Effect of microstructure on the zinc phosphate conversion coatings on magnesium alloy AZ91

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Van Phuong, Nguyen; Moon, Sungmo; Chang, Doyon; Lee, Kyu Hwan

2013-01-01

The effect of the microstructure, particularly of β-Mg17Al12 phase, on the formation and growth of zinc phosphate conversion coatings on magnesium alloy AZ91 (AZ91) was studied. The zinc phosphate coatings were formed on AZ91 with different microstructures produced by heat treatment. The effect of the microstructure on the zinc phosphate coatings were examined using optical microscope (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), coatings weight and etching weight balances, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and salt immersion test. Results showed that as-cast AZ91 contained a high volume fraction of the β-Mg17Al12 phase and it was dissolved into α-Mg phase during heat treatment at 400 °C. The β-phase became center for hydrogen evolution during phosphating reaction (cathodic sites). The decreased volume fraction of the β-phase caused decreasing both coatings weight and etching weight of the phosphating process. However, it increased the crystal size of the coatings and improved corrosion resistance of AZ91 by immersing in 0.5 M NaCl solution. Results also showed that the structure of the zinc phosphate conversion on AZ91 consisted of two layers: an outer crystal Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O (hopeite) and an inner which was mainly composed of MgZn2(PO4)2 and Mg3(PO4)2. A mechanism for the formation of two layers of the coatings was also proposed in this study.

Effect of pyrophosphate ions on the conversion of calcium-lithium-borate glass to hydroxyapatite in aqueous phosphate solution.

PubMed

Fu, Hailuo; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E; Huang, Wenhai

2010-10-01

The conversion of glass to a hydroxyapatite (HA) material in an aqueous phosphate solution is used as an indication of the bioactive potential of the glass, as well as a low temperature route for preparing biologically useful materials. In this work, the effect of varying concentrations of pyrophosphate ions in the phosphate solution on the conversion of a calcium-lithium-borate glass to HA was investigated. Particles of the glass (150-355 μm) were immersed for up to 28 days in 0.25 M K(2)HPO(4) solution containing 0-0.1 M K(4)P(2)O(7). The kinetics of degradation of the glass particles and their conversion to HA were monitored by measuring the weight loss of the particles and the ionic concentration of the solution. The structure and composition of the conversion products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For K(4)P(2)O(7) concentrations of up to 0.01 M, the glass particles converted to HA, but the time for complete conversion increased from 2 days (no K(4)P(2)O(7)) to 10 days (0.01 M K(4)P(2)O(7)). When the K(4)P(2)O(7) concentration was increased to 0.1 M, the product consisted of an amorphous calcium phosphate material, which eventually crystallized to a pyrophosphate product (predominantly K(2)CaP(2)O(7) and Ca(2)P(2)O(7)). The consequences of the results for the formation of HA materials and devices by the glass conversion route are discussed.

Effect of pyrophosphate ions on the conversion of calcium–lithium–borate glass to hydroxyapatite in aqueous phosphate solution

PubMed Central

Fu, Hailuo; Day, Delbert E.; Huang, Wenhai

2010-01-01

The conversion of glass to a hydroxyapatite (HA) material in an aqueous phosphate solution is used as an indication of the bioactive potential of the glass, as well as a low temperature route for preparing biologically useful materials. In this work, the effect of varying concentrations of pyrophosphate ions in the phosphate solution on the conversion of a calcium–lithium–borate glass to HA was investigated. Particles of the glass (150–355 µm) were immersed for up to 28 days in 0.25 M K2HPO4 solution containing 0–0.1 M K4P2O7. The kinetics of degradation of the glass particles and their conversion to HA were monitored by measuring the weight loss of the particles and the ionic concentration of the solution. The structure and composition of the conversion products were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. For K4P2O7 concentrations of up to 0.01 M, the glass particles converted to HA, but the time for complete conversion increased from 2 days (no K4P2O7) to 10 days (0.01 M K4P2O7). When the K4P2O7 concentration was increased to 0.1 M, the product consisted of an amorphous calcium phosphate material, which eventually crystallized to a pyrophosphate product (predominantly K2CaP2O7 and Ca2P2O7). The consequences of the results for the formation of HA materials and devices by the glass conversion route are discussed. PMID:20680413

40 CFR 60.404 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Phosphate Rock.../ton) of phosphate rock feed. cs=concentration of particulate matter, g/dscm (g/dscf). Qsd=volumetric flow rate of effluent gas, dscm/hr (dscf/hr). P=phosphate rock feed rate, Mg/hr (ton/hr). K=conversion...

40 CFR 60.404 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Phosphate Rock.../ton) of phosphate rock feed. cs=concentration of particulate matter, g/dscm (g/dscf). Qsd=volumetric flow rate of effluent gas, dscm/hr (dscf/hr). P=phosphate rock feed rate, Mg/hr (ton/hr). K=conversion...

40 CFR 60.404 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Phosphate Rock.../ton) of phosphate rock feed. cs=concentration of particulate matter, g/dscm (g/dscf). Qsd=volumetric flow rate of effluent gas, dscm/hr (dscf/hr). P=phosphate rock feed rate, Mg/hr (ton/hr). K=conversion...

40 CFR 60.404 - Test methods and procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... (CONTINUED) STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE FOR NEW STATIONARY SOURCES Standards of Performance for Phosphate Rock.../ton) of phosphate rock feed. cs=concentration of particulate matter, g/dscm (g/dscf). Qsd=volumetric flow rate of effluent gas, dscm/hr (dscf/hr). P=phosphate rock feed rate, Mg/hr (ton/hr). K=conversion...

Enhanced charge separation of rutile TiO2 nanorods by trapping holes and transferring electrons for efficient cocatalyst-free photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to fuels.

PubMed

Wu, Jing; Lu, Hongwei; Zhang, Xuliang; Raziq, Fazal; Qu, Yang; Jing, Liqiang

2016-04-11

Modification with chloride and phosphate anions, and coupling with carbon nanotubes could effectively trap holes and transfer the electrons of rutile nanorods, respectively, so as to greatly promote photogenerated charge separation, leading to an obviously-improved cocatalyst-free photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CH4 and CO, along with the positive effects of constructed phosphate bridges.

Kinetics and mechanisms of the conversion of silicate (45S5), borate, and borosilicate glasses to hydroxyapatite in dilute phosphate solutions.

PubMed

Huang, Wenhai; Day, Delbert E; Kittiratanapiboon, Kanisa; Rahaman, Mohamed N

2006-07-01

Bioactive glasses with controllable conversion rates to hydroxyapatite (HA) may provide a novel class of scaffold materials for bone tissue engineering. The objective of the present work was to comprehensively characterize the conversion of a silicate bioactive glass (45S5), a borate glass, and two intermediate borosilicate glass compositions to HA in a dilute phosphate solution at 37 degrees Celsius. The borate glass and the borosilicate glasses were derived from the 45S5 glass by fully or partially replacing the SiO(2) with B(2)O(3). Higher B(2)O(3) content produced a more rapid conversion of the glass to HA and a lower pH value of the phosphate solution. Whereas the borate glass was fully converted to HA in less than 4 days, the silicate (45S5) and borosilicate compositions were only partially converted even after 70 days, and contained residual SiO(2) in a Na-depleted core. The concentration of Na(+) in the phosphate solution increased with reaction time whereas the PO(4) (3-) concentration decreased, both reaching final limiting values at a rate that increased with the B(2)O(3) content of the glass. However, the Ca(2+) concentration in the solution remained low, below the detection limit of atomic absorption, throughout the reaction. Immersion of the glasses in a mixed solution of K(2)HPO(4) and K(2)CO(3) produced a carbonate-substituted HA but the presence of the K(2)CO(3) had little effect on the kinetics of conversion to HA. The kinetics and mechanisms of the conversion process of the four glasses to HA are compared and used to develop a model for the process.

Nature-Inspired Design of Artificial Solar-to-Fuel Conversion Systems based on Copper Phosphate Microflowers.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Zhu, Ting; Ho, Ghim Wei

2016-07-07

Phosphates play significant roles in plant photosynthesis by mediating electron transportation and furnishing energy for CO2 reduction. Motivated by this, we demonstrate herein an artificial solar-to-fuel conversion system, involving versatile copper phosphate microflowers as template and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as host photocatalyst. The elaborate flowerlike architectures, coupled with a unique proton-reduction cycle from interchangeability of different species of orthophosphate ions, not only offer a 2D nanosheet platform for an optimal heterostructure interface but also effectively augment charge-carrier transfer, thereby contributing to enhanced photoactivity and hydrogen generation. These nature-inspired, phosphate-derived nanocomposites advance the synthesis of a large variety of functional materials, which holds great potential for photochemical, photoelectric and catalytic applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A Bacterial Glucanotransferase Can Replace the Complex Maltose Metabolism Required for Starch to Sucrose Conversion in Leaves at Night*

PubMed Central

Ruzanski, Christian; Smirnova, Julia; Rejzek, Martin; Cockburn, Darrell; Pedersen, Henriette L.; Pike, Marilyn; Willats, William G. T.; Svensson, Birte; Steup, Martin; Ebenhöh, Oliver; Smith, Alison M.; Field, Robert A.

2013-01-01

Controlled conversion of leaf starch to sucrose at night is essential for the normal growth of Arabidopsis. The conversion involves the cytosolic metabolism of maltose to hexose phosphates via an unusual, multidomain protein with 4-glucanotransferase activity, DPE2, believed to transfer glucosyl moieties to a complex heteroglycan prior to their conversion to hexose phosphate via a cytosolic phosphorylase. The significance of this complex pathway is unclear; conversion of maltose to hexose phosphate in bacteria proceeds via a more typical 4-glucanotransferase that does not require a heteroglycan acceptor. It has recently been suggested that DPE2 generates a heterogeneous series of terminal glucan chains on the heteroglycan that acts as a “glucosyl buffer” to ensure a constant rate of sucrose synthesis in the leaf at night. Alternatively, DPE2 and/or the heteroglycan may have specific properties important for their function in the plant. To distinguish between these ideas, we compared the properties of DPE2 with those of the Escherichia coli glucanotransferase MalQ. We found that MalQ cannot use the plant heteroglycan as an acceptor for glucosyl transfer. However, experimental and modeling approaches suggested that it can potentially generate a glucosyl buffer between maltose and hexose phosphate because, unlike DPE2, it can generate polydisperse malto-oligosaccharides from maltose. Consistent with this suggestion, MalQ is capable of restoring an essentially wild-type phenotype when expressed in mutant Arabidopsis plants lacking DPE2. In light of these findings, we discuss the possible evolutionary origins of the complex DPE2-heteroglycan pathway. PMID:23950181

Efficient methods for enol phosphate synthesis using carbon-centred magnesium bases.

PubMed

Kerr, William J; Lindsay, David M; Patel, Vipulkumar K; Rajamanickam, Muralikrishnan

2015-10-28

Efficient conversion of ketones into kinetic enol phosphates under mild and accessible conditions has been realised using the developed methods with di-tert-butylmagnesium and bismesitylmagnesium. Optimisation of the quench protocol resulted in high yields of enol phosphates from a range of cyclohexanones and aryl methyl ketones, with tolerance of a range of additional functional units.

Phosphates behaviours in conversion of FP chlorides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amamoto, I.; Kofuji, H.; Myochin, M.; Takasaki, Y.; Terai, T.

2009-06-01

The spent electrolyte of the pyroprocessing by metal electrorefining method should be considered for recycling after removal of fission products (FP) such as, alkali metals (AL), alkaline earth metals (ALE), and/or rare earth elements (REE), to reduce the volume of high-level radioactive waste. Among the various methods suggested for this purpose is precipitation by converting FP from chlorides to phosphates. Authors have been carrying out the theoretical analysis and experiment showing the behaviours of phosphate precipitates so as to estimate the feasibility of this method. From acquired results, it was found that AL except lithium and ALE are unlikely to form phosphate precipitates. However their conversion behaviours including REE were compatible with the theoretical analysis; in the case of LaPO 4 as one of the REE precipitates, submicron-size particles could be observed while that of Li 3PO 4 was larger; the precipitates were apt to grow larger at higher temperature; etc.

Design of nanocoatings by in situ phosphatizing reagent catalyzed polysilsesquioxane for corrosion inhibition and adhesion promotion on metal alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Henderson, Kimberly B.

When a metal reacts with oxygen and water, a redox reaction happens, which will cause corrosion. Current surface pretreatment for inhibiting corrosion on metal alloys is a phosphate conversion bath. The phosphate conversion bath will generate a phosphate-chromate layer to adhere strongly to a metal substrate. However, it is toxic and unfriendly to the environment. Our group proposed an innovative coating that contains a phosphate component (ISPR-In-situ Phosphatizing Reagent) within a protective coating. The ISPR coating will form a bound phosphate layer on the metal surface acting as the corrosion barrier and enhancing adhesion into the metal surface; moreover, it is low in cost and non-toxic. Within this dissertation, there are four projects that investigate design of ISPR nanocoatings for the use of corrosion inhibition and adhesion promotion. Surface modification and adjusting concentrations of materials with the different formulations are explored. The first project focuses on the adhesion enhancement of a coating created by modifying the surface of an aluminum panel. Secondly, the next project will discuss and present the use of three rare earth element formulations as a replacement for phosphate conversion coatings on magnesium alloy, AZ61. The third project is the design of a nanocoating by using heat dissipating materials to fill in small vacant spaces in the ISPR network coating on various metal alloys. The last project, studies the strategic selection of incorporating metal components into ISPR network by the reduction potential values on several different alloys. Many methods of analysis are used; SEM, TEM, ASTM B117, ASTM D1308, ASTM D3359, EIS, and thickness probe. It was found that the addition of ISPR in the nanocoatings dramatically improves the vitality of metal alloys and these results will be presented during this dissertation.

Determination of phosphorus fertilizer soil reactions by Raman and synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy.

PubMed

Vogel, Christian; Adam, Christian; Sekine, Ryo; Schiller, Tara; Lipiec, Ewelina; McNaughton, Don

2013-10-01

The reaction mechanisms of phosphate-bearing mineral phases from sewage sludge ash-based fertilizers in soil were determined by Raman and synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy. Different reaction mechanisms in wet soil were found for calcium and magnesium (pyro-) phosphates. Calcium orthophosphates were converted over time to hydroxyapatite. Conversely, different magnesium phosphates were transformed to trimagnesium phosphate. Since the magnesium phosphates are unable to form an apatite structure, the plant-available phosphorus remains in the soil, leading to better growth results observed in agricultural pot experiments. The pyrophosphates also reacted very differently. Calcium pyrophosphate is unreactive in soil. In contrast, magnesium pyrophosphate quickly formed plant-available dimagnesium phosphate.

Conversion of D-hamamelose into 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol and 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate in leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris L.

PubMed

Andralojc, P J; Keys, A J; Martindale, W; Dawson, G W; Parry, M A

1996-10-25

[1-14C]Hamamelose (2-hydroxymethyl-D-ribose) was synthesized by reaction of ribulose 5-phosphate with potassium [14C]cyanide, catalytic hydrogenation of the resulting cyanohydrin, and dephosphorylation of the product. Its identity was established by a chromatographic comparison with hamamelose isolated from the bark of witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana L.). Following vacuum infiltration of the [1-14C]hamamelose into leaf discs from Phaseolus vulgaris L., 14C-labeled 2carboxy-D-arabinitol (CA) and 2-carboxy-D-arabinitol 1-phosphate (CA1P) were formed, in the dark. Conversion of hamamelose to both CA and CA1P in the leaf discs was inhibited by dithiothreitol and sodium fluoride, although at high concentrations of these inhibitors conversion into CA was still evident when conversion into CA1P was totally inhibited. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) leaves converted hamamelose into CA without formation of CA1P. Leaves from P. vulgaris contained 68 nmol.g-1 fresh weight of hamamelose in the light and 35 nmol.g-1 fresh weight in the dark. A pathway for the biosynthesis of CA1P from Calvin cycle intermediates is proposed which includes the sequence: hamamelose --> CA --> CA1P.

Ultra-Small-Angle X-ray Scattering – X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy Studies of Incipient Structural Changes in Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Based Dental Composites

PubMed Central

Zhang, F.; Allen, A.J.; Levine, L.E.; Espinal, L.; Antonucci, J.M.; Skrtic, D.; O’Donnell, J.N.R.; Ilavsky, J.

2012-01-01

The local structural changes in amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) based dental composites were studied under isothermal conditions using both static, bulk measurement techniques and a recently developed methodology based on combined ultra-small angle X-ray scattering – X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (USAXS-XPCS), which permits a dynamic approach. While results from conventional bulk measurements do not show clear signs of structural change, USAXS-XPCS results reveal unambiguous evidence for local structural variations on a similar time scale to that of water loss in the ACP fillers. A thermal-expansion based simulation indicates that thermal behavior alone does not account for the observed dynamics. Together, these results suggest that changes in the water content of ACP affect the composite morphology due to changes in ACP structure that occur without an amorphous-to-crystalline conversion. It is also noted that biomedical materials research could benefit greatly from USAXS-XPCS, a dynamic approach. PMID:22374649

Influence of bath PH value on microstructure and corrosion resistance of phosphate chemical conversion coating on sintered Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xia; Xue, Long-fei; Wang, Xiu-chun; Ding, Kai-hong; Cui, Sheng-li; Sun, Yong-cong; Li, Mu-sen

2016-10-01

The effect of bath PH value on formation, microstructure and corrosion resistance of the phosphate chemical conversion (PCC) coatings as well as the effect on the magnetic property of the magnets is investigated in this paper. The results show that the coating mass and thickness increase with the decrease of the bath PH value. Scanning electron microscopy observation demonstrates that the PCC coatings are in a blocky structure with different grain size. Transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer tests reveal the coatings are polycomponent and are mainly composed of neodymium phosphate hydrate and praseodymium phosphate hydrate. The electrochemical analysis and static immersion corrosion test show the corrosion resistance of the PCC coatings prepared at bath PH value of 0.52 is worst. Afterwards the corrosion resistance increases first and then decreases with the increasing of the bath PH values. The magnetic properties of all the samples with PCC treatment are decreased. The biggest loss is occurred when the bath PH value is 0.52. Taken together, the optimum PH range of 1.00-1.50 for the phosphate solution has been determined.

40 CFR Appendix Xi to Part 268 - Metal Bearing Wastes Prohibited From Dilution in a Combustion Unit According to 40 CFR 268.3(c)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... phosphating in aluminum car washing when such phosphating is an exclusive conversion coating process. K002... primary production of steel in electric furnaces. K069 Emission control dust/sludge from secondary lead...

40 CFR Appendix Xi to Part 268 - Metal Bearing Wastes Prohibited From Dilution in a Combustion Unit According to 40 CFR 268.3(c)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... phosphating in aluminum car washing when such phosphating is an exclusive conversion coating process. K002... primary production of steel in electric furnaces. K069 Emission control dust/sludge from secondary lead...

40 CFR Appendix Xi to Part 268 - Metal Bearing Wastes Prohibited From Dilution in a Combustion Unit According to 40 CFR 268.3(c)

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... phosphating in aluminum car washing when such phosphating is an exclusive conversion coating process. K002... primary production of steel in electric furnaces. K069 Emission control dust/sludge from secondary lead...

Conversion of D-ribulose 5-phosphate to D-xylulose 5-phosphate : new insights from structural and biochemical studies on human RPE.

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

Liang, W.; Ouyang, S.; Shaw, N.

2011-02-01

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) confers protection against oxidative stress by supplying NADPH necessary for the regeneration of glutathione, which detoxifies H{sub 2}O{sub 2} into H{sub 2}O and O{sub 2}. RPE functions in the PPP, catalyzing the reversible conversion of D-ribulose 5-phosphate to D-xylulose 5-phosphate and is an important enzyme for cellular response against oxidative stress. Here, using structural, biochemical, and functional studies, we show that human D-ribulose 5-phosphate 3-epimerase (hRPE) uses Fe{sup 2+} for catalysis. Structures of the binary complexes of hRPE with D-ribulose 5-phosphate and D-xylulose 5-phosphate provide the first detailed molecular insights into the binding mode ofmore » physiological ligands and reveal an octahedrally coordinated Fe{sup 2+} ion buried deep inside the active site. Human RPE folds into a typical ({beta}/{alpha}){sub 8} triosephosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel with a loop regulating access to the active site. Two aspartic acids are well positioned to carry out the proton transfers in an acid-base type of reaction mechanism. Interestingly, mutating Ser-10 to alanine almost abolished the enzymatic activity, while L12A and M72A mutations resulted in an almost 50% decrease in the activity. The binary complexes of hRPE reported here will aid in the design of small molecules for modulating the activity of the enzyme and altering flux through the PPP.« less

Effectiveness of educational or behavioral interventions on adherence to phosphate control in adults receiving hemodialysis: a systematic review.

PubMed

Milazi, Molly; Bonner, Ann; Douglas, Clint

2017-04-01

People with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) develop impaired excretion of phosphate. Hyperphosphatemia develops in ESKD as a result of the kidney's reduced ability to excrete ingested phosphate load and is characterized by high bone turnover and increased musculoskeletal morbidity including bone pain and muscle weakness. Increased serum phosphate levels are also associated with cardiovascular disease and associated mortality. These effects are significant considering that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in ESKD, making phosphate control a crucial treatment goal. To determine the effectiveness of education or behavioral interventions on adherence to phosphate control in adults with ESKD receiving hemodialysis (HD). Adults aged over 18 years with ESKD undergoing HD, attending dialysis facilities regardless of frequency and duration of treatment sessions per week. Studies with participants receiving hemodiafiltration were excluded. All types of educational and behavioral interventions aimed at improving adherence to dietary phosphate restriction, phosphate binder medication and HD. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, before and after and cohort studies. Outcome measures included serum phosphate levels, patient knowledge and adherence to phosphate control methods, chronic kidney disease (CKD) self-management behavior and perceived self-efficacy for CKD related to phosphate control. A search was conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global to find published studies between January 2005 and December 2015. Risk of bias was assessed by three reviewers prior to inclusion in the review using standardized critical appraisal instruments from the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Data were extracted using the standardized data extraction tool from JBI-MAStARI. Data were pooled using JBI software. Mean differences (95% confidence interval [CI]) and effect size estimates were calculated for continuous outcomes. Meta-analysis using a random-effects model was performed for serum phosphate levels, and where the findings could not be pooled using meta-analysis, results have been presented in a narrative form. Standard GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evidence assessment of outcomes has been reported. A total of 18 studies were included in the review: seven studies focused on dietary phosphate, four studies focused on medications (phosphate binders) and six studies focused on dietary phosphate and medications. Only one study taught patients about diet, medications and HD to control phosphate. Sixteen studies showed significant improvements in phosphate levels. Meta-analysis of eight RCTs favored educational or behavioral interventions over standard care for serum phosphate control, with a weighted mean reduction of -0.23 mmol/l (95% CI -0.37, -0.08) in treatment groups. Overall, educational or behavioral interventions increase adherence to phosphate control. Studies in this systematic review revealed improved outcomes on serum phosphate levels, patient knowledge and adherence to phosphate control methods, CKD self-management behavior and perceived self-efficacy for CKD related to phosphate control. However, there is a lack of sufficient data on how some of the studies implemented their interventions, suggesting that further research is required. Successful strategies that improve and optimize long-term adherence to phosphate control still need to be formulated.

Mode of action of α-chlorohydrin as a male anti-fertility agent. Inhibition of the metabolism of ram spermatozoa by α-chlorohydrin and location of block in glycolysis

PubMed Central

Brown-Woodman, Patricia D. C.; Mohri, Hideo; Mohri, Toshiko; Suter, Dai; White, Ian G.

1978-01-01

1. The effect of α-chlorohydrin on the metabolism of glycolytic and tricarboxylate-cycle substrates by ram spermatozoa was investigated. The utilization and oxidation of fructose and triose phosphate were much more sensitive to inhibition by α-chlorohydrin (0.1–1.0mm) than lactate or pyruvate. Inhibition of glycolysis by α-chlorohydrin is concluded to be between triose phosphate and pyruvate formation. Oxidation of glycerol was not as severely inhibited as that of the triose phosphate. This unexpected finding can be explained in terms of competition between glycerol and α-chlorohydrin. A second, much less sensitive site, of α-chlorohydrin inhibition appears to be associated with production of acetyl-CoA from exogenous and endogenous fatty acids. 2. Measurement of the glycolytic intermediates after incubation of spermatozoal suspensions with 15mm-fructose in the presence of 3mm-α-chlorohydrin showed a `block' in the conversion of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate into 3-phosphoglycerate. α-Chlorohydrin also caused conversion of most of the ATP in spermatozoa into AMP. After incubation with 3mm-α-chlorohydrin, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase activities were decreased by approx. 90% and 80% respectively, and in some experiments aldolase was also inhibited. Other glycolytic enzymes were not affected by a low concentration (0.3mm) of α-chlorohydrin. Loss of motility of spermatozoa paralleled the decrease in glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. α-Chlorohydrin, however, did not inhibit glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase or triose phosphate isomerase in sonicated enzyme preparations when added to the assay cuvette. 3. Measurement of intermediates and glycolytic enzymes in ejaculated spermatozoa before, during and after injection of rams with α-chlorohydrin (25mg/kg body wt.) confirmed a severe block in glycolysis in vivo at the site of triose phosphate conversion into 3-phosphoglycerate within 24h of the first injection. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was no longer detectable and both aldolase and triose phosphate isomerase were severely inhibited. Spermatozoal ATP decreased by 92% at this time, being quantitatively converted into AMP. At 1 month after injection of α-chlorohydrin glycolytic intermediate concentrations returned to normal in the spermatozoa but ATP was still only 38% of the pre-injection concentration. Motility of spermatozoa was, however, as good as during the pre-injection period. The activity of the inhibited enzymes also returned to normal during the recovery period and 26 days after injection were close to pre-injection values. 4. An unknown metabolic product of α-chlorohydrin is suggested to inhibit glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase of spermatozoa. This results in a lower ATP content, motility and fertility of the spermatozoa. Glycidol was shown not to be an active intermediate of α-chlorohydrin in vitro. PMID:629780

Reduction of phosphate ores by carbon: Part I. Process variables for design of rotary kiln system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Jacob; Leder, Frederic; Park, Won C.; Hard, Robert A.; Megy, Joseph; Reiss, Howard

1986-12-01

Feasibility is established for the reduction of phosphate ores in a rotary kiln, avoiding electric submerged arc furnace technology. This represents a totally new approach to phosphoric acid. Reduction rates of phosphate ore-silica mixtures by carbon in the temperature range of 1100 to 1500 °C under several CO partial pressures in nitrogen were measured in thermogravimetric analyzers. Parameters such as carbon and silica contents, particle and pellet sizes, and gas flow rate were also evaluated with various domestic and foreign phosphate ores. Furthermore, a variety of carbon sources such as subbituminous coals, bituminous coals, anthracite, petroleum coke, and metallurgical coke were tested as reducing agents. Thermodynamic considerations elucidate the temperature dependence of overall conversion as well as the role of excess silica in establishing equilibrium pressure. These findings provide the background for analysis of the kinetics of conversion in Part II of this work. These studies, in conjunction with a previously published work, indicate the importance of intergranular melt phases in the kinetics of otherwise solid state reactions.

High-Level Production of the Low-Calorie Sugar Sorbitol by Lactobacillus plantarum through Metabolic Engineering▿

PubMed Central

Ladero, Victor; Ramos, Ana; Wiersma, Anne; Goffin, Philippe; Schanck, André; Kleerebezem, Michiel; Hugenholtz, Jeroen; Smid, Eddy J.; Hols, Pascal

2007-01-01

Sorbitol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol that is largely used as an ingredient in the food industry, based on its sweetness and its high solubility. Here, we investigated the capacity of Lactobacillus plantarum, a lactic acid bacterium found in many fermented food products and in the gastrointestinal tract of mammals, to produce sorbitol from fructose-6-phosphate by reverting the sorbitol catabolic pathway in a mutant strain deficient for both l- and d-lactate dehydrogenase activities. The two sorbitol-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (Stl6PDH) genes (srlD1 and srlD2) identified in the genome sequence were constitutively expressed at a high level in this mutant strain. Both Stl6PDH enzymes were shown to be active, and high specific activity could be detected in the overexpressing strains. Using resting cells under pH control with glucose as a substrate, both Stl6PDHs were capable of rerouting the glycolytic flux from fructose-6-phosphate toward sorbitol production with a remarkably high efficiency (61 to 65% glucose conversion), which is close to the maximal theoretical value of 67%. Mannitol production was also detected, albeit at a lower level than the control strain (9 to 13% glucose conversion), indicating competition for fructose-6-phosphate rerouting by natively expressed mannitol-1-phosphate dehydrogenase. By analogy, low levels of this enzyme were detected in both the wild-type and the lactate dehydrogenase-deficient strain backgrounds. After optimization, 25% of sugar conversion into sorbitol was achieved with cells grown under pH control. The role of intracellular NADH pools in the determination of the maximal sorbitol production is discussed. PMID:17261519

Acute and Developmental Behavioral Effects of Flame ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

As polybrominated diphenyl ethers are phased out, numerous compounds are emerging as potential replacement flame retardants for use in consumer and electronic products. Little is known, however, about the neurobehavioral toxicity of these replacements. This study evaluated the neurobehavioral effects of acute or developmental exposure to t-butylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (BPDP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDP), isodecyl diphenyl phosphate (IDDP), isopropylated phenyl phosphate (IPP), tricresyl phosphate (TMPP; also abbreviated TCP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP; also abbreviated TPP), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP; also abbreviated TDCPP), tri-o-cresyl phosphate (TOCP), and 2,2-,4,4’-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. Larvae (n≈24 per dose per compound) were exposed to test compounds (0.4 - 120 µM) at sub-teratogenic concentrations either developmentally or acutely, and locomotor activity was assessed at 6 days post fertilization. When given developmentally, all chemicals except BPDP, IDDP and TBBPA produced behavioral effects. When given acutely, all chemicals produced behavioral effects, with TPHP, TBBPA, EHDP, IPP, and BPDP eliciting the most effects at the most concentrations. The results indicate that these replacement flame retardants may have developmental or pharmacological effects on the vertebrate nervous system. This study

Promoting Effect of Layered Titanium Phosphate on the Electrochemical and Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

We reported a composite electrolyte prepared by incorporating layered α-titanium phosphate (α-TiP) into an iodide-based electrolyte using 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate(EmimBF4) ionic liquid as solvent. The obtained composite electrolyte exhibited excellent electrochemical and photovoltaic properties compared to pure ionic liquid electrolyte. Both the diffusion coefficient of triiodide (I3−) in the electrolyte and the charge-transfer reaction at the electrode/electrolyte interface were improved markedly. The mechanism for the enhanced electrochemical properties of the composite electrolyte was discussed. The highest conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was obtained for the composite electrolyte containing 1wt% α-TiP, with an improvement of 58% in the conversion efficiency than the blank one, which offered a broad prospect for the fabrication of stable DSSCs with a high conversion efficiency. PMID:20676195

Dental Composites with Calcium / Strontium Phosphates and Polylysine.

PubMed

Panpisut, Piyaphong; Liaqat, Saad; Zacharaki, Eleni; Xia, Wendy; Petridis, Haralampos; Young, Anne Margaret

2016-01-01

This study developed light cured dental composites with added monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM), tristrontium phosphate (TSrP) and antimicrobial polylysine (PLS). The aim was to produce composites that have enhanced water sorption induced expansion, can promote apatite precipitation and release polylysine. Experimental composite formulations consisted of light activated dimethacrylate monomers combined with 80 wt% powder. The powder phase contained a dental glass with and without PLS (2.5 wt%) and/or reactive phosphate fillers (15 wt% TSrP and 10 wt% MCPM). The commercial composite, Z250, was used as a control. Monomer conversion and calculated polymerization shrinkage were assessed using FTIR. Subsequent mass or volume changes in water versus simulated body fluid (SBF) were quantified using gravimetric studies. These were used, along with Raman and SEM, to assess apatite precipitation on the composite surface. PLS release was determined using UV spectroscopy. Furthermore, biaxial flexural strengths after 24 hours of SBF immersion were obtained. Monomer conversion of the composites decreased upon the addition of phosphate fillers (from 76 to 64%) but was always higher than that of Z250 (54%). Phosphate addition increased water sorption induced expansion from 2 to 4% helping to balance the calculated polymerization shrinkage of ~ 3.4%. Phosphate addition promoted apatite precipitation from SBF. Polylysine increased the apatite layer thickness from ~ 10 to 20 μm after 4 weeks. The novel composites showed a burst release of PLS (3.7%) followed by diffusion-controlled release irrespective of phosphate addition. PLS and phosphates decreased strength from 154 MPa on average by 17% and 18%, respectively. All formulations, however, had greater strength than the ISO 4049 requirement of > 80 MPa. The addition of MCPM with TSrP promoted hygroscopic expansion, and apatite formation. These properties are expected to help compensate polymerization shrinkage and help remineralize demineralized dentin. Polylysine can be released from the composites at early time. This may kill residual bacteria.

Electron microscopy of octacalcium phosphate in the dental calculus.

PubMed

Kakei, Mitsuo; Sakae, Toshiro; Yoshikawa, Masayoshi

2009-12-01

The purpose of this study was to morphologically demonstrate the presence of octacalcium phosphate in the dental calculus by judging from the crystal lattice image and its rapid transformation into apatite crystal, as part of our serial studies on biomineral products. We also aimed to confirm whether the physical properties of octacalcium phosphate are identical with those of the central dark lines observed in crystals of ordinary calcifying hard tissues. Electron micrographs showed that crystals of various sizes form in the dental calculus. The formation of each crystal seemed to be closely associated with the organic substance, possibly originating from degenerated microorganisms at the calcification front. Many crystals had an 8.2-A lattice interval, similar to that of an apatite crystal. Furthermore, some crystals clearly revealed an 18.7-A lattice interval and were vulnerable to electron bombardment. After electron beam exposure, this lattice interval was quickly altered to about half (i.e. 8.2 A), indicating structural conversion. Consequently, a number of apatite crystals in the dental calculus are possibly created by a conversion mechanism involving an octacalcium phosphate intermediate. However, we also concluded that the calcification process in the dental calculus is not similar to that of ordinary calcifying hard tissues.

Structural and dynamical studies of acid-mediated conversion in amorphous-calcium-phosphate based dental composites

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

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J.; Levine, Lyle E.

Our objective was to investigate the complex structural and dynamical conversion process of the amorphous-calcium-phosphate (ACP)-to-apatite transition in ACP based dental composite materials. Composite disks were prepared using zirconia hybridized ACP fillers (0.4 mass fraction) and photo-activated Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin (0.6 mass fraction). We performed an investigation of the solution-mediated ACP-to-apatite conversion mechanism in controlled acidic aqueous environment with in situ ultra-small angle X-ray scattering based coherent X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and ex situ X-ray diffraction, as well as other complementary techniques. We established that the ACP-to-apatite conversion in ACP composites is a two-step process, owing to the sensitivity to localmore » structural changes provided by coherent X-rays. Initially, ACP undergoes a local microstructural rearrangement without losing its amorphous character. We established the catalytic role of the acid and found the time scale of this rearrangement strongly depends on the pH of the solution, which agrees with previous findings about ACP without the polymer matrix being present. In the second step, ACP is converted to an apatitic form with the crystallinity of the formed crystallites being poor. Separately, we also confirmed that in the regular Zr-modified ACP the rate of ACP conversion to hydroxyapatite is slowed significantly compared to unmodified ACP, which is beneficial for targeted slow release of functional calcium and phosphate ions from dental composite materials. Significantly, for the first time, we were able to follow the complete solution-mediated transition process from ACP to apatite in this class of dental composites in a controlled aqueous environment. A two-step process, suggested previously, was conclusively identified.« less

Structural and dynamical studies of acid-mediated conversion in amorphous-calcium-phosphate based dental composites

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J.; Levine, Lyle E.; ...

2014-07-28

Our objective was to investigate the complex structural and dynamical conversion process of the amorphous-calcium-phosphate (ACP)-to-apatite transition in ACP based dental composite materials. Composite disks were prepared using zirconia hybridized ACP fillers (0.4 mass fraction) and photo-activated Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin (0.6 mass fraction). We performed an investigation of the solution-mediated ACP-to-apatite conversion mechanism in controlled acidic aqueous environment with in situ ultra-small angle X-ray scattering based coherent X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and ex situ X-ray diffraction, as well as other complementary techniques. We established that the ACP-to-apatite conversion in ACP composites is a two-step process, owing to the sensitivity to localmore » structural changes provided by coherent X-rays. Initially, ACP undergoes a local microstructural rearrangement without losing its amorphous character. We established the catalytic role of the acid and found the time scale of this rearrangement strongly depends on the pH of the solution, which agrees with previous findings about ACP without the polymer matrix being present. In the second step, ACP is converted to an apatitic form with the crystallinity of the formed crystallites being poor. Separately, we also confirmed that in the regular Zr-modified ACP the rate of ACP conversion to hydroxyapatite is slowed significantly compared to unmodified ACP, which is beneficial for targeted slow release of functional calcium and phosphate ions from dental composite materials. Significantly, for the first time, we were able to follow the complete solution-mediated transition process from ACP to apatite in this class of dental composites in a controlled aqueous environment. A two-step process, suggested previously, was conclusively identified.« less

Determination of fructose metabolic pathways in normal and fructose-intolerant children: A sup 13 C NMR study using (U- sup 13 C)fructose

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

Gopher, A.; Lapidot, A.; Vaisman, N.

1990-07-01

An inborn deficiency in the ability of aldolase B to split fructose 1-phosphate is found in humans with hereditary fructose intolerance (HFI). A stable isotope procedure to elucidate the mechanism of conversion of fructose to glucose in normal children and in HFI children has been developed. A constant infusion of D-(U-{sup 13}C)fructose was given nasogastrically to control and to HFI children. Hepatic fructose conversion to glucose was estimated by examination of {sup 13}C NMR spectra of plasma glucose. Significantly lower values ({approx}3-fold) for fructose conversion to glucose were obtained for the HFI patients as compared to the controls. A quantitativemore » determination of the metabolic pathways of fructose conversion to glucose was derived from {sup 13}C NMR measurement of plasma ({sup 13}C)glucose isotopomer populations. The finding of isotopomer populations of three adjacent {sup 13}C atoms at glucose C-4 ({sup 13}C{sub 3}-{sup 13}C{sub 4}-{sup 13}C{sub 5}) suggests that there is a direct pathway from fructose, by-passing fructose-1-phosphate aldolase, to fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. The metabolism of fructose by fructose-1-phosphate aldolase activity accounts for only {approx}50% of the total amount of hepatic fructose conversion to glucose. In view of the marked decline by 67% in synthesis of glucose from fructose in HFI subjects found in this study, the extent of ({sup 13}C)glucose formation from a trace amount of (U-{sup 13}C)fructose infused into the patient can be used as a safe and noninvasive diagnostic test for inherent faulty fructose metabolism.« less

Structural and dynamical studies of acid-mediated conversion in amorphous-calcium-phosphate based dental composites

PubMed Central

Zhang, Fan; Allen, Andrew J.; Levine, Lyle E.; Vaudin, Mark D.; Skrtic, Drago; Antonucci, Joseph M.; Hoffman, Kathleen M.; Giuseppetti, Anthony A.; Ilavsky, Jan

2014-01-01

Objective To investigate the complex structural and dynamical conversion process of the amorphous-calcium-phosphate (ACP) -to-apatite transition in ACP based dental composite materials. Methods Composite disks were prepared using zirconia hybridized ACP fillers (0.4 mass fraction) and photo-activated Bis-GMA/TEGDMA resin (0.6 mass fraction). We performed an investigation of the solution-mediated ACP-to-apatite conversion mechanism in controlled acidic aqueous environment with in situ ultra-small angle X-ray scattering based coherent X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and ex situ X-ray diffraction, as well as other complementary techniques. Results We established that the ACP-to-apatite conversion in ACP composites is a two-step process, owing to the sensitivity to local structural changes provided by coherent X-rays. Initially, ACP undergoes a local microstructural rearrangement without losing its amorphous character. We established the catalytic role of the acid and found the time scale of this rearrangement strongly depends on the pH of the solution, which agrees with previous findings about ACP without the polymer matrix being present. In the second step, ACP is converted to an apatitic form with the crystallinity of the formed crystallites being poor. Separately, we also confirmed that in the regular Zr-modified ACP the rate of ACP conversion to hydroxyapatite is slowed significantly compared to unmodified ACP, which is beneficial for targeted slow release of functional calcium and phosphate ions from dental composite materials. Significance For the first time, we were able to follow the complete solution-mediated transition process from ACP to apatite in this class of dental composites in a controlled aqueous environment. A two-step process, suggested previously, was conclusively identified. PMID:25082155

Research on up- and down-conversion emissions of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped phosphate glass ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ming, Chengguo; Song, Feng; An, Liqun; Ren, Xiaobin; Yuan, Yize; Cao, Yang; Wang, Gangzhi

2012-12-01

By high-temperature melting method and thermal treatment technology, Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped phosphate glass and glass ceramic samples were prepared. The luminescence spectra of the glass and glass ceramic samples were studied under 975 nm excitation. In visible and near-infrared bands, the emission intensity of the glass ceramic is stronger than that of the glass. The glass ceramic can comprehensively improve the luminous characters of the precursor glass. The phosphate glass ceramic will be valuable luminescence materials.

Preparation of micro/nano-fibrous brushite coating on titanium via chemical conversion for biomedical applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Bing; Guo, Yong-yuan; Xiao, Gui-yong; Lu, Yu-peng

2017-03-01

Calcium phosphate coatings have been applied on the surface of Ti implants to realize better osseointegration. The formation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (CaHPO4·2H2O), mineralogically named brushite on pure Ti substrate has been investigated via chemical conversion method. Coating composition and microstructure have been investigated by X-ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and field emission scanning electron microscope. The results reveal that the coatings are composed of high crystalline brushite with minor scholzite (CaZn2(PO4)2·2H2O). A micro/nano-scaled fibrous morphology can be produced in the acidic chemical conversion bath with pH 5.00. The surface of the fibrous brushite coating exhibits high hydrophilicity and corrosion resistance in the simulated body fluid. The osteoblast cells grow and spread actively on the coated samples and the proliferation numbers and alkaline phosphate activities of the cells improve significantly compared to the uncoated Ti. It is suggested that the micro/nano-fibrous brushite coating can be a potential approach to improve the osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity of Ti implant, due to its similarity in morphology and dimension to inorganic components of biological hard tissues, and favorable responses to the osteoblasts.

Unusual effect of water vapor pressure on dehydration of dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate.

PubMed

Kaushal, Aditya M; Vangala, Venu R; Suryanarayanan, Raj

2011-04-01

Dibasic calcium phosphate occurs as an anhydrate (DCPA; CaHPO₄) and as a dihydrate (DCPD; CaHPO₄•2H₂O). Our objective was to investigate the unusual behavior of these phases. Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate was dehydrated in a (i) differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) in different pan configurations; (ii) variable-temperature X-ray diffractometer (XRD) at atmospheric and under reduced pressure, and in sealed capillaries; and (iii) water vapor sorption analyzer at varying temperature and humidity conditions. Dehydration was complete by 210°C in an open DSC pan and under atmospheric pressure in the XRD. Unlike "conventional" hydrates, the dehydration of DCPD was facilitated in the presence of water vapor. Variable-temperature XRD in a sealed capillary and DSC in a hermetic pan with pinhole caused complete dehydration by 100°C and 140°C, respectively. Under reduced pressure, conversion to the anhydrate was incomplete even at 300°C. The increase in dehydration rate with increase in water vapor pressure has been explained by the Smith-Topley effect. Under "dry" conditions, a coating of poorly crystalline product is believed to form on the surface of particles and act as a barrier to further dehydration. However, in the presence of water vapor, recrystallization occurs, creating cracks and channels and facilitating continued dehydration. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Comparison of magnetic properties and high-temperature phase stability of phosphate- and oleic acid-capped iron oxide nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muthukumaran, T.; Pati, S. S.; Singh, L. H.; de Oliveira, A. C.; Garg, V. K.; Philip, John

2018-03-01

We study the influence of dynamic capping of Fe3O4 nanoparticles with phosphate and oleic acid, on their structure, magnetic properties and thermal stability of magnetic nanoparticles. It is observed that the phosphate coating on iron oxide lowers the dipole-dipole interaction significantly, as compared to oleic acid capping. The Mössbauer results show that the spin canting order of oxidized shell and the mean hyperfine field values follow the order Fe0 (uncoated) > FeOA (oleic acid capped) > FP1 (phosphate capped). The uncoated Fe3O4 nanoparticle is non-stoichiometric in nature due to oxidation, whereas FP1 and FeOA are of the correct stoichiometry. Mössbauer and photoacoustic spectroscopic studies on air-annealed phosphate-coated magnetite nanoparticles confirm that the magnetic iron oxide phase is preserved up to 833 K and a complete conversion of Fe3O4 into the non-magnetic hematite phase occurs at 1173 K. The iron oxide air annealed at 833 K is found to have a shell of orthorhombic α-Fe2O3 over the magnetite core. However, in oleic acid-coated nanoparticles, the magnetic to non-magnetic phase transformation commences at 623 K and the conversion was complete at 823 K. The photoacoustic spectra of the air-annealed phosphate-coated Fe3O4 particles showed a flipping of the absorption intensity between 500-700 nm and 800-1000 nm, due to the conversion of Fe3O4 to γ-Fe2O3 at 923 and γ-Fe2O3 to α-Fe2O3 at 1173 K, respectively. The γ-Fe2O3 showed an intense absorption peak above 750 nm, whereas the α-Fe2O3 showed a peak broadening in the wavelength range of 600-700 nm, in addition to the strong peaks at a wavelength above 750 nm. This study suggests that the photoacoustic spectroscopy can distinguish clearly the three polymorphs of iron oxide i.e., Fe3O4, γ-Fe2O3 and α-Fe2O3. Our results confirm the ability of phosphate-capped iron oxide particles to retard the oxidation of Fe2+ contents during the crystal growth process.

Mineral induced formation of sugar phosphates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pitsch, S.; Eschenmoser, A.; Gedulin, B.; Hui, S.; Arrhenius, G.

1995-01-01

Glycolaldehyde phosphate, sorbed from highly dilute, weakly alkaline solution into the interlayer of common expanding sheet structure metal hydroxide minerals, condenses extensively to racemic aldotetrose-2, 4-diphophates, and aldohexose-2, 4, 6-triphosphates. The reaction proceeds mainly through racemic erythrose-2, 4-phosphate, and terminates with a large fraction of racemic altrose-2, 4, 6-phosphate. In the absence of an inductive mineral phase, no detectable homogeneous reaction takes place in the concentration- and pH range used. The reactant glycolaldehyde phosphate is practically completely sorbed within an hour from solutions with concentrations as low as 50 micron; the half-time for conversion to hexose phosphates is of the order of two days at room temperature and pH 9.5. Total production of sugar phosphates in the mineral interlayer is largely independent of the glycolaldehyde phosphate concentration in the external solution, but is determined by the total amount of GAP offered for sorption up to the capacity of the mineral. In the presence of equimolar amounts of rac-glyceraldehyde-2-phosphate, but under otherwise similar conditions, aldopentose-2, 4, -diphosphates also form, but only as a small fraction of the hexose-2, 4, 6-phosphates.

Biodegradation behavior of micro-arc oxidized AZ31 magnesium alloys formed in two different electrolytes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seyfoori, A.; Mirdamadi, Sh.; Khavandi, A.; Raufi, Z. Seyed

2012-11-01

Degradation behavior of coated magnesium alloys is among most prominent factors for their biomedical applications. In this study, bio-corrosion behavior of micro-arc oxidized magnesium AZ31 alloys formed in silicate and phosphate baths was investigated in r-SBF medium. For this purpose polarization behavior and open circuit profile of the coated samples were achieved by electrochemical and immersion tests, respectively. Moreover, the morphology and composition of the coatings were evaluated before and after immersion test using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The results showed that the phosphate film had better corrosion resistance and greater thickness than silicate film and, in turn, the lesser degradability in SBF solution, so that Ca2+ and PO43- containing compounds were more abundant on silicate film than phosphate film. Moreover phosphate film had greater surface roughness and lesser hydrophilic nature.

Synthesis of organically templated nanoporous tin (II/IV) phosphate for radionuclide and metal sequestration

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

Wellman, Dawn M.; Mattigod, Shas V.; Parker, Kent E.

2006-03-20

Nanoporous tin (II/IV) phosphate materials, with spherical morphology, have been synthesized using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CH3(CH2)15N(CH3)3Cl) as the surfactant. The structure of the material is stable at 500°C; however, partial oxidation of the material occurs with redox conversion of Sn2+ to Sn4+, resulting in a mixed Sn(II)/ Sn(IV) material. Preliminary batch contact studies were conducted to assess the effectiveness of nanoporous tin phosphate, NP-SnPO, in sequestering redox sensitive metals and radionuclides, technetium(VII), neptunium(V), thorium(IV), and a toxic metal, chromium(VI), from aqueous matrices. Results indicate tin (II) phosphate removed > 95% of all contaminants investigated from solution.

Chloroplast Galactolipids: The Link Between Photosynthesis, Chloroplast Shape, Jasmonates, Phosphate Starvation and Freezing Tolerance.

PubMed

Li, Hsou-Min; Yu, Chun-Wei

2018-06-01

Monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG) and digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG) together constitute approximately 80% of chloroplast lipids. Apart from facilitating the photosynthesis light reaction in the thylakoid membrane, these two lipids are important for maintaining chloroplast morphology and for plant survival under abiotic stresses such as phosphate starvation and freezing. Recently it was shown that severe growth retardation phenotypes of the DGDG-deficient mutant dgd1 were due to jasmonate overproduction, linking MGDG and DGDG homeostasis with phytohormone production and suggesting MGDG as a major substrate for jasmonate biosynthesis. Induction of jasmonate synthesis and jasmonic acid (JA) signaling was also observed under conditions of phosphate starvation. We hypothesize that when DGDG is recruited to substitute for phospholipids in extraplastidic membranes during phosphate deficiency, the altered MGDG to DGDG ratio in the chloroplast envelope triggers the conversion of galactolipids into jasmonates. The conversion may contribute to rebalancing the MGDG to DGDG ratio rapidly to maintain chloroplast shape, and jasmonate production can reduce the growth rate and enhance predator deterrence. We also hypothesize that other conditions, such as suppression of dgd1 phenotypes by trigalactosyldiacylglycerol (tgd) mutations, may all be linked to altered jasmonate production, indicating that caution should be exercised when interpreting phenotypes caused by conditions that may alter the MGDG to DGDG ratio at the chloroplast envelope.

Partial reactions of d-glucose 6-phosphate–1 l-myoinositol 1-phosphate cyclase

PubMed Central

Barnett, J. E. G.; Rasheed, A.; Corina, D. L.

1973-01-01

After removal of tightly bound NAD+ by using charcoal, a preparation of d-glucose 6-phosphate–1 l-myoinositol 1-phosphate cyclase catalysed the reduction of 5-keto-d-glucitol 6-phosphate and 5-keto-d-glucose 6-phosphate by [4-3H]NADH to give [5-3H]-glucitol 6-phosphate and [5-3H]glucose 6-phosphate respectively. The position of the tritium atom in the latter was shown by degradation. Both enzyme-catalysed reductions were strongly inhibited by 2-deoxy-d-glucose 6-phosphate, a powerful competitive inhibitor of inositol cyclase. The charcoal-treated enzyme preparation also converted 5-keto-d-glucose 6-phosphate into [3H]myoinositol 1-phosphate in the presence of [4-3H]NADH, but less effectively. These partial reactions of inositol cyclase are interpreted as providing strong evidence for the formation of 5-keto-d-glucose 6-phosphate as an enzyme-bound intermediate in the conversion of d-glucose 6-phosphate into 1 l-myoinositol 1-phosphate. The enzyme was partially inactivated by NaBH4 in the presence of NAD+. Glucose 6-phosphate did not increase the inactivation, and there was no inactivation in the absence of NAD+. There was no evidence for Schiff base formation during the cyclization. d-Glucitol 6-phosphate (l-sorbitol 1-phosphate) was a good inhibitor of the overall reaction. It did not inactivate the enzyme. The apparent molecular weight of inositol cyclase as determined by Sephadex chromatography was 2.15×105. PMID:4352864

Measuring phosphate with an inexpensive, easy to build photometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simeonov, Valentin; Weijs, Steven; Parlange, Marc

2013-04-01

In the context of a course for first year students to get hands-on experience with measuring in the environment, a photometric system for measuring phosphate concentration was developed. The system makes use of a single LED as a light source, a Si photodiode-based light to frequency conversion IC and an Arduino electronic card as acquisition system. The instrument is designed as an easy to assemble system and assembling and alignment is part of the exercise. The phosphate measurement is based on the formation of phosphor-molybdate complex which is eventually reduced to a blue component. The absorbance at 710 nm of a phosphate-containing fluid with added indicator is then measured and calibrated with a known solution. The initial test has demonstrated the ability of the instrument to detect phosphates in tap water. Other components as nitrates or chlorophyll could be easily measured with the instrument using LED emitting at the respective wavelengths.

Effect of zinc phosphate chemical conversion coating on corrosion behaviour of mild steel in alkaline medium: protection of rebars in reinforced concrete.

PubMed

Simescu, Florica; Idrissi, Hassane

2008-12-01

We outline the ability of zinc phosphate coatings, obtained by chemical conversion, to protect mild steel rebars against localized corrosion, generated by chloride ions in alkaline media. The corrosion resistance of coated steel, in comparison with uncoated rebars and coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar, were evaluated by open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, cronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coated surfaces were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. First, coated mild steel rebars were studied in an alkaline solution with and without chloride simulating a concrete pore solution. The results showed that the slow dissolution of the coating generates hydroxyapatite Ca 10 (PO 4 ) 6 (OH) 2 . After a long immersion, the coating became dense and provided an effective corrosion resistance compared with the mild steel rebar. Secondly, the coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar and immersed in chloride solution showed no corrosion or deterioration of the coated steel. Corrosion rate is considerably lowered by this phosphate coating.

Effect of zinc phosphate chemical conversion coating on corrosion behaviour of mild steel in alkaline medium: protection of rebars in reinforced concrete

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simescu, Florica; Idrissi, Hassane

2008-12-01

We outline the ability of zinc phosphate coatings, obtained by chemical conversion, to protect mild steel rebars against localized corrosion, generated by chloride ions in alkaline media. The corrosion resistance of coated steel, in comparison with uncoated rebars and coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar, were evaluated by open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, cronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coated surfaces were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. First, coated mild steel rebars were studied in an alkaline solution with and without chloride simulating a concrete pore solution. The results showed that the slow dissolution of the coating generates hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. After a long immersion, the coating became dense and provided an effective corrosion resistance compared with the mild steel rebar. Secondly, the coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar and immersed in chloride solution showed no corrosion or deterioration of the coated steel. Corrosion rate is considerably lowered by this phosphate coating.

Effect of zinc phosphate chemical conversion coating on corrosion behaviour of mild steel in alkaline medium: protection of rebars in reinforced concrete

PubMed Central

Simescu, Florica; Idrissi, Hassane

2008-01-01

We outline the ability of zinc phosphate coatings, obtained by chemical conversion, to protect mild steel rebars against localized corrosion, generated by chloride ions in alkaline media. The corrosion resistance of coated steel, in comparison with uncoated rebars and coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar, were evaluated by open-circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization, cronoamperometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coated surfaces were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. First, coated mild steel rebars were studied in an alkaline solution with and without chloride simulating a concrete pore solution. The results showed that the slow dissolution of the coating generates hydroxyapatite Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. After a long immersion, the coating became dense and provided an effective corrosion resistance compared with the mild steel rebar. Secondly, the coated and uncoated steel rebars embedded in mortar and immersed in chloride solution showed no corrosion or deterioration of the coated steel. Corrosion rate is considerably lowered by this phosphate coating. PMID:27878037

L-Myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase in the aquatic fern Azolla filiculoides.

PubMed

Benaroya, Rony Oren; Zamski, Eli; Tel-Or, Elisha

2004-02-01

L-Myo-inositol 1-phosphate synthase (INPS EC 5.5.1.4) catalyzes the conversion of D-glucose 6-phosphate to L-myo-inositol 1-phosphate. INPS is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of phytate which is a common form of stored phosphates in higher plants. The present study monitored the increase of INPS expression in Azolla filiculoides resulting from exposure to inorganic phosphates, metals and salt stress. The expression of INPS was significantly higher in Azolla plants that were grown in rich mineral growth medium than those maintained on nutritional growth medium. The expression of INPS protein and corresponding mRNA increased in plants cultured in minimal nutritional growth medium when phosphate or Zn2+, Cd2+ and NaCl were added to the growth medium. When employing rich mineral growth medium, INPS protein content increased with the addition of Zn2+, but decreased in the presence of Cd2+ and NaCl. These results indicated that accumulation of phytate in Azolla is a result of the intensified expression of INPS protein and mRNA, and its regulation may be primarily derived by the uptake of inorganic phosphate, and Zn2+, Cd2+ or NaCl.

Corrosion Protection of Nd-Fe Magnets via Phophatization, Silanization and Electrostatic Spraying with Organic Resin Composite Coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Xia; Li, Jingjie; Li, Musen; Ge, Shengsong; Wang, Xiuchun; Ding, Kaihong; Cui, Shengli; Sun, Yongcong

2014-09-01

Nd-Fe-B permanent magnets possess excellent properties. However, they are highly sensitive to the attack of corrosive environment. The aim of this work is to improve the corrosion resistance of the magnets by phosphatization, silanization, and electrostatic spraying with organic resin composite coatings. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) tests showed that uniform phosphate conversion coatings and spray layers were formed on the surface of the Nd-Fe-B magnets. Neutral salt spray tests exhibited that, after treated by either phosphating, silanization or electrostatic spraying, the protectiveness of Nd-Fe-B alloys was apparently increased. And corrosion performance of magnets treated with silane only was slightly inferior to those of phosphatized ones. However, significant improvement in corrosion protection was achieved after two-step treatments, i.e. by top-coating spray layer with phosphate or silane films underneath. Grid test indicated that the phosphate and silane coating were strongly attached to the substrate while silane film was slightly weaker than the phosphate-treated ones. Magnetic property analysis revealed phosphatization, silanization, and electrostatic spraying caused decrease in magnetism, but silanization had the relatively smaller effect.

Dangerous liaisons: anion-induced protonation in phosphate-polyamine interactions and their implications for the charge states of biologically relevant surfaces.

PubMed

Laucirica, Gregorio; Marmisollé, Waldemar A; Azzaroni, Omar

2017-03-22

Although not always considered a preponderant interaction, amine-phosphate interactions are omnipresent in multiple chemical and biological systems. This study aims to answer questions that are still pending about their nature and consequences. We focus on the description of the charge state as surface charges constitute directing agents of the interaction of amine groups with either natural or synthetic counterparts. Our results allow us to quantitatively determine the relative affinities of HPO 4 2- and H 2 PO 4 - from the analysis of the influence of phosphates on the zeta-potential of amino-functionalized surfaces in a broad pH range. We show that phosphate anions enhance the protonation of amino groups and, conversely, charged amines induce further proton dissociation of phosphates, yielding a complex dependence of the surface effective charge on the pH and phosphate concentration. We also demonstrate that phosphate-amine interaction is specific and the modulation of surface charge occurs in the physiological phosphate concentration range, emphasizing its biochemical and biotechnological relevance and the importance of considering this veiled association in both in vivo and in vitro studies.

An environment-friendly phosphate chemical conversion coating on novel Mg-9Li-7Al-1Sn and Mg-9Li-5Al-3Sn-1Zn alloys with remarkable corrosion protection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maurya, Rita; Siddiqui, Abdul Rahim; Balani, Kantesh

2018-06-01

An environment-friendly phosphate chemical conversion (PCC) coating has been deposited on novel LAT971 (Mg-9 wt%Li-7 wt%Al-1 wt%Sn) and LATZ9531 (Mg-9 wt%Li-5 wt%Al-3 wt%Sn-1 wt%Zn) alloys for improving their corrosion resistance. A dense and homogeneous flower like morphology (∼30 μm thick) was observed on the PCC coated Mg-Li based alloys. The presence of calcium hydrogen phosphate hydrate, tricalcium phosphate and trimagnesium phosphate were confirmed from the X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. A lower corrosion current density of 6.74 × 10-7 mA/cm2 and 5.39 × 10-7 mA/cm2 was obtained for PCC coated alloys in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution than that of uncoated LAT971 (0.82 mA/cm2) and LATZ9531 (0.34 mA/cm2) alloys, respectively, which offers corrosion protection efficiency of >99%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has revealed that the inner PCC coating (at coating/substrate interface) delay the direct contact between electrolyte and substrate, which offered higher charge transfer resistance (>4 orders of magnitude) than that of uncoated alloys. Thus, the PCC coating provides an effective corrosion protection to the ultra-lightweight LAT971 and LATZ9531 alloys surface and may be helpful in proving good anchoring with the top organic coatings or paints.

Development of a Calcifiable Matrix for Bone Formation.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

Previous editions are obsolete. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE 4 ! Ir .€ w)N "," f " f " W"€ r ,. . , a v " -.-. ,. . P "w...process is hydroxyapatite *o(15). It was the purpose of our study to determine if three different doses of -.ofour variations of the polypentapeptide...phosphate would bind until a cascading series of events led to calcium phosphate deposition and its conversion to hydroxyapatite . The validity of this

TT-C-490 -Implementing Alternatives Through Specifications (Briefing Charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-11-18

currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 18 NOV 2014 2. REPORT TYPE 3. DATES COVERED 00-00-2014 to 00-00-2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE TT-C...Existing Pretreatments for CARC Coating System TT-C-490E – Pretreatments specific for ferrous substrates – Specifies either zinc phosphate conversion...Only pretreatment allowed for multi- metal application – Zinc phosphate is either applied by immersion or spray in a contained area Prior to 2013

Glucose buffer is suitable for blood group conversion with α-N acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase.

PubMed

Gao, Hong-Wei; Li, Su-Bo; Bao, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Xue; Li, Hui; Wang, Ying-Li; Tan, Ying-Xia; Ji, Shou-Ping; Gong, Feng

2014-01-01

It is well known that the buffer plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction involved in blood group conversion. In previous study, we showed that a glycine buffer is suitable for A to O or B to O blood group conversion. In this study, we investigated the use of 5% glucose and other buffers for A to O or B to O blood group conversion by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or α-galactosidase. We compared the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase/α-galactosidase with red blood cells (RBC) in different reaction buffers, such as normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a disodium hydrogen phosphate-based buffer (PCS), and 5% commercial glucose solution. The doses of enzymes necessary for the A/B to O conversion in different reaction buffers were determined and compared. The enzymes' ability to bind to RBC was evaluated by western blotting, and routine blood typing and fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to evaluate B/A to O conversion efficiency. The A to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.06 mg/mL pRBC). B to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was also similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.005 mg/mL pRBC). Most enzymes could bind with RBC in glycine or glucose buffer, but few enzymes could bind with RBC in PBS, PCS, or normal saline. These results indicate that 5% glucose solution provides a suitable condition for enzymolysis, especially for enzymes combining with RBC. Meanwhile, the conversion efficiency of A/B to O was similar in glucose buffer and glycine buffer. Moreover, 5% glucose solution has been used for years in venous transfusion, it is safe for humans and its cost is lower. Our results do, therefore, suggest that 5% glucose solution could become a novel suitable buffer for A/B to O blood group conversion.

Identification and stocking density of elements phosphate indigo system for fish farming cages nets floating in freshwater district Laut Tawar, Aceh Province

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eriyusni, N.; Siregar, A. Z.

2018-02-01

Lake Laut Tawar is located in Aceh district of Aceh province. The lake were used by the community as a livelihood by making a Cages. One of the elements that influence the fish growth is an element Phosphate (PO4) and other such as, pH, nitrate-nitrite, temperature and others. The lake has undergone changes caused by the use of commercial feed. The sampling locations based on the environmental setting by using method "purposive sampling" from January to May. The results was found of 0.1407 mg/L phosphate with fish expenditure amounting to 23728.61 ton / year using cages of net with number as 92, stocking density at 48,950 of fish and marine area 19.77 Ha. However the standard classes showed is under class II Regulation with No. 82 Year 2001 3400, solid lowest stocking cages tail on the size of 2.5 x 2.5 x 3M (spacious, 181m3) with post-harvest fish expenditure amounted to 1,214 tons of fish/year, the highest 9,250 cages tail on the size e of 5 x 5 x 3m (spacious 123m3) with fish expenditure by 2,800 tones of fish/year. While the results of feed conversion and Phosphate content is 12.70% with the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was 1,635 and 1,491.

The Mechanism of Starch Over-Accumulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii High-Starch Mutants Identified by Comparative Transcriptome Analysis

PubMed Central

Koo, Kwang M.; Jung, Sera; Lee, Beom S.; Kim, Jin-Baek; Jo, Yeong D.; Choi, Hong-Il; Kang, Si-Yong; Chung, Gook-H.; Jeong, Won-Joong; Ahn, Joon-Woo

2017-01-01

The focus of this study was the mechanism of starch accumulation in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii high-starch mutants. Three C. reinhardtii mutants showing high-starch content were generated using gamma irradiation. When grown under nitrogen-deficient conditions, these mutants had more than twice as much starch than a wild-type control. The mechanism of starch over-accumulation in these mutants was studied with comparative transcriptome analysis. In all mutants, induction of phosphoglucomutase 1 (PGM1) expression was detected; PGM1 catalyzes the inter-conversion of glucose 1-phosphate and glucose 6-phosphate in both starch biosynthetic and glycolytic pathway. Interestingly, transcript levels of phosphoglucose isomerase 1 (PGI1), fructose 1,6-bisphosphate aldolase 1 and 2 (FBA1 and FBA2) were down-regulated in all mutants; PGI1, FBA1, and FBA2 act on downstream of glucose 6-phosphate conversion in glycolytic pathway. Therefore, down-regulations of PGI1, FBA1, and FBA2 may lead to accumulation of upstream metabolites, notably glucose 6-phosphate, resulting in induction of PGM1 expression through feed-forward regulation and that PGM1 overexpression caused starch over-accumulation in mutants. These results suggest that PGI1, FBA1, FBA2, and PGM1 correlate with each other in terms of coordinated transcriptional regulation and play central roles for starch over-accumulation in C. reinhardtii. PMID:28588557

Survey and research on up-conversion emission character and energy transition of Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped phosphate glass and glass ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Yin; Song, Feng; Ming, Chengguo; Liu, Jiadong; Li, Wei; Liu, Yanling; Zhao, Hongyan

2012-11-01

By conventional high-temperature melting method, Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped phosphate glass was synthesized. After annealing the precursor glass, the phosphate glass ceramic (GC) was obtained. By measuring the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectrum, it is proved that the LiYbP4O12 and Li6P6O18 nano-crystals have existed in the phosphate GC. The up-conversion (UC) emission intensity of the GC is obvious stronger compared to that of the glass. The reason is that the shorter distance between rare earth ions in the glass ceramic increases the energy transitions from the sensitized ions (Yb3+) to the luminous ions (Er3+ and Tm3+). By studying the dependence of UC emissions on the pump power, the 523 and 546 nm green emissions of Er3+ ions in the glass are two-photon processes. But in the glass ceramic, they are two/three-photon processes. The phenomenon implies that a three-photon process has participated in the population of the two green emissions. Using Dexter theory, we discuss the energy transitions of Er3+ and Tm3+. The results indicate the energy transition of Tm3+ to Er3+ is very strong in the GC, which changes the population mechanism of UC emissions of Er3+.

The Enantiomers of 4-Amino-3-fluorobutanoic Acid as Substrates for γ-Aminobutyric Acid Aminotransferase. Conformational Probes for GABA Binding†

PubMed Central

Clift, Michael; Ji, Haitao; Deniau, Gildas P.; O’Hagan, David; Silverman, Richard B.

2008-01-01

γ-Aminobutyric acid aminotransferase (GABA-AT), a pyridoxal 5’-phosphate dependent enzyme, catalyzes the degradation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to succinic semialdehyde with concomitant conversion of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) to pyridoxamine 5’-phosphate (PMP). The enzyme then catalyzes the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to the excitatory neurotransmitter L-glutamate. Racemic 4-amino-3-fluorobutanoic acid (3-F-GABA) was shown previously to act as a substrate for GABA-AT, not for transamination, but for HF elimination. Here we report studies of the reaction catalyzed by GABA-AT on (R)- and (S)-3-F-GABA. Neither enantiomer is a substrate for transamination. Very little elimination from the (S)-enantiomer was detected using a coupled enzyme assay; The rate of elimination of HF from the (R)-enantiomer is at least 10 times greater than that for the (S)-enantiomer. The (R)-enantiomer is about 20 times more efficient as a substrate for GABA-AT catalyzed HF elimination than GABA is a substrate for transamination. The (R)-enantiomer also inhibits the transamination of GABA 10 times more effectively than the (S)-enantiomer. Using a combination of computer modeling and the knowledge that vicinal C-F and C-NH3+ bonds have a strong preference to align gauche rather than anti to each other, it is concluded that on binding of free 3-F-GABA to GABA-AT the optimal conformation places the C-NH3+ and C-F bonds gauche in the (R)-enantiomer but anti in the (S)-enantiomer. Furthermore, the dynamic binding process and the bioactive conformation of GABA bound to GABA-AT have been inferred based on the different biological behavior of the two enantiomers of 3-F-GABA when they bind to the enzyme. The present study suggests that the C-F bond can be utilized as a conformational probe to explore the dynamic binding process and provide insight into the bioactive conformation of substrates, which cannot be easily determined by other biophysical approaches. PMID:17988152

Zinc disrupts central carbon metabolism and capsule biosynthesis in Streptococcus pyogenes.

PubMed

Ong, Cheryl-lynn Y; Walker, Mark J; McEwan, Alastair G

2015-06-01

Neutrophils release free zinc to eliminate the phagocytosed bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underpinning zinc toxicity towards this human pathogen, responsible for diseases ranging from pharyngitis and impetigo, to severe invasive infections. Using the globally-disseminated M1T1 GAS strain, we demonstrate that zinc stress impairs glucose metabolism through the inhibition of the glycolytic enzymes phosphofructokinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the presence of zinc, a metabolic shift to the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway allows conversion of D-galactose to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde phosphate, partially bypassing impaired glycolytic enzymes to generate pyruvate. Additionally, zinc inhibition of phosphoglucomutase results in decreased capsule biosynthesis. These data indicate that zinc exerts it toxicity via mechanisms that inhibit both GAS central carbon metabolism and virulence pathways.

Zinc disrupts central carbon metabolism and capsule biosynthesis in Streptococcus pyogenes

PubMed Central

Ong, Cheryl-lynn Y.; Walker, Mark J.; McEwan, Alastair G.

2015-01-01

Neutrophils release free zinc to eliminate the phagocytosed bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS). In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underpinning zinc toxicity towards this human pathogen, responsible for diseases ranging from pharyngitis and impetigo, to severe invasive infections. Using the globally-disseminated M1T1 GAS strain, we demonstrate that zinc stress impairs glucose metabolism through the inhibition of the glycolytic enzymes phosphofructokinase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. In the presence of zinc, a metabolic shift to the tagatose-6-phosphate pathway allows conversion of D-galactose to dihydroxyacetone phosphate and glyceraldehyde phosphate, partially bypassing impaired glycolytic enzymes to generate pyruvate. Additionally, zinc inhibition of phosphoglucomutase results in decreased capsule biosynthesis. These data indicate that zinc exerts it toxicity via mechanisms that inhibit both GAS central carbon metabolism and virulence pathways. PMID:26028191

Consortium inoculum of five thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing Actinomycetes for multipurpose biofertilizer preparation

PubMed Central

Nandimath, Arusha P.; Karad, Dilip D.; Gupta, Shantikumar G.; Kharat, Arun S.

2017-01-01

Background and Objectives: Alkaline pH of the soil facilitates the conversion of phosphate present in phosphate fertilizer applied in the field to insoluble phosphate which is not available to plants. Problem of soluble phosphate deficiency arises, primarily due to needless use of phosphate fertilizer. We sought to biofertilizer with the thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing actinomycetes consortium that could convert insoluble phosphate to soluble phosphate at wider temperature range. Materials and Methods: In the present investigation consortium of five thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing actinomycetes was applied for preparation of inoculum to produce multipurpose bio-fertilizer. Phosphates solubilizing thermo-tolerant 32 actinomycetes strains were processed for identification with the use of PIBWIN software and were screened for phosphate solubilizing activity. Results: Amongst these five actinomycetes were selected on the basis of their ability to produce cellulase, chitinase, pectinase, protease, lipase, amylase and phosphate solubilizing enzymes. Ability to produce these enzymes at 28°C and 50°C were examined. Biofertilizer was prepared by using agricultural waste as a raw material. While preparation of bio-fertilizer the pH decreased from 7.5 to 4.3 and temperature increased up to 74°C maximum at the end of 4th week and in subsequent week it started to decline gradually till it reached around 50°C, which was found to be stable up to eighth week. This thermo-tolerant actinomycetes consortium released soluble phosphate of up to 46.7 μg ml−1. Conclusion: As the mesophilic organisms die out at high temperature of composting hence thormo-tolerant actinomycetes would be the better substitute for preparation of phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizer with added potential to degrade complex macromolecules in composting. PMID:29296275

Consortium inoculum of five thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing Actinomycetes for multipurpose biofertilizer preparation.

PubMed

Nandimath, Arusha P; Karad, Dilip D; Gupta, Shantikumar G; Kharat, Arun S

2017-10-01

Alkaline pH of the soil facilitates the conversion of phosphate present in phosphate fertilizer applied in the field to insoluble phosphate which is not available to plants. Problem of soluble phosphate deficiency arises, primarily due to needless use of phosphate fertilizer. We sought to biofertilizer with the thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing actinomycetes consortium that could convert insoluble phosphate to soluble phosphate at wider temperature range. In the present investigation consortium of five thermo-tolerant phosphate solubilizing actinomycetes was applied for preparation of inoculum to produce multipurpose bio-fertilizer. Phosphates solubilizing thermo-tolerant 32 actinomycetes strains were processed for identification with the use of PIBWIN software and were screened for phosphate solubilizing activity. Amongst these five actinomycetes were selected on the basis of their ability to produce cellulase, chitinase, pectinase, protease, lipase, amylase and phosphate solubilizing enzymes. Ability to produce these enzymes at 28°C and 50°C were examined. Biofertilizer was prepared by using agricultural waste as a raw material. While preparation of bio-fertilizer the pH decreased from 7.5 to 4.3 and temperature increased up to 74°C maximum at the end of 4 th week and in subsequent week it started to decline gradually till it reached around 50°C, which was found to be stable up to eighth week. This thermo-tolerant actinomycetes consortium released soluble phosphate of up to 46.7 μg ml -1 . As the mesophilic organisms die out at high temperature of composting hence thormo-tolerant actinomycetes would be the better substitute for preparation of phosphate solubilizing bio-fertilizer with added potential to degrade complex macromolecules in composting.

Synthesis of novel magnesium ferrite (MgFe2O4)/biochar magnetic composites and its adsorption behavior for phosphate in aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Jung, Kyung-Won; Lee, Soonjae; Lee, Young Jae

2017-12-01

In this work, magnesium ferrite (MgFe 2 O 4 )/biochar magnetic composites (MFB-MCs) were prepared and utilized to remove phosphate from aqueous solutions. MFB-MCs were synthesized via co-precipitation of Fe and Mg ions onto a precursor, followed by pyrolysis. Characterization results confirmed that MgFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles with a cubic spinel structure were successfully embedded in the biochar matrix, and this offered magnetic separability with superparamagnetic behavior and enabled higher phosphate adsorption performance than that of pristine biochar and sole MgFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles. Batch experiments indicated that phosphate adsorption on the MFB-MCs is highly dependent on the pH, initial phosphate concentration, and temperature, while it was less affected by ionic strength. Analysis of activation and thermodynamic parameters as well as the isosteric heat of adsorption demonstrated that the phosphate adsorption is an endothermic and physisorption process. Lastly, highly efficient recyclability of the MFB-MCs suggested that they are a promising adsorbent for phosphate removal from wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phosphate fertilizer affected rhizospheric soils: speciation of cadmium and phytoremediation by Chlorophytum comosum.

