Stress-Triggered Phase Separation Is an Adaptive, Evolutionarily Tuned Response

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

Riback, Joshua A.; Katanski, Christopher D.; Kear-Scott, Jamie L.

In eukaryotic cells, diverse stresses trigger coalescence of RNA-binding proteins into stress granules. In vitro, stress-granule-associated proteins can demix to form liquids, hydrogels, and other assemblies lacking fixed stoichiometry. Observing these phenomena has generally required conditions far removed from physiological stresses. We show that poly(A)-binding protein (Pab1 in yeast), a defining marker of stress granules, phase separates and forms hydrogels in vitro upon exposure to physiological stress conditions. Other RNA-binding proteins depend upon low-complexity regions (LCRs) or RNA for phase separation, whereas Pab1’s LCR is not required for demixing, and RNA inhibits it. Based on unique evolutionary patterns, we createmore » LCR mutations, which systematically tune its biophysical properties and Pab1 phase separation in vitro and in vivo. Mutations that impede phase separation reduce organism fitness during prolonged stress. Poly(A)-binding protein thus acts as a physiological stress sensor, exploiting phase separation to precisely mark stress onset, a broadly generalizable mechanism.« less

Improving reliability of a residency interview process.

PubMed

Peeters, Michael J; Serres, Michelle L; Gundrum, Todd E

2013-10-14

To improve the reliability and discrimination of a pharmacy resident interview evaluation form, and thereby improve the reliability of the interview process. In phase 1 of the study, authors used a Many-Facet Rasch Measurement model to optimize an existing evaluation form for reliability and discrimination. In phase 2, interviewer pairs used the modified evaluation form within 4 separate interview stations. In phase 3, 8 interviewers individually-evaluated each candidate in one-on-one interviews. In phase 1, the evaluation form had a reliability of 0.98 with person separation of 6.56; reproducibly, the form separated applicants into 6 distinct groups. Using that form in phase 2 and 3, our largest variation source was candidates, while content specificity was the next largest variation source. The phase 2 g-coefficient was 0.787, while confirmatory phase 3 was 0.922. Process reliability improved with more stations despite fewer interviewers per station-impact of content specificity was greatly reduced with more interview stations. A more reliable, discriminating evaluation form was developed to evaluate candidates during resident interviews, and a process was designed that reduced the impact from content specificity.

Rationale for two phase polymer system microgravity separation experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.; Bamberger, S. B.; Harris, J. M.; Vanalstine, J.

1984-01-01

The two-phase systems that result when aqueous solutions of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) are mixed at concentrations above a few percent are discussed. They provide useful media for the partition and isolation of macromolecules and cell subpopulations. By manipulating their composition, separations based on a variety of molecular and surface properties are achieved, including membrane hydrophobic properties, cell surface charge, and membrane antigenicity. Work on the mechanism of cell partition shows there is a randomizing, nonthermal energy present which reduces separation resolution. This stochastic energy is probably associated with hydrodynamic interactions present during separation. Because such factors should be markedly reduced in microgravity, a series of shuttle experiments to indicate approaches to increasing the resolution of the procedure are planned.

Integrity of the Pericentriolar Material Is Essential for Maintaining Centriole Association during M Phase

PubMed Central

Rhee, Kunsoo

2015-01-01

A procentriole is assembled next to the mother centriole during S phase and remains associated until M phase. After functioning as a spindle pole during mitosis, the mother centriole and procentriole are separated at the end of mitosis. A close association of the centriole pair is regarded as an intrinsic block to the centriole reduplication. Therefore, deregulation of this process may cause a problem in the centriole number control, resulting in increased genomic instability. Despite its importance for faithful centriole duplication, the mechanism of centriole separation is not fully understood yet. Here, we report that centriole pairs are prematurely separated in cells whose cell cycle is arrested at M phase by STLC. Dispersal of the pericentriolar material (PCM) was accompanied. This phenomenon was independent of the separase activity but needed the PLK1 activity. Nocodazole effectively inhibited centriole scattering in STLC-treated cells, possibly by reducing the microtubule pulling force around centrosomes. Inhibition of PLK1 also reduced the premature separation of centrioles and the PCM dispersal as well. These results revealed the importance of PCM integrity in centriole association. Therefore, we propose that PCM disassembly is one of the driving forces for centriole separation during mitotic exit. PMID:26407333

Poly(1-allylimidazole)-grafted silica, a new specific stationary phase for reversed-phase and anion-exchange liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Sun, Min; Qiu, Hongdeng; Wang, Licheng; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2009-05-01

A new specific stationary phase based on poly(1-allylimidazole)-grafted silica has been synthesized and characterized, by infrared spectra, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results of test showed that poly(1-allylimidazole) can effectively mask the residual silanol groups and reduce the adverse effect of residual silanol. Using this stationary phase, phenol compounds, aniline compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were successfully separated with symmetric peak shapes in the reversed-phase chromatography. Inorganic anions (IO(3)(-), BrO(3)(-), Br(-), NO(3)(-), I(-), SCN(-)) were also separated completely in the anion-exchange chromatography using sodium chloride solution as the mobile phase. The effects of pH and the concentration of eluent on the separation of inorganic anions were studied. The separation mechanism appears to involve the mixed interactions of hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic, pi-pi, electrostatic, and anion-exchange interactions.

Short nights reduce light-induced circadian phase delays in humans.

PubMed

Burgess, Helen J; Eastman, Charmane I

2006-01-01

Short sleep episodes are common in modern society. We recently demonstrated that short nights reduce phase advances to light. Here we show that short nights also reduce phase delays to light. Two weeks of 6-hour sleep episodes in the dark (short nights) and 2 weeks of long 9-hour sleep episodes (long nights) in counterbalanced order, separated by 7 days. Following each series of nights, there was a dim-light phase assessment to assess baseline phase. Three days later, subjects were exposed to a phase-delaying light stimulus for 2 days, followed by a final phase assessment. Subjects slept at home in dark bedrooms but came to the laboratory for the phase assessments and light stimulus. Seven young healthy subjects. The 3.5-hour light stimulus was four 30-minute pulses of bright light (-5000 lux) separated by 30-minute intervals of room light. The stimulus began 2.5 hours after each subject's dim-light melatonin onset, followed by a 6- or 9-hour sleep episode. On the second night, the bright light and sleep episode began 1 hour later. The dim-light melatonin onset and dimlight melatonin offset phase delayed 1.4 and 0.7 hours less in the short nights, respectively (both p < or = .015). These results indicate for the first time that short nights can reduce circadian phase delays, that long nights can increase phase delays to light, or both. People who curtail their sleep may inadvertently reduce their circadian responsiveness to evening light.

Improving Reliability of a Residency Interview Process

PubMed Central

Serres, Michelle L.; Gundrum, Todd E.

2013-01-01

Objective. To improve the reliability and discrimination of a pharmacy resident interview evaluation form, and thereby improve the reliability of the interview process. Methods. In phase 1 of the study, authors used a Many-Facet Rasch Measurement model to optimize an existing evaluation form for reliability and discrimination. In phase 2, interviewer pairs used the modified evaluation form within 4 separate interview stations. In phase 3, 8 interviewers individually-evaluated each candidate in one-on-one interviews. Results. In phase 1, the evaluation form had a reliability of 0.98 with person separation of 6.56; reproducibly, the form separated applicants into 6 distinct groups. Using that form in phase 2 and 3, our largest variation source was candidates, while content specificity was the next largest variation source. The phase 2 g-coefficient was 0.787, while confirmatory phase 3 was 0.922. Process reliability improved with more stations despite fewer interviewers per station—impact of content specificity was greatly reduced with more interview stations. Conclusion. A more reliable, discriminating evaluation form was developed to evaluate candidates during resident interviews, and a process was designed that reduced the impact from content specificity. PMID:24159209

Cleaning and dewatering fine coal

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

Yoon, Roe-Hoan; Eraydin, Mert K.; Freeland, Chad

Fine coal is cleaned of its mineral matter impurities and dewatered by mixing the aqueous slurry containing both with a hydrophobic liquid, subjecting the mixture to a phase separation. The resulting hydrophobic liquid phase contains coal particles free of surface moisture and droplets of water stabilized by coal particles, while the aqueous phase contains the mineral matter. By separating the entrained water droplets from the coal particles mechanically, a clean coal product of substantially reduced mineral matter and moisture contents is obtained. The spent hydrophobic liquid is separated from the clean coal product and recycled. The process can also bemore » used to separate one type of hydrophilic particles from another by selectively hydrophobizing one.« less

A fracture mechanics study of the phase separating planar electrodes: Phase field modeling and analytical results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haftbaradaran, H.; Maddahian, A.; Mossaiby, F.

2017-05-01

It is well known that phase separation could severely intensify mechanical degradation and expedite capacity fading in lithium-ion battery electrodes during electrochemical cycling. Experiments have frequently revealed that such degradation effects could be substantially mitigated via reducing the electrode feature size to the nanoscale. The purpose of this work is to present a fracture mechanics study of the phase separating planar electrodes. To this end, a phase field model is utilized to predict how phase separation affects evolution of the solute distribution and stress profile in a planar electrode. Behavior of the preexisting flaws in the electrode in response to the diffusion induced stresses is then examined via computing the time dependent stress intensity factor arising at the tip of flaws during both the insertion and extraction half-cycles. Further, adopting a sharp-interphase approximation of the system, a critical electrode thickness is derived below which the phase separating electrode becomes flaw tolerant. Numerical results of the phase field model are also compared against analytical predictions of the sharp-interphase model. The results are further discussed with reference to the available experiments in the literature. Finally, some of the limitations of the model are cautioned.

Effects of Swirler Shape on Two-Phase Swirling Flow in a Steam Separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kataoka, Hironobu; Shinkai, Yusuke; Tomiyama, Akio

Experiments on two-phase swirling flow in a separator are carried out using several swirlers having different vane angles, different hub diameters and different number of vanes to seek a way for improving steam separators of uprated boiling water reactors. Ratios of the separated liquid flow rate to the total liquid flow rate, flow patterns, liquid film thicknesses and pressure drops are measured to examine the effects of swirler shape on air-water two-phase swirling annular flows in a one-fifth scale model of the separator. As a result, the following conclusions are obtained for the tested swirlers: (1) swirler shape scarcely affects the pressure drop in the barrel of the separator, (2) decreasing the vane angle is an effective way for reducing the pressure drop in the diffuser of the separator, and (3) the film thickness at the inlet of the pick-off-ring of the separator is not sensitive to swirler shape, which explains the reason why the separator performance does not depend on swirler shape.

Limitation of predictive 2-D liquid chromatography in reducing the database search space in shotgun proteomics: in silico studies.

PubMed

Moskovets, Eugene; Goloborodko, Anton A; Gorshkov, Alexander V; Gorshkov, Mikhail V

2012-07-01

A two-dimensional (2-D) liquid chromatography (LC) separation of complex peptide mixtures that combines a normal phase utilizing hydrophilic interactions and a reversed phase offers reportedly the highest level of 2-D LC orthogonality by providing an even spread of peptides across multiple LC fractions. Matching experimental peptide retention times to those predicted by empirical models describing chromatographic separation in each LC dimension leads to a significant reduction in a database search space. In this work, we calculated the retention times of tryptic peptides separated in the C18 reversed phase at different separation conditions (pH 2 and pH 10) and in TSK gel Amide-80 normal phase. We show that retention times calculated for different 2-D LC separation schemes utilizing these phases start to correlate once the mass range of peptides under analysis becomes progressively narrow. This effect is explained by high degree of correlation between retention coefficients in the considered phases. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microgravity Fluid Separation Physics: Experimental and Analytical Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shoemaker, J. Michael; Schrage, Dean S.

1997-01-01

Effective, low power, two-phase separation systems are vital for the cost-effective study and utilization of two-phase flow systems and flow physics of two-phase flows. The study of microgravity flows have the potential to reveal significant insight into the controlling mechanisms for the behavior of flows in both normal and reduced gravity environments. The microgravity environment results in a reduction in gravity induced buoyancy forces acting on the discrete phases. Thus, surface tension, viscous, and inertial forces exert an increased influence on the behavior of the flow as demonstrated by the axisymmetric flow patterns. Several space technology and operations groups have studied the flow behavior in reduced gravity since gas-liquid flows are encountered in several systems such as cabin humidity control, wastewater treatment, thermal management, and Rankine power systems.

Fiber-based monolithic columns for liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Ladisch, Michael; Zhang, Leyu

2016-10-01

Fiber-based monoliths for use in liquid chromatographic separations are defined by columns packed with aligned fibers, woven matrices, or contiguous fiber structures capable of achieving rapid separations of proteins, macromolecules, and low molecular weight components. A common denominator and motivating driver for this approach, first initiated 25 years ago, was reducing the cost of bioseparations in a manner that also reduced residence time of retained components while achieving a high ratio of mass to momentum transfer. This type of medium, when packed into a liquid chromatography column, minimized the fraction of stagnant liquid and resulted in a constant plate height for non-adsorbing species. The uncoupling of dispersion from eluent flow rate enabled the surface chemistry of the stationary phase to be considered separately from fluid transport phenomena and pointed to new ways to apply chemistry for the engineering of rapid bioseparations. This paper addresses developments and current research on fiber-based monoliths and explains how the various forms of this type of chromatographic stationary phase have potential to provide new tools for analytical and preparative scale separations. The different stationary phases are discussed, and a model that captures the observed constant plate height as a function of mobile phase velocity is reviewed. Methods that enable hydrodynamically stable fiber columns to be packed and operated over a range of mobile phase flow rates, together with the development of new fiber chemistries, are shown to provide columns that extend the versatility of liquid chromatography using monoliths, particularly at the preparative scale. Graphical Abstract Schematic representation of a sample mixture being separated by a rolled-stationary phase column, resulting separated peaks shown in the chromatogram.

Modification of linear prepolymers to tailor heterogeneous network formation through photo-initiated Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation

PubMed Central

Szczepanski, Caroline R.; Stansbury, Jeffrey W.

2015-01-01

Polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS) was studied in ambient photopolymerizations of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) modified by poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The molecular weight of PMMA and the rate of network formation (through incident UV-irradiation) were varied to influence both the promotion of phase separation through increases in overall free energy, as well as the extent to which phase development occurs during polymerization through diffusion prior to network gelation. The overall free energy of the polymerizing system increases with PMMA molecular weight, such that PIPS is promoted thermodynamically at low loading levels (5 wt%) of a higher molecular weight PMMA (120 kDa), while a higher loading level (20 wt%) is needed to induce PIPS with lower PMMA molecular weight (11 kDa), and phase separation was not promoted at any loading level tested of the lowest molecular weight PMMA (1 kDa). Due to these differences in overall free energy, systems modified by PMMA (11 kDa) underwent phase separation via Nucleation and Growth, and systems modified by PMMA (120 kDa), followed the Spinodal Decomposition mechanism. Despite differences in phase structure, all materials form a continuous phase rich in TEGDMA homopolymer. At high irradiation intensity (Io=20mW/cm2), the rate of network formation prohibited significant phase separation, even when thermodynamically preferred. A staged curing approach, which utilizes low intensity irradiation (Io=300µW/cm2) for the first ~50% of reaction to allow phase separation via diffusion, followed by a high intensity flood-cure to achieve a high degree of conversion, was employed to form phase-separated networks with reduced polymerization stress yet equivalent final conversion and modulus. PMID:26190865

Thermocapillary-Induced Phase Separation with Coalescence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Davis, Robert H.

2003-01-01

Research has been undertaken on interactions of two or more deformable drops (or bubbles) in a viscous fluid and subject to a temperature, gravitational, or flow field. An asymptotic theory for nearly spherical drops shows that small deformations reduce the coalescence and phase separation rates. Boundary-integral simulations for large deformations show that bubbles experience alignment and enhanced coalescence, whereas more viscous drops may break as a result of hydrodynamic interactions. Experiments for buoyancy motion confirm these observations. Simulations of the sedimentation of many drops show clustering phenomena due to deformations, which lead to enhanced phase separation rates, and simulations of sheared emulsions show that deformations cause a reduction in the effective viscosity.

FUS Phase Separation Is Modulated by a Molecular Chaperone and Methylation of Arginine Cation-π Interactions.

PubMed

Qamar, Seema; Wang, GuoZhen; Randle, Suzanne J; Ruggeri, Francesco Simone; Varela, Juan A; Lin, Julie Qiaojin; Phillips, Emma C; Miyashita, Akinori; Williams, Declan; Ströhl, Florian; Meadows, William; Ferry, Rodylyn; Dardov, Victoria J; Tartaglia, Gian G; Farrer, Lindsay A; Kaminski Schierle, Gabriele S; Kaminski, Clemens F; Holt, Christine E; Fraser, Paul E; Schmitt-Ulms, Gerold; Klenerman, David; Knowles, Tuomas; Vendruscolo, Michele; St George-Hyslop, Peter

2018-04-19

Reversible phase separation underpins the role of FUS in ribonucleoprotein granules and other membrane-free organelles and is, in part, driven by the intrinsically disordered low-complexity (LC) domain of FUS. Here, we report that cooperative cation-π interactions between tyrosines in the LC domain and arginines in structured C-terminal domains also contribute to phase separation. These interactions are modulated by post-translational arginine methylation, wherein arginine hypomethylation strongly promotes phase separation and gelation. Indeed, significant hypomethylation, which occurs in FUS-associated frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), induces FUS condensation into stable intermolecular β-sheet-rich hydrogels that disrupt RNP granule function and impair new protein synthesis in neuron terminals. We show that transportin acts as a physiological molecular chaperone of FUS in neuron terminals, reducing phase separation and gelation of methylated and hypomethylated FUS and rescuing protein synthesis. These results demonstrate how FUS condensation is physiologically regulated and how perturbations in these mechanisms can lead to disease. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extent and mechanism of phase separation during the extrusion of calcium phosphate pastes.

PubMed

O'Neill, Rory; McCarthy, Helen O; Cunningham, Eoin; Montufar, Edgar; Ginebra, Maria-Pau; Wilson, D Ian; Lennon, Alex; Dunne, Nicholas

2016-02-01

The aim of this study was to increase understanding of the mechanism and dominant drivers influencing phase separation during ram extrusion of calcium phosphate (CaP) paste for orthopaedic applications. The liquid content of extrudate was determined, and the flow of liquid and powder phases within the syringe barrel during extrusion were observed, subject to various extrusion parameters. Increasing the initial liquid-to-powder mass ratio, LPR, (0.4-0.45), plunger rate (5-20 mm/min), and tapering the barrel exit (45°-90°) significantly reduced the extent of phase separation. Phase separation values ranged from (6.22 ± 0.69 to 18.94 ± 0.69 %). However altering needle geometry had no significant effect on phase separation. From powder tracing and liquid content determination, static zones of powder and a non-uniform liquid distribution was observed within the barrel. Measurements of extrudate and paste LPR within the barrel indicated that extrudate LPR remained constant during extrusion, while LPR of paste within the barrel decreased steadily. These observations indicate the mechanism of phase separation was located within the syringe barrel. Therefore phase separation can be attributed to either; (1) the liquid being forced downstream by an increase in pore pressure as a result of powder consolidation due to the pressure exerted by the plunger or (2) the liquid being drawn from paste within the barrel, due to suction, driven by dilation of the solids matrix at the barrel exit. Differentiating between these two mechanisms is difficult; however results obtained suggest that suction is the dominant phase separation mechanism occurring during extrusion of CaP paste.

Ternary Phase-Separation Investigation of Sol-Gel Derived Silica from Ethyl Silicate 40

PubMed Central

Wang, Shengnan; Wang, David K.; Smart, Simon; Diniz da Costa, João C.

2015-01-01

A ternary phase-separation investigation of the ethyl silicate 40 (ES40) sol-gel process was conducted using ethanol and water as the solvent and hydrolysing agent, respectively. This oligomeric silica precursor underwent various degrees of phase separation behaviour in solution during the sol-gel reactions as a function of temperature and H2O/Si ratios. The solution composition within the immiscible region of the ES40 phase-separated system shows that the hydrolysis and condensation reactions decreased with decreasing reaction temperature. A mesoporous structure was obtained at low temperature due to weak drying forces from slow solvent evaporation on one hand and formation of unreacted ES40 cages in the other, which reduced network shrinkage and produced larger pores. This was attributed to the concentration of the reactive sites around the phase-separated interface, which enhanced the condensation and crosslinking. Contrary to dense silica structures obtained from sol-gel reactions in the miscible region, higher microporosity was produced via a phase-separated sol-gel system by using high H2O/Si ratios. This tailoring process facilitated further condensation reactions and crosslinking of silica chains, which coupled with stiffening of the network, made it more resistant to compression and densification. PMID:26411484

Phase separation and crystallization process of amorphous Fe{sub 78}B{sub 12}Si{sub 9}Ni{sub 1} alloy

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

Mukhgalin, V. V.; Lad’yanov, V. I.

2015-08-17

The influence of the melt heat treatment on the structure and crystallization process of the rapidly quenched amorphous Fe{sub 78}B{sub 12}Si{sub 9}Ni{sub 1} alloys have been investigated by means of x-ray diffraction, DSC and TEM. Amorphous phase separation has been observed in the alloys quenched after the preliminary high temperature heat treatment of the liquid alloy (heating above 1400°C). Comparative analysis of the pair distribution functions demonstrates that this phase separation accompanied by a changes in the local atomic arrangement. It has been found that crystallization process at heating is strongly dependent on the initial amorphous phase structure - homogeneousmore » or phase separated. In the last case crystallization goes through the formation of a new metastable hexagonal phase [a=12.2849(9) Ǻ, c=7.6657(8) Ǻ]. At the same time the activation energy for crystallization (Ea) reduces from 555 to 475 kJ mole{sup −1}.« less

Polar Aprotic Modifiers for Chromatographic Separation and Back-Exchange Reduction for Protein Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Monitored by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valeja, Santosh G.; Emmett, Mark R.; Marshall, Alan G.

2012-04-01

Hydrogen/deuterium exchange monitored by mass spectrometry is an important non-perturbing tool to study protein structure and protein-protein interactions. However, water in the reversed-phase liquid chromatography mobile phase leads to back-exchange of D for H during chromatographic separation of proteolytic peptides following H/D exchange, resulting in incorrect identification of fast-exchanging hydrogens as unexchanged hydrogens. Previously, fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and supercritical fluid chromatography have been shown to decrease back-exchange. Here, we show that replacement of up to 40% of the water in the LC mobile phase by the modifiers, dimethylformamide (DMF) and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) (i.e., polar organic modifiers that lack rapid exchanging hydrogens), significantly reduces back-exchange. On-line LC micro-ESI FT-ICR MS resolves overlapped proteolytic peptide isotopic distributions, allowing for quantitative determination of the extent of back-exchange. The DMF modified solvent composition also improves chromatographic separation while reducing back-exchange relative to conventional solvent.

Effects of temperature and solvent condition on phase separation induced molecular fractionation of gum arabic/hyaluronan aqueous mixtures.

PubMed

Hu, Bing; Han, Lingyu; Gao, Zhiming; Zhang, Ke; Al-Assaf, Saphwan; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi; Phillips, Glyn O; Yang, Jixin; Fang, Yapeng

2018-05-14

Effects of temperature and solvent condition on phase separation-induced molecular fractionation of gum arabic/hyaluronan (GA/HA) mixed solutions were investigated. Two gum arabic samples (EM10 and STD) with different molecular weights and polydispersity indices were used. Phase diagrams, including cloud and binodal curves, were established by visual observation and GPC-RI methods. The molecular parameters of control and fractionated GA, from upper and bottom phases, were measured by GPC-MALLS. Fractionation of GA increased the content of arabinogalactan-protein complex (AGP) from ca. 11% to 18% in STD/HA system and 28% to 55% in EM10/HA system. The phase separation-induced molecular fractionation was further studied as a function of temperature and solvent condition (varying ionic strength and ethanol content). Increasing salt concentration (from 0.5 to 5 mol/L) greatly reduced the extent of phase separation-induced fractionation. This effect may be ascribed to changes in the degree of ionization and shielding of the acid groups. Increasing temperature (from 4 °C to 80 °C) also exerted a significant influence on phase separation-induced fractionation. The best temperature for GA/HA mixture system was 40 °C while higher temperature negatively affected the fractionation due to denaturation and possibly degradation in mixed solutions. Increasing the ethanol content up to 30% showed almost no effect on the phase separation induced fractionation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hybrid and Mixed Matrix Membranes for Separations from Fermentations

PubMed Central

Davey, Christopher John; Leak, David; Patterson, Darrell Alec

2016-01-01

Fermentations provide an alternative to fossil fuels for accessing a number of biofuel and chemical products from a variety of renewable and waste substrates. The recovery of these dilute fermentation products from the broth, however, can be incredibly energy intensive as a distillation process is generally involved and creates a barrier to commercialization. Membrane processes can provide a low energy aid/alternative for recovering these dilute fermentation products and reduce production costs. For these types of separations many current polymeric and inorganic membranes suffer from poor selectivity and high cost respectively. This paper reviews work in the production of novel mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) for fermentative separations and those applicable to these separations. These membranes combine a trade-off of low-cost and processability of polymer membranes with the high selectivity of inorganic membranes. Work within the fields of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and pervaporation has been discussed. The review shows that MMMs are currently providing some of the most high-performing membranes for these separations, with three areas for improvement identified: Further characterization and optimization of inorganic phase(s), Greater understanding of the compatibility between the polymer and inorganic phase(s), Improved methods for homogeneously dispersing the inorganic phase. PMID:26938567

Gradient enhanced-fluidity liquid hydrophilic interaction chromatography of ribonucleic acid nucleosides and nucleotides: A "green" technique.

PubMed

Beilke, Michael C; Beres, Martin J; Olesik, Susan V

2016-03-04

A "green" hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) technique for separating the components of mixtures with a broad range of polarities is illustrated using enhanced-fluidity liquid mobile phases. Enhanced-fluidity liquid chromatography (EFLC) involves the addition of liquid CO2 to conventional liquid mobile phases. Decreased mobile phase viscosity and increased analyte diffusivity results when a liquefied gas is dissolved in common liquid mobile phases. The impact of CO2 addition to a methanol:water (MeOH:H2O) mobile phase was studied to optimize HILIC gradient conditions. For the first time a fast separation of 16 ribonucleic acid (RNA) nucleosides/nucleotides was achieved (16min) with greater than 1.3 resolution for all analyte pairs. By using a gradient, the analysis time was reduced by over 100% compared to similar separations conducted under isocratic conditions. The optimal separation using MeOH:H2O:CO2 mobile phases was compared to MeOH:H2O and acetonitrile:water (ACN:H2O) mobile phases. Based on chromatographic performance parameters (efficiency, resolution and speed of analysis) and an assessment of the environmental impact of the mobile phase mixtures, MeOH:H2O:CO2 mixtures are preferred over ACN:H2O or MeOH:H2O mobile phases for the separation of mixtures of RNA nucleosides and nucleotides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SEPARATION OF URANIUM, PLUTONIUM AND FISSION PRODUCTS

DOEpatents

Nicholls, C.M.; Wells, I.; Spence, R.

1959-10-13

The separation of uranium and plutonium from neutronirradiated uranium is described. The neutron-irradiated uranium is dissolved in nitric acid to provide an aqueous solution 3N in nitric acid. The fission products of the solution are extruded by treating the solution with dibutyl carbitol substantially 1.8N in nitric acid. The organic solvent phase is separated and neutralized with ammonium hydroxide and the plutonium reduced with hydroxylamine base to the trivalent state. Treatment of the mixture with saturated ammonium nitrate extracts the reduced plutonium and leaves the uranium in the organic solvent.

Stress reduction in phase-separated, cross-linked networks: influence of phase structure and kinetics of reaction

PubMed Central

Szczepanski, Caroline R.; Stansbury, Jeffrey W.

2014-01-01

A mechanism for polymerization shrinkage and stress reduction was developed for heterogeneous networks formed via ambient, photo-initiated polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS). The material system used consists of a bulk homopolymer matrix of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) modified with one of three non-reactive, linear prepolymers (poly-methyl, ethyl and butyl methacrylate). At higher prepolymer loading levels (10–20 wt%) an enhanced reduction in both shrinkage and polymerization stress is observed. The onset of gelation in these materials is delayed to a higher degree of methacrylate conversion (~15–25%), providing more time for phase structure evolution by thermodynamically driven monomer diffusion between immiscible phases prior to network macro-gelation. The resulting phase structure was probed by introducing a fluorescently tagged prepolymer into the matrix. The phase structure evolves from a dispersion of prepolymer at low loading levels to a fully co-continuous heterogeneous network at higher loadings. The bulk modulus in phase separated networks is equivalent or greater than that of poly(TEGDMA), despite a reduced polymerization rate and cross-link density in the prepolymer-rich domains. PMID:25418999

Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase separation of glycol ethers for forward osmotic control.

PubMed

Nakayama, Daichi; Mok, Yeongbong; Noh, Minwoo; Park, Jeongseon; Kang, Sunyoung; Lee, Yan

2014-03-21

Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase transition of glycol ether (GE)-water mixtures induces an abrupt change in osmotic pressure driven by a mild temperature change. The temperature-controlled osmotic change was applied for the forward osmosis (FO) desalination. Among three GEs evaluated, di(ethylene glycol) n-hexyl ether (DEH) was selected as a potential FO draw solute. A DEH-water mixture with a high osmotic pressure could draw fresh water from a high-salt feed solution such as seawater through a semipermeable membrane at around 10 °C. The water-drawn DEH-water mixture was phase-separated into a water-rich phase and a DEH-rich phase at around 30 °C. The water-rich phase with a much reduced osmotic pressure released water into a low-salt solution, and the DEH-rich phase was recovered into the initial DEH-water mixture. The phase separation behaviour, the residual GE concentration in the water-rich phase, the osmotic pressure of the DEH-water mixture, and the osmotic flux between the DEH-water mixture and salt solutions were carefully analysed for FO desalination. The liquid-liquid phase separation of the GE-water mixture driven by the mild temperature change between 10 °C and 30 °C is very attractive for the development of an ideal draw solute for future practical FO desalination.

PYROCHEMICAL DECONTAMINATION METHOD FOR REACTOR FUEL

DOEpatents

Buyers, A.G.

1959-06-30

A pyro-chemical method is presented for decontaminating neutron irradiated uranium and separating plutonium therefrom by contact in the molten state with a metal chloride salt. Uranium trichloride and uranium tetrachloride either alone or in admixture with alkaline metal and alkaline eanth metal fluorides under specified temperature and specified phase ratio conditions extract substantially all of the uranium from the irradiated uranium fuel together with certain fission products. The phases are then separated leaving purified uranium metal. The uranium and plutonium in the salt phase can be reduced to forin a highly decontaminated uraniumplutonium alloy. The present method possesses advantages for economically decontaminating irradiated nuclear fuel elements since irradiated fuel may be proccessed immediately after withdrawal from the reactor and the uranium need not be dissolved and later reduced to the metallic form. Accordingly, the uranium may be economically refabricated and reinserted into the reactor.

Effect of intravenous amino acids on interdigestive antroduodenal motility and small bowel transit time.

PubMed

Gielkens, H A; van den Biggelaar, A; Vecht, J; Onkenhout, W; Lamers, C B; Masclee, A A

1999-02-01

Patients on total parenteral nutrition have an increased risk of developing gallstones because of gall bladder hypomotility. High dose amino acids may prevent biliary stasis by stimulating gall bladder emptying. To investigate whether intravenous amino acids also influence antroduodenal motility. Eight healthy volunteers received, on three separate occasions, intravenous saline (control), low dose amino acids (LDA), or high dose amino acids (HDA). Antroduodenal motility was recorded by perfusion manometry and duodenocaecal transit time (DCTT) using the lactulose breath hydrogen test. DCTT was significantly prolonged during LDA and HDA treatment compared with control. The interdigestive motor pattern was maintained and migrating motor complex (MMC) cycle length was significantly reduced during HDA compared with control and LDA due to a significant reduction in phase II duration. Significantly fewer phase IIIs originated in the gastric antrum during LDA and HDA compared with control. Duodenal phase II motility index was significantly reduced during HDA, but not during LDA, compared with control. Separate intravenous infusion of high doses of amino acids in healthy volunteers: (1) modulates interdigestive antroduodenal motility; (2) shortens MMC cycle length due to a reduced duration of phase II with a lower contractile incidence both in the antrum and duodenum (phase I remains unchanged whereas the effect on phase III is diverse: in the antrum phase III is suppressed and in the duodenum the frequency is increased); and (3) prolongs interdigestive DCTT.

Manipulating electronic phase separation in strongly correlated oxides with an ordered array of antidots

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Kai; Du, Kai; Liu, Hao; ...

2015-07-20

The interesting transport and magnetic properties in manganites depend sensitively on the nucleation and growth of electronic phase-separated domains. In this paper, by fabricating antidot arrays in La 0.325Pr 0.3Ca 0.375MnO 3 (LPCMO) epitaxial thin films, we create ordered arrays of micrometer-sized ferromagnetic metallic (FMM) rings in the LPCMO films that lead to dramatically increased metal–insulator transition temperatures and reduced resistances. The FMM rings emerge from the edges of the antidots where the lattice symmetry is broken. Based on our Monte Carlo simulation, these FMM rings assist the nucleation and growth of FMM phase domains increasing the metal–insulator transition withmore » decreasing temperature or increasing magnetic field. Finally, this study points to a way in which electronic phase separation in manganites can be artificially controlled without changing chemical composition or applying external field.« less

Process for treating fission waste

DOEpatents

Rohrmann, Charles A.; Wick, Oswald J.

1983-01-01

A method is described for the treatment of fission waste. A glass forming agent, a metal oxide, and a reducing agent are mixed with the fission waste and the mixture is heated. After melting, the mixture separates into a glass phase and a metal phase. The glass phase may be used to safely store the fission waste, while the metal phase contains noble metals recovered from the fission waste.

Protein separations using enhanced-fluidity liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Bennett, Raffeal; Olesik, Susan V

2017-11-10

Enhanced-fluidity liquid chromatography (EFLC) methods using methanol/H 2 O/CO 2 and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) were explored for the separation of proteins and peptides. EFLC is a separation mode that uses a mobile phase made of conventional solvents combined with liquid carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in subcritical conditions. The addition of liquid CO 2 enhances diffusivity and decreases viscosity while maintaining mixture polarity, which typically results in reduced time of analysis. TFA additive and elevated temperature were leveraged as key factors in the separation of a 13-analyte intact protein mixture in under 5min. Under these conditions EFLC showed modest improvement in terms of peak asymmetry and analysis time over the competing ACN/H 2 O separation. Protein analytes detected by electrospray ionization - quadrupole time of flight, were shown to be unaffected by the addition of CO 2 in the mobile phase. Herein, the feasibility of separating hydrophilic proteins up to 80kDa (with transferrin) is demonstrated for CO 2 -containing mobile phases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Therapeutic Antibody Engineering To Improve Viscosity and Phase Separation Guided by Crystal Structure.

PubMed

Chow, Chi-Kin; Allan, Barrett W; Chai, Qing; Atwell, Shane; Lu, Jirong

2016-03-07

Antibodies at high concentrations often reveal unanticipated biophysical properties suboptimal for therapeutic development. The purpose of this work was to explore the use of point mutations based on crystal structure information to improve antibody physical properties such as viscosity and phase separation (LLPS) at high concentrations. An IgG4 monoclonal antibody (Mab4) that exhibited high viscosity and phase separation at high concentration was used as a model system. Guided by the crystal structure, four CDR point mutants were made to evaluate the role of hydrophobic and charge interactions on solution behavior. Surprisingly and unpredictably, two of the charge mutants, R33G and N35E, showed a reduction in viscosity and a lower propensity to form LLPS at high concentration compared to the wild-type (WT), while a third charge mutant S28K showed an increased propensity to form LLPS compared to the WT. A fourth mutant, F102H, had reduced hydrophobicity, but unchanged viscosity and phase separation behavior. We further evaluated the correlation of various biophysical measurements including second virial coefficient (A2), interaction parameter (kD), weight-average molecular weight (WAMW), and hydrodynamic diameters (DH), at relatively low protein concentration (4 to 15 mg/mL) to physical properties, such as viscosity and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), at high concentration. Surprisingly, kD measured using dynamic light scattering (DLS) at low antibody concentration correlated better with viscosity and phase separation than did A2 for Mab4. Our results suggest that the high viscosity and phase separation observed at high concentration for Mab4 are mainly driven by charge and not hydrophobicity.

Vapors-liquid phase separator. [infrared telescope heat sink

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frederking, T. H. K.; Brown, G. S.; Chuang, C.; Kamioka, Y.; Kim, Y. I.; Lee, J. M.; Yuan, S. W. K.

1980-01-01

The use of porous plugs, mostly with in the form of passive devices with constant area were considered as vapor-liquid phase separators for helium 2 storage vessels under reduced gravity. The incorporation of components with variable cross sectional area as a method of flow rate modification was also investigated. A particular device which uses a shutter-type system for area variation was designed and constructed. This system successfully permitted flor rate changes of up to plus or minus 60% from its mean value.

Aniline-modified porous graphitic carbon for hydrophilic interaction and attenuated reverse phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Iverson, Chad D; Lucy, Charles A

2014-12-19

Most stationary phases for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) are based on silica. Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is an attractive alternative to silica-based phases due to its chemical and thermal stability, and unique selectivity. However, native PGC is strongly hydrophobic and in some instances excessively retentive. PGC particles with covalently attached aniline groups (Dimethylaniline-PGC and Aniline-PGC) were synthesized to alter the surface polarity of PGC. First, the diazonium salt of N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine or 4-nitroaniline was adsorbed onto the PGC surface. The adsorbed salt was reduced with sodium borohydride and (Aniline-PGC only) the nitro group was further reduced with iron powder to the aniline. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the surface functionalities and that these moieties were introduced to the surface at concentrations of 0.9 and 2.1molecules/nm(2), respectively. These modified PGC phases (especially Aniline-PGC) were evaluated as HILIC and reversed phases. The Dimethylaniline-PGC phase displayed only weak HILIC retention of phenolic solutes. In contrast, the Aniline-PGC phase displayed up to nearly a 7-fold increase in HILIC retention vs. an aniline-silica phase and selectivity that differed from 10 other HILIC phases. Introduction of aniline groups to the PGC surface reduced the RPLC retentivity of PGC up to more than 5-fold and improved the separation efficiency up to 6-fold. The chromatographic performance of Aniline-PGC is demonstrated by separations of nucleotides, nucleosides, carboxylic acids, basic pharmaceuticals, and other compounds. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of UiO-66 analogues as stationary phase in HPLC for the separation of substituted benzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

PubMed Central

Yan, Zengguang; Li, Jianrong; Xie, Yabo; Bai, Liping; Jiang, Lin; Li, Fasheng

2017-01-01

UiO-66 analogues are good candidates as stationary phase in HPLC because of their chemical/thermal stability, large surface area, and two cage structures. Here, two UiO-66 analogues, UiO-66-NH2 and UiO-67, were synthesized and used as stationary phase in HPLC to evaluate their performance in the separation of substituted benzenes (SBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results showed that SBs could be well separated on UiO-66-NH2 column but not on UiO-67 column. Nonetheless, PAHs could be well separated on UiO-67 column. The separation mechanisms of SBs and PAHs on UiO-66 analogues may be involved in the pore size and functional group in the frameworks of UiO-66 analogues. Introduction of the–NH2 into UiO-66 significantly reduced its adsorption capacity for SB congeners, which resulted in less separation of SBs on UiO-66-NH2. As for the separation of PAHs on UiO-67 column, the π-π stacking effect was supposed to play a vital role. PMID:28582453

Preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of UiO-66 analogues as stationary phase in HPLC for the separation of substituted benzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Zhao, Weiwei; Zhang, Chaoyan; Yan, Zengguang; Zhou, Youya; Li, Jianrong; Xie, Yabo; Bai, Liping; Jiang, Lin; Li, Fasheng

2017-01-01

UiO-66 analogues are good candidates as stationary phase in HPLC because of their chemical/thermal stability, large surface area, and two cage structures. Here, two UiO-66 analogues, UiO-66-NH2 and UiO-67, were synthesized and used as stationary phase in HPLC to evaluate their performance in the separation of substituted benzenes (SBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The results showed that SBs could be well separated on UiO-66-NH2 column but not on UiO-67 column. Nonetheless, PAHs could be well separated on UiO-67 column. The separation mechanisms of SBs and PAHs on UiO-66 analogues may be involved in the pore size and functional group in the frameworks of UiO-66 analogues. Introduction of the-NH2 into UiO-66 significantly reduced its adsorption capacity for SB congeners, which resulted in less separation of SBs on UiO-66-NH2. As for the separation of PAHs on UiO-67 column, the π-π stacking effect was supposed to play a vital role.

Process for treating fission waste. [Patent application

DOEpatents

Rohrmann, C.A.; Wick, O.J.

1981-11-17

A method is described for the treatment of fission waste. A glass forming agent, a metal oxide, and a reducing agent are mixed with the fission waste and the mixture is heated. After melting, the mixture separates into a glass phase and a metal phase. The glass phase may be used to safely store the fission waste, while the metal phase contains noble metals recovered from the fission waste.

Effect of Excipients on Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation and Aggregation in Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Protein Solutions.

PubMed

Raut, Ashlesha S; Kalonia, Devendra S

2016-03-07

Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and aggregation can reduce the physical stability of therapeutic protein formulations. On undergoing LLPS, the protein-rich phase can promote aggregation during storage due to high concentration of the protein. Effect of different excipients on aggregation in protein solution is well documented; however data on the effect of excipients on LLPS is scarce in the literature. In this study, the effect of four excipients (PEG 400, Tween 80, sucrose, and hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPβCD)) on liquid-liquid phase separation and aggregation in a dual variable domain immunoglobulin protein solution was investigated. Sucrose suppressed both LLPS and aggregation, Tween 80 had no effect on either, and PEG 400 increased LLPS and aggregation. Attractive protein-protein interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation decreased with increasing concentration of HPβCD, indicating its specific binding to the protein. However, HPβCD had no effect on the formation of soluble aggregates and fragments in this study. LLPS and aggregation are highly temperature dependent; at low temperature protein exhibits LLPS, at high temperature protein exhibits aggregation, and at an intermediate temperature both phenomena occur simultaneously depending on the solution conditions.

PLUTONIUM RECOVERY FROM NEUTRON-BOMBARDED URANIUM FUEL

DOEpatents

Moore, R.H.

1964-03-24

A process of recovering plutonium from fuel by dissolution in molten KAlCl/sub 4/ double salt is described. Molten lithium chloride plus stannous chloride is added to reduce plutonium tetrachloride to the trichloride, which is dissolved in a lithium chloride phase while the uranium, as the tetrachloride, is dissolved in a double-salt phase. Separation of the two phases is discussed. (AEC)

Insulator coated magnetic nanoparticulate composites with reduced core loss and method of manufacture thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zhang, Yide (Inventor); Wang, Shihe (Inventor); Xiao, Danny (Inventor)

2004-01-01

A series of bulk-size magnetic/insulating nanostructured composite soft magnetic materials with significantly reduced core loss and its manufacturing technology. This insulator coated magnetic nanostructured composite is comprises a magnetic constituent, which contains one or more magnetic components, and an insulating constituent. The magnetic constituent is nanometer scale particles (1-100 nm) coated by a thin-layered insulating phase (continuous phase). While the intergrain interaction between the immediate neighboring magnetic nanoparticles separated by the insulating phase (or coupled nanoparticles) provide the desired soft magnetic properties, the insulating material provides the much demanded high resistivity which significantly reduces the eddy current loss. The resulting material is a high performance magnetic nanostructured composite with reduced core loss.

Intrinsic crystal phase separation in the antiferromagnetic superconductor Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se2: a diffraction study.

PubMed

Yu Pomjakushin, V; Krzton-Maziopa, A; Pomjakushina, E V; Conder, K; Chernyshov, D; Svitlyk, V; Bosak, A

2012-10-31

The crystal and magnetic structures of the superconducting iron-based chalcogenides Rb(y)Fe(2-x)Se(2) have been studied by means of single-crystal synchrotron x-ray and high-resolution neutron powder diffraction in the temperature range 2-570 K. The ground state of the crystal is an intrinsically phase-separated state with two distinct-by-symmetry phases. The main phase has the iron vacancy ordered √5 × √5 superstructure (I4/m space group) with AFM ordered Fe spins. The minority phase does not have √5 × √5-type of ordering and has a smaller in-plane lattice constant a and larger tetragonal c-axis and can be well described by assuming the parent average vacancy disordered structure (I4/mmm space group) with the refined stoichiometry Rb(0.60(5))(Fe(1.10(5))Se)(2). The minority phase amounts to 8-10% mass fraction. The unit cell volume of the minority phase is 3.2% smaller than the one of the main phase at T = 2 K and has quite different temperature dependence. The minority phase merges with the main vacancy ordered phase on heating above the phase separation temperature T(P) = 475 K. The spatial dimensions of the phase domains strongly increase above T(P) from 1000 to >2500 Å due to the integration of the regions of the main phase that were separated by the second phase at low temperatures. Additional annealing of the crystals at a temperature T = 488 K, close to T(P), for a long time drastically reduces the amount of the minority phase.

Utilization of deep eutectic solvents as novel mobile phase additives for improving the separation of bioactive quaternary alkaloids.

PubMed

Tan, Ting; Zhang, Mingliang; Wan, Yiqun; Qiu, Hongdeng

2016-01-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) were used as novel mobile phase additives to improve chromatographic separation of four quaternary alkaloids including coptisine chloride, sanguinarine, berberine chloride and chelerythrine on a C18 column. DESs as a new class of ionic liquids are renewably sourced, environmentally benign, low cost and easy to prepare. Seven DESs were obtained by mixing different hydrogen acceptors and hydrogen-bond donors. The effects of organic solvents, the concentration of DESs, the types of DESs and the pH values of the buffer solution on the separation of the analytes were investigated. The composition of acetonitrile and 1.0% deep eutectic solvents aqueous solution (pH 3.3, adjusted with hydrochloric acid) in a 32:68 (v/v) ratio was used as optimized mobile phase, with which four quaternary alkaloids were well separated. When a small amount of DESs was added in the mobile phase for the separation of alkaloids on the C18 column, noticeable improvements were distinctly observed such as decreasing peak tailing and improving resolution. The separation mechanism mediated by DESs as mobile phase additives can be attributed to combined effect of both hydrogen acceptors and hydrogen-bond donors. For example, choline chloride can effectively cover the residual silanols on silica surface and ethylene glycol can reduce the retention time of analytes. The proposed method has been applied to determine BerbC in Lanqin Chinese herbal oral solution and BerbC tablet. Utilization of DESs in mobile phase can efficiently improve separation and selectivity of analytes from complex samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly efficient peptide separations in proteomics. Part 2: bi- and multidimensional liquid-based separation techniques.

PubMed

Sandra, Koen; Moshir, Mahan; D'hondt, Filip; Tuytten, Robin; Verleysen, Katleen; Kas, Koen; François, Isabelle; Sandra, Pat

2009-04-15

Multidimensional liquid-based separation techniques are described for maximizing the resolution of the enormous number of peptides generated upon tryptic digestion of proteomes, and hence, reduce the spatial and temporal complexity of the sample to a level that allows successful mass spectrometric analysis. This review complements the previous contribution on unidimensional high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Both chromatography and electrophoresis will be discussed albeit with reversed-phase HPLC (RPLC) as the final separation dimension prior to MS analysis.

Microbial ecology of a crude oil contaminated aquifer

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bekins, B.A.; Cozzarelli, I.M.; Warren, E.; Godsy, E.M.

2002-01-01

Detailed microbial analyses of a glacial outwash aquifer contaminated by crude oil provide insights into the pattern of microbial succession from iron reducing to methanogenic in the anaerobic portion of the contaminant plume. We analysed sediments from this area for populations of aerobes, iron reducers, fermenters and methanogens, using the most probable number method. On the basis of the microbial data the anaerobic area can be divided into distinct physiological zones dominated by either iron-reducers or a consortium of fermenters and methanogens. Chemistry and permeability data show that methanogenic conditions develop first in areas of high hydrocarbon flux. Thus, we find methanogens both in high permeability horizons and also where separate-phase crude oil is present in either the saturated or unsaturated zone. Microbial numbers peak at the top of the separate-phase oil suggesting that growth is most rapid in locations with access to both hydrocarbons and nutrients infiltrating from the surface.

Structural and hydrodynamic properties of an intrinsically disordered region of a germ cell-specific protein on phase separation

PubMed Central

Brady, Jacob P.; Farber, Patrick J.; Sekhar, Ashok; Lin, Yi-Hsuan; Huang, Rui; Bah, Alaji; Chan, Hue Sun; Forman-Kay, Julie D.; Kay, Lewis E.

2017-01-01

Membrane encapsulation is frequently used by the cell to sequester biomolecules and compartmentalize their function. Cells also concentrate molecules into phase-separated protein or protein/nucleic acid “membraneless organelles” that regulate a host of biochemical processes. Here, we use solution NMR spectroscopy to study phase-separated droplets formed from the intrinsically disordered N-terminal 236 residues of the germ-granule protein Ddx4. We show that the protein within the concentrated phase of phase-separated Ddx4, Ddx4cond, diffuses as a particle of 600-nm hydrodynamic radius dissolved in water. However, NMR spectra reveal sharp resonances with chemical shifts showing Ddx4cond to be intrinsically disordered. Spin relaxation measurements indicate that the backbone amides of Ddx4cond have significant mobility, explaining why high-resolution spectra are observed, but motion is reduced compared with an equivalently concentrated nonphase-separating control. Observation of a network of interchain interactions, as established by NOE spectroscopy, shows the importance of Phe and Arg interactions in driving the phase separation of Ddx4, while the salt dependence of both low- and high-concentration regions of phase diagrams establishes an important role for electrostatic interactions. The diffusion of a series of small probes and the compact but disordered 4E binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) protein in Ddx4cond are explained by an excluded volume effect, similar to that found for globular protein solvents. No changes in structural propensities of 4E-BP2 dissolved in Ddx4cond are observed, while changes to DNA and RNA molecules have been reported, highlighting the diverse roles that proteinaceous solvents play in dictating the properties of dissolved solutes. PMID:28894006

In situ reinforced polymers using low molecular weight compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yordem, Onur Sinan

2011-12-01

The primary objective of this research is to generate reinforcing domains in situ during the processing of polymers by using phase separation techniques. Low molecular weight compounds were mixed with polymers where the process viscosity is reduced at process temperatures and mechanical properties are improved once the material system is cooled or reacted. Thermally induced phase separation and thermotropic phase transformation of low molar mass compounds were used in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) resins. Reaction induced phase separation was utilized in thermosets to generate anisotropic reinforcements. A new strategy to increase fracture toughness of materials was introduced. Simultaneously, enhancement in stiffness and reduction in process viscosity were also attained. Materials with improved rheological and mechanical properties were prepared by using thermotropic phase transformations of metal soaps in polymers (calcium stearate/iPP). Morphology and thermal properties were studied using WAXS, DSC and SEM. Mechanical and rheological investigation showed significant reduction in process viscosity and substantial improvement in fracture toughness were attained. Effects of molecular architecture of metal soaps were investigated in PEEK (calcium stearate/PEEK and sodium stearate/PEEK). The selected compounds reduced the process viscosity due to the high temperature co-continuous morphology of metal soaps. Unlike the iPP system that incorporates spherical particles, interaction between PEEK and metal soaps resulted in two discrete and co-continuous phases of PEEK and the metal stearates. DMA and melt rheology exhibited that sodium stearate/PEEK composites are stiffer. Effective moduli of secondary metal stearate phase were calculated using different composite theories, which suggested bicontinuous morphology to the metal soaps in PEEK. Use of low molecular weight crystallizable solvents was investigated in reactive systems. Formation of anisotropic reinforcements was evaluated using dimethyl sulfone (DMS) as the crystallizable diluent and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA)/m-phenylene diamine (mPDA) material system as the epoxy thermoset. Miscible blends of DMS and DGEBA/mPDA form homogenous mixtures that undergo polymerization induced phase separation, once the DGEBA oligomers react with mPDA. The effect of the competition between the crystallization and phase separation of DMS resulted in nano-wires to micro-scale fiber-like crystals that were generated by adjusting the reaction temperature and DMS concentration.

Conditioning of carbonaceous material prior to physical beneficiation

DOEpatents

Warzinski, Robert P.; Ruether, John A.

1987-01-01

A carbonaceous material such as coal is conditioned by contact with a supercritical fluid prior to physical beneficiation. The solid feed material is contacted with an organic supercritical fluid such as cyclohexane or methanol at temperatures slightly above the critical temperature and pressures of 1 to 4 times the critical pressure. A minor solute fraction is extracted into critical phase and separated from the solid residuum. The residuum is then processed by physical separation such as by froth flotation or specific gravity separation to recover a substantial fraction thereof with reduced ash content. The solute in supercritical phase can be released by pressure reduction and recombined with the low-ash, carbonaceous material.

Influence of nanovoids on α-α' phase separation in FeCrAl oxide dispersion strengthened alloy

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

Capdevila, Carlos; Aranda, M. M.; Rememnteria, R.

2015-08-10

The presence of nanovoids in the vicinity of oxide particles in FeCrAl oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloy has been identified. These nanovoids are inherent to the manufacturing route and remain quite resistant during heat treatments. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) experiments demonstrate that these nanovoids trap Cr inside thereby reducing the Cr-content in the matrix. In conclusion, this might lead to a delay in the α–α' phase separation process as observed by atom probe tomography (APT).

Endogenous circadian system and circadian misalignment impact glucose tolerance via separate mechanisms in humans

PubMed Central

Morris, Christopher J.; Yang, Jessica N.; Garcia, Joanna I.; Myers, Samantha; Bozzi, Isadora; Wang, Wei; Buxton, Orfeu M.; Shea, Steven A.; Scheer, Frank A. J. L.

2015-01-01

Glucose tolerance is lower in the evening and at night than in the morning. However, the relative contribution of the circadian system vs. the behavioral cycle (including the sleep/wake and fasting/feeding cycles) is unclear. Furthermore, although shift work is a diabetes risk factor, the separate impact on glucose tolerance of the behavioral cycle, circadian phase, and circadian disruption (i.e., misalignment between the central circadian pacemaker and the behavioral cycle) has not been systematically studied. Here we show—by using two 8-d laboratory protocols—in healthy adults that the circadian system and circadian misalignment have distinct influences on glucose tolerance, both separate from the behavioral cycle. First, postprandial glucose was 17% higher (i.e., lower glucose tolerance) in the biological evening (8:00 PM) than morning (8:00 AM; i.e., a circadian phase effect), independent of the behavioral cycle effect. Second, circadian misalignment itself (12-h behavioral cycle inversion) increased postprandial glucose by 6%. Third, these variations in glucose tolerance appeared to be explained, at least in part, by different mechanisms: during the biological evening by decreased pancreatic β-cell function (27% lower early-phase insulin) and during circadian misalignment presumably by decreased insulin sensitivity (elevated postprandial glucose despite 14% higher late-phase insulin) without change in early-phase insulin. We explored possible contributing factors, including changes in polysomnographic sleep and 24-h hormonal profiles. We demonstrate that the circadian system importantly contributes to the reduced glucose tolerance observed in the evening compared with the morning. Separately, circadian misalignment reduces glucose tolerance, providing a mechanism to help explain the increased diabetes risk in shift workers. PMID:25870289

Effects of Subsurface Microbial Ecology on Geochemical Evolution of a Crude-Oil Contaminated Aquifer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekins, B. A.; Cozzarelli, I. M.; Godsy, E. M.; Warren, E.; Hostettler, F. D.

2001-12-01

We have identified several subsurface habitats for microorganisms in a crude oil contaminated located near Bemidji, Minnesota. These aquifer habitats include: 1) the unsaturated zone contaminated by hydrocarbon vapors, 2) the zones containing separate-phase crude oil, and 3) the aqueous-phase contaminant plume. The surficial glacial outwash aquifer was contaminated when a crude oil pipeline burst in 1979. We analyzed sediment samples from the contaminated aquifer for the most probable numbers of aerobes, iron reducers, fermenters, and three types of methanogens. The microbial data were then related to gas, water, and oil chemistry, sediment extractable iron, and permeability. The microbial populations in the various contaminated subsurface habitats each have special characteristics and these affect the aquifer and contaminant chemistry. In the eight-meter-thick, vapor-contaminated vadose zone, a substantial aerobic population has developed that is supported by hydrocarbon vapors and methane. Microbial numbers peak in locations where access to both hydrocarbons and nutrients infiltrating from the surface is maximized. The activity of this population prevents hydrocarbon vapors from reaching the land surface. In the zone where separate-phase crude oil is present, a consortium of methanogens and fermenters dominates the populations both above and below the water table. Moreover, gas concentration data indicate that methane production has been active in the oily zone since at least 1986. Analyses of the extracted separate-phase oil show that substantial degradation of C15 -C35 n-alkanes has occurred since 1983, raising the possibility that significant degradation of C15 and higher n-alkanes has occurred under methanogenic conditions. However, lab and field data suggest that toxic inhibition by crude oil results in fewer acetate-utilizing methanogens within and adjacent to the separate-phase oil. Data from this and other sites indicate that toxic inhibition of acetoclastic methanogenesis in the proximity of separate phase contaminant sources may result in build-up of acetate in contaminant plumes. Within the aqueous-phase contaminant plume steep vertical hydrocarbon concentration gradients are associated with sharp transitions in the dominant microbial population. In the 20 years since the aquifer became contaminated, sediment iron oxides have been depleted and the dominant physiologic type has changed in areas of high contaminant flux from iron reducing to methanogenic. Thus, methanogens are found in high permeability horizons down gradient from the oil while iron reducers persist in low permeability zones. Expansion of the methanogenic zone over time has resulted in a concomitant increase in the aquifer volume contaminated with the highest concentrations of benzene and ethylbenzene.

Amplitude and Phase Characteristics of Signals at the Output of Spatially Separated Antennas for Paths with Scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anikin, A. S.

2018-06-01

Conditional statistical characteristics of the phase difference are considered depending on the ratio of instantaneous output signal amplitudes of spatially separated weakly directional antennas for the normal field model for paths with radio-wave scattering. The dependences obtained are related to the physical processes on the radio-wave propagation path. The normal model parameters are established at which the statistical characteristics of the phase difference depend on the ratio of the instantaneous amplitudes and hence can be used to measure the phase difference. Using Shannon's formula, the amount of information on the phase difference of signals contained in the ratio of their amplitudes is calculated depending on the parameters of the normal field model. Approaches are suggested to reduce the shift of phase difference measured for paths with radio-wave scattering. A comparison with results of computer simulation by the Monte Carlo method is performed.

Coherent and incoherent phase stabilities of thermoelectric rocksalt IV-VI semiconductor alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doak, Jeff W.; Wolverton, C.

2012-10-01

Nanostructures formed by phase separation improve the thermoelectric figure of merit in lead chalcogenide semiconductor alloys, with coherent nanostructures giving larger improvements than incoherent nanostructures. However, large coherency strains in these alloys drastically alter the thermodynamics of phase stability. Incoherent phase stability can be easily inferred from an equilibrium phase diagram, but coherent phase stability is more difficult to assess experimentally. Therefore, we use density functional theory calculations to investigate the coherent and incoherent phase stability of the IV-VI rocksalt semiconductor alloy systems Pb(S,Te), Pb(Te,Se), Pb(Se,S), (Pb,Sn)Te, (Sn,Ge)Te, and (Ge,Pb)Te. Here we use the term coherent to indicate that there is a common and unbroken lattice between the phases under consideration, and we use the term incoherent to indicate that the lattices of coexisting phases are unconstrained and allowed to take on equilibrium volumes. We find that the thermodynamic ground state of all of the IV-VI pseudobinary systems studied is incoherent phase separation. We also find that the coherency strain energy, previously neglected in studies of these IV-VI alloys, is lowest along [111] (in contrast to most fcc metals) and is a large fraction of the thermodynamic driving force for incoherent phase separation in all systems. The driving force for coherent phase separation is significantly reduced, and we find that coherent nanostructures can only form at low temperatures where kinetics may prohibit their precipitation. Furthermore, by calculating the energies of ordered structures for these systems we find that the coherent phase stability of most IV-VI systems favors ordering over spinodal decomposition. Our results suggest that experimental reports of spinodal decomposition in the IV-VI rocksalt alloys should be re-examined.

Separability studies of construction and demolition waste recycled sand.

PubMed

Ulsen, Carina; Kahn, Henrique; Hawlitschek, Gustav; Masini, Eldon A; Angulo, Sérgio C

2013-03-01

The quality of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (CDW) is strictly related to the content of porous and low strength phases, and specifically to the patches of cement that remain attached to the surface of natural aggregates. This phase increases water absorption and compromises the consistency and strength of concrete made from recycled aggregates. Mineral processing has been applied to CDW recycling to remove the patches of adhered cement paste on coarse recycled aggregates. The recycled fine fraction is usually disregarded due to its high content of porous phases despite representing around 50% of the total waste. This paper focus on laboratory mineral separability studies for removing particles with a high content of cement paste from natural fine aggregate particles (quartz/feldspars). The procedure achieved processing of CDW by tertiary impact crushing to produce sand, followed by sieving and density and magnetic separability studies. The attained results confirmed that both methods were effective in reducing cement paste content and producing significant mass recovery (80% for density concentration and 60% for magnetic separation). The production of recycled sand contributes to the sustainability of the construction environment by reducing both the consumption of raw materials and disposal of CDW, particularly in large Brazilian centers with a low quantity of sand and increasing costs of this material due to long transportation distances. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Candidate space processing techniques for biomaterials other than preparative electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1976-01-01

The advantages of performing the partition and countercurrent distribution (CCD) of cells in phase separated aqueous polymer systems under reduced gravity were assessed. Other possible applications considered for the space processing program include the freezing front separation of cells, adsorption of cells at the air-water interface, and the macrophage electrophoretic mobility test for cancer.

[Biomechanical characteristics of the wiping reflex cycle].

PubMed

Berkinblit, M B; Zharkova, I S; Fel'dman, A G; Fukson, O I

1984-01-01

Multijoint goal-directed hindlimb movements in response to chemical stimulation delivered to different skin sites on the medial back surface (wiping reflex-WR) were filmed and analysed in spinal or intact frogs Rana temporaria. Each WR cycle was divisible into five phases (flexion, lifting, aiming, wiping and extension) usually separated from each other by postural interruptions. One or several of the phases might spontaneously be reduced or deleted at all (e. g. the extension phase), although the WR was still effective. Such a reduction was, as a rule, observed in intact frogs while spinal ones usually exhibited the maximum phase sequence. It is suggested that the central spinal generator of the WR is formed of separate functional blocks each of which specifies a certain interjoint coordination and brings the joints to the central-conditioned equilibrium positions.

Coherent optical monolithic phased-array antenna steering system

DOEpatents

Hietala, Vincent M.; Kravitz, Stanley H.; Vawter, Gregory A.

1994-01-01

An optical-based RF beam steering system for phased-array antennas comprising a photonic integrated circuit (PIC). The system is based on optical heterodyning employed to produce microwave phase shifting by a monolithic PIC constructed entirely of passive components. Microwave power and control signal distribution to the antenna is accomplished by optical fiber, permitting physical separation of the PIC and its control functions from the antenna. The system reduces size, weight, complexity, and cost of phased-array antenna systems.

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in a Dual Variable Domain Immunoglobulin Protein Solution: Effect of Formulation Factors and Protein-Protein Interactions.

PubMed

Raut, Ashlesha S; Kalonia, Devendra S

2015-09-08

Dual variable domain immunoglobulin proteins (DVD-Ig proteins) are large molecules (MW ∼ 200 kDa) with increased asymmetry because of their extended Y-like shape, which results in increased formulation challenges. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of protein solutions into protein-rich and protein-poor phases reduces solution stability at intermediate concentrations and lower temperatures, and is a serious concern in formulation development as therapeutic proteins are generally stored at refrigerated conditions. In the current work, LLPS was studied for a DVD-Ig protein molecule as a function of solution conditions by measuring solution opalescence. LLPS of the protein was confirmed by equilibrium studies and by visually observing under microscope. The protein does not undergo any structural change after phase separation. Protein-protein interactions were measured by light scattering (kD) and Tcloud (temperature that marks the onset of phase separation). There is a good agreement between kD measured in dilute solution with Tcloud measured in the critical concentration range. Results indicate that the increased complexity of the molecule (with respect to size, shape, and charge distribution on the molecule) increases contribution of specific and nonspecific interactions in solution, which are affected by formulation factors, resulting in LLPS for DVD-Ig protein.

Increments to chiral recognition facilitating enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and ampholytes using Cinchona-based zwitterion exchanger chiral stationary phases.

PubMed

Wernisch, Stefanie; Pell, Reinhard; Lindner, Wolfgang

2012-07-01

The intramolecular distances of anion and cation exchanger sites of zwitterionic chiral stationary phases represent potential tuning sites for enantiomer selectivity. In this contribution, we investigate the influence of alkanesulfonic acid chain length and flexibility on enantiomer separations of chiral acids, bases, and amphoteric molecules for six Cinchona alkaloid-based chiral stationary phases in comparison with structurally related anion and cation exchangers. Employing polar-organic elution conditions, we observed an intramolecular counterion effect for acidic analytes which led to reduced retention times but did not impair enantiomer selectivities. Retention of amphoteric analytes is based on simultaneous double ion pairing of their charged functional groups with the acidic and basic sites of the zwitterionic selectors. A chiral center in the vicinity of the strong cation exchanger site is vital for chiral separations of bases. Sterically demanding side chains are beneficial for separations of free amino acids. Enantioseparations of free (un-derivatized) peptides were particularly successful in stationary phases with straight-chain alkanesulfonic acid sites, pointing to a beneficial influence of more flexible moieties. In addition, we observed pseudo-enantiomeric behavior of quinine and quinidine-derived chiral stationary phases facilitating reversal of elution orders for all analytes. © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluation of phase separator number in hydrodesulfurization (HDS) unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayanti, A. D.; Indarto, A.

2016-11-01

The removal process of acid gases such as H2S in natural gas processing industry is required in order to meet sales gas specification. Hydrodesulfurization (HDS)is one of the processes in the refinery that is dedicated to reduce sulphur.InHDS unit, phase separator plays important role to remove H2S from hydrocarbons, operated at a certain pressure and temperature. Optimization of the number of separator performed on the system is then evaluated to understand the performance and economics. From the evaluation, it shows that all systems were able to meet the specifications of H2S in the desired product. However, one separator system resulted the highest capital and operational costs. The process of H2S removal with two separator systems showed the best performance in terms of both energy efficiency with the lowest capital and operating cost. The two separator system is then recommended as a reference in the HDS unit to process the removal of H2S from natural gas.

Immiscibility of Fluid Phases at Magmatic-hydrothermal Transition: Formation of Various PGE-sulfide Mineralization for Layered Basic Intrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhitova, L.; Borisenko, A.; Morgunov, K.; Zhukova, I.

2007-12-01

Fluid inclusions in quartz of the Merensky Reef (Bushveld Complex, South Africa) and the Chineisky Pluton (Transbaikal Region, Russia) were studied using cryometry, microthermometry, Raman-spectroscopy, LA ICP- MS, scanning electronic microscopy, gas-chromatography and isotopic methods. This allowed us to document some examples of fluid phase separation resulting in formation of different types of PGE-sulfide mineralization for layered basic intrusions. The results obtained show at least three generations of fluid separated from boiling residual alumosilicate intercumulus liquid of the Merensky Reef. The earliest fluid phase composed of homogenous high-dense methane and nitrogen gas mixture was identified in primary gas and co-existing anomalous fluid inclusions from symplectitic quartz. The next generation, heterophase fluid, composed of brines containing a free low-dense (mostly of carbon dioxide) gas phase, was observed in primary multiphase and coexisting gas-rich inclusions of miarolitic quartz crystals. The latest generation was also a heterophase fluid (low salinity water-salt solution and free low-dense methane gas phase) found in primary water-salt and syngenetic gas inclusions from peripheral zones of miarolitic quartz crystals. For the Chineisky Pluton reduced endocontact magmatogene fluids changed to oxidized low salinity hydrothermal fluids in exocontact zone. This resulted in formation of sulfide-PGE enrichment marginal zones of intrusion. The results obtained give us a possibility to suggest that: 1) Fluid phase separation is a typical feature of magmatogene fluids for layered basic intrusions. 2) Reduced fluids can extract and transport substantial PGE and sulfide concentrations. 3) Oxidation of reduced fluids is one of the most important geochemical barriers causing abundant PGE minerals and sulfides precipitation. This in turn results in both formation of PGE reefs or enriched contact zones of layered basic intrusions. This work was supported by the Ministry for Russian Science and Education, Grant DSP.2.1.1.702, by RFBR Grants ## 07-05-00685, 07-05-00803, Grant VMTK-2007 IGM SB RAS.

A weak cation-exchange monolith as stationary phase for the separation of peptide diastereomers by CEC.

