Evaluation of the material and tablet formation properties of modified forms of Dioscorea starches.

PubMed

Odeku, Oluwatoyin A; Picker-Freyer, Katharina M

2009-11-01

Starches obtained from four different Dioscorea species-namely, White yam (Dioscorea rotundata), Bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum), Chinese yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia), and Water yam (Dioscorea alata)-were modified by cross-linking, hydroxypropylation, and dual modification-cross-linking followed by hydroxypropylation. The physicochemical, material, and tablet properties of the modified starches were investigated with the aim of understanding their properties to determine their potential use for different applications. The tablet formation properties were assessed using 3D modeling, the Heckel equation, and force-displacement profiles. The analyzed tablet properties were elastic recovery, compactibility, and disintegration. The result indicates that the modifications generally increased the swelling power for all the starches in the rank order hydroxypropyl > hydroxypropylated cross-linked > cross-linked (CL) while the solubility did not show a clear-cut pattern. This indicates that hydroxypropylation generally showed the strongest effects on swelling. Furthermore, hydroxypropylation improved the hot water swelling of the CL starches. The modifications did not cause any detectable morphological change in the starch granules shape or size although slight rupture was observed in some granules. CL starch had the lowest water sorption capacity and hydroxypropylation increased the sorption capacity of the CL starches. The material property results indicate that hydroxypropylation and cross-linking did not significantly improve the flowability and compressibility but improved bonding, which resulted in an increased compaction and higher tablet crushing force even though they all disintegrated rapidly. Thus, the modified Dioscorea starches showed potentials for development as new excipients in solid dosage form design, and they could be useful as disintegrants or for Soft tableting.

Immune response in mice infected with Candida albicans in the mycelial form.

PubMed

Bibas Bonet de Jorrat, M E; de Valdez, G A; de Petrino, S F; Sirena, A; Perdigón, G

1989-05-01

The effect of the infection with the mycelial form of a Candida albicans strain (Mycology Dept.) upon the immune system in mice was studied. BALB/c mice were infected intraperitoneally in a single dose of a 3 x 10(6), 6 x 10(6) and 12 x 10(6) cell suspension of the strain. Macrophages's activity was studied the days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after inoculation, by the following assays: phagocytosis in vitro, mononucleated phagocytic system by the colloidal carbon clearance technique, the lymphocyte's activity by the direct plaque forming cells technique (PFC) and delayed hypersensitivity (DTH). Infection with the mycelial form did not affect the peritoneal macrophage's phagocytic ability, neither modified the delayed hypersensitivity to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). However, a slight and transient depression of the lymphocyte stimulation was found. Suppression of PFC to SRBC was high when a 12 x 10(6) cell suspension was used in contrast to the infection with blastospores. These results suggest that systemic infection by Candida albicans in its mycelial form do not induce a non specific immunosuppression.

Electromagnetic Transition Form Factor of the η meson with WASA-at-COSY

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goswami, A.

2016-11-01

In this work we present a study of the Dalitz decay η → γe+e-. The aim of this work is to measure the transition form factor of the η meson. The transition form factor of the η meson describes the electromagnetic structure of the meson. The study of the Dalitz decay helps to calculate the transition form factor of the η meson. When a particle is point-like it's decay rate can be calculated within QED. However, the complex structure of the meson modifies its decay rate. The transition form factor is determined by comparing the lepton-antilepton invariant mass distribution with QED. For this study data on proton-proton reaction at a beam energy of 1.4 GeV has been collected with WASA-at-COSY detector at Forschungszentrum Juelich, Germany. In the higher invariant mass region recent theoretical calculations slightly deviate from the fit to the data. We expect better results in the higher invariant mass region than previous measurements. The preliminary results of the analysis will be presented.

Modification of solid-state property of sulfasalazine by using the supercritical antisolvent process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wei-Yi; Su, Chie-Shaan

2017-02-01

In this study, the supercritical antisolvent (SAS) process was used to recrystallize an active pharmaceutical ingredient, sulfasalazine, to modify the solid-state properties including particle size, crystal habit and polymorphic form. Supercritical CO2 and tetrahydrofuran were used as the antisolvent and solvent, respectively. SAS results obtained from different operating temperatures (35, 45, 55 and 65 °C) were compared and discussed. The results indicate that at 55 °C, spherical sulfasalazine crystals were produced and that their mean particle size was micronized to approximately 1 μm. In addition, according to the analytical results of powder X-ray diffractometry (PXRD), a novel polymorphic form of sulfasalazine was obtained after SAS. Furthermore, the spectroscopic and thermal behavior of produced sulfasalazine crystals were also studied by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, SAS results obtained from different operating temperature was discussed on the basis of the mixture critical point (MCP) of CO2 and tetrahydrofuran. Operation at slightly higher than the MCP is favorable for recrystallization of sulfasalazine through SAS. These results demonstrate that the SAS process is an efficient tool for controlling and modifying the solid-state property of sulfasalazine.

Preparation of modified waterworks sludge particles as adsorbent to enhance coagulation of slightly polluted source water.

PubMed

Chen, Wei; Gao, Xiaohong; Xu, Hang; Wang, Kang; Chen, Taoyuan

2017-08-01

Without treatment, waterworks sludge is ineffective as an adsorbent. In this study, raw waterworks sludge was used as the raw material to prepare modified sludge particles through high-temperature calcination and alkali modification. The feasibility of using a combination of modified particles and polyaluminum chloride (PAC) as a coagulant for treatment of slightly polluted source water was also investigated. The composition, structure, and surface properties of the modified particles were characterized, and their capabilities for removing ammonia nitrogen and turbidity were determined. The results indicate that the optimal preparation conditions for the modified sludge particles were achieved by preparing the particles with a roasting temperature of 483.12 °C, a roasting time of 3.32 h, and a lye concentration of 3.75%. Furthermore, enhanced coagulation is strengthened with the addition of modified sludge particles, which is reflected by reduction of the required PAC dose and enhancement of the removal efficiency of ammonia nitrogen and turbidity by over 80 and 93%, respectively. Additional factors such as pH, temperature, dose, and dosing sequence were also evaluated. The optimum doses of modified particles and PAC were 40 and 15 mg/L, respectively, and adding modified particles at the same time as or prior to adding PAC improves removal efficiency.

Sorting of fungal-damaged white sorghum

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A high-speed, color image-based sorting machine was modified to separate white sorghum with symptoms of fungal damage. Most of the sorghum tested was typically white, but over 27% of the bulk contained grains with fungal damage of various degrees, from severe to very slight. Grains with slight fun...

Short peptides allowing preferential detection of Candida albicans hyphae.

PubMed

Kaba, Hani E J; Pölderl, Antonia; Bilitewski, Ursula

2015-09-01

Whereas the detection of pathogens via recognition of surface structures by specific antibodies and various types of antibody mimics is frequently described, the applicability of short linear peptides as sensor molecules or diagnostic tools is less well-known. We selected peptides which were previously reported to bind to recombinant S. cerevisiae cells, expressing members of the C. albicans Agglutinin-Like-Sequence (ALS) cell wall protein family. We slightly modified amino acid sequences to evaluate peptide sequence properties influencing binding to C. albicans cells. Among the selected peptides, decamer peptides with an "AP"-N-terminus were superior to shorter peptides. The new decamer peptide FBP4 stained viable C. albicans cells more efficiently in their mature hyphal form than in their yeast form. Moreover, it allowed distinction of C. albicans from other related Candida spp. and could thus be the basis for the development of a useful tool for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis.

Selected retinoids: determination by isocratic normal-phase HPLC.

PubMed

Klvanova, J; Brtko, J

2002-09-01

Retinol (ROL), retinal (RAL) and retinoic acid (RA) are physiologically active forms of vitamin A. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can be formed by oxidation from all-trans retinal (ATRAL). Isomerization of RA is considered to be an important metabolic pathway of retinoids. RA isomers transactivate various response pathways via their cognate nuclear receptors that act as ligand inducible transcription factors. The aim of this study was to establish a rapid and simple method for determination of ATRA, 13-cis retinoic acid (13CRA) and ATRAL by HPLC. In our laboratory, we slightly modified the method of Miyagi et al. (2001) and separated ATRA, 13CRA and ATRAL by simple isocratic normal phase HPLC. Both retinoic acid isomers and ATRAL were eluted within 13 min and all components were well resolved. The coefficients of variation (C.V.) for RAs and RAL were from 3.0 to 5.4 %.

Diversity of rationality affects the evolution of cooperation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yu-Zhong; Huang, Zi-Gang; Wang, Sheng-Jun; Zhang, Yan; Wang, Ying-Hai

2009-05-01

By modifying the Fermi updating rule, we present the diversity of individual rationality to the evolutionary prisoner’s dilemma game, and our results shows that this diversity heavily influences the evolution of cooperation. Cluster-forming mechanism of cooperators can either be highly enhanced or severely deteriorated by different distributions of rationality. Slight change in the rationality distribution may transfer the whole system from the global absorbing state of cooperators to that of defectors. Based on mean-field argument, quantitative analysis of the stability of cooperative clusters reveals the critical role played by agents with moderate degree values in the evolution of the whole system. The inspiration from our work may provide us a deeper comprehension toward some social phenomena.

Thermodynamics of RNA duplexes modified with unlocked nucleic acid nucleotides

PubMed Central

Pasternak, Anna; Wengel, Jesper

2010-01-01

Thermodynamics provides insights into the influence of modified nucleotide residues on stability of nucleic acids and is crucial for designing duplexes with given properties. In this article, we introduce detailed thermodynamic analysis of RNA duplexes modified with unlocked nucleic acid (UNA) nucleotide residues. We investigate UNA single substitutions as well as model mismatch and dangling end effects. UNA residues placed in a central position makes RNA duplex structure less favourable by 4.0–6.6 kcal/mol. Slight destabilization, by ∼0.5–1.5 kcal/mol, is observed for 5′- or 3′-terminal UNA residues. Furthermore, thermodynamic effects caused by UNA residues are extremely additive with ΔG°37 conformity up to 98%. Direct mismatches involving UNA residues decrease the thermodynamic stability less than unmodified mismatches in RNA duplexes. Additionally, the presence of UNA residues adjacent to unpaired RNA residues reduces mismatch discrimination. Thermodynamic analysis of UNA 5′- and 3′-dangling ends revealed that stacking interactions of UNA residues are always less favourable than that of RNA residues. Finally, circular dichroism spectra imply no changes in overall A-form structure of UNA–RNA/RNA duplexes relative to the unmodified RNA duplexes. PMID:20562222

Channel Formation by CarO, the Carbapenem Resistance-Associated Outer Membrane Protein of Acinetobacter baumannii

PubMed Central

Siroy, Axel; Molle, Virginie; Lemaître-Guillier, Christelle; Vallenet, David; Pestel-Caron, Martine; Cozzone, Alain J.; Jouenne, Thierry; Dé, Emmanuelle

2005-01-01

It has been recently shown that resistance to both imipenem and meropenem in multidrug-resistant clinical strains of Acinetobacter baumannii is associated with the loss of a heat-modifiable 25/29-kDa outer membrane protein, called CarO. This study aimed to investigate the channel-forming properties of CarO. Mass spectrometry analyses of this protein band detected another 25-kDa protein (called Omp25), together with CarO. Both proteins presented similar physicochemical parameters (Mw and pI). We overproduced and purified the two polypeptides as His-tagged recombinant proteins. Circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that the secondary structure of these proteins was mainly a β-strand conformation with spectra typical of porins. We studied the channel-forming properties of proteins by reconstitution into artificial lipid bilayers. In these conditions, CarO induced ion channels with a conductance value of 110 pS in 1 M KCl, whereas the Omp25 protein did not form any channels, despite its suggested porin function. The pores formed by CarO showed a slight cationic selectivity and no voltage closure. No specific imipenem binding site was found in CarO, and this protein would rather form unspecific monomeric channels. PMID:16304148

Impact of protein modification on the protein corona on nanoparticles and nanoparticle-cell interactions.

PubMed

Treuel, Lennart; Brandholt, Stefan; Maffre, Pauline; Wiegele, Sarah; Shang, Li; Nienhaus, G Ulrich

2014-01-28

Recent studies have firmly established that cellular uptake of nanoparticles is strongly affected by the presence and the physicochemical properties of a protein adsorption layer around these nanoparticles. Here, we have modified human serum albumin (HSA), a serum protein often used in model studies of protein adsorption onto nanoparticles, to alter its surface charge distribution and investigated the consequences for protein corona formation around small (radius ∼5 nm), dihydrolipoic acid-coated quantum dots (DHLA-QDs) by using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. HSA modified by succinic anhydride (HSAsuc) to generate additional carboxyl groups on the protein surface showed a 3-fold decreased binding affinity toward the nanoparticles. A 1000-fold enhanced affinity was observed for HSA modified by ethylenediamine (HSAam) to increase the number of amino functions on the protein surface. Remarkably, HSAsuc formed a much thicker protein adsorption layer (8.1 nm) than native HSA (3.3 nm), indicating that it binds in a distinctly different orientation on the nanoparticle, whereas the HSAam corona (4.6 nm) is only slightly thicker. Notably, protein binding to DHLA-QDs was found to be entirely reversible, independent of the modification. We have also measured the extent and kinetics of internalization of these nanoparticles without and with adsorbed native and modified HSA by HeLa cells. Pronounced variations were observed, indicating that even small physicochemical changes of the protein corona may affect biological responses.

Simple Ultra-Low-Cost Undergraduate Holography Using a Modified Michelson Interferometer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rudmin, J. W.; And Others

1980-01-01

A technique is presented for producing holograms using equipment which is already in the possesion of the majority of college physics departments, which includes a slightly modified Michelson interferometer, a helium-neon laser, and a long focal-length lens. Production of high quality holograms has been achieved by inexperienced undergraduates…

Rheological properties of styrene-butadiene rubber filled with electron beam modified surface treated dual phase fillers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shanmugharaj, A. M.; Bhowmick, Anil K.

2004-01-01

The rheological properties of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) loaded with dual phase filler were measured using Monsanto Processability Tester (MPT) at three different temperatures (100°C, 110°C and 130°C) and four different shear rates (61.3, 306.3, 613, and 1004.5 s -1). The effect of electron beam modification of dual phase filler in absence and presence of trimethylol propane triacrylate (TMPTA) or triethoxysilylpropyltetrasulphide (Si-69) on melt flow properties of SBR was also studied. The viscosity of all the systems decreases with shear rate indicating their pseudoplastic or shear thinning nature. The higher shear viscosity for the SBR loaded with the electron beam modified filler is explained in terms of variation in structure of the filler upon electron beam irradiation. Die swell of the modified filler loaded SBR is slightly higher than that of the unmodified filler loaded rubber, which is explained by calculating normal stress difference for the systems. Activation energy of the modified filler loaded SBR systems is also slightly higher than that of the control filler loaded SBR system.

Exponential blocking-temperature distribution in ferritin extracted from magnetization measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, T. H.; Choi, K.-Y.; Kim, G.-H.; Suh, B. J.; Jang, Z. H.

2014-11-01

We developed a direct method to extract the zero-field zero-temperature anisotropy energy barrier distribution of magnetic particles in the form of a blocking-temperature distribution. The key idea is to modify measurement procedures slightly to make nonequilibrium magnetization calculations (including the time evolution of magnetization) easier. We applied this method to the biomagnetic molecule ferritin and successfully reproduced field-cool magnetization by using the extracted distribution. We find that the resulting distribution is more like an exponential type and that the distribution cannot be correlated simply to the widely known log-normal particle-size distribution. The method also allows us to determine the values of the zero-temperature coercivity and Bloch coefficient, which are in good agreement with those determined from other techniques.

Predictions of diagenetic reactions in the presence of organic acids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harrison, Wendy J.; Thyne, Geoffrey D.

1992-02-01

Stability constants have been estimated for cation complexes with anions of monofunctional and difunctional acids (combinations of Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Sr, Mn, U, Th, Pb, Cu, Zn with formate, acetate, propionate, oxalate, malonate, succinate, and salicylate) between 0 and 200°C. Difunctional acid anions form much more stable complexes than monofunctional acid anions with aluminum; the importance of the aluminum-acetate complex is relatively minor in comparison to aluminum oxalate and malonate complexes. Divalent metal cations such as Mg, Ca, and Fe form more stable complexes with acetate than with difunctional acid anions. Aluminum-oxalate can dominate the species distribution of aluminum under acidic pH conditions, whereas the divalent cation-acetate and oxalate complexes rarely account for more than 60% of the total dissolved cation, and then only in more alkaline waters. Mineral thermodynamic affinities were calculated using the reaction path model EQ3/6 for waters having variable organic acid anion (OAA) contents under conditions representative of those found during normal burial diagenesis. The following scenarios are possible: 1) K-feldspar and albite are stable, anorthite dissolves 2) All feldpars are stable 3) Carbonates can be very unstable to slightly unstable, but never increase in stability. Organic acid anions are ineffective at neutral to alkaline pH in modifying stabilities of aluminosilicate minerals whereas the anions are variably effective under a wide range of pH in modifying carbonate mineral stabilities. Reaction path calculations demonstrate that the sequence of mineral reactions occurring in an arkosic sandstone-fluid system is only slightly modified by the presence of OAA. A spectrum of possible sandstone alteration mineralogies can be obtained depending on the selected boundary conditions: EQ3/6 predictions include quartz overgrowth, calcite replacement of plagioclase, albitization of plagioclase, and the formation of porosity-occluding calcite cement, smectite, and illite, all of which are commonly documented in rocks. Under some circumstances, OAA-bearing waters are less effective at producing porosity in an arkosic sandstone than are OAA-free waters. In the scenarios modeled in this study the role of OAA in fluid-rock interactions is to contribute to the total alteration assemblage but not necessarily to dominate it, except under exceptional circumstances that might include, for example, hydrocarbon contaminant plumes in aquifers, wetland environments, and within hydrocarbon source-rocks.

Preparation of keratin and chemically modified keratin hydrogels and their evaluation as cell substrate with drug releasing ability.

PubMed

Nakata, Ryo; Osumi, Yu; Miyagawa, Shoko; Tachibana, Akira; Tanabe, Toshizumi

2015-07-01

Keratin was extracted as a reduced form from wool, which was then subjected to acetamidation, carboxymethylation or aminoethylation at abundant free cysteine residues to give acetamidated keratin (AAK), carboxymethylated keratin (CMK) and aminoethylated keratin (AEK). Hydrogels were prepared from intact and three chemically modified keratins simply by concentrating their aqueous solution and subsequent cooling. The lowest concentration to form a hydrogel without fluidity was 110 mg/ml for AAK, 120 mg/ml for AEK, 130 mg/ml for keratin and 180 mg/ml for CMK. Comparing with a hydrogel just prepared (swelling ratio: 600-700), each hydrogel slightly shrank in an acidic solution. While AAK hydrogel little swelled in neutral and basic solutions, other hydrogels became swollen and CMK hydrogel reached to dissolution. Hydrogels of keratin, AAK and AEK were found to support cell proliferation, although cell elongation on AAK and AEK hydrogel was a little suppressed. On the other hand, CMK hydrogel did not seem to be suitable for a cell substrate because of its high swelling in culture medium. Evaluation of the hydrogels as a drug carrier showed that keratin and AAK hydrogels were good sustained drug release carriers, which showed the drug release for more than three days, while the release from AEK and CMK hydrogels completed within one day. Thus, keratin and chemically modified keratin hydrogels, especially keratin and AAK hydrogels, were promising biomaterials as a cell substrate and a sustained drug release carrier. Copyright © 2014 The Society for Biotechnology, Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Applying the Nernst equation to simulate redox potential variations for biological nitrification and denitrification processes.

PubMed

Chang, Cheng-Nan; Cheng, Hong-Bang; Chao, Allen C

2004-03-15

In this paper, various forms of Nernst equations have been developed based on the real stoichiometric relationship of biological nitrification and denitrification reactions. Instead of using the Nernst equation based on a one-to-one stoichiometric relation for the oxidizing and the reducing species, the basic Nernst equation is modified into slightly different forms. Each is suitable for simulating the redox potential (ORP) variation of a specific biological nitrification or denitrification process. Using the data published in the literature, the validity of these developed Nernst equations has been verified by close fits of the measured ORP data with the calculated ORP curve. The simulation results also indicate that if the biological process is simulated using an incorrect form of Nernst equation, the calculated ORP curve will not fit the measured data. Using these Nernst equations, the ORP value that corresponds to a predetermined degree of completion for the biochemical reaction can be calculated. Thus, these Nernst equations will enable a more efficient on-line control of the biological process.

Modified Mean-Pyramid Coding Scheme

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheung, Kar-Ming; Romer, Richard

1996-01-01

Modified mean-pyramid coding scheme requires transmission of slightly fewer data. Data-expansion factor reduced from 1/3 to 1/12. Schemes for progressive transmission of image data transmitted in sequence of frames in such way coarse version of image reconstructed after receipt of first frame and increasingly refined version of image reconstructed after receipt of each subsequent frame.

Reducing calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium in restaurant menu items: Effects on consumer acceptance

PubMed Central

Patel, Anjali A.; Lopez, Nanette V.; Lawless, Harry T.; Njike, Valentine; Beleche, Mariana; Katz, David L.

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE This study assessed consumer acceptance of reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium to current restaurant recipes. METHODS Twenty-four menu items, from six restaurant chains, were slightly modified and moderately modified by reducing targeted ingredients. Restaurant customers (n=1,838) were recruited for a taste test and were blinded to the recipe version as well as the purpose of the study. Overall consumer acceptance was measured using a 9-point hedonic (like/dislike) scale, likelihood to purchase scale, Just-About-Right (JAR) 5-point scale, penalty analysis and alienation analysis. RESULTS Overall, modified recipes of 19 menu items were scored similar to (or better than) their respective current versions. Eleven menu items were found to be acceptable at the slightly modified recipe version and eight menu items were found to be acceptable at the moderately modified recipe version. Acceptable ingredient reductions resulted in a reduction of up to 26% in calories and a reduction of up to 31% in sodium per serving. CONCLUSIONS The majority of restaurant menu items with small reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat and sodium were acceptable. Given the frequency of eating foods away from home, these reductions could be effective in creating dietary improvements for restaurant diners. PMID:27891828

Reducing calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium in restaurant menu items: Effects on consumer acceptance.

PubMed

Patel, Anjali A; Lopez, Nanette V; Lawless, Harry T; Njike, Valentine; Beleche, Mariana; Katz, David L

2016-12-01

To assess consumer acceptance of reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium to current restaurant recipes. Twenty-four menu items, from six restaurant chains, were slightly modified and moderately modified by reducing targeted ingredients. Restaurant customers (n = 1,838) were recruited for a taste test and were blinded to the recipe version as well as the purpose of the study. Overall consumer acceptance was measured using a 9-point hedonic (like/dislike) scale, likelihood to purchase scale, Just-About-Right (JAR) 5-point scale, penalty analysis, and alienation analysis. Overall, modified recipes of 19 menu items were scored similar to (or better than) their respective current versions. Eleven menu items were found to be acceptable in the slightly modified recipe version, and eight menu items were found to be acceptable in the moderately modified recipe version. Acceptable ingredient modifications resulted in a reduction of up to 26% in calories and a reduction of up to 31% in sodium per serving. The majority of restaurant menu items with small reductions of calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium were acceptable. Given the frequency of eating foods away from home, these reductions could be effective in creating dietary improvements for restaurant diners. © 2016 The Obesity Society.

Dispersal capacity and diet breadth modify the response of wild bees to habitat loss.

PubMed

Bommarco, Riccardo; Biesmeijer, Jacobus C; Meyer, Birgit; Potts, Simon G; Pöyry, Juha; Roberts, Stuart P M; Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf; Ockinger, Erik

2010-07-07

Habitat loss poses a major threat to biodiversity, and species-specific extinction risks are inextricably linked to life-history characteristics. This relationship is still poorly documented for many functionally important taxa, and at larger continental scales. With data from five replicated field studies from three countries, we examined how species richness of wild bees varies with habitat patch size. We hypothesized that the form of this relationship is affected by body size, degree of host plant specialization and sociality. Across all species, we found a positive species-area slope (z = 0.19), and species traits modified this relationship. Large-bodied generalists had a lower z value than small generalists. Contrary to predictions, small specialists had similar or slightly lower z value compared with large specialists, and small generalists also tended to be more strongly affected by habitat loss as compared with small specialists. Social bees were negatively affected by habitat loss (z = 0.11) irrespective of body size. We conclude that habitat loss leads to clear shifts in the species composition of wild bee communities.

Dispersal capacity and diet breadth modify the response of wild bees to habitat loss

PubMed Central

Bommarco, Riccardo; Biesmeijer, Jacobus C.; Meyer, Birgit; Potts, Simon G.; Pöyry, Juha; Roberts, Stuart P. M.; Steffan-Dewenter, Ingolf; Öckinger, Erik

2010-01-01

Habitat loss poses a major threat to biodiversity, and species-specific extinction risks are inextricably linked to life-history characteristics. This relationship is still poorly documented for many functionally important taxa, and at larger continental scales. With data from five replicated field studies from three countries, we examined how species richness of wild bees varies with habitat patch size. We hypothesized that the form of this relationship is affected by body size, degree of host plant specialization and sociality. Across all species, we found a positive species–area slope (z = 0.19), and species traits modified this relationship. Large-bodied generalists had a lower z value than small generalists. Contrary to predictions, small specialists had similar or slightly lower z value compared with large specialists, and small generalists also tended to be more strongly affected by habitat loss as compared with small specialists. Social bees were negatively affected by habitat loss (z = 0.11) irrespective of body size. We conclude that habitat loss leads to clear shifts in the species composition of wild bee communities. PMID:20219735

Behavior of flavonols and carotenoids of minimally processed kale leaves during storage in passive modified atmosphere packaging.

PubMed

Kobori, C N; Huber, L S; Sarantópoulos, C I G L; Rodriguez-Amaya, D B

2011-03-01

Minimally processed kale leaves were packed in passive modified atmosphere and stored at 3 conditions: 1 °C in the dark and 11 °C with or without light exposure. The products were evaluated during storage in terms of headspace gas composition, sensory attributes, flavonol, and carotenoid contents. The sensory quality decreased slightly during 17 d at 1 °C in the dark. At 11 °C, the vegetable shelf life was predicted to be 6 d in the dark and 3 d with light. Quercetin and kaempferol were stable during storage for 15 d at 1 °C in the absence of light. At 11 °C in the dark, quercetin was stable during 10 d, increasing slightly on the 8th day. Kaempferol decreased up to the 5th day but increased on the 8th day, decreasing again on the 10th day. After 5 d at 11 °C under light, the flavonol levels were significantly higher than those of the initial values. Neoxanthin and violaxanthin did not change significantly after 15 d at 1 °C in the dark. Lutein and β-carotene, however, decreased 7.1% and 11.3%, respectively. At 11 °C in the dark, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene decreased 16.1%, 13.2%, 24.1%, and 23.7% after 10 d, respectively. At 11 °C under light, neoxanthin and lutein had a slight increase while violaxanthin and β-carotene decreased 23.1% and 16.5% after 5 d. Practical Application:  Passive modified atmosphere packaging together with refrigeration can extend the shelf life of minimally processed kale, retaining the health-promoting compounds, flavonols and carotenoids. Quercetin, kaempferol, neoxanthin, and violaxanthin are stable and lutein and β-carotene slightly reduced.

On the cosmology of scalar-tensor-vector gravity theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jamali, Sara; Roshan, Mahmood; Amendola, Luca

2018-01-01

We consider the cosmological consequences of a special scalar-tensor-vector theory of gravity, known as MOG (for MOdified Gravity), proposed to address the dark matter problem. This theory introduces two scalar fields G(x) and μ(x), and one vector field phiα(x), in addition to the metric tensor. We set the corresponding self-interaction potentials to zero, as in the standard form of MOG. Then using the phase space analysis in the flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background, we show that the theory possesses a viable sequence of cosmological epochs with acceptable time dependency for the cosmic scale factor. We also investigate MOG's potential as a dark energy model and show that extra fields in MOG cannot provide a late time accelerated expansion. Furthermore, using a dynamical system approach to solve the non-linear field equations numerically, we calculate the angular size of the sound horizon, i.e. θs, in MOG. We find that 8× 10‑3rad<θs<8.2× 10‑3 rad which is way outside the current observational bounds. Finally, we generalize MOG to a modified form called mMOG, and we find that mMOG passes the sound-horizon constraint. However, mMOG also cannot be considered as a dark energy model unless one adds a cosmological constant, and more importantly, the matter dominated era is still slightly different from the standard case.

Positive And Negative Feedback Loops Coupled By Common Transcription Activator And Repressor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sielewiesiuk, Jan; Łopaciuk, Agata

2015-03-01

Dynamical systems consisting of two interlocked loops with negative and positive feedback have been studied using the linear analysis of stability and numerical solutions. Conditions for saddle-node bifurcation were formulated in a general form. Conditions for Hopf bifurcations were found in a few symmetrical cases. Auto-oscillations, when they exist, are generated by the negative feedback repressive loop. This loop determines the frequency and amplitude of oscillations. The positive feedback loop of activation slightly modifies the oscillations. Oscillations are possible when the difference between Hilll's coefficients of the repression and activation is sufficiently high. The highly cooperative activation loop with a fast turnover slows down or even makes the oscillations impossible. The system under consideration can constitute a component of epigenetic or enzymatic regulation network.

[Technological and pharmacotherapeutic properties of selected drugs with modified release of diclofenac sodium].

PubMed

Kołodziejczyk, Michał Krzysztof; Kołodziejska, Justyna; Zgoda, Marian Mikołaj

2012-01-01

Diclofenac and its sodium salt is one of the best-known and popular therapeutic agents from the group of NSAIDs used in medicine in many various pharmaceutical forms. Therapeutic products containing diclofenac sodium salt in doses of 100 mg and 75 mg with a qualitatively and quantitatively diversified share of excipients and a variable dosage form of the drug (solid capsules, tablets with modified release) were subjected to technological and pharmaceutical analysis. The effect of solid formulation components of polymer character making the core and the coating of the pharmaceutical form of therapeutic products on the disintegration time and pharmaceutical availability in pharmacopoeial receptor fluids was estimated. Market therapeutic products with diclofenac sodium in doses of 75 mg and 100 mg, technological analysis of the drug dosage form was conducted, disintegration time of solid oral dosage forms of the drug with diclofenac sodium salt was examined and research on pharmaceutical availability of diclofenac sodium salt from tested therapeutic products was conducted using the acid phase and the buffer phase according to the FP standards for delayed release enteral dosage forms. The experimental data was supplemented with the statistical analysis. There are three formulations in the form of solid capsules and one formulation in the form of a coated tablet. All therapeutic products bear features of a dosage form of modified release of diclofenac sodium salt, frequently of a delayed release formula in the duodenum or the small intestine with regard to the limitation of typical undesirable effects after taking NSAIDs. Considerable diversity between solid capsules and the tablet with modified release during disintegration or hydration and swelling has been observed. In the environment of a receptor fluid--purified water (pH = 7) the capsule Dicloberl retard disintegrates at the fastest rate in 5,49 minutes, and then in the order: DicloDuo 75 mg--8,13 minutes and Olfen 100 SR--11,27 minutes. The hydration degree of gelatin walls of capsules depends on the pH of the receptor fluid. The availability of diclofenac sodium salt in given receptor fluids confirms the fact of significant connection of clinical effectiveness of the tested pharmaceutical forms with the activity of hydrogen ions (pH) of the environment in which there are therapeutic products, and excipients used for making the pharmaceutical phase. Tested therapeutic products with diclofenac sodium salt are differentiated by the type of a dosage form. Dicloberl retard contains the minimally indispensable number of simple, commonly used excipients. The research on the disintegration time may only be related to the products Dicloberl retard, Olfen 100 SR and DicloDuo 75 mg treating it as the time of deformation and disintegration of a capsule. In all three types of receptor fluids, the capsule Dicloberl retard has the fastest disintegration rate. The "acid phase" demonstrated stability of the products with a slight dissolution of diclofenac sodium salt on the level 1,3-4,18% of the Q release coefficient. In the environment of artificial intestinal juice, Dicloberl retard is more effective releasing larger amounts of diclofenac sodium salt during 4 hours of exposition (differences from 10% to 14% of the Q release coefficient).

Lumpy Janus

NASA Image and Video Library

2013-07-01

The Cassini spacecraft catches a glimpse of Janus, an irregularly shaped moon. Lacking sufficient gravity to pull itself into a round shape, Janus has had its lumpy primordial shape only slightly modified by impacts since its formation.

Unique role of ionic liquid [bmin][BF 4] during curcumin-surfactant association and micellization of cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactant solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Digambara; Barakat, Christelle

2011-09-01

Hydrophilic ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroburate, modified the properties of aqueous surfactant solutions associated with curcumin. Because of potential pharmaceutical applications as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic agent, curcumin has received ample attention as potential drug. The interaction of curcumin with various charged aqueous surfactant solutions showed it exists in deprotonated enol form in surfactant solutions. The nitro and hydroxyl groups of o-nitrophenol interact with the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of the enol form of curcumin by forming ground state complex through hydrogen bonds and offered interesting information about the nature of the interactions between the aqueous surfactant solutions and curcumin depending on charge of head group of the surfactant. IL[bmin][BF 4] encouraged early formation of micelle in case of cationic and anionic aqueous surfactant solutions, but slightly prolonged micelle formation in the case of neutral aqueous surfactant solution. However, for curcumin IL [bmin][BF 4] favored strong association (7-fold increase) with neutral surfactant solution, marginally supported association with anionic surfactant solution and discouraged (˜2-fold decrease) association with cationic surfactant solution.

Biosynthesis and intracellular transport of the receptor for platelet-derived growth factor.

PubMed Central

Claesson-Welsh, L; Rönnstrand, L; Heldin, C H

1987-01-01

The biosynthesis of the receptor for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was examined in metabolically labeled human foreskin fibroblasts. The receptor was synthesized as a 145-kDa precursor, which, when incubated with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo H), underwent a 15-kDa decrease in molecular mass. This indicates that the size of the core protein is about 130 kDa and that the 145-kDa form represents a receptor precursor carrying high-mannose N-linked oligosaccharide groups. Within 15 min after synthesis, the receptor was converted to a 165-kDa form. This form was entirely resistant to endo H treatment and probably represents a receptor molecule that has undergone further posttranslational modification, including O-linked glycosylation. Subsequently, within 30 min, a molecule of 170 kDa--i.e., the size of the mature receptor--appeared. A slightly larger molecule, of 175 kDa, which could be immunoprecipitated from PDGF-stimulated 32P-labeled cells, probably represents a receptor further modified by autophosphorylation. The 170-kDa molecule had an isoelectric point of about 4.5. Addition of PDGF increased the turnover rate of the 170-kDa PDGF receptor. Images PMID:2827155

ATES/heat pump simulations performed with ATESSS code

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vail, L. W.

1989-01-01

Modifications to the Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage System Simulator (ATESSS) allow simulation of aquifer thermal energy storage (ATES)/heat pump systems. The heat pump algorithm requires a coefficient of performance (COP) relationship of the form: COP = COP sub base + alpha (T sub ref minus T sub base). Initial applications of the modified ATES code to synthetic building load data for two sizes of buildings in two U.S. cities showed insignificant performance advantage of a series ATES heat pump system over a conventional groundwater heat pump system. The addition of algorithms for a cooling tower and solar array improved performance slightly. Small values of alpha in the COP relationship are the principal reason for the limited improvement in system performance. Future studies at Pacific Northwest Laboratory (PNL) are planned to investigate methods to increase system performance using alternative system configurations and operations scenarios.

The water situation in the United States with special reference to ground water

USGS Publications Warehouse

McGuinness, Charles Lee

1951-01-01

This report constitutes appendixes B and C of a report prepared in April 1950 by the Geological Survey at the request of the President’s Water Resources Policy Commission. The full report was entitled "Water facts in relation to a national water-resources policy.” The brief text, entitled "Water in relation to the national economy,” and appendix A, entitled "A  summary of the water situation in the United States, with special reference to ground water,” were drafted by A. M. Piper of the Geological Survey and are to be published separately, in slightly modified form, under his name.This report discusses the occurrence of ground water in nature and its relation to surface water and to the national water picture as a whole, and it lists numerous existing water problems and discusses their solution.

PWM Switching Strategy for Torque Ripple Minimization in BLDC Motor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salah, Wael A.; Ishak, Dahaman; Hammadi, Khaleel J.

2011-05-01

This paper describes a new PWM switching strategy to minimize the torque ripples in BLDC motor which is based on sensored rotor position control. The scheme has been implemented using a PIC microcontroller to generate a modified Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signals for driving power inverter bridge. The modified PWM signals are successfully applied to the next up-coming phase current such that its current rise is slightly delayed during the commutation instant. Experimental results show that the current waveforms of the modified PWM are smoother than that in conventional PWM technique. Hence, the output torque exhibits lower ripple contents.

A new variation of the Buckingham exponential-6 potential with a tunable, singularity-free short-range repulsion and an adjustable long-range attraction

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

Werhahn, Jasper C.; Miliordos, Evangelos; Xantheas, Sotiris S.

2015-01-05

We introduce new generalized (reverting to the original) and extended (not reverting to the original) 4-parameter forms of the (B-2) Potential Energy Function (PEF) of Wang etal. (L.-P. Wang, J. Chen and T. van Voorhis, J. Chem. Theor. Comp. 9, 452 (2013)), which is itself a modification of the Buckingham exponential-6 PEF. The new forms have a tunable, singularity-free short-range repulsion and an adjustable long-range attraction. They produce fits to high quality ab initio data for the X–(H2O), X=F, Cl, Br, I and M+(H2O), M=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs dimers that are between 1 and 2 orders of magnitude bettermore » than the original 3-parameter (B-2) and modified Buckingham exponential-6 PEFs. They are also slightly better than the 4-parameter generalized Buckingham exponential-6(gBe-6) and of comparable quality with the 4-parameter extended Morse (eM) PEFs introduced recently by us.« less

An extended hybrid density functional (X3LYP) with improved descriptions of nonbond interactions and thermodynamic properties of molecular systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Xin; Zhang, Qingsong; Muller, Richard P.; Goddard, William A.

2005-01-01

We derive here the form for the exact exchange energy density for a density that decays with Gaussian-type behavior at long range. This functional is intermediate between the B88 and the PW91 exchange functionals. Using this modified functional to match the form expected for Gaussian densities, we propose the X3LYP extended functional. We find that X3LYP significantly outperforms Becke three parameter Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) for describing van der Waals and hydrogen bond interactions, while performing slightly better than B3LYP for predicting heats of formation, ionization potentials, electron affinities, proton affinities, and total atomic energies as validated with the extended G2 set of atoms and molecules. Thus X3LYP greatly enlarges the field of applications for density functional theory. In particular the success of X3LYP in describing the water dimer (with Re and De within the error bars of the most accurate determinations) makes it an excellent candidate for predicting accurate ligand-protein and ligand-DNA interactions.

Distinguishing between taskwork and teamwork planning in teams: relations with coordination and interpersonal processes.

PubMed

Fisher, David M

2014-05-01

Planning in teams represents a critical process that lays the groundwork for effective team functioning. The current investigation examined whether emergent team planning can be meaningfully characterized in terms of a distinction between planning that focuses on taskwork and planning that focuses on teamwork. In Study 1, items written to reflect commonly identified indicators of team planning were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, slightly modified items were provided to a separate sample, and a confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. In Study 3, the relationships between the different forms of planning and other team processes (i.e., coordination, interpersonal processes) were examined in order to determine whether there are unique relationships for task-focused and team-focused planning. Results from the first 2 studies provided support for a 2-factor structure of team planning, whereas Study 3 found independent relationships for taskwork and teamwork planning with subsequent team processes. Both forms of planning also exhibited indirect relationships with team performance via the mediating role of subsequent team processes. (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.

Rockfall Hazard Process Assessment : Final Project Report

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-10-01

After a decade of using the Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS), the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) sought a reassessment of their rockfall hazard evaluation process. Their prior system was a slightly modified version of the RHRS and was...

Comment on Modified Stokes Parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Le Vine, D.M.; Utku, C.

2009-01-01

It is common practice in passive microwave remote sensing (microwave radiometry) to express observables as temperatures and in the case of polarimetric radiometry to use what are called "Modified Stokes Parameters in Brightness Temperature" to describe the scene. However, definitions with slightly different normalization (with and without division by bandwidth) have appeared in the literature. The purpose of this manuscript is to present an analysis to clarify the meaning of terms in the definition and resolve the question of the proper normalization.

The use of the modified Cholesky decomposition in divergence and classification calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Rooy, D. L.; Lynn, M. S.; Snyder, C. H.

1973-01-01

This report analyzes the use of the modified Cholesky decomposition technique as applied to the feature selection and classification algorithms used in the analysis of remote sensing data (e.g., as in LARSYS). This technique is approximately 30% faster in classification and a factor of 2-3 faster in divergence, as compared with LARSYS. Also numerical stability and accuracy are slightly improved. Other methods necessary to deal with numerical stability problems are briefly discussed.

High Boron-loaded DNA-Oligomers as Potential Boron Neutron Capture Therapy and Antisense Oligonucleotide Dual-Action Anticancer Agents.

PubMed

Kaniowski, Damian; Ebenryter-Olbińska, Katarzyna; Sobczak, Milena; Wojtczak, Błażej; Janczak, Sławomir; Leśnikowski, Zbigniew J; Nawrot, Barbara

2017-08-23

Boron cluster-modified therapeutic nucleic acids with improved properties are of interest in gene therapy and in cancer boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). High metallacarborane-loaded antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were synthesized through post-synthetic Cu (I)-assisted "click" conjugation of alkyne-modified DNA-oligonucleotides with a boron cluster alkyl azide component. The obtained oligomers exhibited increased lipophilicity compared to their non-modified precursors, while their binding affinity to complementary DNA and RNA strands was slightly decreased. Multiple metallacarborane residues present in the oligonucleotide chain, each containing 18 B-H groups, enabled the use of IR spectroscopy as a convenient analytical method for these oligomers based on the diagnostic B-H signal at 2400-2650 cm -1 . The silencing activity of boron cluster-modified ASOs used at higher concentrations was similar to that of unmodified oligonucleotides. The screened ASOs, when used in low concentrations (up to 50 μM), exhibited pro-oxidative properties by inducing ROS production and an increase in mitochondrial activities in HeLa cells. In contrast, when used at higher concentrations, the ASOs exhibited anti-oxidative properties by lowering ROS species levels. In the HeLa cells (tested in the MTT assay) treated (without lipofectamine) or transfected with the screened compounds, the mitochondrial activity remained equal to the control level or only slightly changed (±30%). These findings may be useful in the design of dual-action boron cluster-modified therapeutic nucleic acids with combined antisense and anti-oxidant properties.

ARC-1979-A79-7092

NASA Image and Video Library

1979-07-09

Range : 241,000km (150,600 mi.). This black and white image of Europa, smallest of Jupiter's four Galilean satellites, was acquired by Voyager 2. Europa, the brightest of the Galiliean satellites, has a density slightly less than Io, suggesting it has a substantial quantity of water. Scientists previously speculated that the water must have cooled from the interior and formed a mantle of ice perhaps 100 km thick. The complex patterns on its surface suggest that the icy surface was fractured, and that the cracks filled with dark material from below. Very few impact craters are visible on the surface, suggesting that active processes on the surface are still modifying Europa. The tectonic pattern seen on its surface differs drastically from the fault systems seen on Ganymede where pieces of the crust have moved relative to each other. On Europa, the crust evidently fractures but the pieces remain in roughly their original position.

Climate of Hungary in the twentieth century according to Feddema

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ács, Ferenc; Breuer, Hajnalka; Skarbit, Nóra

2015-01-01

Feddema's (Physical Geography 26:442-466, 2005) bioclimatic classification scheme is applied to Hungary for the twentieth century using the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) data series. The method is tested in two modes. In the first, its original form is used which is suitable for global scale analysis. In the second, the criteria used in the method are slightly modified for mesoscale classification purposes. In both versions, potential evapotranspiration (PET) is calculated using McKenney and Rosenberg's (Meteorol 64:81-110, 1993) formula. We showed that McKenney and Rosenberg's formula could be applied to Hungary. According to Feddema's global scale application, local climates of the three main geographical regions, the Great Hungarian Plain, the North Hungarian Mountains, and Transdanubia, can be distinguished. However, the spatial distribution pattern within the regions is poorly reproduced, if at all. According to Feddema's mesoscale application, a picture of climatic subregions could be observed.

Sol-Gel assembly of CdSe nanoparticles to form porous aerogel networks.

PubMed

Arachchige, Indika U; Brock, Stephanie L

2006-06-21

A detailed study of CdSe aerogels prepared by oxidative aggregation of primary nanoparticles (prepared at room temperature and high temperature conditions, >250 degrees C), followed by CO2 supercritical drying, is described. The resultant materials are mesoporous, with an interconnected network of colloidal nanoparticles, and exhibit BET surface areas up to 224 m2/g and BJH average pore diameters in the range of 16-32 nm. Powder X-ray diffraction studies indicate that these materials retain the crystal structure of the primary nanoparticles, with a slight increase in primary particle size upon gelation and aerogel formation. Optical band gap measurements and photoluminescence studies show that the as-prepared aerogels retain the quantum-confined optical properties of the nanoparticle building blocks despite being connected into a 3-D network. The specific optical characteristics of the aerogel can be further modified by surface ligand exchange at the wet-gel stage, without destroying the gel network.

On the use of the generalized SPRT method in the equivalent hard sphere approximation for nuclear data evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Noguere, Gilles; Archier, Pascal; Bouland, Olivier; Capote, Roberto; Jean, Cyrille De Saint; Kopecky, Stefan; Schillebeeckx, Peter; Sirakov, Ivan; Tamagno, Pierre

2017-09-01

A consistent description of the neutron cross sections from thermal energy up to the MeV region is challenging. One of the first steps consists in optimizing the optical model parameters using average resonance parameters, such as the neutron strength functions. They can be derived from a statistical analysis of the resolved resonance parameters, or calculated with the generalized form of the SPRT method by using scattering matrix elements provided by optical model calculations. One of the difficulties is to establish the contributions of the direct and compound nucleus reactions. This problem was solved by using a slightly modified average R-Matrix formula with an equivalent hard sphere radius deduced from the phase shift originating from the potential. The performances of the proposed formalism are illustrated with results obtained for the 238U+n nuclear systems.

Transparent nanocrystalline ZnO and ZnO:Al coatings obtained through ZnS sols

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolobkova, E. V.; Evstropiev, S. K.; Nikonorov, N. V.; Vasilyev, V. N.; Evstropyev, K. S.

2017-11-01

Thin and uniform ZnO and ZnO:Al coatings were prepared on glass surfaces by using film-forming colloidal solutions containing small ZnS nanoparticles and polyvinylpyrrolidone as a polymer stabilizer. Film-forming ZnS sols were synthesized in the mixed water-propanol-2 solutions by chemical reaction between zinc nitrate and sodium sulfide. The addition of modifying component such as Al(NO3)3 into the film-forming solutions allows one to obtain thin and uniform ZnO:Al coatings. An increase in the sodium sulfide content in film-forming solutions leads to the growth of light absorption in the UV. The evolution of a coating material at all technological stages from the ZnS sols up to the transparent ZnO and ZnO:Al2O3 coatings (the latter kind being denoted further, in accord with a common practice, by ZnO:Al) was studied using the optical spectroscopy, XRD analysis, DSC-TGA, and SEM methods. The chemical processes of decomposing salts and the polymer occur by heating the intermediate composite ZnS/polyvinylpyrrolidone coatings in the 280-500 °C temperature range. Experimental data show that the ZnO and ZnO:Al coatings prepared consist of the slightly elongated oxide nanoparticles. These coatings fully cover the glass surface and demonstrate a high transparency in the UV and visible.

Systems and methods of varying charged particle beam spot size

DOEpatents

Chen, Yu-Jiuan

2014-09-02

Methods and devices enable shaping of a charged particle beam. A modified dielectric wall accelerator includes a high gradient lens section and a main section. The high gradient lens section can be dynamically adjusted to establish the desired electric fields to minimize undesirable transverse defocusing fields at the entrance to the dielectric wall accelerator. Once a baseline setting with desirable output beam characteristic is established, the output beam can be dynamically modified to vary the output beam characteristics. The output beam can be modified by slightly adjusting the electric fields established across different sections of the modified dielectric wall accelerator. Additional control over the shape of the output beam can be excreted by introducing intentional timing de-synchronization offsets and producing an injected beam that is not fully matched to the entrance of the modified dielectric accelerator.

High acidity unilamellar zeolite MCM-56 and its pillared and delaminated derivatives.

PubMed

Gil, Barbara; Makowski, Wacław; Marszalek, Bartosz; Roth, Wieslaw J; Kubu, Martin; Čejka, Jiři; Olejniczak, Zbigniew

2014-07-21

The unilamellar form of zeolite MWW, MCM-56, which is obtained by direct hydrothermal synthesis has been studied with regard to acidity and porosity in its original and post-synthesis modified pillared and delaminated forms. The acidity measured by FTIR was found to be only slightly lower than the highly active 3-D MWW forms, MCM-22 and MCM-49. Pivalonitrile adsorption, which is a measure of spatial openness, showed 50% accessibility vs. <30% for MCM-22/49. It highlights the potential of MCM-56 as a layered material with increased access to acid sites because it does not entail laborious post-synthesis modification. Swelling, pillaring and delamination of MCM-56 are facile but result in a reduction in the number of Brønsted acid sites (BAS) while increasing accessibility to pivalonitrile. The delamination procedure involving sonication and acidification of the highly basic mother liquor produces the most visible increase in surface area and access to all BAS. The accompanying doubling of the solid yield and the decrease in absolute number of BAS suggest significant precipitation of dissolved silica generated during swelling and sonication in high pH medium. The viability of separating surfactant covered layers upon sonication with the consequence of exposing hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails to aqueous environment is addressed.

Extensive deamidation of RNase A inhibits its oligomerization through 3D domain swapping.

PubMed

Fagagnini, Andrea; Montioli, Riccardo; Caloiu, Andra; Ribó, Marc; Laurents, Douglas V; Gotte, Giovanni

2017-01-01

Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) is the monomeric prototype of the so-called secretory 'pancreatic-type' RNase super-family. Like the naturally domain-swapped dimeric bovine seminal variant, BS-RNase, and its glycosylated RNase B isoform, RNase A forms N- and C-terminal 3D domain-swapped oligomers after lyophilization from acid solutions, or if subjected to thermal denaturation at high protein concentration. All mentioned RNases can undergo deamidation at Asn67, forming Asp or isoAsp derivatives that modify the protein net charge and consequently its enzymatic activity. In addition, deamidation slightly affects RNase B self-association through the 3D domain swapping (3D-DS) mechanism. We report here the influence of extensive deamidation on RNase A tendency to oligomerize through 3D-DS. In particular, deamidation of Asn67 alone slightly decreases the propensity of the protein to oligomerize, with the Asp derivative being less affected than the isoAsp one. Contrarily, the additional Asp and/or isoAsp conversion of residues other than N67 almost nullifies RNase A oligomerization capability. In addition, Gln deamidation, although less kinetically favorable, may affect RNase A self-association. Using 2D and 3D NMR we identified the Asn/Gln residues most prone to undergo deamidation. Together with CD spectroscopy, NMR also indicates that poly-deamidated RNase A generally maintains its native tertiary structure. Again, we investigated in silico the effect of the residues undergoing deamidation on RNase A dimers structures. Finally, the effect of deamidation on RNase A oligomerization is discussed in comparison with studies on deamidation-prone proteins involved in amyloid formation. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Comparison of Para-Selles Bailenger/Kop-Color Fumouze, Para-Selles-Iodésine/Kop-Color II Fumouze diagnostic kits with conventional microscopic methods in identifying intestinal parasitic diseases in Senegal.

PubMed

Sow, Doudou; Dieng, Yémou; Haouchine, Djamal; Niang, Khadim; Niang, Thiane; Sylla, Khadime; Tine, Roger Clément; Ndiaye, Magatte; Ndiaye, Jean Louis; Faye, Babacar; Faye, Omar; Gaye, Oumar; Dieng, Thérèse; Izri, Arezki

2017-09-01

In the context of controlling intestinal parasites, accurate diagnosis is essential. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of new diagnostic kits compared to conventional microscopic methods in identifying intestinal parasites. Faeces collected in rural area in Senegal were subjected to several detection techniques. Thus, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of new diagnostic techniques were compared to conventional merthiolate-iodine-formalin, conventional Bailenger and modified Ritchie. Furthermore, the kappa coefficient was calculated to evaluate the correlation between the new kit and those of modified Ritchie. Out of the 117 patients examined, 102 presented with a parasite, or prevalence of 87.1%. The Fumouze techniques proved to be as effective as the conventional methods in detecting flagellates and helminths with sensitivities ranging from 97 to 100%. However, conventional techniques were slightly more sensitive in identifying Endolimax nana and Blastocystis hominis . The correlation was nearly perfect (k = 0.83 and 1), respectively between Bailenger Fumouze, Iodesine Fumouze and modified Ritchie in identifying helminths while it was just acceptable (k = 0.27 and 0.28) in identifying B. hominis . The modified Ritchie technique routinely used in our laboratory remains a good diagnostic tool. However, the use of kit techniques was interesting when reading the pellet after concentration and the Colour KOP staining was a considerable contribution to the diagnosis of the vegetative forms. Therefore, it would be interesting to determine the cost of a stool test using Fumouze kit techniques to provide the most cost effective way.

Permeability of membranes to amino acids and modified amino acids: mechanisms involved in translocation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chakrabarti, A. C.; Deamer, D. W. (Principal Investigator); Miller, S. L. (Principal Investigator)

1994-01-01

The amino acid permeability of membranes is of interest because they are one of the key solutes involved in cell function. Membrane permeability coefficients (P) for amino acid classes, including neutral, polar, hydrophobic, and charged species, have been measured and compared using a variety of techniques. Decreasing lipid chain length increased permeability slightly (5-fold), while variations in pH had only minor effects on the permeability coefficients of the amino acids tested in liposomes. Increasing the membrane surface charge increased the permeability of amino acids of the opposite charge, while increasing the cholesterol content decreased membrane permeability. The permeability coefficients for most amino acids tested were surprisingly similar to those previously measured for monovalent cations such as sodium and potassium (approximately 10(-12)-10(-13) cm s-1). This observation suggests that the permeation rates for the neutral, polar and charged amino acids are controlled by bilayer fluctuations and transient defects, rather than partition coefficients and Born energy barriers. Hydrophobic amino acids were 10(2) more permeable than the hydrophilic forms, reflecting their increased partition coefficient values. External pH had dramatic effects on the permeation rates for the modified amino acid lysine methyl ester in response to transmembrane pH gradients. It was established that lysine methyl ester and other modified short peptides permeate rapidly (P = 10(-2) cm s-1) as neutral (deprotonated) molecules. It was also shown that charge distributions dramatically alter permeation rates for modified di-peptides. These results may relate to the movement of peptides through membranes during protein translocation and to the origin of cellular membrane transport on the early Earth.

Improving the readability and processability of a pediatric informed consent document: effects on parents' understanding.

PubMed

Tait, Alan R; Voepel-Lewis, Terri; Malviya, Shobha; Philipson, Sandra J

2005-04-01

To examine whether a consent document modified to conform with the federal guidelines for readability and processability would result in greater parental understanding compared with a standard form. Randomized clinical study. The preoperative waiting area of a larger tertiary care children's hospital. A total of 305 parents of children scheduled for minor elective surgical procedures. Parents were randomized to receive information about a clinical study in 1 of 4 ways: (1) standard consent form alone, (2) standard consent form with verbal disclosure, (3) modified form alone (standard form modified to meet the federal guidelines for readability and processability), and (4) modified form with verbal disclosure. Parents were interviewed to determine their understanding of 11 elements of consent, including study purpose, protocol, risks, benefits to child (direct), benefit to others (indirect), freedom to withdraw, alternatives, duration of study, voluntariness, confidentiality, and whom to contact. Their responses were scored by 2 independent assessors. Understanding of the protocol, study duration, risks, and direct benefits, together with overall understanding, was greater among parents who received the modified form (P<.001). Additionally, parents reported that the modified form had greater clarity (P = .009) and improved layout compared with the standard form (P<.001). When parents were shown both forms, 81.2% preferred the modified version. Results suggest that a consent form written according to federal guidelines for readability and processability can improve parent understanding and thus will be important in enhancing the informed consent process.

The amyloid cascade-inflammatory hypothesis of Alzheimer disease: implications for therapy.

PubMed

McGeer, Patrick L; McGeer, Edith G

2013-10-01

The amyloid cascade hypothesis is widely accepted as the centerpiece of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathogenesis. It proposes that abnormal production of beta amyloid protein (Abeta) is the cause of AD and that the neurotoxicity is due to Abeta itself or its oligomeric forms. We suggest that this, in itself, cannot be the cause of AD because demonstrating such toxicity requires micromolar concentrations of these Abeta forms, while their levels in brain are a million times lower in the picomolar range. AD probably results from the inflammatory response induced by extracellular Abeta deposits, which later become enhanced by aggregates of tau. The inflammatory response, which is driven by activated microglia, increases over time as the disease progresses. Disease-modifying therapeutic attempts to date have failed and may continue to do so as long as the central role of inflammation is not taken into account. Multiple epidemiological and animal model studies show that NSAIDs, the most widely used antiinflammatory agents, have a substantial sparing effect on AD. These studies provide a proof of concept regarding the anti-inflammatory approach to disease modification. Biomarker studies have indicated that early intervention may be necessary. They have established that disease onset occurs more than a decade before it becomes clinically evident. By combining biomarker and pathological data, it is possible to define six phases of disease development, each separated by about 5 years. Phase one can be identified by decreases in Abeta in the CSF, phase 2 by increases of tau in the CSF plus clear evidence of Abeta brain deposits by PET scanning, phase 3 by slight decreases in brain metabolic rate by PET-FDG scanning, phase 4 by slight decreases in brain volume by MRI scanning plus minimal cognitive impairment, phase 5 by increased scanning abnormalities plus clinical diagnosis of AD, and phase 6 by advanced AD requiring institutional care. Utilization of antiinflammatory agents early in the disease process remains an overlooked therapeutic opportunity. Such agents, while not preventative, have the advantage of being able to inhibit the consequences of both Abeta and tau aggregation. Since there is more than a decade between disease onset and cognitive decline, a window of opportunity exists to introduce truly effective disease-modifying regimens. Taking advantage of this opportunity is the challenge for the future.

Intermittent/transient faults in digital systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Masson, G. M.; Glazer, R. E.

1982-01-01

Containment set techniques are applied to 8085 microprocessor controllers so as to transform a typical control system into a slightly modified version, shown to be crashproof: after the departure of the intermittent/transient fault, return to one proper control algorithm is assured, assuming no permanent faults occur.

Faux Mutagenesis: Teaching Troubleshooting through Controlled Failure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hartberg, Yasha

2006-01-01

By shifting pedagogical goals from obtaining successful mutations to teaching students critical troubleshooting skills, it has been possible to introduce site-directed mutagenesis into an undergraduate teaching laboratory. Described in this study is an inexpensive laboratory exercise in which students follow a slightly modified version of…

Short-term effect of Keyes' approach to periodontal therapy compared with modified Widman flap surgery.

PubMed

Whitehead, S P; Watts, T L

1987-11-01

Keyes' method of non-surgical therapy was compared with modified Widman flap surgery in 9 patients with symmetrical periodontal disease. Following an initial oral hygiene programme, baseline measurements were recorded and paired contralateral areas were subjected randomly to the 2 techniques. 42 teeth receiving surgery were compared with 40 treated by Keyes' method. 6 sites per tooth were scored immediately prior to therapy and 3 months later, using a constant force probe with onlays. Consistent data were recorded for the 6 separate sites, which showed no baseline difference between treatments, slightly greater recession with surgery at 3 months, but no difference between treatments in probing depth and attachment levels. Mean data for individual patients showed similar consistency. Probing depth in deep sites was reduced slightly more with surgery, and there were no differences in bleeding on probing at 3 months. Both techniques gave marked improvements in health. Surprisingly, only 2 subjects preferred Keyes' technique of mechanical therapy, 6 preferred surgery, and 1 had no preference.

On the Impact of Wind Farms on a Convective Atmospheric Boundary Layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hao; Porté-Agel, Fernando

2015-10-01

With the rapid growth in the number of wind turbines installed worldwide, a demand exists for a clear understanding of how wind farms modify land-atmosphere exchanges. Here, we conduct three-dimensional large-eddy simulations to investigate the impact of wind farms on a convective atmospheric boundary layer. Surface temperature and heat flux are determined using a surface thermal energy balance approach, coupled with the solution of a three-dimensional heat equation in the soil. We study several cases of aligned and staggered wind farms with different streamwise and spanwise spacings. The farms consist of Siemens SWT-2.3-93 wind turbines. Results reveal that, in the presence of wind turbines, the stability of the atmospheric boundary layer is modified, the boundary-layer height is increased, and the magnitude of the surface heat flux is slightly reduced. Results also show an increase in land-surface temperature, a slight reduction in the vertically-integrated temperature, and a heterogeneous spatial distribution of the surface heat flux.