PubMed

Wang, Youbao; Zhu, Chengfeng; Yang, Hongfei; Zhang, Xiaowei

2017-02-01

Experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of phosphate fertilization on chemical speciation of cadmium (Cd) in the rhizospheric soil of Chlorophytum comosum, a potential cadmium hyperaccumulator. The results revealed that when 200 mg kg -1 phosphate was applied into the soil, the Cd contents in the exchangeable fraction (EXC), carbonate-binding fraction (CA), and Fe-Mn oxides-binding fraction (Fe-Mn) were the highest, and the Cd content in the residual fraction (RES) was the lowest. Phosphate fertilization could enhance Cd conversion from RES into CA and weak RES, thereby improving the bioavailability of Cd and enhancing Cd enrichment and adsorption by C. comosum. The total Cd content in the soil was reduced by 10.15 mg kg -1 in the planted group, which was significantly different from the control group (p < 0.01). The highest bioaccumulation coefficient (BC) values in root and aboveground parts appeared when the phosphate rates were 276 and 217 mg kg -1 , whereas the highest translocation factor (TF) occurred with a phosphate rate of 188 mg kg -1 . Phosphate fertilization facilitated phytoremediation of Cd-polluted soil by C. comosum.

Structural changes in precipitates and cell model for the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatite during the initial stage of precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zyman, Z.; Rokhmistrov, D.; Glushko, V.

2012-08-01

A new insight on the conversion of an amorphous calcium phosphate, ACP, to hydroxyapatite, HA, has been proposed. The ACP has been precipitated under appropriate conditions of the nitrous method (low concentrations of reactants, pH>10, 25 °С, fast mixing). The ACP to HA conversion has been found to commence immediately after the ACP precipitation. The conversion reveals itself in the first detected shift of the diffuse maximum from 29.5° 2θ (ACP) to about 32° 2θ (the position of principal peaks of HA) in the XRD patterns for the precipitates of 2 min-6 h lifetimes. The precipitates are biphasic mixtures of ACP and nanocrystalline HA, nHA, with increasing nHA/ACP ratio for longer lifetimes. Characteristics of the simulated XRD profiles calculated proceeding on such a picture are excellently confirmed by experimental results. At the end of the conversion, HA nanocrystals start growing. This follows from the appearance of broadened diffraction maxima, which gradually sharpen, along with the appearance and gradual increase of splitting of the initially featureless υ3 and υ4PO43- bands in the IR spectra of precipitates with their aging (after 6 h of the precipitation). Based on the detected structural and compositional peculiarities of ACP in the early stage of precipitation, a cell model for the HA crystallization has been proposed. Proceeding on the model, the principal data in this and earlier studies, considering the ACP to HA conversion as an internal rearrangement process in the ACP particles, has been reasonably explained.

Hydrolysis rate constants and activation parameters for phosphate- and phosphonate-bridged phthalonitrile monomers under acid, neutral and alkali conditions.

PubMed

Belsky, Kirill S; Sulimov, Artem V; Bulgakov, Boris A; Babkin, Alexandr V; Kepman, Alexey V

2017-08-01

Hydrolysis data for Bis(3-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl) phenyl phosphate and Bis(3-(3,4-dicyanophenoxy)phenyl) phenylphosphonate under pH 4, 7 and 10 are presented. Conversion/time plots collected by HPLC analysis, typical chromatograms and NMR spectra of the reactions products are given. Pseudo-first order rate constants are determined for both substrates at 25, 50 and 80 °C. Activation parameters were calculated from Arrhenius equation.

Preparation of in situ hardening composite microcarriers: Calcium phosphate cement combined with alginate for bone regeneration

PubMed Central

Park, Jung-Hui; Lee, Eun-Jung; Knowles, Jonathan C

2014-01-01

Novel microcarriers consisting of calcium phosphate cement and alginate were prepared for use as three-dimensional scaffolds for the culture and expansion of cells that are effective for bone tissue engineering. The calcium phosphate cement-alginate composite microcarriers were produced by an emulsification of the composite aqueous solutions mixed at varying ratios (calcium phosphate cement powder/alginate solution = 0.8–1.2) in an oil bath and the subsequent in situ hardening of the compositions during spherodization. Moreover, a porous structure could be easily created in the solid microcarriers by soaking the produced microcarriers in water and a subsequent freeze-drying process. Bone mineral-like apatite nanocrystallites were shown to rapidly develop on the calcium phosphate cement–alginate microcarriers under moist conditions due to the conversion of the α-tricalcium phosphate phase in the calcium phosphate cement into a carbonate–hydroxyapatite. Osteoblastic cells cultured on the microspherical scaffolds were proven to be viable, with an active proliferative potential during 14 days of culture, and their osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by the determination of alkaline phosphatase activity. The in situ hardening calcium phosphate cement–alginate microcarriers developed herein may be used as potential three-dimensional scaffolds for cell delivery and tissue engineering of bone. PMID:23836845

Modulation of mesenchymal stem cell behavior by nano- and micro-sized β-tricalcium phosphate particles in suspension and composite structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smoak, Mollie; Hogan, Katie; Kriegh, Lisa; Chen, Cong; Terrell, LeKeith B.; Qureshi, Ammar T.; Todd Monroe, W.; Gimble, Jeffrey M.; Hayes, Daniel J.

2015-04-01

Interest has grown in the use of microparticles and nanoparticles for modifying the mechanical and biological properties of synthetic bone composite structures. Micro- and nano-sized calcium phosphates are of interest for their osteoinductive behavior. Engineered composites incorporating polymers and ceramics, such as poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), for bone tissue regeneration have been well investigated for their proliferative and osteoinductive abilities. Only limited research has been done to investigate the effects of different sizes of β-TCP particles on human mesenchymal stromal cell behavior. As such, the aim of this study was to investigate the modulations of human adipose-derived stem cell (hASCs) behavior within cell/particle and cell/composite systems as functions of particle size, concentration, and exposure time. The incorporation of nanoscale calcium phosphate resulted in improved mechanical properties and osteogenic behavior within the scaffold compared to the microscale calcium phosphate additives. Particle exposure results indicate that cytotoxicity on hASCs correlates inversely with particle size and increases with the increasing exposure time and particle concentration. Composites with increasing β-TCP content, whether microparticles or nanoparticles, were less toxic than colloidal micro- and nano-sized β-TCP particles directly supplied to hASCs. The difference in viability observed as a result of varying exposure route is likely related to the increased cell-particle interactions in the direct exposure compared to the particles becoming trapped within the scaffold/polymer matrix.

SAR11 lipid renovation in response to phosphate starvation

PubMed Central

Carini, Paul; Van Mooy, Benjamin A. S.; Thrash, J. Cameron; White, Angelicque; Zhao, Yanlin; Campbell, Emily O.; Fredricks, Helen F.; Giovannoni, Stephen J.

2015-01-01

Phytoplankton inhabiting oligotrophic ocean gyres actively reduce their phosphorus demand by replacing polar membrane phospholipids with those lacking phosphorus. Although the synthesis of nonphosphorus lipids is well documented in some heterotrophic bacterial lineages, phosphorus-free lipid synthesis in oligotrophic marine chemoheterotrophs has not been directly demonstrated, implying they are disadvantaged in phosphate-deplete ecosystems, relative to phytoplankton. Here, we show the SAR11 clade chemoheterotroph Pelagibacter sp. str. HTCC7211 renovates membrane lipids when phosphate starved by replacing a portion of its phospholipids with monoglucosyl- and glucuronosyl-diacylglycerols and by synthesizing new ornithine lipids. Lipid profiles of cells grown with excess phosphate consisted entirely of phospholipids. Conversely, up to 40% of the total lipids were converted to nonphosphorus lipids when cells were starved for phosphate, or when growing on methylphosphonate. Cells sequentially limited by phosphate and methylphosphonate transformed >75% of their lipids to phosphorus-free analogs. During phosphate starvation, a four-gene cluster was significantly up-regulated that likely encodes the enzymes responsible for lipid renovation. These genes were found in Pelagibacterales strains isolated from a phosphate-deficient ocean gyre, but not in other strains from coastal environments, suggesting alternate lipid synthesis is a specific adaptation to phosphate scarcity. Similar gene clusters are found in the genomes of other marine α-proteobacteria, implying lipid renovation is a common strategy used by heterotrophic cells to reduce their requirement for phosphorus in oligotrophic habitats. PMID:26056292

Speciation of Cu and Zn during composting of pig manure amended with rock phosphate.

PubMed

Lu, Duian; Wang, Lixia; Yan, Baixing; Ou, Yang; Guan, Jiunian; Bian, Yu; Zhang, Yubin

2014-08-01

Pig manure usually contains a large amount of metals, especially Cu and Zn, which may limit its land application. Rock phosphate has been shown to be effective for immobilizing toxic metals in toxic metals contaminated soils. The aim of this study work was to investigate the effect of rock phosphate on the speciation of Cu and Zn during co-composting of pig manure with rice straw. The results showed that composting process and rock phosphate addition significantly affected the changes of metal species. During co-composting, the exchangeable and reducible fractions of Cu were transformed to organic and residue fractions, thus the bioavailable Cu fractions were decreased. The rock phosphate addition enhanced the metal transformation depending on the level of rock phosphate amendment. Zinc was found in the exchangeable and reducible fractions in the compost. The bioavailable Zn fraction changed a little during the composting process. The composting process converted the exchangeable Zn fraction into reducible fraction. Addition of an appropriate amount (5.0%) of rock phosphate could advance the conversion. Rock phosphate could reduce metal availability through adsorption and complexation of the metal ions on inorganic components. The increase in pH and organic matter degradation could be responsible for the reduction in exchangeable and bioavailable Cu fractions and exchangeable Zn fraction in rock phosphate amended compost. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Response of selected microorganisms to experimental planetary environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Foster, T. L.; Helms, S. J. S.; Kirschner, L. E.; Stevens, W. C.; Talley, L. K.; Winans, L., Jr.

1976-01-01

The anaerobic utilization of phosphite or phosphine and the significance of this conversion to potential contamination of Jupiter were investigated. A sporeforming organism was isolated from Cape Canaveral soil which anaerobically converts hypophosphite to phosphate. This conversion coincides with an increase in turbidity of the culture and with phosphate accumulation in the medium. Investigations of omnitherms (organisms which grow over a broad temperature range, i.e. 3 -55 C were also conducted. The cellular morphology of 28 of these isolates was investigated, and all were demonstrated to be sporeformers. Biochemical characterizations are also presented. Procedures for replicate plating were evaluated, and those results are also presented. The procedures for different replicate-plating techniques are presented, and these are evaluated on the basis of reproducibility, percentage of viable transfer, and ease of use. Standardized procedures for the enumeration of microbial populations from ocean-dredge samples from Cape Canaveral are also presented.

Lipopolysaccharide and Aldoheptose Biosynthesis in Transketolase Mutants of Salmonella typhimurium

PubMed Central

Eidels, L.; Osborn, M. J.

1971-01-01

Genetic and biochemical evidence that sedoheptulose-7-phosphate is an obligatory precursor of the L-glycero-D-mannoheptose residues of the lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella was obtained by isolation and characterization of transketolase-negative mutants of Salmonella typhimurium. These mutants, which are defective in synthesis of sedoheptulose-7-phosphate, were found to produce an incomplete heptose-deficient lipopolysaccharide, and were also sensitive to bile salts, a characteristic property of heptose-deficient mutants. Phenotypic repair of the defect in lipopolysaccharide synthesis was obtained by addition of exogenous sedoheptulose-7-phosphate to growing cultures of the mutant strains. Characterization of revertants isolated either as transketolase-positive or heptose-positive provided further evidence that the heptose deficiency resulted from mutation at the transketolase locus. On the basis of these findings a possible pathway for conversion of sedoheptulose-7-phosphate to L-glycero-D-mannoheptose is proposed. PMID:4942911

Role of sucrose phosphate synthase in sucrose biosynthesis in ripening bananas and its relationship to the respiratory climacteric.

PubMed

Hubbard, N L; Pharr, D M; Huber, S C

1990-09-01

During ripening of bananas (Musa spp. [AAA group, Cavendish subgroup]), there is a massive conversion of starch to sucrose. Also during ripening there is a rise in respiration known as the respiratory climacteric. In this study changes in carbohydrate content, activities of starch and sucrose metabolizing enzymes, and respiration were measured to assess their potential interrelationships. Sucrose phosphate synthase activity increased dramatically during the first 4 days after initiation of ripening by ethylene treatment. Starch concentration decreased and sucrose concentration increased during this time period. Developmental changes in sucrose phosphate synthase activity were measured with limiting substrate (plus Pi) and saturating substrate concentrations. Activities were not parallel under the two assay conditions, providing tentative evidence that kinetically different forms of the enzyme may exist at different stages of ripening. Sucrose accumulation rate was most highly correlated with sucrose phosphate synthase activity assayed with limiting substrate concentrations (plus Pi). The cumulative amount of CO(2) respired during ripening was positively correlated with sugar accumulation (R(2) = 0.97). From this linear regression it was calculated that a constant 0.605 millimoles of CO(2) was evolved per mole of sucrose formed throughout ripening. Using this quantity, the percentage of the total respiratory ATP produced which was required for the conversion of starch to sucrose was calculated assuming different models for carbon export from the amyloplast. The results suggest that sucrose biosynthesis during ripening constitutes a significant sink for respiratory ATP.

Role of Sucrose Phosphate Synthase in Sucrose Biosynthesis in Ripening Bananas and Its Relationship to the Respiratory Climacteric 1

PubMed Central

Hubbard, Natalie L.; Pharr, D. Mason; Huber, Steven C.

1990-01-01

During ripening of bananas (Musa spp. [AAA group, Cavendish subgroup]), there is a massive conversion of starch to sucrose. Also during ripening there is a rise in respiration known as the respiratory climacteric. In this study changes in carbohydrate content, activities of starch and sucrose metabolizing enzymes, and respiration were measured to assess their potential interrelationships. Sucrose phosphate synthase activity increased dramatically during the first 4 days after initiation of ripening by ethylene treatment. Starch concentration decreased and sucrose concentration increased during this time period. Developmental changes in sucrose phosphate synthase activity were measured with limiting substrate (plus Pi) and saturating substrate concentrations. Activities were not parallel under the two assay conditions, providing tentative evidence that kinetically different forms of the enzyme may exist at different stages of ripening. Sucrose accumulation rate was most highly correlated with sucrose phosphate synthase activity assayed with limiting substrate concentrations (plus Pi). The cumulative amount of CO2 respired during ripening was positively correlated with sugar accumulation (R2 = 0.97). From this linear regression it was calculated that a constant 0.605 millimoles of CO2 was evolved per mole of sucrose formed throughout ripening. Using this quantity, the percentage of the total respiratory ATP produced which was required for the conversion of starch to sucrose was calculated assuming different models for carbon export from the amyloplast. The results suggest that sucrose biosynthesis during ripening constitutes a significant sink for respiratory ATP. PMID:16667688

Preparation of Trivalent Chromium and Rare Earth Composite Conversion Coating on Aluminum Alloy Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Jianzhen

2018-01-01

In this paper, the surface conversion film on 6063 aluminum alloy was prepared by chemical plating process with chromium sulfate, lanthanum sulfate and sodium phosphate as film forming agent. The corrosion resistance and surface morphology of the conversion film were analyzed by pitting corrosion test of copper sulfate and SEM. The results show that when Cr2(SO4)3 is 10 g/L, La2(SO4)3 is 2 g/L, Na3PO4 is 8 g/L, pH value is 3, temperature is 40 °C, reaction time is 10 min, the corrosion resistance of the surface conversion film is the best. The conversion coating is light green, composed of Cr, La, P, Al, O and other elements.

X-ray diffraction investigation of amorphous calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite under ultra-high hydrostatic pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lam, Elisa; Gu, Qinfen; Swedlund, Peter J.; Marchesseau, Sylvie; Hemar, Yacine

2015-11-01

The changes in the crystal structures of synthetically prepared amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) in water (1:1 mass ratio) were studied by synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) under ultra-high hydrostatic pressures as high as 2.34 GPa for ACP and 4 GPa for HAP. At ambient pressure, the XRD patterns of the ACP and HAP samples in capillary tubes and their environmental scanning electron micrographs indicated amorphous and crystalline characteristics for ACP and HAP, respectively. At pressures greater than 0.25 GPa, an additional broad peak was observed in the XRD pattern of the ACP phase, indicating a partial phase transition from an amorphous phase to a new high-pressure amorphous phase. The peak areas and positions of the ACP phase, as obtained through fitting of the experimental data, indicated that the ACP exhibited increased pseudo-crystalline behavior at pressures greater than 0.96 GPa. Conversely, no structural changes were observed for the HAP phase up to the highest applied pressure of 4 GPa. For HAP, a unit-cell reduction during compression was evidenced by a reduction in both refined lattice parameters a and c. Both ACP and HAP reverted to their original structures when the pressure was fully released to ambient pressure.

Behavior of carbonate and magnesium ions in the initial crystallites at the early developmental stages of the rat calvaria.

PubMed

Kakei, M; Nakahara, H; Tamura, N; Itoh, H; Kumegawa, M

1997-08-01

Analysis of the contents of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphate, and carbonate ions in the mineral phase of rat calvaria specimens obtained at different developmental stages indicated that the mineral at the newborn stage contained a negligible amount of carbonate, but a high content of Mg. There was no significant difference in Ca and phosphate (as PO4) contents between the newborn material and that from later stages. A relatively large amount of carbonate was detected in the calvaria from 6-day-old rats, in which only immature crystals were observed, thus indicating the beginning of apatite formation. Furthermore, using laser Raman microprobe analysis we confirmed that the Raman peak at 1120 cm-1 band, indicative of a Mg-CO3 compound, appeared at the 6-day stage. We also observed that the Raman peak at 988 cm-1 found in the samples from the newborn seemed to have shifted to 963-962 cm-1 in the case of those obtained from 6-day-old rats, a shift which suggests the conversion from the non-apatitic to the apatitic form. These results indicate that carbonate ions might facilitate the initiation of crystal development by converting the inhibitory Mg ion into its inactive form (Mg-carbonate compound).

G6pd Deficiency Does Not Affect the Cytosolic Glutathione or Thioredoxin Antioxidant Defense in Mouse Cochlea.

PubMed

White, Karessa; Kim, Mi-Jung; Ding, Dalian; Han, Chul; Park, Hyo-Jin; Meneses, Zaimary; Tanokura, Masaru; Linser, Paul; Salvi, Richard; Someya, Shinichi

2017-06-07

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway; it catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconate and NADP + to NADPH and is thought to be the principal source of NADPH for the cytosolic glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant defense systems. We investigated the roles of G6PD in the cytosolic antioxidant defense in the cochlea of G6pd hypomorphic mice that were backcrossed onto normal-hearing CBA/CaJ mice. Young G6pd -deficient mice displayed a significant decrease in cytosolic G6PD protein levels and activities in the inner ears. However, G6pd deficiency did not affect the cytosolic NADPH redox state, or glutathione or thioredoxin antioxidant defense in the inner ears. No histological abnormalities or oxidative damage was observed in the cochlea of G6pd hemizygous males or homozygous females. Furthermore, G6pd deficiency did not affect auditory brainstem response hearing thresholds, wave I amplitudes or wave I latencies in young males or females. In contrast, G6pd deficiency resulted in increased activities and protein levels of cytosolic isocitrate dehydrogenase 1, an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of isocitrate to α-ketoglutarate and NADP + to NADPH, in the inner ear. In a mouse inner ear cell line, knockdown of Idh1 , but not G6pd , decreased cell growth rates, cytosolic NADPH levels, and thioredoxin reductase activities. Therefore, under normal physiological conditions, G6pd deficiency does not affect the cytosolic glutathione or thioredoxin antioxidant defense in mouse cochlea. Under G6pd deficiency conditions, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 likely functions as the principal source of NADPH for cytosolic antioxidant defense in the cochlea. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway; it catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconate and NADP + to NADPH and is thought to be the principal source of NADPH for the cytosolic glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant defense systems. In the current study, we show that, under normal physiological conditions, G6pd deficiency does not affect the cytosolic glutathione or thioredoxin antioxidant defense in the mouse cochlea. However, under G6pd deficiency conditions, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 likely functions as the principal source of NADPH for cytosolic antioxidant defense in the cochlea. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/375770-12$15.00/0.

In Vitro Degradation Behaviors of Manganese-Calcium Phosphate Coatings on an Mg-Ca-Zn Alloy

PubMed Central

Su, Yichang; Su, Yingchao; Zai, Wei

2018-01-01

In order to decrease the degradation rate of magnesium (Mg) alloys for the potential orthopedic applications, manganese-calcium phosphate coatings were prepared on an Mg-Ca-Zn alloy in calcium phosphating solutions with different addition of Mn2+. Influence of Mn content on degradation behaviors of phosphate coatings in the simulated body fluid was investigated to obtain the optimum coating. With the increasing Mn addition, the corrosion resistance of the manganese-calcium phosphate coatings was gradually improved. The optimum coating prepared in solution containing 0.05 mol/L Mn2+ had a uniform and compact microstructure and was composed of MnHPO4·3H2O, CaHPO4·2H2O, and Ca3(PO4)2. The electrochemical corrosion test in simulated body fluid revealed that polarization resistance of the optimum coating is 36273 Ωcm2, which is about 11 times higher than that of phosphate coating without Mn addition. The optimum coating also showed the most stable surface structure and lowest hydrogen release in the immersion test in simulated body fluid. PMID:29643970

Non-linear hydroxyl radical formation rate in dispersions containing mixtures of pyrite and chalcopyrite particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaur, Jasmeet; Schoonen, Martin A.

2017-06-01

The formation of hydroxyl radicals was studied in mixed pyrite-chalcopyrite dispersions in water using the conversion rate of adenine as a proxy for hydroxyl radical formation rate. Experiments were conducted as a function of pH, presence of phosphate buffer, surface loading, and pyrite-to-chalcopyrite ratio. The results indicate that hydroxyl radical formation rate in mixed systems is non-linear with respect to the rates in the pure endmember dispersions. The only exception is a set of experiments in which phosphate buffer is used. In the presence of phosphate buffer, the hydroxyl radical formation is suppressed in mixtures and the rate is close to that predicted based on the reaction kinetics of the pure endmembers. The non-linear hydroxyl radical formation in dispersions containing mixtures of pyrite and chalcopyrite is likely the result of two complementary processes. One is the fact that pyrite and chalcopyrite form a galvanic couple. In this arrangement, chalcopyrite oxidation is accelerated, while pyrite passes electrons withdrawn from chalcopyrite to molecular oxygen, the oxidant. The incomplete reduction of molecular oxygen leads to the formation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical. The galvanic coupling appears to be augmented by the fact that chalcopyrite generates a significant amount of hydrogen peroxide upon dispersal in water. This hydrogen peroxide is then available for conversion to hydroxyl radical, which appears to be facilitated by pyrite as chalcopyrite itself produces only minor amounts of hydroxyl radical. In essence, pyrite is a ;co-factor; that facilitates the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radical. This conversion reaction is a surface-mediated reaction. Given that hydroxyl radical is one of the most reactive species in nature, the formation of hydroxyl radicals in aqueous systems containing chalcopyrite and pyrite has implications for the stability of organic molecules, biomolecules, the viability of microbes, and exposure to dust containing the two metal sulfides may present a health burden.

Glucose buffer is suitable for blood group conversion with α-N acetylgalactosaminidase and α-galactosidase

PubMed Central

Gao, Hong-Wei; Li, Su-Bo; Bao, Guo-Qiang; Zhang, Xue; Li, Hui; Wang, Ying-Li; Tan, Ying-Xia; Ji, Shou-Ping; Gong, Feng

2014-01-01

Background It is well known that the buffer plays a key role in the enzymatic reaction involved in blood group conversion. In previous study, we showed that a glycine buffer is suitable for A to O or B to O blood group conversion. In this study, we investigated the use of 5% glucose and other buffers for A to O or B to O blood group conversion by α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase or α-galactosidase. Materials and methods We compared the binding ability of α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase/α-galactosidase with red blood cells (RBC) in different reaction buffers, such as normal saline, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a disodium hydrogen phosphate-based buffer (PCS), and 5% commercial glucose solution. The doses of enzymes necessary for the A/B to O conversion in different reaction buffers were determined and compared. The enzymes’ ability to bind to RBC was evaluated by western blotting, and routine blood typing and fluorescence activated cell sorting was used to evaluate B/A to O conversion efficiency. Results The A to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.06 mg/mL pRBC). B to O conversion efficiency in glucose buffer was also similar to that in glycine buffer with the same dose (>0.005 mg/mL pRBC). Most enzymes could bind with RBC in glycine or glucose buffer, but few enzymes could bind with RBC in PBS, PCS, or normal saline. Conclusion These results indicate that 5% glucose solution provides a suitable condition for enzymolysis, especially for enzymes combining with RBC. Meanwhile, the conversion efficiency of A/B to O was similar in glucose buffer and glycine buffer. Moreover, 5% glucose solution has been used for years in venous transfusion, it is safe for humans and its cost is lower. Our results do, therefore, suggest that 5% glucose solution could become a novel suitable buffer for A/B to O blood group conversion. PMID:24333060

Overexpression, crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of erythronate-4-phosphate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PubMed

Ha, Jun Yong; Lee, Ji Hyun; Kim, Kyoung Hoon; Kim, Do Jin; Lee, Hyung Ho; Kim, Hye-Kyung; Yoon, Hye-Jin; Suh, Se Won

2006-02-01

The enzyme erythronate-4-phosphate dehydrogenase catalyses the conversion of erythronate-4-phosphate to 3-hydroxy-4-phospho-hydroxy-alpha-ketobutyrate. It belongs to the D-isomer-specific 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase family. It is essential for de novo biosynthesis of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Erythronate-4-phosphate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a homodimeric enzyme consisting of two identical 380-residue subunits, has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli with a C-terminal purification tag and crystallized at 297 K using 0.7 M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.4 M ammonium tartrate, 0.1 M sodium citrate pH 5.6 and 10 mM cupric chloride. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.20 A from a crystal grown in the presence of NADH. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1), with unit-cell parameters a = 84.77, b = 101.28, c = 142.58 A. A dimeric molecule is present in the asymmetric unit, giving a crystal volume per protein weight (VM) of 3.64 A3 Da(-1) and a solvent content of 66%.

Extraction and characterisation of apatite- and tricalcium phosphate-based materials from cod fish bones.

PubMed

Piccirillo, C; Silva, M F; Pullar, R C; Braga da Cruz, I; Jorge, R; Pintado, M M E; Castro, P M L

2013-01-01

Apatite- and tricalcium phosphate-based materials were produced from codfish bones, thus converting a waste by-product from the food industry into high added-valued compounds. The bones were annealed at temperatures between 900 and 1200 °C, giving a biphasic material of hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 and β-Ca(PO4)3) with a molar proportion of 75:25, a material widely used in biomedical implants. The treatment of the bones in solution prior to their annealing changed the composition of the material. Single phase hydroxyapatite, chlorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6Cl2) and fluorapatite (Ca10(PO4)6F2) were obtained using CaCl2 and NaF solutions, respectively. The samples were analysed by several techniques (X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis) and by elemental analyses, to have a more complete understanding of the conversion process. Such compositional modifications have never been performed before for these materials of natural origin to tailor the relative concentrations of elements. This paper shows the great potential for the conversion of this by-product into highly valuable compounds for biomedical applications, using a simple and effective valorisation process. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adipose cell differentiation: evidence for a two-step process in the polyamine-dependent Ob1754 clonal line.

PubMed Central

Amri, E Z; Dani, C; Doglio, A; Etienne, J; Grimaldi, P; Ailhaud, G

1986-01-01

A subclone of preadipocyte Ob17 cells has been isolated (Ob1754 clonal line). Confluent Ob1754 cells treated with an inhibitor of spermidine and spermine synthesis, methylglyoxal bis(guanylhydrazone), were totally dependent upon putrescine addition for the expression of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase which behaved as a late marker of adipose conversion. Under these conditions, the early expression of lipoprotein lipase during growth arrest remained unchanged. Studies at the mRNA level showed that the expression of unidentified pOb24 and pGH3 mRNAs, which was parallel to that of lipoprotein lipase, is independent of polyamine addition whereas the late emergence of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase mRNA was putrescine-dependent and co-ordinated with the expression of pAL422 mRNA encoding for a myelin-P2 homologue [Bernlohr, Angus, Lane, Bolanowski & Kelly (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81, 5468-5472]. The appearance of lipoprotein lipase preceded DNA synthesis and post-confluent mitoses which were both putrescine-dependent and which took place before the appearance of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Thus the adipose conversion of Ob1754 cells involves the expression of at least two separate sets of markers which are differently regulated. Images Fig. 3. Fig. 6. PMID:3800927

Subcellular distribution of gluconeogenetic enzymes in germinating castor bean endosperm

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

Nishimura, M.; Beevers, H.

1979-07-01

The intracellular distribution of enzymes capable of catalyzing the reactions from oxaloacetate to sucrose in germinating castor bean endosperm has been studied by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. One set of glycolytic enzyme activities was detected in the plastids and another in the cytosol. The percentages of their activities in the plastids were less than 10% of total activities except for aldolase and fructose diphosphatase. The activities of several of the enzymes present in the plastids seem to be too low to account for the in vivo rate of gluconeogenesis whereas those in the cytosol are quite adequate. Furthermore, phosphoenolypyruvate carboxykinase,more » sucrose phosphate synthetase, and sucrose synthetase, which catalyze the first and final steps in the conversion of oxaloacetate to sucrose, were found only in the cytosol. It is deduced that in germinating castor bean endosperm the complete conversion of oxaloacetate to sucrose and CO/sub 2/ occurs in the cytosol. The plastids contain some enzymes of the pentose phosphate pathway, pyruvate dehydrogenase and fatty acid synthetase in addition to the set of glycolytic enzymes. This suggests that the role of the plastid in the endosperm of germinating castor bean is the production of fatty acids from sugar phosphates, as it is known to be in the endosperm during seed development.« less

Temperature-insensitive phase-matched optical harmonic conversion crystal

DOEpatents

Barker, Charles E.; Eimerl, David; Velsko, Stephan P.; Roberts, David

1993-01-01

Temperature-insensitive, phase-matched harmomic frequency conversion of laser light at a preferred wavelength of 1.064 microns can be achieved by use of a crystal of deuterated l-arginine phosphate. The crystal is cut and oriented so that the laser light propagates inside the crystal along one of several required directions, which correspond to a temperature-insensitive, phase-matching locus. The method of measuring and calculating the temperature-insensitive, phase-matching angles can be extended to other fundamental wavelengths and other crystal compositions.

Temperature-insensitive phase-matched optical harmonic conversion crystal

DOEpatents

Barker, C.E.; Eimerl, D.; Velsko, S.P.; Roberts, D.

1993-11-23

Temperature-insensitive, phase-matched harmonic frequency conversion of laser light at a preferred wavelength of 1.064 microns can be achieved by use of a crystal of deuterated l-arginine phosphate. The crystal is cut and oriented so that the laser light propagates inside the crystal along one of several required directions, which correspond to a temperature-insensitive, phase-matching locus. The method of measuring and calculating the temperature-insensitive, phase-matching angles can be extended to other fundamental wavelengths and other crystal compositions. 12 figures.

Glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase from Erwinia amylovora: Activity, structure and substrate specificity.

PubMed

Benini, Stefano; Toccafondi, Mirco; Rejzek, Martin; Musiani, Francesco; Wagstaff, Ben A; Wuerges, Jochen; Cianci, Michele; Field, Robert A

2017-11-01

Erwinia amylovora, a Gram-negative plant pathogen, is the causal agent of Fire Blight, a contagious necrotic disease affecting plants belonging to the Rosaceae family, including apple and pear. E. amylovora is highly virulent and capable of rapid dissemination in orchards; effective control methods are still lacking. One of its most important pathogenicity factors is the exopolysaccharide amylovoran. Amylovoran is a branched polymer made by the repetition of units mainly composed of galactose, with some residues of glucose, glucuronic acid and pyruvate. E. amylovora glucose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase, EC 2.7.7.9) has a key role in amylovoran biosynthesis. This enzyme catalyses the production of UDP-glucose from glucose-1-phosphate and UTP, which the epimerase GalE converts into UDP-galactose, the main building block of amylovoran. We determined EaGalU kinetic parameters and substrate specificity with a range of sugar 1-phosphates. At time point 120min the enzyme catalysed conversion of the sugar 1-phosphate into the corresponding UDP-sugar reached 74% for N-acetyl-α-d-glucosamine 1-phosphate, 28% for α-d-galactose 1-phosphate, 0% for α-d-galactosamine 1-phosphate, 100% for α-d-xylose 1-phosphate, 100% for α-d-glucosamine 1-phosphate, 70% for α-d-mannose 1-phosphate, and 0% for α-d-galacturonic acid 1-phosphate. To explain our results we obtained the crystal structure of EaGalU and augmented our study by docking the different sugar 1-phosphates into EaGalU active site, providing both reliable models for substrate binding and enzyme specificity, and a rationale that explains the different activity of EaGalU on the sugar 1-phosphates used. These data demonstrate EaGalU potential as a biocatalyst for biotechnological purposes, as an alternative to the enzyme from Escherichia coli, besides playing an important role in E. amylovora pathogenicity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of Mg2+ on acidic calcium phosphate phases grown by electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia, Matheus Bento; Júnior, José Pedro Gualberto; Macedo, Michelle Cardinale S. S.; Resende, Cristiane Xavier; dos Santos, Euler Araujo

2017-10-01

In this work, the effect of Mg2+ ions on the electrodeposition of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) crystals on a commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) substrate was evaluated. We demonstrated that Mg2+ ions could change the morphology of the coatings by inhibiting the growth rate of the OCP and CDHA crystals and diminishing the crystallite size of DCPD. The inhibition effect on OCP and CDHA was most likely due to a surface adsorption mechanism since no evidence of a doping process was observed using Rietveld refinement and electron diffraction analyses. Conversely, the presence of Mg2+ ions generated a favorable condition for the nucleation of a new Mg2+-rich DCPD crystal population, presenting smaller crystallite sizes.

A construction of novel iron-foam-based calcium phosphate/chitosan coating biodegradable scaffold material.

PubMed

Wen, Zhaohui; Zhang, Liming; Chen, Chao; Liu, Yibo; Wu, Changjun; Dai, Changsong

2013-04-01

Slow corrosion rate and poor bioactivity restrict iron-based implants in biomedical application. In this study, we design a new iron-foam-based calcium phosphate/chitosan coating biodegradable composites offering a priority mechanical and bioactive property for bone tissue engineering through electrophoretic deposition (EPD) followed by a conversion process into a phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Tensile test results showed that the mechanical property of iron foam could be regulated through altering the construction of polyurethane foam. The priority coatings were deposited from 40% nano hydroxyapatite (nHA)/ethanol suspension mixed with 60% nHA/chitosan-acetic acid aqueous solution. In vitro immersion test showed that oxidation-iron foam as the matrix decreased the amount of iron implanted and had not influence on the bioactivity of this implant, obviously. So, this method could also be a promising method for the preparation of a new calcium phosphate/chitosan coating on foam construction. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Resorption Rate Tunable Bioceramic: Si, Zn-Modified Tricalcium Phosphate

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

Wei, Xiang

2006-01-01

This dissertation is organized in an alternate format. Several manuscripts which have already been published or are to be submitted for publication have been included as separate chapters. Chapter 1 is a general introduction which describes the dissertation organization and introduces the human bone and ceramic materials as bone substitute. Chapter 2 is the background and literature review on dissolution behavior of calcium phosphate, and discussion of motivation for this research. Chapter 3 is a manuscript entitled ''Si,Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate: a phase composition and crystal structure study'', which was published in ''Key Engineering Materials'' [1]. Chapter 4 gives more crystalmore » structure details by neutron powder diffraction, which identifies the position for Si and Zn substitution and explains the stabilization mechanism of the structure. A manuscript entitled ''Crystal structure analysis of Si, Zn-modified Tricalcium phosphate by Neutron Powder Diffraction'' will be submitted to Biomaterials [2]. Chapter 5 is a manuscript, entitled ''Dissolution behavior and cytotoxicity test of Si, Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate'', which is to be submitted to Biomaterials [3]. This paper discusses the additives effect on the dissolution behavior of TCP, and cytotoxicity test result is also included. Chapter 6 is the study of hydrolysis process of {alpha}-tricalcium phosphate in the simulated body fluid, and the phase development during drying process is discussed. A manuscript entitled ''Hydrolysis of {alpha}-tricalcium phosphate in simulated body fluid and phase transformation during drying process'' is to be submitted to Biomaterials [4]. Ozan Ugurlu is included as co-authors in these two papers due to his TEM contributions. Appendix A is the general introduction of the materials synthesis, crystal structure and preliminary dissolution result. A manuscript entitled ''Resorption rate tunable bioceramic: Si and Zn-modified tricalcium phosphate'' was published in Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceedings (the 29th International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites - Advances in Bioceramics and Biocomposites) [5].« less

Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings: Status Update

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-02-01

Phosphate Alternatives for Ferrous  Low Solar Absorbing and Insulative Reactive or self decontaminating • Super hydrophobic & olephobic coatings • UV... epoxy primer (0.8 - 1.2 mils) Substrate (ferrous or nonferrous) CARC Camouflage Polyurethane Topcoat (1.8 mil) Chemical Conversion Coating (0.2-0.3

NON-POLLUTING REPLACEMENT FOR CHROMATE CONVERSION COATING & ZINC PHOSPHATING IN POWDER COATING APPLICATIONS

EPA Science Inventory

Picklex, a proprietary formulation, is an alternative to conventional metal surface pretreatments. Its developers claim that it does not produce waste or lower production rates, and it will maintain performance compared to conventional processes. A laboratory program was designed...

Characteristics of optical parametric oscillator synchronously pumped by Yb:KGW laser and based on periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vengelis, Julius; Tumas, Adomas; Pipinytė, Ieva; Kuliešaitė, Miglė; Tamulienė, Viktorija; Jarutis, Vygandas; Grigonis, Rimantas; Sirutkaitis, Valdas

2018-03-01

We present experimental data and numerical simulation results obtained during investigation of synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator (SPOPO) pumped by femtosecond Yb:KGW laser (central wavelength at 1033 nm). The nonlinear medium for parametric generation was periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal (PPKTP). Maximum parametric light conversion efficiency from pump power to signal power was more than 37.5% at λs=1530 nm wavelength, whereas the achieved signal wave continuous tuning range was from 1470 nm to 1970 nm with signal pulse durations ranging from 91 fs to roughly 280 fs. We demonstrated wavelength tuning by changing cavity length and PPKTP crystal grating period and also discussed net cavity group delay dispersion (GDD) influence on SPOPO output radiation characteristics. The achieved high pump to signal conversion efficiency and easy wavelength tuning make this device a very promising alternative to Ti:sapphire based SPOPOs as a source of continuously tunable femtosecond laser radiation in the near and mid-IR range.

Identification of the hydrate gel phases present in phosphate-modified calcium aluminate binders

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

Chavda, Mehul A.; Bernal, Susan A.; Apperley, David C.

The conversion of hexagonal calcium aluminate hydrates to cubic phases in hydrated calcium aluminate cements (CAC) can involve undesirable porosity changes and loss of strength. Modification of CAC by phosphate addition avoids conversion, by altering the nature of the reaction products, yielding a stable amorphous gel instead of the usual crystalline hydrate products. Here, details of the environments of aluminium and phosphorus in this gel were elucidated using solid-state NMR and complementary techniques. Aluminium is identified in both octahedral and tetrahedral coordination states, and phosphorus is present in hydrous environments with varying, but mostly low, degrees of crosslinking. A {supmore » 31}P/{sup 27}Al rotational echo adiabatic passage double resonance (REAPDOR) experiment showed the existence of aluminium–phosphorus interactions, confirming the formation of a hydrated calcium aluminophosphate gel as a key component of the binding phase. This resolves previous disagreements in the literature regarding the nature of the disordered products forming in this system.« less

Biological conversion of biogas to methanol using methanotrophs isolated from solid-state anaerobic digestate.

PubMed

Sheets, Johnathon P; Ge, Xumeng; Li, Yueh-Fen; Yu, Zhongtang; Li, Yebo

2016-02-01

The aim of this work was to isolate methanotrophs (methane oxidizing bacteria) that can directly convert biogas produced at a commercial anaerobic digestion (AD) facility to methanol. A methanotrophic bacterium was isolated from solid-state anaerobic digestate. The isolate had characteristics comparable to obligate methanotrophs from the genus Methylocaldum. This newly isolated methanotroph grew on biogas or purified CH4 and successfully converted biogas from AD to methanol. Methanol production was achieved using several methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) inhibitors and formate as an electron donor. The isolate also produced methanol using phosphate with no electron donor or using formate with no MDH inhibitor. The maximum methanol concentration (0.43±0.00gL(-1)) and 48-h CH4 to methanol conversion (25.5±1.1%) were achieved using biogas as substrate and a growth medium containing 50mM phosphate and 80mM formate. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conversation Therapy with People with Aphasia and Conversation Partners using Video Feedback: A Group and Case Series Investigation of Changes in Interaction

PubMed Central

Best, Wendy; Maxim, Jane; Heilemann, Claudia; Beckley, Firle; Johnson, Fiona; Edwards, Susan I.; Howard, David; Beeke, Suzanne

2016-01-01

Conversation therapies employing video for feedback and to facilitate outcome measurement are increasingly used with people with post-stroke aphasia and their conversation partners; however the evidence base for change in everyday interaction remains limited. We investigated the effect of Better Conversations with Aphasia (BCA), an intervention that is freely available online at https://extend.ucl.ac.uk/. Eight people with chronic agrammatic aphasia, and their regular conversation partners participated in the tailored 8 week program involving significant video feedback. We explored changes in: (i) conversation facilitators (such as multi-modal turns by people with aphasia); and (ii) conversation barriers (such as use of test questions by conversation partners). The outcome of intervention was evaluated directly by measuring change in video-recorded everyday conversations. The study employed a pre-post design with multiple 5 minute samples of conversation before and after intervention, scored by trained raters blind to the point of data collection. Group level analysis showed no significant increase in conversation facilitators. There was, however, a significant reduction in the number of conversation barriers. The case series data revealed variability in conversation behaviors across occasions for the same dyad and between different dyads. Specifically, post-intervention there was a significant increase in facilitator behaviors for two dyads, a decrease for one and no significant change for five dyads. There was a significant decrease in barrier behaviors for five dyads and no significant change for three dyads. The reduction in barrier behaviors was considerable; on average change from over eight to fewer than three barrier behaviors in 5 minutes of conversation. The pre-post design has the limitation of no comparison group. However, change occurs in targeted conversational behaviors and in people with chronic aphasia and their partners. The findings suggest change can occur after eight therapy sessions and have implications for clinical practice. A reduction in barrier behaviors may be easier to obtain, although the controlled case series results demonstrate a significant increase in conversation facilitators is also possible. The rehabilitation tool is available online and video technology was central to delivering intervention and evaluating change. PMID:27872588

In-situ phosphatizing coatings for aerospace, OEM and coil coating applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Neuder, Heather Aurelia

The current metal coating process is a multi-step process. The surface is cleaned, primered, dried and then painted. The process is labor intensive and time consuming. The wash primer is a conversion coating, which prepares metal surface for better paint adhesion. The wash primers currently used often contain hexavalent chromium (Cr6+), which seals the pores in the conversion coating. The presence of hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) make waste disposal expensive and pose dangers to workers. The novel technique of in-situ phosphatizing coating (ISPC) is a single-step, chrome-free alternative to the present coating practice. Formulation of an ISPC involves predispersal of an in-situ phosphatizing reagent (ISPR) into the paint system to form a stable formulation. The ISPR reacts with the metal surface and bonds with the paint film simultaneously, which eliminates the need for a conversion coating. In acid catalyzed paint systems, such as polyester-melamine paints, the ISPR also catalyzes cross-linking reactions between the melamine and the polyester polyols. ISPCs are formulated using commercially available coating systems including: polyester-melamine, two-component epoxy, polyurethane and high-hydroxy content polyester-melamine coil coating. The ISPCs are applied to metal substrates and their performances are evaluated using electrochemical, thermal and standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) testing methods. In addition, ISPCs were designed and formulated based on: (1) phosphate chemistry, (2) polymer chemistry, (3) sol-gel chemistry, and (4) the ion-exchange principle. Organo-functionalized silanes, which serve as excellent coupling and dispersion agents, are incorporated into the optimized ISPC formula and evaluated using standard ASTM testing methods and electrochemical spectroscopy. Also, an ion-exchange pigment, which leads to better adhesion by forming a mixed metal silicate surface, is dispersed into an ISPC and the performance of the final coating formulation is evaluated. Successful ISPCs formulated for multiple coating systems exhibited excellent adhesion, hardness and gloss, which supports their suitability as a chrome-free, single-step alternative for aerospace, original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and coil coating applications.

Studies on the electrochemical behavior of thiazolidine and its applications using a flow-through chronoamperometric sensor based on a gold electrode.

PubMed

Wang, Lai-Hao; Li, Wen-Jie

2011-09-06

The electrochemical behaviors of thiazolidine (tetrahydrothiazole) on gold and platinum electrodes were investigated in a Britton-Robinson buffer (pH 2.77-11.61), acetate buffer (pH 4.31), phosphate buffer solutions (pH 2.11 and 6.38) and methanol or acetonitrile containing various supporting electrolytes. Detection was based on a gold wire electrochemical signal obtained with a supporting electrolyte containing 20% methanol-1.0 mM of phosphate buffer (pH 6.87, potassium dihydrogen phosphate and dipotassium hydrogen phosphate) as the mobile phase. Comparison with results obtained with a commercial amperometric detector shows good agreement. Using the chronoamperometric sensor with the current at a constant potential, and measurements with suitable experimental parameters, a linear concentration from 0.05 to 16 mg L-1 was found. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method for thiazolidine was found to be 1 ng.

Phosphate conversion coating reduces the degradation rate and suppresses side effects of metallic magnesium implants in an animal model.

PubMed

Rahim, Muhammad Imran; Tavares, Ana; Evertz, Florian; Kieke, Marc; Seitz, Jan-Marten; Eifler, Rainer; Weizbauer, Andreas; Willbold, Elmar; Jürgen Maier, Hans; Glasmacher, Birgit; Behrens, Peter; Hauser, Hansjörg; Mueller, Peter P

2017-08-01

Magnesium alloys have promising mechanical and biological properties for the development of degradable implants. However, rapid implant corrosion and gas accumulations in tissue impede clinical applications. With time, the implant degradation rate is reduced by a highly biocompatible, phosphate-containing corrosion layer. To circumvent initial side effects after implantation it was attempted to develop a simple in vitro procedure to generate a similarly protective phosphate corrosion layer. To this end magnesium samples were pre-incubated in phosphate solutions. The resulting coating was well adherent during routine handling procedures. It completely suppressed the initial burst of corrosion and it reduced the average in vitro magnesium degradation rate over 56 days almost two-fold. In a small animal model phosphate coatings on magnesium implants were highly biocompatible and abrogated the appearance of gas cavities in the tissue. After implantation, the phosphate coating was replaced by a layer with an elemental composition that was highly similar to the corrosion layer that had formed on plain magnesium implants. The data demonstrate that a simple pre-treatment could improve clinically relevant properties of magnesium-based implants. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1622-1635, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Controlling initial biodegradation of magnesium by a biocompatible strontium phosphate conversion coating.

PubMed

Chen, X B; Nisbet, D R; Li, R W; Smith, P N; Abbott, T B; Easton, M A; Zhang, D-H; Birbilis, N

2014-03-01

A simple strontium phosphate (SrP) conversion coating process was developed to protect magnesium (Mg) from the initial degradation post-implantation. The coating morphology, deposition rate and resultant phases are all dependent on the processing temperature, which determines the protective ability for Mg in minimum essential medium (MEM). Coatings produced at 80 °C are primarily made up of strontium apatite (SrAp) with a granular surface, a high degree of crystallinity and the highest protective ability, which arises from retarding anodic dissolution of Mg in MEM. Following 14 days' immersion in MEM, the SrAp coating maintained its integrity with only a small fraction of the surface corroded. The post-degradation effect of uncoated Mg and Mg coated at 40 and 80 °C on the proliferation and differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells was also studied, revealing that the SrP coatings are biocompatible and permit proliferation to a level similar to that of pure Mg. The present study suggests that the SrP conversion coating is a promising option for controlling the early rapid degradation rate, and hence hydrogen gas evolution, of Mg implants without adverse effects on surrounding cells and tissues. Copyright © 2013 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of Lowering Dialysate Calcium Concentration on Mineral and Bone Disorders in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients: Conversion from 3.0 mEq/L to 2.75 mEq/L.

PubMed

Yamada, Shunsuke; Ueki, Kenji; Tokumoto, Masanori; Suehiro, Takaichi; Kimura, Hiroshi; Taniguchi, Masatomo; Fujimi, Satoru; Kitazono, Takanari; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko

2016-02-01

Selection of a lower dialysate calcium concentration (DCa) can reduce calcium burden and prevent vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. However, decreased DCa can worsen mineral and bone disorders. This 1-year retrospective observational study evaluated 121 hemodialysis patients at Fukuoka Renal Clinic who underwent conversion of DCa from 3.0 mEq/L to 2.75 mEq/L. The primary outcomes were changes in serum levels of calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone (PTH). The effects of baseline serum calcium and PTH levels on changes in biochemical parameters were also determined. One year after DCa conversion, mean serum calcium level decreased, while serum phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and PTH concentrations increased. The rate of achievement of target PTH was higher in patients with lower serum PTH level at baseline, while patients with higher baseline serum PTH level tended to exceed the upper limit of the PTH target range. Patients with higher baseline serum calcium concentration showed a greater decrease in serum calcium level and a greater increase in serum PTH level at 1 year. Patients with a lower baseline serum PTH level can benefit from optimal PTH control following conversion of DCa from 3.0 mEq/L to 2.75 mEq/L. However, secondary hyperparathyroidism may be exacerbated in some patients with higher baseline serum calcium (Ca) and PTH levels. These results indicate that an individualized approach can maximize the benefits of Ca unloading after conversion to lower DCa. © 2015 International Society for Apheresis, Japanese Society for Apheresis, and Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy.

Evolution of the degradation mechanism of pure zinc stent in the one-year study of rabbit abdominal aorta model.

PubMed

Yang, Hongtao; Wang, Cong; Liu, Chaoqiang; Chen, Houwen; Wu, Yifan; Han, Jintao; Jia, Zichang; Lin, Wenjiao; Zhang, Deyuan; Li, Wenting; Yuan, Wei; Guo, Hui; Li, Huafang; Yang, Guangxin; Kong, Deling; Zhu, Donghui; Takashima, Kazuki; Ruan, Liqun; Nie, Jianfeng; Li, Xuan; Zheng, Yufeng

2017-11-01

In the present study, pure zinc stents were implanted into the abdominal aorta of rabbits for 12 months. Multiscale analysis including micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and histological stainings was performed to reveal the fundamental degradation mechanism of the pure zinc stent and its biocompatibility. The pure zinc stent was able to maintain mechanical integrity for 6 months and degraded 41.75 ± 29.72% of stent volume after 12 months implantation. No severe inflammation, platelet aggregation, thrombosis formation or obvious intimal hyperplasia was observed at all time points after implantation. The degradation of the zinc stent played a beneficial role in the artery remodeling and healing process. The evolution of the degradation mechanism of pure zinc stents with time was revealed as follows: Before endothelialization, dynamic blood flow dominated the degradation of pure zinc stent, creating a uniform corrosion mode; After endothelialization, the degradation of pure zinc stent depended on the diffusion of water molecules, hydrophilic solutes and ions which led to localized corrosion. Zinc phosphate generated in blood flow transformed into zinc oxide and small amounts of calcium phosphate during the conversion of degradation microenvironment. The favorable physiological degradation behavior makes zinc a promising candidate for future stent applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

In situ DRIFTS investigation of NH3-SCR reaction over CeO2/zirconium phosphate catalyst

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Qiulin; Fan, Jie; Ning, Ping; Song, Zhongxian; Liu, Xin; Wang, Lanying; Wang, Jing; Wang, Huimin; Long, Kaixian

2018-03-01

A series of ceria modified zirconium phosphate catalysts were synthesized for selective catalytic reduction of NO with ammonia (NH3-SCR). Over 98% NOx conversion and 98% N2 selectivity were obtained by the CeO2/ZrP catalyst with 20 wt.% CeO2 loading at 250-425 °C. The interaction between CeO2 and zirconium phosphate enhanced the redox abilities and surface acidities of the catalysts, resulting in the improvement of NH3-SCR activity. The in situ DRIFTS results indicated that the NH3-SCR reaction over the catalysts followed both Eley-Rideal and Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanisms. The amide (sbnd NH2) groups and the NH4+ bonded to Brønsted acid sites were the important intermediates of Eley-Rideal mechanism.

Surface Modification of Zirconia Substrate by Calcium Phosphate Particles Using Sol-Gel Method.

PubMed

Jin, So Dam; Um, Sang Cheol; Lee, Jong Kook

2015-08-01

Surface modification with a biphasic composition of hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) was performed on a zirconia substrate using a sol-gel method. An initial calcium phosphate sol was prepared by mixing a solution of Ca(NO3)2 · 4H20 and (C2H5O)3P(O), while both porous and dense zirconia were used as substrates. The sol-gel coating was performed using a spin coater. The coated porous zirconia substrate was re-sintered at 1350 °C 2 h, while coated dense zirconia substrate was heat-treated at 750 °C 1 h. The microstructure of the resultant HA/TCP coatings was found to be dependent on the type of zirconia substrate used. With porous zirconia as a starting substrate, numerous isolated calcium phosphate particles (TCP and HA) were uniformly dispersed on the surface, and the particle size and covered area were dependent on the viscosity of the calcium phosphate sol. Conversely, when dense zirconia was used as a starting substrate, a thick film of nano-sized HA particles was obtained after heat treatment, however, substantial agglomeration and cracking was also observed.

Overexpression, crystallization and preliminary X-­ray crystallographic analysis of erythronate-4-phosphate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

PubMed Central

Ha, Jun Yong; Lee, Ji Hyun; Kim, Kyoung Hoon; Kim, Do Jin; Lee, Hyung Ho; Kim, Hye-Kyung; Yoon, Hye-Jin; Suh, Se Won

2006-01-01

The enzyme erythronate-4-phosphate dehydrogenase catalyses the conversion of erythronate-4-phosphate to 3-hydroxy-4-phospho-hydroxy-α-ketobutyrate. It belongs to the d-isomer-specific 2-hydroxyacid dehydrogenase family. It is essential for de novo biosynthesis of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Erythronate-4-­phosphate dehydrogenase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a homodimeric enzyme consisting of two identical 380-residue subunits, has been overexpressed in Escherichia coli with a C-terminal purification tag and crystallized at 297 K using 0.7 M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, 0.4 M ammonium tartrate, 0.1 M sodium citrate pH 5.6 and 10 mM cupric chloride. X-ray diffraction data were collected to 2.20 Å from a crystal grown in the presence of NADH. The crystals belong to the orthorhombic space group P212121, with unit-cell parameters a = 84.77, b = 101.28, c = 142.58 Å. A dimeric molecule is present in the asymmetric unit, giving a crystal volume per protein weight (V M) of 3.64 Å3 Da−1 and a solvent content of 66%. PMID:16511285

Oh Darn! I'd Love to Come, but I Already Have Plans: Television Invitations as Conversational Models.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Salzman, Ann

1989-01-01

The degree to which television conversations follow the rules of naturally occurring conversation is investigated. The occurrences of 1 type of pragmatic behavior (the dispreferred behavior of refusing social invitations) in 25 television conversations are compared with a theoretical description of such conversational strategies. (seven…

Real-world dose-relativity, tablet burden, and cost comparison of conversion between sevelamer hydrochloride/carbonate and lanthanum carbonate monotherapies.

PubMed

Keith, Michael S; Sibbel, Scott; Copley, J Brian; Wilson, Rosamund J; Brunelli, Steven M

2014-10-01

Sevelamer hydrochloride/carbonate (SH/C) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) are noncalcium-based phosphate binders used for the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The objectives of this study were to examine the dose-relativity, tablet burden, and cost difference of bidirectional conversion between SH/C and LC monotherapy in a large cohort of real-world patients with ESRD. This retrospective cohort study included three 30-day preconversion periods (days -90 to -61, -60 to -31, and -30 to -1) followed by three 30-day postconversion periods (days 1 to 30, 31 to 60, and 61 to 90); day 0 was the index date of conversion. The full analysis population (FAP) comprised two cohorts: SH/C to LC (S-L) converters and LC to SH/C (L-S) converters. The SH/C:LC dose-relativity ratio was assessed in the dose-relativity subset, defined as patients whose serum phosphate levels fell within a caliper range of ± 0.5 mg/dL in the final preconversion (days -30 to -1) and postconversion (days 61 to 90) periods. Tablet burden and phosphate binder costs were assessed in the FAP. Phosphate binder costs were based on average wholesale prices. The FAP contained a total of 303 patients, comprising the S-L (128 patients) and L-S (175 patients) converter cohorts. The dose-relativity subset contained 159 patients, 72 from the S-L cohort and 87 from the L-S cohort. The overall mean SH/C:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.27 (95% CI, 2.04 to 2.52). In SH/C dose strata >800 to 2400, >2400 to 4800, >4800 to 7200, and >7200 mg/d, overall mean dose-relativity ratios were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.57 to 1.10), 1.45 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.75), 2.05 (95% CI, 1.75 to 2.39), and 3.24 (95% CI, 2.89 to 3.66), respectively. The overall mean tablet burden was 6.6 tablets per day lower with LC monotherapy than with SH/C monotherapy (95% CI, -7.1 to -6.0; P < 0.0001). The overall mean binder cost/patient per month was $1080.40 for SH/C compared with $1006.20 for LC, corresponding to a mean binder cost saving for LC of $74.20/patient per month (95% CI, -141.80 to -6.63; P = 0.032). SH/C >7800 mg/d was the inflection point at which conversion to LC resulted in mean cost savings. Patients requiring SH/C >7800 mg/d comprised 50% of the FAP. Converting patients with ESRD and hyperphosphatemia from SH/C to LC monotherapy offers potential drug cost savings and a significant reduction in the daily tablet burden, without compromising the effective management of serum phosphate levels. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Physicochemical properties and cytotoxicity of an experimental resin-based pulp capping material containing the quaternary ammonium salt and Portland cement.

PubMed

Yang, Y W; Yu, F; Zhang, H C; Dong, Y; Qiu, Y N; Jiao, Y; Xing, X D; Tian, M; Huang, L; Chen, J H

2018-01-01

To evaluate in vitro the physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity and calcium phosphate nucleation of an experimental light-curable pulp capping material composed of a resin with antibacterial monomer (MAE-DB) and Portland cement (PC). The experimental material was prepared by mixing PC with a resin containing MAE-DB at a 2 : 1 ratio. Cured pure resin containing MAE-DB served as control resin. ProRoot MTA and Dycal served as commercial controls. The depth of cure, degree of monomer conversion, water absorption and solubility of dry samples, calcium release, alkalinizing activity, calcium phosphate nucleation and the cytotoxicity of materials were evaluated. Statistical analysis was carried out using anova followed by Tukey's HSD test (equal variance assumed) or Tamhane test (equal variance not assumed) and independent-samples t-tests. The experimental material had a cure depth of 1.19 mm, and the mean degree of monomer conversion was 70.93% immediately post-cure and 88.75% at 24 h post-cure. The water absorption of the experimental material was between those of MTA and Dycal, and its solubility was significantly less (P < 0.05) than that of Dycal and higher than that of MTA. The experimental material exhibited continuous calcium release and an alkalinizing power between those of MTA and Dycal throughout the test period. Freshly set experimental material, control resin and all 24-h set materials had acceptable cytotoxicity. The experimental material, MTA and Dycal all exhibited the formation of apatite precipitates after immersion in phosphate-buffered saline. The experimental material possessed adequate physicochemical properties, low cytotoxicity and good calcium phosphate nucleation. © 2017 International Endodontic Journal. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Complementary information on in vitro conversion of amorphous (precursor) calcium phosphate to hydroxyapatite from Raman microspectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray scattering.

PubMed

Kazanci, M; Fratzl, P; Klaushofer, K; Paschalis, E P

2006-11-01

In addition to mechanical functions, bones have an essential role in metabolic activity as mineral reservoirs that are able to absorb and release ions. Bioapatite, considered the major component in the mineralized part of mammalian bones, is a calcium phosphate mineral with a structure that closely resembles hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca10[PO4]6[OH]2) with variable chemical substitutions. It is important to note that it continues to be chemically active long after it has been initially deposited. Detailed understanding of changes in the mineral phase as HA matures is essential for understanding how normal bone achieves its remarkable mechanical performance, how it is altered in disease, as well as the effects of therapeutic interventions. A model system for investigation of the in vivo maturation of HA is available, namely, the in vitro conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) to HA in a supersaturated solution of calcium and phosphate ions. In the present study, this system was employed to correlate with the changes in chemistry and poorly crystalline HAP crystal size, shape, and habit. The results of the X-ray diffraction as well as Raman analyses showed that as the crystallites mature in the 002 and 310 directions both the full width at half-height and wavelength at maximum of the Raman peaks change as a function of reaction extent and crystallite maturation, size, and shape. Moreover, such analyses can be performed in intact bone specimens through Raman microspectroscopic and imaging analyses with a spatial resolution of 0.6-1 mu, by far superior to the one offered by other microspectroscopic techniques, thus potentially yielding important new information on the organization and mineral quality of normal and fragile bone.

Bioactivity tests of calcium phosphates with variant molar ratios of main components.

PubMed

Pluta, Klaudia; Sobczak-Kupiec, Agnieszka; Półtorak, Olga; Malina, Dagmara; Tyliszczak, Bożena

2018-03-09

Calcium phosphates constitute attractive materials of biomedical applications. Among them particular attention is devoted to bioactive hydroxyapatite (HAp) and bioresorbable tricalcium phosphate (TCP) that possess ability to bind to living bones and can be used clinically as important bone substitutes. Notably, in vivo bone bioactivity can be predicted from apatite formation of bone immersed in SBF fluids. Thus, analyses of behavior of calcium phosphates immersed in various bio fluids are of great importance. Recently, stoichiometric HAp and TCP structures have been widely studied, whereas only limited number of publications have been devoted to analyses of nonstoichiometric calcium phosphates. Here, we report physicochemical analysis of natural and synthetic phosphates with variable Ca/P molar ratios. Subsequently attained structures were subjected to incubation in either artificial saliva or Ringer's fluids. Both pH and conductivity of such fluids were determined before and after incubation. Furthermore, the influence of the Ca/P values on such parameters was exemplified. Physicochemical analysis of received materials was performed by XRD and FT-IR characterization techniques. Their potential antibacterial activity and behavior in the presence of infectious microorganisms as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also evaluated. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

3-phosphoglycerate kinase from Hydrogenomonas facilis.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcfadden, B. A.; Schuster, E.

1972-01-01

Description of studies of the kinetics of heat inactivation of phosphoglycerate kinase in the soluble fraction from Hydrogenomonas facilis, its extensive purification, and inhibition by adenosine monophosphate (AMP). No evidence was found for an enzyme which catalyzes adenosine-triphosphate-dependent conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate to 1,3-diphosphoglycerate, AMP, and phosphate.

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 438 - Metal-Bearing Operations Definitions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... chromium. (1) In phosphate conversion, coatings are applied for one or more of the following reasons: to... electrolysis. The part is one of the electrodes and the electrolyte is usually alkaline. Electrolytic alkaline... during salt bath descaling includes spent process solutions, quenches, and rinses. Shot Tower—Lead Shot...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 438 - Metal-Bearing Operations Definitions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... chromium. (1) In phosphate conversion, coatings are applied for one or more of the following reasons: to... electrolysis. The part is one of the electrodes and the electrolyte is usually alkaline. Electrolytic alkaline... during salt bath descaling includes spent process solutions, quenches, and rinses. Shot Tower—Lead Shot...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 438 - Metal-Bearing Operations Definitions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-07-01

... chromium. (1) In phosphate conversion, coatings are applied for one or more of the following reasons: to... electrolysis. The part is one of the electrodes and the electrolyte is usually alkaline. Electrolytic alkaline... during salt bath descaling includes spent process solutions, quenches, and rinses. Shot Tower—Lead Shot...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 438 - Metal-Bearing Operations Definitions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... chromium. (1) In phosphate conversion, coatings are applied for one or more of the following reasons: to... electrolysis. The part is one of the electrodes and the electrolyte is usually alkaline. Electrolytic alkaline... during salt bath descaling includes spent process solutions, quenches, and rinses. Shot Tower—Lead Shot...

40 CFR Appendix C to Part 438 - Metal-Bearing Operations Definitions

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... chromium. (1) In phosphate conversion, coatings are applied for one or more of the following reasons: to... electrolysis. The part is one of the electrodes and the electrolyte is usually alkaline. Electrolytic alkaline... during salt bath descaling includes spent process solutions, quenches, and rinses. Shot Tower—Lead Shot...

Efficient green light generation by Q-switched Nd: YAG laser in periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shuanggen; Guo, Wengang; Lv, Fuyun

2014-07-01

A PPKTP crystal was used to efficient green emission. Spectrum characteristics of FF and SH wave was analyzed, and phase-matching wavelength shift results from thermally-induced poling period shift. A conversion efficiency of 26.1% can be achieved.

High-efficiency frequency doubling of continuous-wave laser light.

PubMed

Ast, Stefan; Nia, Ramon Moghadas; Schönbeck, Axel; Lastzka, Nico; Steinlechner, Jessica; Eberle, Tobias; Mehmet, Moritz; Steinlechner, Sebastian; Schnabel, Roman

2011-09-01

We report on the observation of high-efficiency frequency doubling of 1550 nm continuous-wave laser light in a nonlinear cavity containing a periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal (PPKTP). The fundamental field had a power of 1.10 W and was converted into 1.05 W at 775 nm, yielding a total external conversion efficiency of 95±1%. The latter value is based on the measured depletion of the fundamental field being consistent with the absolute values derived from numerical simulations. According to our model, the conversion efficiency achieved was limited by the nonperfect mode matching into the nonlinear cavity and by the nonperfect impedance matching for the maximum input power available. Our result shows that cavity-assisted frequency conversion based on PPKTP is well suited for low-decoherence frequency conversion of quantum states of light.

Identification of a Direct Biosynthetic Pathway for UDP-N-Acetylgalactosamine from Glucosamine-6-Phosphate in Thermophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii.

PubMed

Dadashipour, Mohammad; Iwamoto, Mariko; Hossain, Mohammad Murad; Akutsu, Jun-Ichi; Zhang, Zilian; Kawarabayasi, Yutaka

2018-05-15

Most organisms, from Bacteria to Eukarya , synthesize UDP- N -acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) from fructose-6-phosphate via a four-step reaction, and UDP- N -acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) can only be synthesized from UDP-GlcNAc by UDP-GlcNAc 4-epimerase. In Archaea , the bacterial-type UDP-GlcNAc biosynthetic pathway was reported for Methanococcales. However, the complete biosynthetic pathways for UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GalNAc present in one archaeal species are unidentified. Previous experimental analyses on enzymatic activities of the ST0452 protein, identified from the thermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii , predicted the presence of both a bacterial-type UDP-GlcNAc and an independent UDP-GalNAc biosynthetic pathway in this archaeon. In the present work, functional analyses revealed that the recombinant ST2186 protein possessed an glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase activity and that the recombinant ST0242 protein possessed a phosphoglucosamine-mutase activity. Along with the acetyltransferase and uridyltransferase activities of the ST0452 protein, the activities of the ST2186 and ST0242 proteins confirmed the presence of a bacterial-type UDP-GlcNAc biosynthetic pathway in S. tokodaii In contrast, the UDP-GlcNAc 4-epimerase homologue gene was not detected within the genomic data. Thus, it was expected that galactosamine-1-phosphate or galactosamine-6-phosphate (GalN-6-P) was provided by conversion of glucosamine-1-phosphate or glucosamine-6-phosphate (GlcN-6-P). A novel epimerase converting GlcN-6-P to GalN-6-P was detected in a cell extract of S. tokodaii , and the N-terminal sequence of the purified protein indicated that the novel epimerase was encoded by the ST2245 gene. Along with the ST0242 phosphogalactosamine-mutase activity, this observation confirmed the presence of a novel UDP-GalNAc biosynthetic pathway from GlcN-6-P in S. tokodaii Discovery of the novel pathway provides a new insight into the evolution of nucleotide sugar metabolic pathways. IMPORTANCE In this work, a novel protein capable of directly converting glucosamine-6-phosphate to galactosamine-6-phosphate was successfully purified from a cell extract of the thermophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii Confirmation of this novel activity using the recombinant protein indicates that S. tokodaii possesses a novel UDP-GalNAc biosynthetic pathway derived from glucosamine-6-phosphate. The distributions of this and related genes indicate the presence of three different types of UDP-GalNAc biosynthetic pathways: a direct pathway using a novel enzyme and two conversion pathways from UDP-GlcNAc using known enzymes. Additionally, Crenarchaeota species lacking all three pathways were found, predicting the presence of one more unknown pathway. Identification of these novel proteins and pathways provides important insights into the evolution of nucleotide sugar biosynthesis, as well as being potentially important industrially. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Phosphate limitation promotes unsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid biosynthesis by microalgae Porphyridium purpureum.

PubMed

Su, Gaomin; Jiao, Kailin; Li, Zheng; Guo, Xiaoyi; Chang, Jingyu; Ndikubwimana, Theoneste; Sun, Yong; Zeng, Xianhai; Lu, Yinghua; Lin, Lu

2016-07-01

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are highly appreciated on their nutritive value for human health and aquaculture. P. purpureum, one of the red microalgae acknowledged as a promising accumulator of ARA, was chosen as the target algae in the present research. Effects of sodium bicarbonate (0.04-1.2 g/L), temperature (25, 30 and 33 °C) and phosphate (0.00-0.14 g/L) on biomass yield, total fatty acids (TFA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) accumulation were investigated systemically. NaHCO3 dose of 0.8 g/L and moderate temperature of 30 °C were preferred. In addition, TFA and ARA production were significantly enhanced by an appropriate concentration of phosphate, and the highest TFA yield of 666.38 mg/L and ARA yield of 159.74 mg/L were obtained at a phosphate concentration of 0.035 g/L. Interestingly, with phosphate concentration continuing to fall, UFA/TFA and ARA/EPA ratios were increased accordingly, suggesting that phosphate limitation promoted unsaturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid biosynthesis. Low concentration of phosphate may be favored to increase the enzymatic activities of ∆6-desaturase, which played a key role in catalyzing the conversion of C16:0 to C18:2, and thus the selectivity of UFA increased. Meanwhile, the increase of ARA selectivity could be attributed to ω6 pathway promotion and ∆17-desaturase activity inhibition with phosphate limitation. Phosphate limitation strategy enhanced unsaturated fatty acids and ARA biosynthesis in P. purpureum, and can be applied in commercial scale manufacturing and commercialization of ARA.

Conversion of phosphatidylinositol (PI) to PI4-phosphate (PI4P) and then to PI(4,5)P2 is essential for the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration under heat stress in Ganoderma lucidum.

PubMed

Liu, Yong-Nan; Lu, Xiao-Xiao; Ren, Ang; Shi, Liang; Zhu, Jing; Jiang, Ai-Liang; Yu, Han-Shou; Zhao, Ming-Wen

2018-04-26

How cells drive the phospholipid signal response to heat stress (HS) to maintain cellular homeostasis is a fundamental issue in biology, but the regulatory mechanism of this fundamental process is unclear. Previous quantitative analyses of lipids showed that phosphatidylinositol (PI) accumulates after HS in Ganoderma lucidum, implying the inositol phospholipid signal may be associated with HS signal transduction. Here, we found that the PI-4-kinase and PI-4-phosphate-5-kinase activities are activated and that their lipid products PI-4-phosphate and PI-4,5-bisphosphate are increased under HS. Further experimental results showed that the cytosolic Ca 2+ ([Ca 2+ ] c ) and ganoderic acid (GA) contents induced by HS were decreased when cells were pretreated with Li + , an inhibitor of inositol monophosphatase, and this decrease could be rescued by PI and PI-4-phosphate. Furthermore, inhibition of PI-4-kinases resulted in a decrease in the Ca 2+ and GA contents under HS that could be rescued by PI-4-phosphate but not PI. However, the decrease in the Ca 2+ and GA contents by silencing of PI-4-phosphate-5-kinase could not be rescued by PI-4-phosphate. Taken together, our study reveals the essential role of the step converting PI to PI-4-phosphate and then to PI-4,5-bisphosphate in [Ca 2+ ] c signalling and GA biosynthesis under HS. © 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Influence of aggressive ions on the degradation behavior of biomedical magnesium alloy in physiological environment.

PubMed

Xin, Yunchang; Huo, Kaifu; Tao, Hu; Tang, Guoyi; Chu, Paul K

2008-11-01

Various electrochemical approaches, including potentiodynamic polarization, open circuit potential evolution and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), are employed to investigate the degradation behavior of biomedical magnesium alloy under the influence of aggressive ions, such as chloride, phosphate, carbonate and sulfate, in a physiological environment. The synergetic effects and mutual influence of these ions on the degradation behavior of Mg are revealed. Our results demonstrate that chloride ions can induce porous pitting corrosion. In the presence of phosphates, the corrosion rate decreases and the formation of pitting corrosion is significantly delayed due to precipitation of magnesium phosphate. Hydrogen carbonate ions are observed to stimulate the corrosion of magnesium alloy during the early immersion stage but they can also induce rapid passivation on the surface. This surface passivation behavior mainly results from the fast precipitation of magnesium carbonate in the corrosion product layer that can subsequently inhibit pitting corrosion completely. Sulfate ions are also found to stimulate magnesium dissolution. These results improve our understanding on the degradation mechanism of surgical magnesium in the physiological environment.

Parent Conversations about Healthful Eating and Weight: Associations with Adolescent Disordered Eating Behaviors

PubMed Central

Berge, Jerica M.; MacLehose, Rich; Loth, Katie A.; Eisenberg, Marla; Bucchianeri, Michaela M.; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2013-01-01

Objective The prevalence of weight-related problems in adolescents is high. Parents of adolescents may wonder whether talking about eating habits and weight is useful or detrimental. This study aimed to examine the associations between parent conversations about healthful eating and weight and adolescent disordered eating behaviors. Design Cross-sectional analysis using data from two linked multi-level population-based studies. Setting Anthropometric assessments and surveys completed at school by adolescents and surveys completed at home by parents in 2009–2010. Participants Socio-economically and racially/ethnically diverse sample (81% ethnic minority; 60% low income) of adolescents from EAT (Eating and Activity in Teens) 2010 (n = 2,793, mean age=14.4) and parents from F-EAT (Families and Eating and Activity in Teens) (n = 3,709, mean age = 42.3). Main Exposure Parent conversations about healthful eating and weight/size. Outcome Measures Adolescent dieting, unhealthy weight control behaviors, and binge eating. Results Mothers and fathers who engaged in weight-related conversations had adolescents who were more likely to diet, use unhealthy weight control behaviors, and engage in binge eating. Overweight/obese adolescents whose mothers engaged in conversations that were focused only on healthful eating behaviors were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight control behaviors. Additionally, sub-analyses with adolescents with data from two parents showed that when both parents engaged in healthful eating conversations, their overweight/obese adolescent children were less likely to diet and use unhealthy weight control behaviors. Conclusion Parent conversations focused on weight/size are associated with increased risk for adolescent disordered eating behaviors, whereas conversations focused on healthful eating are protective against disordered eating behaviors. PMID:23797808

Using a Behavioral Skills Training Package to Teach Conversation Skills to Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nuernberger, Jodi E.; Ringdahl, Joel E.; Vargo, Kristina K.; Crumpecker, Anna C.; Gunnarsson, Karl F.