PubMed

Ludewig, Ronny; Nietzsche, Sandor; Scriba, Gerhard K E

2011-01-01

A CEC weak cation-exchange monolith has been prepared by in situ polymerization of acrylamide, methylenebisacrylamide and 4-acrylamidobutyric acid in a decanol-dimethylsulfoxide mixture as porogen. The columns were evaluated by SEM and characterized with regard to the separation of diastereomers and α/β-isomers of aspartyl peptides. Column preparation was reproducible as evidenced by comparison of the analyte retention times of several columns prepared simultaneously. Analyte separation was achieved using mobile phases consisting of acidic phosphate buffer and ACN. Under these conditions the peptides migrated due to their electrophoretic mobility but the EOF also contributed as driving force as a function of the pH of the mobile phase due to increasing dissociation of the carboxyl groups of the polymer. Raising the pH of the mobile phase also resulted in deprotonation of the peptides reducing analyte mobility. Due to these mechanisms each pair of diastereomeric peptides displayed the highest resolution at a different pH of the buffer component of the mobile phase. Comparing the weak-cation exchange monolith to an RP monolith and a strong cation-exchange monolith different elution order of some peptide diastereomers was observed, clearly illustrating that interactions with the stationary phase contribute to the CEC separations. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Thick film magnetic nanoparticulate composites and method of manufacture thereof

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ge, Shihui (Inventor); Yan, Dajing (Inventor); Xiao, Danny T. (Inventor); Ma, Xinqing (Inventor); Zhang, Yide (Inventor); Zhang, Zongtao (Inventor)

2009-01-01

Thick film magnetic/insulating nanocomposite materials, with significantly reduced core loss, and their manufacture are described. The insulator coated magnetic nanocomposite comprises one or more magnetic components, and an insulating component. The magnetic component comprises nanometer scale particles (about 1 to about 100 nanometers) coated by a thin-layered insulating phase. While the intergrain interaction between the immediate neighboring magnetic nanoparticles separated by the insulating phase provides the desired soft magnetic properties, the insulating material provides high resistivity, which reduces eddy current loss.

Abnormal strong burn-in degradation of highly efficient polymer solar cells caused by spinodal donor-acceptor demixing

PubMed Central

Li, Ning; Perea, José Darío; Kassar, Thaer; Richter, Moses; Heumueller, Thomas; Matt, Gebhard J.; Hou, Yi; Güldal, Nusret S.; Chen, Haiwei; Chen, Shi; Langner, Stefan; Berlinghof, Marvin; Unruh, Tobias; Brabec, Christoph J.

2017-01-01

The performance of organic solar cells is determined by the delicate, meticulously optimized bulk-heterojunction microstructure, which consists of finely mixed and relatively separated donor/acceptor regions. Here we demonstrate an abnormal strong burn-in degradation in highly efficient polymer solar cells caused by spinodal demixing of the donor and acceptor phases, which dramatically reduces charge generation and can be attributed to the inherently low miscibility of both materials. Even though the microstructure can be kinetically tuned for achieving high-performance, the inherently low miscibility of donor and acceptor leads to spontaneous phase separation in the solid state, even at room temperature and in the dark. A theoretical calculation of the molecular parameters and construction of the spinodal phase diagrams highlight molecular incompatibilities between the donor and acceptor as a dominant mechanism for burn-in degradation, which is to date the major short-time loss reducing the performance and stability of organic solar cells. PMID:28224984

SEPARATION OF RUTHENIUM FROM AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS

DOEpatents

Callis, C.F.; Moore, R.L.

1959-09-01

>The separation of ruthenium from aqueous solutions containing uranium plutonium, ruthenium, and fission products is described. The separation is accomplished by providing a nitric acid solution of plutonium, uranium, ruthenium, and fission products, oxidizing plutonium to the hexavalent state with sodium dichromate, contacting the solution with a water-immiscible organic solvent, such as hexone, to extract plutonyl, uranyl, ruthenium, and fission products, reducing with sodium ferrite the plutonyl in the solvent phase to trivalent plutonium, reextracting from the solvent phase the trivalent plutonium, ruthenium, and some fission products with an aqueous solution containing a salting out agent, introducing ozone into the aqueous acid solution to oxidize plutonium to the hexavalent state and ruthenium to ruthenium tetraoxide, and volatizing off the ruthenium tetraoxide.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory To Reduce Staff

Science.gov Websites

employees. The reduction will occur in two phases. The first phase will be a Voluntary Separation Program to partners in industry and universities," said NREL Director Dr. Charles Gay. "Congressional budget mitigation of future staff reductions. NREL's work force reductions will be guided by a plan submitted to the

The vibrationally adiabatic torsional potential energy surface of trans-stilbene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chowdary, Praveen D.; Martinez, Todd J.; Gruebele, Martin

2007-05-01

The effect of vibrational Zero Point Energy (ZPE) on the torsional barriers of trans-stilbene is studied in the adiabatic approximation. The two torsional modes corresponding to phenyl rotation are explicitly separated, and the remaining modes are treated as normal coordinates. ZPE reduces the adiabatic barrier along the in-phase torsion from 198 to 13 cm -1. A one-dimensional adiabatic potential for the anti-phase torsion, including the ZPE of the in-phase torsion, reduces the adiabatic barrier from 260 to 58 cm -1. Comparison with recent electronic structure benchmark calculations suggests that vibrational corrections play a significant role in trans-stilbene's experimentally observed planar structure.

The separation of flavonoids from Pongamia pinnata using combination columns in high-speed counter-current chromatography with a three-phase solvent system.

PubMed

Yin, Hao; Zhang, Si; Long, Lijuan; Yin, Hang; Tian, Xinpeng; Luo, Xiongming; Nan, Haihan; He, Sha

2013-11-08

The mangrove plant Pongamia pinnata (Leguminosae) is well known as a plant pesticide. Previous studies have indicated that the flavonoids are responsible of the biological activities of the plant. A new high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) method for the separation of three flavonoids, karanjin (1), pinnatin (2), and pongaflavone (3), from P. pinnata was developed in the present study. The lower and intermediate phase (LP and IP) of a new three-phase solvent system, n-hexane-acetonitrile-dichloromethane-water, at a volume ratio of 5:5:1:5, were used as the stationary phases, while the upper phase (UP) was used as the mobile phase, and the volume ratio between the stationary phases in the CCC column could be tuned by varying the initial pumped volume ratio of the stationary phases. The CCC columns containing all three phases of the solvent system were considered combination columns. According to the theories of combination column, it is possible to optimize the retention time of the target compounds by varying the volume ratio of the stationary phases in the HSCCC combination columns, as well as the suitable volume ratios of the stationary phases for the separation of the target compounds were predicted from the partition coefficients of the compounds in the three-phase solvent system. Then, three HSCCC separations using the combination columns with initial pumped LP:IP volume ratios of 1:0, 0.9:0.1, and 0.7:0.3 were performed separately based on the prediction. Three target compounds were prepared with high purity when the initial pumped volume ratio of the stationary phases was 0.9:0.1. The baseline separation of compounds 2 and 3 was achieved on the combination column with an initial pumped volume ratio of 0.7:0.3. Furthermore, the three experiments clearly demonstrated that the retentions and resolutions of the target compounds increased with an increasing volume ratio of IP, which is consistent with the prediction for the retention times for the solutes on combination columns. The method proposed here reduces the need for solvent selection compared with the conventional method and may have broad potential applicability in the preparation of natural products. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Separation of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide for Mars ISRU-Concepts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeVan, M. Douglas; Finn, John E.; Sridhar, K. R.

2000-01-01

Solid oxide electrolyzers, such as electrolysis cells utilizing yttria-stabilized zirconia, can produce oxygen from Mars atmospheric carbon dioxide and reject carbon monoxide and unreacted carbon dioxide in a separate stream. The oxygen-production process has been shown to be far more efficient if the high-pressure, unreacted carbon dioxide can be separated and recycled back into the feed stream. Additionally, the mass of the adsorption compressor can be reduced. Also, the carbon monoxide by-product is a valuable fuel for space exploration and habitation, with applications from fuel cells to production of hydrocarbons and plastics. In our research, we will design, construct, and test an innovative, robust, low mass, low power separation device that can recover carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide for Mars ISRU. Such fundamental process technology, involving gas-solid phase separation in a reduced gravitational environment, will help to enable Human Exploration and Development of Space. The separation device will be scaled to operate with a CO2 sorption compressor and a zirconia electrolysis device built at the NASA Ames Research Center and the University of Arizona, respectively. In our research, we will design, construct, and test an innovative, robust, low mass, low power separation device that can recover carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide for Mars ISRU, Such fundamental process technology, involving gas-solid phase separation in a reduced gravitational environment, will help to enable Human Exploration and Development of Space. The separation device will be scaled to operate with a CO2 sorption compressor and a zirconia electrolysis device built at the NASA Ames Research Center and the University of Arizona, The separation device will be scaled to operate with a CO2 sorption compressor and a zirconia electrolysis device built at the NASA Ames Research Center and the University of Arizona, Research needs for the design shown are as follows: (1) The best adsorbent for the process must be determined. (2) Adsorption isotherms must be measured, both for pure components and mixtures. (3) Mathematical modeling must be performed to provide a solid framework for design. (4) The separation system must be constructed and tested. (5) System integration must be studied.

Development of Electrospun Nanomaterials and their Applications in Separation Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newsome, Toni Elwell

In separations, efficiency is inversely related to the diameter of the sorbent particles of the stationary phase. Thus, materials research in separation science has primarily been directed towards reducing the diameter of the sorbent particle used in the stationary phase. In this dissertation, innovative methods designed for the fabrication and application of electrospun sorbent nanomaterials for separation science are described. Electrospinning is a facile, cost-effective technique that relies on repulsive electrostatic forces to produce nanofibers from a viscoelastic solution. Here, electrospinning is used to generate polymer, carbon, and silica-based nanofibers which are employed as sorbent nanomaterials in extractions and separations. Electrospun carbon nanofibers have proven to be ideal extractive phases for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) when coupled to gas chromatography (GC) for headspace sampling of volatile analytes. Herein, these carbon nanofibers were employed in the direct extraction of nonvolatile analytes and coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) for the first time. The high surface area of the coatings led to enhanced extraction efficiencies; they offered a 3-33 fold increase in efficiency relative to a commercial SPME phase. Carbon nanofibers proved to be stable when immersed in liquids common to LC demonstrating the enhanced stability of these coatings in SPME coupled to LC relative to conventional SPME fibers. The enhanced chemical and mechanical stability of the carbon SPME coatings considerably expanded the range of compounds applicable to SPME and extended the lifetimes of the fibers. Electrospun nanofibers have also proven to be ideal stationary phases in ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC). Nanofibers provide faster separations and enhanced separation efficiencies compared to commercial particle-based stationary phases in a relatively short distance. Here, the electrospun-UTLC technology was extended for the first time to nanofibers composed of silica, the most commonly used surface for TLC. An electrospinning method was optimized to produce silica-based nanofibers with the smallest diameter possible (300-380 nm) while maintaining homogenous nanofiber morphology. Highly efficient separations were performed in 15 mm with observed plate heights as low as 8.6 mum. Silica-based nanofibers proved to be chemically stable with a wide variety of TLC reagents demonstrating the enhanced compatibility of these phases with common TLC methods relative to polymer and carbon nanofiber UTLC plates. The extension of electrospun UTLC to silica-based nanofibers vastly expanded the range of analytes and TLC methods which can be used with this technology. The main disadvantage of conventional TLC development methods is that the mobile phase velocity decreases with increasing separation distance. Here, the chromatographic performance of electrospun polymer stationary phases was further improved by using a forced-flow mobile phase in planar electrochromatography (PEC) in which mobile phase velocity does not diminish with increasing distance. Separations were performed on polymer nanofiber UTLC plates in 1-2 min. Compared to UTLC, PEC offered unique selectivity, decreased analysis times (> 4 times faster), and enhanced efficiency (2-3 times lower plate height). In addition, two-dimensional (2D) separations of a complex analyte mixture using UTLC followed by PEC required only 11 min and exhibited a significant increase in separation number (70-77).

Silica, hybrid silica, hydride silica and non-silica stationary phases for liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Borges, Endler M

2015-04-01

Free silanols on the surface of silica are the "villains", which are responsible for detrimental interactions of those compounds and the stationary phase (i.e., bad peak shape, low efficiency) as well as low thermal and chemical stability. For these reasons, we began this review describing new silica and hybrid silica stationary phases, which have reduced and/or shielded silanols. At present, in liquid chromatography for the majority of analyses, reversed-phase liquid chromatography is the separation mode of choice. However, the needs for increased selectivity and increased retention of hydrophilic bases have substantially increased the interest in hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). Therefore, stationary phases and this mode of separation are discussed. Then, non-silica stationary phases (i.e., zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, alumina and porous graphitized carbon), which afford increased thermal and chemical stability and also selectivity different from those obtained with silica and hybrid silica, are discussed. In addition, the use of these materials in HILIC is also reviewed. © Crown copyright 2014.

P-code enhanced method for processing encrypted GPS signals without knowledge of the encryption code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Lawrence E. (Inventor); Meehan, Thomas K. (Inventor); Thomas, Jr., Jess Brooks (Inventor)

2000-01-01

In the preferred embodiment, an encrypted GPS signal is down-converted from RF to baseband to generate two quadrature components for each RF signal (L1 and L2). Separately and independently for each RF signal and each quadrature component, the four down-converted signals are counter-rotated with a respective model phase, correlated with a respective model P code, and then successively summed and dumped over presum intervals substantially coincident with chips of the respective encryption code. Without knowledge of the encryption-code signs, the effect of encryption-code sign flips is then substantially reduced by selected combinations of the resulting presums between associated quadrature components for each RF signal, separately and independently for the L1 and L2 signals. The resulting combined presums are then summed and dumped over longer intervals and further processed to extract amplitude, phase and delay for each RF signal. Precision of the resulting phase and delay values is approximately four times better than that obtained from straight cross-correlation of L1 and L2. This improved method provides the following options: separate and independent tracking of the L1-Y and L2-Y channels; separate and independent measurement of amplitude, phase and delay L1-Y channel; and removal of the half-cycle ambiguity in L1-Y and L2-Y carrier phase.

Atmospheric Turbulence Effects on Near-Ground Wake Vortex Demise

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-01-20

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have been working jointly on a phased approach to implement wake avoidance solutions designed to safely reduce wake turbulence separation standards in ...

Selective extraction and separation of oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens Ait. extract by silica-confined ionic liquid.

PubMed

Bi, Wentao; Tian, Minglei; Row, Kyung Ho

2012-01-01

This study highlighted the application of a two-stepped extraction method for extraction and separation of oxymatrine from Sophora flavescens Ait. extract by utilizing silica-confined ionic liquids as sorbent. The optimized silica-confined ionic liquid was firstly mixed with plant extract to adsorb oxymatrine. Simultaneously, some interference, such as matrine, was removed. The obtained suspension was then added to a cartridge for solid phase extraction. Through these two steps, target compound was adequately separated from interferences with 93.4% recovery. In comparison with traditional solid phase extraction, this method accelerates loading and reduces the use of organic solvents during washing. Moreover, the optimization of loading volume was simplified as optimization of solid/liquid ratio. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trivalent Lanthanide/Actinide Separation Using Aqueous-Modified TALSPEAK Chemistry

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

Travis S. Grimes; Richard D. Tillotson; Leigh R. Martin

TALSPEAK is a liquid/liquid extraction process designed to separate trivalent lanthanides (Ln3+) from minor actinides (MAs) Am3+ and Cm3+. Traditional TALSPEAK organic phase is comprised of a monoacidic dialkyl bis(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid extractant (HDEHP) in diisopropyl benzene (DIPB). The aqueous phase contains a soluble aminopolycarboxylate diethylenetriamine-N,N,N’,N”,N”-pentaacetic acid (DTPA) in a concentrated (1.0-2.0 M) lactic acid (HL) buffer with the aqueous acidity typically adjusted to pH 3.0. TALSPEAK balances the selective complexation of the actinides by DTPA against the electrostatic attraction of the lanthanides by the HDEHP extractant to achieve the desired trivalent lanthanide/actinide group separation. Although TALSPEAK is considered a successfulmore » separations scheme, recent fundamental studies have highlighted complex chemical interactions occurring in the aqueous and organic phases during the extraction process. Previous attempts to model the system have shown thermodynamic models do not accurately predict the observed extraction trends in the p[H+] range 2.5-4.8. In this study, the aqueous phase is modified by replacing the lactic acid buffer with a variety of simple and longer-chain amino acid buffers. The results show successful trivalent lanthanide/actinide group separation with the aqueous-modified TALSPEAK process at pH 2. The amino acid buffer concentrations were reduced to 0.5 M (at pH 2) and separations were performed without any effect on phase transfer kinetics. Successful modeling of the aqueous-modified TALSPEAK process (p[H+] 1.6-3.1) using a simplified thermodynamic model and an internally consistent set of thermodynamic data is presented.« less

Water and hydrogen are immiscible in Earth's mantle.

PubMed

Bali, Enikő; Audétat, Andreas; Keppler, Hans

2013-03-14

In the deep, chemically reducing parts of Earth's mantle, hydrous fluids contain significant amounts of molecular hydrogen (H2). Thermodynamic models of fluids in Earth's mantle so far have always assumed that molecular hydrogen and water are completely miscible. Here we show experimental evidence that water and hydrogen can coexist as two separate, immiscible phases. Immiscibility between water and hydrogen may be the cause of the formation of enigmatic, ultra-reducing domains in the mantle that contain moissanite (SiC) and other phases indicative of extremely reducing conditions. Moreover, the immiscibility between water and hydrogen may provide a mechanism for the rapid oxidation of Earth's upper mantle immediately following core formation.

PREPARATION OF HIGH PURITY UF$sub 4$

DOEpatents

Magner, J.E.; Long, R.S.; Ellis, D.A.; Grinstead, R.R.

1962-04-17

S>A process for preparing very highly pure uranous tetrafluoride from impure uranium laden solvent extraction strip solutions, ion exchange process and resin-inpulp process eluate solutions which are at least 8M in hydrochloric acid is described. The process first comprises treating any of the above-mentioned solutions with a reducing agent to reduce the uranium to the + 4 oxidation state, and then contacting the reduced solution with an extractant phase comprising about 10 to 70% of tri-butyl phosphate in an organic solvent-diluent selected from benzene, ethyl-benzene, chlorobenzene, xylene, kerosene, or the like. The uranium is extracted into the extractant phase and is subsequently precipitated by treating the extractant with an aqueous fluoride solution. The highly pure uranous tetrafluoride precipitate is separated from the phases and recovered for subsequent utilization. (AEC)

Efficient capture of SO2 by a binary mixture of caprolactam tetrabutyl ammonium bromide ionic liquid and water.

PubMed

Duan, Erhong; Guo, Bin; Zhang, Miaomiao; Guan, Yanan; Sun, Hua; Han, Jing

2011-10-30

The solubility of SO(2) in a binary mixture of water and caprolactam tetrabutyl ammonium bromide ionic liquid (CPL-TBAB IL) was investigated. Though the ionic liquid and water were fully miscible, a phase separation occurred when SO(2) was introduced into the mixture. The SO(2) concentrated in the lower layer, and it could be released by heating the solution under reduced pressure (382.2K, 10.1 kPa). After desorption, the mixture could be reused to absorb SO(2). It was found that SO(2) acts as a switch to cause the water and CPL-TBAB IL to phase separate, and the mechanics of this phase separation process was studied by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and Karl-Fisher titration. The absorption and desorption of SO(2) in the CPL-TBAB/water mixtures were reversible. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving chemical shift encoding‐based water–fat separation based on a detailed consideration of magnetic field contributions

PubMed Central

Ruschke, Stefan; Eggers, Holger; Meineke, Jakob; Rummeny, Ernst J.; Karampinos, Dimitrios C.

2018-01-01

Purpose To improve the robustness of existing chemical shift encoding‐based water–fat separation methods by incorporating a priori information of the magnetic field distortions in complex‐based water–fat separation. Methods Four major field contributions are considered: inhomogeneities of the scanner magnet, the shim field, an object‐based field map estimate, and a residual field. The former two are completely determined by spherical harmonic expansion coefficients directly available from the magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. The object‐based field map is forward simulated from air–tissue interfaces inside the field of view (FOV). The missing residual field originates from the object outside the FOV and is investigated by magnetic field simulations on a numerical whole body phantom. In vivo the spatially linear first‐order component of the residual field is estimated by measuring echo misalignments after demodulation of other field contributions resulting in a linear residual field. Gradient echo datasets of the cervical and the ankle region without and with shimming were acquired, where all four contributions were incorporated in the water–fat separation with two algorithms from the ISMRM water–fat toolbox and compared to water–fat separation with less incorporated field contributions. Results Incorporating all four field contributions as demodulation steps resulted in reduced temporal and spatial phase wraps leading to almost swap‐free water–fat separation results in all datasets. Conclusion Demodulating estimates of major field contributions reduces the phase evolution to be driven by only small differences in local tissue susceptibility, which supports the field smoothness assumption of existing water–fat separation techniques. PMID:29424458

Homomorphic filtering textural analysis technique to reduce multiplicative noise in the 11Oba nano-doped liquid crystalline compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madhav, B. T. P.; Pardhasaradhi, P.; Manepalli, R. K. N. R.; Pisipati, V. G. K. M.

2015-07-01

The compound undecyloxy benzoic acid (11Oba) exhibits nematic and smectic-C phases while a nano-doped undecyloxy benzoic acid with ZnO exhibits the same nematic and smectic-C phases with reduced clearing temperature as expected. The doping is done with 0.5% and 1% ZnO molecules. The clearing temperatures are reduced by approximately 4 ° and 6 °, respectively (differential scanning calorimeter data). While collecting the images from a polarizing microscope connected with hot stage and camera, the illumination and reflectance combined multiplicatively and the image quality was reduced to identify the exact phase in the compound. A novel technique of homomorphic filtering is used in this manuscript through which multiplicative noise components of the image are separated linearly in the frequency domain. This technique provides a frequency domain procedure to improve the appearance of an image by gray level range compression and contrast enhancement.

Military Forges Path Forward to Reduce Contingency Basing Energy Requirements

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

for environmental control. Unlike earlier phase change materials APChICs replace fluid modules with capillary structures that reduce bulk and...potential leaks. Initial test results indicate the power demand to heat and cool a shelter can be significantly reduced using composite insulation...instrumented our 18 month Joint Net Zero study at the National Training Center and captured on separate recorders, data on power draw of HVAC units and

Revisiting resolution in hydrodynamic countercurrent chromatography: tubing bore effect.

PubMed

Berthod, A; Faure, K

2015-04-17

A major challenge in countercurrent chromatography (CCC), the technique that works with a support-free biphasic liquid system, is to retain the liquid stationary phase inside the CCC column (Sf parameter). Two solutions are commercially available: the hydrostatic CCC columns, also called centrifugal partition chromatographs (CPC), with disks of interconnected channels and rotary seals, and the hydrodynamic CCC columns with bobbins of coiled open tube and no rotary seals. It was demonstrated that the amount of liquid stationary phase retained by a coiled tube was higher with larger bore tubing than with small bore tubes. At constant column volume, small bore tubing will be longer producing more efficiency than larger bore tube that will better retain the liquid stationary phase. Since the resolution equation in CCC is depending on both column efficiency and stationary phase retention ratio, the influence of the tubing bore should be studied. This theoretical work showed that there is an optimum tubing bore size depending on solute partition coefficient and mobile phase flow rate. The interesting result of the theoretical study is that larger tubing bores allow for dramatically reduced experiment durations for all solutes: in reversed phase CCC (polar mobile phase), hydrophobic solutes are usually highly retained. These apolar solutes can be separated by the same coil at high flow rates and reduced Sf with similar retention times as polar solutes separated at smaller flow rates and much higher Sf. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Model reduction method using variable-separation for stochastic saddle point problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Lijian; Li, Qiuqi

2018-02-01

In this paper, we consider a variable-separation (VS) method to solve the stochastic saddle point (SSP) problems. The VS method is applied to obtain the solution in tensor product structure for stochastic partial differential equations (SPDEs) in a mixed formulation. The aim of such a technique is to construct a reduced basis approximation of the solution of the SSP problems. The VS method attempts to get a low rank separated representation of the solution for SSP in a systematic enrichment manner. No iteration is performed at each enrichment step. In order to satisfy the inf-sup condition in the mixed formulation, we enrich the separated terms for the primal system variable at each enrichment step. For the SSP problems by regularization or penalty, we propose a more efficient variable-separation (VS) method, i.e., the variable-separation by penalty method. This can avoid further enrichment of the separated terms in the original mixed formulation. The computation of the variable-separation method decomposes into offline phase and online phase. Sparse low rank tensor approximation method is used to significantly improve the online computation efficiency when the number of separated terms is large. For the applications of SSP problems, we present three numerical examples to illustrate the performance of the proposed methods.

Direct single-shot phase retrieval from the diffraction pattern of separated objects

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

Leshem, Ben; Xu, Rui; Dallal, Yehonatan

The non-crystallographic phase problem arises in numerous scientific and technological fields. An important application is coherent diffractive imaging. Recent advances in X-ray free-electron lasers allow capturing of the diffraction pattern from a single nanoparticle before it disintegrates, in so-called ‘diffraction before destruction’ experiments. Presently, the phase is reconstructed by iterative algorithms, imposing a non-convex computational challenge, or by Fourier holography, requiring a well-characterized reference field. Here we present a convex scheme for single-shot phase retrieval for two (or more) sufficiently separated objects, demonstrated in two dimensions. In our approach, the objects serve as unknown references to one another, reducing themore » phase problem to a solvable set of linear equations. We establish our method numerically and experimentally in the optical domain and demonstrate a proof-of-principle single-shot coherent diffractive imaging using X-ray free-electron lasers pulses. Lastly, our scheme alleviates several limitations of current methods, offering a new pathway towards direct reconstruction of complex objects.« less

Direct single-shot phase retrieval from the diffraction pattern of separated objects

DOE PAGES

Leshem, Ben; Xu, Rui; Dallal, Yehonatan; ...

2016-02-22

The non-crystallographic phase problem arises in numerous scientific and technological fields. An important application is coherent diffractive imaging. Recent advances in X-ray free-electron lasers allow capturing of the diffraction pattern from a single nanoparticle before it disintegrates, in so-called ‘diffraction before destruction’ experiments. Presently, the phase is reconstructed by iterative algorithms, imposing a non-convex computational challenge, or by Fourier holography, requiring a well-characterized reference field. Here we present a convex scheme for single-shot phase retrieval for two (or more) sufficiently separated objects, demonstrated in two dimensions. In our approach, the objects serve as unknown references to one another, reducing themore » phase problem to a solvable set of linear equations. We establish our method numerically and experimentally in the optical domain and demonstrate a proof-of-principle single-shot coherent diffractive imaging using X-ray free-electron lasers pulses. Lastly, our scheme alleviates several limitations of current methods, offering a new pathway towards direct reconstruction of complex objects.« less

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposite polymer electrolytes poly(vinylidone fluoride)/nanoclay

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

Rahmawati, Suci A.; Sulistyaningsih,; Putro, Alviansyah Z. A.

2016-02-08

Polymer electrolytes are defined as semi solid electrolytes used as separator in lithium ion battery. Separator used as medium for transfer ions and to prevent electrical short circuits in battery cells. To obtain the optimal battery performance, separator with high porosity and electrolyte uptake is required. This can reduce the resistance in the transfer of ions between cathode and anode. The main objective of this work is to investigate the impact of different solvent (Dimethyl acetamide (DMAc), N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and dimethyl formamide (DMF)), pore forming agent poly(vinylpyrolidone) (PVP) and nanoclay as filler in addition of membrane using phase inversion methodmore » on the morphology, porosity, electrolyte uptake and degree of crystallinity. The membrane was prepared by the phase inversion method by adding PVP and Nanoclay using different solvents. The phase inversion method was prepared by dissolving Nanoclay and PVP in solvent for 1-2 hours, and then add the PVDF with stirring for 4 hours at 60°C. The membranes were characterized by porosity test, electrolyte uptake test, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that DMAc as solvent gives the highest value of porosity and electrolyte uptake. The addition of nanoclay and PVP enlarge the size of the pores and reduce the degree of crystallinity. So, the usage of DMAc as solvent is better than NMP or DMF.« less

Cellulosic Biomass-Reinforced Polyvinylidene Fluoride Separators with Enhanced Dielectric Properties and Thermal Tolerance.

PubMed

Li, Lei; Yu, Miao; Jia, Chao; Liu, Jianxin; Lv, Yanyan; Liu, Yanhua; Zhou, Yi; Liu, Chuanting; Shao, Ziqiang

2017-06-21

Safety issues are critical barriers to large-scale energy storage applications of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Using an ameliorated, thermally stable, shutdown separator is an effective method to overcome the safety issues. Herein, we demonstrate a novel, cellulosic biomass-material-blended polyvinylidene fluoride separator that was prepared using a simple nonsolvent-induced phase separation technique. This process formed a microporous composite separator with reduced crystallinity, uniform pore size distribution, superior thermal tolerance, and enhanced electrolyte wettability and dielectric and mechanical properties. In addition, the separator has a superior capacity retention and a better rate capability compared to the commercialized microporous polypropylene membrane. This fascinating membrane was fabricated via a relatively eco-friendly and cost-effective method and is an alternative, promising separator for high-power LIBs.

[Fast optimization of stepwise gradient conditions for ternary mobile phase in reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography].

PubMed

Shan, Yi-chu; Zhang, Yu-kui; Zhao, Rui-huan

2002-07-01

In high performance liquid chromatography, it is necessary to apply multi-composition gradient elution for the separation of complex samples such as environmental and biological samples. Multivariate stepwise gradient elution is one of the most efficient elution modes, because it combines the high selectivity of multi-composition mobile phase and shorter analysis time of gradient elution. In practical separations, the separation selectivity of samples can be effectively adjusted by using ternary mobile phase. For the optimization of these parameters, the retention equation of samples must be obtained at first. Traditionally, several isocratic experiments are used to get the retention equation of solute. However, it is time consuming especially for the separation of complex samples with a wide range of polarity. A new method for the fast optimization of ternary stepwise gradient elution was proposed based on the migration rule of solute in column. First, the coefficients of retention equation of solute are obtained by running several linear gradient experiments, then the optimal separation conditions are searched according to the hierarchical chromatography response function which acts as the optimization criterion. For each kind of organic modifier, two initial linear gradient experiments are used to obtain the primary coefficients of retention equation of each solute. For ternary mobile phase, only four linear gradient runs are needed to get the coefficients of retention equation. Then the retention times of solutes under arbitrary mobile phase composition can be predicted. The initial optimal mobile phase composition is obtained by resolution mapping for all of the solutes. A hierarchical chromatography response function is used to evaluate the separation efficiencies and search the optimal elution conditions. In subsequent optimization, the migrating distance of solute in the column is considered to decide the mobile phase composition and sustaining time of the latter steps until all the solutes are eluted out. Thus the first stepwise gradient elution conditions are predicted. If the resolution of samples under the predicted optimal separation conditions is satisfactory, the optimization procedure is stopped; otherwise, the coefficients of retention equation are adjusted according to the experimental results under the previously predicted elution conditions. Then the new stepwise gradient elution conditions are predicted repeatedly until satisfactory resolution is obtained. Normally, the satisfactory separation conditions can be found only after six experiments by using the proposed method. In comparison with the traditional optimization method, the time needed to finish the optimization procedure can be greatly reduced. The method has been validated by its application to the separation of several samples such as amino acid derivatives, aromatic amines, in which satisfactory separations were obtained with predicted resolution.

Carrier-separating demodulation of phase shifting self-mixing interferometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tao, Yufeng; Wang, Ming; Xia, Wei

2017-03-01

A carrier separating method associated with noise-elimination had been introduced into a sinusoidal phase-shifting self-mixing interferometer. The conventional sinusoidal phase shifting self-mixing interferometry was developed into a more competitive instrument with high computing efficiency and nanometer accuracy of λ / 100 in dynamical vibration measurement. The high slew rate electro-optic modulator induced a sinusoidal phase carrier with ultralow insertion loss in this paper. In order to extract phase-shift quickly and precisely, this paper employed the carrier-separating to directly generate quadrature signals without complicated frequency domain transforms. Moreover, most noises were evaluated and suppressed by a noise-elimination technology synthesizing empirical mode decomposition with wavelet transform. The overall laser system was described and inherent advantages such as high computational efficiency and decreased nonlinear errors of the established system were demonstrated. The experiment implemented on a high precision PZT (positioning accuracy was better than 1 nm) and compared with laser Doppler velocity meter. The good agreement of two instruments shown that the short-term resolution had improved from 10 nm to 1.5 nm in dynamic vibration measurement with reduced time expense. This was useful in precision measurement to improve the SMI with same sampling rate. The proposed signal processing was performed in pure time-domain requiring no preprocessing electronic circuits.

Water-fat separation with parallel imaging based on BLADE.

PubMed

Weng, Dehe; Pan, Yanli; Zhong, Xiaodong; Zhuo, Yan

2013-06-01

Uniform suppression of fat signal is desired in clinical applications. Based on phase differences introduced by different chemical shift frequencies, Dixon method and its variations are used as alternatives of fat saturation methods, which are sensitive to B0 inhomogeneities. Iterative Decomposition of water and fat with Echo Asymmetry and Least squares estimation (IDEAL) separates water and fat images with flexible echo shifting. Periodically Rotated Overlapping ParallEL Lines with Enhanced Reconstruction (PROPELLER, alternatively termed as BLADE), in conjunction with IDEAL, yields Turboprop IDEAL (TP-IDEAL) and allows for decomposition of water and fat signal with motion correction. However, the flexibility of its parameter setting is limited, and the related phase correction is complicated. To address these problems, a novel method, BLADE-Dixon, is proposed in this study. This method used the same polarity readout gradients (fly-back gradients) to acquire in-phase and opposed-phases images, which led to less complicated phase correction and more flexible parameter setting compared to TP-IDEAL. Parallel imaging and undersampling were integrated to reduce scan time. Phantom, orbit, neck and knee images were acquired with BLADE-Dixon. Water-fat separation results were compared to those measured with conventional turbo spin echo (TSE) Dixon and TSE with fat saturation, respectively, to demonstrate the performance of BLADE-Dixon. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hybrid carbon nanoparticles modified core-shell silica: a high efficiency carbon-based phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Mohammed E A; Wahab, M Farooq; Lucy, Charles A

2014-04-11

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) is a fast growing separation technique for hydrophilic and polar analytes. In this work, we combine the unique selectivity of carbon surfaces with the high efficiency of core-shell silica. First, 5 μm core-shell silica is electrostatically coated with 105 nm cationic latex bearing quaternary ammonium groups. Then 50 nm anionic carbon nanoparticles are anchored onto the surface of the latex coated core-shell silica particles to produce a hybrid carbon-silica phase. The hybrid phase shows different selectivity than ten previously classified HILIC column chemistries and 36 stationary phases. The hybrid HILIC phase has shape selectivity for positional isomeric pairs (phthalic/isophthalic and 1-naphthoic/2-naphthoic acids). Fast and high efficiency HILIC separations of biologically important carboxylates, phenols and pharmaceuticals are reported with efficiencies up to 85,000 plates m(-1). Reduced plate height of 1.9 (95,000 plates m(-1)) can be achieved. The hybrid phase is stable for at least 3 months of usage and storage under typical HILIC eluents. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Diazonium modification of porous graphitic carbon with catechol and amide groups for hydrophilic interaction and attenuated reversed phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Iverson, Chad D; Zhang, Ya; Lucy, Charles A

2015-11-27

Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) is an increasingly popular and attractive phase for HPLC on account of its chemical and thermal stability, and its unique separation mechanism. However, native PGC is strongly hydrophobic and in some instances excessively retentive. As part of our effort to build a library of hydrophilic covalently modified PGC phases, we functionalized PGC with catechol and amide groups by means of aryl diazonium chemistry to produce two new phases. Successful grafting was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Under HILIC conditions, the Catechol-PGC showed up to 5-fold increased retention relative to unmodified PGC and selectivity that differed from four other HILIC phases. Under reversed phase conditions, the Amide-PGC reduced the retentivity of PGC by almost 90%. The chromatographic performance of Catechol-PGC and Amide-PGC is demonstrated by separations of nucleobases, nucleosides, phenols, alkaline pharmaceuticals, and performance enhancing stimulants. These compounds had retention factors (k) ranging from 0.5 to 13. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on reduction and back extraction of Pu(IV) by urea derivatives in nitric acid conditions

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

Ye, G.A.; Xiao, S.T.; Yan, T.H.

2013-07-01

The reduction kinetics of Pu(IV) by hydroxyl-semicarbazide (HSC), hydroxyurea (HU) and di-hydroxyurea (DHU) in nitric acid solutions were investigated separately with adequate kinetic equations. In addition, counter-current cascade experiments were conducted for Pu split from U in nitric acid media using three kinds of reductant, respectively. The results show that urea derivatives as a kind of novel salt-free reductant can reduce Pu(IV) to Pu(III) rapidly in the nitric acid solutions. The stripping experimental results showed that Pu(IV) in the organic phase can be stripped rapidly to the aqueous phase by the urea derivatives, and the separation factors of plutonium /uraniummore » can reach more than 10{sup 4}. This indicates that urea derivatives is a kind of promising salt-free agent for uranium/plutonium separation. In addition, the complexing effect of HSC with Np(IV) was revealed, and Np(IV) can be back-extracted by HSC with a separation factor of about 20.« less

Design of C18 Organic Phases with Multiple Embedded Polar Groups for Ultraversatile Applications with Ultrahigh Selectivity.

PubMed

Mallik, Abul K; Qiu, Hongdeng; Oishi, Tomohiro; Kuwahara, Yutaka; Takafuji, Makoto; Ihara, Hirotaka

2015-07-07

For the first time, we synthesized multiple embedded polar groups (EPGs) containing linear C18 organic phases. The new materials were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, (1)H NMR, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT), solid-state (13)C cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CP/MAS) NMR, suspended-state (1)H NMR, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). (29)Si CP/MAS NMR was carried out to investigate the degree of cross-linking of the silane and silane functionality of the modified silica. Solid-state (13)C CP/MAS NMR and suspended-state (1)H NMR spectroscopy indicated a higher alkyl chain order for the phase containing four EPGs than for the phase with three EPGs. To correlate the NMR results with temperature-dependent chromatographic studies, standard reference materials (SRM 869b and SRM 1647e), a column selectivity test mixture for liquid chromatography was employed. A single EPG containing the C18 phase was also prepared in a similar manner to be used as a reference column especially for the separation of basic and polar compounds in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC), respectively. Detailed chromatographic characterization of the new phases was performed in terms of their surface coverage, hydrophobic selectivity, shape selectivity, hydrogen bonding capacity, and ion-exchange capacity at pH 2.7 and 7.6 for RPLC as well as their hydrophilicity, the selectivity for hydrophilic-hydrophobic substituents, the selectivity for the region and configurational differences in hydrophilic substituents, the evaluation of electrostatic interactions, and the evaluation of the acidic-basic nature for HILIC-mode separation. Furthermore, peak shapes for the basic analytes propranolol and amitriptyline were studied as a function of the number of EPGs on the C18 phases in the RPLC. The chromatographic performance of multiple EPGs containing C18 HILIC phases is illustrated by the separation of sulfa drugs, β-blockers, xanthines, nucleic acid bases, nucleosides, and water-soluble vitamins. Both of the phases showed the best performance for the separation of shape-constrained isomers, nonpolar, polar, and basic compounds in RPLC- and HILIC-mode separation of sulfa drugs, and other polar and basic analytes compared to the conventional alkyl phases with and without embedded polar groups and HILIC phases. Surprisingly, one phase would be able to serve the performance of three different types of phases with very high selectivity, and we named this phase the "smart phase". Versatile applications with a single column will reduce the column purchasing cost for the analyst as well as achieve high separation, which is challenging with the commercially available columns.

Evolutionary Calculations of Phase Separation in Crystallizing White Dwarf Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Montgomery, M. H.; Klumpe, E. W.; Winget, D. E.; Wood, M. A.

1999-11-01

We present an exploration of the significance of carbon/oxygen phase separation in white dwarf stars in the context of self-consistent evolutionary calculations. Because phase separation can potentially increase the calculated ages of the oldest white dwarfs, it can affect the age of the Galactic disk as derived from the downturn in the white dwarf luminosity function. We find that the largest possible increase in ages due to phase separation is ~1.5 Gyr, with a most likely value of approximately 0.6 Gyr, depending on the parameters of our white dwarf models. The most important factors influencing the size of this delay are the total stellar mass, the initial composition profile, and the phase diagram assumed for crystallization. We find a maximum age delay in models with masses of ~0.6 Msolar, which is near the peak in the observed white dwarf mass distribution. In addition, we note that the prescription that we have adopted for the mixing during crystallization provides an upper bound for the efficiency of this process, and hence a maximum for the age delays. More realistic treatments of the mixing process may reduce the size of this effect. We find that varying the opacities (via the metallicity) has little effect on the calculated age delays. In the context of Galactic evolution, age estimates for the oldest Galactic globular clusters range from 11.5 to 16 Gyr and depend on a variety of parameters. In addition, a 4-6 Gyr delay is expected between the formation of the globular clusters and the formation of the Galactic thin disk, while the observed white dwarf luminosity function gives an age estimate for the thin disk of 9.5+1.1-0.8 Gyr, without including the effect of phase separation. Using the above numbers, we see that phase separation could add between 0 and 3 Gyr to the white dwarf ages and still be consistent with the overall picture of Galaxy formation. Our calculated maximum value of <~1.5 Gyr fits within these bounds, as does our best-guess value of ~0.6 Gyr.

Preparation and Characterization of Hydrophilically Modified PVDF Membranes by a Novel Nonsolvent Thermally Induced Phase Separation Method

PubMed Central

Hu, Ningen; Xiao, Tonghu; Cai, Xinhai; Ding, Lining; Fu, Yuhua; Yang, Xing

2016-01-01

In this study, a nonsolvent thermally-induced phase separation (NTIPS) method was first proposed to fabricate hydrophilically-modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes to overcome the drawbacks of conventional thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods. Hydrophilically-modified PVDF membranes were successfully prepared by blending in hydrophilic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at 140 °C. A series of PVDF/PVA blend membranes was prepared at different total polymer concentrations and blend ratios. The morphological analysis via SEM indicated that the formation mechanism of these hydrophilically-modified membranes was a combined NIPS and TIPS process. As the total polymer concentration increased, the tensile strength of the membranes increased; meanwhile, the membrane pore size, porosity and water flux decreased. With the PVDF/PVA blend ratio increased from 10:0 to 8:2, the membrane pore size and water flux increased. The dynamic water contact angle of these membranes showed that the hydrophilic properties of PVDF/PVA blend membranes were prominently improved. The higher hydrophilicity of the membranes resulted in reduced membrane resistance and, hence, higher permeability. The total resistance Rt of the modified PVDF membranes decreased significantly as the hydrophilicity increased. The irreversible fouling related to pore blocking and adsorption fouling onto the membrane surface was minimal, indicating good antifouling properties. PMID:27869711

SFC-MS/MS as an orthogonal technique for improved screening of polar analytes in anti-doping control.

PubMed

Parr, Maria Kristina; Wuest, Bernhard; Naegele, Edgar; Joseph, Jan F; Wenzel, Maxi; Schmidt, Alexander H; Stanic, Mijo; de la Torre, Xavier; Botrè, Francesco

2016-09-01

HPLC is considered the method of choice for the separation of various classes of drugs. However, some analytes are still challenging as HPLC shows limited resolution capabilities for highly polar analytes as they interact insufficiently on conventional reversed-phase (RP) columns. Especially in combination with mass spectrometric detection, limitations apply for alterations of stationary phases. Some highly polar sympathomimetic drugs and their metabolites showed almost no retention on different RP columns. Their retention remains poor even on phenylhexyl phases that show different selectivity due to π-π interactions. Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) as an orthogonal separation technique to HPLC may help to overcome these issues. Selected polar drugs and metabolites were analyzed utilizing SFC separation. All compounds showed sharp peaks and good retention even for the very polar analytes, such as sulfoconjugates. Retention times and elution orders in SFC are different to both RP and HILIC separations as a result of the orthogonality. Short cycle times could be realized. As temperature and pressure strongly influence the polarity of supercritical fluids, precise regulation of temperature and backpressure is required for the stability of the retention times. As CO2 is the main constituent of the mobile phase in SFC, solvent consumption and solvent waste are considerably reduced. Graphical Abstract SFC-MS/MS vs. LC-MS/MS.

Preparation and Characterization of Hydrophilically Modified PVDF Membranes by a Novel Nonsolvent Thermally Induced Phase Separation Method.

PubMed

Hu, Ningen; Xiao, Tonghu; Cai, Xinhai; Ding, Lining; Fu, Yuhua; Yang, Xing

2016-11-18

In this study, a nonsolvent thermally-induced phase separation (NTIPS) method was first proposed to fabricate hydrophilically-modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes to overcome the drawbacks of conventional thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS) and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods. Hydrophilically-modified PVDF membranes were successfully prepared by blending in hydrophilic polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at 140 °C. A series of PVDF/PVA blend membranes was prepared at different total polymer concentrations and blend ratios. The morphological analysis via SEM indicated that the formation mechanism of these hydrophilically-modified membranes was a combined NIPS and TIPS process. As the total polymer concentration increased, the tensile strength of the membranes increased; meanwhile, the membrane pore size, porosity and water flux decreased. With the PVDF/PVA blend ratio increased from 10:0 to 8:2, the membrane pore size and water flux increased. The dynamic water contact angle of these membranes showed that the hydrophilic properties of PVDF/PVA blend membranes were prominently improved. The higher hydrophilicity of the membranes resulted in reduced membrane resistance and, hence, higher permeability. The total resistance R t of the modified PVDF membranes decreased significantly as the hydrophilicity increased. The irreversible fouling related to pore blocking and adsorption fouling onto the membrane surface was minimal, indicating good antifouling properties.

Removal of actinide elements from liquid scintillation cocktail wastes using liquid-liquid extraction and demulsification techniques

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

Foltz, K.; Landsberger, S.; Srinivasan, B.

1994-12-31

For many years liquid scintillation cocktail (LSC) wastes have been generated and stored at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). These wastes are stored in thousands of 10--20 m scintillation vials, many of which contain elements with Z > 88. Because storage space is limited, disposal of this waste is pressing. These wastes could be commercially incinerated if the radionuclides with Z>88 are reduced to sufficiently low levels. However, there is currently no deminimus level for these radionuclides, and separation techniques are still being tested. The University of Illinois is conducting experiments to separate radionuclides with Z > 88 from simulated LSCmore » wastes by using liquid-liquid extraction (LLX) and demulsification techniques. The actinide elements are removed from the LSC by extraction into an aqueous phase after the cocktail has been demulsified. The aqueous and organic phases are separated and the organic phase, now free from radionuclides with Z > 88, can be sent to a commercial incineration facility. The aqueous phase may be treated and disposed of using existing techniques. The LLX separation techniques used solutions of sodium oxalate, aluminum nitrate, and tetrasodium EDTA at varying concentrations. These extractants were mixed with the simulated waste in a 1:1 volume ratio. Using 1.0M Na{sub 4} EDTA salt solutions, decontamination ratios as high as 230 were achieved.« less

Tubing modifications for countercurrent chromatography (CCC): Stationary phase retention and separation efficiency.

PubMed

Englert, Michael; Vetter, Walter

2015-07-16

Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is a separation technique in which two immiscible liquid phases are used for the preparative purification of synthetic and natural products. In CCC the number of repetitive mixing and de-mixing processes, the retention of the stationary phase and the mass transfer between the liquid phases are significant parameters that influence the resolution and separation efficiency. Limited mass transfer is the main reason for peak broadening and a low number of theoretical plates along with impaired peak resolution in CCC. Hence, technical improvements with regard to column design and tubing modifications is an important aspect to enhance mixing and mass transfer. In this study we constructed a crimping tool which allowed us to make reproducible, semi-automated modifications of conventional round-shaped tubing. Six crimped tubing modifications were prepared, mounted onto multilayer coils which were subsequently installed in the CCC system. The stationary phase retention of the tubing modifications were compared to the conventional system with unmodified tubing in a hydrophobic, an intermediate and a hydrophilic two-phase solvent system. Generally, the tubing modifications provided higher capabilities to retain the stationary phase depending on the solvent system and flow rates. In the intermediate solvent system the separation efficiency was evaluated with a mixture of six alkyl p-hydroxybenzoates. The peak resolution could be increased up to 50% with one of the tubing modifications compared to the unmodified tubing. Using the most convincing tubing modification at fixed values for the stationary phase retention, a reasonable comparison to the unmodified tubing was achieved. The peak width could be reduced up to 49% and a strong positive impact at increased flow rates regarding peak resolution and theoretical plate number was observed compared to unmodified tubing. It could be concluded that the tubing modification enhanced the interphase mixing and mass transfer of the two phases by additional and more vigorous agitation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nano-liquid chromatography applied to enantiomers separation.

PubMed

Fanali, Salvatore

2017-02-24

This paper presents the state of the art concerning the separation of chiral compounds by means of nano-liquid chromatography (nano-LC). The enantiomers' separation and determination are a subject of fundamental importance in various application fields such as pharmaceutical industry, biomedicine, food, agrochemical etc. Nano-LC is a miniaturized chromatographic technique offering some advantages over conventional ones such as low consumption of mobile phase, sample volume and amount of chiral stationary phase, reduced costs etc. This is reported in the first part of the paper illustrating the features of the nano-LC. In addition, chiral resolution methods are briefly illustrated. Some chiral selectors, used in high-performance liquid chromatography have also been applied in nano-LC including cyclodextrins, glycopeptide antibiotics, modified polysaccharides etc. This is discussed in the second part of the review. Finally some examples of the applications available in literature are reported. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Curvature-induced microswarming and clustering of self-propelled particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruss, Isaac; Glotzer, Sharon

Non-equilibrium active matter systems exhibit many unique phenomena, such as motility-induced phase separation and swarming. However, little is known about how these behaviors depend on the geometry of the environment. To answer this question, we use Brownian dynamics simulations to study the effects of Gaussian curvature on self-propelled particles by confining them to the surface of a sphere. We find that a modest amount of curvature promotes phase separation by altering the shape of a cluster's boundary. Alternatively, particles on surfaces of high curvature experience reduced phase separation and instead form microswarms, where particles share a common orbit. We show that this novel flocking behavior is distinct from other previously studied examples, in that it is not explicitly incorporated into our model through Vicsek-like alignment rules nor torques. Rather, we find that microswarms emerge solely due to the geometric link between orientation and velocity, a property exclusive to surfaces with non-zero Gaussian curvature. These findings reveal the important role of local environment on the global emergent behavior of non-equilibrium systems. Center for Bio-Inspired Engineering (DOE Award # DE-SC0000989).

Combined effects of mobile phase composition and temperature on the retention of phenolic antioxidants on an octylsilica polydentate column.

PubMed

Jandera, Pavel; Vyňuchalová, Kateřina; Nečilová, Kateřina

2013-11-22

Combined effects of temperature and mobile-phase composition on retention and separation selectivity of phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds were studied in liquid chromatography on a polydentate Blaze C8 silica based column. The temperature effects on the retention can be described by van't Hoff equation. Good linearity of lnk versus 1/T graphs indicates that the retention is controlled by a single mechanism in the mobile phase and temperature range studied. Enthalpic and entropic contributions to the retention were calculated from the regression lines. Generally, enthalpic contributions control the retention at lower temperatures and in mobile phases with lower concentrations of methanol in water. Semi-empirical retention models describe the simultaneous effects of temperature and the volume fraction of the organic solvent in the mobile phase. Using the linear free energy-retention model, selective dipolarity/polarizability, hydrogen-bond donor, hydrogen-bond acceptor and molecular size contributions to retention were estimated at various mobile phase compositions and temperatures. In addition to mobile phase gradients, temperature programming can be used to reduce separation times. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of the Hartmann number on phase separation controlled by magnetic field for binary mixture system with large component ratio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heping, Wang; Xiaoguang, Li; Duyang, Zang; Rui, Hu; Xingguo, Geng

2017-11-01

This paper presents an exploration for phase separation in a magnetic field using a coupled lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The left vertical wall was kept at a constant magnetic field. Simulations were conducted by the strong magnetic field to enhance phase separation and increase the size of separated phases. The focus was on the effect of magnetic intensity by defining the Hartmann number (Ha) on the phase separation properties. The numerical investigation was carried out for different governing parameters, namely Ha and the component ratio of the mixed liquid. The effective morphological evolutions of phase separation in different magnetic fields were demonstrated. The patterns showed that the slant elliptical phases were created by increasing Ha, due to the formation and increase of magnetic torque and force. The dataset was rearranged for growth kinetics of magnetic phase separation in a plot by spherically averaged structure factor and the ratio of separated phases and total system. The results indicate that the increase in Ha can increase the average size of separated phases and accelerate the spinodal decomposition and domain growth stages. Specially for the larger component ratio of mixed phases, the separation degree was also significantly improved by increasing magnetic intensity. These numerical results provide guidance for setting the optimum condition for the phase separation induced by magnetic field.

Investigating phase transition temperatures of size separated gadolinium silicide magnetic nanoparticles

DOE PAGES

Hunagund, Shivakumar G.; Harstad, Shane M.; El-Gendy, Ahmed A.; ...

2018-01-11

Gadolinium silicide (Gd 5Si 4) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit different properties compared to their parent bulk materials due to finite size, shape, and surface effects. NPs were prepared by high energy ball-milling of the as-cast Gd 5Si 4 ingot and size separated into eight fractions using time sensitive sedimentation in an applied dc magnetic field with average particle sizes ranging from 700 nm to 82 nm. The largest Gd 5Si 4 NPs order ferromagnetically at 316 K. A second anomaly observed at 110 K can be ascribed to a Gd 5Si 3 impurity. Here as the particle sizes decrease, the volumemore » fraction of Gd 5Si 3 phase increases at the expense of the Gd 5Si 4 phase, and the ferromagnetic transition temperature of Gd 5Si 4 is reduced from 316 K to 310 K, while the ordering of the minor phase is independent of the particle size, remaining at 110 K.« less

Investigating phase transition temperatures of size separated gadolinium silicide magnetic nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hunagund, Shivakumar G.; Harstad, Shane M.; El-Gendy, Ahmed A.; Gupta, Shalabh; Pecharsky, Vitalij K.; Hadimani, Ravi L.

2018-05-01

Gadolinium silicide (Gd5Si4) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit different properties compared to their parent bulk materials due to finite size, shape, and surface effects. NPs were prepared by high energy ball-milling of the as-cast Gd5Si4 ingot and size separated into eight fractions using time sensitive sedimentation in an applied dc magnetic field with average particle sizes ranging from 700 nm to 82 nm. The largest Gd5Si4 NPs order ferromagnetically at 316 K. A second anomaly observed at 110 K can be ascribed to a Gd5Si3 impurity. As the particle sizes decrease, the volume fraction of Gd5Si3 phase increases at the expense of the Gd5Si4 phase, and the ferromagnetic transition temperature of Gd5Si4 is reduced from 316 K to 310 K, while the ordering of the minor phase is independent of the particle size, remaining at 110 K.

Investigating phase transition temperatures of size separated gadolinium silicide magnetic nanoparticles

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

Hunagund, Shivakumar G.; Harstad, Shane M.; El-Gendy, Ahmed A.

Gadolinium silicide (Gd 5Si 4) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit different properties compared to their parent bulk materials due to finite size, shape, and surface effects. NPs were prepared by high energy ball-milling of the as-cast Gd 5Si 4 ingot and size separated into eight fractions using time sensitive sedimentation in an applied dc magnetic field with average particle sizes ranging from 700 nm to 82 nm. The largest Gd 5Si 4 NPs order ferromagnetically at 316 K. A second anomaly observed at 110 K can be ascribed to a Gd 5Si 3 impurity. Here as the particle sizes decrease, the volumemore » fraction of Gd 5Si 3 phase increases at the expense of the Gd 5Si 4 phase, and the ferromagnetic transition temperature of Gd 5Si 4 is reduced from 316 K to 310 K, while the ordering of the minor phase is independent of the particle size, remaining at 110 K.« less

Fabrication of nano copper oxide evenly patched on cubic sodium tantalate for oriented photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide.

PubMed

Xiang, Tianyu; Xin, Feng; Zhao, Can; Lou, Shuo; Qu, Wenxiu; Wang, Yong; Song, Yuexiao; Zhang, Shuangfang; Yin, Xiaohong

2018-05-15

A synthetic process was exploited to fabricate patchy CuO evenly planted on cubic NaTaO 3 for photocatalytically reducing CO 2 in isopropanol. The nano patches of CuO with about 15 nm in size were uniformly distributed on the surface of NaTaO 3 via a phase-transfer protocol and solvothermal synthesis. The crystal phase, morphology, composition, optical absorption and charge separation of as-prepared CuO-NaTaO 3 were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XPS, UV-Vis and PL. The results of photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 confirmed that the CuO patched NaTaO 3 possessed better ability to separate charge carriers and selectively reduce CO 2 to methanol than CuO directly loaded NaTaO 3 using the traditional liquid phase reduction procedure after comparing the methanol yields. Furthermore, 5 wt% CuO patched NaTaO 3 led to the highest methanol yield of 1302.22 μmol g -1 h -1 . A redox mechanism was proposed and illustrated in a schematic diagram. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Strong imploding shock - The representative curve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishkin, E. A.; Alejaldre, C.

1981-02-01

The representative curve of the ideal gas behind the front of a spherically or cylindrically asymmetric strong imploding shock is derived. The partial differential equations of mass, momentum and energy conservation are reduced to a set of ordinary differential equations by the method of quasi-separation of variables, following which the reduced pressure and density as functions of the radius with respect to the shock front are explicit functions of coordinates defining the phase plane of the self-similar solution. The curve in phase space representing the state of the imploded gas behind the shock front is shown to pass through the point where the reduced pressure is maximum, which is located somewhat behind the shock front and ahead of the tail of the shock.

Pyrochemical process for extracting plutonium from an electrolyte salt

DOEpatents

Mullins, L.J.; Christensen, D.C.

1982-09-20

A pyrochemical process for extracting plutonium from a plutonium-bearing salt is disclosed. The process is particularly useful in the recovery of plutonium for electrolyte salts which are left over from the electrorefining of plutonium. In accordance with the process, the plutonium-bearing salt is melted and mixed with metallic calcium. The calcium reduces ionized plutonium in the salt to plutonium metal, and also causes metallic plutonium in the salt, which is typically present as finely dispersed metallic shot, to coalesce. The reduced and coalesced plutonium separates out on the bottom of the reaction vessel as a separate metallic phase which is readily separable from the overlying salt upon cooling of the mixture. Yields of plutonium are typically on the order of 95%. The stripped salt is virtually free of plutonium and may be discarded to low-level waste storage.

Pyrochemical process for extracting plutonium from an electrolyte salt

DOEpatents

Mullins, Lawrence J.; Christensen, Dana C.

1984-01-01

A pyrochemical process for extracting plutonium from a plutonium-bearing salt is disclosed. The process is particularly useful in the recovery of plutonium from electrolyte salts which are left over from the electrorefining of plutonium. In accordance with the process, the plutonium-bearing salt is melted and mixed with metallic calcium. The calcium reduces ionized plutonium in the salt to plutonium metal, and also causes metallic plutonium in the salt, which is typically present as finely dispersed metallic shot, to coalesce. The reduced and coalesced plutonium separates out on the bottom of the reaction vessel as a separate metallic phase which is readily separable from the overlying salt upon cooling of the mixture. Yields of plutonium are typically on the order of 95%. The stripped salt is virtually free of plutonium and may be discarded to low-level waste storage.

EXTRACTION METHOD FOR SEPARATING URANIUM, PLUTONIUM, AND FISSION PRODUCTS FROM COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING SAME

DOEpatents

Seaborg, G.T.

1957-10-29

Methods for separating plutonium from the fission products present in masses of neutron irradiated uranium are reported. The neutron irradiated uranium is first dissolved in an aqueous solution of nitric acid. The plutonium in this solution is present as plutonous nitrate. The aqueous solution is then agitated with an organic solvent, which is not miscible with water, such as diethyl ether. The ether extracts 90% of the uraryl nitrate leaving, substantially all of the plutonium in the aqueous phase. The aqueous solution of plutonous nitrate is then oxidized to the hexavalent state, and agitated with diethyl ether again. In the ether phase there is then obtained 90% of plutonium as a solution of plutonyl nitrate. The ether solution of plutonyl nitrate is then agitated with water containing a reducing agent such as sulfur dioxide, and the plutonium dissolves in the water and is reduced to the plutonous state. The uranyl nitrate remains in the ether. The plutonous nitrate in the water may be recovered by precipitation.

A novel mechanical model for phase-separation in debris flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pudasaini, Shiva P.

2015-04-01

Understanding the physics of phase-separation between solid and fluid phases as a two-phase mass moves down slope is a long-standing challenge. Here, I propose a fundamentally new mechanism, called 'separation-flux', that leads to strong phase-separation in avalanche and debris flows. This new model extends the general two-phase debris flow model (Pudasaini, 2012) to include a separation-flux mechanism. The new flux separation mechanism is capable of describing and controlling the dynamically evolving phase-separation, segregation, and/or levee formation in a real two-phase, geometrically three-dimensional debris flow motion and deposition. These are often observed phenomena in natural debris flows and industrial processes that involve the transportation of particulate solid-fluid mixture material. The novel separation-flux model includes several dominant physical and mechanical aspects that result in strong phase-separation (segregation). These include pressure gradients, volume fractions of solid and fluid phases and their gradients, shear-rates, flow depth, material friction, viscosity, material densities, boundary structures, gravity and topographic constraints, grain shape, size, etc. Due to the inherent separation mechanism, as the mass moves down slope, more and more solid particles are brought to the front, resulting in a solid-rich and mechanically strong frontal surge head followed by a weak tail largely consisting of the viscous fluid. The primary frontal surge head followed by secondary surge is the consequence of the phase-separation. Such typical and dominant phase-separation phenomena are revealed here for the first time in real two-phase debris flow modeling and simulations. However, these phenomena may depend on the bulk material composition and the applied forces. Reference: Pudasaini, Shiva P. (2012): A general two-phase debris flow model. J. Geophys. Res., 117, F03010, doi: 10.1029/2011JF002186.

A New Approach to Detect Mover Position in Linear Motors Using Magnetic Sensors

PubMed Central

Paul, Sarbajit; Chang, Junghwan

2015-01-01

A new method to detect the mover position of a linear motor is proposed in this paper. This method employs a simple cheap Hall Effect sensor-based magnetic sensor unit to detect the mover position of the linear motor. With the movement of the linear motor, Hall Effect sensor modules electrically separated 120° along with the idea of three phase balanced condition (va + vb + vc = 0) are used to produce three phase signals. The amplitude of the sensor output voltage signals are adjusted to unit amplitude to minimize the amplitude errors. With the unit amplitude signals three to two phase transformation is done to reduce the three multiples of harmonic components. The final output thus obtained is converted to position data by the use of arctangent function. The measurement accuracy of the new method is analyzed by experiments and compared with the conventional two phase method. Using the same number of sensor modules as the conventional two phase method, the proposed method gives more accurate position information compared to the conventional system where sensors are separated by 90° electrical angles. PMID:26506348

Stability of Ni-bsed bulk metallic glasses

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

Tokarz, Michelle L; Speakman, Scott A; Porter, Wallace D

Several ternary (Ni{sub x}Nb{sub y}Sn{sub z}) refractory alloy glasses (RAGs) were studied at elevated temperatures in order to assess the stability of the amorphous state, i.e. devitrification, and to identify subsequent phase transformations in these materials. differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments indicated a complex phase transformation sequence with several distinct crystallization and melting events being recorded above the glass transition temperature, T{sub g}. Below T{sub g} the RAG samples were studied with an in situ environmental X-ray furnace facility, which allowed step-wise isothermal ramping experiments commencing at a temperature below the reduced temperature of T/T{sub g} {approx} 0.80. Distinct crystallinemore » phases were observed when T/T{sub g} {approx} 0.84 for ternary RAG alloys, while similar experiments on Zr-based Vit 106 glass alloys did not reveal any apparent phase separation until T/T{sub g} {approx} 0.96. The phase separation kinetics followed an Arrhenius type of relationship with Ni{sub 3}Sn, and Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} being the principle crystalline precipitates.« less

Simultaneous separation/enrichment and detection of trace ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin in food samples using thermosensitive smart polymers aqueous two-phase flotation system combined with HPLC.

PubMed

Lu, Yang; Chen, Bo; Yu, Miao; Han, Juan; Wang, Yun; Tan, Zhenjiang; Yan, Yongsheng

2016-11-01

Smart polymer aqueous two phase flotation system (SPATPF) is a new separation and enrichment technology that integrated the advantages of the three technologies, i.e., aqueous two phase system, smart polymer and flotation sublation. Ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer (EOPO)-(NH4)2SO4 SPATPF is a pretreatment technique, and it is coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography to analyze the trace ciprofloxacin and lomefloxacin in real food samples. The optimized conditions of experiment were determined in the multi-factor experiment by using response surface methodology. The flotation efficiency of lomefloxacin and ciprofloxacin was 94.50% and 98.23% under the optimized conditions. The recycling experimentsshowed that the smart polymer EOPO could use repeatedly, which will reduce the cost in the future application. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multiple fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine

DOEpatents

Crothers, William T.

1977-01-01

A multiple fuel supply or an internal combustion engine wherein phase separation of components is deliberately induced. The resulting separation permits the use of a single fuel tank to supply components of either or both phases to the engine. Specifically, phase separation of a gasoline/methanol blend is induced by the addition of a minor amount of water sufficient to guarantee separation into an upper gasoline phase and a lower methanol/water phase. A single fuel tank holds the two-phase liquid with separate fuel pickups and separate level indicators for each phase. Either gasoline or methanol, or both, can be supplied to the engine as required by predetermined parameters. A fuel supply system for a phase-separated multiple fuel supply contained in a single fuel tank is described.

Phase-separation induced extraordinary toughening of magnetic hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Jingda; Li, Chenghai; Li, Haomin; Lv, Zengyao; Sheng, Hao; Lu, Tongqing; Wang, T. J.

2018-05-01

Phase separation markedly influences the physical properties of hydrogels. Here, we find that poly (N, N-dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) hydrogels suffer from phase separation in aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions when the concentration is higher than 2 M. The polymer volume fraction and mechanical properties show an abrupt change around the transition point. We utilize this phase separation mechanism to synthesize tough magnetic PDMA hydrogels with the in-situ precipitation method. For comparison, we also prepared magnetic poly (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propane sulfonic acid sodium) (PNaAMPS) magnetic hydrogels, where no phase separation occurs. The phase-separated magnetic PDMA hydrogels exhibit an extraordinarily high toughness of ˜1000 J m-2; while non-phase-separated magnetic PNaAMPS hydrogels only show a toughness of ˜1 J m-2, three orders of magnitude lower than that of PDMA hydrogels. This phase separation mechanism may become a new approach to prepare tough magnetic hydrogels and inspire more applications.

Normal Gravity Testing of a Microchannel Phase Separator for In Situ Resource Utilization

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

TeGrotenhuis, Ward E.; Stenkamp, Victoria S.; McQuillen, John (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

A microchannel separator, with 2.7 millimeters as the smallest dimension, was tested, and a pore throat structure captured and removed liquid from a gas-liquid stream. The microchannel device was tested over a of gas and liquid flow rates ranging from 0.0005 up to 0. 14 volume fraction of liquid. Four liquids were tested with air. The biggest factor affecting the throughput is the capacity of liquid flow through the pore throat, which is dictated by permeability, liquid viscosity, flow area, pore throat thickness, and pressure difference across the pore throat. Typically, complete separation of gas and liquid fractions was lost when the liquid flow rate reached about 40 to 60% of the pore throat capacity. However, this could occur over a range of 10 to 90% utilization of pore throat capacity. Breakthrough occurs in the microchannel phase separator at conditions similar to the annular to plug flow transition of two-phase microgravity pipe flow implying that operating in the proper flow regime is crucial. Analysis indicates that the Bond number did not affect performance, supporting the premise that hydrodynamic, interfacial, and capillary forces are more important than gravity. However, the relative importance of gravity is better discerned through testing under reduced gravity conditions.

Phase-separated, epitaxial composite cap layers for electronic device applications and method of making the same

DOEpatents

Aytug, Tolga [Knoxville, TN; Paranthaman, Mariappan Parans [Knoxville, TN; Polat, Ozgur [Knoxville, TN

2012-07-17

An electronic component that includes a substrate and a phase-separated layer supported on the substrate and a method of forming the same are disclosed. The phase-separated layer includes a first phase comprising lanthanum manganate (LMO) and a second phase selected from a metal oxide (MO), metal nitride (MN), a metal (Me), and combinations thereof. The phase-separated material can be an epitaxial layer and an upper surface of the phase-separated layer can include interfaces between the first phase and the second phase. The phase-separated layer can be supported on a buffer layer comprising a composition selected from the group consisting of IBAD MgO, LMO/IBAD-MgO, homoepi-IBAD MgO and LMO/homoepi-MgO. The electronic component can also include an electronically active layer supported on the phase-separated layer. The electronically active layer can be a superconducting material, a ferroelectric material, a multiferroic material, a magnetic material, a photovoltaic material, an electrical storage material, and a semiconductor material.

Comparison of various types of stationary phases in non-aqueous reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry of glycerolipids in blackcurrant oil and its enzymatic hydrolysis mixture.

