F

2016-08-01

This article describes the fabrication and characterization of a pH sensor for monitoring the wound status. The pH sensitive layer consists of a graphene oxide (GO) layer obtained by drop-casting 5 μΐ of GO dispersion onto the working electrode of a screen-printed substrate. Sensitivity was 31.8 mV/pH with an accuracy of 0.3 unit of pH. Open-circuit potentiometry was carried out to measure pH in an exudate sample. The GO pH sensor proved to be reliable as the comparison with results obtained from a standard glass electrode pH-meter showed negligible differences (<; 0.09 pH units in the worst case) for measurements performed over a period of 4 days.

A green and facile approach for synthesizing imine to develop optical biosensor for wide range detection of bilirubin in human biofluids.

PubMed

Ellairaja, Sundaram; Shenbagavalli, Kathiravan; Ponmariappan, Sarkaraisamy; Vasantha, Vairathevar Sivasamy

2017-05-15

Bilirubin, a key biomarker for the jaundice and its clinical diagnosis needs a better analytical tool. A novel and simple fluorescent platform based on (2,2'-((1E,1'E)-((6-bromopyridine-2,3-diyl) bis(azanylylidene)) bis(methanylylidene diphenol) (BAMD) was designed. BAMD showed a remarkable fluorescent intensity with a very good quantum yield of 0.85 and lifetime of 870ps. Hence, it was applied for the determination of bilirubin using both colorimetric and fluorimetric techniques in physiological and basic pH. Under optimized experimental conditions, the probe detects bilirubin selectively in the presence of other interfering biomolecules and metal ions. The linear range of detection is 1pM-500µM at pH=7.4 and LOD is 2.8 and 3.3 pM at pH=7.4 and 9.0, respectively, which were reported so far. The probe detects the bilirubin through FRET mechanism. The practical application of the probe was successfully tested in the human blood and urine samples. Based on all above advantages, this simple idea can be applied to design a simple clinical diagnostic tool for jaundice. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Colloid-probe AFM studies of the interaction forces of proteins adsorbed on colloidal crystals.

PubMed

Singh, Gurvinder; Bremmell, Kristen E; Griesser, Hans J; Kingshott, Peter

2015-04-28

In recent years, colloid-probe AFM has been used to measure the direct interaction forces between colloidal particles of different size or surface functionality in aqueous media, as one can study different forces in symmerical systems (i.e., sphere-sphere geometry). The present study investigates the interaction between protein coatings on colloid probes and hydrophilic surfaces decorated with hexagonally close packed single particle layers that are either uncoated or coated with proteins. Controlled solvent evaporation from aqueous suspensions of colloidal particles (coated with or without lysozyme and albumin) produces single layers of close-packed colloidal crystals over large areas on a solid support. The measurements have been carried out in an aqueous medium at different salt concentrations and pH values. The results show changes in the interaction forces as the surface charge of the unmodified or modified particles, and ionic strength or pH of the solution is altered. At high ionic strength or pH, electrostatic interactions are screened, and a strong repulsive force at short separation below 5 nm dominates, suggesting structural changes in the absorbed protein layer on the particles. We also study the force of adhesion, which decreases with an increment in the salt concentration, and the interaction between two different proteins indicating a repulsive interaction on approach and adhesion on retraction.

Monitoring transients in low inductance circuits

DOEpatents

Guilford, Richard P.; Rosborough, John R.

1987-01-01

A pair of flat cable transmission lines are monitored for transient current spikes by using a probe connected to a current transformer by a pickup loop and monitoring the output of the current transformer. The approach utilizes a U-shaped pickup probe wherein the pair of flat cable transmission lines are received between the legs of the U-shaped probe. The U-shaped probe is preferably formed of a flat coil conductor adhered to one side of a flexible substrate. On the other side of the flexible substrate there is a copper foil shield. The copper foil shield is connected to one end of the flat conductor coil and connected to one leg of the pickup loop which passes through the current transformer. The other end of the flat conductor coil is connected to the other leg of the pickup loop.

Optical device for sensing the index of refraction of liquids with high turbidity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pena-Gomar, M.; Fajardo-Lira, C.; Rosete-Aguilar, Martha; Garcia-Valenzuela, Augusto

2000-12-01

We discuss the use of photo-reflectance near the critical angle (PRCA) to monitor small changes of the RI of highly turbid liquids. The theory of the reflectance of a laser beam near the critical angle for an external medium with a complex RI is summarized. The applicability of PRCA to sense highly turbid media is demonstrated experimentally on bovine milk samples. We give experimental results showing the temporal variation of the refractive index (RI) during three different processes in bovine milk: (1) Mechanical stirring, (2) temperature changes, and (3) pH variations around the isoelectric point of the casein micelles (micelle aggregation). RI changes in the order of a few times 1 X 10-3 are observed during the experiments. The experimental results show that the RI of milk can be used to track physico-chemical changes in time allowing one to measure the time constant of the different process. The design of a compact RI probe for in situ applications is discussed. The miniaturization of such a probe will probably limited by factors other than the loss of sensitivity. A novel angle-of-incidence control which requires only linear displacements of some of the optical components (no rotation) is proposed and shown to be feasible. Such an optical probe may be used in the dairy industry and in general in the food industry or food science research laboratories. It could give additional analytical power to the food scientist, engineer, or technician.

Single Nanowire Probe for Single Cell Endoscopy and Sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Ruoxue

The ability to manipulate light in subwavelength photonic and plasmonic structures has shown great potentials in revolutionizing how information is generated, transformed and processed. Chemically synthesized nanowires, in particular, offers a unique toolbox not only for highly compact and integrated photonic modules and devices, including coherent and incoherent light sources, waveguides, photodetectors and photovoltaics, but also for new types of nanoscopic bio-probes for spot cargo delivery and in-situ single cell endoscopy and sensing. Such nanowire probes would enable us to carry out intracellular imaging and probing with high spatial resolution, monitor in-vivo biological processes within single living cells and greatly improve our fundamental understanding of cell functions, intracellular physiological processes, and cellular signal pathways. My work is aimed at developing a material and instrumental platform for such single nanowire probe. Successful optical integration of Ag nanowire plasmonic waveguides, which offers deep subwavelength mode confinement, and conventional photonic waveguides was demonstrated on a single nanowire level. The highest plasmonic-photonic coupling efficiency coupling was found at small coupling angles and low input frequencies. The frequency dependent propagation loss was observed in Ag nanowire and was confirmed by quantitative measurement and in agreement with theoretical expectations. Rational integration of dielectric and Ag nanowire waveguide components into hybrid optical-plasmonic routing devices has been demonstrated. This capability is essential for incorporating sub-100nm Ag nanowire waveguides into optical fiber based nanoprobes for single cell endoscopy. The nanoprobe system based on single nanowire waveguides was demonstrated by optically coupling semiconductor or metal nanowire with an optical fiber with tapered tip. This nanoprobe design requires minimal instrumentation which makes it cost efficient and readily adaptable to average bio-lab environment. These probes are mechanically robust and flexible and can withstand repeated bending and deformation without significant deterioration in optical performance, which offers an ideal instrumental platform for out subsequent effort of using these nanoprobes in chemical sensing as well as single cell endoscopy and spot delivery. Parameters affecting the coupling efficiency and output power of the nanoprobe were studied and chemical etched of single mode fiber with small cone angle was established to be optimized for highly effective optical nanoprobes. The versatility of the nanoprobe design was first tested by transforming the nanowire probe into a pH sensor with near-field photopolymerization of a copolymer containing pH sensitive dye on the tip of the nanowire. The pH-sensitive nanoprobe was able to report the pH difference in micro-droplets containing buffer solution with the excitation of light waveguided on the nanoprobe with internal calibration, fast response time and good photostability and reversibility. Such nanoprobe sensors are ideal for high definition spatial and temporal sensing of concentration profile, especially for the kinetic processes in single cell studies for which chemical probes of minute sizes and fast response are desired. The nanoprobe was then applied into spot cargo delivery and in-situ single cell endoscopy. It was demonstrated that nanowire-based optical probe can deliver payloads into the cell with a high spatiotemporal precision, guide and confine visible light into intracellular compartments selectively and detect optical signals from the subcellular regions with high spatial resolution. The nanoprobe was proven to be biocompatible and non-invasive. The effective optical coupling between the fiber optics and the nanowire enables highly localized excitation and detection, limiting the probe volume to the close proximity of the nanowire. None the less, this versatile technique does not rely on any expensive or bulky instrumentation, and relies only on micromanipulator and optical microscope that are readily available in most biological labs. The different functions can be further integrated to make the whole nanoprobe system more compact and even portable. In addition, my research also includes the first demonstration of the synthesis of the longitudinal heterostructured SiO2/Al2O 3 nanotubes and the nanofluidic diode device based on the discontinuity of their internal surface charge. Comprehensive characterization shows that the nanotubes has heterostructured inner tube walls, as well as a discontinuity of surface charge. The ionic transport through these nanotube heterojunctions exhibits clear current rectification, a signature of ionic diode behavior. The development of such nanofluidic devices would enable the modulation of ionic and molecular transport at a more sophisticated level, and lead to large-scale integrated nanofluidic networks and logic circuits.

[Successful esophageal pH monitoring with Bravo capsule in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease].

PubMed

Valdovinos Díaz, Miguel A; Remes Troche, José Ma; Ruiz Aguilar, Juan Carlos; Schmulson, Max J; Valdovinos-Andraca, Francisco

2004-01-01

Esophageal 24-h pH monitoring (24-pH) is the most useful test to diagnose and treat patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The traditional system for 24-pH requires transnasal introduction of a catheter with pH sensors. This technique produces discomfort, inconvenience and interference with daily activity. Recently, the Bravo pH system has been proposed as an alternative and promising method for 24-pH. In this study, the initial experience in Mexico with this system is reported. To evaluate safety, tolerability and performance of the pH Bravo capsule in patients with GERD. Patients with GERD symptoms at least twice a week during the last three months, with indication for 24-pH were evaluated. pH Bravo capsule was placed 6 cm above squamocolumnar junction (SCJ). Symptoms, quality and duration of pH tracings, capsule detachment and patient global satisfaction were evaluated. Eleven patients (nine female, two male) mean age 42 years (range 26-62 years), two with erosive and nine with non-erosive GERD were studied. pH capsule was correctly positioned at 6 cm above SCJ in all patients. Nine patients noted a mild foreign body sensation (especially while eating) and four had mild chest pain; two patients had no discomfort. Capsule detachment occurred spontaneously in all patients on day 10. pH record for > 43 h was obtained in the 11 patients. There were no differences in pH parameters between days 1 and 2. Two patients with normal acid exposure on day 1 had abnormal pH parameters on day 2. Esophageal pH monitoring with Bravo capsule is a safe, reliable and tolerable method in patients with GERD. Extended pH recordings increases abnormal esophageal acid exposure detection in patients with this disease.

21 CFR 870.1915 - Thermodilution probe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2014-04-01 2014-04-01 false Thermodilution probe. 870.1915 Section 870.1915...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1915 Thermodilution probe. (a) Identification. A thermodilution probe is a device that monitors cardiac output by use of...

21 CFR 870.1915 - Thermodilution probe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2011-04-01 2011-04-01 false Thermodilution probe. 870.1915 Section 870.1915...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1915 Thermodilution probe. (a) Identification. A thermodilution probe is a device that monitors cardiac output by use of...

21 CFR 870.1915 - Thermodilution probe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2013-04-01 2013-04-01 false Thermodilution probe. 870.1915 Section 870.1915...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1915 Thermodilution probe. (a) Identification. A thermodilution probe is a device that monitors cardiac output by use of...

21 CFR 870.1915 - Thermodilution probe.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

... 21 Food and Drugs 8 2012-04-01 2012-04-01 false Thermodilution probe. 870.1915 Section 870.1915...) MEDICAL DEVICES CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES Cardiovascular Diagnostic Devices § 870.1915 Thermodilution probe. (a) Identification. A thermodilution probe is a device that monitors cardiac output by use of...

Development of Si neural probe with piezoresistive force sensor for minimally invasive and precise monitoring of insertion forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harashima, Takuya; Morikawa, Takumi; Kino, Hisashi; Fukushima, Takafumi; Tanaka, Tetsu

2017-04-01

A Si neural probe is one of the most important tools for neurophysiology and brain science because of its various functions such as optical stimulation and drug delivery. However, the Si neural probe is not robust compared with a metal tetrode, and could be broken by mechanical stress caused by insertion to the brain. Therefore, the Si neural probe becomes more useful if it has a stress sensor that can measure mechanical forces applied to the probe so as not to be broken. In this paper, we proposed and fabricated the Si neural probe with a piezoresistive force sensor for minimally invasive and precise monitoring of insertion forces. The fabricated piezoresistive force sensor accurately measured forces and successfully detected insertion events without buckling or bending in the shank of the Si neural probe. This Si neural probe with a piezoresistive force sensor has become one of the most versatile tools for neurophysiology and brain science.

A new half-condensed Schiff base compound: highly selective and sensitive pH-responsive fluorescent sensor.

PubMed

Saha, Uday Chand; Dhara, Koushik; Chattopadhyay, Basab; Mandal, Sushil Kumar; Mondal, Swastik; Sen, Supriti; Mukherjee, Monika; van Smaalen, Sander; Chattopadhyay, Pabitra

2011-09-02

A new probe, 3-[(3-benzyloxypyridin-2-ylimino)methyl]-2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzaldehyde (1-H) behaves as a highly selective fluorescent pH sensor in a Britton-Robinson buffer at 25 °C. The pH titrations show a 250-fold increase in fluorescence intensity within the pH range of 4.2 to 8.3 with a pK(a) value of 6.63 which is valuable for studying many of the biological organelles.

Development of an autonomous, wireless pH and temperature sensing system for monitoring pig meat quality.

PubMed

Frisby, June; Raftery, Declan; Kerry, Joe P; Diamond, Dermot

2005-06-01

This paper focuses on the development of a unique wireless pH and temperature monitoring system to assess pig meat quality. Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pig meat continues to be a major problem in the pig meat industry today. The PSE condition in pork is related to a number of factors including genetics, pre-slaughter stress and insufficient chilling of pig carcasses, which cause a rapid rate of glycolysis post-mortem (<1h). As a result the pH drops to low levels while the muscle temperature is still high. A wireless dual channel system that monitors pH and temperature simultaneously has been developed to provide pH and temperature data of the carcass during the first 24h after slaughter. We have demonstrated that this approach can distinguish in real time, pH and temperature profiles that are 'non-normal', and identify carcasses that are PSE positive quickly and easily.

Laboratory evaluation of dual-frequency multisensor capacitance probes to monitor soil water and salinity

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Real-time information on salinity levels and transport of fertilizers are generally missing from soil profile knowledge bases. A dual-frequency multisensor capacitance probe (MCP) is now commercially available for sandy soils that simultaneously monitor volumetric soil water content (VWC, ') and sa...

Coaxial-probe contact-force monitoring for dielectric properties measurements

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A means is described for measuring and monitoring the contact force applied to a material sample with an open-ended coaxial-line probe for purposes of measuring the dielectric properties of semisolid material samples such as fruit, vegetable and animal tissues. The equipment consists of a stainless...

Monitoring Coaxial-Probe Contact Force for Dielectric Properties Measurement

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A means is described for measuring and monitoring the contact force applied to a material sample with an open-ended coaxial-line probe for purposes of measuring the dielectric properties of semisolid material samples such as fruit, vegetable and animal tissues. The equipment consists of a stainless...

Development of Hybrid pH sensor for long-term seawater pH monitoring.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakano, Y.; Egashira, T.; Miwa, T.; Kimoto, H.

2016-02-01

We have been developing the in situ pH sensor (Hybrid pH sensor: HpHS) for the long-term seawater pH monitoring. We are planning to provide the HpHS for researchers and environmental consultants for observation of the CCS (Carbon dioxide Capture and Storage) monitoring system, the coastal environment monitoring system (e.g. Blue Carbon) and ocean acidification. The HpHS has two types of pH sensors (i.e. potentiometric pH sensor and spectrophotometric pH sensor). The spectrophotometric pH sensor can measure pH correctly and stably, however it needs large power consumption and a lot of reagents in a long period of observation. The pH sensor used m-cresol purple (mCP) as an indicator of pH (Clayton and Byrne, 1993 and Liu et al., 2011). We can choose both coefficients before deployment. On the other hand, although the potentiometric pH sensor is low power consumption and high-speed response (within 10 seconds), drifts in the pH of the potentiometric measurements may possibly occur for a long-term observation. The HpHS can measure in situ pH correctly and stably combining advantage of both pH sensors. The HpHS consists of an aluminum pressure housing with optical cell (main unit) and an aluminum silicon-oil filled, pressure-compensated vessel containing pumps and valves (diaphragm pump and valve unit) and pressure-compensated reagents bags (pH indicator, pure water and Tris buffer or certified reference material: CRM) with an ability to resist water pressure to 3000m depth. The main unit holds system control boards, pump drivers, data storage (micro SD card), LED right source, photodiode, optical cell and pressure proof windows. The HpHS also has an aluminum pressure housing that holds a rechargeable lithium-ion battery or a lithium battery for the power supply (DC 24 V). The HpHS is correcting the value of the potentiometric pH sensor (measuring frequently) by the value of the spectrophotometric pH sensor (measuring less frequently). It is possible to calibrate in situ with Tris buffer or CRM on the spectrophotometric pH sensor. Therefore, the drifts in the value of potentiometric pH measurements can be compensated using the pH value obtained from the spectrophotometric pH measurements. Thereby, the sensor can measure accurately the value of pH over a long period of time with low power consumption.

U-shaped, double-tapered, fiber-optic sensor for effective biofilm growth monitoring.

PubMed

Zhong, Nianbing; Zhao, Mingfu; Li, Yishan

2016-02-01

To monitor biofilm growth on polydimethylsiloxane in a photobioreactor effectively, the biofilm cells and liquids were separated and measured using a sensor with two U-shaped, double-tapered, fiber-optic probes (Sen. and Ref. probes). The probes' Au-coated hemispherical tips enabled double-pass evanescent field absorption. The Sen. probe sensed the cells and liquids inside the biofilm. The polyimide-silica hybrid-film-coated Ref. probe separated the liquids from the biofilm cells and analyzed the liquid concentration. The biofilm structure and active biomass were also examined to confirm the effectiveness of the measurement using a simulation model. The sensor was found to effectively respond to the biofilm growth in the adsorption through exponential phases at thicknesses of 0-536 μm.

Electron launching voltage monitor

DOEpatents

Mendel, C.W.; Savage, M.E.

1992-03-17

An electron launching voltage monitor measures MITL voltage using a relationship between anode electric field and electron current launched from a cathode-mounted perturbation. An electron launching probe extends through and is spaced from the edge of an opening in a first MITL conductor, one end of the launching probe being in the gap between the MITL conductor, the other end being adjacent a first side of the first conductor away from the second conductor. A housing surrounds the launching probe and electrically connects the first side of the first conductor to the other end of the launching probe. A detector detects the current passing through the housing to the launching probe, the detected current being representative of the voltage between the conductors. 5 figs.

Capacitance-level/density monitor for fluidized-bed combustor

DOEpatents

Fasching, George E.; Utt, Carroll E.

1982-01-01

A multiple segment three-terminal type capacitance probe with segment selection, capacitance detection and compensation circuitry and read-out control for level/density measurements in a fluidized-bed vessel is provided. The probe is driven at a high excitation frequency of up to 50 kHz to sense quadrature (capacitive) current related to probe/vessel capacitance while being relatively insensitive to the resistance current component. Compensation circuitry is provided for generating a negative current of equal magnitude to cancel out only the resistive component current. Clock-operated control circuitry separately selects the probe segments in a predetermined order for detecting and storing this capacitance measurement. The selected segment acts as a guarded electrode and is connected to the read-out circuitry while all unselected segments are connected to the probe body, which together form the probe guard electrode. The selected probe segment capacitance component signal is directed to a corresponding segment channel sample and hold circuit dedicated to that segment to store the signal derived from that segment. This provides parallel outputs for display, computer input, etc., for the detected capacitance values. The rate of segment sampling may be varied to either monitor the dynamic density profile of the bed (high sampling rate) or monitor average bed characteristics (slower sampling rate).

Concentration-independent pH detection with a luminescent dimetallic Eu(III)-based probe.

PubMed

Moore, Jeremiah D; Lord, Richard L; Cisneros, G Andrés; Allen, Matthew J

2012-10-24

A pH-responsive, luminescent, dimetallic Eu(III)-containing complex has been synthesized and exhibits a unique mechanism of response. The luminescence-decay rate of the complex is slow, due to a lack of water molecules coordinated to the Eu(III) ions. However, the luminescence-decay rate decreases with increasing pH over a biologically relevant range of 4-8. Physical characterization and computational analysis suggest that the pH response is due to protonation of a bridging alkoxide at lower pH values. Modulation of the luminescence-decay rate is independent from the concentration of Eu(III), which we expect to be useful in the non-invasive imaging of in vivo pH.

Evaluation of pH monitoring as a method of processor control.

PubMed

Stears, J G; Gray, J E; Winkler, N T

1979-01-01

Sensitometry and pH values of the developer solution were compared in controlled over-replenishment, developer depletion, fixer contamination experiments, and on a daily quality control basis. The purpose of these comparisons was to evaluate the potential of pH monitoring as a method of processor control, or a supplement to sensitometry as a method of quality control. Reasonable correlation was found between pH values and film density in two of the three experiments but little or no correlation was found in the third experiment and on a day-to-day basis. The conclusion drawn from these comparisons is that pH monitoring has several limitations which render it unsuitable as a method of daily processor quality control as either a primary or supplementary technique. Sensitometry takes into account all the variables encountered in film processing and is the clear method of choice for processor quality control.

The Analysis of Turbulent Flow by Hot Wire Signals. Ph.D. Thesis - Physikalische Ingenieurvissenschaft der Technischen Univ., 1981

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bartenwerfer, M.

1982-01-01

When measuring velocities in turbulent gas flow, approximation signal analysis with hot wire anemometers having one and two wire probes are used. A numeric test of standard analyses shows the resulting systemmatic error increases quickly with increasing turbulent intensity. Since it also depends on the turbulence structure, it cannot be corrected. The use of such probes is thus restricted to low turbulence. By means of three wire probes (in two dimensional flows with X wire probes) in principle, instantaneous values of velocity can be determined, and an asymmetric arrangement of wires has a theoretical advantage.

Two-Photon Probes for Lysosomes and Mitochondria: Simultaneous Detection of Lysosomes and Mitochondria in Live Tissues by Dual-Color Two-Photon Microscopy Imaging.

PubMed

Lim, Chang Su; Hong, Seung Taek; Ryu, Seong Shick; Kang, Dong Eun; Cho, Bong Rae

2015-10-01

Novel two-photon (TP) probes were developed for lysosomes (PLT-yellow) and mitochondria (BMT-blue and PMT-yellow). These probes emitted strong TP-excited fluorescence in cells at widely separated wavelength regions and displayed high organelle selectivity, good cell permeability, low cytotoxicity, and pH insensitivity. The BMT-blue and PLT-yellow probes could be utilized to detect lysosomes and mitochondria simultaneously in live tissues by using dual-color two-photon microscopy, with minimum interference from each other. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

An acidic pH independent piperazine–TPE AIEgen as a unique bioprobe for lysosome tracing† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR, single crystal X-ray crystallography of PIP–TPE, live cell and fixed cell fluorescence imaging, MTT, photostability, and theoretical calculations. CCDC 1555412. For ESI and crystallographic data in CIF or other electronic format see DOI: 10.1039/c7sc03515b

PubMed Central

Cai, Yuanjing; Gui, Chen; Samedov, Kerim; Su, Huifang; Gu, Xinggui; Li, Shiwu; Luo, Wenwen; Sung, Herman H. Y.; Lam, Jacky W. Y.; Kwok, Ryan T. K.; Williams, Ian D.