Characterization of the porins of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli and implications for antibiotic susceptibility.

PubMed Central

Page, W J; Huyer, G; Huyer, M; Worobec, E A

1989-01-01

The major outer membrane protein was extracted from Campylobacter coli by Triton X-100/EDTA fractionation of cell envelopes. This heat-modifiable protein was shown to have pore-forming activity in black lipid bilayers. The C. coli porin formed a relatively small cation-selective pore with a mean single-channel conductance of 0.53 +/- 0.16 nS in 1.0 M KCl. There was no evidence of oligomer formation, which suggested that each protein monomer formed a pore. Pore-forming activity of the C. coli porin and similarly prepared Campylobacter jejuni porin was also measured in liposome-swelling assays. These results confirmed the cation selectivity of both pores. The C. coli porin formed a small pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 262, and a larger pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 340, in a protein-concentration-dependent manner. C. jejuni formed one size of pore that was slightly larger than the C. coli pore and just permitted the passage of solutes, with a molecular weight of 340. A review of the literature concerning in vitro screening of antimicrobial agents tended to confirm the low permeability of the C. jejuni outer membrane to hydrophilic antimicrobial agents except when the molecules had molecular weights of less than 360. The porins of C. jejuni and C. coli may contribute to intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents, whereas alternative (nonporin) routes of antimicrobial agent uptake may be more important determinants of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. Images PMID:2543277

Characterization of the porins of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli and implications for antibiotic susceptibility.

PubMed

Page, W J; Huyer, G; Huyer, M; Worobec, E A

1989-03-01

The major outer membrane protein was extracted from Campylobacter coli by Triton X-100/EDTA fractionation of cell envelopes. This heat-modifiable protein was shown to have pore-forming activity in black lipid bilayers. The C. coli porin formed a relatively small cation-selective pore with a mean single-channel conductance of 0.53 +/- 0.16 nS in 1.0 M KCl. There was no evidence of oligomer formation, which suggested that each protein monomer formed a pore. Pore-forming activity of the C. coli porin and similarly prepared Campylobacter jejuni porin was also measured in liposome-swelling assays. These results confirmed the cation selectivity of both pores. The C. coli porin formed a small pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 262, and a larger pore, which hindered the penetration of solutes with a molecular weight of 340, in a protein-concentration-dependent manner. C. jejuni formed one size of pore that was slightly larger than the C. coli pore and just permitted the passage of solutes, with a molecular weight of 340. A review of the literature concerning in vitro screening of antimicrobial agents tended to confirm the low permeability of the C. jejuni outer membrane to hydrophilic antimicrobial agents except when the molecules had molecular weights of less than 360. The porins of C. jejuni and C. coli may contribute to intrinsic resistance to antimicrobial agents, whereas alternative (nonporin) routes of antimicrobial agent uptake may be more important determinants of susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.

Analysis of Drop Shapes during Electrowetting on a Dielectric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daneshbod, Yousef

2005-03-01

Electrowetting refers to the electrostatic control of the interfacial energy of a liquid on a solid, primarily used for the transport of micro-liter volumes of drops on surfaces with embedded electrode arrays. In the present work, the drop is modeled as a two-dimensional lens-like conductor immersed in an infinite dielectric medium slightly above a planar conductor. A matched asymptotic expansion is used to approximate the electrostatic field surrounding the drop. The outer problem models the drop as a conducting circular segment resting on the conducting plane, each maintained at a separate constant potential. The inner problem corrects the region near the edge of the drop by modeling it as an infinite planar conducting wedge lying slightly above the conducting plane. By matching the inner and outer solutions, the charge density along the entire surface of the drop can be approximated, enabling the calculation of the total capacitance of the system. An energy minimization method similar to that of Shapiro et al. [J. Appl. Phys., 93, 5794 (2003)] is applied to the total energy consisting of the liquid/gas, liquid/solid and solid/gas surface energies, together with the electrostatic contribution, subject to the constraint that the drop volume remains constant. A modified form of the Young-Lippmann equation is thus derived that includes the contribution from the extra capacitance of the drop obtained via matched asymptotics.

Modification by food of the calcium absorbability and physicochemical effects of calcium citrate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wabner, C. L.; Pak, C. Y.

1992-01-01

The food-calcium (Ca) interaction was examined in 12 healthy women (mean age 38 years) maintained on a constant metabolic diet. They underwent three phases of study, comprised of control (no Ca), Ca citrate (1 g Ca/day) during meals, and Ca citrate separately from meals. Each phase was 7 days in length and two 24-hour urine samples were collected on days 6 and 7. The rise from the control phase in urinary Ca was slightly more prominent when Ca citrate was given with meals than without (68 and 62%, respectively). The fall in urinary phosphorus was equivalent at about 25% between Ca citrate phases. The rise in urinary citrate and pH and the decline in urinary ammonium were more prominent when Ca citrate was given with meals; however, the changes were small or nonsignificant. The urinary saturation of Ca oxalate, brushite or monosodium urate did not differ between the two Ca citrate phases. There was a nonsignificant rise in serum iron during Ca citrate phases. The results suggest that: 1) dissolution and absorption of Ca citrate might be slightly greater when given with food than without; 2) that the ability of Ca citrate to attenuate crystallization of stone-forming Ca salts in urine is not modified by food; and 3) that Ca citrate may not impair iron absorption from food.

Topology-changing shape optimization with the genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamberson, Steven E., Jr.

The goal is to take a traditional shape optimization problem statement and modify it slightly to allow for prescribed changes in topology. This modification enables greater flexibility in the choice of parameters for the topology optimization problem, while improving the direct physical relevance of the results. This modification involves changing the optimization problem statement from a nonlinear programming problem into a form of mixed-discrete nonlinear programing problem. The present work demonstrates one possible way of using the Genetic Algorithm (GA) to solve such a problem, including the use of "masking bits" and a new modification to the bit-string affinity (BSA) termination criterion specifically designed for problems with "masking bits." A simple ten-bar truss problem proves the utility of the modified BSA for this type of problem. A more complicated two dimensional bracket problem is solved using both the proposed approach and a more traditional topology optimization approach (Solid Isotropic Microstructure with Penalization or SIMP) to enable comparison. The proposed approach is able to solve problems with both local and global constraints, which is something traditional methods cannot do. The proposed approach has a significantly higher computational burden --- on the order of 100 times larger than SIMP, although the proposed approach is able to offset this with parallel computing.

Effect of different fibers on dough properties and biscuit quality.

PubMed

Blanco Canalis, María S; Steffolani, María E; León, Alberto E; Ribotta, Pablo D

2017-03-01

This study forms part of a broader project aimed at understanding the role of fibers from different sources in high-fat, high-sugar biscuits and at selecting the best fibers for biscuit quality. The main purpose of this work was to understand the rheological and structural properties involved in fiber-enriched biscuit dough. High-amylose corn starch (RSII), chemically modified starch (RSIV), oat fiber (OF) and inulin (IN) were used at two different levels of incorporation (6 and 12 g) in dough formulation. The influence of fiber on the properties of biscuit dough was studied via dynamic rheological tests, confocal microscopy and spreading behavior. Biscuit quality was assessed by width/thickness factor, texture and surface characteristics, total dietary fiber and sensory evaluation. Main results indicated that IN incorporation increased the capacity of dough spreading during baking and thus improved biscuit quality. OF reduced dough spreading during baking and strongly increased its resistance to deformation. RSII and RSIV slightly affected the quality of the biscuits. Sensory evaluation revealed that the panel liked IN-incorporated biscuits as much as control biscuits. The increase in total dietary fiber modified dough behavior and biscuit properties, and the extent of these effects depended on the type of fiber incorporated. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Modifying influence of swine-serum-induced liver fibrosis on development of preneoplastic lesions in rat liver.

PubMed

Wada, S; Kato, T; Mutai, M; Ozaki, K; Yamaguchi, S; Kim, D J; Baba-Toriyama, H; Asamoto, M; Ito, N; Tsuda, H

1996-03-01

Modifying effects of fibrosis or a cirrhotic state, caused by treatment with swine serum (SS), on the induction of preneoplastic focal lesions were assessed in a rat medium-term liver bioassay model for the detection of environmental carcinogens, in which the test compound is administered during the promotion phase after initiation with diethylnitrosamine. In experiment I, repeated intraperitoneal administration of SS concomitantly with the hepatopromoting agent deoxycholic acid (DCA) or phenobarbital (PB) resulted in a cirrhotic state and a significant increase in the number or size of preneoplastic glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive liver cell foci as compared to the corresponding DCA or PB alone groups. In experiment II, SS was given prior to commencement of the same medium-term bioassay system, in which a known hepatopromoting agent, DCA, 17-alpha-ethynylestradiol, or 2-acetylaminofluorene, was applied. In this case, the liver did not show obvious cirrhotic change and, rather than any enhancement, slight inhibition of promotion occurred. The results indicate that a coexisting, but not a pre-existing, cirrhotic condition acts to increase growth pressure on GST-P+ preneoplastic foci, and suggest that concomitant administration of SS with the promoting agent could be applied to improve the sensitivity of the assay protocol.

On the Problem of Deformed Spherical Systems in Modified Newtonian Dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ko, Chung-Ming

2016-04-01

Based on Newtonian dynamics, observations show that the luminous masses of astrophysical objects that are the size of a galaxy or larger are not enough to generate the measured motions which they supposedly determine. This is typically attributed to the existence of dark matter, which possesses mass but does not radiate (or absorb radiation). Alternatively, the mismatch can be explained if the underlying dynamics is not Newtonian. Within this conceptual scheme, Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) is a successful theoretical paradigm. MOND is usually expressed in terms of a nonlinear Poisson equation, which is difficult to analyze for arbitrary matter distributions. We study the MONDian gravitational field generated by slightly non-spherically symmetric mass distributions based on the fact that both Newtonian and MONDian fields are conservative (which we refer to as the compatibility condition). As the non-relativistic version of MOND has two different formulations (AQUAL and QuMOND) and the compatibility condition can be expressed in two ways, there are four approaches to the problem in total. The method involves solving a suitably defined linear deformation potential, which generally depends on the choice of MOND interpolation function. However, for some specific form of the deformation potential, the solution is independent of the interpolation function.

Determination of Radiographic Healing: An Assessment of Consistency Using RUST and Modified RUST in Metadiaphyseal Fractures.

PubMed

Litrenta, Jody; Tornetta, Paul; Mehta, Samir; Jones, Clifford; OʼToole, Robert V; Bhandari, Mohit; Kottmeier, Stephen; Ostrum, Robert; Egol, Kenneth; Ricci, William; Schemitsch, Emil; Horwitz, Daniel

2015-11-01

To determine the reliability of the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibia (RUST) score and a new modified RUST score in quantifying healing and to define a value for radiographic union in a large series of metadiaphyseal fractures treated with plates or intramedullary nails. Healing was evaluated using 2 methods: (1) evaluation of interrater agreement in a series of radiographs and (2) analysis of prospectively gathered data from 2 previous large multicenter trials to define thresholds for radiographic union. Part 1: 12 orthopedic trauma surgeons evaluated a series of radiographs of 27 distal femur fractures treated with either plate or retrograde nail fixation at various stages of healing in random order using a modified RUST score. For each radiographic set, the reviewer indicated if the fracture was radiographically healed. Part 2: The radiographic results of 2 multicenter randomized trials comparing plate versus nail fixation of 81 distal femur and 46 proximal tibia fractures were reviewed. Orthopaedic surgeons at 24 trauma centers scored radiographs at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using the modified RUST score above. Additionally, investigators indicated if the fracture was healed or not healed. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence intervals was determined for each cortex, the standard and modified RUST score, and the assignment of union for part 1 data. The RUST and modified RUST that defined "union" were determined for both parts of the study. ICC: The modified RUST score demonstrated slightly higher ICCs than the standard RUST (0.68 vs. 0.63). Nails had substantial agreement, whereas plates had moderate agreement using both modified and standard RUST (0.74 and 0.67 vs. 0.59 and 0.53). The average standard and modified RUST at union among all fractures was 8.5 and 11.4. Nails had higher standard and modified RUST scores than plates at union. The ICC for union was 0.53 (nails: 0.58; plates: 0.51), which indicates moderate agreement. However, the majority of reviewers assigned union for a standard RUST of 9 and a modified RUST of 11, and >90% considered a score of 10 on the RUST and 13 on the modified RUST united. The ICC for the modified RUST is slightly higher than the standard RUST in metadiaphyseal fractures and had substantial agreement. The ICC for the assessment of union was moderate agreement; however, definite union would be 10 and 13 with over 90% of reviewers assigning union. These are the first data-driven estimates of radiographic union for these scores.

The effect of modified potato flour substitution on the organoleptics characteristics of toddler biscuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cakrawati, Dewi; Rahmawati, Puji

2016-04-01

Toddler biscuit is complementary food given to infants to help meet their nutritional needs. This research was undertaken to develop toddler biscuit with subtitution of physically modified potato flour. There were two puposes of the research, first to know the characteristics of physically modification on potato flour; secondly to know biscuit characteristics with modified potato flour substitution. There were two factor analysis in the development of biscuit; first factor was pre heating mehods and substitution rate. The research was conducted with experimental method using split plot design. The functional properties on modified potato flour as swelling capacity, water absorption capacity, solubility and viscocity were analyzed. Organoleptic analysis using quality hedonic test showed no interaction between potato starch modification and concentration of modified potato flour. Quality hedonic test showed all toddler biscuit socred in the range of “slightly like” to “like moderately”. Modifying potato starch by boiling and steaming with flour concentration of 30% producing toddler biscuit with organoleptic characteristics acceptable according to the panelists.

Antioxidation performance of poly(vinyl alcohol) modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Daohui; Li, Xianfeng; Li, Qing; Liu, Zhen; Li, Nana; Huang, Qinglin; Zhang, Yufeng; Xiao, Changfa

2018-03-01

Commercial poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes were modified by dip-coating and crosslinking hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) on the membrane surface. The antioxidation performance of the modified PVDF membranes was evaluated via exposing the modified membranes to sodium hypochlorite and potassium permanganate solutions for 5-30 days, respectively. The evaluation was based on the influences of the two oxidants on the permeability, rejection, and hydrophility of the modified membranes, which were characterized by water flux, ink rejection, water contact angle, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy, and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The XPS and water contact angle results show that the hydrophilicity of PVDF membranes was significantly improved when PVA was crosslinked on the surface of PVDF membranes. When the modified membranes had been treated with sodium hypochlorite or potassium permanganate for 30 days, the permeability and hydrophilicity were basically maintained and the rejection was slightly decreased. XPS and XRD indicated that some of PVAs coated on the membrane surface could be oxidized and peeled.

Hot deformation behavior of AA5383 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Rou; Giraud, Eliane; Mareau, Charles; Ayed, Yessine; Santo, Philippe Dal

2018-05-01

Hot forming processes are widely used in deep drawing applications due to the ability of metallic materials to sustain large deformations. The optimization of such forming processes often requires the mechanical behavior to be accurately described. In this study, the hot temperature behavior of a 5383 aluminum alloy is investigated. In this perspective, different uniaxial tension tests have been carried out on dog-bone shaped specimens using a specific experimental device. The temperature and strain rate ranges of interest are 623˜723 K and 0.0001˜0.1 s-1, respectively. An inverse method has been used to determine the flow curves from the experimental force-displacement data. The material exhibits a slight flow stress increase beyond the yield point for most configurations. Softening phenomenon exists at high strain rates and high temperatures. A new model based on the modification of a modified Zerilli-Armstrong model is proposed to describe the stress-strain responses. Genetic algorithm optimization method is used for the identification of parameters for the new model. It is found that the new model has a good predictability under the experimental conditions. The application of this model is validated by shear and notched tension tests.

Structural modulation of nanowire interfaces grown over selectively disrupted single crystal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garratt, E.; Nikoobakht, B.

2015-08-01

Recent breakthroughs in deterministic approaches to the fabrication of nanowire arrays have demonstrated the possibility of fabricating such networks using low-cost scalable methods. In this regard, we have developed a scalable growth platform for lateral fabrication of nanocrystals with high precision utilizing lattice match and symmetry. Using this planar architecture, a number of homo- and heterostructures have been demonstrated including ZnO nanowires grown over GaN. The latter combination produces horizontal, epitaxially formed crystals aligned in the plane of the substrate containing a very low number of intrinsic defects. We use such ordered structures as model systems in the interests of gauging the interfacial structural dynamics in relation to external stimuli. Nanosecond pulses of focused ion beams are used to slightly modify the substrate surface and selectively form lattice disorders in the path of nanowire growth to examine the nanocrystal, namely: its directionality and lattice defects. High resolution electron microscopies are used to reveal some interesting structural effects; for instance, a minimum threshold of surface defects that can divert nanowires. We also discuss data indicating formation of surface strains and show their mitigation during the growth process.

An extended hybrid density functional (X3LYP) with improved descriptions of nonbond interactions and thermodynamic properties of molecular systems.

PubMed

Xu, Xin; Zhang, Qingsong; Muller, Richard P; Goddard, William A

2005-01-01

We derive here the form for the exact exchange energy density for a density that decays with Gaussian-type behavior at long range. This functional is intermediate between the B88 and the PW91 exchange functionals. Using this modified functional to match the form expected for Gaussian densities, we propose the X3LYP extended functional. We find that X3LYP significantly outperforms Becke three parameter Lee-Yang-Parr (B3LYP) for describing van der Waals and hydrogen bond interactions, while performing slightly better than B3LYP for predicting heats of formation, ionization potentials, electron affinities, proton affinities, and total atomic energies as validated with the extended G2 set of atoms and molecules. Thus X3LYP greatly enlarges the field of applications for density functional theory. In particular the success of X3LYP in describing the water dimer (with R(e) and D(e) within the error bars of the most accurate determinations) makes it an excellent candidate for predicting accurate ligand-protein and ligand-DNA interactions. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.

Coated article and method of making

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Hongyu (Inventor); Lee, Kang Neung (Inventor)

2003-01-01

An article includes a silicon-containing substrate and a modified mullite coating. The modified mullite coating comprises mullite and a modifier component that reduces cracks in the modified mullite coating. The article can further comprise a thermal barrier coating applied to the modified mullite coating. The modified mullite coating functions as a bond coating between the external environmental/thermal barrier coating and the silicon-containing substrate. In a method of forming an article, a silicon-containing substrate is formed and a modified mullite coating is applied. The modified mullite coating comprises mullite and a modifier component that reduces cracks in the modified mullite coating.

Coated article and method of making

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wang, Hongyu (Inventor); Lee, Kang Neung (Inventor)

2002-01-01

An article includes a silicon-containing substrate and a modified mullite coating. The modified mullite coating comprises mullite and a modifier component that reduces cracks in the modified mullite coating. The article can further comprise a thermal barrier coating applied to the modified mullite coating. The modified mullite coating functions as a bond coating between the external environmental/thermal barrier coating and the silicon-containing substrate. In a method of forming an article, a silicon-containing substrate is formed and a modified mullite coating is applied. The modified mullite coating comprises mullite and a modifier component that reduces cracks in the modified mullite coating.

Modified locking thread form for fastener

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roopnarine, (Inventor); Vranish, John D. (Inventor)

1998-01-01

A threaded fastener has a standard part with a standard thread form characterized by thread walls with a standard included angle, and a modified part complementary to the standard part having a modified thread form characterized by thread walls which are symmetrically inclined with a modified included angle that is different from the standard included angle of the standard part's thread walls, such that the threads of one part make pre-loaded edge contact with the thread walls of the other part. The thread form of the modified part can have an included angle that is greater, less, or compound as compared to the included angle of the standard part. The standard part may be a bolt and the modified part a nut, or vice versa. The modified thread form holds securely even under large vibrational forces, it permits bi-directional use of standard mating threads, is impervious to the build up of tolerances and can be manufactured with a wider range of tolerances without loss of functionality, and distributes loading stresses (per thread) in a manner that decreases the possibility of single thread failure.

Nanoporous polysulfone membranes via a degradable block copolymer precursor for redox flow batteries

DOE PAGES

Gindt, Brandon P.; Abebe, Daniel G.; Tang, Zhijiang J.; ...

2016-02-16

In this study, nanoporous polysulfone (PSU) membranes were fabricated via post-hydrolysis of polylactide (PLA) from PLA–PSU–PLA triblock copolymer membranes. The PSU scaffold was thermally crosslinked before sacrificing PLA blocks. The resulting nanopore surface was chemically modified with sulfonic acid moieties. The membranes were analyzed and evaluated as separators for vanadium redox flow batteries. Nanoporous PSU membranes prepared by this new method and further chemically modified to a slight degree exhibited unique behavior with respect to their ionic conductivity when exposed to solutions of increasing acid concentration.

Measurements of farfield sound generation from a flow-excited cavity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Block, P. J. W.; Heller, H.

1975-01-01

Results of 1/3-octave-band spectral measurements of internal pressures and the external acoustic field of a tangentially blown rectangular cavity are compared. Proposed mechanisms for sound generation are reviewed, and spectra and directivity plots of cavity noise are presented. Directivity plots show a slightly modified monopole pattern. Frequencies of cavity response are calculated using existing predictions and are compared with those obtained experimentally. The effect of modifying the upstream boundary layer on the noise was investigated, and its effectiveness was found to be a function of cavity geometry and flow velocity.

Diversity among Scientists-Inclusive Curriculum-Improved Science: An Upward Spiral.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rosser, Sue V.

1992-01-01

Explores how changing curriculum and teaching techniques may lead to different composition of pool of scientists who hold slightly modified theoretical perspective. Presents seven-stage spiral model for transforming mathematics and science teaching, in which each stage fuels change in next stage, moving toward more accessible, varied, and humane…

Coaches' Encouragement of Athletes' Imagery Use

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jedlic, Brie; Hall, Nathan; Munroe-Chandler, Krista; Hall, Craig

2007-01-01

To investigate whether coaches encourage their athletes to use imagery, two studies were undertaken. In the first, 317 athletes completed the Coaches' Encouragement of Athletes' Imagery Use Questionnaire. In the second, 215 coaches completed a slightly modified version of this questionnaire. It was found that coaches and athletes generally agreed…

Computer program to compute buckling loads of simply supported anisotropic plates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chamis, C. C.

1973-01-01

Program handles several types of composites and several load conditions for each plate, both compressive or tensile membrane loads, and bending-stretching coupling via the concept of reduced bending rigidities. Vibration frequencies of homogeneous or layered anisotropic plates can be calculated by slightly modifying the program.

Applications of Natural Polymeric Materials in Solid Oral Modified-Release Dosage Forms.

PubMed

Li, Liang; Zhang, Xin; Gu, Xiangqin; Mao, Shirui

2015-01-01

Solid oral modified-release dosage forms provide numerous advantages for drug delivery compared to dosage forms where the drugs are released and absorbed rapidly following ingestion. Natural polymers are of particular interest as drug carriers due to their good safety profile, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and rich sources. This review described the current applications of important natural polymers, such as chitosan, alginate, pectin, guar gum, and xanthan gum, in solid oral modified-release dosage forms. It was shown that natural polymers have been widely used to fabricate solid oral modified-release dosage forms such as matrix tablets, pellets and beads, and especially oral drug delivery systems such as gastroretentive and colon drug delivery systems. Moreover, chemical modifications could overcome the shortcomings associated with the use of natural polymers, and the combination of two or more polymers presented further advantages compared with that of single polymer. In conclusion, natural polymers and modified natural polymers have promising applications in solid oral modified-release dosage forms. However, commercial products based on them are still limited. To accelerate the application of natural polymers in commercial products, in vivo behavior of natural polymers-based solid oral modified-release dosage forms should be deeply investigated, and meanwhile quality of the natural polymers should be controlled strictly, and the influence of formulation and process parameters need to be understood intensively.

Synthesis and antisense properties of fluoro cyclohexenyl nucleic acid (F-CeNA), a nuclease stable mimic of 2'-fluoro RNA.

PubMed

Seth, Punit P; Yu, Jinghua; Jazayeri, Ali; Pallan, Pradeep S; Allerson, Charles R; Østergaard, Michael E; Liu, Fengwu; Herdewijn, Piet; Egli, Martin; Swayze, Eric E

2012-06-01

We report the design and synthesis of 2'-fluoro cyclohexenyl nucleic acid (F-CeNA) pyrimidine phosphoramidites and the synthesis and biophysical, structural, and biological evaluation of modified oligonucleotides. The synthesis of the nucleoside phosphoramidites was accomplished in multigram quantities starting from commercially available methyl-D-mannose pyranoside. Installation of the fluorine atom was accomplished using nonafluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride, and the cyclohexenyl ring system was assembled by means of a palladium-catalyzed Ferrier rearrangement. Installation of the nucleobase was carried out under Mitsunobu conditions followed by standard protecting group manipulations to provide the desired pyrimidine phosphoramidites. Biophysical evaluation indicated that F-CeNA shows behavior similar to that of a 2'-modified nucleotide, and duplexes with RNA showed slightly lower duplex thermostability as compared to that of the more rigid 3'-fluoro hexitol nucleic acid (FHNA). However, F-CeNA modified oligonucleotides were significantly more stable against digestion by snake venom phosphodiesterases (SVPD) as compared to unmodified DNA, 2'-fluoro RNA (FRNA), 2'-methoxyethyl RNA (MOE), and FHNA modified oligonucleotides. Examination of crystal structures of a modified DNA heptamer duplex d(GCG)-T*-d(GCG):d(CGCACGC) by X-ray crystallography indicated that the cyclohexenyl ring system exhibits both the (3)H(2) and (2)H(3) conformations, similar to the C3'-endo/C2'-endo conformation equilibrium seen in natural furanose nucleosides. In the (2)H(3) conformation, the equatorial fluorine engages in a relatively close contact with C8 (2.94 Å) of the 3'-adjacent dG nucleotide that may represent a pseudo hydrogen bond. In contrast, the cyclohexenyl ring of F-CeNA was found to exist exclusively in the (3)H(2) (C3'-endo like) conformation in the crystal structure of the modified A-form DNA decamer duplex [d(GCGTA)-T*-d(ACGC)](2.) In an animal experiment, a 16-mer F-CeNA gapmer ASO showed similar RNA affinity but significantly improved activity compared to that of a sequence matched MOE ASO, thus establishing F-CeNA as a useful modification for antisense applications.

Geometric Model for Tracker-Target Look Angles and Line of Slight Distance

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-10-20

412TW-PA-15239 Geometric Model for Tracker -Target Look Angles and Line of Slight Distance DANIEL T. LAIRD AIR FORCE TEST CENTER EDWARDS...15 – 23 OCT 15 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Geometric Model for Tracker -Target Look Angles and Line of Slight Distance 5a. CONTRACT...include area code) 661-277-8615 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39.18 GEOMETRIC MODEL FOR TRACKER -TARGET LOOK ANGLES

Forest fire danger index based on modifying Nesterov Index, fuel, and anthropogenic activities using MODIS TERRA, AQUA and TRMM satellite datasets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suresh Babu, K. V.; Roy, Arijit; Ramachandra Prasad, P.

2016-05-01

Forest fire has been regarded as one of the major causes of degradation of Himalayan forests in Uttarakhand. Forest fires occur annually in more than 50% of forests in Uttarakhand state, mostly due to anthropogenic activities and spreads due to moisture conditions and type of forest fuels. Empirical drought indices such as Keetch-Byram drought index, the Nesterov index, Modified Nesterov index, the Zhdanko index which belongs to the cumulative type and the Angstrom Index which belongs to the daily type have been used throughout the world to assess the potential fire danger. In this study, the forest fire danger index has been developed from slightly modified Nesterov index, fuel and anthropogenic activities. Datasets such as MODIS TERRA Land Surface Temperature and emissivity (MOD11A1), MODIS AQUA Atmospheric profile product (MYD07) have been used to determine the dew point temperature and land surface temperature. Precipitation coefficient has been computed from Tropical Rainfall measuring Mission (TRMM) product (3B42RT). Nesterov index has been slightly modified according to the Indian context and computed using land surface temperature, dew point temperature and precipitation coefficient. Fuel type danger index has been derived from forest type map of ISRO based on historical fire location information and disturbance danger index has been derived from disturbance map of ISRO. Finally, forest fire danger index has been developed from the above mentioned indices and MODIS Thermal anomaly product (MOD14) has been used for validating the forest fire danger index.

7 CFR 51.3065 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.3065 Section 51.3065 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the avocado may be slightly abnormal in shape but not...

7 CFR 51.1277 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1277 Section 51.1277 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... § 51.1277 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape...

7 CFR 51.1277 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1277 Section 51.1277 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... § 51.1277 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape...

7 CFR 51.3065 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.3065 Section 51.3065 Agriculture Regulations of the Department of Agriculture AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SERVICE (Standards... Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the avocado may be slightly abnormal in shape but not...

The use of locally optimal trajectory management for base reaction control of robots in a microgravity environment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lin, N. J.; Quinn, R. D.

1991-01-01

A locally-optimal trajectory management (LOTM) approach is analyzed, and it is found that care should be taken in choosing the Ritz expansion and cost function. A modified cost function for the LOTM approach is proposed which includes the kinetic energy along with the base reactions in a weighted and scale sum. The effects of the modified functions are demonstrated with numerical examples for robots operating in two- and three-dimensional space. It is pointed out that this modified LOTM approach shows good performance, the reactions do not fluctuate greatly, joint velocities reach their objectives at the end of the manifestation, and the CPU time is slightly more than twice the manipulation time.

7 CFR 51.1320 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1320 Section 51.1320... Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to... not materially detract from the general appearance of the pear shall be considered fairly well formed. ...

7 CFR 51.1320 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1320 Section 51.1320... Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to... not materially detract from the general appearance of the pear shall be considered fairly well formed. ...

Characterization of coatings formed on AZX magnesium alloys by plasma electrolytic oxidation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anawati, Anawati; Gumelar, Muhammad Dikdik

2018-05-01

Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) is an electrochemical anodization process which involves the application of a high voltage to create intense plasma on a metal surface to form a ceramic type of oxide. The resulted coating exhibits high wear resistance and good corrosion barrier which are suitable to enhance the performance of biodegradable Mg alloys. In this work, the role of alloying element Ca in modifying the characteristics of PEO layer formed on AZ61 series magnesium alloys was investigated. PEO treatment was conducted on AZ61, AZX611, and AZX612 alloys in 0.5 M Na3PO4 solution at a constant current of 200 A/m2 at 25°C for 8 min. The resulted coatings were characterized by field emission-scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), as well as hardness test. The presence of alloying element Ca in the AZ61 alloys accelerated the PEO coatings formation without altering the coating properties significantly. The coating formed on AZX specimen was slightly thicker ( 14-17 µm) than that of formed onthe AZ specimens ( 13 µm). Longer exposure time to plasma discharge was the reason for faster thickening of the coating layer on AZX specimen. XRD detected a similar crystalline oxide phase of Mg3(PO4)2 in the oxide formed on all of the specimens. Zn was highly incorporated in the coatings with a concentration in the range 24-30 wt%, as analyzed by XRF. Zn compound might exist in amorphous phases. The microhardness test on the coatings revealed similar average hardness 124 HVon all of the specimens.

Targeted Therapies for Myeloma and Metastatic Bone Cancers

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-02-01

increased efficacy in the targeted microenvironment, and the ultimate opportunity to reverse catastrophic disease processes . Furthermore, targeted...concentrate the resulting nanoparticles using centrifuge concentrator tubes and we have integrated this processing step into our nanoparticle...is unaffected by this slightly altered approach. Furthermore, this modified method avoids a lengthy column separation process that diminishes the

76 FR 76713 - Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collections; Comment Request; Prevention of...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-12-08

... review programs for new or modified stationary sources of air pollution. In addition, the provisions of... the emissions from the construction and modification of any stationary source of air pollution to... Flexible Air Permitting Rule also slightly reduced the burden per minor NSR permit. As a result of all...

A Validity Study of the Self-Esteem Inventory.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Landis, H. John

Results of this validation study of a slightly modified version of the Coppersmith Self-Esteem Inventory substantiate its use with seventh graders to assess Goal I (concerning self-understanding and appreciation of self-worth) of the Educational Quality Assessment Program in Pennsylvania. Appendixes include the definition and rationale for Goal I,…

Nonlinear Spectroscopy of Rubidium: An Undergraduate Experiment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacques, V.; Hingant, B.; Allafort, A.; Pigeard, M.; Roch, J. F.

2009-01-01

In this paper, we describe two complementary nonlinear spectroscopy methods which both allow one to achieve Doppler-free spectra of atomic gases. First, saturated absorption spectroscopy is used to investigate the structure of the 5S[subscript 1/2] [right arrow] 5P[subscript 3/2] transition in rubidium. Using a slightly modified experimental…

7 CFR 51.3065 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.3065 Section 51.3065... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Florida Avocados Definitions § 51.3065 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the avocado may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to the extent that the...

7 CFR 51.3065 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.3065 Section 51.3065... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Florida Avocados Definitions § 51.3065 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the avocado may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to the extent that the...

Engineering characterisation of epoxidized natural rubber-modified hot-mix asphalt

PubMed Central

Al-Mansob, Ramez A.; Ismail, Amiruddin; Yusoff, Nur Izzi Md.; Rahmat, Riza Atiq O. K.; Borhan, Muhamad Nazri; Albrka, Shaban Ismael; Azhari, Che Husna; Karim, Mohamed Rehan

2017-01-01

Road distress results in high maintenance costs. However, increased understandings of asphalt behaviour and properties coupled with technological developments have allowed paving technologists to examine the benefits of introducing additives and modifiers. As a result, polymers have become extremely popular as modifiers to improve the performance of the asphalt mix. This study investigates the performance characteristics of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-modified hot-mix asphalt. Tests were conducted using ENR–asphalt mixes prepared using the wet process. Mechanical testing on the ENR–asphalt mixes showed that the resilient modulus of the mixes was greatly affected by testing temperature and frequency. On the other hand, although rutting performance decreased at high temperatures because of the increased elasticity of the ENR–asphalt mixes, fatigue performance improved at intermediate temperatures as compared to the base mix. However, durability tests indicated that the ENR–asphalt mixes were slightly susceptible to the presence of moisture. In conclusion, the performance of asphalt pavement can be enhanced by incorporating ENR as a modifier to counter major road distress. PMID:28182724

Engineering characterisation of epoxidized natural rubber-modified hot-mix asphalt.

PubMed

Al-Mansob, Ramez A; Ismail, Amiruddin; Yusoff, Nur Izzi Md; Rahmat, Riza Atiq O K; Borhan, Muhamad Nazri; Albrka, Shaban Ismael; Azhari, Che Husna; Karim, Mohamed Rehan

2017-01-01

Road distress results in high maintenance costs. However, increased understandings of asphalt behaviour and properties coupled with technological developments have allowed paving technologists to examine the benefits of introducing additives and modifiers. As a result, polymers have become extremely popular as modifiers to improve the performance of the asphalt mix. This study investigates the performance characteristics of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-modified hot-mix asphalt. Tests were conducted using ENR-asphalt mixes prepared using the wet process. Mechanical testing on the ENR-asphalt mixes showed that the resilient modulus of the mixes was greatly affected by testing temperature and frequency. On the other hand, although rutting performance decreased at high temperatures because of the increased elasticity of the ENR-asphalt mixes, fatigue performance improved at intermediate temperatures as compared to the base mix. However, durability tests indicated that the ENR-asphalt mixes were slightly susceptible to the presence of moisture. In conclusion, the performance of asphalt pavement can be enhanced by incorporating ENR as a modifier to counter major road distress.

Magma oceanography. II - Chemical evolution and crustal formation. [lunar crustal rock fractional crystallization model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Longhi, J.

1977-01-01

A description is presented of an empirical model of fractional crystallization which predicts that slightly modified versions of certain of the proposed whole moon compositions can reproduce the major-element chemistry and mineralogy of most of the primitive highland rocks through equilibrium and fractional crystallization processes combined with accumulation of crystals and trapping of residual liquids. These compositions contain sufficient Al to form a plagioclase-rich crust 60 km thick on top of a magma ocean that was initially no deeper than about 300 km. Implicit in the model are the assumptions that all cooling and crystallization take place at low pressure and that there are no compositional or thermal gradients in the liquid. Discussions of the cooling and crystallization of the proposed magma ocean show these assumptions to be disturbingly naive when applied to the ocean as a whole. However, the model need not be applied to the whole ocean, but only to layers of cooling liquid near the surface.

Interaction and dynamics of ionic liquids based on choline and amino acid anions

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

Campetella, M.; Bodo, E., E-mail: enrico.bodo@uniroma1.it; Caminiti, R., E-mail: ruggero.caminiti@uniroma1.it

2015-06-21

The combination of amino acid anions with the choline cation gives origin to a new and potentially important class of organic ionic liquids that might represent a viable and bio-compatible alternative with respect to the traditional ones. We present here a detailed study of the bulk phase of the prototype system composed of the simplest amino acid (alanine) anion and the choline cation, based on ab initio and classical molecular dynamics. Theoretical findings have been validated by comparing with accurate experimental X-ray diffraction data and infrared spectra. We find that hydrogen bonding (HB) features in these systems are crucial inmore » establishing their local geometric structure. We have also found that these HBs once formed are persistent and that the proton resides exclusively on the choline cation. In addition, we show that a classical force field description for this particular ionic liquid can be accurately performed by using a slightly modified version of the generalized AMBER force field.« less

Interaction and dynamics of ionic liquids based on choline and amino acid anions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campetella, M.; Bodo, E.; Caminiti, R.; Martino, A.; D'Apuzzo, F.; Lupi, S.; Gontrani, L.

2015-06-01

The combination of amino acid anions with the choline cation gives origin to a new and potentially important class of organic ionic liquids that might represent a viable and bio-compatible alternative with respect to the traditional ones. We present here a detailed study of the bulk phase of the prototype system composed of the simplest amino acid (alanine) anion and the choline cation, based on ab initio and classical molecular dynamics. Theoretical findings have been validated by comparing with accurate experimental X-ray diffraction data and infrared spectra. We find that hydrogen bonding (HB) features in these systems are crucial in establishing their local geometric structure. We have also found that these HBs once formed are persistent and that the proton resides exclusively on the choline cation. In addition, we show that a classical force field description for this particular ionic liquid can be accurately performed by using a slightly modified version of the generalized AMBER force field.

Terahertz spectroscopy and computational investigation of the flufenamic acid/nicotinamide cocrystal.

PubMed

Delaney, Sean P; Korter, Timothy M

2015-04-02

Terahertz spectroscopy probes the low-frequency vibrations that are sensitive to both the intermolecular and intramolecular interactions of molecules in the solid state. Thus, terahertz spectroscopy can be a useful tool in the investigation of crystalline pharmaceutical compounds, where slight changes in the packing arrangement can modify the overall effectiveness of a drug formulation. This is especially true for cases of polymorphic systems, hydrates/solvates, and cocrystals. In this work, the cocrystal of flufenamic acid with nicotinamide was investigated using terahertz spectroscopy and solid-state density functional theory. The solid-state simulations enable understanding of the low-frequency vibrations seen in the terahertz spectra, while also providing insight into the energetics involved in the formation of the cocrystal. The comparison of the cocrystal to the pure forms of the molecular components reveals that the cocrystal has better overall binding energy, driven by increased intermolecular hydrogen bond strength and greater London dispersion forces and that the trifluoromethyl torsional potential is significantly different between the studied solids.

EASI-IMS an expedite and secure technique to screen for 25I-NBOH in blotter papers.

PubMed

de Morais, Damila Rodrigues; Barbosa, Ingrid Lopes; Cunha, Kelly Francisco; Tripodi, Guilherme Lucas; Angolini, Célio Fernando Figueiredo; Franco, Marcos Fernando; de Aquino, Elvis Medeiros; Eberlin, Marcos Nogueira; Costa, Jose Luiz

2017-10-01

The increasing number of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their quick worldwide spreading, often only slightly modified in the form of new derivatives and analogues, have brought the need for fast, wide-ranging, and unequivocal identification methods in clinical and forensic investigations. Because it usually provides secure results, gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has been routinely employed as the standard technique for the detection of NPS in blotter papers. For 25I-NBOH (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethan-1-aminium), however, GC-MS analysis of an blotter paper extract leads to incorrect results. In this work, we investigated whether easy ambient sonic-spray mass spectrometry imaging (EASI-IMS), and ambient ionization MS method can be applied directly to the surface of the sample requiring therefore no extraction or sample preparations, would serve as an efficient, sensitive, and secure alternative for 25I-NBOH screening. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The synthesis, self-assembling, and biocompatibility of a novel O-carboxymethyl chitosan cholate decorated with glycyrrhetinic acid.

PubMed

Du, Hongliang; Yang, Xiaoye; Pang, Xin; Zhai, Guangxi

2014-10-13

O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMC) was firstly decorated with cholic acid (CA) to acquire an amphiphilic polymer under alkaline condition. Then glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was conjugated to the polymer via a succinate linker and finally treated with NaCO3 solution to obtain new conjugates for potential liver targeted delivery. These conjugates formed uniform aggregates with low critical aggregation concentrations (0.028-0.079 mg/mL) in PBS. The average diameter of cholic acid modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCA) aggregates (110-257 nm) decreased with the increase of CA substitution degree and became slightly larger after GA modification. Negative zeta potential (-15 mV) of GA decorated CMCA (GA-CMCA) revealed that the formation of negatively charged shells and spherical morphology was observed under transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, hemolysis test, in vitro cytotoxicity assay and cellular uptake study all demonstrated the safety and feasibility of these conjugates as a promising carrier for liver targeted drug delivery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Prediction of Winter Storm Tracks and Intensities Using the GFDL fvGFS Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rees, S.; Boaggio, K.; Marchok, T.; Morin, M.; Lin, S. J.

2017-12-01

The GFDL Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere Dynamical core (FV3) is coupled to a modified version of the Global Forecast System (GFS) physics and initial conditions, to form the fvGFS model. This model is similar to the one being implemented as the next-generation operational weather model for the NWS, which is also FV3-powered. Much work has been done to verify fvGFS tropical cyclone prediction, but little has been done to verify winter storm prediction. These costly and dangerous storms impact parts of the U.S. every year. To verify winter storms we ran the NCEP operational cyclone tracker, developed at GFDL, on semi-real-time 13 km horizontal resolution fvGFS forecasts. We have found that fvGFS compares well to the operational GFS in storm track and intensity, though often predicts slightly higher intensities. This presentation will show the track and intensity verification from the past two winter seasons and explore possible reasons for bias.

Ab initio prediction of the vibration-rotation-tunneling spectrum of HCl-(H2O)2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wormer, P. E. S.; Groenenboom, G. C.; van der Avoird, A.

2001-08-01

Quantum calculations of the vibration-rotation-tunneling (VRT) levels of the trimer HCl-(H2O)2 are presented. Two internal degrees of freedom are considered—the rotation angles of the two nonhydrogen-bonded (flipping) hydrogens in the complex—together with the overall rotation of the trimer in space. The kinetic energy expression of van der Avoird et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 105, 8034 (1996)] is used in a slightly modified form. The experimental microwave geometry of Kisiel et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 112, 5767 (2000)] served as input in the generation of a planar reference structure. The two-dimensional potential energy surface is generated ab initio by the iterative coupled-cluster method based on singly and doubly excited states with triply excited states included noniteratively [CCSD(T)]. Frequencies of vibrations and tunnel splittings are predicted for two isotopomers. The effect of the nonadditive three-body forces is considered and found to be important.

46 CFR 52.01-145 - Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2012-10-01 2012-10-01 false Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). 52.01-145 Section 52.01-145 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING POWER BOILERS General Requirements § 52.01-145 Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). The manufacturers'...

46 CFR 52.01-145 - Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2010-10-01 2010-10-01 false Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). 52.01-145 Section 52.01-145 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING POWER BOILERS General Requirements § 52.01-145 Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). The manufacturers'...

46 CFR 52.01-145 - Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2011-10-01 2011-10-01 false Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). 52.01-145 Section 52.01-145 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING POWER BOILERS General Requirements § 52.01-145 Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). The manufacturers'...

46 CFR 52.01-145 - Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2013-10-01 2013-10-01 false Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). 52.01-145 Section 52.01-145 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING POWER BOILERS General Requirements § 52.01-145 Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). The manufacturers'...

46 CFR 52.01-145 - Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113).

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

... 46 Shipping 2 2014-10-01 2014-10-01 false Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). 52.01-145 Section 52.01-145 Shipping COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) MARINE ENGINEERING POWER BOILERS General Requirements § 52.01-145 Manufacturers' data report forms (modifies PG-112 and PG-113). The manufacturers'...

Modified femoral pressuriser generates a longer lasting high pressure during cement pressurisation

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The strength of the cement-bone interface in hip arthroplasty is strongly related to cement penetration into the bone. A modified femoral pressuriser has been investigated, designed for closer fitting into the femoral opening to generate higher and more constant cement pressure compared to a commercial (conventional) design. Methods Femoral cementation was performed in 10 Sawbones® models, five using the modified pressuriser and five using a current commercial pressuriser as a control. Pressure during the cementation was recorded at the proximal and distal regions of the femoral implant. The peak pressure and the pressure-time curves were analysed by student's t-test and Two way ANOVA. Results The modified pressuriser showed significantly and substantially longer durations at higher cementation pressures and slightly, although not statistically, higher peak pressures compared to the conventional pressuriser. The modified pressuriser also produced more controlled cement leakage. Conclusion The modified pressuriser generates longer higher pressure durations in the femoral model. This design modification may enhance cement penetration into cancellous bone and could improve femoral cementation. PMID:22004662

Intermediate boundary conditions for LOD, ADI and approximate factorization methods

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leveque, R. J.

1985-01-01

A general approach to determining the correct intermediate boundary conditions for dimensional splitting methods is presented. The intermediate solution U is viewed as a second order accurate approximation to a modified equation. Deriving the modified equation and using the relationship between this equation and the original equation allows us to determine the correct boundary conditions for U*. This technique is illustrated by applying it to locally one dimensional (LOD) and alternating direction implicit (ADI) methods for the heat equation in two and three space dimensions. The approximate factorization method is considered in slightly more generality.

Geologic map of the Republic of Armenia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Maldonado, Florian; Castellanos, Esther S.

2000-01-01

This map is a product that resulted from a project by the U.S. Agency for International Development (Participating Agency Service Agreement No. CCN-0002-P-ID-3097-00) to conduct an evaluation of coal and other fossil fuels in the Republic of Armenia. The original map has been translated to English from Russian (Marlen Satian, Academy of Sciences, Armenian Institute of Geological Sciences, written commun., 1994), digitized, and slightly modified in some areas. The original format has been modified to follow the U.S. Geological Survey's format. The map projection is not known. Latitude and longitude tics are approximately located.

Ordinary Differential Equation Models for Adoptive Immunotherapy.

PubMed

Talkington, Anne; Dantoin, Claudia; Durrett, Rick

2018-05-01

Modified T cells that have been engineered to recognize the CD19 surface marker have recently been shown to be very successful at treating acute lymphocytic leukemias. Here, we explore four previous approaches that have used ordinary differential equations to model this type of therapy, compare their properties, and modify the models to address their deficiencies. Although the four models treat the workings of the immune system in slightly different ways, they all predict that adoptive immunotherapy can be successful to move a patient from the large tumor fixed point to an equilibrium with little or no tumor.

Wet cleaning and surface characterization of Si 1- xGe x virtual substrates after a CMP step

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abbadie, A.; Hartmann, J. M.; Besson, P.; Rouchon, D.; Martinez, E.; Holliger, P.; Di Nardo, C.; Campidelli, Y.; Billon, T.

2008-08-01

New reactants such as ozone dissolved in ultra-pure water have been widely used the last few years instead of the original Radio Corporation of America (RCA) cleaning (which is a combination of the Standard Cleaning 1 (SC1) and the Standard Cleaning 2 (SC2)). In a first part of the study (Microelectron. Eng. 83 (2006) 1986), we had quantified the efficiency of a new cleaning sequence (that calls upon HF and H 2O/O 3 solutions) on polished Si 1- xGe x virtual substrates ( x = 0.2-0.5). We are discussing here the surface morphology and wetability together with the oxide thickness and structure typically obtained after this so-called "DDC-SiGe" wet cleaning. Flat surface morphologies are found after cleaning whatever the Ge content (from 20 to 50%). Typical root mean square roughness is around 0.4 nm. We have used X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to determine the characteristics of the surface termination after this "DDC-SiGe" cleaning. An oxide mainly composed of SiO 2 is formed, with a low fraction of Ge sub-oxide and GeO 2. The distribution of chemical species is not that different from the one obtained after the use of a SC1 cleaning. However, the chemical oxide formed is slightly thicker. Such a HF/O 3 cleaning leads, when used on thick Ge layers grown on Si, to the formation of a really thin Ge sub-oxide. Our oxidation model assumes a competition in O 3 solutions between the oxidation rates of Si and Ge atoms (faster for Si) and the dissolution of the Ge oxide formed in solution. This mechanism, which implies the formation of a slightly porous oxide, is different from the one seeming to occur in SC1-based solutions. Indeed, the addition of surfactant in a SC1 solution modifies the oxidation rate compared to standard SC1 or O 3-based solutions, suggesting a diffusion of reactants towards the interface between the SiGe and the oxide in formation, assisted by the reactions of species within the cleaning solutions.

Comment on the modified Beer-Lambert law for scattering media.

PubMed

Sassaroli, Angelo; Fantini, Sergio

2004-07-21

We present a concise overview of the modified Beer-Lambert law, which has been extensively used in the literature of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of scattering media. In particular, we discuss one form of the modified Beer-Lambert law that is commonly found in the literature and that is not strictly correct. However, this incorrect form of the modified Beer-Lambert law still leads to the correct expression for the changes in the continuous wave optical signal associated with changes in the absorption coefficient of the investigated medium. Here we propose a notation for the modified Beer-Lambert law that keeps the typical form commonly found in the literature without introducing any incorrect assumptions.

The Role of Gas-Silicate Chemisorption Reactions in Modifying Planetary Crusts and Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, P. L.; Henley, R. W.; Wykes, J. L.; Renggli, C.; Troitzsch, U.; Clark, D.; O'Neill, H. S.

2014-12-01

Evidence for gas-solid reactions is found throughout the solar system: for example, sulfidation reactions in some meteorites and secondary phases coating lunar pyroclastic glasses. On Earth, the products of gas-solid reactions are documented in volcanic systems, metalliferous mineral deposits, impact craters, and on dust or meteorites after passage through the atmosphere - such reactions are also likely on the surfaces of Mars and Venus. To understand the chemical dynamics of such gas-solid reactions, we are undertaking systematic experiments and thermochemical modelling. Experiments were conducted in a vertical gas-mixing furnace at 600 - 800 °C and 1 bar, using SO2and a range of Ca-bearing materials: labradorite, feldspar glass and anorthosite (rock). In each case, anhydrite formed rapidly. In shorter experiments with labradorite, isolated anhydrite is observed surrounded by 'moats' of Ca-depleted silicate. In longer experiments, anhydrite is found as clusters of crystals that, in some cases, extend from the substrate forming precarious 'towers' (Figure). Anhydrite fills cracks in porous samples. We propose that the nucleation and rapid growth of anhydrite on the surface of these Ca-rich phases occurs by chemisorption of SO2(g) molecules with slightly negatively charged oxygen onto available near-surface calcium with slight positive charge. Anhydrite growth is sustained by SO2(g) chemisorption and Ca migration through the reacting silicate lattice, accelerated by increased bond lengths at high temperature. Significantly, the chemisorption reaction indicates that SO2 disproportionates to form both oxidized sulfur (as anhydrite) and a reduced sulfur species (e.g., an S* radical ion). On Earth, in the presence of H2O, the predominant reduced sulfur species is H2S, through an overall reaction: 3CaAl2Si2O8 + 4 SO2(g)+ H2O(g) → 3CaSO4 + 3Al2SiO5 + 3SiO2 + H2S(g)The reduced sulfur may react with gas phase Fe, Ni, Zn and Cu cluster compounds to form metal sulfides. This is observed on the km-scale through co-existing anhydrite and sulphide in porphyry copper deposits on Earth. Chemisorption reactions with S-gases may also be responsible for sulfide coatings on lunar glass beads; sulfate minerals with volcanic rocks on Mars (e.g., Home Plate); and putative sulfate minerals on Venus and the early Earth.

7 CFR 51.1277 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1277 Section 51.1277... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Summer and Fall Pears 1 Definitions § 51.1277 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which...

7 CFR 51.1277 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1277 Section 51.1277... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Summer and Fall Pears 1 Definitions § 51.1277 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which...

7 CFR 51.1277 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Fairly well formed. 51.1277 Section 51.1277... STANDARDS) United States Standards for Summer and Fall Pears 1 Definitions § 51.1277 Fairly well formed. Fairly well formed means that the pear may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which...

Comparative Emulsifying Properties of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA)-Modified Starch: Granular Form vs Dissolved State

PubMed Central

Marefati, Ali; Gutiérrez, Gemma; Wahlgren, Marie; Rayner, Marilyn

2016-01-01

The emulsifying ability of OSA-modified and native starch in the granular form, in the dissolved state and a combination of both was compared. This study aims to understand mixed systems of particles and dissolved starch with respect to what species dominates at droplet interfaces and how stability is affected by addition of one of the species to already formed emulsions. It was possible to create emulsions with OSA-modified starch isolated from Quinoa as sole emulsifier. Similar droplet sizes were obtained with emulsions prepared at 7% (w/w) oil content using OSA-modified starch in the granular form or molecularly dissolved but large differences were observed regarding stability. Pickering emulsions kept their droplet size constant after one month while emulsions formulated with OSA-modified starch dissolved exhibited coalescence. All emulsions stabilized combining OSA-modified starch in granular form and in solution showed larger mean droplet sizes with no significant differences with respect to the order of addition. These emulsions were unstable due to coalescence regarding presence of free oil. Similar results were obtained when emulsions were prepared by combining OSA-modified granules with native starch in solution. The degree of surface coverage of starch granules was much lower in presence of starch in solution which indicates that OSA-starch is more surface active in the dissolved state than in granular form, although it led to unstable systems compared to starch granule stabilized Pickering emulsions, which demonstrated to be extremely stable. PMID:27479315

Bis(heterocumulenes) derived from the 1,4-diphenyl-1,3-butadiyne framework. Synthesis of three new classes of axially chiral biheteroaryls.

PubMed

Alajarín, Mateo; Bonillo, Baltasar; Vidal, Angel; Bautista, Delia

2008-01-04

Bis(ketenimines) and bis(carbodiimides) derived from 1,4-bis(2-aminophenyl)-1,3-butadiynes via two independent biradical cyclizations provided, respectively, axially chiral bis(benzocarbazoles) and bis(quinindolines). Mixed biheteroaryls, consisting of benzocarbazole and quinindoline units, have been also prepared by a slightly modified strategy.

Opportunity for Adult Bonding/Meaningful Neighborhood Roles and Life-Satisfaction among USA Middle School Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Paxton, Raheem J.; Valois, Robert F.; Huebner, E. Scott; Drane, J. Wasner

2006-01-01

This study investigated the relationship between adolescent life- satisfaction and bonding to adults/developing meaningful roles in the neighborhood within a pilot study of slightly modified version of the CDC Middle School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (MSYRBS) in a southern state in the USA. Overall, 43% of students reported that they were…

Experimenting with a "Pipe" Whistle

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stafford, Olga

2012-01-01

A simple pipe whistle can be made using pieces of PVC pipe. The whistle can be used to measure the resonant frequencies of open or closed pipes. A slightly modified version of the device can be used to also investigate the interesting dependence of the sound frequencies produced on the orifice-to-edge distance. The pipe whistle described here…

A novel model approach for esophageal burns in rats: A comparison of three methods.

PubMed

Kalkan, Yildiray; Tumkaya, Levent; Akdogan, Remzi Adnan; Yucel, Ahmet Fikret; Tomak, Yakup; Sehitoglu, İbrahim; Pergel, Ahmet; Kurt, Aysel

2015-07-01

Corrosive esophageal injury causes serious clinical problems. We aimed to create a new experimental esophageal burn model using a single catheter without a surgical procedure. We conducted the study with two groups of 12 male rats that fasted for 12 h before application. A modified Foley balloon catheter was inserted into the esophageal lumen. The control group was given 0.9% sodium chloride, while the experimental group was given 37.5% sodium hydroxide with the other part of the catheter. After 60s, esophagus was washed with distilled water. The killed rats were examined using histopathological methods after 28 days. In comparison with the histopathological changes experienced by the study groups, the control groups were observed to have no pathological changes. Basal cell degeneration, dermal edema, and a slight increase in the keratin layer and collagen density of submucosa due to stenosis were all observed in the group subjected to esophageal corrosion. A new burn model can thus, we believe, be created without the involvement of invasive laparoscopic surgery and general anesthesia. The burn in our experiment was formed in both the distal and proximal esophagus, as in other models; it can also be formed optionally in the entire esophagus. © The Author(s) 2013.

Production of a pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP)-containing immunotoxin, B43-PAP, directed against the CD19 human B lineage lymphoid differentiation antigen in highly purified form for human clinical trials.

PubMed

Myers, D E; Irvin, J D; Smith, R S; Kuebelbeck, V M; Uckun, F M

1991-02-15

We describe a standardized method for the preparation and purification of a potent immunotoxin against B-lineage leukemia/lymphoma cells, constructed with the ribosome inhibitory single chain plant toxin pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) and a murine IgG1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) specific for the human B lineage differentiation antigen CD19 for human clinical trials. PAP was prepared from spring leaves of Phytolacca americana plants by ammonium sulfate precipitation and purified to homogeneity by successive steps of ion exchange chromatography. B43 MoAb was produced in vitro by hollow fiber technology and purified to homogeneity by affinity chromatography. PAP toxin and B43 MoAb were modified via their free amino groups prior to their intermolecular conjugation. 2-iminothiolane was used to introduce reactive sulfhydryl groups into PAP and N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate was used to introduce 2-pyridyl disulfide bonds into B43 MoAb. Modified PAP was reacted with modified B43 MoAb resulting in a sulfhydryl-disulfide exchange reaction and yielding disulfide linked PAP-B43 MoAb conjugates, which we refer to as B43-PAP immunotoxin. B43-PAP immunotoxin was subjected to preparative gel filtration chromatography and cation exchange chromatography to obtain a highly purified, sterile, and pyrogen-free immunotoxin preparation with less than 5% free antibody contamination and less than 0.5% free PAP contamination. The final product displayed a high affinity for and a very potent anti-leukemic activity against B lineage leukemia cells. With slight modifications, the procedures detailed in this report should be generally applicable to preparation of other PAP-MoAb conjugates for treatment of cancer or AIDS.

Object recognition through turbulence with a modified plenoptic camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chensheng; Ko, Jonathan; Davis, Christopher

2015-03-01

Atmospheric turbulence adds accumulated distortion to images obtained by cameras and surveillance systems. When the turbulence grows stronger or when the object is further away from the observer, increasing the recording device resolution helps little to improve the quality of the image. Many sophisticated methods to correct the distorted images have been invented, such as using a known feature on or near the target object to perform a deconvolution process, or use of adaptive optics. However, most of the methods depend heavily on the object's location, and optical ray propagation through the turbulence is not directly considered. Alternatively, selecting a lucky image over many frames provides a feasible solution, but at the cost of time. In our work, we propose an innovative approach to improving image quality through turbulence by making use of a modified plenoptic camera. This type of camera adds a micro-lens array to a traditional high-resolution camera to form a semi-camera array that records duplicate copies of the object as well as "superimposed" turbulence at slightly different angles. By performing several steps of image reconstruction, turbulence effects will be suppressed to reveal more details of the object independently (without finding references near the object). Meanwhile, the redundant information obtained by the plenoptic camera raises the possibility of performing lucky image algorithmic analysis with fewer frames, which is more efficient. In our work, the details of our modified plenoptic cameras and image processing algorithms will be introduced. The proposed method can be applied to coherently illuminated object as well as incoherently illuminated objects. Our result shows that the turbulence effect can be effectively suppressed by the plenoptic camera in the hardware layer and a reconstructed "lucky image" can help the viewer identify the object even when a "lucky image" by ordinary cameras is not achievable.

Dieting attempts modify the association between quality of diet and obesity.