PubMed

Lísa, Miroslav; Holcapek, Michal; Sovová, Helena

2009-11-20

The selection of column packing during the development of high-performance liquid chromatography method is a crucial step to achieve sufficient chromatographic resolution of analyzed species in complex mixtures. Various stationary phases are tested in this paper for the analysis of complex mixture of triacylglycerols (TGs) in blackcurrant oil using non-aqueous reversed-phase (NARP) system with acetonitrile-2-propanol mobile phase. Conventional C(18) column in the total length of 45 cm is used for the separation of TGs according to their equivalent carbon number, the number and positions of double bonds and acyl chain lengths. The separation of TGs and their more polar hydrolysis products after the partial enzymatic hydrolysis of blackcurrant oil in one chromatographic run is achieved using conventional C(18) column. Retention times of TGs are reduced almost 10 times without the loss of the chromatographic resolution using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography with 1.7 microm C(18) particles. The separation in NARP system on C(30) column shows an unusual phenomenon, because the retention order of TGs changes depending on the column temperature, which is reported for the first time. The commercial monolithic column modified with C(18) is used for the fast analysis of TGs to increase the sample throughput but at cost of low resolution.

Electronic phase separation in insulating (Ga, Mn) As with low compensation: super-paramagnetism and hopping conduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ye; Wang, Mao; Xu, Chi; Hübner, René; Böttger, Roman; Jakiela, Rafal; Helm, Manfred; Sawicki, Maciej; Zhou, Shengqiang

2018-03-01

In the present work, low compensated insulating (Ga,Mn)As with 0.7% Mn is obtained by ion implantation combined with pulsed laser melting. The sample shows variable-range hopping transport behavior with a Coulomb gap in the vicinity of the Fermi energy, and the activation energy is reduced by an external magnetic field. A blocking super-paramagnetism is observed rather than ferromagnetism. Below the blocking temperature, the sample exhibits a colossal negative magnetoresistance. Our studies confirm that the disorder-induced electronic phase separation occurs in (Ga,Mn)As samples with a Mn concentration in the insulator-metal transition regime, and it can account for the observed superparamagnetism and the colossal magnetoresistance.

Cesium vacancy ordering in phase-separated C s x F e 2 - y S e 2

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

Taddei, K. M.; Sturza, M.; Chung, D. Y.

2015-09-01

By simultaneously displaying magnetism and superconductivity in a single phase, the iron based superconductors provide a model system for the study of magnetism’s role in superconductivity. The class of intercalated iron selenide superconductors is unique amongst these in having the additional property of phase separation and coexistence of two distinct phases - one majority phase with iron vacancy ordering and strong antiferromagnetism and the other a poorly understood minority microscopic phase with a contested structure. Adding to the intrigue, the majority phase has never been found to show superconductivity on its own while the minority phase has never been successfullymore » synthesized separate from the majority phase. In order to better understand this minority phase, a series of high quality CsxFe2-ySe2 single crystals with (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.3) were grown and studied. Neutron and x-ray powder diffraction performed on ground crystals show the average structure of the minority phase to be I4/mmm, however, the temperature evolution of its lattice parameters shows it to be distinct from the high temperature I4/mmm parent structure. Neutron and x-ray diffraction experiments performed on single crystal samples reveal the presence of previously unobserved discrete superlattice reflections that remove the degeneracy of the Cs sites in both the majority and minority phases and reduce their structural symmetries from body-centered to primitive. Group theoretical analysis in conjunction with structural modeling shows that the observed superlattice reflections originate from a three-dimensional Cs vacancy ordering in the minority phase. This model predicts a 25% vacancy of the Cs site which is consistent with the site’s refined occupancy. Magnetization measurements performed in tandem with neutron single crystal diffraction provide evidence that the minority phase is the host of superconductivity. Our results also reveal a superconducting dome in which the superconducting transition temperature varies as a function of the valence of iron.« less

Impact of nanostructuring on the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of microscale phase-separated La 5/8–yPr yCa 3/8MnO₃ manganites

DOE PAGES

Bingham, N. S.; Lampen, P.; Phan, M. H.; ...

2012-08-16

Bulk manganites of the form La 5/8–yPr yCa 3/8MnO₃ (LPCMO) exhibit a complex phase diagram due to coexisting charge-ordered antiferromagnetic (CO/AFM), charge-disordered paramagnetic (PM), and ferromagnetic (FM) phases. Because phase separation in LPCMO occurs on the microscale, reducing particle size to below this characteristic length is expected to have a strong impact on the magnetic properties of the system. Through a comparative study of the magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of single-crystalline (bulk) and nanocrystalline LPCMO (y=3/8) we show that the AFM, CO, and FM transitions seen in the single crystal can also be observed in the large particle sizes (400more » and 150 nm), while only a single PM to FM transition is found for the small particles (55 nm). Magnetic and magnetocaloric measurements reveal that decreasing particle size affects the balance of competing phases in LPCMO and narrows the range of fields over which PM, FM, and CO phases coexist. The FM volume fraction increases with size reduction, until CO is suppressed below some critical size, ~100 nm. With size reduction, the saturation magnetization and field sensitivity first increase as long-range CO is inhibited, then decrease as surface effects become increasingly important. The trend that the FM phase is stabilized on the nanoscale is contrasted with the stabilization of the charge-disordered PM phase occurring on the microscale, demonstrating that in terms of the characteristic phase separation length, a few microns and several hundred nanometers represent very different regimes in LPCMO.« less

The Development of Novel Nanomaterials for Separation Science

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zewe, Joseph William

Separation efficiency is inversely proportional to the diameter of the particles of the stationary phase. Accordingly, a major aim of current separations research is focused on the reduction of both the diameter and particle-to-particle size variation of sorbent materials utilized as stationary phases. Herein, novel methods for the fabrication and application of various nanoscale stationary phases are described. Electrospinning is a simple and cost-effective method of generating nanofibers; here both polymeric and carbon electrospun nanofibers are applied as sorbent materials. Carbon nanofibers are of particular interest; graphite and glassy carbon are widely utilized in separation science due to their chemical and mechanical stability and unique selectivity. Electrospun carbon nanofibers have proven to be ideal for use as an extractive phase for solid phase microextraction (SPME) and have been successfully coupled to both gas and liquid chromatography. The high surface area nanofibrous mat provides extraction efficiencies for both polar and nonpolar compounds that range from 2-8 times greater than those attainable using currently available commercial SPME fibers. The electrospun nanofibrous SPME phases proved to be very stable when immersed in a range of solvents, demonstrating increased stability relative to conventional liquid SPME coatings. The chemical and mechanical stability of the electrospun carbon nanofiber SPME phases expands the range of compounds that are applicable to SPME while extending the lifetime of the SPME fibers. Molecularly imprinted (MI) electrospun polymeric and carbon nanofibers were also generated using the template molecule dibutyl butyl phosphonate (DBBP), a surrogate for chemical warfare agents. Nicotine was also used as a template molecule. The MI-nanofibers imprinted with DBBP were applied as an adsorbent for SPME. The MI-SPME fibers preferentially adsorbed the DBBP template molecule relative to the non-imprinted SPME fibers, demonstrating that imprinted surfaces containing analyte-specific recognition sites can be produced. MI-nicotine electrospun nanofibers were also studied as a solid phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for the extraction of nicotine from water. The MI-nanofibers showed a greater extraction efficiency for nicotine relative to their non-imprinted counterparts. Electrospun nanofibers have proven to be effective stationary phases in ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC), giving more efficient separations in shorter analysis times than traditional particle-based stationary phases. This technology was further enhanced by aligning the nanofibrous mats in a single direction. Aligned electrospun UTLC (AE-UTLC) devices showed improved performance relative to non-aligned electrospun UTLC phases, demonstrating higher separation efficiency and reduced times of analysis. All currently utilized carbon sorbents, including the carbon nanofibers described in this work, possess at least two different surface sites for interaction with solutes, namely basal-plane and edge-plane sites. It is predicted that a more homogenous carbon surface, consisting entirely of either all-basal or all-edge plane sites, would produce a separation with a significant improvement in chromatographic efficiency. Progress toward homogenous carbon phases and their application and sorption behavior are also discussed.

Method for separating disparate components in a fluid stream

DOEpatents

Meikrantz, David H.

1990-01-01

The invention provides a method of separating a mixed component waste stream in a centrifugal separator. The mixed component waste stream is introduced into the separator and is centrifugally separated within a spinning rotor. A dual vortex separation occurs due to the phase density differences, with the phases exiting the rotor distinct from one another. In a preferred embodiment, aqueous solutions of organics can be separated with up to 100% efficiency. The relatively more dense water phase is centrifugally separated through a radially outer aperture in the separator, while the relatively less dense organic phase is separated through a radially inner aperture.

Reaction-mediated entropic effect on phase separation in a binary polymer system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Shujun; Guo, Miaocai; Yi, Xiaosu; Zhang, Zuoguang

2017-10-01

We present a computer simulation to study the phase separation behavior induced by polymerization in a binary system comprising polymer chains and reactive monomers. We examined the influence of interaction parameter between components and monomer concentration on the reaction-induced phase separation. The simulation results demonstrate that increasing interaction parameter (enthalpic effect) would accelerate phase separation, while entropic effect plays a key role in the process of phase separation. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy observations illustrate identical morphologies as found in theoretical simulation. This study may enrich our comprehension of phase separation in polymer mixture.

Properties of water as a novel stationary phase in capillary gas chromatography.

PubMed

Gallant, Jonathan A; Thurbide, Kevin B

2014-09-12

A novel method of separation that uses water as a stationary phase in capillary gas chromatography (GC) is presented. Through applying a water phase to the interior walls of a stainless steel capillary, good separations were obtained for a large variety of analytes in this format. It was found that carrier gas humidification and backpressure were key factors in promoting stable operation over time at various temperatures. For example, with these measures in place, the retention time of an acetone test analyte was found to reduce by only 44s after 100min of operation at a column temperature of 100°C. In terms of efficiency, under optimum conditions the method produced about 20,000 plates for an acetone test analyte on a 250μm i.d.×30m column. Overall, retention on the stationary phase generally increased with analyte water solubility and polarity, but was relatively little correlated with analyte volatility. Conversely, non-polar analytes were essentially unretained in the system. These features were applied to the direct analysis of different polar analytes in both aqueous and organic samples. Results suggest that this approach could provide an interesting alternative tool in capillary GC separations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Pyrene-Tagged Ionic Liquids: Separable Organic Catalysts for SN2 Fluorination.

PubMed

Taher, Abu; Lee, Kyo Chul; Han, Hye Ji; Kim, Dong Wook

2017-07-07

We prepared pyrene-substituted imidazolium-based ionic liquids (PILs) as organic catalysts for the S N 2 fluorination using alkali metal fluoride (MF). In this system, the PIL significantly enhanced the reactivity of MF due to the phase-transfer catalytic effect of the imidazolium moiety as well as the metal cation-π (pyrene) interactions. Furthermore, this homogeneous catalyst PIL was easily separated from the reaction mixture using reduced graphene oxide by π-π stacking with the pyrene of PIL.

Evaluation of a new polymeric stationary phase with reversed-phase properties for high temperature liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Vanhoenacker, Gerd; Dos Santos Pereira, Alberto; Kotsuka, Takashi; Cabooter, Deirdre; Desmet, Gert; Sandra, Pat

2010-05-07

The performance of a polymeric stationary phase with reversed-phase properties (ET-RP1) was evaluated for LC separations at elevated temperature. The most significant observation was that the reduced plate height (h) decreased from 3.4 at 25 degrees C (optimal flow 0.5 mL/min) to 2.4 at 150 degrees C (optimal flow 2.5 mL/min) which is comparable to the efficiency obtained with silica-based reversed-phase columns of 4.6mm ID operated at 0.8 mL/min. The phase showed no deterioration after long use at 150 degrees C within the pH range 1-9. Catalytic activity originating from the stationary phase material, e.g. as experienced on zirconium columns operated at elevated temperature, was absent. The performance of ET-RP1 is illustrated with the analysis of some pharmaceutical samples by LC and LC-MS. Operation at elevated temperature also allows to reduce the amount of organic modifier or to replace acetonitrile and methanol by the biodegradable ethanol. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation and characterization of novel anion phase change heat storage materials.

PubMed

Hong, Wei; Lil, Qingshan; Sun, Jing; Di, Youbo; Zhao, Zhou; Yu, Wei'an; Qu, Yuan; Jiao, TiFeng; Wang, Guowei; Xing, Guangzhong

2013-10-01

In this paper, polyurethane phase change material was successfully prepared with TDI with BDO for hard segments and PEG for soft segments. Moreover, based on this the solid-solid phase change material, A-PCM1030 which can release anions was prepared with the successful addition of anion additives A1030 for the first time. Then the test of the above material was conducted utilizing FT-IR, DSC, TEM, WAXD and Air Ion Detector. The Results indicated that the polyurethane phase change material possesses excellent thermal stability since there was no appearance of liquid leakage and phase separation after 50 times warming-cooling thermal cycles. It also presented reversibility on absorbing and releasing heat. In addition, adding a little A1030 can increase the thermal stability and reduce phase transition temperatures, as well as reduce the undercooling of the polyurethane phase change material. In addition, the anion test results suggested that the supreme amount of anion released by A-PCM1030 could reach 2510 anions/cm3 under dynamic conditions, which is beneficial for human health.

A new solution to emulsion liquid membrane problems by non-Newtonian conversion

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

Skelland, A.H.P.; Meng, X.

1996-02-01

Surfactant-stabilized emulsion liquid membrane processes constitute an emerging separation technology that has repeatedly been shown to be highly suited for such diverse separation processes as metal recovery or removal from dilute aqueous solutions; separations in the food industry; removal of organic bases and acids from water; and separation of hydrocarbons. Emulsion liquid membrane separation processes remain excessively vulnerable to one or more of four major problems. Difficulties lie in developing liquid membranes that combine high levels of both stability and permeability with acceptably low levels of swelling and ease of subsequent demulsification for membrane and solute recovery. This article providesmore » a new technique for simultaneously overcoming the first three problems, while identifying physical indications that the proposed solution may have little adverse effect on the fourth problem (demulsification) and may even alleviate it. Numerous benefits of optimized conversion of the membrane phase into suitable non-Newtonian form are identified, their mechanisms outlined, and experimental verifications provided. These include increased stability, retained (or enhanced) permeability, reduced swelling, increased internal phase volume, and increased stirrer speeds. The highly favorable responsiveness of both aliphatic and aromatic membranes to the new technique is demonstrated.« less

Blending protein separation and peptide analysis through real-time proteolytic digestion.

PubMed

Slysz, Gordon W; Schriemer, David C

2005-03-15

Typical liquid- or gel-based protein separations require enzymatic digestion as an important first step in generating protein identifications. Traditional protocols involve long-term proteolytic digestion of the separated protein, often leading to sample loss and reduced sensitivity. Previously, we presented a rapid method of proteolytic digestion that showed excellent digestion of resistant and low concentrations of protein without requiring reduction and alkylation. Here, we demonstrate on-line, real-time tryptic digestion in conjunction with reversed-phase protein separation. The studies were aimed at optimizing pH and ionic strength and the size of the digestion element, to produce maximal protein digestion with minimal effects on chromatographic integrity. Upon establishing optimal conditions, the digestion element was attached downstream from a capillary C4 reversed-phase column. A four-protein mixture was processed through the combined system, and the resulting peptides were analyzed on-line by electrospray mass spectrometry. Extracted ion chromatograms for protein chromatography based on peptide elution were generated. These were shown to emulate ion chromatograms produced in a subsequent run without the digestion element, based on protein elution. The methodology will enable rapid and sensitive analysis of liquid-based protein separations using the power of bottom-up proteomics methodologies.

A complementary mobile phase approach based on the peak count concept oriented to the full resolution of complex mixtures.

PubMed

Ortín, A; Torres-Lapasió, J R; García-Álvarez-Coque, M C

2011-08-26

Situations of minimal resolution are often found in liquid chromatography, when samples that contain a large number of compounds, or highly similar in terms of structure and/or polarity, are analysed. This makes full resolution with a single separation condition (e.g., mobile phase, gradient or column) unfeasible. In this work, the optimisation of the resolution of such samples in reversed-phase liquid chromatography is approached using two or more isocratic mobile phases with a complementary resolution behaviour (complementary mobile phases, CMPs). Each mobile phase is dedicated to the separation of a group of compounds. The CMPs are selected in such a way that, when the separation is considered globally, all the compounds in the sample are satisfactorily resolved. The search of optimal CMPs can be carried out through a comprehensive examination of the mobile phases in a selected domain. The computation time of this search has been reported to be substantially reduced by application of a genetic algorithm with local search (LOGA). A much simpler approach is here described, which is accessible to non-experts in programming, and offers solutions of the same quality as LOGA, with a similar computation time. The approach makes a sequential search of CMPs based on the peak count concept, which is the number of peaks exceeding a pre-established resolution threshold. The new approach is described using as test sample a mixture of 30 probe compounds, 23 of them with an ionisable character, and the pH and organic solvent contents as experimental factors. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cesium vacancy ordering in phase-separated C s x F e 2 - y S e 2

DOE PAGES

Taddei, Keith M.; Sturza, M.; Chung, Duck -Yung; ...

2015-09-14

By simultaneously displaying magnetism and superconductivity in a single phase, the iron-based superconductors provide a model system for the study of magnetism's role in superconductivity. The class of intercalated iron selenide superconductors is unique among these in having the additional property of phase separation and coexistence of two distinct phases—one majority phase with iron vacancy ordering and strong antiferromagnetism, and the other a poorly understood minority microscopic phase with a contested structure. Adding to the intrigue, the majority phase has never been found to show superconductivity on its own while the minority phase has never been successfully synthesized separate frommore » the majority phase. In order to better understand this minority phase, a series of high-quality Cs xFe 2–ySe 2 single crystals with (0.8 ≤ x ≤ 1;0 ≤ y ≤ 0.3) were grown and studied. Neutron and x-ray powder diffraction performed on ground crystals show that the average I4/mmm structure of the minority phase is distinctly different from the high-temperature I4/mmm parent structure. Moreover, single-crystal diffraction reveals the presence of discrete superlattice reflections that remove the degeneracy of the Cs sites in both the majority and minority phases and reduce their structural symmetries from body centered to primitive. Group theoretical analysis in conjunction with structural modeling shows that the observed superlattice reflections originate from three-dimensional Cs vacancy ordering. This model predicts a 25% vacancy of the Cs site in the minority phase which is consistent with the site's refined occupancy. Magnetization measurements performed in tandem with neutron single-crystal diffraction provide evidence that the minority phase is the host of superconductivity. Lastly, our results also reveal a superconducting dome in which the superconducting transition temperature varies as a function of the nominal valence of iron.« less

Separation of aqueous two-phase polymer systems in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanalstine, J. M.; Harris, J. M.; Synder, S.; Curreri, P. A.; Bamberger, S. B.; Brooks, D. E.

1984-01-01

Phase separation of polymer systems in microgravity is studied in aircraft flights to prepare shuttle experiments. Short duration (20 sec) experiments demonstrate that phase separation proceeds rapidly in low gravity despite appreciable phase viscosities and low liquid interfacial tensions (i.e., 50 cP, 10 micro N/m). Ostwald ripening does not appear to be a satisfactory model for the phase separation mechanism. Polymer coated surfaces are evaluated as a means to localize phases separated in low gravity. Contact angle measurements demonstrate that covalently coupling dextran or PEG to glass drastically alters the 1-g wall wetting behavior of the phases in dextran-PEG two phase systems.

ECO LOGIC INTERNATIONAL GAS-PHASE CHEMICAL REDUCTION PROCESS - THE REACTOR SYSTEM - APPLICATIONS ANALYSIS REPORT

EPA Science Inventory

The ELI Eco Logic International Inc. (Eco Logic) process thermally separates organics, then chemically reduces them in a hydrogen atmosphere, converting them to a reformed gas that consists of light hydrocarbons and water. A scrubber treats the reformed gas to remove hydrogen chl...

Myth and Ritual in "Othello": A Technique for Teaching.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holleran, James V.

In terms of structure, the play "Othello" is a distortion of an initiation ritual. Arnold van Gennup, in his book "The Rites of Passage," reduces all initiation rituals into three definable phases: separation, transition, and incorporation. The general pattern of the initiation ritual in "Othello" is as follows:…

Mixed-bed ion exchange chromatography employing a salt-free pH gradient for improved sensitivity and compatibility in MudPIT.

PubMed

Mommen, Geert P M; Meiring, Hugo D; Heck, Albert J R; de Jong, Ad P J M

2013-07-16

In proteomics, comprehensive analysis of peptides mixtures necessitates multiple dimensions of separation prior to mass spectrometry analysis to reduce sample complexity and increase the dynamic range of analysis. The main goal of this work was to improve the performance of (online) multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT) in terms of sensitivity, compatibility and recovery. The method employs weak anion and strong cation mixed-bed ion exchange chromatography (ACE) in the first separation dimension and reversed phase chromatography (RP) in the second separation dimension (Motoyama et.al. Anal. Chem 2007, 79, 3623-34.). We demonstrated that the chromatographic behavior of peptides in ACE chromatography depends on both the WAX/SCX mixing ratio as the ionic strength of the mobile phase system. This property allowed us to replace the conventional salt gradient by a (discontinuous) salt-free, pH gradient. First dimensional separation of peptides was accomplished with mixtures of aqueous formic acid and dimethylsulfoxide with increasing concentrations. The overall performance of this mobile phase system was found comparable to ammonium acetate buffers in application to ACE chromatography, but clearly outperformed strong cation exchange for use in first dimensional peptide separation. The dramatically improved compatibility between (salt-free) ion exchange chromatography and reversed phase chromatography-mass spectrometry allowed us to downscale the dimensions of the RP analytical column down to 25 μm i.d. for an additional 2- to 3-fold improvement in performance compared to current technology. The achieved levels of sensitivity, orthogonality, and compatibility demonstrates the potential of salt-free ACE MudPIT for the ultrasensitive, multidimensional analysis of very modest amounts of sample material.

"Phase capture" in amblyopia: the influence function for sampled shape.

PubMed

Levi, Dennis M; Li, Roger W; Klein, Stanley A

2005-06-01

This study was concerned with what stimulus information humans with amblyopia use to judge the shape of simple objects. We used a string of four Gabor patches to define a contour. A fifth, center patch served as the test pattern. The observers' task was to judge the location of the test pattern relative to the contour. The contour was either a straight line, or an arc with positive or negative curvature. We asked whether phase shifts in the inner or outer pairs of patches distributed along the contour influence the perceived shape. That is, we measured the phase shift influence function. Our results, consistent with previous studies, show that amblyopes are imprecise in shape discrimination, showing elevated thresholds for both lines and curves. We found that amblyopes often make much larger perceptual errors (biases) than do normal observers in the absence of phase shifts. These errors tend to be largest for curved shapes and at large separations. In normal observers, shifting the phase of inner patches of the string by 0.25 cycle results in almost complete phase capture (attraction) at the smallest separation (2 lambda), and the capture effect falls off rapidly with separation. A 0.25 cycle shift of the outer pair of patches has a much smaller effect, in the opposite direction (repulsion). While several amblyopic observers showed reduced capture by the phase of the inner patches, to our surprise, several of the amblyopes were sensitive to the phase of the outer patches. We used linear multiple regression to determine the weights of all cues to the task: the carrier phase of the inner patches, carrier phase of the outer patches and the envelope of the outer patches. Compared to normal observers, some amblyopes show a weaker influence of the phase of the inner patches, and a stronger influence of both the phase and envelope of the outer patches. We speculate that this may be a consequence of abnormal "crowding" of the inner patches by the outer ones.

Film thickness dependence of phase separation and dewetting behaviors in PMMA/SAN blend films.

PubMed

You, Jichun; Liao, Yonggui; Men, Yongfeng; Shi, Tongfei; An, Lijia

2010-09-21

Film thickness dependence of complex behaviors coupled by phase separation and dewetting in blend [poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) (SAN)] films on silicon oxide substrate at 175 °C was investigated by grazing incidence ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering (GIUSAX) and in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM). It was found that the dewetting pathway was under the control of the parameter U(q0)/E, which described the initial amplitude of the surface undulation and original thickness of film, respectively. Furthermore, our results showed that interplay between phase separation and dewetting depended crucially on film thickness. Three mechanisms including dewetting-phase separation/wetting, dewetting/wetting-phase separation, and phase separation/wetting-pseudodewetting were discussed in detail. In conclusion, it is relative rates of phase separation and dewetting that dominate the interplay between them.

Theory of microemulsions in a gravitational field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jeng, J. F.; Miller, Clarence A.

1989-01-01

A theory of microemulsions developed previously is extended to include the effect of a gravitational field. It predicts variation with position of drop size, drop volume fraction, and area per molecule in the surfactant films within a microemulsion phase. Variation in volume fraction is greatest and occurs in such a way that oil content increases with increasing elevation, as has been found experimentally. Large composition variations are predicted within a middle phase microemulsion near optimal conditions because inversion from the water-continuous to the oil-continuous arrangement occurs with increasing elevation. Generally speaking, gravity reduces solubilization within microemulsions and promotes separation of excess phases.

Reduction-melting combined with a Na₂CO₃ flux recycling process for lead recovery from cathode ray tube funnel glass.

PubMed

Okada, Takashi; Yonezawa, Susumu

2014-08-01

With large quantity of flux (Na2CO3), lead can be recovered from the funnel glass of waste cathode-ray tubes via reduction-melting at 1000°C. To reduce flux cost, a technique to recover added flux from the generated oxide phase is also important in order to recycle the flux recovered from the reduction-melting process. In this study, the phase separation of sodium and the crystallization of water-soluble sodium silicates were induced after the reduction-melting process to enhance the leachability of sodium in the oxide phase and to extract the sodium from the phase for the recovery of Na2CO3 as flux. A reductive atmosphere promoted the phase separation and crystallization, and the leachability of sodium from the oxide phase was enhanced. The optimum temperature and treatment time for increasing the leachability were 700°C and 2h, respectively. After treatment, more than 90% of the sodium in the oxide phase was extracted in water. NaHCO3 can be recovered by carbonization of the solution containing sodium ions using carbon dioxide gas, decomposed to Na2CO3 at 50°C and recycled for use in the reduction-melting process. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polymerization Behavior of Hydrophilic-Rich Phase of Dentin Adhesive

PubMed Central

Abedin, F.; Parthasarathy, R.; Misra, A.; Spencer, P.

2015-01-01

The 2-fold objectives of this study were 1) to understand whether model hydrophobic- and hydrophilic-rich phase mimics of dentin adhesive polymerize similarly and 2) to determine which factor, the dimethacrylate component, bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA) or photoinitiator concentration, has greater influence on the polymerization of the hydrophilic-rich phase mimic. Current dentin adhesives are sensitive to moisture, as evidenced by nanoleakage in the hybrid layer and phase separation into hydrophobic- and hydrophilic-rich phases. Phase separation leads to limited availability of the cross-linkable dimethacrylate monomer and hydrophobic photoinitiators within the hydrophilic-rich phase. Model hydrophobic-rich phase was prepared as a single-phase solution by adding maximum wt% deuterium oxide (D2O) to HEMA/BisGMA neat resins containing 45 wt% 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). Mimics of the hydrophilic-rich phase were prepared similarly but using HEMA/BisGMA neat resins containing 95, 99, 99.5, and 100 wt% HEMA. The hydrophilic-rich mimics were prepared with standard or reduced photoinitiator content. The photoinitiator systems were camphorquinone (CQ)/ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate (EDMAB) with or without [3-(3, 4-dimethyl-9-oxo-9H-thioxanthen-2-yloxy)-2-hydroxypropyl]trimethylammonium chloride (QTX). The polymerization kinetics was monitored using a Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer with a time-resolved collection mode. The hydrophobic-rich phase exhibited a significantly higher polymerization rate compared with the hydrophilic-rich phase. Postpolymerization resulting in the secondary rate maxima was observed for the hydrophilic-rich mimic. The hydrophilic-rich mimics with standard photoinitiator concentration but varying cross-linker (BisGMA) content showed postpolymerization and a substantial degree of conversion. In contrast, the corresponding formulations with reduced photoinitiator concentrations exhibited lower polymerization and inhibition/delay of postpolymerization within 2 h. Under conditions relevant to the wet, oral environment, photoinitiator content plays an important role in the polymerization of the hydrophilic-rich phase mimic. Since the hydrophilic-rich phase is primarily water and monomethacrylate monomer (e.g., HEMA as determined previously), substantial polymerization is important to limit the potential toxic response from HEMA leaching into the surrounding tissues. PMID:25576471

Synthesis of a mixed-model stationary phase derived from glutamine for HPLC separation of structurally different biologically active compounds: HILIC and reversed-phase applications.

PubMed

Aral, Tarık; Aral, Hayriye; Ziyadanoğulları, Berrin; Ziyadanoğulları, Recep

2015-01-01

A novel mixed-mode stationary phase was synthesised starting from N-Boc-glutamine, aniline and spherical silica gel (4 µm, 60 Å). The prepared stationary phase was characterized by IR and elemental analysis. The new stationary phase bears an embedded amide group into phenyl ring, highly polar a terminal amide group and non-polar groups (phenyl and alkyl groups). At first, this new mixed-mode stationary phase was used for HILIC separation of four nucleotides and five nucleosides. The effects of different separation conditions, such as pH value, mobile phase and temperature, on the separation process were investigated. The optimum separation for nucleotides was achieved using HILIC isocratic elution with aqueous mobile phase and acetonitrile with 20°C column temperature. Under these conditions, the four nucleotides could be separated and detected at 265 nm within 14 min. Five nucleosides were separated under HILIC isocratic elution with aqueous mobile phase containing pH=3.25 phosphate buffer (10mM) and acetonitrile with 20°C column temperature and detected at 265 nm within 14 min. Chromatographic parameters as retention factor, selectivity, theoretical plate number and peak asymmetry factor were calculated for the effect of temperature and water content in mobile phase on the separation process. The new column was also tested for nucleotides and nucleosides mixture and six analytes were separated in 10min. The chromatographic behaviours of these polar analytes on the new mixed-model stationary phase were compared with those of HILIC columns under similar conditions. Further, phytohormones and phenolic compounds were separated in order to see influence of the new stationary phase in reverse phase conditions. Eleven plant phytohormones were separated within 13 min using RP-HPLC gradient elution with aqueous mobile phase containing pH=2.5 phosphate buffer (10mM) and acetonitrile with 20°C column temperature and detected at 230 or 278 nm. The best separation conditions for seven phenolic compounds was also achieved using reversed-phase HPLC gradient elution with aqueous mobile phase containing pH=2.5 phosphate buffer (10mM) and acetonitrile with 20°C column temperature and seven phenolic compounds could be separated and detected at 230 nm within 16 min. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reduced Gravity Gas and Liquid Flows: Simple Data for Complex Problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McQuillen, John; Motil, Brian

2001-01-01

While there have been many studies for two-phase flow through straight cylindrical tubes, more recently, a new group of studies have emerged that examine two-phase flow through non-straight, non-cylindrical geometries, including expansions, contractions, tees, packed beds and cyclonic separation devices. Although these studies are still, relatively speaking, in their infancy, they have provided valuable information regarding the importance of the flow momentum, and the existence of liquid dryout due to sharp comers in microgravity.

Fermion mass without symmetry breaking

DOE PAGES

Catterall, Simon

2016-01-20

We examine a model of reduced staggered fermions in three dimensions interacting through an SO (4) invariant four fermion interaction. The model is similar to that considered in a recent paper by Ayyer and Chandrasekharan. We present theoretical arguments and numerical evidence which support the idea that the system develops a mass gap for sufficiently strong four fermi coupling without producing a symmetry breaking fermion bilinear condensate. As a result, massless and massive phases appear to be separated by a continuous phase transition.

METHOD FOR THE RECOVERY AND PURIFICATION OF BERKELIUM

DOEpatents

Hulet, E.K.

1959-10-20

A solvent extraction process is described for the separation of berkelium from a mixture of elements in the lanthanum and actinium series of the periodic table. In particular, the mixture of elements is dissolved in 1.0N nitric acid, and the resulting solution is extracted with n-tributyl phosphate containlng a stoichiometric excess of solid sodium bismuthate. The berkelium present in the nitric acid solution is oxidized to the IV oxidation state and is preferentially- extracted into the n-tributyl phosphate. The organic phase, containing berkelium in an oxidized state, is extracted with 0.1N hydrochloric acid solution containing a small quantity- of a reducing agent such as yvdrazine hydrochloride. The berkelium is reduced to the III oxidation state and is extracted into the aqueous phase. The berkelium is then recovered from the aqueous phase.

CONTINUOUS CHELATION-EXTRACTION PROCESS FOR THE SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION OF METALS

DOEpatents

Thomas, J.R.; Hicks, T.E.; Rubin, B.; Crandall, H.W.

1959-12-01

A continuous process is presented for separating metal values and groups of metal values from each other. A complex mixture. e.g., neutron-irradiated uranium, can be resolved into component parts. In the present process the values are dissolved in an acidic solution and adjusted to the proper oxidation state. Thenceforth the solution is contacted with an extractant phase comprising a fluorinated beta -diketone in an organic solvent under centain pH conditions whereupon plutonium and zirconium are extracted. Plutonium is extracted from the foregoing extract with reducing aqueous solutions or under specified acidic conditions and can be recovered from the aqueous solution. Zirconium is then removed with an oxalic acid aqueous phase. The uranium is recovered from the residual original solution using hexone and hexone-diketone extractants leaving residual fission products in the original solution. The uranium is extracted from the hexone solution with dilute nitric acid. Improved separations and purifications are achieved using recycled scrub solutions and the "self-salting" effect of uranyl ions.

Development of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) sustained-release microspheres by a low temperature aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion method.

PubMed

Kang, Jian; Wu, Fei; Cai, Yunpeng; Xu, Mingxin; He, Mu; Yuan, Weien

2014-10-01

A novel method has been developed to protect Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH) in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres using an aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion and S/O/W multi-emulsion method. This method develops a novel rhGH sustained-release system, which is based on the combination of rhGH-loaded dextran microparticles and PLGA microspheres. The process to fabricate rhGH-loaded dextran microparticles involves an aqueous phase/aqueous phase emulsion system formed at the reduced temperature. RhGH was first dissolved in water together with dextran and polyethylene glycol, followed by stirring at the speed of 2000 rpm for 20-30s at 0°C, and then a freezing process could enable the dextran phase to separate from the continuous PEG phase and rhGH could preferentially be loaded with dextran. The sample after freezing and phase separation was then lyophilized to powder and washed with dichloromethane to remove the PEG. Once loaded in the dextran microparticles (1-4 μm in diameter), rhGH gained resistance to interface tensions and was encapsulated into PLGA microspheres without aggregation thereafter. RhGH released from PLGA microspheres was in a sustained manner with minimal burst and maximally reduced incomplete release in vitro. Single subcutaneous injection of rhGH-loaded PLGA microspheres to rats resulted in a stable plasma concentration for 30 days avoiding the drug concentration fluctuations after multiple injections of protein solutions. In a hypophysectomized rat model, the IGF-1 and bodyweight results showed that there were higher than the levels obtained for the sustained release formulation by W/O/W for 40 days. These results suggest that the microsphere delivery system had the potential to be an injectable depot for sustained-release of the biocompatible protein of rhGH. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ionic liquid phases with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters.

PubMed

Pojjanapornpun, Siriluck; Nolvachai, Yada; Aryusuk, Kornkanok; Kulsing, Chadin; Krisnangkura, Kanit; Marriott, Philip J

2018-02-17

New generation inert ionic liquid (iIL) GC columns IL60i, IL76i and IL111i, comprising phosphonium or imidazolium cationic species, were investigated for separation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In general, the iIL phases provide comparable retention times to their corresponding conventional columns, with only minor selectivity differences. The average tailing factors and peak widths were noticeably improved (reduced) for IL60i and IL76i, while they were slightly improved for IL111i. Inert IL phase columns were coupled with conventional IL columns in comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC) with a solid-state modulator which offers variable modulation temperature (T M ), programmable T M during analysis and trapping stationary phase material during the trap/release (modulation) process, independent of oven T and column sets. Although IL phases are classified as polar, relative polarity of the two phases comprising individual GC × GC column sets permits combination of less-polar IL/polar IL and polar IL/less-polar IL column sets; it was observed that a polar/less-polar column set provided better separation of FAME. A higher first dimension ( 1 D) phase polarity combined with a lower 2 D phase polarity, for instance 1 D IL111i with 2 D IL59 gave the best result; the greater difference in 1 D/ 2 D phase polarity results in increasing occupancy of peak area in the 2D space. The IL111i/IL59 column set was selected for analysis of fatty acids in fat and oil products (butter, margarine, fish oil and canola oil). Compared with the conventional IL111, IL111i showed reduced column bleed which makes this more suited to GC × GC analysis of FAME. The proposed method offers a fast profiling approach with good repeatability of analysis of FAME.

Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from production of compost bedding on a dairy farm.

PubMed

Fillingham, M A; VanderZaag, A C; Burtt, S; Baldé, H; Ngwabie, N M; Smith, W; Hakami, A; Wagner-Riddle, C; Bittman, S; MacDonald, D

2017-12-01

Recent developments in composting technology enable dairy farms to produce their own bedding from composted manure. This management practice alters the fate of carbon and nitrogen; however, there is little data available documenting how gaseous emissions are impacted. This study measured in-situ emissions of methane (CH 4 ), carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrous oxide (N 2 O), and ammonia (NH 3 ) from an on-farm solid-liquid separation system followed by continuously-turned plug-flow composting over three seasons. Emissions were measured separately from the continuously-turned compost phase, and the compost-storage phase prior to the compost being used for cattle bedding. Active composting had low emissions of N 2 O and CH 4 with most carbon being emitted as CO 2 -C and most N emitted as NH 3 -N. Compost storage had higher CH 4 and N 2 O emissions than the active phase, while NH 3 was emitted at a lower rate, and CO 2 was similar. Overall, combining both the active composting and storage phases, the mean total emissions were 3.9×10 -2 gCH 4 kg -1 raw manure (RM), 11.3gCO 2 kg -1 RM, 2.5×10 -4 g N 2 O kg -1 RM, and 0.13g NH 3 kg -1 RM. Emissions with solid-separation and composting were compared to calculated emissions for a traditional (unseparated) liquid manure storage tank. The total greenhouse gas emissions (CH 4 +N 2 O) from solid separation, composting, compost storage, and separated liquid storage were reduced substantially on a CO 2 -equivalent basis compared to traditional liquid storage. Solid-liquid separation and well-managed composting could mitigate overall greenhouse gas emissions; however, an environmental trade off was that NH 3 was emitted at higher rates from the continuously turned composter than reported values for traditional storage. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Thermal separation of soil particles from thermal conductivity measurement under various air pressures.

PubMed

Lu, Sen; Ren, Tusheng; Lu, Yili; Meng, Ping; Zhang, Jinsong

2017-01-05

The thermal conductivity of dry soils is related closely to air pressure and the contact areas between solid particles. In this study, the thermal conductivity of two-phase soil systems was determined under reduced and increased air pressures. The thermal separation of soil particles, i.e., the characteristic dimension of the pore space (d), was then estimated based on the relationship between soil thermal conductivity and air pressure. Results showed that under both reduced and increased air pressures, d estimations were significantly larger than the geometrical mean separation of solid particles (D), which suggested that conductive heat transfer through solid particles dominated heat transfer in dry soils. The increased air pressure approach gave d values lower than that of the reduced air pressure method. With increasing air pressure, more collisions between gas molecules and solid surface occurred in micro-pores and intra-aggregate pores due to the reduction of mean free path of air molecules. Compared to the reduced air pressure approach, the increased air pressure approach expressed more micro-pore structure attributes in heat transfer. We concluded that measuring thermal conductivity under increased air pressure procedures gave better-quality d values, and improved soil micro-pore structure estimation.

Pyrochemical recovery of plutonium from calcium fluoride reduction slag

DOEpatents

Christensen, D.C.

A pyrochemical method of recovering finely dispersed plutonium metal from calcium fluoride reduction slag is claimed. The plutonium-bearing slag is crushed and melted in the presence of at least an equimolar amount of calcium chloride and a few percent metallic calcium. The calcium chloride reduces the melting point and thereby decreases the viscosity of the molten mixture. The calcium reduces any oxidized plutonium in the mixture and also causes the dispersed plutonium metal to coalesce and settle out as a separate metallic phase at the bottom of the reaction vessel. Upon cooling the mixture to room temperature, the solid plutonium can be cleanly separated from the overlying solid slag, with an average recovery yield on the order of 96 percent.

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

Anameric, B.; Kawatra, S.K.

Pig iron nuggets were produced in a laboratory-scale furnace at Michigan Technological University. The process was intended to replicate Kobe Steel's ITmk3 direct ironmaking process. These nuggets were produced from pellets that were made from a mixture of iron oxide, coal, flux and a binder and heated in a furnace with a chamber temperature of 1450{sup o}C. The pellets then self-reduced to produce a solid, high-density, highly metallized (96.5% Fe) pig iron. During the nugget production process, a separate liquid slag phase formed that cleanly separated from the molten metal. The physical and chemical properties of the pig iron nuggetsmore » were similar to pig iron produced by blast furnaces, which is distinct from direct reduced iron (DRI).« less

Combined operando X-ray diffraction–electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detecting solid solution reactions of LiFePO4 in batteries

PubMed Central

Hess, Michael; Sasaki, Tsuyoshi; Villevieille, Claire; Novák, Petr

2015-01-01

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for portable applications today; however, often suffer from limited recharge rates. One reason for such limitation can be a reduced active surface area during phase separation. Here we report a technique combining high-resolution operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to directly track non-equilibrium intermediate phases in lithium-ion battery materials. LiFePO4, for example, is known to undergo phase separation when cycled under low-current-density conditions. However, operando X-ray diffraction under ultra-high-rate alternating current and direct current excitation reveal a continuous but current-dependent, solid solution reaction between LiFePO4 and FePO4 which is consistent with previous experiments and calculations. In addition, the formation of a preferred phase with a composition similar to the eutectoid composition, Li0.625FePO4, is evident. Even at a low rate of 0.1C, ∼20% of the X-ray diffractogram can be attributed to non-equilibrium phases, which changes our understanding of the intercalation dynamics in LiFePO4. PMID:26345306

Combined operando X-ray diffraction-electrochemical impedance spectroscopy detecting solid solution reactions of LiFePO4 in batteries.

PubMed

Hess, Michael; Sasaki, Tsuyoshi; Villevieille, Claire; Novák, Petr

2015-09-08

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for portable applications today; however, often suffer from limited recharge rates. One reason for such limitation can be a reduced active surface area during phase separation. Here we report a technique combining high-resolution operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction coupled with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to directly track non-equilibrium intermediate phases in lithium-ion battery materials. LiFePO4, for example, is known to undergo phase separation when cycled under low-current-density conditions. However, operando X-ray diffraction under ultra-high-rate alternating current and direct current excitation reveal a continuous but current-dependent, solid solution reaction between LiFePO4 and FePO4 which is consistent with previous experiments and calculations. In addition, the formation of a preferred phase with a composition similar to the eutectoid composition, Li0.625FePO4, is evident. Even at a low rate of 0.1C, ∼20% of the X-ray diffractogram can be attributed to non-equilibrium phases, which changes our understanding of the intercalation dynamics in LiFePO4.

Phase separation and large deviations of lattice active matter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whitelam, Stephen; Klymko, Katherine; Mandal, Dibyendu

2018-04-01

Off-lattice active Brownian particles form clusters and undergo phase separation even in the absence of attractions or velocity-alignment mechanisms. Arguments that explain this phenomenon appeal only to the ability of particles to move persistently in a direction that fluctuates, but existing lattice models of hard particles that account for this behavior do not exhibit phase separation. Here we present a lattice model of active matter that exhibits motility-induced phase separation in the absence of velocity alignment. Using direct and rare-event sampling of dynamical trajectories, we show that clustering and phase separation are accompanied by pronounced fluctuations of static and dynamic order parameters. This model provides a complement to off-lattice models for the study of motility-induced phase separation.

Stability and Oil Migration of Oil-in-Water Emulsions Emulsified by Phase-Separating Biopolymer Mixtures.

PubMed

Yang, Nan; Mao, Peng; Lv, Ruihe; Zhang, Ke; Fang, Yapeng; Nishinari, Katsuyoshi; Phillips, Glyn O

2016-08-01

Oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with varying concentration of oil phase, medium-chain triglyceride (MCT), were prepared using phase-separating gum arabic (GA)/sugar beet pectin (SBP) mixture as an emulsifier. Stability of the emulsions including emulsion phase separation, droplet size change, and oil migration were investigated by means of visual observation, droplet size analysis, oil partition analysis, backscattering of light, and interfacial tension measurement. It was found that in the emulsions prepared with 4.0% GA/1.0% SBP, when the concentration of MCT was greater than 2.0%, emulsion phase separation was not observed and the emulsions were stable with droplet size unchanged during storage. This result proves the emulsification ability of phase-separating biopolymer mixtures and their potential usage as emulsifiers to prepare O/W emulsion. However, when the concentration of MCT was equal or less than 2.0%, emulsion phase separation occurred after preparation resulting in an upper SBP-rich phase and a lower GA-rich phase. The droplet size increased in the upper phase whereas decreased slightly in the lower phase with time, compared to the freshly prepared emulsions. During storage, the oil droplets exhibited a complex migration process: first moving to the SBP-rich phase, then to the GA-rich phase and finally gathering at the interface between the two phases. The mechanisms of the emulsion stability and oil migration in the phase-separated emulsions were discussed. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

Analysis of reduced monoclonal antibodies using size exclusion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Hongcheng; Gaza-Bulseco, Georgeen; Chumsae, Chris

2009-12-01

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) has been widely used to detect antibody aggregates, monomer, and fragments. SEC coupled to mass spectrometry has been reported to measure the molecular weights of antibody; antibody conjugates, and antibody light chain and heavy chain. In this study, separation of antibody light chain and heavy chain by SEC and direct coupling to a mass spectrometer was further studied. It was determined that employing mobile phases containing acetonitrile, trifluoroacetic acid, and formic acid allowed the separation of antibody light chain and heavy chain after reduction by SEC. In addition, this mobile phase allowed the coupling of SEC to a mass spectrometer to obtain a direct molecular weight measurement. The application of the SEC-MS method was demonstrated by the separation of the light chain and the heavy chain of multiple recombinant monoclonal antibodies. In addition, separation of a thioether linked light chain and heavy chain from the free light chain and the free heavy chain of a recombinant monoclonal antibody after reduction was also achieved. This optimized method provided a separation of antibody light chain and heavy chain based on size and allowed a direct measurement of molecular weights by mass spectrometry. In addition, this method may help to identify peaks eluting from SEC column directly.

Fermion masses through four-fermion condensates

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

Ayyar, Venkitesh; Chandrasekharan, Shailesh

Fermion masses can be generated through four-fermion condensates when symmetries prevent fermion bilinear condensates from forming. This less explored mechanism of fermion mass generation is responsible for making four reduced staggered lattice fermions massive at strong couplings in a lattice model with a local four-fermion coupling. The model has a massless fermion phase at weak couplings and a massive fermion phase at strong couplings. In particular there is no spontaneous symmetry breaking of any lattice symmetries in both these phases. Recently it was discovered that in three space-time dimensions there is a direct second order phase transition between the twomore » phases. Here we study the same model in four space-time dimensions and find results consistent with the existence of a narrow intermediate phase with fermion bilinear condensates, that separates the two asymptotic phases by continuous phase transitions.« less

Fluid Phase Separation (FPS) experiment for flight on a space shuttle Get Away Special (GAS) canister

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peters, Bruce; Wingo, Dennis; Bower, Mark; Amborski, Robert; Blount, Laura; Daniel, Alan; Hagood, Bob; Handley, James; Hediger, Donald; Jimmerson, Lisa

1990-01-01

The separation of fluid phases in microgravity environments is of importance to environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) and materials processing in space. A successful fluid phase separation experiment will demonstrate a proof of concept for the separation technique and add to the knowledge base of material behavior. The phase separation experiment will contain a premixed fluid which will be exposed to a microgravity environment. After the phase separation of the compound has occurred, small samples of each of the species will be taken for analysis on the Earth. By correlating the time of separation and the temperature history of the fluid, it will be possible to characterize the process. The experiment has been integrated into space available on a manifested Get Away Special (GAS) experiment, CONCAP 2, part of the Consortium for Materials Complex Autonomous Payload (CAP) Program, scheduled for STS-42. The design and the production of a fluid phase separation experiment for rapid implementation at low cost is presented.

Electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of microcellular polyimide/in situ thermally reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Hongli; Yu, Zhi; Wu, Peng; Zou, Huawei; Liu, Pengbo

2018-03-01

A simple and effective method was adopted to fabricate microcellular polyimide (PI)/reduced graphene oxide (GO)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites. Firstly, microcellular poly (amic acid) (PAA)/GO/MWCNTs nanocomposites were prepared through solvent evaporation induced phase separation. In this process, PAA and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) co-dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) underwent phase separation with DMAc evaporating, and DBP microdomains were formed in continuous PAA phase. Subsequently, PAA was thermally imidized and simultaneously GO was in situ reduced. After DBP was removed, the microcellular PI/reduced GO (RGO)/MWCNTs nanocomposites were finally obtained. When the initial filler loading was 8 wt%, the electrical conductivity of microcellular PI/RGO, PI/MWCNTs and PI/RGO/MWCNTs nanocomposites were 0.05, 0.02 and 1.87 S·m-1, respectively, and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding efficiency (SE) of microcellular PI/RGO, PI/MWCNTs and PI/RGO/MWCNTs nanocomposites were 13.7-15.1, 13.0-14.3 and 16.6-18.2 dB, respectively. The synergistic effect between RGO and MWCNTs enhanced both the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance of the microcellular PI/RGO/MWCNTs nanocomposites. The dominating EMI shielding mechanism for these materials was microwave absorption. While the initial loading of GO and MWCNT was 8 wt%, the microcellular PI/RGO/MWCNTs nanocomposite (500 μm thickness) had extremely high specific EMI SE value of 755-823 dB·cm2·g-1. Its thermal stability was also obviously improved, the 5% weight loss temperature in nitrogen was 548 °C. In addition, it also possessed a high Young's modulus of 789 MPa.

Anticipated improvement in laser beam uniformity using distributed phase plates with quasirandom patterns

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

Epstein, R.; Skupsky, S.

1990-08-01

The uniformity of focused laser beams, that has been modified with randomly phased distributed phase plates (C. B. Burckhardt, Appl. Opt. {bold 9}, 695 (1970); Kato and Mima, Appl. Phys. B {bold 29}, 186 (1982); Kato {ital et} {ital al}., Phys. Rev. Lett. {bold 53}, 1057 (1984); LLE Rev. {bold 33}, 1 (1987)), can be improved further by constructing patterns of phase elements which minimize phase correlations over small separations. Long-wavelength nonuniformities in the intensity distribution, which are relatively difficult to overcome in the target by thermal smoothing and in the laser by, e.g., spectral dispersion (Skupsky {ital et} {italmore » al}., J. Appl. Phys. {bold 66}, 3456 (1989); LLE Rev. {bold 36}, 158 (1989); {bold 37}, 29 (1989); {bold 37}, 40 (1989)), result largely from short-range phase correlations between phase plate elements. To reduce the long-wavelength structure, we have constructed phase patterns with smaller short-range correlations than would occur randomly. Calculations show that long-wavelength nonuniformities in single-beam intensity patterns can be reduced with these masks when the intrinsic phase error of the beam falls below certain limits. We show the effect of this improvement on uniformity for spherical irradiation by a multibeam system.« less

Electron irradiation induced phase separation in a sodium borosilicate glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, K.; Wang, L. M.; Ewing, R. C.; Weber, W. J.

2004-06-01

Electron irradiation induced phase separation in a sodium borosilicate glass was studied in situ by analytical electron microscopy. Distinctly separate phases that are rich in boron and silicon formed at electron doses higher than 4.0 × 10 11 Gy during irradiation. The separated phases are still in amorphous states even at a much high dose (2.1 × 10 12 Gy). It indicates that most silicon atoms remain tetrahedrally coordinated in the glass during the entire irradiation period, except some possible reduction to amorphous silicon. The particulate B-rich phase that formed at high dose was identified as amorphous boron that may contain some oxygen. Both ballistic and ionization processes may contribute to the phase separation.

High-performance for hydrogen evolution and pollutant degradation of reduced graphene oxide/two-phase g-C3N4 heterojunction photocatalysts.

PubMed

Song, Chengjie; Fan, Mingshan; Shi, Weidong; Wang, Wei

2018-05-01

We have successfully synthesized the composites of two-phase g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalysts by one-step method. And the reduced graphene oxide/two-phase g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction photocatalyst was fabricated via a facile hydrothermal reduction method. The characterization results indicated that the two-phase g-C 3 N 4 was integrated closely, and the common phenomenon of agglomeration for g-C 3 N 4 was significantly reduced. Moreover, the oxidized graphene was reduced successfully in the composites and the graphene was overlaid on the surface or the interlayers of g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction composite uniformly. In addition, we have carried out the photocatalytic activity experiments by H 2 evolution and rhodamine B removal, tetracycline removal under the visible light irradiation. The results revealed that the composite has improved the separation efficiency a lot than the pure photocatalyst. The photocurrent test demonstrated that the recombination of electrons and holes were efficiently inhibited as well as enhanced the photocatalytic activity. The 0.4% rGO loaded samples, 0.4% rGOCN2, own the best performance. Its rate of H 2 evolution was 15 times as high as that of the pure g-C 3 N 4 .

Spectro-microscopic Characterization of Physical Properties and Phase Separations in Individual Atmospheric Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

OBrien, R. E.; Wang, B.; Neu, A.; Kelly, S. T.; Lundt, N.; Epstein, S. A.; MacMillan, A.; You, Y.; Laskin, A.; Nizkorodov, S.; Bertram, A. K.; Moffet, R.; Gilles, M.

2013-12-01

The phase state and liquid-liquid phase separations of ambient and laboratory generated aerosol particles were investigated using (1) scanning transmission x-ray microscopy/near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (STXM/NEXAFS) coupled to a relative humidity (RH) controlled in-situ chamber and (2) environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). The phase states of the particles were determined from measurements of their size and optical density. A comparison is made between the observed phase states of ambient samples and of laboratory generated aerosols to determine how well laboratory samples represent the phase of ambient samples. In addition, liquid-liquid phase separations in laboratory generated particles were investigated. Preliminary results showing that liquid-liquid phase separations occur at RH's between the deliquescence and efflorescence points and that the organic phase surrounds the inorganic phase will be presented. The STXM/NEXAFS technique provides insight into the degree of mixing at the deliquescence point and the degree of phase separation for particles of atmospherically relevant sizes.

Continuous Quadrupole Magnetic Separation of Islets during Digestion Improves Purified Porcine Islet Viability.

PubMed

Weegman, Bradley P; Kumar Sajja, Venkata Sunil; Suszynski, Thomas M; Rizzari, Michael D; Scott Iii, William E; Kitzmann, Jennifer P; Mueller, Kate R; Hanley, Thomas R; Kennedy, David J; Todd, Paul W; Balamurugan, Appakalai N; Hering, Bernhard J; Papas, Klearchos K

2016-01-01

Islet transplantation (ITx) is an emerging and promising therapy for patients with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. The islet isolation and purification processes require exposure to extended cold ischemia, warm-enzymatic digestion, mechanical agitation, and use of damaging chemicals for density gradient separation (DG), all of which reduce viable islet yield. In this paper, we describe initial proof-of-concept studies exploring quadrupole magnetic separation (QMS) of islets as an alternative to DG to reduce exposure to these harsh conditions. Three porcine pancreata were split into two parts, the splenic lobe (SPL) and the combined connecting/duodenal lobes (CDL), for paired digestions and purifications. Islets in the SPL were preferentially labeled using magnetic microparticles (MMPs) that lodge within the islet microvasculature when infused into the pancreas and were continuously separated from the exocrine tissue by QMS during the collection phase of the digestion process. Unlabeled islets from the CDL were purified by conventional DG. Islets purified by QMS exhibited significantly improved viability (measured by oxygen consumption rate per DNA, p < 0.03) and better morphology relative to control islets. Islet purification by QMS can reduce the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to toxic enzymes and density gradient solutions and substantially improve islet viability after isolation.

Continuous Quadrupole Magnetic Separation of Islets during Digestion Improves Purified Porcine Islet Viability

PubMed Central

Kumar Sajja, Venkata Sunil; Rizzari, Michael D.; Scott III, William E.; Kitzmann, Jennifer P.; Kennedy, David J.; Todd, Paul W.; Balamurugan, Appakalai N.; Hering, Bernhard J.

2016-01-01

Islet transplantation (ITx) is an emerging and promising therapy for patients with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. The islet isolation and purification processes require exposure to extended cold ischemia, warm-enzymatic digestion, mechanical agitation, and use of damaging chemicals for density gradient separation (DG), all of which reduce viable islet yield. In this paper, we describe initial proof-of-concept studies exploring quadrupole magnetic separation (QMS) of islets as an alternative to DG to reduce exposure to these harsh conditions. Three porcine pancreata were split into two parts, the splenic lobe (SPL) and the combined connecting/duodenal lobes (CDL), for paired digestions and purifications. Islets in the SPL were preferentially labeled using magnetic microparticles (MMPs) that lodge within the islet microvasculature when infused into the pancreas and were continuously separated from the exocrine tissue by QMS during the collection phase of the digestion process. Unlabeled islets from the CDL were purified by conventional DG. Islets purified by QMS exhibited significantly improved viability (measured by oxygen consumption rate per DNA, p < 0.03) and better morphology relative to control islets. Islet purification by QMS can reduce the detrimental effects of prolonged exposure to toxic enzymes and density gradient solutions and substantially improve islet viability after isolation. PMID:27843954

Microstructure Evolution and Related Magnetic Properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd Phase-Separating Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang Jun; Kim, Jinwoo; Park, Eun Soo

2018-04-01

We carefully investigated the correlation between microstructures and magnetic properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd phase-separating metallic glasses (PSMGs). The saturation magnetizations of the PSMGs were determined by total Gd contents of the alloys, while their coercivity exhibits a large deviation by the occurrence of phase separation due to the boundary pinning effect of hierarchically separated amorphous phases. Especially, the PSMGs containing Gd-rich amorphous nanoparticles show the highest coercivity which can be attributed to the size effect of the ferromagnetic amorphous phase. Furthermore, the selective crystallization of ferromagnetic amorphous phases can affect the magnetization behavior of the PSMGs. Our results could provide a novel strategy for tailoring unique soft magnetic properties of metallic glasses by introducing hierarchically separated amorphous phases and controlling their crystallinity.

Microstructure Evolution and Related Magnetic Properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd Phase-Separating Metallic Glasses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sang Jun; Kim, Jinwoo; Park, Eun Soo

2018-06-01

We carefully investigated the correlation between microstructures and magnetic properties of Cu-Zr-Al-Gd phase-separating metallic glasses (PSMGs). The saturation magnetizations of the PSMGs were determined by total Gd contents of the alloys, while their coercivity exhibits a large deviation by the occurrence of phase separation due to the boundary pinning effect of hierarchically separated amorphous phases. Especially, the PSMGs containing Gd-rich amorphous nanoparticles show the highest coercivity which can be attributed to the size effect of the ferromagnetic amorphous phase. Furthermore, the selective crystallization of ferromagnetic amorphous phases can affect the magnetization behavior of the PSMGs. Our results could provide a novel strategy for tailoring unique soft magnetic properties of metallic glasses by introducing hierarchically separated amorphous phases and controlling their crystallinity.

Computation of liquid-liquid equilibria and phase stabilities: implications for RH-dependent gas/particle partitioning of organic-inorganic aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuend, A.; Marcolli, C.; Peter, T.; Seinfeld, J. H.

2010-05-01

Semivolatile organic and inorganic aerosol species partition between the gas and aerosol particle phases to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium. Liquid-liquid phase separation into an organic-rich and an aqueous electrolyte phase can occur in the aerosol as a result of the salting-out effect. Such liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) affect the gas/particle partitioning of the different semivolatile compounds and might significantly alter both particle mass and composition as compared to a one-phase particle. We present a new liquid-liquid equilibrium and gas/particle partitioning model, using as a basis the group-contribution model AIOMFAC (Zuend et al., 2008). This model allows the reliable computation of the liquid-liquid coexistence curve (binodal), corresponding tie-lines, the limit of stability/metastability (spinodal), and further thermodynamic properties of the phase diagram. Calculations for ternary and multicomponent alcohol/polyol-water-salt mixtures suggest that LLE are a prevalent feature of organic-inorganic aerosol systems. A six-component polyol-water-ammonium sulphate system is used to simulate effects of relative humidity (RH) and the presence of liquid-liquid phase separation on the gas/particle partitioning. RH, salt concentration, and hydrophilicity (water-solubility) are identified as key features in defining the region of a miscibility gap and govern the extent to which compound partitioning is affected by changes in RH. The model predicts that liquid-liquid phase separation can lead to either an increase or decrease in total particulate mass, depending on the overall composition of a system and the particle water content, which is related to the hydrophilicity of the different organic and inorganic compounds. Neglecting non-ideality and liquid-liquid phase separations by assuming an ideal mixture leads to an overestimation of the total particulate mass by up to 30% for the composition and RH range considered in the six-component system simulation. For simplified partitioning parametrizations, we suggest a modified definition of the effective saturation concentration, C*j, by including water and other inorganics in the absorbing phase. Such a C*j definition reduces the RH-dependency of the gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organics in organic-inorganic aerosols by an order of magnitude as compared to the currently accepted definition, which considers the organic species only.

Pi-Pi contacts are an overlooked protein feature relevant to phase separation

PubMed Central

Vernon, Robert McCoy; Chong, Paul Andrew; Tsang, Brian; Kim, Tae Hun; Bah, Alaji; Farber, Patrick; Lin, Hong

2018-01-01

Protein phase separation is implicated in formation of membraneless organelles, signaling puncta and the nuclear pore. Multivalent interactions of modular binding domains and their target motifs can drive phase separation. However, forces promoting the more common phase separation of intrinsically disordered regions are less understood, with suggested roles for multivalent cation-pi, pi-pi, and charge interactions and the hydrophobic effect. Known phase-separating proteins are enriched in pi-orbital containing residues and thus we analyzed pi-interactions in folded proteins. We found that pi-pi interactions involving non-aromatic groups are widespread, underestimated by force-fields used in structure calculations and correlated with solvation and lack of regular secondary structure, properties associated with disordered regions. We present a phase separation predictive algorithm based on pi interaction frequency, highlighting proteins involved in biomaterials and RNA processing. PMID:29424691

Superfluid helium 2 liquid-vapor phase separation: Technology assessment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, J. M.

1984-01-01

A literature survey of helium 2 liquid vapor phase separation is presented. Currently, two types of He 2 phase separators are being investigated: porous, sintered metal plugs and the active phase separator. The permeability K(P) shows consistency in porous plug geometric characterization. Both the heat and mass fluxes increase with K(P). Downstream pressure regulation to adjust for varying heat loads and both temperatures is possible. For large dynamic heat loads, the active phase separator shows a maximum heat rejection rate of up to 2 W and bath temperature stability of 0.1 mK. Porous plug phase separation performance should be investigated for application to SIRTF and, in particular, that plugs of from 10 to the minus ninth square centimeters to 10 to the minus eighth square centimeters in conjunction with downstream pressure regulation be studied.

Fluid Physics and Transport Phenomena in a Simulated Reduced Gravity Environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lipa, J.

2004-01-01

We describe a ground-based apparatus that allows the cancellation of gravity on a fluid using magnetic forces. The present system was designed for liquid oxygen studies over the range 0.001 - 5 g s. This fluid is an essential component of any flight mission using substantial amounts of liquid propellant, especially manned missions. The apparatus has been used to reduce the hydrostatic compression near the oxygen critical point and to demonstrate inverted phase separation. It could also be used to study pool boiling and two-phase heat transfer in Martian, Lunar or near-zero gravity, as well as phenomena such as Marangoni flow and convective instabilities. These studies would contribute directly to the reliability and optimization of the Moon and Mars flight programs.

On the phase form of a deformation quantization with separation of variables

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Karabegov, Alexander

2016-06-01

Given a star product with separation of variables on a pseudo-Kähler manifold, we obtain a new formal (1, 1)-form from its classifying form and call it the phase form of the star product. The cohomology class of a star product with separation of variables equals the class of its phase form. We show that the phase forms can be arbitrary and they bijectively parametrize the star products with separation of variables. We also describe the action of a change of the formal parameter on a star product with separation of variables, its formal Berezin transform, classifying form, phase form, and canonical trace density.

Evolution and control of the phase competition morphology in a manganite film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Haibiao; Wang, Lingfei; Hou, Yubin; Huang, Zhen; Lu, Qingyou; Wu, Wenbin

2015-11-01

The competition among different phases in perovskite manganites is pronounced since their energies are very close under the interplay of charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom. To reveal the roles of underlying interactions, many efforts have been devoted towards directly imaging phase transitions at microscopic scales. Here we show images of the charge-ordered insulator (COI) phase transition from a pure ferromagnetic metal with reducing field or increasing temperature in a strained phase-separated manganite film, using a home-built magnetic force microscope. Compared with the COI melting transition, this reverse transition is sharp, cooperative and martensitic-like with astonishingly unique yet diverse morphologies. The COI domains show variable-dimensional growth at different temperatures and their distribution can illustrate the delicate balance of the underlying interactions in manganites. Our findings also display how phase domain engineering is possible and how the phase competition can be tuned in a controllable manner.

Evolution and control of the phase competition morphology in a manganite film.

PubMed

Zhou, Haibiao; Wang, Lingfei; Hou, Yubin; Huang, Zhen; Lu, Qingyou; Wu, Wenbin

2015-11-25

The competition among different phases in perovskite manganites is pronounced since their energies are very close under the interplay of charge, spin, orbital and lattice degrees of freedom. To reveal the roles of underlying interactions, many efforts have been devoted towards directly imaging phase transitions at microscopic scales. Here we show images of the charge-ordered insulator (COI) phase transition from a pure ferromagnetic metal with reducing field or increasing temperature in a strained phase-separated manganite film, using a home-built magnetic force microscope. Compared with the COI melting transition, this reverse transition is sharp, cooperative and martensitic-like with astonishingly unique yet diverse morphologies. The COI domains show variable-dimensional growth at different temperatures and their distribution can illustrate the delicate balance of the underlying interactions in manganites. Our findings also display how phase domain engineering is possible and how the phase competition can be tuned in a controllable manner.

Direct NMR Monitoring of Phase Separation Behavior of Highly Supersaturated Nifedipine Solution Stabilized with Hypromellose Derivatives.

PubMed

Ueda, Keisuke; Higashi, Kenjirou; Moribe, Kunikazu

2017-07-03

We investigated the phase separation behavior and maintenance mechanism of the supersaturated state of poorly water-soluble nifedipine (NIF) in hypromellose (HPMC) derivative solutions. Highly supersaturated NIF formed NIF-rich nanodroplets through phase separation from aqueous solution containing HPMC derivative. Dissolvable NIF concentration in the bulk water phase was limited by the phase separation of NIF from the aqueous solution. HPMC derivatives stabilized the NIF-rich nanodroplets and maintained the NIF supersaturation with phase-separated NIF for several hours. The size of the NIF-rich phase was different depending on the HPMC derivatives dissolved in aqueous solution, although the droplet size had no correlation with the time for which NIF supersaturation was maintained without NIF crystallization. HPMC acetate and HPMC acetate succinate (HPMC-AS) effectively maintained the NIF supersaturation containing phase-separated NIF compared with HPMC. Furthermore, HPMC-AS stabilized NIF supersaturation more effectively in acidic conditions. Solution 1 H NMR measurements of NIF-supersaturated solution revealed that HPMC derivatives distributed into the NIF-rich phase during the phase separation of NIF from the aqueous solution. The hydrophobicity of HPMC derivative strongly affected its distribution into the NIF-rich phase. Moreover, the distribution of HPMC-AS into the NIF-rich phase was promoted at lower pH due to the lower aqueous solubility of HPMC-AS. The distribution of a large amount of HPMC derivatives into NIF-rich phase induced the strong inhibition of NIF crystallization from the NIF-rich phase. Polymer distribution into the drug-rich phase directly monitored by solution NMR technique can be a useful index for the stabilization efficiency of drug-supersaturated solution containing a drug-rich phase.

Rationalizing the light-induced phase separation of mixed halide organic-inorganic perovskites.

PubMed

Draguta, Sergiu; Sharia, Onise; Yoon, Seog Joon; Brennan, Michael C; Morozov, Yurii V; Manser, Joseph S; Kamat, Prashant V; Schneider, William F; Kuno, Masaru

2017-08-04

Mixed halide hybrid perovskites, CH 3 NH 3 Pb(I 1-x Br x ) 3 , represent good candidates for low-cost, high efficiency photovoltaic, and light-emitting devices. Their band gaps can be tuned from 1.6 to 2.3 eV, by changing the halide anion identity. Unfortunately, mixed halide perovskites undergo phase separation under illumination. This leads to iodide- and bromide-rich domains along with corresponding changes to the material's optical/electrical response. Here, using combined spectroscopic measurements and theoretical modeling, we quantitatively rationalize all microscopic processes that occur during phase separation. Our model suggests that the driving force behind phase separation is the bandgap reduction of iodide-rich phases. It additionally explains observed non-linear intensity dependencies, as well as self-limited growth of iodide-rich domains. Most importantly, our model reveals that mixed halide perovskites can be stabilized against phase separation by deliberately engineering carrier diffusion lengths and injected carrier densities.Mixed halide hybrid perovskites possess tunable band gaps, however, under illumination they undergo phase separation. Using spectroscopic measurements and theoretical modelling, Draguta and Sharia et al. quantitatively rationalize the microscopic processes that occur during phase separation.