2017-01-01

Lysosomes are involved in a multitude of cellular processes and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases. They are the most acidic organelles (pH 3.8–6.6, size 0.1–1.2 μm) with the highest viscosity (47–190 cP at 25 °C) in the cell. Because of their acidity, pH dependent non-AIE active fluorescent lysosomal probes have been developed that rely on protonation inhibited photoinduced electron transfer (PET). In this work, an acidic pH independent lysosome targetable piperazine–TPE (PIP–TPE) AIEgen has been designed with unique photophysical properties making it a suitable probe for quantifying viscosity. In a non-aggregated state PIP–TPE shows deep-blue emission as opposed to its yellowish-green emission in the bulk. It possesses high specificity for lysosomes with negligible cytotoxicity and good tracing ability due to its better photostability compared to LysoTracker Red. In contrast to most known lysosome probes that rely solely on PET, restriction of intramolecular motion (RIM) due to the larger viscosity inside the lysosomes is the mechanism responsible for PIP–TPE’s fluorescence. PIP–TPE’s high selectivity is attributed to its unique molecular design that features piperazine fragments providing a perfect balance between lipophilicity and polarity. PMID:29568423

Development of Online Spectroscopic pH Monitoring for Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Plants: Weak Acid Schemes.

PubMed

Casella, Amanda J; Ahlers, Laura R H; Campbell, Emily L; Levitskaia, Tatiana G; Peterson, James M; Smith, Frances N; Bryan, Samuel A

2015-05-19

In nuclear fuel reprocessing, separating trivalent minor actinides and lanthanide fission products is extremely challenging and often necessitates tight pH control in TALSPEAK (Trivalent Actinide-Lanthanide Separation by Phosphorus reagent Extraction from Aqueous Komplexes) separations. In TALSPEAK and similar advanced processes, aqueous pH is one of the most important factors governing the partitioning of lanthanides and actinides between an aqueous phase containing a polyaminopolycarboxylate complexing agent and a weak carboxylic acid buffer and an organic phase containing an acidic organophosphorus extractant. Real-time pH monitoring would significantly increase confidence in the separation performance. Our research is focused on developing a general method for online determination of the pH of aqueous solutions through chemometric analysis of Raman spectra. Spectroscopic process-monitoring capabilities, incorporated in a counter-current centrifugal contactor bank, provide a pathway for online, real-time measurement of solution pH. The spectroscopic techniques are process-friendly and can be easily configured for online applications, whereas classic potentiometric pH measurements require frequent calibration/maintenance and have poor long-term stability in aggressive chemical and radiation environments. Raman spectroscopy discriminates between the protonated and deprotonated forms of the carboxylic acid buffer, and the chemometric processing of the Raman spectral data with PLS (partial least-squares) regression provides a means to quantify their respective abundances and therefore determine the solution pH. Interpretive quantitative models have been developed and validated under a range of chemical composition and pH conditions using a lactic acid/lactate buffer system. The developed model was applied to new spectra obtained from online spectral measurements during a solvent extraction experiment using a counter-current centrifugal contactor bank. The model predicted the pH of this validation data set within 11% for pH > 2, thus demonstrating that this technique could provide the capability of monitoring pH online in applications such as nuclear fuel reprocessing.

Investigation of the fluidity of biological fluids with a PDDTBN spin probe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Severcan, Feride; Acar, Berrin; Gökalp, Saadet

1997-06-01

The aim of this study is to ascertain whether the electron spin resonance technique using perdeutero-di- t-butyl nitroxide (PDDTBN) as a spin probe is able to monitor relative fluidity changes occurring in body fluids, such as blood and parotid saliva, according to different physiological conditions. The present study reveals that the spin probe PDDTBN is able to monitor the fluidity changes in parotid saliva related to habitual smoking, and in whole blood related to the estradiol level. The rotational correlation time of the spin probe and the local viscosity values of the parotid saliva and blood have been reported.

RGB-Switchable Porous Electrospun Nanofiber Chemoprobe-Filter Prepared from Multifunctional Copolymers for Versatile Sensing of pH and Heavy Metals.

PubMed

Liang, Fang-Cheng; Kuo, Chi-Ching; Chen, Bo-Yu; Cho, Chia-Jung; Hung, Chih-Chien; Chen, Wen-Chang; Borsali, Redouane

2017-05-17

Novel red-green-blue (RGB) switchable probes based on fluorescent porous electrospun (ES) nanofibers exhibiting high sensitivity to pH and mercury ions (Hg 2+ ) were prepared with one type of copolymer (poly(methyl methacrylatete-co-1,8-naphthalimide derivatives-co-rhodamine derivative); poly(MMA-co-BNPTU-co-RhBAM)) by using a single-capillary spinneret. The MMA, BNPTU, and RhBAM moieties were designed to (i) permit formation of porous fibers, (ii) fluoresce for Hg 2+ detection, and (iii) fluoresce for pH, respectively. The fluorescence emission of BNPTU (fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor) changed from green to blue as it detected Hg 2+ . The fluorescence emission of RhBAM (FRET acceptor) was highly selective for pH, changing from nonfluorescent (pH 7) to exhibiting strong red fluorescence (pH 2). The full-color emission of the ES nanofibers included green, red, blue, purple, and white depending on the particular pH and Hg 2+ -concentration combination of the solution. The porous ES nanofibers with 30 nm pores were fabricated using hydrophobic MMA, low-boiling-point solvent, and at a high relative humidity (80%). These porous ES nanofibers had a higher surface-to-volume ratio than did the corresponding thin films, which enhanced their performance. The present study demonstrated that the FRET-based full-color-fluorescence porous nanofibrous membranes, which exhibit on-off switching and can be used as naked eye probes, have potential for application in water purification sensing filters.

TAME5OX, abiotic siderophore analogue to enterobactin involving 8-hydroxyquinoline subunits: Thermodynamic and photophysical studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akbar, Rifat; Baral, Minati; Kanungo, B. K.

2015-05-01

The synthesis, thermodynamic and photophysical properties of trivalent metal complexes of biomimetic nonadentate analogue, 5,5‧-(2-(((8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl)methylamino)methyl)-2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)diquinolin-8-ol (TAME5OX), have been described. Combination of absorption and emission spectrophotometry, potentiometry, electrospray mass spectrometry, IR, and theoretical investigation were used to fully characterize metal (Fe+3, Al+3 and Cr+3) chelates of TAME5OX. In solution, TAME5OX forms protonated complexes [M(H3L)]3+ below pH 3.4, which consecutively deprotonates through one to three-proton processes with rise of pH. The formation constants (Log β11n) of neutral complexes formed at or above physiological pH, have been determined to be 30.18, 23.27 and 22.02 with pM values of 31.16, 18.07 and 18.12 for Fe+3, Al+3 and Cr+3 ions, respectively, calculated at pH 7.4, indicating TAME5OX is a powerful among synthetic metal chelator. The results clearly demonstrate that the ligand in a tripodal orchestration firmly binds these ions over wide pH range and forms distorted octahedral complexes. The binding and the coordination event could be monitored from absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The high thermodynamic stability in water at physiological pH of ferric complex of TAME5OX indicates that these complexes are resistant to hydrolysis and therefore are well suited for the development of device for applications as probes. The ligand displays high sensitive fluorescence enhancement to Al3+ at pH 7.4, in water. Moreover, TAME5OX can distinguish Al3+ from Fe3+ and Cr3+ via two different sensing mechanisms: photoinduced electron transfer (PET) for Al3+ and internal charge transfer (ICT) for Fe3+ and Cr3+. Density functional theory was employed for optimization and evaluation of vibrational modes, NBO analysis, excitation and emission properties of the different species of metal complexes observed by solution studies.

TAME5OX, abiotic siderophore analogue to enterobactin involving 8-hydroxyquinoline subunits: thermodynamic and photophysical studies.

PubMed

Akbar, Rifat; Baral, Minati; Kanungo, B K

2015-05-05

The synthesis, thermodynamic and photophysical properties of trivalent metal complexes of biomimetic nonadentate analogue, 5,5'-(2-(((8-hydroxyquinolin-5-yl)methylamino)methyl)-2-methylpropane-1,3-diyl)bis(azanediyl)bis(methylene)diquinolin-8-ol (TAME5OX), have been described. Combination of absorption and emission spectrophotometry, potentiometry, electrospray mass spectrometry, IR, and theoretical investigation were used to fully characterize metal (Fe(+3), Al(+3) and Cr(+3)) chelates of TAME5OX. In solution, TAME5OX forms protonated complexes [M(H3L)](3+) below pH 3.4, which consecutively deprotonates through one to three-proton processes with rise of pH. The formation constants (Logβ11n) of neutral complexes formed at or above physiological pH, have been determined to be 30.18, 23.27 and 22.02 with pM values of 31.16, 18.07 and 18.12 for Fe(+3), Al(+3) and Cr(+3) ions, respectively, calculated at pH 7.4, indicating TAME5OX is a powerful among synthetic metal chelator. The results clearly demonstrate that the ligand in a tripodal orchestration firmly binds these ions over wide pH range and forms distorted octahedral complexes. The binding and the coordination event could be monitored from absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. The high thermodynamic stability in water at physiological pH of ferric complex of TAME5OX indicates that these complexes are resistant to hydrolysis and therefore are well suited for the development of device for applications as probes. The ligand displays high sensitive fluorescence enhancement to Al(3+) at pH 7.4, in water. Moreover, TAME5OX can distinguish Al(3+) from Fe(3+) and Cr(3+) via two different sensing mechanisms: photoinduced electron transfer (PET) for Al(3+) and internal charge transfer (ICT) for Fe(3+) and Cr(3+). Density functional theory was employed for optimization and evaluation of vibrational modes, NBO analysis, excitation and emission properties of the different species of metal complexes observed by solution studies. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A novel fluorescence probe based on triphenylamine Schiff base for bioimaging and responding to pH and Fe3.

PubMed

Wang, Lei; Yang, Xiaodong; Chen, Xiuli; Zhou, Yuping; Lu, Xiaodan; Yan, Chenggong; Xu, Yikai; Liu, Ruiyuan; Qu, Jinqing

2017-03-01

A novel fluorescence probe 1 based on triphenylamine was synthesized and characterized by NMR, IR, high resolution mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. Its fluorescence was quenched when pH below 2. There was a linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity and pH value ranged from 2 to 7. And its fluorescence emission was reversibility in acidic and alkaline solution. Furthermore, it exhibited remarkable selectivity and high sensitivity to Fe 3+ and was able to detect Fe 3+ in aqueous solution with low detection limit of 0.511μM. Job plot showed that the binding stoichiometry of 1 with Fe 3+ was 1:1. Further observations of 1 H NMR titration suggested that coordination interaction between Fe 3+ and nitrogen atom on CN bond promoted the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) or energy transfer process causing fluorescence quenching. Additionally, 1 was also able to be applied for detecting Fe 3+ in living cell and bioimaging. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular Probes of Monitoring the HLA-A*0201-HER-2/neu Peptide Complex

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-03-01

anti- HLA -A2, -A24, -A28 mAb CR11-351 (13,14); anti- HLA -A2, -A28 mAb KS-1 (14); anti- HLA -B7, - B27 , -Bw42, -Bw54, -Bw55, -Bw56, -Bw67, -Bw73 mAb KS-4 (15...AD Award Number: W81XWH-04-1-0372 TITLE: CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular Probes of Monitoring the HLA -A*0201-HER-2/neu...AND SUBTITLE 5. FUNDING NUMBERS CTL-Tumor Cell Interaction: The Generation of Molecular W81XWH-04-1-0372 Probes of Monitoring the HLA -A*0201-HER-2/neu

Noninvasive pH monitoring of platelet concentrates: a large field test.

PubMed

Gkoumassi, Effimia; Klein-Bosgoed, Christa; Dijkstra-Tiekstra, Margriet J; de Korte, Dirk; de Wildt-Eggen, Janny

2013-10-01

Developing new quality control methods for platelet concentrates (PCs) can contribute to increasing transfusion safety and efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate in a large field test the quality of expired PCs and whether 100% noninvasive pH monitoring can be used to predict PC quality. The pH of 13,693 PCs produced for transfusion was monitored daily using Blood Storage, Inc.'s pH sterile, automated fluoroscopic evaluation technology. Upon indication of compromised quality or expiration, PCs were returned and in vitro tests were performed. A total of 998 PCs were returned, of which 962 outdated, 26 had a positive BacT/ALERT reaction, seven had aggregates, one was without swirl, one had low pH, and one had high pH. BacT/ALERT was faster in identifying bacterial contamination than pH measurements. The pH at the end of the storage period was significantly lower than at the beginning. In vitro tests indicated that while the PC quality was acceptable upon expiration, it rapidly declined after expiration. In this setting where the vast majority of PCs were of good quality and within acceptable pH limits, daily, noninvasive routine pH measurement has limited added value in identifying quality-compromised PCs. © 2013 Sanquin Research. Transfusion © 2013 American Association of Blood Banks.

Probing the mechanism of insulin fibril formation with insulin mutants.

PubMed

Nielsen, L; Frokjaer, S; Brange, J; Uversky, V N; Fink, A L

2001-07-27

The molecular basis of insulin fibril formation was investigated by studying the structural properties and kinetics of fibril formation of 20 different human insulin mutants at both low pH (conditions favoring monomer/dimer) and at pH 7.4 (conditions favoring tetramer/hexamer). Small-angle X-ray scattering showed insulin to be monomeric in 20% acetic acid, 0.1 M NaCl, pH 2. The secondary structure of the mutants was assessed using far-UV circular dichroism, and the tertiary structure was determined using near-UV circular dichroism, quenching of intrinsic fluorescence by acrylamide and interactions with the hydrophobic probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene-sulfonic acid (ANS). The kinetics of fibril formation were monitored with the fluorescent dye, Thioflavin T. The results indicate that the monomer is the state from which fibrils arise, thus under some conditions dissociation of hexamers may be rate limiting or partially rate limiting. The insulin mutants were found to retain substantial nativelike secondary and tertiary structure under all conditions studied. The results suggest that fibril formation of the insulin mutants is controlled by specific molecular interactions that are sensitive to variations in the primary structure. The observed effects of several mutations on the rate of fibril formation are inconsistent with a previously suggested model for fibrillation [Brange, J., Whittingham, J., Edwards, D., Youshang, Z., Wollmer, A., Brandenburg, D., Dodson, G., and Finch, J. (1997) Curr. Sci. 72, 470-476]. Two surfaces on the insulin monomer are identified as potential interacting sites in insulin fibrils, one consisting of the residues B10, B16, and B17 and the other consisting of at least the residues A8 and B25. The marked increase in the lag time for fibril formation with mutations to more polar residues, as well as mutations to charged residues, demonstrates the importance of both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions in the initial stages of fibrillation. A model for insulin fibril formation is proposed in which the formation of a partially folded intermediate is the precursor for associated species on the pathway to fibril formation.

Raman spectroscopic approach to monitor the in vitro cyclization of creatine → creatinine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gangopadhyay, Debraj; Sharma, Poornima; Singh, Sachin Kumar; Singh, Pushkar; Tarcea, Nicolae; Deckert, Volker; Popp, Jürgen; Singh, Ranjan K.

2015-01-01

The creatine → creatinine cyclization, an important metabolic phenomenon has been initiated in vitro at acidic pH and studied through Raman spectroscopic and DFT approach. The equilibrium composition of neutral, zwitterionic and protonated microspecies of creatine has been monitored with time as the reaction proceeds. Time series Raman spectra show clear signature of creatinine formation at pH 3 after ∼240 min at room temperature and reaction is faster at higher temperature. The spectra at pH 1 and pH 5 do not show such signature up to 270 min implying faster reaction rate at pH 3.

A Stimuli-Responsive Biosensor of Glucose on Layer-by-Layer Films Assembled through Specific Lectin-Glycoenzyme Recognition.

PubMed

Yao, Huiqin; Gan, Qianqian; Peng, Juan; Huang, Shan; Zhu, Meilin; Shi, Keren

2016-04-20

The research on intelligent bioelectrocatalysis based on stimuli-responsive materials or interfaces is of great significance for biosensors and other bioelectronic devices. In the present work, lectin protein concanavalin A (Con A) and glycoenzyme glucose oxidase (GOD) were assembled into {Con A/GOD}n layer-by-layer (LbL) films by taking advantage of the biospecific lectin-glycoenzyme affinity between them. These film electrodes possess stimuli-responsive properties toward electroactive probes such as ferrocenedicarboxylic acid (Fc(COOH)₂) by modulating the surrounding pH. The CV peak currents of Fc(COOH)₂ were quite large at pH 4.0 but significantly suppressed at pH 8.0, demonstrating reversible stimuli-responsive on-off behavior. The mechanism of stimuli-responsive property of the films was explored by comparative experiments and attributed to the different electrostatic interaction between the films and the probes at different pH. This stimuli-responsive films could be used to realize active/inactive electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose by GOD in the films and mediated by Fc(COOH)₂ in solution, which may establish a foundation for fabricating novel stimuli-responsive electrochemical biosensors based on bioelectrocatalysis with immobilized enzymes.

A Stimuli-Responsive Biosensor of Glucose on Layer-by-Layer Films Assembled through Specific Lectin-Glycoenzyme Recognition

PubMed Central

Yao, Huiqin; Gan, Qianqian; Peng, Juan; Huang, Shan; Zhu, Meilin; Shi, Keren

2016-01-01

The research on intelligent bioelectrocatalysis based on stimuli-responsive materials or interfaces is of great significance for biosensors and other bioelectronic devices. In the present work, lectin protein concanavalin A (Con A) and glycoenzyme glucose oxidase (GOD) were assembled into {Con A/GOD}n layer-by-layer (LbL) films by taking advantage of the biospecific lectin-glycoenzyme affinity between them. These film electrodes possess stimuli-responsive properties toward electroactive probes such as ferrocenedicarboxylic acid (Fc(COOH)2) by modulating the surrounding pH. The CV peak currents of Fc(COOH)2 were quite large at pH 4.0 but significantly suppressed at pH 8.0, demonstrating reversible stimuli-responsive on-off behavior. The mechanism of stimuli-responsive property of the films was explored by comparative experiments and attributed to the different electrostatic interaction between the films and the probes at different pH. This stimuli-responsive films could be used to realize active/inactive electrocatalytic oxidation of glucose by GOD in the films and mediated by Fc(COOH)2 in solution, which may establish a foundation for fabricating novel stimuli-responsive electrochemical biosensors based on bioelectrocatalysis with immobilized enzymes. PMID:27104542

Design of a Water Environment Monitoring System Based on Wireless Sensor Networks

PubMed Central

Jiang, Peng; Xia, Hongbo; He, Zhiye; Wang, Zheming

2009-01-01

A water environmental monitoring system based on a wireless sensor network is proposed. It consists of three parts: data monitoring nodes, data base station and remote monitoring center. This system is suitable for the complex and large-scale water environment monitoring, such as for reservoirs, lakes, rivers, swamps, and shallow or deep groundwaters. This paper is devoted to the explanation and illustration for our new water environment monitoring system design. The system had successfully accomplished the online auto-monitoring of the water temperature and pH value environment of an artificial lake. The system's measurement capacity ranges from 0 to 80 °C for water temperature, with an accuracy of ±0.5 °C; from 0 to 14 on pH value, with an accuracy of ±0.05 pH units. Sensors applicable to different water quality scenarios should be installed at the nodes to meet the monitoring demands for a variety of water environments and to obtain different parameters. The monitoring system thus promises broad applicability prospects. PMID:22454592

Competitive Reporter Monitored Amplification (CMA) - Quantification of Molecular Targets by Real Time Monitoring of Competitive Reporter Hybridization

PubMed Central

Ullrich, Thomas; Ermantraut, Eugen; Schulz, Torsten; Steinmetzer, Katrin

2012-01-01

Background State of the art molecular diagnostic tests are based on the sensitive detection and quantification of nucleic acids. However, currently established diagnostic tests are characterized by elaborate and expensive technical solutions hindering the development of simple, affordable and compact point-of-care molecular tests. Methodology and Principal Findings The described competitive reporter monitored amplification allows the simultaneous amplification and quantification of multiple nucleic acid targets by polymerase chain reaction. Target quantification is accomplished by real-time detection of amplified nucleic acids utilizing a capture probe array and specific reporter probes. The reporter probes are fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides that are complementary to the respective capture probes on the array and to the respective sites of the target nucleic acids in solution. Capture probes and amplified target compete for reporter probes. Increasing amplicon concentration leads to decreased fluorescence signal at the respective capture probe position on the array which is measured after each cycle of amplification. In order to observe reporter probe hybridization in real-time without any additional washing steps, we have developed a mechanical fluorescence background displacement technique. Conclusions and Significance The system presented in this paper enables simultaneous detection and quantification of multiple targets. Moreover, the presented fluorescence background displacement technique provides a generic solution for real time monitoring of binding events of fluorescently labelled ligands to surface immobilized probes. With the model assay for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and 2 (HIV 1/2), we have been able to observe the amplification kinetics of five targets simultaneously and accommodate two additional hybridization controls with a simple instrument set-up. The ability to accommodate multiple controls and targets into a single assay and to perform the assay on simple and robust instrumentation is a prerequisite for the development of novel molecular point of care tests. PMID:22539973

Fluorescent-protein-based probes: general principles and practices.

PubMed

Ai, Hui-Wang

2015-01-01

An important application of fluorescent proteins is to derive genetically encoded fluorescent probes that can actively respond to cellular dynamics such as pH change, redox signaling, calcium oscillation, enzyme activities, and membrane potential. Despite the large diverse group of fluorescent-protein-based probes, a few basic principles have been established and are shared by most of these probes. In this article, the focus is on these general principles and strategies that guide the development of fluorescent-protein-based probes. A few examples are provided in each category to illustrate the corresponding principles. Since these principles are quite straightforward, others may adapt them to create fluorescent probes for their own interest. Hopefully, the development of the ever-growing family of fluorescent-protein-based probes will no longer be limited to a small number of laboratories specialized in senor development, leading to the situation that biological studies will be bettered assisted by genetically encoded sensors.

Multisensor Capacitance Probes for Simultaneously Monitoring Rice Field Soil-Water- Crop-Ambient Conditions.

PubMed

Brinkhoff, James; Hornbuckle, John; Dowling, Thomas

2017-12-26

Multisensor capacitance probes (MCPs) have traditionally been used for soil moisture monitoring and irrigation scheduling. This paper presents a new application of these probes, namely the simultaneous monitoring of ponded water level, soil moisture, and temperature profile, conditions which are particularly important for rice crops in temperate growing regions and for rice grown with prolonged periods of drying. WiFi-based loggers are used to concurrently collect the data from the MCPs and ultrasonic distance sensors (giving an independent reading of water depth). Models are fit to MCP water depth vs volumetric water content (VWC) characteristics from laboratory measurements, variability from probe-to-probe is assessed, and the methodology is verified using measurements from a rice field throughout a growing season. The root-mean-squared error of the water depth calculated from MCP VWC over the rice growing season was 6.6 mm. MCPs are used to simultaneously monitor ponded water depth, soil moisture content when ponded water is drained, and temperatures in root, water, crop and ambient zones. The insulation effect of ponded water against cold-temperature effects is demonstrated with low and high water levels. The developed approach offers advantages in gaining the full soil-plant-atmosphere continuum in a single robust sensor.