2013-01-01

A behavioral skills training package was used to teach vocal and non-vocal conversation skills to young adults with autism spectrum disorders. A task analysis was created and verified that included both vocal conversation skills such as making comments related to the conversation topic, and non-vocal conversation skills such as maintaining…

Optomechanical design and analysis of a self-adaptive mounting method for optimizing phase matching of large potassium dihydrogen phosphate converter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zheng; Tian, Menjiya; Quan, Xusong; Pei, Guoqing; Wang, Hui; Liu, Tianye; Long, Kai; Xiong, Zhao; Rong, Yiming

2017-11-01

Surface control and phase matching of large laser conversion optics are urgent requirements and huge challenges in high-power solid-state laser facilities. A self-adaptive, nanocompensating mounting configuration of a large aperture potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) frequency doubler is proposed based on a lever-type surface correction mechanism. A mechanical, numerical, and optical model is developed and employed to evaluate comprehensive performance of this mounting method. The results validate the method's advantages of surface adjustment and phase matching improvement. In addition, the optimal value of the modulation force is figured out through a series of simulations and calculations.

The rare sugar d-allose acts as a triggering molecule of rice defence via ROS generation

PubMed Central

Akimitsu, Kazuya

2013-01-01

Only d-allose, among various rare monosaccharides tested, induced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in susceptible rice leaves with defence responses: reactive oxygen species, lesion mimic formation, and PR-protein gene expression. These responses were suppressed by ascorbic acid or diphenylene iodonium. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsrbohC, encoding NADPH oxidase, were enhanced in sensitivity to d-allose. d-Allose-mediated defence responses were suppressed by the presence of a hexokinase inhibitor. 6-Deoxy-d-allose, a structural derivative of d-allose unable to be phosphorylated, did not confer resistance. Transgenic rice plants expressing Escherichia coli AlsK encoding d-allose kinase to increase d-allose 6-phosphate synthesis were more sensitive to d-allose, but E. coli AlsI encoding d-allose 6-phosphate isomerase expression to decrease d-allose 6-phosphate reduced sensitivity. A d-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase-defective mutant was also less sensitive, and OsG6PDH1 complementation restored full sensitivity. These results reveal that a monosaccharide, d-allose, induces rice resistance to X. oryzae pv. oryzae by activating NADPH oxidase through the activity of d-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, initiated by hexokinase-mediated conversion of d-allose to d-allose 6-phosphate, and treatment with d-allose might prove to be useful for reducing disease development in rice. PMID:24014866

The rare sugar D-allose acts as a triggering molecule of rice defence via ROS generation.

PubMed

Kano, Akihito; Fukumoto, Takeshi; Ohtani, Kouhei; Yoshihara, Akihide; Ohara, Toshiaki; Tajima, Shigeyuki; Izumori, Ken; Tanaka, Keiji; Ohkouchi, Takeo; Ishida, Yutaka; Nishizawa, Yoko; Ichimura, Kazuya; Tada, Yasuomi; Gomi, Kenji; Akimitsu, Kazuya

2013-11-01

Only D-allose, among various rare monosaccharides tested, induced resistance to Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in susceptible rice leaves with defence responses: reactive oxygen species, lesion mimic formation, and PR-protein gene expression. These responses were suppressed by ascorbic acid or diphenylene iodonium. Transgenic rice plants overexpressing OsrbohC, encoding NADPH oxidase, were enhanced in sensitivity to D-allose. D-Allose-mediated defence responses were suppressed by the presence of a hexokinase inhibitor. 6-Deoxy-D-allose, a structural derivative of D-allose unable to be phosphorylated, did not confer resistance. Transgenic rice plants expressing Escherichia coli AlsK encoding D-allose kinase to increase D-allose 6-phosphate synthesis were more sensitive to D-allose, but E. coli AlsI encoding D-allose 6-phosphate isomerase expression to decrease D-allose 6-phosphate reduced sensitivity. A D-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase-defective mutant was also less sensitive, and OsG6PDH1 complementation restored full sensitivity. These results reveal that a monosaccharide, D-allose, induces rice resistance to X. oryzae pv. oryzae by activating NADPH oxidase through the activity of D-glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, initiated by hexokinase-mediated conversion of D-allose to D-allose 6-phosphate, and treatment with D-allose might prove to be useful for reducing disease development in rice.

Fabrication and cytocompatibility of spherical magnesium ammonium phosphate granules.

PubMed

Christel, Theresa; Geffers, Martha; Klammert, Uwe; Nies, Berthold; Höß, Andreas; Groll, Jürgen; Kübler, Alexander C; Gbureck, Uwe

2014-09-01

Magnesium phosphate compounds, as for example struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O), have comparable characteristics to calcium phosphate bone substitutes, but degrade faster under physiological conditions. In the present work, we used a struvite forming calcium doped magnesium phosphate cement with the formulation Ca0.75Mg2.25(PO4)2 and an ammonium phosphate containing aqueous solution to produce round-shaped granules. For the fabrication of spherical granules, the cement paste was dispersed in a lipophilic liquid and stabilized by surfactants. The granules were characterized with respect to morphology, size distribution, phase composition, compressive strength, biocompatibility and solubility. In general, it was seen that small granules can hardly be produced by means of emulsification, when the raw material is a hydraulic paste, because long setting times promote coalescence of initially small unhardened cement droplets. Here, this problem was solved by using an aqueous solution containing both the secondary (NH4)2HPO4 and primary ammonium phosphates NH4H2PO4 to accelerate the setting reaction. This resulted in granules with 97 wt.% having a size in the range between 200 and 1,000 μm. The novel solution composition doubled the compressive strength of the cement to 37 ± 5 MPa without affecting either the conversion to struvite or the cytocompatibility using human fetal osteoblasts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Teaching Children with Autism to Respond to Conversation Partners' Interest

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Peters, Lindsay C.; Thompson, Rachel H.

2015-01-01

Successful conversation requires that the speaker's behavior is sensitive to nonvocal listener responses. We observed children with autism spectrum disorder during conversation probes in which a listener periodically displayed nonvocal cues that she was uninterested in the conversation. We used behavioral skills training to teach conversation…

Mixed polyanion glass cathodes: Glass-state conversion reactions

DOE PAGES

Kercher, Andrew K.; Kolopus, James A.; Carroll, Kyler; ...

2015-11-10

Mixed polyanion (MP) glasses can undergo glass-state conversion (GSC) reactions to provide an alternate class of high-capacity cathode materials. GSC reactions have been demonstrated in phosphate/vanadate glasses with Ag, Co, Cu, Fe, and Ni cations. These MP glasses provided high capacity and good high power performance, but suffer from moderate voltages, large voltage hysteresis, and significant capacity fade with cycling. Details of the GSC reaction have been revealed by x-ray absorption spectroscopy, electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy of ex situ cathodes at key states of charge. Using the Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD), a computational thermodynamic model hasmore » been developed to predict the near-equilibrium voltages of glass-state conversion reactions in MP glasses.« less

Effects of protein and phosphate buffer concentrations on thermal denaturation of lysozyme analyzed by isoconversional method.

PubMed

Cao, X M; Tian, Y; Wang, Z Y; Liu, Y W; Wang, C X

2016-07-03

Thermal denaturation of lysozymes was studied as a function of protein concentration, phosphate buffer concentration, and scan rate using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which was then analyzed by the isoconversional method. The results showed that lysozyme thermal denaturation was only slightly affected by the protein concentration and scan rate. When the protein concentration and scan rate increased, the denaturation temperature (Tm) also increased accordingly. On the contrary, the Tm decreased with the increase of phosphate buffer concentration. The denaturation process of lysozymes was accelatated and the thermal stability was reduced with the increase of phosphate concentration. One part of degeneration process was not reversible where the aggregation occurred. The other part was reversible. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was computed by the isoconversional method. It decreased with the increase of the conversion ratio (α). The observed denaturation process could not be described by a simple reaction mechanism. It was not a process involving 2 standard reversible states, but a multi-step process. The new opportunities for investigating the kinetics process of protein denaturation can be supplied by this novel isoconversional method.

Formulating Precursors for Coating Metals and Ceramics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morales, Wilfredo; Gatica, Jorge E.; Reye, John T.

2005-01-01

A protocol has been devised for formulating low-vapor-pressure precursors for protective and conversion coatings on metallic and ceramic substrates. The ingredients of a precursor to which the protocol applies include additives with phosphate esters, or aryl phosphate esters in solution. Additives can include iron, chromium, and/or other transition metals. Alternative or additional additives can include magnesium compounds to facilitate growth of films on substrates that do not contain magnesium. Formulation of a precursor begins with mixing of the ingredients into a high-vapor-pressure solvent to form a homogeneous solution. Then the solvent is extracted from the solution by evaporation - aided, if necessary, by vacuum and/or slight heating. The solvent is deemed to be completely extracted when the viscosity of the remaining solution closely resembles the viscosity of the phosphate ester or aryl phosphate ester. In addition, satisfactory removal of the solvent can be verified by means of a differential scanning calorimetry essay: the absence of endothermic processes for temperatures below 150 C would indicate that the residual solvent has been eliminated from the solution beyond a detectable dilution level.

Cuttlefish bone scaffold for tissue engineering: a novel hydrothermal transformation, chemical-physical, and biological characterization.

PubMed

Battistella, Elisa; Mele, Silvia; Foltran, Ismaela; Lesci, Isidoro Giorgio; Roveri, Norberto; Sabatino, Piera; Rimondini, Lia

2012-09-27

Natural resources are receiving growing interest because of their possible conversion from a cheap and easily available material into a biomedical product. Cuttlefish bone from Sepia Officinalis was investigated in order to obtain an hydroxyapatite porous scaffold using hydrothermal transformation. Complete conversion of the previous calcium carbonate (aragonite) phase into a calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) phase was performed with an hydrothermal transformation at 200 °C (~ 15 atm), for four hours, with an aqueous solution of KH2PO4 in order to set the molar ratio Ca/P = 10/6 in a reactor (Parr 4382). The complete conversion was then analyzed by TGA, ATR-FTIR, x-ray diffraction, and SEM. Moreover, the material was biologically investigated with MC3T3-E1 in static cultures, using both osteogenic and maintenance media. The expression of osteogenic markers as ALP and osteocalcin and the cell proliferation were investigated. Cuttlefish bone has been successfully transformed from calcium carbonate into calcium phosphate. Biological characterization revealed that osteogenic markers are expressed using both osteogenic and maintenance conditions. Cell proliferation is influenced by the static culture condition used for this three-dimensional scaffold. The new scaffold composed by hydroxyapatite and derived for a natural source presents good biocompatibility and can be used for further investigations using dynamic cultures in order to improve cell proliferation and differentiation for bone tissue engineering.

Synthesis and mechanical behavior of β-tricalcium phosphate/titania composites addressed to regeneration of long bone segments.

PubMed

Sprio, Simone; Guicciardi, Stefano; Dapporto, Massimiliano; Melandri, Cesare; Tampieri, Anna

2013-01-01

Bioactive tricalcium phosphate/titania ceramic composites were synthesized by pressureless air sintering of mixed hydroxyapatite and titania (TiO2) powders. The sintering process was optimized to achieve dense ceramic bodies consisting in a bioactive/bioresorbable matrix (β-tricalcium phosphate) reinforced with defined amounts of sub-micron sized titania particles. Extensive chemico-physical and mechanical characterization was carried out on the resulting composites, which displayed values of flexural strength, fracture toughness and elastic modulus in the range or above the typical ranges of values manifested by human cortical bone. It was shown that titania particles provided a toughening effect to the calcium-phosphate matrix and a reinforcement in fracture strength, in comparison with sintered hydroxyapatite bodies characterized by similar relative density. The characteristics of the resulting composites, i.e. bioactivity/bioresorbability and ability of manifesting biomimetic mechanical behavior, are features that can promote processes of bone regeneration in load-bearing sites. Hence, in the perspective of developing porous bone scaffolds with high bioactivity and improved biomechanical behavior, TCP/TiO2 composites with controlled composition can be considered as very promising biomaterials for application in a field of orthopedics where no acceptable clinical solutions still exist. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enzyme-substrate and enzyme-inhibitor complexes of triose phosphate isomerase studied by 31P nuclear magnetic resonance.

PubMed Central

Campbell, I D; Jones, R B; Kiener, P A; Waley, S G

1979-01-01

The complex formed between the enzyme triose phosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1.), from rabbit and chicken muscle, and its substrate dihydroxyacetone phosphate was studied by 31P n.m.r. Two other enzyme-ligant complexes examined were those formed by glycerol 3-phosphate (a substrate analogue) and by 2-phosphoglycollate (potential transition-state analogue). Separate resonances were observed in the 31P n.m.r. spectrum for free and bound 2-phosphoglycollate, and this sets an upper limit to the rate constant for dissociation of the enzyme-inhibitor complex; the linewidth of the resonance assigned to the bound inhibitor provided further kinetic information. The position of this resonance did not vary with pH but remained close to that of the fully ionized form of the free 2-phosphoglycollate. It is the fully ionized form of this ligand that binds to the enzyme. The proton uptake that accompanies binding shows protonation of a group on the enzyme. On the basis of chemical and crystallographic information [Hartman (1971) Biochemistry 10, 146--154; Miller & Waley (1971) Biochem. J. 123, 163--170; De la Mare, Coulson, Knowles, Priddle & Offord )1972) Biochem. J. 129, 321--331; Phillips, Rivers, Sternberg, Thornton & Wilson (1977) Biochem. Soc. Trans. 5, 642--647] this group is believed to be glutamate-165. On the other hand, the position of the resonance of D-glycerol 3 phosphate (sn-glycerol 1-phosphate) in the enzyme-ligand complex changes with pH, and both monoanion and dianon of the ligand bind, although dianion binds better. The substrate, dihydroxyacetone phosphate, behaves essentially like glycerol 3-phosphate. The experiments with dihydroxy-acetone phosphate and triose phosphate isomerase have to be carried out at 1 degree C because at 37 degrees C there is conversion into methyl glyoxal and orthophosphate. The mechanismof the enzymic reaction and the reasons for rate-enhancement are considered, and aspects of the pH-dependence are discussed in an Appendix. PMID:38777

Laboratory-Scale Bismuth Phosphate Extraction Process Simulation To Track Fate of Fission Products

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

Serne, R. JEFFREY; Lindberg, Michael J.; Jones, Thomas E.

2007-02-28

Recent field investigation that collected and characterized vadose zone sediments from beneath inactive liquid disposal facilities at the Hanford 200 Areas show lower than expected concentrations of a long-term risk driver, Tc-99. Therefore laboratory studies were performed to re-create one of the three processes that were used to separate the plutonium from spent fuel and that created most of the wastes disposed or currently stored in tanks at Hanford. The laboratory simulations were used to compare with current estimates based mainly on flow sheet estimates and spotty historical data. Three simulations of the bismuth phosphate precipitation process show that lessmore » that 1% of the Tc-99, Cs-135/137, Sr-90, I-129 carry down with the Pu product and thus these isotopes should have remained within the metals waste streams that after neutralization were sent to single shell tanks. Conversely, these isotopes should not be expected to be found in the first and subsequent cycle waste streams that went to cribs. Measurable quantities (~20 to 30%) of the lanthanides, yttrium, and trivalent actinides (Am and Cm) do precipitate with the Pu product, which is higher than the 10% estimate made for current inventory projections. Surprisingly, Se (added as selenate form) also shows about 10% association with the Pu/bismuth phosphate solids. We speculate that the incorporation of some Se into the bismuth phosphate precipitate is caused by selenate substitution into crystal lattice sites for the phosphate. The bulk of the U daughter product Th-234 and Np-237 daughter product Pa-233 also associate with the solids. We suspect that the Pa daughter products of U (Pa-234 and Pa-231) would also co-precipitate with the bismuth phosphate induced solids. No more than 1 % of the Sr-90 and Sb-125 should carry down with the Pu product that ultimately was purified. Thus the current scheme used to estimate where fission products end up being disposed overestimates by one order of magnitude the partitioning Sr-90, Cs-137, and Sb-125 and by at least two orders of magnitude the portioning of Tc-99 to the first and subsequent cycle waste streams that went to cribs. Conversely, the current scheme underestimates the lanthanide and yttrium fission product quantities that went to cribs by a factor of about 3.« less

Conversion of Azides into Diazo Compounds in Water

PubMed Central

Chou, Ho-Hsuan; Raines, Ronald T.

2013-01-01

Diazo compounds are in widespread use in synthetic organic chemistry, but have untapped potential in chemical biology. We report on the design and optimization of a phosphinoester that mediates the efficient conversion of azides into diazo compounds in phosphate buffer at neutral pH and room temperature. High yields are maintained in the presence of common nucleophilic or electrophilic functional groups, and reaction progress can be monitored by colorimetry. As azido groups are easy to install and maintain in biopolymers or their ligands, this new mode of azide reactivity could have substantial utility in chemical biology. PMID:24053717

Positive and negative communicative behaviors in coming-out conversations.

PubMed

Manning, Jimmie

2015-01-01

This essay features typographic analysis of 258 coming-out narratives from 130 diverse lesbian, gay, or bisexual participants. Two typologies of coming-out conversations, one exploring positive communicative behaviors and another exploring negative, are offered. Positive behaviors for all members of the conversation include open communication channels, affirming direct relational statements, laughter and joking, and nonverbal immediacy. Negative behaviors for those coming out included nervous nonverbal behavior, indirectly approaching the topic, and lack of preparation. Negative behaviors for receivers include expressing denial, religious talk, inappropriate questions or comments, shaming statements, and aggressive statements. Future studies and research implications are considered.

Effects of DCPD Cement Chemistry on Degradation Properties and Cytocompatibility: Comparison of MCPM/β-TCP and MCPM/HA Formulations

PubMed Central

Alge, Daniel L.; Goebel, W. Scott; Chu, Tien-Min Gabriel

2013-01-01

Dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) cements are attractive biomaterials for bone repair, and a number of different DCPD cement formulations have been proposed in the literature. In this study we have specifically compared monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCPM)/hydroxyapatite (HA) and MCPM/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) formulations to test the hypothesis that DCPD cement chemistry affects the degradation properties and cytocompatibility of the cement. Using simple in vitro models we found that MCPM/β-TCP formulations degraded primarily by DCPD dissolution, which was associated with a slight pH drop and relatively low mass loss. Cytocompatibility testing of cement conditioned culture media revealed no significant change in cell viability relative to the negative control for all of the MCPM/β-TCP formulations. In contrast, the MCPM/HA formulations were prone to undergo rapid conversion of DCPD to HA, resulting in a sharp pH drop and extensive mass loss. A stoichiometric excess of HA in the cement was found to accelerate the conversion process, and significant cytotoxicity was observed for the MCPM/HA formulations containing excess HA. Collectively, these results show that, although the product of the setting reaction is the same, DCPD cements produced with MCPM/HA and MCPM/β-TCP formulations differ significantly in their degradation properties and cytocompatibility. These differences may have important implications for the selection of a DCPD cement formulation for clinical application. PMID:23428798

Interaction between Nitrogen and Phosphate Stress Responses in Sinorhizobium meliloti

DOE PAGES

Hagberg, Kelly L.; Yurgel, Svetlana N.; Mulder, Monika; ...

2016-11-30

Bacteria have developed various stress response pathways to improve their assimilation and allocation of limited nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphate. While both the nitrogen stress response (NSR) and phosphate stress response (PSR) have been studied individually, there are few experiments reported that characterize effects of multiple stresses on one or more pathways in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a facultatively symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The PII proteins, GlnB and GlnK, regulate the NSR activity, but analysis of global transcription changes in a PII deficient mutant suggest that the S. meliloti PII proteins may also regulate the PSR. PII double deletion mutants grow verymore » slowly and pseudoreversion of the slow growth phenotype is common. In order to understand this phenomenon better, transposon mutants were isolated that had a faster growing phenotype. One mutation was in phoB, the response regulator for a two component regulatory system that is important in the PSR. phoB::Tn5 mutants had different phenotypes in the wild type compared to a PII deficient background. This led to the hypothesis that phosphate stress affects the NSR and conversely, that nitrogen stress affects the PSR. These results show that phosphate availability affects glutamine synthetase activity and expression, which are often used as indicators of NSR activity, but that nitrogen availability did not affect alkaline phosphatase activity and expression, which are indicators of PSR activity. Finally, we conclude that the NSR is co-regulated by nitrogen and phosphate, whereas the PSR does not appear to be co-regulated by nitrogen in addition to its known phosphate regulation.« less

Interaction between Nitrogen and Phosphate Stress Responses in Sinorhizobium meliloti

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

Hagberg, Kelly L.; Yurgel, Svetlana N.; Mulder, Monika

Bacteria have developed various stress response pathways to improve their assimilation and allocation of limited nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphate. While both the nitrogen stress response (NSR) and phosphate stress response (PSR) have been studied individually, there are few experiments reported that characterize effects of multiple stresses on one or more pathways in Sinorhizobium meliloti, a facultatively symbiotic, nitrogen-fixing bacteria. The PII proteins, GlnB and GlnK, regulate the NSR activity, but analysis of global transcription changes in a PII deficient mutant suggest that the S. meliloti PII proteins may also regulate the PSR. PII double deletion mutants grow verymore » slowly and pseudoreversion of the slow growth phenotype is common. In order to understand this phenomenon better, transposon mutants were isolated that had a faster growing phenotype. One mutation was in phoB, the response regulator for a two component regulatory system that is important in the PSR. phoB::Tn5 mutants had different phenotypes in the wild type compared to a PII deficient background. This led to the hypothesis that phosphate stress affects the NSR and conversely, that nitrogen stress affects the PSR. These results show that phosphate availability affects glutamine synthetase activity and expression, which are often used as indicators of NSR activity, but that nitrogen availability did not affect alkaline phosphatase activity and expression, which are indicators of PSR activity. Finally, we conclude that the NSR is co-regulated by nitrogen and phosphate, whereas the PSR does not appear to be co-regulated by nitrogen in addition to its known phosphate regulation.« less

Acid Gradient across Plasma Membrane Can Drive Phosphate Bond Synthesis in Cancer Cells: Acidic Tumor Milieu as a Potential Energy Source

PubMed Central

Dhar, Gautam; Sen, Suvajit; Chaudhuri, Gautam

2015-01-01

Aggressive cancers exhibit an efficient conversion of high amounts of glucose to lactate accompanied by acid secretion, a phenomenon popularly known as the Warburg effect. The acidic microenvironment and the alkaline cytosol create a proton-gradient (acid gradient) across the plasma membrane that represents proton-motive energy. Increasing experimental data from physiological relevant models suggest that acid gradient stimulates tumor proliferation, and can also support its energy needs. However, direct biochemical evidence linking extracellular acid gradient to generation of intracellular ATP are missing. In this work, we demonstrate that cancer cells can synthesize significant amounts of phosphate-bonds from phosphate in response to acid gradient across plasma membrane. The noted phenomenon exists in absence of glycolysis and mitochondrial ATP synthesis, and is unique to cancer. Biochemical assays using viable cancer cells, and purified plasma membrane vesicles utilizing radioactive phosphate, confirmed phosphate-bond synthesis from free phosphate (Pi), and also localization of this activity to the plasma membrane. In addition to ATP, predominant formation of pyrophosphate (PPi) from Pi was also observed when plasma membrane vesicles from cancer cells were subjected to trans-membrane acid gradient. Cancer cytosols were found capable of converting PPi to ATP, and also stimulate ATP synthesis from Pi from the vesicles. Acid gradient created through glucose metabolism by cancer cells, as observed in tumors, also proved critical for phosphate-bond synthesis. In brief, these observations reveal a role of acidic tumor milieu as a potential energy source and may offer a novel therapeutic target. PMID:25874623

Antiwashout behavior of calcium phosphate cement incorporated with Poly(ethylene glycol)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hablee, S.; Sopyan, I.; Mel, M.; Salleh, H. M.; Rahman, M. M.

2018-01-01

The effect of powder-to-liquid ratio and addition of poly(ethylene glycol) on the antiwashout behavior of calcium phosphate cement has been investigated. Calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)2, and diammonium hydrogen phosphate, (NH4)2HPO4, were used as precursors with distilled water as the solvent in the wet chemical precipitation synthesis of hydroxyapatite powder. Cement paste was prepared by mixing the as-synthesized powder with distilled water at certain ratios, varied at 1.0, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6. Poly(ethylene glycol) was added into distilled water, varied at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 wt% using the powder-to-liquid ratio of 1.3. The antiwashout properties of the cement has been investigated by soaking in Ringer’s solution for 3 and 7 days. The evolution of compressive strength of calcium phosphate cement before and after soaking have been determined. After 7 days soaking, the strength of the cement increased by 94.4%, 2.98%, 11.39% and 111.29% for powder-to-liquid ratios 1.0, 1.3, 1.5 and 1.6 respectively. The addition of poly(ethylene glycol) up to 3% shows an increase in strength after 7 days soaking, with 57.75%, 16.4% and 19.97% increase for 1, 2 and 3% poly(ethylene glycol) contents respectively. The calcium phosphate cement produced in this current study shows excellent antiwashout behavior since no cement dissolution happened and the compressive strength of the cement increased with soaking time throughout 7 days soaking in Ringer’s solution.

Action of nucleotide phosphotransferase of Escherichia coli on nicotinamide riboside and nicotinamide mononucleotide.

PubMed Central

Brunngraber, E F; Chargaff, E

1977-01-01

The action of the nucleotide phosphotransferase of Escherichia coli on nicotinamide riboside and on its 5'-phosphate results in the addition of one phosphate moiety to each of the substrates. Although the proof is not conclusive, it is likely that the phosphate group is transferred to the 3'-hydroxyl of the ribose. This is in contrast to the behavior of the enzyme toward NAD in which only the adenylic acid portion is phosphorylated enzymically. PMID:144913

CAVE: the design of a precision metrology instrument for studying performance of KDP crystals

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

Hibbard, R.L., LLNL

1998-03-30

A device has been developed to measure the frequency conversion performance of large aperture potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals. Third harmonic generation using ICDP is critical to the function of the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser. The crystals in the converter can be angularly or thermally tuned but are subject to larger aperture inhomogeneities that are functions of growth manufacturing and - mounting. The CAVE (Crystal Alignment Verification Equipment) instrument scans the crystals in a thermally and mechanically controlled environment to determine the local peak tuning angles. The CAVE can then estimate the optimum tuning angle and conversion efficiency overmore » the entire aperture. Coupled with other metrology techniques, the CAVE will help determine which crystal life-cycle components most affect harmonic conversion.« less

Theoretical Framework for Interaction Game Design

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-19

modeling. We take a data-driven quantitative approach to understand conversational behaviors by measuring conversational behaviors using advanced sensing...current state of the art, human computing is considered to be a reasonable approach to break through the current limitation. To solicit high quality and...proper resources in conversation to enable smooth and effective interaction. The last technique is about conversation measurement , analysis, and

Environmentally Friendly Zirconium Oxide Pretreatment

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-01

during the conversion of the highly soluble hexavalent chromate ions to an inert and relatively insoluble trivalent chromium oxide layer. Depletion of...are being used commercially in automotive and other industrial operations as replacements to hexavalent chromium -based and zinc phosphate...Society for Testing and Materials AVCRAD Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot Chrome (VI) Hexavalent Chromium CRS Cold Rolled Steel

Ceramide, sphingoid bases, and sphingoid base metabolites as lipid mediators in signaling pathways leading to cell death and disease

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Increased ceramide generation de novo is known to be involved in the mechanism of action of many chemotherapeutic agents and conditions which disrupt cell cycle progression and induce cell death. Conversely, the metabolism of ceramide to sphingoid bases and and sphingoid base 1-phosphates has been i...

Rodolicoite and grattarolaite, intermediates in the thermal transformation of synthetic P-doped ferrihydrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pieczara, Gabriela; Borkiewicz, Olaf; Manecki, Maciej

2017-04-01

Rodolicoite FePO4 and grattarolaite Fe3PO7, naturally occurring anhydrous iron(III) phosphates have been identified in coal samples derived from Santa Barbara lignite mine, as final products of the progressive thermal conversion and oxidation of vivianite Fe32+(PO4)2•8H2O to amorphous phase [1]. In natural environment however, the conversion steps of amorphous phase into these nanominerals are extremely difficult to identify. We propose to fill this gap by utilizing the nanoparticles of synthetic P-doped ferrihydrite Fe5HO8•4H2O as a source of amorphous hydrated iron(III) phosphate. This phase, at certain conditions, undergoes thermal conversion to rodolicoite and grattarolaite. Synthetic anhydrous iron(III) phosphate analogs of berlinite AlPO4 and α- quartz, particularly rodolicoite, receive a lot of attention in mineral sciences partly because of their geologic importance and partly because of their prospective applications as raw material for lithium iron phosphate batteries LiFePO4[2]. In this case, potential presence of impurities and intermediates during thermal synthesis or oxidation steps of rodolicoite is inexpedient. Thus, the main goal of this research was to characterize the products of thermal transformation of P-doped ferrihydrite. Ferrihydrite synthesized in the presence of phosphate PO43- was used. P-ferrihydrites were synthesized by precipitation from aqueous solutions of Fe2(SO4)3 and K2HPO4 at pH 8.2. The thermal transformation experiments were carried out using ferrihydrites with various P/Fe ratios (0.00, 0.20, 0.50 and 1.00) at various heating temperatures. All samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and differential thermal analysis prior and after the experiments. The results indicate that the presence of phosphate not only stabilizes the structure of ferrihydrite but also controls its thermal transformation to hematite α-Fe2O3 in more complex manner. Pure ferrihydrite transforms immediately to hematite at the temperature below 500˚ C. When ferrihydrite with P/Fe=0.20 and P/Fe=0.50 was annealed, the presence of tetragonal maghemite γ-Fe2O3 was detected between 650 and 700˚ C, followed by formation of hematite α-Fe2O3 at higher temperatures. Hematite is accompanied with small amounts of trigonal rodolicoite FePO4 which forms between 800 and 900˚ C. This intermediate phase is not very stable and completely vanishes in the sample of P/Fe=0.20 at temperatures above 900˚ C (transforms into hematite). In contrast, a further increase in temperature of the sample of P/Fe=0.50 causes formation of hematite associated with grattarolaite Fe3PO7. Thermal transformation of ferrihydrite containing the highest-P ratio (P/Fe=1.00) results in the formation of rodolicoite and hematite at 700˚ C, grattarolaite at 800˚ C, and a mixture of two anhydrous phosphates with hematite around 1000˚ C. This project is financed by AGH research grant no. 15.11.140.831 and partly by the Polish National Science Centre under the research project awarded by the decision no. 2015/19/N/ST10/01516. References: [1] Cipriani C, Mellini M, Pratesi G, Viti C (1997) EJM. 9, pp. 1101-1106. [2] Zhu Y, Tang S, Shi H, Hu H (2014) Ceram. Int. 40, pp. 2685-2690.

Mechanism for converting Al2O3-containing borate glass to hydroxyapatite in aqueous phosphate solution.

PubMed

Zhao, Di; Huang, Wenhai; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E; Wang, Deping

2009-05-01

The effect of replacing varying amounts (0-2.5 mol.%) of B2O3 with Al2O3 in a borate glass on (1) the conversion of the glass to HA in an aqueous phosphate solution and (2) the compressive strength of the as-formed HA product was investigated. Samples of each glass (10 x 10 x 8 mm) were placed in 0.25 M K2HPO4 solution at 60 degrees C, and the conversion kinetics to HA were determined from the weight loss of the glass and the pH of the solution. The structure and composition of the solid reaction products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. While the conversion rate of the glass to HA decreased considerably with increasing Al2O3 content, the microstructure of the HA product became denser and the compressive strength of the HA product increased. The addition of SiO2 to the Al2O3-containing borate glass reversed the deterioration of the conversion rate, and produced a further improvement in the strength of the HA product. The compressive strength of the HA formed from the borate glass with 2.5 mol.% Al2O3 and 5 mol.% SiO2 was 11.1 +/- 0.2 MPa, which is equal to the highest strengths reported for trabecular bone. The results indicated that simultaneous additions of Al2O3 and SiO2 could be used to control the bioactivity of the borate glass and to enhance the mechanical strength of the HA product. Furthermore, the HA product formed from the glass containing both SiO2 and Al2O3 could be applied to bone repair.

Phosphate Remediation and Recovery from Lake Water using Modified Iron Oxide-based Adsorbents

EPA Science Inventory

Adsorption behavior of Bayoxide ® E33 (E33) and three E33-modified sorbents for the removal of phosphate from lake water was investigated in this study. E33-modified sorbents were synthesized by coating with manganese and nanoparticles. Characterization was done by X-ray diffract...

Thermal behavior of epoxidized cardanol diethyl phosphate as novel renewable plasticizer for poly(vinyl chloride)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A novel plasticizer, epoxidized cardanol diethyl phosphate (ECEP), based on cardanol was synthesized. Chemical structure of ECEP was characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR) and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance(13C NMR) spectroscopy. Effects of ECEP sub...

Two-dimensional lithium diffusion behavior and probable hybrid phase transformation kinetics in olivine lithium iron phosphate

DOE PAGES

Hong, Liang; Li, Linsen; Chen-Wiegart, Yuchen-Karen; ...

2017-10-30

Olivine lithium iron phosphate is a technologically important electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and a model system for studying electrochemically driven phase transformations. Despite extensive studies, many aspects of the phase transformation and lithium transport in this material are still not well understood. Here we combine operando hard X-ray spectroscopic imaging and phase-field modeling to elucidate the delithiation dynamics of single-crystal lithium iron phosphate microrods with long-axis along the [010] direction. Lithium diffusivity is found to be two-dimensional in microsized particles containing ~3%lithium-iron anti-site defects. Our study provides direct evidence for the previously predicted surface reaction-limited phase-boundary migration mechanism andmore » the potential operation of a hybrid mode of phase growth, in which phase-boundary movement is controlled by surface reaction or lithium diffusion in different crystallographic directions. These findings uncover the rich phase-transformation behaviors in lithium iron phosphate and intercalation com-pounds in general and can help guide the design of better electrodes.« less

Two-dimensional lithium diffusion behavior and probable hybrid phase transformation kinetics in olivine lithium iron phosphate

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

Hong, Liang; Li, Linsen; Chen-Wiegart, Yuchen-Karen

Olivine lithium iron phosphate is a technologically important electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and a model system for studying electrochemically driven phase transformations. Despite extensive studies, many aspects of the phase transformation and lithium transport in this material are still not well understood. Here we combine operando hard X-ray spectroscopic imaging and phase-field modeling to elucidate the delithiation dynamics of single-crystal lithium iron phosphate microrods with long-axis along the [010] direction. Lithium diffusivity is found to be two-dimensional in microsized particles containing ~3%lithium-iron anti-site defects. Our study provides direct evidence for the previously predicted surface reaction-limited phase-boundary migration mechanism andmore » the potential operation of a hybrid mode of phase growth, in which phase-boundary movement is controlled by surface reaction or lithium diffusion in different crystallographic directions. These findings uncover the rich phase-transformation behaviors in lithium iron phosphate and intercalation com-pounds in general and can help guide the design of better electrodes.« less

Two-dimensional lithium diffusion behavior and probable hybrid phase transformation kinetics in olivine lithium iron phosphate

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

Hong, Liang; Chen-Wiegart, Yu-Chen K.

2017-10-30

Olivine lithium iron phosphate is a technologically important electrode material for lithium-ion batteries and a model system for studying electrochemically driven phase transformations. Despite extensive studies, many aspects of the phase transformation and lithium transport in this material are still not well understood. Here we combine operando hard X-ray spectroscopic imaging and phase-field modeling to elucidate the delithiation dynamics of single-crystal lithium iron phosphate microrods with long-axis along the [010] direction. Lithium diffusivity is found to be two-dimensional in microsized particles containing ~3%lithium-iron anti-site defects. Our study provides direct evidence for the previously predicted surface reaction-limited phase-boundary migration mechanism andmore » the potential operation of a hybrid mode of phase growth, in which phase-boundary movement is controlled by surface reaction or lithium diffusion in different crystallographic directions. These findings uncover the rich phase-transformation behaviors in lithium iron phosphate and intercalation com-pounds in general and can help guide the design of better electrodes.« less

Implications of the stability behavior of zinc oxide nanoparticles for toxicological studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meißner, Tobias; Oelschlägel, Kathrin; Potthoff, Annegret

2014-08-01

The increasing use of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in sunscreens and other cosmetic products demands a risk assessment that has to be done in toxicological studies. Such investigations require profound knowledge of the behavior of ZnO in cell culture media. The current study was performed to get well-dispersed suspensions of a hydrophilic (ZnO-hydro) and a lipophilic coated (ZnO-lipo) ZnO nanomaterial for use in in vitro tests. Therefore, systematic tests were carried out with common dispersants (phosphate, lecithin, proteins) to elucidate chemical and physical changes of ZnO nanoparticles in water and physiological solutions (PBS, DMEM). Non-physiological stock suspensions were prepared using ultrasonication. Time-dependent changes of pH, conductivity, zeta potential, particle size and dissolution were recorded. Secondly, the stock suspensions were added to physiological media with or without albumin (BSA) or serum (FBS), to examine characteristics such as agglomeration and dissolution. Stable stock suspensions were obtained using phosphate as natural and physiological electrostatic stabilizing agent. Lecithin proved to be an effective wetting agent for ZnO-lipo. Although the particle size remained constant, the suspension changed over time. The pH increased as a result of ZnO dissolution and formation of zinc phosphate complexes. The behavior of ZnO in physiological media was found to depend strongly on the additives used. Applying only phosphate as additive, ZnO-hydro agglomerated within minutes. In the presence of lecithin or BSA/serum, agglomeration was inhibited. ZnO dissolution was higher under physiological conditions than in the stock suspension. Serum especially promoted this process. Using body-related dispersants (phosphate, lecithin) non-agglomerating stock suspensions of hydrophilic and lipophilic ZnO were prepared as a prerequisite to perform meaningful toxicological investigation. Both nanomaterials showed a non-negligible dissolution behavior that strongly depended on the surrounding conditions. Agglomeration of ZnO particles in physiological media is a complex function of particle coating, used dispersants and serum proteins if supplemented. The present study gives a clear guideline how to prepare and handle suspensions with ZnO for in vitro testing and allows the correlation between the chemical-physical particles behavior with findings from toxicological tests.

Alkaline Phosphatase Activity : an overlooked player on the phosphate behavior in macrotidal estuaries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Delmas, Daniel; Labry, Claire; Youenou, Agnes; Quere, Julien; Auguet, Jean Christophe; Montanie, Helene

2014-05-01

The non-conservative behavior of phosphate within the estuarine salinity gradient is essentially assigned to physico-chemical processes, such as desorption at low salinity and to benthic exchanges. Microbial phosphatase activity (APA), generally related to phosphate deficiency, is seldom studied in phosphate rich estuarine waters. In order to address the impact of microbial activity (bacterial abundance, production BSP, APA) on phosphate behavior, we studied these activities on a seasonal basis within the salinity gradient of two macrotidal estuaries presenting different levels of suspended solids. Whatever the season the Charente estuary is characterized by high levels of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM > 1g.L-1), particularly in the Maximum Turbidity Zone (MTZ) located at the 5-10 psu. In this area characterized by high BSP and APA there is a significant increase of PO4 levels especially during summer. In the Aulne estuary the particle load is significantly lower (1/10) but high BSP and APA are equally recorded. In the highly turbid waters of the Charente estuary, active phytoplankton is virtually absent as pheopigments constitute up to 80% of the total pigments, particularly in the MTZ, therefore APA may essentially have a bacterial origin. In the Aulne estuary attached bacteria are dominant, both in numbers and production, and their distribution along the haline gradient perfectly follows those of APA and phosphate levels. These observations, associated with the very close relationships observed between APA, SPM and BSP, suggest that APA derive mainly from bacterial (attached) origin and operate at the expense of particulate phosphorus and hence contribute to PO4 regeneration, especially in spring and summer. Finally, as APA increased as PO4, whereas the reverse is observed in both fresh and marine waters, an original scheme for APA regulation, related to the large dominance of attached bacteria can be described for the estuarine waters.

Synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurural from carbohydrates using large-pore mesoporous tin phosphate.

PubMed

Dutta, Arghya; Gupta, Dinesh; Patra, Astam K; Saha, Basudeb; Bhaumik, Asim

2014-03-01

A large-pore mesoporous tin phosphate (LPSnP-1) material has been synthesized hydrothermally by using Pluronic P123 as the structure-directing agent. The material is composed of aggregated nanoparticles of 10-15 nm in diameter and has a BET surface area of 216 m(2)  g(-1) with an average pore diameter of 10.4 nm. This pore diameter is twice as large as that of mesoporous tin phosphate materials synthesized through the surfactant-templating pathways reported previously. LPSnP-1 shows excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of fructose, glucose, sucrose, cellobiose, and cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in a water/methyl isobutyl ketone biphasic solvent to give maximum yields of HMF of 77, 50, 51, 39, and 32 mol %, respectively, under microwave-assisted heating at 423 K. Under comparable reaction conditions, LPSnP-1 gives 12 % more HMF yield than a small-pore mesoporous tin phosphate catalyst that has an identical framework composition. This confirms the beneficial role of large mesopores and nanoscale particle morphology in catalytic reactions that involve bulky natural carbohydrate molecules. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Conversion of spent mushroom substrate to biofertilizer using a stress-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing Pichia farinose FL7.

PubMed

Zhu, Hong-Ji; Sun, Li-Fan; Zhang, Yan-Fei; Zhang, Xiao-Li; Qiao, Jian-Jun

2012-05-01

To develop high-efficient biofertilizer, an environmental stress-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM) was isolated from agricultural wastes compost, and then applied to spent mushroom substrate (SMS). The isolate FL7 was identified as Pichia farinose with resistance against multiple environmental stresses, including 5-45°C temperature, 3-10 pH range, 0-23% (w/v) NaCl and 0-6M ammonium ion. Under the optimized cultivation condition, 852.8 mg/l total organic acids can be produced and pH can be reduced to 3.8 after 60 h, meanwhile, the soluble phosphate content reached 816.16 mg/l. The P. farinose was used to convert SMS to a phosphate biofertilizer through a semi-solid fermentation (SSF) process. After fermentation of 10 days, cell density can be increased to 5.6 × 10(8)CFU/g in biomass and pH in this medium can be decreased to 4.0. SMS biofertilizer produced by P. farinose significantly improved the growth of soybean in pot experiments, demonstrating a tremendous potential in agricultural application. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of protein and phosphate buffer concentrations on thermal denaturation of lysozyme analyzed by isoconversional method

PubMed Central

Cao, X.M.; Tian, Y.; Wang, Z.Y.; Liu, Y.W.; Wang, C.X.

2016-01-01

ABSTRACT Thermal denaturation of lysozymes was studied as a function of protein concentration, phosphate buffer concentration, and scan rate using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), which was then analyzed by the isoconversional method. The results showed that lysozyme thermal denaturation was only slightly affected by the protein concentration and scan rate. When the protein concentration and scan rate increased, the denaturation temperature (Tm) also increased accordingly. On the contrary, the Tm decreased with the increase of phosphate buffer concentration. The denaturation process of lysozymes was accelatated and the thermal stability was reduced with the increase of phosphate concentration. One part of degeneration process was not reversible where the aggregation occurred. The other part was reversible. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was computed by the isoconversional method. It decreased with the increase of the conversion ratio (α). The observed denaturation process could not be described by a simple reaction mechanism. It was not a process involving 2 standard reversible states, but a multi-step process. The new opportunities for investigating the kinetics process of protein denaturation can be supplied by this novel isoconversional method. PMID:27459596

Qualitative in vitro NMR analysis of creatine ethyl ester pronutrient in human plasma.

PubMed

Giese, M W; Lecher, C S

2009-10-01

There are a number of forms of creatine available that attempt to improve the solubility and permeability, with the anticipation this will result in an improved pharmacokinetic profile and ultimately an enhanced ergogenic response. Previous research has shown that the different salt forms can improve solubility resulting in slightly altered pharmacokinetic profiles, however specific data exploring the conversion of esterified derivatives to creatine is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine the assertion that creatine ethyl ester undergoes enzymatic conversion to creatine in human tissues. The IN VITRO response of creatine ethyl ester to incubation in human plasma was examined by H-NMR analysis. Lyophilized human plasma was reconstituted in D2O and phosphate-buffered saline and 1.5 mg of the analyte was added. Following incubation at 37 degrees C for 4 h and subsequent protein precipitation, the supernatant was analyzed by NMR, utilizing the diagnostic chemical shift of the methylene signal to determine the species present in solution, I.E. creatine ethyl ester, creatine, or creatinine. Both creatine and creatinine were run in parallel as control experiments and each assay was run in triplicate. As expected both creatine and creatinine remained unchanged. However, conversion of creatine ethyl ester to creatine by the esterases in human plasma was not observed to any detectable extent and the only species detected after the incubation period was creatinine. While not a definitive characterization of the IN VIVO behavior, these results strongly warrant a complete IN VIVO pharmacokinetic analysis of creatine ethyl ester since it appears these "pronutrients" may actually provide large exogenous sources of pharmacologically inactive creatinine rather than ergogenic creatine.

Subcellular localization of glycolytic enzymes and characterization of intermediary metabolism of Trypanosoma rangeli.

PubMed

Rondón-Mercado, Rocío; Acosta, Héctor; Cáceres, Ana J; Quiñones, Wilfredo; Concepción, Juan Luis

2017-09-01

Trypanosoma rangeli is a hemoflagellate protist that infects wild and domestic mammals as well as humans in Central and South America. Although this parasite is not pathogenic for human, it is being studied because it shares with Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease, biological characteristics, geographic distribution, vectors and vertebrate hosts. Several metabolic studies have been performed with T. cruzi epimastigotes, however little is known about the metabolism of T. rangeli. In this work we present the subcellular distribution of the T. rangeli enzymes responsible for the conversion of glucose to pyruvate, as determined by epifluorescense immunomicroscopy and subcellular fractionation involving either selective membrane permeabilization with digitonin or differential and isopycnic centrifugation. We found that in T. rangeli epimastigotes the first six enzymes of the glycolytic pathway, involved in the conversion of glucose to 1,3-bisphosphoglycerate are located within glycosomes, while the last four steps occur in the cytosol. In contrast with T. cruzi, where three isoenzymes (one cytosolic and two glycosomal) of phosphoglycerate kinase are expressed simultaneously, only one enzyme with this activity is detected in T. rangeli epimastigotes, in the cytosol. Consistent with this latter result, we found enzymes involved in auxiliary pathways to glycolysis needed to maintain adenine nucleotide and redox balances within glycosomes such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, malate dehydrogenase, fumarate reductase, pyruvate phosphate dikinase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Glucokinase, galactokinase and the first enzyme of the pentose-phosphate pathway, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, were also located inside glycosomes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that T. rangeli epimastigotes growing in LIT medium only consume glucose and do not excrete ammonium; moreover, they are unable to survive in partially-depleted glucose medium. The velocity of glucose consumption is about 40% higher than that of procyclic Trypanosoma brucei, and four times faster than by T. cruzi epimastigotes under the same culture conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Inhibition of purine phosphoribosyltransferases of Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells by 6-mercaptopurine

PubMed Central

Atkinson, M. R.; Murray, A. W.

1965-01-01

1. The formation of adenosine 5′-phosphate, guanosine 5′-phosphate and inosine 5′-phosphate from [8-14C]adenine, [8-14C]guanine and [8-14C]hypoxanthine respectively in the presence of 5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate and an extract from Ehrlich ascites-tumour cells was assayed by a method involving liquid-scintillation counting of the radioactive nucleotides on diethylaminoethylcellulose paper. The results obtained with guanine were confirmed by a spectrophotometric assay which was also used to assay the conversion of 6-mercaptopurine and 5-phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate into 6-thioinosine 5′-phosphate in the presence of 6-mercaptopurine phosphoribosyltransferase from these cells. 2. At pH 7·8 and 25° the Michaelis constants for adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine were 0·9 μm, 2·9 μm and 11·0 μm in the assay with radioactive purines; the Michaelis constant for guanine in the spectrophotometric assay was 2·6 μm. At pH 7·9 the Michaelis constant for 6-mercaptopurine was 10·9 μm. 3. 25 μm-6-Mercaptopurine did not inhibit adenine phosphoribosyltransferase. 6-Mercaptopurine is a competitive inhibitor of guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Ki 4·7 μm) and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (Ki 8·3 μm). Hypoxanthine is a competitive inhibitor of guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Ki 3·4 μm). 4. Differences in kinetic parameters and in the distribution of phosphoribosyltransferase activities after electrophoresis in starch gel indicate that different enzymes are involved in the conversion of adenine, guanine and hypoxanthine into their nucleotides. 5. From the low values of Ki for 6-mercaptopurine, and from published evidence that ascites-tumour cells require supplies of purines from the host tissues, it is likely that inhibition of hypoxanthine and guanine phosphoribosyltransferases by free 6-mercaptopurine is involved in the biological activity of this drug. PMID:14342250

SGPL1 (sphingosine phosphate lyase 1) modulates neuronal autophagy via phosphatidylethanolamine production.

PubMed

Mitroi, Daniel N; Karunakaran, Indulekha; Gräler, Markus; Saba, Julie D; Ehninger, Dan; Ledesma, María Dolores; van Echten-Deckert, Gerhild

2017-05-04

Macroautophagy/autophagy defects have been identified as critical factors underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The roles of the bioactive signaling lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and its catabolic enzyme SGPL1/SPL (sphingosine phosphate lyase 1) in autophagy are increasingly recognized. Here we provide in vitro and in vivo evidence for a previously unidentified route through which SGPL1 modulates autophagy in neurons. SGPL1 cleaves S1P into ethanolamine phosphate, which is directed toward the synthesis of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) that anchors LC3-I to phagophore membranes in the form of LC3-II. In the brains of SGPL1 fl/fl/Nes mice with developmental neural specific SGPL1 ablation, we observed significantly reduced PE levels. Accordingly, alterations in basal and stimulated autophagy involving decreased conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II and increased BECN1/Beclin-1 and SQSTM1/p62 levels were apparent. Alterations were also noticed in downstream events of the autophagic-lysosomal pathway such as increased levels of lysosomal markers and aggregate-prone proteins such as APP (amyloid β [A4] precursor protein) and SNCA/α-synuclein. In vivo profound deficits in cognitive skills were observed. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of SGPL1 in cultured neurons promoted these alterations, whereas addition of PE was sufficient to restore LC3-I to LC3-II conversion, and control levels of SQSTM1, APP and SNCA. Electron and immunofluorescence microscopy showed accumulation of unclosed phagophore-like structures, reduction of autolysosomes and altered distribution of LC3 in SGPL1 fl/fl/Nes brains. Experiments using EGFP-mRFP-LC3 provided further support for blockage of the autophagic flux at initiation stages upon SGPL1 deficiency due to PE paucity. These results emphasize a formerly overlooked direct role of SGPL1 in neuronal autophagy and assume significance in the context that autophagy modulators hold an enormous therapeutic potential in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Electrochemical Behavior of Pure Copper in Phosphate Buffer Solutions: A Comparison Between Micro- and Nano-Grained Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imantalab, O.; Fattah-alhosseini, A.; Keshavarz, M. K.; Mazaheri, Y.

2016-02-01

In this work, electrochemical behavior of annealed (micro-) and nano-grained pure copper (fabricated by accumulative roll bonding process) in phosphate buffer solutions of various pH values ranging from 10.69 to 12.59 has been studied. Before any electrochemical measurements, evaluation of microstructure was obtained by optical microscope and transmission electron microscopy. To investigate the electrochemical behavior of the samples, the potentiodynamic polarization, Mott-Schottky analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were carried out. Potentiodynamic polarization plots and EIS measurements revealed that as a result of grain refinement, the passive behavior of the nano-grained sample was improved compared to that of annealed pure copper. Also, Mott-Schottky analysis indicated that the passive films behaved as p-type semiconductors and grain refinement did not change the semiconductor type of passive films.

Synthesis and Release of Cyclic Adenosine 3′:5′-Monophosphate by Ochromonas malhamensis1

PubMed Central

Bressan, Ray A.; Handa, Avtar K.; Quader, Hartmut; Filner, Philip

1980-01-01

The chrysophycean alga, Ochromonas malhamensis Pringsheim, was shown to synthesize cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP) and to release it into the culture medium. Cells contained 3 to 3,000 picomoles per gram fresh weight; medium contained up to 20 times the amount in the cells. Putative [32P]cAMP was purified from cultures supplied [32P]phosphate. The compound was identified as [32P]cAMP by co-chromatography with authentic cAMP through 10 serial steps; by chemical deamination at the same rate as authentic cAMP, to a 32P compound with the chromatographic behavior of cIMP; and by its conversion through the action of cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase to a 32P compound with the chromatographic behavior of 5′-AMP. A two-step procedure involving chromatography on alumina and on Dowex 50 purified the unlabeled compound from cells or medium sufficiently for it to be assayable by competitive inhibition of binding of [3H]cAMP to cAMP-binding protein (Gilman assay) or by stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The activity was destroyed by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase with the same kinetics as authentic cAMP, provided that an endogenous inhibitor of the phosphodiesterase was first removed by an additional purification step. Images PMID:16661154

Transport of Phosphoenolpyruvate by Chloroplasts from Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Exhibiting Crassulacean Acid Metabolism 1

PubMed Central

Neuhaus, H. Ekkehard; Holtum, Joseph A. M.; Latzko, Erwin

1988-01-01

Chloroplasts from CAM-Mesembryanthemum crystallinum can transport phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) across the envelope. The initial velocities of PEP uptake in the dark at 4°C exhibited saturation kinetics with increasing external PEP concentration. PEP uptake had a Vmax of 6.46 (±0.05) micromoles per milligram chlorophyll per hour and an apparent Kmpep of 0.148 (±0.004) millimolar. The uptake was competitively inhibited by Pi (apparent Ki = 0.19 millimolar), by glycerate 3-phosphate (apparent Ki = 0.13 millimolar), and by dihydroxyacetone phosphate, but malate and pyruvate were without effect. The chloroplasts were able to synthesize PEP when presented with pyruvate. PEP synthesis was light dependent. The prolonged synthesis and export of PEP from the chloroplasts required the presence of Pi or glycerate 3-phosphate in the external medium. It is suggested that the transport of pyruvate and PEP across the chloroplasts envelope is required during the gluconeogenic conversion of carbon from malate to storage carbohydrate in the light. PMID:16666128

Interaction between vitamin B6 metabolism, nitrogen metabolism and autoimmunity.

PubMed

Colinas, Maite; Fitzpatrick, Teresa B

2016-01-01

The essential micronutrient vitamin B6 is best known in its enzymatic cofactor form, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP). However, vitamin B6 comprises the amine pyridoxamine 5'-phosphate (PMP) and the alcohol pyridoxine 5'-phosphate (PNP) in addition to PLP, as well as their corresponding non-phosphorylated forms. The different B6 forms (called vitamers) are enzymatically interconverted in a ubiquitous salvage pathway. Recently, we have shown that balancing the ratio of the different B6 vitamers in particular PMP by the PMP/PNP oxidase PDX3 is essential for growth and development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Intriguingly, nitrate to ammonium conversion is impaired in pdx3 mutants, such that the mutants become ammonium-dependent, suggesting an interaction between vitamin B6 and nitrogen metabolism. In addition, we found a strong up-regulation of genes related to plant defense. Here, we further show that pdx3 mutants display a temperature-sensitive phenotype that is typical of autoimmune mutants and is possibly connected to the impaired nitrogen metabolism.

Ductile polyelectrolyte macromolecule-complexed zinc phosphate conversion crystal pre-coatings and topcoatings embodying a laminate

DOEpatents

Sugama, Toshifumi; Kukacka, Lawrence E.; Carciello, Neal R.

1987-01-01

This invention relates to a precoat, laminate, and method for ductile coatings on steel and non-ferrous metals which comprises applying a zinc phosphating coating solution modified by a solid polyelectrolyte selected from polyacrylic acid (PAA), polymethacrylic acid (PMA), polyitaconic acid (PIA), and poly-L-glutamic acid. The contacting of the resin with the phosphating solution is made for a period of up to 20 hours at about 80.degree. C. The polyelectrolyte or the precoat is present in about 0.5-5.0% by weight of the total precoat composition and after application, the precoat base is dried for up to 5 hours at about 150.degree. C. to desiccate. Also, a laminate may be formed where polyurethane (PU) is applied as an elastomeric topcoating or polyfuran resin is applied as a glassy topcoating. It has been found that the use of PAA at a molecular weight of about 2.times.10.sup.5 gave improved ductility modulus effect.

Ductile polyelectrolyte macromolecule-complexed zinc phosphate conversion crystal pre-coatings and topcoatings embodying a laminate

DOEpatents

Sugama, T.; Kukacka, L.E.; Carciello, N.R.

1987-04-21

This invention relates to a precoat, laminate, and method for ductile coatings on steel and non-ferrous metals which comprises applying a zinc phosphating coating solution modified by a solid polyelectrolyte selected from polyacrylic acid (PAA), polymethacrylic acid (PMA), polyitaconic acid (PIA), and poly-L-glutamic acid. The contacting of the resin with the phosphating solution is made for a period of up to 20 hours at about 80 C. The polyelectrolyte or the precoat is present in about 0.5--5.0% by weight of the total precoat composition and after application, the precoat base is dried for up to 5 hours at about 150 C to desiccate. Also, a laminate may be formed where polyurethane (PU) is applied as an elastomeric topcoating or polyfuran resin is applied as a glassy topcoating. It has been found that the use of PAA at a molecular weight of about 2 [times] 10[sup 5] gave improved ductility modulus effect. 5 figs.

Ductile polyelectrolyte macromolecule-complexed zinc phosphate conversion crystal pre-coatings and topcoatings embodying a laminate

DOEpatents

Sugama, Toshifumi; Kukacka, L.E.; Carciello, N.R.

1985-11-05

This invention relates to a precoat, laminate, and method for ductile coatings on steel and non-ferrous metals which comprises applying a zinc phosphating coating solution modified by a solid polyelectrolyte selected from polyacrylic acid (PAA), polymethacrylic acid (PMA), polyitaconic acid (PIA), and poly-L-glutamic acid. The contacting of the resin with the phosphating solution is made for a period of up to 20 hours at about 80/sup 0/C. The polyelectrolyte or the precoat is present in about 0.5 to 5.0% by weight of the total precoat composition and after application, the precoat base is dried for up to 5 hours at about 150/sup 0/C to desiccate. Also, a laminate may be formed where polyurethane (PU) is applied as an elastomeric topcoating or polyfuran resin is applied as a glassy topcoating. It has been found that the use of PAA at a molecular weight of about 2 x 10/sup 5/ gave improved ductility modulus effect.

Octacalcium phosphate: osteoconductivity and crystal chemistry.

PubMed

Suzuki, O

2010-09-01

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which is structurally similar to hydroxyapatite (HA), is a possible precursor of bone apatite crystals. Although disagreement remains as to whether OCP comprises the initial mineral crystals in the early stage of bone mineralization, the results of recent biomaterial studies using synthetic OCP indicate the potential role of OCP as a bone substitute material, owing to its highly osteoconductive and biodegradable characteristics. OCP tends to convert to HA not only in an in vitro environment, but also as an implant in bone defects. Several lines of evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the conversion process could be involved in the stimulatory capacity of OCP for osteoblastic differentiation and osteoclast formation. However, the osteoconductivity of OCP cannot always be secured if an OCP with distinct crystal characteristics is used, because the stoichiometry and microstructure of OCP crystals greatly affect bone-regenerative properties. Osteoconductivity and stimulatory capabilities may be caused by the chemical characteristics of OCP, which allows the release or exchange of calcium and phosphate ions with the surrounding of this salt, and its tendency to grow towards specific crystal faces, which could be a variable of the synthesis condition. This paper reviews the effect of calcium phosphates on osteoblastic activity and bone regeneration, with a special emphasis on OCP, since OCP seems to be performing better than other calcium phosphates in vivo. 2010 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exogenous fatty acids affect CDP-choline pathway to increase phosphatidylcholine synthesis in granular pneumocytes

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

Chander, A.; Gullo, J.; Reicherter, J.

1987-05-01

Regulation of phosphatidylcholine (PC) synthesis in rat granular pneumocytes isolated by tryptic digestion of lungs and maintained in primary culture for 24 h was investigated by following effects of exogenous fatty acids on (/sup 3/H-methyl)choline incorporation into PC and disaturated PC (DSPC). At 0.1 mM choline, the rate of choline incorporation into PC and DSPC was 440 +/- and 380 +/- 50 pmol/h/ug Pi (mean +/- SE, n=3-5), respectively, and was linear for up to 3 h. PC synthesis was significantly increased by 0.1 mM each of palmitic, oleic, linoleic, or linolenic acid. However, synthesis of DSPC was increased onlymore » by palmitic acid and this increase was prevented by addition of oleic acid suggesting lack of effect on the remodeling pathway. Pulse-chase experiments with choline in absence or presence of palmitic or oleic acid showed that the label declined in choline phosphate and increased in PC more rapidly in presence of either of the fatty acids, suggesting rapid conversion of choline phosphate to PC. Microsomal choline phosphate cytidyltransferase activity in cells preincubated without or with palmitic acid for 3 h was 0.81 +/- 0.07 and 1.81 +/- 0.09 nmol choline phosphate converted/min/mg protein (n=4). These results suggest that in granular pneumocytes, exogenous fatty acids modulate PC synthesis by increasing choline phosphate cytidyltransferase activity.« less

Talking about Quitting: Interpersonal Communication as a Mediator of Campaign Effects on Smokers’ Quit Behaviors

PubMed Central

Jeong, Michelle; Tan, Andy; Brennan, Emily; Gibson, Laura; Hornik, Robert C.

2015-01-01

This study examined the role of interpersonal communication in the context of a mass media anti-smoking campaign. Specifically, it explored whether conversations about campaign ads and/or about quitting mediated campaign exposure effects on two quitting behaviors (sought help to quit and tried to quit smoking completely), as well as the relationship between ad-related and quitting-related conversations. Data were collected prior to the campaign and monthly for 16 months during the campaign through cross-sectional telephone surveys among a sample of 3277 adult Philadelphian smokers. Follow-up interviews were conducted among 877 participants three months after their first survey. Cross-sectional and longitudinal mediation models with bootstrap procedures assessed the indirect effects of campaign exposure on outcomes through conversations, and of conversations about ads on outcomes through conversations about quitting. In addition, lagged regression analyses tested the causal direction of associations between the variables of interest. The results partially support hypotheses that conversations about quitting mediate campaign effects on quitting-related behaviors, and, in line with previous research, that conversations about the ads have indirect effects on quitting-related behaviors by triggering conversations about quitting. These findings demonstrate the importance of considering interpersonal communication as a route of campaign exposure effects when evaluating and designing future public health campaigns. PMID:26147367

Phosphate adsorption on aluminum-impregnated mesoporous silicates : surface structure and behavior of adsorbents

Treesearch

Eun Woo Shin; James S. Han; Min Jang; Soo-Hong Min; Jae Kwang Park; Roger M. Rowell

2004-01-01

Phosphorus from excess fertilizers and detergents ends up washing into lakes, creeks, and rivers. This overabundance of phosphorus causes excessive aquatic plant and algae growth and depletes the dissolved oxygen supply in the water. In this study, aluminum-impregnated mesoporous adsorbents were tested for their ability to remove phosphate from water. The surface...

The mechanism of action of serine transhydroxymethylase

PubMed Central

Jordan, P. M.; Akhtar, M.

1970-01-01

1. The preparation of stereospecifically tritiated glycines and the determination of their absolute configurations by the use of d-amino acid oxidase are described. 2. The reaction catalysed by serine transhydroxymethylase, which results in the conversion of glycine into serine, has been separated into at least four partial reactions. It is suggested that the first event in this conversion is the formation of a Schiff base intermediate of glycine and pyridoxal phosphate. The next important step involves the removal of the 2S-hydrogen atom of glycine to give a carbanion intermediate. Experiments pertinent to the mechanism of conversion of this carbanion intermediate into serine are described. 3. The enzyme preparation catalysing the conversion of glycine into serine also participates in the conversion of glycine into threonine and allothreonine. In both these conversions, glycine → serine and glycine → threonine, the 2S-hydrogen atom of glycine is eliminated and the 2R-hydrogen atom of glycine is retained. 4. In the light of these experiments the mechanism of action of serine transhydroxymethylase is discussed. It is suggested that methylenetetrahydrofolate is the carrier of formaldehyde, from which formaldehyde may be liberated at the active site of the enzyme, thus allowing the overall reaction to take place. PMID:5414101

NAVAIR Progress in Assessing, Validating and Implementing Non-Chromate Primers (Briefing charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-02-09

logistics for any new coating or coating system NAVAIR Application Areas for Hexavalent Chromium Alternatives: Status Components/ Structure... Hexavalent chromium alternatives Sacrificial Coating Post Treatment MIL-A-8625 Anodize Avionics/ Electronics Magnesium/Titanium Conversion Aluminum Anodizing...Aluminum Pretreatment Type IC Seal Type IIB Seal Type II Seal Phosphating Rinse (Aluminum)Rinse (Steel) Cadmium Zinc-Nickel Aluminum Bonding Chrome

Analysis of Shublik Formation rocks from Mt. Michelson quadrangle, Alaska

USGS Publications Warehouse

Detterman, Robert L.

1970-01-01

Analysis of 88 samples from the Shublik formation on Fire Creek, Mt. Michelson Quadrangle, Alaska, are presented in tabular form. The results include the determination of elements by semiquantitative spectrographic analysis, phosphate by X-ray fluorescence, carbon dioxide by acid decomposable carbonate, total carbon by induction furnace, carbonate carbon by conversion using the conversion factor of 0.2727 for amount of carbon in carbon dioxide, and organic carbon by difference. A seven- cycle semilogarithmic chart presents the data graphically and illustrates the range, mode, and mean for some of the elements. The chart shows, also, the approximate concentration of the same elements in rocks similar to the black shale and limestone of the Shublik Formation. Each sample represents 5 feet of section and is composed of rock chips taken at 1 - foot intervals. The samples are keyed into a stratigraphic column of the formation. Rocks of the Shublik Formation contain anomalously high concentrations of some of the elements. These same elements might be expected to be high in some of the petroleum from northern Alaska if the Shublik Formation is a source for this petroleum. Several of the stratigraphic intervals may represent, also, a low-grade phosphate deposit.

Conversion of borate-based glass scaffold to hydroxyapatite in a dilute phosphate solution.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Pan, Haobo; Fu, Hailuo; Fu, Qiang; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Huang, Wenhai

2010-02-01

Porous scaffolds of a borate-based glass (composition in mol%: 6Na2O, 8K2O, 8MgO, 22CaO, 36B2O3, 18SiO2, 2P2O5), with interconnected porosity of approximately 70% and pores of size 200-500 microm, were prepared by a polymer foam replication technique. The degradation of the scaffolds and conversion to a hydroxyapatite-type material in a 0.02 M K2HPO4 solution (starting pH = 7.0) at 37 degrees C were studied by measuring the weight loss of the scaffolds, as well as the pH and the boron concentration of the solution. X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis showed that a hydroxyapatite-type material was formed on the glass surface within 7 days of immersion in the phosphate solution. Cellular response to the scaffolds was assessed using murine MLO-A5 cells, an osteogenic cell line. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the scaffolds supported cell attachment and proliferation during the 6 day incubation. The results indicate that this borate-based glass could provide a promising degradable scaffold material for bone tissue engineering applications.

Interactive Behaviors in Adolescent Conversation Dyads.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Turkstra, Lyn; Ciccia, Angela; Seaton, Christine

2003-01-01

This study collected normative behavioral data from extemporaneous 3-minute conversations of 50 typically developing adolescents. Analysis found the following high frequency behaviors: directing gaze at the partner, nodding and showing neutral and positive facial expressions, using back-channel responses, and giving contingent responses.…

Salt Stability - The Effect of pHmax on Salt to Free Base Conversion.

PubMed

Hsieh, Yi-Ling; Merritt, Jeremy M; Yu, Weili; Taylor, Lynne S

2015-09-01

The aim of this study was to investigate how the disproportionation process can be impacted by the properties of the salt, specifically pHmax. Five miconazole salts and four sertraline salts were selected for this study. The extent of conversion was quantified using Raman spectroscopy. A mathematical model was utilized to estimate the theoretical amount of conversion. A trend was observed that for a given series of salts of a particular basic compound (both sertraline and miconazole are bases), the extent of disproportionation increases as pHmax decreases. Miconazole phosphate monohydrate and sertraline mesylate, although exhibiting significantly different pHmax values (more than 2 units apart), underwent a similar extent of disproportionation, which may be attributed to the lower buffering capacity of sertraline salts. This work shows that the disproportionation tendency can be influenced by pHmax and buffering capacity and thus highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate salt form during the screening process in order to avoid salt-to-free form conversion.

Calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating: Effect of different concentrations of Mg2+ in the m-SBF on its bioactivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Dai, Changsong; Wei, Jie; Wen, Zhaohui; Zhang, Shujuan; Lin, Lemin

2013-09-01

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentration of Mg2+ in a modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF) on the bioactivity of calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating. Calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating was prepared on graphite substrate via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) followed by conversion in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The obtained samples were soaked in the m-SBF containing different concentration of Mg2+ for different times. And then, the composite coatings were assessed using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectra, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). The soaking solution was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) test. The analytical results showed that hydroxyapatite (HA) and bone-like apatite (HCA) grew on the surface of calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating after incubation in different m-SBF. With Mg2+ concentration in m-SBF increased from 1× Mg to 10× Mg, HA in the composite coating first presented a dissolving process and then a precipitating one slowly, while HCA presented a growing trend, continuously. The increasing of Mg2+ concentration in the m-SBF inhibited the total growing process of HA and HCA as a whole. The structure of the composite coating changed from spherical into irregular morphology with the concentration of Mg2+ increasing from 1× Mg to 10× Mg. Over all, with the Mg2+ concentration increasing, the bioactivity of calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coating tended to decrease.

Phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent maltose:phosphotransferase activity in Fusobacterium mortiferum ATCC 25557: specificity, inducibility, and product analysis.

PubMed Central

Robrish, S A; Fales, H M; Gentry-Weeks, C; Thompson, J

1994-01-01

Phosphoenolypyruvate-dependent maltose:phosphotransferase activity was induced in cells of Fusobacterium mortiferum ATCC 25557 during growth on maltose. The disaccharide was rapidly metabolized by washed cells maintained under anaerobic conditions, but fermentation ceased immediately upon exposure of the cell suspension to air. Coincidentally, high levels of a phosphorylated derivative accumulated within the cells. Chemical and enzymatic analyses, in conjunction with data from 1H, 13C, and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, established the structure of the purified compound as 6-O-phosphoryl-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-D-glucose (maltose 6-phosphate). A method for the preparation of substrate amounts of this commercially unavailable disaccharide phosphate is described. Permeabilized cells of F. mortiferum catalyzed the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation of maltose under aerobic conditions. However, the hydrolysis of maltose 6-phosphate (to glucose 6-phosphate and glucose) by permeabilized cells or cell-free preparations required either an anaerobic environment or addition of dithiothreitol to aerobic reaction mixtures. The first step in dissimilation of the phosphorylated disaccharide appears to be catalyzed by an oxygen-sensitive maltose 6-phosphate hydrolase. Cells of F. mortiferum, grown previously on maltose, fermented a variety of alpha-linked glucosides, including maltose, turanose, palatinose, maltitol, alpha-methylglucoside, trehalose, and isomaltose. Conversely, cells grown on the separate alpha-glucosides also metabolized maltose. For this anaerobic pathogen, we suggest that the maltose:phosphotransferase and maltose 6-phosphate hydrolase catalyze the phosphorylative translocation and cleavage not only of maltose but also of structurally analogous alpha-linked glucosides. Images PMID:8195080

Behavioral Treatment of Conversion Disorder in Adolescence: A Case Example of Globus Hystericus.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donohue, Brad; Thevenin, Deborah M.; Runyon, Melissa K.

1997-01-01

Using a case study, evaluates the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for the treatment of a patient diagnosed with a conversion disorder characterized by a perceived lump in the throat and subsequent weight loss. Results indicate that the behavioral therapy procedures contributed to increased weight and improved eating behavior. (RJM)

Harnessing the power of conversations with virtual humans to change health behaviors.

PubMed

Albright, Glenn; Adam, Cyrille; Serri, Deborah; Bleeker, Seth; Goldman, Ron

2016-01-01

Skillful, collaborative conversations are powerful tools to improve physical and mental health. Whether you are a parent talking with your child about the dangers of substance abuse, an educator concerned about a student's signs of psychological distress, a veteran worried about a buddy who is contemplating suicide, or a healthcare professional wanting to better engage patients to increase treatment compliance, having the skill, confidence and motivation to engage in conversations can truly transform the health and well-being of those you interact with. Kognito develops role-play simulations that prepare individuals to effectively lead real-life conversations that measurably improve social, emotional, and physical health. The behavior change model that drives the simulations draws upon components of game mechanics, virtual human simulation technology and integrates evidence-based instructional design components as well as principles of social-cognitive theory and neuroscience such as motivational interviewing, emotional regulation, empathy and mindfulness. In the simulations, users or enter a risk-free practice environment and engage in a conversation with intelligent, fully animated, and emotionally responsive virtual characters that model human behavior. It is in practicing these conversations, and receiving feedback from a virtual coach, that users learn to better lead conversations in real life. Numerous longitudinal studies have shown that users who complete Kognito simulations demonstrate statistically significant and sustained increases in attitudinal variables that predict behavior change including preparedness, likelihood, and self-efficacy to better manage conversations. Pending the target population, each online or mobile simulation resulted in desired behavior changes ranging from increased referrals of students, patients or veterans in psychological distress to mental health support services, or increasing physician patient-centered communication or patient self-confidence and active involved in the decision-making processes. These simulations have demonstrated a capability to address major health and public health concerns where effective conversations are necessary to bring about changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Harnessing the power of conversations with virtual humans to change health behaviors

PubMed Central

Adam, Cyrille; Serri, Deborah; Bleeker, Seth; Goldman, Ron

2016-01-01

Skillful, collaborative conversations are powerful tools to improve physical and mental health. Whether you are a parent talking with your child about the dangers of substance abuse, an educator concerned about a student’s signs of psychological distress, a veteran worried about a buddy who is contemplating suicide, or a healthcare professional wanting to better engage patients to increase treatment compliance, having the skill, confidence and motivation to engage in conversations can truly transform the health and well-being of those you interact with. Kognito develops role-play simulations that prepare individuals to effectively lead real-life conversations that measurably improve social, emotional, and physical health. The behavior change model that drives the simulations draws upon components of game mechanics, virtual human simulation technology and integrates evidence-based instructional design components as well as principles of social-cognitive theory and neuroscience such as motivational interviewing, emotional regulation, empathy and mindfulness. In the simulations, users or enter a risk-free practice environment and engage in a conversation with intelligent, fully animated, and emotionally responsive virtual characters that model human behavior. It is in practicing these conversations, and receiving feedback from a virtual coach, that users learn to better lead conversations in real life. Numerous longitudinal studies have shown that users who complete Kognito simulations demonstrate statistically significant and sustained increases in attitudinal variables that predict behavior change including preparedness, likelihood, and self-efficacy to better manage conversations. Pending the target population, each online or mobile simulation resulted in desired behavior changes ranging from increased referrals of students, patients or veterans in psychological distress to mental health support services, or increasing physician patient-centered communication or patient self-confidence and active involved in the decision-making processes. These simulations have demonstrated a capability to address major health and public health concerns where effective conversations are necessary to bring about changes in attitudes and behaviors. PMID:28293614

Electrochemical Behavior Assessment of As-Cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr Alloy in Phosphate Buffer Solutions (X Na3PO4 + Y Na2HPO4) Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Mott-Schottky Techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fattah-alhosseini, Arash; Asgari, Hamed

2018-05-01

In the present study, electrochemical behavior of as-cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy (RE: rare-earth alloying elements) was investigated using electrochemical tests in phosphate buffer solutions (X Na3PO4 + Y Na2HPO4). X-ray diffraction techniques and Scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy were used to investigate the microstructure and phases of the experimental alloy. Different electrochemical tests such as potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis were carried out in order to study the electrochemical behavior of the experimental alloy in phosphate buffer solutions. The PDP curves and EIS measurements indicated that the passive behavior of the as-cast Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy in phosphate buffer solutions was weakened by an increase in the pH, which is related to formation of an imperfect and less protective passive layer on the alloy surface. The presence of the insoluble zirconium particles along with high number of intermetallic phases of RE elements mainly Mg24Y5 in the magnesium matrix can deteriorate the corrosion performance of the alloy by disrupting the protective passive layer that is formed at pH values over 11. These insoluble zirconium particles embedded in the matrix can detrimentally influence the passivation. The M-S analysis revealed that the formed passive layers on Mg-Y-RE-Zr alloy behaved as an n-type semiconductor. An increase in donor concentration accompanying solutions of higher alkalinity is thought to result in the formation of a less resistive passive layer.