PubMed

Sares-Jäske, Laura; Knekt, Paul; Lundqvist, Annamari; Heliövaara, Markku; Männistö, Satu

2017-09-01

Evidence on the nature of the relationship between obesity and the quality of diet remains controversial. Likewise, the possible effect of dieting attempts on this association is poorly understood. This study investigates the possible modifying effect of dieting attempts on the association between the quality of diet and obesity. The authors hypothesize that among dieters the association may be biased. The study was based on a Finnish cohort, including 5910 men and women aged 30 to 99 years, with information on diet and body mass index (BMI). Using data from a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), an Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) applicable to the Finnish regimen was formed. Obesity was defined as a BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 . Information on dieting attempts was collected using a questionnaire. The statistical analyses were based on linear and logistic regression. We found a positive association between the quality of the diet and obesity, the relative odds of obesity between the highest and lowest quintiles of AHEI being 1.48 (95% CI, 1.20-1.82) after adjustment for confounding factors. However, in the interaction analysis of dieting attempts and AHEI, no association was observed in non-dieters (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.69-1.24) but among dieters a slightly elevated risk was found (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 0.98-1.98). We found no association between a high quality diet and obesity among non-dieters, but a tendency for a positive association in dieters. Dieting thus seems to modify the association between diet and obesity, which should be further studied using a longitudinal design. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 51.315 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.315 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the apple may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which detracts materially from its...

7 CFR 51.315 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.315 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the apple may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which detracts materially from its...

7 CFR 51.315 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.315 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the apple may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent...

7 CFR 51.315 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.315 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the apple may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent which detracts materially from its...

7 CFR 51.315 - Fairly well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Apples Definitions § 51.315 Fairly well formed. “Fairly well formed” means that the apple may be slightly abnormal in shape but not to an extent...

Characterization of silica particles modified with γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Jun; Wang, Wang; Shen, Haiying; Wang, Jiamin; Cao, Jinzhen

2017-03-01

The surface of hydrophilic silica particles was modified with different concentrations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10%) of γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTS). The hydrophobicity and hygroscopicity of unmodified and modified silica were investigated through water contact angle (WCA) tests and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) method, respectively. The results showed that the surface properties of silica were closely related with the MPTS concentration. Within the range of MPTS concentration applied, 8% MPTS modified silica showed the least aggregation. With the increasing MPTS concentration, the WCAs on modified silica film increased correspondingly, and finally exceeded 90° at 6% and 8% concentrations. The equilibrium moisture contents (EMCs) of modified silica also decreased with the increasing MPTS concentration. The improvement on hydrophobicity can be correlated with the reduction of residual hydroxyl groups (-OH) on modified silica. The self-condensation of MPTS began to occur at concentrations higher than 4%, especially at 8%. Owing to this effect, the modified silica with 8% MPTS showed a slightly higher EMC than 6% MPTS within low relative humidity (RH) range up to 40%. At a higher RH ranging from 40 to 90%, 8% group showed the lowest EMCs because of its highest hydrophobicity and low specific surface area. A mechanism concerning the MPTS modification of silica was also proposed in this study based on the research results.

Influence of bending mode on the mechanical properties of nickel-titanium archwires and correlation to differential scanning calorimetry measurements.

PubMed

Brauchli, Lorenz M; Keller, Heidi; Senn, Christiane; Wichelhaus, Andrea

2011-05-01

Nickel-titanium orthodontic archwires are used with bonded appliances for initial leveling. However, precise bending of these archwires is difficult and can lead to changes within the crystal structure of the alloy, thus changing the mechanical properties unpredictably. The aim of this study was to evaluate different bending methods in relation to the subsequent mechanical characteristics of the alloy. The mechanical behaviors of 3 archwires (Copper NiTi 35°C [Ormco, Glendora, Calif], Neo Sentalloy F 80 [GAC International, Bohemia, NY], and Titanol Low Force [Forestadent, Pforzheim, Germany]) were investigated after heat-treatment in a dental furnace at 550-650°C, treatment with an electrical current (Memory-Maker, Forestadent), and cold forming. In addition, the change in A(f) temperature was registered by means of differential scanning calorimetry. Heat-treatment in the dental furnace as well as with the Memory-Maker led to widely varying force levels for each product. Cold forming resulted in similar or slightly reduced force levels when compared to the original state of the wires. A(f) temperatures were in general inversely proportional to force levels. Archwire shape can be modified by using either chair-side technique (Memory-Maker, cold forming) because the superelastic behavior of the archwires is not strongly affected. However it is important to know the specific changes in force levels induced for each individual archwire with heat-treatment. Cold forming resulted in more predictable forces for all products tested. Therefore, cold forming is recommended as a chair-side technique for the shaping of NiTi archwires. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Behavior of MORB magmas at uppermost mantle beneath a fast-spreading axis: an example from Wadi Fizh of the northern Oman ophiolite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akizawa, Norikatsu; Arai, Shoji; Tamura, Akihiro

2012-10-01

Relationships of lithologies in uppermost mantle section of Oman ophiolite are highly complicated, harzburgites especially being closely associated with dunites, wehrlites, and gabbros. The petrology and geochemistry of the uppermost mantle section provide constrains on how MORB (mid-ocean ridge basalt) magmas migrate from the mantle to crust. We conducted detailed sampling at the uppermost mantle section of the northern Oman ophiolite (along Wadi Fizh), and it provides us with centimeter-scale lithological and mineral chemical heterogeneity. In particular, we found peculiar plagioclase-free harzburgites that have not been recorded from the current ocean floor, which contain high-Mg# [Mg/(Mg + Fe2+) atomic ratio] clinopyroxenes that are almost in equilibrium (saturated) with MORB in terms of REE concentrations. They are from the uppermost mantle section underlying the wehrlite-dunite layer (=Moho transition zone; MTZ) just beneath the layered gabbro. MORBs cannot be in equilibrium with harzburgites; however, we call the peculiar harzburgites as "MORB-saturated harzburgite" for simplicity in this paper. The MORB-saturated harzburgites exhibit slightly enriched mineralogy (e.g., spinels with higher Ti and ferric iron, and clinopyroxenes with higher Ti and Na) and contain slightly but clearly more abundant modal clinopyroxene (up to 3.5 vol.%) than ordinary Oman depleted harzburgites (less than 1 vol.% clinopyroxene), which are similar to abyssal harzburgites. Gabbro-clinopyroxenite bands, which were melt lenses beneath the ridge axis, are dominant around the MTZ. Detailed sampling around the gabbro-clinopyroxenite bands revealed that the MORB-saturated harzburgites appear around the bands. The interaction between a melt that was MORB-like and an ordinary harzburgite induced incongruent melting of orthopyroxenes in harzburgites, and the melt chromatographically intruded into the wall harzburgite and was modified to coexist with olivine and two pyroxenes at low melt/harzburgite ratios. The modified melt left clinopyroxene (not clinopyroxene + plagioclase as in plagioclase-impregnated abyssal harzburgite) to form the MORB-saturated harzburgites in the vicinity (harzburgite) of the fracture, which are left as gabbro-clinopyroxenite bands. This local modification mimics the whole lithological and chemical variation of the MTZ and makes chemical variation of MORB suite at fast-spreading ridge.

Ionic Liquids as Surfactants for Layered Double Hydroxide Fillers: Effect on the Final Properties of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate)

PubMed Central

Livi, Sébastien; Lins, Luanda Chaves; Peter, Jakub; Kredatusova, Jana; Pruvost, Sébastien

2017-01-01

In this work, phosphonium ionic liquids (ILs) based on tetra-alkylphosphonium cations combined with carboxylate, phosphate and phosphinate anions, were used for organic modification of layered double hydroxide (LDH). Two different amounts (2 and 5 wt %) of the organically modified LDHs were mixed with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix by melt extrusion. All prepared PBAT/IL-modified-LDH composites exhibited increased mechanical properties (20–50% Young’s modulus increase), decreased water vapor permeability (30–50% permeability coefficient reduction), and slight decreased crystallinity (10–30%) compared to the neat PBAT. PMID:28956811

Development of sandwich-form biosensor to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in clinical sputum specimens.

PubMed

Shojaei, Taha Roodbar; Mohd Salleh, Mohamad Amran; Tabatabaei, Meisam; Ekrami, Alireza; Motallebi, Roya; Rahmani-Cherati, Tavoos; Hajalilou, Abdollah; Jorfi, Raheleh

2014-01-01

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causing agent of tuberculosis, comes second only after HIV on the list of infectious agents slaughtering many worldwide. Due to the limitations behind the conventional detection methods, it is therefore critical to develop new sensitive sensing systems capable of quick detection of the infectious agent. In the present study, the surface modified cadmium-telluride quantum dots and gold nanoparticles conjunct with two specific oligonucleotides against early secretory antigenic target 6 were used to develop a sandwich-form fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor to detect M. tuberculosis complex and differentiate M. tuberculosis and M. bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin simultaneously. The sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed biosensor were 94.2% and 86.6%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction were considerably lower, 74.2%, 73.3% and 82.8%, 80%, respectively. The detection limits of the sandwich-form fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based biosensor were far lower (10 fg) than those of the polymerase chain reaction and nested polymerase chain reaction (100 fg). Although the cost of the developed nanobiosensor was slightly higher than those of the polymerase chain reaction-based techniques, its unique advantages in terms of turnaround time, higher sensitivity and specificity, as well as a 10-fold lower detection limit would clearly recommend this test as a more appropriate and cost-effective tool for large scale operations. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Electrochemical ion separation in molten salts

DOEpatents

Spoerke, Erik David; Ihlefeld, Jon; Waldrip, Karen; Wheeler, Jill S.; Brown-Shaklee, Harlan James; Small, Leo J.; Wheeler, David R.

2017-12-19

A purification method that uses ion-selective ceramics to electrochemically filter waste products from a molten salt. The electrochemical method uses ion-conducting ceramics that are selective for the molten salt cations desired in the final purified melt, and selective against any contaminant ions. The method can be integrated into a slightly modified version of the electrochemical framework currently used in pyroprocessing of nuclear wastes.

A Historical Perspective on the Revolution of Science Education for Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired in the United States

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Supalo, Cary A.

2013-01-01

The article is an invited presentation given by Dr. Cary A. Supalo to the National Federation of the Blind of Illinois annual state convention that was held in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, October 28, 2011. The remarks were slightly modified for the "Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities."

75 FR 72807 - Taking of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; U.S. Marine Corps Training Exercises...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-11-26

... biology and ecology within Pamlico Sound can be found in the proposed IHA Federal Register notice prepared... microPa\\2\\ = sec). Rupture. Injurious Physiological...... Onset Slight Goertner modified indexed to 13...-injurious Physiological.. TTS Greatest energy flux 182 dB re 1 Level B. density level in any microPa\\2...

Exploring the Importance of Soft and Hard Skills as Perceived by IT Internship Students and Industry: A Gap Analysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Patacsil, Frederick F.; Tablatin, Christine Lourrine S.

2017-01-01

The research paper proposes a skills gap methodology that utilized the respondent experiences in the internship program to measure the importance of the Information Technology (IT) skills gap as perceived by IT students and the industry. The questionnaires were formulated based on previous studies, however, was slightly modified, validated and…

Adaptive Search through Constraint Violations

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-01

underly counting (Gelman & Gallistel , 1978; Gelman & Meck, 1986). Modifying slightly the analysis by Gelman and Gallistel (1978), we identify three...understanding of counting, Gelman and Gallistel (1978) invented two non-standard counting tasks, ordered counting, in which the objects are counted In... Gallistel , 1978; Gelman & Meck, 1986). The most plausible explanation for this flexibility is that children can derive the control knowledge for the

Optimization of Reversed-Phase Peptide Liquid Chromatography Ultraviolet Mass Spectrometry Analyses Using an Automated Blending Methodology

PubMed Central

Chakraborty, Asish B.; Berger, Scott J.

2005-01-01

The balance between chromatographic performance and mass spectrometric response has been evaluated using an automated series of experiments where separations are produced by the real-time automated blending of water with organic and acidic modifiers. In this work, the concentration effects of two acidic modifiers (formic acid and trifluoroacetic acid) were studied on the separation selectivity, ultraviolet, and mass spectrometry detector response, using a complex peptide mixture. Peptide retention selectivity differences were apparent between the two modifiers, and under the conditions studied, trifluoroacetic acid produced slightly narrower (more concentrated) peaks, but significantly higher electrospray mass spectrometry suppression. Trifluoroacetic acid suppression of electrospray signal and influence on peptide retention and selectivity was dominant when mixtures of the two modifiers were analyzed. Our experimental results indicate that in analyses where the analyzed components are roughly equimolar (e.g., a peptide map of a recombinant protein), the selectivity of peptide separations can be optimized by choice and concentration of acidic modifier, without compromising the ability to obtain effective sequence coverage of a protein. In some cases, these selectivity differences were explored further, and a rational basis for differentiating acidic modifier effects from the underlying peptide sequences is described. PMID:16522853

Dark stars in Starobinsky's model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panotopoulos, Grigoris; Lopes, Ilídio

2018-01-01

In the present work we study non-rotating dark stars in f (R ) modified theory of gravity. In particular, we have considered bosonic self-interacting dark matter modeled inside the star as a Bose-Einstein condensate, while as far as the modified theory of gravity is concerned we have assumed Starobinsky's model R +a R2. We solve the generalized structure equations numerically, and we obtain the mass-to-ratio relation for several different values of the parameter a , and for two different dark matter equation-of-states. Our results show that the dark matter stars become more compact in the R-squared gravity compared to general relativity, while at the same time the highest star mass is slightly increased in the modified gravitational theory. The numerical value of the highest star mass for each case has been reported.

Study of structural, electrical, magnetic and optical properties of BaFe12O19 and its modified systems with Ni and Ti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nayak, Debabrata; Pattanayak, Ranjit; Raut, Subhajit; Panigrahi, Simanchalo

2018-02-01

In this work, BaFe12O19 (BaM) and its modified systems (by substitution of Ni and Ti) have been synthesized by solid-state reaction method. From Rietveld refinement of X-ray diffraction pattern, it is found that volume of unit cell increased slightly in case of modified systems. SEM images provided the information about the microstructure of BaM and its modified systems. The electric, magnetic and optical properties have been carried out with the help of complex impedance spectroscopy, VSM and UV spectrum, respectively. From electrical analysis, it is perceived that Ni-substitution system has shown co-contribution of grain and grain boundary effect due to increases of grain size. The M- H loops are explored that, with substitution of Ni and Ti both M s and H c are decreased. From the variation of band gap ( E g), it is observed that E g has been significantly decreased with substitution (least for Ni-substitution).

7 CFR 51.1219 - Well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Well formed. 51.1219 Section 51.1219 Agriculture..., CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Peaches Definitions § 51.1219 Well formed. “Well formed” means that the shape of the peach may be slightly irregular but not to the extent that its...

7 CFR 51.1219 - Well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Well formed. 51.1219 Section 51.1219 Agriculture..., CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States Standards for Grades of Peaches Definitions § 51.1219 Well formed. “Well formed” means that the shape of the peach may be slightly irregular but not to the extent that its...

Aggregation Rates of Sediments (Montmorillonite, Kaolinite, Illite and Goethite) with the Enveloped Φ6 Bacteriophage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katz, A.; Block, K. A.; Peña, S.; Alimova, A.; Gottlieb, P.

2015-12-01

The interaction between sediments and viruses has been studied extensively from the prospective of virus survivability and infectivity. However, the role of soil organisms, including viruses in C and N sequestration in soil has not been studied as extensively. Φ6, a member of the cystoviridae family, is a bacteriophage that infects Pseudomonas syringae, a common plant pathogen known to readily form biofilms.The small mineral fraction (< 0.2 μm) of soil and Φ6 are colloidal particles, therefore aggregation can be explained by DLVO (Derjaguin & Landau, Verwey & Overbeek) theory. Time-resolved visible-light turbidity measurements were used to calculate the heteroaggregation rates of Φ6 with the sediments. Samples were suspended in a low-concentration cation buffer so that the kinetics were in the reaction limited cluster aggregation (RLCA) regime in where the probability of two particles adhering after collision is determined by the interaction forces between the particles.At neutral pH to slightly acidic pH, Φ6 is slightly negatively charged; montmorillonite and illite are negatively charged; and kaolinite and goethite are positively charged. In isolation, neither Φ6 nor the sediments aggregated in the modified buffer. However, in mixtures, Φ6 and montmorillonite, and Φ6 and illite, exhibited increases in turbidity, indicating heteroaggregation. Neither Φ6 and kaolinite, nor Φ6 and goethite, exhibited increased turbidity upon mixing indicating little or no aggregation. These results suggest that the interaction of the virus with the sediments is governed by hydrophobic rather than electrostatic forces. Heteroaggregation rates were calculated from the time rate of change of the turbidity.

Biophysical mechanism of the protective effect of blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. kamtschatica Sevast.) polyphenols extracts against lipid peroxidation of erythrocyte and lipid membranes.

PubMed

Bonarska-Kujawa, D; Pruchnik, H; Cyboran, S; Żyłka, R; Oszmiański, J; Kleszczyńska, H

2014-07-01

The aim of the present research was to determine the effect of blue honeysuckle fruit and leaf extracts components on the physical properties of erythrocyte and lipid membranes and assess their antioxidant properties. The HPLC analysis showed that the extracts are rich in polyphenol anthocyanins in fruits and flavonoids in leaves. The results indicate that both extracts have antioxidant activity and protect the red blood cell membrane against oxidation induced by UVC irradiation and AAPH. The extracts do not induce hemolysis and slightly increase osmotic resistance of erythrocytes. The research showed that extracts components are incorporated mainly in the external part of the erythrocyte membrane, inducing the formation of echinocytes. The values of generalized polarization and fluorescence anisotropy indicate that the extracts polyphenols alter the packing arrangement of the hydrophilic part of the erythrocyte and lipid membranes, without changing the fluidity of the hydrophobic part. The DSC results also show that the extract components do not change the main phase transition temperature of DPPC membrane. Studies of electric parameters of membranes modified by the extracts showed that they slightly stabilize lipid membranes and do not reduce their specific resistance or capacity. Examination of IR spectra indicates small changes in the degree of hydration in the hydrophilic region of liposomes under the action of the extracts. The location of polyphenolic compounds in the hydrophilic part of the membrane seems to constitute a protective shield of the cell against other substances, the reactive forms of oxygen in particular.

The development of instruments to measure the work disability assessment behaviour of insurance physicians

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Variation in assessments is a universal given, and work disability assessments by insurance physicians are no exception. Little is known about the considerations and views of insurance physicians that may partly explain such variation. On the basis of the Attitude - Social norm - self Efficacy (ASE) model, we have developed measurement instruments for assessment behaviour and its determinants. Methods Based on theory and interviews with insurance physicians the questionnaire included blocks of items concerning background variables, intentions, attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy, knowledge, barriers and behaviour of the insurance physicians in relation to work disability assessment issues. The responses of 231 insurance physicians were suitable for further analysis. Factor analysis and reliability analysis were used to form scale variables and homogeneity analysis was used to form dimension variables. Thus, we included 169 of the 177 original items. Results Factor analysis and reliability analysis yielded 29 scales with sufficient reliability. Homogeneity analysis yielded 19 dimensions. Scales and dimensions fitted with the concepts of the ASE model. We slightly modified the ASE model by dividing behaviour into two blocks: behaviour that reflects the assessment process and behaviour that reflects assessment behaviour. The picture that emerged from the descriptive results was of a group of physicians who were motivated in their job and positive about the Dutch social security system in general. However, only half of them had a positive opinion about the Dutch Work and Income (Capacity for Work) Act (WIA). They also reported serious barriers, the most common of which was work pressure. Finally, 73% of the insurance physicians described the majority of their cases as 'difficult'. Conclusions The scales and dimensions developed appear to be valid and offer a promising basis for future research. The results suggest that the underlying ASE model, in modified form, is suitable for describing the assessment behaviour of insurance physicians and the determinants of this behaviour. The next step in this line of research should be to validate the model using structural equation modelling. Finally, the predictive value should be tested in relation to outcome measurements of work disability assessments. PMID:21199570

Surface tailored organobentonite enhances bacterial proliferation and phenanthrene biodegradation under cadmium co-contamination.

PubMed

Mandal, Asit; Biswas, Bhabananda; Sarkar, Binoy; Patra, Ashok K; Naidu, Ravi

2016-04-15

Co-contamination of soil and water with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metals makes biodegradation of the former extremely challenging. Modified clay-modulated microbial degradation provides a novel insight in addressing this issue. This study was conducted to evaluate the growth and phenanthrene degradation performance of Mycobacterium gilvum VF1 in the presence of a palmitic acid (PA)-grafted Arquad® 2HT-75-based organobentonite in cadmium (Cd)-phenanthrene co-contaminated water. The PA-grafted organobentonite (ABP) adsorbed a slightly greater quantity of Cd than bentonite at up to 30mgL(-1) metal concentration, but its highly negative surface charge imparted by carboxylic groups indicated the potential of being a significantly superior adsorbent of Cd at higher metal concentrations. In systems co-contained with Cd (5 and 10mgL(-1)), the Arquad® 2HT-75-modified bentonite (AB) and PA-grafted organobentonite (ABP) resulted in a significantly higher (72-78%) degradation of phenanthrene than bentonite (62%) by the bacterium. The growth and proliferation of bacteria were supported by ABP which not only eliminated Cd toxicity through adsorption but also created a congenial microenvironment for bacterial survival. The macromolecules produced during ABP-bacteria interaction could form a stable clay-bacterial cluster by overcoming the electrostatic repulsion among individual components. Findings of this study provide new insights for designing clay modulated PAH bioremediation technologies in mixed-contaminated water and soil. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Simulation Study of Mutations in the Genetic Regulatory Hierarchy for Butterfly Eyespot Focus Determination

PubMed Central

Marcus, Jeffrey M.; Evans, Travis M.

2008-01-01

The color patterns on the wings of butterflies have been an important model system in evolutionary developmental biology. A recent computational model tested genetic regulatory hierarchies hypothesized to underlie the formation of butterfly eyespot foci (Evans and Marcus, 2006). The computational model demonstrated that one proposed hierarchy was incapable of reproducing the known patterns of gene expression associated with eyespot focus determination in wild-type butterflies, but that two slightly modified alternative hierarchies were capable of reproducing all of the known gene expressions patterns. Here we extend the computational models previously implemented in Delphi 2.0 to two mutants derived from the squinting bush brown butterfly (Bicyclus anynana). These two mutants, comet and Cyclops, have aberrantly shaped eyespot foci that are produced by different mechanisms. The comet mutation appears to produce a modified interaction between the wing margin and the eyespot focus that results in a series of comet-shaped eyespot foci. The Cyclops mutation causes the failure of wing vein formation between two adjacent wing-cells and the fusion of two adjacent eyespot foci to form a single large elongated focus in their place. The computational approach to modeling pattern formation in these mutants allows us to make predictions about patterns of gene expression, which are largely unstudied in butterfly mutants. It also suggests a critical experiment that will allow us to distinguish between two hypothesized genetic regulatory hierarchies that may underlie all butterfly eyespot foci. PMID:18586070

Modified rubisco large subunit n-methyltransferase useful for targeting molecules to the active-site vicinity of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate

DOEpatents

Houtz, Robert L [Lexington, KY

2012-03-20

The present invention generally relates to a modified Rubisco large subunit .sup..epsilon.N-Methyltransferase (Rubisco LSMT, or RLSMT). The present invention also relates to a modified RLSMT-carbonic anhydrase (RLSMT-CA). This modified RLSMT-CA improves the efficiency of the reduction of CO.sub.2 during photosynthesis, which may increase plant growth rates. The present invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding the modified RLSMT-CA or modified RLSMT. Also, the present invention relates to cells including the modified RLSMT-CA or modified RLSMT, plants containing the modified RLSMT-CA or modified RLSMT, and methods using compositions of the present invention. In addition, the present invention relates to antibodies conjugated to CA which may bind to Rubisco, and antibodies which bind a modified RLSMT-CA. The invention also relates to modified forms of the LS and SS of Rubisco where the modified forms are fusions with CA or biologically active fragments thereof. The present invention provides methods of altering Rubisco carboxylase activity and altering plant growth.

Differential effects of ethanol and other inducers of drug metabolism on the two forms of hamster liver microsomal aniline hydroxylase.

PubMed

McCoy, G D

1980-03-01

The aniline hydroxylase activity of microsomes isolated from hamster liver can be differentiated kinetically into high affinity (low K(m), form I) and low affinity (high K(m), form II) forms. Microsomes isolated from uninduced animals contain slightly more form I activity. The activity of the low affinity form (form II) is preferentially enhanced by Aroclor or 3-methylcholanthrene treatment, while phenobarbital treatment increases the activity of both forms. Chronic ethanol consumption results in enhancement of only the high affinity form (form I).

A modified tree classification for use in growth studies and timber marking in Black Hills ponderosa pine

Treesearch

E. M. Hornibrook

1939-01-01

A satisfactory silvicultural management of ponderosa pine stands requires a judicious selection of trees to be left in the reserve stand. The timber marker must know what type of tree has the greatest growth potentialities and what type of tree will respond but slightly upon being released. The silvicultural problem in marking therefore is one of recognizing the...

Epidemiologic Studies of Isoflavones & Mammographic Density

PubMed Central

Maskarinec, Gertraud; Verheus, Martijn; Tice, Jeffrey A.

2010-01-01

Isoflavones, phytoestrogens in soy beans with estrogen-like properties, have been examined for their cancer protective effects. Mammographic density is a strong predictor of breast cancer. This review summarizes studies that have examined the association between isoflavones and breast density. Observational investigations in Hawaii and Singapore suggest slightly lower breast density among women of Asian descent with regular soy intake, but two larger studies from Japan and Singapore did not observe a protective effect. The findings from seven randomized trials with primarily Caucasian women indicate that soy or isoflavones do not modify mammographic density. Soy foods and isoflavone supplements within a nutritional range do not appear to modify breast cancer risk as assessed by mammographic density. PMID:22253990

Characterization of cobalt(II) chloride-modified condensation polyimide films

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rancourt, J. D.; Taylor, L. T.

1988-01-01

The effect of solvent extraction on the properties of cobalt(II) chloride-modified polyimide films was investigated. Solvent-cast films were prepared from solutions of cobalt chloride in poly(amide acid)/N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and were subsequently dried and cured in static air, forced air, or inert gas ovens with controlled humidity. The films were extracted by either of the three processes (1) soaking in a tray with distilled water at room temperature, (2) soxhlett extraction with distilled water, or (3) soxhell extraction with DMAc. Extraction with DMAc was found to remove both cobalt and chlorine from the films and to slightly increase bulk thermal stability and both surface resistivity and electrical resistivity.

Creating metamaterial building blocks with directed photochemical metallization of silver onto DNA origami templates.

PubMed

Hossen, Md Mir; Bendickson, Lee; Palo, Pierre E; Yao, Zhiqi; Nilsen-Hamilton, Marit; Hillier, Andrew C

2018-08-31

DNA origami can be used to create a variety of complex and geometrically unique nanostructures that can be further modified to produce building blocks for applications such as in optical metamaterials. We describe a method for creating metal-coated nanostructures using DNA origami templates and a photochemical metallization technique. Triangular DNA origami forms were fabricated and coated with a thin metal layer by photochemical silver reduction while in solution or supported on a surface. The DNA origami template serves as a localized photosensitizer to facilitate reduction of silver ions directly from solution onto the DNA surface. The metallizing process is shown to result in a conformal metal coating, which grows in height to a self-limiting value with increasing photoreduction steps. Although this coating process results in a slight decrease in the triangle dimensions, the overall template shape is retained. Notably, this coating method exhibits characteristics of self-limiting and defect-filling growth, which results in a metal nanostructure that maps the shape of the original DNA template with a continuous and uniform metal layer and stops growing once all available DNA sites are exhausted.

Capture of Pb2+ and Cu2+ Metal Cations by Neisseria meningitidis-type Capsular Polysaccharides.

PubMed

Ghimire, Sujan; McCarthy, Pumtiwitt C

2018-05-05

Heavy metal pollution of water is a significant environmental and public health concern. Current biological strategies for heavy metal removal from water are performed using microbial biopolymers, including polysaccharides, that are already fully formed. This creates limitations in adapting polysaccharides to increase binding affinity for specific metals. We propose that altering the specificity of polysaccharide-producing enzymes could be beneficial to improving metal capture by modified polysaccharides. We assess binding of Cu 2+ and Pb 2+ metal cations to Neisseria meningitidis -type polysaccharides. All concentrations of metal cations tested were able to completely bind to colominic acid. This polymer is equivalent to the capsular polysaccharide of N. meningitidis serogroup B comprised of a homopolymer of negatively charged sialic acid. There was slightly less binding observed with N. meningitidis serogroup W, which contains repeating units of the neutral sugar galactose and sialic acid. Our work represents the first assessment of the metal-binding properties of these capsular polysaccharides. Future work will seek to optimize metal-binding with Neisseria meningitidis serogroup W polysaccharide.

Distinct DNA methylation patterns associated with active and inactive centromeres of the maize B chromosome.

PubMed

Koo, Dal-Hoe; Han, Fangpu; Birchler, James A; Jiang, Jiming

2011-06-01

Centromeres are determined by poorly understood epigenetic mechanisms. Centromeres can be activated or inactivated without changing the underlying DNA sequences. However, virtually nothing is known about the epigenetic transition of a centromere from an active to an inactive state because of the lack of examples of the same centromere exhibiting alternative forms and being distinguishable from other centromeres. The centromere of the supernumerary B chromosome of maize provides such an opportunity because its functional core can be cytologically tracked, and an inactive version of the centromere is available. We developed a DNA fiber-based technique that can be used to assess the levels of cytosine methylation associated with repetitive DNA sequences. We report that DNA sequences in the normal B centromere exhibit hypomethylation. This methylation pattern is not affected by the genetic background or structural rearrangement of the B chromosome, but is slightly changed when the B chromosome is transferred to oat as an addition chromosome. In contrast, an inactive version of this same centromere exhibits hypermethylation, indicating that the inactive centromere was modified into a different epigenetic state at the DNA level.

Hygroscopicity of dicarbonyl-amine secondary organic aerosol products investigated with HTDMA

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, L. N.; de Haan, D. O.

2010-12-01

Recent studies have shown the importance of amine-dicarbonyl chemistry as a secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation pathway, producing imines, imidazoles, and N-containing oligomers. Preliminary work in our group has suggested that some of these products may be surface active. Therefore, the presence of these products may result in important changes to submicron particle hygroscopicity that affect aerosol scattering and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) activity, especially in regions with significant amine-containing particles. To investigate their hygroscopicity, we have designed a hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA) system around a 300 L Teflon chamber that allows for longer humidification times needed for some organic aerosol components that are only slightly hygroscopic. This modification provides a range of residence times from 2.5 minutes up to 1 hour, unlike previously published systems that vary from 2-30 seconds. Using the modified hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analyzer (HTDMA), we have measured the hygroscopic growth factor (HGF) of SOA formed from reactions of glyoxal (and methylglyoxal) with methylamine, ammonium sulfate, and several amino acids. Changes to inorganic aerosol HGF in response to the presence of SOA products are also investigated.

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

Li, Jingcheng; Wang, Yu; Li, Bin, E-mail: libin@mail.ustc.edu.cn, E-mail: bwang@ustc.edu.cn

We investigate the modification of electronic properties of single cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) molecule by an extra Co atom co-adsorbed on Au (111) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), joint with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. By manipulating CoPc molecules using the STM tip to contact individually adsorbed Co atom, two types of relatively stable complexes can be formed, denoted as CoPc-Co(I) and CoPc-Co(II). In CoPc-Co(I), the Co atom is at an intramolecular site close to aza-N atom of CoPc, which induces significant modifications of the electronic states of CoPc, such as energy shifts and splitting of nonlocal molecular orbitals. However,more » in CoPc-Co(II) where the Co atom is underneath a benzene lobe of CoPc, it only slightly modifies the electronic states of CoPc, and mainly local characteristics of specific molecular orbitals are affected, even though CoPc-Co(II) is more stable than CoPc-Co(I). Our DFT calculations give consistent results with the experiments, and related analyses based on the molecular orbital theory reveal mechanism behind the experimental observations.« less

Key process parameters to modify the porosity of cerium dioxide microspheres formed in the internal gelation process

DOE PAGES

Hunt, Rodney Dale; Collins, Jack Lee; Reif, Tyler J.; ...

2017-08-04

Recently, an internal gelation study demonstrated that the use of heated urea and hexamethylenetetramine can have a pronounced impact on the porosity and sintering characteristics of cerium dioxide (CeO 2) microspheres. This effort has identified process variables that can significantly change the initial porosity of the CeO 2 microspheres with slight modifications. A relatively small difference in the sample preparation of cerium ammonium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide solution had a large reproducible impact on the porosity and slow pour density of the produced microspheres. Increases in the gelation temperature as small as 0.5 K also produced a noticeable increase inmore » the slow pour density. If the gelation temperature was increased too high, the use of the heated hexamethylenetetramine and urea was no longer observed to be effective in increasing the porosity of the CeO 2 microspheres. In conclusion, the final process variable was the amount of dispersing agent, Span™ 80, which can increase the slow pour density and produce significantly smaller microspheres.« less

Peculiar macrophagous adaptations in a new Cretaceous pliosaurid

PubMed Central

Arkhangelsky, Maxim S.; Stenshin, Ilya M.; Uspensky, Gleb N.; Zverkov, Nikolay G.

2015-01-01

During the Middle and Late Jurassic, pliosaurid plesiosaurs evolved gigantic body size and a series of craniodental adaptations that have been linked to the occupation of an apex predator niche. Cretaceous pliosaurids (i.e. Brachaucheninae) depart from this morphology, being slightly smaller and lacking the macrophagous adaptations seen in earlier forms. However, the fossil record of Early Cretaceous pliosaurids is poor, concealing the evolution and ecological diversity of the group. Here, we report a new pliosaurid from the Late Hauterivian (Early Cretaceous) of Russia. Phylogenetic analyses using reduced consensus methods recover it as the basalmost brachauchenine. This pliosaurid is smaller than other derived pliosaurids, has tooth alveoli clustered in pairs and possesses trihedral teeth with complex serrated carinae. Maximum-likelihood ancestral state reconstruction suggests early brachauchenines retained trihedral teeth from their ancestors, but modified this feature in a unique way, convergent with macrophagous archosaurs or sphenacodontoids. Our findings indicate that Early Cretaceous marine reptile teeth with serrated carinae cannot be unequivocally assigned to metriorhynchoid crocodylomorphs. Furthermore, they extend the known diversity of dental adaptations seen in Sauropterygia, the longest lived clade of marine tetrapods. PMID:27019740

Effects of Fragmented Fe Intermetallic Compounds on Ductility in Al-Si-Mg Alloys.

PubMed

Kim, JaeHwang; Kim, DaeHwan

2018-03-01

Fe is intentionally added in order to form the Fe intermetallic compounds (Fe-IMCs) during casting. Field emission scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) was conducted to understand microstructural changes and chemical composition analyses. The needlelike Fe-IMCs based on two dimensional observation with hundreds of micro size are modified to fragmented particles with the minimum size of 300 nm through clod rolling with 80% thickness reduction. The ratio of Fe:Si on the fragmented Fe-IMCs after 80% reduction is close to 1:1, representing the β-Al5FeSi. The yield and tensile strengths are increased with increasing reduction rate. On the other hand, the elongation is decreased with the 40% reduction, but slightly increased with the 60% reduction. The elongation is dramatically increased over two times for the specimen of 80% reduction compared with that of the as-cast. Fracture behavior is strongly affected by the morphology and size of Fe-IMCs. The fracture mode is changed from brittle to ductile with the microstructure modification of Fe-IMCs.

Influence of atmospheric plasma on physicochemical properties of vapor-grown graphite nanofibers.

PubMed

Seo, Min-Kang; Park, Soo-Jin; Lee, Sang-Kwan

2005-05-01

Vapor-grown graphite nanofibers (GNFs) were modified by plasma treatments using low-pressure plasmas with different gases (Ar gas only and/or Ar/O2 gases), flow rates, pressures, and powers. Surface characterizations and morphologies of the GNFs after plasma treatment were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle, titration, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements. Also, the investigation of thermomechanical behavior and impact strengths of the GNFs/epoxy composites was performed by dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and Izod impact testing, respectively. The plasma treatment of the fibers changed the surface morphologies by forming a layer with a thickness on the order of 1 nm, mainly consisting of oxygen functional groups such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups. After functionalization of the complete surfaces, further plasma treatment did not enhance the superficial oxygen content but slightly changed the portions of the functional groups. Also, the composites with plasma-treated GNFs showed an increase in T(g) and impact strength compared to the composites containing the same amount of plasma-untreated GNFs.

A Preliminary Investigation of Temperature Dependency of a Shape Memory Actuator with Time-Based Control in Aircraft Interiors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otibar, Dennis; Weirich, Antonia; Kortenjann, Marcus; Kuhlenkötter, Bernd

2017-06-01

Shape memory alloys (SMA) possess an array of unique functional properties which are influenced by a complex interaction of different factors. Due to thermal sensitivity, slight changes in the environmental temperature may cause the properties to change significantly. This poses a huge challenge especially for the use of SMAs as actuators. The most common and elementary activation strategy of SMA actuators is based on the duration of activation and cooling with constant activation parameters. However, changing environmental influences cause the necessity to modify these parameters. This circumstance needs to be especially considered in the design process of actuator controls. This paper focuses on investigating the influence of environmental temperature changes on time-based activated SMA actuators. The results of the described experiments form the base for designing reactive control strategies for SMA actuators used in alternating environments. An example for application fields with changing environments and particularly changing temperatures are aircraft related implementations. This area also stands to benefit from the actuators’ advantages in ecological efficiency.

Key process parameters to modify the porosity of cerium dioxide microspheres formed in the internal gelation process

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

Hunt, Rodney Dale; Collins, Jack Lee; Reif, Tyler J.

Recently, an internal gelation study demonstrated that the use of heated urea and hexamethylenetetramine can have a pronounced impact on the porosity and sintering characteristics of cerium dioxide (CeO 2) microspheres. This effort has identified process variables that can significantly change the initial porosity of the CeO 2 microspheres with slight modifications. A relatively small difference in the sample preparation of cerium ammonium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide solution had a large reproducible impact on the porosity and slow pour density of the produced microspheres. Increases in the gelation temperature as small as 0.5 K also produced a noticeable increase inmore » the slow pour density. If the gelation temperature was increased too high, the use of the heated hexamethylenetetramine and urea was no longer observed to be effective in increasing the porosity of the CeO 2 microspheres. In conclusion, the final process variable was the amount of dispersing agent, Span™ 80, which can increase the slow pour density and produce significantly smaller microspheres.« less

A modified technique (using polyester tape) of skin surface biopsy. Its interest for the investigation of athlete's foot.

PubMed

Lachapelle, J M; Gouverneur, J C; Boulet, M; Tennstedt, D

1977-07-01

A technical modification of skin surface biopsy has been introduced by using plastic tape instead of glass as holder, mainly to investigate mycological infections of skin folds. Among various brands of plastic sheets, a polyester film (Melinex O UCB-SIDAC) has been demonstrated as the most suitable. A direct microscopic comparison has been made between our modified technique and conventional scraping as procedures for collecting material from interdigital spaces in 30 patients with bilateral athlete's foot. It has been shown that the skin surface biopsy gives a slightly greater number of positive results (presence of dermatophytes or Candida species) than the conventional scraping technique, although the difference between both techniques is not statistically significant at the 0-05 level (0-05 less than P less than 0-10). Some advantages of the modified skin surface biopsy are emphasized.

Equality of Shapley value and fair proportion index in phylogenetic trees.

PubMed

Fuchs, Michael; Jin, Emma Yu

2015-11-01

The Shapley value and the fair proportion index of phylogenetic trees have been introduced recently for the purpose of making conservation decisions in genetics. Moreover, also very recently, Hartmann (J Math Biol 67:1163-1170, 2013) has presented data which shows that there is a strong correlation between a slightly modified version of the Shapley value (which we call the modified Shapley value) and the fair proportion index. He gave an explanation of this correlation by showing that the contribution of both indices to an edge of the tree becomes identical as the number of taxa tends to infinity. In this note, we show that the Shapley value and the fair proportion index are in fact the same. Moreover, we also consider the modified Shapley value and show that its covariance with the fair proportion index in random phylogenetic trees under the Yule-Harding model and uniform model is indeed close to one.

The Antifungal Activity of Functionalized Chitin Nanocrystals in Poly (Lactid Acid) Films

PubMed Central

Salaberria, Asier M.; H. Diaz, Rene; Andrés, María A.; Fernandes, Susana C.M.; Labidi, Jalel

2017-01-01

As, in the market, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is the most used polymer as an alternative to conventional plastics, and as functionalized chitin nanocrystals (CHNC) can provide structural and bioactive properties, their combination sounds promising in the preparation of functional nanocomposite films for sustainable packaging. Chitin nanocrystals were successfully modified via acylation using anhydride acetic and dodecanoyl chloride acid to improve their compatibility with the matrix, PLA. The nanocomposite films were prepared by extrusion/compression approach using different concentrations of both sets of functionalized CHNC. This investigation brings forward that both sets of modified CHNC act as functional agents, i.e., they slightly improved the hydrophobic character of the PLA nanocomposite films, and, very importantly, they also enhanced their antifungal activity. Nonetheless, the nanocomposite films prepared with the CHNC modified with dodecanoyl chloride acid presented the best properties. PMID:28772902

Investigation and evaluation of a computer program to minimize three-dimensional flight time tracks

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Parke, F. I.

1981-01-01

The program for the DC 8-D3 flight planning was slightly modified for the three dimensional flight planning for DC 10 aircrafts. Several test runs of the modified program over the North Atlantic and North America were made for verifying the program. While geopotential height and temperature were used in a previous program as meteorological data, the modified program uses wind direction and speed and temperature received from the National Weather Service. A scanning program was written to collect required weather information from the raw data received in a packed decimal format. Two sets of weather data, the 12-hour forecast and 24-hour forecast based on 0000 GMT, are used for dynamic processes in testruns. In order to save computing time only the weather data of the North Atlantic and North America is previously stored in a PCF file and then scanned one by one.

Commercial fishing gear modifications to reduce interactions between Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) and the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) fishery in North Carolina (USA).

PubMed

Levesque, Juan C; Hager, Christian; Diaddorio, Eric; Dickey, R Jason

2016-01-01

Bycatch of protected species in commercial fishing operations is a primary concern to fishery managers because it threatens the conservation, protection, and recovery of fragile species, such as the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus). One potential solution to reduce the risk associated with commercial fishing operations is to design commercial fishing gear that is more selective in terms of interactions between Atlantic sturgeon and commercial fisheries. Given this conservation and management need, the overarching goal was to reduce Atlantic sturgeon fishery interactions and maintain southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) catch in North Carolina. The specific objectives of this study were to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a modified gillnet. Overall, the results proved that lowering the profile and amount of webbing had a beneficial impact at reducing Atlantic sturgeon incidental encounters and bycatch. The modified gillnet reduced bycatch and Atlantic sturgeon encounters by 39.6% and 60.9%, respectively. Our design entangled 51.6% fewer southern flounder, which corresponded to a 48.9% reduction in total weight; the modified gear entangled slightly larger southern flounder than the control gear. Our findings showed the number of Atlantic sturgeon encounters was positively associated with mean water depth, with more Atlantic sturgeon encountered in deeper (5.1-6.3 m) than shallower waters; 75% were encountered at depths between 4.6 and 6.1 m. Most southern flounder (n = 518, 39.7%) were taken at a water depth between 3.76 and 5.0 m. This observation suggests that southern flounder prefer slightly shallower waters than Atlantic sturgeon.

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

Gavva, S.R.; Harris, B.G.; Cook, P.F.

A thiol group at the malate-binding site of the NAD-malic enzyme from Ascaris suum has been modified to thiocyanate. The modified enzyme generally exhibits slight increases in K{sub NAD} and K{sub i metal} and decreases in V{sub max} as the metal size increases from Mg{sup 2+} to Mn{sup 2+} to Cd{sup 2+}, indicative of crowding in the site. The K{sub malate} value increases 10- to 30-fold, suggesting that malate does not bind optimally to the modified enzyme. Deuterium isotope effects on V and V/K{sub malate} increase with all three metal ions compared to the native enzyme concomitant with a decreasemore » in the {sup 13}C isotope effect, suggesting a switch in the rate limitation of the hydride transfer and decarboxylation steps with hydride transfer becoming more rate limiting. The {sup 13}C effect decreases only slightly when obtained with deuterated malate, suggestive of the presence of a secondary {sup 13}C effect in the hydride transfer step, similar to data obtained with non-nicotinamide-containing dinucleotide substrates for the native enzyme (see the preceding paper in this issue). The native enzyme is inactivated in a time-dependent manner by Cd{sup 2+}. This inactivation occurs whether the enzyme alone is present or whether the enzyme is turning over with Cd{sup 2+} as the divalent metal activator. Upon inactivation, only Cd{sup 2+} ions are bound at high stoichiometry to the enzyme, which eventually becomes denatured. Conversion of the active-site thiol to thiocyanate makes it more difficult to inactivate the enzyme by treatment with Cd{sup 2+}.« less

Generalization of the quasi-geostrophic Eliassen-Palm flux to include eddy forcing of condensation heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stone, P. H.; Salustri, G.

1984-01-01

A modified Eulerian form of the Eliassen-Palm flux which includes the effect of eddy forcing on condensation heating is defined. With the two-dimensional vector flux in the meridional plane which is a function of the zonal mean eddy fluxes replaced by the modified flux, both the Eliassen-Palm theorem and a modified but more general form of the nonacceleration theorem for quasi-geostrophic motion still hold. Calculations of the divergence of the modified flux and of the eddy forcing of the moisture field are presented.

Cryptanalysis of SFLASH with Slightly Modified Parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubois, Vivien; Fouque, Pierre-Alain; Stern, Jacques

SFLASH is a signature scheme which belongs to a family of multivariate schemes proposed by Patarin et al. in 1998 [9]. The SFLASH scheme itself has been designed in 2001 [8] and has been selected in 2003 by the NESSIE European Consortium [6] as the best known solution for implementation on low cost smart cards. In this paper, we show that slight modifications of the parameters of SFLASH within the general family initially proposed renders the scheme insecure. The attack uses simple linear algebra, and allows to forge a signature for an arbitrary message in a question of minutes for practical parameters, using only the public key. Although SFLASH itself is not amenable to our attack, it is worrying to observe that no rationale was ever offered for this "lucky" choice of parameters.

Exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field only slightly modifies the proteome of Chromobacterium violaceumATCC 12472.

PubMed

Baraúna, Rafael A; Santos, Agenor V; Graças, Diego A; Santos, Daniel M; Ghilardi, Rubens; Pimenta, Adriano M C; Carepo, Marta S P; Schneider, Maria P C; Silva, Artur

2015-05-01

Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field.

The DeBakey classification exactly reflects late outcome and re-intervention probability in acute aortic dissection with a slightly modified type II definition.

PubMed

Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Tossios, Paschalis; Kamler, Markus; Benedik, Jaroslav; Natour, Dorgam; Eggebrecht, Holger; Piotrowski, Jarowit; Jakob, Heinz

2011-11-01

The DeBakey classification was used to discriminate the extent of acute aortic dissection (AD) and was correlated to long-term outcome and re-intervention rate. A slight modification of type II subgroup definition was applied by incorporating the aortic arch, when full resectability of the dissection process was given. Between January 2001 and March 2010, 118 patients (64% male, mean age 59 years) underwent surgery for acute AD. As many as 74 were operated on for type I and 44 for type II AD. Complete resection of all entry sites was performed, including antegrade stent grafting for proximal descending lesions. Patients were comparable with respect to demographics and preoperative hemodynamic status. They underwent isolated ascending replacement, hemiarch, or total arch replacement in 7%, 26%, and 67% in type I, versus 27%, 37%, and 36% in type II, respectively. Additional descending stent grafting was performed in 33/74 (45%) type I patients. In-hospital mortality was 14%, 16% (12/74) in type I versus 9% (4/44, type II), p=0.405. After 5 years, the estimated survival rate was 63% in type I versus 80% in type II, p=0.135. In type II, no distal aortic re-intervention was required. In type I, the freedom of distal re-interventions was 82% in patients with additional stent grafting versus 53% in patients without, p=0.022. The slightly modified DeBakey classification exactly reflects late outcome and aortic re-intervention probability. Thus, in type II patients, the aorta seems to be healed without any probability of later re-operation or re-intervention. Copyright © 2011 European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Peripheral refraction and image blur in four meridians in emmetropes and myopes.

PubMed

Shen, Jie; Spors, Frank; Egan, Donald; Liu, Chunming

2018-01-01

The peripheral refractive error of the human eye has been hypothesized to be a major stimulus for the development of its central refractive error. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the peripheral refractive error across horizontal, vertical and two diagonal meridians in emmetropic and low, moderate and high myopic adults. Thirty-four adult subjects were recruited and aberration was measured using a modified commercial aberrometer. We then computed the refractive error in power vector notation from second-order Zernike terms. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the statistical differences in refractive error profiles between the subject groups and across all measured visual field meridians. Small amounts of relative myopic shift were observed in emmetropic and low myopic subjects. However, moderate and high myopic subjects exhibited a relative hyperopic shift in all four meridians. Astigmatism J 0 and J 45 had quadratic or linear changes dependent on the visual field meridians. Peripheral Sphero-Cylindrical Retinal Image Blur increased in emmetropic eyes in most of the measured visual fields. The findings indicate an overall emmetropic or slightly relative myopic periphery (spherical or oblate retinal shape) formed in emmetropes and low myopes, while moderate and high myopes form relative hyperopic periphery (prolate, or less oblate, retinal shape). In general, human emmetropic eyes demonstrate higher amount of peripheral retinal image blur.

Soliton Resolution for the Derivative Nonlinear Schrödinger Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jenkins, Robert; Liu, Jiaqi; Perry, Peter; Sulem, Catherine

2018-05-01

We study the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation for generic initial data in a weighted Sobolev space that can support bright solitons (but exclude spectral singularities). Drawing on previous well-posedness results, we give a full description of the long-time behavior of the solutions in the form of a finite sum of localized solitons and a dispersive component. At leading order and in space-time cones, the solution has the form of a multi-soliton whose parameters are slightly modified from their initial values by soliton-soliton and soliton-radiation interactions. Our analysis provides an explicit expression for the correction dispersive term. We use the nonlinear steepest descent method of Deift and Zhou (Commun Pure Appl Math 56:1029-1077, 2003) revisited by the {\\overline{partial}} -analysis of McLaughlin and Miller (IMRP Int Math Res Pap 48673:1-77, 2006) and Dieng and McLaughlin (Long-time asymptotics for the NLS equation via dbar methods. Preprint, arXiv:0805.2807, 2008), and complemented by the recent work of Borghese et al. (Ann Inst Henri Poincaré Anal Non Linéaire, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anihpc.2017.08.006, 2017) on soliton resolution for the focusing nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Our results imply that N-soliton solutions of the derivative nonlinear Schrödinger equation are asymptotically stable.

Changes Caused by Fruit Extracts in the Lipid Phase of Biological and Model Membranes

PubMed Central

Pruchnik, Hanna; Oszmiański, Jan; Sarapuk, Janusz; Kleszczyńska, Halina

2010-01-01

The aim of the study was to determine changes incurred by polyphenolic compounds from selected fruits in the lipid phase of the erythrocyte membrane, in liposomes formed of erythrocyte lipids and phosphatidylcholine liposomes. In particular, the effect of extracts from apple, chokeberry, and strawberry on the red blood cell morphology, on packing order in the lipid hydrophilic phase, on fluidity of the hydrophobic phase, as well as on the temperature of phase transition in DPPC liposomes was studied. In the erythrocyte population, the proportions of echinocytes increased due to incorporation of polyphenolic compounds. Fluorimetry with a laurdan probe indicated increased packing density in the hydrophilic phase of the membrane in presence of polyphenolic extracts, the highest effect being observed for the apple extract. Using the fluorescence probes DPH and TMA-DPH, no effect was noted inside the hydrophobic phase of the membrane, as the lipid bilayer fluidity was not modified. The polyphenolic extracts slightly lowered the phase transition temperature of phosphatidylcholine liposomes. The studies have shown that the phenolic compounds contained in the extracts incorporate into the outer region of the erythrocyte membrane, affecting its shape and lipid packing order, which is reflected in the increasing number of echinocytes. The compounds also penetrate the outer part of the external lipid layer of liposomes formed of natural and DPPC lipids, changing its packing order. PMID:21423329

Evaluation of permanent deformation and durability of epoxidized natural rubber modified asphalt mix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Mansob, Ramez A.; Ismail, Amiruddin; Rahmat, Riza Atiq O. K.; Nazri Borhan, Muhamad; Alsharef, Jamal M. A.; Albrka, Shaban Ismael; Rehan Karim, Mohamed

2017-09-01

The road distresses have caused too much in maintenance cost. However, better understandings of the behaviours and properties of asphalt, couples with greater development in technology, have allowed paving technologists to examine the benefits of introducing additives and modifiers. As a result, modifiers such as polymers are the most popular modifiers used to improve the performance of asphalt mix. This study was conducted to investigate the use of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) to be mixed with asphalt mix. Tests were conducted to investigate the performance characteristics of ENR-asphalt mixes, where the mixes were prepared according to the wet process. Mechanical testing on the ENR-asphalt mixes have demonstrated that the asphalt mix permanent deformation performance at high temperature was found to be improved compared to the base mixes. However, the durability studies have indicated that ENR-asphalt mixes are slightly susceptible with the presence of moisture. The durability of the ENR-asphalt mixes were found to be enhanced in term of permanent deformation at high and intermediate temperatures compared to the base asphalt mixes. As conclusion, asphalt pavement performance can be enhanced by using ENR as modifier to face the major road distresses.

A liposome-based antigen delivery system using pH-sensitive fusogenic polymers for cancer immunotherapy.

PubMed

Yuba, Eiji; Harada, Atsushi; Sakanishi, Yuichi; Watarai, Shinobu; Kono, Kenji

2013-04-01

Highly pH-sensitive liposomes that deliver antigenic molecules into cytosol through fusion with or destabilization of endosome were prepared by surface modification of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine/dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine (1/1, mol/mol) liposomes with 3-methylglutarylated poly(glycidol) of linear (MGlu-LPG) or hyperbranched structure (MGlu-HPG). These polymer-modified liposomes were stable at neutral pH, but they became strongly destabilized below pH 6, which corresponds to the pH of endosome. These polymer-modified liposomes were taken up by murine dendritic cells (DCs) more efficiently than the unmodified liposomes were through an endocytic pathway. They introduced entrapped ovalbumin (OVA) molecules into cytosol. Subcutaneous or nasal administration of the polymer-modified liposomes loaded with OVA induced generation of OVA-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL) much more effectively than the unmodified liposomes loaded with OVA. Furthermore, administration of the polymer-modified OVA-loaded liposomes to mice bearing E.G7-OVA tumor significantly reduced the tumor burden, although the OVA-loaded unmodified liposomes only slightly affected tumor growth. Results suggest that the polymer-modified liposomes with highly pH-sensitive destabilizing property are promising as antigen carriers for efficient cancer immunotherapy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

How does relaxing the algorithm for autism affect DSM-V prevalence rates?

PubMed

Matson, Johnny L; Hattier, Megan A; Williams, Lindsey W

2012-08-01

Although it is still unclear what causes autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), over time researchers and clinicians have become more precise with detecting and diagnosing ASD. Many diagnoses, however, are based on the criteria established within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM); thus, any change in these diagnostic criteria can have a great effect upon children with ASD and their families. It is predicted that the prevalence of ASD diagnoses will dramatically decrease with the adoption of the proposed DSM-5 criteria in 2013. The aim of this current study was to inspect the changes in prevalence first using a diagnostic criteria set which was modified slightly from the DSM-5 criteria (Modified-1 criteria) and again using a set of criteria which was relaxed even a bit more (Modified-2 criteria). Modified-1 resulted in 33.77 % fewer toddlers being diagnosed with ASD compared to the DSM-IV, while Modified-2 resulted in only a 17.98 % decrease in ASD diagnoses. Children diagnosed with the DSM-5 criteria exhibited the greatest levels of autism symptomatology, but the Mod-1, Mod-2, and DSM-IV groups still demonstrated significant impairments. Implications of these findings are discussed.

The ground state tunneling splitting and the zero point energy of malonaldehyde: a quantum Monte Carlo determination.

PubMed

Viel, Alexandra; Coutinho-Neto, Maurício D; Manthe, Uwe

2007-01-14

Quantum dynamics calculations of the ground state tunneling splitting and of the zero point energy of malonaldehyde on the full dimensional potential energy surface proposed by Yagi et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 1154, 10647 (2001)] are reported. The exact diffusion Monte Carlo and the projection operator imaginary time spectral evolution methods are used to compute accurate benchmark results for this 21-dimensional ab initio potential energy surface. A tunneling splitting of 25.7+/-0.3 cm-1 is obtained, and the vibrational ground state energy is found to be 15 122+/-4 cm-1. Isotopic substitution of the tunneling hydrogen modifies the tunneling splitting down to 3.21+/-0.09 cm-1 and the vibrational ground state energy to 14 385+/-2 cm-1. The computed tunneling splittings are slightly higher than the experimental values as expected from the potential energy surface which slightly underestimates the barrier height, and they are slightly lower than the results from the instanton theory obtained using the same potential energy surface.

Modified clay minerals efficiency against chemical and biological warfare agents for civil human protection.

PubMed

Plachá, Daniela; Rosenbergová, Kateřina; Slabotínský, Jiří; Kutláková, Kateřina Mamulová; Studentová, Soňa; Martynková, Gražyna Simha

2014-04-30

Sorption efficiencies of modified montmorillonite and vermiculite of their mono ionic Na and organic HDTMA and HDP forms were studied against chemical and biological warfare agents such as yperite and selected bacterial strains. Yperite interactions with modified clay minerals were observed through its capture in low-density polyethylene foil-modified clay composites by measuring yperite gas permeation with using chemical indication and gas chromatography methods. The antibacterial activities of synthetized organoclays were tested against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species in minimum inhibitory concentration tests. The obtained results showed a positive influence of modified clay minerals on the significant yperite breakthrough-time increase. The most effective material was the polyethylene-Na form montmorillonite, while the polyethylene-Na form vermiculite showed the lowest efficiency. With increasing organic cations loading in the interlayer space the montmorillonite efficiency decreased, and in the case of vermiculite an opposite effect was observed. Generally the modified montmorillonites were more effective than modified vermiculites. The HDP cations seem to be more effective compare to the HDTMA. The antibacterial activity tests confirmed efficiency of all organically modified clay minerals against Gram-positive bacteria. The confirmation of antibacterial activity against Y. pestis, plague bacteria, is the most interesting result of this part of the study. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption and desorption of carbaryl on hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide modified zeolite NaY using RGB portable photometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patdhanagul, Nopbhasinthu; Chanpaka, Saiphon; Intharaksa, Orapan; Sirival, Rujikarn; Thanomsith, Kannikar; Wongkwanklom, Sarayuth

2018-04-01

The carbaryl adsorption-desorption isotherms of zeolite NaY and hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (HTAB) modified zeolite NaY were investigated. Zeolite NaY was synthesized and modified by HTAB in the concentration range 0.1 - 10.0 mM. The adsorption isotherms indicated that zeolite modified with HTAB could significantly enhance the carbaryl adsorption capacity. Zeolite NaY modified with 5.0 mM HTAB gave great carbaryl adsorption because of hydrophilic surface. The 5.0 mM HTAB could adsorb up to 145.75 ppm g-1 of carbaryl which was equivalent to a 36.7% increase. The Surface area characterization showed the remaining of pore volume and pore size diameter and external surface area whereas the BET surface area and micropore surface area of modified zeolite slightly decreased. The XRD results indicate that modification of zeolite NaY with HTAB does not change the crystallinity of the starting zeolite. The elemental analysis indicated that the Si/Al ratio of synthesized zeolite NaY was close to 2.43. Desorption of carbaryl was tested by organic solvents such as methanol, ethanol, tetrahydrofuran, hexane and Deionized water. The results demonstrated that the percentage desorption of methanol is the highest. Carbaryl was quantitatively desorbed with percentage desorption of 82-100 %. It indicated sorption mechanism of carbaryl on the modified sorbent which was principally driven by hydrophobic forces.

Data Compression Using the Dictionary Approach Algorithm

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

Compression Technique The LZ77 is an OPM/L data compression scheme suggested by Ziv and Lempel . A slightly modified...June 1984. 12. Witten H. I., Neal M. R. and Cleary G. J., Arithmetic Coding For Data Compression , Communication ACM June 1987. 13. Ziv I. and Lempel A...AD-A242 539 NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL Monterey, California DTIC NOV 181991 0 THESIS DATA COMPRESSION USING THE DICTIONARY APPROACH ALGORITHM

Addition of a new Quedius Steph. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) species to the biodiversity of Albertan mixedwood forest, Canada.

PubMed

Jacobs, Jenna M; Bergeron, J A Colin

2017-01-01

Quedius (Raphirus) spencei Jacobs and Bergeron, new species, (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), is described based on specimens from two localities (type locality: 35 km. E Dixonville, Alberta, Canada) in the Boreal Forest. Male genitalia are illustrated, compared with congeners ( Q. rusticus Smetana and Q. simulator Smetana) in the Aenescens species group, and included in a slightly modified key to the species of Quedius .

[Crabtree effect caused by ketoses in isolated rat hepatocytes].