Luminal esophageal temperature monitoring with a deflectable esophageal temperature probe and intracardiac echocardiography may reduce esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures: results of a pilot study.

PubMed

Leite, Luiz R; Santos, Simone N; Maia, Henrique; Henz, Benhur D; Giuseppin, Fábio; Oliverira, Anderson; Zanatta, André R; Peres, Ayrton K; Novakoski, Clarissa; Barreto, Jose R; Vassalo, Fabrício; d'Avila, Andre; Singh, Sheldon M

2011-04-01

Luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring is one strategy to minimize esophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation procedures. However, esophageal ulceration and fistulas have been reported despite adequate LET monitoring. The objective of this study was to assess a novel approach to LET monitoring with a deflectable LET probe on the rate of esophageal injury in patients undergoing atrial fibrillation ablation. Forty-five consecutive patients undergoing an atrial fibrillation ablation procedure followed by esophageal endoscopy were included in this prospective observational pilot study. LET monitoring was performed with a 7F deflectable ablation catheter that was positioned as close as possible to the site of left atrial ablation using the deflectable component of the catheter guided by visualization of its position on intracardiac echocardiography. Ablation in the posterior left atrial was limited to 25 W and terminated when the LET increased 2°C from baseline. Endoscopy was performed 1 to 2 days after the procedure. All patients had at least 1 LET elevation >2°C necessitating cessation of ablation. Deflection of the LET probe was needed to accurately measure LET in 5% of patients when ablating near the left pulmonary veins, whereas deflection of the LET probe was necessary in 88% of patients when ablating near the right pulmonary veins. The average maximum increase in LET was 2.5±1.5°C. No patients had esophageal thermal injury on follow-up endoscopy. A strategy of optimal LET probe placement using a deflectable LET probe and intracardiac echocardiography guidance, combined with cessation of radiofrequency ablation with a 2°C rise in LET, may reduce esophageal thermal injury during left atrial ablation procedures.

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

Li, Y.; Sun, C.P.

We study the propagation of a probe light in an ensemble of {lambda}-type atoms, utilizing the dynamic symmetry as recently discovered when the atoms are coupled to a classical control field and a quantum probe field [Sun et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 91, 147903 (2003)]. Under two-photon resonance, we calculate the group velocity of the probe light with collective atomic excitations. Our result gives the dependence of the group velocity on the common one-photon detuning, and can be compared with the recent experiment of E. E. Mikhailov, Y. V. Rostovtsev, and G. R. Welch, e-print quant-ph/0309173.

Use of fathometers and electrical-conductivity probes to monitor riverbed scour at bridge piers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hayes, Donald C.; Drummond, F.E.

1995-01-01

Two methods, a fathometer system and an electrical- conductivity probe system, were developed to monitor scour at bridge piers. The scour-monitoring systems consisted of a sensor (fathometer or electrical- conductivity probe), power supply, data logger, relay, and system program. The fathometer system was installed and tested at a bridge over the Leipsic River at Leipsic, Delaware, and at a bridge over Sinepuxent Bay near Ocean City. Maryland. Field data collected indicate that fathometers can be used to identify and monitor the riverbed elevation if post processing of the data and trends in the data are used to determine the riverbed location in relation to the transducer. The accuracy of the system is approximately the same as the resolution of the fathometer. Signal scatter can be a major source of error in the data. The electrical- conductivity probe system was installed and tested at a bridge over the Pamunkey River near Hanover, Virginia. The approximate elevation of the riverbed is determined by comparing conductivities of the surface-water flow with conductivities of submerged bed material from sensors located in each. Field data collected indicate that an electrical- conductivity probe, as tested, has limited usefulness in identifying and monitoring the riverbed elevation during high flows. As the discharge increases, the concentration of sediment in the surface-water flow increases, especially near the riverbed. Conductivities, measured at the sensors in the surface-water flow could not be distinguished from conductivities measured at the shallowest sensor in the submerged bed material.

Renewable-reagent electrochemical sensor

DOEpatents

Wang, Joseph; Olsen, Khris B.

1999-01-01

A new electrochemical probe(s) design allowing for continuous (renewable) reagent delivery. The probe comprises an integrated membrane-sampling/electrochemical sensor that prevents interferences from surface-active materials and greatly extends the linear range. The probe(s) is useful for remote or laboratory-based monitoring in connection with microdialysis sampling and electrochemical measurements of metals and organic compounds that are not readily detected in the absence of reacting with the compound. Also disclosed is a method of using the probe(s).

Production and characterization of para-hydrogen gas for matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundararajan, K.; Sankaran, K.; Ramanathan, N.; Gopi, R.

2016-08-01

Normal hydrogen (n-H2) has 3:1 ortho/para ratio and the production of enriched para-hydrogen (p-H2) from normal hydrogen is useful for many applications including matrix isolation experiments. In this paper, we describe the design, development and fabrication of the ortho-para converter that is capable of producing enriched p-H2. The p-H2 thus produced was probed using infrared and Raman techniques. Using infrared measurement, the thickness and the purity of the p-H2 matrix were determined. The purity of p-H2 was determined to be >99%. Matrix isolation infrared spectra of trimethylphosphate (TMP) and acetylene (C2H2) were studied in p-H2 and n-H2 matrices and the results were compared with the conventional inert matrices.

Structural changes in loaded equine tendons can be monitored by a novel spectroscopic technique

PubMed Central

Kostyuk, Oksana; Birch, Helen L; Mudera, Vivek; Brown, Robert A

2004-01-01

This study aimed to investigate the preferential collagen fibril alignment in unloaded and loaded tendons using elastic scattering spectroscopy. The device consisted of an optical probe, a pulsed light source (320–860 nm), a spectrometer and a PC. Two probes with either 2.75 mm or 300 μm source-detector separations were used to monitor deep and superficial layers, respectively. Equine superficial digital flexor tendons were subjected to ex vivo progressive tensional loading. Seven times more backscattered light was detected parallel rather than perpendicular to the tendon axis with the 2.75 mm separation probe in unloaded tendons. In contrast, using the 300 μm separation probe the plane of maximum backscatter (3-fold greater) was perpendicular to the tendon axis. There was no optical anisotropy in the cross-sectional plane of the tendon (i.e. the transversely cut tendon surface), with no structural anisotropy. During mechanical loading (9–14% strain) backscatter anisotropy increased 8.5- to 18.5-fold along the principal strain axis for 2.75 mm probe separation, but almost disappeared in the perpendicular plane (measured using the 300 μm probe separation). Optical (anisotropy) and mechanical (strain) measurements were highly correlated. We conclude that spatial anisotropy of backscattered light can be used for quantitative monitoring of collagen fibril alignment and tissue reorganization during loading, with the potential for minimally invasive real-time structural monitoring of fibrous tissues in normal, pathological or repairing tissues and in tissue engineering. PMID:14578479

Challenges and Implementation of Radiation-Force Imaging with an Intracardiac Ultrasound Transducer

PubMed Central

Hsu, Stephen J.; Fahey, Brian J.; Dumont, Douglas M.; Wolf, Patrick D.; Trahey, Gregg E.

2010-01-01

Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has been demonstrated to be an effective imaging modality for the guidance of several cardiac procedures, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA). However, assessing lesion size during the ablation with conventional ultrasound has been limited, as the associated changes within the B-mode images often are subtle. Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a promising modality to monitor RFAs as it is capable of visualizing variations in local stiffnesses within the myocardium. We demonstrate ARFI imaging with an intracardiac probe that creates higher quality images of the developing lesion. We evaluated the performance of an ICE probe with ARFI imaging in monitoring RFAs. The intracardiac probe was used to create high contrast, high resolution ARFI images of a tissue-mimicking phantom containing stiffer spherical inclusions. The probe also was used to examine an excised segment of an ovine right ventricle with a RFA-created surface lesion. Although the lesion was not visible in conventional B-mode images, the ARFI images were able to show the boundaries between the lesion and the surrounding tissue. ARFI imaging with an intracardiac probe then was used to monitor cardiac ablations in vivo. RFAs were performed within the right atrium of an ovine heart, and B-mode and ARFI imaging with the intracardiac probe was used to monitor the developing lesions. Although there was little indication of a developing lesion within the B-mode images, the corresponding ARFI images displayed regions around the ablation site that displaced less. PMID:17523564

On-line process control monitoring system

DOEpatents

O'Rourke, Patrick E.; Van Hare, David R.; Prather, William S.

1992-01-01

An on-line, fiber-optic based apparatus for monitoring the concentration of a chemical substance at a plurality of locations in a chemical processing system comprises a plurality of probes, each of which is at a different location in the system, a light source, optic fibers for carrying light to and from the probes, a multiplexer for switching light from the source from one probe to the next in series, a diode array spectrophotometer for producing a spectrum from the light received from the probes, and a computer programmed to analyze the spectra so produced. The probes allow the light to pass through the chemical substance so that a portion of the light is absorbed before being returned to the multiplexer. A standard and a reference cell are included for data validation and error checking.

An in situ probe for on-line monitoring of cell density and viability on the basis of dark field microscopy in conjunction with image processing and supervised machine learning.

PubMed

Wei, Ning; You, Jia; Friehs, Karl; Flaschel, Erwin; Nattkemper, Tim Wilhelm

2007-08-15

Fermentation industries would benefit from on-line monitoring of important parameters describing cell growth such as cell density and viability during fermentation processes. For this purpose, an in situ probe has been developed, which utilizes a dark field illumination unit to obtain high contrast images with an integrated CCD camera. To test the probe, brewer's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is chosen as the target microorganism. Images of the yeast cells in the bioreactors are captured, processed, and analyzed automatically by means of mechatronics, image processing, and machine learning. Two support vector machine based classifiers are used for separating cells from background, and for distinguishing live from dead cells afterwards. The evaluation of the in situ experiments showed strong correlation between results obtained by the probe and those by widely accepted standard methods. Thus, the in situ probe has been proved to be a feasible device for on-line monitoring of both cell density and viability with high accuracy and stability. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Regulating Glucose and pH, and Monitoring Oxygen in a Bioreactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anderson, Melody M.; Pellis, Neat R.; Jeevarajan, Antony S.; Taylor, Thomas D.; Xu, Yuanhang; Gao, Frank

2006-01-01

A system that automatically regulates the concentration of glucose or pH in a liquid culture medium that is circulated through a rotating-wall perfused bioreactor is described. Another system monitors the concentration of oxygen in the culture medium.

Method and apparatus for non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose

DOEpatents

Thomas, Graham H.; Watson, Roger M.; Noell, J. Oakey

1992-06-09

A new and improved method and apparatus are provided for non-invasive monitoring of changes in blood glucose concentration in a tissue specimen and particularly in an individual. The method uses acoustic velocity measurements for monitoring the effect of glucose concentration upon the density and adiabatic compressibility of the serum. In a preferred embodiment, the acoustic velocity measurements are made through the earlobe of a subject by means of an acoustic probe or monitor which includes a transducer for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic energy pulses to and from the blood flowing in the subject's earlobe and a reflector for facilitating reflection of the acoustic pulses from the blood. The probe is designed in such a way that when properly affixed to an ear, the transducer is positioned flush against the anterior portion of an earlobe while the reflector is positioned flush against the interior portion of the earlobe. A microthermocouple is provided on the probe for monitoring the internal temperature of the blood being sampled. An electrical system, essentially comprising a frequency generator, a time intervalometer and an oscilloscope, is linked to the glucose monitoring probe. The electrical system analyzes selected ones of the pulses reflected from the blood sample in order to determine therefrom the acoustic velocity of the blood which, in turn, provides a representation of the blood glucose concentration levels at the time of the acoustic velocity measurements.

A Genetically Encoded Ratiometric pH Probe: Wavelength Regulation-Inspired Design of pH Indicators.

PubMed

Berbasova, Tetyana; Tahmasebi Nick, Setare; Nosrati, Meisam; Nossoni, Zahra; Santos, Elizabeth M; Vasileiou, Chrysoula; Geiger, James H; Borhan, Babak

2018-04-12

Mutants of human cellular retinol-binding protein II (hCRBPII) were engineered to bind a julolidine retinal analogue for the purpose of developing a ratiometric pH sensor. The design relied on the electrostatic influence of a titratable amino acid side chain, which affects the absorption and, thus, the emission of the protein/fluorophore complex. The ratio of emissions obtained at two excitation wavelengths that correspond to the absorption of the two forms of the protein/fluorophore complex, leads to a concentration-independent measure of pH. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Controlling self-assembly of diphenylalanine peptides at high pH using heterocyclic capping groups.

PubMed

Martin, Adam D; Wojciechowski, Jonathan P; Robinson, Andrew B; Heu, Celine; Garvey, Christopher J; Ratcliffe, Julian; Waddington, Lynne J; Gardiner, James; Thordarson, Pall

2017-03-08

Using small angle neutron scattering (SANS), it is shown that the existence of pre-assembled structures at high pH for a capped diphenylalanine hydrogel is controlled by the selection of N-terminal heterocyclic capping group, namely indole or carbazole. At high pH, changing from a somewhat hydrophilic indole capping group to a more hydrophobic carbazole capping group results in a shift from a high proportion of monomers to self-assembled fibers or wormlike micelles. The presence of these different self-assembled structures at high pH is confirmed through NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.

Nine New Fluorescent Probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Tsung-I.; Jovanovic, Misa V.; Dowben, Robert M.

1989-06-01

Absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic studies are reported here for nine new fluorescent probes recently synthesized in our laboratories: four pyrene derivatives with substituents of (i) 1,3-diacetoxy-6,8-dichlorosulfonyl, (ii) 1,3-dihydroxy-6,8-disodiumsulfonate, (iii) 1,3-disodiumsulfonate, and (iv) l-ethoxy-3,6,8-trisodiumsulfonate groups, and five [7-julolidino] coumarin derivatives with substituents of (v) 3-carboxylate-4-methyl, (vi) 3- methylcarboxylate, (vii) 3-acetate-4-methyl, (viii) 3-propionate-4-methyl, and (ix) 3-sulfonate-4-methyl groups. Pyrene compounds i and ii and coumarin compounds v and vi exhibit interesting absorbance and fluorescence properties: their absorption maxima are red shifted compared to the parent compound to the blue-green region, and the band width broadens considerably. All four blue-absorbing dyes fluoresce intensely in the green region, and the two pyrene compounds emit at such long wavelengths without formation of excimers. The fluorescence properties of these compounds are quite environment-sensitive: considerable spectral shifts and fluorescence intensity changes have been observed in the pH range from 3 to 10 and in a wide variety of polar and hydrophobic solvents with vastly different dielectric constants. The high extinction and fluorescence quantum yield of these probes make them ideal fluorescent labeling reagents for proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and cellular organelles. The pH and hydrophobicity-dependent fluorescence changes can be utilized as optical pH and/or hydrophobicity indicators for mapping environmental difference in various cellular components in a single cell. Since all nine probes absorb in the UV, but emit at different wavelengths in the visible, these two groups of compounds offer an advantage of utilizing a single monochromatic light source (e.g., a nitrogen laser) to achieve multi-wavelength detection for flow cytometry application. As a first step to explore potential application in cancer cell diagnostics, we have found that at least two of these probes are preferentially taken up by cancerous lymphocytes as compared to normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. The feasiblity of using these probes in diagnosing malignant cells in the body fluid of cancer patients directly on a fluorocytometer is presently being investigated.

Soil solution interactions may limit Pb remediation using P amendments in an urban soil.

PubMed

Obrycki, John F; Scheckel, Kirk G; Basta, Nicholas T

2017-01-01

Lead (Pb) contaminated soils are a potential exposure hazard to the public. Amending soils with phosphorus (P) may reduce Pb soil hazards. Soil from Cleveland, OH containing 726 ± 14 mg Pb kg -1 was amended in a laboratory study with bone meal and triple super phosphate (TSP) at 5:1 P:Pb molar ratios. Soil was acidified, neturalized and re-acidified to encourage Pb phosphate formation. PRSTM-probes were used to evaluate changes in soil solution chemistry. Soil acidification did not decrease in vitro bioaccessible (IVBA) Pb using either a pH 1.5, 0.4 M glycine solution or a pH 2.5 solution with organic acids. PRSTM-probe data found soluble Pb increased 10-fold in acidic conditions compared to circumnetural pH conditions. In acidic conditions (p = 3-4), TSP treated soils increased detected P 10-fold over untreated soils. Bone meal application did not increase PRSTM-probe detected P, indicating there may have been insufficient P to react with Pb. X-ray absorption spectroscopy suggested a 10% increase in pyromorphite formation for the TSP treated soil only. Treatments increased soil electrical conductivity above 16 mS cm -1 , potentially causing a new salinity hazard. This study used a novel approach by combining the human ingestion endpoint, PRSTM-probes, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to evaluate treatment efficacy. PRSTM-probe data indicated potentially excess Ca relative to P across incubation steps that could have competed with Pb for soluble P. More research is needed to characterize soil solutions in Pb contaminated urban soils to identify where P treatments might be effective and when competing cations, such as Ca, Fe, and Zn may limit low rate P applications for treating Pb soils. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Nano-engineered flexible pH sensor for point-of-care urease detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sardarinejad, A.; Maurya, D. K.; Tay, C. Y.; Marshall, B. J.; Alameh, K.

2015-12-01

Accurate pH monitoring is crucial for many applications, such as, water quality monitoring, blood monitoring, chemical and biological analyses, environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostic. The most common technique for pH measurement is based on the use of conventional glass pH electrodes. Glass electrodes have several limitations, such as mechanical fragility, large size, limited shapes and high cost, making them impractical for implementation as Lab-onchips and pH sensor capsules. Various metal oxides, such as RuO2, IrO2, TiO2, SnO2, Ta2O5 and PdO have recently been proposed for the realization of pH sensing electrodes. Specifically, ruthenium oxide exhibits unique properties including thermal stability, excellent corrosion resistance, low hysteresis high sensitivity, and low resistivity. In this paper, we demonstrate the concept of a miniaturized ion selective electrode (ISE) based pH sensor for point-of-care urease monitoring. The sensor comprises a thin film RuO2 on platinum sensing electrode, deposited using E-beam and R.F. magnetron sputtering, in conjunction with an integrated Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The performance and characterization of the developed pH/urea sensors in terms of sensitivity, resolution, reversibility and hysteresis are investigated. Experimental results show a linear potential-versus-urea-concentration response for urea concentrations in the range 0 - 180 mg/ml. Experimental results demonstrate super-Nernstian slopes in the range of 64.33 mV/pH - 73.83 mV/pH for RF sputtered RuO2 on platinum sensing electrode using a 80%:20% Ar:O2 gas ratio. The RuO2 sensor exhibits stable operation and fast dynamic response, making it attractive for in vivo use, wearable and flexible biomedical sensing applications.

Corrosion probe. Innovative technology summary report

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

NONE

Over 253 million liters of high-level waste (HLW) generated from plutonium production is stored in mild steel tanks at the Department of Energy (DOE) Hanford Site. Corrosion monitoring of double-shell storage tanks (DSTs) is currently performed at Hanford using a combination of process knowledge and tank waste sampling and analysis. Available technologies for corrosion monitoring have progressed to a point where it is feasible to monitor and control corrosion by on-line monitoring of the corrosion process and direct addition of corrosion inhibitors. The electrochemical noise (EN) technique deploys EN-based corrosion monitoring probes into storage tanks. This system is specifically designedmore » to measure corrosion rates and detect changes in waste chemistry that trigger the onset of pitting and cracking. These on-line probes can determine whether additional corrosion inhibitor is required and, if so, provide information on an effective end point to the corrosion inhibitor addition procedure. This report describes the technology, its performance, its application, costs, regulatory and policy issues, and lessons learned.« less

ISFET-based sensor signal processor chip design for environment monitoring applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Wen-Yaw; Yang, Chung-Huang; Wang, Ming-Ga

2004-12-01

In recent years Ion-Sensitive Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) based transducers create valuable applications in physiological data acquisition and environment monitoring. This paper presents a mixed-mode ASIC design for potentiometric ISFET-based bio-chemical sensor applications including H+ sensing and hand-held pH meter. For battery power consideration, the proposed system consists of low voltage (3V) analog front-end readout circuits and digital processor has been developed and fabricated in a 0.5mm double-poly double-metal CMOS technology. To assure that the correct pH value can be measured, the two-point calibration circuitry based on the response of standard pH4 and pH7 buffer solution has been implemented by using algorithmic state machine hardware algorithms. The measurement accuracy of the chip is 10 bits and the measured range between pH 2 to pH 12 compared to ideal values is within the accuracy of 0.1pH. For homeland environmental applications, the system provide rapid, easy to use, and cost-effective on-site testing on the quality of water, such as drinking water, ground water and river water. The processor has a potential usage in battery-operated and portable devices in environmental monitoring applications compared to commercial hand-held pH meter.

Indications and interpretation of esophageal function testing.

PubMed

Gyawali, C Prakash; de Bortoli, Nicola; Clarke, John; Marinelli, Carla; Tolone, Salvatore; Roman, Sabine; Savarino, Edoardo

2018-05-12

Esophageal symptoms are common, and can arise from mucosal, motor, functional, and neoplastic processes, among others. Judicious use of diagnostic testing can help define the etiology of symptoms and can direct management. Endoscopy, esophageal high-resolution manometry (HRM), ambulatory pH or pH-impedance manometry, and barium radiography are commonly used for esophageal function testing; functional lumen imaging probe is an emerging option. Recent consensus guidelines have provided direction in using test findings toward defining mechanisms of esophageal symptoms. The Chicago Classification describes hierarchical steps in diagnosing esophageal motility disorders. The Lyon Consensus characterizes conclusive evidence on esophageal testing for a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and establishes a motor classification of GERD. Taking these recent advances into consideration, our discussion focuses primarily on the indications, technique, equipment, and interpretation of esophageal HRM and ambulatory reflux monitoring in the evaluation of esophageal symptoms, and describes indications for alternative esophageal tests. © 2018 New York Academy of Sciences.

Inconsistency in the Diagnosis of Functional Heartburn: Usefulness of Prolonged Wireless pH Monitoring in Patients With Proton Pump Inhibitor Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

PubMed Central

Penagini, Roberto; Sweis, Rami; Mauro, Aurelio; Domingues, Gerson; Vales, Andres; Sifrim, Daniel

2015-01-01

Background/Aims The diagnosis of functional heartburn is important for management, however it stands on fragile pH monitoring variables, ie, acid exposure time varies from day to day and symptoms are often few or absent. Aim of this study was to investigate consistency of the diagnosis of functional heartburn in subsequent days using prolonged wireless pH monitoring and its impact on patients’ outcome. Methods Fifty proton pump inhibitotor refractory patients (11 male, 48 years [range, 38–57 years]) with a diagnosis of functional heart-burn according to Rome III in the first 24 hours of wireless pH monitoring were reviewed. pH variables were analysed in the following 24-hour periods to determine if tracings were indicative of diagnosis of non-erosive reflux disease (either acid exposure time > 5% or normal acid exposure time and symptom index ≥ 50%). Outcome was assessed by review of hospital files and/or telephone interview. Results Fifteen out of 50 patients had a pathological acid exposure time after the first day of monitoring (10 in the second day and 5 in subsequent days), which changed their diagnosis from functional heartburn to non-erosive reflux disease. Fifty-four percent of non-erosive reflux disease vs 11% of functional heartburn patients (P < 0.003) increased the dose of proton pump inhibitors or underwent fundoplication after the pH test. Outcome was positive in 77% of non-erosive reflux disease vs 43% of functional heartburn patients (P < 0.05). Conclusions One-third of patients classified as functional heartburn at 24-hour pH-monitoring can be re-classified as non-erosive reflux disease after a more prolonged pH recording period. This observation has a positive impact on patients’ management. PMID:25843078

A new aggregation-induced emission fluorescent probe for rapid detection of nitroreductase and its application in living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Gaoping; Tang, Yonghe; Ma, Yanyan; Xu, An; Lin, Weiying

2018-01-01

The biological activity of nitroreductase (NTR) is closely related to biological hypoxia status in organisms. The development of effective methods for monitoring the activity of NTR is of great significance for medical diagnosis and tumor research. Toward this goal, we have developed a new aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorescence NTR probe TPE-HY used the tetraphenylethene as the fluorophore, and used the nitro group as the NTR recognition site. The probe TPE-HY has many excellent properties, including rapid response, AIE characteristics, high sensitivity and selectivity, and low cytotoxicity. Importantly, the probe TPE-HY is successfully applied to monitor endogenous NTR in living HeLa cells.