Mechanistic Studies Of Combustion And Structure Formation During Combustion Synthesis Of Advanced Materials: Phase Separation Mechanism For Bio-Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varma, A.; Lau, C.; Mukasyan, A.

2003-01-01

Among all implant materials, Co-Cr-Mo alloys demonstrate perhaps the most useful balance of resistance to corrosion, fatigue and wear, along with strength and biocompatibility [1]. Currently, these widely used alloys are produced by conventional furnace technology. Owing to high melting points of the main alloy elements (e.g. Tm.p.(Co) 1768 K), high-temperature furnaces and long process times (several hours) are required. Therefore, attempts to develop more efficient and flexible methods for production of such alloys with superior properties are of great interest. The synthesis of materials using combustion phenomena is an advanced approach in powder metallurgy [2]. The process is characterized by unique conditions involving extremely fast heating rates (up to 10(exp 6 K/s), high temperatures (up to 3500 K), and short reaction times (on the order of seconds). As a result, combustion synthesis (CS) offers several attractive advantages over conventional metallurgical processing and alloy development technologies. The foremost is that solely the heat of chemical reaction (instead of an external source) supplies the energy for the synthesis. Also, simple equipment, rather than energy-intensive high-temperature furnaces, is sufficient. This work was devoted to experiments on CS of Co-based alloys by utilizing thermite (metal oxide-reducing metal) reactions, where phase separation subsequently produces materials with tailored compositions and properties. Owing to high reaction exothermicity, the CS process results in a significant increase of temperature (up to 3000 C), which is higher than melting points of all products. Since the products differ in density, phase separation may be a gravitydriven process: the heavy (metallic phase) settles while the light (slag) phase floats. The goal was to determine if buoyancy is indeed the major mechanism that controls phase segregation.

Phase diagram of single vesicle dynamical states in shear flow.

PubMed

Deschamps, J; Kantsler, V; Steinberg, V

2009-03-20

We report the first experimental phase diagram of vesicle dynamical states in a shear flow presented in a space of two dimensionless parameters suggested recently by V. Lebedev et al. To reduce errors in the control parameters, 3D geometrical reconstruction and determination of the viscosity contrast of a vesicle in situ in a plane Couette flow device prior to the experiment are developed. Our results are in accord with the theory predicting three distinctly separating regions of vesicle dynamical states in the plane of just two self-similar parameters.

Melt Extrusion of High-Dose Co-Amorphous Drug-Drug Combinations : Theme: Formulation and Manufacturing of Solid Dosage Forms Guest Editors: Tony Zhou and Tonglei Li.

PubMed

Arnfast, Lærke; Kamruzzaman, Md; Löbmann, Korbinian; Aho, Johanna; Baldursdottir, Stefania; Rades, Thomas; Rantanen, Jukka

2017-12-01

Many future drug products will be based on innovative manufacturing solutions, which will increase the need for a thorough understanding of the interplay between drug material properties and processability. In this study, hot melt extrusion of a drug-drug mixture with minimal amount of polymeric excipient was investigated. Using indomethacin-cimetidine as a model drug-drug system, processability of physical mixtures with and without 5% (w/w) of polyethylene oxide (PEO) were studied using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Small Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (SAOS) rheometry. Extrudates containing a co-amorphous glass solution were produced and the solid-state composition of these was studied with DSC. Rheological analysis indicated that the studied systems display viscosities higher than expected for small molecule melts and addition of PEO decreased the viscosity of the melt. Extrudates of indomethacin-cimetidine alone displayed amorphous-amorphous phase separation after 4 weeks of storage, whereas no phase separation was observed during the 16 week storage of the indomethacin-cimetidine extrudates containing 5% (w/w) PEO. Melt extrusion of co-amorphous extrudates with low amounts of polymer was found to be a feasible manufacturing technique. Addition of 5% (w/w) polymer reduced melt viscosity and prevented phase separation.

Illness versus substance use effects on the frontal white matter in early phase schizophrenia: A 4Tesla (1)H-MRS study.

PubMed

Bernier, Denise; Bartha, Robert; McAllindon, David; Hanstock, Christopher C; Marchand, Yannick; Dillen, Kim N H; Gallant, Michelle; Good, Kimberly P; Tibbo, Philip G

2016-08-01

Young adults with early phase schizophrenia often report a past or current pattern of illicit substance use and/or alcohol misuse. Still, little is known about the cumulative and separate effects of each stressor on white matter tissue, at this vulnerable period of brain development. Participants involved 24 healthy controls with a past or current history of sustained illicit drug use and/or alcohol misuse (users), 23 healthy controls without such history (normative data), and 27 users with early phase schizophrenia. (1)H-MRS data were acquired from a large frontal volume encompassing 95% of white matter, using a 4Tesla scanner (LASER sequence, TR/TE 3200/46ms). Reduced levels of choline-containing compounds (Cho) were specific to the effect of illness (Cohen's d=0.68), with 22% of the variance in Cho levels accounted for by duration of illness. Reduced levels of myoInositol (d=1.10) and creatine plus phosphocreatine (d=1.07) were specific to the effects of illness plus substance use. Effect of substance use on its own was revealed by reductions in levels of glutamate plus glutamine (d=0.83) in control users relative to normative data. The specific effect of illness on white matter might indicate a decreased synthesis of membrane phospholipids or alternatively, reduced membrane cellular density. In terms of limitations, this study did not include patients without a lifetime history of substance use (non-users), and the specific effect of each substance used could not be studied separately. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

METHOD FOR SEPARATION OF PLUTONIUM FROM URANIUM AND FISSION PRODUCTS BY SOLVENT EXTRACTION

DOEpatents

Seaborg, G.T.; Blaedel, W.J.; Walling, M.T. Jr.

1960-08-23

A process is given for separating from each other uranium, plutonium, and fission products in an aqueous nitric acid solution by the so-called Redox process. The plutonium is first oxidized to the hexavalent state, e.g., with a water-soluble dichromate or sodium bismuthate, preferably together with a holding oxidant such as potassium bromate. potassium permanganate, or an excess of the oxidizing agent. The solution is then contacted with a water-immiscible organic solvent, preferably hexone. whereby uranium and plutonium are extracted while the fission products remain in the aqueous solution. The separated organic phase is then contacted with an aqueous solution of a reducing agent, with or without a holding reductant (e.g., with a ferrous salt plus hydrazine or with ferrous sulfamate), whereby plutonium is reduced to the trivalent state and back- extracted into the aqueous solution. The uranium may finally be back-extracted from the organic solvent (e.g., with a 0.1 N nitric acid).

Pi-Pi contacts are an overlooked protein feature relevant to phase separation.

PubMed

Vernon, Robert McCoy; Chong, Paul Andrew; Tsang, Brian; Kim, Tae Hun; Bah, Alaji; Farber, Patrick; Lin, Hong; Forman-Kay, Julie Deborah

2018-02-09

Protein phase separation is implicated in formation of membraneless organelles, signaling puncta and the nuclear pore. Multivalent interactions of modular binding domains and their target motifs can drive phase separation. However, forces promoting the more common phase separation of intrinsically disordered regions are less understood, with suggested roles for multivalent cation-pi, pi-pi, and charge interactions and the hydrophobic effect. Known phase-separating proteins are enriched in pi-orbital containing residues and thus we analyzed pi-interactions in folded proteins. We found that pi-pi interactions involving non-aromatic groups are widespread, underestimated by force-fields used in structure calculations and correlated with solvation and lack of regular secondary structure, properties associated with disordered regions. We present a phase separation predictive algorithm based on pi interaction frequency, highlighting proteins involved in biomaterials and RNA processing. © 2018, Vernon et al.

Vertical phase separation in bulk heterojunction solar cells formed by in situ polymerization of fulleride

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lipei; Xing, Xing; Zheng, Lingling; Chen, Zhijian; Xiao, Lixin; Qu, Bo; Gong, Qihuang

2014-01-01

Vertical phase separation of the donor and the acceptor in organic bulk heterojunction solar cells is crucial to improve the exciton dissociation and charge transport efficiencies. This is because whilst the exciton diffusion length is limited, the organic film must be thick enough to absorb sufficient light. However, it is still a challenge to control the phase separation of a binary blend in a bulk heterojunction device architecture. Here we report the realization of vertical phase separation induced by in situ photo-polymerization of the acrylate-based fulleride. The power conversion efficiency of the devices with vertical phase separation increased by 20%. By optimising the device architecture, the power conversion efficiency of the single junction device reached 8.47%. We believe that in situ photo-polymerization of acrylate-based fulleride is a universal and controllable way to realise vertical phase separation in organic blends. PMID:24861168

Preparation and evaluation of a hydrophilic interaction and cation-exchange chromatography stationary phase modified with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine.

PubMed

Xiong, Caifeng; Yuan, Jie; Wang, Zhiying; Wang, Siyao; Yuan, Chenchen; Wang, Lili

2018-04-20

In this work, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) was used as a ligand to prepare a novel mixed-mode chromatography (MMC) stationary phase by the thiol-ene click reaction onto silica (MPC-silica). It was found that this MPC-silica showed the retention characteristics of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and weak cation exchange chromatography (WCX) under suitable mobile phase conditions. In detail, acidic and basic hydrophilic compounds and puerarin from pueraria were separated quickly with HILIC mode. Meanwhile, six standard proteins were allowed to reach baseline separation in WCX mode, and protein separation from egg white was also achieved with this mode. In addition, reduced/denatured lysozyme could be refolded with the MPC-silica column. In the meantime, the MPC-silica has been applied for refolding with simultaneous purification of recombinant human Delta-like1-RGD (rhDll1-RGD) expressed in Escherichia coli. The results show that the mass recovery and purity of rhDll1-RGD could reach 63.4% and 97% by one step, respectively. Furthermore, the reporter assay results demonstrated that refolded with simultaneously purified rhDll1-RGD could efficiently activate the signalling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. In general, this MPC-silica has good resolution and selectivity in the separation of polar compounds and protein samples in different high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) modes, and it successfully achieved refolding with simultaneous purification of denatured protein. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The study of membrane formation via phase inversion method by cloud point and light scattering experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arahman, Nasrul; Maimun, Teuku; Mukramah, Syawaliah

2017-01-01

The composition of polymer solution and the methods of membrane preparation determine the solidification process of membrane. The formation of membrane structure prepared via non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method is mostly determined by phase separation process between polymer, solvent, and non-solvent. This paper discusses the phase separation process of polymer solution containing Polyethersulfone (PES), N-methylpirrolidone (NMP), and surfactant Tetronic 1307 (Tet). Cloud point experiment is conducted to determine the amount of non-solvent needed on induced phase separation. Amount of water required as a non-solvent decreases by the addition of surfactant Tet. Kinetics of phase separation for such system is studied by the light scattering measurement. With the addition of Tet., the delayed phase separation is observed and the structure growth rate decreases. Moreover, the morphology of fabricated membrane from those polymer systems is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The images of both systems show the formation of finger-like macrovoids through the cross-section.

Ultralow protein adsorbing coatings from clickable PEG nanogel solutions: Benefits of attachment under salt-induced phase separation conditions and comparison with PEG/albumin nanogel coatings

PubMed Central

Donahoe, Casey D.; Cohen, Thomas L.; Li, Wenlu; Nguyen, Peter K.; Fortner, John D.; Mitra, Robi D.; Elbert, Donald L.

2013-01-01

Clickable nanogel solutions were synthesized by using the copper catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) to partially polymerize solutions of azide and alkyne functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) monomers. Coatings were fabricated using a second click reaction: a UV thiol-yne attachment of the nanogel solutions to mercaptosilanated glass. Because the CuAAC reaction was effectively halted by the addition of a copper-chelator, we were able to prevent bulk gelation and limit the coating thickness to a single monolayer of nanogels in the absence of the solution reaction. This enabled the inclusion of kosmotropic salts, which caused the PEG to phase-separate and nearly double the nanogel packing density, as confirmed by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D). Protein adsorption was analyzed by single molecule counting with total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and cell adhesion assays. Coatings formed from the phase-separated clickable nanogel solutions attached with salt adsorbed significantly less fibrinogen than other 100% PEG coatings tested, as well as poly-L-lysine-g-PEG (PLL-g-PEG) coatings. However, PEG/albumin nanogel coatings still outperformed the best 100% PEG clickable nanogel coatings. Additional surface crosslinking of the clickable nanogel coating in the presence of copper further reduced levels of fibrinogen adsorption closer to those of PEG/albumin nanogel coatings. However, this step negatively impacted long-term resistance to cell adhesion and dramatically altered the morphology of the coating by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The main benefit of the click strategy is that the partially polymerized solutions are stable almost indefinitely, allowing attachment in the phase-separated state without danger of bulk gelation, and thus, producing the best performing 100% PEG coating that we have studied to date. PMID:23441808

Method and turbine for extracting kinetic energy from a stream of two-phase fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, D. G. (Inventor)

1979-01-01

An axial flow separator turbine is described which includes a number of nozzles for delivering streams of a two-phase fluid along linear paths. A phase separator which responsively separates the vapor and liquid is characterized by concentrically related annuli supported for rotation within the paths. The separator has endless channels for confining the liquid under the influence of centrifugal forces. A vapor turbine fan extracts kinetic energy from the liquid. Angular momentum of both the liquid phase and the vapor phase of the fluid is converted to torque.

Ionic liquid/water mixtures: from hostility to conciliation.

PubMed

Kohno, Yuki; Ohno, Hiroyuki

2012-07-21

Water was originally inimical to ionic liquids (ILs) especially in the analysis of their detailed properties. Various data on the properties of ILs indicate that there are two ways to design functions of ionic liquids. The first is to change the structure of component ions, to provide "task-specific ILs". The second is to mix ILs with other components, such as other ILs, organic solvents or water. Mixing makes it easy to control the properties of the solution. In this strategy, water is now a very important partner. Below, we summarise our recent results on the properties of IL/water mixtures. Stable phase separation is an effective method in some separation processes. Conversely, a dynamic phase change between a homogeneous mixture and separation of phases is important in many fields. Analysis of the relation between phase behaviour and the hydration state of the component ions indicates that the pattern of phase separation is governed by the hydrophilicity of the ions. Sufficiently hydrophilic ions yielded ILs that are miscible with water, and hydrophobic ions gave stable phase separation with water. ILs composed of hydrophobic but hydrated ions undergo a dynamic phase change between a homogeneous mixture and separate phases according to temperature. ILs having more than seven water molecules per ion pair undergo this phase transition. These dynamic phase changes are considered, with some examples, and application is made to the separation of water-soluble proteins.

A combined Cyanex-923/HEH[EHP]/Dodecane solvent for recovery of transuranic elements from used nuclear fuel

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

Johnson, A.; Nash, K.L.

2013-07-01

The separation of minor actinides from fission product lanthanides remains a primary challenge for enabling the recycle of used nuclear fuel. To minimize the complexity of materials handling, combining extractant processes has become an increasingly attractive option. Unfortunately, combined processes sometimes suffer reduced utility due to strong dipole-dipole interactions between the extractants. The results reported here describe a system based on a combination of commercially available extractants Cyanex-923 and HEH[EHP]. In contrast to other combined extractant systems, these extractant molecules exhibit comparatively weak interactions, reducing the impact of secondary interactions. In this process, mixtures containing equal ratios of Cyanex-923 andmore » HEH[EHP] were seen to co-extract americium and the lanthanides from nitric acid solutions. Stripping of An(III) was effectively achieved through contact with an aqueous phase comprised of glycine (for pH control) and a polyamino-poly-carboxylate stripping reagent that selectively removes An(III) from the extractant phase. The lanthanides can then be stripped from the loaded organic phase contacting with high nitric acid concentrations. Extraction of fission products zirconium and molybdenum was also investigated and potential strategies for their management have been identified. The work presented demonstrates the feasibility of combining Cyanex-923 and HEH[EHP] for separating and recovering the transuranic elements from the Ln(III). (authors)« less

Separation of multiphosphorylated peptide isomers by hydrophilic interaction chromatography on an aminopropyl phase.

PubMed

Singer, David; Kuhlmann, Julia; Muschket, Matthias; Hoffmann, Ralf

2010-08-01

The separation of isomeric phosphorylated peptides is challenging and often impossible for multiphosphorylated isomers using chromatographic and capillary electrophoretic methods. In this study we investigated the separation of a set of single-, double-, and triple-phosphorylated peptides (corresponding to the human tau protein) by ion-pair reversed-phase chromatography (IP-RPC) and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). In HILIC both hydroxyl and aminopropyl stationary phases were tested with aqueous acetonitrile in order to assess their separation efficiency. The hydroxyl phase separated the phosphopeptides very well from the unphosphorylated analogue, while on the aminopropyl phase even isomeric phosphopeptides attained baseline separation. Thus, up to seven phosphorylated versions of a given tau domain were separated. Furthermore, the low concentration of an acidic ammonium formate buffer allowed an online analysis with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) to be conducted, enabling peptide sequencing and identification of phosphorylation sites.

A cubic scaling algorithm for excited states calculations in particle-particle random phase approximation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jianfeng; Yang, Haizhao

2017-07-01

The particle-particle random phase approximation (pp-RPA) has been shown to be capable of describing double, Rydberg, and charge transfer excitations, for which the conventional time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) might not be suitable. It is thus desirable to reduce the computational cost of pp-RPA so that it can be efficiently applied to larger molecules and even solids. This paper introduces an O (N3) algorithm, where N is the number of orbitals, based on an interpolative separable density fitting technique and the Jacobi-Davidson eigensolver to calculate a few low-lying excitations in the pp-RPA framework. The size of the pp-RPA matrix can also be reduced by keeping only a small portion of orbitals with orbital energy close to the Fermi energy. This reduced system leads to a smaller prefactor of the cubic scaling algorithm, while keeping the accuracy for the low-lying excitation energies.

Computation of liquid-liquid equilibria and phase stabilities: implications for RH-dependent gas/particle partitioning of organic-inorganic aerosols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuend, A.; Marcolli, C.; Peter, T.; Seinfeld, J. H.

2010-08-01

Semivolatile organic and inorganic aerosol species partition between the gas and aerosol particle phases to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium. Liquid-liquid phase separation into an organic-rich and an aqueous electrolyte phase can occur in the aerosol as a result of the salting-out effect. Such liquid-liquid equilibria (LLE) affect the gas/particle partitioning of the different semivolatile compounds and might significantly alter both particle mass and composition as compared to a one-phase particle. We present a new liquid-liquid equilibrium and gas/particle partitioning model, using as a basis the group-contribution model AIOMFAC (Zuend et al., 2008). This model allows the reliable computation of the liquid-liquid coexistence curve (binodal), corresponding tie-lines, the limit of stability/metastability (spinodal), and further thermodynamic properties of multicomponent systems. Calculations for ternary and multicomponent alcohol/polyol-water-salt mixtures suggest that LLE are a prevalent feature of organic-inorganic aerosol systems. A six-component polyol-water-ammonium sulphate system is used to simulate effects of relative humidity (RH) and the presence of liquid-liquid phase separation on the gas/particle partitioning. RH, salt concentration, and hydrophilicity (water-solubility) are identified as key features in defining the region of a miscibility gap and govern the extent to which compound partitioning is affected by changes in RH. The model predicts that liquid-liquid phase separation can lead to either an increase or decrease in total particulate mass, depending on the overall composition of a system and the particle water content, which is related to the hydrophilicity of the different organic and inorganic compounds. Neglecting non-ideality and liquid-liquid phase separations by assuming an ideal mixture leads to an overestimation of the total particulate mass by up to 30% for the composition and RH range considered in the six-component system simulation. For simplified partitioning parametrizations, we suggest a modified definition of the effective saturation concentration, Cj*, by including water and other inorganics in the absorbing phase. Such a Cj* definition reduces the RH-dependency of the gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organics in organic-inorganic aerosols by an order of magnitude as compared to the currently accepted definition, which considers the organic species only.

LC-method development for the quantification of neuromedin-like peptides. Emphasis on column choice and mobile phase composition.

PubMed

Van Wanseele, Yannick; Viaene, Johan; Van den Borre, Leslie; Dewachter, Kathleen; Vander Heyden, Yvan; Smolders, Ilse; Van Eeckhaut, Ann

2017-04-15

In this study, the separation of four neuromedin-like peptides is investigated on four different core-shell stationary phases. Moreover, the effect of the mobile phase composition, i.e. organic modifier (acetonitrile and methanol) and additive (trifluoroacetic acid, formic acid, acetic acid, ammonium formate and ammonium acetate) on the chromatographic performance is studied. An improvement in chromatographic performance is observed when using the ammonium salt instead of its corresponding acid as additive, except for the column containing a positively charged surface (C18+). In general, the RP-Amide column provided the highest separation power with different mobile phases. However, for the neuromedin-like peptides of interest, the C18+ column in combination with a mobile phase containing methanol as organic modifier and acetic acid as additive provided narrower and higher peaks. A three-factor, three-level design is applied to further optimize the method in terms of increased peak height and reduced solvent consumption, without loss in resolution. The optimized method was subsequently used to assess the in vitro microdialysis recovery of the peptides of interest. Recovery values between 4 and 8% were obtained using a perfusion flow rate of 2μL/min. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Prototype of an Interface for Hyphenating Distillation with Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry

PubMed Central

Tang, Ya-Ru; Yang, Hui-Hsien; Urban, Pawel L.

2017-01-01

Chemical analysis of complex matrices—containing hundreds of compounds—is challenging. Two-dimensional separation techniques provide an efficient way to reduce complexity of mixtures analyzed by mass spectrometry (MS). For example, gasoline is a mixture of numerous compounds, which can be fractionated by distillation techniques. However, coupling conventional distillation with other separations as well as MS is not straightforward. We have established an automatic system for online coupling of simple microscale distillation with gas chromatography (GC) and electron ionization MS. The developed system incorporates an interface between the distillation condenser and the injector of a fused silica capillary GC column. Development of this multidimensional separation (distillation-GC-MS) was preceded by a series of preliminary off-line experiments. In the developed technique, the components with different boiling points are fractionated and instantly analyzed by GC-MS. The obtained data sets illustrate dynamics of the distillation process. An important advantage of the distillation-GC-MS technique is that raw samples can directly be analyzed without removal of the non-volatile matrix residues that could contaminate the GC injection port and the column. Distilling the samples immediately before the injection to the GC column may reduce possible matrix effects—especially in the early phase of separation, when molecules with different volatilities co-migrate. It can also reduce losses of highly volatile components (during fraction collection and transfer). The two separation steps are partly orthogonal, what can slightly increase selectivity of the entire analysis. PMID:28337400

Multiphase Flow Technology Impacts on Thermal Control Systems for Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McQuillen, John; Sankovic, John; Lekan, Jack

2006-01-01

The Two-Phase Flow Facility (TPHIFFy) Project focused on bridging the critical knowledge gap by developing and demonstrating critical multiphase fluid products for advanced life support, thermal management and power conversion systems that are required to enable the Vision for Space Exploration. Safety and reliability of future systems will be enhanced by addressing critical microgravity fluid physics issues associated with flow boiling, condensation, phase separation, and system stability. The project included concept development, normal gravity testing, and reduced gravity aircraft flight campaigns, in preparation for the development of a space flight experiment implementation. Data will be utilized to develop predictive models that could be used for system design and operation. A single fluid, two-phase closed thermodynamic loop test bed was designed, assembled and tested. The major components in this test bed include: a boiler, a condenser, a phase separator and a circulating pump. The test loop was instrumented with flow meters, thermocouples, pressure transducers and both high speed and normal speed video cameras. A low boiling point surrogate fluid, FC-72, was selected based on scaling analyses using preliminary designs for operational systems. Preliminary results are presented which include flow regime transitions and some observations regarding system stability.

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

Wu, H.L.; Spronsen, G. van; Klaus, E.H.

A simulation model of the dynamics of a by-pass pig and related two-phase flow behavior along with field trials of the pig in a dry-gas pipeline have revealed significant gains in use of a by-pass pig in modifying gas and liquid production rates. The method can widen the possibility of applying two-phase flow pipeline transportation to cases in which separator or slug-catcher capacity is limited by practicality or cost. Pigging two-phase pipelines normally generates large liquid slug volumes in front of the pig. These require large separators or slug catchers. Using a high by-pass pig to disperse the liquid andmore » reduce the maximum liquid production rate before pig arrival has been investigated by Shell Exploration and Production companies. A simulation model of the dynamics of the pig and related two-phase flow behavior in the pipeline was used to predict the performance of by-pass pigs. Field trials in a dry-gas pipeline were carried out to provide friction data and to validate the model. The predicted mobility of the high by-pass pig in the pipeline and risers was verified and the beneficial effects due to the by-pass concept exceeded the prediction of the simplified model.« less

Development of a novel amide-silica stationary phase for the reversed-phase HPLC separation of different classes of phytohormones.

PubMed

Aral, Hayriye; Aral, Tarık; Ziyadanoğulları, Berrin; Ziyadanoğulları, Recep

2013-11-15

A novel amide-bonded silica stationary phase was prepared starting from N-Boc-phenylalanine, cyclohexylamine and spherical silica gel (4 µm, 60 Å). The amide ligand was synthesised with high yield. The resulting amide bonded stationary phase was characterised by SEM, IR and elemental analysis. The resulting selector bearing a polar amide group is used for the reversed-phase chromatography separation of different classes of thirteen phytohormones (plant hormones). The chromatographic behaviours of these analytes on the amide-silica stationary phase were compared with those of RP-C18 column under same conditions. The effects of different separation conditions, such as mobile phase, pH value, flow rate and temperature, on the separation and retention behaviours of the 13 phytohormones in this system were studied. The optimum separation was achieved using reversed-phase HPLC gradient elution with an aqueous mobile phase containing pH=6.85 potassium phosphate buffer (20 mM) and acetonitrile with a 22 °C column temperature. Under these experimental conditions, the 12 phytohormones could be separated and detected at 230 or 270 nm within 26 min. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phase behaviour of casein micelles and barley beta-glucan polymer molecules in dietary fibre-enriched dairy systems.

PubMed

Repin, Nikolay; Scanlon, Martin G; Fulcher, R Gary

2012-07-01

Enrichment of colloidal dairy systems with dietary fibre frequently causes quality defects because of phase separation. We investigate phase separation in skimmed milk enriched with Glucagel (a commercial product made from barley that is predominantly comprised of the polysaccharide β-glucan). The driving force for phase separation was depletion flocculation of casein micelles in the presence of molecules of the polysaccharide. Depending on the volume fraction of casein micelles and the concentration of Glucagel, the stable system phase separated either as a transient gel or as a sedimented system. The rate at which phase separation progressed also depended on the volume fraction of casein micelles and the concentration of Glucagel. To confirm the role of depletion flocculation in the phase separation process, enzymatic reduction in the molecular weight of β-glucan was shown to limit the range of attraction between micelles and allow the stable phase to exist at a higher β-glucan concentration for any given volume fraction of casein micelles. These phase diagrams will be useful to dairy product manufacturers striving to improve the nutrient profile of their products while avoiding product quality impairment. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Conserved interdomain linker promotes phase separation of the multivalent adaptor protein Nck

PubMed Central

Banjade, Sudeep; Wu, Qiong; Mittal, Anuradha; Peeples, William B.; Pappu, Rohit V.; Rosen, Michael K.

2015-01-01

The organization of membranes, the cytosol, and the nucleus of eukaryotic cells can be controlled through phase separation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Collective interactions of multivalent molecules mediated by modular binding domains can induce gelation and phase separation in several cytosolic and membrane-associated systems. The adaptor protein Nck has three SRC-homology 3 (SH3) domains that bind multiple proline-rich segments in the actin regulatory protein neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (N-WASP) and an SH2 domain that binds to multiple phosphotyrosine sites in the adhesion protein nephrin, leading to phase separation. Here, we show that the 50-residue linker between the first two SH3 domains of Nck enhances phase separation of Nck/N-WASP/nephrin assemblies. Two linear motifs within this element, as well as its overall positively charged character, are important for this effect. The linker increases the driving force for self-assembly of Nck, likely through weak interactions with the second SH3 domain, and this effect appears to promote phase separation. The linker sequence is highly conserved, suggesting that the sequence determinants of the driving forces for phase separation may be generally important to Nck functions. Our studies demonstrate that linker regions between modular domains can contribute to the driving forces for self-assembly and phase separation of multivalent proteins. PMID:26553976

Fluid Phase Separation (FPS) experiment for flight on the shuttle in a Get Away Special (GAS) canister: Design and fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1990-01-01

The separation of fluid phases in microgravity environments is of importance to environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) and materials processing in space. A successful fluid phase separation experiment will demonstrate a proof of concept for the separation technique and add to the knowledge base of material behavior. The phase separation experiment will contain a premixed fluid that will be exposed to a microgravity environment. After the phase separation of the compound has occurred, small samples of each of the species will be taken for analysis on Earth. By correlating the time of separation and the temperature history of the fluid, it will be possible to characterize the process. The phase separation experiment is totally self-contained, with three levels of containment on all fluids, and provides all necessary electrical power and control. The controller regulates the temperature of the fluid and controls data logging and sampling. An astronaut-activated switch will initiate the experiment and an unmaskable interrupt is provided for shutdown. The experiment has been integrated into space available on a manifested Get Away Special (GAS) experiment, CONCAP 2, part of the Consortium for Materials Complex Autonomous Payload (CAP) Program, scheduled for STS 42 in April 1991. Presented here are the design and the production of a fluid phase separation experiment for rapid implementation at low cost.

Phase separation and second-order phase transition in the phenomenological model for a Coulomb-frustrated two-dimensional system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mamin, R. F.; Shaposhnikova, T. S.; Kabanov, V. V.

2018-03-01

We have considered the model of the phase transition of the second order for the Coulomb frustrated 2D charged system. The coupling of the order parameter with the charge was considered as the local temperature. We have found that in such a system, an appearance of the phase-separated state is possible. By numerical simulation, we have obtained different types ("stripes," "rings," "snakes") of phase-separated states and determined the parameter ranges for these states. Thus the system undergoes a series of phase transitions when the temperature decreases. First, the system moves from the homogeneous state with a zero order parameter to the phase-separated state with two phases in one of which the order parameter is zero and, in the other, it is nonzero (τ >0 ). Then a first-order transition occurs to another phase-separated state, in which both phases have different and nonzero values of the order parameter (for τ <0 ). Only a further decrease of temperature leads to a transition to a homogeneous ordered state.

Integrated lunar materials manufacturing process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibson, Michael A. (Inventor); Knudsen, Christian W. (Inventor)

1990-01-01

A manufacturing plant and process for production of oxygen on the moon uses lunar minerals as feed and a minimum of earth-imported, process materials. Lunar feed stocks are hydrogen-reducible minerals, ilmenite and lunar agglutinates occurring in numerous, explored locations mixed with other minerals in the pulverized surface layer of lunar soil known as regolith. Ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and agglutinates contain ferrous (Fe.sup.+2) iron reducible by hydrogen to yield H.sub.2 O and metallic Fe at about 700.degree.-1,200.degree. C. The H.sub.2 O is electrolyzed in gas phase to yield H.sub.2 for recycle and O.sub.2 for storage and use. Hydrogen losses to lunar vacuum are minimized, with no net hydrogen (or any other earth-derived reagent) consumption except for small leaks. Feed minerals are surface-mined by front shovels and transported in trucks to the processing area. The machines are manned or robotic. Ilmenite and agglutinates occur mixed with silicate minerals which are not hydrogen-reducible at 700.degree.-1,200.degree. C. and consequently are separated and concentrated before feeding to the oxygen generation process. Solids rejected from the separation step and reduced solids from the oxygen process are returned to the mine area. The plant is powered by nuclear or solar power generators. Vapor-phase water electrolysis, a staged, countercurrent, fluidized bed reduction reactor and a radio-frequency-driven ceramic gas heater are used to improve thermal efficiency.

Effect of temperature gradient on liquid-liquid phase separation in a polyolefin blend.

PubMed

Jiang, Hua; Dou, Nannan; Fan, Guoqiang; Yang, Zhaohui; Zhang, Xiaohua

2013-09-28

We have investigated experimentally the structure formation processes during phase separation via spinodal decomposition above and below the spinodal line in a binary polymer blend system exposed to in-plane stationary thermal gradients using phase contrast optical microscopy and temperature gradient hot stage. Below the spinodal line there is a coupling of concentration fluctuations and thermal gradient imposed by the temperature gradient hot stage. Also under the thermal gradient annealing phase-separated domains grow faster compared with the system under homogeneous temperature annealing on a zero-gradient or a conventional hot stage. We suggest that the in-plane thermal gradient accelerates phase separation through the enhancement in concentration fluctuations in the early and intermediate stages of spinodal decomposition. In a thermal gradient field, the strength of concentration fluctuation close to the critical point (above the spinodal line) is strong enough to induce phase separation even in one-phase regime of the phase diagram. In the presence of a temperature gradient the equilibrium phase diagrams are no longer valid, and the systems with an upper critical solution temperature can be quenched into phase separation by applying the stationary temperature gradient. The in-plane temperature gradient drives enhanced concentration fluctuations in a binary polymer blend system above and below the spinodal line.

Amide-induced phase separation of hexafluoroisopropanol-water mixtures depending on the hydrophobicity of amides.

PubMed

Takamuku, Toshiyuki; Wada, Hiroshi; Kawatoko, Chiemi; Shimomura, Takuya; Kanzaki, Ryo; Takeuchi, Munetaka

2012-06-21

Amide-induced phase separation of hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP)-water mixtures has been investigated to elucidate solvation properties of the mixtures by means of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), (1)H and (13)C NMR, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The amides included N-methylformamide (NMF), N-methylacetamide (NMA), and N-methylpropionamide (NMP). The phase diagrams of amide-HFIP-water ternary systems at 298 K showed that phase separation occurs in a closed-loop area of compositions as well as an N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) system previously reported. The phase separation area becomes wider as the hydrophobicity of amides increases in the order of NMF < NMA < DMF < NMP. Thus, the evolution of HFIP clusters around amides due to the hydrophobic interaction gives rise to phase separation of the mixtures. In contrast, the disruption of HFIP clusters causes the recovery of the homogeneity of the ternary systems. The present results showed that HFIP clusters are evolved with increasing amide content to the lower phase separation concentration in the same mechanism among the four amide systems. However, the disruption of HFIP clusters in the NMP and DMF systems with further increasing amide content to the upper phase separation concentration occurs in a different way from those in the NMF and NMA systems.

Phase Separation and Crystallization of Hemoglobin C in Transgenic Mouse and Human Erythrocytes

PubMed Central

Canterino, Joseph E.; Galkin, Oleg; Vekilov, Peter G.; Hirsch, Rhoda Elison

2008-01-01

Individuals expressing hemoglobin C (β6 Glu→Lys) present red blood cells (RBC) with intraerythrocytic crystals that form when hemoglobin (Hb) is oxygenated. Our earlier in vitro liquid-liquid (L-L) phase separation studies demonstrated that liganded HbC exhibits a stronger net intermolecular attraction with a longer range than liganded HbS or HbA, and that L-L phase separation preceded and enhanced crystallization. We now present evidence for the role of phase separation in HbC crystallization in the RBC, and the role of the RBC membrane as a nucleation center. RBC obtained from both human homozygous HbC patients and transgenic mice expressing only human HbC were studied by bright-field and differential interference contrast video-enhanced microscopy. RBC were exposed to hypertonic NaCl solution (1.5–3%) to induce crystallization within an appropriate experimental time frame. L-L phase separation occurred inside the RBC, which in turn enhanced the formation of intraerythrocytic crystals. RBC L-L phase separation and crystallization comply with the thermodynamic and kinetics laws established through in vitro studies of phase transformations. This is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, to capture a temporal view of intraerythrocytic HbC phase separation, crystal formation, and dissolution. PMID:18621841

Phase separations in mixtures of a liquid crystal and a nanocolloidal particle.

PubMed

Matsuyama, Akihiko

2009-11-28

We present a mean field theory to describe phase separations in mixtures of a liquid crystal and a nanocolloidal particle. By taking into account a nematic, a smectic A ordering of the liquid crystal, and a crystalline ordering of the nanoparticle, we calculate the phase diagrams on the temperature-concentration plane. We predict various phase separations, such as a smectic A-crystal phase separation and a smectic A-isotropic-crystal triple point, etc., depending on the interactions between the liquid crystal and the colloidal surface. Inside binodal curves, we find new unstable and metastable regions, which are important in the phase ordering dynamics. We also find a crystalline ordering of the nanoparticles dispersed in a smectic A phase and a nematic phase. The cooperative phenomena between liquid-crystalline ordering and crystalline ordering induce a variety of phase diagrams.

Kinetics of phase separation and coarsening in dilute surfactant pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanaka, S.; Kubo, Y.; Yokoyama, Y.; Toda, A.; Taguchi, K.; Kajioka, H.

2011-12-01

We investigated the phase separation phenomena in dilute surfactant pentaethylene glycol monodedecyl ether (C12E5) solutions focusing on the growth law of separated domains. The solutions confined between two glass plates were found to exhibit the phase inversion, characteristic of the viscoelastic phase separation; the majority phase (water-rich phase) nucleated as droplets and the minority phase (micelle-rich phase) formed a network temporarily, then they collapsed into an usual sea-island pattern where minority phase formed islands. We found from the real-space microscopic imaging that the dynamic scaling hypothesis did not hold throughout the coarsening process. The power law growth of the domains with the exponent close to 1/3 was observed even though the coarsening was induced mainly by hydrodynamic flow, which was explained by Darcy's law of laminar flow.

Cell partition in two phase polymer systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, D. E.

1979-01-01

Aqueous phase-separated polymer solutions can be used as support media for the partition of biological macromolecules, organelles and cells. Cell separations using the technique have proven to be extremely sensitive to cell surface properties but application of the systems are limited to cells or aggregates which do not significantly while the phases are settling. Partition in zero g in principle removes this limitation but an external driving force must be applied to induce the phases to separate since their density difference disappears. We have recently shown that an applied electric field can supply the necessary driving force. We are proposing to utilize the NASA FES to study field-driven phase separation and cell partition on the ground and in zero g to help define the separation/partition process, with the ultimate goal being to develop partition as a zero g cell separation technique.

NASTRAN multipartitioning and one-shot substructuring

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levy, A.

1973-01-01

For intermediate size problems where all the data is accessible, the present method of substructuring in three separate phases (for static analysis) is unneccessarily cumbersome. The versatility of NASTRAN's DMAP and internal logic lends itself to finding a practical alternative to these procedures whereby self-contained special-purpose ALTER packages can be written to be run in one pass. Two examples are presented here under the titles of multipartitioning and one-shot substructuring. The flow of multipartitioning resembles that of the present three-phase substructuring. The basic effect is to partition the structure into substructures and operate on each substructure separately. This can be used to reduce the bandwidth of a given problem as well as to store information which will allow a change to be made in one of the substructures in a later run. This latter procedure is carried out in a second program titled one-shot substructuring.

A Phased Array Coil for Human Cardiac Imaging

PubMed Central

Constantinides, Chris D.; Westgate, Charles R.; O'Dell, Walter G.; Zerhouni, Elias A.; McVeigh, Elliot R.

2007-01-01

A prototype cardiac phased array receiver coil was constructed that comprised a cylindrical array and a separate planar array. Both arrays had two coil loops with the same coil dimensions. Data acquisition with the cylindrical array placed on the human chest, and the planar array placed under the back, yielded an overall enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the entire heart by a factor of 1.1–2.85 over a commercially available flexible coil and a commercially available four-loop planar phased array coil. This improvement in SNR can be exploited in cardiac imaging to increase the spatial resolution and reduce the image acquisition time. PMID:7674903

Evaluation of phase II toxicity identification evaluation methods for freshwater whole sediment and interstitial water.

PubMed

Phillips, Bryn M; Anderson, Brian S; Hunt, John W; Clark, Sara L; Voorhees, Jennifer P; Tjeerdema, Ron S; Casteline, Jane; Stewart, Margaret

2009-02-01

Phase I whole sediment toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) methods have been developed to characterize the cause of toxicity as organic chemicals, metals, or ammonia. In Phase II identification treatments, resins added to whole sediment to reduce toxicity caused by metals and organics can be separated and eluted much like solid-phase extraction (SPE) columns are eluted for interstitial water. In this study, formulated reference sediments spiked with toxic concentrations of copper, fluoranthene, and nonylphenol were subjected to whole sediment and interstitial water TIE treatments to evaluate Phase I and II TIE procedures for identifying the cause of toxicity to Hyalella azteca. Phase I TIE treatments consisted of adding adsorbent resins to whole sediment, and using SPE columns to remove spiked chemicals from interstitial water. Phase II treatments consisted of eluting resins and SPE columns and the preparation and testing of eluates for toxicity and chemistry. Whole sediment resins and SPE columns significantly reduced toxicity, and the eluates from all treatments contained toxic concentrations of the spiked chemical except for interstitial water fluoranthene. Toxic unit analysis based on median lethal concentrations (LC50s) allowed for the comparison of chemical concentrations among treatments, and demonstrated that the bioavailability of some chemicals was reduced in some samples and treatments. The concentration of fluoranthene in the resin eluate closely approximated the original interstitial water concentration, but the resin eluate concentrations of copper and nonylphenol were much higher than the original interstitial water concentrations. Phase II whole sediment TIE treatments provided complementary lines of evidence to the interstitial water TIE results.

Advanced Integrated Fuel/Combustion Systems

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-01-01

disulfides to form sulfonic acids and sulfones, which are removed by phase separation, leaving the thiophenic com- pounds unreacted. Briefly, for the...additives result in an increased oxidation rate and substantially reduced deposition. The increased oxidation rate is due to the removal of these...ability to follow the formation and/or removal of the species during thermal-oxidative exposure is invaluable in understanding the autoxidative

Liquid Crystals in Chromatography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkiewicz, Zygfryd

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION * LIQUID CRYSTALS SUITABLE FOR GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * Monomeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Polymeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Polymeric Liquid Crystal Stationary Phases * Conventional Analytical Columns * Capillary Columns * FACTORS AFFECTING THE CHROMATOGRAPHIC SEPARATIONS ON LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES * Kind of Mesophase of the Liquid Crystal * Molecular Structure of the Liquid Crystals and of the Chromatographed Substances * Substrate on which the Liquid Crystal is Deposited * ANALYTICAL APPLICATIONS OF LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES IN GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * Separation of Isomers of Benzene and Naphthalene Derivatives * Separation of Alkane and Alkene Isomers * Separation of Mixtures of Benzene and Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives Containing Heteroatoms * Separation of Polynuclear Hydrocarbons * INVESTIGATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF LIQUID CRYSTALS BY GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY * APPLICATION OF LIQUID CRYSTALS IN LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY * Column Chromatography * Thin-Layer Chromatography * APPLICATION OF LIQUID CRYSTAL STATIONARY PHASES IN SUPERCRITICAL FLUID CHROMATOGRAPHY * FINAL REMARKS * References

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

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2018-06-01

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

Method for separating water soluble organics from a process stream by aqueous biphasic extraction

DOEpatents

Chaiko, David J.; Mego, William A.

1999-01-01

A method for separating water-miscible organic species from a process stream by aqueous biphasic extraction is provided. An aqueous biphase system is generated by contacting a process stream comprised of water, salt, and organic species with an aqueous polymer solution. The organic species transfer from the salt-rich phase to the polymer-rich phase, and the phases are separated. Next, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer phase by selectively extracting the polymer into an organic phase at an elevated temperature, while the organic species remain in a substantially salt-free aqueous solution. Alternatively, the polymer is recovered from the loaded polymer by a temperature induced phase separation (cloud point extraction), whereby the polymer and the organic species separate into two distinct solutions. The method for separating water-miscible organic species is applicable to the treatment of industrial wastewater streams, including the extraction and recovery of complexed metal ions from salt solutions, organic contaminants from mineral processing streams, and colorants from spent dye baths.

Process for improving soluble coal yield in a coal deashing process

DOEpatents

Rhodes, Donald E.

1980-01-01

Coal liquefaction products are contacted with a deashing solvent and introduced into a first separation zone. The first separation zone is maintained at an elevated temperature and pressure, determined to maximize the recovery of soluble coal products, to cause said coal liquefaction products to separate into a first light phase and a first heavy phase. Under these conditions the heavy phase while still fluid-like in character is substantially non-flowable. Flowability is returned to the fluid-like heavy phase by the introduction of an additional quantity of deashing solvent into the first separation zone at a location below the interface between the first light and heavy phases or into the heavy phase withdrawal conduit during withdrawal of the first heavy phase and prior to any substantial pressure reduction. The first heavy phase then is withdrawn from the first separation zone for additional downstream processing without plugging either the withdrawal conduit or the downstream apparatus. The first light phase comprising the soluble coal products is withdrawn and recovered in an increased yield to provide a more economical coal deashing process.

Understanding the Impact of Water on the Miscibility and Microstructure of Amorphous Solid Dispersions: An AFM-LCR and TEM-EDX Study.

PubMed

Li, Na; Gilpin, Christopher J; Taylor, Lynne S

2017-05-01

Miscibility is critical for amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). Phase-separated ASDs are more prone to crystallization, and thus can lose their solubility advantage leading to product failure. Additionally, dissolution performance can be diminished as a result of phase separation in the ASD matrix. Water is known to induce phase separation during storage for some ASDs. However, the impact of water introduced during preparation has not been as thoroughly investigated to date. The purpose of this study was to develop a mechanistic understanding of the effect of water on the phase behavior and microstructure of ASDs. Evacetrapib and two polymers were selected as the model system. Atomic force microscopy coupled with Lorentz contact resonance, and transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed to evaluate the microstructure and composition of phase-separated ASDs. It was found that phase separation could be induced via two routes: solution-state phase separation during ASD formation caused by water absorption during film formation by a hydrophilic solvent, or solid-phase separation following exposure to high RH during storage. Water contents of as low as 2% in the organic solvent system used to dissolve the drug and polymer were found to result in phase separation in the resultant ASD film. These findings have profound implications on lab-scale ASD preparation and potentially also for industrial production. Additionally, these high-resolution imaging techniques combined with orthogonal analyses are powerful tools to visualize structural changes in ASDs, which in turn will enable better links to be made between ASD structure and performance.

Composition and structure of whey protein/gum arabic coacervates.

PubMed

Weinbreck, F; Tromp, R H; de Kruif, C G

2004-01-01

Complex coacervation in whey protein/gum arabic (WP/GA) mixtures was studied as a function of three main key parameters: pH, initial protein to polysaccharide mixing ratio (Pr:Ps)(ini), and ionic strength. Previous studies had already revealed under which conditions a coacervate phase was obtained. This study is aimed at understanding how these parameters influence the phase separation kinetics, the coacervate composition, and the internal coacervate structure. At a defined (Pr:Ps)(ini), an optimum pH of complex coacervation was found (pH(opt)), at which the strength of electrostatic interaction was maximum. For (Pr:Ps)(ini) = 2:1, the phase separation occurred the fastest and the final coacervate volume was the largest at pH(opt) = 4.0. The composition of the coacervate phase was determined after 48 h of phase separation and revealed that, at pH(opt), the coacervate phase was the most concentrated. Varying the (Pr:Ps)(ini) shifted the pH(opt) to higher values when (Pr:Ps)(ini) was increased and to lower values when (Pr:Ps)(ini) was decreased. This phenomenon was due to the level of charge compensation of the WP/GA complexes. Finally, the structure of the coacervate phase was studied with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). SAXS data confirmed that at pH(opt) the coacervate phase was dense and structured. Model calculations revealed that the structure factor of WP induced a peak at Q = 0.7 nm(-1), illustrating that the coacervate phase was more structured, inducing the stronger correlation length of WP molecules. When the pH was changed to more acidic values, the correlation peak faded away, due to a more open structure of the coacervate. A shoulder in the scattering pattern of the coacervates was visible at small Q. This peak was attributed to the presence of residual charges on the GA. The peak intensity was reduced when the strength of interaction was increased, highlighting a greater charge compensation of the polyelectrolyte. Finally, increasing the ionic strength led to a less concentrated, a more heterogeneous, and a less structured coacervate phase, induced by the screening of the electrostatic interactions.

A computational investigation of the thermodynamics and structure in colloid and polymer mixtures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahynski, Nathan Alexander

In this dissertation I use computational tools to study the structure and thermodynamics of colloid-polymer mixtures. I show that fluid-fluid phase separation in mixtures of colloids and linear polymers cannot be universally reduced using polymer-based scaling principles since these assume the binodals exist in a single scaling regime, whereas accurate simulations clearly demonstrate otherwise. I show that rethinking these solutions in terms of multiple length scales is necessary to properly explain the thermodynamic stability and structure of these fluid phases, and produce phase diagrams in nearly quantitative agreement with experimental results. I then extend this work to encompass more geometrically complex "star" polymers revealing how the phase behavior for many of these binary mixtures may be mapped onto that of mixtures containing only linear polymers. I further consider the depletion-driven crystallization of athermal colloidal hard spheres induced by polymers. I demonstrate how the partitioning of a finite amount of polymer into the colloidal crystal phase implies that the polymer's architecture can be tailored to interact with the internal void structure of different crystal polymorphs uniquely, thus providing a direct route to thermodynamically stabilizing one arbitrarily chosen structure over another, e.g., the hexagonal close-packed crystal over the face-centered cubic. I then begin to generalize this result by considering the consequences of thermal interactions and complex polymer architectures. These principles lay the groundwork for intelligently engineering co-solute additives in crystallizing colloidal suspensions that can be used to thermodynamically isolate single crystal morphologies. Finally, I examine the competition between self-assembly and phase separation in polymer-grafted nanoparticle systems by comparing and contrasting the validity of two different models for grafted nanoparticles: "nanoparticle amphiphiles" versus "patchy particles." The latter suggests these systems have some utility in forming novel "equilibrium gel" phases, however, I find that considering grafted nanoparticles as amphiphiles provides a qualitatively accurate description of their thermodynamics revealing either first-order phase separation into two isotropic phases or continuous self-assembly. I find no signs of empty liquid formation, suggesting that these nanoparticles do not provide a route to such phases.

Emergence of multiple synchronization modes in hydrodynamically-coupled cilia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Hanliang; Kanso, Eva

2016-11-01

Motile cilia and flagella exhibit different phase coordinations. For example, closely swimming spermatozoa are observed to synchronize together; bi-flagellates Chlamydomonas regulate the flagella in a "breast-stroke" fashion; cilia on the surface of Paramecium beat in a fixed phase lag in an orchestrated wave like fashion. Experimental evidence suggests that phase coordinations can be achieved solely via hydrodynamical interactions. However, the exact mechanisms behind it remain illusive. Here, adapting a "geometric switch" model, we observe different synchronization modes in pairs of hydrodynamically-coupled cilia by changing physical parameters such as the strength of the cilia internal motor and the separation distance between cilia. Interestingly, we find regions in the parameter space where the coupled cilia reach stable phase coordinations and regions where the phase coordinations are sensitive to perturbations. We also find that leaning into the fluid reduces the sensitivity to perturbations, and produces stable phase coordination that is neither in-phase nor anti-phase, which could explain the origin of metachronal waves in large cilia populations.

Continuously phase-modulated standing surface acoustic waves for separation of particles and cells in microfluidic channels containing multiple pressure nodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Junseok; Rhyou, Chanryeol; Kang, Byungjun; Lee, Hyungsuk

2017-04-01

This paper describes continuously phase-modulated standing surface acoustic waves (CPM-SSAW) and its application for particle separation in multiple pressure nodes. A linear change of phase in CPM-SSAW applies a force to particles whose magnitude depends on their size and contrast factors. During continuous phase modulation, we demonstrate that particles with a target dimension are translated in the direction of moving pressure nodes, whereas smaller particles show oscillatory movements. The rate of phase modulation is optimized for separation of target particles from the relationship between mean particle velocity and period of oscillation. The developed technique is applied to separate particles of a target dimension from the particle mixture. Furthermore, we also demonstrate human keratinocyte cells can be separated in the cell and bead mixture. The separation technique is incorporated with a microfluidic channel spanning multiple pressure nodes, which is advantageous over separation in a single pressure node in terms of throughput.

Selective Detection of Peptide-Oligonucleotide Heteroconjugates Utilizing Capillary HPLC-ICPMS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Catron, Brittany; Caruso, Joseph A.; Limbach, Patrick A.

2012-06-01

A method for the selective detection and quantification of peptide:oligonucleotide heteroconjugates, such as those generated by protein:nucleic acid cross-links, using capillary reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (cap-RPHPLC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection (ICPMS) is described. The selective detection of phosphorus as 31P+, the only natural isotope, in peptide-oligonucleotide heteroconjugates is enabled by the elemental detection capabilities of the ICPMS. Mobile phase conditions that allow separation of heteroconjugates while maintaining ICPMS compatibility were investigated. We found that trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) mobile phases, used in conventional peptide separations, and hexafluoroisopropanol/triethylamine (HFIP/TEA) mobile phases, used in conventional oligonucleotide separations, both are compatible with ICPMS and enable heteroconjugate separation. The TFA-based separations yielded limits of detection (LOD) of ~40 ppb phosphorus, which is nearly seven times lower than the LOD for HFIP/TEA-based separations. Using the TFA mobile phase, 1-2 pmol of a model heteroconjugate were routinely separated and detected by this optimized capLC-ICPMS method.

Images reveal that atmospheric particles can undergo liquid–liquid phase separations

PubMed Central

You, Yuan; Renbaum-Wolff, Lindsay; Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Hanna, Sarah J.; Hiranuma, Naruki; Kamal, Saeid; Smith, Mackenzie L.; Zhang, Xiaolu; Weber, Rodney J.; Shilling, John E.; Dabdub, Donald; Martin, Scot T.; Bertram, Allan K.

2012-01-01

A large fraction of submicron atmospheric aerosol particles contains both organic material and inorganic salts. As the relative humidity cycles in the atmosphere and the water content of the particles correspondingly changes, these mixed particles can undergo a range of phase transitions, possibly including liquid–liquid phase separation. If liquid–liquid phase separation occurs, the gas-particle partitioning of atmospheric semivolatile organic compounds, the scattering and absorption of solar radiation, and the reactive uptake of gas species on atmospheric particles may be affected, with important implications for climate predictions. The actual occurrence of liquid–liquid phase separation within individual atmospheric particles has been considered uncertain, in large part because of the absence of observations for real-world samples. Here, using optical and fluorescence microscopy, we present images that show the coexistence of two noncrystalline phases for real-world samples collected on multiple days in Atlanta, GA as well as for laboratory-generated samples under simulated atmospheric conditions. These results reveal that atmospheric particles can undergo liquid–liquid phase separations. To explore the implications of these findings, we carried out simulations of the Atlanta urban environment and found that liquid–liquid phase separation can result in increased concentrations of gas-phase NO3 and N2O5 due to decreased particle uptake of N2O5. PMID:22847443

Images reveal that atmospheric particles can undergo liquid-liquid phase separations.

PubMed

You, Yuan; Renbaum-Wolff, Lindsay; Carreras-Sospedra, Marc; Hanna, Sarah J; Hiranuma, Naruki; Kamal, Saeid; Smith, Mackenzie L; Zhang, Xiaolu; Weber, Rodney J; Shilling, John E; Dabdub, Donald; Martin, Scot T; Bertram, Allan K

2012-08-14

A large fraction of submicron atmospheric aerosol particles contains both organic material and inorganic salts. As the relative humidity cycles in the atmosphere and the water content of the particles correspondingly changes, these mixed particles can undergo a range of phase transitions, possibly including liquid-liquid phase separation. If liquid-liquid phase separation occurs, the gas-particle partitioning of atmospheric semivolatile organic compounds, the scattering and absorption of solar radiation, and the reactive uptake of gas species on atmospheric particles may be affected, with important implications for climate predictions. The actual occurrence of liquid-liquid phase separation within individual atmospheric particles has been considered uncertain, in large part because of the absence of observations for real-world samples. Here, using optical and fluorescence microscopy, we present images that show the coexistence of two noncrystalline phases for real-world samples collected on multiple days in Atlanta, GA as well as for laboratory-generated samples under simulated atmospheric conditions. These results reveal that atmospheric particles can undergo liquid-liquid phase separations. To explore the implications of these findings, we carried out simulations of the Atlanta urban environment and found that liquid-liquid phase separation can result in increased concentrations of gas-phase NO(3) and N(2)O(5) due to decreased particle uptake of N(2)O(5).

Self-referenced locking of optical coherence by single-detector electronic-frequency tagging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shay, T. M.; Benham, Vincent; Spring, Justin; Ward, Benjamin; Ghebremichael, F.; Culpepper, Mark A.; Sanchez, Anthony D.; Baker, J. T.; Pilkington, D.; Berdine, Richard

2006-02-01

We report a novel coherent beam combining technique. This is the first actively phase locked optical fiber array that eliminates the need for a separate reference beam. In addition, only a single photodetector is required. The far-field central spot of the array is imaged onto the photodetector to produce the phase control loop signals. Each leg of the fiber array is phase modulated with a separate RF frequency, thus tagging the optical phase shift for each leg by a separate RF frequency. The optical phase errors for the individual array legs are separated in the electronic domain. In contrast with the previous active phase locking techniques, in our system the reference beam is spatially overlapped with all the RF modulated fiber leg beams onto a single detector. The phase shift between the optical wave in the reference leg and in the RF modulated legs is measured separately in the electronic domain and the phase error signal is feedback to the LiNbO 3 phase modulator for that leg to minimize the phase error for that leg relative to the reference leg. The advantages of this technique are 1) the elimination of the reference beam and beam combination optics and 2) the electronic separation of the phase error signals without any degradation of the phase locking accuracy. We will present the first theoretical model for self-referenced LOCSET and describe experimental results for a 3 x 3 array.

Wavefield iterative deconvolution to remove multiples and produce phase specific Ps receiver functions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ainiwaer, A.; Gurrola, H.

2018-03-01

Common conversion point stacking or migration of receiver functions (RFs) and H-k (H is depth and k is Vp/Vs) stacking of RFs has become a common method to study the crust and upper mantle beneath broad-band three-component seismic stations. However, it can be difficult to interpret Pds RFs due to interference between the Pds, PPds and PSds phases, especially in the mantle portion of the lithosphere. We propose a phase separation method to isolate the prominent phases of the RFs and produce separate Pds, PPds and PSds `phase specific' receiver functions (referred to as PdsRFs, PPdsRFs and PSdsRFs, respectively) by deconvolution of the wavefield rather than single seismograms. One of the most important products of this deconvolution method is to produce Ps receiver functions (PdsRFs) that are free of crustal multiples. This is accomplished by using H-k analysis to identify specific phases in the wavefield from all seismograms recorded at a station which enables development of an iterative deconvolution procedure to produce the above-mentioned phase specific RFs. We refer to this method as wavefield iterative deconvolution (WID). The WID method differentiates and isolates different RF phases by exploiting their differences in moveout curves across the entire wave front. We tested the WID by applying it to synthetic seismograms produced using a modified version of the PREM velocity model. The WID effectively separates phases from each stacked RF in synthetic data. We also applied this technique to produce RFs from seismograms recorded at ARU (a broad-band station in Arti, Russia). The phase specific RFs produced using WID are easier to interpret than traditional RFs. The PdsRFs computed using WID are the most improved, owing to the distinct shape of its moveout curves as compared to the moveout curves for the PPds and PSds phases. The importance of this WID method is most significant in reducing interference between phases for depths of less than 300 km. Phases from deeper layers (i.e. P660s as compared to PP220s) are less likely to be misinterpreted because the large amount of moveout causes the appropriate phases to stack coherently if there is sufficient distribution in ray parameter. WID is most effective in producing clean PdsRFs that are relatively free of reverberations whereas PPdsRFs and PSdsRFs retain contamination from reverberations.

Gradient separation of oligosaccharides and suppressing anomeric mutarotation with enhanced-fluidity liquid hydrophilic interaction chromatography.

PubMed

Bennett, Raffeal; Olesik, Susan V

2017-04-01

Enhanced fluidity liquid chromatography using the hydrophilic interaction retention mechanism (EFLC-HILIC) is studied as an alternative separation mode for analyzing oligosaccharides and other sugars. These carbohydrates, which are important for the study of foods and biological systems, are difficult to comprehensively profile and either require a non-green, expensive solvent (i.e. acetonitrile) or derivatization of the analytes at the expense of time, sample loss, and loss of quantitative information. These difficulties arise from the diverse isomerism, mutarotation, and lack of a useable chromophore/fluorophore for spectroscopic detection. Enhanced fluidity liquid chromatography is an alternative separation method that involves the use of conventional polar solvents, such as methanol/water mixtures, as the primary mobile phase component and liquid carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) as the modifier in subcritical conditions. The addition of liquid CO 2 enhances diffusivity and decreases viscosity while maintaining mixture polarity, which typically results in reduced time of analysis and higher efficiency. This work illustrates an optimized EFLC-HILIC separation of a test mixture of oligosaccharides and simple sugars with a resolution greater than 1.3 and an analysis time decrease of over 35% compared to a conventional HPLC HILIC-mode analysis using acetonitrile/water mobile phases. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Two-dimensional chromatographic analysis using three second-dimension columns for continuous comprehensive analysis of intact proteins.

PubMed

Zhu, Zaifang; Chen, Huang; Ren, Jiangtao; Lu, Juan J; Gu, Congying; Lynch, Kyle B; Wu, Si; Wang, Zhe; Cao, Chengxi; Liu, Shaorong

2018-03-01

We develop a new two-dimensional (2D) high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach for intact protein analysis. Development of 2D HPLC has a bottleneck problem - limited second-dimension (second-D) separation speed. We solve this problem by incorporating multiple second-D columns to allow several second-D separations to be proceeded in parallel. To demonstrate the feasibility of using this approach for comprehensive protein analysis, we select ion-exchange chromatography as the first-dimension and reverse-phase chromatography as the second-D. We incorporate three second-D columns in an innovative way so that three reverse-phase separations can be performed simultaneously. We test this system for separating both standard proteins and E. coli lysates and achieve baseline resolutions for eleven standard proteins and obtain more than 500 peaks for E. coli lysates. This is an indication that the sample complexities are greatly reduced. We see less than 10 bands when each fraction of the second-D effluents are analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), compared to hundreds of SDS-PAGE bands as the original sample is analyzed. This approach could potentially be an excellent and general tool for protein analysis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved Separations of Proteins and Sugar Derivatives Using the Small-Scale Cross-Axis Coil Planet Centrifuge with Locular Multilayer Coiled Columns.

PubMed

Shinomiya, Kazufusa; Umezawa, Motoki; Seki, Manami; Nitta, Jun; Zaima, Kazumasa; Harikai, Naoki; Ito, Yoichiro

2016-12-01

Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is liquid-liquid partition chromatography without using a solid support matrix. This technique requires further improvement of partition efficiency and shortening theseparation time. The locular multilayer coils modified with and without mixer glass beads were developed for the separation of proteins and 4-methylumbelliferyl (MU) sugar derivatives using the small-scale cross-axis coil planet centrifuge. Proteins were well separated from each other and the separation was improved at a low flow rate of the mobile phase. On the other hand, 4-MU sugar derivatives were sufficiently resolved with short separation time at a highflow rate of the mobile phase under satisfactory stationary phase retention. Effective separations were achieved using the locular multilayer coil for proteins with aqueous-aqueous polymer phase systems and for 4-MU sugar derivatives with organic-aqueous two-phase solvent systems by inserting a glass bead into each locule.

Enantiomeric separation of type I and type II pyrethroid insecticides with different chiral stationary phases by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Zhang, Ping; Yu, Qian; He, Xiulong; Qian, Kun; Xiao, Wei; Xu, Zhifeng; Li, Tian; He, Lin

2018-04-01

The enantiomeric separation of type I (bifenthrin, BF) and type II (lambda-cyhalothrin, LCT) pyrethroid insecticides on Lux Cellulose-1, Lux Cellulose-3, and Chiralpak IC chiral columns was investigated by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Methanol/water or acetonitrile/water was used as mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The effects of chiral stationary phase, mobile phase composition, column temperature, and thermodynamic parameters on enantiomer separation were carefully studied. Bifenthrin got a partial separation on Lux Cellulose-1 column and baseline separation on Lux Cellulose-3 column, while LCT enantiomers could be completely separated on both Lux Cellulose-1 and Lux Cellulose-3 columns. Chiralpak IC provided no separation ability for both BF and LCT. Retention factor (k) and selectivity factor (α) decreased with the column temperature increasing from 10°C to 40°C for both BF and LCT enantiomers. Thermodynamic parameters including ∆H and ∆S were also calculated, and the maximum R s were not always obtained at lowest temperature. Furthermore, the quantitative analysis methods for BF and LCT enantiomers in soil and water were also established. Such results provide a new approach for pyrethroid separation under reversed-phase condition and contribute to environmental risk assessment of pyrethroids at enantiomer level. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Industrially relevant epoxy-acrylate hybrid resin photopolymerizations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ajiboye, Gbenga I.

Photopolymerization of epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins takes advantages of inherent properties present in the free-radical and cationic reactions to reduce oxygen inhibition problems that plague free-radical reactions. Similarly, the combined reaction mechanisms reduce moisture sensitivity of the cationic reactions. Despite the advantages of epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins, problems persist that need to be addressed. For example, low conversion and polymerization rate of the epoxides are a problem, because the fast acrylate conversion prevents the epoxide from reaching high conversion. Controlling phase separation is challenging, since two moieties with different properties are reacting. The physical properties of the polymer will be impacted by the availability of different moieties. High shrinkage stress results from the acrylate moiety, causing buckling and cracking in film and coating applications. The overall goal of this study is to use the fundamental knowledge of epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins to formulate industrially viable polymers. In order to achieve this goal, the study focuses on the following objectives: (I) determine the apparent activation energy of the hybrid monomer METHB, (II) increase epoxide conversion and polymerization rate of hybrid formulations, and (III) control physical properties in epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins. In order to increase the epoxide conversion and rate of polymerization, the sensitivity of epoxides to alcohol is used to facilitate the activated monomer (AM) mechanism and induce a covalent bond between the epoxide and acrylate polymers through the hydroxyl group. It is hypothesized that if the AM mechanism is facilitated, epoxide conversion will increase. As a result, the resins can be tailored to control phase separation and physical properties, and shrinkage stress can be reduced. In pursuit of these objectives, the hybrid monomer METHB was polymerized at temperatures ranging from 30°C to 70°C to obtain apparent activation energy of 23.49 kJ/mol for acrylate and 57 kJ/mol for epoxide moeities. Then, hybrid systems pairing hydroxyl-containing acrylates with epoxides were formulated to promote the faster AM mechanism. Monomer composition was changed in the presence of hydroxyl-containing acrylate, and initiators were carefully selected in order to control phase separation. The conversion of acrylate and epoxide was monitored in real time by Raman spectroscopy. The physical and mechanical properties were monitored using dynamic mechanical analysis. Epoxide conversion and rate of polymerization in epoxide-acrylate hybrid monomer systems were shown to increase through the introduction of a hydroxyl group on the meth/acrylate monomer, taking advantage of the faster AM mechanism. In addition, this covalent bond linking the epoxide network to the meth/acrylate polymer chains resulted in little or no phase separation and a reduction of the Tg for the hybrid polymer compared to the neat epoxide. Fundamental knowledge gained from this research will enable the use of epoxy-acrylate hybrid resins in variety of applications. For instance, shrinkage may be reduced in dental fillings, noise and vibration problems in aircraft and other machinery may be controlled, and photopolymerization cost could be reduced in thin film applications.

Application of X-Y Separable 2-D Array Beamforming for Increased Frame Rate and Energy Efficiency in Handheld Devices

PubMed Central

Owen, Kevin; Fuller, Michael I.; Hossack, John A.