PubMed

Martínez, P; Carrascosa, J M; Núñez de Castro, I

1982-01-01

Oxygen uptake and glycolytic activity were studied in hepatocytes isolated from fed rats. The addition of fructose or tagatose resulted in a 38% and 31% inhibition of cellular respiration respectively. The addition of 10 mM D-glyceraldehyde caused a slight Crabtree effect. Glucose, L-sorbose, or glycerol failed to modify oxygen consumption. Only incubation in the presence of fructose showed a high aerobic glycolysis measured by lactate production.

Women in Combat: Attitudes and Experiences of U.S. Military Officers and Enlisted Personnel

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-12-01

response rate, but it also requires personnel to choose an answer that may not be entirely accurate (Edwards, Thomas, Rosenfled, & Booth -Kewley, 1997, p...question. The surveys were created using guidance largely from Edwards, Thomas, Rosenfeld, and Booth - Kewley (1997), and included slightly modified... Booth -Kewley, S. (1997). How to conduct organizational surveys: A step-by-step guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Eitelberg, M

Sampling and analytical techniques for an interim survey in the South Carolina lowcountry

Treesearch

Richard L. Welch; Robert A. Cathey

1976-01-01

Remeasurement of 675 permanent sample locations in the South Carolina Lowcountry using modified sampling techniques showed that net growth of pine for the 6 years 1968-1974 was 637.0 million cubic feet while removals were slightly over 390.6 million cubic feet. In 1974, there were 1,533.5 million cubic feet of pine in the area with that portion in sawtimber size...

Rheology of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Cement-Based Mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banfill, Phillip F. G.; Starrs, Gerry; McCarter, W. John

2008-07-01

Carbon fibre reinforced cement based materials (CFRCs) offer the possibility of fabricating "smart" electrically conductive materials. Rheology of the fresh mix is crucial to satisfactory moulding and fresh CFRC conforms to the Bingham model with slight structural breakdown. Both yield stress and plastic viscosity increase with increasing fibre length and volume concentration. Using a modified Viskomat NT, the concentration dependence of CFRC rheology up to 1.5% fibre volume is reported.

Synthesis of Improved Antileishmanial and Antitrypanosomal Drugs, Treatment and Prophylaxis

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-02-01

methyl-8-nitroquinoline was hydrogenated using Raney nickel catalyst to give the corresponding 8-aminoquinoline J_ in 84$ yield as described under... nickel catalyst using a procedure (slightly modified) developed under a prior contract (10). The crude product was chromatographed over silica gel...8-Amino-6-methoxy-4-methylquinoline (1): - The title compd was prepared by the reduction of 6-methoxy-4-methyl-8-nitroquinoline (16 g) with Raney

Keywords image retrieval in historical handwritten Arabic documents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saabni, Raid; El-Sana, Jihad

2013-01-01

A system is presented for spotting and searching keywords in handwritten Arabic documents. A slightly modified dynamic time warping algorithm is used to measure similarities between words. Two sets of features are generated from the outer contour of the words/word-parts. The first set is based on the angles between nodes on the contour and the second set is based on the shape context features taken from the outer contour. To recognize a given word, the segmentation-free approach is partially adopted, i.e., continuous word parts are used as the basic alphabet, instead of individual characters or complete words. Additional strokes, such as dots and detached short segments, are classified and used in a postprocessing step to determine the final comparison decision. The search for a keyword is performed by the search for its word parts given in the correct order. The performance of the presented system was very encouraging in terms of efficiency and match rates. To evaluate the presented system its performance is compared to three different systems. Unfortunately, there are no publicly available standard datasets with ground truth for testing Arabic key word searching systems. Therefore, a private set of images partially taken from Juma'a Al-Majid Center in Dubai for evaluation is used, while using a slightly modified version of the IFN/ENIT database for training.

Efficient stabilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae external invertase by immobilisation on modified beidellite nanoclays.

PubMed

Andjelković, Uroš; Milutinović-Nikolić, Aleksandra; Jović-Jovičić, Nataša; Banković, Predrag; Bajt, Teja; Mojović, Zorica; Vujčić, Zoran; Jovanović, Dušan

2015-02-01

The external invertase isoform 1 (EINV1) was immobilised on eight differently modified beidellite nanoclays. Modifications were composed of organo-modification with different amounts of surfactant - hexadecyl trimethylammonium cation (HDTMA), pillaring with Al/Fe containing polyhydroxy cations and acid modification of Na-enriched and pillared clays. The modified nanoclays were characterised by XRD, N2-physisorption, SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. The amount of bound enzyme activity was significantly influenced by the modification of beidellite ranging from 50 to remarkable 2200U/g. Biochemical characterization was performed for five modified nanoclays showing the highest enzyme activity after invertase immobilisation. The investigation demonstrated that after immobilisation the structure and the catalytic properties of invertase were preserved, while Km values were slightly increased from 26 to 37mM. immobilisation significantly improved thermal and storage stability of EINV1. Results indicate that beidellite nanoclays obtained by low cost modifications can be applied as a suitable support for the immobilisation of invertase. The immobilizate can be efficiently engaged in sucrose hydrolysis in batch reactor. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Method of solution preparation of polyolefin class polymers for electrospinning processing included

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rabolt, John F. (Inventor); Givens, Steven R. (Inventor); Lee, Keun-Hyung (Inventor)

2011-01-01

A process to make a polyolefin fiber which has the following steps: mixing at least one polyolefin into a solution at room temperature or a slightly elevated temperature to form a polymer solution and electrospinning at room temperature said polymer solution to form a fiber.

Corrosion in Magnesium and a Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akavipat, Sanay

Magnesium and a magnesium alloy (AZ91C) have been ion implanted over a range of ions energies (50 to 150 keV) and doses (1 x 10('16) to 2 x 10('17) ions/cm('2)) to modify the corrosion properties of the metals. The corrosion tests were done by anodic polarization in chloride -free and chloride-containing aqueous solutions of a borated -boric acid with a pH of 9.3. Anodic polarization measurements showed that some implantations could greatly reduce the corrosion current densities at all impressed voltages and also increased slightly the pitting potential, which indicated the onset of the chloride attack. These improvements in corrosion resistance were caused by boron implantations into both types of samples. However, iron implantations were found to improve only the magnesium alloy. To study the corrosion in more detail, Scanning Auger Microprobe Spectrometer (SAM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with an X-ray Energy Spectrometry (XES) attachment, and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) measurements were used to analyze samples before, after, and at various corrosion stages. In both the unimplanted pure magnesium and AZ91C samples, anodic polarization results revealed that there were three active corrosion stages (Stages A, C, and E) and two passivating stages (Stages B and D). Examination of Stages A and B in both types of samples showed that only a mild, generalized corrosion had occurred. In Stage C of the TD samples, a pitting breakdown in the initial oxide film was observed. In Stage C of the AZ91C samples, galvanic and intergranular attack around the Mg(,17)Al(,12) intermetallic islands and along the matrix grain boundaries was observed. Stage D of both samples showed the formation of a thick, passivating oxygen containing, probably Mg(OH)(,2) film. In Stage E, this film was broken down by pits, which formed due to the presence of the chloride ions in both types of samples. Stages A through D of the unimplanted samples were not seen in the boron or iron implanted samples. Instead one low current density passivating stage was formed, which was ultimately broken down by the chloride attack. It is believed that the implantation of boron modified the initial surface film to inhibit corrosion, whereas the iron implantation modified the intermetallic (Mg(,17)Al(,12)) islands to act as sacrificial anodes.

The Flipside of the Power of Engineered T Cells: Observed and Potential Toxicities of Genetically Modified T Cells as Therapy.

PubMed

Bedoya, Felipe; Frigault, Matthew J; Maus, Marcela V

2017-02-01

Autologous T cells modified to recognize novel antigen targets are a novel form of therapy for cancer. We review the various potential forms of observed and hypothetical toxicities associated with genetically modified T cells. Despite the focus on toxicities in this review, re-directed T cells represent a powerful and highly effective form of anti-cancer therapy; we remain optimistic that the common toxicities will become routinely manageable and that some theoretical toxicity will be exceedingly rare, if ever observed. Copyright © 2017 The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Covalent attachment of phospholipid analogous polymers to modify a polymeric membrane surface: a novel approach.

PubMed

Xu, Zhi-Kang; Dai, Qing-Wen; Wu, Jian; Huang, Xiao-Jun; Yang, Qian

2004-02-17

A novel method for the surface modification of a microporous polypropylene membrane by tethering phospholipid analogous polymers (PAPs) is given, which includes the photoinduced graft polymerization of N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and the ring-opening reaction of grafted poly-(DMAEMA) with 2-alkyloxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholanes. Five 2-alkyloxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholanes, containing octyloxy, dodecyloxy, tetradecyloxy, hexadecyloxy, and octadecyloxy groups in the molecular structure, were used to fabricate the PAP-modified polypropylene membranes. The attenuated total reflectance FT-IR spectra of the original, poly(DMAEMA)-grafted, and PAP-modified membranes confirmed the chemical changes on the membrane surface. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed that, compared with the original membrane, the surface porosities ofpoly(DMAEMA)-grafted and PAP-modified membranes were somewhat reduced. Water contact angles measured by the sessile drop method on PAP-modified membranes were slightly lower than that on the original polypropylene membrane, but higher than those on poly(DMAEMA)-grafted membranes with the exception of octyloxy-containing PAP-modified membranes. However, BSA adsorption experiments indicated that the five PAP-modified membranes had a much better protein-resistant property than the original polypropylene membrane and the poly(DMAEMA)-grafted membranes. For hexadecyloxy- and octadecyloxy-containing PAP-modified membranes, almost no protein adsorption was observed when the grafting degree was above 6 wt %. It was also found that the platelet adhesion was remarkably suppressed on the PAP-modified membranes. All these results demonstrate that the described approach is an effective way to improve the surface biocompatibility for polymeric membranes.

A glossary for avian conservation biology

USGS Publications Warehouse

Koford, Rolf R.; Dunning, J.B.; Ribic, C.A.; Finch, D.M.

1994-01-01

This glossary provides standard definitions for many of the terms used in avian conservation biology. We compiled these definitions to assist communication among researchers, managers, and others involved in the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Program, also known as Partners in Flight. We used existing glossaries and recent literature to prepare this glossary. The cited sources were not necessarily the first ones to use the terms. Many definitions were taken verbatim from the cited source material. Others were modified slightly to clarify the meaning. Definitions that were modified to a greater extent are indicated as being adapted from the originals. Terms that have been used in more than one way by different authors are listed with numbered alternative definitions if the definitions differ substantially.

Nonlinear beat excitation of low frequency wave in degenerate plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mir, Zahid; Shahid, M.; Jamil, M.; Rasheed, A.; Shahbaz, A.

2018-03-01

The beat phenomenon due to the coupling of two signals at slightly different frequencies that generates the low frequency signal is studied. The linear dispersive properties of the pump and sideband are analyzed. The modified nonlinear dispersion relation through the field coupling of linear modes against the beat frequency is derived in the homogeneous quantum dusty magnetoplasmas. The dispersion relation is used to derive the modified growth rate of three wave parametric instability. Moreover, significant quantum effects of electrons through the exchange-correlation potential, the Bohm potential, and the Fermi pressure evolved in macroscopic three wave interaction are presented. The analytical results are interpreted graphically describing the significance of the work. The applications of this study are pointed out at the end of introduction.

Application and Testing the Reliability and Validity of a Modified Version of Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale in China

PubMed Central

Yu, Yong; Xiang, Ying

2011-01-01

The present study was the first attempt to test the reliability and validity of Herek's Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay Men Scale (ATLG; Herek, 1988) in the Chinese population. Participants (n = 2,391 for the field trials and n = 200 for test–retest reliability) were asked to complete the translated, slightly modified version of the ATLG. The resulting ATLG has a two-dimensional factor structure as well as good validity and reliability in the Chinese culture. ATLG scores followed distinct patterns according sex and level of education that were consistent with previous studies in other populations. The significance of these findings in Chinese culture is discussed. PMID:21294029

Quaternary and quinary modifications of eutectic superalloys strengthened by delta Ni3Cb lamellae and gamma prime Ni3Al precipitates

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lemkey, F. D.; Mccarthy, G. P.

1975-01-01

By means of a compositional and heat treatment optimization program based on the quaternary gamma/gamma prime-delta, a tantalum modified gamma/gamma prime-delta alloy with improved shear and creep strength combined with better cyclic oxidation resistance was identified. Quinary additions, quaternary adjustments, and heat treatment were investigated. The tantalum modified gamma/gamma prime-delta alloy possessed a slightly higher liquidus temperature and exhibited rupture strength exceeding NASA VIA by approximately three and one-half Larson-Miller parameters (C = 20) above 1000 C. Although improvements in longitudinal mechanical properties were achieved, the shear and transverse strength property goals of the program were not met and present a continuing challenge to the alloy metallurgist.

Dispersion-engineered and highly nonlinear microstructured polymer optical fibres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frosz, Michael H.; Nielsen, Kristian; Hlubina, Petr; Stefani, Alessio; Bang, Ole

2009-05-01

We demonstrate dispersion-engineering of microstructured polymer optical fibres (mPOFs) made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). A significant shift of the total dispersion from the material dispersion is confirmed through measurement of the mPOF dispersion using white-light spectral interferometry. The influence of strong loss peaks on the dispersion (through the Kramers-Kronig relations) is investigated theoretically. It is found that the strong loss peaks of PMMA above 1100 nm can significantly modify the dispersion, while the losses below 1100 nm only modify the dispersion slightly. To increase the nonlinearity of the mPOFs we investigated doping of PMMA with the highly-nonlinear dye Disperse Red 1. Both doping of a PMMA cane and direct doping of a PMMA mPOF was performed.

Formulation and development of tablets based on Ludipress and scale-up from laboratory to production scale.

PubMed

Heinz, R; Wolf, H; Schuchmann, H; End, L; Kolter, K

2000-05-01

In spite of the wealth of experience available in the pharmaceutical industry, tablet formulations are still largely developed on an empirical basis, and the scale-up from laboratory to production is a time-consuming and costly process. Using Ludipress greatly simplifies formulation development and the manufacturing process because only the active ingredient Ludipress and a lubricant need to be mixed briefly before being compressed into tablets. The studies described here were designed to investigate the scale-up of Ludipress-based formulations from laboratory to production scale, and to predict changes in tablet properties due to changes in format, compaction pressure, and the use of different tablet presses. It was found that the tensile strength of tablets made of Ludipress increased linearly with compaction pressures up to 300 MPa. It was also independent of the geometry of the tablets (diameter, thickness, shape). It is therefore possible to give an equation with which the compaction pressure required to achieve a given hardness can be calculated for a given tablet form. The equation has to be modified slightly to convert from a single-punch press to a rotary tableting machine. Tablets produced in the rotary machine at the same pressure have a slightly higher tensile strength. The rate of increase in pressure, and therefore the throughput, has no effect on the tensile strength of Ludipress tablets. It is thought that a certain minimum dwell time is responsible for this difference. The production of tablets based on Ludipress can be scaled up from one rotary press to another without problem if the powder mixtures are prepared with the same mixing energy. The tensile strength curve determined for tablets made with Ludipress alone can also be applied to tablets with a small quantity (< 10%) of an active ingredient.

Methods of making functionalized nanorods

DOEpatents

Gur, Ilan [San Francisco, CA; Milliron, Delia [Berkeley, CA; Alivisatos, A Paul [Oakland, CA; Liu, Haitao [Berkeley, CA

2012-01-10

A process for forming functionalized nanorods. The process includes providing a substrate, modifying the substrate by depositing a self-assembled monolayer of a bi-functional molecule on the substrate, wherein the monolayer is chosen such that one side of the bi-functional molecule binds to the substrate surface and the other side shows an independent affinity for binding to a nanocrystal surface, so as to form a modified substrate. The process further includes contacting the modified substrate with a solution containing nanocrystal colloids, forming a bound monolayer of nanocrystals on the substrate surface, depositing a polymer layer over the monolayer of nanocrystals to partially cover the monolayer of nanocrystals, so as to leave a layer of exposed nanocrystals, functionalizing the exposed nanocrystals, to form functionalized nanocrystals, and then releasing the functionalized nanocrystals from the substrate.

Exposure to an extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field only slightly modifies the proteome of Chromobacterium violaceumATCC 12472

PubMed Central

Baraúna, Rafael A.; Santos, Agenor V.; Graças, Diego A.; Santos, Daniel M.; Ghilardi, Rubens; Pimenta, Adriano M. C.; Carepo, Marta S. P.; Schneider, Maria P.C.; Silva, Artur

2015-01-01

Several studies of the physiological responses of different organisms exposed to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) have been described. In this work, we report the minimal effects of in situ exposure to ELF-EMF on the global protein expression of Chromobacterium violaceum using a gel-based proteomic approach. The protein expression profile was only slightly altered, with five differentially expressed proteins detected in the exposed cultures; two of these proteins (DNA-binding stress protein, Dps, and alcohol dehydrogenase) were identified by MS/MS. The enhanced expression of Dps possibly helped to prevent physical damage to DNA. Although small, the changes in protein expression observed here were probably beneficial in helping the bacteria to adapt to the stress generated by the electromagnetic field. PMID:26273227

New vertices and canonical quantization

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

Alexandrov, Sergei

2010-07-15

We present two results on the recently proposed new spin foam models. First, we show how a (slightly modified) restriction on representations in the Engle-Pereira-Rovelli-Livine model leads to the appearance of the Ashtekar-Barbero connection, thus bringing this model even closer to loop quantum gravity. Second, we however argue that the quantization procedure used to derive the new models is inconsistent since it relies on the symplectic structure of the unconstrained BF theory.

Addition of a new Quedius Steph. (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae) species to the biodiversity of Albertan mixedwood forest, Canada

PubMed Central

Jacobs, Jenna M.; Bergeron, J. A. Colin

2017-01-01

Abstract Quedius (Raphirus) spencei Jacobs and Bergeron, new species, (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), is described based on specimens from two localities (type locality: 35 km. E Dixonville, Alberta, Canada) in the Boreal Forest. Male genitalia are illustrated, compared with congeners (Q. rusticus Smetana and Q. simulator Smetana) in the Aenescens species group, and included in a slightly modified key to the species of Quedius. PMID:28769643

The Aplacophora: History, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Biogeography, and Ecology

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

Great Bay.] Pp. 28-41. In: A. I. Kafanov (ed.), [ Hydrobiological research of bays and inlets of Primorye.] Far East Science Center, USSR Acad. Sci...gonadal products into the sea (Franzdn 1955; Buckland-Nicks and Chia 1989). The Neomeniomorpha have a slightly modified sperm (Scheltema et al in press...Kafanov (ed.), Hydrobiological research of bays and inlets of Primorye. Far East Science Center, USSR Acad. Sci. Vladivostok Morse, M.P. (1979). Meiomenia

Commercial fishing gear modifications to reduce interactions between Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus) and the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) fishery in North Carolina (USA)

PubMed Central

Hager, Christian; Diaddorio, Eric; Dickey, R. Jason

2016-01-01

Bycatch of protected species in commercial fishing operations is a primary concern to fishery managers because it threatens the conservation, protection, and recovery of fragile species, such as the Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus). One potential solution to reduce the risk associated with commercial fishing operations is to design commercial fishing gear that is more selective in terms of interactions between Atlantic sturgeon and commercial fisheries. Given this conservation and management need, the overarching goal was to reduce Atlantic sturgeon fishery interactions and maintain southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) catch in North Carolina. The specific objectives of this study were to design and evaluate the effectiveness of a modified gillnet. Overall, the results proved that lowering the profile and amount of webbing had a beneficial impact at reducing Atlantic sturgeon incidental encounters and bycatch. The modified gillnet reduced bycatch and Atlantic sturgeon encounters by 39.6% and 60.9%, respectively. Our design entangled 51.6% fewer southern flounder, which corresponded to a 48.9% reduction in total weight; the modified gear entangled slightly larger southern flounder than the control gear. Our findings showed the number of Atlantic sturgeon encounters was positively associated with mean water depth, with more Atlantic sturgeon encountered in deeper (5.1–6.3 m) than shallower waters; 75% were encountered at depths between 4.6 and 6.1 m. Most southern flounder (n = 518, 39.7%) were taken at a water depth between 3.76 and 5.0 m. This observation suggests that southern flounder prefer slightly shallower waters than Atlantic sturgeon. PMID:27547524

Manufacturing of a Secretoneurin Drug Delivery System with Self-Assembled Protamine Nanoparticles by Titration

PubMed Central

Scheicher, Bernhard; Lorenzer, Cornelia; Gegenbauer, Katrin; Partlic, Julia; Andreae, Fritz; Kirsch, Alexander H.; Rosenkranz, Alexander R.; Werzer, Oliver

2016-01-01

Since therapeutic peptides and oligonucleotides are gathering interests as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), nanoparticulate drug delivery systems are becoming of great importance. Thereby, the possibility to design drug delivery systems according to the therapeutic needs of APIs enhances clinical implementation. Over the last years, the focus of our group was laid on protamine-oligonucleotide-nanoparticles (so called proticles), however, the possibility to modify the size, zeta potential or loading efficiencies was limited. Therefore, at the present study we integrated a stepwise addition of protamine (titration) into the formation process of proticles loaded with the angiogenic neuropeptide secretoneurin (SN). A particle size around 130 nm was determined when proticles were assembled by the commonly used protamine addition at once. Through application of the protamine titration process it was possible to modify and adjust the particle size between approx. 120 and 1200 nm (dependent on mass ratio) without influencing the SN loading capacity. Dynamic light scattering pointed out that the difference in particle size was most probably the result of a secondary aggregation. Initially-formed particles of early stages in the titration process aggregated towards bigger assemblies. Atomic-force-microscopy images also revealed differences in morphology along with different particle size. In contrast, the SN loading was only influenced by the applied mass ratio, where a slight saturation effect was observable. Up to 65% of deployed SN could be imbedded into the proticle matrix. An in-vivo biodistribution study (i.m.) showed a retarded distribution of SN from the site of injection after the application of a SN-proticle formulation. Further, it was demonstrated that SN loaded proticles can be successfully freeze-dried and resuspended afterwards. To conclude, the integration of the protamine titration process offers new possibilities for the formulation of proticles in order to address key parameters of drug delivery systems as size, API loading or modified drug release. PMID:27828968

Fast and Selective Modification of Thiol Proteins/Peptides by N-(Phenylseleno)phthalimide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhengfang; Zhang, Yun; Zhang, Hao; Harrington, Peter B.; Chen, Hao

2012-03-01

We previously reported that selenamide reagents such as ebselen and N-(phenylseleno)phthalimide (NPSP) can be used to selectively derivatize thiols for mass spectrometric analysis, and the introduced selenium tags are useful as they could survive or removed with collision-induced dissociation (CID). Described herein is the further study of the reactivity of various protein/peptide thiols toward NPSP and its application to derivatize thiol peptides in protein digests. With a modified protocol (i.e., dissolving NPSP in acetonitrile instead of aqueous solvent), we found that quantitative conversion of thiols can be obtained in seconds, using NPSP in a slight excess amount (NPSP:thiol of 1.1-2:1). Further investigation shows that the thiol reactivity toward NPSP reflects its chemical environment and accessibility in proteins/peptides. For instance, adjacent basic amino acid residues increase the thiol reactivity, probably because they could stabilize the thiolate form to facilitate the nucleophilic attack of thiol on NPSP. In the case of creatine phosphokinase, the native protein predominately has one thiol reacted with NPSP while all of four thiol groups of the denatured protein can be derivatized, in accordance with the corresponding protein conformation. In addition, thiol peptides in protein/peptide enzymatic digests can be quickly and effectively tagged by NPSP following tri- n-butylphosphine (TBP) reduction. Notably, all three thiols of the peptide QCCASVCSL in the insulin peptic digest can be modified simultaneously by NPSP. These results suggest a novel and selective method for protecting thiols in the bottom-up approach for protein structure analysis.

Biological and land use controls on the isotopic composition of aquatic carbon in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Voss, Britta M.; Wickland, Kimberly P.; Aiken, George R.; Striegl, Robert G.

2017-08-01

Riverine ecosystems receive organic matter (OM) from terrestrial sources, internally produce new OM, and biogeochemically cycle and modify organic and inorganic carbon. Major gaps remain in the understanding of the relationships between carbon sources and processing in river systems. Here we synthesize isotopic, elemental, and molecular properties of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) system above Wabasha, MN, including the main stem Mississippi River and its four major tributaries (Minnesota, upper Mississippi, St. Croix, and Chippewa Rivers). Our goal was to elucidate how biological processing modifies the chemical and isotopic composition of aquatic carbon pools during transport downstream in a large river system with natural and man-made impoundments. Relationships between land cover and DOC carbon-isotope composition, absorbance, and hydrophobic acid content indicate that DOC retains terrestrial carbon source information, while the terrestrial POC signal is largely replaced by autochthonous organic matter, and DIC integrates the influence of in-stream photosynthesis and respiration of organic matter. The UMR is slightly heterotrophic throughout the year, but pools formed by low-head navigation dams and natural impoundments promote a shift toward autotrophic conditions, altering aquatic ecosystem dynamics and POC and DIC compositions. Such changes likely occur in all major river systems affected by low-head dams and need to be incorporated into our understanding of inland water carbon dynamics and processes controlling CO2 emissions from rivers, as new navigation and flood control systems are planned for future river and water resources management.

Separation and Determination of Fe(III) and Fe(II) in Natural and Waste Waters Using Silica Gel Sequentially Modified with Polyhexamethylene Guanidine and Tiron

PubMed Central

Maksimov, Nikolay; Trofimchuk, Anatoly; Zaporogets, Olga

2017-01-01

Silica gel, sequentially modified with polyhexamethylene guanidine and pyrocatechin-3,5-disulfonic acid (Tiron), was suggested for sorption separation and determination of Fe(III) and Fe(II). It was found that quantitative extraction of Fe(III) and its separation from Fe(II) were attained at pH 2.5–4.0, while quantitative extraction of Fe(II) was observed at pH 6.0–7.5. An intensive signal with g = 4.27, which is characteristic for Fe(III), appeared in EPR spectra of the sorbents after Fe(II) and Fe(III) sorption. During interaction between Fe(II) and Tiron, fixed on the sorbent surface, its oxidation up to Fe(III) occurred. Red-lilac complexes of the composition FeL3 were formed on the sorbent surface during sorption regardless of initial oxidation level of iron. Diffuse reflectance spectrum of surface complexes exhibited wide band with slightly expressed maxima at 480 and 510 nm. Procedures for separation and photometric determination of Fe(III) and Fe(II) at the joint presence and total Fe content determination as Fe(II) in waste and natural waters was developed. The limit of detection for iron was 0.05 μg per 0.100 g of the sorbent. The calibration graph was linear up to 20.0 μg of Fe per 0.100 g of the sorbent. The RSD in the determination of more than 0.2 μg of Fe was less than 0.06. PMID:29214095

Biological and land use controls on the isotopic composition of aquatic carbon in the Upper Mississippi River Basin

USGS Publications Warehouse

Voss, Britta; Wickland, Kimberly P.; Aiken, George R.; Striegl, Robert G.

2017-01-01

Riverine ecosystems receive organic matter (OM) from terrestrial sources, internally produce new OM, and biogeochemically cycle and modify organic and inorganic carbon. Major gaps remain in the understanding of the relationships between carbon sources and processing in river systems. Here we synthesize isotopic, elemental, and molecular properties of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) system above Wabasha, MN, including the main stem Mississippi River and its four major tributaries (Minnesota, upper Mississippi, St. Croix, and Chippewa Rivers). Our goal was to elucidate how biological processing modifies the chemical and isotopic composition of aquatic carbon pools during transport downstream in a large river system with natural and man-made impoundments. Relationships between land cover and DOC carbon-isotope composition, absorbance, and hydrophobic acid content indicate that DOC retains terrestrial carbon source information, while the terrestrial POC signal is largely replaced by autochthonous organic matter, and DIC integrates the influence of in-stream photosynthesis and respiration of organic matter. The UMR is slightly heterotrophic throughout the year, but pools formed by low-head navigation dams and natural impoundments promote a shift towards autotrophic conditions, altering aquatic ecosystem dynamics and POC and DIC composition. Such changes likely occur in all major river systems affected by low-head dams and need to be incorporated into our understanding of inland water carbon dynamics and processes controlling CO2 emissions from rivers, as new navigation and flood control systems are planned for future river and water resources management.

A simulation study of mutations in the genetic regulatory hierarchy for butterfly eyespot focus determination.

PubMed

Marcus, Jeffrey M; Evans, Travis M

2008-09-01

The color patterns on the wings of butterflies have been an important model system in evolutionary developmental biology. A recent computational model tested genetic regulatory hierarchies hypothesized to underlie the formation of butterfly eyespot foci [Evans, T.M., Marcus, J.M., 2006. A simulation study of the genetic regulatory hierarchy for butterfly eyespot focus determination. Evol. Dev. 8, 273-283]. The computational model demonstrated that one proposed hierarchy was incapable of reproducing the known patterns of gene expression associated with eyespot focus determination in wild-type butterflies, but that two slightly modified alternative hierarchies were capable of reproducing all of the known gene expressions patterns. Here we extend the computational models previously implemented in Delphi 2.0 to two mutants derived from the squinting bush brown butterfly (Bicyclus anynana). These two mutants, comet and Cyclops, have aberrantly shaped eyespot foci that are produced by different mechanisms. The comet mutation appears to produce a modified interaction between the wing margin and the eyespot focus that results in a series of comet-shaped eyespot foci. The Cyclops mutation causes the failure of wing vein formation between two adjacent wing-cells and the fusion of two adjacent eyespot foci to form a single large elongated focus in their place. The computational approach to modeling pattern formation in these mutants allows us to make predictions about patterns of gene expression, which are largely unstudied in butterfly mutants. It also suggests a critical experiment that will allow us to distinguish between two hypothesized genetic regulatory hierarchies that may underlie all butterfly eyespot foci.

Does the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists in natural IVF cycles for poor responder patients cause more harm than benefit?

PubMed

Aksoy, Senai; Yakin, Kayhan; Seyhan, Ayse; Oktem, Ozgur; Alatas, Cengiz; Ata, Baris; Urman, Bulent

2016-06-01

Poor ovarian response to controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) is one of the most critical factors that substantially limits the success of assisted reproduction techniques (ARTs). Natural and modified natural cycle IVF are two options that could be considered as a last resort. Blocking gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) actions in the endometrium via GnRH receptor antagonism may have a negative impact on endometrial receptivity. We analysed IVF outcomes in 142 natural (n = 30) or modified natural (n = 112) IVF cycles performed in 82 women retrospectively. A significantly lower proportion of natural cycles reached follicular aspiration compared to modified natural cycles (56.7% vs. 85.7%, p < 0.001). However, the difference between the numbers of IVF cycles ending in embryo transfer (26.7% vs. 44.6%) was not statistically significant between natural cycle and modified natural IVF cycles. Clinical pregnancy (6.7% vs. 7.1%) and live birth rates per initiated cycle (6.7% vs. 5.4%) were similar between the two groups. Notably, the implantation rate was slightly lower in modified natural cycles (16% vs. 25%, p > 0.05). There was a trend towards higher clinical pregnancy (25% vs. 16%) and live birth (25% vs. 12%) rates per embryo transfer in natural cycles compared to modified natural cycles, but the differences did not reach statistical significance.

Ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate anchored Symphoricarpus albus biomass for lead(II) removal: batch and column biosorption study.

PubMed

Akar, Sibel Tunali; Arslan, Derya; Alp, Tugba

2012-08-15

The biosorption properties of APDC modified S. albus were tested in batch and column conditions. Effective experimental parameters such as pH, biosorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, initial lead(II) ion concentration, flow rate and bed height were investigated. The biosorption capacity of modified biosorbent was at maximum when lead(II) solution pH and biosorbent dosage were 5.5 and 2.0 g L(-1), respectively. The biosorption equilibrium was established in 20 min. Langmuir isotherm fitted well to the equilibrium data and kinetics is found to fit pseudo-second-order model. Increase in ionic strength of lead(II) solutions caused a slight decrease in the biosorption yield of APDC-modified biosorbent. Co-ions affected the biosorption performance of modified biomass up to maximum 20.81% reduction. Column biosorption of lead(II) showed higher biosorption yields at lower flow rates. Required time of breakthrough point was found to be 200 min. The recommended mechanism was found to depend mainly on electrostatic interaction, ion-exchange and complex formation. The ion-exchange mechanism for lead(II) biosorption onto the modified biosorbent is verified from the ionic strength effect and EDX analysis. Carbonyl, phosphate and CN groups on the modified surface of S. albus were found to responsible for complexation with lead(II). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fracture toughness and the master curve for modified 9Cr-1Mo steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Ji-Hyun; Yoon, Eui-Pak

2006-12-01

Modified 9Cr-1Mo steel is a primary candidate material for the reactor pressure vessel of a Very High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactor (VHTR) in the Korean Nuclear Hydrogen Development and Demonstration (NHDD) program. In this study, the T0 reference temperature, J-R fracture resistance and Charpy impact properties were evaluated for commercial Grade 91 steel as part of the preliminary testing for a selection of the RPV material for the VHTR. The fracture toughness of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel was compared with that of SA508-Gr.3. The objective of this study was to obtain the pre-irradiation fracture toughness properties of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel as reference data for an investigation of radiation effects. Charpy impact properties of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel were similar to those of SA508-Gr.3. T0 reference temperatures were measured as -67.7 and -72.4°C from the tests with standard PCVN (pre-cracked Charpy V-notch) and half-sized PCVN specimens respectively, which were similar to the results for SA508-Gr.3. The KJc values of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel with the test temperatures are successfully expressed by the Master Curve. The J-R fracture resistance of the modified 9Cr-1Mo steel at room temperature was nearly identical to that of SA508-Gr.3; in contrast, it was slightly higher at an elevated temperature.

Method of detecting luminescent target ions with modified magnetic microspheres

DOEpatents

Shkrob, Ilya A; Kaminski, Michael D

2014-05-13

This invention provides methods of using modified magnetic microspheres to extract target ions from a sample in order to detect their presence in a microfluidic environment. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules on the surface that allow the target ions in the sample to form complexes with specific ligand molecules on the microsphere surface. In one or more embodiments, the microspheres are modified with molecules that sequester the target ions from the sample, but specific ligand molecules in solution subsequently re-extract the target ions from the microspheres into the solution, where the complexes form independent of the microsphere surface. Once the complexes form, they are exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the target ion to emit a luminescent signal pattern. Detection of the luminescent signal pattern allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample.

Artificial neural networks in evaluation and optimization of modified release solid dosage forms.

PubMed

Ibrić, Svetlana; Djuriš, Jelena; Parojčić, Jelena; Djurić, Zorica

2012-10-18

Implementation of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach in pharmaceutical development has compelled researchers in the pharmaceutical industry to employ Design of Experiments (DoE) as a statistical tool, in product development. Among all DoE techniques, response surface methodology (RSM) is the one most frequently used. Progress of computer science has had an impact on pharmaceutical development as well. Simultaneous with the implementation of statistical methods, machine learning tools took an important place in drug formulation. Twenty years ago, the first papers describing application of artificial neural networks in optimization of modified release products appeared. Since then, a lot of work has been done towards implementation of new techniques, especially Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in modeling of production, drug release and drug stability of modified release solid dosage forms. The aim of this paper is to review artificial neural networks in evaluation and optimization of modified release solid dosage forms.

Artificial Neural Networks in Evaluation and Optimization of Modified Release Solid Dosage Forms

PubMed Central

Ibrić, Svetlana; Djuriš, Jelena; Parojčić, Jelena; Djurić, Zorica

2012-01-01

Implementation of the Quality by Design (QbD) approach in pharmaceutical development has compelled researchers in the pharmaceutical industry to employ Design of Experiments (DoE) as a statistical tool, in product development. Among all DoE techniques, response surface methodology (RSM) is the one most frequently used. Progress of computer science has had an impact on pharmaceutical development as well. Simultaneous with the implementation of statistical methods, machine learning tools took an important place in drug formulation. Twenty years ago, the first papers describing application of artificial neural networks in optimization of modified release products appeared. Since then, a lot of work has been done towards implementation of new techniques, especially Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) in modeling of production, drug release and drug stability of modified release solid dosage forms. The aim of this paper is to review artificial neural networks in evaluation and optimization of modified release solid dosage forms. PMID:24300369

Tribological properties of hydraulic fluids modified by peat-based additives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ionov, V. V.; Larionov, S. A.; Sarkisov, Ju S.; Kopanica, N. O.; Gorchkova, A. V.; Gorlenko, N. P.; Tzevtkov, N. A.; Ikonnikova, K. V.

2017-02-01

The paper presents physicochemical investigations of the structure and properties of a nano-modifier synthesized from peat, the local raw material subjected to pyrolysis in air-free conditions. This nano-modifying additive is a combination of various forms of nanocarbon and polar and non-polar adsorbing materials such as silica (SiO2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and carbon (C). Different nanocarbon forms (nanotubes, fullerenes, nanodiamonds, nanofiber, nanodispersed carbon) used in different proportions with micro and macro peat components give multifunctional properties to the synthesized nano-modifier and the ability to positively change tribological properties of hydraulic fluids and oil lubricants. Test results of type TMT-600 show that its different percentage is required to modify tribological properties of the steel tribocouple under different loading conditions. At 0.5 wt.% content of this nano-modifier, stabilization of the friction ratio and an increase of seizure load are observed.

Comparative study of (Asp)7-CHOL-modified liposome prepared using pre-insertion and post-insertion methods for bone targeting in vivo.

PubMed

Zhang, Lijing; Cao, Hua; Zhang, Jiaxin; Yang, Chengli; Hu, Tingting; Li, Huili; Yang, Wu; He, Gu; Song, Xiangrong; Tong, Aiping; Guo, Gang; Li, Rui; Jiang, Yu; Liu, Jiyan; Cai, Lulu; Zheng, Yu

2017-02-01

Specific delivery of drugs to bone tissue is very challenging due to the architecture and structure of bone tissue. A seven-repeat sequence of aspartate, a representative bone-targeting oligopeptide, is preferentially used for targeted therapy for bone diseases. In this study, Asp7-cholesterol((Asp)7-CHOL) was synthesized and (Asp)7-CHOL-modified liposome loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) was successfully prepared using both pre-insertion (pre-L) and post-insertion (post-L) methods. The formulation was optimized according to particle size, zeta potential and the drug-loading efficiency of the liposome. In addition, the bone affinity of the (Asp)7-CHOL-modified liposome was evaluated using a hydroxyapatite (HA) absorption method. The results suggested that (Asp)7-CHOL-modified liposome show excellent HA absorption; pre-L showed slightly higher HA binding than post-L. However, post-L had a higher DOX entrapment efficiency than pre-L. In vivo imaging further demonstrated that pre-L showed a higher bone-targeting efficiency than post-L, which was consistent with in vitro results. In all, (Asp)7-CHOL-modified liposome showed excellent bone-targeting activity, suggesting their potential for use as a drug delivery system for bone disease-targeted therapies.

A modified ion-selective electrode method for measurement of chloride in sweat.

PubMed

Finley, P R; Dye, J A; Lichti, D A; Byers, J M; Williams, R J

1978-06-01

A modified method of analysis of sweat chloride concentration with an ion-selective electrode is presented. The original method of sweat chloride analysis proposed by the Orion Research Corporation (Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139) is inadequate because it produces erratic and misleading results. The modified method was compared with the reference quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke. In the modified method, individual electrode pads are cut and placed in the electrodes rather than using the pads supplied by the company; pilocarpine nitrate (2,000 mg/l) is used in place of pilocarpine HCl (640 mg/l); sodium bicarbonate as the weak electrolyte is used instead of K2SO4. A 10-minute period for sweat accumulation is employed rather than a zero-time collection as in the original Orion method. The modification has been studied for reproducibility in individuals, reproducibility between right and left arm in individuals; it has been compared extensively with the quantitative method of Gibson and Cooke, both in normal individuals and in patients with cystic fibrosis. There is excellent agreement between the modified method and the quantitative reference method. There appears to be a slight bias toward higher concentrations of chloride from the right arm compared with the left arm, but this difference is not medically significant.

Should the Concept of Network-Centric Warfare Form a Central Pillar of the Australian Army’s Transformation, as Articulated in the Hardened and Networked Army Concept?

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-05-08

of this transformation, the Australian Army aims to gain advantage through the concept of a ‘network- enabled’ Army. This approach is only a slight...43 NETWORK ENABLED VERSUS NETWORK CENTRIC— A DIFFERENT APPROACH ?... 45 Introduction...advantage through the concept of a ‘network- enabled’ Army. This approach is only a slight modification of that proposed in the Australian Department of

Immunosuppressive potential of bardoxolone methyl using a modified murine local lymph node assay (LLNA).

PubMed

Kitsukawa, Mika; Tsuchiyama, Hiromi; Maeda, Akihisa; Oshida, Keiyu; Miyamoto, Yohei

2014-08-01

2-Cyano-3, 12-dioxooleana-1, 9-dien-28-oic acid methyl ester (CDDO-Me; bardoxolone methyl) is one of the synthetic oleanane triterpenoids (SOs). It is known that it is the strongest Nrf2/ARE signaling inducer of SOs and slightly inhibits immune response. Little was known about the immunomodulatory action of CDDO-Me in vivo. We assessed its immunosuppressive potential by using the modified mouse lymph node assay (LLNA) including immunosuppression-related gene expression analysis. In the modified LLNA, CDDO-Me showed a significant decrease in lymph node weight and changes in expressions of the immunosuppression-related genes, Zfp459 and Fmo2. It has been already reported that a decrease in lymph node weight was induced by several types of immunosuppressive chemicals such as calcineurin inhibitors, antimetabolites, steroids, and alkylators. In addition, changes in Zfp459 and Fmo2 expression was reported in response after only treatment of antimetabolites. From these results, CDDO-Me is considered to have an immunosuppressive action and similar mechanism to antimetabolites.

The routine use of modified Borelli's lactritmel agar (MBLA).

PubMed

Kaminski, G W

1985-07-01

The original formula of Borelli's lactritmel agar (BLA)(3) which contains wheat flour, milk and honey, has been modified by replacing the wheat flour with dehydrated Bacto Corn Meal Agar (Difco) and by slightly altering the concentrations of the milk and honey. The modified medium (MBLA) is less turbid, less particulate, and easier to prepare than BLA. Although Trichophyton rubrum usually produces a wine-red pigment with BLA, most strains initially produce a yellow pigment, with the red pigment developing later. The corn meal in MBLA reduces this tendency and stimulates the early formation of deep wine red pigment, MBLA enhances sporulation of dermatophytes and various fungi which fail to sporulate on other media, and maintains characteristic growth without developing pleomorphic degeneration. It has been used routinely since 1972 as a reliable aid to the differentiation of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Since 1975 selective MBLA has been used as a routine primary isolation medium for dermatophytes, and has proved to be most useful.

Modified sensing element of a fibre-optic current sensor based on a low-eigenellipticity spun fibre

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

Przhiyalkovsky, Ya V; Morshnev, S K; Starostin, N I

2014-10-31

We have proposed and investigated a modified sensing element of a spun fibre current sensor for the case when the beat length of the built-in linear birefringence of the fibre is equal to or less than the spin pitch of its helical structure. The proposed configuration makes it possible to restore the interferometer contrast reduced because of the decrease in the ellipticity of the wavelength-averaged polarisation state of radiation propagating in such spun fibre. The modified sensing element contains two polarisation state converters: one, located at the spun fibre input, produces polarisation with ellipticity equal to the eigenellipticity of themore » fibre, and the other ensures conversion of the elliptical polarisation to an orthogonal one through mirror reflection at the fibre output. We have also demonstrated that the magneto-optical sensitivity decreases slightly for the analysed spectrum-averaged parameters of the polarisation state of radiation in the spun fibre. Experimental data lend support to the theoretical predictions. (fibre-optic sensors)« less

Amorphous titania modified with boric acid for selective capture of glycoproteins.

PubMed

Jin, Shanxia; Liu, Liping; Zhou, Ping

2018-05-22

Amorphous titania was modified with boric acid, and the resulting material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The new material, in contrast to conventional boronate affinity materials containing boronic acid ligands, bears boric acid groups. It is shown to exhibit high specificity for glycoproteins, and this was applied to design a method for solid phase extraction of glycoproteins as shown for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin. Glycoproteins were captured under slightly alkaline environment and released in acidic solutions. The glycoproteins extracted were detected by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The binding capacities for ribonuclease B, horse radish peroxidase and ovalbumin typically are 9.3, 26.0 and 53.0 mg ∙ g -1 , respectively. The method was successfully applied to the selective enrichment of ovalbumin from egg white. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of the capture of glycoproteins by amorphous titania modified with boric acid.

Modified ADM1 disintegration/hydrolysis structures for modeling batch thermophilic anaerobic digestion of thermally pretreated waste activated sludge.

PubMed

Ramirez, Ivan; Mottet, Alexis; Carrère, Hélène; Déléris, Stéphane; Vedrenne, Fabien; Steyer, Jean-Philippe

2009-08-01

Anaerobic digestion disintegration and hydrolysis have been traditionally modeled according to first-order kinetics assuming that their rates do not depend on disintegration/hydrolytic biomass concentrations. However, the typical sigmoid-shape increase in time of the disintegration/hydrolysis rates cannot be described with first-order models. For complex substrates, first-order kinetics should thus be modified to account for slowly degradable material. In this study, a slightly modified IWA ADM1 model is presented to simulate thermophilic anaerobic digestion of thermally pretreated waste activated sludge. Contois model is first included for disintegration and hydrolysis steps instead of first-order kinetics and Hill function is then used to model ammonia inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens instead of a non-competitive function. One batch experimental data set of anaerobic degradation of a raw waste activated sludge is used to calibrate the proposed model and three additional data sets from similar sludge thermally pretreated at three different temperatures are used to validate the parameters values.

Effect of dry heating and ionic gum on the physicochemical and release properties of starch from Dioscorea.

PubMed

Vashisht, Deepika; Pandey, Anima; Hermenean, Anca; Yáñez-Gascón, Maria Josefa; Pérez-Sánchez, Horacio; Kumar, K Jayaram

2017-02-01

To meet the ever increasing industrial demand for excipients with desirable properties, modified starch is regarded as an alternative to it. With this in mind, the present study focuses on the modification of starches of Dioscorea from Jharkhand (India) using dry heat treatment with and without ionic gum. Modified starches were prepared using sodium alginate (1% w/w). Native and modified starches were subjected to heat treatment at 130°C for 2h and 4h. The effect of heating and ionic gum on the properties of Dioscorea starch was investigated. The amylose content, water holding capacity, micromeritic properties, swelling power, solubility and morphology of starches were evaluated. Dry heat treatment of starches without gum showed an increment in water-holding capacity after two-hours heating, but no such increment was found after four-hours heating. Oil binding capacity of starches modified with gum varied from 62% to 78%. Strongest effect of heat treatment occurred on the morphology of starches and thereby modified starches showed distorted surface morphology. Amylose content (21.09-21.89%) found to be decreased with the addition of gum which lead to decrease in paste clarity. Starches heated with gum at high-temperature resulted in restrict swelling and slight increase in solubility. Micromeritic properties of the modified starches showed the good flow properties. Further, the modified starches were investigated for in-vitro release studies and that the thermally modified derivatives can be a good prospect in slow release formulations. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2 CFR 25.210 - Authority to modify agency application forms or formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. 25.210 Section 25.210 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS...

2 CFR 25.210 - Authority to modify agency application forms or formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. 25.210 Section 25.210 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS...

2 CFR 25.210 - Authority to modify agency application forms or formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. 25.210 Section 25.210 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS...

2 CFR 25.210 - Authority to modify agency application forms or formats.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 2 Grants and Agreements 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Authority to modify agency application forms or formats. 25.210 Section 25.210 Grants and Agreements Office of Management and Budget Guidance for Grants and Agreements OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET GOVERNMENTWIDE GUIDANCE FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS...

33 CFR 331.6 - Filing an appeal.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... objections to the permit. The district engineer, upon evaluation of the applicant's objections, may: Modify... such modified permit to the applicant, enclosing an NAP fact sheet and an RFA form as well. Should the... an NAP fact sheet, RFA form, and a copy of the decision document for the project. If the district...

Preparation and mechanical properties of modified nanocellulose/PLA composites from cassava residue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Lijie; Zhang, Xiaoxiao; Xu, Mingzi; Chen, Jie; Shi, Yinghan; Huang, Chongxing; Wang, Shuangfei; An, Shuxiang; Li, Chunying

2018-02-01

Nanocellulose was prepared by a mechanochemical method using cassava residue as a raw material and phosphoric acid as the auxiliary agent. The prepared nanocellulose was hydrophobically modified with stearic acid to improve its dispersibility. This modified nanocellulose was added to polylactic acid (PLA) film-forming liquids at concentrations of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%, and the effect of modified nanocellulose on the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) films were investigated. When at least 0.5% modified nanocellulose is added, more active groups of modified nanocellulose are adsorbed onto the PLA molecular chain. Although the tensile strength of the film is only improved by 13.59%, the flexibility of the film decreases, and the elastic modulus decreases by 28.91%. When 1% modified nanocellulose is added, the modified nanocellulose and PLA are tangled together through molecular chains and they co-crystallize to form a stable network structure. The tensile strength of the nanocomposite films is enhanced by 40.03%, the elastic modulus is enhanced by 55.65%, and the flexibility of the film decreases.

A modified MOD16 algorithm to estimate evapotranspiration over alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Yaping; Qin, Dahe; Ding, Yongjian; Zhao, Qiudong; Zhang, Shiqiang

2018-06-01

The long-term change of evapotranspiration (ET) is crucial for managing water resources in areas with extreme climates, such as the Tibetan Plateau (TP). This study proposed a modified algorithm for estimating ET based on the MOD16 algorithm on a global scale over alpine meadow on the TP in China. Wind speed and vegetation height were integrated to estimate aerodynamic resistance, while the temperature and moisture constraints for stomatal conductance were revised based on the technique proposed by Fisher et al. (2008). Moreover, Fisher's method for soil evaporation was adopted to reduce the uncertainty in soil evaporation estimation. Five representative alpine meadow sites on the TP were selected to investigate the performance of the modified algorithm. Comparisons were made between the ET observed using the Eddy Covariance (EC) and estimated using both the original and modified algorithms. The results revealed that the modified algorithm performed better than the original MOD16 algorithm with the coefficient of determination (R2) increasing from 0.26 to 0.68, and root mean square error (RMSE) decreasing from 1.56 to 0.78 mm d-1. The modified algorithm performed slightly better with a higher R2 (0.70) and lower RMSE (0.61 mm d-1) for after-precipitation days than for non-precipitation days at Suli site. Contrarily, better results were obtained for non-precipitation days than for after-precipitation days at Arou, Tanggula, and Hulugou sites, indicating that the modified algorithm may be more suitable for estimating ET for non-precipitation days with higher accuracy than for after-precipitation days, which had large observation errors. The comparisons between the modified algorithm and two mainstream methods suggested that the modified algorithm could produce high accuracy ET over the alpine meadow sites on the TP.

Short communication: Evaluation of a sol-gel-based stainless steel surface modification to reduce fouling and biofilm formation during pasteurization of milk.

PubMed

Liu, Dylan Zhe; Jindal, Shivali; Amamcharla, Jayendra; Anand, Sanjeev; Metzger, Lloyd

2017-04-01

Milk fouling and biofilms are common problems in the dairy industry across many types of processing equipment. One way to reduce milk fouling and biofilms is to modify the characteristics of milk contact surfaces. This study examines the viability of using Thermolon (Porcelain Industries Inc., Dickson, TN), a sol-gel-based surface modification of stainless steel, during thermal processing of milk. We used stainless steel 316L (control) and sol-gel-modified coupons in this study to evaluate fouling behavior and bacterial adhesion. The surface roughness as measured by an optical profiler indicated that the control coupons had a slightly smoother finish. Contact angle measurements showed that the modified surface led to a higher water contact angle, suggesting a more hydrophobic surface. The modified surface also had a lower surface energy (32.4 ± 1.4 mN/m) than the control surface (41.36 ± 2.7 mN/m). We evaluated the susceptibility of control and modified stainless steel coupons to fouling in a benchtop plate heat exchanger. We observed a significant reduction in the amount of fouled layer on modified surfaces. We found an average fouling weight of 19.21 mg/cm 2 and 0.37 mg/cm 2 on the control and modified stainless steel coupons, respectively. We also examined the adhesion of Bacillus and biofilm formation, and observed that the modified stainless steel surface offered greater resistance to biofilm formation. Overall, the Thermolon-modified surface showed potential in the thermal processing of milk, offering significantly lower fouling and bacterial attachment than the control surface. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A Strontium-Modified Titanium Surface Produced by a New Method and Its Biocompatibility In Vitro

PubMed Central

Liu, Chundong; Zhang, Yanli; Wang, Lichao; Zhang, Xinhua; Chen, Qiuyue; Wu, Buling

2015-01-01

Objective To present a new and effective method of producing titanium surfaces modified with strontium and to investigate the surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) surfaces modified with strontium (Sr) for bone implant applications. Materials and Methods Sr-modified Ti surfaces were produced by sequential treatments with NaOH, strontium acetate, heat and water. The surface characteristics and the concentration of the Sr ions released from the samples were examined. Cell adhesion, morphology and growth were investigated using osteoblasts isolated from the calvaria of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats. Expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins was examined to assess the effect of the Sr-modified Ti surfaces on osteoblasts. Results The modified titanium surface had a mesh structure with significantly greater porosity, and approximately5.37±0.35at.% of Sr was incorporated into the surface. The hydrophilicity was enhanced by the incorporation of Sr ions and water treatment. The average amounts of Sr released from the Sr-modified plates subjected to water treatment were slight higher than the plates without water treatment. Sr promoted cellular adhesion, spreading and growth compared with untreated Ti surfaces. The Sr-modified Ti plates also promoted expression of osteogenesis-related genes,and expression of OPN and COL-І by osteoblasts. Ti plates heat treated at 700°C showed increased bioactivity in comparison with those treated at 600°C. Water treatment upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. Conclusions These results show that Sr-modification of Ti surfaces may improve bioactivity in vitro. Water treatment has enhanced the response of osteoblasts. The Sr-modified Ti heat-treated at 700°C exhibited better bioactivity compared with that heated at 600°C. PMID:26529234

A Strontium-Modified Titanium Surface Produced by a New Method and Its Biocompatibility In Vitro.

PubMed

Liu, Chundong; Zhang, Yanli; Wang, Lichao; Zhang, Xinhua; Chen, Qiuyue; Wu, Buling

2015-01-01

To present a new and effective method of producing titanium surfaces modified with strontium and to investigate the surface characteristics and in vitro biocompatibility of titanium (Ti) surfaces modified with strontium (Sr) for bone implant applications. Sr-modified Ti surfaces were produced by sequential treatments with NaOH, strontium acetate, heat and water. The surface characteristics and the concentration of the Sr ions released from the samples were examined. Cell adhesion, morphology and growth were investigated using osteoblasts isolated from the calvaria of neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats. Expression of osteogenesis-related genes and proteins was examined to assess the effect of the Sr-modified Ti surfaces on osteoblasts. The modified titanium surface had a mesh structure with significantly greater porosity, and approximately5.37±0.35at.% of Sr was incorporated into the surface. The hydrophilicity was enhanced by the incorporation of Sr ions and water treatment. The average amounts of Sr released from the Sr-modified plates subjected to water treatment were slight higher than the plates without water treatment. Sr promoted cellular adhesion, spreading and growth compared with untreated Ti surfaces. The Sr-modified Ti plates also promoted expression of osteogenesis-related genes,and expression of OPN and COL-І by osteoblasts. Ti plates heat treated at 700°C showed increased bioactivity in comparison with those treated at 600°C. Water treatment upregulated the expression of osteogenesis-related genes. These results show that Sr-modification of Ti surfaces may improve bioactivity in vitro. Water treatment has enhanced the response of osteoblasts. The Sr-modified Ti heat-treated at 700°C exhibited better bioactivity compared with that heated at 600°C.

7 CFR 51.1317 - Well formed.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... FRESH FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND OTHER PRODUCTS 1,2 (INSPECTION, CERTIFICATION, AND STANDARDS) United States... characteristic of the variety. Slight irregularities of shape from type which do not appreciably detract from the...

The Microbial Degradation of TCE (Trichloroethylene).

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-04-01

enrichment studies . All the sample flasks , including the controls, contained 14C in the 14C02 trap. The 14C measured in the control flask 14C02...layer compared to the controls. These data again suggested that TCE was being biologically modified. Those flasks flushed with air gave the first hard...only slightly soluble in water. All culture flasks were incubated at 250C for a minimum of a week. Results in the carbon and nitrogen source studies are

Technique to quantitatively measure magnetic properties of thin structures at <10 NM spatial resolution

DOEpatents

Bajt, Sasa

2003-07-08

A highly sensitive and high resolution magnetic microscope images magnetic properties quantitatively. Imaging is done with a modified transmission electron microscope that allows imaging of the sample in a zero magnetic field. Two images from closely spaced planes, one in focus and one slightly out of focus, are sufficient to calculate the absolute values of the phase change imparted to the electrons, and hence obtain the magnetization vector field distribution.

Predictors of Risk and Resilience for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Ground Combat Marines: Methods of the Marine Resiliency Study

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

were modified slightly for use in the study, including linking the widely used PTSD Checklist, Peritraumatic Dissociative Experiences Questionnaire...duration of unconsciousness, and altered mental state (AMS) (eg, confusion or dazed feeling or posttraumatic amnesia ). To ensure interrater...X X Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES) X — — X Janoff-Bulman World Assumptions Scale (WAS) X X X — Psychiatric symptoms PTSD Checklist (PCL) X X X X

Inverse scattering method and soliton double solution family for the general symplectic gravity model

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

Gao Yajun

A previously established Hauser-Ernst-type extended double-complex linear system is slightly modified and used to develop an inverse scattering method for the stationary axisymmetric general symplectic gravity model. The reduction procedures in this inverse scattering method are found to be fairly simple, which makes the inverse scattering method applied fine and effective. As an application, a concrete family of soliton double solutions for the considered theory is obtained.

The use of the modified Cholesky decomposition in divergence and classification calculations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vanroony, D. L.; Lynn, M. S.; Snyder, C. H.

1973-01-01

The use of the Cholesky decomposition technique is analyzed as applied to the feature selection and classification algorithms used in the analysis of remote sensing data (e.g. as in LARSYS). This technique is approximately 30% faster in classification and a factor of 2-3 faster in divergence, as compared with LARSYS. Also numerical stability and accuracy are slightly improved. Other methods necessary to deal with numerical stablity problems are briefly discussed.

Degradation of nonmodified and rhodium modified aluminide coating deposited on CMSX 4 superalloy.

PubMed

Zagula-Yavorska, Maryana; Wierzbińska, Małgorzata; Gancarczyk, Kamil; Sieniawski, Jan

2016-07-01

The Ni-base superalloy CMSX 4 used in the turbine blades of aircraft engines was coated with rhodium layer (0.5-μm thick). Next coated CMSX 4 superalloy was aluminized by the CVD method. The rhodium modified aluminide coating and nonmodified aluminide coating were oxidized at 1100°C at the air atmosphere. The rhodium modified aluminide coating showed about twice better oxidation resistance than the nonmodified one. The spallation equal 62% of the total area was observed on the surface of the nonmodified coating whereas only 36% spallation area was observed on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating after the oxidation test. The oxide layer formed on the surface of the nonmodified coating was composed of nonprotective (Ni,Cr)Al2 O4 and (Ni,Cr)O phases. Aluminium in the coating reacts with oxygen, forming a protective α-Al2 O3 oxide on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating. When the oxide cracks and spalls due to oxidation, additional aluminium from the coating diffuses to the surface to form the oxide. The presence of protective Al2 O3 oxide on the surface of the rhodium modified aluminide coating slows coating degradation. Therefore, rhodium modified aluminide coating has better oxidation resistance than the nonmodified one. © 2016 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2016 Royal Microscopical Society.

Assessment of the Natural Attenuation of NAPL Source Zones and Post-Treatment NAPL Source Zone Residuals

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-11-15

was conducted. As expected, a cylinder was formed similar to the one shown in Figure 5.9 using potassium permanganate , with slight elongation in the...clean water injections at 400 mg/L. This was not necessary during the ISCO disturbance test, as potassium permanganate (KMnO4), which forms a deep

Quizzes--A Sin against the Sixth Commandment? In Defense of MReader

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Robb, Thomas

2015-01-01

The "Ten Principles Teaching Extensive Reading" has appeared in a number of forms, initially as "The characteristics of an extensive reading approach" in Day and Bamford (1998) and later in an article in Reading in a Foreign Language (2002) but in a slightly different form and ordering. What was originally intended to be a…

Recent Advances and Future Challenges in Modified Mycotoxin Analysis: Why HRMS Has Become a Key Instrument in Food Contaminant Research

PubMed Central

Righetti, Laura; Paglia, Giuseppe; Galaverna, Gianni; Dall’Asta, Chiara

2016-01-01

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by pathogenic fungi in crops worldwide. These compounds can undergo modification in plants, leading to the formation of a large number of possible modified forms, whose toxicological relevance and occurrence in food and feed is still largely unexplored. The analysis of modified mycotoxins by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry remains a challenge because of their chemical diversity, the large number of isomeric forms, and the lack of analytical standards. Here, the potential benefits of high-resolution and ion mobility mass spectrometry as a tool for separation and structure confirmation of modified mycotoxins have been investigated/reviewed. PMID:27918432

pH-Responsive Nanoscale Covalent Organic Polymers as a Biodegradable Drug Carrier for Combined Photodynamic Chemotherapy of Cancer.