Renewable-reagent electrochemical sensor

DOEpatents

Wang, J.; Olsen, K.B.

1999-08-24

A new electrochemical probe(s) design allowing for continuous (renewable) reagent delivery is described. The probe comprises an integrated membrane sampling/electrochemical sensor that prevents interferences from surface-active materials and greatly extends the linear range. The probe(s) is useful for remote or laboratory-based monitoring in connection with microdialysis sampling and electrochemical measurements of metals and organic compounds that are not readily detected in the absence of reacting with the compound. Also disclosed is a method of using the probe(s). 19 figs.

Regional Monitoring of Acidic Lakes and Streams

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This asset provides data on the acid-base status of lakes and streams. Key chemical indicators measured include: sulfate, nitrate, ammonium, chloride, Acid Neutralizing Capacity (ANC), pH, base cations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total aluminum. TIME and LTM are part of EPA's Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (EMAP). Long-term monitoring of the acid-base status (pH, ANC, SO4, NO3, NH4, DOC, base cations, Al) in lakes and streams. Monitoring is conducted in acid sensitive regions of the Eastern U.S.

Turbulence Environment Characterization

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

of ro is consistent with the simultaneous measurement made with the Seeing Monitor. An average turbulent profile developed primarily from microthermal ...data. The operation of the routine meteorological instrumentation, microthermal probes, acoustic sounder, Seeing Monitor and Star Sensor have been...and J. Spencer of RADC gave sub- stantial support and assistance with the microthermal probes, acoustic sounder and PDP-8 software. We acknowledge R

On-line biofilm monitoring by "BIOX" electrochemical probe.

PubMed

Mollica, A; Cristiani, P

2003-01-01

The innovative electrochemical monitoring probe (BIOX) recently developed to improve the antifouling treatments of cooling systems in industrial plants is presented. On the basis of the good results obtained from applications on marine sites, some research has been stated to validate this technique in biofilm growth and prevention of microbial corrosion in fresh and drinking waters.

Time-Resolved Fluorescence of Water-Soluble Pyridinium Salt: Sensitive Detection of the Conformational Changes of Bovine Serum Albumin.

PubMed

Li, Lei; Yi, Hua; Jia, Menghui; Chang, Mengfang; Zhou, Zhongneng; Zhang, Sanjun; Pan, Haifeng; Chen, Yan; Chen, Jinquan; Xu, Jianhua

2016-06-20

In this paper, we report a pyridinium salt "turn-on" fluorescent probe, 4-[2-(4-Dimethylamino-phenyl)-vinyl]-1-methylpyridinium iodide (p-DASPMI), and applied its time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) to monitor the protein conformational changes. Both the fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield (QY) of p-DASPMI were increased about two orders of magnitude after binding to the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). The free p-DASPMI in solution presents an ultrashort fluorescence lifetime (12.4 ps), thus it does not interfere the detection of bound p-DASPMI which has nanosecond fluorescence lifetime. Decay-associated spectra (DAS) show that p-DASPMI molecules bind to subdomains IIA and IIIA of BSA. The TRF decay profiles of p-DASPMI can be described by multi-exponential decay function ([Formula: see text]), and the obtained parameters, such as lifetimes ([Formula: see text]), fractional amplitudes ([Formula: see text]), and fractional intensities ([Formula: see text]), may be used to deduce the conformational changes of BSA. The pH and Cu 2+ induced conformational changes of BSA were investigated through the TRF of p-DASPMI. The results show that the p-DASPMI is a candidate fluorescent probe in studying the conformational changes of proteins through TRF spectroscopy and microscopy in the visible range. © The Author(s) 2016.

Localized surface plasmon resonance-based fiber-optic sensor for the detection of triacylglycerides using silver nanoparticles.

PubMed

Baliyan, Anjli; Usha, Sruthi Prasood; Gupta, Banshi D; Gupta, Rani; Sharma, Enakshi Khular

2017-10-01

A label-free technique for the detection of triacylglycerides by a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based biosensor is demonstrated. An LSPR-based fiber-optic sensor probe is fabricated by immobilizing lipase enzyme on silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) coated on an unclad segment of a plastic clad optical fiber. The size and shape of nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. The peak absorbance wavelength changes with concentration of triacylglycerides surrounding the sensor probe, and sensitivity is estimated from shift in the peak absorbance wavelength as a function of concentration. The fabricated sensor was characterized for the concentration of triacylglyceride solution in the range 0 to 7 mM. The sensor shows the best sensitivity at a temperature of 37°C and pH 7.4 of the triacylglycerides emulsion with a response time of 40 s. A sensitivity of 28.5  nm/mM of triacylglyceride solution is obtained with a limit of detection of 0.016 mM in the entire range of triacylglycerides. This compact biosensor shows good selectivity, stability, and reproducibility in the entire physiological range of triacylglycerides and is well-suited to real-time online monitoring and remote sensing. (2017) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE).

Localized surface plasmon resonance-based fiber-optic sensor for the detection of triacylglycerides using silver nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baliyan, Anjli; Usha, Sruthi Prasood; Gupta, Banshi D.; Gupta, Rani; Sharma, Enakshi Khular

2017-10-01

A label-free technique for the detection of triacylglycerides by a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR)-based biosensor is demonstrated. An LSPR-based fiber-optic sensor probe is fabricated by immobilizing lipase enzyme on silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) coated on an unclad segment of a plastic clad optical fiber. The size and shape of nanoparticles were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. The peak absorbance wavelength changes with concentration of triacylglycerides surrounding the sensor probe, and sensitivity is estimated from shift in the peak absorbance wavelength as a function of concentration. The fabricated sensor was characterized for the concentration of triacylglyceride solution in the range 0 to 7 mM. The sensor shows the best sensitivity at a temperature of 37°C and pH 7.4 of the triacylglycerides emulsion with a response time of 40 s. A sensitivity of 28.5 nm/mM of triacylglyceride solution is obtained with a limit of detection of 0.016 mM in the entire range of triacylglycerides. This compact biosensor shows good selectivity, stability, and reproducibility in the entire physiological range of triacylglycerides and is well-suited to real-time online monitoring and remote sensing.

Boronate probes as diagnostic tools for real time monitoring of peroxynitrite and hydroperoxides

PubMed Central

Zielonka, Jacek; Sikora, Adam; Hardy, Micael; Joseph, Joy; Dranka, Brian P.; Kalyanaraman, Balaraman

2012-01-01

Boronates, a group of organic compounds, are emerging as one of the most effective probes for detecting and quantifying peroxynitrite, hypochlorous acid and hydrogen peroxide. Boronates react with peroxynitrite nearly a million times faster than with hydrogen peroxide. Boronate-containing fluorogenic compounds have been used to monitor real time generation of peroxynitrite in cells and for imaging hydrogen peroxide in living animals. This Perspective highlights potential applications of boronates and other fluorescent probes to high-throughput analyses of peroxynitrite and hydroperoxides in toxicological studies. PMID:22731669

Oligonucleotides as probes for studying polymerization reactions in dilute aqueous solution: II. Polycondensations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolb, V.; Orgel, L. E.

1995-01-01

We have prepared a [32P]-labeled oligonucleotide probe carrying a ureido (-NH-CO-NH2) function at its 3'-terminus. This labeled oligomer was used to study polycondensations of urea and formaldehyde and of various phenols and formaldehyde in aqueous solution. The formation of formaldehyde copolymers attached to the amido-function of the probe was monitored by gel electrophoresis. Our results are generally in agreement with those obtained using conventional techniques. Our method is suitable for monitoring potentially prebiotic polycondensation reactions involving formaldehyde.

Oligonucleotides as probes for studying polymerization reactions in dilute aqueous solution. 2: Polycondensations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kolb, Vera; Orgel, Leslie E.

1995-01-01

We have prepared a (P-32)-labeled oligonucleotide probe carrying a ureido (-NH-CO-NH2) function at its 3'-terminus. This labeled oligomer was used to study polycondensations of urea and formaldehyde and of various phenols and formaldehyde in aqueous solution. The formation of formaldehyde copolymers attached to the amido-function of the probe was monitored by gel electrophoresis. Our results are generally in agreement with those obtained using conventional techniques. Our method is suitable for monitoring potentially prebiotic polycondensation reactions involving formaldehyde.

Studies of bio-mimetic medium of ionic and non-ionic micelles by a simple charge transfer fluorescence probe N,N-dimethylaminonapthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Samanta, Anuva; Paul, Bijan Kumar; Guchhait, N.

2011-05-01

In this report we have studied micellization process of anionic, cationic and non-ionic surfactants using N,N-dimethylaminonapthyl-(acrylo)-nitrile (DMANAN) as an external fluorescence probe. Micropolarity, microviscosity, critical micellar concentration of these micelles based on steady state absorption and fluorescence and time resolved emission spectroscopy of the probe DMANAN show that the molecule resides in the micelle-water interface for ionic micelles and in the core for the non-ionic micelle. The effect of variation of pH of the micellar solution as well as fluorescence quenching measurements of DMANAN provide further support for the location of the probe in the micelles.

A new diketopyrrolopyrrole-based probe for sensitive and selective detection of sulfite in aqueous solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Xiaofeng; Cui, Yu; Li, Yexin; Zheng, Luyi; Xie, Lijun; Ning, Rui; Liu, Zheng; Lu, Junling; Zhang, Gege; Liu, Chunxiang; Zhang, Guangyou

2015-02-01

A new probe was synthesized by incorporating an α,β -unsaturated ketone to a diketopyrrolopyrrole fluorophore. The probe had exhibited a selective and sensitive response to the sulfite against other thirteen anions and biothiols (Cys, Hcy and GSH), through the nucleophilic addition of sulfite to the alkene of probe with the detection limit of 0.1 μM in HEPES (10 mM, pH 7.4) THF/H2O (1:1, v/v). Meanwhile, it could be easily observed that the probe for sulfite changed from pink to colorless by the naked eye, and from pink to blue under UV lamp after the sulfite was added for 20 min. The NMR and Mass spectral analysis demonstrated the expected addition of sulfite to the Cdbnd C bonds.

Utilizing Non-Contact Stress Measurement System (NSMS) as a Health Monitor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayes, Terry; Hayes, Bryan; Bynum, Ken

2011-01-01

Continuously monitor all 156 blades throughout the entire operating envelope without adversely affecting tunnel conditions or compromise compressor shell integrity, Calculate dynamic response and identify the frequency/mode to determine individual blade deflection amplitudes, natural frequencies, phase, and damping (Q), Log static deflection to build a database of deflection values at certain compressor conditions to use as basis for real-time online Blade Stack monitor, Monitor for stall, surge, flutter, and blade damage, Operate with limited user input, low maintenance cost, safe illumination of probes, easy probe replacement, and require little or no access to compressor.

Noninvasive pulmonary artery pressure monitoring by EIT: a model-based feasibility study.

PubMed

Proença, Martin; Braun, Fabian; Solà, Josep; Thiran, Jean-Philippe; Lemay, Mathieu

2017-06-01

Current monitoring modalities for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are limited to invasive solutions. A novel approach for the noninvasive and unsupervised monitoring of pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in patients with PH was proposed and investigated. The approach was based on the use of electrical impedance tomography (EIT), a noninvasive and safe monitoring technique, and was tested through simulations on a realistic 4D bio-impedance model of the human thorax. Changes in PAP were induced in the model by simulating multiple types of hypertensive conditions. A timing parameter physiologically linked to the PAP via the so-called pulse wave velocity principle was automatically estimated from the EIT data. It was found that changes in PAP could indeed be reliably monitored by EIT, irrespective of the pathophysiological condition that caused them. If confirmed clinically, these findings could open the way for a new generation of noninvasive PAP monitoring solutions for the follow-up of patients with PH.

Functional gene array-based analysis of microbial community structure in groundwaters with a gradient of contaminant levels

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

Waldron, P.J.; Wu, L.; Van Nostrand, J.D.

2009-06-15

To understand how contaminants affect microbial community diversity, heterogeneity, and functional structure, six groundwater monitoring wells from the Field Research Center of the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Remediation Science Program (ERSP; Oak Ridge, TN), with a wide range of pH, nitrate, and heavy metal contamination were investigated. DNA from the groundwater community was analyzed with a functional gene array containing 2006 probes to detect genes involved in metal resistance, sulfate reduction, organic contaminant degradation, and carbon and nitrogen cycling. Microbial diversity decreased in relation to the contamination levels of the wells. Highly contaminated wells had lower gene diversity butmore » greater signal intensity than the pristine well. The microbial composition was heterogeneous, with 17-70% overlap between different wells. Metal-resistant and metal-reducing microorganisms were detected in both contaminated and pristine wells, suggesting the potential for successful bioremediation of metal-contaminated groundwaters. In addition, results of Mantel tests and canonical correspondence analysis indicate that nitrate, sulfate, pH, uranium, and technetium have a significant (p < 0.05) effect on microbial community structure. This study provides an overall picture of microbial community structure in contaminated environments with functional gene arrays by showing that diversity and heterogeneity can vary greatly in relation to contamination.« less

Chemical Probes of Rapid Estrogen Signaling in Breast Cancer Treatment and Chemoprevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-04-01

The analogs will also be conju- gated to cell-impermeable polyacrylate polymers that should allow for selective targeting of membrane-initiated...the GW7604 analogs. Briefly, serial dilutions of the different compounds were prepared in ES2 screening buffer (100 mM potassium phosphate, pH7.4, 100...AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-04-1-0447 TITLE: CHEMICAL PROBES OF RAPID ESTROGEN

Utilizing Time Domain Reflectometry on monitoring bedload in a mountain stream

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyata, S.; Fujita, M.

2015-12-01

Understanding bedload transport processes in steep mountain streams is essential for disaster mitigation as well as predicting reservoir capacity and restoration of river ecosystem. Despite various monitoring methods proposed previously, precise bedload monitoring in steep streams still remains difficulty. This study aimed to develop a bedload monitoring system by continuous measurement of thickness and porosity of sediment under water that can be applicable to retention basins and pools in steep streams. When a probe of TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) measurement system is inserted as to penetrate two adjacent layers with different dielectric constants, analysis of TDR waveform enables us to determine position of the layer boundary and ratio of materials in the layer. Methodology of analyzing observed TDR waveforms were established based on results of a series of column experiment, in which a single TDR probe with length of 40 cm was installed in a column filled with water and, then, sand was supplied gradually. Flume experiment was performed to apply the TDR system on monitoring sediment volume under flowing water conditions. Eight probes with lengths of 27 cm were distributed equally in a model retention basin (i.e., container), into which water and bedload were flowed from a connected flume. The model retention basin was weighed by a load cell and the sediment volume was calculated. A semi-automatic waveform analysis was developed to calculate continuously thicknesses and porosities of the sediment at the eight probes. Relative errors of sediment volume and bedload (=time differential of the volume) were 13 % at maximum, suggesting that the TDR system proposed in this study with multiple probes is applicable to bedload monitoring in retention basins of steep streams. Combination of this system and other indirect bedload monitoring method (e.g., geophone) potentially make a breakthrough for understanding sediment transport processes in steep mountain streams.

Change of the isoelectric point of hemoglobin at the air/water interface probed by the orientational flip-flop of water molecules.

PubMed

Devineau, Stéphanie; Inoue, Ken-Ichi; Kusaka, Ryoji; Urashima, Shu-Hei; Nihonyanagi, Satoshi; Baigl, Damien; Tsuneshige, Antonio; Tahara, Tahei

2017-04-19

Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of protein adsorption is of essential importance for further development of biotechnology. Here, we use interface-selective nonlinear vibrational spectroscopy to investigate protein charge at the air/water interface by probing the orientation of interfacial water molecules. We measured the Im χ (2) spectra of hemoglobin, myoglobin, serum albumin and lysozyme at the air/water interface in the CH and OH stretching regions using heterodyne-detected vibrational sum frequency generation (HD-VSFG) spectroscopy, and we deduced the isoelectric point of the protein by monitoring the orientational flip-flop of water molecules at the interface. Strikingly, our measurements indicate that the isoelectric point of hemoglobin is significantly lowered (by about one pH unit) at the air/water interface compared to that in the bulk. This can be predominantly attributed to the modifications of the protein structure at the air/water interface. Our results also suggest that a similar mechanism accounts for the modification of myoglobin charge at the air/water interface. This effect has not been reported for other model proteins at interfaces probed by conventional VSFG techniques, and it emphasizes the importance of the structural modifications of proteins at the interface, which can drastically affect their charge profiles in a protein-specific manner. The direct experimental approach using HD-VSFG can unveil the changes of the isoelectric point of adsorbed proteins at various interfaces, which is of major relevance to many biological applications and sheds new light on the effect of interfaces on protein charge.

One-by-one single-molecule detection of mutated nucleobases by monitoring tunneling current using a DNA tip.

PubMed

Bui, Phuc Tan; Nishino, Tomoaki; Shiigi, Hiroshi; Nagaoka, Tsutomu

2015-01-31

A DNA molecule was utilized as a probe tip to achieve single-molecule genetic diagnoses. Hybridization of the probe and target DNAs resulted in electron tunneling along the emergent double-stranded DNA. Simple stationary monitoring of the tunneling current leads to single-molecule DNA detection and discovery of base mismatches and methylation.

Droplet monitoring probe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Baughman, J. R.; Thys, P. C.

1973-01-01

A droplet monitoring system is disclosed for analysis of mixed-phase fluid flow in development of gas turbines. The system uses a probe comprising two electrical wires spaced a known distance apart and connected at one end to means for establishing a dc potential between the wires. A drop in the fluid stream momentarily contacting both wires simultaneously causes and electrical signal which is amplified, detected and counted.

A highly sensitive nanoscale pH-sensor using Au nanoparticles linked by a multifunctional Raman-active reporter molecule.

PubMed

Lawson, Latevi S; Chan, James W; Huser, Thomas

2014-07-21

Chemical sensing on the nanoscale has been breaking new ground since the discovery of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). For nanoparticles, controlled particle aggregation is necessary to achieve the largest SERS enhancements. Therefore, aggregating agents such as salts or linker molecules are used in conjunction with chemically sensitive reporters in order to develop robust environmentally sensitive SERS probes. While salt-induced colloidal nanosphere aggregates have produced robust SERS signals, their variability in aggregate size contributes significantly to poor SERS signal reproducibility, which can complicate their use in in vitro cellular studies. Such systems often also lack reproducibility in spectral measurements between different nanoparticle clusters. Preaggregation of colloids via linkers followed by surface functionalization with reporter molecules results in the linker occupying valuable SERS hotspot volume which could otherwise be utilized by additional reporter molecules. Ideally, both functionalities should be obtained from a single molecule. Here, we report the use of 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid, a single multifunctional molecule that creates SERS hotspots via the controlled aggregation of nanoparticles, and also reports pH values. We show that 3,5-dimercaptobenzoic acid bound to Au nanospheres results in an excellent pH nanoprobe, producing very robust, and highly reproducible SERS signals that can report pH across the entire physiological range with excellent pH resolution. To demonstrate the efficacy of our novel pH reporters, these probes were also used to image both the particle and pH distribution in the cytoplasm of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).

Development of novel small molecules for imaging and drug release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cao, Yanting

Small organic molecules, including small molecule based fluorescent probes, small molecule based drugs or prodrugs, and smart multifunctional fluorescent drug delivery systems play important roles in biological research, drug discovery, and clinical practices. Despite the significant progress made in these fields, the development of novel and diverse small molecules is needed to meet various demands for research and clinical applications. My Ph.D study focuses on the development of novel functional molecules for recognition, imaging and drug release. In the first part, a turn-on fluorescent probe is developed for the detection of intracellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) levels based on multiplexing recognitions. Considering the unique and complicated structure of ATP molecules, a fluorescent probe has been implemented with improved sensitivity and selectivity due to two synergistic binding recognitions by incorporating of 2, 2'-dipicolylamine (Dpa)-Zn(II) for targeting of phospho anions and phenylboronic acid group for cis-diol moiety. The novel probe is able to detect intracellular ATP levels in SH-SY5Y cells. Meanwhile, the advantages of multiplexing recognition design concept have been demonstrated using two control molecules. In the second part, a prodrug system is developed to deliver multiple drugs within one small molecule entity. The prodrug is designed by using 1-(2-nitrophenyl)ethyl (NPE) as phototrigger, and biphenol biquaternary ammonium as the prodrug. With controlled photo activation, both DNA cross-linking agents mechlorethamine and o-quinone methide are delivered and released at the preferred site, leading to efficient DNA cross-links formation and cell death. The prodrug shows negligible cytotoxicity towards normal skin cells (Hekn cells) with and without UV activation, but displays potent activity towards cancer cells (HeLa cells) upon UV activation. The multiple drug release system may hold a great potential for practical application. In the last part, a new photo-initiated fluorescent anticancer prodrug for DNA alkylating agent mechlorethamine releasing and monitoring has been developed. The theranostic prodrug consists a photolabile NPE group, an inactive form of mechlorethamine and a nonfluorescent coumarin in one small molecule. It is demonstrated that the prodrug shows negligible cytotoxicity towards normal skin cells (Hekn cells) with and without UV activation, while the original parent drug mechlorethamine can be photocontrol-released and induces effective DNA cross-linking activity. Importantly, the drug release progress can be conveniently monitored by the 'off-on' fluorescence enhancement in cells. Moreover, the selective prodrug is not only cell permeable but also nuclear permeable. Therefore, the prodrug serves as a promising drug delivery system for spatiotemporal control release and monitoring of an anticancer drug to obtain the optimal treatment efficacy.

Imaging intracellular pH in live cells with a genetically encoded red fluorescent protein sensor.

PubMed

Tantama, Mathew; Hung, Yin Pun; Yellen, Gary

2011-07-06

Intracellular pH affects protein structure and function, and proton gradients underlie the function of organelles such as lysosomes and mitochondria. We engineered a genetically encoded pH sensor by mutagenesis of the red fluorescent protein mKeima, providing a new tool to image intracellular pH in live cells. This sensor, named pHRed, is the first ratiometric, single-protein red fluorescent sensor of pH. Fluorescence emission of pHRed peaks at 610 nm while exhibiting dual excitation peaks at 440 and 585 nm that can be used for ratiometric imaging. The intensity ratio responds with an apparent pK(a) of 6.6 and a >10-fold dynamic range. Furthermore, pHRed has a pH-responsive fluorescence lifetime that changes by ~0.4 ns over physiological pH values and can be monitored with single-wavelength two-photon excitation. After characterizing the sensor, we tested pHRed's ability to monitor intracellular pH by imaging energy-dependent changes in cytosolic and mitochondrial pH.