Two carbon fluxes to reserve starch in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber cells are closely interconnected but differently modulated by temperature

PubMed Central

Fettke, Joerg; Leifels, Lydia; Brust, Henrike; Herbst, Karoline; Steup, Martin

2012-01-01

Parenchyma cells from tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. convert several externally supplied sugars to starch but the rates vary largely. Conversion of glucose 1-phosphate to starch is exceptionally efficient. In this communication, tuber slices were incubated with either of four solutions containing equimolar [U-14C]glucose 1-phosphate, [U-14C]sucrose, [U-14C]glucose 1-phosphate plus unlabelled equimolar sucrose or [U-14C]sucrose plus unlabelled equimolar glucose 1-phosphate. 14C-incorporation into starch was monitored. In slices from freshly harvested tubers each unlabelled compound strongly enhanced 14C incorporation into starch indicating closely interacting paths of starch biosynthesis. However, enhancement disappeared when the tubers were stored. The two paths (and, consequently, the mutual enhancement effect) differ in temperature dependence. At lower temperatures, the glucose 1-phosphate-dependent path is functional, reaching maximal activity at approximately 20 °C but the flux of the sucrose-dependent route strongly increases above 20 °C. Results are confirmed by in vitro experiments using [U-14C]glucose 1-phosphate or adenosine-[U-14C]glucose and by quantitative zymograms of starch synthase or phosphorylase activity. In mutants almost completely lacking the plastidial phosphorylase isozyme(s), the glucose 1-phosphate-dependent path is largely impeded. Irrespective of the size of the granules, glucose 1-phosphate-dependent incorporation per granule surface area is essentially equal. Furthermore, within the granules no preference of distinct glucosyl acceptor sites was detectable. Thus, the path is integrated into the entire granule biosynthesis. In vitro 14C-incorporation into starch granules mediated by the recombinant plastidial phosphorylase isozyme clearly differed from the in situ results. Taken together, the data clearly demonstrate that two closely but flexibly interacting general paths of starch biosynthesis are functional in potato tuber cells. PMID:22378944

Two carbon fluxes to reserve starch in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber cells are closely interconnected but differently modulated by temperature.

PubMed

Fettke, Joerg; Leifels, Lydia; Brust, Henrike; Herbst, Karoline; Steup, Martin

2012-05-01

Parenchyma cells from tubers of Solanum tuberosum L. convert several externally supplied sugars to starch but the rates vary largely. Conversion of glucose 1-phosphate to starch is exceptionally efficient. In this communication, tuber slices were incubated with either of four solutions containing equimolar [U-¹⁴C]glucose 1-phosphate, [U-¹⁴C]sucrose, [U-¹⁴C]glucose 1-phosphate plus unlabelled equimolar sucrose or [U-¹⁴C]sucrose plus unlabelled equimolar glucose 1-phosphate. C¹⁴-incorporation into starch was monitored. In slices from freshly harvested tubers each unlabelled compound strongly enhanced ¹⁴C incorporation into starch indicating closely interacting paths of starch biosynthesis. However, enhancement disappeared when the tubers were stored. The two paths (and, consequently, the mutual enhancement effect) differ in temperature dependence. At lower temperatures, the glucose 1-phosphate-dependent path is functional, reaching maximal activity at approximately 20 °C but the flux of the sucrose-dependent route strongly increases above 20 °C. Results are confirmed by in vitro experiments using [U-¹⁴C]glucose 1-phosphate or adenosine-[U-¹⁴C]glucose and by quantitative zymograms of starch synthase or phosphorylase activity. In mutants almost completely lacking the plastidial phosphorylase isozyme(s), the glucose 1-phosphate-dependent path is largely impeded. Irrespective of the size of the granules, glucose 1-phosphate-dependent incorporation per granule surface area is essentially equal. Furthermore, within the granules no preference of distinct glucosyl acceptor sites was detectable. Thus, the path is integrated into the entire granule biosynthesis. In vitro C¹⁴C-incorporation into starch granules mediated by the recombinant plastidial phosphorylase isozyme clearly differed from the in situ results. Taken together, the data clearly demonstrate that two closely but flexibly interacting general paths of starch biosynthesis are functional in potato tuber cells.

Effect of Zinc Phosphate on the Corrosion Behavior of Waterborne Acrylic Coating/Metal Interface

PubMed Central

Wan, Hongxia; Song, Dongdong; Li, Xiaogang; Zhang, Dawei; Gao, Jin; Du, Cuiwei

2017-01-01

Waterborne coating has recently been paid much attention. However, it cannot be used widely due to its performance limitations. Under the specified conditions of the selected resin, selecting the function pigment is key to improving the anticorrosive properties of the coating. Zinc phosphate is an environmentally protective and efficient anticorrosion pigment. In this work, zinc phosphate was used in modifying waterborne acrylic coatings. Moreover, the disbonding resistance of the coating was studied. Results showed that adding zinc phosphate can effectively inhibit the anode process of metal corrosion and enhance the wet adhesion of the coating, and consequently prevent the horizontal diffusion of the corrosive medium into the coating/metal interface and slow down the disbonding of the coating. PMID:28773013

Calcium phosphate-based coatings on titanium and its alloys.

PubMed

Narayanan, R; Seshadri, S K; Kwon, T Y; Kim, K H

2008-04-01

Use of titanium as biomaterial is possible because of its very favorable biocompatibility with living tissue. Titanium implants having calcium phosphate coatings on their surface show good fixation to the bone. This review covers briefly the requirements of typical biomaterials and narrowly focuses on the works on titanium. Calcium phosphate ceramics for use in implants are introduced and various methods of producing calcium phosphate coating on titanium substrates are elaborated. Advantages and disadvantages of each type of coating from the view point of process simplicity, cost-effectiveness, stability of the coatings, coating integration with the bone, cell behavior, and so forth are highlighted. Taking into account all these factors, the efficient method(s) of producing these coatings are indicated finally.

IN-SITU REMEDIATION OF ARSENIC IN SIMULATED GROUNDWATER USING ZEROVALENT IRON: LABORATORY COLUMN TESTS ON COMBINED EFFECTS OF PHOSPHATE AND SILICATE

EPA Science Inventory

We performed three column tests to study the behavior of permeable reactive barrier (PRB) materials to remove arsenic under dynamic flow conditions in the absence, as well as in the presence, of added phosphate and silicate. The column consisted of a 10.3-cm depth of 50 : 50 (w :...

Phosphate Adsorption using Modified Iron Oxide-based Sorbents in Lake Water: Kinetics, Equilibrium, and Column Tests

EPA Science Inventory

Adsorption behavior of Bayoxide ® E33 (E33) and three E33-modified sorbents for the removal of phosphate from lake water was investigated in this study. E33-modified sorbents were synthesized by coating with manganese (E33/Mn) and silver (E33/AgI and E33/AgII) nanoparticles. Adso...

Effect of substrate nature on the electrochemical deposition of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gualdrón-Reyes, A. F.; Domínguez-Vélez, V.; Morales-Morales, J. A.; Cabanzo, R.; Meléndez, A. M.

2017-01-01

Calcium phosphates were obtained by reducing nitrate ions to produce hydroxide ions on TiO2/stainless steel and TiO2/titanium electrodes. TiO2 coatings on metallic substrates were prepared by sol-gel dip-coating method. The morphology of deposits was observed by FESEM. Chemical nature of calcium phosphate deposits was identified by Raman micro-spectroscopy and FESEM/EDS microanalysis. Electrochemical behavior of nitrate and nitrite reduction on stainless steel and titanium electrodes was studied by linear sweep voltammetry. In addition, voltammetric study of the calcium phosphate electrodeposition on both electrodes was performed. From these measurements was selected the potential to form a calcium phosphate. A catalytic current associated to nitrate reduction reaction was obtained for stainless steel electrode, leading to significant deposition of calcium phosphate. Ca/P ratio for both substrates was less than 1.67. The formation of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy.

An In Vitro Enzyme System for the Production of myo-Inositol from Starch

PubMed Central

Fujisawa, Tomoko; Fujinaga, Shohei

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT We developed an in vitro enzyme system to produce myo-inositol from starch. Four enzymes were used, maltodextrin phosphorylase (MalP), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (MIPS), and inositol monophosphatase (IMPase). The enzymes were thermostable: MalP and PGM from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Thermococcus kodakarensis, MIPS from the hyperthermophilic archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus, and IMPase from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Thermotoga maritima. The enzymes were individually produced in Escherichia coli and partially purified by subjecting cell extracts to heat treatment and removing denatured proteins. The four enzyme samples were incubated at 90°C with amylose, phosphate, and NAD+, resulting in the production of myo-inositol with a yield of over 90% at 2 h. The effects of varying the concentrations of reaction components were examined. When the system volume was increased and NAD+ was added every 2 h, we observed the production of 2.9 g myo-inositol from 2.9 g amylose after 7 h, achieving gram-scale production with a molar conversion of approximately 96%. We further integrated the pullulanase from T. maritima into the system and observed myo-inositol production from soluble starch and raw potato with yields of 73% and 57 to 61%, respectively. IMPORTANCE myo-Inositol is an important nutrient for human health and provides a wide variety of benefits as a dietary supplement. This study demonstrates an alternative method to produce myo-inositol from starch with an in vitro enzyme system using thermostable maltodextrin phosphorylase (MalP), phosphoglucomutase (PGM), myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase, and myo-inositol monophosphatase. By utilizing MalP and PGM to generate glucose 6-phosphate, we can avoid the addition of phosphate donors such as ATP, the use of which would not be practical for scaled-up production of myo-inositol. myo-Inositol was produced from amylose on the gram scale with yields exceeding 90%. Conversion rates were also high, producing over 2 g of myo-inositol within 4 h in a 200-ml reaction mixture. By adding a thermostable pullulanase, we produced myo-inositol from raw potato with yields of 57 to 61% (wt/wt). The system developed here should provide an attractive alternative to conventional methods that rely on extraction or microbial production of myo-inositol. PMID:28600316

Starch Biosynthesis in Developing Wheat Grain 1

PubMed Central

Keeling, Peter L.; Wood, John R.; Tyson, R. Huw; Bridges, Ian G.

1988-01-01

We have used 13C-labeled sugars and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry to study the metabolic pathway of starch biosynthesis in developing wheat grain (Triticum aestivum cv Mardler). Our aim was to examine the extent of redistribution of 13C between carbons atoms 1 and 6 of [1-13C] or [6-13C]glucose (or fructose) incorporated into starch, and hence provide evidence for or against the involvement of triose phosphates in the metabolic pathway. Starch synthesis in the endosperm tissue was studied in two experimental systems. First, the 13C sugars were supplied to isolated endosperm tissue incubated in vitro, and second the 13C sugars were supplied in vivo to the intact plant. The 13C starch produced by the endosperm tissue of the grain was isolated and enzymically degraded to glucose using amyloglucosidase, and the distribution of 13C in all glucosyl carbons was quantified by 13C-NMR spectrometry. In all of the experiments, irrespective of the incubation time or incubation conditions, there was a similar pattern of partial (between 15 and 20%) redistribution of label between carbons 1 and 6 of glucose recovered from starch. There was no detectable increase over background 13C incidence in carbons 2 to 5. Within each experiment, the same pattern of partial redistribution of label was found in the glucosyl and fructosyl moieties of sucrose extracted from the tissue. Since it is unlikely that sucrose is present in the amyloplast, we suggest that the observed redistribution of label occurred in the cytosolic compartment of the endosperm cells and that both sucrose and starch are synthesized from a common pool of intermediates, such as hexose phosphate. We suggest that redistribution of label occurs via a cytosolic pathway cycle involving conversion of hexose phosphate to triose phosphate, interconversion of triose phosphate by triose phosphate isomerase, and resynthesis of hexose phosphate in the cytosol. A further round of triose phosphate interconversion in the amyloplast could not be detected. These data seriously weaken the argument for the selective uptake of triose phosphates by the amyloplast as part of the pathway of starch biosynthesis from sucrose in plant storage tissues. Instead, we suggest that a hexose phosphate such as glucose 1-phosphate, glucose 6-phosphate, or fructose 6-phosphate is the most likely candidate for entry into the amyloplast. A pathway of starch biosynthesis is presented, which is consistent with our data and with the current information on the intracellular distribution of enzymes in plant storage tissues. PMID:16666140

Development of chemically bonded phosphate ceramics for stabilizing low-level mixed wastes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, Seung-Young

1997-11-01

Novel chemically bonded phosphate ceramics have been developed by acid-base reactions between magnesium oxide and an acid phosphate at room temperature for stabilizing U.S. Department of Energy's low-level mixed waste streams that include hazardous chemicals and radioactive elements. Newberyite (MgHPOsb4.3Hsb2O)-rich magnesium phosphate ceramic was formed by an acid-base reaction between phosphoric acid and magnesium oxide. The reaction slurry, formed at room-temperature, sets rapidly and forms stable mineral phases of newberyite, lunebergite, and residual MgO. Rapid setting also generates heat due to exothermic acid-base reaction. The reaction was retarded by partially neutralizing the phosphoric acid solution by adding sodium or potassium hydroxide. This reduced the rate of reaction and heat generation and led to a practical way of producing novel magnesium potassium phosphate ceramic. This ceramic was formed by reacting stoichiometric amount of monopotassium dihydrogen phosphate crystals, MgO, and water, forming pure-phase of MgKPOsb4.6Hsb2O (MKP) with moderate exothermic reaction. Using this chemically bonded phosphate ceramic matrix, low-level mixed waste streams were stabilized, and superior waste forms in a monolithic structure were developed. The final waste forms showed low open porosity and permeability, and higher compression strength than the Land Disposal Requirements (LDRs). The novel MKP ceramic technology allowed us to develop operational size waste forms of 55 gal with good physical integrity. In this improved waste form, the hazardous contaminants such as RCRA heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, etc) were chemically fixed by their conversion into insoluble phosphate forms and physically encapsulated by the phosphate ceramic. In addition, chemically bonded phosphate ceramics stabilized radioactive elements such U and Pu. This was demonstrated with a detailed stabilization study on cerium used as a surrogate (chemically equivalent but nonradioactive) of U and Pu as well as on actual U-contaminated waste water. In particular, the leaching level of mercury in the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test was reduced from 5000 to 0.00085 ppm, and the leaching level of cerium in the long term leaching test (ANS 16.1 test) was below the detection limit. These results show that the chemically bonded phosphate ceramics process may be a simple, inexpensive, and efficient method for stabilizing low-level mixed waste streams.

Finite element modeling as a tool for predicting the fracture behavior of robocast scaffolds.

PubMed

Miranda, Pedro; Pajares, Antonia; Guiberteau, Fernando

2008-11-01

The use of finite element modeling to calculate the stress fields in complex scaffold structures and thus predict their mechanical behavior during service (e.g., as load-bearing bone implants) is evaluated. The method is applied to identifying the fracture modes and estimating the strength of robocast hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds, consisting of a three-dimensional lattice of interpenetrating rods. The calculations are performed for three testing configurations: compression, tension and shear. Different testing orientations relative to the calcium phosphate rods are considered for each configuration. The predictions for the compressive configurations are compared to experimental data from uniaxial compression tests.

Use of lignocellulosic materials as sorbents for pesticide and phosphate residues

Treesearch

Mandla A. Tshabalala

2006-01-01

We previously reported results from limited field trials of a bark-based filtration unit designed to remove phosphorus from cranberry bog tail water. In that report we also identified some barriers that needed to be overcome to improve the performance of such a filtration unit. One barrier was lack of a cost effective process for large-scale conversion of bark to an...

Interaction of choline salts with artificial biological membranes: DSC studies elucidating cellular interactions.

PubMed

Weaver, Katherine D; Van Vorst, Matthew P; Vijayaraghavan, R; Macfarlane, Douglas R; Elliott, Gloria D

2013-08-01

To better understand the relationship between the relative cytotoxicity of diluted ionic liquids and their specific interaction with biological membranes, the thermotropic behavior of model lipid membrane systems formulated in a series of choline based organic salts was investigated. Unilamellar vesicles prepared from dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine were exposed to a series of choline phosphate salts at a concentration of 10mM at pH7.40, and the gel to liquid-crystalline state transition was examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The choline salts that were observed to have a low relative toxicity in previous studies induced minimal changes in the lipid phase transition behavior of these model membranes. In contrast, the salts choline bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate and choline bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, both of which were observed to have high relative toxicity, caused distinct disruptions in the lipid phase transition behavior, consistent with penetration of the salts into the acyl chains of the phospholipids. choline bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate reduced the Tm and enthalpy of the main transition of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine while choline bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate induced the equilibration of alternate phases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phosphate uptake behavior of layered rare earth hydroxides l-RE(OH)3 (RE = Sm, Gd, Er, and Y) from water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Hong-Gu; Kim, Hyunsub; Jung, Hyunjin; Byeon, Song-Ho

2018-07-01

The use of rare earths (REs) provides various advantages for removal and recovery of phosphate from water because they have high affinity to form stable complexes with phosphates even at low concentrations. Very low solubility of rare earth phosphate REPO4 in water was expected to induce a high phosphate adsorption rate and capacity. In this study, layered rare earth hydroxides, l-RE(OH)3 (RE = Sm, Gd, Er, and Y), have been employed to remove or recover phosphate from aqueous solution. This layered polymorph of l-RE(OH)3, which is composed of hydroxocation layers, exhibited a high point of zero charge (pHpzc > 10) and significantly enhanced adsorptive ability for phosphates over a wide pH range. The isotherm and kinetics of phosphate adsorption on l-RE(OH)3 were explained dominantly by the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, respectively. A strong dependence of isotherm and kinetic parameters on RE demonstrated that the adsorption of phosphate on l-RE(OH)3 is a chemisorption dominated process involving the replacement of -OH by phosphate ion to be included into the coordination polyhedra of RE. The desorption of phosphate from l-RE(OH)3 was slow but the desorption efficiency for all RE members was higher than 97% in a 1.0 M NaOH solution after 4 days at room temperature. Considering high capacity and stability as well as no significant interference in recovery of phosphate from waters containing common competing anions, this rare earth adsorbent series is proposed as a promising alternative for efficient and sensitive phosphate recovery from natural and wastewaters.

Batch conversion of methane to methanol using Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b as biocatalyst.

PubMed

Hwang, In Yeub; Hur, Dong Hoon; Lee, Jae Hoon; Park, Chang-Ho; Chang, In Seop; Lee, Jin Won; Lee, Eun Yeol

2015-03-01

Recently, methane has attracted much attention as an alternative carbon feedstock since it is the major component of abundant shale and natural gas. In this work, we produced methanol from methane using whole cells of Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b as the biocatalyst. M. trichosporium OB3b was cultured on NMS medium with a supply of 7:3 air/methane ratio at 30°C. The optimal concentrations of various methanol dehydrogenase inhibitors such as potassium phosphate and EDTA were determined to be 100 and 0.5 mM, respectively, for an efficient production of methanol. Sodium formate (40 mM) as a reducing power source was added to enhance the conversion efficiency. A productivity of 49.0 mg/l·h, titer of 0.393 g methanol/l, and conversion of 73.8% (mol methanol/mol methane) were obtained under the optimized batch condition.

Effects of an ATP analogue, adenosine 5'-[α-thio]-triphosphate, on F1-ATPase rotary catalysis, torque generation, and inhibited intermediated formation.

PubMed

Yukawa, Ayako; Watanabe, Rikiya; Noji, Hiroyuki

2015-03-13

F1-ATPase (F1), an important rotary motor protein, converts the chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical energy using rotary motion with extremely high efficiency. The energy-conversion mechanism for this molecular motor has been extensively clarified by previous studies, which indicate that the interactions between the catalytic residues and the β- and γ-phosphates of ATP are indispensable for efficient catalysis and torque generation. However, the role of α-phosphate is largely unknown. In this study, we observed the rotation of F1 fuelled with an ATP analogue, adenosine 5'-[α-thio]-triphosphate (ATPαS), in which the oxygen has been substituted with a sulfur ion to perturb the α-phosphate/F1 interactions. In doing so, we have revealed that ATPαS does not appear to have any impact on the kinetic properties of the motor or on torque generation compared to ATP. On the other hand, F1 was observed to lapse into the ADP-inhibited intermediate states when in the presence of ATPαS more severely than in the presence of ATP, suggesting that the α-phosphate group of ATP contributes to the avoidance of ADP-inhibited intermediate formation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Influence of some mononucleotides and their corresponding nucleosides on the metabolism of carbohydrates in the isolated rat diaphragm muscle

PubMed Central

Beloff-Chain, Anne; Betto, P.; Bleszynski, W.; Catanzaro, Raffaella; Chain, E. B.; Dmitrovskii, A. A.; Longinotti, L.; Pocchiari, F.

1965-01-01

1. The influence of ATP on glucose metabolism was studied in the isolated rat diaphragm; it was shown that ATP increases the oxidation of glucose and the aerobic conversion of glucose into lactate, whereas it decreases glycogen synthesis. There was no influence of ATP on the anaerobic formation of lactate from glucose. 2. A maximum effect of ATP on the oxidation of glucose (about 160% increase) was obtained in the presence of 10mm-ATP; in the presence of 2mm-ATP the effect was about 65%, and was approximately constant from 10 to 90min. incubation period. 3. In a phosphate-free tris-buffered medium the oxidation of glucose was considerably decreased, but the percentage stimulation by ATP was about the same as in a phosphate-buffered medium. 4. ATP was shown to increase the oxidation of fructose, glucose 6-phosphate, glucose 1-phosphate, fructose 1,6-diphosphate and, to a much smaller extent, pyruvate. 5. ADP stimulated the oxidation of glucose to the same extent as ATP at a concentration of 2mm and the effect with AMP was only slightly less; IMP and adenosine had only a small stimulatory effect at this concentration, whereas inosine had no effect. PMID:16749165

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Calcium Phosphate Coating on Mg-Zn-Ca alloy and Its Corrosion Resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lashuang; Jiang, Yue; Zai, Wei; Li, Guangyu; Liu, Shaocheng; Lian, Jianshe; Jiang, Zhonghao

2017-12-01

A novel superhydrophobic calcium phosphate coating was prepared on a magnesium alloy substrate by a highly effective chemical conversion process and subsequent chemical modification. Different methods were employed to characterize the surface morphology and chemical composition as well as measure the wettability of the coating. It was demonstrated that the as-prepared superhydrophobic calcium phosphate coating has a typical three-level hierarchical structure consisted of micro-protrusions, submicro-lumps and nano-grains, conferring excellent superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 159°. The electrochemical measurements and appropriate equivalent circuit revealed that the corrosion-resistant performance of the superhydrophobic calcium phosphate coating was significantly improved as compared with that of the substrate, the corrosion potential of the superhydrophobic coating increases from -1.56 to -1.36 V, and its corrosion current density decreases from 1.29 × 10-4 to 1.3 × 10-6 A/cm2. The anti-corrosion mechanism of the superhydrophobic coating was also discussed. It can be indicated that the corrosion inhibitive properties of the coating are in accordance with its hydrophobicity, which is owing to the presence of a protective layer of air trapped in the grooves of the coating surface to isolate the underlying materials from the external environment.

Impedance changes during setting of amorphous calcium phosphate composites.

PubMed

Par, Matej; Šantić, Ana; Gamulin, Ozren; Marovic, Danijela; Moguš-Milanković, Andrea; Tarle, Zrinka

2016-11-01

To investigate the electrical properties of experimental light-curable composite materials based on amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) with the admixture of silanized barium glass and silica fillers. Short-term setting was investigated by impedance measurements at a frequency of 1kHz, while for the long-term setting the impedance spectra were measured consecutively over a frequency range of 0.05Hz to 1MHz for 24h. The analysis of electrical resistivity changes during curing allowed the extraction of relevant kinetic parameters. The impedance results were correlated to the degree of conversion assessed by Raman spectroscopy, water content determined by gravimetry, light transmittance measured by CCD spectrometer and microstructural features observed by scanning electron microscopy. ACP-based composites have shown higher immediate degree of conversion and less post-cure polymerization than the control composites, but lower polymerization rate. The polymerization rate assessed by impedance measurements correlated well with the light transmittance. The differences in the electrical conductivity values observed among the materials were correlated to the amount of water introduced into composites by the ACP filler. High correlation was found between the degree of conversion and electrical resistivity. Equivalent circuit modeling revealed two electrical contributions for the ACP-based composites and a single contribution for the control composites. The impedance spectroscopy has proven a valuable method for gaining insight into various features of ACP-based composites. Better understanding of the properties of ACP-based composites should further the development of these promising bioactive materials. Copyright © 2016 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of phosphate rock and phosphogypsum from Gabes phosphate fertilizer factories (SE Tunisia): high mining potential and implications for environmental protection.

PubMed

El Zrelli, Radhouan; Rabaoui, Lotfi; Daghbouj, Nabil; Abda, Heithem; Castet, Sylvie; Josse, Claudie; van Beek, Pieter; Souhaut, Marc; Michel, Sylvain; Bejaoui, Nejla; Courjault-Radé, Pierre

2018-05-01

Since the establishment of the coastal industrial complex in Gabes city (Gulf of Gabes, SE Tunisia), hundred million tons of untreated phosphogypsum have been discharged in the open sea causing serious environmental problems. To better understand the dynamic and behavior of phosphate/phosphogypsum contaminants from raw ores to marine environment, a chemical, organic, mineralogical, and morphological characterization of phosphate rock and phosphogypsum was conducted using several sophisticated techniques. The chemical analysis showed that phosphate and phosphogypsum contain high loads of trace elements and that the transfer factors of pollutants varied from 5.83% (U) to 140% (Hg). Estimated annual flows of phosphogypsum contaminants into the marine environment ranged between 0.05 (Re) and 87,249.60 (F) tons. The phosphate rock was found to be formed by carbonate fluorapatite, calcite, dolomite, natural gypsum, quartz, calcite-Mg, apatite, pyrite, fluorite, and sphalerite-Cd and phosphogypsum by synthetic gypsum and sphalerite-Cd. The phosphate was found to be richer in organic compounds compared to phosphogypsum. Based on this work, the Tunisian phosphogypsum has a high mining potential and encourages the development of an economically beneficial and environmentally friendly phosphogypsum-treating industry.

Synthesis of cellulose functionalized with polyallylamine and its application to on-line collection/concentration and determination of phosphate by ICP/AES.

PubMed

Sumida, Takashi; Yamashita, Minoru; Okazaki, Yuka; Kawakita, Hirohisa; Fukutomi, Takashi

2012-01-01

A novel cellulose-based resin functionalized with polyallylamine was synthesized. It was applied to the collection of phosphate in environmental water samples, followed by concentration determination using an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP/AES). The synthesized resin, cellulose-glycidylmethacrylate-polyallylamine (CGP), showed good adsorption behavior toward trace amounts of phosphate over a wide pH range. The adsorbed-analyte can be easily eluted using 0.5 M hydrochloric acid; its recoveries was found to be 80 - 100%. The CGP resin synthesized was packed in a mini-column, which was then installed in a computer-controlled auto-pretreatment system for on-line collection/concentration and determination of trace phosphate by ICP/AES. The limit of detection for phosphate was found to be 0.6 µg P l(-1). The sample volumes were only 5 ml and the total analysis time was about 4 min. The developed method with CGP resin was successfully applied to the determination of phosphate in river water and tap water samples with satisfactory results. The recovery test showed that common matrices that may exist in environmental waters did not interfere with the determination of phosphate.

Yolk-Shell Porous Microspheres of Calcium Phosphate Prepared by Using Calcium L-Lactate and Adenosine 5'-Triphosphate Disodium Salt: Application in Protein/Drug Delivery.

PubMed

Ding, Guan-Jun; Zhu, Ying-Jie; Qi, Chao; Sun, Tuan-Wei; Wu, Jin; Chen, Feng

2015-06-26

A facile and environmentally friendly approach has been developed to prepare yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate by using calcium L-lactate pentahydrate (CL) as the calcium source and adenosine 5'-triphosphate disodium salt (ATP) as the phosphate source through the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The effects of the concentration of CL, the microwave hydrothermal temperature, and the time on the morphology and crystal phase of the product are investigated. The possible formation mechanism of yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate is proposed. Hemoglobin from bovine red cells (Hb) and ibuprofen (IBU) are used to explore the application potential of yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate in protein/drug loading and delivery. The experimental results indicate that the as-prepared yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate have relatively high protein/drug loading capacity, sustained protein/drug release, favorable pH-responsive release behavior, and a high biocompatibility in the cytotoxicity test. Therefore, the yolk-shell porous microspheres of calcium phosphate have promising applications in various biomedical fields such as protein/drug delivery. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Countercurrent distribution of biological cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1982-01-01

It is known that the addition of phosphate buffer to two polymer aqueous phase systems has a strong effect on the partition behavior of cells and other particles in such mixtures. The addition of sodium phosphate to aqueous poly(ethylene glycol) dextran phase systems causes a concentration-dependent shift in binodial on the phase diagram, progressively lowering the critical conditions for phase separation as the phosphate concentration is increased. Sodium chloride produces no significant shift in the critical point relative to the salt-free case. Accurate determinations of the phase diagram require measurements of the density of the phases; data is presented which allows this parameter to be calculated from polarimetric measurements of the dextran concentrations of both phases. Increasing polymer concentrations in the phase systems produce increasing preference of the phosphate for the dextran-rich bottom phase. Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed that poly(ethylene glycol) effectively rejected phosphate, and to a lesser extent chloride, but that dextran had little effect on the distribution of either salt. Increasing ionic strength via addition of 0.15 M NaCl to phase systems containing 0.01 M phosphate produces an increased concentration of phosphate ions in the bottom dextran-rich phase, the expected effect in this type of Donnan distribution.

Evolution of the magnesium incorporated amorphous calcium phosphate to nano-crystallized hydroxyapatite in alkaline solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiao-Juan; Lin, Dong-Yang; Yan, Xiao-Hui; Wang, Xiao-Xiang

2011-12-01

A homogeneous amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) coating containing magnesium was achieved on titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition (ECD). Its amorphous structure is confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) together with grazing reflection absorption infrared spectroscopy (IR) spectrometer. In the images of high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), the ACP spheres are assembled by nano-particles with the diameter of 5-10 nm. In the alkaline environment, nucleation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) occurs on the surfaces of ACP spheres. By consuming the Ca and PO 4 ions inside the ACP spheres, the HAP nuclei grow outward. Confirmed by TEM, the ACP spheres converse to hollow HAP spheres composed of HAP nano-needles. The coating is finally constructed by the HAP nano-needles, which are themselves aggregated by numerous nano-particles.

Study on pyrolysis characteristics of lignocellulosic biomass impregnated with ammonia source.

PubMed

Li, Kai; Zhu, Changpeng; Zhang, Liqiang; Zhu, Xifeng

2016-06-01

The current study presents the pyrolysis characteristics of rice husk impregnated with different kinds of ammonia source (ammonium acetate, urea, ammonium sulfate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate) in a fixed bed reactor. The introduction of ammonia source in pyrolysis process achieved the conversation from carbonyl compounds to nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds. The liquid product of urea-impregnated biomass has higher content of nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds (8.35%) and phenols (30.4%). For ammonium sulfate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate-impregnated biomass, the quantity of compounds in liquid products reduces remarkably, and the gas products are rich in CO and H2. All the solid products of pyrolysis have great potential application in biochar-based fertilizer and activated carbon for their high N content. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of glyphosate and phosphate in water by ion chromatography--inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection.

PubMed

Guo, Zhong-Xian; Cai, Qiantao; Yang, Zhaoguang

2005-12-30

Quantitative determination of trace glyphosate and phosphate in waters was achieved by coupling ion chromatography (IC) separation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection. The separation of glyphosate and phosphate on a polymer anion-exchange column (Dionex IonPac AS16, 4.0 mm x 250 mm) was obtained by eluting them with 20 mM citric acid at 0.50 mL min(-1), and the analytes were detected directly and selectively by ICP-MS at m/z = 31. Parameters affecting their chromatographic behaviors and ICP-MS characteristics were systematically examined. Based on a 500-microL sample injection volume, the detection limits were 0.7 microgL(-1) for both glyphosate and phosphate, and the calibrations were linear up to 400 microgL(-1). Polyphosphates, aminomethylphosphonic acid (the major metabolite of glyphosate), non-polar and other polar phosphorus-containing pesticides showed different chromatographic behaviors from the analytes of interest and therefore did not interference. The determination was also interference free from the matrix anions (nitrate, nitrite, sulphate, chloride, etc.) and metallic ions. The analysis of certified reference material, drinking water, reservoir water and Newater yielded satisfactory results with spiked recoveries of 97.1-107.0% and relative standard deviations of < or = 7.4% (n = 3). Compared to other reported methods for glyphosate and phosphate, the developed IC-ICP-MS method is sensitive and simple, and does not require any chemical derivatization, sample preconcentration and mobile phase conductivity suppression.

New Insights into Active Site Conformation Dynamics of E. coli PNP Revealed by Combined H/D Exchange Approach and Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Kazazić, Saša; Bertoša, Branimir; Luić, Marija; Mikleušević, Goran; Tarnowski, Krzysztof; Dadlez, Michal; Narczyk, Marta; Bzowska, Agnieszka

2016-01-01

The biologically active form of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) from Escherichia coli (EC 2.4.2.1) is a homohexamer unit, assembled as a trimer of dimers. Upon binding of phosphate, neighboring monomers adopt different active site conformations, described as open and closed. To get insight into the functions of the two distinctive active site conformations, virtually inactive Arg24Ala mutant is complexed with phosphate; all active sites are found to be in the open conformation. To understand how the sites of neighboring monomers communicate with each other, we have combined H/D exchange (H/DX) experiments with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Both methods point to the mobility of the enzyme, associated with a few flexible regions situated at the surface and within the dimer interface. Although H/DX provides an average extent of deuterium uptake for all six hexamer active sites, it was able to indicate the dynamic mechanism of cross-talk between monomers, allostery. Using this technique, it was found that phosphate binding to the wild type (WT) causes arrest of the molecular motion in backbone fragments that are flexible in a ligand-free state. This was not the case for the Arg24Ala mutant. Upon nucleoside substrate/inhibitor binding, some release of the phosphate-induced arrest is observed for the WT, whereas the opposite effects occur for the Arg24Ala mutant. MD simulations confirmed that phosphate is bound tightly in the closed active sites of the WT; conversely, in the open conformation of the active site of the WT phosphate is bound loosely moving towards the exit of the active site. In Arg24Ala mutant binary complex Pi is bound loosely, too.

Inhibition of Anaerobic Phosphate Release by Nitric Oxide in Activated Sludge

PubMed Central

Van Niel, E. W. J.; Appeldoorn, K. J.; Zehnder, A. J. B.; Kortstee, G. J. J.

1998-01-01

Activated sludge not containing significant numbers of denitrifying, polyphosphate [poly(P)]-accumulating bacteria was grown in a fill-and-draw system and exposed to alternating anaerobic and aerobic periods. During the aerobic period, poly(P) accumulated up to 100 mg of P · g of (dry) weight. When portions of the sludge were incubated anaerobically in the presence of acetate, 80 to 90% of the intracellular poly(P) was degraded and released as orthophosphate. Degradation of poly(P) was mainly catalyzed by the concerted action of polyphosphate:AMP phosphotransferase and adenylate kinase, resulting in ATP formation. In the presence of 0.3 mM nitric oxide (NO) in the liquid-phase release of phosphate, uptake of acetate, formation of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate, utilization of glycogen, and formation of ATP were severely inhibited or completely abolished. In cell extracts of the sludge, adenylate kinase activity was completely inhibited by 0.15 mM NO. The nature of this inhibition was probably noncompetitive, similar to that with hog adenylate kinase. Activated sludge polyphosphate glucokinase was also completely inhibited by 0.15 mM NO. It is concluded that the inhibitory effect of NO on acetate-mediated phosphate release by the sludge used in this study is due to the inhibition of adenylate kinase in the phosphate-releasing organisms. The inhibitory effect of nitrate and nitrite on phosphate release is probably due to their conversion to NO. The lack of any inhibitory effect of NO on adenylate kinase of the poly(P)-accumulating Acinetobacter johnsonii 210A suggests that this type of organism is not involved in the enhanced biological phosphate removal by the sludges used. PMID:9687452

Role of SrO on the bioactivity behavior of some ternary borate glasses and their glass ceramic derivatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelghany, A. M.; Ouis, M. A.; Azooz, M. A.; ElBatal, H. A.; El-Bassyouni, G. T.

2016-01-01

Borate glasses containing SrO substituting both CaO and NaO were prepared and characterized for their bioactivity or bone bonding ability. Glass ceramic derivatives were prepared by thermal heat treatment process. FTIR, XRD and SEM measurements for the prepared glass and glass-ceramics before and after immersion in sodium phosphate solution for one and two weeks were carried out. The appearance of two IR peaks within the range 550-680 cm-1 after immersion in phosphate solution indicates the formation of hydroxyapatite or equivalent Sr phosphate layer. X-ray diffraction data agree with the FTIR spectral analysis. The solubility test was carried out for both glasses and glass ceramics derivatives in the same phosphate solution. The introduction of SrO increases the solubility for both glasses and glass ceramics and this is assumed to be due to the formation of Sr phosphate which is more soluble than calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite). SEM images reveal varying changes in the surfaces of glass ceramics after immersion according to the SrO content.

Role of SrO on the bioactivity behavior of some ternary borate glasses and their glass ceramic derivatives.

PubMed

Abdelghany, A M; Ouis, M A; Azooz, M A; ElBatal, H A; El-Bassyouni, G T

2016-01-05

Borate glasses containing SrO substituting both CaO and NaO were prepared and characterized for their bioactivity or bone bonding ability. Glass ceramic derivatives were prepared by thermal heat treatment process. FTIR, XRD and SEM measurements for the prepared glass and glass-ceramics before and after immersion in sodium phosphate solution for one and two weeks were carried out. The appearance of two IR peaks within the range 550-680cm(-1) after immersion in phosphate solution indicates the formation of hydroxyapatite or equivalent Sr phosphate layer. X-ray diffraction data agree with the FTIR spectral analysis. The solubility test was carried out for both glasses and glass ceramics derivatives in the same phosphate solution. The introduction of SrO increases the solubility for both glasses and glass ceramics and this is assumed to be due to the formation of Sr phosphate which is more soluble than calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite). SEM images reveal varying changes in the surfaces of glass ceramics after immersion according to the SrO content. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sugar analog synthesis by in vitro biocatalytic cascade: A comparison of alternative enzyme complements for dihydroxyacetone phosphate production as a precursor to rare chiral sugar synthesis

PubMed Central

French, Nigel G.; Scoble, Judith A.; Williams, Charlotte C.; Churches, Quentin I.; Frazer, Andrew R.; Taylor, Matthew C.; Coia, Greg; Simpson, Gregory; Turner, Nicholas J.; Scott, Colin

2017-01-01

Carbon-carbon bond formation is one of the most challenging reactions in synthetic organic chemistry, and aldol reactions catalysed by dihydroxyacetone phosphate-dependent aldolases provide a powerful biocatalytic tool for combining C-C bond formation with the generation of two new stereo-centres, with access to all four possible stereoisomers of a compound. Dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) is unstable so the provision of DHAP for DHAP-dependent aldolases in biocatalytic processes remains complicated. Our research has investigated the efficiency of several different enzymatic cascades for the conversion of glycerol to DHAP, including characterising new candidate enzymes for some of the reaction steps. The most efficient cascade for DHAP production, comprising a one-pot four-enzyme reaction with glycerol kinase, acetate kinase, glycerophosphate oxidase and catalase, was coupled with a DHAP-dependent fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase enzyme to demonstrate the production of several rare chiral sugars. The limitation of batch biocatalysis for these reactions and the potential for improvement using kinetic modelling and flow biocatalysis systems is discussed. PMID:29112947

Nonenzymatic formation of 'energy-rich' lactoyl and glyceroyl thioesters from glyceraldehyde and a thiol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, A. L.

1984-01-01

The energy rich thioester, N-acetyl-S-lactoylcysteine, is formed under anaerobic conditions from glyceraldehyde and N-acetylcysteine at ambient temperature in aqueous solutions of sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). The conversion occurs at a rate of about 0.4 percent per day in reactions with 10 millimoles (mM) glyceraldehyde, 40 mM thiol, and 500 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). Thioester formation proceeds at an estimated efficiency of 76 percent. The formation of lactoyl thioester most likely occurs by the phosphate catalyzed dehydration of glyceraldehyde to give pyruvaldehyde, which combines with thiol to form a hemithioacetal that rearranges to the thioester. A second energy rich thioester, N-acetyl-S-glyceroylcysteine, is also produced from glyceraldehyde when these reactions are carried out in the presence of oxygen and to a limited extent in the absence of oxygen. In the presence of oxygen, the formation of glyceroyl thioester continues until the thiol disappears completely by oxidation. The significance of these reactions to the energetics of the origin of life is discussed.

Nonenzymatic formation of energy-rich lactoyl and glyceroyl thioesters from glyceraldehyde and a thiol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weber, A. L.

1983-01-01

The energy rich thioester, N-acetyl-S-lactoylcysteine, is formed under anaerobic conditions from glyceraldehyde and N-acetylcysteine at ambient temperature in aqueous solutions of sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). The conversion occurs at a rate of about 0.4% per day in reactions with 10 millimoles (mM) glyceraldehyde, 10 mM thiol, and 500 mM sodium phosphate (pH 7.0). Thioester formation proceeds at an estimated efficiency of 76%. The formation of lactoyl thioester most likely occurs by the phosphate catalyzed dehydration of glyceraldehyde to give pyruvaldehyde, which combines with thiol to form a hemithioacetal that rearranges to the thioester. A second energy rich thioester, N-acetyl-S-glyceroylcysteine, is also produced from glyceraldehyde when these reactions are carried out in the presence of oxygen and to a limited extent in the absence of oxygen. In the presence of oxygen the formation of glyceroyl thioester continues until the thiol disappears completely by oxidation. The significance of these reactions to the energetics of the origin of life is discussed.

Sugar analog synthesis by in vitro biocatalytic cascade: A comparison of alternative enzyme complements for dihydroxyacetone phosphate production as a precursor to rare chiral sugar synthesis.

PubMed

Hartley, Carol J; French, Nigel G; Scoble, Judith A; Williams, Charlotte C; Churches, Quentin I; Frazer, Andrew R; Taylor, Matthew C; Coia, Greg; Simpson, Gregory; Turner, Nicholas J; Scott, Colin

2017-01-01

Carbon-carbon bond formation is one of the most challenging reactions in synthetic organic chemistry, and aldol reactions catalysed by dihydroxyacetone phosphate-dependent aldolases provide a powerful biocatalytic tool for combining C-C bond formation with the generation of two new stereo-centres, with access to all four possible stereoisomers of a compound. Dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) is unstable so the provision of DHAP for DHAP-dependent aldolases in biocatalytic processes remains complicated. Our research has investigated the efficiency of several different enzymatic cascades for the conversion of glycerol to DHAP, including characterising new candidate enzymes for some of the reaction steps. The most efficient cascade for DHAP production, comprising a one-pot four-enzyme reaction with glycerol kinase, acetate kinase, glycerophosphate oxidase and catalase, was coupled with a DHAP-dependent fructose-1,6-biphosphate aldolase enzyme to demonstrate the production of several rare chiral sugars. The limitation of batch biocatalysis for these reactions and the potential for improvement using kinetic modelling and flow biocatalysis systems is discussed.

Differing types of cellular phone conversations and dangerous driving.

PubMed

Dula, Chris S; Martin, Benjamin A; Fox, Russell T; Leonard, Robin L

2011-01-01

This study sought to investigate the relationship between cell phone conversation type and dangerous driving behaviors. It was hypothesized that more emotional phone conversations engaged in while driving would produce greater frequencies of dangerous driving behaviors in a simulated environment than more mundane conversation or no phone conversation at all. Participants were semi-randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) no call, (2) mundane call, and, (3) emotional call. While driving in a simulated environment, participants in the experimental groups received a phone call from a research confederate who either engaged them in innocuous conversation (mundane call) or arguing the opposite position of a deeply held belief of the participant (emotional call). Participants in the no call and mundane call groups differed significantly only on percent time spent speeding and center line crossings, though the mundane call group consistently engaged in more of all dangerous driving behaviors than did the no call participants. Participants in the emotional call group engaged in significantly more dangerous driving behaviors than participants in both the no call and mundane call groups, with the exception of traffic light infractions, where there were no significant group differences. Though there is need for replication, the authors concluded that whereas talking on a cell phone while driving is risky to begin with, having emotionally intense conversations is considerably more dangerous. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Confirmation in Couples' Communication about Weight Management: An Analysis of How Both Partners Contribute to Individuals' Health Behaviors and Conversational Outcomes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dailey, Rene M.; Romo, Lynsey Kluever; Thompson, Charee Mooney

2011-01-01

Using confirmation theory, this study investigated how romantic couples' (N = 100) accepting and challenging communication was associated with several weight management (WM) outcomes (i.e., partners' general effectiveness in motivating each other to enact healthy behaviors, productivity of WM conversations, and diet and exercise behaviors).…

Lead and aluminum bonding in Pb-AI metaphosphate glasses.

PubMed

Tsuchida, J E; Schneider, J; Pizani, P S; Oliveira, S L

2008-01-21

The bonding properties of cations in phosphate glasses determine many short- and medium-range structural features in the glass network, hence influencing bulk properties. In this work, Pb-Al-metaphosphate glasses (1 - x)Pb(PO(3))(2).xAI(PO(3))(3) with 0 < or = x < or = 1 were analyzed to determine the effect of the substitution of Pb by AI on the glass structure in the metaphosphate composition. The glass transition temperature and density were measured as a function of the Al concentration. The vibrational and structural properties were probed by Raman spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance of (31)P, (27)AI, and (207)Pb. Aluminum incorporates homogeneously in the glass creating a stiffer and less packed network. The average coordination number for AI decreases from 5.9 to 5.0 as x increases from 0.1 to 1, indicating more covalent AI-O bonds. The coordination number of Pb in these glasses is greater than 8, showing an increasing ionic behavior for compositions richer in AI. A quantitative analysis of the phosphate speciation shows definite trends in the bonding of AIO(n) groups and phosphate tetrahedra. In glasses with x < 0.48, phosphate groups share preferentially only one nonbridging O corner with an AIO(n) coordination polyhedron. For x > 0.48 more than one nonbridging O can be linked to AIO(n) polyhedra. There is no corner sharing of O between AIO(n) and PbO(n) polyhedra nor between AIO(n) themselves throughout the compositional range. The PbO(n) coordination polyhedra show considerable nonbridging O sharing, with each O participating in the coordination sphere of at least two Pb. The bonding preferences determined for Al are consistent with the behavior observed in Na-AI and Ca-AI metaphosphates, indicating this may be a general behavior for ternary phosphate glasses.

Effects of hypothyroidism on the sensitivity of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin in the soleus muscle of the rat.

PubMed Central

Dimitriadis, G D; Leighton, B; Parry-Billings, M; West, D; Newsholme, E A

1989-01-01

1. The effects of hypothyroidism on the sensitivity of glycolysis and glycogen synthesis to insulin were investigated in the isolated, incubated soleus muscle of the rat. 2. Hypothyroidism, which was induced by administration of propylthiouracil to the rats, decreased fasting plasma levels of free fatty acids and increased plasma levels of glucose but did not significantly change plasma levels of insulin. 3. The sensitivity of the rates of glycogen synthesis to insulin was increased at physiological, but decreased at supraphysiological, concentrations of insulin. 4. The rates of glycolysis in the hypothyroid muscles were decreased at all insulin concentrations studied and the EC50 for insulin was increased more than 8-fold; the latter indicates decreased sensitivity of this process to insulin. However, at physiological concentrations of insulin, the rates of glucose phosphorylation in the soleus muscles of hypothyroid rats were not different from controls. This suggests that hypothyroidism affects glucose metabolism in muscle not by affecting glucose transport but by decreasing the rate of glucose 6-phosphate conversion to lactate and increasing the rate of conversion of glucose 6-phosphate to glycogen. 5. The rates of glucose oxidation were decreased in the hypothyroid muscles at all insulin concentrations. PMID:2649073

Transient studies of low temperature catalysts for methane conversion. Final report, [September 1992--March 1996

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

Wolf, E.E.

1996-09-30

The objective of this project is to use transient techniques to study gas surface interactions during the oxidative conversion of methane. Two groups of catalysts were studied: a double oxide of vanadium and phosphate or VPO, and double oxides of Ni, Co and Rh and lanthana. The objective of the studies involving the VPO catalyst was to understand gas-surface interactions leading to the formation of formaldehyde. In the second group of catalysts, involving metallo-oxides, the main objective was to study the gas-surface interactions that determine the selectivity to C{sub 2} hydrocarbons or synthesis gas. Transient techniques were used to studymore » the methane-surface interactions and the role of lattice oxygen. The selection of the double oxides was made on the hypothesis that the metal oxide would provide an increase interaction with methane whereas the phosphate or lanthanide would provide the sites for oxygen adsorption. The hypothesis behind this selection of catalysts was that increasing the methane interaction with the catalysts would lower the reaction temperature and thus increase the selectivity to the desired products over the total oxidation reaction. In both groups of catalysts the role of Li as a modifier of the selectivity was also studied in detail.« less

Polaronic conductivity and scaling behavior of lithium iron phosphate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banday, Azeem; Murugavel, Sevi

2018-05-01

Charge transport properties of the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) glass has been investigated in a wide frequency and temperature range by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy. The conductivity spectra has been studied on the basis of Jonscher power law for characterizing the hopping dynamics of charge carriers. The ac conductivity and scaling behavior of the LFP glass has been studied in the temperature range from 333K to 573K and frequency range from 100 mHz to 1 MHz. The conductivity isotherms of LFP glass do not superimpose upon each other by using Summerfield scaling. The structural peculiarities in the material could result in different conduction pathways giving rise to the deviation from Summerfield scaling.

Effect of Phosphate-Buffered Solution Corrosion on the Ratcheting Fatigue Behavior of a Duplex Mg-Li-Al Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Xin; Yu, Dunji; Gao, Li-Lan; Gao, Hong

2016-05-01

This work reports the uniaxial ratcheting and fatigue behavior of a duplex Mg-Li-Al alloy under the influence of phosphate-buffered solution corrosion. Microstructural observations reveal pitting and filament corrosion defects, which impair the load-bearing capacity of the alloy and cause stress concentration, thus leading to an accelerated accumulation of ratcheting strain and shortened fatigue life under the same nominal loading conditions. Comparing Smith model, Smith-Watson-Topper model, and Paul-Sivaprasad-Dhar model, a ratcheting fatigue life prediction model based on the Broberg damage rule and the Paul-Sivaprasad-Dhar model was proposed, and the model yielded a superior prediction for the studied magnesium alloy.

Removal of fluoride ion by bone char produced from animal biomass.

PubMed

Kawasaki, Naohito; Ogata, Fumihiko; Tominaga, Hisato; Yamaguchi, Isao

2009-01-01

Bone char (BC) was prepared by carbonizing four types of animal biomass, and the adsorption of fluoride ions and elution of phosphate ions were investigated. It was found that the BC yield decreased as carbonization temperature increased, and that carbonization temperature had no significant effect on surface pH, base or acid consumptions. Fluoride ion adsorption was increased in BC produced at a low carbonization temperature. The adsorption mechanism of fluoride ion on BCs might be monolayer adsorption. BC can potentially be used to remove fluoride ions in drinking water. However, it was found that phosphate ions from BC are eluted due to adsorption of fluoride ions, and that ingestion of large amounts of phosphate ions inhibits reabsorption of calcium in the human body. Thus there is a need to study the elution behavior of phosphate ions. The adsorption mechanisms of fluoride ions onto BC would be a physical adsorption onto BC and phosphate ion in BC is exchanged to fluoride ion.

Effect of phosphate on U(VI) sorption to montmorillonite: Ternary complexation and precipitation barriers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Troyer, Lyndsay D.; Maillot, Fabien; Wang, Zheming; Wang, Zimeng; Mehta, Vrajesh S.; Giammar, Daniel E.; Catalano, Jeffrey G.

2016-02-01

Phosphate addition is a potential treatment method to lower the solubility of U(VI) in soil and groundwater systems by causing U(VI) phosphate precipitation as well as enhancing adsorption. Previous work has shown that iron oxide surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of U(VI) phosphate minerals and, that under weakly acidic conditions, phosphate also enhances U(VI) adsorption to such phases. Like iron oxides, clays are important reactive phases in the subsurface but little is known about the interaction of U(VI) and phosphate with these minerals. The effect of aqueous phosphate on U(VI) binding to Wyoming montmorillonite (SWy-2) in air-equilibrated systems was investigated. Equilibrium U(VI) uptake to montmorillonite was determined at pH 4, 6 and 8 at discrete initial phosphate concentrations between 0 and 100 μM. The observed behavior of U(VI) indicates a transition from adsorption to precipitation with increasing total uranium and phosphate concentrations at all pH values. At the highest phosphate concentration examined at each pH value, a barrier to U(VI) phosphate nucleation is observed. At lower concentrations, phosphate has no effect on macroscopic U(VI) adsorption. To assess the mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate interactions on smectite surfaces, U(VI) speciation was investigated under selected conditions using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Samples above the precipitation threshold display EXAFS and LIFS spectral signatures consistent with the autunite family of U(VI) phosphate minerals. However, at lower U(VI) concentrations, changes in LIFS spectra upon phosphate addition suggest that U(VI)-phosphate ternary surface complexes form on the montmorillonite surface at pH 4 and 6 despite the lack of a macroscopic effect on adsorption. The speciation of solid-associated U(VI) below the precipitation threshold at pH 8 is dominated by U(VI)-carbonate surface complexes. This work reveals that ternary complexation may occur without a macroscopic signature, which is attributed to phosphate not appreciably binding to smectite in the absence of U(VI), with U(VI) surface complexes serving as the sole reactive surface sites for phosphate. This study shows that phosphate does not enhance U(VI) adsorption to smectite clay minerals, unlike oxide phases, and that a barrier to homogeneous nucleation of U(VI) phosphates was not affected by the presence of the smectite surface.

Scaffolds with a standardized macro-architecture fabricated from several calcium phosphate ceramics using an indirect rapid prototyping technique

PubMed Central

Wilson, C. E.; van Blitterswijk, C. A.; Verbout, A. J.; de Bruijn, J. D.

2010-01-01

Calcium phosphate ceramics, commonly applied as bone graft substitutes, are a natural choice of scaffolding material for bone tissue engineering. Evidence shows that the chemical composition, macroporosity and microporosity of these ceramics influences their behavior as bone graft substitutes and bone tissue engineering scaffolds but little has been done to optimize these parameters. One method of optimization is to place focus on a particular parameter by normalizing the influence, as much as possible, of confounding parameters. This is difficult to accomplish with traditional fabrication techniques. In this study we describe a design based rapid prototyping method of manufacturing scaffolds with virtually identical macroporous architectures from different calcium phosphate ceramic compositions. Beta-tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite (at two sintering temperatures) and biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds were manufactured. The macro- and micro-architectures of the scaffolds were characterized as well as the influence of the manufacturing method on the chemistries of the calcium phosphate compositions. The structural characteristics of the resulting scaffolds were remarkably similar. The manufacturing process had little influence on the composition of the materials except for the consistent but small addition of, or increase in, a beta-tricalcium phosphate phase. Among other applications, scaffolds produced by the method described provide a means of examining the influence of different calcium phosphate compositions while confidently excluding the influence of the macroporous structure of the scaffolds. PMID:21069558

The role of family communication in individual health attitudes and behaviors concerning diet and physical activity.

PubMed

Baiocchi-Wagner, Elizabeth A; Talley, Amelia E

2013-01-01

This study explored associations among family communication patterns (conversation and conformity orientations), health-specific communication variables, health attitudes, and health behaviors in a sample of 433 family dyads (N = 866). As expected, results of multilevel models revealed that individuals' health attitudes were strongly associated with their self-reported health behaviors. Findings also suggested that perceived confirmation from a family member during health-specific conversations (a) directly influenced health attitudes, (b) partially accounted for the positive relationship between family conversation orientation and health attitudes, and (c) partially accounted for the inverse relationship between family conformity orientation and health attitudes. Similarly, frequency of health-specific communication (a) directly influenced health attitudes, (b) partially accounted for the positive relationship between family conversation orientation and health attitudes, and (c) directly associated with health behaviors. Results from an actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) supported the aforementioned within-person association between a person's own health attitudes and health behaviors, as well as a positive relationship between young adults' health attitudes and their influential family member's health behaviors. Implications of these findings are discussed as they relate to theory and obesity prevention.

Changing the conversation: the influence of emotions on conversational valence and alcohol consumption.

PubMed

Hendriks, Hanneke; van den Putte, Bas; de Bruijn, Gert-Jan

2014-10-01

Health campaign effects may be improved by taking interpersonal communication processes into account. The current study, which employed an experimental, pretest-posttest, randomized exposure design (N = 208), investigated whether the emotions induced by anti-alcohol messages influence conversational valence about alcohol and subsequent persuasion outcomes. The study produced three main findings. First, an increase in the emotion fear induced a negative conversational valence about alcohol. Second, fear was most strongly induced by a disgusting message, whereas a humorous appeal induced the least fear. Third, a negative conversational valence elicited healthier binge drinking attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors. Thus, health campaign planners and health researchers should pay special attention to the emotional characteristics of health messages and should focus on inducing a healthy conversational valence.

Reaction of the isosteric methylenephosphonate analog of alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate with phosphoglucomutase. Induced-fit specificity revisited.

PubMed

Ray, W J; Post, C B; Puvathingal, J M

1993-01-12

The phospho form of phosphoglucomutase reacts with the isosteric methylenephosphonate analog of alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate to produce the corresponding analog of alpha-D-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate plus the dephosphoenzyme. In a coupled reaction, kcat/Km = 1.7 x 10(3) M-1 s-1, which is about 2 x 10(-5) times that for the corresponding reaction with alpha-D-glucose 1-phosphate. The decrease in kcat/Km is divided more or less evenly between less efficient PO3- transfer and decreased binding, although smaller phosphates and phosphonates bind approximately equally. There is a much smaller difference in the binding of glucose 1-methylenephosphonate 6-phosphate and glucose 1,6-bisphosphate to the dephosphoenzyme: the binding ratio is < 1:35 when the glucose ring is oriented similarly. Preferred binding patterns for a number of substrates/inhibitors, studied by 31P NMR and UV-difference spectroscopy, suggest that in the ground state the phosphonate group is tolerated to a much greater extent at the catalytic subsite than at the phosphate-binding subsite, where binding specificity appears to be directed toward a tetrahedral-PO3(2-) group attached to a bridging atom that can act as a hydrogen-bond acceptor. Binding specificity at the catalytic subsite apparently is directed toward a different array, possibly (-O...PO3...O-)2-. Some of these results are considered in terms of a modified version of the "induced fit" concept of enzymic specificity, which is reexamined in view of implied thermodynamic restrictions. The internal rearrangement whereby the positions of the anionic groups of the phosphate/phosphonate are exchanged is compared with the analogous rearrangements involving glucose 1,6-bisphosphate and 1,4-butanediol bisphosphate. The supplementary material describes a three-step synthesis of 1-deoxy-alpha-D-glucose 1-methylenephosphonate together with a procedure for phosphorylating the phosphonate to produce an analog of alpha-D-glucose 1,6-bisphosphate and also describes a facile procedure for the qualitative conversion of organic phosphonates to inorganic phosphate.

A simple and rapid in situ preconcentration method for the determination of phosphate in environmental waters by use of solid-phase extraction, and its applications to brackish lake waters.

PubMed

Okumura, M; Tong, L; Fujinaga, K; Seike, Y

2001-05-01

A simple and rapid in situ preconcentration method for the determination of phosphate in environmental waters has been developed for field analysis. This method is based on solid-phase extraction on a zirconium-loaded Sep-Pack Accell CM cartridge (Zr-SP) and is applicable to studies in which sampling is performed by use of a graduated syringe to prevent contamination and to ensure easy operation at sampling sites. The Zr-SP cartridge was prepared by passing 0.1 mol L(-1) zirconium solution through a Sep-Pak Accell CM cartridge, packed with cation exchange sorbent based on a silica matrix. The adsorption of phosphate and its desorption depend only on the pH of the solution. A water sample containing phosphate was adjusted to pH 2 and passed through the Zr-SP cartridge to collect it. The retained phosphate was quantitatively eluted with 0.5 mol L(-1) sodium hydroxide solution. The phosphate retained in the Zr-SP cartridge was stable for at least one month. The established preconcentration method was successfully applied to brackish lake waters to investigate seasonal changes in the distribution and behavior of phosphate in a brackish lake.

Depressive Symptoms and Conversational Self-Focus in Adolescents’ Friendships

PubMed Central

Schwartz-Mette, Rebecca A.; Rose, Amanda J.

2015-01-01

This multi-method, longitudinal study considered the interplay among depressive symptoms, aversive interpersonal behavior, and interpersonal rejection in early and middle adolescents’ friendships. In particular, the study examined a newly identified interpersonal process, conversational self-focus (i.e., the tendency to redirect conversations about problems to focus on the self). Traditional interpersonal theories of depression suggest that individuals with depressive symptoms engage in aversive behaviors (such as conversational self-focus) and are rejected by others. However, in the current study, not all adolescents with depressive symptoms engaged in conversational self-focus and were rejected by friends. Instead, conversational self-focus moderated prospective relations of depressive symptoms and later friendship problems such that only adolescents with depressive symptoms who engaged in conversational self-focus were rejected by friends. These findings are consistent with current conceptualizations of the development of psychopathology that highlight heterogeneity among youth who share similar symptoms and the possibility of multifinality of outcomes. PMID:25640911

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase a is a potential metastasis-associated marker of lung squamous cell carcinoma and promotes lung cell tumorigenesis and migration.

PubMed

Du, Sha; Guan, Zhuzhu; Hao, Lihong; Song, Yang; Wang, Lan; Gong, Linlin; Liu, Lu; Qi, Xiaoyu; Hou, Zhaoyuan; Shao, Shujuan

2014-01-01

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and is responsible for catalyzing the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. ALDOA contributes to various cellular functions such as muscle maintenance, regulation of cell shape and mobility, striated muscle contraction, actin filament organization and ATP biosynthetic process. Here, we reported that ALDOA is a highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its expression level is correlated with LSCC metastasis, grades, differentiation status and poor prognosis. Depletion of ALDOA expression in the lung squamous carcinoma NCI-H520 cells reduces the capabilities of cell motility and tumorigenesis. These data suggest that ALDOA could be a potential marker for LSCC metastasis and a therapeutic target for drug development.

Partitioning of dopant cations between β-tricalcium phosphate and fluorapatite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jay, E. E.; Mallinson, P. M.; Fong, S. K.; Metcalfe, B. L.; Grimes, R. W.

2011-07-01

Mixed crystalline phase composite ceramics offer the possibility of partitioning defect species between the phases as well as occupancy of specific sites within a given phase. Here we use atomic scale simulations to study the site preference of an extensive range of divalent and trivalent substitutional ions across the five cation sites in β-tricalcium phosphate ( β-TCP) and the two cations sites in fluorapatite (FAp). This study indicates that in β-TCP small dopant species occupy the smaller of the five cation sites and vice versa. Conversely, in FAp, small divalent species occupy the nominally larger Ca(1) site while larger cations occupy the Ca(2) site. Partition energies between the two phases indicate that divalent species strongly segregate to β-TCP as do Al 3+ and Ga 3+, whereas all other (larger) trivalent ions exhibit little preference.

Fingolimod promotes blood-nerve barrier properties in vitro.

PubMed

Nishihara, Hideaki; Maeda, Toshihiko; Sano, Yasuteru; Ueno, Maho; Okamoto, Nana; Takeshita, Yukio; Shimizu, Fumitaka; Koga, Michiaki; Kanda, Takashi

2018-04-01

The main effect of fingolimod is thought to be functional antagonism of lymphocytic S1P1 receptors and the prevention of lymphocyte egress from lymphoid tissues, thereby reducing lymphocyte infiltration into the nervous system. However, a growing number of reports suggest that fingolimod also has a direct effect on several cell types in the nervous system. Although we previously reported that fingolimod enhances blood-brain barrier (BBB) functions, there have been no investigations regarding the blood-nerve barrier (BNB). In this study, we examine how fingolimod affects the BNB. An immortalized human peripheral nerve microvascular endothelial cell line (HPnMEC) was used to evaluate BNB barrier properties. We examined tight junction proteins and barrier functions of HPnMECs in conditioned medium with or without fingolimod-phosphate and blood sera from patients with typical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Incubation with fingolimod-phosphate increased levels of claudin-5 mRNA and protein as well as TEER values in HPnMECs. Conversely, typical CIDP sera decreased claudin-5 mRNA/protein levels and TEER values in HPnMECs; however, pretreatment with fingolimod-phosphate inhibited the effects of the typical CIDP sera. Fingolimod-phosphate directly modifies the BNB and enhances barrier properties. This mechanism may be a viable therapeutic target for CIDP, and fingolimod may be useful in patients with typical CIDP who have severe barrier disruption.

Recombinant expression of a functional myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS) in Mycobacterium smegmatis.

PubMed

Huang, Xinyi; Hernick, Marcy

2015-10-01

Myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase (MIPS, E.C. 5.5.1.4) catalyzes the first step in inositol production-the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate (Glc-6P) to myo-inositol-1-phosphate. While the three dimensional structure of MIPS from Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been solved, biochemical studies examining the in vitro activity have not been reported to date. Herein we report the in vitro activity of mycobacterial MIPS expressed in E. coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis. Recombinant expression in E. coli yields a soluble protein capable of binding the NAD(+) cofactor; however, it has no significant activity with the Glc-6P substrate. In contrast, recombinant expression in M. smegmatis mc(2)4517 yields a functionally active protein. Examination of structural data suggests that MtMIPS expressed in E. coli adopts a fold that is missing a key helix containing two critical (conserved) Lys side chains, which likely explains the inability of the E. coli expressed protein to bind and turnover the Glc-6P substrate. Recombinant expression in M. smegmatis may yield a protein that adopts a fold in which this key helix is formed enabling proper positioning of important side chains, thereby allowing for Glc-6P substrate binding and turnover. Detailed mechanistic studies may be feasible following optimization of the recombinant MIPS expression protocol in M. smegmatis.

A rapid fluorescence assay for sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase enzyme activity.

PubMed

Bandhuvula, Padmavathi; Fyrst, Henrik; Saba, Julie D

2007-12-01

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) lyase (SPL) catalyzes the conversion of S1P to ethanolamine phosphate and hexadecenal. This enzyme plays diverse roles in physiology and disease and, thus, may be useful as a disease marker and/or drug target. Unfortunately, the radioisotope-based assay currently used to quantify SPL activity is suboptimal. We have devised an assay using a commercially available omega(7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)-d-erythro (NBD)-labeled fluorescent substrate. Alternatively, we provide a method for synthesis of the substrate from NBD-sphingosine. Enzyme activity is determined by following the formation of NBD-aldehyde product, which is isolated from unreacted substrate by lipid extraction and quantified after separation by HPLC using a C18 column. A fluorescent NBD-C18-sphingosine internal standard is used to control for extraction efficiency. The reaction is linear over 20 min and total protein concentrations of 20-200 mg/l. The sensitivity of the fluorescence assay is comparable to or better than that of the radioactive assay, and SPL levels as low as 8 pmol/mg/min were readily detected. Semicarbazide, a nonspecific SPL inhibitor, reduced SPL activity in vitro by approximately 70% using both standard and fluorescence methods. Product inhibition was not observed using ethanolamine phosphate and a commercially available source of hexadecenal. This method is suitable for quantifying SPL activity in a variety of cell and tissue sources.

Study on the bonding strength between calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coatings and a Mg alloy substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Dai, Chang-Song; Wei, Jie; Wen, Zhao-Hui

2012-11-01

In order to improve the bonding strength between calcium phosphate/chitosan composite coatings and a micro-arc oxidized (MAO)-AZ91D Mg alloy, different influencing parameters were investigated in the process of electrophoretic deposition (EPD) followed by conversion in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS). Surface morphology and phase constituents of the as-prepared materials were investigated by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transformed infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), Raman spectrometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM) with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and a thermo gravimetric and differential thermal analyzer (TG-DTA). Scratch tests were carried out to study the bonding properties between the coatings and the substrates. In vitro immersion tests were conducted to determine the corrosion behaviors of samples with and without deposit layers through electrochemical experiments. In the EPD process, the acetic acid content in the electrophoresis suspension and the electrophoretic voltage played important roles in improving the bonding properties, while the contents of chitosan (CS) and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA, Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) in the suspension had less significant influences on the mechanical bonding strength. It was observed that the coatings showed the excellent bonding property when an electrophoretic voltage was in a range of 40-110 V with other reagent amounts as follows: acetic acid: 4.5 vol.%, CS ≤ 0.25 g, nHA ≤ 2.0 g in 200 ml of a CS-acetic acid aqueous solution and nHA ≤ 2.5 g in 300 ml of absolute ethanol. The morphology of the composite coating obtained under the above optimal condition had a flake-like crystal structure. The EPD in the nHA/CS-acetic acid/ethanol suspension resulted in hydroxyapatite, chitosan, brushite (DCPD, CaHPO4·2H2O) and Ca(OH)2 in the coatings. After the as-prepared coating materials were immersed into PBS, Ca(OH)2 could be converted into HA and DCPD. The results of the electrochemical tests manifested that the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy was improved by coating this composite film.

Improved degree of conversion of model self-etching adhesives through their interaction with dentin

PubMed Central

Zhang, Ying; Wang, Yong

2011-01-01

Objective To investigate the correlation of the chemical interaction between model self-etching adhesives and dentin with the degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesives. Methods The model self-etching adhesives contained bis[2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (2MP) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with a mass ratio of 1/1, and 0-40% water contents, respectively. The adhesives were applied either onto the prepared dentin surface or unreactive substrates (such as glass slides), agitated for 15s, then light-cured for 40s. The DCs of the adhesives were determined using micro-Raman spectral and mapping analysis. Results The DCs of the adhesives cured on the dentin substrate were found to be significantly higher than those on the unreactive glass substrate. Moreover, the DCs of the adhesives displayed a decreasing trend as the distance from the dentin surface became greater. The chemical interaction of the acidic 2MP/HEMA adhesives with the mineral apatite in dentin was proposed to play a significant role for the observations. The chemical interaction could be validated by the spectral comparison in the phosphate regions of 1100 cm−1 and 960 cm−1 in the Raman spectra. The results also revealed a notable influence of water content on the DC of adhesives. The DCs of the adhesive at 10% water content exhibited the highest DC level for both substrates. Conclusions Interaction with dentin dramatically improved the degree of conversion of self-etching adhesives. Our ability to chemically characterize the a/d interface including in situ detection of the DC distribution is very important in understanding self-etching adhesive bonding under in vivo conditions. PMID:22024375

Long-term conversion of 45S5 bioactive glass-ceramic microspheres in aqueous phosphate solution.

PubMed

Fu, Hailuo; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E; Huang, Wenhai

2012-05-01

The conversion of 45S5 glass and glass-ceramics to a hydroxyapatite (HA)-like material in vitro has been studied extensively, but only for short reaction times (typically <3 months). In this paper, we report for the first time on the long-term conversion of 45S5 glass-ceramic microspheres (designated 45S5c) in an aqueous phosphate solution. Microspheres of 45S5c (75-150 μm) were immersed for 10 years at room temperature (~25 °C) in K(2)HPO(4) solution with a concentration of 0.01 M or 1.0 M, and with a starting pH of 7.0 or 9.5. The reacted 45S5c microspheres and solutions were analyzed using structural and analytical techniques. Only 25-45 vol% of the 45S5c microspheres were converted to an HA-like material after the 10 year reaction. In solutions with a starting pH of 9.5, an increase in the K(2)HPO(4) concentration from 0.01 to 1.0 M resulted in a doubling of the volume of the microspheres converted to an HA-like material but had little effect on the composition of the HA-like product. In comparison, reaction of the 45S5c microspheres in the solution with a starting pH of 7.0 resulted in an HA-like product in the 0.01 M K(2)HPO(4) solution but a calcium pyrophosphate product, Ca(10)K(4)(P(2)O(7))(6).9H(2)O, in the 1.0 M solution. The consequences of these results for the long-term use of 45S5 glass-ceramics in biomedical applications are discussed.

Improved degree of conversion of model self-etching adhesives through their interaction with dentine.

PubMed

Zhang, Ying; Wang, Yong

2012-01-01

To investigate the correlation of the chemical interaction between model self-etching adhesives and dentine with the degree of conversion (DC) of the adhesives. The model self-etching adhesives contained bis[2-methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (2MP) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with a mass ratio of 1/1, and 0-40% water contents, respectively. The adhesives were applied either onto the prepared dentine surface or unreactive substrates (such as glass slides), agitated for 15s, then light-cured for 40s. The DCs of the adhesives were determined using micro-Raman spectral and mapping analysis. The DCs of the adhesives cured on the dentine substrate were found to be significantly higher than those on the unreactive glass substrate. Moreover, the DCs of the adhesives displayed a decreasing trend as the distance from the dentine surface became greater. The chemical interaction of the acidic 2MP/HEMA adhesives with the mineral apatite in dentine was proposed to play a significant role for the observations. The chemical interaction could be validated by the spectral comparison in the phosphate regions of 1100 cm(-1) and 960 cm(-1) in the Raman spectra. The results also revealed a notable influence of water content on the DC of adhesives. The DCs of the adhesive at 10% water content exhibited the highest DC level for both substrates. Interaction with dentine dramatically improved the degree of conversion of self-etching adhesives. Our ability to chemically characterise the a/d interface including in situ detection of the DC distribution is very important in understanding self-etching adhesive bonding under in vivo conditions. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ph-activated nano-amorphous calcium phosphate-based cement to reduce dental enamel demineralization.