PubMed

Wang, Hairong; Zhu, Wenwen; Liu, Jingjing; Dong, Ziliang; Liu, Zhuang

2018-05-02

Covalent organic polymers (COPs) are a promising class of cross-linked polymeric networks and porous structures composed of covalent organic molecules that attract extensive attention. Despite increasing interest in applying COPs for applications in nanomedicine, the pH-sensitive COPs that are able to sensitively respond to the slightly acidic tumor microenvironment for tumor-specific drug delivery and therapy remain to be explored to our best knowledge. Herein, a new style of pH-responsive COPs were prepared using acryloyl meso-tetra( p-hydroxyphenyl) porphine (acryloyl-THPP) to react with 4,4'-trimethylene dipiperidine to form the pH-responsive cross-linked biodegradable β-amino esters (BAEs). Amine-modified poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was then introduced to terminate the reaction and form the PEG shell. The formulated pH-responsive THPP-BAE-PEG COPs can be utilized to encapsulate anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) due to their porous structure. Upon intravenous injection, such DOX-loaded COPs show a prolonged blood circulation as well as an efficient tumor accumulation. Along with the pH-triggered drug release for chemotherapy, the singlet oxygen produced by THPP under light exposure for photodynamic therapy would further endow us a combined treatment strategy, which offers synergistic antitumor effects in our in vivo tumor model experiments. Our study illustrates that COPs fabricated with tumor microenvironment responsive linkers may be a promising type of materials for applications in cancer nanomedicine.

High frequency peritidal cycles in the lower member of the Late Cretaceous (Turonian, Coniasian-Santonian) El Hefhuf Formation, Bahariya Oases, Western Desert, Egypt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalifa, M. A.; Tanner, Lawrence H.

2017-06-01

Carbonate lithofacies of the lower member of the El Hefhuf Formation (Turonian, Coniasian-Santonian) in the Bahariya Oases, Western Desert of Egypt comprise dolostone, burrowed dolostone, cherty dolostone, calcareous dedolostone, dolomitic quartzose lime-mudstone, and caliche. The dolostone and cherty dolostone formed in intertidal to supratidal environments, while dedolostone and caliche were formed during subaerial exposure. The dolomitic quartzose lime-mudstone was deposited in a restricted subtidal environment. Stable isotope analyses of the dolostone lithofacies are consistent with dolomitization by normal marine to evaporatively enriched dolomitizing fluids with only slight mixing of meteoric water. Therefore, dolomitization occurred in the intertidal and supratidal environments immediately following deposition. The dolostone and cherty dolostone lithofacies display pronounced cyclicity at the sub-meter scale, with individual cycles consisting of one (monolithic), two (diad) or at most three (triad) lithofacies. Most of all cycles show evidence of subaerial exposure at the top, such as brecciations, and many cycles are capped by calcareous palaeosol layers (caliche). In the absence of evidence for cycle periods at Milankovitch-scale frequencies, we reject orbital forcing as the cause of the cyclicity and suggest instead autocyclic depositional processes in the peritidal environment as the primary control on cyclicity, possibly modified by eustatic fluctuations at periods longer than the cycles recorded here. The significance of this study is to suggest formation of dolomite cycles due to high-frequency in sea level with intermittent subaerial exposure.

The palaeogeographic setting and the local environmental impact of the 130 ka Falconiera tuff-cone eruption (Ustica island, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Vita, Sandro; Foresta Martin, Franco

2017-04-01

This research focuses on the effects of the last eruption at Ustica (Suthern Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy), which formed the Falconiera tuff-cone at around 130 ka BP in the north-eastern tip of the island. This eruption was mainly explosive and phreatomagmatic, and emplaced a series of pyroclastic surge beds that formed an asymmetric tuff cone. This is the most easily recognizable volcanic edifice on Ustica, although its north-eastern sector has been partially eroded. A section of the feeding conduit is exposed northward, and is composed of lavas that fed the last stages of the eruption characterized by an intracrateric lava lake and a Strombolian scoria-fallout deposit. The eruption occurred during Upper Pleistocene Marine Isotopic Substage 5.5, a warm period characterized by a high sea-level stand (6±3 m above the present sea level in stable areas) and the diffusion of subtropical flora and fauna across the Mediterranean sea. This eruption slightly modified the morphology of Ustica, but impacted both marine and terrestrial environments, burying beach deposits rich in mollusk shells (i.e. Strombus bubonius, Conus testudinarius, Brachidontes puniceus), colonies of corals (Cladocora caespitosa) and subaerial plants (Chamaerops humilis). These organisms, found in some cases in their life position, along with other lines of evidence, provide information on the palaeogeography of this sector of the island at the time of the eruption, and on the local impact of this event on the environment.

Properties of Resistive Hydrogen Sensors as a Function of Additives of 3 D-Metals Introduced in the Volume of Thin Nanocrystalline SnO2 Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sevast'yanov, E. Yu.; Maksimova, N. K.; Potekaev, A. I.; Sergeichenko, N. V.; Chernikov, E. V.; Almaev, A. V.; Kushnarev, B. O.

2017-11-01

Analysis of the results of studying electrical and gas sensitive characteristics of the molecular hydrogen sensors based on thin nanocrystalline SnO2 films coated with dispersed Au layers and containing Au+Ni and Au+Co impurities in the bulk showed that the characteristics of these sensors are more stable under the prolonged exposure to hydrogen in comparison with Au/SnO2:Sb, Au films modified only with gold. It has been found that introduction of the nickel and cobalt additives increases the band bending at the grain boundaries of tin dioxide already in freshly prepared samples, which indicates an increase in the density Ni of the chemisorbed oxygen. It is important that during testing, the band bending eφs at the grain boundaries of tin dioxide additionally slightly increases. It can be assumed that during crystallization of films under thermal annealing, the 3d-metal atoms in the SnO2 volume partially segregate on the surface of microcrystals and form bonds with lattice oxygen, the superstoichiometric tin atoms are formed, and the density Ni increases. If the bonds of oxygen with nickel and cobalt are stronger than those with tin, then, under the prolonged tests, atomic hydrogen will be oxidized not by lattice oxygen, but mainly by the chemisorbed one. In this case, stability of the sensors' characteristics increases.

Surface characteristics of anodized and hydrothermally treated titatnium with an increasing concentration of calcium ion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Il Song; Bae, Tae Sung; Seol, Kyeong Won

2006-10-01

Titanium is widely used as an implant material due to its good mechanical properties and the excellent biocompatibility of the oxide film on the surface. To modify the unstable oxide surface of pure titanium, plasma electrolytic oxidation was applied in this study. The electrolyte used for anodizing was a mixture of GP (glycerophosphate disodium salt) and CA (calcium acetate). In addition, a hydrothermal treatment was performed to precipitate a calcium phosphate crystal on the titanium oxide layer for bioactivity. The effect of the CA concentration of the electrolyte on the surface of titanium was investigated, with CA concentrations at 0.1 M, 0.2 M, and 0.3 M. A high concentration of CA results in a low breakdown voltage; hence many large micropores were formed on the anodized surface. Moreover, the size of the HA crystals was more minute in proportion to the increasing concentration of CA. The crystal phase of titanium dioxide was mainly anatase, and a rutile phase was also observed. As the size and/or amount of HA crystals increased, the surface roughness increased. However, the surface roughness could be decreased by fully and uniformly covering the surface with HA crystals. The corrosion resistance in the saline solution was increased by anodic spark oxidation. In addition, it was slightly increased by a hydrothermal treatment. It is considered that a more stable and thicker titanium oxide layer is formed by anodic oxidation and a hydrothermal treatment.

Geochemistry of the Bela Ophiolite, Pakistan

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, M.; Nicholson, K. N.; Mahmood, K.

2008-12-01

The Bela ophiolite complex of Balochistan, Pakistan has been the subject of several geochemical and tectonic studies in the past. However until now there has never been a combined structural, geochemical and tectonic assimilation study which adequately explains the observed geochemistry and structural geology in a global tectonic framework. Here we present the geochemical findings of our work. The Bela ophiolite complex consists of two major units: the basal section or Lower Unit, and the Upper Unit, between the two is a mélange zone. The Lower Unit is relatively homogeneous and consists almost entirely of flow basalts and pillow basalts. The base of the Upper Unit is the metamorphic sole which is overlain by a sequence of massive basalts flows and intrusions of gabbro and granites. The entire Upper Unit is cut by doleritic dykes and sills. Geochemically the Lower Unit is comprised of basaltic lavas with E-MORB affinities. These lavas are tholeiitic, low-K series lavas with trace element signatures of E-type MORB. For example ratios such as V/Ti, Zr/Y, Nb/Th, Th/La and Nb/U all suggest these lavas are E-MORB. Previous workers have suggested these lavas are back-arc basin (BAB) however the samples lack the characteristic signatures of subduction modified MORB. This conclusion is supported by chondrite and N-MORB normalized spider diagrams where the Lower Unit lavas are enriched in the LILE with respect to the HFSE. The Upper Unit of the Bela Ophiolite sequence has a slightly more complex history. The older lavas sequences, the massive basalt flows, gabbros and granites, all formed in an oceanic arc environment. These lavas exhibit classic arc signatures such as a negative Nb and Ti anomalies, are enriched in LILE and LREE relative to HSFE, and plot in the volcanic arc and island arc fields in classic ternary plots such as 2Nb- Zr/4-Y and Y/15-La/10-Nb/8. The younger sequence of intrusions found in the Bela ophiolite appear to have BAB signatures. These lavas have relatively flat MORB normalized plots, are slightly depleted in the LILE relative the HFSE, and have a very small negative Nb anomaly. Source characteristics for both units have been determined using trace element data. This work suggests that the E-MORB lavas are derived from partial melting of enriched mantle. The lavas found in the Upper Unit have all been sourced from depleted or N-MORB mantle which has been modified by subducting fluids. It is possible that the younger BAB samples have a slightly more enriched source than the corresponding arc lavas which might indicate movement of the subduction zone allowing the influx of new mantle material below the wedge. In conclusion, our new geochemical work shows that the Bela ophiolite contains three distinct magmatic sequences: a lower E-MORB sequence over lain by a series of volcanic arc lavas which are cut by BAB-type sills and dykes.

Effect of a central redistribution of fluid volume on response to lower-body negative pressure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tomaselli, Clare M.; Frey, Mary A. B.; Kenney, Richard A.; Hoffler, G. Wyckliffe

1990-01-01

Cardiovascular responses to lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) were studied following 1 hour of 6-deg head-down tilt to determine whether a redistribution of blood volume toward the central circulation modifies the subsequent response to orthostatic stress. Responses of 12 men, ages 30-39 years, were evaluated by electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, sphygmomanometry, and measurement of calf circumference. During the LBNP that followed head-down tilt, as compared with control LBNP (no preceding head-down tilt) subjects, had smaller stroke volume and cardiac output, greater total peripheral resistance, and less calf enlargement. These differences reflect differences in the variables immediately preceding LBNP. Magnitudes of the responses from pre-LBNP to each pressure stage of the LBNP procedure did not differ between protocols. Mean and diastolic arterial pressures were slightly elevated after LBNP-control, but they fell slightly during LBNP post-tilt.

Lactoferricin treatment decreases the rate of cell proliferation of a human colon cancer cell line.

PubMed

Freiburghaus, C; Janicke, B; Lindmark-Månsson, H; Oredsson, S M; Paulsson, M A

2009-06-01

Food components modify the risk of cancer at a large number of sites but the mechanism of action is unknown. In the present investigation, we studied the effect of the peptide lactoferricin derived from bovine milk lactoferrin on human colon cancer CaCo-2 cells. The cells were either untreated or treated with 2.0, 0.2, or 0.02 microM lactoferricin. Cell cycle kinetics were investigated with a bromodeoxyuridine DNA flow cytometric method. The results show that lactoferricin treatment slightly but significantly prolonged the S phase of the cell cycle. Lactoferricin treatment lowered the level of cyclin E1, a protein involved in the regulation of genes required for G(1)/S transition and consequently for efficient S phase progression. The slight prolongation of the S phase resulted in a reduction of cell proliferation, which became more apparent after a long treatment time.

Melts of Octaacetyl Sucrose as Oral-Modified Release Dosage Forms for Delivery of Poorly Soluble Compound in Stable Amorphous Form.

PubMed

Haznar-Garbacz, Dorota; Kaminska, Ewa; Zakowiecki, Daniel; Lachmann, Marek; Kaminski, Kamil; Garbacz, Grzegorz; Dorożyński, Przemysław; Kulinowski, Piotr

2018-02-01

The presented work describes the formulation and characterization of modified release glassy solid dosage forms (GSDFs) containing an amorphous nifedipine, as a model BCS (Biopharmaceutical Classification System) class II drug. The GSDFs were prepared by melting nifedipine together with octaacetyl sucrose. Dissolution profiles, measured under standard and biorelevant conditions, were compared to those obtained from commercially available formulations containing nifedipine such as modified release (MR) tablets and osmotic release oral system (OROS). The results indicate that the dissolution profiles of the GSDFs with nifedipine are neither affected by the pH of the dissolution media, type and concentration of surfactants, nor by simulated mechanical stress of biorelevant intensity. Furthermore, it was found that the dissolution profiles of the novel dosage forms were similar to the profiles obtained from the nifedipine OROS. The formulation of GSDFs is relatively simple, and the dosage forms were found to have favorable dissolution characteristics.

Spin glass freezing and superconductivity in YBa2(Cu(1-x)Fe(x))3O7 alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mirebeau, I.; Hennion, M.; Dianoux, J.; Caignaert, V.; Phillips, T. E.; Moorjani, K.

1991-01-01

The dynamics were studied of the iron spins in superconducting YBa2(Cu(0.94)Fe(0.06))3O7 by neutron time of flight measurements. Two samples were studied with slightly different characteristics, as shown by resistivity and neutron diffraction measurements. The same dynamical anomalies are observed by neutrons in both samples. Differences appear qualitative but not quantitative. In the whole temperature range, the q-dependence of the magnetic intensity mainly reflects the magnetic form factor of iron which shows that the iron spins are almost uncorrelated. The elastic and quasielastic intensities strongly vary with temperature. A spin glass like freezing is revealed at low temperature by a sharp decrease of the quasielastic intensity, an increase of the 'elastic' or resolution limited intensity and a minimum in the quasielastic width. The freezing temperature (T sub f - 18 K) corresponds to that already determined by a magnetic splitting in Mossbauer experiments. Above T sub f, the relaxation of the iron spins in the paramagnetic state is modified by the occurrence of superconductivity. An increase was observed of the quasielastic intensity and of the quasielastic width at the superconducting transition.

Structural evolution and petroleum productivity of the Baltic basin

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

Ulmishek, G.F.

The Baltic basin is an oval depression located in the western part of the Russian craton; it occupies the eastern Baltic Sea and adjacent onshore areas. The basin contains more than 5,000 m of sedimentary rocks ranging from latest Proterozoic to Tertiary in age. These rocks consist of four tectonostratigraphic sequences deposited during major tectonic episodes of basin evolution. Principal unconformities separate the sequences. The basin is underlain by a rift probably filled with Upper Proterozoic rocks. Vendian and Lower Cambrian rocks (Baikalian sequence) form two northeast-trending depressions. The principal stage of the basin development was during deposition of amore » thick Middle Cambrian-Lower Devonian (Caledonian) sequence. This stage was terminated by the most intense deformations in the basin history. The Middle Devonian-Carboniferous (Hercynian) and Permian-Tertiary (Kimmerian-Alpine) tectonic and depositional cycles only slightly modified the basin geometry and left intact the main structural framework of underlying rocks. The petroleum productivity of the basin is related to the Caledonian tectonostratigraphic sequence that contains both source rocks and reservoirs. However, maturation of source rocks, migration of oil, and formation of fields took place mostly during deposition of the Hercynian sequence.« less

Photophysics of self-assembled zinc porphyrin-bidentate diamine ligand complexes.

PubMed

Danger, Brook R; Bedient, Krysta; Maiti, Manisankar; Burgess, Ian J; Steer, Ronald P

2010-10-21

The effects of complexation--by bidentate nitrogen-containing ligands such as pyrazine and 4,4'-bipyridine commonly used for porphyrin self-assembly--on the photophysics of the model metalloporphyrin, ZnTPP, are reported. Ligation to form the 5-coordinate species introduces an intramolecular charge transfer (ITC) state that, depending on the oxidation and reduction potentials of the electron donor and acceptor, can become involved in the excited state relaxation processes. For ZnTPP, ligation with pyridine has little effect on excited state relaxation following either Q-band or Soret band excitation. However, coordination of ZnTPP with pyrazine and bipyridine causes the S(2) (Soret) state of the ligated species to decay almost exclusively via an S(2)-ICT-S(1) pathway, while affecting the S(1) decay route only slightly. In these 5-coordinate species the S(2)-ICT-S(1) decay route is ultrafast and nearly quantitative. Literature redox data for other bidentate ligands such as DABCO and multidentate ligands commonly used for pophyrin assembly suggest that the ITC states introduced by them could also modify the excited state relaxation dynamics of a wide variety of multiporphyrin arrays.

Novel Development of Phosphate Treated Porous Hydroxyapatite.

PubMed

Doi, Kazuya; Abe, Yasuhiko; Kobatake, Reiko; Okazaki, Yohei; Oki, Yoshifumi; Naito, Yoshihito; Prananingrum, Widyasri; Tsuga, Kazuhiro

2017-12-08

Phosphoric acid-etching treatment to the hydroxyapatite (HA) surface can modify the solubility calcium structure. The aim of the present study was to develop phosphate treated porous HA, and the characteristic structures and stimulation abilities of bone formation were evaluated to determine its suitability as a new type of bone graft material. Although the phosphoric acid-etching treatment did not alter the three-dimensional structure, a micrometer-scale rough surface topography was created on the porous HA surface. Compared to porous HA, the porosity of phosphate treated porous HA was slightly higher and the mechanical strength was lower. Two weeks after placement of the cylindrical porous or phosphate treated porous HA in a rabbit femur, newly formed bone was detected in both groups. At the central portion of the bone defect area, substantial bone formation was detected in the phosphate treated porous HA group, with a significantly higher bone formation ratio than detected in the porous HA group. These results indicate that phosphate treated porous HA has a superior surface topography and bone formation abilities in vivo owing to the capacity for both osteoconduction and stimulation abilities of bone formation conferred by phosphoric acid etching.

Novel Development of Phosphate Treated Porous Hydroxyapatite

PubMed Central

Doi, Kazuya; Abe, Yasuhiko; Kobatake, Reiko; Okazaki, Yohei; Oki, Yoshifumi; Naito, Yoshihito; Prananingrum, Widyasri; Tsuga, Kazuhiro

2017-01-01

Phosphoric acid-etching treatment to the hydroxyapatite (HA) surface can modify the solubility calcium structure. The aim of the present study was to develop phosphate treated porous HA, and the characteristic structures and stimulation abilities of bone formation were evaluated to determine its suitability as a new type of bone graft material. Although the phosphoric acid-etching treatment did not alter the three-dimensional structure, a micrometer-scale rough surface topography was created on the porous HA surface. Compared to porous HA, the porosity of phosphate treated porous HA was slightly higher and the mechanical strength was lower. Two weeks after placement of the cylindrical porous or phosphate treated porous HA in a rabbit femur, newly formed bone was detected in both groups. At the central portion of the bone defect area, substantial bone formation was detected in the phosphate treated porous HA group, with a significantly higher bone formation ratio than detected in the porous HA group. These results indicate that phosphate treated porous HA has a superior surface topography and bone formation abilities in vivo owing to the capacity for both osteoconduction and stimulation abilities of bone formation conferred by phosphoric acid etching. PMID:29292788

Modeling interactions between political parties and electors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bagarello, F.; Gargano, F.

2017-09-01

In this paper we extend some recent results on an operatorial approach to the description of alliances between political parties interacting among themselves and with a basin of electors. In particular, we propose and compare three different models, deducing the dynamics of their related decision functions, i.e. the attitude of each party to form or not an alliance. In the first model the interactions between each party and their electors are considered. We show that these interactions drive the decision functions toward certain asymptotic values depending on the electors only: this is the perfect party, which behaves following the electors' suggestions. The second model is an extension of the first one in which we include a rule which modifies the status of the electors, and of the decision functions as a consequence, at some specific time step. In the third model we neglect the interactions with the electors while we consider cubic and quartic interactions between the parties and we show that we get (slightly oscillating) asymptotic values for the decision functions, close to their initial values. This is the real party, which does not listen to the electors. Several explicit situations are considered in details and numerical results are also shown.

Preparation of graphene oxide modified poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) nanofiltration membrane with improved water flux and antifouling property

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Mei; Zhao, Changwei; Zhang, Shaofeng; Li, Pei; Hou, Deyin

2017-02-01

Poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide)/graphene oxide (PMIA/GO) composite nanofiltartion (NF) membranes were prepared via a facile phase inversion method. Structures, surface properties and hydrophilicities of the membrane were analyzed using FT-IR, XPS, AFM, SEM, water contact angle and Zeta-potential measurements. FTIR spectra indicated the existence of hydrophilic carboxylic acid and hydroxyl groups in the GO molecules. SEM pictures revealed the large and finger-like micro-voids formed in the sublayer of the NF membranes after adding GO. The zeta-potential and water contact angle results proved that PMIA/GO composite membranes had more negatively charged and greater hydrophilic surfaces. The pure water flux of the PMIA/GO (0.3 wt% GO) composite membrane (125.2 (L/m2/h)) was 2.6 times as high as that of the pristine PMIA NF membrane (48.3 (L/m2/h)) at 0.8 MPa with slightly higher rejections to all tested dyes and better fouling resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA). This study gave an effective method for preparing composite PMIA NF membranes with high water flux and excellent antifouling property, which showed potential application in water treatment.

Thiosulfate oxidation by Thiomicrospira thermophila: metabolic flexibility in response to ambient geochemistry

PubMed Central

Houghton, J.L.; Foustoukos, D.; Flynn, T.M.; Vetriani, C.; Bradley, A.S.; Fike, D.A.

2017-01-01

Summary Previous studies of the stoichiometry of thiosulfate oxidation by colorless sulfur bacteria have failed to demonstrate mass balance of sulfur, indicating that unidentified oxidized products must be present. Here we present reaction stoichiometry and kinetics under variable pH conditions during the growth of Thiomicrospira thermophila strain EPR85, isolated from diffuse hydrothermal fluids at the East Pacific Rise. At pH 8.0, thiosulfate is stoichiometrically converted to sulfate. At lower pH, the products of thiosulfate oxidation are extracellular elemental sulfur and sulfate. We were able to replicate previous experiments and identify the missing sulfur as tetrathionate, consistent with previous reports of the activity of thiosulfate dehydrogenase. Tetrathionate was formed under slightly acidic conditions. Genomic DNA from T. thermophila strain EPR85 contains genes homologous to those in the Sox pathway (soxAXYZBCDL), as well as rhodanese and thiosulfate dehydrogenase. No other sulfur oxidizing bacteria containing sox(CD)2 genes have been reported to produce extracellular elemental sulfur. If the apparent modified Sox pathway we observe in T. thermophila is present in marine Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira species, production of extracellular elemental sulfur may be biogeochemically important in marine sulfur cycling. PMID:26914243

A novel delivery vector for targeted delivery of the antiangiogenic drug paclitaxel to angiogenic blood vessels: TLTYTWS-conjugated PEG-PLA nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Fei; Mo, Xiao-hui; Zhao, Jian; Liang, Hui; Chen, Zhong-jian; Wang, Xiu-li

2017-02-01

Antiangiogenesis has been widely accepted as an attractive strategy to combat tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. An actively targeting nanoparticle-based drug delivery system (nano-DDS) would provide an alternative method to achieve antiangiogenic antitumor therapy. In the present study, our group fabricated novel nano-DDS, TLTYTWS (TS) peptide-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-PLA) nanoparticles (TS-NPs) encapsulating a drug with antiangiogenic potential, paclitaxel (Ptx) (TS-Ptx-NPs). The nanoparticles were uniformly spherical and had a unimodal particle size distribution and slightly negative zeta potential. TS-NPs accumulated significantly in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) via energy-dependent and caveolae- and lipid raft-mediated endocytosis and improved the antiproliferative, antimigratory, and antitube-forming abilities of paclitaxel in vitro. Following intravenous administration, TS-Ptx-NPs presented favorable pharmacokinetic profiles. Melanoma distribution assays confirmed that TS-NPs achieved higher accumulation and penetration at melanoma sites. These results collectively indicated that TLTYTWS-decorated nanoparticles can be considered to be a promising nano-DDS for chemotherapies targeting tumor angiogenesis and have great potential to improve the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in melanoma tumor-bearing nude mice.

Stellar equilibrium configurations of white dwarfs in the f( R, T) gravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, G. A.; Lobato, R. V.; Moraes, P. H. R. S.; Arbañil, José D. V.; Otoniel, E.; Marinho, R. M.; Malheiro, M.

2017-12-01

In this work we investigate the equilibrium configurations of white dwarfs in a modified gravity theory, namely, f( R, T) gravity, for which R and T stand for the Ricci scalar and trace of the energy-momentum tensor, respectively. Considering the functional form f(R,T)=R+2λ T, with λ being a constant, we obtain the hydrostatic equilibrium equation for the theory. Some physical properties of white dwarfs, such as: mass, radius, pressure and energy density, as well as their dependence on the parameter λ are derived. More massive and larger white dwarfs are found for negative values of λ when it decreases. The equilibrium configurations predict a maximum mass limit for white dwarfs slightly above the Chandrasekhar limit, with larger radii and lower central densities when compared to standard gravity outcomes. The most important effect of f( R, T) theory for massive white dwarfs is the increase of the radius in comparison with GR and also f( R) results. By comparing our results with some observational data of massive white dwarfs we also find a lower limit for λ , namely, λ >- 3× 10^{-4}.

Thiosulfate oxidation by Thiomicrospira thermophila: Metabolic flexibility in response to ambient geochemistry

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

Houghton, J. L.; Foustoukos, D. I.; Flynn, T. M.

Previous studies of the stoichiometry of thiosulfate oxidation by colorless sulfur bacteria have failed to demonstrate mass balance of sulfur, indicating that unidentified oxidized products must be present. Here the reaction stoichiometry and kinetics under variable pH conditions during the growth of Thiomicrospira thermophila strain EPR85, isolated from diffuse hydrothermal fluids at the East Pacific Rise, is presented. At pH 8.0, thiosulfate was stoichiometrically converted to sulfate. At lower pH, the products of thiosulfate oxidation were extracellular elemental sulfur and sulfate. Here, we were able to replicate previous experiments and identify the missing sulfur as tetrathionate, consistent with previous reportsmore » of the activity of thiosulfate dehydrogenase. Tetrathionate was formed under slightly acidic conditions. Genomic DNA from T. thermophila strain EPR85 contains genes homologous to those in the Sox pathway ( soxAXYZBCDL), as well as rhodanese and thiosulfate dehydrogenase. No other sulfur oxidizing bacteria containing sox(CD)2 genes have been reported to produce extracellular elemental sulfur. If the apparent modified Sox pathway we observed in T. thermophila is present in marine Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira species, production of extracellular elemental sulfur may be biogeochemically important in marine sulfur cycling.« less

Wax-incorporated emulsion gel beads of calcium pectinate for intragastric floating drug delivery.

PubMed

Sriamornsak, Pornsak; Asavapichayont, Panida; Nunthanid, Jurairat; Luangtana-Anan, Manee; Limmatvapirat, Sontaya; Piriyaprasarth, Suchada

2008-01-01

The purpose of this study was to prepare wax-incorporated pectin-based emulsion gel beads using a modified emulsion-gelation method. The waxes in pectin-olive oil mixtures containing a model drug, metronidazole, were hot-melted, homogenized and then extruded into calcium chloride solution. The beads formed were separated, washed with distilled water and dried for 12 h. The influence of various types and amounts of wax on floating and drug release behavior of emulsion gel beads of calcium pectinate was investigated. The drug-loaded gel beads were found to float on simulated gastric fluid if the sufficient amount of oil was used. Incorporation of wax into the emulsion gel beads affected the drug release. Water-soluble wax (i.e. polyethylene glycol) increased the drug release while other water-insoluble waxes (i.e. glyceryl monostearate, stearyl alcohol, carnauba wax, spermaceti wax and white wax) significantly retarded the drug release. Different waxes had a slight effect on the drug release. However, the increased amount of incorporated wax in the formulations significantly sustained the drug release while the beads remained floating. The results suggest that wax-incorporated emulsion gel beads could be used as a carrier for intragastric floating drug delivery.

Benzothienobenzothiophene-based conjugated oligomers as semiconductors for stable organic thin-film transistors.

PubMed

Yu, Han; Li, Weili; Tian, Hongkun; Wang, Haibo; Yan, Donghang; Zhang, Jingping; Geng, Yanhou; Wang, Fosong

2014-04-09

Two benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT)-based conjugated oligomers, i.e., 2,2'-bi[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophene (1) and 5,5'-bis([1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophen-2-yl)-2,2'-bithiophene (2), were prepared and characterized. Both oligomers exhibit excellent thermal stability, with 5% weight-loss temperatures (T(L)) above 370 °C; no phase transition was observed before decomposition. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels of 1 and 2 are -5.3 and -4.9 eV, respectively, as measured by ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy. Thin-film X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy characterizations indicate that both oligomers form highly crystalline films with large domain sizes on octadecyltrimethoxysilane-modified substrates. Organic thin-film transistors with top-contact and bottom-gate geometry based on 1 and 2 exhibited mobilities up to 2.12 cm(2)/V·s for 1 and 1.39 cm(2)/V·s for 2 in an ambient atmosphere. 1-based devices exhibited great air and thermal stabilities, as evidenced by the slight performance degradation after 2 months of storage under ambient conditions and after thermal annealing at temperatures below 250 °C.

Thiosulfate oxidation by Thiomicrospira thermophila: Metabolic flexibility in response to ambient geochemistry

DOE PAGES

Houghton, J. L.; Foustoukos, D. I.; Flynn, T. M.; ...

2016-03-21

Previous studies of the stoichiometry of thiosulfate oxidation by colorless sulfur bacteria have failed to demonstrate mass balance of sulfur, indicating that unidentified oxidized products must be present. Here the reaction stoichiometry and kinetics under variable pH conditions during the growth of Thiomicrospira thermophila strain EPR85, isolated from diffuse hydrothermal fluids at the East Pacific Rise, is presented. At pH 8.0, thiosulfate was stoichiometrically converted to sulfate. At lower pH, the products of thiosulfate oxidation were extracellular elemental sulfur and sulfate. Here, we were able to replicate previous experiments and identify the missing sulfur as tetrathionate, consistent with previous reportsmore » of the activity of thiosulfate dehydrogenase. Tetrathionate was formed under slightly acidic conditions. Genomic DNA from T. thermophila strain EPR85 contains genes homologous to those in the Sox pathway ( soxAXYZBCDL), as well as rhodanese and thiosulfate dehydrogenase. No other sulfur oxidizing bacteria containing sox(CD)2 genes have been reported to produce extracellular elemental sulfur. If the apparent modified Sox pathway we observed in T. thermophila is present in marine Thiobacillus and Thiomicrospira species, production of extracellular elemental sulfur may be biogeochemically important in marine sulfur cycling.« less

Industrial Tests to Modify Molten Copper Slag for Improvement of Copper Recovery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Zhengqi; Zhu, Deqing; Pan, Jian; Zhang, Feng; Yang, Congcong

2018-04-01

In this article, to improve the recovery of copper from copper slag by flotation process, industrial tests of the modification process involving addition of a composite additive into molten copper slag were conducted, and the modified slag was subjected to the flotation process to confirm the modification effect. The phase evolution of the slag in the modification process was revealed by thermodynamic calculations, x-ray diffraction, optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that more copper was transformed and enriched in copper sulfide phases. The magnetite content in the modified slag decreased, and that of "FeO" increased correspondingly, leading to a better fluidity of the molten slag, which improved the aggregation and growth of fine particles of the copper sulfide minerals. Closed-circuit flotation tests of the original and modified slags were conducted, and the results show that the copper recovery increased obviously from 69.15% to 73.38%, and the copper grade of concentrates was elevated slightly from 20.24% to 21.69%, further confirming that the industrial tests of the modification process were successful. Hence, the modification process has a bright future in industrial applications for enhancing the recovery of copper from the copper slag.

Pulsed arterial spin labeling using TurboFLASH with suppression of intravascular signal.

PubMed

Pell, Gaby S; Lewis, David P; Branch, Craig A

2003-02-01

Accurate quantification of perfusion with the ADC techniques requires the suppression of the majority of the intravascular signal. This is normally achieved with the use of diffusion gradients. The TurboFLASH sequence with its ultrashort repetition times is not readily amenable to this scheme. This report demonstrates the implementation of a modified TurboFLASH sequence for FAIR imaging. Intravascular suppression is achieved with a modified preparation period that includes a driven equilibrium Fourier transform (DEFT) combination of 90 degrees-180 degrees-90 degrees hard RF pulses subsequent to the inversion delay. These pulses rotate the perfusion-prepared magnetization into the transverse plane where it can experience the suitably placed diffusion gradients before being returned to the longitudinal direction by the second 90 degrees pulse. A value of b = 20-30 s/mm(2) was thereby found to suppress the majority of the intravascular signal. For single-slice perfusion imaging, quantification is only slightly modified. The technique can be readily extended to multislice acquisition if the evolving flow signal after the DEFT preparation is considered. An advantage of the modified preparation scheme is evident in the multislice FAIR images by the preservation of the sign of the magnetization difference. Copyright 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Studying the Impact of Modified Saccharides on the Molecular Dynamics and Crystallization Tendencies of Model API Nifedipine.

PubMed

Kaminska, E; Tarnacka, M; Wlodarczyk, P; Jurkiewicz, K; Kolodziejczyk, K; Dulski, M; Haznar-Garbacz, D; Hawelek, L; Kaminski, K; Wlodarczyk, A; Paluch, M

2015-08-03

Molecular dynamics of pure nifedipine and its solid dispersions with modified carbohydrates as well as the crystallization kinetics of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) above and below the glass transition temperature were studied in detail by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction method. It was found that the activation barrier of crystallization increases in molecular dispersions composed of acetylated disaccharides, whereas it slightly decreases in those consisting of modified monocarbohydrates for the experiments carried out above the glass transition temperature. As shown by molecular dynamics simulations it can be related to the strength, character, and structure of intermolecular interactions between API and saccharides, which vary dependently on the excipient. Long-term physical stability studies showed that, in solid dispersions consisting of acetylated maltose and acetylated sucrose, the crystallization of nifedipine is dramatically slowed down, although it is still observable for a low concentration of excipients. With increasing content of modified carbohydrates, the crystallization of API becomes completely suppressed. This is most likely due to additional barriers relating to the intermolecular interactions and diffusion of nifedipine that must be overcome to trigger the crystallization process.

Electrochemical Corrosion Behavior of Spray-Formed Boron-Modified Supermartensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zepon, Guilherme; Nogueira, Ricardo P.; Kiminami, Claudio S.; Botta, Walter J.; Bolfarini, Claudemiro

2017-04-01

Spray-formed boron-modified supermartensitic stainless steel (SMSS) grades are alloys developed to withstand severe wear conditions. The addition of boron to the conventional chemical composition of SMSS, combined with the solidification features promoted by the spray forming process, leads to a microstructure composed of low carbon martensitic matrix reinforced by an eutectic network of M2B-type borides, which considerably increases the wear resistance of the stainless steel. Although the presence of borides in the microstructure has a very beneficial effect on the wear properties of the alloy, their effect on the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel was not comprehensively evaluated. The present work presents a study of the effect of boron addition on the corrosion resistance of the spray-formed boron-modified SMSS grades by means of electrochemical techniques. The borides fraction seems to have some influence on the repassivation kinetics of the spray-formed boron-modified SMSS. It was shown that the Cr content of the martensitic matrix is the microstructural feature deciding the corrosion resistance of this sort of alloys. Therefore, if the Cr content in the alloy is increased to around 14 wt pct to compensate for the boron consumed by the borides formation, the corrosion resistance of the alloy is kept at the same level of the alloy without boron addition.

Quantifying climatic impacts on peatland in the Zoige basin, China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, P.; Li, Z.; Hu, X.

2017-12-01

Actual evapotranspiration (ET) of the Zoige basin in the Yellow River source region of China is a critical parameter for understanding water balance of peatland in the Zoige basin and hence the cause of the changing land cover. Using daily meteorological data sets of Zoige, Hongyuan, and Maqu stations from 1967 to 2011, the well-known FAO56 Penman-Monteith (P-M) formula was selected to calculate the reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) in combination with the crop coefficient method in which the crop coefficient Kc is modified in terms of local climatic conditions. By classifying land cover of the Zoige basin in to swamp, grassland, water surface, and desert, the actual ET cover time for each type was obtained. Since late 1990s, the ET0 increased along with the increased air temperature. Different from previous studies, the ET of the swamp was slightly lower than that of water surface, but was slightly larger than the difference between annual precipitation and runoff in the Zoige basin. The increase of ET in the past 45 years was small in comparison with the change of the annual precipitation. More specifically, the annual precipitation, which was about 560-860 mm, slightly decreased between 1967 and 1997, and increased 2.23% in the 1998-2011 period. These results allowed us to conclude that though the slightly increased ET might be a factor leading to the long-term swamp dewatering, it cannot be the primary cause of the degraded peatland swamp and grassland in the Zoige basin.

High pressure rheology of gas hydrate formed from multiphase systems using modified Couette rheometer.

PubMed

Pandey, Gaurav; Linga, Praveen; Sangwai, Jitendra S

2017-02-01

Conventional rheometers with concentric cylinder geometries do not enhance mixing in situ and thus are not suitable for rheological studies of multiphase systems under high pressure such as gas hydrates. In this study, we demonstrate the use of modified Couette concentric cylinder geometries for high pressure rheological studies during the formation and dissociation of methane hydrate formed from pure water and water-decane systems. Conventional concentric cylinder Couette geometry did not produce any hydrates in situ and thus failed to measure rheological properties during hydrate formation. The modified Couette geometries proposed in this work observed to provide enhanced mixing in situ, thus forming gas hydrate from the gas-water-decane system. This study also nullifies the use of separate external high pressure cell for such measurements. The modified geometry was observed to measure gas hydrate viscosity from an initial condition of 0.001 Pa s to about 25 Pa s. The proposed geometries also possess the capability to measure dynamic viscoelastic properties of hydrate slurries at the end of experiments. The modified geometries could also capture and mimic the viscosity profile during the hydrate dissociation as reported in the literature. The present study acts as a precursor for enhancing our understanding on the rheology of gas hydrate formed from various systems containing promoters and inhibitors in the context of flow assurance.

High pressure rheology of gas hydrate formed from multiphase systems using modified Couette rheometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Gaurav; Linga, Praveen; Sangwai, Jitendra S.

2017-02-01

Conventional rheometers with concentric cylinder geometries do not enhance mixing in situ and thus are not suitable for rheological studies of multiphase systems under high pressure such as gas hydrates. In this study, we demonstrate the use of modified Couette concentric cylinder geometries for high pressure rheological studies during the formation and dissociation of methane hydrate formed from pure water and water-decane systems. Conventional concentric cylinder Couette geometry did not produce any hydrates in situ and thus failed to measure rheological properties during hydrate formation. The modified Couette geometries proposed in this work observed to provide enhanced mixing in situ, thus forming gas hydrate from the gas-water-decane system. This study also nullifies the use of separate external high pressure cell for such measurements. The modified geometry was observed to measure gas hydrate viscosity from an initial condition of 0.001 Pa s to about 25 Pa s. The proposed geometries also possess the capability to measure dynamic viscoelastic properties of hydrate slurries at the end of experiments. The modified geometries could also capture and mimic the viscosity profile during the hydrate dissociation as reported in the literature. The present study acts as a precursor for enhancing our understanding on the rheology of gas hydrate formed from various systems containing promoters and inhibitors in the context of flow assurance.

The association of employment status and family status with health among women and men in four Nordic countries.

PubMed

Roos, E; Lahelma, E; Saastamoinen, P; Elstad, J-I

2005-01-01

The Nordic countries have relatively equal employment participation between men and women, but some differences between countries exist in labour market participation. The aim was to examine the association between employment status and health among women and men in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and analyse whether this association is modified by marital status and parental status. The data come from nationally representative cross-sectional surveys carried out in Denmark (n = 2,209), Finland (n = 4,604), Norway (n = 1,844) and Sweden (n = 5,360) in 1994-95. Women and men aged 25-49 were included. Employment status was categorized into full-time employed, part-time employed, unemployed, and housewives among women and into employed and unemployed among men. Health was measured by perceived health and limiting longstanding illness. Logistic regression analysis was used, adjusting for age and education. Marital status and parental status were analysed as modifying factors. The non-employed were more likely to report perceived health as below good and limiting longstanding illness than the employed among both women and men. The association between employment status and perceived health remained unchanged when marital status and parental status were adjusted for among all men and Finnish women, but the association was slightly strengthened among Danish and Swedish women, with the housewives becoming more likely to report ill health than employed women. The association between employment status and limiting longstanding illness was slightly strengthened among women, and slightly weakened among Norwegian men when marital and parental status were adjusted for. Non-employment was associated with poorer health in all countries, although there are differences in the employment patterns between the countries. Among women marital status and parental status showed a modest or no influence on the association between employment status and health. Among men there was no such influence.

Slightly uneven electric field trigatron employed in tens of microseconds charging time.

PubMed

Lin, Jiajin; Yang, Jianhua; Zhang, Jiande; Zhang, Huibo; Yang, Xiao

2014-09-01

To solve the issue of operation instability for the trigatron switch in the application of tens of microseconds or even less charging time, a novel trigatron spark gap with slightly uneven electric field was presented. Compared with the conventional trigatron, the novel trigatron was constructed with an obvious field enhancement on the edge of the opposite electrode. The selection of the field enhancement was analyzed based on the theory introduced by Martin. A low voltage trigatron model was constructed and tested on the tens of microseconds charging time platform. The results show that the character of relative range was improved while the trigger character still held a high level. This slightly uneven electric field typed trigatron is willing to be employed in the Tesla transformer - pulse forming line system.

Organofunctional Silane Modification of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Surfaces as a Route to Stabilization

DOE PAGES

Matthews, Rachael; Glasser, Emily; Sprawls, Samuel C.; ...

2017-05-01

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a low-temperature processed transparent conductive oxide (TCO) made of earth abundant elements; its applications are currently limited by instability to heat, moisture, and acidic conditions. We demonstrate that the application of an organofunctional silane modifier mitigates AZO degradation, and explore the interplay between performance and material composition and morphology. Specifically, we evaluate degradation of bare AZO and APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)-modified AZO in response to damp heat (DH, 85 °C, 85 % relative humidity) exposure over 1000 h, then demonstrate how surface modification impacts changes in electrical and optical properties, and chemical composition in one of themore » most thorough studies to date. Hall measurements show that the resistivity of AZO increases due to a decrease in electron mobility, with no commensurate change in carrier concentration. APTES decelerates this electrical degradation, without affecting AZO optical properties. Percent transmission and yellowness index of an ensemble of bare and modified AZO are stable upon DH exposure, but haze increases slightly for a discrete sample of modified AZO. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometer (OP) measurements do not show evidence of pitting or delamination after 1000 h DH exposure, but indicate a slight increase in surface roughness on both the nanometer and micron length scales. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data (XPS) reveal that the surface composition of bare and silanized AZO is stable over this time frame; oxygen vacancies, as measured by XPS, are also stable with DH exposure, which, together with transmission and Hall measurements, indicate stable carrier concentrations. However, after 1500 h of DH exposure, only bare AZO shows signs of catastrophic destruction. Comparison of the data presented herein to previous reports indicates that the initial AZO composition and microstructure dictate the degradation profile. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that surface modification slows the bulk degradation of AZO, and provides insight into how the material can be more widely used as a transparent electrode in the next generation of optoelectronic devices.« less

Organofunctional Silane Modification of Aluminum-Doped Zinc Oxide Surfaces as a Route to Stabilization

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

Matthews, Rachael; Glasser, Emily; Sprawls, Samuel C.

Aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a low-temperature processed transparent conductive oxide (TCO) made of earth abundant elements; its applications are currently limited by instability to heat, moisture, and acidic conditions. We demonstrate that the application of an organofunctional silane modifier mitigates AZO degradation, and explore the interplay between performance and material composition and morphology. Specifically, we evaluate degradation of bare AZO and APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane)-modified AZO in response to damp heat (DH, 85 °C, 85 % relative humidity) exposure over 1000 h, then demonstrate how surface modification impacts changes in electrical and optical properties, and chemical composition in one of themore » most thorough studies to date. Hall measurements show that the resistivity of AZO increases due to a decrease in electron mobility, with no commensurate change in carrier concentration. APTES decelerates this electrical degradation, without affecting AZO optical properties. Percent transmission and yellowness index of an ensemble of bare and modified AZO are stable upon DH exposure, but haze increases slightly for a discrete sample of modified AZO. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical profilometer (OP) measurements do not show evidence of pitting or delamination after 1000 h DH exposure, but indicate a slight increase in surface roughness on both the nanometer and micron length scales. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data (XPS) reveal that the surface composition of bare and silanized AZO is stable over this time frame; oxygen vacancies, as measured by XPS, are also stable with DH exposure, which, together with transmission and Hall measurements, indicate stable carrier concentrations. However, after 1500 h of DH exposure, only bare AZO shows signs of catastrophic destruction. Comparison of the data presented herein to previous reports indicates that the initial AZO composition and microstructure dictate the degradation profile. Furthermore, this work demonstrates that surface modification slows the bulk degradation of AZO, and provides insight into how the material can be more widely used as a transparent electrode in the next generation of optoelectronic devices.« less

Novel materials to enhance corneal epithelial cell migration on keratoprosthesis.

PubMed

Karkhaneh, Akbar; Mirzadeh, Hamid; Ghaffariyeh, Alireza; Ebrahimi, Abdolali; Honarpisheh, Nazafarin; Hosseinzadeh, Masud; Heidari, Mohammad Hossein

2011-03-01

To introduce a new modification for silicone optical core Keratoprosthesis. Using mixtures of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films were modified with two-step oxygen plasma treatment, and then type I collagen was immobilised onto this modified surfaces. Both the biocompatibility of the modified films and cell behaviour on the surface of these films were investigated by in vitro tests, and formation of epithelial cell layer was evaluated by implantation of the modified films in the corneas of 10 rabbits. In vitro studies indicated that the number of attached and proliferated cells onto modified PDMS in comparison with the unmodified PDMS significantly increased. Histological studies showed that corneal epithelial cells migrated on the anterior surface of the modified films after 1week. The corneal epithelial cell formed an incomplete monolayer cellular sheet after 10days. A complete epithelialisation on the modified surface was formed after 21days. The epithelial layer persisted on the anterior surface of implant after 1-month and 3-month follow-up. This method may have potential use in silicone optical core Keratoprosthesis.

Self-Consistent Sources Extensions of Modified Differential-Difference KP Equation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gegenhasi; Li, Ya-Qian; Zhang, Duo-Duo

2018-04-01

In this paper, we investigate a modified differential-difference KP equation which is shown to have a continuum limit into the mKP equation. It is also shown that the solution of the modified differential-difference KP equation is related to the solution of the differential-difference KP equation through a Miura transformation. We first present the Grammian solution to the modified differential-difference KP equation, and then produce a coupled modified differential-difference KP system by applying the source generation procedure. The explicit N-soliton solution of the resulting coupled modified differential-difference system is expressed in compact forms by using the Grammian determinant and Casorati determinant. We also construct and solve another form of the self-consistent sources extension of the modified differential-difference KP equation, which constitutes a Bäcklund transformation for the differential-difference KP equation with self-consistent sources. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant Nos. 11601247 and 11605096, the Natural Science Foundation of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region under Grant Nos. 2016MS0115 and 2015MS0116 and the Innovation Fund Programme of Inner Mongolia University No. 20161115

Calcium modified edible Canna (Canna edulis L) starch for controlled released matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, A. P.; Ridwan, M.; Darmawan, T. A.; Darusman, F.; Gadri, A.

2017-07-01

Canna edulis L starch was modified with calcium chloride in order to form controlled released matrix. Present study aim to analyze modified starch characteristic. Four different formulation of ondansetron granules was used to provide dissolution profile of controlled released, two formula consisted of 15% and 30% modified starch, one formula utilized matrix reference standards and the last granules was negative control. Methocel-hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was used as controlled released matrix reference standards in the third formula. Calcium starch was synthesized in the presence of sodium hydroxide to form gelatinized mass and calcium chloride as the cross linking agent. Physicochemical and dissolution properties of modified starch for controlled released application were investigated. Modified starch has higher swelling index, water solubility and compressibility index. Three of four different formulation of granules provide dissolution profile of controlled released. The profiles indicate granules which employed calcium Canna edulis L starch as matrix are able to resemble controlled drug released profile of matrix reference, however their bigger detain ability lead to lower bioavailability.

Decomposition pathways of C2 oxygenates on Rh-modified tungsten carbide surfaces

DOE PAGES

Kelly, Thomas G.; Ren, Hui; Chen, Jingguang G.

2015-03-27

Ethanol decomposition on tungsten monocarbide (WC) and Rh-modified WC was investigated using ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) surface science experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations indicated that the binding energies of ethanol and its decomposition intermediates on WC(0001) were modified by Rh, with Rh/WC(0001) showing similar values to those on Rh(111). Through temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) experiments on polycrystalline WC and Rh-modified WC, it was shown that the selectivity for ethanol decomposition was different on these surfaces. On WC, the C-O bond of ethanol was preferentially broken to produce ethylene; on Rh-modified WC, the C-C bond was broken to producemore » carbon monoxide and methane. In addition, high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS) was used to determine likely surface intermediates. On Rh-modified WC, ethanol first formed ethoxy through O-H scission, then reacted through an aldehyde intermediate to form the C1 products.« less

MUTATIONAL SPECTRUM AND RECOMBINOGENIC EFFECTS INDUCED BY AMINOFLUORENE ADDUCTS IN BACTERIOPHAGE M13 (JOURNAL VERSION)

EPA Science Inventory

Double stranded replicative form (RFI) DNA of bacteriophage M13mp10 has been modified in vitro to various extents with N-hydroxy-2-aminofluorene (N-OH-AF) and then transfected into E. coli cells. HPLC analysis of the modified DNA shows that only dG-C8-AF adducts are formed. Appro...

Modifying Optical Properties of ZnO Films by Forming Zn[subscript 1-x] Co[subscript x]O Solid Solutions via Spray Pyrolysis

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bentley, Anne K.; Weaver, Gabriela C.; Russell, Cianan B.; Fornes, William L.; Choi, Kyoung-Shin; Shih, Susan M.

2007-01-01

A simple and cost-effective experiment for the development and characterization of semiconductors using Uv-vis spectroscopy is described. The study shows that the optical properties of ZnO films can be easily modified by forming Zn[subscript 1-x] Co[subscript x]O solid solutions via spray pyrolysis.

A system for calibrating seepage meters used to measure flow between ground water and surface water

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rosenberry, Donald O.; Menheer, Michael A.

2006-01-01

The in-line flowmeter used with this system is incapable of measuring seepage rates below about 7 centimeters per day. Smaller seepage rates can be measured manually. The seepage- control system also can be modified for measuring slower seepage rates with the use of two flowmeters and a slightly different water-routing system, or a fluid-metering pump can be used to control flow through the flux tank instead of an adjustable-height reservoir.

Engaging Military in Post-War Reconciliation: A Case Study of Implications for the Consolidation of Democracy in Sri Lanka

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

1204, Arlington, VA 22202–4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704–0188) Washington DC 20503. 1. AGENCY USE ...contemporary politics of Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey, use a slightly modified version of Stepan’s 11 prerogatives. While dropping three of them, they...relations emerging democracies have to overcome. For example, this study may be useful to civilian and military elites in the United States, due to the

Stability and Adaptation of Neural Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-02

lI ion:S,(xff) IW wher IIx I A + + x deine th sqare ~-Thle SCL2 algorithm slightly modifies thie SCLI algo- cI idean vector lorin oi x rithm. The...bles the reward-punish sign ch?.nge in the SCLI and SCL2 AS, (yi (t)) denotes the time change of the jth neurons algorithms. This suggests that we...xi, then the discrete version of DCL resembles the UCL, SCLI , and SCL2 algorithms. We used both iin- I if x > 0 ear and nonlinear formulations to

Non Linear Dynamics and Chaos (La Dynamique Non-Lineaie et le Chaos)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-01

mention some aspects of non-linear dynamics and/or disorder is independence. All other definitions are merely negative chaos which p,.Laps a,, margin- al ...collection of fixed coefficients and input-output corellation is U1, pp. 1037-1044, 1990, Roger Cerf et al . Among ,ie very slightly modified. If Rl is...des param~tres qui ou la deformation 61astique d’une partie du sol d~finissent le syst~me A contr~ler, et donne lieu, soudainement A un saut

All-Optical Logic Gates and Wavelength Conversion Via the Injection-Locking of a Fabry-Perot Semiconductor Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-21

be modified to create a non -inverting output as well. The probe beam is initially injected at a slightly higher frequency than the slave mode so...input signal(s) is (are) in the on state, injection locking, and thus the suppression of the non -injected Fabry–Perot modes, is induced, yielding a...laser diode), SLD (slave laser diode), EOM (electro-optic modulator), P (polarizer), OI (optical isolator), G (grating), L (lens), BE ( beam expander

Interaction of non-radially symmetric camphor particles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ei, Shin-Ichiro; Kitahata, Hiroyuki; Koyano, Yuki; Nagayama, Masaharu

2018-03-01

In this study, the interaction between two non-radially symmetric camphor particles is theoretically investigated and the equation describing the motion is derived as an ordinary differential system for the locations and the rotations. In particular, slightly modified non-radially symmetric cases from radial symmetry are extensively investigated and explicit motions are obtained. For example, it is theoretically shown that elliptically deformed camphor particles interact so as to be parallel with major axes. Such predicted motions are also checked by real experiments and numerical simulations.

JPRS Report, China

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-02-16

regions (including the model regions) are now mostly inclined to have "one boy , one girl" in terms of child-bearing. It is proper to argue that if the...survey questions are slightly modified, the real inclination can be found to be having "two children, one boy " (to want to have two children and to...have at least one boy ). 3. The model regions have basically reached the targets set in the policy in terms of fertility levels. 4. Models of the

Hyaluronic Acid-Based pH-Sensitive Polymer-Modified Liposomes for Cell-Specific Intracellular Drug Delivery Systems.

PubMed

Miyazaki, Maiko; Yuba, Eiji; Hayashi, Hiroshi; Harada, Atsushi; Kono, Kenji

2018-01-17

For the enhancement of therapeutic effects and reduction of side effects derived from anticancer drugs in cancer chemotherapy, it is imperative to develop drug delivery systems with cancer-specificity and controlled release function inside cancer cells. pH-sensitive liposomes are useful as an intracellular drug delivery system because of their abilities to transfer their contents into the cell interior through fusion or destabilization of endosome, which has weakly acidic environment. We earlier reported liposomes modified with various types of pH-sensitive polymers based on synthetic polymers and biopolymers as vehicles for intracellular drug delivery systems. In this study, hyaluronic acid (HA)-based pH-sensitive polymers were designed as multifunctional polymers having not only pH-sensitivity but also targeting properties to cells expressing CD44, which is known as a cancer cell surface marker. Carboxyl group-introduced HA derivatives of two types, MGlu-HA and CHex-HA, which have a more hydrophobic side chain structure than that of MGlu-HA, were synthesized by reaction with various dicarboxylic anhydrides. These polymer-modified liposomes were stable at neutral pH, but showed content release under weakly acidic conditions. CHex-HA-modified liposomes delivered their contents into CD44-expressing cells more efficiently than HA-modified or MGlu-HA-modified liposomes or unmodified liposomes, whereas the same liposomes were taken up only slightly by cells expressing CD44 proteins less. Competition assay using free HA or other polymers revealed that HA derivative-modified liposomes might be recognized by CD44. Therefore, HA-derivative-modified liposomes are useful as cell-specific intracellular drug delivery systems.

COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY OF AMYLOID FIBRIL FORMATION BY PALINDROMIC SEQUENCES IN PRION PEPTIDES

PubMed Central

Wagoner, Victoria; Cheon, Mookyung; Chang, Iksoo; Hall, Carol

2011-01-01

We simulate the aggregation of large systems containing palindromic peptides from the Syrian hamster prion protein SHaPrP 113–120 (AGAAAAGA) and the mouse prion protein MoPrP 111–120 (VAGAAAAGAV) and eight sequence variations: GAAAAAAG, (AG)4, A8, GAAAGAAA, A10, V10, GAVAAAAVAG, and VAVAAAAVAV The first two peptides are thought to act as the Velcro that holds the parent prion proteins together in amyloid structures and can form fibrils themselves. Kinetic events along the fibrillization pathway influence the types of structures that occur and variations in the sequence affect aggregation kinetics and fibrillar structure. Discontinuous molecular dynamics simulations using the PRIME20 force field are performed on systems containing 48 peptides starting from a random coil configuration. Depending on the sequence, fibrillar structures form spontaneously over a range of temperatures, below which amorphous aggregates form and above which no aggregation occurs. AGAAAAGA forms well organized fibrillar structures whereas VAGAAAAGAV forms less well organized structures that are partially fibrillar and partially amorphous. The degree of order in the fibrillar structure stems in part from the types of kinetic events leading up to its formation, with AGAAAAGA forming less amorphous structures early in the simulation than VAGAAAAGAV. The ability to form fibrils increases as the chain length and the length of the stretch of hydrophobic residues increase. However as the hydrophobicity of the sequence increases, the ability to form well-ordered structures decreases. Thus, longer hydrophobic sequences form slightly disordered aggregates that are partially fibrillar and partially amorphous. Subtle changes in sequence result in slightly different fibril structures. PMID:21557317

Method of Making Uranium Dioxide Bodies

DOEpatents

Wilhelm, H. A.; McClusky, J. K.

1973-09-25

Sintered uranium dioxide bodies having controlled density are produced from U.sub.3 O.sub.8 and carbon by varying the mole ratio of carbon to U.sub.3 O.sub.8 in the mixture, which is compressed and sintered in a neutral or slightly oxidizing atmosphere to form dense slightly hyperstoichiometric uranium dioxide bodies. If the bodies are to be used as nuclear reactor fuel, they are subsequently heated in a hydrogen atmosphere to achieve stoichiometry. This method can also be used to produce fuel elements of uranium dioxide -- plutonium dioxide having controlled density.

The two-dimensional Stefan problem with slightly varying heat flux

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

Gammon, J.; Howarth, J.A.

1995-09-01

The authors solve the two-dimensional stefan problem of solidification in a half-space, where the heat flux at the wall is a slightly varying function of positioning along the wall, by means of a large Stefan number approximation (which turns out to be equivalent to a small time solution), and then by means of the Heat Balance Integral Method, which is valid for all time, and which agrees with the large Stefan number solution for small times. A representative solution is given for a particular form of the heat flux perturbation.

Factors Modifying Burnout in Osteopathic Medical Students.

PubMed

Lapinski, Jessica; Yost, Morgan; Sexton, Patricia; LaBaere, Richard J

2016-02-01

The purposes of the current study are to examine factors modifying burnout and identify which of these factors place osteopathic medical students at risk for developing burnout. The current study used a cross-sectional study design and an anonymous, web-based survey to assess burnout and depression in osteopathic medical students. The survey included Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Patient Health Questionnaire, the Stressors and their impact scale, students' sleeping and studying habits, and students' extracurricular involvement. In total, 1294 osteopathic medical students completed the survey. Burnout was present in 516 (39.9%) osteopathic medical students, and 1006 (77.0%) met criteria for depression. Females were 1.5 times more likely to be burned out in comparison to males. For the burnout subscales, males had lower emotional exhaustion, slightly higher depersonalization, and lower personal accomplishment. Lesbian/gay/bisexual/asexual students were 2.62 times more likely to be burned out compared with heterosexual students. Depression and academic, personal, and family stressors were all strongly linked to overall burnout. Finally, for modifiable factors, average hours of sleep, average hours spent studying, and club involvement appeared to be linked to burnout. The current study suggested that a variety of factors, including non-modifiable, situational, and modifiable, impact burnout in osteopathic medical students. Future research is necessary since burnout in physicians affects the quality of care provided to patients.

Skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma - pigmented (image)

MedlinePlus

... cancer appears as a 2 to 3 centimeter skin spot. The tissue has become destroyed (forming an atrophic plaque). There is a brownish color because of increased skin pigment (hyperpigmentation) and a slightly elevated, rolled, pearl- ...

On a method to detect long-latency excitations and inhibitions of single hand muscle motoneurons in man.

PubMed

Awiszus, F; Feistner, H; Schäfer, S S

1991-01-01

The peri-stimulus-time histogram (PSTH) analysis of stimulus-related neuronal spike train data is usually regarded as a method to detect stimulus-induced excitations or inhibitions. However, for a fairly regularly discharging neuron such as the human alpha-motoneuron, long-latency modulations of a PSTH are difficult to interpret as PSTH modulations can also occur as a consequence of a modulated neuronal autocorrelation. The experiments reported here were made (i) to investigate the extent to which a PSTH of a human hand-muscle motoneuron may be contaminated by features of the autocorrelation and (ii) to develop methods that display the motoneuronal excitations and inhibitions without such contamination. Responses of 29 single motor units to electrical ulnar nerve stimulation below motor threshold were investigated in the first dorsal interosseous muscle of three healthy volunteers using an experimental protocol capable of demonstrating the presence of autocorrelative modulations in the neuronal response. It was found for all units that the PSTH as well as the cumulative sum (CUSUM) derived from these responses were severely affected by the presence of autocorrelative features. On the other hand, calculating the CUSUM in a slightly modified form yielded--for all units investigated--a neuronal output feature sensitive only to motoneuronal excitations and inhibitions induced by the afferent volley. The price that has to be paid to arrive at such a modified CUSUM (mCUSUM) was a high computational effort prohibiting the on-line availability of this output feature during the experiment. It was found, however, that an interspike interval superposition plot (IISP)--easily obtainable during the experiment--is also free of autocorrelative features.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dynamic properties of polydisperse colloidal particles in the presence of thermal gradient studied by a modified Brownian dynamic model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Dongxing; Jin, Hui; Jing, Dengwei; Wang, Xin

2018-03-01

Aggregation and migration of colloidal particles under the thermal gradient widely exists in nature and many industrial processes. In this study, dynamic properties of polydisperse colloidal particles in the presence of thermal gradient were studied by a modified Brownian dynamic model. Other than the traditional forces on colloidal particles, including Brownian force, hydrodynamic force, and electrostatic force from other particles, the electrostatic force from the asymmetric ionic diffusion layer under a thermal gradient has been considered and introduced into the Brownian dynamic model. The aggregation ratio of particles (R A), the balance time (t B) indicating the time threshold when {{R}A} becomes constant, the porosity ({{P}BA} ), fractal dimension (D f) and distributions of concentration (DISC) and aggregation (DISA) for the aggregated particles were discussed based on this model. The aggregated structures formed by polydisperse particles are less dense and the particles therein are loosely bonded. Also it showed a quite large compressibility as the increases of concentration and interparticle potential can significantly increase the fractal dimension. The thermal gradient can induce two competitive factors leading to a two-stage migration of particles. When t<{{t}B} , the unsynchronized aggregation is dominant and the particles slightly migrate along the thermal gradient. When t>{{t}B} , the thermophoresis becomes dominant thus the migrations of particles are against the thermal gradient. The effect of thermophoresis on the aggregate structures was found to be similar to the effect of increasing particle concentration. This study demonstrates how the thermal gradient affects the aggregation of monodisperse and polydisperse particles and can be a guide for the biomimetics and precise control of colloid system under the thermal gradient. Moreover, our model can be easily extended to other more complex colloidal systems considering shear, temperature fluctuation, surfactant, etc.

Computational fluid dynamics analysis of space shuttle main propulsion feed line 17-inch disconnect valves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kandula, Max; Pearce, Daniel

1989-01-01

A steady incompressible three-dimensional (3-D) viscous flow analysis was conducted for the Space Shuttle Main Propulsion External Tank (ET)/Orbiter (ORB) propellant feed line quick separable 17-inch disconnect flapper valves for liquid oxygen (LO2) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). The main objectives of the analysis were to predict and correlate the hydrodynamic stability of the flappers and pressure drop with available water test data. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) computer codes were procured at no cost from the public domain, and were modified and extended to carry out the disconnect flow analysis. The grid generator codes SVTGD3D and INGRID were obtained. NASA Ames Research Center supplied the flow solution code INS3D, and the color graphics code PLOT3D. A driver routine was developed to automate the grid generation process. Components such as pipes, elbows, and flappers can be generated with simple commands, and flapper angles can be varied easily. The flow solver INS3D code was modified to treat interior flappers, and other interfacing routines were developed, which include a turbulence model, a force/moment routine, a time-step routine, and initial and boundary conditions. In particular, an under-relaxation scheme was implemented to enhance the solution stability. Major physical assumptions and simplifications made in the analysis include the neglect of linkages, slightly reduced flapper diameter, and smooth solid surfaces. A grid size of 54 x 21 x 25 was employed for both the LO2 and LH2 units. Mixing length theory applied to turbulent shear flow in pipes formed the basis for the simple turbulence model. Results of the analysis are presented for LO2 and LH2 disconnects.

Functional Hubs in Mild Cognitive Impairment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Navas, Adrián; Papo, David; Boccaletti, Stefano; Del-Pozo, F.; Bajo, Ricardo; Maestú, Fernando; Martínez, J. H.; Gil, Pablo; Sendiña-Nadal, Irene; Buldú, Javier M.

We investigate how hubs of functional brain networks are modified as a result of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition causing a slight but noticeable decline in cognitive abilities, which sometimes precedes the onset of Alzheimer's disease. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate the functional brain networks of a group of patients suffering from MCI and a control group of healthy subjects, during the execution of a short-term memory task. Couplings between brain sites were evaluated using synchronization likelihood, from which a network of functional interdependencies was constructed and the centrality, i.e. importance, of their nodes was quantified. The results showed that, with respect to healthy controls, MCI patients were associated with decreases and increases in hub centrality respectively in occipital and central scalp regions, supporting the hypothesis that MCI modifies functional brain network topology, leading to more random structures.

The effect of intermediate clothing targets on shotgun ballistics.

PubMed

Cail, Kenneth; Klatt, Edward

2013-12-01

The ballistic properties of shotgun shells are complex because of multiple projectiles fired simultaneously that interact and spread out to affect their energy relayed to a human target. Intermediate targets such as clothing can affect penetration into tissues. We studied the effect of common clothing fabrics as intermediate targets on penetration of shotgun shell pellets, using ordnance gelatin to simulate soft tissue and thin cowhide to simulate skin. A standard 12-gauge shotgun with modified choke was used with no. 8 shot ammunition. We found that protection afforded by fabrics to reduce penetration of shotgun pellets into tissues was greater at increasing distance from the muzzle beyond 40 yd (36.6 m). The thicker denim and cotton fabrics provided slightly greater protection than polyester. This study demonstrates that clothing modifies the potential wound patterns to victims of shotgun injuries.

Modified plenoptic camera for phase and amplitude wavefront sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chensheng; Davis, Christopher C.

2013-09-01

Shack-Hartmann sensors have been widely applied in wavefront sensing. However, they are limited to measuring slightly distorted wavefronts whose local tilt doesn't surpass the numerical aperture of its micro-lens array and cross talk of incident waves on the mrcro-lens array should be strictly avoided. In medium to strong turbulence cases of optic communication, where large jitter in angle of arrival and local interference caused by break-up of beam are common phenomena, Shack-Hartmann sensors no longer serve as effective tools in revealing distortions in a signal wave. Our design of a modified Plenoptic Camera shows great potential in observing and extracting useful information from severely disturbed wavefronts. Furthermore, by separating complex interference patterns into several minor interference cases, it may also be capable of telling regional phase difference of coherently illuminated objects.

Modifying effects of carboxyl group on the interaction of recombinant S100A8/A9 complex with tyrosinase.

PubMed

NematiNiko, Fatemeh; Chegini, Koorosh Goodarzvand; Asghari, Hamideh; Amini, Abbas; Gheibi, Nematollah

2017-03-01

Tyrosinase is a determinant enzyme for modulating melanin production as its abnormal activity can result in an increased amount of melanin. Reduction of tyrosinase activity has been targeted for preventing and healing hyperpigmentation of skin, such as melanoma and age related spots. The aim of this systematic study is to investigate whether recombinant S100A8/A9 and its modified form reduce the activity of mushroom tyrosinase (MT) through changing its structure. Recombinant His-Tagged S100A8 and S100A9 are expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and modified using Woodward's reagent K which is a carboxyl group modifier. The structures of S100A8/A9 and its modified form are studied using fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy, and the activity of MT is measured using UV-visible spectrophotometry in the presence of its substrate, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA). The results show a lower stability of the modified protein when compared with its unmodified form. The interaction of S100A8/A9 with MT changes the structure and successfully reduces the activity of mushroom tyrosinase. Recombinant S100A8/A9 complex decreases MT activity which can control malignant melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Validation of modified forms of the PedsQL generic core scales and cancer module scales for adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer or a blood disorder.

PubMed

Ewing, Jane E; King, Madeleine T; Smith, Narelle F

2009-03-01

To validate two health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measures, the PedsQL Generic Core and Cancer Module adolescent forms (13-18 years), after modification for 16-25-year-old adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer or a blood disorder. AYA patients and nominated proxies were recruited from three Sydney hospitals. Modified forms were administered by telephone or in clinics/wards. Analyses included correlations, factor analysis, and analysis of variance of known-groups (defined by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). Eighty-eight patients and 79 proxies completed questionnaires. Factor structures consistent with those of the unmodified forms confirmed construct validity. Cronbach's alpha ranged 0.81-0.98. Inter-scale correlations were as hypothesized, confirming discriminant validity. Statistically significant differences between groups with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms (P < 0.05) confirmed clinical validity. These modified forms provide reliable and valid measures of HRQOL in AYA with cancer or a blood disorder, suitable for clinical trials, research, and practice.

Transgenic tobacco expressing a modified spider peptide inhibits the growth of plant pathogens and insect larvae

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The gene encoding lycotoxin I, an amphipathic pore-forming peptide, was modified to increase oral toxicity to insects. One of the most active modified genes was then constitutively expressed in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and transformants were evaluated for insect and disease resistance. Pathogenic...

Rheological properties of reactive extrusion modified waxy starch and waxy starch-polyacrylamide copolymer gels

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The rheological properties of modified waxy starch and waxy starch-polyacrylamide graft copolymers prepared by reactive extrusion were investigated. Both materials can absorb huge amount of water and form gels. The modified waxy starch and waxy starch-polyacrylamide graft copolymer gels all exhibite...

Fungal and Bacterial Infection Mitigation with Antibiotic and Antifungal Loaded Biopolymer Sponges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Parker, Ashley Cox

Musculoskeletal injuries are some of the most prevalent injuries in both civilian and military populations and their infections can be difficult to treat, often resulting in multiple surgeries and increased costs. In both previous and recent military operations, extremity injuries have been the most common battlefield injuries and many involve complex, open fractures. These extremity injuries are especially susceptible to multiple pathogenic, and sometimes drug resistant, bacteria and fungi. Fungal infections have recently become increasingly problematic in both military and civilian populations and have significantly higher amputation rates than those from bacterial infections. Many of these bacterial and fungal strains adhere to tissue and implanted orthopaedic hardware within wounds, forming biofilms. These problematic, often polymicrobial, infections threaten the health of the patient, but the risk also exists of spreading within hospitals to become prominent resistant infections. Local antimicrobial delivery releases high levels of antimicrobials directly to injured wound tissue, overcoming sub-bactericidal or subfungicidal antimicrobial levels present in the avascular wound zones. This research will determine the ability of modified chitosan sponges, buffered with sodium acetate or blended with polyethylene glycol (PEG), to act as short term adjunctive therapies to initial surgical treatment for delivering both antibiotics and/or antifungals for early abatement of infection. The objective of this work was to evaluate both types of modified sponges for in vitro and in vivo material characteristics and device functionality. In vitro analysis demonstrated both the buffered and PEG modified chitosan sponges exhibited increased degradation and functional cytocompatibility. The chitosan/PEG sponges were able to be loaded with hydrophobic antifungals and the sponges released in vitro biologically active concentrations, alone or in combination with the antibiotic vancomycin. Both types of modified sponges exhibited good biocompatibility and slight, but not complete, degradation in an in vivo rat intramuscular degradation and biocompatibility model. In an in vivo bacteria biofilm infection prevention mouse model, vancomycin loaded chitosan/PEG sponges also cleared more bacteria than the unmodified chitosan sponges. These experimental results led to the conclusion that with additional research and in vivo studies, the buffered and PEG blended chitosan sponge local delivery systems exhibit potential for use as adjunctive bacterial or fungal infection prevention therapies to standard surgical treatment of musculoskeletal wounds.

Dusty Star-forming Galaxies at High Redshift

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Su, Ting

2017-02-01

Star-forming galaxies, which convert large amounts of gas into stars at moderate or excessive rates, are a critical population for our understanding of galaxy evolution throughout the cosmic time. A small portion of the star-forming galaxies are defined as starburst galaxies because they have much greater star formation rates (a few hundred to a few thousand of solar masses per year), which are associate with high infrared luminosity. My thesis focuses on starburst galaxies in the intermediate/high redshift universe. In this study, I present various modeling methods of the infrared spectral energy distribution (SED) of starburst galaxies, including modified black-body models and empirical templates based on nearby galaxies. Then, I fit these models to two samples of sources to study galaxy properties and provide a comparison among different SED models. I present galaxy properties derived by the best-fit model -- a modified blackbody model with power-law temperature distribution. The first sample is nine candidate gravitationally-lensed dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) selected at 218 GHz (1.4 mm) from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) equatorial survey, with multi-wavelength detections. Among the brightest ACT sources, these represent the subset of the total ACT sample lying in Herschel SPIRE fields, and all nine of the 218 GHz detections were found to have bright Herschel counterparts. We find the sample has a higher redshift distribution (z=4.1+1.1-1.0) than "classical" starburst galaxies, as expected for 218 GHz selection, and an apparent total infrared luminosity of log10(uL_IR/L_sun) = 13.86+0.33-0.30, which suggests that they are either strongly lensed sources or unresolved collections of unlensed DSFGs. The effective apparent diameter of the sample is ud = 4.2+1.7-1.0 kpc, further evidence of strong lensing or multiplicity, since the typical diameter of dusty star-forming galaxies is 1.0-2.5 kpc. We emphasize that the effective apparent diameter derives from SED modeling without the assumption of optically thin dust (as opposed to image morphology). We find that the sources have substantial optical depth (tau = 4.2 +3.7-1.9) around the peak in the modified blackbody spectrum (lambda_obs <= 500 micron), which supports the choice of the optical thick model. The other sample is 30 starburst galaxies with spectroscopically confirmed redshift selected by sub-millimeter surveys in the redshifts range of z 4-6.5. We find that the power-law temperature of optically thick gray-body model is the best fitting method for high-z starburst galaxies. The optically thin model fitting would underestimate the dust temperature and overestimate the dust mass, while nearby starburst templates would overestimate the dust mass by an order of magnitude. For this very high redshift sample, we find a median dust mass of M_d = 2.7e8 Msun and a median infrared luminosity of L_IR = 1.1e13 Lsun which corresponds to a star formation rate of 1180 Msun/yr. The median cold dust component temperature is Tc = 41.7 K, while the median emission region diameter is d=2.4 kpc. We also present the gas mass M_G 2.6e10 Msun and dust-to-gas ratio Zd = 9.1e-3, which are consistent with the local analogues. Additionally, the FIR/radio correlation of the sample is q_IR=2.58, which is consistent with the local galaxies but slightly higher than the intermediate-z starburst galaxies.

Range Estimation Algorithm Comparison in 3-D Flash LADAR Data

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-03-01

formed from LADAR intensity data viewed at sample 10. Target is about 70 meters from receiver and normal to line of sight. White square indicates region...that when averaged form a pulse that is slightly wider than the individual returns. . . . . . . . 35 4.1 Examples of simulated LADAR waveforms of...varying widths used for PWE tests. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 4.2 Simulated noiseless data buffered through LADAR sytem

4′,5-Dihy­droxy-7-meth­oxy­flavanone dihydrate

PubMed Central

Brito, Iván; Bórquez, Jorge; Simirgiotis, Mario; Cárdenas, Alejandro; López-Rodríguez, Matías

2012-01-01

The title compound, C16H14O5·2H2O [systematic name: 5-hy­droxy-2-(4-hy­droxy­phen­yl)-7-meth­oxy­chroman-4-one dihydrate], is a natural phytoalexin flavone isolated from the native chilean species Heliotropium taltalense and crystallizes with an organic mol­ecule and two water mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit. The 5-hy­droxy group forms a strong intra­molecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl group, resulting in a six-membered ring. In the crystal, the components are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. The 4-hy­droxy­phenyl benzene ring is bonded equatorially to the pyrone ring, which adopts a slightly distorted sofa conformation. The title compound is the hydrated form of a previously reported structure [Shoja (1990 ▶). Acta Cryst. C46, 1969–1971]. There are only slight variations in the mol­ecular geometry between the two compounds. PMID:22259537

The effect of yttrium and thorium on the oxidation behavior of Ni-Cr-Al alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, A.; Nasrallah, M.; Douglass, D. L.

1974-01-01

The effect of quaternary additions of 0.5% Y, 0.5 and 1.0% Th to a base alloy of Ni-10CR-5Al on the oxidation behavior and mechanism was studied during oxidation in air over the range of 1000 to 1200 C. The presence of yttrium decreased the oxidation kinetics slightly, whereas, the addition of thorium caused a slight increase. Oxide scale adherence was markedly improved by the addition of the quaternary elements. Although a number of oxides formed on yttrium containing alloys, quantitative X-ray diffraction clearly showed that the rate-controlling step was the diffusion of aluminum through short circuit paths in a thin layer of alumina that formed parabolically with time. Although the scale adherence of the yttrium containing alloy was considerably better than the base alloys, spalling did occur that was attributed to the formation of the voluminous YAG particles which grew in a mushroom-like manner, lifting the protective scale off the subrate locally. The YAG particles formed primarily at grain boundaries in the substrate in which the yttrium originally existed as YNi9.

Tocopherols in Sunflower Seedlings under Light and Dark Conditions.

PubMed

del Moral, Lidia; Pérez-Vich, Begoña; Velasco, Leonardo

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of tocopherols in cotyledons and radicles from sunflower seeds with high and low total tocopherol content, mainly in the α-tocopherol form, and from seeds with increased proportions of β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol, both under dark and light conditions. Tocopherol content was measured every 24 h from 1 to 12 days after sowing. In all cases, the content of individual tocopherol forms in the cotyledons and radicles was reduced along the sampling period, which was more pronounced under light conditions. The presence of light had a slightly greater effect on α- and γ-tocopherol than on β- and δ-tocopherol. A marked light effect was also observed on total tocopherol content, with light promoting the reduction of tocopherol content in cotyledons and radicles. The study revealed only slight differences in the patterns of tocopherol losses in lines with different tocopherol profiles, both under dark and light conditions, which suggested that the partial replacement of α-tocopherol by other tocopherol forms had no great impact on the protection against oxidative damage in seedlings.

Tocopherols in Sunflower Seedlings under Light and Dark Conditions

PubMed Central

del Moral, Lidia; Pérez-Vich, Begoña

2015-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of tocopherols in cotyledons and radicles from sunflower seeds with high and low total tocopherol content, mainly in the α-tocopherol form, and from seeds with increased proportions of β-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol, both under dark and light conditions. Tocopherol content was measured every 24 h from 1 to 12 days after sowing. In all cases, the content of individual tocopherol forms in the cotyledons and radicles was reduced along the sampling period, which was more pronounced under light conditions. The presence of light had a slightly greater effect on α- and γ-tocopherol than on β- and δ-tocopherol. A marked light effect was also observed on total tocopherol content, with light promoting the reduction of tocopherol content in cotyledons and radicles. The study revealed only slight differences in the patterns of tocopherol losses in lines with different tocopherol profiles, both under dark and light conditions, which suggested that the partial replacement of α-tocopherol by other tocopherol forms had no great impact on the protection against oxidative damage in seedlings. PMID:26347898

A comparison of simple global kinetic models for coal devolatilization with the CPD model

DOE PAGES

Richards, Andrew P.; Fletcher, Thomas H.

2016-08-01

Simulations of coal combustors and gasifiers generally cannot incorporate the complexities of advanced pyrolysis models, and hence there is interest in evaluating simpler models over ranges of temperature and heating rate that are applicable to the furnace of interest. In this paper, six different simple model forms are compared to predictions made by the Chemical Percolation Devolatilization (CPD) model. The model forms included three modified one-step models, a simple two-step model, and two new modified two-step models. These simple model forms were compared over a wide range of heating rates (5 × 10 3 to 10 6 K/s) at finalmore » temperatures up to 1600 K. Comparisons were made of total volatiles yield as a function of temperature, as well as the ultimate volatiles yield. Advantages and disadvantages for each simple model form are discussed. In conclusion, a modified two-step model with distributed activation energies seems to give the best agreement with CPD model predictions (with the fewest tunable parameters).« less

Effect of heat recovery water heater system on the performance of residential split air conditioner using hydrocarbon refrigerant (HCR22)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aziz, A.; Thalal; Amri, I.; Herisiswanto; Mainil, A. K.

2017-09-01

This This paper presents the performance of residential split air conditioner (RSAC) using hydrocarbon refrigerant (HCR22) as the effect on the use of heat recovery water heater system (HRWHS). In this study, RSAC was modified with addition of dummy condenser (trombone coil type) as heat recovery water heater system (HRWHS). This HRWHS is installed between a compressor and a condenser by absorbing a part of condenser waste heat. The results show that RSAC with HRWHS is adequate to generate hot water with the temperature range about 46.58˚C - 48.81˚C when compared to without HRWHS and the use of dummy condenser does not give significant effect to the split air conditioner performance. When the use of HRWHS, the refrigerant charge has increase about 19.05%, the compressor power consumption has slightly increase about 1.42% where cooling capacity almost the same with slightly different about 0.39%. The condenser heat rejection is lower about 2.68% and the COP has slightly increased about 1.05% when compared to without HRWHS. The use of HRWHS provide free hot water, it means there is energy saving for heating water without negative impact to the system performance of RSAC.

The determination of modified barrier heights in Ti/GaN nano-Schottky diodes at high temperature.

PubMed

Lee, Seung-Yong; Kim, Tae-Hong; Chol, Nam-Kyu; Seong, Han-Kyu; Choi, Heon-Jin; Ahn, Byung-Guk; Lee, Sang-Kwon

2008-10-01

We have investigated the size-effect of the nano-Schottky diodes on the electrical transport properties and the temperature-dependent current transport mechanism in a metal-semiconductor nanowire junction (a Ti/GaN nano-Schottky diode) using current-voltage characterization in the range of 300-423 K. We found that the modified mean Schottky barrier height (SBH) was approximately 0.7 eV with a standard deviation of approximately 0.14 V using a Gaussian distribution model of the barrier heights. The slightly high value of the modified mean SBH (approximately 0.11 eV) compared to the results from the thin-film based Ti/GaN Schottky diodes could be due to an additional oxide layer at the interface between the Ti and GaN nanowires. Moreover, we found that the abnormal behavior of the barrier heights and the ideality factors in a Ti/GaN nano-Schottky diode at a temperature below 423 K could be explained by a combination of the enhancement of the tunneling current and a model with a Gaussian distribution of the barrier heights.

Beyond detection: nuclear physics with a webcam in an educational setting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pallone, Arthur

2015-03-01

Nuclear physics affects our daily lives in such diverse fields from medicine to art. I believe three obstacles - limited time, lack of subject familiarity and thus comfort on the part of educators, and equipment expense - must be overcome to produce a nuclear-educated populace. Educators regularly use webcams to actively engage students in scientific discovery as evidenced by a literature search for the term webcam paired with topics such as astronomy, biology, and physics. Inspired by YouTube videos that demonstrate alpha particle detection by modified webcams, I searched for examples that go beyond simple detection with only one education-oriented result - the determination of the in-air range of alphas using a modified CCD camera. Custom-built, radiation-hardened CMOS detectors exist in high energy physics and for soft x-ray detection. Commercial CMOS cameras are used for direct imaging in electron microscopy. I demonstrate charged-particle spectrometry with a slightly modified CMOS-based webcam. When used with inexpensive sources of radiation and free software, the webcam charged-particle spectrometer presents educators with a simple, low-cost technique to include nuclear physics in science education.

Emission wavelength tuning of fluorescence by fine structural control of optical metamaterials with Fano resonance

PubMed Central

Moritake, Y.; Kanamori, Y.; Hane, K.

2016-01-01

We demonstrated fine emission wavelength tuning of quantum dot (QD) fluorescence by fine structural control of optical metamaterials with Fano resonance. An asymmetric-double-bar (ADB), which was composed of only two bars with slightly different bar lengths, was used to obtain Fano resonance in the optical region. By changing the short bar length of ADB structures with high dimensional accuracy in the order of 10 nm, resonant wavelengths of Fano resonance were controlled from 1296 to 1416 nm. Fluorescence of QDs embedded in a polymer layer on ADB metamaterials were modified due to coupling to Fano resonance and fine tuning from 1350 to 1376 nm was observed. Wavelength tuning of modified fluorescence was reproduced by analysis using absorption peaks of Fano resonance. Tuning range of modified fluorescence became narrow, which was interpreted by a simple Gaussian model and resulted from comparable FWHM in QD fluorescence and Fano resonant peaks. The results will help the design and fabrication of metamaterial devices with fluorophores such as light sources and biomarkers. PMID:27622503

Site-specific synthesis of Amadori-modified peptides on solid phase.

PubMed

Frolov, Andrej; Singer, David; Hoffmann, Ralf

2006-06-01

Glycation of peptides and proteins is a slow chemical reaction of reducing sugars modifying the amino groups. The first intermediates of this nonenzymatic glycosylation are the Amadori products that can undergo further chemical reactions, finally leading to advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The formation of AGEs was not only linked to aging of tissues and organs in general but also to several diseases such as diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer's disease. Because of the importance of these modifications and their potential use as diagnostic markers, a global postsynthetic approach on solid phase was developed. The peptides were synthesized by Fmoc/(t)Bu-chemistry, with the lysine residue to be modified being protected with the very acid-labile methyltrityl group. Incubation of the peptides with D-glucose in DMF at elevated temperatures resulted in product yields of 35%. Neighboring residues with bulky protecting groups reduced the yields only slightly. The major by-products were the unmodified peptide and an oxidation product. Whereas the unmodified peptide eluted before the glycated peptide, all other by-products eluted later in RP-HPLC, allowing simple purification.

A case report of a TPS dental implant rigidly connected to a natural tooth: 19-year follow-up.

PubMed

Quaranta, Alessandro; Poli, Ottavia; Vozza, Iole

2013-01-01

A partial edentulous area was restored with a tooth to implant fixed partial denture and a rigid connection between the two elements. Maintenance recalls were performed over a 19-year period of observation on a yearly basis. THE FOLLOWING PARAMETERS WERE COLLECTED DURING EACH EXAMINATION OVER THE ENTIRE PERIOD OF OBSERVATION: PD around the implant and natural tooth abutment, gingival index, modified gingival index, plaque index, modified plaque index, occlusal assessment, marginal bone loss. Radiographic assessment of peri-implant bone remodeling was performed in a retrospective way. The following reference points were assessed on each image: fixture-abutment junction, threads, first contact of the crestal bone with the implant on both mesial and distal side. This made possible, with the known values for implant diameter and length, to make linear measurements of remaining peri-implant bone measured from the mesial and distal marginal bone levels and the fixture-abutment junction. The amount of bone change over the baseline to a 19 years follow-up observation time was calculated for both the implant and the natural tooth. Clinical parameters showed healthy values over the entire period of observation with slight isolated positive bleeding on probing. Bone remodeling values were constant over the entire period with slight higher values around the tooth. Peri-apical radiographs did not show any intrusion of the tooth. The present case report showed the complete functionality and stability of a tooth to implant rigidly connected FPD over a period of 19 years.

Changes in the level and activation state of the plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase during aging of red beet slices.

PubMed

Papini, R; De Michelis, M I

1997-07-01

The effect of aging on the plasma membrane (PM) H(+)-ATPase of red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) parenchyma discs was analyzed in PM purified by aqueous two-phase partitioning. Aging increased both the activity in the amount of immunodetectable H(+)-ATPase in the PM. The activity assayed at slightly alkaline pH values increased earlier and more strongly than that assayed at acidic pH values, so that the pH curve of the enzyme from aged beet discs was shifted toward more alkaline values. Aging decreased the stimulation of the PM H(+)-ATPase activity by controlled trypsin treatments or by lysophosphatidylcholine. After trypsin treatment the pH dependence of H(+)-ATPase from dormant or aged beet discs became equal. These results indicate that aging not only increases the level of H(+)-ATPase in the PM, but also determines its activation, most likely by modifying the interaction between the autoinhibitory carboxyl-terminal domain and the catalytic site. When the PM H(+)-ATPase activity was assayed at a slightly alkaline pH, the tyrosine modifier N-acetylimidazole inhibited the H(+)-ATPase in the PM from dormant beet discs much less than in the PM from aged discs, suggesting that modification of a tyrosine residue may be involved in the activation of the PM H(+)-ATPase induced by aging. The results are discussed with regard to aging-induced development of transmembrane transport activities.

Flight and Test-stand Investigation of High-performance Fuels in Modified Double-row Radial Air-cooled Engines III: Knock-limited Performance of 33-R as Compared with a Triptane Blend and 28-R in Flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Blackman, Calvin C.; White, H. Jack

1945-01-01

A comparison has been made in flight of the antiknock characteristics of 33-R fuel with that of 28-R and a triptane blent. The knock-limited performance of the three fuels - 33-R, a blend of 80 percent 28-R plus 20 percent triptane (leaded to 4.5 ml TEL/gal), and 28-R - was investigated in two modified 14-cylinder double-row radial air-cooled engines. Tests were conducted on the engines as installed in the left inboard nacelle of an airplane. A carburetor-air temperature of approximately 85 deg F was maintained. The conditions covered at an engine speed of 2250 rpm were high and low blower ratios and spark advances of 25 deg and 32 deg B.T.C. For an engine speed of 1800 rpm only the high-blower condition was investigated for both 25 deg and 32 deg spark advances. For the conditions investigated the difference between 33-R and the triptane blend was found to be slight; the performance of 33-R fuel, however, was slightly higher than that of the triptane blend in the lean region. The knock-limited power obtained with the 33-R fuel was from 14 to 28 percent higher than that of the 28-R fuel for the entire range of test conditions; the greatest improvement was shown in the lean region.

Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of human alpha crystallin.

PubMed

Swamy, M S; Abraham, E C

1991-03-01

A rapid and highly sensitive reverse-phase HPLC (RP-HPLC) method was used to separate crystallin subunits from human alpha crystallin. Three distinct peaks were separated; by electrophoretic and immunological analyses the first and second peaks were identified as alpha B and alpha A respectively. On the other hand, peak 3 appeared to be a modified form of alpha crystallin. The ratio of alpha A and alpha B proteins was 3:1 in 1 day old lenses which gradually changed to 2:1 in 17 year old lenses and to 1:1 in the 50 and 82 year old whole lenses and 82 year old lens cortex, with a concomitant increase in the modified alpha, suggesting that alpha A subunits are relatively more involved in aggregation. Analysis of the 82 year old lens nucleus also supported this conclusion. The RP-HPLC analysis of the HMW aggregate fraction showed substantial enrichment of the modified alpha. The alpha A and alpha B subunits independently reassociated to form polymeric alpha crystallin whereas the modified alpha reassociated to form HMW aggregates as shown by molecular sieve HPLC. Hence it appears that the HMW aggregate peak was constituted by modified alpha crystallin. Only in the peak 3 material the 280 nm absorbance was about 2-fold higher than what was expected from the actual protein content. The data suggest that the changes induced by post-translational modifications may have some role in the formation of modified alpha. The present RP-HPLC method is useful in separating these modified alpha from the unmodified alpha A and alpha B subunits.

Amorphous Carbon-Boron Nitride Nanotube Hybrids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kim, Jae Woo (Inventor); Siochi, Emilie J. (Inventor); Wise, Kristopher E. (Inventor); Lin, Yi (Inventor); Connell, John (Inventor)

2016-01-01

A method for joining or repairing boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). In joining BNNTs, the nanotube structure is modified with amorphous carbon deposited by controlled electron beam irradiation to form well bonded hybrid a-C/BNNT structures. In repairing BNNTs, the damaged site of the nanotube structure is modified with amorphous carbon deposited by controlled electron beam irradiation to form well bonded hybrid a-C/BNNT structures at the damage site.

Some Effects of a Modified Workweek

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wood, Jack M.

1977-01-01

Reports on a study that included examination of the degree of change in selected aspects of job satisfaction and organizational performance after the organization adopted a form of modified workweek. (Author/IRT)

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

Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-556, MCU-15-557, and MCU-15-558), pulled on 03/16/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-556-557-558 indicated a low concentration (~ 78 % of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and concentrations of the extractant (MaxCalix), and of the modifier (CS-7SB) in the solvent that were slightly lower than nominal. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent in February 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier aremore » sufficient for continuing operation without adding a trim at this time. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). However, the p-nut vials that delivered the samples contained small (1 mm) droplets of oxidized modifier and amides (as detected by the FTIR analysis). In addition, up to 21 microgram of mercury per gram of solvent (or 17.4 µg/mL) was detected in this sample. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

Temperature rise in ion-leachable cements during setting reaction.

PubMed

Kanchanavasita, W; Pearson, G J; Anstice, H M

1995-11-01

Resin-modified ion-leachable cements have been developed for use as aesthetic restorative materials. Their apparent improved physical and handling properties can make them more attractive for use than conventional glass-ionomers. However, they contain monomers which are known to contract on polymerization and produce a polymerization exotherm. This study evaluated the temperature rise during setting and the rate of dimensional change of several ion-leachable materials. The resin-modified ion-leachable cements demonstrated greater temperature rises and higher rates of contraction than conventional materials. Generally, the behaviour of these resin-modified materials was similar to that of composite resins. However, some resin-modified cements produced a temperature rise of up to 20 degrees C during polymerization which was greater than that of the composite resin. This temperature rise must be taken into account when using the materials in direct contact with dentine in deep cavities without pulp protection. Longer irradiation time than the recommended 20 s did not significantly increase the maximum temperature rise but slightly extended the time before the temperature started to decline. The temperature of the environment had a significant effect on the rate of dimensional change in some materials. The rate of polymerization contraction of light-activated cements was directly related to the observed temperature rise.

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of aniline in wastewater using copper modified SBA-15 as catalyst.

PubMed

Kong, Liming; Zhou, Xiang; Yao, Yuan; Jian, Panming; Diao, Guowang

2016-01-01

SBA-15 mesoporous molecular sieves modified with copper (Cu-SBA-15) were prepared by pH-adjusting hydrothermal method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET, transmission electron microscopy, UV-Vis and (29)Si MAS NMR. The pH of the synthesis gel has a significant effect on the amount and the dispersion of copper on SBA-15. The Cu-SBA-15(4.5) (where 4.5 denotes the pH value of the synthesis gel) modified with highly dispersed copper was used as catalyst for the oxidation of aniline by H2O2. The Cu-SBA-15(4.5) shows a higher catalytic activity compared to CuO on the surface of SBA-15. The influences of reaction conditions, such as initial pH of the aqueous solutions, temperature, as well as the dosages of H2O2 and catalyst were investigated. Under weakly alkaline aqueous solution conditions, the aniline conversion, the H2O2 decomposition and the total organic carbon (TOC) removal could be increased significantly compared to the acid conditions. The percentage of leaching Cu(2+) could be decreased from 45.0% to 3.66% when the initial pH of solution was increased from 5 to 10. The TOC removal could be enhanced with the increases of temperature, H2O2 and catalyst dosage, but the aniline conversion and H2O2 decomposition change slightly with further increasing dosage of catalyst and H2O2. At 343 K and pH 8.0, 100% aniline conversion and 66.9% TOC removal can be achieved under the conditions of 1.0 g/L catalyst and 0.05 mol/L H2O2 after 180 min. Although copper might be slightly leached from catalyst, the homogeneous Cu(2+) contribution to the whole catalytic activity is unimportant, and the highly dispersed copper on SBA-15 plays a dominant role.

Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

2018-06-01

Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

Encapsulation of vitamin E: effect of physicochemical properties of wall material on retention and stability.

PubMed

Hategekimana, Joseph; Masamba, Kingsley George; Ma, Jianguo; Zhong, Fang

2015-06-25

Spray drying technique was used to fabricate Vitamin E loaded nanocapsules using Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA) modified starches as emulsifiers and wall materials. Several physicochemical properties of modified starches that are expected to influence emulsification capacity, retention and storage stability of Vitamin E in nanocapsules were investigated. High Degree of Substitution (DS), low Molecular Weight (Mw) and low interfacial tension improved emulsification properties while Oxygen Permeability (OP) and Water Vapor Permeability (WVP) affected the film forming properties. The degradation profile of Vitamin E fitted well with the Weibull model. Nanocapsules from OSA modified starches MS-A and MS-B retained around 50% of Vitamin E after a period of 60 days at 4-35°C. Reduced retention and short half-life (35 days) in nanocapsules fabricated using MS-C at 35°C were attributed to autoxidation reaction occurred due to poor film forming capacity. These results indicated that low molecular weights OSA modified starches were effective at forming stable Vitamin E nanocapsules that could be used in drug and beverage applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surface nucleation and independent growth of Ce(OH)4 within confinement space on modified carbon black surface to prepare nano-CeO2 without agglomeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xinyue; Xia, Chunhui; Li, Kaitao; Lin, Yanjun

2018-04-01

Highly dispersed negative carboxyl groups can be formed on carbon black (CB) surface modified with strong nitric acid. Therefore positive cations can be uniformly absorbed by carboxyl groups and precipitated within a confinement space on modified CB surface to prepare highly dispersed nanomaterials. In this paper, the formation and dispersion status of surface negative carboxyl groups, adsorption status of Ce3+, surface confinement nucleation, crystallization and calcination process were studied by EDS, SEM, and laser particle size analysis. The results show that the carboxyl groups formed on modified CB surface are highly dispersed, and Ce3+ cations can be uniformly anchored by carboxyl groups. Therefore, highly dispersed Ce3+ can react with OH- within a confinement surface region to form positive nano-Ce(OH)4 nuclei which also can be adsorbed by electrostatic attraction. After independent growth of Ce(OH)4 without agglomeration, highly dispersed CeO2 nanoparticles without agglomeration can be prepared together with the help of effectively isolates by CO2 released in the combustion of CB.

Evaluation of Pictorial Dietary Assessment Tool for Hospitalized Patients with Diabetes: Cost, Accuracy, and User Satisfaction Analysis

PubMed Central

Shahar, Suzana; Abdul Manaf, Zahara; Mohd Nordin, Nor Azlin; Susetyowati, Susetyowati

2017-01-01

Although nutritional screening and dietary monitoring in clinical settings are important, studies on related user satisfaction and cost benefit are still lacking. This study aimed to: (1) elucidate the cost of implementing a newly developed dietary monitoring tool, the Pictorial Dietary Assessment Tool (PDAT); and (2) investigate the accuracy of estimation and satisfaction of healthcare staff after the use of the PDAT. A cross-over intervention study was conducted among 132 hospitalized patients with diabetes. Cost and time for the implementation of PDAT in comparison to modified Comstock was estimated using the activity-based costing approach. Accuracy was expressed as the percentages of energy and protein obtained by both methods, which were within 15% and 30%, respectively, of those obtained by the food weighing. Satisfaction of healthcare staff was measured using a standardized questionnaire. Time to complete the food intake recording of patients using PDAT (2.31 ± 0.70 min) was shorter than when modified Comstock (3.53 ± 1.27 min) was used (p < 0.001). Overall cost per patient was slightly higher for PDAT (United States Dollar 0.27 ± 0.02) than for modified Comstock (USD 0.26 ± 0.04 (p < 0.05)). The accuracy of energy intake estimated by modified Comstock was 10% lower than that of PDAT. There was poorer accuracy of protein intake estimated by modified Comstock (<40%) compared to that estimated by the PDAT (>71%) (p < 0.05). Mean user satisfaction of healthcare staff was significantly higher for PDAT than that for modified Comstock (p < 0.05). PDAT requires a shorter time to be completed and was rated better than modified Comstock. PMID:29283401

Unsteady fluid flow in a slightly curved annular pipe: The impact of the annulus on the flow physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Messaris, Gerasimos A. T.; Karahalios, George T.

2017-02-01

The motivation of the present study is threefold. Mainly, the etiological explanation of the Womersley number based on physical reasoning. Next, the extension of a previous work [Messaris, Hadjinicolaou, and Karahalios, "Unsteady fluid flow in a slightly curved pipe: A comparative study of a matched asymptotic expansions solution with a single analytical solution," Phys. Fluids 28, 081901 (2016)] to the annular pipe flow. Finally, the discussion of the effect of the additional stresses generated by a catheter in an artery and exerted on the arterial wall during an in vivo catheterization. As it is known, the square of the Womersley number may be interpreted as an oscillatory Reynolds number which equals to the ratio of the inertial to the viscous forces. The adoption of a modified Womersley number in terms of the annular gap width seems therefore more appropriate to the description of the annular flow than an ordinary Womersley number defined in terms of the pipe radius. On this ground, the non-dimensional equations of motion are approximately solved by two analytical methods: a matched asymptotic expansions method and a single. In the first method, which is valid for very large values of the Womersley number, the flow region consists of the main core and the two boundary layers formed at the inner and outer boundaries. In the second, the fluid is considered as one region and the Womersley number can vary from finite values, such that they fit to the blood flow in the aorta and the main arteries, to infinity. The single solution predicts increasing circumferential and decreasing axial stresses with increasing catheter radius at a prescribed value of the Womersley parameter in agreement with analogous results from other theoretical and numerical solutions. It also predicts the formation of pinches on the secondary flow streamlines and a third boundary layer, additional to those formed at the boundary walls. Finally, we show that the insertion of a catheter in an artery may trigger possible disastrous side effects. It may cause unexpected damage to a predisposed but still dormant location of the arterial wall due to high additional radial pressure that induces an excessive distension of the artery.

Controls on Turbulent Mixing in a Strongly Stratified and Sheared Tidal River Plume

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

Jurisa, Joseph T.; Nash, Jonathan D.; Moum, James N.

Considerable effort has been made to parameterize turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dissipation rate ..epsilon.. and mixing in buoyant plumes and stratified shear flows. Here, a parameterization based on Kunze et al. is examined, which estimates ..epsilon.. as the amount of energy contained in an unstable shear layer (Ri < Ric) that must be dissipated to increase the Richardson number Ri = N2/S2 to a critical value Ric within a turbulent decay time scale. Observations from the tidal Columbia River plume are used to quantitatively assess the relevant parameters controlling ..epsilon.. over a range of tidal and river discharge forcings. Observedmore » ..epsilon.. is found to be characterized by Kunze et al.'s form within a factor of 2, while exhibiting slightly decreased skill near Ri = Ric. Observed dissipation rates are compared to estimates from a constant interfacial drag formulation that neglects the direct effects of stratification. This is found to be appropriate in energetic regimes when the bulk-averaged Richardson number Rib is less than Ric/4. However, when Rib > Ric/4, the effects of stratification must be included. Similarly, ..epsilon.. scaled by the bulk velocity and density differences over the plume displays a clear dependence on Rib, decreasing as Rib approaches Ric. The Kunze et al. ..epsilon.. parameterization is modified to form an expression for the nondimensional dissipation rate that is solely a function of Rib, displaying good agreement with the observations. It is suggested that this formulation is broadly applicable for unstable to marginally unstable stratified shear flows.« less

Structural and mutational analyses of Aes, an inhibitor of MalT in Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Schiefner, André; Gerber, Kinga; Brosig, Alexander; Boos, Winfried

2014-02-01

The acyl esterase Aes effectively inhibits the transcriptional activity of MalT-the central activator of maltose and maltodextrin utilizing genes in Escherichia coli. To provide better insight into the nature of the interaction between Aes and MalT, we determined two different crystal structures of Aes-in its native form and covalently modified by a phenylmethylsulfonyl moiety at its active site serine. Both structures show distinct space groups and were refined to a resolution of 1.8 Å and 2.3 Å, respectively. The overall structure of Aes resembles a canonical α/β-hydrolase fold, which is extended by a funnel-like cap structure that forms the substrate-binding site. The catalytic triad of Aes, comprising residues Ser165, His292, and Asp262, is located at the bottom of this funnel. Analysis of the crystal-packing contacts of the two different space groups as well as analytical size-exclusion chromatography revealed a homodimeric arrangement of Aes. The Aes dimer adopts an antiparallel contact involving both the hydrolase core and the cap, with its twofold axis perpendicular to the largest dimension of Aes. To identify the surface area of Aes that is responsible for the interaction with MalT, we performed a structure-based alanine-scanning mutagenesis to pinpoint Aes residues that are significantly impaired in MalT inhibition, but still exhibit wild-type expression and enzymatic activity. These residues map to a shallow slightly concave surface patch of Aes at the opposite site of the dimerization interface and indicate the surface area that interacts with MalT. Copyright © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DAMPING OF THE MILKY WAY BAR BY MANIFOLD-DRIVEN SPIRALS

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

Łokas, Ewa L.

2016-10-10

We describe a new phenomenon of “bar damping” that may have played an important role in shaping the Milky Way bar and bulge as well as its spiral structure. We use a collisionless N -body simulation of a Milky Way–like galaxy initially composed of a dark matter halo and an exponential disk with a Toomre parameter slightly above unity. In this configuration, dominated by the disk in the center, a bar forms relatively quickly, after 1 Gyr of evolution. This is immediately followed by the formation of two manifold-driven spiral arms and the outflow of stars that modifies the potentialmore » in the vicinity of the bar, apparently shifting the position of the L {sub 1}/ L {sub 2} Lagrange points. This modification leads to the shortening of the bar and the creation of a next generation of manifold-driven spiral arms at a smaller radius. The process repeats itself a few times over the next 0.5 Gyr resulting in further substantial weakening and shortening of the bar. The time when the damping comes to an end coincides with the first buckling episode in the bar that rebuilds the orbital structure so that no more new spiral arms are formed. The morphology of the bar and the spiral structure at this time show remarkable similarity to the present properties of the Milky Way. Later on, the bar starts to grow rather steadily again, weakened only by subsequent buckling episodes occurring at more distant parts of the disk.« less

Modeling covalent-modifier drugs.

PubMed

Awoonor-Williams, Ernest; Walsh, Andrew G; Rowley, Christopher N

2017-11-01

In this review, we present a summary of how computer modeling has been used in the development of covalent-modifier drugs. Covalent-modifier drugs bind by forming a chemical bond with their target. This covalent binding can improve the selectivity of the drug for a target with complementary reactivity and result in increased binding affinities due to the strength of the covalent bond formed. In some cases, this results in irreversible inhibition of the target, but some targeted covalent inhibitor (TCI) drugs bind covalently but reversibly. Computer modeling is widely used in drug discovery, but different computational methods must be used to model covalent modifiers because of the chemical bonds formed. Structural and bioinformatic analysis has identified sites of modification that could yield selectivity for a chosen target. Docking methods, which are used to rank binding poses of large sets of inhibitors, have been augmented to support the formation of protein-ligand bonds and are now capable of predicting the binding pose of covalent modifiers accurately. The pK a 's of amino acids can be calculated in order to assess their reactivity towards electrophiles. QM/MM methods have been used to model the reaction mechanisms of covalent modification. The continued development of these tools will allow computation to aid in the development of new covalent-modifier drugs. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Biophysics in Canada, edited by Lewis Kay, John Baenziger, Albert Berghuis and Peter Tieleman. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of Zirconium Phosphonate-Modified Surfaces for Immobilizing Phosphopeptides and Phosphate-Tagged Proteins.

PubMed

Forato, Florian; Liu, Hao; Benoit, Roland; Fayon, Franck; Charlier, Cathy; Fateh, Amina; Defontaine, Alain; Tellier, Charles; Talham, Daniel R; Queffélec, Clémence; Bujoli, Bruno

2016-06-07

Different routes for preparing zirconium phosphonate-modified surfaces for immobilizing biomolecular probes are compared. Two chemical-modification approaches were explored to form self-assembled monolayers on commercially available primary amine-functionalized slides, and the resulting surfaces were compared to well-characterized zirconium phosphonate monolayer-modified supports prepared using Langmuir-Blodgett methods. When using POCl3 as the amine phosphorylating agent followed by treatment with zirconyl chloride, the result was not a zirconium-phosphonate monolayer, as commonly assumed in the literature, but rather the process gives adsorbed zirconium oxide/hydroxide species and to a lower extent adsorbed zirconium phosphate and/or phosphonate. Reactions giving rise to these products were modeled in homogeneous-phase studies. Nevertheless, each of the three modified surfaces effectively immobilized phosphopeptides and phosphopeptide tags fused to an affinity protein. Unexpectedly, the zirconium oxide/hydroxide modified surface, formed by treating the amine-coated slides with POCl3/Zr(4+), afforded better immobilization of the peptides and proteins and efficient capture of their targets.

Tearing Instability of a Current Sheet Forming by Sheared Incompressible Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tolman, Elizabeth; Loureiro, Nuno; Uzdensky, Dmitri

2017-10-01

Sweet-Parker current sheets are unstable to the tearing mode, suggesting they will not form in physical systems. Understanding magnetic reconnection thus requires study of the stability of a current sheet as it forms. Such formation can occur as a result of sheared, sub-Alfvénic incompressible flows into and along the sheet. This work presents an analysis of how tearing perturbations behave in a current sheet forming under the influence of such flows, beginning with a phase when the growth rate of the tearing mode is small and the behavior of perturbations is primarily governed by ideal MHD. Later, after the tearing growth rate becomes significant relative to the time scale of the driving flows, the flows cause a slight reduction in the tearing growth rate and wave vector of the dominant mode. Once the tearing mode enters the nonlinear regime, the flows accelerate the tearing growth slightly; during X-point collapse, the flows have negligible effect on the system behavior. This analysis allows greater understanding of reconnection in evolving systems and increases confidence in the application of tools developed in time-independent current sheets to changing current sheets. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

On a modified form of navier-stokes equations for three-dimensional flows.

PubMed

Venetis, J

2015-01-01

A rephrased form of Navier-Stokes equations is performed for incompressible, three-dimensional, unsteady flows according to Eulerian formalism for the fluid motion. In particular, we propose a geometrical method for the elimination of the nonlinear terms of these fundamental equations, which are expressed in true vector form, and finally arrive at an equivalent system of three semilinear first order PDEs, which hold for a three-dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Next, we present the related variational formulation of these modified equations as well as a general type of weak solutions which mainly concern Sobolev spaces.

On a Modified Form of Navier-Stokes Equations for Three-Dimensional Flows

PubMed Central

Venetis, J.

2015-01-01

A rephrased form of Navier-Stokes equations is performed for incompressible, three-dimensional, unsteady flows according to Eulerian formalism for the fluid motion. In particular, we propose a geometrical method for the elimination of the nonlinear terms of these fundamental equations, which are expressed in true vector form, and finally arrive at an equivalent system of three semilinear first order PDEs, which hold for a three-dimensional rectangular Cartesian coordinate system. Next, we present the related variational formulation of these modified equations as well as a general type of weak solutions which mainly concern Sobolev spaces. PMID:25918743

Semiconductor assisted metal deposition for nanolithography applications

DOEpatents

Rajh, Tijana; Meshkov, Natalia; Nedelijkovic, Jovan M.; Skubal, Laura R.; Tiede, David M.; Thurnauer, Marion

2001-01-01

An article of manufacture and method of forming nanoparticle sized material components. A semiconductor oxide substrate includes nanoparticles of semiconductor oxide. A modifier is deposited onto the nanoparticles, and a source of metal ions are deposited in association with the semiconductor and the modifier, the modifier enabling electronic hole scavenging and chelation of the metal ions. The metal ions and modifier are illuminated to cause reduction of the metal ions to metal onto the semiconductor nanoparticles.

Semiconductor assisted metal deposition for nanolithography applications

DOEpatents

Rajh, Tijana; Meshkov, Natalia; Nedelijkovic, Jovan M.; Skubal, Laura R.; Tiede, David M.; Thurnauer, Marion

2002-01-01

An article of manufacture and method of forming nanoparticle sized material components. A semiconductor oxide substrate includes nanoparticles of semiconductor oxide. A modifier is deposited onto the nanoparticles, and a source of metal ions are deposited in association with the semiconductor and the modifier, the modifier enabling electronic hole scavenging and chelation of the metal ions. The metal ions and modifier are illuminated to cause reduction of the metal ions to metal onto the semiconductor nanoparticles.

Melt layer formation in stainless steel under transient thermal loads

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steudel, I.; Klimov, N. S.; Linke, J.; Loewenhoff, Th.; Pintsuk, G.; Pitts, R. A.; Wirtz, M.

2015-08-01

To investigate the performance of stainless steel under transient thermal events, such as photon pulses caused by disruptions mitigated by massive gas injection (MGI), the material has been exposed to electron beam loads with ITER relevant power densities slightly above the melting threshold (245 MW/m2) and a pulse duration of 3 ms (Sugihara et al., 2012; Klimov et al., 2013; Pitts et al., 2013). The samples were manufactured from different steel grades with slightly modified chemical composition. To investigate the effect of repetitive surface heat loads on the melting process and the melt motion, identical heat pulses in the range of 100-3000 were applied. All tested materials showed intense melt-induced surface roughening, driven by repeated shallow surface melting up to several ten micrometre and fast re-solidification with epitaxial grain growth. During the liquid phase, melt motion induced by cohesive forces results in the formation of a wavy surface structure with apexes. Further experiments have been performed to study the effects of non-perpendicular surfaces or leading edges.

Method and apparatus for reducing range ambiguity in synthetic aperture radar

DOEpatents

Kare, Jordin T.

1999-10-26

A modified Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system with reduced sensitivity to range ambiguities, and which uses secondary receiver channels to detect the range ambiguous signals and subtract them from the signal received by the main channel. Both desired and range ambiguous signals are detected by a main receiver and by one or more identical secondary receivers. All receivers are connected to a common antenna with two or more feed systems offset in elevation (e.g., a reflector antenna with multiple feed horns or a phased array with multiple phase shift networks. The secondary receiver output(s) is (are) then subtracted from the main receiver output in such a way as to cancel the ambiguous signals while only slightly attenuating the desired signal and slightly increasing the noise in the main channel, and thus does not significantly affect the desired signal. This subtraction may be done in real time, or the outputs of the receivers may be recorded separately and combined during signal processing.

Sunlight penetration through the Martian polar caps: Effects on the thermal and frost budgets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindner, Bernhard Lee

1992-01-01

An energy balance model of the seasonal polar caps on Mars is modified to include penetration of solar radiation into and through the ice. Penetration of solar radiation has no effect on subsurface temperature or total frost sublimation if seasonal ice overlies a dust surface. An effect is noted for seasonal ice which overlies the residual polar caps. For the case of an exposed water-ice residual polar cap, the temperature at depth is calculated to be up to several degrees warmer and the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is slightly lower when penetration of sunlight is properly treated in the model. For the case of a residual polar cap which is perennially covered by CO2 frost, the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is very slightly increased as a result of sunlight penetration through the ice. Hence, penetration of sunlight into the ice helps to stabilize the observed dichotomy in the residual polar caps on Mars, although it is a small effect.

Sunlight penetration through the Martian polar caps - Effects on the thermal and frost budgets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindner, Bernhard L.

1992-01-01

An energy balance model of the seasonal polar caps on Mars is modified to include penetration of solar radiation into and through the ice. Penetration of solar radiation has no effect on subsurface temperature or total frost sublimation if seasonal ice overlies a dust surface. An effect is noted for seasonal ice which overlies the residual polar caps. For the case of an exposed water-ice residual polar cap, the temperature at depth is calculated to be up to several degrees warmer, and the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is slightly lower when penetration of sunlight is properly treated in the model. For the case of a residual polar cap which is perennially covered by CO2 frost, the calculated lifetime of seasonal CO2 frost is very slightly increased as a result of sunlight penetration through the ice. Hence, penetration of sunlight into the ice helps to stabilize the observed dichotomy in the residual polar caps on Mars, although it is a small effect.

New solitary wave solutions of (3 + 1)-dimensional nonlinear extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov and modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equations and their applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Dianchen; Seadawy, A. R.; Arshad, M.; Wang, Jun

In this paper, new exact solitary wave, soliton and elliptic function solutions are constructed in various forms of three dimensional nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) in mathematical physics by utilizing modified extended direct algebraic method. Soliton solutions in different forms such as bell and anti-bell periodic, dark soliton, bright soliton, bright and dark solitary wave in periodic form etc are obtained, which have large applications in different branches of physics and other areas of applied sciences. The obtained solutions are also presented graphically. Furthermore, many other nonlinear evolution equations arising in mathematical physics and engineering can also be solved by this powerful, reliable and capable method. The nonlinear three dimensional extended Zakharov-Kuznetsov dynamica equation and (3 + 1)-dimensional modified KdV-Zakharov-Kuznetsov equation are selected to show the reliability and effectiveness of the current method.

Conceptual model for dietary behaviour change at household level: a 'best-fit' qualitative study using primary data.

PubMed

Daivadanam, Meena; Wahlström, Rolf; Ravindran, T K Sundari; Thankappan, K R; Ramanathan, Mala

2014-06-09

Interventions having a strong theoretical basis are more efficacious, providing a strong argument for incorporating theory into intervention planning. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual model to facilitate the planning of dietary intervention strategies at the household level in rural Kerala. Three focus group discussions and 17 individual interviews were conducted among men and women, aged between 23 and 75 years. An interview guide facilitated the process to understand: 1) feasibility and acceptability of a proposed dietary behaviour change intervention; 2) beliefs about foods, particularly fruits and vegetables; 3) decision-making in households with reference to food choices and access; and 4) to gain insights into the kind of intervention strategies that may be practical at community and household level. The data were analysed using a modified form of qualitative framework analysis, which combined both deductive and inductive reasoning. A priori themes were identified from relevant behaviour change theories using construct definitions, and used to index the meaning units identified from the primary qualitative data. In addition, new themes emerging from the data were included. The associations between the themes were mapped into four main factors and its components, which contributed to construction of the conceptual model. Thirteen of the a priori themes from three behaviour change theories (Trans-theoretical model, Health Belief model and Theory of Planned Behaviour) were confirmed or slightly modified, while four new themes emerged from the data. The conceptual model had four main factors and its components: impact factors (decisional balance, risk perception, attitude); change processes (action-oriented, cognitive); background factors (personal modifiers, societal norms); and overarching factors (accessibility, perceived needs and preferences), built around a three-stage change spiral (pre-contemplation, intention, action). Decisional balance was the strongest in terms of impacting the process of behaviour change, while household efficacy and perceived household cooperation were identified as 'markers' for stages-of-change at the household level. This type of framework analysis made it possible to develop a conceptual model that could facilitate the design of intervention strategies to aid a household-level dietary behaviour change process.

Conceptual model for dietary behaviour change at household level: a ‘best-fit’ qualitative study using primary data

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background Interventions having a strong theoretical basis are more efficacious, providing a strong argument for incorporating theory into intervention planning. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual model to facilitate the planning of dietary intervention strategies at the household level in rural Kerala. Methods Three focus group discussions and 17 individual interviews were conducted among men and women, aged between 23 and 75 years. An interview guide facilitated the process to understand: 1) feasibility and acceptability of a proposed dietary behaviour change intervention; 2) beliefs about foods, particularly fruits and vegetables; 3) decision-making in households with reference to food choices and access; and 4) to gain insights into the kind of intervention strategies that may be practical at community and household level. The data were analysed using a modified form of qualitative framework analysis, which combined both deductive and inductive reasoning. A priori themes were identified from relevant behaviour change theories using construct definitions, and used to index the meaning units identified from the primary qualitative data. In addition, new themes emerging from the data were included. The associations between the themes were mapped into four main factors and its components, which contributed to construction of the conceptual model. Results Thirteen of the a priori themes from three behaviour change theories (Trans-theoretical model, Health Belief model and Theory of Planned Behaviour) were confirmed or slightly modified, while four new themes emerged from the data. The conceptual model had four main factors and its components: impact factors (decisional balance, risk perception, attitude); change processes (action-oriented, cognitive); background factors (personal modifiers, societal norms); and overarching factors (accessibility, perceived needs and preferences), built around a three-stage change spiral (pre-contemplation, intention, action). Decisional balance was the strongest in terms of impacting the process of behaviour change, while household efficacy and perceived household cooperation were identified as ‘markers’ for stages-of-change at the household level. Conclusions This type of framework analysis made it possible to develop a conceptual model that could facilitate the design of intervention strategies to aid a household-level dietary behaviour change process. PMID:24912496

Circular dichroism study of the carbohydrate-modified opioid peptides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horvat, Štefica; Otvos, Laszlo; Urge, Laszlo; Horvat, Jaroslav; Čudić, Mare; Varga-Defterdarović, Lidija

1999-09-01

The conformational preferences of enkephalins and the related glycoconjugates in which free or protected carbohydrate moieties were linked to the opioid peptides through an ether, ester or amide bond were investigated by circular dichroism spectroscopy in water, trifluoroethanol and water-trifluoroethanol mixtures. The analysis of the spectra revealed that the conformation of the enkephalin molecule is very sensitive to slight changes in the peptide structure around the C-terminal region. It was found that the type II β-turn structures are populated in N-terminal tetrapeptide enkephalin fragment, while leucine-enkephalin amide feature a type I (III) β-turn structure in solution. Incorporation of the sugar moiety into opioid peptide compound did not significantly influence the overall conformation of the peptide backbone, although minor intensity changes may reflect shifts in the population of the different turn systems. These small structural alterations can be responsible for the receptor-subtype selectivity of the various carbohydrate-modified enkephalin analogs.