Pathophysiological evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by continuous ruminal pH monitoring

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

Abstract Evaluation of the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system for monitoring the ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle is described. This is done in order to reveal the possible application of this system for detection and pathophysiological research of SARA by continuous ruminal pH measurement. The possibility of using this system for assessment of the ruminal pH in SARA cattle, and the presence of negative correlation between the ruminal pH and ruminal temperature in heathy and SARA cattle were determined. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis showed that the ruminal microbial community was simpler in SARA cattle, and the bacterial numbers in SARA cattle were lower than those in healthy hay‐fed cattle. Concentrate feeding might have reduced the diversity of the ruminal microbial community. Changes in the ruminal microbial community of SARA cattle might be related to the changes in ruminal pH followed by the decrease in the number of some bacteria. Continuous monitoring of the ruminal pH using the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system would be applied for detection and prevention of SARA in the field and pathophysiological research of SARA, including ruminal zymology and bacteriology, which have been determined previously by sampling of the ruminal fluid and measuring of ruminal pH. PMID:26279060

Hydrogel-coated fiber Bragg grating sensor for pH monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pabbisetti, Vayu Nandana Kishore; Madhuvarasu, Sai Shankar

2016-06-01

We present a fiber-optic wavelength-modulated sensor for pH applications. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is functionalized with a stimulus-responsive hydrogel that induces a strain on FBG due to mechanical expansion of the gel in response to ambient pH changes. The gel is synthesized from the blends of poly (vinyl alcohol)/poly (acrylic acid). The induced strain results in a shift of FBG reflected peak that is monitored by an interrogator. The sensor system shows good linearity in the acidic pH range of 3 to 7 with a sensitivity of 12.16 pm/pH. In addition, it shows good repeatability and oscillator behavior, which proves it to be fit for pH sensing applications.

Controlling self-assembly of diphenylalanine peptides at high pH using heterocyclic capping groups

PubMed Central

Martin, Adam D.; Wojciechowski, Jonathan P.; Robinson, Andrew B.; Heu, Celine; Garvey, Christopher J.; Ratcliffe, Julian; Waddington, Lynne J.; Gardiner, James; Thordarson, Pall

2017-01-01

Using small angle neutron scattering (SANS), it is shown that the existence of pre-assembled structures at high pH for a capped diphenylalanine hydrogel is controlled by the selection of N-terminal heterocyclic capping group, namely indole or carbazole. At high pH, changing from a somewhat hydrophilic indole capping group to a more hydrophobic carbazole capping group results in a shift from a high proportion of monomers to self-assembled fibers or wormlike micelles. The presence of these different self-assembled structures at high pH is confirmed through NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. PMID:28272523

A gold nanocluster-based fluorescent probe for simultaneous pH and temperature sensing and its application to cellular imaging and logic gates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yun-Tse; Shanmugam, Chandirasekar; Tseng, Wei-Bin; Hiseh, Ming-Mu; Tseng, Wei-Lung

2016-05-01

Metal nanocluster-based nanomaterials for the simultaneous determination of temperature and pH variations in micro-environments are still a challenge. In this study, we develop a dual-emission fluorescent probe consisting of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) and fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) as temperature- and pH-responsive fluorescence signals. Under single wavelength excitation the FITC/BSA-AuNCs exhibited well-separated dual emission bands at 525 and 670 nm. When FITC was used as a reference fluorophore, FITC/BSA-AuNCs showed a good linear response over the temperature range 1-71 °C and offered temperature-independent spectral shifts, temperature accuracy, activation energy, and reusability. The possible mechanism for high temperature-induced fluorescence quenching of FITC/BSA-AuNCs could be attributed to a weakening of the Au-S bond, thereby lowering the charge transfer from BSA to AuNCs. Additionally, the pH- and temperature-responsive properties of FITC/BSA-AuNCs allow simultaneous temperature sensing from 21 to 41 °C (at intervals of 5 °C) and pH from 6.0 to 8.0 (at intervals of 0.5 pH unit), facilitating the construction of two-input AND logic gates. Three-input AND logic gates were also designed using temperature, pH, and trypsin as inputs. The practicality of using FITC/BSA-AuNCs to determine the temperature and pH changes in HeLa cells is also validated.Metal nanocluster-based nanomaterials for the simultaneous determination of temperature and pH variations in micro-environments are still a challenge. In this study, we develop a dual-emission fluorescent probe consisting of bovine serum albumin-stabilized gold nanoclusters (BSA-AuNCs) and fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate (FITC) as temperature- and pH-responsive fluorescence signals. Under single wavelength excitation the FITC/BSA-AuNCs exhibited well-separated dual emission bands at 525 and 670 nm. When FITC was used as a reference fluorophore, FITC/BSA-AuNCs showed a good linear response over the temperature range 1-71 °C and offered temperature-independent spectral shifts, temperature accuracy, activation energy, and reusability. The possible mechanism for high temperature-induced fluorescence quenching of FITC/BSA-AuNCs could be attributed to a weakening of the Au-S bond, thereby lowering the charge transfer from BSA to AuNCs. Additionally, the pH- and temperature-responsive properties of FITC/BSA-AuNCs allow simultaneous temperature sensing from 21 to 41 °C (at intervals of 5 °C) and pH from 6.0 to 8.0 (at intervals of 0.5 pH unit), facilitating the construction of two-input AND logic gates. Three-input AND logic gates were also designed using temperature, pH, and trypsin as inputs. The practicality of using FITC/BSA-AuNCs to determine the temperature and pH changes in HeLa cells is also validated. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr02341j

Persulfate activation by subsurface minerals.

PubMed

Ahmad, Mushtaque; Teel, Amy L; Watts, Richard J

2010-06-25

Persulfate dynamics in the presence of subsurface minerals was investigated as a basis for understanding persulfate activation for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO). The mineral-mediated decomposition of persulfate and generation of oxidants and reductants was investigated with four iron and manganese oxides and two clay minerals at both low pH (<7) and high pH (>12). The manganese oxide birnessite was the most effective initiator of persulfate for degrading the oxidant probe nitrobenzene, indicating that oxidants are generated at both low and high pH regimes. The iron oxide goethite was the most effective mineral for degrading the reductant probe hexachloroethane. A natural soil and two soil fractions were used to confirm persulfate activation by synthetic minerals. The soil and soil fractions did not effectively promote the generation of oxidants or reductants. However, soil organic matter was found to promote reductant generation at high pH. The results of this research demonstrate that synthetic iron and manganese oxides can activate persulfate to generate reductants and oxidants; however, iron and manganese oxides in the natural soil studied do not show the same reactivity, most likely due to the lower masses of the metal oxides in the soil relative to the masses studied in isolated mineral systems. 2010. Published by Elsevier B.V.

[Bioimpedance means of skin condition monitoring during therapeutic and cosmetic procedures].

PubMed

Alekseenko, V A; Kus'min, A A; Filist, S A

2008-01-01

Engineering and technological problems of bioimpedance skin surface mapping are considered. A typical design of a device based on a PIC 16F microcontroller is suggested. It includes a keyboard, LCD indicator, probing current generator with programmed frequency tuning, and units for probing current monitoring and bioimpedance measurement. The electrode matrix of the device is constructed using nanotechnology. A microcontroller-controlled multiplexor provides scanning of interelectrode impedance, which makes it possible to obtain the impedance image of the skin surface under the electrode matrix. The microcontroller controls the probing signal generator frequency and allows layer-by-layer images of skin under the electrode matrix to be obtained. This makes it possible to use reconstruction tomography methods for analysis and monitoring of the skin condition during therapeutic and cosmetic procedures.

Monitoring the impact of pressure on the assessment of skin perfusion and oxygenation using a novel pressure device

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramella-Roman, Jessica C.; Ho, Thuan; Le, Du; Ghassemi, Pejhman; Nguyen, Thu; Lichy, Alison; Groah, Suzanne

2013-03-01

Skin perfusion and oxygenation is easily disrupted by imposed pressure. Fiber optics probes, particularly those spectroscopy or Doppler based, may relay misleading information about tissue microcirculation dynamics depending on external forces on the sensor. Such forces could be caused by something as simple as tape used to secure the fiber probe to the test subject, or as in our studies by the full weight of a patient with spinal cord injury (SCI) sitting on the probe. We are conducting a study on patients with SCI conducting pressure relief maneuvers in their wheelchairs. This study aims to provide experimental evidence of the optimal timing between pressure relief maneuvers. We have devised a wireless pressure-controlling device; a pressure sensor positioned on a compression aluminum plate reads the imposed pressure in real time and sends the information to a feedback system controlling two position actuators. The actuators move accordingly to maintain a preset value of pressure onto the sample. This apparatus was used to monitor the effect of increasing values of pressure on spectroscopic fiber probes built to monitor tissue oxygenation and Doppler probes used to assess tissue perfusion.

Sensitive determination of endogenous hydroxyl radical in live cell by a BODIPY based fluorescent probe.

PubMed

Lei, Kepeng; Sun, Mingtai; Du, Libo; Zhang, Xiaojie; Yu, Huan; Wang, Suhua; Hayat, Tasawar; Alsaedi, Ahmed

2017-08-01

The sensitive and selective fluorescence probe for hydroxyl radical analysis is of significance because hydroxyl radical plays key roles in many physiological and pathological processes. In this work, a novel organic fluorescence molecular probe OHP for hydroxyl radical is synthesized by a two-step route. The probe employs 4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene (difluoroboron dipyrromethene, BODIPY) as the fluorophore and possesses relatively high fluorescence quantum yields (77.14%). Hydroxyl radical can rapidly react with the probe and quench the fluorescence in a good linear relationship (R 2 =0.9967). The limit of detection is determined to be as low as 11nM. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the probe has a good stability against pH and light illumination, low cytotoxicity and high biocompatibility. Cell culture experimental results show that the probe OHP is sensitive and selective for imaging and tracking endogenous hydroxyl radical in live cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Identifying members of the domain Archaea with rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes.

PubMed

Burggraf, S; Mayer, T; Amann, R; Schadhauser, S; Woese, C R; Stetter, K O

1994-09-01

Two 16S rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes were designed for the archaeal kingdoms Euryachaeota and Crenarchaeota. Probe specificities were evaluated by nonradioactive dot blot hybridization against selected reference organisms. The successful application of fluorescent-probe derivatives for whole-cell hybridization required organism-specific optimizations of fixation and hybridization conditions to assure probe penetration and morphological integrity of the cells. The probes allowed preliminary grouping of three new hyperthermophilic isolates. Together with other group-specific rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes, these probes will facilitate rapid in situ monitoring of the populations present in hydrothermal systems and support cultivation attempts.

Cycloalkyl-AminoMethylRhodamines: pH Dependent Photophysical Properties Tuned by Cycloalkane Ring Size

PubMed Central

Liu, Chuangjun; Best, Quinn A.; Suarez, Brian; Pertile, Jack; McCarroll, Matthew E.; Scott, Colleen N.

2015-01-01

A series of fluorescent pH probes based on the spiro-cyclic rhodamine core, aminomethylrhodamines (AMR), was synthesized and the effect of cycloalkane ring size on the acid/base properties of the AMR system was explored. The study involved a series of rhodamine 6G (cAMR6G) and rhodamine B (cAMR) pH probes with cycloalkane ring sizes from C-3 to C-6 on the spiro-cyclic amino group. It is known that the pKa value of cycloalkylamines can be tuned by the different ring sizes in accordance with the Baeyer ring strain theory. Smaller ring amines have lower pKa value, i.e. they're less basic, such that the relative order in cycloalkylamine basicity is: cyclohexyl>cyclopentyl>cyclobutyl>cyclopropyl. Herein, it was found that the pKa values of the cAMR and cAMR6G systems can also be predicted by Baeyer ring strain theory. The pKa values for the cAMR6G series were shown to be higher than the cAMR series by a value of approximately 1. PMID:25686771

Doxorubicin-conjugated β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) multifunctional, phosphor nanorods: a multi-modal, luminescent, magnetic probe for simultaneous optical and magnetic resonance imaging and an excellent pH-triggered anti-cancer drug delivery nanovehicle.

PubMed

Padhye, Preeti; Alam, Aftab; Ghorai, Suvankar; Chattopadhyay, Samit; Poddar, Pankaj

2015-12-14

Herein, we report the fabrication of a multifunctional nanoprobe based on highly monodispersed, optically and magnetically active, biocompatible, PEI-functionalized, highly crystalline β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods as an excellent multi-modal optical/magnetic imaging tool and a pH-triggered intracellular drug delivery nanovehicle. The static and dynamic photoluminescence spectroscopy showed the presence of sharp emission peaks, with long lifetimes (∼3.5 milliseconds), suitable for optical imaging. The static magnetic susceptibility measurements at room temperature showed a strong paramagnetic signal (χ∼ 3.8 × 10(-5) emu g(-1) Oe(-1)). The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements showed fair T1 relaxivity (r1 = 1.14 s(-1) mM(-1)) and magnetic resonance imaging gave enhanced T1-weighted MRI images with increased concentrations of β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) making them suitable for simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated to the amine-functionalized β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods via pH-sensitive hydrazone bond linkages enabling them as a pH-triggered, site-specific drug delivery nanovehicle for DOX release inside tumor cells. A comparison between in vitro DOX release studies undertaken in normal physiological (pH 7.4) and acidic (pH 5.0) environments showed an enhanced DOX dissociation (∼80%) at pH 5.0. The multifunctional material was also applied as an optical probe to confirm the conjugation of DOX and to monitor DOX release via a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. The DOX-conjugated β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods exhibited a cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 breast cancer cells and their uptake by MCF-7 cells was demonstrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. The comparative cellular uptakes of free DOX and DOX-conjugated β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods were studied in tumor microenvironment conditions (pH 6.5) using confocal imaging, which showed an increased uptake of DOX-conjugated β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods. Thus, DOX-conjugated β-NaYF4:Gd(3+)/Tb(3+) nanorods combining pH-triggered drug delivery, efficient luminescence and paramagnetic properties are promising for a potential multifunctional platform for cancer therapy, biodetection, and optical and magnetic resonance imaging.

A rhodamine-based fluorescent probe for colorimetric and fluorescence lighting-up determination of toxic thiophenols in environmental water and living cells.

PubMed

Wu, Juanjuan; Ye, Zhuo; Wu, Feng; Wang, Hongying; Zeng, Lintao; Bao, Guang-Ming

2018-05-01

Thiophenols are a class of highly toxic environmental pollutant, hence it is very necessary to monitor thiophenols in environment and living cells with an efficient and reliable method. Herein, a novel fluorescent probe for thiophenols has been developed, which exhibited a colorimetric and fluorescence turn-on dual response towards thiophenols with good selectivity and fast response. The sensing mechanism for thiophenols was attributed to nucleophilic substitution reaction, which was confirmed by HPLC. The probe exhibited good recovery (from 90% to 107%) and low limit of detection for thiophenols (37nM) in industrial wastewater. Moreover, the probe has been successfully employed to visualize thiophenol in living cells. Therefore, the fluorescent probe has good capability for monitoring thiophenols in environmental samples and biological systems. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

An electrochemical approach to monitor pH change in agar media during plant tissue culture.

PubMed

Wang, Min; Ha, Yang

2007-05-15

In this work, metal oxide microelectrodes were developed to monitor pH change in agar media during plant tissue culture. An antimony wire was produced by a new approach "capillary melt method". The surface of the obtained antimony wire was oxidized in a potassium nitrate melt to fabricate an antimony oxide film for pH sensing. Characterization results show that the oxide layer grown on the wire surface consists of Sb(2)O(3) crystal phase. The sensing response, open-circuit potential, of the electrode has a good linear relationship (R(2)=1.00) with pH value of the test solution. Adding organic compounds into the test media would not affect the linear relationship, although the slope of the lines varied with different ingredients added. The antimony oxide electrodes were employed to continuously monitor pH change of agar culture media during a 2-week plant tissue culture of Dendrobium candidum. The antimony oxide electrode fabricated this way has the advantages of low cost, easy fabrication, fast response, and almost no contamination introduced into the system. It would be suitable for in situ and continuous pH measurement in many bio applications.

Tattoo-based potentiometric ion-selective sensors for epidermal pH monitoring.

PubMed

Bandodkar, Amay J; Hung, Vinci W S; Jia, Wenzhao; Valdés-Ramírez, Gabriela; Windmiller, Joshua R; Martinez, Alexandra G; Ramírez, Julian; Chan, Garrett; Kerman, Kagan; Wang, Joseph

2013-01-07

This article presents the fabrication and characterization of novel tattoo-based solid-contact ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) for non-invasive potentiometric monitoring of epidermal pH levels. The new fabrication approach combines commercially available temporary transfer tattoo paper with conventional screen printing and solid-contact polymer ISE methodologies. The resulting tattoo-based potentiometric sensors exhibit rapid and sensitive response to a wide range of pH changes with no carry-over effects. Furthermore, the tattoo ISE sensors endure repetitive mechanical deformation, which is a key requirement of wearable and epidermal sensors. The flexible and conformal nature of the tattoo sensors enable them to be mounted on nearly any exposed skin surface for real-time pH monitoring of the human perspiration, as illustrated from the response during a strenuous physical activity. The resulting tattoo-based ISE sensors offer considerable promise as wearable potentiometric sensors suitable for diverse applications.

Monitoring pH and electric conductivity in an EBPR sequencing batch reactor.

PubMed

Serralta, J; Borrás, L; Blanco, C; Barat, R; Seco, A

2004-01-01

This paper presents laboratory-scale experimentation carried out to study enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Two anaerobic aerobic (A/O) sequencing batch reactors (SBR) have been operated during more than one year to investigate the information provided by monitoring pH and electric conductivity under stationary and transient conditions. Continuous measurements of these parameters allow detecting the end of anaerobic phosphorus release, of aerobic phosphorus uptake and of initial denitrification, as well as incomplete acetic acid uptake. These results suggest the possibility of using pH and electric conductivity as control parameters to determine the length of both anaerobic and aerobic phases in an A/O SBR. More valuable information provided by monitoring pH and electric conductivity is the relation between the amount of phosphorus released and the conductivity increase observed during the anaerobic stages and which group of bacteria (heterotrophic or polyphosphate accumulating) is carrying out the denitrification process.

"Cut-off" effect of antioxidants and/or probes of variable lipophilicity in microheterogeneous media.

PubMed

Aliaga, Carolina; López de Arbina, Amaia; Rezende, Marcos Caroli

2016-09-01

The activities of two hydrophilic (ascorbic acid and Trolox) and two hydrophobic (α-tocopherol and BHT) antioxidants were measured by reaction with a series of 4-alkanoyloxyTEMPO radical probes 1 in buffered (pH 7), aqueous, micellar solutions of reduced Triton-X 100. In all cases, a cut-off effect was observed, in line with previous observations of the same effect for the partitioning of probe series 1 in this medium. These results support an interpretation of the cut-off effect in food emulsions, based on the "amphiphobic" nature of either the antioxidants or probes: competition between two molecular moieties, for the micellar hydrophobic core, tends to expose a reacting fragment differently to a more hydrophilic microenvironment, as the probe or antioxidant hydrophobicity increases. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of Ions on Zirconium Oxide Surfaces from Aqueous Solutions at High Temperatures.

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

Palmer, Donald; Machesky, Michael L.; Benezeth, Pascale

2009-07-01

Surface titrations were carried out on suspensions of monoclinic ZrO{sub 2} from 25 to 290 C slightly above saturation vapor pressure at ionic strengths of 0.03, 0.1 and 1.0 mol {center_dot} kg{sup -1}(NaCl). A typical increase in surface charge was observed with increasing temperature. There was no correlation between the radius of the cations, Li{sup +}, Na{sup +}, K{sup +} and (CH{sub 3}){sub 4}N{sup +}, and the magnitude of their association with the surface. The combined results were treated with a 1-pK{sub a} MUSIC model, which yielded association constants for the cations (and chloride ion at low pH) at eachmore » temperature. The pH of zero-point-charge, pH{sub zpc}, decreased with increasing temperature as found for other metal oxides, reaching an apparent minimum value of 4.1 by 250 C. Batch experiments were performed to monitor the concentration of LiOH in solutions containing suspended ZrO{sub 2} particles from 200 to 360 C. At 350 and 360 C, Li{sup +} and OH{sup -} ions were almost totally adsorbed when the pressure was lowered to near saturation vapor pressure. This reversible trend has implications not only to pressure-water reactor, PWR, operations, but is also of general scientific and other applied interest. Additional experiments probed the feasibility that boric acid/borate ions adsorb reversibly onto ZrO{sub 2} surfaces at near-neutral pH conditions as indicated in earlier publications.« less

Advanced Human Factors Engineering Tool Technologies.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-03-01

charger/ AC adapter immersible probe air temperature probe surface temperature probe . * Sling psychrometer , MSA or Taylor 1328A * Aspirating... psychrometer , Model PP-100 or CP-147, Psychro-Dyne * Wet-bulb-heat-stress monitor, Model B&K 1219, Briel & Kjaer Transducer, Model B&K MM 0030 (3 each), Brijel

Continuous haematic pH monitoring in extracorporeal circulation using a disposable florescence sensing element

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrari, Luca; Rovati, Luigi; Fabbri, Paola; Pilati, Francesco

2013-02-01

During extracorporeal circulation (ECC), blood is periodically sampled and analyzed to maintain the blood-gas status of the patient within acceptable limits. This protocol has well-known drawbacks that may be overcome by continuous monitoring. We present the characterization of a new pH sensor for continuous monitoring in ECC. This monitoring device includes a disposable fluorescence-sensing element directly in contact with the blood, whose fluorescence intensity is strictly related to the pH of the blood. In vitro experiments show no significant difference between the blood gas analyzer values and the sensor readings; after proper calibration, it gives a correlation of R>0.9887, and measuring errors were lower than the 3% of the pH range of interest (RoI) with respect to a commercial blood gas analyzer. This performance has been confirmed also by simulating a moderate ipothermia condition, i.e., blood temperature 32°C, frequently used in cardiac surgery. In ex vivo experiments, performed with animal models, the sensor is continuously operated in an extracorporeal undiluted blood stream for a maximum of 11 h. It gives a correlation of R>0.9431, and a measuring error lower than the 3% of the pH RoI with respect to laboratory techniques.

Continuous haematic pH monitoring in extracorporeal circulation using a disposable florescence sensing element.

PubMed

Ferrari, Luca; Rovati, Luigi; Fabbri, Paola; Pilati, Francesco

2013-02-01

During extracorporeal circulation (ECC), blood is periodically sampled and analyzed to maintain the blood-gas status of the patient within acceptable limits. This protocol has well-known drawbacks that may be overcome by continuous monitoring. We present the characterization of a new pH sensor for continuous monitoring in ECC. This monitoring device includes a disposable fluorescence-sensing element directly in contact with the blood, whose fluorescence intensity is strictly related to the pH of the blood. In vitro experiments show no significant difference between the blood gas analyzer values and the sensor readings; after proper calibration, it gives a correlation of R>0.9887, and measuring errors were lower than the 3% of the pH range of interest (RoI) with respect to a commercial blood gas analyzer. This performance has been confirmed also by simulating a moderate ipothermia condition, i.e., blood temperature 32°C, frequently used in cardiac surgery. In ex vivo experiments, performed with animal models, the sensor is continuously operated in an extracorporeal undiluted blood stream for a maximum of 11 h. It gives a correlation of R>0.9431, and a measuring error lower than the 3% of the pH RoI with respect to laboratory techniques.