2015-01-01

Two-dimensional arrays present significant beamforming computational challenges because of their high channel count and data rate. These challenges are even more stringent when incorporating a 2-D transducer array into a battery-powered hand-held device, placing significant demands on power efficiency. Previous work in sonar and ultrasound indicates that 2-D array beamforming can be decomposed into two separable line-array beamforming operations. This has been used in conjunction with frequency-domain phase-based focusing to achieve fast volume imaging. In this paper, we analyze the imaging and computational performance of approximate near-field separable beamforming for high-quality delay-and-sum (DAS) beamforming and for a low-cost, phaserotation-only beamforming method known as direct-sampled in-phase quadrature (DSIQ) beamforming. We show that when high-quality time-delay interpolation is used, separable DAS focusing introduces no noticeable imaging degradation under practical conditions. Similar results for DSIQ focusing are observed. In addition, a slight modification to the DSIQ focusing method greatly increases imaging contrast, making it comparable to that of DAS, despite having a wider main lobe and higher side lobes resulting from the limitations of phase-only time-delay interpolation. Compared with non-separable 2-D imaging, up to a 20-fold increase in frame rate is possible with the separable method. When implemented on a smart-phone-oriented processor to focus data from a 60 × 60 channel array using a 40 × 40 aperture, the frame rate per C-mode volume slice increases from 16 to 255 Hz for DAS, and from 11 to 193 Hz for DSIQ. Energy usage per frame is similarly reduced from 75 to 4.8 mJ/ frame for DAS, and from 107 to 6.3 mJ/frame for DSIQ. We also show that the separable method outperforms 2-D FFT-based focusing by a factor of 1.64 at these data sizes. This data indicates that with the optimal design choices, separable 2-D beamforming can significantly improve frame rate and battery life for hand-held devices with 2-D arrays. PMID:22828829

Formation of porous crystals via viscoelastic phase separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsurusawa, Hideyo; Russo, John; Leocmach, Mathieu; Tanaka, Hajime

2017-10-01

Viscoelastic phase separation of colloidal suspensions can be interrupted to form gels either by glass transition or by crystallization. With a new confocal microscopy protocol, we follow the entire kinetics of phase separation, from homogeneous phase to different arrested states. For the first time in experiments, our results unveil a novel crystallization pathway to sponge-like porous crystal structures. In the early stages, we show that nucleation requires a structural reorganization of the liquid phase, called stress-driven ageing. Once nucleation starts, we observe that crystallization follows three different routes: direct crystallization of the liquid phase, the Bergeron process, and Ostwald ripening. Nucleation starts inside the reorganized network, but crystals grow past it by direct condensation of the gas phase on their surface, driving liquid evaporation, and producing a network structure different from the original phase separation pattern. We argue that similar crystal-gel states can be formed in monatomic and molecular systems if the liquid phase is slow enough to induce viscoelastic phase separation, but fast enough to prevent immediate vitrification. This provides a novel pathway to form nanoporous crystals of metals and semiconductors without dealloying, which may be important for catalytic, optical, sensing, and filtration applications.

Low-gravity fluid dynamics and transport phenomena. Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics. Vol. 130

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

Koster, J.N.; Sani, R.L.

1990-01-01

Various papers on low-gravity fluid dynamics and transport phenomena are presented. Individual topics addressed include: fluid management in low gravity, nucleate pool boiling in variable gravity, application of energy-stability theory to problems in crystal growth, thermosolutal convection in liquid HgCdTe near the liquidus temperature, capillary surfaces in microgravity, thermohydrodynamic instabilities and capillary flows, interfacial oscillators, effects of gravity jitter on typical fluid science experiments and on natural convection in a vertical cylinder. Also discussed are: double-diffusive convection and its effects under reduced gravity, segregation and convection in dendritic alloys, fluid flow and microstructure development, analysis of convective situations with themore » Soret effect, complex natural convection in low Prandtl number metals, separation physics, phase partitioning in reduced gravity, separation of binary alloys with miscibility gap in the melt, Ostwald ripening in liquids, particle cloud combustion in reduced gravity, opposed-flow flame spread with implications for combustion at microgravity.« less

Fabrication and characterization of microelectromechanical systems-based gas chromatography column with embedded micro-posts for separation of environmental carcinogens.

PubMed

Sun, Jianhai; Cui, Dafu; Chen, Xing; Zhang, Lulu; Cai, Haoyuan; Li, Hui

2013-05-24

In this paper, a micro gas chromatography (μGC) column with embedded micro-posts was developed for increasing overall surface area of the columns which is able to support more of the stationary phase and reducing the effective width of the column, leading to higher separation efficiency. The proposed columns have a higher sample capacity as the overall surface area is about 3 times larger than that of open columns with the same dimensions. In order to achieve an even flow velocity in the channels, the location of the micro-posts in the linear channels and the configuration of curved channels were optimized by numerical simulation. The results have indicated that the proposed column separated 5 environmental carcinogens in less than 50s, achieved a separation efficiency of about 9500plates/m and eluted highly symmetrical Gaussian peaks. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CESR Upgrade: Plans and Recent Performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogers, Joseph T.

1996-05-01

We are now in the second phase of a program to substantially upgrade the luminosity of the CESR e^+ e^- collider by increasing the number of stored bunches. In the first phase, completed in 1995, we progressed from collisions of beams of 7 bunches to beams of 9 trains of two bunches each, achieving a record luminosity of 3.2 × 10^32 cm-2s-1. To avoid unwanted collisions at each side of the interaction point, we electrostatically separate the beams on antisymmetric orbits, with a ± 2.1 mrad crossing angle at the interaction point. For the second phase we have altered the interaction region quadrupole magnets to increase the physical aperture and to reduce the maximum horizontal β in this region. We plan to store 9 trains of 3 bunches in the second phase, and anticipate a luminosity of 6 × 10^32 cm-2s-1. In the third phase installation, to begin in late 1997, we will replace the interaction region quadrupoles with a combination of a permanent magnet quadrupole and superconducting quadrupole pair on each side of the interaction point, which will further reduce the β functions throughout the interaction region and at the interaction point. To accomodate the higher currents we will replace each of the four 5-cell copper RF cavities with a single-cell superconducting cavity. In this phase we expect to achieve a luminosity in excess of 10^33 cm-2s-1 with 9 trains of 5 bunches. Recent development work includes the successful test of a superconducting RF cavity in CESR, installation of low-impedance electrostatic separators, upgrades to the vacuum system, a fast digital transverse feedback system, and new beam diagnostics. Recent studies have revealed the effects of collision at a crossing angle, the behavior of the long range beam-beam interaction at parasitic crossings, and the relationship of the dominant multibunch instability to photoemission in the beam chamber.

Phase separation of self-propelled ballistic particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruss, Isaac R.; Glotzer, Sharon C.

2018-04-01

Self-propelled particles phase-separate into coexisting dense and dilute regions above a critical density. The statistical nature of their stochastic motion lends itself to various theories that predict the onset of phase separation. However, these theories are ill-equipped to describe such behavior when noise becomes negligible. To overcome this limitation, we present a predictive model that relies on two density-dependent timescales: τF, the mean time particles spend between collisions; and τC, the mean lifetime of a collision. We show that only when τF<τC do collisions last long enough to develop a growing cluster and initiate phase separation. Using both analytical calculations and active particle simulations, we measure these timescales and determine the critical density for phase separation in both two and three dimensions.

Suppression of turbulent energy cascade due to phase separation in homogenous binary mixture fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takagi, Youhei; Okamoto, Sachiya

2015-11-01

When a multi-component fluid mixture becomes themophysically unstable state by quenching from well-melting condition, phase separation due to spinodal decomposition occurs, and a self-organized structure is formed. During phase separation, free energy is consumed for the structure formation. In our previous report, the phase separation in homogenous turbulence was numerically simulated and the coarsening process of phase separation was discussed. In this study, we extended our numerical model to a high Schmidt number fluid corresponding to actual polymer solution. The governing equations were continuity, Navier-Stokes, and Chan-Hiliard equations as same as our previous report. The flow filed was an isotropic homogenous turbulence, and the dimensionless parameters in the Chan-Hilliard equation were estimated based on the thermophysical condition of binary mixture. From the numerical results, it was found that turbulent energy cascade was drastically suppressed in the inertial subrange by phase separation for the high Schmidt number flow. By using the identification of turbulent and phase separation structure, we discussed the relation between total energy balance and the structures formation processes. This study is financially supported by the Grand-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) (No. T26820045) from the Ministry of Education, Cul-ture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan.

Temperature-Induced Phase Separation in Molecular Assembly of Nanotubes Comprising Amphiphilic Polypeptide with Poly( N-Ethyl Glycine) in Water by a Hydrophilic-Region Driven Type Mechanism.

PubMed

Hattori, Tetsuya; Itagaki, Toru; Uji, Hirotaka; Kimura, Shunsaku

2018-06-20

Two kinds of amphiphilic polypeptides having different types of hydrophilic polypeptoids, poly(sarcosine)-b-(L-Leu-Aib)6 (ML12) and poly(N-ethyl glycine)-b-(L-Leu-Aib)6 (EL12), were self-assembled via two paths to phase-separated nanotubes. One path was via sticking ML12 nanotubes with EL12 nanotubes, and the other was a preparation from a mixture of ML12 and EL12 in solution. In either case, nanotubes showed temperature-induced phase separation along the long axis, which was observed by two methods of labeling one phase with gold nanoparticles and fluorescence resonance energy transfer between the components. The phase-separation was ascribed to aggregation of poly(N-ethyl glycine) blocks over the cloud point temperature. The addition of 5% trifluoroethanol was needed for the phase separation, because the tight association of the helices in the hydrophobic region should be loosened to allow lateral diffusion of the components to be separated. The phase-separation in molecular assemblies in water based on the hydrophilic-region driven type mechanism therefore requires sophisticated balances of association forces exerting among the hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions of the amphiphilic polypeptoids.

Observations of liquid-liquid phase separation in several types of secondary organic materials free of inorganic salts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, M.; Liu, P.; Martin, S. T.; Bertram, A. K.; Ham, S.

2016-12-01

Particles consisting of secondary organic materials (SOMs) are ubiquitous in the atmosphere. In order to predict the role of these particles in climate, visibility, and atmospheric chemistry, knowledge of the phase states of the particles is required. However, the phase states of the SOMs are still poorly understood. Herein we focused on liquid-liquid phase separation in different types of SOM particles free of inorganic salts produced by the ozonolysis of β-caryophyllene, ozonolysis of limonene, photo-oxidation of isoprene, and photo-oxidation of toluene. Liquid-liquid phase separation was investigated using optical microscopy and SOM particle mass concentrations ranging from 15 µg·m-3 to 7000 µg·m-3. During humidity cycles, liquid-liquid phase separation was observed in β-caryophyllene-derived SOM and limonene-derived SOM particles while no liquid-liquid phase separation was observed in isoprene-derived SOM and toluene-derived SOM particles. Results from the studies will be presented.

Accommodating subject and instrument variations in spectroscopic determinations

DOEpatents

Haas, Michael J [Albuquerque, NM; Rowe, Robert K [Corrales, NM; Thomas, Edward V [Albuquerque, NM

2006-08-29

A method and apparatus for measuring a biological attribute, such as the concentration of an analyte, particularly a blood analyte in tissue such as glucose. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved instrument-tailored or subject-tailored calibration model. In a calibration phase, calibration model data is modified to reduce or eliminate instrument-specific attributes, resulting in a calibration data set modeling intra-instrument or intra-subject variation. In a prediction phase, the prediction process is tailored for each target instrument separately using a minimal number of spectral measurements from each instrument or subject.

Optimizing correlation techniques for improved earthquake location

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schaff, D.P.; Bokelmann, G.H.R.; Ellsworth, W.L.; Zanzerkia, E.; Waldhauser, F.; Beroza, G.C.

2004-01-01

Earthquake location using relative arrival time measurements can lead to dramatically reduced location errors and a view of fault-zone processes with unprecedented detail. There are two principal reasons why this approach reduces location errors. The first is that the use of differenced arrival times to solve for the vector separation of earthquakes removes from the earthquake location problem much of the error due to unmodeled velocity structure. The second reason, on which we focus in this article, is that waveform cross correlation can substantially reduce measurement error. While cross correlation has long been used to determine relative arrival times with subsample precision, we extend correlation measurements to less similar waveforms, and we introduce a general quantitative means to assess when correlation data provide an improvement over catalog phase picks. We apply the technique to local earthquake data from the Calaveras Fault in northern California. Tests for an example streak of 243 earthquakes demonstrate that relative arrival times with normalized cross correlation coefficients as low as ???70%, interevent separation distances as large as to 2 km, and magnitudes up to 3.5 as recorded on the Northern California Seismic Network are more precise than relative arrival times determined from catalog phase data. Also discussed are improvements made to the correlation technique itself. We find that for large time offsets, our implementation of time-domain cross correlation is often more robust and that it recovers more observations than the cross spectral approach. Longer time windows give better results than shorter ones. Finally, we explain how thresholds and empirical weighting functions may be derived to optimize the location procedure for any given region of interest, taking advantage of the respective strengths of diverse correlation and catalog phase data on different length scales.

Distinction of synthetic dl-α-tocopherol from natural vitamin E (d-α-tocopherol) by reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Enhanced selectivity of a polymeric C18 stationary phase at low temperature and/or at high pressure.

PubMed

Yui, Yuko; Miyazaki, Shota; Ma, Yan; Ohira, Masayoshi; Fiehn, Oliver; Ikegami, Tohru; McCalley, David V; Tanaka, Nobuo

2016-06-10

Separation of diastereomers of dl-α-tocopherol was studied by reversed-phase liquid chromatography using three types of stationary phases, polymeric ODS, polymeric C30, and monomeric ODS. Polymeric ODS stationary phase (Inertsil ODS-P, 3mmID, 20cm) was effective for the separation of the isomers created by the presence of three chiral centers on the alkyl chain of synthetic dl-α-tocopherol. Considerable improvement of the separation of isomers was observed on ODS-P phase at high pressure and at low temperature. Complete separation of four pairs of diastereomers was achieved at 12.0°C, 536bar, while three peaks were observed when the separation was carried out either at 12.0°C at low pressure or at 20°C at 488bar. Higher temperature (30.0°C) with the ODS-P phase resulted in only partial separation of the diastereomers even at high pressure. Only slight resolution was observed for the mixture of diastereomers with the C30 stationary phase (Inertsil C30) at 12.0°C and 441bar, although the stationary phase afforded greater resolution for β- and γ-tocopherol than ODS-P. A monomeric C18 stationary phase did not show any separation at 12.0°C and 463bar. The results suggest that the binding site of the polymeric ODS-P phase is selective for flexible alkyl chains that provided the longest retention for the natural form, (R,R,R) form, and the enantiomer, (S,S,S) form, of dl-α-tocopherol. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Integral equation theory study on the phase separation in star polymer nanocomposite melts.

PubMed

Zhao, Lei; Li, Yi-Gui; Zhong, Chongli

2007-10-21

The polymer reference interaction site model theory is used to investigate phase separation in star polymer nanocomposite melts. Two kinds of spinodal curves were obtained: classic fluid phase boundary for relatively low nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength and network phase boundary for relatively high nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength. The network phase boundaries are much more sensitive with nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength than the fluid phase boundaries. The interference among the arm number, arm length, and nanoparticle-monomer attraction strength was systematically investigated. When the arm lengths are short, the network phase boundary shows a marked shift toward less miscibility with increasing arm number. When the arm lengths are long enough, the network phase boundaries show opposite trends. There exists a crossover arm number value for star polymer nanocomposite melts, below which the network phase separation is consistent with that of chain polymer nanocomposite melts. However, the network phase separation shows qualitatively different behaviors when the arm number is larger than this value.

DryLab® optimised two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography for differentiation of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine based methamphetamine samples.

PubMed

Andrighetto, Luke M; Stevenson, Paul G; Pearson, James R; Henderson, Luke C; Conlan, Xavier A

2014-11-01

In-silico optimised two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatographic (2D-HPLC) separations of a model methamphetamine seizure sample are described, where an excellent match between simulated and real separations was observed. Targeted separation of model compounds was completed with significantly reduced method development time. This separation was completed in the heart-cutting mode of 2D-HPLC where C18 columns were used in both dimensions taking advantage of the selectivity difference of methanol and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. This method development protocol is most significant when optimising the separation of chemically similar chemical compounds as it eliminates potentially hours of trial and error injections to identify the optimised experimental conditions. After only four screening injections the gradient profile for both 2D-HPLC dimensions could be optimised via simulations, ensuring the baseline resolution of diastereomers (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) in 9.7 min. Depending on which diastereomer is present the potential synthetic pathway can be categorized.

Liquid-liquid phase separation of freely falling undercooled ternary Fe-Cu-Sn alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. L.; Wu, Y. H.; Li, L. H.; Zhai, W.; Zhang, X. M.; Wei, B.

2015-11-01

The active modulation and control of the liquid phase separation for high-temperature metallic systems are still challenging the development of advanced immiscible alloys. Here we present an attempt to manipulate the dynamic process of liquid-liquid phase separation for ternary Fe47.5Cu47.5Sn5 alloy. It was firstly dispersed into numerous droplets with 66 ~ 810 μm diameters and then highly undercooled and rapidly solidified under the containerless microgravity condition inside drop tube. 3-D phase field simulation was performed to explore the kinetic evolution of liquid phase separation. Through regulating the combined effects of undercooling level, phase separation time and Marangoni migration, three types of separation patterns were yielded: monotectic cell, core shell and dispersive structures. The two-layer core-shell morphology proved to be the most stable separation configuration owing to its lowest chemical potential. Whereas the monotectic cell and dispersive microstructures were both thermodynamically metastable transition states because of their highly active energy. The Sn solute partition profiles of Fe-rich core and Cu-rich shell in core-shell structures varied only slightly with cooling rate.

Modifier mass transfer kinetic effect in the performance of solvent gradient simulated moving bed (SG-SMB) process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Câmara, L. D. T.

2015-09-01

The solvent-gradient simulated moving bed process (SG-SMB) is the new tendency in the performance improvement if compared to the traditional isocratic solvent conditions. In such SG-SMB separation process the modulation of the solvent strength leads to significant increase in the purities and productivity followed by reduction in the solvent consumption. A stepwise modelling approach was utilized in the representation of the interconnected chromatographic columns of the system combined with lumped mass transfer models between the solid and liquid phase. The influence of the solvent modifier was considered applying the Abel model which takes into account the effect of modifier volume fraction over the partition coefficient. The modelling and simulations were carried out and compared to the experimental SG-SMB separation of the amino acids phenylalanine and tryptophan. A lumped mass transfer kinetic model was applied for both the modifier (ethanol) as well as the solutes. The simulation results showed that such simple and global mass transfer models are enough to represent all the mass transfer effect between the solid adsorbent and the liquid phase. The separation performance can be improved reducing the interaction or the mass transfer kinetic effect between the solid adsorbent phase and the modifier. The simulations showed great agreement fitting the experimental data of the amino acids concentrations both at the extract as well as at the raffinate.

Comparing the selectivity and chiral separation of d- and l- fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride protected amino acids in analytical high performance liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography; evaluating throughput, economic and environmental impact.

PubMed

Vera, C M; Shock, D; Dennis, G R; Farrell, W; Shalliker, R A

2017-04-14

The chiral separation of d- and l- FMOC amino acids was undertaken using the Lux Cellulose-1 polysaccharide based chiral column in HPLC (normal phase and reverse phase) and SFC conditions. This was done to compare the relative selectivity and separation between the three separation modes and to evaluate the potential benefits of SFC separations with regards to resolution, throughput, economic and environmental impact. It was established that the separation of d- and l- FMOC amino acids in SFC displayed behaviours that were similar to both normal phase and reversed phase, rather than distinctly one or the other. Additionally, although reversed phase conditions yielded significantly higher resolution values between enantiomers across the range of amino acids studied, improvements in selectivity in SFC via the introduction of higher concentrations of formic acid in the mobile phase allowed for better resolution per unit of time. Moreover since the SFC mobile phase is composed mostly of recyclable CO 2 , there is a reduction in organic solvent consumption, which minimises the economic and environmental costs. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Nanoscopy of Phase Separation in InxGa1-xN Alloys.

PubMed

Abate, Yohannes; Seidlitz, Daniel; Fali, Alireza; Gamage, Sampath; Babicheva, Viktoriia; Yakovlev, Vladislav S; Stockman, Mark I; Collazo, Ramon; Alden, Dorian; Dietz, Nikolaus

2016-09-07

Phase separations in ternary/multinary semiconductor alloys is a major challenge that limits optical and electronic internal device efficiency. We have found ubiquitous local phase separation in In1-xGaxN alloys that persists to nanoscale spatial extent by employing high-resolution nanoimaging technique. We lithographically patterned InN/sapphire substrates with nanolayers of In1-xGaxN down to few atomic layers thick that enabled us to calibrate the near-field infrared response of the semiconductor nanolayers as a function of composition and thickness. We also developed an advanced theoretical approach that considers the full geometry of the probe tip and all the sample and substrate layers. Combining experiment and theory, we identified and quantified phase separation in epitaxially grown individual nanoalloys. We found that the scale of the phase separation varies widely from particle to particle ranging from all Ga- to all In-rich regions and covering everything in between. We have found that between 20 and 25% of particles show some level of Ga-rich phase separation over the entire sample region, which is in qualitative agreement with the known phase diagram of In1-xGaxN system.

Energy Efficient Engine exhaust mixer model technology report addendum; phase 3 test program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larkin, M. J.; Blatt, J. R.

1984-01-01

The Phase 3 exhaust mixer test program was conducted to explore the trends established during previous Phases 1 and 2. Combinations of mixer design parameters were tested. Phase 3 testing showed that the best performance achievable within tailpipe length and diameter constraints is 2.55 percent better than an optimized separate flow base line. A reduced penetration design achieved about the same overall performance level at a substantially lower level of excess pressure loss but with a small reduction in mixing. To improve reliability of the data, the hot and cold flow thrust coefficient analysis used in Phases 1 and 2 was augmented by calculating percent mixing from traverse data. Relative change in percent mixing between configurations was determined from thrust and flow coefficient increments. The calculation procedure developed was found to be a useful tool in assessing mixer performance. Detailed flow field data were obtained to facilitate calibration of computer codes.

Low density microcellular foams

DOEpatents

Aubert, J.H.; Clough, R.L.; Curro, J.G.; Quintana, C.A.; Russick, E.M.; Shaw, M.T.

1985-10-02

Low density, microporous polymer foams are provided by a process which comprises forming a solution of polymer and a suitable solvent followed by rapid cooling of the solution to form a phase-separated system and freeze the phase-separated system. The phase-separated system comprises a polymer phase and a solvent phase, each of which is substantially continuous within the other. The morphology of the polymer phase prior to and subsequent to freezing determine the morphology of the resultant foam. Both isotropic and anisotropic foams can be produced. If isotropic foams are produced, the polymer and solvent are tailored such that the solution spontaneously phase-separates prior to the point at which any component freezes. The morphology of the resultant polymer phase determines the morphology of the reusltant foam and the morphology of the polymer phase is retained by cooling the system at a rate sufficient to freeze one or both components of the system before a change in morphology can occur. Anisotropic foams are produced by forming a solution of polymer and solvent that will not phase separate prior to freezing of one or both components of the solution. In such a process, the solvent typically freezes before phase separation occurs. The morphology of the resultant frozen two-phase system determines the morphology of the resultant foam. The process involves subjecting the solution to essentially one-dimensional cooling. Foams having a density of less than 0.1 g/cc and a uniform cell size of less than 10 ..mu..m and a volume such that the foams have a length greater than 1 cm are provided.

Origin of Reversible Photoinduced Phase Separation in Hybrid Perovskites.

PubMed

Bischak, Connor G; Hetherington, Craig L; Wu, Hao; Aloni, Shaul; Ogletree, D Frank; Limmer, David T; Ginsberg, Naomi S

2017-02-08

The distinct physical properties of hybrid organic-inorganic materials can lead to unexpected nonequilibrium phenomena that are difficult to characterize due to the broad range of length and time scales involved. For instance, mixed halide hybrid perovskites are promising materials for optoelectronics, yet bulk measurements suggest the halides reversibly phase separate upon photoexcitation. By combining nanoscale imaging and multiscale modeling, we find that the nature of halide demixing in these materials is distinct from macroscopic phase separation. We propose that the localized strain induced by a single photoexcited charge interacting with the soft, ionic lattice is sufficient to promote halide phase separation and nucleate a light-stabilized, low-bandgap, ∼8 nm iodide-rich cluster. The limited extent of this polaron is essential to promote demixing because by contrast bulk strain would simply be relaxed. Photoinduced phase separation is therefore a consequence of the unique electromechanical properties of this hybrid class of materials. Exploiting photoinduced phase separation and other nonequilibrium phenomena in hybrid materials more generally could expand applications in sensing, switching, memory, and energy storage.

Recent advances in micro-scale and nano-scale high-performance liquid-phase chromatography for proteome research.

PubMed

Tao, Dingyin; Zhang, Lihua; Shan, Yichu; Liang, Zhen; Zhang, Yukui

2011-01-01

High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS) is regarded as one of the most powerful techniques for separation and identification of proteins. Recently, much effort has been made to improve the separation capacity, detection sensitivity, and analysis throughput of micro- and nano-HPLC, by increasing column length, reducing column internal diameter, and using integrated techniques. Development of HPLC columns has also been rapid, as a result of the use of submicrometer packing materials and monolithic columns. All these innovations result in clearly improved performance of micro- and nano-HPLC for proteome research.

Solar fuels generator

DOEpatents

Lewis, Nathan S.; Spurgeon, Joshua M.

2016-10-25

The solar fuels generator includes an ionically conductive separator between a gaseous first phase and a second phase. A photoanode uses one or more components of the first phase to generate cations during operation of the solar fuels generator. A cation conduit is positioned provides a pathway along which the cations travel from the photoanode to the separator. The separator conducts the cations. A second solid cation conduit conducts the cations from the separator to a photocathode.

Separation by solvent extraction

DOEpatents

Holt, Jr., Charles H.

1976-04-06

17. A process for separating fission product values from uranium and plutonium values contained in an aqueous solution, comprising adding an oxidizing agent to said solution to secure uranium and plutonium in their hexavalent state; contacting said aqueous solution with a substantially water-immiscible organic solvent while agitating and maintaining the temperature at from -1.degree. to -2.degree. C. until the major part of the water present is frozen; continuously separating a solid ice phase as it is formed; separating a remaining aqueous liquid phase containing fission product values and a solvent phase containing plutonium and uranium values from each other; melting at least the last obtained part of said ice phase and adding it to said separated liquid phase; and treating the resulting liquid with a new supply of solvent whereby it is practically depleted of uranium and plutonium.

Ordering-separation phase transitions in a Co3V alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ustinovshchikov, Yu. I.

2017-01-01

The microstructure of the Co3V alloy formed by heat treatment at various temperatures is studied by transmission electron microscopy. Two ordering-separation phase transitions are revealed at temperatures of 400-450 and 800°C. At the high-temperature phase separation, the microstructure consists of bcc vanadium particles and an fcc solid solution; at the low-temperature phase separation, the microstructure is cellular. In the ordering range, the microstructure consists of chemical compound Co3V particles chaotically arranged in the solid solution. The structure of the Co3V alloy is shown not to correspond to the structures indicated in the Co-V phase diagram at any temperatures.

The role of the medial caudate nucleus, but not the hippocampus, in a matching-to sample task for a motor response.

PubMed

Kesner, Raymond P; Gilbert, Paul E

2006-04-01

A delayed-match-to-sample task was used to assess memory for motor responses in rats with control, hippocampus, or medial caudate nucleus (MCN) lesions. All testing was conducted on a cheeseboard maze in complete darkness using an infrared camera. A start box was positioned in the centre of the maze facing a randomly determined direction on each trial. On the sample phase, a phosphorescent object was randomly positioned to cover a baited food well in one of five equally spaced positions around the circumference of the maze forming a 180-degree arc 60 cm from the box. The rat had to displace the object to receive food and return to the start box. The box was then rotated to face a different direction. An identical baited phosphorescent object was placed in the same position relative to the start box. A second identical object was positioned to cover a different unbaited well. On the choice phase, the rat must remember the motor response made on the sample phase and make the same motor response on the choice phase to receive a reward. Hippocampus lesioned and control rats improved as a function of increased angle separation used to separate the correct object from the foil (45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees) and matched the performance of controls. However, rats with MCN lesions were impaired across all separations. Results suggest that the MCN, but not the hippocampus, supports working memory and/or a process aimed at reducing interference for motor response selection based on vector angle information.

Liquid-liquid phase separation causes high turbidity and pressure during low pH elution process in Protein A chromatography.

PubMed

Luo, Haibin; Lee, Nacole; Wang, Xiangyang; Li, Yuling; Schmelzer, Albert; Hunter, Alan K; Pabst, Timothy; Wang, William K

2017-03-10

Turbid elution pools and high column back pressure are common during elution of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) by acidic pH in Protein A chromatography. This phenomenon has been historically attributed to acid-induced precipitation of incorrectly folded or pH-sensitive mAbs and host cell proteins (HCPs). In this work, we propose a new mechanism that may account for some observations of elution turbidity in Protein A chromatography. We report several examples of turbidity and high column back pressure occurring transiently under a short course of neutral conditions during Protein A elution. A systematic study of three mAbs displaying this behavior revealed phase separation characterized by liquid drops under certain conditions including neutral pH, low ionic strength, and high protein concentration. These liquid droplets caused solution turbidity and exhibited extremely high viscosity, resulting in high column back pressure. We found out that the droplets were formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) as a result of protein self-association. We also found multiple factors, including pH, temperature, ionic strength, and protein concentration can affect LLPS behaviors. Careful selection of process parameters during protein A elution, including temperature, flow rate, buffer, and salt can inhibit formation of a dense liquid phase, reducing both turbidity (by 90%) and column back pressure (below 20 pounds per square inch). These findings provide both mechanistic insight and practical mitigation strategies for Protein A chromatography induced LLPS. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation of ion clusters in the phase separated structures of neutral-charged polymer blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwon, Ha-Kyung; Olvera de La Cruz, Monica

2015-03-01

Polyelectrolyte blends, consisting of at least one charged species, are promising candidate materials for fuel cell membranes, for their mechanical stability and high selectivity for proton conduction. The phase behavior of the blends is important to understand, as this can significantly affect the performance of the device. The phase behavior is controlled by χN, the Flory-Huggins parameter multiplied by the number of mers, as well as the electrostatic interactions between the charged backbone and the counterions. It has recently been shown that local ionic correlations, incorporated via liquid state (LS) theory, enhance phase separation of the blend, even in the absence of polymer interactions. In this study, we show phase diagrams of neutral-charged polymer blends including ionic correlations via LS theory. In addition to enhanced phase separation at low χN, the blends show liquid-liquid phase separation at high electrostatic interaction strengths. Above the critical strength, the charged polymer phase separates into ion-rich and ion-poor regions, resulting in the formation of ion clusters within the charged polymer phase. This can be shown by the appearance of multiple spinodal and critical points, indicating the coexistence of several charge separated phases. This work was performed under the following financial assistance award 70NANB14H012 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology as part of the Center for Hierarchical Materials Design (CHiMaD).

Experimental investigation of unsteady flows at large incidence angles in a linear oscillating cascade

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buffum, Daniel H.; King, Aaron J.; Capece, Vincent R.; El-Aini, Yehia M.

1996-01-01

The aerodynamics of a cascade of airfoils oscillating in torsion about the midchord is investigated experimentally at a large mean incidence angle and, for reference, at a low mean incidence angle. The airfoil section is representative of a modern, low aspect ratio, fan blade tip section. Time-dependent airfoil surface pressure measurements were made for reduced frequencies up to 0.8 for out-of-phase oscillations at Mach numbers up to 0.8 and chordal incidence angles of 0 deg and 10 deg. For the 10 deg chordal incidence angle, a separation bubble formed at the leading edge of the suction surface. The separated flow field was found to have a dramatic effect on the chordwise distribution of the unsteady pressure. In this region, substantial deviations from the attached flow data were found with the deviations becoming less apparent in the aft region of the airfoil for all reduced frequencies. In particular, near the leading edge the separated flow had a strong destabilizing influence while the attached flow had a strong stabilizing influence.

Oscillating cascade aerodynamics at large mean incidence

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Buffum, Daniel H.; King, Aaron J.; El-Aini, Yehia M.; Capece, Vincent R.

1996-01-01

The aerodynamics of a cascade of airfoils oscillating in torsion about the midchord is investigated experimentally at a large mean incidence angle and, for reference, at a low mean incidence angle. The airfoil section is representative of a modern, low aspect ratio, fan blade tip section. Time-dependent airfoil surface pressure measurements were made for reduced frequencies of up to 1.2 for out-of-phase oscillations at a Mach number of 0.5 and chordal incidence angles of 0 deg and 10 deg; the Reynolds number was 0.9 x l0(exp 6). For the 10 deg chordal incidence angle, a separation bubble formed at the leading edge of the suction surface. The separated flow field was found to have a dramatic effect on the chordwise distribution of the unsteady pressure. In this region, substantial deviations from the attached flow data were found with the deviations becoming less apparent in the aft region of the airfoil for all reduced frequencies. In particular, near the leading edge the separated flow had a strong destabilizing influence while the attached flow had a strong stabilizing influence.

Phase Separation in Solutions of Monoclonal Antibodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benedek, George; Wang, Ying; Lomakin, Aleksey; Latypov, Ramil

2012-02-01

We report the observation of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in a solution of humanized monoclonal antibodies, IgG2, and the effects of human serum albumin, a major blood protein, on this phase separation. We find a significant reduction of phase separation temperature in the presence of albumin, and a preferential partitioning of the albumin into the antibody-rich phase. We provide a general thermodynamic analysis of the antibody-albumin mixture phase diagram and relate its features to the magnitude of the effective inter-protein interactions. Our analysis suggests that additives (HSA in this report), which have moderate attraction with antibody molecules, may be used to forestall undesirable protein condensation in antibody solutions. Our findings are relevant to understanding the stability of pharmaceutical solutions of antibodies and the mechanisms of cryoglobulinemia.

Lo/Ld phase coexistence modulation induced by GM1.

PubMed

Puff, Nicolas; Watanabe, Chiho; Seigneuret, Michel; Angelova, Miglena I; Staneva, Galya

2014-08-01

Lipid rafts are assumed to undergo biologically important size-modulations from nanorafts to microrafts. Due to the complexity of cellular membranes, model systems become important tools, especially for the investigation of the factors affecting "raft-like" Lo domain size and the search for Lo nanodomains as precursors in Lo microdomain formation. Because lipid compositional change is the primary mechanism by which a cell can alter membrane phase behavior, we studied the effect of the ganglioside GM1 concentration on the Lo/Ld lateral phase separation in PC/SM/Chol/GM1 bilayers. GM1 above 1mol % abolishes the formation of the micrometer-scale Lo domains observed in GUVs. However, the apparently homogeneous phase observed in optical microscopy corresponds in fact, within a certain temperature range, to a Lo/Ld lateral phase separation taking place below the optical resolution. This nanoscale phase separation is revealed by fluorescence spectroscopy, including C12NBD-PC self-quenching and Laurdan GP measurements, and is supported by Gaussian spectral decomposition analysis. The temperature of formation of nanoscale Lo phase domains over an Ld phase is determined, and is shifted to higher values when the GM1 content increases. A "morphological" phase diagram could be made, and it displays three regions corresponding respectively to Lo/Ld micrometric phase separation, Lo/Ld nanometric phase separation, and a homogeneous Ld phase. We therefore show that a lipid only-based mechanism is able to control the existence and the sizes of phase-separated membrane domains. GM1 could act on the line tension, "arresting" domain growth and thereby stabilizing Lo nanodomains. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study Of Phase Separation In Glass

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neilson, George F.; Weinberg, Michael C.; Smith, Gary L.

1989-01-01

Report describes an experimental study of effect of hydroxide content on phase separation in soda/silica glasses. Ordinary and gel glasses melted at 1,565 degree C, and melts stirred periodically. "Wet" glasses produced by passing bubbles of N2 saturated with water through melts; "dry" glasses prepared in similar manner, except N2 dried before passage through melts. Analyses of compositions of glasses performed by atomic-absorption and index-of-refraction measurements. Authors conclude hydroxide speeds up phase separation, regardless of method (gel or ordinary) by which glass prepared. Eventually helps material scientists to find ways to control morphology of phase separation.

Improved Separations of Proteins and Sugar Derivatives Using the Small-Scale Cross-Axis Coil Planet Centrifuge with Locular Multilayer Coiled Columns

PubMed Central

Shinomiya, Kazufusa; Umezawa, Motoki; Seki, Manami; Nitta, Jun; Zaima, Kazumasa; Harikai, Naoki; Ito, Yoichiro

2016-01-01

1) Background Countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is liquid-liquid partition chromatography without using a solid support matrix. This technique requires further improvement of partition efficiency and shortening theseparation time. 2) Methods The locular multilayer coils modified with and without mixer glass beads were developed for the separation of proteins and 4-methylumbelliferyl (MU) sugar derivatives using the small-scale cross-axis coil planet centrifuge. 3) Results Proteins were well separated from each other and the separation was improved at a low flow rate of the mobile phase. On the other hand, 4-MU sugar derivatives were sufficiently resolved with short separation time at a highflow rate of the mobile phase under satisfactory stationary phase retention. 4) Conclusion Effective separations were achieved using the locular multilayer coil for proteins with aqueous-aqueous polymer phase systems and for 4-MU sugar derivatives with organic-aqueous two-phase solvent systems by inserting a glass bead into each locule. PMID:27891507

The Role of RNA in Biological Phase Separations.

PubMed

Fay, Marta M; Anderson, Paul J

2018-05-10

Phase transitions that alter the physical state of ribonucleoprotein particles contribute to the spacial and temporal organization of the densely packed intracellular environment. This allows cells to organize biologically coupled processes as well as respond to environmental stimuli. RNA plays a key role in phase separation events that modulate various aspects of RNA metabolism. Here, we review the role that RNA plays in ribonucleoprotein phase separations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supercritical Fluid Chromatography of Drugs: Parallel Factor Analysis for Column Testing in a Wide Range of Operational Conditions

PubMed Central

Al-Degs, Yahya; Andri, Bertyl; Thiébaut, Didier; Vial, Jérôme

2017-01-01

Retention mechanisms involved in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) are influenced by interdependent parameters (temperature, pressure, chemistry of the mobile phase, and nature of the stationary phase), a complexity which makes the selection of a proper stationary phase for a given separation a challenging step. For the first time in SFC studies, Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) was employed to evaluate the chromatographic behavior of eight different stationary phases in a wide range of chromatographic conditions (temperature, pressure, and gradient elution composition). Design of Experiment was used to optimize experiments involving 14 pharmaceutical compounds present in biological and/or environmental samples and with dissimilar physicochemical properties. The results showed the superiority of PARAFAC for the analysis of the three-way (column × drug × condition) data array over unfolding the multiway array to matrices and performing several classical principal component analyses. Thanks to the PARAFAC components, similarity in columns' function, chromatographic trend of drugs, and correlation between separation conditions could be simply depicted: columns were grouped according to their H-bonding forces, while gradient composition was dominating for condition classification. Also, the number of drugs could be efficiently reduced for columns classification as some of them exhibited a similar behavior, as shown by hierarchical clustering based on PARAFAC components. PMID:28695040

Order and gelation of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions: an overview of some issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gray, Derek G.

2017-12-01

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are polydisperse rod-shaped particles of crystalline cellulose I, typically prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis of natural cellulose fibres to give aqueous colloidal suspensions stabilized by sulfate half-ester groups. Sufficiently dilute suspensions are isotropic fluids, but as the concentration of CNC in water is increased, a critical concentration is reached where a spontaneously ordered phase is observed. The (equilibrium) phase separation of the ordered chiral nematic phase is in competition with a tendency of the CNC suspension to form a gel. Qualitatively, factors that reduce the stability of the CNC suspension favour the onset of gelation. The chiral nematic structure is preserved, at least partially, when the suspension dries. Solid chiral nematic films of cellulose are of interest for their optical and templating properties, but the preparation of the films requires improvement. The processes that govern the formation of solid chiral nematic films from CNC suspensions include phase separation, gelation and also the effects of shear on CNC orientation during evaporation. Some insight into these processes is provided by polarized light microscopy, which indicates that the relaxation of shear-induced orientation to give a chiral nematic structure may occur via an intermediate twist-bend state. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue `New horizons for cellulose nanotechnology'.

Phase behavior of casein micelles/exocellular polysaccharide mixtures: Experiment and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tuinier, R.; de Kruif, C. G.

1999-05-01

Dispersions of casein micelles and an exocellular polysaccharide (EPS), obtained from Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NIZO B40 EPS, show a phase separation. The phase separation is of the colloidal gas-liquid type. We have determined a phase diagram that describes the separation of skim milk with EPS into a casein-micelle rich phase and an EPS rich phase. We compare the phase diagram with those calculated from theories developed by Vrij, and by Lekkerkerker and co-workers, showing that the experimental phase boundary can be predicted quite well. From dynamic light scattering measurements of the self-diffusion of the casein micelles in the presence of EPS the spinodal could be located and it corresponds with the experimental phase boundary.

Development and application of a specially designed heating system for temperature-programmed high-performance liquid chromatography using subcritical water as the mobile phase.

PubMed

Teutenberg, T; Goetze, H-J; Tuerk, J; Ploeger, J; Kiffmeyer, T K; Schmidt, K G; Kohorst, W gr; Rohe, T; Jansen, H-D; Weber, H

2006-05-05

A specially designed heating system for temperature-programmed HPLC was developed based on experimental measurements of eluent temperature inside a stainless steel capillary using a very thin thermocouple. The heating system can be operated at temperatures up to 225 degrees C and consists of a preheating, a column heating and a cooling unit. Fast cycle times after a temperature gradient can be realized by an internal silicone oil bath which cools down the preheating and column heating unit. Long-term thermal stability of a polybutadiene-coated zirconium dioxide column has been evaluated using a tubular oven in which the column was placed. The packing material was stable after 50h of operation at 185 degrees C. A mixture containing four steroids was separated at ambient conditions using a mobile phase of 25% acetonitrile:75% deionized water and a mobile phase of pure deionized water at 185 degrees C using the specially designed heating system and the PBD column. Analysis time could be drastically reduced from 17 min at ambient conditions and a flow rate of 1 mL/min to only 1.2 min at 185 degrees C and a flow rate of 5 mL/min. At these extreme conditions, no thermal mismatch was observed and peaks were not distorted, thus underlining the performance of the developed heating system. Temperature programming was performed by separating cytostatic and antibiotic drugs with a temperature gradient using only water as the mobile phase. In contrast to an isocratic elution of this mixture at room temperature, overall analysis time could be reduced two-fold from 20 to 10 min.

Confocal Raman Microscopy for in Situ Measurement of Octanol-Water Partitioning within the Pores of Individual C18-Functionalized Chromatographic Particles.

PubMed

Kitt, Jay P; Harris, Joel M

2015-05-19

Octanol-water partitioning is one of the most widely used predictors of hydrophobicity and lipophilicity. Traditional methods for measuring octanol-water partition coefficients (K(ow)), including shake-flasks and generator columns, require hours for equilibration and milliliter quantities of sample solution. These challenges have led to development of smaller-scale methods for measuring K(ow). Recent advances in microfluidics have produced faster and smaller-volume approaches to measuring K(ow). As flowing volumes are reduced, however, separation of water and octanol prior to measurement and detection in small volumes of octanol phase are especially challenging. In this work, we reduce the receiver volume of octanol-water partitioning measurements from current practice by six-orders-of-magnitude, to the femtoliter scale, by using a single octanol-filled reversed-phase, octadecylsilane-modified (C18-silica) chromatographic particle as a collector. The fluid-handling challenges of working in such small volumes are circumvented by eliminating postequilibration phase separation. Partitioning is measured in situ within the pore-confined octanol phase using confocal Raman microscopy, which is capable of detecting and quantifying a wide variety of molecular structures. Equilibration times are fast (less than a minute) because molecular diffusion is efficient over distance scales of micrometers. The demonstrated amount of analyte needed to carry out a measurement is very small, less than 50 fmol, which would be a useful attribute for drug screening applications or testing of small quantities of environmentally sensitive compounds. The method is tested for measurements of pH-dependent octanol-water partitioning of naphthoic acid, and the results are compared to both traditional shake-flask measurements and sorption onto C18-modified silica without octanol present within the pores.

Phase advancing human circadian rhythms with morning bright light, afternoon melatonin, and gradually shifted sleep: can we reduce morning bright light duration?

PubMed Central

Crowley, Stephanie J.; Eastman, Charmane I.

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE Efficient treatments to phase advance human circadian rhythms are needed to attenuate circadian misalignment and the associated negative health outcomes that accompany early morning shift work, early school start times, jet lag, and delayed sleep phase disorder. This study compared three morning bright light exposure patterns from a single light box (to mimic home treatment) in combination with afternoon melatonin. METHODS Fifty adults (27 males) aged 25.9±5.1 years participated. Sleep/dark was advanced 1 hour/day for 3 treatment days. Participants took 0.5 mg melatonin 5 hours before baseline bedtime on treatment day 1, and an hour earlier each treatment day. They were exposed to one of three bright light (~5000 lux) patterns upon waking each morning: four 30-minute exposures separated by 30 minutes of room light (2 h group); four 15-minute exposures separated by 45 minutes of room light (1 h group), and one 30-minute exposure (0.5 h group). Dim light melatonin onsets (DLMOs) before and after treatment determined the phase advance. RESULTS Compared to the 2 h group (phase shift=2.4±0.8 h), smaller phase advance shifts were seen in the 1 h (1.7±0.7 h) and 0.5 h (1.8±0.8 h) groups. The 2-hour pattern produced the largest phase advance; however, the single 30-minute bright light exposure was as effective as 1 hour of bright light spread over 3.25 h, and produced 75% of the phase shift observed with 2 hours of bright light. CONCLUSIONS A 30-minute morning bright light exposure with afternoon melatonin is an efficient treatment to phase advance human circadian rhythms. PMID:25620199

Phase advancing human circadian rhythms with morning bright light, afternoon melatonin, and gradually shifted sleep: can we reduce morning bright-light duration?

PubMed

Crowley, Stephanie J; Eastman, Charmane I

2015-02-01

Efficient treatments to phase-advance human circadian rhythms are needed to attenuate circadian misalignment and the associated negative health outcomes that accompany early-morning shift work, early school start times, jet lag, and delayed sleep phase disorder. This study compared three morning bright-light exposure patterns from a single light box (to mimic home treatment) in combination with afternoon melatonin. Fifty adults (27 males) aged 25.9 ± 5.1 years participated. Sleep/dark was advanced 1 h/day for three treatment days. Participants took 0.5 mg of melatonin 5 h before the baseline bedtime on treatment day 1, and an hour earlier each treatment day. They were exposed to one of three bright-light (~5000 lux) patterns upon waking each morning: four 30-min exposures separated by 30 min of room light (2-h group), four 15-min exposures separated by 45 min of room light (1-h group), and one 30-min exposure (0.5-h group). Dim-light melatonin onsets (DLMOs) before and after treatment determined the phase advance. Compared to the 2-h group (phase shift = 2.4 ± 0.8 h), smaller phase-advance shifts were seen in the 1-h (1.7 ± 0.7 h) and 0.5-h (1.8 ± 0.8 h) groups. The 2-h pattern produced the largest phase advance; however, the single 30-min bright-light exposure was as effective as 1 h of bright light spread over 3.25 h, and it produced 75% of the phase shift observed with 2 h of bright light. A 30-min morning bright-light exposure with afternoon melatonin is an efficient treatment to phase-advance human circadian rhythms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Simulations to Predict the Phase Behavior and Structure of Multipolar Colloidal Particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutkowski, David Matthew

Colloidal particles with anisotropic charge distributions can assemble into a number of interesting structures including chains, lattices and micelles that could be useful in biotechnology, optics and electronics. The goal of this work is to understand how the properties of the colloidal particles, such as their charge distribution or shape, affect the selfassembly and phase behavior of collections of such particles. The specific aim of this work is to understand how the separation between a pair of oppositely signed charges affects the phase behavior and structure of assemblies of colloidal particles. To examine these particles, we have used both discontinuous molecular dynamics (DMD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulation techniques. In our first study of colloidal particles with finite charge separation, we simulate systems of 2-D colloidal rods with four possible charge separations. Our simulations show that the charge separation does indeed have a large effect on the phase behavior as can be seen in the phase diagrams we construct for these four systems in the area fraction-reduced temperature plane. The phase diagrams delineate the boundaries between isotropic fluid, string-fluid and percolated fluid for all systems considered. In particular, we find that coarse gel-like structures tend to form at large charge separations while denser aggregates form at small charge separations, suggesting a route to forming low volume gels by focusing on systems with large charge separations. Next we examine systems of circular particles with four embedded charges of alternating sign fixed to a triangular lattice. This system is found to form a limit periodic structure, a theoretical structure with an infinite number of phase transitions, under specific conditions. The limit-periodic structure only forms when the rotation of the particles in the system is restricted to increments of pi/3. When the rotation is restricted to increments of th/6 or the rotation is continuous, related structures form including a striped phase and a phase with nematic order. Neither the distance from the point charges to the center of the particle nor the angle between the charges influences whether the system forms a limit-periodic structure, suggesting that point quadrupoles may also be able to form limit-periodic structures. Results from these simulations will likely aid in the quest to find an experimental realization of a limit-periodic structure. Next we examine the effect of charge separation on the self-assembly of systems of 2-D colloidal particles with off-center extended dipoles. We simulate systems with both small and large charge separations for a set of displacements of the dipole from the particle center. Upon cooling, these particles self-assemble into closed, cyclic structures at large displacements including dimers, triangular shapes and square shapes, and chain-like structures at small displacements. At extremely low temperatures, the cyclic structures form interesting lattices with particles of similar chirality grouped together. Results from this work could aid in the experimental construction of open lattice-like structures that could find use in photonic applications. Finally, we present work in collaboration with Drs. Bhuvnesh Bharti and Orlin Velev in which we investigate how the surface coverage affects the self-assembly of systems of Janus particles coated with both an iron oxide and fatty acid chain layer. We model these particles by decorating a sphere with evenly dispersed points that interact with points on other spheres through square-well interactions. The interactions are designed to mimic specific coverage values for the iron oxide/fatty acid chain layer. Structures similar to those found in experiment form readily in the simulations. The number of clusters formed as a function of surface coverage agrees well with experiment. The aggregation behavior of these novel particles can therefore, be described by a relatively simple model.

Flow-enhanced solution printing of all-polymer solar cells

DOE PAGES

Diao, Ying; Zhou, Yan; Kurosawa, Tadanori; ...

2015-08-12

Morphology control of solution coated solar cell materials presents a key challenge limiting their device performance and commercial viability. Here we present a new concept for controlling phase separation during solution printing using an all-polymer bulk heterojunction solar cell as a model system. The key aspect of our method lies in the design of fluid flow using a microstructured printing blade, on the basis of the hypothesis of flow-induced polymer crystallization. Our flow design resulted in a similar to 90% increase in the donor thin film crystallinity and reduced microphase separated donor and acceptor domain sizes. The improved morphology enhancedmore » all metrics of solar cell device performance across various printing conditions, specifically leading to higher short-circuit current, fill factor, open circuit voltage and significantly reduced device-to-device variation. However, we expect our design concept to have broad applications beyond all-polymer solar cells because of its simplicity and versatility.« less

Flow-enhanced solution printing of all-polymer solar cells

PubMed Central

Diao, Ying; Zhou, Yan; Kurosawa, Tadanori; Shaw, Leo; Wang, Cheng; Park, Steve; Guo, Yikun; Reinspach, Julia A.; Gu, Kevin; Gu, Xiaodan; Tee, Benjamin C. K.; Pang, Changhyun; Yan, Hongping; Zhao, Dahui; Toney, Michael F.; Mannsfeld, Stefan C. B.; Bao, Zhenan

2015-01-01

Morphology control of solution coated solar cell materials presents a key challenge limiting their device performance and commercial viability. Here we present a new concept for controlling phase separation during solution printing using an all-polymer bulk heterojunction solar cell as a model system. The key aspect of our method lies in the design of fluid flow using a microstructured printing blade, on the basis of the hypothesis of flow-induced polymer crystallization. Our flow design resulted in a ∼90% increase in the donor thin film crystallinity and reduced microphase separated donor and acceptor domain sizes. The improved morphology enhanced all metrics of solar cell device performance across various printing conditions, specifically leading to higher short-circuit current, fill factor, open circuit voltage and significantly reduced device-to-device variation. We expect our design concept to have broad applications beyond all-polymer solar cells because of its simplicity and versatility. PMID:26264528

A Physical Model for Three-Phase Compaction in Silicic Magma Reservoirs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huber, Christian; Parmigiani, Andrea

2018-04-01

We develop a model for phase separation in magma reservoirs containing a mixture of silicate melt, crystals, and fluids (exsolved volatiles). The interplay between the three phases controls the dynamics of phase separation and consequently the chemical and physical evolution of magma reservoirs. The model we propose is based on the two-phase damage theory approach of Bercovici et al. (2001, https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JB900430) and Bercovici and Ricard (2003, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-246X.2003.01854.x) because it offers the leverage of considering interface (in the macroscopic limit) between phases that can deform depending on the mechanical work and phase changes taking place locally in the magma. Damage models also offer the advantage that pressure is defined uniquely to each phase and does not need to be equal among phases, which will enable us to consider, in future studies, the large capillary pressure at which fluids are mobilized in mature, crystal-rich, magma bodies. In this first analysis of three-phase compaction, we solve the three-phase compaction equations numerically for a simple 1-D problem where we focus on the effect of fluids on the efficiency of melt-crystal separation considering the competition between viscous and buoyancy stresses only. We contrast three sets of simulations to explore the behavior of three-phase compaction, a melt-crystal reference compaction scenario (two-phase compaction), a three-phase scenario without phase changes, and finally a three-phase scenario with a parameterized second boiling (crystallization-induced exsolution). The simulations show a dramatic difference between two-phase (melt crystals) and three-phase (melt-crystals-exsolved volatiles) compaction-driven phase separation. We find that the presence of a lighter, significantly less viscous fluid hinders melt-crystal separation.

Phenomenological model and phase behavior of saturated and unsaturated lipids and cholesterol.

PubMed

Putzel, G Garbès; Schick, M

2008-11-15

We present a phenomenological theory for the phase behavior of ternary mixtures of cholesterol and saturated and unsaturated lipids, one that describes both liquid and gel phases. It leads to the following description of the mechanism of the phase behavior: In a binary system of the lipids, phase separation occurs when the saturated chains are well ordered, as in the gel phase, simply due to packing effects. In the liquid phase, the saturated ones are not sufficiently well ordered for separation to occur. The addition of cholesterol, however, increases the saturated lipid order to the point that phase separation is once again favorable. Our theory addresses this last mechanism-the means by which cholesterol-mediated ordering of membrane lipids leads to liquid-liquid immiscibility. It produces, for the system above the main chain transition of the saturated lipid, phase diagrams in which there can be liquid-liquid phase separation in the ternary system but not in any of the binary ones, while below that temperature it yields the more common phase diagram in which a gel phase, rich in saturated lipid, appears in addition to the two liquid phases.

Separation of gas from liquid in a two-phase flow system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hayes, L. G.; Elliott, D. G.

1973-01-01

Separation system causes jets which leave two-phase nozzles to impinge on each other, so that liquid from jets tends to coalesce in center of combined jet streams while gas phase is forced to outer periphery. Thus, because liquid coalescence is achieved without resort to separation with solid surfaces, cycle efficiency is improved.

Microscopic origin of the magnetoelectronic phase separation in Sr-doped LaCoO3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Németh, Zoltán; Szabó, András; Knížek, Karel; Sikora, Marcin; Chernikov, Roman; Sas, Norbert; Bogdán, Csilla; Nagy, Dénes Lajos; Vankó, György

2013-07-01

The nanoscopic magnetoelectronic phase separation in doped La1-xSrxCoO3 perovskites was studied with local probes. The phase separation is directly observed by Mössbauer spectroscopy in the studied doping range of 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.25 both at room temperature and in the low-temperature magnetic phase. Extended with current synchrotron-based x-ray spectroscopies, these data help to characterize the volume as well as the local electric and magnetic properties of the distinct phases. A simple model based on a random distribution of the doping Sr ions describes well both the evolution of the separated phases and the variation of the Co spin state. The experiments suggest that Sr doping initiates small droplets and a high degree of doping-driven cobalt spin-state transition, while the Sr-free second phase vanishes rapidly with increasing Sr content.

Cell separations and the demixing of aqueous two phase polymer solutions in microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brooks, Donald E.; Bamberger, Stephan; Harris, J. M.; Van Alstine, James M.

1991-01-01

Partition in phase separated aqueous polymer solutions is a cell separation procedure thought to be adversely influenced by gravity. In preparation for performing cell partitioning experiments in space, and to provide general information concerning the demixing of immiscible liquids in low gravity, a series of phase separated aqueous polymer solutions have been flown on two shuttle flights. Fluorocarbon oil and water emulsions were also flown on the second flight. The aqueous polymer emulsions, which in one g demix largely by sedimentation and convection due to the density differences between the phases, demixed more slowly than on the ground and the final disposition of the phases was determined by the wetting of the container wall by the phases. The demixing behavior and kinetics were influenced by the phase volume ratio, physical properties of the systems and chamber wall interaction. The average domain size increased linearly with time as the systems demixed.

Rationalizing the light-induced phase separation of mixed halide organic–inorganic perovskites

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

Draguta, Sergiu; Sharia, Onise; Yoon, Seog Joon

Mixed halide hybrid perovskites, CH 3NH 3Pb(I 1-xBrx) 3' represent good candidates for lowcost, high efficiency photovoltaic, and light-emitting devices. Their band gaps can be tuned from 1.6 to 2.3 eV, by changing the halide anion identity. Unfortunately, mixed halide perovskites undergo phase separation under illumination. This leads to iodide- and bromide-rich domains along with corresponding changes to the material’s optical/electrical response. Here, using combined spectroscopic measurements and theoretical modeling, we quantitatively rationalize all microscopic processes that occur during phase separation. Our model suggests that the driving force behind phase separation is the bandgap reduction of iodiderich phases. It additionallymore » explains observed non-linear intensity dependencies, as well as self-limited growth of iodide-rich domains. Most importantly, our model reveals that mixed halide perovskites can be stabilized against phase separation by deliberately engineering carrier diffusion lengths and injected carrier densities.« less

Rationalizing the light-induced phase separation of mixed halide organic–inorganic perovskites

DOE PAGES

Draguta, Sergiu; Sharia, Onise; Yoon, Seog Joon; ...

2017-08-04

Mixed halide hybrid perovskites, CH 3NH 3Pb(I 1-xBrx) 3' represent good candidates for lowcost, high efficiency photovoltaic, and light-emitting devices. Their band gaps can be tuned from 1.6 to 2.3 eV, by changing the halide anion identity. Unfortunately, mixed halide perovskites undergo phase separation under illumination. This leads to iodide- and bromide-rich domains along with corresponding changes to the material’s optical/electrical response. Here, using combined spectroscopic measurements and theoretical modeling, we quantitatively rationalize all microscopic processes that occur during phase separation. Our model suggests that the driving force behind phase separation is the bandgap reduction of iodiderich phases. It additionallymore » explains observed non-linear intensity dependencies, as well as self-limited growth of iodide-rich domains. Most importantly, our model reveals that mixed halide perovskites can be stabilized against phase separation by deliberately engineering carrier diffusion lengths and injected carrier densities.« less

Influence of physical properties and operating parameters on hydrodynamics in Centrifugal Partition Chromatography.

PubMed

Adelmann, S; Schembecker, G

2011-08-12

Besides the selection of a suitable biphasic solvent system the separation efficiency in Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) is mainly influenced by the hydrodynamics in the chambers. The flow pattern, the stationary phase retention and the interfacial area for mass transfer strongly depend on physical properties of the solvent system and operating parameters. In order to measure these parameters we visualized the hydrodynamics in a FCPC-chamber for five different solvent systems with an optical measurement system and calculated the stationary phase retention, interfacial area and the distribution of mobile phase thickness in the chamber. Although inclined chambers were used we found that the Coriolis force always deflected the mobile phase towards the chamber wall reducing the interfacial area. This effect increased for systems with low density difference. We also have shown that the stability of phase systems (stationary phase retention) and its tendency to disperse increased for smaller values of the ratio of interfacial tension and density difference. But also the viscosity ratio and the flow pattern itself had a significant effect on retention and dispersion of the mobile phase. As a result operating parameters should be chosen carefully with respect to physical properties for a CPC system. In order to reduce the effect of the Coriolis force CPC devices with greater rotor radius are desirable. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving the luteal phase after ovarian stimulation: reviewing new options.

PubMed

Yding Andersen, C; Vilbour Andersen, K

2014-05-01

The human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) trigger used for final follicular maturation in connection with assisted reproduction treatment combines ovulation induction and early luteal-phase stimulation of the corpora lutea. The use of a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) for final follicular maturation has, however, for the first time allowed a separation of the ovulatory signal from the early luteal-phase support. This has generated new information that may improve the currently employed luteal-phase support. Thus, combined results from a number of randomized controlled trials using the GnRHa trigger suggest an association between the reproductive outcome after IVF treatment and the mid-luteal-phase serum progesterone concentration. It appears that a minimum mid-luteal progesterone threshold of approximately 80-100 nmol/l exists, which, when surpassed, results in reduced early pregnancy loss and an increased live birth rate. Further, the trade off between the HCG bolus and the subsequent risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome has resulted in a trend to reduce the HCG bolus from 10,000 IU to 6500-5000 IU, which augments the HCG/LH deficiency during the early/mid-luteal phase. The mid-luteal HCG/LH shortage results in an altered progesterone profile, showing the highest concentration during the early luteal phase, contrasting with the mid-luteal peak seen in the natural menstrual cycle. Copyright © 2014 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Visualization of entry flow separation for oscillating flow in tubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qiu, Songgang; Simon, Terence W.

1992-01-01

Neutrally buoyant helium-filled soap bubbles with laser illumination are used to document entry flow separation for oscillating flow in tubes. For a symmetric entry case, the size of the separation zone appears to mildly depend on Reynolds number in the acceleration phase, but is roughly Reynolds number independent in the deceleration phase. For the asymmetric entry case, the separation zone was larger and appeared to grow somewhat during the deceleration phase. The separation zones for both entry geometry cases remain relatively small throughout the cycle. This is different from what would be observed in all-laminar, oscillator flows and is probably due to the high turbulence of the flow, particularly during the deceleration phase of the cycle.

[Influence of mobile phase composition on chiral separation of organic selenium racemates].

PubMed

Han, Xiao-qian; Qi, Bang-feng; Dun, Hui-juan; Zhu, Xin-yi; Na, Peng-jun; Jiang, Sheng-xiang; Chen, Li-ren

2002-05-01

The chiral separation of some chiral compounds with similar structure on the cellulose tris (3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase prepared by us was obtained. Ternary mobile phases influencing chiral recognition were investigated. A mode of interaction between the structural character of samples and chiral stationary phase is discussed. The results indicated that the retention and chiral separation of the analytes had a bigger change with minute addition of alcohols or acetonitrile as modifier in n-hexane/2-propanol (80/20, volume ratio) binary mobile phase.

Role of lipid phase separations and membrane hydration in phospholipid vesicle fusion.

PubMed

Hoekstra, D

1982-06-08

The relationship between lipid phase separation and fusion of small unilamellar phosphatidylserine-containing vesicles was investigated. The kinetics of phase separation were monitored by following the increase of self-quenching of the fluorescent phospholipid analogue N-(7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)phosphatidylethanolamine, which occurs when the local concentration of the probe increases upon Ca2+-induced phase separation in phosphatidylserine (PS) bilayers [Hoekstra, D. (1982) Biochemistry 21, 1055-1061]. Fusion was determined by using the resonance energy transfer fusion assay [Struck, D. K., Hoekstra, D., & Pagano, R. E. (1981) Biochemistry 20, 4093-4099], which monitors the mixing of fluorescent lipid donor and acceptor molecules, resulting in an increase in energy transfer efficiency. The results show that in the presence of Ca2+, fusion proceeds much more rapidly (t 1/2 less than 5 s) than the process of phase separation (T 1/2 congruent to 1 min). Mg2+ also induced fusion, albeit at higher concentrations than Ca2+. Mg2+-induced phase separation were not detected, however. Subthreshold concentrations of Ca2+ (0.5 mM) or Mg2+ (2 mM) induced extensive fusion of PS-containing vesicles in poly(ethylene glycol) containing media. This effect did not appear to be a poly(ethylene glycol)-facilitated enhancement of cation binding to the bilayer, and consequently Ca2+-induced phase separation was not observed. The results suggest that macroscopic phase separation may facilitate but does not induced the fusion process and is therefore, not directly involved in the actual fusion mechanism. The fusion experiments performed in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) suggest that the degree of bilayer dehydration and the creation of "point defects" in the bilayer without rigorous structural rearrangements in the membrane are dominant factors in the initial fusion events.

Supercritical fluid chromatographic resolution of water soluble isomeric carboxyl/amine terminated peptides facilitated via mobile phase water and ion pair formation.

PubMed

Patel, M A; Riley, F; Ashraf-Khorassani, M; Taylor, L T

2012-04-13

Both analytical scale and preparative scale packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) have found widespread applicability for chiral separations of multiple polar pharmaceutical candidates. However, SFC is rapidly becoming an achiral technique. More specifically, ion pair SFC is finding greater utility for separation of ionic analytes such as amine salts and organic sulfonates. The key to this success is, in part, the incorporation of additives such as trifluoroacetic acid and ammonium acetate into the mobile phase in association with a wide variety of both bonded silica stationary phases and high purity bare silica. Ion pairing SFC coupled with evaporative light scattering detection and mass spectrometric detection is presented here for the separation of water soluble, uncapped, isomeric peptide pairs that differ in amino acid arrangement. The separation is best achieved on either diol-bonded silica or bare silica with 1-5% (w/w) water as a significant ingredient in the mobile phase. Nitrogenous stationary phases such as 2-ethylpyridine, which had been very successful for the separation of capped peptides failed to yield the desired separation regardless of the mobile phase composition. A HILIC type retention mechanism is postulated for the separation of both isomeric uncapped peptide pairs. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Low density microcellular foams

DOEpatents

Aubert, James H.; Clough, Roger L.; Curro, John G.; Quintana, Carlos A.; Russick, Edward M.; Shaw, Montgomery T.

1987-01-01

Low density, microporous polymer foams are provided by a process which comprises forming a solution of polymer and a suitable solvent followed by rapid cooling of the solution to form a phase-separated system and freeze the phase-separated system. The phase-separated system comprises a polymer phase and a solvent phase, each of which is substantially continuous within the other. The morphology of the polymer phase prior to and subsequent to freezing determine the morphology of the resultant foam. Both isotropic and anisotropic foams can be produced. If isotropic foams are produced, the polymer and solvent are tailored such that the solution spontaneously phase-separates prior to the point at which any component freezes. The morphology of the resultant polymer phase determines the morphology of the resultant foam and the morphology of the polymer phase is retained by cooling the system at a rate sufficient to freeze one or both components of the system before a change in morphology can occur. Anisotropic foams are produced by forming a solution of polymer and solvent that will not phase separate prior to freezing of one or both components of the solution. In such a process, the solvent typically freezes before phase separation occurs. The morphology of the resultant frozen two-phase system determines the morphology of the resultant foam. The process involves subjecting the solution to essentially one-dimensional cooling. Means for subjecting such a solvent to one-dimensional cooling are also provided. Foams having a density of less than 0.1 g/cc and a uniform cell size of less than 10 .mu.m and a volume such that the foams have a length greater than 1 cm are provided.

Elongated phase separation domains in spin-cast polymer blend thin films characterized using a panoramic image.

PubMed

Zhang, Hong; Okamura, Yosuke

2018-02-14

Polymer thin films with micro/nano-structures can be prepared by a solvent evaporation induced phase separation process via spin-casting a polymer blend, where the elongated phase separation domains are always inevitable. The striation defect, as a thickness nonunifomity in spin-cast films, is generally coexistent with the elongated domains. Herein, the morphologies of polymer blend thin films are recorded from the spin-cast center to the edge in a panoramic view. The elongated domains are inclined to appear at the ridge regions of striations with increasing radial distance and align radially, exhibiting a coupling between the phase separation morphology and the striation defect that may exist. We demonstrate that the formation of elongated domains is not attributed to shape deformation, but is accomplished in situ. A possible model to describe the initiation and evolution of the polymer blend phase separation morphology during spin-casting is proposed.

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

Baldini, Maria; Muramatsu, Takaki; Sherafati, Mohammad

Phase separation is a crucial ingredient of the physics of manganites; however, the role of mixed phases in the development of the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) phenomenon still needs to be clarified. In this paper, we report the realization of CMR in a single-valent LaMnO 3 manganite. We found that the insulator-to-metal transition at 32 GPa is well described using the percolation theory. Pressure induces phase separation, and the CMR takes place at the percolation threshold. A large memory effect is observed together with the CMR, suggesting the presence of magnetic clusters. The phase separation scenario is well reproduced, solving amore » model Hamiltonian. Finally, our results demonstrate in a clean way that phase separation is at the origin of CMR in LaMnO 3.« less

Solvent annealing induced phase separation and dewetting in PMMA∕SAN blend film: film thickness and solvent dependence.

PubMed

You, Jichun; Zhang, Shuangshuang; Huang, Gang; Shi, Tongfei; Li, Yongjin

2013-06-28

The competition between "dewetting" and "phase separation" behaviors in polymer blend films attracts significant attention in the last decade. The simultaneous phase separation and dewetting in PMMA∕SAN [poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile)] blend ultrathin films upon solvent annealing have been observed for the first time in our previous work. In this work, film thickness and annealing solvent dependence of phase behaviors in this system has been investigated using atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS). On one hand, both vertical phase separation and dewetting take place upon selective solvent vapor annealing, leading to the formation of droplet∕mimic-film structures with various sizes (depending on original film thickness). On the other hand, the whole blend film dewets the substrate and produces dispersed droplets on the silicon oxide upon common solvent annealing. GISAXS results demonstrate the phase separation in the big dewetted droplets resulted from the thicker film (39.8 nm). In contrast, no period structure is detected in small droplets from the thinner film (5.1 nm and 9.7 nm). This investigation indicates that dewetting and phase separation in PMMA∕SAN blend film upon solvent annealing depend crucially on the film thickness and the atmosphere during annealing.