Optimizing Interactive Development of Data-Intensive Applications

PubMed Central

Interlandi, Matteo; Tetali, Sai Deep; Gulzar, Muhammad Ali; Noor, Joseph; Condie, Tyson; Kim, Miryung; Millstein, Todd

2017-01-01

Modern Data-Intensive Scalable Computing (DISC) systems are designed to process data through batch jobs that execute programs (e.g., queries) compiled from a high-level language. These programs are often developed interactively by posing ad-hoc queries over the base data until a desired result is generated. We observe that there can be significant overlap in the structure of these queries used to derive the final program. Yet, each successive execution of a slightly modified query is performed anew, which can significantly increase the development cycle. Vega is an Apache Spark framework that we have implemented for optimizing a series of similar Spark programs, likely originating from a development or exploratory data analysis session. Spark developers (e.g., data scientists) can leverage Vega to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to re-execute a modified Spark program, reducing the overall time to market for their Big Data applications. PMID:28405637

A revisit to model the Cr i triplet at 5204-5208 Å and the Ba ii D2 line at 4554 Å in the Second Solar Spectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smitha, H. N.; Nagendra, K. N.; Stenflo, J. O.; Bianda, M.; Sampoorna, M.; Ramelli, R.

2015-10-01

In our previous attempt to model the Stokes profiles of the Cr i triplet at 5204-5208 Å and the Ba ii D2 at 4554 Å, we found it necessary to slightly modify the standard FAL model atmospheres to fit the observed polarization profiles. In the case of Cr i triplet, this modification was done to reduce the theoretical continuum polarization, and in the case of Ba ii D2, it was needed to reproduce the central peak in Q/I. In this work, we revisit both these cases using different standard model atmospheres whose temperature structures closely resemble those of the modified FAL models, and explore the possibility of synthesizing the line profiles without the need for small modifications of the model atmosphere.

Study of the gel films of Acetobacter Xylinum cellulose and its modified samples by {sup 1}H NMR cryoporometry and small-angle X-ray scattering

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

Babushkina, T. A.; Klimova, T. P.; Shtykova, E. V.

2010-03-15

Gel films of Acetobacter Xylinum cellulose and its modified samples have been investigated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) cryoporometry and small-angle X-ray scattering. The joint use of these two methods made it possible to characterize the sizes of aqueous pores in gel films and estimate the sizes of structural inhomogeneities before and after the sorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone and Se{sub 0} nanoparticles (stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone) into the films. According to small-angle X-ray scattering data, the sizes of inhomogeneities in a gel film change only slightly upon the sorption of polyvinylpyrrolidone and nanoparticles. The impregnated material is sorbed into water-filled cavitiesmore » that are present in the gel film. {sup 1}H NMR cryoporometry allowed us to reveal the details of changes in the sizes of small aqueous pores during modifications.« less

Interfacial enhancement of polypropylene composites modified with sorbitol derivatives and siloxane-silsesquioxane resin

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

Dobrzyńska-Mizera, Monika, E-mail: monika.dobrzynska-mizera@doctorate.put.poznan.pl; Sterzyński, Tomasz; Dutkiewicz, Michał

Composites based on polypropylene (iPP) modified with a sorbitol derivative (NX8000) and siloxane-silsesquioxane resin (SiOPh) containing maleated polypropylene (MAPP) as compatibilizer were prepared by melt extrusion. Calorimetric investigations were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereas the morphological and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and static tensile tests. DSC measurements revealed no influence of SiOPh and a slight effect of MAPP addition on the crystallization kinetics of polypropylene. Additionally, the introduction of MAPP into the iPP+NX8000+SiOPh composites increased plastic properties of the samples. All the above was attributed to the compatibilizing effect of MAPP whichmore » improved interfacial adhesion between iPP, NX8000 and SiOPh. This phenomenon was also confirmed by the SEM images illustrating more homogenous distribution of the filler in the compatibilized samples.« less

Effect of etodolac on methotrexate pharmacokinetics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Anaya, J M; Fabre, D; Bressolle, F; Bologna, C; Alric, R; Cocciglio, M; Dropsy, R; Sany, J

1994-02-01

To determine if the pharmacokinetics of methotrexate (MTX) is modified by the coadministration of etodolac. MTX (10 mg) was administered intramuscularly in the absence and presence of steady state levels of etodolac in 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. MTX levels were assayed by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Concentrations of 7-hydroxymethotrexate (7-OH-MTX) were assayed by a reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography method. The unbound fraction was determined by ultrafiltration. When etodolac was coadministered with MTX, the highest observed concentration decreased and the mean residence time increased to become statistically significant. However, these differences are not of great clinical importance especially given that the area under the curve and clearances were unchanged. There were no significant differences in binding protein and 7-OH-MTX concentrations between MTX with and without etodolac administration. The pharmacokinetics of MTX is slightly modified by coadministration of etodolac. Moreover, no clinical toxicity was observed.

A new modulated Hebbian learning rule--biologically plausible method for local computation of a principal subspace.

PubMed

Jankovic, Marko; Ogawa, Hidemitsu

2003-08-01

This paper presents one possible implementation of a transformation that performs linear mapping to a lower-dimensional subspace. Principal component subspace will be the one that will be analyzed. Idea implemented in this paper represents generalization of the recently proposed infinity OH neural method for principal component extraction. The calculations in the newly proposed method are performed locally--a feature which is usually considered as desirable from the biological point of view. Comparing to some other wellknown methods, proposed synaptic efficacy learning rule requires less information about the value of the other efficacies to make single efficacy modification. Synaptic efficacies are modified by implementation of Modulated Hebb-type (MH) learning rule. Slightly modified MH algorithm named Modulated Hebb Oja (MHO) algorithm, will be also introduced. Structural similarity of the proposed network with part of the retinal circuit will be presented, too.

Cross-phase modulation-induced spectral broadening in silicon waveguides.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanbing; Husko, Chad; Lefrancois, Simon; Rey, Isabella H; Krauss, Thomas F; Schröder, Jochen; Eggleton, Benjamin J

2016-01-11

We analytically and experimentally investigate cross-phase modulation (XPM) in silicon waveguides. In contrast to the well known result in pure Kerr media, the spectral broadening ratio of XPM to self-phase modulation is not two in the presence of either two-photon absorption (TPA) or free carriers. The physical origin of this change is different for each effect. In the case of TPA, this nonlinear absorption attenuates and slightly modifies the pulse shape due to differential absorption in the pulse peak and wings. When free carriers are present two different mechanisms modify the dynamics. First, free-carrier absorption performs a similar role to TPA, but is additionally asymmetric due to the delayed free-carrier response. Second, free-carrier dispersion induces an asymmetric blue phase shift which competes directly with the symmetric Kerr-induced XPM red shift. We confirm this analysis with pump-probe experiments in a silicon photonic crystal waveguide.

Interfacial enhancement of polypropylene composites modified with sorbitol derivatives and siloxane-silsesquioxane resin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dobrzyńska-Mizera, Monika; Dutkiewicz, Michał; Sterzyński, Tomasz; Di Lorenzo, Maria Laura

2015-12-01

Composites based on polypropylene (iPP) modified with a sorbitol derivative (NX8000) and siloxane-silsesquioxane resin (SiOPh) containing maleated polypropylene (MAPP) as compatibilizer were prepared by melt extrusion. Calorimetric investigations were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), whereas the morphological and mechanical properties were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and static tensile tests. DSC measurements revealed no influence of SiOPh and a slight effect of MAPP addition on the crystallization kinetics of polypropylene. Additionally, the introduction of MAPP into the iPP+NX8000+SiOPh composites increased plastic properties of the samples. All the above was attributed to the compatibilizing effect of MAPP which improved interfacial adhesion between iPP, NX8000 and SiOPh. This phenomenon was also confirmed by the SEM images illustrating more homogenous distribution of the filler in the compatibilized samples.

Measurements of ionization states in warm dense aluminum with betatron radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mo, M. Z.; Chen, Z.; Fourmaux, S.; Saraf, A.; Kerr, S.; Otani, K.; Masoud, R.; Kieffer, J.-C.; Tsui, Y.; Ng, A.; Fedosejevs, R.

2017-05-01

Time-resolved measurements of the ionization states of warm dense aluminum via K-shell absorption spectroscopy are demonstrated using betatron radiation generated from laser wakefield acceleration as a probe. The warm dense aluminum is generated by irradiating a free-standing nanofoil with a femtosecond optical laser pulse and was heated to an electron temperature of ˜20 -25 eV at a close-to-solid mass density. Absorption dips in the transmitted x-ray spectrum due to the Al4 + and Al5 + ions are clearly seen during the experiments. The measured absorption spectra are compared to simulations with various ionization potential depression models, including the commonly used Stewart-Pyatt model and an alternative modified Ecker-Kröll model. The observed absorption spectra are in approximate agreement with these models, though indicating a slightly higher state of ionization and closer agreement for simulations with the modified Ecker-Kröll model.

An energy-balance model with multiply-periodic and quasi-chaotic free oscillations. [for climate forecasting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhattacharya, K.; Ghil, M.

1979-01-01

A slightly modified version of the one-dimensional time-dependent energy-balance climate model of Ghil and Bhattacharya (1978) is presented. The albedo-temperature parameterization has been reformulated and the smoothing of the temperature distribution in the tropics has been eliminated. The model albedo depends on time-lagged temperature in order to account for finite growth and decay time of continental ice sheets. Two distinct regimes of oscillatory behavior which depend on the value of the albedo-temperature time lag are considered.

A consistent spatial differencing scheme for the transonic full-potential equation in three dimensions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, S. D.; Holst, T. L.

1985-01-01

A full-potential steady transonic wing flow solver has been modified so that freestream density and residual are captured in regions of constant velocity. This numerically precise freestream consistency is obtained by slightly altering the differencing scheme without affecting the implicit solution algorithm. The changes chiefly affect the fifteen metrics per grid point, which are computed once and stored. With this new method, the outer boundary condition is captured accurately, and the smoothness of the solution is especially improved near regions of grid discontinuity.

Study of the changes in the magnetic properties of stainless steels under mechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iankov, R.; Rusanov, V.; Paneva, D.; Mitov, I.; Trautwein, A. X.

2016-12-01

Six types of stainless steels (SS) were studied for changes in its structure and magnetic properties under mechanical treatment. Depending on intensity and duration of the process of plastic deformation and the SS type the paramagnetic austenite structure transforms partially to completely into ferrite structure with ferromagnetic behaviour. Some of the SS tested were found slightly modified yet in the process of its manufacturing. Only one SS type with high Ni content preserved its structure and paramagnetic properties even after very intense mechanical treatment.

Computer modeling of fan-exit-splitter spacing effects on F100 response to distortion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shaw, M.; Murdoch, R. W.

1982-01-01

The distortion response of the F100(3) engine was effected by the fan exit splitter configuration. The sensitivity for a proximate splitter fan is calculated to be slightly greater than a remote splitter configuration with identical airfoils. Predicted response was based upon a multiple segment parallel compressor Model modified to include a bypass ratio representation that effects the performance characteristics of the last rotor and intermediate case struts. The predicted distortion response required an accurate definition of row pre- and post-stall undistorted operation.

Periodic measure for the stochastic equation of the barotropic viscous gas in a discretized one-dimensional domain

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

Benseghir, Rym, E-mail: benseghirrym@ymail.com, E-mail: benseghirrym@ymail.com; Benchettah, Azzedine, E-mail: abenchettah@hotmail.com; Raynaud de Fitte, Paul, E-mail: prf@univ-rouen.fr

2015-11-30

A stochastic equation system corresponding to the description of the motion of a barotropic viscous gas in a discretized one-dimensional domain with a weight regularizing the density is considered. In [2], the existence of an invariant measure was established for this discretized problem in the stationary case. In this paper, applying a slightly modified version of Khas’minskii’s theorem [5], we generalize this result in the periodic case by proving the existence of a periodic measure for this problem.

Stable adaptive neurocontrollers for spacecraft and space robots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sanner, Robert M.

1995-01-01

This paper reviews recently developed techniques of adaptive nonlinear control using neural networks, and demonstrates their application to two important practical problems in orbital operations. An adaptive neurocontroller is first developed for spacecraft attitude control applications, and then the same design, slightly modified, is shown to be effective in the control of free-floating orbital manipulators. The algorithms discussed have guaranteed stability and convergence properties, and thus constitute viable alternatives to existing control methodologies. Simulation results are presented demonstrating the performance of each algorithm with representative dynamic models.

Process Improvement at the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment (AIMD) at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-12-01

the goal of achieving zero waste is impractical. Thus, the concept of Lean has to be slightly modified to adjust for the uncertainty and variability...personnel are qualified as Black or Green belts, this may become an issue for them down the road. 2. Criticism Two The goal of Lean is to achieve “ Zero ... Waste ,” therefore, how can the military achieve Lean in such a vast area of uncertainty and variability? Under the environment that DoD operates in

PNA containing isocytidine nucleobase: synthesis and recognition of double helical RNA

PubMed Central

Zengeya, Thomas; Li, Ming; Rozners, Eriks

2011-01-01

Peptide nucleic acid (PNA1) containing a 5-methylisocytidine (iC) nucleobase has been synthesized. Triple helix formation between PNA1 and RNA hairpins having variable base pairs interacting with iC was studied using isothermal titration calorimetry. The iC nucleobase recognized the proposed target, C-G inversion in polypurine tract of RNA, with slightly higher affinity than the natural nucleobases, though the sequence selectivity of recognition was low. Compared to non-modified PNA, PNA1 had lower affinity for its RNA target. PMID:21333533

Vibrational studies and Monte Carlo simulations of the sorption of aromatic carbonyls in faujasitic zeolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brémard, C.; Buntinx, G.; Ginestet, G.

1997-06-01

Combined experimental spectroscopy (Raman and DRIFT), Monte Carlo simulations and geometry optimizations were used to investigate the location and conformation of benzophenone and benzil molecules incorporated into faujasitic Na 56FAU zeolite. The benzophenone and benzil molecules are located within the supercage, the CO fragment pointing towards the extraframework Na + cations. The geometry of the incorporated molecules is found to be slightly modified relative to the free molecule. At high coverage, the benzil molecules are associated in pairs in the supercage.

Ceramic composite protection for turbine disc bursts. [for the A-300 aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gardner, P. B.

1977-01-01

Ceramic composite turbine disc protection panels for the A300B were developed using armor technology. Analytical predictions for modifying the ballistic projectile armor system were verified by a test program conducted to qualify the rotor containment system. With only a slight change in the areal density of the armor system a more than two-fold increase in kinetic energy protection level was achieved. Thickness of the fiberglass reinforced plastic backing material was increased to achieve an optimum ratio of ceramic thickness to backing thickness for the different ballistic defeat condition.

A 20k Payload Launch Vehicle Fast Track Development Concept Using an RD-180 Engine and a Centaur Upper Stage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Toelle, Ronald (Compiler)

1995-01-01

A launch vehicle concept to deliver 20,000 lb of payload to a 100-nmi orbit has been defined. A new liquid oxygen/kerosene booster powered by an RD-180 engine was designed while using a slightly modified Centaur upper stage. The design, development, and test program met the imposed 40-mo schedule by elimination of major structural testing by increased factors of safety and concurrent engineering concepts. A growth path to attain 65,000 lb of payload is developed.

Eyeing the E Ring

NASA Image and Video Library

2009-12-24

NASA Cassini spacecraft takes a look at Saturn diffuse E ring which is formed from icy material spewing out of the south pole of the moon Enceladus. The E ring is seen nearly edge-on from slightly above the northern side of Saturn ring plane.

76 FR 2088 - Proposed Information Collection; Comment Request

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-01-12

... Corporation is soliciting comments concerning its proposed renewal of its Financial Management Survey. The Financial Management Survey collects information from new grantees about their financial management systems... its current Financial Management Survey with slight revisions. The renewal form requests additional...

Distribution of O-Acetylated Sialic Acids among Target Host Tissues for Influenza Virus

PubMed Central

Barnard, Karen N.; Ossiboff, Robert J.; Khedri, Zahra; Feng, Kurtis H.; Yu, Hai; Chen, Xi; Varki, Ajit

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Sialic acids (Sias) are important glycans displayed on the cells and tissues of many different animals and are frequent targets for binding and modification by pathogens, including influenza viruses. Influenza virus hemagglutinins bind Sias during the infection of their normal hosts, while the encoded neuraminidases and/or esterases remove or modify the Sia to allow virion release or to prevent rebinding. Sias naturally occur in a variety of modified forms, and modified Sias can alter influenza virus host tropisms through their altered interactions with the viral glycoproteins. However, the distribution of modified Sia forms and their effects on pathogen-host interactions are still poorly understood. Here we used probes developed from viral Sia-binding proteins to detect O-acetylated (4-O-acetyl, 9-O-acetyl, and 7,9-O-acetyl) Sias displayed on the tissues of some natural or experimental hosts for influenza viruses. These modified Sias showed highly variable displays between the hosts and tissues examined. The 9-O-acetyl (and 7,9-) modified Sia forms were found on cells and tissues of many hosts, including mice, humans, ferrets, guinea pigs, pigs, horses, dogs, as well as in those of ducks and embryonated chicken egg tissues and membranes, although in variable amounts. The 4-O-acetyl Sias were found in the respiratory tissues of fewer animals, being primarily displayed in the horse and guinea pig, but were not detected in humans or pigs. The results suggest that these Sia variants may influence virus tropisms by altering and selecting their cell interactions. IMPORTANCE Sialic acids (Sias) are key glycans that control or modulate many normal cell and tissue functions while also interacting with a variety of pathogens, including many different viruses. Sias are naturally displayed in a variety of different forms, with modifications at several positions that can alter their functional interactions with pathogens. In addition, Sias are often modified or removed by enzymes such as host or pathogen esterases or sialidases (neuraminidases), and Sia modifications can alter those enzymatic activities to impact pathogen infections. Sia chemical diversity in different hosts and tissues likely alters the pathogen-host interactions and influences the outcome of infection. Here we explored the display of 4-O-acetyl, 9-O-acetyl, and 7,9-O-acetyl modified Sia forms in some target tissues for influenza virus infection in mice, humans, birds, guinea pigs, ferrets, swine, horses, and dogs, which encompass many natural and laboratory hosts of those viruses. PMID:28904995

SiC JFET Transistor Circuit Model for Extreme Temperature Range

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neudeck, Philip G.

2008-01-01

A technique for simulating extreme-temperature operation of integrated circuits that incorporate silicon carbide (SiC) junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) has been developed. The technique involves modification of NGSPICE, which is an open-source version of the popular Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) general-purpose analog-integrated-circuit-simulating software. NGSPICE in its unmodified form is used for simulating and designing circuits made from silicon-based transistors that operate at or near room temperature. Two rapid modifications of NGSPICE source code enable SiC JFETs to be simulated to 500 C using the well-known Level 1 model for silicon metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). First, the default value of the MOSFET surface potential must be changed. In the unmodified source code, this parameter has a value of 0.6, which corresponds to slightly more than half the bandgap of silicon. In NGSPICE modified to simulate SiC JFETs, this parameter is changed to a value of 1.6, corresponding to slightly more than half the bandgap of SiC. The second modification consists of changing the temperature dependence of MOSFET transconductance and saturation parameters. The unmodified NGSPICE source code implements a T(sup -1.5) temperature dependence for these parameters. In order to mimic the temperature behavior of experimental SiC JFETs, a T(sup -1.3) temperature dependence must be implemented in the NGSPICE source code. Following these two simple modifications, the Level 1 MOSFET model of the NGSPICE circuit simulation program reasonably approximates the measured high-temperature behavior of experimental SiC JFETs properly operated with zero or reverse bias applied to the gate terminal. Modification of additional silicon parameters in the NGSPICE source code was not necessary to model experimental SiC JFET current-voltage performance across the entire temperature range from 25 to 500 C.

Effects of pH and Salts on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Pea Starch Films.

PubMed

Choi, W S; Patel, D; Han, J H

2016-07-01

To identify the significant contribution of intermolecular hydrogen bonds of starch molecules to the film structure formation, pH of film-forming solutions was adjusted and also various salts (NaCl, CaCl2 , CaSO4 , and K2 SO4 ) were mixed into the glycerol-plasticized pea starch film. The film made from pH 7 possessed the highest tensile strength-at-break (2 times) and elastic modulus (4 to 15 times) and the lowest elongation-at-break compared with those of the films made from acid and alkali environments. The pH 7 film also has the highest film density and the lowest total soluble matter. At the level of 0.01 to 0.1 M of CaSO4 and 0.1 M of K2 SO4 in a kilogram of starch, the water solubility of the film increased, while chloride salts slightly lowered the solubility. NaCl and CaSO4 reduced water vapor permeability (WVP), while CaCl2 slightly increased WVP at 0.01 and 0.06 M concentrations, and K2 SO4 significantly increased WVP at 0.03 and 0.15 M. Presence of salts increased tensile strength (5 to 14 times than the control films) and elastic modulus (35 to 180 times) of starch film at 0.01 to 0.03 M of CaSO4 and K2 SO4 . Elongation-at-break increased significantly as salt concentration increases to an optimal level. However, when the concentration exceeded above the optimal level, the E of starch films decreased and showed no significant difference from the control film. Overall, the addition of salts modified physical and mechanical properties of pea starch films more than pH adjustment without any salt addition. © 2016 Institute of Food Technologists®

In vitro biopharmaceutical evaluation of ciprofloxacin/metal cation complexes for pulmonary administration.

PubMed

Brillault, J; Tewes, F; Couet, W; Olivier, J C

2017-01-15

Pulmonary delivery of fluoroquinolones (FQs) is an interesting approach to treat lung infections as it may lead to high local concentrations while minimizing systemic exposure. However, FQs have a rapid diffusion through the lung epithelium giving the pulmonary route no advantage compared to the oral route. Interactions between FQs and metal cations form complexes which limit the diffusion through the epithelial barrier and would reduce the absorption of FQs and maintain high concentrations in the lung. The effects of this complexation depend on the FQ and the metal cations and optimum partners should be selected through in vitro experiments prior to aerosol drug formulation. In this study, CIP was chosen as a representative FQ and 5 cations (Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , Zn 2+ , Al 3+ , Cu 2+ ) were selected to study the complexation and its effects on permeability, antimicrobial efficacy and cell toxicity. The results showed that the apparent association constants between CIP and cations ranked with the descending order: Cu 2+ >Al 3+ >Zn 2+ >Mg 2+ >Ca 2+ . When a target of 80% complexation was reached with the adequate concentrations of cations, the CIP permeability through the Calu-3 lung epithelial cells was decreased of 50%. Toxicity of the CIP on the Calu-3 cells, with an EC50 evaluated at 7μM, was not significantly affected by the presence of the cations. The minimum inhibitory concentration of CIP for Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not affected or slightly increased in the range of cation concentrations tested, except for Mg 2+ . In conclusion, permeability was the main parameter that was affected by the metal cation complexation while cell toxicity and antimicrobial activity were not or slightly modified. Cu 2+ , with the highest apparent constant of association and with no effect on cell toxicity and antimicrobial activity of the CIP, appeared as a promising cation for the development of a controlled-permeability formulation of CIP for lung treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improved 68 Ga-labeling method using ethanol addition: Application to the α-helical peptide DOTA-FAMP.

PubMed

Hasegawa, Koki; Kawachi, Emi; Uehara, Yoshinari; Yoshida, Tsuyoshi; Imaizumi, Satoshi; Ogawa, Masahiro; Miura, Shin-Ichiro; Saku, Keijiro

2017-01-01

We examined the 68 Ga labeling of the α-helical peptide, DOTA-FAMP, and evaluated conformational changes during radiolabeling. 68 Ga-DOTA-FAMP is a positron emission tomography probe candidate for atherosclerotic plaques. The labeling yield achieved by Zhernosekov's method (using acetone for 68 Ga purification) was compared with that achieved by the original and 2 modified Mueller's methods (using NaCl solution). Modified method I involves desalting the 68 Ga prior to labeling, and modified method II involves the inclusion of ethanol in the labeling solution. The labeling yield using Zhernosekov's method was 62% ± 5.4%. In comparison, Mueller's original method gave 8.9% ± 1.7%. Modified method I gave a slight improvement of 32% ± 2.1%. Modified method II further increased the yield to 66% ± 3.4%. Conformational changes were determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy, revealing that these differences could be attributed to conformational changes. Heat treatment affects peptide conformation, which leads to aggregation and decreases the labeling yield. Mueller's method is simpler, but harsh conditions preclude its application to biomolecules. To suppress aggregation, we included a desalting process and added ethanol in the labeling solution. These changes significantly improved the labeling yield. Before use for imaging, conformational changes of biomolecules during radiolabeling should be evaluated by circular dichroism spectroscopy to ensure the homogeneity of the labeled product. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Biosensors Based on Urease Adsorbed on Nickel, Platinum, and Gold Conductometric Transducers Modified with Silicalite and Nanozeolites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kucherenko, Ivan S.; Soldatkin, Oleksandr O.; Kasap, Berna Ozansoy; Kurç, Burcu Akata; Melnyk, Volodymir G.; Semenycheva, Lyudmila M.; Dzyadevych, Sergei V.; Soldatkin, Alexei P.

This work describes urease-based conductometric biosensors that were created using nontypical method of urease immobilization via adsorption on micro- and nanoporous particles: silicalite and nanocrystalline zeolites Beta (BEA) and L. Conductometric transducers with nickel, gold, and platinum interdigitated electrodes were used. Active regions of the nickel transducers were modified with microparticles using two procedures—spin coating and drop coating. Gold and platinum transducers were modified with silicalite using drop coating since it was more effective. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate effectiveness of these procedures. The procedure of spin coating produced more uniform layers of particles (and biosensors had good reproducibility of preparation), but it was more complicated, drop coating was easier and led to formation of a bulk of particles; thus, biosensors had bigger sensitivity but worse reproducibility of preparation. Urease was immobilized onto transducers modified with particles by physical adsorption. Analytical characteristics of the obtained biosensors for determination of urea (calibration curves, sensitivity, limit of detection, linear concentration range, noise of responses, reproducibility of signal during a day, and operational stability during 3 days) were compared. Biosensors with all three particles deposited by spin coating showed similar characteristics; however, silicalite was a bit more effective. Biosensors based on nickel transducers modified by drop coating had better characteristics in comparison with modification by spin coating (except reproducibility of preparation). Transducers with gold electrodes showed best characteristics while creating biosensors, platinum electrodes were slightly inferior to them, and nickel electrodes were the worst.

Psychometric Properties and Performance of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Depression Short Forms in Ethnically Diverse Groups

PubMed Central

Teresi, Jeanne A.; Ocepek-Welikson, Katja; Kleinman, Marjorie; Ramirez, Mildred; Kim, Giyeon

2017-01-01

Short form measures from the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) are used widely. The present study was among the first to examine differential item functioning (DIF) in the PROMIS Depression short form scales in a sample of over 5000 racially/ethnically diverse patients with cancer. DIF analyses were conducted across different racial/ethnic, educational, age, gender and language groups. Methods DIF hypotheses, generated by content experts, informed the evaluation of the DIF analyses. The graded item response theory (IRT) model was used to evaluate the five-level ordinal items. The primary tests of DIF were Wald tests; sensitivity analyses were conducted using the IRT ordinal logistic regression procedure. Magnitude was evaluated using expected item score functions, and the non-compensatory differential item functioning (NCDIF) and T1 indexes, both based on group differences in the item curves. Aggregate impact was evaluated with expected scale score (test) response functions; individual impact was assessed through examination of differences in DIF adjusted and unadjusted depression estimates. Results Many items evidenced DIF; however, only a few had slightly elevated magnitude. No items evidenced salient DIF with respect to NCDIF and the scale-level impact was minimal for all group comparisons. The following short form items might be targeted for further study because they were also hypothesized to evidence DIF. One item showed slightly higher magnitude of DIF for age: nothing to look forward to; conditional on depression, this item was more likely to be endorsed in the depressed direction by individuals in older groups as contrasted with the cohort aged 21 to 49. This item was also hypothesized to show age DIF. Only one item (failure) showed DIF of slightly higher magnitude (just above threshold) for Whites vs. Asians/Pacific Islanders in the direction of higher likelihood of endorsement for Asians/Pacific Islanders. This item was also hypothesized to show DIF for minority groups. The impact of DIF was negligible. Conditional on depression, the items, worthless and hopeless were more likely to be endorsed in the depressed direction by respondents with less than high school education vs. those with a graduate degree; the magnitude of DIF was slightly above the T1 threshold, but not that of NCDIF. These items were also hypothesized to show DIF in the direction of more feelings of worthlessness by groups with lower education. While the magnitude and aggregate impact of DIF was small, in a few instances, individual impact was observed. Information provided was relatively high, particularly in the middle upper (depressed) tail of the distribution. Reliability estimates were high (> 0.90) across all studied groups, regardless of estimation method. Conclusions This was the first study to evaluate measurement equivalence of the PROMIS Depression short forms across large samples of ethnically diverse groups. There were few items with DIF, and none of high magnitude, thus supporting the use of PROMIS Depression short form measures across such groups. These results could be informative for those using the short forms in minority populations or clinicians evaluating individuals with the depression short forms. PMID:28553573

Analysis of new growth promoting black market products.

PubMed

Krug, Oliver; Thomas, Andreas; Malerød-Fjeld, Helle; Dehnes, Yvette; Laussmann, Tim; Feldmann, Ingo; Sickmann, Albert; Thevis, Mario

2018-05-19

Detecting agents allegedly or evidently promoting growth such as human growth hormone (GH) or growth hormone releasing peptides (GHRP) in doping controls has represented a pressing issue for sports drug testing laboratories. While GH is a recombinant protein with a molecular weight of 22 kDa, the GHRPs are short (3-6 amino acids long) peptides with GH releasing properties. The endogenously produced GH (22 kDa isoform) consists of 191 amino acids and has a monoisotopic molecular mass of 22,124 Da. Within this study, a slightly modified form of GH was discovered consisting of 192 amino acids carrying an additional alanine at the N-terminus, leading to a monoisotopic mass of 22,195 Da. This was confirmed by top-down and bottom-up experiments using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution/high accuracy mass spectrometry. Additionally, three analogues of GHRPs were identified as Gly-GHRP-6, Gly-GHRP-2 and Gly-Ipamorelin, representing the corresponding GHRP extended by a N-terminal glycine residue. The structure of these peptides was characterised by means of high resolution (tandem) mass spectrometry, and for Gly-Ipamorelin and Gly-GHRP-2 their identity was additionally confirmed by custom synthesis. Further, established in-vitro experiments provided preliminary information considering the potential metabolism after administration. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[Strategies for reducing risks in smoking: opportunity or threat].

PubMed

Córdoba, Rodrigo; Nerín, Isabel

2009-12-01

The smoking control policies recommended by the World Health Organisation have achieved a slight decrease in smoking prevalence in the developed countries, although associated mortality is still very high. The use of tobacco products other than cigarettes and even medicinal nicotine (known as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)) has been proposed as a risk reduction strategy. Among the tobacco products with less individual risk than cigarettes would be any type of tobacco without smoke (smokeless) with a low content in nitrosamines and modified cigarettes; both forms included under the PREP (Potentially Reduced Exposure Products) concept. The idea would be to promote these products among those who cannot quit smoking or wish to reduce their risk without giving up nicotine intake. The possible effects of risk reduction strategies, including PREP, on the decreased prevalence and morbidity and mortality are reviewed, and the possible implications that this measure could have in our country are analysed. Tobacco control measures in Spain are recent and still insufficient. Therefore, the current priority in Spain is the development of policies of control that have shown to more than effective. The marketing and advertising of new tobacco products, even with reduced potential risk, seems more a serious threat than an opportunity for the development of smoking control policies.

Is the Quilted Multiverse Consistent with a Thermodynamic Arrow of Time?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aharonov, Yakir; Cohen, Eliahu; Shushi, Tomer

2018-02-01

Theoretical achievements, as well as much controversy, surround multiverse theory. Various types of multiverses, with an increasing amount of complexity, were suggested and thoroughly discussed in literature by now. While these types are very different, they all share the same basic idea: our physical reality consists of more than just one universe. Each universe within a possibly huge multiverse might be slightly or even very different from the others. The quilted multiverse is one of these types, whose uniqueness arises from the postulate that every possible event will occur infinitely many times in infinitely many universes. In this paper we show that the quilted multiverse is not self-consistent due to the instability of entropy decrease under small perturbations. We therefore propose a modified version of the quilted multiverse which might overcome this shortcoming. It includes only those universes where the minimal entropy occurs at the same instant of (cosmological) time. Only these universes whose initial conditions are fine-tuned within a small phase-space region would evolve consistently to form their "close"' states at present. A final boundary condition on the multiverse may further lower the amount of possible, consistent universes. Finally, some related observations regarding the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics and the emergence of classicality are discussed.

Interactions between Carotenoids from Marine Bacteria and Other Micronutrients: Impact on Stability and Antioxidant Activity.

PubMed

Sy, Charlotte; Dangles, Olivier; Borel, Patrick; Caris-Veyrat, Catherine

2015-11-19

Recently isolated spore-forming pigmented marine bacteria Bacillus indicus HU36 are sources of oxygenated carotenoids with original structures (about fifteen distinct yellow and orange pigments with acylated d-glucosyl groups). In this study, we evaluated the stability (sensitivity to iron-induced autoxidation) and antioxidant activity (inhibition of iron-induced lipid peroxidation) of combinations of bacterial HU36 carotenoids with the bacterial vitamin menaquinone MQ-7 and with phenolic antioxidants (vitamin E, chlorogenic acid, rutin). Unexpectedly, MQ-7 strongly improves the ability of HU36 carotenoids to inhibit Fe(II)-induced lipid peroxidation, although MQ-7 was not consumed in the medium. We propose that their interaction modifies the carotenoid antioxidant mechanism(s), possibly by allowing carotenoids to scavenge the initiating radicals. For comparison, β-carotene and lycopene in combination were shown to exhibit a slightly higher stability toward iron-induced autoxidation, as well as an additive antioxidant activity as compared to the carotenoids, individually. HU36 carotenoids and phenolic antioxidants displayed synergistic activities in the inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation induced by heme iron, but not by free iron. Synergism could arise from antioxidants interacting via electron transfer through the porphyrin nucleus of heme iron. Overall, combining antioxidants acting via complementary mechanisms could be the key for optimizing the activity of this bacterial carotenoid cocktail.

FLB1, a human protein of epididymal origin that is involved in the sperm-oocyte recognition process.

PubMed

Boué, F; Duquenne, C; Lassalle, B; Lefèvre, A; Finaz, C

1995-02-01

CA6 antibody was selected out of a monoclonal antibody library raised against human sperm proteins primarily for its ability to recognize an epididymal antigen and to modify sperm adhesion to zona-free hamster oocytes. In the present study, CA6 was shown to decrease sperm binding to zona-free hamster and human oocytes by 40-92% and 38-48%, respectively. The corresponding protein, which was referred to as FLB1, was found to be secreted by the epididymis and to bind specifically to a human, macaque, and rodent subacrosomal sperm region. Western blotting revealed a molecular mass of 94 kDa in human epididymal extracts and of 100 kDa in human, macaque, mouse, rat, and hamster sperm, suggesting further modifications after its binding to sperm. An equivalent protein was not observed in human liver, ovary, testis, plasma, or epidermis. Two-dimensional electrophoresis showed that FLB1 is formed of two subunits with the same 47-kDa molecular mass and slightly different pI (5.8, 5.9). Microsequencing of the protein revealed a partial homology with human cytokeratins 1 and 10. These results suggest that FLB1 is an epididymis-specific cytokeratin-like protein that is involved in the sperm-oocyte recognition process.

Comparative Skeletal Muscle Proteomics Using Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis

PubMed Central

Murphy, Sandra; Dowling, Paul; Ohlendieck, Kay

2016-01-01

The pioneering work by Patrick H. O’Farrell established two-dimensional gel electrophoresis as one of the most important high-resolution protein separation techniques of modern biochemistry (Journal of Biological Chemistry 1975, 250, 4007–4021). The application of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis has played a key role in the systematic identification and detailed characterization of the protein constituents of skeletal muscles. Protein changes during myogenesis, muscle maturation, fibre type specification, physiological muscle adaptations and natural muscle aging were studied in depth by the original O’Farrell method or slightly modified gel electrophoretic techniques. Over the last 40 years, the combined usage of isoelectric focusing in the first dimension and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis in the second dimension has been successfully employed in several hundred published studies on gel-based skeletal muscle biochemistry. This review focuses on normal and physiologically challenged skeletal muscle tissues and outlines key findings from mass spectrometry-based muscle proteomics, which was instrumental in the identification of several thousand individual protein isoforms following gel electrophoretic separation. These muscle-associated protein species belong to the diverse group of regulatory and contractile proteins of the acto-myosin apparatus that forms the sarcomere, cytoskeletal proteins, metabolic enzymes and transporters, signaling proteins, ion-handling proteins, molecular chaperones and extracellular matrix proteins. PMID:28248237

Study on structural, morphological and thermal properties of surface modified polyvinylchloride (PVC) film under air, argon and oxygen discharge plasma

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suganya, Arjunan; Shanmugavelayutham, Gurusamy; Serra Rodríguez, Carmen

2016-09-01

The effect of air, argon, oxygen DC glow discharge plasma on the polyvinylchloride (PVC) film synthesized by solution casting technique, were evaluated via changes in physio-chemical properties such as structural, morphological, crystalline, thermal properties. The PVC film was plasma treated as a function of exposure time and different plasma forming gases, while other operating parameters such as power and pressure remained constant at 100 W and 2 Pa respectively. The plasma treated PVC were characterized by static contact angle, ATR-FTIR, XPS, AFM and T-peel analysis. It was found that various gaseous plasma treatments have improved the polar components, surface roughness on the surface of PVC which was confirmed by XPS, AFM, resulting in highly enhanced wettability and adhesion. X-ray diffraction study showed that plasma treatment does not persuade considerable change, even though it vaguely induces the crystallinity. The thermal properties of plasma treated PVC were evaluated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and it was observed that O2 plasma treatment gives higher glass transition temperature of 87.21 °C compared with the untreated one. The glass transition temperature slightly increased for Oxygen plasma treated material due to the presence of higher concentration of the polar functional groups on the PVC surface due to strong intramolecular bonding.

Molecular self-assembly in substituted alanine derivatives: XRD, Hirshfeld surfaces and DFT studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajalakshmi, Periasamy; Srinivasan, Navaneethakrishnan; Sivaraman, Gandhi; Razak, Ibrahim Abdul; Rosli, Mohd Mustaqim; Krishnakumar, Rajaputi Venkatraman

2014-06-01

The molecular assemblage in the crystal structures of three modified chiral amino acids, two of which are isomeric D- and L-pairs boc-L-benzothienylalanine (BLA), boc-D-benzothienylalanine (BDA) and the other boc-D-naphthylalanine (NDA) differing from this pair very slightly in the chemical modification introduced, is accurately described. The aggregation of amino acid molecules is similar in all the crystals and may be described as a twisted double helical ladder in which two complementary long helical chains formed through O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds are interconnected through the characteristic head-to-tail N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. Thus the molecular aggregation enabled through classical hydrogen bonds may be regarded as a mimic of the characteristic double helical structure of DNA. Also, precise structural information involving these amino acid molecules with lower symmetry exhibiting higher trigonal symmetry in their self-assembly is expected to throw light on the nature and strength of intermolecular interactions and their role in self-assembly of molecular aggregates, which are crucial in developing new or at least supplement existing crystal engineering strategies. Single crystal X-ray analysis and their electronic structures were calculated at the DFT level with a detailed analysis of Hirshfeld surfaces and fingerprint plots facilitating a comparison of intermolecular interactions in building different supramolecular architectures.

Pre-launch Performance Assessment of the VIIRS Ice Surface Temperature Algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ip, J.; Hauss, B.

2008-12-01

The VIIRS Ice Surface Temperature (IST) environmental data product provides the surface temperature of sea-ice at VIIRS moderate resolution (750m) during both day and night. To predict the IST, the retrieval algorithm utilizes a split-window approach with Long-wave Infrared (LWIR) channels at 10.76 μm (M15) and 12.01 μm (M16) to correct for atmospheric water vapor. The split-window approach using these LWIR channels is AVHRR and MODIS heritage, where the MODIS formulation has a slightly modified functional form. The algorithm relies on the VIIRS Cloud Mask IP for identifying cloudy and ocean pixels, the VIIRS Ice Concentration IP for identifying ice pixels, and the VIIRS Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT) IP for excluding pixels with AOT greater than 1.0. In this paper, we will report the pre-launch performance assessment of the IST retrieval. We have taken two separate approaches to perform this assessment, one based on global synthetic data and the other based on proxy data from Terra MODIS. Results of the split- window algorithm have been assessed by comparison either to synthetic "truth" or results of the MODIS retrieval. We will also show that the results of the assessment with proxy data are consistent with those obtained using the global synthetic data.

Development of a DNA-liposome complex for gene delivery applications.

PubMed

Rasoulianboroujeni, M; Kupgan, G; Moghadam, F; Tahriri, M; Boughdachi, A; Khoshkenar, P; Ambrose, J J; Kiaie, N; Vashaee, D; Ramsey, J D; Tayebi, L

2017-06-01

The association structures formed by cationic liposomes and DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid)-liposome have been effectively utilized as gene carriers in transfection assays. In this research study, cationic liposomes were prepared using a modified lipid film hydration method consisting of a lyophilization step for gene delivery applications. The obtained results demonstrated that the mean particle size had no significant change while the polydispersity (PDI) increased after lyophilization. The mean particle size slightly reduced after lyophilization (520±12nm to 464±25nm) while the PDI increased after lyophilization (0.094±0.017 to 0.220±0.004). In addition. The mean particle size of vesicles increases when DNA is incorporated to the liposomes (673±27nm). According to the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images, the spherical shape of liposomes confirmed their successful preservation and reconstitution from the powder. It was found that liposomal formulation has enhanced transfection considerably compared to the naked DNA as negative control. Finally, liposomal formulation in this research had a better function than Lipofectamine® 2000 as a commercialized product because the cellular activity (cellular protein) was higher in the prepared lipoplex than Lipofectamine® 2000. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The phenomenology of squeezing and its status in non-inflationary theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gubitosi, Giulia; Magueijo, João

2017-11-01

In this paper we skim the true phenomenological requirements behind the concept of inflationary squeezing. We argue that all that is required is that at horizon re-entry the fluctuations form standing waves with the correct temporal phase (specifically, sine waves). We quantify this requirement and relate it to the initial conditions fed into the radiation dominated epoch by whatever phase of the Universe produced the fluctuations. The only relevant quantity turns out to be the degree of suppression of the momentum, p, of the fluctuations, y, which we measure by σ~ ω2 |y|2/|p|2. Even though σ equals the squeezing parameter, s, in the case of inflation and bimetric varying speed of light scenarios, this is not true in general, specifically in some bouncing Universe models. It is also not necessary to produce a large σ at the end of the primordial phase: it is enough that σ be not too small. This is the case with scenarios based on modified dispersion relations (MDR) emulating the dispersion relations of Horava-Lifshitz theory, which produce σ~ 1, enough to comply with the observational requirements. Scenarios based on MDR leading to a slightly red spectrum are also examined, and shown to satisfy the observational constraints.

Top-Down Analysis of Highly Post-Translationally Modified Peptides by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerrero, Andres; Lerno, Larry; Barile, Daniela; Lebrilla, Carlito B.

2015-03-01

Bovine κ-caseinoglycomacropeptide (GMP) is a highly modified peptide from κ-casein produced during the cheese making process. The chemical nature of GMP makes analysis by traditional proteomic approaches difficult, as the peptide bears a strong net negative charge and a variety of post-translational modifications. In this work, we describe the use of electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI FT-ICR MS) for the top-down analysis of GMP. The method allows the simultaneous detection of different GMP forms that result from the combination of amino acid genetic variations and post-translational modifications, specifically phosphorylation and O-glycosylation. The different GMP forms were identified by high resolution mass spectrometry in both negative and positive mode and confirmation was achieved by tandem MS. The results showed the predominance of two genetic variants of GMP that occur as either mono- or bi-phosphorylated species. Additionally, these four forms can be modified with up to two O-glycans generally sialylated. The results demonstrate the presence of glycosylated, bi-phosphorylated forms of GMP never described before.

Role of α-synuclein in inducing innate and adaptive immunity in Parkinson disease

PubMed Central

Allen Reish, Heather E.; Standaert, David G.

2015-01-01

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is central to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). Gene duplications, triplications and point mutations in SNCA1, the gene encoding α-syn, cause autosomal dominant forms of PD. Aggregated and post-translationally modified forms of α-syn are present in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in both sporadic and familial PD, and recent work has emphasized the prion-like ability of aggregated α-syn to produce spreading pathology. Accumulation of abnormal forms of α-syn is a trigger for PD, but recent evidence suggests that much of the downstream neurodegeneration may result from inflammatory responses. Components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems are activated in PD, and influencing interactions between innate and adaptive immune components has been shown to modify the pathological process in animal models of PD. Understanding the relationship between α-syn and subsequent inflammation may reveal novel targets for neuroprotective interventions. In this review, we examine the role of α-syn and modified forms of this protein in the initiation of innate and adaptive immune responses. PMID:25588354

Genotoxic effect and antigen binding characteristics of SLE auto-antibodies to peroxynitrite-modified human DNA.

PubMed

Khan, Md Asad; Alam, Khursheed; Mehdi, Syed Hassan; Rizvi, M Moshahid A

2017-12-01

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by auto-antibodies against native deoxyribonucleic acid after modification and is one of the reasons for the development of SLE. Here, we have evaluated the structural perturbations in human placental DNA by peroxynitrite using spectroscopy, thermal denaturation and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Peroxynitrite is a powerful potent bi-functional oxidative/nitrative agent that is produced both endogenously and exogenously. In experimental animals, the peroxynitrite-modified DNA was found to be highly immunogenic. The induced antibodies showed cross-reactions with different types of DNA and nitrogen bases that were modified with peroxynitrite by inhibition ELISA. The antibody activity was inhibited by approximately 89% with its immunogen as the inhibitor. The antigen-antibodies interaction between induced antibodies with peroxynitrite-modified DNA showed retarded mobility as compared to the native form. Furthermore, significantly increased binding was also observed in SLE autoantibodies with peroxynitrite-modified DNA than native form. Moreover, DNA isolated from lymphocyte of SLE patients revealed significant recognition of anti-peroxynitrite-modified DNA immunoglobulin G (IgG). Our data indicates that DNA modified with peroxynitrite presents unique antigenic determinants that may induce autoantibody response in SLE. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Determination of optical band gap of powder-form nanomaterials with improved accuracy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahsan, Ragib; Khan, Md. Ziaur Rahman; Basith, Mohammed Abdul

2017-10-01

Accurate determination of a material's optical band gap lies in the precise measurement of its absorption coefficients, either from its absorbance via the Beer-Lambert law or diffuse reflectance spectrum via the Kubelka-Munk function. Absorption coefficients of powder-form nanomaterials calculated from absorbance spectrum do not match those calculated from diffuse reflectance spectrum, implying the inaccuracy of the traditional optical band gap measurement method for such samples. We have modified the Beer-Lambert law and the Kubelka-Munk function with proper approximations for powder-form nanomaterials. Applying the modified method for powder-form nanomaterial samples, both absorbance and diffuse reflectance spectra yield exactly the same absorption coefficients and therefore accurately determine the optical band gap.

Periodontal aspects of the juvenile form of paracoccidioidomycosis.

PubMed

Migliari, D A; Sugaya, N N; Mimura, M A; Cucé, L C

1998-01-01

Three cases of the juvenile form of paracoccidioidomycosis are reported. Emphasis has been given to the oral manifestations, particularly the periodontal involvement. The main periodontal findings were: generalized and progressive alveolar bone destruction leading to gingival recession with exposure of the tooth roots, and spontaneous tooth losses. The gingival mucosa was predominantly smooth, erythematous and slightly swollen. These aspects, although rare, may be the earliest signs of the disease and sometimes its only manifestations.

Effect of chemical heterogeneity on photoluminescence of graphite oxide treated with S-/N-containing modifiers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ebrahim, Amani M.; Rodríguez-Castellón, Enrique; Montenegro, José María; Bandosz, Teresa J.

2015-03-01

Graphite oxide (GO) obtained using Hummers method was modified by hydrothermal treatment either with sulfanilic acid or polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate at 100 °C or 85 °C, respectively. Both modifiers contain sulfur in the oxidized forms and nitrogen in the reduced forms. The materials were characterized using FTIR, XPS, thermal analysis, potentiometric titration and SEM. Their photoluminescent properties and their alteration with an addition of Ag+ were also measured. As a result of these modifications nitrogen was introduced to the graphene layers as amines, imides, amides, and sulfur as sulfones and sulfonic acids. Moreover, the presence of polyaniline was detected. This significantly affected the polarity, acid-base character, and conductivity of the materials. Apparently carboxylic groups of GO were involved in the surface reactions. The modified GOs lost their layered structure and the modifications resulted in the high degree of structural and chemical heterogeneity. Photoluminescence in visible light was recorded and linked to the presence of heteroatoms. For the polystyrene (3-ammonium) sulfonate modified sample addition of Ag+ quenched the photoluminescence at low wavelength showing sensitivity as a possible optical detector. No apparent effect was found for the sulfanilic acid modified sample.

Exploratory development of an electrically rechargeable lithium battery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abraham, K. M.; Goldman, J. L.; Dempsey, M. D.; Holleck, G. L.

1980-10-01

The cathodic behavior or V6013 was investigated in rechargeable Li cells of the type, Li/2Me-THF,LiAsF6/V6013,C. Two forms of V6013 were synthesized and characterized. These were a stoichiometric form, i.e., V02.17, and a slightly non-stoichiometric form, i.e., V02.19. Stoichiometric V6013 was prepared by heating requisite quantities of V205 and V powder for 24 hrs. at 650 C. The slightly non-stoichiometric V6013 was prepared by the thermal decomposition of NH4V03 at 450 C. The discharge characteristics of the stoichiometric oxide at 60 C were similar to that of non-stoichiometric oxide at room temperature. The rechargeability of both the oxides were found to be sensitive to the lower voltage cutoff. The safest limits of cycling were 3.0 and 1.9V. Potentiostatic discharges of the oxides between 1.9 and 1.3V revealed a high capacity irreversible reduction process at about 1.6V. Three types of hermetically sealed cells were constructed and tested. In a high capacity (5Ah) prismatic cell utilizing the non-stoichiometric oxide, energy densities of 106 Whr/kg and 190 Whr/DM3 were achieved.

Influence of amine and thiol modifications at the 3' ends of single stranded DNA molecules on their adsorption on gold surface and the efficiency of their hybridization.

PubMed

Jaworska, Aleksandra; Jablonska, Anna; Wilanowski, Tomasz; Palys, Barbara; Sek, Slawomir; Kudelski, Andrzej

2018-05-24

Adsorption of molecules of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or modified DNA on gold surfaces is often the first step in construction of many various biosensors, including biosensors for detection of DNA with a particular sequence. In this work we study the influence of amine and thiol modifications at the 3' ends of single stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules on their adsorption on the surface of gold substrates and on the efficiency of hybridization of immobilized DNA with the complementary single stranded DNA. The characterization of formed layers has been carried out using infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. As model single stranded DNA we used DNA containing 20 adenine bases, whereas the complementary DNA contained 20 thymine bases. We found that the bands in polarization modulation-infrared reflection-adsorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) spectra of layers formed from thiol-modified DNA are significantly narrower and sharper, indicating their higher regularity in the orientation of DNA on gold surface when using thiol linker. Also, hybridization of the layer of thiol-modified DNA containing 20 adenine bases with the respective DNA containing thymine bases leads to formation of much more organized structures than in the case of unmodified DNA or DNA with the amine linker. We conclude that the thiol-modified ssDNA is more promising for the preparation of biosensors, in comparison with the amine-modified or unmodified ssDNA. We have also found that the above-mentioned modifications at the 3' end of ssDNA significantly influence the IR spectrum (and hence the structure) of polycrystalline films formed from such compounds, even though adsorbed fragments contain less than 5% of the DNA chain. This effect should be taken into account when comparing IR spectra of various polycrystalline films formed from modified and unmodified DNA. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Recrystallization method to selenization of thin-film Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 for semiconductor device applications

DOEpatents

Albin, David S.; Carapella, Jeffrey J.; Tuttle, John R.; Contreras, Miguel A.; Gabor, Andrew M.; Noufi, Rommel; Tennant, Andrew L.

1995-07-25

A process for fabricating slightly Cu-poor thin-films of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 on a substrate for semiconductor device applications includes the steps of forming initially a slightly Cu-rich, phase separated, mixture of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se on the substrate in solid form followed by exposure of the Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se solid mixture to an overpressure of Se vapor and (In,Ga) vapor for deposition on the Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se solid mixture while simultaneously increasing the temperature of the solid mixture toward a recrystallization temperature (about 550.degree. C.) at which Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 is solid and Cu.sub.x Se is liquid. The (In,Ga) flux is terminated while the Se overpressure flux and the recrystallization temperature are maintained to recrystallize the Cu.sub.x Se with the (In, Ga) that was deposited during the temperature transition and with the Se vapor to form the thin-film of slightly Cu-poor Cu.sub.x (In,Ga).sub.y Se.sub.z. The initial Cu-rich, phase separated large grain mixture of Cu(In,Ga)Se.sub.2 :Cu.sub.x Se can be made by sequentially depositing or co-depositing the metal precursors, Cu and (In, Ga), on the substrate at room temperature, ramping up the thin-film temperature in the presence of Se overpressure to a moderate anneal temperature (about 450.degree. C.) and holding that temperature and the Se overpressure for an annealing period. A nonselenizing, low temperature anneal at about 100.degree. C. can also be used to homogenize the precursors on the substrates before the selenizing, moderate temperature anneal.

Peroxynitrite modified DNA presents better epitopes for anti-DNA autoantibodies in diabetes type 1 patients.

PubMed

Tripathi, Prashant; Moinuddin; Dixit, Kiran; Mir, Abdul Rouf; Habib, Safia; Alam, Khursheed; Ali, Asif

2014-07-01

Peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), formed by the reaction between nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide (O2(-)), has been implicated in the etiology of numerous disease processes. Peroxynitrite interacts with DNA via direct oxidative reactions or via indirect radical-mediated mechanism. It can inflict both oxidative and nitrosative damages on DNA bases, generating abasic sites, resulting in the single strand breaks. Plasmid pUC 18 isolated from Escherichiacoli was modified with peroxynitrite, generated by quenched flow process. Modifications incurred in plasmid DNA were characterized by ultraviolet and fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, HPLC and melting temperature studies. Binding characteristics and specificity of antibodies from diabetes patients were analyzed by direct binding and inhibition ELISA. Peroxynitrite modification of pUC 18 plasmid resulted in the formation of strand breaks and base modification. The major compound formed when peroxynitrite reacted with DNA was 8-nitroguanine, a specific marker for peroxynitrite induced DNA damage in inflamed tissues. The concentration of 8-nitroguanine was found to be 3.8 μM. Sera from diabetes type 1 patients from different age groups were studied for their binding to native and peroxynitrite modified plasmid. Direct binding and competitive-inhibition ELISA results showed higher recognition of peroxynitrite modified plasmid, as compared to the native form, by auto-antibodies present in diabetes patients. The preferential recognition of modified plasmid by diabetes autoantibodies was further reiterated by gel shift assay. Experimentally induced anti-peroxynitrite-modified plasmid IgG was used as a probe to detect nitrosative lesions in the DNA isolated from diabetes patients. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Preparation of orthophosphate glasses in the MgO-CaO-SiO2-Nb2O5-P2O5 system.

PubMed

Lee, Sungho; Ueda, Kyosuke; Narushima, Takayuki; Nakano, Takayoshi; Kasuga, Toshihiro

2017-01-01

Niobia/magnesia-containing orthophosphate invert glasses were successfully prepared in our earlier work. Orthophosphate groups in the glasses were cross-linked by tetrahedral niobia (NbO4) and magnesia. The aim of this work is to prepare calcium orthophosphate invert glasses containing magnesia and niobia, incorporating silica, and to evaluate their structures and releasing behaviors. The glasses were prepared by melt-quenching, and their structures and ion-releasing behaviors were evaluated. 31P solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Raman spectroscopies showed the glasses consist of orthophosphate (PO4), orthosilicate (SiO4), and NbO4 tetrahedra. NbO4 and MgO in the glasses act as network formers. By incorporating SiO2 into the glasses, the chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved. The glasses reheated at 800°C formed the orthophosphate crystalline phases, such as β-Ca3(PO4)2, Mg3(PO4)2 and Mg3Ca3(PO4)4 in the glasses. The chemical durability of the crystallized glasses was slightly improved. Orthosilicate groups and NbO4 in the glasses coordinated with each other to form Si-O-Nb bonds. The chemical durability of the glasses was slightly improved by addition of SiO2, since the field strength of Si is larger than that of Ca or Mg.

Evaluating disturbance on mediterranean karst areas: the example of Sardinia (Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Waele, Jo

2009-07-01

Evaluating the human disturbance on karst areas is a difficult task because of the complexity of these peculiar and unique environments. The human impact on karstic geo-ecosystems is increasingly important and there is an increasing need for multidisciplinary tools to assess the environmental changes in karst areas. Many disciplines, such as biology, geomorphology, hydrology and social-economical sciences are to be considered to sufficiently evaluate the impact on these intrinsically vulnerable areas. This article gives an overview of the evolution of environmental impact on karst areas of the island Sardinia (Italy). For this particular case, the most important impacts in the past 50 years are derived from the following activities, in decreasing importance: (1) mining and quarrying; (2) deforestation, agriculture and grazing; (3) building (widespread urbanisation, isolated homes, etc.) and related infrastructures (roads, sewer systems, aqueducts, waste dumps, etc.); (4) tourism; (5) military activities. To evaluate the present environmental state of these areas the Disturbance Index for Karst environments [Van Beynen and Townsend (Environ Manage 36:101-116)] is applied in a slightly modified version. Instead of considering the indicators of environmental disturbances used in the original method, this slightly modified index evaluates the disturbances causing the deterioration of the environmental attributes. In the Sardinian case study, 27 disturbances have been evaluated, giving rise to the definition of a Disturbance Index ranging between 0 (Pristine) and 1 (highly disturbed). This Disturbance Index simplifies the original KDI method, appears to adequately measure disturbance on Mediterranean karst areas and could be applied with success to other similar regions.

A case report of a TPS dental implant rigidly connected to a natural tooth: 19-year follow-up

PubMed Central

Quaranta, Alessandro; Poli, Ottavia; Vozza, Iole

2013-01-01

Summary Aim A partial edentulous area was restored with a tooth to implant fixed partial denture and a rigid connection between the two elements. Maintenance recalls were performed over a 19-year period of observation on a yearly basis. Methods The following parameters were collected during each examination over the entire period of observation: PD around the implant and natural tooth abutment, gingival index, modified gingival index, plaque index, modified plaque index, occlusal assessment, marginal bone loss. Radiographic assessment of peri-implant bone remodeling was performed in a retrospective way. The following reference points were assessed on each image: fixture-abutment junction, threads, first contact of the crestal bone with the implant on both mesial and distal side. This made possible, with the known values for implant diameter and length, to make linear measurements of remaining peri-implant bone measured from the mesial and distal marginal bone levels and the fixture-abutment junction. The amount of bone change over the baseline to a 19 years follow-up observation time was calculated for both the implant and the natural tooth. Results Clinical parameters showed healthy values over the entire period of observation with slight isolated positive bleeding on probing. Bone remodeling values were constant over the entire period with slight higher values around the tooth. Peri-apical radiographs did not show any intrusion of the tooth. Conclusions The present case report showed the complete functionality and stability of a tooth to implant rigidly connected FPD over a period of 19 years. PMID:24611092

Modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty for lumbar spinal stenosis.