Chemical Probes of Rapid Estrogen Signaling in Breast Cancer Treatment and Chemoprevention

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-04-01

conjugated to cell-impermeable polyacrylate polymers that should allow for selective targeting of membrane-initiated responses of estrogen receptor. It...dilutions of the different compounds were prepared in ES2 screening buffer (100 mM potassium phosphate, pH7.4, 100 µg/ml bovine gamma globulin) and 50 µl...W81XWH-04-1-0447 TITLE: Chemical Probes of Rapid Estrogen Signaling in Breast Cancer Treatment and Chemoprevention PRINCIPAL

"Artificial lymphatic system": a new approach to reduce interstitial hypertension and increase blood flow, pH and pO2 in solid tumors.

PubMed

DiResta, G R; Lee, J; Healey, J H; Levchenko, A; Larson, S M; Arbit, E

2000-05-01

A mechanical drainage system, the "artificial lymphatic system" (ALS), consisting of a vacuum source and drain, is evaluated for its ability to aspirate the interstitial fluids responsible for the elevated interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) observed in solid tumors. IFP, pH, and pO2 radial profiles were measured before and after aspiration using wick-in-needle (WIN) probes, needle pH and oxygen electrodes, respectively. Laser Doppler flowmetry measured temporal changes in blood flow rate (BFR) at the tumor surface during aspiration. The WIN probe and IFP profile data were analyzed using numerical simulation and distributed mathematical models, respectively. The model parameter, P(E), reflecting central tumor IFP, was reduced from 15.3 to 5.7 mm Hg in neuroblastoma and from 13.3 to 12.1 mm Hg in Walker 256, respectively, following aspiration. The simulation demonstrated that spatial averaging inherent in WIN measurements reduced the calculated magnitude of the model parameter changes. IFP was significantly lower (p<0.05), especially in regions surrounding the drain, and BFR was significantly higher (p<0.05) following 25 and 45 min of aspiration, respectively; pH and pO2 profiles increased following aspiration. The experimental and mathematical findings suggest that ALS aspiration may be a viable way of reducing IFP and increasing BFR, pO2, and pH and should enhance solid tumor chemo and radiation therapy.

Spectral-fluorescent study of the interaction of the polymethine dye probe Cyan 2 with chondroitin-4-sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tatikolov, Alexander S.; Akimkin, Timofey M.; Panova, Ina G.; Yarmoluk, Sergiy M.

2017-04-01

The noncovalent interaction of the polymethine dye probe 3,3‧,9-trimethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (Cyan 2) with chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S) in buffer solutions with different pH and in water in the absence of buffers has been studied by spectral-fluorescent methods. It has been shown that in all media studied, at relatively high concentrations, the dye is bound to C4S mainly as a monomer, which is accompanied by a steep rise of fluorescence (the intermediate formation of dye aggregates on the biopolymer is also observed). From the dependence of the fluorescence quantum yield on the concentration of C4S, the parameters of binding of the dye monomer to C4S were obtained: the effective binding constant K, the number of the monomeric C4S units n per one dye monomer bound to C4S, and the fluorescence quantum yield of the bound dye monomer Φfb. The dependence of Φfb (and K) on pH of the medium is not monotonic: it has a minimum in the region of neutral pH and a growth in the regions of acid and basic pH. This can be explained by changing the charge of a C4S macromolecule as a function of pH and related conformational alterations in the biopolymer, which can affect the rigidity of a dye molecule and the energy of its interaction with the biopolymer.

Regenerable activated bauxite adsorbent alkali monitor probe

DOEpatents

Lee, S.H.D.

1992-12-22

A regenerable activated bauxite adsorber alkali monitor probe for field applications to provide reliable measurement of alkali-vapor concentration in combustion gas with special emphasis on pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (PFBC) off-gas. More particularly, the invention relates to the development of a easily regenerable bauxite adsorbent for use in a method to accurately determine the alkali-vapor content of PFBC exhaust gases. 6 figs.

Haematic pH sensor for extracorporeal circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferrari, Luca; Fabbri, Paola; Rovati, Luigi; Pilati, Francesco

2012-03-01

The design and realization of an optical sensor for measuring haematic pH during extracorporeal circulation is presented. It consists of a chemical sensing element in contact with the blood, an interrogation optical head to externally probe the sensing element and the front-end electronics to acquire and process the information of interest. The fluorescein O-methacrylate 97% is used as the indicator. The developed system has been tested in-vitro and on an in-vivo animal model. It showed a linear behavior in the haematic range of interest with a mean error lower than 0.01 units of pH.

Reactive and multiphase modelling for the identification of monitoring parameters to detect CO2 intrusion into freshwater aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fahrner, S.; Schaefer, D.; Wiegers, C.; Köber, R.; Dahmke, A.

2011-12-01

A monitoring at geological CO2 storage sites has to meet environmental, regulative, financial and public demands and thus has to enable the detection of CO2 leakages. Current monitoring concepts for the detection of CO2 intrusion into freshwater aquifers located above saline storage formations in course of leakage events lack the identification of monitoring parameters. Their response to CO2 intrusion still has to be enlightened. Scenario simulations of CO2 intrusion in virtual synthetic aquifers are performed using the simulators PhreeqC and TOUGH2 to reveal relevant CO2-water-mineral interactions and multiphase behaviour on potential monitoring parameters. The focus is set on pH, total dissolved inorganic carbon (TIC) and the hydroelectric conductivity (EC). The study aims at identifying at which conditions the parameters react rapidly, durable and in a measurable degree. The depth of the aquifer, the mineralogy, the intrusion rates, the sorption specification and capacities, and groundwater flow velocities are varied in the course of the scenario modelling. All three parameters have been found suited in most scenarios. However, in case of a lack of calcite combined with low saturation of the water with respect to CO2 and shallow conditions, changes are close to the measurement resolution. Predicted changes in EC result from the interplay between carbonic acid production and its dissociation, and pH buffering by mineral dissolution. The formation of a discrete gas phase in cases of full saturation of the groundwater in confined aquifers illustrates the potential bipartite resistivity response: An increased hydroelectric conductivity at locations with dissolved CO2, and a high resistivity where the gas phase dominates the pore volume occupation. Increased hydrostatic pressure with depth and enhanced groundwater flow velocities enforce gas dissolution and diminish the formation of a discrete gas phase. Based on the results, a monitoring strategy is proposed which combines electromagnetic surface and in-situ geochemical measurements: The changes in formation resistivity / hydroelectric conductivity could be used as "first-level" parameter to identify potential intrusion locations. Subsequent targeted drilling and probe measurements of pH and TIC could be used to reject or confirm an intrusion event. Further sampling and analysis can be performed at this stage for the impact assessment if required. Next to considering regulative, environmental and public aspects, the approach helps to reduce financial strains by significantly lowering the number of required monitoring wells. This study is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, E.ON Energie AG, E.ON Gas Storage AG, RWE Dea AG, Vattenfall Europe Technology Research GmbH, Wintershall Holding AG and Stadtwerke Kiel AG as part of the CO2-MoPa joint project in the framework of the Special Programme GEOTECHNOLOGIEN. Further funding occurred via CLEAN, which is part of the geoscientific research and development programme GEOTECHNOLOGIEN and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF).

Evaluation of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in wheezy infants using 24-h oesophageal combined impedance and pH monitoring.

PubMed

Abdallah, Ahmed; El-Desoky, Tarek; Fathi, Khalid; Fawzi Elkashef, Wagdi; Zaki, Ahmed

2017-06-01

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is incriminated as a cause of non-asthmatic infantile wheeze. To date, no diagnostic test is considered standard for GERD-related airway reflux diagnosis. Oesophageal combined multiple channel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is proposed to be a sensitive tool for evaluation of all GERD including infantile wheeze. We aimed to determine the GERD prevalence amongst wheezy infants in the first year of life using combined MII-pH versus pH monitoring alone and evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of objective MII-pH monitoring parameters in GERD-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis compared to those of lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI). Thirty-eight wheezy infants below 1year of age were evaluated for GERD using oesophageal combined MII-pH monitoring and LLMI. Totally, 60.5% of cases had abnormal MII-pH; only 7.9% of them had abnormal pH monitoring. LLMI was significantly higher in wheezy infants with abnormal MII-pH than infants with normal MII-pH monitoring (112±88 versus 70±48; P=0.036). The current definitions of abnormal MII-pH study, reflux index≥10% and distal reflux episodes≥100, had low sensitivity (23%) but high specificity (100% and 96%, respectively) in GERD-related aspiration diagnosis defined by LLMI≥100. Using ROC curves, bolus contact time≥2.4% and proximal reflux episodes≥46 had 61% and 54% sensitivity and 64% and 76% specificity, respectively, in GERD-related aspiration diagnosis. Combined MII-pH is superior to pH monitoring in reflux-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis. Objective data including proximal reflux episodes and bolus contact time should be combined with the current parameters used in reflux-associated infantile wheeze diagnosis. Copyright © 2017 Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Asymmetric Cationic Porphyrin as a New G-Quadruplex Probe with Wash-Free Cancer-Targeted Imaging Ability Under Acidic Microenvironments.

PubMed

Zhang, Ran; Cheng, Meng; Zhang, Li-Ming; Zhu, Li-Na; Kong, De-Ming

2018-04-25

Porphyrins are promising candidates for nucleic acid G-quadruplex-specific optical recognition. We previously demonstrated that G-quadruplex recognition specificity of porphyrins could be improved by introducing bulky side arm substituents, but the enhanced protonation tendency limits their applications in some cases, such as under acidic conditions. Here, we demonstrated that the protonation tendency of porphyrin derivatives could be efficiently overcome by increasing molecular asymmetry. To validate this, an asymmetric, water-soluble, cationic porphyrin FA-TMPipEOPP (5-{4-[2-[[(2 E)-3-[3-methoxy-4-[2-(1-methyl-1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]phenyl]-1-oxo-2-propenyl]oxy]ethoxy]phenyl},10,15,20-tri{4-[2-(1-methyl-1-piperidinyl)ethoxy]-phenyl}porphyrin) was synthesized by introducing a ferulic acid (FA) unit at one side arm, and its structure was well-characterized. Unlike its symmetric counterpart TMPipEOPP that has a tendency to protonate under acidic conditions, FA-TMPipEOPP remained in the unprotonated monomeric form under the pH range of 2.0-8.0. Correspondingly, FA-TMPipEOPP showed better G-quadruplex recognition specificity than TMPipEOPP and thus might be used as a specific optical probe for colorimetric and fluorescent recognition of G-quadruplexes under acidic conditions. The feasibility was demonstrated by two proof-of-concept studies: probing structural competition between G-quadruplexes and duplexes and label-free and wash-free cancer cell-targeted bioimaging under an acidic tumor microenvironment. As G-quadruplex optical probes, FA-TMPipEOPP works well under acidic conditions, whereas TMPipEOPP works well under neutral conditions. This finding provides useful information for G-quadruplex probe research. That is, porphyrin-based G-quadruplex probes suitable for different pH conditions might be obtained by adjusting the molecular symmetry.

Integrated RFA/OCT catheter for real-time guidance of cardiac RFA therapy (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Xiaoyong; Blumenthal, Colin; Dosluoglu, Deniz; Wang, Yves T.; Jenkins, Michael W.; Souza, Rakesh; Snyder, Christopher; Arruda, Mauricio; Rollins, Andrew M.

2016-03-01

Currently, cardiac radiofrequency ablation is guided by indirect signals. We demonstrate an integrated radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe for directly monitoring of the RFA procedure with OCT images in real time. The integrated RFA/OCT probe is modified from a standard commercial RFA catheter, and a newly designed and fabricated miniature forward-viewing cone-scanning OCT probe is integrated into the modified probe. The OCT system is verified with the human finger images, and the results show the integrated RFA/OCT probe can acquire high quality OCT images. The radiofrequency energy delivering function of the integrated probe is verified by comparing the RFA lesion sizes with standard commercial RFA probe. For the standard commercial probe, the average width and depth of the 10 lesions were 3.5 mm and 1.8 mm respectively. For the integrated RFA/OCT probe, the average width and depth of the 10 lesions were 3.6 mm and 1.7 mm respectively. The lesions created by the two probes are indistinguishable in size. This demonstrates that our glass window in the integrated probe has little effect on the RF energy delivery. And the integrated probe is used to monitoring the cardiac RFA procedure in real time. The results show that the RFA lesion formation can be confirmed by the loss of birefringence in the heart tissue. The system can potentially in vivo image of the cardiac wall to aid RFA therapy for cardiac arrhythmias.

Patients with established gastro-esophageal reflux disease might benefit from Helicobacter pylori eradication

PubMed Central

Moschos, John M.; Kouklakis, George; Vradelis, Stergios; Zezos, Petros; Pitiakoudis, Michael; Chatzopoulos, Dimitrios; Zavos, Christos; Kountouras, Jannis

2014-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in selected H. pylori-positive patients with a primary diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) by using the 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring. Methods We recruited patients with erosive esophagitis at endoscopy and H. pylori infection at histology, successfully cured following eradication therapy; the selected H. pylori-positive patients had weekly reflux symptoms for at least six months and endoscopically established Grade A or B esophagitis. Twenty-nine eligible patients were initially subjected to esophageal manometry and ambulatory 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring. All patients received H. pylori triple eradication therapy accompanied by successful H. pylori eradication. After successful eradication of H. pylori (confirmed by 13C urea breath test), a second manometry and 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring were introduced to assess the results of eradication therapy, after a 3-month post-treatment period. Results All 29 selected H. pylori-positive patients became negative due to successful H. pylori eradication, evaluated by 13C urea breath test after a 4-week post-treatment period. Post-eradication, 62.1% patients showed similar manometric pattern at baseline; 17.2% showed improvement; 17.2% normalization; and 3.4% deterioration of the manometric patterns. The DeMeester symptom scoring in the 3-h postprandial ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring was improved after eradication of H. pylori (median 47.47 vs. 22.00, Wilcoxon’s singed rank; P=0.016). On comparing the pH monitoring studies for each patient at baseline and post-eradication period, 82.8% patients showed improvement and 17.2% deterioration of the DeMeester score. Conclusion By using 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring, this study showed, for the first time, that H. pylori eradication may positively influence GERD symptoms. Large-scale controlled relative studies are warranted to confirm these findings. PMID:25330805

Patients with established gastro-esophageal reflux disease might benefit from Helicobacter pylori eradication.

PubMed

Moschos, John M; Kouklakis, George; Vradelis, Stergios; Zezos, Petros; Pitiakoudis, Michael; Chatzopoulos, Dimitrios; Zavos, Christos; Kountouras, Jannis

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) eradication in selected H. pylori -positive patients with a primary diagnosis of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) by using the 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring. We recruited patients with erosive esophagitis at endoscopy and H. pylori infection at histology, successfully cured following eradication therapy; the selected H. pylori -positive patients had weekly reflux symptoms for at least six months and endoscopically established Grade A or B esophagitis. Twenty-nine eligible patients were initially subjected to esophageal manometry and ambulatory 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring. All patients received H. pylori triple eradication therapy accompanied by successful H. pylori eradication. After successful eradication of H. pylori (confirmed by 13 C urea breath test), a second manometry and 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring were introduced to assess the results of eradication therapy, after a 3-month post-treatment period. All 29 selected H. pylori -positive patients became negative due to successful H. pylori eradication, evaluated by 13 C urea breath test after a 4-week post-treatment period. Post-eradication, 62.1% patients showed similar manometric pattern at baseline; 17.2% showed improvement; 17.2% normalization; and 3.4% deterioration of the manometric patterns. The DeMeester symptom scoring in the 3-h postprandial ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring was improved after eradication of H. pylori (median 47.47 vs. 22.00, Wilcoxon's singed rank; P=0.016). On comparing the pH monitoring studies for each patient at baseline and post-eradication period, 82.8% patients showed improvement and 17.2% deterioration of the DeMeester score. By using 3-h postprandial esophageal pH monitoring, this study showed, for the first time, that H. pylori eradication may positively influence GERD symptoms. Large-scale controlled relative studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

pH monitoring of gastro-oesophageal reflux before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

PubMed

Thereaux, J; Barsamian, C; Bretault, M; Dusaussoy, H; Lamarque, D; Bouillot, J-L; Czernichow, S; Carette, C

2016-03-01

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common obesity-related co-morbidity that is assessed objectively by 24-h pH monitoring. Some concerns have been raised regarding the risk of de novo GORD or exacerbation of pre-existing GORD after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. Here, 24-h pH monitoring was used to assess the influence of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on postoperative GORD in obese patients with or without preoperative GORD. From July 2012 to September 2014, all patients scheduled for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy were invited to participate in a prospective follow-up. Patients who underwent preoperative 24-h pH monitoring were asked to repeat the examination 6 months after operation. GORD was defined as an oesophageal pH < 4 for at least 4·2 per cent of the total time recorded. Of 89 patients, 76 had preoperative pH monitoring for GORD evaluation and 50 had postoperative reassessment. Patients without (group 1, 29 patients) or with (group 2, 21 patients) preoperative GORD were similar regarding age, sex ratio and body mass index. In group 1, the median (i.q.r.) total time at pH < 4 was significantly higher after surgery than before: 5·6 (2·5-9·5) versus 1·6 (0·7-2·9) per cent (P < 0·001). Twenty of the 29 patients experienced de novo GORD as determined by 24-h pH monitoring (P < 0·001). In group 2, total time at pH < 4 after surgery was no different from the preoperative value: 5·9 (3·9-10·7) versus 7·7 (5·2-10·3) per cent (P = 0·296). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was associated with de novo GORD in over two-thirds of patients, but did not seem to exacerbate existing GORD. © 2016 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Postoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux After Laparoscopic Heller-Dor for Achalasia: True Incidence with an Objective Evaluation.

PubMed

Salvador, Renato; Pesenti, Elisa; Gobbi, Laura; Capovilla, Giovanni; Spadotto, Lorenzo; Voltarel, Guerrino; Cavallin, Francesco; Nicoletti, Loredana; Valmasoni, Michele; Ruol, Alberto; Merigliano, Stefano; Costantini, Mario

2017-01-01

The most common complication after laparoscopic Heller-Dor (LHD) is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The present study aimed (a) to analyze the true incidence of postoperative reflux by objectively assessing a large group of LHD patients and (b) to see whether the presence of typical GERD symptoms correlates with the real incidence of postoperative reflux. After LHD, patients were assessed by means of a symptom score, endoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-h pH monitoring. Patients were assigned to three groups: those did not accept to perform 24-h pH monitoring (group NP); those with normal postoperative pH findings (group A); and those with pathological postoperative acid exposure (group B). Four hundred sixty-three of the 806 LHD patients agreed to undergo follow-up 24-h pH monitoring. Normal pH findings were seen in 423 patients (group A, 91.4 %), while 40 (8.6 %) had a pathological acid exposure (group B). The median symptom scores were similar: 3.0 (IQR 0-8) in group A and 6.0 (IQR 0-10) in group B (p = 0.29). At endoscopy, the percentage of esophagitis was also similar (11 % in group A, 19 % in group B; p = 0.28). This study demonstrated that, after LHD was performed by experienced surgeons, the true incidence of postoperative GERD is very low. The incidence of this possible complication should be assessed by pH monitoring because endoscopic findings and symptoms may be misleading.

Synopsis of moisture monitoring by neutron probe in the unsaturated zone at Area G

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

Vold, E.

1997-12-31

Moisture profiles from neutron probe data provide valuable information in site characterization and to supplement ground water monitoring efforts. The neutron probe precision error (reproducibility) is found to be about 0.2 vol% under in situ field conditions where the slope in moisture content with depth is varying slowly. This error is about 2 times larger near moisture spikes (e.g., at the vapor phase notch), due to the sensitivity of the probe response to vertical position errors on the order of 0.5 inches. Calibrations were performed to correct the downhole probe response to the volumetric moisture content determined on core samples.more » Calibration is sensitive to borehole diameter and casing type, requiring 3 separate calibration relations for the boreholes surveyed here. Power law fits were used for calibration in this study to assure moisture content results greater than zero. Findings in the boreholes reported here confirm the broad features seen previously in moisture profiles at Area G, a near-surface region with large moisture variability, a very dry region at greater depths, and a moisture spike at the vapor phase notch (VPN). This feature is located near the interface between the vitrified and vitrified stratigraphic units and near the base of the mesa. This report describes the in-field calibration methods used for the neutron moisture probe measurements and summarizes preliminary results of the monitoring program in the in-situ monitoring network at Area G. Reported results include three main areas: calibration studies, profiles from each of the vertical boreholes at Area G, and time-dependent variations in a select subset of boreholes. Results are reported here for the vertical borehole network. Results from the horizontal borehole network will be described when available.« less

Long-term wireless pH monitoring of the distal esophagus: prolonging the test beyond 48 hours is unnecessary and may be misleading.

PubMed

Capovilla, G; Salvador, R; Spadotto, L; Voltarel, G; Pesenti, E; Perazzolo, A; Nicoletti, L; Merigliano, S; Costantini, M

2017-10-01

Wireless pH monitoring of the esophagus has been widely used to detect GERD for more than a decade. It is generally well tolerated and accepted by patients, but it is still unclear whether prolonging a recording beyond the usual 48 hours can improve the test's diagnostic value. The aim of this study is to examine the diagnostic yield of 96-hour pH monitoring vis-à-vis 24- and 48-hour tests, and to ascertain whether any gain in diagnostic terms was of genuine clinical utility. Patients with suspected GERD underwent 4-day PPI-off wireless pH monitoring of the distal esophagus. The capsule was inserted under endoscopic control, 6 cm above the squamocolumnar junction. Average acid exposure time was calculated after 24, 48, and 96 hours of recording. Ninety-nine patients completed the 96 hour test, and formed the study sample. The wireless test method was used in 42 patients (42.4%) unable to tolerate the traditional pH-monitoring catheter, and in 57 (57.6%) with a previous negative pH study despite symptoms suggestive of GERD. On complete analysis, 47 patients (47.5%) had a pathological test result: 19 patients within the first 24 hours (19.2%, 24 hour group); another 16 after 48 hours (+16.2%, 48 hour group), and a further 12 (+12.1%, 96 hour group) only after 96 hours of monitoring. All 47 patients with an abnormal acid exposure were offered and accepted surgery (10 patients) or medical therapy (37 patients). Clinical follow-up was obtained in all patients with a positive Bravo test result after a median 67 months (IQR: 38-98) using a validated symptom questionnaire. A good outcome after fundoplication or medical therapy was achieved in 73.7% of patients in the 24 hour group, in 62.5% of those in the 48 hour group, and in only 25% of those in the 96 hour group, P = 0.02. Long-term wireless pH monitoring enables an increase in the diagnostic yield over traditional 24- and 48-hour pH studies, but prolonging the test may constitute an unwanted bias and prompt the recruitment of more complex patients, in whom the outcome of surgical or medical therapy may prove less than satisfactory. These findings should be taken into account when establishing the guidelines for assessing GERD with such long-term pH monitoring methods. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Donges Receives 2013 Donald L. Turcotte Award

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

2014-07-01

Jonathan F. Donges was awarded the 2013 Donald L. Turcotte Award, given annually to recent Ph.D. recipients for outstanding dissertation research that contributes directly to the field of nonlinear geophysics. Donges's Ph.D. thesis is entitled "Functional network macroscopes for probing past and present Earth system dynamics." He gave an invited talk and was formally presented with the award at the 2013 AGU Fall Meeting, held 9-13 December in San Francisco, Calif.