PubMed

Melo, Mary A S; Weir, Michael D; Passos, Vanara F; Powers, Michael; Xu, Hockin H K

2017-12-01

Enamel demineralization is destructive, esthetically compromised, and costly complications for orthodontic patients. Nano-sized amorphous calcium phosphate (NACP) has been explored to address this challenge. The 20% NACP-loaded ortho-cement notably exhibited favorable behavior on reducing demineralization of enamel around brackets in a caries model designed to simulate the carious attack. The 20% NACP-loaded ortho-cement markedly promotes higher calcium and phosphate release at a low pH, and the mineral loss was almost two fold lower and carious lesion depth decreased the by 1/3. This novel approach is promising co-adjuvant route for prevention of dental caries dissemination in millions of patients under orthodontic treatment.

Characterization of bovine serum albumin partitioning behaviors in polymer-salt aqueous two-phase systems.

PubMed

Chow, Yin Hui; Yap, Yee Jiun; Tan, Chin Ping; Anuar, Mohd Shamsul; Tejo, Bimo Ario; Show, Pau Loke; Ariff, Arbakariya Bin; Ng, Eng-Poh; Ling, Tau Chuan

2015-07-01

In this paper, a linear relationship is proposed relating the natural logarithm of partition coefficient, ln K for protein partitioning in poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG)-phosphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) to the square of tie-line length (TLL(2)). This relationship provides good fits (r(2) > 0.98) to the partition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in PEG (1450 g/mol, 2000 g/mol, 3350 g/mol, and 4000 g/mol)-phosphate ATPS with TLL of 25.0-50.0% (w/w) at pH 7.0. Results also showed that the plot of ln K against pH for BSA partitioning in the ATPS containing 33.0% (w/w) PEG1450 and 8.0% (w/w) phosphate with varied working pH between 6.0 and 9.0 exhibited a linear relationship which is in good agreement (r(2) = 0.94) with the proposed relationship, ln K = α' pH + β'. These results suggested that both the relationships proposed could be applied to correlate and elucidate the partition behavior of biomolecules in the polymer-salt ATPS. The influence of other system parameters on the partition behavior of BSA was also investigated. An optimum BSA yield of 90.80% in the top phase and K of 2.40 was achieved in an ATPS constituted with 33.0% (w/w) PEG 1450 and 8.0% (w/w) phosphate in the presence of 8.5% (w/w) sodium chloride (NaCl) at pH 9.0 for 0.3% (w/w) BSA load. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Allosteric Regulation of Lactobacillus plantarum Xylulose 5-Phosphate/Fructose 6-Phosphate Phosphoketolase (Xfp)

PubMed Central

Glenn, Katie

2015-01-01

ABSTRACT Xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp), which catalyzes the conversion of xylulose 5-phosphate (X5P) or fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to acetyl phosphate, plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Recently, we demonstrated that the fungal Cryptococcus neoformans Xfp2 exhibits both substrate cooperativity for all substrates (X5P, F6P, and Pi) and allosteric regulation in the forms of inhibition by phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), oxaloacetic acid (OAA), and ATP and activation by AMP (K. Glenn, C. Ingram-Smith, and K. S. Smith. Eukaryot Cell 13:657–663, 2014). Allosteric regulation has not been reported previously for the characterized bacterial Xfps. Here, we report the discovery of substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation among bacterial Xfps, specifically the Lactobacillus plantarum Xfp. L. plantarum Xfp is an allosteric enzyme inhibited by PEP, OAA, and glyoxylate but unaffected by the presence of ATP or AMP. Glyoxylate is an additional inhibitor to those previously reported for C. neoformans Xfp2. As with C. neoformans Xfp2, PEP and OAA share the same or possess overlapping sites on L. plantarum Xfp. Glyoxylate, which had the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the three inhibitors, binds at a separate site. This study demonstrates that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfp enzymes, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains. IMPORTANCE Xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp) plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Although we recently demonstrated that the fungal Cryptococcus Xfp is subject to substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation, neither phenomenon has been reported for a bacterial Xfp. Here, we report that the Lactobacillus plantarum Xfp displays substrate cooperativity and is allosterically inhibited by phosphoenolpyruvate and oxaloacetate, as is the case for Cryptococcus Xfp. The bacterial enzyme is unaffected by the presence of AMP or ATP, which act as a potent activator and inhibitor of the fungal Xfp, respectively. Our results demonstrate that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfps, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains. PMID:25605308

Allosteric regulation of Lactobacillus plantarum xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp).

PubMed

Glenn, Katie; Smith, Kerry S

2015-04-01

Xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp), which catalyzes the conversion of xylulose 5-phosphate (X5P) or fructose 6-phosphate (F6P) to acetyl phosphate, plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Recently, we demonstrated that the fungal Cryptococcus neoformans Xfp2 exhibits both substrate cooperativity for all substrates (X5P, F6P, and Pi) and allosteric regulation in the forms of inhibition by phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), oxaloacetic acid (OAA), and ATP and activation by AMP (K. Glenn, C. Ingram-Smith, and K. S. Smith. Eukaryot Cell 13: 657-663, 2014). Allosteric regulation has not been reported previously for the characterized bacterial Xfps. Here, we report the discovery of substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation among bacterial Xfps, specifically the Lactobacillus plantarum Xfp. L. plantarum Xfp is an allosteric enzyme inhibited by PEP, OAA, and glyoxylate but unaffected by the presence of ATP or AMP. Glyoxylate is an additional inhibitor to those previously reported for C. neoformans Xfp2. As with C. neoformans Xfp2, PEP and OAA share the same or possess overlapping sites on L. plantarum Xfp. Glyoxylate, which had the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration of the three inhibitors, binds at a separate site. This study demonstrates that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfp enzymes, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains. Xylulose 5-phosphate/fructose 6-phosphate phosphoketolase (Xfp) plays a key role in carbohydrate metabolism in a number of bacteria. Although we recently demonstrated that the fungal Cryptococcus Xfp is subject to substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation, neither phenomenon has been reported for a bacterial Xfp. Here, we report that the Lactobacillus plantarum Xfp displays substrate cooperativity and is allosterically inhibited by phosphoenolpyruvate and oxaloacetate, as is the case for Cryptococcus Xfp. The bacterial enzyme is unaffected by the presence of AMP or ATP, which act as a potent activator and inhibitor of the fungal Xfp, respectively. Our results demonstrate that substrate cooperativity and allosteric regulation may be common properties among bacterial and eukaryotic Xfps, yet important differences exist between the enzymes in these two domains. Copyright © 2015, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

The crystal structure of galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase from Escherichia coli K12 provides insights into its anomalous behavior on IMAC processes.

PubMed

Esteban-Torres, María; Alvarez, Yanaisis; Acebrón, Iván; de las Rivas, Blanca; Muñoz, Rosario; Kohring, Gert-Wieland; Roa, Ana María; Sobrino, Mónica; Mancheño, José M

2012-09-21

Endogenous galactitol-1-phosphate 5-dehydrogenase (GPDH) (EC 1.1.1.251) from Escherichia coli spontaneously interacts with Ni(2+)-NTA matrices becoming a potential contaminant for recombinant, target His-tagged proteins. Purified recombinant, untagged GPDH (rGPDH) converted galactitol into tagatose, and d-tagatose-6-phosphate into galactitol-1-phosphate, in a Zn(2+)- and NAD(H)-dependent manner and readily crystallized what has permitted to solve its crystal structure. In contrast, N-terminally His-tagged GPDH was marginally stable and readily aggregated. The structure of rGPDH revealed metal-binding sites characteristic from the medium-chain dehydrogenase/reductase protein superfamily which may explain its ability to interact with immobilized metals. The structure also provides clues on the harmful effects of the N-terminal His-tag. Copyright © 2012 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hierarchically porous structure, mechanical strength and cell biological behaviors of calcium phosphate composite scaffolds prepared by combination of extrusion and porogen burnout technique and enhanced by gelatin.

PubMed

Feng, Shenglei; He, Fupo; Ye, Jiandong

2018-01-01

In this study, hierarchically porous calcium phosphate scaffolds (HTCP) with unidirectional pores, transversely interconnected pores, and micropores were fabricated by the combination of extrusion and porogen burnout technique. Gelatin was incorporated into the HTCP scaffolds by vacuum-impregnation of gelatin solution and subsequent freeze-drying. The phase composition, microstructure, physical and cytobiological properties were analyzed. The results showed that the HTCP scaffolds were composed of β-tricalcium phosphate with minor hydroxyapatite. The HTCP scaffolds had unidirectional pores (~400μm), transversely interconnected pores (~130μm) and micropores (~1μm). The incorporation of gelatin significantly increased the compressive strength, toughness, and cell seeding of the HTCP scaffolds. The composite scaffolds showed excellent cytocompatibility. The hierarchically porous calcium phosphate composite scaffolds may have potential application prospects in bone tissue engineering. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calcium phosphate coating on magnesium alloy for modification of degradation behavior

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Fu-zhai; Yang, Jing-xin; Jiao, Yan-peng; Yin, Qing-shui; Zhang, Yu; Lee, In-Seop

2008-06-01

Magnesium alloy has similar mechanical properties with natural bone, but its high susceptibility to corrosion has limited its application in orthopedics. In this study, a calcium phosphate coating is formed on magnesium alloy (AZ31) to control its degradation rate and enhance its bioactivity and bone inductivity. Samples of AZ31 plate were placed in the supersaturated calcification solution prepared with Ca(NO3)2, NaH2PO4 and NaHCO3, then the calcium phosphate coating formed. Through adjusting the immersion time, the thickness of uniform coatings can be changed from 10 to 20 μm. The composition, phase structure and morphology of the coatings were investigated. Bonding strength of the coatings and substrate was 2-4 MPa in this study. The coatings significantly decrease degradation rate of the original Mg alloy, indicating that the Mg alloy with calcium phosphate coating is a promising degradable bone material.

Effects of age and the use of hands-free cellular phones on driving behavior and task performance.

PubMed

Liu, Yung-Ching; Ou, Yang-Kun

2011-12-01

This study used a driving simulator to investigate the effect of using a Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone earpiece on the driving behavior of two age groups. Forty-eight participants (24 aged 20-26 and 24 aged 65-73) were examined to assess their performance on the following divided-attention tasks under 2 driving load conditions (high and low): (1) attempting to maintain the speed limit and (2) using a cellular phone while driving. The length of the call conversation (long vs. short) and the conversational content (complex vs. simple) were manipulated as within-subject independent variables. The driving behavior of the participants, their task reaction times and accuracy, and subjective ratings were collected as dependent variables. The results indicate that under low driving loads, short talk times, and simple conversational content, the driving behavior of the participants showed low variance in the vehicle's mean speed. In contrast, complex conversation had a significantly negative impact on driving behavior. Notably, under a low driving load, motorists' driving behaviors, measured in lateral acceleration, caused significantly smaller variance in complex conversations compared to no call and simple conversations. The use of a hands-free cellular phone affected the performance (acceleration, lane deviation, reaction time, and accuracy) of older drivers significantly more than younger drivers. While performing divided attention tasks, the accuracy of the older drivers was 66.3 percent and that of the younger drivers was 96.3 percent. Although this study did not find a clear impact of cellular phone use on the driving behavior of younger drivers, their divided-attention task reaction times and accuracy were better under no-call than calling conditions. This study indicates that the use of hands-free cellular phones could significantly affect the safety of driving among the older and present risks, although lesser, for younger drivers.

Kinetics of UV laser radiation defects in high performance glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Natura, U.; Feurer, T.; Ehrt, D.

2000-05-01

High purity fluoride phosphate glasses are attractive candidates as UV transmitting materials. The calculated values for the ultraviolet resonance wavelength are comparable with those of pure silica glass or fluoride single crystal CaF2. The formation of radiation-induced defect centers leads to additional absorption bands in the VUV-UV-vis range. The damage and the healing behavior by lamps and lasers are investigated in dependence on phosphate content and the content of impurities, mainly transition metals. Experiments were carried out using pulsed lasers with a duration of femto- and nanoseconds at a wavelength of 248 nm. The initial slope of the induced absorption shows a nonlinear dependence on the pulse energy density. Resonant and non-resonant two-photon mechanisms were observed. Two-photon-absorption coefficients at 248 nm for samples with different phosphate contents were measured. Models of the kinetics of the radiation-induced defects were developed. The inclusion of energy transfer was necessary to explain the difference in the damage behavior for nanosecond (248 nm, 193 nm) and femtosecond (248 nm) laser pulses.

Effect of Phosphate on U(VI) Sorption to Montmorillonite: Ternary Complexation and Precipitation Barriers

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

Troyer, Lyndsay D.; Maillot, Fabien; Wang, Zheming

Phosphate addition is a potential treatment method to lower the solubility of U(VI) in soil and groundwater systems by causing U(VI) phosphate precipitation as well as enhancing adsorption. Previous work has shown that iron oxide surfaces may facilitate the nucleation of U(VI) phosphate minerals and, that under weakly acidic conditions, phosphate also enhances U(VI) adsorption to such phases. Like iron oxides, clays are important reactive phases in the subsurface but little is known about the interaction of U(VI) and phosphate with these minerals. The effect of aqueous phosphate on U(VI) binding to Wyoming montmorillonite (SWy-2) in air-equilibrated systems was investigated.more » Equilibrium U(VI) uptake to montmorillonite was determined at pH 4, 6 and 8 at discrete initial phosphate concentrations between 0 and 100 μM. The observed behavior of U(VI) indicates a transition from adsorption to precipitation with increasing total uranium and phosphate concentrations at all pH values. At the highest phosphate concentration examined at each pH value, a barrier to U(VI) phosphate nucleation is observed. At lower concentrations, phosphate has no effect on macroscopic U(VI) adsorption. To assess the mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate interactions on smectite surfaces, U(VI) speciation was investigated under selected conditions using laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (LIFS) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Samples above the precipitation threshold display EXAFS and LIFS spectral signatures consistent with the autunite family of U(VI) phosphate minerals. However, at lower U(VI) concentrations, changes in LIFS spectra upon phosphate addition suggest that U(VI)-phosphate ternary surface complexes form on the montmorillonite surface at pH 4 and 6 despite the lack of a macroscopic effect on adsorption. The speciation of solid-associated U(VI) below the precipitation threshold at pH 8 is dominated by U(VI)-carbonate surface complexes. This work reveals that ternary complexation may occur without a macroscopic signature, which is attributed to phosphate not appreciably binding to smectite in the absence of U(VI), with U(VI) surface complexes serving as the sole reactive surface sites for phosphate. This study shows that phosphate does not enhance U(VI) adsorption to smectite clay minerals, unlike oxide phases, and that a barrier to homogeneous nucleation of U(VI) phosphates was not affected by the presence of the smectite surface« less

Efficient 525 nm laser generation in single or double resonant cavity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Shilong; Han, Zhenhai; Liu, Shikai; Li, Yinhai; Zhou, Zhiyuan; Shi, Baosen

2018-03-01

This paper reports the results of a study into highly efficient sum frequency generation from 792 and 1556 nm wavelength light to 525 nm wavelength light using either a single or double resonant ring cavity based on a periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal (PPKTP). By optimizing the cavity's parameters, the maximum power achieved for the resultant 525 nm laser was 263 and 373 mW for the single and double resonant cavity, respectively. The corresponding quantum conversion efficiencies were 8 and 77% for converting 1556 nm photons to 525 nm photons with the single and double resonant cavity, respectively. The measured intra-cavity single pass conversion efficiency for both configurations was about 5%. The performances of the sum frequency generation in these two configurations was studied and compared in detail. This work will provide guidelines for optimizing the generation of sum frequency generated laser light for a variety of configurations. The high conversion efficiency achieved in this work will help pave the way for frequency up-conversion of non-classical quantum states, such as the squeezed vacuum and single photon states. The proposed green laser source will be used in our future experiments, which includes a plan to generate two-color entangled photon pairs and achieve the frequency down-conversion of single photons carrying orbital angular momentum.

Parent-Adolescent Conversations about Eating, Physical Activity and Weight: Prevalence across Sociodemographic Characteristics and Associations with Adolescent Weight and Weight-Related Behaviors

PubMed Central

Berge, Jerica M.; MacLehose, Richard F; Loth, Katie A.; Eisenberg, Marla E.; Fulkerson, Jayne A.; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne

2015-01-01

This paper aims to describe the prevalence of parent-adolescent conversations about eating, physical activity and weight across sociodemographic characteristics and to examine associations with adolescent BMI, dietary intake, physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Data from two linked epidemiological studies were used for cross-sectional analysis. Parents (n=3,424; 62% females) and adolescents (n=2,182; 53.2% girls) were socioeconomically and racially/ethnically diverse. Fathers reported more parent-adolescent conversations about healthful eating and physical activity with their sons and mothers reported more weight-focused conversations with their daughters. Parents of Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Hmong youth and parents from lower SES categories engaged in more conversations about weight and size. Adolescents whose mothers or fathers had weight-focused conversations with them had higher BMI percentiles. Adolescents who had two parents engaging in weight-related conversations had higher BMI percentiles. Healthcare providers may want to talk about the types of weight-related conversations parents are having with their adolescents and emphasize avoiding conversations about weight specifically. PMID:24997555

Quality analysis, miceller behavior, and environmental impact of some laundry detergents available in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Nur-E-Alam, M; Islam, M Monirul; Islam, M Nazrul; Rima, Farhana Rahman; Islam, M Nurul

2016-03-01

The cleansing efficiencies of laundry detergents depend on composition and variation of ingredients such as surfactants, phosphate, and co-builders. Among these ingredients, surfactants and phosphate are considered as hazardous materials. Knowledge on compositions and micellar behavior is very useful for understanding their cleansing efficiencies and environmental impact. With this view, composition, critical micelle concentration, and dissolved oxygen level in aqueous solution of some laundry detergents available in Bangladesh such as keya, Wheel Power White, Tibet, Surf Excel, and Chaka were determined. Surfactant and phosphate were found to be maximum in Surf Excel and Wheel Power White, respectively, while both of the ingredients were found to be minimum in Tibet. The critical micelle concentration decreased with increasing surfactant content. The amount of laundry detergents required for efficient cleansing was found to be minimum for Surf Excel and maximum for Chaka; however, cleansing cost was the highest for Surf Excel and the lowest for Tibet. The maximum amount of surfactants and phosphate was discharged by Surf Excel and Wheel Power White, respectively, while discharges of both of the ingredients were minimum for Tibet. The maximum decrease of dissolved oxygen level was caused by Surf Excel and the minimum by Tibet. Therefore, it can be concluded that Tibet is cost-effective and environment friendly, whereas Surf Excel and Wheel Power White are expensive and pose a threat to water environment.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates With Various Ca/P Ratios.

PubMed

Sun, Limin; Chow, Laurence C; Frukhtbeyn, Stanislav A; Bonevich, John E

2010-01-01

This study aimed at preparing and studying the properties of nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (nCaP) with Ca/P ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.67 using a spray-drying technique. Micro-structural analyses suggested that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratios of 1.67 to 1.33 were nano-sized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing varying amounts of acid phosphate and carbonate. The nCaP with Ca/P ratio of 1 contained only nano-sized low crystalline dicalcium phosphate (DCP). BET measurements of the nCaPs showed specific surface areas of (12 ± 2 to 50 ± 1) m(2)/g, corresponding to estimated equivalent spherical diameters of (38 to 172) nm. However, dynamic light scattering measurements revealed much larger particles of (380 ± 49 to 768 ± 111) nm, owing to agglomeration of the smaller primary nano particles as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermodynamic solubility measurements showed that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratio of 1.33 - 1.67 all have similar solubility behavior. The materials were more soluble than the crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) at pH greater than about 4.7, and more soluble than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and DCP at pH above 5.5. Their solubility approached that of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) at about pH 7. These nCaPs, which cannot be readily prepared by other currently available methods for nanoparticle preparation, have potential biomedical applications.

Influence of phosphate and solution pH on the mobility of ZnO nanoparticles in saturated sand.

PubMed

Li, Lingxiangyu; Schuster, Michael

2014-02-15

The mobility of nanoparticles (NPs) strongly depends on the chemical characterization of the environmental medium. However, the influence of phosphate on NPs mobility was ignored by scientists despite the serious phosphate contamination in natural environments. Hence, the influence of phosphate and solution pH on the mobility of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) was investigated in water-saturated sand representative of groundwater aquifers, which encompassed a range of P/Zn molar ratios (P/Zn: 0-4) and pH (4.8-10.0). The transport of ZnO-NPs was dramatically enhanced in the presence of phosphate, even at a low P/Zn molar ratio namely 0.25, and the retention of ZnO-NPs in the saturated sand decreased with increasing P/Zn molar ratio. Moreover, attachment efficiencies (α) and deposition rates (kd) of ZnO-NPs rapidly decreased with increasing P/Zn molar ratio. In contrast, the solution pH had negligible effects on ZnO-NP transport behavior under phosphate-abundant condition (P/Zn: 4). The distinct effects may be explained by the energy interaction between ZnO-NPs and sand surface under different conditions. Interestingly, under phosphate-abundant condition (P/Zn: 4), solution pH could strongly affect the transport of Zn(2+) in the water-saturated sand. Overall, this study outlines the importance of taking account of phosphate into risk assessment of NPs in the environment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of Zinc Phosphate Coating Activated by Different Concentrations of Nickel Acetate Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdalla, Khalid; Zuhailawati, H.; Rahmat, Azmi; Azizan, A.

2017-02-01

Activation pretreatment with nickel acetate solution at various concentrations was performed prior to the phosphating step to enhance the corrosion resistance of carbon steel substrates. The activation solution was studied over various concentrations: 10, 50, and 100 g/L. The effects of these concentrations on surface characteristics and microstructural evolution of the coated samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior was evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and immersion test in a 3.5 pct NaCl solution. Significant increases in the nucleation sites and surface coverage of zinc phosphate coating were observed as the concentration of activation solution reached 50 g/L. The electrochemical analysis revealed that the activation treatment with 50 g/L nickel acetate solution significantly improved the protection ability of the zinc phosphate coating. The corrosion current density of activated phosphate coating with 50 g/L was reduced by 64.64 and 13.22 pct, compared to the coatings obtained with activation solutions of 10 and 100 g/L, respectively.

Immobilization of Cr(VI) and Its Reduction to Cr(III) Phosphate by Granular Biofilms Comprising a Mixture of Microbes

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

Nancharaiah, Y.V.; Francis, A.; Dodge, C.

2010-04-01

We assessed the potential of mixed microbial consortia, in the form of granular biofilms, to reduce chromate and remove it from synthetic minimal medium. In batch experiments, acetate-fed granular biofilms incubated aerobically reduced 0.2 mM Cr(VI) from a minimal medium at 0.15 mM day-1 g-1, with reduction of 0.17 mM day-1 g-1 under anaerobic conditions. There was negligible removal of Cr(VI) (i) without granular biofilms, (ii) with lyophilized granular biofilms, and (iii) with granules in the absence of an electron donor. Analyses by X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy (XANES) of the granular biofilms revealed the conversion of soluble Cr(VI) tomore » Cr(III). Extended X-ray absorption fine-structure (EXAFS) analysis of the Cr-laden granular biofilms demonstrated similarity to Cr(III) phosphate, indicating that Cr(III) was immobilized with phosphate on the biomass subsequent to microbial reduction. The sustained reduction of Cr(VI) by granular biofilms was confirmed in fed-batch experiments. Our study demonstrates the promise of granular-biofilm-based systems in treating Cr(VI)-containing effluents and wastewater.« less

Metabolism of 13C-enriched D-fructose in hepatocytes from Goto-Kakizaki rats.

PubMed

Malaisse, Willy J; Ladriere, Laurence; Verbruggen, Ingrid; Willem, Rudolph

2004-05-01

This study aims at assessing the conversion of exogenous D-[1-13C]fructose, D-[2-13C]fructose or D-[6-13C]-fructose (10 mM) to 13C-enriched and either hydrogenated or deuterated D-glucose, L-lactate and L-alanine released by rat liver cells prepared from Goto-Kakizaki rats and incubated for 120 min in the presence of unlabelled D-glucose (also 10 mM) and D2O. The results of this study are relevant to the relative contribution of fructokinase and hexokinase isoenzyme to the phosphorylation of D-fructose, the capacity of D-glucose to confer to glucokinase positive cooperativity towards D-fructose, the circulation of D-fructose 6-phosphate in the pentose phosphate pathway, the regulation of the cytosolic NADD/NADH ratio, the respective fate of D-fructose-derived D-glyceraldehyde and dihydroxyacetone phosphate, the deuteration of fructose-derived glycolytic intermediates at the phosphoglucoisomerase, phosphomannoisomerase, enolase, pyruvate kinase and glutamate-alanine transaminase levels, and the unequal generation of L-[1-13C]lactate by cells exposed to D-[1-13C]fructose or D-[6-13C]fructose versus D-[2-13C]-fructose.

Overexpression of ACC gene from oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi enhanced the lipid accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with increased levels of glycerol 3-phosphate substrates.

PubMed

Wang, Jiancai; Xu, Ronghua; Wang, Ruling; Haque, Mohammad Enamul; Liu, Aizhong

2016-06-01

The conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is the rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, a gene coding for ACC was isolated and characterized from an oleaginous yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of L. starkeyi acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene (LsACC1) showed that the expression levels were upregulated with the fast accumulation of lipids. The LsACC1 was co-overexpressed with the glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GPD1), which regulates lipids biosynthesis by supplying another substrates glycerol 3-phosphate for storage lipid assembly, in the non-oleaginous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, the S. cerevisiae acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ScACC1) was transferred with GPD1 and its function was analyzed in comparison with LsACC1. The results showed that overexpressed LsACC1 and GPD1 resulted in a 63% increase in S. cerevisiae. This study gives new data in understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of fatty acids and lipid biosynthesis in yeasts.

Mineralisation of reconstituted collagen using polyvinylphosphonic acid/polyacrylic acid templating matrix protein analogues in the presence of calcium, phosphate and hydroxyl ions

PubMed Central

Kim, Young Kyung; Gu, Li-sha; Bryan, Thomas E.; Kim, Jong Ryul; Chen, Liang; Liu, Yan; Yoon, James C.; Breschi, Lorenzo; Pashley, David H.; Tay, Franklin R.

2010-01-01

The complex morphologies of mineralised collagen fibrils are regulated through interactions between the collagen matrix and non-collagenous extracellular proteins. In the present study, polyvinylphosphonic acid, a biomimetic analogue of matrix phosphoproteins, was synthesised and confirmed with FTIR and NMR. Biomimetic mineralisation of reconstituted collagen fibrils devoid of natural non-collagenous proteins was demonstrated with TEM using a Portland cement-containing resin composite and a phosphate-containing fluid in the presence of polyacrylic acid as sequestration, and polyvinylphosphonic acid as templating matrix protein analogues. In the presence of these dual biomimetic analogues in the mineralisation medium, intrafibrillar and extrafibrillar mineralisation via bottom-up nanoparticle assembly based on the nonclassical crystallisation pathway could be identified. Conversely, only large mineral spheres with no preferred association with collagen fibrils were observed in the absence of biomimetic analogues in the medium. Mineral phases were evident within the collagen fibrils as early as 4 hours after the initially-formed amorphous calcium phosphate nanoprecursors were transformed into apatite nanocrystals. Selected area electron diffraction patterns of highly mineralised collagen fibrils were nearly identical to those of natural bone, with apatite crystallites preferentially aligned along the collagen fibril axes. PMID:20621767

The entrapment of corrosion products from CoCr implant alloys in the deposits of calcium phosphate: a comparison of serum, synovial fluid, albumin, EDTA, and water.

PubMed

Lewis, A C; Kilburn, M R; Heard, P J; Scott, T B; Hallam, K R; Allen, G C; Learmonth, I D

2006-08-01

Physical wear of orthopedic implants is inevitable. CoCr alloy samples, typically used in joint reconstruction, corrode rapidly after removal of the protective oxide layer. The behavior of CoCr pellets immersed in human serum, foetal bovine serum (FBS), synovial fluid, albumin in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), EDTA in PBS, and water were studied using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). The difference in the corrosive nature of human serum, water, albumin in PBS and synovial fluid after 5 days of immersion was highlighted by the oxide layer, which was respectively 15, 3.5, 1.5, and 1.5 nm thick. The thickness of an additional calcium phosphate deposit from human serum and synovial fluid was 40 and 2 nm, respectively. Co and Cr ions migrated from the bulk metal surface and were trapped in this deposit by the phosphate anion. This may account for the composition of wear debris from CoCr orthopedic implants, which is known to consist predominantly of hydroxy-phosphate compounds. Known components of synovial fluid including proteoglycans, pyrophosphates, phospholipids, lubricin, and superficial zone protein (SZP), have been identified as possible causes for the lack of significant calcium phosphate deposition in this environment. Circulation of these compounds around the whole implant may inhibit calcium phosphate deposition.

Effect of Ni and noble metals (Ru, Pd and Pt) on performance of bifunctional MoP/SiO2 for hydroconversion of methyl laurate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nie, Ziyang; Zhang, Zhena; Chen, Jixiang

2017-10-01

SiO2 supported bifunctional MoP catalysts modified with different metal promoters (Ni, Ru, Pd, Pt), where Mo/Ni and Mo/M(M = Ru, Pd and Pt) atomic ratios was respectively 10 and 40, were prepared by TPR method from the phosphate precursors. It was found that the introduction of metal promoters facilitated the reduction of phosphate precursor and enhanced the dispersion of MoP. However, the MoP catalyst acidity was scarcely influenced by the small amount of metal promoters. In the hydroconversion of methyl laurate, the promoters enhanced the MoP catalyst activity for conversion of methyl laurate and hydrogenation of alkenes (intermediate), but reduced isomerization ability. Among the promoters, Ru was an optimum to decrease selectivity to alkenes while maintain high selectivity to iso-alkanes, and Mo40RuP showed better stability than MoP. At 380 °C and 3.0 MPa, the conversion of methyl laurate, the total selectivity to C11 and C12 hydrocarbons and the selectivity to iso-alkanes maintained at 100%, ∼94% and ∼30% on Mo40RuP during 102 h, respectively. The good stability of Mo40RuP is ascribed to that the presence of Ru prevented the sintering of MoP particles and suppressed carbon deposition.

First order transitions by conduction calorimetry: Application to deuterated potassium dihydrogen phosphate ferroelastic crystal under uniaxial pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallardo, M. C.; Jiménez, J.; Koralewski, M.; del Cerro, J.

1997-03-01

The specific heat c and the heat power W exchanged by a Deuterated Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate ferroelectric-ferroelastic crystal have been measured simultaneously for both decreasing and increasing temperature at a low constant rate (0.06 K/h) between 175 and 240 K. The measurements were carried out under controlled uniaxial stresses of 0.3 and 4.5±0.1 bar applied to face (110). At Tt=207.9 K, a first order transition is produced with anomalous specific heat behavior in the interval where the transition heat appears. This anomalous behavior is explained in terms of the temperature variation of the heat power during the transition. During cooling, the transition occurs with coexistence of phases, while during heating it seems that metastable states are reached. Excluding data affected by the transition heat, the specific heat behavior agrees with the predictions of a 2-4-6 Landau potential in the range of 4-15 K below Tt while logarithmic behavior is obtained in the range from Tt to 1 K below Tt. Data obtained under 0.3 and 4.5 bar uniaxial stresses exhibit the same behavior.

Effects of repeated 9 and 30-day exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields on social recognition behavior and estrogen receptors expression in olfactory bulb of Wistar female rats.

PubMed

Bernal-Mondragón, C; Arriaga-Avila, V; Martínez-Abundis, E; Barrera-Mera, B; Mercado-Gómez, O; Guevara-Guzmán, R

2017-02-01

We investigated the short- and long-term effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on social recognition behavior and expression of α- and β-estrogen receptors (ER). Rats were exposed to 60-Hz electromagnetic fields for 9 or 30 days and tested for social recognition behavior. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assays were performed to evaluate α- and β-ER expression in the olfactory bulb of intact, ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized+estradiol (E2) replacement (OVX+E2). Ovariectomization showed impairment of social recognition after 9 days of EMF exposure and a complete recovery after E2 replacement and so did those after 30 days. Short EMF exposure increased expression of β-ER in intact, but not in the others. Longer exposure produced a decrease in intact but an increase in OVX and OVX+E2. Our findings suggest a significant role for β-estrogen receptors and a lack of effect for α-estrogen receptors on a social recognition task. EMF: extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields; ERs: estrogen receptors; OB: olfactory bulb; OVX: ovariectomized; OVX + E 2 : ovariectomized + estradiol replacement; IEI: interexposure interval; β-ER: beta estrogen receptor; E 2 : replacement of estradiol; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; WB: Western blot; PBS: phosphate-buffer saline; PB: phosphate-buffer.

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Coatings on Pure Ti Substrate: Effects of Na3PO4 Concentration on Morphology and Corrosion Behavior of Coatings in Ringer's Physiological Solution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roknian, Masoud; Fattah-alhosseini, Arash; Gashti, Seyed Omid

2018-03-01

Plasma electrolytic oxidation has been used as a relatively new method for applying ceramic coatings having different features. In the present study, commercially pure titanium is used as substrate, and effects of trisodium phosphate electrolyte concentration on the microstructure, as well as corrosion behavior of the coating in Ringer's physiological solution are investigated. The morphology and phase compositions of coatings were analyzed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction patterns. The study on the corrosion behavior of samples in a Ringer's physiological solution was carried out using open-circuit potential potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results of electrochemical analysis proved that higher concentration of phosphate electrolyte leads to increase in the corrosion resistance of applied coatings. Accordingly, obtained results revealed that the optimum electrolyte concentration for the best corrosion behavior was 20 g L-1. Furthermore, SEM images and reduction in the dielectric breakdown potential indicated that increase in the electrolyte concentration leads to morphological improvement and smoothening of the surface.

Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Metabolism and Its Role in the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PubMed Central

Wollny, Tomasz; Wątek, Marzena; Durnaś, Bonita; Niemirowicz, Katarzyna; Piktel, Ewelina; Żendzian-Piotrowska, Małgorzata; Góźdź, Stanisław; Bucki, Robert

2017-01-01

Beyond their role as structural molecules, sphingolipids are involved in many important cellular processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and migration. Altered sphingolipid metabolism is observed in many pathological conditions including gastrointestinal diseases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a state of complex, unpredictable, and destructive inflammation of unknown origin within the gastrointestinal tract. The mechanisms explaining the pathophysiology of IBD involve signal transduction pathways regulating gastro-intestinal system’s immunity. Progressive intestinal tissue destruction observed in chronic inflammation may be associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a sphingolipid metabolite, functions as a cofactor in inflammatory signaling and becomes a target in the treatment of IBD, which might prevent its conversion to cancer. This paper summarizes new findings indicating the impact of (S1P) on IBD development and IBD-associated carcinogenesis. PMID:28362332

Chemical elimination of the harmful properties of asbestos from military facilities.

PubMed

Pawełczyk, Adam; Božek, František; Grabas, Kazimierz; Chęcmanowski, Jacek

2017-03-01

This work presents research on the neutralization of asbestos banned from military use and its conversion to usable products. The studies showed that asbestos can be decomposed by the use of phosphoric acid. The process proved very effective when the phosphoric acid concentration was 30%, the temperature was 90°C and the reaction time 60min. Contrary to the common asbestos treatment method that consists of landfilling, the proposed process ensures elimination of the harmful properties of this waste material and its transformation into inert substances. The obtained products include calcium phosphate, magnesium phosphate and silica. Chemical, microscopic and X-ray analyses proved that the products are free of harmful fibers and can be, in particular, utilized for fertilizers production. The obtained results may contribute to development of an asbestos utilization technique that fits well into the European waste policy, regulated by the EU waste management law. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

l-Glucitol Catabolism in Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Ac

PubMed Central

Brechtel, Elke; Huwig, Alexander; Giffhorn, Friedrich

2002-01-01

The carbohydrate catabolism of the bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia Ac (previously named Pseudomonas sp. strain Ac), which is known to convert the unnatural polyol l-glucitol to d-sorbose during growth on the former as the sole source of carbon and energy, was studied in detail. All enzymes operating in a pathway that channels l-glucitol via d-sorbose into compounds of the intermediary metabolism were demonstrated, and for some prominent reactions the products of conversion were identified. d-Sorbose was converted by C-3 epimerization to d-tagatose, which, in turn, was isomerized to d-galactose. d-Galactose was the initial substrate of the De Ley-Doudoroff pathway, involving reactions of NAD-dependent oxidation of d-galactose to d-galactonate, its dehydration to 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-galactonate, and its phosphorylation to 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-galactonate 6-phosphate. Finally, aldol cleavage yielded pyruvate and d-glycerate 3-phosphate as the central metabolic intermediates. PMID:11823194

Heart failure drug changes the mechanoenzymology of the cardiac myosin powerstroke.

PubMed

Rohde, John A; Thomas, David D; Muretta, Joseph M

2017-03-07

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM), a putative heart failure therapeutic, increases cardiac contractility. We hypothesize that it does this by changing the structural kinetics of the myosin powerstroke. We tested this directly by performing transient time-resolved FRET on a ventricular cardiac myosin biosensor. Our results demonstrate that OM stabilizes myosin's prepowerstroke structural state, supporting previous measurements showing that the drug shifts the equilibrium constant for myosin-catalyzed ATP hydrolysis toward the posthydrolysis biochemical state. OM slowed the actin-induced powerstroke, despite a twofold increase in the rate constant for actin-activated phosphate release, the biochemical step in myosin's ATPase cycle associated with force generation and the conversion of chemical energy into mechanical work. We conclude that OM alters the energetics of cardiac myosin's mechanical cycle, causing the powerstroke to occur after myosin weakly binds to actin and releases phosphate. We discuss the physiological implications for these changes.

Fructose-Bisphosphate Aldolase A Is a Potential Metastasis-Associated Marker of Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Promotes Lung Cell Tumorigenesis and Migration

PubMed Central

Hao, Lihong; Song, Yang; Wang, Lan; Gong, Linlin; Liu, Lu; Qi, Xiaoyu; Hou, Zhaoyuan; Shao, Shujuan

2014-01-01

Fructose-bisphosphate aldolase A (ALDOA) is a key enzyme in glycolysis and is responsible for catalyzing the reversible conversion of fructose-1,6-bisphosphate to glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate. ALDOA contributes to various cellular functions such as muscle maintenance, regulation of cell shape and mobility, striated muscle contraction, actin filament organization and ATP biosynthetic process. Here, we reported that ALDOA is a highly expressed in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its expression level is correlated with LSCC metastasis, grades, differentiation status and poor prognosis. Depletion of ALDOA expression in the lung squamous carcinoma NCI-H520 cells reduces the capabilities of cell motility and tumorigenesis. These data suggest that ALDOA could be a potential marker for LSCC metastasis and a therapeutic target for drug development. PMID:24465716

Genetic engineering of Synechocystis PCC6803 for the photoautotrophic production of the sweetener erythritol.

PubMed

van der Woude, Aniek D; Perez Gallego, Ruth; Vreugdenhil, Angie; Puthan Veetil, Vinod; Chroumpi, Tania; Hellingwerf, Klaas J

2016-04-08

Erythritol is a polyol that is used in the food and beverage industry. Due to its non-caloric and non-cariogenic properties, the popularity of this sweetener is increasing. Large scale production of erythritol is currently based on conversion of glucose by selected fungi. In this study, we describe a biotechnological process to produce erythritol from light and CO2, using engineered Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. By functionally expressing codon-optimized genes encoding the erythrose-4-phosphate phosphatase TM1254 and the erythrose reductase Gcy1p, or GLD1, this cyanobacterium can directly convert the Calvin cycle intermediate erythrose-4-phosphate into erythritol via a two-step process and release the polyol sugar in the extracellular medium. Further modifications targeted enzyme expression and pathway intermediates. After several optimization steps, the best strain, SEP024, produced up to 2.1 mM (256 mg/l) erythritol, excreted in the medium.

Hierarchical and non-hierarchical mineralisation of collagen

PubMed Central

Liu, Yan; Kim, Young-Kyung; Dai, Lin; Li, Nan; Khan, Sara; Pashley, David H.; Tay, Franklin R.

2010-01-01

Biomineralisation of collagen involves functional motifs incorporated in extracellular matrix protein molecules to accomplish the objectives of stabilising amorphous calcium phosphate into nanoprecursors and directing the nucleation and growth of apatite within collagen fibrils. Here we report the use of small inorganic polyphosphate molecules to template hierarchical intrafibrillar apatite assembly in reconstituted collagen in the presence of polyacrylic acid to sequester calcium and phosphate into transient amorphous nanophases. The use of polyphosphate without a sequestration analogue resulted only in randomly-oriented extrafibrillar precipitations along the fibrillar surface. Conversely, the use of polyacrylic acid without a templating analogue resulted only in non-hierarchical intrafibrillar mineralisation with continuous apatite strands instead of discrete crystallites. The ability of using simple non-protein molecules to recapitulate different levels of structural hierarchy in mineralised collagen signifies the ultimate simplicity in Nature’s biomineralisation design principles and challenges the need for using more complex recombinant matrix proteins in bioengineering applications. PMID:21040969

Effect of bicarbonate on iron-mediated oxidation of low-density lipoprotein

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arai, Hirofumi; Berlett, Barbara S.; Chock, P. Boon; Stadtman, Earl R.

2005-07-01

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) may play an important role in atherosclerosis. We studied the effects of bicarbonate/CO2 and phosphate buffer systems on metal ion-catalyzed oxidation of LDL to malondialdehyde (MDA) and to protein carbonyl and MetO derivatives. Our results revealed that LDL oxidation in mixtures containing free iron or heme derivatives was much greater in bicarbonate/CO2 compared with phosphate buffer. However, when copper was substituted for iron in these mixtures, the rate of LDL oxidation in both buffers was similar. Iron-catalyzed oxidation of LDL was highly sensitive to inhibition by phosphate. Presence of 0.3-0.5 mM phosphate, characteristic of human serum, led to 30-40% inhibition of LDL oxidation in bicarbonate/CO2 buffer. Iron-catalyzed oxidation of LDL to MDA in phosphate buffer was inhibited by increasing concentrations of albumin (10-200 μM), whereas MDA formation in bicarbonate/CO2 buffer was stimulated by 10-50 μM albumin but inhibited by higher concentrations. However, albumin stimulated the oxidation of LDL proteins to carbonyl derivatives at all concentrations examined in both buffers. Conversion of LDL to MDA in bicarbonate/CO2 buffer was greatly stimulated by ADP, ATP, and EDTA but only when EDTA was added at a concentration equal to that of iron. At higher than stoichiometric concentrations, EDTA prevented oxidation of LDL. Results of these studies suggest that interactions between bicarbonate and iron or heme derivatives leads to complexes with redox potentials that favor the generation of reactive oxygen species and/or to the generation of highly reactive CO2 anion or bicarbonate radical that facilitates LDL oxidation. Freely available online through the PNAS open access option.Abbreviations: LDL, low-density lipoprotein; MDA, malondialdehyde; MetO, methionine sulfoxide.

Structural Analysis of ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase From the Bacterium Agrobacterium Tumefaciens

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

Cupp-Vickery, J.R.; Igarashi, R.Y.; Perez, M.

2009-05-14

ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (ADPGlc PPase) catalyzes the conversion of glucose 1-phosphate and ATP to ADP-glucose and pyrophosphate. As a key step in glucan synthesis, the ADPGlc PPases are highly regulated by allosteric activators and inhibitors in accord with the carbon metabolism pathways of the organism. Crystals of Agrobacterium tumefaciens ADPGlc PPase were obtained using lithium sulfate as a precipitant. A complete anomalous selenomethionyl derivative X-ray diffraction data set was collected with unit cell dimensions a = 85.38 {angstrom}, b = 93.79 {angstrom}, and c = 140.29 {angstrom} ({alpha} = {beta} = {gamma} = 90{sup o}) and space group I{sub 222}. Themore » A. tumefaciens ADPGlc PPase model was refined to 2.1 {angstrom} with an R{sub factor} = 22% and R{sub free} = 26.6%. The model consists of two domains: an N-terminal {alpha}{beta}{alpha} sandwich and a C-terminal parallel {beta}-helix. ATP and glucose 1-phosphate were successfully modeled in the proposed active site, and site-directed mutagenesis of conserved glycines in this region (G20, G21, and G23) resulted in substantial loss of activity. The interface between the N- and the C-terminal domains harbors a strong sulfate-binding site, and kinetic studies revealed that sulfate is a competitive inhibitor for the allosteric activator fructose 6-phosphate. These results suggest that the interface between the N- and C-terminal domains binds the allosteric regulator, and fructose 6-phosphate was modeled into this region. The A. tumefaciens ADPGlc PPase/fructose 6-phosphate structural model along with sequence alignment analysis was used to design mutagenesis experiments to expand the activator specificity to include fructose 1,6-bisphosphate. The H379R and H379K enzymes were found to be activated by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate.« less

Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce GDP-L-fucose from glucose and mannose.

PubMed

Chin, Young-Wook; Park, Jin-Byung; Park, Yong-Cheol; Kim, Kyoung Heon; Seo, Jin-Ho

2013-06-01

Wild-type Corynebacterium glutamicum was metabolically engineered to convert glucose and mannose into guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-L-fucose, a precursor of fucosyl-oligosaccharides, which are involved in various biological and pathological functions. This was done by introducing the gmd and wcaG genes of Escherichia coli encoding GDP-D-mannose-4,6-dehydratase and GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose-3,5-epimerase-4-reductase, respectively, which are known as key enzymes in the production of GDP-L-fucose from GDP-D-mannose. Coexpression of the genes allowed the recombinant C. glutamicum cells to produce GDP-L-fucose in a minimal medium containing glucose and mannose as carbon sources. The specific product formation rate was much higher during growth on mannose than on glucose. In addition, the specific product formation rate was further increased by coexpressing the endogenous phosphomanno-mutase gene (manB) and GTP-mannose-1-phosphate guanylyl-transferase gene (manC), which are involved in the conversion of mannose-6-phosphate into GDP-D-mannose. However, the overexpression of manA encoding mannose-6-phosphate isomerase, catalyzing interconversion of mannose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate showed a negative effect on formation of the target product. Overall, coexpression of gmd, wcaG, manB and manC in C. glutamicum enabled production of GDP-L-fucose at the specific rate of 0.11 mg g cell(-1) h(-1). The specific GDP-L-fucose content reached 5.5 mg g cell(-1), which is a 2.4-fold higher than that of the recombinant E. coli overexpressing gmd, wcaG, manB and manC under comparable conditions. Well-established metabolic engineering tools may permit optimization of the carbon and cofactor metabolisms of C. glutamicum to further improve their production capacity.

Determination of 6-thioguanosine diphosphate and triphosphate and nucleoside diphosphate kinase activity in erythrocytes: novel targets for thiopurine therapy?

PubMed

Karner, Susanne; Shi, Shaojun; Fischer, Christine; Schaeffeler, Elke; Neurath, Markus F; Herrlinger, Klaus R; Hofmann, Ute; Schwab, Matthias

2010-04-01

6-Thioguanine nucleotides are the sum of 6-thioguanosine 5'-monophosphate (TGMP), -diphosphate (TGDP), and -triphosphate (TGTP) representing essential metabolites involved in drug action of thiopurines. Elevated levels of TGDP have been associated with poor response to azathioprine therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The conversion of TGDP to TGTP is supposed to be catalyzed by nucleoside diphosphate kinase (NDPK). The aim of this work was to investigate simultaneously individual 6-thioguanosine phosphate levels and NDPK activity in red blood cells (RBCs) of patients on azathioprine therapy. Ion-pair high-performance liquid chromatography methods with fluorescence and ultraviolet detection were applied to quantify individual levels of 6-thioguanosine 5'-phosphates and NDPK activity, respectively, in RBCs. Recombinantly expressed NDPK isoforms A and B were unequivocally identified to catalyze the formation of TGTP (30.6 +/- 3.88 nmol x min x mg for NDPK A versus 41.2 +/- 1.05 nmol x min x mg for NDPK B). Comprehensive analyses on the stability of TGMP, TGDP, and TGTP and the reproducibility of NDPK activity in RBCs were performed to provide a reliable sampling protocol for clinical practice. Of note, isolation of RBCs within 6 hours followed by immediate storage at -80 degrees C is crucial for prevention of degradation of 5'-phosphates. In a clinical study of 37 patients on azathioprine, TGTP was the predominant 6-thioguanosine phosphate in RBCs. In contrast, three patients showed TGTP/(TGDP + TGTP) ratios of 57.2%, 64.3%, and 66% corresponding to elevated TGDP levels. NDPK activity ranged from 4.1 to 11.3 nmol x min x mg hemoglobin. No correlation between NDPK activity and the 6-thioguanosine phosphate levels was found. The question whether interindividual variability of NDPK activity may explain differences in 6-thioguanosine 5'-phosphates levels has to be investigated in a prospective large-scale study.

Subscriber Behavior and Attitudes One Year after PM-AM Conversion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rarick, Galen R.; Lemert, James B.

Because newspapers have begun switching from evening to morning publication with increasing frequency, a study investigated subscriber response to change in publication time and in subscriber behavior over time. In follow-up to an earlier study on subscriber reactions to the conversion to morning publication of the weekday Eugene (Oregon)…

We can work it out: age differences in relational pronouns, physiology, and behavior in marital conflict.

PubMed

Seider, Benjamin H; Hirschberger, Gilad; Nelson, Kristin L; Levenson, Robert W

2009-09-01

This study examined the relationship that personal pronouns spoken during a marital conversation have with the emotional qualities of those interactions and with marital satisfaction. Middle-aged and older couples (N = 154) engaged in a 15-min conflict conversation during which physiology and emotional behavior were continuously monitored. Verbatim transcripts of the conversations were coded into 2 lexical categories: (a) we-ness (we-words), pronouns that focus on the couple; (b) separateness (me/you-words), pronouns that focus on the individual spouses. Analyses revealed that greater we-ness was associated with a number of desirable qualities of the interaction (lower cardiovascular arousal, more positive and less negative emotional behavior), whereas greater separateness was associated with a less desirable profile (more negative emotional behavior, lower marital satisfaction). In terms of age differences, older couples used more we-ness words than did middle-aged couples. Further, the associations between separateness and marital satisfaction were strongest for older wives. These findings indicate that the emotional aspects of marital quality are expressed in the natural language of couples engaged in conversation. (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved.

We can work it out: Age differences in relational pronouns, physiology, and behavior in marital conflict

PubMed Central

Seider, Benjamin H.; Hirschberger, Gilad; Nelson, Kristin L.; Levenson, Robert W.

2009-01-01

This study examined the relationship that personal pronouns spoken during a marital conversation have with the emotional qualities of those interactions and with marital satisfaction. Middle-aged and older couples (N=154) engaged in a 15-minute conflict conversation during which physiology and emotional behavior were continuously monitored. Verbatim transcripts of the conversations were coded into two lexical categories: (a) We-ness (we-words): pronouns that focus on the couple; (b) Separateness (Me/You words): pronouns that focus on the individual spouses. Analyses revealed that greater We-ness was associated with a number of desirable qualities of the interaction (lower cardiovascular arousal, more positive and less negative emotional behavior), whereas, greater Separateness was associated with a less desirable profile (more negative emotional behavior, lower marital satisfaction). In terms of age differences, older couples used more We-ness than middle-aged couples. Further, the associations between Separateness and marital satisfaction were strongest for older wives. These findings indicate that the emotional aspects of marital quality are expressed in the natural language of couples engaged in conversation. PMID:19739916

Heavily Yb-doped phosphate large-mode area all-solid photonic crystal fiber operating at 990 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Longfei; He, Dongbing; Feng, Suya; Yu, Chunlei; Hu, Lili; Qiu, Jianrong; Chen, Danping

2015-07-01

We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, a 16 wt.% Yb-doped phosphate large-mode area all-solid photonic crystal fiber (AS-PCF) laser operating at 990 nm. By carefully tailoring the absorption and emission properties of the active glass and designing the structure of AS-PCF, the excitation of the 990 nm laser and the depression of the laser above 1 µm can be easily realized even without any wavelength-selective optics. The single-mode behavior of PCF with a 35 µm doped core, the largest core diameter of approximately 1 µm in phosphate fiber, is theoretically investigated by finite-difference time-domain method and experimentally confirmed.

Toward Meaningful Outcomes in Teaching Conversation and Greeting Skills with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hood, Stephanie A.; Luczynski, Kevin C.; Mitteer, Daniel R.

2017-01-01

We identified greeting and conversation deficits based on a parent interview and semistructured direct assessment for one child and two adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. We taught the greeting and conversation skills using behavioral skills training and within-session corrective feedback. A multiple baseline across conversation and…

Microbial pathways and palaeoenvironmental conditions involved in the formation of phosphorite grains, Safaga District, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salama, Walid; El-Kammar, Ahmed; Saunders, Martin; Morsy, Rania; Kong, Charlie

2015-07-01

Phosphatic grains of the shallow marine phosphorite deposits of Egypt are classified as either phosphatic bioclasts preserving biological structure (e.g. skeletal fragments such as fish bones and teeth) or phosphatic peloids and intraclasts. This study describes the destructive and constructive microbial pathways represented by bioerosion of bones by endolithic cyanobacteria and accretion of phosphatic peloids by bacteria. The palaeoenvironmental conditions and post-depositional/diagenetic history of these grains have also been considered. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy showed that the phosphatic peloids under transmitted light microscopy are composed mainly of microspheres (0.5 to 2.5 μm) similar in shape and size to coccoid-like bacteria. Chemical mapping showed that these microspheres are composed of carbonate-fluorapatite (CFA) and surrounded by degraded carbonaceous matrix. These grains are suggested to be reworked from pre-existing microbial mats during transgressive-regressive cycles affecting the southern Tethyan Campanian-Maastrichtian shallow continental shelf. The bioerosion of phosphatic bones is characterized by a network of meandering microborings that penetrated inward from the bone surface by endolithic cyanobacteria. The bioerosion of bones resulted in a gradual centripetal digestion and conversion of bones into micritic phosphate peloids. The bioerosion mechanism is probably started in the acidic sheath surrounding cyanobacteria followed by supersaturation of PO4 and reprecipitation of crystalline CFA as electron dense remineralized rims. Electron microprobe microanalyses showed that the remineralized microbored areas are higher in CaO, P2O5, and F and depleted in Cl, relative to unaltered bones. A gradual demineralization of remineralized rims followed by dissolution of cyanobacterial cells is probably occurred during diagenesis and meteoric water alteration leaving behind empty microborings. Bone exposed to meteoric water alteration is lower in CaO and P2O5 and higher in F and Cl than the unaltered bones. Understanding bone bioerosion has significant implications for palaeoenvironmental and taphonomic reconstruction, archaeological applications and a regional correlation of the late Cretaceous to Palaeogene phosphogenic province extending from Middle East to North Africa.

Thalassospira sp. Isolated from the Oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea Exhibits Chemotaxis toward Inorganic Phosphate during Starvation▿†

PubMed Central

Hütz, Annemarie; Schubert, Karin; Overmann, Jörg

2011-01-01

The eastern Mediterranean Sea represents an ultraoligotrophic environment where soluble phosphate limits the growth of bacterioplankton. Correspondingly, genes coding for high-affinity phosphate uptake systems and for organophosphonate utilization are highly prevalent in the plankton metagenome. Chemotaxis toward inorganic phosphate constitutes an alternative strategy to cope with phosphate limitation, but so far has only been demonstrated for two bacterial pathogens and an archaeon, and not in any free-living planktonic bacterium. In the present study, bacteria affiliated with the genus Thalassospira were found to constitute a regular, low-abundance member of the bacterioplankton that can be detected throughout the water column of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. A representative (strain EM) was isolated in pure culture and exhibited a strong positive chemotaxis toward inorganic phosphate that was induced exclusively in phosphate-starved cultures. Phosphate-depleted cells were 2-fold larger than in exponentially growing cultures, and 43% of the cells retained their motility even during prolonged starvation over 10 days. In addition, Thalassospira sp. strain EM was chemotactically attracted by complex substrates (yeast extract and peptone), amino acids, and 2-aminoethylphosphonate but not by sugar monomers. Similarly to the isolate from the eastern Mediterranean, chemotaxis toward phosphate was observed in starved cultures of the other two available isolates of the genus, T. lucentensis DSM 14000T and T. profundimaris WP0211T. Although Thalassospira sp. represents only up to 1.2% of the total bacterioplankton community in the water column of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its chemotactic behavior potentially leads to an acceleration of nutrient cycling and may also explain the persistence of marine copiotrophs in this extremely nutrient-limited environment. PMID:21602377

Thalassospira sp. isolated from the oligotrophic eastern Mediterranean Sea exhibits chemotaxis toward inorganic phosphate during starvation.

PubMed

Hütz, Annemarie; Schubert, Karin; Overmann, Jörg

2011-07-01

The eastern Mediterranean Sea represents an ultraoligotrophic environment where soluble phosphate limits the growth of bacterioplankton. Correspondingly, genes coding for high-affinity phosphate uptake systems and for organophosphonate utilization are highly prevalent in the plankton metagenome. Chemotaxis toward inorganic phosphate constitutes an alternative strategy to cope with phosphate limitation, but so far has only been demonstrated for two bacterial pathogens and an archaeon, and not in any free-living planktonic bacterium. In the present study, bacteria affiliated with the genus Thalassospira were found to constitute a regular, low-abundance member of the bacterioplankton that can be detected throughout the water column of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. A representative (strain EM) was isolated in pure culture and exhibited a strong positive chemotaxis toward inorganic phosphate that was induced exclusively in phosphate-starved cultures. Phosphate-depleted cells were 2-fold larger than in exponentially growing cultures, and 43% of the cells retained their motility even during prolonged starvation over 10 days. In addition, Thalassospira sp. strain EM was chemotactically attracted by complex substrates (yeast extract and peptone), amino acids, and 2-aminoethylphosphonate but not by sugar monomers. Similarly to the isolate from the eastern Mediterranean, chemotaxis toward phosphate was observed in starved cultures of the other two available isolates of the genus, T. lucentensis DSM 14000T and T. profundimaris WP0211T. Although Thalassospira sp. represents only up to 1.2% of the total bacterioplankton community in the water column of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, its chemotactic behavior potentially leads to an acceleration of nutrient cycling and may also explain the persistence of marine copiotrophs in this extremely nutrient-limited environment.

Effective removal of phosphate from aqueous solution using humic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles.

PubMed

Rashid, Mamun; Price, Nathaniel T; Gracia Pinilla, Miguel Ángel; O'Shea, Kevin E

2017-10-15

Effective removal of excess phosphate from water is critical to counteract eutrophication and restore water quality. In this study, low cost, environmentally friendly humic acid coated magnetite nanoparticles (HA-MNP) were synthesized and applied for the remediation of phosphate from aqueous media. The HA-MNPs, characterized by FTIR, TEM and HAADF-STEM showed the extensive coating of humic acid on the magnetite surface. The magnetic nanoparticles with diameters of 7-12 nm could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by using a simple hand held magnet. Adsorption studies demonstrate the fast and effective separation of phosphate with maximum adsorption capacity of 28.9 mg/g at pH 6.6. The adsorption behavior follows the Freundlich isotherm suggesting the formation of non-uniform multilayers of phosphate on the heterogeneous surface of HA-MNP. The adsorption kinetic fits the pseudo-second order model well with rate constants of 0.206 ± 0.003, 0.073 ± 0.002 and 0.061 ± 0.003 g mg -1 min -1 for phosphate (P) concentrations of 2, 5 and 10 mg/L respectively. The removal of phosphate was found higher at acidic and neutral pH compared to basic conditions. The nanoparticles exhibit good selectivity and adsorption efficiency for phosphate in presence of co-existing ions such as Cl - , SO 4 2- and NO 3 - with some inhibition effect by CO 3 2- . The effect of temperature on the adsorption reveals that the process is endothermic and spontaneous. HA-MNPs are promising, simple, environmentally friendly materials for the removal of phosphate from aqueous media. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

The plastidial 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4-phosphate pathway provides the isoprenyl moiety for protein geranylgeranylation in tobacco BY-2 cells.

PubMed

Gerber, Esther; Hemmerlin, Andréa; Hartmann, Michael; Heintz, Dimitri; Hartmann, Marie-Andrée; Mutterer, Jérôme; Rodríguez-Concepción, Manuel; Boronat, Albert; Van Dorsselaer, Alain; Rohmer, Michel; Crowell, Dring N; Bach, Thomas J

2009-01-01

Protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation are important posttranslational modifications in eukaryotic cells. We visualized in transformed Nicotiana tabacum Bright Yellow-2 (BY-2) cells the geranylgeranylation and plasma membrane localization of GFP-BD-CVIL, which consists of green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the C-terminal polybasic domain (BD) and CVIL isoprenylation motif from the Oryza sativa calmodulin, CaM61. Treatment with fosmidomycin (Fos) or oxoclomazone (OC), inhibitors of the plastidial 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway, caused mislocalization of the protein to the nucleus, whereas treatment with mevinolin, an inhibitor of the cytosolic mevalonate pathway, did not. The nuclear localization of GFP-BD-CVIL in the presence of MEP pathway inhibitors was completely reversed by all-trans-geranylgeraniol (GGol). Furthermore, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose (DX) reversed the effects of OC, but not Fos, consistent with the hypothesis that OC blocks 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthesis, whereas Fos inhibits its conversion to 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 4-phosphate. By contrast, GGol and DX did not rescue the nuclear mislocalization of GFP-BD-CVIL in the presence of a protein geranylgeranyltransferase type 1 inhibitor. Thus, the MEP pathway has an essential role in geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP) biosynthesis and protein geranylgeranylation in BY-2 cells. GFP-BD-CVIL is a versatile tool for identifying pharmaceuticals and herbicides that interfere either with GGPP biosynthesis or with protein geranylgeranylation.

In situ fabrication of hollow hydroxyapatite microspheres by phosphate solution immersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yingchun; Yao, Aihua; Huang, Wenhai; Wang, Deping; zhou, Jun

2011-07-01

Hollow hydroxyapatite (HAP) microspheres with pores on their surfaces were prepared by converting Li 2O-CaO-B 2O 3 (LCB) glass microspheres in phosphate solution. The structure, phase composition, surface morphology, and porosity of the hollow HAP microspheres were characterized by SEM, SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, ICP-AES, and N 2 adsorption-desorption techniques. The formation and conversion mechanism of the hollow HAP microspheres during immersion process were discussed. The as-prepared microspheres consisted of calcium deficient carbonated hydroxyapatite, which is biomimetic. FTIR spectra indicated that the resulting apatite were B-type CO 3HAP, in which carbonate ions occupied the phosphate sites. After 600 °C heating treatment, hollow microspheres were completely composed of calcium deficient hydroxyapatite crystals including CO32-. The pore size distribution of the as-prepared hollow HAP microspheres were mainly the mesopores in the range of 2-40 nm with the pore volume 0.5614 cm 3/g, and the mean pore size 10.5 nm, respectively. The results confirmed that LCB glass were transformed to hydroxyapatite without changing the external shape and dimension of the original glass object and the resulting microspheres possessed good hollow structures. Once immersed in phosphate solution, Ca-P-OH hydrates were in situ formed on the surface of the glass and precipitated in the position occupied by Ca 2+, while the pores were formed in the position occupied by Li + and B 3+. These hollow HAP microspheres with such structures may be used as promising drug delivery devices.

Comment on: "Recent revisions of phosphate rock reserves and resources: a critique" by Edixhoven et al. (2014) - Phosphate reserves and resources: what conceptions and data do stakeholders need for sustainable action?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholz, R. W.; Wellmer, F.-W.

2015-01-01

Several recent papers predict a scarcity of phosphate reserves in the near future. The paper by Edixhoven et al. (2014), for instance, expresses the doubts about whether the upward estimate of reserves by the IFDC (2010) and the USGS (2010) provide an accurate, reliable, and comparable picture, as they are based on reports that do not clearly differentiate between phosphate ore and phosphate products (i.e., marketable phosphate rock concentrate). Further the indistinct use of the terms reserves and resources is criticized. Edixhoven et al. ask for a differentiated inventory of world phosphate reserves including "guidelines which determine the appropriate drill hole distances." The claim that humanity is on the safe side with respect to future phosphate is supply is doubted as the validity of the IFDC's upgrading of the Moroccan data to 50 Gt phosphate is questioned. The present paper identifies and discusses basic conceptual errors of the paper by Edixhoven et al. and related papers that predict a short or mid-term phosphorus scarcity. These include the non-acknowledgment of the dynamic nature of reserves (which depends on price, technology, and innovation for exploiting low-grade deposits, etc.), the mixing of finiteness and staticness of the ultimate recoverable resources (i.e., phosphorus that may be mined economically in the long-term future), the improper use of the Hubbert analysis (which, e.g., simply uses the USGS estimates of reserves as a substitute of an estimate of ultimate recoverable resources) and the geostatistical naive/unprofessional demand for fixed drilling plans to assess reserves. We reconstruct the IFDC and USGS estimates and conclude that there is no evidence for considering the 50 Gt phosphate concentrate as an unreasonable estimate for Moroccan reserves. However, the partial mixing of different units (e.g., phosphate ore and phosphate concentrate or marketable product) in the USGS data may be avoided by improving the data base and using proper conversion factors. When applying these factors and assess all reserves in marketable Gt of phosphate rock (PR-M), which is a common scale for measuring annual consumption, the magnitude of the USGS estimates 2014 of 67 Gt PR reserves does not change essentially yet decrease to 64 (IFDC assessment) to 58.3 Gt PR-M (worst case calculation). We argue that, a better harmonization of the (national) classification systems is meaningful. The discussion suggests that the discrepant estimates of resource estimates that can be found in literature are due to different system understandings, different conceptions of sciences, and diverging worldviews. Finally, we discuss in what way an independent and scientifically sound assessment of the phosphate resources can be realized in the long-term. We suggest the establishment of a solidly funded, international standing committee that regularly analyzes global geopotential as the source of future resources and reserves. Such a committee may be hosted by international science associations of geoscientists, given that a comparative assessment with other environmental threats reveals that investments in this field are proportional and meaningful.

[George Herbert Mead. Thought as the conversation of interior gestures].

PubMed

Quéré, Louis

2010-01-01

For George Herbert Mead, thinking amounts to holding an "inner conversation of gestures ". Such a conception does not seem especially original at first glance. What makes it truly original is the "social-behavioral" approach of which it is a part, and, particularly, two ideas. The first is that the conversation in question is a conversation of gestures or attitudes, and the second, that thought and reflexive intelligence arise from the internalization of an external process supported by the social mechanism of communication: that of conduct organization. It imports then to understand what distinguishes such ideas from those of the founder of behavioral psychology, John B. Watson, for whom thinking amounts to nothing other than subvocal speech.

Effect of Dietary Nutrient Density on Small Intestinal Phosphate Transport and Bone Mineralization of Broilers during the Growing Period.

PubMed

Li, Jianhui; Yuan, Jianmin; Miao, Zhiqiang; Song, Zhigang; Yang, Yu; Tian, Wenxia; Guo, Yuming

2016-01-01

A 2 × 4 factorial experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary nutrient density on growth performance, small intestinal epithelial phosphate transporter expression, and bone mineralization of broiler chicks fed with diets with different nutrient densities and nonphytate phosphorus (NPP) levels. The broilers were fed with the same starter diets from 0 to 21 days of age. In the grower phase (day 22 to 42), the broilers were randomly divided into eight groups according to body weight. Relatively high dietary nutrient density (HDND) and low dietary nutrient density (LDND) diets were assigned metabolic energy (ME) values of 3,150 and 2,950 kcal/kg, respectively. Crude protein and essential amino acid levels were maintained in the same proportion as ME to prepare the two diet types. NPP levels were 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, and 0.40% of the diets. Results showed that a HDND diet significantly increased the body weight gain (BWG) of broilers and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio and NPP consumed per BWG. HDND significantly decreased tibial P content of the broilers. Conversely, mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb and protein expression of calbindin were significantly increased in the intestine of broilers fed a HDND diet. HDND also increased vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression, especially at a relatively low dietary NPP level (0.25%). The mRNA expression of NaPi-IIa in the kidneys was significantly increased at a relatively low dietary NPP level (0.25%) to maintain P balance. Tibial P, calcium, and ash content were significantly decreased, as were calbindin and VDR expression levels in the intestine at a low NPP level. Therefore, HDND improved the growth rate of broilers and increased the expression of phosphate and calcium transporter in the small intestine, but adversely affected bone mineralization.

The Biomechanics Behind Extreme Osteophagy in Tyrannosaurus rex.

PubMed

Gignac, Paul M; Erickson, Gregory M

2017-05-17

Most carnivorous mammals can pulverize skeletal elements by generating tooth pressures between occluding teeth that exceed cortical bone shear strength, thereby permitting access to marrow and phosphatic salts. Conversely, carnivorous reptiles have non-occluding dentitions that engender negligible bone damage during feeding. As a result, most reptilian predators can only consume bones in their entirety. Nevertheless, North American tyrannosaurids, including the giant (13 metres [m]) theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex stand out for habitually biting deeply into bones, pulverizing and digesting them. How this mammal-like capacity was possible, absent dental occlusion, is unknown. Here we analyzed T. rex feeding behaviour from trace evidence, estimated bite forces and tooth pressures, and studied tooth-bone contacts to provide the answer. We show that bone pulverization was made possible through a combination of: (1) prodigious bite forces (8,526-34,522 newtons [N]) and tooth pressures (718-2,974 megapascals [MPa]) promoting crack propagation in bones, (2) tooth form and dental arcade configurations that concentrated shear stresses, and (3) repetitive, localized biting. Collectively, these capacities and behaviors allowed T. rex to finely fragment bones and more fully exploit large dinosaur carcasses for sustenance relative to competing carnivores.

Preparation and Properties of Nanoparticles of Calcium Phosphates With Various Ca/P Ratios

PubMed Central

Sun, Limin; Chow, Laurence C.; Frukhtbeyn, Stanislav A.; Bonevich, John E.

2010-01-01

This study aimed at preparing and studying the properties of nanoparticles of calcium phosphate (nCaP) with Ca/P ratios ranging from 1.0 to 1.67 using a spray-drying technique. Micro-structural analyses suggested that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratios of 1.67 to 1.33 were nano-sized amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing varying amounts of acid phosphate and carbonate. The nCaP with Ca/P ratio of 1 contained only nano-sized low crystalline dicalcium phosphate (DCP). BET measurements of the nCaPs showed specific surface areas of (12 ± 2 to 50 ± 1) m2/g, corresponding to estimated equivalent spherical diameters of (38 to 172) nm. However, dynamic light scattering measurements revealed much larger particles of (380 ± 49 to 768 ± 111) nm, owing to agglomeration of the smaller primary nano particles as revealed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Thermodynamic solubility measurements showed that the nCaPs with Ca/P ratio of 1.33 – 1.67 all have similar solubility behavior. The materials were more soluble than the crystalline hydroxyapatite (HA) at pH greater than about 4.7, and more soluble than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), octacalcium phosphate (OCP) and DCP at pH above 5.5. Their solubility approached that of α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) at about pH 7. These nCaPs, which cannot be readily prepared by other currently available methods for nanoparticle preparation, have potential biomedical applications. PMID:21037948

Conversational Behaviors in Youth with High-Functioning ASD and Asperger Syndrome

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paul, Rhea; Orlovski, Stephanie Miles; Marcinko, Hillary Chuba; Volkmar, Fred

2009-01-01

Twenty-nine youth with autism spectrum disorders and 26 with typical development between 12 and 18 years of age were engaged in structured interviews (ADOS). The interviews were videotaped and rated for atypical conversational behaviors by trained raters, using the Pragmatic Rating Scale (Landa et al. "Psychol Med" 22:245-254, 1992). The ASD group…

LASERS: Ultimate energy parameters of the radiation emitted from neodymium-glass laser systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eshmemet'eva, E. V.; Korolev, V. I.; Mesnyankin, E. P.; Serebryakov, V. A.; Shashkin, V. V.; Yashin, V. E.

1992-09-01

An experimental investigation was made of the energy conversion efficiency and of the effects of stimulated Brillouin scattering and of optical breakdown, limiting the maximum energy density obtained from several phosphate and silicate neodymium glasses when the duration of the output pulses was 50-150 ns. The experimental results were used to develop a numerical model for calculation of the gain allowing for these processes. A design was developed for an amplifier with ultimate radiation characteristics.

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

Eun, H.C.; Cho, Y.Z.; Choi, J.H.

A regeneration process of LiCl-KCl eutectic waste salt generated from the pyrochemical process of spent nuclear fuel has been studied. This regeneration process is composed of a chemical conversion process and a vacuum distillation process. Through the regeneration process, a high efficiency of renewable salt recovery can be obtained from the waste salt and rare earth nuclides in the waste salt can be separated as oxide or phosphate forms. Thus, the regeneration process can contribute greatly to a reduction of the waste volume and a creation of durable final waste forms. (authors)

NAD(P)H-Independent Asymmetric C=C Bond Reduction Catalyzed by Ene Reductases by Using Artificial Co-substrates as the Hydrogen Donor

PubMed Central

Winkler, Christoph K; Clay, Dorina; Entner, Marcello; Plank, Markus; Faber, Kurt

2014-01-01

To develop a nicotinamide-independent single flavoenzyme system for the asymmetric bioreduction of C=C bonds, four types of hydrogen donor, encompassing more than 50 candidates, were investigated. Six highly potent, cheap, and commercially available co-substrates were identified that (under the optimized conditions) resulted in conversions and enantioselectivities comparable with, or even superior to, those obtained with traditional two-enzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H)-recycling systems. PMID:24382795

Mechanical properties of calcium phosphate scaffolds fabricated by robocasting.

PubMed

Miranda, Pedro; Pajares, Antonia; Saiz, Eduardo; Tomsia, Antoni P; Guiberteau, Fernando

2008-04-01

The mechanical behavior under compressive stresses of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds fabricated by direct-write assembly (robocasting) technique is analyzed. Concentrated colloidal inks prepared from beta-TCP and HA commercial powders were used to fabricate porous structures consisting of a 3-D tetragonal mesh of interpenetrating ceramic rods. The compressive strength and elastic modulus of these model scaffolds were determined by uniaxial testing to compare the relative performance of the selected materials. The effect of a 3-week immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) on the strength of the scaffolds was also analyzed. The results are compared with those reported in the literature for calcium phosphate scaffolds and human bone. The robocast calcium phosphate scaffolds were found to exhibit excellent mechanical performances in terms of strength, especially the HA structures after SBF immersion, indicating a great potential of this type of scaffolds for use in load-bearing bone tissue engineering applications. Copyright 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke Powder and Sodium Carbonate as Phosphate Replacers on the Quality Characteristics of Emulsified Chicken Meatballs

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Today incorporation of natural ingredients as inorganic phosphate replacers has come into prominence as a novel research topic due to health concerns about phosphates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the quality of emulsified chicken meatballs produced with Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP), either alone or in combination with sodium carbonate (SC) as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) replacers. The results showed that naturally dried JAP showed favorable technological properties in terms of water-oil binding and gelling. Emulsion batters formulated with JAP-SC mixture showed lower jelly and fat separation, higher water-holding capacity and higher emulsion stability than control samples with STPP. In final product, incorporation of JAP-SC mixture increased moisture and reduced lipid and energy values, and kept the pH value similar to control. Added JAP lead to increments in b* values whereas decreases L* values. Cook yield was similar to control in phosphate-free samples formulated with JAP-SC mix. Either low or medium ratios of JAP in combination with SC managed to protect most of the sensory parameters, while sensory scores tend to decrease in samples containing high levels of JAP. Addition of JAP to formulations presented samples that have equivalent behavior to phosphates in terms of lipid oxidation. In conclusion, our study confirms that utilization of JAP in combination with SC had promising effects as phosphate replacers by presenting natural solutions and providing equivalent quality to standard phosphate containing products. PMID:29725222

Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke Powder and Sodium Carbonate as Phosphate Replacers on the Quality Characteristics of Emulsified Chicken Meatballs.