Gas-Liquid Processing in Microchannels

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

TeGrotenhuis, Ward E.; Stenkamp, Victoria S.; Twitchell, Alvin

Processing gases and liquids together in microchannels having at least one dimension <1 mm has unique advantages for rapid heat and mass transfer. One approach for managing the two phases is to use porous structures as wicks within microchannels to segregate the liquid phase from the gas phase. Gas-liquid processing is accomplished by providing a gas flow path and inducing flow of the liquid phase through or along the wick under an induced pressure gradient. A variety of unit operations are enabled, including phase separation, partial condensation, absorption, desorption, and distillation. Results are reported of an investigation of microchannel phasemore » separation in a transparent, single-channel device. Next, heat exchange is integrated with the microchannel wick approach to create a partial condenser that also separates the condensate. Finally, the scale-up to a multi-channel phase separator is described.« less

Phase separation in solutions of monoclonal antibodies and the effect of human serum albumin

PubMed Central

Wang, Ying; Lomakin, Aleksey; Latypov, Ramil F.; Benedek, George B.

2011-01-01

We report the observation of liquid-liquid phase separation in a solution of human monoclonal antibody, IgG2, and the effects of human serum albumin, a major blood protein, on this phase separation. We find a significant reduction of phase separation temperature in the presence of albumin, and a preferential partitioning of the albumin into the antibody-rich phase. We provide a general thermodynamic analysis of the antibody-albumin mixture phase diagram and relate its features to the magnitude of the effective interprotein interactions. Our analysis suggests that additives (HSA in this report), which have moderate attraction with antibody molecules, may be used to forestall undesirable proetin condensation in antibody solutions. Our findings are relevant to understanding the stability of pharmaceutical solutions of antibodies and the mechanisms of cryoglobulinemia. PMID:21921237

Exploring the dynamics of phase separation in colloid-polymer mixtures with long range attraction.

PubMed

Sabin, Juan; Bailey, Arthur E; Frisken, Barbara J

2016-06-28

We have studied the kinetics of phase separation and gel formation in a low-dispersity colloid - non-adsorbing polymer system with long range attraction using small-angle light scattering. This system exhibits two-phase and three-phase coexistence of gas, liquid and crystal phases when the strength of attraction is between 2 and 4kBT and gel phases when the strength of attraction is increased. For those samples that undergo macroscopic phase separation, whether to gas-crystal, gas-liquid or gas-liquid-crystal coexistence, we observe dynamic scaling of the structure factor and growth of a characteristic length scale that behaves as expected for phase separation in fluids. In samples that gel, the power law associated with the growth of the dominant length scale is not equal to 1/3, but appears to depend mainly on the strength of attraction, decreasing from 1/3 for samples near the coexistence region to 1/27 at 8kBT, over a wide range of colloid and polymer concentrations.

An Object-Oriented Finite Element Framework for Multiphysics Phase Field Simulations

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

Michael R Tonks; Derek R Gaston; Paul C Millett

2012-01-01

The phase field approach is a powerful and popular method for modeling microstructure evolution. In this work, advanced numerical tools are used to create a phase field framework that facilitates rapid model development. This framework, called MARMOT, is based on Idaho National Laboratory's finite element Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment. In MARMOT, the system of phase field partial differential equations (PDEs) are solved simultaneously with PDEs describing additional physics, such as solid mechanics and heat conduction, using the Jacobian-Free Newton Krylov Method. An object-oriented architecture is created by taking advantage of commonalities in phase fields models to facilitate development of newmore » models with very little written code. In addition, MARMOT provides access to mesh and time step adaptivity, reducing the cost for performing simulations with large disparities in both spatial and temporal scales. In this work, phase separation simulations are used to show the numerical performance of MARMOT. Deformation-induced grain growth and void growth simulations are included to demonstrate the muliphysics capability.« less

Hydrogen isotope systematics of phase separation in submarine hydrothermal systems: Experimental calibration and theoretical models

USGS Publications Warehouse

Berndt, M.E.; Seal, R.R.; Shanks, Wayne C.; Seyfried, W.E.

1996-01-01

Hydrogen isotope fractionation factors were measured for coexisting brines and vapors formed by phase separation of NaCl/H2O fluids at temperatures ranging from 399-450??C and pressures from 277-397 bars. It was found that brines are depleted in D compared to coexisting vapors at all conditions studied. The magnitude of hydrogen isotope fractionation is dependent on the relative amounts of Cl in the two phases and can be empirically correlated to pressure using the following relationship: 1000 ln ??(vap-brine) = 2.54(??0.83) + 2.87(??0.69) x log (??P), where ??(vap-brine) is the fractionation factor and ??P is a pressure term representing distance from the critical curve in the NaCl/H2O system. The effect of phase separation on hydrogen isotope distribution in subseafloor hydrothermal systems depends on a number of factors, including whether phase separation is induced by heating at depth or by decompression of hydrothermal fluids ascending to the seafloor. Phase separation in most subseafloor systems appears to be a simple process driven by heating of seawater to conditions within the two-phase region, followed by segregation and entrainment of brine or vapor into a seawater dominated system. Resulting vent fluids exhibit large ranges in Cl concentration with no measurable effect on ??D. Possible exceptions to this include hydrothermal fluids venting at Axial and 9??N on the East Pacific Rise. High ??D values of low Cl fluids venting at Axial are consistent with phase separation taking place at relatively shallow levels in the oceanic crust while negative ??D values in some low Cl fluids venting at 9??N suggest involvement of a magmatic fluid component or phase separation of D-depleted brines derived during previous hydrothermal activity.

Vapor-liquid phase separator studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, S. W. K.; Lee, J. M.; Kim, Y. I.; Hepler, W. A.; Frederking, T. H. K.

1983-01-01

Porous plugs serve as both entropy rejection devices and phase separation components separating the vapor phase on the downstream side from liquid Helium 2 upstream. The liquid upstream is the cryo-reservoir fluid needed for equipment cooling by means of Helium 2, i.e Helium-4 below its lambda temperature in near-saturated states. The topics outlined are characteristic lengths, transport equations and plug results.

Coil planet centrifugation as a means for small particle separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Herrmann, F. T.

1983-01-01

The coil planet centrifuge uses a centrifugal force field to provide separation of particles based on differences in sedimentation rates by flow through a rotating coiled tube. Three main separations are considered: (1) single phase fresh sheep and human erythrocytes, (2) single phase fixed heep and human erythrocytes, and (3) electrophoretically enhanced single phase fresh sheep and human erythrocytes.

Reversed phase liquid chromatography with UV absorbance and flame ionization detection using a water mobile phase and a cyano propyl stationary phase Analysis of alcohols and chlorinated hydrocarbons.

PubMed

Quigley, W W; Ecker, S T; Vahey, P G; Synovec, R E

1999-10-01

The development of liquid chromatography with a commercially available cyano propyl stationary phase and a 100% water mobile phase is reported. Separations were performed at ambient temperature, simplifying instrumental requirements. Excellent separation efficiency using a water mobile phase was achieved, for example N=18 800, or 75 200 m(-1), was obtained for resorcinol, at a retention factor of k'=4.88 (retention time of 9.55 min at 1 ml min(-1) for a 25 cmx4.6 mm i.d. column, packed with 5 mum diameter particles with the cyano propyl stationary phase). A separation via reversed phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) with a 100% water mobile phase of six phenols and related compounds was compared to a separation of the same compounds by traditional RP-LC, using octadecylsilane (ODS), i.e. C18, bound to silica and an aqueous mobile phase modified with acetonitrile. Nearly identical analysis time was achieved for the separation of six phenols and related compounds using the cyano propyl stationary phase with a 100% water mobile phase, as compared to traditional RP-LC requiring a relatively large fraction of organic solvent modifier in the mobile phase (25% acetonitrile:75% water). Additional understanding of the retention mechanism with the 100% water mobile phase was obtained by relating measured retention factors of aliphatic alcohols, phenols and related compounds, and chlorinated hydrocarbons to their octanol:water partition coefficients. The retention mechanism is found to be consistent with a RP-LC mechanism coupled with an additional retention effect due to residual hydroxyl groups on the cyano propyl stationary phase. Advantages due to a 100% water mobile phase for the chemical analysis of alcohol mixtures and chlorinated hydrocarbons are reported. By placing an absorbance detector in-series and preceding a novel drop interface to a flame ionization detector (FID), selective detection of a separated mixture of phenols and related compounds and aliphatic alcohols is achieved. The compound class of aliphatic alcohols is selectively and sensitively detected by the drop interface/FID, and the phenols and related compounds are selectively and sensitively detected by absorbance detection at 200 nm. The separation and detection of chlorinated hydrocarbons in a water sample matrix further illustrated the advantages of this methodology. The sensitivity and selectivity of the FID signal for the chlorinated hydrocarbons are significantly better than absorbance detection, even at 200 nm. This methodology is well suited to continuous and automated monitoring of water samples. The applicability of samples initially in an organic solvent matrix is explored, since an organic sample matrix may effect retention and efficiency. Separations in acetonitrile and isopropyl alcohol sample matrices compared well to separations with a water sample matrix.

Purification of biomaterials by phase partitioning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harris, J. M.

1984-01-01

A technique which is particularly suited to microgravity environments and which is potentially more powerful than electrophoresis is phase partitioning. Phase partitioning is purification by partitioning between the two immiscible aqueous layers formed by solution of the polymers poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran in water. This technique proved to be very useful for separations in one-g but is limited for cells because the cells are more dense than the phase solutions thus tend to sediment to the bottom of the container before reaching equilibrium with the preferred phase. There are three phases to work in this area: synthesis of new polymers for affinity phase partitioning; development of automated apparatus for ground-based separations; and design of apparatus for performing simple phase partitioning space experiments, including examination of mechanisms for separating phases in the absence of gravity.

Continuum theory of phase separation kinetics for active Brownian particles.

PubMed

Stenhammar, Joakim; Tiribocchi, Adriano; Allen, Rosalind J; Marenduzzo, Davide; Cates, Michael E

2013-10-04

Active Brownian particles (ABPs), when subject to purely repulsive interactions, are known to undergo activity-induced phase separation broadly resembling an equilibrium (attraction-induced) gas-liquid coexistence. Here we present an accurate continuum theory for the dynamics of phase-separating ABPs, derived by direct coarse graining, capturing leading-order density gradient terms alongside an effective bulk free energy. Such gradient terms do not obey detailed balance; yet we find coarsening dynamics closely resembling that of equilibrium phase separation. Our continuum theory is numerically compared to large-scale direct simulations of ABPs and accurately accounts for domain growth kinetics, domain topologies, and coexistence densities.

Range Sidelobe Suppression Using Complementary Sets in Distributed Multistatic Radar Networks

PubMed Central

Wang, Xuezhi; Song, Yongping; Huang, Xiaotao; Moran, Bill

2017-01-01

We propose an alternative waveform scheme built on mutually-orthogonal complementary sets for a distributed multistatic radar. Our analysis and simulation show a reduced frequency band requirement for signal separation between antennas with centralized signal processing using the same carrier frequency. While the scheme can tolerate fluctuations of carrier frequencies and phases, range sidelobes arise when carrier frequencies between antennas are significantly different. PMID:29295566

Green chiral HPLC enantiomeric separations using high temperature liquid chromatography and subcritical water on Chiralcel OD and Chiralpak AD.

PubMed

Droux, Serge; Félix, Guy

2011-01-01

We report here the application of subcritical water in chiral separations on two popular polysaccharide chiral stationary phases (CSPs): Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD. The behavior of these two CSPs was studied under reversed phase conditions at room temperature to discover the maximum percentage of water in the mobile phase, which provided the separation of enantiomers of flavanone and benzoin, respectively, in a reasonable time (i.e., less than 1 h). Then, the stability of Chiralpak AD and Chiralcel OD versus temperature was investigated and discussed. Chiralcel OD separation of flavanone racemate was obtained at 120 °C with water and 2-propanol (80/20) as the mobile phase, while benzoin racemate was separated in pure water at 160 °C. Separations of several racemates were also presented, and advantages and limitations of the technique were discussed. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Optimization of the high-performance liquid chromatographic separation of a complex mixture containing urinary steroids, boldenone and bolasterone: application to urine samples.

PubMed

Gonzalo-Lumbreras, R; Izquierdo-Hornillos, R

2000-05-26

An HPLC separation of a complex mixture containing 13 urinary anabolics and corticoids, and boldenone and bolasterone (synthetic anabolics) has been carried out. The applied optimization method involved the use of binary, ternary and quaternary mobile phases containing acetonitrile, methanol or tetrahydrofuran as organic modifiers. The effect of different reversed-phase packings and temperature on the separation was studied. The optimum separation was achieved by using a water-acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) mobile phase in reversed-phase HPLC at 30 degrees C, allowing the separation of all the analytes in about 24 min. Calibration graphs were obtained using bolasterone or methyltestosterone as internal standards. Detection limits were in the range 0.012-0.107 microg ml(-1). The optimized separation was applied to the analysis, after liquid-liquid extraction, of human urine samples spiked with steroids.

Phase separation in the t-J model. [in theory of high-temperature superconductors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emery, V. J.; Lin, H. Q.; Kivelson, S. A.

1990-01-01

A detailed understanding of the motion of 'holes' in an antiferromagnet is of fundamental importance for the theory of high-temperature superconductors. It is shown here that, for the t-J model, dilute holes in an antiferromagnet are unstable against phase separation into a hole-rich and a no-hole phase. When the spin-exchange interaction J exceeds a critical value Jc, the hole-rich phase has no electrons. It is proposed that, for J slightly less than Jc, the hole-rich phase is a low-density superfluid of electron pairs. Phase separation in related models is briefly discussed.

Size exclusion chromatography with superficially porous particles.

PubMed

Schure, Mark R; Moran, Robert E

2017-01-13

A comparison is made using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) of synthetic polymers between fully porous particles (FPPs) and superficially porous particles (SPPs) with similar particle diameters, pore sizes and equal flow rates. Polystyrene molecular weight standards with a mobile phase of tetrahydrofuran are utilized for all measurements conducted with standard HPLC equipment. Although it is traditionally thought that larger pore volume is thermodynamically advantageous in SEC for better separations, SPPs have kinetic advantages and these will be shown to compensate for the loss in pore volume compared to FPPs. The comparison metrics include the elution range (smaller with SPPs), the plate count (larger for SPPs), the rate production of theoretical plates (larger for SPPs) and the specific resolution (larger with FPPs). Advantages to using SPPs for SEC are discussed such that similar separations can be conducted faster using SPPs. SEC using SPPs offers similar peak capacities to that using FPPs but with faster operation. This also suggests that SEC conducted in the second dimension of a two-dimensional liquid chromatograph may benefit with reduced run time and with equivalently reduced peak width making SPPs advantageous for sampling the first dimension by the second dimension separator. Additional advantages are discussed for biomolecules along with a discussion of optimization criteria for size-based separations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trade Study of Five In-Situ Propellant Production System for a Mars Sample Return Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, S. T.; Deffenbaugh, D. M.; Miller, M. A.

1999-01-01

One of the goals of NASA''s HEDS enterprise is to establish a long-term human presence on Mars at a fraction of the cost of employing today''s technology. The most direct method of reducing mission cost is to reduce the launch mass of the spacecraft. If the propellants for the return phase of the mission are produced on Mars, the total spacecraft mass could be reduced significantly. An interim goal is a Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, which is proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of in-situ propellant production (ISPP). Five candidate ISPP systems for producing two fuels and oxygen from the Martian atmosphere are considered in this design trade-off study:(1) Zirconia cell with methanol synthesis, (2) Reverse water gas shift (RWGS) with water electrolysis and methanol synthesis, (3) Sabatier process for methane production with water electrolysis, (4) Sabatier process with water electrolysis and partial methane pyrolysis, and (5) Sabatier/RWGS combination with water electrolysis. These systems have been the subject of numerous previous analytical studies and laboratory demonstrations. In this investigation, the systems are objectively compared on the basis of thermochemical performance models using a commonly used chemical plant analysis software package. The realistic effects of incomplete chemical conversion and gas phase separator performance are included in these models. This study focuses on the chemical processing and product separation subsystems. The CO2 compression upstream of the chemical plane and the liquefaction/storage components are not included here.

Mesoporous anatase TiO{sub 2}/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites: A simple template-free synthesis and their high photocatalytic performance

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

Zhou, Qi; Zhong, Yong-Hui; Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Environmental Detection, Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei 230031

2014-03-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Mesoporous TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles with anatase phase were assembled on reduced graphene oxide via a template-free one-step hydrothermal method. • The TiO{sub 2}/rGO nanocomposites have better adsorption capacity and photocatalytic degradation efficiency for dyes removal. • Improved dye adsorption and photogenerated charge separation are responsible for enhanced activity. - Abstract: Mesoporous anatase phase TiO{sub 2} was assembled on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) using a template-free one-step hydrothermal process. The nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area.more » Morphology of TiO{sub 2} was related to the content of graphene oxide. TiO{sub 2}/rGO nanocomposites exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for the photo-degradation of methyl orange. The degradation rate was 4.5 times greater than that of pure TiO{sub 2} nanoparticles. This difference was attributed to the thin two-dimensional graphene sheet. The graphene sheet had a large surface area, high adsorption capacity, and acted as a good electron acceptor for the transfer of photo-generated electrons from the conduction band of TiO{sub 2}. The enhanced surface adsorption characteristics and excellent charge transport separation were independent properties of the photocatalytic degradation process.« less

Joint water-fat separation and deblurring for spiral imaging.

PubMed

Wang, Dinghui; Zwart, Nicholas R; Pipe, James G

2018-06-01

Most previous approaches to spiral Dixon water-fat imaging perform the water-fat separation and deblurring sequentially based on the assumption that the phase accumulation and blurring as a result of off-resonance are separable. This condition can easily be violated in regions where the B 0 inhomogeneity varies rapidly. The goal of this work is to present a novel joint water-fat separation and deblurring method for spiral imaging. The proposed approach is based on a more accurate signal model that takes into account the phase accumulation and blurring simultaneously. A conjugate gradient method is used in the image domain to reconstruct the deblurred water and fat iteratively. Spatially varying convolutions with a local convergence criterion are used to reduce the computational demand. Both simulation and high-resolution brain imaging have demonstrated that the proposed joint method consistently improves the quality of reconstructed water and fat images compared with the sequential approach, especially in regions where the field inhomogeneity changes rapidly in space. The loss of signal-to-noise-ratio as a result of deblurring is minor at optimal echo times. High-quality water-fat spiral imaging can be achieved with the proposed joint approach, provided that an accurate field map of B 0 inhomogeneity is available. Magn Reson Med 79:3218-3228, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Separation of O/X Polarization Modes on Oblique Ionospheric Soundings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, T. J.; Cervera, M. A.; Pederick, L. H.; Quinn, A. D.

2017-12-01

The oblique-incidence sounder (OIS) is a well-established instrument for determining the state of the ionosphere, with several advantages over vertical-incidence sounders (VIS). However, the processing and interpretation of OIS ionograms is more complicated than that of VIS ionograms. Due to the Earth's magnetic field, the ionosphere is birefringent at radio frequencies and a VIS or OIS will typically see two distinct ionospheric returns, known as the O and X modes. The separation of these two modes on a VIS, using a polarimetric receive antenna, is a well-established technique. However, this process is more complicated on an OIS due to a variable separation in the phase difference between the two modes, as measured between the two arms of a polarimetric antenna. Using a polarimetric antenna that can be rotated and tilted, we show that this variation in phase separation within an ionogram is caused by the variation in incidence angle, with some configurations leading to greater variation in phase separation. We then develop an algorithm for separating O and X modes in oblique ionograms that can account for the variation in phase separation, and we demonstrate successful separation even in relatively difficult cases. The variation in phase separation can also be exploited to estimate the incident elevation, a technique which may be useful for other applications of HF radio.

Centrifugal partition chromatography in a biorefinery context: Separation of monosaccharides from hydrolysed sugar beet pulp.

PubMed

Ward, David P; Cárdenas-Fernández, Max; Hewitson, Peter; Ignatova, Svetlana; Lye, Gary J

2015-09-11

A critical step in the bioprocessing of sustainable biomass feedstocks, such as sugar beet pulp (SBP), is the isolation of the component sugars from the hydrolysed polysaccharides. This facilitates their subsequent conversion into higher value chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. Separation methodologies such as centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) offer an alternative to traditional resin-based chromatographic techniques for multicomponent sugar separations. Highly polar two-phase systems containing ethanol and aqueous ammonium sulphate are examined here for the separation of monosaccharides present in hydrolysed SBP pectin: l-rhamnose, l-arabinose, d-galactose and d-galacturonic acid. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was selected as an effective phase system modifier improving monosaccharide separation. The best phase system identified was ethanol:DMSO:aqueous ammonium sulphate (300gL(-1)) (0.8:0.1:1.8, v:v:v) which enabled separation of the SBP monosaccharides by CPC (200mL column) in ascending mode (upper phase as mobile phase) with a mobile phase flow rate of 8mLmin(-1). A mixture containing all four monosaccharides (1.08g total sugars) in the proportions found in hydrolysed SBP was separated into three main fractions; a pure l-rhamnose fraction (>90%), a mixed l-arabinose/d-galactose fraction and a pure d-galacturonic acid fraction (>90%). The separation took less than 2h demonstrating that CPC is a promising technique for the separation of these sugars with potential for application within an integrated, whole crop biorefinery. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A new VOX technique for reducing noise in voice communication systems. [voice operated keying

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morris, C. F.; Morgan, W. C.; Shack, P. E.

1974-01-01

A VOX technique for reducing noise in voice communication systems is described which is based on the separation of voice signals into contiguous frequency-band components with the aid of an adaptive VOX in each band. It is shown that this processing scheme can effectively reduce both wideband and narrowband quasi-periodic noise since the threshold levels readjust themselves to suppress noise that exceeds speech components in each band. Results are reported for tests of the adaptive VOX, and it is noted that improvements can still be made in such areas as the elimination of noise pulses, phoneme reproduction at high-noise levels, and the elimination of distortion introduced by phase delay.

Analysis of some cytokinins in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography after solid-phase extraction.

PubMed

Ge, Liya; Yong, Jean Wan Hong; Tan, Swee Ngin; Yang, Xin Hao; Ong, Eng Shi

2004-09-03

Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) was developed for the separation of cytokinins including trans-zeatin, trans-zeatin-O-glucoside, dihydrozeatin, dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside, meta-topolin riboside, N6-isopentenyladenine and N6-benzylaminopurine. Under the optimum conditions, i.e. a combination of 10 mM phosphate and 10 mM borate as the running buffer containing 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulphate at pH 10.4, the separation of seven cytokinin standards was accomplished within 11 min. The C18 solid-phase extraction (SPE) method was used to pre-concentrate the putative cytokinins present in the coconut water. Following which, the eluate was further purified using mixed mode Oasis MCX SPE columns and this additional step helps to reduce matrix interference during MECC. After the two solid-phase extraction steps, the optimized MECC method was able to screen for certain cytokinins (zeatin-O-glucoside and dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside) present in coconut water. After this screening, the presence of zeatin-O-glucoside and dihydrozeatin-O-glucoside in coconut water was further confirmed by independent high-performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry experiments.

Evolution of a phase separated gravity independent bioreactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Villeneuve, Peter E.; Dunlop, Eric H.

1992-01-01

The evolution of a phase-separated gravity-independent bioreactor is described. The initial prototype, a zero head-space manifold silicone membrane based reactor, maintained large diffusional resistances. Obtaining oxygen transfer rates needed to support carbon-recycling aerobic microbes is impossible if large resistances are maintained. Next generation designs (Mark I and II) mimic heat exchanger design to promote turbulence at the tubing-liquid interface, thereby reducing liquid and gas side diffusional resistances. While oxygen transfer rates increased by a factor of ten, liquid channeling prevented further increases. To overcome these problems, a Mark III reactor was developed which maintains inverted phases, i.e., media flows inside the silicone tubing, oxygen gas is applied external to the tubing. This enhances design through changes in gas side driving force concentration and liquid side turbulence levels. Combining an applied external pressure of 4 atm with increased Reynolds numbers resulted in oxygen transfer intensities of 232 mmol O2/l per hr (1000 times greater than the first prototype and comparable to a conventional fermenter). A 1.0 liter Mark III reactor can potentially deliver oxygen supplies necessary to support cell cultures needed to recycle a 10-astronaut carbon load continuously.

Chemical state of chromium in sewage sludge ash based phosphorus-fertilisers.

PubMed

Vogel, Christian; Adam, Christian; Kappen, Peter; Schiller, Tara; Lipiec, Ewelina; McNaughton, Don

2014-05-01

Sewage sludge ash (SSA) based P-fertilisers were produced by thermochemical treatment of SSA with Cl-donors at approximately 1000°C. During this thermochemical process heavy metals are separated as heavy metal chlorides via the gas phase. Chromium cannot be separated under normal conditions. The risk of the development of toxic Cr(VI) during the thermochemical process was investigated. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy measurements showed that SSA and thermochemically treated SSA with CaCl2, MgCl2 and NaCl contain Cr(III) compounds only. In contrast, treating SSA with elevated quantities of Na2CO3, to enhance the plant-availability of the phosphate phases of the fertiliser, developed approximately 10-15% Cr(VI). Furthermore, Raman microspectroscopy showed that using Mg-carbonate reduces the risk of a Cr(VI) development during thermochemical treatment. Additionally, leaching tests showed that only a Cr-water solubility>10% is an indicator for Cr(VI) in SSA based P-fertilisers. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oil flow at the scroll compressor discharge: visualization and CFD simulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiu; Hrnjak, Pega

2017-08-01

Oil is important to the compressor but has other side effect on the refrigeration system performance. Discharge valves located in the compressor plenum are the gateway for the oil when leaving the compressor and circulate in the system. The space in between: the compressor discharge plenum has the potential to separate the oil mist and reduce the oil circulation ratio (OCR) in the system. In order to provide information for building incorporated separation feature for the oil flow near the compressor discharge, video processing method is used to quantify the oil droplets movement and distribution. Also, CFD discrete phase model gives the numerical approach to study the oil flow inside compressor plenum. Oil droplet size distributions are given by visualization and simulation and the results show a good agreement. The mass balance and spatial distribution are also discussed and compared with experimental results. The verification shows that discrete phase model has the potential to simulate the oil droplet flow inside the compressor.

Effect of freezing temperature in thermally induced phase separation method in hydroxyapatite/chitosan-based bone scaffold biomaterial

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Albab, Muh Fadhil; Yuwono, Akhmad Herman; Sofyan, Nofrijon; Ramahdita, Ghiska

2017-02-01

In the current study, hydroxyapatite (HA)/chitosan-based bone scaffold has been fabricated using Thermally Induced Phase Separation (TIPS) method under freezing temperature variation of -20, -30, -40 and -80 °C. The samples with weight percent ratio of 70% HA and 30% chitosan were homogeneously mixed and subsequently dissolved in 2% acetic acid. The synthesized samples were further characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), compressive test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The investigation results showed that low freezing temperature reduced the pore size and increased the compressive strength of the scaffold. In the freezing temperature of -20 °C, the pore size was 133.93 µm with the compressive strength of 5.9 KPa, while for -80 °C, the pore size declined to 60.55 µm with the compressive strength 29.8 KPa. Considering the obtained characteristics, HA/chitosan obtained in this work has potential to be applied as a bone scaffold.

Practical comparison of 2.7 microm fused-core silica particles and porous sub-2 microm particles for fast separations in pharmaceutical process development.

PubMed

Abrahim, Ahmed; Al-Sayah, Mohammad; Skrdla, Peter; Bereznitski, Yuri; Chen, Yadan; Wu, Naijun

2010-01-05

Fused-core silica stationary phases represent a key technological advancement in the arena of fast HPLC separations. These phases are made by fusing a 0.5 microm porous silica layer onto 1.7 microm nonporous silica cores. The reduced intra-particle flow path of the fused particles provides superior mass transfer kinetics and better performance at high mobile phase velocities, while the fused-core particles provide lower pressure than sub-2 microm particles. In this work, chromatographic performance of the fused-core particles (Ascentis Express) was investigated and compared to that of sub-2 microm porous particles (1.8 microm Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 and 1.7 microm Acquity BEH C18). Specifically, retention, selectivity, and loading capacity were systematically compared for these two types of columns. Other chromatographic parameters such as efficiency and pressure drop were also studied. Although the fused-core column was found to provide better analyte shape selectivity, both columns had similar hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, total ion-exchange, and acidic ion-exchange selectivities. As expected, the retention factors and sample loading capacity on the fused-core particle column were slightly lower than those for the sub-2 microm particle column. However, the most dramatic observation was that similar efficiency separations to the sub-2 microm particles could be achieved using the fused-core particles, without the expense of high column back pressure. The low pressure of the fused-core column allows fast separations to be performed routinely on a conventional LC system without significant loss in efficiency or resolution. Applications to the HPLC impurity profiling of drug substance candidates were performed using both types of columns to validate this last point.

Air separation and oxygen storage properties of hexagonal rare-earth manganites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abughayada, Castro

This dissertation presents evaluation results of hexagonal Y1-x RxMnO3+delta (R = Er, Y, Dy, Pr, La, Tb and Ho) rare-earth manganites for prospective air separation applications. In these materials, oxygen content is sensitively dependent on the surrounding conditions of temperature and/or oxygen partial pressure, and therefore they exhibit the ability to selectively absorb, store, and release significant amounts of separated oxygen from air. This study presents a full characterization of their thermogravimetric characteristics and air separation capabilities. With the expected potential impact of oxygen content on the physical properties of these materials, the scope of this work is expanded to explore other relevant properties such as magnetic, transport, and dilatometric characteristics. Single-phase polycrystalline samples of these materials were achieved in the hexagonal P63cm phase through solid state reaction at elevated temperatures. Further annealings under reducing conditions were required for samples with large rare-earth cations in order to suppress the competing perovskite structure and form in the anticipated hexagonal phase. Thermogravimetric measurements in oxygen atmospheres demonstrated that samples with the larger R ionic radii show rapid and reversible incorporation of significant amounts of excess oxygen (0.41 > delta > 0) at an unusual low temperature range ~190-325 °C. The reversible oxygen storage characteristics of HoMnO3+delta and related materials shown by the fast incorporation and release of interstitial oxygen at easily accessible elevated temperatures of ~300 °C demonstrate the feasibility and potential for low-cost thermal swing adsorption TSA process for oxygen separation and enrichment from air. Neutron and X-ray powder diffraction measurements confirmed the presence of three line compounds RMnO3+delta, the oxygen stoichiometric P6 3cm (delta = 0 for all R), the intermediate oxygen content superstructure phase R3c (delta ~ 0.28 for R = Ho, Dy, Dy0.5Y0.5, and Dy0.3Y0.7) constructed by tripling the c-axis of the original unit cell, and the highly oxygen-loaded Pca21 phase (delta = 0.40 for all R). In-situ synchrotron diffraction showed thermal stability of these single phases and their coexistence ranges, demonstrating that the stability of the delta = 0.28 phase increases with the ionic size of the R ion. The magnetic properties of the multiferroic RMnO3+delta were found to be dependent on the oxygen content of these compounds. Below the magnetic ordering temperatures, samples with higher oxygen content showed slightly decreased magnetization relative to the less oxygenated ones. Dilatometry measurements suggest that the thermal expansion coefficient TEC of the oxygen-loaded Pca21 phase is slightly larger than that of the stoichiometric P63cm phase. The calculated Pca21 to P63cm chemical expansion coefficient 14.38 x 10-3 [mole-O]-1 was found to be within the expected range for the hexagonal Y0.97La0.03MnO3+delta sample.

Renormalization-group study of superfluidity and phase separation of helium mixtures immersed in a nonrandom aerogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopatnikova, Anna; Nihat Berker, A.

1997-02-01

Superfluidity and phase separation in 3-4He mixtures immersed in a jungle-gym (nonrandom) aerogel are studied by renormalization-group theory. Phase diagrams are calculated for a variety of aerogel concentrations. Superfluidity at very low 4He concentrations and a depressed tricritical temperature are found at the onset of superfluidity. A superfluid-superfluid phase separation, terminating at an isolated critical point, is found entirely within the superfluid phase. These phenomena and trends with respect to aerogel concentration are explained by the connectivity and tenuousness of a jungle-gym aerogel.

Facile synthesis of iron oxides/reduced graphene oxide composites: application for electromagnetic wave absorption at high temperature.

PubMed

Zhang, Lili; Yu, Xinxin; Hu, Hongrui; Li, Yang; Wu, Mingzai; Wang, Zhongzhu; Li, Guang; Sun, Zhaoqi; Chen, Changle

2015-03-19

Iron oxides/reduced graphene oxide composites were synthesized by facile thermochemical reactions of graphite oxide and FeSO4 · 7H2O. By adjusting reaction temperature, α-Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide and Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide composites can be obtained conveniently. Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide sheets were demonstrated to regulate the phase transition from α-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 via γ-Fe2O3, which was reported for the first time. The hydroxyl groups attached on the graphene oxide sheets and H2 gas generated during the annealing of graphene oxide are believed to play an important role during these phase transformations. These samples showed good electromagnetic wave absorption performance due to their electromagnetic complementary effect. These samples possess much better electromagnetic wave absorption properties than the mixture of separately prepared Fe3O4 with rGO, suggesting the crucial role of synthetic method in determining the product properties. Also, these samples perform much better than commercial absorbers. Most importantly, the great stability of these composites is highly advantageous for applications as electromagnetic wave absorption materials at high temperatures.

Facile synthesis of iron oxides/reduced graphene oxide composites: application for electromagnetic wave absorption at high temperature

PubMed Central

Zhang, Lili; Yu, Xinxin; Hu, Hongrui; Li, Yang; Wu, Mingzai; Wang, Zhongzhu; Li, Guang; Sun, Zhaoqi; Chen, Changle

2015-01-01

Iron oxides/reduced graphene oxide composites were synthesized by facile thermochemical reactions of graphite oxide and FeSO4·7H2O. By adjusting reaction temperature, α-Fe2O3/reduced graphene oxide and Fe3O4/reduced graphene oxide composites can be obtained conveniently. Graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide sheets were demonstrated to regulate the phase transition from α-Fe2O3 to Fe3O4 via γ-Fe2O3, which was reported for the first time. The hydroxyl groups attached on the graphene oxide sheets and H2 gas generated during the annealing of graphene oxide are believed to play an important role during these phase transformations. These samples showed good electromagnetic wave absorption performance due to their electromagnetic complementary effect. These samples possess much better electromagnetic wave absorption properties than the mixture of separately prepared Fe3O4 with rGO, suggesting the crucial role of synthetic method in determining the product properties. Also, these samples perform much better than commercial absorbers. Most importantly, the great stability of these composites is highly advantageous for applications as electromagnetic wave absorption materials at high temperatures. PMID:25788158

The influence of atmosphere on the performance of pure-phase WZ and ZB InAs nanowire transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ullah, A. R.; Joyce, H. J.; Tan, H. H.; Jagadish, C.; Micolich, A. P.

2017-11-01

We compare the characteristics of phase-pure MOCVD grown ZB and WZ InAs nanowire transistors in several atmospheres: air, dry pure N2 and O2, and N2 bubbled through liquid H2O and alcohols to identify whether phase-related structural/surface differences affect their response. Both WZ and ZB give poor gate characteristics in dry state. Adsorption of polar species reduces off-current by 2-3 orders of magnitude, increases on-off ratio and significantly reduces sub-threshold slope. The key difference is the greater sensitivity of WZ to low adsorbate level. We attribute this to facet structure and its influence on the separation between conduction electrons and surface adsorption sites. We highlight the important role adsorbed species play in nanowire device characterisation. WZ is commonly thought superior to ZB in InAs nanowire transistors. We show this is an artefact of the moderate humidity found in ambient laboratory conditions: WZ and ZB perform equally poorly in the dry gas limit yet equally well in the wet gas limit. We also highlight the vital role density-lowering disorder has in improving gate characteristics, be it stacking faults in mixed-phase WZ or surface adsorbates in pure-phase nanowires.

Fabrication of PVDF-based blend membrane with a thin hydrophilic deposition layer and a network structure supporting layer via the thermally induced phase separation followed by non-solvent induced phase separation process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhiguo; Cui, Zhenyu; Li, Tianyu; Qin, Shuhao; He, Benqiao; Han, Na; Li, Jianxin

2017-10-01

A simple strategy of thermally induced phase separation followed by non-solvent induced phase separation (TIPS-NIPS) is reported to fabricate poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-based blend membrane. The dissolved poly (styrene-co-maleic anhydride) (SMA) in diluent prevents the crystallization of PVDF during the cooling process and deposites on the established PVDF matrix in the later extraction. Compared with traditional coating technique, this one-step TIPS-NIPS method can not only fabricate a supporting layer with an interconnected network structure even via solid-liquid phase separation of TIPS, but also form a uniform SMA skin layer approximately as thin as 200 nm via surface deposition of NIPS. Besides the better hydrophilicity, what's interesting is that the BSA rejection ratio increases from 48% to 94% with the increase of SMA, which indicates that the separation performance has improved. This strategy can be conveniently extended to the creation of firmly thin layer, surface functionalization and structure controllability of the membrane.

Enriched classification of parafermionic gapped phases with time-reversal symmetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Wen-Tao; Zhang, Guang-Ming

2018-03-01

Based on the recently established parafermionic matrix product states, we study the classification of one-dimensional gapped phases of parafermions with time-reversal (TR) symmetry satisfying T2=1 . Without extra symmetry, it has been found that Zp parafermionic gapped phases can be classified as topological phases, spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) phases, and a trivial phase, which are uniquely labeled by the divisors n of p . In the presence of TR symmetry, however, the enriched classification is characterized by three indices n , κ , and μ , where κ ∈Z2 denotes the linear or projective TR actions on the edges, and μ ∈Z2 indicates the commutation relations between the TR and (fractionalized) charge operator. For the Zr-symmetric parafermionic ground states, where r =p for trivial or topological phases, and r =p /n for SSB phases, each original gapped phase with odd r is divided into two phases, while each phase with even r is further separated into four phases. The gapped parafermionic phases with the TR symmetry include the symmetry protected topological phases, symmetry enriched topological phases, and the SSB coexisting symmetry protected topological phases. From analyzing the structures and symmetries of their reduced density matrices of these resulting topological phases, we can obtain the topologically protected degeneracies of their entanglement spectra.

Preparation and evaluation of a silica-based 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium zwitterionic stationary phase for high-performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Qiu, Hongdeng; Jiang, Qiong; Wei, Zheng; Wang, Xusheng; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2007-09-07

A new zwitterionic stationary phase based on silica bonded with 1-alkyl-3-(propyl-3-sulfonate) imidazolium was synthesized and characterized in this paper. The materials have been confirmed and evaluated by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Potassium and calcium were separated simultaneously with several common inorganic anions including an iodate, chloride, bromide, nitrate and iodide on the phase. The effects of the concentration, organic solvent and pH of the eluent on the separation of anions were studied. Operated in the anion-exchange mode, this new stationary phase shows considerable promise for the separation of anions. Bases, vitamins and three imidazolium ionic liquids with different alkyl chains are also separated successfully on this column. The stationary phase has multiple retention mechanisms, such as anion-exchange, electrostatic attraction and repulsion interactions, and hydrophobic interaction between the zwitterionic stationary phase and specimens.

Molar mass fractionation in aqueous two-phase polymer solutions of dextran and poly(ethylene glycol).

PubMed

Zhao, Ziliang; Li, Qi; Ji, Xiangling; Dimova, Rumiana; Lipowsky, Reinhard; Liu, Yonggang

2016-06-24

Dextran and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in phase separated aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) of these two polymers, with a broad molar mass distribution for dextran and a narrow molar mass distribution for PEG, were separated and quantified by gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Tie lines constructed by GPC method are in excellent agreement with those established by the previously reported approach based on density measurements of the phases. The fractionation of dextran during phase separation of ATPS leads to the redistribution of dextran of different chain lengths between the two phases. The degree of fractionation for dextran decays exponentially as a function of chain length. The average separation parameters, for both dextran and PEG, show a crossover from mean field behavior to Ising model behavior, as the critical point is approached. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Age-dependent effects of neonatal methamphetamine exposure on spatial learning

PubMed Central

Vorhees, Charles V.; Skelton, Matthew R.; Williams, Michael T.

2009-01-01

Neonatal rats exposed to (+)-methamphetamine (MA) display spatial learning and reference memory deficits in the Morris water maze. In separate experiments the emergence and permanence of these effects were determined. Twenty litters were used in each experiment, and two male/female pairs/litter received saline or MA (5 mg/kg four times a day) on postnatal days (P) 11–20. In experiment 1, one MA and one saline pair from each litter began testing on either P30 or P40, whereas in experiment 2, testing began on P180 or P360. Animals received trials in a straight swimming channel and then in the Morris maze (acquisition, reversal, and reduced platform phases). In both experiments, MA-treated groups showed impaired learning in the platform trials and impaired reference memory in the probe trials, which were largely independent of age. The P30 and P40 MA impairments were seen on acquisition and reduced platform trials but not on reversal. In the probe trials, MA effects were seen during all phases. The P180 and P360 MA-induced deficits were seen in all phases of the platform trials. In probe trials, deficits were only seen during the reversal and reduced platform phases. The results demonstrate that neonatal MA treatment induces spatial learning and reference memory deficits that emerge early and persist until at least 1 year of age, suggesting permanence. PMID:17762523

Space cryogenics components based on the thermomechanical effect - Vapor-liquid phase separation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yuan, S. W. K.; Frederking, T. H. K.

1989-01-01

Applications of the thermomechanical effect has been qualified including incorporation in large-scale space systems in the area of vapor-liquid phase separation (VLPS). The theory of the porous-plug phase separator is developed for the limit of a high thermal impedance of the solid-state grains. Extensions of the theory of nonlinear turbulent flow are presented based on experimental results.

Pilot-Scale Demonstration of Pefi's Oxygenated Transportation Fuels Production Technology

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

None

Coal-cleaning processes have been utilized to increase the heating value of coal by extracting ash-forming minerals in the coal. These processes involve the crushing or grinding of raw coal followed by physical separation processes, taking advantage of the density difference between carbonaceous particles and mineral particles. In addition to the desired increase in the heating value of coal, a significant reduction of the sulfur content of the coal fed to a combustion unit is effected by the removal of pyrite and other sulfides found in the mineral matter. WRI is assisting PulseWave to develop an alternate, more efficient method ofmore » liberating and separating the undesirable mineral matter from the carbonaceous matter in coal. The approach is based on PulseWave's patented resonance disintegration technology that reduces that particle size of materials by application of destructive resonance, shock waves, and vortex generating forces. Illinois No.5 coal, a Wyodak coal, and a Pittsburgh No.8 coal were processed using the resonance disintegration apparatus then subjected to conventional density separations. Initial microscopic results indicate that up to 90% of the pyrite could be liberated from the coal in the machine, but limitations in the density separations reduced overall effectiveness of contaminant removal. Approximately 30-80% of the pyritic sulfur and 30-50% of the mercury was removed from the coal. The three coals (both with and without the pyritic phase separated out) were tested in WRI's 250,000 Btu/hr Combustion Test Facility, designed to replicate a coal-fired utility boiler. The flue gases were characterized for elemental, particle bound, and total mercury in addition to sulfur. The results indicated that pre-combustion cleaning could reduce a large fraction of the mercury emissions.« less

Temperature-responsive chromatography for the separation of biomolecules.

PubMed

Kanazawa, Hideko; Okano, Teruo

2011-12-09

Temperature-responsive chromatography for the separation of biomolecules utilizing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and its copolymer-modified stationary phase is performed with an aqueous mobile phase without using organic solvent. The surface properties and function of the stationary phase are controlled by external temperature changes without changing the mobile-phase composition. This analytical system is based on nonspecific adsorption by the reversible transition of a hydrophilic-hydrophobic PNIPAAm-grafted surface. The driving force for retention is hydrophobic interaction between the solute molecules and the hydrophobized polymer chains on the stationary phase surface. The separation of the biomolecules, such as nucleotides and proteins was achieved by a dual temperature- and pH-responsive chromatography system. The electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions could be modulated simultaneously with the temperature in an aqueous mobile phase, thus the separation system would have potential applications in the separation of biomolecules. Additionally, chromatographic matrices prepared by a surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) exhibit a strong interaction with analytes, because the polymerization procedure forms a densely packed polymer, called a polymer brush, on the surfaces. The copolymer brush grafted surfaces prepared by ATRP was an effective tool for separating basic biomolecules by modulating the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. Applications of thermally responsive columns for the separations of biomolecules are reviewed here. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-performance liquid-chromatographic separation of subcomponents of antimycin-A

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abidi, S.L.

1988-01-01

Using a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique, a mixture of antimycins A was separated into eight hitherto unreported subcomponents, Ala, Alb, A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b, A4a, and A4b. Although a base-line resolution of the known four major antimycins Al, A2, A3, and A4 was readily achieved with mobile phases containing acetate buffers, the separation of the new antibiotic subcomponents was highly sensitive to variation in mobile phase conditions. The type and composition of organic modifiers, the nature of buffer salts, and the concentration of added electrolytes had profound effects on capacity factors, separation factors, and peak resolution values. Of the numerous chromatographic systems examined, a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (70:30) and 0.005 M tetrabutylammonium phosphate at pH 3.0 yielded the most satisfactory results for the separation of the subcomponents. Reversed-phase gradient HPLC separation of the dansylated or methylated antibiotic compounds produced superior chromatographic characteristics and the presence of added electrolytes was not a critical factor for achieving separation. Differences in the chromatographic outcome between homologous and structural isomers were interpretated based on a differential solvophobic interaction rationale. Preparative reversed-phase HPLC under optimal conditions enabled isolation of pure samples of the methylated antimycin subcomponents for use in structural studies.

Texas A&M vortex type phase separator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Best, Frederick

2000-01-01

Phase separation is required for regenerative biological and chemical process systems as well as thermal transport and rejection systems. Liquid and gas management requirements for future spacecraft will demand small, passive systems able to operate over wide ranges of inlet qualities. Conservation and recycling of air and water is a necessary part of the construction and operation of the International Space Station as well as future long duration space missions. Space systems are sensitive to volume, mass, and power. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to recycle wastewater with minimal power consumption. Regenerative life support systems currently being investigated require phase separation to separate the liquid from the gas produced. The microgravity phase separator designed and fabricated at Texas A&M University relies on centripetal driven buoyancy forces to form a gas-liquid vortex within a fixed, right-circular cylinder. Two-phase flow is injected tangentially along the inner wall of this cylinder producing a radial acceleration gradient. The gradient produced from the intrinsic momentum of the injected mixture results in a rotating flow that drives the buoyancy process by the production of a hydrostatic pressure gradient. Texas A&M has flown several KC-135 flights with separator. These flights have included scaling studies, stability and transient investigations, and tests for inventory instrumentation. Among the hardware tested have been passive devices for separating mixed vapor/liquid streams into single-phase streams of vapor only and liquid only. .

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

PubMed

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

2015-11-01

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

Effect of Coriolis force on counter-current chromatographic separation by centrifugal partition chromatography.

PubMed

Ikehata, Jun-Ichi; Shinomiya, Kazufusa; Kobayashi, Koji; Ohshima, Hisashi; Kitanaka, Susumu; Ito, Yoichiro

2004-02-06

The effect of Coriolis force on the counter-current chromatographic separation was studied using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) with four different two-phase solvent systems including n-hexane-acetonitrile (ACN); tert-butyl methyl ether (MtBE)-aqueous 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) (1:1); MtBE-ACN-aqueous 0.1% TFA (2:2:3); and 12.5% (w/w) polyethylene glycol (PEG) 1000-12.5% (w/w) dibasic potassium phosphate. Each separation was performed by eluting either the upper phase in the ascending mode or the lower phase in the descending mode, each in clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise column rotation. Better partition efficiencies were attained by the CW rotation in both mobile phases in all the two-phase solvent systems examined. The mathematical analysis also revealed the Coriolis force works favorably under the CW column rotation for both mobile phases. The overall results demonstrated that the Coriolis force produces substantial effects on CPC separation in both organic-aqueous and aqueous-aqueous two-phase systems.

Creating Drug Solubilization Compartments via Phase Separation in Multicomponent Buccal Patches Prepared by Direct Hot Melt Extrusion-Injection Molding.

PubMed

Alhijjaj, Muqdad; Bouman, Jacob; Wellner, Nikolaus; Belton, Peter; Qi, Sheng

2015-12-07

Creating in situ phase separation in solid dispersion based formulations to allow enhanced functionality of the dosage form, such as improving dissolution of poorly soluble model drug as well as being mucoadhesive, can significantly maximize the in vitro and in vivo performance of the dosage form. This formulation strategy can benefit a wide range of solid dosage forms for oral and alternative routes of delivery. This study using buccal patches as an example created separated phases in situ of the buccal patches by selecting the excipients with different miscibility with each other and the model drug. The quaternary dispersion based buccal patches containing PEG, PEO, Tween 80, and felodipine were prepared by direct hot melt extrusion-injection molding (HME-IM). The partial miscibility between Tween 80 and semicrystalline PEG-PEO led to the phase separation after extrusion. The Tween phases acted as drug solubilization compartments, and the PEG-PEO phase had the primary function of providing mucoadhesion and carrier controlled dissolution. As felodipine was preferably solubilized in the amorphous regions of PEG-PEO, the high crystallinity of PEG-PEO resulted in an overall low drug solubilizing capacity. Tween 80 was added to improve the solubilization capacity of the system as the model drug showed good solubility in Tween. Increasing the drug loading led to the supersaturation of drug in Tween compartments and crystalline drug dispersed in PEG-PEO phases. The spatial distribution of these phase-separated compartments was mapped using X-ray micro-CT, which revealed that the domain size and heterogeneity of the phase separation increased with increasing the drug loading. The outcome of this study provides new insights into the applicability of in situ formed phase separation as a formulation strategy for the delivery of poorly soluble drugs and demonstrated the basic principle of excipient selection for such technology.

Photonic Multitasking Interleaved Si Nanoantenna Phased Array.

PubMed

Lin, Dianmin; Holsteen, Aaron L; Maguid, Elhanan; Wetzstein, Gordon; Kik, Pieter G; Hasman, Erez; Brongersma, Mark L

2016-12-14

Metasurfaces provide unprecedented control over light propagation by imparting local, space-variant phase changes on an incident electromagnetic wave. They can improve the performance of conventional optical elements and facilitate the creation of optical components with new functionalities and form factors. Here, we build on knowledge from shared aperture phased array antennas and Si-based gradient metasurfaces to realize various multifunctional metasurfaces capable of achieving multiple distinct functions within a single surface region. As a key point, we demonstrate that interleaving multiple optical elements can be accomplished without reducing the aperture of each subelement. Multifunctional optical elements constructed from Si-based gradient metasurface are realized, including axial and lateral multifocus geometric phase metasurface lenses. We further demonstrate multiwavelength color imaging with a high spatial resolution. Finally, optical imaging functionality with simultaneous color separation has been obtained by using multifunctional metasurfaces, which opens up new opportunities for the field of advanced imaging and display.

Precipitation behavior of AlxCoCrFeNi high entropy alloys under ion irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Tengfei; Xia, Songqin; Liu, Shi; Wang, Chenxu; Liu, Shaoshuai; Fang, Yuan; Zhang, Yong; Xue, Jianming; Yan, Sha; Wang, Yugang

2016-08-01

Materials performance is central to the satisfactory operation of current and future nuclear energy systems due to the severe irradiation environment in reactors. Searching for structural materials with excellent irradiation tolerance is crucial for developing the next generation nuclear reactors. Here, we report the irradiation responses of a novel multi-component alloy system, high entropy alloy (HEA) AlxCoCrFeNi (x = 0.1, 0.75 and 1.5), focusing on their precipitation behavior. It is found that the single phase system, Al0.1CoCrFeNi, exhibits a great phase stability against ion irradiation. No precipitate is observed even at the highest fluence. In contrast, numerous coherent precipitates are present in both multi-phase HEAs. Based on the irradiation-induced/enhanced precipitation theory, the excellent structural stability against precipitation of Al0.1CoCrFeNi is attributed to the high configurational entropy and low atomic diffusion, which reduces the thermodynamic driving force and kinetically restrains the formation of precipitate, respectively. For the multiphase HEAs, the phase separations and formation of ordered phases reduce the system configurational entropy, resulting in the similar precipitation behavior with corresponding binary or ternary conventional alloys. This study demonstrates the structural stability of single-phase HEAs under irradiation and provides important implications for searching for HEAs with higher irradiation tolerance.

Multi-mode application of graphene quantum dots bonded silica stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Wu, Qi; Sun, Yaming; Zhang, Xiaoli; Zhang, Xia; Dong, Shuqing; Qiu, Hongdeng; Wang, Litao; Zhao, Liang

2017-04-07

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which possess hydrophobic, hydrophilic, π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding properties, have great prospect in HPLC. In this study, a novel GQDs bonded silica stationary phase was prepared and applied in multiple separation modes including normal phase, reversed phase and hydrophilic chromatography mode. Alkaloids, nucleosides and nucleobases were chosen as test compounds to evaluate the separation performance of this column in hydrophilic chromatographic mode. The tested polar compounds achieved baseline separation and the resolutions reached 2.32, 4.62, 7.79, 1.68 for thymidine, uridine, adenosine, cytidine and guanosine. This new column showed satisfactory chromatographic performance for anilines, phenols and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in normal and reversed phase mode. Five anilines were completely separated within 10min under the condition of mobile phase containing only 10% methanol. The effect of water content, buffer concentration and pH on chromatographic separation was further investigated, founding that this new stationary phase showed a complex retention mechanism of partitioning, adsorption and electrostatic interaction in hydrophilic chromatography mode, and the multiple retention interactions such as π-π stacking and π-π electron-donor-acceptor interaction played an important role during the separation process. This GQDs bonded column, which allows us to adjust appropriate chromatography mode according to the properties of analytes, has possibility in actual application after further research. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography of homologs of Antimycin-A and related derivatives

USGS Publications Warehouse

Abidi, Sharon L.

1989-01-01

Using a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) technique, a mixture of antimycins A was separated into eight hitherto unreported subcomponents, Ala, Alb, A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b, A4a, and A4b. Although a base-line resolution of the known four major antimycins Al, A2, A3, and A4 was readily achieved with mobile phases containing acetate buffers, the separation of the new antibiotic subcomponents was highly sensitive to variation in mobile phase conditions. The type and composition of organic modifiers, the nature of buffer salts, and the concentration of added electrolytes had profound effects on capacity factors, separation factors, and peak resolution values. Of the numerous chromatographic systems examined, a mobile phase consisting of methanol-water (70:30) and 0.005 M tetrabutylammonium phosphate at pH 3.0 yielded the most satisfactory results for the separation of the subcomponents. Reversed-phase gradient HPLC separation of the dansylated or methylated antibiotic compounds produced superior chromatographic characteristics and the presence of added electrolytes was not a critical factor for achieving separation. Differences in the chromatographic outcome between homologous and structural isomers were interpretated based on a differential solvophobic interaction rationale. Preparative reversed-phase HPLC under optimal conditions enabled isolation of pure samples of the methylated antimycin subcomponents for use in structural studies.

Re-entrant phase behavior for systems with competition between phase separation and self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reinhardt, Aleks; Williamson, Alexander J.; Doye, Jonathan P. K.; Carrete, Jesús; Varela, Luis M.; Louis, Ard A.

2011-03-01

In patchy particle systems where there is a competition between the self-assembly of finite clusters and liquid-vapor phase separation, re-entrant phase behavior can be observed, with the system passing from a monomeric vapor phase to a region of liquid-vapor phase coexistence and then to a vapor phase of clusters as the temperature is decreased at constant density. Here, we present a classical statistical mechanical approach to the determination of the complete phase diagram of such a system. We model the system as a van der Waals fluid, but one where the monomers can assemble into monodisperse clusters that have no attractive interactions with any of the other species. The resulting phase diagrams show a clear region of re-entrance. However, for the most physically reasonable parameter values of the model, this behavior is restricted to a certain range of density, with phase separation still persisting at high densities.

An Ultra-wideband and Polarization-independent Metasurface for RCS Reduction

PubMed Central

Su, Pei; Zhao, Yongjiu; Jia, Shengli; Shi, Wenwen; Wang, Hongli

2016-01-01

In this paper, an ultra-wideband and polarization-independent metasurface for radar cross section (RCS) reduction is proposed. The unit cell of the metasurface operates in a linear cross-polarization scheme in a broad band. The phase and amplitude of cross-polarized reflection can be separately controlled by its geometry and rotation angle. Based on the diffuse reflection theory, a 3-bit coding metasurface is designed to reduce the RCS in an ultra-wide band. The wideband property of the metasurface benefits from the wideband cross polarization conversion and flexible phase modulation. In addition, the polarization-independent feature of the metasurface is achieved by tailoring the rotation angle of each element. Both the simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed metasurface can reduce the RCS significantly in an ultra-wide frequency band for both normal and oblique incidences, which makes it promising in the applications such as electromagnetic cloaking. PMID:26864084

An Ultra-wideband and Polarization-independent Metasurface for RCS Reduction.

PubMed

Su, Pei; Zhao, Yongjiu; Jia, Shengli; Shi, Wenwen; Wang, Hongli

2016-02-11

In this paper, an ultra-wideband and polarization-independent metasurface for radar cross section (RCS) reduction is proposed. The unit cell of the metasurface operates in a linear cross-polarization scheme in a broad band. The phase and amplitude of cross-polarized reflection can be separately controlled by its geometry and rotation angle. Based on the diffuse reflection theory, a 3-bit coding metasurface is designed to reduce the RCS in an ultra-wide band. The wideband property of the metasurface benefits from the wideband cross polarization conversion and flexible phase modulation. In addition, the polarization-independent feature of the metasurface is achieved by tailoring the rotation angle of each element. Both the simulated and measured results demonstrate that the proposed metasurface can reduce the RCS significantly in an ultra-wide frequency band for both normal and oblique incidences, which makes it promising in the applications such as electromagnetic cloaking.

Phase separation of bio-oil produced by co-pyrolysis of corn cobs and polypropylene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Supramono, D.; Julianto; Haqqyana; Setiadi, H.; Nasikin, M.

2017-11-01

In co-pyrolysis of biomass-plastics, bio-oil produced contains both oxygenated and non-oxygenated compounds. High oxygen composition is responsible for instability and low heating value of bio-oil and high acid content for corrosiveness. Aims of the present work are to evaluate possibilities of achieving phase separation between oxygenated and non-oxygenated compounds in bio-oil using a proposed stirred tank reactor and to achieve synergistic effects on bio-oil yield and non-oxygenated compound layer yield. Separation of bio-oil into two layers, i.e. that containing oxygenated compounds (polar phase) and non-oxygenated compounds (non-polar phase) is important to obtain pure non-polar phase ready for the next processing of hydrogenation and used directly as bio-fuel. There has been no research work on co-pyrolysis of biomass-plastic considering possibility of phase separation of bio-oil. The present work is proposing a stirred tank reactor for co-pyrolysis with nitrogen injection, which is capable of tailoring co-pyrolysis conditions leading to low viscosity and viscosity asymmetry, which induce phase separation between polar phase and non-polar phase. The proposed reactor is capable of generating synergistic effect on bio-oil and non-polar yields as the composition of PP in feed is more than 25% weight in which non-polar layers contain only alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes.

Polymerization- and Solvent-Induced Phase Separation in Hydrophilic-rich Dentin Adhesive Mimic

PubMed Central

Abedin, Farhana; Ye, Qiang; Good, Holly J; Parthasarathy, Ranganathan; Spencer, Paulette

2014-01-01

Current dental resin undergoes phase separation into hydrophobic-rich and hydrophilic-rich phases during infiltration of the over-wet demineralized collagen matrix. Such phase separation undermines the integrity and durability of the bond at the composite/tooth interface. This study marks the first time that the polymerization kinetics of model hydrophilic-rich phase of dental adhesive has been determined. Samples were prepared by adding varying water content to neat resins made from 95 and 99wt% hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and 5 and 1wt% (2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl1]-propane (BisGMA) prior to light curing. Viscosity of the formulations decreased with increased water content. The photo-polymerization kinetics study was carried out by time-resolved FTIR spectrum collector. All of the samples exhibited two-stage polymerization behavior which has not been reported previously for dental resin formulation. The lowest secondary rate maxima were observed for water content of 10-30%wt. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed two glass transition temperatures for the hydrophilic-rich phase of dental adhesive. The DSC results indicate that the heterogeneity within the final polymer structure decreased with increased water content. The results suggest a reaction mechanism involving both polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPs) and solvent-induced phase separation (SIPs) for the model hydrophilic-rich phase of dental resin. PMID:24631658

Laser-induced phase separation of silicon carbide

PubMed Central

Choi, Insung; Jeong, Hu Young; Shin, Hyeyoung; Kang, Gyeongwon; Byun, Myunghwan; Kim, Hyungjun; Chitu, Adrian M.; Im, James S.; Ruoff, Rodney S.; Choi, Sung-Yool; Lee, Keon Jae

2016-01-01

Understanding the phase separation mechanism of solid-state binary compounds induced by laser–material interaction is a challenge because of the complexity of the compound materials and short processing times. Here we present xenon chloride excimer laser-induced melt-mediated phase separation and surface reconstruction of single-crystal silicon carbide and study this process by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and a time-resolved reflectance method. A single-pulse laser irradiation triggers melting of the silicon carbide surface, resulting in a phase separation into a disordered carbon layer with partially graphitic domains (∼2.5 nm) and polycrystalline silicon (∼5 nm). Additional pulse irradiations cause sublimation of only the separated silicon element and subsequent transformation of the disordered carbon layer into multilayer graphene. The results demonstrate viability of synthesizing ultra-thin nanomaterials by the decomposition of a binary system. PMID:27901015

Recovery of rare metal compounds from nickel-metal hydride battery waste and their application to CH4 dry reforming catalyst.

PubMed

Kanamori, Tomohiro; Matsuda, Motohide; Miyake, Michihiro

2009-09-30

The recovery of valuable components such as nickel from nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery waste by chemical processes and their applications to CH(4) dry reforming catalysts were investigated. Three types of compound, identified by XRD analysis as NiO, CeO(2) and LaCoO(3) phases, were successfully separated from the waste by a series of chemical processes at room temperature using aqueous solutions of HCl, NaOH and NH(3), and Ni component of approximately 70% in Ni-MH battery waste was recovered. The separated NiO, CeO(2) and LaCoO(3) showed catalytic activities for CH(4) dry reforming. In particular, the separated NiO easily reduced to Ni(0) at an initial stage, and exhibited excellent catalytic activity in terms of CH(4) conversion and stability. Furthermore, it was found that the resulting Ni from separated NiO exhibited an anomalous catalysis from the comparison with that from regent NiO.

Sequence control of phase separation and dewetting in PS/PVME blend thin films by changing molecular weight of PS.

PubMed

Xia, Tian; Qin, Yaping; Huang, Yajiang; Huang, Ting; Xu, Jianhui; Li, Youbing

2016-11-28

The morphology evolution mechanism of polystyrene (PS)/poly (vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) blend thin films with different PS molecular weights (M w ) was studied. It was found that the morphology evolution was closely related to the molecular weight asymmetry between PS and PVME. In the film where M w (PS) ≈ M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the bottom layer and substrate after SD phase separation. While in the film where M w (PS) > M w (PVME), dewetting happened at the interface between the middle PS/PVME blend layer and bottom PVME layer near the substrate prior to phase separation. The different sequences of phase separation and dewetting and different interface for dewetting occurrence were studied by regarding the competitive effects of viscoelasticity contrast between polymer components and preferential wetting between PVME and the substrate. The viscoelastic nature of the PS component played a crucial role in the sequence of phase separation and dewetting.

Tube radial distribution phenomenon with a two-phase separation solution of a fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon organic solvent mixture in a capillary tube and metal compounds separation.

PubMed

Kitaguchi, Koichi; Hanamura, Naoya; Murata, Masaharu; Hashimoto, Masahiko; Tsukagoshi, Kazuhiko

2014-01-01

A fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon organic solvent mixture is known as a temperature-induced phase-separation solution. When a mixed solution of tetradecafluorohexane as a fluorocarbon organic solvent and hexane as a hydrocarbon organic solvent (e.g., 71:29 volume ratio) was delivered in a capillary tube that was controlled at 10°C, the tube radial distribution phenomenon (TRDP) of the solvents was clearly observed through fluorescence images of the dye, perylene, dissolved in the mixed solution. The homogeneous mixed solution (single phase) changed to a heterogeneous solution (two phases) with inner tetradecafluorohexane and outer hexane phases in the tube under laminar flow conditions, generating the dynamic liquid-liquid interface. We also tried to apply TRDP to a separation technique for metal compounds. A model analyte mixture, copper(II) and hematin, was separated through the capillary tube, and detected with a chemiluminescence detector in this order within 4 min.

Formation and Maturation of Phase Separated Liquid Droplets by RNA Binding Proteins

PubMed Central

Lin, Yuan; Protter, David S. W.; Rosen, Michael K.; Parker, Roy

2015-01-01

Eukaryotic cells possess numerous dynamic membrane-less organelles, RNP granules, enriched in RNA and RNA binding proteins containing disordered regions. We demonstrate that the disordered regions of key RNP granule components, and the full-length granule protein hnRNPA1, can phase separate in vitro, producing dynamic liquid droplets. Phase separation is promoted by low salt concentrations or RNA. Over time, the droplets mature to more stable states, as assessed by slowed fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and resistance to salt. Maturation often coincides with formation of fibrous structures. Different disordered domains can co-assemble into phase-separated droplets. These biophysical properties demonstrate a plausible mechanism by which interactions between disordered regions, coupled with RNA binding, could contribute to RNP granule assembly in vivo through promoting phase separation. Progression from dynamic liquids to stable fibers may be regulated to produce cellular structures with diverse physiochemical properties and functions. Misregulation could contribute to diseases involving aberrant RNA granules. PMID:26412307

Dynamics of polymerization induced phase separation in reactive polymer blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jaehyung

Mechanisms and dynamics of phase decomposition following polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) of reactive polymer blends have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. The phenomenon of PIPS is a non-equilibrium and non-linear dynamic process. The mechanism of PIPS has been thought to be a nucleation and growth (NG) type originally, however, newer results indicate spinodal decomposition (SD). In PIPS, the coexistence curve generally passes through the reaction temperature at off-critical compositions, thus phase separation has to be initiated first in the metastable region where nucleation occurs. When the system farther drifts from the metastable to unstable region, the NG structure transforms to the SD bicontinuous morphology. The crossover behavior of PIPS may be called nucleation initiated spinodal decomposition (NISD). The formation of newer domains between the existing ones is responsible for the early stage of PIPS. Since PIPS is non- equilibrium kinetic process, it would not be surprising to discern either or both structures. The phase separation dynamics of DGEBA/CTBN mixtures having various kinds of curing agents from low reactivity to high reactivity and various amount of curing agents were examined at various reaction temperatures. The phase separation behavior was monitored by a quantity of scattered light intensity experimentally and by a quantity of collective structure factor numerically. Prior to the study of phase separation dynamics, a preliminary investigation on the isothermal cure behavior of the mixtures were executed in order to determine reaction kinetics parameters. The cure behavior followed the overall second order reaction kinetics. Next, based on the knowledge obtained from the phase separation dynamics study of DGEBA/CTBN mixtures, the phase separation dynamics of various composition of DGEBA/R45EPI mixtures having MDA as a curing agent were investigated. The phase separation behavior was quite dependent upon the composition variation. R45EPI itself can react with itself or with DGEBA without curing, therefore three-component system was considered in this mixture. For the numerical studies of this three- component mixture, a system that is composed of a reactive component-1 that is miscible with its growing molecules and another reactive component-2 that is not miscible with its growing molecules was considered with crosslinking reaction kinetics of the each component.

Direct visualization of phase separation between superconducting and nematic domains in Co-doped CaFe2As2 close to a first-order phase transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fente, Antón; Correa-Orellana, Alexandre; Böhmer, Anna E.; Kreyssig, Andreas; Ran, S.; Bud'ko, Sergey L.; Canfield, Paul C.; Mompean, Federico J.; García-Hernández, Mar; Munuera, Carmen; Guillamón, Isabel; Suderow, Hermann

2018-01-01

We show that biaxial strain induces alternating tetragonal superconducting and orthorhombic nematic domains in Co-substituted CaFe2As2 . We use atomic force, magnetic force, and scanning tunneling microscopy to identify the domains and characterize their properties, finding in particular that tetragonal superconducting domains are very elongated, more than several tens of micrometers long and about 30 nm wide; have the same Tc as unstrained samples; and hold vortices in a magnetic field. Thus, biaxial strain produces a phase-separated state, where each phase is equivalent to what is found on either side of the first-order phase transition between antiferromagnetic orthorhombic and superconducting tetragonal phases found in unstrained samples when changing Co concentration. Having such alternating superconducting domains separated by normal conducting domains with sizes of the order of the coherence length opens opportunities to build Josephson junction networks or vortex pinning arrays and suggests that first-order quantum phase transitions lead to nanometric-size phase separation under the influence of strain.