DNA probes for monitoring dynamic and transient molecular encounters on live cell membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

You, Mingxu; Lyu, Yifan; Han, Da; Qiu, Liping; Liu, Qiaoling; Chen, Tao; Sam Wu, Cuichen; Peng, Lu; Zhang, Liqin; Bao, Gang; Tan, Weihong

2017-05-01

Cells interact with the extracellular environment through molecules expressed on the membrane. Disruption of these membrane-bound interactions (or encounters) can result in disease progression. Advances in super-resolution microscopy have allowed membrane encounters to be examined, however, these methods cannot image entire membranes and cannot provide information on the dynamic interactions between membrane-bound molecules. Here, we show a novel DNA probe that can transduce transient membrane encounter events into readable cumulative fluorescence signals. The probe, which translocates from one anchor site to another, mimicking motor proteins, is realized through a toehold-mediated DNA strand displacement reaction. Using this probe, we successfully monitored rapid encounter events of membrane lipid domains using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. Our results show a preference for encounters within the same lipid domains.

U-shaped, double-tapered, fiber-optic sensor for effective biofilm growth monitoring

PubMed Central

Zhong, Nianbing; Zhao, Mingfu; Li, Yishan

2016-01-01

To monitor biofilm growth on polydimethylsiloxane in a photobioreactor effectively, the biofilm cells and liquids were separated and measured using a sensor with two U-shaped, double-tapered, fiber-optic probes (Sen. and Ref. probes). The probes’ Au-coated hemispherical tips enabled double-pass evanescent field absorption. The Sen. probe sensed the cells and liquids inside the biofilm. The polyimide–silica hybrid-film-coated Ref. probe separated the liquids from the biofilm cells and analyzed the liquid concentration. The biofilm structure and active biomass were also examined to confirm the effectiveness of the measurement using a simulation model. The sensor was found to effectively respond to the biofilm growth in the adsorption through exponential phases at thicknesses of 0–536 μm. PMID:26977344

Continuous pH monitoring in a perfused bioreactor system using an optical pH sensor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeevarajan, Antony S.; Vani, Sundeep; Taylor, Thomas D.; Anderson, Melody M.

2002-01-01

Monitoring and regulating the pH of the solution in a bioprocess is one of the key steps in the success of bioreactor operation. An in-line optical pH sensor, based on the optical absorption properties of phenol red present in the medium, was developed and tested in this work for use in NASA space bioreactors based on a rotating wall-perfused vessel system supporting a baby hamster kidney (BHK-21) cell culture. The sensor was tested over three 30-day and one 124-day cell runs. The pH sensor initially was calibrated and then used during the entire cell culture interval. The pH reported by the sensor was compared to that measured by a fiber optically coupled Shimadzu spectrophotometer and a blood gas analyzer. The maximum standard error of prediction for all the four cell runs for development pH sensor against BGA was +/-0.06 pH unit and for the fiber optically coupled Shimadzu spectrophotometer against the blood gas analyzer was +/-0.05 pH unit. The pH sensor system performed well without need of recalibration for 124 days. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Monitoring trace metals in seawater using a diffusive gradient in thin film probe in Ulsan Bay, East Sea, Korea: Comparison with transplanted mussels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Mi Seon; Choi, Man Sik; Kim, Chan-Kook

2016-03-01

To evaluate the applicability of a diffusive gradient in thin film (DGT) probe for monitoring dissolved metals in coastal seawater, DGT-labile metal concentrations were compared with total dissolved metal concentrations using spiked and natural seawater samples in the laboratory and transplanted mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis). This was achieved through the simultaneous deployment of DGT probes and transplanted mussels in Ulsan Bay during winter and summer. DGT-labile metal concentrations were 45% (Cu) ~ 90% (Zn) of total dissolved concentrations, and the order of non-labile concentrations was Cu > Pb > Co ~ Ni > Cd ~ Zn in both metal-contaminated and non-contaminated seawater samples, which was similar to the order of stability of metal complexes in the Irving-Williams series. The overall variability of the DGT probe results within and between tanks was less than 10% (relative standard deviation: RSD) for all the metals tested during a 48-h deployment. The accumulation of metals, as determined by DGT probes, represented the spatial gradients better than the transplanted mussels did for all of the metals tested, and the extent of metal accumulation in mussels differed depending on the metal. The comparison of results for the DGT probe and the transplanted mussels in two seasons (winter and summer) suggested that metal accumulation in mussels was controlled by the physiological factors of mussels and partly by their diet (particulate metal loadings). The DGT probe could be used as a monitoring tool for dissolved metals in coastal seawater because its results explained only labile species. When using the DGT probe, slightly more than half of the total dissolved concentration in seawater samples for all the metals investigated displayed timeintegrated properties and distinct spatial gradients from pristine to metal-contaminated seawater.

[Comparative study on 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring and Dx-pH monitoring in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux].

PubMed

Wang, J S; Li, J R

2018-04-07

Objective: The consistency and characteristics of 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance(MII)-pH monitoring and Dx-pH monitoring in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux were investigated. Methods: Fifty-two patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux related symptoms or disease between March and October 2017 were included in this study.All patients were evaluated with 24-hour MII-pH monitoring and Dx-pH monitoring at the same time, recording each patient's number of positive laryngopharyngeal reflux events, time of acid clearance and Ryan index.The data was analysed with Mann-Whitney U test and consistency check. Results: Among all 52 patients, 16 patients(30.7%) had a positive MII-pH monitoring result and 14 patients(26.9%) had a positive Dx-pH monitoring results.The consistency of both technique for measurement of laryngopharyngeal reflux was general(κ=0.626). With MII-pH monitoring for reference, the sensitivity and specificity of 24-hour pH monitoring were 68.8% and 91.7%.A total of 62 positive reflux events(pH<4) were measured with MII-pH monitoring, and 50 positive reflux events(upright pH<5.5 or supine pH<5.0)were detected by Dx-pH monitoring.There were 44 positive reflux events detected by both techniques, the mean time of acid clearance was 22.8[13.5; 42.6] s. Correspondingly, 18 reflux events were measured by MII-pH monitoring without positive results of Dx-pH monitoring, the mean time of acid clearance was 5.2[3.5; 6.5] s. There was significant difference in the time of acid clearance between two groups( U =858.5, P <0.05). Conclusions: Dx-pH monitoring can accurately measure the change of pH value in airway, but exists the possibility of misdiagnosis especially when the time of acid clearance in laryngopharynx is short. MII-pH and Dx-pH monitoring can be complementary technique in the diagnosis of laryngopharyngeal reflux.

Ratiometric photoluminescence sensing based on Ti3C2 MXene quantum dots as an intracellular pH sensor.

PubMed

Chen, Xu; Sun, Xueke; Xu, Wen; Pan, Gencai; Zhou, Donglei; Zhu, Jinyang; Wang, He; Bai, Xue; Dong, Biao; Song, Hongwei

2018-01-18

Intracellular pH sensing is of importance and can be used as an indicator for monitoring the evolution of various diseases and the health of cells. Here, we developed a new class of surface-functionalized MXene quantum dots (QDs), Ti 3 C 2 , by the sonication cutting and hydrothermal approach and further explored their intracellular pH sensing. The functionalized Ti 3 C 2 QDs exhibit bright excitation-dependent blue photoluminescence (PL) originating from the size effect and surface defects. Meanwhile, Ti 3 C 2 QDs demonstrate a high PL response induced by the deprotonation of the surface defects. Furthermore, combining the highly pH sensitive Ti 3 C 2 QDs with the pH insensitive [Ru(dpp) 3 ]Cl 2 , we developed a ratiometric pH sensor to quantitatively monitor the intracellular pH values. These novel MXene quantum dots can serve as a promising platform for developing practical fluorescent nanosensors.

Long period grating-based fiber-optic PH sensor for ocean monitoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Ke; Klimov, Denis; Kolber, Zbigniew

2007-09-01

A fiber-optic PH sensor is developed based-on the long period grating (LPG). The LPG is fabricated by using CO II laser with a point-by-point technique. Then the grating portion is coated with PH sensitive hydrogel. The hydrogel, made of PVA/PAA, swells its volume in response to the PH change in the surrounding environment and results in a change in the refractive index. As a result, the LPG can response to the refractive index change in the coating by shifting its wavelength. Therefore, change in refractive index can be measured by tracking the wavelength shift using an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA). In this research, the LPG is dip-coated by the hydrogel. A chemostat is designed to simulate the marine environment. The PH in the chemostat is varied by controlling the CO II concentration in the sea water. A PH resolution 0.046/nm using the OSA has been obtained. This sensor is designed to monitor the sea water PH change in a long term basis.

Pathophysiological evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by continuous ruminal pH monitoring.

PubMed

Sato, Shigeru

2016-02-01

Evaluation of the radio-transmission pH-measurement system for monitoring the ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle is described. This is done in order to reveal the possible application of this system for detection and pathophysiological research of SARA by continuous ruminal pH measurement. The possibility of using this system for assessment of the ruminal pH in SARA cattle, and the presence of negative correlation between the ruminal pH and ruminal temperature in heathy and SARA cattle were determined. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis showed that the ruminal microbial community was simpler in SARA cattle, and the bacterial numbers in SARA cattle were lower than those in healthy hay-fed cattle. Concentrate feeding might have reduced the diversity of the ruminal microbial community. Changes in the ruminal microbial community of SARA cattle might be related to the changes in ruminal pH followed by the decrease in the number of some bacteria. Continuous monitoring of the ruminal pH using the radio-transmission pH-measurement system would be applied for detection and prevention of SARA in the field and pathophysiological research of SARA, including ruminal zymology and bacteriology, which have been determined previously by sampling of the ruminal fluid and measuring of ruminal pH. © 2015 The Authors. Animal Science Journal published by Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd on behalf of Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Engineering considerations for corrosion monitoring of gas gathering pipeline systems

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

Braga, T.G.; Asperger, R.G.

1987-01-01

Proper corrosion monitoring of gas gathering pipelines requires a system review to determine the appropriate monitor locations and types of monitoring techniques. This paper develops and discusses a classification of conditions such as flow regime and gas composition. Also discussed are junction categories which, for corrosion monitoring, need to be considered from two points of view. The first is related to fluid flow in the line and the second is related corrosion inhibitor movement along the pipeline. The appropriate application of the various monitoring techniques such as coupons, hydrogen detectors, electrical resistance probe and linear polarization probes are discussed inmore » relation to flow regime and gas composition. Problems caused by semi-conduction from iron sulfide are considered. Advantages and disadvantages of fluid gathering methods such as pots and flow-through drips are discussed in relation to their reliability as on-line monitoring locations.« less

Recent developments in water quality monitoring for Space Station reclaimed wastewaters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Small, John W.; Verostko, Charles E.; Linton, Arthur T.; Burchett, Ray

1987-01-01

This paper discusses the recent developments in water quality monitoring for Space Station reclaimed wastewaters. A preprototype unit that contains an ultraviolet absorbance organic carbon monitor integrated with pH and conductivity sensors is presented. The preprototype has provisions for automated operation and is a reagentless flow-through system without any gas/liquid interfaces. The organic carbon monitor detects by utraviolet absorbance the organic impurities in reclaimed wastewater which may be correlated to the organic carbon content of the water. A comparison of the preprototype organic carbon detection values with actual total organic carbon measurements is presented. The electrolyte double junction concept for the pH sensor and fixed electrodes for both the pH and conductivity sensors are discussed. In addition, the development of a reagentless organic carbon analyzer that incorporates ultraviolet oxidation and infrared detection is presented. Detection sensitivities, hardware development, and operation are included.

A chimaeric-pattern flap design for implantable Doppler surrogate monitoring: a novel placement technique.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong Tae; Ho, Samuel Y M; Kim, Youn Hwan

2014-02-01

Postoperative flap monitoring is a vital aspect of free tissue transfer in order to detect early vascular compromise and to enable early flap salvage. The implantable Doppler monitoring system is one of many monitoring devices used to ensure accuracy and reduce unnecessary flap explorations. However, there are a number of concerns with its use, namely tension on the anastomosis, possible vessel constriction and false-negative detection. This study aimed to alleviate these concerns, by introducing a new method of placing the implantable Doppler probe on the adjacent vessel limb of a chimaeric flap. This is illustrated by a case series of chimaeric free tissue flaps that allow this surrogate placement of the Doppler probe. The flap is raised in a chimaeric fashion, with a main perforator pedicle to the skin or muscle paddle for the main reconstructive purpose and a side branch from the main pedicle going to a smaller adipofascial or muscle flap for monitoring. This branch vascular pedicle leading to the chimaeric tissue is kept sufficiently long to enable placement of the Doppler cuff and prevent turbulence. The probe of a Cook-Swartz implantable Doppler system is placed around the branch pedicle, approximately 5 mm from the branching point, and secured with a vessel clip. This is then secured away from the major vessels of the main free flap. Removal of the probe's crystal and wire is easily done with a single gentle traction on postoperative day 7. Five cases of chimaeric free flaps were performed with this manoeuvre: three thoracodorsal perforator chimaeric flaps for head-and-neck or extremity reconstruction, one latissimus dorsi neuromuscular chimaeric flap for facial reanimation and one digastric lymph node transfer for the treatment of lower limb lymphoedema. The Doppler system showed a low but sustained oscillating flow in all cases indicating vascular patency, with minimal flow interference from other large-calibre vessels. There was no discernible kinking on the anastomosis. There were no complications encountered during probe removal. This postoperative monitoring manoeuvre was done successfully with good results. The monitoring equipment is very sensitive to any flow disturbance due to positional changes in the head-and-neck region or the extremities and is able to detect flow changes in buried flaps postoperatively. Chimaeric flap composition is easier now than before because of perforator-oriented pedicle dissection, and surrogate Doppler monitoring is one more application of the chimaeric flap. This novel chimaeric fashion of implantable Doppler probe placement is a good surrogate measure of flow in the main pedicle. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Assessment of the National Research Universal Reactor Proposed New Stack Sampling Probe Location for Compliance with ANSI/HPS N13.1-1999

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

Glissmeyer, John A.; Antonio, Ernest J.; Flaherty, Julia E.

2016-02-29

This document reports on a series of tests conducted to assess the proposed air sampling location for the National Research Universal reactor (NRU) complex exhaust stack, located in Chalk River, Ontario, Canada, with respect to the applicable criteria regarding the placement of an air sampling probe. Due to the age of the equipment in the existing monitoring system, and the increasing difficulty in acquiring replacement parts to maintain this equipment, a more up-to-date system is planned to replace the current effluent monitoring system, and a new monitoring location has been proposed. The new sampling probe should be located within themore » exhaust stack according to the criteria established by the American National Standards Institute/Health Physics Society (ANSI/HPS) N13.1-1999, Sampling and Monitoring Releases of Airborne Radioactive Substances from the Stack and Ducts of Nuclear Facilities. These criteria address the capability of the sampling probe to extract a sample that represents the effluent stream. The internal Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) project for this task was 65167, Atomic Energy Canada Ltd. Chalk River Effluent Duct Flow Qualification. The testing described in this document was guided by the Test Plan: Testing of the NRU Stack Air Sampling Position (TP-STMON-032).« less

Tendency for oxidation of annelid hemoglobin at alkaline pH and dissociated states probed by redox titration.

PubMed

Bispo, Jose Ailton Conceicao; Landini, Gustavo Fraga; Santos, Jose Luis Rocha; Norberto, Douglas Ricardo; Bonafe, Carlos Francisco Sampaio

2005-08-01

The redox titration of extracellular hemoglobin of Glossoscolex paulistus (Annelidea) was investigated in different pH conditions and after dissociation induced by pressure. Oxidation increased with increasing pH, as shown by the reduced amount of ferricyanide necessary for the oxidation of hemoglobin. This behavior was the opposite of that of vertebrate hemoglobins. The potential of half oxidation (E1/2) changed from -65.3 to +146.8 mV when the pH increased from 4.50 to 8.75. The functional properties indicated a reduction in the log P50 from 1.28 to 0.28 in this pH range. The dissociation at alkaline pH or induced by high pressure, confirmed by HPLC gel filtration, suggested that disassembly of the hemoglobin could be involved in the increased potential for oxidation. These results suggest that the high stability and prolonged lifetime common to invertebrate hemoglobins is related to their low tendency to oxidize at acidic pH, in contrast to vertebrate hemoglobins.

Intracellular pH regulation in rat round spermatids.

PubMed

Osses, N; Pancetti, F; Benos, D J; Reyes, J G

1997-07-01

Intracellular pH has been shown to be an important physiological parameter in cell cycle control and differentiation, aspects that are central to the spermatogenic process. However, the pH regulatory mechanisms in spermatogenic cells have not been systematically explored. In this work, measuring intracellular pH (pHi) with a fluorescent probe (BCECF), membrane potential with a fluorescent lipophilic anion (bisoxonol), and net movement of acid using a pH-stat system, we have found that rat round spermatids regulate pHi by means of a V-type H(+)-ATPase, a HCO3- entry pathway, a Na+/HCO3- dependent transport system, and a putative proton conductive pathway. Rat spermatids do not have functional base extruder transport systems. These pH regulatory characteristics seem specially designed to withstand acid challenges, and can generate sustained alkalinization upon acid exit stimulation.

Use of the fluorescence of rhodamine B for the pH sensing of a glycine solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Weiwei; Shi, Kaixing; Shi, Jiulin; He, Xingdao

2016-10-01

The fluorescence of rhodamine B can be strongly affected by its environmental pH value. By directly introducing the dye into various glycine solution, the fluorescence was used to monitor the pH value in the range of 5.9 6.7. Two newly developed techniques for broadband analysis, the barycenter technique and the self-referenced intensity ratio technique, were employed to retrieve the pH sensing functions. While compared with traditional techniques, e.g. the peak shift monitoring, both the two new techniques presented finer precision. The obtained sensing functions may find their applications in the test of biochemical samples, body tissue fluid, water quality, etc.

Detection and Characterization of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in Biological Systems by Monitoring Species-Specific Products.

PubMed

Hardy, Micael; Zielonka, Jacek; Karoui, Hakim; Sikora, Adam; Michalski, Radosław; Podsiadły, Radosław; Lopez, Marcos; Vasquez-Vivar, Jeannette; Kalyanaraman, Balaraman; Ouari, Olivier

2018-05-20

Since the discovery of the superoxide dismutase enzyme, the generation and fate of short-lived oxidizing, nitrosating, nitrating, and halogenating species in biological systems has been of great interest. Despite the significance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in numerous diseases and intracellular signaling, the rigorous detection of ROS and RNS has remained a challenge. Recent Advances: Chemical characterization of the reactions of selected ROS and RNS with electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin traps and fluorescent probes led to the establishment of species-specific products, which can be used for specific detection of several forms of ROS and RNS in cell-free systems and in cultured cells in vitro and in animals in vivo. Profiling oxidation products from the ROS and RNS probes provides a rigorous method for detection of those species in biological systems. Formation and detection of species-specific products from the probes enables accurate characterization of the oxidative environment in cells. Measurement of the total signal (fluorescence, chemiluminescence, etc.) intensity does not allow for identification of the ROS/RNS formed. It is critical to identify the products formed by using chromatographic or other rigorous techniques. Product analyses should be accompanied by monitoring of the intracellular probe level, another factor controlling the yield of the product(s) formed. More work is required to characterize the chemical reactivity of the ROS/RNS probes, and to develop new probes/detection approaches enabling real-time, selective monitoring of the specific products formed from the probes. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 28, 1416-1432.

One year water chemistry monitoring of the flooding of the Meirama open pit (NW Spain)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delgado, J.; Juncosa, R.; Vázquez, A.; Fernández-Bogo, S.

2009-04-01

In December, 2007, after 30 years of operations, the mine of Meirama finished the extraction of brown lignite. Starting in April 2008, the flooding of the open pit has started and this is leading to the formation of a large mining lake (~2 km2 surface and up to 180 m depth) in which surface (river and rain water) and ground waters are involved. Since the beginning of the flooding, lake waters are weekly sampled and analyzed for temperature, pH, redox, EC, TDS, TSS, DO,DIC, DOC, turbidity, alkalinity/acidity as well as nearly 40 inorganic chemical components. Stable water isotopes (deuterium and oxygen) are also being recorded. In order to better understand the dynamic chemical evolution of lake waters, the chemical characteristics of rain water as well as a series of lake tributaries and ground waters are also being measured. Since the beginning of the flooding process, the chemical quality of lake water has experienced an interesting evolution that obeys to a variety of circumstances. The silicic geologic substratum of the catchment determines that both ground and surface waters have a rather low alkalinity. Moreover, the presence of disseminated sulfides (mainly pyrite) within the schistous materials of the mine slopes and internal rock dumps provokes a significant acidic load. From April to October 2008, the lake waters had only the contribution of rain and ground waters. Since the beginning of October, a significant volume of surface waters has been derived to the mine hole. Taking pH as indicator, the first water body had a rather acidic pH (~3) which was progressively amended with the addition of a certain amount of lime to reach an upper value of ~8 by late August. The diminution in the addition of lime up to its elimination, in December, has conducted to the progressive acidification of the lake. At present, an instrumented floating deck is being deployed in the lake. This device will serve as a base point where it is planned to locate a series of instrumentation (complete weather monitoring station, multiparametric probe, sediment trap line) that will complement with depth profiles the surficial sampling performed so far.

Cavitation controlled acoustic probe for fabric spot cleaning and moisture monitoring

DOEpatents

Sheen, Shuh-Haw; Chien, Hual-Te; Raptis, Apostolos C.

1997-01-01

A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring a fabric. An acoustic probe generates acoustic waves relative to the fabric. An acoustic sensor, such as an accelerometer is coupled to the acoustic probe for generating a signal representative of cavitation activity in the fabric. The generated cavitation activity representative signal is processed to indicate moisture content of the fabric. A feature of the invention is a feedback control signal is generated responsive to the generated cavitation activity representative signal. The feedback control signal can be used to control the energy level of the generated acoustic waves and to control the application of a cleaning solution to the fabric.

BODIPY-Based Two-Photon Fluorescent Probe for Real-Time Monitoring of Lysosomal Viscosity with Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy.

PubMed

Li, Ling-Ling; Li, Kun; Li, Meng-Yang; Shi, Lei; Liu, Yan-Hong; Zhang, Hong; Pan, Sheng-Lin; Wang, Nan; Zhou, Qian; Yu, Xiao-Qi

2018-05-01

The viscosity of lysosome is reported to be a key indicator of lysosomal functionality. However, the existing mechanical methods of viscosity measurement can hardly be applied at the cellular or subcellular level. Herein, a BODIPY-based two-photon fluorescent probe was presented for monitoring lysosomal viscosity with high spatial and temporal resolution. By installing two morpholine moieties to the fluorophore as target and rotational groups, the TICT effect between the two morpholine rings and the main fluorophore scaffold endowed the probe with excellent viscosity sensitivity. Moreover, Lyso-B succeeded in showing the impact of dexamethasone on lysosomal viscosity in real time.