PubMed

Öztürk, Burcu; Serdaroğlu, Meltem

2018-02-01

Today incorporation of natural ingredients as inorganic phosphate replacers has come into prominence as a novel research topic due to health concerns about phosphates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the quality of emulsified chicken meatballs produced with Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP), either alone or in combination with sodium carbonate (SC) as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) replacers. The results showed that naturally dried JAP showed favorable technological properties in terms of water-oil binding and gelling. Emulsion batters formulated with JAP-SC mixture showed lower jelly and fat separation, higher water-holding capacity and higher emulsion stability than control samples with STPP. In final product, incorporation of JAP-SC mixture increased moisture and reduced lipid and energy values, and kept the pH value similar to control. Added JAP lead to increments in b* values whereas decreases L* values. Cook yield was similar to control in phosphate-free samples formulated with JAP-SC mix. Either low or medium ratios of JAP in combination with SC managed to protect most of the sensory parameters, while sensory scores tend to decrease in samples containing high levels of JAP. Addition of JAP to formulations presented samples that have equivalent behavior to phosphates in terms of lipid oxidation. In conclusion, our study confirms that utilization of JAP in combination with SC had promising effects as phosphate replacers by presenting natural solutions and providing equivalent quality to standard phosphate containing products.

The Effect of Single, Binary and Ternary Anions of Chloride, Carbonate and Phosphate on the Release of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetate Intercalated into the Zn-Al-layered Double Hydroxide Nanohybrid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hussein, Mohd Zobir; Jaafar, Adila Mohamad; Yahaya, Asmah Hj.; Zainal, Zulkarnain

2009-11-01

Intercalation of beneficial anion into inorganic host has lead to an opportunity to synthesize various combinations of new organic-inorganic nanohybrids with various potential applications; especially, for the controlled release formulation and storage purposes. Investigation on the release behavior of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-D) intercalated into the interlayer of Zn-Al-layered double hydroxide (ZAN) have been carried out using single, binary and ternary aqueous systems of chloride, carbonate and phosphate. The release behavior of the active agent 2,4-D from its double-layered hydroxide nanohybrid ZANDI was found to be of controlled manner governed by pseudo-second order kinetics. It was found that carbonate medium yielded the highest accumulated release of 2,4-D, while phosphate in combination with carbonate and/or nitrate speeds up the release rate of 2,4-D. These results indicate that it is possible to design and develop new delivery system of latex stimulant compound with controlled release property based on 2,4-D that is known as a substance to increase latex production of rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis.

Coordinated interpersonal timing in the conversations of children who stutter and their mothers and fathers.

PubMed

Savelkoul, Eileen M; Zebrowski, Patricia M; Feldstein, Stanley; Cole-Harding, Shirley

2007-01-01

Coordinated interpersonal timing (CIT) is a measure of "conversational congruence," or "attunement," and refers to the degree to which the temporal aspects of the vocal behaviors of co-conversationalists are correlated over the course of a conversation [Jasnow, M., & Feldstein, S. (1986). Adult-like temporal characteristics of mother-infant vocal interaction. Child Development, 57, 754-761]. In the present study, CIT was examined in a group of children who stutter (CWS), and a matched group of nonstuttering children (CWDNS; children who do not stutter), during conversations with either their mother or father recorded in two separate sessions (i.e., mother-child, father-child). Separate audio signals for both the child and parent (mother or father) were analyzed using AVTA software, which allowed for the quantification of sound and silence patterns in simultaneous speech. Squared cross-correlations (i.e., coefficients of CIT) for the durations of five vocal behavior states were obtained for each subject, through time series regression analysis using lag procedures. Vocal state behaviors within conversational turns included: vocalization, pauses, turn switching pauses, and interruptive and noninterruptive simultaneous speech. Results indicated that CWS and their parents showed mutual influence (i.e., CIT in both directions, child to parent and parent to child, or bi-directional influence) for more vocal state behaviors than did CWDNS and their parents. In addition, the CWS exhibited CIT with their parents for the durations of more vocal state behaviors than did the CWDNS (i.e., unidirectional influence). Findings suggest that children who stutter may be more easily influenced by the subtle timing aspects of conversation. Taken further, some of these children may perceive conversations with their parents as either challenging or difficult because of an element of unpredictability brought into conversations by the production of stuttering, the social skills of the child, and the nature of the parent-child relationship. Consequently, these children may be engaging in more pervasive coordination of the temporal characteristics of their speech to those of their conversational partner, as a mechanism by which to more effectively manage verbal interaction. After reading this paper, the learner will be able to: (1) describe the phenomenon of coordinated interpersonal timing (CIT); (2) summarize research findings in CIT as they apply to the verbal interactions of children and their parents; (3) summarize research findings in parent-stuttering child interaction, especially those related to the temporal aspects of both parent and child conversational speech, and (4) discuss the applicability of the findings from the present study to the treatment of childhood stuttering.

PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF DIFFERENT CLINDAMYCIN PHOSPHATE SAMPLES

PubMed Central

Vranić, Edina; Planinšek, Odon; Tivadar, Andrijana; Hadžović, Sabira; Srčič, Stanko

2007-01-01

For the majority of the pharmaceutical dosage forms, the substances that are used maintain solid state under the standard storage conditions, i.e. powders. The interactions of pharmaceutical powders (active ingredient(s) and excipients) with liquids and vapors (particularly aqueous solutions and their vapors) occur almost always during the production process. From the physical point of view, the interactions among individual components may differ from the expected because chemically identical substances obtained from different producers vary very much. These differences influence either the production process and/or the pharmaceutical form properties. In order to overcome these problems it is necessary to establish a control over the physico-chemical properties of the used materials. The aim of this work was to determine physico-chemical properties of three powder clindamycin phosphate samples (labeled as sample S1, S2 and S3) acquired through different suppliers. All the analysis were made for the purpose of establishing possible differences among the tested samples that showed variable physical stability in the solution: recrystallization of the S3 sample in the aqueous solution has been established during storage under standard conditions. On the basis of the obtained data it was possible to recognize the differences among the tested clindamycin phosphate samples and to explain the anomalous behavior of one sample. The surface free energy components for the investigated clindamycin phosphate samples were determined using Wu and Goodvan Oss method. The investigated clindamycin phosphate samples exhibit certain differences in surface free energy values as well as in surface morphology and thermal behavior. Comparison of γ+ and γ- values leads to the conclusion that all three clindamycin phosphate samples perform as monopolar, more electron acceptors, i.e. Lewis acids. However, an important difference exists between samples S1 and S2 on one and S3 on the other side. Sample S3 exhibits stronger acidic behavior, what could be connected with its recrystallization during the storage. The samples S1, S2 and S3 have different melting points e.g. “onset” temperatures. When the melting points move towards 200oC, the width of the “onset” temperature peak is especially important. In the case of wider peak, the potential for recrystallization seems to be higher. According to the stated, the sample S1 would be the “sample of choice” for the formulation of the stable pharmaceutical dosage form and has not shown any recrystallization tendencies during the storage period.

Physico-chemical characterisation of different clindamycin phosphate samples.

PubMed

Vranić, Edina; Planinsek, Odon; Tivadar, Andrijana; Hadzović, Sabira; Srcic, Stanko

2007-05-01

For the majority of the pharmaceutical dosage forms, the substances that are used maintain solid state under the standard storage conditions, i.e. powders. The interactions of pharmaceutical powders (active ingredient(s) and excipients) with liquids and vapors (particularly aqueous solutions and their vapors) occur almost always during the production process. From the physical point of view, the interactions among individual components may differ from the expected because chemically identical substances obtained from different producers vary very much. These differences influence either the production process and/or the pharmaceutical form properties. In order to overcome these problems it is necessary to establish a control over the physico-chemical properties of the used materials. The aim of this work was to determine physico-chemical properties of three powder clindamycin phosphate samples (labeled as sample S(1), S(2) and S(3)) acquired through different suppliers. All the analysis were made for the purpose of establishing possible differences among the tested samples that showed variable physical stability in the solution: recrystallization of the S(3) sample in the aqueous solution has been established during storage under standard conditions. On the basis of the obtained data it was possible to recognize the differences among the tested clindamycin phosphate samples and to explain the anomalous behavior of one sample. The surface free energy components for the investigated clindamycin phosphate samples were determined using Wu and Good- van Oss method. The investigated clindamycin phosphate samples exhibit certain differences in surface free energy values as well as in surface morphology and thermal behavior. Comparison of alpha + and alpha - values leads to the conclusion that all three clindamycin phosphate samples perform as monopolar, more electron acceptors, i.e. Lewis acids. However, an important difference exists between samples S(1) and S(2) on one and S(3) on the other side. Sample S(3) exhibits stronger acidic behavior, what could be connected with its recrystallization during the storage. The samples S(1), S(2) and S(3) have different melting points e.g. "onset" temperatures. When the melting points move towards 200 (o ) C, the width of the "onset" temperature peak is especially important. In the case of wider peak, the potential for recrystallization seems to be higher. According to the stated, the sample S1 would be the "sample of choice" for the formulation of the stable pharmaceutical dosage form and has not shown any recrystallization tendencies during the storage period.

Reduction and conversion of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) by sulfide under simulated anaerobic conditions.

PubMed

Qiao, Hua; Wang, He-ling; Feng, Hua-jun; Yao, Jun; Shen, Dong-sheng; Tang, Zhi-jian

2010-07-15

To account for the fast disappearance of TNT in anaerobic fermentative liquid, we investigated TNT (TNT(0)=50 mg/L) reduction by Na(2)S at 30+/-1 degrees C in two types of buffer systems, a phosphate buffer (PB, system A) and a CH(3)COOH-NaHCO(3) buffer (system B). The effects of pH, sulfide concentration and buffer system on the conversion and reaction rate of TNT were investigated. The effect of different variables on the conversion of TNT decreased in the following order: Na(2)S concentration>pH>buffer system. A kinetics study showed that TNT reduction by Na(2)S occurred in two stages separated by a change point. The observed rate constants of the first stage K(obs-1) were 1 order of magnitude lower than those of the second stage. The TNT conversion rate increased and the time to reach the change point became shorter with increasing Na(2)S concentration and pH. A 5-fold increase in Na(2)S concentration above the theoretical stoichiometric concentration was optimum. Observed rate constants of the first stage K(obs-1) were proportional to the hydrosulfide ion concentration and the conversion rate of TNT was greater and faster in buffer system B than in system A. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Column Experiments to Interpret Weathering in Columbia Hills

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hausrath, E. M.; Morris, R.V.; Ming, D.W.; Golden, D.C.; Galindo, C.; Sutter, B.

2009-01-01

Phosphate mobility has been postulated as an indicator of early aqueous activity on Mars. In addition, rock surfaces analyzed by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit are consistent with the loss of a phosphate- containing mineral To interpret phosphate alteration behavior on Mars, we performed column dissolution experiments leaching the primary phases Durango fluorapatite, San Carlos olivine, and basalt glass (Stapafjell Volcano, courtesy of S. Gislason, University of Iceland) [3,4]) with acidic solutions. These phases were chosen to represent quickly dissolving phases likely present in Columbia Hills. Column dissolution experiments are closer to natural dissolution conditions than batch experiments, although they can be difficult to interpret. Acidic solutions were used because the leached layers on the surfaces of these rocks have been interpreted as resulting from acid solutions [5].

[In vitro drug release behavior of carrier made of porous glass ceramics].

PubMed

Wang, De-ping; Huang, Wen-hai; Zhou, Nai

2002-09-01

To conduct the in vitro test on drug release of rifampin encapsulated in a carrier made of porous phosphate glass ceramics and to analyze main factors which affect the drug release rate. A certain quantitative of rifampin was sealed in a hollow cylindrical capsule which consisted of chopped calcium phosphate crystal fiber obtained from glass crystallization. The rifampin concentration was measured in the simulated physiological solution in which the capsule soaked. Rifampin could be released in a constant rate from the porous glass ceramic carrier in a long time. The release rate was dependent on the size of crystal fiber and the wall thickness of the capsule. This kind of calcium phosphate glass ceramics can be a candidate of the carrier materials used as long term drug therapy after osteotomy surgery.

LsrF, a coenzyme A-dependent thiolase, catalyzes the terminal step in processing the quorum sensing signal autoinducer-2

PubMed Central

Marques, João C.; Oh, Il Kyu; Ly, Daniel C.; Lamosa, Pedro; Ventura, M. Rita; Miller, Stephen T.; Xavier, Karina B.

2014-01-01

The quorum sensing signal autoinducer-2 (AI-2) regulates important bacterial behaviors, including biofilm formation and the production of virulence factors. Some bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, can quench the AI-2 signal produced by a variety of species present in the environment, and thus can influence AI-2–dependent bacterial behaviors. This process involves uptake of AI-2 via the Lsr transporter, followed by phosphorylation and consequent intracellular sequestration. Here we determine the metabolic fate of intracellular AI-2 by characterizing LsrF, the terminal protein in the Lsr AI-2 processing pathway. We identify the substrates of LsrF as 3-hydroxy-2,4-pentadione-5-phosphate (P-HPD, an isomer of AI-2-phosphate) and coenzyme A, determine the crystal structure of an LsrF catalytic mutant bound to P-HPD, and identify the reaction products. We show that LsrF catalyzes the transfer of an acetyl group from P-HPD to coenzyme A yielding dihydroxyacetone phosphate and acetyl-CoA, two key central metabolites. We further propose that LsrF, despite strong structural homology to aldolases, acts as a thiolase, an activity previously undescribed for this family of enzymes. With this work, we have fully characterized the biological pathway for AI-2 processing in E. coli, a pathway that can be used to quench AI-2 and control quorum-sensing–regulated bacterial behaviors. PMID:25225400

Parents' Perceptions of Their Children's Social Behavior: The Social Validity of Social Stories[TM] and Comic Strip Conversations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hutchins, Tiffany L.; Prelock, Patricia A.

2013-01-01

This article describes a family-centered collaborative approach to the development and socially valid assessment of Social Stories[TM] and comic strip conversations (CSCs) for supporting the social behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Seventeen children with ASD (ages 4-12 years) participated in either an immediate or a…

Toward meaningful outcomes in teaching conversation and greeting skills with individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Hood, Stephanie A; Luczynski, Kevin C; Mitteer, Daniel R

2017-07-01

We identified greeting and conversation deficits based on a parent interview and semistructured direct assessment for one child and two adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. We taught the greeting and conversation skills using behavioral skills training and within-session corrective feedback. A multiple baseline across conversation and greeting skills demonstrated experimental control over the effects of the teaching on acquisition and generalization to novel adults. We also conducted embedded reversals to assess maintenance of the acquired skills. Teaching produced robust acquisition, generalization, maintenance, and treatment extension for 15 of the 16 targeted skills across participants. Participant and parent reports indicated high levels of social validity for the intervention and outcomes. The results support individualized assessment and intervention for improving greeting and conversation skills during unscripted interactions, which are requisite for more extended and complex social interactions. © 2017 Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

Dominant phonon polarization conversion across dimensionally mismatched interfaces: Carbon-nanotube-graphene junction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jingjing; Lee, Jonghoon; Dong, Yalin; Roy, Ajit; Fisher, Timothy S.; Ruan, Xiulin

2018-04-01

Dimensionally mismatched interfaces are emerging for thermal management applications, but thermal transport physics remains poorly understood. Here we consider the carbon-nanotube-graphene junction, which is a dimensionally mismatched interface between one- and two-dimensional materials and is the building block for carbon-nanotube (CNT)-graphene three-dimensional networks. We predict the transmission function of individual phonon modes using the wave packet method; surprisingly, most incident phonon modes show predominantly polarization conversion behavior. For instance, longitudinal acoustic (LA) polarizations incident from CNTs transmit mainly into flexural transverse (ZA) polarizations in graphene. The frequency stays the same as the incident mode, indicating elastic transmission. Polarization conversion is more significant as the phonon wavelength increases. We attribute such unique phonon polarization conversion behavior to the dimensional mismatch across the interface, and it opens significantly new phonon transport channels as compared to existing theories where polarization conversion is neglected.

Pilot-scale incineration of wastes with high content of chlorinated and non-halogenated organophosphorus flame retardants used as alternatives for PBDEs.

PubMed

Matsukami, Hidenori; Kose, Tomohiro; Watanabe, Mafumi; Takigami, Hidetaka

2014-09-15

Chlorinated and non-halogenated organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) including tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), diethylene glycol bis(di(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate) (DEG-BDCIPP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate) (BPA-BDPP) have been used increasingly as alternatives to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and other brominated flame retardants. For this study, five batches of incineration experiments of wastes containing approximately 1% of TCIPP, DEG-BDCIPP, TPHP, and BPA-BDPP were conducted using a pilot-scale incinerator. Destruction and emission behaviors of OPFRs were investigated along with the effects on behaviors of unintentional persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), and pentachlorophenol (PCP). Incineration conditions were chosen according to current regulations for waste incinerators in Japan and UNEP. The OPFRs in the input materials were mainly destroyed in the primary combustion with destruction efficiencies greater than 99.999%. Concentrations of the OPFRs in the exhaust gases and ash were, respectively, <0.01-0.048 μg m(-3) and <0.5-68 μg kg(-1). Almost all of the total phosphorus in the input materials was partitioned into the ash, but less into final exit gases, indicating negligible emissions of volatile phosphorus compounds during incineration. Inputs of chlorinated OPFRs did not affect the formation markedly. Destruction and emission behaviors of unintentional POPs were investigated. Emissions of such POPs in exhaust gases and the ash were lower than the Japanese and international standards. Results show that even in wastes with high contents of chlorinated and non-halogenated OPFRs, waste incineration by the current regulations for the waste incinerators can control environmental emissions of OPFRs and unintentional POPs. Incineration is regarded as a best available technology (BAT) for waste management systems. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modulating protein behaviors on responsive surface by external electric fields: A molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Yun; Pan, Yufang; Zhang, Rong; Liang, Ying; Li, Zhanchao

2015-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the modulation of protein behaviors on the electrically responsive zwitterionic phosphorylcholine self-assembled monolayers (PC-SAMs). Results show that PC-SAMs could sensitively respond to the applied electric fields and exhibit three states with different charge distributions, namely both the negatively charged phosphate groups and the positively charged choline groups are exposed to the solution in the absence of electric fields (state 1), phosphate groups exposed in the presence of positive electric fields (state 2), and choline groups exposed in the presence of negative electric fields (state 3). Under state 1, the adsorption of Cyt c on the PC-SAM is reversible and the orientations of Cyt c are randomly distributed. Under state 2, the adsorption of Cyt c is enhanced due to the electrostatic attractions between the exposed phosphate groups and the positively charged protein; when adsorbed on the PC-SAMs, Cyt c tends to adopt the orientation with the heme plane perpendicular to the surface plane, and the percentage of this orientation increases as the field strength rises up. Under state 3, the adsorption of Cyt c is retarded because of the electrostatic repulsions between the exposed choline groups and the protein; however, if the gaps between PC chains are large enough, Cyt c could insert into the PC-SAM and access the phosphate groups after overcoming a slight energy barrier. Under three states, the basic backbone structures of Cyt c are well kept within the simulation time since the conformation of Cyt c is mainly affected by the surface-generated electric fields, whose strengths are modulated by the external electric fields and are not strong enough to deform protein. The results indicate the possibility of regulating protein behaviors, including promoting or retarding protein adsorption and regulating protein orientations, on responsive surfaces by applying electric fields on the surfaces without worrying protein deformation, which may be helpful in the applications of protein separation and controlled drug delivery.

Improving Teamwork through Awareness of Conversational Styles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rehling, Louise

2004-01-01

Conversational styles can sometimes cause conflicts on problem-solving writing teams. In self-defense, students often resort to blaming and shaming around conversational styles, which can just worsen unproductive group behaviors, limiting idea exchanges and deflecting attention from substantive issues and onto what is often labeled "personality…

Can Playing an End-of-Life Conversation Game Motivate People to Engage in Advance Care Planning?

PubMed

Van Scoy, Lauren J; Green, Michael J; Reading, Jean M; Scott, Allison M; Chuang, Cynthia H; Levi, Benjamin H

2017-09-01

Advance care planning (ACP) involves several behaviors that individuals undertake to prepare for future medical care should they lose decision-making capacity. The goal of this study was to assess whether playing a conversation game could motivate participants to engage in ACP. Sixty-eight English-speaking, adult volunteers (n = 17 games) from communities around Hershey, Pennsylvania, and Lexington, Kentucky, played a conversation card game about end-of-life issues. Readiness to engage in 4 ACP behaviors was measured by a validated questionnaire (based on the transtheoretical model) immediately before and 3 months postgame and a semistructured phone interview. These behaviors were (1) completing a living will; (2) completing a health-care proxy; (3) discussing end-of-life wishes with loved ones; and (4) discussing quality versus quantity of life with loved ones. Participants' (n = 68) mean age was 51.3 years (standard deviation = 0.7, range: 22-88); 94% of the participants were caucasian and 67% were female. Seventy-eight percent of the participants engaged in ACP behaviors within 3 months of playing the game (eg, updating documents, discussing end-of-life issues). Furthermore, 73% of the participants progressed in stage of change (ie, readiness) to perform at least 1 of the 4 behaviors. Scores on measures of decisional balance and processes of change increased significantly by 3 months postintervention. This pilot study found that individuals who played a conversation game had high rates of performing ACP behaviors within 3 months. These findings suggest that using a game format may be a useful way to motivate people to perform important ACP behaviors.

Phosphorus sorption and buffering mechanisms in suspended sediments from the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, M.; Whelan, M. J.; Wang, G.; White, S. M.

2012-12-01

The adsorption isotherm and the mechanism of the buffering effect are important controls on phosphorus behaviors in estuaries and are important for estimating phosphate concentrations in aquatic environments. In this paper, we derive phosphate adsorption isotherms in order to investigate sediment adsorption and buffering capacity for phosphorus discharged from sewage outfalls in the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay near Shanghai, China. Experiments were also carried out at different temperatures in order to explore the buffering effects for phosphate. The results show that P sorption in sediments with low fine particle fractions was best described using exponential equations. Some P interactions between water and sediment may be caused by the precipitation of CaHPO4 from Ca2+ and HPO42- when the phosphate concentration in the liquid phase is high. Results from the buffering experiments suggest that the Zero Equilibrium Phosphate Concentrations (EPC0) vary from 0.014 mg l-1 to 0.061 mg l-1, which are consistent with measured phosphate concentrations in water samples collected at the same time as sediment sampling. Values of EPC0 and linear sorption coefficients (K) in sediments with high fine particle and organic matter contents are relatively high, which implies that they have high buffering capacity. Both EPC0 and K increase with increasing temperature, indicating a higher P buffering capacity at high temperatures.

Phosphorus sorption and buffering mechanisms in suspended sediments from the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, M.; Whelan, M. J.; Wang, G. Q.; White, S. M.

2013-05-01

The adsorption isotherm and the mechanism of the buffering effect are important controls on phosphorus (P) behaviors in estuaries and are important for estimating phosphate concentrations in aquatic environments. In this paper, we derive phosphate adsorption isotherms in order to investigate sediment adsorption and buffering capacity for phosphorus discharged from sewage outfalls in the Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay near Shanghai, China. Experiments were also carried out at different temperatures in order to explore the buffering effects for phosphate. The results show that P sorption in sediments with low fine particle fractions was best described using exponential equations. Some P interactions between water and sediment may be caused by the precipitation of CaHPO4 from Ca2+ and HPO42- when the phosphate concentration in the liquid phase is high. Results from the buffering experiments suggest that the Zero Equilibrium Phosphate Concentrations (EPC0) vary from 0.014 mg L-1 to 0.061 mg L-1, which are consistent with measured phosphate concentrations in water samples collected at the same time as sediment sampling. Values of EPC0 and linear sorption coefficients (K) in sediments with high fine particle and organic matter contents are relatively high, which implies that they have high buffering capacity. Both EPC0 and K increase with increasing temperature, indicating a higher P buffering capacity at high temperatures.

The stability mechanisms of an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension

PubMed Central

Fatimi, Ahmed; Tassin, Jean-François; Axelos, Monique A. V.; Weiss, Pierre

2010-01-01

Calcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) was developed. It consists in a biopolymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose: HPMC) as matrix and bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (biphasic calcium phosphate: BCP) as fillers. The stability of the suspension is essential to this generation of “ready to use” injectable biomaterial. But, during storage, the particles settle down. The engineering sciences have long been interested in models describing the settling (or sedimentation) of particles in viscous fluids. Our work is dedicated to the comprehension of the effect of the formulation on the stability of calcium phosphate suspension before and after steam sterilization. The rheological characterization revealed the macromolecular behavior of the suspending medium. The investigations of settling kinetics showed the influence of the BCP particle size and the HPMC concentration on the settling velocity and sediment compactness before and after sterilization. To decrease the sedimentation process, the granule size has to be smaller and the polymer concentration has to increase. A much lower sedimentation velocity, as compared to Stokes law, is observed and interpreted in terms of interactions between the polymer network in solution and the particles. This experimentation highlights the granules spacer property of hydrophilic macromolecules that is a key issue for interconnection control, one of the better ways to improve osteoconduction and bioactivity. PMID:20229185

The stability mechanisms of an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension.

PubMed

Fatimi, Ahmed; Tassin, Jean-François; Axelos, Monique A V; Weiss, Pierre

2010-06-01

Calcium phosphate ceramics are widely used as bone substitutes in dentistry and orthopedic applications. For minimally invasive surgery an injectable calcium phosphate ceramic suspension (ICPCS) was developed. It consists in a biopolymer (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose: HPMC) as matrix and bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics (biphasic calcium phosphate: BCP) as fillers. The stability of the suspension is essential to this generation of "ready to use" injectable biomaterial. But, during storage, the particles settle down. The engineering sciences have long been interested in models describing the settling (or sedimentation) of particles in viscous fluids. Our work is dedicated to the comprehension of the effect of the formulation on the stability of calcium phosphate suspension before and after steam sterilization. The rheological characterization revealed the macromolecular behavior of the suspending medium. The investigations of settling kinetics showed the influence of the BCP particle size and the HPMC concentration on the settling velocity and sediment compactness before and after sterilization. To decrease the sedimentation process, the granule size has to be smaller and the polymer concentration has to increase. A much lower sedimentation velocity, as compared to Stokes law, is observed and interpreted in terms of interactions between the polymer network in solution and the particles. This experimentation highlights the granules spacer property of hydrophilic macromolecules that is a key issue for interconnection control, one of the better ways to improve osteoconduction and bioactivity.

Electro-thermal analysis of Lithium Iron Phosphate battery for electric vehicles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saw, L. H.; Somasundaram, K.; Ye, Y.; Tay, A. A. O.

2014-03-01

Lithium ion batteries offer an attractive solution for powering electric vehicles due to their relatively high specific energy and specific power, however, the temperature of the batteries greatly affects their performance as well as cycle life. In this work, an empirical equation characterizing the battery's electrical behavior is coupled with a lumped thermal model to analyze the electrical and thermal behavior of the 18650 Lithium Iron Phosphate cell. Under constant current discharging mode, the cell temperature increases with increasing charge/discharge rates. The dynamic behavior of the battery is also analyzed under a Simplified Federal Urban Driving Schedule and it is found that heat generated from the battery during this cycle is negligible. Simulation results are validated with experimental data. The validated single cell model is then extended to study the dynamic behavior of an electric vehicle battery pack. The modeling results predict that more heat is generated on an aggressive US06 driving cycle as compared to UDDS and HWFET cycle. An extensive thermal management system is needed for the electric vehicle battery pack especially during aggressive driving conditions to ensure that the cells are maintained within the desirable operating limits and temperature uniformity is achieved between the cells.

Conversion Coatings for Aluminum Alloys by Chemical Vapor Deposition Mechanisms

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reye, John T.; McFadden, Lisa S.; Gatica, Jorge E.; Morales, Wilfredo

2004-01-01

With the rise of environmental awareness and the renewed importance of environmentally friendly processes, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has targeted surface pre-treatment processes based on chromates. Indeed, this process has been subject to regulations under the Clean Water Act as well as other environmental initiatives, and there is today a marked movement to phase the process out in the near future. Therefore, there is a clear need for new advances in coating technology that could provide practical options for replacing present industrial practices. Depending on the final application, such coatings might be required to be resistant to corrosion, act as chemically resistant coatings, or both. This research examined a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) mechanism to deposit uniform conversion coatings onto aluminum alloy substrates. Robust protocols based on solutions of aryl phosphate ester and multi-oxide conversion coating (submicron) films were successfully grown onto the aluminum alloy samples. These films were characterized by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Preliminary results indicate the potential of this technology to replace aqueous-based chromate processes.

Pyrophosphate-Dependent Fructose-6-Phosphate 1-Phosphotransferase Induction and Attenuation of Hsp Gene Expression during Endosperm Modification in Quality Protein Maize1[C][W][OA

PubMed Central

Guo, Xiaomei; Ronhovde, Kyla; Yuan, Lingling; Yao, Bo; Soundararajan, Madhavan P.; Elthon, Thomas; Zhang, Chi; Holding, David R.

2012-01-01

Quality Protein Maize (QPM) is a hard-endosperm version of the high-lysine opaque2 (o2) maize (Zea mays) mutant, but the genes involved in modification of the soft o2 endosperm are largely unknown. Pyrophosphate-dependent fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase (PFP) catalyzes the ATP-independent conversion of fructose-6-phosphate to fructose-1,6-bisphosphate in glycolysis. We found a large increase in transcript and protein levels of the α-regulatory subunit of PFP (PFPα) in QPM endosperm. In vitro enzyme assays showed a significant increase in forward PFP activity in developing endosperm extracts of QPM relative to the wild type and o2. An expressed retrogene version of PFPα of unknown function that was not up-regulated in QPM was also identified. The elevated expression levels of a number of ATP-requiring heat shock proteins (Hsps) in o2 endosperm are ameliorated in QPM. PFPα is also coinduced with Hsps in maize roots in response to heat, cold, and the unfolded protein response stresses. We propose that reduced ATP availability resulting from the generalized Hsp response in addition to the reduction of pyruvate, orthophosphate dikinase activity in o2 endosperm is compensated in part by increased PFP activity in QPM. PMID:22158678

The Formation Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of a Composite Phosphate Conversion Film on AM60 Alloy.

PubMed

Chen, Jun; Lan, Xiangna; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Qinyong

2018-03-08

Magnesium alloy AM60 has high duc and toughness, which is expected to increase in demand for automotive applications. However, it is too active, and coatings have been extensively studied to prevent corrosion. In this work, a Ba-containing composite phosphate film has been prepared on the surface of AM60. The composition and formation mechanism of the film have been investigated using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry tests. The corrosion resistance of the film has been measured by electrochemical and immersion tests. The results show that the deposition film has fully covered the substrate but there are some micro-cracks. The structure of the film is complex, and consists of MgHPO₄·3H₂O, MnHPO₄·2.25H₂O, BaHPO₄·3H₂O, BaMg₂(PO₄)₂, Mg₃(PO₄)₂·22H₂O, Ca₃(PO₄)₂·xH₂O, and some amorphous phases. The composite phosphate film has better anticorrosion performance than the AM60 and can protect the bare alloy from corrosion for more than 12 h in 0.6 M NaCl.

Building Materials from Colloidal Nanocrystal Assemblies: Molecular Control of Solid/Solid Interfaces in Nanostructured Tetragonal ZrO 2

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

Shaw, Santosh; Silva, Tiago F.; Bobbitt, Jonathan M.

We describe in this paper a bottom-up approach to control the composition of solid/solid interfaces in nanostructured materials, and we test its effectiveness on tetragonal ZrO 2, an inorganic phase of great technological significance. Colloidal nanocrystals capped with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) or oleic acid (OA) are deposited, and the organic fraction of the ligands is selectively etched with O 2 plasma. The interfaces in the resulting all-inorganic colloidal nanocrystal assemblies are either nearly bare (for OA-capped nanocrystals) or terminated with phosphate groups (for TOPO-capped nanocrystals) resulting from the reaction of phosphine oxide groups with plasma species. The chemical modification ofmore » the interfaces has extensive effects on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the material. Different growth kinetics indicate different rate limiting processes of growth (surface diffusion for the phosphate-terminated surfaces and dissolution for the “bare” surfaces). Phosphate termination led to a higher activation energy of growth, and a 3-fold reduction in interfacial energy, and facilitated significantly the conversion of the tetragonal phase into the monoclinic phase. Finally, films devoid of residual ligands persisted in the tetragonal phase at temperatures as high as 900 °C for 24 h.« less

Building Materials from Colloidal Nanocrystal Assemblies: Molecular Control of Solid/Solid Interfaces in Nanostructured Tetragonal ZrO 2

DOE PAGES

Shaw, Santosh; Silva, Tiago F.; Bobbitt, Jonathan M.; ...

2017-08-28

We describe in this paper a bottom-up approach to control the composition of solid/solid interfaces in nanostructured materials, and we test its effectiveness on tetragonal ZrO 2, an inorganic phase of great technological significance. Colloidal nanocrystals capped with trioctylphosphine oxide (TOPO) or oleic acid (OA) are deposited, and the organic fraction of the ligands is selectively etched with O 2 plasma. The interfaces in the resulting all-inorganic colloidal nanocrystal assemblies are either nearly bare (for OA-capped nanocrystals) or terminated with phosphate groups (for TOPO-capped nanocrystals) resulting from the reaction of phosphine oxide groups with plasma species. The chemical modification ofmore » the interfaces has extensive effects on the thermodynamics and kinetics of the material. Different growth kinetics indicate different rate limiting processes of growth (surface diffusion for the phosphate-terminated surfaces and dissolution for the “bare” surfaces). Phosphate termination led to a higher activation energy of growth, and a 3-fold reduction in interfacial energy, and facilitated significantly the conversion of the tetragonal phase into the monoclinic phase. Finally, films devoid of residual ligands persisted in the tetragonal phase at temperatures as high as 900 °C for 24 h.« less

Colorimetric sensor for triphosphates and their application as a viable staining agent for prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

PubMed

Ghosh, Amrita; Shrivastav, Anupama; Jose, D Amilan; Mishra, Sanjiv K; Chandrakanth, C K; Mishra, Sandhya; Das, Amitava

2008-07-15

The chromogenic complex 1 x Zn (where 1 is (E)-4-(4-dimethylamino-phenylazo)-N,N-bispyridin-2-ylmethyl-benzenesulfonamide) showed high affinity toward the phosphate ion in tetrabutylammonium phosphate in acetonitrile solution and could preferentially bind to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in aqueous solution at physiological pH. This binding caused a visual change in color, whereas no such change was noticed with other related anions (adenosine monophosphate, adenosine diphosphate, pyrophosphate, and phosphate) of biological significance. Thus, 1 x Zn could be used as a staining agent for different biological cells through binding to the ATP, generated in situ by the mitochondria (in eukaryotes). For prokaryotes (bacteria) the cell membrane takes care of the cells' energy conversion, since they lack mitochondria. ATP is produced in their unique cell structure on the cell membrane, which is not found in any eukaryotes. These stained cells could be viewed with normal light microscopy. This reagent could even be used for distinguishing the gram-positive and the gram-negative bacteria (prokaryotes). This dye was found to be nonlipophilic in nature and nontoxic to living microbes (eukaryotes and prokaryotes). Further, stained cells were found to grow in their respective media, and this confirmed the maintenance of viability of the microbes even after staining, unlike with many other dyes available commercially.

Uranium extraction from TRISO-coated fuel particles using supercritical CO2 containing tri-n-butyl phosphate.

PubMed

Zhu, Liyang; Duan, Wuhua; Xu, Jingming; Zhu, Yongjun

2012-11-30

High-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) are advanced nuclear systems that will receive heavy use in the future. It is important to develop spent nuclear fuel reprocessing technologies for HTGR. A new method for recovering uranium from tristructural-isotropic (TRISO-) coated fuel particles with supercritical CO(2) containing tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) as a complexing agent was investigated. TRISO-coated fuel particles from HTGR fuel elements were first crushed to expose UO(2) pellet fuel kernels. The crushed TRISO-coated fuel particles were then treated under O(2) stream at 750°C, resulting in a mixture of U(3)O(8) powder and SiC shells. The conversion of U(3)O(8) into solid uranyl nitrate by its reaction with liquid N(2)O(4) in the presence of a small amount of water was carried out. Complete conversion was achieved after 60 min of reaction at 80°C, whereas the SiC shells were not converted by N(2)O(4). Uranyl nitrate in the converted mixture was extracted with supercritical CO(2) containing TBP. The cumulative extraction efficiency was above 98% after 20 min of online extraction at 50°C and 25 MPa, whereas the SiC shells were not extracted by TBP. The results suggest an attractive strategy for reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from HTGR to minimize the generation of secondary radioactive waste. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Putative Mevalonate Diphosphate Decarboxylase from Picrophilus torridus Is in Reality a Mevalonate-3-Kinase with High Potential for Bioproduction of Isobutene

PubMed Central

Hall, Stephen J.; Eastham, Graham; Licence, Peter; Stephens, Gill

2015-01-01

Mevalonate diphosphate decarboxylase (MVD) is an ATP-dependent enzyme that catalyzes the phosphorylation/decarboxylation of (R)-mevalonate-5-diphosphate to isopentenyl pyrophosphate in the mevalonate (MVA) pathway. MVD is a key enzyme in engineered metabolic pathways for bioproduction of isobutene, since it catalyzes the conversion of 3-hydroxyisovalerate (3-HIV) to isobutene, an important platform chemical. The putative homologue from Picrophilus torridus has been identified as a highly efficient variant in a number of patents, but its detailed characterization has not been reported. In this study, we have successfully purified and characterized the putative MVD from P. torridus. We discovered that it is not a decarboxylase per se but an ATP-dependent enzyme, mevalonate-3-kinase (M3K), which catalyzes the phosphorylation of MVA to mevalonate-3-phosphate. The enzyme's potential in isobutene formation is due to the conversion of 3-HIV to an unstable 3-phosphate intermediate that undergoes consequent spontaneous decarboxylation to form isobutene. Isobutene production rates were as high as 507 pmol min−1 g cells−1 using Escherichia coli cells expressing the enzyme and 2,880 pmol min−1 mg protein−1 with the purified histidine-tagged enzyme, significantly higher than reported previously. M3K is a key enzyme of the novel MVA pathway discovered very recently in Thermoplasma acidophilum. We suggest that P. torridus metabolizes MVA by the same pathway. PMID:25636853

Multiprobe Spectroscopic Inverstigation of Molecular-level Behavior within Aqueous 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Tetrafluoroborate

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

Sarkar, Abhra; Ali, Maroof; Baker, Gary A

2009-01-01

In this work, an array of molecular-level solvent featuressincluding solute-solvent/solvent-solvent interactions, dipolarity, heterogeneity, dynamics, probe accessibility, and diffusionswere investigated across the entire composition of ambient mixtures containing the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [bmim][BF4], and pH 7.0 phosphate buffer, based on results assembled for nine different molecular probes utilized in a range of spectroscopic modes. These studies uncovered interesting and unusual solvatochromic probe behavior within this benchmark mixture. Solvatochromic absorbance probessa watersoluble betaine dye (betaine dye 33), N,N-diethyl-4-nitroaniline, and 4-nitroanilineswere employed to determine ET (a blend of dipolarity/polarizability and hydrogen bond donor contributions) and the Kamlet-Taft indices * (dipolarity/polarizability), R (hydrogenmore » bond donor acidity), and (hydrogen bond acceptor basicity) characterizing the [bmim][BF4] + phosphate buffer system. These parameters each showed a marked deviation from ideality, suggesting selective solvation of the individual probe solutes by [bmim][BF4]. Similar conclusions were derived from the responses of the fluorescent polarity-sensitive probes pyrene and pyrene-1-carboxaldehyde. Importantly, the fluorescent microfluidity probe 1,3-bis(1-pyrenyl)propane senses a microviscosity within the mixture that significantly exceeds expectations derived from simple interpolation of the behavior in the neat solvents. On the basis of results from this probe, a correlation between microviscosity and bulk viscosity was established; pronounced solvent-solvent hydrogen-bonding interactions were implicit in this behavior. The greatest deviation from ideal additive behavior for the probes studied herein was consistently observed to occur in the buffer-rich regime. Nitromethane-based fluorescence quenching of pyrene within the [bmim][BF4] + phosphate buffer system showed unusual compliance with a sphere-of-action quenching model, a further manifestation of the microheterogeneity of the system. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopic results for both small (BODIPY FL) and macromolecular (Texas Red-10 kDa dextran conjugate) diffusional probes provide additional evidence in support of microphase segregation inherent to aqueous [bmim][BF4].« less

High-power 671  nm laser by second-harmonic generation with 93% efficiency in an external ring cavity.

PubMed

Cui, Xing-Yang; Shen, Qi; Yan, Mei-Chen; Zeng, Chao; Yuan, Tao; Zhang, Wen-Zhuo; Yao, Xing-Can; Peng, Cheng-Zhi; Jiang, Xiao; Chen, Yu-Ao; Pan, Jian-Wei

2018-04-15

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is useful for obtaining single-frequency continuous-wave laser sources at various wavelengths for applications ranging from biology to fundamental physics. Using an external power-enhancement cavity is an effective approach to improve the frequency conversion efficiency. However, thermal effects limit the efficiency, particularly, in high-power operation. Therefore, reducing thermal effects is important when designing a cavity. This Letter reports the use of an external ring cavity for SHG, yielding a 5.2 W, 671 nm laser light with a conversion efficiency of 93.8±0.8% which, to the best of our knowledge, is a new record of conversion efficiency for an external ring cavity. It is achieved using a 10 mm length periodically poled potassium titanyl phosphate crystal and a 65 μm radius beam waist in the cavity so as to minimize thermal dephasing and thermal lensing. Furthermore, a method is developed to determine a conversion efficiency more accurately based on measuring the pump depletion using a photodiode detector and a maximum pump depletion up to 97% is recorded. In this method, the uncertainty is much less than that achieved in a common method by direct measuring with a power meter.

The sucrose-trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P) nexus: specificity and mechanisms of sucrose signalling by Tre6P.

PubMed

Yadav, Umesh Prasad; Ivakov, Alexander; Feil, Regina; Duan, Guang You; Walther, Dirk; Giavalisco, Patrick; Piques, Maria; Carillo, Petronia; Hubberten, Hans-Michael; Stitt, Mark; Lunn, John Edward

2014-03-01

Trehalose 6-phosphate (Tre6P), the intermediate of trehalose biosynthesis, has a profound influence on plant metabolism, growth, and development. It has been proposed that Tre6P acts as a signal of sugar availability and is possibly specific for sucrose status. Short-term sugar-feeding experiments were carried out with carbon-starved Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings grown in axenic shaking liquid cultures. Tre6P increased when seedlings were exogenously supplied with sucrose, or with hexoses that can be metabolized to sucrose, such as glucose and fructose. Conditional correlation analysis and inhibitor experiments indicated that the hexose-induced increase in Tre6P was an indirect response dependent on conversion of the hexose sugars to sucrose. Tre6P content was affected by changes in nitrogen status, but this response was also attributable to parallel changes in sucrose. The sucrose-induced rise in Tre6P was unaffected by cordycepin but almost completely blocked by cycloheximide, indicating that de novo protein synthesis is necessary for the response. There was a strong correlation between Tre6P and sucrose even in lines that constitutively express heterologous trehalose-phosphate synthase or trehalose-phosphate phosphatase, although the Tre6P:sucrose ratio was shifted higher or lower, respectively. It is proposed that the Tre6P:sucrose ratio is a critical parameter for the plant and forms part of a homeostatic mechanism to maintain sucrose levels within a range that is appropriate for the cell type and developmental stage of the plant.

Cloning and Characterization of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa zwf Gene Encoding Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, an Enzyme Important in Resistance to Methyl Viologen (Paraquat)

PubMed Central

Ma, Ju-Fang; Hager, Paul W.; Howell, Michael L.; Phibbs, Paul V.; Hassett, Daniel J.

1998-01-01

In this study, we cloned the Pseudomonas aeruginosa zwf gene, encoding glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), an enzyme that catalyzes the NAD+- or NADP+-dependent conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconate. The predicted zwf gene product is 490 residues, which could form a tetramer with a molecular mass of ∼220 kDa. G6PDH activity and zwf transcription were maximal in early logarithmic phase when inducing substrates such as glycerol, glucose, or gluconate were abundant. In contrast, both G6PDH activity and zwf transcription plummeted dramatically when bacteria approached stationary phase, when inducing substrate was limiting, or when the organisms were grown in a citrate-, succinate-, or acetate-containing basal salts medium. G6PDH was purified to homogeneity, and its molecular mass was estimated to be ∼220 kDa by size exclusion chromatography. Estimated Km values of purified G6PDH acting on glucose-6-phosphate, NADP+, and NAD+ were 530, 57, and 333 μM, respectively. The specific activities with NAD+ and NADP+ were calculated to be 176 and 69 μmol/min/mg. An isogenic zwf mutant was unable to grow on minimal medium supplemented with mannitol. The mutant also demonstrated increased sensitivity to the redox-active superoxide-generating agent methyl viologen (paraquat). Since one by-product of G6PDH activity is NADPH, the latter data suggest that this cofactor is essential for the activity of enzymes critical in defense against paraquat toxicity. PMID:9537370

Deciphering the role and nature of phosphate species at the surface of stainless steel immersed in phosphoric acid solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liascukiene, I.; Ben Salah, M.; Sabot, R.; Refait, Ph.; Dhouibi, L.; Méthivier, C.; Landoulsi, J.; Jeannin, M.

2018-03-01

We investigate the evolution of the surface of a highly alloyed stainless steel (Sanicro 28) upon immersion in aqueous phosphoric acid solutions. For this purpose, both short- (few hours) and long-term immersion (several days) were carried out. A detailed analysis of XPS spectra allowed a distinction to be made between oxygen originating from the organic adlayer (adventitious contamination), the passive oxide layer, and adsorbed phosphate species. By estimating the fraction of oxygen due to phosphate species (Oph), it was shown that the Oph/P molar concentration ratio was ranging from about 2 to 3. This suggests the presence of a polyphosphate layer at the stainless steel surface, as also supported by Raman analysis, which influence the electrochemical behavior of SS in the acidic media.

Physiological Reactivity During Parent-Adolescent Discussions: Associations with Scaffolding Behaviors and Relationship Quality.

PubMed

Manczak, Erika M; McLean, Kate C; McAdams, Dan P; Chen, Edith

2015-08-01

Parents and adolescents commonly discuss stressful experiences. However, little is known about the features of these conversations that may have implications for health. One hundred five adolescents and their parents engaged in conversations about two challenging events, with parental contributions to the discussions coded for four scaffolding behaviors (reiterations, negations, move alongs, and new interpretations). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate were measured in both participants at baseline and throughout the conversation. Parent-reported relationship quality was also assessed. For both parents and adolescents, negative scaffolding behaviors were associated with increased physiological reactivity, whereas positive scaffolding behaviors were associated with decreased reactivity. Furthermore, children in higher quality parent-child relationships showed greater reactivity to reiterations and lower reactivity to new interpretations, but those in lower quality relationships demonstrated the opposite patterns. Specific aspects of parent-child interactions appear to contribute to physiological responses to challenging events, which in turn may have implications for health.

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

Catalano, Jeffrey G.; Giammar, Daniel E.; Wang, Zheming

Phosphate addition is an in situ remediation approach that may enhance the sequestration of uranium without requiring sustained reducing conditions. However, the geochemical factors that determine the dominant immobilization mechanisms upon phosphate addition are insufficiently understood to design efficient remediation strategies or accurately predict U(VI) transport. The overall objective of our project is to determine the dominant mechanisms of U(VI)-phosphate reactions in subsurface environments. Our research approach seeks to determine the U(VI)-phosphate solid that form in the presence of different groundwater cations, characterize the effects of phosphate on U(VI) adsorption and precipitation on smectite and iron oxide minerals, examples ofmore » two major reactive mineral phases in contaminated sediments, and investigate how phosphate affects U(VI) speciation and fate during water flow through sediments from contaminated sites. The research activities conducted for this project have generated a series of major findings. U(VI) phosphate solids from the autunite mineral family are the sole phases to form during precipitation, with uranyl orthophosphate not occurring despite its predicted greater stability. Calcium phosphates may take up substantial quantities of U(VI) through three different removal processes (adsorption, coprecipitation, and precipitation) but the dominance of each process varies with the pathway of reaction. Phosphate co-adsorbs with U(VI) onto smectite mineral surfaces, forming a mixed uranium-phosphate surface complex over a wide range of conditions. However, this molecular-scale association of uranium and phosphate has not effect on the overall extent of uptake. In contrast, phosphate enhanced U(VI) adsorption to iron oxide minerals at acidic pH conditions but suppresses such adsorption at neutral and alkaline pH, despite forming mixed uranium-phosphate surface complexes during adsorption. Nucleation barriers exist that inhibit U(VI) phosphate solids from precipitating in the presence of smectite and iron oxide minerals as well as sediments from contaminated sites. Phosphate addition enhances retention of U(VI) by sediments from the Rifle, CO and Hanford, WA field research sites, areas containing substantial uranium contamination of groundwater. This enhanced retention is through adsorption processes. Both fast and slow uptake and release behavior is observed, indicating that diffusion of uranium between sediment grains has a substantial effect of U(VI) fate in flowing groundwater systems. This project has revealed the complexity of U(VI)-phosphate reactions in subsurface systems. Distinct chemical processes occur in acidic and alkaline groundwater systems. For the latter, calcium phosphate formation, solution complexation, and competition between phosphate and uranium for adsorption sites may serve to either enhance or inhibit U(VI) removal from groundwater. Under the groundwater conditions present at many contaminated sites in the U.S., phosphate appears to general enhance U(VI) retention and limit transport. However, formation of low-solubility uranium phosphate solids does not occur under field-relevant conditions, despite this being the desired product of phosphate-based remediation approaches. In addition, simple equilibrium approaches fail to well-predict uranium fate in contaminated sediments amended with phosphate, with reactive transport models that include reaction rates and mass transport through occluded domains needed to properly describe the system. Phosphate addition faces challenges to being effective as a stand-alone groundwater treatment approach but would prove beneficial as an add-on to other treatment methods that will further limit uranium migration in the subsurface.« less

Complexity in modeling of residual stresses and strains during polymerization of bone cement: effects of conversion, constraint, heat transfer, and viscoelastic property changes.

PubMed

Gilbert, Jeremy L

2006-12-15

Aseptic loosening of cemented joint prostheses remains a significant concern in orthopedic biomaterials. One possible contributor to cement loosening is the development of porosity, residual stresses, and local fracture of the cement that may arise from the in-situ polymerization of the cement. In-situ polymerization of acrylic bone cement is a complex set of interacting processes that involve polymerization reactions, heat generation and transfer, full or partial mechanical constraint, evolution of conversion- and temperature-dependent viscoelastic material properties, and thermal and conversion-driven changes in the density of the cement. Interactions between heat transfer and polymerization can lead to polymerization fronts moving through the material. Density changes during polymerization can, in the presence of mechanical constraint, lead to the development of locally high residual strain energy and residual stresses. This study models the interactions during bone cement polymerization and determines how residual stresses develop in cement and incorporates temperature and conversion-dependent viscoelastic behavior. The results show that the presence of polymerization fronts in bone cement result in locally high residual strain energies. A novel heredity integral approach is presented to track residual stresses incorporating conversion and temperature dependent material property changes. Finally, the relative contribution of thermal- and conversion-dependent strains to residual stresses is evaluated and it is found that the conversion-based strains are the major contributor to the overall behavior. This framework provides the basis for understanding the complex development of residual stresses and can be used as the basis for developing more complex models of cement behavior.

Early-life exposure to Tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate induces dose-dependent suppression of sexual behavior in male rats.

PubMed

Kamishima, Manami; Hattori, Tatsuya; Suzuki, Go; Matsukami, Hidenori; Komine, Chiaki; Horii, Yasuyuki; Watanabe, Gen; Oti, Takumi; Sakamoto, Hirotaka; Soga, Tomoko; Parhar, Ishwar S; Kondo, Yasuhiko; Takigami, Hidetaka; Kawaguchi, Maiko

2018-05-01

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may adversely affect animals, particularly during development. Tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is an organophosphate with anti-androgen function in vitro that is present in indoor dust at relatively high concentrations. In male rats, androgens are necessary for the development of reproductive organs, as well as the endocrine and central nervous systems. However, we currently do not know the exact effects of TDCIPP exposure through suckling on subsequent reproductive behavior in males. Here, we show that TDCIPP exposure (25-250 mg kg -1 via oral administration over 28 consecutive days post-birth) suppressed male sexual behavior and reduced testes size. These changes were dose-dependent and appeared first in adults rather than in juveniles. These results demonstrate that TDCIPP exposure led to normal body growth and appearance in juveniles, but disrupted the endocrine system and physiology in adults. Therefore, assays should be performed using adult animals to ensure accuracy, and to confirm the influence of chemical substances given during early mammalian life. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metsulfuron-methyl sorption/desorption behavior on volcanic ash-derived soils. effect of phosphate and pH.

PubMed

Cáceres, Lizethly; Fuentes, Roxana; Escudey, Mauricio; Fuentes, Edwar; Báez, María E

2010-06-09

Metsulfuron-methyl sorption/desorption behavior was studied through batch sorption experiments in three typical volcanic ash-derived soils belonging to Andisol and Ultisol orders. Their distinctive physical and chemical properties are acidic pH and variable surface charge. Organic matter content and mineral composition affected in different ways sorption of metsulfuron-methyl (K(OC) ranging from 113 to 646 mL g(-1)): organic matter and iron and aluminum oxides mainly through hydrophilic rather than hydrophobic interactions in Andisols, and Kaolinite group minerals, as major constituents of Ultisols, and iron and aluminum oxides only through hydrophilic interactions. The Freundlich model described metsulfuron-methyl behavior in all cases (R(2) > 0.992). K(f) values (3.1-14.4 microg(1-1/n) mL(1/n) g(-1)) were higher than those reported for different class of soils including some with variable charge. Hysteresis was more significant in Ultisols. A strong influence of pH and phosphate was established for both kinds of soil, intensive soil fertilization and liming being the most probable scenario for leaching of metsulfuron-methyl, particularly in Ultisols.

[Thermal stability and transformation behaviors of Pb in Yima coal].

PubMed

Liu, Rui-qing; Wang, Jun-wei

2013-05-01

Occurrence forms of Pb in Yima (YM) coal, their thermal stability and transformation behaviors during coal pyrolysis were investigated. Chemical leaching method was used to characterize the forms of Pb in the raw coal and the chars. It was found that about 33% Pb in YM coal was bound to carbonates, sulfides, sulfates, phosphates and oxides, 29% to aluminosilicates, 27% to disulfide species, and 8% to organic species. It was also found that the organic bound Pb was the most releasable while the aluminosilicates bound Pb was the least releasable. The effect of minerals of different sort on Pb release was also studied. The result showed that carbonates, sulfides, sulfates, phosphates and oxides, aluminosilicates and disulfides in YM coal could restrain Pb release during coal pyrolysis. The transformation of different forms of Pb mainly occurred at above 500 degrees C with other forms of Pb transformed to the aluminosilicates form and volatile phase.

Dissolution and precipitation behaviors of silicon-containing ceramic coating on Mg-Zn-Ca alloy in simulated body fluid.

PubMed

Pan, Yaokun; Chen, Chuanzhong; Wang, Diangang; Huang, Danlan

2014-10-01

We prepared Si-containing and Si-free coatings on Mg-1.74Zn-0.55Ca alloy by micro-arc oxidation. The dissolution and precipitation behaviors of Si-containing coating in simulated body fluid (SBF) were discussed. Corrosion products were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS). Electrochemical workstation, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES), flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and pH meter were employed to detect variations of electrochemical parameter and ions concentration respectively. Results indicate that the fast formation of calcium phosphates is closely related to the SiOx(n-) groups, which induce the heterogeneous nucleation of amorphous hydroxyapatite (HA) by sorption of calcium and phosphate ions. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Towards Synthesis and Usage of Actinide-Bearing REE Phosphate age Standards: A Progress Report

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pyle, J. M.; Cherniak, D. J.

2006-05-01

Electron microprobe (EMP) dates result from a concentration-time unit conversion, so use of a concentration- based (rather than isotope-ratio based) fictive age standard is warranted. This observation has motivated our mineral synthesis program, aimed at producing actinide-doped REE phosphate EMP dating standards that meet the following criteria: 1) known concentrations of U, Th, and Pb; 2) homogeneous intragrain distribution of all components; 3) of suitable size, either as a single-crystal or polycrystalline sintered ceramic. Single-crystal synthesis of actinide-doped LaPO4 by flux-growth methods results in disproportionation of lanthanide and flux, alkali, and actinide components into phosphate and oxide phases, respectively, and flux- growth methods were abandoned. Actinide-doped La phosphate is successfully prepared by high-T annealing and hydrothermal processing of microcrystalline phosphate; both homogeneity and charge-balance of (Ca, Th, Pb)-bearing LaPO4 increase with increasing solvent acidity during cold-seal hydrothermal synthesis. A combination of pressing and high-T (1400° C) sintering transforms fine-grained (0.1-10 μm) run- products to ceramic pellets with 90-95% theoretical density. Our most recent runs focused on a target composition of La80(CaTh)17(CaU)2(PbTh)1PO4 processed with 6% 2M HCl at 820° C, 0.75 kbar for 1 week. The run products are 0.1-2 μm crystals identified by XRD as La-actinide phosphate solid solution. 2 μm grains (N=16) give a composition (mean±2 sd) of La79.77(1.26)(CaTh)17.87(1.00)(CaU)1.53(0.42)(PbTh)0.82(0.09)PO4. Th (8.07-9.13 wt. %) is homogeneous at the level of analytical precision, and the Pb concentration range (3500-4350 ppm) is restricted relative to untreated precipitate. Uranium concentration values are more variable (6500-10000 ppm). This run yields a fictive age of 702±4 Ma (mean±2 se), compared to the fictive age of 794 Ma for the target composition.

Coaching Conversations in Early Childhood Programs: The Contributions of Coach and Coachee

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jayaraman, Gayatri; Marvin, Christine; Knoche, Lisa; Bainter, Sue

2015-01-01

Studies to date have linked early childhood (EC) coaching to child, family, and teacher outcomes but have not investigated "what" is happening in a coaching conversation. This exploratory study specifically unpacks nuances associated with the coaching conversation process and associations between the EC coaches' behaviors and coachees'…

Genetic Effects on Children's Conversational Language Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DeThorne, Laura S.; Petrill, Stephen A.; Hart, Sara A.; Channell, Ron W.; Campbell, Rebecca J.; Deater-Deckard, Kirby; Thompson, Lee Anne; Vanderbergh, David J.

2008-01-01

Purpose: The present study examined the extent of genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in children's conversational language use. Method: Behavioral genetic analyses focused on conversational measures and 2 standardized tests from 380 twins (M = 7.13 years) during the 2nd year of the Western Reserve Reading Project (S. A.…

Order and Disorder in Conversation: Encounters with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muller, Nicole; Guendouzi, Jacqueline A.

2005-01-01

After a brief introduction to Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT), its behavioral diagnostic symptom complex and a summary of communicative implications, we present data from two conversations involving participants with and without DAT. We discuss the concept of "order" in conversation, and the central importance of interactional monitoring.…

Effect of composition and temperature on the second harmonic generation in silver phosphate glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Konidakis, I.; Psilodimitrakopoulos, S.; Kosma, K.; Lemonis, A.; Stratakis, E.

2018-01-01

We herein employ nonlinear laser imaging microscopy to explicitly study the dynamics of second harmonic generation (SHG) in silver iodide phosphate glasses. While glasses of this family have gained extensive scientific attention over the years due to their superior conducting properties, considerably less attention has been paid to their unique nonlinear optical characteristics. In the present study, firstly, it is demonstrated that SHG signal intensity is enhanced upon increasing silver content due to the random formation of silver microstructures within the glass network. Secondly, the SHG temperature dynamics were explored near the glass transition temperature (Tg) regime, where significant glass relaxation phenomena occur. It is found that heating towards the Tg improves the SHG efficiency, whereas above Tg, the capacity of glasses to generate second harmonic radiation is drastically suppressed. The novel findings of this work are considered important in terms of the potential employment of these glasses for the realization of advanced photonic applications like optical-switches and wavelength conversion devices.

Characterization of human triosephosphate isomerase S-nitrosylation.

PubMed

Romero, Jorge Miguel; Carrizo, María Elena; Curtino, Juan Agustín

2018-07-01

Triosephosphate isomerase (TPI), the glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the isomerization of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P), has been frequently identified as a target of S-nitrosylation by proteomic studies. However, the effect of S-nitrosylation on its activity has only been explored in plants and algae. Here, we describe the in vitro S-nitrosylation of human TPI (hTPI), and the effect of the modification on its enzymatic parameters. NO-incorporation into the enzyme cysteine residues occurred by a time-dependent S-transnitrosylation from both, S-nitrosocysteine (CySNO) and S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), with CySNO being the more efficient NO-donor. Both X-ray crystal structure and mass spectrometry analyses showed that only Cys217 was S-nitrosylated. hTPI S-nitrosylation produced a 30% inhibition of the Vmax of the DHAP conversion to G3P, without affecting the Km for DHAP. This is the first study describing features of human TPI S-nitrosylation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Er3+ phosphate glass optical waveguide amplifiers at 1.5 μm on silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yingchao; Faber, Anne J.; de Waal, Henk

1996-01-01

RF-sputtering techniques were employed to produce Er-doped phosphate glass films on thermally oxidized silicon wafers. Film compositions were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. As-deposited films showed very low Er luminescence lifetimes. By postannealing of deposited films in pure oxygen, Er photoluminescence emission lifetime of the 4I13/2 - 4I15/2 transition could be increased from 1 - 2 ms to 8 - 9 ms. The long Er lifetime of the deposited films is very promising for achieving an optical gain. A dependence of measured lifetimes on pump power was observed which are related to a up-conversion quenching process. After postannealing, the sputtered waveguides showed relatively low attenuation loss at the potential pumping and signaling wavelengths. The loss spectrum from 700 nm to 1600 nm was measured by two-prism coupling. The films were easy to be patterned by lithography and ridge channel waveguides were developed by argon plasma etching.

Conversion of cassava wastes for biofertilizer production using phosphate solubilizing fungi.

PubMed

Ogbo, Frank C

2010-06-01

Two fungi characterized as Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger, isolated from decaying cassava peels were used to convert cassava wastes by the semi-solid fermentation technique to phosphate biofertilizer. The isolates solubilized Ca(3)(PO(4))(2), AlPO(4) and FePO(4) in liquid Pikovskaya medium, a process that was accompanied by acid production. Medium for the SSF fermentation was composed of 1% raw cassava starch and 3% poultry droppings as nutrients and 96% ground (0.5-1.5mm) dried cassava peels as carrier material. During the 14days fermentation, both test organisms increased in biomass in this medium as indicated by increases in phosphatase activity and drop in pH. Ground cassava peels satisfied many properties required of carrier material particularly in respect of the organisms under study. Biofertilizer produced using A. niger significantly (p<.05) improved the growth of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] in pot experiments but product made with A. fumigatus did not. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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

PubMed Central

Thai, Van Viet

2010-01-01

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

Surface modification study of borate materials from B K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasrai, Masoud; Fleet, Michael E.; Muthupari, Swaminathan; Li, D.; Bancroft, G. M.

The B K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectra of two borates with tetrahedrally-coordinated B [[4]B; natural danburite (CaB2Si2O8) and synthetic boron phosphate (BPO4)] have been recorded in total electron yield (TEY) and fluorescence yield (FY) modes to investigate the surface and bulk structure of these materials. The TEY XANES measurement shows that danburite is susceptible to surface damage involving conversion of [4]B sites to [3]B sites by reaction with moisture and/or mechanical abrasion (grinding, polishing, etc.). The bulk of the mineral is essentially unaffected. Commercial boron phosphate powder exhibits more extensive surface and bulk damage, which increases with air exposure but is recovered on heating at 650°C. In contrast to ELNES, the XANES technique is not affected by beam damage and when collected in the FY mode is capable of yielding meaningful information on the coordination and intermediate-range structure of B in borate and borosilicate materials.

Characterization of the terminal stages of chlorophyll (ide) synthesis in etioplast membrane preparations.

PubMed Central

Griffiths, W T

1975-01-01

1. Chlorophyll (ide) formation from protochlorophyll (ide) that is normally inactive was demonstrated in etioplast membranes isolated from maize and barlley plants, the process being dependent on intermittent illumination and the addition of NADPH. 2. The addition of NADPH to the membranes was shown to result in the conversion of inactive protochlorophyll (ide) absorbing at about 630 nm into a form(s) with light-absorption maxima at about 640 and 652 nm, both of which disappear when chlorophyll (ide) is formed on illumination. 3. The temperature-dependence of the activation process and its response to a variety of reagents were examined. From these, the conclusion is drawn that -SH groups are involved in the activation but in the active complex these are unavailable for reaction with -SH reagents. 4. Evidence is presented for the occurrence of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity within etioplasts and the suggestion is made that the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway can provide the NADPH required for chlorophyll biosynthesis during the early stages of greening. PMID:5998

A Janus cobalt-based catalytic material for electro-splitting of water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cobo, Saioa; Heidkamp, Jonathan; Jacques, Pierre-André; Fize, Jennifer; Fourmond, Vincent; Guetaz, Laure; Jousselme, Bruno; Ivanova, Valentina; Dau, Holger; Palacin, Serge; Fontecave, Marc; Artero, Vincent

2012-09-01

The future of energy supply depends on innovative breakthroughs regarding the design of cheap, sustainable and efficient systems for the conversion and storage of renewable energy sources. The production of hydrogen through water splitting seems a promising and appealing solution. We found that a robust nanoparticulate electrocatalytic material, H2-CoCat, can be electrochemically prepared from cobalt salts in a phosphate buffer. This material consists of metallic cobalt coated with a cobalt-oxo/hydroxo-phosphate layer in contact with the electrolyte and mediates H2 evolution from neutral aqueous buffer at modest overpotentials. Remarkably, it can be converted on anodic equilibration into the previously described amorphous cobalt oxide film (O2-CoCat or CoPi) catalysing O2 evolution. The switch between the two catalytic forms is fully reversible and corresponds to a local interconversion between two morphologies and compositions at the surface of the electrode. After deposition, the noble-metal-free coating thus functions as a robust, bifunctional and switchable catalyst.

An efficient preparation of isosteric phosphonate analogues of sphingolipids by opening of oxirane and cyclic sulfamidate intermediates with alpha-lithiated alkylphosphonic esters.

PubMed

Sun, Chaode; Bittman, Robert

2004-10-29

D-erythro-(2S,3R,4E)-Sphingosine-1-phosphonate (1), the isosteric phosphonate analogue of naturally occurring sphingosine 1-phosphate (1a), and D-ribo-phytosphingosine 1-phosphonate (2), the isosteric phosphonate analogue of D-ribo-phytosphingosine-1-phosphate (2a), were synthesized starting with methyl 2,3-O-isopropylidene-d-glycerate (4) and D-ribo-phytosphingosine (3), respectively. Oxirane 12 was formed in eight steps from 4, and cyclic sulfamidate 22 was formed in five steps from 3. The phosphonate group was introduced via regioselective ring-opening reactions of oxirane 12 and cyclic sulfamidate 22 with lithium dialkyl methylphosphonate, affording 13 and 23, respectively. The synthesis of 1 was completed by S(N)2 displacement of chloromesylate intermediate 14b with azide ion, followed by conversion of the resulting azido group to a NHBoc group and deprotection. The synthesis of 2 was completed by cleavage of the acetal, N-benzyl, and alkyl phosphonate ester groups.

Repercussion of Solid state vs. Liquid state synthesized p-n heterojunction RGO-copper phosphate on proton reduction potential in water.

PubMed

Samal, Alaka; Das, Dipti P; Madras, Giridhar

2018-02-13

The same copper phosphate catalysts were synthesized by obtaining the methods involving solid state as well as liquid state reactions in this work. And then the optimised p-n hybrid junction photocatalysts have been synthesized following the same solid/liquid reaction pathways. The synthesized copper phosphate photocatalyst has unique rod, flower, caramel-treat-like morphology. The Mott-Schottky behavior is in accordance with the expected behavior of n-type semiconductor and the carrier concentration was calculated using the M-S analysis for the photocatalyst. And for the p-n hybrid junction of 8RGO-Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 -PA (PA abbreviated for photoassisted synthesis method), 8RGO-Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 -EG(EG abbreviated for Ethylene Glycol based synthesis method), 8RGO-Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 -PEG (PEG abbreviated for Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol based synthesis method)the amount of H 2 synthesized was 7500, 6500 and 4500 µmol/h/g, respectively. The excited electrons resulting after the irradiation of visible light on the CB of p-type reduced graphene oxide (RGO) migrate easily to n-type Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 via. the p-n junction interfaces and hence great charge carrier separation was achieved.

In Vitro Release and Bioavailability of Silybin from Micelle-Templated Porous Calcium Phosphate Microparticles.

PubMed

Zhu, Yuan; Wang, Miaomiao; Zhang, Ya; Zeng, Jin; Omari-Siaw, E; Yu, Jiangnan; Xu, Ximing

2016-10-01

Developing a promising carrier for the delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as silybin, to improve oral absorption has become a very worthy of consideration. The goal of this study was to prepare a novel porous calcium phosphate microparticle using povidone-mixed micelles as template while evaluating its in vitro and in vivo properties with silybin as a model drug. The particle characterization, in vitro drug release behavior, and pharmacokinetic parameters of the prepared silybin-loaded calcium phosphate microparticle were investigated. The mean particle size was found to be 3.54 ± 0.32 μm with a rough surface porous structure. Additionally, the silybin-loaded calcium phosphate microparticle compared with the free silybin showed a prolonged 72-h release in vitro and a higher C max (418.5 ± 23.7 ng mL(-1)) with 167.5% oral relative bioavailability. A level A in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC), established for the first time, demonstrated an excellent IVIVC of the formulated silybin in oral administration. In conclusion, this povidone-mixed micelle-based microparticle was successfully prepared to enhance the oral bioavailability of silybin. Therefore, application of this novel porous calcium phosphate microparticle holds a significant potential for the development of poorly water-soluble drugs.

Advanced Zinc Phosphate Conversion and Pre-Ceramic Polymetallosiloxane Coatings for Corrosion Protection of Steel and Aluminum, and Characteristics of Polyphenyletheretherketone-Based Materials

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-09-24

which the trivalent ion is the principal oxidation state, preferentially reacts with hydroxylated organosilane to form the Al-O-Si linkage at a low... tig front the carboxylic acid, COOH, in the p(AA) [6j. The spectra for all of the cobalt- and nickel-incorporated Zn-Ph samples show a slight...to study bonding in chromium , manganese, iron, and cobalt compounds J Chem Phys 57 (1972) pp 973-982 1 1 Lindberg, B.J. et at. Molecular

How Mandated College Students Talk About Alcohol: Peer Communication Factors Associated with Drinking

PubMed Central

Carey, Kate B.; Lust, Sarah A.; Reid, Allecia E.; Kalichman, Seth C.; Carey, Michael P.

2015-01-01

Relatively little research has examined how peer communication influences alcohol consumption. In a sample of mandated college students, we differentiate conversations about drinking among from conversations about harm prevention and provide evidence for the validity of these communication constructs. Students who violated campus alcohol policies and were referred for alcohol sanctions (N = 345) reported on drinking patterns, use of protective behavioral strategies, perceived descriptive norms for close friends and serving as social leader among their friends; they also reported on the frequency of conversations about drinking, about drinking safety, and about risk reduction efforts. Predicted correlations were found among types of communication and conceptually related variables. General communication was related to consumption but not protective behavioral strategies, whereas safety/risk reduction conversations correlated positively with all protective behavioral strategies. Both types of communication were associated with social leadership. Safety communication moderated the relationship between peer descriptive norms and drinks per week; more frequent talking about safety attenuated the norms-consumption relationship. Peer communication about both drinking and safety may serve as targets for change in risk reduction interventions for mandated college students. PMID:26861808

Effects of surface treatments and bonding types on the interfacial behavior of fiber metal laminate based on magnesium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xi; Ma, Quanyang; Dai, Yu; Hu, Faping; Liu, Gang; Xu, Zouyuan; Wei, Guobing; Xu, Tiancai; Zeng, Qingwen; Xie, Weidong

2018-01-01

Fiber metal laminates based on magnesium alloys (MgFML) with different surface treatments and different bonding types were tested and analyzed. By using dynamic contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was found that phosphating treatment can significantly improve the surface energy and wettability of magnesium alloy, and the surface energy of phosphated magnesium alloy was approximately 50% higher than that of abraded-only magnesium alloy. The single cantilever beam (SCB) test showed that the interfacial fracture energies of directly bonded MgFMLs based on abraded-only magnesium and abraded + phosphated magnesium were 650 J/m2 and 1030 J/m2, respectively, whereas the interfacial fracture energies of indirectly bonded MgFMLs were 1650 J/m2 and 2260 J/m2, respectively. Phosphating treatment and modified polypropylene interleaf were observed to improve the tensile strength and interfacial fracture toughness of MgFML. In addition, the rougher surface was more conducive to enhance the bonding strength and interfacial fracture toughness of MgFML.

Parallel nano-assembling of a multifunctional GO/HapNP coating on ultrahigh-purity magnesium for biodegradable implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Santos, C.; Piedade, C.; Uggowitzer, P. J.; Montemor, M. F.; Carmezim, M. J.

2015-08-01

This work reports the one-step fabrication of a novel coating on ultra high purity magnesium using a parallel nano assembling process. The multifunctional biodegradable surface was obtained by adding hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HapNP) plus graphene oxide (GO). The coating was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy. The thin phosphate coating (thickness of 1 μm) reveals a uniform coverage with cypress like structures. The incorporation of HapNP and GO promotes the hydrophilic behavior of the coating surface. The results revealed that the proposed coating can be used to tailor the surface properties such as wettability by adjusting the contents of HapNP and GO. The in vitro degradation rate of the coated magnesium suggests that the presence of HapNP and GO/HapNP in the phosphate coating decreased the current density compared to the single phosphate coating and uncoated magnesium. This study also reveals the HapNP/GO/phosphate coating induces apatite formation, showing suitable degradability that makes it a promising coating candidate for enhanced bone regeneration.

Mobility of rare earth elements in mine drainage: Influence of iron oxides, carbonates, and phosphates.

PubMed

Edahbi, Mohamed; Plante, Benoît; Benzaazoua, Mostafa; Ward, Matthew; Pelletier, Mia

2018-05-01

The geochemical behavior of rare earth elements (REE) was investigated using weathering cells. The influence of sorption and precipitation on dissolved REE mobility and fractionation is evaluated using synthetic iron-oxides, carbonates, and phosphates. Sorption cell tests are conducted on the main lithologies of the expected waste rocks from the Montviel deposit. The sorbed materials are characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a microanalysis system (energy dispersive spectroscopy EDS) (SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) in order to understand the effect of the synthetic minerals on REE mobility. The results confirm that sorption and precipitation control the mobility and fractionation of REE. The main sorbent phases are the carbonates, phosphates (present as accessory minerals in the Montviel waste rocks), and iron oxides (main secondary minerals generated upon weathering of the Montviel lithologies). The XANES results show that REE are present as trivalent species after weathering. Thermodynamic equilibrium calculations results using Visual Minteq suggest that REE could precipitate as secondary phosphates (REEPO 4 ). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Revealing the arc dynamics in a gliding arc plasmatron: a better insight to improve CO2 conversion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramakers, Marleen; Medrano, Jose A.; Trenchev, Georgi; Gallucci, Fausto; Bogaerts, Annemie

2017-12-01

A gliding arc plasmatron (GAP) is very promising for CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals, but to further improve this important application, a better understanding of the arc behavior is indispensable. Therefore, we study here for the first time the dynamic arc behavior of the GAP by means of a high-speed camera, for different reactor configurations and in a wide range of operating conditions. This allows us to provide a complete image of the behavior of the gliding arc. More specifically, the arc body shape, diameter, movement and rotation speed are analyzed and discussed. Clearly, the arc movement and shape relies on a number of factors, such as gas turbulence, outlet diameter, electrode surface, gas contraction and buoyance force. Furthermore, we also compare the experimentally measured arc movement to a state-of-the-art 3D-plasma model, which predicts the plasma movement and rotation speed with very good accuracy, to gain further insight in the underlying mechanisms. Finally, we correlate the arc dynamics with the CO2 conversion and energy efficiency, at exactly the same conditions, to explain the effect of these parameters on the CO2 conversion process. This work is important for understanding and optimizing the GAP for CO2 conversion.