Direct visualization of phase separation between superconducting and nematic domains in Co-doped CaFe 2 As 2 close to a first-order phase transition

DOE PAGES

Fente, Antón; Correa-Orellana, Alexandre; Böhmer, Anna E.; ...

2018-01-09

We show that biaxial strain induces alternating tetragonal superconducting and orthorhombic nematic domains in Co substituted CaFe 2As 2. We use Atomic Force, Magnetic Force and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (AFM, MFM and STM) to identify the domains and characterize their properties, nding in particular that tetragonal superconducting domains are very elongated, more than several tens of μm long and about 30 nm wide, have the same Tc than unstrained samples and hold vortices in a magnetic eld. Thus, biaxial strain produces a phase separated state, where each phase is equivalent to what is found at either side of the rstmore » order phase transition between antiferromagnetic orthorhombic and superconducting tetragonal phases found in unstrained samples when changing Co concentration. Having such alternating superconducting domains separated by normal conducting domains with sizes of order of the coherence length opens opportunities to build Josephson junction networks or vortex pinning arrays and suggests that first order quantum phase transitions lead to nanometric size phase separation under the influence of strain.« less

Investigation of foam flotation and phase partitioning techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Currin, B. L.

1985-01-01

The present status of foam flotation as a separation process is evaluated and limitations for cells and proteins are determined. Possible applications of foam flotation to separations in microgravity are discussed. Application of the fluid mechanical aspects of foam separation techniques is made to phase partitioning in order to investigate the viscous drag forces that may effect the partitioning of cells in a two phase poly(ethylene glycol) and dextran system.

Spatial patterning of P granules by RNA-induced phase separation of the intrinsically-disordered protein MEG-3

PubMed Central

Smith, Jarrett; Calidas, Deepika; Schmidt, Helen; Lu, Tu; Rasoloson, Dominique; Seydoux, Geraldine

2016-01-01

RNA granules are non-membrane bound cellular compartments that contain RNA and RNA binding proteins. The molecular mechanisms that regulate the spatial distribution of RNA granules in cells are poorly understood. During polarization of the C. elegans zygote, germline RNA granules, called P granules, assemble preferentially in the posterior cytoplasm. We present evidence that P granule asymmetry depends on RNA-induced phase separation of the granule scaffold MEG-3. MEG-3 is an intrinsically disordered protein that binds and phase separates with RNA in vitro. In vivo, MEG-3 forms a posterior-rich concentration gradient that is anti-correlated with a gradient in the RNA-binding protein MEX-5. MEX-5 is necessary and sufficient to suppress MEG-3 granule formation in vivo, and suppresses RNA-induced MEG-3 phase separation in vitro. Our findings suggest that MEX-5 interferes with MEG-3’s access to RNA, thus locally suppressing MEG-3 phase separation to drive P granule asymmetry. Regulated access to RNA, combined with RNA-induced phase separation of key scaffolding proteins, may be a general mechanism for controlling the formation of RNA granules in space and time. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.21337.001 PMID:27914198

Kernel-Phase Interferometry for Super-Resolution Detection of Faint Companions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Factor, Samuel M.; Kraus, Adam L.

2017-01-01

Direct detection of close in companions (exoplanets or binary systems) is notoriously difficult. While coronagraphs and point spread function (PSF) subtraction can be used to reduce contrast and dig out signals of companions under the PSF, there are still significant limitations in separation and contrast. Non-redundant aperture masking (NRM) interferometry can be used to detect companions well inside the PSF of a diffraction limited image, though the mask discards ˜95% of the light gathered by the telescope and thus the technique is severely flux limited. Kernel-phase analysis applies interferometric techniques similar to NRM to a diffraction limited image utilizing the full aperture. Instead of non-redundant closure-phases, kernel-phases are constructed from a grid of points on the full aperture, simulating a redundant interferometer. I have developed my own faint companion detection pipeline which utilizes an Bayesian analysis of kernel-phases. I have used this pipeline to search for new companions in archival images from HST/NICMOS in order to constrain planet and binary formation models at separations inaccessible to previous techniques. Using this method, it is possible to detect a companion well within the classical λ/D Rayleigh diffraction limit using a fraction of the telescope time as NRM. This technique can easily be applied to archival data as no mask is needed and will thus make the detection of close in companions cheap and simple as no additional observations are needed. Since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be able to perform NRM observations, further development and characterization of kernel-phase analysis will allow efficient use of highly competitive JWST telescope time.

Kernel-Phase Interferometry for Super-Resolution Detection of Faint Companions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Factor, Samuel

2016-10-01

Direct detection of close in companions (binary systems or exoplanets) is notoriously difficult. While chronagraphs and point spread function (PSF) subtraction can be used to reduce contrast and dig out signals of companions under the PSF, there are still significant limitations in separation and contrast. While non-redundant aperture masking (NRM) interferometry can be used to detect companions well inside the PSF of a diffraction limited image, the mask discards 95% of the light gathered by the telescope and thus the technique is severely flux limited. Kernel-phase analysis applies interferometric techniques similar to NRM though utilizing the full aperture. Instead of closure-phases, kernel-phases are constructed from a grid of points on the full aperture, simulating a redundant interferometer. I propose to develop my own faint companion detection pipeline which utilizes an MCMC analysis of kernel-phases. I will search for new companions in archival images from NIC1 and ACS/HRC in order to constrain binary and planet formation models at separations inaccessible to previous techniques. Using this method, it is possible to detect a companion well within the classical l/D Rayleigh diffraction limit using a fraction of the telescope time as NRM. This technique can easily be applied to archival data as no mask is needed and will thus make the detection of close in companions cheap and simple as no additional observations are needed. Since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be able to perform NRM observations, further development and characterization of kernel-phase analysis will allow efficient use of highly competitive JWST telescope time.

Improved chemical and electrochemical stability of perovskite oxides with less reducible cations at the surface

DOE PAGES

Tsvetkov, Nikolai; Lu, Qiyang; Sun, Lixin; ...

2016-06-13

Segregation and phase separation of aliovalent dopants on perovskite oxide (ABO 3 ) surfaces are detrimental to the performance of energy conversion systems such as solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells and catalysts for thermochemical H 2 O and CO 2 splitting. One key reason behind the instability of perovskite oxide surfaces is the electrostatic attraction of the negatively charged A-site dopants (for example, Sr La ') by the positively charged oxygen vacancies (Vmore » $$••\\atop{o}$$) enriched at the surface. Here we show that reducing the surface V $$••\\atop{o}$$ concentration improves the oxygen surface exchange kinetics and stability significantly, albeit contrary to the well-established understanding that surface oxygen vacancies facilitate reactions with O 2 molecules. We take La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3 (LSC) as a model perovskite oxide, and modify its surface with additive cations that are more and less reducible than Co on the B-site of LSC. By using ambient-pressure X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectroscopy, we proved that the dominant role of the less reducible cations is to suppress the enrichment and phase separation of Sr while reducing the concentration of V $$••\\atop{o}$$ and making the LSC more oxidized at its surface. Consequently, we found that these less reducible cations significantly improve stability, with up to 30 times faster oxygen exchange kinetics after 54 h in air at 530 °C achieved by Hf addition onto LSC. Finally, the results revealed a 'volcano' relation between the oxygen exchange kinetics and the oxygen vacancy formation enthalpy of the binary oxides of the additive cations. This volcano relation highlights the existence of an optimum surface oxygen vacancy concentration that balances the gain in oxygen exchange kinetics and the chemical stability loss.« less

Improved chemical and electrochemical stability of perovskite oxides with less reducible cations at the surface

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

Tsvetkov, Nikolai; Lu, Qiyang; Sun, Lixin

Segregation and phase separation of aliovalent dopants on perovskite oxide (ABO 3 ) surfaces are detrimental to the performance of energy conversion systems such as solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells and catalysts for thermochemical H 2 O and CO 2 splitting. One key reason behind the instability of perovskite oxide surfaces is the electrostatic attraction of the negatively charged A-site dopants (for example, Sr La ') by the positively charged oxygen vacancies (Vmore » $$••\\atop{o}$$) enriched at the surface. Here we show that reducing the surface V $$••\\atop{o}$$ concentration improves the oxygen surface exchange kinetics and stability significantly, albeit contrary to the well-established understanding that surface oxygen vacancies facilitate reactions with O 2 molecules. We take La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CoO 3 (LSC) as a model perovskite oxide, and modify its surface with additive cations that are more and less reducible than Co on the B-site of LSC. By using ambient-pressure X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectroscopy, we proved that the dominant role of the less reducible cations is to suppress the enrichment and phase separation of Sr while reducing the concentration of V $$••\\atop{o}$$ and making the LSC more oxidized at its surface. Consequently, we found that these less reducible cations significantly improve stability, with up to 30 times faster oxygen exchange kinetics after 54 h in air at 530 °C achieved by Hf addition onto LSC. Finally, the results revealed a 'volcano' relation between the oxygen exchange kinetics and the oxygen vacancy formation enthalpy of the binary oxides of the additive cations. This volcano relation highlights the existence of an optimum surface oxygen vacancy concentration that balances the gain in oxygen exchange kinetics and the chemical stability loss.« less

Method of separating lignocellulosic material into lignin, cellulose and dissolved sugars

DOEpatents

Black, S.K.; Hames, B.R.; Myers, M.D.

1998-03-24

A method is described for separating lignocellulosic material into (a) lignin, (b) cellulose, and (c) hemicellulose and dissolved sugars. Wood or herbaceous biomass is digested at elevated temperature in a single-phase mixture of alcohol, water and a water-immiscible organic solvent (e.g., a ketone). After digestion, the amount of water or organic solvent is adjusted so that there is phase separation. The lignin is present in the organic solvent, the cellulose is present in a solid pulp phase, and the aqueous phase includes hemicellulose and any dissolved sugars.

Method of separating lignocellulosic material into lignin, cellulose and dissolved sugars

DOEpatents

Black, Stuart K.; Hames, Bonnie R.; Myers, Michele D.

1998-01-01

A method for separating lignocellulosic material into (a) lignin, (b) cellulose, and (c) hemicellulose and dissolved sugars. Wood or herbaceous biomass is digested at elevated temperature in a single-phase mixture of alcohol, water and a water-immiscible organic solvent (e.g., a ketone). After digestion, the amount of water or organic solvent is adjusted so that there is phase separation. The lignin is present in the organic solvent, the cellulose is present in a solid pulp phase, and the aqueous phase includes hemicellulose and any dissolved sugars.

Separation of piracetam derivatives on polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases.

PubMed

Kažoka, H; Koliškina, O; Veinberg, G; Vorona, M

2013-03-15

High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the enantiomeric separation of two chiral piracetam derivatives. The suitability of six commercially available polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) under normal phase mode for direct enantioseparation has been investigated. The influence of the CSPs as well the nature and content of an alcoholic modifier in the mobile phase on separation and elution order was studied. It was established that CSP Lux Amylose-2 shows high chiral recognition ability towards 4-phenylsubstituted piracetam derivatives. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Multichannel homodyne receiver

DOEpatents

Landt, Jeremy A.

1982-01-01

A homodyne radar transmitter/receiver device which produces a single combined output which contains modulated backscatter information for all phase conditions of both modulated and unmodulated backscatter signals. The device utilizes taps along coaxial transmission lines, strip transmission line, and waveguides which are spaced by 1/8 wavelength or 1/6 wavelength, etc. This greatly reduces costs by eliminating separate transmission and reception antennas and an expensive arrangement of power splitters and mixers utilized in the prior art.

Multichannel homodyne receiver

DOEpatents

Landt, J.A.

1981-01-19

A homodyne radar transmitter/receiver device which produces a single combined output which contains modulated backscatter information for all phase conditions of both modulated and unmodulated backscatter signals is described. The device utilizes taps along coaxial transmission lines, strip transmission line, and waveguides which are spaced by 1/8 wavelength or 1/6 wavelength, etc. This greatly reduces costs by eliminating separate transmission and reception antennas and an expensive arrangement of power splitters and mixers utilized in the prior art.

Origin of colossal magnetoresistance in LaMnO 3 manganite

DOE PAGES

Baldini, Maria; Muramatsu, Takaki; Sherafati, Mohammad; ...

2015-08-13

Phase separation is a crucial ingredient of the physics of manganites; however, the role of mixed phases in the development of the colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) phenomenon still needs to be clarified. In this paper, we report the realization of CMR in a single-valent LaMnO 3 manganite. We found that the insulator-to-metal transition at 32 GPa is well described using the percolation theory. Pressure induces phase separation, and the CMR takes place at the percolation threshold. A large memory effect is observed together with the CMR, suggesting the presence of magnetic clusters. The phase separation scenario is well reproduced, solving amore » model Hamiltonian. Finally, our results demonstrate in a clean way that phase separation is at the origin of CMR in LaMnO 3.« less

Cyclohexylamine additives for enhanced peptide separations in reversed phase liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Cole, S R; Dorsey, J G

1997-01-01

While the choice of stationary phase, organic modifier, and gradient strength can have significant effects on biomolecule separations, mobile phase additives can also have a significant effect on the chromatographic selectivity, recovery, efficiency and resolution. Given the importance of stationary phase coverage, the beneficial, silanol-masking properties of amines, and the potential for selectivity modification through ion-pair interactions, cyclohexylamine was examined as a mobile phase additive and compared with triethylamine and trifluoroacetic acid. Greatly improved separation was possible when cyclohexylamine was used as compared with phosphate buffer, and cyclohexylamine did not require purification before use, while triethylamine required distillation before 'clean' chromatograms were obtained.

Renormalization-Group Theory Study of Superfluidity and Phase Separation of Helium Mixtures Immersed in Jungle-Gym Aerogel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lopatnikova, Anna; Berker, A. Nihat

1997-03-01

Superfluidity and phase separation in ^3He-^4He mixtures immersed in jungle-gym (non-random) aerogel are studied by renormalization-group theory.(Phys. Rev. B, in press (1996)) Phase diagrams are calculated for a variety of aerogel concentrations. Superfluidity at very low ^4He concentrations and a depressed tricritical temperature are found at the onset of superfluidity. A superfluid-superfluid phase separation, terminating at an isolated critical point, is found entirely within the superfluid phase. These phenomena, and trends with respect to aerogel concentration, are explained by the connectivity and tenuousness of jungle-gym aerogel.

Renormalization-group study of superfluidity and phase separation of helium mixtures immersed in a nonrandom aerogel

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

Lopatnikova, A.; Berker, A.N.

1997-02-01

Superfluidity and phase separation in {sup 3}He-{sup 4}He mixtures immersed in a jungle-gym (nonrandom) aerogel are studied by renormalization-group theory. Phase diagrams are calculated for a variety of aerogel concentrations. Superfluidity at very low {sup 4}He concentrations and a depressed tricritical temperature are found at the onset of superfluidity. A superfluid-superfluid phase separation, terminating at an isolated critical point, is found entirely within the superfluid phase. These phenomena and trends with respect to aerogel concentration are explained by the connectivity and tenuousness of a jungle-gym aerogel. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}

Phase separation and the formation of cellular bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Bin; Broedersz, Chase P.; Meir, Yigal; Wingreen, Ned S.

Cellular bodies in eukaryotic cells spontaneously assemble to form cellular compartments. Among other functions, these bodies carry out essential biochemical reactions. Cellular bodies form micron-sized structures, which, unlike canonical cell organelles, are not surrounded by membranes. A recent in vitro experiment has shown that phase separation of polymers in solution can explain the formation of cellular bodies. We constructed a lattice-polymer model to capture the essential mechanism leading to this phase separation. We used both analytical and numerical tools to predict the phase diagram of a system of two interacting polymers, including the concentration of each polymer type in the condensed and dilute phase.

Effect of fiber blends, total solids, heat treatment, whey protein concentrate and stage of sugar incorporation on dietary fiber-fortified Kheer.

PubMed

Arora, Simran Kaur; Patel, A A

2017-10-01

Owing to the proven beneficial role of dietary fiber (DF) on human health, feasibility of incorporating commercially available soluble and insoluble DF preparations into rice-milk-pudding ( kheer, a popular Indian delicacy) was studied through process modification. The novel approach of preparing reduced fat DF-fortified- kheer (DFFK) by developing liquid/cream phase and particulate/rice phase separately, and subsequently blending the two was developed. The major processing variables studied were total solids (TS) in the liquid phase, type of fiber blend, flavor-simulation through heat treatment or added whey protein, and the presence of sugar in water for pre-cooking of rice. Reduced fat DFFK made from three different pre-standardized fiber blends was quite acceptable to the sensory panel (overall rating 7.5). With increasing TS in milk up to 16.5%, sensory acceptability of DFFK increased. There was a small but perceivable improvement in the flavour of DFFK when precooking of rice was carried out in sweetened water. Reduced fat DFFK from different fiber blends was found to be reasonably close to conventional kheer . DFFK prepared from Blend-I provided 3.31 g dietary fiber/100 kcal (suitable for the claim "High-in-Fiber") with 38.71% Reduced-Fat. With the developed process of fortification of kheer with DF, it is possible to reduce fat (and thus calories) to cater to the needs of consumers seeking good health.

Krakow conference on low emissions sources: Proceedings

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

Pierce, B.L.; Butcher, T.A.

1995-12-31

The Krakow Conference on Low Emission Sources presented the information produced and analytical tools developed in the first phase of the Krakow Clean Fossil Fuels and Energy Efficiency Program. This phase included: field testing to provide quantitative data on missions and efficiencies as well as on opportunities for building energy conservation; engineering analysis to determine the costs of implementing pollution control; and incentives analysis to identify actions required to create a market for equipment, fuels, and services needed to reduce pollution. Collectively, these Proceedings contain reports that summarize the above phase one information, present the status of energy system managementmore » in Krakow, provide information on financing pollution control projects in Krakow and elsewhere, and highlight the capabilities and technologies of Polish and American companies that are working to reduce pollution from low emission sources. It is intended that the US reader will find in these Proceedings useful results and plans for control of pollution from low emission sources that are representative of heating systems in central and Eastern Europe. Selected papers are indexed separately for inclusion in the Energy Science and Technology Database.« less

The development of a laterally confined laboratory fan delta under sediment supply reduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiaofeng; Wang, Siqiang; Wu, Xi; Xu, Shun; Li, Zhangyong

2016-03-01

In previous fan delta experiments, the effect of lateral confinement was generally ignored as these fans were usually unconfined with semiconical geometries. However, in gorge areas, fan development is usually laterally confined by valley walls. This study investigates autogenic processes of fan deltas in a laterally confined experimental tank. The experiment is divided into three phases. The sediment supply is held constant within each phase, so the autogenic processes of the fan are separated from the allogenic forcings. Results indicate that laterally confined fan deltas have higher progradation and aggradation potential, more regular channel braiding, and more even transverse sedimentation than unconfined fans. Besides, responses of fan deltas to sediment supply reduction are investigated in this research. At the initiation of the second and third phases, sediment feed rates are instantaneously reduced so that the allogenic forcings are predominant. Observations show that under sediment supply reduction, channelization on fan deltas are more pronounced and durations of the fluvial cycles are longer. The adjustment of fan morphology becomes slower as the self-regulation capacity of the fan decreases with reduced sediment supply.

Influence of particle size and shell thickness of core-shell packing materials on optimum experimental conditions in preparative chromatography.

PubMed

Horváth, Krisztián; Felinger, Attila

2015-08-14

The applicability of core-shell phases in preparative separations was studied by a modeling approach. The preparative separations were optimized for two compounds having bi-Langmuir isotherms. The differential mass balance equation of chromatography was solved by the Rouchon algorithm. The results show that as the size of the core increases, larger particles can be used in separations, resulting in higher applicable flow rates, shorter cycle times. Due to the decreasing volume of porous layer, the loadability of the column dropped significantly. As a result, the productivity and economy of the separation decreases. It is shown that if it is possible to optimize the size of stationary phase particles for the given separation task, the use of core-shell phases are not beneficial. The use of core-shell phases proved to be advantageous when the goal is to build preparative column for general purposes (e.g. for purification of different products) in small scale separations. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recovery of cesium

DOEpatents

Izatt, Reed M.; Christensen, James J.; Hawkins, Richard T.

1984-01-01

A process of recovering cesium ions from mixtures of ions containing them and other ions, e.g., a solution of nuclear waste materials, which comprises establishing a separate source phase containing such a mixture of ions, establishing a separate recipient phase, establishing a liquid membrane phase in interfacial contact with said source and recipient phases, said membrane phase containing a ligand, preferably a selected calixarene as depicted in the drawing, maintaining said interfacial contact for a period of time long enough to transport by said ligand a substantial portion of the cesium ion from the source phase to the recipient phase, and recovering the cesium ion from the recipient phase. The separation of the source and recipient phases may be by the membrane phase only, e.g., where these aqueous phases are emulsified as dispersed phases in a continuous membrane phase, or may include a physical barrier as well, e.g., an open-top outer container with an inner open-ended container of smaller cross-section mounted in the outer container with its open bottom end spaced from and above the closed bottom of the outer container so that the membrane phase may fill the outer container to a level above the bottom of the inner container and have floating on its upper surface a source phase and a recipient phase separated by the wall of the inner container as a physical barrier. A preferred solvent for the ligand is a mixture of methylene chloride and carbon tetrachloride.

Phase Separation of Superconducting Phases in the Penson-Kolb-Hubbard Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerzy Kapcia, Konrad; Czart, Wojciech Robert; Ptok, Andrzej

2016-04-01

In this paper, we determine the phase diagrams (for T = 0 as well as T > 0) of the Penson-Kolb-Hubbard model for two dimensional square lattice within Hartree-Fock mean-field theory focusing on an investigation of superconducting phases and on a possibility of the occurrence of the phase separation. We obtain that the phase separation, which is a state of coexistence of two different superconducting phases (with s- and η-wave symmetries), occurs in definite ranges of the electron concentration. In addition, increasing temperature can change the symmetry of the superconducting order parameter (from η-wave into s-wave). The system considered exhibits also an interesting multicritical behaviour including bicritical points. The relevance of the results to experiments for real materials is also discussed.

Macroscopic and tunable nanoparticle superlattices

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Honghu; Wang, Wenjie; Mallapragada, Surya; ...

2016-10-24

In this paper, we describe a robust method to assemble nanoparticles into highly ordered superlattices by inducing aqueous phase separation of neutral capping polymers. Here we demonstrate the approach with thiolated polyethylene-glycol-functionalized gold nanoparticles (PEG-AuNPs) in the presence of salts (for example, K 2CO 3) in solutions that spontaneously migrate to the liquid–vapor interface to form a Gibbs monolayer. We show that by increasing salt concentration, PEG-AuNP monolayers transform from two-dimensional (2D) gas-like to liquid-like phase and eventually, beyond a threshold concentration, to a highly ordered hexagonal structure, as characterized by surface sensitive synchrotron X-ray reflectivity and grazing incidence X-raymore » diffraction. Furthermore, the method allows control of the inplane packing in the crystalline phase by varying the K 2CO 3 and PEG-AuNPs concentrations and the length of PEG. Using polymer-brush theory, we argue that the assembly and crystallization is driven by the need to reduce surface tension between PEG and the salt solution. Our approach of taking advantage of the phase separation of PEG in salt solutions is general (i.e., can be used with any nanoparticles) leads to high-quality macroscopic and tunable crystals. In conclusion, we discuss how the method can also be applied to the design of orderly 3D structures.« less

Influence of gas-liquid two-phase flow on angiotensin-I converting enzyme inhibitory peptides separation by ultra-filtration.

PubMed

Charoenphun, Narin; Youravong, Wirote

2017-01-01

Membrane fouling is a major problem in ultra-filtration systems and two-phase flow is a promising technique for permeate flux enhancement. The objective of this research was to study the use of an ultra-filtration (UF) system to enrich angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from tilapia protein hydrolysate. To select the most appropriate membrane and operating condition, the effects of membrane molecular weight cut-off (MWCO), transmembrane pressure (TMP) and cross-flow velocity (CFV) on permeate flux and ACE inhibitory peptide separation were studied. Additionally, the gas-liquid two-phase flow technique was applied to investigate its effect on the process capability. The results showed that the highest ACE inhibitory activity was obtained from permeate of the 1 kDa membrane. In terms of TMP and CFV, the permeate flux tended to increase with TMP and CFV. The use of gas-liquid two-phase flow as indicated by shear stress number could reduce membrane fouling and increase the permeate flux up to 42%, depending on shear stress number. Moreover, the use of a shear stress number of 0.039 led to an augmentation in ACE inhibitory activity of permeates. Operating conditions using a shear stress number of 0.039 were recommended for enrichment of ACE inhibitory peptides. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Optimizing separate phase light hydrocarbon recovery from contaminated unconfined aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cooper, Grant S.; Peralta, Richard C.; Kaluarachchi, Jagath J.

A modeling approach is presented that optimizes separate phase recovery of light non-aqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) for a single dual-extraction well in a homogeneous, isotropic unconfined aquifer. A simulation/regression/optimization (S/R/O) model is developed to predict, analyze, and optimize the oil recovery process. The approach combines detailed simulation, nonlinear regression, and optimization. The S/R/O model utilizes nonlinear regression equations describing system response to time-varying water pumping and oil skimming. Regression equations are developed for residual oil volume and free oil volume. The S/R/O model determines optimized time-varying (stepwise) pumping rates which minimize residual oil volume and maximize free oil recovery while causing free oil volume to decrease a specified amount. This S/R/O modeling approach implicitly immobilizes the free product plume by reversing the water table gradient while achieving containment. Application to a simple representative problem illustrates the S/R/O model utility for problem analysis and remediation design. When compared with the best steady pumping strategies, the optimal stepwise pumping strategy improves free oil recovery by 11.5% and reduces the amount of residual oil left in the system due to pumping by 15%. The S/R/O model approach offers promise for enhancing the design of free phase LNAPL recovery systems and to help in making cost-effective operation and management decisions for hydrogeologists, engineers, and regulators.

Miscibility as a factor for component crystallization in multisolute frozen solutions.

PubMed

Izutsu, Ken-Ichi; Shibata, Hiroko; Yoshida, Hiroyuki; Goda, Yukihiro

2014-07-01

The relationship between the miscibility of formulation ingredients and their crystallization during the freezing segment of the lyophilization process was studied. The thermal properties of frozen solutions containing myo-inositol and cosolutes were obtained by performing heating scans from -70 °C before and after heat treatment at -20 °C to -5 °C. Addition of dextran 40,000 reduced and prevented crystallization of myo-inositol. In the first scan, some frozen solutions containing an inositol-rich mixture with dextran showed single broad transitions (Tg's: transition temperatures of maximally freeze-concentrated solutes) that indicated incomplete mixing of the concentrated amorphous solutes. Heat treatment of these frozen solutions induced separation of the solutes into inositol-dominant and solute mixture phases (Tg' splitting) following crystallization of myo-inositol (Tg' shifting). The crystal growth involved myo-inositol molecules in the solute mixture phase. The amorphous-amorphous phase separation and resulting loss of the heteromolecular interaction in the freeze-concentrated inositol-dominant phase should allow ordered assembly of the solute molecules required for nucleation. Some dextran-rich and intermediate concentration ratio frozen solutions retained single Tg's of the amorphous solute mixture, both before and after heat treatments. The relevance of solute miscibility on the crystallization of myo-inositol was also indicated in the systems containing glucose or recombinant human albumin. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Mechanism of Radiation Damage Reduction in Equiatomic Multicomponent Single Phase Alloys.

PubMed

Granberg, F; Nordlund, K; Ullah, Mohammad W; Jin, K; Lu, C; Bei, H; Wang, L M; Djurabekova, F; Weber, W J; Zhang, Y

2016-04-01

Recently a new class of metal alloys, of single-phase multicomponent composition at roughly equal atomic concentrations ("equiatomic"), have been shown to exhibit promising mechanical, magnetic, and corrosion resistance properties, in particular, at high temperatures. These features make them potential candidates for components of next-generation nuclear reactors and other high-radiation environments that will involve high temperatures combined with corrosive environments and extreme radiation exposure. In spite of a wide range of recent studies of many important properties of these alloys, their radiation tolerance at high doses remains unexplored. In this work, a combination of experimental and modeling efforts reveals a substantial reduction of damage accumulation under prolonged irradiation in single-phase NiFe and NiCoCr alloys compared to elemental Ni. This effect is explained by reduced dislocation mobility, which leads to slower growth of large dislocation structures. Moreover, there is no observable phase separation, ordering, or amorphization, pointing to a high phase stability of this class of alloys.

Mechanism of Radiation Damage Reduction in Equiatomic Multicomponent Single Phase Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Granberg, F.; Nordlund, K.; Ullah, Mohammad W.; Jin, K.; Lu, C.; Bei, H.; Wang, L. M.; Djurabekova, F.; Weber, W. J.; Zhang, Y.

2016-04-01

Recently a new class of metal alloys, of single-phase multicomponent composition at roughly equal atomic concentrations ("equiatomic"), have been shown to exhibit promising mechanical, magnetic, and corrosion resistance properties, in particular, at high temperatures. These features make them potential candidates for components of next-generation nuclear reactors and other high-radiation environments that will involve high temperatures combined with corrosive environments and extreme radiation exposure. In spite of a wide range of recent studies of many important properties of these alloys, their radiation tolerance at high doses remains unexplored. In this work, a combination of experimental and modeling efforts reveals a substantial reduction of damage accumulation under prolonged irradiation in single-phase NiFe and NiCoCr alloys compared to elemental Ni. This effect is explained by reduced dislocation mobility, which leads to slower growth of large dislocation structures. Moreover, there is no observable phase separation, ordering, or amorphization, pointing to a high phase stability of this class of alloys.

The Global Statistical Response of the Outer Radiation Belt During Geomagnetic Storms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Murphy, K. R.; Watt, C. E. J.; Mann, I. R.; Jonathan Rae, I.; Sibeck, D. G.; Boyd, A. J.; Forsyth, C. F.; Turner, D. L.; Claudepierre, S. G.; Baker, D. N.; Spence, H. E.; Reeves, G. D.; Blake, J. B.; Fennell, J.

2018-05-01

Using the total radiation belt electron content calculated from Van Allen Probe phase space density, the time-dependent and global response of the outer radiation belt during storms is statistically studied. Using phase space density reduces the impacts of adiabatic changes in the main phase, allowing a separation of adiabatic and nonadiabatic effects and revealing a clear modality and repeatable sequence of events in storm time radiation belt electron dynamics. This sequence exhibits an important first adiabatic invariant (μ)-dependent behavior in the seed (150 MeV/G), relativistic (1,000 MeV/G), and ultrarelativistic (4,000 MeV/G) populations. The outer radiation belt statistically shows an initial phase dominated by loss followed by a second phase of rapid acceleration, while the seed population shows little loss and immediate enhancement. The time sequence of the transition to the acceleration is also strongly μ dependent and occurs at low μ first, appearing to be repeatable from storm to storm.

Mechanism of Radiation Damage Reduction in Equiatomic Multicomponent Single Phase Alloys

DOE PAGES

Granberg, F.; Nordlund, K.; Ullah, Mohammad W.; ...

2016-04-01

Recently a new class of metal alloys, of single-phase multicomponent composition at roughly equal atomic concentrations (“equiatomic”), have been shown to exhibit promising mechanical, magnetic, and corrosion resistance properties, in particular, at high temperatures. These features make them potential candidates for components of next-generation nuclear reactors and other high-radiation environments that will involve high temperatures combined with corrosive environments and extreme radiation exposure. In spite of a wide range of recent studies of many important properties of these alloys, their radiation tolerance at high doses remains unexplored. In this work, a combination of experimental and modeling efforts reveals a substantialmore » reduction of damage accumulation under prolonged irradiation in single-phase NiFe and NiCoCr alloys compared to elemental Ni. This effect is explained by reduced dislocation mobility, which leads to slower growth of large dislocation structures. Finally and moreover, there is no observable phase separation, ordering, or amorphization, pointing to a high phase stability of this class of alloys.« less

Flow Separation Control Over a Ramp Using Sweeping Jet Actuators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koklu, Mehti; Owens, Lewis R.

2014-01-01

Flow separation control on an adverse-pressure-gradient ramp model was investigated using various flow-control methods in the NASA Langley 15-Inch Wind Tunnel. The primary flow-control method studied used a sweeping jet actuator system to compare with more classic flow-control techniques such as micro-vortex generators, steady blowing, and steady- and unsteady-vortex generating jets. Surface pressure measurements and a new oilflow visualization technique were used to characterize the effects of these flow-control actuators. The sweeping jet actuators were run in three different modes to produce steady-straight, steady-angled, and unsteady-oscillating jets. It was observed that all of these flow-control methods are effective in controlling the separated flows on the ramp model. The steady-straight jet energizes the boundary layer by momentum addition and was found to be the least effective method for a fixed momentum coefficient. The steady-angled jets achieved better performance than the steady-straight jets because they generate streamwise vortices that energize the boundary layer by mixing high-momentum fluid with near wall low-momentum fluid. The unsteady-oscillating jets achieved the best performance by increasing the pressure recovery and reducing the downstream flow separation. Surface flow visualizations indicated that two out-of-phase counter-rotating vortices are generated per sweeping jet actuator, while one vortex is generated per vortex-generating jets. The extra vortex resulted in increased coverage, more pressure recovery, and reduced flow separation.

Chromatographic Separations Using Solid-Phase Extraction Cartridges: Separation of Wine Phenolics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brenneman, Charles A.; Ebeler, Susan E.

1999-12-01

We describe a simple laboratory experiment that demonstrates the principles of chromatographic separation using solid-phase extraction columns and red wine. By adjusting pH and mobile phase composition, the wine is separated into three fractions of differing polarity. The content of each fraction can be monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. When the experiment is combined with experiments involving HPLC or GC separations, students gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the highly automated instrumental systems currently available. In addition, they learn about the chemistry of polyphenolic compounds, which are present in many foods and beverages and which are receiving much attention for their potentially beneficial health effects.

Adhesive phase separation at the dentin interface under wet bonding conditions.

PubMed

Spencer, Paulette; Wang, Yong

2002-12-05

Under in vivo conditions, there is little control over the amount of water left on the tooth and, thus, there is the danger of leaving the dentin surface so wet that the bonding resin undergoes physical separation into hydrophobic and hydrophilic-rich phases. The purpose of this study was to investigate phase separation in 2,2-bis[4(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxy-propyloxy)-phenyl] propane (BisGMA)-based adhesive using molecular microanalysis and to examine the effect of phase separation on the structural characteristics of the hybrid layer. Model BisGMA/HEMA (hydroxyethl methacrylate) mixtures with/without ethanol and commercial BisGMA-based adhesive (Single Bond) were combined with water at concentrations from 0 to 50 vol%. Macrophase separation in the BisGMA/HEMA/water mixtures was detected using cloud point measurements. In parallel with these measurements, the BisGMA/HEMA and adhesive/water mixtures were cast as films and polymerized. Molecular structure was recorded from the distinct features in the phase-separated adhesive using confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM). Human dentin specimens treated with Single Bond were analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and CRM mapping across the dentin/adhesive interface. The model BisGMA/HEMA mixtures with ethanol and the commercial BisGMA-based adhesive experienced phase separation at approximately 25 vol% water. Raman spectra collected from the phase-separated adhesive indicated that the composition of the particles and surrounding matrix material was primarily BisGMA and HEMA, respectively. Based on SEM analysis, there was substantial porosity at the adhesive interface with dentin. Micro-Raman spectral analysis of the dentin/adhesive interface indicates that the contribution from the BisGMA component decreases by nearly 50% within the first micrometer. The morphologic results in corroboration with the spectroscopic data suggest that as a result of adhesive phase separation the hybrid layer is not an impervious 3-dimensional collagen/polymer network but a porous web characterized by hydrophobic BisGMA-rich particles distributed in a hydrophilic HEMA-rich matrix. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Phase-Separated Polyaniline/Graphene Composite Electrodes for High-Rate Electrochemical Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wu, Jifeng; Zhang, Qin'e; Zhou, An'an; Huang, Zhifeng; Bai, Hua; Li, Lei

2016-12-01

Polyaniline/graphene hydrogel composites with a macroscopically phase-separated structure are prepared. The composites show high specific capacitance and excellent rate performance. Further investigation demonstrates that polyaniline inside the graphene hydrogel has low rate performance, thus a phase-separated structure, in which polyaniline is mainly outside the graphene hydrogel matrix, can enhance the rate performance of the composites. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Device for two-dimensional gas-phase separation and characterization of ion mixtures

DOEpatents

Tang, Keqi [Richland, WA; Shvartsburg, Alexandre A [Richland, WA; Smith, Richard D [Richland, WA

2006-12-12

The present invention relates to a device for separation and characterization of gas-phase ions. The device incorporates an ion source, a field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) analyzer, an ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) drift tube, and an ion detector. In one aspect of the invention, FAIMS operating voltages are electrically floated on top of the IMS drift voltage. In the other aspect, the FAIMS/IMS interface is implemented employing an electrodynamic ion funnel, including in particular an hourglass ion funnel. The present invention improves the efficiency (peak capacity) and sensitivity of gas-phase separations; the online FAIMS/IMS coupling creates a fundamentally novel two-dimensional gas-phase separation technology with high peak capacity, specificity, and exceptional throughput.

Steric Pressure among Membrane-Bound Polymers Opposes Lipid Phase Separation.

PubMed

Imam, Zachary I; Kenyon, Laura E; Carrillo, Adelita; Espinoza, Isai; Nagib, Fatema; Stachowiak, Jeanne C

2016-04-19

Lipid rafts are thought to be key organizers of membrane-protein complexes in cells. Many proteins that interact with rafts have bulky polymeric components such as intrinsically disordered protein domains and polysaccharide chains. Therefore, understanding the interaction between membrane domains and membrane-bound polymers provides insights into the roles rafts play in cells. Multiple studies have demonstrated that high concentrations of membrane-bound polymeric domains create significant lateral steric pressure at membrane surfaces. Furthermore, our recent work has shown that lateral steric pressure at membrane surfaces opposes the assembly of membrane domains. Building on these findings, here we report that membrane-bound polymers are potent suppressors of membrane phase separation, which can destabilize lipid domains with substantially greater efficiency than globular domains such as membrane-bound proteins. Specifically, we created giant vesicles with a ternary lipid composition, which separated into coexisting liquid ordered and disordered phases. Lipids with saturated tails and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains conjugated to their head groups were included at increasing molar concentrations. When these lipids were sparse on the membrane surface they partitioned to the liquid ordered phase. However, as they became more concentrated, the fraction of GUVs that were phase-separated decreased dramatically, ultimately yielding a population of homogeneous membrane vesicles. Experiments and physical modeling using compositions of increasing PEG molecular weight and lipid miscibility phase transition temperature demonstrate that longer polymers are the most efficient suppressors of membrane phase separation when the energetic barrier to lipid mixing is low. In contrast, as the miscibility transition temperature increases, longer polymers are more readily driven out of domains by the increased steric pressure. Therefore, the concentration of shorter polymers required to suppress phase separation decreases relative to longer polymers. Collectively, our results demonstrate that crowded, membrane-bound polymers are highly efficient suppressors of phase separation and suggest that the ability of lipid domains to resist steric pressure depends on both their lipid composition and the size and concentration of the membrane-bound polymers they incorporate.

An atom probe perspective on phase separation and precipitation in duplex stainless steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Wei; Garfinkel, David A.; Tucker, Julie D.; Haley, Daniel; Young, George A.; Poplawsky, Jonathan D.

2016-06-01

Three-dimensional chemical imaging of Fe-Cr alloys showing Fe-rich (α)/Cr-rich (α‧) phase separation is reported using atom probe tomography techniques. The extent of phase separation, i.e., amplitude and wavelength, has been quantitatively assessed using the Langer-Bar-on-Miller, proximity histogram, and autocorrelation function methods for two separate Fe-Cr alloys, designated 2101 and 2205. Although the 2101 alloy possesses a larger wavelength and amplitude after annealing at 427 °C for 100-10 000 h, it exhibits a lower hardness than the 2205 alloy. In addition to this phase separation, ultra-fine Ni-Mn-Si-Cu-rich G-phase precipitates form at the α/α‧ interfaces in both alloys. For the 2101 alloy, Cu clusters act to form a nucleus, around which a Ni-Mn-Si shell develops during the precipitation process. For the 2205 alloy, the Ni and Cu atoms enrich simultaneously and no core-shell chemical distribution was found. This segregation phenomenon may arise from the exact Ni/Cu ratio inside the ferrite. After annealing for 10 000 h, the number density of the G-phase within the 2205 alloy was found to be roughly one order of magnitude higher than in the 2101 alloy. The G-phase precipitates have an additional deleterious effect on the thermal embrittlement, as evaluated by the Ashby-Orowan equation, which explains the discrepancy between the hardness and the rate of phase separation with respect to annealing time (Gladman T 1999 Mater. Sci. Tech. Ser. 15 30-36). ).

An atom probe perspective on phase separation and precipitation in duplex stainless steels

DOE PAGES

Garfinkel, David A.; Tucker, Julie D.; Haley, Daniel A.; ...

2016-05-16

Here, three-dimensional chemical imaging of Fe–Cr alloys showing Fe-rich (α)/Cr-rich (α') phase separation is reported using atom probe tomography techniques. The extent of phase separation, i.e., amplitude and wavelength, has been quantitatively assessed using the Langer-Bar-on-Miller, proximity histogram, and autocorrelation function methods for two separate Fe–Cr alloys, designated 2101 and 2205. Although the 2101 alloy possesses a larger wavelength and amplitude after annealing at 427 °C for 100–10 000 h, it exhibits a lower hardness than the 2205 alloy. In addition to this phase separation, ultra-fine Ni–Mn–Si–Cu-rich G-phase precipitates form at the α/α' interfaces in both alloys. For the 2101more » alloy, Cu clusters act to form a nucleus, around which a Ni–Mn–Si shell develops during the precipitation process. For the 2205 alloy, the Ni and Cu atoms enrich simultaneously and no core–shell chemical distribution was found. This segregation phenomenon may arise from the exact Ni/Cu ratio inside the ferrite. After annealing for 10 000 h, the number density of the G-phase within the 2205 alloy was found to be roughly one order of magnitude higher than in the 2101 alloy. The G-phase precipitates have an additional deleterious effect on the thermal embrittlement, as evaluated by the Ashby–Orowan equation, which explains the discrepancy between the hardness and the rate of phase separation with respect to annealing time (Gladman T 1999 Mater. Sci. Tech. Ser. 15 30–36).« less

Hierarchical multiscale hyperporous block copolymer membranes via tunable dual-phase separation

PubMed Central

Yoo, Seungmin; Kim, Jung-Hwan; Shin, Myoungsoo; Park, Hyungmin; Kim, Jeong-Hoon; Lee, Sang-Young; Park, Soojin

2015-01-01

The rational design and realization of revolutionary porous structures have been long-standing challenges in membrane science. We demonstrate a new class of amphiphilic polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) block copolymer (BCP)–based porous membranes featuring hierarchical multiscale hyperporous structures. The introduction of surface energy–modifying agents and the control of major phase separation parameters (such as nonsolvent polarity and solvent drying time) enable tunable dual-phase separation of BCPs, eventually leading to macro/nanoscale porous structures and chemical functionalities far beyond those accessible with conventional approaches. Application of this BCP membrane to a lithium-ion battery separator affords exceptional improvement in electrochemical performance. The dual-phase separation–driven macro/nanopore construction strategy, owing to its simplicity and tunability, is expected to be readily applicable to a rich variety of membrane fields including molecular separation, water purification, and energy-related devices. PMID:26601212

Fast "hyperlayer" separation development in sedimentation field flow fractionation.

PubMed

Kassab, James R; Cardot, Philippe J P; Zahoransky, Richard A; Battu, Serge

2005-11-05

Specific prototypes of sedimentation field flow fractionation devices (SdFFF) have been developed with relative success for cell sorting. However, no data are available to compare these apparatus with commercial ones. In order to compare with other devices mainly used for non-biological species, biocompatible systems were used for standard particle (latex: 3-10 microm of different size dispersities) separation development. In order to enhance size dependent separations, channels of reduced thickness were used (80 and 100 microm) and channel/carrier-phase equilibration procedures were necessary. For sample injection, the use of inlet tubing linked to the FFF accumulation wall, common for cell sorting, can be extended to latex species when they are eluted in the Steric Hyperlayer elution mode. It avoids any primary relaxation steps (stop flow injection procedure) simplifying series of elution processing. Mixtures composed of four different monodispersed latex beads can be eluted in 6 min with 100 microm channel thickness.

Process to separate alkali metal salts from alkali metal reacted hydrocarbons

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

Gordon, John Howard; Alvare, Javier; Larsen, Dennis

A process to facilitate gravimetric separation of alkali metal salts, such as alkali metal sulfides and polysulfides, from alkali metal reacted hydrocarbons. The disclosed process is part of a method of upgrading a hydrocarbon feedstock by removing heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals from the hydrocarbon feedstock composition. This method reacts the oil feedstock with an alkali metal and an upgradant hydrocarbon. The alkali metal reacts with a portion of the heteroatoms and/or one or more heavy metals to form an inorganic phase containing alkali metal salts and reduced heavy metals, and an upgraded hydrocarbon feedstock. The inorganic phasemore » may be gravimetrically separated from the upgraded hydrocarbon feedstock after mixing at a temperature between about 350.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. for a time period between about 15 minutes and 2 hours.« less

Effect of modulator sorption on gradient shape in ion-exchange chromatography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Velayudhan, A.; Ladisch, M. R.; Mitchell, C. A. (Principal Investigator)

1995-01-01

Mobile phase additives, or modulators, are used in gradient elution chromatography to facilitate separation and reduce separation time. The modulators are usually assumed to be linearly adsorbed or unadsorbed. Here, the consequences of nonlinear modulator adsorption are examined for ion-exchange gradient elution through a series of simulations. Even when the buffer salt is identical to the modulator salt, gradient deformation is observed; the extent of deformation increases as the volume of the feed is increased. When the modulator salt is different from the buffer salt, unusual effects are observed, and the chromatograms are quite different from those predicted by classical gradient elution theory. In particular, local increases in the buffer concentration are found between feed bands, and serve to improve the separation. These effects become more pronounced as the feed volume increases, and could therefore prove valuable in preparative applications.

Detailed monitoring of two biogas plants and mechanical solid-liquid separation of fermentation residues.

PubMed

Bauer, Alexander; Mayr, Herwig; Hopfner-Sixt, Katharina; Amon, Thomas

2009-06-01

The Austrian "green electricity act" (Okostromgesetz) has led to an increase in biogas power plant size and consequently to an increased use of biomass. A biogas power plant with a generating capacity of 500 kW(el) consumes up to 38,000 kg of biomass per day. 260 ha of cropland is required to produce this mass. The high water content of biomass necessitates a high transport volume for energy crops and fermentation residues. The transport and application of fermentation residues to farmland is the last step in this logistic chain. The use of fermentation residues as fertilizer closes the nutrient cycle and is a central element in the efficient use of biomass for power production. Treatment of fermentation residues by separation into liquid and solid phases may be a solution to the transport problem. This paper presents detailed results from the monitoring of two biogas plants and from the analysis of the separation of fermentation residues. Furthermore, two different separator technologies for the separation of fermentation residues of biogas plants were analyzed. The examined biogas plants correspond to the current technological state of the art and have designs developed specifically for the utilization of energy crops. The hydraulic retention time ranged between 45.0 and 83.7 days. The specific methane yields were 0.40-0.43 m(3)N CH(4) per kg VS. The volume loads ranged between 3.69 and 4.00 kg VS/m(3). The degree of degradation was between 77.3% and 82.14%. The screw extractor separator was better suited for biogas slurry separation than the rotary screen separator. The screw extractor separator exhibited a high throughput and good separation efficiency. The efficiency of slurry separation depended on the dry matter content of the fermentation residue. The higher the dry matter content, the higher the proportion of solid phase after separation. In this project, we found that the fermentation residues could be divided into 79.2% fluid phase with a dry matter content of 4.5% and 20.8% solid phase with a dry matter content of 19.3%. Dry matter, volatile solids and carbon, raw ash and phosphate--in relation to the mass--accumulated strongly in the solid phase. Nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen were slightly enriched in the solid phase. Only the potassium content decreased slightly in the solid phase.

Microfluidic Droplet Dehydration for Concentrating Processes in Biomolecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anna, Shelley

2014-03-01

Droplets in microfluidic devices have proven useful as picoliter reactors for biochemical processing operations such as polymerase chain reaction, protein crystallization, and the study of enzyme kinetics. Although droplets are typically considered to be self-contained, constant volume reactors, there can be significant transport between the dispersed and continuous phases depending on solubility and other factors. In the present talk, we show that water droplets trapped within a microfluidic device for tens of hours slowly dehydrate, concentrating the contents encapsulated within. We use this slow dehydration along with control of the initial droplet composition to influence gellation, crystallization, and phase separation processes. By examining these concentrating processes in many trapped drops at once we gain insight into the stochastic nature of the events. In one example, we show that dehydration rate impacts the probability of forming a specific crystal habit in a crystallizing amino acid. In another example, we phase separate a common aqueous two-phase system within droplets and use the ensuing two phases to separate DNA from an initial mixture. We further influence wetting conditions between the two aqueous polymer phases and the continuous oil, promoting complete de-wetting and physical separation of the polymer phases. Thus, controlled dehydration of droplets allows for concentration, separation, and purification of important biomolecules on a chip.

A new approach to network heterogeneity: Polymerization Induced Phase Separation in photo-initiated, free-radical methacrylic systems

PubMed Central

Szczepanski, Caroline R.; Pfeifer, Carmem S.; Stansbury, Jeffrey W.

2012-01-01

Non-reactive, thermoplastic prepolymers (poly- methyl, ethyl and butyl methacrylate) were added to a model homopolymer matrix composed of triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) to form heterogeneous networks via polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS). PIPS creates networks with distinct phase structure that can partially compensate for volumetric shrinkage during polymerization through localized internal volume expansion. This investigation utilizes purely photo-initiated, free-radical systems, broadening the scope of applications for PIPS since these processing conditions have not been studied previously. The introduction of prepolymer into TEGDMA monomer resulted in stable, homogeneous monomer formulations, most of which underwent PIPS upon photo-irradiation, creating heterogeneous networks. During polymerization the presence of prepolymer enhanced autoacceleration, allowing for a more extensive ambient cure of the material. Phase separation, as characterized by dynamic changes in sample turbidity, was monitored simultaneously with monomer conversion and either preceded or was coincident with network gelation. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows a broadening of the tan delta peak and secondary peak formation, characteristic of phase-separated materials, indicating one phase rich in prepolymer and another depleted form upon phase separation. In certain cases, PIPS leads to an enhanced physical reduction of volumetric shrinkage, which is attractive for many applications including dental composite materials. PMID:23109733

Linear solvation energy relationships in normal phase chromatography based on gradient separations.

PubMed

Wu, Di; Lucy, Charles A

2017-09-22

Coupling the modified Soczewiñski model and one gradient run, a gradient method was developed to build a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) for normal phase chromatography. The gradient method was tested on dinitroanilinopropyl (DNAP) and silica columns with hexane/dichloromethane (DCM) mobile phases. LSER models built based on the gradient separation agree with those derived from a series of isocratic separations. Both models have similar LSER coefficients and comparable goodness of fit, but the LSER model based on gradient separation required fewer trial and error experiments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of a passive phase separator for space and earth applications

PubMed Central

Wu, Xiongjun; Loraine, Greg; Hsiao, Chao-Tsung; Chahine, Georges L.

2018-01-01

The limited amount of liquids and gases that can be carried to space makes it imperative to recycle and reuse these fluids for extended human operations. During recycling processes gas and liquid phases are often intermixed. In the absence of gravity, separating gases from liquids is challenging due to the absence of buoyancy. This paper describes development of a passive phase separator that is capable of efficiently and reliably separating gas–liquid mixtures of both high and low void fractions in a wide range of flow rates that is applicable to for both space and earth applications. PMID:29628785

Overview of reductants utilized in nuclear fuel reprocessing/recycling

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

Patricia Paviet-Hartmann; Catherine Riddle; Keri Campbell

2013-10-01

Most of the aqueous processes developed, or under consideration worldwide for the recycling of used nuclear fuel (UNF) utilize the oxido-reduction properties of actinides to separate them from other radionuclides. Generally, after acid dissolution of the UNF, (essentially in nitric acid solution), actinides are separated from the raffinate by liquid-liquid extraction using specific solvents, associated along the process, with a particular reductant that will allow the separation to occur. For example, the industrial PUREX process utilizes hydroxylamine as a plutonium reductant. Hydroxylamine has numerous advantages: not only does it have the proper attributes to reduce Pu(IV) to Pu(III), but itmore » is also a non-metallic chemical that is readily decomposed to innocuous products by heating. However, it has been observed that the presence of high nitric acid concentrations or impurities (such as metal ions) in hydroxylamine solutions increase the likelihood of the initiation of an autocatalytic reaction. Recently there has been some interest in the application of simple hydrophilic hydroxamic ligands such as acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) for the stripping of tetravalent actinides in the UREX process flowsheet. This approach is based on the high coordinating ability of hydroxamic acids with tetravalent actinides (Np and Pu) compared with hexavalent uranium. Thus, the use of AHA offers a route for controlling neptunium and plutonium in the UREX process by complexant based stripping of Np(IV) and Pu(IV) from the TBP solvent phase, while U(VI) ions are not affected by AHA and remain solvated in the TBP phase. In the European GANEX process, AHA is also used to form hydrophilic complexes with actinides and strip them from the organic phase into nitric acid. However, AHA does not decompose completely when treated with nitric acid and hampers nitric acid recycling. In lieu of using AHA in the UREX + process, formohydroxamic acid (FHA), although not commercially available, hold promises as a replacement for AHA. FHA undergoes hydrolysis to formic acid which is volatile, thus allowing the recycling of nitric acid. Unfortunately, FHA powder was not stable in the experiments we ran in our laboratory. In addition, AHA and FHA also decompose to hydroxylamine which may undergo an autocatalytic reaction. Other reductants are available and could be extremely useful for actinides separation. The review presents the current plutonium reductants used in used nuclear fuel reprocessing and will introduce innovative and novel reductants that could become reducers for future research on UNF separation.« less

Effect of pressure on the selectivity of polymeric C18 and C30 stationary phases in reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Increased separation of isomeric fatty acid methyl esters, triacylglycerols, and tocopherols at high pressure.

PubMed

Okusa, Kensuke; Iwasaki, Yuki; Kuroda, Ikuma; Miwa, Shohei; Ohira, Masayoshi; Nagai, Toshiharu; Mizobe, Hoyo; Gotoh, Naohiro; Ikegami, Tohru; McCalley, David V; Tanaka, Nobuo

2014-04-25

A high-density, polymeric C18 stationary phase (Inertsil ODS-P) or a polymeric C30 phase (Inertsil C30) provided improved resolution of the isomeric fatty acids (FAs), FA methyl esters (FAMEs), triacylglycerols (TAGs), and tocopherols with an increase in pressure of 20-70MPa in reversed-phase HPLC. With respect to isomeric C18 FAMEs with one cis-double bond, ODS-P phase was effective for recognizing the position of a double bond among petroselinic (methyl 6Z-octadecenoate), oleic (methyl 9Z-octadecenoate), and cis-vaccenic (methyl 11Z-octadecenoate), especially at high pressure, but the differentiation between oleic and cis-vaccenic was not achieved by C30 phase regardless of the pressure. A monomeric C18 phase (InertSustain C18) was not effective for recognizing the position of the double bond in monounsaturated FAME, while the separation of cis- and trans-isomers was achieved by any of the stationary phases. The ODS-P and C30 phases provided increased separation for TAGs and β- and γ-tocopherols at high pressure. The transfer of FA, FAME, or TAG molecules from the mobile phase to the ODS-P stationary phase was accompanied by large volume reduction (-30∼-90mL/mol) resulting in a large increase in retention (up to 100% for an increase of 50MPa) and improved isomer separation at high pressure. For some isomer pairs, the ODS-P and C30 provided the opposite elution order, and in each case higher pressure improved the separation. The two stationary phases showed selectivity for the isomers having rigid structures, but only the ODS-P was effective for differentiating the position of a double bond in monounsaturated FAMEs. The results indicate that the improved isomer separation was provided by the increased dispersion interactions between the solute and the binding site of the stationary phase at high pressure. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interactions between coherent twin boundaries and phase transition of iron under dynamic loading and unloading

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Kun; Chen, Jun; Zhang, Xueyang; Zhu, Wenjun

2017-09-01

Phase transitions and deformation twins are constantly reported in many BCC metals under high pressure, whose interactions are of fundamental importance to understand the strengthening mechanism of these metals under extreme conditions. However, the interactions between twins and phase transition in BCC metals remain largely unexplored. In this work, interactions between coherent twin boundaries and α ↔ ɛ phase transition of iron are investigated using both non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations and the nudged elastic band method. Mechanisms of both twin-assisted phase transition and reverse phase transition are studied, and orientation relationships between BCC and HCP phases are found to be ⟨"separators="|11 1 ¯ ⟩ B C C||⟨"separators="|1 ¯2 1 ¯ 0 ⟩ H C P and ⟨"separators="|1 1 ¯ 0 ⟩ B C C||⟨"separators="|0001 ⟩ H C P for both cases. The twin boundary corresponds to {"separators="|10 1 ¯ 0 } H C P after the phase transition. It is amazing that the reverse transition seems to be able to "memorize" and recover the initial BCC twins. The memory would be partly lost when plastic slips take place in the HCP phase before the reverse transition. In the recovered initial BCC twins, three major twin spacings are observed, which are well explained in terms of energy barriers of transition from the HCP phase to the BCC twin. Besides, the variant selection rule of the twin assisted phase transition is also discussed. The results of present work could be expected to give some clues for producing ultra-fine grain structures in materials exhibiting martensitic phase transition.

Top-down effects of a lytic bacteriophage and protozoa on bacteria in aqueous and biofilm phases.

PubMed

Zhang, Ji; Ormälä-Odegrip, Anni-Maria; Mappes, Johanna; Laakso, Jouni

2014-12-01

Lytic bacteriophages and protozoan predators are the major causes of bacterial mortality in natural microbial communities, which also makes them potential candidates for biological control of bacterial pathogens. However, little is known about the relative impact of bacteriophages and protozoa on the dynamics of bacterial biomass in aqueous and biofilm phases. Here, we studied the temporal and spatial dynamics of bacterial biomass in a microcosm experiment where opportunistic pathogenic bacteria Serratia marcescens was exposed to particle-feeding ciliates, surface-feeding amoebas, and lytic bacteriophages for 8 weeks, ca. 1300 generations. We found that ciliates were the most efficient enemy type in reducing bacterial biomass in the open water, but least efficient in reducing the biofilm biomass. Biofilm was rather resistant against bacterivores, but amoebae had a significant long-term negative effect on bacterial biomass both in the open-water phase and biofilm. Bacteriophages had only a minor long-term effect on bacterial biomass in open-water and biofilm phases. However, separate short-term experiments with the ancestral bacteriophages and bacteria revealed that bacteriophages crash the bacterial biomass dramatically in the open-water phase within the first 24 h. Thereafter, the bacteria evolve phage-resistance that largely prevents top-down effects. The combination of all three enemy types was most effective in reducing biofilm biomass, whereas in the open-water phase the ciliates dominated the trophic effects. Our results highlight the importance of enemy feeding mode on determining the spatial distribution and abundance of bacterial biomass. Moreover, the enemy type can be crucially important predictor of whether the rapid defense evolution can significantly affect top-down regulation of bacteria.

Charge pattern matching as a ‘fuzzy’ mode of molecular recognition for the functional phase separations of intrinsically disordered proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Yi-Hsuan; Brady, Jacob P.; Forman-Kay, Julie D.; Chan, Hue Sun

2017-11-01

Biologically functional liquid-liquid phase separation of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is driven by interactions encoded by their amino acid sequences. Little is currently known about the molecular recognition mechanisms for distributing different IDP sequences into various cellular membraneless compartments. Pertinent physics was addressed recently by applying random-phase-approximation (RPA) polymer theory to electrostatics, which is a major energetic component governing IDP phase properties. RPA accounts for charge patterns and thus has advantages over Flory-Huggins (FH) and Overbeek-Voorn mean-field theories. To make progress toward deciphering the phase behaviors of multiple IDP sequences, the RPA formulation for one IDP species plus solvent is hereby extended to treat polyampholyte solutions containing two IDP species plus solvent. The new formulation generally allows for binary coexistence of two phases, each containing a different set of volume fractions ({φ }1,{φ }2) for the two different IDP sequences. The asymmetry between the two predicted coexisting phases with regard to their {φ }1/{φ }2 ratios for the two sequences increases with increasing mismatch between their charge patterns. This finding points to a multivalent, stochastic, ‘fuzzy’ mode of molecular recognition that helps populate various IDP sequences differentially into separate phase compartments. An intuitive illustration of this trend is provided by FH models, whereby a hypothetical case of ternary coexistence is also explored. Augmentations of the present RPA theory with a relative permittivity {ɛ }{{r}}(φ ) that depends on IDP volume fraction φ ={φ }1+{φ }2 lead to higher propensities to phase separate, in line with the case with one IDP species we studied previously. Notably, the cooperative, phase-separation-enhancing effects predicted by the prescriptions for {ɛ }{{r}}(φ ) we deem physically plausible are much more prominent than that entailed by common effective medium approximations based on Maxwell Garnett and Bruggeman mixing formulas. Ramifications of our findings on further theoretical development for IDP phase separation are discussed.

Combined heat and mass transfer device for improving separation process

DOEpatents

Tran, Thanh Nhon

1999-01-01

A two-phase small channel heat exchange matrix simultaneously provides for heat transfer and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor phases of a multi-component mixture at a single, predetermined location within a separation column, significantly improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the separation process. The small channel heat exchange matrix is composed of a series of channels having a hydraulic diameter no greater than 5.0 millimeters for conducting a two-phase coolant. In operation, the matrix provides the liquid-vapor contacting surfaces within the separation column, such that heat and mass are transferred simultaneously between the liquid and vapor phases. The two-phase coolant allows for a uniform heat transfer coefficient to be maintained along the length of the channels and across the surface of the matrix. Preferably, a perforated, concave sheet connects each channel to an adjacent channel to facilitate the flow of the liquid and vapor phases within the column and to increase the liquid-vapor contacting surface area.

Combined heat and mass transfer device for improving separation process

DOEpatents

Tran, T.N.

1999-08-24

A two-phase small channel heat exchange matrix simultaneously provides for heat transfer and mass transfer between the liquid and vapor phases of a multi-component mixture at a single, predetermined location within a separation column, significantly improving the thermodynamic efficiency of the separation process. The small channel heat exchange matrix is composed of a series of channels having a hydraulic diameter no greater than 5.0 millimeters for conducting a two-phase coolant. In operation, the matrix provides the liquid-vapor contacting surfaces within the separation column, such that heat and mass are transferred simultaneously between the liquid and vapor phases. The two-phase coolant allows for a uniform heat transfer coefficient to be maintained along the length of the channels and across the surface of the matrix. Preferably, a perforated, concave sheet connects each channel to an adjacent channel to facilitate the flow of the liquid and vapor phases within the column and to increase the liquid-vapor contacting surface area. 12 figs.

Molecular beam epitaxy growth and magnetic properties of Cr-Co-Ga Heusler alloy films

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

Feng, Wuwei, E-mail: wfeng@cugb.edu.cn; Wang, Weihua; Zhao, Chenglong

2015-11-15

We have re-investigated growth and magnetic properties of Cr{sub 2}CoGa films using molecular beam epitaxy technique. Phase separation and precipitate formation were observed experimentally again in agreement with observation of multiple phases separation in sputtered Cr{sub 2}CoGa films by M. Meinert et al. However, significant phase separation could be suppressed by proper control of growth conditions. We showed that Cr{sub 2}CoGa Heusler phase, rather than Co{sub 2}CrGa phase, constitutes the majority of the sample grown on GaAs(001) at 450 {sup o}C. The measured small spin moment of Cr{sub 2}CoGa is in agreement with predicted HM-FCF nature; however, its Curie temperaturemore » is not as high as expected from the theoretical prediction probably due to the off-stoichiometry of Cr{sub 2}CoGa and the existence of the disorders and phase separation.« less

The effect of protein on phase separation in giant unilamellar lipid vesicles.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hutchison, J. B.; Weis, R. M.; Dinsmore, A. D.

2009-03-01

We explore the coarsening and out of plane curvature (budding) of domains in lipid bilayer vesicles composed of DOPC (unsaturated), PSM (saturated), and cholesterol. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) was added to the membrane in controlled amounts by binding to the Ni-chelating lipid, Ni-DOGS. Vesicles with diameters between 10 and 50 microns were prepared via a standard electroformation procedure. As a sample is lowered through temperature Tmix, a previously homogeneous vesicle phase separates into two fluid phases with distinct compositions. Phase-separated domains have a line tension (energy/length) at the boundary with the major phase which competes with bending energy and lateral tension to determine the overall configuration of the vesicle. Domain budding and coarsening were observed and recorded using both bright field and fluorescence microscopy during temperature scans and with varying concentrations of GFP. The addition of a model protein into our system allows for a broader understanding of the effect of protein, which are ubiquitous in cell membranes, on phase separation, budding, and coarsening.

Equilibrium polymerization models of re-entrant self-assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dudowicz, Jacek; Douglas, Jack F.; Freed, Karl F.

2009-04-01

As is well known, liquid-liquid phase separation can occur either upon heating or cooling, corresponding to lower and upper critical solution phase boundaries, respectively. Likewise, self-assembly transitions from a monomeric state to an organized polymeric state can proceed either upon increasing or decreasing temperature, and the concentration dependent ordering temperature is correspondingly called the "floor" or "ceiling" temperature. Motivated by the fact that some phase separating systems exhibit closed loop phase boundaries with two critical points, the present paper analyzes self-assembly analogs of re-entrant phase separation, i.e., re-entrant self-assembly. In particular, re-entrant self-assembly transitions are demonstrated to arise in thermally activated equilibrium self-assembling systems, when thermal activation is more favorable than chain propagation, and in equilibrium self-assembly near an adsorbing boundary where strong competition exists between adsorption and self-assembly. Apparently, the competition between interactions or equilibria generally underlies re-entrant behavior in both liquid-liquid phase separation and self-assembly transitions.

Phase separation of electrons strongly coupled with phonons in cuprates and manganites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandrov, Sasha

2009-03-01

Recent advanced Monte Carlo simulations have not found superconductivity and phase separation in the Hubbard model with on-site repulsive electron-electron correlations. I argue that microscopic phase separations in cuprate superconductors and colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) manganites originate from a strong electron-phonon interaction (EPI) combined with unavoidable disorder. Attractive electron correlations, caused by an almost unretarded EPI, are sufficient to overcome the direct inter-site Coulomb repulsion in these charge-transfer Mott-Hubbard insulators, so that low energy physics is that of small polarons and small bipolarons. They form clusters localized by disorder below the mobility edge, but propagate as the Bloch states above the mobility edge. I identify the Froehlich EPI as the most essential for pairing and phase separation in superconducting layered cuprates. The pairing of oxygen holes into heavy bipolarons in the paramagnetic phase (current-carrier density collapse (CCDC)) explains also CMR and high and low-resistance phase coexistence near the ferromagnetic transition of doped manganites.

A Laterally-Mobile Mixed Polymer/Polyelectrolyte Brush Undergoes a Macroscopic Phase Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Hoyoung; Park, Hae-Woong; Tsouris, Vasilios; Choi, Je; Mustafa, Rafid; Lim, Yunho; Meron, Mati; Lin, Binhua; Won, You-Yeon

2013-03-01

We studied mixed PEO and PDMAEMA brushes. The question we attempted to answer was: When the chain grafting points are laterally mobile, how will this lateral mobility influence the structure and phase behavior of the mixed brush? Two different model mixed PEO/PDMAEMA brush systems were prepared: a mobile mixed brush by spreading a mixture of two diblock copolymers, PEO-PnBA and PDMAEMA-PnBA, onto the air-water interface, and an inseparable mixed brush using a PEO-PnBA-PDMAEMA triblock copolymer having respective brush molecular weights matched to those of the diblock copolymers. These two systems were investigated by surface pressure-area isotherm, X-ray reflectivity and AFM imaging measurements. The results suggest that the mobile mixed brush undergoes a lateral macroscopic phase separation at high chain grafting densities, whereas the inseparable system is only microscopically phase separated under comparable brush density conditions. We also conducted an SCF analysis of the phase behavior of the mixed brush system. This analysis further supported the experimental findings. The macroscopic phase separation observed in the mobile system is in contrast to the microphase separation behavior commonly observed in two-dimensional laterally-mobile small molecule mixtures.