Microsurgical laser Doppler probe for simultaneous intraoperative monitoring of cochlear blood flow and electrocochleography from the round window

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abiy, Lidet; Telischi, Fred; Parel, Jean-Marie A.; Manns, Fabrice; Saettele, Ralph; Morawski, Krzysztof; Ozdamar, Ozcan; Borgos, John; Delgado, Rafael; Miskiel, Edward; Yavuz, Erdem

2003-06-01

The aim of this project is the development of a microsurgical laser Doppler (LD) probe that simultaneously monitors blood flow and Electrocochleography (ECochG) from the round window of the ear. The device will prevent neurosensory hearing loss during acoustic neuroma surgery by preventing damage to the internal auditory nerve and to the cochlear blood flow supply. A commercially available 0.5 mm diameter Laser-Doppler velocimetry probe (LaserFlo, Vasamedics) was modified to integrate an ECochG electrode. A tube for suction and irrigation was incorporated into a sheath of the probe shaft, to facilitate cleaning of the round window (RW) and allow drug delivery to the round window membrane. The prototype microprobe was calibrated on a single vessel model and tested in vivo in a rabbit model. Preliminary results indicate that the microprobe was able to measure changes in cochlear blood flow (CBF) and ECochG potentials from the round window of rabbits in vivo. The microprobe is suitable for monitoring cochlear blood flow and auditory cochlear potentials during human surgery.

Ultrafast control and monitoring of material properties using terahertz pulses

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

Bowlan, Pamela Renee

These are a set of slides on ultrafast control and monitoring of material properties using terahertz pulses. A few of the topics covered in these slides are: How fast is a femtosecond (fs), Different frequencies probe different properties of molecules or solids, What can a THz pulse do to a material, Ultrafast spectroscopy, Generating and measuring ultrashort THz pulses, Tracking ultrafast spin dynamics in antiferromagnets through spin wave resonances, Coherent two-dimensional THz spectroscopy, and Probing vibrational dynamics at a surface. Conclusions are: Coherent two-dimensional THz spectroscopy: a powerful approach for studying coherence and dynamics of low energy resonances. Applying thismore » to graphene we investigated the very strong THz light mater interaction which dominates over scattering. Useful for studying coupled excitations in multiferroics and monitoring chemical reactions. Also, THz-pump, SHG-probe spectoscopy: an ultrafast, surface sensitive probe of atomic-scale symmetry changes and nonlinear phonon dymanics. We are using this in Bi 2Se 3 to investigate the nonlinear surface phonon dynamics. This is potentially very useful for studying catalysis.« less

Ionizable Nitroxides for Studying Local Electrostatic Properties of Lipid Bilayers and Protein Systems by EPR

PubMed Central

Voinov, Maxim A.; Smirnov, Alex I.

2016-01-01

Electrostatic interactions are known to play one of the major roles in the myriad of biochemical and biophysical processes. In this Chapter we describe biophysical methods to probe local electrostatic potentials of proteins and lipid bilayer systems that is based on an observation of reversible protonation of nitroxides by EPR. Two types of the electrostatic probes are discussed. The first one includes methanethiosulfonate derivatives of protonatable nitroxides that could be used for highly specific covalent modification of the cysteine’s sulfhydryl groups. Such spin labels are very similar in magnetic parameters and chemical properties to conventional MTSL making them suitable for studying local electrostatic properties of protein-lipid interfaces. The second type of EPR probes is designed as spin-labeled phospholipids having a protonatable nitroxide tethered to the polar head group. The probes of both types report on their ionization state through changes in magnetic parameters and a degree of rotational averaging, thus, allowing one to determine the electrostatic contribution to the interfacial pKa of the nitroxide, and, therefore, determining the local electrostatic potential. Due to their small molecular volume these probes cause a minimal perturbation to the protein or lipid system while covalent attachment secure the position of the reporter nitroxides. Experimental procedures to characterize and calibrate these probes by EPR and also the methods to analyze the EPR spectra by least-squares simulations are also outlined. The ionizable nitroxide labels and the nitroxide-labeled phospholipids described so far cover an exceptionally wide pH range from ca. 2.5 to 7.0 pH units making them suitable to study a broad range of biophysical phenomena especially at the negatively charged lipid bilayer surfaces. The rationale for selecting proper electrostatically neutral interface for calibrating such probes and example of studying surface potential of lipid bilayer is also described. PMID:26477252

Low Cost Real Time Autonomous Remote Monitoring Platform

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez, J. R.; Maldonado, P. M.; Pierson, J. J.; Harris, L.

2016-02-01

Environmental scientists have a need for gathering multiple parameters during specific time periods to answer their research questions. Most available monitoring systems are very expensive and closed systems, which limits the potential to scale up research projects. We developed a low cost, autonomous, real-time monitoring platform that is both open hardware/software and easy to build, deploy, manage and maintain. The hardware is built with off-the-shelf components and a credit card sized computer called Raspberry Pi, running an open source operating (Raspbian). The system runs off a set of batteries and a solar panel, which makes it ideal for remote locations. The software is divided into three parts: 1) a framework for abstracting the sensors (initializing, pooling and communications) designed in python and using a fully object-oriented design, making it easy for new sensor to be added with minimal code changes, 2) a web front end for managing the entire system, 3) a data store (database) framework for local and remote data retrieval and reporting services. Connectivity to the system can be accomplished through a Wi-Fi or cellular Internet connection. Scientists are being forced to do more with less, in response our platform will provide them with a flexible system that can improve the process of data gathering with an accessible, modular, low-cost, and efficient monitoring system. Currently, we have the required permits from the Department of Natural Resources in Puerto Rico to deploy the platform at the Laguna Grande Bioluminescence Lagoon in Fajardo, PR. This station will include probes for pH, DO, Conductivity and water temperature.

The interaction of amino acids with macrocyclic pH probes of pseudopeptidic nature.

PubMed

Izquierdo, M Angeles; Wadhavane, Prashant D; Vigara, Laura; Burguete, M Isabel; Galindo, Francisco; Luis, Santiago V

2017-08-09

The fluorescence quenching, by a series of amino acids, of pseudopeptidic compounds acting as probes for cellular acidity has been investigated. It has been found that amino acids containing electron-rich aromatic side chains like Trp or Tyr, as well as Met quench the emission of the probes mainly via a collisional mechanism, with Stern-Volmer constants in the 7-43 M -1 range, while other amino acids such as His, Val or Phe did not cause deactivation of the fluorescence. Only a minor contribution of a static quenching due to the formation of ground-state complexes has been found for Trp and Tyr, with association constants in the 9-24 M -1 range. For these ground-state complexes, a comparison between the macrocyclic probes and an open chain analogue reveals the existence of a moderate macrocyclic effect due to the preorganization of the probes in the more rigid structure.

Method and means for a spatial and temporal probe for laser-generated plumes based on density gradients

DOEpatents

Yeung, Edward S.; Chen, Guoying

1990-05-01

A method and means for a spatial and temporal probe for laser generated plumes based on density gradients includes generation of a plume of vaporized material from a surface by an energy source. The probe laser beam is positioned so that the plume passes through the probe laser beam. Movement of the probe laser beam caused by refraction from the density gradient of the plume is monitored. Spatial and temporal information, correlated to one another, is then derived.

Selective and “turn-off” fluorimetric detection of mercury(II) based on coumarinyldithiolane and coumarinyldithiane in aqueous solution

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

Guo, Yuan, E-mail: guoyuan@nwu.edu.cn; Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique, Université d’Orléans, 45067 Orléans Cedex 2; An, Jing

2015-03-15

Graphical abstract: Visual fluorescence emission of probe 3a. - Highlights: • Five novel coumarin-based fluorescent probes were developed. • A reasonable reaction mechanism was proposed and verified. • All the probes showed excellent optical properties. - Abstract: In this work, five novel coumarin-based fluorescent probes for mercury ions were developed. The recognition of mercury ions was performed via the mercury(II)-promoted desulfurization of the probes and a reasonable reaction mechanism was proposed and verified by thin layer chromatography (TLC), {sup 1}H nuclear magnetic resonance ({sup 1}H NMR) and fluorescence intensity measurements. All the probes showed excellent optical properties and exclusively distinguishmore » mercury ions from various metal ions in aqueous solutions at pH 7.4. The linear response of the fluorescence emission intensity for all the probes to the concentration of mercury ions was obtained over a wide range of 0.06–1.5 μM (0.06–0.9 μM for probe 3e). In addition, the biological toxicity and the confocal fluorescence images of probe 3a were also tested on MCF-7 cells.« less

NASA SMART Probe: Breast Cancer Application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mah, Robert W.; Norvig, Peter (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

There is evidence in breast cancer and other malignancies that the physiologic environment within a tumor correlates with clinical outcome. We are developing a unique percutaneous Smart Probe to be used at the time of needle biopsy of the breast. The Smart Probe will simultaneously measure multiple physiologic parameters within a breast tumor. Direct and indirect measurements of tissue oxygen levels, blood flow, pH, and tissue fluid pressure will be analyzed in real-time. These parameters will be interpreted individually and collectively by innovative neural network techniques using advanced intelligent software. The goals are 1) develop a pecutaneous Smart Probe with multiple sensor modalities and applying advanced Information Technologies to provide real time diagnostic information of the tissue at tip of the probe, 2) test the percutaneous Smart Probe in women with benign and malignant breast masses who will be undergoing surgical biopsy, 3) correlate probe sensor data with benign and malignant status of breast masses, 4) determine whether the probe can detect physiologic differences within a breast tumor, and its margins, and in adjacent normal breast tissue, 5) correlate probe sensor data with known prognostic factors for breast caner, including tumor size, tumor grade, axillary lymph node metastases, estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor status.

Recombinant phage probes for Listeria monocytogenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carnazza, S.; Gioffrè, G.; Felici, F.; Guglielmino, S.

2007-10-01

Monitoring of food and environmental samples for biological threats, such as Listeria monocytogenes, requires probes that specifically bind biological agents and ensure their immediate and efficient detection. There is a need for robust and inexpensive affinity probes as an alternative to antibodies. These probes may be recruited from random peptide libraries displayed on filamentous phage. In this study, we selected from two phage peptide libraries phage clones displaying peptides capable of specific and strong binding to the L. monocytogenes cell surface. The ability of isolated phage clones to interact specifically with L. monocytogenes was demonstrated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by co-precipitation assay. We also assessed the sensitivity of phage-bacteria binding by PCR on phage-captured Listeria cells, which could be detected at a concentration of 104 cells ml-1. In addition, as proof-of-concept, we tested the possibility of immobilizing the affinity-selected phages to a putative biosensor surface. The quality of phage deposition was monitored by ELISA and fluorescent microscopy. Phage-bacterial binding was confirmed by high power optical phase contrast microscopy. Overall, the results of this work validate the concept of affinity-selected recombinant filamentous phages as probes for detecting and monitoring bacterial agents under any conditions that warrant their recognition, including in food products.

Vapor spill pipe monitor

DOEpatents

Bianchini, G.M.; McRae, T.G.

1983-06-23

The invention is a method and apparatus for continually monitoring the composition of liquefied natural gas flowing from a spill pipe during a spill test by continually removing a sample of the LNG by means of a probe, gasifying the LNG in the probe, and sending the vaporized LNG to a remote ir gas detector for analysis. The probe comprises three spaced concentric tubes surrounded by a water jacket which communicates with a flow channel defined between the inner and middle, and middle and outer tubes. The inner tube is connected to a pump for providing suction, and the probe is positioned in the LNG flow below the spill pipe with the tip oriented partly downward so that LNG is continuously drawn into the inner tube through a small orifice. The probe is made of a high thermal conductivity metal. Hot water is flowed through the water jacket and through the flow channel between the three tubes to provide the necessary heat transfer to flash vaporize the LNG passing through the inner channel of the probe. The gasified LNG is transported through a connected hose or tubing extending from the probe to a remote ir sensor which measures the gas composition.

GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLATION AND SAMPLING OF SUB-SLAB VAPOR PROBES TO SUPPORT ASSESSMENT OF VAPOR INTRUSION

EPA Science Inventory

The purpose of this paper is to provide guidelines for sub-slab sampling using dedicated vapor probes. Use of dedicated vapor probes allows for multiple sample events before and after corrective action and for vacuum testing to enhance the design and monitoring of a corrective m...

Secretory phospholipase A2 activity in blood serum: the challenge to sense.

PubMed

Alekseeva, A S; Korotaeva, A A; Samoilova, E V; Volynsky, P E; Vodovozova, E L; Boldyrev, I A

2014-11-07

Excess levels of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is known to contribute to several inflammatory diseases including vascular inflammation correlating with coronary events in coronary artery disease. Thus a method to monitor sPLA2 activity in blood serum is urgently needed. Such method is still a challenge since existing fluorescent probes do not allow to monitor sPLA2 activity directly in blood serum. Here we analyze and overcome barriers in sPLA2 sensing methodology and report a fluorescent probe and a kinetic model of its hydrolysis by sPLA2. New probe is designed with a fluorophore and a quencher not interfering binding to the enzyme. At the same time phospholipid matrix bearing the probe promotes efficient initial quenching of the fluorophore. Kinetic model of probe hydrolysis takes into account signal change due to the side processes. The probe and the kinetic model applied together prove the concept that the activity of sPLA can be measured directly in blood serum. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A relay identification fluorescence probe for Fe3 + and phosphate anion and its applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Xu; Wang, Yun; Han, Juan; Ni, Liang; Wang, Lei; Li, Longhua; Zhang, Huiqin; Li, Cheng; Li, Jing; Li, Haoran

2018-02-01

A simple relay identification fluorescence probe for Fe3 + and phosphate anion with ;on-off-on; switching was designed and synthesized based on the phenylthiazole and biphenylcarbonitrile. Probe 1 displayed highly selective and sensitive recognition to Fe3 + in HEPES aqueous buffer (EtOH/H2O = 2:8, v/v, pH = 7.4) solutions. The optimized structures and HOMO and LUMO of probe 1 and [1-Fe3 +] complex were obtained by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations with B3LYP as the exchange and correlation functional using a suite of Gaussian 09 programs. The [1-Fe3 +] complex solution also showed a high selectivity toward PO43 -. The lower limits of detection of probe 1 to Fe3 + and [1-Fe3 +] complex to PO43 - were estimated to 1.09 × 10- 7 M and 1.86 × 10- 7 M. Besides, the probe 1 also was used to detected the target ions in real water sample and living cells successfully.

Recent Advances of Activatable Molecular Probes Based on Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles in Sensing and Imaging

PubMed Central

Lyu, Yan

2017-01-01

Molecular probes that change their signals in response to the target of interest have a critical role in fundamental biology and medicine. Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) have recently emerged as a new generation of purely organic photonic nanoagents with desirable properties for biological applications. In particular, tunable optical properties of SPNs allow them to be developed into photoluminescence, chemiluminescence, and photoacoustic probes, wherein SPNs usually serve as the energy donor and internal reference for luminescence and photoacoustic probes, respectively. Moreover, facile surface modification and intraparticle engineering provide the versatility to make them responsive to various biologically and pathologically important substances and indexes including small‐molecule mediators, proteins, pH and temperature. This article focuses on recent advances in the development of SPN‐based activatable molecular probes for sensing and imaging. The designs and applications of these probes are discussed in details, and the present challenges to further advance them into life science are also analyzed. PMID:28638783

Using eddy currents for noninvasive in vivo pH monitoring for bone tissue engineering.

PubMed

Beck-Broichsitter, Benedicta E; Daschner, Frank; Christofzik, David W; Knöchel, Reinhard; Wiltfang, Jörg; Becker, Stephan T

2015-03-01

The metabolic processes that regulate bone healing and bone induction in tissue engineering models are not fully understood. Eddy current excitation is widely used in technical approaches and in the food industry. The aim of this study was to establish eddy current excitation for monitoring metabolic processes during heterotopic osteoinduction in vivo. Hydroxyapatite scaffolds were implanted into the musculus latissimus dorsi of six rats. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was applied 1 and 2 weeks after implantation. Weekly eddy current excitation measurements were performed. Additionally, invasive pH measurements were obtained from the scaffolds using fiber optic detection devices. Correlations between the eddy current measurements and the metabolic values were calculated. The eddy current measurements and pH values decreased significantly in the first 2 weeks of the study, followed by a steady increase and stabilization at higher levels towards the end of the study. The measurement curves and statistical evaluations indicated a significant correlation between the resonance frequency values of the eddy current excitation measurements and the observed pH levels (p = 0.0041). This innovative technique was capable of noninvasively monitoring metabolic processes in living tissues according to pH values, showing a direct correlation between eddy current excitation and pH in an in vivo tissue engineering model.

A new fluorescent enhanced probe based on (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)-anthracene for the detection of bisulfite anions and its practical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chao, Jianbin; Liu, Yuhong; Zhang, Yan; Zhang, Yongbin; Huo, Fangjun; Yin, Caixia; Wang, Yu; Qin, Liping

2015-07-01

A new fluorescent enhanced probe based on (E)-9-(2-nitrovinyl)-anthracene is developed, which shows high selectivity and sensitivity for the detection of bisulfite anions at Na2HPO4 citric acid buffer solutions (pH 5.0). When addition of HSO3-, the fluorescence intensity is significantly enhanced and the probe displays apparent fluorescence color changes from non-fluorescence to blue under a UV lamp illumination, the solution color also changes from yellow to colorless. The detection limit is determined to be as low as 6.30 μM. This offers another specific colorimetric and fluorescent probe for bisulfite anions detection, furthermore it is applied in detecting the level of bisulfite in sugar samples.

A new hydroxynaphthyl benzothiazole derived fluorescent probe for highly selective and sensitive Cu2 + detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Lijun; He, Ping; Zhong, Keli; Hou, Shuhua; Bian, Yanjiang

2016-12-01

A new reactive probe, 1-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)naphthalen-2-yl-picolinate (BTNP), was designed and synthesized. BTNP acts as a highly selective probe to Cu2 + in DMSO/H2O (7/3, v/v, Tris-HCl 10 mM, pH = 7.4) solution based on Cu2 + catalyzed hydrolysis of the picolinate ester moiety in BTNP, which leads to the formation of an ESIPT active product with dual wavelength emission enhancement. The probe also possesses the advantages of simple synthesis, rapid response and high sensitivity. The pseudo-first-order reaction rate constant was calculated to be 0.205 min- 1. Moreover, application of BTNP to Cu2 + detection in living cells and real water samples was also explored.

Highly water-soluble BODIPY-based fluorescent probe for sensitive and selective detection of nitric oxide in living cells.

PubMed

Vegesna, Giri K; Sripathi, Srinivas R; Zhang, Jingtuo; Zhu, Shilei; He, Weilue; Luo, Fen-Tair; Jahng, Wan Jin; Frost, Megan; Liu, Haiying

2013-05-22

A highly water-soluble BODIPY dye bearing electron-rich o-diaminophenyl groups at 2,6-positions was prepared as a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for detection of nitric oxide (NO) in living cells. The fluorescent probe displays an extremely weak fluorescence with fluorescence quantum yield of 0.001 in 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0) in the absence of NO as two electron-rich o-diaminophenyl groups at 2,6-positions significantly quench the fluorescence of the BODIPY dye via photoinduced electron transfer mechanism. The presence of NO in cells enhances the dye fluorescence dramatically. The fluorescent probe demonstrates excellent water solubility, membrane permeability, and compatibility with living cells for sensitive detection of NO.

An in-situ Mobile pH Calibrator for application with HOV and ROV platform in deep sea environments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, C.; Ding, K.; Seyfried, W. E., Jr.

2014-12-01

Recently, a novel in-situ sensor calibration instrument, Mobile pH Calibrator (MpHC), was developed for application with HOV Alvin. It was specifically designed to conduct in-situ pH measurement in deep sea hydrothermal diffuse fluids with in-situ calibration function. In general, the sensor calibrator involves three integrated electrodes (pH, dissolved H2 and H2S) and a temperature sensor, all of which are installed in a cell with a volume of ~ 1 ml. A PEEK check valve cartridge is installed at the inlet end of the cell to guide the flow path during the measurement and calibration processes. Two PEEK tubes are connected at outlet end of the cell for drawing out hydrothermal fluid and delivering pH buffer fluids. During its measurement operation, the pump draws in hydrothermal fluid, which then passes through the check valve directly into the sensing cell. When in calibration mode, the pump delivers pH buffers into the cell, while automatically closing the check valve to the outside environment. This probe has two advantages compared to our previous unit used during KNOX18RR MAR cruise in 2008 and MARS cabled observatory deployment in 2012. First, in the former design, a 5 cm solenoid valve was equipped with the probe. This enlarged size prevented its application in specific point or small area. In this version, the probe has only a dimension of 1.6 cm for an easy access to hydrothermal biological environments. Secondly, the maximum temperature condition of the earlier system was limited by the solenoid valve precluding operation in excess of 50 ºC. The new design avoids this problem, which improves its temperature tolerance. The upper limit of temperature condition is now up to 100oC, therefore enabling broader application in hydrothermal diffuse flow system on the seafloor. During SVC cruise (AT26-12) in the Gulf of Mexico this year, the MpHC was successfully tested with Alvin dives at the depth up to 2600 m for measuring pH with in-situ calibration in seafloor cold seep environment. The measurement and calibration were also conducted in hydrothermal diffuse flow at temperature condition exceeding 70 ºC with Alvin dives during a recent cruise AT26-17 in ASHES vent field and Main Endeavour Field on Juan de Fuca Ridge. Data from these seagoing deployments will be presented, with emphasis on both technical and scientific aplications.

Probing surface charge potentials of clay basal planes and edges by direct force measurements.

PubMed

Zhao, Hongying; Bhattacharjee, Subir; Chow, Ross; Wallace, Dean; Masliyah, Jacob H; Xu, Zhenghe

2008-11-18

The dispersion and gelation of clay suspensions have major impact on a number of industries, such as ceramic and composite materials processing, paper making, cement production, and consumer product formulation. To fundamentally understand controlling mechanisms of clay dispersion and gelation, it is necessary to study anisotropic surface charge properties and colloidal interactions of clay particles. In this study, a colloidal probe technique was employed to study the interaction forces between a silica probe and clay basal plane/edge surfaces. A muscovite mica was used as a representative of 2:1 phyllosilicate clay minerals. The muscovite basal plane was prepared by cleavage, while the edge surface was obtained by a microtome cutting technique. Direct force measurements demonstrated the anisotropic surface charge properties of the basal plane and edge surface. For the basal plane, the long-range forces were monotonically repulsive within pH 6-10 and the measured forces were pH-independent, thereby confirming that clay basal planes have permanent surface charge from isomorphic substitution of lattice elements. The measured interaction forces were fitted well with the classical DLVO theory. The surface potentials of muscovite basal plane derived from the measured force profiles were in good agreement with those reported in the literature. In the case of edge surfaces, the measured forces were monotonically repulsive at pH 10, decreasing with pH, and changed to be attractive at pH 5.6, strongly suggesting that the charge on the clay edge surfaces is pH-dependent. The measured force profiles could not be reasonably fitted with the classical DLVO theory, even with very small surface potential values, unless the surface roughness was considered. The surface element integration (SEI) method was used to calculate the DLVO forces to account for the surface roughness. The surface potentials of the muscovite edges were derived by fitting the measured force profiles with the surface element integrated DLVO model. The point of zero charge of the muscovite edge surface was estimated to be pH 7-8.

Eddy-Current Monitoring Of Composite Layups

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fox, Robert L.; Buckley, John D.

1993-01-01

Eddy-current-probe apparatus used to determine predominant orientations of fibers in fiber/matrix composite materials. Apparatus nondestructive, noninvasive means for monitoring composite prepregs and layups during fabrication to ensure predictable and repeatable mechanical properties of finished composite panels. Consists essentially of electromagnet coil wrapped around horseshoe-shaped powdered-iron or ferrite ore. Optionally, capacitor included in series or parallel with coil to form resonant circuit. Impedance monitor excites radio-frequency current in coil and measures impedance of probe circuit. Affected by whatever material placed near ends of core, where material intercepts alternating magnetic field excited in core by current in coil.