PubMed

Matsudaira, Ko; Yamazaki, Takashi; Seichi, Atsushi; Hoshi, Kazuto; Hara, Nobuhiro; Ogiwara, Satoshi; Terayama, Sei; Chikuda, Hirotaka; Takeshita, Katsushi; Nakamura, Kozo

2009-06-01

The authors developed an original procedure, modified fenestration with restorative spinoplasty (MFRS) for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis. The first step is to cut the spinous process in an L-shape, which is caudally reflected. This procedure allows easy access to the spinal canal, including lateral recesses, and makes it easy to perform a trumpet-style decompression of the nerve roots without violating the facet joints. After the decompression of neural tissues, the spinous process is anatomically restored (spinoplasty). The clinical outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale and patients' satisfaction. Radiological follow-up included radiographs and CT. Between January 2000 and December 2002, 109 patients with neurogenic intermittent claudication with or without mild spondylolisthesis underwent MFRS. Of these, 101 were followed up for at least 2 years (follow-up rate 93%). The average score on the self-administered JOA scale in 89 patients without comorbidity causing gait disturbance improved from 13.3 preoperatively to 22.9 at 2 years' follow-up. Neurogenic intermittent claudication disappeared in all cases. The patients' assessment of treatment satisfaction was "satisfied" in 74 cases, "slightly satisfied" in 12, "slightly dissatisfied" in 2, and "dissatisfied" in 1 case. In 16 cases (18%), a minimum progression of slippage occurred, but no symptomatic instability or recurrent stenosis was observed. Computed tomography showed that the lateral part of the facet joints was well preserved, and the mean residual ratio was 80%. The MFRS technique produces an adequate and safe decompression of the spinal canal, even in patients with narrow and steep facet joints in whom conventional fenestration is technically demanding.

On Technological Properties of Modified Epoxy Composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gavrilov, M.

2017-11-01

The technological properties of epoxy composite materials based on constructional and chemical waste have been reviewed. The viscosity and component wettability of modified epoxy composites have been researched. The use of plasticizing additives to improve mixtures forming has been justified.

Validation of a modified Bristol stool scale - inter-rater reliability amongst pediatric gastroenterologists

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Stool form and changes in stool form are important criteria in both clinical practice and clinical research. However, descriptions of stool form from both patients and physicians alike may be subjective and objective measurements of stool form are not well developed. Although the Bristol stool scale...

[Evaluation of the effect of modified wet particle erosion on bond strength between 3Y-TZP zirconia framework and veneering porcelain].

PubMed

Guo, Jing; Zhu, Jia; Liu, Hon-Guang; Zhu, Hong-Shui

2017-02-01

To evaluate the effect of bond strength between 3mol% yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconium polycrystal (3Y-TZP) zirconia framework after modified wet particle erosion and veneering porcelain. A total of 174 [8 mm× 8 mm× 3 mm (±0.02)] specimens were prepared and then randomly divided into different groups according to different particle size, sandblasting pressure, sandblasting time through conventional sandblasting (experimental groups); specimens in the control group were not sandblasted. The bond strength between 3Y-TZP zirconia framework and veneering porcelain was measured using a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17.0 software package. The bond strength of specimens treated by two methods-conventional sandblasting and modified wet particle erosion under the same condition (150 μm, 0.6 MPa, 30 s) were acquired, while the surface was analyzed microscopically before the specimens were veneered with the veneering ceramic under scanning electronic microscope (SEM). The bond strength of conventional sandblasting group under the condition (110 μm, 0.4 MPa,30 s) was maximal, and significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). The bond strength of modified wet particle erosion group was significantly higher than the conventional sandblasting group and control group (P<0.01); SEM showed that the surface of specimen with modified wet particle erosion was homogeneously rough; the surface specimen with conventional sandblasting was heterogeneously rough, some microcracks were seen in some areas. Sandblasting can slightly enhance the bond strength between 3Y-TZP zirconia framework and veneering porcelain, modified wet particle erosion is recommended for 3Y-TZP zirconia framework surface treatment.

A compilation of chase work characterizes this image, looking south, ...

Library of Congress Historic Buildings Survey, Historic Engineering Record, Historic Landscapes Survey

A compilation of chase work characterizes this image, looking south, in the niche which slightly separates E Building form R Building, on the north side - Department of Energy, Mound Facility, Electronics Laboratory Building (E Building), One Mound Road, Miamisburg, Montgomery County, OH

Nucleation via an unstable intermediate phase.

PubMed

Sear, Richard P

2009-08-21

The pathway for crystallization from dilute vapors and solutions is often observed to take a detour via a liquid or concentrated-solution phase. For example, in moist subzero air, droplets of liquid water form, which then freeze. In this example and in many others, an intermediate phase (here liquid water) is dramatically accelerating the kinetics of a phase transition between two other phases (water vapor and ice). Here we study this phenomenon via exact computer simulations of a simple lattice model. Surprisingly, we find that the rate of nucleation of the new equilibrium phase is actually fastest when the intermediate phase is slightly unstable in the bulk, i.e., has a slightly higher free energy than the phase we start in. Nucleation occurs at a concave part of the surface and microscopic amounts of the intermediate phase can form there even before the phase is stable in the bulk. As the nucleus of the equilibrium phase is microscopic, this allows nucleation to occur effectively in the intermediate phase before it is stable in the bulk.

Effects of aleurone layer on rice cooking: A histological investigation.

PubMed

Wu, Jianyong; Chen, Jun; Liu, Wei; Liu, Chengmei; Zhong, Yejun; Luo, Dawen; Li, Zhongqiang; Guo, Xiaojuan

2016-01-15

Understanding how aleurone layer (AL) affects rice cooking behaviour is important for rice processing. Individual effects of AL on rice cooking behaviour were evaluated and histological characters of AL before and after cooking were investigated. AL slightly affected rice cooking quality (optimum cooking time, water absorption, volume expansion ratio and total solids loss) while remarkably affected rice texture (hardness and adhesiveness) and peak viscosity. Histological investigation showed that channels were formed in AL during cooking. The channels facilitated the penetration of water, which could explain why AL exhibited slight effects on rice cooking quality. In addition, thick cell walls and thermally stable aleurone grains were widely distributed in AL. Leached components accumulated on them and formed a reinforced coated film on rice surface during cooking, which may be a possible mechanism accounting for the remarkable effect of AL on rice texture. Histological characters of AL are closely related with rice cooking behaviour. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Intumescent coatings with improved properties for high-rise construction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ustinov, Andrey; Zybina, Olga; Tanklevsky, Leonid; Lebedev, Vasily; Andreev, Andrey

2018-03-01

The paper overviews the way of creating intumescent fire-protective compositions with improved properties by adding nano-and micro-sized supplements into them. Intumescent paints are inert at low temperatures, and at higher temperatures they expand and degrade to provide a charred layer of low conductivity materials. The modified intumescent paints are able to form a more stable charred layer than the classical paints. The stability of a charred layer is crucial if the fire safety in high-rise construction must be secured, because a weak charred layer will not provide a required fire endurance for steel bearing structures and they will break down in case of fire. The fire-protective properties of modified intumescent paints were estimated using an electrical furnace. Also the way of thermal decomposition of the paints was studied with thermogravimetric analysis. Results show that modified intumescent paints form a charred layer with improved fire-protective properties; it can serve as a thermal barrier for a longer period of time. Thermogravimetric analysis confirms this fact showing that the temperatures of full thermal decay in case of modified paints are higher than those of non-modified paints.

Thermal stability of G-rich anti-parallel DNA triplexes upon insertion of LNA and α-L-LNA.

PubMed

Kosbar, Tamer R; Sofan, Mamdouh A; Abou-Zeid, Laila; Pedersen, Erik B

2015-05-14

G-rich anti-parallel DNA triplexes were modified with LNA or α-L-LNA in their Watson-Crick and TFO strands. The triplexes were formed by targeting a pyrimidine strand to a putative hairpin formed by Hoogsteen base pairing in order to use the UV melting method to evaluate the stability of the triplexes. Their thermal stability was reduced when the TFO strand was modified with LNA or α-L-LNA. The same trend was observed when the TFO strand and the purine Watson-Crick strand both were modified with LNA. When all triad components were modified with α-L-LNA and LNA in the middle of the triplex, the thermal melting was increased. When the pyrimidine sequence was modified with a single insertion of LNA or α-L-LNA the ΔTm increased. Moreover, increasing the number of α-L-LNA in the pyrimidine target sequence to six insertions, leads to a high increase in the thermal stability. The conformational S-type structure of α-L-LNA in anti-parallel triplexes is preferable for triplex stability.

[Pharmaceutical advice concerning different pharmaceutical dosage forms].

PubMed

Szakonyi, Gergely; Zelkó, Romána

2010-01-01

The present paper summarizes the commonly applied types of drug uptake and the pharmacists' advice concerning a certain dosage form. The manuscript also deals with the modified release dosage forms and their abbreviations in the name of the marketing authorized products.

The use of magnetron sputtering for the deposition of thin titanium coatings on the surface of bioresorbable electrospun fibrous scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering: A pilot study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolbasov, E. N.; Antonova, L. V.; Stankevich, K. S.; Ashrafov, A.; Matveeva, V. G.; Velikanova, E. A.; Khodyrevskaya, Yu. I.; Kudryavtseva, Yu. A.; Anissimov, Y. G.; Tverdokhlebov, S. I.; Barbarash, L. S.

2017-03-01

The deposition of thin titanium coatings using magnetron spattering on the surface of bioresorbable fibrous scaffolds produced by electrospinning was investigated. Parameters that allow the surface modification without damaging the "macro" structure of scaffolds were determined. Physicochemical properties of the modified scaffolds were described using SEM, EDS, DSC, optical goniometry, and mechanical testing. It was shown that plasma treatment has a significant influence on the scaffolds' fiber surface relief. The modification process leads to a slight decrease of the scaffold mechanical performance mainly caused by polymer crystallization. Increasing the deposition time increases the amount of titanium on the surface. The biocompatibility of the modified scaffolds was studied using hybridoma of the endothelial cells of human umbilical vein and human lung carcinoma (EA.hy 926 cell line). Cell adhesion, viability, and secretion of interleukin-6 (IL6), interleukin-8 (IL8), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were investigated. It was demonstrated that the deposition of thin titanium coatings on the fibrous scaffolds' surface enhances cell adhesion. Additionally, it was determined that modified scaffolds have proangiogenic activity.

Evaluation studies on the combined effect of hydrothermal treatment and octenyl succinylation on the physic-chemical, structural and digestibility characteristics of sweet potato starch.

PubMed

Lv, Qing-Qing; Li, Gao-Yang; Xie, Qiu-Tao; Zhang, Bao; Li, Xiao-Min; Pan, Yi; Chen, Han-Qing

2018-08-01

In order to increase the degree of substitution (DS), a combination of heat-moisture treatment (HMT) and octenyl succinylation (OSA) was used to modify sweet potato starch (SPS). The content of OSA had significant influence on the DS of starch, and DS of HMT OSA-modified SPS (HOSA-SPS) was higher than that of OSA-modified SPS (OSA-SPS), indicating that prior HMT could enhance the reaction. HOSA-SPS showed higher contents of SDS and RS in comparison with OSA-SPS as OSA concentration was beyond 6%. HMT decreased swelling power of starch while OSA modification had a contrary role (p < 0.05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed starch was destroyed by OSA modification while HMT had slight effect on the structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that crystal type of starch was transformed from C- to A-type resulted from HMT, and remained unchanged by OSA modification. The onset, peak, and conclusion gelatinization temperatures of starch increased by HMT and decreased by OSA modification (p < 0.05). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

What consumers don't know about genetically modified food, and how that affects beliefs.

PubMed

McFadden, Brandon R; Lusk, Jayson L

2016-09-01

In the debates surrounding biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) food, data from consumer polls are often presented as evidence for precaution and labeling. But how much do consumers actually know about the issue? New data collected from a nationwide U.S. survey reveal low levels of knowledge and numerous misperceptions about GM food. Nearly equal numbers of consumers prefer mandatory labeling of foods containing DNA as do those preferring mandatory labeling of GM foods. When given the option, the majority of consumers prefer that decisions about GM food be taken out of their hands and be made by experts. After answering a list of questions testing objective knowledge of GM food, subjective, self-reported knowledge declines somewhat, and beliefs about GM food safety increase slightly. Results suggest that consumers think they know more than they actually do about GM food, and queries about GM facts cause respondents to reassess how much they know. The findings question the usefulness of results from opinion polls as a motivation for creating public policy surrounding GM food.-McFadden, B. R., Lusk, J. L. What consumers don't know about genetically modified food, and how that affects beliefs. © FASEB.

Comparison of modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging for long period storage of dry-cured ham: effects on colour, texture and microbiological quality.

PubMed

García-Esteban, Marta; Ansorena, Diana; Astiasarán, Iciar

2004-05-01

Slices of dry-cured hams (Biceps femoris muscle) were stored during 8 weeks under vacuum and modified atmospheres (100% N(2) and a mixture of 20% CO(2) and 80% N(2)) in order to study the modifications on colour, texture and microbial counts during that period. Lightness was found to be more stable when samples were stored with 20% CO(2) and 80% N(2) without statistical differences between vacuum and 100% N(2). A slight whiteness was observed in the vacuum packed samples. Yellowness increased during time in vacuum packed samples, although no differences were found among the three conditions at the end of the study. Redness values were not affected by time or by the packaging system. With regard to texture, values found for all samples were within the normal range for this type of products, although it was observed that modified atmosphere packaging preserved samples better from hardening than vacuum packaging. No safety problems were detected in relation to the microbial quality in any case. In general, no clear differences were found among the three packaging systems for colour, texture and microbial quality in the storage conditions studied.

Three-year follow-up of modified Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty using lightweight poliglecaprone/polypropylene mesh.

PubMed

Smietański, M; Bigda, J; Zaborowski, K; Worek, M; Sledziński, Z

2009-06-01

This prospective cohort study evaluated whether partially absorbable monofilament mesh could influence postoperative pain and time of the return to normal activity while not increasing recurrence in modified Lichtenstein inguinal hernioplasty. Two hundred and forty-two patients were operated on using poliglecaprone/polypropylene mesh. A modified Lichtenstein technique was used (more stitches and larger margin of mesh on the inguinal ligament, additional suture near the pubic bone). Follow-up data were collected at 3 years. The objective was to assess the incidence of late persistent postoperative pain and the recurrence rate. The follow-up rate reached 88.37%. The recurrence rate was 2.2% (four patients). All recurrences appeared within the first 12 months. Slight discomfort, feelings of stiffness, and the occasional appearance of foreign bodies that did not influence daily activity were noted in 20 patients (10.8%). Chronic pain was found in 22 patients (11.1%), but only affected the daily activities of seven (3.24%). Only one patient suffering from pain described it as stronger than before the operation. The use of partially absorbable light mesh reduces postoperative pain at long-term follow-up. The recurrence rate was not increased at 36 months follow-up.

Modification of the azimuth control system in the LLMC

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Binhua; Yang, Lei; Chen, Linfei; Mao, Wei

2000-10-01

A new control system of the azimuth transmission mechanism used in the Lower Latitude Meridian Circle (LLMC) is described in this paper. Because the original azimuth transmission mechanism causes too much vibration during the transposition of the horizontal axis of the instrument, we decided to modify the original system by two ways. One is to modify the lift mechanism and the azimuth transmission mechanism. The other is to replace the original stepper motors with a new type of stepper motor. According to the requirement of the new motor and its sine subdivided microstep driver, the original control system has been modified. The new system has an expansion output board and a new control program compared with the original one. The hardware architecture of the new system is described. The program in the single chip microcontroller is written in ASM, which is composed of 10 subroutines. The program in a host PC is written in C++. The methods using in controlling motors and skills in designing these programs are discussed. Two sketch flow charts of the control program are presented in the paper. Modification of the lift mechanism is also introduced. All this works make the vibration very slight.

Influence of surfactants on the release behaviour and structural properties of sol-gel derived silica xerogels embedded with metronidazole.

PubMed

Czarnobaj, Katarzyna; Sawicki, Wiesław

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to obtain stable and controlled release silica xerogels containing metronidazole (MT) prepared with surfactants with different charges: cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), which could be the promising carrier materials used as the implantable drug delivery systems. The xerogels were prepared by the sol-gel method. The influence of various formulation precursors on porosity parameters and drug release were investigated. Addition of surfactants showed a promising result in controlling the MT release. Dissolution study revealed increased release of MT from silica modified SDS and CTAB, whereas the release of MT from silica modified HPC considerably decreased, in comparison with unmodified silica. The addition of surfactants showed slight changes in porosity parameters. All xerogels are characterized by a highly developed surface area (701-642 m(2) g(-1)) and mesoporous structure. The correlation between pore size obtained matrices and release rate of drug was also observed. Based on the presented results of this study, it may be stated that applied xerogel matrices: pure silica and surfactants-modified silica could be promising candidates for the formulation in local delivery systems.

Surface-modified CMOS IC electrochemical sensor array targeting single chromaffin cells for highly parallel amperometry measurements.

PubMed

Huang, Meng; Delacruz, Joannalyn B; Ruelas, John C; Rathore, Shailendra S; Lindau, Manfred

2018-01-01

Amperometry is a powerful method to record quantal release events from chromaffin cells and is widely used to assess how specific drugs modify quantal size, kinetics of release, and early fusion pore properties. Surface-modified CMOS-based electrochemical sensor arrays allow simultaneous recordings from multiple cells. A reliable, low-cost technique is presented here for efficient targeting of single cells specifically to the electrode sites. An SU-8 microwell structure is patterned on the chip surface to provide insulation for the circuitry as well as cell trapping at the electrode sites. A shifted electrode design is also incorporated to increase the flexibility of the dimension and shape of the microwells. The sensitivity of the electrodes is validated by a dopamine injection experiment. Microwells with dimensions slightly larger than the cells to be trapped ensure excellent single-cell targeting efficiency, increasing the reliability and efficiency for on-chip single-cell amperometry measurements. The surface-modified device was validated with parallel recordings of live chromaffin cells trapped in the microwells. Rapid amperometric spikes with no diffusional broadening were observed, indicating that the trapped and recorded cells were in very close contact with the electrodes. The live cell recording confirms in a single experiment that spike parameters vary significantly from cell to cell but the large number of cells recorded simultaneously provides the statistical significance.

Improvement of Peptide-Based Tumor Immunotherapy Using pH-Sensitive Fusogenic Polymer-Modified Liposomes.

PubMed

Yoshizaki, Yuta; Yuba, Eiji; Komatsu, Toshihiro; Udaka, Keiko; Harada, Atsushi; Kono, Kenji

2016-09-26

To establish peptide vaccine-based cancer immunotherapy, we investigated the improvement of antigenic peptides by encapsulation with pH-sensitive fusogenic polymer-modified liposomes for induction of antigen-specific immunity. The liposomes were prepared by modification of egg yolk phosphatidylcholine and l-dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine with 3-methyl-glutarylated hyperbranched poly(glycidol) (MGlu-HPG) and were loaded with antigenic peptides derived from ovalbumin (OVA) OVA-I (SIINFEKL), and OVA-II (PSISQAVHAAHAEINEAP β A), which bind, respectively, to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and class II molecules on dendritic cell (DCs). The peptide-loaded liposomes were taken up efficiently by DCs. The peptides were delivered into their cytosol. Administration of OVA-I-loaded MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes to mice bearing OVA-expressing E.G7-OVA tumors induced the activation of OVA-specific CTLs much more efficiently than the administration of free OVA-I peptide did. Mice strongly rejected E.G7-OVA cells after immunization with OVA-I peptide-loaded MGlu-HPG liposomes, although mice treated with free OVA-I peptide only slightly rejected the cells. Furthermore, efficient suppression of tumor volume was observed when tumor-bearing mice were immunized with OVA-I-peptide-loaded liposomes. Immunization with OVA-II-loaded MGlu-HPG-modified liposomes exhibited much lower tumor-suppressive effects. Results indicate that MGlu-HPG liposomes might be useful for improvement of CTL-inducing peptides for efficient cancer immunotherapy.

Solvent Hold Tank Sample Results For MCU-15-750-751-752-: June Monthly Sample

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

Fondeur, F.; Taylor-Pashow, K.

2015-10-07

Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) received one set of Solvent Hold Tank (SHT) samples (MCU-15-750, MCU-15-751, and MCU-15-752), pulled on 06/22/2015 for analysis. The samples were combined and analyzed for composition. Analysis of the composite sample MCU-15-750-751-752 indicated a low concentration (~ 49 % of nominal) of the suppressor (TiDG) and slightly lower than nominal concentrations of the extractant (MaxCalix), and of the modifier (Cs-7SB) in the solvent. This analysis confirms the addition of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier to the solvent in February 2015. Based on the current monthly sample, the levels of TiDG, MaxCalix, and modifier are sufficient formore » continuing operation without adding a trim at this time but it is recommended that an addition of TiDG, modifier and Isopar™L should be made in the near future. No impurities above the 1000 ppm level were found in this solvent by the Semi-Volatile Organic Analysis (SVOA). No impurities were observed in the Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR). In addition, up to 13.9 micrograms of mercury per gram of solvent (or 11.5 µg/mL) was detected in this sample. The laboratory will continue to monitor the quality of the solvent in particular for any new impurities or degradation of the solvent components.« less

Improved Scheme of Modified Gaussian Deconvolution for Reflectance Spectra of Lunar Soils

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hiroi, T.; Pieters, C. M.; Noble, S. K.

2000-01-01

In our continuing effort for deconvolving reflectance spectra of lunar soils using the modified Gaussian model, a new scheme has been developed, including a new form of continuum. All the parameters are optimized with certain constraints.

Child abuse and osteogenesis imperfecta: how can they be still misdiagnosed? A case report

PubMed Central

D’Eufemia, Patrizia; Palombaro, Marta; Lodato, Valentina; Zambrano, Anna; Celli, Mauro; Persiani, Pietro; De Bari, Maria Pia; Sangiorgi, Luca

2012-01-01

Summary Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare hereditary disease caused by mutations in genes coding for type I collagen, resulting in bone fragility. In literature are described forms lethal in perinatal period, forms which are moderate and slight forms where the only sign of disease is osteopenia. Child abuse is an important social and medical problem. Fractures are the second most common presentation after skin lesions and may present specific patterns. The differential diagnosis between slight-moderate forms of OI and child abuse could be very challenging especially when other signs typical of abuse are absent, since both could present with multiple fractures without reasonable explanations. We report a 20 months-old female with a history of 4 fractures occurred between the age of three and eighteen months, brought to authorities’ attention as a suspected child abuse. However when she came to our department physical examination, biochemical tests, total body X-ray and a molecular analysis of DNA led the diagnosis of OI. Thus, a treatment with bisphosphonate and a physical rehabilitation process, according to Vojta method, were started with improvement in bony mineralization, gross motor skills and absence of new fracture. In conclusion our case demonstrates how in any child presenting fractures efforts should be made to consider, besides child abuse, all the other hypothesis even the rarest as OI. PMID:23289038

Antimicrobial activity of suspensions and nanoemulsions of citral in combination with heat or pulsed electric fields.

PubMed

Pagán, E; Berdejo, D; Espina, L; García-Gonzalo, D; Pagán, R

2018-01-01

The application of essential oils in form of nanoemulsions has been proposed as a method to improve their solubility in aqueous solutions, and hence their antimicrobial activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of citral, applied directly or in combined treatments with heat or pulsed electric fields (PEF), as a function of the inoculation procedure assayed: (i) a simple, vigorous shaking method by vortex agitation (suspension of citral; s-citral) or (ii) the previous preparation of nanoemulsions by the emulsion phase inversion (EPI) method (nanoemulsion of citral; n-citral). n-Citral was more effective in either inhibiting or inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 Sakai than s-citral. However, when combined with heat, a greater synergistic effect was observed with s-citral rather than with n-citral, either in lab media (pH 7·0 and 4·0) or apple juice. For instance, while almost 5 log 10 cell cycles were inactivated in apple juice after 15 min at 53°C in the presence of 0·1 μl ml -1 of s-citral, the use of n-citral required 30 min. The use of nanoemulsions did not modify the slight synergism observed when citral and mild PEF were combined (150 μs, 30 kV cm -1 ). The exploration of different delivery systems of antimicrobial compounds such as citral in aqueous food products aids in the establishment of successful combined treatments for food preservation. While at room temperature, citral in form of a nanoemulsion shows a higher antimicrobial activity; its combination with heat would imply a partial loss of the outstanding synergistic lethal effect achieved when added in suspension form. Therefore, the most suitable procedure to magnify the synergism between heat and citral when processing juices would merely require an intense homogenization step prior to the combined treatment. © 2017 The Society for Applied Microbiology.

Chemical modelling of complex organic molecules with peptide-like bonds in star-forming regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Quénard, David; Jiménez-Serra, Izaskun; Viti, Serena; Holdship, Jonathan; Coutens, Audrey

2018-02-01

Peptide bonds (N-C = O) play a key role in metabolic processes since they link amino acids into peptide chains or proteins. Recently, several molecules containing peptide-like bonds have been detected across multiple environments in the interstellar medium, growing the need to fully understand their chemistry and their role in forming larger pre-biotic molecules. We present a comprehensive study of the chemistry of three molecules containing peptide-like bonds: HNCO, NH2CHO, and CH3NCO. We also included other CHNO isomers (HCNO, HOCN) and C2H3NO isomers (CH3OCN, CH3CNO) to the study. We have used the UCLCHEM gas-grain chemical code and included in our chemical network all possible formation/destruction pathways of these peptide-like molecules recently investigated either by theoretical calculations or in laboratory experiments. Our predictions are compared to observations obtained towards the proto-star IRAS 16293-2422 and the L1544 pre-stellar core. Our results show that some key reactions involving the CHNO and C2H3NO isomers need to be modified to match the observations. Consistently with recent laboratory findings, hydrogenation is unlikely to produce NH2CHO on grain surfaces, while a combination of radical-radical surface reactions and gas-phase reactions is a better alternative. In addition, better results are obtained for NH2CHO when a slightly higher activation energy of 25 K is considered for the gas-phase reaction NH2 + H2CO → NH2CHO + H. Finally, our modelling shows that the observed correlation between NH2CHO and HNCO in star-forming regions may come from the fact that HNCO and NH2CHO react to temperature in the same manner rather than from a direct chemical link between the two species.

Interchangeability, Safety and Efficacy of Modified-Release Drug Formulations in the USA: The Case of Opioid and Other Nervous System Drugs.

PubMed

Seoane-Vazquez, Enrique; Rodriguez-Monguio, Rosa; Hansen, Richard

2016-04-01

Modified-release drugs may provide clinical advantages compared to immediate-release forms and improve convenience to the patient and health outcomes. Concerns have been raised regarding interchangeability, efficacy, and safety of modified-release formulations. This study analyses all US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved modified-release formulations and market trends, and illustrates how bioequivalence and safety of generic modified-release products compare to their respective brand name drugs and other generic drugs with different formulation design characteristics. This study also examines major concerns related to modified-release formulations: safety of opioids and bioequivalence of generic bupropion and methylphenidate. Study data were derived from the FDA electronic versions of the FDA's Orange Book (OB) and the FDA safety communications web page. Medicare Part D utilization and expenditures data were extracted from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. In May 2015, 276 (11.9 %) of the 2325 active ingredients and fixed-dose combinations listed in the FDA's Orange Book had at least one modified-release form approved by the FDA. The number of approvals increased over time; 52.5 % of modified releases were approved in the period 2000-May 2015. The FDA required a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) to ensure that the benefits of extended-release opioids outweighed its risks of overdose and abuse. The REMS involved 16 new drug applications and 25 abbreviated new drug applications. The FDA addressed interchangeability problems with generic modified-release alternatives of bupropion and methylphenidate including lack of bioequivalence, reduced efficacy, and increased incidence of adverse events. Systematic post-marketing surveillance studies are needed to assess differences in safety, interchangeability, and efficacy of drugs with modified- and immediate-release formulations.

Effect of Brake Forming on the Strength of 24S-T Aluminum-alloy Sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Heimerl, George J; Woods, Walter

1946-01-01

Tests were made to determine the effect of brake forming on the strength of 24S-T aluminum alloy sheet that had been formed to an inside bend radius of three times the sheet thickness. The results for both directions of the grain of the material showed that the compressive yield stresses were appreciably increased, that the tensile yield stresses were moderately increased, that the ultimate tensile stresses were only slightly increased, that the elongations were considerably reduced, and that the shapes of the tensile and compressive stress-strain curves were markedly changed.

The Hemoglobin E Thalassemias

PubMed Central

Fucharoen, Suthat; Weatherall, David J.

2012-01-01

Hemoglobin E (HbE) is an extremely common structural hemoglobin variant that occurs at high frequencies throughout many Asian countries. It is a β-hemoglobin variant, which is produced at a slightly reduced rate and hence has the phenotype of a mild form of β thalassemia. Its interactions with different forms of α thalassemia result in a wide variety of clinical disorders, whereas its coinheritance with β thalassemia, a condition called hemoglobin E β thalassemia, is by far the most common severe form of β thalassemia in Asia and, globally, comprises approximately 50% of the clinically severe β-thalassemia disorders. PMID:22908199

Commissioning Results of the 2nd 3.5 Cell SRF Gun for ELBE

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

Arnold, A; Freitag, M; Murcek, Petr

As in 2007 the first 3.5 cell superconducting radio frequency (SRF) gun was taken into operation, it turned out that the specified performance has not been achieved. However, to demonstrate the full potential of this new type of electron source, a second and slightly modified SRF gun II was built in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (TJNAF). We will report on commissioning and first results of the new gun, which includes in particular the characterization of the most important RF properties as well as their comparison with previous vertical test results.

Coupled Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics Modeling of InSb Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barvinschi, Paul; Barvinschi, Floricica

2011-10-01

A method for the directional solidification of melted InSb in a silica ampoule is presented and solved with COMSOL Multiphysics. The configuration and initial boundary settings of the model resemble those used in a de-wetting vertical Bridgman configuration [1]. A slightly modified version of the method presented by Voller and Prakash [2] is used to account for solidification of the liquid phase, including convection and conduction heat transfer with mushy region phase change. Axial-symmetric numerical simulations of temperature and velocity fields, under normal gravity, are carried out using different thermal conditions.

Optimization of a dual mode Rowland mount spectrometer used in the 120-950 nm wavelength range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McDowell, M. W.; Bouwer, H. K.

In a recent article, several configurations were described whereby a Rowland mount spectrometer could be modified to cover a wavelength range of 120-950 nm. In one of these configurations, large additional image aberration is introduced which severely limits the spectral resolving power. In the present article, the theoretical imaging properties of this configuration are considered and a simple method is proposed to reduce this aberration. The optimized system possesses an image quality similar to the conventional Rowland mount with the image surface slightly displaced from the Rowland circle but concentric to it.

Kolkata Paise Restaurant Problem: An Introduction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Asim; Biswas, Soumyajyoti; Chatterjee, Arnab; Chakrabarti, Anindya Sundar; Naskar, Tapan; Mitra, Manipushpak; Chakrabarti, Bikas K.

We discuss several stochastic optimization strategies in games with many players having large number of choices (Kolkata Paise Restaurant Problem) and two choices (minority game problem). It is seen that a stochastic crowd avoiding strategy gives very efficient utilization in KPR problem. A slightly modified strategy in the minority game problem gives full utilization but the dynamics stops after reaching full efficiency, thereby making the utilization helpful for only about half of the population (those in minority). We further discuss the ways in which the dynamics may be continued and the utilization becomes effective for all the agents keeping fluctuation arbitrarily small.

When playing together feels different: effects of task types and social contexts on physiological arousal in multiplayer online gaming contexts.

PubMed

Lim, Sohye; Lee, Jong-Eun Roselyn

2009-02-01

This study examines how task types (violent vs. nonviolent) and social contexts (solo vs. collaborative) affect physiological arousal in multiplayer online gaming. Our results show that social contexts modify the effects of violent game tasks on arousal. When compared with solo play, collaborative play led to a significant decrease in arousal in response to violent tasks, while leading to a slight increase for nonviolent tasks. The findings point to the importance of understanding how social contexts of game playing shape psychological experiences in multiplayer online games.

Early Rockets

NASA Image and Video Library

1958-01-01

The modified Jupiter C (sometimes called Juno I), used to launch Explorer I, had minimum payload lifting capabilities. Explorer I weighed slightly less than 31 pounds. Juno II was part of America's effort to increase payload lifting capabilities. Among other achievements, the vehicle successfully launched a Pioneer IV satellite on March 3, 1959, and an Explorer VII satellite on October 13, 1959. Responsibility for Juno II passed from the Army to the Marshall Space Flight Center when the Center was activated on July 1, 1960. On November 3, 1960, a Juno II sent Explorer VIII into a 1,000-mile deep orbit within the ionosphere.

Efficient method for the calculation of mean extinction. II. Analyticity of the complex extinction efficiency of homogeneous spheroids and finite cylinders.

PubMed

Xing, Z F; Greenberg, J M

1994-08-20

The analyticity of the complex extinction efficiency is examined numerically in the size-parameter domain for homogeneous prolate and oblate spheroids and finite cylinders. The T-matrix code, which is the most efficient program available to date, is employed to calculate the individual particle-extinction efficiencies. Because of its computational limitations in the size-parameter range, a slightly modified Hilbert-transform algorithm is required to establish the analyticity numerically. The findings concerning analyticity that we reported for spheres (Astrophys. J. 399, 164-175, 1992) apply equally to these nonspherical particles.

Modify Federal Tax Code to Create Incentives for Individuals to Obtain Coverage.

PubMed

McGlynn, Elizabeth A

2011-01-01

This article explores how a refundable tax credit to offset the cost of health insurance premiums would affect health system performance along nine dimensions. A refundable tax credit would produce a slight gain in health as measured by life expectancy; 2.3 to 10 million people would become newly insured under this policy change. It is uncertain how the policy would affect waste or patient experience. Refundable tax credits would have no discernable effect on total health care spending, overall consumer financial risk, reliability of care, or health system capacity. Implementing refundable tax credits would be relatively easy.

12 CFR Appendix B to Part 202 - Model Application Forms

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 12 Banks and Banking 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Model Application Forms B Appendix B to Part... CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (REGULATION B) Pt. 202, App. B Appendix B to Part 202—Model Application Forms 1... appear on the creditor's form. 3. If a creditor uses an appropriate Appendix B model form, or modifies a...

Mild performic acid oxidation enhances chromatographic and top down mass spectrometric analyses of histones.

PubMed

Pesavento, James J; Garcia, Benjamin A; Streeky, James A; Kelleher, Neil L; Mizzen, Craig A

2007-09-01

Recent developments in top down mass spectrometry have enabled closely related histone variants and their modified forms to be identified and quantitated with unprecedented precision, facilitating efforts to better understand how histones contribute to the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription and other nuclear processes. It is therefore crucial that intact MS profiles accurately reflect the levels of variants and modified forms present in a given cell type or cell state for the full benefit of such efforts to be realized. Here we show that partial oxidation of Met and Cys residues in histone samples prepared by conventional methods, together with oxidation that can accrue during storage or during chip-based automated nanoflow electrospray ionization, confounds MS analysis by altering the intact MS profile as well as hindering posttranslational modification localization after MS/MS. We also describe an optimized performic acid oxidation procedure that circumvents these problems without catalyzing additional oxidations or altering the levels of posttranslational modifications common in histones. MS and MS/MS of HeLa cell core histones confirmed that Met and Cys were the only residues oxidized and that complete oxidation restored true intact abundance ratios and significantly enhanced MS/MS data quality. This allowed for the unequivocal detection, at the intact molecule level, of novel combinatorially modified forms of H4 that would have been missed otherwise. Oxidation also enhanced the separation of human core histones by reverse phase chromatography and decreased the levels of salt-adducted forms observed in ESI-FTMS. This method represents a simple and easily automated means for enhancing the accuracy and sensitivity of top down analyses of combinatorially modified forms of histones that may also be of benefit for top down or bottom up analyses of other proteins.

Handbook: Approaches for the Remediation of Federal Facility Sites Contaminated with Explosive or Radioactive Wastes

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-09-01

ash, and incinerator fly ash in modified sulfur cement and Portland cement waste forms ................................. 70 6-10 Drawing of full-scale...6-17 Economic analysis of encapsulating sodium nitrate at Rocky Flats Plant ..................... 74 6-18 Portland cement and modified sulfur cement...environment. DP-1629. Savannah and modified sulfur cement encapsulation. Both methods River Laboratory, Aiken, South Carolina. have advantages over

The modified Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form: a modified response format and rational scoring rules.

PubMed

Sharp, J L; Gough, K; Pascoe, M C; Drosdowsky, A; Chang, V T; Schofield, P

2018-07-01

The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale Short Form (MSAS-SF) is a widely used symptom assessment instrument. Patients who self-complete the MSAS-SF have difficulty following the two-part response format, resulting in incorrectly completed responses. We describe modifications to the response format to improve useability, and rational scoring rules for incorrectly completed items. The modified MSAS-SF was completed by 311 women in our Peer and Nurse support Trial to Assist women in Gynaecological Oncology; the PeNTAGOn study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise completion of the modified MSAS-SF, and provide symptom statistics before and after applying the rational scoring rules. Spearman's correlations with the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were assessed. Correct completion of the modified MSAS-SF items ranged from 91.5 to 98.7%. The rational scoring rules increased the percentage of useable responses on average 4% across all symptoms. MSAS-SF item statistics were similar with and without the scoring rules. The pattern of correlations with FACT-G and HADS was compatible with prior research. The modified MSAS-SF was useable for self-completion and responses demonstrated validity. The rational scoring rules can minimise loss of data from incorrectly completed responses. Further investigation is recommended.

Nucleation and growth of crystals under cirrus and polar stratospheric cloud conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hallett, John; Queen, Brian; Teets, Edward; Fahey, James

1995-01-01

Laboratory studies examine phase changes of hygroscopic substances which occur as aerosol in stratosphere and troposphere (sodium chloride, ammonium sulfate, ammonium bisulfate, nitric acid, sulfuric acid), under controlled conditions, in samples volume 1 to 10(exp -4) ml. Crystallization of salts from supersaturated solutions is examined by slowly evaporating a solution drop on a substrate, under controlled relative humidity, until self nucleation occurs; controlled nucleation of ice in a mm capillary U-tube gives a measured ice crystallization velocity at known supercooling. Two states of crystallization occur for regions where hydrates exist. It is inferred that all of the materials readily exist as supersaturated/supercooled solutions; the degree of metastability appears to be slightly enhanced by inclusion of aircraft produced soot. The crystallization velocity is taken as a measure of viscosity. Results suggest an approach to a glass transition at high molality, supersaturation and/or supercooling within the range of atmospheric interest. It is hypothesized that surface reactions occur more readily on solidified particles - either crystalline or glass, whereas volume reactions are more important on droplets with sufficiently low viscosity and volume diffusivity. Implications are examined for optical properties of such particles in the atmosphere. In a separate experiment, crystal growth was examined in a modified thermal vapor diffusion chamber over the range of cirrus temperature (-30 to -70 C) and under controlled supersaturation and air pressure. The crystals grew at a velocity of 1-2 microns/s, thickness 60-70 micron, in the form of thin column crystals. Design criteria are given for a system to investigate particle growth down to -100 C, (PSC temperatures) where nitric acid particles can be grown under similar control and in the form of hydrate crystals.

Gelling ability of kefiran in the presence of sucrose and fructose and physicochemical characterization of the resulting cryogels.

PubMed

Zavala, Lucía; Roberti, Paula; Piermaria, Judith A; Abraham, Analía G

2015-08-01

In this work, the influence of sucrose and fructose on the gel-forming capacity of kefiran was investigated as well as the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting gels. The addition of sugar to gel-forming solutions did not alter the pseudoplastic flow properties of kefiran solutions and after one freeze-thaw cycle translucent gels with high water-holding capability were obtained. A highly porous matrix was revealed by microscopy whose pore size varied with sugar concentration. Sucrose and fructose had different effects on the rheological characteristics of sugar-kefiran gels. An increment in the strength of the gels with progressive concentrations of sucrose was evidenced by an increase in the elastic modulus (G'), indicating that sucrose reinforces the binding interactions between the polymer molecules (p ≤ 0.05). A drastic reduction in elastic modulus occurred, however, when 50.0 % w/w sucrose was added to kefiran gels, resulting in less elasticity. In contrast, when fructose was added to kefiran gels, elastic modulus decreased slightly with progressive sugar concentrations up to 10 %, thereafter increasing up to 50 % (p ≤ 0.05). Supplementation with up to 30 % sugar contributed to water retention and increased the viscous modulus. The relative increment in the elastic and viscous moduli elevated the loss tangent (tanδ) depending on the type and concentration of sugar. Sugars (sucrose, fructose) present in the matrix of the polysaccharide networks modified water-polymer and polymer-polymer interactions and consequently changed the gels' physicochemical characteristics, thus allowing the possibility of selecting the appropriate formulation through tailor-made kefiran cryogels.

Propagation losses in undoped and n-doped polycrystalline silicon wire waveguides.

PubMed

Zhu, Shiyang; Fang, Q; Yu, M B; Lo, G Q; Kwong, D L

2009-11-09

Polycrystalline silicon (polySi) wire waveguides with width ranging from 200 to 500 nm are fabricated by solid-phase crystallization (SPC) of deposited amorphous silicon (a-Si) on SiO(2) at a maximum temperature of 1000 degrees C. The propagation loss at 1550 nm decreases from 13.0 to 9.8 dB/cm with the waveguide width shrinking from 500 to 300 nm while the 200-nm-wide waveguides exhibit quite large loss (>70 dB/cm) mainly due to the relatively rough sidewall of waveguides induced by the polySi dry etch. By modifying the process sequence, i.e., first patterning the a-Si layer into waveguides by dry etch and then SPC, the sidewall roughness is significantly improved but the polySi crystallinity is degraded, leading to 13.9 dB/cm loss in the 200-nm-wide waveguides while larger losses in the wider waveguides. Phosphorus implantation causes an additional loss in the polySi waveguides. The doping-induced optical loss increases relatively slowly with the phosphorus concentration increasing up to 1 x 10(18) cm(-3), whereas the 5 x 10(18) cm(-3) doped waveguides exhibit large loss due to the dominant free carrier absorption. For all undoped polySi waveguides, further 1-2 dB/cm loss reduction is obtained by a standard forming gas (10%H(2) + 90%N(2)) annealing owing to the hydrogen passivation of Si dangling bonds present in polySi waveguides, achieving the lowest loss of 7.9 dB/cm in the 300-nm-wide polySi waveguides. However, for the phosphorus doped polySi waveguides, the propagation loss is slightly increased by the forming gas annealing.

Aluminium uptake and translocation in Al hyperaccumulator Rumex obtusifolius is affected by low-molecular-weight organic acids content and soil pH.

PubMed

Vondráčková, Stanislava; Száková, Jiřina; Drábek, Ondřej; Tejnecký, Václav; Hejcman, Michal; Müllerová, Vladimíra; Tlustoš, Pavel

2015-01-01

High Al resistance of Rumex obtusifolius together with its ability to accumulate Al has never been studied in weakly acidic conditions (pH > 5.8) and is not sufficiently described in real soil conditions. The potential elucidation of the role of organic acids in plant can explain the Al tolerance mechanism. We established a pot experiment with R. obtusifolius planted in slightly acidic and alkaline soils. For the manipulation of Al availability, both soils were untreated and treated by lime and superphosphate. We determined mobile Al concentrations in soils and concentrations of Al and organic acids in organs. Al availability correlated positively to the extraction of organic acids (citric acid < oxalic acid) in soils. Monovalent Al cations were the most abundant mobile Al forms with positive charge in soils. Liming and superphosphate application were ambiguous measures for changing Al mobility in soils. Elevated transport of total Al from belowground organs into leaves was recorded in both lime-treated soils and in superphosphate-treated alkaline soil as a result of sufficient amount of Ca available from soil solution as well as from superphosphate that can probably modify distribution of total Al in R. obtusifolius as a representative of "oxalate plants." The highest concentrations of Al and organic acids were recorded in the leaves, followed by the stem and belowground organ infusions. In alkaline soil, R. obtusifolius is an Al-hyperaccumulator with the highest concentrations of oxalate in leaves, of malate in stems, and of citrate in belowground organs. These organic acids form strong complexes with Al that can play a key role in internal Al tolerance but the used methods did not allow us to distinguish the proportion of total Al-organic complexes to the free organic acids.

Insights into the complex formed by matrix metalloproteinase-2 and alloxan inhibitors: molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations.

PubMed

Giangreco, Ilenia; Lattanzi, Gianluca; Nicolotti, Orazio; Catto, Marco; Laghezza, Antonio; Leonetti, Francesco; Stefanachi, Angela; Carotti, Angelo

2011-01-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are well-known biological targets implicated in tumour progression, homeostatic regulation, innate immunity, impaired delivery of pro-apoptotic ligands, and the release and cleavage of cell-surface receptors. Hence, the development of potent and selective inhibitors targeting these enzymes continues to be eagerly sought. In this paper, a number of alloxan-based compounds, initially conceived to bias other therapeutically relevant enzymes, were rationally modified and successfully repurposed to inhibit MMP-2 (also named gelatinase A) in the nanomolar range. Importantly, the alloxan core makes its debut as zinc binding group since it ensures a stable tetrahedral coordination of the catalytic zinc ion in concert with the three histidines of the HExxHxxGxxH metzincin signature motif, further stabilized by a hydrogen bond with the glutamate residue belonging to the same motif. The molecular decoration of the alloxan core with a biphenyl privileged structure allowed to sample the deep S(1)' specificity pocket of MMP-2 and to relate the high affinity towards this enzyme with the chance of forming a hydrogen bond network with the backbone of Leu116 and Asn147 and the side chains of Tyr144, Thr145 and Arg149 at the bottom of the pocket. The effect of even slight structural changes in determining the interaction at the S(1)' subsite of MMP-2 as well as the nature and strength of the binding is elucidated via molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations. Among the herein presented compounds, the highest affinity (pIC(50) = 7.06) is found for BAM, a compound exhibiting also selectivity (>20) towards MMP-2, as compared to MMP-9, the other member of the gelatinases.

Nonlinear wave choked inlets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1979-01-01

The quasi-one dimensional flow program was modified in two ways. The Runge-Kutta subroutine was replaced with a subroutine which used a modified divided difference form of the Adams Pece method and the matrix inversion routine was replaced with a pseudo inverse routine. Calculations were run using both the original and modified programs. Comparison of the calculations showed that the original Runge-Kutta routine could not detect singularity near the throat and was integrating across it. The modified version was able to detect the singularity and therefore gave more valid calculations.

The Modified Hartmann Potential Effects on γ-rigid Bohr Hamiltonian

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suparmi, A.; Cari, C.; Nur Pratiwi, Beta

2018-04-01

In this paper, we present the solution of Bohr Hamiltonian in the case of γ-rigid for the modified Hartmann potential. The modified Hartmann potential was formed from the original Hartmann potential, consists of β function and θ function. By using the separation method, the three-dimensional Bohr Hamiltonian equation was reduced into three one-dimensional Schrodinger-like equation which was solved analytically. The results for the wavefunction were shown in mathematically, while for the binding energy was solved numerically. The numerical binding energy for the presence of the modified Hartmann potential is lower than the binding energy value in the absence of modified Hartmann potential effect.

The conversion of centrioles to centrosomes: essential coupling of duplication with segregation

PubMed Central

Wang, Won-Jing; Soni, Rajesh Kumar; Uryu, Kunihiro

2011-01-01

Centrioles are self-reproducing organelles that form the core structure of centrosomes or microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs). However, whether duplication and MTOC organization reflect innate activities of centrioles or activities acquired conditionally is unclear. In this paper, we show that newly formed full-length centrioles had no inherent capacity to duplicate or to organize pericentriolar material (PCM) but acquired both after mitosis through a Plk1-dependent modification that occurred in early mitosis. Modified centrioles initiated PCM recruitment in G1 and segregated equally in mitosis through association with spindle poles. Conversely, unmodified centrioles segregated randomly unless passively tethered to modified centrioles. Strikingly, duplication occurred only in centrioles that were both modified and disengaged, whereas unmodified centrioles, engaged or not, were “infertile,” indicating that engagement specifically blocks modified centrioles from reduplication. These two requirements, centriole modification and disengagement, fully exclude unlimited duplication in one cell cycle. We thus uncovered a Plk1-dependent mechanism whereby duplication and segregation are coupled to maintain centriole homeostasis. PMID:21576395

The conversion of centrioles to centrosomes: essential coupling of duplication with segregation.

PubMed

Wang, Won-Jing; Soni, Rajesh Kumar; Uryu, Kunihiro; Tsou, Meng-Fu Bryan

2011-05-16

Centrioles are self-reproducing organelles that form the core structure of centrosomes or microtubule-organizing centers (MTOCs). However, whether duplication and MTOC organization reflect innate activities of centrioles or activities acquired conditionally is unclear. In this paper, we show that newly formed full-length centrioles had no inherent capacity to duplicate or to organize pericentriolar material (PCM) but acquired both after mitosis through a Plk1-dependent modification that occurred in early mitosis. Modified centrioles initiated PCM recruitment in G1 and segregated equally in mitosis through association with spindle poles. Conversely, unmodified centrioles segregated randomly unless passively tethered to modified centrioles. Strikingly, duplication occurred only in centrioles that were both modified and disengaged, whereas unmodified centrioles, engaged or not, were "infertile," indicating that engagement specifically blocks modified centrioles from reduplication. These two requirements, centriole modification and disengagement, fully exclude unlimited duplication in one cell cycle. We thus uncovered a Plk1-dependent mechanism whereby duplication and segregation are coupled to maintain centriole homeostasis.

Synthesis of 2',4'-propylene-bridged (carba-ENA) thymidine and its analogues: the engineering of electrostatic and steric effects at the bottom of the minor groove for nuclease and thermodynamic stabilities and elicitation of RNase H.

PubMed

Liu, Yi; Xu, Jianfeng; Karimiahmadabadi, Mansoureh; Zhou, Chuanzheng; Chattopadhyaya, Jyoti

2010-11-05

2',4'-Propylene-bridged thymidine (carba-ENA-T) and five 8'-Me/NH(2)/OH modified carba-ENA-T analogues have been prepared through intramolecular radical addition to C═N of the tethered oxime-ether. These carba-ENA nucleosides have been subsequently incorporated into 15mer oligodeoxynucleotides (AON), and their affinity toward cDNA and RNA, nuclease resistance, and RNase H recruitment capability have been investigated in comparison with those of the native and ENA counterparts. These carba-ENAs modified AONs are highly RNA-selective since all of them led to slight thermal stabilization effect for the AON:RNA duplex, but quite large destabilization effect for the AON:DNA duplex. It was found that different C8' substituents (at the bottom of the minor groove) on carba-ENA-T only led to rather small variation of thermal stability of the AON:RNA duplexes. We, however, observed that the parent carba-ENA-T modified AONs exhibited higher nucleolytic stability than those of the ENA-T modified counterparts. The nucleolytic stability of carba-ENA-T modified AONs can be further modulated by C8' substituent to variable extents depending on not only the chemical nature but also the stereochemical orientation of the C8' substituents: Thus, (1) 8'S-Me on carba-ENA increases the nucleolytic stability but 8'R-Me leads to a decreased effect; (2) 8'R-OH on carba-ENA had little, if any, effect on nuclease resistance but 8'S-OH resulted in significantly decreased nucleolytic stability; and (3) 8'-NH(2) substituted carba-ENA leads to obvious loss in the nuclease resistance. The RNA strand in all of the carba-ENA derivatives modified AON:RNA hybrid duplexes can be digested by RNase H1 with high efficiency, even at twice the rate of those of the native and ENA modified counterpart.

VULNERABILITY TO CAVITATION IN GRAPEVINES HAS BEEN OVERESTIMATED BY THE CENTRIFUGE TECHNIQUE

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Grapevines are considered among the most vulnerable woody plant species to water stress-induced cavitation with embolism forming at slight tensions. However, we found that native embolism in stems of field grown Vitis vinifera cv. Chardonnay never exceeded 30% despite xylem water potentials ('x) rea...

Mechanism for Solid State Crystal Conversion

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-12-30

dopant the bisque-fired alumina tubes were soaked in a slightly acidified solution of isopropyl alcohol containing titanium isopropoxide , Ti(OC 7)4. 3.3...Ti20 3 and Mo. (The reduced forms of titanium oxide and molybdenum are mentioned because these dopants become reduced when fired in a hydrogen

Solution Strategies for Constant Acceleration Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wheaton, S. M.; Binder, P.-M.

2017-01-01

We discuss strategies for the general solution of single-step 1D constant acceleration problems. In a slightly restricted form, these problems have five variables (?"x," "v[subscript 0]," "v," "a" and "t") and two independent equations, so three variables must be given to solve for the other two,…

Grammar Teaching and Learning in L2: Necessary, but Boring?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jean, Gladys; Simard, Daphnee

2011-01-01

This descriptive inquiry-based study targeted second language (L2) high school students' (n = 2321) and teachers' (n = 45) beliefs and perceptions about grammar instruction, specifically about grammatical accuracy, corrective feedback, and diverse forms of grammar teaching and learning. Results showed only slight discrepancies between students'…

Leakage current evaluation for pn junctions formed in DC and RF MeV ion implanted wells

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

Yanagisawa, Yasunobu; Honda, Mitsuharu; Ogasawara, Makota

1996-12-31

The leakage current of pn junctions formed in DC and RF MeV implanted wells have been evaluated. There is no substantial difference in the leakage current levels between the continuous and pulsive beam implantations. However, the leakage current, so called diffusion current, for RF implanted wells is slightly higher than that for DC implanted wells on some condition. This suggests a possibility that relatively higher density of residual defects remains in the case of RIF implant.

Thin film photovoltaic device with multilayer substrate

DOEpatents

Catalano, Anthony W.; Bhushan, Manjul

1984-01-01

A thin film photovoltaic device which utilizes at least one compound semiconductor layer chosen from Groups IIB and VA of the Periodic Table is formed on a multilayer substrate The substrate includes a lowermost support layer on which all of the other layers of the device are formed. Additionally, an uppermost carbide or silicon layer is adjacent to the semiconductor layer. Below the carbide or silicon layer is a metal layer of high conductivity and expansion coefficient equal to or slightly greater than that of the semiconductor layer.

N-(3-Chloro-1H-indazol-5-yl)-4-meth-oxy-benzene-sulfonamide.

PubMed

Chicha, Hakima; Rakib, El Mostapha; Bouissane, Latifa; Saadi, Mohamed; El Ammari, Lahcen

2013-10-12

In the title compound, C14H12ClN3O3S, the fused five- and six-membered rings are folded slightly along the common edge, forming a dihedral angle of 3.2 (1)°. The mean plane through the indazole system makes a dihedral angle of 30.75 (7)° with the distant benzene ring. In the crystal, N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (001).

Comparison of the internalization of targeted dendrimers and dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles into cancer cells.

PubMed

Shi, Xiangyang; Wang, Su He; Lee, Inhan; Shen, Mingwu; Baker, James R

2009-11-01

Dendrimer-based nanotechnology significantly advances the area of targeted cancer imaging and therapy. Herein, we compared the difference of surface acetylated fluorescein isocyanate (FI) and folic acid (FA) modified generation 5 (G5) poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (G5.NHAc-FI-FA), and dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles with similar modifications ([(Au(0))(51.2)-G5.NHAc-FI-FA]) in terms of their specific internalization to FA receptor (FAR)-overexpressing cancer cells. Confocal microscopic studies show that both G5.NHAc-FI-FA and [(Au(0))(51.2-)G5.NHAc-FI-FA] exhibit similar internalization kinetics regardless of the existence of Au nanoparticles (NPs). Molecular dynamics simulation of the two different nanostructures reveals that the surface area and the FA moiety distribution from the center of the geometry are slightly different. This slight difference may not be recognized by the FARs on the cell membrane, consequently leading to similar internalization kinetics. This study underlines the fact that metal or inorganic NPs entrapped within dendrimers interact with cells in a similar way to that of dendrimers lacking host NPs. 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Reducing the H0 and σ8 tensions with dark matter-neutrino interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Valentino, Eleonora; Bœhm, Céline; Hivon, Eric; Bouchet, François R.

2018-02-01

The introduction of dark matter-neutrino interactions modifies the cosmic microwave background (CMB) angular power spectrum at all scales, thus affecting the reconstruction of the cosmological parameters. Such interactions can lead to a slight increase of the value of H0 and a slight decrease of S8≡σ8√{Ωm/0.3 } , which can help reduce somewhat the tension between the CMB and weak lensing or Cepheids data sets. Here we show that it is impossible to solve both tensions simultaneously. While the 2015 Planck temperature and low multipole polarization data combined with the Cepheids data sets prefer large values of the Hubble rate (up to H0=72.1-1.7+1.5 km /s /Mpc , when Neff is free to vary), the σ8 parameter remains too large to reduce the σ8 tension. Adding high multipole Planck polarization data does not help since this data shows a strong preference for low values of H0, thus worsening current tensions, even though they also prefer smaller value of σ8.

Flight Demonstration of a Shock Location Sensor Using Constant Voltage Hot-Film Anemometry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moes, Timothy R.; Sarma, Garimella R.; Mangalam, Siva M.

1997-01-01

Flight tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of an array of hot-film sensors using constant voltage anemometry to determine shock position on a wing or aircraft surface at transonic speeds. Flights were conducted at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center using the F-15B aircraft and Flight Test Fixture (FTF). A modified NACA 0021 airfoil was attached to the side of the FTF, and its upper surface was instrumented to correlate shock position with pressure and hot-film sensors. In the vicinity of the shock-induced pressure rise, test results consistently showed the presence of a minimum voltage in the hot-film anemometer outputs. Comparing these results with previous investigations indicate that hot-film anemometry can identify the location of the shock-induced boundary layer separation. The flow separation occurred slightly forward of the shock- induced pressure rise for a laminar boundary layer and slightly aft of the start of the pressure rise when the boundary layer was tripped near the airfoil leading edge. Both minimum mean output and phase reversal analyses were used to identify the shock location.

Production And Artile Of Iron/Surfactant-Modified Zeolite Pellets To Retain And Destroy Water Pollutants

DOEpatents

BOWMAN, ROBERT S.; [et al

2001-07-17

A method of producing a pollutant adsorption and degradation article, and such article, are provided. At least one adsorbent is mixed with at least one pollutant transforming agent to form a mixture. This mixture is compacted to form a porous, highly permeable article. If necessary, the article can be modified with surfactant either after the compacting step or by adding the surfactant to the mixture prior to the compacting step. In addition, if necessary, a binding agent can be added to the mixture prior to the compacting step.

Lignin nanoparticle synthesis

DOEpatents

Dirk, Shawn M.; Cicotte, Kirsten Nicole; Wheeler, David R.; Benko, David A.

2015-08-11

A method including reducing a particle size of lignin particles to an average particle size less than 40 nanometers; after reducing the particle size, combining the lignin particles with a polymeric material; and forming a structure of the combination. A method including exposing lignin to a diazonium precursor including a functional group; modifying the lignin by introducing the functional group to the lignin; and combining the modified lignin with a polymeric material to form a composite. An apparatus including a composite of a polymer and lignin wherein the lignin has an average particle size less than 100 micrometers.

Professionalism as a Form of Work Commitment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morrow, Paula C.; Goetz, Joe F., Jr.

1988-01-01

Evaluated concept of professionalism as a form of work commitment using a modified version of Hall's (1968) multidimensional measure of professionalism on 325 accountants in public practice. Examined three forms of work commitment--job involvement, organizational commitment, and work ethic endorsement--and four professional behaviors. Suggests the…

Absorptive corrections for vector mesons: matching to complex mass scheme and longitudinal corrections

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiménez Pérez, L. A.; Toledo Sánchez, G.

2017-12-01

Unstable spin-1 particles are properly described by including absorptive corrections to the electromagnetic vertex and propagator, without breaking the electromagnetic gauge invariance. We show that the modified propagator can be set in a complex mass form, provided the mass and width parameters, which are properly defined at the pole, are replaced by energy dependent functions fulfilling the same requirements at the pole. We exemplify the case for the {K}* (892) vector meson, and find that the mass function deviates around 2 MeV from the Kπ threshold to the pole, and that the width function exhibits a different behavior compared to the uncorrected energy dependent width. Considering the {τ }-\\to {K}{{S}}{π }-{ν }τ decay as dominated by the {K}* (892) and {K}{\\prime * }(1410) vectors and one scalar particle, we exhibit the role of the transversal and longitudinal corrections to the vector propagator by obtaining the modified vector and scalar form factors. The modified vector form factor is found to be the same as in the complex mass form, while the scalar form factor receives a modification from the longitudinal correction to the vector propagator. A fit to the experimental Kπ spectrum shows that the phase induced by the presence of this new contribution in the scalar sector improves the description of the experimental data in the troublesome region around 0.7 GeV. Besides that, the correction to the scalar form factor is found to be negligible.