Bench-scale evaluation of ferrous iron oxidation kinetics in drinking water: effect of corrosion control and dissolved organic matter.

PubMed

Rahman, Safiur; Gagnon, Graham A

2014-01-01

Corrosion control strategies are important for many utilities in maintaining water quality from the water treatment plant to the customers' tap. In drinking water with low alkalinity, water quality can become significantly degraded in iron-based pipes if water utilities are not diligent in maintaining proper corrosion control. This article reports on experiments conducted in bicarbonate buffered (5 mg-C/L) synthetic water to determine the effects of corrosion control (pH and phosphate) and dissolved organic matter (DOM) on the rate constants of the Fe(II) oxidation process. A factorial design approach elucidated that pH (P = 0.007, contribution: 42.5%) and phosphate (P = 0.025, contribution: 22.7%) were the statistically significant factors in the Fe(II) oxidation process at a 95% confidence level. The comprehensive study revealed a significant dependency relationship between the Fe(II) oxidation rate constants (k) and phosphate-to- Fe(II) mole ratio. At pH 6.5, the optimum mole ratio was found to be 0.3 to reduce the k values. Conversely, the k values were observed to increase for the phosphate-to- Fe(II) mole ratio > 1. The factorial design approach revealed that chlorine and DOM for the designated dosages did not cause a statistically significant (α = 0.05, P > 0.05)change in rate constants. However, an increment of the chlorine to ferrous iron mole ratio by a factor of ∼ 2.5 resulted in an increase k values by a factor of ∼ 10. This study conclusively demonstrated that the lowest Fe(II) oxidation rate constant was obtained under low pH conditions (pH ≤ 6.5), with chlorine doses less than 2.2 mg/L and with a phosphate-to-Fe(II) mole ratio ≈ 0.3 in the iron water systems.

Proteotoxicity and the contrasting effects of oxaloacetate and glycerol on Caenorhabditis elegans life span: a role for methylglyoxal?

PubMed

Hipkiss, Alan R

2010-10-01

Because accumulation of altered proteins is the most common biochemical symptom of aging, it is at least possible that such proteotoxicity may cause aging and influence life span. The life span of the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans is strongly influenced by changes in the intracellular concentration of methylglyoxal (MG), a putative source of much age-related proteotoxicity and organelle, cellular, and molecular dysfunction. Glycerol has recently been shown to shorten, whereas oxaloacetate has been found to extend, life span in C. elegans. It is suggested here that glycerol and oxaloacetate exert opposing effects on MG formation in C. elegans. It is proposed that, if not secreted by aquaporin, glycerol is converted to glycerol phosphate and then to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) via a reaction requiring nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)). This inhibits operation of the glycerol phosphate cycle in which DHAP is converted into glycerol phosphate, which concomitantly regenerates NAD(+) from NADH, thereby ensuring glycolytic oxidation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P). Because DHAP and G3P spontaneously decompose into MG, and NAD(+) is required for conversion of G3P into phosphoglycerate, the glycerol-induced increased DHAP formation and decreased NAD(+) availability will increase the potential for MG generation. In contrast, oxaloacetate may decrease MG generation by stimulating the operation of the malate-oxaloacetate shuttle, in which oxaloacetate is converted to malate, which regenerates NAD(+) from NADH. By the ensuing G3P oxidation, increased NAD(+) availability will decrease the potential for MG formation. It should be noted that mitochondria are involved in the operation of the above cycle/shuttles and that increased NAD(+) availability also stimulates those sirtuin activities that increase mitogenesis and mitochondrial activity via effects on signal transduction and gene expression, which frequently accompany dietary restriction-induced life span extension.

Na(+) and Ca(2+) effect on the hydration and orientation of the phosphate group of DPPC at air-water and air-hydrated silica interfaces.

PubMed

Casillas-Ituarte, Nadia N; Chen, Xiangke; Castada, Hardy; Allen, Heather C

2010-07-29

Hydration and orientation of the phosphate group of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) monolayers in the liquid-expanded (LE) phase and the liquid-condensed (LC) phase in the presence of sodium ions and calcium ions was investigated with vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy at the air-aqueous interface in conjunction with surface pressure measurements. In the LE phase, both sodium and calcium affect the phosphate group hydration. In the LC phase, however, sodium ions affect the phosphate hydration subtly, while calcium ions cause a marked dehydration. Silica-supported DPPC monolayers prepared by the Langmuir-Blodgett method reveal similar hydration behavior relative to that observed in the corresponding aqueous subphase for the case of water and in the presence of sodium ions. However, in the presence of calcium ions the phosphate group dehydration is greater than that from the corresponding purely aqueous CaCl(2) subphase. The average tilt angles from the surface normal of the PO(2)(-) group of DPPC monolayers on the water surface and on the silica substrate calculated from SFG data are found to be 59 degrees +/- 3 degrees and 72 degrees +/- 5 degrees , respectively. Orientation of the phosphate group is additionally affected by the presence of ions. These findings show that extrapolation of results obtained from model membranes from liquid surfaces to solid supports may not be warranted since there are differences in headgroup organization on the two subphases.

Dynamics of metals in backfill of a phosphate mine of guiyang, China using a three-step sequential extraction technique.

PubMed

Shi, Ying; Gan, Lei; Li, Xibing; He, Suya; Sun, Cheng; Gao, Li

2018-02-01

Phosphate rock in Guiyang (Southwest of China) is used for the phosphate production, and hence generating a by-product phosphogypsum (PG). From 2007, part of the PG was used as main raw material for cemented backfill. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the geochemical evolution of metals before and after the PG inclusion into the backfill matrix. A sequential extraction procedure was selected to determine the chemical speciation of metals in phosphate rock, PG, binder and field backfill samples. Dynamics of metals going from phosphate rock and PG to backfill have been evaluated. The results showed that almost all the metals in the PG and binder had been effectively transferred to the backfill. Furthermore, compared to metals taken out along with phosphate rock exploitation, PG-based cemented backfill might bring some metals back but with only little metals in mobile fraction. Additionally, in order to determine the long-term behavior of metals in PG-based cemented backfill, the field samples which were backfilled from 2007 to 2016 were collected and analyzed. The results showed that total amounts of metals in backfill were all within similar range, indicating that the cemented PG backfill could be an effective method to solidify/stabilize metals in PG. Nevertheless, Due to the high water-soluble fractions detected, the concentrations of As, Mn and Zn should be continuously monitored. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Conversational Skills Instruction for Communication Apprehension and Avoidance: Evaluation of a Treatment Program.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Glaser, Susan R.; And Others

1983-01-01

Describes and evaluates a conversational skills program designed to teach apprehensive communicators how to develop comfortable and effective social behavior in a variety of interpersonal contexts. (PD)

Coordinated Interpersonal Timing in the Conversations of Children Who Stutter and Their Mothers and Fathers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Savelkoul, Eileen M.; Zebrowski, Patricia M.; Feldstein, Stanley; Cole-Harding, Shirley

2007-01-01

Coordinated interpersonal timing (CIT) is a measure of "conversational congruence," or "attunement," and refers to the degree to which the temporal aspects of the vocal behaviors of co-conversationalists are correlated over the course of a conversation [Jasnow, M., & Feldstein, S. (1986). "Adult-like temporal characteristics of mother-infant vocal…

Complexity matching in dyadic conversation.

PubMed

Abney, Drew H; Paxton, Alexandra; Dale, Rick; Kello, Christopher T

2014-12-01

Recent studies of dyadic interaction have examined phenomena of synchronization, entrainment, alignment, and convergence. All these forms of behavioral matching have been hypothesized to play a supportive role in establishing coordination and common ground between interlocutors. In the present study, evidence is found for a new kind of coordination termed complexity matching. Temporal dynamics in conversational speech signals were analyzed through time series of acoustic onset events. Timing in periods of acoustic energy was found to exhibit behavioral matching that reflects complementary timing in turn-taking. In addition, acoustic onset times were found to exhibit power law clustering across a range of timescales, and these power law functions were found to exhibit complexity matching that is distinct from behavioral matching. Complexity matching is discussed in terms of interactive alignment and other theoretical principles that lead to new hypotheses about information exchange in dyadic conversation and interaction in general. PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Aspects of conversational style—linguistic versus behavioral analysis

PubMed Central

Hall, Genae A.

1992-01-01

Skinner's functional analysis of verbal behavior has been contrasted with formal linguistic analysis which studies the grammatical structure and “meaning” of verbal response-products, regardless of the circumstances under which they are produced. Nevertheless, it appears that certain areas of linguistic analysis are not entirely structural. In her recent books That's Not What I Meant (1986) and You Just Don't Understand (1990), the linguist Deborah Tannen purports to explain how people exhibit different “conversation styles”—that is, how they speak and achieve effects on listeners in different ways. There are indications, however, that the linguistic model may not be the most functional and precise one that could be used in analyzing conversational style. This paper takes concepts presented in Deborah Tannen's book That's Not What I Meant (1986), analyzes them from a linguistic and a behavioral perspective, and compares the relative utility of the two approaches. PMID:22477048

Aspects of conversational style-linguistic versus behavioral analysis.

PubMed

Hall, G A

1992-01-01

Skinner's functional analysis of verbal behavior has been contrasted with formal linguistic analysis which studies the grammatical structure and "meaning" of verbal response-products, regardless of the circumstances under which they are produced. Nevertheless, it appears that certain areas of linguistic analysis are not entirely structural. In her recent books That's Not What I Meant (1986) and You Just Don't Understand (1990), the linguist Deborah Tannen purports to explain how people exhibit different "conversation styles"-that is, how they speak and achieve effects on listeners in different ways. There are indications, however, that the linguistic model may not be the most functional and precise one that could be used in analyzing conversational style. This paper takes concepts presented in Deborah Tannen's book That's Not What I Meant (1986), analyzes them from a linguistic and a behavioral perspective, and compares the relative utility of the two approaches.

Characterization of phosphorus leaching from phosphate waste rock in the Xiangxi River watershed, Three Gorges Reservoir, China.

PubMed

Jiang, Li-Guo; Liang, Bing; Xue, Qiang; Yin, Cheng-Wei

2016-05-01

Phosphate mining waste rocks dumped in the Xiangxi River (XXR) bay, which is the largest backwater zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR), are treated as Type I industry solid wastes by the Chinese government. To evaluate the potential pollution risk of phosphorus leaching from phosphate waste rocks, the phosphorus leaching behaviors of six phosphate waste rock samples with different weathering degrees under both neutral and acidic conditions were investigated using a series of column leaching experiments, following the Method 1314 standard of the US EPA. The results indicate that the phosphorus release mechanism is solubility-controlled. Phosphorus release from waste rocks increases as pH decreases. The phosphorus leaching concentration and cumulative phosphorus released in acidic leaching conditions were found to be one order of magnitude greater than that in neutral leaching conditions. In addition, the phosphorus was released faster during the period when environmental pH turned from weak alkalinity to slight acidity, with this accelerated release period appearing when L/S was in the range of 0.5-2.0 mL/g. In both neutral and acidic conditions, the average values of Total Phosphorus (TP), including orthophosphates, polyphosphates and organic phosphate, leaching concentration exceed the availability by regulatory (0.5 mg/L) in the whole L/S range, suggesting that the phosphate waste rocks stacked within the XXR watershed should be considered as Type II industry solid wastes. Therefore, the phosphate waste rocks deposited within the study area should be considered as phosphorus point pollution sources, which could threaten the adjacent surface-water environment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Late conversion from tacrolimus to a belatacept-based immuno-suppression regime in kidney transplant recipients improves renal function, acid-base derangement and mineral-bone metabolism.

PubMed

Schulte, Kevin; Vollmer, Clara; Klasen, Vera; Bräsen, Jan Hinrich; Püchel, Jodok; Borzikowsky, Christoph; Kunzendorf, Ulrich; Feldkamp, Thorsten

2017-08-01

Calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-induced nephrotoxicity and chronic graft dysfunction with deteriorating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are common problems of kidney transplant recipients. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of belatacept as a rescue therapy in these patients. In this retrospective, observational study we investigated 20 patients (10 females, 10 males) who were switched from a CNI (tacrolimus) to a belatacept-based immunosuppression because of CNI intolerance or marginal transplant function. Patient follow-up was 12 months. Patients were converted to belatacept in mean 28.8 months after transplantation. Reasons for conversion were CNI intolerance (14 patients) or marginal transplant function (6 patients). Mean estimated GFR (eGFR) before conversion was 22.2 ± 9.4 ml/min at baseline and improved significantly to 28.3 ± 10.1 ml/min at 4 weeks and to 32.1 ± 12.6 ml/min at 12 months after conversion. Serum bicarbonate significantly increased from 24.4 ± 3.2 mmol/l at baseline to 28.7 ± 2.6 mmol/l after 12 months. Conversion to belatacept decreased parathyroid hormone and phosphate concentrations significantly, whereas albumin levels significantly increased. In 6 cases an acute rejection preceded clinically relevant CNI toxicity; only two patients suffered from an acute rejection after conversion. Belatacept was well tolerated and there was no increase in infectious or malignant side effects. A late conversion from a tacrolimus-based immunosuppression to belatacept is safe, effective and significantly improves renal function in kidney transplant recipients. Additionally, the conversion to belatacept has a beneficial impact on acid-base balance, mineral-bone and protein metabolism, independently of eGFR.

Cooperative Games: A Way to Modify Aggressive and Cooperative Behaviors in Young Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bay-Hinitz, April K.; And Others

1994-01-01

Aggressive and cooperative behaviors of 70 preschool children were measured during game conditions and subsequent free-play periods. Cooperative behavior increased and aggression decreased during cooperative games and free play; conversely, competitive games were followed by increases in aggressive behavior and decreases in cooperative behavior.…

The real-world dose-relativity of sevelamer hydrochloride and lanthanum carbonate monotherapy in patients with end-stage renal disease.

PubMed

Wilson, Rosamund J; Keith, Michael S; Preston, Peter; Copley, J Brian

2013-12-01

Sevelamer hydrochloride (SH) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) are calcium-free phosphate binders used for the management of hyperphosphatemia in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the real-world dose-relativity between SH and LC monotherapy in US patients with ESRD. This was a post hoc analysis of a 16-week, real-world study (Vemuri et al. in BMC Nephrol 12:49, 2011) of the efficacy of conversion to LC monotherapy from other phosphate binders. The SH:LC dose-relativity ratio, based on the mean daily dose, was calculated in the subset of patients from the Vemuri study who converted from SH to LC monotherapy and had available SH and LC dose data. A total of 950 patients converted from SH to LC monotherapy and had recorded dose data. The post hoc analysis population comprised 691 patients with available dose data for both SH at baseline and LC at week 16. The mean (SD) serum phosphate level at baseline was 5.91 (1.66) mg/dL. After conversion to LC monotherapy for 16 weeks, the mean (SD) serum phosphate level was 5.93 (1.85) mg/dL. The mean (SD) daily baseline SH dose was 7,703 (3,642) mg and the mean (SD) daily LC dose at week 16 was 2,800 (939) mg (9.6 versus 2.8 tablets, respectively; P < 0.0001), resulting in a SH:LC dose-relativity ratio of 2.8. The median individual patient SH:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.6 (95% CI 2.6-2.8). Across baseline SH dose subgroups (2,400-4,800, >4,800-7,200, >7,200-9,600, and >9,600 mg/day), the mean daily SH dose was 4,051, 7,047, 9,253, and 13,150 mg, respectively. In comparison, the mean daily LC dose was 2,445-3,156 mg. Thus, patients requiring baseline SH doses >7,200 mg/day (41% of the analysis population) had higher SH:LC dose-relativity ratios of 3.1-4.2 (median individual patient ratios 3.1-4.0). In this post hoc analysis of real-world dose-relativity, the overall SH:LC dose-relativity ratio was 2.8 (median individual patient ratio 2.6 (95% CI 2.6-2.8). These findings are consistent with the World Health Organization-defined daily dose and previous studies of the relative phosphate binding capacity of the two drugs. Patients requiring SH doses >7,200 mg/day had higher SH:LC dose-relativities of 3.1-4.2 (median individual patient ratios 3.1-4.0). These findings have implications for the tablet burden and cost-effectiveness of SH and LC in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia.

[Cognitive-behavioral therapy of conversion aphonia].

PubMed

Kuljić, Blagoje

2004-01-01

Although a common disease, conversion disorder still calls attention in the clinical practice. A case of conversion disorder, diagnosed as a psychogenic aphonia that persisted for a week, was reported in this paper. A 21-year-old woman developed symptoms after breaking off a long-lasting relationship with her boy-friend. History revealed that she was introvert with high neuroticism and communication problems. Cognitive-behavioral therapy was used. After the positive reinforcement in the therapy of her aphonia, assertion training for the development of communication skills was performed. In the end, cognitive restructuring was used to prevent relapse in regard to her actual life situation of being a refugee preparing for immigration to Australia.

Synthetic octacalcium phosphate: a possible carrier for mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration.

PubMed

Suzuki, Osamu; Anada, Takahisa

2013-01-01

The present paper reviews biomaterial studies of synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) as a scaffold of osteoblastic cells. OCP crystals have been suggested to be one of precursor phases in hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal formation in bone and tooth. The recent intensive biomaterials and tissue engineering studies using synthetic OCP disclosed the potential function of OCP as a bioactive material as well as synthetic HA materials due to its highly osteoconductive and biodegradable properties. In vitro studies showed that OCP crystals exhibit a positive effect on osteoblastic cell differentiation. In vivo studies confirmed that the materials of OCP in a granule forms and OCP-based composite materials with natural polymers, such as gelatin and collagen, enhance bone regeneration if implanted in various model bone defects with critical-sized diameters, defined as a defect which does not heal spontaneously throughout the lifetime of the animals. One of particular characteristics of OCP, found as a mechanism to enhance bone regeneration in vivo, is a process of progressive conversion from OCP to HA at physiological conditions. The OCP-HA conversion is accompanied by progressive physicochemical changes of the material properties, which affects the tissue reaction around the crystals where osteoblastic cells are encountered. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded in an OCP-based material enhanced bone regeneration in the rat critical-sized calvaria defect more than that by the material alone. The overall results reveal that OCP crystals have an effect on osteoblastic cell differentiation including the differentiation of MSCs in vivo. The evidence collected experimentally in the laboratory was presented.

Metabolite profiling of bendamustine in urine of cancer patients after administration of [14C]bendamustine.

PubMed

Dubbelman, Anne-Charlotte; Jansen, Robert S; Rosing, Hilde; Darwish, Mona; Hellriegel, Edward; Robertson, Philmore; Schellens, Jan H M; Beijnen, Jos H

2012-07-01

Bendamustine is an alkylating agent consisting of a mechlorethamine derivative, a benzimidazole group, and a butyric acid substituent. A human mass balance study showed that bendamustine is extensively metabolized and subsequently excreted in urine. However, limited information is available on the metabolite profile of bendamustine in human urine. The objective of this study was to elucidate the metabolic pathways of bendamustine in humans by identification of its metabolites excreted in urine. Human urine samples were collected up to 168 h after an intravenous infusion of 120 mg/m(2) (80-95 μCi) [(14)C]bendamustine. Metabolites of [(14)C]bendamustine were identified using liquid chromatography (high-resolution)-tandem mass spectrometry with off-line radioactivity detection. Bendamustine and a total of 25 bendamustine-related compounds were detected. Observed metabolic conversions at the benzimidazole and butyric acid moiety were N-demethylation and γ-hydroxylation. In addition, various other combinations of these conversions with modifications at the mechlorethamine moiety were observed, including hydrolysis (the primary metabolic pathway), cysteine conjugation, and subsequent biotransformation to mercapturic acid and thiol derivatives, N-dealkylation, oxidation, and conjugation with phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid. Bendamustine-derived products containing phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid conjugates were also detected in control urine incubated with bendamustine. Metabolites that were excreted up to 168 h after the infusion included products of dihydrolysis and cysteine conjugation of bendamustine and γ-hydroxybendamustine. The range of metabolic reactions is generally consistent with those reported for rat urine and bile, suggesting that the overall processes involved in metabolic elimination are qualitatively the same in rats and humans.

Scaffoldless engineered enzyme assembly for enhanced methanol utilization

DOE PAGES

Price, J. Vincent; Chen, Long; Whitaker, W. Brian; ...

2016-10-24

Methanol is an important feedstock derived from natural gas and can be chemically converted into commodity and specialty chemicals at high pressure and temperature. Although biological conversion of methanol can proceed at ambient conditions, there is a dearth of engineered microorganisms that use methanol to produce metabolites. In nature, methanol dehydrogenase (Mdh), which converts methanol to formaldehyde, highly favors the reverse reaction. Thus, efficient coupling with the irreversible sequestration of formaldehyde by 3-hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (Hps) and 6-phospho-3-hexuloseisomerase (Phi) serves as the key driving force to pull the pathway equilibrium toward central metabolism. An emerging strategy to promote efficient substrate channelingmore » is to spatially organize pathway enzymes in an engineered assembly to provide kinetic driving forces that promote carbon flux in a desirable direction. Here, we report a scaffoldless, self-assembly strategy to organize Mdh, Hps, and Phi into an engineered supramolecular enzyme complex using an SH3–ligand interaction pair, which enhances methanol conversion to fructose-6-phosphate (F6P). To increase methanol consumption, an “NADH Sink” was created using Escherichia coli lactate dehydrogenase as an NADH scavenger, thereby preventing reversible formaldehyde reduction. Combination of the two strategies improved in vitro F6P production by 97-fold compared with unassembled enzymes. The beneficial effect of supramolecular enzyme assembly was also realized in vivo as the engineered enzyme assembly improved whole-cell methanol consumption rate by ninefold. This approach will ultimately allow direct coupling of enhanced F6P synthesis with other metabolic engineering strategies for the production of many desired metabolites from methanol.« less

Scaffoldless engineered enzyme assembly for enhanced methanol utilization

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

Price, J. Vincent; Chen, Long; Whitaker, W. Brian

Methanol is an important feedstock derived from natural gas and can be chemically converted into commodity and specialty chemicals at high pressure and temperature. Although biological conversion of methanol can proceed at ambient conditions, there is a dearth of engineered microorganisms that use methanol to produce metabolites. In nature, methanol dehydrogenase (Mdh), which converts methanol to formaldehyde, highly favors the reverse reaction. Thus, efficient coupling with the irreversible sequestration of formaldehyde by 3-hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (Hps) and 6-phospho-3-hexuloseisomerase (Phi) serves as the key driving force to pull the pathway equilibrium toward central metabolism. An emerging strategy to promote efficient substrate channelingmore » is to spatially organize pathway enzymes in an engineered assembly to provide kinetic driving forces that promote carbon flux in a desirable direction. Here, we report a scaffoldless, self-assembly strategy to organize Mdh, Hps, and Phi into an engineered supramolecular enzyme complex using an SH3–ligand interaction pair, which enhances methanol conversion to fructose-6-phosphate (F6P). To increase methanol consumption, an “NADH Sink” was created using Escherichia coli lactate dehydrogenase as an NADH scavenger, thereby preventing reversible formaldehyde reduction. Combination of the two strategies improved in vitro F6P production by 97-fold compared with unassembled enzymes. The beneficial effect of supramolecular enzyme assembly was also realized in vivo as the engineered enzyme assembly improved whole-cell methanol consumption rate by ninefold. This approach will ultimately allow direct coupling of enhanced F6P synthesis with other metabolic engineering strategies for the production of many desired metabolites from methanol.« less

Scaffoldless engineered enzyme assembly for enhanced methanol utilization

PubMed Central

Price, J. Vincent; Chen, Long; Whitaker, W. Brian; Papoutsakis, Eleftherios; Chen, Wilfred

2016-01-01

Methanol is an important feedstock derived from natural gas and can be chemically converted into commodity and specialty chemicals at high pressure and temperature. Although biological conversion of methanol can proceed at ambient conditions, there is a dearth of engineered microorganisms that use methanol to produce metabolites. In nature, methanol dehydrogenase (Mdh), which converts methanol to formaldehyde, highly favors the reverse reaction. Thus, efficient coupling with the irreversible sequestration of formaldehyde by 3-hexulose-6-phosphate synthase (Hps) and 6-phospho-3-hexuloseisomerase (Phi) serves as the key driving force to pull the pathway equilibrium toward central metabolism. An emerging strategy to promote efficient substrate channeling is to spatially organize pathway enzymes in an engineered assembly to provide kinetic driving forces that promote carbon flux in a desirable direction. Here, we report a scaffoldless, self-assembly strategy to organize Mdh, Hps, and Phi into an engineered supramolecular enzyme complex using an SH3–ligand interaction pair, which enhances methanol conversion to fructose-6-phosphate (F6P). To increase methanol consumption, an “NADH Sink” was created using Escherichia coli lactate dehydrogenase as an NADH scavenger, thereby preventing reversible formaldehyde reduction. Combination of the two strategies improved in vitro F6P production by 97-fold compared with unassembled enzymes. The beneficial effect of supramolecular enzyme assembly was also realized in vivo as the engineered enzyme assembly improved whole-cell methanol consumption rate by ninefold. This approach will ultimately allow direct coupling of enhanced F6P synthesis with other metabolic engineering strategies for the production of many desired metabolites from methanol. PMID:27791059

A Set of Activators and Repressors Control Peripheral Glucose Pathways in Pseudomonas putida To Yield a Common Central Intermediate▿

PubMed Central

del Castillo, Teresa; Duque, Estrella; Ramos, Juan L.

2008-01-01

Pseudomonas putida KT2440 channels glucose to the central Entner-Doudoroff intermediate 6-phosphogluconate through three convergent pathways. The genes for these convergent pathways are clustered in three independent regions on the host chromosome. A number of monocistronic units and operons coexist within each of these clusters, favoring coexpression of catabolic enzymes and transport systems. Expression of the three pathways is mediated by three transcriptional repressors, HexR, GnuR, and PtxS, and by a positive transcriptional regulator, GltR-2. In this study, we generated mutants in each of the regulators and carried out transcriptional assays using microarrays and transcriptional fusions. These studies revealed that HexR controls the genes that encode glucokinase/glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase that yield 6-phosphogluconate; the genes for the Entner-Doudoroff enzymes that yield glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate and pyruvate; and gap-1, which encodes glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. GltR-2 is the transcriptional regulator that controls specific porins for the entry of glucose into the periplasmic space, as well as the gtsABCD operon for glucose transport through the inner membrane. GnuR is the repressor of gluconate transport and gluconokinase responsible for the conversion of gluconate into 6-phosphogluconate. PtxS, however, controls the enzymes for oxidation of gluconate to 2-ketogluconate, its transport and metabolism, and a set of genes unrelated to glucose metabolism. PMID:18245293

Quantitative Conversion of Phytate to Inorganic Phosphorus in Soybean Seeds Expressing a Bacterial Phytase1[OA

PubMed Central

Bilyeu, Kristin D.; Zeng, Peiyu; Coello, Patricia; Zhang, Zhanyuan J.; Krishnan, Hari B.; Bailey, April; Beuselinck, Paul R.; Polacco, Joe C.

2008-01-01

Phytic acid (PA) contains the major portion of the phosphorus in the soybean (Glycine max) seed and chelates divalent cations. During germination, both minerals and phosphate are released upon phytase-catalyzed degradation of PA. We generated a soybean line (CAPPA) in which an Escherichia coli periplasmic phytase, the product of the appA gene, was expressed in the cytoplasm of developing cotyledons. CAPPA exhibited high levels of phytase expression, ≥90% reduction in seed PA, and concomitant increases in total free phosphate. These traits were stable, and, although resulted in a trend for reduced emergence and a statistically significant reduction in germination rates, had no effect on the number of seeds per plant or seed weight. Because phytate is not digested by monogastric animals, untreated soymeal does not provide monogastrics with sufficient phosphorus and minerals, and PA in the waste stream leads to phosphorus runoff. The expression of a cytoplasmic phytase in the CAPPA line therefore improves phosphorus availability and surpasses gains achieved by other reported transgenic and mutational strategies by combining in seeds both high phytase expression and significant increases in available phosphorus. Thus, in addition to its value as a high-phosphate meal source, soymeal from CAPPA could be used to convert PA of admixed meals, such as cornmeal, directly to utilizable inorganic phosphorus. PMID:18162589

The Formation Mechanism and Corrosion Resistance of a Composite Phosphate Conversion Film on AM60 Alloy

PubMed Central

Lan, Xiangna; Wang, Chao; Zhang, Qinyong

2018-01-01

Magnesium alloy AM60 has high duc and toughness, which is expected to increase in demand for automotive applications. However, it is too active, and coatings have been extensively studied to prevent corrosion. In this work, a Ba-containing composite phosphate film has been prepared on the surface of AM60. The composition and formation mechanism of the film have been investigated using a scanning electronic microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry tests. The corrosion resistance of the film has been measured by electrochemical and immersion tests. The results show that the deposition film has fully covered the substrate but there are some micro-cracks. The structure of the film is complex, and consists of MgHPO4·3H2O, MnHPO4·2.25H2O, BaHPO4·3H2O, BaMg2(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2·22H2O, Ca3(PO4)2·xH2O, and some amorphous phases. The composite phosphate film has better anticorrosion performance than the AM60 and can protect the bare alloy from corrosion for more than 12 h in 0.6 M NaCl. PMID:29518038

Clinical and pharmacokinetic overview of parenteral etoposide phosphate.

PubMed

Schacter, L P; Igwemezie, L N; Seyedsadr, M; Morgenthien, E; Randolph, J; Albert, E; Santabárbara, P

1994-01-01

Etoposide phosphate (Etopophos, BMY-40481) is a water-soluble derivative of the widely used podophyllotoxin etoposide (VP-16). The phosphate ester renders the compound water-soluble, eliminating the need for formulation in polysorbate (Tween) 80, ethanol, and polyethylene glycol. As a result the compound can be given at high concentrations and as a bolus. In animals and in vitro, etoposide phosphate (EP) is rapidly and completely converted to VP-16. Clinical development of the i.v. formulation has focused on the identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug using a 5 daily dose schedule and a days 1, 3, and 5 schedule, with the drug being given over 30 or 5 (bolus) min. Myelosuppression was dose-limiting. Data from these trials show the rapid and complete conversion of EP to VP-16, a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship for myelosuppression and exposure to VP-16, and an MTD of 100 and 150 mg/m2 (molar equivalent to VP-16) when EP is given daily for 5 days and on days 1, 3, and 5, respectively. A formal randomized trial has been conducted to show the pharmacokinetic comparability of EP and VP-16. In this trial, exposure to VP-16 was the same after the parenteral administration of equimolar doses of EP or VP-16. The feasibility of bolus dosing and treatment at high concentrations has been demonstrated, with no effects on the cardiovascular system being noted. Parenteral EP is pharmacokinetically and biologically equivalent to VP-16 and has the advantages of the elimination of potentially toxic excipients; more convenient administration; and ability to be given as a bolus, at high concentrations, and as a continuous infusion.

Fermentation of Xylose Causes Inefficient Metabolic State Due to Carbon/Energy Starvation and Reduced Glycolytic Flux in Recombinant Industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae

PubMed Central

Matsushika, Akinori; Nagashima, Atsushi; Goshima, Tetsuya; Hoshino, Tamotsu

2013-01-01

In the present study, comprehensive, quantitative metabolome analysis was carried out on the recombinant glucose/xylose-cofermenting S. cerevisiae strain MA-R4 during fermentation with different carbon sources, including glucose, xylose, or glucose/xylose mixtures. Capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to determine the intracellular pools of metabolites from the central carbon pathways, energy metabolism pathways, and the levels of twenty amino acids. When xylose instead of glucose was metabolized by MA-R4, glycolytic metabolites including 3- phosphoglycerate, 2- phosphoglycerate, phosphoenolpyruvate, and pyruvate were dramatically reduced, while conversely, most pentose phosphate pathway metabolites such as sedoheptulose 7- phosphate and ribulose 5-phosphate were greatly increased. These results suggest that the low metabolic activity of glycolysis and the pool of pentose phosphate pathway intermediates are potential limiting factors in xylose utilization. It was further demonstrated that during xylose fermentation, about half of the twenty amino acids declined, and the adenylate/guanylate energy charge was impacted due to markedly decreased adenosine triphosphate/adenosine monophosphate and guanosine triphosphate/guanosine monophosphate ratios, implying that the fermentation of xylose leads to an inefficient metabolic state where the biosynthetic capabilities and energy balance are severely impaired. In addition, fermentation with xylose alone drastically increased the level of citrate in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and increased the aromatic amino acids tryptophan and tyrosine, strongly supporting the view that carbon starvation was induced. Interestingly, fermentation with xylose alone also increased the synthesis of the polyamine spermidine and its precursor S-adenosylmethionine. Thus, differences in carbon substrates, including glucose and xylose in the fermentation medium, strongly influenced the dynamic metabolism of MA-R4. These results provide a metabolic explanation for the low ethanol productivity on xylose compared to glucose. PMID:23874849

Quantification of octacalcium phosphate, authigenic apatite and detrital apatite in coastal sediments using differential dissolution and standard addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxmann, J. F.; Schwendenmann, L.

2014-06-01

Knowledge of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) solubility is crucial for understanding temporal and spatial variations of phosphorus (P) concentrations in water bodies and sedimentary reservoirs. In situ relationships between liquid- and solid-phase levels cannot be fully explained by dissolved analytes alone and need to be verified by determining particular sediment P species. Lack of quantification methods for these species limits the knowledge of the P cycle. To address this issue, we (i) optimized a specifically developed conversion-extraction (CONVEX) method for P species quantification using standard additions, and (ii) simultaneously determined solubilities of Ca-P standards by measuring their pH-dependent contents in the sediment matrix. Ca-P minerals including various carbonate fluorapatite (CFAP) specimens from different localities, fluorapatite (FAP), fish bone apatite, synthetic hydroxylapatite (HAP) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR and elemental analysis. Sediment samples were incubated with and without these reference minerals and then sequentially extracted to quantify Ca-P species by their differential dissolution at pH values between 3 and 8. The quantification of solid-phase phosphates at varying pH revealed solubilities in the following order: OCP > HAP > CFAP (4.5% CO3) > CFAP (3.4% CO3) > CFAP (2.2% CO3) > FAP. Thus, CFAP was less soluble in sediment than HAP, and CFAP solubility increased with carbonate content. Unspiked sediment analyses together with standard addition analyses indicated consistent differential dissolution of natural sediment species vs. added reference species and therefore verified the applicability of the CONVEX method in separately determining the most prevalent Ca-P minerals. We found surprisingly high OCP contents in the coastal sediments analyzed, which supports the hypothesis of apatite formation by an OCP precursor mechanism.

Quantification of octacalcium phosphate, authigenic apatite and detrital apatite in coastal sediments using differential dissolution and standard addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oxmann, J. F.; Schwendenmann, L.

2014-01-01

Knowledge of calcium phosphate (Ca-P) solubility is crucial for understanding temporal and spatial variations of phosphorus (P) concentrations in water bodies and sedimentary reservoirs. In-situ relationships between liquid and solid-phase levels cannot be fully explained by dissolved analytes alone and need to be verified by determination of particular sediment P species. Lack of quantification methods for these species limits the knowledge of the P cycle. To address this issue, we (i) optimized a specifically developed conversion-extraction (CONVEX) method for P species quantification using standard additions; and (ii) simultaneously determined solubilities of Ca-P standards by measuring their pH-dependent contents in the sediment matrix. Ca-P minerals including various carbonate fluorapatite (CFAP) specimens from different localities, fluorapatite (FAP), fish bone apatite, synthetic hydroxylapatite (HAP) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were characterized by XRD, Raman, FTIR and elemental analysis. Sediment samples were incubated with and without these reference minerals and then sequentially extracted to quantify Ca-P species by their differential dissolution at pH values between 3 and 8. The quantification of solid-phase phosphates at varying pH revealed solubilities in the following order: OCP > HAP > CFAP (4.5% CO3) > CFAP (3.4% CO3) > CFAP (2.2% CO3) > FAP. Thus, CFAP was less soluble in sediment than HAP, and CFAP solubility increased with carbonate content. Unspiked sediment analyses together with standard addition analyses indicated consistent differential dissolution of natural sediment species vs. added reference species and therefore verified the applicability of the CONVEX method in separately determining the most prevalent Ca-P minerals. We found surprisingly high OCP contents in the analyzed coastal sediments which supports the hypothesis of apatite formation by an OCP precursor.

Silver-Doped Calcium Phosphate Bone Cements with Antibacterial Properties

PubMed Central

Rau, J. V.; Fosca, M.; Graziani, V.; Egorov, A. A.; Zobkov, Yu. V.; Fedotov, A. Yu.; Ortenzi, M.; Caminiti, R.; Baranchikov, A. E.; Komlev, V. S.

2016-01-01

Calcium phosphate bone cements (CPCs) with antibacterial properties are demanded for clinical applications. In this study, we demonstrated the use of a relatively simple processing route based on preparation of silver-doped CPCs (CPCs-Ag) through the preparation of solid dispersed active powder phase. Real-time monitoring of structural transformations and kinetics of several CPCs-Ag formulations (Ag = 0 wt %, 0.6 wt % and 1.0 wt %) was performed by the Energy Dispersive X-ray Diffraction technique. The partial conversion of β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) phase into the dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) took place in all the investigated cement systems. In the pristine cement powders, Ag in its metallic form was found, whereas for CPC-Ag 0.6 wt % and CPC-Ag 1.0 wt % cements, CaAg(PO3)3 was detected and Ag (met.) was no longer present. The CPC-Ag 0 wt % cement exhibited a compressive strength of 6.5 ± 1.0 MPa, whereas for the doped cements (CPC-Ag 0.6 wt % and CPC-Ag 1.0 wt %) the reduced values of the compressive strength 4.0 ± 1.0 and 1.5 ± 1.0 MPa, respectively, were detected. Silver-ion release from CPC-Ag 0.6 wt % and CPC-Ag 1.0 wt % cements, measured by the Atomic Emission Spectroscopy, corresponds to the average values of 25 µg/L and 43 µg/L, respectively, rising a plateau after 15 days. The results of the antibacterial test proved the inhibitory effect towards pathogenic Escherichia coli for both CPC-Ag 0.6 wt % and CPC-Ag 1.0 wt % cements, better performances being observed for the cement with a higher Ag-content. PMID:27096874

Calcium-phosphate and parathyroid intradialytic profiles: A potential aid for tailoring the dialysate calcium content of patients on different hemodialysis schedules.

PubMed

Ferraresi, Martina; Pia, Anna; Guzzo, Gabriella; Vigotti, Federica Neve; Mongilardi, Elena; Nazha, Marta; Aroasio, Emiliano; Gonella, Cinzia; Avagnina, Paolo; Piccoli, Giorgina Barbara

2015-10-01

Severe hyperparathyroidism is a challenge on hemodialysis. The definition of dialysate calcium (Ca) is a pending issue with renewed importance in cases of individualized dialysis schedules and of portable home dialysis machines with low-flow dialysate. Direct measurement of calcium mass transfer is complex and is imprecisely reflected by differences in start-to-end of dialysis Ca levels. The study was performed in a dialysis unit dedicated to home hemodialysis and to critical patients with wide use of daily and tailored schedules. The Ca-phosphate (P)-parathyroid hormone (PTH) profile includes creatinine, urea, total and ionized Ca, albumin, sodium, potassium, P, PTH levels at start, mid, and end of dialysis. "Severe" secondary hyperparathyroidism was defined as PTH > 300 pg/mL for ≥3 months. Four schedules were tested: conventional dialysis (polysulfone dialyzer 1.8-2.1 m(2) ), with dialysate Ca 1.5 or 1.75 mmol/L, NxStage (Ca 1.5 mmol/L), and NxStage plus intradialytic Ca infusion. Dosages of vitamin D, calcium, phosphate binders, and Ca mimetic agents were adjusted monthly. Eighty Ca-P-PTH profiles were collected in 12 patients. Serum phosphate was efficiently reduced by all techniques. No differences in start-to-end PTH and Ca levels on dialysis were observed in patients with PTH levels < 300 pg/mL. Conversely, Ca levels in "severe" secondary hyperparathyroid patients significantly increased and PTH decreased during dialysis on all schedules except on Nxstage (P < 0.05). Our data support the need for tailored dialysate Ca content, even on "low-flow" daily home dialysis, in "severe" secondary hyperparathyroid patients in order to increase the therapeutic potentials of the new dialysis techniques. © 2015 International Society for Hemodialysis.

Ultraviolet and infrared absorption spectra of Cr2O3 doped-sodium metaphosphate, lead metaphosphate and zinc metaphosphate glasses and effects of gamma irradiation: a comparative study.

PubMed

Marzouk, M A; ElBatal, F H; Abdelghany, A M

2013-10-01

The effects of gamma irradiation on spectral properties of Cr2O3-doped phosphate glasses of three varieties, namely sodium metaphosphate, lead metaphosphate and zinc metaphosphate have been investigated. Optical spectra of the undoped samples reveal strong UV absorption bands which are attributed to the presence of trace iron impurities in both the sodium and zinc phosphate glasses while the lead phosphate glass exhibits broad UV near visible bands due to combined absorption of both trace iron impurities and divalent lead ions. The effect of chromium oxide content has been investigated. The three different Cr2O3-doped phosphate glasses reveal spectral visible bands varying in their position and intensity and splitting due to the different field strengths of the Na(+), Pb(2+), Zn(2+) cations, together with the way they are housed in the network and their effects on the polarisability of neighboring oxygens ligands. The effects of gamma irradiation on the optical spectral properties of the various glasses have been compared. The different effects for lead and zinc phosphate are related to the ability of Pb(2+), and Zn(2+) to form additional structural units causing stability of the network towards gamma irradiation. Also, the introduction of the transition metal chromium ions reveals some shielding behavior towards irradiation. Infrared absorption spectra of the three different base phosphate glasses show characteristic vibrations due to various phosphate groups depending on the type of glass and Cr2O3 is observed to slightly affect the IR spectra. Gamma irradiation causes minor variations in some of the intensities of the IR spectra but the main characteristic bands due to phosphate groups remain in their number and position. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnesium substitution in the structure of orthopedic nanoparticles: A comparison between amorphous magnesium phosphates, calcium magnesium phosphates, and hydroxyapatites.

PubMed

Nabiyouni, Maryam; Ren, Yufu; Bhaduri, Sarit B

2015-01-01

As biocompatible materials, magnesium phosphates have received a lot of attention for orthopedic applications. During the last decade multiple studies have shown advantages for magnesium phosphate such as lack of cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, strong mechanical properties, and high biodegradability. The present study investigates the role of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions in the structure of magnesium phosphate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles. To directly compare the effect of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions on structure of nanoparticles and their biological behavior, three groups of nanoparticles including amorphous magnesium phosphates (AMPs) which release Mg(+2), calcium magnesium phosphates (CMPs) which release Mg(+2) and Ca(+2), and hydroxyapatites (HAs) which release Ca(+2) were studied. SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR were used to evaluate the morphology, crystallinity, and chemical properties of the particles. AMP particles were homogeneous nanospheres, whereas CMPs were combinations of heterogeneous nanorods and nanospheres, and HAs which contained heterogeneous nanosphere particles. Cell compatibility was monitored in all groups to determine the cytotoxicity effect of particles on studied MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. AMPs showed significantly higher attachment rate than the HAs after 1 day and both AMPs and CMPs showed significantly higher proliferation rate when compared to HAs after 7days. Gene expression level of osteoblastic markers ALP, COL I, OCN, OPN, RUNX2 were monitored and they were normalized to GAPDH housekeeping gene. Beta actin expression level was monitored as the second housekeeping gene to confirm the accuracy of results. In general, AMPs and CMPs showed higher expression level of osteoblastic genes after 7 days which can further confirm the stimulating role of Mg(+2) and Ca(+2) ions in increasing the proliferation rate, differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Talking theory of mind talk: young school-aged children's everyday conversation and understanding of mind and emotion.

PubMed

De Rosnay, Marc; Fink, Elian; Begeer, Sander; Slaughter, Virginia; Peterson, Candida

2014-09-01

Links between young children's everyday use of mindful conversational skills and their success on laboratory tests of theory of mind understanding (ToM) were evaluated. Using published scales, teachers rated the conversational behavior and shyness of 129 children aged 60 to 101 months (M = 78·8 months) who were in their first years of primary school. The children also took batteries of first- and second-order false-belief tests along with tests of emotion understanding and general language ability. Correlational and regression analyses showed that performance on false-belief tests of ToM significantly predicted children's competence at reading others' minds in their everyday conversational interactions. Furthermore, these links transcended individual differences in language ability, shy personality, emotion understanding, and age. These findings augment and extend a growing body of evidence linking performance on laboratory ToM tests to socially competent real-world behavior.

Facile formation of 2D Co2P@Co3O4 microsheets through in-situ toptactic conversion and surface corrosion: Bifunctional electrocatalysts towards overall water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Lihua; Zhang, Nan; Wang, Yin; Ni, Yuanman; Yan, Dongpeng; Hu, Changwen

2018-01-01

Exploring efficient non-precious electrocatalysts for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for many renewable energy conversion processes. In this work, we report that 2D Co2P@Co3O4 microsheets can be prepared through an in-situ toptactic conversion from single-crystal β-Co(OH)2 microplatelets, associated with a surface phosphatization and corrosion process. The resultant Co2P@Co3O4 2D hybrid materials can further serve as self-supported bifunctional catalytic electrodes to drive the overall water splitting for HER and OER simultaneously, with low overpotentials and high long-term stability. Furthermore, a water electrolyzer based on Co2P@Co3O4 hybrid as both anode and cathode is fabricated, which achieves 10 mA cm-2 current at only 1.57 V during water splitting process. Therefore, this work provides a facile strategy to obtain 2D Co2P-based micro/nanostructures, which act as low-cost and highly active electrocatalysts towards overall water splitting application.

Preparation and bioactive properties of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite thin films obtained by conversion of atomic layer deposited calcium carbonate.

PubMed

Holopainen, Jani; Kauppinen, Kyösti; Mizohata, Kenichiro; Santala, Eero; Mikkola, Esa; Heikkilä, Mikko; Kokkonen, Hanna; Leskelä, Markku; Lehenkari, Petri; Tuukkanen, Juha; Ritala, Mikko

2014-09-01

Nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite thin films were fabricated on silicon and titanium by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of CaCO3 and its subsequent conversion to hydroxyapatite by diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP) solution. The effects of conversion process parameters to crystallinity and morphology of the films were examined. DAP concentration was found to be critical in controlling the crystal size and homogeneity of the films. The hydroxyapatite phase was identified by XRD. ToF-elastic recoil detection analysis studies revealed that the films are calcium deficient in relation to hydroxyapatite with a Ca/P ratio of 1.39 for films converted with 0.2 M DAP at 95 °C. The coatings prepared on titanium conformally follow the rough surface topography of the substrate, verifying that the good step coverage of the ALD method was maintained in the conversion process. The dissolution tests revealed that the coating was nondissolvable in the cell culture medium. Annealing the coated sample at 700 °C for 1 h seemed to enhance its bonding properties to the substrate. Also, the biocompatibility of the coatings was confirmed by human bone marrow derived cells in vitro. The developed method provides a new possibility to produce thin film coatings on titanium implants with bone-type hydroxyapatite that is biocompatible with human osteoblasts and osteoclasts.

Use of enzyme inhibitors to evaluate the conversion pathways of ester and amide prodrugs: a case study example with the prodrug ceftobiprole medocaril.

PubMed

Eichenbaum, Gary; Skibbe, Jennifer; Parkinson, Andrew; Johnson, Mark D; Baumgardner, Dawn; Ogilvie, Brian; Usuki, Etsuko; Tonelli, Fred; Holsapple, Jeff; Schmitt-Hoffmann, Anne

2012-03-01

An approach was developed that uses enzyme inhibitors to support the assessment of the pathways that are responsible for the conversion of intravenously administered ester and amide prodrugs in different biological matrices. The methodology was applied to ceftobiprole medocaril (BAL5788), the prodrug of the cephalosporin antibiotic, ceftobiprole. The prodrug was incubated in plasma, postmitochondrial supernatant fractions from human liver (impaired and nonimpaired), kidney, and intestine as well as erythrocytes, in the presence and absence of different enzyme inhibitors (acetylcholinesterase, pseudocholinesterase, retinyl palmitoyl hydrolase, serine esterases, amidases, and cholinesterase). Hydrolysis was rapid, extensive, and not dependent on the presence of β-nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (reduced form) in all matrices tested, suggesting the involvement of carboxylesterases but not P450 enzymes. Hydrolysis in healthy human plasma was rapid and complete and only partially inhibited in the presence of paraoxonase inhibitors or in liver from hepatic impaired patients, suggesting involvement of nonparaoxonase pathways. The results demonstrate the utility of this approach in confirming the presence of multiple conversion pathways of intravenously administered prodrugs and in the case of BAL5788 demonstrated that this prodrug is unlikely to be affected by genetic polymorphisms, drug interactions, or other environmental factors that might inhibit or induce the enzymes involved in its conversion. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fleet Conversion in Local Government: Determinants of Driver Fuel Choice for Bi-Fuel Vehicles

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Johns, Kimberly D.; Khovanova, Kseniya M.; Welch, Eric W.

2009-01-01

This study evaluates the conversion of one local government's fleet from gasoline to bi-fuel E-85, compressed natural gas, and liquid propane gas powered vehicles at the midpoint of a 10-year conversion plan. This study employs a behavioral model based on the theory of reasoned action to explore factors that influence an individual's perceived and…

Adsorption of glyphosate on variable-charge, volcanic ash-derived soils.

PubMed

Cáceres-Jensen, L; Gan, J; Báez, M; Fuentes, R; Escudey, M

2009-01-01

Glyphosate (N-phosphonometylglycine) is widely used due to its broad spectrum of activity and nonselective mode of action. In Chile it is the most used herbicide, but its adsorption behavior in the abundant and widespread variable charge soils is not well understood. In this study, three volcanic ash-derived soils were selected, including Andisols (Nueva Braunau and Diguillin) and Ultisols (Collipulli), to evaluate the adsorption kinetics, equilibrium isotherms, and the effect of pH in glyphosate adsorption. The influence of glyphosate on soil phosphorus retention was also studied. Glyphosate was rapidly and strongly adsorbed on the selected soils, and adsorption isotherms were well described by the Freundlich relationship with strong nonlinearity (n(fads) < 0.5). The n(fads) values were consistently higher than n(fdes) values, suggesting strong hysteresis. Adsorption (K(ads)) increased strongly when pH decreased. The presence of glyphosate (3200 mug mL(-1)) changed the adsorption behavior of phosphate at its maximum adsorption capacity. Andisol soils without the addition of glyphosate had similar mean K(ads) values for Nueva Braunau (5.68) and Diguillin (7.38). Collipulli had a mean K(ads) value of 31.58. During the successive desorption steps, glyphosate at the highest level increased K(ads) values for phosphate in the Andisol soils but had little effect in the Ultisol soil. This different behavior was probably due to the irreversible occupation of some adsorption sites by glyphosate in the Ultisol soil attributed to the dominant Kaolinite mineral. Results from this study suggest that in the two types of volcanic soils, different mechanisms are involved in glyphosate and phosphate adsorption and that long-term use of glyphosate may impose different effects on the retention and availability of phosphorus. Volcanic ash-derived soils have a particular environmental behavior in relation to the retention of organic contaminants, representing an environmental substrate that may become highly polluted over time due to intensive agronomic uses.

Putting Laughter in Context: Shared Laughter as Behavioral Indicator of Relationship Well-Being

PubMed Central

Kurtz, Laura E.; Algoe, Sara B.

2015-01-01

Laughter is a pervasive human behavior that most frequently happens in a social context. However, data linking the behavior of laughter with psychological or social outcomes is exceptionally rare. Here, we draw attention to shared laughter as a useful objective marker of relationship well-being. Spontaneously-generated laughs of 71 heterosexual romantic couples were coded from a videorecorded conversation about how the couple first met. Multilevel models revealed that, while controlling for all other laughter present, the proportion of the conversation spent laughing simultaneously with the romantic partner was uniquely positively associated with global evaluations of relationship quality, closeness, and social support. Results are discussed with respect to methodological considerations and theoretical implications for relationships and behavioral research more broadly. PMID:26957946

Phosphate and phytate adsorption and precipitation on ferrihydrite surfaces

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

Wang, Xiaoming; Hu, Yongfeng; Tang, Yadong

Phosphorous (P) sorption on mineral surfaces largely controls P mobility and bioavailability, hence its pollution potential, but the sorption speciation and mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we have identified and quantified the speciation of both phosphate and phytate sorbed on ferrihydrite with various P loadings at pH 3–8 using differential atomic pair distribution function (d-PDF) analysis, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction (XRD), and P and Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. With increasing P sorption loading for both phosphate and phytate, the sorption mechanism transits from bidentate-binuclear surface complexation tomore » unidentified ternary complexation and to precipitation of amorphous FePO 4 and amorphous Fe-phytate. At a given P sorption loading, phosphate precipitates more readily than phytate. Both phosphate and phytate promote ferrihydrite dissolution with phytate more intensively, but the dissolved FeIII concentration in the bulk solution is low because the majority of the released Fe III precipitate with the anions. Results also show that amorphous FePO 4 and amorphous Fe-phytate have similar PO 4 local coordination environment. In conclusion, these new insights into the P surface complexation and precipitation, and the ligand-promoted dissolution behavior improve our understanding of P fate in soils, aquatic environment and water treatment systems as mediated by mineral-water interfacial reactions.« less

Phosphate and phytate adsorption and precipitation on ferrihydrite surfaces

DOE PAGES

Wang, Xiaoming; Hu, Yongfeng; Tang, Yadong; ...

2017-09-26

Phosphorous (P) sorption on mineral surfaces largely controls P mobility and bioavailability, hence its pollution potential, but the sorption speciation and mechanism remain poorly understood. In this study, we have identified and quantified the speciation of both phosphate and phytate sorbed on ferrihydrite with various P loadings at pH 3–8 using differential atomic pair distribution function (d-PDF) analysis, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction (XRD), and P and Fe K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. With increasing P sorption loading for both phosphate and phytate, the sorption mechanism transits from bidentate-binuclear surface complexation tomore » unidentified ternary complexation and to precipitation of amorphous FePO 4 and amorphous Fe-phytate. At a given P sorption loading, phosphate precipitates more readily than phytate. Both phosphate and phytate promote ferrihydrite dissolution with phytate more intensively, but the dissolved FeIII concentration in the bulk solution is low because the majority of the released Fe III precipitate with the anions. Results also show that amorphous FePO 4 and amorphous Fe-phytate have similar PO 4 local coordination environment. In conclusion, these new insights into the P surface complexation and precipitation, and the ligand-promoted dissolution behavior improve our understanding of P fate in soils, aquatic environment and water treatment systems as mediated by mineral-water interfacial reactions.« less

Polarizable Multipole-Based Force Field for Dimethyl and Trimethyl Phosphate

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Phosphate groups are commonly observed in biomolecules such as nucleic acids and lipids. Due to their highly charged and polarizable nature, modeling these compounds with classical force fields is challenging. Using quantum mechanical studies and liquid-phase simulations, the AMOEBA force field for dimethyl phosphate (DMP) ion and trimethyl phosphate (TMP) has been developed. On the basis of ab initio calculations, it was found that ion binding and the solution environment significantly impact both the molecular geometry and the energy differences between conformations. Atomic multipole moments are derived from MP2/cc-pVQZ calculations of methyl phosphates at several conformations with their chemical environments taken into account. Many-body polarization is handled via a Thole-style induction model using distributed atomic polarizabilities. van der Waals parameters of phosphate and oxygen atoms are determined by fitting to the quantum mechanical interaction energy curves for water with DMP or TMP. Additional stretch-torsion and angle-torsion coupling terms were introduced in order to capture asymmetry in P–O bond lengths and angles due to the generalized anomeric effect. The resulting force field for DMP and TMP is able to accurately describe both the molecular structure and conformational energy surface, including bond and angle variations with conformation, as well as interaction of both species with water and metal ions. The force field was further validated for TMP in the condensed phase by computing hydration free energy, liquid density, and heat of vaporization. The polarization behavior between liquid TMP and TMP in water is drastically different. PMID:26574325

Liquid-liquid extraction of neodymium(III) by dialkylphosphate ionic liquids from acidic medium: the importance of the ionic liquid cation.

PubMed

Rout, Alok; Kotlarska, Justyna; Dehaen, Wim; Binnemans, Koen

2013-10-21

The ionic liquids 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, [C6mim][DEHP], 1-hexyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, [C6mpyr][DEHP], and tetrabutylammonium bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate, [N4444][DEHP], were prepared and characterized using (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. The extraction behavior of neodymium(iii) from nitrate medium by these ionic liquids, diluted with the room temperature ionic liquids 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C6mim][NTf2], 1-hexyl-3-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [C6mpyr][NTf2], and tributylmethylammonium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [N1444][NTf2], was studied. The distribution ratio of neodymium(iii) was measured as a function of various parameters, such as pH, concentration of the ionic liquid extractant, nature of diluents, concentration of ionic liquid cations and nitrate anions in the aqueous phase. The extraction behavior was compared with that obtained for a solution of the molecular extractant bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (DEHPA) in an ionic liquid diluent. The extraction of neodymium(iii) in the ionic liquids [C6mim][DEHP] and [C6mpyr][DEHP] showed markedly different extraction properties in comparison with that of the quaternary ammonium analogue [N4444][DEHP], especially concerning the pH dependence of the extraction process. These results show that the extraction process can be tuned by the selection of the ionic liquid cation. The extraction experiments also included the trivalent rare-earth ions lanthanum(iii), cerium(iii), praseodymium(iii), ytterbium(iii) and yttrium(iii). Studies of the stripping behavior and the reusability of the ionic liquids were carried out, which indicate that the ionic liquids can be reused with no loss in activity.

Self-assembly of phosphate fluorosurfactants in carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Keiper, Jason S; Behles, Jacqueline A; Bucholz, Tracy L; Simhan, Ruma; DeSimone, Joseph M; Lynn, Gary W; Wignall, George D; Melnichenko, Yuri B; Frielinghaus, Henrich

2004-02-17

Anionic phosphodiester surfactants, possessing either two fluorinated chains (F/F) or one hydrocarbon chain and one fluorinated chain (H/F), were synthesized and evaluated for solubility and self-assembly in liquid and supercritical carbon dioxide. Several surfactants, of both F/F and H/F types and having varied counterions, were found to be capable of solubilizing water-in-CO2 (W/C), via the formation of microemulsions, expanding upon the family of phosphate fluorosurfactants already found to stabilize W/C microemulsions. Small-angle neutron scatteringwas used to directly characterize the microemulsion particles at varied temperatures, pressures, and water loadings, revealing behavior consistent with previous results on W/C microemulsions.

Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate affects motor behavior and axonal growth in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae.

PubMed

Jiang, Fan; Liu, Jue; Zeng, Xinyue; Yu, Liqin; Liu, Chunsheng; Wang, Jianghua

2018-05-01

Tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) is an environmental contaminant that poses serious risks to aquatic organisms and their associated ecosystem. Recently, the reproductive and developmental toxicology of TBOEP has been reported. However, fewer studies have assessed the neurotoxic effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae. In this study, zebrafish embryos were subjected to waterborne exposure of TBOEP at 0, 50, 500, 1500 and 2500 μg/L from 2 to 144-h post-fertilization (hpf). Behavioral measurements showed that TBOEP exposure reduced embryonic spontaneous movement and decreased swimming speed of larvae in response to dark stimulation. In accordance with these motor effects, TBOEP treatment reduced neuron-specific GFP expression in transgenic Tg (HuC-GFP) zebrafish larvae and inhibited the growth of secondary motoneurons, as well as decreased expression of marker genes related to central nervous system development in TBOEP treated group. Furthermore, increased concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as reduction of SOD activity were detected in TBOEP exposure group. The present results showed that the alteration in motor neuron and oxidative stress could together lead to the motor behavior alterations induced by TBOEP. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Layer by layer assembled films between hemoglobin and multiwall carbon nanotubes for pH-switchable biosensing.

PubMed

Pan, Zhongqin; Liu, Xiaojun; Xie, Jing; Bao, Ning; He, Hong; Li, Xiaodong; Zeng, Jiang; Gu, Haiying

2015-05-01

Although pH-switchable behaviors have been reported based on multilayer films modified electrodes, their pH-switchable biosensing is still difficult due to the existence of the electroactive mediator. In this study, we report the pH-dependable determination of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on a four-bilayer film fabricated through layer by layer assembly between hemoglobin (Hb) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). We observed that response of electroactive probe Fe(CN)6(3-) at the multilayer films was very sensitive and reversible to pH values of phosphate buffer solutions phosphate buffer solution with cyclic voltammetry. The reduction peak height of Fe(CN)6(3-) at the multilayer film could reach ∼221μA at pH 3.0 while 0μA at pH 9.0. The linear range for the detection of H2O2 at pH 3.0 was from 12.5μM to 10.4mM, which was much wider than that at pH 9.0. Our results demonstrated that the detection of H2O2 with the proposed modified electrode is dependent on pH values of phosphate buffer solution. Moreover, the component of multilayer films has impacts on the performance of biosensors with pH-switchable behaviors. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Crystal Phase and Particle Morphology of Calcium Phosphates on Proliferation and Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

PubMed

Danoux, Charlène; Pereira, Daniel; Döbelin, Nicola; Stähli, Christoph; Barralet, Jake; van Blitterswijk, Clemens; Habibovic, Pamela

2016-07-01

Calcium phosphate (CaP) ceramics are extensively used for bone regeneration; however, their clinical performance is still considered inferior to that of patient's own bone. To improve the performance of CaP bone graft substitutes, it is important to understand the effects of their individual properties on a biological response. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of the crystal phase and particle morphology on the behavior of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). To study the effect of the crystal phase, brushite, monetite, and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) are produced by controlling the precipitation conditions. Brushite and monetite are produced as plate-shaped and as needle-shaped particles, to further investigate the effect of particle morphology. Proliferation of hMSCs is inhibited on OCP as compared to brushite and monetite in either morphology. Brushite needles consistently show the lowest expression of most osteogenic markers, whereas the expression on OCP is in general high. There is a trend toward a higher expression of the osteogenic markers on plate-shaped than on needle-shaped particles for both brushite and monetite. Within the limits of CaP precipitation, these data indicate the effect of both crystal phase and particle morphology of CaPs on the behavior of hMSCs. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Comment on: "Recent revisions of phosphate rock reserves and resources: a critique" by Edixhoven et al. (2014) - clarifying comments and thoughts on key conceptions, conclusions and interpretation to allow for sustainable action

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scholz, R. W.; Wellmer, F.-W.

2016-02-01

Several recent papers deal with concerns about the longevity of the supply of the mineral phosphorus. The paper by Edixhoven et al. (2014), for instance, expresses doubts about whether the upward estimate of reserves by the IFDC (2006, 2010) and the USGS (2010) provides an accurate, reliable, and comparable picture, as it is based on reports that do not clearly differentiate between phosphate ore and phosphate products (i.e., marketable phosphate rock concentrate). Further, the indistinct use of the terms reserves and resources is criticized. Edixhoven et al. (2014) call for a differentiated inventory of world phosphate reserves including "guidelines which determine the appropriate drill hole distances and a detailed granularity". The claim that "humanity is on the safe side" with respect to future phosphate supply is doubted, as the validity of the IFDC's upgrading of the Moroccan data to 50 Gt phosphate is questioned. The main achievement of Edixhoven et al. (2014) is to elaborate that in the literature frequently used data on phosphate rock ore and phosphate concentrate are not properly distinguished, resulting in incorrect summary figures. In addition, it is commendable to raise the question how transparency concerning reserve and resources data and information on the geopotential of phosphate can be achieved because phosphorus is a special element. As fertilizer, it cannot be substituted and there are no unlimited resources as for the other main nutrients potassium in sea water and nitrogen in the air. However, the paper by Edixhoven et al. (2014) contains in the opinion of the authors some incorrect statements. Our comment elaborates first that several statements, such as that the upgrading of the Moroccan data is "solely based" on one scientific paper, are incorrect. Secondly, the paper comments on and illuminates a set of, in our opinion, misleading statements. These include the fact that the dynamic nature of reserves (which depend on price, technology, innovation for exploiting low-grade deposits, etc.) is acknowledged, but the right conclusions are not drawn, including the mixing of finiteness and staticness, and the way in which the critique of the USGS upgrading of the Moroccan reserves has been linked to Peak P. In particular, we clarify that reserves are primarily company data that serve mining companies for their strategic planning and may, by no means, be used as proxy data for providing global Peak P estimates. Likewise, we elaborate that drilling plans for assessing reserves have to be adjusted to site characteristics, in particular, in the case of four plateaus in Morocco and the Western Sahara comprising an area greater than 10 000 km2. We reconstruct the IFDC and USGS estimates and conclude that there is no evidence for considering the somewhat surprising increase to 50 Gt phosphate concentrate to be an unreasonable estimate for Moroccan reserves. However, the partial mixing of different units (e.g., phosphate ore and phosphate concentrate or marketable product) in the USGS data may be avoided by improving the database and using proper conversion factors. When applying these factors and assessing all reserves of marketable Gt of phosphate rock (PR-M), which is a common scale for measuring annual consumption, the magnitude of the 2014 USGS estimates of 67 Gt PR reserves does not change essentially but decreases from 64 (IFDC assessment) to 57.5 Gt PR-M (a worst-case calculation). We agree that a better harmonization of the (national) classification systems is meaningful. The discussion includes several ideas and thoughts that go beyond the paper by Edixhoven et al. (2014). We suggest that the discrepancies in the resource estimates are often caused by missing system understandings, different conceptions of sciences, and diverging world views. Finally, we suggest the establishment of a solidly funded, international standing committee that regularly analyzes global geopotential for assuring long-term supply security.

Interaction between calcium and phosphate adsorption on goethite.

PubMed

Rietra, R P; Hiemstra, T; van Riemsdijk, W H

2001-08-15

Quantitatively, little is known about the ion interaction processes that are responsible for the binding of phosphate in soil, water, and sediment, which determine the bioavailability and mobility of phosphate. Studies have shown that metal hydroxides are often responsible for the binding of PO4 in soils and sediments, but the binding behavior of PO4 in these systems often differs significantly from adsorption studies on metal hydroxides in laboratory. The interaction between PO4 and Ca adsorption was studied on goethite because Ca can influence the PO4 adsorption equilibria. Since adsorption interactions are very difficult to discriminate from precipitation reactions, conditions were chosen to prevent precipitation of Ca-PO4 solids. Adsorption experiments of PO4 and Ca, individually and in combination, show a strong interaction between adsorbed Ca and PO4 on goethite for conditions below the saturation index of apatite. It is shown that it is possible to predict the adsorption and interaction of PO4 and Ca on electrostatic arguments using the model parameter values derived from the single-ion systems and without invoking ternary complex formation or precipitation. The model enables the prediction of the Ca-PO4 interaction for environmentally relevant calcium and phosphate concentrations.

Adsorption Behavior of Rare Earth Metal Cations in the Interlayer Space of γ-ZrP.

PubMed

Takei, Takahiro; Iidzuka, Kiyoaki; Miura, Akira; Yanagida, Sayaka; Kumada, Nobuhiro; Magome, Eisuke; Moriyoshi, Chikako; Kuroiwa, Yoshihiro

2016-10-04

Adsorption competencies of rare earth metal cations in γ-zirconium phosphate were examined by ICP, synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SXRD), and ab initio simulation. The adsorption amounts are around 0.06-0.10 per zirconium phosphate. From the SXRD patterns of the adsorbed samples, the basal spacing estimated by c sin β increased linearly with an increasing ionic radius of rare earth metal cation, though a and b lattice constants show no change. These SXRD patterns can be classified into four groups that have different super lattices. The four superlattices have multiplicities of x131, x241, and x221 for the xabc axis, and the location of the rare earth metal cation in the original unit cell changes depending on the superlattice cell. In the x131 superlattice, Yb and Er occupied the site near the zirconium phosphate layer, though La and Ce in the x221 superlattice remained in the center position between the phosphate sheet. For the ab initio simulation of γ-ZrP with the typical rare earth metal cations (Tb, Eu, Dy, and La), the results of simulation show a similar tendency of the position estimated by SXRD refinements.

Nitrate reduction over a Pd-Cu/MWCNT catalyst: application to a polluted groundwater.

PubMed

Soares, Olivia Salomé G P; Orfão, José J M; Gallegos-Suarez, Esteban; Castillejos, Eva; Rodríguez-Ramos, Inmaculada; Pereira, Manuel Fernando R

2012-01-01

The influence of the presence of inorganic and organic matter during the catalytic reduction of nitrate in a local groundwater over a Pd-Cu catalyst supported on carbon nanotubes was investigated. It was observed that the catalyst performance was affected by the groundwater composition. The nitrate conversion attained was higher in the experiment using only deionized water as solvent than in the case of simulated or real groundwater. With exception of sulphate ions, all the other solutes evaluated (chloride and phosphate ions and natural organic matter) had a negative influence on the catalytic activity and selectivity to nitrogen.

Recent Progress in Some Amorphous Materials for Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Li, Qing; Xu, Yuxia; Zheng, Shasha; Guo, Xiaotian; Xue, Huaiguo; Pang, Huan

2018-05-14

A breakthrough in technologies having "green" and sustainable energy storage conversion is urgent, and supercapacitors play a crucial role in this area of research. Owing to their unique porous structure, amorphous materials are considered one of the best active materials for high-performance supercapacitors due to their high specific capacity, excellent cycling stability, and fast charging rate. This Review summarizes the synthesis of amorphous materials (transition metal oxides, carbon-based materials, transition metal sulfides, phosphates, hydroxides, and their complexes) to highlight their electrochemical performance in supercapacitors. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Aging behavior of lithium iron phosphate based 18650-type cells studied by in situ neutron diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paul, Neelima; Wandt, Johannes; Seidlmayer, Stefan; Schebesta, Sebastian; Mühlbauer, Martin J.; Dolotko, Oleksandr; Gasteiger, Hubert A.; Gilles, Ralph

2017-03-01

The aging behavior of commercially produced 18650-type Li-ion cells consisting of a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) based cathode and a graphite anode based on either mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) or needle coke (NC) is studied by in situ neutron diffraction and standard electrochemical techniques. While the MCMB cells showed an excellent cycle life with only 8% relative capacity loss (i.e., referenced to the capacity after formation) after 4750 cycles and showed no capacity loss on storage for two years, the needle coke cells suffered a 23% relative capacity loss after cycling and a 11% loss after storage. Based on a combination of neutron diffraction and electrochemical characterization, it is shown that the entire capacity loss for both cell types is dominated by the loss of active lithium; no other aging mechanisms like structural degradation of anode or cathode active materials or deactivation of active material could be found, highlighting the high structural stability of the active material and the excellent quality of the investigated cells.

Arsenic species separation by IELC-ICP/OES: Arsenocholine behavior

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

Rubio, R.; Peralta, I.; Alberti, J.

1993-01-01

In the literature an increasing interest is observed in developing methods to determine arsenobetaine, arsenocholine and related compounds in sea food and in reference materials. The separation conditions and quantification of As(III), As(V), monomethylarsenate (MMA), dimethylarsinate (DMA), arsenobetaine (AsBet) and arsenocholine (AsChol) are studied by Liquid Chromatography (LC) coupled directly to an Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP/OES) system. The separation conditions are optimized to improve the resolution of the six arsenic species. Arsenocholine shows a particular pattern of behavior when phosphate is used as eluent: two peaks are observed in the chromatogram, thus a systematic study assaying differentmore » pH and concentration of phosphate is carried out to improve resolution and analysis time when the six arsenic compounds are analyzed in a mixture. Boric acid as mobile phase avoids the splitting of the arsenocholine peak and leads to a good separation of the six arsenic compounds. Detection limits are established for the six arsenic species.« less

Synthesis and Ion-Exchange Properties of Graphene Th(IV) Phosphate Composite Cation Exchanger: Its Applications in the Selective Separation of Lead Metal Ions

PubMed Central

Rangreez, Tauseef Ahmad; Alhogbi, Basma G.; Naushad, Mu.

2017-01-01

In this study, graphene Th(IV) phosphate was prepared by sol–gel precipitation method. The ion-exchange behavior of this cation-exchanger was studied by investigating properties like ion-exchange capacity for various metal ions, the effect of eluent concentration, elution behavior, and thermal effect on ion-exchange capacity (IEC). Several physicochemical properties as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) study, thermal studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were also carried out. The material possessed an IEC of 1.56 meq·dry·g−1 of the exchanger and was found to be nano-composite. The selectivity studies showed that the material is selective towards Pb(II) ions. The selectivity of this cation-exchanger was demonstrated in the binary separation of Pb(II) ions from mixture with other metal ions. The recovery was found to be both quantitative and reproducible. PMID:28737717

Synthesis, Characterization, and Thermal Behavior of Ni3(PO4)2·8H2O·Na3PO4·3.5H2O·0.75Na2SO4

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swain, Trilochan; Brahma, Gouri Sankhar

2018-02-01

A mixture of anhydrous sodium sulfate, hydrated nickel phosphate, and sodium phosphate has been synthesized and various techniques used to characterize it. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate the thermal properties in both O2 and N2 atmosphere at rate of 10 K min-1. The specific heat capacity was calculated from 298 K to 573 K and vice versa in two thermal cycles in both atmospheres, revealing values of 18,931.64 J kg-1 K-1 in O2 atmosphere and 15,568.39 J kg-1 K-1 in N2 atmosphere in the second thermal cycle, being exothermic in nature in both cases. This exothermic behavior of the mixture indicates its potential use as a heat-dissipating material. The crystallite size of this inorganic heat-dissipating mixture was found to be 22.9 nm.

Observing quantum control of up-conversion luminescence in Dy3+ ion doped glass from weak to intermediate shaped femtosecond laser fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Pei; Cheng, Wenjing; Yao, Yunhua; Xu, Cheng; Zheng, Ye; Deng, Lianzhong; Jia, Tianqing; Qiu, Jianrong; Sun, Zhenrong; Zhang, Shian

2017-11-01

Controlling the up-conversion luminescence of rare-earth ions in real-time, in a dynamical and reversible manner, is very important for their application in laser sources, fiber-optic communications, light-emitting diodes, color displays and biological systems. In previous studies, the up-conversion luminescence control mainly focused on the weak femtosecond laser field. Here, we further extend this control behavior from weak to intermediate femtosecond laser fields. In this work, we experimentally and theoretically demonstrate that the up-conversion luminescence in Dy3+ ion doped glass can be artificially controlled by a π phase step modulation, but the up-conversion luminescence control behavior will be affected by the femtosecond laser intensity, and the up-conversion luminescence is suppressed by lower laser intensity while enhanced by higher laser intensity. We establish a new theoretical model (i.e. the fourth-order perturbation theory) to explain the physical control mechanism by considering the two- and four-photon absorption processes, and the theoretical results show that the relative weight of four-photon absorption in the whole excitation process will increase with the increase in laser intensity, and the interference between two- and four-photon absorptions results in up-conversion luminescence control modulation under different laser intensities. These theoretical and experimental works can provide a new method to control and understand up-conversion luminescence in rare-earth ions, and also may open a new opportunity to the related application areas of rare-earth ions.

Testing Direct and Indirect Effects of Identity, Media Use, Cognitions, and Conversations on Self-Reported Physical Activity Among a Sample of Hispanic Adults.