Thermal vacancies and phase separation in bcc mixtures of helium-3 and helium-4

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

Fraass, Benedick Andrew

1980-01-01

Thermal vacancy concentrations in crystals of 3He- 4He mixtures have been determined. A new x-ray diffractometer-position sensitive detector system is used to make measurements of the absolute lattice parameter of the helium crystals with an accuracy of 300 ppM, and measurements of changes in lattice parameters to better than 60 ppM. The phase separation of the concentrated 3He- 4He mixtures has been studied in detail with the x-ray measurements. Vacancy concentrations in crystals with 99%, 51%, 28%, 12%, and 0% 3He have been determined. Phase separation has been studied in mixed crystals with concentrations of 51%, 28%, and 12% 3Hemore » and melting pressures between 3.0 and 6.1 MPa. The phase separation temperatures determined in this work are in general agreement with previous work. The pressure dependence of T c, the phase separation temperature for a 50% mixture, is found to be linear: dT c/dP = -34 mdeg/MPa. The x-ray measurements are used to make several comments on the low temperature phase diagram of the helium mixtures.« less

Hybrid films with phase-separated domains: A new class of functional materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Minjee; Leal, Cecilia

The cell membrane is highly compartmentalized over micro-and nano scale. The compartmentalized domains play an important role in regulating the diffusion and distribution of species within and across the membrane. In this work, we introduced nanoscale heterogeneities into lipid films for the purpose of developing nature-mimicking phase-separated materials. The mixtures of phospholipids and amphiphilic block copolymers self-assemble into supported 1D multi-bilayers. We observed that in each lamella, mixtures of lipid and polymer phase-separate into domains that differ in their composition akin to sub-phases in cholesterol-containing lipid bilayers. Interestingly, we found evidence that like-domains are in registry across multilayers, making phase separation three-dimensional. To exploit such distinctive domain structure for surface-mediated drug delivery, we incorporated pharmaceutical molecules into the films. The drug release study revealed that the presence of domains in hybrid films modifies the diffusion pathways of drugs that become confined within phase-separated domains. A comprehensive domain structure coupled with drug diffusion pathways in films will be presented, offering new perspectives in designing a thin-film matrix system for controlled drug delivery. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DMR-1554435.

Diffusive processes in a stochastic magnetic field

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

Wang, H.; Vlad, M.; Vanden Eijnden, E.

1995-05-01

The statistical representation of a fluctuating (stochastic) magnetic field configuration is studied in detail. The Eulerian correlation functions of the magnetic field are determined, taking into account all geometrical constraints: these objects form a nondiagonal matrix. The Lagrangian correlations, within the reasonable Corrsin approximation, are reduced to a single scalar function, determined by an integral equation. The mean square perpendicular deviation of a geometrical point moving along a perturbed field line is determined by a nonlinear second-order differential equation. The separation of neighboring field lines in a stochastic magnetic field is studied. We find exponentiation lengths of both signs describing,more » in particular, a decay (on the average) of any initial anisotropy. The vanishing sum of these exponentiation lengths ensures the existence of an invariant which was overlooked in previous works. Next, the separation of a particle`s trajectory from the magnetic field line to which it was initially attached is studied by a similar method. Here too an initial phase of exponential separation appears. Assuming the existence of a final diffusive phase, anomalous diffusion coefficients are found for both weakly and strongly collisional limits. The latter is identical to the well known Rechester-Rosenbluth coefficient, which is obtained here by a more quantitative (though not entirely deductive) treatment than in earlier works.« less

Terminal - Tactical Separation Assured Flight Environment (T-TSafe)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Verma, Savita Arora; Tang, Huabin; Ballinger, Debbi

2011-01-01

The Tactical Separation Assured Flight Environment (TSAFE) has been previously tested as a conflict detection and resolution tool in the en-route phase of flight. Fast time simulations of a terminal version of this tool called Terminal TSAFE (T-TSAFE) have shown promise over the current conflict detection tools. It has shown to have fewer false alerts (as low as 2 per hour) and better prediction to conflict time than Conflict Alert. The tool will be tested in the simulated terminal area of Los Angeles International Airport, in a Human-in-the-loop experiment to identify controller procedures and information requirements. The simulation will include comparisons of T-TSAFE with NASA's version of Conflict Alert. Also, some other variables such as altitude entry by the controller, which improve T-TSAFE's predictions for conflict detection, will be tested. T-TSAFE integrates features of current conflict detection tools such as Automated Terminal Proximity Alert used to alleviate compression errors in the final approach phase. Based on fast-time simulation analysis, the anticipated benefits of T-TSAFE over Conflict Alert include reduced false/missed alerts and increased time to predicted loss of separation. Other metrics that will be used to evaluate the tool's impact on the controller include controller intervention, workload, and situation awareness.

Effect of atomic disorder on the magnetic phase separation.

PubMed

Groshev, A G; Arzhnikov, A K

2018-05-10

The effect of disorder on the magnetic phase separation between the antiferromagnetic and incommensurate helical [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] phases is investigated. The study is based on the quasi-two-dimensional single-band Hubbard model in the presence of atomic disorder (the [Formula: see text] Anderson-Hubbard model). A model of binary alloy disorder is considered, in which the disorder is determined by the difference in energy between the host and impurity atomic levels at a fixed impurity concentration. The problem is solved within the theory of functional integration in static approximation. Magnetic phase diagrams are obtained as functions of the temperature, the number of electrons and impurity concentration with allowance for phase separation. It is shown that for the model parameters chosen, the disorder caused by impurities whose atomic-level energy is greater than that of the host atomic levels, leads to qualitative changes in the phase diagram of the impurity-free system. In the opposite case, only quantitative changes occur. The peculiarities of the effect of disorder on the phase separation regions of the quasi-two-dimensional Hubbard model are discussed.

Effect of atomic disorder on the magnetic phase separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groshev, A. G.; Arzhnikov, A. K.

2018-05-01

The effect of disorder on the magnetic phase separation between the antiferromagnetic and incommensurate helical and phases is investigated. The study is based on the quasi-two-dimensional single-band Hubbard model in the presence of atomic disorder (the Anderson–Hubbard model). A model of binary alloy disorder is considered, in which the disorder is determined by the difference in energy between the host and impurity atomic levels at a fixed impurity concentration. The problem is solved within the theory of functional integration in static approximation. Magnetic phase diagrams are obtained as functions of the temperature, the number of electrons and impurity concentration with allowance for phase separation. It is shown that for the model parameters chosen, the disorder caused by impurities whose atomic-level energy is greater than that of the host atomic levels, leads to qualitative changes in the phase diagram of the impurity-free system. In the opposite case, only quantitative changes occur. The peculiarities of the effect of disorder on the phase separation regions of the quasi-two-dimensional Hubbard model are discussed.

A new submarine oil-water separation system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Wen-Bin; Liu, Bo-Hong

2017-12-01

In order to solve the oil field losses of environmental problems and economic benefit caused by the separation of lifting production liquid to offshore platforms in the current offshore oil production, from the most basic separation principle, a new oil-water separation system has been processed of adsorption and desorption on related materials, achieving high efficiency and separation of oil and water phases. And the submarine oil-water separation device has been designed. The main structure of the device consists of gas-solid phase separation device, period separating device and adsorption device that completed high efficiency separation of oil, gas and water under the adsorption and desorption principle, and the processing capacity of the device is calculated.

Brayton advanced heat receiver development program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heidenreich, G. R.; Downing, R. S.; Lacey, Dovie E.

1989-01-01

NASA Lewis Research Center is managing an advanced solar dynamic (ASD) space power program. The objective of the ASD program is to develop small and lightweight solar dynamic systems which show significant improvement in efficiency and specific mass over the baseline design derived from the Space Station Freedom technology. The advanced heat receiver development program is a phased program to design, fabricate and test elements of a 7-kWe heat-receiver/thermal-energy-storage subsystem. Receivers for both Brayton and Stirling heat engines are being developed under separate contracts. Phase I, described here, is the current eighteen month effort to design and perform critical technology experiments on innovative concepts designed to reduce mass without compromising thermal efficiency and reliability.

Portable measurement system for real-time acquisition and analysis of in-vivo spatially resolved reflectance in the subdiffusive regime

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naglič, Peter; Ivančič, Matic; Pernuš, Franjo; Likar, Boštjan; Bürmen, Miran

2018-02-01

A measurement system was developed to acquire and analyze subdiffusive spatially resolved reflectance using an optical fiber probe with short source-detector separations. Since subdiffusive reflectance significantly depends on the scattering phase function, the analysis of the acquired reflectance is based on a novel inverse Monte Carlo model that allows estimation of phase function related parameters in addition to the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients. In conjunction with our measurement system, the model allowed real-time estimation of optical properties, which we demonstrate for a case of dynamically induced changes in human skin by applying pressure with an optical fiber probe.

Method for separating mono- and di-octylphenyl phosphoric acid esters

DOEpatents

Arnold, Jr., Wesley D.

1977-01-01

A method for separating mono-octylphenyl phosphoric acid ester and di-octylphenyl phosphoric acid ester from a mixture thereof comprises reacting the ester mixture with a source of lithium or sodium ions to form a mixture of the phosphate salts; contacting the salt mixture with an organic solvent which causes the dioctylphenyl phosphate salt to be dissolved in the organic solvent phase and the mono-octylphenyl phosphate salt to exist in a solid phase; separating the phases; recovering the phosphate salts from their respective phases; and acidifying the recovered salts to form the original phosphoric acid esters.

Phase separation and defect formation in stable, metastable, and unstable GaInAsSb alloys for infrared applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yildirim, Asli

GaInAsSb is a promising material for mid-infrared devices such as lasers and detectors because it is a direct band gap material with large radiative coefficient and a cut-off wavelength that can be varied across the mid-infrared (from 1.7 to 4.9 mum) while remaining lattice matched to GaSb. On the other hand, the potential of the alloy is hampered by predicted ranges of concentration where the constituents of the alloy become immiscible when the crystal is grown near thermodynamic equilibrium at typical growth temperatures. There have been efforts to extend the wavelength of GaInAsSb alloys through such techniques as digital alloy growth and non-equilibrium growth, but most of the compositional range has for a long time been inaccessible due to immiscibility challenges. Theoretical studies also supported the existence of thermodynamic immiscibility gaps for non-equilibrium growth conditions. Lower growth temperatures lead to shorther adatom diffusion length. While a shorter adatom diffusion length suppresses phase separation, too short an adatom length is associated with increased defect formation and eventually loss of crystallinity. On the other hand, hotter growth temperatures move epitaxial growth closer to thermodynamic equilib- rium conditions, and will eventually cause phase separation to occur. In this study thick 2 um; bulk GaInAsSb layers lattice-matched to GaSb substrates were grown across the entire (lattice-matched) compositional range at low growth temperatures (450° C), including the immiscibility region, when grown under non-equilibrium conditions with MBE. High quality epitaxial layers were grown for all compositions, as evidenced by smooth morphology (atomic force microscopy), high structural quality (X-ray diffraction), low alloy fluctuactions (electron dispersive spectroscopy in cross sectioned samples), and bright room temperature photoluminescence. Because initial theoretical efforts have suggessted that lattice strain can influence layer stability, we have studied effects of strain on alloy stability. Unstable and metastable alloys were grown hot enough for the onset of phase separation, then progressively strained and characterized. We show that strain is effective in suppressing phase separation. Finally, we performed time-resolved carrier lifetime measurements for InAsSb alloy with low concentrations of Ga to investigate the role of Ga in influencing nonradiative carrier recombination. There have been studies on non-Ga containing antimonide structures (InAsSb, InAs/InAsSb) that show long carrier lifetimes, which suggest that Ga plays a role in reducing carrier lifetime, because Ga-containing structures such as InAs/GaSb superlattices have much shorter carrier lifetimes. Ga may reduce carrier lifetime through native defects that increase background carrier concentration, or that create mid-gap electronic states. Here, a series of GaInAsSb alloys were grown with low to zero Ga concentration. No difference in carrier lifetime was observed between Ga and Ga-free structures, and minority carrier lifetimes > 600 ns were observed. Additional work remains to be done to obtain background carrier densities in the samples with Hall measurements.

Two-phase turbine engines. [using gas-liquid mixture accelerated in nozzles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elliott, D. G.; Hays, L. G.

1976-01-01

A description is given of a two-phase turbine which utilizes a uniform mixture of gas and liquid accelerated in nozzles of the types reported by Elliott and Weinberg (1968). The mixture acts directly on an axial flow or tangential impulse turbine or is separated into gas and liquid streams which operate separately on a gas turbine and a hydraulic turbine. The basic two-phase cycles are examined, taking into account working fluids, aspects of nozzle expansion, details of turbine cycle operation, and the effect of mixture ratio variation. Attention is also given to two-phase nozzle efficiency, two-phase turbine operating characteristics and efficiencies, separator turbines, and impulse turbine experiments.

Prediction of Phase Separation of Immiscible Ga-Tl Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Yunkyum; Kim, Han Gyeol; Kang, Youn-Bae; Kaptay, George; Lee, Joonho

2017-06-01

Phase separation temperature of Ga-Tl liquid alloys was investigated using the constrained drop method. With this method, density and surface tension were investigated together. Despite strong repulsive interactions, molar volume showed ideal mixing behavior, whereas surface tension of the alloy was close to that of pure Tl due to preferential adsorption of Tl. Phase separation temperatures and surface tension values obtained with this method were close to the theoretically calculated values using three different thermodynamic models.

Phase separation of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) implants investigated using a hydrogel-based subcutaneous tissue surrogate and UV-vis imaging.

PubMed

Sun, Yu; Jensen, Henrik; Petersen, Nickolaj J; Larsen, Susan W; Østergaard, Jesper

2017-10-25

Phase separation of in situ forming poly (lactide-co-glycolide acid) (PLGA) implants with agarose hydrogels as the provider of nonsolvent (water) mimicking subcutaneous tissue was investigated using a novel UV-vis imaging-based analytical platform. In situ forming implants of PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone and PLGA-triacetin representing fast and slow phase separating systems, respectively, were evaluated using this platform. Upon contact with the agarose hydrogel, the phase separation of the systems was followed by the study of changes in light transmission and absorbance as a function of time and position. For the PLGA-1-methyl-2-pyrrolidinone system, the rate of spatial phase separation was determined and found to decrease with increasing the PLGA concentration from 20% to 40% (w/w). Hydrogels with different agarose concentrations (1% and 10% (w/v)) were prepared for providing the nonsolvent, water, to the in situ forming PLGA implants simulating the injection site environment. The resulting implant morphology depended on the stiffness of hydrogel matrix, indicating that the matrix in which implants are formed is of importance. Overall, the work showed that the UV-vis imaging-based platform with an agarose hydrogel mimicking the subcutaneous tissue holds potential in providing bio-relevant and mechanistic information on the phase separation processes of in situ forming implants. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interfacing Capillary-Based Separations to Mass Spectrometry Using Desorption Electrospray Ionization

PubMed Central

Barbula, Griffin K.; Safi, Samir; Chingin, Konstantin; Perry, Richard H.; Zare, Richard N.

2014-01-01

The powerful hybrid analysis method of capillary-based separations followed by mass spectrometric analysis gives substantial chemical identity and structural information. It is usually carried out using electrospray ionization. However, the salts and detergents used in the mobile phase for electrokinetic separations suppress ionization efficiencies and contaminate the inlet of the mass spectrometer. This report describes a new method that uses desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) to overcome these limitations. Effluent from capillary columns is deposited on a rotating Teflon disk that is covered with paper. As the surface rotates, the temporal separation of the eluting analytes (i.e., the electropherogram) is spatially encoded on the surface. Then, using DESI, surface-deposited analytes are preferentially ionized, reducing the effects of ion suppression and inlet contamination on signal. With the use of this novel approach, two capillary-based separations were performed: a mixture of the rhodamine dyes at milligram/milliliter levels in a 10 mM sodium borate solution was separated by capillary electrophoresis, and a mixture of three cardiac drugs at milligram/milliliter levels in a 12.5 mM sodium borate and 12.5 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate solution was separated by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. In both experiments, the negative effects of detergents and salts on the MS analyses were minimized. PMID:21319740

Computationally efficient method for Fourier transform of highly chirped pulses for laser and parametric amplifier modeling.

PubMed

Andrianov, Alexey; Szabo, Aron; Sergeev, Alexander; Kim, Arkady; Chvykov, Vladimir; Kalashnikov, Mikhail

2016-11-14

We developed an improved approach to calculate the Fourier transform of signals with arbitrary large quadratic phase which can be efficiently implemented in numerical simulations utilizing Fast Fourier transform. The proposed algorithm significantly reduces the computational cost of Fourier transform of a highly chirped and stretched pulse by splitting it into two separate transforms of almost transform limited pulses, thereby reducing the required grid size roughly by a factor of the pulse stretching. The application of our improved Fourier transform algorithm in the split-step method for numerical modeling of CPA and OPCPA shows excellent agreement with standard algorithms.

Coherent optical frequency transfer over 50-km physical distance using a 120-km-long installed telecom fiber network.

PubMed

Musha, Mitsuru; Hong, Feng-Lei; Nakagawa, Ken'ichi; Ueda, Ken-ichi

2008-10-13

Optical frequency at 1542 nm was coherently transferred over a 120-km-long installed telecom fiber network between two cities (Tsukuba and Tokyo) in Japan separated by more than 50 km. The phase noise induced by the fiber length fluctuations was actively reduced by using a fiber stretcher and an acousto-optic modulator. The fractional frequency instability of the one-way transmitted light was reduced down to less than 8.0 x 10(-16) at an averaging time of 1s, which is limited by the theoretical limit deduced from the length and the intrinsic noise of the fiber.

The chiral separation of triazole pesticides enantiomers by amylose-tris (3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase.

PubMed

Wang, Peng; Liu, Donghui; Jiang, Shuren; Xu, Yangguang; Zhou, Zhiqiang

2008-10-01

The amylose-tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase was synthesized and used to separate the enantiomers of triazole pesticides by high-performance liquid chromatography. The mobile phase was n-hexane-isopropanol applying a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Six triazole pesticides were enantioselectively separated. Myclobutanil, paclobutrazol, tebuconazole, and uniconazole obtained complete separation with the resolution factors of 5.73, 2.99, 1.72, and 2.07, respectively, and imazalil and diniconazole obtained partial separation with the resolution factors of 0.79 and 0.77 under the optimized conditions. The effect of the content of isopropanol as well as column temperature on the separation was investigated. A circular dichroism detector was used to identify the enantiomers and determine the elution orders. The results showed the low temperature was good for the chiral separation except for diniconazole. The thermodynamic parameters calculated based on linear Van't Hoff plots showed the chiral separations were controlled by enthalpy.

Analyses of procyanidins in foods using Diol phase HPLC

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Separation of procyanidins using silica-based HPLC suffered from poor resolution for higher oligomers and low sensitivity due to the fluorescence quenching effects of methylene chloride in the mobile phase. Optimization of a published Diol-phase HPLC method resulted in near baseline separation for p...

Identifying Effective Design Approaches to Allocate Genotypes in Two-Phase Designs: A Case Study in Pelargonium zonale.

PubMed

Molenaar, Heike; Boehm, Robert; Piepho, Hans-Peter

2017-01-01

Robust phenotypic data allow adequate statistical analysis and are crucial for any breeding purpose. Such data is obtained from experiments laid out to best control local variation. Additionally, experiments frequently involve two phases, each contributing environmental sources of variation. For example, in a former experiment we conducted to evaluate production related traits in Pelargonium zonale , there were two consecutive phases, each performed in a different greenhouse. Phase one involved the propagation of the breeding strains to obtain the stem cutting count, and phase two involved the assessment of root formation. The evaluation of the former study raised questions regarding options for improving the experimental layout: (i) Is there a disadvantage to using exactly the same design in both phases? (ii) Instead of generating a separate layout for each phase, can the design be optimized across both phases, such that the mean variance of a pair-wise treatment difference (MVD) can be decreased? To answer these questions, alternative approaches were explored to generate two-phase designs either in phase-wise order (Option 1) or across phases (Option 2). In Option 1 we considered the scenarios (i) using in both phases the same experimental design and (ii) randomizing each phase separately. In Option 2, we considered the scenarios (iii) generating a single design with eight replicates and splitting these among the two phases, (iv) separating the block structure across phases by dummy coding, and (v) design generation with optimal alignment of block units in the two phases. In both options, we considered the same or different block structures in each phase. The designs were evaluated by the MVD obtained by the intra-block analysis and the joint inter-block-intra-block analysis. The smallest MVD was most frequently obtained for designs generated across phases rather than for each phase separately, in particular when both phases of the design were separated with a single pseudo-level. The joint optimization ensured that treatment concurrences were equally balanced across pairs, one of the prerequisites for an efficient design. The proposed alternative approaches can be implemented with any model-based design packages with facilities to formulate linear models for treatment and block structures.

Dynamics of coarsening in multicomponent lipid vesicles with non-uniform mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Funkhouser, Chloe M.; Solis, Francisco J.; Thornton, K.

2014-04-01

Multicomponent lipid vesicles are commonly used as a model system for the complex plasma membrane. One phenomenon that is studied using such model systems is phase separation. Vesicles composed of simple lipid mixtures can phase-separate into liquid-ordered and liquid-disordered phases, and since these phases can have different mechanical properties, this separation can lead to changes in the shape of the vesicle. In this work, we investigate the dynamics of phase separation in multicomponent lipid vesicles, using a model that couples composition to mechanical properties such as bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature. The model allows the vesicle surface to deform while conserving surface area and composition. For vesicles initialized as spheres, we study the effects of phase fraction and spontaneous curvature. We additionally initialize two systems with elongated, spheroidal shapes. Dynamic behavior is contrasted in systems where only one phase has a spontaneous curvature similar to the overall vesicle surface curvature and systems where the spontaneous curvatures of both phases are similar to the overall curvature. The bending energy contribution is typically found to slow the dynamics by stabilizing configurations with multiple domains. Such multiple-domain configurations are found more often in vesicles with spheroidal shapes than in nearly spherical vesicles.

Separation of polyethylene glycols and amino-terminated polyethylene glycols by high-performance liquid chromatography under near critical conditions.

PubMed

Wei, Y-Z; Zhuo, R-X; Jiang, X-L

2016-05-20

The separation and characterization of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) and amino-substituted derivatives on common silica-based reversed-phase packing columns using isocratic elution is described. This separation is achieved by liquid chromatography under the near critical conditions (LCCC), based on the number of amino functional end groups without obvious effect of molar mass for PEGs. The mobile phase is acetonitrile in water with an optimal ammonium acetate buffer. The separation mechanism of PEG and amino-substituted PEG under the near LCCC on silica-based packing columns is confirmed to be ion-exchange interaction. Under the LCCC of PEG backbone, with fine tune of buffer concentration, the retention factor ratios for benzylamine and phenol in buffered mobile phases, α(benzylamine/phenol)-values, were used to assess the ion-exchange capacity on silica-based reversed-phase packing columns. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on separation of amino-functional PEGs independent of the molar mass by isocratic elution using common C18 or phenyl reversed-phase packing columns. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of ammonium sulfate and sodium chloride concentration on PEG/protein liquid-liquid phase separation.

PubMed

Dumetz, André C; Lewus, Rachael A; Lenhoff, Abraham M; Kaler, Eric W

2008-09-16

When added to protein solutions, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) creates an effective attraction between protein molecules due to depletion forces. This effect has been widely used to crystallize proteins, and PEG is among the most successful crystallization agents in current use. However, PEG is almost always used in combination with a salt at either low or relatively high concentrations. Here the effects of sodium chloride and ammonium sulfate concentration on PEG 8000/ovalbumin liquid-liquid (L-L) phase separation are investigated. At low salt the L-L phase separation occurs at decreasing protein concentration with increasing salt concentration, presumably due to repulsive electrostatic interactions between proteins. At high salt concentration, the behavior depends on the nature of the salt. Sodium chloride has little effect on the L-L phase separation, but ammonium sulfate decreases the protein concentration at which the L-L phase separation occurs. This trend is attributed to the effects of critical fluctuations on depletion forces. The implications of these results for designing solution conditions optimal for protein crystallization are discussed.

Surface engineered nanoparticles for improved surface enhanced Raman scattering applications and method for preparing same

DOEpatents

Simmons, Blake A [San Francisco, CA; Talin, Albert Alec [Livermore, CA

2009-11-27

A method for producing metal nanoparticles that when associated with an analyte material will generate an amplified SERS spectrum when the analyte material is illuminated by a light source and a spectrum is recorded. The method for preparing the metal nanoparticles comprises the steps of (i) forming a water-in-oil microemulsion comprising a bulk oil phase, a dilute water phase, and one or more surfactants, wherein the water phase comprises a transition metal ion; (ii) adding an aqueous solution comprising a mild reducing agent to the water-in-oil microemulsion; (iii) stirring the water-in-oil microemulsion and aqueous solution to initiate a reduction reaction resulting in the formation of a fine precipitate dispersed in the water-in-oil microemulsion; and (iv) separating the precipitate from the water-in-oil microemulsion.

Electroweak baryogenesis and standard model CP violation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huet, Patrick; Sather, Eric

1995-01-01

We analyze the mechanism of electroweak baryogenesis proposed by Farrar and Shaposhnikov in which the phase of the CKM mixing matrix is the only source of CP violation. This mechanism is based on a phase separation of baryons via the scattering of quasiparticles by the wall of an expanding bubble produced at the electroweak phase transition. In agreement with the recent work of Gavela, Hernández, Orloff, and Pène, we conclude the QCD damping effects reduce the asymmetry produced to a negligible amount. We interpret the damping as quantum decoherence. We compute the asymmetry analytically. Our analysis reflects the observation that only a thin, outer layer of the bubble contributes to the coherent scattering of the quasiparticles. The generality of our arguments rules out any mechanism of electroweak baryogenesis that does not make use of a new source of CP violation.

Ground state of a Heisenberg chain with next-nearest-neighbor bond alternation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capriotti, Luca; Becca, Federico; Sorella, Sandro; Parola, Alberto

2003-05-01

We investigate the ground-state properties of the spin-half J1-J2 Heisenberg chain with a next-nearest-neighbor spin-Peierls dimerization using conformal field theory and Lanczos exact diagonalizations. In agreement with the results of a recent bosonization analysis by Sarkar and Sen [Phys. Rev. B 65, 172408 (2002)], we find that for small frustration (J2/J1) the system is in a Luttinger spin-fluid phase, with gapless excitations, and a finite spin-wave velocity. In the regime of strong frustration the ground state is spontaneously dimerized and the bond alternation reduces the triplet gap, leading to a slight enhancement of the critical point separating the Luttinger phase from the gapped one. An accurate determination of the phase boundary is obtained numerically from the study of the excitation spectrum.

Numerical analysis of wet separation of particles by density differences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Markauskas, D.; Kruggel-Emden, H.

2017-07-01

Wet particle separation is widely used in mineral processing and plastic recycling to separate mixtures of particulate materials into further usable fractions due to density differences. This work presents efforts aiming to numerically analyze the wet separation of particles with different densities. In the current study the discrete element method (DEM) is used for the solid phase while the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is used for modeling of the liquid phase. The two phases are coupled by the use of a volume averaging technique. In the current study, simulations of spherical particle separation were performed. In these simulations, a set of generated particles with two different densities is dropped into a rectangular container filled with liquid. The results of simulations with two different mixtures of particles demonstrated how separation depends on the densities of particles.

Green chromatography separation of analytes of greatly differing properties using a polyethylene glycol stationary phase and a low-toxic water-based mobile phase.

PubMed

Šatínský, Dalibor; Brabcová, Ivana; Maroušková, Alena; Chocholouš, Petr; Solich, Petr

2013-07-01

A simple, rapid, and environmentally friendly HPLC method was developed and validated for the separation of four compounds (4-aminophenol, caffeine, paracetamol, and propyphenazone) with different chemical properties. A "green" mobile phase, employing water as the major eluent, was proposed and applied to the separation of analytes with different polarity on polyethylene glycol (PEG) stationary phase. The chromatography separation of all compounds and internal standard benzoic acid was performed using isocratic elution with a low-toxicity mobile phase consisting of 0.04% (v/v) triethylamine and water. HPLC separation was carried out using a PEG reversed-phase stationary phase Supelco Discovery HS PEG column (15 × 4 mm; particle size 3 μm) at a temperature of 30 °C and flow rate at 1.0 mL min(-1). The UV detector was set at 210 nm. In this study, a PEG stationary phase was shown to be suitable for the efficient isocratic separation of compounds that differ widely in hydrophobicity and acid-base properties, particularly 4-aminophenol (log P, 0.30), caffeine (log P, -0.25), and propyphenazone (log P, 2.27). A polar PEG stationary phase provided specific selectivity which allowed traditional chromatographic problems related to the separation of analytes with different polarities to be solved. The retention properties of the group of structurally similar substances (aromatic amines, phenolic compounds, and xanthine derivatives) were tested with different mobile phases. The proposed green chromatography method was successfully applied to the analysis of active substances and one degradation impurity (4-aminophenol) in commercial preparation. Under the optimum chromatographic conditions, standard calibration was carried out with good linearity correlation coefficients for all compounds in the range (0.99914-0.99997, n = 6) between the peak areas and concentration of compounds. Recovery of the sample preparation was in the range 100 ± 5% for all compounds. The intraday method precision was determined as RSD, and the values were lower than 1.00%.

Isolation, purification and characterization of antioxidative peptide of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) protein hydrolysate.

PubMed

Agrawal, Himani; Joshi, Robin; Gupta, Mahesh

2016-08-01

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a rich source of protein, used for present study to hydrolyze protein, peptide separation and its functional activity. Antioxidative bioactive peptide was successfully identified from pearl millet using trypsin enzyme. Different antioxidative potential of isolated peptide were assessed based on activity of DPPH radical, ABTS radical, hydroxyl radical, Fe(2+) chelating ability and reducing power. Bioactive peptide separated by gel-filtration chromatography, showed the higher antioxidant activity as tested by different free radicals. The activity of pearl millet protein hydrolysate fraction was found for DPPH assay (67.66%), ABTS assay (78.81%), Fe(2+) chelating ability (51.20%), hydroxyl assay (60.95%) and reducing power (0.375nm) was further purified using reversed-phase UFLC and subjected to matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS) for sequential identification of the peptide. The sequence SDRDLLGPNNQYLPK was identified as antioxidant peptide. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supramolecular separation mechanism of pentafluorophenyl column using ibuprofen and omeprazole as markers: LC-MS and simulation study.

PubMed

Hussain, Afzal; AlAjmi, Mohamed F; Ali, Imran

2018-06-01

The pentafluorophenyl (PFP) column is emerging as a new advancement in separation science to analyze a wide range of analytes and, thus, its separation mechanism at supramolecular level is significant. We developed a mechanism for the separation of ibuprofen and omeprazole using different combinations (ranging from 50:50 to 60:40) of water-acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid as the mobile phase. The column used was Waters Acquity UPLC HSS PFP (75 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The reverse order of elution was observed in different combinations of the mobile phases. The docking study indicated hydrogen bonding between ibuprofen and PFP stationary phase (binding energy was -11.30 kJ/mol). Separation at PFP stationary phase is controlled by hydrogen bonding along with π-π interactions. This stationary phase may be used to analyze both aromatic and aliphatic analytes. The developed mechanism will be useful to separate various analytes by considering the possible interactions, leading to saving of energy, time and money. In addition, this work will be highly useful in preparative chromatography where separation is the major problem at a large scale. Moreover, the developed LC-MS-QTOF method may be used to analyze ibuprofen and omeprazole in an unknown sample owing to the low value of detection limits. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Electrospun Polymer Blend Nanofibers for Tunable Drug Delivery: The Role of Transformative Phase Separation on Controlling the Release Rate.

PubMed

Tipduangta, Pratchaya; Belton, Peter; Fábián, László; Wang, Li Ying; Tang, Huiru; Eddleston, Mark; Qi, Sheng

2016-01-04

Electrospun fibrous materials have a wide range of biomedical applications, many of them involving the use of polymers as matrices for incorporation of therapeutic agents. The use of polymer blends improves the tuneability of the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the drug loaded fibers. This also benefits the development of controlled drug release formulations, for which the release rate can be modified by altering the ratio of the polymers in the blend. However, to realize these benefits, a clear understanding of the phase behavior of the processed polymer blend is essential. This study reports an in depth investigation of the impact of the electrospinning process on the phase separation of a model partially miscible polymer blend, PVP K90 and HPMCAS, in comparison to other conventional solvent evaporation based processes including film casting and spin coating. The nanoscale stretching and ultrafast solvent removal of electrospinning lead to an enhanced apparent miscibility between the polymers, with the same blends showing micronscale phase separation when processed using film casting and spin coating. Nanoscale phase separation in electrospun blend fibers was confirmed in the dry state. Rapid, layered, macroscale phase separation of the two polymers occurred during the wetting of the fibers. This led to a biphasic drug release profile from the fibers, with a burst release from PVP-rich phases and a slower, more continuous release from HPMCAS-rich phases. It was noted that the model drug, paracetamol, had more favorable partitioning into the PVP-rich phase, which is likely to be a result of greater hydrogen bonding between PVP and paracetamol. This led to higher drug contents in the PVP-rich phases than the HPMCAS-rich phases. By alternating the proportions of the PVP and HPMCAS, the drug release rate can be modulated.

TES buffer-induced phase separation of aqueous solutions of several water-miscible organic solvents at 298.15 K: phase diagrams and molecular dynamic simulations.

PubMed

Taha, Mohamed; Lee, Ming-Jer

2013-06-28

Water and the organic solvents tetrahydrofuran, 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, tert-butanol, acetonitrile, or acetone are completely miscible in all proportions at room temperature. Here, we present new buffering-out phase separation systems that the above mentioned organic aqueous solutions can be induced to form two liquid phases in the presence of a biological buffer 2-[[1,3-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)propan-2-yl]amino]ethanesulfonic acid (TES). The lower liquid phase is rich in water and buffer, and the upper phase is organic rich. This observation has both practical and mechanistic interests. The phase diagrams of these systems were constructed by experimental measurements at ambient conditions. Molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were performed for TES + water + THF system to understand the interactions between TES, water, and organic solvent at molecular level. Several composition-sets for this system, beyond and inside the liquid-liquid phase-splitting region, have been simulated. Interestingly, the MD simulation for compositions inside the phase separation region showed that THF molecules are forced out from the water network to start forming a new liquid phase. The hydrogen-bonds, hydrogen-bonds lifetimes, hydrogen-bond energies, radial distribution functions, coordination numbers, the electrostatic interactions, and the van der Waals interactions between the different pairs have been calculated. Additionally, MD simulations for TES + water + tert-butanol∕acetonitrile∕acetone phase separation systems were simulated. The results from MD simulations provide an explanation for the buffering-out phenomena observed in [TES + water + organic solvent] systems by a mechanism controlled by the competitive interactions of the buffer and the organic solvent with water. The molecular mechanism reported here is helpful for designing new benign separation materials.

Advances in organic polymer-based monolithic column technology for high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry profiling of antibodies, intact proteins, oligonucleotides, and peptides.

PubMed

Eeltink, Sebastiaan; Wouters, Sam; Dores-Sousa, José Luís; Svec, Frantisek

2017-05-19

This review focuses on the preparation of organic polymer-based monolithic stationary phases and their application in the separation of biomolecules, including antibodies, intact proteins and protein isoforms, oligonucleotides, and protein digests. Column and material properties, and the optimization of the macropore structure towards kinetic performance are also discussed. State-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry biomolecule separations are reviewed and practical aspects such as ion-pairing agent selection and carryover are presented. Finally, advances in comprehensive two-dimensional LC separations using monolithic columns, in particular ion-exchange×reversed-phase and reversed-phase×reversed-phase LC separations conducted at high and low pH, are shown. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Recent progress of chiral stationary phases for separation of enantiomers in gas chromatography.

PubMed

Xie, Sheng-Ming; Yuan, Li-Ming

2017-01-01

Chromatography techniques based on chiral stationary phases are widely used for the separation of enantiomers. In particular, gas chromatography has developed rapidly in recent years due to its merits such as fast analysis speed, lower consumption of stationary phases and analytes, higher column efficiency, making it a better choice for chiral separation in diverse industries. This article summarizes recent progress of novel chiral stationary phases based on cyclofructan derivatives and chiral porous materials including chiral metal-organic frameworks, chiral porous organic frameworks, chiral inorganic mesoporous materials, and chiral porous organic cages in gas chromatography, covering original research papers published since 2010. The chiral recognition properties and mechanisms of separation toward enantiomers are also introduced. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Nanocomposites for ultra high density information storage, devices including the same, and methods of making the same

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit; Shin, Junsoo

2014-04-01

A nanocomposite article that includes a single-crystal or single-crystal-like substrate and heteroepitaxial, phase-separated layer supported by a surface of the substrate and a method of making the same are described. The heteroepitaxial layer can include a continuous, non-magnetic, crystalline, matrix phase, and an ordered, magnetic magnetic phase disposed within the matrix phase. The ordered magnetic phase can include a plurality of self-assembled crystalline nanostructures of a magnetic material. The phase-separated layer and the single crystal substrate can be separated by a buffer layer. An electronic storage device that includes a read-write head and a nanocomposite article with a data storage density of 0.75 Tb/in.sup.2 is also described.

Evaluation of the slurry management strategy and the integration of the composting technology in a pig farm - Agronomical and environmental implications.

PubMed

Sáez, José A; Clemente, Rafael; Bustamante, M Ángeles; Yañez, David; Bernal, M Pilar

2017-05-01

The changes in livestock production systems towards intensification frequently lead to an excess of manure generation with respect to the agricultural land available for its soil application. However, treatment technologies can help in the management of manures, especially in N-surplus areas. An integrated slurry treatment system based on solid-liquid separation, aerobic treatment of the liquid and composting the solid fraction was evaluated in a pig farm (sows and piglets) in the South of Spain. Solid fraction separation using a filter band connected to a screw press had low efficiency (38%), which was greatly improved incorporating a rotatory sieve (61%). The depuration system was very efficient for the liquid, with total removal of 84% total solids, 87% volatile solids, and 98% phosphorus. Two composting systems were tested through mechanical turning of: 1- a mixture of solid fraction stored for 1 month after solid-liquid separation and cereal straw; 2- recently-separated solid fraction mixed with cotton gin waste. System 2 was recommended for the farm, as it exhibited a fast temperature rise and a long thermophilic phase to ensure compost sanitisation, and high recovery of nutrients (TN 77%, P and K > 85%) and organic matter (45%). The composts obtained were mature, stable and showed a high degree of humification of their organic matter, absence of phytotoxicity and concentrations of nutrients similar to other composts from pig manure or separated slurry solids. However, the introduction of slurry from piglets into the solid-liquid separation system should be avoided in order to reduce the content of Zn in the compost, which lowers its quality. The slurry separation followed by composting of the solid fraction using a passive windrow system, and aeration of the liquid phase, was the most recommendable procedure for the reduction of GHG emissions on the farm. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Simple interface of high-performance liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry hyphenated system for speciation of mercury based on photo-induced chemical vapour generation with formic acid in mobile phase as reaction reagent.

PubMed

Yin, Yongguang; Liu, Jingfu; He, Bin; Shi, Jianbo; Jiang, Guibin

2008-02-15

Photo-induced chemical vapour generation (CVG) with formic acid in mobile phase as reaction reagent was developed as interface to on-line couple HPLC with atomic fluorescence spectrometry for the separation and determination of inorganic mercury, methylmercury (MeHg), ethylmercury (EtHg) and phenylmercury (PhHg). In the developed procedure, formic acid in mobile phase was used to decompose organomercuries and reduce Hg(2+) to mercury cold vapour under UV irradiation. Therefore, no post-column reagent was used and the flow injection system in traditional procedure is omitted. A number of operating parameters including pH of mobile phase, concentration of formate, flow rate of mobile phase, length of PTFE reaction coil, flow rate of carrier gas and Na(2)S(2)O(3) in sample matrix were optimized. The limits of detection at the optimized conditions were 0.085, 0.033, 0.029 and 0.038 microg L(-1) for inorganic mercury, MeHg, EtHg and PhHg, respectively. The developed method was validated by determination of certified reference material DORM-2 and was further applied in analyses of seafood samples from Yantai port, China. The UV-CVG with formic acid simplifies the instrumentation and reduces the analytical cost significantly.

Cdc7 is required throughout the yeast S phase to activate replication origins.

PubMed

Donaldson, A D; Fangman, W L; Brewer, B J

1998-02-15

The long-standing conclusion that the Cdc7 kinase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is required only to trigger S phase has been challenged by recent data that suggests it acts directly on individual replication origins. We tested the possibility that early- and late-activated origins have different requirements for Cdc7 activity. Cells carrying a cdc7(ts) allele were first arrested in G1 at the cdc7 block by incubation at 37 degrees C, and then were allowed to enter S phase by brief incubation at 23 degrees C. During the S phase, after return to 37 degrees C, early-firing replication origins were activated, but late origins failed to fire. Similarly, a plasmid with a late-activated origin was defective in replication. As a consequence of the origin activation defect, duplication of chromosomal sequences that are normally replicated from late origins was greatly delayed. Early-replicating regions of the genome duplicated at approximately their normal time. The requirements of early and late origins for Cdc7 appear to be temporally rather than quantitatively different, as reducing overall levels of Cdc7 by growth at semi-permissive temperature reduced activation at early and late origins approximately equally. Our results show that Cdc7 activates early and late origins separately, with late origins requiring the activity later in S phase to permit replication initiation.

The influence of atmosphere on performance of pure-phase WZ and ZB InAs nanowire transistors.

PubMed

Ullah, Abu Rifat; Joyce, Hannah J; Tan, Hoe; Jagadish, Chennupati; Micolich, Adam P

2017-09-21

We compare the characteristics of phase-pure MOCVD grown ZB and WZ InAs nanowire transistors in several atmospheres: air, dry pure N₂ and O₂, and N₂ bubbled through liquid H₂O and alcohols to identify whether phase-related structural/surface differences affect their response. Both WZ and ZB give poor gate characteristics in dry state. Adsorption of polar species reduces off-current by 2-3 orders of magnitude, increases on-off ratio and significantly reduces sub-threshold slope. The key difference is the greater sensitivity of WZ to low adsorbate level. We attribute this to facet structure and its influence on the separation between conduction electrons and surface adsorption sites. We highlight the important role adsorbed species play in nanowire device characterisation. WZ is commonly thought superior to ZB in InAs nanowire transistors. We show this is an artefact of the moderate humidity found in ambient laboratory conditions: WZ and ZB perform equally poorly in the dry gas limit yet equally well in the wet gas limit. We also highlight the vital role density-lowering disorder has in improving gate characteristics, be it stacking faults in mixed-phase WZ or surface adsorbates in pure-phase nanowires. © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Stability of Mixed Preparations Consisting of Commercial Moisturizing Creams with an Ointment Base Investigated by Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PubMed

Onuki, Yoshinori; Funatani, Chiaki; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa; Fukami, Toshiro; Koide, Tatsuo; Hayashi, Yoshihiro; Takayama, Kozo

2017-01-01

A moisturizing cream mixed with a steroid ointment is frequently prescribed to patients suffering from atopic dermatitis. However, there is a concern that the mixing operation causes destabilization. The present study was performed to investigate the stability of such preparations closely using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As sample preparations, five commercial moisturizing creams that are popular in Japan were mixed with an ointment base, a white petrolatum, at a volume ratio of 1 : 1. The mixed preparations were stored at 60°C to accelerate the destabilization processes. Subsequently, the phase separations induced by the storage test were monitored using MRI. Using advanced MR technologies including spin-spin relaxation time (T 2 ) mapping and MR spectroscopy, we successfully characterized the phase-separation behavior of the test samples. For most samples, phase separations developed by the bleeding of liquid oil components. From a sample consisting of an oil-in-water-type cream, Urepearl Cream 10%, a distinct phase-separation mode was observed, which was initiated by the aqueous component separating from the bottom part of the sample. The resultant phase separation was the most distinct among the test samples. To investigate the phase separation quantitatively and objectively, we conducted a histogram analysis on the acquired T 2 maps. The water-in-oil type creams were found to be much more stable after mixing with ointment base than those of oil-in-water type creams. This finding strongly supported the validity of the mixing operation traditionally conducted in pharmacies.

Heterogeneous ice nucleation on phase-separated organic-sulfate particles: effect of liquid vs. glassy coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schill, G. P.; Tolbert, M. A.

2013-05-01

Atmospheric ice nucleation on aerosol particles relevant to cirrus clouds remains one of the least understood processes in the atmosphere. Upper tropospheric aerosols as well as sub-visible cirrus residues are known to be enhanced in both sulfates and organics. The hygroscopic phase transitions of organic-sulfate particles can have an impact on both the cirrus cloud formation mechanism and resulting cloud microphysical properties. In addition to deliquescence and efflorescence, organic-sulfate particles are known to undergo another phase transition known as liquid-liquid phase separation. The ice nucleation properties of particles that have undergone liquid-liquid phase separation are unknown. Here, Raman microscopy coupled with an environmental cell was used to study the low temperature deliquescence, efflorescence, and liquid-liquid phase separation behavior of 2 : 1 mixtures of organic polyols (1,2,6-hexanetriol and 1 : 1 1,2,6-hexanetriol + 2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cyclohexanol) and ammonium sulfate from 240-265 K. Further, the ice nucleation efficiency of these organic-sulfate systems after liquid-liquid phase separation and efflorescence was investigated from 210-235 K. Raman mapping and volume-geometry analysis indicate that these particles contain solid ammonium sulfate cores fully engulfed in organic shells. For the ice nucleation experiments, we find that if the organic coatings are liquid, water vapor diffuses through the shell and ice nucleates on the ammonium sulfate core. In this case, the coatings minimally affect the ice nucleation efficiency of ammonium sulfate. In contrast, if the coatings become semi-solid or glassy, ice instead nucleates on the organic shell. Consistent with recent findings that glasses can be efficient ice nuclei, the phase-separated particles are nearly as efficient at ice nucleation as pure crystalline ammonium sulfate.

Heterogeneous ice nucleation on phase-separated organic-sulfate particles: effect of liquid vs. glassy coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schill, G. P.; Tolbert, M. A.

2012-12-01

Atmospheric ice nucleation on aerosol particles relevant to cirrus clouds remains one of the least understood processes in the atmosphere. Upper tropospheric aerosols as well as sub-visible cirrus residues are known to be enhanced in both sulfates and organics. The hygroscopic phase transitions of organic-sulfate particles can have an impact on both the cirrus cloud formation mechanism and resulting cloud microphysical properties. In addition to deliquescence and efflorescence, organic-sulfate particles are known to undergo another phase transition known as liquid-liquid phase separation. The ice nucleation properties of particles that have undergone liquid-liquid phase separation are unknown. Here, Raman microscopy coupled with an environmental cell was used to study the low temperature deliquescence, efflorescence, and liquid-liquid phase separation behavior of 2:1 mixtures of organic polyols (1,2,6-hexanetriol, and 1:1 1,2,6-hexanetriol +2,2,6,6-tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)cycohexanol) and ammonium sulfate from 240-265 K. Further, the ice nucleation efficiency of these organic-sulfate systems after liquid-liquid phase separation and efflorescence was investigated from 210-235 K. Raman mapping and volume-geometry analysis indicates that these particles contain solid ammonium sulfate cores fully engulfed in organic shells. For the ice nucleation experiments, we find that if the organic coatings are liquid, water vapor diffuses through the shell and ice nucleates on the ammonium sulfate core. In this case, the coatings minimally affect the ice nucleation efficiency of ammonium sulfate. In contrast, if the coatings become semi-solid or glassy, ice instead nucleates on the organic shell. Consistent with recent findings that glasses can be efficient ice nuclei, the phase separated particles are nearly as efficient at ice nucleation as pure crystalline ammonium sulfate.

The antagonistic role of chaotropic hexafluorophosphate anions and imidazolium cations composing ionic liquids applied as phase additives in the separation of tri-cyclic antidepressants.

PubMed

Caban, Magda; Stepnowski, Piotr

2017-05-15

The main advantage of alkylimidazolium cation-based ionic liquids (ILs) as phase additives in RP-HPLC is believed to be the suppression of deleterious residual free silanols in chemically modified silica stationary phases. However, up to now, the influence of ILs was usually evaluated having in mind a particular IL salt as one compound, not as a specific mixture of cations and anions. This in fact led to some misinterpretation of observed results, very often related to the suppression effect, while in fact caused by the nature of IL anions, which contribute to the elevated chaotropicity of the separation phases. In the present study, we have attempted to consider the effect gained due to the presence of both ionic liquid entities in the mobile phase used for the separation of basic compounds. Tri-cyclic antidepressants (TCAs) were taken as representative analytes. The effect of ILs on the chromatographic separation of TCAs was investigated in comparison to common mobile phase additives and by the presentation of retention factors, tailing factors and theoretical plates. In addition, an overloading study was performed for the IL-based phases for the first time. In general, it was found that the effect of chaotropic hexafluorophosphate anions in ILs is much stronger and opposite to that caused by imidazolium cations. The overloading study gives interesting information on how imidazolium cations affect the separation of cationic analytes. Finally, the usefulness of imidazolium-based ILs as mobile phase modifiers in the RP-HPLC separation of basic compounds was discussed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental Investigation and Thermodynamic Assessment of Phase Equilibria in the PLLA/Dioxane/Water Ternary System for Applications in the Biomedical Field.

PubMed

Ruggiero, Flavia; Netti, Paolo Antonio; Torino, Enza

2015-12-01

Fundamental understanding of thermodynamic of phase separation plays a key role in tuning the desired features of biomedical devices. In particular, phase separation of ternary solution is of remarkable interest in processes to obtain biodegradable and biocompatible architectures applied as artificial devices to repair, replace, or support damaged tissues or organs. In these perspectives, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) is the most widely used technique to obtained porous morphologies and, in addition, among different ternary systems, polylactic acid (PLLA)/dioxane/water has given promising results and has been largely studied. However, to increase the control of TIPS-based processes and architectures, an investigation of the basic energetic phenomena occurring during phase separation is still required. Here we propose an experimental investigation of the selected ternary system by using isothermal titration calorimetric approach at different solvent/antisolvent ratio and a thermodynamic explanation related to the polymer-solvents interactions in terms of energetic contribution to the phase separation process. Furthermore, relevant information about the phase diagrams and interaction parameters of the studied systems are furnished in terms of liquid-liquid miscibility gap. Indeed, polymer-solvents interactions are responsible for the mechanism of the phase separation process and, therefore, of the final features of the morphologies; the knowledge of such data is fundamental to control processes for the production of membranes, scaffolds and several nanostructures. The behavior of the polymer at different solvent/nonsolvent ratios is discussed in terms of solvation mechanism and a preliminary contribution to the understanding of the role of the hydrogen bonding in the interface phenomena is also reported. It is the first time that thermodynamic data of a ternary system are collected by mean of nano-isothermal titration calorimetry (nano-ITC). Supporting Information is available.

Separation as an Important Risk Factor for Suicide: A Systematic Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ide, Naoko; Wyder, Marianne; Kolves, Kairi; De Leo, Diego

2010-01-01

Examining how different phases of relationship separation effects the development of suicidal behaviors has been largely ignored in suicide studies. The few studies conducted suggest that individuals experiencing the acute phase of marital/de facto separation may be at greater risk of suicide compared with those experiencing long-term separation…

URANIUM SEPARATION PROCESS

DOEpatents

McVey, W.H.; Reas, W.H.

1959-03-10

The separation of uranium from an aqueous solution containing a water soluble uranyl salt is described. The process involves adding an alkali thiocyanate to the aqueous solution, contacting the resulting solution with methyl isobutyl ketons and separating the resulting aqueous and organic phase. The uranium is extracted in the organic phase as UO/sub 2/(SCN)/sub/.

Combination of Complex-Based and Magnitude-Based Multiecho Water-Fat Separation for Accurate Quantification of Fat-Fraction

PubMed Central

Yu, Huanzhou; Shimakawa, Ann; Hines, Catherine D. G.; McKenzie, Charles A.; Hamilton, Gavin; Sirlin, Claude B.; Brittain, Jean H.; Reeder, Scott B.

2011-01-01

Multipoint water–fat separation techniques rely on different water–fat phase shifts generated at multiple echo times to decompose water and fat. Therefore, these methods require complex source images and allow unambiguous separation of water and fat signals. However, complex-based water–fat separation methods are sensitive to phase errors in the source images, which may lead to clinically important errors. An alternative approach to quantify fat is through “magnitude-based” methods that acquire multiecho magnitude images. Magnitude-based methods are insensitive to phase errors, but cannot estimate fat-fraction greater than 50%. In this work, we introduce a water–fat separation approach that combines the strengths of both complex and magnitude reconstruction algorithms. A magnitude-based reconstruction is applied after complex-based water–fat separation to removes the effect of phase errors. The results from the two reconstructions are then combined. We demonstrate that using this hybrid method, 0–100% fat-fraction can be estimated with improved accuracy at low fat-fractions. PMID:21695724

Morphological Simulation of Phase Separation Coupled Oscillation Shear and Varying Temperature Fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Heping; Li, Xiaoguang; Lin, Kejun; Geng, Xingguo

2018-05-01

This paper explores the effect of the shear frequency and Prandtl number ( Pr) on the procedure and pattern formation of phase separation in symmetric and asymmetric systems. For the symmetric system, the periodic shear significantly prolongs the spinodal decomposition stage and enlarges the separated domain in domain growth stage. By adjusting the Pr and shear frequency, the number and orientation of separated steady layer structures can be controlled during domain stretch stage. The numerical results indicate that the increase in Pr and decrease in the shear frequency can significantly increase in the layer number of the lamellar structure, which relates to the decrease in domain size. Furthermore, the lamellar orientation parallel to the shear direction is altered into that perpendicular to the shear direction by further increasing the shear frequency, and also similar results for larger systems. For asymmetric system, the quantitative analysis shows that the decrease in the shear frequency enlarges the size of separated minority phases. These numerical results provide guidance for setting the optimum condition for the phase separation under periodic shear and slow cooling.

A two-dimensional phase separation on the spherical surface of the metallic glass Au55Pb22.5Sb22.5

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lee, M. C.; Johnson, W. L.

1982-01-01

Recent experiments indicate that a phase separation in a spherical sample of the metallic glass Au55Pb22.5Sb22.5 occurs near the surface of the sphere. This strongly suggests either a contribution of surface-free energy to the decomposition process or a possible influence of near surface impurities absorbed during synthesis of the sphere. The surface phase separation has been studied as a function of cooling rate of the sphere. At high cooling rates (small sphere sizes), the surface separation disappears altogether suggesting that the surface of the parent liquid droplet is initially homogeneous.

3D CFD simulation of Multi-phase flow separators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Zhiying

2017-10-01

During the exploitation of natural gas, some water and sands are contained. It will be better to separate water and sands from natural gas to insure favourable transportation and storage. In this study, we use CFD to analyse the effect of multi-phase flow separator, whose detailed geometrical parameters are designed in advanced. VOF model and DPM are used here. From the results of CFD, we can draw a conclusion that separated effect of multi-phase flow achieves better results. No solid and water is carried out from gas outlet. CFD simulation provides an economical and efficient approach to shed more light on details of the flow behaviour.

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal Displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doane, J. William

The following sections are included: * INTRODUCTION AND HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT * PDLC MATERIALS PREPARATION * Polymerization induced phase separation (PIPS) * Thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) * Solvent induced phase separation (SIPS) * Encapsulation (NCAP) * RESPONSE VOLTAGE * Dielectric and resistive effects * Radial configuration * Bipolar configuration * Other director configurations * RESPONSE TIME * DISPLAY CONTRAST * Light scattering and index matching * Incorporation of dyes * Contrast measurements * PDLC DISPLAY DEVICES AND INNOVATIONS * Reflective direct view displays * Large-scale, flexible displays * Switchable windows * Projection displays * High definition spatial light modulator * Haze-free PDLC shutters: wide angle view displays * ENVIRONMENTAL STABILITY * ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS * REFERENCES

Separation of VX, RVX and GB Enantiomers Using Liquid ChromatographyTime-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-01

Torrance, CA). The mobile phase consisted of n - hexane (A) and isopropyl alcohol (B), and sample volume was 10 µL. Separation was achieved using...level for preparative separation. All reagents and solvents were high-performance LC grade. Hexane and isopropyl alcohol were purchased from Fisher...1 column and normal-phase LC were used with a mobile phase of 96/4 (v/v %) hexane /isopropyl alcohol at a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min. The enantiomers

Advances in Spacecraft Brine Water Recovery: Development of a Radial Vaned Capillary Drying Tray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, Michael R.; Sargusingh, Miriam J.; Pickering, Karen D.; Weislogel, Mark M.

2014-01-01

Technology improvements in the recovery of water from brine are critical to establishing closed-loop water recovery systems, enabling long-duration missions, and achieving a sustained human presence in space. A genre of 'in-place drying' brine water recovery concepts, collectively referred to herein as Brine Residual In-Containment, are under development. These brine water recovery concepts aim to increase the overall robustness and reliability of the brine recovery process by performing drying inside the container used for final disposal of the solid residual waste. Implementation of in-place drying techniques have been demonstrated for applications where gravity is present and phase separation occurs naturally by buoyancy-induced effects. In this work, a microgravity-compatible analogue of the gravity-driven phase separation process is considered by exploiting capillarity in the form of surface wetting, surface tension, and container geometry. The proposed design consists of a series of planar radial vanes aligned about a central slotted core. Preliminary testing of the fundamental geometry in a reduced gravity environment has shown the device to spontaneously fill and saturate rapidly, thereby creating a free surface from which evaporation and phase separation can occur similar to a terrestrial-like 'cylindrical pool' of fluid. Mathematical modeling and analysis of the design suggest predictable rates of filling and stability of fluid containment as a function of relevant system dimensions; e.g., number of vanes, vane length, width, and thickness. A description of the proposed capillary design solution is presented along with preliminary results from testing, modeling, and analysis of the system.

Advancements in Spacecraft Brine Water Recovery: Development of a Radial Vaned Capillary Drying Tray

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Callahan, Michael R.; Sargusingh, Miriam J.; Pickerin, Karen D.; Weislogel, Mark M.

2013-01-01

Technology improvements in the recovery of water from brine are critical to establishing closedloop water recovery systems, enabling long duration missions, and achieving a sustained human presence in space. A genre of 'in-place drying' brine water recovery concepts, collectively referred to herein as Brine Residual In-Containment (BRIC), are under development which aim to increase the overall robustness and reliability of the brine recovery process by performing drying inside the container used for final disposal of the solid residual waste. Implementation of in-place drying techniques have been demonstrated for applications where gravity is present and phase separation occurs naturally by buoyancy induced effects. In this work, a microgravity compatible analogue of the gravity-driven phase separation process is considered by exploiting capillarity in the form of surface wetting, surface tension, and container geometry. The proposed design consists of a series of planar radial vanes aligned about a central slotted core. Preliminary testing of the fundamental geometry in a reduced gravity environment has shown the device to spontaneously fill and saturate rapidly creating a free surface from which evaporation and phase separation can occur similar to a 1-g like 'cylindrical pool' of fluid. Mathematical modeling and analysis of the design suggest predictable rates of filling and stability of fluid containment as a function of relevant system dimensions, e.g., number of vanes, vane length, width, and thickness. A description of the proposed capillary design solution is presented along with preliminary results from testing, modeling and analysis of the system.

Simultaneous determination of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) using reversed-phased ion-pairing liquid chromatography with dynamic reaction cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wolf, R.E.; Morrison, J.M.; Goldhaber, M.B.

2007-01-01

A method for the simultaneous determination of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) species in waters, soil leachates and synthetic bio-fluids is described. The method uses reversed-phase ion-pairing liquid chromatography to separate the chromium species and a dynamic reaction cell (DRC??) equipped ICP-MS for detection of chromium. Separation of the chromium species is carried out in less than 2 min. Cr(iii) is complexed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) prior to separation by mixing samples with the mobile phase containing 2.0 mM tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAOH), 0.5 mM EDTA (dipotassium salt), and 5% (vol/vol) methanol, adjusted to pH 7.6. The interfering 40Ar 12C+ background peak at mass 52 was reduced by over four orders of magnitude to less than 200 cps by using 0.65 mL min-1 ammonia as a reaction gas and an RPq setting on the DRC of 0.75. Method detection limits (MDLs) of 0.09 ??g L-1 for Cr(iii) and 0.06 ??g L-1 for Cr(vi) were obtained based on peak areas at mass 52 for 50 ??L injections of low level spikes. Reproducibility at 2 ??g L-1 was 3% RSD for 5 replicate injections. The tolerance of the method to various levels of common cations and anions found in natural waters and to matrix constituents found in soil leachates and simulated gastric and lung fluids was tested by performing spike recovery calculations for a variety of samples. ?? The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Gas-liquid chromatography with a volatile "stationary" liquid phase.

PubMed

Wells, P S; Zhou, S; Parcher, J F

2002-05-01

A unique type of gas-liquid chromatography is described in which both mobile and "stationary" phases are composed of synthetic mixtures of helium and carbon dioxide. At temperatures below the critical point of the binary mixture and pressures above the vapor pressure of pure liquid carbon dioxide, helium and carbon dioxide can form two immiscible phases over extended composition ranges. A binary vapor phase enriched in helium can act as the mobile phase for chromatographic separations, whereas a CO2-rich liquid in equilibrium with the vapor phase, but condensed on the column wall, can act as a pseudostationary phase. Several examples of chromatographic separations obtained in "empty" capillary columns with no ordinary stationary liquid phase illustrate the range of conditions that produce such separations. In addition, several experiments are reported that confirm the proposed two-phase hypothesis. The possible consequences of the observed chromatographic phenomenon in the field of supercritical fluid chromatography with helium headspace carbon dioxide are discussed.

Thermal Properties and Structural Stability of LaCoO3 in Reducing and Oxidizing Environments

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

Radovic, Miladin; Speakman, Scott A; Allard Jr, Lawrence Frederick

2008-09-01

Thermal expansion of LaCoO3 perovskite in air and 4% H2/96% Ar reducing atmosphere has been studied by Thermal Mechanical Analysis (TMA). The thermal behavior of LaCoO3 in air exhibits a non-linear expansion in 100 400 C temperature range. A significant increase of CTE measured in air both during heating and cooling experiments occurs in the 200 250 C temperature range, corresponding to a known spin state transition. LaCoO3 is found to be unstable in a reducing atmosphere. It undergoes a series of expansion and contractions due to phase transformations beginning around 500 C with very intensive chemical/phase changes at 850oCmore » and above. These expansions and contractions are directly related to the formation of La3Co3O8, La2CoO4, La4Co3O10, La2O3, CoO, and other Co compounds due to the reducing atmosphere. Although LaCoO3 is a good ionic and electronic conductor and catalyst, its high thermal expansion as well structural instability in reducing environments presents a serious restriction for its application in solid oxide fuel cells, sensors or gas separation membranes.« less

Microphase separation in solid lipid dosage forms as the cause of drug release instability.

PubMed

Lopes, Diogo Gomes; Koutsamanis, Ioannis; Becker, Karin; Scheibelhofer, Otto; Laggner, Peter; Haack, Detlev; Stehr, Michael; Zimmer, Andreas; Salar-Behzadi, Sharareh

2017-01-30

Although lipid excipients are of increasing interest for development of taste-masked and modified release formulations, the drug release instability and the lack of mechanistic understanding in that regard still prevent their larger-scale application. In this work, we investigated the physical stability of a binary (tripalmitin/polysorbate 65) lipid coating formulation with a known stable polymorphism. The coating composition was characterized using DSC to construct the phase diagram of binary system and polarized light microscopy to display the microstructure organization. The water uptake and the erosion of slabs cast from the coating formulations were investigated post-production and after storage. Subsequently, N-acetylcysteine particles were coated with the selected formulations and the drug release stability was investigated. Additionally, microstructure characterization was performed via SEM and X-ray diffraction. The drug release instability was explained by polysorbate 65 and tripalmitin phase growth during storage, especially at 40°C, suggesting that polysorbate 65 can leak out of tripalmitin spherulitic structures, creating lipophilic and impermeable tripalmitin regions. The growth of polysorbate 65 phase leads to larger hydrophilic channels with reduced tortuosity. This work indicates that for obtaining stable drug release profiles from advanced lipid formulations, microphase separation should be prevented during storage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CEC with new monolithic stationary phase based on a fluorinated monomer, trifluoroethyl methacrylate.

PubMed

Yurtsever, Arda; Saraçoğlu, Berna; Tuncel, Ali

2009-02-01

A new, fluorinated monolithic stationary phase for CEC was first synthesized by a single-stage, thermally initiated copolymerization of a fluorinated monomer, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEM) and ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) in the presence of a porogen mixture. In this preparation, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid was used as the charge-bearing monomer. The porogen mixture was prepared by mixing isoamylalcohol and 1,4-butanediol. A clear increase in the electroosmotic mobility was observed with increasing pH. The electroosmotic mobility decreased with increasing ACN concentration. Poly(TFEM-co-EDMA) monolith prepared under optimized polymerization conditions was successfully used in the separation of alkylbenzenes and phenols by CEC. The best chromatographic separation for alkylbenzenes was performed with lower ACN concentrations (i.e. 60% v/v) with respect to the common acrylic-based CEC monoliths. The theoretical plate numbers up to 220 000 plates/m were achieved in the reversed phase separation of phenols. Poly(TFEM-co-EDMA) monolith also allowed the simultaneous separation of aniline and benzoic acid derivatives by a single run and by using a lower ACN concentration in the mobile phase with respect to the similar electrochromatographic separations. A stable retention behaviour in reversed phase separation of alkylbenzenes was obtained with the poly(TFEM-co-EDMA) monolith.

A nitromethane-based HPLC system alternative to acetonitrile for carotenoid analysis of fruit and vegetables.

PubMed

Sandmann, Gerhard

2010-01-01

Acetonitrile-based HPLC systems are the most commonly used for carotenoid analysis from different plant tissues. Because of the acetonitrile shortage, an HPLC system for the separation of carotenoids on C(18) reversed-phase columns was developed in which an acetonitrile-alcohol-based mobile phase was replaced by nitromethane. This solvent comes closest to acetonitrile with respect to its elutrophic property. Our criterion was to obtain similar separation and retention times for a range of differently structured carotenoids. This was achieved by further increase in the lipophilicity with ethylacetate. For all the carotenoids which we tested, we found co-elution only of β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene. By addition of 1% of water, separation of this pair of carotenoids was also achieved. The final recommended mobile phase consisted of nitromethane : 2-propanol : ethyl acetate : water (79 : 10 : 10 : 1, by volume). On Nucleosil C(18) columns and related ones like Hypersil C(18), we obtained separation of carotenes, hydroxyl, epoxy and keto derivatives, which resembles the excellent separation properties of acetonitrile-based mobile phases on C(18) reversed phase columns. We successfully applied the newly developed HPLC system to the separation of carotenoids from different vegetables and fruit. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Synthesis of a stationary phase based on silica modified with branched octadecyl groups by Michael addition and photoinduced thiol-yne click chemistry for the separation of basic compounds.

PubMed

Huang, Guang; Ou, Junjie; Wang, Hongwei; Ji, Yongsheng; Wan, Hao; Zhang, Zhang; Peng, Xiaojun; Zou, Hanfa

2016-04-01

A novel silica-based stationary phase with branched octadecyl groups was prepared by the sequential employment of the Michael addition reaction and photoinduced thiol-yne click chemistry with 3-aminopropyl-functionalized silica microspheres as the initial material. The resulting stationary phase denoted as SiO2 -N(C18)4 was characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, demonstrating the existence of branched octadecyl groups in silica microspheres. The separations of benzene homologous compounds, acid compounds and amine analogues were conducted, demonstrating mixed-mode separation mechanism on SiO2 -N(C18)4 . Baseline separation of basic drugs mixture was acquired with the mobile phase of acetonitrile/H2 O (5%, v/v). SiO2 -N(C18)4 was further applied to separate Corydalis yanhusuo Wang water extracts, and more baseline separation peaks were obtained for SiO2 -N(C18)4 than those on Atlantis dC18 column. It can be expected that this new silica-based stationary phase will exhibit great potential in the analysis of basic compounds. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Water outlet control mechanism for fuel cell system operation in variable gravity environments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vasquez, Arturo (Inventor); McCurdy, Kerri L. (Inventor); Bradley, Karla F. (Inventor)

2007-01-01

A self-regulated water separator provides centrifugal separation of fuel cell product water from oxidant gas. The system uses the flow energy of the fuel cell's two-phase water and oxidant flow stream and a regulated ejector or other reactant circulation pump providing the two-phase fluid flow. The system further uses a means of controlling the water outlet flow rate away from the water separator that uses both the ejector's or reactant pump's supply pressure and a compressibility sensor to provide overall control of separated water flow either back to the separator or away from the separator.

Modeling and testing of a tube-in-tube separation mechanism of bodies in space

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Michaels, Dan; Gany, Alon

2016-12-01

A tube-in-tube concept for separation of bodies in space was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The separation system is based on generation of high pressure gas by combustion of solid propellant and restricting the expansion of the gas only by ejecting the two bodies in opposite directions, in such a fashion that maximizes generated impulse. An interior ballistics model was developed in order to investigate the potential benefits of the separation system for a large range of space body masses and for different design parameters such as geometry and propellant. The model takes into account solid propellant combustion, heat losses, and gas phase chemical reactions. The model shows that for large bodies (above 100 kg) and typical separation velocities of 5 m/s, the proposed separation mechanism may be characterized by a specific impulse of 25,000 s, two order of magnitude larger than that of conventional solid rockets. It means that the proposed separation system requires only 1% of the propellant mass that would be needed for a conventional rocket for the same mission. Since many existing launch vehicles obtain such separation velocities by using conventional solid rocket motors (retro-rockets), the implementation of the new separation system design can reduce dramatically the mass of the separation system and increase safety. A dedicated experimental setup was built in order to demonstrate the concept and validate the model. The experimental results revealed specific impulse values of up to 27,000 s and showed good correspondence with the model.