PubMed

Wirtz, John G; Wang, Zongyuan; Kulpavarapos, Supathida

2017-03-01

This article presents the results of a study testing the direct and indirect effects of identity, media use, cognitions and conversations on physical activity (PA). The study was guided by the O-S-O-R model (Markus & Zajonc, 1985), and it used data collected from a sample of Hispanic adults (N = 268) living in the U.S. Southwest. Exercise identity and ethnic identity were defined as pre-orientations (O 1 ); use of PA-related media content was defined as the stimulus (S); reflective integration and conversations about PA-related media were post-orientations (O 2 ); and self-reported physical activity was the behavioral response (R). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data, and several compelling results emerged. Exercise identity had a significant positive direct effect on PA and PA-related media use, as well as a significant positive indirect effect on conversations about PA-related media. PA-related media use exerted a strong and significant positive effect on conversations about PA-related media, as well as a significant positive indirect effect on PA. Finally, conversations about PA-related media content had a significant positive direct effect on PA. The results indicate that identity acts as a filter influencing what media content are selected and that cognitions and conversations about media content can serve as a link between media use and health behavior. Key words: O-S-O-R model, physical activity, Hispanic adults, identity, media use, conversation.

Fabrication of carbonate apatite blocks from set gypsum based on dissolution-precipitation reaction in phosphate-carbonate mixed solution.

PubMed

Nomura, Shunsuke; Tsuru, Kanji; Maruta, Michito; Matsuya, Shigeki; Takahashi, Ichiro; Ishikawa, Kunio

2014-01-01

Carbonate apatite (CO3Ap), fabricated by dissolution-precipitation reaction based on an appropriate precursor, is expected to be replaced by bone according to bone remodeling cycle. One of the precursor candidates is gypsum because it shows self-setting ability, which then enables it to be shaped and molded. The aim of this study, therefore, was to fabricate CO3Ap blocks from set gypsum. Set gypsum was immersed in a mixed solution of 0.4 mol/L disodium hydrogen phosphate (Na2HPO4) and 0.4 mol/L sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) at 80-200°C for 6-48 h. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns and Fourier transform infrared spectra showed that CO3Ap block was fabricated by dissolution-precipitation reaction in Na2HPO4-NaHCO3 solution using set gypsum in 48 h when the temperature was 100°C or higher. Conversion rate to CO3Ap increased with treatment temperature. CO3Ap block containing a larger amount of carbonate was obtained when treated at lower temperature.

Enzyme-linked electrochemical DNA ligation assay using magnetic beads.

PubMed

Stejskalová, Eva; Horáková, Petra; Vacek, Jan; Bowater, Richard P; Fojta, Miroslav

2014-07-01

DNA ligases are essential enzymes in all cells and have been proposed as targets for novel antibiotics. Efficient DNA ligase activity assays are thus required for applications in biomedical research. Here we present an enzyme-linked electrochemical assay based on two terminally tagged probes forming a nicked junction upon hybridization with a template DNA. Nicked DNA bearing a 5' biotin tag is immobilized on the surface of streptavidin-coated magnetic beads, and ligated product is detected via a 3' digoxigenin tag recognized by monoclonal antibody-alkaline phosphatase conjugate. Enzymatic conversion of napht-1-yl phosphate to napht-1-ol enables sensitive detection of the voltammetric signal on a pyrolytic graphite electrode. The technique was tested under optimal conditions and various situations limiting or precluding the ligation reaction (such as DNA substrates lacking 5'-phosphate or containing a base mismatch at the nick junction, or application of incompatible cofactor), and utilized for the analysis of the nick-joining activity of a range of recombinant Escherichia coli DNA ligase constructs. The novel technique provides a fast, versatile, specific, and sensitive electrochemical assay of DNA ligase activity.

Experimental investigation of ionic liquid pretreatment of sugarcane bagasse with 1,3-dimethylimadazolium dimethyl phosphate.

PubMed

Bahrani, Samaneh; Raeissi, Sona; Sarshar, Mohammad

2015-06-01

In this study, an imidazolium-based ionic liquid (IL), 1,3-dimethylimidazolium dimethyl phosphate ([Mmim][DMP]), was applied for pretreating sugarcane bagasse to produce bioethanol. The main goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of bagasse pretreatment with this IL, and to verify the effect of different operational parameters on the pretreatment process. Results indicated that temperature and duration of IL-pretreatment have optimum values. Within the range investigated, a maximum fermentable sugar conversion of 70.38% was achieved with this IL at 120°C and 120min. The corresponding value was 28.65% for the untreated biomass. The main cause for the observed enhancement in enzymatic hydrolysis was the reduction of cellulose crystallinity in the IL-pretreated biomass, as compared to the untreated sample, because it resulted in higher accessibility of the enzymes to the biomass after pretreatment. Moreover, the results indicated that aqueous [Mmim][DMP] mixtures are not as effective for pretreatment as the pure IL. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Talking Theory of Mind Talk: Young School-Aged Children's Everyday Conversation and Understanding of Mind and Emotion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

De Rosnay, Marc; Fink, Elian; Begeer, Sander; Slaughter, Virginia; Peterson, Candida

2014-01-01

Links between young children's everyday use of mindful conversational skills and their success on laboratory tests of theory of mind understanding (ToM) were evaluated. Using published scales, teachers rated the conversational behavior and shyness of 129 children aged 60 to 101 months (M = 78·8 months) who were in their first years of primary…

Persuasive Conversational Agent with Persuasion Tactics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Narita, Tatsuya; Kitamura, Yasuhiko

Persuasive conversational agents persuade people to change their attitudes or behaviors through conversation, and are expected to be applied as virtual sales clerks in e-shopping sites. As an approach to create such an agent, we have developed a learning agent with the Wizard of Oz method in which a person called Wizard talks to the user pretending to be the agent. The agent observes the conversations between the Wizard and the user, and learns how to persuade people. In this method, the Wizard has to reply to most of the user's inputs at the beginning, but the burden gradually falls because the agent learns how to reply as the conversation model grows.

Regional Comparison of Organophosphate Flame Retardant (PFRs) Urinary Metabolites and Tetrabromobenzoic Acid (TBBA) In Mother-Toddler Pairs from California and New Jersey

PubMed Central

Butt, Craig M.; Hoffman, Kate; Chen, Albert; Lorenzo, Amelia; Congleton, Johanna; Stapleton, Heather M.

2016-01-01

The use of alternative chemical flame retardants in consumer products is increasing as the result of the phase-out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Today, the most commonly detected alternatives in residential furniture include the organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) and the Firemaster 550® mixture (FM550). Urinary levels of dialkyl and diaryl phosphate esters, and 2-ethylhexyl tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) have been used as biomarkers of human exposure to PFRs and FM550, respectively. In a previous study, we demonstrated that toddlers had significantly higher levels of PFRs relative to their mothers in a cohort from New Jersey; however, it is unclear if there are regional differences in exposure. It is possible that exposure to PFRs may be higher in California relative to other US States due to the California flammability standard, as was seen previously observed for PBDEs. In the current study, we examined urinary levels of PFR metabolites and TBBA in 28 mother-child pairs from California, USA, collected in 2015, and compared them with levels measured in our previous study from New Jersey. Urine samples were extracted using solid-phase extraction and analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), isopropyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) and BCIPHIPP conjugates were detected in 100% of mother and child urine samples, while bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BCIPP), tert-butyl-phenyl phenyl phosphate (tb-PPP) and TBBA were detected in <50% of samples. Interestingly, BCIPHIPP conjugates were detected in 100% of the urine samples, suggesting ubiquitous exposure to the parent compound, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP). The current study found significantly higher BDCIPP levels in California toddlers and higher and ip-PPP levels in mothers as compared to the New Jersey cohort, which may be reflective of California’s furniture flammability standard. For example, BDCIPP levels in California children were 2.4 times higher than those in New Jersey children. Consistent with our previous work, the current study showed higher PFR and EH-TBB exposure in children, likely due to increased hand-mouth behavior. Children’s DPHP and BDCIPP levels, on average, were 5.9 times and 15 times those of their mothers. Positive correlations between paired mothers and their children were shown for DPHP and BCIPHIPP conjugates but not BDCIPP or ip-PPP. In the children, several predictors of hand-mouth behavior were associated with BDCIPP, DPHP and ip-PPP urine levels, but no associations were observed with BCIPHIPP conjugates. PMID:27397928

Crucial Issues in the Applied Analysis of Verbal Behavior: Reflections on Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High

PubMed Central

Critchfield, Thomas S

2010-01-01

A popular-press self-help manual is reviewed with an eye toward two issues. First, the popularity of such books documents the existence of considerable demand for technologies that address the everyday problems (in the present case, troublesome conversations) of nondisordered individuals. Second, many ideas invoked in popular-press books may be interpretable within an analysis of verbal behavior, although much more than casual translation is required to develop technologies that outperform self-help manuals. I discuss several challenges relevant to research, theory refinement, technology development, and dissemination, and conclude that behavioral alternatives to existing popular-press resources may not emerge anytime soon. PMID:22477467

A gel probe equilibrium sampler for measuring arsenic porewater profiles and sorption gradients in sediments: II. Field application to Haiwee reservoir sediment

USGS Publications Warehouse

Campbell, K.M.; Root, R.; O'Day, P. A.; Hering, J.G.

2008-01-01

Arsenic (As) geochemistry and sorption behavior were measured in As- and iron (Fe)-rich sediments of Haiwee Reservoir by deploying undoped (clear) polyacrylamide gels and hydrous ferric oxide (HFO)-doped gels in a gel probe equilibrium sampler, which is a novel technique for directly measuring the effects of porewater composition on As adsorption to Fe oxides phases in situ. Arsenic is deposited at the sediment surface as As(V) and is reduced to As(III) in the upper layers of the sediment (0-8 cm), but the reduction of As(V) does not cause mobilization into the porewater. Dissolved As and Fe concentrations increased at depth in the sediment column driven by the reductive dissolution of amorphous Fe(III) oxyhydroxides and conversion to a mixed Fe(II, III) green rust-type phase. Adsorption of As and phosphorous (P) onto HFO-doped gels was inhibited at intermediate depths (10-20 cm), possibly due to dissolved organic or inorganic carbon, indicating that dissolved As concentrations were at least partially controlled by porewater composition rather than surface site availability. In sediments that had been recently exposed to air, the region of sorption inhibition was not observed, suggesting that prior exposure to air affected the extent of reductive dissolution, porewater chemistry, and As adsorption behavior. Arsenic adsorption onto the HFO-doped gels increased at depths >20 cm, and the extent of adsorption was most likely controlled by the competitive effects of dissolved phosphate. Sediment As adsorption capacity appeared to be controlled by changes in porewater composition and competitive effects at shallower depths, and by reductive dissolution and availability of sorption sites at greater burial depths. ?? 2008 American Chemical Society.

Nanoparticles that do not adhere to mucus provide uniform and long-lasting drug delivery to airways following inhalation

PubMed Central

Schneider, Craig S.; Xu, Qingguo; Boylan, Nicholas J.; Chisholm, Jane; Tang, Benjamin C.; Schuster, Benjamin S.; Henning, Andreas; Ensign, Laura M.; Lee, Ethan; Adstamongkonkul, Pichet; Simons, Brian W.; Wang, Sho-Yu S.; Gong, Xiaoqun; Yu, Tao; Boyle, Michael P.; Suk, Jung Soo; Hanes, Justin

2017-01-01

Mucoadhesive particles (MAP) have been widely explored for pulmonary drug delivery because of their perceived benefits in improving particle residence in the lungs. However, retention of particles adhesively trapped in airway mucus may be limited by physiologic mucus clearance mechanisms. In contrast, particles that avoid mucoadhesion and have diameters smaller than mucus mesh spacings rapidly penetrate mucus layers [mucus-penetrating particles (MPP)], which we hypothesized would provide prolonged lung retention compared to MAP. We compared in vivo behaviors of variously sized, polystyrene-based MAP and MPP in the lungs following inhalation. MAP, regardless of particle size, were aggregated and poorly distributed throughout the airways, leading to rapid clearance from the lungs. Conversely, MPP as large as 300 nm exhibited uniform distribution and markedly enhanced retention compared to size-matched MAP. On the basis of these findings, we formulated biodegradable MPP (b-MPP) with an average diameter of <300 nm and examined their behavior following inhalation relative to similarly sized biodegradable MAP (b-MAP). Although b-MPP diffused rapidly through human airway mucus ex vivo, b-MAP did not. Rapid b-MPP movements in mucus ex vivo correlated to a more uniform distribution within the airways and enhanced lung retention time as compared to b-MAP. Furthermore, inhalation of b-MPP loaded with dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DP) significantly reduced inflammation in a mouse model of acute lung inflammation compared to both carrier-free DP and DP-loaded MAP. These studies provide a careful head-to-head comparison of MAP versus MPP following inhalation and challenge a long-standing dogma that favored the use of MAP for pulmonary drug delivery. PMID:28435870

Direct Conversion of CO2 to α-Farnesene Using Metabolically Engineered Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942.

PubMed

Lee, Hyun Jeong; Lee, Jiwon; Lee, Sun-Mi; Um, Youngsoon; Kim, Yunje; Sim, Sang Jun; Choi, Jong-Il; Woo, Han Min

2017-12-06

Direct conversion of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to value-added chemicals by engineering of cyanobacteria has received attention as a sustainable strategy in food and chemical industries. Herein, Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, a model cyanobacterium, was engineered to produce α-farnesene from CO 2 . As a result of the lack of farnesene synthase (FS) activity in the wild-type cyanobacterium, we metabolically engineered S. elongatus PCC 7942 to express heterologous FS from either Norway spruce or apple fruit, resulting in detectable peaks of α-farnesene. To enhance α-farnesene production, an optimized methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway was introduced in the farnesene-producing strain to supply farnesyl diphosphate. Subsequent cyanobacterial culture with a dodecane overlay resulted in photosynthetic production of α-farnesene (4.6 ± 0.4 mg/L in 7 days) from CO 2 . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the photosynthetic production of α-farnesene from CO 2 in the unicellular cyanobacterium S. elongatus PCC 7942.

Cerium chloride stimulated controlled conversion of B-to-Z DNA in self-assembled nanostructures.

PubMed

Bhanjadeo, Madhabi M; Nayak, Ashok K; Subudhi, Umakanta

2017-01-22

DNA adopts different conformation not only because of novel base pairs but also while interacting with inorganic or organic compounds. Self-assembled branched DNA (bDNA) structures or DNA origami that change conformation in response to environmental cues hold great promises in sensing and actuation at the nanoscale. Recently, the B-Z transition in DNA is being explored to design various nanomechanical devices. In this communication we have demonstrated that Cerium chloride binds to the phosphate backbone of self-assembled bDNA structure and induce B-to-Z transition at physiological concentration. The mechanism of controlled conversion from right-handed to left-handed has been assayed by various dye binding studies using CD and fluorescence spectroscopy. Three different bDNA structures have been identified to display B-Z transition. This approach provides a rapid and reversible means to change bDNA conformation, which can be used for dynamic and progressive control at the nanoscale. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Utilization of barley or wheat bran to bioconvert glutamate to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

PubMed

Jin, Wen-Jie; Kim, Min-Ju; Kim, Keun-Sung

2013-09-01

This study deals with the utilization of agro-industrial wastes created by barley and wheat bran in the production of a value-added product, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The simple and eco-friendly reaction requires no pretreatment or microbial fermentation steps but uses barley or wheat bran as an enzyme source, glutamate as a substrate, and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. The optimal reaction conditions were determined on the basis of the temperatures and times used for the decarboxylation reactions and the initial concentrations of barley or wheat bran, glutamate, and PLP. The optimal reactions produced 9.2 mM of GABA from 10 mM glutamate, yielding a 92% GABA conversion rate, when barley bran was used and 6.0 mM of GABA from 10 mM glutamate, yielding a 60% GABA conversion rate, when wheat bran was used. The results imply that barley bran is more efficient than wheat bran in the production of GABA. © 2013 Institute of Food Technologists®

D-Tagatose production in the presence of borate by resting Lactococcus lactis cells harboring Bifidobacterium longum L-arabinose isomerase.

PubMed

Salonen, Noora; Salonen, Kalle; Leisola, Matti; Nyyssölä, Antti

2013-04-01

Bifidobacterium longum NRRL B-41409 L-arabinose isomerase (L-AI) was overexpressed in Lactococcus lactis using a phosphate depletion inducible expression system. The resting L. lactis cells harboring the B. longum L-AI were used for production of D-tagatose from D-galactose in the presence of borate buffer. Multivariable analysis suggested that high pH, temperature and borate concentration favoured the conversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose. Almost quantitative conversion (92 %) was achieved at 20 g L⁻¹ substrate and at 37.5 °C after 5 days. The D-tagatose production rate of 185 g L⁻¹ day ⁻¹ was obtained at 300 g L⁻¹ galactose, at 1.15 M borate, and at 41 °C during 10 days when the production medium was changed every 24 h. There was no significant loss in productivity during ten sequential 24 h batches. The initial D-tagatose production rate was 290 g L⁻¹ day⁻¹ under these conditions.

Development of vanadium-phosphate catalysts for methanol production by selective oxidation of methane

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

McCormick, R.L.

1995-12-31

The United States has vast natural gas reserves which could contribute significantly to our energy security if economical technologies for conversion to liquid fuels and chemicals were developed. Many of these reserves are small scale or in remote locations and of little value unless they can be transported to consumers. Transportation is economically performed via pipeline, but this route is usually unavailable in remote locations. Another option is to convert the methane in the gas to liquid hydrocarbons, such as methanol, which can easily and economically be transported by truck. Therefore, the conversion of methane to liquid hydrocarbons has themore » potential to decrease our dependence upon oil imports by opening new markets for natural gas and increasing its use in the transportation and chemical sectors of the economy. In this project, we are attempting to develop, and explore new catalysts capable of direct oxidation of methane to methanol. The specific objectives of this work are discussed.« less

Two enzymes with redundant fructose bisphosphatase activity sustain gluconeogenesis and virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PubMed

Ganapathy, Uday; Marrero, Joeli; Calhoun, Susannah; Eoh, Hyungjin; de Carvalho, Luiz Pedro Sorio; Rhee, Kyu; Ehrt, Sabine

2015-08-10

The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) likely utilizes host fatty acids as a carbon source during infection. Gluconeogenesis is essential for the conversion of fatty acids into biomass. A rate-limiting step in gluconeogenesis is the conversion of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate by a fructose bisphosphatase (FBPase). The Mtb genome contains only one annotated FBPase gene, glpX. Here we show that, unexpectedly, an Mtb mutant lacking GLPX grows on gluconeogenic carbon sources and has detectable FBPase activity. We demonstrate that the Mtb genome encodes an alternative FBPase (GPM2, Rv3214) that can maintain gluconeogenesis in the absence of GLPX. Consequently, deletion of both GLPX and GPM2 is required for disruption of gluconeogenesis and attenuation of Mtb in a mouse model of infection. Our work affirms a role for gluconeogenesis in Mtb virulence and reveals previously unidentified metabolic redundancy at the FBPase-catalysed reaction step of the pathway.

Two enzymes with redundant fructose bisphosphatase activity sustain gluconeogenesis and virulence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

PubMed Central

Ganapathy, Uday; Marrero, Joeli; Calhoun, Susannah; Eoh, Hyungjin; de Carvalho, Luiz Pedro Sorio; Rhee, Kyu; Ehrt, Sabine

2015-01-01

The human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) likely utilizes host fatty acids as a carbon source during infection. Gluconeogenesis is essential for the conversion of fatty acids into biomass. A rate-limiting step in gluconeogenesis is the conversion of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate by a fructose bisphosphatase (FBPase). The Mtb genome contains only one annotated FBPase gene, glpX. Here we show that, unexpectedly, an Mtb mutant lacking GLPX grows on gluconeogenic carbon sources and has detectable FBPase activity. We demonstrate that the Mtb genome encodes an alternative FBPase (GPM2, Rv3214) that can maintain gluconeogenesis in the absence of GLPX. Consequently, deletion of both GLPX and GPM2 is required for disruption of gluconeogenesis and attenuation of Mtb in a mouse model of infection. Our work affirms a role for gluconeogenesis in Mtb virulence and reveals previously unidentified metabolic redundancy at the FBPase-catalysed reaction step of the pathway. PMID:26258286

Study of a hydraulic dicalcium phosphate dihydrate/calcium oxide-based cement for dental applications.

PubMed

el-Briak, Hasna; Durand, Denis; Nurit, Josiane; Munier, Sylvie; Pauvert, Bernard; Boudeville, Phillipe

2002-01-01

By mixing CaHPO(4) x 2H(2)O (DCPD) and CaO with water or sodium phosphate buffers as liquid phase, a calcium phosphate cement was obtained. Its physical and mechanical properties, such as compressive strength, initial and final setting times, cohesion time, dough time, swelling time, dimensional and thermal behavior, and injectability were investigated by varying different parameters such as liquid to powder (L/P) ratio (0.35-0.7 ml g(-1)), molar calcium to phosphate (Ca/P) ratio (1.67-2.5) and the pH (4, 7, and 9) and the concentration (0-1 M) of the sodium phosphate buffer. The best results were obtained with the pH 7 sodium phosphate buffer at the concentration of 0.75 M. With this liquid phase, physical and mechanical properties depended on the Ca/P and L/P ratios, varying from 3 to 11 MPa (compressive strength), 6 to 10 min (initial setting time), 11 to 15 min (final setting time), 15 to 30 min (swelling time), 7 to 20 min (time of 100% injectability). The dough or working time was over 16 min. This cement expanded during its setting (1.2-5 % according to Ca/P and L/P ratios); this would allow a tight filling. Given the mechanical and rheological properties of this new DCPD/CaO-based cement, its use as root canal sealing material can be considered as classical calcium hydroxide or ZnO/eugenol-based pastes, without or with a gutta-percha point. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res (Appl Biomater) 63: 447-453, 2002

Metabolic changes associated with tumor metastasis, part 1: tumor pH, glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway.

PubMed

Payen, Valéry L; Porporato, Paolo E; Baselet, Bjorn; Sonveaux, Pierre

2016-04-01

Metabolic adaptations are intimately associated with changes in cell behavior. Cancers are characterized by a high metabolic plasticity resulting from mutations and the selection of metabolic phenotypes conferring growth and invasive advantages. While metabolic plasticity allows cancer cells to cope with various microenvironmental situations that can be encountered in a primary tumor, there is increasing evidence that metabolism is also a major driver of cancer metastasis. Rather than a general switch promoting metastasis as a whole, a succession of metabolic adaptations is more likely needed to promote different steps of the metastatic process. This review addresses the contribution of pH, glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and a companion paper summarizes current knowledge regarding the contribution of mitochondria, lipids and amino acid metabolism. Extracellular acidification, intracellular alkalinization, the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglucose isomerase acting as an autocrine cytokine, lactate and the pentose phosphate pathway are emerging as important factors controlling cancer metastasis.

Hydrothermal synthesis of cathode materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jiajun; Wang, Shijun; Whittingham, M. Stanley

A number of cathodes are being considered for the next generation of lithium ion batteries to replace the expensive LiCoO 2 presently used. Besides the layered oxides, such as LiNi yMn yCo 1-2 yO 2, a leading candidate is lithium iron phosphate with the olivine structure. Although this material is inherently low cost, a manufacturing process that produces electrochemically active LiFePO 4 at a low cost is also required. Hydrothermal reactions are one such possibility. A number of pure phosphates have been prepared using this technique, including LiFePO 4, LiMnPO 4 and LiCoPO 4; this method has also successfully produced mixed metal phosphates, such as LiFe 0.33Mn 0.33Co 0.33PO 4. Ascorbic acid was found to be better than hydrazine or sugar at preventing the formation of ferric ions in aqueous media. When conductive carbons are added to the reaction medium excellent electrochemical behavior is observed.

Sugarcane bagasse derivative-based superabsorbent containing phosphate rock with water-fertilizer integration.

PubMed

Zhong, Kang; Zheng, Xi-Liang; Mao, Xiao-Yun; Lin, Zuan-Tao; Jiang, Gang-Biao

2012-10-01

To improve the water-fertilizer utilization ratio and mitigate the environmental contamination, an eco-friendly superabsorbent polymer (SPA), modified sugarcane bagasse/poly (acrylic acid) embedding phosphate rock (MSB/PAA/PHR), was prepared. Ammonia, phosphate rock (PHR) and KOH were admixed in the presence of acrylic acid to provide nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) nutrients, respectively. Impacts on water absorption capacity of the superabsorbent polymer (SAP) were investigated. The maximum swelling capacity in distilled water and 0.9 wt.% (weight percent) NaCl solution reached 414 gg(-1) and 55 gg(-1) (water/prepared SAP), respectively. The available NPK contents of the combination system were 15.13 mgg(-1), 6.93 mgg(-1) and 52.05 mgg(-1), respectively. Moreover, the release behaviors of NPK in the MSB/PAA/PHR were also studied. The results showed that the MSB/PAA/PHR has outstanding sustained-release plant nutrients property. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Calcium phosphates deposited on titanium electrode surface--part 1: Effect of the electrode polarity and oxide film on the deposited materials.

PubMed

Okawa, Seigo; Watanabe, Kouichi; Kanatani, Mitsugu

2013-01-01

We report experimental results about the effect of polarity of electrode and anodized titanium oxide film on the deposited materials by electrolysis of an acidic calcium phosphate solution. Mirror-polished titanium and anodized titanium were used as anode or cathode, and a Pt plate was used as a counter electrode. The load voltage was held constant at 20 VDC. No deposited materials were found on the anode surface. On the other hand, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) was deposited on the cathode surface at the beginning of the electrolysis. After the electrolysis time 600 s, the non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HAp) with several hundred nanometers was formed on the specimen surface. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data, the anodized oxide film contained both P(5+) and P(3+) ions. This characteristic of the oxide film and the electrolysis conditions were related to the behavior of the deposition of ultra fine HAp with high crystallinity.

Biocomposite coatings based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/calcium phosphates obtained by MAPLE for bone tissue engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raşoga, O.; Sima, L.; Chiriţoiu, M.; Popescu-Pelin, G.; Fufǎ, O.; Grumezescu, V.; Socol, M.; Stǎnculescu, A.; Zgurǎ, I.; Socol, G.

2017-09-01

The aim of our research was to synthesize and investigate the physico-chemical and biological features of composite coatings based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and commercial calcium phosphates (CaPs), hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate, obtained by means of matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. In this respect, laser fluence and dropcast studies were performed for pristine polymer and PHBV-CaPs composites. The microstructure of the synthesized coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, while for the chemical structure and functional integrity we performed Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy comparative analysis. By using the X-ray diffraction measurements we experimentally evaluated the crystalline nature of the obtained composite materials, while relevant data regarding the hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior of the synthesized coatings were obtained by performing static CA measurements. The biocompatibility of PHBV/CaPs coatings was evaluated by performing cellular adhesion and differentiation in vitro assays on mesenchymal stem cells.

Phosphorus improves arsenic phytoremediation by Anadenanthera peregrina by alleviating induced oxidative stress.

PubMed

Gomes, M P; Carvalho, M; Carvalho, G S; Marques, T C L L S M; Garcia, Q S; Guilherme, L R G; Soares, A M

2013-01-01

Due to similarities in their chemical behaviors, studies examining interactions between arsenic (As)--in special arsenate--and phosphorus (P) are important for better understanding arsenate uptake, toxicity, and accumulation in plants. We evaluated the effects of phosphate addition on plant biomass and on arsenate and phosphate uptake by Anadenanthera peregrina, an important Brazilian savanna legume. Plants were grown for 35 days in substrates that received combinations of 0, 10, 50, and 100 mg kg(-1) arsenate and 0, 200, and 400 mg kg(-1) phosphate. The addition of P increased the arsenic-phytoremediation capacity of A. peregrina by increasing As accumulation, while also alleviating As-induced oxidative stress. Arsenate phytotoxicity in A. peregrina is due to lipid peroxidation, but not hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Added P also increased the activity of important reactive oxygen species-scavenging enzymes (catalase and ascorbate peroxidase) that help prevent lipid peroxidation in leaves. Our findings suggest that applying P represents a feasible strategy for more efficient As phytoremediation using A. peregrina.

Electrochemical Sensing of Casein Based on the Interaction between Its Phosphate Groups and a Ruthenium(III) Complex.

PubMed

Inaba, Iku; Kuramitz, Hideki; Sugawara, Kazuharu

2016-01-01

A reaction to casein, along with β-lactoglobulin, is a main cause of milk allergies, and also is a useful indicator of protein in allergic analyses. In the present study, a simple casein sensor was developed based on the interaction between a phosphate group of casein and electroactive [Ru(NH3)6](3+). We evaluated the voltammetric behavior of a casein-[Ru(NH3)6](3+) complex using a glassy carbon electrode. When the ruthenium(III) complex was combined with the phosphate groups of casein, the structure of the casein was changed. Since the hydrophobicity of casein was increased due to the binding, the casein was adsorbed onto the electrode. Furthermore, we modified an electrode with a ruthenium(III) ions/collagen film. When the sensor was applied to the detection of the casein contained in milk, the values coincided with those indicated by the manufacturer. Accordingly, this electrode could be a powerful sensor for the determination of casein in several foods.

Corrosion and Fatigue Behavior of High-Strength Steel Treated with a Zn-Alloy Thermo-diffusion Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mulligan, C. P.; Vigilante, G. N.; Cannon, J. J.

2017-11-01

High and low cycle fatigue tests were conducted on high-strength steel using four-point bending. The materials tested were ASTM A723 steel in the as-machined condition, grit-blasted condition, MIL-DTL-16232 heavy manganese phosphate-coated condition, and ASTM A1059 Zn-alloy thermo-diffusion coated (Zn-TDC). The ASTM A723 steel base material exhibits a yield strength of 1000 MPa. The effects of the surface treatments versus uncoated steel were examined. The fatigue life of the Zn-TDC specimens was generally reduced on as-coated specimens versus uncoated or phosphate-coated specimens. Several mechanisms are examined including the role of compressive residual stress relief with the Zn-TDC process as well as fatigue crack initiation from the hardened Zn-Fe alloy surface layer produced in the gas-metal reaction. Additionally, the effects of corrosion pitting on the fatigue life of coated specimens are explored as the Zn-TDC specimens exhibit significantly improved corrosion resistance over phosphate-coated and oiled specimens.

Strong and tough magnesium wire reinforced phosphate cement composites for load-bearing bone replacement.

PubMed

Krüger, Reinhard; Seitz, Jan-Marten; Ewald, Andrea; Bach, Friedrich-Wilhelm; Groll, Jürgen

2013-04-01

Calcium phosphate cements are brittle biomaterials of low bending strength. One promising approach to improve their mechanical properties is reinforcement with fibers. State of the art degradable reinforced composites contain fibers made of polymers, resorbable glass or whiskers of calcium minerals. We introduce a new class of composite that is reinforced with degradable magnesium alloy wires. Bending strength and ductility of the composites increased with aspect ratio and volume content of the reinforcements up to a maximal bending strength of 139±41MPa. Hybrid reinforcement with metal and polymer fibers (PLA) further improved the qualitative fracture behavior and gave indication of enhanced strength and ductility. Immersion tests of composites in SBF for seven weeks showed high corrosion stability of ZEK100 wires and slow degradation of the magnesium calcium phosphate cement by struvite dissolution. Finally, in vitro tests with the osteoblast-like cell line MG63 demonstrate cytocompatibility of the composite materials. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolving application of biomimetic nanostructured hydroxyapatite

PubMed Central

Roveri, Norberto; Iafisco, Michele

2010-01-01

By mimicking Nature, we can design and synthesize inorganic smart materials that are reactive to biological tissues. These smart materials can be utilized to design innovative third-generation biomaterials, which are able to not only optimize their interaction with biological tissues and environment, but also mimic biogenic materials in their functionalities. The biomedical applications involve increasing the biomimetic levels from chemical composition, structural organization, morphology, mechanical behavior, nanostructure, and bulk and surface chemical–physical properties until the surface becomes bioreactive and stimulates cellular materials. The chemical–physical characteristics of biogenic hydroxyapatites from bone and tooth have been described, in order to point out the elective sides, which are important to reproduce the design of a new biomimetic synthetic hydroxyapatite. This review outlines the evolving applications of biomimetic synthetic calcium phosphates, details the main characteristics of bone and tooth, where the calcium phosphates are present, and discusses the chemical–physical characteristics of biomimetic calcium phosphates, methods of synthesizing them, and some of their biomedical applications. PMID:24198477

Gender Differences in Family Dinnertime Conversations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Merrill, Natalie; Gallo, Emily; Fivush, Robyn

2015-01-01

Family dinnertime conversations are key settings where children learn behavior regulation, narrative skills, and knowledge about the world. In this context, parents may also model and socialize gender differences in language. The present study quantitatively examines gendered language use across a family dinnertime recorded with 37 broadly…

Dramatic Expression in Opera, and Its Implications for Conversational Agents. Chapter 7

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, W. Lewis

2007-01-01

This article has discussed principles, techniques, and methods of dramatic portrayal in opera, and their application to the development of embodied conversational agents. Investigations such as this complement studies of natural human behavior, and offer insights as to how to make such behavior understandable and interesting when adapted for use by embodied conversational agents. However, one should use caution in applying such lessons. The unique characteristics of computer-based media are still being identified and explored. In any case, one must always be careful about applying principles blindly to any artistic form. Such principles are post-hoc analysis of the intuitive skill of great artists; this was as true in Aristotle's day as it is today. We should not let structural principles stand in the way of injecting creativity into the design of ECAs. Opera at its best possesses an element of magic that is difficult to describe, much less analytically reconstruct. We can only hope to achieve a similar result with conversational agents.

Photosynthetic conversion of CO2 to farnesyl diphosphate-derived phytochemicals (amorpha-4,11-diene and squalene) by engineered cyanobacteria.

PubMed

Choi, Sun Young; Lee, Hyun Jeong; Choi, Jaeyeon; Kim, Jiye; Sim, Sang Jun; Um, Youngsoon; Kim, Yunje; Lee, Taek Soon; Keasling, Jay D; Woo, Han Min

2016-01-01

Metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria has enabled photosynthetic conversion of CO2 to value-added chemicals as bio-solar cell factories. However, the production levels of isoprenoids in engineered cyanobacteria were quite low, compared to other microbial hosts. Therefore, modular optimization of multiple gene expressions for metabolic engineering of cyanobacteria is required for the production of farnesyl diphosphate-derived isoprenoids from CO2. Here, we engineered Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 with modular metabolic pathways consisting of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway enzymes and the amorphadiene synthase for production of amorpha-4,11-diene, resulting in significantly increased levels (23-fold) of amorpha-4,11-diene (19.8 mg/L) in the best strain relative to a parental strain. Replacing amorphadiene synthase with squalene synthase led to the synthesis of a high amount of squalene (4.98 mg/L/OD730). Overexpression of farnesyl diphosphate synthase is the most critical factor for the significant production, whereas overexpression of 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductase is detrimental to the cell growth and the production. Additionally, the cyanobacterial growth inhibition was alleviated by expressing a terpene synthase in S. elongatus PCC 7942 strain with the optimized MEP pathway only (SeHL33). This is the first demonstration of photosynthetic production of amorpha-4,11-diene from CO2 in cyanobacteria and production of squalene in S. elongatus PCC 7942. Our optimized modular OverMEP strain (SeHL33) with either co-expression of ADS or SQS demonstrated the highest production levels of amorpha-4,11-diene and squalene, which could expand the list of farnesyl diphosphate-derived isoprenoids from CO2 as bio-solar cell factories.

Phosphorus-Assisted Biomass Thermal Conversion: Reducing Carbon Loss and Improving Biochar Stability

PubMed Central

Zhao, Ling; Cao, Xinde; Zheng, Wei; Kan, Yue

2014-01-01

There is often over 50% carbon loss during the thermal conversion of biomass into biochar, leading to it controversy for the biochar formation as a carbon sequestration strategy. Sometimes the biochar also seems not to be stable enough due to physical, chemical, and biological reactions in soils. In this study, three phosphorus-bearing materials, H3PO4, phosphate rock tailing (PRT), and triple superphosphate (TSP), were used as additives to wheat straw with a ratio of 1: 0.4–0.8 for biochar production at 500°C, aiming to alleviate carbon loss during pyrolysis and to increase biochar-C stabilization. All these additives remarkably increased the biochar yield from 31.7% (unmodified biochar) to 46.9%–56.9% (modified biochars). Carbon loss during pyrolysis was reduced from 51.7% to 35.5%–47.7%. Thermogravimetric analysis curves showed that the additives had no effect on thermal stability of biochar but did enhance its oxidative stability. Microbial mineralization was obviously reduced in the modified biochar, especially in the TSP-BC, in which the total CO2 emission during 60-d incubation was reduced by 67.8%, compared to the unmodified biochar. Enhancement of carbon retention and biochar stability was probably due to the formation of meta-phosphate or C-O-PO3, which could either form a physical layer to hinder the contact of C with O2 and bacteria, or occupy the active sites of the C band. Our results indicate that pre-treating biomass with phosphors-bearing materials is effective for reducing carbon loss during pyrolysis and for increasing biochar stabilization, which provides a novel method by which biochar can be designed to improve the carbon sequestration capacity. PMID:25531111

Influence of bioactive particles on the chemical-mechanical properties of experimental enamel resin infiltrants.

PubMed

Sfalcin, Ravana Angelini; Correr, Américo Bortolazzo; Morbidelli, Lucas Rafael; Araújo, Tatiany Gabrielle Freire; Feitosa, Victor Pinheiro; Correr-Sobrinho, Lourenço; Watson, Timothy Frederick; Sauro, Salvatore

2017-07-01

This study aimed at evaluating the chemophysical properties of experimental resin infiltrants (ERIs) doped with different bioactive particles. A control resin infiltrant (CR) was formulated using triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and ethoxylated bisphenol A dimethacrylate (BisEMA). Moreover, five experimental ERIs were also created by incorporating the following bioactive fillers (10 wt%) into the CR: hydroxyapatite (Hap), amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), zinc-polycarboxylated bioactive glass (BAG-Zn), bioactive glass 45S5 (BAG 45S5), and calcium silicate modified with beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP). ICON® resin infiltrant was also used as control. All the ERIs used in this study were assessed for degree of conversion (DC), Knoop microhardness (KHN), softening ratio (SR), tensile cohesive strength (TCS), modulus of elasticity (E-modulus), water sorption (WS), and solubility (SL). Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey's test (α = 5%). ICON® presented the lowest DC, KHN, TCS, E-modulus, and SR. Incorporation of bioactive fillers into CR caused significant increase in the KHN. Conversely, no significant effect was observed on DC, TCS, and E-modulus. The resin infiltrant containing Hap showed a significant increase in softening ratio, while, ICON® presented the highest WS and SL. The WS of ACP-doped resin infiltrant was significantly higher than that of the Hap-doped infiltrant. The SL of the ACP-doped infiltrant was higher than CR BAG-Zn or BAG 45S5. The incorporation of bioactive particles into experimental resin infiltrants can improve the chemomechanical properties and reduce water sorption and solubility. Resin infiltrants doped with bioactive particles may improve the long-term performance of the treatment of white-spot lesions.

The periplasmic transaminase PtaA of Pseudomonas fluorescens converts the glutamic acid residue at the pyoverdine fluorophore to α-ketoglutaric acid.

PubMed

Ringel, Michael T; Dräger, Gerald; Brüser, Thomas

2017-11-10

The periplasmic conversion of ferribactin to pyoverdine is essential for siderophore biogenesis in fluorescent pseudomonads, such as pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa or plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas fluorescens The non-ribosomal peptide ferribactin undergoes cyclizations and oxidations that result in the fluorophore, and a strictly conserved fluorophore-bound glutamic acid residue is converted to a range of variants, including succinamide, succinic acid, and α-ketoglutaric acid residues. We recently discovered that the pyridoxal phosphate-containing enzyme PvdN is responsible for the generation of the succinamide, which can be hydrolyzed to succinic acid. Based on this, a distinct unknown enzyme was postulated to be responsible for the conversion of the glutamic acid to α-ketoglutaric acid. Here we report the identification and characterization of this enzyme in P. fluorescens strain A506. In silico analyses indicated a periplasmic transaminase in fluorescent pseudomonads and other proteobacteria that we termed PtaA for " p eriplasmic t ransaminase A " An in-frame-deleted ptaA mutant selectively lacked the α-ketoglutaric acid form of pyoverdine, and recombinant PtaA complemented this phenotype. The ptaA / pvdN double mutant produced exclusively the glutamic acid form of pyoverdine. PtaA is homodimeric and contains a pyridoxal phosphate cofactor. Mutation of the active-site lysine abolished PtaA activity and affected folding as well as Tat-dependent transport of the enzyme. In pseudomonads, the occurrence of ptaA correlates with the occurrence of α-ketoglutaric acid forms of pyoverdines. As this enzyme is not restricted to pyoverdine-producing bacteria, its catalysis of periplasmic transaminations is most likely a general tool for specific biosynthetic pathways. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Effect of Salt on the Metabolism of ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter’ Clade I and II

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhongwei; Dunne, Aislinn; van Loosdrecht, Mark C. M.; Saikaly, Pascal E.

2018-01-01

Saline wastewater is known to affect the performance of phosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs) in enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process. However, studies comparing the effect of salinity on different PAO clades are lacking. In this study, ‘Candidatus Accumulibacter phosphatis’ Clade I and II (hereafter referred to as PAOI and PAOII) were highly enriched (∼90% in relative abundance as determined by quantitative FISH) in the form of granules in two sequencing batch reactors. Anaerobic and aerobic batch experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of salinity on the kinetics and stoichiometry of PAOI and PAOII. PAOI and PAOII communities showed different priority in using polyphosphate (poly-P) and glycogen to generate ATP in the anaerobic phase when exposed to salt, with PAOI depending more on intracellular poly-P degradation (e.g., the proportion of calculated ATP derived from poly-P increased by 5–6% at 0.256 mol/L NaCl or KCl) while PAOII on glycolysis of intracellularly stored glycogen (e.g., the proportion of calculated ATP derived from glycogen increased by 29–30% at 0.256 mol/L NaCl or KCl). In the aerobic phase, the loss of phosphate uptake capability was more pronounced in PAOII due to the higher energy cost to synthesize their larger glycogen pool compared to PAOI. For both PAOI and PAOII, aerobic conversion rates were more sensitive to salt than anaerobic conversion rates. Potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) ions exhibited different effect regardless of the enriched PAO culture, suggesting that the composition of salt is an important factor to consider when studying the effect of salt on EBPR performance. PMID:29616002

Conversion of melt-derived microfibrous borate (13-93B3) and silicate (45S5) bioactive glass in a simulated body fluid.

PubMed

Liu, Xin; Rahaman, Mohamed N; Day, Delbert E

2013-03-01

Microfibrous bioactive glasses are showing a considerable capacity to heal soft tissue wounds, but little information is available on the mechanism of healing. In the present study, the conversion of microfibrous borate bioactive glass (diameter = 0.2-5 μm) with the composition designated 13-93B3 (5.5 Na2O, 11.1 K2O, 4.6 MgO, 18.5 CaO, 3.7 P2O5, 56.6 B2O3 wt%) was evaluated in vitro as a function of immersion time in a simulated body fluid (SBF) at 37 °C using structural and chemical techniques. Silicate 45S5glass microfibers (45 SiO2, 24.5 Na2O, 24.5 CaO, 6 P2O5 wt%) were also studied for comparison. Microfibrous 13-93B3 glass degraded almost completely and converted to a calcium phosphate material within 7-14 days in SBF, whereas >85 % of the silica remained in the 45S5 microfibers, forming a silica gel phase. An amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) product that formed on the 13-93B3 microfibers crystallized at a slower rate to hydroxyapatite (HA) when compared to the ACP that formed on the 45S5 fibers. For immersion times >3 days, the 13-93B3 fibers released a higher concentration of Ca into the SBF than the 45S5 fibers. The fast and more complete degradation, slow crystallization of the ACP product, and higher concentration of dissolved Ca in SBF could contribute to the capacity of the microfibrous borate 13-93B3 glass to heal soft tissue wounds.

Associations between Family Communication Patterns, Sibling Closeness, and Adoptive Status

PubMed Central

Samek, Diana R.; Rueter, Martha A.

2011-01-01

Previous research has demonstrated the protective effect of family and sibling closeness on child adjustment, but fewer studies have investigated how closeness is promoted within families. Guided by Family Communication Patterns Theory, we tested the association between family communication and sibling emotional and behavioral closeness, and whether adoptive status moderated this relationship. Participating families included 616 adoptive and non-adoptive families with two adolescent children. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Sibling closeness was highest in families that emphasized both conversation and conformity and lowest in families that emphasized only conversation or neither conversation nor conformity. Emotional and behavioral closeness were differentially associated with adoption status, sibling age, and sibling gender. Few moderating effects of adoption status were found. Post hoc analyses showed moderating effects of sibling gender composition. PMID:21984844

Associations between Family Communication Patterns, Sibling Closeness, and Adoptive Status.

PubMed

Samek, Diana R; Rueter, Martha A

2011-10-01

Previous research has demonstrated the protective effect of family and sibling closeness on child adjustment, but fewer studies have investigated how closeness is promoted within families. Guided by Family Communication Patterns Theory, we tested the association between family communication and sibling emotional and behavioral closeness, and whether adoptive status moderated this relationship. Participating families included 616 adoptive and non-adoptive families with two adolescent children. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Sibling closeness was highest in families that emphasized both conversation and conformity and lowest in families that emphasized only conversation or neither conversation nor conformity. Emotional and behavioral closeness were differentially associated with adoption status, sibling age, and sibling gender. Few moderating effects of adoption status were found. Post hoc analyses showed moderating effects of sibling gender composition.

Roll Compaction/Dry Granulation of Dibasic Calcium Phosphate Anhydrous-Does the Morphology of the Raw Material Influence the Tabletability of Dry Granules?

PubMed

Grote, Simon; Kleinebudde, Peter

2018-04-01

The influence of raw material particle morphology on the tabletabilty of dry granules was investigated. Therefore, dibasic calcium phosphate anhydrous was used as a model material. One milled grade, 2 agglomerated grades with different porosities, and a functionalized structure, that is, an agglomerate formed by very small primary particles, were included. Particle size, density, and specific surface area of raw materials were measured. The starting materials and 2 fractions of dry granules were compressed to tablets. The tabletability of granules was compared to that of the powders and the influence of specific compaction force, granule size, and lubrication on tablet tensile strength was evaluated. All materials showed a loss in tabletability induced by a previous compaction step but to a varying extent. Only in case of the functionalized calcium phosphate morphology, this effect depended on the specific compaction force. In contrast to the other materials, the tabletability of functionalized calcium phosphate was influenced by the granule size. This effect was not related to an overlubrication as internal and external lubrication resulted in similar tensile strengths. A clear influence of the particle morphology on tablet strength was demonstrated by the study. The functionalized structure showed aspects of a more plastic deformation behavior. The functionalized dibasic calcium phosphate and the more porous agglomerate performed as potential filler/binder in the field of roll compaction/dry granulation. Copyright © 2018 American Pharmacists Association®. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Zinc-ion-dependent acid phosphatase exhibits magnesium-ion-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity.

PubMed

Fujimoto, S; Okano, I; Tanaka, Y; Sumida, Y; Tsuda, J; Kawakami, N; Shimohama, S

1996-06-01

We have purified bovine brain Zn(2+)-dependent acid phosphatase (Zn(2+)-APase), which requires Zn2+ ions to hydrolyze the substrate p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) in an acidic environment. The substrate specificity and metal requirement of Zn(2+)-APase at a physiological pH was also studied. The enzyme exhibited hydrolytic activity on myo-inositol-1- and -2-monophosphates, 2'-adenosine monophosphate, 2'-guanosine monophosphate, and the alpha- and beta-glycerophosphates, glucose-1-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate in 50 mM Tris-HCl buffer (pH 7.4) in the presence of Mg2+ ions, but not on pNPP and phosphotyrosine. Zn2+, Mn2+ and Co2+ ions were less effective for activation. Among the above substrates, myo-inositol-1-phosphate was the most susceptible to hydrolysis by the enzyme in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The enzyme exhibited an optimum pH at around 8 for myo-inositol-1-phosphate in the presence of 3 mM Mg2+ ions. The Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the enzyme was significantly inhibited by Li+ ions. The Zn(2+)-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase activity and Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity of the purified enzyme fraction exhibited similar behavior on Sephadex G-100 and Mono Q colomns. These findings suggest that Zn(2+)-APase also exhibits Mg(2+)-dependent myo-inositol-1-phosphatase activity under physiological conditions.

Enhanced attenuation of septic system phosphate in noncalcareous sediments.

PubMed

Robertson, W D

2003-01-01

Review of phosphate behavior in four mature septic system plumes on similar textured sand has revealed a strong correlation between carbonate mineral content and phosphate concentrations. A plume on calcareous sand (Cambridge site, 27 wt % CaCO3 equiv.) has proximal zone PO4 concentrations (4.8 mg/L P average) that are about 75% of the septic tank effluent value, whereas three plumes on noncalcareous sand (Muskoka, L. Joseph, and Nobel sites, <1 wt % CaCO3 equiv.) have proximal zone phosphate concentrations (<0.1 mg/L P) that are consistently less than 2% of the effluent values. Phosphate attenuation at the noncalcareous sites appears to be an indirect result of the development of acidic conditions (site average pH 3.5 to 5.9) and elevated Al concentrations (up to 24 mg/L), which subsequently causes the precipitation of Al-P minerals such as variscite (AlPO4 x 2H2O). This is supported by scanning electron microscope analyses, which show the widespread occurrence of (Al+P)--rich secondary mineral coatings on sand grains below the infiltration beds. All of these septic systems are more than 10 years old, indicating that these attenuation reactions have substantial longevity. A field lysimeter experiment demonstrated that this reaction sequence can be readily incorporated into engineered waste water treatment systems. We feel this important P removal mechanism has not been adequately recognized, particularly for its potential significance in reducing P loading from septic systems in lakeshore environments.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is a regulator of vascular smooth muscle contraction.

PubMed

Gupte, Rakhee S; Ata, Hirotaka; Rawat, Dhawjbahadur; Abe, Madoka; Taylor, Mark S; Ochi, Rikuo; Gupte, Sachin A

2011-02-15

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway and a major source of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced (NADPH), which regulates numerous enzymatic (including glutathione reductase and NADPH oxidase that, respectively, generates reduced glutathione and reactive oxygen species) reactions involved in various cellular actions, yet its physiological function is seldom investigated. We, however, recently showed that inhibiting G6PD causes precontracted coronary artery (CA) to relax in an endothelium-derived relaxing factor- and second messenger-independent manner. Here we assessed the role of G6PD in regulating CA contractility. Treating bovine CAs for 20 min with potassium chloride (KCl; 30 mM), amphotericin B (50 μM), or U46619 (100 nM) significantly (p < 0.05) increased both G6PD activity and glucose flux through the pentose phosphate pathway. The effect was Ca(2+) independent, and there was a corresponding increase in protein kinase C (PKC) activity. Activation of G6PD by KCl was blocked by the PKCδ inhibitor rottlerin (10 μM) or by knocking down PKCδ expression using siRNA. Phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (10 μM), a PKC activator, significantly increased G6PD phosphorylation and activity, whereas single (S210A, T266A) and double (S210A/T266A) mutations at sites flanking the G6PD active site significantly inhibited phosphorylation, shifted the isoelectric point, and reduced enzyme activity. Knocking down G6PD decreased NADPH and reactive oxygen species generation, and reduced KCl-evoked increases in [Ca(2+)](i) and myosin light chain phosphorylation, thereby reducing CA contractility. Similarly, aortas from G6PD-deficient mice developed less KCl/phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate-evoked force than those from their wild-type littermates. Conversely, overexpression of G6PD augmented KCl-evoked increases in [Ca(2+)](i), thereby augmenting CA contraction. Our findings demonstrate that G6PD activity and NADPH is increased in activated CA in a PKCδ-dependent manner and that G6PD modulates Ca(2+) entry and CA contractions evoked by membrane depolarization.

EDTA-assisted phase conversion synthesis of (Gd0.95RE0.05)PO4 nanowires (RE = Eu, Tb) and investigation of photoluminescence

PubMed Central

Wang, Zhihao; Li, Ji-Guang; Zhu, Qi; Ai, Zhengrong; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong; Kim, Byung-Nam; Sakka, Yoshio

2017-01-01

Abstract Hexagonal (Gd0.95RE0.05)PO4·nH2O nanowires ~300 nm in length and ~10 nm in diameter have been converted from (Gd0.95RE0.05)2(OH)5NO3·nH2O nanosheets (RE = Eu, Tb) in the presence of monoammonium phosphate (NH4H2PO4) and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). They were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry, electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared and photoluminescence spectroscopies. It is shown that EDTA played an essential role in the morphology development of the nanowires. The hydrothermal products obtained up to 180 °C are of a pure hexagonal phase, while monoclinic phosphate evolved as an impurity at 200 °C. The nanowires undergo hexagonal→monoclinic phase transformation upon calcination at ≥600 °C to yield a pure monoclinic phase at ~900 °C. The effects of calcination on morphology, excitation/emission, and fluorescence decay kinetics were investigated in detail with (Gd0.95Eu0.05)PO4 as example. The abnormally strong 5D0→7F4 electric dipole Eu3+ emission in the hexagonal phosphates was ascribed to site distortion. The process of energy migration was also discussed for the optically active Gd3+ and Eu3+/Tb3+ ions. PMID:28740561

Molecular dynamics studies unravel role of conserved residues responsible for movement of ions into active site of DHBPS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shinde, Ranajit Nivrutti; Karthikeyan, Subramanian; Singh, Balvinder

2017-01-01

3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate synthase (DHBPS) catalyzes the conversion of D-ribulose 5-phosphate (Ru5P) to L-3,4-dihydroxy-2-butanone-4-phosphate in the presence of Mg2+. Although crystal structures of DHBPS in complex with Ru5P and non-catalytic metal ions have been reported, structure with Ru5P along with Mg2+ is still elusive. Therefore, mechanistic role played by Mg2+ in the structure of DHBPS is poorly understood. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations of DHBPS-Ru5P complex along with Mg2+ have shown entry of Mg2+ from bulk solvent into active site. Presence of Mg2+ in active site has constrained conformations of Ru5P and has reduced flexibility of loop-2. Formation of hydrogen bonds among Thr-108 and residues - Gly-109, Val-110, Ser-111, and Asp-114 are found to be critical for entry of Mg2+ into active site. Subsequent in silico mutations of residues, Thr-108 and Asp-114 have substantiated the importance of these interactions. Loop-4 of one monomer is being proposed to act as a “lid” covering the active site of other monomer. Further, the conserved nature of residues taking part in the transfer of Mg2+ suggests the same mechanism being present in DHBPS of other microorganisms. Thus, this study provides insights into the functioning of DHBPS that can be used for the designing of inhibitors.

A procedure for quantitation of total oxidized uranium for bioremediation studies

USGS Publications Warehouse

Elias, Dwayne A.; Senko, John M.; Krumholz, Lee R.

2003-01-01

A procedure was developed for the quantitation of complexed U(VI) during studies on U(VI) bioremediation. These studies typically involve conversion of soluble or complexed U(VI) (oxidized) to U(IV) (the reduced form which is much less soluble). Since U(VI) freely exchanges between material adsorbed to the solid phase and the dissolved phase, uranium bioremediation experiments require a mass balance of U in both its soluble and adsorbed forms as well as in the reduced sediment bound phase. We set out to optimize a procedure for extraction and quantitation of sediment bound U(VI). Various extractant volumes to sediment ratios were tested and it was found that between 1:1 to 8:1 ratios (v/w) there was a steady increase in U(VI) recovered, but no change with further increases in v/w ratio.Various strengths of NaHCO3, Na-EDTA, and Na-citrate were used to evaluate complexed U(VI) recovery, while the efficiency of a single versus repeated extraction steps was compared with synthesized uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide. Total recovery with 1 M NaHCO3 was 95.7% and 97.9% from uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, compared to 80.7% and 89.9% using 450 mM NaHCO3. Performing the procedure once yielded an efficiency of 81.1% and 92.3% for uranyl-phosphate and uranyl-hydroxide, respectively, as compared to three times. All other extractants yielded 7.9–82.0% in both experiments.

Ammonium phosphate as a sole nutritional supplement for the fermentative production of 2,3-butanediol from sugar cane juice.

PubMed

Berbert-Molina, M A; Sato, S; Silveira, M M

2001-01-01

The production of 2,3-butanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae from sugar cane juice supplemented with different salts was studied. This microorganism is able to degrade sucrose present in sugar cane juice containing ammonium phosphate as the sole nutritional supplement. With a sugar cane juice-based medium containing approximately 180 g sucrose/l and 8.0 g (NH4)2HPO4/l, over 70 g 2,3-butanediol plus acetoin/l were formed. This result is comparable to that achieved with a sugar cane juice-based medium containing several nutrients, although the kinetic profiles of these runs presented significant differences. With the ammonium phosphate-enriched medium, cell growth was initially favoured by both the strong oxygen supply and the higher water activity due to the lower concentration of nutrients. After 14 h, the limitation in some nutrients led to the interruption of cell growth, and decreasing rates for product formation and substrate consumption were observed. During the stationary phase of this run, sucrose was preferentially converted to product, and the substrate was completely depleted after 35 h of the process. With the complete medium, the substrate was totally consumed after 36 h of run. In this case, the higher initial concentration of nutrients reduced the overall process rate but sustained the cell growth for 27 h. Conversion yields of 0.40 g product/g sucrose and productivities close to 2.0 g/l x h were obtained under both conditions.

The structure of drug-deoxydinucleoside phosphate complex; generalized conformational behavior of intercalation complexes with RNA and DNA fragments.

PubMed Central

Shieh, H S; Berman, H M; Dabrow, M; Neidle, S

1980-01-01

A 2:2 complex of proflavine and deoxycytidylyl-3', 5'-guanosine has been crystallized and its structure determined by x-ray crystallography. The two dinucleoside phosphate strands form self complementary duplexes with Watson Crick hydrogen bonds. One proflavin is asymmetrically intercalated between the base pairs and the other is stacked above them. The conformations of the nucleotides are unusual in that one strand has C3',C2'endomixed sugar puckering and the other has C3',C3' endo deoxyribose sugars. These results show that the conformation of the 3'sugar is of secondary importance to the intercalated geometry. PMID:7355129

The reciprocity law concerning light dose relationships applied to BisGMA/TEGDMA photopolymers: theoretical analysis and experimental characterization.

PubMed

Wydra, James W; Cramer, Neil B; Stansbury, Jeffrey W; Bowman, Christopher N

2014-06-01

A model BisGMA/TEGDMA unfilled resin was utilized to investigate the effect of varied irradiation intensity on the photopolymerization kinetics and shrinkage stress evolution, as a means for evaluation of the reciprocity relationship. Functional group conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy and polymerization shrinkage stress was obtained by a tensometer. Samples were polymerized with UV light from an EXFO Acticure with 0.1wt% photoinitiator. A one-dimensional kinetic model was utilized to predict the conversion-dose relationship. As irradiation intensity increased, conversion decreased at a constant irradiation dose and the overall dose required to achieve full conversion increased. Methacrylate conversion ranged from 64±2% at 3mW/cm(2) to 78±1% at 24mW/cm(2) while the final shrinkage stress varied from 2.4±0.1MPa to 3.0±0.1MPa. The ultimate conversion and shrinkage stress levels achieved were dependent not only upon dose but also the irradiation intensity, in contrast to an idealized reciprocity relationship. A kinetic model was utilized to analyze this behavior and provide theoretical conversion profiles versus irradiation time and dose. Analysis of the experimental and modeling results demonstrated that the polymerization kinetics do not and should not be expected to follow the reciprocity law behavior. As irradiation intensity is increased, the overall dose required to achieve full conversion also increased. Further, the ultimate conversion and shrinkage stress that are achieved are not dependent only upon dose but rather upon the irradiation intensity and corresponding polymerization rate. Copyright © 2014 Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simulating the conversion of rural settlements to town land based on multi-agent systems and cellular automata.

PubMed

Liu, Yaolin; Kong, Xuesong; Liu, Yanfang; Chen, Yiyun

2013-01-01

Rapid urbanization in China has triggered the conversion of land from rural to urban use, particularly the conversion of rural settlements to town land. This conversion is the result of the joint effects of the geographic environment and agents involving the government, investors, and farmers. To understand the dynamic interaction dominated by agents and to predict the future landscape of town expansion, a small town land-planning model is proposed based on the integration of multi-agent systems (MAS) and cellular automata (CA). The MAS-CA model links the decision-making behaviors of agents with the neighbor effect of CA. The interaction rules are projected by analyzing the preference conflicts among agents. To better illustrate the effects of the geographic environment, neighborhood, and agent behavior, a comparative analysis between the CA and MAS-CA models in three different towns is presented, revealing interesting patterns in terms of quantity, spatial characteristics, and the coordinating process. The simulation of rural settlements conversion to town land through modeling agent decision and human-environment interaction is very useful for understanding the mechanisms of rural-urban land-use change in developing countries. This process can assist town planners in formulating appropriate development plans.

Surface phase behavior of di-n-tetradecyl hydrogen phosphate in Langmuir monolayers at the air-water interface.

PubMed

Hossain, Md Mufazzal; Iimura, Ken-Ichi; Kato, Teiji

2006-10-01

Surface phase behavior of di-n-tetradecyl hydrogen phosphate, DTP, has been studied by measuring pi-A isotherms with a film balance and observing monolayer morphology with a Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) at different temperatures. A generalized phase diagram, which shows a triple point for gas (G), liquid-expanded (LE) and liquid-condensed (LC) phases at about 32 degrees C, is constructed for the amphiphile. Below the triple point, a first-order G-LC phase transition has been shown to occur, whereas a first-order G-LE phase transition followed by another first-order LE-LC transition has been found to take place at a temperature above the triple point. The amphiphile shows the fingering LC domains with uniform brightness indicating the presence of untilted molecules. The domain shapes are independent of the change in temperature and compression rate. The existence of similar fingering domains over a wide range of temperature is rather uncommon in the monolayer systems and is considered to be due to the restricted movement of the molecules incorporating into the LC phase. Because the two-alkyl chains are directly attached to two covalent bonds of the phosphate head group, the rearrangement of the molecules, which is an essential condition for the circular domain formation, needs the movement of the whole molecules including the hydration sphere. The difficulty related to such a movement of the molecules causes fingering domains, which are independent of external variables.

Host-guest chemistry of dendrimer-drug complexes. 6. Fully acetylated dendrimers as biocompatible drug vehicles using dexamethasone 21-phosphate as a model drug.

PubMed

Yang, Kun; Weng, Liang; Cheng, Yiyun; Zhang, Hongfeng; Zhang, Jiahai; Wu, Qinglin; Xu, Tongwen

2011-03-17

Fully acetylated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer was proposed as a biocompatible drug vehicle using dexamethasone 21-phosphate (Dp21) as a model drug. NMR techniques including (1)H NMR and 2D NOE NMR were used to characterize the host-guest chemistry of acetylated dendrimer/Dp21 and cationic dendrimer/Dp21 complexes. The pH-dependent micellization, complexation, and inclusion behaviors of Dp21 were observed in the presence of acetylated and cationic PAMAM dendrimers. Acetylated dendrimer only encapsulates Dp21 at acidic conditions, while cationic dendrimer can host Dp21 at both acidic and neutral conditions. The orientation of Dp21 molecules in the dendrimer cavities depends on the quaternization degree of tertiary amine groups of dendrimer and the protonation ratio of phosphate group of Dp21. A distinctive pH-dependent release behavior of Dp21 from the acetylated and nonacetylated dendritic matrix was observed: Dp21 exhibits a much slower release rate from acetylated dendrimer at lower pH conditions and a much faster release rate from nonacetylated dendrimer with decreasing pH values. Cytotoxicity studies further confirmed the biocompatibility of acetylated dendrimers, which are much safer in the delivery of therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases than nonacetylated dendrimers. The dendrimer-drug binding and release mechanisms provide a new insight for the design and optimization of biocompatible dendrimer-based drug delivery systems. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Green acetylation of solketal and glycerol formal by heterogeneous acid catalysts to form a biodiesel fuel additive.

PubMed

Dodson, Jennifer R; Leite, Thays d C M; Pontes, Nathália S; Peres Pinto, Bianca; Mota, Claudio J A

2014-09-01

A glut of glycerol has formed from the increased production of biodiesel, with the potential to integrate the supply chain by using glycerol additives to improve biodiesel properties. Acetylated acetals show interesting cold flow and viscosity effects. Herein, a solventless heterogeneously catalyzed process for the acetylation of both solketal and glycerol formal to new products is demonstrated. The process is optimized by studying the effect of acetylating reagent (acetic acid and acetic anhydride), reagent molar ratios, and a variety of commercial solid acid catalysts (Amberlyst-15, zeolite Beta, K-10 Montmorillonite, and niobium phosphate) on the conversion and selectivities. High conversions (72-95%) and selectivities (86-99%) to the desired products results from using acetic anhydride as the acetylation reagent and a 1:1 molar ratio with all catalysts. Overall, there is a complex interplay between the solid catalyst, reagent ratio, and acetylating agent on the conversion, selectivities, and byproducts formed. The variations are discussed and explained in terms of reactivity, thermodynamics, and reaction mechanisms. An alternative and efficient approach to the formation of 100% triacetin involves the ring-opening, acid-catalyzed acetylation from solketal or glycerol formal with excesses of acetic anhydride. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Kinetics of struvite to newberyite transformation in the precipitation system MgCl2-NH4H2PO4NaOH-H2O.

PubMed

Babić-Ivancić, Vesna; Kontrec, Jasminka; Brecević, Ljerka; Kralj, Damir

2006-10-01

The influence of the initial reactant concentrations on the composition of the solid phases formed in the precipitation system MgCl(2)-NH(4)H(2)PO(4)-NaOH-H(2)O was investigated. The precipitation diagram constructed shows the approximate concentration regions within which struvite, newberyite, and their mixtures exist at 25 degrees C and an aging time of 60 min. It was found that immediately after mixing the reactant solutions, struvite (MgNH(4)PO(4).6H(2)O) precipitated in nearly the whole concentration area, while newberyite (MgHPO(4).3H(2)O) appeared mostly within the region of the excess of magnesium concentration. It was also found that after aging time of 60 min the precipitation domain of struvite alone is much broader than that of newberyite or the domain of their coexistence, and shows that struvite is more abundant in the systems in which the initial concentration of ammonium phosphate is higher than that of magnesium. The kinetics of struvite to newberyite transformation (conversion) was systematically studied under the conditions of different initial reactant concentrations and different initial pH in the systems in which a mixture of both phases precipitated spontaneously. The struvite to newberyite conversion period was found to be strongly related to the ratio of initial supersaturations, S(N)/S(S), rather than to the any particular physical quantity that can describe and predict the behavior of the precipitation system. Experimental data suggest a solution-mediated process as a most possible transformation mechanism. Along with a continuous monitoring of the changes in the liquid phase, the content of struvite in the solid phase was estimated by means of a Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) method, developed for this particular precipitation system.

Evolutionarily engineered ethanologenic yeast detoxifies lignocellulosic biomass conversion inhibitors by reprogrammed pathways

PubMed Central

Ma, Menggen; Song, Mingzhou

2010-01-01

Lignocellulosic biomass conversion inhibitors, furfural and HMF, inhibit microbial growth and interfere with subsequent fermentation of ethanol, posing significant challenges for a sustainable cellulosic ethanol conversion industry. Numerous yeast genes were found to be associated with the inhibitor tolerance. However, limited knowledge is available about mechanisms of the tolerance and the detoxification of the biomass conversion inhibitors. Using a robust standard for absolute mRNA quantification assay and a recently developed tolerant ethanologenic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae NRRL Y-50049, we investigate pathway-based transcription profiles relevant to the yeast tolerance and the inhibitor detoxification. Under the synergistic inhibitory challenges by furfural and HMF, Y-50049 was able to withstand the inhibitor stress, in situ detoxify furfural and HMF, and produce ethanol, while its parental control Y-12632 failed to function till 65 h after incubation. The tolerant strain Y-50049 displayed enriched genetic background with significantly higher abundant of transcripts for at least 16 genes than a non-tolerant parental strain Y-12632. The enhanced expression of ZWF1 appeared to drive glucose metabolism in favor of pentose phosphate pathway over glycolysis at earlier steps of glucose metabolisms. Cofactor NAD(P)H generation steps were likely accelerated by enzymes encoded by ZWF1, GND1, GND2, TDH1, and ALD4. NAD(P)H-dependent aldehyde reductions including conversion of furfural and HMF, in return, provided sufficient NAD(P)+ for NAD(P)H regeneration in the yeast detoxification pathways. Enriched genetic background and a well maintained redox balance through reprogrammed expression responses of Y-50049 were accountable for the acquired tolerance and detoxification of furfural to furan methanol and HMF to furan dimethanol. We present significant gene interactions and regulatory networks involved in NAD(P)H regenerations and functional aldehyde reductions under the inhibitor stress. PMID:19517136

Power capability evaluation for lithium iron phosphate batteries based on multi-parameter constraints estimation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yujie; Pan, Rui; Liu, Chang; Chen, Zonghai; Ling, Qiang

2018-01-01

The battery power capability is intimately correlated with the climbing, braking and accelerating performance of the electric vehicles. Accurate power capability prediction can not only guarantee the safety but also regulate driving behavior and optimize battery energy usage. However, the nonlinearity of the battery model is very complex especially for the lithium iron phosphate batteries. Besides, the hysteresis loop in the open-circuit voltage curve is easy to cause large error in model prediction. In this work, a multi-parameter constraints dynamic estimation method is proposed to predict the battery continuous period power capability. A high-fidelity battery model which considers the battery polarization and hysteresis phenomenon is presented to approximate the high nonlinearity of the lithium iron phosphate battery. Explicit analyses of power capability with multiple constraints are elaborated, specifically the state-of-energy is considered in power capability assessment. Furthermore, to solve the problem of nonlinear system state estimation, and suppress noise interference, the UKF based state observer is employed for power capability prediction. The performance of the proposed methodology is demonstrated by experiments under different dynamic characterization schedules. The charge and discharge power capabilities of the lithium iron phosphate batteries are quantitatively assessed under different time scales and temperatures.

Spatial variability and geochemistry of rare earth elements in soils from the largest uranium-phosphate deposit of Brazil.

PubMed

Cunha, Cleyton Saialy Medeiros; da Silva, Ygor Jacques Agra Bezerra; Escobar, Maria Eugenia Ortiz; do Nascimento, Clístenes Williams Araújo

2018-02-22

The Itataia uranium-phosphate deposit is the largest uranium reserve in Brazil. Rare earth elements (REEs) are commonly associated with phosphate deposits; however, there are no studies on the concentrations of REEs in soils of the Itataia deposit region. Thus, the objective of the research was to evaluate the concentration and spatial variability of REEs in topsoils of Itataia phosphate deposit region. In addition, the influence of soil properties on the geochemistry of REEs was investigated. Results showed that relatively high mean concentrations (mg kg -1 ) of heavy REEs (Gd 6.01; Tb 1.25; Ho 1.15; Er 4.05; Tm 0.64; Yb 4.61; Lu 0.65) were found in surface soils samples. Soil properties showed weak influence on the geochemical behavior of REEs in soils, except for the clay content. On the other hand, parent material characteristics, such as P and U, had strong influence on REEs concentrations. Spatial distribution patterns of REEs in soils are clearly associated with P and U contents. Therefore, geochemical surveys aiming at the delineation of ore-bearing zones in the region can benefit from our data. The results of this work reinforce the perspective for co-mining of P, U and REEs in this important P-U reserve.

Adsorption behavior of methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate on an apatite surface at neutral pH.

PubMed

Bista, Baba; Nakashima, Syozi; Nikaido, Toru; Sadr, Alireza; Takagaki, Tomohiro; Romero, Maria J R H; Sato, Takaaki; Tagami, Junji

2016-04-01

This study aimed to quantify the adsorption affinity of neutralized 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP-N) toward hydroxyapatite (HA) and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) at pH 7.0 by employing the Langmuir isotherm model. Furthermore, the effects of inorganic phosphate (Pi) and fluoride (F(-) ) ions on the adsorption of 10-MDP-N onto HA and DCPD were examined. Fixed amounts of HA and DCPD powders were suspended in different concentrations of 10-MDP-N solutions and were incubated for 18 h. Equilibrated concentrations of 10-MDP-N were measured by spectrophotometry and the adsorption affinity was estimated using the Langmuir model. Moreover, the adsorption was examined by zeta-potential analysis. The results indicated that significant Langmuir correlation was noted in both substrates, along with an increasing negative zeta-potential; however, in DCPD the correlation was less strong. The addition of 1.0 mM Pi slightly delayed the adsorption of 10-MDP-N onto both substrates, whereas 3.0 mM Pi drastically delayed adsorption onto HA but completely inhibited adsorption onto DCPD. Up to 50 ppm, F(-) enhanced the adsorption onto HA, and the adsorption plateaued at higher concentrations of F(-) , whereas no obvious influence of F(-) on the adsorption onto DCPD was noted. © 2016 Eur J Oral Sci.

Glycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase is required for PBAN-induced sex pheromone biosynthesis in Bombyx mori

PubMed Central

Du, Mengfang; Liu, Xiaoguang; Liu, Xiaoming; Yin, Xinming; Han, Shuangyin; Song, Qisheng; An, Shiheng

2015-01-01

Female moths employ their own pheromone blends as a communicational medium in mating behavior. The biosynthesis and release of sex pheromone in female moths are regulated by pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide (PBAN) and the corresponding action of PBAN has been well elucidated in Bombyx mori. However, very little is known about the molecular mechanism regarding the biosynthesis of sex pheromone precursor. In this study, quantitative proteomics was utilized to comprehensively elucidate the expression dynamics of pheromone glands (PGs) during development. Proteomic analysis revealed a serial of differentially expressed sex pheromone biosynthesis-associated proteins at the different time points of B. mori development. Most interestingly B. mori glycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase (BmGPAT) was found to be expressed during the key periods of sex pheromone biosynthesis. RNAi knockdown of BmGPAT confirmed the important function of this protein in the biosynthesis of sex pheromone precursor, triacylglcerol (TAG), and subsequently PBAN-induced production of sex pheromone, bombykol. Behavioral analysis showed that RNAi knockdown of GPAT significantly impaired the ability of females to attract males. Our findings indicate that GPAT acts to regulate the biosynthesis of sex pheromone precursor, TAG, thus influencing PBAN-induced sex pheromone production and subsequent mating behavior. PMID:25630665

Effects of Detergent β-Octylglucoside and Phosphate Salt Solutions on Phase Behavior of Monoolein Mesophases

PubMed Central

Khvostichenko, Daria S.; Ng, Johnathan J.D.; Perry, Sarah L.; Menon, Monisha; Kenis, Paul J.A.

2013-01-01

Using small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), we investigated the phase behavior of mesophases of monoolein (MO) mixed with additives commonly used for the crystallization of membrane proteins from lipidic mesophases. In particular, we examined the effect of sodium and potassium phosphate salts and the detergent β-octylglucoside (βOG) over a wide range of compositions relevant for the crystallization of membrane proteins in lipidic mesophases. We studied two types of systems: 1), ternary mixtures of MO with salt solutions above the hydration boundary; and 2), quaternary mixtures of MO with βOG and salt solutions over a wide range of hydration conditions. All quaternary mixtures showed highly regular lyotropic phase behavior with the same sequence of phases (Lα, Ia3d, and Pn3m) as MO/water mixtures at similar temperatures. The effects of additives in quaternary systems agreed qualitatively with those found in ternary mixtures in which only one additive is present. However, quantitative differences in the effects of additives on the lattice parameters of fully hydrated mesophases were found between ternary and quaternary mixtures. We discuss the implications of these findings for mechanistic investigations of membrane protein crystallization in lipidic mesophases and for studies of the suitability of precipitants for mesophase-based crystallization methods. PMID:24138861